Red-Haired Ash
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Conquer the Kingdom
- A Gargoyle Queen Novel, Book 3
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
- Duración: 12 h y 57 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier, Gemma hasn’t been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can’t tell who is friend—or foe. Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren’t what they seem.
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A great ending to the series
- De Red-Haired Ash en 04-25-25
- Conquer the Kingdom
- A Gargoyle Queen Novel, Book 3
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
A great ending to the series
Revisado: 04-25-25
I can’t believe Gemma’s story is already at the end! This book picks up a few weeks after Milo attacked during the Summit. Gemma, Reiko, and Leonidas have all been trying to find Milo and stop him before he can implement his next plot. But with the Sword and Shield tournament coming to Glanzen, Gemma knows that it would be a perfect opportunity to attack and cause the most damage.
Like the previous books in this series, I couldn’t put this down. Gemma is a strong, determined, and resourceful woman who uses her position as princess to spy and protect her kingdom. Gemma really has grown so much since the first book. She is no longer the woman who is scared of her magic, but a fierce warrior who is finally embracing all her abilities, especially with the gargoyles. I loved seeing her finally figure out what her abilities can do and embrace the moniker Gargoyle Queen.
Gemma and Leonidas continue to grow stronger as they are figuring out how to be a couple with families that are enemies. There were a few tense moments for them but in the end they realize their love is more important than crowns. Leonidas really is a wonderful partner for Gemma and I loved seeing him support her during her various duties and fights. I do really wish we had his POV for some of these scenes because I would have loved to know how he was dealing with some of the situations in this.
The battle against Milo was everything I would have expected from this ruthless and cruel prince. His plan was very unique and deadly, and I enjoyed watching Gemma thwart him at every turn. The biggest surprise for me in this was Queen Meaven. She really surprised me because for so long she is viewed as an evil queen but you really see more than that in this one. I also enjoyed the side relationship building between Reiko and Kai. Those two are great side characters and I love seeing them finally admit their feelings for each other.
We also learn about a prophecy in this about three queens, two of which have passed. It was a very interesting prophecy and it makes me hope that there might be another spin-off series coming in the future. I can at least hope for that because I want more books in this world. Overall, this was an absolutely wonderful conclusion for Gemma and Leonidas. I will miss these characters.
Trigger warnings: PTSD; torture; death of parent referenced; blood and death;
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Tear Down the Throne
- A Novel
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
- Duración: 13 h y 29 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Crown princess. Clever spy. Powerful mind magier. Gemma Ripley of Andvari is all those things—and determined to stop an enemy from using magical tearstone weapons to conquer her kingdom. Gemma’s quest for answers leads her to a trade Summit between the various kingdoms. Among the other royals in attendance is Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta and her son, Prince Leonidas—Gemma’s charming and dangerous nemesis.
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Cheezier then a block of Velveeta!
- De anvimm en 05-14-22
- Tear Down the Throne
- A Novel
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
I am loving this story
Revisado: 04-22-25
This book picks up a few weeks after the previous book ended. Gemma Ripley, Princess of Andvari, is still struggling with PTSD from her torture by the Morricone’s even if she can’t show it. She is still determined to find answers which leads her to the trade summit between the various kingdoms.
This was a very fast-paced story that was full of surprises, danger, romance, and love. The Summit quickly turns into another plot by Queen Maeven Morricone but this time it isn’t a death plot, it’s a marriage one. I really enjoyed the whole Gauntlet challenge and Leonidas’ determination to win over Gemma. I absolutely love when a hero declares his determination to win over his love. Leonidas and Gemma have the perfect enemies-to-lovers story. It was a wonderful adventure of them both fighting their feelings, dodging assassination attempts, and dealing with coniving family members.
“I am going to earn your trust, Gemma Ripley…And your heart too, if I am lucky enough to manage it.”
Gemma really shows how versatile in this book. She balances her royal duties, spying, the Gauntlet, and her friendship with Lady Reiko. Her friendship with Reiko was one of my favorite parts of this book. They have a great bond and it gets put to the test in this one. I will be very interested in learning more about Lady Reiko in the future, especially her love life.
Gemma is also growing into her abilities now that she isn’t hiding behind her necklace anymore. I really love seeing the scope of her abilities now that she isn’t holding back. It will be interesting to see how her abilities grow and relate to her being known as the gargoyle queen.
Overall, this book was everything I didn’t know I needed in this series. I loved the relationship and the trials that went with it. I can’t wait to read the next book and see how these two work together as a couple to bring down their enemies. Also, I really want to learn more about Leonidas’ sister, Delmira, now because she has a very interesting ability.
Trigger warnings: torture, blood, violence, PTSD
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Capture the Crown
- A Novel
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
- Duración: 13 h y 30 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari. But her carefully crafted persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind magier - and a spy. Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta - her mortal enemy. She must reluctantly join forces with Leo....
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Drowns in flagellation and unbelievable spy craft
- De 🔥 Phx17 🔥 en 01-30-22
- Capture the Crown
- A Novel
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
A great start
Revisado: 04-21-25
“Spy the storm brewing, and you won’t get struck by lightning. Ignore the clouds, and you’ll get burned to a crisp.”
Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess but that is just a persona that she uses to hide behind. She is a powerful mind mager and a spy for her kingdom. When she goes undercover to find out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone she finds herself face to face with her enemy, Prince Leonidus Morricone of Morta.
I have been eagerly waiting for this book since I found out she was writing a spin-off series with Gemma. I loved the Crown of Shards series and everything about this world. Gemma is no longer the scared child we met in that series. She is now a powerful, strong, and courageous woman who is determined to protect her kingdom. While at times she was slightly childish for her age, I really enjoyed Gemma as a heroine. I found her abilities fascinating and I can’t wait to see how they grow throughout the series.
“My magic might be a storm, but it wasn’t caused by other people’s thoughts and feelings. Not really, not fully. No, that storm of emotion was all mine. My power, my feelings, my love and pain and rage. I was the true storm. Unpredictable. Uncontrollable. Unstoppable.”
Leonidus was a great hero. I loved a troubled and tortured hero and he fit that perfectly. He knows how his family, and him, is perceived to the world. Everyone hates them and fears them, which is warranted, but Leonidus isn’t like the others. I enjoyed his determination to show Gemma that not all Martans were evil and that it’s just a few bad apples who are corrupt. I can’t wait for Leo and Gemma to be reunited, especially since there is so much tension and feelings between them. This is going to be a very slow burn of a relationship.
“…Leonidus Morricone was most definitely a strix at heart – a beautiful creature that was capable of great violence at any moment.”
Overall, this was an amazing start to a new series and I love that we are still getting glimpses of characters from the Crown of Shards series. I hate that we have to wait till next year for the next book but I will be eagerly waiting for it.
Trigger Warnings:
-Torture, on page and referenced
-Child abuse and torture, referenced
-Siblings trying to kill each other, referenced and attempted
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Crush the King
- A Crown of Shards Novel
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
- Duración: 13 h y 59 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona has survived the mass murder of the royal family, become a fearsome warrior trained by an elite gladiator troupe, and unleashed her ability to destroy magic. After surviving yet another assassination attempt orchestrated by the conniving king of Morta, Evie has had enough. It’s time to turn the tables and take the fight to her enemies.
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Enjoyed it but . . . .
- De Glenda en 03-18-20
- Crush the King
- A Crown of Shards Novel
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
A fantastic ending
Revisado: 04-14-25
Wow, I couldn’t get enough of this book!
Everleigh Blair has survived a mass murder, became a gladiator, and became the new queen. Now she is playing the long game to defeat her enemies and the Realia games are the perfect time to strike. With her friends at her side, Evie goes on the attack and slowly takes her enemies down one by one.
I love this series and I don’t want it to end. I actually started and finished other books while reading this to prolong the ending because I wasn’t ready for it to end. Evie is such a kickass character and an amazing queen. I just can’t get enough of her. Actually, every character in this series was amazing, even the villains, which is another reason why this is such a good series. I loved how Evie played the long game to take down King Maximus. She used all her skills, not just her magic, to reach her end goal and protect the kingdoms. I so admire her for that. I don’t really want to say much more than that about this book because I don’t want to spoil anything inadvertently.
Overall, this is an amazing fantasy series that I totally recommend. I really hope we see more of this world in the future because I am not ready to let this amazing world go. Maybe a Paloma story or Leonidas story?
TW: PTSD and nightmares; animal cruelty and death; violence, injuries, and death; death of family discussed;
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Protect the Prince
- A Crown of Shards Novel, Book 2
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
- Duración: 12 h y 40 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Everleigh Blair might be the new gladiator queen of Bellona, but her problems are far from over. First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room.
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Frustrating.
- De Evelyn en 09-17-19
- Protect the Prince
- A Crown of Shards Novel, Book 2
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
This series just keeps getting better!
Revisado: 04-14-25
OMG, this was so amazing! It was everything I wanted and more.
Queen Evie has spent months working with the nobles and trying to prepare for war with Morta. A trip to Andvari to broker a new peace treaty and to gain allies doesn’t exactly go the way Evie plans. Evie and the gang are put to the test between assassins, marriage proposals, and betrayals.
As I said, I really loved this book. I didn’t think this series could get better after the first book, Kill the Queen, but I was wrong. This book gave us everything we were expecting and more. Assassins, betrayal, love, and a whole lot of tension. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to see what is going to happen in the next one, especially between Evie and Sullivan.
I adore Evie. She is such a kickass character who is kind, loving, and protective. She has grown so much since the first book, especially towards being a queen. She knows how to play the game but isn’t giving up any of her happiness for it anymore. I love that she is sticking to her morals and not letting others impede her happiness. We also see more of the Black Swan gang, especially Sully, in this one. I love how supportive they are of Evie and her decisions.
Overall, this was an amazing fantasy world with wonderful characters that I can’t get enough of. I cannot recommend this series enough.
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Kill the Queen
- Crown of Shards Series, Book 1
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
- Duración: 13 h y 4 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten. But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family.
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🙄🙄🙄
- De LexiLikesLiterature en 12-06-18
- Kill the Queen
- Crown of Shards Series, Book 1
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang
Amazing start to a series
Revisado: 04-14-25
Wow, I forgot how amazing this book was. I can’t believe I have been putting off rereading it.
Lady Everleigh (Evie) has been living at the palace since her parents were killed. She is seventeenth in line for the throne but is treated now better than a servant. They only pay attention to her when they need her to fill in for events for them. But things quickly go wrong during a large family event and her life changes forever.
This was an amazing and powerful start to a new series. Everything about this story was captivating and addicting. I couldn’t put it down. We have spoiled and greedy villain, gladiators, elemental abilities, magic, shapeshifters, and of course strong heroines. Jennifer Estep excels at writing amazing and strong female characters and she has knocked it out of the park with this one.
Evie was a fantastic character. We see her change and grow stronger so much throughout this book, especially mentally. She believes she is just another cog in the wheel of royal life until it all changes and she realizes she has to step up or things are going to get worse. She is reluctant to step back into royal life but she does it to protect the people. I loved how caring she was of others and how she was always willing to sacrifice herself for her friends.
This book is also filled with some great action and battle scenes. We have the gladiator fights, training, and of course the battle for the crown. This was a wonderful and captivating world, filled with strong characters with different kinds of magic. I really love all the different kinds of ways magic can manifest in people. There is also just a hint of romance in this book and I really hope we see more development of that in the next book.
If you like fantasy then I totally recommend this book. It was fantastic and captivating and makes me remember why I love fantasy novels.
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Only Hard Problems
- Galactic Bonds, Book 3
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Max Roll, Lauren Fortgang
- Duración: 6 h y 15 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force. But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.
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Seriously?
- De Heidi Beckman-Warren en 06-19-24
- Only Hard Problems
- Galactic Bonds, Book 3
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Max Roll, Lauren Fortgang
Zane's side of the story
Revisado: 03-17-25
3 stars - I liked it
Following the events of the previous book, Zane Zimmer is now leader of the Arrows and is tasked with finding and capturing Kyrion and his newly discovered sister, Vesper Quill. While Zane appears to the public as an arrogant and obtuse regal, he is actually a cunning and deadly Arrow who has emotions and is struggling with the revelations that Vesper is his sister.
It was great to finally get to know Zane better and see how he is dealing with the revelation that Vesper is his sister and now being in charge of hunting her. While I still think Zane is arrogant, I now know the man better and can see how much he actually cares about his family and wants to protect them. The revelation about Vesper shocked him and he is struggling over the fact that he never got to be a part of her life and that his grandmother had kept her away from his family. While I don't like some of Zane’s actions, I am very curious to see how he deals with hunting Vesper and Kyrion in the next book.
This book also gives us a glimpse of the chemistry between Zane and Asterin which was enjoyable, especially since they both are fighting it so hard. I am very interested in seeing how their relationship plays out, especially since Asterin seems to hate him most of the time.
Overall, while I still have some issues with Zane, I enjoyed this and like that we got a deeper look at this character. I really can’t wait to read the next book and see what will happen next for Vesper and Kyrion.
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Only Good Enemies
- Galactic Bonds, Book 2
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang, James Fouhey, Max Roll
- Duración: 14 h y 12 m
- Versión completa
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My name is Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to my seer magic and my own ingenuity, I’m now a Regal lady and the head of a successful corporation. My mission? To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous group that has stolen my designs and plans to weaponize them against the Imperium. But when my mission takes an unexpected turn, I’m once again surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.
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Torture, rinse, repeat
- De 🔥 Phx17 🔥 en 12-31-23
- Only Good Enemies
- Galactic Bonds, Book 2
- De: Jennifer Estep
- Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang, James Fouhey, Max Roll
A great continuation of this series
Revisado: 03-17-25
5 stars - I loved it!
"A Regal lord and a lab rat, an Arrow and an inventor, a powerful psion and a struggling seer, forced together by extenuating circumstances and hunted by dangerous enemies."
Well this book had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down! Vesper is now a Regal Lady but spends her time running her new company and planning on how to stop the Techwave and Lord Callus Holloway. When she is kidnapped by the Techwave she finds herself fighting for her life and being rescued by Kyrion, who has just realized the bond is still there.
Vesper and Kyrion’s relationship changes so much in this book. I loved seeing them work together to fight against their enemies and come to a partnership, then a romantic relationship. It was just the perfect progression to a relationship with two people who have extreme fears around trusting other people and truth bonds. When we finally saw them kiss for the first time I screamed “finally” because the tension between these two was so hot and intense. While I don’t usually love slow burn romances, this one has been so worth it and I can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses.
This world continues to be fascinating with its mixture of magic, technology, and politics. We finally get to learn more about the Techwave and Erzton, including going to an Erzton planet. I am very fascinated by the Erzton and their society, especially the Lady Asterin Armas, who I can’t wait to see more of. Vesper and Kyrion’s fight against their Lord Callus Holloway was intense and dangerous. I loved seeing these two come together to fight against him and I can’t wait to see him finally taken down.
Overall, this was a wonderful continuation of Vesper and Kyrion’s story. I am loving this world and all the characters that have been introduced, even the villains. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and hopefully learn what is going on with Zane now that he knows the truth.
Trigger Warnings: on page kidnapping and torture; violence, blood, and death; references to the death of parents, patricide and child abandonment;
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The Silmarillion
- De: J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien
- Narrado por: Andy Serkis
- Duración: 19 h y 24 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor. Included on the recording are several shorter works. The Ainulindalë is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabêth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age, and Of the Rings of Power tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age.
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TIPS when reading this book:
- De Anonymous User en 06-29-23
- The Silmarillion
- De: J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien
- Narrado por: Andy Serkis
dense but glad I finally tackled this book
Revisado: 03-17-25
3 stars - I liked it
While I have been meaning to read this book for years, I finally decided to tackle it now after rereading the Lord of the Rings series. First, I didn’t realize this book was actually five different stories in one, and yes the Quenta Silmarillion is one of the stories (the longest one actually). While I did enjoy the stories within, I also found them a bit dense and dry at times. Also there were so many different names that it was hard to keep up with who did what.
While there were sections that I found to be a bit boring, I did enjoy learning about Melkor’s turn to evil and how he spread that evil throughout Middle Earth. Also that Sauron was his lieutenant. Of all these stories though, my favorite was the chapter in the Silmarillion that covered the beautiful story of Beren and Luthien. Their love was quite beautiful and she was the first immortal elf who gave up her immortality to be with her human partner.
While I am glad I finally read this, I don’t think it will be one that I read again, unlock the Lord of the Rings.
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The Fellowship of the Ring
- Lord of the Rings, Book 1
- De: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrado por: Andy Serkis
- Duración: 22 h y 38 m
- Versión completa
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In a sleepy village in the Shire, a young hobbit is entrusted with an immense task. He must make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ruling Ring of Power - the only thing that prevents the Dark Lord Sauron’s evil dominion. Thus begins J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic tale of adventure, which continues in The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
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Perfection.
- De Perilous Moo en 09-17-21
- The Fellowship of the Ring
- Lord of the Rings, Book 1
- De: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrado por: Andy Serkis
The Journey begins
Revisado: 01-14-25
It’s been 10 years since I last read this series. I couldn’t resist giving it a reread when I saw that Andy Serkis narrates this whole series. The Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite movies to watch and I enjoy the books, even though I haven’t read them very many times. I will admit, the Fellowship is my least favorite of the three but I still enjoy it a lot.
Like I said it has been years since I last read this book and I had actually forgotten quite a few things from this book so here was my list I made as I was listening to this book.
- It took Frodo a lot longer to actually leave the Shire than I thought. (17%) .
- The real journey doesn't begin until a few years after Bilbo leaves on his birthday.
- Forgot that Frodo sold Bag End before he left the Shire.
- Tom Bombadil. Forgot about him completely.
- Didn’t remember that the Hobbits stayed in Rivendale for two months before the Fellowship actually began their journey.
Now onto The Two Towers, which has my favorite side characters, the Ents.
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