The Fiery Crown, by Jeffe Kennedy (St. Martin's)
This novel was
listed as both sf/fantasy and romance. Such crossovers range from sf/fantasy
with a love story to romance with a few fantasy elements. It all depends on the
emphasis, where the energy and moving force in the story lie. That focus
determines the reading experience, even with the same set of events. A novel
can be driven by characters/relationships, by plot, by ideas (like mysteries),
and even by the world itself. Romance may contain all of these elements but the
heart of the story lies in the evolving, often tumultuous relationship between
two people. The Fiery Crown is one of
these. It’s set in a world with interesting magic and political conflicts, and
various events, although the most dramatic don’t happen until three-quarters
through the book. But the center of it is the love story between Conri and Lia,
a prince-turned-slave-turned-king and the not-quite-human Queen of Flowers of
the island nation of Calanthe, possessor of the Abiding Ring of prophecy. The Fiery Crown follows the story begun
in The Orchid Throne, beginning with
Conri and Lia married, very much in lust with one another but lacking the
understanding that would allow them to work together against their mutual
enemy, the mainland emperor, Anure. Over the course of this book, each makes
progress in that direction, although whether it will be enough to overcome
their separate habits of suspicion and stubborn independence in time to save
Lia and Calanthe from Anure’s invasion is uncertain.
The Fiery Crown is the middle book of a trilogy, although it
isn’t labeled as such. I didn’t realize it when I picked the book up. Indeed,
it felt as if I were coming into the middle of a story. I didn’t find the
characters and situations confusing, but I did have the sense that this was an
interesting way to open a romance novel. Usually, these begin with the couple
meeting, being attracted to one another, struggling through one
misunderstanding after another, and finally surrendering to their mutual
passion. Here, they’re already married and enjoying an enthusiastic sexual
relationship, which seems to be the only point on which they are agreed.
I’d strongly suggest
that the first book (The Orchid Throne)
be read first, and that readers set their expectations to a long, slow,
relationship development with not much action until the final quarter of the
book, and an unresolved ending that must wait until the final volume. If
slow-burn romance in a fantasy world is your thing, you’ll love this series.
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