Drowned Empire Series by Frankie Diane Mallis

Lord Rhyan Hart, Heir Apparent to the Arkasva, High Lord of Glemaria, Imperator to the North hates everything about his title. Its length, its pretentiousness, and the fact that it connects him directly to his father, the sadistic violent man he hates more than anyone in Lumeria. The last thing Rhyan wants to do is spend the summer before his Revelation Ceremony traveling across the Empire with him for a state visit... moreLord Rhyan Hart, Heir Apparent to the Arkasva, High Lord of Glemaria, Imperator to the North hates everything about his title. Its length, its pretentiousness, and the fact that it connects him directly to his father, the sadistic violent man he hates more than anyone in Lumeria. The last thing Rhyan wants to do is spend the summer before his Revelation Ceremony traveling across the Empire with him for a state visit. Rhyan's resigned to his season of misery until he reaches Bamaria and sees Lady Lyriana Batavia. Rhyan's sure she doesn't remember their meeting a decade ago, but an act of kindness from her stayed with him through the years. Though he longs to know the woman she's become, he must keep his distance to protect her from his father's sinister political maneuvers.But when the undeniable attraction between them garners the attention of two dangerous Imperators competing for power, Rhyan must play the villain to keep him and Lyriana from becoming pawns.Jules, Lyriana's cousin and best friend, is the only one to see through his facade, becoming his unlikely ally as they navigate instability in the Bamarian Court. Though Lyriana is suspicious of his true motives, Rhyan's plan has nearly succeeded—until the night of the solstice, when hidden enemies emerge, posing an even greater threat.To save the girl he loves, Rhyan must play the hero—but to do so involves risking not only his heart, but exposing his most dangerous secret. less

Cleopatra meets Throne of Glass in this stunning debut.19-year-old mage Lady Lyriana Batavia is third in line to the Seat of Power in Bamaria: a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning. Now all Lumerians submit to the Emperor and his strict laws about magic. He decides what magic can be practiced and what powers remain forbidden... moreCleopatra meets Throne of Glass in this stunning debut.19-year-old mage Lady Lyriana Batavia is third in line to the Seat of Power in Bamaria: a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning. Now all Lumerians submit to the Emperor and his strict laws about magic. He decides what magic can be practiced and what powers remain forbidden. He decides who will die for possession of forbidden magic.Lyr’s own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind. And for years, Lyr has sworn to protect her older sisters, helping them conceal their own illicit magic.But when Lyr must participate in the ceremony that reveals her power, she uncovers something else entirely. Something that means banishment from the Empire.Faced with death in exile, and leaving her sisters behind, Lyr has no choice but to accept a deadly contract. She has seven months to train as a warrior and pass the Emperor’s brutal test of strength—all without magic.But when she’s forced to train with Lord Rhyan Hart, the man she’s secretly loved since she was a girl—a feared warrior in exile himself, forbidden to her in every way—she’s in danger of losing far more than her family, life, and country.Rebel forces, and an invading army, are destabilizing Bamaria, just as her family’s secrets threaten to reveal themselves.Surviving the training, and saving her sisters may mean sacrificing her own heart. less

A Treacherous OathLord Rhyan Hart, Heir Apparent to the Arkasva, High Lord of Glemaria, Imperator to the North, has carried the weight of his title his entire life. But never has he felt it more than now.After sacrificing everything to protect the girl he loves, a shocking revelation endangers her again. The consequences stretch across the Empire and increase his father's power over him... moreA Treacherous OathLord Rhyan Hart, Heir Apparent to the Arkasva, High Lord of Glemaria, Imperator to the North, has carried the weight of his title his entire life. But never has he felt it more than now.After sacrificing everything to protect the girl he loves, a shocking revelation endangers her again. The consequences stretch across the Empire and increase his father's power over him. Rhyan struggles to fight back, and protect his loved ones, but rising threats force new oaths to be sworn–oaths that could ruin everything.A Deadly TournamentAs the anniversary of the Imperator’s rule approaches, he resurrects one of Glemaria’s deadliest soturion the Alissedari. Soturi must enter the arena on gryphon back in a fight to the death. Rhyan knows he has no choice but to win, no matter the cost to his heart or soul.A Forbidden LoveWhen evil invades Glemaria, the lines between friend and foe are blurred. Rhyan has always lived by his oaths. But the only way he can fulfill one oath is to forswear another, and the only way to save a life is to take someone else’s. How can Rhyan tear the final rope apart to protect the girl he loves when he’s not even sure what it means to be a soturion anymore, and every step he takes towards his love puts her in more danger? less

Lyr's story continues....Full Summary coming soon.

The events of Daughter of the Drowned Empire and Guardian of the Drowned Empire from Rhyan's POV.

Lyr's journey continues February 14, 2023

Cleopatra meets Fourth Wing in this romantic fantasy series with forbidden romance, political intrigue, and slow burn spice. Best of Booktok #1 in Historical Fantasy #1 Greek and Roman Myth and Legend Barnes and Noble Blog Top Five Indie Fave Lady Lyriana Batavia is third in line to the Seat of Power in Bamaria: a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning... moreCleopatra meets Fourth Wing in this romantic fantasy series with forbidden romance, political intrigue, and slow burn spice. Best of Booktok #1 in Historical Fantasy #1 Greek and Roman Myth and Legend Barnes and Noble Blog Top Five Indie Fave Lady Lyriana Batavia is third in line to the Seat of Power in Bamaria: a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning. Now all Lumerians submit to the Emperor and his strict laws about magic. He decides what magic can be practiced and what powers remain forbidden. He decides who will die for possession of forbidden magic. Lyr’s own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind. And for years, Lyr has sworn to protect her older sisters, helping them conceal their own illicit magic. But when Lyr must participate in the ceremony that reveals her power, she uncovers something else entirely. Something that means banishment from the Empire. Faced with death in exile, and leaving her sisters behind, Lyr has no choice but to accept a deadly contract. She has seven months to train as a warrior and pass the Emperor’s brutal test of strength, without magic. But when she’s forced to train with Lord Rhyan Hart, the man she’s secretly loved since she was a girl—a feared warrior in exile himself, forbidden to her in every way—she’s in danger of losing far more than her family, life, and country. Rebel forces, and an invading army, are destabilizing Bamaria, just as her family’s secrets threaten to reveal themselves. Surviving the training, and saving her sisters may mean sacrificing her own heart. Daughter of the Drowned Empire is the first book in a sensational romantic series featuring a riches-to-rags heroine, dangerous court politics, and a forbidden slow-burn romance. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Danielle L. Jensen, and Rebecca Yarros. 'One fantastical world. One fierce heroine to take it down! Daughter of the Drowned Empire is sexy, thrilling, and pure magic!' Cecy Robson, author of Bloodguard Readers love the Drowned Empire series! 'I haven't read a book that's dragged me in as much as this since I discovered Throne of Glass' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I loved this. The tension, angst - it was exactly what I look for in a good back!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The romance is *chefs kiss*. For fans of Throne of Glass or people who like high fantasy!! It's worth it, I promise you' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This is the kind of book that I can definitely see conquering the heart of many and being the next surprise hit' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you are ready for an ancient world full of mages, warriors, fallen gods, and forbidden love, then you need to read Daughter of the Drowned Empire IMMEDIATELY' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ less