chronicallybookish | Daughter of the Drowned Empire

Daughter of the Drowned Empire

Frankie Diane Mallis

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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. 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

DAUGHTER OF THE DROWNED EMPIRE by Frankie Mallis is a breathtaking and sumptuous fantasy romance that had me kicking my feet, gasping for air, and blushing from the first page to the last. Filled with intriguing court dynamics, the world feels completely fresh and immersive. Lyr is a flawed and lovable heroine you can't help but root for, giving vibes of a magical Cleopatra. One of my favourite reads of the year! — Elizabeth Helen, author of Bonded by Thorns

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” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Posts about this title from chronicallybookish

chronicallybookish\ \ Kaley\ \ • Aug 11 2025

romantasy flatlay

What is a romantasy book that you loved? ✨

I call myself a fantasy and romance reader—they’re my two favorite genres—but I have a tendency to struggle with a lot of romantasy. It takes a LOT of skill to be able to strike the balance between a compelling world and plot *and* a compelling romance, and I’ve found a lot of what is out there doesn’t tend to live up to my personal preferences.

BUT when an author does manage to strike that balance? It leads to some of my all time favorite books—which means I’m always searching for the next perfect romantasy.

#booktok #bookstagram #books #booksbooksbooks #romancebooks #fantasybooks #fantasyromancebooks #fantasyromance #romantasy #romantasybooks #voidwalker #thejasadheir #astudyindrowning #thecrimsonmoth #heartlesshunter #divinerivals #warriorprincessassassin #intheveinsofdrowning #onedarkwindow #daughterofthedrownedempire #onceuponabrokenheart #ouabh

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chronicallybookish\ \ Kaley\ \ • May 19 2025

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I’ve absolutely been loving this trend and I had to participate, even if I’m a little bit late to the game (as usual lol)

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