Tear Down the Throne audiobook

This book was a fantastic continuation of Gemma's story! Though it did start off slow by the end I was hooked. The world-building continues to be incredible. I love the lore the author created for this series. Gemma is a bad*ss! I love how she fights for what she believes is right and how she'll defend the people she loves. I enjoyed seeing her piece the puzzle of betrayal throughout this story.Leonidas has officially won me over in this book. At first, I was iffy about whether he was trustworthy or not. He's proved himself throughout this novel to Gemma. I actually kinda sorta started to like him by the end.Overall, I loved reading Gemma's story and plan to pick up the next book when it releases (boy! is it going to be a long few months 😭). I can't wait to see what the author has up her sleeves for the next installment of this series. Fingers crossed that Gemma and Leonidas have a happy ending!The Audio Book:The narration was great! All the characters were distinguishable from each other.

This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/I loved this book! I really enjoyed the previous book in this series so I was pretty excited to get my hands on a copy of this newest installment. I just love the way that I am able to lose myself in this world created in these books. I had pretty high expectations for this book and I ended up liking it just as much as I had hoped I would, maybe even more. Whenever I had to set the book aside, I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I was able to pick it up again. I found this to be a highly entertaining read.The various kingdoms are gathered for a summit. Just as things are getting started, Maeven, being Maeven, decides to shake things up. She sets in motion an old tradition that will not only impact Gemma but could have devastating effects on Leonidas as well. This only adds to the stress between some of the kingdoms and there are a lot of different things in play for all the key players to juggle.There was so much that I liked about this book. I loved the scenes that Gemma and Leonidas shared. They are great together and I think it is obvious how much they care about each other and how perfectly suited for each other they are. The only thing that is holding them back is the politics between their families. There was plenty of action and excitement to keep the story moving forward. I was eager to see what Milo had up his sleeve and hoped that Gemma would be able to stop his plans.I would highly recommend this book to others. It was a very exciting book with great characters, plenty of action, and just enough romance. I cannot wait to read more of this exciting series.I received a digital review copy of this book from Harper Voyager via NetGalley.

Tear Down the Throne is such a great continuation to the Gargoyle Queen series! The story is set primarily at an annual summit where representatives of each ruling kingdom meet. As the leaders meet, old allies and enemies are put to the test, and Gemma must face her feelings for her sworn enemy. Can Gemma forgive Leonidas’s lies and betrayal? And how can she ever trust her enemy when his mother still intends to do harm?I love Gemma’s journey as she battles her duty and her heart. Life becomes very complicated for her as she tries to figure out who she can trust, who is manipulating her, and who has true intentions, and when the villainous Queen Maeven calls for an old and deadly competition, Gemma realizes that her kingdom and her heart are at risk. There are so many relationships explored in this book. Friendships and families are challenged and strengthened, and allies are put to the test. I love that the story explores so many different relationships and shows how complicated and difficult some can often be as well as how rewarding others are. There are also some adorable moments with new and old animals that I loved. These sweet and silly moments added a bit of fun and levity to a suspenseful and intense fantasy.  Of course, my favorite relationship in the book is the romance. It is absolutely swoon-tactic! These enemies have a forbidden romance, and they face so many obstacles. Though Gemma fights her long-time feelings for Leonidas, he is pretty open in his determination to win her over. Both characters reflect on and talk about their past and the events that happened when they were kids and how they affected and changed them, which is really interesting. Even though they are enemies, they have such a connected past, and I liked learning more about it. And their chemistry in the present is amazing! They make enemies-to-lovers look good!The supernatural elements and world-building are also fantastic, and the story is super immersive. The powers and abilities many of the characters have are fascinating and prove invaluable as they battle new and old enemies and obstacles. I also really like that the story delved deeper into Leonidas’s mother’s story. Maeven is a villainous antagonist, but in this book, her character is much more developed, and you begin to see her as more than just a villain. She is flawed and manipulative and downright evil at times, but there are other times and circumstances where she shows compassion, regret, and other positive attributes. It takes a gifted storyteller to get the reader to feel sympathy for the villain, and Estes does just that. The story has a ton of action and suspense and so much political intrigue. Since all of the leaders of the kingdom are together, there are a lot of political dealings going on, and Leonidas’s mother adds to the already tense gathering by instigating a challenge that would unite Leonidas and Gemma. Plus, it seems there is an assassin in their midst, and danger lurks around every corner. It’s intense and intriguing and has several surprise twists.I loved this book. It was well-paced, action-packed, and filled with intrigue, suspense, drama, a deadly competition, a little bit of humor, and an epic romance! Since this is the second book in the series and is not a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. That being said, if you like romantic fantasy, you will definitely enjoy this!

And the plot thickens! After following Crown princess Gemma through the harrowing events of the first book in this series, I wondered if Ms. Estes could even come close to sustaining that excellence. And… she did! This story takes off from the shute and excitedly carries the reader through every twist and turn! Gemma is still stuck with the shallow reputation she intentionally established in order to be an effective spy but now it is hindering her more than it is helping because no one wants to believe the truth and the danger that is present and growing. Her character development is rich and nuanced in this installment as we watch her grow from a somewhat insecure princess into a powerhouse of her own.It was hard watching the relationship between her and Leo, though. It held such a melancholy yearning from both Gemma and Leo. It’s a testament to this author’s incredible ability that, even while we want to slap Gemma upside the head because of her constant refusal and the heartache it causes Leo, and even as we ache along with him, we completely understand Gemma’s reticence and her caution! Gem and Leo’s actions do have a bit of a YA feel, but if one doesn’t mind, it really doesn’t detract from the story.Overall, this is a fabulous second book in a series that is engaging and addicting, all while it promises even more as it continues!

Rounded to 4.5 stars.Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.CONTENT WARNING: torture, blood, violenceAfter finishing the Crown of Shards series, I was heartbroken to have to say goodbye to the beautiful world that Jennifer Estep created. So when she announced that there was going to be an offshoot series set years later in the same world, I was overjoyed. Capture the Crown, the first book, was fabulous, and lets us into the life of a grown up Princess Gemma Ripley, and this book met and exceeded all my expectations.I was so ready to read this, especially after finishing a quick audiobook reread of book 1, and it picks up shortly after Gemma has returned to Andvari, her kingdom. But nothing about this was ever boring. It’s a fast-paced story, full of action and surprises that I didn’t see coming. But at the heart of it is also a great romance that I’ve been hoping for since the last book!We are immediately immersed into magic, mystery, and political intrigue, which lasts throughout the story. Gemma is still dealing with the aftermath of the events in book 1, and while she’s gotten stronger at wielding her magic, she continues to struggle with controlling it rather than letting it control her. She’s also working as a spy, trying to figure out what is going on with the weapons made of stolen tearstone, but not having nearly as much progress as she’d like. So when the Summit, a gathering of all the royal leaders from various kingdoms occurs, she’s in a unique position to find out more while working to strengthen her own kingdom’s position. However, it also brings her back into close contact with the Morricones. And Maeven is still up to her old tricks — playing the long game and using new and innovative means to do so. This time, she calls for an old, mostly-forgotten tradition to do it. But it means putting Gemma right into the path of Leonidas Morricone, her avowed enemy. “‘I wish I could have shielded you from the Morricones, especially Maeven. But no matter what I do, she always seems to find a way to get the better of me and hurt our family. I don’t know whether to admire or hate her for that.’ My gaze drifted over to the Mortan queen, who was sipping wine from a goblet. ‘Me neither.’”Speaking of Leonidas, this is the perfect enemies-to-lovers story, wrapped in a thrilling fantasy world with a variety of amazing, well-rounded characters. But the attraction between Gemma and Leonidas is simmering throughout the book, and all I really wanted was to see them together. “Leonidas Morricone got under my skin in a way no one else ever had and made my tongue as uncontrollable as my magic so often was.”Gemma does a great job of attending to her royal duties, spying, and working on her burgeoning friendship with Lady Reiko, a spy from another country that she worked with in the last book. I loved seeing the dynamics evolve between Gemma and Reiko, from competition to a true friendship, although that is definitely threatened through the story. This book was everything I’d hoped it would be, and then some. Now I’m just stuck waiting for book 3 to come out, to find out what happens next for Gemma. Some of my favorite characters from the Crown of Shards series returned, although there were two notable exceptions, but I have high hopes that they’ll make at least an appearance in book 3. But the twists and turns, and various intriguing plots running throughout this story are a hallmark of Estep’s, and I love every second of it!

Y’all I can’t. I just can’t! It has been a lengthy amount of time since I’ve dived into a fantasy series. It's one of my favorite genres and practically the only thing I would read. I took a break and diversified my reading but my heart just belongs in fantasy, action, and adventure. Jennifer Estep is one of the most prolific voices in this genre. Being able to dive back into this world and having her be the captain of that ship? Chefs kiss. I finished book one, Capture the Crown, and I’m halfway through the second book, Tear Down the Throne, and I’m still flabbergasted by how much I love it all. Tear Down the Throne comes out tomorrow!!! Order your copy ASAP.~Tanja*ARC gifted by publisher Follow me on Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok

My Thoughts Tear Down The Throne, the second book in a part fantasy/part politics/part romance series that follows Andvaris heir Princess Gemma Ripley.A young woman who has her own Gargoyle who is not only her friend but her arial transport as well.This story picks up where first left off and soon reveals Gemma once again neck deep in her next adventure.You see this Princess is also a royal spy and her latest mission continues to be a priority for the sake of all Andvarians.There are of course multiple threads to follow as the story progresses, each one building on the last as Gemma tries to discover each of her foes endgame before it is too late.No one can be trusted and everyone is a suspect as our Princess battles what her heart wants rather than what her head dictates must be done.This second book has more revelations in store but also more secrets to uncover the truth of as well.Sacrifices are necessary to make certain desires come true.However for Gemma her greatest sacrifice is born of love which overcomes past hatreds.There are moments in this tale where all seems lost for Gemma Ripley, moments that turn defeat into triumphs instead.As with first book we are left an ending that leads to another adventure, one that should prove to be even more intense than the two before it.What tangled webs are woven within this story and at long last a new future beckons for Gemma and Leo.I am looking forward to what comes next! [EArc from Netgalley]

3.5 stars...

Brain candy comfort read.

Gemma has matured and become an outstanding heroine. She has grown more comfortable with her power, adept at her spycraft, and improved her fighting skills. The last thing left to master will be her emotions, particularly where her feelings of adequacy and Leonidas are concerned. I'm a sucker for a forbidden or enemies-to-lovers romance, and Gemma and Leonidas couldn't be any more at odds. Though Leo does seem to have a greater grasp on his feelings for Gemma.This installment brings us to another summit, and I was very interested to see all the royals gathering again. (Although I did miss Everleigh and am curious why she didn't attend). I absolutely loved the idea of the Gauntlet, and couldn't wait to see how it would effect everyone. There was SO much action and drama in this one, I felt like the book flew by and was sorry to see it end. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Otto and Violet, and I hope they continue to play a part in future stories. I also have an inkling of where our next spinoff will occur, and who that heroine may be. 😉

How can you not love a book that has gargoyles, a baby strix, and a heroine who will do anything to protect those she loves. This is the second book in the Gargoyle Queen series. Gemma is recovering from everything that happened in Morta. She is still determined to find out what Milo has planned. Gemma returns to her spying but has to attend a Summit for royals. There she comes face to face with Leonidas, Milo, and Queen Maeven. Gemma has to find out what they're planning before someone she cares about gets killed. I am a huge fan of Jennifer Estep. All of her books contain tons of action, romance, and a little mystery. Plus really great descriptions of food. This book was no exception. I loved reading about Gemma and Leo, and I can't wait to see what happens. Another great installment to this series!Thank you to Francesca Carlo and Harper Collins Publishers for the advanced copy.

Tear Down The Throne by Jennifer EstepThis was a little more romance than I expected. Gemma and Leo are stuck circling their internal wagons. Morta and Andvari are still mortal rivals. Treachery continues to abound. An annual summit for trade provides the setting for the tale. Being of advanced age and occasional user of the f-word, I was still not thrilled to see it used in the book, at least three different times. It doesn’t seem necessary and despite widespread use, still grated on me. Gemma’s continuous denial of affection and caustic introspection became tiresome and seemed more like just adding to the word count. I enjoyed the addition of the baby strix and how Grimley reacted. The book was entertaining despite my normal reserve about romantic novels.

Jennifer Estep’s Gargoyle Queen series has been a thrilling delight that I can’t get enough of. After the events of Capture the Crown, Gemma returned to her duties as a spy with a renewed effort to understand Milo’s wicked plan. Unexpectedly, the queen of Morta had plans for Gemma and prince Leonidas that would force them both to acknowledge their attraction to each other, while uncovering Milo’s plan before they were killed.I could not get enough of Tear Down the Throne; similar to Capture the Crown, the pace kept me intrigued and the slow burn romance between Gemma and Leonidas ramped up. Estep expanded upon her world and left enough bread crumbs to have me eagerly awaiting the last (?) book in the series. What I love the most about this series is that Estep perfectly balanced fantasy with romance and I was equally enamored with the budding romance and the secondary characters. Lauren Fortgang continues to be an engaging narrator for this series; I didn’t even realize Tear Down the Throne was a 13-hour listen because of Fortgang’s performance and Estep’s pacing. Fantasy on audio may be difficult for some listeners, but if you’re willing to take a chance, Fortgang is a great place to start. Tear Down the Throne was an exciting installment to the Gargoyle Queen series; I can’t emphasize how much fun I’m having reading this series.