The Emperor's Arrow

By: Lauren D.M. Smith

Narrated by: Felicity Munroe

Grand Prize Winner of Harlequin's 2015 So You Think You Can Write contest

Debut author Lauren D.M. Smith delivers an epic fantasy romance in this soaring tale of a kickass warrior and the emperor she's honor-bound to defend

The bride candidates have been summoned. Their numbers are many, yet only one is an Amazzi warrior. Only one would give her life to protect him.

Evony of Aureline, warrior of her people, has no intention of becoming a hideous old man's bride. Though her people have sworn their loyalty to the legendary emperor Galen, Evony knows little of courts and intrigue. It's simply not her world.

Yet it's on the palace training grounds where Evony's archery skills gain her the respect of soldiers and legates alike. The emperor himself takes notice of the beautiful, ruthless warrior. In turn, the young, steely eyed Galen is nothing at all what Evony expected.

This man could very well conquer her heart. But does he feel the same?

As the rivalry among the remaining bride candidates intensifies and the plot for the throne unfolds, Evony must make a grave choice: fulfill her destiny and protect her people or follow her heart and pursue true love.

Either way, the honor of the Amazzi people and the future of the empire now rests with Evony of Aureline. For she is the Emperor's Arrow.

I wasn't sure if I'd like this but was recommended

I'm not normally a fan of this genre, but I was so swept in that I hope there are sequels. I'm really glad I took a chance, based on recommendations from a favored website. The narrator is excellent, with a couple of minor hiccups that could have been caused by the book/script, the story is great fun and the world-building was good without being overwhelming. More, please!

slow start

This story was slow to start, but got better the further into the book you got.

Good story, good narration

Would you listen to The Emperor's Arrow again? Why?

Yes, it's a good story with characters that you understand.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Emperor's Arrow?

When the tribe comes to the emperors assistance, and the unexpected "villain" of it all!

Which scene was your favorite?

the whole story

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

An adolescent story with adult scenes

The author was in over her head with a highly political story. She spelled things out for you instead of letting the reader come to the conclusion themselves.

I liked the main characters and the story, but it was poorly executed.

If it weren't for the adult scenes I'd have recommended for middle schoolers.

So average

I love this genre, but the characters and their development was just so flat. Not worth the time.