ARC Review: Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep

Jennifer Estep doesn’t disappoint with the drama and intrigue in this third installment in the Gargoyle Queen series.  Milo and Captain Wexel are still on the loose and Gemma will do anything to stop him.

The final gladiator trials of the season have Gemma back home and preparing for Milo to wreak havoc.  At the same time, she’s enjoying having Leo with her at home.  But nothing is quite that easy.  She’s frustrated that she can’t find Milo and that people will not accept the love of her life.  It’s a lot of stress on Gemma.  But, as usual, Gemma wears her Glitzma persona to try to clear the path for Leo while she figures out Milo’s next steps.  But there were many times where I wondered when it was all going to become too much for Gemma.  Why did it feel like she was the only one in her country bearing all this weight?  He father and stepmother were often on the sidelines will our heroine risked her life time and time again.  It truly made me wonder why the throne isn’t given to her right now because she seems to be the only one doing anything to ensure her people’s safety.

I enjoy Gemma.  She’s spunky, sweet, and wants what’s best for everyone…even if that breaks her heart.  There’s a tiny bit of me that wishes she were a bit more selfish when it comes to Leo and instead of skeaming to get people to like him stand up to those that snub him.  Leo and his sister do more for Glitnir than it’s own residents do.  They need to stop putting their hatred of his mother on him.

Part of the evil that vexes Gemma is over, but there is one that got away.  I can’t wait to see what happens next.