Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a hauntingly beautiful dystopian fantasy, where ancient powers rise and a fearless young woman must choose between the ruthless prince who tempts her heart—and a destiny that could cost her soul. When Arden Roosa returns to Fort Bala Royal Academy, nothing is as it was. No longer just a lady-in-training, she’s now the infamous girlfriend of High Prince Cyrus Dolion—and the woman who brought down a king. Her reward? Round-the-clock guards and the attention of a royal executioner with secrets. But Arden has secrets too. As a double agent slipping between worlds to decode forbidden prophecy, she knows what’s coming. Sleeping gods are stirring, and a war igniting. With only a spark, everyone will burn. But nothing goes according to plan. Grueling trials consume her days, and dangerous questions stalk her nights. Worse, Cyrus—the fierce, unshakable warrior she might love—is unraveling, losing pieces of himself, becoming a stranger right before her eyes. Desperate to save him, Arden strikes a life-altering alliance…and everything spirals. Now the gods are no longer dreaming. They’re hunting. Time is running out, the end closer than anyone dares to admit. Unless Arden can stop what’s coming, Cyrus will open the door to true evil—and she’ll lose him forever.
Is Kingdom of Today: A Dark Romantic Fantasy of Forbidden Love, Ancient Gods, and Star-Crossed Destiny appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
Contains strong violence, war themes, a romantic relationship with physical intimacy, and dark themes of gods hunting humans and characters losing their identity. The dystopian setting includes executions and dangerous trials.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, steamy sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, grief, and violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to the forbidden romance between Arden and Prince Cyrus, the high-stakes world of ancient gods awakening, and the academy trials filled with danger and intrigue.