Kingdom of Today

Book of Arden, Book 2

By: Gena Showalter

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

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.

©2026 by Gena Showalter. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Fell short

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed in this sequel. The first book was interesting and exciting. I felt like this one fell short. And it might be because I did not care for the narrator. I especially didn't like her snivelly voice for Cyrus. I read the first book instead of listening to the audio and had preconceived ideas of what the characters would sound like. So, when turning on the audio for this one, I was at first shocked by the British narrator (probably my fault for that) but then shocked by the voice she used for Cyrus. She made him sound villainous and vile from the beginning. Not at all what I had envisioned. After getting over that initial shock, I just didn't find the sequel as intriguing. Were there some great parts? Yes. Will I read or listen to the next one? Yes. I'm invested now. I just hope my mind doesn't wander while listening like it did with this one.