We’ve had our share of contemporary romances these past few weeks. Now we’re getting back into another one of our favorite genres: fantasy! Radiya Hafiza’s new YA romantasy, The Silver Kingdom, takes us to a lush, South Asian-inspired world that we didn’t want to leave.
The Silver Kingdom is the first book in a series, which we’re especially grateful for after the major cliffhanger ending. This story follows a forbidden love between two royal heirs: Prince Zayd of Dakaria and Princess Layla of Sawan. But the two are betrothed to other people.
With political tension between kingdoms at an all-time high, Layla and Zayd cannot risk betraying their people. Then when Layla discovers a latent magic within her, an ancient prophecy comes bubbling up to the surface. We absolutely loved this romantasy, so here are three reasons you should read The Silver Kingdom!
Book Overview: The Silver Kingdom
Content warnings: death, murder, violence, kidnapping, forced captivity, verbal abuse, poisoning, serious injury, weapons, warfare
Summary: The savior will rise and lead an army to the gates of darkness. Only when the fire has fallen can light prevail.
Prince Zayd, heir to Dakaria, the Silver Kingdom, spends his days defending the land from pirate raids. Princess Layla, heir to Sawan, dreams of running away and escaping her cruel, power-hungry mother.
When the two meet, sparks fly. But the royals are destined to marry other people and tensions between their kingdoms are high—one wrong move could threaten the fragile peace between them.
As dark forces begin to threaten Dakaria, a centuries-old prophecy is set into motion, and Layla discovers she has a latent power, one that she doesn’t understand and begins to fear. Magic has been forbidden for a hundred years. Could Layla be the key to uniting their kingdoms, or will the young royals’ forbidden love plunge them all into a devastating war?
Politics & World-Building
First off, we felt completely immersed in the story from the very beginning. It helped that we could also listen to the audiobook, but the imagery alone transported us to another world—to a reimagined and enchanting post-colonial South Asia. The kingdoms of Dakaria, Sawan, and Valthar all have their respective rulers and resources. And the political discourse around trade and defense was easy to follow along with when Layla and her mother, the Sultana, travel to Dakaria. Every conversation was skillfully layered with meaning, and we were absolutely locked in.
Layla’s Destiny
Magic has been forbidden across the Silver Kingdom and the continent for a hundred years. So when Layla first discovers her affinity with magic just before her 18th birthday, she’s rightfully terrified to be exposed and/or persecuted. But the more she spends time reading about elemental magic and practicing with it in her room each night, the more in tune and in control she feels. When dark forces set an ancient prophecy in motion, Layla could be the key to defeating this evil and saving the kingdoms. We can’t wait for her to step into her power even more in the sequel!
Forbidden Love
Finally, we love nothing more than a swoony forbidden love story like The Silver Kingdom. Zayd and Layla come from rival kingdoms, and the peace between their lands is fragile, to say the least. But during Layla’s visit to Dakaria, the two form an undeniable connection underneath all the banter and bickering. Zayd’s charm gets past all of Layla’s defenses (even if she would never admit as such). With both of their marriages arranged to other political allies, however, they each have a duty as future rulers. It’s understandable, if not equally frustrating, but we have hope for our star-crossed lovers.
Political tension. A magic prophecy. And forbidden love. All of these come together to form the perfect series starter with The Silver Kingdom by Radiya Hafiza!
The Silver Kingdom by Radiya Hafiza comes out November 3rd, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of this new South Asian fantasy? Will you be starting The Silver Kingdom by Radiya Hafiza? Let us know over on Twitter! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
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