The Silver Kingdom is a swoonworthy Asian romantasy with anticipated political intrigue. Filled with Eastern culture and elemental magic, this story immerses the reader in a mesmerizing world.

As heirs from different Kingdoms, Princess Layla from Sawan meets Prince Zayd while on a visit to Dakaria. She has always succumbed to her cruel, power-hungry mother, but she has a strong personality and cares a lot for her people, making her a respected future Sultana. Her sharp wit and dry sense of humour make her immediately lovable, noticed particularly by Prince Zayd. Throughout the story, she's on a journey discovering her past since some secrets unravelled.
Prince Zayd is a charmer and has the brains for politics. His heart lies with his family, his Kingdom, and later with Layla (while he's engaged to another for the sake of Dakaria). He shows both his Sultan-side and boyish side of playfulness. I love the moments when he interacts with his family, giving you a sense of affinity.

The side characters were diverse and unique. They supported the main characters and consequently the plot. I felt like their interactions with the main characters could've been more (detailed), but you still feel a human connection to them.

The most compelling parts of the book were the chemistry, the politics, and the cultures. Mixed together with elemental magic and an intriguing secret history, the book creates this magical story that keeps you reading.

The Silver Kingdom was such a sweeping romantic read full of political intrigue and forbidden romance. I adored both Layla and Zayd, Layla had such a strong "don't mess with me" type of personality and a sarcastic sense of humour, and Zayd on the other hand was devastatingly handsome yet such a character. I honestly loved how they were constantly teasing and abusing each other when they were clearly head over heels for one another.

The story was fast paced and I loved the South Asian Fantasy setting as well as the magic system and the mages. Absolutely hated Layla's mother and how evil she was. But I felt like the book ended so abruptly, it wasn't what I expected at all. I was confused if this was a standalone or the first in a series as when the story finished I was left feeling like, surely it can't have just ended? I was left wanting more!!

A stunning read though, I really enjoyed it!

I loved this book. I liked the South Asian inspired settings, the themes of colonialism, the political intrigue but most of all I loved our main Characters Zayd and Layla. It's been a while since I loved both main characters so much!
Also hats off to the writer for addressing colourism !
I love how they are equals as in both are Royals. They are so adorable and even though they each have their struggles when they come together, their interactions are giggle-inducingly cute. I love the dynamic between them.
The romance - or the way to romance - is top-notch.
I didn't realise it is the first book in a series so the ending left me wanting for more. Knowing that made me realise the pacing is fine.
I liked that the fantasy is mostly in the magic system rather than in extensive world-building and/or deathly trials. In that sense the focus is more on character-building and the blending of magic and politics.

I think readers who like their fantasy rooted in historical events or political intrigue will enjoy book. Read this if you liked Graceless Heart, A Dance of Lies or We Hunt the Flame.

LOVE this South Asian representation! Fantasy needs more of this, and then some. Both characters had compelling character acs - highly recommend if you're looking to diversify your fantasy reading palate.

Woah, woah, woah! I need more immediately!

This was a great book. So atmospheric and taking aspects from different South Asian cultures. Simply beautiful.

I got through this really quickly because it was so unputdownable. It was borderline entrancing to the point where I could not stop consuming Radiya Hafiza's words on each and every page.

So much romance, betrayal with a sprinkle of twists throughout. There simply must be a sequel and I will be reading it as soon as it's available.

Huge shoutout to Zayd's mother, the Sultana. What a magnificent and graceful woman. She may not be one of the main characters but she will stay with me for a long time to come. It's impossible to not love and respect her.

I loved this book so much!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A 4 star rating from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling and relatable, likable characters. Loved every single second reading it.