Introduction
What happens when you’re destined to rule a kingdom you never asked for, carrying powers that blur the line between savior and destroyer? In A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty by Stacia Stark, readers are transported into a high-stakes fantasy filled with political machinations, forbidden romance, and a queen-in-the-making who must harness time itself to save her people.
This A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty Summary dives into a complex world of magic and betrayal, where hybrids, fae, and humans grapple with power, loyalty, and destiny. Prisca, the reluctant heir to a forgotten throne, is at the center of it all—her journey shaping the fate of a kingdom riddled with secrets.
Quick Summary
- Genre: Epic Fantasy / Dark Romance
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Audience: Readers who love character-driven fantasy, political intrigue, and emotionally rich narratives
- Strengths: Deep character arcs, layered world-building, and a heart-wrenching romance
Reader Reviews
- “A gripping story with magic, betrayal, and a deeply emotional romance. Prisca and Lorian’s chemistry is magnetic.”
- “The twists kept me hooked. Each chapter reveals new secrets. Stark’s world-building is unmatched.”
- “Stacia Stark continues to excel with vivid writing and complex character relationships.”
Plot Summary: A Story of Power, Magic, and Self-Discovery
Prisca, the hybrid heir of a lost kingdom, is forced into leadership after a rebellion throws her world into chaos. Her bloodline grants her rare time magic—a gift with a severe cost. Physically drained by its use, she must wield this power wisely as she faces off against King Regner, a tyrant who clings to immortality through stolen magic.
With the mysterious and powerful fae prince Lorian at her side, Prisca must walk a dangerous line between trusting allies and recognizing betrayal. Their bond deepens through shared trauma and desire, but the tension of their pasts and the threat of manipulation loom large.
Prisca’s internal struggles mirror the political battles around her. As she learns the truth of her heritage and confronts visions of devastation, she finds herself racing against time—literally and figuratively—to recover a magical hourglass, unite fractured peoples, and defeat the tyrants holding her kingdom in chains.
Main Characters
| Character | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prisca | Protagonist, Hybrid Heir | A powerful but reluctant leader grappling with her destiny and dangerous time magic. |
| Lorian | Bloodthirsty Prince | A fierce fae warrior haunted by his past, deeply loyal to Prisca despite political conflict. |
| Regner/Sabium | Antagonist | A ruthless king who relies on stolen magic to maintain his rule. |
| Demos | Prisca’s Brother | A steady, protective force in Prisca’s life. |
| Telean | Aunt & Seer | Helps Prisca unlock her powers and interpret visions. |
| Kaliera | Regner’s Wife | A cunning queen playing her own political game. |
| Thol | Human Ally | Driven by vengeance, becomes a key player in Prisca’s mission. |
| Madinia | Fire Mage | Prisca’s ally, adds firepower and emotional complexity to the story. |
Key Themes & Analysis
- Power & Corruption: Regner’s use of stolen magic illustrates how unchecked power corrodes morality. Prisca’s journey is a mirror image: wielding power responsibly is her greatest test.
- Leadership & Identity: Prisca’s growth from a hesitant girl to a commanding queen is the emotional spine of the story. Her identity as a hybrid shapes her leadership style and challenges.
- Betrayal & Trust: Twisting allegiances test every relationship. Betrayals by allies and manipulations by enemies keep tension high.
- Love & Sacrifice: Prisca and Lorian’s relationship shows that love in a world of war requires sacrifice. Their bond is a source of both strength and vulnerability.
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Ch. 1-3: A rebellion sparks chaos. Prisca escapes with Lorian, discovering her magical heritage and making a blood vow with pirate queen Daharak. She battles both enemies and her conflicted feelings for Lorian.
Ch. 4-6: Prisca finds a letter revealing the location of a magical hourglass. She and Lorian grow closer, sharing painful memories and igniting passion. An ambush wounds Prisca, forcing her to use her magic at great cost.
Ch. 7-10: At a hidden camp, Prisca reunites with her people but faces distrust. She strikes a vow with Conreth and begins demonstrating her powers publicly. Political tension with the fae and romantic strain with Lorian deepen.
Ch. 11-14: Prisca learns of Lorian’s past trauma and defies Conreth’s manipulations. She leaves to recover the hourglass, and Lorian follows, breaking orders to protect her.
Ch. 15-18: The journey to retrieve the hourglass leads to a mythical Drakoryx. Prisca earns its protection by bowing, proving her worth as queen. Kaliera plots Regner’s downfall in secret.
Ch. 19-22: Prisca undergoes emotional trials and gains the elders’ support. Strategic meetings with kings and tense political dinners show her growing strength. A major betrayal and a looming battle raise the stakes.
Ch. 23-26: Prisca and her allies venture into a deadly labyrinth. Thol dies; Cavis is revealed as a traitor. Prisca is captured. The group discovers a hidden passage to the hourglass as tension reaches a breaking point.
The Author: Stacia Stark
Stacia Stark is acclaimed for building emotionally resonant fantasy worlds filled with danger, romance, and high-stakes choices. Known for The Bound and Broken series, she excels at character-driven storytelling where power and emotion collide. In A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty, Stark blends political intrigue with deeply personal stakes, creating a fantasy saga with heart and grit.
Top 10 Questions the Book Answers
- Who is Prisca and why is her magic important?
- What role does Lorian play in the political conflict?
- How does Prisca’s time magic evolve?
- Why is the hourglass significant?
- How does Regner maintain his reign?
- What motivates Kaliera’s secret actions?
- What sacrifices must Prisca make?
- What is the history of the hybrid kingdom?
- How does Lorian confront his past?
- Will Prisca fulfill her destiny as queen?
FAQ
Q: Is this book suitable for newcomers to fantasy?
A: Yes, though rich in world-building, the emotional core and character focus make it accessible to new readers.
Q: Are there mature themes?
A: Yes, the book includes violence, dark magic, and romance, making it best for older teens and adult readers.
Q: Is this part of a series?
A: Yes, it’s part of the Kingdom of Lies series. Expect more books to follow.
Conclusion: A Fantasy Worth Every Page
A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty is a masterfully told tale of magic, sacrifice, and the burdens of leadership. Prisca’s transformation from reluctant heir to fierce queen is as empowering as it is heart-wrenching. The chemistry with Lorian, the political stakes, and the magical mysteries make this a must-read for fantasy lovers.
If you’re seeking a story that combines romance, tension, and immersive fantasy world-building, this novel belongs on your shelf.
Don’t miss the next installment in this epic series. Discover the magic and heartbreak of A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty today!