If you’ve been hanging out in the corner of the internet where people scream about magic systems and "enemies-to-lovers" tropes, you’ve definitely seen the cover. It’s striking. Daughter of the Drowned Empire isn't just another book in the massive flood of "Romantasy" novels hitting the shelves right now. Honestly, it’s a bit of a phenomenon. Frankie Diane Mallis managed to tap into something specific here. She took the high-stakes political intrigue of classic epic fantasy and smashed it together with the kind of slow-burn tension that makes you want to throw the book across the room—in a good way.
It’s about Lyr. She’s the protagonist, and she’s kind of a mess, which is why people love her. In a world where your lineage and your magic (or lack thereof) determine whether you’re a person or a pawn, Lyr is at the bottom of the food chain despite her royal blood.
What Is Daughter of the Drowned Empire Actually About?
Let’s get the basics out of the way. The story is set in the Bamaria Empire. Think ancient Egypt vibes but with a heavy dose of magical hierarchy. The ruling class is the Priesthood. They have magic. Lyr? She doesn't. Or at least, that’s what everyone thinks.
The plot kicks off when Lyr fails her Heritage Trial. It’s a huge deal. Failing means she’s basically an outcast in her own home. But then things get messy. She gets caught up with Rhyan Hart. He’s a commander, he’s grumpy, and he’s exactly the kind of "shadow daddy" character that BookTok lives for. But the book is more than just shipping characters. It’s about a literal "Drowned Empire"—a lost civilization called Atlantis that might not be as dead as everyone assumes.
The world-building here is dense. Mallis doesn't hold your hand. You’re dropped into terms like daeva, aethel, and the complex politics of the Great Houses. It’s a lot to take in at first. You might find yourself flipping back to the glossary or just rolling with it until the context clues click. That’s the mark of a writer who trusts their audience.
The Magic System Isn't Your Standard Fire-and-Ice Stuff
In many fantasy books, magic is just a tool. In Daughter of the Drowned Empire, magic is a social currency. It’s tied to your DNA and your worth as a human being. The magic is elemental but flavored by the gods of this world.
The Priesthood controls everything because they control the magic. When you realize that the magic system is actually a tool for oppression, the story shifts from a simple romance to a bit of a revolutionary tale. Lyr’s struggle to find her own power—which, spoiler, isn't what anyone expected—is a metaphor for finding a voice in a system designed to keep you quiet.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With Rhyan Hart
We have to talk about him. Rhyan Hart. He’s the "Love Interest," but that feels like a bit of an undersell. Mallis writes him with a level of vulnerability that you don't always see in these "tough commander" archetypes.
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The dynamic between Lyr and Rhyan is the engine of the book. It’s a mentor-student vibe initially. Rhyan is tasked with training Lyr, and the tension is... thick. It’s the kind of slow burn that takes its time. They don't just fall into bed in chapter three. They argue. They distrust each other. They have actual conversations about their worldviews.
- Trust issues: Both characters have been burned by the Empire.
- The "Touch Him and You Die" Trope: It's here, and it’s executed perfectly.
- Competence Porn: Watching two people who are actually good at what they do (or trying to be) work together is incredibly satisfying.
It’s also worth noting that the romance doesn't swallow the plot. The mystery of the Drowned Empire and the looming threat of war stay front and center. You’re reading for the kiss, sure, but you’re also reading to find out why the world is falling apart.
The Atlantis Connection and Historical Inspiration
Mallis has been pretty open about her inspirations. She’s an academic. She knows her stuff. You can see the influences of Greco-Roman and Egyptian mythology woven into the fabric of Bamaria.
The "Drowned Empire" part of the title refers to a version of Atlantis. In this universe, Atlantis was a super-advanced magical civilization that got wiped out—or did it? The echoes of that lost world are everywhere. It adds a layer of "archeological fantasy" that feels fresh. It’s not just knights in shining armor; it’s people digging through ruins to find out why their ancestors failed.
This gives the series a sense of scale. You feel the weight of history. When Lyr starts discovering secrets about her ancestry, it’s not just a personal revelation; it’s a world-shaking event. The stakes are massive.
Addressing the "Romantasy" Label
Is it a romance? Yes. Is it fantasy? Yes.
Some "hard" fantasy fans look down on books like Daughter of the Drowned Empire because they focus on relationships. That’s a mistake. The political maneuvering in the later books—like Guardian of the Drowned Empire and Warrior of the Drowned Empire—is actually quite complex.
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There are layers of betrayal. Characters you thought were villains turn out to be nuanced, and heroes make some really questionable choices. It’s messy. It’s human.
The series currently includes:
- Daughter of the Drowned Empire
- Guardian of the Drowned Empire
- Warrior of the Drowned Empire
- Prince of the Drowned Empire
Each book ramps up the stakes. The first book is relatively contained, focusing on Lyr’s training and her immediate family. By book three, we’re talking about continental shifts and ancient gods returning.
What Readers Get Wrong About Lyr
I’ve seen some reviews calling Lyr "weak" in the beginning. Honestly, I think that misses the point.
Lyr starts as a victim of her environment. She’s been gaslit by her family and her society her entire life. Of course she’s hesitant. Of course she’s scared. Her growth isn't just about getting "stronger" magic; it’s about unlearning the lies she was told about herself.
Seeing her go from a girl who hides in the shadows to a woman who stands up to the most powerful people in the Empire is a journey. It’s not an overnight transformation. It’s painful and slow. That’s what makes it feel real. If she just became a badass warrior in two chapters, there would be no story.
How to Get the Most Out of This Series
If you’re planning to dive into the Bamaria world, there are a few things you should know to make the experience better.
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First, pay attention to the epigraphs at the start of the chapters. They often contain bits of lore or historical "quotes" that explain the world better than the prose does. They aren't just filler. They are clues.
Second, be prepared for cliffhangers. Frankie Diane Mallis is the queen of the "Wait, what just happened?" ending. You’ll probably want to have the next book ready to go as soon as you finish the first one.
Third, don't ignore the side characters. Characters like Kaelen or Lyr’s sisters have their own arcs that become increasingly important as the series progresses. The world feels lived-in because it doesn't just revolve around the two main leads.
Actionable Steps for New Readers
If you're ready to start Daughter of the Drowned Empire, here is how to tackle it:
- Check the Content Warnings: Like many modern Romantasy books, this series deals with some heavy themes, including emotional abuse by family members and graphic violence. Mallis usually provides these on her website or in the front of the books.
- Join the Community: The "Drowned Empire" fandom is huge on Discord and Instagram. If you get confused by the lore, there are plenty of fan-made maps and family trees that can help you keep the Great Houses straight.
- Read the Novellas: There are often "bridge" stories or POV shorts that Mallis shares with her newsletter subscribers. These give extra insight into Rhyan’s head, which is... a very interesting place to be.
- Take Your Time: The first 100 pages of the first book are a lot of setup. Push through the "Heritage Trial" scenes. Once Lyr and Rhyan start their training sessions, the pace picks up significantly and doesn't really slow down for the rest of the series.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: If you’re a fan of mythology, look for the parallels to the myth of Isis and Osiris, or the various Greek tragedies. Mallis hides these "eggs" throughout the narrative for eagle-eyed readers.
The series is a commitment, but for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses or Fourth Wing who want something with a bit more historical weight and a slower, more intentional romance, it’s a gold mine. It's a story about what happens when the world you thought you knew literally sinks beneath your feet.
Stay updated on the release of future installments by following Frankie Diane Mallis on social media, as the "Drowned Empire" saga is still unfolding with more secrets to reveal about the ancient powers lurking beneath the waves.