Kingdom of Tomorrow: Book of Arden, Book 1
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(as of Oct 07, 2025 12:19:48 UTC – Details)
From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a fusion of modern and fantastical worlds, where a young woman must navigate a secret society, uncover a shocking enemy…and resist an undeniable attraction.
Twenty-year-old Arden Roosa knows only Ourland. Two worlds split and stitched together, with broken pieces from each, statues of fallen gods, and heavenly artifacts that are worshipped…or feared.
But nothing is more fearsome than the night.
A strange madness haunts the darkest hours, turning innocents into gleeful killers. Arden does her best to stay safe, until she reads a book written about her life―The Book of Arden―and everything changes.
Forced to join Fort Bala Royal Academy, Arden is paired with the ruthless High Prince Cyrus Dolion. But while he trains her for combat against a mystical adversary, she can’t deny the sparks burning between them.
If her panic attacks and war games aren’t enough, Arden is also tapped to join the Tome Society, rumored guardians of an invisible library with books that foretell the future. But the more she learns about the society, the less she understands about Ourland, the gods…and the person she’s destined to be.
Customers say
Customers praise the book’s intricate storytelling with political intrigue and twists, and find it keeps them engaged from start to finish. They appreciate the character development, romance, and world-building, with one customer highlighting the detailed descriptions of the two lands. The writing quality is well-received, and customers note the emotional depth of the story. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some customers liking the pace while others find it too slow with the politics.
Vicky Burkholder –
Intense Beginning of Series
Wow. What an excellent read. I wish I could give it more than five stars. The world building the author has done is beyond excellent. And the characters are realistic and believable. They have issues. They have pain and sorrow as well as happiness and friendship.In this story, Arden lives with her mother in some kind of slum. They cannot leave their apartment at night because of the hordes of âMaddenedâ people who kill without thought. Arden has a chance to move up in the world when she is chosen to become a warrior trained to fight the Maddened. While in training, she makes friends, especially with Cyrus, the crown prince. She also discovers that there are a lot of secrets and plots going on and that everything sheâs been taught is not necessarily the truth.There is so much more going on in this story than what I can put in this short review. Itâs part fantasy, part dystopian, part romance, part military thriller – and all worth the read. The pacing starts a little slow, but builds to the point where you donât want to put it down. The heroine is full of doubts and anxiety, but also determination. The ending is a little rushed, and there are definitely strings left dangling so you know there are going to be more books. But this part ends well.Definitely recommended.
Shelli –
Interesting
I wasn’t sure I would like this book much when I started it, but I’m very glad I stayed with it. The writing is not astounding, but the story line is intriguing. The characters are becoming more developed and there are bits of action and romance that add to the entertainment value. I’ll be looking forward to starting the next book in the series.
Shana L Byrd –
Warning: Curves Ahead! Twisty Plot
There are plenty of plot twists and Easter eggs. I had been falling out of love with urban fantasy, but this was a good read. I am trying to leave a good review without spoilers so here we go.I love Arden, however, her progress with fear is quite quick. I understand after the 3/4 mark of the story but I think I just got really excited with the read and missed time skips.The HP is masterfully written and with the medic being just as well done. The tension that flows between all three feels unforced to me.Jericho (as of now) did not fit to me, however he may play a role later on in the series.Overall, the is the 2nd Showalter book I have read but I do like the style. I liked the pace but like I said before I can devour a book and miss things in a first read through. But I wanted to get the review done first so that people would give it a read.
H.S. –
intense
Like most apocalyptic stories, this was dark and intense. Arden is a scared woman forced to learn to be brave. Lots of political intrigue and twists. Two sides, two Gods, and a lot of lies and conflicts.Great chemistry. A bit too slow with the politics, but an interesting world and a good start.
Amanda Pell –
Ready to read it again
I recently finished this book, and would read it again. It reminded of Divergent, but diverged from that in all of the right ways to make it its own. The character strength and development is well written. I quickly fell in love with the characters and am invested in their stories.
Cheryl –
Cheryl
The plot was very entertaining but disjointed. By that I mean that going from one scene to the next was not always seamlessâthe action would lurch forward. And, sometimes transitions seemed confusing. The main characters were clearly defined and likable. All in all a very enjoyable story.
JRKalua –
definitely recommend
More enjoyable than expected. Full of unexpected twists. Fast paced and exciting. Arden and Cyrus are a great team. Good writing style
Susan Donohue –
So Good!
I love this story. The premise is new and the twist keep coming. There is great character builing so I fell in love quickly with the Ourland people. Plenty of action as the battle against the madden carries on. Love, friendships, and loyalties tested who knows what will be the outcome. Love this book, it is soooo good!
Niomi –
This is the kinda book that when you have plans, you are secretly hoping they get cancelled so you can stay in and read. This book takes you to a world that is shared with another, ourland and theirland, which is connected by a rift that took elements of both worlds when it opened and placed them in its counterpart. The MFC Arden is forced to join the royal academy, which trains lords and ladies to become active duty soldiers fighting a madness that breaks out at random, turning the kindest of people into crazed gleeful killers. During Ardens training, she is approached to join the tome society, the very society the bala academy trains its soldiers to defend against. She stays loyal until she is presented with the book or Arden, which pages tell her past present and future. Naturally, it leaves her questioning her very reality.She’s a feisty, smart, and resilient MFC, who’s growth is a pleasure to read. It also has a swoony grump turned, absolutely cutie MMC High Prince Cyrus. For the romance side, i would say it’s more angsty than spicy, so if you aren’t into high spice books, then this will be safe to read for you. The author has such amazing world building abilities, such great twists and turns, and i was completely emersed the whole way through. I simply can not wait for the next book, which is unfortunate as I already got this one a month before the set release date. That being said, I am looking forward to discovering what else this author has to offer.
Justine Sorensen –
Canât wait for the next book. Great world building, keeps you guessing. Very unique world with a slow burn romance.
Anne-Marie Rodrigues –
This is not the genre of book I usually read, but after reading that Gena Showalter writes really well, I thought I would give this book a try. I’m glad I did. I’m halfway through the book and really enjoying the story and the writing. I would think of continuing to read this series once I’m finished this book.
Lisa Harmon –
Fast paced intriguing storyline. Young adult focus so characters are emotional and impulsive. Wondering if there is book 2, the recommended next book focuses on another character
Lorna N –
Got as part of the August first reads, reminded me a bit of fourth wing. Enjoyed the story albeit slightly predictable.