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lambsbooks 's review for:

A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair
5.0
 “War had not even begun and the kingdom had already taken enough to haunt me well after my body was in the ground."

Whenever I love book 1 of a series, I'm always a little hesitant about book 2 because I'm worried about being let down. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE!

“Don’t let a moment of fear and grief convince you that’s all your life is made for."

This book was just as magical, just as driven, just as emotional as book 1. We start off right where book 1 ended, with the secret everyone had been keeping from Keera -
that Killian was leading them - and punching him in the face. Which he deserved!
What was also deserved was when we finally see Riven again and Keera shoots an arrow at his face, I almost died LMFAO.

“Nikolai was too preoccupied waving at the group to notice what my rage had set into motion. I pulled my bow free in one smooth movement, my arm already reaching back for an arrow…I nocked an arrow and aimed it at Riven’s head. His violet gaze locked on me with magnetic focus. I took a deep breath, ignoring the scent of birchwood and dew that filled the air, and let my arrow fly."

Poor Keera can’t catch a break from heartbreak and betrayal. I think I was more upset at that than she was, considering she, in the end, understood why everyone kept the secret from her.

"I sat along the edge of the island—my feet dangling off the cliff— as I stared into the abyss below, willing myself to jump into the sharp shards of rock that pierced through the violent sea."

There’s not much I can actually say without spoiling a bunch, and my love for this book can mostly be described as “vibes” - and I may have taken too long to write this *oops*

“My fears do not outweigh the needs of war, Riven. Nor your pain. We will be asked to endure both in the days to come.”

The twists and reveals that come along, most I didn’t see coming, and some heartbreaking ones I did.

Did I mention this book was emotional and heartbreaking and amazing?? I don’t think I did.

“It’s easier for those of us who lived in the kingdom to see the difference between the true monsters and those who must wear the mask of one.”

If you like:

🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Some spicy spice
🗡️Bound Hands and Neck Grasping
🗡️ Emotional Damage to your heart
🗡️Character growth
🗡️Found Family
🗡️ Morally grey-ness

"She understood sometimes the pain was so bad that chasing an escape was worth everything, even our life."

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Union Square & Co, and the author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

_________________________
I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS 😭😭😭

Amazing.

Absolutely amazing.

Full review to come since this was an ARC (but after I write my review for book one 😅)