“As for whether the magic in The Crown’s Game is real, well . . . that depends. Do you believe in what you cannot see?”

—

oh boy. I was not ready for this book.


I am writing this on my phone while i’m out of town because I just REALLY need to write this review.


First of all, I thought this book was high fantasy which was my reason for always saving it from another time. Then one day I was bored and just picked this up from the shelf, not even remembering what the synopsis said or even the plot. I read the teaser at the start and told myself that it seems interesting. Then I read the first paragraph and then just got completely hooked. Like sat and read without looking up for about two hours then realizing how long I’ve been reading. . . then proceeded to continue reading.


I LOVE HOW EVERYTHING IS RUSSIAN THEMED.


I liked how evident the russian culture was. It appeased me.


Okay now, I am pretty much a sucker for Russia myths and whatnot since reading the Shadow and Bone series. And I was not immune to the charms of this book either. Though it was not perfect, the elements were blended just right. It’s fast paced but not too fast that you won’t be confused (and note that I divulged myself in this book in less than 24 hours). The fantasy part was not my favorite but when mixed with the stunning writing of the love story, I learned to appreciate it more. It still blew me away because this world still had its own uniqueness and I just fell in love. The timeline of the progression for the love story WAS ABSOLUTELY ON POINT. I want to just curl up in those precious, romantic moments.


I LOVE NIKOLAI !! (that name still triggers me)

I LOVE VIKA !!

I LOVE PASHA !!


I LOVE THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH EACH OTHER <3


and FUN FACT: I had no idea who was going to end up together until halfway, as a romance reader i have a radar and this is the first time in a very long time that i doubted my tracking abilities. That is a sign of a really great romance brewing. I had no idea who was going to end up with who because I also realized that I do not remember the synopsis. And honestly, it was so much more fun trying to figure it out.


I did start to realize however that the story was starting to go downhill about midway in the book. Which was sad to see given a beautiful introduction. I was also confused on the rules of the ACTUAL game. They never did write the actual rules. It wasn’t even explicitly stated or said. You just sort of figure it out. . .

Aside from that, my other favorite thing in this story are the relationships between the two pairs of siblings in the story: Seige & Galina, and Pasha & Yulina. It’s what I know to be realistic for siblings in real life and relatable relationships for those who don’t have siblings or unlike these type of siblings. I just felt sort of in awe of them.



This could have been so much deeper on a fantasy level. It’s very much underrated and I would recommend this to more readers. I enjoyed it immensely. Though I wished it would have been more consistent, it was no less beautiful to me. It was a lighter type of magical fantasy that revolved more on romance and familial love.

Not hardcore fantasy, more subtle type. Nevertheless, still incredibly magical.

“Imagine, and it shall be.

There are no limits.⁠⁠⁠⁠”




I recommend this for readers who are into magic, romance and royalties. I am trash for these books, and I love it. I live for those small, precious moments. No regrets.

~