Whether it's hordes of assassins, magic, werewolves, fairies or shape-shifters Jennifer Estep can write a book that keeps you glued and unable to put the book down for fear of missing something.This book is about a fierce gladiator queen must face off against her enemies, will she succeed? If you"ll need to set aside a weekend because this book will suck you in.

The tale that unfolds was addictive from the royal barbs to the creatures. I loved the royal card games, trickery and use of magic. Evie continues to test and push the limits of her skills.

We got a little snogging between Evie and Lucas Sullivan. I enjoy these two together in bed and out.

We learn more about the Blairs and what happened to Everleigh as a child. We also learn about some in the court and the budding of a reunion. My favorite scenes were those with Maeven. Evie is cunning and worthy of her crown.

The story wrapped up after an intense climatic battle and delightful twists. While this felt like a final book, it isn’t being promoted as a trilogy and I hope we see more.

Full review will post March 17, 2020 at Caffeinated Reviewer.

"Long live the Winter Queen."

Queen Everleigh Blair (aka Evie) and her crew are back again, busy defending themselves and Bellona against Morta and King Maximus. However, this time, it seems that Evie may have decided that the best defense may be a good offense. Let's just say that things get very interesting at the Regalia Games.

Everleigh has finally determined what her abilities and gifts are - but she learns that her ability to spontaneously think on her feet and let herself feel compassion for others are important as well. Evie's biggest challenge is her fear of placing her friend's in harm's way. For this reason, she is always trying to run interference and protect them. A large portion of this book deals with Evie and Maximus' ongoing attempts to assassinate one another. Maximus definitely is the perfect villain you love to hate. This storyline keeps the book quite interesting. However, one thing I definitely wanted more of was the secondary characters, in particular Sullivan. His relationship with Evie was still very much alive and well but their connection just didn't feel as intense to me in this book as it had before. Maybe it was because they are settled now with him as her consort. I'm not sure, but I wanted more from it.

Overall, I found Crush the King to be a satisfying end to the Crown of Shards trilogy. I believe there could easily be a spinoff series at some point if Ms. Estep chooses to write one. There are so many characters that she could spin-off into a new series. Even though I'm sad to see this one end, I feel like Crush the King gave it a fitting conclusion.

"I had killed a queen, protected a prince, and crushed a king. But most of all, I had survived."

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Voyager and Ms. Estep for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As self-proclaimed Jennifer Estep superfan, I was sad that I hadn't been able to dive into this series yet, but hot damn, I am glad that I did now. Estep's new series is wildly entertaining, and just fun to read.

With thanks to <i>NetGalley</i> for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I consider the "Crown of Shards" series a light fantasy fare, the awful is glossy, the grim is engaging. Horrible things happen, but they're entertaining, not off-putting or soul-crushing. In other words, this is as far from "Game of Thrones" style of fantasy as you can get. And yet, I loved it.

Color me surprised, too, because I didn't enjoy any of Estep's previous writing, and I happen to be a huge fan of the grimly realistic writing. But I found the audiobook of the first installment thoroughly captivating, and I flew through the second, and then final, book. I can only attribute it to the fact that the story, the characters, and the writing is simply *that* entertaining.

The ending was perfectly fitting the tone of the series as well as the events that have come before. Quite clearly, however, it does not feel like it is actually the last story told in this world, because there is still so much that seems to have been hinted at and left open-ended. To be honest with you, I was probably looking forward to reaching the end of this particular journey, and I would have been perfectly satisfied with the way it ended. So I'm not sure how I feel about more books coming out in the future. But I will probably pick them up just the same :-)

This review is not going to be long. I am not a huge fan of a review rehashing the entire plot and spoiling it for everyone.

I love Jennifer Estep books. I was truly entertained by this book. The story was engaging and the charters awesome. The author does a wonderful job of my making her characters come to life. The story kept me on the edge of my seat. Her style of writing keeps evolving. I cannot wait to read more of her books.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Evie is really coming into her own as a Winter Queen (though she still cannot dance). The Gladiator Games are coming up and she is as prepared as she can be. However, the evil king of Morta and his Bastard Brigade are not to be underestimated. They have hired assassins to try and kill Evie before she can become more of a threat.

I have been following this series since it started and have been a fan of Estep since the Elemental Assassins Series started. But, I am getting tired of the memory/dream sequences that she has in all her books. I understand that it is her gimmick. It just gets old when the main character starts dreaming of a memory that holds the answers to the current problem but they continue to wake up before they answer is revealed. This happens two or three times in each book.

However, this is my only real complaint. The emotions and stresses that the characters go through, trying to stay alive is so real and believable that I could feel my heart race. Evie and Sullivan are such a great couple. I also love all the attention and focus that is given to the development of the background characters. They go on growth journies as well.

The ending leaves me a little confused. I am not sure if the series is over and I really hope that it is not.

I want to start off by thanking HarperCollins for the opportunity to review an ARC of Crush the King by Jennifer Estep.

If you haven’t read her earlier books, I’d recommend first checking out my reviews for Kill the Queen and Protect the Prince.

I consider myself a bit of a milkshake connoisseur.

Given the choice between cookies, brownies, ice cream, pies (of all varieties), cupcakes, and milkshakes, I’d choose a milkshake every time.

My favorite is plain old chocolate, but I’ve tried many flavors, including the peanut butter and jelly milkshake from Disney’s 50’s Prime Time Diner in Hollywood Studios.

It’s not as bad as it sounds, I promise, but neither was it my favorite.

Regardless of the type of milkshake I get, there’s something that absolutely must be included:

Whip cream with a cherry on top.

The milkshake is fantastic on it’s own, but these added elements make it all the better.

Crush the King is the cherry on top of an absolutely amazing series.

Crush the King Review

If I have to read the words “long game” one more time I’m liable to snap.

Gosh.

Now that I’ve got that minor annoyance out of the way everything else I have to say is nothing but brilliantly glowing words of affirmation.

It’s been awhile since I read the first two books in the series, and I appreciated that the author provided a bit of a recap for me in the first chapter of Crush the King.

I fell right back into the story and it got moving fairly quickly.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a book that puts the pedal to the metal early and never lets up.

That’s Crush the King in a nutshell.

Preparation

Anyone who’s ever made a milkshake knows there’s a few steps that are crucial to making the perfect treat.

There’s a few things you need: vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, whip cream, and of course…a blender.

Gathering the ingredients is a crucial first step into any great dessert.

Likewise, laying the groundwork for Crush the King’s epic conclusion starts from the very first page of the book. As much as I despise the phrase, Everleigh really is playing “the long game.”

Everything that happens, including a few flashbacks, are laying the groundwork for a greater scheme, so pay attention. You’ll enjoy the climax so much more if you do.

There’s quite a bit of clever foreshadowing going on you won’t want to miss.

Mixing it up

The moment you turn on the blender, you release a flurry of chaos inside the cup.

That’s the best way to describe what’s going on in the middle of Crush the King.

This book is all about the Regalia. It’s a tournament for the seven kingdoms of the land to come together and find out who has the strongest warrior.

Hang on to your seats as you’re swept along a fierce dance competition, an intense game of cards similar to Rook, and battle of strength in the arena.

From the barbed words of her enemies to the sharp points of their blades, Everleigh is dodging attacks and assassination attempts around every corner.

But she’s not merely playing defense this time, she shows her claws and begins to fight back. Everyone thinks that Evie is weak, but she’s about to prove them all wrong.

Sweet sweet satisfaction

That first sip of a milkshake is sheer perfection.

All that hard work and it’s finally paid off. That’s the ending to Crush the King.

I’m not positive if this third book in the Crown of Shards series is the last or not. From what I’ve been able to discover, Jennifer Estep has plans to continue writing in the world of Crown of Shards, but it may be a different character.

The ending does leave room for more to the story, but it also neatly wraps it with a bow, or puts the cherry on top for a complete story.

If no more books were written, I’d be perfectly satisfied with this ending. But if Estep chooses to write more, I’ll be equally excited.

There is, however, one aspect of Crush the King that might disappoint others.

Those romance lovers out there.

While there is romance in the earlier books, it’s all but devoid in Crush the King. Oh, there’s a sex scene. And it’s rather explicit. But that’s it, and it’s fairly early on.

Sorry if that bursts your bubble.

I like a good romance subplot as much as the next person, but I don’t need it, and I was totally fine with the story how it was written.

Crush the King was a blood-pumping roller coaster of a ride from start to finish.

5/5 stars

Thank you to Harper Voyager for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

What a perfect ending to a thrilling series! While the first book is still my favorite this book takes a close second place! I absolutely loved the conclusion and everything that occurred at the Regalia games! During this book we got to see a bit more of what I loved from the first book...fighting! Evie's character development during this book was everything. She stops trying to be someone that she's not and finds her own path to becoming the true Winter Queen. She also learns a lot more about her magic! I loved seeing more of what it could do in this book and wow do I wish I had those powers! I also absolutely loved that we got to meet the Mortan King. Honestly his character was so interesting and I just wanted to learn more about him...but I also didn't because he seemed really evil from the small parts we did learn about during this book. Some one of my favorite parts were seeing Evie's interactions with him! Those moments were tense but also incredible and showed how much strength Evie truly has not only as a woman but as Queen. The only downside for me was that there wasn't as much steamy romance in this book as the other two but we still got our Sully fill! I don't want to spoil anything but I absolutely loved the ending. After finishing you could see how everything connected from the first book, through the second and finally concluding in this last book; it was perfection. Let's just say what they say about Bellonans is true...they are very good at playing the long game.

This is the third book of a trilogy but I can’t help feeling there will be more books. There were quite a few open threads to continue the series with. I hadn’t read the other books but this works as a stand alone. There were a lot of characters to keep track of but it was doable even though I hadn’t read the previous books . As in all of Ms. Estep’s books there is treachery, betrayal and tragedy but Queen Everleigh has managed to stay on top and defeat the assassins who’ve come for her so far, She has been training constantly and is prepared for her enemies as all the kingdoms attend and compete in the Regalia. Maximus and Driscoll seem to be working together to bring down Everleigh. Her training has paid off and luckily they are unaware of her secret power of nullifying magic. She has been able to thwart their attempts but now it is time for her to go on the offensive as she tries to align herself and her kingdom with the other royals to stop Maximus from conquering them all. Overall a good story. It took me a while to get into it and I do think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books, I liked all the characters but I do think her consort was a little lame and seemed to be a prop for her. Maybe he was fiercer in other books but he seemed rather bland here. I liked that there were so many strong women characters. I enjoyed this and would read more if this series continues. Than you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

this book was soooo good! well worth the wait. i absolutely adore this world and would happily read more set in it. i loved the characters and story, everything flowed perfectly. i'm a huge fan of jennifer estep's now.

This was such an excellent conclusion to this trilogy. Everleigh has grown so much, as a person and as a queen. It really did take all three books for her to become the leader her people need but I appreciated it. This book was a thrilling ride all they way to the final duel. I was happy with the ending and I would totally read another book set in this universe.

This was a great ending to the trilogy and fortunately leaves it open for more books in this series. It was full of actions with surprising twists that kept me riveted. Queen Everleigh is a great character her arc is fantastic. This is a great series!

This was a magical perfect ending to the series which left it open enough to where there could be hope for more written in this world in the future. If you are looking for an adult series with young adult crossover appeal this was hands down one I would recommend.

I devoured this book in one day it was that good. Evie was fantastic, deciding to take measures into her own hands and go on the offensive after constant threats on her life.
It was non stop action packed full of twists and turns I didn't see coming and it definitely held my attention. It would have been nice to see Sullivan and Evie on the page together more but it didn't hurt the story that we didn't see them together much.
When the end came, I wished there was more.I'm happy with the story and the conclusion was satisfying but I still want more.
Definitely a worthwhile read. And definitely start with book one in the series.

4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the early review e-galley!

Crush the King once again follows Everleigh and her friends as they face down a bigger force. They've taken down a Queen and Evie has earned her crown. They've battled the bastard brigade many times and lived to tell the tale. Now, Evie has her sights set on the Mortan king and her enemy Maeven, a member of the bastard brigade. All of the things I loved from the first two books were present. The foe in this book was much more powerful and took Evie a lot more planning to beat. And Evie shows the true meaning to the Bellonans knowing how to play the long game. This book was definitely a fitting conclusion and I highly recommend this series.

This is one of the best books I have read in ages. So cleverly built into a mighty crescendo. The "long game" was step by step revenge on a killer. Such a great story!
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and freely leave this honest review.

The latest installment of this series is well worth the read. Over the past year, Evie has begun to come into her own as queen. She utilizes the lessons she has learned, mastering the long game. It is interesting to read about her evolution.

This book is action packed with never a dull moment. The world building is excellent with terrific secondary characters. I highly recommend it.

I was given a free advance copy and I am leaving my honest review.

I was absolutely giddy when I found out Jennifer Estep released her final book in the Crown of Shards trilogy. I love the strength of Queen Everleigh. As she comes into her power, the reader gets to witness the preparation of the Regalia Games and the alliances forged to keep the King of Morta at bay. I cannot put this one down. I tucked myself away and selfishly read this book in a day.

I really hope this is the last book in the series. I say that not because I did not enjoy it, but because I am very much did. Crush the King was a fitting end to the Crown of Shards trilogy, and I would hate for anyone to mess with such a good ending.

This book is Queen Everleigh’s chance to finally face off with her mortal enemies. Not only Maeven, but her brother King Maximus who has been pulling the strings on the assassination attempts— and successes—from the beginning.

It all happens at the Regalia Games. It hearkens back to the gladiator days of book one, only all of the kingdoms attend with their strongest fighters to duke it out in the name of glory. It’s also an opportunity for the Royals to make alliances and cement their feuds. Evie wants to do both. Make alliances with some of the other kings and queens, while crushing King Maximus under her heel. Of course, this isn't that easy. Maximus is very powerful and magically gifted, not to mention cruel. Between his machinations and the dastardly plans of the family of bankers which host the event, Evie has to fight for her life over and over and over again.

But this is her chance to prove herself. As both a strong fighter and strategist. I really liked watching her ruthlessness play out. Obviously, she’s the good guy, but that doesn’t mean she’s a wilting flower. I like that she’s willing to kill. I like that she doesn’t necessarily stay above the fray in these bottles of life and death.

The bad guys are fun to hate here and Evie's band of comrades are just as easy to love. Sullivan is back, although this installment is much lighter on the romance than the last one. After all, they've already sealed the deal. That was OK, though. I liked this book for what it was. A solid fantasy with a strong female lead and an ending that satisfies. Would recommend this trilogy, especially for fans of Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series.

If you like Gin Blanco, you will love Queen Everleigh.

4.5 stars