What an incredible world the author has developed with an absolutely riveting plot. The first in a series, there was definitely not the problem of spending forever explaining everything. The story was just great! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Excellent book when you looking for something similar to hunger games/divergent. Excited to continue this trilogy!

*Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review *
The Hunger Games meets Red queen in this amazing story. Much like HG & RQ, this book was captivating from beginning to end. Crump delivers a well written story that flowed at a fast, to steady, to fast again pace. There was excellent imagery, fantastic world building and great character development. This dystopian story had hardship. Conflict. Magic. Love. All of the ingredients for a great YA novel. Crump kept me hooked from the first page to the last, and even then I was searching, hoping, wanting even more! Which there is definitely a great fountain for a sequel and then some.
While this book gave super strong HG vibes, the addition of the "goddess-touched girls" gave it a RQ feel. There were so many similarities to HG but w/just enough difference to make it it's own. I had to keep reminding myself this was Monroe's story, not Katniss. I was falling for Cohen, not Peeta. I was reading about Veria vs Snow. Rue vs Nadia. Cinn vs Juno. Etc. The sprinkling of magic definitely helped. It assisted in setting this apart. Also contributing to the RQ undertones. I would've enjoyed a deeper dive into the abilities and more literal conflict, though.
I have no points against the world building. I was able to adequately envision this dystopian reality without it being overly wordy. I could picture it effortlessly and completely.
I really liked the character development. I would've liked to see Monroe take charge sooner. Would have loved to have seen her embrace her position in the Culling as well as Cohen's heart more. I liked learning each character and their unique personalities. From her family to those in the palace. I took pleasure in witnessing Monroe create relationships with some of my favorite ones. I found myself loving some as much as I hated others. Our villains definitely checked the bad-guy/bully/bitch boxes! The twist toward the end had me on the edge of my seat and ready to pounce! This came out of nowhere and honestly surprised me (which is a feat in itself) yet totally buyable and believable. I actually found myself detesting this one moreso than the ones I was trained to from the beginning
While this book had just enough differences to set itself apart, the likeness to HG made it almost lack originality. There were defininite differences but it followed too closely to be completely it's own. Hence 4 stars vs 5 due to being so dang similar. However, this does not mean I did not enjoy it immensely! I will be looking forward to it's publish date and hopefully a sequel in the near future!

What. A. Book. I loved how the writing made me feel like I was a character. I was glued to my seat for hours reading this book. I cannot wait to see this book become HUGE!!

Jam packed with action, Of Cages and Crowns is a unique and unputdownable story with the perfect balance of fantasy, violence, and romance. It is intelligent and well written, with interesting characters, surprising twists, and creative worldbuilding!

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this ARC!

This one was a fun one to read. It sort of reminded me of the Hunger Games but with court life thrown into the mix.

I enjoyed the main character Monroe. Her character really developed towards the end of the book. I also liked the story line where the goddess touch had to fight with their different gifts for a place on the throne. Nadia was also a character I enjoyed even though she was a side character. I'd like to see a novella on her for this world.

I hope there will be a second one. The ending sure did set it up for another.

I was sent a review copy of this book for an honest review and would like to thanks the publisher for this opportunity.

I have numerous issues with this book

1- the Plot lacked originality: I could guess everything that would happen in this book after 50 pages.

the main character is a girl with powerful magical powers but doesn’t want them, other one is A kind-hearted but powerless prince who has a cruel mother and a drunken father. The MC is forced to compete in a trial to death with 10 others girls with magical powers that determines the next queen aka prince’s wife. At the same time there is a rebel group who is against the crown and our main character’s brother is in contact with them.
(also our MC is not like other girls.)

2- Poor magic system: the main character’s powers were inconsistent. One minute she could throw fire but 5 minutes later she cannot and has to touch the object to set it flames

4-Terribly written fights sequences: given the description of the powers given to us (and the fact that are supposedly fighting to death and would and should try anything to win) they used their magic with utter lack of imagination.

5-the writing style was too basic. It read more like a conversation rather than a, book but this might just be an issue for me personally.

now with spoilers:

6-the ending sequence made absolutely no sense. They killed the queen and started running. But from who? Cohen was literally next in the line, he could have ordered HIS soldiers to stand down.

This book could have been a 3 stars for me. Even though basic it manages to pull you along with it somehow. But the bug in the ending pushed back to 2 star

This book felt like Hunger Games and Red Queen in my opinion. Still a good book and I do look forward to the next one.

4.5 Stars
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an onest review.

This book absorbe me completely. It was an emotional ride and i can't wait to read the sequel.
Brianna has the power to make you feel inside the story. I felt a strong emotional connection with Monroe, when she was sad, when she was tense, when she was anxious, I could feel everything. She is just a girl who would like to live a quiet life with her brothers and her mother, instead she is forced to participate in a competition to the death and this leads her to become a different person, stronger not only physically but also emotionally. I loved her development, from a simple frightened girl with a power she doesn't want, to a mature woman, aware of her powers and with strong ideals she is ready to sacrifice herself for. I also really enjoyed the other characters, Cohen, Uri and Nadia in particular, and their development.
I felt the tension from the first to the last page, the anxiety in every plot twist, the action is never predictable and keeps you glued to the pages. I also enjoyed the love story that gives that extra touch to a book that is definitely one of my favorite readings of the last period.

Of Cages and Crowns (Book1 of The Culled Crown) - Brianna Joy Crump

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in order to provide an honest review.

Brianna Joy Crump is an American author who loves writing and small-town life. She also enjoys helping out College students.


Monroe is a simple girl in a small village. Her father died long ago and ever since it has just been her, her mother and her older brothers Ambrose and Kace – life was happy. Except they were all keeping a secret, a secret that could potentially see them all killed.

Monroe is what is known as goddess touched. When it is time for a new Queen and the male heir has come of age, there will be 10 goddess touched girls in the world. These girls have been bestowed with mysterious powers and abilities by the goddess.

And in centuries old tradition, these girls all complete in what is known as the Culling. A competition that sees all the girls compete against one another to the death until one is left standing. That goddess touched survivor would then be crowned the new Queen and be married to the male heir.

But Monroe didn’t want this, her mother didn’t want this. Hence why she was kept hidden from the world and if she did have to venture outside her home she was disguised as a boy. Yet the day they all feared finally came. The Culling had official begun and all girls had to report for inspection. However, there was also a war brewing and all males of drafting age were expected to report for duty and as Monroe was listed as a boy – she, along with her brothers were now expected to report for war.

It was then decided that Monroe, accompanied by her brother Ambrose, would try and escape across the border with the hope she could escape the fate of being a goddess touched. Alas, it was not to be. As they were trying to cross the border they were captured and Monroe was shipped off to participate in the Culling. Now Monroe was literally in the fight for her life, but could she take the life of another?



“Of Cages and Crowns” is an epic and original fantasy tale that was such a captivating and page turning read. I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what happened and at the same time I didn’t want this ride I was on the characters to stop. I felt for Monroe and the awful situation that she found herself in just because of some ability she neither wanted or asked for. Yet she tried to make the best out of it that she could. But poor Monroe has many obstacles, betrayals and heartaches to overcome. I also keenly felt for Cohen, unloved and treated cruelly by a mother who should have shown him love and treated him like a true parent would. I absolutely cannot wait the second book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

I really enjoyed this. Moved a pretty fast pace and was hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next one!

I miss the Hunger Games era. I miss being 14, and reading hunger games, and maze runner and experiencing the dystopian YA era that reignited my love for reading and widened my eyes to what was out there in the literature world. As I expanded my reading, I moved out of the dystopian YA with everyone else, and now my taste is undefinable, as it is equally vast and niche. It is specific to me and I like finding new and exciting books, and being able to access more books via e-library loans, Kindle Unlimited, multiple libraries and thrifting. That was an overly long explanation for me to say that I miss dystopian YA and that I will always love dystopian YA. And guess what, I loved this dystopian YA book.

Monroe Benson is the chosen one... kind of. She was born with a mark on her hand branding her goddess blessed, one of ten girls who have magical ability and will compete in the hand in marriage of the prince of Erdiya, to become Erdiya's future queen. Monroe also doesn't want to be goddess blessed or compete for some random guys hand in marriage. Unfortunately, it's one of those things that she cannot say no and must compete. The Culling dictates nine girls must die for one to survive to become queen. The odds are not in Monroe's favour. Her mother has spent her life trying to hide her from the world to escape this fate. The current Queen of Erdiya calls for the start of the Culling, placing Monre in the hands of the royal family, to fight for her life and the country's entertainment. Monroe isn't the only one who finds the entire competition abhorrent. The rebellion is gaining traction, recruiting Monroe, with promises of stopping the Culling and getting her out of the Palace in exchange for help and information.

Monroe is being pulled in many directions. She is struggling with juggling all the desires of all the people around her, from her mother, her brothers, the rebellion and trying to figure out what she wants.

Competition YA books are not uncommon. The genre is (probably) an undying trope that pulls me back in every single time. Competitions are great to read, have high stakes and will always carry a level of tension that is unmatched. Sure, there is a little relief knowing this is a series and that means Monroe survives but that give anyone else a blanket safety net. Of Cages and Crowns delivers on this tension, where it isn't afraid to pull the rug under you. The rebellion and the actions by the Queen of Erdiya to squash this rebellion, makes this fast-paced book nerve-racking (in the best way).

Don't get me wrong though, there is an element of predicitability. Predictability isn't synonymous with bad. Predicitability has been described as a fault in books, but I believe predictability isn't inherently bad. I think a good book can use its predictability to their advantage to lure their readers into a sense of safety to then flip the script onto them and do something unexpected. I think this book was predictable until it wasn't. I was on the edge of my seat at the end, and I didn't know what any of the characters were going to do next.

The quiet moments were filled with bashful YA romance filled with blushing and handholding, but also the melancholic introspection Monroe was grappling with about her supposed fate. This book needed these quieter moments. I wish there were more moments with the other nine girls. This is a harrowing traumatic thing that they all are experiencing together. The plot dictated the pacing, meaning many girls were left behind but I would have been interested in more backgrounds for some and alliances with other girls. However, the relationship Monroe cultivates was so touching to read and brought lightness to such a bleak environment.

Towards the end, everyone had to make the hard choice and choose a side. Stick with the establishment or join the rebellion. That being said, I wasn't able to predict the final showdown. Monroe was in trouble and the back and forth of her in danger and her relatively safe was killing me. The final betrayal... was brutal. I think I was prepared but I also had hope, because even though I mistrust everyone doesn't mean this mistrust is warranted. I am a sleuth first and foremost and I love trying to figure everything out. The ending was effective and well done. I am so excited for the next book. Of Cage and Crowns has a feeling of nostalgia that reminds you why you liked this genre back in the day.

Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump
“When I kill my brother, I’ll make sure everyone knows it was intentional.”
~~~
I won’t lie that in the beginning of this; it was really slow. This book also has Hunger Games and Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes. But the more that I got through this; I was really intrigued with the book. I also got some of The Selection vibes, though I’m not for sure since I’ve never read those.
But I loved the plot twists and the characters. If you like all those vibes all together in one mixed with some romance, this book will be for you! Out November 22, 2022. Thank you Brianna Crump, Wattpad Books, and Netgalley for granting me a eARC of this book.

I actually really enjoyed this story about a young woman , she’s sheltered for she is goddess touched. She’s special and unique. This young woman, Monroe, must fight to the death to wed a prince, Cohen. Monroe isn’t like the other goddess touched girls, she’s fiesty and loves fiercely.

I thoroughly enjoyed Of Cages and Crowns. It definitely gives off a Hunger Games vibe; however, it is its own unique story, and, to be honest, I enjoyed it way more than the Hunger Games. The world building is fantastic, beginning with the intro explaining the creation of the world and the start of the Culling. The characters are all well-developed. Monroe is such a strong, determined, independent character, and the development of her relationship with Cohen is well-done. Cohen is another excellently written character. The author did a great job expressing the challenges Cohen faces being the heir and knowing the future of the country is in his hands but also not wanting to rule like his mother. Speaking of his mother, the Queen is a true villain - I was scared I'd have nightmares about her. The side characters are also fantastic. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Uri, Nadia, and Ambrose. The book is well-paced and there is so much action! I honestly couldn't put the book down. I will be recommending Of Cages and Crowns to everyone, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book! Easy 5 stars!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

Idk what to say about this book. It’s like the selection meets hunger games…both books I like.
I wanted to like it more than I did. I felt it was rushed and there could have been moments that were allowed to take more time to happen. I also think Monroe could use a little more back bone and be able to do things more on her own without others making the decision for her.
With that being said, I’d be willing to read more in this series or universe. Many times I’ve read a first book and have thought it was okay but ended up like the story and series as a whole. This is one of those books that has me intrigued just enough that I want to find out more

This was so freaking good I loved it cant wait to purchase and tell everyone to read it and for it to be on my self

Thank you to Wattpad Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump is a lovely YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of Tamora Pierce or The Hunger Games. The story revolves around Monroe, who is goddess-touched. Her family has been trying to hide it, but when her secret is revealed, she's brought to participate in the Culling, a competition to select the next queen of the land. And this isn't just any competition. All of the goddess-touched have magical powers, and they have to fight to the death.

Here is an enchanting excerpt from the Prologue:

"It is said that our world will end the way it began: with fire.
At first, the goddess forged ten daughters, all of them meant to be companions for one another. Things were perfect for a while. They dwelled together in the holy lands and were at peace - until one day, the last of the daughters grew restless.
This girl, Vayelle, didn't fit with the other nine. She was made from a different sort of power than the rest. She didn't find peace in nature or pleasure in worshiping at the altar of the goddess. Despite all that she had, she demanded more from the world."

Overall, Of Cages and Crowns is a great YA fantasy that blends romance and action. One highlight of this book were the action sequences, which were heart-pounding. Often, YA fantasy books skimp on the action in favor of romance, but this book did not let out of either. Another highlight was the jawdropping twist, which I was not expecting at all. If you're intrigued by the excerpt, or if you're a fan of YA fantasy books, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in November!

First a big thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy! This has in no way affected my opinion of the book.

Of Cages and Crowns is basically The Selection meets The Hunger Games with magic thrown in and while I loved the premise of the book, I would rate the actual book about 3 stars as I didn't love all aspects of it despite it having the potential to be a great book.

One thing I really loved was the idea of these goddess touched girls with powers battling it out for the opportunity to marry the prince of their country and I wish we had gotten to see more of this throughout the story. You get to see a couple of the battles between the girls and get a taste for what their powers are like and what they can do and it was honestly my favorite part of the book and I wish we had gotten so much more of it. I also wish we got to see more interactions between the 10 goddess touched girls throughout the book, but their interactions are really limited and are basically focused around the one mean girl and the main character and their feud.

One thing I really didn't like was the relationship between Monroe and the prince. It really felt rushed and forced and it annoyed me how they were willing to break all of the rules of the competition when they'd only known each other for two months. Plus it felt like Monroe lost her sense of self once the prince was really brought into the story as she went from being fine with him dying to basically being obsessively in love with him after such a small period of time.

I also felt the story really relied heavily on the "I'm not like other girls" trope for Monroe as she literally spends the entire book speaking about how she doesn't want to fight, how she doesn't want to love the prince, and about how she wants to change everything that her country is built upon so the goddess touched girls all don't have to die. This is just felt really overplayed and turned a character who could've been very strong into one that wasn't.

I will admit the ending does pick up and leaves an interesting cliffhanger for the sequel to pick up on and the twist with the queen is really nice, but I would've loved this book more if it had focused more on the competition aspect or had given us a character who wasn't an overplayed female trope. I'm hoping the sequel will be better because this book did have a lot of potential to be a great one.

When I first started reading this I got The Selection vibes and I was a little disappointed because I didn't like that book. However, I was pleasantly surprised because our main character, Monroe, is strong in her convictions and way more aware of her surroundings. While the competition of the goddess touched girls definitely gave me Hunger Game vibes, I did find the overall premise to be refreshing and interesting. I do wish the main character Monroe had more agency, most of her decisions are really made by other people and she is just forced to go along with the consequences of other people's actions. That part is kind of irritating. Will I read the next book? Yep! But I'm hoping Monroe has more agency and isn't just reacting to the world around her.