Meren was born to be the back up. Hidden her whole life and taught to do everything just like her sister, so she would be ready if something should happen. Her sister was to be queen after all. But when her grandmother dies and her sister is about to ascend to the throne, everything goes wrong. Meren is kidnapped and must fight to get back to her sister before she weds the evil king from Tyndra.

This fast-paced, magic-filled adventure will suck you in and leave you dying to read the next book!

The Liar's Crown, by author Abigail Owen, is the first installment in the authors Dominion series. Dominion is an upper YA fantasy series with a twist on the Beauty and the Beast and Snow White fairy tales, with a nod to the sisters of Snow-White and Rose-Red. In this world, there are six dominions: Aryd, Tyndra, Wilderness, Savanah, Mariana, and Tropkis. 18 years ago, twin sisters were born. One (Princess Tabra) was born to become Queen. One (Mereneth) was born to be raised in obscurity and used as a stand-in when necessary.

One child was born Enfernae, the other Hylorae. Hylorae can control tangible, physical elements like sand, water, and plants. Enfernae control the intangible like souls or a persons mind. For as long as he has been King, Eidolon has been stealing and murdering the Queens of Aryd. In Ayrd, the Queens have been unique in that they have a set of twins every other cycle. For 18 years, Meren has lived life in poverty raised by her Omma. Her best friend is Cain who is a Wanderer, but wants more from their relationship. Things quickly change when Meren notices that she's being followed.

Then, the Queen of Aryd dies which makes Princess Tabra the new Queen. If that weren't enough, Eidolon sends Tabra a pendant as a gift. The first seen in a thousand years. With the gift, he seeks to wed her. Meren decides to take her sisters place at the coronation and unwittingly puts herself in the sights of a shadowed kidnapper named Reven. As Meren struggles to gain her freedom, she learns that there are more lies to unravel than just her own. This is definitely a story that falls into the enemies to lovers category.

While Meren is learning more about Reven, she discovers that she may be the one person who may be able to stop Eidolon and his brutal regime that seems never ending because of her powers. She also gets introduced to a cadre of characters who have made a new life for themselves away from the Dominions. Meren was raised in the desert and that made her strong, brave and compassionate towards her people. She was also forced to hide her power to control sand since childhood. She only came out of hiding when Tabra was put into dangerous situations.

Though she has one purpose in life, she longs for so much more, and her epic journey, both emotional and physical, we see the real Meren. Yes, it is fair to say that this book ends on a cliffhanger. If 2023 allows me, I will likely request the sequel from the publisher.

This was one of those books where I definitely was benefitted by being able to listen to the audiobook and ebook ARCs simultaneously. THE LIAR'S CROWN utilizes the twin body double trope and did it pretty well I think. The book starts off really strong and immediately grips the reader's attention. The worldbuilding with its matriarchal queendom, the unique magic, and the unique set up of Meren's world and its politics was a particularly strong feature in this one. I also really enjoyed Owen's writing style and the moments where her voice and humor came through in Meren's narration and personality. I was here for the slow-burn dynamic between Meren and Reven and how that relationship stretches and develops throughout the book. While this is a YA novel, it felt kind of NA at times, which I did really like because I like a good fantasy with romantic chemistry and steam between the love interests. This book was tropey, bold and just a lot of fun to dive into. There were moments in the middle of the book where I felt like the plot lagged and lost its way a little, BUT the ending really did make up for it and left me very intrigued for book 2 to see where Meren's story goes.

The Liar’s Crown is the newest book by Abigail Owen. I just saw this book all over social media, and when I was approved to review this I felt so lucky. The Liar’s Crown tells the story of twin princesses, and their purposes. I couldn’t wait to start reading, and had high expectations. Will this book meet my expectations?

As second born twin Meren’s life only has one purpose: to sacrifice her life when death comes for her sisters. Only in her true role as princess when danger lurkes, she is called to the palace when the queen dies and her twin must take the throne. When King Eidolon has sent her sister a gift as well as a proposal, Meren doesn’t trust it. The only way to keep her sister save is by killing the king, so Meren decides to take her place on the eve of the coronation. SBut then she is kidnapped by mistake by the Shadowraith. But when trying to escape, lies start to unravel. What secrets were hiding in the shadows? Will Meren be able to save her sister and dominion from the King, by killing him?

This book is a young adult fantasy with lots of magic, mystery and tension. Even though Meren seems to be just a double for her twin Tabra and them living seperate, they love each other very much. They both have accepted their fates, and communicate about when Meren is needed as a double.

In this book you will get to know both the sisters, as the different kinds of magic. One more physical, one more mental. These powers are divided between the twins, as the one thing that makes them different. But normal citizens can also posses one of the kinds of magic. During the kidnapping of Meren you will get to know lots about the magic, but also about all the dominions and their goddesses.

The Liar’s Crown has a slow building romance, but it is not really in the foreground of the story. This makes that the focus really is on the twins, their enemy and magic. This book is just full of drama, and even though the story line might not seem unique at first, I can tell it really is. Abigail Owen has managed to write such an unique story with a smooth writing style and amazing world building. I really loved reading The Liar’s Crown and am hoping for a sequel soon, since this story is far from finished if you ask me.

Obsessed in an understatement. I just finished this ARC provided by NetGalley and I am still reeling from it. I cared so much about the characters, the world was wonderfully built, the magic was so interesting.

💕If you’re looking for your next romantasy read you just found it!!!💕

👑 Enemies to Lovers
👑 Hidden identity
👑 Dark secrets
👑 Upper YA (it gets steamy my friends)

This is easily in my Top 5 new reads of the year. I want a copy on my shelf ASAP!!

A fun story that follows through in a satisfactory manner with almost everything it promises! I really enjoyed The Liar's Crown and its main character, Meren, which feels like it's getting harder and harder to say about YA fantasy lately. Usually, you only manage one or the other. The real challenge now is if the series holds itself up. I have faith, and I look forward to seeing more.

This book has a little bit of everything. Romance, action, magic, and intrigue.

Is it the most original thing I've ever read? No, it contains many tropes we've come to expect in YA. But did I enjoy it for the most part? Yes.

The story follows Meren, a girl who has lived her whole life knowing that her intended purpose is to stand in for her sister should the need arise. However, when the need finally does Meren sees herself kidnapped far away from her kingdom and unable to protect her sister as she'd always been trained to do.

Countless revelations come to light on Meren's quest to protect those she cares about, which comes to include the very man who stole her away in the first place.

I will say I do feel like this book was more romance than fantasy. It leaned more heavily into developing the relationship between Meren and Reven than it did in engaging us in the overall mystery of Eidolon on his nefarious plot.

Luckily, I enjoyed the romance and therefore mostly enjoyed the book. I'm interested in hopefully seeing more intrigue and politics in the next book as this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger

Wow! A strong read!

Enter into this fantastical world. A place of shadows and gates that traverse the country—if one can make them. For generations the kingdom of Aryd has had a deeply kept secret. When twin daughters are born to the Queen only one is acknowledged as the ruler, in this case, the Princess Tabra Eutheria I of Ayrd. The other is dead to all, never known, never acknowledged. Her duty, to act in the princess’ stead when the princess / queen is in danger.
“A second-born princess in a long line of royal twins—one to rule, the other to serve as nothing more than a secret body double in dangerous circumstances.”
Mereneith Evangeline is brought up in a modest place, not quite a hovel, but sequestered away. Meren has trained as a warrior and is a figure of stealth and deception. She is in regular touch with her sister by hidden ways. Their sworn enemy is Eidolon, the King of shadows. There’s rumours of the shadowraith abroad in the city. Meren ignores the warnings. The lonely Meren has found a way out of the city and to companionship with a group of Wanderers. Over the years she and Cain (the heir to the Zariph) have become fast friends.
When the Queen dies and Tabra is in danger it’s Meren who is taken by the shadows, into a vast forest. She will face unimaginable perils, meet new friends, find her heartsworn—and then she’ll lose them all.
A great start to a vividly imagined world. One I had no trouble stepping into.

An Entangled ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Thank you, Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC.
Abigail Owen’s “The Liar’s Crown” has a very interesting premise. I liked the intrigue of a secret princess, a shadow wraith, and political backstabbing that seemed to be what the promised plot. In reality, it was just a lot of the protagonist and love interest pretending very poorly that they aren’t into each other.
And I wouldn’t have minded that, if they were particularly interesting.
I really, really wanted to love this book. I just found myself bored when I would force myself to read it. The plot seemed convoluted and the pacing was so dull. It seems that many other readers really loved this and I’m in the minority when it comes to my disappointment, and that’s ok.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 stars

The Liar's Crown is about Meren, the secret twin sister of the crown princess, meant to act as a body double. The kingdom of Aryd has done this for generations in order to thwart the evil King Eidolon, who kills at least one of the sisters every other generation for unknown motives. A dark, mysterious man kidnaps Meren on the day of her sister's coronation, which kicks off the rest of our story.

The world building is interesting, though the names are just regular words with a Y instead of other vowel (Wildernyss, Tyndra). Even still, I could see it vividly in my head and feel the changes between environments. Meren is a great FMC - she's sarcastic and deeply devoted to her sister and country. The relationship between Meren and her sister is a loving one, something I was pleasantly surprised about.

The best part is the relationship between Reven and Meren - UGH I am so emotionally invested in them. This book has the perfect balance between plot and romance for me, it had me squealing and kicking my feet. The enemies-to-lovers is written so well and I was eating it up. The tension building was great, I was falling in love with Reven right alongside Meren.

All in all, I cannot WAIT for the next book, and this one's not even out yet.

Note: I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley (Entangled Teen!) in exchange for my honest review.

This YA fantasy novel was a whirlwind of action, romance, and palace intrigue with a touch of duty and family loyalty. The gorgeous cover drew me in as well as the title. Are all those who wear crowns naturally liars? One would hope not. Thankfully, there was plenty to keep me engaged throughout the book.

I fell in love with Meren, a twin sister who must live in the decrepit shadow of her first-born sister who is expected to eventually reign as queen. Hers is a life of subjugation: poor circumstances, no free will, and certainly no one to love. She must operate as her sister's body double and expects to die in order to keep her sister and the queendom of Aryd safe. Talk about having no life! Despite these circumstance, Meren is able to find joy amongst a few people, her sister being one of them. Meren was a kick-ass protagonist who felt real and genuine. The struggles she faced on a daily basis would have anyone giving up early on, but she persevered.

Another highlight was the duality of good and evil that permeated key characters throughout the novel. It made me wonder how much evil lurks in those around us. This dichotomy drove much of the plot and offered characters unique opportunities to reflect on their humanity and worth. Plus, it added more than a bit of suspense!

Of course, there was swoon-worthy romance, held at bay by the increasing perils to the characters. There was a somewhat explicit sex scene, so it probably isn't appropriate for middle schoolers. The suspenseful romance was stellar and the possibilities of love triangles made things even more interesting.

Overall, the plot was action-packed and fast-moving without being ridiculous. It was right on pace to keep things interesting and believable, even for a magical world that was having issues.

I definitely recommend this fantasy novel, and I can't wait for the sequel!

As usual, as soon as I heard the word “retelling” I immediately requested The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen on NetGalley. While I’m not typically a huge fan of romantic fantasy, I absolutely loved this book!

Meren is a princess, but no one is allowed to know about her. There are a set of twin girls born in the royal family every other generation, and the second-born is always raised to give her life to protect the future queen. Meren is no different. She knows that her sole purpose in life is to protect her sister from the evil king, Eidolon, but when Meren is kidnapped things go awry quickly.

I adored so many things about this wonderful book! Probably my favorite aspect is that the plot is not lost to the romance. That is definitely the biggest issue I run into with romantic fantasy novels, but The Liar’s Crown was the opposite. The romance was well thought out, and more importantly, the plot was the main focus of the novel. Usually I feel like you end up sacrificing one or the other; either you have a great romance with little plot, or a great plot with no romance, but this book balanced the two perfectly!

Furthermore, Meren was a phenomenal character! She felt so realistic and very three-dimensional. Her character growth was fun to read and extremely complex. Similarly, I was initially worried because the romance seemed to rely heavily on Stockholm Syndrome, which should not be romanticized, but the author was really clever about handling this, and the romance did not feel creepy to me at all.

The entire book was written so eloquently, but the ending was everything! It doesn’t really leave you with a cliffhanger, but I’ll just say the characters are in precarious situations towards the end of the book. However, Owen adds, what I think is the perfect detail, at the end that gives the reader hope while also building intrigue for the next book!

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, fantasy, or retellings!

A really enjoyable magical quest story of a hidden twin princess and the man who seems to be a villain and a hero all in one. I can't wait for the next one.

Thank you to Netgally and Abigail Owen for this ARC.

I found this book slow to connect with, it wasn't until I was just less than half way that I didn't want to put it down. I love Reven and his many layers and Meren for her sarcastic wittiness. This book leaves on a cliff hanger and I hope we're not waiting too long for the next book cos I need to know what happens next!

Meren and Tabra are the Twin princesses of Aryd, but officially, Meren does not exist. While Tabra lives at the palace and is being groomed to become a queen, Meren lives hidden in the city and only goes to the palace when she needs to take her place as Tabra’s body double for any potentially dangerous situation. When the ruling queen dies, Meren decides to go to the official meal before the coronation in Tabra’s place, especially since they’ve received news that their enemy, King Eidolon of Tyndra is coming for the coronation, and wants to ally their country by marrying Tabra. When Meren is kidnapped, she needs to act fast. She have to find a way to escape, and to go back to the castle where her sister is left alone with King Eidolon, but escaping is no easy feat when no one is even looking for Meren since nobody knows about Tabra’s twin. She accomplished her role and was kidnapped in Tabra’s place, so now all Tabra can do is go on as if nothing happened, meaning Meren is on her own.

Honestly, I was a little wary of this book at first because the blurb reminded me of Twin Crowns (I requested the ARC before I read Twin Crowns)… Twins separated at birth, one raised to be a princess, one who does not even exist as far as anyone knows and lives with the people, a kidnapping by a “bad guy” who turns out not to be so bad… There are similarities in the ideas, but thankfully, the plot and relationship betweeen the two sisters are very different.

I like the idea that Meren is not jealous of her twin, and Tabra is not a snob to Meren. They both very obviously love each other, and make the most of what little time they have together. I admire Meren for not being resentful, because even though she understands that it’s not Tabra’s fault, Meren’s only purpose in life is to be ready to become her sister’s double. While not being resentful, Meren still longs to be free and to be able to explore the world and be known as herself instead of having to hide in case anyone sees her face, but her love for her sister and her people is stronger than her desire for freedom, and so she stays and continues to be ready to give her life for her sister and country.

While the magic-system is quite easy to understand, I struggled a little at first because of the new words, so here is a quite recap of what you need to know about the magic of this land:
- Vexillium are people with no or close to no magic.
- Imperium have magic and they are separated into two groups. The hyloraes control physical things such as plants or water, and the enfernaes control non-tangible things like minds or emotions.
Meren is a hylorae that can control sand, while Tabra, her twin sister should be an enfernae, but her powers have yet to manifest.

Meren is a good main character. She is determined to do what’s best for her country and to go back to her sister, but she is also open-minded enough to see that she might be able to help others who need it even more. She has a sassy side that comes out whenever Reven tries to interact with her or to provoque her, and she is independent and able to take care of herself for the most part, thanks to the “survival 101” training she received. Meren also has a vulnerable side that comes out more and more as she realizes that she really wishes people would know the real her, because even when she ends up being kidnapped, it’s as Tabra the princess. Meren comes to realize that she yearns for true connection as Meren, and that makes her question her place in the world. This mix of snark and vulnerability made her quite relatable and likable.

Reven is also a great character, that I would describe as kinda morally gray I think… I don’t want to say too much about him so I don’t spoil anything, but let’s just say that he has a dark and dangerous side that is not always under control, and the author managed to create quite an interesting concept with his character (although she mentionned in her notes at the end that it was inspired by a Grimm’s tale, I just don’t know which one). And of course he is gorgeous and has a protective side that comes out when Meren gets in trouble, so of course we have no choice but to like him…

I apologize in advance, because I feel that I’ve been espcially picky for this one when it comes to the romance. I was honestly wary when I realized that Meren was having thoughts such as “I wish I could laugh with him” or “it hurts my feelings when he calls me a brat” after spending only about 24 hours with a man that kidnapped her, and I was really afraid that this would fall into the insta-love category. Thankfully, while the shift in Meren and Reven’s relationship started off too soon and too fast to my taste, it remained at that stage for a while before continuing to develop. Still, because of that too-early start, a part of me kept wanting to roll my eyes at Meren every time she had a thought about wanting to stay with Reven or wanting to hear his voice. I think that this hate to love would have been great if Meren waited longer before having nice and mushy thoughts about Reven, because even though he’s gorgeous and made sure that she remained alive, he still kidnapped her! There is a difference between thinking that he’s gorgeous even though he’s a jerk, and feeling all weird because he touches her or wanting to see him smile.

Overall though, it was a good romance, and while it had a rough start (in my opinion), it ended up not being too bad, and I like Meren and Reven together enough to want to know what will happen to them in the next book.

I kept trying to pick this story up. The cover is beautiful and will definitely grab anyone's attention. But I couldn't for the life of me read this. I just kept glazing over. This book wasn't for me.

Loved it! Meren is such an interesting character and I cant wait for the sequel. Meren is the hidden twin of the heir of the kingdom and takes the place of her sister at coronation when she is kidnapped. Enemys to lover and in intersting world make this a great book.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the Advanced Readers Copy.

Liars crown started off fairly strong and with a lot of promise. However about a third of the way in its gets over run with what feels like an unearned romance plot. I was excited for what was clearly going to be an enemies to lovers romance, but enemies to lovers is all about that slow burn and gradual change over time as the two love interest learn about each other and begin to respect one another. Instead in liars crown, the main character becomes enamored with her kidnapper only a few days after being kidnapped and can’t stop thinking about her desire to kiss him and how each accidental touch sends a rush through her. The romantic interest also becomes cringingly over protective alpha male towards her, things like “I don’t like him touching you” and lots of “glares” and “growls”.

The story plot was good, even after reading Twin Crowns, this premise still managed to feel unique with good world building. However the urgency of the plot ends up taking a back seat to the very angsty romance. The whole book started to become difficult to read at about the midway point. If I could talk to the characters I would tell them “ get a room and let someone else take over as being the protagonist, this is insufferable”. I wanted to like this book, it had all the makings of a good YA novel, but was ruined by the main characters lascivious cravings. On top of this I also found a lot of plot points not fleshed out like the sisters relationship, how the amulets work, her friendship with Cain. Often times plot points felt more forced than natural.

The book got a bit better towards the end, focusing more on plot, but by then I was pretty over all the characters and was just reading for completion.

Overall, good idea, poor execution.

I think this story would have benefitted from a map to understand where all the kingdoms are, and perhaps a different cover. After all there are no skulls or pink flowers anywhere in the book. Maybe something with shadows, desserts, and glass flowers?

The Liar's Crown started off strong. I liked how it jumped right into the action. Character development and world building were top notch. The writing style was appealing. The only major issue I had was the pacing. There were long periods of time where it felt like nothing was happening to progress the plot. Overall, a fun fantasy romp.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

The Liars Crown was so good. Amazing world building, unique magic, gripping story. I cannot wait to read the next one. This is a must read for fantasy and romance lovers!