Twin princesses run in the family. The older twin eventually becomes queen while the younger one is the spare, the one who keeps the older one safe. Meren is a younger twin and lives away from the palace while her sister trains to be queen. When their grandmother, the queen dies, older sister Tabra is to be crowned. Meren will continue to be the backup to her sister. That's the plan until fate intervenes and she is kidnapped by the Shadowraith. He has his reasons, believing her to be Tabra for much of the book. Meanwhile back at home, the evil Eidolon is "courting" Tabra and the plan is for them to be married soon.

This started out well and I was intrigued by Meren's experiences growing up apart from the palace and yet a spare for her sister. The mystery of her kidnapper was also a good point of interest and finding out more made it worth continuing to read. I was fully engaged but somewhere before the halfway point, it got bogged down by complicated worldbuilding that didn't seem to fit into the plot as well as it could. The magical elements were the most let down here. Meren has magic but she hasn't learned to do much more than make glass figures before she is kidnapped. But with minimal experience, she is suddenly performing major magic and it doesn't seem very logical to me. In the midst of the magic and worldbuilding and all that, there is a romance blooming and even that seems to speed ahead and become a focus at some points in the story where there wasn't time for it. It's like when you watch an action romance movie and they stop the action so the romance can progress. The shadow element left me scratching my head quite a bit. Maybe that's the point but it felt like there were inconsistencies in how they worked later in the story.

The end was the most interesting part of the second half of the book and left me invested enough to want to find out what happens next. I hope the second book is able to maintain a story that makes sense and is not bogged down with stops in the action to progress the romance. It's not that I didn't like the book but my interest definitely waxed and waned.

Overall, I give this 2.5 stars and look forward to seeing how the next part plays out. Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for giving me this advanced reader copy. I am providing this review voluntarily.

Royal twins with a secret, a handsome shadow wielder, dangerous monsters, a unique magic system…Sign me up!

This first book in the Dominions series follows Meren, the second born royal twin, who is immediately hidden away from birth. Her sole purpose is to stand in for her sister, the future queen, when danger is near. When Meren is stolen away by a man made of shadow, her whole world changes as she fights to get back to her sister—before it’s too late.

From the very beginning of this book, I was hooked! I loved the banter between Meren and Reven. They had great chemistry and I love a good enemies to lovers trope mixed in with “touch her and you die.”

The world is very unique with a complex magic system. Both took me a little bit to understand, but it was refreshing to have something different than other fantasy books I’ve read.

I really loved this book and can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the e-arc!


**My review will also be published on Instagram by the pub date: August 30th!

This is a young adult fantasy that will be part of the series. Meren is the second born twin in the line of queens who is tasked with protecting her sister. Gives another meaning to heir and spare.

She is kidnapped in place of her sister and from there the story begins with her falling for her kidnapper. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Owen's The Liar's Crown is well-written, full of detailed world building, and enjoyable, multifaceted main and supporting characters.
The book was a bit slow in the pacing to start, but I can see why it was necessary in order to allow for Meren to develop a proper relationship with her Shadowraith kidnapper. There were bits and pieces I truly enjoyed about this book, and I cannot wait to read the sequel, but I do hope Meren steps into the fighter she has been trained to be, and becomes more comfortable with her magical abilities.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Unique story line and interesting premise. I enjoyed Reven and Meren and hope they can find their way.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this YA fantasy! It was fast paced and well written, with some exciting twists! The magic was interesting and the world building was intriguing and magical! I really liked the main character Meren and how much she loves her sister and her people, even though she doesn’t get to have a life of her own life! Reven is also a great character, who despite being born from evil, is still is good man and tries to save people in need. I love his chemistry with Meren! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book after that ending!

The gorgeous cover and interesting blurb were what drew me to this book, but unfortunately what was inside didn't work for me.

I could tell by the writing style that something would inevitably annoy me when I opened it, but I wanted to give it a chance. After all, I can ignore just about anything if I like and/or can connect to the characters.

WELL, ABOUT THAT...The characters...I don't even know where to start with them.

Let's do Meren first, since she's the main character. Meren is the twin sister to the future queen, raised in secret and trained to sacrifice herself for her sister, whenever a dangerous situation should arise.

Problem is, we don't even get to see Meren in action, because she gets kidnapped before she can fulfil her duty. We can argue that her getting kidnapped was her fulfilling her duty, but as the book goes on it's very clear that her sister is the one who's in more danger.

And Meren didn't even fight, she was too distracted and forgot everything she learned. This happened continuously, and the reason for her distractions IS A MAN!

Reven is that man, and the very first time she encounters him in the dark, she falls for him. DONT TRY TO TELL ME SHE DOESN'T!!! She sees his midnight black hair and turquoise eyes, he speaks three words to her (his voice sounds like velvet and iron by the way, very important) and she's done for.

She thinks he sees her, the real her. The same thing happens in another scene which was even worse, but before I get to that one, I have to mention Cain.

Cain is the other potential love interest, who has no real chance at all, never did. Meren does mention him in the first two chapters, but we don't see him till chapter three, and by then she's already had her first encounter with Reven.

He's the typical best friend who has feelings for her, but aside from that I don't really see why he was even necessary to the story? I wanted to root for him, even if it was futile. He does eventually come back into the story, but I can't see any romance happening.

And everything about his family also felt like background fillers, we never learned anything about them, or for example why Meren and his sister hate each other so much.

I don't hate Pella at all, but I felt like I was supposed to with the way she was described. She's like a clichéd mean girl, but I found her back and forth with Meren cringy (mostly Meren's fault!). Again, it would've helped if we knew the context of their rivalry.

Back to Reven now and this other scene. So in that scene, Meren yet again feels like he sees the real her and wants her. At that point I just felt like closing the book in embarrassment. This NEVER happens to me with fantasy books, if it does it's with contemporary romances because some of the lines there are really not to my taste.

But yeah this is literally their second meeting, they haven't had a proper conversation and she's already one foot into the romance...girl...calm down.

It felt like they were pushed, or forced together too fast and I didn't like it. The romance didn't get any better from then on, just faster. There was no build up, no chemistry, just, whatever that was.

Reven was also one of those characters that's supposed to be evil, a monster, made of darkness etc etc, he pushes Meren away (but at the same time not really) and we didn't get anything like that. He's honestly nice? Although he does get jealous and possessive but that's to be expected.

It's just that I so rarely see characters described as monsters actually be monsters, and I get a bit more disappointed each time.

Meren's relationship with her sister is also one I didn't buy. No relationships were believable in this book. Maybe the book could've been a bit longer in order to explore their relationship (and Meren and Cain's too)?

This next thing is mostly contained to a few beginning chapters, and that's the descriptions of the "wandering desert peoples". Those descriptions made me slightly uncomfortable, and when I went to check if anyone else noticed it, I only saw one other person say it. If I didn't see it, I would've thought it was just me.

Luckily, this didn't continue for the rest of the book, but I'm very curious to see if anyone else will feel that way later on when more people read it.

So the plot, up until Meren gets kidnapped it feels like one book, and after she gets kidnapped it feels like a completely different one. But the plot wasn't nearly as bad as the romance. It wasn't bad at all actually, and it was better in the second half than in the first.

The plot might technically be my favourite thing next to the magic system? I don't know how the magic works, but do I care? No. I think the concept is unique, but could use more development.

I don't know if I'll be reading the sequel. The ending is a cliffhanger and was supposed to make me want to continue, except I'm not getting that feeling at all. I won't lose any sleep if I don't read the next book.

Lastly, are YA books supposed to have steamy scenes? The Liar's Crown has one, so I'm not sure how YA it really is. Maybe upper/older YA? Or YA bordering NA, something like that.

Anywayyyy, just because this didn't work for me, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a chance. If it sounds good to you go ahead and read it.

2.5

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This was an interesting one! A princess who is in hiding, takes over her twins spot, realizes she doesn't really have what it takes to rule, but is ok falling in love with the wrong person. This was a great and exciting read! I really quite enjoyed it overall.

I received an ARC from NetGallery for my honest opinion.

I give this book 3.5 stars. The story itself is intriguing. It's a different type of magical world and the plot is different from books I've read. There is action and romance. The romance doesn't overplay the action in the book.

I had trouble remembering the names for her magic system and I had to keep looking it up with the search function. The magic system is explained but is thrown in not often that I kept forgetting what was what.
The book does have spice and I was not expecting that when reading since most YA are fade to black or just "handsy."
The main character is great she has development, relatable can delve into her story. I feel like her love interest is kind of forced upon the reader and that it's the "expected" love interest. Their banter, to me isn't great, at the beginning so it makes it seem like out of nowhere but does get better as the book goes on.
Overall, with the ending I'm curious to see how book 2 goes since the book does get better toward the end.

It took a long time to get "into" this book. Meren lives in a small town with her grandmother and she is living a protected life because she is a twin and her twin sister, Tabra is in line to be the next queen of their dominion. Meren's job is to be able to impersonate Tabra when she is queen so that Meren can save Tabra from harm. All of the various special powers for different people and, the nature of the dominions were not very clear. Reven is the hero who can help her, but he has a rival in Cain, but his motive are not clear. My reasonable self questions why, if everyone knows the evil king kills all of his queens, anyone would ever agree to a marriage with him. I certainly would not recommend it to middle school readers because of the sexual nature. I received an ARC, and my opinions are my own.

Ramona Thompson

I am not normally a fan of young adult reads, but as THE LIAR'S CROWN is by Abigail Owen, one of my go-to writers, I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did as I enjoyed this crazy world Ms. Owen has developed.

Reviewed for Fresh Fiction by Annetta Sweetko

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=79263

As the second born twin, Meren's only purpose is to die in her sister's place should the need arise. Her sister Tabra is to be the next Queen.
Meren also changes places with her sister if the situation feels dangerous. With evil King Eidolon arriving, every situation could be dangerous. He has been known to kill a Queen in the past.
With that in mind, Meren decides to step in the night before the coronation. Eidolon will not get her sister.
When Meren is kidnapped, she is sure it must be Eidolon. She soon finds out that it is the feared Shadowraith. It is said that he is responsible for all the people that have gone missing lately. She needs get back and save the Tabra, but first she has to figure out how to save herself.

I thought this was ok. The romance was a bit overdone in places. I really liked Meren. She can play the part of a queen, but she is really down to earth, and good with a knife. I also enjoyed the different places. I'm interested to see why they are changing so drastically and if Meren can fix it. They all sound very interesting with the different creatures.

I'm intrigued enough to continue the series.

DNF'd at 34%

The prologue of this book had me practically salivating. Unfortunately, the main story didn't live up to the potential.

My biggest issue with The Liar's Crown is the lack of world-building. Instead of using events as an opportunity to provide explanations (for Enora's hostilities, the existence of monsters, the need for a sanctuary), we're expected to just swallow Reven's "Later" and move on.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. The story itself was on that was full of adventure, great characters, action, suspense, enemies, secrets, threats, revenge and funny moments. There are so many layers of threats when it comes to this series that you won't know which one will present itself at any given time. It also has a slow-burn romance that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for things to happen between the two main characters. I wanted them to get to it, but I loved the anticipation. The one thing I disliked about this story was that I felt that the main character put herself down or thought herself so worthless when it came between her and her sister. I hope that in the next book she believes in herself and see herself as equal and worthy. I don't want to give anything away, but I think that any person who enjoys a good paranormal romance will enjoy this story. I'm excited to know what happens next, especially with that cliffhanger ending.

The description of this book really intrigued me. The idea of the secret princess who is essentially the stunt double for the future queen? Never heard of this story line and it pulled me in from the beginning.

Let me preface by saying that this wasn’t a bad book. I loved the world, the beginning of the plot and the magic system. It really sucked you in, in the beginning of the book. Super epic prologue and everything. I was so excited until Meren (our main character) gets kidnapped and it just completely does a 180 on the direction of the story.

The current queen died which forced the eldest sister to ascend the throne. Through tradition, the younger twin sister Meren pretends to be her. It was a way to protect the royal bloodline. But while impersonating her, Meren gets kidnapped because the kidnapper thought she was the queen.

Then it seems that the plot just changed direction and I felt that the reason I went into this no longer was there.

A lot of action scenes in the woods of them fighting to save themselves from monsters that to me just didn’t make sense in the plot. Meren, when she got kidnapped, didn’t really show much resistance. The plot really slowed down and you don’t really see her back at the kingdom.

I really wanted to love this book because the beginning delivered a powerful punch. I wanted more of what was happening in the actual castle and Meren interacting with her sister.

Amazing. Perfect. Stunning. Heartbreaking. These are just a few of the adjectives I can use to describe The Liar’s Crown. I’m so happy I had the chance to read the ARC, this is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone loving New Adult books.
In the beginning, the story is a bit confusing between the worldbuilding and the magic system, but it’s also quite fast-paced and it doesn’t feel dragged out at all.
Our protagonist is Meren, the spare, but not in the way one would think: she is destined to take the throne on certain occasions so as to keep her sister, the actual heir, safe from the threat of another ruler.
Well, one could say she does accomplish her mission. In a way. Perhaps not completely.
She is, in fact, kidnapped just before the coronation ceremony, but not by the right monster… Who, might I add, doesn’t look like a monster at all, and Meren knows this all too well despite all her tentatives to lie to herself. We’ve all been there girl, we’ve all been there.
Once again, weirdly enough, I’ve fallen in love with the heroine, adoring both her internal struggles as well as her actions. Everything, from beginning to end, didn’t picture her as the stupid girl who acts out because she thinks she knows better. Perhaps it’s because it’s a New Adult and not a Young Adult, who knows. But I love her and her sass.
Another one who loves her sass is our male lead, Reven, whom you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with. The whole atmosphere between the two of them reminded me of Captain Swan fanfictions when Killian has… magic. Nope, not going into heavy detail, otherwise I’ll spoil you the plot twist. Just let me tell you this: Reven is amazing, I love him.
Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, I’d-love-to-kiss-er-kill-you, only one tree, an amazing yet not omnipotent heroine who would do anything for her sister and her people, a very much morally grey hero, an unique magical system… What more could you ask for? (I would love the sequel, thank you very much!)
Oh, before I forget: I absolutely love the harpy eagle. If you know, you know.

—

Fantastico. Perfetto. Stupendo. Straziante. Questi sono solo pochi degli aggettivi che posso usare per descrivere The Liar’s Crown. Sono così felice di aver avuto la possibilità di leggere l’ARC, questo è decisamente un libro che consiglierei a tutti gli amanti dei New Adult.
All’inizio, la storia è un po’ confusionaria, tra il worldbuilding e il sistema magico, ma è anche piuttosto rapido e per niente tirato per le lunghe.
La nostra protagonista è Meren, il rimpiazzo, ma non nel modo in cui è inteso di solito: è desinata a prendere posto sul trono in certe occasioni così da tenere sua sorella, la vera erede, al sicuro dalla minaccia di un altro regnante.
Beh, si potrebbe dire che porta a termine la propria missione. In un certo senso. Forse non completamente.
Difatti, viene rapita proprio prima della cerimonia di incoronazione, ma non dal mostro giusto… Che, devo aggiungere, non sembra affatto un mostro, e Meren lo sa benissimo nonostante tutti i suoi tentativi di mentire a se stessa. Ci siamo passate tutte ragazza, ci siamo passate tutte.
Ancora una volta, stranamente, mi sono innamorata dell’eroina, adorando sia la sua lotta interna che le sue azioni. Tuto, dall’inizio alla fine, non l’ha dipinta come la ragazzina stupida che fa i capricci perchè pensa di sapere tutto lei. Forse è perché si tratta di un New Adult e non di uno Young Adult, chissà. Ma la amo e amo la sua insolenza.
Un’altra persona che ama la sua sfacciataggine è il nostro protagonista maschile, Reven, di cui vi innamorerete senza dubbio. L’atmosfera che si crea fra loro due mi ha ricordato le fanfiction Captain Swan in cui Killian possiede… la magia. Nope, non scenderò nei dettagli, altrimenti vi farò spoiler dei plot twist. Lasciate solo che vi dica questo: Reven è fantastico, e lo amo.
Enemies to lovers, forzata vicinanza, vorrei-baciarti-er-ucciderti, un solo albero, un’eroina fantastica seppur non onnipotente che farebbe di tutto per sua sorella e la propria gente, un eroe davvero, davvero moralmente grigio, un sistema di magia unico… Che altro potete chiedere di più? (Io vorrei il sequel, grazie tante!)
Oh, prima che me ne dimentichi: amo incondizionatamente l’aquila arpia. Se lo sapete, sapete.

I really wanted to like this book, but the writing felt very amateurish and the plot didn't make a lot of sense. Others will like it, but this book just wasn't for me.

Abigail Owens brings us a story of drama and danger. This story is between Meren and Reven. Meren is a twin princess but usually one that stays in the shadows while her twin Tabra is to be the next queen. But Tabra wants to be free of her duties and Meren takes her place as her double at the coronation but then gets kidnapped! Meren tries to get escape so she can save her sister, who she loves. Now Reven is hot. His grumpy side and protective. The banter and sassiness between the characters is great. I loved the history and the magic that comes into play with the Sacred Tree. Lots of drama and danger as any good story will bring out. It isn't an insta love but one that builds up but in a good way. I was expecting the end but I can not wait for the next book! As always Abigail is a one click buy for me and love to support a phenomenal author!

***I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

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

Unfortunately, I wasn’t as invested in this book as I wanted to be. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of Meren’s relationship with her twin sister and the bond they shared, but I felt that that aspect was quickly forgotten once we got past the beginning of the book. I wasn’t particularly enamoured with the romance either—it was just a bit too insta-love and predictable for my taste. However, I do think that romantic fantasy enthusiasts would love this book—it has all the quintessential elements of the genre. Perhaps I’m just not the right person for this book, but if you’re a fan of romantic fantasy I highly recommend you give this a go!

This was a delight. We have a heroine who feels second best because she's the twin/body double of the princess who doesn't really get to have anything for herself. Except sass. Girl's got that. She gets kidnapped by a shadowy, tall, dark and secretive hot guy. He had good reasons for kidnapping her but she doesn't let him off the hook easily.

She's desperate to matter and get back to her sister who is in danger. Reven's backstory is interesting and I want to see what else he can do. I want good things for Cain despite him clearly being the odd man out of this book. He really wants Meren but he's not the guy, you know? There are all sorts of things going on here that I'm looking forward to seeing in future books in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.