4.5/5 ⭐️

Wow, wow, wow what a sequel. A stunning sequel A Broken Blade. I couldn’t put this down I was so enraptured by the story. Keera will always be one of my favorite main characters and she didn’t disappoint. She kicked ass like there was no tomorrow and I loved the softer sides we got to see, especially when she was with Riven.

The way the world building and characters were expanded upon were magnificent. I teared up at learning more about the characters backgrounds. Learning more about the world itself was so well down as well.

The political intrigue and action was also incredible. It was so easy to keep up with but so intriguing you couldn’t put it down.

Overall, this was a fantastic edition to the series and I need the 3rd book, like, immediately.

Second part of this story and the truth is that I admit that I liked it a lot.

Both the first and second books have a particular rhythm, the author has her own way of telling things and presenting the facts to us. Something that I really like because lately you see a lot of copies in terms of structure.

I really like that it doesn't focus completely on the romance, that it allows us to see beyond that and that it develops the characters, the situations and that the protagonist is that kind of strong protagonist, which Keera was from the first moment but who in this book he faces great fears.

There are still great mysteries to be solved in the next book, some questions that kept ringing in my head that may be details but that have made me noisy (I'm talking about a certain prince) and I would also love to see how the links and the history of the not so main characters.

Melissa is doing a very interesting job and I see a lot of future for both this story and her as an author.

It took me a minute to get back into the story because it’s been so long between the first book and this book. But it was a good addition to the Halfling saga.

I really enjoyed how the characters became more fleshed out, where there was less archetypal type build but more substance—more girth to them, which made this book a lot more enjoyable for me. I was also really thrilled to watch Keera and Riven grow their relationship. But also the side characters were all really well done, to the point it became a romp versus a saga in my opinion. And while this is a continuation of A Broken Blade, this book is actually unique enough to where it can stand on its own. As not a lot of knowledge is required or needed to understand the intrigue, the protagonist’s character growth, and what is actually occurring in this installment.

In A Shadow Crown, you have political intrigue, a great cast of characters, an expansive world, and a protagonist accepting who she is and what she is, while growing into her own throughout the story. All in all, this was a really enjoyable read for me and if you are a fan of political intrigue, fantastical elements, and enemies-to-lovers, then you’ll probably enjoy A Shadow Crown.

Thank you NetGalley & Union Square for providing this eARC in return for my honest review.

This was a fun follow up to the first book! We get way more world building in this one and some additional characters. I have really liked the Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas vibes that this series has had. It’s been fun, suspenseful, exciting and adventurous. I’ve also appreciated the mental health aspect after grief, though I do wish we’d see more growth from the main character in that. She has been stuck for so long that it would be nice to see some more development. I really like the side characters and some of the touching moments between them and our FMC. All in all, I’ve enjoyed my experience with this series!

I will say that this needs to go through a few more rounds of editing for spelling and grammar errors. There were a ton of them!

This is the highly anticipated book 2 that I have been so excited to read for so long!

Overall I would rate this book 4 stars.

I loved getting to jump into this world again to see my favourite characters and I don’t know how it’s possible but I love them even more.

There were a few points in this book that I felt like it was a little slow but after getting through that it is truly amazing.

There were so many plot twists that I did not see coming, I had my theories ofcourse but I could not have predicted what was about to go down!

I highly recommend reading this book!

I loved it!!! It's just as good as the first book (A Broken Blade).

A Shadow Crown starts right where A Broken Blade left off. Keera (the king's assassin) is allied with the Shadow fae, Riven, and learns of his ties with Prince Killian. Together they seek to end the evil Kings reign. Keera must unlock her past to help win the war, but there is mole amongst their allied forces and every time they think they're ahead, they end up falling behind.

I love all the characters, side characters included and I loved the character growth from book one to book two.

It's so well written, fast paced and full of action. Lots of new twists and turns. I could not put this down.

A Shadow Crown comes out May 9th 2023....I cannot wait for book three!

Thank you Union Square & Co., Sterling Square and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.

A Shadow Crown is a thrilling sequel to A Broken Blade that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Keera, the king's Blade, works with Prince Killian and the dark and brooding Fae, Riven, to plot the assassination of a tyrant king. But Keera's past crimes against her own people have followed her to the Faeland, and she is suspected to be a traitor. As Keera struggles to clear her name, she finds comfort in the allies who have become her family, but soon realizes she has more to lose than she ever imagined. With its captivating characters and intricate world-building, A Shadow Crown is a must-read for fans of new adult fantasy.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for allowing me to read this ARC!

I loved A Broken Blade when it first came out and have been eagerly waiting for the second book in the series. When I saw that it was available to request on NetGalley I immediately requested it. This is such a fantastic second book from Melissa Blair.

The growth and plot development kept me hooked the entire time I was reading. Blair does an excellent job at keeping the reader on the edge of their seat want to know what happens next. This book is a great mixture of character development, plot development and world building. We are introduced to more details about the magic system and the world that progress the series in such a great direction and perfectly sets us up for book three.

Needless to say I will be eagerly waiting for book three!

I had such a fun time reading this sequel!! The main characters definitely grew a lot more throughout the trials and obstacles laid before them in this book. The plot felt very fast-paced and there were so many twists and turns I didn't see coming, which I really enjoyed! Let's not forget the romance that still had me swooning everytime. Definitely recommend this book!

Really enjoyed this one! It took me a while to get through the beginning (my fault because I just couldn't remember what happened in the previous first book) so I had to browse A Broken Blade to refresh my memory. But around 20% in, it all finally clicked and came together and I was engrossed.

There's a lot of character growth, and I was thrilled to witness Keera and Riven deepen their relationship. The minor characters (Nikolai, Syrra, etc) were all done well and were strong on their own, and helped carry the plot forward. This brings to mind Throne of Glass for its expansive cast of characters, court politics, sweeping love story, and an assassin coming into her own. And while both books are similar, this is unique enough to stand on its own merit.