Book review 📚
Crown of Earth and Sky by Emberly Ash - 4.5/5 ⭐

Once again I was drawn this book based off the stunning cover. Absolutely flawless and intriguing at the same time. I was delighted when I realised it was a King Arthur retelling as I wasn't expecting that at all.

As the first book in a soon to be series, it was brilliant. There's enough happening that keeps you engaged but it's also not overwhelming that it will outshine the other books when they're released. I loved the magical fantasy twist to the story, Fae are a huge favourite in readers (me being one the guilty!)

The characters were amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed how so often the personalities of the MC clashed! But it worked so well and kept it interesting. It definitely was not love at first sight that's for sure. Veyka was an amazing character and love progressing with her through the story.

Easily a near 5 star read, some small errors but easily overlooked when the story keeps you gripped! Thank you to NetGalley and Dialogue Books for allowing me to read this ARC - this is a HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

So, so good! The storyline was captivating, the relationship between Arran and Veyka was hot, but I like that the story wasn’t overwhelmed by steamy scenes. And that’s odd for me to say, because I generally like my smut with an extra dose of smut on the side. The steam would’ve been nice, but it wasn’t necessary to advance the plot. I can’t wait for more of this series!

One side note, the typos and editorial mistakes were a bit glaring, so hopefully those kinks are ironed out.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this book.

A unique King Arthur retelling with fae! I enjoyed the world building and the learning about the different magic systems. I liked Veyka and kept rooting for her throughout the story as she navigates her new role of being Queen and her dictated courtship with The Brutal Prince. There were times the banter between the two of them made me giggle while reading along with the other emotions I felt while reading! Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book because of the cover and title and then the description sounded equally as good so I was so pleased when the story also followed suit and was really good.

This is the first in a series - Secrets of the Faerie Crown (and I love stories about faeries)! Another retelling (which I am not usually so keen on but the Faeries won me over) about King Arthur which actually had accurate pointers to the original story throughout which made it more imaginable. The story was full of adventure, mystery, and spicy fae :D (happy face) and to be honest I really whizzed through it. I am so happy that it was so enjoyable and book 2 needs to really hurry up and come out soon!

I am always ready for a new mythology retelling, and the King Arthur retellings are always a wonderful treat! Crown of Earth and Sky was different than any of the retellings I’ve read before. With a main character, Veyka, who is not from the original mythology. She is forced into becoming Queen of the united fae land of Annwyn when her beloved twin brother, Arthur, is murdered. The perfect king, she is anything but the perfect queen. And with their ancestors pact that a High King and High Queen must rule together as equals, one from we the elemental fae and one from the terrestrial fae, she is now forced to be betrothed to the Brutal Prince of the Terrestrial fae. But she only has one thing on her mind. Revenge for her brother’s murder.

I loved the set up of this! Veyka was secluded away from court growing up because of her lack of magic. Her mother tortured her for years until her father finally died and Arthur was able to rescue her, locking their mother in her rooms. She is finally free for the first time, and able to connect with her brother the way they should have had the chance to growing up. But it’s all taken away. Just as Arthur prepares to marry the terrestrial heir, Guinevere, humans break in and behead him. Veyka is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered self. But she’s incredibly depressed, listless. Giving up control of her kingdom to the royal council, and spending her days fighting and sleeping and having sex to dull the pain. This part was incredibly relatable. If you’ve ever dealt with depression, this behavior and attitude is scarily on point! It made me really sympathize with Veyka, even when I didn’t like her decisions.

But those decisions, we learn, all have a purpose. She’s much more cunning than it appears at first. She’s is selfish, however. Not thinking of others or what might be happening in the kingdom beyond what she sees. I loved that her selfishness wasn’t blunted here, and I really enjoyed her arc through this book as she learns to care and look beyond to others. She wakes up in a sense. The growing threat facing her and those she’s come to care for making her see what is at stake, and what her part in things should really be. It’s the perfect way to shape her from a very selfish being to one who is doing her best for her kingdom. She’s also nervous about her lack of magic being found out, knowing it would tear the kingdom in two. So her motivation is completely understandable. Still, with help, she’s able to reach past this barrier and start to become the queen we know she can be. That she shows traces of throughout the book.

A lot of that is due to her betrothed, Arran. He was raised a soldier and was never expected to become high king once Arthur was born the heir for the elementals. He’s gained a reputation for his brutality and has rare magic. Including a beast form! But truly, he’s dutiful and wants to see a peaceful Annwyn. He and Veyka clash immediately. Her irreverent, selfish attitude grating at him, but still, he can’t help but want her fiercely. They are drawn to one another and aren’t able to contain the lust between them. They’re truly good for another too. They each help the other to grow and understand more of the other’s perspective. They grow closer throughout until they end up relying on one another and feelings develop.

Their relationship is so well done. I loved the instant chemistry between the two of them. It was palpable right away, but their clashing personalities took a bit longer! Watching the two of them slowly adjust to the other, learn about one another and open their eyes to who the other truly is was wonderful. It was paced perfectly to be believable. And right to the end, Veyka is struggling to accept what’s right in front of her. For a girl who’s been through what she has, it’s completely understandable she would have issues with relationships and feelings, not to mention trust. There’s also the connection they seem to share, which gives her access to the beast inside him. I loved this facet of their relationship. The way she literally speaks to the beast inside him. The way to beast reacts out of his control to her. It’s sexy and sweet at the same time, which can be a hard line to balance, but this does it perfectly!

The plot of the book surrounds the two of them joining together, the quest for revenge against Arthur’s killers, and control of the court. There’s also a larger plot looming in the background that Veyka keeps dismissing and making me want to shake her! While Veyka and Arran are seeking clues and trying to sniff out information, it’s clear the court is running its own way and that every issue is actually tied up together. Veyka has been playing the game to try to get information, but things go off the rails as more people find out, attacks occur, and witches get involved! I loved this whole thing. I always love court intrigue, and this fae court now comprised of two somewhat rival races of fae is being thrown together with the factions that are within her own ranks. Uncovering all the mysteries and the people involved was so much fun for me.

It’s hard to write intrigue and mystery, so I’m always really impressed when it feels natural and done this well. The ending was also done fabulously. I love that we get both a happy wrap up to the plot of this book, and also a cliff hanger that leaves us wanting, setting up the plot of book 2! I can’t wait to read that and see where this is going. I’m so excited by the two things revealed at the end. I was able to see them coming, but I still loved every moment of it! The relationship between Veyka and Arran is in such a fragile, yet tentatively good, place. The knowledge of what they are would certainly send Veyka over the edge! And didn’t the witch tease us nicely?! But that’s overshadowed by what happens to her. I was waiting for that all book so I nearly cheered when it happened. Though where she is…I definitely need book 2!

Veyka, grieving the loss of her twin brother and future King, Arthur, falls into the pit of despair. She was never supposed to be queen, but she will do it for the good of Annwyn, even if it means an arranged marriage with the Brutal Prince, a terrestrial brute.

This book is very spicy, but still very much plot driven. I love Veyka from the start. She’s literally kicking ass with her daggers and wants to fight everyone. The banter and tension between Veyka and Arran was perfect, and I knew it’d be 🔥 as soon as I started in Arran’s POV😂 I loved both of their character development. I was also surprised not only by the traitor(s) in the midst, but the cliffhanger! PLEASE ADD ME TO THE NEXT ARC BECAUSE I NEED ANSWERS 😂💖

Whenever a book starts with “I should have died in the womb,” you just know it’s going to be good. I never knew I needed so many Arthurian legends in my life, but I’m not complaining.

Princess Veyka unexpectedly becomes queen whenever Arthur, her brother that is older only by minutes, is murdered. She begins to become a shadow of her former self. Arthur being the perfect king, but she is anything but the perfect queen. She becomes fuelled by rage and has the desire for revenge. However, due to their ancestors pact that a High King and High Queen must rule together as equals, one from the elemental fae and one from the terrestrial fae, she must now marry the brutal prince to join the realms,

Wow, I absolutely enjoyed this book! I found the writing so easy to consume due to it’s fast-pace and short chapters. It’s easy to read all in one sitting. It had me entirely absorbed and captivated with the story, unable to tear myself away from the pages. The world-building was really interesting. I’m not entirely familiar with the Arthurian legends, but I didn’t feel like I needed to be (I really should read it considering I’ve read a few re-tellings now). The plot is full of action, power games, court intrigues, betrayals and mysteries. All masterfully woven together making it effortless to imagine the story.

Veyka is a wonderful FMC, she has survived a lot and trained relentlessly to become a skilled fighter, although she is rather too trusting of those around her. Arran is much more than the Brutal Prince he is known as, and his initial lust for Veyka becomes a deeper and understanding love. Both of these characters coupled with a host of interesting side characters, creates such a great cast who I would love to learn more about. I enjoyed how all the characters interact with each other and grow through-out.

There is a few grammatical errors and continuity errors, but those are easy fixes!

Thank you NetGalley and Emberly Ash for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

AWESOME! I love the way you write and I need to read the sequel ASAP. I enjoy a lot your morally grey characters, and I know I will enjoy to read about the real villain behind it all. The plot was great... but I would love to see more points of view. Knowing how Gwen feels would be amazing, specially with the end of this book, I think she will have a more active part on the next one.

Actual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series.

Veyka Pendragon was never meant to rule. But after her brother's murder she finds herself betrothed to the Brutal Prince, forced to rule the fae kingdom she cares little for, and attempting to banish the images of her deceased brother, the only one she ever loved and trusted, at the same time. Which focus will take precedence?

This was a fae retelling of King Arthur and I loved the subtle nods to this classic tale that appearred throughout. This was also so much more than a simple re-imagining, however!

Politics dominated but never bogged down the storyline. A murder mystery was at the novel's heart and it allowed the reader easy access into understanding how this realm was governed and what those opposing it wanted altered. Veyka was in a position of power but, unlike her brother, she did not begin her life there and so her insights were endlessly intriguing, as she often saw more than just one side in any plot point covered.

Veyka herself was my favourite aspect about this story. I'm so sick of reading about wilting wallflowers and dainty ladies who swoon at every opportunity. Veyka described herself as "not a small female, not by any means. Not even a regular sized female. I was tall, wide, with a soft belly and an ass that wobbled when I walked, breasts that swung and enticed." We love to see the representation and also the pride in it! She took up space, demanded notice, and did not apologise for her differences. Her body was celebrated throughout by the male love interest and it healed me more than this author will ever know to see strength and size celebrated so beautifully.

On that note, a close second favourite aspect was the spice!! It begun early on in the book and appeared frequently throughout, so be warned if this isn't something you desire reading about! Lovers of A Court of Thorns and Roses series, however, will have just found their newest obsession!

One of my favorite authors recommended this book and I loved it. I loved the dual POV and wish there was a couple more POVs. The World building was a little confusing, but it picked up well. This book definitely did not hold back on spice and I wish there was just a tad more smidge of substance in character development rather than spice. Still would recommend and can't wait for the next book!

netgalley arc
crown of earth and sky
(4.5/5)
an addictive romantasy, the kind that you read in two days and still want more in the end. i loved the universe and the plot, i have to precise that the main trope is the enemies to lovers romance. the slow burn was pretty good and the chemistry between them >>
everything came crashing down towards the end and it was so surprising even though the plot twist wasn’t as crazy as i hoped! i hope the next book will be action packed… venka pendragon is such a cool character and badass character, i loved her evolution! i feel the characters were well constructed and logically built (if you get what i mean). this was inspired by the legend of arthur and i loved the elements integrated but then i didn’t feel like reading a rewriting at all. romantasy with faes are always something i’m excited to read and this one was the perfect book to get me out of my mini reading slump. if you want an addictive spicy fantasy go for it ! also, it’s two pov story which we loooove because of the marriage of convenience/enemies to lover/touch her and you’ll die tropes…

“I was built for weapons. Or rather, I’d built my body for weapons. I might have no magic, but I would not be powerless.”
léa

I received this book via NetGalley.

Spice: 4/5

I enjoyed the beginning of this book. The magic system (basically a magic v shifter v controlling plants dynamic) was unique and the author’s writing style is beautiful.

About 60% through, i started getting bored. I think about 20% of the middle of the book was filler, which resulted in a very short and abrupt climax. I think a lot of fantasy books can harp on how “petite” the MFC is, but this book did the opposite and focused on the MFC curvy figure to the point i was eyerolling.

The author has a lot of talent though. I may pick up the next book that comes out in December 2023.

I just finished reading the ARC of this book, Crown of Earth and Sky. It’s being released 10/1/23 and if you love a magical romantasy book, a morally grey MMC who will burn down the world for you, and a badass FMC I HIGHLY recommend you read this as soon as it comes out. I also have extra love for this book because the FMC is a plus size badass and she is proud of it. As a girl who has never been skinny I love when authors represent all different sizes of women, because they’re all beautiful, and should all be equally represented. Love this book, love the representation, and I already cannot wait for book 2, Secrets of the Faerie Crown, in December!

A very meh book. I was intrigued by the Arthurian legend premise because Arthurian legend, like, duuuuh but let's say that 1) the world building was VERY confused, the magic system didn't make much sense to me, 2) our MC, whatever her name is, I forgot it tbh, was just unlikable. I enjoyed that she wasn't written to be overly likable but you need some redeeming qualities to those characters for us readers to care. As a Queen, she sucked, as a sister, she sucked and just soooo immature. 3) the romance was borderline toxic and just very awkward. 4) it was a dark book, and you're warned from the very beginning but I need this darkness to mean something to the story, not just gore and violence for the sake of it. It served no purpose other than just being dark. Not for me at all, 1.5 stars.

This was a fun and fast read. I loved the Arthurian fae concept. The fae being tied to elemental powers was super fun and cool also. My only complaint is sometimes it felt like the world building was lackluster and left me wanting it to be more detailed. Overall I ate this book up and I’m looking forward to the next one!

I absolutely devoured this book! It was so amazing! I feel like it took a few chapters to really get set up in the world but once the initial worldbuilding happened it took off and I couldn't put the book down.

Ma'am, I'm going to need book 2 now. THAT CLIFFHANGER. WHAT?!!!

Ok, so Veyka & Arran are our MCs who fall in love, clearly. But holy hell that ride was WORTH IT.

This is a dark fantasy romance take on an Arthurian retelling.

Fighting, smut, adventure, chaos, intrigue and love.....with extreme heartache!

Thank you for this poece of art, and man I'm glad Briar Boleyn sent me your way.

There's a lot happening in this. Forced proximity, Arthurian fae, arranged marriage and more. The world-building fell short for me. However, the tension!!! and the cliffhanger!! An easy read with tons of spice.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this ARC. I want to start by saying I was instantly intrigued by how beautifully this was written. I loved the Dark Romance Fantasy setting and themes, I couldn't put this book down. The way the spicy scenes were wrote in this book made them seem more intimate between Veyka and Arran. We had some of my favorite tropes such as Arranged Marriage and Enemies to Lovers. As well as Dual POV and Spicy scenes! I recommend this to anyone whose a fan of ACOTAR, FBAA, etc

I liked this book. Although it dragged in the middle and could have really benefited from cutting, it was a good story overall. I don’t feel like all of the Arthurian elements really added to the core of the original story. I think the author has a good mind for storytelling and that it would’ve been just as good if this didn’t incorporate Arthurian elements because the world building was so complex and interesting on its own. The romance was subpar for me because I’m into depth connections, not just physical connections. We know the FMC and MMC want to rip each other’s clothes off, but we want to know more about how they feel emotionally and see the connection from that side of things rather than just the spicy hate-you-but-not-really side because then it just feels a little cheap and dissatisfying. I would give a second installment to the series a read, overall.