Thank you to netgalley, the author and Cara Maxwell romance for providing me the free ebook of Crown of earth and sky.

"Crown of Earth and Sky" presents a captivating mix of courtly scheming, elemental magic, and passionate romance but doesn't quite sustain reader engagement throughout. Veyka Pendragon, thrust into queenship amid treacherous court politics, seeks vengeance against human betrayers. Her relationship with the enigmatic Brutal Prince, Arran Earthborn, adds depth but occasionally veers into melodrama rather than genuine substance, detracting from the novel's pacing and emotional impact.

While the book vividly constructs a magical world and promises a high-stakes plot, it struggles with inconsistent character motivations and relies heavily on well-worn tropes. The alternating perspectives of Veyka and Arran, alongside their tense dynamic and central storyline, offer enjoyable elements but may not appeal to readers uncomfortable with explicit content, which was the case for me.

Crown of Earth and Sky by Emberly Ash offers an intriguing blend of court intrigue, elemental magic, and dark romance, but falls short in fully engaging the reader. The protagonist, Veyka Pendragon, is thrust into a perilous position as queen amidst a traitorous court, all while seeking vengeance on the humans who betrayed her. Ash sets up a rich world with the potential for deep exploration, yet the novel struggles to balance its complex plot and character development.

Veyka's dynamic with the Brutal Prince, Arran Earthborn, is one of the most compelling aspects of the book. Their relationship is fraught with tension and a simmering conflict that promises much but often delivers more melodrama than substance. Arran, as the strongest terrestrial fae in millennia, is a formidable character whose brutal methods and enigmatic personality add a layer of unpredictability. However, the constant push and pull between him and Veyka sometimes feels repetitive, detracting from the novel's pacing and emotional impact.

While Crown of Earth and Sky excels in creating a vividly magical world and a plot brimming with potential, it falters in its execution. The narrative is weighed down by excessive exposition and a convoluted storyline that can be difficult to follow. Additionally, the stakes, though high, often feel undermined by inconsistent character motivations and a reliance on familiar tropes. Emberly Ash crafts a tale that, while not without its flaws, provides a passable escape into a world of elemental fae and courtly conspiracies, making it a decent read for fans of the genre looking for a new twist on familiar themes.

❝The darkness tried to consume me. But for the first time, I looked up and saw the stars.❞
Revenge, peace, and assassinations.
❝In the next breath, I was alone. Just like always.❞
Veyka Pendragon is the crown princess of the Elemental Fae, her twin brother, Arthur, the king. But one fatal event turna Veyka’s life around and she is now the queen. To ensure peace, Veyka marries Arran Earthborn, who is known as the Brutal Prince.
❝I wanted to kill and maim. After nights of fitful sleep, I’d woken that morning with bloodlust on my tongue.❞
I so desperately wanted to like both Veyka and Arran, and I did try to, I just couldn’t. Unfortunately. Don’t need to say more tbh.
❝’Let’s make them bleed.’❞
Some chapters felt longer than others. The start made me want to read more, but as the reading went on, it got more and more blah. This really had potential. But I ended up skim-reading most of this book. The reason I gave it to stars was because of the smut and a bit for the revenge plot. Ahh, it had so much potential! It sucks to say this, but I will not be reading the rest of the series.
Hopefully, this will be someone else’s next favorite read even though it wasn’t my favorite read. There are enemies to lovers, fae, drama, murder, assassins, so if you like any of these check it out and see if you like it better!
❝For all that has been, and all that will ever be.❞
Happy reading!♥️

I enjoyed this book. It felt a lot like Briar Boleyn's Queen of Roses to me and I am obsessed with that series. About like 15% into this book I was searching to see if the two were related and outside of the inspiration material of King Arther I couldn't find anything. That being said, their stories are not the same, but the writing felt remarkably similar. }

About this book. I read it in one sitting and was the second book I finished this day. I truly enjoyed the story and the writing. Yes there were some formatting mistakes, but nothing that took me out of the story.

I have always been one for a strong FMC, and this book delivers. She might be a little too strong and hard-headed in some cases, but none the less she is a "I am Woman hear me Roar" type character. I do wish the MMC gave her a little more space to make her own choices. I understand in the plot why that was not the case, but I still wish he let her make her own choices as she is the Queen, albeit not by choice but Queen none the less.

I do recommend this book if you like:
Forced Proximity
Arranged Marriage
Trauma Bonding
Duel POV
Strangers to Lovers (I cant really call them enemies since they aren't entirely enemies)
Arthurian Fae Fantasy

Thank you NetGalley and Emberly Ash for the opportunity to read the eArc. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Review readers, please note that these are my own honest opinions in exchange for the chance to read the ARC.

Overall, this was a good book, the last 15% being the best part. The way it came together and the connection between Veyka and Arran kept me hooked. It definitely gave me the enemies to lovers romance I was looking for. I'm excited to read book 2 and hope to have all my questions answered.

I was hooked from the first chapter.

Strong, capable and determined are descriptors for both the MMC and FMC.

Both have troubling past that has shaped them into those characteristics and I like the fact that it hasn’t them cruel as it easily could have.

I enjoyed the relationship developments between Veyka and Arran, as well as everyone in her inner circle.

Spectacular twists and turns, suspense and the cliffhanger ending that is leaving me wanting more

Title: Crown of Earth and Sky
Author: Emberly Ash
Rating: 3.5/5

The best aspects of this book are the dual point-of-view from the main characters, the built-up tension between them, and the main plot. Initially, the writing may seem lacking at the beginning, but it significantly improves shortly after the first few chapters (assuming this might be due to reading the advance reader copy). There are mature scenes in the middle of the book, clearly targeting an adult audience. The unexpected ending was a delightful surprise, and the identity of the culprit was not predictable, adding to the enjoyment. I am eagerly looking forward to reading book 2, "Throne of Air and Darkness." My interest in the plot has me fully invested, and I am curious to see where the author takes it.

Thank you to @netgalley and @caramaxwellromance for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

#crownofearthandsky #throneofairanddarkness #emberlyash #uncomingrelease #purplebooks #spicebook #book #bookstagrammer #netgalley #read

A wonderfully dark fae retelling of the Arthur legend! Absolutely loved this. I fell for the characters almost instantly and loved the way that they swept me up with them.
Treachery, retribution, love, lust, and of course some wonderful spice - what more could you want in a book about fae? nothing!
A great start to a new series from Emberly Ash, and I look forward to more.

Crown of Earth and Sky is a dark and sensuous retelling of the Arthurian legend, leaving the readers in an absolute daze and a demand for for more of the spicy story, told as only Emberly Ash is able to tell it. Crown of Earth and Sky is full of personal growth, treachery, despair, retribution, longing, and yes, love. You follow along with the characters, and watch as they start off with angry, hotheaded temperaments, or being cold, calculating, then slowly evolve to where they start to feel emotions other than anger and disdain towards one another. The descriptive elements in this book are so vivid, the characters are brought instantly to life. If you love Arthurian stories, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of Crown of Earth and Sky. Just make sure you have books two and three at hand, this is not a stand alone book.

Goodreads Review:

Given how popular fae stories have become, I thought this was an interesting take on fantasy fae. The concept of the Terrestrial and Elemental fae, their kingdoms and history, and their magic system and powers was well laid out, easy to follow, and a really interesting version of fae/a fae world. It had pretty good world building and plenty of court politics laid out. I enjoyed the hints at the King Arthur myth, but I wouldn’t call it a retelling. The romance was good. It features true enemies to lovers where they actually hate each other for a good portion of the book, arranged marriage, forced proximity, slow burn, etc. etc. I thought Veyka had good character growth, Arran less so, but his character probably didn’t need it as much. The whole cast of characters was really good and well written, I cared about them and what happened to them. I cared about the plot and the secrets that were uncovered. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing how everything plays out.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC.

4.25 ⭐️

I really liked Crown of Earth and Sky. This series is only the second Arthurian retelling I’ve read, and I’m finding I really enjoy Arthurian stories! I simply could not put this book down.

The world building was well done while still being easy to follow, and I loved the characters. Veyka and Arran were great, and I loved their chemistry. I also really loved the side characters, particularly Parys. There was just something about him that was incredibly endearing.

There was more spice than I was expecting for book one of a series, and for the most part, the spice was well done. I do hope that the following books focus a little less on describing Veyka’s body. It just felt like there were a lot of mentions about her breasts and whatnot when there didn’t need to be. Arran is down bad though, so I can’t blame him too much for it.

I’m excited to dive right in to book two, Throne of Air and Darkness, tomorrow. Crown of Earth and Sky was a really strong start to a series, and the ending left me eager for more!

Thank you so much to Emberly Ash and NetGalley for the ARC of Crown of Earth and Sky. All opinions are my own.

I read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It took me a while to get into this book. Only because I didn't understand what secrets Veyka was hiding, or what the world was like. By 50% I was very invested and was trying to predict what was going to happen next.
At times, I had to reread certain paragraphs to make sure what happened, had just happened. Sometimes a character dies, and it's a shock.
The intimacy scenes had a lot of chemistry and could sometimes be eye opening,
I stupidly forgot to request book 3 of the series while it was available, but I have book 2 at least.
Hopefully more will be revealed in that book.

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒌𝒚 𝒃𝒚 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝑨𝒔𝒉

Release Date: June 1, 2023

5⭐️4🌶

I loved this King Arthur retelling soooo much! Veyka Pendragon always expected her brother, Arthur Pendragon, to take the throne. But through a series of circumstances, she is required to marry the Brutal Prince and become Queen to lead and protect her kingdom. She doesn't plan to hold the crown for long. Only long enough to find her brother's killers...

The tension between Veyka and the Brutal Prince is delectable. There banter even more so. Veyka is the Princess of the Elemental Fae, and Arran has been Prince of the Terrestrial Fae for several hundred years longer than Veyka has been alive. One of the many reasons he is considered the Brutal Prince is becomes of his beast form that he thought he had under control until he met Princess Veyka.

A big thank you to @netgalley for approving me for this ARC!

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🖤“I see you- all of you. And I am not afraid.”🖤

⚔️“I’d let Annwyn burn, down to the last soul, if it meant Veyka’s life. I was as selfish as I’d ever accused her of being. I was in love with her.”⚔️

•spicyyyy King Arthur retelling
•arranged marriage
•forced proximity
•enemies to lovers
•bad ass, but self destructive FMC w/ character growth
•possessive barbarian male
•dual POV

I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait to start the 2nd one. That cliff hanger 😳😳 I have to know what happened asap!!!

Crown of Earth and Sky is a King Arthur retelling with a fae twist! Veyka our FMC is a twin, being born just minutes after her brother, Arthur, he was the one to take the throne. Months after her brother takes the throne, he is MURDERED! Veyka is determined to find out who killed her brother and get revenge no matter the cost. After his death she is forced to take the throne and is assigned a betrothed from the terrestrial fae village. All while still heavily grieving the loss of her brother. Arran Earthborn is known to everyone as the “Brutal Prince.” He and Veyka don’t hit it off right away. There is a lot of sexual tension, but overall they absolutely despise each other! Veyka couldn’t care less about ruling the kingdom and Arran mistakes that attitude for her being a spoilt brat. Eventually they come to an agreement and team up to avenge Arthur.

The spice scenes and sexual tension in this book were 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 HOTTT! Arran’s beast being so attached to Veyka before his male self was really added to the story. It brought a feral, animalistic desire to his feelings for her despite his male self hating her guts.

I loved the way Veyka was written and portrayed. She experienced so much character growth in just the first book I cannot wait to see where she is by the end of the series!

This book was absolutely amazing cannot wait to get into the second one! This has to be one of my fave retellings! Overall the read was intense. It starts off semi slow but it still hooks you despite that. You are able to get to meet and know the characters and an idea of what to expect! I love it way too much. The plus size fmc also really gave me a way to connect and feel like this book was made for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the representation

2.5★
I would like to thank NetGalley for offering me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a nice read with potential, but unfortunately I didn't really get into it...
Arthur was a character I liked a lot but unfortunately he doesn't last long and despite that he remains my favourite character.
The author's writing is also pleasant but I've never been a fan of first-person novels. What's more, the novel plunges us straight into the story without any explanations or hints, which is slightly disturbing? Perhaps this was the author's choice?

Two things that bothered me the most were the repetition of Veyka's curves: I understood after the first time, so there was no need to rewrite it every two pages; and the repetition of the ‘You're Mine’: I found it unpleasant and not at all romantic. However, these are just details.

Where I had the most trouble was with our protagonist Veyka who, although she's traumatised (which could explain some of her behaviour), here she's just an irresponsible woman who only thinks about herself and is just disrespectful. If you don't want to do anything with yourself then at least do what people tell you instead of pissing the world off.
Arran, however, was an interesting character who I found slightly under-developed.
As for their relationship, there's really no hatred? It's inexplicable and not credible?

Oh, and in relation to the smuts scenes, they are quite present in this novel and are written in a rather vulgar and crude way. Personally, it's not the kind of thing I'm looking for as I tend to like romanticism and the importance of feelings, but if you liked the relationship between Nesta and Cassian (in the +18 side) for example, I think you'll like it.

This novel clearly has potential but is marked by a number of shortcomings. I would still recommend it especially for the Arthurian Legend aspect alone, which is always a pleasure.

Review on Goodreads:

summary:

emberly ash has written an absolutely amazing romantasy novel that has drawn me in with such an intriguing magical system. the pacing was decent and the writing was excellent, allowing you to feel like you’re witnessing the banter and deception first hand. the novel is also loosely based on the king arthur and knights of the round table legend, which added a unique twist to the story.

readers are slowly introduced to elemental and terrestrial fae, whereby the main characters veyka and arran, respectively, are bethrothed. this is to prevent an endless war between their two territories. having the dual pov was quite a bonus as both characters could not be more different. they eventually team up with her friends to root out the deception in her court. many secrets are unravelled, with a concerning one involving the undead.

initial impression:

the first chapter had me hooked off the bat with the fight between veyka and her brother, arthur. the scene was so intense that i genuinely thought she was going to kill him. we also get a small introduction to magic types: fire, cooling and mind reading, as well as, there being a cost to magic.

main characters:

after her brother’s, “supposed,” murder, veyka has been thrust into the role of queen of the elemental fae. she has a dark past after suffering from her mother’s torture and after finally being freed, she feel trapped again with so much responsibility. despite this, she’s humourous, sarcastic, a bit selfish and hell bent on getting revenge for her brother. she then meets arran, a war commander, who just wants peace for the entirety of annwyn. he lives up to his title of, “brutal prince,” perfectly. the arranged marriage trope is always a fav!

parys was one of my favourite characters. he’s my twin with his love of books! i was so relieved that he did not get eaten by those lizards in the witch’s tower because that’s such an embarrassing way to die.

climax & ending:

this all happened within a hundred pages or so, with the rest of the novel being slow pacing. i didn’t have any issue with this except that it was so predictable!! i knew it was either roksana or her daughter as the traitors because that friendly attitude was too good to be true. also i knew as soon as i read that gawayn has always been loyal that he was the traitor LOL. he barely had any scenes and was always considered trusting by veyka. knew her was preying on her downfall smh.

critiques:

- normally in some romantasy novels there tends to be an information dump about the politics and history of the world, but thankfully this did not happen. it made reading super easy and enjoyable.
- out of the goldstone guards, lyrena was the most interesting with her mind reading. so why did she not use it to discover who was the traitor?
- fell in love with some of the side characters so i wished we got to see their perspective at certain points. especially when veyka and her friends developed a plan for questioning the witch. i wanted to see more of their personalities and interactions.
- what happened with evander and gawayn’s brothers in investigating the disappearances of children? hope to learn more about this in connection with the rifts and the undead in the next book.

4⭐️ & 3/5🌶️

I'm sorry but this is such a ripoff of ACOTAR. This book sounds like Amanaratha got her solo book. I had to put this down multiple times.

This was a great reimagining of Arthurian tales with fae and a dark side.

I appreciated the way the author wrote about our FMC’s grief and trauma. I felt like this was really relatable for a lot of people. I loved our grumpy and brooding MMC Arran!

He is the morally gray MMC I’ve been needing for a while. And the way he appreciates Keyva’s full figure. Yes please, we need more of that in fantasy books.

Plus some very hot spicy scenes are always appreciated 🥵

Not to mention the cliffhanger?!?! I was shook! And I will be starting the 2nd book immediately following this review.

If you’re looking for a dark fantasy series with political intrigue and an enemies to lovers storyline then I’d recommend giving this one a go.

My only note/criticism that the beginning of this book was quite slow and I wasn’t really sure where the plot was going until I hit the 40% mark.

This was a great fantasy story. I thoroughly enjoyed it! My only complaint was that there were several grammatical or spelling errors that were missed in editing. The tension between Veyka and Arran was top tier. Definitely worth the read!