The Crown of the Dark Prince was a good read, and I actually enjoyed this book more than I did the first book. Although there were times when the story felt a bit slow for me, there were more moments in this story that kept me wanting more. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that I can't get enough of Thea and Clay and the sexual frustration going on between the two of them. I'm excited to read how things will continue to play out especially after everything that happened in this story and with that cliffhanger ending that left me wanting more. I'm looking forward to reading what other twists and turns, suspense, issues, surprises and more the author has in store for the characters in the next book. This series started off a bit slow for me but I'm enjoying it more and think other paranormal readers would enjoy it as well.

I won’t give too much detail because I don’t want to spoil anything but this book follows on from The Rose in The Shadows (see my earlier review).

Thea has finally settled into life at court and has developed control over her magic. Thea is a strong stabby FMC 🗡️ We learn more about her mysterious past in this book, which kept me hooked into the story as the little hints kept getting dropped until we finally get the big reveal. There’s a new character in the underworld, who I did fancy for a new love interest at first, I’m interested to see how it’s going to play out in the next book❤️‍🔥

I found the start of this book a bit slower than book one, however the ending was brilliant and I read the last third of the book in a few hours.

I am still having issues with the main male character, he spent a bit too much time sulking because Thea wasn’t doing what he wanted/thought she should be doing, keeping secrets etc.

Thea will forever by one of my favorite FMCs. Arcadia Rayne does such an amazing job writing a story that pulls you in. This was my favorite so far in the series.

This is an incredible sequel!

The story became more complex, and we get to know more of the characters, which is something I really enjoyed. Clay definitely redeemed himself in this and their relationship, although painful, i did feel for them and root for them. The yearning! The angst!

I am excited to continue this series and see where its going!

Not gonna lie, my heart hurts a little.
This book was incredible! When I thought I had figured things out, new twists and turns were thrown in that had my head spinning! When I thought I couldn't love these characters any more, they overwhelmed me with their strength and passion. I loved every single moment and I will slowly be dying until book 3 because that ending was insane! A House Of Hyrax is certainly a must read series!!

4.5 ⭐

"What would you do for the man you love?"

The Crown of the Dark Prince, the second book in the House of Hyrax series, picks up immediately where The Rose in the Shadows ends. But, if it's been a while since you read the first, this book has a "Previously in" chapter that can help refresh readers (which I think more authors should do). The book also has a pronunciation guide, descendent lines, and a map which I think provides incredible extra context for the readers. The book starts off quickly, slows in the middle, and ramps up with twists and reveals towards the end. I wish the reveals at the end came a bit earlier, but the pacing was definitely done with the intension of shattering our hearts at the end and keeping us on our toes for book three.

Much like the first, we see Thea's growth as she learns more about her powers, her heritage, and ultimately herself. Thea is facing two battles: the physical one in Athenia against the Dragon and the mental one as she is desperate to understand "who am I?" I resonated with Thea's constant battle of pivoting between self doubt and self assurance. There are times in my life where I am so confident in who I am and my strength, but there are days when I doubt myself too. Thea felt extremely real to me with the story line centered around her and Iris' friendship strains. I could understand her pain and determination to fix things.

This story continued to explore both Thea's and Clay's separate arranged marriages and the cost of defying laws. Some of this push and pull felt repetitive from the first story, but I understand it was written to show how tumultuous certain decisions would be for our MCs. I loved how this book introduced us to new characters and focused on world expansion, specifically due to the arranged marriages. I am curious with the ending of this book how these characters and worlds will come into play in book 3.

Overall, I am absolutely enjoying this series so much and I can't wait for others to read the latest installment! This book would be a perfect fit for those who enjoy:
✨ world inspired by Greek mythology
✨ forbidden romance
✨ royal arranged marriages
✨ magic
✨ overcoming grief
✨ self acceptance

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Book two of the House of Hyrax series did not disappoint! I was a little nervous at the beginning that the plot of book 2 would focus solely on Thea's trials as they were not included in book 1. I was thrilled when this turned out not to be the case at all. The pacing of the story was just right and I really enjoyed how the story progressed in a way that left you surprised while still answering all your questions along the way. I am happy that Camilla got to say her peace and explain herself and got the character arc none of us probably thought she deserved in the last book. However, I must admit that I am still not 100% sold on Clayton but while I started this book as Team Caldrius, by the end that was no longer the case. I am eager for Book 3 to find out if Daddy Hyrax is the monster history claims him to be and whether or not Clay is going to be the MMC Thea deserves him to be.

This is also my petition for Arcadia to please, please, please give Rankor and Kent their own time to shine!!! I need their stories!! Even if it's a novella!!! Please feel free to interpret just how much I love Rankor based on the amount of exclamation points used in my previous sentences.

Thank you to the author, publisher, & netgalley for this arc opportunity.

The banter. The yearning. The tension. The character development. The action. The plot. The twists. AND the spice. ALL 5 stars. I live for it all.

Thank you to NetGalley, Arcadia Rayne and team for the eARC! I zoomed through Book 2 and have never read an ARC so quickly after downloading.

Clayton Vail…. the man you are. Theadora Moore…. the woman you have become. Oh my.

The choice to start the second book in the middle of her Ascension trials was golden. This gives book two a similarly gripping beginning like the first and avoids the second book slump.

The sadness, grief, and guilt while mourning Lorelei was heartbreaking.

The Dragon is just as despicable if not even more in this book with his whole stay away from my son blah blah blah. He can catch these mortal hands, disrespectfully.

Clay and Thea: OOHHH! The screams that I scrumpt with the twists they endured. They learned to trust each other and only had miscommunication and secrets that, as a reader, made a lot of sense. AND they made sense without having dual POV. The forbidden love between these two was so unspeakably perfect and beautiful!

Overall, this is another banger from Arcadia Rayne! Whatever she is doing works and I hope the amazingness continues.

The Crown of the Dark Prince - Arcadia Rayne
5✨
I loved this book even more than the first one, there were more action in this one. I grew to love Iris even more, she is one badass girl and I feel like there could be a whole other series just about her and I would love to read that. Thea our FMC is still great, although man can she hold a grudge. Sometimes I couldn’t help but think she was a bit of a hypocrite, angry at Clay for keeping things from her while she has double the amount of secrets from him. But I know I can be like that sometimes too.
I could see one of the reveals coming, but what I could not see coming was the ending. My gosh what a cliffhanger. Now I just have to patiently wait for the last book.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review💕

*The Crown of the Dark Prince* exceeded my expectations; it was better then the first. The narrative was compelling, emotionally resonant, and thoroughly satisfying. The protagonist, Thea, remained a captivating character as she navigated challenging circumstances, powerful gods, a forbidden romance, and complex relationships, discerning allies from adversaries while safeguarding those in need.

The romantic relationship between Thea and Clay, the male protagonist, continued its captivating, albeit tumultuous, leaving me eagerly anticipating their union.

As the series progressed and delved into the underworld, Thea's perspective on this realm of pain and suffering evolved.A particularly intriguing aspect of the underworld was the introduction of a new character—a strikingly handsome individual. Who i might have been smitten with.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of *The Crown of the Dark Prince* for the wonderful opportunity to review this ARC.

THAT ENDING 😭 currently sobbing 💔

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and author Arcadia Rayne for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book releases on May 8, 2025, and you won’t want to miss it!

This was an easy 4.75/5 stars, rounded up to 5. The only reason for the slight deduction was that the beginning felt a little slow for me, but it picked up around halfway, it did not let up.

I LOVED Clay and Thea in this book. So much happened to build their relationship and deepen their love for each other. I swear I was highlighting every cute thing they said to each other. The world building remained absolutely top-tier, and I really appreciated the little refresher at the beginning to help recap the previous books.

This book was packed with thrilling battles, heartbreak, unexpected friendships, and so much more! My heart shattered for Thea throughout so many moments, and after that ending, I desperately need the next book. There were twists and turns that kept the story engaging, and I loved diving deeper into Thea’s link to Hyrax and the underworld. Right now, I have a love-hate relationship with a few characters, and I’m so excited to see how their arcs play out in the rest of the series.

If you love fantasy, this is a must-add to your TBR! 💖

4.5 Stars. That ending!!!!!!!!!! I need book three ASAP. I enjoyed “The Rose in the Shadows”, but I devoured “The Crown of the Dark Prince” within 24hrs! It picked up from book one with Thea completing challenges to join the council. Clay and Thea continued to be a sweet slow burn that literally left me craving MORE for them. Which again leads me to the ending!!! I loved the continued world-building and deeper dive into Thea. I absolutely cannot wait until book three!!

I finished the first and RAN straight to the 2nd and WOW what an amazing sequel!!!
I genuinely think Arcadia has become one of my favourite authors from now on!
I love how at the start we get a detailed recap of the first book, really helps when you’re a bit of a fish brain like me!!
This one definitely hurt me a little, the forbidden love, the yearning, FINALLY YEARNING I love a good bit of yearning in a romance.
I love how we learnt more and more about the world and we kept getting new things added, I can’t wait to find out more. After that ended I’m basically chomping at the bit waiting for the next book!!

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love the twisted take on the greek gods being used and this magical and politically intriguing world. The romantic tension is excellent an with that devastating ending I can't wait for the third book!

Wow what an incredible sequel! Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the early copy!
I adored the first book, The Rose In The Shadows, but this one really takes the cake. To start, there is a very detailed recap of the first book, which I absolutely love and I think a lot of readers will appreciate!
We follow Clay and Thea as they navigate balancing their responsibilities as heir and Councilwoman and their feelings for one another. Despite impending arranged marriages for each of them their intense feelings for one another is impossible to ignore.
This one definitely hurt. Their love is forbidden and I totally felt the yearning between them. This was full of action, forced proximity, and complex conflicts between the characters. I absolutely love Thea as an FMC.
This was definitely my favorite installment in this series so far and I’m so excited to see where this story goes!

Well book 2 did not disappoint.
I loved the way that Thea grew in the is book and allowed herself to feel more. I did get frustrated that she tried to keep everything to herself until it blew up in her face.
Clay was less self centered in this one as well. He slowly grew into a MMC that I can actually stand behind and the way he reacted at the end was perfect!
What a ride the end was. It was slow going until almost the last chapter. Not in a bad way as we needed the characters to go through the slow growth to get where they needed to be for the end. And the end, I can't say too much because I don't like to put spoilers on ARC's but wow.
I need the next book asap.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy and these thoughts are my own.

This book picks up where we left the first book, and it didn’t disappoint! Great pacing, great storyline. It really kept you wanting more, and plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you hooked!

Thank you NetGalley for a eARC in exchange for an honest review. Excited to see more from this author!

This book picks up right where we left off in book one, A Rose in the Shadows, and there are non-stop twists and turns as Thea comes to terms with her powers and does all she can to survive the trials that will grant her the House of Hyrax seat as a Council member. She knows her future is going to be difficult with the Dragon King still in power and her complicated relationship with the Crown Prince, Clay, threatened but she is determined to find a way to succeed and bring good change to Athenia.

Thea and Clay’s relationship is put to the ultimate test as they deal with their trust issues, numerous secrets, and the threat of arranged marriages to continue their respective houses. Old friends turned enemies may have to become allies in their fight to find out the truth of what happened before Thea lost her memories, where she came from, and what other secrets Hyrax is keeping from her.

okay but clay in this book??????? actually the most perfect character ever. and Thea's growth in this book?? i loved it so much! morally grey characters get me every single time! I need book 3 immediately! the plot twists get me every single time and I can honestly say I wouldn't have guessed any of them.

“…I love you. Only you. And it’s only ever been you”

This sequel was so much fun! I definitely think this one was better than the first and I loved the first book! I really enjoyed following Thea and watching her character development grow even more and her learning more about herself was so interesting and fun to watch. And CLAY??? amazing. again, this series is so full of twists and turns, and honestly, I loved every single one of them.