3.83 AVERAGE


I think I was in chapter 2 when I realized this is in the same world as the A Crown of Shards trilogy. Although, I have to admit, this book blew those other ones out of the water. It was compelling and kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I also love a slow burn romance. There was lots of action and I didn't want to put it down. I am excited for the next book.

My thoughts and predictions:

I thought Maeven would have Gemma kill Milo for her and her children but she stopped it. My hunch is she wants Leo to kill him or maybe more likely Delmira since she obviously wants her to be queen.

I think Delmira is very powerful but Maeven has masked it so everyone underestimates her. The vines are very obviously connected to her but I couldn't tell if the subconsciousness was her directly or an entity of its own. Similar to how Leo has Lyra and Gemma has Grimmley.

Maeven obviously wants Gemma to end up with Leo and doesn't expect him to be king. She will use their attraction to her advantage for her end game.

I don't see the point of calling her the Gargoyle Queen but obviously it will be unveiled in the future. She definitely wanted people to know that Gemma is powerful too and not to be underestimated although people will probably still do it.
adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ironskin's review

4.5

I can’t wait for more of these books.
I want to rest on it more before I review it, but this was an absolute delight.
A new favourite author I think 
leahsbooks's profile picture

leahsbooks's review


For my full review, visit my blog at:

http://leahs-books.com/2021/07/02/capture-the-crown/

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.

CONTENT WARNING: violence, torture, murder

It’s no secret that I loved the Crown of Shards series, and have been eagerly anticipating this series. Let me tell you: it didn’t disappoint me. This story takes place 16 years after the Crown of Shards series ends, and picks up with Gemma Ripley’s story. She’s all grown up, and … she’s a SPY?

There were so many amazing things to enjoy about this book, and it’s a strong start to a new spin-off series. The world-building is great, with an intriguing magic system and a look into a country that we haven’t gotten to see before. It’s intricately crafted and atmospheric, especially since a good portion of the book takes place in Morta, aka behind enemy lines. My heart was in my throat for so much of the story.

Gemma herself is such a well-developed character — we learn about her past as well as her present, her motivating factors, and so much about her personality. She’s certainly no damsel in distress, instead playing a strong, independent, and brave main character who struggles to forgive herself for some past missteps and is still learning to control her very strong powers. The characters around her are also interesting and well-rounded, and it didn’t feel like any of them were just filler. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of them in future books.

The plot had me absorbed right from the start. There’s mystery, political intrigue, and a slow-burn enemies-to-possibly something more romance that simmers throughout the story. I loved every minute of this book, and flew through it, while simultaneously wishing that there was more of the story. There were battle scenes that were written extremely well, and had me on the edge of my seat. I’m so ready for the next book to be released, and I’ll definitely be watching for it.
aspasia_k's profile picture

aspasia_k's review

3.0

Not bad, but not really good either, I enjoyed reading it but it's not a book that stuck with me for sure. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it at a younger age since it's a very Young adult book!

i_hype_romance's review

5.0

I absolutely adore the Crown of Shards series. The world-building, the political intrigue and the fierce queens who fight for dominance and survival captivated me.

I have been looking forward to reading the first book of the second series set in this world since I heard Jennifer was writing it. All of my anticipation and excitement was completely justified.

Gemma is reputed to be nothing more than a pampered princess who cavorts about the kingdom in a wardrobe befitting her station. However, Gemma is much more than a pampered princess. She moonlights as an undercover agent, righting the wrongs that deprive her citizens of bread and money. When she goes undercover as a miner, determined to discover the culprit behind a rash of thefts, she becomes embroiled in a clash of kingdoms.

Leonidas isn’t as strong as his brother Milo. His powers as a mind magistrate aren’t as forthright as the ability to wield lightning. And he always believes the best of people— even when they continually prove they are incapable of goodness. He suspects his brother is plotting something, and journeys to a mine to uncover the truth.

Gemma and Leonidas have a tangled history of daring rescues, heartbreaking betrayal and innocent confessions. When they meet again, even under false pretenses, the bond is still there.

Gemma cements her resilience. She also reluctantly admits to herself that she has feelings for the man who should be her nemesis. A man whose family and kingdom are infamous for their ruthless, duplicitous natures.

They are truly star-crossed lovers.

Book two releases this month and I can’t wait to read it!!!!!!
medium-paced
adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

Ich habe es wieder absolut geliebt wieder eine Geschichte von Jennifer Estep zu lesen.
Auf diese habe ich schon Sehnsüchtig gewartet, da man die Protagonistin schon aus einer anderen Reihe kennt. Sollte man vorher auch gelesen haben.
Gemma finde ich einfach nu toll, sie war mir direkt sympathisch und ich habe sie während der Handlung richtig ins Herz geschlossen.
Ich hätte nur gern Grim an ihrer Seite gesehen, der Gargoyle kommt einfach zu kurz drin vor.
Aber dafür ist die Geschichte sehr unterhaltsam und spannend gemacht.
Gemma scheut sich nicht davor ins  feindliche Königreich Morta zu gehen, denn sie versucht rauszufinden wer die Mienen beklaut.
Dabei landet sie am königlichen Hof und ist dort Gast. Und landet inmitten von Intrigen, wo sie sich behaupten muss. Und dann wäre da noch Prinzen Leonidas, den sie aus Kindertage kennt, aber nicht unbedingt in bester Erinnerung hat. Aber ein wenig lassen sich da Gefühle nicht aufhalten.
Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band, da ich neugierig bin wie es weiter geht. Und ob vielleicht noch alte Bekannte auftauchen.
lighthearted tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No