3.77 AVERAGE


Crown of Earth and Sky by Emberly Ash
Secrets of the Faerie Crown #1
Rating: 4/5

Veyka Pendragon never anticipated ruling, but when her brother is murdered, she is thrust into a betrothal with the Brutal Prince and tasked with leading a fae kingdom she feels little connection to. As she grapples with her grief over her brother's loss, she must also navigate the complexities of politics and power, deciding which takes precedence: her personal vendetta or her newfound responsibilities.

This fae retelling of the King Arthur legend expertly weaves subtle nods to the classic tale throughout, its narrative adding depth and richness to the story.

While politics play a central role, they never overwhelm the storyline, serving instead to enhance the novel's heart—a captivating murder mystery that unravels the intricacies of fae governance and the desires of those who seek change.

The chemistry between Veyka and Arran is absolutely electric. The slow unfolding of the characters' histories and the intricate backstory of Annwyn is tantalisingly torturous, keeping readers hooked with every revelation.

The spicy scenes between Veyka and Arran are not only sizzling hot but also beautifully crafted, adding depth and intensity to their relationship.

I definitely recommend this series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Cara Maxwell Romance and the author, Emberly Ash for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

A Spicy King Arthur Retelling

A story of loss and revenge. Veyka was content living in her twin brother King Arthur's shadow as a Princess until tragedy struck leaving Veyka lonely, hopeless, empty and out for revenge.

Thrust into a crown that she never wanted. Surrounded by a traitorous Royal Court whom she is convinced is responsible for murder and treason and now betrothed to the most powerful and deadly Fae known as the Brutal Prince. Veyka feels as if her world is spiraling out of control.

Veyka was exhausting and very annoying in my opinion. She loss her brother, friend, sparing partner and King all in a span of minutes. Yes, she was devastated but Veyka allowed her period of mourning turn into a period of selfishness. She couldn't see how her actions affected her Kingdom because she simply didn't care. Not to mention the secret she's been hiding since birth.

Arran Earthborn is known as the Brutal Prince and Veyka's betrothed. A union that has been forged in a treaty over a millennia ago to ensure the safety of both Kingdoms by uniting their kingdoms.

Veyka and Arran had a lot of growing pains. Arran resented Veyka for how she has turned her back on her kingdom and her refusal to serve as Queen as is her birthright. Arran on the other hand was ruthless and unyielding but he stepped up to the challenge of ruling by Veyka's side as well as trying to keep control of his inner beast.

This is a story of revenge but also of hope. It took Veyka learning the concerns of her citizens and opening her heart in order to understand the importance of her role as Queen and accepting Arran as King. Veyka realized she was not the only one who suffered when Arthur was taken from her but an entire kingdom has been in pain and unrest at the loss of their one true Ruler who actually cared.

Veyka has a choice to make. Continue with her plans for revenge or accepting the crown from the Royal Council she suspects is partially responsible for her brother's death.
mysterious slow-paced

3.5 ⭐️
I got this book on stuff your kindle day and I really liked the plot of this book as well as the diversity of characters. I am interested in reading the 2nd (it’s free with kindle unlimited) BUT my biggest complaint is that there was too much unnecessary spice. At times it felt like the spicy scenes took over the plot and felt overwhelming which was weird because I’m usually a fan of the spicy romance. I still enjoyed the book and will continue reading but I’m hoping the 2nd one is better.

⋆。°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆。°✩

Colour me SHOCKED at how much I love this book. Am I gonna read book 2? Already downloaded, thank youuu.

The plot - AHHHHH!! JUST AHHHHHH!!! Right, check your triggers because issa DARK typa shit. Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, regal vibes. Fantasy romance, not quite fated mates I don’t think? But fantasy nevertheless. I loved this book from start to finish. Politics and royal themes to satisfy everyone, with angst and pining fit for a queen. It’s a cliffhanger, there is book 2 and possibly a book 3 coming in April *excited side eye*. Smut was a 2/5 on the spice scale, not heavy but not absent either.

The MC - That would be Veyka, our trauma filled princess; nay, Queen. She’s cunning, she’s quick witted, she’s a badass but damn… if she doesn’t want a man to help share the burden. I would also love to share that burden.

The male counterpart - check my highlights, you’ll see how much I simp for this hulking brute of a man. Obsession doesn’t do it justice honestly.
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

DNF 7%. The FMC is not likable, in her grief she just drinks and fucks her Brother's BFF/Lover (ick, you're fucking someone who your dead twin fucked). She isn't interested in ruling and refuses to and lets the council make the decisions........even though she is now QUEEN.

I received the ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I'm thankful for it. This is my honest review.

Crown of Earth and Sky was an easy read, I felt like the pace was fast, but not too fast. The world-building was solid and it wasn't hard to follow. Veyka, the main character, was interesting to read, and even though she had severe trauma and PTSD, and she had her own ways of dealing with her issues. At first she seemed extremely self-destructive, but I loved how we actually got to see some real growth and growing strength of her character. The MMC also proved not to be a black and white, but rather grey. The amount of smut is quite there in this book, so be prepared.
While it wasn't a 5 stars book for me, I still give it a solid 4. It was a good opening to the series, ending on a cliffhanger and I am planning on continuing the series for sure.
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Written in the stars…