Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of Crown of Earth and Sky through Netgalley and I devoured the story in about two days. A fresh, new take on the legend of King Arthur, this story focuses on a new character, Veyka, Arthur's twin sister. When Arthur tragically dies before he has a chance to become the legendary ruler we all know, his unwitting twin is thrust into a role she does not want and is not prepared for.
This story is rife with the perils and politics of a royal family with the intrigue and deliciousness of fated mates, revenge, and just what can happen when you trust the wrong person. Emberly Ash manages to intricately weave the Arthurian legend into a completely new story without falling into the pitfalls of simply rehashing the existing narrative. Veyka is a compelling character that you can instantly relate to; there is trauma in her past and is so completely focused on finding out who is responsible for her brother's death that she unknowingly puts her faith in people who do not necessarily have her best interests at heart.
We also meet Arran Earthborn, Veyka's betrothed, who is quite simply the morally grey, tortured fae that you just cannot help but fall in love with. Everything he does is out of duty to his kingdom at first but we soon learn that his story is very similar to that of Veyka. His secrets are his own until they are not. His protective, "touch her and you die" manner even though at first he "hates" Veyka for what he thinks she stands for is delectable.
The world-building in this story is wonderful and the character development is inspiring. From the first page, you are drawn into a world and people that you just want to know more about. If I am completely honest, this would make a great TV series and I am seriously hoping that this gets picked up for one. I cannot wait to read the next two books in the series.
If you love morally grey characters with an incredible story and a bit of spice, this fantasy fae, fated mates story will be right up your alley.
This story is rife with the perils and politics of a royal family with the intrigue and deliciousness of fated mates, revenge, and just what can happen when you trust the wrong person. Emberly Ash manages to intricately weave the Arthurian legend into a completely new story without falling into the pitfalls of simply rehashing the existing narrative. Veyka is a compelling character that you can instantly relate to; there is trauma in her past and is so completely focused on finding out who is responsible for her brother's death that she unknowingly puts her faith in people who do not necessarily have her best interests at heart.
We also meet Arran Earthborn, Veyka's betrothed, who is quite simply the morally grey, tortured fae that you just cannot help but fall in love with. Everything he does is out of duty to his kingdom at first but we soon learn that his story is very similar to that of Veyka. His secrets are his own until they are not. His protective, "touch her and you die" manner even though at first he "hates" Veyka for what he thinks she stands for is delectable.
The world-building in this story is wonderful and the character development is inspiring. From the first page, you are drawn into a world and people that you just want to know more about. If I am completely honest, this would make a great TV series and I am seriously hoping that this gets picked up for one. I cannot wait to read the next two books in the series.
If you love morally grey characters with an incredible story and a bit of spice, this fantasy fae, fated mates story will be right up your alley.
When this came in the mail I was so excited. I mean it’s signed and came with stickers. Yes please!! After starting I found it was a King Arthur retelling and the. I was totally on board. But after getting only around 27 pages into it I started to loose interested. I went a little further and then skimmed some after that and I have to say that this was super bland. The writing style was not for me. And I just felt disconnected.
The transformation of Veyka as she sheds the titles of Princess of Peace and the Queen of Secrets.
Trust me when I say. . . I could not put this down and lost sleep because I would have rather continued the story than enter my own world of dreams. I loved the plot, the worldbuilding, the suspense, the tension, the dark pasts, the FMC--I could literally go on and on.
The only distracting point in the story that I struggled getting over were the intimate scenes. They were SO passionate which I have nothing against... I just couldn't connect with the characters because there was no emotional ammunition behind why they were like that. I get physical attraction but it felt lacking.
Otherwise, this was a really intriguing and fast read. Recommended for NA readers who love Arthurian-inspired stories and badass female leads with a very decent amount of spice. There is action, adventure, romance, found-family, and an unexpected cliffhanger.
I received this title as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Emberly Ash for the opportunity to read this treasure!
Trust me when I say. . . I could not put this down and lost sleep because I would have rather continued the story than enter my own world of dreams. I loved the plot, the worldbuilding, the suspense, the tension, the dark pasts, the FMC--I could literally go on and on.
The only distracting point in the story that I struggled getting over were the intimate scenes. They were SO passionate which I have nothing against... I just couldn't connect with the characters because there was no emotional ammunition behind why they were like that. I get physical attraction but it felt lacking.
Otherwise, this was a really intriguing and fast read. Recommended for NA readers who love Arthurian-inspired stories and badass female leads with a very decent amount of spice. There is action, adventure, romance, found-family, and an unexpected cliffhanger.
I received this title as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Emberly Ash for the opportunity to read this treasure!
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
With Crown of Earth and Sky, I have found a new series and author to love.
This is an Arthurian story in a Fae world, and it is so well done. Vivid world building, dynamic character development, diverse representation, engaging magical and political systems, character names we recognize joined by a good mix of new characters not from the traditional Arthurian legends.
The author does not shy away from characters born of trauma. The representation is real, heartbreaking, harsh, and brutal, which makes the characters beautifully, heart wrenchingly relatable. The characters embody strength and resilience born of grief, pain, abuse, etc, and the author handles these things so well that none of it comes off as trite, empty, or insensitive. It is simply real and honest and shared.
But the book isn’t about trauma. At its core, this is a story of two broken strangers who were never meant to be the main characters in the story of their kingdom, now forced together after unexpectedly finding themselves to be the only two people who can save their kingdom. They have to navigate their new roles, their new relationships (with each other, as well as the group each brings to their court), a political environment fraught with tension and traitors, and a growing threat to their realm.
The story is intriguing and exciting. There is a friend group, found family, enemies to lovers, such delicious tension and banter, a fierce, plus-size FMC, and a brutal shifter MMC.
I could go on, but I just want to read more of this series!
This is an Arthurian story in a Fae world, and it is so well done. Vivid world building, dynamic character development, diverse representation, engaging magical and political systems, character names we recognize joined by a good mix of new characters not from the traditional Arthurian legends.
The author does not shy away from characters born of trauma. The representation is real, heartbreaking, harsh, and brutal, which makes the characters beautifully, heart wrenchingly relatable. The characters embody strength and resilience born of grief, pain, abuse, etc, and the author handles these things so well that none of it comes off as trite, empty, or insensitive. It is simply real and honest and shared.
But the book isn’t about trauma. At its core, this is a story of two broken strangers who were never meant to be the main characters in the story of their kingdom, now forced together after unexpectedly finding themselves to be the only two people who can save their kingdom. They have to navigate their new roles, their new relationships (with each other, as well as the group each brings to their court), a political environment fraught with tension and traitors, and a growing threat to their realm.
The story is intriguing and exciting. There is a friend group, found family, enemies to lovers, such delicious tension and banter, a fierce, plus-size FMC, and a brutal shifter MMC.
I could go on, but I just want to read more of this series!
Crown of Earth and Sky Review
Oh my gosh. Oh my GOSH. Oh MY FRIGGIN GOSH.
His Dark Materials meets ACOTAR.
The last 30% of this book will build you up, tear you down, beat your emotions to a pulp, and have you crying for more.
A loose interpretation of the legend that is King Arthur.
Veyka Pendragon is the Princess of Peace . . . Or the Princess That Wasn’t Meant to Be.
In a cruel twist of fate, she is made Queen. In a court full of gossip and treachery who is a Queen to trust? Her betrothed, the so called Brutal Prince? Her guards? Her council? Her handmaidens?
The book starts off a little clunky for me as I didn’t understand everything (I’m not as familiar with medieval history this far back). There are still some spelling errors but man can this author write some SPICE.
Not only that but the way she describes the feelings of inadequacy, depression, sorrow, betrayal, and more is astounding. Five stars simply for that and the emotional soul searching this author must have done. For the way she poured herself into the main characters and did not shy away from the horrid situations and feelings.
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment as there are still so many questions.
I just reviewed Crown of Earth and Sky by Emberly Ash. #CrownofEarthandSkyARC #NetGalley
Oh my gosh. Oh my GOSH. Oh MY FRIGGIN GOSH.
His Dark Materials meets ACOTAR.
The last 30% of this book will build you up, tear you down, beat your emotions to a pulp, and have you crying for more.
A loose interpretation of the legend that is King Arthur.
Veyka Pendragon is the Princess of Peace . . . Or the Princess That Wasn’t Meant to Be.
In a cruel twist of fate, she is made Queen. In a court full of gossip and treachery who is a Queen to trust? Her betrothed, the so called Brutal Prince? Her guards? Her council? Her handmaidens?
The book starts off a little clunky for me as I didn’t understand everything (I’m not as familiar with medieval history this far back). There are still some spelling errors but man can this author write some SPICE.
Not only that but the way she describes the feelings of inadequacy, depression, sorrow, betrayal, and more is astounding. Five stars simply for that and the emotional soul searching this author must have done. For the way she poured herself into the main characters and did not shy away from the horrid situations and feelings.
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment as there are still so many questions.
I just reviewed Crown of Earth and Sky by Emberly Ash. #CrownofEarthandSkyARC #NetGalley
Fav Quote: “I see you—all of you. And I am not afraid.”
The Deets: An exciting fantasy romance with the sprinkles of the legend of King Arthur mixed in!! This is one of the more unique versions of the Arthur fantasy romances I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. Vekya Pendragon is set to become Queen only because of the death of her twin .. when all she really wants is revenge. Arran never expected to become King but finds himself thrust into the role of betrothed for the sake of the Kingdom. I loved how we the reader see what Arran sees of Vekya at first - a grieving woman with no care for her role or Kingdom. But as we continue on the adventure, we realize there’s more going on than meets the eye. It’s an exciting story or betrayal, magic, and what true strength means… all with a nice dose of spice
The Deets: An exciting fantasy romance with the sprinkles of the legend of King Arthur mixed in!! This is one of the more unique versions of the Arthur fantasy romances I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. Vekya Pendragon is set to become Queen only because of the death of her twin .. when all she really wants is revenge. Arran never expected to become King but finds himself thrust into the role of betrothed for the sake of the Kingdom. I loved how we the reader see what Arran sees of Vekya at first - a grieving woman with no care for her role or Kingdom. But as we continue on the adventure, we realize there’s more going on than meets the eye. It’s an exciting story or betrayal, magic, and what true strength means… all with a nice dose of spice