A review by jess_bythebook
Shadows of the Crown by Dakota Monroe

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A really fun read! I feel like this is a cross between The Selection and Hunger Games, but more adult and with spice. And, not gonna lie, I’m here for it. 

 

“The prince and the assassin —caught in a deadly game that has succeeded in blurring the line I created between revenge and desire.” 

 

What do you do when the king summons you to live in his castle and participate in deadly trials? You plot your plan of attack against his family, of course. Especially if you’re Ariella - the extremely lethal Silver Wraith assassin. However, getting close to his son means opening up a side of herself she wasn’t ever prepared to show. Can she let go of her anger for a chance at something greater? Even when she stumbles upon his secrets? 

 

“You took what you thought you were owed.” 

I press the blade to his chest until his eyes focus on mine. 

“So did I.” 

 

Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and a dangerous competition all add to this recipe of success for this book. And while I do wish some things were touched on more in order to fully round out the storyline (the necklaces and friendships in particular), I thoroughly enjoyed every single page. The author beautifully wove a fine line between spicy tension and edge of your seat adventure and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. 

 

I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.