A review by novelty_reads
Cursed Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

It's always a pleasure to return to the world of one of your favourite books.

When I read Twin Crowns last year I absolutely loved it. It gave me both Frozen and Barbie Princess and the Pauper vibes and I loved how light-hearted and magical the book felt. With Cursed Crowns we returned back to the world of Eana with twin princesses Rose and Wren having to deal with a new challenge of changing public perceptions about witches now that they ascended the throne. When insurrection grows within the kingdom, Rose seeks out the help of the long lost Sunkissed Kingdom while Wren tries to get help from her grandmother, currently trapped in a Gevran jail cell.

This book definitely had a darker tone than Twin Crowns but I really enjoyed the surprising direction this book took. Where in the first book I preferred Rose's POV more than Wren's, in this book it was the complete opposite. I was sucked into the world of frosty Gevra and the challenges Wren had to face along the way. I was also surprised about the direction the romance went, creating a love triangle that I didn't see coming. I am so excited to see where that goes in book three.

With Rose, I felt like her character took a bit of a dip. She sometimes came off as jealous and arrogant especially when everything happened with Shen. I think she redeemed herself at the end of the book but it took me a while to find my footing with her. 

I also felt like the first part of the book was a little slow but it definitely made up for it in the book's middle and end. I am eagerly anticipating the series's conclusion and finale in April!

ACTUAL RATING: 4.8 STARS

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