The Crownless King ~ Review

The Crownless King 

The Broken Prince #2

by Kara Linaburg

Sabriel has been training for years to take back the throne of Sindaleer. When her best friend Nick disappeared into the night without a goodbye, Sabriel knew that she could never trust anyone again. But she has found a place with the Knights of Norcir, a group bent on getting rid of King Thayer, his son Milosh, and the oppressive cruelty that has ruled the land for more than 20 years. Thayer may be dead but Tirich, leader of the Knights, won't rest until Milosh too is dead. Rumors of Milosh's change of heart must be a lie. And the Marked who is to become his queen is a traitor to her people.

Nick is with the Guardians. The Guardians who resisted King Thayer during his rule but have sworn their allegiance to his son Milosh. An allegiance for which Milosh is grateful for. Years ago Nick's older brother Elston moved the family away from the home they knew. In the years that have passed Nick never forgot the fiery girl who was his friend. But when he discovers that Sabriel has joined the enemy and is trying to bring down King Milosh he is left with a quandary - protect her or turn her over.

What no one realizes, no one but Sabriel, is that the power that Tirich wields come from the darkness. And the darkness is about to consume Sindaleer in chaos, anger, and blood. But when one is manipulated by madness and hatred can one see the truth? War is coming and the time to stop it is running out. Can Sabriel and Nick right the wrongs of the past or will they lose everything they hold dear?

The Crownless King is an excellent book and is the sequel to The Broken Prince. One could read one without the other but references in Crownless King make more sense after reading Broken Prince.  I think one can safely say that the underlying thread is discovering one's own worth and not listening to the demeaning voice in one's head that ridicules and devalues one's choices, feelings, and life. Everyone makes mistakes whether or not one wants to admit it and this book examines just that situation. When a mistake is made does one deserve a second chance? When a second chance is given we should seize the gift and make sure we don't waste it.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations but to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She won't meet her worst enemy on the battlefield...

War is brewing and the kingdom of Sindaleer is torn as the Knights of Norcir draw the folk to their side. When Sabriel, a specially Gifted, pledges her blood to their cause, she is ready to give all to bring the peace her leader promises. She understands Tirich's deep hatred toward the king and has prepared for this moment nearly all her life.

But when her identity as a Knight is discovered by the childhood friend who betrayed her years ago, Sabriel's plans for justice come toppling down. Now distracted by what once was, Sabriel fights to hold onto what she's believed to be true for so long.

Nick never forgot the red-headed lass of years past, but she's not the friend he remembers. As enemies connected by their past take opposing sides on the battlefield, Nick refuses to believe what she's become.
Voices in Sabriel's head warning her she'll never succeed and her loyalties are torn, she begins to realize that all is not as it seems. Tirich's power is growing stronger, and she fears she was wrong about the good she once saw in him. The concluding book following The Broken Prince reminds us of the inner wars we all face, and what it means to rise from the ashes when all hope feels lost.