The Gathering Dark ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for 
Quest of Fire: Succession & The Gathering Dark by Brett Armstrong, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Gathering Dark

Quest of Fire #1

By Brett Armstrong

Stumbling into an inn to escape the rain is a pivotal moment in the life of Jason Landsby. If he hadn't been trying to find a temporary refuge from the storm he would not have heard the story the old innkeeper was relating - a story of long ago when the world teetered on the edge of the abyss of darkness. But the past as portrayed by the innkeeper is viewed as the mutterings of an old man. But these mutterings are also forbidden and just by listening Jason is endangering himself.

But what story could so enrapture Jason you ask? The relating of Anargen and the quest he undertakes for the High King. A fabled being even in Anargen's day to those who refused to believe or listen to his call. But Anargen has heard the King's call - a vision hinting at the quest he is to undertake. But before he can start out he must pledge himself to the King's call and become a Knight of the Light. His only hesitation is that it will take him far from the only home he has ever known and from those he loves. 

But Anargen is not setting out alone, accompanied by his mentor Sir Cinaed and three friends, who are also Knights of the Light on their first quest. But this quest will challenge them and their thinking. They will face what they thought were only legends and myths. They will confront a darkness that threatens to destroy not only them but the world that they know. To fight the darkness they will have to grow up quickly and learn to put their trust in the quiet whisperings of the High King. And they will have to help others find their way back to the truth - for only in the High King's strength can they hope to overcome what is certain to be their defeat and death.

Those who enjoy the timeless works of C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia), J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), newer works by Patrick Carr, Thomas Locke, Nadine Brandes, and S.D. Grimm will find themselves drawn to this book just as Jason is drawn to the story of Anargen.  I would say the book is between Chronicles and LOTR as far as length. The book has an epic feel to it and it will be interesting to see where the series goes from here as this is the first book in it.

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

Be sure to check out my review of Succession here

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ABOUT THE BOOK 

Title: The Gathering Dark 

Series: Quest of Fire #1 

Author: Brett Armstrong 

Publisher: Expanse Books 

Release Date: June 24, 2020 

Genre: Christian Epic Fantasy 

Jason is an expert at running from his past. But when it catches up, he finds himself hiding in a peculiar inn listening to a tale from centuries past. 

The story is Anargen’s, a teen who is pulled from all he loves to follow his oaths of loyalty to the fabled King of the Realms. Together with his mentor, Cinaed, he rides north on a special quest to mediate peace talks between ancient foes—the men of Ecthelowall and the dwarfs of Ordumair. Nothing goes as planned. Many on both sides of the dispute despise Anargen’s Order. Worse, an arcane evil has returned to the North. This “Grey Scourge” seeks to ruin the peace talks and ensure a lost treasure held by the dwarfs is never found by those for whom it is meant. 

As Anargen’s story unfolds, Jason begins to wonder whether it is truly just a fable. He soon finds himself drawn into the conflict Anargen faced. A battle that has shaped and can destroy his world.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

CONNECT WITH BRETT: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a story inspired prize package including: 
• One copy of The Gathering Dark and Succession 

(Winner’s choice print or e-book) 

Custom signed bookplates for each if the print format was chosen 

• One copy of Wardrobes, Wizards, and Halflings: A Faith in Fiction Devotional 

(Winner’s choice print or e-book) 

• Two pieces of book swag (winner’s choice from book swag pics) 

• Flash Drive with Digital print of previously unreleased The Gathering Dark artwork, MP4 of Quest of Fire’s theme music “Lament for Father” and Digital poster “The Making of Wirgerd” describing the visual and story development of Succession’s monstrous villain!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. 

The full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway will begin at midnight on October 26, 2020, 

and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 2, 2020. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

Open to the US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Succession ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for 
Quest of Fire: Succession & The Gathering Dark by Brett Armstrong, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Succession

Quest of Fire #0.5

By Brett Armstrong

Meredoch has had a dream, a vision that the peace the Ecthelowall and the Ordumair are negotiating will fail and that his father will fall. Though his dream played out differently it was a warning of what was coming. When the Ordumair's Thane falls, Meredoch's father, Sir Augustine MacCowell, Defender of the Realm is blamed. 

In a matter of days, Meredoch's life is forever altered - his friendship with Duncoin is ended and his family is exiled from their home among the Ordumair. Lack of basic necessities becomes the norm as they struggle to survive. But Meredoch is determined to follow the Great High King, even during these trials, and become a Knight of Light. But he has a task he must complete before he can succeed his father as Defender of the Realm. He must make peace with his past and the Ords. But forgiveness is not easily given when past offenses have been allowed to fester in the heart. 

Succession is a prequel to The Gathering Dark, for the majority of this novella, this story is set 40 years beforehand. Though this is a prequel I would recommend reading it after The Gathering Dark so as to not reveal information that if revealed too soon will be a bit of a spoiler. This book will take you to the beginning of The Gathering Dark. 

At 120 pages this is an easy read and one that fleshes out the backstory of one of the characters of The Gathering Dark. Altogether an enjoyable story that fans of Speculative fiction will enjoy reading.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Title: Succession 

Series: Quest of Fire #0.5 

Author: Brett Armstrong 

Publisher: Expanse Books 

Release Date: November 10, 2020 

Genre: Christian Epic Fantasy 

Son of the Northern Realm’s Defender, raised among the dwarfs of Ordumair, Meredoch was anticipated to succeed his father. Some whispered he would bring the longed-for peace between Ordumair and their ancient foe, Ecthelowall. All of that changes when Ordumair’s Thane is killed and Meredoch and his family are exiled. From prestige to poverty, the young boy must chart a new course. 

As the years pass and the idol that was his father’s legacy tarnishes, his past threatens to resurface. An artifact of immeasurable worth to Ordumair is found and if recovered by the cruel Elder Ulster it means disaster for those Meredoch cares about. Battling creatures he believed only myths and racing Ulster’s minions to the prize, Meredoch must face the truth of his place in the world and claim his right of succession. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository  

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

CONNECT WITH BRETT: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a story inspired prize package including: • One copy of The Gathering Dark and Succession (Winner’s choice print or e-book) Custom signed bookplates for each if print chosen • One copy of Wardrobes, Wizards, and Halflings: A Faith in Fiction Devotional (Winner’s choice print or e-book) • Two pieces of book swag (winner’s choice from bookswag pics) • Flash Drive with Digital print of previously unreleased The Gathering Dark artwork, MP4 of Quest of Fire’s theme music “Lament for Father” and Digital poster “The Making of Wirgerd” describing the visual and story development of Succession’s monstrous villain!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. The full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway will begin at midnight on October 26, 2020, and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 2, 2020. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. Open to the US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

---

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Light of Wyndcliff ~ Review with Author Q&A and Giveaway

The Light of Wyndcliff

Cornwall #3
By Sarah E. Ladd

Evelyn Bray has called Wyndcliff home since her grandfather's disgrace took her from the life she should have had - a life of wealth and privilege. She has lived on the promise of restoration that her mother gave her, but the years have passed, and Evelyn is no closer to the life that should have been hers. With her mother pursuing a life without her, Evelyn must decide how the rest of her life will proceed - one of her Grandfather's choosing, the elusive dream of her mother, or one that she finds for herself. Change is coming, and the arrival of the new master of Wyndcliff Hall isn't the only one.

Liam Twethewey has a dream - a dream he hopes will bring financial aid to the tenants of Pevlyn and stability to the estate and himself. But Pevlyn isn't what he expected; the financial situation is direr than he was lead to believe, and the estate is in a deteriorating state in need of attention. But trust for a newcomer is not easily won, and there seem to be many who are working contrary to his goals.

When a shipwreck occurs shortly after Liam's arrival, he is shocked at the behavior of those who live along the coast and their attitude towards the wreck. With but two survivors, Liam opens his home to them as they hopefully recover. Evelyn helps as she can, though her grandfather frowns upon her taking part in such common activities. But helping out at Wyndcliff leaves her with questions about the night of the shipwreck. Questions that she and Liam both want answers to. But learn the truth can be dangerous, especially when keeping secrets has become a way of life.

This is the third book in The Cornwall novels series, and it is as delightful a read as the first two books. I appreciate this glimpse into the past, which in this case, is 1820. Life isn't easy, and livelihood depends upon the estate one finds oneself living near or on, which in this case has not been tended to since the death of Liam's great uncle. While this is a Historical Romance/Fiction, there is a thread of mystery that runs through it. This is most definitely a book that will draw one in from the opening page that sets the stage for Evelyn's life in the years to come. This book can be enjoyed without reading the previous books in the series, but I would recommend going back to read them afterward if you haven't yet enjoyed them.

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

About the Book: 

The Light at Wyndcliff

Paperback: 352 Pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 13, 2020)

Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.

Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About Sarah E. Ladd

 Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical   romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of   Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing   experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and
 a spunky Golden Retriever.

 Connect with Sarah

  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Author Q/A:

1) What attracted you to this time period?

 

I was drawn to this period by ... reading! 

Growing up I loved the literature and poetry of the Romantic Period, and the Regency Era overlaps this time. I adored Austen, Keats, and Byron and how they each gave us a glimpse into their world through their writing. The more I learned about that time in history, the more I wanted to know about it, and that is what started my research. 

 

2) Who is you favorite character to date in this series?

 

This is easy for me ... Evelyn Bray from The Light at Wyndcliff. (But that isn't really a fair answer, because my favorite characters are always the ones that I am either currently writing or have just written!) 

 

 

3) What one question do you wish you were asked and how would you answer it?

 

Interesting question! 

No one has ever asked me the following question: If you were to write in another time period besides the Regency Era, what time period would you choose? 

My answer would be Edwardian England ... which takes place roughly a century after the Regency Era! Like the Regency Era, the Edwardian Era was a time of great social change, I think that social change is a great way to ground fiction into actual history.

Enter the Giveaway:

One (1) winner will win a copy of The Light of Wyndcliff

Entry limited to those with a US mailing address only

The giveaway will run from October 21, 2020, 12:00 am CDT

to October 27, 2020, 11:59 pm CDT.

The winner will have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be

selected. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sarah E. Ladd’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, October 12th: Amy’s Book-et List and @amysbooketlist

Monday, October 12th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Wednesday, October 14th: From the TBR Pile

Thursday, October 15th: @addie.yoder

Sunday, October 18th: @nurse_bookie

Monday, October 19th: @the_unwined

Tuesday, October 20th: Christian Chick’s Thoughts

Wednesday, October 21st: Blooming with Books

Thursday, October 22nd: Reading Reality

Monday, October 26th: What is That Book About – excerpt

Wednesday, October 28th: @myreadingchronicles

Wednesday, October 28th: @lowkey.bookish

Friday, October 30th: @shobizreads

Monday, November 2nd: Leighellen Landskov and @mommaleighellensbooknook

Wednesday, November 4th: Books Cooks Looks

Thursday, November 5th: @adrianna.reads

Friday, November 6th: Living My Best Book Life and @livingmybestbooklife

Monday, November 9th: Laura’s Reviews and @laurasreviews_1

Wednesday, November 11th: @booktimistic

Friday, November 13th: @rendezvous_with_reading

Tuesday, October 13th: @thebookdistiller

The Broken Prince ~ Review

The Broken Prince

The Broken Prince #1

By Kara Linaburg 

Prince Milosh is bidding his time - not taking sides in the conflict between his father and the people he has subjugated to his rule. Ripped from the only home he has ever known by a father he didn't know he had, Milosh finds himself both needed and hated by King Thayer. Forced by the king to carry out his decrees or face more time being punished, Milosh finds himself falling into the darkness that is all too ready to consume him. But when he finds himself being questioned by a young peasant girl, he finds himself facing the very questions he has avoided.

Serena is one of the Gifted, which is a life sentence under King Thayer's rule. Marked, she must conceal who and what she is or face execution. But where Serena feels empathy towards Milosh, something she never expected, the other Marked feel only hatred. 

When her brother Hunter sets out to save the young boys that Milosh is ordered to bring in to be trained as soldiers, he has signed his own death warrant. Determined to keep Hunter safe, Serena sets out to warn him but finds herself taken prisoner by Milosh. But Serena carries a secret, a secret that she has been ordered to bring about the death of Milosh. But Serena can she bring about the death of another? Even if it means keeping her brother safe, Serena is left with a weight upon her heart. Can she convince Milosh that the path he is on isn't the only choice before him? 

In a land ruled by cruelty and fear can one young woman change the heart of a broken despairing prince? Or has the damage to his soul gone too deep to pull him from the darkness that pulls him deeper with every passing breath?

The Broken Prince is the first book in Kara Linaburg's Broken Prince series and absolutely must be read before reading book two The Crownless King.  This is an excellent book and highly recommended to fans of YA fantasy and fairy tale retelling styled books. The various characters are well balanced and intriguing to get to know. 

In this land ruled by hatred and fear, hope is a thing to grasp and hold onto tightly. For as long as hope lives the darkness is held at bay.

About the Book:

In all the fairy tales the maiden falls in love with the prince...

but she has to remember that this isn’t a fairy tale.

Born into a kingdom where those of magical Gifts are rejected, feared, and even killed, Serena has spent her life striving to hide her ability and keep her younger brother safe.

The bastard son of the hated king and father he hardly knows, Prince Milosh is considered an outcast. He never expects to feel anything but contempt for the peasant girl who unexpectedly shows up in his life, forcing him to answer questions he never wished to ask.

When two very different worlds are thrown together under less than desirable circumstances, both hold deep judgment towards the other. But will they learn to see beyond their stations and birth so that they may defeat the coming darkness, or will labels given to them at birth continue to define them?

Beguiled ~ Review

Beguiled

The Fairest Maidens #2

By Jody Hedlund

She's has fled for her life in the hopes of returning and rescuing her younger sister. But first, she must learn how to defeat and outwit her mother - Queen Margery of Warwick.  Finding refuge among the outcasts she must keep her identity hidden or she will be forced to find sanctuary somewhere other than the Isle of Outcasts. But when she takes a captive from one of the other bands of outcasts she had no idea that she was taking a royal prisoner. A prince of Scania in the midst of his testing.

Mikkel can't reveal his true identity when he is taken captive, his testing must be completed if he hopes to become king of Scania. And to reveal who he is would result in his being rejected by the outcasts who call the isle home. But can he look upon the heart and become worthy of the duty of king? 

When forced to protect his identity Mikkel reluctantly agrees to marry the young woman he has come to know as Veil. Her disfigurement hidden beneath the veil she always wears. But Veil too hides a secret - a secret that she fears will influence Mikkel's opinion of her. Can he see beyond her outward appearance? She fears the answer. But to save Ruby she reveals her true identity to Mikkel. But marriage, even to a princess, could keep him from being king if it is not approved by King Christian and his advisors. 

Queen Margery is not about to let her daughter live, not when she has need of her. But Pearl has no idea just how deeply her mother's greed and avarice goes. And if she's not careful not only will she die by her mother's hand so too will Mikkel. Can Pearl and Mikkel learn to trust one another enough to survive or will their independence be their undoing?

This is the second book in The Fairest Maiden's series and IF you have not read book one you can still enjoy this book. But it is better to read the books in order to fully enjoy the series. This is a delightful read with a fairy tale twist (no magic involved). And those who have read Jody Hedlund's previous YA series The Lost Princesses will love this series as it adds to the story world she created. 

The characters are relatable (not the prince or princess part, of course) and one can empathize with their situations. The growth of character that Pearl and Mikkel experience is believable as the story progresses. I truly enjoyed getting to know these characters and look forward to the third and final book in the series. Jody Hedlund has again created a world one will enjoy visiting again. These are most definitely going on my reread list. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse...

A princess rejected and hunted by her mother and a prince who lives as a shunned outcast. Princess Pearl flees for her life after her mother, Queen Margery, tries to have her killed during a hunting expedition. Pearl finds refuge on the Isle of Outcasts among criminals and misfits, disguising her face with a veil so no one recognizes her. She lives for the day when she can return to Warwick and rescue her sister, Ruby, from the queen’s clutches. Amidst his royal testing on the Isle of Outcasts, Prince Mikkel of Scania has kept his identity a secret. Captured by a warring band of outcasts and condemned to die, he finds himself making friends with an intriguing but feisty young veiled woman. Intending to win her trust and gain her help to escape, he soon finds himself coerced to wed her. Mikkel reluctantly agrees to the union to save his life, and Pearl hopes the marriage will provide protection for her and Ruby. But the queen is more determined to kill her daughter than either Pearl or Mikkel realizes and has a sinister reason neither expects—one that could rip their new love apart forever. The real Snow White story.

The Price of Valor ~ Takeover Tour - Book Spotlight with Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for 

The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Price of Valor 

Series: Global Search and Rescue #3 

Author: Susan May Warren 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: October 6, 2020 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense 

A high-octane mix of love and adventure 

Kidnapped by rebels while serving as a humanitarian aid worker in Chechnya, Signe Kincaid has spent the past decade secreting out valuable information about Russian assets in the US to her CIA handler. Fearing for her daughter after being discovered as an operative, Signe sends her to former Navy SEAL Hamilton Jones for safekeeping. Signe is ready to give her life for her country, and she can hardly expect Ham to rescue her after breaking his heart over and over. 

Hamilton Jones has never forgotten the only woman he loved--and he can't believe after all these years she's shown up alive. But can he forgive her for her secrets? And, when Ham discovers the reason Signe has kept her distance, he must choose between love for her and love for the nation he has vowed to protect. 

Will he save the many? Or the few? And what is the price of valor? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award and the ACFW Carol Award. 

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation. 

She is also the founder of MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. 

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive all 3 Global Search and Rescue books 

plus a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card!

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win.

The full tour schedule linked below.

The giveaway began at midnight on October 12, 2020, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 19, 2020. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize.

US only, void where prohibited by law or logistics.  

For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

---

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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.