A review by natashaleighton_
Burning Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle

adventurous emotional tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

A deliciously witchy and utterly swoon worthy, high stakes finale that had me on tenterhooks until the very last page— I absolutely loved it!

With evil, witchy ancestors and an army of the undead to contend with, Eana and its Twin Queens (Rose and Wren) must prepare for the greatest fight yet. For war is coming, blood with be spilled and with Wren’s curse (and an alarming prophecy) in play —sacrifices must be made. The only question is, who will survive to rule over it?

Keeping up the pacy, plot twisty rollercoaster of events from the first two instalments (Twin Crowns and Cursed Crowns, respectively); Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber have won me over once again with their utterly compelling characters and gorgeously magical world-building. 

Firstly, Tor is back!!! I was a bit disappointed by how little he appeared in Cursed Crowns, so was pretty excited to finally see him again. And he didn’t let me down! His dynamics with Wren were just as deliciously swoon-worthy as before. 

But with the reappearance of our favourite grumpy King, Alarik (in all his brooding intensity) we see a bit of a love triangle beginning to form. I confess I was a little conflicted myself as I’ve come to love  both Alaric and Tor, but felt Wren made the right decision (for her.)

Wren’s inner turmoil was very interesting to explore, as her feelings for the Gevran King and his Beast Master wasn’t the only thing keeping the conflicted. The events that took place in Gevra still weigh heavily on her conscience (not least because she still hasn’t told Rose.)

For all the strife Wren and Rose have had the weather since finding one another, their sisterly bond hasn’t taken that many hits. So I was equal parts nervous and eager to see how the pair overcame this new dilemma, and see whether their still developing bond could withstand the storm that secrets and lies can cause. 

I won’t spoil things on that front, but I will say after pursuing different leads in an effort to thwart the danger their Queendom is in— their reunion was edge of your seat worthy. Shen, Rose’s love interest as in top form too (as was the rest of the ensemble cast.) 

Overall, a satisfyingly thrilling conclusion that has eager to get my hands on the two spin off novels Webber and Doyle are currently working on.

Also a huge thank you to Rachel Quinn and Electric Monkey for the finished copy.  




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