Author: Evelyn Skye
Series: Book One in the Crown's Game Series
Published By: Balzer & Bray (May 17, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Historical/Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Book Description:
Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.
And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.
Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?
For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.
And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love... or be killed himself.
As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear... the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.
I'm going to be completely upfront with this review and start by saying this book has a lot of elements, from some of my most beloved YA series but at the same time, it is unique and holds its own.
Set in an almost historic Russia with magic at the surface and a deadly game at the heart, this was a non-stop, heart pounding fun fantasy that was hard to put down.
Fast paced, detail oriented, and with just a hint or romance, this truly was everything I was hoping it would be.
With an ending that left me breathless and wanting more, this is one series that is sure to tease, please, and leave those reading on edge for more.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
I'm honestly not sure about this one yet. I'm scared to even try it out because none of the hyped titles this year have worked for me. And this one was so hyped even before people had read the book, I'm wary. I'm glad that it worked for you though, Ali, even though it wasn't the most unique YA book.
ReplyDeleteLovely review! :)
I don't blame you Nick, I feel that way some years which is why I usually hold off as well, hence, my huge summer to read list this year. ;)
DeleteI'm glad you loved this one, Ali. It sure hasn't been getting some pleasant feedbacks as of late.
ReplyDeleteI know. :( I think it is because it isn't quite as action packed as a lot of people thought and the romance is pretty non-existent but if you look past that it is pretty good.
DeleteI’m so weary about Russian inspired books, Ali. Sometimes authors don’t do their research and made a poor representation of my culture. I hope this is not the case here, but I’ve been burned so many times that I’m too afraid to pick up this book.
ReplyDeleteI can completely understand that Ksensia! I honestly am not sure how well they did, hopefully not terrible for a native!
DeleteOoo great review! I'm dying to read this one. The setting of Russia sounds so fascinating to me since I haven't read many books set in Russia. I'm glad this was so good for you! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin, I did love the setting!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this one, I've been looking for really good historical fiction, and this may be just it!! Great Review!!
ReplyDeleteTori @InToriLex
I do hope you like it. It is a fantasy world too so keep that in mind. ;)
DeleteOmg, a Ruined review and now one for Crown's Game?? I am too excited for these titles and I loved reading your reviews!
ReplyDeleteThank you and I really do hope these don't disappoint. ;)
DeleteGreat review Kindlemom. I love the cover and the premise and may add this one to my list!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Debbie!
DeleteSounds like a great start to a series!! Glad you enjoyed this one so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks, me too. ;)
DeleteI'm so glad this book was everything you wanted it to be! It sounds like it was a super worth while read with all of the heart pounding action! I just wish there was more of a romance element, but I need to just stop being a PICKY. ;)
ReplyDeleteI actually did as well if that helps. ;) Maybe in book two.
DeleteI love this cover. I also love the idea of historic Russia with magic. I see that some people are calling this a "buzz book" as I live under a YA rock, I haven't heard of it. I might try it at some point. I am very picky about YA. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
A lot of people have high expectations for it even though it hasn't released yet, hence all the buzz. ;) I have been getting pickier about mine as well so I don't blame you at all!
DeleteI love the rich history of Russia, as you already know :)
ReplyDeleteYes! ;)
DeleteOh man, Crowns Game sounds fantastic :D I love historical fiction; especially with a setting in Russia! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what appealed to me too. ;)
DeleteI was curious about this one and I'm so glad it delivered. Might have to add it to my wishlist.
ReplyDelete;)
DeleteThis is on my pile to read soon. I'm so glad to see you loved it!
ReplyDeleteI really hope you do as well Candace.
DeleteI don't blame you at all Nick. ;)
ReplyDeleteMmmh, this is right up my alley!! It better not disappoint! Also, I bought Also Known As, and you're quoted inside the book!!! Wohoo, you're awesome!
ReplyDeleteWait, I am? That is awesome! I had no idea!
DeleteSounds intriguing but I have so many books to read already.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya, it is hard to pick and choose sometimes.
DeleteI'm glad you liked this one! It does sound really good, and I'm quite curious! It's not usually the "genre" or type of book I pick up right away, but we'll see.
ReplyDeleteYeah you do sort of need to like the genre but it would be a good first foray into it at any rate if you do decide to give it a try.
DeleteAnd is it a Russian setting/inspired too? I want!
ReplyDeleteYes most definitely. I loved the author's note at the end about the setting and background for the characters. ;)
DeleteOoh, this one has been on my TBR list. Now I know I have to read it.
ReplyDeleteSimply Angela
I really hope you love it too.
DeleteYay, I'm so happy to hear you loved this Ali!! I can't wait to read this and hope I love it as much. :)
ReplyDeleteI really hope you do as well. ;)
DeleteI'm reading this now - love it. Do I detect a love triangle, lol. We'll see ;)
DeleteYou'll see. ;) I hope you like it!
Delete*sigh* I have this one too, but still not sure if I want to read it quite yet. I've been doing this with a few YA fantasies lately.
ReplyDeleteThere is a cliffhanger so I can see waiting. ;)
DeleteWow how did I miss this..I love stories set in historical Russia. Lovely review Ali!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim!
DeleteSounds exciting! Yay for it managing to have a uniqueness to it even though it had a lot of familiar elements :)
ReplyDeleteIt is nice when that happens. ;)
Delete