A Shadow Crown

The Halfling Saga, Book 2

By: Melissa Blair

Narrated by: Kyla Garcia

Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The highly anticipated second installment of the new adult fantasy saga that took BookTok by storm picks up where A Broken Blade left off.

To the kingdom, Keera is the king’s Blade, his most feared and trusted spy and assassin. But in the shadows, she works with Prince Killian and his Shadow—the dark, brooding Fae, Riven, who sets her blood on fire. Together, they plot to kill a tyrant king.

In Myrelinth, the lush, secret city of trees, Fae, Elves, and Halflings like Keera live in harmony. But Keera cannot escape her past: her crimes against her own people have followed her all the way to the Faeland. There is a traitor in their midst, and Keera is the top suspect.

Keera finds comfort in the allies that have become her family. She swore she would never open her heart again after a loss she barely survived. But she will soon find she has more to lose than she ever imagined.

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, A Shadow Crown is a tour-de-force high-fantasy novel with stunning world-building and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Listeners seeking more LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation in the fantasy realm will fall in love with the unforgettable cast of characters introduced in A Broken Blade, whose sagas are only beginning.

©2023 Melissa Blair (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Fantastic conspiracy theories

The turns and twists. I usually dont read books that are left open ended, but this one really caught and held my attention.

Questions answered

Although the MC seemed to linger in one spot for a long time similarly to the first book, it allowed the reader to imagine the world she was in which was more enjoyable in book 2. Like the first book, she spent quite a while in one place fighting her inner demons she had while attempting to acclimate to new surroundings. I typically don’t mind when a story settles a bit in one place as I tend to “see” the story in my mind if the author describes the scene well. At least with this second book, I enjoyed the longer time spent more than the first. Others may not enjoy books that go in that direction long. Sorry for the vague review, I don’t want to leave spoilers. The MC developed more and many questions were answered. There was a cliffhanger, but it wasn’t one that made you want to scream in frustration which is a plus.

Definitely take a chance on book 2

The first book was almost painful with the abusive love interest trope but this book corrected course and swept the reader up in its thrall. So glad I took a chance and read the second book of this series.

As with the first book, watching Kira grow emotionally and become mentally stronger was gut wrenching and heart warming. Well written and well performed.

Amazing story, a bit dragging in the middle but damn amazing

fair warning to anyone can read this one takes a lot longer to get going it's a while and I almost put it down but God please make sure you tough it out. everything completely is worth it in the end

So much tension and action

Keera has a lot on her plate in the present and still carries a heavy backstory. Nicely paced novel bringing the story forward. Looking forward to reading the final installment (I hope).

Loved the Book, Sad I Have to Wait for Another One

I loved this book, honestly. There are so many actually strong female characters, so many queer characters, so many POC characters. Is it my favorite fantasy novel? No. But it is thoroughly enjoyable. I found myself crying during one part of the story because it was so heartrending. I was so upset at the cliffhanger, because there is no third book for me to read yet. I would recommend this book to any adult fantasy lovers.

Highly recommended - TOG Vibbbeeesss

What a freaking ride. Book 2 picks up exactly where book 1 leaves off (so refresh yourself if you need to). The story continues to unravel all the questions left unanswered in book 1. The plot thickens with betrayals, twists and turns, and of course a war. I absolutely love Rivan! Why is he so perfect? I really hope to see more of their relationship unfold in book 3. Highly recommended, and the audio book is fireeeee.

An emotional adventure

Well-written with good world building. I was pulled in to the emotional journey and even shed an unexpected tear. Narration was much better than it was in the first book too. I’m looking forward to book 3!

Entertaining read

I enjoyed both books in the series! The storyline was what kept me going even if at times the writing could have been stronger. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy with badass FMC fighting to do the right thing against horrible odds.

1st book amazing, 2nd...

I absolutely loved the first book, pacing and slow burn romance was great, realistic with how she was dealing with things, strong main character.
The 2nd book is good too but there was a lot of flaws, fast paced, a bit confusing and all over, too much detail with the stuff that wasn't so important and the romance was a bit confusing and I'd say too easy with this one.. (spoilers ahead)
I wished before figuring out she had a "mate bond" with Riven things were explored more with Kilian. After keeping secrets from her and her temporary anger with Riven I think it would have been a good opportunity for her to grow closer to Kilian to make things a bit more interesting and not so easy as to find out she had this uncontrollable bond with Riven already sealing the deal very early on for us readers that this is it. And for Kilian to try and make a move afterwards, even seeing how close they were when Riven came back that was a bit awkward and uncomfortable, especially because she was also curious about how she felt about it when she has this incredible bond with someone else..
And as for the story, it was really detailed with things I felt were not important, but not so detailed and quick paced with the ending, things were a bit to easy and then Amon was already dead and suddenly Damien was actually the bad guy in the shadows all along. And it made it seem like Kira was incredibly powerful even with her powers sealed but once it wasn't sealed it pretty much seemed the same.. I know she healed Gwen but unlocked her gifts, her eyes were glowing which I guess was just that and it wasn't anything important, nor did Damien or anyone else notice in the end lol. Just felt like it was a rushed ending with things put together very quickly. Hoping the 3rd book can gather itself together! looking forward to it!