A Shadow Crown

The Halfling Saga, Book 2

By: Melissa Blair

Narrated by: Kyla Garcia

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

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.

oh my god this series is so underated!!!!

I love the characters so much. This whole world is written so well! the twists amd turns gave my whiplash in a good way!!!! I can't wait to read the next book😍

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.

Captivating

This was even better than the first! I’m so glad Keera got to know Nikolai, Syrra and the others more. Each character shine and their unique relationships with Keera shined even more. I feel like I got to see Keera’s character develop more in this book, along with her relationship with Riven. The changing settings and twists along the journey and that ending!! I can’t wait to pick up the third book. This is becoming one of my favorite series of all time. The depth and detail to characters and their struggles, wins and losses are what really add to the story.

Better than the first 😊

I thought the first book was fine, but it took a bit to get into. However, with this book, I knew the characters, understood the world it takes place in, and was invested in the story line. This book was captivating and I know I will read the rest of the series! Also, the narrator is fantastic! I believe narrators can make or break a book, and I would listen to this gal any day!

Incredible Sequel

This was an incredible sequel. All of my favorite characters just got better. Some additional characters joined my favorites list. And the world building was just 🤌🤌

A Shadow Crown did not hit as much action as A Broken Blade but more than made up for it with the political intrigue.

Very excited to continue on with this series.

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!

Story line plot

I liked the action, and mystery in the book. It kept me wondering what was going to happen, or who specific characters may turn out to be. The pace was a little slow to build up to the reveal of the main plot. It was an enjoyable and action packed read.