Review: The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye
The Crown’s Game is a debut novel from Evelyn Skye and I can’t recommend it enough if you are a fan of fantasy! This book will definitely be on my best of 2016 list! Pick it up today!
The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye
Category: Young Adult, Historical Fantasy
Publication: May 17th, 2016; Blazer & Bray
Purchase: Amazon
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.
Review:
[book rating=5/5]Set in Imperial Russia, The Crown’s Game is the story of Vika and Nikolai, two enchanters competing for the title of Imperial Enchanter and the most highly trusted adviser to the Tsar. When feelings get involved, and long forgotten secrets come to light this game turns anything but friendly. The Crown’s Game is not a game to lose because the only way to win the game is for either Vika or Nikolai to die! Herein lies the intrigue of this high stakes fantasy.
When Kelly first asked me if I wanted to review this book I thought it sounded unique so, why not? I usually open a book that I am given to review right before bed. I test out the first chapter then put it down to start “really reading it” the next day. HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER! It was SO good! I could not put this book down! I read the book in one sitting!
From the first page The Crown’s Game had me asking questions in a furious attempt to figure out its mysteries. I was turning pages, well swiping my screen on my kindle, furiously. I devoured this book and didn’t want it to end!
I am going to be very careful in writing this review because I do not want to give ANYTHING away! This book is an amazing story. I am not a history buff, but Evelyn Skye had me wishing I was there in Russia witnessing her story unfold firsthand. I thought she was a master at blending history and fantasy. Her writing is spellbinding, captivating, original, and she has the ability to write dark moments without the entire book feeling dreary.
It has been a long time since a book made my heart break, then taped it back together, then broke it again, then left me hopeful of what’s to come. Beyond all that, I was astounded to discover that this is Evelyn Skye’s debut novel! She is definitely a new author to keep your eye on. Also, I am very excited that this is book one of a duology; you can rest assured I will be first in line when the second part is released in 2017.
All in all I give this book a 5 out of 5! Love. Love. Love.
Happy Reading!
-T
