What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal & Piper #1
Shadow & Crown
Over a year ago, the Piper of HameLonn disappeared into myth and legend…
In the Kingdom of AhrenCairn, the late king’s sister watches jealously as his crown and conduit are passed to his young daughter. From now , Evalena vows, she will take what she has not been given.
Deep in the Southlands, a farmhand stumbles across a lost girl in an overgrown field and arranges shelter for her. Though she shares little about herself, Quirin knows Cal’s different from others. Unwilling to be entangled in someone else’s problems, Quirin tries to keep his distance from Cal, but as little incidents force them together, he begins to suspect she’s hiding a powerful secret.
Worse, Quirin’s pretty certain Cal knows he is too.
First of a new fantasy trilogy based on the legend of the Pied Piper.
In the Kingdom of AhrenCairn, the late king’s sister watches jealously as his crown and conduit are passed to his young daughter. From now , Evalena vows, she will take what she has not been given.
Deep in the Southlands, a farmhand stumbles across a lost girl in an overgrown field and arranges shelter for her. Though she shares little about herself, Quirin knows Cal’s different from others. Unwilling to be entangled in someone else’s problems, Quirin tries to keep his distance from Cal, but as little incidents force them together, he begins to suspect she’s hiding a powerful secret.
Worse, Quirin’s pretty certain Cal knows he is too.
First of a new fantasy trilogy based on the legend of the Pied Piper.
- GenresFantasy
328 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2023
2 people are currently reading
2372 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Tenenbaum
16 books69 followersE.L. Tenenbaum is an author, writer, wordsmither-er, and versificator. When not distracted building new worlds or puttering around her Substack, she enjoys presenting about writing, and has been a visiting author at schools around the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 29, 2024
SHADOW & CROWN is the first book in the Royal & Piper series. We meet Quirin and Cal, two people in the Southlands of the kingdom; a place neither of them actually belongs.
Told from three different perspectives, you get a completely rounded story and yet still full of intrigue. I don't know what the full story of Quirin yet (although I can guess the reasons) but he has been paying for his actions for a long time. Cal has so many doubts about her ability to be queen, especially when people's first comments are about her looks. I loved seeing her grow and become more confident in who she is. As for Evalena, well, the less said about her the better!
This story was gripping, keeping me in my seat until I had finished it. And that ending definitely left me wanting to continue their stories. Absolutely wonderful and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 24, 2024
Told from three different perspectives, you get a completely rounded story and yet still full of intrigue. I don't know what the full story of Quirin yet (although I can guess the reasons) but he has been paying for his actions for a long time. Cal has so many doubts about her ability to be queen, especially when people's first comments are about her looks. I loved seeing her grow and become more confident in who she is. As for Evalena, well, the less said about her the better!
This story was gripping, keeping me in my seat until I had finished it. And that ending definitely left me wanting to continue their stories. Absolutely wonderful and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 24, 2024
August 7, 2025
Slow but compelling
It's remarkable that this story is so compelling when so little actually happens in it. The two main characters are decidedly impotent for most of the book, and it is only a danger to a supporting character that motivates them to get a grip on their own power and decide to actually act.
Evalena is a great villain, though--the sort of person who makes excuses to herself for everything she does. But I can't help wondering how she thinks she can defeat someone with the kind of power CalRaina has already discovered she can wield. Cal may feel anxious and in danger, but is she really?
I do want to read the next book.
It's remarkable that this story is so compelling when so little actually happens in it. The two main characters are decidedly impotent for most of the book, and it is only a danger to a supporting character that motivates them to get a grip on their own power and decide to actually act.
Evalena is a great villain, though--the sort of person who makes excuses to herself for everything she does. But I can't help wondering how she thinks she can defeat someone with the kind of power CalRaina has already discovered she can wield. Cal may feel anxious and in danger, but is she really?
I do want to read the next book.
February 22, 2023
Tenenbaum creates complex characters who draw you into their lives. The new queen is not lovely or confident like the fairy tales say. One villain regrets his mistakes yet continues to reap the consequences. Another villain does evil in the name of good. You will cheer with hard-won victories and sigh at horrendous failures. This is not a “happily ever after” story. Instead it is a twisted tale that will suck you into its pages and take you on an adventure you’ll never forget.
Read
October 9, 2025A spellbinding reimagining of the Pied Piper legend, this novel masterfully blends myth, magic, and intrigue. With vivid worldbuilding, complex characters, and a slow-burning sense of mystery, it marks a captivating beginning to a new fantasy trilogy that will leave readers eager for more.
March 5, 2025
Welcome to a new world of magic and retold legends in this first book of a trilogy based on The Pied Piper!
Shadow & Crown is different from my previous books in that it's told in third person and through multiple perspectives, and is well-suited to Adult and Upper YA readers.
Join me behind the scenes to find out more about how the story was structured and the world was built: http://www.eltenenbaum.com/episode-ex...
Shadow & Crown is different from my previous books in that it's told in third person and through multiple perspectives, and is well-suited to Adult and Upper YA readers.
Join me behind the scenes to find out more about how the story was structured and the world was built: http://www.eltenenbaum.com/episode-ex...
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews