What do you think?
Fae Crown #2
A Crown for the Cursed
The crown that answers to blood isn’t one you want.
After Anova killed for the fae she thought she loved, she wakes to her worst nightmare. Her life is tied to the all-powerful blood crown. If she doesn’t destroy the cursed fae object before it’s too late, she’ll die.
Left with no allies, Anova is forced to turn to the enemy she never thought she the cruel and ambitious fae Hellmyr, son of the dead High King. She bargains away her hand in marriage for protection against her assassins. Luckily for her, Anova’s good at faking the part. Even if her heart betrays her.
But her time’s running thin, and the price for breaking the curse might just be worse. One way or another, blood will be spilled.
Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and ACOTAR, this fae romance has all the dark fairy tale vibes. For those who like enemies to lovers, witty banter, touch-her-and-die-ness, and fake engagements.
*NOTE this book is upper YA/NA featuring mature situations and some adult language. The romance is slow burn but leads to moderate spice.
As part of a series, this book ends on a cliffhanger.
After Anova killed for the fae she thought she loved, she wakes to her worst nightmare. Her life is tied to the all-powerful blood crown. If she doesn’t destroy the cursed fae object before it’s too late, she’ll die.
Left with no allies, Anova is forced to turn to the enemy she never thought she the cruel and ambitious fae Hellmyr, son of the dead High King. She bargains away her hand in marriage for protection against her assassins. Luckily for her, Anova’s good at faking the part. Even if her heart betrays her.
But her time’s running thin, and the price for breaking the curse might just be worse. One way or another, blood will be spilled.
Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and ACOTAR, this fae romance has all the dark fairy tale vibes. For those who like enemies to lovers, witty banter, touch-her-and-die-ness, and fake engagements.
*NOTE this book is upper YA/NA featuring mature situations and some adult language. The romance is slow burn but leads to moderate spice.
As part of a series, this book ends on a cliffhanger.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 11, 2023
First of all, I am RUINED. I absolutely need the next book in this series ASAP. Once I got into this book I seriously could not stop. It was all consuming for good reasons:
1. I never anticipated that there were ANY redeemable qualities about Hellmyr. I just didn't think that it was possible but as this story progressed, I actually fell in love with him. I love everything about him and the way he treats the FMC, even through her consistent lack of confidence in herself and making all the wrong decisions. Without marking any spoilers, I am devastated that their relationship took a turn and I am left at the edge of my seat DYING.
2. This book is not short of twists and turns that leave you with whiplash! I must admit that because of the unexpected twist in the story, I did lose interest about 50 - 75% of the way but it is completely personal because I was personally not happy with the way things turned out. Throughout the book, every chapter almost like a new adventure nicely incorporated into the story so it all makes sense and is cohesive. Even with my unhappiness at the turn of events, I appreciate that the characters feel real and they have their flaws.
I cannot get out of this review without stating this:
spoiler:
1. I never anticipated that there were ANY redeemable qualities about Hellmyr. I just didn't think that it was possible but as this story progressed, I actually fell in love with him. I love everything about him and the way he treats the FMC, even through her consistent lack of confidence in herself and making all the wrong decisions. Without marking any spoilers, I am devastated that their relationship took a turn and I am left at the edge of my seat DYING.
2. This book is not short of twists and turns that leave you with whiplash! I must admit that because of the unexpected twist in the story, I did lose interest about 50 - 75% of the way but it is completely personal because I was personally not happy with the way things turned out. Throughout the book, every chapter almost like a new adventure nicely incorporated into the story so it all makes sense and is cohesive. Even with my unhappiness at the turn of events, I appreciate that the characters feel real and they have their flaws.
I cannot get out of this review without stating this:
spoiler:
October 23, 2023
This is a thrilling continuation of this series. I love that the book picks up right where book one left us, and definitely, will keep you turning pages all the way to the end. It is a great read for fantasy lovers, especially fae and magic readers. No, smut, so ya, appropriate read.
October 19, 2023
Joy always starts her books so pronounced and suspenseful, she hooks me immediately! With the ending of the previous book being quite the cliffhanger, I wasn't expecting the drama to continue right off the bat, but it did. It's one of those; sucking in my breath, biting on my lips and making me want to fall into the book, which I actually do, as she reels me in, hook, line and sinker. Come on, what's NOT to want more of? We begin this journey with Avona fighting for her life, against a Fae no less! See???? Adrenaline rush at the onset!
Avona can't seem to keep out of trouble, each time she thinks she's escaped the Fae, she's forced/lured/coerced back. Now that the blood Crown has chosen her, there are those who would end her, those that would use her but her ultimate goal is to rid herself and the world of it's vileness. Betrayed , confused with who to trust, all the while trying to assuage the effects of the crown, all the while trying to understand the crazy relationship between herself and Hellmyr and Leander, well, that's enough to drive anyone over the precipice! But she hangs on, fingers, teeth and any means and that's what I love about her. When it all looks like it's gone to hell in a basket, she persists, she looks for another way. Incredible MC, so likeable and strong, a complete, real person.As with all of Joy's books, don't expect a clear cut hero or heroine. No siree, her characters are like a rose, one side is soft and fragrant, the other thorny and sharp. My biggest surprise came from Hellmyr, a character who evoked such revulsion in me in the previous book, is unravelled, revealed and what I saw, my goodness, I loved!
This is the most engaging and convoluted plot, nothing is as it seems, no one is as they seem. With all the twists, extremely unexpected twists, I was on a precipice, barely hanging on to MY sanity, I went through everything Avona did, sympathised with her, empathised for her, as we both hung precariously by the tips of our fingers. The truly genius part of this story is the author herself, her prowess at building this very complex world, so rich in every way, her characters stand out superbly, I loved them, I loathed them, and loved them all over again. This was a heart in throat book through most of it, a story I enjoyed immensely and the next book couldn't come fast enough!
Avona can't seem to keep out of trouble, each time she thinks she's escaped the Fae, she's forced/lured/coerced back. Now that the blood Crown has chosen her, there are those who would end her, those that would use her but her ultimate goal is to rid herself and the world of it's vileness. Betrayed , confused with who to trust, all the while trying to assuage the effects of the crown, all the while trying to understand the crazy relationship between herself and Hellmyr and Leander, well, that's enough to drive anyone over the precipice! But she hangs on, fingers, teeth and any means and that's what I love about her. When it all looks like it's gone to hell in a basket, she persists, she looks for another way. Incredible MC, so likeable and strong, a complete, real person.As with all of Joy's books, don't expect a clear cut hero or heroine. No siree, her characters are like a rose, one side is soft and fragrant, the other thorny and sharp. My biggest surprise came from Hellmyr, a character who evoked such revulsion in me in the previous book, is unravelled, revealed and what I saw, my goodness, I loved!
This is the most engaging and convoluted plot, nothing is as it seems, no one is as they seem. With all the twists, extremely unexpected twists, I was on a precipice, barely hanging on to MY sanity, I went through everything Avona did, sympathised with her, empathised for her, as we both hung precariously by the tips of our fingers. The truly genius part of this story is the author herself, her prowess at building this very complex world, so rich in every way, her characters stand out superbly, I loved them, I loathed them, and loved them all over again. This was a heart in throat book through most of it, a story I enjoyed immensely and the next book couldn't come fast enough!
October 10, 2023
When I first dove into this book, I was expecting to finish it as a 4-4.2 star read based on the strength of the writing, but the twists and turns throughout the story (and the emotional chokehold that it maintained on me throughout) bumped it enough for me by the end that I'm going to just go ahead and round up my rating.
To be perfectly honest, at the start of this book, I was outraged on behalf of one of my favorite characters from the first book, because the way that they were written early on felt like a character assassination and a betrayal of what I knew of them from the previous book. Hellmyr, a character that I absolutely could not stand from the first book, moved to the forefront of the story, and Anova was strung along through a fake marriage plot.
But then, I kept reading. Hellmyr, I don't despise quite so much now; I'm thankful I got to understand him better. I actually kind of like him now that I understand his motivations and history more. Anova took charge of her own life and dug deep to overcome the obstacles in her way. And boy, oh boy, the plot twist that was the reason behind the emotional whiplash of my previously mentioned favorite character made it all make sense in a way I never would have expected. The author really got me with this one, and I can't stop chuckling at the strength of the emotions I felt throughout my read.
There were so many artfully-done twists in this book that left me giddy and had me reacting out loud (I'm usually a very controlled/poker-faced reader, so that's saying something). I consumed this entire novel in less than 12 hours because I quite literally could not put it down. The writing felt fluid in this novel, and the pacing felt consistent. I did have to get my bearings regarding where the story began in relation to where the previous novel ended, but that is more of an "I need to orient myself as a reader" thing than a writing thing. So, to the author of this series, thank you for your artful emotional manipulation throughout this story; I am SO looking forward to reading what happens next!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
To be perfectly honest, at the start of this book, I was outraged on behalf of one of my favorite characters from the first book, because the way that they were written early on felt like a character assassination and a betrayal of what I knew of them from the previous book. Hellmyr, a character that I absolutely could not stand from the first book, moved to the forefront of the story, and Anova was strung along through a fake marriage plot.
But then, I kept reading. Hellmyr, I don't despise quite so much now; I'm thankful I got to understand him better. I actually kind of like him now that I understand his motivations and history more. Anova took charge of her own life and dug deep to overcome the obstacles in her way. And boy, oh boy, the plot twist that was the reason behind the emotional whiplash of my previously mentioned favorite character made it all make sense in a way I never would have expected. The author really got me with this one, and I can't stop chuckling at the strength of the emotions I felt throughout my read.
There were so many artfully-done twists in this book that left me giddy and had me reacting out loud (I'm usually a very controlled/poker-faced reader, so that's saying something). I consumed this entire novel in less than 12 hours because I quite literally could not put it down. The writing felt fluid in this novel, and the pacing felt consistent. I did have to get my bearings regarding where the story began in relation to where the previous novel ended, but that is more of an "I need to orient myself as a reader" thing than a writing thing. So, to the author of this series, thank you for your artful emotional manipulation throughout this story; I am SO looking forward to reading what happens next!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
![Profile Image for Yves V.H. [Slow reading].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1768806067i/170151541._UY200_CR6,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 20, 2023
This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
It was an emotional ride following Anova’s journey to free herself from the Blood Crown. Her decisions sometimes are questionable and sometimes annoyed me. I wish there was more scenes with her and Cadmus although the building of love triangle with Hellymr plus the slow-burn was the right amount of romance in this book. I am very annoyed with one particular character that really tested me while reading this book (series). They are a selfish prick. 🙄
The plot overall...a lot happened. Like...A LOT. There isn't just one problem and there isn't just one fix for it. And new problems arises too. As I was reading, I am wondering how Anova will ever fix all of it but in the end, she managed to find solutions to those problems...at least most of it. Which makes it more intriguing and now I can't wait for the next book 💚 Anova is a strong female lead, a bery determined character so she could save not only herself but also those she cares about.
🌸 Recieved a copy form the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own
It was an emotional ride following Anova’s journey to free herself from the Blood Crown. Her decisions sometimes are questionable and sometimes annoyed me. I wish there was more scenes with her and Cadmus although the building of love triangle with Hellymr plus the slow-burn was the right amount of romance in this book. I am very annoyed with one particular character that really tested me while reading this book (series). They are a selfish prick. 🙄
The plot overall...a lot happened. Like...A LOT. There isn't just one problem and there isn't just one fix for it. And new problems arises too. As I was reading, I am wondering how Anova will ever fix all of it but in the end, she managed to find solutions to those problems...at least most of it. Which makes it more intriguing and now I can't wait for the next book 💚 Anova is a strong female lead, a bery determined character so she could save not only herself but also those she cares about.
🌸 Recieved a copy form the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own
October 27, 2023
I have to give it to the author because there are many twists and turns in this book. I think Anova goes in so many directions that I'm still not sure who she's supposed to trust.
A couple of the betrayals were predictable - Sera and Lycasta. I just don't know how I feel about Cadmus being brought back to life. He made the sacrifice for her but then it felt forced that Anova in turn died for him.
I know it's no accident that I'm more interested in Hell and his story. I think Hell needs a romantic interest to mix things up a bit. These two fae males obsessed with Anova takes away from the chemistry.
And I'm over the Blood Crown - it's repetitive how many times it's mentioned that it's a part of her and how she can't take it off. It is the main dilemma but the turn of every page just dwells on - they don't want me, they want the crown. Anova became annoying. Now that Anova is fae maybe the plot can go in a new direction.
Last thing, there's no spice in this. It's very slow burn. I think this could be kicked up a notch or two.
A worthwhile read and I'm definitely staying tuned!
A couple of the betrayals were predictable - Sera and Lycasta. I just don't know how I feel about Cadmus being brought back to life. He made the sacrifice for her but then it felt forced that Anova in turn died for him.
I know it's no accident that I'm more interested in Hell and his story. I think Hell needs a romantic interest to mix things up a bit. These two fae males obsessed with Anova takes away from the chemistry.
And I'm over the Blood Crown - it's repetitive how many times it's mentioned that it's a part of her and how she can't take it off. It is the main dilemma but the turn of every page just dwells on - they don't want me, they want the crown. Anova became annoying. Now that Anova is fae maybe the plot can go in a new direction.
Last thing, there's no spice in this. It's very slow burn. I think this could be kicked up a notch or two.
A worthwhile read and I'm definitely staying tuned!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
This book has everything you need. A cursed crown, betrayal, fake dating, slow burn love triangle, magic, and so much more. Joy Lewis has woven a web of twists and turns that will hold your attention hostage the entire book.
A human is not meant to bear the weight of the blood crown and it is slowly killing Anova. Not only is it killing her, but all of Fae either wants to kill her for the power of the blood crown, or to destroy its power once and for all. With nowhere left to turn, she makes a deal with the enemy. But will it be enough? And what is she willing to sacrifice along the way?
Everyone in this story has their own agenda, and it was so much fun to watch everything play out. I'm still a little sad I was rooting for the wrong person. Sigh. But it was such a fun read for me regardless. The second book was, in my opinion, even better than the first which I also loved. You need this book in your life!
A human is not meant to bear the weight of the blood crown and it is slowly killing Anova. Not only is it killing her, but all of Fae either wants to kill her for the power of the blood crown, or to destroy its power once and for all. With nowhere left to turn, she makes a deal with the enemy. But will it be enough? And what is she willing to sacrifice along the way?
Everyone in this story has their own agenda, and it was so much fun to watch everything play out. I'm still a little sad I was rooting for the wrong person. Sigh. But it was such a fun read for me regardless. The second book was, in my opinion, even better than the first which I also loved. You need this book in your life!
October 22, 2023
I feel lost. I don’t know what to do now. I just want to be with these characters again. I’ve really enjoyed these books so far, and will definitely be continuing the rest. Once again, it did give me ACOTAR but also TOG vibes which is never bad, and it wasn’t an exact replica of the storyline in those books which is good. Everything was done right. The tension and romance between **spoilers** Hellmyr and Anova **no spoilers** was honestly to die for. I loved their relationship, almost too much. Which is the only downside. I started feeling less for Cadmus and more for the other romantic interest, although i did start to dislike him towards the end, im not fully with Cadmus yet. Which means the romance between those two can’t fully ensnare me and my feelings if that makes sense?
October 28, 2023
Well this book definitely stepped up the quality from the last! I enjoyed the last but had some criticisms, but this one was much more gripping. The amount of twists and turns and surprises was insane, and I'm very impressed it managed to maintain the fast-paced action throughout the whole book. Several times I was expecting a typical/cliché outcome and it went in the opposite direction so it was nice to be surprised.
My only real issue is that Juras was mostly ignored in this book, as I was hoping he was going to feature more after a few brief scenes in the last book, but I guess there'll be a role for him by the end as right now he seems like a fairly irrelevant side character.
But overall I really enjoyed this book and read it in nearly one sitting!
*ARC review*
My only real issue is that Juras was mostly ignored in this book, as I was hoping he was going to feature more after a few brief scenes in the last book, but I guess there'll be a role for him by the end as right now he seems like a fairly irrelevant side character.
But overall I really enjoyed this book and read it in nearly one sitting!
*ARC review*
October 20, 2023
I love how Anova truly tries to think everything she does through and spends the whole book trying to accomplish everything on her own terms. I was holding my breath for half this book because I wanted my happy ending and had no idea how Anova was going to get there (I still don’t🥲). With that being said this book still had a great deal of romance and mystery and still followed the main storyline from the first book wonderfully. My heart was being tugged every which way in this book and I absolutely can’t wait for the next book! I hope this series begins to get the recognition it deserves!
October 29, 2023
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I remember being an ARC reader for the first book so when I saw this one coming out, I knew I had to read it!
I loved that this book picked up right where the first left off. You definitely get to experience more of the world this time around, which I loved. I feel like this book really helped us get to know Anova better and seeing her character evolve is awesome. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series and where Joy will take us next!
I remember being an ARC reader for the first book so when I saw this one coming out, I knew I had to read it!
I loved that this book picked up right where the first left off. You definitely get to experience more of the world this time around, which I loved. I feel like this book really helped us get to know Anova better and seeing her character evolve is awesome. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series and where Joy will take us next!
April 22, 2024
Nope, not going to read the third book. Run on sentences, scenes that don’t logically end and then jump to another. Not sure how Anova got from the floor of the cage at first faking it then choking and then having all the energy in the world banging in the glass. There was no transition to her movements. Also, still can’t see how Cadmus and Anora fell in love. Think these parts were just missing from my kindle version. I really wanted to count how many times her name, Anova, was written in one chapter and then the book. Would have been better written in first person format.
October 17, 2023
This book passed any expectations I had, the fact that it wasn’t just romance driven but had all sorts of adventure and troubles that she had to get through, the strength she got. I absolutely loved it all
November 18, 2024
There was too little romance build up to ship Anova with Cadmus in book 1 and it didn't get better with this one. A major part of this book is the start of a romance between Anova and Hellmyr and I had so much more fun with it. I don't get why she is still so hung up on Cadmus.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and story but I have to deduct a star for how fast the relationships developed. With a little more time for them to naturally occur they wouldn’t have come off as forced. But I did thoroughly enjoy this and will be rushing to read the next one as I am hooked on the story.
Read
July 15, 2023fake marriage to hellmayr !? girl wheres leander
October 20, 2023
The journey continues with Anova and Leander with many twists and turns in the plot. The characters in this story are quite interesting and relatable.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 24, 2023
Absolutely love reading this series. I am so looking forward to the next story in the series. I love the characters and how the story is written.
January 5, 2024
Very hard to follow. So many turns and never know where she stood or what would happen. The main character became very unlikable by the end
January 20, 2024
The writing was a lot better than the first book. It was however hard to keep up with all the twist and turns. It did remind me of Acotar.
March 7, 2024
This one was much better, I have to be honest, I was definitely Team Hell and I'm a bit irritated that the ending is different.
Still, I liked it ;)
Still, I liked it ;)
April 5, 2024
LISTEN
THE ENDING?????? MY HEART. The beginning was a little on the slower side but I really do love the evolution of this story
THE ENDING?????? MY HEART. The beginning was a little on the slower side but I really do love the evolution of this story
September 13, 2024
can’t tell if i love or hate this series. i just feel like it was so confusing in the beginning and things kinda happened out of nowhere but i am excited to see where the 3rd book leads
October 21, 2023
What an exceptional book 2! I was so excited to read it to continue on with this adventure! At some points it totally gave ACOTAR vibes and I am not hating on it! From the plot twists and turns to that shift in romance once again I am in awe. This story is to enchanting, I feel so connected to the characters. I am wondering what will happen next and am dreading the wait. If you like plot twists and betrayal and romance and magic, then thus series is for you.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews