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Shadows of a Crown
An exciting new fantasy series from bestselling authors M. Lynn and Melissa A. Craven begins here with a story of prophecy, hidden identities, and forbidden romance.
Before the dawn of a new age can begin, the old one must die.
An empire will crumble. And a champion will lose.
It’s the same every millennia when the cycle of prophecy begins anew. One by one, the kingdoms of Teitora fall to the words of a book written long ago.
Samara, knows nothing of her past. Orphaned among the servants of the Covenant of Morimei in their isolated city of caves, her mission is theirs. To guide the empire through the next cycle of prophecies and prevent the complete destruction of the world.
After a vicious attack, Samara and her best friend Zak—who is equally unaware of his own crucial role in the prophecies—flee the aftermath, embarking on a perilous journey across the ocean to the distant kingdom of Doragune. There, the recurring prophecy awaits as the new cycle begins.
Zak and Samara's journey is fraught with danger as rebels relentlessly pursue them for the coveted book of prophecies—a key to the fate of their world—now dismissed by many as a powerless relic of the past.
When they reach their destination, a familiar princess and her beguiling guard have a proposition. An alliance, of sorts. One that is likely to get them killed and jeopardize a future less certain than the book of prophecies would have them believe.
Join Samara, Odessa, Zak, and Gideon as they navigate the ancient fates, fall in love, and battle each other to be the ones standing when the Kingdom comes crumbling down.
Before the dawn of a new age can begin, the old one must die.
An empire will crumble. And a champion will lose.
It’s the same every millennia when the cycle of prophecy begins anew. One by one, the kingdoms of Teitora fall to the words of a book written long ago.
Samara, knows nothing of her past. Orphaned among the servants of the Covenant of Morimei in their isolated city of caves, her mission is theirs. To guide the empire through the next cycle of prophecies and prevent the complete destruction of the world.
After a vicious attack, Samara and her best friend Zak—who is equally unaware of his own crucial role in the prophecies—flee the aftermath, embarking on a perilous journey across the ocean to the distant kingdom of Doragune. There, the recurring prophecy awaits as the new cycle begins.
Zak and Samara's journey is fraught with danger as rebels relentlessly pursue them for the coveted book of prophecies—a key to the fate of their world—now dismissed by many as a powerless relic of the past.
When they reach their destination, a familiar princess and her beguiling guard have a proposition. An alliance, of sorts. One that is likely to get them killed and jeopardize a future less certain than the book of prophecies would have them believe.
Join Samara, Odessa, Zak, and Gideon as they navigate the ancient fates, fall in love, and battle each other to be the ones standing when the Kingdom comes crumbling down.
- GenresFantasyFantasy Romance
262 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2024
57 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
M. Lynn
57 books408 followersMichelle MacQueen is a USA Today bestselling author of love. Yes, love. Whether it be YA romance, NA romance, or fantasy romance (Under M. Lynn), she loves to make readers swoon.
The great loves of her life to this point are two tiny blond creatures who call her "aunt" and proclaim her books to be "boring books" for their lack of pictures. Yet, somehow, she still manages to love them more than chocolate.
When she's not sharing her inexhaustible wisdom with her niece and nephew, Michelle is usually lounging in her ridiculously large bean bag chair creating worlds and characters that remind her to smile every day - even when a feisty five-year-old is telling her just how much she doesn't know.
The great loves of her life to this point are two tiny blond creatures who call her "aunt" and proclaim her books to be "boring books" for their lack of pictures. Yet, somehow, she still manages to love them more than chocolate.
When she's not sharing her inexhaustible wisdom with her niece and nephew, Michelle is usually lounging in her ridiculously large bean bag chair creating worlds and characters that remind her to smile every day - even when a feisty five-year-old is telling her just how much she doesn't know.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 13, 2025
(4,5 ☆)
"A castle crowned in gold under a cerulean sky will be laid to waste should the second-born daughter refuse to die."
The book of prophecies can only be read by its keeper, but even to that person it's hard to interpret its messages. Now there seems to be a new cycle of prophecies on the way, but after a vicious attack on Jinpoli the keeper of the book is killed, along with almost the entire population of the island. Samara and Zak manages to escape and get to the kingdom of Doragune. There they find Odessa, Crown Princess and heir of Teitora and Doragune. Soon their lives will intertwine in ways neither of them could have foreseen.
An interesting and promising start for a new series by a couple of my favorite authors! Full of prophecies, hidden identities and forbidden romance - although the romance part is barely brushed at in this book. We get the POV's of Odessa, Samara and Zak, but another important character is Gideon, one of Odessa's guards. So far I'm liking the guys more than the girls. Both Odessa and Samara are stubborn and impulsive, and the consequences are sometimes very frustrating. The book of prophecies turns out to have a life of its own, which offers some fun scenes!
The book has short chapters, and together with several POV's it's easy to read "just one more chapter", because you want to know what is happening when you leave one character for another. A nice "trick" by the authors and I'm looking forward to reading the continuation!
* I received an ARC through Booksprout and I'm giving my honest review. *
"A castle crowned in gold under a cerulean sky will be laid to waste should the second-born daughter refuse to die."
The book of prophecies can only be read by its keeper, but even to that person it's hard to interpret its messages. Now there seems to be a new cycle of prophecies on the way, but after a vicious attack on Jinpoli the keeper of the book is killed, along with almost the entire population of the island. Samara and Zak manages to escape and get to the kingdom of Doragune. There they find Odessa, Crown Princess and heir of Teitora and Doragune. Soon their lives will intertwine in ways neither of them could have foreseen.
An interesting and promising start for a new series by a couple of my favorite authors! Full of prophecies, hidden identities and forbidden romance - although the romance part is barely brushed at in this book. We get the POV's of Odessa, Samara and Zak, but another important character is Gideon, one of Odessa's guards. So far I'm liking the guys more than the girls. Both Odessa and Samara are stubborn and impulsive, and the consequences are sometimes very frustrating. The book of prophecies turns out to have a life of its own, which offers some fun scenes!
The book has short chapters, and together with several POV's it's easy to read "just one more chapter", because you want to know what is happening when you leave one character for another. A nice "trick" by the authors and I'm looking forward to reading the continuation!
* I received an ARC through Booksprout and I'm giving my honest review. *
March 10, 2025
I received an eARC of this book via the authors. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Shadows of a Crown by M. Lynn, Melissa A. Craven is the first book in a new YA epic fantasy series, The Falling Kingdoms, which follows four unlikely heroes as they traverse the kingdoms to stop the prophecy before it can start. The book opens with two girls at opposite ends of the kingdom, one a princess about to take the crown and the other an orphan on a remote isle. When the prophecy is set into motion, their worlds will collide.
Samara is an orphan raised in the Covenant of Morimei on a remote island with only the Brothers for company. She longs for adventure and to see the world. She is cunning, and her trust doesn’t come easy. Her best friend, and the only other person close to her age, is Zak. Zak is the apprentice of the Keeper of the Book of Prophecy. Only the Keeper can read the book, so to be his apprentice is fairly boring…or so he thinks. While Samara longs for adventure, Zak is perfectly content learning what he can from the Brothers.
On the other side of Doragune, the shadow crown has chosen Odessa. It will mark her reign as one with trouble and strife. Normally headstrong and a natural born leader, this shakes Odessa. She becomes withdrawn and subdued. Gideon, the leader of her Chosen, sees it and challenges her to rise above. A part of her guard and longtime friend, he knows that if the shadow crown chose her, she is the one to meet the challenges that come with it.
This book really sets the stage for the entire series, introducing us to the key players and what is at stake. I loved how it was laid out. The catalyst for Samara and Zak to leave their isle is heartbreaking, but it is also what begins the next cycle. It is up to Samara, Zak, Odessa, and Gideon to either stop it or ensure their people survive to see the next one.
Overall, I really enjoyed Shadows of a Crown. While the romance hasn’t started yet, there are hints of what is to come. The world-building and character introduction take a front seat, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of it. The magical system is easy to understand and follow. And the Book of Prophecy is a hoot, almost a character itself. If you are a fan of Wheel of Time or epic fantasies, I highly recommend it.
Shadows of a Crown by M. Lynn, Melissa A. Craven is the first book in a new YA epic fantasy series, The Falling Kingdoms, which follows four unlikely heroes as they traverse the kingdoms to stop the prophecy before it can start. The book opens with two girls at opposite ends of the kingdom, one a princess about to take the crown and the other an orphan on a remote isle. When the prophecy is set into motion, their worlds will collide.
Samara is an orphan raised in the Covenant of Morimei on a remote island with only the Brothers for company. She longs for adventure and to see the world. She is cunning, and her trust doesn’t come easy. Her best friend, and the only other person close to her age, is Zak. Zak is the apprentice of the Keeper of the Book of Prophecy. Only the Keeper can read the book, so to be his apprentice is fairly boring…or so he thinks. While Samara longs for adventure, Zak is perfectly content learning what he can from the Brothers.
On the other side of Doragune, the shadow crown has chosen Odessa. It will mark her reign as one with trouble and strife. Normally headstrong and a natural born leader, this shakes Odessa. She becomes withdrawn and subdued. Gideon, the leader of her Chosen, sees it and challenges her to rise above. A part of her guard and longtime friend, he knows that if the shadow crown chose her, she is the one to meet the challenges that come with it.
This book really sets the stage for the entire series, introducing us to the key players and what is at stake. I loved how it was laid out. The catalyst for Samara and Zak to leave their isle is heartbreaking, but it is also what begins the next cycle. It is up to Samara, Zak, Odessa, and Gideon to either stop it or ensure their people survive to see the next one.
Overall, I really enjoyed Shadows of a Crown. While the romance hasn’t started yet, there are hints of what is to come. The world-building and character introduction take a front seat, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of it. The magical system is easy to understand and follow. And the Book of Prophecy is a hoot, almost a character itself. If you are a fan of Wheel of Time or epic fantasies, I highly recommend it.
April 12, 2025
"Before the dawn of a new age can begin, the old one must die." And wow—what a way to kick off a series.
Shadows of a Crown is everything I crave in a fantasy: sweeping prophecies, dragons lurking behind ancient secrets, hidden identities that actually surprise you, and a forbidden romance that simmers beneath the surface of all the danger. M. Lynn and Melissa A. Craven are a dream team when it comes to building epic worlds, and this book proves it.
The world itself feels alive—layered with history, tension, and mystery. From the moment the story begins, you can feel something big is coming. And just when you think you know where things are headed... nope. Plot twists. Secrets. DRAGONS.
The characters? Perfection. Bold, complex, and completely compelling. Each one has a strong backstory, a clear goal, and motivations that make sense—even when they clash. They’re the kind of characters who act, who make risky decisions, and who refuse to sit on the sidelines. I couldn’t help but root for them, yell at them, and occasionally want to throw the book (lovingly) because of them.
Also: the romance? Forbidden and so good. The slow burn tension, the emotional stakes, the impossible choices? It adds just the right amount of heart without overpowering the main storyline.
This is just the beginning of the series, and already I’m fully invested. If you love fast-paced fantasy with rich world-building, fierce characters, ancient prophecies, and the kind of secrets that keep you flipping pages late into the night—Shadows of a Crown is calling your name.
Shadows of a Crown is everything I crave in a fantasy: sweeping prophecies, dragons lurking behind ancient secrets, hidden identities that actually surprise you, and a forbidden romance that simmers beneath the surface of all the danger. M. Lynn and Melissa A. Craven are a dream team when it comes to building epic worlds, and this book proves it.
The world itself feels alive—layered with history, tension, and mystery. From the moment the story begins, you can feel something big is coming. And just when you think you know where things are headed... nope. Plot twists. Secrets. DRAGONS.
The characters? Perfection. Bold, complex, and completely compelling. Each one has a strong backstory, a clear goal, and motivations that make sense—even when they clash. They’re the kind of characters who act, who make risky decisions, and who refuse to sit on the sidelines. I couldn’t help but root for them, yell at them, and occasionally want to throw the book (lovingly) because of them.
Also: the romance? Forbidden and so good. The slow burn tension, the emotional stakes, the impossible choices? It adds just the right amount of heart without overpowering the main storyline.
This is just the beginning of the series, and already I’m fully invested. If you love fast-paced fantasy with rich world-building, fierce characters, ancient prophecies, and the kind of secrets that keep you flipping pages late into the night—Shadows of a Crown is calling your name.
March 9, 2025
Some adventures aren’t anything like how we wished them to be
Sailing on a ship, swimming for distant shores, shenanigans with shady locals – what else could a gal want? Sign me up to hang out with Mara!
Shakespeare’s Henry IV had it soooo right with his “heavy is the head that wears the crown”. Life as a royal can be just as lonely and empty as those of modern-day celebrities:
‘My childhood ended the day the shadow crown chose me.’
‘It’s hard to consider someone a friend who was handpicked as a child to serve you.’
My eyes have been opened to an ancient truth - healers’ tonic is the original drug addiction!
Some sage advice from the author:
‘Information is a dangerous weapon’ and it needs to be vetted well before being put to use. Deceit, treachery, and even misunderstanding can all lead to this weapon’s turning from a tool into a danger. Prophecies are confusing enough as it is, but when one “speaks” back in more riddles than what it originally provided…well, I’d say it’s time to worry a wee bit!
Fave line (to never, ever say):
‘It’s only a dress, for dragon’s sake.’
Will Mara get the adventures she craves in the upcoming ‘Thorns of a Crown’ and ‘Ruin of a Crown’ or will she be begging for a life of quiet luxury?
Sailing on a ship, swimming for distant shores, shenanigans with shady locals – what else could a gal want? Sign me up to hang out with Mara!
Shakespeare’s Henry IV had it soooo right with his “heavy is the head that wears the crown”. Life as a royal can be just as lonely and empty as those of modern-day celebrities:
‘My childhood ended the day the shadow crown chose me.’
‘It’s hard to consider someone a friend who was handpicked as a child to serve you.’
My eyes have been opened to an ancient truth - healers’ tonic is the original drug addiction!
Some sage advice from the author:
‘Information is a dangerous weapon’ and it needs to be vetted well before being put to use. Deceit, treachery, and even misunderstanding can all lead to this weapon’s turning from a tool into a danger. Prophecies are confusing enough as it is, but when one “speaks” back in more riddles than what it originally provided…well, I’d say it’s time to worry a wee bit!
Fave line (to never, ever say):
‘It’s only a dress, for dragon’s sake.’
Will Mara get the adventures she craves in the upcoming ‘Thorns of a Crown’ and ‘Ruin of a Crown’ or will she be begging for a life of quiet luxury?
March 12, 2025
This book opens the door to a new series set in a world of prophesies, dragons, and deadly secrets.
Princess Odessa had a relatively sheltered life, missing her mother that died at childbirth, but only until the feared Crown of Shadows chose her - one of the clear signs a new cycle is due. Samara has lived in the caves together with the scholars studying prophesies and her best friend Zak, always causing trouble and down to any mischief, until the cave settlement in Jinpoli got destroyed and only she and Zak escaped with the book of prophesies. Now, in the stronghold of Kyoten, the paths of these two women cross, and deadly secrets start to surface.
What an opening to a new series! I am absolutely thrilled by the world building, the prophecy that drives the lives of everyone, the complicated situation both Mara and Odessa have found themselves in, and the impossible challenge to avoid complete destruction of the known world. There is chaos, there is suspense, there is drama, you get your pick. Very little romance but all the more character building. Oh, and I love the enigma that Luca is, all mysterious, and the conflict and secrets surrounding Genevieve. Very much looking forward to the next book to see where this whole chaos will lead us!
Princess Odessa had a relatively sheltered life, missing her mother that died at childbirth, but only until the feared Crown of Shadows chose her - one of the clear signs a new cycle is due. Samara has lived in the caves together with the scholars studying prophesies and her best friend Zak, always causing trouble and down to any mischief, until the cave settlement in Jinpoli got destroyed and only she and Zak escaped with the book of prophesies. Now, in the stronghold of Kyoten, the paths of these two women cross, and deadly secrets start to surface.
What an opening to a new series! I am absolutely thrilled by the world building, the prophecy that drives the lives of everyone, the complicated situation both Mara and Odessa have found themselves in, and the impossible challenge to avoid complete destruction of the known world. There is chaos, there is suspense, there is drama, you get your pick. Very little romance but all the more character building. Oh, and I love the enigma that Luca is, all mysterious, and the conflict and secrets surrounding Genevieve. Very much looking forward to the next book to see where this whole chaos will lead us!
March 13, 2025
This is book one of the Falling Kingdoms series. This is an exciting fantasy with adventure d romance. The characters are well developed with compelling back stories, strong motivation, and goals. They have bold personalities and make bold choices. They have captivating internal conflicts with multiple difficult decisions to make. I felt like I was right there watching, feeling, and experiencing the book...not just reading it. The atmosphere created and characters were so realistic. The world building is detailed, imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with magic, Fae, danger, death, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. The plot thickens, the suspense builds, and the passion erupts! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.
November 13, 2025
2.5 🌟
Honestly, I have no idea how to feel about this one. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either??? I really liked some parts of this book, the magic system was very interesting and this whole thing with prophecies had me gripped. However, some parts of this book just felt like something off Wattpad (in a bad way). Like, girl you said that they were like your family and suddenly they weren't exactly your friends or you consider him a brother but suddenly you feel something deeper. The writing was at some points absolute peak but then there would be something like this
I might read the second book at some point since the ending has a good build up for the next book but it would be probably some filler book for me 🤷♀️
Honestly, I have no idea how to feel about this one. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either??? I really liked some parts of this book, the magic system was very interesting and this whole thing with prophecies had me gripped. However, some parts of this book just felt like something off Wattpad (in a bad way). Like, girl you said that they were like your family and suddenly they weren't exactly your friends or you consider him a brother but suddenly you feel something deeper. The writing was at some points absolute peak but then there would be something like this
I might read the second book at some point since the ending has a good build up for the next book but it would be probably some filler book for me 🤷♀️
March 25, 2025
A fantastic start to The Falling Kingdoms series. The book had me hooked from the beginning and pulled me right into the story and didn't let go until the end. This book is more about the worldbuilding and character building, but both are still exciting and interesting. The writing of this book is vivid, which makes you feel even more immersed in the story. The characters are engaging and interestingly written. I am very excited to see how this series continues and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2025
Wow, is all I can say without giving away spoilers. Such a good book. This kept me interested from the very first page and I loved every plot twist that came along with it. I haven’t read many fantasy books, but this one was absolutely awesome. It has a comedic factor, along with a hint of future love interests. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book and all of the new plot twists to come. I’m trying to predict what will happen with the throne, the prophecy, and of course, the princess..❤️👑
March 15, 2025
To say the writing of these characters and the amazing world building Lynn and Craven conjured up made me feel wholly immersed in the story is an understatement. The character emotions are so intense that you feel it as Zak and Mara journey with the Book of Prophecies. Odessa has been crowned on her seventeenth name day, only it’s not the one she wanted. Gideon and her chosen are the only ones she can trust. I can only wait patiently for May to soak up book two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2025
This is amazing! Any time these two authors collaborate, you know you are in for a treat. Together they have created the most wonderful worlds and with Shadow of a Crown, they have done it again!
The plot is deep and intricately woven, drawing you in from the first page. There is a fantastic ensemble of characters each interesting and fully fledged. Dive into this world and like me, you will be waiting with baited breath for the next installment!
The plot is deep and intricately woven, drawing you in from the first page. There is a fantastic ensemble of characters each interesting and fully fledged. Dive into this world and like me, you will be waiting with baited breath for the next installment!
March 9, 2025
Just finished Shadows of A Crown and WOW-I need more! This book is packed with prophecy, mystery, and an incredible world filled with Royal Chosen Ones, The Keeper, An Orphan and a Princess navigating twists and turns. The story, characters, and world-building are so well done-I can’t wait for the next book!
March 11, 2025
This book had me on the edge of my seat, I couldn't put it down. Odessa, Samara, Zak, and Gideon set out on an adventure to prevent the prophecy from coming true. I really enjoyed this book, even though it's not usually the kind of book I usually like. I would 100% recommend it to everyone I know.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2025
This was such a great fantasy read. I can’t wait to read more. It’s a ride. I loved Odessa and Gideon, I can’t help it. I recommend this for romantasy fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. If the absolute best I am most definitely adding this to my favorites list of books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2025
We have adventure, action, danger, fantasy, choices and more. We have a prohecy that happens in a cycle. Follow Samara, Zak, Odessa, and Gideon on this journey. Will they fill the prohecy, or not?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2025
Interesting start to the series. I did enjoy the book. The characters were good. I've enjoyed another series from one of the authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
you can never go wrong picking up a book from these author and this new book in a new series shows why. It's just a start to what promises to be a remarkable read.
April 25, 2025
great new series of The Falling Kingdoms … book 1 “Shadows of a Crown” by M. Lynn was a good start and am excited for more
December 28, 2025
This story line has the potential to be good, but less than 24 hours later and I can’t remember the ending - Al the conclusion sucked. It was a quick read, but idk if I’ll continue the series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews