Blade of the Crown

by Cara N. Delaney

Neither the throne nor her heart were ever truly hers – until disaster sweeps her into the arms of a woman who will change her fate forever.

When crown princess Zhenya’s father dies, she knows what her future holds. With weak magic of her own, she is expected to marry someone who will bring true power back into the bloodline. But before she can make her decision, Zhenya narrowly survives an ambush – and finds herself in a new predicament.

Keryth has spent years fighting her way up the ranks of the royal guard, but her ambitions reach even higher – commander, or even the monarch’s personal entourage. When the king dies, she sees an opportunity, but before she has a chance to impress her new queen, she has to make a rash decision to save both their lives.

Stranded on a remote island and trapped by a strange fog, Zhenya and Keryth are forced to work together to survive. In such close proximity, it doesn’t take long for the lines between royalty and commoner to blur, and feelings blossom that neither woman is sure they can afford.

Their fragile peace is shattered when they make a harrowing discovery – their misfortune was not an accident. Now in a race against time, they both need to find their strength and unravel the mystery of the island to return home, or risk losing everything – and each other.

From the author of Tomb of Heart and Shadow comes a new sapphic romantasy that will sweep you off your feet!

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, LGBT, Romance

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

About the author

Cara lives in a hole in the ground, where she spends her days building whole worlds with nothing but words on the page and a lively imagination.

She may be summoned with a potion brewed from magic beans, but there is no telling what will happen if you do.

Once in a blue moon, you might catch her out and about on a walk through the local vineyards, soaking up the sun and taking pictures of trees.


(As of 2025, I will rate no more books, just catalogue them. Old ratings stay up, but I won't add any more.)

Ratings:
*** - good
**** - great
***** - excellent

No rating: unsure/wasn't for me

Reviews

[Della B · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read for those who enjoy fantasy with a fade to black slow burn romance. The story surrounds a Princess and one of her guards who are separated from the Kingdom. The adventure kept my interest for the most part although there were some small slow parts.

The magic used by the Princess is a letdown to me. Most of the time I was unsure of what she was trying to do and by what means more importantly. It was fuzzy until the last few chapters of the book.

There is some repetition regarding the class difference between the guard and the Princess throughout the story. Although a minor irritant but when combined with the magic confusion and a very quick wrap up ending, it makes this a 3 ⭐️ read.

I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Netgyrl (Laura) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weak 3 ⭐️ - the story was just OK. It was well enough written, but not much happens for most of the book. I love a good survival story but for me not enough time was spent on how they were surviving. They just happen to catch enough food or find this or that to make a shelter. Since they spent so much time “surviving“ I would’ve liked more details on competent survival stuff. To be fair, they were cold, wet and hungry most of the time which is probably more realistic than one of them being Bear Grylls undercover but not nearly as much fun to read.😁

The end was fun but too convenient. I totally thought this was book one of a series, but it’s not so for everything to be tied up with a bow right at the end seemed abrupt.

PS - I will give it an additional honorary ⭐️ for the author figuring out a way for both leads to get a bath while stranded on a deserted island before any sexy times happened. 🙏🤭

[Aleks Marr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a very strong start and an interesting storyline that continued to the end. I enjoyed the plot, and the characters were likeable and interesting.

The only issues I have about it is the ending and the worldbuilding. Though I know that it isn’t crucial to the story, I feel like there was an opportunity to go more in depth with worldbuilding. The magic was a bit confusing to me at first, because it felt like it just popped up without any prior clarification. I would’ve loved to know all of the different kinds of magic and what they can do. I think that the ending also could’ve used some work. It felt a bit rushed, and it wasn’t a very satisfying completion to such a wonderful story.

But other than those two things, I have no complaints! It was a very good read and I enjoyed it a lot. I was interested from the very beginning and I look forward to reading more from this author!

Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with this ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sam’s Sapphic Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and while I did enjoy this read, I liked the other book better. The idea of the story was awesome, a betrayal that leaves the future queen and a commoner soldier on a deserted island to find their way back home. It sounds awesome, but parts of the story fell flat. It felt a bit repetitive in a sense of they pretty much did the same thing over and over throughout the whole story, but there was some character growth with princess Zhenya.

Keryth on the other hand felt distant throughout the whole book. It didn’t really feel like they even liked eachother all that much? It felt a lot like “we’re stuck on this island together, there’s no one else so I guess we should” type of thing.

Again, I loved that Zhenya became more comfortable with herself and her powers, but she really acted childish so much throughout the book.

Overall, it was a bit underwhelming to read, but I’m still giving it a 3 for the basis of the story itself.

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for which my thoughts have taken a bit to unpack. There is multiple layers to the book, more going on that what it might seem at first look.

It's a romance, albeit a slow burn one. Spending time together means that they get the opportunity to actually learn about each other, to discover that there might be something more. Assuming of course that they can get over the commoner/royalty barrier. Being told for your entire life that you're not good enough, that you can never progress far because of your birth is damaging, and also far too common. But here, of course, there is hope and potential. It's sweet, watching them get closer, and learning more about themselves at the same time.

It's a survival story as well, once the story reaches that point. Washed up on an island, with only the two of them. Transitioning from hoping for rescue to preparing for something longer, trying to cover all the necessities for them not to die. Of course, all aspects of the story are interwoven, and done well, and learning to work together, to accept and learn about each other is a core part of that too.

Then of course there is the mystery of why they ended up there in the first place, what's up with the island, and how to escape. It becomes more of a focus as they story goes on and aspects of it come to light, and the final few chapters of the book move quite quickly, with a number of twists along the way that weren't entirely unexpected. They work, though, very well, and allow the story to be wrapped up rather well.

All combined, it made for an enjoyable read, a journey that was worth sharing, and I'm more than happy to have picked up a copy. I also wouldn't mind seeing more of the characters, but irrespective, it wraps up well, and is another solid book from Delaney.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth your time for some people, or if a sequel comes out.

This book, Blade of the Crown by Cara N. Delaney, is well written. However, it's an incredibly slow burn for the bulk of it. There's only surviving the immediate situation for the first two thirds. Then suddenly there's an antagonist, and the story is galloping down a slippery slope. In truth it felt as though, while well written, the same story could have been told in many fewer words by a different author. This felt more like a preface to a huge story, with a short story tacked on the end that was supposed to wrap up many of the things from that preface. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to admire here. The setting is interesting. The characters are both interesting and well fleshed out. The character interactions are fluid and natural. The real overall issue is the pacing. It's like slowly, slowly climbing up the side of a long, steep hill, then tripping over the peak and falling down the other side. Honestly, I think if I were to be the editor for this book, I would end it just at the peak. I would then have the abrupt and extremely fast paced last third of the book be more fleshed out as the first half of a second book. There's plenty of potential here, and the author has skill. I'd like to see it made to shine.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

underwhelming (spoilers)

This started off strong. But once they got stranded on the island it kinda fell flat for me. I knew they were supposed to fall for one another but it was a bit abrupt imo. They had very little to do with one another besides just surviving. I felt there wasn’t much lead up to it…they just suddenly started noticing one another. They walked around the island and then ultimately found a dragon. The use of magic wasn’t really explained. We just know it exists and certain people have it. Would’ve enjoyed more world building.

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.75)

[Kelly Davan · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a nice slow burn a good plot yyasss😩

[S1m0ne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Criminally underrated.

The writing is solid, the characters are well-developed, the story is engaging. What more could you want?

The writing is good. Solid pacing, good balance of rising & falling tension, technically mature without being difficult or obtuse. There are a few sentence constructions that feel like they were meant to sound "old fashioned" or echo high fantasy (swapping SVO for SOV word order type stuff) which mostly serves to cause the occasional trip and re-read of a sentence, but it's not bad. There are also occasional typos or grammatical errors, but no more than you would expect from an indie author who used spell check and did actually hire an editor.

The characters are well-developed, if a bit monotone. Some of the side characters feel underdeveloped before the inciting incident, but they are side characters after all. The main characters tend to share some of the same mannerisms and speech patterns, but their personalities are different enough that they don't feel flat.

The story, the story is interesting. A shipwrecked pair, princess and guard, barely surviving day-to-day. There's a bit of a Cast Away feel to it, and the overwhelming bulk of the story *is* the day-to-day survival mostly focusing on the character and relationship development. It makes for an engaging read as the characters navigate their relationship beneath the ever-present danger of starvation and overshadowed by the looming unknowns awaiting them if they make it home. I think most of the plot was fairly predictable, but it was still fun to watch it play out; and the low personal stakes and lack of false tension make it easy to read and get sucked into without that anxious knot in the pit of your stomach.

In short, this is a great Sunday afternoon read that won't stress you out and will leave you wanting more.

I think my only real complaint is that it feels like there is SO MUCH MORE story left untold.

*** Spoilers but not really ***
You get 50% of the way through and they're still stuck on the island. You get 80% of the way through and they're still stuck on the island. You get 90% of the way through and they're *still* stuck on the island and you're wondering how on earth the author is going to fit all of the impending return-home court drama into the last 5 pages. Short answer: She doesn't. Which leaves the ending feeling a little unsatisfying. The ending does tie up most of the loose threads, but is so quick about it that there's a sense of "wait, that's it?"

I think it's GOOD for an author to leave the reader wanting more. But in this case, *because* those loose threads were so tied up, there isn't any way for the author to give us more. Leaving some of those threads open would have laid the groundwork for an EXCELLENT political drama sequel that I would have devoured ravenously. Barring that, stretching the ending out by a few more chapters to offer a more satisfying conclusion to those threads would have sufficed.

But I understand if that wasn't what the author wanted to focus on or if she doesn't enjoy writing that as much. And frankly, if my biggest complaint about the book is that there isn't enough of it, that's high praise indeed.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princesses, pirates and a protector- oh my, Blade of the Crown by Cara N. Delaney has it all. In this fantasy adventure a princess with a little magic and a member of the royal guard find themselves stranded on an uncharted island when the ship that was returning Princess Zhenya to her homeland of Askary is attacked by pirates. Keryth is the only member of the royal guard that reaches the island. If both women are to survive and find their way home they will have to work together, not just to track down basic supplies but also to find a way to break through the magical fog that surrounds the island. As the lines between royalty and commoner blur in their common quest for survival the women become very close and begin to develop feelings that will cause a lot of complications if they ever get home. The revelation that the pirate attack was not an accident but rather a deliberate attempt to get rid of Zhenya will also make the return home a little complicated, but when the couple uncover the secret the island is hiding it gives them hope for the future.
This is very much a character driven story with a very slow burn romance, while the reader can see the developing feelings between Zhenya and Keryth they do not admit these feelings to each other until three quarters of the way through the book. Despite being so character driven there is definitely plenty of action too, especially in the beginning of the book, though it certainly slows a little in the middle. The ending felt a just a little rushed, I was hoping for a more dramatic confrontation but I did like that it ended on a hopeful and positive note.
I read an ARC copy via BookSirens, all opinions are my own.

[Katie | KT Likes Coffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blade of the Crown by Cara N. Delaney was a mixed experience for me. On one hand, the two main characters (both female) are interesting, and their dynamics kept me engaged throughout the story. The author’s writing style is enjoyable, and there’s clear potential in the world Delaney crafted. However, the book fell short for me in the world-building and magic system. These critical aspects feel underdeveloped, leaving gaps in the narrative that could have enriched the fantasy elements. It’s almost like the reader is expected to fill in too many blanks themselves.

In many ways, I almost wish this had been split into two books, because the story itself was interesting, but the ending felt rushed—especially when compared with the slower pace that defined most of the plot. Overall, this was an okay read. I’d recommend it if you're looking for something with a female-forward perspective. For me, though, it felt a bit lacking on the fantasy side and left me wanting more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This book felt like an answer to all my frustrations with most standalones. The pacing was done in a way that the romance seemed very believable and not at all instalovey. I really enjoyed this book and there were so many different elements in there that it seemed like it was longer but not at all in a bad way. In fact I wish it were longer so that I could spend more time with the characters

What I liked:
- romance not all instalovey and very believable in my opinion, no cringe pining
- characters true to themselves and their position
- very nice additions to the story (about the island) that were not exactly necessary but I enjoyed very much and added a different depth
- nice LGBTQ representation
- pacing was well done and there was no instant solution to any problem

What I didnt like:
- the magic system was not really explained and made only partially more sense at the end
- the ending felt a bit rushed and I would have preferred it to be more detailed

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
In my opinion a solid five star book. I started the book expecting something less as this is one case where the description does not do justice to what is written.
The main characters are interesting and develop nicely as the book progresses and the POV switching is well dome and gives insights into both of their characters. I like that even on an island they remain true to themselves - in love, in a relationship but still Queen/princess and guard. As for the relationship, I love the slow burn romance, it feels true and, for me, they really work as a couple.
I I have one complaint it is that the ending feels rushed - almost as if having written the requisite number of pages the author rushed to get it to the post.
This is my first novel by Cara N. Delaney and am looking forward to reading more - recommended.

[Tali Nusbaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid saturday night read! I do love a survival story, and adding in the princess x guard on a deserted island sharing a cloak to stay warm, the vibes were very gay and very good. A little lacking in spice, but that can be forgiven.

Where this book is lacking is in worldbuilding and pacing. The stakes to the surviving on the island were very external when they arose, and it didn't really work to have an 85% survival story and 15% political-ish ending. I think the story would have been better served as a shorter desert island read, or a longer book that delved more into court intrigue, magic, politics, etc. Instead it was an awkward middle ground between the two.

Don't get me wrong, I still liked it! I just would have either liked a little more heft to the world (or a little less).

I received an advance review copy for free from book sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was honestly so impressed with this book. All the choices made sense to me. The dynamic and the interactions felt more realistic than most other romances between a commoner and a noble. I hugely enjoyed it. This book also made me realize I actually really like survivalist sort of details. It felt super realistic tbh like I felt like I was right there too.

I LOVED the ending, once I read abt the dragons I was really hoping that would happen exactly as it did and it was VERY satisfying.

Face to black intimacy but that’s sweet too not everything needs spice and I think this would do well as a YA too cause of that.

Thank you Book Sirens for connecting me with this opportunity

[Jay Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I got this book for free, but this opinion is my own.*

This is a cute romantasty with a dash of slow burn and magic. That made me read it.

The first chapter starts in the middle of things, but I wasn't hooked yet.

I enjoyed the story, but if you truly insist on reading it, be aware that it is very slow paced.

A thing I loved about the writing was the growing tension. Sure, there was a little in the beginning but by the end, we are flooded with tension.

Another thing that made me keep reading the book was character arcs and how each character developed over time. The flirting is obvious but cute.

The only thing that bothered me was the world-building. I couldn't figure out how and why magic works the way it does.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever come across a story that was so good you just wished it were longer? There's always been something intriguing about shipwrecked stories, for me, back to the days of Swiss Family Robinson. I especially love the stories about two women being shipwrecked and how they come together to survive no matter what their station in life. When you throw sex between the two women into the mix, well, that is just icing on the cake. I would've loved for the book to be the size of Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo as I feel it would've justified all those pages. This is my first time reading Cara N. Delaney and she does not disappoint. Rated G for sex scenes but other than that a good story.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blade of the Crown was a quick and enjoyable read, though it wasn’t particularly memorable when it comes down to it. Zhenya and Keryth were characters with a lot of potential— the heir apparent struggling to prove her worth to her kingdom and the royal guard with humble beginnings and greater ambitions. Their romance was natural and made sense. The plot around them, however, did not lend them much room to actually grow together. The magic system was never fully fleshed out and nearly the entire book focused on their survival while stranded on an island, all for the entire story to suddenly speed run and wrap up in the last 20%. I think making this into a duology might have given the story and plot room to fully expand.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story! Once again this author doesn’t disappoint with world building, although it mostly takes place on an island, but it’s pretty well explored! I loved these two MCs. Nice slow burn as they relied on one another for survival that turned into more…

There is so much more that could be done with at the very least an additional novella. How and what changes/reforms to the kingdom, where and how their relationship continues? to develop and blossom in a more restrictive environment and if there are more dragons and riders!! I’d definitely love to read more!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! Zhenya a princess, soon to be queen is rescued in the rather unique fashion of being thrown out of her boat into the rough sea by her Royal soldier Keryth during a murderous pirate attack.
The two somehow make it to an uncharted island where their adventure begins.
I loved that the two met realistic struggles like finding water and eating. It was what you’d expect if you washed up like that too.
Both characters had strengths they didn’t realise they carried and it was great to watch them slowly fall for each other.
Loved it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[s.elle.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reader Review received from BookSirens… 4⭐⭐⭐⭐!!
🌶️.5

I absolutely adored this book!!

I don't think it's set to be a duology… But if it continued, I would eat up another book!!

The romance was very slow burn and I would have appreciated a touch more spicy details… IYKYK!

A fairly quick read, and a few chapters are a touch slow on the plot and development, but it definitely gets there!

By the end I was feeling like "there's no way it can wrap up so quickly" and yet, it manages to!!

I enjoyed the character development and the FF Romance.

Recommend picking this book up!!

[Katharina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really liked the idea of the book and the writing was pretty good aswell. However I feel like in middle the book became a bit boring since not a lot happened for quite a long time while they were stuck on the island, so it took me some time to actually get to the end of the book. Still I would say it was definitely worth the read and is a good book for anyone who is looking for an easy fantasy novel with a bit of magic in it.

[MiskaCZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ARC copy was given to me for a honest review.

This is a fantasy book about Zhenya, heir of the throne and Keryth, soldier of the royal guard. After a attack from the pirates, they are stranded on an unknow island and only if they work together, they can survived.

The story starts slow and I had some issues with the getting in the story, but it improve every next page I read. It has many good twists in the story. I hope for a sequel with more of Zhenya and Keryth.

[j good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Good

Zhenya was a good leader but never given the credit or respect deserved. Keryth was very professional with hopes of climbing the ranks in the royal guard.

After being forced off the ship by the pirate attack, Keryth was fearsley protective of Zhenya, but they grew close and became friends as they tried to figure out how to get themselves home.

What an adventure for both. I loved the ending.

[Doreen HOWARD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot of this book was very interesting and kept me intrigued. However, there were a number of typos which should have been picked up during the proofread. Without these errors I would have happily given this story a five star review.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Not much to say about this one but I liked it. The ending was a bit lack luster but the rest of it was good. I liked the characters and all that but yeah this doesn't evoke any big emotions or anything from me but it was fun. I kinda hope that there will be a sequel to this to expand upon the world building more.

[Sam Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adventure these 2 have! This isn’t my usual genre but I do like to explore them all! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it gripped my attention and was intriguing 😀 I really do hope there will be a second book!

[M L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise of the story. I only wish the author swap some of the details of their ordeal in the island for more details on how they navigate the court with that new-found relationship when they are back.

[Trippentigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

This is a well put together story. The two MCs are good together and the plot line enough to keep me reading. Certainly feels like there is room for more especially the ending, but not a cliff hanger, just room for more.