Crown's Echo: Five Kingdoms

by Ermina Mujcic

A princess bound by duty. A king bound by fate. A kingdom on the brink of ruin.

Princess Signy of Hagatall has always been a visionary—her people adore her, but her father, King Jary, dismisses her dreams of restoring their crumbling elven kingdom. When she defies him at a royal ball, her rebellion sets off a chain of events that will change the realm forever.

Aros, the enigmatic dark elf king, has spent his life searching for the prophesied one destined to unite the fractured elven kingdoms. His hatred for Jary runs deep, but his quest takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the chosen one is none other than Signy—his enemy’s daughter. Worse still, he is falling for her.

As darkness stirs in the Forest and ancient horrors awaken, forbidden truths come to light. A sinister force rises, slaughtering prophets and threatening the gods’ very will. Amid betrayals and bloodshed, Signy and Aros must decide where their loyalties lie—before the world is lost forever.

The gods have set their path, but Signy and Aros must decide if they will walk it—before fate chooses for them.


*This book contains mature themes, violence, and romantic scenes. Recommended for readers aged 16 and above.*

🔥 For Readers Who
✔️ Game of Thrones-style political intrigue
✔️ Viking & Norse mythology-inspired fantasy
✔️ Dark fantasy romance with forbidden love
✔️ Epic battles & morally complex characters

Dive into this Viking-inspired dark fantasy today!

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

I write fantasy because I believe that every soul, every whisper of a story, deserves to be heard — no fate forgotten, no thread left untold.

Crown’s Echo is my first trilogy, woven from a love that took root long ago — in the flickering light of childhood, where my brother’s insistence on daily Lord of the Rings marathons sparked a fire I never quite extinguished.
That fire was fed by fairy tales, by shadowed forests and silent prophecies, by kingdoms lost to time and voices echoing through forgotten halls.

When I’m not writing, I lose myself in stories in other forms — playing adventures on PlayStation with my husband, watching horror films both haunting and hilariously bad, and reading into the late hours until the pages blur.
And always, in the quiet center of my world, there are cats — watching, sleeping, knowing.

Reviews

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Signy! She is a feisty and fierce FMC surrounded by backstabbing, self-centered people who should have loved her and I'm not even including the true villain of the story! The ones who truly did love her are either taken, restricted, or living with rose-colored glasses. Then enters Aros, a dark elf, who has his own motivations and plans, which are altered slightly after he sees Signy for the first time.

There are so many secrets that still need to be uncovered and nefarious plots to be exposed. Then just when we think we're getting somewhere, we are pushed off a cliff.

[Wings & Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. High Fantasy with Romance, the romance between the main characters is a slooooooow burn! It took a few chapters for me to get into it with the world building and getting my head around the different characters, when I did, so good!.

Sygny is a force to be reckoned with and Aros is badass! She is in a kingdom full of vipers and liars. There were a couple of scenes that made me cry. Aros made some amazing speeches.

The ending, though, Gorm!!! And that cliffhanger, I am not sure about it, I need the next book.

Also, Aldeits' decision surprised me but in a good way, I think!

Yep, straight onto book 2!

[FantasyLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read fantasy and I love it, but this... this is another level.
Lately I've been reading a lot of books where the female character is...THAT character. But Signy is something else and that's just because of her development. I loved following her through every little part- in the parts when she was just another face in the crowd, a broken princess, a curious elf... every part was interesting in its own way.
And her connection with Gorm.. I love that prophet and all his puzzles.
And just when I thought, this is going to get boring if I just follow Signy, Aros appears, this dark elf who is... I don't even know how to describe Aros. His first appearance WOW! And every subsequent appearance is also WOW!
Nekisha got on my nerves terribly, as did Jary, her father, but even while they got on my nerves, I couldn't wait to see what they would do. Estird is kind of faceless to me, we'll see if she improves, but I wouldn't mind even if she wasn't in the book because she's too weak a character in such a powerful world.
I don't want to spoil anything but Alediet and Yrsa and their POV!! Character development-very good. Kingdoms- super described, nothing special that would bore me, but enough to be able to create a picture in my head, although I have 2 more kingdoms to get to know but I'll probably get that in the second book. Magic- super described.
The villain is OMG! Deff needs more Demork's POV.
And I know this is just the beginning but I would like to have more about other characters from other kingdoms, but I hope for that in the next book.
A bit of a standard introduction to the story, but I don't mind and definitely an ending that begs for more. I took it out of curiosity and boredom, but honestly - good choice.

[Lins007Booktok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crowns Echo is a captivating fantasy romance that weaves magic, political conflict, and family trauma into a deeply emotional story. At its heart are Signy and Aros, whose relationship develops through their shared connection to magic. Their bond feels meaningful because it is built on trust, understanding, and the discovery that their powers—and their futures—are linked.

The story becomes even more compelling through its portrayal of the cruel King, whose treatment of his daughters creates much of the novel’s tension. His evil behavior adds a darker edge to the tale, while also highlighting the strength and resilience of the women who refuse to be defined by his cruelty. The coming together of the two kingdoms adds a larger political dimension, suggesting that unity may be the key to overcoming generations of conflict.

Gorm is one of the story’s most touching characters. His loving guidance gives Signy the support and wisdom she needs as she faces danger, responsibility, and difficult choices. His presence brings warmth to the darker moments and helps make Signy’s journey feel personal as well as heroic.

Overall, Crowns Echo is an engaging fantasy filled with magic, romance, betrayal, and hope. Signy and Aros’s developing relationship, the struggle against an abusive king, and the alliance between two kingdoms create a story with both emotional depth and exciting stakes. It is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves fantasy romances centered on powerful magic, complicated families, and characters fighting to create a better future.

[CKreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this! will not disappoint!

Phenomenal story! I love the world and enjoyed learning about the five kingdoms and how they differ from each other. The political intrigue and mysterious prophecy has me guessing and I can’t wait to see what’s coming our way.

Signy is a great character! She’s our FMC and I love that she’s not perfect. There is room to grow and fall and rise again. Looking forward to reading more of her journey. I think she’s going to be such a badass!

Aros grabbed my attention the moment he was introduced. **swoon** Where can I order one like him?

The variety of characters are enjoyable and each serves their purpose. I hope to see some of my favorites pop up in future reads.

Thank you to Wings and Words for the recommendation to read Crown’s Echo: Five Kimgdoms by Ermina Mujcic! I look forward to continue reading this series.

[Piros OlaSz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet unique in its regularity. I mean enemies who get their broken hearts and dare to love, friends and families, vroken hearts, battles and steam all there but with such a twist.

I should confess I waited to get some more action from the main characters, and belive me Aros the dark night-king has more than potentials… and happy that our heroine is stubborn as hell and she has an attitude tjat I like a lot…

Sometime I felt lime “I read that about 20 pages ago” but still a very very entertaining book. Some dark parts but I hope we get a well deserved HEA in the next book?

Haha more to come…

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

[Heather Deffley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book!! I was so engrossed, she's a chunky monkey so it took me a while to get through it and then at the end I didn't want it to finish so I went super slow.... Dragged it out and now I've finished it and I absorbed book 2.

Signy.... Poor poor Signy, goodness I want to give that girl the biggest hug!! Aros, walking green flag (kind of) I really hope his persistence wins out ..

Definitely a book you want to pick up and read.

[Marisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t begin to tell you how much i loved this book!

It’s filled with betrayal, love, adventure. The slow burn is so slow they didn’t even kiss in this book.

The princess who is stubborn and strong, who doesn’t agree with her father at all and is punished constantly for it. The other king who loves her instantly; he’s protective, possessive and everything you could want in a book boyfriend!

I finished reading this book at 1am and instantly had to start the next one!

I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly given this as an ARC🥰

This fantasy book was another level! Everything about it involved different things which make a fantasy book good!! The different creatures etc!

The secrets and were done excellently! I can’t wait to read the second book to this trilogy because what a cliff hanger!

I love that it touches on loyalty with certain characters and love how relationships develop!

Gorm has my heart🥹

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a genuinely insane high fantasy that I am speechless.

The lore was deep, without being too confusing or hard to remember. The use of Norse mythology was beautiful, and every moment of this book I was hooked. Signy is such an amazingly strong willed FMC, keeping you rooting for her on every single page.

The ending though? I am staring at the page in shock, needing to know what happens next. If you love high fantasy books and Norse mythology, then I highly recommend this!

[Teri Peña · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I got so invested in the kingdoms history I wanted to enter the book and help them look lol the build up of the world was great!

I love most of the characters. The banter between my favorites is phenomenal. I love that the FMC is trying to do the right thing no matter what obstacles get in her way.

Quote:

“Questions give us knowledge, answers give us guidance.”

[T || · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to wings and words for this recommendation!

I enjoyed everything about this book.

So why the 4 star?
The slow burn was just a tad to slow for me.
(Personal preferences)

I did enjoy it overall though. And dang what a cliffhanger.

[Gemma Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing high fantasy read with romance thrown in who wouldn't want to read it ,bloody fantastic and the characters are absolutely brilliant .

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens and Ermina Mujcic for the ARC.

Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4/5

Overall 4/5

-This book really entertained me. It wasn’t the most incredible book and the one I will remember forever but whilst reading it, I was enjoying myself which was great. The story of the different kingdoms at odds with one another but still attempting to communicate and make deals but never really succeeding at doing so cordially was fun to read. I do wish that we knew more about the prophecy that was mentioned quite frequently but as a reader, we knew nothing about it just that it concerns the main character of the story. Furthermore, something that was a little weird for me was the fact that everyone had a point of view in the book. I felt like I was in everyone’s head and some part of me liked that but the other is not so sure what to think about it.

-Signy was an interesting character. She’s that typical badass female lead that doesn’t want the glamorous lifestyle of the crown that she was born with. But she still something else that differentiates her from other characters. The trauma she has, for starters, is rough. Both past and present moments keep coming at her like a punching bag. Aros was also interesting. In some way I didn’t always like him because he was literally a walking red flag and he seems like the type of male love interest that belongs in a dark romance. Because he is suddenly obsessed with the female lead when they’re supposed to be enemies, and then a lot of moments he pissed me off. He would always tell Signy that she could tell him no but it didn’t feel like he always listened, not at first at least and that bothered me. The other side characters weren’t particularly the best, on purpose I think, and others were really sweet.

-The ending left off with a bang, literally for the characters in the book. I am very curious as to what will happen next and I would love to read more about these characters and this world. To also discover more about the prophecy and how it’ll unravel for everyone.

[Louise Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Signy of Hagatall is easily one of my favorite heroines of the year. Her determination to save her crumbling elven kingdom—despite her father, King Jary, constantly dismissing her vision—makes her so relatable and easy to root for. That scene at the royal ball where she finally defies him? absolute perfection! The stakes feel so real as ancient horrors awaken, prophets are targeted, and the fate of the gods themselves hangs in the balance. It’s action-packed, beautifully atmospheric, and full of betrayals that kept me guessing. 
If you love dark fantasy, deep lore, mature romantic dynamics, and high-stakes kingdom drama, you need to add this to your TBR immediately! I can’t wait to see where Signy and Aros’s journey goes next.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romantasy starts with some much needed world building and character introduction. Sygny the FMC is written so well. She is far from perfect but a force in her own right. She has this connection with Gorm. Aros the dark elf, he makes an impression as soon as he’s introduced. Demork, I am intrigued and want to know more about him. The characters and kingdoms are described beautifully. This first book ends on a cliffhanger but its book one, the foundation has been set. I’m all in and can’t wait to read book two.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written high fantasy romance. I fell in love with the world building and the storyline. Everything was written so well. With such a beautiful depth. I felt like I was right there with Signy and the rest of the characters. The way things were weaved throughout the story gave it a wonderful balance that I thoroughly enjoyed. This was an absolutely amazing story.

[Thomas Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of book i wish i could read again for the first time. I loved every page of it, cant wait for the next part!

[Amy Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was brilliant. The storyline was amazing. I loved following Signey through her life and trials.
Unfortunately, I found the prose either far too descriptive, which slowed the pacing, or too explanatory, which kept the reader from understanding things for themselves.
This book could have been much better and really needs to be revised to cut repetition and over-explanation.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Loved it. Can’t wait to find out what happens next.