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Shadows of the Crimson Crown
She was destined for the crown. He was her sister’s betrothed.But when scandal strikes, everything changes. Amina Idris, once the crown princess of Lusherivion, is stripped of her title and forced into a political marriage with Khyran , the crown prince of a rival kingdom Milarios. But there's more at stake than just their kingdoms a prophecy foretells the rise of three children of power. And Amina has just awakened as the Light Seer, the first of the three.But as she begins to embrace her newfound power, she discovers a truth that shatters everything. In a world where trust is a luxury, the two must navigate their fraught marriage while battling dark forces that threaten everything they know. Enemies. Allies. A burning desire they can’t escape. As the lines between love and hate blur, Amina’s journey to unlock her destiny will lead her into a battle for her heart and the fate of her kingdom.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2025
18 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 11, 2025
I really liked the story of Amina and Kyran. Once enemies, but something inside was pulling them together.
It is a political fantasy, in a world I see a little bit as the world in the Lord of the Rings. Kingdoms who are against each other, but can they afford to be against each other, or is there something bigger coming at them..?
At first I had a little bit of trouble with reading this book because of the different pov's in the chapters, but eventually my brain amended to it and I couldn't stop reading this story! 🥰
It is a political fantasy, in a world I see a little bit as the world in the Lord of the Rings. Kingdoms who are against each other, but can they afford to be against each other, or is there something bigger coming at them..?
At first I had a little bit of trouble with reading this book because of the different pov's in the chapters, but eventually my brain amended to it and I couldn't stop reading this story! 🥰
April 30, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
First of all , this is a thick and juicy book that is packed with games, romance, political intrigue and just the right amount of angst. There was also the perfect combination of fantasy and magic along with prophecies. This was the perfect tornado ff everything a fantasy book lover like myself wants and needs. Amina and Khyran's dynamic was perfect.
The author had so many amazing characters in this book and I felt like she really took the time to develop a well laid out and crafted story that you literally wanted to sink your teeth into from page one. You're definitely going to get twists and turns and just when you think you're gonna zig ... nope you zag.
I've never personally read anything by this author but I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book in this series.
First of all , this is a thick and juicy book that is packed with games, romance, political intrigue and just the right amount of angst. There was also the perfect combination of fantasy and magic along with prophecies. This was the perfect tornado ff everything a fantasy book lover like myself wants and needs. Amina and Khyran's dynamic was perfect.
The author had so many amazing characters in this book and I felt like she really took the time to develop a well laid out and crafted story that you literally wanted to sink your teeth into from page one. You're definitely going to get twists and turns and just when you think you're gonna zig ... nope you zag.
I've never personally read anything by this author but I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book in this series.
April 19, 2025
4.2 stars
Amina, the princess of Lushverions life turns upside down when she meets the Prince of Milarious.
This is not your typical romance novel, it has political intrigue in it.
I enjoyed the political side since it didn't gloss over what people in power will do out of greed.
I didn't like their romance (attraction?), to me it felt forced. Like you know who she would end up with but you didn't know how to write it in a natural way.
Amina, the princess of Lushverions life turns upside down when she meets the Prince of Milarious.
This is not your typical romance novel, it has political intrigue in it.
I enjoyed the political side since it didn't gloss over what people in power will do out of greed.
I didn't like their romance (attraction?), to me it felt forced. Like you know who she would end up with but you didn't know how to write it in a natural way.
April 26, 2025
Okay. Okay. I need everyone to listen and read what I have to say about this book.
It's about 530 pages and none of them will disappoint. The secrets, the tension, the political aspect. My God, this was so well done.
The details in the book make it so easy to be immersed in the world of Lusherivion.
When I say the details in this book are amazing, I mean right down to how the characters dress. I could picture the dresses Amina was wearing and that was BEFORE I saw any sort of artwork put out by the author.
This book is written in the third person and even if that's not your cup of tea this story is so worth the read.
The story flows so nicely and isn't broken up by chapter. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it well, but each character and scene just blends flawlessly.
The second book needs to come out like yesterday because of THAT ENDING. I'm only sad about not having the next story readily available to know more.
I was over here like 😮😯😲😮😯 getting closer and closer to the end.
That cliffhanger ending though. Read this and prepare yourself to want more.
It's about 530 pages and none of them will disappoint. The secrets, the tension, the political aspect. My God, this was so well done.
The details in the book make it so easy to be immersed in the world of Lusherivion.
When I say the details in this book are amazing, I mean right down to how the characters dress. I could picture the dresses Amina was wearing and that was BEFORE I saw any sort of artwork put out by the author.
This book is written in the third person and even if that's not your cup of tea this story is so worth the read.
The story flows so nicely and isn't broken up by chapter. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it well, but each character and scene just blends flawlessly.
The second book needs to come out like yesterday because of THAT ENDING. I'm only sad about not having the next story readily available to know more.
I was over here like 😮😯😲😮😯 getting closer and closer to the end.
That cliffhanger ending though. Read this and prepare yourself to want more.
April 21, 2025
I would actually rate this a 4.5 if allowed. Samantha has the ability to paint with her words. I could picture everything beautifully in my mind. Amina and Khyran's story keeps you on your toes the entire time. Zigs and zags. I found myself screeching WHAT?! multiple times. It is definitely worth reading.
April 29, 2025
incredible characters!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE. and the tensionnnnnn throughout the book got me feeling AHHHHHH
May 8, 2025
Thank you Rutendo Samantha Borerwe for the e-ARC!!!!
3.75 ⭐
Rutendo Samantha Borerwe's "Shadows of the Crimson Crown" is a gripping debut that ensnared me from the very first page, plunging me into a world thick with political machinations, age-old enchantments, and characters that burrowed deep under my skin. This isn't just a story; it's an emotional odyssey. This book doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the human heart, delivering a potent dose of betrayal that left me reeling. The sting of broken trust is palpable, woven intricately into the fabric of the plot.
Alongside the treachery, the narrative unflinchingly explores profound hurt. The characters grapple with loss, injustice, and the weight of their circumstances in ways that resonated deeply. Yet, amidst the shadows, there's also a compelling exploration of jealousy, that corrosive emotion that twists intentions and fuels conflict. Borerwe doesn't paint her characters as purely good or evil; they are complex individuals grappling with their own desires and insecurities, making their actions, even the most reprehensible ones, feel disturbingly real.
While the emotional intensity of the book is a major strength, be prepared to invest in the characters' journeys. The pacing allows for a deep dive into their psyches and the complexities of their relationships. The payoff, however, is significant, leading to a climax that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
"Shadows of the Crimson Crown" is an exploration of the human condition set against a backdrop of magic and power. Rutendo Samantha Borerwe has delivered a debut that is both captivating and emotionally demanding. I look forward to reading part two.
3.75 ⭐
Rutendo Samantha Borerwe's "Shadows of the Crimson Crown" is a gripping debut that ensnared me from the very first page, plunging me into a world thick with political machinations, age-old enchantments, and characters that burrowed deep under my skin. This isn't just a story; it's an emotional odyssey. This book doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the human heart, delivering a potent dose of betrayal that left me reeling. The sting of broken trust is palpable, woven intricately into the fabric of the plot.
Alongside the treachery, the narrative unflinchingly explores profound hurt. The characters grapple with loss, injustice, and the weight of their circumstances in ways that resonated deeply. Yet, amidst the shadows, there's also a compelling exploration of jealousy, that corrosive emotion that twists intentions and fuels conflict. Borerwe doesn't paint her characters as purely good or evil; they are complex individuals grappling with their own desires and insecurities, making their actions, even the most reprehensible ones, feel disturbingly real.
While the emotional intensity of the book is a major strength, be prepared to invest in the characters' journeys. The pacing allows for a deep dive into their psyches and the complexities of their relationships. The payoff, however, is significant, leading to a climax that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
"Shadows of the Crimson Crown" is an exploration of the human condition set against a backdrop of magic and power. Rutendo Samantha Borerwe has delivered a debut that is both captivating and emotionally demanding. I look forward to reading part two.
August 6, 2025
I debated with myself for the past 5 months on whether I should leave my review or not. Ultimately I decided honest, constructive feedback couldn’t hurt, especially when given respectfully.
Shadows of the Crimson Crown is a frustrating read that suffers from a complete absence of basic editorial oversight. The grammar is consistently incorrect, punctuation is often missing or misused, and sentence structure frequently borders on incoherent. These issues severely hinder readability and make it difficult to engage with the story.
Unfortunately, what little plot exists is buried beneath excessive, repetitive descriptions, while the worldbuilding is neglected. Any moments of intrigue are lost in the noise of poor mechanics and overwritten fluff.
This book reads like an early draft that was rushed to publication without even a basic proofreading pass.
Shadows of the Crimson Crown is a frustrating read that suffers from a complete absence of basic editorial oversight. The grammar is consistently incorrect, punctuation is often missing or misused, and sentence structure frequently borders on incoherent. These issues severely hinder readability and make it difficult to engage with the story.
Unfortunately, what little plot exists is buried beneath excessive, repetitive descriptions, while the worldbuilding is neglected. Any moments of intrigue are lost in the noise of poor mechanics and overwritten fluff.
This book reads like an early draft that was rushed to publication without even a basic proofreading pass.
April 27, 2025
Shadows of the Crimson Crown is a political romantasy full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Our FMC Amina is the heir to the Lusherivion throne. She is clever, ambitious, and stubborn. Her father is distant and primarily seems to have his mind only focused on his kingdom and making sure Amina is ready to rule. Her stepmother is kind and appears to quickly have stepped in to care for Amina when she had lost her mother. Her sister Laila gives me Cinderella’s stepsister vibes because boy oh boy is she mean.
Our MMC Khyran is the prince and heir to the Milarios throne. The family dynamic is similar except his stepmother and brother are both outwardly plotting against him. Khyran heads to Lusherivion to secure an alliance by proposing to Laila per his father’s request. Once there, he realizes Amina catches his eye with her fiery personality, but that’s not all.
Amina is the Light Seer, one of three prophesied children to be born with great power. As we await the emergence of the other two, one who will wield shadow and one who will bring chaos, we watch Amina attempt to harness her power, prepare to become queen, handle her childhood friend’s return to the palace, and determine if she trusts Khyran and this alliance or not.
It was an absolutely wild ride. The story was well done and the plot twists hit perfectly. We ended on a dangerous cliffhanger that I wouldn’t have seen coming if it stood in front of me with a blinking sign. My only critique is a need to differentiate the POVs a little more clearly during conversation. I love multiple POVs, but they flowed into one another without a clear separation of different characters speaking. All in all, I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next. I have a feeling the next book is going to be intense.
Our MMC Khyran is the prince and heir to the Milarios throne. The family dynamic is similar except his stepmother and brother are both outwardly plotting against him. Khyran heads to Lusherivion to secure an alliance by proposing to Laila per his father’s request. Once there, he realizes Amina catches his eye with her fiery personality, but that’s not all.
Amina is the Light Seer, one of three prophesied children to be born with great power. As we await the emergence of the other two, one who will wield shadow and one who will bring chaos, we watch Amina attempt to harness her power, prepare to become queen, handle her childhood friend’s return to the palace, and determine if she trusts Khyran and this alliance or not.
It was an absolutely wild ride. The story was well done and the plot twists hit perfectly. We ended on a dangerous cliffhanger that I wouldn’t have seen coming if it stood in front of me with a blinking sign. My only critique is a need to differentiate the POVs a little more clearly during conversation. I love multiple POVs, but they flowed into one another without a clear separation of different characters speaking. All in all, I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next. I have a feeling the next book is going to be intense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Um wow! Immediately need book 2!!
What would you do if you’re next in line for the throne but your younger sibling stops at nothing to sabotage you?!
What if lyour whole life you’ve always been told of this big responsibility you’ll hold because you’re going to come into this power that’ll save the kingdom?
This book was a little too good. You have Amira who is next in line for the throne & is awaiting the day of her coronation where her powers will be unlocked. Except her powers come early, an intriguing prince somehow is involved & her sister hates her.
This is a great fantasy book with
• magic elements
• enemies to friend
• oracles who are watching on the sidelines
What would you do if you’re next in line for the throne but your younger sibling stops at nothing to sabotage you?!
What if lyour whole life you’ve always been told of this big responsibility you’ll hold because you’re going to come into this power that’ll save the kingdom?
This book was a little too good. You have Amira who is next in line for the throne & is awaiting the day of her coronation where her powers will be unlocked. Except her powers come early, an intriguing prince somehow is involved & her sister hates her.
This is a great fantasy book with
• magic elements
• enemies to friend
• oracles who are watching on the sidelines
May 5, 2025
I was gifted this ARC from the author! Thank you!
This book was definitely interesting to say the least. Lots of twists and turns, zig and zags, and all the different povs from the characters was a little confusing for me to understand. Amina and Khyran’s relationship isn’t your typical lovey dovey relationship, it almost felt like it was forced? The political aspects of the book really hooked me and made the book so much better. Overall it was a good book!
This book was definitely interesting to say the least. Lots of twists and turns, zig and zags, and all the different povs from the characters was a little confusing for me to understand. Amina and Khyran’s relationship isn’t your typical lovey dovey relationship, it almost felt like it was forced? The political aspects of the book really hooked me and made the book so much better. Overall it was a good book!
May 5, 2025
I was hooked from the first chapter. The world building and story telling were fantastic. This is a slow burn filled with mystery and intrigue. You start to connect with the FMC as the story goes on and feel the burden of her sense of duty to her people. I can't wait for book two!
May 7, 2025
This book started out very slow for me, there is definitely background given that you have to work through but it’s not anything super intense. I will say that Khyran ends up being the sweetest man EVER!! I do wish there was a little more character development and build up for some of the characters, but overall it was an enjoyable read, although I picked up on the twist at the end before it was revealed ;) I did receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
April 17, 2025
Political Fantasy Romance? ABSOLUTELY
The Court and the Games my god I was so HOOKED reading this!
Magic, Rivalries and the pull between Amina and Khyran... Top Notch!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this...
...that ending though.. 😵💫
Looking forward to book two 😍
The Court and the Games my god I was so HOOKED reading this!
Magic, Rivalries and the pull between Amina and Khyran... Top Notch!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this...
...that ending though.. 😵💫
Looking forward to book two 😍
July 1, 2025
📖2.5⭐️
Thank you to Rutendo Samantha Borewe for providing me with this Arc ❤️🔥
I am no author, but as an artist I know how incredibly difficult it is to put your work out there for everyone to judge 🥺 I have rewritten this review many times as I know words on screens don’t always translate well and can come off harsh, and I want to apologize in advance if it still comes off this way as it is truly not my intention…
Because the author has asked for uncensored reviews, i hope that anyone reading this will be able to see that everything I write here comes from a place of love and a desire to offer support and feedback for the future.
I also understand that they did everything on their own, without the help of an editor and want to commend them for the feat that it must have been 🫶
Let me start by stating that the storyline truly has great bones and great potential. That is why I decided to finish reading the entire book even if it meant it would take me longer, as I don’t believe reviewing it otherwise would have been fair or helpful 🥺
You can tell that the author is really invested in their craft and wanted to create a lush and complex world.
And I believe with more time and more editing that is something that can be achieved for the rest of the series.
The villains are vicious and will get you riled up with their entitlement and audacity!
The political intrigue runs deep.
The magic system seems really interesting and intricate.
And the relationships full hope and fire.
Unfortunately the writing needs a lot more editing and refinement, which makes the execution feel rushed and unpolished.
The writing was quite flowery for my taste, with the over using of the same words or expressions : unreadable/something this and something that/feelings they couldn’t name/balling fists/etc.
The POVs were not always clearly defined + were jumping back and forth, which could get quite confusing.
And while some parts of the writing were genuinely beautifully written ❤️🔥 letting you feel the shift in emotions, the buildup of the story; a lot of other parts felt like filler and were repetitive.
Moments that should have stretched so that the emotional bonds and the storyline could strengthen were short and fell flat, and other moments that should have been fleeting bits of crucial information to keep the reader on their toes, were smothered under repetitive explanations.
I felt like we had little information about the magic system and that there were so many missing conversations between the characters.
I wanted to know more about how the magic worked, glean more of Amina’s training and struggles to master her power. Learn about the story of the crown and what made it so special.
I wanted more insights into the past to understand the relationships. I could FEEL the hatred of the younger siblings, which was very well portrayed and rolled of the pages, but I couldn’t understand WHY they felt ENTITLED to the crown versus just wanting it. I want to know what happened throughout their lives for that level of jealousy and ire to be so deeply rooted.
I wanted more conversations to happen between the main characters. I felt like there wasn’t enough buildup for the unspoken attraction between them.
The pacing was very slow for the first 60% and while the last 40% had many really interesting and surprising revelations and developments, there was still too much repetition and filler in between.
All of which, unfortunately, made it hard for me to stay focused on the story as it can get distracting very quickly.
Cutting out even half of the non-essential or repetitive filler would have made the story so much more impactful ✨
As said previously, there is a great story hiding under here and some parts of this book were beautifully written and incredibly engaging, so I genuinely hope the author will take more time to fine tune the next book so that more moment like those can shine ♥️
I will end this with my favorite line :
~ Her soul cried out for him, the yearning to be by his side clawing at her insides. She could feel him. His pain. His rage. His regret. And it ached.
Thank you to Rutendo Samantha Borewe for providing me with this Arc ❤️🔥
I am no author, but as an artist I know how incredibly difficult it is to put your work out there for everyone to judge 🥺 I have rewritten this review many times as I know words on screens don’t always translate well and can come off harsh, and I want to apologize in advance if it still comes off this way as it is truly not my intention…
Because the author has asked for uncensored reviews, i hope that anyone reading this will be able to see that everything I write here comes from a place of love and a desire to offer support and feedback for the future.
I also understand that they did everything on their own, without the help of an editor and want to commend them for the feat that it must have been 🫶
Let me start by stating that the storyline truly has great bones and great potential. That is why I decided to finish reading the entire book even if it meant it would take me longer, as I don’t believe reviewing it otherwise would have been fair or helpful 🥺
You can tell that the author is really invested in their craft and wanted to create a lush and complex world.
And I believe with more time and more editing that is something that can be achieved for the rest of the series.
The villains are vicious and will get you riled up with their entitlement and audacity!
The political intrigue runs deep.
The magic system seems really interesting and intricate.
And the relationships full hope and fire.
Unfortunately the writing needs a lot more editing and refinement, which makes the execution feel rushed and unpolished.
The writing was quite flowery for my taste, with the over using of the same words or expressions : unreadable/something this and something that/feelings they couldn’t name/balling fists/etc.
The POVs were not always clearly defined + were jumping back and forth, which could get quite confusing.
And while some parts of the writing were genuinely beautifully written ❤️🔥 letting you feel the shift in emotions, the buildup of the story; a lot of other parts felt like filler and were repetitive.
Moments that should have stretched so that the emotional bonds and the storyline could strengthen were short and fell flat, and other moments that should have been fleeting bits of crucial information to keep the reader on their toes, were smothered under repetitive explanations.
I felt like we had little information about the magic system and that there were so many missing conversations between the characters.
I wanted to know more about how the magic worked, glean more of Amina’s training and struggles to master her power. Learn about the story of the crown and what made it so special.
I wanted more insights into the past to understand the relationships. I could FEEL the hatred of the younger siblings, which was very well portrayed and rolled of the pages, but I couldn’t understand WHY they felt ENTITLED to the crown versus just wanting it. I want to know what happened throughout their lives for that level of jealousy and ire to be so deeply rooted.
I wanted more conversations to happen between the main characters. I felt like there wasn’t enough buildup for the unspoken attraction between them.
The pacing was very slow for the first 60% and while the last 40% had many really interesting and surprising revelations and developments, there was still too much repetition and filler in between.
All of which, unfortunately, made it hard for me to stay focused on the story as it can get distracting very quickly.
Cutting out even half of the non-essential or repetitive filler would have made the story so much more impactful ✨
As said previously, there is a great story hiding under here and some parts of this book were beautifully written and incredibly engaging, so I genuinely hope the author will take more time to fine tune the next book so that more moment like those can shine ♥️
I will end this with my favorite line :
~ Her soul cried out for him, the yearning to be by his side clawing at her insides. She could feel him. His pain. His rage. His regret. And it ached.
April 28, 2025
4.25 stars.
The blend of political intrigue (my favourite trope) with the vast genre of fantasy— political fantasy debut, one of the unique combination!
The magic system— traditions from different regions, prophecies regarding the future of the world, description of how magic is perceived and how it responds to different emotions was such an intriguing part to me as a reader.
Talking about characters, Amina was such a composed character from the very beginning, built under the pressure of crown and by vigorous training. I LIKED her character very much. Khyran on the other hand, was quite opposite to her and when they met, the banter was actually bantering. Laila, even though with her reckless decisions and tough words— I was able to see the reasons behind her behaviour. King Idris will always have a soft spot in my heart. Other than these characters, I'm interested to see the character arcs for Zara, Rhea, and Lua.
The romance aspect of the book was fun! But at a few scenes, it didn't come off as natural as it should. The character dynamics was an interesting part for me, especially between Amina and Khyran.
Other than that, the writing style even though good throughout the whole book. There were a few instances where it should have used the rule of show, don't tell. However, the descriptions of places, different terrains was such beautifully written.
Anyways, if you're looking for a fantasy book written by a talented black author, featuring the best political intrigue with plot twist you've never seen coming in the book, this book is for YOU.
P.s. This is an ARC review, and the opinions are of my own.
The blend of political intrigue (my favourite trope) with the vast genre of fantasy— political fantasy debut, one of the unique combination!
The magic system— traditions from different regions, prophecies regarding the future of the world, description of how magic is perceived and how it responds to different emotions was such an intriguing part to me as a reader.
Talking about characters, Amina was such a composed character from the very beginning, built under the pressure of crown and by vigorous training. I LIKED her character very much. Khyran on the other hand, was quite opposite to her and when they met, the banter was actually bantering. Laila, even though with her reckless decisions and tough words— I was able to see the reasons behind her behaviour. King Idris will always have a soft spot in my heart. Other than these characters, I'm interested to see the character arcs for Zara, Rhea, and Lua.
The romance aspect of the book was fun! But at a few scenes, it didn't come off as natural as it should. The character dynamics was an interesting part for me, especially between Amina and Khyran.
Other than that, the writing style even though good throughout the whole book. There were a few instances where it should have used the rule of show, don't tell. However, the descriptions of places, different terrains was such beautifully written.
Anyways, if you're looking for a fantasy book written by a talented black author, featuring the best political intrigue with plot twist you've never seen coming in the book, this book is for YOU.
P.s. This is an ARC review, and the opinions are of my own.
June 28, 2025
Shadows of the Crimson Crown is an impressive debut that showcases Rutendo Samantha Borerwe’s talent for descriptive writing and layered worldbuilding. The political intrigue, in particular, was a standout for me! Nuanced, engaging, and the strongest thread throughout the book by far. The author does a wonderful job of painting a vivid picture of the setting and its conflicts, and the twists kept me turning pages.
That said, I did struggle a bit with the romance. While it leans into a reluctant, slow-burn dynamic, it often felt off to me. I usually love a classic slow-burn, but the chemistry just didn’t land for me. By the end, I wasn’t really convinced that anything had truly shifted between the characters, even though the book seemed to suggest it had. I also found that the book occasionally relied too heavily on exposition, especially early on. Much of the first chapter is spent narrating backstory, world, and relationships instead of showing those dynamics naturally through action or dialogue, and that “tell over show” approach persists at times throughout the book. It didn’t ruin my experience, but I personally would’ve preferred a slower drip of info or more of it through dialogue, setting, and character interaction.
Still, this is a strong start to a promising series. The story is compelling, the world is well-realized, and the author clearly has a lot of skill and vision. I’m excited to see where the next installment takes us and how Borerwe’s storytelling continues to grow. She is definitely one to watch! 👀💜
That said, I did struggle a bit with the romance. While it leans into a reluctant, slow-burn dynamic, it often felt off to me. I usually love a classic slow-burn, but the chemistry just didn’t land for me. By the end, I wasn’t really convinced that anything had truly shifted between the characters, even though the book seemed to suggest it had. I also found that the book occasionally relied too heavily on exposition, especially early on. Much of the first chapter is spent narrating backstory, world, and relationships instead of showing those dynamics naturally through action or dialogue, and that “tell over show” approach persists at times throughout the book. It didn’t ruin my experience, but I personally would’ve preferred a slower drip of info or more of it through dialogue, setting, and character interaction.
Still, this is a strong start to a promising series. The story is compelling, the world is well-realized, and the author clearly has a lot of skill and vision. I’m excited to see where the next installment takes us and how Borerwe’s storytelling continues to grow. She is definitely one to watch! 👀💜
May 7, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️| 0/5 🌶️
I am hoping for a second book to answer all of my questions because WTF! was not expecting that plot twist at all 🤯!
Rutendo does an amazing job when it comes to being descriptive and creating an image for you. I could imagine the kingdoms, and our main characters physical traits and attire they wore.
This book is heavy on politics which I loved to see how the scheming went. However, I was left with a lot of questions but I am hoping they get answered in the 2nd book! I NEED ANSWERS 😩!!!!!
I give this book a 3.5/5 because the pacing of the book was really slow and I guess that was due to the politics, but I began to get bored and didn’t get into the book until I was 60% into it. There was also an overuse of the characters balling up their fists when they were upset, annoyed or angered. I would love to read different descriptions of the characters emotions (I kept picturing that Arthur meme every time I read someone balling up their fists 😂). I was also hoping for a bit more romance, this is a SLOOOOWWWW BURN 🔥 and I am hopeful that we get the romance between our FMC and MMC in the 2nd book. Overall, I am hoping that this first book was slow to set up the second book and we get to dive more into our political scheming, the characters relationships, and the motives of all parties involved.
I am hoping for a second book to answer all of my questions because WTF! was not expecting that plot twist at all 🤯!
Rutendo does an amazing job when it comes to being descriptive and creating an image for you. I could imagine the kingdoms, and our main characters physical traits and attire they wore.
This book is heavy on politics which I loved to see how the scheming went. However, I was left with a lot of questions but I am hoping they get answered in the 2nd book! I NEED ANSWERS 😩!!!!!
I give this book a 3.5/5 because the pacing of the book was really slow and I guess that was due to the politics, but I began to get bored and didn’t get into the book until I was 60% into it. There was also an overuse of the characters balling up their fists when they were upset, annoyed or angered. I would love to read different descriptions of the characters emotions (I kept picturing that Arthur meme every time I read someone balling up their fists 😂). I was also hoping for a bit more romance, this is a SLOOOOWWWW BURN 🔥 and I am hopeful that we get the romance between our FMC and MMC in the 2nd book. Overall, I am hoping that this first book was slow to set up the second book and we get to dive more into our political scheming, the characters relationships, and the motives of all parties involved.
July 14, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. It had potential, but sadly, the execution was lacking.
The story could have used more character development, details with regards to magic, and intensity in terms of the politics. The supporting characters made vague comments through 80% of the book. There was overuse of the word "enough", and the book could have used another round of editing. Usually, I ignore the errors, but in this case I had to re-read sentences to understand what was happening.
In terms of romance, Amina and Khyran's relationship lacked depth. Their feelings jumped from one emotion to another, especially in Amina's case. Also, their family dynamics were the same with a little modification.
The revelation regarding the villain also came out of nowhere, almost like the author hadn't given it much thought and randomly chose someone. There were quite a few important moments in the book that happened abruptly and disrupted the flow. The conflict could have been better written, and some of the dialogues were a tad bit dramatic.
I really wanted to like this book since it's written by a BIPOC author. It took me a long time to finish, and I won't be continuing with it. Although, I have seen quite a few positive reviews, so readers should give it a try and come to their own conclusions.
The story could have used more character development, details with regards to magic, and intensity in terms of the politics. The supporting characters made vague comments through 80% of the book. There was overuse of the word "enough", and the book could have used another round of editing. Usually, I ignore the errors, but in this case I had to re-read sentences to understand what was happening.
In terms of romance, Amina and Khyran's relationship lacked depth. Their feelings jumped from one emotion to another, especially in Amina's case. Also, their family dynamics were the same with a little modification.
The revelation regarding the villain also came out of nowhere, almost like the author hadn't given it much thought and randomly chose someone. There were quite a few important moments in the book that happened abruptly and disrupted the flow. The conflict could have been better written, and some of the dialogues were a tad bit dramatic.
I really wanted to like this book since it's written by a BIPOC author. It took me a long time to finish, and I won't be continuing with it. Although, I have seen quite a few positive reviews, so readers should give it a try and come to their own conclusions.
July 6, 2025
Rating: ★★★★
~ Thank you so much for the ARC 💕
✿ Shadows of the Crimson Crown blends fantasy, political intrigue, and romance in an engaging way.
Rutendo Samantha Borerwe transports us to the world of Lusherivion and Milarios — two rival kingdoms bound by a forced alliance and an ancient prophecy.
✿ The protagonist, Amina Idris, once crowned princess of Lusherivion, is compelled to marry Prince Khyran, heir to the enemy kingdom. But this political union quickly turns into a personal journey of power and self-discovery when Amina awakens as the Light Seer — the first of three prophesied children with extraordinary gifts.
✿ With fluid writing, short chapters, and a dual POV narrative (switching between Amina and Khyran), the book reads quickly and keeps you hooked. The tension between the protagonists, the secrets surrounding them, and the carefully built world make this a captivating read from start to finish.
✿ Perfect for fans of fantasy with a strong dose of romance, mystery, and well-developed characters, Shadows of the Crimson Crown is the first installment in a promising series.
~ Thank you so much for the ARC 💕
✿ Shadows of the Crimson Crown blends fantasy, political intrigue, and romance in an engaging way.
Rutendo Samantha Borerwe transports us to the world of Lusherivion and Milarios — two rival kingdoms bound by a forced alliance and an ancient prophecy.
✿ The protagonist, Amina Idris, once crowned princess of Lusherivion, is compelled to marry Prince Khyran, heir to the enemy kingdom. But this political union quickly turns into a personal journey of power and self-discovery when Amina awakens as the Light Seer — the first of three prophesied children with extraordinary gifts.
✿ With fluid writing, short chapters, and a dual POV narrative (switching between Amina and Khyran), the book reads quickly and keeps you hooked. The tension between the protagonists, the secrets surrounding them, and the carefully built world make this a captivating read from start to finish.
✿ Perfect for fans of fantasy with a strong dose of romance, mystery, and well-developed characters, Shadows of the Crimson Crown is the first installment in a promising series.
January 17, 2026
Loved supporting a Zimbabwean author! This is an easy-read fantasy, with the benefits of reading Shona words baked in. Amina is a likeable Princess, I like the romance between her and Khyran. It's pretty safe, no trauma porn there.
My slight critiques based on personal preference; I felt like the dialogue wasn't distinct enough for a few characters. The power-play could have been a bit more biting. Varion in particular, I felt like I didn't have enough boundaries or deference for King Idris, though I suppose the ending explains that. Also at some point, I believe the author mentioned Amina being pale from shock which is something that surprised me since I assume Amina is a brown skinned girl, so not a term I would use to explain shock for a melanated person.
Otherwise the world made sense. I hope to write a fantasy one day with themes from my Zimbabwean upbringing so it was dope to see it done first
My slight critiques based on personal preference; I felt like the dialogue wasn't distinct enough for a few characters. The power-play could have been a bit more biting. Varion in particular, I felt like I didn't have enough boundaries or deference for King Idris, though I suppose the ending explains that. Also at some point, I believe the author mentioned Amina being pale from shock which is something that surprised me since I assume Amina is a brown skinned girl, so not a term I would use to explain shock for a melanated person.
Otherwise the world made sense. I hope to write a fantasy one day with themes from my Zimbabwean upbringing so it was dope to see it done first
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First and foremost, the story was amazing and full of intrigue! Next, both the kings are kind of a-holes. Their disregard for their children is both ruthless and infuriating. And Laila is the absolute worst! Although it took time to figure out why certain decisions were made, I loved how all the scheming and backstabbing came together. It is truly a “games of thrones”. There was never a dull moment in this story, from the attack at the beginning to power reveals and arrangements, and much more, without revealing spoilers. The tension and the pull between Amina and Khyran was insane. Beautifully descriptive writing. Absolutely loved the plot twists! I can’t wait to read the next instalment, The Chaos Kingdom Rises!
First and foremost, the story was amazing and full of intrigue! Next, both the kings are kind of a-holes. Their disregard for their children is both ruthless and infuriating. And Laila is the absolute worst! Although it took time to figure out why certain decisions were made, I loved how all the scheming and backstabbing came together. It is truly a “games of thrones”. There was never a dull moment in this story, from the attack at the beginning to power reveals and arrangements, and much more, without revealing spoilers. The tension and the pull between Amina and Khyran was insane. Beautifully descriptive writing. Absolutely loved the plot twists! I can’t wait to read the next instalment, The Chaos Kingdom Rises!
April 11, 2025
When Mrs. Borerwe said that this was a political fantasy romance?
She wasn't kidding!
All the court intrigue, the way they were making their moves, how the parents used their children as pawns.
Every time I thought I had a grip on the players? Another one popped up!
There were some heartbreaking revelations in regards to betrayals, and some I didn't see coming!
The intricacies of the court and the games they play kept me locked all the way in! Add in the rivalries, MAGIC, and the budding feelings between Amina and Khyran?
I was and am here for it!
Can't wait to see what will happen with these children of prophecy!
She wasn't kidding!
All the court intrigue, the way they were making their moves, how the parents used their children as pawns.
Every time I thought I had a grip on the players? Another one popped up!
There were some heartbreaking revelations in regards to betrayals, and some I didn't see coming!
The intricacies of the court and the games they play kept me locked all the way in! Add in the rivalries, MAGIC, and the budding feelings between Amina and Khyran?
I was and am here for it!
Can't wait to see what will happen with these children of prophecy!
April 22, 2025
I was absolutely captivated by the vibrant call‑and‑response exchanges between Amina and Khyran. Their chemistry leaps off the page, balancing playful banter with genuine emotional depth. The story’s pacing is spot‑on—each twist and revelation unfolds at just the right moment, keeping me eagerly turning pages late into the night.
Borerwe’s world‑building is lush and immersive, and her characters feel both real and unforgettable. I can’t wait to dive into more of her work and see where she takes us next!
Borerwe’s world‑building is lush and immersive, and her characters feel both real and unforgettable. I can’t wait to dive into more of her work and see where she takes us next!
May 19, 2025
THAT ENDING!!! Those were the words that I sent Ms. Samantha as soon as I finished the book. All I can think of is how FINALLY someone understands that we have to know who the people are, their struggles, everything about them, and the people in their lives to truly understand the point of the story.
There are so many things I want to say, and the other part of me just wants to say you need to read this damn book. I cannot wait until the second book comes out.
There are so many things I want to say, and the other part of me just wants to say you need to read this damn book. I cannot wait until the second book comes out.
May 5, 2025
🖤Welcome to Lusherivion🖤
Okay. Okay. I need everyone to listen and read what I have to say about this book.
It's about 530 pages and none of them will disappoint. The secrets, the tension, the political aspect. My God, this was so well done.
The details in the book make it so easy to be immersed in the world of Lusherivion.
When I say the details in this book are amazing, I mean right down to how the characters dress. I could picture the dresses Amina was wearing and that was BEFORE I saw any sort of artwork put out by the author.
This book is written in the third person and even if that's not your cup of tea this story is so worth the read.
The story flows so nicely and isn't broken up by chapter. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it well, but each character and scene just blends flawlessly.
The second book needs to come out like yesterday because of THAT ENDING. I'm only sad about not having the next story readily available to know more.
I was over here like 😮😯😲😮😯 getting closer and closer to the end.
That cliffhanger ending though. Read this and prepare yourself to want more.
Okay. Okay. I need everyone to listen and read what I have to say about this book.
It's about 530 pages and none of them will disappoint. The secrets, the tension, the political aspect. My God, this was so well done.
The details in the book make it so easy to be immersed in the world of Lusherivion.
When I say the details in this book are amazing, I mean right down to how the characters dress. I could picture the dresses Amina was wearing and that was BEFORE I saw any sort of artwork put out by the author.
This book is written in the third person and even if that's not your cup of tea this story is so worth the read.
The story flows so nicely and isn't broken up by chapter. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it well, but each character and scene just blends flawlessly.
The second book needs to come out like yesterday because of THAT ENDING. I'm only sad about not having the next story readily available to know more.
I was over here like 😮😯😲😮😯 getting closer and closer to the end.
That cliffhanger ending though. Read this and prepare yourself to want more.
June 9, 2025
The story was amazing. I loved how the author incorporated Shona words into the story. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
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