Crown of War and Shadow

Kingdoms of the Compass #1

by J.R. Ward

An outcast burdened with a curse and a mercenary who's out for himself collide in this star-crossed, slow-burn, high-stakes romantic fantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R. Ward.

In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall.

Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.

Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.

Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic

“Absolutely unputdownable.” - Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Adult, Magic, Demons

480 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 26, 2026

About the author

J.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.

Reviews

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Review to come. 🫶

[Valerie Joy]

I'm sorry, am I to understand that the MMC is a mercenary called *checks notes* ...Merc?

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love J.R. Ward books, but I especially loved this beginning of a new series. There were some twists I saw and some I didn't. Very much already looking forward to the next installment. Welcome addition to the world of fantasy/romantasy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for access to the ARC.

[Gina Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Crown of War and Shadow Book 1 in the Kingdom of the Compass series
This first book in the Kingdom of the Compass series pulled me in right from the start. We’re introduced to Sorrel, our MFC, an outcast the villagers rely on in times of need but refuse to truly see. I immediately connected with her resilience and quiet strength. Then there’s Merc, our MMC… and let me just say, the “shadow daddy” energy is real. J.R. Ward paints him in a way that feels dark, powerful, and magnetic without ever overpowering the world around him. The world building is rich. This story leans into Romantasy with a slow burn pull and an almost impossible quest that forces the characters into growth, tension, and vulnerability. The romantic angst? Absolutely perfect. It never felt rushed, and every moment added to the emotional heartbeat of the book. I also really loved the additions of Thale and the Inn, great characters who brought depth and personality while expanding the world, especially the Southern Outpost. I’m genuinely hoping we’ll see more from that part of the map in future installments. Overall, the book gave me total Witcher vibes, but with J.R. Ward’s unmistakable flair. Her writing style remains one of my favorites, immersive, emotional, and sharp.
Thank you to @netgalley, @torbooks, and @jrwardauthor for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mark your calendars. Pub Date: February 17,2026
If you love romantasy or J.R. Ward, you’re going to want this on your shelf.
#CrownOfWarAndShadow #JRWard #KingdomOfTheCompass #RomantasyBooks #FantasyRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #ARCReview #NetGalleyARC #TorBooks #Bookstagram #Bookish #ReadersOfInstagram #BookTok #FantasyBookTok #RomantasyTok #WitcherVibes #ShadowDaddyEnergy #BookRecommendations #UpcomingReleases #2026Books #MustReadFantasy

[Ceacea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the gifted copy of this eARC.
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 4/10
Cliffhanger: 3/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete series. Single first-person POV. There are some darker elements in this story. Publication date 2/17/2026.

This was a big book for a first in a series. It feels like a lot happens but also not a lot. Probably because we spend a lot of time with the two main characters but there are parts of the story that feel a little stuck in the mud. The world itself gave me midevil Witcher vibes. Everything feels like it has a layer of grit on it. Nothing ever felt comfortable at any point. There is so much mystery surrounding our FMC Sorrel and MMC Merc. Some twists you may see coming but probably not everything.

The romance feels very much like a subplot that teases a lot. For me, Merc does not give us a classic Romantacy MMC. It felt like even the reader is kept at arms length with his hot and cold routine but it only adds to the air of mystery surrounding him. The plot is a little clunky in spots. At points it seems to drag and others it moves at lightning speed when it should have slowed a bit to add to story. But I really did like this book enough to want to continue the series. I would like to see how these characters continue to develop and where the story is going.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Thank you to J.R. Ward, Bramble, Tor Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ✨

I screamed and danced a little when I saw the approval for this book in my inbox. I was incredibly curious about J.R. Ward’s new series—especially since it leans more into fantasy—and eager to see how this story would unfold from her imagination to the page.
When a magical barrier protecting the world begins to crumble, unleashing demons into the mortal realm, an outcast woman named Sorrel is thrust into a destiny she never wanted. Branded as dangerous for her magic and blamed for tragedy, she’s tasked with an impossible mission: crossing the deadly Badlands, reclaiming a stolen crown, and convincing a powerful queen to save a dying world. Her only chance at survival lies with Merc, a ruthless mercenary whose loyalty is as dangerous as his secrets. What begins as a desperate bargain soon becomes something far more perilous—love, trust, and fate colliding amid war and shadow.
Sorrel pulled me in immediately with her resilience and strength. Watching her navigate fear, survival, and impossible choices made her easy to root for from the start. Her dynamic with Merc adds tension and intrigue, especially as their journey forces long-buried secrets from both of their pasts to surface. With darkness closing in around them, they must decide whether they can trust themselves—and each other—to survive.

A thrilling start to a dark romantasy series, Crown of War and Shadow blends peril, magic, and a slow-burn romance that will keep you hooked. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

#CrownofWarandShadow #Bramble #TorPublishing #NetGalley #FantasyBooks

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I’m not a huge fan of romantasy and prefer urban fantasy/paranormal thrillers, when I saw this series-opener by an author I’ve enjoyed in the past, I had to give it a try. We meet Sorrel, a girl who’s not in a good situation. Along comes Merc who becomes her guide to a new life. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. First off, I think it could have been condensed or tightened up a little bit as it dragged a little bit at times. Also, I didn’t feel I got to know Sorrel and Merc as much as we could have, and we really should have considering how long this book is. However, I did enjoy most of this even if it isn’t my favorite genre. 3 ½ stars rounded up to 4 since it’s the first book in a series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Crown of War and Shadow
Author: J.R. Ward
Series: Kingdoms of the Compass #1

What to expect:
*Forced proximity
*Touch her & ☠️ vibes
*Chosen mates

The ebook version of this book just wasn’t for me, when the audio version is released I will try again and adjust my rating accordingly. I do love this author and everything that she writes!!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Paranormal romance
Overall Score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Sorrel (FMC) & Merc (MMC)

[Shelbi Lynn]

I literally CANNOT WAIT to read this. JR Ward has been one of my fav authors since 2008!!

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to receive an ARC of this book, releasing in Feb 2026.

This is a high fantasy/romantasy story that is centered around Sorrel. A girl shunned and hidden her whole life, but who spends her life secretly helping others. Sorrel has knowledge and powers that are they intertwined in healing and death. Her curse is that if she looks someone in the eyes, she will see and experience their death. Near her village lies the Fulcrum, a gateway of light slowly being overtaken by the dark. This is from when “the Savior” banished and prisoned the dark demon king away - but he is gaining strength and his demons are coming through. After that evil comes to town one night, Sorrel is blamed. And she must flee the only home she has known, with the help of a mysterious mercenary named Merc. Before she leaves she is told that she has a destiny - that she is more than she knows. With a magical compass and crown, she goes on a quest - at first for survival, then to try and rally other kingdoms help in the war against the dark king. All with Merc by her side. As their tension and chemistry grows, Sorrel finds herself constantly thrown off by the hot/cold rollercoaster that is Merc. But she must instead focus on the upcoming battle between bad and good, and the internal pull she also feels towards the evil.

[Heather Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

Sorrel has always helped those in need, but now finds herself in need of help. When her powers and notoriety make her the focus of an angry mob, she must rely on the help of a strange mercenary in order to escape. This is a good start to a series with a unique magic system and interesting world building. The relationship between Sorrel and Merc is solid, engaging and didn't overpower the rest of the plot (which I find is often a problem within the genre). I do wish there had been a larger cast of characters, but that will probably be addressed in future books

Unfortunately for me, this book is written in present tense. I find that present tense prevents me from being fully engaged with a book because my brain keeps telling me the sentence structures are wrong for a story. I've read books before in present tense, but they have to be exceptional for my brain to bypass this stumbling block.

I think for readers who don't mind present tense, this could be a great romantasy for you. For me, the book didn't pull me in enough to overcome the tense, thus my rating.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC!

[BibliofiendLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my Romantasy lovin' heart, the supernatural romance queen herself, JR Ward, has entered the ring and given us the first in a series that ticks all the boxes. Young orphaned heroine wit a mysterious origin story? Check. A dark, dangerous, sexy and tortured warrior? Check. A perilous journey filled with deadly creatures and death defying obstacles at every turn? Check. Magic? Check. Dragons! Check. A scary villain back to conquer the realm and well, just be evil? Check.

Loved every second of it. Great storytelling, worldbuilding and characters. Plus romantic angst, profound revelations and a fantastic ending that left me wanting more.

[Megan Tromposch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading JR Ward for years. I was so excited to hear that she was stepping outside of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series to start a new romantasy quartet. I've enjoyed her books since I was a young adult and (having read several dozen of her novels), I feel like I am very familiar with her writing style. I'm struggling with this review, because this book did not feel like the author I know.

Sorrel lives a hard life. Orphaned and birth and possessing of secret magic that has made her an outcast, she scrapes by a living in the local tavern while performing small miracles for desperate people at night. When her villagers turn on her, believing her magic to be the cause of the failing gates keeping the demons and evil at bay, she makes a desperate bargain with a traveling mercenary. One night with him in exchange for safe passage to the next city. Before she departs, Sorrel is tasked with a mysterious quest from her supposedly long dead mother, involving a black crown and a magic compass. As Sorrel and Merc set upon their journey, questions about their pasts begin to arise. As demons and dark close in around them, they must trust themselves and each other if they hope to survive.

There is an interesting plot in here, but this book was not what I hoped it would be. The chemistry between the characters was rushed, the connection felt lacking and there were too many unbelievable elements in the story. Coupled with an exhausting number of deux-ex-machina moments, I unfortunately felt this ARC did not live up to its full potential. I know Ms. Ward is amazing at writing tension, yearning and slow burns. I'm disappointed we didnt get to see that here. I never felt any emotional investment into Merc and Sorrel. That being said, I didn't see see the twist ending coming and there is a lot of potential here. I am optimistic with some editorial work, the sequel will bring some clarity and cohesiveness the initial novel was lacking.

Thank you to TOR and Bramble for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Addie Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new fantasy by JR Ward. The BDB has as certain feel to it that can be over the top at times and it was very refreshing to remember what a great fantasy writer Ward is. She crafted a world here that was so well done. The story and fantasy plot were page turning and the romance was a slow burn in a way that I didn't expect but definitely appreciated. The end of this story went a little off the rails for me. Some of it was definitely personal preferences but it did seem like a lot was shoved into the last 25%.

[Tiera Aubrey]

Sadly I had to DNF at 33%.
This just didn't read like a J.R. Ward to me - the syle felt so different. I hate to say it but I was bored and didn't feel the MC romance at all. 💔

🌟Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!🌟

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC provided by the publisher for review consideration. All thoughts are my own*

Listen: this book is exactly what you'd expect from a romantasy, especially written by Ward. Formulaic, in a comfy way, with incomprehensible action and unlikely romance. Enjoy the ride

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25

[Toni L | Down and Dirty Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Tor, Bramble, and J.R. Ward for this ARC! This is my first J.R. Ward book, and I had a lot of hopes since I have heard such great things about her books. However, this story left me feeling underwhelmed and overprocessed. I found the storyline compelling with a dark Witcher vibe, but the execution was lacking. The book, for me, was far too long and could benefit from some storyline editing. I know the author is trying to set up the characters, but several aspects of the story seemed frivolous. It felt like too much time was spent on certain subjects, but not enough on others. There are several big reveals and twists at the end of the book that I did see coming. The author left too many breadcrumbs for several of the reveals, leaving them feeling obvious to me. There was only one twist that was slightly surprising. The book felt very formulaic and needed a bit more heart if I'm being honest. What I did enjoy was the relationship between the FMC and the MMC. I relished the angst and slow burn, even if I could have used some more spice and a longer burn. The book isn't bad, but it isn't great either. I think with some edits and rewrites, it has the potential to be a spectacular book. At this junction, I will not be reading the second book. 3 Stars.

[Katrina]

I literally opened the book, read the first few sentences, realized it was in first person, and closed it. I can't do first person! So disappointed.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

This was a frustrating read: the typical orphan (who will always turn out to be a princess, goddess, or super powerful unique magical snowflake) and big alpha male who falls all over her (for no particular reason) while smirking a lot (and I do mean a lot). I've read it all before and found the FMC to be incredible annoying and doorknob level stupid while the MMC is rude, unhelpful, and belies the big twist at the end.

Story: Sorrel works for an ungrateful barkeep who took her in as an orphan and treats her horribly. When a mercenary shows up one day at the inn, everything will change. Because his arrival is at the same time that ominous signs of the Dark Lord being freed from his prison are appearing throughout the land. When the two are given a quest to save the world, they will have to learn to trust each other.

This is the type of book where the plot had so many implausible points that I was either rolling my eyes or scoffing out loud at the FMC's incredible stupid thoughts and actions. Everything is telegraphed and the deus ex machina to set up the romance scenes is as subtle as a freight train. Worse, the characters constantly contradict themselves (e.g., our heroine will save women and babies in the village with her powers but then randomly refuse to help the betrothed of a knight). Most of the scenes made sense only for the moment but failed completely when placed into a bigger picture.

There are twists at the end but you have to go through a whole lot (and I do mean a LOT) of questing and traveling to get there. There aren't even that many locations they quest to - but everything has to be described in excruciating detail. I found I was skipping whole chunks in certain areas and not really missing any of the story as a result. The first 90% of the book is about creating a forced proximity where the heroine will constantly think she's too ugly for the FMC but then notice how hot he is all the time. He'll smirk, make obvious comments he wants her that she'll continually misinterpret, and smell sexy.

I don't think I've read this author's other books so I don't know if this type of bland and too-stupid-to-live heroine is the norm and what her readers are looking for in her books. For me, I really need the heroine to have a brain, to think through situations, to make intelligent decisions, and to be interesting as a character for more than having a unique snowflake superpower. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sorrel is an outcast and healer in her small village, and all she wants is to survive. Sorrel has been ostracized due to her mystical abilities, but her powers also make her chosen and cursed. She enlists the help of a Merc, a mysterious mercenary, to help her on her quest to return the Queen's crown and convince the warrior queen to save them all.

As a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, this definitely felt completely different in every way from how J.R. Ward usually writes. There were not as many characters, and that is something I became very accustomed to after reading so many of the BDB books, and I feel like there wasn't enough passion between Sorrel and Merc. It felt very rushed, and I did not feel as invested in their relationship as I have in the BDB books. I know that this woman knows how to write really great romances, and it saddens me that it wasn't really represented here. When it comes to Sorrel, she's kind of annoying to figure out. She'll use her power to bring a dragon back to life, but she won't help the knight save his love. Who she picks and chooses to save never makes sense, and also who she confides her gift to. She tells the sleazy Thale about her powers to get a favor, but Merc? Nah, he doesn't need to know anything, even though he keeps seeing a lot of weird things. These two not talking to each other gets so old and frustrating beyond belief.

Now, having said all of that, this is not a bad start to a story. There is some great world-building here, and I think there is some good potential in this series. I think the twist was unexpected, and I liked that. My worry was that I was going to predict the ending, and I was only partially right. Overall, I would still probably read the next book in the series.

[Cori Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romantasy with strong FMC, tall dark and brooding MMC, standing against a menacing evil. There are two reviews here, depending on what kind of reader you are.

If you love romantasy in general, and are reading for an atmospheric world to showcase the characters' tortured love, you'll probably have a good time with this -- it ticks all the usual boxes. Don't read on in this review. :D

If you want a bit more out of your books, or if, like me, you've read any of the BDB and were hoping for similar writing here ... sorry, it ain't that.

---

We have a heroine who is hated and despised by her entire village, despite being a dab hand at healing them from near-death as needed, and who ends up quite liked by many of the non-villagers she meets. We have a mercenary who is a creepy fellow, obsessing over (his misunderstanding of) her being a sex worker, and does not take no for an answer. He hasn't even seen her face but he Must Have Her -- that's not romance Sir, you need therapy; or at least baseline respect for women. But it's apparently okay with her because, having known him for all of a week, she has obviously fallen for him too. This is actually quite long for her, given that she declares her (NON SEXY!!) love for her horse after less than 48 hours of travel.

Unfortunately, that is the level of petty I ended up at ... counting the hours! One character mentions "zipping his mouth", though no context for how zips got invented in this fantasy-medieval world. There's puzzling anatomy -- not once but twice her "stomach flip-flops / thrashes in the cradle of her pelvis." Roots (I think) are described as "arboreal legs". Her horse's eyes "pry wide". And so on.

There are a few truly beautiful sections of writing in this book, so I'm sad to say that overall it isn't consistent. The intent of the story is there, good solid pacing too, but the content is really not what I'd hoped.

Try it for yourself, but set non-BDB expections.


This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5 chili peppers

The Crown of War and Shadow blends dark fantasy, slow-burn romance, and a constant sense of danger in a way that kept me turning pages.

Sorrel is a strong, compassionate heroine who wants to do good despite a curse that has isolated her for most of her life. If she looks someone directly in the eyes, she sees their death. It’s heartbreaking and powerful, and it drives so many of her decisions. Then there’s Merc, the dark, broody mercenary who is somehow the only person whose death she can’t see. Their dynamic hooked me right away.

The forced proximity and slow-burn tension between them build so naturally throughout their journey across the Badlands. The romance is definitely a simmering slow burn, and the spice sits at a solid 3/5—explicit but not overpowering. Along the way, they constantly face new challenges, demons, and magical threats as the Fulcrum slowly fails and the Dark King’s power grows.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, the lore, and the emotional connection between Sorrel and Merc. The pacing did drag a little in places, but overall it’s a compelling start to a new romantasy series. J.R. Ward knows how to write tension—romantic and otherwise—and it shows here.

I recommend for fans of Shield of Sparrows, ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, or any dark romantasy with morally gray heroes and destined-for-each-other energy.

Release Date: February 17, 2026
ARC Note: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward

⭐️ High Fantasy · Romantasy · Dark Mercenary MMC · Slow Burn TENSION

J.R. Ward said “romantasy but make it feral” and she delivered.

This world? Rich, eerie, and dripping with danger.
The vibes? Witchy, cursed, prophetic, demon-ridden.
The romance? A slow burn knife twist that pays off in every stolen look and rough-voiced warning.

Sorrel is the kind of heroine I instantly root for. She's ostracized, powerful without knowing it, and carrying a curse that makes her more weapon than girl.
Merc is the morally gray mercenary of my dreams. He's brooding, dangerous, half feral, and inconveniently obsessed even when he pretends he’s not.

Their journey?
Touch her and die.
One bed.
Chosen mates energy.
Soft moments hidden under sharp edges.
Secrets, betrayal, and chemistry that could set a kingdom on fire.

What surprised me most is how big the stakes feel with prophecies, crumbling borders, demons slipping through the dark, and a girl who was never meant to survive now being the only one who might save them all.

If you love:
✨ “Who did this to you?”
✨ Reluctant protectors
✨ Magic systems with actual depth
✨ A heroine discovering her power
✨ A grumpy MMC who would burn the world for her
✨ High fantasy with real danger and real heat

…then this one belongs on your 2026 TBR immediately.

#CrownOfWarAndShadow #JRWard #KingdomsOfTheCompass #RomantasyReads #FantasyRomance #BookstagramFantasy #ForcedProximity #TouchHerAndDie #ChosenMates #SlowBurnRomance #Tor #TorPublishing

[Samantha S. (TikTok: RADHouse - RileyAnthonyDesigns) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Crown of War and Shadow (Kingdoms of the Compass) by J.R. Ward

This was a phenomenal read—rich, immersive, and full of twists that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Yes, it’s a long book, but the pacing is so strong that it never feels long. The story continues to build all the way through the final pages, with reveals, shifting alliances, and emotional turns that make the length feel completely justified. Every chapter adds something meaningful, and I was never tempted to skim.

The slow-burn romance is beautifully done. The tension simmers rather than rushes, making every interaction between Sorrel and Merc feel charged and intentional. Their dynamic—guarded, wary, and slowly unraveling—fits perfectly within the darker, high-stakes world J.R. Ward has created. Merc is exactly the kind of morally gray, protective presence that elevates a romantasy, and Sorrel’s strength grows in a way that feels earned rather than convenient.

What truly stood out for me was the world-building. The stakes feel real, the danger is constant, and the sense that no one is truly safe adds an edge that kept me invested. The magic system, curses, and looming threat all weave together seamlessly without overwhelming the story.

If you love epic romantasy with depth, tension, slow-burn chemistry, and nonstop momentum, Crown of War and Shadow is absolutely worth the time. A powerful start to a new series, and I’m already eager for what comes next.

[Michelegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so impressed with this book. Having read so many of this authors other books I was a smidge skeptical about her changing things up a bit, but wow, she really did herself proud here. I haven’t read a book that kept me so invested in the characters in so very long. I thought about them when I wasn’t reading, and worried about how things were going to turn out. And just when I thought well I guess there won’t be a sequel… well I sure hope there’s going to be a sequel cause I need to know everything.

Sorrel was a perfect heroine and Merc was so sigh worthy. And together they were so tender and lovely. I can’t wait for this one to come out so I can talk to people about it! I am such a huge fan and cannot wait to see what comes next. Oh the Warden has done it again and I’m so excited about it.

I highly recommend this book, which is my favorite read of the year, to lovers of romantasy and well written characters. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Thanks to Edelweiss for an ARC of this book.

[Trysta Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for sending me an E-ARC of this book.

This is my first J.R. Ward book. I know she has a huge backlog in paranormal romance and is well established author so I was excited to read this one. Some things I liked and a thing I didn't like:

The characters, the plot, the dialogue were all things I enjoyed. I felt like the character and the story was well thought out for a romantasy which was nice. The writing style felt very cinematic actually, which made everything really easy to picture while I was reading it. It did sort of feel like I was watching a movie which was kind of fun. And I also liked the spicy scenes, they did not feel excessive and were actually written less graphically and more- romantically- maybe is the right word. I appreciated that for sure.

There was one thing that I just cannot get over yet though- and that's the "-" after what feels like almost every single thought, action, paragraph or spoken line in this book. The excessive amount of times that the characters were cut of mid sentence, mid thought, or mid action was just insane. I started counting and then lost count! One page there were 5 paragraphs IN A ROW that were all interruptions. I don't know if that was a choice by the author to intentionally have her characters always interrupted or she just has that style of writing. But it was definitely something that my brain latched on to and would not let go.

Overall I liked this book and I would recommend it as a romantasy read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking ride with an ending that floored me.

Crown of War and Shadow is everything I crave in epic fantasy: lush world-building, morally tangled characters, and a plot that never lets up. But that ending? I did not see that coming. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story twisted in a way that was both devastating and brilliant.

The emotional stakes are sky-high, and the author doesn't pull punches. Every alliance, betrayal, and whispered prophecy builds toward a finale that leaves me staring at the last page in stunned silence. It's the kind of ending that makes you want to reread the whole book just to catch the clues you missed.

If you love fantasy that respects your intelligence and wrecks your heart in the best way, this is it.

I received this ARC copy of Crown of War and Shadow from Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

#CrownofWarandShadow #NetGalley #TorPublishingGroup

[Liz | ᥫ᭡reakawayreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorrel has always been the one to help others, but now she’s the one in danger. When her powers draw the attention of an angry mob, she has no choice but to rely on Merc, a mysterious mercenary, to get her out alive. The dynamic between them is engaging—intense, intriguing, and just enough to keep the romance as a subplot rather than the whole story.

The world is gritty and layered, giving me serious medieval Witcher vibes. Sorrel and Merc are complex and morally tangled, and the plot keeps you on your toes with twists, betrayals, and mysteries that slowly unravel. The ending hit me hard—I did not see it coming—and it left me eager to dive into the next book.

The pacing isn’t perfect; some parts drag while others race by, but it didn’t take away from the story’s momentum. Overall, this is a strong, compelling start to a series with a unique magic system, high stakes, and characters I want to follow further. OBSESSED WITH THIS AUTHOR!

[Arlene Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by J.R. Ward. I truly enjoyed book 1 of the Kingdom of the Compass series.This romantasy tale follows Sorrel, a girl who has spent her entire life shunned and hidden away, even as she secretly dedicates herself to helping others. Her rare abilities blend healing and death—and her curse means that meeting someone’s gaze forces her to witness and feel their death.

When evil strikes her village one night, Sorrel becomes the scapegoat. Forced to flee the only home she’s ever known, she escapes with the help of a mysterious mercenary called Merc. Before leaving, she learns she has a destiny far greater than she ever imagined. Armed with a magical compass and crown, she sets off on a journey—first for survival, and then to enlist the help of other kingdoms in the looming war against the dark king. Merc stays by her side, though their growing chemistry is complicated by his intense hot-and-cold behavior.

Thank you Netgalley