What do you think?
Rate this book
A Crown of Luminaries
"He robbed me of my childhood, my companions, my peace. He trained me, marred me, molded me into a cursed, calloused weapon. And now, he seeks to see the world bathed in the waters of an authoritarian, sadistic god- a god who promises blessings of great power to all who administer his dark gospel.
Amira, twenty-five year old orphan-turned jaded mercenary, wants nothing to do with the gods or The Knights of Blackthorn who employ the blood-lusting captain who holds her captive. However, she abruptly finds herself in the middle of a war for balance and power when one of her assignments drastically alters the course of her fate. After two and a half decades focused merely on her own survival, Amira must relinquish her apathy. In order to combat the darkness threatening to devour Elmoria's peace and freedom, she must also learn to confront the inner demons plaguing her nightmares.
Amira, twenty-five year old orphan-turned jaded mercenary, wants nothing to do with the gods or The Knights of Blackthorn who employ the blood-lusting captain who holds her captive. However, she abruptly finds herself in the middle of a war for balance and power when one of her assignments drastically alters the course of her fate. After two and a half decades focused merely on her own survival, Amira must relinquish her apathy. In order to combat the darkness threatening to devour Elmoria's peace and freedom, she must also learn to confront the inner demons plaguing her nightmares.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
33 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Kate Bader
1 book7 followersKate Bader is an author of queer dark fantasy romance. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, husky mix, and two cats. When she isn’t busy immersing herself in her current projects, she’s either playing drums or rewatching Lord of the Rings. Again. Her favorite characters are morally grey souls who fight for hope with resilience and tenacious angst.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 28, 2025
Kate Bader’s A Crown of Luminaries starts with a bang. It is a romantasy of epic proportions. It is filled with action, fantastical battles, suspense, steamy scenes, unexpected twists, dragons, shifters, gods, demigods, villains, evil, desperation, and hope.
Critiques:
The dialogue was occasionally confusing, particularly when multiple characters communicated both aloud and telepathically through their bond.
The insta-love aspect was a little weak at first. It was very lusty, which was hot, but the love declaration needed time to build.
The writing could use some polishing here and there.
That death, though! (non-MC but still!)
What I liked:
World-building
System of magic
Hierarchy/lore of gods/goddesses
Dragons!
The dynamic between dragons and their riders
Plot twists
Steamy times
Both main characters' personalities
Amira's primary challenge lies in reconciling her newfound role and responsibilities with her upbringing. Everything she thought she knew was turned inside-out when she realized the knights and gods are very different from what she believed, and so is she.
Amira offers Adrienne hope after she has been carrying her burdens alone for so long. Their scenes together deliver fiery chemistry and lots of steam. I bought into the relationship after a while and loved the touch-her-and-die vibe.
I like the strong found family element and the concept of fighting for something bigger than oneself.
The plot is fast-paced, action-packed, engaging, and does not end with this book. It concludes with a moment of regrouping, and I need book two ASAP!
#icequeen #enemiestolovers #forcedproximity #bonded #dragonbonds #steamy #spicy #darkromance #scaryMCs #actionpacked #instalove #worldbuilding #foundfamily #gods #lightanddark #magic #lore #touchheranddie #SeriesStarter
Critiques:
The dialogue was occasionally confusing, particularly when multiple characters communicated both aloud and telepathically through their bond.
The insta-love aspect was a little weak at first. It was very lusty, which was hot, but the love declaration needed time to build.
The writing could use some polishing here and there.
That death, though! (non-MC but still!)
What I liked:
World-building
System of magic
Hierarchy/lore of gods/goddesses
Dragons!
The dynamic between dragons and their riders
Plot twists
Steamy times
Both main characters' personalities
Amira's primary challenge lies in reconciling her newfound role and responsibilities with her upbringing. Everything she thought she knew was turned inside-out when she realized the knights and gods are very different from what she believed, and so is she.
Amira offers Adrienne hope after she has been carrying her burdens alone for so long. Their scenes together deliver fiery chemistry and lots of steam. I bought into the relationship after a while and loved the touch-her-and-die vibe.
I like the strong found family element and the concept of fighting for something bigger than oneself.
The plot is fast-paced, action-packed, engaging, and does not end with this book. It concludes with a moment of regrouping, and I need book two ASAP!
#icequeen #enemiestolovers #forcedproximity #bonded #dragonbonds #steamy #spicy #darkromance #scaryMCs #actionpacked #instalove #worldbuilding #foundfamily #gods #lightanddark #magic #lore #touchheranddie #SeriesStarter
July 15, 2025
OMG I need more!! I have fallen for these characters and story hard. From dragons to mages and mercenaries this book has so much happening in a good way. Literally one of the best books I’ve read this year. Highly recommend and can’t wait for more…….
June 30, 2025
A Crown of Luminaries is an immersive and well-balanced read, with beautiful imagery that pulls you into the world right away. The battle scenes are exciting and detailed, and the magic system is creative with a fun variety of powers. There’s a nice mix of action, world-building, lighthearted moments, and some sapphic romance—which is refreshing to see, especially since LGBTQ+ representation has been lacking in the fantasy genre. The banter between the main squad members is especially enjoyable and feels like real friends joking around, which adds a lot of charm to the story.
That said, some of the relationships felt a little rushed to me, hence the 4 star rating. The dragon/rider bond between Amira and Lumithra, as well as the romantic connection between Amira and Adrienne, could’ve used more time to develop and hit a bit harder emotionally. That might just come down to personal preference, though—I tend to gravitate toward slower burns when it comes to relationships in the books I read. I also noticed a few spots where the sentence structure felt a little repetitive, with certain phrases or ideas repeated within the same paragraph in a way that came off as slightly redundant, but that is mainly just a nitpick of mine. But overall, those are minor things in an otherwise engaging and enjoyable fantasy story. Super impressive for a debut novel, and I’m really excited to see what this author does next!
That said, some of the relationships felt a little rushed to me, hence the 4 star rating. The dragon/rider bond between Amira and Lumithra, as well as the romantic connection between Amira and Adrienne, could’ve used more time to develop and hit a bit harder emotionally. That might just come down to personal preference, though—I tend to gravitate toward slower burns when it comes to relationships in the books I read. I also noticed a few spots where the sentence structure felt a little repetitive, with certain phrases or ideas repeated within the same paragraph in a way that came off as slightly redundant, but that is mainly just a nitpick of mine. But overall, those are minor things in an otherwise engaging and enjoyable fantasy story. Super impressive for a debut novel, and I’m really excited to see what this author does next!
June 23, 2025
I loved it!
I absolutely loved this book. I had no idea that the series wasn’t finished and now I cannot wait for the next book. I absolutely loved the two main characters. The plot twists and turns were so great. I can’t wait for the next book.
I absolutely loved this book. I had no idea that the series wasn’t finished and now I cannot wait for the next book. I absolutely loved the two main characters. The plot twists and turns were so great. I can’t wait for the next book.
January 20, 2026
Fantasy is not my go to book genre. After meeting Kate Bader in a bookstore and hearing how excited she was about the book, I was intrigued. my girlfriend bought a copy and then I bought a copy on Kindle.
I was hooked from the start. There is a lot of world building and character introductions, as to be expected in a story like this. Amira won me over instantly. oh, and there are bonded dragons!
I can't wait for book 2!
I was hooked from the start. There is a lot of world building and character introductions, as to be expected in a story like this. Amira won me over instantly. oh, and there are bonded dragons!
I can't wait for book 2!
July 22, 2025
Such immersive world building and strong characters and representation - I loved this. It was honestly great. Such a fun journey.
September 1, 2025
Phenomenal!
This was my very first sapphic romantasy and I must say, it was EVERYTHING! Amira's story was one of tragedy, but her character had so much depth. I felt myself going through every emotion with her with every glimpse into her past.
Then we have Adrienne. She just bumped everyone else out of the way and took the top spot for book girlfriends. She is the perfect balance of snark and brood. She's also a total badass and did I mention that she was a shadow-wielding mage who has a badass dragon? No? Oops. Seriously though, these two characters have off-the-chart chemistry!
Then there is the entire cast of side characters that are worthy of getting their own stories. I feel like we all have a friend group very similar to these guys. My favorites are Sephyr and Sorin, but I also love Irvette.
I can't wait for book two! 😍
This was my very first sapphic romantasy and I must say, it was EVERYTHING! Amira's story was one of tragedy, but her character had so much depth. I felt myself going through every emotion with her with every glimpse into her past.
Then we have Adrienne. She just bumped everyone else out of the way and took the top spot for book girlfriends. She is the perfect balance of snark and brood. She's also a total badass and did I mention that she was a shadow-wielding mage who has a badass dragon? No? Oops. Seriously though, these two characters have off-the-chart chemistry!
Then there is the entire cast of side characters that are worthy of getting their own stories. I feel like we all have a friend group very similar to these guys. My favorites are Sephyr and Sorin, but I also love Irvette.
I can't wait for book two! 😍
January 22, 2026
A Crown of Luminaries by Kate Bader is a lovely, slightly dark, and gritty romantic fantasy. A world of magic and mages, a plethora of indifferent gods plus one outcast, darkly evil and angry, all woven in a rich, colourful, descriptive writing style.
It sets up an epic struggle of evil versus good, set in a human and semi human realm, populated with telepathic dragons,knights, sea wraiths and fantastical creatures.
I quickly fell in love with the hero, Amira and followed her transformation from cruelly abused orphan and peasant, turned assassin, into a knight fighting for the Gods… and justice. Her journey of discovery, finding who she is, and where she came from, upturning all she believed and knew. Falling in love with Adrienne, her opposite, dark against her light. Finding belief, discovering her self. All this plus a great cast of characters, and action, that hurtles the story along.
I like the multiple first-person point of view style, and the different perspectives that are revealed through different character's eyes. The telepathy of dragons helps with this too.
My only downside was that I sometimes found the dialogue attributes a bit intrusive, smirking, taunts, scoff, mutter and other speech descriptions. This is probably just me, as I like to hear the character's voice in my head, see their actions in my imagination and make my mind up on how something is being said.
But that aside it’s a wonderful story, and a great read. Highly recommended.
It sets up an epic struggle of evil versus good, set in a human and semi human realm, populated with telepathic dragons,knights, sea wraiths and fantastical creatures.
I quickly fell in love with the hero, Amira and followed her transformation from cruelly abused orphan and peasant, turned assassin, into a knight fighting for the Gods… and justice. Her journey of discovery, finding who she is, and where she came from, upturning all she believed and knew. Falling in love with Adrienne, her opposite, dark against her light. Finding belief, discovering her self. All this plus a great cast of characters, and action, that hurtles the story along.
I like the multiple first-person point of view style, and the different perspectives that are revealed through different character's eyes. The telepathy of dragons helps with this too.
My only downside was that I sometimes found the dialogue attributes a bit intrusive, smirking, taunts, scoff, mutter and other speech descriptions. This is probably just me, as I like to hear the character's voice in my head, see their actions in my imagination and make my mind up on how something is being said.
But that aside it’s a wonderful story, and a great read. Highly recommended.
November 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Crown of Luminaries by Kate Bader is a bold, immersive romantasy that delivers everything I love about the genre — intricate lore, morally gray heroes, steamy tension, and a world brimming with danger and beauty.
Amira is a survivor shaped by pain and loss, and watching her reclaim her power was incredibly satisfying. Adrienne’s quiet strength and shadowed complexity made for a magnetic pairing, and their chemistry felt both fiery and intimate.
The world-building is phenomenal — dragons, gods, and hierarchies that feel ancient yet alive. The writing balances grit and lyricism beautifully, and the found family dynamics added heart to the darker undertones.
Kate Bader captures the duality of light and dark — faith and fury — in a way that feels fresh and emotional. The pacing never falters, and the final chapters left me desperate for more.
Highlights:
• Intricate lore and divine magic system
• Emotional, high-stakes romance
• Found family & redemption
• Beautifully written battle scenes
• A heroine who owns every scar
Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
A Crown of Luminaries by Kate Bader is a bold, immersive romantasy that delivers everything I love about the genre — intricate lore, morally gray heroes, steamy tension, and a world brimming with danger and beauty.
Amira is a survivor shaped by pain and loss, and watching her reclaim her power was incredibly satisfying. Adrienne’s quiet strength and shadowed complexity made for a magnetic pairing, and their chemistry felt both fiery and intimate.
The world-building is phenomenal — dragons, gods, and hierarchies that feel ancient yet alive. The writing balances grit and lyricism beautifully, and the found family dynamics added heart to the darker undertones.
Kate Bader captures the duality of light and dark — faith and fury — in a way that feels fresh and emotional. The pacing never falters, and the final chapters left me desperate for more.
Highlights:
• Intricate lore and divine magic system
• Emotional, high-stakes romance
• Found family & redemption
• Beautifully written battle scenes
• A heroine who owns every scar
Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
February 4, 2026
I havent written a review in a bit but this book deserves one. It deserves the love. I asked for fantasy/romantasy recommendations that didnt have fae and this was first on the list. A crown of luminaries delivered! An amazing story with great pacing and character development, as well as a few surprises that left me shocked. Kate did a phenomenal job creating a world with mortals, half mortals, dragons, and mages while intricately weaving lore throughout.
A Crown Of Luminaries is a story about healing. Not only do we see healing and growth for the main character, we also see it for those among her squad and I have a feeling we will continue to see it in the next book. You can truly feel the love in each of the relationships that are weaved together.
A Crown of Luminaries is not all romance though, there are brutal fights that leave you on the edge of your seat, hidden secrets to be uncovered, and so much feminine rage!!!
I def cant wait for the next one because I need to know how this story ends!!!
A Crown Of Luminaries is a story about healing. Not only do we see healing and growth for the main character, we also see it for those among her squad and I have a feeling we will continue to see it in the next book. You can truly feel the love in each of the relationships that are weaved together.
A Crown of Luminaries is not all romance though, there are brutal fights that leave you on the edge of your seat, hidden secrets to be uncovered, and so much feminine rage!!!
I def cant wait for the next one because I need to know how this story ends!!!
January 5, 2026
I’m so excited for the second book! This book was so descriptive and I loved all the magical fantasy scenes. This book truly had it all, a redemption plot where you root for the underdog, steamy scenes, dragons, and at times tragedy. I love sapphic novels and this one was a great enemies to lovers. There was so much underneath the surface with these characters and their feelings. A must read, with the perfect amount of twists.
November 30, 2025
Kate Bader's A Crown of Luminaries will immerse you in an ancient world with magic, dragons, and deities. The heroines' stories are dark and gritty, but they are up to the task of saving themselves.
You're immediately drawn into action and suspense and want to know more about survival in this world--will read A Crown of Luminaries again before book 2 comes out!
You're immediately drawn into action and suspense and want to know more about survival in this world--will read A Crown of Luminaries again before book 2 comes out!
January 16, 2026
I read the kindle version, and despite some typos or mistakes I found, the story and characters themselves had me enthralled and enraptured! I learned Kate is writing book 2, and I am so excited for it to come out!
January 16, 2026
This book is brutal, beautiful, and bleeding with heart. Kate Bader’s A Crown of Luminaries is the kind of dark fantasy that leaves marks, not just from the violence and trauma woven into its pages, but from the way it carves space for healing, hope, and identity to rise through the wreckage.
Amira is a powerful, soul-deep heroine: complex, traumatized, and utterly compelling. Her voice carries the weight of every loss, every battle, every unspoken plea. And Adrienne? Their relationship crackles with tension, devotion, and hard-won tenderness. Their intimacy isn’t just physical; it’s rooted in survival, power shifts, and choosing each other over and over.
This story doesn’t flinch. The world is cruel. The magic is consuming. But the prose is gorgeously evocative, the romance is slow-burn and queer as hell, and the emotional payoff? Worth every shadowed step. A standout debut that blends morally gray fantasy with sapphic intensity and deep emotional resonance.
Amira is a powerful, soul-deep heroine: complex, traumatized, and utterly compelling. Her voice carries the weight of every loss, every battle, every unspoken plea. And Adrienne? Their relationship crackles with tension, devotion, and hard-won tenderness. Their intimacy isn’t just physical; it’s rooted in survival, power shifts, and choosing each other over and over.
This story doesn’t flinch. The world is cruel. The magic is consuming. But the prose is gorgeously evocative, the romance is slow-burn and queer as hell, and the emotional payoff? Worth every shadowed step. A standout debut that blends morally gray fantasy with sapphic intensity and deep emotional resonance.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews