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In The Shadows of Crowns
I was supposed to die on my twenty-first birthday. Instead, I fell for the knight sent to kill me.
They say every Fae princess has a fate written in the stars.
Mine ends in blood.
To stop the prophecy, my mother binds me to her fiercest guardian—an elven knight with a voice like smoke and eyes that see too much.
He’s infuriating. Arrogant. Impossible to ignore.
And every time he looks at me, my pulse betrays me.
We fight through ambushes and assassins.
We share secrets we shouldn’t.
And one night beneath the silver moon, I forget who he is—and what I’m destined to lose.
Because my protector hides a truth more dangerous than the curse hunting me.
He’s not Fae.
He’s the human prince sworn to kill me and claim my crown.
Now I’m bound to the very man meant to end me.
And if the prophecy doesn’t destroy us—our hearts will.
They say every Fae princess has a fate written in the stars.
Mine ends in blood.
To stop the prophecy, my mother binds me to her fiercest guardian—an elven knight with a voice like smoke and eyes that see too much.
He’s infuriating. Arrogant. Impossible to ignore.
And every time he looks at me, my pulse betrays me.
We fight through ambushes and assassins.
We share secrets we shouldn’t.
And one night beneath the silver moon, I forget who he is—and what I’m destined to lose.
Because my protector hides a truth more dangerous than the curse hunting me.
He’s not Fae.
He’s the human prince sworn to kill me and claim my crown.
Now I’m bound to the very man meant to end me.
And if the prophecy doesn’t destroy us—our hearts will.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2025
10 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 19, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Nyra Silver for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quick, Spicy, and Engaging — A Fantasy Romance That Doesn't Waste Time
In the Shadows of Crowns by Nyra Silver is a fast-paced, steamy fantasy novella that offers a compelling mix of court intrigue, forbidden romance, and tension-filled betrayals — all within a compact, easily digestible ~150-page package.
From the very first pages, Silver plunges readers into a world of royal expectations, secret allegiances, and emotional conflict. The story wastes no time setting the stakes, and while that makes for an addictive quick read, it does come with some trade-offs. The romance develops almost instantly, and while the chemistry between the leads is undeniable, their intense feelings — especially considering one of them is meant to betray the other — can feel a bit rushed or under-explored. However, if you're someone who enjoys tension-laced, high-heat fantasy romance, you'll likely find the dynamic compelling enough to keep the pages turning.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the blend of spice and YA-adjacent storytelling. While the romantic scenes are bold and explicit, the overall narrative tone, pacing, and structure resemble something you’d find in a young adult fantasy — light on dense world building and complex battle scenes, but rich in emotional stakes and relationship-driven tension. It makes for a curious (and successful) balance: approachable, dramatic, and fun, with just enough edge to appeal to more mature readers.
The world itself hints at deeper layers — court politics, legacy, power struggles — but given the book's length, it doesn’t delve deeply into them. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, depending on your reading mood; in fact, it works well as a fast escape, especially if you're between heavier, more epic fantasy tomes. The focus remains on the emotional push-pull between the characters, their motives, and the consequences of their choices.
Silver's writing is clean and accessible, which adds to the book’s ease of reading. There's a rhythm to her pacing that keeps things moving briskly — no unnecessary fluff, no dragging chapters. For readers who enjoy novellas or are looking for a low-commitment fantasy romance that still delivers drama and heat, this is a great option.
Final Thoughts:
In the Shadows of Crowns is ideal for fans of quick-read fantasy romance who enjoy a touch of betrayal, a dash of political tension, and a healthy dose of spice. While it doesn’t offer deep world building or slow-burn development, it doesn’t need to — it knows exactly what it wants to be: entertaining, sultry, and emotionally satisfying. A solid 4-star read and a perfect choice when you're craving a little magic and heat in a single sitting.
Thank you to the author Nyra Silver for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quick, Spicy, and Engaging — A Fantasy Romance That Doesn't Waste Time
In the Shadows of Crowns by Nyra Silver is a fast-paced, steamy fantasy novella that offers a compelling mix of court intrigue, forbidden romance, and tension-filled betrayals — all within a compact, easily digestible ~150-page package.
From the very first pages, Silver plunges readers into a world of royal expectations, secret allegiances, and emotional conflict. The story wastes no time setting the stakes, and while that makes for an addictive quick read, it does come with some trade-offs. The romance develops almost instantly, and while the chemistry between the leads is undeniable, their intense feelings — especially considering one of them is meant to betray the other — can feel a bit rushed or under-explored. However, if you're someone who enjoys tension-laced, high-heat fantasy romance, you'll likely find the dynamic compelling enough to keep the pages turning.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the blend of spice and YA-adjacent storytelling. While the romantic scenes are bold and explicit, the overall narrative tone, pacing, and structure resemble something you’d find in a young adult fantasy — light on dense world building and complex battle scenes, but rich in emotional stakes and relationship-driven tension. It makes for a curious (and successful) balance: approachable, dramatic, and fun, with just enough edge to appeal to more mature readers.
The world itself hints at deeper layers — court politics, legacy, power struggles — but given the book's length, it doesn’t delve deeply into them. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, depending on your reading mood; in fact, it works well as a fast escape, especially if you're between heavier, more epic fantasy tomes. The focus remains on the emotional push-pull between the characters, their motives, and the consequences of their choices.
Silver's writing is clean and accessible, which adds to the book’s ease of reading. There's a rhythm to her pacing that keeps things moving briskly — no unnecessary fluff, no dragging chapters. For readers who enjoy novellas or are looking for a low-commitment fantasy romance that still delivers drama and heat, this is a great option.
Final Thoughts:
In the Shadows of Crowns is ideal for fans of quick-read fantasy romance who enjoy a touch of betrayal, a dash of political tension, and a healthy dose of spice. While it doesn’t offer deep world building or slow-burn development, it doesn’t need to — it knows exactly what it wants to be: entertaining, sultry, and emotionally satisfying. A solid 4-star read and a perfect choice when you're craving a little magic and heat in a single sitting.
August 18, 2025
In The Shadows of Crowns is a short read, around 150 pages, so the story is fast paced and quick. The story is about an Elven princess, followed by a prophecy that she is to be murdered before she becomes queen and the throne to be taken over by humans. She is given a trusted human guard to protect her, but he has other orders. With the novella length, we only get a glimpse of the struggles Humans have faced under Elven rule. The book is told in alternating POV, which really helps get to understand the inner struggle Edwin the guard is facing. He is tasked in secret to slay the princess and take his rightful place as ruler, but would you know it, he falls for the princess. Likewise, the princess falls for him, though very lustfully at first, but her character and feelings aren't as developed. It seemed sudden, their feelings and desire for each other, especially given he was meant to betray her. The book is spicy, but otherwise is written in a YA style (narration style, not overly detailed battles, etc). It was a very easy and enjoyable read. And I have to say the cover art is beautiful. This is a cozy, quick, spicy book for those who enjoy these tropes: enemies to lovers, fated mates, dark magic, strong FMCs, protective MMCs. I do wish there was more world building and fullness to the story though. Solid 3.5 stars.
August 15, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In The Shadows of Crowns is a quick enemies to lovers read. Since this book is on the shorter side, the story moves quickly. Helena, an Elven Princess, is gifted a knight leading up to her birthday. I wish we were given a little bit more into the relationship of Helena and Edwin. This story has betrayal and secrets. Helena is every bit a good natured Elven Princess, only wanting for the good of her people. Her story is interesting with the prophecy quickly approaching but I found Edwin and his story to be more interesting. I felt like we see more character development in him. He struggles between duty, his family/people and his heart. This is a great quick Romantasy read with a little spice.
In The Shadows of Crowns is a quick enemies to lovers read. Since this book is on the shorter side, the story moves quickly. Helena, an Elven Princess, is gifted a knight leading up to her birthday. I wish we were given a little bit more into the relationship of Helena and Edwin. This story has betrayal and secrets. Helena is every bit a good natured Elven Princess, only wanting for the good of her people. Her story is interesting with the prophecy quickly approaching but I found Edwin and his story to be more interesting. I felt like we see more character development in him. He struggles between duty, his family/people and his heart. This is a great quick Romantasy read with a little spice.
August 23, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” In the Shadows of the Crowns is a captivating enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance that draws you in with intrigue, duty, and desire. Helena, an Elven princess with a heart devoted to her people, finds herself entangled in prophecy and politics just as she’s gifted a knight for her birthday. Edwin, the knight sworn to protect her, wrestles with the pull between loyalty to duty, the weight of family and friendship, and the undeniable call of his heart. Their romance spiced with tension, temptation, and slow-burning attraction makes this a fast yet deeply engaging read. A delightful tale for fantasy romance lovers craving both heart and heat. 💛
August 24, 2025
Will the prophecy be fulfilled or will Helena survive beyond her coronation?
This story is about an elven princess due to be coronated in a matter of days. However, the prophecy states she will be killed before that can occur. Meanwhile, we have the human guard her parents engaged to guard her, not knowing that he is the sole survivor of the human royalty the elves conquered and he has his own plans regarding the princess. The plot is well thought out and moves right along. There is betrayal, surprises, danger and more than one assassination attempt. I did enjoy this story and look forward to what Nyra Silver comes up with next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is about an elven princess due to be coronated in a matter of days. However, the prophecy states she will be killed before that can occur. Meanwhile, we have the human guard her parents engaged to guard her, not knowing that he is the sole survivor of the human royalty the elves conquered and he has his own plans regarding the princess. The plot is well thought out and moves right along. There is betrayal, surprises, danger and more than one assassination attempt. I did enjoy this story and look forward to what Nyra Silver comes up with next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2025
Wow now this book pulled me in hook line and sinker. Talk about fast paced. I literally had just started to read another book which was supposedly an epic one n this just knocked it out of the ball park. Based on a prophecy between man and elves. Helena is prophesied to die just as she is crowned as queen. Well you wouldn’t believe the twist turns and all out epic discoveries that drop in this book. I’m not giving any spoilers as it’s just going to ruin it but gosh get this book and read it. It’s so so good
August 24, 2025
I loved this book it was a shorter read but definitely had me hooked from the beginning. The chemistry between Helena and Edwin was written amazingly! I also love all the secrets that come out and how they leave you guessing and speculating. Over all it was a great book and I definitely recommend it!
August 15, 2025
I am OBSESSED! 😍 The romance, the emotions, the high stakes this story had me hooked from the first page. I need to know what happens next! Seriously, I’m craving the next installment already. If you love intense romance and unforgettable characters, you NEED to read this.
November 7, 2025
IN THE SHADOWS OF CROWNS
by Nyra Silver
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a great fantasy read! Elves, humans, secrets, prophesies, forbidden romance, soul mates and so much more. This was a short read, but it packed a punch!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by Nyra Silver
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a great fantasy read! Elves, humans, secrets, prophesies, forbidden romance, soul mates and so much more. This was a short read, but it packed a punch!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
I stared this book and hooked from the beginning. So many twist and turns I loved it. Can’t wait to read the next book.
August 22, 2025
She Feels Like Home
For years Edwin has plotted and trained to be close to Princess Helena. His goal, to kill her. But what happens when holding her feels like home?
For years Edwin has plotted and trained to be close to Princess Helena. His goal, to kill her. But what happens when holding her feels like home?
August 23, 2025
It was such a good story! And the caracters were SO cute 🥹
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews