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To Crown a Traitor
A traitor on the run. A prince bound by duty. A love caught between ruin and redemption.
Branded a traitor for a murder she did not commit—and haunted by the ones she did—Wren is a fugitive in both worlds. Hunted by her own people, pursued by the humans, and chased most of all by the man she cannot forget, she is left with nowhere to turn.
Prince Cassiel never wanted the crown, yet with his mother lingering between life and death, the weight of the kingdom rests on his shoulders. To rule, he must set aside grief, bury betrayal, and condemn the girl who lied to him. But every choice tears the realm closer to war—and every thought drifts back to Wren.
When Wren offers him the chance to regain his sight, Cass must decide whether to follow her into enemy lands, or lose everything to the darkness closing in. Old wounds burn, old desires flare, and the fragile hope between them might be the only thing strong enough to defy fate.
But with kingdoms ready to fall and blood demanding vengeance, can a traitor and a prince truly carve out a world where they can be together?
Branded a traitor for a murder she did not commit—and haunted by the ones she did—Wren is a fugitive in both worlds. Hunted by her own people, pursued by the humans, and chased most of all by the man she cannot forget, she is left with nowhere to turn.
Prince Cassiel never wanted the crown, yet with his mother lingering between life and death, the weight of the kingdom rests on his shoulders. To rule, he must set aside grief, bury betrayal, and condemn the girl who lied to him. But every choice tears the realm closer to war—and every thought drifts back to Wren.
When Wren offers him the chance to regain his sight, Cass must decide whether to follow her into enemy lands, or lose everything to the darkness closing in. Old wounds burn, old desires flare, and the fragile hope between them might be the only thing strong enough to defy fate.
But with kingdoms ready to fall and blood demanding vengeance, can a traitor and a prince truly carve out a world where they can be together?
671 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2026
About the author
Katherine Macdonald
37 books478 followersKatherine "Kate" Macdonald writes the books she wishes she could have read more of as a teen—stories of fierce girls and gentle boys, of romance and adventure, and where the "three Cs" (chemistry, communication and consent) reign supreme. There may still be a little bit of miscommunication along the way as the characters grow as people, but she tries not to rely on that trope too much!
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
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September 26, 2025I am so excited to be writing this book! Cassiel and Wren deserve to have their happy ever after, but, as usual, this one will be hard won! Despite how things were left between them at the end of the book 1, there will still be plenty of banter and romance... they just need to work through some things first.
Also, Cassiel now has a dog. I think this is crucial info. (Nothing bad happens to the dog, I promise)
Also, Cassiel now has a dog. I think this is crucial info. (Nothing bad happens to the dog, I promise)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a wonderful sequel to To Kill a Prince.
I received this book as an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
I loved this book.
It picked up several months after the events of TKAP, with Wren in hiding, Cassiel as Prince Regent, and everything in turmoil. The aftermath of the attack is felt in both of their chapters, with both of them missing the other, but with Cassiel waffling between "I want to kiss/chat with/hold her" and "I'm going to give her back her dagger the hard way".
I felt that there was a good amount of difficulty once they were brought together, and it didn't feel too easy of a reunion.
It was difficult, and stayed difficult because the kingdom, with humans vs fey, was still as it had been and there was no easy way forward.
I liked the dual POV with them, and felt it was balanced. I didn't spend time wishing to be back with the other, and thought that both POVs brought important bits to the story and weren't split for the sake of it.
Both characters have great arcs as they develop and grow. They brought out the best in each other, even if it was often paired with grumbling and snark. And they had some wonderful characters to pair with, in Dain and Ru and Zephyr, and Marnie and Tob.
It was a delight to note several fandom quotes scattered in the story, as well as some classics like Only One Bed.
And while the bulk of the guard/royal pairing trope took place over the first book, its echoes still remains in the relationship between Wren and Cass, and in how others view what took place between them. While it was Cassiel's blindness that brought them together, it was the bond they built during that time that kept their friendship alive even when he didn't know if he could forgive her.
Overall this was a great duology, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes fey stories, guards/royals, grumpy X grumpy (for the first book at least), and also just Romantasy readers in general.
"I realise, now, why I want the whistle to be Wren’s. Why I want to know that she’s alive, and here, in spite of everything. It’s not love. At least, I don’t think it’s love. I think it’s because, however mad I am, however furious, I just want to know that I’m not alone in the dark."
“No!” One of them gasps. “Don’t—don’t step there, sire!” I keep walking. “There’s lava!” someone shouts. “The floor is lava!”
“Can you swim?” she demands. “Well,” I gasp, “of course I can swim, if the occasion calls for it—” The thornstag crashes closer, so near I can smell sap and blood. “It calls for it,” Wren says, and shoves me forward.
She glances at me. “I’m serious.” “I know,” I say, sobering. “You usually are when you offer murder as a solution.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book as an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
I loved this book.
It picked up several months after the events of TKAP, with Wren in hiding, Cassiel as Prince Regent, and everything in turmoil. The aftermath of the attack is felt in both of their chapters, with both of them missing the other, but with Cassiel waffling between "I want to kiss/chat with/hold her" and "I'm going to give her back her dagger the hard way".
I felt that there was a good amount of difficulty once they were brought together, and it didn't feel too easy of a reunion.
It was difficult, and stayed difficult because the kingdom, with humans vs fey, was still as it had been and there was no easy way forward.
I liked the dual POV with them, and felt it was balanced. I didn't spend time wishing to be back with the other, and thought that both POVs brought important bits to the story and weren't split for the sake of it.
Both characters have great arcs as they develop and grow. They brought out the best in each other, even if it was often paired with grumbling and snark. And they had some wonderful characters to pair with, in Dain and Ru and Zephyr, and Marnie and Tob.
It was a delight to note several fandom quotes scattered in the story, as well as some classics like Only One Bed.
And while the bulk of the guard/royal pairing trope took place over the first book, its echoes still remains in the relationship between Wren and Cass, and in how others view what took place between them. While it was Cassiel's blindness that brought them together, it was the bond they built during that time that kept their friendship alive even when he didn't know if he could forgive her.
Overall this was a great duology, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes fey stories, guards/royals, grumpy X grumpy (for the first book at least), and also just Romantasy readers in general.
"I realise, now, why I want the whistle to be Wren’s. Why I want to know that she’s alive, and here, in spite of everything. It’s not love. At least, I don’t think it’s love. I think it’s because, however mad I am, however furious, I just want to know that I’m not alone in the dark."
“No!” One of them gasps. “Don’t—don’t step there, sire!” I keep walking. “There’s lava!” someone shouts. “The floor is lava!”
“Can you swim?” she demands. “Well,” I gasp, “of course I can swim, if the occasion calls for it—” The thornstag crashes closer, so near I can smell sap and blood. “It calls for it,” Wren says, and shoves me forward.
She glances at me. “I’m serious.” “I know,” I say, sobering. “You usually are when you offer murder as a solution.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Katherine Macdonald for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
There are books that entertain you... and then there are books that completely consume you. To Crown a Traitor was the latter.
This stunning conclusion to the What Lies Between Stars duology had my heart in a vice from the very first chapter. Every page was filled with impossible choices, dangerous secrets, aching love, and the kind of hope that refuses to die—even when the odds seem impossible.
Wren and Cassiel continue to be two of my favorite romantasy characters. Their journey isn't easy, and that's exactly what makes it so beautiful. Every stolen glance, every hard-earned moment of trust, and every sacrifice felt meaningful. Their love isn't perfect—it's messy, painful, resilient, and worth fighting for. I found myself rooting for them through every heartbreak, every setback, and every impossible decision.
Katherine Macdonald masterfully raises the stakes in every way imaginable. The political intrigue grows more dangerous, the magic feels richer, and the emotional tension never lets up. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, another twist left me reeling. I laughed, I gasped, and yes... I definitely shed a few tears.
What I loved most was how character-driven this story remained. Amid kingdoms on the brink of war and impossible destinies, the heart of this book is still its characters—their loyalty, their courage, and the people they're willing to become for those they love. The supporting cast adds so much warmth, humour, and heartbreak, making the world feel incredibly alive.
The ending was everything I wanted: emotional, satisfying, bittersweet in all the right ways, and a reminder that hope can survive even the darkest moments. Finishing this book felt like saying goodbye to friends I'd grown to love, and I already know I'll be thinking about Wren and Cassiel for a long time.
"Some stories leave you smiling. Others leave pieces of themselves behind. To Crown a Traitor did both."
If you're looking for a romantasy that blends breathtaking world-building, high-stakes politics, unforgettable romance, and characters you'll gladly lose sleep over, this is one you won't want to miss.
✨ Tropes & Themes
🏹 Slow Burn Romance
🗡️ Political Intrigue
🧚 Fae Fantasy
❤️ Lovers Against the Odds
👑 Hidden Secrets & Betrayal
⚔️ High Stakes Adventure
✨ Magic & Destiny
🤝 Found Family
💔 Emotional Character Growth
🌙 Dual POV
📚 Completed Duology
There are books that entertain you... and then there are books that completely consume you. To Crown a Traitor was the latter.
This stunning conclusion to the What Lies Between Stars duology had my heart in a vice from the very first chapter. Every page was filled with impossible choices, dangerous secrets, aching love, and the kind of hope that refuses to die—even when the odds seem impossible.
Wren and Cassiel continue to be two of my favorite romantasy characters. Their journey isn't easy, and that's exactly what makes it so beautiful. Every stolen glance, every hard-earned moment of trust, and every sacrifice felt meaningful. Their love isn't perfect—it's messy, painful, resilient, and worth fighting for. I found myself rooting for them through every heartbreak, every setback, and every impossible decision.
Katherine Macdonald masterfully raises the stakes in every way imaginable. The political intrigue grows more dangerous, the magic feels richer, and the emotional tension never lets up. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, another twist left me reeling. I laughed, I gasped, and yes... I definitely shed a few tears.
What I loved most was how character-driven this story remained. Amid kingdoms on the brink of war and impossible destinies, the heart of this book is still its characters—their loyalty, their courage, and the people they're willing to become for those they love. The supporting cast adds so much warmth, humour, and heartbreak, making the world feel incredibly alive.
The ending was everything I wanted: emotional, satisfying, bittersweet in all the right ways, and a reminder that hope can survive even the darkest moments. Finishing this book felt like saying goodbye to friends I'd grown to love, and I already know I'll be thinking about Wren and Cassiel for a long time.
"Some stories leave you smiling. Others leave pieces of themselves behind. To Crown a Traitor did both."
If you're looking for a romantasy that blends breathtaking world-building, high-stakes politics, unforgettable romance, and characters you'll gladly lose sleep over, this is one you won't want to miss.
✨ Tropes & Themes
🏹 Slow Burn Romance
🗡️ Political Intrigue
🧚 Fae Fantasy
❤️ Lovers Against the Odds
👑 Hidden Secrets & Betrayal
⚔️ High Stakes Adventure
✨ Magic & Destiny
🤝 Found Family
💔 Emotional Character Growth
🌙 Dual POV
📚 Completed Duology
July 5, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy through booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review
SPOILER FREE
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours and am both annoyed and happy about that. I’m so happy with the book, I absolutely loved it but I’m fuming that I won’t get to experience that or those tears for the first time again😅 I will be doing a second time though in autumn as it’s such a cosy book due to the setting just like the first book.
The characters in this duology are so real and full of emotion, I really feel you connect with them and experience what they do. The writing style was perfect and really made you feel as though you were that character and knew and understood their thinking when it was in their POV (duel perspective book).
The setting in this book moved around much more than the first book and I feel a lot more happened in this one especially at the start it was very action packed which followed the end of the first book because the first one was more subdued and world building at the start but delved into action later on so this didn’t feel like start all over again with the world building.
The take on fairie was very different than most of the fae fantasy books I’ve read in the past few years and it really reminded me of Terry Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching series with houses made in the trees and the big emphasis on nature and fairies connecting with nature for their powers. I think it was a very unique book and a different take on something we’re used to seeing portrayed in a certain way.
One of the main characters is blind and the other (from what I imagined with the description) is black and that’s not something I’ve seen often in fantasy/romantasy books.
There’s love but not an excessive amount of spice which is right up my alley.
Katherine will absolutely be an instant buy author for me after reading this duology!
SPOILER FREE
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours and am both annoyed and happy about that. I’m so happy with the book, I absolutely loved it but I’m fuming that I won’t get to experience that or those tears for the first time again😅 I will be doing a second time though in autumn as it’s such a cosy book due to the setting just like the first book.
The characters in this duology are so real and full of emotion, I really feel you connect with them and experience what they do. The writing style was perfect and really made you feel as though you were that character and knew and understood their thinking when it was in their POV (duel perspective book).
The setting in this book moved around much more than the first book and I feel a lot more happened in this one especially at the start it was very action packed which followed the end of the first book because the first one was more subdued and world building at the start but delved into action later on so this didn’t feel like start all over again with the world building.
The take on fairie was very different than most of the fae fantasy books I’ve read in the past few years and it really reminded me of Terry Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching series with houses made in the trees and the big emphasis on nature and fairies connecting with nature for their powers. I think it was a very unique book and a different take on something we’re used to seeing portrayed in a certain way.
One of the main characters is blind and the other (from what I imagined with the description) is black and that’s not something I’ve seen often in fantasy/romantasy books.
There’s love but not an excessive amount of spice which is right up my alley.
Katherine will absolutely be an instant buy author for me after reading this duology!
July 4, 2026
I was so excited to dive back into this world after absolutely loving To Kill a Prince, and it did not disappoint. It was such a joy to be reunited with Wren and Cassiel and finally see where their relationship headed after that ending!!
Katherine Macdonald has such a beautiful writing style that it genuinely feels like coming home. Slipping back into these characters and this world felt effortless, and I was completely invested in them all over again.
I love Wren and Cassiel and I loved seeing how their relationship evolved, not just romantically but through the difficult emotions and challenges they faced together. Their connection feels so genuine, and the banter and moments of intimacy are written so well.
Cassiel’s character development, particularly surrounding his blindness, was one of my favourite parts of the book. The revelations about both of their families, especially Wren’s past and how those secrets shaped the story kept me hooked!
This book has already made me cry, and it carries the same heart, warmth, and beautiful storytelling that made me fall in love with the first one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Katherine Macdonald has such a beautiful writing style that it genuinely feels like coming home. Slipping back into these characters and this world felt effortless, and I was completely invested in them all over again.
I love Wren and Cassiel and I loved seeing how their relationship evolved, not just romantically but through the difficult emotions and challenges they faced together. Their connection feels so genuine, and the banter and moments of intimacy are written so well.
Cassiel’s character development, particularly surrounding his blindness, was one of my favourite parts of the book. The revelations about both of their families, especially Wren’s past and how those secrets shaped the story kept me hooked!
This book has already made me cry, and it carries the same heart, warmth, and beautiful storytelling that made me fall in love with the first one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2026
This book is a beautiful and emotional conclusion to the What Lies Between Stars duology. From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn back into Wren and Cassiel's story and couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold. Their journey is filled with heartbreak, hope and difficult choices, so every step towards their happy ending feels well-earned. I especially loved how their relationship grew through trust and forgiveness, not to mention the witty banter. The dual perspective gave both characters equal depth, making it easy to connect with their emotions. The supporting cast added warmth and heart to the story, while the political intrigue and fae magic kept things exciting. The balance of action, romance and emotional moments made it hard to put the book down. Katherine Macdonald creates characters that feel real and easy to care about, making every victory and setback hit that much harder. The ending was both emotional and satisfying, and it wrapped up the duology in a way that felt hopeful and well deserved. If you enjoy character-driven romantasy with slow-burn romance, high stakes and memorable characters, this duology is definitely worth reading! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
The ending of the last book really hurt my heart. The angst as we settle back in is top-notch.
Despite the betrayal and anger and hurt, Wren and Cass are just so tender with one another that once they're working toward a shared goal it's only a matter of time before they find their way back to each other, and when they do it made my heart so happy. But that doesn't mean things are easy and the story earns every step of it. Wren and Cass are just the best. Love them so much.
The backstory of Wren's parents and the prophecy set into motion were some of my favorite parts. I just quietly cried through the past memories. This goes deep into family, complex relationships, and the way hatred and revenge ultimately make everyone lose.
My only nitpicks are that the ending seems a bit rushed, the losses are a little toothless, and this is a fairly contained story without an incredible depth in world-building, but it makes up for it in character work and I, for one, adored every single second of it.
Thanks to booksprout and the author for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
TW:
Despite the betrayal and anger and hurt, Wren and Cass are just so tender with one another that once they're working toward a shared goal it's only a matter of time before they find their way back to each other, and when they do it made my heart so happy. But that doesn't mean things are easy and the story earns every step of it. Wren and Cass are just the best. Love them so much.
The backstory of Wren's parents and the prophecy set into motion were some of my favorite parts. I just quietly cried through the past memories. This goes deep into family, complex relationships, and the way hatred and revenge ultimately make everyone lose.
My only nitpicks are that the ending seems a bit rushed, the losses are a little toothless, and this is a fairly contained story without an incredible depth in world-building, but it makes up for it in character work and I, for one, adored every single second of it.
Thanks to booksprout and the author for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
TW:
July 29, 2026
Have a tissue handy for at least three days you allow for this dark, twisted, mildly steamy, action-packed, laugh-out-loud, new adult, paranormal forbidden-enemies-to-lovers, coming-of-age, end the war fantasy quest in Erelis, featuring abduction, abuse, adults, best-friends, betrayal, broken-families, children, drugs, fae, families, ghosts, grief, humor, interracial-romance, LGBTQ, magic, military, murder, mystery, palace-intrigue, poetry, politics, prejudice, rescue, single-parents, spies, torture, twins, violence, learn to see what others miss, questioning why one was Iborn, being alone, The Rabbit and the Moon, hope, care, lost contact, a totem, pins, briarbacks, troglodytes, marrow-elk, wood-wights, thornstags, Star Gate, elkasha, a chirimoth, what ever it takes, partnership, an eye for an eye, seeing stars, a sunfinch, vastren, Endless War, infinite, fix it, demands, sharing is caring, full diplomatic immunity, reassuringly dull, grave-robbing, dream-walking, trying not to die, staying close, tactical silence, need-to-know, and unlikely rebels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
When the first book in this duology ended, we were left with Cassiel wanting revenge against Wren as he believed not only that she’d betrayed him, but also that she was responsible for Evander’s death and his mother’s unnatural sleep. As the acting Prince Regent he has the responsibility of running the kingdom now while Wren watches from the shadows and attempts to make everything right again, whatever the cost……..
I enjoyed To Kill a Prince and was expecting that To Crown a Traitor would just be about Cassiel and Wren making up and everyone living happily ever after. Instead I got a well written story, great characters, and an excellent plot with many twists and turns that kept you guessing right until the end. At times you’ll want to cry, there’s so much heartache that you can’t imagine there ever being a happy ending. This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year, so if you enjoy a book full of love, magic and banter then this is the one for you 🐈⬛.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed To Kill a Prince and was expecting that To Crown a Traitor would just be about Cassiel and Wren making up and everyone living happily ever after. Instead I got a well written story, great characters, and an excellent plot with many twists and turns that kept you guessing right until the end. At times you’ll want to cry, there’s so much heartache that you can’t imagine there ever being a happy ending. This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year, so if you enjoy a book full of love, magic and banter then this is the one for you 🐈⬛.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I think I never never cried this much reading a book... I think I cried for 85% of it.
The story is heart-breaking and heart-warming and it was so well written I fell deep into the world and story. The connection I felt while reading it was beyond words.
Cass is my absolute favourite. I love him! There are so many amazing scenes that show how lovely, sweet and caring he is. Wren is incredible. I love her so much. Her story, her character and actions are touching and I can't describe how much I loved her POV. There are so many emotions and so much intensity.
Dain is an absolutely amazing addition to this book. His loyalty and friendship are beyond words. Everybody needs a Dain in their life. But also Ru and Aunt Imogen are incredible side characters who round out the book to be as awesome as it is.
This is an amazing finale for this duology and I am very certain I will reread it in the future.
The story is heart-breaking and heart-warming and it was so well written I fell deep into the world and story. The connection I felt while reading it was beyond words.
Cass is my absolute favourite. I love him! There are so many amazing scenes that show how lovely, sweet and caring he is. Wren is incredible. I love her so much. Her story, her character and actions are touching and I can't describe how much I loved her POV. There are so many emotions and so much intensity.
Dain is an absolutely amazing addition to this book. His loyalty and friendship are beyond words. Everybody needs a Dain in their life. But also Ru and Aunt Imogen are incredible side characters who round out the book to be as awesome as it is.
This is an amazing finale for this duology and I am very certain I will reread it in the future.
July 9, 2026
With heartache, banter, twists, excitement, and the complex and winning love story that always runs through Katherine's stories...we get that all in spades here with the conclusion in this duology!
It's more than just Cass forgiving Wren. We get the political intrigue and drama that sets the stage for a deeper story that keeps the reader so engaged that you forget you're reading something and feel like you're living it!
I found it quite easy to get back into this book, since it had been a bit since I read book one, but I immediately was right at home with these characters! So rich, so expressive, I love Katherine's writing so much and how nuanced the love building is, their trust, their betrayal, their redemption, their love winning in the end.
Absolutely a winning duology and couple again as always!
It's more than just Cass forgiving Wren. We get the political intrigue and drama that sets the stage for a deeper story that keeps the reader so engaged that you forget you're reading something and feel like you're living it!
I found it quite easy to get back into this book, since it had been a bit since I read book one, but I immediately was right at home with these characters! So rich, so expressive, I love Katherine's writing so much and how nuanced the love building is, their trust, their betrayal, their redemption, their love winning in the end.
Absolutely a winning duology and couple again as always!
July 6, 2026
I was finally back with Cassiel and Wren and I still love their dynamic so much!
The way they care about each other even after the events of book 1, how they find each other again, how they get even closer... their relationship is beautiful and Katherine Macdonald's poetic writing makes this book feel like one of those big ballads bards used to sing. Enchanting.
I only have a mild complain about the ending which was a bit too sweet and soft for me but that's just my personal preference and nothing big!
Overall I enjoyed this story and the way Wren and Cassiel's story ends and I want to wrap them in a blanket and protect their peace at all costs!
The way they care about each other even after the events of book 1, how they find each other again, how they get even closer... their relationship is beautiful and Katherine Macdonald's poetic writing makes this book feel like one of those big ballads bards used to sing. Enchanting.
I only have a mild complain about the ending which was a bit too sweet and soft for me but that's just my personal preference and nothing big!
Overall I enjoyed this story and the way Wren and Cassiel's story ends and I want to wrap them in a blanket and protect their peace at all costs!
July 12, 2026
"Vastren."
"Infinite."
I can't believe I finished this in one sitting, but it is THAT much of a page turner. The plot was addiciting and the characters were all so relatable. They were really smart and realistic when it comes to their decisions too, which added the satisfaction of reading their pov.
Wren and Cass? Absolute perfection. I feel like I have a big fat crush on Dain... and Zephyr too 😌
I think the duology was well paced and this book was able to capture all the details it needed to wrap everything up. I did hope to see more of Phoenix Wren though. Nonetheless, everything was perfect.
"Infinite."
I can't believe I finished this in one sitting, but it is THAT much of a page turner. The plot was addiciting and the characters were all so relatable. They were really smart and realistic when it comes to their decisions too, which added the satisfaction of reading their pov.
Wren and Cass? Absolute perfection. I feel like I have a big fat crush on Dain... and Zephyr too 😌
I think the duology was well paced and this book was able to capture all the details it needed to wrap everything up. I did hope to see more of Phoenix Wren though. Nonetheless, everything was perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2026
OMG...this was such a great continuation of book 1. It was witty, romantic, and captivating. It definitely made me cry- which I love in a book. This is great storytelling. I loved Cassiel and Wren's relationship. I was totally with them all the way. It didn't feel forced. It felt natural, even when they are considered star-crossed lovers. The book didn't feel long at all and there were so many great characters in there. Loved this world that Macdonald built. Recommend this book! Read book 1 first though.
July 6, 2026
This was a rollercoaster of emotions. I absolutely rooted for Wren and Cass throughout this one. Wren was literally stuck between two worlds, neither wanting to see her alive anymore. The chaos and danger that her and Cass faced had me tearing through the pages needing to know what was going happen next. These two went through so much. But that ending, it was worth everything they’d gone through.
Review of advance copy
This is Book 2 of What Lies Between Stars series. I enjoyed the moments of softness and banter, throughout this emotional rollar coaster, It definitely is a hard won love story. Overall, I felt we are given a great conclusion to this duology!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2026
I truly enjoyed this tale of two very star-crossed lovers that came from different worlds to unite and bring peace to war-torn people. Despite their families being against each other to the point of all out war, these two found a way to forgive past wrongs and come together to save their world, even to the point of supreme sacrifice.
July 8, 2026
Whimsical, beautiful, emotional.
This story had so many highs and lows. Very emotive reading.
So many great characters, and perfect banter. Beautiful descriptions and world building.
Cassiel and Wren are just wonderful.
An absolutely fantastic conclusion to the What Lies Between Stars duology.
I received an eARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story had so many highs and lows. Very emotive reading.
So many great characters, and perfect banter. Beautiful descriptions and world building.
Cassiel and Wren are just wonderful.
An absolutely fantastic conclusion to the What Lies Between Stars duology.
I received an eARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2026
I absolutely tore through this book after reading the first. It is a slower burn romance but so worth the wait. The characters are likable and funny. The plot is great and the overall story really good.
July 11, 2026
I felt all the feelings reading this book. At one point, I prepared myself to be strong and not cry, but my tears couldn't be contained. Wren and Cassiel's love is so painfully beautiful. I'd love to read more about Zephyr and Dain.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This heart-wrenching tale, despite its obstacles, ultimately leads to destiny as only love can. It’s truly a spectacular book to read.
Review of advance copy
To Crown A Traitor is the heart-wrenching conclusion to the tale of Wren, the half-fae girl who was fated to meet Cassiel, the second-born son.
The foundation of their relationship has been shaken, cracked, and practically torched with dragon-fire, and it's not enough that they have to emotionally find a way back to each other but from there, they’ll have to fight to craft a world in which they can stay together.
It was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it delivered.
Our boy, Cass, is missing his girl, and I have never been so hyper aware of the heart in my chest. With every turn of the page, there’s longing edged with pain. Hope touched by devastation. And guilt fueling a quest to make amends.
This book hurt me. It tortured my emotions until the very end.
* I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The foundation of their relationship has been shaken, cracked, and practically torched with dragon-fire, and it's not enough that they have to emotionally find a way back to each other but from there, they’ll have to fight to craft a world in which they can stay together.
It was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it delivered.
Our boy, Cass, is missing his girl, and I have never been so hyper aware of the heart in my chest. With every turn of the page, there’s longing edged with pain. Hope touched by devastation. And guilt fueling a quest to make amends.
This book hurt me. It tortured my emotions until the very end.
* I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I spent the last half hour of this book crying. I read the whole book in less than 2 days despite annoying things like work because I was too emotionally invested to stop reading. It was heart wrenching but had a good blend of light moments and banter. I believed in all the characters and liked or sympathised with most. I shall look for more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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