Crown of Dusk

The Crystal Crown Trilogy #2

by Megan Gilbert

In this exciting second book of The Crystal Crown Trilogy by multi-award-winning author Megan Gilbert, return to the world of Crysterra with Galdinia as the next chapter of her story unfolds.

Galdinia may have the crown, but to what lengths will she go to keep it?

In the wake of a deadly attack, Elderguard is rebuilding its walls, and the newly crowned Queen Galdinia is navigating the responsibilities that come with her new title and Fire Flourisher abilities. Then a threat from her greatest enemy, Valah Pyrin, arrives at her doorstep. Galdinia has until the next new moon to give up her crown, otherwise Valah will murder her highly valuable hostage: Galdinia’s first love, Drystan.

Knowing she cannot face Valah without first rebuilding her forces, Galdinia must venture beyond the capital to seek allies in unlikely places, while also confronting her father’s legacy. And she cannot forget about her own prisoner in his cell beneath the city: the disgraced Lord Bentley.

While training with some of Elderguard’s deadliest soldiers, Galdinia grapples with what it truly means to be queen as she tries to guarantee an impossible outcome: ensuring Drystan’s safety, keeping her crown, and preserving her own life.

Crown of Dusk is the second book in The Crystal Crown Trilogy. With its fast-paced story and expansive world, this series is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Victoria Aveyard.

Crafted Press is an imprint by Megan Gilbert.

390 pages, Paperback

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Megan Gilbert is a writer, reader, English teacher and peppermint tea drinker from Sydney, Australia. Through her post-graduate studies in creative writing, she has delved into a variety of genres, text types and mediums. Her first love is speculative fiction, particularly fantasy. She seeks to write stories that inspire young and new adults to read more avidly.

Megan is passionate about writing stories for young people, especially young women, through fantasy stories with strong female leads and challenging plots. Having worked with teenagers for many years, she believes it is imperative to provide young adults with stories that promote positive representations of managing mental health and body inclusivity, in particular.

‘Princess of Dawn’ is Megan’s first foray in the publishing world and looks forward to exploring Galdinia’s story further in the remaining books of the Crystal Crown Trilogy.

Reviews

[Natasha Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an immense privilege to read the sequel to Princess of Dawn, Crown of Dusk, ahead of its release. After Princess of Dawn, I’d waited with bated breath for the next iteration of the story, to learn what happened next to the friends I’d grown attached to. It did not disappoint. Honestly, it felt like coming home to old friends. This sequel made me laugh, cry, cover my eyes and gasp. It’s brilliant. 5 stars!!

[Jack Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 grabbed me by the throat, and it never let go! (If you know, you know…).

Well done, my love. ❤️

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galdinia has entered her Queen era and I'm so here for it! WOW what a story!
Gal was such a powerhouse during Crown of Dusk, she meant business from the very beginning and honestly, you go girl!👑

We saw a lot of action this time round and more tense moments that had me a bit stressed😅 Which makes sense being that it's the second book and after the events of book one, we really kicked off the action and got straight into it!

Gal went through so much, I kept forgetting how young she was (19) but her actions, bravery, and determination really showcased her maturity alongside her dedication to her role as queen and to her kingdom. But at the same time it was so nice to see her have fun with her friends as they played their card games and simply being herself!

We were introduced to some new characters, one of which I think will become a fan favourite🤭 (he's snippy, angsty, soft only for his little brother, cheeky with his comments, and he was like brutally honest but it was necessary so!) I honestly loved him and I hope to see more of him!

Overall, Megan has done a wonderful job with Crown of Dusk and I'm so proud of her! I am very eager for book 3 and I will be ready and waiting for when that time comes!
Though it will be a bittersweet moment because this is a trilogy and all good things must come to an end I suppose🙈

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.

Firstly, a HUGE thank you to Megan for sending me an ARC of Crown of Dusk as part of her ARC team — I’m so grateful to have been able to read and review this book.

Have you ever been so engrossed in a book that everything else becomes an inconvenience? Eating, sleeping, responsibilities — all secondary to just one more chapter? Because that was me while reading Crown of Dusk. I absolutely devoured this book.

I won’t say much to avoid spoilers, but this sequel had me completely hooked from start to finish. The stakes are higher, the tone is darker, and the tension is relentless. My heart was pounding through the final stretch, and I genuinely could not put it down. The pacing is excellent — fast without feeling rushed — and every chapter felt purposeful and gripping.

The character development in this book is incredible. Watching Galdinia navigate the weight of leadership, sacrifice, and impossible choices was emotional, frustrating, and deeply compelling in the best way. I found myself thinking about these characters constantly when I wasn’t reading, replaying scenes in my head and wishing time would move faster so I could get back to the story.

Crown of Dusk takes everything I loved about Princess of Dawn and elevates it — more tension, more emotion, more danger, and more heartbreak. As a second book in a trilogy, it does exactly what it should: deepens the story, raises the stakes, and leaves you desperate for what comes next.

I already cannot wait for book three.

If you’re a fan of strong female leads, high-stakes fantasy, political tension, elemental magic, forbidden romance, and characters that completely consume your thoughts, this book is absolutely for you!

[Charlotte Laidlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan, you’ve done it again. We jump right back into this outstanding story, getting to know more about the characters we ADORE. So much adventure, so much more of Gal’s world, and I loved every second of it.

All I’ll say is Bentley girls, strap in 💚🌙

[Ashlyn Kernot · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ I had the privilege of receiving an eARC of Crown of Dusk and getting to read it early, thank you Megan! ✨

I thoroughly enjoyed jumping back into the Galdinia’s story. After reading Princess of Dawn, I felt that there was a lot of potential for the next book, and Crown of Dusk absolutely delivered. I felt much more connected to Galdinia’s character in this book, I think her development from the start of book one to now has slowly made me like her and get invested in her as a character more and more.

I also really enjoyed seeing the changes and progression of Galdinia and Bentley’s relationship following the events of book one. I particularly love how raw and honest Galdinia’s interactions with Bentley felt early in this book.

Crown of Dusk didn’t suffer from the same pacing issues that I felt book one did, the story felt like it moved a bit quicker and that I was a lot more invested in this book from the first page.

I am so happy that Crown of Dusk delivered on the hope that I had for it following book one and I can’t wait for book three!

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the world of Crysterra that Megan has created, the level of detail makes me feel like I’m right there alongside the characters, which is one of my favourite things in a fantasy book. The atmosphere, lore, and sense of scale are so immersive that it’s impossible not to get swept up in the story.

Galdinia, the FMC, has grown so much in book two. Her character development felt natural, earned, and incredibly satisfying to watch unfold. I loved seeing her step into her strength and begin to truly understand who she is, and I genuinely can’t wait to see what she will do in book three.

The new characters introduced added both humour and emotional depth to the story, and quickly became favourites of mine. Their dynamics with the existing characters brought fresh energy and made the world feel even richer.

With higher stakes, compelling relationships, and a beautifully built world, Crown of Dusk completely captivated me. A stunning sequel.

Thank you to Megan Gilbert for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane Dean]

Crown of Dusk is a captivating read from start to finish. From the moment you open the book you are transported back to Galdinia’s world, it’s trials and tribulations.
We follow our young queen’s journey as she learns what it means to be a queen, its challenges and its rewards.
Our heroine struggles to deal with what it means to be both a queen whilst still retaining true to herself.
Megan Gilbert’s language is both descriptive and beautiful as she takes her readers, once again,on this journey of self discovery.

[Emma Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed jumping back into the world of Crysterra and flew through this in a couple of days. Crown of Dusk is such an engrossing and easy read, with loveable/loathable characters and a twisting storyline that kept me guessing. I loved exploring the expanding world and the introduction of new characters in this chapter of the trilogy. Absolutely hanging out for the finale to see how the story unfolds. Eeeeep!

[Becky_beksta (beks.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Megan for the arc this book is amazing!

Galdinia has entered her Queen era and if she was my queen I would do anything she asked. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to speak up for herself. You forget she's only a 19 year old trying to run a kingdom and deal with threats from neighbours.

This book felt more slower paced giving us time to get to know everyone more and meet new faces. There was plently of tense moments that had me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention the ending Megan I fear I need book 3 right now.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️ ARC

Oh my god, I need more instantly !
Gal is the queen they all need ! The fight, the love, the planning, it’s just incredible !
I’m a Bentley girl from the beginning, I’m so happy to see him still along for this ride, the trust and the longing is just so good, I want so much for him and Gal !

Ugh I cannot wait for more !

[Emily Gatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that we jump back in exactly where we left off… and then the ride just keeps going! Same deep but now familiar world, same easy to lose yourself in storyline and same ready to root for or slap in the face characters! Exactly what you want in a sequel!

[Donna Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful piece of work by Megan! If her aim is to create young powerhouse women as the lead character to inspire others, she has certainly done that! Another great ready, can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was stunning! There are so many good things about this book; it is very unique and creative, plus there is great sense of plot tension and a variety complex characters that kept you guessing the whole time. Megan has done it again. The worst thing is I now have to wait for book 3. 💚

[Pauline Beltran · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I'm torn between Drystan, Bentley and (can't believe it) Quill
I need book 3 now!