What do you think?
The Golden Citadel #2
The Silver Crown
In a city where only warriors rule, one girl's forbidden power could change everything—if it doesn't destroy her first.
Ellie has failed at everything. Transferred from Quarter to Quarter, she can't manifest the right magic or escape her own inadequacy. When she's assigned to an elite mission with Mace Hardfield—the golden boy she's loved since childhood—it's her last chance.
But Ellie isn't broken. She's a Shield, a wielder of ancient magic that Central Command has spent centuries erasing.
As she uncovers forbidden truths, Ellie learns her city is built on lies—now she must lead a revolution and prove the girl everyone dismissed is their strongest weapon—all while fighting for the one person she can't live without.
For fans of Red Queen, An Ember in the Ashes, and Fourth Wing.
Forbidden Romance • Childhood Friends to Lovers • Chosen One Who Doesn't Believe It • Found Family • Class Warfare • Dystopian Society • Magic System Based on Quarters/Castes • Forced Proximity • Protective Hero • Underdog Heroine • Revolution/Rebellion • Political Intrigue • Forced Proximity • He Falls First • Touch Her and Die • Competence Kink
Ellie has failed at everything. Transferred from Quarter to Quarter, she can't manifest the right magic or escape her own inadequacy. When she's assigned to an elite mission with Mace Hardfield—the golden boy she's loved since childhood—it's her last chance.
But Ellie isn't broken. She's a Shield, a wielder of ancient magic that Central Command has spent centuries erasing.
As she uncovers forbidden truths, Ellie learns her city is built on lies—now she must lead a revolution and prove the girl everyone dismissed is their strongest weapon—all while fighting for the one person she can't live without.
For fans of Red Queen, An Ember in the Ashes, and Fourth Wing.
Forbidden Romance • Childhood Friends to Lovers • Chosen One Who Doesn't Believe It • Found Family • Class Warfare • Dystopian Society • Magic System Based on Quarters/Castes • Forced Proximity • Protective Hero • Underdog Heroine • Revolution/Rebellion • Political Intrigue • Forced Proximity • He Falls First • Touch Her and Die • Competence Kink
485 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2026
About the author
Lilly Inkwood
5 books8 followersLilly Inkwood is a romantasy/fantasy writer. She’s the author of The Golden Citadel & The Red Kingdom Series.
Lilly always wanted to write books, ever since she penned (literally, with a pen) her dozen-page long ‘novel’ in fifth grade. It just took her much too long to realise that she loves fantasy, above all things, and especially romantasy.
She also writes historical fiction as Patricia Adrian. Her novel ‘The Bletchley Women’ is a USA Today Bestseller.
Books:
The Golden Citadel Series:
THE GOLDEN CITADEL
THE SILVER CROWN
The Red Kingdom Series:
The Kingdom Is a Golden Cage
Rise of the Fallen Court
The Three Kingdoms Series:
Huntress of the Hallowed Forest - Book 1
Lilly always wanted to write books, ever since she penned (literally, with a pen) her dozen-page long ‘novel’ in fifth grade. It just took her much too long to realise that she loves fantasy, above all things, and especially romantasy.
She also writes historical fiction as Patricia Adrian. Her novel ‘The Bletchley Women’ is a USA Today Bestseller.
Books:
The Golden Citadel Series:
THE GOLDEN CITADEL
THE SILVER CROWN
The Red Kingdom Series:
The Kingdom Is a Golden Cage
Rise of the Fallen Court
The Three Kingdoms Series:
Huntress of the Hallowed Forest - Book 1
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 4, 2026
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.
After reading The Golden Citadel I couldn’t wait to continue this duology. Ellie has discovered her powers as Shield, but in a city build on lies she still has to be carefull.
Where The Golden Citadel is more of an adventure, this book focusses more on unraveling truths and politics. I loved the tension that was present in this book and was hooked throughout the whole story. In my opinion, The Silver Crown is even better than The Golden Citadel. This duology is really strong and I would highly recommend this.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
After reading The Golden Citadel I couldn’t wait to continue this duology. Ellie has discovered her powers as Shield, but in a city build on lies she still has to be carefull.
Where The Golden Citadel is more of an adventure, this book focusses more on unraveling truths and politics. I loved the tension that was present in this book and was hooked throughout the whole story. In my opinion, The Silver Crown is even better than The Golden Citadel. This duology is really strong and I would highly recommend this.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
September 5, 2026
Book 2 picks up right where Book 1 left off and throws us straight back into the action—and it barely lets up from there!
The pacing kept me hooked from the very beginning, and the plot is packed with so much magic, intrigue, and adventure that you can’t help but come up with your own ideas and theories about where everything is heading.
I particularly loved the personal growth each of the main characters goes through, both individually and as a group. They’re all so lovable, and you can’t help but root for them. There are plenty of heartfelt moments, along with some humorous ones that provide a nice break from all the action. And with so many plot twists along the way, the story definitely keeps you on your toes.
That betrayal towards the end had me shocked—I definitely did not see that coming!
The romance takes more of a back seat in this book, but it made sense given everything else that was happening and didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this was such a fun read, filled with magic, mystery, intrigue, and adventure.
The pacing kept me hooked from the very beginning, and the plot is packed with so much magic, intrigue, and adventure that you can’t help but come up with your own ideas and theories about where everything is heading.
I particularly loved the personal growth each of the main characters goes through, both individually and as a group. They’re all so lovable, and you can’t help but root for them. There are plenty of heartfelt moments, along with some humorous ones that provide a nice break from all the action. And with so many plot twists along the way, the story definitely keeps you on your toes.
That betrayal towards the end had me shocked—I definitely did not see that coming!
The romance takes more of a back seat in this book, but it made sense given everything else that was happening and didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this was such a fun read, filled with magic, mystery, intrigue, and adventure.
August 20, 2026
Heavy are the heads that wear the crown.
Ellie and her Warrior pals have challenged the Golden Citadel's Central Command, but their plans go awry when This rift in government causes the Citadel to literally split down the middle, with old Command in the city center with core services like Warriors and Healing and new Command in the outskirts with historically underappreciated factions like Maintenance and Potions.
Ellie also struggles with her new Shield Quarter and legitimizing the talents that were wiped from their collective memory. New Command embraces the other Quarters and offers them a seat at the table, but they will have to fight Old Command to have more equality in the Golden Citadel.
The book begins right where The Golden Citadel left off, keeping the action moving with barely a pause. Recommended for fans of the first novel in the series, or older teen and adult readers looking for readalikes of popular series like The Hunger Games or Divergent.
I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie and her Warrior pals have challenged the Golden Citadel's Central Command, but their plans go awry when This rift in government causes the Citadel to literally split down the middle, with old Command in the city center with core services like Warriors and Healing and new Command in the outskirts with historically underappreciated factions like Maintenance and Potions.
Ellie also struggles with her new Shield Quarter and legitimizing the talents that were wiped from their collective memory. New Command embraces the other Quarters and offers them a seat at the table, but they will have to fight Old Command to have more equality in the Golden Citadel.
The book begins right where The Golden Citadel left off, keeping the action moving with barely a pause. Recommended for fans of the first novel in the series, or older teen and adult readers looking for readalikes of popular series like The Hunger Games or Divergent.
I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🩶 Blurb -
In a city ruled by lies, love is treason—and power comes at a deadly cost
Ellie was never meant to matter. In the Golden Citadel, only Warriors are allowed to lead, and girls like her are meant to obey. But when Ellie uncovers a hidden power long erased from the city’s history, she is thrust into a brutal struggle for control of the Citadel itself. Now Ellie must claim the truth of her forbidden power as a Shield and stand against the leaders who erased her kind from history.
But revolution is only the beginning. With enemies inside the city, rival kingdoms circling beyond its walls, and her bond with warrior Mace Hardfield strong enough to break them both, Ellie must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice: the boy she loves.
💜 Review -
I enjoyed The Silver Crown as much as the first book in the series. This was such an enjoyable and action packed read. From the very first chapter I knew that I would enjoy the story. I was soon swept along with the characters in the story and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right, plus there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to see what the author writes next.
💖 Thank you to One More Chapter, the author Lilly Inkwood and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
In a city ruled by lies, love is treason—and power comes at a deadly cost
Ellie was never meant to matter. In the Golden Citadel, only Warriors are allowed to lead, and girls like her are meant to obey. But when Ellie uncovers a hidden power long erased from the city’s history, she is thrust into a brutal struggle for control of the Citadel itself. Now Ellie must claim the truth of her forbidden power as a Shield and stand against the leaders who erased her kind from history.
But revolution is only the beginning. With enemies inside the city, rival kingdoms circling beyond its walls, and her bond with warrior Mace Hardfield strong enough to break them both, Ellie must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice: the boy she loves.
💜 Review -
I enjoyed The Silver Crown as much as the first book in the series. This was such an enjoyable and action packed read. From the very first chapter I knew that I would enjoy the story. I was soon swept along with the characters in the story and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right, plus there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to see what the author writes next.
💖 Thank you to One More Chapter, the author Lilly Inkwood and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed The Silver Crown! Picking up right where The Golden Citadel left off, Ellie keeps fighting to claim her forbidden power, all while danger closes in from every direction. The action rarely lets up, and the pacing kept me hooked, with betrayals and tender, tearful moments (Ellie's scenes with her dad especially got me) making the pages fly by. Watching Ellie grow into someone who won't let anyone else decide her fate was such a joy, and her star-crossed romance with Mace remained my favorite thread, full of trust and devotion that gave the harder moments real weight. Stella, the AI quietly steering Ellie toward her destiny, was a sweet, thoughtfully written addition too. My only real critique is that the relentless pace occasionally left little room to sit with the biggest moments, and a couple of side characters could have used more development amid all the action. Still, this was a heartfelt, gripping sequel with an ending that left me both heartbroken and healed.
I really enjoyed The Silver Crown! Picking up right where The Golden Citadel left off, Ellie keeps fighting to claim her forbidden power, all while danger closes in from every direction. The action rarely lets up, and the pacing kept me hooked, with betrayals and tender, tearful moments (Ellie's scenes with her dad especially got me) making the pages fly by. Watching Ellie grow into someone who won't let anyone else decide her fate was such a joy, and her star-crossed romance with Mace remained my favorite thread, full of trust and devotion that gave the harder moments real weight. Stella, the AI quietly steering Ellie toward her destiny, was a sweet, thoughtfully written addition too. My only real critique is that the relentless pace occasionally left little room to sit with the biggest moments, and a couple of side characters could have used more development amid all the action. Still, this was a heartfelt, gripping sequel with an ending that left me both heartbroken and healed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Silver Crown. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed The Silver Crown! It was an engaging fantasy read that pulled me in quickly and kept me invested throughout.
I really liked the world and overall atmosphere of the story. There’s a great mix of magic, intrigue, and adventure, and I especially enjoyed watching everything unfold as the story progressed. The plot kept me curious about what would happen next, and there were plenty of moments that had me wanting to keep reading.
The characters were another highlight for me. I enjoyed getting to know them and watching their relationships and dynamics develop throughout the story. There’s a nice emotional element woven into the fantasy that gave the story some added depth without taking away from the adventure.
Overall, The Silver Crown was a fun and enjoyable fantasy read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a magical story with adventure, intrigue, and characters to root for, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. ✨👑
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Silver Crown. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed The Silver Crown! It was an engaging fantasy read that pulled me in quickly and kept me invested throughout.
I really liked the world and overall atmosphere of the story. There’s a great mix of magic, intrigue, and adventure, and I especially enjoyed watching everything unfold as the story progressed. The plot kept me curious about what would happen next, and there were plenty of moments that had me wanting to keep reading.
The characters were another highlight for me. I enjoyed getting to know them and watching their relationships and dynamics develop throughout the story. There’s a nice emotional element woven into the fantasy that gave the story some added depth without taking away from the adventure.
Overall, The Silver Crown was a fun and enjoyable fantasy read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a magical story with adventure, intrigue, and characters to root for, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. ✨👑
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
First of all I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for this Advanced Reading Copy. All thoughts are my own.
The Silver Crown was a good sequel. Literally it picked up exactly where we left it in The Golden Citadel. To the point where I was reading it and thinking- was it previously one book which was just split into two... Did I mind it? Not at all. I was lucky to read this duo one after another but for someone who will have a break between it would be ideal.
But on the other hand The Silver Crown didnt gripped me as much as 1st book. The slower plot made sense but after action packed prequel it wasnt just enough for me. On top of it FMC was getting on my nerves. Dont take me wrong I get her and I knew why she made decisions which she made but I felt like I'm dealing with my teenage daughter.
Ending of the book definitely saved the day. Action speeded up massively and there was a moment where I couldnt belive in one betrayal... still raging about it. But on the other hand it was a bit too fast. A bit too rushed and not enough.
Epilogue wrapped everything perfectly to the point were I dont have any lingering questions.
First of all I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for this Advanced Reading Copy. All thoughts are my own.
The Silver Crown was a good sequel. Literally it picked up exactly where we left it in The Golden Citadel. To the point where I was reading it and thinking- was it previously one book which was just split into two... Did I mind it? Not at all. I was lucky to read this duo one after another but for someone who will have a break between it would be ideal.
But on the other hand The Silver Crown didnt gripped me as much as 1st book. The slower plot made sense but after action packed prequel it wasnt just enough for me. On top of it FMC was getting on my nerves. Dont take me wrong I get her and I knew why she made decisions which she made but I felt like I'm dealing with my teenage daughter.
Ending of the book definitely saved the day. Action speeded up massively and there was a moment where I couldnt belive in one betrayal... still raging about it. But on the other hand it was a bit too fast. A bit too rushed and not enough.
Epilogue wrapped everything perfectly to the point were I dont have any lingering questions.
September 3, 2026
First, a plea: if you haven’t read The Golden Citadel, then please do before you read this book, otherwise you’ll miss so much of how Ellie and her friends arrived at the point where this book starts.
It’s full of action from the start. Picking up from the end of The Golden Citadel Ellie and the rest of Team Gold reach the Command Centre, defeating some of the Commanders and gaining places on the Council, but it seems a little too easy?
Ellie and her friends are flying by the seat of their pants from the start – they know what they’d like to do to make life better for the citizens of the Citadel but there’s a lot of opposition to overcome. Prepare for loyalties to be tested, betrayals, plenty of lies, lots of magic, traps, attacks from rival kingdoms and soul-destroying choices to be made. Will the team survive?
A thoroughly entertaining read - highly recommended.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins (One More Chapter) for an ARC for my honest review.
It’s full of action from the start. Picking up from the end of The Golden Citadel Ellie and the rest of Team Gold reach the Command Centre, defeating some of the Commanders and gaining places on the Council, but it seems a little too easy?
Ellie and her friends are flying by the seat of their pants from the start – they know what they’d like to do to make life better for the citizens of the Citadel but there’s a lot of opposition to overcome. Prepare for loyalties to be tested, betrayals, plenty of lies, lots of magic, traps, attacks from rival kingdoms and soul-destroying choices to be made. Will the team survive?
A thoroughly entertaining read - highly recommended.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins (One More Chapter) for an ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The silver crown follows straight on from where the golden citadel left us hanging on a cliff screaming for more. Ellie & the team go through hell in this book to reverse the brain washing the commanders have enforced on the citizens of the city and to make the golden citadel a better place for everyone but with traitors, little experience and complete chaos your thrown on a journey of plot twists, protocols and magic that seems completely hopeless but also powerful at the same time. The romance between Ellie and mace was a perfect side plot as they fought for each other but also the city. The ending was the perfect amount of closure to this fantastic duology and I will definitely be reading other books from lilly inkwood. I fell in love with the characters and the world and am sad to be saying goodbye but feel privileged to have been a part of it.
September 2, 2026
2.5/5 Stars
The Silver Crown had some interesting ideas to build on, but I ended up with a lot of the same issues as I had with The Golden Citadel. The familiar YA dystopian feel was still there, but I wanted more depth from the writing and character development. There was plenty happening, but the bigger reveals didn’t always have the impact they needed, especially when I could see them coming. My biggest issue was the ending, which felt rushed and incomplete: some conflicts resolved too easily, while others were left hanging without closure. A decent sequel, but ultimately this series wasn’t the right fit for me.
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Silver Crown had some interesting ideas to build on, but I ended up with a lot of the same issues as I had with The Golden Citadel. The familiar YA dystopian feel was still there, but I wanted more depth from the writing and character development. There was plenty happening, but the bigger reveals didn’t always have the impact they needed, especially when I could see them coming. My biggest issue was the ending, which felt rushed and incomplete: some conflicts resolved too easily, while others were left hanging without closure. A decent sequel, but ultimately this series wasn’t the right fit for me.
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was a good sequel, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Golden Citadel. I still really liked the characters, the world building, and how action-packed the story was, but the ending felt a little rushed. After so much buildup, everything seemed to either get fixed very quickly or get pushed off as something they would deal with later.
I also wasn’t super surprised by one of the bigger twists, which took away from the impact a little because I was anticipating it the whole time. Overall, though, I still enjoyed being back in this world and thought it was a solid continuation of the series!
This was a good sequel, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Golden Citadel. I still really liked the characters, the world building, and how action-packed the story was, but the ending felt a little rushed. After so much buildup, everything seemed to either get fixed very quickly or get pushed off as something they would deal with later.
I also wasn’t super surprised by one of the bigger twists, which took away from the impact a little because I was anticipating it the whole time. Overall, though, I still enjoyed being back in this world and thought it was a solid continuation of the series!
October 3, 2026
Thank you to @lillyinkwood @onemorechapterhc and @netgalley for the gifted review copy.
I started this immediately after reading The Golden Citadel because I needed to know what happened asap!
It picks right up from where book 1 ended and takes the reader straight back into the action. I love all of the main group of characters and this book really showed their personal growth due to the situation they find themselves in. The FMC really comes in to her own and I loved this for her. I enjoyed this book as much as the first and will look for more by this author.
I definitely recommend this duology for fast paced dystopian fantasy romance readers.
I started this immediately after reading The Golden Citadel because I needed to know what happened asap!
It picks right up from where book 1 ended and takes the reader straight back into the action. I love all of the main group of characters and this book really showed their personal growth due to the situation they find themselves in. The FMC really comes in to her own and I loved this for her. I enjoyed this book as much as the first and will look for more by this author.
I definitely recommend this duology for fast paced dystopian fantasy romance readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc. This was such a fun dystopian read!!!!
Straight from the beginning it was fast paced and action packed. Ellie is a bad ass with a forbidden, hidden power who must use it against the Central Command leaders who tried to banish her kind in the past, and help rebuild the Citadel into a better place.
And Hmm that betrayal though…. it had me shooketh!
This book has hidden powers, rival kingdoms, rebellion, enemies and betrayal…
If you’re looking for your next unique dystopian read, look no further!
Straight from the beginning it was fast paced and action packed. Ellie is a bad ass with a forbidden, hidden power who must use it against the Central Command leaders who tried to banish her kind in the past, and help rebuild the Citadel into a better place.
And Hmm that betrayal though…. it had me shooketh!
This book has hidden powers, rival kingdoms, rebellion, enemies and betrayal…
If you’re looking for your next unique dystopian read, look no further!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one really surprised me. The world felt unusual and different from most fantasy books I’ve read, and I really enjoyed the mix of dystopian elements, magic, politics, and romance.
It was fast-paced, entertaining, and kept me interested all the way through. Definitely a five-star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one really surprised me. The world felt unusual and different from most fantasy books I’ve read, and I really enjoyed the mix of dystopian elements, magic, politics, and romance.
It was fast-paced, entertaining, and kept me interested all the way through. Definitely a five-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this one! Ellie’s growth was probably my favourite part — I loved seeing her become more confident in her power and start taking control of her own fate. I also really enjoyed her relationship with Mace and the softer moments between them amongst all the chaos.
There was A LOT happening, and at times I felt like the story moved so quickly that some of the bigger moments didn’t quite get the time they deserved.
Still a really enjoyable sequel and a solid 3 stars for me! ❤️
There was A LOT happening, and at times I felt like the story moved so quickly that some of the bigger moments didn’t quite get the time they deserved.
Still a really enjoyable sequel and a solid 3 stars for me! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved book 1. It was so fast paced and interesting. Book two slows down a little bit but still manages to keep it interesting. I do wish we got less of Ellie's emotional back and forth and more action but that's just my preference. Not everything was quite wrapped up so I'm thinking there may be spinoffs in the future. Overall an amazing story and universe.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At first I wasn't sure about this second book, didnt seem as good as the first. But I continued reading and it got better and better. I love the relationships between all the main characters, the way they seem so real. The story line is very clever and futuristic, Allen is so so clever.. i am happy Mace and Ellie got their happy ever after, they deserved it.
All in all a great read.
3.5 stars
All in all a great read.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews