What do you think?
Rate this book
Heir of Earth and Sky #3
The Crowned
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26The crown will be claimed—by destiny, by blood, or by betrayal.
The crown should be hers. But when Cate discovers the enemy’s leader, Rowan, holds her family hostage in Oregon, she must face the unstable portal without a guide, leaving the kingdom in the hands of the power-hungry Baron Graftonberg, whose greedy eyes are set on the throne.
With a ticking timeline and Daniel and Lucas by her side, her decision could forever threaten Caelum’s livelihood, jeopardizing the fragile peace with Terra. As trouble and suspicion escalate, Lucas and Mya are forced apart, endangering their new relationship.
With love at stake and betrayal rampant, war brews between Terra and Caelum, while the Embers plot to destroy whoever survives, capitalizing on the chaos.
The next to be crowned will either topple the kingdoms or usher in their salvation.
Book 3 of this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy Series from debut author SK Horton about first love in a fantastical new world.
Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much more, it's perfect for fans of Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts' Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
The crown should be hers. But when Cate discovers the enemy’s leader, Rowan, holds her family hostage in Oregon, she must face the unstable portal without a guide, leaving the kingdom in the hands of the power-hungry Baron Graftonberg, whose greedy eyes are set on the throne.
With a ticking timeline and Daniel and Lucas by her side, her decision could forever threaten Caelum’s livelihood, jeopardizing the fragile peace with Terra. As trouble and suspicion escalate, Lucas and Mya are forced apart, endangering their new relationship.
With love at stake and betrayal rampant, war brews between Terra and Caelum, while the Embers plot to destroy whoever survives, capitalizing on the chaos.
The next to be crowned will either topple the kingdoms or usher in their salvation.
Book 3 of this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy Series from debut author SK Horton about first love in a fantastical new world.
Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much more, it's perfect for fans of Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts' Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
- GenresFantasy
467 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 13, 2026
I was so excited to be reading book 3 and finishing the trilogy!
I really enjoyed this series as a whole. I appreciate that it is clean and can let my daughter read it too.
This book had several twists in the end. It would feel like a happy ending was coming, but then a conflict would happen! Definitely kept you on your toes.
The series is told from 3 main character points of view. Each chapter is titled with the name, but occasionally I still found it hard to remember whose reverence point it was.
I liked how it wrapped up the story. If you haven't read any of them, be sure to get all three and binge read them together!
Cautionary content: referenced a part from book 2 about girls being kidnapped for a baby factory, war, blood, death,
I really enjoyed this series as a whole. I appreciate that it is clean and can let my daughter read it too.
This book had several twists in the end. It would feel like a happy ending was coming, but then a conflict would happen! Definitely kept you on your toes.
The series is told from 3 main character points of view. Each chapter is titled with the name, but occasionally I still found it hard to remember whose reverence point it was.
I liked how it wrapped up the story. If you haven't read any of them, be sure to get all three and binge read them together!
Cautionary content: referenced a part from book 2 about girls being kidnapped for a baby factory, war, blood, death,
Review of advance copy received from Author
Warnings: violence (mainly war), kidnapping, death, grief
This was an epic conclusion to the Heir of Earth and Sky trilogy! The court intrigue was jaw-dropping, the twists were surprising, and the character growth was brilliant. I loved that the unity of the kingdoms remained a main focus, even with the odds against Cate and Daniel. Seeing their relationship strengthen alongside Lucas and Mya was wonderful. The constant threat of Rowan and the other Embers kept me anxious, and the final battle had me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this young adult trilogy to any lover of no-spice fantasy!
When Cate learns Rowan has taken her adoptive family hostage back in Oregon, she (along with Daniel, Lucas, and Mya) must find a way to navigate the unstable portals and rescue them. Leaving her kingdom vulnerable to the nefarious Baron Graftonberg, her decision could destabilize the peace that they've been working on between their kingdoms. After they gather intel and face many dangers, they return to find the kingdoms are split, the Baron has taken the throne, and a war with the Embers is inevitable.
Will they be able to gain the trust of their people again in time to defeat Rowan and his Embers?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
This was an epic conclusion to the Heir of Earth and Sky trilogy! The court intrigue was jaw-dropping, the twists were surprising, and the character growth was brilliant. I loved that the unity of the kingdoms remained a main focus, even with the odds against Cate and Daniel. Seeing their relationship strengthen alongside Lucas and Mya was wonderful. The constant threat of Rowan and the other Embers kept me anxious, and the final battle had me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this young adult trilogy to any lover of no-spice fantasy!
When Cate learns Rowan has taken her adoptive family hostage back in Oregon, she (along with Daniel, Lucas, and Mya) must find a way to navigate the unstable portals and rescue them. Leaving her kingdom vulnerable to the nefarious Baron Graftonberg, her decision could destabilize the peace that they've been working on between their kingdoms. After they gather intel and face many dangers, they return to find the kingdoms are split, the Baron has taken the throne, and a war with the Embers is inevitable.
Will they be able to gain the trust of their people again in time to defeat Rowan and his Embers?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2026
This is the 3rd book & conclusion of the series as we follow Daniel, Cate, Mya, and Lucas through Caelum & Terra fighting the Embers. It starts back right after the King is killed to save his kingdom/people and at his funeral. The King is laid to rest & Cate has to choose between her new family (kingdom) and her adopted family, back in the States, after she finds out she has 2wk to get to Oregon or her little brother would be killed. Without, Alana, they have to figure out how to even cross the unstable portals. How will they let the regent or kingdom, on the eve of coronation know of this new problem? How will they even get to the US? How can they stabilize the portals? All these are questions…. How can we finally rid the lands of the Embers? Will Mya and Lucas be allowed to explore this budding friendship? How will the Terran King react to find the princess has relations with an enemy?
It’s a constant battle between fulfilling a destiny & learning to keep her loved ones safe. It’s a great book.
Zero spice which makes it perfect for YA. Appropriate language. Characters that felt age appropriate. Great character arcs … even as I’m literally screaming at my tablet as I’m reading. Unexpected twists & turns. The world building continued to develop with some new characters in the UK & US, and visiting old college roomie was a lovely addition just so we didn’t forget where she came from. That was a pleasant character re-visit!
I do recommend this book. It’s a very wholesome read for ages like 12-18! It fits perfect for the genre & does what Horton set out to do. She wrote a set of 3 books that she’d be honored if her girls read. She smashed her goal in the best ways & even answered some hard “life” questions along the way. And in the end, life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect & that’s just the sweet spot! It’s a beautiful coming age trilogy that teaches power, love, and loyalty… and the beautiful questions of “where does true power come from” and at what cost should loyalty be bought? Do enemies deserve compassion & understanding? What is the cost of war? So many relevant & beautiful questions…
Read the book because if I keep trying to analyze I’m going to be heading in the directions of SPOILERS….
Trust a mama bearing her writing soul to bring wholesome books for her daughters to read! And she does that beautifully & it’s fun for adults in a nostalgia kind of way but remember it is written with teenage love in mind!
Thank you to SK HORTON & Acheron books for giving me the opportunity to review this arc!
It’s a constant battle between fulfilling a destiny & learning to keep her loved ones safe. It’s a great book.
Zero spice which makes it perfect for YA. Appropriate language. Characters that felt age appropriate. Great character arcs … even as I’m literally screaming at my tablet as I’m reading. Unexpected twists & turns. The world building continued to develop with some new characters in the UK & US, and visiting old college roomie was a lovely addition just so we didn’t forget where she came from. That was a pleasant character re-visit!
I do recommend this book. It’s a very wholesome read for ages like 12-18! It fits perfect for the genre & does what Horton set out to do. She wrote a set of 3 books that she’d be honored if her girls read. She smashed her goal in the best ways & even answered some hard “life” questions along the way. And in the end, life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect & that’s just the sweet spot! It’s a beautiful coming age trilogy that teaches power, love, and loyalty… and the beautiful questions of “where does true power come from” and at what cost should loyalty be bought? Do enemies deserve compassion & understanding? What is the cost of war? So many relevant & beautiful questions…
Read the book because if I keep trying to analyze I’m going to be heading in the directions of SPOILERS….
Trust a mama bearing her writing soul to bring wholesome books for her daughters to read! And she does that beautifully & it’s fun for adults in a nostalgia kind of way but remember it is written with teenage love in mind!
Thank you to SK HORTON & Acheron books for giving me the opportunity to review this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the third and final book to this series. I absolutely loved the concealed and the captured, and have been waiting on this one. It did not disappoint I absolutely loved everything about it. The growth of the characters not just alone but also together was amazing. Seeing Cate and Daniel growing deeper together, and truly relying on one another was amazing, I was quite shocked at how big of a part Mya would play in this book, though I had hoped that she would, it was fun seeing her grow from being that sassy princess, to a woman and her and Lucas's realtionship truly had me in my feels, they love they have for each other was truly heartfelt. This book was action packed from beginning to end and I loved the entire ride. I dont want to ruin it so I will not give details but the roller coaster was on and going 90 to nothing and didint put the brakes on. So much happened yet it didint feel like it overwhelmed the book at all, it made it so much more gripping, I was on the edge of my seat , tears running down my eyes, the whole nine yards. There where parts that I felt my heart would beat out of my chest. the anxiety, the worry, everything Cate was feeling the book exemplified that. it was an absolutely an amazing in to this series. I cannot personally thank this author enough for the chance to have been able to read the final book. These are a must have for your selves! Dont let this book fool you it may be YA but it doesnt lack in any form. I cannot wait to own this series one day!
February 17, 2026
4.5 Stars
First and foremost, wow! This is by far my favorite book in the trilogy. The first two are fun, and they build up to this final battle, but The Crowned brings everything together beautifully. I laughed, I cried, and I was, in the end, satisfied with the ending, though bittersweet.
We see so much growth. Cate comes into her roll as queen. Despite her anxieties and the hardships she’s faced, she doesn’t let any of that define her. She’s far from perfect, but she fights for what she believes is right. I think that is one of my favorite things about this series - the characters are flawed, but they choose to do everything they can for the people they love, and that makes them all the more relatable.
This last book is definitely a little darker, a little more mature. There is more death and violence as Cate and her friends come face-to-face with the Ember Army. But it’s still a very solid YA series. For those asking if there is spice - no. The romance is very soft and sweet. Gentle kisses and light caresses.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I’m sad to see the series ending. I understand that this is the logical conclusion for Cate and Daniel as they fall into their rolls as monarchs, but I wouldn’t be sad to see more of Lucas, Mya, Molly, and Milo in the future!
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
First and foremost, wow! This is by far my favorite book in the trilogy. The first two are fun, and they build up to this final battle, but The Crowned brings everything together beautifully. I laughed, I cried, and I was, in the end, satisfied with the ending, though bittersweet.
We see so much growth. Cate comes into her roll as queen. Despite her anxieties and the hardships she’s faced, she doesn’t let any of that define her. She’s far from perfect, but she fights for what she believes is right. I think that is one of my favorite things about this series - the characters are flawed, but they choose to do everything they can for the people they love, and that makes them all the more relatable.
This last book is definitely a little darker, a little more mature. There is more death and violence as Cate and her friends come face-to-face with the Ember Army. But it’s still a very solid YA series. For those asking if there is spice - no. The romance is very soft and sweet. Gentle kisses and light caresses.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I’m sad to see the series ending. I understand that this is the logical conclusion for Cate and Daniel as they fall into their rolls as monarchs, but I wouldn’t be sad to see more of Lucas, Mya, Molly, and Milo in the future!
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy
I love the 3 POVs! When they get unexpectedly drawn into the portal, they find themselves in the human realm with absolutely nothing but the clothes, and jewelry, they're wearing. They have to scramble to figure out how they're going to get from England to Oregon. They're forced to split up. Meanwhile, forces are working against them in their realm. There's lots of banter and I loved the close friendships they have built.
I enjoyed the conclusion to the series. I highly recommend this delightful YA fantasy romance for readers of all ages.
I enjoyed the conclusion to the series. I highly recommend this delightful YA fantasy romance for readers of all ages.
February 4, 2026
This was a solid conclusion to this YA fantasy series! I enjoyed all of the characters and the high stakes that were present throughout the book. I do think this one was a a lot more slow paced and longer than the other two books in the series and didn’t keep me interested as much as the other two did. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it, because I did! And I’m sure others who are a fan of this series will too!
Thank you to S.K. Horton for the advanced copy!
Thank you to S.K. Horton for the advanced copy!
February 16, 2026
Wow book 3 brought all the drama! Book 1 and 2, I read in a day and they were fun! Book 3 is so much more. The characters are maturing, making real decision with consequences and navigating their worlds. So much is happening in this book. So many missions and adventures to get them to the conclusion of this trilogy.
This trilogy is a great YA fantasy adventure with romance (no spice) for you and the young reader in your life!
This trilogy is a great YA fantasy adventure with romance (no spice) for you and the young reader in your life!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally! The third book of the trilogy is here! That cliffhanger was brutal, but worth it. Poor Cate, Lucas, Daniel, and Mya have been through the ringer! They have a few more hurdles to get through. I loved this story from beginning to end. Dragons, portals, magic, and 4 kids learning what it means to grow up and become what they are meant to be. I also loved the little twist toward the end for the Terrens!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 3 is full of so many unexpected twists and turns! Perfect YA with appropriate relationships and language for the genre. Cate, Daniel, Mya and Lucas have to find a way to save Cate's family and to traverse unstable portals. The various locations add to the story and the battles are epic.
The negotiations around royal life and family make this the crowning jewel of the tale.
The negotiations around royal life and family make this the crowning jewel of the tale.
Review of advance copy
I read this as an ARC.
WOW! What an ending to the Heir of Earth and Sky trilogy! I laughed out loud while reading; sometimes I gasped in shock. It’s amazing to see how Cate has grown as a character. And I loved seeing Mya come into her own as well. I love that the four friends support each other and also laugh with each other. Definitely recommend!
WOW! What an ending to the Heir of Earth and Sky trilogy! I laughed out loud while reading; sometimes I gasped in shock. It’s amazing to see how Cate has grown as a character. And I loved seeing Mya come into her own as well. I love that the four friends support each other and also laugh with each other. Definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great ending to such a wonderful story. The world building in this series was fantastic and made even better because it takes place on so many locations. The characters are relatable especially Cate with her anxiety and panic attacks. The ending was perfect after the build up, with so many unexpected situations leading to it. I can't wait to see what SK Horton writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think The Crowned was an excellent conclusion to the Heir of Earth and Sky Trilogy. Although it felt a little slower than the previous two books at times, once the action picked up it had me on my toes. There was amazing character development all around and I am very satisfied with the ending!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews