The Shining Prince

The Thayar Crown

by Alexandria Arden

“Your days are numbered, father, because my mate is coming for me. She’s coming for you.”

In the aftermath of The Golden King’s incursion into Thayaria, the Witch Queen has disappeared. Nemesia, Fionn, and Carex must prepare Thayaria for war, despite the mistrust brewing between them. The kingdom has relied on its wall of mist to keep it safe for centuries, but Mazus’s aggression and Laurel’s absence has put that security in jeopardy.

On the other side of the Four Kingdoms, Laurel has no idea where Mazus has spirited her mate. She’ll stop at nothing to get him back, even if it means becoming the villain the world believes her to be.

After a devastating loss at the end of book one, Thayaria’s broken and disparate court must fight just to survive. Can Laurel rescue Hawthorne before she loses her mind, and her friends? Will they ever forgive her for abandoning them with war on the horizon?

In the highly anticipated second installment of The Thayar Crown series, tensions reach their breaking point, and millennia of secrets will be revealed.

Genres: Fantasy

Paperback

Published June 12, 2026

About the author

Alexandria Arden, or Alley, has been writing since she was young. Somewhere between the self-consciousness of her teenage years and the soul crushing experience that was grad school, she stopped writing creatively, convincing herself that the thing she loved doing as a child just “wasn’t her skillset.“

Cue the pandemic and the rise of popular Fantasy Romance books. Alley rediscovered her love of reading and stories. Throughout that process, she started an Instagram account and podcast dedicated to talking about books. She’s built an incredible community of readers and authors alike, and it was this community who inspired her to revisit that childhood passion of writing.

Alley lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and the true love of her life, her cat Willow. When she’s not reading or writing, Alley can be found working in her yard, starting a house project she can’t finish, or complaining while hiking in the Wasatch mountains. Alley is most active on her Instagram accounts, @alexandriaardenauthor and @alleycatsandbooks

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved book one The Witch Queen I was nervous this would suffer the second book slump……..nope! This one was excellent it did not disappoint! This book completely swallowed me whole.

One of my favorite things about this series is that every time I think I understand what’s happening, Alexandria Arden reveals another layer. The world keeps expanding, the stakes keep growing, and somehow everything feels even more dangerous than before.

I was especially obsessed with the characters in this one. Everyone is carrying secrets, grief, impossible choices, and conflicting loyalties. Even when characters were making me want to scream, I understood why they were doing it. That’s the kind of emotional investment I love in a fantasy series.

The romance had me stressed in the best possible way. After everything these characters have endured, every interaction felt important. Every victory felt earned. Every setback hurt.

And can we talk about the tension? The entire book felt like standing on the edge of a cliff waiting for the ground to give way beneath you. The banter was top tier!

What impressed me most was how ambitious this story is. Multiple storylines, political intrigue, ancient mysteries, prophecies, war, magic, complicated relationships… and somehow it all works. Instead of feeling overwhelming, it made me desperate to know more.

Then that ending arrived and reminded me that this author enjoys my suffering.

I closed the book and immediately needed the next one.

If you love romantasy with high stakes, layered characters, intricate worldbuilding, emotional relationships, and the kind of ending that leaves you staring at a wall questioning your life choices, this series deserves your attention.

Now excuse me while I join the queue of readers impatiently waiting for book three.

[Coz · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!

Last year, I joined Alley’s street team and had the opportunity to read The Witch Queen, which ultimately ended up in my top 10 of 2025. Fast forward to June 2026, and The Shining Prince is also going to end up in my top 10 for 2026.

The Shining Prince picks up from pretty much where book 1 ends. I was SO shocked at how dark this book went, but I believe it was absolutely the right move because it had me hooked. I couldn’t put it down.

The utter hurt & despair I felt for all the characters, I did not expect. It was written so well that I felt like I was actually there sometimes. I truly loved the growth in Laurel. The world building continued to build, as well as the magic systems.

I loved the rep! From curvy FMC, to F/F & M/M couples. Represented with such care and respect also.

And of course, what a truly awful cliffhanger 😏 love them so much! 🤭

This series truly deserves way more hype and recognition and I hope one day, a bigger booksta account will read this series and it will pop off. I believe this needs to be read by all the romantasy lovers out there!

Thank you Alley, it’s been amazing to be a tiny part of this journey with you so far and I am looking forward to the next book!

[Liz Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shining Prince picks up shortly after the dramatic ending of The Witch Queen with Laurel, Thorne and the gang thrown into turmoil by the devastating actions of Mazus.
The story is told from 6 points of view and split across multiple locations and, while that may sound hectic and confusing, the attention to detail, the pacing, the structuring of the story and how it all weaves together is so effortlessly curated that it’s a joy to read. With the addition of flashbacks to the past, through either dreams or prophecies, the characters that we know and love from The Witch Queen are rounded out beautifully and that connection I felt to them is firmly cemented along with an understanding of how they all came together and what the future may hold for them. I enjoyed the chapters from the villain’s point of view, Mazus is completely unhinged and evil and his perspective is chilling and entertaining all at once.

In this book we take a deeper dive into the magic, religion, politics and history of this world. All of this information is so delicately woven into the story that at no point is there an information overload. It is well timed to either guide the story or provide perfectly teasing foreshadowing for the next book. I’m fascinated by this world and the more information I learn the more I crave!

All the different relationships that develop across the 2 books are beautiful and effortlessly weave into the storyline, love is love in all its various guises. In this book we continue with the main MF relationship between Laurel and Thorne which I am deeply invested in and their relationship is put through the hardest tests. Alongside that a heart-melting MM relationship develops between two of the side characters and I am fully invested in them, they are the sweetest - it’s enemies to lovers, it’s a 7ft fae warrior who is bashful in the bedroom 🫠, it’s sweet and grounding and giving me all the feels! There is also the groundwork laid for a new FF relationship in book 3 which I feel could be spectacular and empowering after the bittersweet and heartbreaking experience one of these characters had in book 1.

The Witch Queen set my expectations sky high and The Shining Prince did not disappoint. This series is a fresh take on the romantasy storylines we know and love and it has reinvigorated my passion for reading romantasy.

I wish I had been able to capture my reaction to the ending but I was too absorbed in the story to realise it was coming, all I can say is that my actual words when I tapped my Kindle and it turned to acknowledgments were “Oh what the f**k!” I am desperate for more and will be counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next instalment of this masterpiece!

[Maran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Alexandria Arden for providing me with a copy of the book. I’m excited to leave a review.

The Shining Prince is the second book in The Thayar Crown series and picks up right where The Witch Queen left off with Thorne having been taken by Mazus, Laurel desperately searching for him, and Nemesia left to run Thayaria with Fionn and Carex in her absence.

I loved this book. Despite getting POVs from six different characters, the story flowed well and kept my attention throughout its entirety. I loved getting Fionn’s perspective and he is one of my new favorite characters in the series. Laurel and Thorne’s development in the book was beautifully done and I loved seeing Laurel in her villain era.

The world building and introduction to the politics of areas outside of Thayaria was well done and built seamlessly into the story. The introduction of new characters was also well done and I can’t wait to see how they play into the next book which I am now anxiously awaiting.

[Ali Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this story was a true joy. Revisiting Thayaria and being back with the characters I have come to know and love so much felt like more than I deserved!

*I want to note upfront that as a beta reader I did not read the final published version of The Shining Prince.*

I loved the moments with Thorne and his mom in this book. So much. There was a really special moment we got from these interactions that I don't want to spoil but it was my favorite. And as much as I loathe Mazus I was glad to get even more glimpses into what makes that monster tick.

I can't believe how hard I fell for Fionn in this book! (Which is really saying something because I already really enjoyed him in book one!) In The Shining Prince we REALLY got to "peek behind the curtain" and get to know Fionn in an even more real, genuine, & intimate way. And I have to say I am such a fan of it and of him!!!

Another character that surprised the hell out of me? Carex. Getting to see another side of that man was a TREAT! And that's all I will say about that.

I was really, really so impressed by the quality of writing in The Shining Prince. (Impressed but not at all surprised as this is my second Alexandria Arden reading experience.) Everything in this story came together so well and the care and consideration Arden gives everything is so evident. There was also a sense of all these tiny, invisible strings tying us to a MUCH bigger world and story that is just out of reach but definitely on the horizon. The story unfolds slowly and beautifully and left me both very satisfied and somehow also completely bereft because I just wanted more!!! I absolutely cannot wait to continue this series! And true to my experience with finishing The Witch Queen, after I finished The Shining Prince I felt a very real loss. The book hangover was REAL which is a sure sign of a fantastic, unforgettable read.

Thank you to Alexandria Arden for the chance to beta read -- all opinions are my own.

[Mrs. K. Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was NOT what I expected. ❌
But that does NOT mean I didn't like it. ✅

I remember reading The Witch Queen and being mesmerized by Laurel and Thorne's banter and Dorian x Manon dynamic (Dorian and Manon from SJM's Throne of Glass series). We still have that in The Shining Prince, but you need to be patient. Thorne and Laurel have been through H3ll and back in this book. It's going to be an uphill battle to get back to where they were before he was captured.

That's probably what I personally struggled with- The pace of this novel is VERY different from the first! It's a lot more world-building, more plot development, more characters and players working behind the scenes. ✍️ (For reference, it resembles the sequels in the Fae & Alchemy series by Callie Hart and the Gods & Monsters series by Amber V. Nicole; first books were stellar and second books were a lot slower, but purposeful.) I'm not sure I was ready for the immense world-building that happened in this novel. Truthfully, I wanted the old Thorne and Laurel back more than I wanted to understand Fionn, Carex, Silene, and Nemesia's purposes in the plot.

However, Fionn and Carex? Yes, please! I could eat those two for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and still have room for dessert! 🥵

As a sequel, it does an excellent job of dangling cliffhangers in front of you and making you wait for book 3 (yet unknown). 📚 Now that a whole lot more of the background has come to light, and prophecies are being fulfilled at an alarming rate, book 3 is bound to be absolutely action-packed!

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch Queen was a favorite of mine last year, so I KNEW this was going to be good.

Little did I know it would keep me up at night, multiple nights, kicking my feet, licking my wounds, and getting way too emotionally attached.

The cliffhanger at the end of book 1 was ROUGH. Luckily, this one wasn’t as bad but it still makes you excited and read to rumble with book 3.

The thing about this book was the emotional turmoil you go through. The absolute pain and horror you get to live not-so-vicariously through Laurel and Thorne. It literally hurt. This damn book hurt. I was worried I forgot to take my meds there for a moment but nope, it was the book.
Just a deep, intense sadness that spreads from your heart to the rest of your limbs in such a way that has you feeling wrecked in the best way for these characters. I couldn’t tell what hurt more — Laurel’s POV or Hawthorne’s POV. Both packed a punch like a ton of bricks during some of the more delicate and difficult scenes and situations. Prepare the tissues.

And FIONN. My sweet innocent darling baby. He was a fav character of mine from book 1 AND NOW HE GOT HIS OWN POVs?!?!? I was LIVING. And by living, I mean living vicariously through him as he stumbled like a newborn dear through his first crushes 🥹😭🥵
God I love him. Gimme 20 of him, thank you (jk AINT NOBODY LIKE FIONN SOLANUM !

Honestly, just get ready for a maelstrom of emotions. You will feel everything from hopelessness to hopeful optimism, to being hella overwhelmed and scared. It was a wild ride. Hop on 😏

I’ll be impatiently waiting for book 3👀


Overall
5 ⭐️
1 🌶️


Thank you so much to Alexandria for an advanced copy!

[Summer Seeds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in The Thayar Crown series picks up not long after the events of The Witch Queen. Laurel is desperate to locate and save her missing mate from his father's clutches. Her judgement is clouded by grief as she looses herself to her "witch queen" persona. Without Thorne and their bond, both her magic and sanity falters. What I always loved about this series is that SHE is the morally grey character. Laurel has a good heart, but has never been afraid to get her hands dirty to protect her kingdom and those she loves. Hawthorne, the Shining Prince, is the golden retriever - which honestly makes the suffering he is put through at the hands of Mazas that much worse.

The book is broken into multiple POVs, allowing the side characters to take center stage. It's through these characters that we get most of the political intrigue and world building. It seems scary because there are so many different characters to juggle, but it definitely creates more depth to the story. There is so much development. Fionn and Carex in particular quickly became favorites.

Arden takes us on an emotional journey, and it's absolutely gut-wrenching. Parts had me laughing or smiling and the next moment I'm about to start crying. This book had me hooked despite the turmoil it put me through. I cannot wait to see where things go in the next book!

Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second installment of the Thayarian series, The Shining Prince, we pick up with Laurel, who is consumed by grief after Thorne’s abduction. In her desperation, she leaves her kingdom to search for him, but her sorrow clouds her judgment and her memories begin to fade. As she struggles, her magic falters, leaving her vulnerable.

Meanwhile, in Thayeria, Carex, Fionn, and Alesia are faced with the looming threat of the Valmaram army. They must act quickly to rally support from their own people while grappling with the fallout of past battles. Nemesia, overwhelmed by her own grief, feels the weight of keeping the kingdom intact. Haunted by previous failures as a general, she grapples with insecurity and fear, questioning whether she can lead her people to victory without repeating the mistakes of the past.

The paths of both Laurel and Nemesia are fraught with peril and challenge. Throughout the narrative, I found myself captivated by unexpected twists, particularly the development of new relationships and Laurel’s attempts to rescue Thorne, which are marked by their own trials and heartbreaks. The secretive alliances and revelations unfold beautifully, adding depth to the storyline.

The Shining Prince is a mesmerizing journey of love, loss, and the struggle for redemption. I am completely enchanted by this second book; it encompasses everything I hoped for and more.

[SpoiledBookgirlie (Sarah M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I loved the first book, but I loved this one even more. How does that even happen?! It’s so rare for a second book to be as good, as the first and even rarer for it to be better. I’m thrilled to report that the second book, didn't make me want to pull my hair out after the awesomeness that was “The Witch Queen”. I was sweating bullets, honestly, expecting the usual second book slump. Would the plot take my beloved characters on a wild goose chase or to somewhere fabulous? Spoiler alert: it did the fabulous thing! This book was perfection on steroids! The book picks up right where the first book left off and this chunky second installment had me hooked from page one. The plot twists were expertly woven, keeping me on my toes, and the romance was like that one friend who makes you laugh, cry, and scream in exasperation. Multiple POVs are the best and she even included some new POVs for us to enjoy. I loved how there were new perspectives and new romantic couples introduced. Talk about a game changer. The author's hard work shines through, every step of the way. You can practically feel the love and effort poured into this series. And, because we're gluttons for punishment, it ends on a cliffhanger. Can't wait to dive into the next one. I’m going to need it immediately cuz this suspense is killing me.

[Madison_Reads13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured The Shining Prince. This book drew me in from the first page and never let up. My only regret was having to put the book down to go to work.

Thayaria is reeling from the kidnapping of The Shining Prince and on the brink of war. Our heroes are stretched to their limits, with only whispers of mysterious prophecies and ancient magic slowly revealing their troubling fate. On the one hand, we have Laurel unwinding at the seams as she races to find her tortured mate in time, while on the other, we have an unlikely cast of an inner court cobbling together a defense for an impossible war on their doorstep. Alongside the deep suffering and hardship, there are beautiful stories of new love, intriguing alliances, and unexpected strength.

I was so impressed by the weaving of the many storylines. It’s rare that I feel so attached to every point of view, but each illuminated a unique facet to our characters’ struggle and resilience. If your jam is dark and twisty villains, epic displays of powerful magic, mates fated across millennia, beautifully nuanced queer relationships, and precious found family, then you MUST read this series.

I loved the Witch Queen and was somehow even more enthralled by its sequel. I can’t wait for the next release.

Thank you to Alexandria Arden for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sequel, it reminded me very much of the second volume of the Blood Grace Series, as the dynamics are almost identical.

We find ourselves with a kingdom ravaged by internal betrayal, a peace shattered by small pieces being chipped away unnoticed, and two souls torn apart by distance and the greed of the rival kingdom.

Laurel Elestren did not immediately think to devise a plan to defend her kingdom after she lost faith in her closest advisors and the barrier that had protected Thayaria for centuries was weakened.

No, she immediately set out to rescue her Mate, whose heart had been stolen by the Golden King of Velmara, who was greedy for even more power through his heir.

Compared to the first volume, I didn’t find it quite as entertaining, but there was a greater focus on multiple points of view, as the story needed to explore the dynamics from different parts of the Four Kingdoms.

Hawthorne Vivant, on the other hand, will not only have to endure the bullying of a callous and indifferent father, but also the psychological and physical pressure inflicted by both the King of Velmara and his shameless henchmen.

⁉️Who will prevail in this war of intrigue and deceit?

[Brooke Brauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ✨
.
I had the honor and privelage of getting to begin this book as an ARC reader thanks to @alexandriaardenauthor ✨ this is the sequel to the Witch Queen, which was a top three read from last year! I have been dying to get back into this world and see how Laurel and Thorne’s adventure continued. Their romance is one that has always been on my mind because their relationship does not come easy and yet it is so perfect once they submit to it. The journey in this second book was no different. So much to tackle and overcome, both individually and together. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of the powerhouse that Laurel is and delving deeper into who she is will always be such a pleasure. As a plus size girly myself, I love the way she’s represented and confident in who she is. This second book offered more POVs than I recall in the first book and I loved getting all the new perspectives as we got to see the world expand. Getting new understanding of different magic welders and different landscapes while still revealing mystery after mystery. Life got away from me this month so I was unable to finish the ARC before it was released, and I will forever feel terrible. BUT, I promise you readers if you take the leap with this series you will not be disappointed. Even though you may want to jump the cliff we’re hanging on at the end of book two!

[Kelsey Keckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure once again to read the ARC copy of this series. And what a great and solid book 2 we were provided.

I wasn’t able to reread book 1 but I easily jumped back into the world.

I think my favorite things about this book is we got to focus more on the journey and development of the side characters. The relationships that are being to bloom in this one has me cheering for them more than in the first book. It is so nice to care not just about the main characters, but about the side characters. I really want everyone to have a happy ending…but I get a feeling that will not happen and I have a foreboding feeling that I will be crying in the next book in the series.

I also enjoyed watching the main characters go through so much darkness and work through it together. They both know it will never leave them but they have each other to help them through the dark times and I love that. We need to talk about trauma and how we work through it but know it will always be there.

Overall a wonderful book to an amazing and interesting series. Can’t wait to see where we go next.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I've been reading alot recently, but with that means running into alot of the same topes, plot lines, and it all becomes rather predictable. When I first came across The Witch Queen it sounded interesting and I figured I'd give it a go. It absolutely blew me away. Original concept, magic system, and characters that are so relatable and nuanced. I really enjoyed that it toyed with certain tropes but actually went in a different direction. She really kept me guessing with some things.

So naturally I immediately jumped into The Shining Prince mere minutes after finishing book 1. Wow! Alexandria did it again, and might I say upped her game! I wasn't expecting to become so attached to this world and these characters the way that I have. I've thoroughly enjoyed the ride both books have taken me on so far. I'm just slightly annoyed I now have to wait for who knows how long to go back to Thayaria.

[Nikki Burdette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not explain how honored I am to have received the shining prince as an arc read. I’ve been dying to get it into my hands since finishing the witch queen.

In the second book of the thayar crown series Laural must retrieve her mate from his fathers clutches while also loosing herself and trying to keep her kingdom from being attacked and taken over by the “golden king”


The revelations and struggle in this book just grabs your hy the heart strings and pulls you right along with it. Alexandria truely takes you on a joy ride of emotions from start to finish with this one, and the opening up to more of the back stories with the “side characters” gives you a much bigger picture into the world that has been built for us. Found family really is one of my favorite troupes and to have not just one character experience it but several only makes me love the story that much more.

[Valeria Jiun · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIRL>>> if you want emotional depth & turmoil, fantasy adventure, and edge of your seat political intrigue ••• THIS BOOK 👏🏽 in book 1 we fall in LOVE with laurel and thorne >>> now this story dives even deeper into exactly what makes them who they are as we race against the clock to prepare a rebellion army while SCREAMING for thorne’s return. ++++ we get multiple POV from all our favorite found family characters, more Lunaria, AND FIONN & CAREX BANTER >>> Perfection.

Be prepared for emotional damage (i cried before chapter 1) and every feeling to be felt HARD.

i was honored to beta read this story 🥰 book 2 releases in June 2026

[vampire•ink•drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought there was no way book two could possibly live up to book one, The Shining Prince showed up and made me eat my words
This book had me HOOKED! The world building somehow gets even richer, the tension is absolutely vicious, and I spent the entire book operating at a stress level that should probably qualify as a medical condition. I loved every second of it!!

Laurel and Thorne go through an absolute storm of chaos, heartbreak, and what fresh nightmare is this? moments, and I physically could not stop reading until I knew what happened next.

One of my favorite things about this series is the cast. The multiple POVs add so much depth, and every character...from the favorites I'd gladly fight for, to the ones I'd gladly fight...feels layered, complex, and completely alive.

Secrets were revealed. My emotions were attacked. My sleep schedule suffered.

And now I'm expected to patiently wait for book three?
Respectfully, no.

[Megan Gad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria Arden is an absolute MASTER CLASS in storytelling. I was on the edge of my seat from START TO FINISH! In the best way.

I was fortunate enough to be a Beta reader and I’m already on my reread of the ARC. It’s THAT GOOD! To keep it spoiler-free, all I’m gonna say is Fionn’s chapters were my favorite. I was tripping over myself to sprint to his chapters.

I love that even though the main story is about Laurel and Thorne, the entire main cast shines on their own. I don’t even want to call them “side characters” because their stories are just as important, juicy, and exciting!

I’m already chomping at the bit for book three!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartbreaking. So much trauma and hurt that was unpacked had my heart tearing in two for the characters.

The books starts a little bit after The Witch Queen ends - with Laurel on the hunt to save Thorne and Nemesia trying to keep Thayaria going.

It was great to get to know some of the other characters a bit better - I really enjoyed Fiona and Carex’s storyline.

There is so much information in here too that coupled with what was in Tje Witch Queen I’m sure people couldn’t and piece together all the nuggets.

I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and this was a great book 2 to continue the story.

[Happybookcorner (Clara) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited to share with you my first 5 star read of the year!💪🏻

And wow, wow, wow. I‘ve been blown away. This was so intricately written. Every character that I fell in love with in the first book, I fell even harder for in this one. Every character has so much depth to them, you couldn’t help wanting to know what direction each person would choose to take.

It was clear to me that Alexandria poured her soul onto every page. And wow it payed off. Everything in this book felt thought throught and and with so much intention you couldn’t help but appreciate every little detail.

An absolute masterpiece of a book. And to think this is only Alexandria’s second book😱 I have so much respect for her!!

Thank you @alexandriaardenauthor for this ARC. I’m deeply grateful. I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review❤️

[Cherin W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters with badass magic, actually using their magic in a bad ass way. Yes please give me more.

I was gifted an ARC of the shining prints and I have to say this book is even better than the first one. I really enjoyed the first book and the second book just takes it to a new level with expanded world building slow burn more romances, five POV’s, cool uses of magic and an end scene that definitely sets the stage for the next book.

The writing style is easy and the characters are complicated and feel very relatable.

Check this series out if you are looking for unique magic system, lots of romance (s) a diabolical bad guy and and epic story that just keeps getting better

[Mala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 has no shortage of plot that’s for sure.

Not only do we get more of Laurel and Thorne and the torture and pain they suffer in their story. But we also get to know their friends a lot better.

Without spoiling this one, Thorne and Laurel must learn to lean on their true feelings for each instead of depending on their mate bond.

Also, quite enjoyed the fact that there was a multi POV from more of the side characters. Honestly enjoyed the growth of the MM “relationship”

Will be patiently waiting for book 3.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic sequel to The Witch Queen! I really enjoyed every second of reading this! This romance fantasy novel does not disappoint. It hooked me from reading the prologue. I am glad to have read this because the first book left me on such a cliffhanger. It centers around Prince Hawthorne and Queen Laurel. It is emotional, powerful, and tense, with plot twists I did not see coming.

I enjoyed reading about the main characters and the side characters. This is a very strong world-building story. The author includes a map in the book, which really helped me understand all the world-building. It is written in multiple points of view and includes a glossary of the characters. This is definitely an adult, very spicy read, and does have content warnings.

All in all, this book was fun, well-written, and extremely entertaining! I give this book 4 out of 5 stars! Thank you very much to the author, Alexandria Arden, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book will be published on June 12, 2026!

[Dan Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second entry in The Thayar Crown is nothing short of epic! We deeply explore this amazing world and its characters. We expand to a bigger cast of fae to love and different and exciting corners of the world. The payoff is amazing and well worth the torture we (and the characters) endure to get there. I love the politics here: we have that big view of the world but we also zoom into deep inner and personal details. Peak romantasy!

[Christina Kackos Brunelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find romantasy to be very hit or miss but The Witch Queen was an absolute bullseye. The Shining Prince picks up where The Witch Queen left off and oh boy, does it deliver. The lore is expanded, the stakes rise, and the relationships deepen. Not only do we continue to follow Laurel and Thorne, but side characters are given their own journeys into love and loss. I couldn't put this book down and now I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait until the next one.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shining Prince was such an enjoyable read. Alexandria Arden’s writing is beautifully descriptive and she makes it so easy to visualize the events. I felt completely immersed in the story and connected to the characters from the start. The romance, fantasy, and overall storytelling came together perfectly. I couldn’t put it down and was always eager to see what happened next. Definitely a 5-star read for me just as The Witch Queen was!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author*

Where do I even begin?!? The Shining Prince picks up from where The Witch Queen ended and OHMYGOODNESS. I was drawn right back into this world and felt like I had never left. I wanted to stay there and ignore my real world responsibilities but that wasn’t possible (unfortunately). I loved the multiple points of view and how we could see what was happening all across the Four Kingdoms. AND THE ENDING!!? I need book three YESTERDAY.

[Megan Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS!
With multiple POVs (Fionn's is my favorite) that make you feel the race against madness, death, and enemy attacks.
I'm impressed by the depth of each character and recognize that's additionally impressive given the number of POVs.

I also love how I'm seeing some characters in a new light in the sequel. I enjoy changing my mind!

You'll want to read book 1 ans the author includes a nice recap so you can pick up where you left off.

[Cassie Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alley did it again! There was incredible story development, world building and character growth. Some of my high level favorites were Fionn, Carex, Thorne’s mother’s story and always Thorne’s love for Laurel. It left me wanting more with dragging me off a cliff.

You need to pick up the second book to the Thayar Crown Series!