A Crown of Accolades

by Kate Bader

"Hope is an energy that cannot be destroyed. However I must break and bend; however I must evolve under the pressures to prevail, I thoroughly intend on walking through every fire."

Osiris, The God of Death, has acquired The Crown of Luminaries and has begun using its power to administer his dark gospel. Wielding the power of the stones forged by the elemental gods to cleanse the realms of free will, forcing every soul in Death's path to surrender to his sovereignty. Through the power of The Elder Spirit, The Kanoelani Forest remains immune to the suffering and decay plaguing Elmoria's lands. Within its sacred woodlands, a resistance of survivors is rising from the ashes. Adrienne and Amira, tasked with rebuilding their armies in hopes to defeat Death himself. However, they're forced to simultaneously fight secret wars of their own. Secret wars threatening to devour their sanity, promising a fate worse than death.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 29, 2026

About the author

Kate Bader is an author of queer dark fantasy romance. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, husky mix, and two cats. When she isn’t busy immersing herself in her current projects, she’s either playing drums or rewatching Lord of the Rings. Again. Her favorite characters are morally grey souls who fight for hope with resilience and tenacious angst.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to have a chance to read The Crown of Accolades early, Thank you Kate for allowing me the opportunity to do so! This Duology was a wild ride. I laughed, I cried, I felt the anger of certain characters, and the brokenness of others.

I love Adrienne and Amira's story, I was hooked from the beginning of book 1. Kate created a world full of magic, dragons, gods and goddesses that you can get lost in. Its a world so full of action that the moments the characters find silence and peace, genuinely radiate that feeling as you read. The Crown of Accolades is the perfect ending to the Crowns duology. It is a story of hope and despair, of fighting against all odds, and not giving in to the darkness that threatens to swallow you whole. Its a story of love and longing. And after reading it, I had to go through my highlights because there were so many good ones. Quotes that I will live by and quotes that I can go to when the darkness feels all consuming.

As much as I want more of all of these characters, Kate wrapped the duology up in a way that feels complete. Not rushed, not lacking, but complete. I will miss these characters but can't wait to see whats next from Kate Bader!

✨️Inhale defeat and despair, Exhale rage and redemption✨️

[Angel Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good sapphic novel! This book had romance, spice, magic, and heartbreak.

I still can’t believe how descriptive the war scenes were. Those were intense and so emotional for me.

I loved how Adreinne and Amira are there for each other. There’s definitely some trauma going on with curses and war but it’s nice to read about their bond. Even if at times their world is falling apart they have each other.

I wish Amira would have grown into her power more in this one, I thought she would have a little more development with her abilities. She felt weak at times and that bummed me out cause I knew she had it in her.

I love the way this novel wrapped everything up from the first book and plot developments in the second book. I kinda want a third book but I also realized it ended exactly as it was supposed to.

Character deaths in this series were emotionally crippling. Author sure knows how to write a sad scene that’s emotionally provoking. Talent!

[Yvonne Beaudry · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Crown of Accolades" by Kate Bader is the first ever ARC that I've read! I'm leaving an honest review as a way of saying thanks.

I want to start by saying I'm glad I read this book! It warmed my heart and reminded me that hope never dies. This story had a good blend of familiar elements from the first book and brand new elements to switch things up. With the world, characters, and relationships already established, this book was able to focus on conflict that threatened those things. The conflict in this book was layered and raised the stakes from the first book.

There were no loose ends and the story wrapped up nicely. At some points, it felt like the characters were up against a wall and that success seemed impossible. But, hope was never lost, despite everything. Amira and Adrienne really are resilience incarnate.

When I finished reading this book, I felt uplifted and satisfied. I would recommend this book/duology to anyone who wants to feel hopeful.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ 3🌶️

Adrienne and Amira's story continues in the finally of the Crowns Duology.

This is a direct continuation from book 1, so I will not be including any plot points as that will spoil book 1.

The story continues as the fight for the world as they know it comes to it's head. The strong bond and faith that they have in each other shows what a healthy relationship can be in romantasy; while still giving all the action and moments of uncertainty I love in fantasy. Overall this was a well written, enjoyable FF Romantasy that we need to see more of in the Romantasy genre.

[Emily M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was beyond excited for the ability to be an ARC reader for this incredible duology.

The world building, the characters and their development, the dynamics between the characters, the conflict and found family. Fighting for a better and brighter future and taking it day by day. That they are there for each other and never giving up. Seriously, this is a book we need in today’s climate. This is such a great read and I’ve already reread it from the beginning