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Crown & Captive
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Expected 1 Dec 26320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 28, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a good time with this one.
The enemies-to-lovers romance was done so smoothly, and I absolutely loved both the FMC and the MMC. Elysia is fierce, clever, and not someone who can be easily manipulated, while Daxon is more reserved but incredibly intelligent. And the yearning? That was probably my favorite part. It had me turning the pages just to see these two together.
I also have to mention Pike because he was such a fun addition to the story. His humor balanced the heavier moments perfectly, and I found myself smiling every time he appeared.
The plot kept me hooked from beginning to end, and there were a couple of twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. Even as a standalone, it delivered a satisfying conclusion.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. The world-building had so much potential, but I wish it had been explored in greater depth. At times, the pacing felt a little rushed, and I would have loved more time with both the world and the characters. But considering this is a standalone, I can understand why some things had to move quickly.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable fantasy with a strong romance, great chemistry, a touch of humor, and enough intrigue to keep me invested until the very last page.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a good time with this one.
The enemies-to-lovers romance was done so smoothly, and I absolutely loved both the FMC and the MMC. Elysia is fierce, clever, and not someone who can be easily manipulated, while Daxon is more reserved but incredibly intelligent. And the yearning? That was probably my favorite part. It had me turning the pages just to see these two together.
I also have to mention Pike because he was such a fun addition to the story. His humor balanced the heavier moments perfectly, and I found myself smiling every time he appeared.
The plot kept me hooked from beginning to end, and there were a couple of twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. Even as a standalone, it delivered a satisfying conclusion.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. The world-building had so much potential, but I wish it had been explored in greater depth. At times, the pacing felt a little rushed, and I would have loved more time with both the world and the characters. But considering this is a standalone, I can understand why some things had to move quickly.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable fantasy with a strong romance, great chemistry, a touch of humor, and enough intrigue to keep me invested until the very last page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⋆.˚ 4.5 ˚.⋆
i loved this book so much!! crown & captive follows elysia, the heir of miral, as she's forced into servitude to the enemy kingdom's princes as punishment for rebellion. there, she finds herself caught in court politics, and unexpected romance.
about the book
⋆.˚ standalone
⋆.˚ romantasy
⋆.˚ forbidden romance
⋆.˚ strong fmc
⋆.˚ fast paced with interesting twists
⋆.˚ vibes similar to the rose bargain, powerless, throne of glass, with a sprinkle of fourth wing
the plot
i was not bored for a single moment. the chapters were short and the writing was easy to follow, and every time i thought i was right about something, there was a twist waiting to prove me wrong. i really can't say more without spoilers, but there was a mystery involved too!
the characters
⋆.˚ fmc - elysia
elysia was such a badass, i love her. her love for her kingdom and the strength that came from it was inspiring, and i love how she wasn't blindly swept away by romance.
⋆.˚ mmc - daxon
ah the weight of being the first born son. i liked him. he yearned well.
⋆.˚ pike
i wish we saw more of him! i mean, he is an important character with a lot more page time than the others but i still wish there was more depth & explanation to his character.
plus
⋆.˚ caden, farron, astrid, olleria & everyone else
there are a lot of characters in this book, and they're a bit hard to keep track of when they're introduced but you get used to it. everyone has different personalities, and plays a part in the story.
the worldbuilding
now, there was a lot of potential, especially with the political/power aspect of the story, but the worldbuilding kind of took a backseat. it was there, but only enough to know and not to give the story more dimension. also, the aspect felt out of place, and only convenient for the
the ending
AHHH i can't say anything without spoiling but i loved the last plot twist so much! i just wish the ending was a little longer, to wrap things up better.
thank you to the author, the publisher and netgalley for the arc!!
i loved this book so much!! crown & captive follows elysia, the heir of miral, as she's forced into servitude to the enemy kingdom's princes as punishment for rebellion. there, she finds herself caught in court politics, and unexpected romance.
about the book
⋆.˚ standalone
⋆.˚ romantasy
⋆.˚ forbidden romance
⋆.˚ strong fmc
⋆.˚ fast paced with interesting twists
⋆.˚ vibes similar to the rose bargain, powerless, throne of glass, with a sprinkle of fourth wing
the plot
i was not bored for a single moment. the chapters were short and the writing was easy to follow, and every time i thought i was right about something, there was a twist waiting to prove me wrong. i really can't say more without spoilers, but there was a mystery involved too!
the characters
⋆.˚ fmc - elysia
elysia was such a badass, i love her. her love for her kingdom and the strength that came from it was inspiring, and i love how she wasn't blindly swept away by romance.
⋆.˚ mmc - daxon
ah the weight of being the first born son. i liked him. he yearned well.
⋆.˚ pike
i wish we saw more of him! i mean, he is an important character with a lot more page time than the others but i still wish there was more depth & explanation to his character.
plus
⋆.˚ caden, farron, astrid, olleria & everyone else
there are a lot of characters in this book, and they're a bit hard to keep track of when they're introduced but you get used to it. everyone has different personalities, and plays a part in the story.
the worldbuilding
now, there was a lot of potential, especially with the political/power aspect of the story, but the worldbuilding kind of took a backseat. it was there, but only enough to know and not to give the story more dimension. also, the aspect felt out of place, and only convenient for the
the ending
AHHH i can't say anything without spoiling but i loved the last plot twist so much! i just wish the ending was a little longer, to wrap things up better.
thank you to the author, the publisher and netgalley for the arc!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC.
Crown Captive is a first person standalone fantasy focusing on Elysia, who has spent her life living as Lady Elysia of Miral. Her father led a rebellion and is killed. Later, the King of Tannic and ruler of all is killed and in a bid for peace, Elysia is sent to Tannic where she is set to serve her life as a servant for Greystoke (the royal house) and the 4 princes, the oldest of which is set to become king. Elysias arrival to Greystoke is where we begin our story.
As I was reading, there were many aspects I enjoyed. The overall premise of the book, a servant who was raised noble, the hope for peace, and our FMC’s journey and portrayal as strong and witty are all definitely at the top of the list. I also really enjoy an added mystery storyline, especially one involving assassination attempts, and believe that was a great storyline.
Also, overall, the prose itself was engaging. I read around half of this book while on a flight and I was focused and intrigued.
However, I felt there were details missing that would’ve made some aspects of the story make more sense. First, I think the world building could use some more information. I truly was unsure of how this area was laid out or how the political system even worked. While that may not be something for everyone, I think it is an essential part of a fantasy book and wish more would’ve been added. Secondly, the creature that is brought in doesn’t seem to be ever fully explained in my opinion. It is touched on that someone must know she is there because she is receiving food, but we don’t learn who. Finally, the ending. It felt rushed and I wish we would’ve gotten more information. We got great detail throughout the book on multiple things, then it felt like the last 3 chapters were really quick, just trying to close the story.
Overall, I believe this book has the potential to be very strong. It’s a great premise and as mentioned above, the prose is well done. I believe readers just need some more information about a few different things to make them a bit clearer.
I look forward to seeing this book in its final form!
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC.
Crown Captive is a first person standalone fantasy focusing on Elysia, who has spent her life living as Lady Elysia of Miral. Her father led a rebellion and is killed. Later, the King of Tannic and ruler of all is killed and in a bid for peace, Elysia is sent to Tannic where she is set to serve her life as a servant for Greystoke (the royal house) and the 4 princes, the oldest of which is set to become king. Elysias arrival to Greystoke is where we begin our story.
As I was reading, there were many aspects I enjoyed. The overall premise of the book, a servant who was raised noble, the hope for peace, and our FMC’s journey and portrayal as strong and witty are all definitely at the top of the list. I also really enjoy an added mystery storyline, especially one involving assassination attempts, and believe that was a great storyline.
Also, overall, the prose itself was engaging. I read around half of this book while on a flight and I was focused and intrigued.
However, I felt there were details missing that would’ve made some aspects of the story make more sense. First, I think the world building could use some more information. I truly was unsure of how this area was laid out or how the political system even worked. While that may not be something for everyone, I think it is an essential part of a fantasy book and wish more would’ve been added. Secondly, the creature that is brought in doesn’t seem to be ever fully explained in my opinion. It is touched on that someone must know she is there because she is receiving food, but we don’t learn who. Finally, the ending. It felt rushed and I wish we would’ve gotten more information. We got great detail throughout the book on multiple things, then it felt like the last 3 chapters were really quick, just trying to close the story.
Overall, I believe this book has the potential to be very strong. It’s a great premise and as mentioned above, the prose is well done. I believe readers just need some more information about a few different things to make them a bit clearer.
I look forward to seeing this book in its final form!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was... what a ride this one was, really. The pacing was so fast, that there wasn't a single moment when I found myself bored, even for a second. The plot hooked me from the very beginning, the same going for the characters, that I quickly found myself charmed with.
I do have to admit, that after reading the blurb I honestly thought that it will be a love triangle (or more), because how else could I have interpreted it when it itself said: Elysia despises her role almost as much as the men who now surround her: Daxon, the brooding heir, determined to hate her; Pike, the flirtatious second-born, who pushes her buttons with reckless charm; and the two youngest brothers, Caden and Silas..
Pike's character was great and I feel like he deserves his own book, that I would gladly read if it ever comes out, especially since Kitt's way of writing is so smooth that I glided through the novel.
Daxon's character was amazing too and in a tiny way he reminded me of a certain handsome man in black, but without being a villain. He seemed mysterious and the yearning? I do wish we got a bit more of it, because the romance itself seemed just a minute too fast for me (including the ending).
Elysia's character was a nice surprise on top of everything, I can't remember the last time I saw a female main character who wasn't simply sitting and waiting for something to happen while also hoping for the male main character to save her. Elysia decided to take the matters into her own hands and I loved it so much, it was such a nice change.
Overall, I devoured it in few hours during a sleepless night and I regret nothing.
This was... what a ride this one was, really. The pacing was so fast, that there wasn't a single moment when I found myself bored, even for a second. The plot hooked me from the very beginning, the same going for the characters, that I quickly found myself charmed with.
I do have to admit, that after reading the blurb I honestly thought that it will be a love triangle (or more), because how else could I have interpreted it when it itself said: Elysia despises her role almost as much as the men who now surround her: Daxon, the brooding heir, determined to hate her; Pike, the flirtatious second-born, who pushes her buttons with reckless charm; and the two youngest brothers, Caden and Silas..
Pike's character was great and I feel like he deserves his own book, that I would gladly read if it ever comes out, especially since Kitt's way of writing is so smooth that I glided through the novel.
Daxon's character was amazing too and in a tiny way he reminded me of a certain handsome man in black, but without being a villain. He seemed mysterious and the yearning? I do wish we got a bit more of it, because the romance itself seemed just a minute too fast for me (including the ending).
Elysia's character was a nice surprise on top of everything, I can't remember the last time I saw a female main character who wasn't simply sitting and waiting for something to happen while also hoping for the male main character to save her. Elysia decided to take the matters into her own hands and I loved it so much, it was such a nice change.
Overall, I devoured it in few hours during a sleepless night and I regret nothing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
★ ★ ★ ★ | 4 Stars!
This was such a fun read!
Elysia and Daxon were easily the reason I kept turning the pages. Their relationship develops naturally, and every interaction had me hoping they'd get just a little bit closer. The tension never felt overdone, and the payoff was absolutely worth the wait. Daxon, the man you are!! He's too good to be true.
Elysia was everything I want in a FMC. She's clever, determined, and always thinking a few steps ahead of the princes. I also loved that the relationships in this book weren't limited to the romance. Bridget and Elysia's friendship was one of my favorite parts, and Pike had me smiling every time he showed up. He brought just the right amount of humor and charm.
The pacing made this incredibly easy to fly through, but I do wish the story slowed down in a few places. The conflict between Tannic and Miral sounded interesting, yet I never felt like we got the full picture of why the kingdoms were at war or what was truly at stake. The ending wrapped up so quickly that I was left wanting the chapters to be a bit more fleshed out...
Even so, I closed this book with a smile. It's a fun standalone fantasy with a romance that delivers, characters you'll want to keep reading about, and enough twists to keep things interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC!
This was such a fun read!
Elysia and Daxon were easily the reason I kept turning the pages. Their relationship develops naturally, and every interaction had me hoping they'd get just a little bit closer. The tension never felt overdone, and the payoff was absolutely worth the wait. Daxon, the man you are!! He's too good to be true.
Elysia was everything I want in a FMC. She's clever, determined, and always thinking a few steps ahead of the princes. I also loved that the relationships in this book weren't limited to the romance. Bridget and Elysia's friendship was one of my favorite parts, and Pike had me smiling every time he showed up. He brought just the right amount of humor and charm.
The pacing made this incredibly easy to fly through, but I do wish the story slowed down in a few places. The conflict between Tannic and Miral sounded interesting, yet I never felt like we got the full picture of why the kingdoms were at war or what was truly at stake. The ending wrapped up so quickly that I was left wanting the chapters to be a bit more fleshed out...
Even so, I closed this book with a smile. It's a fun standalone fantasy with a romance that delivers, characters you'll want to keep reading about, and enough twists to keep things interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Such a fun read! Packed with classic romantasy staples, balls, dungeons, and a lineup of handsome princes, this follows Elysia of Miral, forced into servitude in rival Tannic after a failed rebellion claims her father's life. When she uncovers a plot against soon-to-be-king Daxon, she strikes a deal to catch the traitor in exchange for her freedom. I loved the princes surrounding her, brooding Daxon, charming Pike, and younger brothers Caden and Silas, each adding their own flavor to the court drama. Elysia's determination to free Miral made her so easy to root for, and the female friendships gave the story real warmth alongside the romance. Catching royal conspirators proves trickier than expected, especially once Elysia's heart gets pulled in a forbidden direction! Perfect for fans of court intrigue and slow-burn romance.
Such a fun read! Packed with classic romantasy staples, balls, dungeons, and a lineup of handsome princes, this follows Elysia of Miral, forced into servitude in rival Tannic after a failed rebellion claims her father's life. When she uncovers a plot against soon-to-be-king Daxon, she strikes a deal to catch the traitor in exchange for her freedom. I loved the princes surrounding her, brooding Daxon, charming Pike, and younger brothers Caden and Silas, each adding their own flavor to the court drama. Elysia's determination to free Miral made her so easy to root for, and the female friendships gave the story real warmth alongside the romance. Catching royal conspirators proves trickier than expected, especially once Elysia's heart gets pulled in a forbidden direction! Perfect for fans of court intrigue and slow-burn romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I first saw the synopsis, I had already guessed that Elysia's love interest would be one of her captors, so I was skeptical at first. But by the end, Crown & Captive turned out to be an engaging read. I was hooked only a few pages in and I enjoyed the way the plot twists kept me guessing just as I was sure I had it all figured out. If it weren't for how rushed the romance subplot was, this would've been a 4-star read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing me an ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing me an ARC.
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