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Crown of Stars #2
Chasing Cinders
“You trusted someone, and it cost you...”
Through tragic circumstances, a prince becomes King at a young age. While a war-torn kingdom begins to heal, a new battle begins—a battle for the King’s heart.
Having lost her father in the Great War, her only home reduced to ashes, Ella discovers there is more to the King’s heart than meets the eye. And love can hold many secrets.
“You are the Cinders Girl—born of ash and burned through fire.”
Haunted by the pain of his own losses, familiar with deception, and reluctant to love—yet Alaric is drawn to give his heart to the girl he can never have. Because the truth may destroy their tender bond forever.
Will the expectations of the kingdom overrule his heart?
(This is Book #2 in the Crown of Stars series)
Through tragic circumstances, a prince becomes King at a young age. While a war-torn kingdom begins to heal, a new battle begins—a battle for the King’s heart.
Having lost her father in the Great War, her only home reduced to ashes, Ella discovers there is more to the King’s heart than meets the eye. And love can hold many secrets.
“You are the Cinders Girl—born of ash and burned through fire.”
Haunted by the pain of his own losses, familiar with deception, and reluctant to love—yet Alaric is drawn to give his heart to the girl he can never have. Because the truth may destroy their tender bond forever.
Will the expectations of the kingdom overrule his heart?
(This is Book #2 in the Crown of Stars series)
572 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2017
2 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth D. Marie
40 books66 followersELIZABETH D. MARIE is the author of several fiction works, including her epic fairytale retellings series Crown of Stars. She has been writing and imagining worlds since she was a child - where stories like The Chronicles of Narnia helped shape her imagination and draw her closer to the Master Storyteller and Creator.
Her heart is to provide clean, epic fiction for teens and adults. She believes in the power of stories and the truths they are meant to remind us of: that there is an unseen battle taking place, and we are a part of that battle. We are meant to shine a light into the ever present darkness and hold fast in faith for the return of the Great Lion, when all things will be mended and made right again.
As always, she would like to remind readers to KEEP THE LANTERNS BURNING AGAINST THE NIGHT; HOLD THE DARKNESS AT BAY.
You can support her endeavors on Patreon!
Her heart is to provide clean, epic fiction for teens and adults. She believes in the power of stories and the truths they are meant to remind us of: that there is an unseen battle taking place, and we are a part of that battle. We are meant to shine a light into the ever present darkness and hold fast in faith for the return of the Great Lion, when all things will be mended and made right again.
As always, she would like to remind readers to KEEP THE LANTERNS BURNING AGAINST THE NIGHT; HOLD THE DARKNESS AT BAY.
You can support her endeavors on Patreon!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 9, 2022
After reading Saving Beauty (a darker story centered around war and battle and soldiers) twice before reading the second book in this series, it felt kind of strange reading a story that was about the post-war kingdom and focused primarily on royals and nobles.
It’s been five years since the war ended and something terrible has happened to Alaric since the events of Saving Beauty. Something terrible has happened to Ella too, and Alaric knows, but she doesn’t.
Alaric also has promises he’s made that have placed him in a couple tight situations, and we as readers only find out about these things little by little.
While I thought everything was revealed at a good pace and at the moments they needed to be, I also had such a struggle trying not to skim in my need to gather all the pieces of the puzzle and have them fall into place. This book was the embodiment of the meme “I don’t need sleep, I need answers.” Haha!
There wasn’t very much romance, which, surprisingly, I was okay with. I generally need more romance in books I read and have trouble focusing on battle and danger aspects, but the roles were reversed in this one.
Alaric and Ella’s romance was precious, but I found myself interested more in the mystery, the missing crown, the political intrigue, conflict of the kingdoms and the nobles, and the struggles Alaric faced dealing with it all.
It also helped that the characters on that side of the story were ones I really liked. From Alaric to Malak to Captain Tarrent, and recurring characters like Commander Dillon and Garren.
I was happy getting to see characters from Saving Beauty again and learn how things were after the events of that book.
I also loved getting to know characters of future stories like Ravyn (the friendship that formed between her and Alaric was so cute) and Captain Tarrent. Honestly, he quickly became one of my favorite characters and I was so excited when I realized he gets his own book. So looking forward to that one!
There were more elements of faith in this book than in the first one, and I thought that suited the story and the characters well. I loved that though everything, Alaric turned to Creator with his struggles and troubles as king in such an uncertain time. And how Ella retained her enduring faith and optimism through trial and tragedy. It was true to Cinderella’s character without being anything close to a carbon copy.
This story was a lovely tale of loss and healing, a unique twist on Cinderella, and a good addition to the series. I’m excited to continue with the next books!
It’s been five years since the war ended and something terrible has happened to Alaric since the events of Saving Beauty. Something terrible has happened to Ella too, and Alaric knows, but she doesn’t.
Alaric also has promises he’s made that have placed him in a couple tight situations, and we as readers only find out about these things little by little.
While I thought everything was revealed at a good pace and at the moments they needed to be, I also had such a struggle trying not to skim in my need to gather all the pieces of the puzzle and have them fall into place. This book was the embodiment of the meme “I don’t need sleep, I need answers.” Haha!
There wasn’t very much romance, which, surprisingly, I was okay with. I generally need more romance in books I read and have trouble focusing on battle and danger aspects, but the roles were reversed in this one.
Alaric and Ella’s romance was precious, but I found myself interested more in the mystery, the missing crown, the political intrigue, conflict of the kingdoms and the nobles, and the struggles Alaric faced dealing with it all.
It also helped that the characters on that side of the story were ones I really liked. From Alaric to Malak to Captain Tarrent, and recurring characters like Commander Dillon and Garren.
I was happy getting to see characters from Saving Beauty again and learn how things were after the events of that book.
I also loved getting to know characters of future stories like Ravyn (the friendship that formed between her and Alaric was so cute) and Captain Tarrent. Honestly, he quickly became one of my favorite characters and I was so excited when I realized he gets his own book. So looking forward to that one!
There were more elements of faith in this book than in the first one, and I thought that suited the story and the characters well. I loved that though everything, Alaric turned to Creator with his struggles and troubles as king in such an uncertain time. And how Ella retained her enduring faith and optimism through trial and tragedy. It was true to Cinderella’s character without being anything close to a carbon copy.
This story was a lovely tale of loss and healing, a unique twist on Cinderella, and a good addition to the series. I’m excited to continue with the next books!
January 4, 2019
Chasing Cinders is a wonderful and creative retelling of the classic fairytale. The setting and characters are beautifully written. The way the author wove in the spiritual elements was interesting, too. I look forward to reading more work from Ms. Marie. If you enjoy sweet romance with a good dose of action and a dash of mystery, you might enjoy this book. I thought it was a great fantasy tale and I really didn't want to put the book down once I got into the story.
(After reading this again, I want to add to this review. I feel like my short review above just wasn't enough.)
This book was my introduction to Elizabeth D Marie's fabulously written Crown of Stars series, and to her work in general. I love fairytales and the way this author weaves her stories is so beautiful. I like happy endings and she worked that in as well. I'm a realist and there are definitely moments of sorrow woven into this tale. I really never knew what was coming next and could hardly put the book down once I started reading.
My favorite character is this book was a side character -- the Captain of the Guard, Tarrent. I liked him best because I admire the personality traits that make him who is he. He's a man of integrity, loyal, determined, and takes his job seriously. My second favorite character is Halena, the healer. She's everything a loving grandmother should be, even though she isn't related to any of the characters she treats.
Once I read this tale, I couldn't wait to read more...only I had to. :) Now I'm happy to say I have all four ebooks that are currently available in this series. If you enjoy fairytale retellings, adventure, fantasy realms, and sweet romance, then why not give this book a try?
(After reading this again, I want to add to this review. I feel like my short review above just wasn't enough.)
This book was my introduction to Elizabeth D Marie's fabulously written Crown of Stars series, and to her work in general. I love fairytales and the way this author weaves her stories is so beautiful. I like happy endings and she worked that in as well. I'm a realist and there are definitely moments of sorrow woven into this tale. I really never knew what was coming next and could hardly put the book down once I started reading.
My favorite character is this book was a side character -- the Captain of the Guard, Tarrent. I liked him best because I admire the personality traits that make him who is he. He's a man of integrity, loyal, determined, and takes his job seriously. My second favorite character is Halena, the healer. She's everything a loving grandmother should be, even though she isn't related to any of the characters she treats.
Once I read this tale, I couldn't wait to read more...only I had to. :) Now I'm happy to say I have all four ebooks that are currently available in this series. If you enjoy fairytale retellings, adventure, fantasy realms, and sweet romance, then why not give this book a try?
August 8, 2020
Amazing sequel to an amazing series!!!
Since reading the first of this series, SAVING BEAUTY, I was completely & utterly drawn into the world of the Crown of Stars. This next installment of this fantasy series of varietals retelling does not disappoint! If anything, it was even better.
If you enjoy clean fantasy romance, with a touch of allegorical faith, I would HIGHLY recommend! Ella's story is simply BEAUTIFUL. TT_TT <3
Since reading the first of this series, SAVING BEAUTY, I was completely & utterly drawn into the world of the Crown of Stars. This next installment of this fantasy series of varietals retelling does not disappoint! If anything, it was even better.
If you enjoy clean fantasy romance, with a touch of allegorical faith, I would HIGHLY recommend! Ella's story is simply BEAUTIFUL. TT_TT <3
October 15, 2019
The second installment in the Crown of Stars series introduces a post-war world where young king Alaric is struggling to bring his war-torn kingdom together in unity and uphold promises that could risk his claim to kingship.
While there is a time jump between this story and the end of Saving Beauty, it’s easy to pick up on who’s who when returning to this storyworld. While characters from the previous book do make appearances, the primary focus is on Ella and Alaric.
Ella clings to her faith in a time of loss and uncertainty, even when faced with disdain from others and being surrounded by a world of secrets. Ella’s strength comes from her ability to forgive the wrongs of the world while still choosing to stand for what she knows is right and true.
Since the events of Saving Beauty, Alaric’s time as king has not always been kind. Like Ella, he draws strength from his faith but also struggles with questions about his worth as ruler of his kingdom amidst mysterious threats coming from outside the kingdom—and those lurking within.
I enjoyed learning more about Asteriae and its culture, especially with the kingdom still trying to find its footing again after such a long war and the years following it. The plot regarding the attempt on Alaric’s life keeps the story moving forward, and when all was revealed, I honestly didn’t see some of those twists coming.
Like Saving Beauty, the retelling aspect in Chasing Cinders is a fun twist on familiar Cinderella elements. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the series!
While there is a time jump between this story and the end of Saving Beauty, it’s easy to pick up on who’s who when returning to this storyworld. While characters from the previous book do make appearances, the primary focus is on Ella and Alaric.
Ella clings to her faith in a time of loss and uncertainty, even when faced with disdain from others and being surrounded by a world of secrets. Ella’s strength comes from her ability to forgive the wrongs of the world while still choosing to stand for what she knows is right and true.
Since the events of Saving Beauty, Alaric’s time as king has not always been kind. Like Ella, he draws strength from his faith but also struggles with questions about his worth as ruler of his kingdom amidst mysterious threats coming from outside the kingdom—and those lurking within.
I enjoyed learning more about Asteriae and its culture, especially with the kingdom still trying to find its footing again after such a long war and the years following it. The plot regarding the attempt on Alaric’s life keeps the story moving forward, and when all was revealed, I honestly didn’t see some of those twists coming.
Like Saving Beauty, the retelling aspect in Chasing Cinders is a fun twist on familiar Cinderella elements. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the series!
August 21, 2017
This book was okay.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews