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Riland Throne #2
Crystal Queen
DEVOTION – DUTY – POWER – DECEIT Princess Lilia Talendor of the Graven Kingdom finds herself promised to marry a foreign king to secure her father's release. She will do her duty, but even the plans forced upon her suffer as slavers take advantage of chaos in the kingdom during the king’s absence. King Gavin Stoutheart wants desperately to meet and impress Princess Lilia, even if she is the daughter of his enemy. He hopes to bring peace to all of the Crystal Kingdoms, but traitors, spies, and uncertain advisors challenge his plans as he seeks to discover why the princess has been delayed. Crystal magic and animal avatars join the intrigue as challenges come from all quarters. War looms on the horizon, and one thread runs through it all. Gavin needs allies, and Lilia could be the key to saving or destroying both their kingdoms.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2018
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
John M. Olsen
50 books27 followersJohn M. Olsen uses writing to harness his burning desire to create, hoping to entertain and enlighten others as well as himself. A love of stories about ordinary people stepping up to extraordinary circumstances permeates his writing. He approaches writing and editing like he approaches his secret lair full of dangerous power tools (aka wood shop), hoping to create something new and interesting with each new project.
As the 2020-2021 President of the League of Utah Writers and as a speaker at several conferences and conventions, he helps other writers to identify and reach their goals to improve and succeed at their craft.
John lives in Utah with his lovely wife and a variable number of mostly grown children and a constantly changing subset of extended family.
Check out his blog and join his mailing list while you're there.
As the 2020-2021 President of the League of Utah Writers and as a speaker at several conferences and conventions, he helps other writers to identify and reach their goals to improve and succeed at their craft.
John lives in Utah with his lovely wife and a variable number of mostly grown children and a constantly changing subset of extended family.
Check out his blog and join his mailing list while you're there.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 6, 2018
Picking up where Crystal King left off Crystal Queen tells the continuing story of Gavin Stoutheart and his attempts to save the kingdom of Riland and understand the crystal magic that makes the six kingdoms run.
At the end of the war in the last book a treaty was made to wed Gavin to the daughter of the King of the Graven Kingdom. In this book we see her troubles as she travels south to meet her intended, and his struggles as he tries to find her. This story isn't as far traveling as the first one, and is a much more focused part of the arc. While we see hints of what's going on with other characters we've met in the first book - especially new crystal training methods - the focus is on bringing the pair together.
This book deals with some heavy topics. While it's still YA it touches on slavery and abuse and is darker in theme than the first book.
The pieces are set on the board. I'll be interested to see how Crystal Prince brings them all together.
This won't stand alone. You need to read the first book first.
At the end of the war in the last book a treaty was made to wed Gavin to the daughter of the King of the Graven Kingdom. In this book we see her troubles as she travels south to meet her intended, and his struggles as he tries to find her. This story isn't as far traveling as the first one, and is a much more focused part of the arc. While we see hints of what's going on with other characters we've met in the first book - especially new crystal training methods - the focus is on bringing the pair together.
This book deals with some heavy topics. While it's still YA it touches on slavery and abuse and is darker in theme than the first book.
The pieces are set on the board. I'll be interested to see how Crystal Prince brings them all together.
This won't stand alone. You need to read the first book first.
August 19, 2022
Book 2 had a very boring start, I believe book 1 did as well. There’s just far too much court politics and drama, back-and-forth nonsense that puts me to sleep. I’ve seen it done well, this just isn’t one of those cases.
When the story finally goes somewhere, it’s nice. But it wasn’t as exciting or interesting as the first book was when it got interesting. Again, there was too much back-and-forth nonsense that had me pausing the book constantly to listen to other stuff. I’m fine with a slow-paced novel if it’s building up to something interesting. This was just downright dull at times.
The narration was alright. The narrator did a good job of giving the characters life, while the overall narration was a little dull. There wasn’t much in the way of inflection or tone changes, which led to it sounding monotonous.
There were 1 or 2 instances of what sounded like repeated audio clips. When I had my phone close, I noticed an obnoxious background hissing as well.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
When the story finally goes somewhere, it’s nice. But it wasn’t as exciting or interesting as the first book was when it got interesting. Again, there was too much back-and-forth nonsense that had me pausing the book constantly to listen to other stuff. I’m fine with a slow-paced novel if it’s building up to something interesting. This was just downright dull at times.
The narration was alright. The narrator did a good job of giving the characters life, while the overall narration was a little dull. There wasn’t much in the way of inflection or tone changes, which led to it sounding monotonous.
There were 1 or 2 instances of what sounded like repeated audio clips. When I had my phone close, I noticed an obnoxious background hissing as well.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
January 1, 2020
An arranged marriage. A plot to kill overthrow a throne. A change of heart.
Princess Lilia, the daughter of the defeated King Ithan, is on her way to becoming Gavin's wife. The union will unite their kingdom's in an alliance after Ithan's defeat to the young king of Riland. Along the way, she endures a significant setback and a rescue by the last person she imagined coming to her aid.
What I liked:
John Olson widens the world of the Crystal Kingdoms, delving into intrigues between competing spies, and introducing new characters while deepening our understanding of old friends.
What I didn't like:
The story is a little slow in the middle, but if you can get through it, the ending is satisfying. (just my opinion).
Overall:
I gave Crystal King by John M. Olsen a solid four stars for imagination and creativity.
Princess Lilia, the daughter of the defeated King Ithan, is on her way to becoming Gavin's wife. The union will unite their kingdom's in an alliance after Ithan's defeat to the young king of Riland. Along the way, she endures a significant setback and a rescue by the last person she imagined coming to her aid.
What I liked:
John Olson widens the world of the Crystal Kingdoms, delving into intrigues between competing spies, and introducing new characters while deepening our understanding of old friends.
What I didn't like:
The story is a little slow in the middle, but if you can get through it, the ending is satisfying. (just my opinion).
Overall:
I gave Crystal King by John M. Olsen a solid four stars for imagination and creativity.
August 31, 2021
Better than the first book!! A must read!
I rarely say this, but this second installment is better than the first book! Full of intrigue, puzzles, and fantastic mind games. If you enjoyed the first book you will surely enjoy this one as the adventure continues to watch Gavin attempt to rule his barony in a way no one would think to—friend and foe alike. I’m excited to read the next book and see how his decisions fair against insane odds!
Parents: PG-PG13 Other than war and deception with blood and guts, but nothing inappropriate for kids. There's no bad language and no sexual content.
Narrator has soothing voice, interesting music addition, and there was only an occasional issue with repeating words and odd pauses.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I rarely say this, but this second installment is better than the first book! Full of intrigue, puzzles, and fantastic mind games. If you enjoyed the first book you will surely enjoy this one as the adventure continues to watch Gavin attempt to rule his barony in a way no one would think to—friend and foe alike. I’m excited to read the next book and see how his decisions fair against insane odds!
Parents: PG-PG13 Other than war and deception with blood and guts, but nothing inappropriate for kids. There's no bad language and no sexual content.
Narrator has soothing voice, interesting music addition, and there was only an occasional issue with repeating words and odd pauses.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 17, 2021
After reading book 1 I couldn't wait to see what Gavin would do. It turns out that the girl that was to become his wife was just as cunning as him. Lilia the young princess set out to fulfill her part of the agreement made by Gavin & her father. Along the way her servant Rona & Lilia were captured and became slaves. Gavin had troubles of his own. He set out on a journey with great task of discovering vital information from someone he didn’t trust. While Lilia & Rona planned to escape their paths were destined to meet. Great characters & I love the parts that all the animals play no matter how big or small. This author has my attention now. Looking forward to book 3.
November 12, 2018
Crystal Queen is a feel good book about becoming better people on a personal and societal level. The book is about growing from a past of expected conflict and having a drive for power and control, to a state of acceptance and understanding between people.
The story in Crystal Queen flowed better and created an easier read than the first of the series. I think it is better book.
Crystal Queen is based for older young adult readers. The number of storylines is well maintained and the pace moves the reader steadily through the book.
Full review available at Guildmastergaming@blogspot.
The story in Crystal Queen flowed better and created an easier read than the first of the series. I think it is better book.
Crystal Queen is based for older young adult readers. The number of storylines is well maintained and the pace moves the reader steadily through the book.
Full review available at Guildmastergaming@blogspot.
October 21, 2018
An interesting take on days of old and arranged marriages. It is the sequel to Olsen's Crystal King. This book is a mix of powerful creatures and humans. If you enjoy crushing timelines and a political betrothals, this fantasy kingdom gives you this and so much more. An avalanche, bandits, and political adversary threaten to halt a marriage and the chance for a peaceful united kingdom. It is a fast read. The reading audience includes young adults.
August 21, 2019
Crystal Queen (Riland Throne Book 2), my second read from author John M. Olsen. From the opening pages of Crystal King (Riland Throne Book 1), you could tell this was an epic in the making with the story requiring multiple volumes to tell. Wonderful characters, detailed settings, very good read! Narrator Andrew Barnes adds greatly to the listening enjoyment I look forward to the next volume of the tale! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 23, 2021
A great listen and an adventurous story. I enjoyed the creativity of the story and the characters. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews