Dangit Scarlett! You're killing me. Anyone else wish the rest of this series could be released a la Netflix, where it's all released at once and you can binge read everything in one sitting?? LOL, if only.
Crypts & Crimes continues with the third leg of the epic fantasy quest of Trixie Towers and the rulers of the five kingdoms to save their realm. While we do eventually get to experience a foray into the Caster Kingdom where we learn a little bit about Queen Mikko, the majority of this book takes place before their trip. I do think a longer, more detailed version of the quest would have been interesting to read, I don't think it detracts in any way from the book, it would have just fed my curiosity to learn more about this world SD has created.
The book picks up directly after the royals return from their previous trek to the Shifter Kingdom. Immediately, you see a change in the way that Trixie and Athon are interacting before they even leave High Pointe. He thanks her for her help in his kingdom and gifts her with a few thoughtful gifts. Further into the story they start to experience not just the possessiveness that was new in Scales & Skeletons, but lust and attraction, as well. Caring. Laughter. Oh and dancing. HAWT. While I think we definitely see changes in both characters, the changes are really noticeable and exciting with King Athon in my opinion. I'm not sure what it is about seeing a strong male character soften towards his (eventual) love interest, but I love that process and it's starting to happen in this book with King Athon. It's still a slow burn, and there is still of course bickering, but it's perfect.
And the secrets secrets secrets. Caspian and Bishop uncover a secret, and is King Traevon on the verge of deducing something too? Trixie seems to battle more with all the lies she keeps having to tell her king and he becomes suspicious that she is hiding something big.
Finally, my favorite part of this book was learning more about The Seed of Creation and the flower gifted to Trixie at the end of the last quest. Are there possible shifter-elf bebes in our future?? Gawd, I hope so! and I can't wait.
I cannot say enough great things about this series. I love all the books in this series, but Crypts and Crimes has been my favorite so far. I finished this book soon after it was released, and then I re-read all three books again, hoping that miraculously the fourth book would be waiting for me afterward... not so. unfortunately.
Thank you Scarlett Dawn for another great read. I am really looking forward to seeing how this series continues to unfold.