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Shattered Kingdom #2
Wicked Crown
She saved her enemy. Now she must save the future of Sives.
All Gandrett ever wanted was to go home. Now, that there is no home for her to return to, Gandrett must decide whether she still wants to be a Child of Vala—if the goddess has forsaken her.
While she is still learning to control her magic, an old cult rises in Sives, estranging Gandrett further from her goddess and threatening the future of the kingdom.
As if this isn’t enough, temptation is not just in the thought of vengeance. It is also in the diamond-blue eyes of Nehelon Sterngrove.
In this sequel to Shattered Kingdom, Gandrett steps back into the service of House Brenheran to protect the future of Sives.
All Gandrett ever wanted was to go home. Now, that there is no home for her to return to, Gandrett must decide whether she still wants to be a Child of Vala—if the goddess has forsaken her.
While she is still learning to control her magic, an old cult rises in Sives, estranging Gandrett further from her goddess and threatening the future of the kingdom.
As if this isn’t enough, temptation is not just in the thought of vengeance. It is also in the diamond-blue eyes of Nehelon Sterngrove.
In this sequel to Shattered Kingdom, Gandrett steps back into the service of House Brenheran to protect the future of Sives.
505 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2020
1232 people are currently reading
2435 people want to read
About the author
Angelina J. Steffort
40 books1,180 followers"Chocolate fanatic, milk foam enthusiast and strict fan of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career path for me."
Angelina J. Steffort is a bestselling, award-winning Austrian novelist, best known for her Wings series and her Shattered Kingdom series. With over twenty YA and adult fantasy and paranormal romance books under her belt, Angelina is far from done with inventing and exploring new worlds. That might have something to do with her passion for following the narrative of new characters and getting surprised by the twists they spin on her stories. Angelina has multiple educational backgrounds including engineering, business, music, and acting. Currently, Angelina lives in Vienna, Austria, with her husband and her son.
Find Angelina online: linktr.ee/ajsteffort
Subscribe to Angelina's newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/ajs_zon_nl
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
February 8, 2021
Ummm no. This just didn't work for me. This took a nose dive after the first book in the series. The problem was the writing. I'm actually surprised no one else complained about this.
There were 5-6 different characters narrating. Not every author get away with this, she kinda makes it work. It was tolerable in the first book. But when you have different characters narrating the SAME or OVERLAPPING scenes, it gets old real fast. I literally would skip to where the last person left off because I didn't want to reread the scene. These overlapping scenes contribute nothing to the story. I was dizzy from the POV changes. Was NOT a fan.
I kept reading to figure out what would happen. It was definitely intriguing but I can't get past the POVs and the repetition. I really wish someone had told the author that it was a terrible idea because I definitely wanted to love this and I really think the potential was there (I'm actually super disappointed). I won't be picking up the next book in the series.
There were 5-6 different characters narrating. Not every author get away with this, she kinda makes it work. It was tolerable in the first book. But when you have different characters narrating the SAME or OVERLAPPING scenes, it gets old real fast. I literally would skip to where the last person left off because I didn't want to reread the scene. These overlapping scenes contribute nothing to the story. I was dizzy from the POV changes. Was NOT a fan.
I kept reading to figure out what would happen. It was definitely intriguing but I can't get past the POVs and the repetition. I really wish someone had told the author that it was a terrible idea because I definitely wanted to love this and I really think the potential was there (I'm actually super disappointed). I won't be picking up the next book in the series.
March 7, 2023
In this second book, there were a lot of complications, new information, unfolded new layers of story, and potentially great supporting characters with too many POVs. Even so, each character was structured in such a way that it looks like they are going to be a part of a huge puzzle game. It makes me more Curious than before.
January 17, 2022
I devoured this book! It was so hard to put down! I even woke up at 5am before my kids woke at 8 so I could read! I was addicted! Such a well written book I can’t wait for the third to come in the mail this week! :)
February 15, 2023
All I can say is the story is exciting but I don’t care about half these characters lol
June 17, 2021
Messy
The plot moves NY inches in this installment. I ended up skimming past the endless physical descriptions of people we knew (literally don't need to hear 200 times how beautiful Nehelon's face is, or how perfect one of the women's curves is or how the three siblings have matching emerald eyes), and the repetition if events. Every time we switched viewpoints at the palace (of which there were too many IMO) , she had to repeat several paragraphs from another character's POV. If I had added anything to the story other than words, it would be ok. Instead, it just fills page space. Honestly, the book could have been 150 pages shorter at least.
The battle lasts something like 80-100 pages. No joke. It could have been told in 10 - again, plagued by repetition and unnecessary descriptions. This battle, like the one in book 1, is just awful. People stand around dithering instead of doing. Maybe the author is trying for build up but it fell flat, buried in teen drama, dramatic eye gazing and shouts, and, like I said, dithering. And lets not ignore the fact that all the women during/after the battle need rescuing by their respective male protectors. Yes, even the Blade if Vala, the best fighter in however many years. Good thing all the guys are left standing to do the rescuing. God forbid the roles be reversed.
To top it off, the cast of characters seems to be a bunch of idiots. The prince who won't stand up to his sister and hides in a tower; his cousin who her worships him for no apparent reason other than that he has both bloodlines; a brother who is too busy joining after the MC to see his sister get dragged off; an MC who is supposedly an awesome fighter but ends up being rescued and constantly coddled as a special snowflake; Addie, the delicate flower former servant/slave whose puppy love of a man she doesn't know is only outweighed by her constant insecurities; and Nehelon, who should just know better in so many ways. Its' not that shocking that they all miss what is going on, they are too focused on their little dramas to focus on life and death things. You know, li
ke the Dragon King and the cult of dragon god worshippers who have been terrorizing their land. No biggie.
The only character with a clear head is McKenzie and the poor woman gets kidnapped and dragged off to marry some schmuck.
And can we get past the hot and cold drama with Nehelon and the MC? First, its giving me whiplash and second, he's a grown man not a teenage boy.
Book 1 had potential. Book 2
The plot moves NY inches in this installment. I ended up skimming past the endless physical descriptions of people we knew (literally don't need to hear 200 times how beautiful Nehelon's face is, or how perfect one of the women's curves is or how the three siblings have matching emerald eyes), and the repetition if events. Every time we switched viewpoints at the palace (of which there were too many IMO) , she had to repeat several paragraphs from another character's POV. If I had added anything to the story other than words, it would be ok. Instead, it just fills page space. Honestly, the book could have been 150 pages shorter at least.
The battle lasts something like 80-100 pages. No joke. It could have been told in 10 - again, plagued by repetition and unnecessary descriptions. This battle, like the one in book 1, is just awful. People stand around dithering instead of doing. Maybe the author is trying for build up but it fell flat, buried in teen drama, dramatic eye gazing and shouts, and, like I said, dithering. And lets not ignore the fact that all the women during/after the battle need rescuing by their respective male protectors. Yes, even the Blade if Vala, the best fighter in however many years. Good thing all the guys are left standing to do the rescuing. God forbid the roles be reversed.
To top it off, the cast of characters seems to be a bunch of idiots. The prince who won't stand up to his sister and hides in a tower; his cousin who her worships him for no apparent reason other than that he has both bloodlines; a brother who is too busy joining after the MC to see his sister get dragged off; an MC who is supposedly an awesome fighter but ends up being rescued and constantly coddled as a special snowflake; Addie, the delicate flower former servant/slave whose puppy love of a man she doesn't know is only outweighed by her constant insecurities; and Nehelon, who should just know better in so many ways. Its' not that shocking that they all miss what is going on, they are too focused on their little dramas to focus on life and death things. You know, li
ke the Dragon King and the cult of dragon god worshippers who have been terrorizing their land. No biggie.
The only character with a clear head is McKenzie and the poor woman gets kidnapped and dragged off to marry some schmuck.
And can we get past the hot and cold drama with Nehelon and the MC? First, its giving me whiplash and second, he's a grown man not a teenage boy.
Book 1 had potential. Book 2
April 5, 2021
The second in the Shattered Kingdom series is just as engaging as the first. As Gandrett and Nehelon return to her home after their last mission and find it not the way she expected.
They return to Sives to find an event that has brought an envoy from each kingdom in the land to celebrate the Solstice.
I am so happy to be back in this land. I love these different characters! Nehelon, Brax and Armand. Gandrett's fierceness as she is still learning about her powers. And Addie as she heals and becomes whole again. There is some steaminess! So close!! I guess there are things in the past that are going to be hard to get over.
We also get more secrets revealed about characters into their path since this is a multi pov style book which I love you can get in all their heads!
Some gnarly new (old) villain appears to try to take over and we thought everything was fine with... man I can't ruin book 1. Lol reviewing second books are hard!
I read and reviewed Shattered Kingdom which is the first in the series last year which you can look for that book in my feed.
I will read the 3rd book soon which came out last month! It's called Shadow Rule. That sounds ominous!
Thank you for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
They return to Sives to find an event that has brought an envoy from each kingdom in the land to celebrate the Solstice.
I am so happy to be back in this land. I love these different characters! Nehelon, Brax and Armand. Gandrett's fierceness as she is still learning about her powers. And Addie as she heals and becomes whole again. There is some steaminess! So close!! I guess there are things in the past that are going to be hard to get over.
We also get more secrets revealed about characters into their path since this is a multi pov style book which I love you can get in all their heads!
Some gnarly new (old) villain appears to try to take over and we thought everything was fine with... man I can't ruin book 1. Lol reviewing second books are hard!
I read and reviewed Shattered Kingdom which is the first in the series last year which you can look for that book in my feed.
I will read the 3rd book soon which came out last month! It's called Shadow Rule. That sounds ominous!
Thank you for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
March 14, 2021
Well. That was intense. That battle with the Dragon King had me on the edge of my seat. I wasn’t at all surprised by what happened to Joshua or Addie. I was devastated for Brax and all he lost but I’m so thankful he’s still alive. Armand too for that matter. I love them both so much.
Why does every main heroine end up confused and in denial of the males feelings towards them? It grinds on me every single time! How oblivious can you be? Gandrett is so irritating when she questions Nehelon’s obvious feelings of her. He may act an ass over half of the time but c’mon. It’s as clear as day and everyone but her knows it. I would like to punch him in the face at times cause his attitude annoys me. When is the big reveal going to come to light? You know, that he is actually the one who stole her from her family that night. I’d really like to get that drama out of the way cause it has to come out right?
This one still deserves 5 stars in my opinion so that’s what I’m giving it if most my first the fact I got more Armand and Brax 😍😍
Why does every main heroine end up confused and in denial of the males feelings towards them? It grinds on me every single time! How oblivious can you be? Gandrett is so irritating when she questions Nehelon’s obvious feelings of her. He may act an ass over half of the time but c’mon. It’s as clear as day and everyone but her knows it. I would like to punch him in the face at times cause his attitude annoys me. When is the big reveal going to come to light? You know, that he is actually the one who stole her from her family that night. I’d really like to get that drama out of the way cause it has to come out right?
This one still deserves 5 stars in my opinion so that’s what I’m giving it if most my first the fact I got more Armand and Brax 😍😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
Still a solid series!! There’s this tiny issue of Nehelon who WON’T SHARE ANY INFORMATION to Gandrett but still! 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
Following on from the dramatic ending of the last book, we initially find ourselves with Gandrett and Nehelon as she explores her powers. The story again is split into 5/6 narratives, from the perspectives of the main characters. We see each different corner of the Sives from a different perspective, putting us as the reader, ahead of the characters.
Once again, Angelina weaves the lore of the world, neatly in with the romance and adventure that entails in this book. I found this story hard to put down and stayed up late to finish it.
The character arcs are developed well, the characterisation is strong and the story holds its own. I'd say the pace was a little bit slower in the middle of the book, but it built up to a crescendo at the end of the book, leaving me desperately wanting more.
I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
Once again, Angelina weaves the lore of the world, neatly in with the romance and adventure that entails in this book. I found this story hard to put down and stayed up late to finish it.
The character arcs are developed well, the characterisation is strong and the story holds its own. I'd say the pace was a little bit slower in the middle of the book, but it built up to a crescendo at the end of the book, leaving me desperately wanting more.
I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
August 28, 2021
I loved the first book in this series, but this one is a chore to get through. I swallowed book one in no time and I am about to give up on book two half way through. There are way too many point of views. It’s like every side character has its own point of view now, and it’s super boring. The pacing is also super slow.
The MC annoyed me in this book. Why does she so readily accept a fate that she so obviously hate? Why not work towards escaping the priory instead of just being bitter and sad about it? I also dislike the celibacy/virgin trope while the males are all bimbos.
And then there is the obvious love interest. I can’t ship the MC with an abuser who has done her so wrong and she doesn’t even know it. The way he treats her makes me want to slap him around. What a jerk.
Disappointing
The MC annoyed me in this book. Why does she so readily accept a fate that she so obviously hate? Why not work towards escaping the priory instead of just being bitter and sad about it? I also dislike the celibacy/virgin trope while the males are all bimbos.
And then there is the obvious love interest. I can’t ship the MC with an abuser who has done her so wrong and she doesn’t even know it. The way he treats her makes me want to slap him around. What a jerk.
Disappointing
September 14, 2020
They say the second one is never as good as the first. I totally disagree here!! I think the characters become more real and relatable as far as their thoughts and feelings go. Couple of surprises happen that make you anxious for the next book to come out. I couldnt put it down!!!!
October 17, 2020
This series becomes more brilliant and intricate as the author writes each new book. As if Gandrett didn't have enough of an adventure in the first book in the series, she doesn't seem to be able to escape what is coming or who she is. After saving the young prince in the first story, she just wants what she was promised - the chance to go home and see her family. She's been raised as a Child-of-Valla, and this might be her only chance. But as her feelings and her relationship begin to change concerning the mysterious Nehelon Sterngrove, so does everything around her. The kingdom she was sent to help is being infiltrated by an evil thread, and she may be the only one who can save it. Or she may be the means to its destruction.
Every time I read one of this author's stories, I'm swept away to a place I didn't realize I wanted to go. Her characters have such depth and vibrance, and her story so many unpredictable twists, that I feel like I've been knitted intertwined in their lives and as though I have a stake in their futures. I don't know how she sees things so vividly and it able to interpret them into something I get to read, but I can definitely say that I am truly glad she shares them with me. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
Every time I read one of this author's stories, I'm swept away to a place I didn't realize I wanted to go. Her characters have such depth and vibrance, and her story so many unpredictable twists, that I feel like I've been knitted intertwined in their lives and as though I have a stake in their futures. I don't know how she sees things so vividly and it able to interpret them into something I get to read, but I can definitely say that I am truly glad she shares them with me. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
September 21, 2020
"It was as if a song of its own was playing in her chest-between them, just the two of them. An ancient song. And there was no beginning to it and no end."
All the stars! All of them! I loved this book! Every single character is interesting and intriguing. I was completely engrossed in their fate. It has the perfect mixture of every element a story needs. I found my self gasping more than once as the story unfolded. Angelina Steffort is one of my favorites! I highly recommend this book!
All the stars! All of them! I loved this book! Every single character is interesting and intriguing. I was completely engrossed in their fate. It has the perfect mixture of every element a story needs. I found my self gasping more than once as the story unfolded. Angelina Steffort is one of my favorites! I highly recommend this book!
September 27, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and not even one ⭐ less!
"Wicked Crown" the second book in Angelina J. Steffort’s “Shattered Kingdom” epic high fantasy series follows seamlessly the events depicted in the first book, with Gandrett happily riding home – after all these years – to stay with her family for a year before she returns to her duties as a Child of Vala…… but it is not to be. After a massive blow that forces her to reconsider her own destiny, Gandrett and Nehelon found themselves attending the Midsummer Solstice celebrations at Ackwood, just in time to fight the next battle against the Evil, that threatens to swallow the realms.
Angelina J. Steffort writing style is superb, tying the action with the descriptions of Neredyn into a captivating story, populated by original, multidimensional and fully fleshed out characters: Gandrett is a fabulous female hero, both strong and vulnerable, with a solid moral compass and a mind of her own, while Nehelon is the perfect counterpart for the quest, an old soul who has retain his own vulnerability, even when he tries to deny it; Brax and McKenzie are fully relatable, while Joshua is one of the most complex secondary characters even seen in fiction. A story where all characters have a precise and very important role to play and possess a very distinct personality each.
The plot evolves nicely page by page, revealing unforeseen twists and ramifications, keeping the book always interesting and a real page-turner, and while the action maintains the reader on the edge of the seat, it is the fine humour and perfect chemistry between the characters what really makes the book exceptional. An epic story that lingers long after reading.
I'll say it once more.... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and not even one ⭐ less!
"Wicked Crown" the second book in Angelina J. Steffort’s “Shattered Kingdom” epic high fantasy series follows seamlessly the events depicted in the first book, with Gandrett happily riding home – after all these years – to stay with her family for a year before she returns to her duties as a Child of Vala…… but it is not to be. After a massive blow that forces her to reconsider her own destiny, Gandrett and Nehelon found themselves attending the Midsummer Solstice celebrations at Ackwood, just in time to fight the next battle against the Evil, that threatens to swallow the realms.
Angelina J. Steffort writing style is superb, tying the action with the descriptions of Neredyn into a captivating story, populated by original, multidimensional and fully fleshed out characters: Gandrett is a fabulous female hero, both strong and vulnerable, with a solid moral compass and a mind of her own, while Nehelon is the perfect counterpart for the quest, an old soul who has retain his own vulnerability, even when he tries to deny it; Brax and McKenzie are fully relatable, while Joshua is one of the most complex secondary characters even seen in fiction. A story where all characters have a precise and very important role to play and possess a very distinct personality each.
The plot evolves nicely page by page, revealing unforeseen twists and ramifications, keeping the book always interesting and a real page-turner, and while the action maintains the reader on the edge of the seat, it is the fine humour and perfect chemistry between the characters what really makes the book exceptional. An epic story that lingers long after reading.
I'll say it once more.... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and not even one ⭐ less!
July 11, 2021
I quite liked the first book in this series, even though I felt like it was moving quite slowly as it set-up different aspects of the plot. I was excited to get into this book and finally shed some light on various things, however I feel like we only really learned one new thing right at the end of the book, with further insinuations to all these other aspects that have now been built-up over two books. It made it hard to stay engaged, especially when there weren’t that many exciting scenes to make up for it.
On the romance side, I’m finding myself annoyed with Nehelon and holding out for any scenes with Brax in it so that there’s finally some spice and build-up. The tension with Nehelon has been dragging so much it just feels like a chore.
The writing in general is fine but there are quite a few mistakes throughout the book (which always distract me for the next couple of pages trying to figure out how they were missed in what I assume is multiple re-reads by different people). I also found it hard to follow some of the sentences with an overuse of commas and had to re-read several times to understand what the author was trying to say.
In sum, I was excited by the premise of the series and felt like the setup in book 1 meant big things would happen in book 2, but that didn’t seem to happen. I will continue to read the story as I’m hoping that the reveal will be worth the wait, especially to see if my suspicions about the plot are right. At this point though, I don’t think I would recommend to anyone as a “must read” but will reconsider after the next book.
On the romance side, I’m finding myself annoyed with Nehelon and holding out for any scenes with Brax in it so that there’s finally some spice and build-up. The tension with Nehelon has been dragging so much it just feels like a chore.
The writing in general is fine but there are quite a few mistakes throughout the book (which always distract me for the next couple of pages trying to figure out how they were missed in what I assume is multiple re-reads by different people). I also found it hard to follow some of the sentences with an overuse of commas and had to re-read several times to understand what the author was trying to say.
In sum, I was excited by the premise of the series and felt like the setup in book 1 meant big things would happen in book 2, but that didn’t seem to happen. I will continue to read the story as I’m hoping that the reveal will be worth the wait, especially to see if my suspicions about the plot are right. At this point though, I don’t think I would recommend to anyone as a “must read” but will reconsider after the next book.
April 16, 2021
Okay, so when I grabbed the second book in the shattered Kingdom series, I didn't think it could be as good as the first one and I was right... It was even better! 😍
There is everything that made the first book great and so much more.. More magic, more romance, more mystery, more action 🤩 and ye, more tearful moments too 😢
I absolutely loved that we get to see Gandrett working to master her magic and grow into her powers, with the added bonus (or curse, it depends if you ask me or her😂) of having Nehelon as teacher!
Speaking of the broody fae, it was so cute to witness how much he has changed when it comes to his feelings... In this book he is way more open and sweet, even if it is in his own way: not the "I'll gift you a teddy bear" kind of sweet, but more of a "I would burn the whole world down for you".
And, after that ending, I can't wait to read the third book in the series and hope to not go crazy before the final one is released (I know I'm a bit dramatic, but you fellow book lovers can understand the feeling, I'm sure).
I'm not going to say anything else for fear of spoilers, so just read this series so we can fangirl together, thanks ❤️
𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐: epic fantasy fans, who love reading about badass FMC, broody Fae, elemental magic and slow burn romance (enemy to lovers)
There is everything that made the first book great and so much more.. More magic, more romance, more mystery, more action 🤩 and ye, more tearful moments too 😢
I absolutely loved that we get to see Gandrett working to master her magic and grow into her powers, with the added bonus (or curse, it depends if you ask me or her😂) of having Nehelon as teacher!
Speaking of the broody fae, it was so cute to witness how much he has changed when it comes to his feelings... In this book he is way more open and sweet, even if it is in his own way: not the "I'll gift you a teddy bear" kind of sweet, but more of a "I would burn the whole world down for you".
And, after that ending, I can't wait to read the third book in the series and hope to not go crazy before the final one is released (I know I'm a bit dramatic, but you fellow book lovers can understand the feeling, I'm sure).
I'm not going to say anything else for fear of spoilers, so just read this series so we can fangirl together, thanks ❤️
𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐: epic fantasy fans, who love reading about badass FMC, broody Fae, elemental magic and slow burn romance (enemy to lovers)
February 25, 2021
***** Thank you Angelina J Steffort for the arc in exchange for an honest review <3 *****
Wicked Crown is the sequel to Shattered Kingdom (of which a review can be found in one of my earlier posts and if you haven’t read the book you really should!) It takes up almost right where Shattered Kingdom ended. Because I don’t want to give any spoilers, I won’t tell you much about the story but let me just say that Wicked Crown does not disappoint. There isn't a page where nothing new happens or is revealed which makes it absolutely impossible to out down. Wicked Crown is the kind of book to get lost in.
Exactly like the first book in the series, Wicked Crown is written in a similar style as Throne of Glass but with completely different and unique intrigues and plots. I cannot recommend this series enough and if you are a fan of TOG you cannot miss out on this brilliant adventure. And I’m not just saying that to promote the book. This series is as close to a “new” Throne of Glass as I’ve managed to find in the last six-or-so years and believe me, I’ve been looking.
Wicked Crown is the sequel to Shattered Kingdom (of which a review can be found in one of my earlier posts and if you haven’t read the book you really should!) It takes up almost right where Shattered Kingdom ended. Because I don’t want to give any spoilers, I won’t tell you much about the story but let me just say that Wicked Crown does not disappoint. There isn't a page where nothing new happens or is revealed which makes it absolutely impossible to out down. Wicked Crown is the kind of book to get lost in.
Exactly like the first book in the series, Wicked Crown is written in a similar style as Throne of Glass but with completely different and unique intrigues and plots. I cannot recommend this series enough and if you are a fan of TOG you cannot miss out on this brilliant adventure. And I’m not just saying that to promote the book. This series is as close to a “new” Throne of Glass as I’ve managed to find in the last six-or-so years and believe me, I’ve been looking.
January 17, 2023
This book is exquisite! Sequels are so tricky and I so frequently find myself bored by them. Wicked Crown is a great example of what a sequel SHOULD be. It builds upon the original book, adds intrigue, while also answering original questions and building upon relationships among the characters. This series does a great job of building interesting subplots and side characters that you can't help but root for. The main character is also very likable while still having realistic and relatable flaws. It's so well written and does a great job of creating a tense build up throughout the book that keeps you turning the pages. I can't wait to read the next one!
November 24, 2021
Oh how I am loving this series! The start of this had me in floods of tears, then frustration and then anger and hope and I have to say I got very annoyed at being interrupted. I absolutely adore Gandrett and really really felt for her as her journey progresses in this second book and after everything that she goes through she still comes out fighting! There’s tons of action, mystery, politics and a little humour and a battle that will have you on the edge of your seat and I’m off to read book three!
September 30, 2020
I could not put this down!!! Book 2 was even better than book 1. Seriously! You must read this. If you love Angelina's book.... You won't be disappointed. If you love authors like Sarah J Mass... You will love this series!! It is fantasy at it's best. This story was so beautifully written and the character development from book 1 to book 2 is incredible!! I highly recommend this book and this series!!
September 24, 2020
I’m still rating it 5 stars even though I didn’t really enjoy the book until the end of the book. I think it was simply because I had other stuff on my mind/maybe reading too much Fantasy books recently. I was definitely looking forward to reading more about what happened between the characters and I look forward to reading the next book once it comes out!
March 6, 2022
DNF @ 19% / writing style was not the best in the first book but it got way worse. Multiple POVs telling the same story/overlapping. It was just boring, confusing and annoying to read. The first book can be read as a stand alone // KU
February 6, 2021
I love a book that make you feel your watching the story as if you’re there right as it happening. Awesome book highly recommend this series.
February 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this sequel Wicked Crown and cannot wait to continue reading about Gandrett, Brax and Nehelon and where the adventure and story will bring them next!
While the first book in the series was a lot of mystery and fast-paced action, book two brought a lot more emotions to the story for me and character development as the first half of the book set the stage for all of the action in the second half. We got a glimpse into a lot more of the world and finally got to learn more about Nehelons past (although he still is such a mystery!!) and I can’t wait to learn more.
But of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the spectacular writing - I really don’t understand how Angelina isn’t more popular in the bookish world as her writing is incredible.
Highly recommend this series for anyone that enjoys a mix of plot and character driven fantasy-romance!
Thanks so much Angelina for the opportunity to read this amazing series in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to read Shadow Rule and am so excited for the release of book 3!!
While the first book in the series was a lot of mystery and fast-paced action, book two brought a lot more emotions to the story for me and character development as the first half of the book set the stage for all of the action in the second half. We got a glimpse into a lot more of the world and finally got to learn more about Nehelons past (although he still is such a mystery!!) and I can’t wait to learn more.
But of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the spectacular writing - I really don’t understand how Angelina isn’t more popular in the bookish world as her writing is incredible.
Highly recommend this series for anyone that enjoys a mix of plot and character driven fantasy-romance!
Thanks so much Angelina for the opportunity to read this amazing series in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to read Shadow Rule and am so excited for the release of book 3!!
December 16, 2024
I stepped away from this one for a bit due to time commitments, and had to reread half of it to jog my memory. I hate when I have to do that bc it takes something away from the reading for me. But this was still an enjoyable story.
While I can't say the plot twist was unpredictable, it's not where I thought we were going. I enjoyed players from the first book coming back together, but I also enjoyed the solo time we had with Gandrette and Nehelon on their journey. I get frustrated by the pull and tug between these two... let's move on to relationship building!
I think I'm going to move on to book 3 to keep the momentum going.
While I can't say the plot twist was unpredictable, it's not where I thought we were going. I enjoyed players from the first book coming back together, but I also enjoyed the solo time we had with Gandrette and Nehelon on their journey. I get frustrated by the pull and tug between these two... let's move on to relationship building!
I think I'm going to move on to book 3 to keep the momentum going.
June 25, 2025
3.5 ...
After thoroughly enjoying the first book in the series, I had high hopes for this, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. The main issue was the excessive internal dialogue. Instead of adding depth, much of it was spent rehashing details that felt repetitive and unnecessary.
The narrative often recycled scenes from different points of view, making the pacing drag. The most disappointing change, however, was in the female protagonist. In book one, she was tough and gritty, but here, she felt passive and lacking the strength that made her so compelling before.
Personal flaw: My inability to DNF a series, here's to hoping book three isn't a repeat of this one.
After thoroughly enjoying the first book in the series, I had high hopes for this, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. The main issue was the excessive internal dialogue. Instead of adding depth, much of it was spent rehashing details that felt repetitive and unnecessary.
The narrative often recycled scenes from different points of view, making the pacing drag. The most disappointing change, however, was in the female protagonist. In book one, she was tough and gritty, but here, she felt passive and lacking the strength that made her so compelling before.
Personal flaw: My inability to DNF a series, here's to hoping book three isn't a repeat of this one.
December 28, 2020
I am quite pleased with Wicked Crown by Angelina J. Steffort. Personally, I believe that this was better than the first book, which was also 10/10 if that is even possible! The storyline got deeper and richer since the first book and I've fallen in love more with the characters! The writing flowed beautifully from the previous one in an easy to understand. and intriguing way. Highly recommend this series!
July 5, 2021
All her life, Gandrett Brayton has dreamed of returning home to her family. That dream crashes around her when she arrives at her family’s farm - only to find it in ruins. Finding herself in the service of House Brenheran once more, Gandrett must do what she can to help the Prince of Sives gain allies so he can smoothly ascend to his throne. Gandrett must navigate her newfound magic, her growing attraction to brooding warrior Nehelon Sterngrove, and the the Brenheran court all at the same time.
Whoever said the sequel never lives up to the original is a liar. Steffort completely slayed me in this second book in the Shattered Kingdom series, and that’s a good thing!!! This book was full of epic sword fights, brilliantly written plot, and the best slow burn, angsty romance I’ve read in ages. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3!!!
Whoever said the sequel never lives up to the original is a liar. Steffort completely slayed me in this second book in the Shattered Kingdom series, and that’s a good thing!!! This book was full of epic sword fights, brilliantly written plot, and the best slow burn, angsty romance I’ve read in ages. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3!!!
November 4, 2025
I'm totally team Nehelon.... hopefully the next book won't kill it for me. This book was a good sequel to the first. So much up and down and no spice. Where's the spice? I feel like this could have some really good spicy scenes, but no. There are wrote a few twists and you never really know what's going to happen next. I can't wait to read the next one.
February 8, 2021
Wow I was completely and utterly captivated by this world, characters and that story! I adore the new pilot twists and turns and was often yelling NOOOOO!! I can't wait to come back to this world in the very near future. Bring on book 3!!! And 4 and 5 and.....
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