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The Shard of Elan #3
Crown & Creed
The prince-heir’s life hangs by a thread, and the last person to see him conscious was the king’s bastard, Shianan Becknam. As rumor grows of Commander Becknam’s possible fratricide, Shianan pushes away Black Mage Ariana Hazelrig, lest her rise be destroyed by connection to him.
Ariana has returned from her abduction to the Ryuven world, bringing an herb which could fight the plague reported through the countryside. Her efforts have resulted in unprecedented negotiations toward peace. But if the prince-heir dies, the tentative truce will fall into blood feud, and Ariana’s new renown cannot help her to save Shianan.
Luca, enslaved once more, is summoned before the queen to answer for Shianan’s crimes. Abandoned by his family, his hope of salvation dims with each passing day. Tamaryl, again styled a traitor, is bound in a magic-sapping prison. He has given everything toward ending this war—and he will soon learn what price he must pay for it.
Ariana has returned from her abduction to the Ryuven world, bringing an herb which could fight the plague reported through the countryside. Her efforts have resulted in unprecedented negotiations toward peace. But if the prince-heir dies, the tentative truce will fall into blood feud, and Ariana’s new renown cannot help her to save Shianan.
Luca, enslaved once more, is summoned before the queen to answer for Shianan’s crimes. Abandoned by his family, his hope of salvation dims with each passing day. Tamaryl, again styled a traitor, is bound in a magic-sapping prison. He has given everything toward ending this war—and he will soon learn what price he must pay for it.
- GenresFantasy
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2020
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Laura VanArendonk Baugh
69 books153 followersLaura was born at a very early age and never looked back. She overcame her childhood deficiencies of having been born without teeth and unable to walk, and by the time she matured into a recognizable adult she had become a behavior analyst, an internationally-recognized and award-winning animal trainer, a costumer/cosplayer, a chocolate addict, and of course a writer.
Laura writes fantasy in a variety of subgenres as well as non-fiction in the art and science of behavior and training.
website | Newsletter | Patreon | Twitch | Twitter | Facebook
Laura writes fantasy in a variety of subgenres as well as non-fiction in the art and science of behavior and training.
website | Newsletter | Patreon | Twitch | Twitter | Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 24, 2022
Me reading this book:
*deep breath, buries face in book, screams loud enough to break someone's eardrums*
Okay, this starts off with just a lot of tense waiting and nervousness and politics and slowly mounting dread, then goes into finally some wins, then about the halfway mark everything goes COMPLETELY INSANE.
Shianan is deeply flawed but I love him with all my heart. I am going to marry Soren, I have decided, no one else can have him. XD Ariana has grown so much from the first book, even if she sometimes still is too optimistic and naïve. I kinda hated Tamaryl a little at the end of the last book, but he won my sympathies back over. Both he and Shianan still have some maturing to do though, lol. LUCA. LUCA COME HERE SO I CAN PROTECT YOU FROM EVERYONE AND YOUR OWN GOSH DARNED SELF.
Other context-less thoughts/reactions:
YOU GO, GIRL. I went from hating you to absolutely loving you and you're one of my favorites.
Out loud at like midnight: YOU ARE NOT--RIGHT NOW--IN PUBLIC?! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING
*rereads Chapters 37 & 38 because they make me FEEL things*
So many GASPS
"Is what I think might be happening actually happening?"
*excitedly girly squealing*
*sadz*
I'm so glad I waited to read this until the last book was out, so I can read it next.
*deep breath, buries face in book, screams loud enough to break someone's eardrums*
Okay, this starts off with just a lot of tense waiting and nervousness and politics and slowly mounting dread, then goes into finally some wins, then about the halfway mark everything goes COMPLETELY INSANE.
Shianan is deeply flawed but I love him with all my heart. I am going to marry Soren, I have decided, no one else can have him. XD Ariana has grown so much from the first book, even if she sometimes still is too optimistic and naïve. I kinda hated Tamaryl a little at the end of the last book, but he won my sympathies back over. Both he and Shianan still have some maturing to do though, lol. LUCA. LUCA COME HERE SO I CAN PROTECT YOU FROM EVERYONE AND YOUR OWN GOSH DARNED SELF.
Other context-less thoughts/reactions:
YOU GO, GIRL. I went from hating you to absolutely loving you and you're one of my favorites.
Out loud at like midnight: YOU ARE NOT--RIGHT NOW--IN PUBLIC?! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING
*rereads Chapters 37 & 38 because they make me FEEL things*
So many GASPS
"Is what I think might be happening actually happening?"
*excitedly girly squealing*
*sadz*
I'm so glad I waited to read this until the last book was out, so I can read it next.
December 29, 2020
I read this entire book in one sitting. I couldn't NOT know what was going to happen next. I tried to go to bed, but nope, I had to keep reading. Too much suspense!
It's such a hard series to review because so. much happens. The story picks up immediately where it left off, with the end of the battle and Soren close to death. As if Shianan doesn't have enough to deal with emotionally, he also has to push Ariana away after finally expressing his feelings for her. He risks his commandery and friends for the tiniest bit of happiness, and he's denied at almost every turn. It makes for an emotional plot, probably the most emotional installment of the series, but I was happy to see Shianan finally show some vulnerability, and earn some reward for that vulnerability.
There are many moments you want to cheer with certain characters, then weep with others. I definitely screamed at some and cursed others, and I shed a few tears for Shianan because in addition to vulnerability, he finally learned to stand up for himself! He no longer craves the king's favor because he realizes it will never satisfy, and I couldn't be prouder of him. And he's gaining friends, even family! Cue all the feels!! And yet, he made some questionable decisions that I'm sure will haunt him in the next book, so I'm waiting with bated breath for 'Kin and Kind' to come out.
Discovering the 'Shard of Elan' books was a bright spot of 2020, and I can't think of a better book to end the year with.
It's such a hard series to review because so. much happens. The story picks up immediately where it left off, with the end of the battle and Soren close to death. As if Shianan doesn't have enough to deal with emotionally, he also has to push Ariana away after finally expressing his feelings for her. He risks his commandery and friends for the tiniest bit of happiness, and he's denied at almost every turn. It makes for an emotional plot, probably the most emotional installment of the series, but I was happy to see Shianan finally show some vulnerability, and earn some reward for that vulnerability.
There are many moments you want to cheer with certain characters, then weep with others. I definitely screamed at some and cursed others, and I shed a few tears for Shianan because in addition to vulnerability, he finally learned to stand up for himself! He no longer craves the king's favor because he realizes it will never satisfy, and I couldn't be prouder of him. And he's gaining friends, even family! Cue all the feels!! And yet, he made some questionable decisions that I'm sure will haunt him in the next book, so I'm waiting with bated breath for 'Kin and Kind' to come out.
Discovering the 'Shard of Elan' books was a bright spot of 2020, and I can't think of a better book to end the year with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2021
If the second book was the excitement of battle scenes and character exploration, then this third installment was full of complicated dynamics, nuances of characters, and intriguing politics.
Shianan really stands out in this one as he navigates his tenuous relationships with the royal family, and he’s also grappling with his feelings for Ariana. It’s so good to see him finally learning to love and be love, and his many friendships are precious.
Ariana is also dealing with messy emotions and also what it means to be a young war hero and the architect of a tentative peace. There’s so much weight on her, and she takes that very seriously.
And of course, Luca!! His struggles with his place in life and the moral implications of his actions are fascinating to read and painful to watch play out.
Now I am very excited for the final installment!!
Shianan really stands out in this one as he navigates his tenuous relationships with the royal family, and he’s also grappling with his feelings for Ariana. It’s so good to see him finally learning to love and be love, and his many friendships are precious.
Ariana is also dealing with messy emotions and also what it means to be a young war hero and the architect of a tentative peace. There’s so much weight on her, and she takes that very seriously.
And of course, Luca!! His struggles with his place in life and the moral implications of his actions are fascinating to read and painful to watch play out.
Now I am very excited for the final installment!!
May 21, 2025
I could hardly wait to start this book, and now I can hardly wait to start the next one. What an awesome story, full of so many perfect little character moments. It's hard to say much without giving away spoilers, but I just love some of the choices characters made, and the way certain relationships are developing. The king drives me crazy ... and yet this time we get a new glimpse into the layers of his psyche that reveals an unexpected side to him. I really wish there were 20 books in this series. I'm so excited to find out what will happen to everyone in the next book ... but at the same time, I'm already grieving the fact that it will be the last one. I won't be ready to say goodbye!
December 29, 2020
I read this book in one night, it was that good. (My husband even rolled over and asked, "You do realize it's 5 a.m., right?")
Oh, my heart. All the feels! I will try so hard not to give anything away, but I cried at [beautiful scene redacted], cheered aloud and almost woke my kids when [squeal-worthy scene redacted] and even whisper-yelled "what were you thinking???" at one of the characters for [risky-move scene redacted]. <<<(Whew! That was hard to do with how much I loved the book and wanted to tell you every good scene so we could discuss how this made us feel together.)
It was totally worth missing sleep over and being a zombie the next day, as anyone who has read the previous two books in the series already know. Love this series (and those freaking gorgeous covers) more than I can possibly say!
Oh, my heart. All the feels! I will try so hard not to give anything away, but I cried at [beautiful scene redacted], cheered aloud and almost woke my kids when [squeal-worthy scene redacted] and even whisper-yelled "what were you thinking???" at one of the characters for [risky-move scene redacted]. <<<(Whew! That was hard to do with how much I loved the book and wanted to tell you every good scene so we could discuss how this made us feel together.)
It was totally worth missing sleep over and being a zombie the next day, as anyone who has read the previous two books in the series already know. Love this series (and those freaking gorgeous covers) more than I can possibly say!
October 1, 2025
This continues to be a journey like no other. It’s wholeheartedly fighting to create a peace to avoid a massacre from the past being resurrected. Brotherhoods and friendships are discovered in the most unlikely places. But sadly, the greatest acts of sacrifice, of kindness, are painted as the most sinister of intents. Danger lurks around every corner, ready to end its next victim with the stroke of a blade. But then there’s this:
“I have seen you step forward not just for the people you protect but for Luca, for me. You face the enemy soldier, you face the king, not for yourself but for those you care for.” Her mouth tightened. “I know how hard it is. I know you must be afraid, and yet you do it. You are the bravest man I have ever met, and you inspire me to be brave.”
Yes, we’ve gotten to meet him throughout this journey, and these aren’t the exaggerated words of a lovestruck Ariana. She speaks the truth, a beauty that she sees in this man and others have that he has been unable to see in himself. And he’s not the king, or the prince-heir, or a royal diplomat somewhere. He’s Shianan Becknam, the bastard, a mistake by the king that he can’t undo, and the king takes every chance to use Becknam as a punching bag when he sees him. Yet it doesn’t stop Becknam from doing what he knows is right to do. Protect. What the king should be doing. And with Becknam it's not just out of duty. It’s because he cares. It’s why he drags the half dead prince-heir, his friend, from the fight, desperately searching for help. It’s why he repeatedly intervenes for the slave Luca, who has become his best friend, no matter the cost. It’s why he’ll lay down his own life if it means saving Ariana. Yes, Becknam embodies the spirit of this journey, and I love traveling with him, despite how painful his path has been so many times. For indeed he still manages to inspire others just as Ariana says.
As with Luca, who finds himself in a familiar situation of being a slave again, but he’s not panicked like one normally in that state. He’s seen how bad it could be. He’s not serving a master, but a friend, one that would come to his rescue in a moment. And Luca does the same as he has heard the heartfelt cry of pain from Beckham’s crushed spirit repeatedly. The line between the enslaved is nonexistent as Luca knows the scars life’s floggings have left on Beckham. Luca discovers true family isn’t always the blood that runs through your veins, but the ties of brotherhood that come through a more difficult world. It’s one that’s refined by the fire of shared struggle or experience. And it’s the resilience to keep going and to remind your brother to do the same.
Even carry them if need be. Whether they be a slave or the prince-heir. The battlefield is before them. A tentative peace stretches across two worlds like a piece of thread. A single step will break it, and a deadly cycle starts anew. Or perhaps a new spirit is needed for the journey. It’s one that pushes back the seemingly overwhelming wave of fear and moves forward bravely in a spirit that protects, that cares for his brother and inspires others to do the same on this journey.
“I have seen you step forward not just for the people you protect but for Luca, for me. You face the enemy soldier, you face the king, not for yourself but for those you care for.” Her mouth tightened. “I know how hard it is. I know you must be afraid, and yet you do it. You are the bravest man I have ever met, and you inspire me to be brave.”
Yes, we’ve gotten to meet him throughout this journey, and these aren’t the exaggerated words of a lovestruck Ariana. She speaks the truth, a beauty that she sees in this man and others have that he has been unable to see in himself. And he’s not the king, or the prince-heir, or a royal diplomat somewhere. He’s Shianan Becknam, the bastard, a mistake by the king that he can’t undo, and the king takes every chance to use Becknam as a punching bag when he sees him. Yet it doesn’t stop Becknam from doing what he knows is right to do. Protect. What the king should be doing. And with Becknam it's not just out of duty. It’s because he cares. It’s why he drags the half dead prince-heir, his friend, from the fight, desperately searching for help. It’s why he repeatedly intervenes for the slave Luca, who has become his best friend, no matter the cost. It’s why he’ll lay down his own life if it means saving Ariana. Yes, Becknam embodies the spirit of this journey, and I love traveling with him, despite how painful his path has been so many times. For indeed he still manages to inspire others just as Ariana says.
As with Luca, who finds himself in a familiar situation of being a slave again, but he’s not panicked like one normally in that state. He’s seen how bad it could be. He’s not serving a master, but a friend, one that would come to his rescue in a moment. And Luca does the same as he has heard the heartfelt cry of pain from Beckham’s crushed spirit repeatedly. The line between the enslaved is nonexistent as Luca knows the scars life’s floggings have left on Beckham. Luca discovers true family isn’t always the blood that runs through your veins, but the ties of brotherhood that come through a more difficult world. It’s one that’s refined by the fire of shared struggle or experience. And it’s the resilience to keep going and to remind your brother to do the same.
Even carry them if need be. Whether they be a slave or the prince-heir. The battlefield is before them. A tentative peace stretches across two worlds like a piece of thread. A single step will break it, and a deadly cycle starts anew. Or perhaps a new spirit is needed for the journey. It’s one that pushes back the seemingly overwhelming wave of fear and moves forward bravely in a spirit that protects, that cares for his brother and inspires others to do the same on this journey.
February 22, 2021
I am once again amazed at how Laura VanArendonk Baugh manages to…well, manage a crazy amount of storylines and characters and make it work. And it works so well.
After the explosive battle climax of the last book, the focus of this book narrows somewhat to keeping the tentative treaty in place. It’s a dance of fantasy politics and interpersonal relationships.
The first half of the book progresses a bit slowly plot-wise, but it was never boring—there was good tension and a heavy focus on the characters I’ve grown to know and love over the last two books. But I kept waiting for something to go terribly wrong…and then it did. And it went so, so wrong and I wanted to scream. (And I mean that in the best way—I ended up devouring the second half of the book in two nights, I was so drawn in!)
There are so many characters and plots progressing at once and I seriously do not know how the author makes it work so well and not be confusing or hard to follow. I will seriously gush about this aspect of the series so much, haha. It’s amazingly complex (plot/worldbuilding wise, character-wise, and just…how it addresses moral and societal issues within the world…it all feels so real and well-developed) and it just feels BIG, and I think that’s what gives it the tone and feel of a true epic fantasy.
(And on a totally random note, I really appreciate that the moral complexity of the climax of the first book is addressed, I wasn’t sure whether it would actually be addressed in story but I appreciated seeing the characters struggle with it!)
All in all, an awesome continuation of an awesome, epic series.
After the explosive battle climax of the last book, the focus of this book narrows somewhat to keeping the tentative treaty in place. It’s a dance of fantasy politics and interpersonal relationships.
The first half of the book progresses a bit slowly plot-wise, but it was never boring—there was good tension and a heavy focus on the characters I’ve grown to know and love over the last two books. But I kept waiting for something to go terribly wrong…and then it did. And it went so, so wrong and I wanted to scream. (And I mean that in the best way—I ended up devouring the second half of the book in two nights, I was so drawn in!)
There are so many characters and plots progressing at once and I seriously do not know how the author makes it work so well and not be confusing or hard to follow. I will seriously gush about this aspect of the series so much, haha. It’s amazingly complex (plot/worldbuilding wise, character-wise, and just…how it addresses moral and societal issues within the world…it all feels so real and well-developed) and it just feels BIG, and I think that’s what gives it the tone and feel of a true epic fantasy.
(And on a totally random note, I really appreciate that the moral complexity of the climax of the first book is addressed, I wasn’t sure whether it would actually be addressed in story but I appreciated seeing the characters struggle with it!)
All in all, an awesome continuation of an awesome, epic series.
December 30, 2021
Book 3 continues to uphold the high standards of the series! What can I say about Shianan? His troubles break my heart and make me wish so many better things for him. But he’s still brave through it all and grows so much in this story! And Luca! Luca is one of my favorites always and I’m as anxious for him to succeed as I am for Shianan. And Soren! He gets to be so interesting in this one. And the Queen! Yikes, when you get to the part I’m thinking of, you’ll have the same emotions I have now (spoiler free here lol!).
Also, Tamaryl can fall off a bridge (I personally don’t like him as much, but he’s a good foil for the rest I guess).
Rated PG-13
—clean romance
—some language
—abuse/slavery themes
—some violence
—some gore
Also, Tamaryl can fall off a bridge (I personally don’t like him as much, but he’s a good foil for the rest I guess).
Rated PG-13
—clean romance
—some language
—abuse/slavery themes
—some violence
—some gore
February 24, 2021
Absorbing Series!
This is an excellent series! It really surprised me that it was so enjoyable. I found them accidentally, too, because Amazon gave me one of those "Customers also bought this" spiels after I had read another author's books. And the recommendation really worked out great! Other than one particular hated trope, (hated on my end at any rate), I loved both the books and the characters. I've just pre-ordered the next release, but it won't be out until the end of December. It'll just give me the excuse to re-read before then. Recommended.
This is an excellent series! It really surprised me that it was so enjoyable. I found them accidentally, too, because Amazon gave me one of those "Customers also bought this" spiels after I had read another author's books. And the recommendation really worked out great! Other than one particular hated trope, (hated on my end at any rate), I loved both the books and the characters. I've just pre-ordered the next release, but it won't be out until the end of December. It'll just give me the excuse to re-read before then. Recommended.
January 8, 2021
One of my favorite fantasy series
I'm not sure what else to say at this point. I've enjoyed every book in this series so far, and I cannot wait for Kin & Kind. I'd recommend this series to teens and older, readers of fantasy, especially those who enjoy a touch of romance, strong familial and brotherly relationships, intrigue, danger, battles, winged enemies from an alternate world, and so much more.
I'm not sure what else to say at this point. I've enjoyed every book in this series so far, and I cannot wait for Kin & Kind. I'd recommend this series to teens and older, readers of fantasy, especially those who enjoy a touch of romance, strong familial and brotherly relationships, intrigue, danger, battles, winged enemies from an alternate world, and so much more.
November 3, 2025
Crown & Creed is a strong and captivating continuation of the Shard of Elan series that deepens both its characters and its world. The cast feels wonderfully human and relatable, and the worldbuilding continues to shine with richness and imagination. While a few plot threads felt a bit uneven or extraneous, the story as a whole remains compelling and rewarding. A magnificent read for fans of heartfelt, high fantasy adventure.
January 8, 2021
Fantastic
It is hard to review the third in a series without spoiling things. The Shard of Elan books continue on to the third installment. I continue loving see these characters interact and develop relationships. This installment included some moments I didn't think I could ever hope for, along with some scenes that had me screaming. Buckle in for this ride.
It is hard to review the third in a series without spoiling things. The Shard of Elan books continue on to the third installment. I continue loving see these characters interact and develop relationships. This installment included some moments I didn't think I could ever hope for, along with some scenes that had me screaming. Buckle in for this ride.
January 19, 2021
Please ma'am, may I have some more?
More, more, more. It's hard to be sorry that this trilogy is now four. Baugh delivers as usual a compelling story with complex issues dealt with by realistic people. There are no easy answers, but there is light in the darkness.
More, more, more. It's hard to be sorry that this trilogy is now four. Baugh delivers as usual a compelling story with complex issues dealt with by realistic people. There are no easy answers, but there is light in the darkness.
January 3, 2021
Gods damn it! The only flaw this book has is that I thought this was a trilogy, not a series, and thus I have to wait to read the next one.
February 1, 2021
It was great. Love this crew and I love loving them, shouting at them, crying with them. Lots of great tension and j can’t wait for the last one!
December 14, 2022
Okay, I have no self control. I broke my self-inflicted rules and read this one. But I might not have much to say about it. Nothing that I haven’t already said….
Great characters. Interesting relationships and conflict.
We are trying to work out a treaty with the bug demons, but keep running into various complications.
It’s very character driven, and in some ways, it feels like a lot of things are winding down action-wise. The ending is more of a character moment too, so part of me was still looking for some bigger conflict to rear its ugly head for the climax but it just—stops. It’s a middle book in a larger series, so I’m not complaining too much.
Just have to read the next one, I guess!
Great characters. Interesting relationships and conflict.
We are trying to work out a treaty with the bug demons, but keep running into various complications.
It’s very character driven, and in some ways, it feels like a lot of things are winding down action-wise. The ending is more of a character moment too, so part of me was still looking for some bigger conflict to rear its ugly head for the climax but it just—stops. It’s a middle book in a larger series, so I’m not complaining too much.
Just have to read the next one, I guess!
January 1, 2022
Possibly even more stunning than books one and two. Fascinating world and characters that I love love LOVE! It made me laugh and shriek many times. Already yearning for book four!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews