Before Crown and Kingdom

Between Ink and Shadows #2

by Melissa Wright

Freedom was more treacherous than she ever imagined. Nimona Weston’s debts are paid. Her contract with the dark society known as the Trust is broken. But the magical ties that bind her to a long-ago bargain are rooted deep. She’s thrust back into the life she’d been forced from as a girl and now her every move is under the watchful eye of the king. A king who wants her dead. But fate has plans of its own and Nim is helpless to stop them, even as the future of the kingdom is placed in her hands.
Magical contracts, blood-debt accountants, and a deadly game. A dark and twisty fantasy that pits magic against kings, perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and The Shadows Between Us.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy Romance, Young Adult, Romantasy, Magic

202 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2021

About the author

Melissa is the author of more than a dozen YA and fantasy novels including The Frey Saga and Between Ink and Shadows. When not writing she can generally be found talking with an author friend about a book, painting something from a book, or tucked between headphones listening to a book. It’s kind of a theme. She loves reasonable heroines in unreasonable situations, noble--if brooding--heroes, slow burn and sweet kisses, a lot of havoc, and a little magic. Stay updated on works in progress at Instagram. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com

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Reviews

[Stephanie Snell]

I’m wondering how many times the author uses the word ‘intimation’…the answer is 60. I had to stop reading. DNF

[Vic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like book one, I like the concept, like the characters and the idea behind the book. But it’s a bit too fast paced and sometimes I can’t understand everything and I don’t know if it’s meant to be that way?
I wish the books were longer and a little more slow paced.

[Jada · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept and characters of this book. But, it is incredibly fast paced and that takes SO much away from the story.

It is genuinely so confusing sometimes. So much happens so quickly that I had no idea what the hell was happening like 40% of the book.

Super disappointed because this could be an amazing series… the execution is just not great.

Still gonna read the third to see how it all ends, I just wish that it was longer and slower paced with more details and story building. But alas, I am not the author.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not need to say much more than the one that I am waiting for the third book.
Highly enjoyable.

[Julie Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is so vague, kind of hard to tell whats really going on. I don't think I would finish if they weren't so short.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Nicole Birnbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the continuing story in the Between Ink and Shadows trilogy and how it seemed to flow a bit more seamlessly than the first book. This tends to happen with sequels because most things do not have to be introduced and explained; instead they are referred to as common knowledge. However, it felt like there was not a lot happening towards the end. Most of the beginning was Warrick wants to marry Nim to keep her safe, something happens to interrupt the ceremony, Nim does something reckless behind Warrick’s back, and repeat. I understand the call of magic is quite hard to resist, especially if you’re Nim and aren’t particularly trying to resist it, but she keeps putting herself into dangerous situations for no reason. There’s no reason for her to visit Callum’s cell on her own or run towards Warrick when she feels his magic tangle with Rhen’s. She is no match for magic, as she has already proven, and all she is doing is putting herself in the line of fire just for Warrick to come back and save her. She needs to stay put and listen to him for once. It’s annoying already.

I also don’t understand why Warrick slaughtered a room full of guards to take the throne. That makes no sense and is completely out of character. Yes, he said he has to take the crown by force to keep it from the Trust, but it’s like he went 0 to 100 real quick.

As I said in my review of the first book, some parts and concepts were confusing, and unfortunately they were not clarified in this book. Leaving the audience with a bit of mystery and suspense is one thing, but it doesn’t make sense to make them question whether or not they understand the actual plot.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent Writing

The book itself was decently written. Pacing was fine. Supporting characters were nice enough and somewhat fleshed out.

But the main character really REALLY annoyed the hell out of me.

Your mileage may vary. For some, she might seem like an accurate portrayal of someone so scared out of their wits they actually become witless. Perhaps people enjoy reading characters like that. Alas, I prefer my characters to have at least two brain cells to rub together and some ability to think through a plan and consider possible outcomes.

I wasn’t over impressed by the end of book one, but I’d started the series and thought I might as well give the second book a chance. Having somehow reached the end of book two despite coming to actively despise the main character I have decided that I will not be purchasing book three.

As I said, the writing is fine and I might consider another series by this author, however I will be carefully reading the reviews in future to make sure any other books she writes are not afflicted by such a terminally stupid character such as this one.

[Hannah Carey]

Rating: 4.5

Highlights
🌟The deepening intrigue regarding The Trust and Warrick’s family.
🌟The action felt like it iced a bit swifter in this book, which kept the tension high.
🌟Nim coming into her own a bit more. I’m still very intrigued to see just how her connection with magic pans out in the end.
🌟The growing of Nim and Warrick’s relationship, and the deepening complexities of it, really made this book for me. I am very much invested in seeing how it all ends in Book 3!

[Leticia Fonseca · Rating 4 out of 5]

vibe caraval em que no segundo livro aparece um personagem fdp e gostoso,Rhen🛐🛐,gente a margery com a alice seriokkkkkkk,gay panic

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is very good, I just with the author was a smidge better at explaining things. Far too often I’m left just going “uk okay” because I have no idea what’s going on. Granted, those moments don’t deter from the larger plot at all more so just smaller details that flesh the whole thing out. Despite that, I enjoyed it and will read the final book.

[Suzanne Delgado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and enjoyable romantasy. I love how the relationship between the FMC & MMC has unfolded in book two. They both want to protect each other and by doing so they mess everything up.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4/27/2021) 4.5 stars.

That ending how could you do this to me yet again, Melissa Wright?!

Before Crown and Kingdom picks up right after Between Ink and Shadows. Nim’s contract is broken but she still feels the pull to the dangers of the Trust’s magic. Every tension-filled page leaves you on the edge of your seat.

Nim will decide the fate of Inara’s heir but how that’ll come to be is left to be answered another time (which kills me!!). We really are in Nim’s shoes; We concurrently learn the intricacies of the magic system as Nim does. We’re meant to be left in the dark just as much as Nim is.

Magical bargains are double edged swords that require sacrifice, so what will it take to permanently break free of the those bonds, to go on a path that is she chose for herself while every misstep could be a life altering mistake?

We learn a lot about the extent to which Nim and Warrick would go for one another and their other loved ones, and it is both heart-warming and painful, especially when it comes to Warrick! Even if Nim gets certain intimations from him, we don’t know everything he is thinking or doing. I would love to get a whole POV from Warrick but I know it would ruin a lot of the mysteries of the story (I’m just throwing it out there for potential bonus content maybe? 😉)

Ultimately, the story asks you: What would you sacrifice for the one’s you love? I can’t wait for the next installment and I can’t help be a little upset that Melissa Wright yet again leaves us on such a crazy ending!!! The books in this series are short and sweet but it just means i get through it faster and experience book hangover for longer LOL

[Megan Vaughn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping that this book would clarify some of the things I was confused about in the first book but nope. Got halfway through and had to stop. I like a good mystery and suspense but when everyone but the reader knows what’s going on- not a good way to keep my attention. She knows they are brothers but once he figures out that she knows(because dude literally says says “hi brother”) they don’t even have a conversation about it? Or maybe they did but it was through mind reading so the reader doesnt know what they discussed. Also how can Nim even read minds? Did I miss that explanation? Why cant they just have normal conversations. Also I thought the stuff Warrick had Nim steal broke her contract but in this book she says she’s still bond to the Trust? No clue what’s going on in this book. The magic is also confusing and needs better explanation

[Zerin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise for this was interesting and the plot had some promise, but it didn't really click with me. The characters would make discoveries and decisions that were supposed to be hugely monumental, but I didn't really understand the significance behind them. The bargain that Nim's parents made was still pretty vague and Nim's magic-sensing is too; it took me a while to realize that she was literally sensing magic and it was more than overly-descriptive words for her feelings. I felt that this would have made more narrative sense if it had slowed down and fleshed out the worldbuilding details a bit more. However, I understand the book was written for a YA audience and not hard-core epic fantasy enthusiasts, so I can let that slide. The side characters were quite well-written and at times more engaging than the main characters, but I didn't mind that much. Overall, I don't think I was in the right mood for this, but it's clear that the author is passionate about her story and put a lot of work into it. If you like court intrigue, struggles for power, and scheming on multiple levels, you may enjoy this.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and compelling read

I flew through this book as the story of Nim and Warrick continued. Loved it and can’t wait to dive into book 3.

[Juliette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realllllly want to like these books, because the premise is intriguing. However, I found myself having to take breaks from this one, because of how senseless the main characters were.

I genuinely dislike the miscommunication trope, and this book is ONLY miscommunication. I was so enraged by the wedding scene. I’m supposed to believe that Nim is going to marry this man who hasn’t had one bit of effective communication the entire book, and keeps telling her to stay in her room?! I was so worried about Nim’s self-esteem, because why else would someone marry a man who thinks sending visions is an effective form of communication? Every time Nim tries to help the situation she makes it exponentially worse, and that isn’t HER fault. It’s Warrick’s! Nim has been in the dark about magic her entire life, and when she gets fooled by the trust she is so self-deprecating, but how else would she know? When Rhen calls Warrick “brother” in front of Nim, Warrick is so pressed, because he thinks she doesn’t know. Then the two of them NEVER acknowledge it. Warrick’s avoidant attachment is exacerbated because our girl Nim is ALSO avoidant as fuck!

I’m already this far and the books are pretty short so I’m going to finish the series, but I can’t help but feel disappointed. The writing itself is structured in an interesting way, and Mary Jane Wells performance of the audiobook does a lot to salvage the text, but the entire book is Nim getting captured by the trust, either willingly or unwillingly, and Warrick breaking or making a bunch of oaths to save her. Because apparently just explaining the rules of magic to your fiancé who will LITERALLY decide the fate of YOUR kingdom is too much to ask!!

I really really wished I liked these books, and I think I would read more of this author. I’ve heard the author mention she was sick during writing these, and I think the premise is SO interesting. Outside of Nim and oftentimes Warrick, I really love the other characters, and the world of magic is such an interesting premise that I can’t help but feel like these books were a missed opportunity.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its ok.

I love me a bit of fantasy & royal intrigue but Im not going to lie, I struggled to finish this book.
I feel like the decisions made by the characters were not fully believeable - half the time I didn't understand what was going on & the reasons for some of the things that happened were a bit like ...whats going on here??

As much as I was rooting for Nim & Warrick (& Margery too - who I thought we needed more of!) I couldn't *quite* grasp WHAT was happening & why Nim kept making what appeared to be really random choices.

*****SPOILER ALERT *******




In one scene towards the end Nim is half dead from her confrontation with the Queen & she jumps out (more like stumbles) of a carriage to confront Callum & Rhen. Not a lot happens & she barely makes sense when she talks & they basically answer her saying "You know nothing" .
And Im like.... WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THAT WHOLE SCENE???

If you read the authors note at the end she admits she was ill & had "brain fog" half the time while writing this book.
This is unfortunate & makes me wonder what her publishers were thinking encouraging her to continue writing it!??
Im sorry, love, but your brain fog is showing....

As much as I WANT to know how the story ends, Im not sure I can bring myself to read the next book & slog my way through it. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️
Maybe another time when I have nothing else to read. (Which is highly unlikely....theres always MORE books. 😊)

[Rae Redwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to give this a 4.5 but the app does not allow. I enjoyed this book a lot, I do find that through this series the wording is purposefully older which I like but to some can/will be overwhelming and hard to register. I advise a kindle or somthing where words are easily looked up where some words can throw you. Unfortunately but fortunately I had an ARC drop during this book and with a timeline I focused on the ARC but I found the book was easily picked back up with no drama of shit where was I… I enjoy the FMC and the twists and turns within this book. The other characters hold big parts and roles throughout which holds the story for me where it’s not all about the main characters but about the entire group/story. I find the other characters give this story the depth it needs and enjoy the realisation I truly did not see coming at the end which somtimes can be hard not to be predictable for authors. I think it’s a good series so far and I will be finishing. I feel the book is dyslexic friendly also but a challenge due to the writing style but worth it! I struggle with the damsel aspect of the FMC in this book but I feel this may turn but that’s personal preference and that’s the reason for the happy star.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand the main female character really started to annoy the crap out of me the more the book progressed. Many times she just really seemed childish and has no control on her impulses which just gets her into these situations that causes more trouble than anything else. I also don't really feel the connection between the main couple, I'm still trying to figure out how they really came together in the first book and how it's continuing because it's not as if they are fated mates but I don't really see how they fit together. And then on the other hand the annoying main female character and the fact that I don't really care for the main couple doesn't really bother me for once because the world itself is still very interesting and the plot is interesting and I'm still very curious to find out what happens next. So that's why I've given it three stars and I will be reading the last book because they're not that long anyway and I want to know how It ends.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read and a pretty good follow-up to the first. I'll read the third to finish off the series, because I am invested in the two main characters, but I found myself more confused in this one about the magic system. I really hoped things would be more clear, as this was something the second book didn't really get into, but Nim (and we) are just as baffled at the end, it seems.

I do enjoy Nim's character and her relationship with Warrick (for the most part). And I like that she has these other friendships, though there was a dreadful lack of Margery, Allister, and Alice in this book. There is an intriguing new character but I'm still not sure I trust them.

Rhen to me was just super annoying and, because we don't get more explanation about the magic system, just frustrating. Why is his magic sensed differently by Nim? Who knows?! I really hope we get more explanation of things in the third book, but I really don't feel like readers should have to wait until the third one to make sense of the first two.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.75/5
Main tropes:

Hidden magic
Magical heist
Secret identity
Destiny

Review:
Before Crown and Kingdom ended up being a slight step down for me after the first book, (which I rated 3.25). While the series still has that light, easy-to-read fantasy vibe, this installment didn’t feel like it expanded on the strengths of the opener as much as I’d hoped. The world and magic remain interesting in concept, but they’re still pretty vague, and this time around it was harder to overlook how little depth they’re given.

The pacing continued to be an issue, some parts felt rushed, while others dragged without adding much substance. I also found myself wanting more meaningful character development and stronger emotional connections, especially since this book had the chance to build on what was already set up. It wasn’t an unpleasant read, but it felt a bit flat and forgettable, delivering less of that fun, engaging spark that carried the first book for me.

[Nicole Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

after reading the first book i was really interested to see where this was headed. i enjoyed the insights into being inside the castle, and the plot twists that came with warrick having another brother to cause chaos. i think i wanted more of that chaos, i found it really interesting when it got to those parts but i wanted it to continue for longer. i felt like there was such a build up to meeting the queen from all the way in book one, and we still only got to see her for a glimpse of the book. why did nim keep having to go being warrick’s back? why don’t people just talk to each other and tell them of their plans. i know that would ruin the whole suspense, but every time something like that happened i’d just shake my head. the marriage was rushed — these characters deserve better.

overall, the darker parts of this book pulled me in wanting for more. the book ends on a cliffhanger and im left wondering.. where is wesley? if anything happens to him i will riot.

[LilaDream31 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questa storia si conferma appassionante e ben costruita.
I personaggi sono abbastanza ben delineati e la storia si dipana tra picchi di alta tensione e momenti di riflessione.
Come per gli altri libri della stessa autrice un po' debole il world building, anche se decisamente migliore rispetto a libri meno recenti.
Mi piace molto la protagonista Nim, un equilibrato connubio tra un'eroina pronta a tutto e una donna sull'orlo di una crisi per aver perso tutto. È ben caratterizzata e gioca bene il suo ruolo.
Peccato che in Italia l'autrice non sia mai stata tradotta, perché di quel che ho letto finora le storie sono comunque interessanti e originali.
Per chi non è abituato a leggere in inglese: non c'è da temere, la costruzione delle frasi è piuttosto semplice e il lessico abbastanza semplice. Se siete ad un livello intermedio non avrete problemi nella comprensione.

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I lost my attention span in this one or if the story just lost its pull on me because I definitely didn't love book two as much as book 1.

The book goes by in a blink, but yet so much happens in that blink at I feel like ingot hit upside the head with it all, and I'm struggling to come to terms with it.

There's not enough of this book for everything that happened in it. I constantly felt like I was being bombarded by new information and new villains and new allies. I honestly had to stop a few times just to get my bearings.

That being said, I like the story. The plot is absolutely there, I just with the author took a breath and maybe slowed things down a little bit. I could use a little bit more character development and world building. Maybe some background into the magic system.

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Crown and Kingdom
Between Ink and Shadows #2
Fantasy
Melissa Wright
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

• ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛꜱ • ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ • ʙᴀʀɢᴀɪɴꜱ •

There were certain things that happened in this book that didn't make sense to me, because of what had happened in the previous one.

I still like Nim but she started to annoy me a little. Every single time Warrick asked her do something, she did the opposite immediately without thinking ahead and without considering the consequences. It made her feel immature and too impulsive.

So much could've been dealt with and solved if Nim and Warrick just stopped keeping secrets from each other.

The pacing was a bit too slow for me and I found myself skimming paragraphs here and there.

The ending was ok but again, it was based on secrets being revealed and almost everyone being shocked. I'm curious enough that I'll read the next book

[Allie♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

✩1.2 Stars✩

જ⁀➴“My duty is to protect and provide for my lady by order of the seneschal”

~Storyline

Nim constitutes on her journey to cut her ties to dark magic. She begins to work underneath Warrick whilst being in love with him. Nothing much else happens in this book.

જ⁀➴“For as long as she could remember her only goal was to gain freedom. Warrick had done that for her.”

~Thoughts

This was the most pointless book I have ever read. The first book was interesting and it left me excited to read the next one. When I tell you nothing happened in this book, I mean it. The character development in this book was non-existent and the entirety of its existence is futile. Thanks for listening to my Ted-Talk.

જ⁀➴“She could not help the smile that tugged at her lips as she found the paneled door leading into his rooms.”

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pity I have to wait until 2022 for the 3rd book to be released. The cliffhanger left me a bit wounded and wanted the Happily Every Ending for Warrick and Nim. I'm crossing my fingers that everything will work out in the end for them.

If you enjoy SLOW BURN ROMANCES, this is your book! I absolutely loved Warrick. He is dark and mysterious but everything he does is to protect Nim even when he knows he needs to put the Kingdom first. Every chapter kept me on my toes and wishing I didn't have to go to work the next day so I could continue reading.

"And yet, she'd chosen Warrick, despite his magic, his connections, and a warning from the king. She'd chosen him, it was terrifying, and she still had every desire to walk right through behind him."

[Sarah Rudkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is this book!?!?

DNF six chapters in. What am I reading? None of this makes any sense? I feel like every paragraph I’ve missed three pages. Where is the description of the world? What is the point? What time period is this supposed to echo? Literally one of the most confusing books I’ve ever read. I was so hooked on the first few chapters of the first one, then I was beyond confused at the end, so I started this one hoping I’d get some clarity and it’s just not worth it anymore. Not going to waste my time.

Also, how many times can the author use the word “intimation”? Utterly ridiculous. Frustrating because I think there is potential there? I like the characters for the most part but WHAT!! What even is this book lol.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great descent from the first

The plot of this second book seemed to be secrets just to be secrets. There are two satisfying ways to go with secrets. The first is dramatic irony where the reader understands what the rules are but the character does not and therefore makes poor choices. The second is the reader is also left in mystery, but the author provides sufficient clues and foreshadowing to promise that the revealed secrets will be rewarding and make previous actions understandable. Neither occurred in this book. Instead characters did things that made no sense, and the rules for magic were x except when y, except when z, and then suddenly just weren’t there. If you are okay with the ending for book 1 I would call it there.