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Echoes of the Crown
Her Kingdom was taken. Her power suppressed. Her memories erased…
Banished from the Kingdom of Noraquros; a world of elementals, Princess Larayne Hailstrom is flung into the human world and left with no memory of who she is or where she came from.
However, struggling to fit in, in 1930s Spain, Larayne becomes plagued with visions of another life. A life of love, laughter and legacy. When these visions awaken tendrils of a twisted power in her soul, Larayne starts to question everything she’s been told. Questions that only multiply when a handsome soldier with raven hair and emerald eyes races into her life and Larayne is convinced she’s seen him before.
The more their paths cross and their worlds irrevocably collide, the more Larayne discovers that there is more to both of them than either realise.
**If you can’t get enough of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Mass, or Kelly St. Clare then you will love this dive into a world of elemental magic, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a story of triumph in the face of trials with a sweeping cast of diverse characters.**
Banished from the Kingdom of Noraquros; a world of elementals, Princess Larayne Hailstrom is flung into the human world and left with no memory of who she is or where she came from.
However, struggling to fit in, in 1930s Spain, Larayne becomes plagued with visions of another life. A life of love, laughter and legacy. When these visions awaken tendrils of a twisted power in her soul, Larayne starts to question everything she’s been told. Questions that only multiply when a handsome soldier with raven hair and emerald eyes races into her life and Larayne is convinced she’s seen him before.
The more their paths cross and their worlds irrevocably collide, the more Larayne discovers that there is more to both of them than either realise.
**If you can’t get enough of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Mass, or Kelly St. Clare then you will love this dive into a world of elemental magic, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a story of triumph in the face of trials with a sweeping cast of diverse characters.**
ebook
Published February 15, 2022
9 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
S. McPherson
26 books274 followersHey there, Pixies,
Welcome to my playground.
If you'd like to learn a bit more about me, feel free to send me a message and/or read on:
S. McPherson is a young British expat living in Dubai and working as a kindergarten teacher. When she is not at work immersed in a world of imagination and fantasy created by the children, she is immersed in her own worlds of imagination and fantasy at home, dreaming up tales and writing them down.
Fit for the Throne is S. McPherson’s latest series full of hope, heart and heat!!
Welcome to my playground.
If you'd like to learn a bit more about me, feel free to send me a message and/or read on:
S. McPherson is a young British expat living in Dubai and working as a kindergarten teacher. When she is not at work immersed in a world of imagination and fantasy created by the children, she is immersed in her own worlds of imagination and fantasy at home, dreaming up tales and writing them down.
Fit for the Throne is S. McPherson’s latest series full of hope, heart and heat!!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 13, 2022
The characters are full of personality and the plot really got my attention. This book was really good, but I'm sad it ended so soon.
January 27, 2022
This story is from a new to me author and I could not put this book down and finished in 2 days. I can not wait for the next book in the series and hope it will be out soon. I will absolutely be reading the next book in the series and looking for more from this author.
February 16, 2022
I'm going to start off by saying that this Author is a master of words, world-building, and fiery romance. This story takes you for a ride, you don't want to stop!! Cannot wait to see where the Author takes us in this series!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
March 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 /5
This book is epic fantasy romance packed with lots of heart, high stakes, and sweeping romance. A whirlwind of a read, it will pull you into the pages for a wild, fantastical ride that will leave a lasting impression sure to inspire you well after you’re finished reading.
💜 Fierce female leads and loads of black girl magic
I loved both of the female lead characters (Larayne/Lenka and Ayre). These characters were compelling and relatable. They were brave, smart, strong and fierce but they weren’t invincible.
They had moments of weakness, of vulnerability, and quite a few predicaments that left them in tough situations. I love how they didn’t succeed at everything. They had scars, they bled, but they kept fighting and didn’t back down.
This story is told from multiple POVs. I typically prefer single POVs because I usually connect better with one character over others. But I enjoyed all povs in this book. (Ayre was my favorite, though).
💜Unique setting and immersive world building
I love the settings in this book. It switches back and forth between the stunning supernatural Kingdom of Noraquros (where the people have long life spans unique elemental abilities) and a unique portrayal of Spain.
While the Noraquros setting did feel more established, I appreciated the fact that the less fantastical setting took place in a location and time period not frequently explored in the manner that McPherson writes it. I found it refreshing, and the hint of possible pirate adventures in the sequel is intriguing too.
Another aspect of the world building I appreciated was the use of language. McPherson’s use of slang and language native to her setting further immersed me into the world and cultures she created.
One of the biggest highlights of this book was McPherson’s unique take on elemental magic/abilities. I loved how the different elemental powers were described and the characteristics that came with them. The characters were powerful but they had believable and realistic weaknesses that enhanced the story.
💜Quotable, memorable lines
The writing was beautiful. Not in a purple prose, excessively flowery kind of way, but in a way that resonates even after the book is closed and you’re finished reading.
Some of the lines I really enjoyed:
- ‘You were once incredibly powerful beings, a raging fire. But in every life, that power fades. Now,’ she waved her teaspoon in my direction, ‘you are the ashes. Ashes of legends. Echoes of a fallen crown.’
- “if you’re going to cause a scene, make it unforgettable.”
- “With her gaze lifted to the stars, Appollonia desperately clung to some beauty left in the world when she was surrounded by such ugliness.”
- ‘Pesky things, aren’t they? Hearts.’ His breath shuddered across the tip of my ear. ‘They seem to remember things even when the mind forgets.’
💜The fast paced, nail-biting action
There were a few times I didn’t think some of the characters would make it out alive. McPherson does an excellent job of creating tension, high stakes and realistic, believable conflict. She makes her characters work for their victories , and rarely do they leave a battle or situation unscathed.
Romance Level: 😍 Swoon-worthy
If you love fated lovers with sizzling chemistry plagued by tragic curses don’t sleep on this! There is also at least one other potential romance with great banter and slow burn potential (my favorite).
📌Please note:
- Cliffhanger alert! I’m hoping book 2 will answer some of the nagging, unanswered questions I have about some of the minor/supporting characters. This isn’t a bad thing though. I guess I’m just really invested and can’t wait to read more😆
- Content Warnings: executions, child death, death of parent, assault, mention of poverty and hunger, serious physical injury, mention of maiming/violent acts
This book is epic fantasy romance packed with lots of heart, high stakes, and sweeping romance. A whirlwind of a read, it will pull you into the pages for a wild, fantastical ride that will leave a lasting impression sure to inspire you well after you’re finished reading.
💜 Fierce female leads and loads of black girl magic
I loved both of the female lead characters (Larayne/Lenka and Ayre). These characters were compelling and relatable. They were brave, smart, strong and fierce but they weren’t invincible.
They had moments of weakness, of vulnerability, and quite a few predicaments that left them in tough situations. I love how they didn’t succeed at everything. They had scars, they bled, but they kept fighting and didn’t back down.
This story is told from multiple POVs. I typically prefer single POVs because I usually connect better with one character over others. But I enjoyed all povs in this book. (Ayre was my favorite, though).
💜Unique setting and immersive world building
I love the settings in this book. It switches back and forth between the stunning supernatural Kingdom of Noraquros (where the people have long life spans unique elemental abilities) and a unique portrayal of Spain.
While the Noraquros setting did feel more established, I appreciated the fact that the less fantastical setting took place in a location and time period not frequently explored in the manner that McPherson writes it. I found it refreshing, and the hint of possible pirate adventures in the sequel is intriguing too.
Another aspect of the world building I appreciated was the use of language. McPherson’s use of slang and language native to her setting further immersed me into the world and cultures she created.
One of the biggest highlights of this book was McPherson’s unique take on elemental magic/abilities. I loved how the different elemental powers were described and the characteristics that came with them. The characters were powerful but they had believable and realistic weaknesses that enhanced the story.
💜Quotable, memorable lines
The writing was beautiful. Not in a purple prose, excessively flowery kind of way, but in a way that resonates even after the book is closed and you’re finished reading.
Some of the lines I really enjoyed:
- ‘You were once incredibly powerful beings, a raging fire. But in every life, that power fades. Now,’ she waved her teaspoon in my direction, ‘you are the ashes. Ashes of legends. Echoes of a fallen crown.’
- “if you’re going to cause a scene, make it unforgettable.”
- “With her gaze lifted to the stars, Appollonia desperately clung to some beauty left in the world when she was surrounded by such ugliness.”
- ‘Pesky things, aren’t they? Hearts.’ His breath shuddered across the tip of my ear. ‘They seem to remember things even when the mind forgets.’
💜The fast paced, nail-biting action
There were a few times I didn’t think some of the characters would make it out alive. McPherson does an excellent job of creating tension, high stakes and realistic, believable conflict. She makes her characters work for their victories , and rarely do they leave a battle or situation unscathed.
Romance Level: 😍 Swoon-worthy
If you love fated lovers with sizzling chemistry plagued by tragic curses don’t sleep on this! There is also at least one other potential romance with great banter and slow burn potential (my favorite).
📌Please note:
- Cliffhanger alert! I’m hoping book 2 will answer some of the nagging, unanswered questions I have about some of the minor/supporting characters. This isn’t a bad thing though. I guess I’m just really invested and can’t wait to read more😆
- Content Warnings: executions, child death, death of parent, assault, mention of poverty and hunger, serious physical injury, mention of maiming/violent acts
January 23, 2022
Loved this book, the way that McPherson created the 2 worlds 1 of humans and one of the Supernatural was incredible. Larayne/Lenka is a sassy kick butt heroine who is along with Ash/Eoin her royal guard and love of her life are both thrown into the human world with their minds erased. Finding each other they battle their way to return to there own world with the help of Ayre her best friend and her brother Haze they need to overthrow her father King Cyclonus and bring the kingdom back. Can they do it? You have to read to to find out.
January 26, 2023
I really enjoyed the romance element of the book and the writing was wonderful. Great descriptions, great elemental magic concepts and world building throughout. My main issue was the complexity of characters and plot at the very beginning which made it difficult to understand where we were and when. It evened out by the end and had a satisfying conclusion but just too a while to get there.
Really love Haze and Eoin, great book boyfriends to sink your teeth into lol
Really love Haze and Eoin, great book boyfriends to sink your teeth into lol
February 13, 2022
An intriguing story of the human world together with the paranormal one. This made for a perfect book to be enjoyed by everyone. Well written, loved the characters.
February 20, 2022
Very captivating. Interesting. I could not stop reading it. I wanted to tear off my hair when I saw that the next book has not been released. I am waiting patiently for the next book. I can’t wait to know what’s gonna be up for rayne and Ash. Even Ayre and Haze.
February 2, 2022
this was a beautifully done fantasy novel, I loved getting to know the characters and the world. this was a great start to the A Court of Echoes series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2022
3.75 STARS
This is a great indie historical fantasy romance.
The story floats between two worlds, and different eras in time. It can be a little confusing to grasp when and where everything is at first, but each of the characters stories are entertaining to read. I especially loved the passages of Appolonia and Roe.
It has the fated love trope which is a favorite of mine and would be perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.
MY Star Rating System:
⭐️ It was inappropriate and I would not recommend it to anyone
⭐️⭐️ Moments we’re good but overall I wasn’t a fan of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A solid and good read that I enjoyed and would recommend to readers. (What I rate most of my books)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I absolutely loved this book and might obsess over for a while
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I connected with this book and it has become an all time favorite. It is my new personality!
This is a great indie historical fantasy romance.
The story floats between two worlds, and different eras in time. It can be a little confusing to grasp when and where everything is at first, but each of the characters stories are entertaining to read. I especially loved the passages of Appolonia and Roe.
It has the fated love trope which is a favorite of mine and would be perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.
MY Star Rating System:
⭐️ It was inappropriate and I would not recommend it to anyone
⭐️⭐️ Moments we’re good but overall I wasn’t a fan of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A solid and good read that I enjoyed and would recommend to readers. (What I rate most of my books)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I absolutely loved this book and might obsess over for a while
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I connected with this book and it has become an all time favorite. It is my new personality!
May 28, 2023
Could Just Be Me
*****Spoilers*****
Lenka and Eoin are something to one another, lovers across eons at least, potentially in love as well. The book starts with them in a palace where Lenka is next in line to a throne of immortals who have powers, and since it's a previous life, they have different names there. They jump out of bed together when they learn that Lenka's mother was murdered by her uncle. That uncle then banishes Lenka and Eoin to the human realm with a curse to forget everything and for their supporters that remain to slowly become demons and take their anger out on and attack their loved ones. The rest of the book is following to current iteration of the two lovers who've been reborn many times over 600 years. This time they have more backing them to recovering who they are and returning to their world to end the curse. Lenka must kill her uncle to end the curse but needs a special blade since he's immortal.
I think it was an interesting idea and very different which I thought was great. Even so, I couldn't get into this book. There were too many changes in perspective and I didn't particularly care for or want to read about whatever was going on with Lenka's brother and their long time friend. I don't see how Lenka will ever get over the fact that Eoin brought her father to justice for killing a prince many years ago and preventing Lenka from saving him when she had the chance. Since the book starts when Lenka and Eoin already have a relationship, a relationship that is incomplete, I found that I could care less about whether they would find one another and get back whatever they had in their world.
Overall, I think the book could use more explanation but its unique storyline was a plus. I'm not interested in the next so won't pick it up.
*****Spoilers*****
Lenka and Eoin are something to one another, lovers across eons at least, potentially in love as well. The book starts with them in a palace where Lenka is next in line to a throne of immortals who have powers, and since it's a previous life, they have different names there. They jump out of bed together when they learn that Lenka's mother was murdered by her uncle. That uncle then banishes Lenka and Eoin to the human realm with a curse to forget everything and for their supporters that remain to slowly become demons and take their anger out on and attack their loved ones. The rest of the book is following to current iteration of the two lovers who've been reborn many times over 600 years. This time they have more backing them to recovering who they are and returning to their world to end the curse. Lenka must kill her uncle to end the curse but needs a special blade since he's immortal.
I think it was an interesting idea and very different which I thought was great. Even so, I couldn't get into this book. There were too many changes in perspective and I didn't particularly care for or want to read about whatever was going on with Lenka's brother and their long time friend. I don't see how Lenka will ever get over the fact that Eoin brought her father to justice for killing a prince many years ago and preventing Lenka from saving him when she had the chance. Since the book starts when Lenka and Eoin already have a relationship, a relationship that is incomplete, I found that I could care less about whether they would find one another and get back whatever they had in their world.
Overall, I think the book could use more explanation but its unique storyline was a plus. I'm not interested in the next so won't pick it up.
February 13, 2022
This entertaining read is full of action, adventure, danger, mystery, and romance. The author did an amazing job building this world, its characters and storyline. Princess Larayne is cursed and exiled with no memories of home, but with some interesting tales, drawings in a cave, and mysterious visions more of her memories begin to return. Now armed with new knowledge a handsome mate and courageous friends the curse just may meet its end. I cannot wait to read what happens next. This is one book you do not want to miss.
March 19, 2022
This is such a great read and so good that I could not put it down! The world building is incredible, the storyline gripping , exciting and full of action, adventure, danger, mystery, and romance. Our female mc is a banished and cursed princess who has her memories suppressed and is abandoned in the human world. It’s a beautifully written tale that captures your imagination and holds you close as you wait to see if Princess Larayne can rediscover her former life and end her curse and find love. An enthralling read that will leave you excited for the next book.
May 10, 2022
This book dives right into the action, which is my favorite type of beginning. It was fast-paced, but not in a way that made me feel like I was missing the plot. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!
June 3, 2022
Storm&Fire
I love it when you really don't know what the book is about, don't you? I would definitely recommend this book to readers who are mood readers. My 5 stars came from the fact that I could never have guessed the plot twist and the main character's cultural diversity.
I love it when you really don't know what the book is about, don't you? I would definitely recommend this book to readers who are mood readers. My 5 stars came from the fact that I could never have guessed the plot twist and the main character's cultural diversity.
April 7, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
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y’all this book 😭. i wasn’t expecting it to be this good. i want more! i need more!
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y’all this book 😭. i wasn’t expecting it to be this good. i want more! i need more!
October 27, 2022
Easy to read love it
February 17, 2022
Prepare to be dazzled by an adventure fantasy that hits the ground running.
Crown Princess Larayne and her bodyguard/ lover Ash are suddenly cast out of their world with its magic and mayhem and thrown through a portal to earth where they are cursed with their minds erased and their love shattered.
Despite her brother, Crown Prince Haze, searching for years he has no idea what happened to his sister or where in human history she was flung. One day he finds a small magical signature of his lost sister, but it could be too late as their evil Uncle is about to destroy the rebellion and take the throne.
Meanwhile, on earth, Lenka is wary of the power growing within her. She knows that if the English find out, they will kill her and take her parents away. But hints of her power have reached the soldiers and Eoin is sent to find and capture her. She is fiery and confident and oh, so familiar. But he’s on the other side of this fight. She’s in the wrong. So why does being with her feel so right?
Unlike anything you’ve read before with fantasy, historical and myths all entwined and served up by a forceful heroine, a flirtatious prince and side characters that make you fall in love with them over and over.
The world-building of both the magical realm of Noraquros and the not-quite earth as we know it Spain are detailed and descriptive and filled with lush prose that make both places come alive.
For lovers of fantasy, for lovers of historical romance and for those who want to try something bit different, you can do no better than try Echoes of the Crown.
Crown Princess Larayne and her bodyguard/ lover Ash are suddenly cast out of their world with its magic and mayhem and thrown through a portal to earth where they are cursed with their minds erased and their love shattered.
Despite her brother, Crown Prince Haze, searching for years he has no idea what happened to his sister or where in human history she was flung. One day he finds a small magical signature of his lost sister, but it could be too late as their evil Uncle is about to destroy the rebellion and take the throne.
Meanwhile, on earth, Lenka is wary of the power growing within her. She knows that if the English find out, they will kill her and take her parents away. But hints of her power have reached the soldiers and Eoin is sent to find and capture her. She is fiery and confident and oh, so familiar. But he’s on the other side of this fight. She’s in the wrong. So why does being with her feel so right?
Unlike anything you’ve read before with fantasy, historical and myths all entwined and served up by a forceful heroine, a flirtatious prince and side characters that make you fall in love with them over and over.
The world-building of both the magical realm of Noraquros and the not-quite earth as we know it Spain are detailed and descriptive and filled with lush prose that make both places come alive.
For lovers of fantasy, for lovers of historical romance and for those who want to try something bit different, you can do no better than try Echoes of the Crown.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews