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Shadow World: The Vampire Debt #5
The Vampire Crown
To save the man she loves, Clara must break a curse that has only ever ended in death. But doing so may just cost Clara her life and her humanity. What chance does a human have against powerful demons and the vampire queen?
The Vampire Crown is a full-length paranormal-fantasy romance. This is a five-book series that establishes the Shadow World universe. It's perfect for readers who love fantasy, vampires, steamy slow-burn romance, and flawed characters that aren’t what you might expect.
The Vampire Crown is a full-length paranormal-fantasy romance. This is a five-book series that establishes the Shadow World universe. It's perfect for readers who love fantasy, vampires, steamy slow-burn romance, and flawed characters that aren’t what you might expect.
Unknown Binding
First published September 11, 2021
34 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Ali Winters
35 books506 followersBorn and raised in the PNW, Ali Winters is a USA Today bestselling and the award-winning author of The Vampire Debt series and The Hunted series.
She’s been mesmerized by the extraordinary worlds within books for as long as she can remember. One evening an idea for a book formed and refused to leave until she wrote it. She jumped headfirst into the career that has called to her since she opened her first book. And there hasn’t been a single moment without a story begging to be told since.
Follow Ali on these platforms:
www.aliwinters.com
www.facebook.com/authoraliwinters
www.instagram.com/authoraliwinters
www.twitter.com/aliwinters_
www.bookbub.com/authors/ali-winters
Ali's Books
The Hunted series (complete)
The Reapers
The Exodus
The Moirai
The Fallen
Flirting with Death
The Hunted omnibus (complete series set)
In The End (complete)
Sound of Silence
Light in Darkness
In The End omnibus (May 2021)
Shadow World
www.thevampiredebt.com
The Vampire Debt
The Vampire Curse
The Vampire Court
The Vampire Oath
The Vampire Crown (March. 2022)
The Vampire Betrayal (A prequel/origin bonus story. Release date: TBD)
She’s been mesmerized by the extraordinary worlds within books for as long as she can remember. One evening an idea for a book formed and refused to leave until she wrote it. She jumped headfirst into the career that has called to her since she opened her first book. And there hasn’t been a single moment without a story begging to be told since.
Follow Ali on these platforms:
www.aliwinters.com
www.facebook.com/authoraliwinters
www.instagram.com/authoraliwinters
www.twitter.com/aliwinters_
www.bookbub.com/authors/ali-winters
Ali's Books
The Hunted series (complete)
The Reapers
The Exodus
The Moirai
The Fallen
Flirting with Death
The Hunted omnibus (complete series set)
In The End (complete)
Sound of Silence
Light in Darkness
In The End omnibus (May 2021)
Shadow World
www.thevampiredebt.com
The Vampire Debt
The Vampire Curse
The Vampire Court
The Vampire Oath
The Vampire Crown (March. 2022)
The Vampire Betrayal (A prequel/origin bonus story. Release date: TBD)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 5, 2023
These are my opinion, I understand people feel differently.
1. JUSTICE FOR CASSIUS. Wtf was that death all about? It was so basic for such a massive character in the series.
2. The sister and father’s death was just so easily brushed off. I truly did not understand the sisters character. In the earlier books when she said she was faking ill I was rooting for her death. I hated that Clara so easily forgave her, so then when she died I felt nothing. Was I suppose to? Her character was awful, even her last words proved she was a bitch. But considering Clara loved her then surely there should have been more emotion in the scenes after.
3. Alaric is my little nightmare. What an absolute wet wipe of a man. Him not getting his memories back? I’d have taken that as a great reason to run off with Cassius. He didn’t deserve a happily ever after.
4. The amount of spell check these books need is WILD. Things such as double letters, lack of capitalisation, wrong use of capitalisation. Dear lord. Can’t believe I had to pay for these books.
5. There was a moment in this books where Alaric thinks “it doesn’t matter how” and then in Clara’s POV she states “I don’t understand how it worked” well as a reader I would bloody well like to know. You can’t just say oh btw this can happen, even though it’s never been mentioned at or hinted before, it can definitely happen and you just need to accept that…
6. Swans… swans?
7. Why did you mention some kind of weird sexual tension between Della and Oliver if it was never going to amount to anything? I think several times in the books the writer hinted at something only for nothing to come of it. Not a fan of that. Don’t tease me like that.
8. For me, I need more emotional inner monologue with extreme detail. I felt so unattached to all characters because there just wasn’t enough emotional investment for me. Cassius had the most loveliest and romantic things to say, but most of Clara’s inner monologue was just oh well I don’t like him like that. Then when he died it just felt so flat, and we moved on so quickly. Her not even giving him a quick kiss as she left him after all he had done for her was a bit shady to me.
I think the premise was always there for the storyline, I just think the writer needs more work on development. Using Easter eggs to bring up things later in the book. More emotional descriptions. Not using so many characters- it was so confusing. Plus a proofreader, at least for the kindle.
2.5 stars for me.
1. JUSTICE FOR CASSIUS. Wtf was that death all about? It was so basic for such a massive character in the series.
2. The sister and father’s death was just so easily brushed off. I truly did not understand the sisters character. In the earlier books when she said she was faking ill I was rooting for her death. I hated that Clara so easily forgave her, so then when she died I felt nothing. Was I suppose to? Her character was awful, even her last words proved she was a bitch. But considering Clara loved her then surely there should have been more emotion in the scenes after.
3. Alaric is my little nightmare. What an absolute wet wipe of a man. Him not getting his memories back? I’d have taken that as a great reason to run off with Cassius. He didn’t deserve a happily ever after.
4. The amount of spell check these books need is WILD. Things such as double letters, lack of capitalisation, wrong use of capitalisation. Dear lord. Can’t believe I had to pay for these books.
5. There was a moment in this books where Alaric thinks “it doesn’t matter how” and then in Clara’s POV she states “I don’t understand how it worked” well as a reader I would bloody well like to know. You can’t just say oh btw this can happen, even though it’s never been mentioned at or hinted before, it can definitely happen and you just need to accept that…
6. Swans… swans?
7. Why did you mention some kind of weird sexual tension between Della and Oliver if it was never going to amount to anything? I think several times in the books the writer hinted at something only for nothing to come of it. Not a fan of that. Don’t tease me like that.
8. For me, I need more emotional inner monologue with extreme detail. I felt so unattached to all characters because there just wasn’t enough emotional investment for me. Cassius had the most loveliest and romantic things to say, but most of Clara’s inner monologue was just oh well I don’t like him like that. Then when he died it just felt so flat, and we moved on so quickly. Her not even giving him a quick kiss as she left him after all he had done for her was a bit shady to me.
I think the premise was always there for the storyline, I just think the writer needs more work on development. Using Easter eggs to bring up things later in the book. More emotional descriptions. Not using so many characters- it was so confusing. Plus a proofreader, at least for the kindle.
2.5 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 28, 2021
News & Updates
The Vampire Debt, is and always has been, set as a 5+ book series, with a minor caveat.
The Vampire Crown (Book 5) is the FINAL book in the main storyline.
Book 6, The Vampire Betrayal, is a prequel/origin story. You will be able to read it as a stand alone or as book 0 or book 6. (I recommend after book 5 to avoid spoilers for books 1-5)
I say this is a 5+ book series instead of a 6 book series, because there are other parts of this world I want to explore, other characters' stories, etc. that just don't fit into books 1-6. They will be stand alones and will have a note in the blurbs.
If you're only interested in the main storyline you can stop at 5 and still get the full story.
Please feel free to ask any questions you might have and I will be more than happy to answer!
The Vampire Debt, is and always has been, set as a 5+ book series, with a minor caveat.
The Vampire Crown (Book 5) is the FINAL book in the main storyline.
Book 6, The Vampire Betrayal, is a prequel/origin story. You will be able to read it as a stand alone or as book 0 or book 6. (I recommend after book 5 to avoid spoilers for books 1-5)
I say this is a 5+ book series instead of a 6 book series, because there are other parts of this world I want to explore, other characters' stories, etc. that just don't fit into books 1-6. They will be stand alones and will have a note in the blurbs.
If you're only interested in the main storyline you can stop at 5 and still get the full story.
Please feel free to ask any questions you might have and I will be more than happy to answer!
October 19, 2023
Man oh man. I was super hyped for the end of this series but was kind of let down by it. I felt like the pacing of this book was a bit slower than the other ones, making some portions of the plot feel a little stagnant. Then there would be other time that I was HOOKED and then it would go back. Maybe it was just me?
I also was not the biggest fan of how Alaric’s character was taken at the end of this book. I felt like it didn’t align with who he is as a character (even though I know he doesn’t have his memories still). The shift felt really awkwardly placed to be at the end of the series. There were a couple other things that bugged me out like the whole scene with Claric in the underworld and all the interactions with the vampire demons.
What I do want to give praise to though is giving me the most HEARTBREAKING death…..cassius???!!! My baby.😫 I literally felt myself tearing up when they all came in and broke the news to Clara. He was so pure NOOO! And on the flipside, the most satisfying villain death….elizabeth is gone and I was so excited when she finally made her exit. FINALLY!
I also was not the biggest fan of how Alaric’s character was taken at the end of this book. I felt like it didn’t align with who he is as a character (even though I know he doesn’t have his memories still). The shift felt really awkwardly placed to be at the end of the series. There were a couple other things that bugged me out like the whole scene with Claric in the underworld and all the interactions with the vampire demons.
What I do want to give praise to though is giving me the most HEARTBREAKING death…..cassius???!!! My baby.😫 I literally felt myself tearing up when they all came in and broke the news to Clara. He was so pure NOOO! And on the flipside, the most satisfying villain death….elizabeth is gone and I was so excited when she finally made her exit. FINALLY!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
JUSTICE FOR CASSIUS LIKE WHAT THE FUCKKKKK WHY DID THEY JUST BLOW OVER HIS DEATH IM SO MAD
ALSO FUCK CLARAS FAMILY AND HER LITTLE SISTER THEY DIDN’T DESERVE SHIT ESPECIALLY A PORTRAIT. AFTER KITTYS CONFESSION ON NOT BEING SICK IM GLAD THE BITCH IS DEAD.
There were so many issues throughout the book like the blood curse and Sawns???? Also the voice who is suppose to be a super important role to Elizabeth but we had no previous mention of them.
I liked how Alaric didn’t get his memory back (giving Peta) over all it was a fine ending I just think this book needed a lot of work.
ALSO FUCK CLARAS FAMILY AND HER LITTLE SISTER THEY DIDN’T DESERVE SHIT ESPECIALLY A PORTRAIT. AFTER KITTYS CONFESSION ON NOT BEING SICK IM GLAD THE BITCH IS DEAD.
There were so many issues throughout the book like the blood curse and Sawns???? Also the voice who is suppose to be a super important role to Elizabeth but we had no previous mention of them.
I liked how Alaric didn’t get his memory back (giving Peta) over all it was a fine ending I just think this book needed a lot of work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
Unique Series
I truly enjoyed this series. The world building and characters were great. I loved the development and pronouns of the demons. That was thoughtful. I wish only that the editing was better. Even though the story was unique and intriguing, the errors on every page were distracting and took away from the overall quality of the book.
I truly enjoyed this series. The world building and characters were great. I loved the development and pronouns of the demons. That was thoughtful. I wish only that the editing was better. Even though the story was unique and intriguing, the errors on every page were distracting and took away from the overall quality of the book.
December 22, 2025
Finally finished
My thoughts are based more on the series as a whole than this last book specifically.
I enjoyed the series, more so in the beginning than towards the end. The world was great and interesting, enough of it was told to us, tho there were quite a few weird surprises that I as a reader had no clue about but were written as I should've known the laws or sth.
My brain feels fried after rushing through this series in less than a week. The stakes grow exponentially all of a sudden when they get to court, but it doesn't really show in the writing or anyone's thoughts or feelings in the books. All is the same, every few pages (it feels like), Clara has to face deathly situations or Alaric faces a complication. It just feels so repeating, it doesn't truly ebb and flow, though you can sense the author's intention to make it so.
The same goes for a lot of this book and the series, I could easily understand what the author intended but it falls flat. For example I did not buy, at any moment, the friendships Clara built and how all of a sudden her well-being was so important to the vampires and Oli. Cassius' weird "caring" for Clara came out of nowhere. Why was Oli all of a sudden part of the friendgroup??
Anyway, these are just my scramblings, overall I enjoyed the book(s) regardless. Winters has a lot of potential but these books just scratched the surface of what they could have been.
My thoughts are based more on the series as a whole than this last book specifically.
I enjoyed the series, more so in the beginning than towards the end. The world was great and interesting, enough of it was told to us, tho there were quite a few weird surprises that I as a reader had no clue about but were written as I should've known the laws or sth.
My brain feels fried after rushing through this series in less than a week. The stakes grow exponentially all of a sudden when they get to court, but it doesn't really show in the writing or anyone's thoughts or feelings in the books. All is the same, every few pages (it feels like), Clara has to face deathly situations or Alaric faces a complication. It just feels so repeating, it doesn't truly ebb and flow, though you can sense the author's intention to make it so.
The same goes for a lot of this book and the series, I could easily understand what the author intended but it falls flat. For example I did not buy, at any moment, the friendships Clara built and how all of a sudden her well-being was so important to the vampires and Oli. Cassius' weird "caring" for Clara came out of nowhere. Why was Oli all of a sudden part of the friendgroup??
Anyway, these are just my scramblings, overall I enjoyed the book(s) regardless. Winters has a lot of potential but these books just scratched the surface of what they could have been.
January 8, 2026
getting through this one physically hurt. this series shouldn't have been 5 books long and even then - this book dragged on way longer than it needed to. i struggled with a multitude of things, mainly:
1) take a shot every time alaric gets cursed ... seriously can we stop cursing then uncursing the poor guy for at least five minutes?
2) the voice was poorly introduced and i was very confused as to who this character is.
3) it really doesn't make sense how the curse was broken .. EACH TIME. first it was because clara almost died, then it was actually because elizabeth went back on her word, then it was because alaric had a near death experience? w h a t ????
4) cassius was a better romantic match for clara. alaric wasn't even brave enough to publicly defend clara during her public court sentencing in the earlier books, yet cassius literally died for clara. somehow she chooses alaric with amnesia. i thought this was gonna be a rhysand tamlin situation, alas.
5) all that build up for this scary greater demon called varin to bond with clara ... and it led to nothing? no great show of power? no demon supernatural stuff? varin just made her less of a klutz and gave her 20/20 vision.
sigh. i'm very disappointed :( i really loved the premise but i wish it was executed better. thank you author for an easy light read, although it left me wanting way more.
1) take a shot every time alaric gets cursed ... seriously can we stop cursing then uncursing the poor guy for at least five minutes?
2) the voice was poorly introduced and i was very confused as to who this character is.
3) it really doesn't make sense how the curse was broken .. EACH TIME. first it was because clara almost died, then it was actually because elizabeth went back on her word, then it was because alaric had a near death experience? w h a t ????
4) cassius was a better romantic match for clara. alaric wasn't even brave enough to publicly defend clara during her public court sentencing in the earlier books, yet cassius literally died for clara. somehow she chooses alaric with amnesia. i thought this was gonna be a rhysand tamlin situation, alas.
5) all that build up for this scary greater demon called varin to bond with clara ... and it led to nothing? no great show of power? no demon supernatural stuff? varin just made her less of a klutz and gave her 20/20 vision.
sigh. i'm very disappointed :( i really loved the premise but i wish it was executed better. thank you author for an easy light read, although it left me wanting way more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
The End
First let me lament this did not need to be 5 books. The constant back and forth of Alaric being cursed was like walking through knee high mud for three additional books.
Now that that's over, I loved Cassius and was so heartbroken for him in the end. He was one of my favs. If not for Oli, I'd leave with him.
Oli! Oh goodness, Oli. I would have run away with him in a heartbeat. He is such a charming character. I was hoping he'd find a mate. Talk about loyal, brave, and true.
The pets, Cherno, Asmund, and Varin. I absolutley loved how there is connection between the vampires and their pets. Their charisma throughout this series was heartfelt, light, whimsical, and cherished. They made this story so much better.
After all this I enjoyed it. There is a depth to it that connects you to one or more characters, and you become vested. This is the first series I've read where the main characters were not my favs. The supporters were. So, I like it for that.
First let me lament this did not need to be 5 books. The constant back and forth of Alaric being cursed was like walking through knee high mud for three additional books.
Now that that's over, I loved Cassius and was so heartbroken for him in the end. He was one of my favs. If not for Oli, I'd leave with him.
Oli! Oh goodness, Oli. I would have run away with him in a heartbeat. He is such a charming character. I was hoping he'd find a mate. Talk about loyal, brave, and true.
The pets, Cherno, Asmund, and Varin. I absolutley loved how there is connection between the vampires and their pets. Their charisma throughout this series was heartfelt, light, whimsical, and cherished. They made this story so much better.
After all this I enjoyed it. There is a depth to it that connects you to one or more characters, and you become vested. This is the first series I've read where the main characters were not my favs. The supporters were. So, I like it for that.
October 2, 2023
I was up all night reading the conclusion of this series. There are shocks and surprises, twists and turns, fear and danger. Every move Clara makes impacts not only her and Alaric but of all mankind and vampire kind. She is determined never to give up hope. No matter the odds. The ending was SHOCKING and UNEXPECTED. Really was a mind bender. Excellent series. A must read.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Inspirational
Page-turner
Romantic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Inspirational
Page-turner
Romantic
Scary
Steamy
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
November 28, 2025
Why does my favourite character always die?!
The men and demons in this book are so adorable.
It was a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
The story addictive enough that I couldn’t stop reading. Some parts were so good, like the tension, the romance, the world-building and of course, the men in this book!
Overall, even with the chaos, the drama, and the heartbreak, it was still fun to read and kept me hooked till the end.
The men and demons in this book are so adorable.
It was a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
The story addictive enough that I couldn’t stop reading. Some parts were so good, like the tension, the romance, the world-building and of course, the men in this book!
Overall, even with the chaos, the drama, and the heartbreak, it was still fun to read and kept me hooked till the end.
November 7, 2023
I am pleased with the ending of this beautiful series. I love how everything was tied up at the end, leaving no questions that the story was coming to its end.
I did find some parts of this story to be quite dry as it kept going back and forth between nearing the end, and then another obstacle occurred. However, the ending is totally worth everything
I did find some parts of this story to be quite dry as it kept going back and forth between nearing the end, and then another obstacle occurred. However, the ending is totally worth everything
November 28, 2023
Good
My biggest issue with these books was the amount of errors that weren’t caught in editing. I hate it when I’m reading and enjoying the story and suddenly it doesn’t make sense because there’s a wrong word or some other error that pulls me out of the book. Overall I think these books are worth reading and I would give another half star if I could.
My biggest issue with these books was the amount of errors that weren’t caught in editing. I hate it when I’m reading and enjoying the story and suddenly it doesn’t make sense because there’s a wrong word or some other error that pulls me out of the book. Overall I think these books are worth reading and I would give another half star if I could.
December 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
I really liked this series! There were a lot of grammatical errors but it didn’t bother me much. I preferred the earlier books, I think the storyline started to drag a bit in the courts and I wasn’t the biggest fan of alaric’s arc towards the end but I’m glad I read this series, easy to read and enjoyable!
I really liked this series! There were a lot of grammatical errors but it didn’t bother me much. I preferred the earlier books, I think the storyline started to drag a bit in the courts and I wasn’t the biggest fan of alaric’s arc towards the end but I’m glad I read this series, easy to read and enjoyable!
February 17, 2024
The best book out of the series. It picked up alot from the 4th book which I did struggle to get through
Alot more action to this book, predictable but pleasant ending to the series
Recommended for people starting out in fantasy,easy basic story lines.
More advanced fantasy readers will find this a little slow
By no means bad but just a bit tame for my liking
Alot more action to this book, predictable but pleasant ending to the series
Recommended for people starting out in fantasy,easy basic story lines.
More advanced fantasy readers will find this a little slow
By no means bad but just a bit tame for my liking
October 31, 2025
I really loved this book and I hate that it’s the last! I really fell in love with the relationship Clara and Alaric have, and the uncertainty of how it might survive really had me wanting to speed read and make this book last as long as possible at the same time. I would have liked a little bit more to the ending, just a bit more of their relationship after everything settles.
August 18, 2023
Finallh
After so much loss, pain, betrayal and love. Clara and Alaric finally get their happy ever after. So much death and betrayal for power. Thank heavens for Cassadia, Oliver, Lawrence, Della, and all the demons. Love does win even when the price paid is devastating.
After so much loss, pain, betrayal and love. Clara and Alaric finally get their happy ever after. So much death and betrayal for power. Thank heavens for Cassadia, Oliver, Lawrence, Della, and all the demons. Love does win even when the price paid is devastating.
October 10, 2023
Emotional
Intense, emotional ride. The last 30-40% of the book had me crying. I screamed WHAT at my phone when someone died. Broke my heart 😭. I'm sad this series is over, I'd love to see more of these characters.
Intense, emotional ride. The last 30-40% of the book had me crying. I screamed WHAT at my phone when someone died. Broke my heart 😭. I'm sad this series is over, I'd love to see more of these characters.
June 5, 2024
The first 3 or 4 books were exactly the plot of A Court of Thorns and Roses (just the first book) but then it developed into its own story which i was really happy about! I enjoyed it a lot and it was a pretty good series! I ended up really liking some the background characters too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2024
would’ve been a 4-4.5 but i’m DEVASTATED ALARIC NEVER GOT HIS MEMORIES BACK?? i understand why but OUCH? AND CASSIUS?! OH I SOBBED. an amazing series all around but my heart hurts for cassius and i wish we saw alaric and clara like…revel in his memories coming back idk im salty
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
The Vampire Crown
This was a great book and I loved the ending! Clara has struggled through each book and has finally won even though she didn’t want to be Queen she will be magnificent as the reigning queen!
This was a great book and I loved the ending! Clara has struggled through each book and has finally won even though she didn’t want to be Queen she will be magnificent as the reigning queen!
February 13, 2024
Couldn't put it down
Lots of twists and turns, a tear jerker at times. Kept me wanting to know what happened next. Will read again
Lots of twists and turns, a tear jerker at times. Kept me wanting to know what happened next. Will read again
April 28, 2024
Slightly disappointed with this book 😭 although it was a “happy” ending, it did not give the satisfaction and clarification I needed. Boo.
July 26, 2024
Loved this whole series
September 5, 2024
My heart has been ripped in half T.T My poor Cassius
November 4, 2024
It dragged on a lot longer than what it needed to be. Boring ending. Ugh
January 28, 2025
CASIUSS NOO 😭😭
Lowkey really wanted her to end up with him…
Lowkey really wanted her to end up with him…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
Great series
I loved reading this series ! I couldn't put it down. I love how the romance was interwoven with a more complex plot that kept me captivated from beginning to end.
I loved reading this series ! I couldn't put it down. I love how the romance was interwoven with a more complex plot that kept me captivated from beginning to end.
July 7, 2023
A nice finish to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews