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The Nihryst #4

The Missing Crown

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A crown prince. A missing princess. A friendship stronger than any spell.

Kal’s best friend is gone. His cousin Elin, the one person in the world who truly understands him, has vanished with almost no trace.

Despite having few leads, Kal and a crew set out, willing to sail to the ends of the world to bring the princess home. Even if it means fighting pirates and accepting help from the mysterious stranger who saves his life—a fierce and beautiful woman named Zinnia.

Riley’s life is a simple one. Nothing ever happens in her quaint village until a stranger arrives. Logan is unlike the others; he’s lived an exciting, adventurous life. The kind she desperately wants.

So, when her overprotective grandmother is called away, Riley convinces him to cross the kingdom with her to the solstice celebration near the sea.

But the farther Riley travels, the more she realizes something is wrong. There are gaps in her memory she’s scared to examine too closely. Dreams of a man with bright blue eyes searching for her.

~*~*~
The Missing Crown is the fourth book in this action-packed, fairytale retelling series. With pirates, thieves, witches, and rebels, these new characters are carrying out adventures worthy of those who came before them!

The Nihryst Reading Order:
1. The Lost Legends
2. The Lost Prince
3. The Lost Alliance
3.5. The Lost Dreams (A Collection of Nihryst Short Stories)
4. The Missing Crown
5. The Missing Legacy

Also Available:
The Nihryst: Complete Trilogy
The Lost Warrior (short story also included in The Lost Dreams)
The Lost Home (short story also included in The Lost Dreams)
The Lost Honor (short story also included in The Lost Dreams)

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2022

54 people want to read

About the author

Cait Marie

30 books360 followers
YA/NA multi-genre author Cait Marie has enjoyed reading and creating stories her entire life. Her 2020 fantasy debut, The Lost Legends, encompasses her love of fairy tales and adventure while her following book, The Last Summer, shows her appreciation for fluffy-but-moving contemporary romance.

In the time since, she has continued publishing in both genres and has plans to expand into science fiction, steampunk, and dystopian worlds.

Cait is the creator and manager of the book blog Functionally Fictional, works for YA Books Central, and offers a variety of author services, including editing, proofreading, and formatting. She has a BA in forensic psychology and an MFA in creative writing, both from Southern New Hampshire University.

Basically, her life revolves around books, but she also enjoys music, bullet journaling, graphic design, and Disney movies.


Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/c8_marie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c8_marie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cait.marie.h
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cait-Marie/e/B...
Website: https://caitmarieh.com/
Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/

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5 stars
24 (88%)
4 stars
2 (7%)
3 stars
1 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,055 reviews
August 8, 2023
Holy. Goodness. Five stars does this no justice because it deserves more!! Logan gives Aladdin vibes because he is so sweet and only is a thief because he has to be. And Elin? Freaking sweetheart!! Zinnia I related to most because I’m so dang sarcastic but maybe not quite her level? Also, Kal just made me fall for him because of how he is with his family. This story (especially the ending) was so well written I cannot wait for more!
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,168 reviews29 followers
October 8, 2023
Kal and Elin are cousins and best friends, so when Elin disappears Kal immidiately sets out to look for her. When he finds himself in trouble he gets rescued by a mysterious woman namned Zinnia. She then joins Kal and his crew in their search for Elin. At the same time Riley lives a tedious life with her overprotective grandmother in a small village. When a stranger shows up she enjoys hearing about his adventures, and she wishes she could go with Logan when he travels. But why is Riley's memories of the time before she and her grandmother settled in the village so hazy?

A new generation have taken over the Nihryst series! Elin is the daughter of Ada and Lee, and Kal is the adoptive son of Shane and Phillip, who all were main characters in the original trilogy. I love the new characters as much as I love the "old" ones! The perspective changes between Elin, Kal, Riley, and in the end also Logan. I had my suspicions about how Riley fit into the story, but it took me quite a while to be sure. I appriciate when things aren't obvious and I get surprised once in a while, and I think that Cait Marie does a good job with that! I'm so curious about the fifth and final book now!

* I received a free copy of the book from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
Profile Image for Chey.
1,496 reviews50 followers
November 18, 2022
The Missing Crown follows after the Nihyrst trilogy and focuses on the children of those characters. This story follows Elin, the princess of Rayerna and how she disappeared without a trace. Its up to her cousin, Prince Kal, and Riley to figure out what happened to her.

Cait Marie has a knack for writing stories that just suck you in. I loved the Nihryst trilogy and the world building that she introduced. This book follows in the same world, and it was interesting to see our previous main characters' children have their own adventure.

I can't wait to see more of this series and hopefully see more of Kal's story!

Overall rating
4.5
Profile Image for Jennifer.
55 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2022
Have I already read this through an ARC? Yes. Did I preorder a copy as well? Also yes!!! Will I be seeking a physical copy too? Absolutely!!! The Nihyrst story is my favorite of Cait's worlds, though with so much upcoming tales of awesomeness, that may change. In the meantime, I absolutely loved diving back into this world with a new generation at the helm. CHECK IT OUT!!

Enough gushing - to the details! This takes place after the previous Nihyrst trilogy. We are now seeing the children of our favorite characters encounter their own adventures. The children of legends dive into rescuing one of their own after some magical mayhem. The cliffhangers and twists and turns make it enjoyable, but the characters make this fourth installment as epic as the original trilogy. If you've read any of my previous reviews of this author's work, I can not say enough about the detailed character work in her books. Every character comes to life with unique personalities. There are times I wanted to hug and strangle a character with equal vigor.

In short, this is amazing. The characters rock. Read it!!
Profile Image for Leah M.
1,681 reviews62 followers
October 30, 2022
I'm not just rating this 5 stars because I love all of Cait's books (which I do), or because I proofread this (which i did), but because it's genuinely an incredible story.

From the very beginning, I couldn't stop reading. If I had to step away from the story, I was upset and couldn't wait to get back to it. I was pulled into it and the pull didn't let go until the very end of the book. I was so glad to see all of my favorites from earlier books - Shane, Phillip, Ada, and Lee all make appearances, except now Kal, Karey, and Elin are all grown up and getting into mischief of their own. I'd suggest reading the earlier books in the series so you can fully appreciate the story, since there are definitely things that you'll miss if you aren't familiar with the story.

It starts out with getting to know Elin now that she's grown, but she gets kidnapped pretty quickly, and goes missing with barely a trace. But the dedicated people who love her aren't going to give up on her - they organize and send out search parties all over the kingdom, splitting up to cover space as effectively as possible.

And while this is going on, Riley is a simple girl living a lonely life in a small village with her grandmother. But something doesn't seem right, especially once her grandmother goes away and she sneaks out on an illicit trip to a festival that she's desperate to get to. And once she's on her way, everything gets chaotic.

Chaos is really where Cait's writing shines. She writes complex characters and relationships that feel realistic, political and social conflicts, hectic battles scenes, manipulative villains, morally gray characters, and romances that can only be described as complicated. Every time I feel like things are going to be wrapped up, she hits me with another plot twist, and holds my attention, so that it always feels like I'm on the edge of my seat.

I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book in this series, and this is one series not to miss out on. Her writing has grown throughout the books, and this is her best work yet.
Profile Image for SheReads.
700 reviews91 followers
November 7, 2022
Loved this one! I don’t think there’s a single word Cait Marie has written that I haven’t loved. I’m always unsure when a series switches main characters because it’s like having to get into the world again, but this does it flawlessly. Elin is absolutely adorable and her relationship with Logan had me smiling. He’s such a genuine misunderstood character and it’s easy to root for him. Same with Kal. His guilt felt so real as he searched for his cousin. I love that Ada and Lee’s kids are so close to Shane and Phillip’s.
Profile Image for Amanda Gregory.
495 reviews7 followers
November 10, 2022
Cait has done another incredible story. I love being able to return to this world and discover new characters. I can’t wait to find out what Cait has installed for the next book in this series. I absolutely love the characters and can’t wait to find out what happens next. I honestly couldn’t stop reading it.
Profile Image for Lana | Libraryofabibliotaph .
579 reviews23 followers
May 14, 2023
Amazing sequel following the children of the main characters of the trilogy on their own adventures.

This fourth book mainly focuses on Elin, crown princess of Rayerna, while the next book, The Missing Legacy, will focus more on Kal and his story (don’t worry, he plays a major role in this book as well, together with Karey). It was so nice to get to know them all better, after having read such wonderful stories about their parents. The strange thing, in a positive way, was that from the beginning of this book I really felt like I already knew both Elin and Kal well, because they resemble their parents so much. Sure they are different, for instance Elin is rather less naive than Ada sometimes came across but is definitely just as stubborn, and Kal is so much like Shane though fortunately he does have a loving family around him who he can always fall back on (and who strongly believe in finding the truth and giving people second chances). This gets you sucked into the book even faster, because from the very beginning you empathise and sympathise with the characters who feel so familiar. It even feels a bit like coming home. Both of them, Riley and Logan are also really likeable, fierce, vulnerable, (feel free to add other amazing adjectives), … all at once. All these characters are really nicely developed throughout the book.

For those of you for whom it has been a bit longer since you read the first three books in this series, you absolutely shouldn't worry that you won't be able to keep up. Throughout the story, certain information from the earlier books is regularly summarised so you will definitely remember the necessary. This came across as a bit repetitive for those who still remember well what happened, but I still really see the added value of it.

Without really going into detail here, I also found it quite nice that at certain moments throughout the book you could already start looking for the real identity of certain characters yourself. With some of my speculations I was completely correct, while with others I was completely led astray. Really nicely done, I didn't have the feeling that I saw everything that was about to happen from miles away.

If at this point you are still not convinced to read The Missing Crown, let me add another decisive element: once halfway through this book, I really found it impossible to put it aside. The pace increases, one revelation after another is made, throw in some action scenes and emotional moments and voila! Before you know it, you are suddenly reading the last few pages and wishing you could immediately start in book 5. Cait Marie, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to find out what will happen in The Missing Legacy, you really keep me hooked to this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
Profile Image for Brandi.
107 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2022
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review- I love Cait’s fairytale revamps mixed in this creative fantasy world that she has created. I recommend reading The Lost Legends trilogy (aka Nihyrst) folks, because it jumps an 18 year gap in the storyline. The crown princess has gone missing and now the hunt to find her is her best friend Kal; now on his own adventure. Along with our favorite couple (Shane and Philip) from The Lost Legends, we meet some new characters like Riley and Logan. Both setting out on an adventure that turns into a whole new storyline and adding to a new series set in the world of the Nihyrst. 4 stars go to the good books, 5 for those I’ll read again. If you enjoy a spin of fairytale (I won’t tell you which one it is) retelling in an authors world, this is a series for you. If you enjoy female lead characters, that enjoy sword play and overall are kick butt types, read this story. I’ll read this book again! Such a great read that never slowed in pace. 100% recommend!
42 reviews
October 11, 2023
I was worried I wouldn't remember any of the characters as it's been a while since I read the other books, but something about Cait's writing just makes it so easy to fall back into the story like I never left off. Absolutely brilliant world- and character-building that takes what could be a cliche lost princess story, and turns it into something that feels new and still draws you in. I must admit I was so hooked I may have been a very boring Auntie while babysitting bc I blanked my niece in favour of finishing the book XD. I honestly love this series and it's so nice to have a simple good read without all the heartbreak and angst of some books (and don't get me wrong there are times the characters are in trouble, but you just know they'll win out in the end). Absolutely recommend if you want a fun easy read, probably best targeted at age 10-14 but still super enjoyable as an adult!

**I was given a free ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Jennifer Treviño.
555 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2022
Thievery never looked so fine!
What an epic finale to one of my favorite series…or so I thought!! Imagine my glee to find out there will be more yet to come! This series is a page turning addiction with a kaleidoscope of action packed adventure, romance, emotional symphony, & plenty of snark to keep you laughing throughout. The Missing Crown took us down the rabbit hole of emotions while ensuring we’d want to drink & eat more more more!!! Riley & the town of unfriendly folk was just the beginning to the mystery. Logan & the festival added a whole other level of intrigue. Zinnia….I loved her from the moment we met….and psssst….I KNEW!!! Sioban & Donel are just a few of my new fave characters (& I would totally read a side piece in their story if ever it becomes available!)! The royals made their grand entrance & oh how I had missed them!! And….the witchy plot twist that eluded us until the moment revealed - - - That was epicly perfect!!! Now….I must have Kal’s story!!!
Profile Image for Idalia Helaena.
1,626 reviews91 followers
November 16, 2022
Holy freaking crap, this book was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more!!! I didn’t realize how much I missed the world of the Nihryst until I started reading “The Missing Crown,” and my god, it doesn’t disappoint!!! I literally stayed up until 3 am to finish this because it was just that good!!! This book focuses on Elin, Logan, Kal, and Zinnia, and I was hooked from the start. I loved Elin because she was sweet and kind, and I loved Logan because despite being a thief (probably especially because he was a thief), he never took advantage. Also, he totally made me swoon!!! As for Kal, I admire his stoic nature and his devotion to his family. And finally, Zinnia. She’s a bit of an enigma, but I loved her sarcastic nature. And that ending… eeeek, I cannot WAIT for the next one!!!
30 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2022
This story has a little bit of everything. There's action ,adventure, romance and friendship. It follows the theme of the series being Tangled inspired but with a unique twist. I love next generation stories, but most of the time someone loses all of their awesome qualities in favor of becoming more parental. This wasn't the case with this book and I loved that. There was enough of an update about characters from the other books, and the new characters were interesting enough to grab my attention. I'm glad there is a book and a spin off series planned because I'm not ready to let these characters go just yet.
Profile Image for Emily .
55 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2022
I am a member of Cait Marie's ARC team and was sent an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Missing Crown is the fourth book in the Nihryst series by Cait Marie, and is set in the same familiar and beautiful world that readers of the Nihryst books have grown to love! When the crown princess goes missing without a trace, readers piece together the mystery through the alternating perspectives of her cousin, Prince Kal, and a young girl named Riley. With adventure, high-stakes situations, and the perfect touch of romance, Cait Marie continues the series with an amazing fourth installment! If you haven't begun this series yet, I highly recommend it if you enjoy pirates, royalty, romance, and adventures reminiscent of those in fairy tales.
Profile Image for Open Books And Turn Pages.
73 reviews8 followers
November 14, 2022
An adventurous story that gives Tangled vibes!

Full of adventure and sweet clean romance, The Missing Crown was a really enjoyable read. That cliffhanger ending (that I was completely unprepared for!) has me even more excited for The Missing Legacy!

Also, I was so excited to see my name appear in this book! It's really cool to have a character named after me!
Profile Image for Stacy Brock.
14 reviews
November 16, 2022
go on a wonderful adventure with next generationof royals as the family must fight for one of their own! A hero faces a shocking reunion.
Profile Image for Stefanie.
79 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2022
Another great story!! Cait Marie has a knack for writing fun and interesting stories!
Profile Image for Jay.
608 reviews11 followers
December 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!! This whole series is amazing, but the tangled vibes make this book stand out! I definitely recommend this series!
Profile Image for Mariah Brown.
117 reviews
February 5, 2023
I want to start this post off by saying this was THE BEST book in the series so far. When this book became Cait's longest book (at the time) I knew it was going to be big and amazing.

First I want to start with the world building she has done throughout the series. I have enjoyed every bit of it and the best part is I got to explore a different portion of the kingdom than has previously been discussed. It was amazing to read about the differences between the different kingdoms, such as how they dress and interact with each other. I truly enjoyed the adventure that occurred to see the terrain as well.

Finally we get to the characters. Let me tell you there was an amazing twist in this book that I was not expecting until the end of the story. This character revelation made me super excited for the next book to see where things go. As for Elin, she reminds me of her parents to the T. She is both of them combined and a good trouble maker. You'll know what I mean once you read the story.

I really love the difference with the dynamic in The Missing Crown versus the other books in the story. While the original three books are finished this story is about the next generation and it was great to see how the children grew up and are acting. This also was a great eye opener with how close all of the kids are even though they grew up on different sides of the ocean.

This was 100% a 6/5 stars, yes I said 6, book. I would highly recommend this book to all of the people out there looking for adventures and twists in a book. I cannot stress how much I enjoyed it and will be reading all of her future books.
Profile Image for Jenny  Elliott .
137 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2023
This was a fun book. I enjoyed all the correlations with my favorite fairy tales. I enjoyed the surprises. It was a fun action packed fairytale.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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