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Scepter and Crown #2
Crown of Dust
The enemy is dead. The battle has only just begun.
Red and Aly thought they had eliminated the greatest to their lives, but as they return from their trip north, a new enemy rises from within their own ranks, threatening to rip Red and Aly apart.
Lord Benedict Alexander has a distant claim to the throne, and he will do everything in his power to usurp Red’s rule before the official coronation at summer’s end. Convinced Red was corrupted by his trip into the Canyon, Lord Alexander fights to destroy Red’s kingship, and with it, Red’s Binding to Aly.
Now Red must earn the trust of his countrymen, not only to retain his throne and continue his fight against Kassia and the Canyon, but to keep Aly as well, for Aly is bound to serve the crown, no matter who wears it.
Fight for the crown. Fight for love. Or lose them both.
Red and Aly thought they had eliminated the greatest to their lives, but as they return from their trip north, a new enemy rises from within their own ranks, threatening to rip Red and Aly apart.
Lord Benedict Alexander has a distant claim to the throne, and he will do everything in his power to usurp Red’s rule before the official coronation at summer’s end. Convinced Red was corrupted by his trip into the Canyon, Lord Alexander fights to destroy Red’s kingship, and with it, Red’s Binding to Aly.
Now Red must earn the trust of his countrymen, not only to retain his throne and continue his fight against Kassia and the Canyon, but to keep Aly as well, for Aly is bound to serve the crown, no matter who wears it.
Fight for the crown. Fight for love. Or lose them both.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
80 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 12, 2022
I’m stunned here, I thought BLADE OF ASH is such a good story but this one surpasses it. And these names/ titles have such deep significance, you’ll understand once you read the story. The titles give a perfect conclusion to the story, a lot of action and heartfelt situations come across and that builds a flawless flowing story. I want everyone to read the series, it’s so good.
From the very first chapter it holds my attention and the story is captivating to its core. We get to see the story moving forward from Red, Aly, and Elise POV, a brilliant take by the writer to make it more intriguing. I love the way Catherine writes her characters and make them loved by the readers. In the first book, I fell in love with Grey, and here I fell in love with Seb. Seb is not the one I thought he might be, he’s the most charming and fun-loving trustworthy friend anybody can ask for.
Aly & Red definitely make you go all ga-ga, they have a bond that is more than the King and his sorceress. The character building is very strong for my beloved King Red, he grows into such a fine man from the boy he was in the first book. The world-building develops from where it left off in book one and gives a thorough glimpse into the country Tandera. Every line in the book is amusing and filled with the knowledge in one way or the other. I want to write so much about the book but it’s best to leave it here.
From the very first chapter it holds my attention and the story is captivating to its core. We get to see the story moving forward from Red, Aly, and Elise POV, a brilliant take by the writer to make it more intriguing. I love the way Catherine writes her characters and make them loved by the readers. In the first book, I fell in love with Grey, and here I fell in love with Seb. Seb is not the one I thought he might be, he’s the most charming and fun-loving trustworthy friend anybody can ask for.
Aly & Red definitely make you go all ga-ga, they have a bond that is more than the King and his sorceress. The character building is very strong for my beloved King Red, he grows into such a fine man from the boy he was in the first book. The world-building develops from where it left off in book one and gives a thorough glimpse into the country Tandera. Every line in the book is amusing and filled with the knowledge in one way or the other. I want to write so much about the book but it’s best to leave it here.
November 4, 2022
Give me a lumberjack! I mean Epic! So epic! I had an idea in my mind of how book 2 would go based on how book 1 ended, annnnnnd it didn’t go like that at all! Haha. What an awesome, complete surprise this book was! Throw in lumberjacks and a piano and apparently I’m done for! Haha. I just loved the sweet moments, even under the shadow of forbidden love. We get to see more of Seb and I loved his character revelations. Having Elise’s POV throughout added a new spin to the politics at play. I HIGHLY recommend reading “Shield of Shadow” prior to book 2. The last scene will completely floor you, if you go in having read “Shield of Shadow.” I died. Throat in mouth. I’d say this is for fans of the Prison Healer, A Bond of Thread (Warning: this one has crazy spice, while Crown of Dust is romantically “clean”), and it’s also got seriously cool Matrix vibes!
October 10, 2022
Note: I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts below are my own.
Just a warning guys, if you thought the first one left you wanting more, this one has a cliffhanger that will make you want to fling the book across the room. (Gently, but still.) And your heart might break a bit. (Just a bit, but still.)
There are so many lovely things about this book, though, that make it worth the read despite the cliffhanger. For one, I appreciated how this book was less about war and more about problems closer to home. It could have been handled poorly, but instead, it was treated as a serious threat that posed almost as much danger as Aly's dad (almost). Red and Aly are as practical as ever, so everything they can to get him back on the throne where he belongs, but they're knocked back again and again. But they keep fighting, and it was so heartwarming to see them fight together for the truth. Just like the last book, you never know what's going on until the last minute, but the way it comes together makes so much sense that it doesn't matter that it took this long to understand.
I also loved how the kingdom of Tandera receives a voice through its villagers and commoners in this book. It was refreshing to see Red and Aly interact with others and care for them in a more personal way.
And speaking of personal...the romance definitely gets more of a spotlight in this book! It's still clean of course, but there are some adorably fluffy scenes that made me melt. It did sometimes feel a bit rushed, but for the most part, their journey together slowly solidified their amazing partnership until they could no longer deny their attraction and the way they worked so well together.
The one thing I didn't love about this book was Elise. She willingly gets tangled in a world of deceit, and although the reader knows her good motivations, watching her interact with others was hard. It felt unrealistic for her to suddenly act differently, even though we got a glimpse into her mind. And the secret she spilled that ended up causing some awkwardness? Yeah, that made no sense to me.
Overall, this book made me cry, smile, clutch the pages in fear, and squeal with joy. It's a strong tale of love, loss, and fighting for what's good even when it feels like no one is there to support you. As always, it's focused on hope and truth, and I think that's something we all need right now. Get this book, you won't regret it!
Just a warning guys, if you thought the first one left you wanting more, this one has a cliffhanger that will make you want to fling the book across the room. (Gently, but still.) And your heart might break a bit. (Just a bit, but still.)
There are so many lovely things about this book, though, that make it worth the read despite the cliffhanger. For one, I appreciated how this book was less about war and more about problems closer to home. It could have been handled poorly, but instead, it was treated as a serious threat that posed almost as much danger as Aly's dad (almost). Red and Aly are as practical as ever, so everything they can to get him back on the throne where he belongs, but they're knocked back again and again. But they keep fighting, and it was so heartwarming to see them fight together for the truth. Just like the last book, you never know what's going on until the last minute, but the way it comes together makes so much sense that it doesn't matter that it took this long to understand.
I also loved how the kingdom of Tandera receives a voice through its villagers and commoners in this book. It was refreshing to see Red and Aly interact with others and care for them in a more personal way.
And speaking of personal...the romance definitely gets more of a spotlight in this book! It's still clean of course, but there are some adorably fluffy scenes that made me melt. It did sometimes feel a bit rushed, but for the most part, their journey together slowly solidified their amazing partnership until they could no longer deny their attraction and the way they worked so well together.
The one thing I didn't love about this book was Elise. She willingly gets tangled in a world of deceit, and although the reader knows her good motivations, watching her interact with others was hard. It felt unrealistic for her to suddenly act differently, even though we got a glimpse into her mind. And the secret she spilled that ended up causing some awkwardness? Yeah, that made no sense to me.
Overall, this book made me cry, smile, clutch the pages in fear, and squeal with joy. It's a strong tale of love, loss, and fighting for what's good even when it feels like no one is there to support you. As always, it's focused on hope and truth, and I think that's something we all need right now. Get this book, you won't regret it!
July 30, 2023
These books are highly underrated
The plot is so meticulous and compelling. I love the main characters and it’s such a vivid story. Red and Aly are such beautiful couple. I really hope this book starts to get the attention it deserves.
🤎🗡️⏳🔥🥀
The plot is so meticulous and compelling. I love the main characters and it’s such a vivid story. Red and Aly are such beautiful couple. I really hope this book starts to get the attention it deserves.
🤎🗡️⏳🔥🥀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2023
Reading this book gave me all the nostalgic feels. This series reminds me of the YA Christian fantasy I devoured in high school (and still enjoy today, to be honest). If you enjoyed books by Bryan Davis, Karen Hancock, or Regina Doman, you’ll enjoy this series! I can’t wait to read the rest.
July 30, 2024
This was a great series! It was very creative and clean. I wish I could have seen a map of the lands the author created. Their was also some great character development starting from the first to the last of the series.
April 7, 2024
This series has turned into one of my faves. Definitely read it! :)
November 21, 2022
That cliff tho
This book is all tension and unanswered questions. The characters go from bad to worse to worst and then some, and that cliff at the end. Augh. This is all I can say without spoilers. Bring on book 3!
This book is all tension and unanswered questions. The characters go from bad to worse to worst and then some, and that cliff at the end. Augh. This is all I can say without spoilers. Bring on book 3!
July 15, 2024
Elise is a bitch
October 11, 2022
“All kings faced lies. All kings had to rise above them. Truth will rise, she reminded herself.”
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC for an honest review. Crown of Dust is the second book of the Scepter and Crown series, a YA Fantasy with a intriguing plot line.
Red and Aly found the Crown was under a threat. They have to stop Benedict Alexander from usurping Red’s rule and Aly. To do that, he has to earn the trust of his countrymen. He is at the risk of losing his throne, his country and Aly.
He does have some supporters like Sebastin Thorne and Weston Grey. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. With enemies everywhere and no one to trust around, they are on their own against powerful enemies.
I loved the first book and was super excited for the sequel. I loved the way the sequel began but it started to feel off in the middle and I do not like the way it ended T_T
Red suddenly was tasked with something he wasn’t prepared for. Something he did not expect would happen to him. When he tried to manoeuvre through the issue, it did not feel like he knew what to do. Which was weird since he was raised to rule. I enjoyed watching him try to work through so many revelations.
Aly was a fierce and strong support for Red throughout the story. It felt like she was more and had more individualism in the previous book. I loved the way Red and Aly’s relationship was explored. They started to feel more at ease with each other.
Red’s sister, Elise was such a wildcard in this book. I could understand the things she did and the steps she took after but the reason she took them was very odd. Her taking this big step towards this particular future because of one certain individual at seventeen made it so much odder. I did not enjoy her POV much because of it, unfortunately.
I loved the magic system and the plot in the previous book and the sequel added to the charm. I loved the explanations given for each situation. I loved the way Red refused to accept the fate thrust on him, rather he kept looking for ways to help his people even at such a dire situation. It made me love Red more.
The ending crushed me. I did not expect it to go down like that. I do not accept it. I want people to be happy! T_T
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC for an honest review. Crown of Dust is the second book of the Scepter and Crown series, a YA Fantasy with a intriguing plot line.
Red and Aly found the Crown was under a threat. They have to stop Benedict Alexander from usurping Red’s rule and Aly. To do that, he has to earn the trust of his countrymen. He is at the risk of losing his throne, his country and Aly.
He does have some supporters like Sebastin Thorne and Weston Grey. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. With enemies everywhere and no one to trust around, they are on their own against powerful enemies.
I loved the first book and was super excited for the sequel. I loved the way the sequel began but it started to feel off in the middle and I do not like the way it ended T_T
Red suddenly was tasked with something he wasn’t prepared for. Something he did not expect would happen to him. When he tried to manoeuvre through the issue, it did not feel like he knew what to do. Which was weird since he was raised to rule. I enjoyed watching him try to work through so many revelations.
Aly was a fierce and strong support for Red throughout the story. It felt like she was more and had more individualism in the previous book. I loved the way Red and Aly’s relationship was explored. They started to feel more at ease with each other.
Red’s sister, Elise was such a wildcard in this book. I could understand the things she did and the steps she took after but the reason she took them was very odd. Her taking this big step towards this particular future because of one certain individual at seventeen made it so much odder. I did not enjoy her POV much because of it, unfortunately.
I loved the magic system and the plot in the previous book and the sequel added to the charm. I loved the explanations given for each situation. I loved the way Red refused to accept the fate thrust on him, rather he kept looking for ways to help his people even at such a dire situation. It made me love Red more.
The ending crushed me. I did not expect it to go down like that. I do not accept it. I want people to be happy! T_T
Read
January 18, 2023Clean, YA epic fantasy with an intentionally slow-burn romantic plot. Book two in a trilogy.
I really enjoyed this. I'd reviews that stated it was even better than book one. I'm not sure i agree. There were a few pacing issues for me in the last half of the book and the epic ending twist...i kind of saw coming from the start, but then...the first half totally made up or that because it was indeed even better than book one and there were lots of unexpected twists throughout.
Fair warning: this one ends in a pretty clear cliffhanger. I personally would have prefered an ending to feel a bit more pleasant, at least with some plots in the book, especially when the next book isn't immediately out to be read yet. But it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story.
I've liked Aly, the FMC, from the first moment we meet her. And I've come to really love Red, the MMC, despite his many flaws and I can't wait to see what book three will do with the epic ending and conclusion to this series. I'll be getting it as soon as its out, that's for sure. Lovely series with beautiful themes, a distinct magic system and realistic multi-facetted characters. Can't wait to share it with my teenage niece.
I really enjoyed this. I'd reviews that stated it was even better than book one. I'm not sure i agree. There were a few pacing issues for me in the last half of the book and the epic ending twist...i kind of saw coming from the start, but then...the first half totally made up or that because it was indeed even better than book one and there were lots of unexpected twists throughout.
Fair warning: this one ends in a pretty clear cliffhanger. I personally would have prefered an ending to feel a bit more pleasant, at least with some plots in the book, especially when the next book isn't immediately out to be read yet. But it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story.
I've liked Aly, the FMC, from the first moment we meet her. And I've come to really love Red, the MMC, despite his many flaws and I can't wait to see what book three will do with the epic ending and conclusion to this series. I'll be getting it as soon as its out, that's for sure. Lovely series with beautiful themes, a distinct magic system and realistic multi-facetted characters. Can't wait to share it with my teenage niece.
July 8, 2023
This series continues to get better!! I will immediately be starting the next book! It is such an amazing and unique story!! I will recommend this to all my friends!
August 19, 2023
I am angry.
I'm actually fuming.
What in tarnation was this? How did we go SO wrong? I felt like the writing dwindled down to an embarrassing degree. Poor is not even a strong enough a term.
Don't give me 18+ aged characters if they're going to act and speak as if they're in grade school. Aly's description of her stamping her foot in a tantrum just had me cackling because WHY IS THIS SO UNSERIOUS? Purely felt secondhand embarrassment reading this.
I'm not sure why I continued this. Maybe for the false hope it could get better? That the slow burn crumbs we had would work to appease me? Even that was wasted. The biggest betrayal. We had all that tension, all this promo about this being some forbidden swoony romance to be reduced to having one single line about Red kissing Aly and the chapter - the WHOLE SCENE, ends. That's it. We don't address it again. It's mentioned in passing but there's no talk about their feelings. We are just forced to accept they love each other apparently. Then everything they've been working for suddenly gets flipped and now we are all about THE ROMANCE. Red would do absolutely anything to not lose Aly. He's fighting to defend his crown to keep her. What happened to doing what's right for your people? For your love for them? It became a cringey mess of a story that dragged and infuriated me to no end.
How has one man swayed an entire Kingdom to turn against their King and they just took his word for it? How in the fuck did Red's prized Mother who is SO ADORED by the public, did absolutely NOTHING for her son? Not once did his family do a thing to defend and actually protect Red. There's all this talk of powerful people, threats of harm but literally it feels like a sad joke. There is nothing threatening about the "bad people" of this book. There's not enough evidence, no character building or examples that would prove to me Aly and Red should have bowed down and given into this weak threats when all Red talks about is how Aly has the strongest magic and power.
Ridiculous. Purely a waste of time.
You know who else was a waste of time? Elise. If I could erase her entire existence we'd be a degree happier. Nothing about her descent into being a cold, malicious bitch made any sense. Yes she was fooled again by giving into a toxic man to then suddenly entering her "villain era". She decided to be a "spy" for her brother and family and yet she's absolutely malicious against them? Literally why? For what purpose? There were no explanations. Nothing to ease a reader into being forgiving towards her and see why she is doing what she is doing. She became a spy to help her brother yet did absolutely fuck all to help him. If anything she threw him and his best friend Seb into the hell fire. What a loathsome vile human I found her to be. Her change was so jarring and uncalled for.
The end quarter was a rushed botched job with lots of sparkles because *magic*, silly decisions and convenient realisations - it was a shambles.
I have absolutely no desire to finish this series. There is not a single redeeming quality left for it.
I'm actually fuming.
What in tarnation was this? How did we go SO wrong? I felt like the writing dwindled down to an embarrassing degree. Poor is not even a strong enough a term.
Don't give me 18+ aged characters if they're going to act and speak as if they're in grade school. Aly's description of her stamping her foot in a tantrum just had me cackling because WHY IS THIS SO UNSERIOUS? Purely felt secondhand embarrassment reading this.
I'm not sure why I continued this. Maybe for the false hope it could get better? That the slow burn crumbs we had would work to appease me? Even that was wasted. The biggest betrayal. We had all that tension, all this promo about this being some forbidden swoony romance to be reduced to having one single line about Red kissing Aly and the chapter - the WHOLE SCENE, ends. That's it. We don't address it again. It's mentioned in passing but there's no talk about their feelings. We are just forced to accept they love each other apparently. Then everything they've been working for suddenly gets flipped and now we are all about THE ROMANCE. Red would do absolutely anything to not lose Aly. He's fighting to defend his crown to keep her. What happened to doing what's right for your people? For your love for them? It became a cringey mess of a story that dragged and infuriated me to no end.
How has one man swayed an entire Kingdom to turn against their King and they just took his word for it? How in the fuck did Red's prized Mother who is SO ADORED by the public, did absolutely NOTHING for her son? Not once did his family do a thing to defend and actually protect Red. There's all this talk of powerful people, threats of harm but literally it feels like a sad joke. There is nothing threatening about the "bad people" of this book. There's not enough evidence, no character building or examples that would prove to me Aly and Red should have bowed down and given into this weak threats when all Red talks about is how Aly has the strongest magic and power.
Ridiculous. Purely a waste of time.
You know who else was a waste of time? Elise. If I could erase her entire existence we'd be a degree happier. Nothing about her descent into being a cold, malicious bitch made any sense. Yes she was fooled again by giving into a toxic man to then suddenly entering her "villain era". She decided to be a "spy" for her brother and family and yet she's absolutely malicious against them? Literally why? For what purpose? There were no explanations. Nothing to ease a reader into being forgiving towards her and see why she is doing what she is doing. She became a spy to help her brother yet did absolutely fuck all to help him. If anything she threw him and his best friend Seb into the hell fire. What a loathsome vile human I found her to be. Her change was so jarring and uncalled for.
The end quarter was a rushed botched job with lots of sparkles because *magic*, silly decisions and convenient realisations - it was a shambles.
I have absolutely no desire to finish this series. There is not a single redeeming quality left for it.
April 25, 2023
Red and Aly have defeated the sorcerer who was hunting Aly and who sent the death curse. Now they need to protect their kingdom from the political intrigue from within.
Will they believe the lies they’ve always known about the people in their kingdom? Can they trust their allies and those right next to them?
As Red and Aly learn more about their magic and binding they come to realize they mean more to each other than they thought. As their relationship grows can it stand the tests of the hardship they’re about to go through?
The Writing:
This second book was full of intrigue and more of the moral dilemma of truth vs. lies. It sometimes got a bit too much for me in my personal preferences for writing. It was still very well written and I did enjoy seeing the character growth in this book. I also loved the addition of more character perspectives in this book, it added more depth to the situation and added intrigue to the plot.
The Romance: This is a slow burn CLEAN romance. There are a kiss or two but the characters are too busy saving the world to go beyond that.
Overall Theme and Message: The theme I got out of book two is that truth is worth it. That working hard to be honest about who you are and what your intentions are always pays off even when others are trying to ruin you and your goals. I really enjoyed seeing Red's growth in this book as he took on his responsibilities and tried his best to help his people even when his people were trying to pull him down.
Age recommendation: 14-16+ due to the nature of the war and the intrigue.
Things to be aware of: Book 2: The side character, Elise, really goes through a hard time with her relationship with her ex. He is very manipulative and it could be triggering for someone who has issues with people lying and deceiving and being used. There is also characters who escape from cults and the emotional damage that came from living in one. At the end of the book there is some fighting. Seb gets whipped publicly and Red gets beaten.
Will they believe the lies they’ve always known about the people in their kingdom? Can they trust their allies and those right next to them?
As Red and Aly learn more about their magic and binding they come to realize they mean more to each other than they thought. As their relationship grows can it stand the tests of the hardship they’re about to go through?
The Writing:
This second book was full of intrigue and more of the moral dilemma of truth vs. lies. It sometimes got a bit too much for me in my personal preferences for writing. It was still very well written and I did enjoy seeing the character growth in this book. I also loved the addition of more character perspectives in this book, it added more depth to the situation and added intrigue to the plot.
The Romance: This is a slow burn CLEAN romance. There are a kiss or two but the characters are too busy saving the world to go beyond that.
Overall Theme and Message: The theme I got out of book two is that truth is worth it. That working hard to be honest about who you are and what your intentions are always pays off even when others are trying to ruin you and your goals. I really enjoyed seeing Red's growth in this book as he took on his responsibilities and tried his best to help his people even when his people were trying to pull him down.
Age recommendation: 14-16+ due to the nature of the war and the intrigue.
Things to be aware of: Book 2: The side character, Elise, really goes through a hard time with her relationship with her ex. He is very manipulative and it could be triggering for someone who has issues with people lying and deceiving and being used. There is also characters who escape from cults and the emotional damage that came from living in one. At the end of the book there is some fighting. Seb gets whipped publicly and Red gets beaten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
Complex
I have feelings! This was a delightful second part to this story, as well as heartbreaking (in a good way). I loved the way Red’s character developed in this book. I feel like he really began to find himself, and boy did he go through the wringer. I’m super proud of him! I also loved having a villain that you can really sink your teeth into despising, there’s something so satisfying about that. Now, please excuse me while I find out how to contact the author so I can hound her for the next installment.
I have feelings! This was a delightful second part to this story, as well as heartbreaking (in a good way). I loved the way Red’s character developed in this book. I feel like he really began to find himself, and boy did he go through the wringer. I’m super proud of him! I also loved having a villain that you can really sink your teeth into despising, there’s something so satisfying about that. Now, please excuse me while I find out how to contact the author so I can hound her for the next installment.
December 23, 2022
These books aren’t bad and I was honestly enjoying this one much better than the first, but I really dislike how it ended. I feel like every time some ground begins to be gained, five steps are taken backwards. And it seems that they didn’t even work on their ultimate goal of closing the canyon in this book. Everything he tried to do failed and it just felt like a waste of time at the end. I don’t think I’m going to continue with this series, especially with the separation of them.
July 20, 2024
I wasn’t sure about this series, but I decided to read it on a recommendation. While I’m still a bit uncomfortable with the word sorcery (and sorcerer) I appreciated the author’s clear distinction between magic drawn on truth and the contrast of the impact of lies. The characters were well developed over the series and I appreciated the journey that the author took me on and the lessons learned along the way. I’m glad to have read them.
November 14, 2022
the plot thickens
Ooohhh I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Plot twists, slow burn romance, coming of age boy - made - king too early, intrigue, betrayal! Clean fantasy steeped in faith. Nicely done ending as a somewhat cliffhanger but very fitting. Soooo looking forward to the next book. This is a new author for me and I’m a fan.
Ooohhh I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Plot twists, slow burn romance, coming of age boy - made - king too early, intrigue, betrayal! Clean fantasy steeped in faith. Nicely done ending as a somewhat cliffhanger but very fitting. Soooo looking forward to the next book. This is a new author for me and I’m a fan.
August 17, 2023
Amazing fantasy full of secrets, magic, and truth
C. F. E Black weaves another amazing story with Crown of Dust. The world building is amazing and rich and the characters unique and intriguing but very human. I love the truth and lies magic system. Red and Aly are so freaking cute!!! This story shows how even though truth is told; it takes time for it to win.
C. F. E Black weaves another amazing story with Crown of Dust. The world building is amazing and rich and the characters unique and intriguing but very human. I love the truth and lies magic system. Red and Aly are so freaking cute!!! This story shows how even though truth is told; it takes time for it to win.
July 16, 2024
Sequel blows my mind
The fight for the crown of Tandera continues in C.F.E. Black's second installment of the Scepter and Crown series. With heart-pounding suspense, action-packed scenes threaded with Aly's magic, and a plot twist I sure didn't see coming, we follow Red in his mission to prove his worth and claim to the throne.
The fight for the crown of Tandera continues in C.F.E. Black's second installment of the Scepter and Crown series. With heart-pounding suspense, action-packed scenes threaded with Aly's magic, and a plot twist I sure didn't see coming, we follow Red in his mission to prove his worth and claim to the throne.
December 1, 2022
Cute! I enjoyed it. I’m the magic system is very creative; I wish sometimes that the author would dive more into the folklore and just give more attention to certain plot points, like the ash blade. Like it didn’t really serve a purpose?? Anyways, this was a fun read!
February 23, 2024
Loved this book!
Full of danger, betrayal, hope, determination and slow burn romance. Creatures from the dark, an upsurper, this book has it all. However, be warned. It ends in a cliffhanger.
Full of danger, betrayal, hope, determination and slow burn romance. Creatures from the dark, an upsurper, this book has it all. However, be warned. It ends in a cliffhanger.
May 26, 2024
Very, very good!
I could take issue with some grammatical errors but on the whole this is very well done. Emotional, intuitive, spiritual, and in tune with the world, the universe and reality with a capital R,, which so many fantasies are not.
I could take issue with some grammatical errors but on the whole this is very well done. Emotional, intuitive, spiritual, and in tune with the world, the universe and reality with a capital R,, which so many fantasies are not.
October 16, 2024
It was so gripping! I was hooked and had to read through fast until I finished the series to find out what happens. And there are images and metaphors of truth that have stuck with me and help me think through the things going on in my own real world life. Such a good series.
August 16, 2025
Wow! I was hoping for a different ending to this book, but it kept me on the edge of my seat! I felt so bad for Red and Aly. They work so hard!
On the edge of my seat still!
Another cliffhanger!
On to the final book!
On the edge of my seat still!
Another cliffhanger!
On to the final book!
July 30, 2023
so good
It was a good read. Lots of depth and character building. Now on to the next book to see what happens!!
It was a good read. Lots of depth and character building. Now on to the next book to see what happens!!
October 19, 2023
When a sequel surpasses the first book, I dedicate my life to reading the author. Black has me enamored!! This was actually maybe the best sequel I've read, at least in fantasy.
October 24, 2023
good clean intriguing fantasy
Book 1 of this series was slow to start but I raced through book 2. Loved it. Good clean battles of truth and lies
Book 1 of this series was slow to start but I raced through book 2. Loved it. Good clean battles of truth and lies
February 24, 2024
Over dramatic but not boring.
April 1, 2024
4.5⭐️
AHHHH
a huge improvement from book 1! can’t wait to read book 3!
AHHHH
a huge improvement from book 1! can’t wait to read book 3!
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