Book Review: The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

Image (c) Hyperion Books

The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4) by Cinda Williams Chima
Published Date: October 23rd, 2012
Format: Library Copy

A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed-Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.

Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana'Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells' inner turmoil, Raisa's best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she's falling in love.

Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut-throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?

A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.

Oh wow. Wow.

Those words are a pretty accurate example on how I felt about this book. I loved the previous books in the series but definitely no where as much as I loved this book. That's a first for me I think.  I guess the only complaint is that... where was this sort of atmosphere in the previous three books?

Alright, so Raisa is finally queen... and her life still refuses to slow down. Despite her determination to make her kingdom better than before, it seems like there's plenty of forces that are more than happy to drag her down even further - including a conflict that resides inside her own castle. Meanwhile, Han finally made it on the Wizard Council as a spokesperson for the Queen herself. Despite the Queen choosing him herself, the danger still lurks as the Bayers try their best to destroy him. It certainly helps that there are now new crimes linked to Han - and due to his past, there's no doubt in anyone's mind: once a streetlord, always a street lord. 

There's no one to trust and the kingdom is slowly falling apart. Can Han and Raisa manage to restore peace without starting a full out war?

There are many things stacked against the both of them. You would think that Raisa would be protected from death threats but even the Bayer family wants to take the throne back and rule rather than just being a part of the Wizard Council. Micah still struggles to become Raisa's husband and king. The alternative, however, is Fiona Bayer to become Queen... and that's certainly the bloodier option. Han is seen only as trouble and the only way to resolve of him is to kill him.

On top of that, you'll finally get to learn much more about the story of Hanalea and Alger Waterlow - and it's not like the ones Han read through the history books. There's magic, politics, romance, and mystery... and it is wonderful.

To truly take in what's going on in this book, you should really read it. Sometimes it's just better to let the actual writing to talk for itself... in a metaphorical sense. If you've been on the fence about reading this... I'd do it.

*****

Speaking of... there's a new book coming out that I've heard, is set a little bit after The Crimson Crown. I think it's twenty years in the future. There was an earlier date - about Fall 2015 - but now its anticipated release date is March 2016.

A burning vengeance

Adrian sul'Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. The son of the queen of the Fells, Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he's ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life, but to take it?

A blood-based curse

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would one day make her a target. But when the King's Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any curse. Though Jenna doesn't know why she's being hunted, she knows that she can't get caught.

Destiny's fiery hand

Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the ruthless king, Ash and Jenna will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.

Sounds like your thing? Add it on Goodreads right now and keep a watch on when it'll be released. I'm certainly excited for it!

(Originally posted on A Court of Ink and Paper, previously known as Cosying Up With Books)