by Jennifer Estep
Series: Crown of Shards #3
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona has survived the mass murder of the royal family, become a fearsome warrior trained by an elite gladiator troupe, and unleashed her ability to destroy magic. After surviving yet another assassination attempt orchestrated by the conniving king of Morta, Evie has had enough. It’s time to turn the tables and take the fight to her enemies.
There is no better opportunity to strike than during the Regalia Games, a time when warriors, nobles, and royals from all the kingdoms come together to compete in various sporting events. With the help of her loyal friends, Evie goes on the attack at the Regalia, but things don’t turn out the way she hopes. Soon, she is facing a terrifying new threat, and she will have to dig deep and learn even more about her growing magic if she has any chance of defeating her foes.
Because to secure her throne and ensure her kingdom’s survival, Evie must think like a true Bellonan: she must outsmart and outwit her enemies . . . and crush the king.
Crush the King by Jennifer Estep is the third novel in the Crown of Shards fantasy series and one of my most anticipated reads. Estep delivered as we faced down assassins and traveled to the Regalia Games.
I recommend reading the Crown of Shards series in the order of their release. Relationships, allies and character growth play a significant role, not to mention story ARCs with villains. The author does a great job creating a complete story arc within each book, but you will cheat yourself.
Queen Everleigh (Evie) Blair of Bellona, is settling into her role as Queen, even if she puts herself in danger as she does at the beginning of our tale. Estep hooked me, and I was excited to see Everleigh make a stand.
It’s time for the Regalia Games where the best of each kingdom competes and the perfect setting for an assassination. Evie decides she will be the one to put a stop to Maximus; the conniving king of Morta, and his bastard sister, Maeven.
The tale that unfolds was addictive, from the royal barbs to the creatures. I loved the royal card games, trickery and use of magic. Evie continues to test and push the limits of her skills. She also continues to prove herself worthy of her title.
We got a little snogging between Evie and Lucas Sullivan. I enjoy these two together in bed and out.
We learn more about the Blairs and what happened to Everleigh as a child. We also learn about some in the court and see the budding of a reunion. My favorite scenes were those with Maeven. Evie is cunning and worthy of her crown.
The story wrapped up after an intensely climatic battle and delightful twists. While this felt like a final book, it isn’t being promoted as a trilogy and I hope we see more.
Crush the King by Jennifer Estep delivered with action, magic, creatures and plenty of snark. #CrownofShards #Fantasy #NewRelease #Fave #MustRead Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia-Savannah Roach
I have to admit that I will probably need to go back to the beginning, but I have just heard such good things about Estep’s books that I cannot wait to read one. And I love books about assassins so I know this series in particular is so going to be for me ^.^
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love a story with lots of twists! I need to pick up this series 🙂
Jen
I’m reading this one right now, so I’ve skipped the review. But I’ve heard great things about this one!
Jenea’s Book Obsession
I have enjoy this series so much so far and I am hoping that this isn’t going to be the last book too.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I enjoyed the whole series so much. Excellent review. I also would be happy to see more in this world.
Angela (Angel's Guitly Pleasures)
I really liked book 1, but I still haven’t read/listen to book two. I’m glad to see things are still going strong. I’ll get to 2 & 3. ^_^ Thank’s for the review!
Nadene
I read the first book and enjoyed it. Glad to know the series is still going strong.
Felicity Grace Terry
Enticed by the synopsis (but alas not the cover), your review kind of sold this to me. I say kind of as I’m not really wanting to commit to reading any books that are part of a series in which to get the best out of any one book you have had to have read the previous ones. Definitely a name and books I’ll keep a look out for though, Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona sounds like the kind of character I’d enjoy.
kindlemom1
So glad you loved this as much as I did. I really do hope there will be more books!
Mary Kirkland
I need to read this author at some point.
Melliane
I also had a nice time with this one
Debbie S Haupt
This is the second review of this I’ve seen today Kim and I can’t believe I still haven’t gotten this series knowing how much I adore her writing. Thanks for kicking my butt! 🙂