A Crown so Silver by Lyra Selene.

Synopsis

On a mysterious snowy island ruled by a trickster king where magic comes at a price, a deadly trial commences. The prize: a chance for vengeance.

After her sacrifice on the Ember Moon, Fia is flush with powerful magic and eager to rush into battle against her murderous sister, Eala. However, Fia’s new husband Irian suggests they bide their time and retreat to the Silver Isle, a snowy island at the edge of the fae world.

Ruled by the cunning smith-king, the Silver Isle proves far from a safe haven. Fia and Irian become embroiled in the Tournament of Kings competing for a magical forging of immense power. Their relationship will be put to the test as they navigate conflicting motivations, shifting allegiances and ancient magic.

With the end of the tournament looming and Eala’s threat growing, Fia must decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice to defeat her sister.

Review

4,5 stars

The half star missing is just because Lyra Selene briefly made a choice I had previously encountered and didn’t like in another very famous fantasy series.

No telling more as I don’t want to spoil you!

This book was fantastic! True to the first one with an eerie atmosphere, with Fae Folk who are far from the gentle faeries from child fairytales. It’s edgy, desperate sometimes dark but always captivating.

If there is a contest on a magic Island don’t expect it to take center stage. You will gravitate around the contest that will serve more as a cover for Fia’s schemes than as a main course.

What you can expect:

-obsessive and possessive lover;

-new friendships;

-information about Irian’s youth and past;

-betrayals;

-villainous smith Kings;

-scheming and power hungry half sister;

-Fia’s metamorphosis;

-Magic and prophecies

-beautiful writing 

-Fia, Fia, Fia….

She has been raised with blows to fight and become a weapon but she chose light. She is also stubborn, reckless, independent and wonderfully flawed.

I loved the dramatic ending (and yes it’s a cliffhanger) and Irian’s late « growth » in that instalment.

This is an excellent sequel that doesn’t suffer from the « middle book syndrome «  at all!

I will read the next book without a doubt!

Sophie