Synopsis

Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Mortaβher mortal enemy. Gemma tries to steer clear of the handsome prince, but when she finds herself behind enemy lines, she reluctantly joins forces with Leo. Also coming to Gemmaβs aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle.
Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparksΒ between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leoβs murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre.
The closer Gemma gets to the stolen tearstone, the more deadly plots she uncovers. Everyone is trying to capture the crown, but only one queen can sit on the throneβ¦Β
Review
4,5 stars
First Iβd like to thank Jennifer Estep for my copy as I won it in a giveaway!
This has no influence on my review. I just already was a big fan of Kill the Queen series and Capture the Crown didnβt disappoint.
If you have read Kill the Queen, you might recall little Gemma escaping from the massacre that killed Evieβs family. Gemma will never forget these horrible moments. This story centers around her, many years after.
She may have been a little girl but she feels guilty for the death of her uncle Frederik and so many others as she had heard Mavenβs thoughts and knew something bad was coming. Yet she kept quiet and when it happened, she was so overwhelmed by everyoneβs thoughts as a mind magier that she just hid under the table.
Since that day, she is carrying huge guilt and PTSD. Gemma thinks she is a coward and wants to make up for her inaction that dreadful day.
Of course, weβll all think that she was a kid and it wasnβt her fault but Gemma has other ideas.
Thatβs why Gemma has chosen to be a spy!
She has cultivated her image or pampered and useless princess, the perfect cover, while she goes on spying missions, deeming it the only way to protect her kingdom.
At the beginning of the story, Gemma Is working undercover as a minor. Tearstones have disappeared from the mines and she fears nefarious designs behind these thefts.
That will bring her on the path of very dangerous individuals, to the brink of death and right into a nest of vipers at the dangerous court of Morta!
Danger and action lurk at every corner of that story.
But you also have one of my favorite tropes here: enemies to lovers!
Gemma will indeed ally with the handsome prince of Morta, prince Leonidas, another mind magier who betrayed her when she was a kid. But as both want to uncover the plot, they will temporarily join forces. Now, wonβt Leonidas betray her again?
Sparks sizzle and old wounds are reopened.
It was fast paced, very enjoyable to read but know that there were some hard moments with torture scenes. So be aware that Jennifer didnβt hold anything back here!
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I also loved that Leonidas was a character in all shades of grey. He was handsome, powerful, kind but also very loyal to his mother Maven who is ultimately Gemmaβs enemy! When your loyalties are torn, it makes for a very interesting and tense plot as you donβt know which way the scale will tip!
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I canβt wait for the sequel!
Thanks for reading!
Glad you loved it!!
It’s so nice to win a giveaway. π
How exciting to win a copy in the giveaway! I’ve been meaning to start this series for ages but it had fallen off my radar. It’s back on now!
I’ve been wanting to try this series so I’m glad to hear how much you’re enjoying it. π
“magic, murder and mayhem” (to steal your quote for the book), sounds like a great combination of themes for what looks like a very intriguing story π
Thanks for sharing!
Hahaha yes it’s a grea combo Maddalena!
I jave to go back to this author, sooner rather than later, and your review was great!
Thank you Susy!!
I need to read this, I don’t think I’ve ever read one of her books
She writes great stories Tammy!
I’m glad you enjoyed! I like her previous trilogy set in the same world more, but I’m definitely going to pick up the sequel.
I picked the previous trilogy because of you Mogsy!
I have really heard the best things about Jennifer Estep but still haven’t braved her books. You know me and the level of romance I need. So will wait till I am in the right mood for this one. But it sounds so good.
I think you’d love it , even if it’s a slooow burn! π
This sounds so good!! Definitely adding to my wish list, thank you!
You are so welcome!
Enemies to lovers yaaaasss
Right?? π