Review of 'This Cursed Crown'

This Cursed Crown picks up soon after the These Feathered Flames ended. It recaps the events from the previous novel; however, I would have benefited from re-reading it to better enjoy This Cursed Crown.

Gripping Story

This Cursed Crown is a dual-POV novel between Izaveta and Asya. Izaveta is the royal heir, the next in line for the throne. Or at least she was in the previous novel until her “death.” After paying the cost of her magic at the end of These Feathered Flames, she woke in a mysterious tower, trapped, her heart gone.

She is eager to find her way back to her sister, and she discovers a plot that would destroy the kingdom and overthrow the monarchy.

As for Asya, she is still the Firebird, the magical creature bound to collect the price for the magic cast, for magic always comes with a price. Asya firmly believes that her sister is alive and that her magic did not destroy her. But as she tries to find her, she is struck by the return and endangerment of the girl she loved who also betrayed her.

Each storyline is filled with tons of detail. That draws heavily on information given in the previous book. A lot happened in the previous novel, so it is almost essential that you re-read the previous novel.

Now, that’s not to say this story isn’t enjoyable. There is a lot of information, and Overy summarizes the previous book’s events well. Still, sometimes, it is not enough and detracts from the multiple layers of storytelling.

Characterization

I will say that the best part of the story was the characters and their growth.

In These Feathered Flames, character development took a back seat to the world-building and storytelling.

Here, their characterization is the star.

Both Izaveta and Asya have to grow beyond what they know. Both girls, so used to caring for themselves and looking out for themselves, must learn to ask for help and rely on others. In different ways, each girl was taught to open one’s heart and ask for help was a weakness. However, by isolating themselves, they made themselves weak. When they needed allies, they had very few, and now, with the balance of the kingdom hanging by a thread, the girls learn to listen to and trust one another. They have to learn that loving each other is a strength.

There were times when Asya’s hardheadedness was infuriating. Sometimes, Asya didn’t want to listen to Izaveta because she thought she knew best, refusing her sister’s counsel and knowledge of courtroom machinations. Eventually, again, she grows out of it, and the bond between the sisters strengthens, making the tension worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

This Cursed Crown was a good novel. Sometimes, I wished the pacing were quicker and that the novel didn’t rely on its predecessor so heavily. Still, ultimately, it was a solid and thoughtful conclusion.

• Writing Quality : 7/10
• Character Development : 9/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 7/10
• Intellectual Depth: 8/10
• Originality: 10/10
• Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny