Review | The Crown's Fate #2 by Evelyn Skye

Summary

Summary for Goodreads

Russia is on the brink of great change, Pasha's coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult - and dangerous - than she ever expected.

Pasha is grappling with his own problems - his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges - and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly - Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect kingdom.

For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown's Game stung deeply. Although he managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he's given a second chance at life - tied to a dark price - Nikolai must decide just how far he's willing to go to return to the world.

With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight - or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.

Review

This book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2017. After The Crown's Game and that killer ending, I needed more, I needed more Nikolai. This book in some ways did not disappoint, however certain aspects really got to me. Mainly because with book 1, I hoped some things wouldn't carry on. Also - this is only a duology?! WHY. 

The Crown's Fate continues after a few weeks of the events of the game. We see Vika as the Imperial Enchanter, Pasha - stuck in a limbo as he waits for the coronation, and sweet Nikolai, stuck in shadow form in his dream bench (MY SWEET BABY). Vika still has that fierce power in her, despite having to do both Pasha's and Yuliana's bidding. She was always selfless but kept onto the hope of saving them all. You see growth with Pasha no longer just agreeing with all Yuliana commands.

The plot was intense, yet at times certain things weren't necessary for the plot. There's a darkness that really got to me - complete opposite to The Crown's Game which was all games and mischief and magic. But I really liked it, seeing Skye write both ways was amazing, intriguing as well to see a beloved character so differently. However I feel the whole saving 'said' character was left too late into the book, which I would have loved to see a little earlier. The magic grew ten folds then its predecessor, holy crap the magic was insane and stunning. 

Evelyn Skye had quite literally transported me to Russia, with delicious food (THE FOOD) and the places. It was all vivid and clear, the battles intense and unpredictable. Though, once again, the love quadruple? (I guess) wasn't the main focal point - but it was still there and it still irritated me. The Crown's Fate was captivating with its magic, delicious with all the food, intense with battles and treason. But hopeful with finding the perfect half of peace, love and family. I cannot wait to see what Evelyn has in store for us next.

★★★★