Crown Of War And Shadow by J.R. Ward | Book Review

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“J.R. Ward is a powerhouse in the genre and never disappoints!”--Rebecca Yarros, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"Absolutely unputdownable!"--Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Crown of War and Shadow is a brand new, sweeping, slow-burn romantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R. Ward, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Jennifer Armentrout!

An outcast burdened with a curse. A mercenary out for himself. A kingdom that must be saved.

In the deep, dark, dead of night, passions rise, and empires fall...

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive...and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.

Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.

Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

I love dipping my toes in a new to me genre and really enjoying what I pick up. I have read fantasy romance but not really much in the way of romantasy. So, I was a little apprehensive and nervous about Crown Of War And Shadow by JR Ward. It is a bit long which feels like quite a commitment. However, commit I did. This was my treadmill book for a few weeks – meaning whenever I would deign to walk, this was the book I was reading. Friends, I absolutely enjoyed my time with Crown Of War And Shadow – apparently first of the Kingdoms of the Compass series. 

Crown Of War And Shadow follows Sorrel, a young woman who lives on the margins of her society. You see, Sorrel has some special skills. She can look in someone’s eyes and know exactly when they will die. She also can help women giving birth and babies being born to survive the whole childbirth process. Yet, people in her little town treat her with derision and disdain. Her life is small – she has no friends and lives in a little room at the tavern. One day this all changes with a man known simply as Merc comes to her town. Eventually all hell breaks loose and Sorrel must run away from the town. Merc promises to get her to the Outpost with the promise that he can have his way with her as payment. As it turns out, demons are coming out the Fulcrum. Bad things are happening across the Kingdom. So, Sorrel and Merc make some big discoveries, get into danger, and kind of find themselves on a quest to return a crown to the Queen Who Will See No One. 

I had this preconceived notion that Crown Of War And Shadow would be a lot of spicy scenes – based on what I’ve heard about romantasy. I was wrong and am glad about that. Even if it was, no shame if that is your thing.For me, I don’t really seek that out. I really loved the pacing and plot of this book. I found Sorrel’s character to be dynamic and engaging. She is a good person who has been held at arm’s length and it is wonderful when she does make a friend. She has a good heart ultimately. I also liked the chemistry between her and Merc. It was interesting sort of getting his story. There’s a big reveal. I find myself looking forward to the next book. Also, I’d like to pick up more by J.R. Ward as this was really good. The book itself is incredibly aesthetically pleasing and looks amazing on the shelf. The edges are gorgeous. But what is within — the most important part — is well worth reading if you are like me and just getting into romantasy.

@aprilbooksandwine

Thoughts on Crown Of War And Shadow by JR Ward – I very much enjoyed this book. @Tor Publishing Group

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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