Crush the King (Crown of Shards #3)
by Jennifer Estep
What is it about:
A fierce gladiator queen must face off against her enemies in an epic battle in this next thrilling installment of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Estep’s Crown of Shards series—an action-packed adventure full of magic, murderous machinations, courtly intrigue, and pulse-pounding romance.
Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona has survived the mass murder of the royal family, become a fearsome warrior trained by an elite gladiator troupe, and unleashed her ability to destroy magic. After surviving yet another assassination attempt orchestrated by the conniving king of Morta, Evie has had enough. It’s time to turn the tables and take the fight to her enemies.
There is no better opportunity to strike than during the Regalia Games, a time when warriors, nobles, and royals from all the kingdoms come together to compete in various sporting events. With the help of her loyal friends, Evie goes on the attack at the Regalia, but things don’t turn out the way she hopes. Soon, she is facing a terrifying new threat, and she will have to dig deep and learn even more about her growing magic if she has any chance of defeating her foes.
Because to secure her throne and ensure her kingdom’s survival, Evie must think like a true Bellonan: she must outsmart and outwit her enemies... and crush the king.
What did I think of it:
I've very much enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy, so I was happy to get my hands on an ARC of the last book.
And this is yet another entertaining read.
As I mentioned in my review of Protect the Prince I see this series as Renaissance Fair Fantasy (Yes, my own term), meaning that it's at times over the top, and unbelievable. Much like how the Middle Ages are depicted at Renaissance Fairs. I myself don't mind this at all. It makes for a very entertaining story, but for people looking for serious Fantasy it may be jarring.
This book is the conclusion of the trilogy, so there is a lot going on, all leading to a big finale. Some things had me raising my eyebrows, like a family with an Italian name having a band of bounty hunters with a Dutch name. And maybe Geldjagers may sound mysterious to those who don't know any Dutch, but for me it sounded a little corny, especially as Geldjagers = Money Hunters, so basically a sort of translation of bounty hunters.
There were some very obvious things, but overall I really enjoyed Evie's antics and those of her friends. I especially really like Paloma and Cho. I wouldn't mind some extra stories set in this world with them in the lead. The romance between Evie and Sullivan fizzled out in this book in my opinion. It felt a bit like a forgotten side plot.
Small points of critique aside I had a great time with the book. It's fun, enjoyable, and packed with action and intrigue. From what I understand Estep has plans for more books in this world, and I can tell you I'll be along for the ride.
Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining Fantasy read.
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