I really tried with this book but right from the start I wasn’t impressed. It started and the king had already lost his kingdom and was in hiding almost like it was a follow on book leaving off from a cliff hanger. It was also multiple pov that I don’t really think helped the storyline. I got to 72 pages and that has taken days. The book just didn’t grab my attention enough to continue with it. I don’t think I have dnf’d a book for a very long time.#DNF #booktok

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Once Upon A Crown by Leané Gilomee is an enchanting fantasy adventure that whisks readers into a kingdom brimming with magic, secrets, and a fierce heroine determined to reclaim her destiny.

Not my thing. I didn't realize this book was the third in a trilogy till after I got the ARC, so I did go and find copies of the first 2 books from the library. I realized part way through the first book this wasn't for me at all. I did get through them all, but honestly, I had such trouble with the writing that it wasn't pleasant.

The story is fine, the overall plot is okay, but there is no character development, and the dialogue is often so clunky and generic it makes little or no sense at times. I think the book could have done with a good human (because maybe AI gets used now?) copy editor who might have flagged some of the awkward transitions and misused words.

3.5 stars

Once Upon a Crown is the final book in the Twisted Crown trilogy but Leane Giliomee and I've been waiting on this book since I read the last page of book two. If you haven't read the other books and plan on reading this series, you'll want to stop reading this review because I don't want to spoil it for you and while I won't spoil this book, there is potential to do so for the others.

This one picks up shortly after book two wrapped up. Cai is initially a bit of a mess in that he doesn't know what to do now that his kingdom is lost and Elara is trying to figure out a way to bring him back. A lot of the initial time is spent focusing on finding an old journal of King Evrin and once they have that and Cai is slightly more himself, they decide they need to stop King Aries and will start with getting back Norrandale. As the story progresses, the magic of the Myrgonite plays a big role.

There is also the new romance between Gwen and Lance that we get to see develop and I have to admit it was nice to see a different side of Lance in this book - he actually showed some feelings!

The eventual fight with King Aries played out well and I won't give anything away here. I'll just say that the story is wrapped up in a way that, while not everyone survives the war, you know that there is a future for these kingdoms. If you're looking for a new fantasy trilogy to pick up that has some magic, adventure, and romance, consider picking this one up. I enjoyed it and think you might too.

Before starting this, I hadn’t realized it was the third book in a series I hadn’t yet read. As a result, I felt a bit lost at first, though I was able to pick up the general gist of the previous events. I won’t go into detail of the book here, but I do appreciate when a series offers some context at the beginning—not just for new readers, but also for those returning after a long gap between releases. Serious readers often read dozens of books in between, and it’s easy to forget key plot points. That aside, the book is well written and enjoyable. While it may not be the most groundbreaking story, it’s a solid read and a pleasant way to pass the time.

3⭐️
1🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for an e-arc of this book.

I have received arcs for all 3 books of this series. Book 1 started really strong for me, book 2 took a step back but overall still good. However, book 3 here fell a little flat for me, and I hate saying that.

It feels like all the fun and witty banter we got in book 1 disappeared further into the series. It didn’t even feel like Elara and Cai were the central couple anymore. To be honest, I enjoyed Lance and Gwen’s chapters a lot more and their story. There was way more chemistry between these 2 this book than Elara and Cai.

After the shocking ending to book 2, I was eagerly anticipating this last book. The story wraps up and everything for sure but it almost felt like everything fell into the character’s laps too easily. Everything got solved so quickly at times.

The relationship between Elara and Cai completely dropped off for me too. They both are going through their various trials and own grief, which I think is important, but outside of 1 scene of them fighting/redeclaring their love for one another, they very much fell into their roles of royalty vs being in love. And when I finally thought we were going to build towards some sort of spicy scene, it felt very brushed over. Not even in a closed door way. It just…didn’t even feel there at all.

Overall, the series started really strong in my opinion but felt like it lost its way by book 3. I thank the publisher for the opportunity to read all 3 as arcs!

The crowning glory 👑 ✨ 🏔️

This is the third book in the Twisted Crown Trilogy and for me, the best. Queen Elara and King Cai are in the Kingdom of Everness, licking their wounds and strategising on how to defeat King Aries and avoid war. Norrandale is still in the hands of those loyal to King Aries. Cai is broken-hearted after losing his Kingdom and Elara is desperately trying to find ways to connect to him again. They still love each other, but Cai is in a very dark place.

Elara and Cai follow leads on Myrgonite artefacts and hunt for an old and ancient journal from King Elvin. This search leads to adventure and magic and the opportunity, or alternatively curse, that these relics contain. My favourite quote is as follows:

“But magic requires balance, and we don’t know the price.”

In this novel, Leane introduces a new sub plot, a romance between Gwen, disgraced Thatcher’s sister and Prince Lance, Elara’s brother. I really enjoyed this romance which gave me the feels, almost like when reading ‘A Court of Mist and Fury’ by Sarah J Maas, just not so much depth.

An excellent third and final book to this series. All the ends are sewn up and the reader enjoys romance, action and adventure. Well recommended and great to see how the story and characters evolved.

Thank you NetGalley, Joffe Books and Leane Giliomee for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published 24 June 2025.

I'd give this one 3.5 stars. I didn't realise that this book was a third in the series, but it felt like it didn't take much to catch up.

Someone's review is 'We support women's rights and we support women's wrongs' - I love this for this story!
We always hold space for a grumpy x sunshine story with tension for days.

3.5✨ once upon a crown is a three book series. The Fmc Elara heart is torn between love and her duty. Cai is no longer the king and has lose everything, everything except her. If you love
Found family
Sizzling tension
Lovers-to-strangers-to-lovers
Badass FMC
High-stakes political intrigue
We support women's rights and women's wrongs
Grumpy x sunshine
This is the book for you

Thank you to Leané Gilomee, Joffe Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review!

Once Upon a Crown, the final installment in Leané Giliomee’s Twisted Crown Trilogy, delivers a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion to the series. Building upon the foundations laid in “If the Crown Fits” and “Crown of Hearts”, this book brings the journey of Elara and Prince Cai to a compelling close.

Giliomee continues to excel in character development, allowing Elara to evolve into a strong and multifaceted protagonist. Her internal struggles and growth are portrayed with nuance, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. The dynamic between Elara and Cai remains a highlight, with their relationship deepening amidst the challenges they face.

The narrative maintains a brisk pace, weaving together political intrigue, personal stakes, and the remnants of magic in a world striving for balance. While some plot points could have benefited from more elaboration, the story's momentum keeps readers engaged. The resolution ties up key arcs while leaving room for reflection on the characters' journeys.

Overall, Once Upon a Crown is a commendable finale that balances romance, adventure, and personal growth. Fans of the series will find it a rewarding conclusion, and newcomers are encouraged to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the depth of this enchanting trilogy. 👑✨💛

This lovely fantasy novel is part of a three part series which again I had no idea was a series so again this review will be very brief. Our main heroine Elara is doing her best to run her kingdom all while balancing her love for an exiled royal Cai. Danger seems to lurk everywhere in the Kingdom. Overall this book was pretty impressive. I'll definitely need to get my hand on the other two books so that way I don't feel so lost and confused. Again wonderful book.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Elara is torn between duty and her love for Cai, the exiled king. They have to search for a lost diary with magical information to survive...

I enjoy the political intrigue. The plot is fast moving. I like the tension between the main characters. Love how the story ends. A perfect ending to the series.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

A fab end to a lovely series!

I enjoyed these books and the characters were really likeable, it’s always great to see a strong FMC throughout the whole series. I absolutely loved Gwen and Lances POV I had a feeling he was going to become one of my favourite characters and he did not disappoint.

I would’ve loved to see more of Lance and Elara’s relationship and even a little more of Eloisa flashbacks but I still loved how it all worked out in the end!

Once Upon a Crown is a gripping and emotional finale to the Twisted Kingdom series. I was completely drawn into Elara’s journey—her strength, doubts, and determination felt so real. The world-building is rich, and the tension never lets up. I especially loved the slow-burn romance between Elara and Cai; it felt earned and full of heart. Some moments had me holding my breath, and others made me tear up. The writing is vivid and fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. If you enjoy fantasy with strong characters and high stakes, this book is definitely worth reading. I truly loved it.