WOW! Stephanie Storm has created something special with Kingdom of Stolen Crowns...

You're immediately pulled into a wonderful story of magic and mystery. The world building is detailed and enables you to build a vivid image from the descriptions in the book.

The main characters are engaging and easily likeable:
Runa and her band of merry men (that’s what I’m calling them as it’s how I pictured them) are the stars of the show, I loved the description of Kronk especially as he brings some lighthearted-ness to some of the heavy scenes. Drazen reminded me of a lovable rogue, together the trio gave me Robin Hood vibes “redistributing the false kings wealth”.

Victor is dark and brooding, after being stripped of his rank as a high powered vampire and is banished to the prison realm, Victor is full of ideas of revenge for the High Court who cast him out.

I loved how quickly their stories joined, as soon as Victor sets his eyes on Runa he knows they’re fated mates 😍 The chemistry between Runa and Victor is sizzling! The build of their relationship is perfectly paced!

I really enjoyed the story, the plot and the was a typical romantasy with a fresh take so it feels unlike anything you’ve read before.

I loved the humorous way the internal dialogues were written, it made me laugh out loud several times.

The trials are fantastic - although they sound similar to other books, think Hunger Games/Maze Runner - they’re different, they have a unique challenge at each event, with illusions the team have to navigate through using their strengths and teamwork, it’s inspiring and shows the depth of connection between Runa, Kronk and Drazen.

The third trial ending was just jaw dropping, I had suspected that Victor may be the chosen one, but what happens was SHOCKING! At this point I was even more invested in finding out what happens as we're only at 60%, what more could happen?!

I absolutely love how courageous and bold Runa is, she's not a typical whimsical 'save me' heroin we see in most romantic fantasy's, she's bolshy and tough, and a mastermind!

The ending was unexpected, and left me wanting more, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

I’m excited for more readers to get their hands on this book, I hope it gains the backing and attention it deserves!

4.5 stars

This book was so much fun! It drops you straight in the action and there’s never a dull moment.

This is the first book in the Sacred Arbor series and tells the story of Runa and Victor who couldn’t be more different.

We have trials, enemies to lovers, magic, prophecy, slow-burn, forced proximity, fated mates - there’s so much happening but it all works.

It’s easy to read with a good amount of world building and plot but it’s the characters that truly make this book shine. So much banter, humour and heart which helps to break up some of the darker moments. I particularly loved Runa’s relationship with her brothers. It’s also dual first person POV so we get to experience both Runa’s and Victor’s perspective.

This book was a breath of fresh air and I can’t wait for book 2!

Kingdom of Stolen Crowns was a very pleasant surprise!
I really, really enjoyed the story more than I had expected to.
It's full of all the good stuff romance, banter, creatures, magic, trials, royalty, spice, and loveable side-characters.
The FMC and MMC are so fun, their witt and banter was great, their romance was well written, and the spice was perfect.
I really loved some of the side characters as well, especially Thorne and Yaga.

Overall this was a fantastic read and I will definitely recommend for Fantasy/Romantasy lovers, I cannot wait for book 2!

An enemies-to-lovers romantasy, this novel is perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Jennifer L. Armentrout. It offers a fast-paced, steamy fantasy realm where characters must navigate passion, chaos, and enchanting happily-ever-afters.

Thank you NetGally and the publishers for providing me with an arc copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fantasy book, a good enemies to lovers read. The world building was very well done and the banter was bantering. I will definitely be picking up my copy on release day.

Stephanie Storm’s Kingdom of Stolen Crowns launches The Sacred Arbor Series with a compelling blend of dark magic, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance. Set in the vividly imagined realm of Eryndral, the story follows two complex protagonists: Runa Starborn, a cunning sorceress burdened by debt, and Victor Custodis, a disgraced vampire lord seeking redemption.

Pros:
•Dynamic Protagonists: Runa’s sharp wit and survival instincts make her a standout heroine, while Victor’s brooding complexity adds depth to their evolving relationship. I very much so enjoyed reading about them.
•Immersive World-Building: From the glowing Skyspire to the treacherous Fallen Trials, Storm crafts a world that’s both enchanting and perilous. 
•Engaging Plot: The narrative is rich with twists, betrayals, and revelations that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
•Romantic Tension: The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Runa and Victor is executed with a slow-burning intensity that adds emotional weight to the story. 

Cons:
•Pacing Issues: Some middle sections, particularly training sequences, may feel drawn out and slow the momentum. 
•Limited Side Character Development: Secondary characters, including members of the rebel faction, could benefit from more depth to enhance their impact on the story. 
•Political Context: The intricacies of Eryndral’s political landscape and the significance of the “stolen crowns” could be more thoroughly explored to provide clearer stakes. 

“Condemned by my peers, I’m cast into a nightmarish realm. Yet fate persists in her torment, throwing a beguiling thief in my path.” obsessed.

Book 1 of the Sacred Arbor Realm Series follows Victor and Runa, who must enter the Fallen Trials, forming a partnership in order to survive. A powerful vampire lord and a sorceress?! Packed with adventure and fun world building, I really enjoyed reading this one.

***Enemies to lovers
***Fated mates
***Slow burn
***Found family

Filled with lots of witty banter and great sexual tension - I lovedddd our strong FMC. The writing flowed beautifully. And that cliffhanger?! Give me Book 2 soon please!!

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

I loved the banter between the characters. Kronk is the cutest!I love the relationships between the 3 adopted siblings. It is a very interesting world with such fun creatures. I cant wait to read book 2!

Oh boy this book is a treat! The plot was well thought out and beautifully executed. I love the back and forth between the FMC and the MMC. It really felt like a true enemies to fated mates book. I was able to feel the emotions at the same time as the characters. The spice was *chefskiss*! I love a MMC with touch her and die energy. This is a really good book that I will definitely reread.