I've read a dozen books like this one, yet this feels entirely singular and beautiful. I hope this belongs in a series.

I truly enjoyed reading Crown of Shadows! One of the standout elements for me was the dynamic between the characters. Their relationships—whether tense, playful, or heartfelt—felt genuine and brought a great deal of life to the story. I found myself LOL more than once, especially whenever Enzo decided to poke fun at the others. His teasing was always perfectly timed and added a great layer of levity to some of the heavier moments.

What I also appreciated was how the author didn’t shy away from writing flawed characters. Not one character had all the answers, and that made them feel so much more real. Despite their missteps and uncertainties, each of them was trying to do their best in incredibly challenging circumstances, and that made their growth throughout the story even more rewarding to read.

I’ll admit, I was a bit confused at times when it came to the world’s magic system and the different creatures introduced. But as the story unfolded, it became clear that this confusion was intentional—mirroring the characters’ own realizations that much of the world’s truth had been hidden by the kingdom itself. That mystery added to the intrigue, and I’m looking forward to learning more in future books.

Overall, Crown of Shadows is a character-driven fantasy that blends emotion, humor, and mystery in all the right ways. I’m excited to see where the story goes next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

Crown of Shadows by Lexie Jansen is an emotionally charged, character-driven fantasy that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Drawing from Slavic, Celtic, and Nordic folklore, Jansen builds a world steeped in rune magic, forbidden history, and atmospheric tension—one that rewards readers who love moral ambiguity, high stakes, and characters who grow through pain, failure, and sheer grit.

The standout for me was the cast. These are not shiny, perfect heroes—they're messy, raw, and deeply human. Their relationships—tense, playful, or tender—feel authentic and emotionally grounded. Enzo, in particular, is a scene-stealer. Equal parts chaos and charm, he brings much-needed levity to the darker moments. His teasing, banter, and thinly veiled unhinged energy had me laughing out loud, especially in one memorable scene: a strategy meeting held in a dungeon surrounded by gravestones. The sheer absurdity of it, and the way the male characters react, had me wheezing. It was peak dark humour and perfectly timed.

I also appreciated how the book leans into psychological depth. The characters are all navigating complex trauma, and Jansen doesn’t shy away from putting them through the wringer—emotionally and physically. The action is gritty and impactful, and the fight for survival (and identity) is a central theme.

The romance, however, was a more complicated experience. I adored Aaron—his emotional vulnerability, fierce loyalty, and inner conflict made him one of the most compelling characters. But his relationship with Mayu left me conflicted. She’s strong and capable, but emotionally inconsistent, and her tendency to withhold critical information made their dynamic feel unbalanced. That said, there were glimmers of something powerful between them. A standout moment is when a demon attacks Aaron and Mayu fiercely steps in with the line, “Don’t touch what is mine.” It hit like a lightning bolt—one of the few clear moments of emotional honesty from her.

Even more revealing is Enzo, clearly frustrated, telling Aaron that although Enzo loves Mayu, she has chosen Aaron over and over again, and intends to marry him. That moment should have solidified things, but the emotional push and pull—and her lack of transparency—left me (and Aaron) off balance. I’m hoping this first instalment was laying the emotional groundwork and that future books will delve deeper into their shared history and connection.

The magic system and lore were, at times, a little unclear—but I suspect that was intentional. The characters themselves are in the dark about much of their world’s hidden truths, and that mystery adds another layer to the narrative. It made me more curious, not less, and I’m keen to see how it all unfolds in the sequel.

Final thoughts: Crown of Shadows blends emotional complexity, brutal action, folkloric monsters, and mind-bending magic into a richly layered story. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with flawed protagonists, slow-burning mysteries, and a dash of black humour (psychotic guardian included), this book deserves a place on your shelf. Jansen’s writing is atmospheric and clever, and I’ll absolutely be picking up the sequel—especially to get answers to all my burning questions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Koehler for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.