It was great to continue the adventure with Keera and Riven. With a focus on uncovering Keera's lost memories and mysterious past this book has a little less action than the first but does a great job filling in so much that we didn't learn in book one about Keera and her crew.

I really enjoyed the fabulous world building in this book. I loved spending more time in the Elverin cities and really seeing their magic come to life.

Allegiances are questioned, plots uncovered, and the stage is set for a really exciting next book!

It is rare that I say that a sequel tops an already strong entry (first novel). This one does just that and more, the characters get more room to breath and I found we’re not dull but engaging. Great job Blair!!

A Shadow Crown is an amazing and suspenseful second installment in The Halfling Saga by Melissa Blair.

Picking up right where the first book left off, you are immediately thrown back into character development, world, building, plot development, and political intrigue. If it all possible, Blair makes this book even more suspenseful and well written than the first.

We pick ride up with Keera, trying to decide which path she will choose. The path of the kingdom or the path of the rebellion. We get back stories for many of the beloved side characters, and they do take a more front row seat in the second book. We get introduced to more characters through the path of the rebellion. And they are just as lovable as the ones we already came to know. Of course, we do get more suspicious characters that could be friend or foe, and part of the fun of the second book is finding out which side they align with. This book was suspenseful and mysterious from start to finish. The twists at the end absolutely were shocking. The book ends on a cliffhanger setting up the third installment, and I personally cannot wait.

An amazing sequel to one of my favorite reads of last year!

The pacing in this book does not let up for a second. It has just the right mix of ebbs and flows to keep a reader on the edge of their seat and second guessing anything they may have thought they figured out.

Melissa Blair continues to write a unique and lush fantasy world filled with flawed and fleshed out characters. Keera can be annoying. She can be insufferable in her rash decision making. However, these things make Keera real and separate her from other femme heroes in the genre. The only person Keera truly has had in her long semi eternal life to rely on is herself. She needs to learn how others are there to help her, be there for her and even love her in a way she truly deserves.

The ending of this book (spoiler free!) builds this world out even further and I can not wait to see where it goes.

Jumping right in- I really enjoyed this & can't wait for the next installment! For some reason heading into this I thought this was the conclusion to the series, so I was really happy when I realized we'll be getting another book!

I do feel like it was a bit slower paced than the first one (which isn't a bad thing, especially for those who don't mind slower paced book). The pace of the action in the first book really hooked me & with this one felt like there was a lot more discussion/filler and not as much action, but I did really enjoy getting to find out more about Keera's past!

*Heading into Spoiler Territory*

I do wish there hadn't been as long of a wait for a reconnection between Keera & Riven. This is definitely just my own personal preference problem, but I'm the type of person that hates when the couple finally gets together and then for the whole beginning of the next book there's something that keeps them apart and then it takes time to reconcile and it kinda feels like we're taking steps forward and then steps backward, so if you're also that type of person you might not enjoy the pace of the romance so much in this book.

I do absolutelyyy love seeing how Keera's past relationship & healing plays into her relationship with Riven & how they handle that together. This situation is in no way included in what I mean by the relationship pacing (only the waiting for him to come back into the picture in the start of the book was kinda eh for me). This aspect of the story is such an amazing layer to explore & I'm really excited to continue on this journey with Keera. I'm also someone who lost someone I loved deeply, very unexpectedly & traumatically, so I really connect to Keera in this way.

All in all, while there was some things I preferred in the first book I still think this was a great read & I'm super excited to see where the story heads next!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read an arc copy of this!

I've been waiting for this sequel for a long time and it did not disappoint. I loved reading even more twists and turns in Keera's story - this was a perfect followup to book one. Great job!

I loved the pacing and plot twists throughout this sequel to A Broken Blade. Keera’s a fantastic main character, flawed enough to be realistic but with the strength and drive that makes her story so compelling.
I really appreciate the world-building and diversity, as well as a stellar cast of supporting characters.
Looking forward to more!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving the opportunity to read this incredible sequel early!

I was a bit late to the game for this TikTok phenomenon of a series, but I am so happy I got on board—I literally cannot wait for the series’ stunning conclusion. If you didn’t think this series could improve on the first book, you’d be surprised. Keera is a fantastic heroine who I know will set the baseline for what is required of a complex female lead for years to come in the genre. The character development continues in this installment, effectively rendering its characters into three-dimensional, complex people that I love to follow. Paired with excellent prose and heart-stopping action, this book delivers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for providing an eARC of "A Shadow Crown" by Melissa Blair, and to Melissa Blair for showing her support for my excitement about this book on social media.

"A Shadow Crown" is the second novel of the Halfling Saga, and follows Keera as she continues her work as the King's master assassin while also trying to win over the untrusting people of the rebellion as a double agent. However, when the rebellion suspects that Keera is behind the leak of information to the enemy, she must walk a delicate line to prove her innocence.

The first book of the series explored themes of colonialism, genocide, and racism, while still sticking to familiar tropes that made it feel comfortable to readers. The sequel continues to build on these themes as Blair continues to build upon her previous world-building. The setting is incredibly rich and complex and I loved reading more about the elves and their magical tree city. The characters are incredibly complex as well, with Keera continuing to deal with her addiction in a manner that feels completely real. She also has a whole heap of past trauma and grief to work through and that feels authentic. The supporting cast of characters grow and their relationships with Keera become even more endearing. I adore her new librarian friend; instant favorite. The romantic relationship between Keera and Riven is especially heartwarming. After his betrayal, he takes the time to earn Keera's trust and their bond is beautiful and supportive.

While some readers may find this installment to be slower than the first, the pacing is necessary to allow for the characters to be fully fleshed out and for readers to become even more invested in them. Overall, "A Shadow Crown" is a beautifully written novel with intricate world-building and endearing characters, and I highly recommend it. Melissa Blair's talent as an author continues to build and I will read anything that she writes forever.

I enjoyed my time reading this book. I do think it suffered a tad bit from second book syndrome but I’m very excited to see how the series concludes. The writing is definitely improved for book two, not that it was lacking book 1 but it’s cool to see an author improve.

The story picks up right where you left off. There’s tons more character development/building for this book which I definitely enjoyed.

I already knew I was going to love this sequel, and I definitely did! I love this author's style and the way the main characters are built up. Of course, particularly Keera. And, this book really delves into a lot of Keera's history and how she is dealing with it.

I loved this focus on Keera and also the continuous world building that is just incredible. This world is especially beautiful and creative in this book. The author has a lot of room to work with very magical details, and it's really marvelous.

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and I'm just so freaking happy with this! (By the way, major cliffhanger!! Can't wait for book three!)

Out May 9, 2023!

I had some doubts about A Broken Blade but this is definitely better and more entertaining. A tightly knitted and fast paced plot, good world building, a character arc that I liked.
I fell in love with the cover and the story is compelling
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

If you loved A Broken Blade, you'll enjoy A Shadow Crown! This series is just a fun romantasy with diverse characters, snarky dialogue, and filled with delicious tropes that make the pages fly by. We pick up right where we left off and continue the storyline of Keera joining the rebels. Not only that but we get more insight into the history of this world, new details, and deepening character development. I really appreciate how Melissa pays attention to side characters and their development just as much as the main characters. The pacing is solid throughout and a tense cliffhanger ending that has me ready to dive into the next book!

We pick up right where we left off in A Broken Blade and plunge immediately into a bunch of new stuff.

New settings and the revelation of more history behind the lives of the fae, elves, and halflings living in Myrelinth meant more world building in this book. But the depth added to the story was amazing as a result, and created a very complex conflict for this installment of the story.

I love the obvious transformation happening with Keera. He character development in this book was great. There’s also a lot going on with Riven and Prince Killian, and I can’t wait for more to be revealed in book three, because there were a lot of little teasers that are now running around in my mind. Nikolai was a favorite again in this book with perfectly timed comic relief.

The ending was rough with a lot hanging in the balance but I’m excited to continue this story with book 3 when it’s released!!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the chance to review an advance copy. I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook, and loved both. Excellent narration on the audiobook.

I admit, I got two chapters in and realized... I needed to go re-read Book One, A Broken Blade. I'm so glad because I forgot how much I enjoyed that book, and the context refresher was needed in order for me to get the most out of this book as possible! The first half of the book might feel a bit slow, but it serves a purpose! Keep reading the second half is going to fly!!

The second book didn't disappoint! I love Melissa's ability to pace the story so perfectly... even the slower parts aren't slow! LOL... Keera is such an underrated FMC in this genre! I'm obsessed that the enemies to lovers in book one has blossomed into a well developed love story. Some of the new characters introduced in Book Two are quickly becoming new favs! Vrail is so kick ass!

Great representation, great world building and Melissa Blair, I'll never forgive you for that ending!

Overall, great sequel, and can't wait for more!!!

This was an ARC provided by #NetGalley, thank you so much!

I am in love with this series! "A Shadow Crown" picks up right where "A Broken Blade" left off and dives right in to even more action-packed adventure.

The first book was an amazing foundation for this series, and in book 2 we get to see an expanded version of the world and characters. Keera continues to be a somewhat morally grey badass, but we get more insight into her past and the backstories of a number of major side characters. The character development and the world building both played really well into the overall plot, keeping it balanced while remaining fast-paced.

There’s a lot going on in this book, but it’s setup in a way that’s easy to keep track of so it never feels overwhelming. I’m so excited to see what Melissa Blair has in store for book 3!!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely LOVED the first book in 2022 and this sequel DID NOT disappoint! What an incredible masterpiece! I couldn’t be happier with how this series is going and I love the author😍😍

When I got approved to read this ARC book, I was soooo happy! I absolutely loved broken blade (part 1 of this series) and I was so excited to read this book!
Just as in the last book, this book contained a super exciting plot. There was a lot happening, so I never got bored of reading it. I even finished the last 80 procent in a day!
The world building of this book is also exceptional. I was really sucked into this world because of it, I loved it.
Last but not least, I adored the interactions between characters. There were a lot of sarcastic jokes, those often made me laugh out loud.
Sadly, there were also a few things I missed in the book. Firstly, the book had a lot of side plots, causing that the main plot often disappeared to the background. Sometimes, I was a bit confused by the plottwists because of this.
I also missed some interactions between riven and keera, they're supposed to be in love. But they have so little conversation that I don't think it's realistic.
Overall, I still think this book is absolutely amazing and I would recommend it to everyone.

Thank you netgalley for sending me an ARC book in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Picking up right where A Broken Blade left off, A Shadow Crown was a captivating sequel full of the same dark atmosphere and morally grey characters I loved about the first novel.

Characters
I love Keera so much. She is such a unique FMC in terms of her age and coping mechanisms that she feels a little more realistic to me than many of the FMCs I've read before. I also love Riven and all of the secondary characters in this story.

Pacing
The first half was feeling a bit slower and I was a little worried this would fall prey to middle book syndrome, but the second half absolutely flew by. In the end, I do think the pacing well done well and allowed for a consistent build up.

Romance
The enemies to lovers tension of book one really stepped aside to make room for a sweeter, more emotional romance in this novel. While I loved the way their relationship has developed, I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish for him to go a little more feral over her/her safety. (manifesting this in book three)

Overall thoughts
This was a really fun read and I am excited (but anxious) to see where the story goes from here.

CW: grief, loss, substance abuse, self harm, abandonment, death of family members

---4/5 stars

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A Shadow Crown is a fantastic sequel to A Broken Blade! After reading the cliffhanger at the end of A Broken Blade, I was desperate to reunite with Keera, and I definitely was not disappointed. There were some chapters and scenes that felt like filler plot, but for the most part, this sequel was action-packed. Every page had me surmising over new theories and gasping at every plot twist. In this book, we get multiple moments where we see Keera in her true, ruthless form as the Blade, slashing through anyone who does her, her friends, or her people harm and I was so here for it.

At the same time, there are many tender moments in the novel as well, especially between Keera and Riven, Nikolai and *spoiler*, and Keera and Gwyn. The subplot of Keera discovering more about her ancestry and trying to be accepted by the Elven pulled many heartstrings. The romance between Keera and Riven, of course, was just as precious in the first book. I went into this sequel thinking we would get a ton of angst between the two after the events of the first book, but Melissa Blair pulled a 180 and instead wrote the most beautiful romantic scenes. Keera and Riven are truly two souls that found each other after years of hurt and trauma, and it was really special to see them be even more in love <3.

Once again, this book ends in a sequel, and it definitely left me yearning for more! I'm not sure how I can wait until the next book, but I'll 100% be re-reading my favorite scenes from the first two books in the meantime.