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As a big fan of Abigail Owen’s various series, I was deligthed to see the first of a new series on Netgalley. And The Liar’s Crown is definitely a totally new series, wehereas Fire’s Edge, Inferno Rising and Brimstone Inc share some characters and take place in the same world.

The Liar’s Crown takes place in the Kingdom of Aryd, where Meren is the hidden princess. She is the spare, the body double for her sister, who one day will become queen. She needs to stay hidden for the world and especially for King Eiddon from the neighbor kingdom. He is rumored to live forever and he has been killing the Queens of Aryd for centuries. But Meren want mre from life than just be the spare. So, she often sneaks out at night, to feel free.

One day, however, there is a kidnapping of the Queen. But fortunately the kidnapper has kidnapped the wrong princess: he captured Meren, the spare. Meren doesn’t understand why Reven, the mysterious kidnapper wanted to abduct the Queen. But as long as he thinks he haas the actual princess, her sister is safe. Reven takes her to the Shadowlands to show her all the people who have taken refuge there.

But while Reven and Meren are bickering away on the way to Shadowland, King Eiddon makes a move for Meren’s sister. Without Meren, she is in danger! So now Meren is faced with a difficult choice: trust Reven and tell him her real identity or try to find her way back to her sister on her own.

True to Abigail, this first book leaves you craving for more. Unlike the oterh series, you can’t read the next story as a standalone. There is too much in the total story to understand all the dynamics between the characters. But although I’m usually not a fan of cliffhangers, I loved this one!

Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

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This is a new author to me...and I'm in love!! Owen's writing style is beautiful and enchanting. I sat down intending on reading a couple of chapters, but ended up binge reading the entire book in one sitting!! It was so enthralling, from the very first page...I just HAD to know how it ended. With a cliffhanger, of course. But that is to be expected of a series. It can't all be HEA in book one, lol. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, magic and strong female leads. Can't wait to dive into the next book!!

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One of the biggest aspects of this book that I enjoyed was the politics engraved within the story. If you've read the Remnant Chronicles or Twin Crowns, this is definitely a book you will enjoy. It's a lot of fun to be sure. I would recommend you actually read a physical copy of this book. The audiobook version of the story just wasn't doing it for me and sometimes that can affect your opinion of the story - or at least it can in my case. I found it more engaging once I just finished reading through it for myself.

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I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The stunning cover drew me in and the plot kept me turning pages.

The story revolves around Meren, the second born twin in the royal family plagued by a villain king who keeps killing Queens over generations. She struggles to navigate her duties as her sisters body double when her grandmother dies and leaves the thrown to her sister, and her independence as her own person with dreams when a mysterious man shows up and takes her away.

Reading how Meren navigates each relationship and trying to always do what is best leaves her in some precarious situations.

This is a YA Romantasy with a slow burn relationship. With statements like these:

"I didn't like him touching you."

And

"I'm going to kill the bastard who did that to you"

It will have your toes curling for more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and honestly can not wait for the second book in the series. I NEED to know how Meren gets herself out of the situation she finds herself in at the end of the book.

For that reason I give this book a solid 4 stars  🌟🌟🌟🌟

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he Liar's Crown started off strong. I liked how it jumped right into the action. Character development and world building were top notch. The writing style was appealing. The only major issue I had was the pacing. There were long periods of time where it felt like nothing was happening to progress the plot. Overall, a fun fantasy romp.

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I love, love, loved this book. Packed full of action, secrets, and just enough romance that this normal adult fantasy romance reader could get behind the story.

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Non avevo aspettative riguardo a questo libro ma devo dire che è stato una piacevolissima sorpresa!
E l'ho decisamente adorato!
Non posso negare di avere un debole per i personaggi che hanno il potere dell'oscurità, e Reven è misterioso e dannatamente affascinante. Ho anche adorato il trope delle gemelle al potere di cui una serve come fantoccio a protezione della "vera" principessa. All'inizio dubitavo che mi sarebbe piaciuta questa storia dato che gran parte si stava svolgendo durante il loro viaggio. Ma è una parte assolutamente necessaria per l'evoluzione della narrativa e dei sentimenti dei protagonisti, soprattutto di Meren che può finalmente cercare di essere libera e se stessa.
Purtroppo il dovere e la necessità di salvare la sorella e il regno la rimettono presto in riga e deve mettere da parte i sentimenti nati per il fantastico Reven. Ma sono certa che nei prossimi libri vedremo altre scintille nascere tra i due! Anzi dei veri e propri incendi!
Sono davvero contenta di aver letto questo libro e non vedo l'ora che escano i prossimi volumi! Li divorerò sicuramente!

Grazie mille Netgalley per avermi permesso di leggere questo libro in anteprima!
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I had no expectations regarding this book but I must say it was a very pleasant surprise!
And I definitely loved it!
I can't deny that I have a soft spot for characters who have the power of darkness, and Reven is mysterious and damn charming. I also loved the trope of twins in power, one of which serves as a puppet to protect the "real" princess. At first I doubted I would like this story as much of it was taking place on their journey. But it is an absolutely necessary part of the evolution of fiction and the feelings of the protagonists, especially Meren who can finally try to be free and herself.
Unfortunately the duty and the need to save her sister and the kingdom soon put her back in line and she has to put aside the feelings born for the fantastic Reven. But I am sure that in the next books we will see other sparks arise between the two! No... real fires!
I am really happy to have read this book and I can't wait for the next volumes to come out! I will definitely devour them!

Thank you so much Netgalley for letting me read the preview of this book!

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`4.5 stars = i really liked it. Meren is the secret princess, even though she has been raised to be the standin and protector for her twin sister who will be Queen, she's managed to carve out a life while hiding. When time comes for her to step into her destined role she is mistaken for her sister and kidnapped by the myterious Reven leaving her sister vulnerable to her kingdoms greatest enemy.

I liked author Owen's first foray into a story for younger audiences a lot. I really liked both Meren and the broody tormented Reven. The story as a good amount of adventure and I liked the idea of generational hidden twins - in the past the hidden twin had to step in to reign when a queen was lost. There was a touch of romance which is often problematic when a kidnapping is involved, but it didn't ping my squick-meter her. With respect to the romanance there a couple steamy scenes and the steam level ends up making this story more New Adult than Young Adult -but level is much less steamy than her regular adult romances. I personally liked Owen's less steam writing, because it left room for more story.

So, I really liked Liar's Crown and am really looking forward to the next book to find out what happens next to Meren. Apparently this will eventualy be a trilogy.

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley - release date August 30, 2022

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Liar's Crown by Abigail Owen is an excellent young adult fantasy. Spectacular world-building, witty, hilarious dialog and a well-plotted story make Liar's Crown a novel for anyone who loves great fantasy. Meren was born the second twin to Tabra, the future Queen of Aryd. The girls are identical except that Meren came in to her powers and Tabra has not. Meren can control sand, moving it and transforming it into glass. In their culture, the first born girl is Queen and the twin is a back-up, body double, filling in anywhere the queen might be in danger. When the former queen dies, Meren must drop everything and steal away to do her duty for her beloved sister. Evil King Eidolon, who killed many former queens, has moved quickly and proposed marriage to Tabra. Grievously in fear for her sister, Meren, is preparing for the coronation when she's wrapped in shadows, literally, and kidnapped by the dangerous, suspiciously attractive man she assumes is Eidolon. She's whisked through portals and into a land of sea, ice and terrible monsters. Meren is horrified to learn that her kidnapper is not the King, but the Shadowraith, and worse - he believes he has kidnapped the real queen, Tabra. Meren is already bold and very capable, not the timid young woman Tabra seems, and she soon learns that there is more to her kingdom than she ever dreamed. The people and the lands have been sorely neglected. Can she save her sister, her kingdom and the rest of the land and people, all while fighting a growing attraction to the Shadowraith? What follows is a funny, scary and romantic read that will keep you up all night turning pages. I was happy to learn that there is a sequel coming out in Spring 2023. I will definitely purchase this book for our library - Meren is a great, positive role model and the story is captivating. Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read the ARC.

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Wow...what an amazing read. It took me a little extra time to get through this one because I needed to take my time absorbing this tale.
I was on the edge of my seat the last few chapters and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Eighteen years earlier, twins were born. One princess will go on to rule the dominion of Aryd and the other princess will serve as a secret body double in dangerous situations.
Now that the queen is dead, Meren's sister will take her rightful place as queen and Meren will live in her shadows. With their enemy, King Eidolon set to arrive for the coronation, Meren will step in to take her place. The night before Meren is taken by mistake by the Shadowraith also known as Reven.

He's taken her to a place where he protects beings from different dominions, in order to ask for her help in taking down King Eidolon. Reven and Meren closely guard their secrets as they try to navigate the best way to see their plan through and save her sister.

Meren never expected she'd fall in love with Reven.

Thank you so much to the author, Entangled and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

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“A monster’s power lies in our fear of him.”

I loved the premise of The Liar’s Crown - a secret twin, born to be an insurance policy in case anything happens to the Crown Princess. A high-stakes plot and a dangerous love interest. Lots of secrets, mystery and drama. Plus look at that gorgeous cover art! 😍

This book was a fun and entertaining ride - full of adventure, magic, romance and intrigue. We have characters that can manipulate shadows, sand, and other elements. The story was compelling and fast-paced despite all the traveling between dominions. The plot was complex and multi-layered, yet easy to follow. The world building was intricate and well-executed. I liked the balance between the romantic and fantastical elements. Events progressed quickly and ended in a major cliffhanger - I’m glad we don’t have to wait long for the sequel!

Many thanks to @entangledteen for the gifted copy! 🥰

“Zealots see what they want to see. People just trying to live their lives don’t want to acknowledge a problem exists unless it affects them personally.”

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Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. And thank you Entangled Publishing, LLC.

This was a really enjoyable read, and a fast-paced read. The world building and magic system were very creative. There were some typical YA tropes, but that didn’t make it any less enjoyable.

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I ended up only reading about 20% of this before I listened to it on audio. I did enjoy the audio version much more than the written, but that's only preference. The story itself is fast paced and well written. Personally, I'm not a big fan of insta-love so it took me a bit to get used to it, but in the end, I really enjoyed the world created. Especially the monsters. The description for the book is a bit misleading, but in the end I enjoyed it.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love this story and I love Meren! I want to know more and can’t wait for the next book. I do wish we would have gotten more of an explanation about the powers some people wield and would have more information about the magic system. Reven is amazing as well and I love the interactions between him and Meren. This is a great read and had me hooked.

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4.5/5 rounded down.
I have a love hate relationship with cliff hangers. I’m dying to get the next book in this. Which sucks since this was an ARC.

But overall I really really enjoyed this piece. I think the world was built well and I could understand what was going on.

I liked Meren, which I sometimes find it hard to like strong female MCs. There’s something about them that over annoys me in fantasy books. But I thought her character was developed well.

The conflict was well developed as well. I don’t think it was too dramatic. Sometimes I think the reaction of characters ’s is blown out of proportion in tropes where there’s hidden information or secrets. But I think here it was done well with conflicting emotions due to the nature of their relationship.

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I honestly tried to get into this book really hard but I just couldn’t get into it. I will try later to reread it and maybe it’ll be good then.

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BOOK REVIEW:

⭐️:5
🌶:1

Y’all. I just finished this book seconds ago and I’m not kidding, I would sell an organ to get my hands on the next one.

Snow White meets ACOTAR in this book jam packed with amazing things. Strong, independent badass FMC. Morally grey love interest. Tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. A little spice. So much adventure. And allll the action. I wish the beginning had been a little faster to get to the really great stuff, but I GUESS you have to world build and all, especially if it’s not going to be a standalone.

At a certain point I could not put this book down and started resenting my life obligations because they kept getting in the way of my reading. It’s THAT good.

Also.. how dare @abigailowenauthor have a cover this pretty! It’s out now, so RUN—DO NOT WALK— to get your copy!

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I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This book was so powerful on many levels. Identical twins, ageless king, shadowraith, and so much more. It keeps you on your toes from the word go. One sister is destined to be queen and the other with her life on the line to make sure nothing happens to the future queen. There is a lot going on in this book but in the best way. I still have questions but it is only the first book in the trilogy. I crave more of it. I wanted to read it and was hoping for the best, but sometimes books let you down. This was not the case with The Liar's Crown. I am excited for the next book.

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Meren is a secret princess, the second born twin. It’s a lonely existence, her sole duty is to protect her sister Tabra, to sort of act as a body double in dangerous situations. On the eve of Tabra’s coronation, Meren takes her place…and is kidnapped. Of course since no one knows Meren even exists, the kidnapper doesn’t realize his error and thus begins a wild adventure. Just an up front warning, this is a series and as such you’re going to get to the end and find yourself saying ‘when is the sequel coming?!’ Abigail Owen has crafted an incredible world, loaded it with some truly memorable characters, and sent them on a wild and addictive adventure. 4.5 stars! So…uh…when’s the sequel coming? Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Liar’s Crown.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2ZD41NG4XDDN5/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

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Going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars on this one.

Because while I found it super readable and the ending sets us up for what looks to be a particularly intriguing book 2, there were a few things that had me cringing or rolling my eyes.
Mainly the romance between Reven and Meren- it felt like every other instalove, YA fantasy romance out there, and I didn't enjoy it.

The plot itself was way more interesting to me, though I'm still a little confused by how magic works in the world. We didn't get to see a lot of Eidolon, but he seemed almost cartoonish as a villain. His motivations to marry the queen didn't fully make sense to me because surely there's more efficient ways of achieving his icky goals. Hopefully book 2 explores this a bit more so his character doesn't end up being so one-dimensionally evil.

So overall, though this did have flaws that bugged me, I'm interested enough in the characters and the plot to want to read the second book.

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