Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 stars

This book had some ups and downs in timing and action but I mostly enjoyed it! There were some slow periods in the middle but it picked up in the end!

I enjoyed watching Dev come into herself and her title. In the beginning she very much just followed Solomon and didn’t always think for her self. In the end she took her role more seriously and started acting like a queen.

Solomon was just a hot mess of I want her. I can’t have her and everything else. I do think it didn’t make much sense if they were mates why he would hide it. Especially if mates were revered. I also don’t understand how she had no inkling they were mates.

Overall the story was interesting and kept me engaged. I do think the prologue made no sense as it wasn’t mentioned in the book. The cliff hanger ending was frustrating as I was expecting the prologue to make an appearance.

The cover intrigued me with its captivating cover and being the series opener, I dived in. The epilogue left me a tad puzzled, a personal quirk of mine with epilogues. Despite that, I pressed on. Regrettably, the connection with Devonry and the story's universe eluded me. The narrators Islay Jacobs and Nick Mondelli stood out, particularly Nick's portrayal of Solomon.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this story. I gave it a 2.5 stars (rounded to 3). While I thought the premise sounded intriguing, I felt the execution was subpar. I did enjoy the dual narrators in the audiobook.

The overall pacing was SLOW and there were several times throughout the book that I found myself thinking "Not this again!" Parts of the book seem overly repetitive and there are inner monologues that just feel like you're stuck in a revolving door.

I also felt the world-building and the magic system fell flat and were lacking, not to mention the characters were severely underdeveloped. The main character, Devonry, is the epitome of annoying and insufferable. You know those characters you just wish you could shake (strangle) some sense into? Yeah, she's one of those.

The book opens with a prologue that is supposed to take place in "the near future". I found myself thinking "Oh, we're really starting here?!" To me, the prologue sets the tone for the book. Not only did nothing else like the prologue take place in this story, but you never even reach the point in this book where the prologue takes place in the present!

Based on how the book started, I should not have been surprised when I got to the end and I was like "Huh?" There was definitely a WTF moment for me at the end, and not in a good way. The book does end with an "epilogue". But in reality, it's another short chapter that doesn't answer any questions and the reader is still left with several loose ends.

With the exception of the prologue, I think this book would be better marketed to YA readers.

I do not think that I will be continuing with this series when the second book comes out. I did not find myself connecting to the characters and I don't really care what becomes of them.

Exactly what I expected in a lot of ways. This wasn’t wildly unique, but that’s okay.

I’ve read lots of romantasy recently that very much just jumping on the TikTok popularity of the genre. This might be something like that, but it is well formed and paced even though it probably won’t end up terribly memorable for me. Solidly middle of the road.

I’ll likely go on to the next book, if only because this does end on a cliffhanger.

Audio: 4/5 - great narration, I really like the dual narration style and both actors were pleasant to listen to. I’m glad to have chosen to do this book on audio, it made the pacing much easier to keep making progress on.

3.5 ⭐️

The audiobook was great like I love Dreamscape Media and I adore it so much! But for the plot, I give it a 3.5 stars. The plot itself was interesting in terms of a spicy prologue that hooks the reader in right away! The one bed trope and the spicy-ness was up there and the world building was interesting as well! The romantasy audiobook was a great choice because it helped me understand the plot faster and I honestly think this book's pacing was on the medium side (slow on some aspect but fast as well!).

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media, for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I had expected a lot more.

**Update: Original Rating was closer to 3 stars, but after watching Yona of the Dawn (anime) and seeing most the major plot points being the exact same, I had to change it to 2 stars. This is Yona of the Dawn but with minor changes.**

Princess Devonry's world was turned upside down during the night of her coming-of-age ceremony. A trusted friend acted treacherously, resulting in the death of her father. Now, she must find a way to take her kingdom back. Despite harboring negative feelings towards her assigned bodyguard, she must rely on his assistance to achieve her goals.

The story started off well. Unfortunately, the story started to drag after the first quarter and didn't pick back up until the last 10% of the novel. The characters and romance lacked development. On top of that, Devonry's inner monologues were repetitive and annoying. Overall, an okay fantasy novel but lacked oomph and development.

*** Thank you to NetGalley, Lucinda Dark, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

These two authors together .. wow. What a ride. Absolutely loved it. Slow in parts but that didn’t spoil the overall story. Looking forward to any more books by these two!

This title should be promoted as to the fans of "Fourth Wing" but better written.
Firstly, I was surprised to know that the prologue is in fact to whatever will happen after this book. The spicy scene totally threw me off, and I wasn't even sure this book is for me. The doubt was quickly resolved, and I was sure there is something about this story that seems repetitive. I knew about the anime "Yona of the Dawn" that has such a similar premise that it hurts to point it out. But I get inspiration, so let's move on and underline the romance aspect of this book. I would be so much happier if the main characters love would come out of admiration and devotion without toxic behaviors. The protagonist is strong and in depended on women, yet she's treated and talked to like to a child. At the same time, her guard loves her so much he presents condescension on every step, and it's not a pleasurable thing. It spoils the whole fun. The dialogues between them is so cheesy and cringe, which is a shame looking how the rest of the writing and pacing is really not that bad.
The audiobook production itself was flawless, and I must admit that I wish more books were done this way, so I can really immerse myself in the story. Too bad it was not much to be involved to begin with when the most of the time I just wanted to send Sol away because his toxic masculinity turns me off completely.

This was a pretty okay listen the MFC was a bit much for me. She just seem to complain and whine about everything. I understand she was kept in the palace and all that but come one look at this through a different light and make the best of it.

The narration was really good. 5 stars for them.l

The beginning was really fun but then it got really slow. The pacing was interesting. The prologue was really spicy but then it wasn’t?
I don’t think this book was for me. However, I loved the narration. They did a great job.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great romantic fantasy novel that had a very spicy opening. I liked the enemies to lovers trope in this book and the fact that they are fated to be together made their interactions really fun. I really enjoyed the fantastic elements in this book and the world in which the story takes place. I look forward to the next book in this series and hope for the best for these characters.

Title: A Crown of Blood and Glass
Author: Lucinda Dark & Rebecca Grey
Narrators: Nick Mondelli & Islay Jacobs
Publisher: W.W. Crown
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Audio Pub Date: August 22, 2023
Duration: 15 hours 27 minutes

Synopsis:
My closest friend has lost his mind. He killed my father, took over my kingdom, and despite the blood that now stains his hands, claims that we’re fated to be together. My salvation comes from the most unlikely of sources. To reclaim my throne, I’ll have to rely on the one man I’ve hated my entire life for survival. Solomon Winett is the noble descendant of barbarian warriors and the bane of my existence. He’s obnoxious, stubborn, and the only one who rescued me from a fate worse than death.

Review:
3.5/5
I loved the opening scene! *Thrust* right into the story. But, I think it would have been more appropriate for a prologue to the second book it seemed really out of place in the storyline. I know it was meant to drive home the enemies to lovers but it was off.

I was very interested in the unique power and house structure in this world. With that being said there was almost no world-building which made me question every house that was introduced and every power we got a snippet of information on. I hope to see more detail as the series progresses. Dev is a royal I want to see fight for her people in the shadows with Solo protecting her sides. I want to see more character development for Solomon as we move forward understanding that his lust after Devonry makes him unable to think about much else it gets old.

The narration was great, really kept me intrigued.

I will definitely read Book 2.

I liked this book, but ultimately a few things fell flat for me. I really enjoyed the world and the way it incorporated magic/abilities. Characters “awaken” at a certain age when they become ready to wield their magic, and the different magics are tied to different Gods and houses. I also love many of the tropes featured in Crown of Blood and Glass: bodyguard romance, one bed, fated mates. It was a fast read, and enjoyable, but it fell more into the “good not great” category for me. However, I do think I am likely to read future books in this series.

The prologue was a bit of a misstep for me. Don’t get me wrong - I love a good spice scene, but it set up the book to be much more of a romance (and much spicier) than it actually was. The FMC and MMC don’t actually get together in this book, despite the spicy “near future” prologue.

I found characteristics of both the FMC, Dev, and MMC, Solo, to be slightly off putting, though I would hope for growth on both accounts in future books in the series. Solo felt one dimensional; his POV seemed to focus on nothing but his attraction for Dev, where every situation he was put in with her made him aroused. Dev’s POV is a bit petulant, and she felt weak for an FMC. I hope to see her become more mature and come into her own as a leader in future books. It felt like this story was trying to be both a childhood friends to lovers and an enemies to lovers in one, but neither relationship (childhood friends or enemies) was fleshed out enough to lean into either trope.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook!

3.5 ✨ rounded up

Thank you NetGalley and dreamscape for the audio arc! This book started off really good it kept me entertained in the beginning. But then it slowed down for me. Just like any new fantasy book there was world building and I was confused for probably the first 30% lol I can’t wait to see more of Devonry and Solomon in book 2. I need dev to figure out about her mate *cough Solomon cough* bc I wait any longer!!

The narrators of this book did a great job!

This journey was a welcomed one. One Horse/One Bed, Forbidden Romance, Bodyguard Romance, Soulmates, Goddess Reincarnation?? I'm in.

I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook, which was a plus. The narrators were great and gave life to the characters in a beautiful way. I have to say this, hats down to Nick Mondalli who did an amazing job. Solomon sounded so much better with his voice in my head.

I love the idea of reincarnation, and when it's put next to soulmates, I'm totally reading the book, but god damn it, why did Solomon have to suffer so much? And Devonry's father... what the heck???? Why did you do that to him???!?!?!??

I'm not a big fan of Devonry, unfortunately... Her inner thoughts sometimes are annoying. Not in a way of winning, but in a way of constantly thinking of protocol and what's proper and what's not. I mean, why can't she really think of what she's feeling and accept it? I understand that it's the way she was taught from childhood, but she seemed more self-assured and straight-on when she was a kid than when she's a grown-up... I hope in the next book she'll be more sure of herself and when she wants something, actually own it.

Solomon is awesome and tortured by his feelings. He really loves her. The way he sacrifices his feelings for her... and for the love of the Gods, Devonry, he gave you enough signs that he loves you!!! Starting with staying next to you and being the only one who would do anything for you, even die for you without asking for anything in return. I didn't really understand why he had to listen to that prick of a father and not just go on with his feelings... I can't wait for Devonry to finally see the bond she had with Solomon and to finally accept her feelings!!!! And for f*** sake, I hope she won't start winning because they share the same bad again or because he hugs her in their sleep!

After I read the prologue, I had some high expectations when I got through the book. Meaning I couldn't wait for her to finally reveal her love for him. But did we get anything related to that? NO! This annoyed the crap out of me. I think it would've been a better prologue for the second book. That scene got left in the air... we know from the start they will end up doing things, but the way the story goes after... not so much... The plot is there, even the action, but the slow burn is kind of ruined by Devonry :)) One time you think she finally accepts her feelings, and the next she's insulting like she actually hates him. Not like a I hate you, but I love you way. It's like seeing actual hate... But we will see what happens next.

I would say 3.5 - 4 stars. If I got only Solomon's lines I would've been very happy :))) He's the only one with a brain that actually works :)))

Thank you, NetGalley for sending me the audiobook. Nick Mondalli, I'm watching you :)))

I liked this, but didn't love it??

The prologue really threw me for a loop and I almost DNF'd it after that point, but I'm happy I ultimately continued on.

* romantasy
* fated mates
* bodyguard romance
* "who did this to you"
* one bed trope
* slow burn
* Dual POV

This had it's moments that I enjoyed - our MCs have a fun dynamic and the action parts were enjoyable, but the pacing was off and the plot really took a turn towards the end. I also wish the our FMC hadn't been so "helpless" at the onset? Idk, I'm hoping for a lot more character growth there - the ending showed promise in this department.

I did think the narrators did a good job on the audiobook!

Crown of Blood and Glass by Lucinda Dark & Rebecca Grey
Narrated by Nick Mondelli & Islay Jacobs
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Expected Publication Date: August 22, 2023

Crown of Blood and Glass is the first book in the Awakened Fates series by Lucinda Dark & Rebecca Grey. I really enjoyed it, I just wish it hadn't been a cliffhanger at the end. I need the next book to be published!

I thought the characters were fascinating and the story was very interesting. The romance was steamy (sometimes more than I was ready for...blush) and believable.

I loved the narration by Nick Mondelli & Islay Jacobs!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Crown of Blood and Glass weaves an enthralling tale of political intrigue, magical prowess, and forbidden romance. After the assassination of her Father by her closest friend, Princess Devonry finds herself on the run. She discovers that her only ally left is her father's insufferable guard Solomon who has sworn an Oath to protect her and the throne at all costs. Unraveling secrets of blood magic and glass, the authors craft a spellbinding narrative that explores Devonry's journey from vulnerability to strength, entwined with the electrifying chemistry and tension between the princess and the guard, against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of disaster.

If you are a reader of Romantasy and enjoyed books like The Serpent and the Wings of Night or Fourth Wing, it's time to read Crown of Blood and Glass by Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey. This book offers an enticing blend of tension and intrigue that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The slow burn between the main characters is deliciously tantalizing, enhanced by vivid descriptions that immerse you in the story's lush world. The authors skillfully incorporate beloved tropes like fated mates, vampires, only one bed/horse, and enemies-to-lovers, creating a satisfyingly complex dynamic between the princess and her guard. The pacing is relentless and hooked me from the prologue. For me, the only shortcomings in this book are the relentless portrayal of Solomon's thoughts about Devonry's capability feels slightly overdone, and occasional miscommunications that were mildly frustrating. Despite these minor drawbacks, this book's expertly crafted cliffhanger strikes the perfect balance between leaving readers yearning for more and satiating their immediate curiosity. I cannot wait to read book 2.

World Building: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Pacing: 5/5
Characters
Overall: 4.5/5

This was a typical fantasy romance story but done so well. I loved the development of the slow burn aspect of the romance as it really allowed the character growth for Devonry and Solomon as individuals shine.

Whilst this was the highlight for me, I still really enjoyed the worldbuilding and seeing the culture of the "barbarian" warriors that Solomon come from. Despite, the amalgamation of tropes used, it still felt fresh and was an exciting read.

Definitely worth the read and has rereadability potential for me due to the atmosphere of the story.

What an adventure! This story had all the elements you need in a fantasy but in a new and exciting way. The audiobook worked so well, it was easy to follow and the narrators did a good job with both of the POVs.

The book has classic tropes like
-one horse
-one bed
-hate to love
-fated mates
-grumpy mmc
and so on.. perfect!

Devonry is such a real character. A product of her upbringing trying to make sense of the world after the horrific tragedy that occurs in the beginning of the book. She grows more likeable by the minute. I can’t wait to see her glow up.

Solomon is dreamy in his grumpiness. His POV reveals a great deal and makes you see hearts 😂 Though he could be kinder at times, these “I’m doing what’s right” attitudes annoy me so much. But still, he’s amazing.

The story is gripping and adventurous. I really need to find out what happens next. I’m hoping it’ll be epic!