⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book was so damn good! I reccommend it to all my Romantasy, action packed lovers, girlies.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this amazing audiobook.

<b> Crown of Blood and Glass </b> was a thrillig and entrataining fantasy romance.

Devonry is the Crown princess and is escaping after a huge betrayal.
She is now on the run with Solomon, the capitain of the Blood Guard, who swore to her father to always protect her.
They bicker a lot and Solomon holds a secret dear to his heart. Just time will tell if Devonry will discover his secret too.
Solomon is a fierce protector and their dynamics were so fun to read.

In this first book the romance was very on-sided, but it´s obious it will evolve in the sequel.

If you like:
✔️Slowburn
✔️Fast paced
✔️Vampires
✔️Fated Mates
✔️ Awakened Powers
✔️Princess and guard
✔️He fells first
✔️One bed/one horse

Ends on a cliffhanger!!! > I cannot wait for book 2!

Devonry is the princess of Rozantine and is slated to one day become Queen. She's betrothed to her best friend's brother who doesn't like to travel and has not come to her city for her coming of age celebration. When tragedy happens at the hands of Devonry's best friend, the only one who can save her is her bodyguard, Soloman, who she has spent the majority of her life loathing. What she doesn't know is that Soloman is more than just her bodyguard. Devonry's special abilities have yet to be "awakened" so she is unaware of the body that the two of them share... although... it seems her hate for him might be waning and turning into something else entirely...

Crown of Blood and Glass is book one in the Awakened Fates series and I already can't wait for book 2! These cliffhangers kill me!

I really enjoyed this title; the audio was great! The narrators were perfect. I felt that certain parts of the book moved too slowly and that I might have been missing background pieces... however, I'm sure some of that may come to light with book 2. I love Soloman's character and integrity. His love and devotion to Devonry is admirable. Can't wait for their relationship to develop further!

DNF. I really wanted to like this book, but from the very beginning (literally the prologue) it just felt....off. The narration started off strong, so I don't think it had anything to do with the audiobook itself. I just couldn't seem to get into the characters themselves.

Devonry hates Solomon, but like also wants to bang his brains out at the same time....even though he killed her dad. Hmm.

Solomon was trying too hard. It just felt so forced and unbelievable.

Crown of Blood and Glass: Awakened Fates #1
Lucinda Dark, Rebecca Grew, Lucy Smoke
For the most part I enjoyed this novel. The romance between the two lead characters is sizzling hot and the passion is incredible. They love each other but do not want to admit it. Solomon and Devonry are interesting characters; they have depth. I did get a little tired hearing her say over and over she was the queen.
Thank you NetGalley for a review copy of Crown of Blood. As always the review is my unbiased opinion.

A Crown of Blood and Glass is a very average book. The premise and abilities of the characters are intriguing, but the series has some ways to go.

What I did liked.
-The narrators. The production was well done and the narrator’s kept me interested. I am not sure I would have finished the book if I had been reading it.
-Devonry’s growth throughout the book. It is nice when a character can admit that maybe a long held belief may not be the best way forward.
-The side characters. It would have been nice to spend some more time getting to know them better, but they did provide a nice distraction.


What I didn’t like
-The prologue. Why put this scene at the beginning of the book? Was it to let the readers know there would be some spice in subsequent books? Was it to remind readers that it was a fantasy romance? Was it to let the readers know that Devonry will have feelings for Solomon after an entire book of him mooning over her? It felt out of place.
-Lack of character development for Solomon. It seemed like all of his chapters were about how much he wanted Devonry. It got very repetitive, and I found myself putting the speed to 1.5x to get through his chapters more quickly. Outside of brooding and lust, Solomon didn’t seem to have much of a personality.
-The lack of emotions from the main characters about the deaths of those close to them. Yes, they were mentioned, but they were more throw away lines.

I will say the book does get better towards the end.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced audio book.

Absolutely loved this book once I started it I couldn’t put it down, cause who does love it when he falls first and only one bed tropes. The night of being crowned her father Gia murdered and she has to run off with her most experienced guardian to save her life, but the kingdom tries to pin the murder on her guard.

My closest friend has lost his mind. He killed my father. Took over my Kingdom, and despite the blood that now stains his hands… he claims that we’re fated to be together. To reclaim my throne I’ll have to rely on the one man I’ve hated my entire life for survival.

This book has all the good tropes. It’s enemies to lovers, or maybe more of a childhood friends to enemies to lovers. There’s fated mates, he falls first, touch her and I’ll unalive you, one horse, one bed, him pining for her… probably more tbh. There’s plenty of action and adventure that helps move the story along quickly. The angsty pining from him and the confused feelings from her were so good and I just couldn’t wait for them to hook up. This is super slow burn though and although there is spice right at the start, there isn’t any for the rest of the book.

The end of this book really snuck up on me as I wasn’t paying attention to how many hours were left on it and we were right in the middle of the action and then all of a sudden they were like… “epilogue”. It wasn’t so much of a cliffhanger but there were so many unanswered questions and unresolved story lines. Like what the hell was the prologue!! I kept waiting for that snippet of the future to come into the story AND IT NEVER HAPPENED!! I’m still pumped for book two though haha. I need to see where this is all going.

Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: Audio
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️/5
Age suggestion: 18+

dnf 25% the premise was really interesting but i ended up not giving a single f*ck about those characters and their story. yeah your dad died, sucks to be you i guess. solomon’s pov was so painful, i don’t want to hear the words “virginal recess” when describing a woman’s genitalia’s even less when coming from a man. thanks but no.

I love a childhood friends to (childish) enemies to allies to something more. And they are fated mates as well, incredible and impeccable! The slow-burn is also amazing. I get that everyone wants smutty bits in the first installment, I confess that I think it takes the fun out. Because it is inevitable that the author will have to drive the love interests apart by the end or the beginning of the next book. There is something so good about watching characters pine for each other for at least a book and a half, letting that tension truly build, before letting the characters get together.

I do have to say, I could not stop thinking about Yona of the Dawn when I was reading this. From the first two or three chapters, and based on the premise, I have to say it does sound pretty similar. The manner in which the king dies, how the main character finds her father, who kills the king, and who gets blamed for the death are all really similar. The scene where the soldiers catch up to the princess and her guard, where the princess cuts her hair and then plummets herself and the guard off the mountain are, again, very similar to Yona of the Dawn. As is the princess getting kidnapped by slave traders and then freeing herself with the powers that have been building up. So I find this very concerning. These are major plot points in the book, and honestly, I think it would be better without the mountain dive and the kidnapping, Those could have been re-worked better, and the book as a whole wouldn't feel like Yona of the Dawn fanfiction.

The narrators did a wonderful job!

I received this book as an ARC for my honest review.

This book was okay, but nothing to brag about. The book felt very inconsistent with the plot and what was happening.
Also the FMC is a damsel in distress and very annoying. This book was trying to be enemies to lovers, but there wasn’t even any lover vibes besides their thoughts. Solomon is very much a touch her and die MMC.
For a fantasy, I thought there would be more twists and turns to ramp up the plot but it fell short. This is part of a series, but I sadly don’t believe I will be continuing.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity.

The Awakened Fates duet, follows Solomon and Devonry, a sheltered princess, as they navigate a dangerous situation. As they protect themselves, Devonry's feelings change, and she begins to see Solomon in a different light. The story is engaging and well-written, making readers eager to see the characters' journey.

This first book in the Awakened Fates series was such a killer start for this new fantasy series! The story follows both Devonry and Solomon's perspectives, and it was a blast jumping between their heads. The characters were on point, especially Solomon with his brooding, protective nature. And Devonry, the princess who despises violence but grows so much throughout the book. The book had all the tropes I adore, from slow-burn romance to forbidden love. The world-building and magic system could've been explained more, but it didn't ruin the fun. Can't wait for the sequel and more of Solomon and Devonry's adventures!

Quick Summary: An action-packed, romantic sci-fi/fantasy thriller

My Review: Crown of Blood and Glass by Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey is book one in the Awakened Fates series. Not only is this novel filled with dark intrigue and suspense, but it is also filled with romantic tension and angst.

About the Book: Fated mates can never be kept apart. Nothing - not time, not distance, not war, not politics, not betrayal, not chaotic disorder - will stand in the way of two hearts meant to become one. Such is the case when it comes to a royal princess turned queen and her royally awakened guard. Reincarnated from deities, their story is bigger than even they are aware.

About the Narration: This story was narrated by Nick Mondelli and Islay Jacobs. They did an excellent job. I very much appreciated how they were able to effectively communicate the raw intensity and emotional tonality of the lead characters. Their efforts made the story come alive.

My Final Say: I am utterly beside myself with this one. This is how you write a hit. All I will say is that this is worthy of a mic drop award. Boom-ha!

Other: Fangirling is real! I am well and truly hooked. Let's go!!! Installment two cannot come fast enough.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: YES
Audience: NA to A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Besties-of-All-Time: Yes
Series: Yes
Status: M
Level: 💎💓🔥
Audiobook: Yes

Sincere and heartfelt appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have been voluntarily submitted.

Thank you to Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an ARC eaudiobook in exchange for an honest review.

DNF 60%. I stuck with it until the hero forced himself on the heroine just to prove that she did want him, despite her protests. I assume he didn't complete the act, though admittedly I didn't finish the scene, so I don't truly know. Regardless, it made me sick and was the death blow to my interest in the tale. No means no. Pinning her to the ground and browbeating her into admitting she's attracted to you doesn't change that, you arrogant jackass.

And it wasn't very good until that point. Because the blurb is awful, here's a more accurate one: On the night Devonry comes of age, her best friend, the younger prince of a neighboring kingdom, kills her father the king and frames the captain of the royal guard. Devonry was betrothed to BFF's older brother, but BFF (I don't remember his name) wants to marry her himself and rule. She, sensibly, wants nothing to do with his psycho ass, and with the help of the framed guard, Solomon Winett, she flees.

She and Solomon have known each other since they were children and used to play together. He's been in love with her since then, but the king told Solomon he and Devonry could never be together. So he's been stewing in hormones and resentment most of his life, wanting what he can't have. He began treating Devonry as if he hated her to ensure no relationship would develop. But now they're in constant close quarters, running for their lives, and he's finding his feelings harder and harder to fight. Devonry, for her part, remembers the boy she used to play with, and against her better judgment finds herself feeling affection for her once despised guard.

With her psycho ex-BFF (or rather, his goons) hot on their trail, Devonry and Solomon have to figure out how to stay alive, take back her kingdom, and reconcile their feelings for each other. Also throw in some supernatural flavor---Solomon's some kind of blood-drinking beast, and "awakened" people have powers.

Not the most eloquent blurb, but now you have a better idea what's going on.

So anyway---the beginning was okay, I enjoyed the political intrigue, the murder of the king, the escape. Psycho BFF was pretty mustache-twirling, but whatevs. From there, though, we sank deeper and deeper into the redundant, angsty inner monologue of Solomon and Devonry (god, I hate that name. Not sure why, but it's nails on a chalkboard every time I hear it). Devonry was mostly in shock and like a fawn taking her first steps--she'd never been outside the castle or some such. Very naive and doesn't know what to do with herself. But Solomon---omg he became so annoying. All he did was mentally whine about how much he loved her, lusted for her, felt bound to her, but boo hoo he could never be with her. His sexual frustration was palpable and made me uncomfortable.

Then they finally get somewhere safe and have to slog through the cliche don't-tell-me-to-stay-I'm-coming-with-you argument. Not long after that was the point where I stopped, so I don't know how it ended.

It's frustrating because the premise wasn't necessarily bad, it just wasn't well executed. Less angst, please, more getting things done plot-wise.

Overall it had potential, but the execution was not to my taste.

I think my favorite thing in the whole world is in books when the girl is like yeah he's cute but he's also a pompous ass and then his chapters are like this moon hair goddess hung the moon and then pierced my heart with it's moon light but the whole time he is indeed an ass and a killing machine...with fangs. -sigh- I love it.

But also now I need the other one ladies chop chop please 😂🙏

This is definitely not my first rodeo with author Lucy Smoke writing as Lucinda Dark but it is my first time reading something written by Rebecca Grey and holy smokes these two are perfection together this is a super steamy slow burn fantasy romance and I am so here for it I love the world building the characters are so intriguing and the wild adventures they’d go on I just couldn’t get enough of them! This story is captivating magical and mysterious and I really can’t wait for the next book! This author duo deserves all the stars for this introduction to this new series!.

2/5. Releases (in audio) 8/22/2023.

Vibes: princess/bodyguard, monstrous hero, YA fantasy but not

Princess Devonry wishes to refuse her fiance in favor of his brother, her close friend--but when that friend kills her father, she must go on the run with her enemy-turned-bodyguard, Solomon.

Yeah, I really wish I'd loved this. I did think the narrators did a good job, and I love a dual narration deal. I actually also really liked the hero. But...

Quick Takes:

--The heroine was insufferable. Devonry is essentially pissed at Solomon, who is sworn to protect her, for doing "sworn to protect her" things. Like, yeah girl, he doesn't super love the idea of the queen/goddess figure putting herself in mortal peril. It's his literal job to keep you from doing dumb shit. Also, this man kept putting his physical and emotional safety on the line, only for her to throw it back in his face like he was the one giving her a hard time. People are dying, Devonry.

And the thing is that I love a spoiled, bratty heroine. But it was essentially a lot of her dishing nonsense and him taking it, despite there being no logical reason for him to take it. He did not have hangups, he had basic logic and reason. This made their respective maturity levels seem completely off, and as such, I could not believe in them as a couple.

Also, this girl would talk about what a pain in the ass he was for pages on end, then use a cutesy nickname for him at random intervals. Make it make sense.

--That said, I liked Solomon a lot. I thought he was solid, I liked his inner conflict, I liked his external conflict. I appreciated that we saw a "monstrous hero" at a point where he was not actually monstrous yet. He was being overcome. It was compelling. I enjoyed his POV.

--I will say, I found the ongoing mentions of Devonry's white blond hair (a special trait for her family... where have I heard that before?) and her delicate fragility... tiresome. I'm very weary of these super delicate fantasy heroines, who are actually so strong, but still so delicate. Especially in contrast to Solomon, whose big brutal barbarian thing contrasted to Devonry in a way that quickly became off-putting to me.

--The writing and the way in which everyone interacted was very YA to me. This could have easily been a YA fantasy romance, and perhaps it would work better in that sphere. I don't think it was intended to be one.

--It's too long. There's a lot of inner monologue, a lot of hanging out in locations for page after page. There's an extended dream sequence that doesn't need to be present. It's a lot of conversation, less action. I really feel so strongly that romances need move at a brisk pace. Fantasy romances may have more wiggle room due to worldbuilding time, but I didn't feel the world was complex enough (or built up enough) to justify the length and pacing of this novel.

The Sex Stuff:

Here's an aspect I found interesting and actually compelling. The prologue puts you in the "near future", where our leads are about to have sex for the first time, under rather tense and high stakes circumstances. So you know they will have sex (presumably? They don't actually get all the way before the prologue ends). Then you go back to the present. Interesting setup that makes the rest of the book's sexlessness a little more tolerable. But I don't think I can follow through on this book for the potential of sex down the line.

Again, there's some interesting stuff here. However, the issues above, especially the heroine, just made this a less than stellar read for me.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this read. I’m looking forward to the next book. The world building was easy to follow along with. The characters grow on you..sol is my favorite for sure. I also loved the authors doing the inner monologue for the characters. If you like slow burn fantasy this is for you! It has all things mystery, magic, and a lot of adventure,

'Who did this to you' 🥵😍 that line gets me every single time! 4.5 🌟 I absolutely loooooved all the characters, the world building, and tbe banter. I need book 2 asap

I just... Wow. Rebecca and Lucinda - how dare you just end things there??!!

Crown of Blood and Glass is my new obsession.

I find that fantasy reads can sometimes be a miss for me because of all the world building (especially in the first book of the series), but from the first few lines in the prologue I was hooked. The writing is smart, funny and packed with adventure. Plus, all of my favourite tropes were alive and well. One horse/bed but you're enemies? No problem!

The chemistry between Devonry and Solomon was electric, and I thought the combination of the selected narrators (Nick Mondelli/Islay Jacobs) and dual POV really added to the story. Honestly, I'm here for ALL of the romance with these two. I also really liked the awakening process for Devonry and I hope she can find a way to reconcile her "new" self with the peaceful teachings of her mother.

My only criticism is that I thought we would circle back to the prologue again later in the book. It may come up in book two, but for now just feels a bit out of place.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the authors, Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey, for an advanced copy. These are my honest thoughts. This review will be posted to Instagram via @hungrybibliophile on Tuesday August 15.