A Crown So Silver
4⭐️3🌶️

Book 2
High fantasy
Adult fantasy
Dual POV
Swan lake retelling
Celtic folklore
Unique Magic System
Changlings
Assassin FMC
Royalty
Mythical creatures


The book picks up right where the first one left off, making it impossible not to binge after that cliffhanger.

I’d forgotten how lyrical and flowery the writing is in this series, which made it a bit tough to dive back in.

The romance, which felt so solid in book one, didn’t have the same tension or excitement this time. It’s pretty much settled, leaving me as a romantic a little less invested in their journey throughout book two.

On the upside, the plot definitely picks up, offering a fresh twist on the “chosen one” trope. The Celtic-inspired lore is beautiful and creative, and I found myself drawn to the side characters and their own arcs.

However, the miscommunication between the main couple was frustrating. I felt the MMC (main male character) came off too much like a “simp”—he asked for forgiveness but never seemed to seek any compromise. I’m not a fan of seeing a man turned into a doormat, and honestly, I was more on his side in this particular conflict than hers.

The cliffhanger was solid, though I hope the author doesn’t rely on the same type of ending a third time.

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Fair Folk Series
A Feather So Black 4.25⭐️3🌶️
A Crown So Silver- 4⭐️3🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for this ARC Copy!

I read an ARC of a Feather So Black and I loved that story so I was really excited to jump back into this world. I did not know what to expect or where the story could possibly go after the first book but I am happy to say that it grabbed me right from the start and sucked me right back into the world. I wish I had done a reared of the first book since it has been a while since I read it because the beginning of the book does nothing to remind you about what happened in the last, but after a few chapters I was refreshed enough to really fall into the story and enjoy it. I can't wait to see where things go in the next installment.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

A Crown So Silver is a dark fairy tale that is a whirlwind of emotions and action. I love the lush prose and and atmosphere of this series and this next installment of the story did not disappoint. I loved the increased depth of world building as well as the the way relationships unfurled throughout the story. Each character had such strong motivations and characteristics so much so that at times it became hard to decide who to root for.

Where I felt A Feather So Black struggles with pacing, Selene fixed those issues with this story. The plot was easy to follow, even in its complexity, and the characters became more fleshed out as the story continued. I also loved the twists and turns this story took and how each seemingly small detail came back to play a bigger role later in the story. My biggest complaint for this story though was that at times some elements felt a bit contrived and sometimes I felt like details were almost rushed but it didn't necessarily take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, I felt this installment of the series was better than its predecessor and I am so excited to see how this story continues to unfold!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5

Where do I begin with this book…

I was SUPER excited about book two of this series, as book one had me hooked and eager to keep going. Book two, while intriguing, fell flat in a lot of places for me, which is so heartbreaking because I could see the potential so clearly. I don’t love writing bad reviews and while 3 stars is not “bad”, it’s definitely not the same quality story that book one was for me.

Book two had a major miscommunication trope happening, but it was maybe slightly overdone where it felt like we were being forced to hate the main male character. He was and remains a phenomenal mmc so the fact that the fmc was hating on him for 80% of the book was definitely not working for me. This fact alone felt like it really fractured the integrity of the character development for the series.

I will say at 85%, it did get better but to have to push through that much of the book to get to the good stuff where she realized her own mistakes was VERY difficult. Based on the final few chapters, I would still read book three, but I’m so sad to say this was definitely not a great continuation of a series I was loving in book one.

Lyra Selene brings us back to the lush, dangerous world of Tír na nóg and the fair folk. Her prose is as decadent and beautiful as it was in the first book. Selene is able to paint such a vivid picture of this world—a beautiful yet deadly world where anything can happen. This story picks up right where A Feather So Dark ended and does a great job of recapping the events of book 1 and the ripple effect they have for all of the characters.

Selene does a great job in crafting Fia and Irian’s character arcs in this story along with their relationship’s arc. These two characters have been through a lot of trauma and this book explores how trauma impacts everyone differently. Selene shows the importance of putting yourself in another’s shoes to understand why they react a certain way instead of only viewing things from your own perspective. Fia and Irian grow a lot in this story—apart and together.

As for the plot, I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t give many details. Here is what you can expect:
a deadly competition ⚔️
Celtic mythology
Found family
Morally grey characters
Romance

This book kept me on my toes! I wasn’t sure what would happen next or what would befall these characters. And the ending…the ending!!! Lyra Selene, how could you do this to me??? Now I have to impatiently wait for book 3 😩

3.5 stars Returning to the world of the Fair Folk series in A Crown So Silver was such a treat, and I was so eager to see where Fia and Irian's stories were headed. Lyra Selene pulls you right back into the fae realm, weaving together magic, danger, and a complicated love story. The Silver Isle, with its icy landscape and mysterious king, was vivid and immersive, as is Selene's writing.

I have to admit, I didn't love Fia in this book as much as I did in A Feather So Black. She has a tendency to act without thinking first, and her impulsiveness causes so many problems, not just for her but for Irian and others too. It was a bit frustrating, especially during the first half of the story. Once I realized some of the reasons behind her actions and behavior, I became more understanding and sympathetic towards her. And her relationship with Irian—wow! Their relationship is really tested. It's so messy and imperfect and complicated, and there were times when I wondered if they'd make it because they crossed some questionable lines. I'm not a big fan of love triangles, and that was the case here, but I think the strain and trauma from their past and their choices weigh heavily on them. Watching them work through those struggles was tough, especially because through it all, you can feel how deeply they love each other, and their chemistry is off the charts. I kind of wish Fia groveled a bit more because Irian deserved better.

The tournament was an intriguing aspect of the story and a bit unexpected, which I liked. It added so much suspense to the plot, world-building, and character development, and I loved the way the trials pushed the characters to their limits both physically and emotionally. And the new characters, like Wayland and Sinead, were such fantastic additions. The aughiskies were great too! A fun and eerie touch—I’m a sucker for unique magical creatures, and these water horses did not disappoint.

The book delves into themes of sacrifice and resilience, especially when it comes to Fia. Her power came at such a steep price, and it added so much depth to her decisions. I think both Fia and Irian both made so many sacrifices and proved how strong and determined they could be. Ugh, and that ending!!! I can't even!! I’m already counting down the days until the next book—I need to know what happens next!

Special thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This for me is a 6 star read. I LOVE the world and characters that Lyra creates in this series. A Crown So Silver picks up right where A Feather So Black left off but then introduces you to a new island with a dangerous tournament. There’s way this book unfolds is so descriptive that you can’t help but be sucked in. And can I just say Fia and Irian are some of my favorite characters ever? It’s refreshing to have a strong FMC, and the two as a couple with all of the snark is pure magic. I cannot wait for more of this series!

𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
𝑨 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑺𝒐 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 by Lyra Selene 
𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆:1/21/25𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆:Fantasy romance
𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: several explicit scenes 
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔/𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕: Dual POV Ancient magic  Deadly trials Established couple  Mythical creatures Trickster King Found family vibe  Cliffhanger 

As the second book in the series it traversed a different path than the first. The story went from a magical tale of swan sisters to a whole island of mystery and subterfuge. You got to explore more about the myths, and some not-so-myths, of the past. I enjoyed how layered everything became that towards the end you didn't know who to put your trust in. The character development of some was definitely difficult to experience. Which is all I can say without spoilers. I questioned the motives of several side characters and sometimes of Fia herself. Some of the villains of the story were easy to see while others hid a lot better than expected. This really added an element of mystery to the story.The relationship development of Fia and Irian felt like a roller coaster of emotions. Although the book had some very intense spicy scenes, there was plenty of heart break and confusion along the way. I really loved getting to know more of Irian's past as it put so much in perspective. With that explosive ending, I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book because I'm here for the ride.

I loved A Feather so Black. The world and the relationship between Fia and Irian were highlights for me. Unfortunately, A Crown So Silver did not live up to its predecessor. While the book builds on the previous with an interesting new setting, it takes a while to get there. I found the beginning to be very slow. Fia and Irian spend much of the book at odds. I just wanted them to sit down and have an actual conversation. I agree that Fia shouldn't feel like she is being controlled and at the same time, she is not all powerful or omniscient and should perhaps sometimes take some feedback from those around her. I found her frustrating in the book. Overall the expansion of the setting was interesting, the plot was interesting enough to make me want to finish despite my frustration with what felt like unnecessary drama between Fia and Irian.

Thank you to NetGally and Orbit for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Last year, when I read A Feather So Black (which received the same rating as this book), I felt it had a wobbly start but found its footing by the end of the first act and really took off after that. I also felt the ending was quite nice and it left me greatly anticipating the sequel (and here it is!). My largest complaint, other than the first act, was the lack of originality in the characters. We’ve met them before. They may have gone by other names and been in other books by other authors, but they aren’t exactly the deepest wells of originality.

I’m thrilled to report A Crown So Silver has an absolutely excellent first act. I was riveted from the start, even if I didn’t anticipate the quality of the steamy scenes so early in the book (though they were quite welcome, as I do love steam when it’s well written and it fits). Telling you anything more than that is definitely spoilerific.

The second act, though? Yeah, this book kind of goes…I won’t say haywire, but it does get messy. There are new characters, a new place, new magic, new friends, old enemies, new questions, new answers, new puzzles, and more and more and more. This results in the kind of fast pacing I don’t like to see, which is chaotic, hapdash pacing. It causes the book to feel like the author simply had so much story to tell it was simply shoved in where it seemed like it might fit. It becomes a series of this happens and then this happens but oh then this happens but then…

The book doesn’t come back around until the last 15% (plus or minus 5%), but when it does it comes back in a big way, and it brought back that same feeling I had at the end of A Feather So Black, where all of a sudden I was loving how the story was being wrapped up, how the main plotline of this installment was being winded down, and looking forward to the next installment.

I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Adult Fantasy/Book Series/Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/Spice Level 1

I really enjoyed the sequel to A Crown so Silver. It was a bit different than I was expecting, but it was thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.

A Crown So Silver continues to have beautiful proses and fun rhymes, but the story is just not for me. I liked the first book since it was a unique spin on fae romance and politics; however, the sequel doesn’t carry that spin. I did my best to give the sequel a chance but the more I read, the more it felt like all the characters lost IQ in order to let the plot work.

Those who love fae romance will most likely enjoy this sequel, but sadly it’s not for me.

We left Fia and Irian hoping for the best and expecting the worst. We’ve got a power-hungry former swan maiden and a brewing war between the Folk and the human realms. Their only hope is to seek the smith-king on a magical island citadel where Irian spent most of his childhood. But the Silver Isle holds many secrets, and they arrive at the begging of a brutal tournament. The prize—a magic forged object. As they war with their pasts and their present, the future looms with disaster and the only way to survive is through the trials at hand. They must face their friends, enemies, and themselves knowing they will be forever changed.

Hello. Hi. I’m in love with A Crown So Silver. I fell in love with these characters in A Feather So Black but man-oh-man does this book take you on a journey. Some might say a Jayné Journey. You know what that means—intense personal growth. Y’all this book rips at your heart and then people have conversations—like flawed-but-trying adults—and sews you back together. I’m twitterpated. Also, I guessed almost nothing. This is a big deal. I’m an excellent detective. I had some ideas for the ongoing story arc pan out but the roads we took to get there were twisty and exciting. It was dangerous and reckless and thrilling and spicy and I was so invested from the beginning to the end. We’re left with some answers, questions, bruises, and a sneak peek to keep you noodling until book three drops… eventually.
Pick this series up for some spicy fae romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Lyra Selene for an e-copy of this book for review.

Thank you for this advanced copy!

I wanted to like this one a lot more than I did. I really loved book 1- but this book felt like climbing a mountain. The first half was sooooo slow, and honestly, that immediate breakup really threw me for a loop. I guess I understand why it happened but it felt so sudden and strange after coming off the ending of book 1. I also thought we'd see a lot more of the actual villain, but we didn't. Instead a lot of it read like more of a side quest that we all could have just skipped. (Also- is Rogan there purely for more relationship conflict? I don't understand).
The second half was a bit better, and as always, Lyra Selene writes beautiful prose, and this book was no exception to that fact. Her writing is lush, real, and fantastical. (Which means I'll probably read book 3).

Overall, 3 stars. Ugh! I wanted to like this so much more.

Complicated feelings ahead!

Before heading into this book, I really didn't know what to expect. I enjoyed the first one, so that is where the bar was set. And let's just say I have a few thoughts.

This book had me all over the place in terms of enjoyment level, but one of things I did enjoy were the side characters we were introduced to. To be honest, at times, I liked them more than the main characters. Overall my favorite character was Wayland. I thought he was unique, fun, and a total heartthrob! The ending was very well done! It was action-packed and the stakes were raised to setup for the next book. Though, the very end felt eerily similar to book one, and I didn't love that. Fia was also an extremely difficult character to root for for the first 50% of the book, and even after it is all revealed, it still didn't sit completely right with me. I was also frustrated with Irian, but not to the same degree as I was with Fia. Their relationship felt so up and down, and yes, it all made sense in the end, but I still think it relied a little to heavy on the mistrust and miscommunication. My biggest ick with this book was Eala...talk about an over-powered villain, and her character was almost too easy to hate (if that makes sense). It just seemed like they could never win, and I just don't buy her as a villain.

As for the story's pacing and structure, it was a little off-kilter for my liking. Throughout the first 50% of the book I felt like I couldn't lock into the story. It wasn't until really the last quarter where I actually started to get into the story, and I'm not sure if that justified reading the whole thing just for the great ending.

This book had elements that I did enjoy, but overall, I just think this book hit the mark. I do think this book will find its audience. I am still curious to see how the series will end though.

Rating: 3.5/5

✨Book Review✨
A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene
Book 2 of the Fair Folk

eARC provided by Net Galley & Publisher, Ortbit Books, in exchange for honest review. Thank you!

This was book 2 of the series and just like the first, I devoured it! I couldn’t put it down. The first book A Feather So Black sets up everything perfectly for this fantastical story. I love Fia, our FMC. She is young, flawed and for me relatable. All characters, including Fia go through such immense growth along the journey and I enjoy that so much. The relationship built in the story between our FMC and MMC feels realistic and less insta love like most fantasy. Lyra’s writing is beautifully poetic, though this book did seem to give way to a darker storyline thus a shift in the writing style. It suited the story. I love how this series has morphed from book 1 to 2 two and I surely cannot wait for the next!

Thank you to @netgalley @Orbitbooks for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“A feather so black will rise from pain. A crown of silver will rise to reign.”

Fia is struggling to control her increased power over all green things. She lies to herself that she can control it, but even the smallest command gets out of her control.

Beautiful descriptions of the fae realms! I could Vic delay pictures each setting!
While this book is beautifully written, I found myself skimming the overly descriptive language. It felt as if it was trying too hard to be poetic, and it just felt like filler words.

I could not handle Fia and Irian’s arguing. While they both make very bad choices and keep secrets from one another, it also felt like Fia was trying to convince herself that she was, in fact, in love with Irian.
Their problems start small at the beginning, but get blown out of proportion for the majority of the book due to their lack of compromise, which pushes them apart.

And then we have the introduction (or reintroduction) of Waylan, Irian’s foster brother, who Fia made a bargain with in the first book.
Both Irian and Waylan are tragic in their own ways, and Fia, as we know, is drawn to tragic men. It added an unnecessary love triangle that Fia shouldn’t have needed to come to the conclusion she did. Fia carelessly does one thing after another that causes friction between her and Irian, without regard to her relationship with Irian or how he feels.

I understand why the author kept Fia and Irian at odds with each other. They both had to learn a valuable lesson about marriage… however I think it could have been done differently.

Laoise character came out of nowhere and was WAY too convenient in my opinion. But I liked what she added to the story.

In this second instalment, they travel to the island nation of Emain Ablach, where the smith-king holds a trial to grant the victor any wish. But Fia discovers that power and magic feel different on this island, and she seeks to uncover how to release the magic without having access to her own. In the process, her own power is caged and inaccessible.

While this book irritated me in a lot of ways, I found the plot flowed well, and the characters had a good amount of growth. Although, they still have a ways to go!

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for an early copy in exchange for review.

A Crown So Silver is the sequel to A Feather so Black. Fia is now blessed with a strong magical treasure and ready to tackle the threat her evil sister Eala poses to the human world. But her newly betrothed thinks otherwise and brings her to the Silver Isles where she finds herself intertwined in the Tournament of Kings.

First, what I loved about this book was the prose. From the first chapter I really appreciated how pretty the descriptions were. I was fully immersed into the writing and as a reader who can't visualize text, I was able to see full scenes in my head, which was a first for me.

Major criticisms I have regard the pacing of the plot and the characters.

As much as I appreciated the beautiful prose, I felt frustrated with the amount of flavor text to plot ratio. For me, I felt like the first 50% dragged on with little plot progression. That being said, I do think this is just a personal dislike of my own and that many people would enjoy the atmospheric deep dive into the world.

I also highly disliked the drama that the characters had. I felt like FMC was continuously making outrageously rash decisions and her internal monologue sounded like that of a child. I think there was little to no character development, and the characters' choices caused them to end right back where they started. Not to mention the communicating, or lack thereof, was so infuriating.

My conclusion on A Crown so Silver is that it started out extremely rough, and I was so thrown off by the first half of the book that it tainted my enjoyment of it entirely. For much of this book I just wanted to DNF it. As much as I hate not finishing the series, I don't think I'll be picking up book 3.

Okay - so this book started out... not great for me. It was veryyy slow and Fia and Irian fought constantly. CONSTANTLY. To the point where I wanted to just give up and DNF. Their behaviors and actions are petty and childish and so very frustrating and it honestly made me dislike everything about them. Which sucks because I loved them both in A Feather So Black. Having said that - there is of course a reason for everything and around the 50% mark , yes I kept going, the book completely changes direction. Things are explained and start making sense and it totally makes reading this worth it. Did I love it as much as AFSB? No, but this book was like a bridge between the two and it was necessary for the story line. I would say if you're reading this and debating on jumping ship, don't give up. It will all make sense. Solid 3.5 from me.