This middle entry into this trilogy picks up exactly where A Feather So Black left off, taking us right back into this magical world and Irian's absolute panic and fear. Much like the first, I found the start of this a bit too dense for me and had difficulty keeping all the world-building and vocabulary straight, but around the 50% mark the plot picks up and there's some great action and character development. Fia and Irian fight entirely too much for my liking, I'd like a little more love, but it all works out in the end - or does it? Beware of cliffhangers, this is the middle book of a trilogy after all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Orbit Books, Lyra Selene, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of A Crown So Silver in exchange for my honest review.

I have such mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I loved it. The new characters were outstanding, the character development incredible, the world building fabulous. On the other hand, it was not what I was expecting. The first book had a heavy focus on the romance while this book focused more on the plot. I went into this book wanting more of that romance, and while I think what happened with the romance was important, it was not what I wanted when I picked this book up. I was in the mood for a romantasy or even a fantasy romance, not a fantasy with a subplot of a struggling romance as the two characters grow and figure out who they are in the aftermath of the first book. I know it needed to happen, and it was done in such an outstanding way, it was just a little bit of a let down because it was not the type of book I was going for at the point in time when I picked it up. I will say that I am beyond excited for the next book and in no way did this book fall victim to the second book curse that tends to happen in trilogies (I believe this is a trilogy but I could be wrong.) Either way, it stands well on its own, and you do not need to remember every detail from the first book. I cannot wait to know what happens next and will be eagerly awaiting the release of book three. For this book, you cannot go into it expecting the same vibes that came with the first book. The writing is still outstanding and this book is great, but if you are going back for the romance, you will be disappointed. The romance takes a backseat in this story. Again, I want to emphasize that I think it was necessary for that to happen and allowed for the readers to feel like the relationship was more real as it healed in a way that felt natural even in an unnatural setting. Readers just need to be wary of what they are getting into only because I think that dissapointment with the different feel will make people stop reading. I highly encourage everyone to stick with it because it is still an outstanding book, just be ready for it. I have seen it happen in the reviews where people stopped because this book has different vibes. But for those readers who love fantasy as well as fantasy romance/romantasy, this book will be for you.

2.5, rounded up. I was going into this hoping I would enjoy it but unfortunately it didn’t really work for me. I really enjoy the Celtic mythology woven into the book and that’s what originally drew me in. Fia just wasn’t much of a likable character for me in this book. It really took away from being able to enjoy what I was reading. The beginning started off strange to me. Irian is just wandering around after her death moping and Fia just magically reappears alive in the water in front of him. It just felt like all the build up from the end of the first book was too easily and quickly resolved. It’s not a good sign when you realize in the prologue that this book is probably not going to go the way you anticipated. Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be continuing on with this series after this book.

I’m not even going to lie to you, I was really worried that this book was going to only be 3 stars for me. It started off slow but not in the usual info dumping way that most books start out slow”. It was more so that I was actually getting frustrated with just how long it took to get a thought out.

For example, there’s a line that says how she stepped out of her crimson-and-black dress, meanwhile it could have just said dress, with no descriptors — the entire chapter before it was literally ABOUT the damn dress and how that colour meant something specifically and yadda yadda (I don’t want to spoil anything). This happens quite frequently where you’re just like GET ON WITH IT.

Honestly, that almost lost some stars but there was REDEMPTION in the trials. They were done so well and the outcome was not what I expected.

The ending though? HOW DARE YOU GIVE ME AN ARC OF THIS BOOK AND THEN END IT LIKE THAT?! What if I don’t get the next ARC? What if I have to wait FOREVER for the next book? Please DO NOT do that to me 🙏🏼

A Feather So Black was one of my top 5 reads of 2024 (really, I just have five favourite books, all in number 1) and now I have to add A Crown So Silver into the mix as well. Excellent.

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

DNF 28%

I took a gamble reading this one. I sort of liked the first one, but I liked what it was setting up for the second, so I was a little excited for this to take off. It...did not.

Both Fia and Irian go through something traumatic at the end of the first book, and they come back in this one, and Fia is totally pulling a Bryce in House of Flame and Shadow where she is either completely disregarding what Irian went through or just doesn't seem to care. She is snapping at him for the dumbest things, and she also has this dangerously arrogant mindset that she can do whatever she wants and doesn't need anyone else.

It also seems to be setting up ANOTHER love triangle, and that's usually an automatic no for me. So between that, Fia's ridiculous attitude, and her bad treatment of Irian, I am putting this to the side. I wasn't enjoying it and I was forcing myself to pick this back up.

And it's just such a shame, because the writing is really good. It's very lovely and just flows. And I think if readers like a lot of drama, tension, and love triangles, then this will still be enjoyable 🩵

Thank you NetGalley for the arc. The first half of this book was a bit hard to get through but I’m happy I stuck it out. The mfc had a character change in the beginning that doesn’t really make sense until you get further into the book. You also learn more about the mmc and both of there development together. Overall happy but not super excited about the book

2.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this advanced copy. You can pick up A Crown So Silver on January 21, 2025.

This was one of my most anticipated sequels of 2025, and to say I was disappointed is an understatement. A Feather So Black was one of my top reads last year because of the lush writing, gorgeous magic and world, and compelling characters and romance. But all of the elements I loved most in the first book were sorely lacking in the second. Not only was it a departure from the Swan Lake fairytale, but the shift in direction for the story felt awkward and blunt.

Suddenly we're thrust into a new island with new creatures, characters, and magic at stake. I don't mind an expansion of the world, but this entire second book could have been a side quest in the concluding book for the series. We lost sight of the true villain, Eala, who barely had any page time despite being the overarching villain of the series. We see absolutely no forward progress with Rogan and his storyline, which seems to exist just to create drama for Irian and Fia.

Speaking of our main couple, I didn't appreciate the "character growth" we saw from them throughout this book. It felt like their relationship problems were used to drive the plot forward rather than grow their characters meaningfully.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The fact that they were married for a WEEK and BROKE UP was absolutely mind boggling to me. All of their issues could have been solved with ONE meaningful conversation that didn't result in Fia running away or not compromising with Irian. It literally felt like a rip-off moment of ACOTAR when Tamlin overprotects Feyre after watching her die. It's literally beat for beat the same motivations driving Irian and his decisions. But he also raises valid points about how Fia is treating their relationships and his feelings about her DYING and she refuses to listen and have an actual conversation about it so that entire relationship gets THROWN DOWN THE DRAIN.

Like, I understand we can't have the couple who got together happily at the end just continue to exist happily without SOME tension or conflict, but it did NOT have to be a Bella and Edward New Moon moment where they break up to create that conflict. Why couldn't we see them spend actual time together on the page working on their relationship and experiencing these hardships but WORKING THROUGH THEM together? I hated how this gorgeous romance set up in the first book was completely eviscerated -- ONLY FOR THEM TO GET BACK TOGETHER AT THE END,

Like, what did we learn here?? Has either of them actually grown at all this book? They had one conversation that was kind of a forgiveness speech and then immediately fucked and then moved on until everything went to shit and she had to die AGAIN. Literally copy and paste the ending from book 1 and put it here. Same exact scenario, same exact outcome, same place we left book 1, with NO forward progression for ANYONE.

This entire book should have been squeezed into a minor storyline in the concluding book of the series, and I stand by that. Fia's character was absolutely assassinated in this book, and her romance with Irian is literally worth nothing anymore. I might pick up Book 3 just to see what happens, but I can only pray the author returns to the roots of what made the first book so good.

I am a big fan of lyrical, lush prose, and the first book in this series delivered as I was hooked within a few chapters. Book 2 of the series started out a little slower for me, but the writing was still as lush and beautiful as it was in book 1 and the payoff was absolutely worth a slower start. I absolutely loved the character development in this book. Sometimes I find that the second book in a series doesn't make me feel as excited or invested as the first book, but A Crown So Silver was exactly what I envisioned when I was impatiently waiting for the continuation of Fia's story.

I am happy to continue to recommend this series for fans of:
- Irish/Celtic mythology,
- books that feel a bit like a fairy tale fever dream
- love triangles
- complex characters who you kind of want to yell at sometimes, but love anyway

Many thanks to Lyra Selene, Orbit, and Netgalley for sharing an eARC copy of this book with me.

Okay know I know what you might be thinking ‘you hated the first book it was your top 10 work at books of the year why are you reading book 2???’ and honestly. you are right to question that but because the first book ended in a cliffhanger and I am a glutton for punishment I decided what the hell let’s give the author another shot, maybe the first book was just a rough warm up needed to get things going and I firmly believe good things come to those who wait.


so, this is the most elementary writing it verges on the line of disrespecting the reader’s intellect. seriously. SHOW. SHOW. SHOW. no TELL TELL TELL. isn’t that like the literal first rule you learn in writing? show don’t tell. don’t worry, if you want to be hand held and not have to use a singular brain cell you will enjoy this book

and to some that is a positive!! and that’s great for you! myself however, I struggled.

god Fia is so stubborn and not in a fun ready to learn way, in an immature petulant childish way. please while I don’t want to be mansplained things either, LET THE GUY WHO HAS BEEN HERE HIS WHOLE ASS LIFE HELP YOU AND TAKE HIS ADVISE. PLEASE. YOU ARE BEING STUBBORN FOR NO REASON AND YOU LOOK LIKE A CLOWN. Irian you aren’t off the hook but you pissed me off considerably less so you get a pass.

this magic system is also so confusing? i’m and avid fantasy reader and the treasures and various stories leading into one another was so carelessly slapped together it verges on insanity.

the winter vibes from the Silver Isle are nice I will give you that, aside I have nothing else to say. if you liked book 1 you’ll love this. if like myself you didn’t please save yourself and skip

thank you to orbit and netgalley for an advanced copy for my honest review!

Returning to the magical and perilous world Lyra Selene created was an absolute thrill! A Crown So Silver continues the saga with breathtaking world-building, high-stakes action, and a deadly tournament on the mysterious Silver Isle.

That said, Fia’s stubbornness and impulsive choices left me feeling frustrated at times. Irian, with his wisdom and experience, often provided sound advice, but Fia’s consistent dismissal of him felt more like reckless defiance than genuine independence. This dynamic created unnecessary conflict and setbacks that could have been avoided.

However, the book’s strengths more than outweighed my frustrations. The snowy Silver Isle was beautifully depicted—a dangerous and enchanting backdrop for the Tournament of Kings. The cunning smith-king and the intricate magic tied to the tournament added rich layers to the story.

The tension between Fia and Irian brought an emotional depth that heightened the stakes. Their relationship was tested in realistic ways, showcasing the difficulty of balancing love, power, and individuality in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

Despite my struggles with Fia’s character arc, A Crown So Silver delivered a captivating and thrilling installment. The intricate plot twists and the immersive world-building kept me hooked until the very last page. Fans of A Feather So Black will not be disappointed, and I’m eagerly anticipating what comes next in this magical, treacherous tale!

Great book!! It’s full of magic and mystery. full of action and conflict that keeps you gripped.. can’t wait until the next book.

While I enjoyed this installment of Fia’s story it was missing a lot of the heart from book 1.. I also missed Corra. The stakes felt abstract and there really wasn’t Fias power which she just got back. Some of the mythology was reminiscent of Norse mythology and I would love to know if this exists within Celtic legend as well. At the end of the story Fia and Irian are in much the same place they were at the end of book 1

Wow, this takes you right back where the last book left off but gives us Irian's side. Then we are off on a new adventure, and boy, what an adventure. I was actually a little nervous there for a bit! Great new characters and interesting twists! I can't wait, to see what all Fia will do!

Thank you NetGalley, Orbit & Lyra Selene for this ARC!

When I picked up A Feather So Black, I was excited and intrigued by the premise of it being a Swan Lake retelling, but the book fell a bit short for me. Nevertheless, I was hopeful when I received this arc of the second book. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The first half of this book is slow, it was almost a DNF for me, but I decided to finish it. I struggled with Fia in this book and the direction in which her relationship with Irian took. There were too many aspects of the plot and story that had me frustrated. This sequel had potential but ultimately it just fell flat for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for this ARC!

I was so incredibly ecstatic when I was approved for an early copy of A Crown So Silver. For those who don't know, I absolutely adore Lyra Selene's writing since I read the Amber & Dusk duology. A Feather So Black is one of my top reads of 2024 and I cannot stop talking and thinking about it.

This sequel was fantastic! I admit that the only thing I struggled with was some of Fia's decisions. Otherwise, I loved every element of this book. I love these characters. Fia and Irian are such amazing characters, and getting to see them grow individually, together, and hearing more about their past just endeared them more to me. And the additional characters - Sinead, Baldor, and especially Wayland - are absolutely fantastic! I cannot wait for more with these characters.

I wasn't sure how things were going to go, with the possibility of the trials that they were entering into. But the way that everything played out was fantastic. And the reveal? I was not ready for that. I have no idea where Lyra Selene is taking this next, and I absolutely love that. I am along for this ride with these characters, the stress and all, and I am both excited and terrified for how this will play out after that ending.

I highly recommend this series to my friends who love romantasy! And for those who love fantasy but want some romance to be forefront? This should definitely be on your radar. I think that the fantasy element is done so well with the worldbuilding, magic, characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Lyra Selene for an arc of this book, I greatly appreciate it!

I will say the first 40% of this book was a slight struggle for me because it was slow, but once I finally got over that hurdle it got so much better! I enjoy the first book in this series, and I went into this second one high expectations of it. I may have set it a little high on my end, but I also think of this book as a filer book with information overload in that first 40%. But than the story started taking off and I loved every second of it!

The ending, cliffhangers will be the death of me I swear, but I'm excited to see how the next goes! I can't wait to see how this story will continue with that ending and look forwards to that third one!

Reading this book was so fantastic! I loved the first book, and I was so excited to see where this sequel was going to run! With everything that was set up, and where we left these characters, I had to know how they were going to proceed from there!

The whole situation with Eala and what she tried to do, and how Fia had to respond, and what power it left her with, that was a big change. Not to mention being married to Irian. That was a pretty big game-changer, and I loved seeing what happened next!

The first book set up this world and these characters, and I loved exploring it further, spending this time on Silver Isle, getting to know the politics of this place, as they were working out their new dynamics, of how much they can trust each other and others, it was just so great!

I wasn't sure going in, if this was going to be a duology, or if the series was going to continue. With the way that things left off in this book, yeah there's got to be more, because it can't just leave them where they are! That was such a cutting cliff hanger, and I need to know what's going to happen next!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by Lyra Selene, and more in this series!

3.5 stars. I would have loved to rate this book higher, but the first half trudged so very slowly that I can't. Even if the latter half makes up for its follies, 200 pages is a lot to trudge through. It's not bad, it's just slow.

The trials themselves were interesting, I did want more action of Irian actually facing the trials, but I understand the need for the plot to split up the way it did. Fia is enough of a mess to find her own troubles to deal with at every turn.

Fia... well, I'm not sure Fia actually likes Irian. She thinks he's pretty and that's about it. She's rude and condescending towards him almost continuously. I wanted to scream whenever she kept telling him "no stories", I WANT TO HEAR THE STORY DAMMIT, they are the best part.

And then there is Irian, that man is whipped and I am here for it. Irian is most certainly an "if I can't walk, I shall crawl to you" MMC. Unfortunately, he came off as overly possessive at times. His declarations once he cut that crap out *chefs kiss*. We do get some satisfying backstory on Irian that I desperately wanted after AFSB.

Now that we have tried out TWO love triangles, may we stop please? Rogan is officially a sidenote who is only good for argument fodder. I ended up feeling bad for him. Wayland should have been a familial relationship to begin with, a big brother-little sister dynamic would have been so much better than whatever this was supposed to be.

Pond Scum is perfect, let's keep her.

Thank you so much to Orbit and Netgalley for access to the ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don’t have enough words to explain how much I adore this series. The characters are truly complex and through the writing, I’m able to understand their hurts and what causes them to react the way they do. I feel like I was experiencing every emotion Fia and Irian experienced. The writing of this book is so lyrical and descriptive, it flows very well. I loved the unique and descriptive world that’s created in this story, as well as the magic system! I crave more of this story, and it will be on my mind constantly till I get the next one!

(I’ll be posting my review on Instagram in the next week or so!)

After the events of the Ember Moon, Irian fears that he might lose Fia again. But Fia is fearless, she longs to use her newfound power to move against Eala and save Rogan. Their home falling apart, Irian convinces Fia to journey to isle of the Smith king Gavida where they plan to join in the tournament of kings. the prize? A boon from Gavida- the creator of the four treasures. But everything is not going smoothly for Fia- her friend Chad is distant, a suspicious newcomer joins their party, and a fae lord calls in a boon. Worst of all, the more danger they face the more Fia's very relationship with Irian is threatened. Can Fia win the boon, defeat Eala, save Rogan and keep her marriage with Irian together?
I loved A Feather So Black and A Crown So Silver lives up to the first book in there series.