The Crimson Crown
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication Date: Oct. 23, 2012
Pages: 598
Series: Seven Realms, book four
Source: Purchased
**WARNING** The summary contains spoilers for the previous books. Check out The Demon King‘s (book one) summary here.
About the Book: A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed–Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.
Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa “ana'”Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells’ inner turmoil, Raisa’s best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she’s falling in love.
Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut-throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?
A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.
My Thoughts: Okay. I can’t not talk about this because I freaking loved it. It’s the final book in one of my all time favorite series. However, I really don’t want to spoil the books for you. Instead I’m going to direct you to my review for book one The Demon King and to this guest post from Cinda Williams Chima. Those two posts should totally peak your interest! I honestly do not think I can express how much I adore these books. So, to avoid spoilers but still give you some sort of insight, here are a few of my favorite things:
The World Building: Cinda Williams Chima is a master at this. The Queendom of the Fells and the lands around it just felt so alive to me. I was fascinated by the place and the people it sustained.
The Different Populations: I loved learning about the clans and the Gray Wolf Queens and the magicians and the street lords and ALL THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE! I was amazed by the history and customs that we got to glimpse for each group. This leads to the next one…
The History of the people and the place: History is a favorite subject of mine. I like knowing about the events and beliefs that shape a time and people group. There is so. much. history. in this story. The reasons for different events and traditions were so interesting to read about. I seriously want a Seven Realms history book.
Han: I love all the characters. They’re incredible. Still, I have a very special place in my heart for Han. He is one of my all time favorite characters in all of literature.
Okay, all the other characters too: I just can’t not mention Raisa and Amon and Dancer and all the rest. I even like the characters I don’t like (if that makes sense!)
Basically, if you’re a fan of fantasy and you’ve not read these books yet you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. You totally want to pick these up ASAP!
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