I’m enormously pleased to shriek at you how GLORIOUS The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye is! I’m part of the blog tour today, and I’m extra seriously excited about this!! HUZZAH! (I know. It’s always hard to tell with me.)
So let me throw epic bookish photographs at you (!) and lists of reasons you should read this book (!!) and there’s a giveaway at the end (!) and heck yes I’m using Anastasia gifs because WHAT A RUSSIAN OPPORTUNITY (!!!)
And then you’ll want to go read this book. I basically guarantee (or decree?) it. IT IS SO GOOD.
Evelyn Skye was once offered a job by the C.I.A., she not-so-secretly wishes she was on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and if you challenge her to a pizza-eating contest, she guarantees she will win.
When she isn’t writing, Evelyn can be found chasing her daughter on the playground or sitting on the couch, immersed in a good book and eating way too many cookies.
THE CROWN’S GAME is her first novel. Evelyn can be found online at www.evelynskye.com and on Twitter @EvelynSkyeYA.
- IT IS A RUSSIAN FANTASY. Now I don’t know about you, but I absolutely suffocatingly adore Russian-inspired fantasies. And there’s not enough of them?! This book fills a need in my very soul.
- IT HAS MAGICIAN’S THAT DUAL TO THE DEATH. And that is mildly exciting, I must say.
- THE FIRST CHAPTER TAKES PLACE IN A BAKERY. Wherein the author basically thought, “How can I make this book perfect for, specifically, Cait?” And proceeded to just write the book to me. How nice, right? NOW DELIGHTFULLY THOUGHTFUL.
- THE COVER IS UTTERLY FANTASTIC. Pfft, don’t call me shallow. You know you were drooling over the cover too.
- IT’S MAGICAL AND SORT OF HISTORICAL FICTIONY. Yes, I used “fictiony” and if you don’t believe it’s a word, well, we can dual on this and I TELL YOU I HAVE MAGICIAN POWERS TOO. Ahem. Back to the book. I loved the author’s note in the ARC and how she explained she studied Russia in college. And you can tell all that research utterly paid off! So many Russian words and descriptions of places and culture. It was grand. And all the details just made the book LEAP off the page. Wizardry, I tell you….
- ALSO THE CHARACTERS WERE SO GOOD. Although I didn’t quite connect to them emotionally. But I am like a vastly Vulcan fiend so, pffft, we’ll move past that. Let’s run through them run real quick:
- VIKA: She’s an enchanter and fiery-red-haired and spunky and likes to set things on fire. She’s very powerful. Very fierce. Although I whisper “red hair and fiesty? really?” because it’s a little cliche.
- NIKOLAI: He’s the other enchanter (there are two folks…and THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE). He’s intelligent and nerdy. Like while Vika is setting the world on fire, he’s reorganising the library. WITH HIS MIND. Needless to say, I love Nikolai.
- PASHA: He’s the future Tsar and has the “I don’t want to be king!” thing going on. So he sneaks out, gets grubby with the commoners and he’s so funny and quirky and generally sassily awesome. I LURVE PASHA THE BEST. (FYI his actual name is “Pavel”. Do not be me and think a) that Pasha is a girl, and b) that Pasha is a passionfruit vine. Be wiser than I.)
- AND LET’S UNDERLINE THAT THE GAME-DUAL-THINGY WAS GLORIOUS. Although I thought it’d be two wizards blasting each other? But really it was a “impress the Tsar and you get to live and rule with him”. Or else — you die. So it actually wasn’t that fast paced? I expected the stakes to be a liiiittle bit higher, but I enjoyed all the Russiany culture and scenery so it didn’t matter too much.
- IT WAS EASY AND QUICK TO READ. I just blazed through it in only a few sittings.
- DID I MENTION MAGIC? Because there’s lots of magic. Magical islands and costumes and food and tea. The only unmagical thing about this book was that the delicious Russian food didn’t pop out of the pages so I could eat it too. #disappointed
- THERE IS A LOVE TRIANGLE…BUT IT WASN’T THAT IRRITATING? Although I actually even question whether Vika loved either Pasha or Nikolai. Vika seemed pretty focused on just WINNING. #priorities So either the romance is underdeveloped or I love Vika’s focus. Ahem. But needless to say it was refreshing not to have her whining about “WHOOOO SHALL I CHOOSE” the whole time.
LITERALLY VIKA
- APPLAUSE FOR THE WORLD BUILDING AGAIN. Because…no. I need no reason. Just do it.
- THE ENDING! OMG THE ENDING!! It has a feels stabby ending of glory and I absolutely loved it and NEED THE SEQUEL ASAP.
AND I’M UNSURE WHY YOU’RE STILL HERE READING THIS LIST WHEN YOU OUGHT TO BE OUT READING THIS BOOK. (Okay it’s not quite published yet, so that could be the reason. BUT STILL.) Basically if you like magic creations and Russian fantasies and woooooah finales — then The Crown’s Game is for you. I shall just be here, screeching from the onion-shaped Russian rooftops, that I approve of it monstrously.
THANK YOU TO BRITT FOR INVITING ME TO BE ON THE TOUR! The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye is officially released on MAY 17th 2016.
Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.
And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.
Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?
For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.
And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself.
As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.
And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.
Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?
For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.
And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself.
As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.
Here’s a peek at the tote (designed by @EvieSeo!) that you could win:
Monday, February 29th
Bookish Lifestyle – Review + Pinterest Boards
Tuesday, March 1th
One Less Lonely Blog – Review
Wednesday, March 2th
It Starts at Midnight – Review
Thursday, March 3th
Stories & Sweeties – Review + Russian Tea Cake Recipe
Friday, March 4th
The YA Book Traveler – Review + Dreamcast & Book Trailer
Saturday, March 5th
Pandora’s Books – Review
Sunday, March 6th
Seeing Double in Neverland – Review
Monday, March 7th
Out Of Time – Review + Song
Tuesday, March 8th
Book Nerd Addict – Review + Favorite Quotes
Wednesday, March 9th
Paper Fury – Review + Reasons to Read This Book!
Thursday, March 10th
A Reader Under The Sea – Cover Recreation
Friday, March 11th
The Broke and the Bookish – Review
I’ve just read the first page today! Glad I’ve got good things in store.
MUCHLY GOOD THINGS. *dances in glorious rains of Russian fantasy*
Russian fantasy? I’ve never even heard that there is Russian fantasy! I loved the tales of Rasputin as a kid, and even though it is probably a lot different, cannot wait to have a look!
OMG YOU ARE MISSING OUT EL. *throws the Grisha books at you as well*
Ohhhhhh I can add one more reason to read this is THE SPINE ART IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. And basically I have FEELINGS about books after the first chapter that are accurate 80% of the time? (I was wrong about Red Rising, and I was also wrong about Gone Girl, but in different ways. Those are the only ones I can remember getting wrong in recent years.)
I tryyyy to stay neutral in first chapters?! Because often they’re NOT the strongest of a book…bUT STILL I OFTEN PREDICT AND GET IT RIGHT TOO. :’) (Did you like Red Rising? Omg, Alyssa…tell me you liked it…)
I actually thought I’d love it in the first chapter because oh man, the setting. But then it just became a wEiRD version of The Hunger Games? And I didn’t care about any of the characters? It kiiiiiinda felt like The Hunger Games but Weird and also for the Capitol. The ending was a saving throw for me, though … I’m reasonably satisfied with that ending.
Ahhh, I do get that. *nods* I read it like nearly 4 years ago?! I read it like SIX MONTHS before it even came out. *facepalm* Never do that. NEVER. Ahem. (Netgalley and I were new to knowing each other so I had no restrained for release dates😂) But I did think it was more like a VERY bloody Hunger Games. And usually that bothers me, but this time it didn’t?!
I’ve been hearing so many good things about this book lately! (Mainly your shrieking but some other people’s too). And I just need to read it already. Definitely will be picking it up soon… great review!
My shrieking is the best though, we can all definitely agree on that. *nods sagely* #humble
I NEED TO READ THIS. Sorry for caps – it’s just I really need to read this one. It just sounds so amazing and something that I will love.
HOW CAN YOU BE SORRY FOR ALL CAPS WHEN 94% OF THIS POST IS ALL CAPS?! 😂 hehe, least to say, I hope you get a chance to read it!
*is compeld by Russian *coughCAIT’SREASONSTOREADITcough* magic to read it. *listens* What was that sound? Oh it was JUST THE SOUND OF MY TBR CRASHING TO THE GROUND AND SQUISHING ME.
*tries to dig you out from underneath mammoth TbR*
*fails*
*sends cake to your squashed self anyway*
I wish I could read this book right now!
I WISH YOU COULD TOO. *wishes for time to go faster*
This book was already on my TBR list, but now I want to read it even more! Thanks a lot! Now to eagerly await the release date…
You are MOST WELCOME for this unfortunate reminder of how much you need it asap.😂
THIS SOUNDS AWESOME!!!! I love dueling and sassiness and fantasy. I do often read books I know I’m going like– I big clue is laughing in the first chapter. When I read Passenger recently, the first chapter featured a musician in a museum, and I was like TWO OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS AT ONCE YAY. Well, The Lost Crown by Sarah Miller is a russian historical fiction which I thought was fairly fun, and part of A Thousand Pieces of You is set in russia… and actually the non fiction book I’m currently reading (Ghengis Khan and the making of the modern world) is about (among other things) the mongols conquering in Ukraine/Kiev and Russia. Thanks for the review Cait 🙂
AHHH I HAVE PASSENGER TO READ. I’m just working up courage because I didn’t realise it was the size of a small mountain. *gulps and shrieks* But stiiiiill. Musicians are my weakness!!! 😀 I have read A Thousand Pieces of You and TOTALLY liked the Russian aspect. :’)
To Dream of Snow by Rosalind Laker isn’t a fantasy but it is set in Russia, it has a pretty cover too, and I loved it!
Enchantment by Orson Scott Card is an ironic retelling of Sleeping Beauty set in Old Russia. You might like it!
Ooh, I’ll have to look that one up! And someone else mentioned the Orson Scott Card book so YES I NEED TO LOOK THAT UP TOO. Thank you! 😀
I’m SO excited for this! I have an eARC, so yay! 😀
SQUEEEE. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!! 😀
SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME. *coughs* But seriously I love duel-to-the-deaths. And she DOESN’T need to sort out her priorities. Ha ha.
But anyway, the book sounds amazing and I want it and is it an international giveaway?
Great post, Em
DUDE I KNOW THE FEEL. *glances at enormous TBR* I honestly think I’m going to be squashed by books presently…yet…not even sorry. :’)
AND YES. International giveaway!
I can definitely tell why everyone’s so excited for TCG; it sounds awesome. (I’m honestly hiding a little from all the hype, I think, which is why I’m not head over heels for it yet too.) Low-key romance is good, and the characters sound fun. 😀
As for the “knew it was going to be good after the first chapter . . .” Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl comes to mind, as does Howl’s Moving Castle, and all the Mistborn, Reckoners, and Stormlight books.
I do understand about hiding from the hype! 😛 I actually hadn’t heard very much about it before I joined this blog tour?! So that was good for me. I only had to battle my own really high expectations…and luuuuckily it lived up to them.😂 I LOVE that knowing-this-book-is-going-to-be-good moment. <3 I think I get it more often now that I read soooo many books. hehe.
Oooooh, I want to read this sooooo badly!!!! Yes, that cover is GORGEOUS!!! (but really? it’s in MAY?????!!!!!!!)
I KNOW. MAY IS SO FAR AWAY. LIFE IS SO CRUEL. *breaks a Russian plate*
Russian fantasy that I LOVED growing up, so it’s old but definitely noteworthy is the LORD OF SNOW AND ASHES series. Like, OMG, Gavril and his broodiness and the whole dragon thing is just to die for! I’m so nostalgic for that series!! Did I mention there’s dragons? Yeah, that means it’s a must read! ^.^
I LOVE Russian inspired fantasies, seeing a little bit of Russian influences in my most recent read A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU was also pretty freaking amazing and I just feel in love with that book in general, the Russian part was also really awesome, no fantasy but still, jumping dimensions was so my jam. >.<
Ohhh, I have not even heard of that series before BUT CLEARLY I NEED IT! *flails* Because you said dragon and that means I’m sold.😂
I did like the Russian section in A Thousand Pieces of You too! It was my favourite part, hehe, although I wasn’t such a fan of the whole book. Buuut it was my first dimension jumping book so maybe I just need to read more of them.😂
SO MANY ANASTASIA GIFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anastasia gifs are life. Anastasia is life. I think I need to go and re-watch Anastasia now.
THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO GOOD BTW
AND ISN’T ANASASIA JUST THE BEST?!?! *happy sigh* Ahem. I want to re-watch now too.
Ok. I NEED to read this book!!! Like yesterday…..along with the other millions of books on my TBR. Ugh.
The mountainous TBR struggle is REAL MY FRIEND. But what can we do but just add more books? 😂
You’ve convinced me. I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE.
THEN MY JOB HERE IS DONE. *awards self cake*
So, is the love triangle about two boys liking a girl who really isn’t interested in either of them because there are competitions to win and spells to cast? ‘Cause I could totally get into that.
I added this to my TBR the moment I read your description of Nikolai. 😉
I’ve never read Russian fantasy before. That’ll have to change.
Is the giveaway international? *Crosses fingers*
YES. The giveaway is international! AND YUS I THINK THAT SUMS UP THE TRIANGLE.😂 I mean, I think she IS interested…but I think that might come out more in the next books, but for now Vika seemed pretty intense on the winning part. #wisegirl
This is intriguing! Thank you for hosting this giveaway. 🙂
MOST WELCOME. *flails*
This sounds SO GOOD. I don’t think I’ve ever heard/seen of any Russian inspired ya stories (except maybe A Thousand Pieces of You???) so this is a must. Plus that cover is completely drool-worthy.
OH YES. A Thousand Pieces of You did dive into Russia a bit, didn’t it?! I totally recommend the Grisha books, too, if you’re interested in this style of book! 😉
This sounds wonderful! It’s like the Russian beauty of the Grisha books combined with the magicians duel of The Night Circus (have you read that, by the way?). I was all set to recommend the Grisha trilogy, but you’ve read that. 🙂 I can’t think of any other Russian themed book. Maybe there’s a post in that in the future, because I’d really like to read more. It’s a fascinating landscape and culture.
I haven’t read The Night Circus! :O I really want to though…I’ve heard it’s confusing though, so that kind of scares me off.😂 BUT STILL! ONE DAY. hehe. I have barely read a handful of Russian fantasy books, which saddens me because I neeeeed mooooore.
I have been seeing this one around, sounds awesome!
*dances wildly with this book* IT IS AWESOME.
YOU HAVE CONVINCED ME, CAIT. (I joined the Tsar’s Guard-no turning back now!) Fire enchanters and sassiness and Russia and DID I MENTION MAGIC??? (Basically, yes, I will read the book.)
Ooh! Sounds delightful. (My ears prick up at the mention of ‘historical fiction’ and ‘magic’, so…) Bakeries? Russia? I will read this ASAP. (May, unfortunately.)
WHY MUST MAY BE SO FAR AWAY?!?! *sobs tragically* But yes! It’s definitely one to watch out for!
Yay! This makes me so excited! I almost started this yesterday, but convinced myself to wait until closer to the release for some reason. next time I need a fantasy book I won’t hold back. That cover is just taunting me!
YESSSS. Definitely go for this one when you have a fantasy craving. 😉
Magicians that duel to the death! Sounds exciting. Also, bakery. Hopefully it mentions lots of yummy Russian pastries. Pirozhkis are particularly delicious. There’s this place downtown called Pirozhki Pirozhki and it is extremely delicious. We just don’t tend to go their often, because my mom and brother doesn’t like it. So whenever Dad and I are down there alone or we split up to find something to eat, that’s where we go.
I’m pretty sure it did mention several different Russian dishes? Probably not enough though. BUT I MEAN, WITH ME, IS IT EVER ENOUGH? I’m an advocate of foodie fiction. <3 hehehe I HAVE NEVER EATEN RUSSIAN FOOD MYSELF THOUGH OMG. I'm missing out on life, basically.
I can’t think of that many Russian fantasies, aside from The Grisha books. There’s Enchantment by Orson Scott Card, but it’s not YA. There’s Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble, but it doesn’t take place in Russia and it’s kind of a cliche YA paranormal. There’s The Fetch by Laura Whitcomb, which is beautifully written and has a really interesting premise (though I didn’t love it as much as her first book).
Speaking of Laura Whitcomb, when I first started A Certain Slant of Light, I knew it was going to be really good. I was hooked within the first few pages. Sometimes you can just tell.
Ooh, thank you for these recommendations though!! I haven’t heard of ANY of them! (I’m kind of tempted to try the Orson Scott Card one because I did so like Ender’s Game!) And I do like it when you can just TELL a book is going to be really good straight away.😂 I feel like I can judge a lot off the first few pages these days?! Maybe it’s from reading so much. hehe
RUSSIAN FANTASY WITH MAGICIANS BATTLING TO THE DEATH? GIVE IT TO ME. I’m a total sucker for Russian inspired fantasies. *shrieks and dies*
Me toooooo. It’s like anything with the words “Russian” and “fantasy” in it just are a CAIT MAGNET. *flails and dashes after this book*
That book’s cover is AMAZING! I must read this book!
YOU MUST. IT CALLS TO YOU, ROSE!
Okay, this sounds awesome. *takes note* I was pretty much sold from the Russian influence.
Me toooo. If someone says “Russian” and “YA” then I am all over it and probably shrieking.
Those are some great reasons!
Why thank you. 😉 I do try to be rather convincing. 😂
OMG everything about this review is perfection, from the reasons to read the book, to the gorgeous photos, to the very bottom, where it says “yes I already love the Grisha books!”–I LOVE IT! I’m so thrilled that you loved this book as much as I did, and YAAASSSSS to the Anastasia GIFs!!
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
OMG I AM REALLY GLAD YOU LIKE THE POST BRITTANY!! *FLAILS* THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCLUDING ME. <33
The idea of this book sounds so cool, and the cover is lovely too.
I’m so glad you like it too, Clare! *FLAILS* The designers totally out-did themselves. :’)
Gosh I love the cover! I should totally put this on my TBR
YOU SHOULD. *shoos you towards goodreads*
I read an excerpt of the first few chapters and LOVED IT. I need this, like, yesterday. It’s such a different premise to most things I read and it just SOUNDS AMAZING. Thanks for the review and give-away (and the Anastasia GIFs) Cait!
DUDE, YES, I KNOW RIGHT?!?!? I wish more books came out like this! It’s a breath of fresh air, tbh. :’)
EEEEEEEEEEE CAAAAKE. This book looks absolutely lovely. ^.^ Also OPENING SCENE IN A BAKERY YES YES ME WANT INNNN. Also Anastasia GIFs thankyouverymuch. ♥ “Although I whisper “red hair and fiesty? really?” because it’s a little cliche.” < oki this actually makes me very happy because I've accidentally made one of my sub/main characters in a book have red hair BUT she is super quiet/introverted so now I feel special and unique and stuff. *insert crying laughing emoji*
HAHAHA the "men are such babies" GIF just gave me life thank you. Vika is me then. XD so truuuee tho. ahem. I've actually never read a Russian fantasy but OBVIOUSLY I'M MISSING OUT RIGHT. oh man. x) ALSO THAT TOTE IS GORGEOUS. *eyes water*
oki can't handle anymoreeee.
love,
abbiee
HOW COME ALL THE “I”‘S VANISHED FROM MY COMMENT. waaaa XD omg
I KNOW ABOUT THE VANISHING “I”S I’M SO SORRY. GAHHH. I’ll just hope the blog fixes itself?! Because I have no idea what to do.😭
Dude: I’m SO happy you’re smashing the feisty/red-haired cliche then😂. Honestly if I had a dollar for all the feisty/red-headed-YA-heriones I’ve read, I could probably fund myself to buy a small planet and rule it. Gah. BUT also introverted/quiet characters are the best. :’) Just sayin’. Your writing is clearly awesome. AHEM.
ANASTASIA GIFS GIVE LIFE IN GENERAL THOUGH, OMG. <3 I feel like rewatching it.
First off, Russian Fantasy is the BEST and YA NEEDS more of them. Secondly, the cover to this is definitely the most gorgeous thing known to humankind. <3 And is it weird that I feel like I already love Pasha, Nikolai, and Vika (even though I haven't read this book yet) ?? Haha. I NEED THIS BOOK.
((Also, your photography is AMAZING. Pleaseee teach me your ways.)) 😉
SO BASICALLY I CANNOT AGREE MORE WITH THAT FIRST STATEMENT. *flails* I would read 39839 more Russian YA fantasy books if they existed. Pleeeease let it be a trend sometime.😂
(squeee THANK YOU for the compliments to my photos. <3 THAT MEANS A LOT OMG.)
YAYAYAY I’m so glad you liked this one, Cait! I literally cannot wait for this one. Has to be one of my most anticipated reads of this year, I think. I love Russian mythology and history… and food, so basically, this seems like the perfect book for me. 😉
SQUEEEE. I hope it lives up to your anticipation too then!! I know the super-hyped-for-ourselves ones are always a bit scary, buuut…it was so good! 😂
OMG this look so good but I hadn’t even heard of it until now?! *scurries off to Goodreads to add it to my TBR list*
uM Idk what is going on with that comment but it randomly deleted letters?! Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :/
I knooooow about the randomly-deleted-letter-I’s. I CAN’T STOP IT. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO. 😭 Ahem. But read this book. I promise it contains I’s.
Mmm, Russia, magic and a whole chapter in a bakery? That sounds AMAZING! Yes, I need this book ASAP!
YoU DO. I’M PRETTY SURE EVERYONE DOES OMG. :’)
Ahh so excited for this one! I love the idea of it and also the foods! Seriously, I’ll read a book as long as it has food in it xD Anyway, lovely (and funny) review Cait <33
That is literally my thinking as well.😂 Food + book = I’ll read it definitely no doubt about it.😂
Russian culture + magic + Love triangles + bad-ass female character = Count me in! 😀
YES. YES. READ THIS, IANA. IT CALLS TO YOU.
Hahaha. I will Cait. Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve already added this to my already incredibly loooong TBR pile, although I think I’ll be broke before this year even ends. But that can’t be because there are still more amazing books to come! Sigh. 🙁 #thestruggleisreal #problemsofabookworm
Oh the TBR struggles ARE SO REAL. And deadly. Seriously, it’s a wonder we bookworms don’t get SQUASHED all the time. *collapses dramatically* Ohhhh the LIFE OF DANGER AND DARING WE LEAD.
So true! Most of the time I feel like we live as much as an adventurous and tumultuous life as the heroes/heroines we read about in books!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed this book, Cait, the premise sounds really interesting! I read a lot of Russian historical fiction and classic literature but not much on the use of Russian folklore in fantasy–which is why I was impressed when the Grisha trilogy came out and Catherynne M. Valente’s Deathless (has anyone recommended it to you yet? If not, that’s a Russian fantasy :)). Oh, and Patricia A. McKillip’s In the Forests of Serre 🙂 Also, and reading Russian fairy tales are always fun 😉
YES. I have been recommended Deathless, but I haven’t read it yet. 😂 I WILL!!! Zomg, I want all the Russian fantasy books of ever. That is awesome that you’re into the actual folklore/classics. I admireeeeee you for that!
GAH, I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK SO BADLY. It’s been on my TBR since I first heard about it, and I can’t wait till it comes out. I love Russian fantasy, and this one sounds like it would be right up my alley. Also, that cover is gorgeous. (There are so many books with gorgeous covers coming out, it isn’t even funny. *runs around throwing money at booksellers*)
But yeah. I need this. *nods*
THE COVER IS DEFINITELY WORTH STROKING LOVINGLY. *pets it* I’m pretty sure publishers are onto the fact that we bookworms are 100% shallow and just look for pretty covers. THEY SEE US. OUR WALLETS ARE DOOMED.
I’m dying to get my hands on this book! Russian fantasy stories are my jam! Obviously the Grisha world is one of my faves but Tsarina was another one that I love, love, love! I’m actually attempting to learn Russian on Duolingo right now. It’s been fun but very difficult.
Ooh, I haven’t read Tsarina yet! So it’s good too?! omG NEEEEED. I honestly just want to devour all the Russian fantasies of ever. AND OMG YOU’RE LEARNING RUSSIAN?! *bows*
Cait, I AM GOING TO TRUST YOUR RECOMMENDATION, OKAY?! I’ve been badly burned by YA fantasy releases for this year, but now you have GIVEN ME HOPE.
Also, your photos FTW. Seriously.
Urgh typos. *CAIT!
I’M GLAD ABOUT THIS BECAUSE MY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DEFINITELY GOLDEN. #humble
(Also thank you about my photos. <3)
(Also for some reason my blog is stealing all the "i"s. I don't know why.😭)
YES YES NOW I HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!! This sounds intriguing and awesome and although I slightly jumped at the love triangle part, I’m glad it’s not that irritating! Can’t wait to give this book a try! Great review Cait!
ehe, yes, love triangles in books will NEVER be my favourite, but I’m glad this didn’t really flood the story with irritating panic sessions of “omg who should I choose”. HUZZAH.
I’m really, really, really excited to read The Crown’s Game! It honestly sounds like such a phenomenal novel. I mean, you really can’t go wrong with Russian-inspired fantasy AND magicians dueling. 😀
EXACTLY. Russian + magic + delicious food = book of imminent gloriousness.
Ooooh this looks FAB. May, though? WHAT IS THIS??
You sold me at “the first chapter happens in a bakery.” Five stars already.
THAT’S WHAT SOLD ME. THAT GLORIOUS FIRST CHAPTER. I honestly felt “Oh well, this book is mine now.” *happy flails*
(I don’t know why the blog tour is so early though.😂 WHETTING YOUR APPETITES CLEARLY. hehe.)
(i’m finally getting updated on commenting. HELLO CAIT!) i feel like EVERYONE has been reading this book and at first, i was like hmmmmmm.. because i’m always a bit wary of hyped books, but after your descriptions and review, i feel like i need this book RIGHT NOW. i haven’t read a proper fantasy in a while (well, i’m actually reading one right now? but it’s not reaaaaally fantasy?). but anyway, you just convinced me to read this. and also got me fairly excited for it. THANKS FOR THAT.
HELLO ALEXANDRA! *waves wildly* (Although, tbh, I’m very behind on commenting myself, hehehe. Ahem.) And hyped books can be rather dubious *nods* so I do understand the fear. Buuuut, this is a good one. 😉 Oohh what is this fantasy-but-non-fantasy that you’re reading?! MAKE ME CURIOUS, WHY DON’T YOU.😂
i’m reading HALF BAD, by sally green! i’ve seen you rated it five stars on goodreads and have all the ~endless praise~ so i’ve got high hopes for it. i’m not too far in, but it’s kinda slow and confusing. welp, i hope it gets better, although it’s not HALF BAD right now. *wink wink* (okay sorry for the bad pun i’m going to go now)
Omgggg I LOVE and adore that book. 😂 Okay okay but I’ll shhhhush and I won’t make you feel bad if you don’t like it. 😛 It IS sort of slow/confusing, I agree, and not altogether original, tbh? But Nathan melted my heart. <3 ALSO GABRIEL. <33 Also you're probably the millionth person to make that pun. BUT TO BE FAIR...the book asks for it.😂
OKAY THIS IS IMMEDIATELY GOING ON MY TBR YES THANK YOU
I am SO EXCITED to read this and oooooohhhhh you know how much I love this stuff.
EEEEEEEEEEE
YOU ARE MOST WELCOME, SOPHIA. IT SCREAMS YOUR NAME, TBH.
That’s a big yes to Russian fantasy! The cover itself for this book already as me swooning, plus all your reasons too!?!? I neeed this boooooooook noooooow! So excited for this! Glad to see you loved it so much!
(I just re-watched Anastasia last week and it was so frick’n awesome.)
YES YOU DO. And omg, I need to rewatch Anastasia. :’) Just looking for gifs gave me such fond memories. hehe.
AHHH! I WANT TO READ THIS SOO BADLY! I made a list a while back about where I would like to see more books take place in and THIS SOUNDS PERFECT! I love the entire premise and MAY NEEDS TO COME SO I CAN READ AND LOVE IT! AHH!
YESSSS YES TO ALL THE RUSSIAN FANTASIES! *sobs with happiness* It is literally one of my favourite things and hurts my soul that there aren’t more out there!
This is one of my most anticipated books of the year, so knowing you liked it makes me even more excited to read it. xD It sounds almost like Shadow & Bone in the way the Russian culture is embedded into the story, so I’m curious to see how that turns out. And yeah for fantasies with strong world-building and characterization! Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous review! ♥
YUS. Although S&B is more actiony….whereas this does take the slower more historical approach, *nods* But ikr?! YAY FOR ACTUAL WORLD BUILDING.😂
NEED. I also have this one for review and you have no idea how unbelievably excited you have made me for this now. I’ve been having terrible luck with 2016 releases so far :'( Glad you liked this one, can’t wait to read it! 😀
YAYYYAYAYA. I hope it lives up to your expectations then! And omg a bad run for 2016 releases? *cries with you* I’ve been having a sucky run with books in general, but definitely had some golden 2016 ones though. I hope you find some!!
You have convinced me. I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE!! NEED.
I also need that tote because it’s gorgeous. *fingers crossed for giveaway*
OMG GOOD. MY JOB HERE IS DONE. *commences happy dance*
Good book is good. You know I loved this book. Love, present tense actually. I feel like I will probably have to order a finished copy because I bet it is extra pretty and shiny. As usual, your pictures make me happy, though I DO notice you’re missing Russian vodka…
The problem with reading a book with a sequel so far in advance is… well, waiting for said sequel! I love all things Russian, so yes, I do love this Russian fantasy situation. And yeah, there have been a few books that I just knew were going to be wins- like The Hunger Games! 😂 And you know, some others I guess? I feel like The Girl From Everywhere was like that for me. And A Cure for Dreaming. Both solid from start to finish. So glad you loved this book too, Cait!!
I DO KNOW YOU LOVED IT SO CLEARLY YOU HAVE WONDERFUL TASTE MY FRIEND. <3 I really want the sequel though. Like. I could probably shriek for days for the sequel if I thought it'd speed up the process. *sighs*
*flails because you mentioned The Girl from Everywhere* I had NO idea what to expect from that one but it was suffocatingly gorgeous. <#
This book sounds absolutely incredible! The magic, world building, Russian fantasy and the amazing characters (I love the sound of Pasha, he sounds hilarious! And lol, passionfruit vine). I got this one from EW so I need to pick it up soon. Lovely review Cait!
Pasha IS hilarious. Only slightly less hilarious than my first thoughts that he was a she and also a passionfruit vine. #awkward 😂 Anyway, I hope you get a chance to devour it soon, Jeann! 😀
Oh dear freaking god. Words cannot describe just how much I NEED this book in my life!!!!!!!!!!
I HIGHLY CONCUR WITH THIS STATEMENT.
This book is jumping to the top 20 of my TBR. That’s more of a compliment than it sounds like, I promise.
WELL THAT’S GLORIOUS NEWS TO HEAR THIS DAY. :’)
Okay, so I’ve been eyeing this one for awhile, but… yep, now I need it. #missionaccomplished
Also Evelyn Skye is like the coolest name ever, so… that’s a reason to read it in itself, on top of the gorgeous cover… I CAN BE SHALLOW OKAY.
Yay for Anastasia gifs and Russian fantasy! *has a hankering for your Spider Queen to be published right now so I can have another stellar book of the genre to read*
I just added The Crown’s Game on Goodreads, finally. XD
You had me at reason #1. The rest just made me want to read this book RIGHT NOW
It sounds fabulous! Russia, magic, history-ish fantasy = perfection. And Anastasia gifs will always catch my eye
Haha, I loved how you fangirled over basically everything Russia in this post + I have wanted to read this book ever since I heard about it’s upcoming release at the beginning of this year, after reading all your reasons for why one should pick it up, my excitement has tripled. 😀
I just added it to my tbr! I’d like to read more Russian fantasy, but I don’t know of many.
Same! Clearly we need more authors to write about Russia, eh?! 😀
Hooray! I was sold on this book as soon as I knew it was Russian fantasy. I immediately thought of Anastasia too, which makes me just want to grab this book right now and devour it. It sounds amazing – it has awesome characters and doesn’t disappoint on the world building. I NEED IT!!!! *SOBS*
EEEEEP. it is definitely Anastasia worthy. :’) (Well, I mean, nothing beats Ana and Demitri’s banter, ahem. But still.) I hOPE YOU READ IT SOON! ;D
OOOOOH I HAVE READ THIS BOOK, and I so agree with you that Russian things are amazing. Their culture, their architecture. FABULOUS. Also, Russia and magic combined equals to something SO DAMN COOL.
You thought Pasha was a girl? xD I think I got used to that name for a guy, because it’s technically a guy’s name in my culture xD But anywho, YES THE LOVE TRIANGLE is well, not irritating. I think yeah, Vika was more interested in winning than flirting with either boys AHA. YAYYYY GLAD YOU LOVE THIS BOOK.
I want this. I want this. I want this. SO MUCH! Seriously, I cannot wait to read this beauty. I love Russian inspired fantasies, can’t get enough of them!
YESSS YOU SO NEED IT, KAREN. *flings russian confetti in the air* I wish this was more of a popular fantasy genre because I LOVE IT
I adored this book as well for pretty much the same reasons, though I have to confess that I felt the same about connecting – especially to the romance, since it was a bit instalovey and triangley. Luckily it didn’t feel like a huge part of the book, so I was okay with it.