The gorgeous and darkly compelling sequel to The Crown’s Game—perfect for fans of Red Queen and Shadow and Bone.A New York Times bestseller! Magic is growing, shadows are rising, and the throne is at stake… Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected. Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom. For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world. With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.
The Cruel Prince meets Throne of Glass in this gripping YA Fantasy with a princess, a deadly king, and choices that will shape her future forever. With my brother's death came the crown and all the trappings that accompany it. Now, my father--the most dangerous man in Magaelor--seeks to control my future. But fate has other plans. Thrown into mer-filled waters, I'm dragged into the rival kingdom of Berovia. Surrounded by those who murdered my brother and wished my entire family dead, I must find my way back to my kingdom. There, a marriage could bring peace to a century's old division between the fae and sorcerers. But dark revelations and deadly lies threaten to destroy my destiny. I must make the choice between my duty, family, and truth before it's too late. Will I allow myself to become the Queen of everything? Or be reduced to a cautionary tale as the princess of nothing?
"Gorgeous and richly imagined."—Sara Raasch, New York Times bestselling author of the Snow Like Ashes series "Teeming with hidden magic and fiery romance."—Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of An Ember in the Ashes Perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone and Red Queen, The Crown’s Game is a thrilling and atmospheric historical fantasy set in Imperial Russia about two teenagers who must compete for the right to become the Imperial Enchanter—or die in the process—from debut author Evelyn Skye. 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.
The Fate of a Crown (1905) is a novel by L. Frank Baum. Although he is more widely known as the author of the Land of Oz series, Baum also used several pseudonyms to make forays into more conventional fiction for adults. The Fate of a Crown, written under the pen name “Schuyler Staunton,” is a story of corruption, political intrigue, romance, and adventure. “Cold with horror at the revolting deed I gazed into the dark eyes of the murderer. He smiled as he answered my look and shrugged his shoulders as if excusing the crime. ‘A blow for freedom, senhor!’ he announced, in his soft, native patois. ‘Dom Miguel would be grieved were you captured by the police.’” One day, Robert Harcliffe is working for his uncle’s mercantile business in New Orleans. The next, he narrowly escapes imprisonment and is rescued by a shadowy assassin in Brazil. When Dom Miguel de Pintra wrote to his uncle in search of a capable American secretary, the businessman sent Robert, a young college graduate. On Dom Miguel’s plantation, he becomes enamored with the republican cause and soon participates in revolutionary action against the Empire of Brazil. Although he is surrounded by his family and close allies, paranoia and fear dominate Dom Miguel’s every move. Is his daughter Izabel an imperial sympathizer? Is his son a double agent? And what about Lesba, the beautiful ward of Dom Miguel? While The Fate of a Crown is far from the fantasy and fairy tale style most of Baum’s readers adore him for, it remains an entertaining work of adventure fiction for devoted fans of the Oz series and newcomers alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of L. Frank Baum’s The Fate of a Crown is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.
An old warrior, too stubborn to die. A royal heir, hidden since birth. Can they save a realm on the brink of war? Tragedy tears his world apart, forcing him back into a warrior's life, until an act of self-sacrifice cuts him off from all he knows. Now he seeks a new purpose, for what is a warrior who has nothing left to fight for?
Run. Hide. Pray for escape. Racing down the winding streets of Imperia, my only hope of reclaiming my throne is to escape. Unfortunately, that means returning to the one place I truly fear-Berovia. My fears-it seems-were justified. In the dark underbelly of Berovia, I am captured by King Xenos's men and thrown into the pits with traitors and criminals to pray for salvation I knew wouldn't come. My only hope to make it out alive is by agreeing to marry the king's arrogant son. But this union comes at a terrible price. If I agree to be his bride, my people may be stripped of their magic and forced into submission under Kiros's reign. If I die, I leave my corruptible cousin, Edgar, to ruin my family's rule. Can I find a way to save my people and myself? Or, will I die as the princess of nothing?
"The Crown" meets "Game of Thrones" in this dazzling tale of glamour, enchantment, and betrayal, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Melissa de la Cruz. Once, they were inseparable, just two little girls playing games in a formidable castle. Now Princess Marie-Victoria, heir to the mightiest empire in the world, and Aelwyn Myrddyn, a bastard mage, face vastly different futures. As the annual London season begins—a whirlwind of wealth and magic marked by lavish parties and gorgeous girls vying for the attention of young royals—the talk of the town is Ronan Astor, a social-climbing American with only her beauty to recommend her. After falling for a handsome rogue on the voyage over, she must balance her desire for love with her duty to save her family's position. Meanwhile, Isabelle of Orleans finds herself cast aside by Leopold, heir to the Prussian crown, in favor of a political marriage to Marie-Victoria. Isabelle is bent on reclaiming what is hers, but Marie doesn't even want Leopold—she lost her heart long ago to a boy she will never be able to have. Desperate to escape a life without love, Marie turns to Aelwyn, and the girls form a perilous plan that endangers the fate of the monarchy. "Preening royalty, a touch of magic, and dramatic betrayal. What's not to love?" — Teen Vogue "This character-driven novel has fabulous balls, glitzy gowns, and plenty of drama and plot twists, making it hard to put down." — School Library Journal
For as long as he can remember, Alric dreamed of being a hero; of defeating a dragon and saving the princess. But his royal position would never allow it, until… the arrival of the Mercerian Emissaries demands a princely escort, and being neither the heir, nor the spare, he is the perfect choice. Used to a lifetime of comfort and ease, he expects this duty to be as tiresome as all the others. His tranquil life is upended from the beginning, as havoc seems to follow these dignitaries everywhere, causing him all sorts of grief. From fighting unknown creatures to defending the life of a royal, he discovers that becoming a hero is much more dangerous than he ever imagined. No matter what the outcome, his life will never be the same. Heart of the Crown is book three in the Heir to the Crown series. If you like contests of skill, courtly intrigue and diplomatic disasters, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a prince who desires greatness. Grab your copy of Heart of the Crown today, and witness the dream become a reality. New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Heir to the Crown: Book One, Servant of the Crown, available in eBook, audio & paperback. Books by Paul J Bennett Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge Guardian of the Crown The Frozen Flame Series: Awakening - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom - Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch What readers are saying about Paul J Bennett’s books: ★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!" ★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes! ★★★★★ -"I’m hooked on this series!" ★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery" ★★★★★ -"Fabulously written, loved it." ★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy" ★★★★★ -"The most amazing adventure" ★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!" ★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them" ★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I’ve read in a LONG time!" ★★★★★-"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical." ★★★★★ -"If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read!" ★★★★★ -"This story gripped me and kept me turning the pages." ★★★★★ -"Action, Intrigue, Adventure, Romance and some twists!" ★★★★★ -"I love the book, had me on edge, could not put it down!" ★★★★★ -"Full of suspense, intrigue and action throughout the story" ★★★★★ -"The characters you love in the books come to life in such a fabulous way." ★★★★★ -"The tale flows effortlessly along, blending action, adventure and heartwarming scenes."
Fiercely intelligent, beautiful, and ready to claim her birthright, she navigates a dangerous world torn between war and witchpower. Seduction and stealth are Belinda Primrose’s skills–weapons befitting the queen’s bastard daughter, a pawn of espionage conceived by Lorraine, ruler of Aulun, and her lover and spymaster, Belinda’s father. Now an accomplished assassin, Belinda uncovers the true game her father never intended her to play. For Belinda has found her witchpower, a legacy born from something not of this earth. In a treacherous world where religion and rebellion rule, Lorraine is now in a position to sweep over the countries of Echon and to back her chosen successor to the throne: Belinda. But Belinda is no longer anyone’s pawn. Lured by the sensual dark magic of Dmitri, envoy to a neighboring throne, yet still drawn to the witchlord embrace of her former lover, Javier, Belinda knows that she has entered a realm where power and control go to those who can master and manipulate their fiercest desires. For the witchpower depends on the skill its wielder holds. From the Trade Paperback edition.
