Over the last few years I have been discovering all of the wonderful YA fiction that I wish had been available to me back when I was teen. Now that it is available I am enjoying it anyway as an adult. The Broken Crown is the first book in a series that is part princess story, part fantasy adventure, a possible touch of dystopian, and a dash of what seemed like allegory.
While this first The Narrow Gate novel got off to a touch of a slow start for me, it didn't stay that way for very long at all. Oh no, it didn't take long before I was totally immersed in Emilia's first person world of danger and palace intrigue. Who knew a competition of princesses could be so hostile and volatile?!
I was pleasantly surprised as read by the detailed world with its peoples and customs that Amory Cannon brought so vividly to life. The mix of fantasy and familiar made it all the more fascinating.
The Broken Crown was an excellent read whether you are YA or old enough to be the mother of one. The Narrow Gate series has started well with this first book from Amory Cannon and it bodes well for the forthcoming titles...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Broken Crown by Amory Cannon a 4 Bark rating.
Picking up where the previous The Narrow Gate novel left off, The Desolate Reign dives right back into the drama and intrigue as Emilia has to make some difficult decisions on whether she will claim her crown, step forward to take up the Insurgo cause, and who will sit on the throne next to her.
Honestly, as much as I enjoyed The Broken Crown, I enjoyed The Desolate Reign even more. Amory Cannon has really upped her game with her second The Narrow Gate book. The stakes have gotten higher and the consequences greater. Of course, all of that means a book that is pretty hard to put down. OK, closer to impossible...
Once again Amory Cannon has brought her world to life in vivid detail through Emilia's first person POV. While, some people don't care for that particular POV, I actually like it when it is done right. And Amory Cannon has done it very well in her Narrow Gate books. In some ways it was somewhat reminiscent of stories from authors like Melanie Cellier and Camille Peters – but with a much stronger and more overt Christian message.
The only problem I had with The Desolate Reign was that it ended on a real cliffhanger and now I have to waaaiiit, and very impatiently I might add, to find out what happens...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Desolate Reign by Amory Cannon a 4.5 Bark rating.