The Liar’s Crown (Dominions, 1)

This book. Wow. Just wow. It needs more than 5 stars. This masterful tale hooks you in from the first word, grabs you by the throat and keeps you captive until the last syllable. Phew. This is the first book in a trilogy so be prepared for the resolution of some small story arcs but also for no resolution of the main story arc. Meren lives in squalor as a nobody but she is the secret identical twin of Tabra, the princess of Aryd. Meren’s purpose in life is to serve as a replacement for her sister in times of danger and there’s always danger for their family. Eidolon, the immortal king of Tyndra,, has been killing off Arydan queens for generations. Meren does have secret acts of disobedience that are just for her. Reven, the Shadowraith, has his own secrets and not just the ability to manipulate shadows. When Meren takes Tabra’s place at the coronation to protect her, it is Meren that Reven kidnaps. As Meren tries to escape from him, secrets are revealed and nothing is what it seems. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - intrigue, fighting, dangerous situations, end of the world scenarios, paranormal creatures, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, secrets, mystical coincidences, snark, laughs, and unexpected plots twists. While this is a YA fantasy, is also a deeply emotional book. At its heart, it’s a story of stunted, damaged and bruised but not broken people who find their way together by owning their choices, recognizing their scars, finding their strength, embracing life, and deciding to be the best version of themselves. It’s a story about the power of choice. The book is well written, has characters with a lot of depth, plenty of witty dialogue, and an engaging storyline. The adventure of Meren and Reven will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, gasping, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. I am super excited to read the next book in this series.

Minor spoilers!!!

Ok so I have to start off by saying that I went into this book with not much expectations. I love enemies to lovers, YA, fantasy books (think Cruel Prince, Kingdom of the Wicked, Shatter Me, Caraval, ACOTAR), and I could tell that this book was going to give off the same vibes and have some of the same tropes, which it did but Owen actually switched up some of the tropes, which made me fall in love with this book and made it one of my top 5 (sounds confusing but bare with me)

First I love how funny Meren is and how unfiltered her thoughts come through in the book. Shes witty, has an attitude, and isn’t scared of expressing herself. Such a great character

Now for the enemies to lovers trope. Reven kidnaps Meren in the beginning of the book and even from the start, she acknowledges her romantic interest in him. Usually in books with this trope, we see the mc fighting and ignoring their obvious connection with their enemy until at one point, it all bubbles over and they confess their love for the enemy. While this is nice and makes for a passionate scene, it is SO REFRESHING to see the mc not fight her feelings and actually acknowledge them head on. You can always tell the enemy in the story isn’t a bad person but rather misunderstood, but the mc still acts like they’re the villain throughout most of the book. This is something that’s always annoyed me with this trope, especially when it’s dragged on for so long. Meren instantly catches that Reven isn’t all that bad and we see her fall in love with him without putting up an unnecessary fight against her feelings.

So we all know the 1000 yo man fairy with a 18 yo love interest. It’s something that doesn’t bother me, but again, it was so refreshing to see a closer age gap between love interests (Reven is 23 and Meren is about to turn 19). The thing that does bother me about the ancient love interest vs newly adult, is that the former is always very experienced. The ancient one has been with countless partners before they fell in love with the mc and is highly experienced, which makes for great love making since they know exactly what to do(all fine and dandy). However, both Meren and Reven are virginssssssss!!!! There’s a scene where they’re in bed and communicating what feels good while they explore each others bodies. It was honestly my favorite part of the book and creates even more intimacy between the characters since we know they haven’t done this with anyone else so it’s special (but not the “before was just sex, but with you it’s making love” kind of special).

I just in general loved the bickering going on between the two mc and their whole dynamic was to die for. The plot also makes for an interesting story and Merens commentary and the way she views things just kept me hooked throughout the book. I had to pry myself away and it physically hurt to have to put the book down. I would highly recommend you give this a book a chance. Can’t wait for the rest of the series!!!

Starts out slow and gains traction with a good storyline. Characters develop well and I’ve become emotionally invested in them, wanting to know what happens next. Are they able to fight against the evil that wants to take over everything? Can they save the people from the damage and fighting that ensues? Is it possible for Reven to become a full man and to have the evil shadows removed? Is it possible for Reven and Meren to have a happily ever after? They better, because it’s what I want to see happen. On to the 2nd book to find out.

“I might hear his deep, perfect voice in the shadows for the rest of my life after this is over.” -Pg. 145

Good Goddess all mighty, this story was everything. The Liar’s Crown is so faultlessly entrancing. Once I started, I literally could not stop. I was so engrossed in Maren’s story and trying to unravel everything that comes at her. Plus, can we talk about how GORGEOUS this cover is? The artist team knocked it out of the park.

With Maren, our MC, I understand her so much through this. I love her wit, her strength, and her quirks that pop through at the most perfect moments. I loved that she balanced the line of trusting herself and her strength yet also still learning and growing. She overcomes so much throughout this story and I adored her.

“He stares at me a long beat, and I stare right back, not backing down an inch. Then, without warning, his gaze drops to my lips and flares with heat. ‘Big trouble,’ he mutters.” -Pg. 246

On the other side, Reven… oh man oh mans. First off, that name is sexy and what whispers in the dark are made from. Dark hair, crystal turquoise eyes, strong and built, soft but strong heart, and just the most beautiful darkness, he is everything. His story line is another that drew me in so wickedly and I was completely engrossed.

With our side characters, I truly commend Abigail Owen for not only giving each a place but making them all enjoyable. Specifically Vos and Cain… oh yesssss. I love the sexy, comical tension these two males bring.

Overall, The Liar’s Crown was magnificently wonderful. I truly could not say more amazing things about it. There’s magic, adventure, angst, darkness, sexy moments, and everything in between. A thousand percent worth buying and reading. I absolutely cannot wait for The Stolen Throne to see where Maren, Reven, & co. travel to.

Special thank you to Entangled Teen for sending me a glorious, beautiful copy.

Such a unique fantasy world! I love the idea of twin princesses that only the Royal line knows about, and the different types of magical abilities. We really got to know Meren and Reven in this book and I’d love to know more about Tabra. Maybe we will see more of her in book 2.

Reven is the ultimate anti-hero, always battling his inner demons. Literally. The push and pull between him and Meren is palpable and keeps you wanting more as you follow Meren through the dominions back to Aryd.

Favorite moments include: •Glass flowers •Forced Proximity (tree hollow, bridge, etc) •Meren’s fiery mouth •Cage Escape

And so many more! I am very excited to see where this story leads.

Title: The Liar’s Crown Author: Abigail Owens Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Spice: 5/10 RCRS (one scene, focus on emotions) Kindle Unlimited: Yes Deseret Bookshelf: No

I enjoyed this more than I expected but it could have been just a bit better. I am not compelled to read the next book, the way this one ended was confusing and not captivating. I also didn’t get a sense of the main characters’ deep connection despite how dynamic and active the events are at time. I’m completely confused about the amulets and the special blue stone… it’s all messy. The magic and world building is intriguing; the history could have been fleshed out more so the reader understands better why things are happening the way they are.

I might pickup the next one sometime if it comes up, but again, I’m not so hooked I need to seek it out…

Until The End, MC

2.75/5

This book had an interesting premise!

Despite the interest I held in Meren and Tabra, and what was going to happen to and between them, the book lost me a couple times. I had to push through several times, with some skimming, to get to the other side. I don’t know if it was the pacing or if I was still feeling the residue from the first third or so of the book, which moves a little slowly (especially the kidnapping part.)

I also was frustrated with the romance. There were times that I really believed in what was happening, but other times it just felt like I was reading words of the page and not really interested in the dynamic of these two characters, because I wanted to focus on the looming problems that were facing them instead. I felt like the focus on the romance didn’t make the stakes as high as I thought they would feel.

Overall, I thought this was a decent book. I would say it leans closer to being a solid first book in a series, it just didn’t get to where I was expecting, so I was a little disappointed by the time I finished this. I was expecting the book to be a high-stakes fantasy political kind-of book with some kidnapping, magic, and the other assorted tropes thrown in. It was my mistake, I guess, for looking for a more political setting when that really isn’t the focus of the characters or story.

I recommend, but only if you really know this is your genre and forte.

**** I would definitely recommend this as a NA book and not a YA book due to some of the material in here.