About the Book:
Title: The Princess of Nothing
Author: Rebecca L. Garcia
Series: The Fate of Crowns – Book 2
Publication Date: Feb 2, 2021
Synopsis: 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?
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My Review:
The second book in The Fate of Crowns series picks up where the first book left off. Winter must flee her home and seek refuge in the most unlikely of places. Captured and imprisoned by King Xenos, Winter suffers unimaginably before she is freed by the King’s son.
Winter is offered a way to reclaim her throne – marry the prince of Berovia. Winter knows that the lives of her people will be irrevocably changed if she agrees to the union. However, she is determined to become queen. Is there a way for her to become queen without an arranged loveless marriage? Winter’s decisions take her on an epic journey across vast lands and an even bigger journey of self-discovery.
Much like the first story, Winter’s character development is one of the highlights of the novel. She deals with so much throughout this story – trauma, grief, loss, abuse, guilt, anxiety, and more haunt her, but she is determined to do right by her people and kingdom. Winter is a survivor, and though she struggles with her feelings, she refuses to let them consume her.
I also like how the author shows Winter’s anxiety and how it affects her physically and emotionally. She has unexpected panic attacks, her mind races, and she has moments when everything becomes too much and all-consuming. At one point during a panic attack, Winter can’t breathe, and she thinks she is dying. She doesn’t realize that it is her anxiety. I found this aspect of her character very realistic and relatable, and I love how the author integrated this into the story. Winter is fierce, strong, and intelligent – a leader and a role model. However, she also has vulnerabilities and struggles that sometimes severely affect her. She’s a well-layered and well-developed character who continues to grow and fight for herself and others.
Characters like Blaise, Cedric, and Morgana are developed more intricately as well. The story delves more into their pasts and presents, giving the reader a more complete view of each person. I’m still torn about many of these characters, as the line between good and evil remains unclear. There are few characters that I believe are truly loyal to Winter. Ulterior motives, political ambition, and the desire for power cloud many of the character’s true intentions.
The political intrigue, maneuvering, and turmoil heightens in this story and is leading to an epic battle for the kingdom. I can’t wait to see what happens when Winter returns to her land and confronts her cousin! I’m also excited to learn more about Blaise’s curse and whether Winter can help him. I’m still rooting for Blaise and Winter even though the odds are stacked against them.
Winter’s love life is another interesting aspect of the novel. In the first book, the focus was primarily on the relationship between Winter and Blaise. However, as the story progresses, there are several potential love interests. I find this very fitting, as it parallels Winter’s tumultuous, complex, and confusing life. The men in her life are so different from each other, and they each have something different to offer her. Does Winter want safety, comfort, convenience, or passion? Who does she truly want to be with? Must politics interfere with her romantic choices? Winter has to decide what is most important to her before she can make a decision.
This is an action-packed story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Filled with mystery, suspense, and some nail-biting scenes, there is never a dull moment, and I love it! Thanks so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Rebecca L. Garcia for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The character growth, especially with Winter.
- The love story! Fingers crossed Winter ends up with my fave!
- The unpredictable and suspenseful action. You never know where Winter’s journey is going to take her.
- The political intrigue. There are so many political maneuverings that it’s dizzying!
Favorite Lines:
My loyalty lies with people, not titles.
Don’t let your duty destroy your happiness.
A common enemy makes a wonderful alliance.
Recommendations:
Interested in learning more about the series? Check out my review for book 1!
Synopsis: 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 between myself and the dark fae prince 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 heart before it’s too late.
Will I allow myself to become the exalted Queen of everything? Or be reduced to a cautionary tale as the shattered princess of nothing?
LINKS: My Review | Goodreads | Amazon
I want to read this series and that cover is gorgeous!
I’m really enjoying it! I hope you love it if you end up reading it! 🙂
I love it when the second book in a series can get a great rating, and that cover is beautiful! Definitely adding the series to my TBR!
Nice! It’s a good one!