Capture the Crown

March 22, 2021
Bestseller Estep returns to the world of gargoyles, mind magiers, and political intrigue first conjured in the Crown of Shards series with this romantic and exciting fantasy adventure, the first in her Gargoyle Queen trilogy. To most, Gemma Ripley seems like nothing more than the pampered princess of Andavari, obsessed with dresses, balls, and herself—but she also secretly works as a spy. While undercover as a tearstone miner at the border town of Blauberg, she discovers a smuggling ring and lands herself in mortal peril. But the real danger might come from her rescuer, the handsome and mysterious Morta prince, Leonidas Morricone. Whisked to the royal castle of Morta, Andavari’s rival kingdom, Gemma must figure out who she can trust while confronting her traumatic past and the magic she has suppressed. Some of the ensuing intrigue feels thin, and the characterization is often rather black-and-white: Andavari equals good, Morta equals bad. Despite the flaws, though, the gripping romp flies, like Grimley, Gemma’s beloved gargoyle, at a breakneck speed that will keep readers turning pages. Fans of Tamora Pierce who are ready for a little more gore should take note. Agent: Annalise Robey, Jane Rotrosen Agency.

May 1, 2021

Princess Gemma Ripley might someday be the ruler of Andvari, but for now she's focused on pretty dresses, parties, and all the amusements royalty brings. At least, that's what most people think of her. No one knows that Gemma has honed her skills as a spy, protecting her European-inspired kingdom and hiding her powers as a mind magier. When she learns that tearstone--a material of both military and magical importance--is disappearing from the royal mines, Gemma heads undercover to figure out what's happening. In the course of her investigation, Gemma crosses paths with Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta, son of the infamous Queen Maeven, and finds herself having to ally with her sworn enemy. With her gargoyle Grimley close behind, Gemma's search for the stolen tearstone will uncover plots to steal the throne. Familiar characters and fast-paced action make this an exciting romantic fantasy. VERDICT Estep's new series takes readers back to the world she built in "Crown of Shards," filled once again with exciting machinations and a slow burn of romance.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2021
Best-selling author Estep takes readers back to the world of her Crown of Shards series, beginning a new spinoff series that follows Gemma Ripley, Crown Princess of Andvari, as she tries to foil a dastardly plan that could endanger her kingdom. Gemma wants to prove that she is more than the "Glitzma" moniker that has been bestowed upon her. When she finds out that scores of magical tearstone are going missing from an Andvari mine, Gemma decides to investigate the disappearance. The princess-turned-spy soon finds herself in peril, but she is saved by a handsome prince who takes her to his home to heal her. But the prince is her sworn enemy, Prince Leonidas of Morta. Thinking she's an Andvari spy, Leonidas agrees to help her investigation. What they discover is more devious than they anticipated, and soon Gemma must survive a double betrayal of her identity and her heart. Capture the Crown is an exciting, strong series starter that fans and new readers alike will enjoy. ]

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