Book Details
Title: Crown of Ashes
Author: Amanda Aggie
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Published Date: 2023
Summary
Alice Whittaker returns in this gripping sequel to The Demon Prince. A year has passed since the events of the first book, and Alice has been rigorously training for the looming war with Heaven. Meanwhile, Kai has been largely absent, leaving Alice confined to Hell Hold under strict supervision unless accompanied by an escort.
However, everything shifts when a nearby village is slaughtered by a mysterious beast, and the prime suspect is Luri, Alice’s familiar—the creature that had accompanied her and Kai when they escaped from the Realm of Beasts. But is Luri truly responsible, or has the barrier surrounding the Realm of Beasts begun to weaken, allowing something far more dangerous to break through?
As tensions rise, Hell teeters on the brink of civil war, and Alice begins to realize that Heaven might be the least of her worries.
Plot
This book captured my attention much more effectively than the first installment. The plot was engaging right from the beginning, focusing heavily on mystery rather than romance, which made it feel more compelling. The pacing was smooth and consistent throughout, creating a sense of flow that was easy to follow. However, the worldbuilding left something to be desired. While the setting introduced some unique elements, such as the distinction between witches’ magic and angelic/demonic magic, the overall development of the fantasy world was limited. The book did add an intriguing layer to the political structure of Hell by depicting it as a constitutional monarchy rather than a dictatorship, introducing village leaders and a more complex power dynamic. Subplots were a mixed bag—while the shift of the romance to a subplot was appreciated, the storyline about Alice searching for her parents felt inconsistent. It lacked motivation, especially when she abandoned the idea of returning to her aunt and uncle.
Characters
The characters presented interesting dynamics, especially between Kai and Alice. Kai's struggle to balance his duty to the kingdom with his desire to protect Alice was compelling, as was Alice's single-minded focus on safeguarding her loved ones. These conflicting motivations added depth to their relationship. However, the romantic chemistry felt underdeveloped, with little growth or progression. Kai's secret-keeping created tension, but the soulmate trope felt like a convenient plot device rather than an organic connection.
The supporting cast was more memorable. Finn stood out as a dependable friend and subtle romantic interest, though the decision to pair him with another character felt like a missed opportunity. Asmodeus, as an antagonist/anti-hero, added layers to the narrative with his vendetta against his father. However, the main antagonist lacked detail and complexity, and character development was almost nonexistent, likely because this is the second book in a trilogy. Actions were generally consistent with personalities, but Alice's diminished focus on returning to her family felt out of character and disappointing.
Writing Style and World-Building
The author’s writing style felt more polished and vivid in this book compared to the first. Descriptions of settings, emotions, and characters were engaging without becoming overwhelming. The tone matched the dark and mysterious themes of the story, though there were moments where it veered toward a more juvenile feel. The dialogue was realistic and meaningful, revealing character traits and advancing the plot effectively.
Despite these improvements, worldbuilding still fell short. The lack of depth in the magic system and overall fantasy setting was noticeable, though the political structure of Hell and the exploration of Purgatory provided some intriguing details. These elements helped to ground the story, but more immersive development could have elevated the narrative further.
Overall Impression
This second installment in the trilogy was an improvement over the first, with an engaging plot and smoother pacing. The shift in focus from romance to mystery and political intrigue made the story feel more unique and layered. However, the lack of character development, weak antagonist, and minimal worldbuilding were drawbacks. While the romance felt like a secondary consideration and at times unnecessary, the relationship dynamics, particularly between Kai and Alice, still added emotional tension. This book lays a solid foundation for the trilogy's conclusion, but it could have been stronger with more attention to character growth and worldbuilding.
Rating
Plot Development: 4
World-building: 3
Character Development: 2
Romance: 2
Writing Style: 4
Pacing: 4
Emotional Impact: 4
Ending/Satisfaction: 5
I would give this 4 stars - very good, worth reading with minor flaws.
Favorite Quote:
"There are no heroes in this world. Only villains and worse thereof."
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