Title: The Starless Crown
Author: James Rollins
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Published: January 4th 2022 by Tor
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 554
Format: Audiobook Arc from NetGalley, and bought eBook on kindle
Audiobook Hours: 22 Hours 5 Minutes
Synopsis
The Starless Crown is about a girl who predicts the apocalypse and sets out on a journey to stop it. She is aided by a drunken prince with no future, a disgraced knight with no purpose, a long-lost people who’ve emerged from the shadows, a thief with a lost past and a girl made of bronze who holds the key to all their queries. Filled with terrifying beast and nonstop adventure, this book answers the question, if you can’t save the world then what is the next best thing?
Overview
This book was one for the ages. I did not have expectations because the synopsis blurb really didn’t catch me but thanks to NetGalley and Tor for getting an audiobook arc of this book because I was sucked in with the first chapter. I loved it so much I bought the eBook so I could follow along and make my own notes. The author weaved together a fascinating original story with a vibrant and even more complex set of characters that I care about and rooting for. I can’t wait for the next installment in this story.
Pros
This book as an overwhelming about of pros. I gave it five stars for a reason. The characters are amazing. They are fully developed with such distinguishing personality traits you can easily guest who is talking in the book. I also like that everyone has just enough of a backstory you don’t know where the story will lead you. Speaking of mysteries this world is large and complex. I like that this book went out of its way to really travel around the world allow the readers to join in on a journey they will never forget. If you are fortunate to have the eBook or a physical copy you will see illustrations of the beast that really add a special detail to experiencing this book. What I also like is the authors prose. This book has the right about of detail. Not to the point of confusion but enough to get lost in the words and truly immerse yourself in the story. With that said this being a pro or con I leave this to you. DON’T EAT AND READ this book at the same time. I made this mistake several times and regretted it every time. The descriptions of this book are very vivid. Below is an example and it’s far from the most disturbing thing I’ve read in this book LMAO.
“Taking this opportunity, Kanthe employed his only weapon. He unclenched the tenuous hold on his gut and heaved forth a thick stream of bile. The acidy spew struck the brigand square in the face.”
The Starless Crown by James Rollins
What to do when you don’t have pepper spray lol
Cons
There are not a lot of cons if any honestly, but I wanted to note the obstacles into which you might run into. The beginning of the book hits hard and hits fast. One positive is that it’s a fast-paced book but on the other side of the same coin you can get kind of lost as to what is going on. Luckily the author will tie it up for you by the end but what I am trying to say to the reader is… please stick with it, the author will not lead you astray. Another obstacle is the choice of words. When I first started the book, I got a little lost with the words then when I got the eBook and could follow along, I notice not only do you have a different language that gets entangled in the writing but it’s clear it is by design related to the lore of the world. I will not say as I believe it is spoiler.
Final Thoughts
I love this book! It’s been a long time since I have read a book that is extremely unique and does not bore me, I had so much fun reading this I know I will not just continue on with this series, but I will also be on the lookout for any other stories coming from this author.
Leave a Reply