Bound to the Broken Crown

Overall Rating: 5/5

Bound to the Broken Crown is a standalone in a series of inter-connected standalones. It can be read on its own.

When it comes to romantasies, this is everything to be expected.

A dark prince? Check.

A sassy, yet utterly loveable female main character? Check.

And of course, we can't forget the slow burn.

While it does lean on the heavier side of romance, this is by no means a bad thing for this particular novel, which focuses somewhat more on our character's interactions and the strengthening of their bond rather than the more fantastical elements in some romantasies, Astoria Hope has done a rather delightful job of showcasing true emotion and the way that sometimes even your worst enemy can be something more than just that, if the universe deems it so...of showcasing just how Isca and Emrys go from hating each other's guts, to slowly growing closer, and then eventually falling head-over-heels for each other....of that tumultuous cloud of feelings for one that we often experience during a relationship.. and of course, the perfect touch of romance, without overdoing the amount of spice.

Astoria Hope has also left plenty to yearn for in Bound to the Broken Crown, as while the world and Emrys's curse is hinted at, there is more focus on their budding relationship and the way that they grow individually and as a couple.... which in turn leaves plenty of room to be left wondering about what will happen next, what we will learn about the world, and what we will learn about how Emrys's curse affects him...

Being my first work from the desk of Astoria Hope, I must say that Bound to the Broken Crown was an utterly delightful read, and I cannot wait to see what happens next to Isca and Emrys... and of course to find out more about the absolutely delightful world that Astoria has created.