The Crown's Game

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Author(s)

Evelyn Skye

Publisher

Balzer + Bray

Genre(s)

Age Range

12+

Release Date

May 17, 2016

ISBN

978-0062422583

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Perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone and Red Queen, The Crown’s Game is a thrilling and atmospheric historical fantasy set in Imperial Russia about two teenagers who must compete for the right to become the Imperial Enchanter—or die in the process—from debut author Evelyn Skye. Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side. And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death. Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has? For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her. And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself. As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

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4 reviews

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The perfect read for fellow fantasy lovers!

February 12, 2017

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5.0

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So after falling in love with the world, the characters, the plot, basically everything Skye created we come to the ending.... oh it is not nice at all. A devastating climax and will ensure readers will do nothing but wait all year round for the next release. The Crown's Game will definitely go down as only of my favourite fantasy debut's of this year, it had everything I could of asked for, yes even that ending, it's the type you hate to love and obsess over.

Good Points

The Crown’s Game is a fast paced, action packed debut filled with magic, mischief and a whole lotta’ fun. Set in Imperial Russia where magic exists but is kept under wraps and is only used to protect the Royal family. There’s usually one enchanter born every few generations, only one enchanter to protect Russia and only one enchanter to have full access to this deadly magic; however now there are two, Vika and Nikolai. As there can only be one Enchanter, The Crown’s Game begins; Vika and Nikolai must take turns trying to kill each other, be the ultimate victor and be the Imperial Enchanter of Russia.

There's lots and lots of magic watching Vika and Nikolai battle is out was such a rush. They both have very different magical skills and their own strengths and weaknesses but when it came to their turn in the game, they were lethal. Creating deathly traps for one another in front of Russia all under the guise that it’s some impressive illusion because let’s not forget, magic doesn’t technically ‘exist’. Skye was able to draw the action out just enough to leave you wanting more, the paced never plot and the fun never stopped.

Cody Duffy, Staff Reviewer Top 500 Reviewer 35 reviews

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Perfect read for lovers of historical fantasy

April 30, 2016

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5.0

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In Imperial Russia, two enchanters train their magic, unknowingly preparing for a competition neither exactly agree with. The Crown’s Game is an ancient battle between enchanters; the winner earns the title of Imperial Enchanter and advisor to the tsar, while the loser is sentenced to death. Vika Andreyeva has power with nature, and Nikolai Karimov’s specialty lies with things man-made. Both have strong reasons they want to win, but both are reluctant for the other to die…especially when the chemistry between them pulls them in a direction much different than death.

THE CROWN’S GAME is a rich and imaginative thrill ride of magic, romance, and rebellion. Evelyn Skye skillfully transports the reader to a historical Russia enriched with magic, and the descriptions absolutely stun. While the magic woven into everything is beautiful, the massive respect and appreciation for the objects the magic uses (rivers, bridges, islands, etc.) fuels the power in Vika and Nikolai. Vika’s love of nature and Nikolai’s love of structure are clear, and the complementary aspect of their powers only adds to the intensity of the game. The allusions to Cinderella throughout also add a lovely layer to the story.

While distrust and uncertain loyalties are everywhere, there is no denying the chemistry between Vika and Nikolai, and the emotional blows as they take their turns in the Game while attempting to preserve their morals (and possibly their hearts) are not light. There is a love triangle with Pasha, the heir to the throne and coincidentally best friend to Nikolai, but it is a minor part to the story, so readers who dislike them should definitely not be turned away. Outside of the romance, Pasha is a wonderful addition to the story, balancing out the enchanters and giving a narrative to the more political side of the plot.

Without a doubt, THE CROWN’S GAME is one of the most magical novels I’ve read this year. Lovers of historical fantasy will be ecstatic for the rich world building and luscious magic.

Samantha Randolph Top 50 Reviewer 302 reviews

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3 reviews

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Filled with magic and intrigue!

September 30, 2021

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5.0

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I really loved The Crown's Game. It was filled with magic and intrigue.
The character's were great. I loved Vika's dedication to become the Imperial Enchanter and her relationship with her father and Ludmila. Nikolai and Pasha were also great characters and I found their friendship to be really interesting.
This was a fascinating novel with a compelling and unique plot with so many exciting scenes. And was also written with great detail to portray Russia's Imperial age.
I would definitely recommend this novel to fans of fantasy and magic!

Fay Tannerr Top 50 Reviewer 243 reviews

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not for me

October 23, 2018

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2.0

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"The Crown's Game" is not quite what I expected. It portrays two magicians-in-training, Vika and Nikolai who both want to be the tsar's sorcerer. To do this, they must compete in the Crown's Game against each other where one will wind up dead. For me, the story just fell a little too flat and a little too predictable. I didn't really get into it and won't continue with the series.

Olivia F Top 50 Reviewer 123 reviews

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Amazing!

May 14, 2016

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5.0

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This book was high on my list of anticipated releases for 2016 and, going into it, I was worried it wouldn’t live up to expectations since they were quite high. If it lived up to expectations, it might end up being my favourite read of 2016, already. So I’m extremely relieved and happy to say I not only liked it, I loved it.

The book was told in alternating POVs of Vika and Nikolai, which not only worked well with how the crown’s game was set up but also made me care about both of them. They were both good people and had their own reasons for wanting to win. I didn’t want to see either of them die. I got attached to both of them quite quickly and the more I was hoping there would be some way no one would have to die. I liked Vika’s spunky personality and it contrasted nicely with Nikolai’s quiet one. They were both interesting characters, complete opposites, but they worked so well both against each other and together.

Pasha was another interesting character and I was worried, at first, that I might dislike him if he seemed like a third wheel but he was charming and adorable and sucked me right in. I loved his friendship with Nikolai and the fact that he hated being the prince when it meant he was always watched, never free unless he snuck out. I also enjoyed his fascination with Vika. It was written in a way that didn’t make it seem like a love triangle but really, just two friends whose attention had been caught by the same girl and everyone trying to figure out their feelings without hurting anyone.

The Crown’s Game part of the book was so much more than I expected. I loved that it wasn’t just about powerful fighting and attack spells but it really was more of a game. They took turns and the spells weren’t always destructive but showcased their talents. It was still dangerous and either could have died at any time but the fact that it wasn’t an all-out arena-style dual made me enjoy it even more. I couldn’t wait to find out what each of them would do for their next turn, how they would one-up the already impressive series of magical events that was showcased. I also loved how the general public, oblivious to magic, would come up with explanations to what was really behind the magical events – no matter how extreme they could be.

Because it wasn’t a magical fight-to-the-death dual, the pacing was slower than I expected but that just gave me more time to lose myself in the world. It wasn’t slow to read, there was still always something going on, just slower with the action parts than if it had been a bloody dual. I was tense and holding my breath so many times throughout the book even with it being more of a game than a dual so I’m not sure I would have made it through a dual.

I know that this is one book where, once I get the finished copy in hands, all the emotions I felt while reading it will come rushing back and my thoughts will echo what they were when I finished the ARC: I need the next book now!