When a crown is at stake, blood will be shed… that readers will devour before asking for more.
Malory is bound by blood to ensure the High Crown is returned to her kingdom—be it the blood that runs through her veins or the blood spilled at her feet.
The eldest heir of the kingdom of Devlishire, Malory is destined to be the first reigning queen in a hundred years, though she’d prefer to spend her days sparring in the courtyard or reading tales of the long-forgotten gods rather than studying languages and royal lineage. But an upset in the balance of power between the Unified Kingdoms is about to disrupt peace in the land and promote unquenchable greed amongst its rulers.
A jealous younger brother—and a salacious rumor—leaves Malory as a pawn in her father’s plot to overthrow the new ruling king. She’s forced to participate or risk the life of her best friend Esmond, a knight in the King’s Guard. Betrayed by her family, sent away from her home, and denied her birthright, Malory will navigate the courts of her new kingdom to protect it against any who threaten it—even her. Her journey will reawaken the warrior inside herself, and the gods who have lain dormant for a hundred years.
The High Crown Chronicles is a young adult fantasy that embraces the spirit of betrayal, deception, and political intrigue that is at the core of Philippa Gregory novels, with the dark vengeance of George R.R. Martin. With heart-stopping action, relatable characters, and impeccable writing, the first novel in The High Crown Chronicles by Jodi Gallegos is sure to leave readers hungry for more.
The High Crown Chronicles by Jodi Gallegos
– The High Crown Chronicles, Book 1 (Summer 2020)
– Queen of the Ruins, Book 2 (December 1, 2020)
– The Battle of Gods and Men (Summer of 2021
Readers who love action-packed young adult fantasy page turners like The Key by Jennifer Anne Davis and An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir will love The High Crown Chronicles by Jodi Gallegos.
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The High Crown Chronicles has so much going on but it works so wonderfully that it flows just right. So many “What! No way!” moments. Romances, friendships, betrayals, & even double betrayals…is that a thing? What I’m trying to say is this book is anything but boring. Just when I was settled something else would have me wide eyed staring at the page while I processed what I just read. The way everything from the tapestries to the jewels to scenery were descibed was like watching a movie. It was done with such detail you could hear the sound of footsteps on snow etc. This was my first time reading Jodie Gallegos but won’t be the last.
Is this one worth a read? In short—yes! It’s packed with court intrigue, evil plots, deadly secrets…upon secrets…upon secrets, a bit of romance, tons of action, and it’s never clear who can be trusted. In other words, it’s one of the reads which keeps the reader in the pages until the very end.
Malory is the first born in the kingdom of Devlishire and destined to be the Queen. Her knowledge and wisdom as well as her sword skills (which does raise eyebrows) are known throughout the seven kingdoms. When the High King of the seven kingdom alliance dies unexpectedly, her father’s interest in regaining the position for himself and his heirs becomes his main goal. Combined with her younger brother’s sudden interest in the throne—her throne, she’s beginning to wonder if her position as future queen is threatened. What starts as a seed of doubt soon grows into something much larger than she ever suspected…or can guess. And so the web of secrets and lies begins.
I enjoyed this one from the very first page. The world building is very well done and draws into the kingdom and the lives of the royals as if the castle truly existed. Small details make the scenes vivid but are woven in masterfully so as not to ever make the tale drag. It sets the stage for all of the excitement to come, and there’s plenty of that.
Malory has everything a great queen needs and comes across as a very self-assured young woman…but she has her self-doubts, too. And it’s these doubts and the several mistakes she makes, which make her very easy to like and cheer for. She has a lot to go up against and makes mostly understandable choices and decisions along the way. Even if they aren’t always good ones.
The plot in this one weaves back and forth and up and down and all over. Add in the multiple subplots, which give depth to the other characters, too, and it’s really an amazing layering. No one is to be trusted, but that doesn’t mean they’re selfish or evil. It’s hard to know where loyalties lie, why they lie where they do, and what the future might hold. Add the constant tension of an unknown danger, and it’s definitely a fast-paced, exciting read.
While the tension makes this an engaging read, I also appreciate how Malory fit into the royal ladder. She’s a girl, and no matter what her heritage might be or who she is to wed, she still can’t break free of society’s order to things. She fights well but takes more than a back seat in that regard, since princesses and queens don’t wield swords. Her education has given her knowledge and her actions are often accepted by others as being wise, and yet, she’s held at a distance in the court…and she doesn’t even complain because she’s aware of her standing. In other words, I appreciate how the author kept a certain amount of reality to everything and didn’t make Malory an instant, kick-butt heroine. It makes her likable, slides into the reality of a traditional, royal court, and makes her all the more easy to cheer for until the end.
But the story doesn’t end on the last page. Malory’s journey is only beginning, and it promises to be so much more.
Strong female lead, action, intrigue, betrayal, and little bit of romance. I wish books would stop being cut up in smaller separate.books!
I really didn’t want this book to end. It was so good. One of my favorite now. I will most definitely be retreading this book. Congrats to Jodi for writing such a great book. I really loved it!
This was a good read with a strong female lead. There was twist and turns enough to keep you interested.
Quick easy read!
The sequel wasn’t as good.