Review: A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene
Blurb:
The second installment in Lyra Selene's international bestselling series, A Crown So Silver, is set during a deadly trial on a mysterious snowy island ruled by a trickster king. The prize: a chance for vengeance.
After her sacrifice on the Ember Moon, Fia is flush with powerful magic and eager to rush into battle against her murderous sister, Eala. However, Fia’s new husband Irian suggests they bide their time and retreat to the Silver Isle, a snowy island at the edge of the fae world.
Ruled by the cunning smith-king, the Silver Isle proves far from a safe haven. Fia and Irian become embroiled in the Tournament of Kings competing for a magical forging of immense power. Their relationship will be put to the test as they navigate their conflicting motivations, shifting allegiances, and ancient magic.
With the end of the tournament looming and Eala’s threat growing, Fia must decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice to defeat her sister.
Review:
“Once—in a time of border conflicts and broken magic—a changeling fell in love with a shadowy heir.”
I always struggle with reviewing the second book in a series. How can you evaluate if the plot is moving in the right direction when you have no idea where the story will ultimately lead? How do you know if all the pieces are necessary when you're not sure if they’ll pay off later? Usually, I wait to read book two until book three is out. But with A Crown So Silver, I couldn’t wait!
A Crown So Silver picks up EXACTLY where A Feather So Black left off, I was thrilled to be back into this world! The ending of book one was ambiguous, and without the first chapter of book two included in the back of the first book, I would’ve been left confused. HOWEVER, I loved A Feather So Black, it was one of my top reads of the year, I couldn’t stop talking about it. I was eager to get back to this (dark) swan lake retelling infused with Celtic mythology.
Enter book 2, A Crown So Silver. This book had a much darker tone than A Feather So Black.
“She had mended the broken Heart of the Forest. She had ended Deirdre’s sorrow. She had changed their story’s ending.”
It felt a bit like the first 20% of this book belonged in the end of book 1. We were tying up loose ends and wrapping things up, our two main characters reunite, and everything is Happily Ever… hold on, don’t forget about Eala.
Eala, our white swan and the (half) sister of Fia, still has Rogan under her spell. And now, not only has she taken control of several of the gates to the mortal world (rude) but she has charmed most of the folk to her side!
After Irian and Fia reunite, they embark on a journey (away from Corra, a character I loved from book one) to the Isle, where they must compete in a tournament to be granted an item that will help them restore the realm. It’s at this point that the story feels like it really begins—but I can’t shake the feeling that this is more of a detour from the central plot. That said, the journey was still enjoyable, though it remains unclear how it all fits into the bigger picture.
“He kissed her as dawn bled into morning—kissed her long and slow and deep. And he swore—silently, savagely, solemnly—that so long as he lived, so too would she. Irian would watch both worlds burn before he would ever watch Fia die again.”
Irian and Fia’s relationship faces significant challenges throughout the book. They’re still learning how to communicate, which leads to misunderstandings. Irian’s growing protectiveness of Fia—though motivated by valid concerns—creates distrust, as he makes decisions for her without consulting her. Fia, ever the strong and capable character from book one, resents being treated as someone who needs saving.
“I am—and have always been—my own damned champion. That doesn’t change because I married you.”
Wayland was a fun character, and I liked him, I didn’t need him to cause as much relationship trouble as he did! He acted exactly the way I expected his character to!
The first book had such clear Celtic vibes, and I was swept away by its gorgeous prose. In A Crown So Silver, however, we veer away from those mythological vibes we started with while continuing with Lyra Selene’s gorgeous writing. The Isle journey introduces Norse and even Greek mythology, especially with the character of the Smith who forges treasures. While I enjoyed the new elements, I did miss the Swan Lake and Celtic influences from book one—and some of my favorite characters, like Corra, were notably absent. I hope they return in book three!
A Crown So Silver has a darker tone than its predecessor, with the plot taking unexpected turns. A significant portion of the book feels like a detour—specifically the journey to the Isle for a tournament. While enjoyable, it’s unclear how this ties back to the overarching plot.
Things I’d love to see in Book 3:
What is Fia’s full name?
Are Rogan and Fia half siblings? Cause eww gross. (We are told the Heart of the Forest looks like Deirdre’s eyes, and Rogan’s eyes, and Fia’s one green eye.)
We need to go back to the human realm and see how the war is going, and feel the urgency for Fia and Irian to restore balance.
I would love Eala and her mom to have a reunion.
Would I reread? I will definitely revisit some parts before book three arrives!
Would I recommend? I HIGHLY recommend book 1! While A Crown So Silver didn’t quite live up to the magic of its predecessor for me, I still enjoyed the ride and can’t wait to see where Fia’s journey leads. I’m hopeful that the side quest will make more sense once the series reaches its conclusion in book three.
A Crown So Silver is out on January 21, 2025! Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books for the ebook!
Recommended for Romantasy Fans and fans of City of Bones, Sistersong, or Swan Lake!
