Shadow of the Crown (Court of the Fae Princes #1) by Lacey Carter Andersen

Shadow of the Crown (Court of the Fae Princes #1) Reviews

• 
  Darcey

  This was a bit underwhelming. Somehow all the main characters pissed me off, and it wasn’t actually a romantic book at all?? Very short and meh read. But it was entertaining I guess?
• 
  Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon }

  Better than expected, not as good as it could have been.
  
  This was like a long one scene play.
  Very well written, but very limited, drawn out, repetitive at times, and shallow in the overall story’s complexity.
  
  Basically, despite the 4 MMC’s all being crown princes in charge of their peoples governance and well being, all their narratives revolved around the FMC.
  
  A truly disappointing oversight. This could have been so much more engrossing, appealing to a wider audience, and even a fan favourite.
  
  Instead, it revolves around the romance, with a shallow depiction of all the characters, despite the excellent world building, subtly delivered within the story, easily fitting each scene. This as well as the conversational dialogue, and rich, but fitting descriptions.
  
  The pace could use some work, but it’s more an issue of going over the same drama from multiple angles, with the same issues being argued, despite the obvious outcome easily predicted.
  
  We needed more story arc, more depth to the males lives, more interaction with surrounding characters that didn’t revolve around the characters sexual attraction, and the FMC’s blatantly childish and stubborn refusal to face facts, despite her harsh and practical backstory.
  
  Never mind the cliché ‘she’s so different’ trope, that didn’t read as believable. Not after one of the MMC’s comments on the other fae women who want nothing to do with finding a mate or being connected to royalty, including his own mother.
  Yet we are supposed to believe that the FMC is so special because of her disinterest?
  
  Sounds more like rich kid dramas, and that any lack of quality female company is due to their choices, and not how special only the FMC is.
  
  There was a lot to really enjoy about this, and I definitely want to continue. However, it fails to live up to the potential of the story and the authors talent. Rather than being a quality, epic fantasy, it’s instead, sadly just another [good] RH fantasy romance.
  
  Still worth reading, but such a let down in all it could have been.
• 
  Cali Mafiaa

  Aahhh!! I really enjoyed reading this book!! I didn’t wanna put it down!! It was such a great start to an amazing series!!! Aahhh I can’t wait to read book two!! Sooo sooo good!! 🩶🖤
• 
  Sonya

  Too Funny
  
  This book was hilarious. Cassia is a "Human" maid working for the Royal Fae's. She loathes her job but when she is set up and frame for a robbery she didn't commit she has to choices and neither are an option.
  
  When her childhood friend Prince Sulien of the Summer Court make a deal with her to act as his mate during the Summer Solstice mating ball, Cassia agrees because it's better than prostitution.
  
  Prince Sulien has a potion that will make him and Cassie "Fake Mates" but before he drinks the potion he needs her near him, touching him in order for the potion to work. Sounds easy, peasy right?
  
  At stroke of midnight not only did the spell work with Cassie touched Prince Sulien but it also worked when she touched the remaining Princes of the Winter (Zane), Spring (Cobar) and Fall (Forrest) courts.
  
  The princes are eager to claim their mate and Cassia is running scared. Cassia is the first woman to rebuff their advances and they don't know how to process her rejection. This book was so funny and the princes clueless attempts at courting will have you in stitches.
  
  I am eagerly awaiting the next book installment because Cassia is on the run and the Prince are in hot pursuit.
  
• 
  LolaLovesRH

  Sooo good
  
  I was a little worried at first, I’m not a fan of ow drama what so ever and one of the prince’s was a little too flirty for my liking. But he grew on me, ALL the characters grew on me (and there’s no ow drama to speak of in case you were wondering). Once the men met the fmc they were smitten with her, but holy crap was this book a wild ride. I actually felt bad for some of the men because they seemed to really want Cassia to like them and she really doesn’t seem to be interested in them apart from their bodies.
  
  Which funnily enough I kind of love, like these men want to be romantical with her and want to marry her up (smex her up too of course) and she is NOT here for it. AT ALL, I do understand her frustration with Sulian, he was frustrating me too and I definitely feel like he’s keeping something very important from her and I can’t wait till the next book to find out.
  
  
  Safety things/not I guess
  
  No virgin h or H
  Flirty/former playboy MMC
  No ow
  Mate bond
  Medium burn it seems like
• 
  Sara

  The pacing sucks and makes this ~200 page book seem so much longer.
  
  Also, I hate when authors make the male leads so misogynistic to emphasize how the female lead is so not like other girls. He doesn't need to be disrespectful about other women to admire traits about his love interest its just so off-putting to read and I dislike all the characters.
  The fmc is rude and has an attitude all the time for no reason its so boring and mmc are all creeps except Zane.
  
  This book feels like its written by a tween on wattpad. The men only interest in the fmc is that shes hot and rude to them. I usually love when we get a chapter of mmc but these guys were just horny and bimbos in the worst way, like not a single compound sentence goes through their head, Dr, seuss ass thinking like its unreal.
  
  Also, no chemistry at allllll between fmc and mmcs like shes genuinely disgusted by them then suddenly one of them grabs her and they suddenly are making out. Idk why I'm so heated about this book but its just so bad I'm flabbergasted.
• 
  Esther

  I enjoyed reading this and found it easy to read. I liked the FMC Cassia because she was hilarious, and I found myself laughing a lot while reading this book. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
• 
  Reece

  Read at some point in the last 2 weeks. Liked it well enough to download the next one.
• 
  Imee Benzon

  ***GOOD READ***
  
  It is like a cinderella retelling, except our fmc doesn't have to choose her prince charming, she can have them all.
• 
  Leanne F

  4 stars...
  
  I really enjoyed this first in the series. It’s quirky and humorous, the characters are all different and the MMCs are stubborn idiots who can’t see past their titles, but still really likeable. The FMC is...frustrating, pigheaded, and sassy - likeable most of the time but she’s as stubborn as the boys. Compelling read nonetheless so I do highly recommend this book.
• 
  Goldilocks In Avonlea

  3/3.5 stars? This didn't feel like a complete story. More like a part 1 of a serial novel. Nothing wrong with that but if that was the intention it would have been good to have that listed.
  
  I'm intrigued, there's potential, but it all felt like one big set up. Like the first 1/3 of a novel and then an ending with the last 2/3 missing.
  
  We get the set up, the inciting incident (I.e the deal with the prince), the complication, and the very start of their relationship and then it ends.
  
  I think the MC and the people in the group all have unique personalities which I liked. Some things which were hinted at which has potential, but not enough content and development to make me truly invested.
  
  If this was marketed as a part 1 of a book then I would have maybe rated it higher.
  
  I'm thinking I'll pick up the next part.
  
  I can't say I recommend it yet, as I don't feel like I have enough to go on without getting more of the story.
  
  It has potential though, and again, I am interested to know what happens next.
• 
  Rachel

  Lacey Carter Anderson's Shadow of the Crown is the start of a brand new full fae fantasy with a fake-dating troupe, strong female characters, and magic.
  
  
  As MFC go, Cassia is a hoot although she doesn't mean to be. Cass is kind of scattered brain with a runaway thought-train, combine that with a broken filter and I never know what she's gonna say. I love how dedicated she is to her family, she's the soul-provider and does what she has to because she loves them so much. I'm amazed by her heart and moral compass, even when given what is perceived to be the easier way out she doesn't jump at it. I very much liked Cass and all her crazy.
  
  
  The first guy we meet is Prince Sulien who at first glance seems reserved, a bit arrogant, and stern. Then I read the first chapter from his pov and I was shocked by his ideas and thoughts. He's not a bad guy, like any other person he has his issues but he wants better. Prince Cobar at first glance is a playboy but his heart is sweeter than expected. Prince Forrest needs a little work, he's awkward and that translates to cocky but he doesn't mean any harm he just doesn't know how to interact with women. Finally, there's the Winter Prince, Zane. Zane seems frosty but he's just logical and hides his feelings from others. Out of all the guys, Forrest is my favorite. The others are okay although Sulien's personal issues are causing problems and irritating me to no end. Oddly enough Cass feels a connection to all of them, not just her childhood friend Sulien. I can only wonder how this is going to work out.
  
  
  The plot surprised me. From the start there was a feeling that something was gonna happen and it did, now I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. As for the rest... The fae are a-holes and they know it. They lie, cheat, manipulate, steal and so much more but that's not what surprised me. They have fated mates but it seems like a joke, they either don't like their mate or cheat to their hearts' content. They seem precious in society but then do what they want behind closed doors.
  
  
  However, they have the Solstice Ball which is really a mating ball and one of my favorite scenes takes place during this event, it was hilarious. So during the Ball, nothing goes as planned and now Cass is stuck with four fae princes (who she believes are pampered and spoiled) and wants none of it. Cass was grumpy at the start of this book and after this event, she takes it to whole new levels. There was the mention of Iron Demons, I have no idea what they are about but I have a feeling we're gonna find out soon.
  
  
  This entire book was like standing on the edge. First, her getting caught at the palace then this crazy plan of Sulien's. Gods, my nerves are frayed but it was so good. The plot was unexpected and Cassia was hilarious. Shadow of the Crown is just the start of what is starting to look like a really good series.
• 
  Murphy

  "We were fools not to realize it. Fools to have taken our eyes off of her. And now we have to do whatever we can to get her back and to gain her love. No matter the cost."
  
  Man. I need the rest of this series asap! I am hooked!
  
  Cassia Wither has grown up literally working her tail off as long as she can remember as a human in the Spring Court fae realm. Working to support her blind Grandmother and her father that cannot walk. She is doing everything she can to pay for treatments and put food on the table.
  
  When she catches two fae doing something they shouldn't, she has every intention of minding her own business. However, they see to it that she is to be considered a thief and fired. This leaves her with only one other job option...having others use her body whichever way they please.
  
  When Sulien, the Prince of the Spring Court makes her an offer she can’t refuse she knows something else has to be on the hook. But she ends up going along with it anyway because anything else would be better than her current job path.
  
  When the planets align and sparks start to fly, she soon finds herself mated to not only Sulien but also to Cobar, the Prince of the Spring Court, Zane, the Prince of the Winter Court and Forrest, the Prince of the Fall Court.
  
  Thinking she is going to be the one held responsible. This can’t possibly be the work of fate? It HAS to be some kind of magic or spell. Only what if it isn’t?
  
  When the book ends we have lots of guesses and no real answers! I can’t wait for book two and am thoroughly looking forward to more!!! I hope this is all the work of fate because I am ready for our girl to get some TLC.
  
  *Overall 5/5
  *Heat? 1/5
  *Slowwww burn
  *Multiple first person POV
  *Ends on cliffhanger
  
  (Possible MM in future, but I’m hoping not, lol)
• 
  T D.

  2.5 stars.
  
  I'm going to be honest. I liked the book. But I feel like it lacked a lot overall to be a good story. The plot wandered around in the air, I didn't know exactly what the author hoped to accomplish with the story, the characters felt the same in relation to the princes without being distinctive from each other, and the main character was insufferable in some cases.
  
  Aside from all that, I feel like it was very repetitive at times, especially in Cassia's thoughts and actions and it stressed me out a bit (a lot), in most situations, not to mention how fast everything happened. I was expecting more drama, more action, more... everything.
  
  What I did like was the tension between the princes and Cassia because it was very palpable, as well as the willpower she had to avoid falling for his charms, that gave it a plus because I feel like the relationship could have easily been an instalove.
  
  I think the story has a lot of room for improvement: better plot development and better relationship development, better writing and better description of the fantasy world.
  
  Regarding the spell, I have my suspicion that they really are indeed fated mates and that's why Prince Sullen had the attitude he had with Cassia. Let's hope I'm right and get more world building.
  
  I changed my mind. After reading some of the reviews, I'm not going to continue with the series. Are you seriously telling me that most of the second book the heroine spends most of the second book being held hostage and has no interaction with the H's?
  
  I decided to become a spoiler to see if my suspicion about their relationship was correct and I was right. They really are fated mates and he didn't take the position. Ya, that was the only thing I was interested in knowing and I already know that. thanks.
• 
  Denise

  "My lady, I have never dunked my pen in a manly inkwell"

  
  
  4 Fae Courts with super sexy Fae Princes
  - Prince Sulien of the Summer Court - the silent one that has a history with our FMC
  - Prince Zane of the Winter Court - the one with a cold exterior but I assume will be the teddy bear
  - Prince Forrest of the Fall Court - the brutal one that no one likes
  - Prince Cobar of the Spring Court - the prince charming type
  
  The quote above had me dying; L.C.A thank you so much for writing this one! I've never heard of a man describe his love life so well and refreshingly different.
  
  I absolutely fell in love with this book and the characters. I started this one before going to bed and that was a big no no - this is a book that you'll want to have some time for as it's super addictive and can easily be read in a single sitting. Sadly I was responsible and had put it down so I could actually sleep but it was definitely picked right back up the next morning.
  
  Without giving too much away, this book is about a human maid that is doing all that she can to keep food on her family's table. Vengeful Fae somehow figure out a way to make her life harder and just when our FMC feels completely lost a Fae Prince offers her a deal. Little does she know that this deal will turn into such a complicated few days with so many different emotions.
  
  If you enjoy a fantasy romance with Fae and magic woven through, I urge you to pick this one up - it's beyond amazing!
  
  
• 
  Seraphia

  Shadow of the Crown is the first book in the Court of the Fae Princes series, and this book/series holds a ton of promise. You’re not going to want to miss this series.
  Cassia is a simple human maid working in the palace of the Summer Fae. She needs this job. When her grandmother went blind and was cast out, the family finances took a hit. Her dad? Alive, but also unable to work, because he can barely walk. He needs expensive medicine to even help reverse the process. But when Cassia sees something that she shouldn’t have, she’s marked for trouble. Trouble that quickly finds her and creates loss. So, when the Summer Prince approaches her with a proposal, it’s too good to turn down. But it’s everything that comes later on that she doesn’t see coming.
  This book has a delicious slow-burn element. You get hints of what is to come, but not a lot of fire with this novel. That’s okay though because I’m just delighted that this is going to be a “why choose” reverse harem novel. I can tell you that I am all the way here for it all.
  Shadow of the Crown ends on a mystery note, which is going to drive you a little crazy, but look at this way – you’re going to be eager for book two. LOL! Hopefully we don’t have to wait long to get it. I need to know what happens next.
  4.5 out of 5 stars
• 
  Samantha Silensky

  I’m in love with this series at the start. Cassia is the perfectly imperfect FMC, with her wit, snark, and tendency to talk/rant to herself. But she has to have intelligent conversation somehow, with all these royals only concerned with who’s sleeping with who and how to lord their money over everyone else next. As the “bottom of the barrel” human maid, she’s basically ignored. Invisible unless something goes wrong, or she’s needed for some menial task.
  The Summer court prince, Sulien, however, sees her, and always has. After all, they have a history. And when she loses her job and all hopes of supporting her family, he propositions her with a life changing arrangement, asking her to meet him later. Cassia wars with herself but helping her family wins out. The only trouble is, his plan goes wrong and now all 4 of the men she’s been whisked into dancing with are the 4 princes. And thanks to Sulien, also her new mates.
  Cassia is trying harder every day to remind herself it’s not real, it’s a freak accident caused by magic gone wrong. But then why does she fight herself falling for these men little bit by bit? And if Sulien doesn’t actually want her, and this was all his plan to avoid court politics, gone a bit awry, why does he keep looking at her that way? And why is he avoiding her questions?
• 
  Heather

  Great new series!
  
  I can't wait to dig into the next book in this new series. Cassia is human and works as a maid for the Fae royals of the summer court. She desperately needs her job to take care of her ailing father and grandmother, but after accidentally seeing something she shouldn't, she is framed and loses her job. Later the summer fae prince, Prince Sulien, offers her a proposal. Come to the ball that night, and he'd use a potion that would make a fake bond happen and she'd be his queen making her family taken care of. Prince Sulien just wants to be king not but the hassle of an actual fated bond since he didn't grow up with a great example in his parents. Cassia goes to the ball, but things don't go anyway like they were supposed to. The bond happens... but not just to Prince Sulien... with all 4 of the court princes.
  
  Cassia didn't agree to this... and she is trying to figure a way out of it since she knows it'll be her life that's forfeited if they all figure out it was faked.
  
  This was a great first book in this series and i can't wait to figure out what happens with Cassia and each of the 4 fae princes.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Naurarwen

  I have to say I read this book super quickly but that's because the minute I opened the first page, I just couldn't put it down. We start with Cassia, a human in a fae realm. She's a maid in the Summer Prince's palace and is looked down on by those around her. She lives with her blind grandmother and her paralysed father. Everything she does is to keep them fed and making sure her father gets the potion to hopefully make it so he can walk again.
  
  The Prince, once her friend comes to her asking for a favour. Be his wife, so he doesn't have to be bound to someone he has no feelings for. All it will take is a magical potion, and him holding her in his arms when the mating begins. But honestly, that's where it all starts to go to hell when she isn't only bound to the Summer Prince.
  
  The one-liners, and hilarity that ensues is perfect and I can't wait to see where this series goes. I'm sure the next one will be another where I can't stop turning the pages, for now, I'm gonna sit here and try and decide which Prince is my favourite. I'm currently leaning toward Winter, but I think it's cause he intrigues me. To be fair, all the Princes are hot, and all have their own witty charm. Can't wait for more.
• 
  Lene Blackthorn

  Cassia has been serving as a maid in the Summer Fae court palace, the best option she could get as a human among fae, to keep the family alive, fed when possible, and have roof over their heads. All goes south when she is framed for thievery and kicked out, and her only option is the outrageous proposal from prince Sulien - agree to drink a potion to fake a mate bond between them, so he can be established as the rightful ruler without being given a mate in the usual ritual, and she won't need to serve anymore to keep her family going. Yet even the ball does not go as planned, and suddenly Cassia ends up mated to all four fae princes, which can cause more havoc than she bargained for..
  The opening to this new series is a fast read and relatively solid introduction to a new world, where a lot still remain a mystery but the story can flow easily. I enjoyed Cassia's fiery personality, her reluctance to accept the mating bonds with how the princes acted towards her, and no ambition to become a queen contrary to the fake fae of the court. The princes are a diverse group of personalities, charming and intriguing and infuriating at the same time, and I can already sense how much drama we will see until the relationships settle.
• 
  Ines

  I absolutely adore an fmc who knows how to take men down a peg when they need it, and four fae princes who are used to women throwing themselves at their feet definitely need it! Still, the author managed to show these men’s vulnerable sides as well, making it obvious there is more to them to discover and explore. Doing that, they will need a woman who knows the way to really show the world what they’re made of, and Cassia is the perfect woman to give them that.
  
  Even though this start to a new RH series is on the shorter side, the author managed to create a very solid character building for the five main characters. Of course there is still more to find out, but all five of them are already multi-layered personalities in my mind and I love that this author accomplished that while giving us a very entertaining story as well!
  
  I truly enjoyed this first book, it wet my appetite to find out more about the connections between these characters and watch them grow closer together. The cliffhanger made me turn to Amazon immediately after finishing, and I’m so happy book two seems to be only a few weeks away… I already can’t wait!
• 
  Daniele Stephenson

  I can not say enough good things about this book. I could not put it down and when I came to the end I could not believe I have read it already. I was so invested and wanted to see how things would turn out. I loved that the men instantly adore her as the meet her and just want to make her happy. It’s a nice refreshing read that’s on the sweeties side even though Cassie is less than sweet with them. She is just trying to live her life and make ends meet for her grandmother and her father. Both are unable to work so it falls on her. She is a human living in the fae world and treated as less than dirt by most. Working as a servant in the summer court castle she makes enough is not doing great. When things turn desperate she accepts an offer that sounds like the answer to her prayers and ends up betrothed to not one, not two, not three but four far princes. Sulien prince of Summer court, Forrest prince of the Fall court, Cobar prince of the Spring court and Zane prince of the Winter court. We are left with a bit of a cliffhanger ending and i excited to see how the next installment goes. Can Cassie make this work or is she destined for doom?
• 
  Denise

  Shadow of the Crown is the 1st book in the Court of the Fae Princes and I loved reading it. The characters were very exciting to meet I loved how the main character Cassia saw through everyone's glamour accept Prince Sulien. He would never use a Glamour on anyone.
  Cassia starts out as a maid after her Grandmother loses her sight; Her Grandmother was Prince Sulien's Tutor. Cassia is determined to do her work peacefully without causing problems.. but things happen that change those plans.
  Prince Sulien is the Fae ruler of the Summer Court. In one way I like how he treats Cassia in order to save her from the sadness that she has befallen into.
  Prince Forrest is from the the Fae Fall Court and he loves to hunt.
  Prince Cobar is from the Fae Spring Court and he is very cocky to say the least.
  Prince Frost is from the Fae Winter Court and he is very intellectual.
  All four of these Fae princes have one thing in common.. and it is Cassia.
  I love how all four princes need to work together to achieve one goal.
  If you enjoy Fae Beauty, Strong Heroines, Reverse Harams then you will enjoy Shadow of the Crown. I loved reading this book and can't wait to see what will happens next.
• 
  Mariah

  Just ok
  
  It’s one of those books where the main character is angry, bitter, and stupid. The anger and bitterness is justified but the stupidity is unacceptable. Why risk your only job just to steal meat? Why talk back to the Prince when, at that time, you were just a maid, and risk your family’s lives? It’s not realistic. She runs on hot air. You can tell its one of those books by how often the FMC uses the phrase “arrogant a**hole.” I swear any book with a FMC that says that phrase frequently has the same plot. Also the princes don’t act like Kings to be. We don’t get to hear them talk about anything other than the FMC. I think I would be more moved by her motivations to provide for her family if they weren’t supposed to be her caretakers. She’s giving up her life for her grandmother and father?? Not little siblings or something? It would have been nice to hear more about her life as a maid. It also doesn’t fit the plot that she’s a spitfire with so much confidence because it seems like as a human you would be more resigned. In general it’s a shallow but quick read. Lack of character depth.