Book Review: Seven Crowns (Shadows & Starlight Book 1) by E.V. Everest
From the moment I stumbled upon Seven Crowns, I felt that familiar, electrifying rush that only a new fantasy series can evoke. E.V. Everest’s debut is an ambitious interplay of magic, mystery, and a coming-of-age journey wrapped in a shimmering package that immediately caught my attention. As someone who often finds solace in stories about unlikely heroines and cosmic adventures, I was drawn to the premise of a foster kid unearthing her royal heritage—how exciting is that?
A Journey Through Grit and Glory
At its heart, Seven Crowns tells the story of Ana, a sixteen-year-old who, after a life marked by hardship, discovers she is the sole heir to a fallen dynasty. This revelation thrusts her into a world of danger as she becomes the target of assassins intent on extinguishing the last spark of her family’s legacy. The clever melding of magic and futuristic technology was an immediate hook for me. The narrative balances elements of classic fantasy with a sci-fi twist, which I found refreshing and invigorating.
Ana’s character is beautifully layered and relatable; her struggles with loss and the search for belonging resonate deeply. Throughout the book, her resilience shines, and I cheered her on as she navigated betrayal, friendships, and budding romance in a politically charged environment where alliances are as fragile as glass. In many ways, she embodies that classic trope of the reluctant hero, and witnessing her transformation was a compelling journey.
Writing That Dazzles and Dazzles
E.V. Everest has a unique writing style that combines vivid imagery with fast-paced dialogue. I was especially enchanted by the descriptions of the world Ana finds herself in—one crafted with vibrant details that made me feel as if I could reach out and touch the magic myself. While some readers mentioned the pacing was a tad slow in the beginning, I found that it allowed for rich world-building that set a solid foundation for the thrilling events to follow.
A standout moment for me was the chapter where Ana first arrives at the magical academy, encountering the diverse families claiming parts of the crown. This is where the author’s exquisite world-building fully blossomed. I couldn’t help but appreciate the way Everest articulated the intricacies of power dynamics—reminding me of the political maneuverings in The Hunger Games and Divergent. Quotes like, "A crown is dangerous. A crown split seven ways is deadly," echo throughout the narrative and encapsulate the stakes beautifully.
An Experience Worth Every Page Turn
If you enjoy tales of intrigue laced with fantasy, Seven Crowns is the book for you. It’s ideal for fans of stories driven by strong female leads, competitive challenges, and the exploration of family dynamics—even when those families are steeped in conflict. Ana’s adventure is intoxicating, packed with moments that will have you gasping and rooting for her every step of the way.
In conclusion, my experience with Seven Crowns was not just a tale of magic and danger; it was a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. I cannot wait to dive into the sequel, eager to see where Ana’s journey takes her next. If you’re looking for a book that will sweep you away into a glittering, dangerous world, I wholeheartedly recommend Seven Crowns. You won’t want to miss this engaging start to the Shadows & Starlight series!
You can find Seven Crowns (Shadows & Starlight Book 1) here >>