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Sunday, November 15, 2015

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye Manuscript Review Worshipping


Format: Uncorrected Manuscript, 388 pages
Published by Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: May 17th, 2016
Pre-order it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
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.


Привет, друзья! I am here to tell you that you are not prepared for the majesty that is The Crown's Game. You need to know that when you look at that cover, you are looking at a FIVE STAR book. There is magic, romance, a complex plot, drool-worthy guys, and Russian prestige. I. LOVE. IT. It's definitely one of the BEST books I've ever read, and I meanwe're talking Leigh Bardugo levels here, people!



I'm always nervous when I read a book that is set in Russia because often times, the language is incorrect or something is not depicted properly. However as your Russian representative and a member of the Tsar's Guard, I can assure you that Evelyn Skye has executed the Russian culture, language, and mentality to a T.


If you get a manuscript or an ARC, please be advised that Evelyn has added on the "a" at the end of the last names of the female characters in the book, but the change was made after the ARCs were already printed.

A note about Russian last names:
The endings of surnames are a key not only to a person's nationality but also to their gender. Most Russian surnames change their ending in the feminine: usually the letter "-a" is added at the end (Ivanova, Sorokina), or "-sky" changes into "-skaya (Moskovskaya). However, last names ending in "-ich" and "-ko" are gender-neutral, with the female version not changing its form even when the name is declined (names ending in "-ko", which are particularly common in Ukraine, remain unchanged in all cases, irrespective of whether the person is male or female). Source 
Now that our Russian grammar lesson is done for the day, let me get back to telling you how much I love this book. The Crown's Game was everything I wanted it to be and more. The entire time I was reading, I was flipping out over every pageand we're talking actual shrieking, and jumping up and down. Guys, the book love was intense.


The Crown's Game beyond exceeded all of my expectations. Everything from the plot, the writing, the characters, and the magicoh my god, the magic! I am in LOVE.


I was a flailing mess the entire time while reading this book. Not just because it made me swell with Russian pride, but also because it just kept wowing me.


The plot is incredibly intricate with really well-developed characters. You get each character's backstory without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, all of them are so lovable that I got incredibly attached to all of themeven the "bad guys." 


I can confidently say that The Crown's Game is one of my favorite books of ALL TIME and all of you need to read it!


1) As I've already said, I'm so impressed and happy that Evelyn nailed details of Russian culture. She has us described perfectlyat our best and at our worst.

2) I adore Vika. She's independent, badass, powerful, and she has a big heart. She has no problem standing up to authority or asking the hard questions. I loved being inside the head of such a strong and relatable character.

3) The bromance between Pasha and Nikolai is just precious. I mean, forget female romantic interests, these two should just get married. When they're together, they are just a couple of foolish, adorable boys who care about each other deeply . . . It's just beautiful.



4) The plot is so perfectly executed and intricate. All of the characters have their own side plots, and they are perfectly woven together. You never feel confused or overwhelmed with details, because Evelyn Skye paints you the perfect picture and you feel like you're right there with the characters. 

5) The Crown's Game is written in multiple POVs and it's beautifully done. The male and female POVs are easily distinguishable and each voice is unique. You have no unnecessary details or thoughts, but rather, you get a full and concise picture of the plot through their eyes. 

6) The Crown's Game has a lot of different types of relationships. You have friendships, father-to-daughter, siblings, best friends, etc. There are families that are bonded together even though they are not blood related and I think that this is so moving and relatable. Evelyn Skye really shows us that family is more than just blood, it's about who you love.

7) The magic in this book is like nothing you've ever read before. It's elegant and sophisticated and I was enchanted by the fantastical elements. The descriptions filled me with wonder and made my imagination soarit was truly inspiring.  




1) Ничего! ;)





 

22 comments:

  1. So jealous you got to read this!!!! But wow!! Your review is making me even more excited for it!!! Those are some AWESOME QUOTE SELECTIONS!!! I'm looking for more books that have Russian-based like worlds and this seems to scream that :D Nicely done, review!! (Completely abused exclamation mark lol)

    ~Karina @ A Reader Under The Sea

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    1. Scream? It's set in Imperial Russian, it does more than scream! lol It was so hard to pick these quotes because it's sooo early and I didn't want to spoil anything for you guys because it's amazing. And abusing the exclamation mark is totally appropriate here!

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  2. This book sounds really good and after having just read most of Leigh's work, I think this is going to be at the top of my list of books to get when it comes out! I'm really excited for this one!

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    1. YEEESSS IT HAS TO BE THE VERY TOP OF YOUR LIST. IT'S WONDERFUL!!!!

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  3. WOW this is the only review I needed to read and I'm convinced! Totally pre-ordering this book now!

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  4. Well girl you have me convinced that this should be on my 2016 must have list!! Mind you since meeting you a short time ago, I think anything that you say is at a Leigh Bardugo level is a must have for me. B&B can count at least one of the sales of this book to you <3 Great review!

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    1. Really one of the best books I've ever read, you need this book! I really hope that you love it as much as I do.

      Thank you!!!

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  5. I normally just lurk but I've been waiting to find a full review of this book ANYWHERE for months, and the first one didn't disappoint! I'm officially buying this book! Great review!

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    1. Thank you! I worked really hard on this review because it needed to do this amazing book justice and it seems I have accomplished that. I hope that you love it!

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  6. My sister had a coworker that was Russian and she told about the last name convention. I think it's really neat~

    This is one of the first 2016 debuts I noticed and am super excited for :D Those quotes are just <3 <3 Thanks for sharing all this Brittany <3

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    1. We Russians need to be properly represented! haha

      It was so hard picking quotes because I sooo don't want to spoil anything for you guys because it's amazing but I'm glad you liked my choices!

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  7. Great review, and I'm jealous that you've read it! I've fallen in love with the cover and synopsis, and to find out that the Russian-ness is spot on, as a history students, pleases me so much! Because I'm English, I have next to no chance of getting a review copy, but I will be ordering a copy as soon as I can!

    Sophie @ Sophie Reads YA

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    1. I'm Russian and I can assure you that Evelyn has perfectly captured us as a people, a country, and culture. I really hope that you love it!

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  8. AJDFJSKCJDKCK. You just made me even more excited to read this!! I'm super obsessed with Russian culture and I'm so happy to hear Evelyn nailed it. And those quotes and that bromance? YES, PLEASE. <3 Eepp! Cannot wait to get my hands on this!
    ~Cari @ My Addiction: Books

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    1. This book is perfect for you since you're obsessed with Russian culture! Evelyn totally captures it. It's amazing and you need it!

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  9. This got some hype at the #BTCYA event the other week. I'm looking forward to it.

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  10. This sounds so good! Thanks for the russian grammar lesson, that was very informative! I love russian culture and folklore, stemming from an obsession with Anastasia when I was younger. I'm really looking forward to reading this after all your worshipping LOL.

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    1. It is that good! I'm glad you liked the Russian Grammar lesson, I wasn't sure how it would be received but when I didn't want people to criticize the ARC for the mistake when it's going to be fixed.

      It's really an amazing book and since you love our culture and folklore I'm confident that you'll love this too =)

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  11. Fantastic review!! I loved it aswell. I can't wait for the next one!!! Just annoying we need to wait so long.

    Feel free to pop over and check out my review

    Shubba @ Wee Shubba's World.

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    1. Thank you! I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner! The wait will be the death of me haha.

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