The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

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.

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MY REVIEW

5/5 STARS

"I am tied irretrievably to my enemy" 

Two enchanters enter a game that only one can win. It's a magical war that exposes strengths and extorts weaknesses. Vika and Nikolai each have a mentor and while they both want to win, neither want to kill. Each enchanter gets a turn to impress the Tsar and as the moves are made, collaboration begins. Together they build a magnificent island filled with lush scenery, vivid dreams, and in the end... a bland death ground. It's a tragic tale that's laced with intricate magic and intense romance. A fast paced read with twists and turns in every chapter. 

"He was a poisonous autumn crocus: deadly beautiful with no antidote." 

Just thinking about The Crown's Game gets me all kinds of excited. Talk about a fantastic read with exquisite writing. This book was seriously one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. It was unique and captivating and just in a league of it's own. The romance was subtle, but also completely captivating. It pulled on my heartstrings and left me breathless at times. I loved the magical game and I felt such a pull to all of the characters. I honestly can't believe this one was a debut... You know the books that make you want to highlight every word because each one is powerful and worthy of remembrance? This one was like that! The writing seemed as though it came from a seasoned Author. I applaud Ms. Skye and can't wait to read more from her! I definitely recommend this book to all readers.