A twisted dark retelling of the King Arthur tales. Lots of names you might think you know but with Fae, faeries, shifters and all sorts of magic included along with treachery. I loved the twists and intrigue. Can't wait for the next one.

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! It was definitely a bit slow to start however once you got spice (not smut) the spice would not stop. there was betrayals, family trauma, self hate(in a way), self deprecation and also mysteries and SPICEEEEE (smut kind). Veyka as the FMC, as a plus-sized girlie, is a relatable character. She is strong-headed, aware and extremely smart. Its quite enviable to be honest, Veyka was playing the long game. She was the definition of strong FMC, like actually. Emberly was able to create a character that was very much a long term thinker. She utilized people perception of her to gain the upper hand while she was grieving.
Arran was not my fave MMC but I think that's a personal preference. I believe that he compliment Veyka amazingly and I definitely am excited to see how their relationship develops!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
CROWN OF EARTH AND SKY by Emberly Ash
3,75 ⭐️
📚THE PLOT:
The story follows Veyka Pendragon, unexpectedly crowned queen of the Elemental Fae after her brother's assassination. Though not destined to rule, she was compelled to fulfill her duty. Veyka embarks on a mission to uncover the secrets of her court's betrayal and avenge her brother's death, with the help of her betrothed, Arran Earthborn, the brutal prince. As they collaborate, a spark of attraction grows between them.
💭MY THOUGHTS:
This is a love story depicting the journey of two individuals who faced emotionally challenging childhoods in their respective fae courts. Despite building protective walls, they gradually let their guard down as they worked together, allowing readers to understand them better. While I preferred Arran's POVS over Veyka's, I found her character to be quite annoying due to her constant complaints throughout the book. The push-and-pull dynamic between her and Arran, who fell hard for her, added an intriguing element. I'm curious if there's a deeper story behind their relationship, hinted at the end of the book.
The length of the book felt excessive, and I struggled to discern the plot twists.

❤️MY FAVORITE QUOTES:


"I see you all of you. And I am not afraid"
"I held her tight and told myself that I would never allow anyone to take her from me"
"Despite what happened between us, I'd follow her anywhere"

🚩We Get:
Enemies to lovers⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Arranged Marriage⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forced Proximity⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy Adult Scenes🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

2.5 Rounded to three because there are some redeeming moments, and I generally liked the story.

This is a King Arthur retelling that follows Veyka Pendragon on her quest for revenge following the loss of her brother, Arthur, and a childhood of mistreatment by her mother. After Arthur's death, Veyka must assume the throne (against her will) and marry The Brutal Prince of the terrestrial Fae in order to ensure the safety of their land. No one in this arrangement is happy about it, and they make sure to let you know it.

The story of this one was pretty good, and it's an interesting take on the source material. But I didn't find a single character likeable, even in the slightest. Arran is flat and doesn't serve much of a purpose beyond enraging Veyka. Veyka does nothing but complain and talk about how hard and miserable her life is, and getting mad at all of the decisions being made for her because she won't do anything herself. The knights have no personality, either. The only character even close to likeable is Gwen, and she's barely in it.

The dialogue leaves a lot to be desired--there are a lot of places where it's clunky and descriptions are weird. Ever want to know what it's like for a woman to write female characters, but do it like men write women? You'll get a lot of that in this book. It doesn't happen often, but when it did, it really took me out of it and felt super awkward. There's a line about her breasts being so heavy they weighed her down in the bed--I mean, what?

The general idea for the story is great, but it just didn't really work for me as a whole. I probably won't be reading the rest of the series.

I have read many twists of King Arthur/knights of the round table the past year….there must be some crazy uptick in the popularity of that story for remakes. Honestly I am surprised there have been so many great versions. This book is one of the good ones! Although not my favorite retelling, it is still a good read for those who are fantasy lovers and enjoy an adventurous, romantic, and plot twisting story!

The plot is very similar to most King Arthur retellings with the world being set in a fae realm on the precipice of war between peoples and a forced marriage between two hot headed fae. The FMC is your run of the mill badass Princess with big curves and the MMC is a broody POWERFUL like most powerful fae ever yatta yatta. They really go into how large, curvy, and heavy the FMC is and it kind of weirded me out. And the MMC was very pissy and hated her then loved her then hated her and would just fuck her to forget about it? It was a bit strange and not a fated mates type bond I would imagine. Although I recommend this book to the general audience, I do wish for some more original content to set this book apart from the others. Perhaps it gets better in the next book in the series as our FMC develops, but honestly I hate it when authors ramble in a book and turn it into a series when it could really just be one standalone awesome novel.

I loved this book so much. I love retellings and this King Arthur retelling is no exception! It was brilliant! My only issue, CLIFFHANGER! I know it's for a reason, and totally understandable but ugh. I wanted it to continue on! At least book 2 is already available!

I really wanted to like this story. I loved the fae twist on the Arthurian tale, but I need to have characters that I connect with. Unfortunately, Veyka and Annan were not those characters and I DNF this book 25% in. It was very obvious from the beginning that Veyka was a bit damaged and she had been through some stuff, but there was just something about her that just seemed downright mean. She used people, alcohol and violence to try to fill some empty void. Letting others take on the responsibilities she inherited rather than figuring out a way to step up and be someone. It irritated me.

As someone who is not considered slender, I can appreciate it when an author creates a character who is more realistic in physical appearance. However, what I don't like is when their size is constantly thrown in your face like it's not ok. Veyka is either plus sized and still a bad ass or her weight hinders her. Figure out which she is state it up front and stop mentioning.

The storyline has potential, but I like my morally grey characters to have a hint of redemption hidden in their depths. I didn't see that for Veyka and couldn't continue.

4.0/5 Rating

This book was highly enjoyable--the romantasy elements had been the thing that drew me in and I'm glad it did not disappoint! Reading this book, I felt myself enjoying the interactions between Veyka and Arran, and loved watching their relationship develop and grow. Veyka, herself, was written quite well and the author did a great job developing her character as the story grew on. The spicy moments were also quite enjoyable and tastefully written, which I appreciated considering the amount written in the book. I'm excited to see what else is in store with the next book in the series as I had a hard time putting this one down!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC. My review was voluntarily provided and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Veyka is to be the Queen and wed to the Brutual Price. Does she want to be Queen? Or does she want to avenge her brother’s death?

This book is nonstop action. It is a King Arthur themed book with the inclusion of fae. It leaves off on a cliffhanger and wanting more.

Thank you to Emberly Ash, Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's an amazing book with a fantastic plot line. I love reading twisted mythology retellings, so if you do too. Crown of Earth and Sky is definitely for you.

I love the King Arthur retelling, and this world gives a more elegant vibe of what Camelot could be.

What if King Arthur was born with more than just the prophecy of pulling Excalibur from the stone?
What if King Arthur had a twin sister born just four minutes after him?

Veyka is dealing with the grief of losing her brother and becoming the Queen of the Elemental Fae.

Arran is the brutal prince from the Terrestial Fae.

Their marriage technically wasn't in the prophecies and is just a settlement between the two kingdoms.

These two have to learn to be equals for the sake of the kingdom and Veyka has to learn that there's more to her inner power than everyone has told her.

This book is a dark steamy romance that I would not recommend for underage readers.

The story was captivating and we were introduced to some promising characters. There were some great plot twists that will keep you hooked to know what happens next.

Overall it was a good read and I will be reading the next book in the series. From reading books in the same genre I knew what to expect however I understand how other readers might not enjoy it if they were expecting just a fantasy romance book.

Spoilers ahead, these are just things I had too much time to think about:

Through the book we see Veyka wanting revenge and leaving the kingdom after her plan is done but she does a complete flip after obtaining Excalibur fighting the witch. I had hoped she would turn a new leaf due to Arran as he had been attempting through the entire story to make her feel worthy.

After finishing the book I was left thinking what the point of the Witch was as the only real purpose it served was to deliver Excalibur to Veyka. The idea of defeating horrors in a tower to obtain wisdom if accomplished was great. However, asking who planned Arthur’s murder (to have the big reveal of who the real culprit is from the witch) and returning to the palace to find that the truth was revealed independently by locking all the councillors together and the culprit (who Veyka was trying to find the entire story to enact her revenge) was killed by someone else and not depicted in a scene was underwhelming.

Note: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

3.5 stars

I rounded down because, like others, Veyka really annoyed me with her attitude. While I can understand it to a point, it was just frustrating to see a queen behave with almost absolutely no care for her kingdom or her people. Only barely living for herself.

Veyka and her brother, Arthur, were born as super rare twins. Usually with their kind one will pretty much devour the other while in the womb. But there was a reason that didn't happen here, and it's the same reason that had Veyka locked up her entire life until she was 20 and Arthur took the throne. The first thing he did was release her and confine their mother for all that she made Veyka go thru during all those years. Veyka was so certain that Arthur would be the best king they have ever had and he would truly bring peace to both kingdoms when he wed and became high king. Too bad he was murdered before that could happen and Veyka now finds herself queen. A position she is unqualified for and doesn't want at all. In fact, she has so little interest in it that she hands over all power to her council and devotes her time to revenge for Arthur and her own pleasures. Until her betrothed shows up.

I liked Arran. Over 300 years old to Veyka's 20 some, he has seen and done so much more. He is also one of the most powerful fae ever seen. Much like Veyka, he never was intended to become the king, instead he has spent his life in battle. Earning himself the title of Brutal Prince. Despite this fact, Arran at least is determined to do his duty and be the high king the people need. First he apparently has to figure out a way to make his queen act like one.

These two hated each other the moment they realized who they were to each other. Despite this, neither can fight the intense attraction between them either. The more that Arran learns about Veyka the more he hates her, but the more she learns about him the more Veyka wants him. The thing that really draws these two to each other is how much they love the strength and violence of the other. Really, in that way, these two made a good couple because they were very much alike. It was the whole Veyka being ambivalent about the kingdoms thing that really drove a wedge.

We are along for the ride as Arran learns more about Veyka and all the secrets she's keeping, as well as Veyka on her hunt for the ones behind Arthur's murder. Bad things are happening in the human realm that are now spilling over into the fae realm. And there is more than one traitor closer to Veyka than anyone would have thought. We visit a witch that gives Veyka some important information as well as making her finally see that she wants to live.

By the end, Veyka has finally decided to become the queen she should be and Arran has a startling realization that he can't voice but he can still act upon. We end with their joining and a huge surprise that nobody there saw coming. In other words, a cliff hanger.

I'm glad that by the end Veyka had finally grown up, dragged herself out of her darkness, and decided to be the ruler she was never supposed to be. I already have the next book so it's good to be going into it with a better opinion of her.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I really liked the slight undertone of Camelot throughout the book. The characters were top notch as well, I do wish that Arran wouldn't make snap judgments about people he just met. I wanted to shake him when he kept getting mad at Veyka thinking she was being lazy and didn't care about anyone. From the outside everyone assumed that but there were definitely signs that she was more than that. I really enjoyed the growth in the characters through the book, it's always nice to see them grow into better people. I never saw Gawayn turning against her, we didn't get to know much about him but that blindsided me.
I do have to say I honestly thought Esa was the one who killed Arther but wasn't too surprised to find out it was Roksana, her daughter killing her though was a big surprise!

I do have a complaint though. I wanted more indepth about some of the history of the characters. The book took place over months so it felt like we kinda skimmed through their lives at times.

Five stars! I'm excited to dig into the next book.

ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

I love both a well written retelling and an action packed read! You get both with The Crown of Earth and Sky. The first in a series, you'll enjoy the Fae/Spice'Action combo! Emberly's style of writing really grabs your attention and keeps you hooked all the way along.
No spoilers here but there is a cliffhangers of epic proportions! LOVE IT!

Get you the second book asap after you read this one.

Veyka the twin of King Arthur (yes that King Arthur) was never meant to be queen. She was the spare the unwanted second child of the High King and Queen of Annwyn. Hidden away from the world and tormented she only knew a few years of peace before her protector and twin where taken from her by the lies, betrayal and deceitful members of her court. Now she is forced to sit on the throne when all she wants is to take revenge on those who took her brother. It appears to everyone as if Veyka cares for nothing and no one she has no interest in her kingdom. Part of sitting on the throne though is being forced to marry the terrestrial fae heir Arran the Brutal Prince. He cannot fathom how someone could be so selfish they would turn the welfare of their kingdom over to others but Arran doesn’t know the whole story. He can either help her or hinder her efforts.

Thoughts: The plot and story telling were amazing! I loved that Veyka was a plus size warrior queen who knew what and who she wanted. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. This book has all the spice and sexy scenes!!! There was some crude language usage I wasn’t of fan of but everything else I loved!!!!

**Thank you Emberly Ash and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for this eARC! All thoughts on this read are entirely my own!**
Posted to: NetGalley, Goodreads, and The Storygraph
Posted on: 12 January 2024

3 out of 5 stars.

So this was definitely A Read. It wasn’t bad, exactly, but I can definitely see how people either loved it or hated it- and I feel like I’m somewhere in between but leaning to liking it? I’m no stranger to DNFing ARCs, and clearly I didn’t do that, so I think part of me enjoyed this more than I thought??
Anyways, I digress. Let me actually review-

Crown of Earth and Sky is definitely a… love and smut first kind of book. The storyline kind of came second to the lust Arran and Veyka have for one another. It did get awkward in some places though, a little less than seamlessly sprinkled throughout the book in what feels like a way to appeal to romance readers. The descriptions also took away from the flow of the writing (Veyka’s breasts or her body are definitely mentioned a lot and it gets kind of overdone in some places) which already wasn’t too much my cup of tea, but it wasn’t terrible! There’s a few golden highlights that I have, a few choice quotes that snuck into my brain.
The storyline felt a little… odd though? The pacing is a little slow. The book focuses more on the relationship aspects. There wasn’t much going on during some points that I almost forgot what the overarching goal was (besides revenge- we never forget that, it’s also mentioned a lot). The plot just didn’t make too much sense to me at first, I think, because Veyka and Arran’s feelings for one another shadowed the plot points/interrupted moments too often for me to remember what just happened.

I think what saved this book for me was just all the strong women. I love a good angry character and Veyka wasn’t one of my favorites, but she has room to grow which is something that does slowly start to happen. There’s a little bit of sisterhood, a little bit of healing, and a lot of powerful women who can command a room with ease (Gwen is definitely one of my favorites). I’m just not a big fan of Veyka and Arran’s relationship until roughly the last 30-ish percent. It was borderline toxic how they just lusted over each other and hated each other when they weren’t having sex. It gets a bit better though, which is probably the other reason I stuck with it.
I will say though, Emberly Ash posts character portraits on her Instagram and I still can’t decide if these are AI or not? I’m still learning how to tell, but at least eye wise, they don’t look off or wonky how I’ve seen other AI creations look, which is the only reason I want to say they aren’t AI, but I’d love to know for sure if anybody else knows! I think it’s definitely an issue to bring up because we all should know by now how damaging AI art is to real artists- but this review isn’t meant to discuss that so I digress for now.

Overall, there’s nit picky bits that I really wish could’ve been done better. The characters are slowly growing a bit more, so I have a feeling this second book will have some redeeming qualities to it! I think it’s also a genre thing. I don’t read dark romance, just *barely* started reading spicy romance, so it’s all new territory I’m getting used to.
Maybe I’ll have some new thoughts come book two?

I absolutely love Veyka! Often with the current fantasy trends we're stuck with a FMC who is demure or makes decisions without conviction but not here. Not Veyka. She is a hardened, skilled warrior who has a very clear mission: avenge her brother's death. I found this book so refreshing. The FMC is plus-sized and the body positivity is amazing. The way the MMC worships her is so good. And they HATE each other. What a great enemies-to-lovers story. I've read both book one and book two and I adore them both.

I've received this book as an eARC and am leaving my review voluntarily. The opinions are entirely my own.

Arthurian retelling are not as common as I wish. This story was rich in detail and the characters were extremely likeable. Add Fae into the mix and I can say I was thoroughly hooked. The pacing was a bit slow and the writing was not great. However, the spice was to die for.

I really enjoyed this fantasy twist on a fae retelling of Camelot. The chemistry between Araan and Veyka was sizzling, and I can’t wait to read more of their story in the next book.