[Skye’s Review]: Capture the Crown (Gargoyle Queen #1) by Jennifer Estep

Bestselling author Jennifer Estep returns to her Crown of Shards world with an all-new trilogy and a bold new heroine who protects her kingdom from magic, murder, and mayhem by moonlighting as a spy.

Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari. But her carefully crafted persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind magier—and a spy.

Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta—her mortal enemy. Gemma tries to steer clear of the handsome prince, but when she finds herself behind enemy lines, she reluctantly joins forces with Leo. Also coming to Gemma’s aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle.

Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparks between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leo’s murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre.

The closer Gemma gets to the stolen tearstone, the more deadly plots she uncovers. Everyone is trying to capture the crown, but only one queen can sit on the throne…

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Capture the Crown is the first book in a new fantasy series that needs to be on everyone’s radar. If you’re new to Jennifer Estep’s books like me, let me tell you something cool. Capture the Crown is set in the same world as her Crown of Shards series! I haven’t read that series yet, but I plan to now after finishing Capture the Crown.

Capture the Crown introduces us to a world full of magic and bloodthirsty, scheming royal families. If you’re a fan of court politics, slow-burn romance, a fierce heroine, and magic, then this book is for you! I really enjoyed this book. I can tell that the next book is going to be even better. Now that Estep has introduced us to the world and all of the major players, she can focus on furthering the plot, the schemes, and the character relationships in the next book. I can’t wait!! 

I really liked Gemma, our main character. Gemma is a princess, but she’s not your average princess. To the world, she seems frivolous and flighty. What they don’t know is that Gemma is a well-trained fighter and spy. She’s also a mind magier–meaning she can hear people’s thoughts, move objects with her mind, and more! Gemma is also dealing with trauma from an event that occurred when she was 12 years old. Our love interest is Prince Leonidas, and I think everyone is going to love him. He’s mysterious. It’s hard to tell where exactly his loyalties lie. Plus, he and Gemma’s families loathe each other. They’re arch enemies. Cue the star-crossed lovers trope. Did I mention Leo is also a mind magier? Yep, he and our Gemma share the same ability. 

I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers! I enjoyed it from start to finish. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

TW: talk of torture, and description of torture (not in too graphic detail)

Skye

Hi, I’m Skye! I’m a college student by day and a bookstagrammer and book blogger by night. 😉 I’m also fluent in the language of sarcasm, so my kryptonite in any book is great witty banter.

Check out my Instagram account if you want to see my latest book obsessions! Also, feel free to reach out to me on social media if you ever need someone to fangirl with! I love meeting new bookish friends. 🙂