The Crown's Game

I can't give five stars to a book without even the slightest hint of LGBTQIA people. I just can't. Queer people existed in 1800s Russia — and even if they didn't, this is a fictional world! Not including any queer characters, even in the background, is a deliberate choice.

That being said — holy shit this book. I almost never get invested in complicated love geometry, but I was invested in this. I have a poor visual imagination, so I don't usually "see" the worlds I read — but I could see this world clearly. I got swept up in the plot — I startled my roommate at one point when I shouted "HOLY SHIT" at a plot twist. The ending was as emotional and soul-crushing as I expected, what with it being inspired by Russian literature.

The show more dialogue could be a little stilted, but overall the prose was gorgeous. There were problematic elements — most notably, the lack of queer representation, but also some issues regarding women, motherhood and power — but it never took me out of the story. I didn't even notice the lack of queer representation until a lesbian friend asked me if she'd like the book, THAT'S how caught up I got in the story.

This book ... it was really something. show less

When I hear "Russia-inspired YA fantasy" I imagine a picture of contrasts - velvet luxury of elite vs wooden simplicity of plain people, legendary generosity of a soul vs legendary brutality of a body, colorful traditions and celebrations vs darkness and hardships of everyday life. We all have our fantasies about Imperial Russia and, though not all of them are true, we hope to be tempted, charmed and amazed. As the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin put it: "It is so easy to deceive me, for I am glad to be deceived".

But while I agree The Crown’s Game is a rather successful debut, it fails to create a desired atmosphere. Russian is my mother tongue and I am more than familiar with the culture and traditions of Imperial Russia - show more which may be the reason I am not that easily infatuated. My background also makes me really fastidious and critical. So let’s just say, I am aware that the Crown’s Game is a work of imagination and not a dissertation, but still I can’t help it when I see Bolshebnoye (Duplo) instead of Volshebnoye (it means "magical", for god’s sake, one of the most important words in fantasy!) or a weird transliteration of a presumably typical Russian toast - "Myevo zdarovye". There’re so many cultural elements that can help create a rich, multi-dimensional, exciting world besides a couple of local phrases and a list of traditional pastry.

My second problem with the book is that it lacks a character - in comparison to what I’ve expected, that is. A lethal magical duel between two powerful enchanters. Sounds epic, right? With passion, blood, treachery, temptation, danger and, of course, lots of first-class magic - all painting the narration in expressive, vivid colors. The story, however, is all pastels and refinement (except for the ending). Where I would want a struggle (or a slow-burner, at least) there is insta-love. Where I would want real hard-core battle of powers there is a contest of art and nature appreciation. Where I would want dramatic escalation of tension there was lack of it thereof.

Same story with the main characters, they lack real-life intensity. Introduction to each of them was full of promises - Vika, Nikolai and Pasha are of different upbringing, have different temperaments and possess different abilities. Their motives, goals and desires create a fruitful plain for conflict - and where there’s conflict, there’s growth. Unfortunately, I am not satisfied with how the characters were developed. What we see is their basic scale of emotions, which doesn’t change or transform throughout the book. I wish for more nuanced, sophisticated characters that show growth and mettle.

I won't say the book left me totally indifferent, however. It has a spark, but I need a fire. There were some beautiful scenes that made my heart beat faster and three plot twists that caught me by surprise. And the ending has also gained some points for the book - not for the way it ended per se, but for some dynamics. I felt relieved when I saw that this is a duology, the ending would have been a disaster otherwise. It was rushed and a bit messy and it left too many questions. That being said, I do hope to see progress and a decent development of the main characters in the future. Yes, that means I will read the second book (with fingers crossed).

Verdict
Disappointed - yes, hopeful for the second book - yes, recommend to give it a try - yes. show less

"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 show more 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. show less

The Crown's Game was the first historical-based novel that ever gripped me enough to finish the story. Real-world Russia was so seamlessly blended with this fantastical world that Evelyn created that I couldn't put the book down. The culture and setting was so real and captivating that the magic just complimented and enhanced it. I loved the magical craft that Nikolai and Vika developed and how their entries in the Game reflected their learnings and personalities in unique and entertaining ways. Each character had a foil, Vika had Nikolai Pasha had Yuliana that helped the characters be more dynamic and have conflict, as well as building positive relationships during the story.
Overall, I just really loved the world and magic it show more created and I can't wait for more in [b:The Crown's Fate|27211901|The Crown's Fate (The Crown's Game, #2)|Evelyn Skye|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476398037s/27211901.jpg|47253748]. show less

This book is the Russian knockoff of The Night Circus. And that's kind of why I loved it! It's almost what I wish I'd read in Night Circus. Lush, imaginative, and romantic with characters that are instantly relatable (if SLIGHTLY clichéd), and a plot that grips and moves in exactly the right way.

I liked the magic aspects, and many turns in the competition had a wonderful magical feel with fantastic descriptions. However, the love triangle annoyed me, and the necessity of the competition felt forced for plot reasons. I'm curious to see how it all resolves in the sequel.

I loved loved this book.

The magic was beautiful and I felt drawn to the styles of it that we were able to see. The Game itself is entirely messed up of course, but even that was compelling in a sad way.

The characters were well done and each had their distinct personalities that made them interesting, if a little cliche. Although they were all pretty set in their ways and there was little development going on, I found myself enjoying all of their scenes.

The story was, of course, compelling as well. Although the Game was a "terrible" thing, I liked the idea of two Enchanters competing with displays of magic, especially with the guidelines that the Tsar set down for them. Its ultimate finale was full of twists and heartbreak and I show more desperately need the next book to see how that ending plays out. show less