The Crown of Embers audiobook

Rating: 4.5 StarsI have to admit, I am a little upset. Not because of the cliffhanger ending, but because I was expecting one and it never came. Seriously. I pre-ordered this book and have been staring at it longingly on my shelves for MONTHS, refusing to be subject to a terrible, heart-wrenching cliffhanger, only to have an ending that leaves me jumping up and down for joy, completely satisfied and happy. Needless to say, we all need to re-affirm our definition of a cliffhanger ending. Does Crown of Embers leave you wanting The Bitter Kingdom as soon as you can possibly get your hands on it? Yes. Actually, ALL good books should leave you wanting to continue the series. So, really, Rae Carson was only doing her job. NOT writing a gut-wrenching cliffhanger that left me sobbing on the floor. (Yes, I am looking at YOU Sarah Rees Brennan. Will I ever forgive you? Only if Kami and Jared make out like crazy in Untold.)Nevertheless, I suppose that the ending of Crown of Embers can be construed as a cliffhanger. It does, after all, end in the middle of plans for an epic journey. BUT, more than anything else, I ended this book elated. With The Crown of Embers, Rae Carson writes a sequel that is far stronger than its predecessor - a feat only few other authors have managed to do so far while writing a trilogy. Although I must admit that I am sure Carson has lost faithful fans with this installment, for it is far more introspective, character-driven, and political than the whirlwind adventure her first book was, it was the perfect piece for this story arc and made me fall in love with her writing, characters, and settings even more than before. Crown of Embers excels simply because of its politics. It details the many assassination attempts on Elisa and her growth to becoming the queen she is meant to be, all while dealing with backstabbers in her court, is a slow and steady climb, rewarding in every step of the way. Furthermore, Elisa is no longer the simple princess we knew from The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Seeing her become politically savvy was a journey of its own and while she'll never have the cunning it takes to run a country the way Irene and Gen from The Queen's Thief Series do, she's pretty darn close. What Crown of Embers lacks in adventure, though, it makes up for with its romance. The Girl of Fire and Thorns told the sweet, blooming story of first love, but Crown of Embers chronicles the passionate, burning love of a woman. One of my favorite things about this novel is that Carson isn't afraid to talk about sex. We do have sex in YA Literature, but do we ever really have discussions about it? No. Rae Carson, however, makes it normal for her characters to discuss sex, their passion and lust for another, all in a way that makes it seem right and natural and loving. Why can't more authors do this? Why is it seen as wrong or disgusting or dirty to want to have sex with a man? Why is it seen as embarrassing to talk about sex with your friends? If you can't talk about sex with them, if you can't tell the person you love that you want to have sex with them, then who can you tell? Crown of Embers isn't all about sex, but considering this is one of the ONLY novels I've come across that incorporates this aspect of growing up so seamlessly into its text, it stood out to me. Needless to say, Rae Carson really does cover every aspect of Elisa's growth as a woman, as a monarch, and as a person. Stunning. Nevertheless, what makes Crown of Embers a novel that really does not have a cliffhanger ending is the fact that the entire book is a whirlwind journey of emotion. Rae Carson, you have thoroughly messed my heart. For the first half of this novel, I was quite literally dying of anticipation because the sexual tension in this book is notched up like nothing else is. It is sweet, slow-to-burn, and oh-so-genuine. It is actual, tender, caring love, but mixed into that, is an immense amount of longing that simmers in your heart. Well, if you thought the sexual tension is bad, wait until the romantic couple in this novel - Hector and Eliza - finally kiss because then the million reasons why they can't be together pops up. For once, this isn't simply an issue that exists for the sake of drama. Instead, it is a very real problem. You see, a romance isn't built upon power - it is built upon mutual understanding, love, and respect. If you are in love with a queen, though, power is nearly always at play. I admire Carson for bringing up such a prevalent issue with her love story because power imbalances exist in relationships even today and even in nations that aren't ruled by a monarch. Furthermore, though, Hector is just such a swoon-worthy hero. We know he'd give up his life to save Elisa, but as we learn, he's given up so much more than that too. Moreover, he understands Elisa like a best friend, knows her at her strongest and weakest times, and appreciates her for who she is inside, not the position of power she holds. Finally, though, Rae Carson ends this book perfectly. We finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, the way for our romantic couple to finally be together and granted, they are separated at the end, but we finish this novel knowing that they will find a way to be together, that Elisa has finally become the queen she was meant to be, and that this is going to go down in history as one of the best trilogies ever. Unless, of course, Carson kills of Hector, which would make her lose all her fans and everyone would hate her. So, you know, she won't do that. Or if she does, she'll write an alternate ending novella where Hector and Elisa will make out all day in the sand. If you haven't already picked up this series, then, please, don't wait. It's amazing. It has rich world-building, incredible characters, astounding growth, simmering romance, and truly makes you think and question everything you know about faith, inner-belief and self-growth. Rae Carson, just write an amazing third novel, okay? We'll be best friends after that. I promise.You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.

JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST.Everyone....if you haven't read this book becuz of ur bajillion other books in ur tbr pile....I forgive you.....Ur life will be spared....Now pick this series up now and read it. ;pTHERES JUST SO MUCH FEEELZ EVERYONE.THE FEEELZZZZZ......AND ACTION......AND AMAZING CHARACRERS........prepare to fall in love.

On sale $3.99 5/13/16 HereOn my second read this book held up very well the struggles Elisa faced and the Hector of it. Don't mind me while I swoon for Hector all over again.Original ReviewPardon me while I pick my heart up off the floor. This was such a great follow up to Girl of Fire and Thorns. The book starts off shortly after GoFaT ended. Elisa is trying to run the country, but it has been difficult she has been met with riots, new attacks on her life and threats from both inside and out. She has to build her country again and to do that she needs to find a husband to be allied with to help build support. She is having trouble being strong, or seeming strong. She hasn’t quite grown into the role she is meant to play. She questions her decisions constantly which got a little tiresome at times but it was truthful no one becomes a great leader overnight. Hector is now the head of her Queens Guard, best friend and strongest supporter. After a failed attempt on Elisa’s life she finds out about the Zafira and constructs a reason to go south to search for it.On her journey is the Elisa we love, the strong confident brilliant one back in her element she comes to life again. While she is so sure in some area’s it was refreshing that even as a powerful woman she was so unsure of herself and love. Elisa wants to be loved for herself, not her kingdom or the godstone. I love love love swoon over the romance built between Hector and Elisa. It is by far one of my most loved romances in any novel. The speech that Hector gave to Elisa on the log after they kissed, I fell in love with him too. The ending was so beautifully brought to fruition. It was equal parts heartbreak and hope. (view spoiler)[Hector gives himself up to save Elisa, not realizing that she truly loves him and will come for him no matter the cost (hide spoiler)] I was so excited I can’t wait to see what happens in A Bitter Kingdom. (view spoiler)[I want Elisa to find Hector so badly and I want the Invierne to pay for taking him. (hide spoiler)]The supporting characters were great. I liked how Mara shared with Elise stories of her past with her two lovers and was more like a supporting older sister or friend who was needed since Ximena was more like a mother than nurse or friend. Belén has earned his way back to hero status after his betrayal in GoFaT. Storm gave interesting insight into the Invierne and I was surprised by his role on the isle, Elisa proved how great she could be when she made her choice there.A Bitter Kingdom can’t come soon enough

I've now read THE CROWN OF EMBERS twice. If I could give it another five stars, I would. Being on my "books I love beyond reason" shelf will have to suffice. Because I do love it beyond reason.

Ok. So the whole time I'm reading this series and they talk about this girl with a gem in her bellybutton this is all I can see Anybody? Ok. Moving on. Giving this one a 4.5 as it didn't really pull me in as hard as the first book. However, this may be as a whole my new favorite YA fantasy series. I love the balance between politics, romance, and the magical elements of this story. I don't feel like I'm being smothered in cliche romance, the magical stuff is really interesting and the politics are just what you want them to be--shady as shit.

Females! Young-adult females! And males, too, I suppose - drop what you're reading and check this series out. Or finish what you're reading and then check it out, as Rae Carson has come into her own with The Crown of Embers. Similar to the Mortal Instruments trilogy, the first book in the Fire and Thorns trilogy (The Girl of Fire and Thorns) didn't win me over, but its sequel did. Boy, it did.In The Crown of Embers Elisa continues her quest to fulfill the duty given to her by her Godstone. As queen of her kingdom, one might expect this to be easy - but it is anything other than that. Riots begin to break out as some are dissatisfied with her rule, enemies emerge from inside and outside of her palace, and her confidence wavers as even her allies seem to conspire against her. After a failed attempt on her life, Elisa decides to embark on a journey to redeem herself and revitalize her country - before it is too late.Elisa has earned her spot amongst my favorite female protagonists. She's not a Mary Sue reincarnate, but she's not an unrealistically kick-butt heroine either. She learns from her mistakes and possesses a patriotism alongside her personal compassion that pushes her forward. As a seventeen-year-old, Elisa manages to act her age and exceed what's expected of her as well.The plot entranced me enough to keep me reading for three hours straight instead of doing my government homework. The Crown of Embers blends political intrigue, palace politics, and good old high fantasy action and adventure to create a winning combination. Everything worked effectively and the cliffhanger made me internally scream in frustration.I give the romance in this book 6/5 stars - I ship Hector and Elisa so hard. Finally, a young-adult romance that's not, "okay, we just met twenty pages ago, but I am already irrevocably in love with you." Elisa and Hector's relationship is built on respect, trust, and companionship. They didn't rush their feelings, which made it much more rewarding because every time they acted on their emotions I squealed. The cliffhanger only exacerbated my affection for them and I am almost dying to see whether they will make it or not.Overall, I cannot wait for The Bitter Kingdom. This series has become an unexpected and unappreciated favorite. I hope more people decide to pick it up, because it is definitely worth it.*cross-posted on my blog, the quiet voice.

*4.5 stars*

Oh wow! What a fantastic follow up to The Girl of Fire and Thorns! And that cliffhanger!! I'm literally about to drive to the bookstore to hopefully find the last book because I simply cannot wait to know what happens next! I think, no I know, I have found a new OTP.

LOOOOOOVE THIS SERIES! So much goodness and brilliance!

SERIES RATING AND SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: Book 1: The Girl of Fire and Thorns - 4 STARSBook 2: The Crown of Embers - 5 STARSBook 3: The Bitter Kingdom - 5 STARS How to sum up this trilogy? The Girl of Fire and Thorn has rich world-building, adventurous atmosphere and remarkable character development. Author also has great storytelling skills. It is so nice to have in detail planned out plot without any plot holes or disruptions of the flow of the story. To be honest, writing and story wise I have nothing to rebuke author for. Rae Carson made a forever her fan out of me. So what I liked the most about this series?SLOW BURN ROMANCERae Carson has just officially become my queen of slow burn romance. It's second story I have read by this author and let me tell you...I have never read about any other couple that is not a couple yet (true romance does not blossom until later in the story) but could not help myself but ship them like crazy. Mrs. Carson gives her readers minimum of romance but still keep them super excited about the relationship that is slowly shaping out through out the whole series. It's brilliant! “For love is more beautiful than rubies, sweeter than honey, finer than the king’s wine. And no one has greater love than he who gives his own life for a friend.” INSPIRING HEROINETo make things even better, this trilogy introduced smart, clever and resourceful heroine that depends on her own abilities. A spirited girl whom I grew to love so dearly. A queen with tremendous responsibility whom I admired strongly. A genius strategist and badass sovereign without being a real warrior herself. I wept with her as well shared all her joy. Elisa is one of the best female heroines ever. RELIGION IN POSITIVE LIGHTAnother important thing that I would like to mention is that faith (religion and god) plays a big role in this series. I liked that. So many modern authors are afraid to include religion in their stories. They don't want to offend anyone but they forget how powerful and special story can be with a little bit of religion and faith in it. Religion is part of many cultures all around the world so why should we rob ourselves of it in books? If diversity is the trend in YA literature, than Rae Carson hit the jackpot with strongly religious heroine in this trilogy.MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing

what can I say... this book totally surprised me it was the second time I picked it up and well I'm glad I didI think this trilogy has very unique elements ... like the godstones and the at the beginning chubby protagonist ...but what I really liked in this book was how the relationships between all the characters developed and changed... hector for instant was such a revelation for me! his relationship with elisa really made this book fun and interestingthey were so sweet and sometimes awkward with each other that you just can't not love them!and I liked elisa a LOT in this book! her development as a queen was slow but very realistic... she discovered herself step by step and by doing that she found out what was important for her to become a good queen!the plot was entertaining and fast paced and I really enjoyed the story as a whole!