Rider of the Crown by Melissa McShane (Review)

Rider of the CrownRider of the Crown
(Crown of Temontane #2)
by Melissa McShane
Adult Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 385 Pages
October 22nd 2015 by Night Harbor Publishing
Summary

Imogen, warrior of the Kirkellan tribes, has never wanted to be anything else. But when the long war between the Kirkellan and the country of Ruskald ends, the terms of the peace treaty require Imogen to be married to the vicious King of Ruskald for five years. Confined to his freezing city, forbidden to fight, Imogen sees nothing but darkness in her future—until the arrival of Elspeth North, heir to the Crown of Tremontane, brings three countries to the brink of war and sets Imogen free.

Now, sent to be the ambassador of her people to Tremontane, Imogen faces new challenges as she struggles to maintain her warrior’s identity in a world of glittering ballrooms and foreign customs. As a diplomat, Imogen discovers skills she never knew she had—as well as a forbidden attraction to the handsome and charismatic King Jeffrey North. But when war once again threatens not only Tremontane but her own people, Imogen must decide: is she the warrior, the diplomat—or something greater?


My Review

Author Melissa McShane ups the action and intensity in this second Crown of Tremontane release.  RIDER OF THE CROWN starts off with a warrior who trades her freedom to bring peace to her country, a peace that doesn't last very long. Imogen faces battles between nations, new acquaintances, old friends, and even her heart. Full of action, romance, betrayal, and friendship, this is a story about a woman who must find herself regardless if she's a warrior, wife, or ambassador.

Imogen was such a fantastic character. Honest. Loyal. Fierce. She is tested and tried and seems to charm even amidst it all. Then there's Jeffrey. Charismatic. Intelligent. Strikingly handsome. He is a lot like his father, but also his own man. There are several other characters who play memorable roles with their own unique personalities. They were all so well developed. 

The plot. Action mixed with moments when Imogen is being stretched and developed into who she will become. Friendships developed or solidified, along with romancing. Moments of plotting and fighting (with words and with swords). My only complaint was that I would have liked it to be cleaner, even though for the genre, this was relatively clean.

Recommended to those who enjoy stories set in fantastical lands, fierce heroines and loyal companions, devious plots, action, and swoon-worthy romance.

Content: Some crudeness, mild swearing, violence, innuendo, and mature subject matter. Recommended for adult readers.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Melissa McShane

Melissa McShane grew up a nomad, following her family all over the United States, and ended up living in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains with her husband, four kids, and three very needy cats. Her love of reading was always a constant during those uncertain years, and her love of writing grew out of that. She wrote reviews and critical essays for many years before turning to fiction, and was surprised at how much she liked it. She loves the fantasy genre and how it stretches the imagination.


You can check out my review of the first book in this series, Servant of the Crown, here.

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