The Almost Queen (Fate of the Crown Duology, #1)

by Laura Greenwood

Betrayal, jealousy, and death have always been a part of my future. 

I'm the almost Queen. Betrothed to one man, and in love with another. Though there's no doubt in my mind who I'll choose. Lancelot has my heart, even if it'll lead me down the path to the pyre. 

No matter what it takes, I'll find a way to save us all from the prophecy which threatens to consume us.

The Almost Queen is book one in the Fate Of The Crown Duology and follows Gwen and Lancelot. This is a non-bully academy duology based on Arthurian legends and contains an m/f relationship.

• ISBN13: 9798699800988
• Publish Date: 19 October 2020 (first published 8 October 2020)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Independently Published
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 154
• Language: English

Reviews

[Berls]

2.5 stars

I really wanted to love The Almost Queen. I know/knew Laura when she was blogging - before she started publishing - and really like/d her. So I was excited to finally read one of her books. I think a a couple perfect coincidences conspired with a few elements to leave me underwhelmed.

(1) the cover - I am drawn to pretty covers like a moth to flame. And more often than not, they disappoint me. And still, I come, hoping that this one will be one of the few that I end up loving. This cover mislead me into expecting a story with more courtly intrigue and majesty. I found both lacking, though there were allusions.

(2) I recently started reading another Arthurian retelling and it is SO GOOD. Though they are not remotely the same - not in genre nor setting (though I found myself really uncertain of the setting of this book... was it historical? or were the characters living in a modern world but with some old world elements... reliving/rewriting mythical/historical moments? I was never quite sure) - I think I subconsciously compared the two.

(3) the plot didn't pull me in really. I feel like I was more compelled by my knowledge of what was supposed to happen to Gwen, Lancelot and Arthur than I was by what was happening. Maybe it was just a bit too easy?

That being said - it was a light, easy read. If you're looking for something sweet and simple, this is it. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood and wanted something a big more complex and challenging. I hope to try another book in the future by Laura and to love it!