Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles, #3)

by Amanda Hocking

[Kelly]

http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/08/crystal-kingdom-by-amanda-hocking.html
Crystal Kingdom was a worthy and brilliant series end. Amanda Hocking transports us back to the wintery kingdom of the Kanin trolls and the tyrannical rule of Queen Mina, this time Bryn is on the run and accused of murder, a crime that fellow fugitive Konstantin knows all too well. Even though she is missing Ridley, her parents and friends, Bryn remains a tower of strength. She has nowhere to go and to avoid capture, she realises that it will take drastic measures to clear her name, but knows she'll never be able to return home. Konstantin is now an ally, the dark knight now turning on the rogue Viktor Dalig to seek revenge, revealing his sordid past with Queen Mina herself. I assumed their newly formed and tentative friendship could have been mistaken for a romantic storyline, thankfully Bryn is a character who doesn't easily fall for potential love interests and her thoughts remain almost entirely with Ridley. I loved Konstantin's character. Where in Frostfire and Ice Kissed, he was evasive and played the sinister role of the villain, in Crystal Kingdom this isn't the case. We learn more about who Konstantin is beyond his crimes, and the softer, vulnerable side which will no doubt endear readers to his cause.

Once again, the character driven world building is lovely. From the icy conditions of the Kanin, to the watery kingdom of the Skojare. It's described so vividly, so lovingly that it immerses the reader into Kanin realm, allowing you to fully engage with the storyline. This series has been lovely, but I hadn't realised how emotionally invested I was until the final few pages when a few tears escaped.

Amanda Hocking's vivid and immersive storytelling are incredible, creating a rich, vibrant and wildly popular series. She sets realistic and relatable characters into fantasy worlds that has crafted an incredibly intense and emotionally charged finale that will surprise, enthrall and delight until the final page.