To Charm a Dark Prince (The Iron Crystal, #1)

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

[Inkslinger]

'To Charm a Dark Prince' by Kathryn Ann Kingsley is a dark fantasy re-telling of the Arthurian legend that focuses primarily on Mordred and Gwen. Other familiar names do make appearances, but the characters are definitely a modern take on their 'could-be' place in Avalon.

Mordred is tasked with a heavy burden, which of course leaves him generally grumpy and overall kind of intriguing. He's powerful and a bit oppressive, which makes him fun to read.. and he's definitely not lacking in the looks department either. 

For me, he was the best part of the book. Gwen I found to be just okay, moderately annoying and sometimes coming across rather clueless. The bones of the story are interesting. There are lots of neat concepts strewn throughout the pages, but the writing could use some development. 

The book is recommended for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Elisa Kova, and Danielle L. Jensen, but in my opinion it's far more Kova than Maas. If you liked Kova's A Trial of Sorcerers, this one is for you.

(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)