A Crown of Ivy and Glass

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I just finished this book and can say that I think I have a new favorite! The Empirium Trilogy is one of my all time favorites, so I was highly anticipating this book! I am so intrigued that it will be told as three connected stand-alone stories following each of the three sisters of the Ashbourne family, in a fully fantasy setting. I love the combination of conventions from the different genres.

As a result, the story is sometimes difficult to understand or follow the narration. Because many descriptions are missing or it is simply unclear what the author meant writing some things.This book starts out as a regency flavored romp, following Gemma Ashbourne as she befriends the foreign Talan d’Astier, and they form a pact to hunt down the demon responsible for the Ashbourne blood feud, and in exchange Gemma helps Talan integrate into high society. From there, things slowly devolve into madness. A book that started as parties and balls slowly unwinds to a dark fantasy horror, and I loved every second of the unspooling.

A Crown of Ivy and Glass really wasn't the Fantasy book for me. My main problem with it was the writing style and how it fit more with a YA novel than an Adult one. It was very difficult to suspend my disbelief in regard to Gemma as a main character and narrator when she sounded like a young teenager most of the time. I don’t care what scars you have. I have them too. I’m not afraid of your grief. I’ll help you carry it and you’ll help carry mine.”

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Then she meets the devastatingly handsome Talan d’Astier. His family destroyed themselves, seduced by a demon, and Talan, the only survivor, is determined to redeem their honor. Intrigued and enchanted, Gemma proposes a bargain: She’ll help Talan navigate high society if he helps her destroy the Basks. According to popular legend, a demon called The Man With the Three-Eyed Crown is behind the families' blood feud - slay the demon, end the feud. Example five. I know I already mentioned zero chemistry between main love interests but It’s worth repeating because it doesn’t get better. First, a huge thank you to Sophie from Sourcebooks International for sending me this ARC. I´ll treasure it forever. But where do I even begin with this book? There is so much to write about. So much to say. And I am going to try not to share everything about it. But oh, I have many thoughts. And I simply must share most of them. The writing was absolutely stunning. As always, with a Claire book. I fully fell in love with everything.