Format: Paperback, 464 pages
Release Date: July 6, 2021
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Source: Publisher
Genre: Fantasy / Epic
Bestselling author Jennifer Estep returns to her Crown of Shards world with an all-new trilogy and a bold new heroine who protects her kingdom from magic, murder, and mayhem by moonlighting as a spy.
Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari. But her carefully crafted persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind magier—and a spy.
Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta—her mortal enemy. Gemma tries to steer clear of the handsome prince, but when she finds herself behind enemy lines, she reluctantly joins forces with Leo. Also coming to Gemma’s aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle.
Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparks between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leo’s murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre.
The closer Gemma gets to the stolen tearstone, the more
deadly plots she uncovers. Everyone is trying to capture the crown, but
only one queen can sit on the throne …
Capture the Crown is the first installment in author Jennifer Estep's Gargoyle Queen. This is a spinoff of Jennifer's original Crown of Shards trilogy, set 15 years later. It features many of the same characters, but focuses on a new badass princess who moonlights as a spy. More murder, magic and mayhem with a new heroine to root for. Crown Princess of Andvari Gemma aka "Glitzma" Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari.
But her carefully crafted
persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind
magier—and a spy. Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who
is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal
mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta—her mortal
enemy. The same Prince that betrayed her after she survived the Seven Spire massacre. After she saves him from his own brother, Gemma ends up in dire straits and Leo ends up taking her into the heart of the enemy; Morta to save her.
Gemma finds herself behind enemy lines and she reluctantly joins forces with Leo to expose what could possibly be a preclude to an all-out war between countries. Also coming to Gemma’s aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle. She also finds friendship with Leo's sister Delmira who like Leo, has been tortured by her own brother Milo. Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparks between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leo’s murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre which Gemma survived thanks to Evie.
Although 16 have passed, Gemma still struggles with the trauma she experienced at the massacre. Back then, she hid under the table and was spirited away by friends of Evie. Now, she hides behind her pretty princess persona and the necklace that protects her from the strength of her own magic. One could say that she is terrified of her own magic and instead of using it to save herself, she ends up in a terrible situation where she must fight her way out.
The most curious aspect of this story is Maeven. I have some interesting feelings about the final part of this story and her participation and what happens next. As predicted in Crush the King, Evie was correct in Maeven having to deal with issues like people who want her dead. I think it is fair to say that you should have some familiarity with the Crush the King series before jumping into this series.
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