Wow! A strong read!

The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen   

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Enter into this fantastical world. A place of shadows and gates that traverse the country—if one can make them.  For generations the kingdom of Aryd has had a deeply kept secret. When twin daughters are born to the Queen only one is acknowledged as the ruler, in this case, the Princess Tabra Eutheria I of Ayrd. The other is dead to all, never known, never acknowledged. Her duty, to act in the princess’ stead when the princess / queen is in danger. 

“A second-born princess in a long line of royal twins—one to rule, the other to serve as nothing more than a secret body double in dangerous circumstances.”

Mereneith Evangeline is brought up in a modest place, not quite a hovel, but sequestered away. Meren has trained as a warrior and is a figure of stealth and deception. She is in regular touch with her sister by hidden ways. Their sworn enemy is Eidolon, the King of shadows. There’s rumours of the shadowraith abroad in the city. Meren ignores the warnings. The lonely Meren has found a way out of the city and to companionship with a group of Wanderers. Over the years she and Cain (the heir to the Zariph) have become fast friends. 

When the Queen dies and Tabra is in danger it’s Meren who is taken by the shadows, into a vast forest. She will face unimaginable perils, meet new friends, find her heartsworn—and then she’ll lose them all.

A great start to a vividly imagined world. One I had no trouble stepping into.

An Entangled ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.

Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change