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Heavy Lies the Crown #0.5
The Woe of Shadows
No shadow fears the dark. Not even their queen.
From award-winning author D. Fischer, arrives the highly anticipated Heavy Lies the Crown, a series for fans of Throne of Glass, The Red Queen, and The Cruel Prince.
On any normal night, Amala Ashcroft, Queen of the Shadow People, would feel honored by a God’s presence. But Fate, one of the four Divine Gods, does not visit for pleasantries. He visits to save his realm, his creations, and his legacy.
Amala has no choice. She can feel the darkness rising in the realm and knows her people will be the first to fall. To save her kingdom, she allows Fate to bless her unborn daughter with his unimaginable magical gifts, so that someday, she can stand against the darkness.
The Woe of Shadows is the prequel of Heavy Lies the Crown, a series based in the world of D. Fischer’s Divinus Kingdom. Divinus Kingdom is interconnecting novels that branch one series to the next.
From award-winning author D. Fischer, arrives the highly anticipated Heavy Lies the Crown, a series for fans of Throne of Glass, The Red Queen, and The Cruel Prince.
On any normal night, Amala Ashcroft, Queen of the Shadow People, would feel honored by a God’s presence. But Fate, one of the four Divine Gods, does not visit for pleasantries. He visits to save his realm, his creations, and his legacy.
Amala has no choice. She can feel the darkness rising in the realm and knows her people will be the first to fall. To save her kingdom, she allows Fate to bless her unborn daughter with his unimaginable magical gifts, so that someday, she can stand against the darkness.
The Woe of Shadows is the prequel of Heavy Lies the Crown, a series based in the world of D. Fischer’s Divinus Kingdom. Divinus Kingdom is interconnecting novels that branch one series to the next.
- GenresYoung Adult
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2020
18 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
D. Fischer
40 books321 followersAn author, a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a reader.
D. Fischer is a mother of two very busy boys, a wife to a wonderful and supportive husband, and an owner of two hyper sock-loving dogs and an attention seeking fat cat. Together, they live in a quiet little corner in a state that's located in the middle of the great USA.
D. Fischer is, by no means, an expert in literature, but a book lover at heart. After her kids are tucked in and fast asleep in their dream worlds, she spends most of her evenings buried in Paranormal Science Fiction books, but her dream as been to publish one of her own - not for fame, but for an easy read for all of the other Paranormal Science Fiction lovers out there.
D. Fischer dedicates her books to those exhausted fathers, mothers, and hard-working citizens who just want to come home, sit down, and relax into a world that isn't their own.
In order to maintain privacy, this author has decided to refrain from giving more personal information than what you see above. She wants to thank you for purchasing her books as it helps support her dream, hobby, and household.
***This author is currently working on her next book: Brenna Johnson's Story: (The Cloven Pack Series) Check back soon!***
D. Fischer is a mother of two very busy boys, a wife to a wonderful and supportive husband, and an owner of two hyper sock-loving dogs and an attention seeking fat cat. Together, they live in a quiet little corner in a state that's located in the middle of the great USA.
D. Fischer is, by no means, an expert in literature, but a book lover at heart. After her kids are tucked in and fast asleep in their dream worlds, she spends most of her evenings buried in Paranormal Science Fiction books, but her dream as been to publish one of her own - not for fame, but for an easy read for all of the other Paranormal Science Fiction lovers out there.
D. Fischer dedicates her books to those exhausted fathers, mothers, and hard-working citizens who just want to come home, sit down, and relax into a world that isn't their own.
In order to maintain privacy, this author has decided to refrain from giving more personal information than what you see above. She wants to thank you for purchasing her books as it helps support her dream, hobby, and household.
***This author is currently working on her next book: Brenna Johnson's Story: (The Cloven Pack Series) Check back soon!***
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 8, 2020
A thrilling start to what is bound to be an EPIC fantasy adventure!
It's very rare that you find a prequel that is as action packed and captivating as this story was. From the very first page, the author thrusts you into this amazing and beautiful fantasy setting and spins a tale that leaves you grasping for more. The descriptions are beautiful and mesmerizing, and they paint a picture so vivid it's like you are actually there within the Shadow Kingdom!
"That's the funny thing about shadows. They cannot exist without the light."
For years, no one believe Amala when she warned of what was to come. Not even her own husband. When wraiths attack the Shadow Kingdom, it all goes downhill from there and everyone is forced to face the reality that she had been right all along. However, that startling realization comes far too late. Amala has but one goal in mind, to protect her daughter above all. Can she defeat the odds that are stacked against her? Well, that's a very good question.
You would think that I would have learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to Ms. Fischer's books. She has a way of making you believe that things are going to go a certain way and then rip that thought out from right beneath your feet. I devoured this book in a few hours, it was so good I just couldn't put it down. If you love Epic Fantasy, Magic and Prophecy, then you will love this story!
5 out of 5 well deserved stars!
It's very rare that you find a prequel that is as action packed and captivating as this story was. From the very first page, the author thrusts you into this amazing and beautiful fantasy setting and spins a tale that leaves you grasping for more. The descriptions are beautiful and mesmerizing, and they paint a picture so vivid it's like you are actually there within the Shadow Kingdom!
"That's the funny thing about shadows. They cannot exist without the light."
For years, no one believe Amala when she warned of what was to come. Not even her own husband. When wraiths attack the Shadow Kingdom, it all goes downhill from there and everyone is forced to face the reality that she had been right all along. However, that startling realization comes far too late. Amala has but one goal in mind, to protect her daughter above all. Can she defeat the odds that are stacked against her? Well, that's a very good question.
You would think that I would have learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to Ms. Fischer's books. She has a way of making you believe that things are going to go a certain way and then rip that thought out from right beneath your feet. I devoured this book in a few hours, it was so good I just couldn't put it down. If you love Epic Fantasy, Magic and Prophecy, then you will love this story!
5 out of 5 well deserved stars!
December 3, 2020
☄️☄️ONE TITILLATING JOURNEY☄️☄️
Bashing barnacles! Fischer unleashes one tumultuous wild ride with this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, page flipping, block buster, grabbing you from the first sentence until the last word, launching this jewel to a whole new level. Anarchy and mayhem descend in a tempest of cunning strategy and ruthless betrayal, blurred lines, parted perimeters and broken barriers solidify as limitations are shattered and exploited, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, exhibiting the fierce quirks and defying bents, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of determination, bursting this baby to life spectacularly. The characters are complex, realistic and genuine with relatable qualities and individual traits, adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Remarkable job Fischer, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Bashing barnacles! Fischer unleashes one tumultuous wild ride with this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, page flipping, block buster, grabbing you from the first sentence until the last word, launching this jewel to a whole new level. Anarchy and mayhem descend in a tempest of cunning strategy and ruthless betrayal, blurred lines, parted perimeters and broken barriers solidify as limitations are shattered and exploited, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, exhibiting the fierce quirks and defying bents, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of determination, bursting this baby to life spectacularly. The characters are complex, realistic and genuine with relatable qualities and individual traits, adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Remarkable job Fischer, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
October 26, 2020
We saw only a glimpse of this realm in the Rise of the Realms series, just enough to make us eager to know more about it. This is the realm of the Shadow People, and there are so many frightening underlying aspects here as we discovered in the snapshot. Amala Ashcroft is the Queen of her people, and when Fate pays a visit to her to give her unborn child the ultimate blessing, she hopes her daughter will be the one to save her people from their sure demise.
This author has a way of painting a landscape and a people that haunts the imagination. The beings we meet in this story are so beautiful and reclusive that the mind can't fathom that anything could happen beyond them living out their days in a paradise that exceeds our dreams. But one of this author's many gifts is to show us how only a tiny touch of evil has a chance to infiltrate even the untouchable. This next series is sure to be as exciting as the previous ones it is connected with, and I, for one, am anxious to find out what happens next and whether we'll see any of the characters from her previous stories woven into it.
This author has a way of painting a landscape and a people that haunts the imagination. The beings we meet in this story are so beautiful and reclusive that the mind can't fathom that anything could happen beyond them living out their days in a paradise that exceeds our dreams. But one of this author's many gifts is to show us how only a tiny touch of evil has a chance to infiltrate even the untouchable. This next series is sure to be as exciting as the previous ones it is connected with, and I, for one, am anxious to find out what happens next and whether we'll see any of the characters from her previous stories woven into it.
June 25, 2020
This story is about shadow people and is a prequel of Heavy Lies The Crown.
These people in the story have the ability to move from shadow to shadow.
There is darkness rising in the realm Amala can feel it.
Amala gets a visit by one of the gods Fate he tells Amala that he is going to bless Amalas daughter with gifts so someday so she can stand against darkness.
Unfortunately her people are the first to fall when they are attacked but Amalas daughter is rescued to survive another day.
Great characters and amazing story.
What will happen now will her people rise again and will they help others,what happened to the other gods,you will have to read the book to find out.
I enjoyed it so much i read it in a few days so will you.
These people in the story have the ability to move from shadow to shadow.
There is darkness rising in the realm Amala can feel it.
Amala gets a visit by one of the gods Fate he tells Amala that he is going to bless Amalas daughter with gifts so someday so she can stand against darkness.
Unfortunately her people are the first to fall when they are attacked but Amalas daughter is rescued to survive another day.
Great characters and amazing story.
What will happen now will her people rise again and will they help others,what happened to the other gods,you will have to read the book to find out.
I enjoyed it so much i read it in a few days so will you.
September 22, 2020
An independent spin-off series from Fisher's Rise of the Realms series, this book has more of a traditional epic fantasy leaning into faerie tale type feel - but the kind of faerie from ancient legend with all the darkness and warning that implies. If it is true that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger - this is going to be one strong heroine!
This is a fascinating world. The way the magic and shadows interact and the ramifications of choices characters have made and make in this book to the future of their country make for all sorts of interesting possibilities. This is a world where strength and triumph go hand in hand with pain and sacrifice. Lots of poignant scenes. This promises to be a amazing series.
This is a fascinating world. The way the magic and shadows interact and the ramifications of choices characters have made and make in this book to the future of their country make for all sorts of interesting possibilities. This is a world where strength and triumph go hand in hand with pain and sacrifice. Lots of poignant scenes. This promises to be a amazing series.
October 10, 2020
This series is loosely linked to Howl for the Damned series by D. Fischer. There we first heard of the Realm’s War. Here we discover that Earth was far from the only realm affected. So spend an evening in the shadows.
At the end of the Realm’s War, Amalia was a new young queen of the Shadow People in an area of the Divine Realm. Her people were Fate blessed. In return they were devoted to Fate. But Fate knows the battle isn’t over. Despair may have been stopped but will surely not give up.
Fearing himself unable to prevail in the coming battle, Fate merges with Amalia’s unborn daughter. When the next battle comes, it will be Nefari who must face Despair.
At the end of the Realm’s War, Amalia was a new young queen of the Shadow People in an area of the Divine Realm. Her people were Fate blessed. In return they were devoted to Fate. But Fate knows the battle isn’t over. Despair may have been stopped but will surely not give up.
Fearing himself unable to prevail in the coming battle, Fate merges with Amalia’s unborn daughter. When the next battle comes, it will be Nefari who must face Despair.
March 21, 2022
This review might contain spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
It’s cute, short and a tad bit predictable, but I did enjoy the novella.
It felt like I was right there and if you want to survive this series do not get attached to any characters, if this novella is anything to go by I don’t see it boding well for character survival. It’s like the red wedding from game of thrones except for YA.
I do love Vale and Nefari together because they are adorable.
For those who like YA fantasy and a unique twist on creatures.
⭐️4
💧9
It’s cute, short and a tad bit predictable, but I did enjoy the novella.
It felt like I was right there and if you want to survive this series do not get attached to any characters, if this novella is anything to go by I don’t see it boding well for character survival. It’s like the red wedding from game of thrones except for YA.
I do love Vale and Nefari together because they are adorable.
For those who like YA fantasy and a unique twist on creatures.
⭐️4
💧9
December 25, 2020
The Woe of Shadows is an enchanting and engaging fantasy following the struggles of Queen Amala after their diety takes drastic action in the hope of safeguarding the future of the shadow people. Action packed, filed with danger, uncertainty, insecurities and struggles. An imaginative start to what promised to be a griping series.
I read on KU, but I was connected with this book by a review site in exchange for the change of an honest review.
I read on KU, but I was connected with this book by a review site in exchange for the change of an honest review.
October 25, 2020
This wonderfully written prequel has action, magic, Gods, danger, suspense, developed characters, and great world-building. I anxiously await the next book in the new series, Heavy Lies the Crown. If you love intricate worlds, and wonderful characters I would recommend D. Fischer's books. I love them. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 22, 2020
What a perfectly written introduction to the shadow people! The author lays down the back story of Fate and the Shadow Kingdom. Particularly Amala, the queen of the Shadow people, and her unborn child who is fate blessed. Fast forward to her child's eight birthday. The Shadow Kingdom is no longer safe from Despair. Prophecies are spoken, unexpected alliances, and betrayal is in the air.
The next book is going to be epic! I can not wait!
The next book is going to be epic! I can not wait!
December 2, 2020
“funny thing about shadows. They cannot exist without the light.”
“The Woe of Shadows” is the prequel to the upcoming YA epic fantasy series “Heavy Lies the Crown” by D. Fisher. Set on the Shadow People realm, already known to those familiar with the “Rise of the Realms”. This prequel does a wonderful work of introducing the realm and its population, which carefully descriptions that bring the realm alive before the reader’s eyes. The characters are multidimensional, credible, real and eerie beautiful.
The first impression of the Shadow Realm is that of a perfect paradise, but a more careful glance at the realm reveals an underlying darker magic slowly creeping in, a dark magic that has already enslaved the neighbouring countries, haunting those with magic. A battle between Gods is in the making, that even the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom cannot stop. Queen Amala deserves her subjects’ adoration, after all she would do anything for them, even keep the warnings a secret to protect them, which could in the end seal their fate.
This is solid prequel to the upcoming series, that succeeds in introducing the realm and the characters, and also offers an interesting highly enjoyable origin story to the upcoming series. D. Fisher has an undoubtedly gift for storytelling, the story is captivating, with multidimensional characters, a carefully crafted realm, and a plot that is both fantastic and fully credible. A highly recommendable read for all fans of epic fantasy!
“The Woe of Shadows” is the prequel to the upcoming YA epic fantasy series “Heavy Lies the Crown” by D. Fisher. Set on the Shadow People realm, already known to those familiar with the “Rise of the Realms”. This prequel does a wonderful work of introducing the realm and its population, which carefully descriptions that bring the realm alive before the reader’s eyes. The characters are multidimensional, credible, real and eerie beautiful.
The first impression of the Shadow Realm is that of a perfect paradise, but a more careful glance at the realm reveals an underlying darker magic slowly creeping in, a dark magic that has already enslaved the neighbouring countries, haunting those with magic. A battle between Gods is in the making, that even the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom cannot stop. Queen Amala deserves her subjects’ adoration, after all she would do anything for them, even keep the warnings a secret to protect them, which could in the end seal their fate.
This is solid prequel to the upcoming series, that succeeds in introducing the realm and the characters, and also offers an interesting highly enjoyable origin story to the upcoming series. D. Fisher has an undoubtedly gift for storytelling, the story is captivating, with multidimensional characters, a carefully crafted realm, and a plot that is both fantastic and fully credible. A highly recommendable read for all fans of epic fantasy!
December 5, 2020
This has lots of action, many happenings. I like the idea of shadow people being good and peaceful. This story has a good amount of world building. I gave this book three stars because some of the scenes where so fantasy filled that I found them hard to follow or understand and needed to reread them.
January 4, 2021
The Woe of Shadows (Heavy Lies the Crown #0.5) by D. Fischer
4 stars
I was blown away by this book. I’ve read tons of fantasy books about different realms and worlds, but I have never read one like this. This new race of beings Fischer created left me wanting more. I immediately went and preordered the next release upon finishing this one. The world-building in just this novella was top notch! I kept being drawn to this book and read it very quickly. I just had to know what happened next. The Authors vivid description of this world and the people left my imagination reeling! I also loved the twist she took with a royalty being the Queen is number 1, not the King. Even though they seemed to have forgotten that over time. I like that the author showed us even when you think your life perfect and you’re safe how quickly things can change. This perfect protected world can so easily fall into the hands of the wrong people. I can’t wait to start the next book and dive back into this world.
4 stars
I was blown away by this book. I’ve read tons of fantasy books about different realms and worlds, but I have never read one like this. This new race of beings Fischer created left me wanting more. I immediately went and preordered the next release upon finishing this one. The world-building in just this novella was top notch! I kept being drawn to this book and read it very quickly. I just had to know what happened next. The Authors vivid description of this world and the people left my imagination reeling! I also loved the twist she took with a royalty being the Queen is number 1, not the King. Even though they seemed to have forgotten that over time. I like that the author showed us even when you think your life perfect and you’re safe how quickly things can change. This perfect protected world can so easily fall into the hands of the wrong people. I can’t wait to start the next book and dive back into this world.
July 20, 2021
Author D. Fisher has definitely hooked me into this story pretty much instantly. Even though it’s a prequel you see the characters shaping together to build the story. Heavy lies the Crown indeed…Narrator Zura Johnson has an incredible ability to pull you into the characters and at the same time has a pleasing tone as she tells the story. I honestly couldn’t stop listening! On to the next!
January 28, 2022
This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author.
November 30, 2020
Fate, family, and the future
This was a short but incredibly intense story. I haven’t yet read any of the Rise of the Realm books. After reading this I am definitely going to as well as continue with this series.
This was a short but incredibly intense story. I haven’t yet read any of the Rise of the Realm books. After reading this I am definitely going to as well as continue with this series.
December 5, 2020
The Woe of Shadows
An intriguing and exciting start of this new fantasy series that drew me in from the start. It was fast paced and original with various creatures and magic. I really enjoyed the story and concept.
An intriguing and exciting start of this new fantasy series that drew me in from the start. It was fast paced and original with various creatures and magic. I really enjoyed the story and concept.
December 8, 2020
“Death will yawn and swallow the realm.”
This was my first book by this author and a great introduction to her books. The Woe of Shadows is captivating and held my attention from start to finish. Amala is the Queen of the Shadow people, and the only one who believes trouble is coming to her land and her people. She is headstrong, brave and willing to sacrifice for her daughter and kingdom.
“I will not sit back and be idle, content to let the future unfold the way Fate had warned. This is my duty.”
The action, suspense and mystery left me anxious as to what is to come next. I loved the attention to detail within this story. It’s heartbreaking and fierce. An exciting prequel and awesome start to a series.
“You will be protected, and in turn, you will train. You will become what this realm will need.”
~ Read on behalf of A Darlin Doll and Her Books
This was my first book by this author and a great introduction to her books. The Woe of Shadows is captivating and held my attention from start to finish. Amala is the Queen of the Shadow people, and the only one who believes trouble is coming to her land and her people. She is headstrong, brave and willing to sacrifice for her daughter and kingdom.
“I will not sit back and be idle, content to let the future unfold the way Fate had warned. This is my duty.”
The action, suspense and mystery left me anxious as to what is to come next. I loved the attention to detail within this story. It’s heartbreaking and fierce. An exciting prequel and awesome start to a series.
“You will be protected, and in turn, you will train. You will become what this realm will need.”
~ Read on behalf of A Darlin Doll and Her Books
November 17, 2021
I didn’t expect to be as enthralled with this story as I ended up being—props to excellent narration by Zura Johnson. It was a very quick listen at under 4 hours and I found myself looking forward to the next installment.
July 27, 2022
This was a great opening story for a series. It is full of love, monsters, devotion & scarifice. A queen will do anything to protect her daughter the nextvqueen of the shadow world. When the moment arrives she must protect her at all costs even if it means death. A great story.
September 29, 2020
This is an amazing glimpse into the divine kingdoms. So creatively wrought. Beautiful and tragic. I loved it.
December 2, 2020
Amazing
Such an amazing prequel to another brilliant series by the amazingly talented D. Fischer. She definitely has me hooked before reading the actual series <3
Such an amazing prequel to another brilliant series by the amazingly talented D. Fischer. She definitely has me hooked before reading the actual series <3
January 2, 2021
Fantastic prequel! I love the creativity that’s gone into the world and characters. Excellent storyline thats is a perfect set up for the series to follow.
November 15, 2023
Different
This book will take you along with it as it explores loyalty and love for country so to speak. Good read.
This book will take you along with it as it explores loyalty and love for country so to speak. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews