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Shadows & Starlight #1
Seven Crowns
An unclaimed crown. Six deadly rivals. A world she never knew existed.
Sixteen-year-old Ana is a waitress, foster kid, and liar. She might also be the sole heir to a crown on another planet. A crown she never asked for or even wanted.
One year after her mom's death, Ana discovers her mom's biggest secret-- she was a political refugee from a planet called Bellaton. Ana's family was one of seven that ruled before they were picked off one by one.
Now, with assassins after her, Ana could be next. With the help of a dazzling array of friends and enemies, Ana must discover her magical "gift"… or risk being named an imposter.
In this world of breathtaking beauty, charm, and magic, will Ana be able to tell friend from foe, reveal her would-be assassin, and take the crown?
Travel to a glittering, dangerous world with political alliances and ballgowns, perfect for fans of Red Queen and The Selection.
Sixteen-year-old Ana is a waitress, foster kid, and liar. She might also be the sole heir to a crown on another planet. A crown she never asked for or even wanted.
One year after her mom's death, Ana discovers her mom's biggest secret-- she was a political refugee from a planet called Bellaton. Ana's family was one of seven that ruled before they were picked off one by one.
Now, with assassins after her, Ana could be next. With the help of a dazzling array of friends and enemies, Ana must discover her magical "gift"… or risk being named an imposter.
In this world of breathtaking beauty, charm, and magic, will Ana be able to tell friend from foe, reveal her would-be assassin, and take the crown?
Travel to a glittering, dangerous world with political alliances and ballgowns, perfect for fans of Red Queen and The Selection.
318 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2020
1066 people are currently reading
2999 people want to read
About the author
E.V. Everest
28 books294 followersEvelina Everest is a tween to teen fantasy author. Ever since she discovered the summer reading program, she's been unstoppable. After all, if books contain worlds, she's pretty much an intergalactic traveler, right?
When she's not visiting other worlds or inventing her own, Evelina enjoys drinking too much coffee, playing her trombone, and petting her four fur babies. You can learn more about her work at www.evelinaeverest.com.
When she's not visiting other worlds or inventing her own, Evelina enjoys drinking too much coffee, playing her trombone, and petting her four fur babies. You can learn more about her work at www.evelinaeverest.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 6, 2022
This is a very interesting story. There are so many things happening at the same time with Ana and there's a lot to uncover about her family history while she discovers new secrets and fights unseen dangers. There is no string left loose as everything eventually falls into place. It is difficult to decipher what happens next as the story progresses. There are elements of mystery and thrill at every point. It is fast paced and the character development and world building is amazing. There's a perfect cliffhanger ending and I am looking forward to reading the sequel. Definitely recommended.
January 21, 2023
I enjoyed the book, it was a nice escape and an interesting story. Just a bit generic overall for me.
July 27, 2020
Seven Crowns is a fantasy, romance filled novel with a splash of Sci-Fi. It definitely gave me some Hunger Games and The Selection vibes at certain parts, so if you like either of those series you will enjoy this one!
Ana is a 16 year old living on Earth, when her world is turned upside down for the second time. Her mother passed away the year before, leaving her in the foster care system away from her three older brothers. On the night of her 16th birthday, she is targeted by a group of unknown assassins who have been sent from the planet Bellaton. Ana soon discovers that her mother was not all that she seemed, and had actually been a royal refugee from Bellaton, leaving Ana the sole heir to a crown. Once brought to this new planet, Ana attempts to uncover who she truly is, what happened to her family, and decipher who she could really trust.
This novel is filled with hardship, love, and mystery. I was definitely kept on my toes and was delighted to join Ana alongside her journey. The concept of the seven different kingdoms was interesting, and I am curious to learn more about them! I have so many questions left unanswered, most of which I feel like Ana herself is still struggling to uncover. It is definitely a cliff hanger, but more on the side of having questions that haven't yet been answered.
I think my only negative was that there were some moments where I thought Ana accepted things too easily or readily, but I chalked that up to her trying to go with the flow, being a sixteen year old or being a bit shocked. My only other potential negative was that if felt like the time seemed to jump a bit more than I was expecting it to. Personally, it seemed like only a few months had passed, but at the end it was stated it had been almost a year. I am not sure if that was just me not paying as close attention to the time frames though.
Overall, this was a very fun and enjoyable read! I definitely can't wait to read the next one, and uncover the secrets that are still buried, and learn more about her family's history!
Rating: 4.5
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author, E.V. Everest, for review purposes. I'd like to thank Evie for providing me this opportunity!
Ana is a 16 year old living on Earth, when her world is turned upside down for the second time. Her mother passed away the year before, leaving her in the foster care system away from her three older brothers. On the night of her 16th birthday, she is targeted by a group of unknown assassins who have been sent from the planet Bellaton. Ana soon discovers that her mother was not all that she seemed, and had actually been a royal refugee from Bellaton, leaving Ana the sole heir to a crown. Once brought to this new planet, Ana attempts to uncover who she truly is, what happened to her family, and decipher who she could really trust.
This novel is filled with hardship, love, and mystery. I was definitely kept on my toes and was delighted to join Ana alongside her journey. The concept of the seven different kingdoms was interesting, and I am curious to learn more about them! I have so many questions left unanswered, most of which I feel like Ana herself is still struggling to uncover. It is definitely a cliff hanger, but more on the side of having questions that haven't yet been answered.
I think my only negative was that there were some moments where I thought Ana accepted things too easily or readily, but I chalked that up to her trying to go with the flow, being a sixteen year old or being a bit shocked. My only other potential negative was that if felt like the time seemed to jump a bit more than I was expecting it to. Personally, it seemed like only a few months had passed, but at the end it was stated it had been almost a year. I am not sure if that was just me not paying as close attention to the time frames though.
Overall, this was a very fun and enjoyable read! I definitely can't wait to read the next one, and uncover the secrets that are still buried, and learn more about her family's history!
Rating: 4.5
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author, E.V. Everest, for review purposes. I'd like to thank Evie for providing me this opportunity!
February 11, 2022
If you can…
If you can suspend all logical thought on how characters should react and get past the holes in the flow of the story then it’s not terrible. The whole idea behind the plot is a good one. A little different and interesting as long as you don’t expect the characters to react like any normal person would. For instance she’s been taken to another world and has people trying to kill her, but rarely asks any questions about either. Never searches for answers. And accepts any information she’s given without question.
If you can suspend all logical thought on how characters should react and get past the holes in the flow of the story then it’s not terrible. The whole idea behind the plot is a good one. A little different and interesting as long as you don’t expect the characters to react like any normal person would. For instance she’s been taken to another world and has people trying to kill her, but rarely asks any questions about either. Never searches for answers. And accepts any information she’s given without question.
February 9, 2021
When your best friend wrongfully goes to jail and you’re just like “oh, well.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
This was such a good book! The storyline was super unique, and the story itself was really good. It has characters you love, and ones you can’t stand, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
March 11, 2022
A beautiful cover, a beautiful read. Anything this colorful and stunning deserves to be read, and from the beginning, the action swept me up and kept me in the entire time. I loved each and every one of the characters, who all felt distinct from each other. I loved the fantasy, the adventure, and the world Everest has created within this beauty of a book. Needless to say, after finishing this book and realizing it's only #1....this was me:
March 21, 2022
I loved this book right from the start. A girl with very little support getting thrust into a life filled with danger at every turn. She doesn’t know who she is anymore or who her mom was and she definitely doesn’t know who to trust. There were great surprises in every chapter. I loved the Hunger Games feel along with all the sci-fi tech. Just enough backstory on the characters to get a feel for them. I loved that only some character have special gifts in addition to their specific family talents. Can’t wait to see what is in store for Ana in the next book.
September 10, 2024
4.5 rounded to 5 stars. This book has ALL the elements of an spectacular fantasy. It has a great balance of found family, magic, flirt and bantering, academy for royals, a challenge, betrayal, etc, and its all in a intergalactic environment. Think a tinge of Harry Potter thrown in with major Hunger Games and Catch the flag vibes. I really liked the snow day chapter. There's also a pretty heartwarming and interesting ending. I only wished mc was older (she's 16 but does progress to 18 later in the series.)
March 2, 2022
This story is full of surprises. It hooked me in and I struggled to put it down.
March 22, 2025
Flat characters, poorly written, overdone plot lines, I give up.
February 21, 2022
Immature 16 year old female is whooshed off to another world, where she is hated royalty with no one, really, to help her and no knowledge of any of her backstory.
July 30, 2022
Unbelievable story. We learn a lot about Ana and her history. I was drawn in and for awhile felt as if I was a part of their world.
May 22, 2022
Ana 16 year old. Lives on her own though has a Foster mother, who isn't all that nice.
She works at a 50s style diner and has nearly been killed twice. As more events unravel you get a feeling that there's more to Ana than you first expect.
There's multiple characters throughout this novel, ones that stood out for me was Ms Kandinsky, her birth mother's friend, who for awhile now has been watching out for her and the mysterious homeless man - without giving spoilers you do find yourself sitting and wondering who is this man, friend or foe?
The first half of this novel is great, it is packed with angst, mystery and the pacing was great, However it kinda slowed down in the middle and I found it difficult to get back into. The ending definitely picked up again in the last few chapters were an enjoyable read.
She works at a 50s style diner and has nearly been killed twice. As more events unravel you get a feeling that there's more to Ana than you first expect.
There's multiple characters throughout this novel, ones that stood out for me was Ms Kandinsky, her birth mother's friend, who for awhile now has been watching out for her and the mysterious homeless man - without giving spoilers you do find yourself sitting and wondering who is this man, friend or foe?
The first half of this novel is great, it is packed with angst, mystery and the pacing was great, However it kinda slowed down in the middle and I found it difficult to get back into. The ending definitely picked up again in the last few chapters were an enjoyable read.
August 28, 2022
It could have been so immensely good! The beginning was epic. It was brilliant. It drew me in and had me totally invested. The shift to a new world with a new culture and new way of life was fascinating. The stakes were sky high. It was awesome.
Then, somewhere around the middle, things took a nosedive. My interest waned. The characters lost their allure. The plot seemed bland. The alien culture wasn’t actually as different as it felt it should have been and there was no by-the-by from the MC either about her questions, doubts and suchlike. Things were bearable until a particular scene close to the end. It was totally unnecessary and all it did was brainlessly spout ideology without thought or critique. That scene could have been wrapped up in a much simpler way that would have had the same outcome and have been believable, enjoyable and downright awesome, but instead, the author decided to craft a scene that states: the female and male bodies are identical and can achieve the same thing physically.
This is blatantly not true and particularly so when it comes to running, which was the activity in question. It is simply not believable that a female of sixteen (not yet finished developing physically) who’s been training for a race for one month can not only keep up, but hold her own and maintain the pace for a very long time with a male of seventeen (almost fully developed in physical terms) who’s been training his whole life. It is an abuse of the use of words and it is causing our society much harm. There are many authors who do this, I for one am among those readers who simply can’t swallow it because of the harm it is causing in the very real lives of people. Just ask the female athletes who’ve trained their whole lives for a competition only to be wiped off the field because a male body is permitted to compete in that category because of the politics of words, not the acceptance of biological, anatomical facts.
We seem to have forgotten the basics of what the feminist movement was about and instead keep pushing without a care for the very real harm it does. Putting this kind of idea as a statement of fact into a book for teens, without critical thought or even an explanation about a different planet perhaps having some kind of difference in this regard; stating this scenario not only as a possibility, but as a fact, is incredibly dangerous. Our society is struggling with the phenomenon of gender dysphoria. Stating as a fact, that the female body is capable of something it is anatomically unable to do, contributes to the irreconcilable split between what people believe and what biological reality dictates. There are very real differences between the male and female bodies. The female body can do things the male body cannot. Likewise, the male body is capable of some feats the female body cannot.
Feminism has brought us a long way from the society of two hundred years ago, which believed women incapable of doing sports, studying or doing math. We have proven that women can do these things. However, as the division in sporting competitions attests, we have, until now, been very aware of the physical differences between male anatomy and the female. It is telling that of the twelve instances where women have indeed been capable of showing up the best of the men in a sports discipline, not one of these existing examples has involved running. They have been in other sporting disciplines where it even makes biological sense that the female body might be superior for the activity. Not running. The male body is simply faster. By a lot. Especially when it’s been training for it.
The lines between “man” and “woman” might be blurred in our lived reality, and in terms of identity that’s totally fine, but there is a very distinct line between male and female bodies. Male bodies do not have uteruses and cannot give birth. Female bodies have wider hips and different muscle mass, which makes them slower runners. We should be teaching the younger generations to respect, love and nurture the differences, to seek to achieve what resonates with all of who they are, rather than pitting their beliefs against their bodies and watching them burn themselves alive with self-hatred.
Right then. Diatribe over. Back to the book.
The ending was fun. It could have even been good. But unfortunately, the complete disregard for the facts of human anatomy and what it is capable of in that scene as well as a couple of others ruined the book for me. I accept this is a me problem. I am too biologically minded to let something like that slide. As the years go by, these little ideologically-drive “oopsies” irritate me more and more. If you’re scientifically minded or care for sci-fi that is accurate and believable, stretching the imagination but not leaving you with disbelief (yes, there were a couple of other instances where this book requires the reader to shut down a scientific mind entirely) then I suggest you don’t get this one. If such issues don’t bother you in the least, go ahead. You’ll probably enjoy this book.
Then, somewhere around the middle, things took a nosedive. My interest waned. The characters lost their allure. The plot seemed bland. The alien culture wasn’t actually as different as it felt it should have been and there was no by-the-by from the MC either about her questions, doubts and suchlike. Things were bearable until a particular scene close to the end. It was totally unnecessary and all it did was brainlessly spout ideology without thought or critique. That scene could have been wrapped up in a much simpler way that would have had the same outcome and have been believable, enjoyable and downright awesome, but instead, the author decided to craft a scene that states: the female and male bodies are identical and can achieve the same thing physically.
This is blatantly not true and particularly so when it comes to running, which was the activity in question. It is simply not believable that a female of sixteen (not yet finished developing physically) who’s been training for a race for one month can not only keep up, but hold her own and maintain the pace for a very long time with a male of seventeen (almost fully developed in physical terms) who’s been training his whole life. It is an abuse of the use of words and it is causing our society much harm. There are many authors who do this, I for one am among those readers who simply can’t swallow it because of the harm it is causing in the very real lives of people. Just ask the female athletes who’ve trained their whole lives for a competition only to be wiped off the field because a male body is permitted to compete in that category because of the politics of words, not the acceptance of biological, anatomical facts.
We seem to have forgotten the basics of what the feminist movement was about and instead keep pushing without a care for the very real harm it does. Putting this kind of idea as a statement of fact into a book for teens, without critical thought or even an explanation about a different planet perhaps having some kind of difference in this regard; stating this scenario not only as a possibility, but as a fact, is incredibly dangerous. Our society is struggling with the phenomenon of gender dysphoria. Stating as a fact, that the female body is capable of something it is anatomically unable to do, contributes to the irreconcilable split between what people believe and what biological reality dictates. There are very real differences between the male and female bodies. The female body can do things the male body cannot. Likewise, the male body is capable of some feats the female body cannot.
Feminism has brought us a long way from the society of two hundred years ago, which believed women incapable of doing sports, studying or doing math. We have proven that women can do these things. However, as the division in sporting competitions attests, we have, until now, been very aware of the physical differences between male anatomy and the female. It is telling that of the twelve instances where women have indeed been capable of showing up the best of the men in a sports discipline, not one of these existing examples has involved running. They have been in other sporting disciplines where it even makes biological sense that the female body might be superior for the activity. Not running. The male body is simply faster. By a lot. Especially when it’s been training for it.
The lines between “man” and “woman” might be blurred in our lived reality, and in terms of identity that’s totally fine, but there is a very distinct line between male and female bodies. Male bodies do not have uteruses and cannot give birth. Female bodies have wider hips and different muscle mass, which makes them slower runners. We should be teaching the younger generations to respect, love and nurture the differences, to seek to achieve what resonates with all of who they are, rather than pitting their beliefs against their bodies and watching them burn themselves alive with self-hatred.
Right then. Diatribe over. Back to the book.
The ending was fun. It could have even been good. But unfortunately, the complete disregard for the facts of human anatomy and what it is capable of in that scene as well as a couple of others ruined the book for me. I accept this is a me problem. I am too biologically minded to let something like that slide. As the years go by, these little ideologically-drive “oopsies” irritate me more and more. If you’re scientifically minded or care for sci-fi that is accurate and believable, stretching the imagination but not leaving you with disbelief (yes, there were a couple of other instances where this book requires the reader to shut down a scientific mind entirely) then I suggest you don’t get this one. If such issues don’t bother you in the least, go ahead. You’ll probably enjoy this book.
November 1, 2020
You can check out this review and my other reviews at Writing the Universe
Title: Seven Crowns
Author: E.V. Everest
Pub. Date: July 31, 2020
Rating: 3.5
This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been super stressed and super busy lately, so I can’t tell you how nice it was to just get swept up in a book where expectations didn’t plague me. I’d read the synopsis and it sounded like something I would enjoy. So, imagine my surprise when the author reached out, and offered me a copy of her book to review.
I was immediately invested in Ana’s journey. I’m all for long lost princess and when you set them in space – I’m 100% here for it. This book actually kind of gave me Our Dark Stars vibes and I’m not mad about it. I liked the cast of characters and Samuel kind of reminded me of Haymitch from THG – another thing I’m 100% here for.
I enjoyed Ana, and her arc through this book. I really felt nothing for her brothers – and I didn’t quite understand why none of them could take her in after their mother’s death. Tbh, that kind of bothered me. They weren’t really in the book long enough for me to form a connection with them, though I wish they had been. Then you have Adam and Holden and I liked both of them as well. I mean, who doesn’t like cute boys? lol
I liked that the characters kind of fell into stereotypical high school character archetypes, without feeling like contrived stereotypes. They felt unique but familiar. Though, with that being said, I wish the whole school aspect had been a little more “out of this world”. For an SFF book, the middle read more like your average high school age contemporary. This isn’t a bad thing, but for the action pack epicness that was the start of this book, I felt a bit bored. It’s relatable, sure, but I wanted more.
As for the world…or worlds – I’m here for it! I’m such a sucker for SF books, and when you add some magical fantasy elements – I’m sunk. I was caught up and wrapped up in this world the author created. So familiar, but different enough that it feels otherworldly. I loved it. I’m also a sucker for school settings, so this book checks so many boxes.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the next book and I’m really looking forward to reading. I’m super appreciative the author sent me a copy, but I think I’m going to have to go buy a physical copy just so I can stare at the stunning cover whenever I want to.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, quick, enjoyable SFF read, look no further!
Title: Seven Crowns
Author: E.V. Everest
Pub. Date: July 31, 2020
Rating: 3.5
This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been super stressed and super busy lately, so I can’t tell you how nice it was to just get swept up in a book where expectations didn’t plague me. I’d read the synopsis and it sounded like something I would enjoy. So, imagine my surprise when the author reached out, and offered me a copy of her book to review.
I was immediately invested in Ana’s journey. I’m all for long lost princess and when you set them in space – I’m 100% here for it. This book actually kind of gave me Our Dark Stars vibes and I’m not mad about it. I liked the cast of characters and Samuel kind of reminded me of Haymitch from THG – another thing I’m 100% here for.
I enjoyed Ana, and her arc through this book. I really felt nothing for her brothers – and I didn’t quite understand why none of them could take her in after their mother’s death. Tbh, that kind of bothered me. They weren’t really in the book long enough for me to form a connection with them, though I wish they had been. Then you have Adam and Holden and I liked both of them as well. I mean, who doesn’t like cute boys? lol
I liked that the characters kind of fell into stereotypical high school character archetypes, without feeling like contrived stereotypes. They felt unique but familiar. Though, with that being said, I wish the whole school aspect had been a little more “out of this world”. For an SFF book, the middle read more like your average high school age contemporary. This isn’t a bad thing, but for the action pack epicness that was the start of this book, I felt a bit bored. It’s relatable, sure, but I wanted more.
As for the world…or worlds – I’m here for it! I’m such a sucker for SF books, and when you add some magical fantasy elements – I’m sunk. I was caught up and wrapped up in this world the author created. So familiar, but different enough that it feels otherworldly. I loved it. I’m also a sucker for school settings, so this book checks so many boxes.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the next book and I’m really looking forward to reading. I’m super appreciative the author sent me a copy, but I think I’m going to have to go buy a physical copy just so I can stare at the stunning cover whenever I want to.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, quick, enjoyable SFF read, look no further!
July 30, 2020
This book hit all the young adult/teen boxes for me! Strong empowered young woman, tough childhood but makes her stronger, love interest but that's not the story, she has to save something important to the family she didn't know she had, there's an elite royal school for the gifted (ok that's just cool!), leaves you in a resolved place but wanting to read more and know more about this world!
We meet Ana as she's working in a diner, a 16 year old foster child who just lost her mother and has been separated from her brothers. Then gets dramatically pulled by an interesting cast of characters into a spaceship that takes her to her home planet. (Ok can someone take me to a different planet right now?!?)
She discovers her mother was from an important family that led one of the seven council seats of Bellaton and she has been in constant danger since she left Earth. One of the families does not want her to live but which one? Each family has special supernatural gifts and specialities in specific fields such as military, influence, plants, healing...
Ana befriends some kids from the other families which then leads to two of her new guy friends challenging each other as befits their military family. Their innocent war game turns into a Hunger Games scenario when someone tampers with a dome set in a exotic location.
The Academy for Royals she attends and town it is nestled in is built out nicely and I would like to share her dormitory since she's basically an orphan in this new world and she does not know who to trust.
Can Ana prove herself to the council and come into her gifts? I can't wait to find out!
Book 1 can't wait for Book 2!!
Thank you for the ARC for the honest review!
We meet Ana as she's working in a diner, a 16 year old foster child who just lost her mother and has been separated from her brothers. Then gets dramatically pulled by an interesting cast of characters into a spaceship that takes her to her home planet. (Ok can someone take me to a different planet right now?!?)
She discovers her mother was from an important family that led one of the seven council seats of Bellaton and she has been in constant danger since she left Earth. One of the families does not want her to live but which one? Each family has special supernatural gifts and specialities in specific fields such as military, influence, plants, healing...
Ana befriends some kids from the other families which then leads to two of her new guy friends challenging each other as befits their military family. Their innocent war game turns into a Hunger Games scenario when someone tampers with a dome set in a exotic location.
The Academy for Royals she attends and town it is nestled in is built out nicely and I would like to share her dormitory since she's basically an orphan in this new world and she does not know who to trust.
Can Ana prove herself to the council and come into her gifts? I can't wait to find out!
Book 1 can't wait for Book 2!!
Thank you for the ARC for the honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2020
Ana has spent the last year since her mom died keeping her head down and attempting to play by the rules of her foster mom while secretly living on her own. When random, dangerous events start to occur, Ana is saved by a stranger who tells her that her mom was a leader from a far away planet (which earth is a colony of) and she is the only heir to her family's seat in ruling. Ana is swept away to a new world just a little off from earth with new rules and technology, full of power plays and assassination attacks, where she is the only one who can face the truth and possibly change the tide.
Seven Crowns was a mix of science fiction, magical academy (which is my new obsession this last year), YA growing up, court intrigue and politics, romance (with a maybe triangle), the new animals and plants vibe of Fantastic Beasts and just a hint of Hunger Games. There were so many different things going on in this book but they blended perfectly to create an entirely new story that kept me guessing and entertained.
I really enjoyed this read, finding it super easy to get into (even with all the fascinating world building and sci-fi elements), fast paced plot so my attention never waned, and I liked all the characters (the side characters were just as fleshed out and real as the main character and I want more- especially of Samuel and Adam, but I do love romance!). I was able to pick this up and read it in a weekend, completely engrossed in the story and needing so much more when I reached the ending. Which by the way, had a cliffhanger and I have so many questions left and am super hyped for the next book, which I will try and patiently wait for.
Seven Crowns was a mix of science fiction, magical academy (which is my new obsession this last year), YA growing up, court intrigue and politics, romance (with a maybe triangle), the new animals and plants vibe of Fantastic Beasts and just a hint of Hunger Games. There were so many different things going on in this book but they blended perfectly to create an entirely new story that kept me guessing and entertained.
I really enjoyed this read, finding it super easy to get into (even with all the fascinating world building and sci-fi elements), fast paced plot so my attention never waned, and I liked all the characters (the side characters were just as fleshed out and real as the main character and I want more- especially of Samuel and Adam, but I do love romance!). I was able to pick this up and read it in a weekend, completely engrossed in the story and needing so much more when I reached the ending. Which by the way, had a cliffhanger and I have so many questions left and am super hyped for the next book, which I will try and patiently wait for.
September 1, 2020
Yes! More please!
Ana Hall (Halt) has only just turned 16 when she discovers that nearly her entire life has been a lie. Her biggest concerns should have been school, rent and work. Instead, she is running from unknown assassins, shipped off to a world she had no idea existed and thrown into a school where family connections could mean life or death. Oh, and she is also the last living member of a royal family and sole heir to that crown. No big deal. Taken away from everything and everybody she knows, Ana has to figure out just who she really is, and who she can really trust.
First of all, I’m going to say that I am absolutely dismayed that I have to wait until next year for book 2 because I absolutely enjoyed this novel. Right from the beginning, I was engaged and drawn into Ana’s story. I loved that Ana is a strong, independent female character, but she isn’t whiny or too stuck up about it, and I appreciate that she doesn’t just throw a temper tantrum when a something new is thrown in her direction. I liked that the bits of romance between Ana and Adam did not overshadow everything else, but becomes a part of the overarching plot . The other characters are all well-written and memorable, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens with Holden and Ophelia. There were bits here and there that reminded me of other YA novels I’ve read before, but I think the author has done a fantastic job creating a unique world of her own for Seven Crowns. A wonderful read and cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you Voracious Readers and EV Everest for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ana Hall (Halt) has only just turned 16 when she discovers that nearly her entire life has been a lie. Her biggest concerns should have been school, rent and work. Instead, she is running from unknown assassins, shipped off to a world she had no idea existed and thrown into a school where family connections could mean life or death. Oh, and she is also the last living member of a royal family and sole heir to that crown. No big deal. Taken away from everything and everybody she knows, Ana has to figure out just who she really is, and who she can really trust.
First of all, I’m going to say that I am absolutely dismayed that I have to wait until next year for book 2 because I absolutely enjoyed this novel. Right from the beginning, I was engaged and drawn into Ana’s story. I loved that Ana is a strong, independent female character, but she isn’t whiny or too stuck up about it, and I appreciate that she doesn’t just throw a temper tantrum when a something new is thrown in her direction. I liked that the bits of romance between Ana and Adam did not overshadow everything else, but becomes a part of the overarching plot . The other characters are all well-written and memorable, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens with Holden and Ophelia. There were bits here and there that reminded me of other YA novels I’ve read before, but I think the author has done a fantastic job creating a unique world of her own for Seven Crowns. A wonderful read and cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you Voracious Readers and EV Everest for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2022
Rating 4.5
This book follows Ana, a regular teenager who works as waitress. One day she gets almost killed by a car and then all the craziness unfolds. She gets to meet Ms. K - a stranger who claims to be a friend of Ana's dead mother and who also claims that Ana is royalty on a planet, which is ruled by seven families.
At first Ana is vary of everything that happens but since someone clearly tries to kill her, she has no choice but to follow people who say they are here to help her and be on her side.
I loved this book! Ana isn't annoying at all. She's smart, she questions people when it's needed and she doesn't trust blindly.
She's also very good to people who are her friends.
I loved Rockwell boys too! Although i prefer Holden and was shipping Ana with him even though I suspect they are not an endgame. He's the best boi ❤️
All side characters are very well written and many of them very important to plot. My favorite is Shay who is a hacker. I admire her skill :D
The author also has beautiful writing. She can describe emotions and scenery in a way that makes you watch it in your mind's eye like a very pretty movie. Not to mention she came up with animals that are not Earth like :D (Flying bunny like creatures and greybeasts for example)
The book is fast paced. I wasn't bored even at the beginning!
Overall I can't wait till i read book two :)
I hope there also will be more politics in next book.
This book follows Ana, a regular teenager who works as waitress. One day she gets almost killed by a car and then all the craziness unfolds. She gets to meet Ms. K - a stranger who claims to be a friend of Ana's dead mother and who also claims that Ana is royalty on a planet, which is ruled by seven families.
At first Ana is vary of everything that happens but since someone clearly tries to kill her, she has no choice but to follow people who say they are here to help her and be on her side.
I loved this book! Ana isn't annoying at all. She's smart, she questions people when it's needed and she doesn't trust blindly.
She's also very good to people who are her friends.
I loved Rockwell boys too! Although i prefer Holden and was shipping Ana with him even though I suspect they are not an endgame. He's the best boi ❤️
All side characters are very well written and many of them very important to plot. My favorite is Shay who is a hacker. I admire her skill :D
The author also has beautiful writing. She can describe emotions and scenery in a way that makes you watch it in your mind's eye like a very pretty movie. Not to mention she came up with animals that are not Earth like :D (Flying bunny like creatures and greybeasts for example)
The book is fast paced. I wasn't bored even at the beginning!
Overall I can't wait till i read book two :)
I hope there also will be more politics in next book.
April 27, 2022
I was lucky enough to get this copy from E.V Everest and thebookscenetours! Thank you all so much!
This was a quick, easy read with a fast paced story line. Towards the middle it kind of slowed down a little but picked back up, and the villain?? Was not expecting that! The story was interesting and I loved the outer space vibes 😍🪐 Also can we PLEASE talk about (SPOILERS) Adam and Ana? I loved them so much together. Samuel was also incredibly wholesome to me.
Some complaints I had was that this was a good story but I felt like it appealed to an even younger audience (upper middle school/early high school).
I also felt that everything was.. convenient? (SPOILERS) Ana’s neighbor just HAPPENED to know her mom, know that someone was trying to kill Ana in her apartment with a gas leak, AND had a perfect escape plan? I’m aware this was all probably pre-planned but it still felt convenient.
Finally, Ana seems to take things really well. At first the understandably questioned things- “who’s trying to kill me, why, etc” but then quickly stops asking questions and basically accepts things. Everyone handles things differently I guess.
Excited to read the next book and see where everything goes. Especially with Ana! (At the end of the book if you know,you know).
I recommend this to science, fantasy, and outer space lovers.
This was a quick, easy read with a fast paced story line. Towards the middle it kind of slowed down a little but picked back up, and the villain?? Was not expecting that! The story was interesting and I loved the outer space vibes 😍🪐 Also can we PLEASE talk about (SPOILERS) Adam and Ana? I loved them so much together. Samuel was also incredibly wholesome to me.
Some complaints I had was that this was a good story but I felt like it appealed to an even younger audience (upper middle school/early high school).
I also felt that everything was.. convenient? (SPOILERS) Ana’s neighbor just HAPPENED to know her mom, know that someone was trying to kill Ana in her apartment with a gas leak, AND had a perfect escape plan? I’m aware this was all probably pre-planned but it still felt convenient.
Finally, Ana seems to take things really well. At first the understandably questioned things- “who’s trying to kill me, why, etc” but then quickly stops asking questions and basically accepts things. Everyone handles things differently I guess.
Excited to read the next book and see where everything goes. Especially with Ana! (At the end of the book if you know,you know).
I recommend this to science, fantasy, and outer space lovers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
2nd paragraph has spoilers!
This was okay as a ya fantasy/mystery book. I also finished it but it was not my favorite. A lot of details and character building is missing imo. Overall I liked the personality of Ana, she is strong minded and stubborn. The story starts fairly strong at dragging you in and has action pretty much right away. But the rest of it seriously lacked so much for me and dragged on.
Spoilers!
Ana is thrust into this world pretty much immediately and I know in the moment, it's crazy but she just goes with the flow here going to a new world and just accepts it and doesn't question anything? Okay. Also for someone trying to kill her, she makes so many careless mistakes. Her and Adam fight and all they had to say was Holden came to talk to Ana for him? Sounded like little kid shit. It was cool to see them travel to a moon for the challenge but then everything that happened inside was just enough for me to finish it without just dropping it. And that seemed like the whole entire story. She goes to a new world, is supposedly a heir and a future leader, does a challenge in a dome and tries to get killed. I feel like for the length, there should've been so much more.
This was okay as a ya fantasy/mystery book. I also finished it but it was not my favorite. A lot of details and character building is missing imo. Overall I liked the personality of Ana, she is strong minded and stubborn. The story starts fairly strong at dragging you in and has action pretty much right away. But the rest of it seriously lacked so much for me and dragged on.
Spoilers!
Ana is thrust into this world pretty much immediately and I know in the moment, it's crazy but she just goes with the flow here going to a new world and just accepts it and doesn't question anything? Okay. Also for someone trying to kill her, she makes so many careless mistakes. Her and Adam fight and all they had to say was Holden came to talk to Ana for him? Sounded like little kid shit. It was cool to see them travel to a moon for the challenge but then everything that happened inside was just enough for me to finish it without just dropping it. And that seemed like the whole entire story. She goes to a new world, is supposedly a heir and a future leader, does a challenge in a dome and tries to get killed. I feel like for the length, there should've been so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
Anna Hall (Halt) is a foster kid who has just turned 16 when she finds out that her whole life has been a lie. Her biggest concerns should be school, rent, and work. Instead, she finds herself on the run from unknown assassins, transported to a world she never knew existed, and thrown into a school where family ties can mean the difference between life and death. Her family was murdered one by one leaving six families to rule which means that she's also the last living heir to a fallen dynasty
Anna leaves everything and everyone she knew behind and must discover who she really is and who she can truly trust.
Anna’s story fascinated me from the beginning. I like her strong, independent character, but she's not whiny or too self-righteous, and I appreciate that she doesn't lose her temper when she encounters new things. I liked that the romantic scenes between Anna and Adam didn't overshadow everything else, but became part of the overarching plot.
The other characters are well-written and memorable, and I look forward to seeing what happens with Holden and Ophelia. There were parts that reminded me of other young adult novels I've read before, but I thought the author did a great job creating a unique world of her own for Seven Crowns. Great read, can't wait for the next book!
„We all must die someday. Without endings, there are no beginnings. We humans need bookends. Just because we don’t understand the plan doesn’t mean there isn’t one.“
Anna leaves everything and everyone she knew behind and must discover who she really is and who she can truly trust.
Anna’s story fascinated me from the beginning. I like her strong, independent character, but she's not whiny or too self-righteous, and I appreciate that she doesn't lose her temper when she encounters new things. I liked that the romantic scenes between Anna and Adam didn't overshadow everything else, but became part of the overarching plot.
The other characters are well-written and memorable, and I look forward to seeing what happens with Holden and Ophelia. There were parts that reminded me of other young adult novels I've read before, but I thought the author did a great job creating a unique world of her own for Seven Crowns. Great read, can't wait for the next book!
„We all must die someday. Without endings, there are no beginnings. We humans need bookends. Just because we don’t understand the plan doesn’t mean there isn’t one.“
December 13, 2021
"Seven Crowns" by Evelina Everest was such an amazing read. This book starts out with Ana working in a diner and then almost getting ran over after her shift is over then more events unravel for her to find out she is the sole heir to the seventh crown. As the book continues you find out more about what this entails and how she has to go about being the heir on another planet.
The book started out really fast paced which I enjoyed a lot. I love a book that can surprise me while I am reading it and this one definitely did.
I really loved the world building that happened in this book. All of the details from how people dressed on this world Ana lived on now to how they interacted was wonderfully done. I also enjoyed how the people acted similar to humans, but they had their own little quirks.
The story flowed very well and there was adventure the entire time throughout the book. This made it that more interesting. I also liked how, as the reader, we only knew what Ana knew so since she did not know who was after her, we did not know who was after her. This made me feel like I was in the story experiencing it myself.
I really loved everything about this book. I rate it a 5/5 stars and will definitely be looking for future books by this author. I highly recommend reading this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
The book started out really fast paced which I enjoyed a lot. I love a book that can surprise me while I am reading it and this one definitely did.
I really loved the world building that happened in this book. All of the details from how people dressed on this world Ana lived on now to how they interacted was wonderfully done. I also enjoyed how the people acted similar to humans, but they had their own little quirks.
The story flowed very well and there was adventure the entire time throughout the book. This made it that more interesting. I also liked how, as the reader, we only knew what Ana knew so since she did not know who was after her, we did not know who was after her. This made me feel like I was in the story experiencing it myself.
I really loved everything about this book. I rate it a 5/5 stars and will definitely be looking for future books by this author. I highly recommend reading this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
November 23, 2021
I can’t believe that I didn’t post this. I read this book last year and finally found the review this year.
4 out of 5
Seven Crowns was a good start to a new series that I’ve been excited about. I have to say that this book immediately started off with a bang, Ana’s story captivated me from the get-go, it was nice to get lost in a book that I wasn’t able to put down. A long lost princess who needs to go back to space to claim her throne, I was there for it. This story gave me Jupiter Ascending vibes, which I enjoyed and this book was somewhat comparable in some aspects.
The cast of characters that were in this book, I enjoyed them. While some of them felt like high school caricatures, they weren’t overly cliched. I was annoyed with a few characters such as Ana’s brothers, but others I completely adored, like Adam and Holden.
Overall, this was a fun book and I’m very much excited for the second book, I can’t wait. I was sent an ARC to review, but this does not affect my opinion or thoughts about what I have read.
4 out of 5
Seven Crowns was a good start to a new series that I’ve been excited about. I have to say that this book immediately started off with a bang, Ana’s story captivated me from the get-go, it was nice to get lost in a book that I wasn’t able to put down. A long lost princess who needs to go back to space to claim her throne, I was there for it. This story gave me Jupiter Ascending vibes, which I enjoyed and this book was somewhat comparable in some aspects.
The cast of characters that were in this book, I enjoyed them. While some of them felt like high school caricatures, they weren’t overly cliched. I was annoyed with a few characters such as Ana’s brothers, but others I completely adored, like Adam and Holden.
Overall, this was a fun book and I’m very much excited for the second book, I can’t wait. I was sent an ARC to review, but this does not affect my opinion or thoughts about what I have read.
May 21, 2022
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Seven crowns follows Ana (MFC) who just turns 16, that someone is trying to kill her and life has she knows it isn't the same anymore.
Book 1 sets up the world building, there's a lot of information given.
I enjoyed the world building, the story flowed and I thought it was a great introductory to the Seven Crowns Universe.
I liked the characters and you feel like you don't know who you can and can't trust.
I didn't see the bad guy coming and that caught me off guard, but I was left feeling like why, why was it them for what reason. And it wasn't explained why.
I also didn't understand why Ana didn't question more about why they wanted to kill her, she just kinda accepts it. (We do find out why people want her dead)
The ending (without spoilers) left me a little deflated but it had to be this way to allow for book 2.
Overall this story is good and if you love Hunger Games/Jupiter Ascending you will love this!
Seven crowns follows Ana (MFC) who just turns 16, that someone is trying to kill her and life has she knows it isn't the same anymore.
Book 1 sets up the world building, there's a lot of information given.
I enjoyed the world building, the story flowed and I thought it was a great introductory to the Seven Crowns Universe.
I liked the characters and you feel like you don't know who you can and can't trust.
I didn't see the bad guy coming and that caught me off guard, but I was left feeling like why, why was it them for what reason. And it wasn't explained why.
I also didn't understand why Ana didn't question more about why they wanted to kill her, she just kinda accepts it. (We do find out why people want her dead)
The ending (without spoilers) left me a little deflated but it had to be this way to allow for book 2.
Overall this story is good and if you love Hunger Games/Jupiter Ascending you will love this!
May 13, 2024
How do I explain this story? Hmm, well, Ana's mom is dead, and suddenly, people are trying to kill her. A homeless man saves her and takes her to a woman who kinda explains it.
They race against bullets to get Ana off the planet.
She ends up on a Bellaton, her mother's homeworld, where she is the last living Halt. Each of the families has a special skill set. Ana has some trouble adjusting. She makes friends with Ophelia Fleur and the Rockwell brothers Holden and Adam.
I guess we are supposed to want her with Adam. But I'm a weirdo, and her savior, the previous homeless Samuel, is who makes my heart pitter patter.
When Holden and Adam get in a fight, the whole story changes for me. I don't think I understood that there was another plot line running. When everything turned on its head, I felt dizzy from the sudden change in the plot. I didn't even know to figure out who was plotting against her.
Anyway, I have never read anything like this. It was pretty cool. I'd love to know if Ana becomes a Rockwell. Where is the story going from here? I literally have no clue.
They race against bullets to get Ana off the planet.
She ends up on a Bellaton, her mother's homeworld, where she is the last living Halt. Each of the families has a special skill set. Ana has some trouble adjusting. She makes friends with Ophelia Fleur and the Rockwell brothers Holden and Adam.
I guess we are supposed to want her with Adam. But I'm a weirdo, and her savior, the previous homeless Samuel, is who makes my heart pitter patter.
When Holden and Adam get in a fight, the whole story changes for me. I don't think I understood that there was another plot line running. When everything turned on its head, I felt dizzy from the sudden change in the plot. I didn't even know to figure out who was plotting against her.
Anyway, I have never read anything like this. It was pretty cool. I'd love to know if Ana becomes a Rockwell. Where is the story going from here? I literally have no clue.
July 29, 2020
Rating: 5
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for a honest review.
I truely enjoyed Seven Crows and it’s drew me in from the beginning. The protagonist Ana, hasn’t had the easiest life as she is in foster care after loosing her mother and her brothers are in college.
When strange occurrences happen, she is helped but a couple of strangers who say they knew her mom. With their help, she escapes from people trying to kill her onto a space ship and travels to a new planet that she is the lost heir to the throne for.
I really enjoyed the immersion of politics as she works out who to trust and the building relationship with Adam as well as friendship with Holden and Ophelia.
When truths come out and all seems broken between Adam and Ana, a murder attempt in a challenge reveals just how much they love each other as they save one another.
The ending made me wanting to jump into the next book and I look forward to re-reading this book and reading the next.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for a honest review.
I truely enjoyed Seven Crows and it’s drew me in from the beginning. The protagonist Ana, hasn’t had the easiest life as she is in foster care after loosing her mother and her brothers are in college.
When strange occurrences happen, she is helped but a couple of strangers who say they knew her mom. With their help, she escapes from people trying to kill her onto a space ship and travels to a new planet that she is the lost heir to the throne for.
I really enjoyed the immersion of politics as she works out who to trust and the building relationship with Adam as well as friendship with Holden and Ophelia.
When truths come out and all seems broken between Adam and Ana, a murder attempt in a challenge reveals just how much they love each other as they save one another.
The ending made me wanting to jump into the next book and I look forward to re-reading this book and reading the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2020
I was really excited to lay my hands on the whole of this book having previewed the first five chapters initially. Really pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed- this book is wonderful for worldbuilding and I really felt like I was being transported somewhere, which as an avid fantasy/sci-fi/YA reader is very important to me. It’s fast-pace, engaging characters and snappy dialogue make it an addictive read and one of the highlights was how Ana, the lead character was written far better than a lot of others in the genre. She’s smart, adaptable, has spunk and most of all uses her mind to navigate through the difficulties she faces- a new world she’s never known, a secret history about her family, a training academy full of other royal spawn and a Hunger-games-esque third act. I did find there were a few clichés/tropes that go hand in hand with YA, but ultimately these were ironed out and didn’t bother me really. I’m hanging out for the sequel!!
November 11, 2021
I had a hard time putting this book down. There is a definite Hunger Games and Cinder vibe. So if you like either of those, this book is a must read.
The story really captures your imagination right off as you're whisked away to an unknown world with foreign customs and unseen dangers. The author is very talented at keeping the plot fast paced and interesting while still building a detailed story world. There are so many different things going on in this book, but they're all blended together seamlessly.
The character development is superb. In many books, only the main characters are developed; however, in this book even somewhat supportive characters are fleshed out enough to elicit emotion from the reader. And I absolutely love the use of humor throughout the book, it really adds to the enjoyment of the story.
Overall the book is very well thought out and well written, you can really tell the author is writing with purpose. I am very eager to read the next book.
The story really captures your imagination right off as you're whisked away to an unknown world with foreign customs and unseen dangers. The author is very talented at keeping the plot fast paced and interesting while still building a detailed story world. There are so many different things going on in this book, but they're all blended together seamlessly.
The character development is superb. In many books, only the main characters are developed; however, in this book even somewhat supportive characters are fleshed out enough to elicit emotion from the reader. And I absolutely love the use of humor throughout the book, it really adds to the enjoyment of the story.
Overall the book is very well thought out and well written, you can really tell the author is writing with purpose. I am very eager to read the next book.
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