Space Opera Fans discussion
This topic is about
Crownchasers
BOTM READER
>
June 2021 READER Crownchasers by Coffindaffer
date
newest »
newest »
This was a really interesting book, it took me a bit to find a ebook copy as amazon seems to not have it for the Aus site. After buying it from apple, I spent a sleepless night unable to put down my iPad. While it had moments that made me almost put it down, they passed quickly and I was drawn in once more. The plot was interesting and not something I have read in this particular genre, it being a more popular storyline in fantasy. The whole, racing to seek an item which will gain them the throne is a common trope, but was very well done in this sense.
I picked this one up from my local library, finished a couple days ago. I didn’t really like it at first—the opening few chapters from Alyssa’s POV had a little too much snarky protagonist syndrome: when almost every paragraph has multiple quips and sarcastic asides, it makes me wonder if there’s anything of substance to the hero or story behind it. I found as the story unfolded that there was actually more to it. For one, Alyssa’s snark is definitely a coping mechanism and we see her grow to need it a little less throughout the story. I’m interested to see what the sequel has in store
I also had trouble finding the book, but it was a pretty quick read when I did. Honestly, unfortunately, I didn't really vibe with the book. There were many good things about the book, and many things I felt left me really underwhelmed. I loved how well LGBTQ+ were included. However, I really didn't love Alyssa Farshot. I found her character to be so irritating. Anyway, I left a pretty length review.
Mod
Wish you would link to your review.
Oh sure, how do I do that?
Thanks, Jane. It's always amazing to see the spread of opinions in reviews. The existing reviews were 4-5 stars. The first ten or so that I read felt like they were provided by people who didn't have that much to say about the story--but loved it.
Official description:
A deadly competition for the throne will determine more than just the fate of the empire in this duology opener.
Alyssa Farshot has spent her whole life trying to outrun her family legacy. Her mother sacrificed everything to bring peace to the quadrant, and her uncle has successfully ruled as emperor for decades. But the last thing Alyssa wants is to follow in their footsteps as the next in line for the throne. Why would she choose to be trapped in a palace when she could be having wild adventures exploring a thousand-and-one planets in her own ship?
But when Alyssa’s uncle becomes gravely ill, his dying wish surprises the entire galaxy. Instead of naming her as his successor, he calls for a crownchase, the first in seven centuries. Representatives from each of the empire’s prime families—including Alyssa—are thrown into a race to find the royal seal, which has been hidden somewhere in the empire. The first to find the seal wins the throne.
Alyssa’s experience as an explorer makes her the favorite to win the crown she never wanted. And though she doesn’t want to be empress, her duty to her uncle compels her to participate in this one last epic adventure. But when the chase turns deadly, it’s clear that more than just the fate of the empire is at stake. Alyssa is on her most important quest yet—and only time will tell if she’ll survive it.