After read this book the last felt more like a stepping stone than ever before. I was happy that this book picked up considerably after the first couple of chapters and considerably from the previous book. There was a touch more romance in this novel than the last one but still the romance was overshadowed by the fantasy. This book, like each of it's predecessors, is different than the others. Having said that, Wilson definitely puts her protagonists through the wringer.If you've enjoyed the series thus far, you'll find this a satisfying conclusion. Similarly, Rain and Ellysetta are almost captured and/or killed so often some of the tension was lost (as you know they'll be saved). Rather than feeling overlong, it makes for a satisfying conclusion.While it seemed like she was willing to kill characters, too many named supporting characters are saved in the nick of time. Crown is more focused on battles and Wilson does a great job of narrating battlefields.In this book we learn more of the Elves and see some creepy creatures of evil that Vadim Maur has prepared for this war.There's a long denouement after the climax which clears up a lot of things. Wilson manages to squeeze in a few love scenes, but they're not as detailed as the ones in previous books. There is a brief recap of that book's conclusion, but you might want to skim it again before starting this book.With war imminent, there's less time for romance.

King Dorian and his wife are more at odds than ever and Rain, banished from the Fading Lands, is nearing bond madness.This book starts directly after the events of Queen of Song and Souls. ***Spoiler Warning*** This is book 5 in a 5 book series, therefore even the synopsis will have some spoilers if you haven't read the previous books.Pros: great wrap up for the series, satisfying battle scenes, down time between fight scenes allowed for continued character developmentCons: while Wilson was willing to kill off a few characters, there were too many last minute saves, which reduced overall tensionThe Eld have begun their attack on Celaria.

Crown of Crystal Flame by C.L. Wilson