Gemma Armina Merilde Ripley of Andavari loves being the pampered princess most people assume she is, but beyond her love for the gowns, the jewels, and the balls that come with being a princess is Gemma’s love of being a spy. In her latest investigation, the powerful mind magier has discovered a smuggling ring while undercover as a tearstone miner. When Gemma finds herself in trouble, her surprising rescuer turns out to be Leonidas Morricone, Prince of Morta, and her mortal enemy.

Trying to determine who she can trust while behind enemy lines is hard enough but Gemma is also struggling with a trauma from her past which is causing her to suppress her magic. Then there’s the little matter of her feelings for Leo. Though his brother may want him dead, Leo is still the son of the murderous Queen Maeven, and he might be playing Gemma in order to make sure his mother is the only queen left sitting on the throne.

I hated when the Crown of Shards trilogy ended because Jennifer Estep did such an amazing job of creating this fantasy world I became completely immersed in and didn’t want to see end. Luckily, Estep has returned to that world with a new series that begins with CAPTURE THE CROWN. Estep’s ability to weave so many elements into her books is what makes her such a great storyteller. Murder, vengeance, romance, action, mystery, betrayal and more are all threaded through, submerging readers into a deadly fantasy world full of magic. Grimley, Gemma’s gargoyle, is the ultimate scene-stealer. I couldn’t get enough of the stubby-legged gargoyle. Given their backgrounds, the romance between Gemma and Leo is an impossible battle but that just makes the anticipation of what’s to come so much sweeter. Though not completely without fault (I could do without the constant reminders of the country colours), CAPTURE THE CROWN will weave its magic over readers, thrusting them into an intriguing fantasy world they won’t want to leave.