This Cursed Crown - (These Feathered Flames) by Alexandra Overy (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Awakening to find herself trapped in a strange tower, Izaveta knows she must find her way back to the Tâourensi palace and claim the throne. But even with an unexpected ally's help, she worries she might not be able to get news of her survival to her sister and escape this frozen land. Back at home, Asya enlists Nikov's help to prove Izaveta is still alive, even as she finds herself forced to navigate the political world she always sought to avoid to save her queendom, her loved ones, and herself. But as the sisters work independently to reunite, a dangerous force lies in wait, trying to regain power in order to overthrow the monarchy..."--

Book Synopsis

In the explosive sequel to These Feathered Flames, twin sisters Izaveta and Asya find themselves separated once again, but discovering a way back to each other may be their most perilous challenge yet.

Awakening to find herself trapped in a strange tower, Izaveta knows she must find her way back to the Tóurensi palace and claim the throne. But even with an unexpected ally's help, she worries she might not be able to get news of her survival to her sister and escape this frozen land.

Back at home, Asya enlists Nikov's help to prove Izaveta is still alive, even as she finds herself forced to navigate the political world she always sought to avoid to save her queendom, her loved ones, and herself.

But as the sisters work independently to reunite, a dangerous force lies in wait, trying to regain power in order to overthrow the monarchy...

Praise for These Feathered Flames:

"With themes of destiny, sisterhood, and sacrifice, plus a blossoming queer romance that left me yearning for Book Two, this retelling of a classic Russian fairy tale was a thrill from start to finish."--Nina Varela, author of the Crier's War duology

"These Feathered Flames has all the elements I love in young adult fantasy: lyrical prose, a unique spin on folklore, and the complicated relationship between sisters."--Mara Rutherford, author of the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology

Books in the These Feathered Flames duology:
These Feathered Flames
This Cursed Crown

Review Quotes

Praise for This Cursed Crown

"Part heist, part meditation on sacrifice, love, and ambition: a riveting coming-of-age tale." --Kirkus Reviews

Praise for These Feathered Flames

"These Feathered Flames is a stunning debut as dark, lush, and captivating as the best fairy tales. Overy's writing is both lyrical and grounded, and I was just as taken by the court politics as I was by the complex, layered relationship between sisters Asya and Izaveta--one gentle and one ruthless, both destined to protect their kingdom. With themes of destiny, sisterhood, and sacrifice, plus a blossoming queer romance that left me yearning for Book Two, this retelling of a classic Russian fairy tale was a thrill from start to finish." --Nina Varela, author of the Crier's War duology

"As brilliant as a firebird, These Feathered Flames has all the elements I love in young adult fantasy: lyrical prose, a unique spin on folklore, and the complicated relationship between sisters. From the first page to the last, Overy's debut will have readers burning to know what happens next." --Mara Rutherford, author of the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology

"These Feathered Flames is a beautiful story of sisterhood, court intrigue, and ancient magic that simultaneously draws on established folklore and breathes new life into it. With luscious worldbuilding and two skillfully crafted heroines that will ensnare your heart, this book is a fantastic start to a new series!" --Kalyn Josephson, author of The Storm Crow duology

"An engrossing fantasy tale about sisterhood and what it means to be able to fully trust another person." --School Library Journal

"This compelling series opener is narrated by both sisters as they struggle to overcome fear and distrust to be true allies. Though the sisters' relationship is paramount, their relationships with others, including Asya's burgeoning romance with a female guard, prove crucial. This will appeal to those who enjoy character-driven stories of magic and courtly intrigue." --Booklist

"Asya's exhilarating, tightly plotted fights and Izaveta's clever political machinations play out against Slavic-inspired historical and cultural elements to create a thoroughly compelling tale of strength and sisterhood." --Kirkus Reviews