AUSTRALIAN BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles #3) by Amanda Hocking

Crystal Kingdom (Kanin #3)Released: 1 August 2015
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Publisher: PanMacmillan Australia
Purchase: Amazon l Angus & Robertson l Booktopia l Bookworld l Fishpond

With help from the Trylle clan, Bryn tries to clear her name and discover who was really responsible for the Kanin King's murder.

Then, while she's still trying to make sense of it all, Ridley tracks her down while she's on the run for a crime she didn't commit. He refuses to abandon her, so she finally decides that she wants to be with him and that they do belong together. Together, they return to the Kanin capital and rally other trackers and the King's Guard to defend their kingdom from the villain within. But in the process, Bryn learns a startling truth about her former enemy. Brynn's loyalty is still to her kingdom, but will she be rewarded with a place in the royal guard -- and who will ultimately win her heart?

My Thoughts:

I'd always known that war wouldn't be so black and white, but I'd come to realize that there was a darker shade of grey, where right and wrong came second to simply surviving.

Let me start of by saying that when I first started The Kanin trilogy I was a bit concerned that because I hadn't read The Trylle trilogy I would be a little confused. But for those in the same boat as me, don't fear. I never at any point felt any confusion, so you can go ahead and jump right in. You'll be swept away and captivated by the story just as I was.

I read the three books in this series over a one week period. Sometimes when I binge read a series I end up needing a break and praying for the end. But there were certain events in the previous two books that I was desperate to see played out, so I was eager at every point.

My initial reaction after reading Frostfire was that I didn't like Bryn very much. I found her to be a bit immature and self centred. But boy oh boy, didn't that change over the course of the next two books. By the end of Crystal Kingdom she was such a strong character. Concerned for her friends, family and loved ones, to the point that she puts herself in danger to protect them. Her love for her kingdom was such a wonderful thing to see. 

He had this wonderful, dizzying way of making the whole world disappear for a few minutes, so it was only me and him, and all the rest of my fears and worries fell away. 

I loved Ridley right from the start. He's strong, determined, loyal, protective. He possessed all the qualities that you want your leading man to have. My only complaint is that we didn't get to spend a great deal of time with him. But in saying that, those moments that we did get were pretty darn perfect! I loved seeing his relationship with Bryn bloom and blossom, and he bought out some amazing qualities in Bryn and showed her that you can do a job you love as well as have strong, loving relationships. 

Konstantin was a character that had me intrigued throughout the whole trilogy. Even when he was committing acts that had me questioning if he was good or bad, there was just something about him that I liked. And he did have me guessing right until the very end. And what an ending it was! Complete with tears and all!

I can't not make mention of the supporting characters. There was such a wonderful cast and they really had a chance to shine in Crystal Kingdom. Bryn is surrounded by such a fantastic network of strong kick ass friends. Each played an integral role in the story, and I grew to love each and every one of them.

Crystal Kingdom saw Bryn traverse a whole array of kingdoms. And I loved it. Seeing the differences between how all the kingdoms lived was so wonderful. Amanda Hocking's beautifully vibrant storytelling had me perfectly able to picture all the situations that Bryn found herself in.

After finishing the Kanin trilogy, I'm positive that I'll now being going to check out Amanda Hocking's other work. Friends had raved to me about her writing, and now I'm able to agree!

"There is no such thing as a good war, Bryn." Konstantin said. "Good people will die. Innocent lives will be destroyed."

4/5 Awesome Stars!

About the Author:

Amanda Hocking lives in Minnesota and had never sold a single book before 15 April 2010. She will shortly sell her millionth. Her books have been a self-publishing phenomenon - according to the Observer, Amanda is the most spectacular example of an author striking gold through ebooks. In her own words, Amanda is an Obsessive Tweeter. John Hughes mourner. Unicorn enthusiast. Red Bull addict. Muppets activist. Fraggin Aardvarks guitarist. Author of the USA Today bestselling books the Trylle Trilogy.

Find Amanda:

Website l Twitter l Series Website l Facebook l Instagram

Blog Tour – Crystal Kingdom

      Saturday, August 1 - Diva Booknerd - Review and Q&A

   Sunday, August 2 - Book Nerd Reviews - Review and Giveaway

  Monday, August 3 - Butterfly Elephant – Review

Tuesday, August 4 - Confessions from Romaholics – Review

 Wednesday, August 5 - SassyBookLovers - Review, Q&A & Giveaway

Thursday, August 6 – Fictional Thoughts - Review and Q&A

 Friday, August 7- Behind the Pages - Review

 Saturday, August 8 - Words Read and Written - Q&A

 Monday, August 10 - Aussie Bookworm - Review and Q&A

Tuesday, August 11 – Gobblefunked – Review and Q&A

Thursday, August 13 - The Rest Is Still Unwritten – Review

Friday, August 14 - The Rest Is Still Unwritten - Q&A

 Saturday, August 15 – Fangirl World – Review

 Sunday, August 16 - The Cosy Dragon – Q&A

Tuesday, August 18 - Mystical World of Books - Review and Q&A

Thursday, August 20 - Novels on the Run – Review

 Saturday, August 22 - #LoveBooks - Review and Q&A

 Sunday, August 23 - The Cosy Dragon - Review

 Monday, August 24 - Behind the Pages - Q&A

Wednesday, August 26 - YA Book Addict - Review

 Thursday, August 27 - Read Between the Lines - Review

Saturday, August 29 - Book Nerdigans - Review and Q&A

Monday, August 31 - Oops I Read a Book Again - Review and Q&A