The Crown – Unexpected Winner of her Heart

And now, I have reached the conclusion to this series that in my mind, is very underrated. I was eager to find out immediately after finishing the last book who Eadlyn was going to choose.

Eadlyn has now narrowed down her options to Gunner, Hale, Ean, Fox, Kile and Henri. I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, but I felt it would be a little too cliche if she ended up with Kile. But I always thought that Henri was really sweet, even if he was still learning English, but then again, I have a soft spot for Finns.

Eadlyn serves as regend while her mother, America, recovers from a heart attack and the former finds it difficult to make time for the remaining six Elite. Although she doesn’t know yet where her heart lies, she finds herself attached to these men in a special way, like even the ones she can’t bring herself to love and vice versa, she still remains on good terms with them, like Gunner who was gone in a flash before I got halfway through this book.

To be honest, this book is the shortest of the series so there is not as much ground to cover as I thought but I was surprised that when America was starting to feel better, Maxon tells his daughter he worries about them going back to work so soon and what his wife just went through, proves that they should make the most of their time together. Eadlyn suggests that her parents could renounce and let her ascend as queen early which they eventually agree to.

There’s still a few other surprises such as Hale, who has been a good friend to Eadlyn, comes out to her that he and Ean are in love and even though that’s treason, Eadlyn accepts and lets both men depart on their own terms. It makes me wonder if Ean was gay all along if he previously offered Eadlyn a marriage to satisfy the public but it wouldn’t have any passion between them. Somehow I already knew Fox would be out as well.

Another thing that I found challenging to see Eadlyn go through as queen was when she attempting to meet with different people from different pasts to understand the life they were going through. One couple, whom I’m guessing used to be Twos were being too picky of who they wanted in their neighborhood and one girl was extremely passionate about creating a democracy. But I’ve recently always believed that we need to reach a middle ground when it comes to politics where there is democracy where everyone is equal but also other needs addressed that the people may not be able to solve on their own like the economy for instance. So yeah, I’m in the Neutral Zone.

Anyway, one thing I noticed, and it took some time, is that there was something between her and Erik a.k.a Eikko who’s not even in the competition, he’s just there to translate for Henri, and yet he and Eadlyn become very close until before she knows, it she’s in love with him. I wish I knew sooner that it was coming, because throughout this book and the last I kept changing which man I was going to root for and nearly overlooked the one that actually did win her heart.

I’m actually glad she didn’t choose Kile because although she claimed she would be happy with him, it’s just like she sees him with his passion and believes he deserves better. Also remember when I said I thought Henri was really sweet? It seems that he’s sweet enough to recognize how Eadlyn really feels that he won’t force her to be with him in the end and gives his blessing in the best way he can. So what happens going forward? Well nobody knows but Eadlyn does make some significant changes to the country that addresses what the people want most.

It all feels a bit rushed because she had to stop Marid from stealing the crown which appeared to be his plan all along but it was still a satisfactory conclusion to this series. It was also interesting for Maxon to reveal more to her about his past and encourage her to break the rules like he and his father did. Now I realize even more of what a douche King Clarkson was that hell he even took a mistress! How would Amberly feel if she found out? I’d love to know.

Well, that’s it, so what book series are next? I should definitely finish Princess Diaries and start Bridgerton, basically pick up whatever I feel like reading next!

👽Emily