Thrilling

To Charm a Dark Prince Iron Crystal

Kathryn Ann Kingsley — 2023

To save a kingdom, she must charm a monster. Transported to the magical realm of Avalon, Gwen finds herself in the hands of its dark and beautiful ruler—Mordred, the Prince in Iron. The prince holds total power in Avalon, trapping his rivals in an enchanted crystal prison. But he shows a strange gentleness to Gwen. Seeing no other way to escape, Gwen strikes a deal with Mordred’s enemy. If she can break the crystal, she will be free to go home. Gwen joins Mordred’s court with a plan to steal his heart and destroy his prize. Desire sparks between them at once. But Mordred is a dangerous host. As they draw closer, his passion and anger burn brighter. Gwen would be foolish to trust him. And even more foolish to betray his trust…

Reviews

Julie Failde@jmfailde

Jan 9, 2024

I give this book a 3.5. It was a lot of fun, and I did really enjoy the characters. At first, I found Gwen just a tad too . . . personable? Relatable? I don't know how to describe it but she just felt like she was written to be the quirky everygirl that all readers could relate to, which I guess is the point but I didn't love. But as the story went on, her voice became more endearing and I did end up really liking her. (view spoiler)[But if I were in her shoes, I would have dropped everything and said screw Avalon, gimme Mordred. (hide spoiler)] I've read a few other books from this author and her descriptions of spice scenes have been some of my favorites, but this one lacked in that department a little bit. That being said, I am really excited to see where this story goes and will definitely be reading the next one. I'm hoping for the best for our dear Mordred and Gwen!

Nicola Sarah Brooks@nikkisbooknook

Aug 19, 2023

This is my 2nd Arthurian legends retelling this month - I'm immersing myself in Romantasy apparently!

Gwen didn't think that feeding a stray cat in her family's barn would lead to her being sucked into a portal and deposited in Avalon. Avalon is not the great, colourful and inclusive city that Gwen read about. It's dreary, dark and foreboding realm. The Knights are part jailer/part prisoner and Mordred? Well, he's a very confusing, morally grey MMC. But Gwen herself is also dealing with new powers that have been foisted onto her.

Mordred is trying to contain the magic from Avalon in order to keep the chaos at bay. But to do so he's pretty much a tyrant. He soon realises that Gwen is not being exactly forthcoming with the truth of how she arrived on Avalon.

Mistrust is mingling with the attraction between these two very different beings.

Overall I did enjoy the book. I did struggle to vibe with Gwen. Whether that's because how sheltered and naïve she was or because she was so young - only 19, I'm not sure. I'm hoping that in further books her character blooms a bit and she grows a bit more back bone.

Mordred was great as the morally grey hero. Trying to do the right thing in the wrong way. You're never quite sure just which way he's going to lean - benevolent overlord or unfeeling tyrant. The supporting characters felt a wee bit underused but I must admit that Maewenn is one of my faves!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley & the Publisher in return for an honest review.

Totally Addicted to Reading@ttlyadd2reading

Aug 20, 2023