The Woe of Shadows

Heavy Lies the Crown: Prequel

By: D. Fischer

Narrated by: Zura Johnson

For the sake of her kingdom, one young mother will risk everything.

As queen of the Shadow Kingdom, Amala Ashcroft spent her days providing for her people whose skin shone as brilliant as a thousand stars.

She was loved.

Exalted.

Treasured.

Until a god descended upon their land.

The god warned of a cloud of darkness approaching that would enslave her people and crush her reign. To save all she holds dear, Amala must strike deals with dangerous enemies and swear blood oaths to powerful allies.

But protection doesn’t come without sacrifice.

Forced to keep grim secrets, her carefully laid plans begin to unravel in the face of the ultimate betrayal. Can Amala prevent the merciless evil from taking hold? Or, will generations to come battle the same malicious war?

Heavy Lies the Crown is a stunning young adult fantasy tale perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, The Red Queen, and The Cruel Prince.

©2020 D. Fischer (P)2020 D. Fischer

Beautiful!

This is so brilliantly done, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. The writing is incredible, and Zura Johnson's narration is amazing. What a great pair, of author and narrator. I can't wait to know what comes next!

Great prequel!

I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was well developed, the characters were complex and well developed and the story world was detailed. The narrator did an excellent job of drawing me in and I felt immersed in the story! I always enjoy books by this author and would highly recommend it!

I listened beginning to end! It was so good!!

I loved this one! Can’t wait to hear more about this story. I didn’t want it to end.

Amazing prequel! Beautiful narration!

Author D. Fisher has definitely hooked me into this story pretty much instantly. Even though it’s a prequel you see the characters shaping together to build the story. Narrator Zura Johnson has an incredible ability to pull you into the characters and at the same time has a pleasing tone as she tells the story. I honestly couldn’t stop listening! On to the next!

Engaging story

I think I'm going to love this series. For a first book in the series it was good. I feel maybe everything was just a little too descriptive. Too many adjectives. It tended to drag it out quite a bit with the actual story a tiny bit lacking, but not to the point it made it unenjoyable. The narration really kept me engaged. Zura does such an amazing job with different character voices, it was hard to believe it was the same person narrating throughout. I will definitely be looking for more books she has narrated.

Excellent Prequel

I’m usually not a huge fan of prequels but this one grabbed my attention and kept it until the last second. It was So. Good. Zura’s narration was spot on and I cannot wait to listen to the rest of the series!

Dreamlike Fantasy punctuated with harsh realities

An independent spin-off series from Fisher's Rise of the Realms series, this book has more of a traditional epic fantasy leaning into faerie tale type feel - but the kind of faerie from ancient legend with all the darkness and warning that implies. If it is true that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger - this is going to be one strong heroine!

This is a fascinating world. The way the magic and shadows interact and the ramifications of choices characters have made and make in this book to the future of their country make for all sorts of interesting possibilities. This is a world where strength and triumph go hand in hand with pain and sacrifice. Lots of poignant scenes. This promises to be a amazing series.

This story is in large part the story of a mother's love for her child - and what she will do to protect that child, I liked the way the mythology and magic wrapped into the story. Very cool concepts. A kingdom at the edge of the war, who avoided it thus far - but can't remain hidden and protected forever. Can't wait to see how all of this is further explored in the series.

Amazing

As Queen, Amala spends her days taking care of her people. Until things changed. The narrator makes you feel as if you are a part of the story.

overall story was well written

spoiler free review: Wow this world was so vivid. I could picture everything being described! The author's writing skill is amazing! The characters are well developed. their world is well developed and reach with history. I didnt know if I was at work or in a new world. I am beyond impressed with this story and this author.