Title: Capture the Crown
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Published: July 6, 2021 by Harper Voyager
Series: Gargoyle Queen #1
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Young Adult
Page Count: 448 pages
Format: Kindle / Audiobook
Goodreads: 3.95 (out of 5)
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Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari. But her carefully crafted persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind magier - and a spy.
Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta - her mortal enemy. Gemma tries to steer clear of the handsome prince, but when she finds herself behind enemy lines, she reluctantly joins forces with Leo. Also coming to Gemma’s aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle.
Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparks between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leo’s murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre.
The closer Gemma gets to the stolen tearstone, the more deadly plots she uncovers. Everyone is trying to capture the crown, but only one queen can sit on the throne...
TROPE GUIDE: Fantastical Creatures | Secret Identity | Kingdoms | Morally Gray Characters
My Review
This review of Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep may contain spoilers.
I first read Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy series about ten years ago and loved it. I even gave it a second go three years later. Quick aside: As someone who constantly rereads, I’m curious whether it would still hit the same now that I’m older (and maybe a little wiser).
I also gave her Elemental Assassin series a try but stopped after the fourth book because reviews of the later installments made me hesitant to continue. Still, this complete series is off to a promising start, so fingers crossed it doesn’t fizzle out and instead gets even better.
Oh, and I just remembered that I also read her Crown of Shards series and gave each book four stars. The funny thing is, I can’t recall a single thing about them. Sorry, I’m that kind of reader, which is exactly why I constantly reread.
Is Gemma Ripley a Badass Heroine?
Gemma Ripley is a badass. The world sees her as a pampered princess, but in reality, she’s a spy (albeit one with some questionable spy skills, if you ask me) and a fiercely powerful mind magier. She’s determined to protect her kingdom, even if it means putting her life on the line.
I get that Gemma’s haunted by emotional scars and gripped by fear of her incredible power, but at times, her self-pity started to annoy me. Still, by the end of Capture the Crown, she’s endured not just political intrigue but raw physical and emotional pain. And now, I can’t wait to see what she’ll become when she finally unleashes the full force of her magic in the next installment.
Is Prince Leonidas Book Boyfriend Material?
Prince Leonidas Morricone has the brooding prince checklist down: dark past, royal drama, and enough emotional baggage to fill a palace wing. On paper, he’s book boyfriend material. But for me? Something’s missing.
Leo doesn’t feel quite broody enough. His vibe definitely leans more YA than alpha, even though he’s older than Gemma by a year or two. I wanted more bite, more dominance, and more commanding presence.
That said, if you’re into conflicted princes, he’s worth the page time. Just don’t expect him to set your bookshelf on fire.
How Is the Romance in This Book?
I liked the shared history and the enemies-to-lovers setup between Gemma and Leo. It sets the stage for a compelling romance. But to be honest, I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. There wasn’t enough tension or spark to make their relationship feel truly magnetic.
That said, the foundation is there, and I can definitely see the potential. Though it’s YA, here’s hoping things heat up in the next installment.
Overall Enjoyment of Capture the Crown
I quite enjoyed Capture the Crown, enough that I’m genuinely excited to dive into the next book. The ending wrapped things up nicely without feeling rushed, and I’m curious to see how Queen Maeven’s long game plays out.
Reiko was another standout. I loved her character, and I’m eager to see more of her power. I’m also hoping she gets her own love story.
Is Gemma your next favorite heroine? Is Leo worth the swoon?
Let me know in the comments or on Goodreads.
If you haven’t read Capture the Crown yet, don’t forget to add it to your TBR!
