Book Review: Crown Me Dead & Crown Me Yours (Duology)

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This is the second series I have read by Liv Zander, and I have to say, I absolutely adore this author’s voice. There were moments reading this very dark, and at some points grotesque romance duology where I had to stop and re-read a few lines here, a paragraph there, because the prose was so beautifully written and evocative even though it was describing a world and a people consumed by a spreading rot that can only be stopped if the curse can be broken. And to break that curse? One must outwit Death himself.

The FMC is a gravedigger in this desolate world. When a representative of the King tells her she is the key to curing the rot that has plagued so many, including members of her own family, she agrees to his conditions. Get the King to fall for her and then sacrifice herself to the curse to save the kingdom and, more specifically, her little brother.

Now, I’m not going to lie. I have seen varying opinions on this duology, and for valid reasons, some can’t get through it. The author does such an incredible job painting the picture and drawing the reader into this dying world that some of the descriptions are so well written they will give you a visceral reaction.

BUT! The spice is good, the characters are interesting, and the concept of sacrificing for those you love is worth it. Just to read writing that is so well done by an author who clearly has a masterful grip on their craft…I think it would be a mistake not to read this series.