Library Journal - Audio
06/10/2024
In her debut adult novel, YA author Legrand (Extasia) offers a fantasy world brimming with passion, magic, and secrets. Lady Gemma Ashbourne is the beautiful youngest daughter of a wealthy family that's been Anointed by the gods. Unlike the rest of her family, Gemma has no magic; in fact, her body reacts to magic like poison. Narrator Evelyn Rose sensitively describes Gemma, who is often overwhelmed by sadness and loneliness, resulting in panic and self-harm. Meanwhile, Talan d'Astier, a dashingly handsome man with secrets of his own, seeks to regain his family's honor after a demon ruined them. When Gemma meets Talan, they join forces to find the Man with the Three-Eyed Crown, who has pitted Gemma's family against another Anointed family for centuries. Rose ably brings out Gemma and Talan's evident chemistry as they become a lifeline for each other, despite the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. VERDICT Rose's skillful pacing and character portraits will draw listeners into Legrand's first installment in a planned trilogy. A suspenseful fantasy romance for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.—Amber Wessies
From the Publisher
"[A Crown of Ivy and Glass] is full of high stakes for her characters and detailed fantasy worldbuilding with interesting mythology for readers." — Library Journal
"Legrand is a polished painter of word pictures. Luscious descriptions bring the story alive, making it immersive and fun even when it’s uncomfortable or excruciating." — The Post and Courier
"Spellbinding... Luscious descriptions bring the story alive." — Associated Press
Library Journal
03/01/2023
DEBUT Lady Gemma Ashbourne presents herself as a perfect society darling representing her powerful and well-respected family, but she is the only Ashbourne with no magic. In fact, her body treats magic like poison, making her health a constant struggle in a world full of enchantment. After a disastrous visit to her sister, who is exiled to the Middlemist, where she protects their world from monsters, Gemma meets handsome and kind Talan d'Astier. His family was destroyed by a demon, and he offers to help Gemma with the demon that might be trying to destroy her own. In return, Gemma must help him restore his family in the eyes of the Queen and the rest of society. Holding up both ends of their bargain forces Gemma and Talan to masquerade as a couple, yet Gemma fears that the dangers within and around her might just destroy her. VERDICT Best-selling YA author Legrand's (Lightbringer) first novel for adults is full of high stakes for her characters and detailed fantasy worldbuilding with interesting mythology for readers. It will appeal to older teens and adults.—Morgan Lockard
June 2023 - AudioFile
This fantasy audiobook, narrated by Evelyn Rose, tells the story of Gemma Ashbourne, a young woman from a magical family who grapples with loneliness due to her lack of magical abilities. When she forms a pact with Talan d'Astier, a survivor of a cursed lineage, their attraction grows amid increasing danger. Then, Gemma discovers an untapped power within herself. Rose's impeccable pacing and adept use of tone and inflection breathe life into the characters, adding to their depth and individuality. Her narration enhances the story, amplifying the magic of Gemma's journey and the nuances of her emotions. F.S.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
