The Stolen Crown by L.J. Andrews
The Ever Seas #4
Fantasy Romance
October 6, 2026 by Ace
ARC

Review by Angela

I actually discovered this author when I happened upon her backlist on Kindle Unlimited. I read the Ever King first and then realized there was a whole nine book series, The Broken Kingdoms, about the parents of the main characters and set-up both the worldbuilding and conflict. So, I dove into to that series, inhaled all nine books and began the wait for the second book, The Ever Queen. I fell in love with these characters and the complicated worldbuilding flush with magic and fantastical creatures. It was after reading The Mist Thief, book three, that I saw on Facebook that LJ Andrews had been offered a contract through Berkley/Ace and who would reissue the first three books in the series and the fourth, The Stolen Crown, would be published through them exclusively. Which means a push back of release date. But honestly? I was happy, because then more people would discover the wonderful world this author created.

When I tell you I have been excited for Mira and Tait’s story. Two people from opposite sides of the world, he from the Ever Seas and her from the earth realm. Their magics are different, they started out on opposing sides of a deadly conflict, and the only thing that brought them together is his loyalty to his cousin Erik, the Ever King, and her sisterly friendship with Livia, the Ever Queen. They don’t seem to like each other much, but the tension between them in the first three books is *chef’s kiss*. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for this couple.

Their book starts off in her kingdom, where he is tasked with protecting her and guiding her back to the Ever when she leaves to visit Livia. They snipe at each other, constantly getting under each other’s skin, denying their OBVIOUS feelings. The ship back to the Ever isn’t big enough for the both of them on even a short journey, but they’ll make it work. Until a storm hits, and they aren’t in the Ever anymore, ultimately getting stuck on a mysterious island. ALONE. You like the only one bed trope? How about only one cave? Add in forced proximity and opposites attract and you have a winner.

This story dives even deeper into the worldbuilding and introduces new foes and a new race of magic users, which makes me happy. One of the things I love best about this world is how broad and deep the magic system delves. I absolutely love it. Earth magic, illusion magic, magic that controls the seas, good old alchemy, the ability to see fates, I could go on and on… and now add in blood magic. I know it sounds like a lot, but I promise you it’s good stuff.

I knew this couple would be fabulous and they were. I really enjoyed getting more of Tait’s backstory with his evil father, and what led him to be so standoffish with people. He starts out a mystery, but as he and Mira begin to really get to know each other and grow closer it all comes out. It’s pretty horrific. Mira is also misunderstood, the child of war enders, with prolific battle and magic skills, she feels like she lives under expectations that she cannot meet and she is especially upset about how Tait sees her. I enjoyed them as much as I thought I would. Of course there is a HEA, but it’s hard won and lovely.

If you are already a fan of this author and both The Broken Kingdoms and The Ever Seas series’, you’ll be pleased to know many of the previous characters make appearances. I think we’ve met the love interest for Sander, who I’m hoping is featured in the next installment. I enjoyed The Stolen Crown immensely, but I must say I don’t think it should be read as a standalone. In fact, you should really read both series to get the full effect of the world and character building. Just dive in and enjoy yourself. I highly recommend for fans of fantasy romance.

Final grade- B+

Content notes- blood, gore, death, torture, mentions of past child physical and sexual abuse (off page)