In the heart of the desert kingdom of Zahran, where the sands whisper secrets and the sun scorches the earth, a young queen rises to face the shadows of her past and the flames of an uncertain future. The Weight of the Crown is the first chapter in an epic tale of power, betrayal, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Amara, the newly crowned Queen of Zahran, carries the weight of her father’s legacy and the burden of a kingdom on the brink of war. With the Solaran Empire closing in and the mysterious Order of the Eternal Flames at her side, Amara must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue, ancient magic, and personal sacrifice. But as the flames of war grow hotter, so too do the secrets that threaten to consume her. Kaser, her loyal knight and adopted brother, stands by her side, his own dark past and demonic heritage a constant reminder of the price of power. Together, they must confront the demons within and without, as they fight to protect their people and uncover the truth behind the emperor’s cruelty. From the blood-soaked battlefields to the shadowed halls of the palace, its a gripping tale of resilience, loyalty, and the cost of leadership. As Amara and Kaser face their greatest challenges yet, they must decide how far they are willing to go to save their kingdom—and each other. is the first installment in a sweeping new series that explores the price of power, the strength of family, and the fire that burns within us all.

Requirements & Requests

Did the story keep you engaged? Any slow or confusing parts? Did both main characters feel equally important? Were their motivations clear and believable? Did relationships feel natural? Was the world immersive and easy to understand? Did the pacing feel right? Any predictable or unresolved plot points? Did the battles and politics make sense?

Comparable Stories:

If you enjoy epic fantasy with intricate political intrigue, morally grey characters, and slow-burn romance, Shadows and Vows is comparable to The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski and The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang, blending strategic warfare with deeply personal stakes. Like The Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat, it explores power struggles and shifting loyalties between rulers and warriors, while the war-driven tension and dark themes echo The Broken Empire by Mark Lawrence. Fans of Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon will appreciate the worldbuilding and complex female leadership, while the presence of magic, assassinations, and empire-wide conflicts aligns with The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu.

Trigger Warnings:

This book contains depictions of violence, bloodshed, and graphic warfare, as well as themes of death, loss, and trauma. Readers should be aware of potential triggers related to family abuse, mental health issues, and emotional distress, particularly in relation to characters like Valerius and his strained relationship with his father. There are also elements of dark magic, demonology, and references to past abuse, including themes of slavery and mistreatment. Some scenes may contain elements of torture, guilt, grief, and non-consensual situations, which may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with caution if you are sensitive to any of these topics.