First half: 2.5 stars 
 Second half: 4.5 stars 
 I almost gave up on this one - and I'm so glad that I kept plugging on. Though it started out with a lot of lingering descriptions of gorgeous scenery/settings (not a bad thing), and of the three main (young and astonishingly attractive) main characters (*shrug*), "The Crown's Game" really picked up as soon as the actual Crown's Game (a magician's duel to the death) began. The descriptions of Russian and magic are absolutely beautiful, and they really make you feel like you're there. And the ending - loved it. 
 Characters: Rather bland, but lovable enough to keep reading. No standouts. 
 Plot: Straightforward, with a good twist at the end. 
 Setting: ALL THE POINTS FOR RUSSIAN FANTASY. 
 Writing: Pretty solid. I would read more of Skye's writing. 
 In short: I thought it was going to be every other YA fantasy romance, but it was a lot more fun - with a fascinating setting, lovely descriptions of magic, and an interesting premise. 
 3.75 stars.