Re-read completed 4/26/17: I wanted to re-read before starting THE CROWN'S FATE because let's be honest... I've had hard time with some very anticipated sequels lately and I really wanted this book to be fresh in my mind before I picked it and I'm SO glad that I did! Apparently I had forgotten quite a bit (like big plot points too... oops) so I'm so happy that I decided to re-read. This was really all thanks to the audiobook which is narrated by Steve West so, thanks, Steve, for being an awesome narrator because that's the sole reason I picked up the audiobook that led to my re-read! 
 My re-read experience was pretty much the same as my first read, actually. Things started out a little bit slowly, even though I knew all of the characters/setting/plot and really took off about midway. I think the book just takes its time to set things up and get everything going and I was surprised to find that it still felt a little slow the second time around so if you're reading it for the first time, that's probably something to expect. It's also possible that it felt a little slow because I knew how the book concluded and how much I loved the ending so I was excited for all of those developments. 
 The magic in this book is still gorgeous. I love the enchantments that the two Enchanters perform and some of the beautiful imagery included. The character development is excellent and gets even better throughout the book. The whole thing is beautiful, moving and also heartbreaking and bittersweet. I knew how the book ended but forgot how it got there so I actually second-guessed myself for a good minute while things were developing! 
 There are so many things that happen in the end that I just can't wait to start THE CROWN'S FATE! As soon as I finish my current read, I'm going to dive in. 
 For fans of: The Night Circus, Shadow and Bone, A Darker Shade of Magic, The Winner's Curse 
 Initial Impressions 2/23/16: 4.5 stars 
 This is a series, right? Right? Because I need MORE! Please don't take that away from me. That ending! My feels! It all culminated so nicely. 
 I definitely enjoying this book from start to finish but the ending really started to amp things up for me! It really picked up in action around the 75% mark and things started to get SUPER exciting! There were a few things that I really should have seen coming if I had been looking for clues/signs but I wasn't so they were awesome surprises for me! 
 The character relationships were just wonderful. There were so many different forms of love (mentor, parent, sibling, romantic, friendship) and all really done so well. I loved how each character came to life and ended up shining. 
 I didn't know much about Imperial Russia but it was such a fun setting! I liked how unique it felt and how much it really brought to the plot. 
 The magic and world building was so much fun too! The concept reminded me a bit of the Night Circus (with two magicians going head to head and having a romantic connection) but I also loved the dire consequences of The Crown's Game. 
 I can't wait to see where these books go next!!! 
 Full review as originally posted HERE on The Book Addict's Guide 4/18/16: Right off the bat, THE CROWN'S GAME had a teensy bit of a NIGHT CIRCUS feel and I was instantly hooked. Two opposing magicians (or in this case, enchanters)? Yes, please! I easily immersed myself in this book and had just a wonderful time reading it from start to finish. Evelyn Skye did a fantastic job with this book and my only regret (kidding, I don't really regret anything) is that I read it so early because I need more of these books NOW! 
 THE CROWN'S GAME was a really fun read for me. I was a bit worried at first because I know nothing about Imperial Russia (history was not my favorite growing up... and now I kick myself for it!) but I had nothing to worry about. The book is based on actual historical figures but the author has taken liberties with the facts and setting and turned them into a fantasy-based story. I loved the way that the history (the little that I actually knew) and the culture shaped the story and really brought the book to life! I absolutely loved the feel of the book and I really felt like I could picture each scene so well. 
 The concept of competing enchanters was exciting, nerve-wracking, and delightful all at the same time. Vika and Nikolai are forced into The Crown's Game, a competition which one will win the right to serve the tsar as the official enchanter. The challenges between these two enchanters is absolutely delightful. The rules in place state that any "turn" (they alternate performing a large magical feat and have five turns to impress the tsar), cannot harm the common people so Vika and Nikolai come up with ways to enhance the city and oh. Their magic is simply gorgeous. I fell head over heels for the enchantments that Evelyn Skye designed for her characters and they were beautiful to experience. Each one really brought the book to life so much more and I was positively in love with how each turn was handled. Each one was also exponentially more exciting as the two enchanters built off of the previous works all the while under immenent threat of being murdered by the other. Oh yeah, did I mention that this is a competition TO THE DEATH? I spent the entire book falling in love with these two characters (and shipping them, obviously) and still somehow I was like nah, one of them will live. It can't end in one of them dying, right? (This is also my Gansey denial.) I won't tell you how it ends but it was something that I really and truly did not see coming and I was impressed and shocked all at the same time. I just really loved dichotomy of bringing harmony to St. Petersburg as Vika and Nikolai took each of their turns and the constant panic and fear as both of them feared for their lives when that new turn arrived. 
 I absolutely loved each character in this book as well. Of course I loved the two main characters, Vika and Nikolai, and how they came together in this story. They really balance each other out and fit together so well. Vika can easily manipulate things in nature -- water, land, food -- and Nikolai is best with textiles and materials -- wood, fabric, metal, etc. They were brought together as the only two living enchanters in Russia but I loved that their magic and ability wasn't identical. I also loved how their relationship was slow to develop (being that they're pitted against each other and all) and that things and feelings just slowly start falling into place. It really just felt so natural and wonderful. 
 The other characters are great as well. Pasha (the prince) plays a huge role in this book in so many ways and I absolutely loved him. He brings such positivity and joy to the book and at the same time provides a very large point of conflict with Nikolai as his best friend (who he doesn't know possesses magical abilities) and his instant attraction to Vika. His role in the book is so amazingly crafted and interwoven with every other character's story line and I was so impressed! 
 I feel like I could go on and on but I will wrap it up by saying do not miss out on this book. I finished it and then immediately wanted to read more! THE CROWN'S GAME was a wonderful book and I can't wait for more from Evelyn Skye!