Smoke and Scar - Shattered Crown by Gretchen Powell Fox

Book Synopsis

In this first epic romantasy in the Best of #BookTok Shattered Crown trilogy perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and The Serpent & the Wings of Night, brutal trials bring together a grieving fae warrior with shadow magic and a human knight out for revenge--only for their grudging alliance to spark into something deeper.

For centuries, humans and the magical races of Arcanis have been bitter enemies. Their only hope for lasting peace lies in the Arcane Crucible, a brutal series of trials that demands sacrifice every twenty-five years.

Elyria Lightbreaker, once a celebrated fae war hero, is a shadow of her former self. When the man she loved was lost to last year's Crucible, Elyria lost herself too--but now that his sister has stepped forward as a contender, she must rise to protect another person she loves from meeting the same fate. Which means entering the very nightmare she abhors and fighting like hell to get them both out alive.

Cedric Thorne, humankind's would-be champion, has lived only for vengeance. To him, Elyria is the enemy who stole everything: his family; his peace; his past, present, and future. But the Crucible doesn't care about grudges. To survive, Cedric and Elyria must fight side by side, even as their determination to win burns hotter than the desire they can't deny.

Dark magic. Betrayal. A slow-burn love that could ignite the world. In the Arcane Crucible, enemies could become lovers...or destroy each other before the trials are through.

Review Quotes

"I'm obsessed with how Gretchen Powell Fox flipped all of my favorite romantasy tropes and gave me the older, strong, shadow mommy of my dreams. The slow burn sizzles, the banter sparkles, and the world-building delivers. But the real brilliance is in how Gretchen Powell Fox tackles complex topics like political divide, PTSD, and the concept of 'the other' with so much grace. Smoke and Scar is everything you're looking for in a romantasy." --Caty Rogan, bestselling author of Kissed by the Gods

"Smoke and Scar is a sizzling, slow-burn romance that flips the script. Forget damsels in distress--Elyria is the lethal shadow mommy that the yearning Cedric can't help but burn for. Their swoon-worthy banter will have you giggling, blushing, and aching for them to finally surrender to the fire." --Sophia St. Germain, Amazon Top 100 author of A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly

"Smoke and Scar is your next immersive romantasy read! This is for the readers who love a true slow burn that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Elyria and Cedric's pain and hopes are utterly visceral; the betrayals make you hurt in the best way possible. It's the perfect book for fans of Penn Cole and Sarah J. Maas. Definitely pick this one up!" --Vasilisa Drake, author of A Bargain So Bloody

"An addictive ride that will have you racing through pages of brilliant world-building and angsty tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With captivating lore and a delicious slow burn, Smoke and Scar will fulfill your epic romantasy cravings in the most satisfying way." --Melissa K. Roehrich, bestselling author of Rain of Shadows and Endings and Lady of Darkness

"Tender, emotional, and utterly riveting! I never knew I needed a shadow mommy until I met Elyria. Smoke and Scar will steal your heart and drag you on the wildest of rides. Gretchen Powell Fox is an instant favorite!" --Brittney Arena, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of A Dance of Lies

"This book delivers everything I crave in romantasy: high stakes, sharp tension, and a slow burn that smolders brighter with every chapter. Gretchen Powell Fox has crafted a world where betrayal and hope walk hand in hand, and I absolutely couldn't put it down. This is a story that will grip your heart, leave you breathless, and have you counting the days until book two." --Emily Varga, internationally bestselling author of For She is Wrath and The River She Became

"When I step into a fantasy world, I want to be transported, and this book delivered! With top-notch enemies to lovers tension, exquisite storytelling, and characters I want to know in real life, Smoke and Scar has everything I could ever want in a fantasy romance. I can't wait for more." --LJ Andrews, bestselling author of The Ever Seas and Broken Souls and Bones

"With epic trials, powerful world-building, a badass older heroine with wings, and an MMC with pure Disney Prince energy, Smoke and Scar crackles with magic and heart. A fast-paced and fun romantasy read!" --Briar Boleyn, New York Times bestselling author of On Wings of Blood

About the Author

Gretchen Powell Fox grew up with her head in the clouds and her nose buried in books. Now, she crafts fantastical stories, along with the fiery heroes destined to change them for the better. Her creative process involves sleeping fitfully and consuming copious amounts of Sour Patch Kids. You can usually find her crying when she's happy, sad, mad, or excited; singing along to Taylor Swift; eating xiao long bao; or strumming her ukelele. Gretchen lives in northern Virginia with her husband and two wild, wonderful children. Visit her online at GretchenPowellFox.com and follow her @GretchenWritesBooks.