Publication Date: September 18, 2012
The Country of Diachona is celebrating an anniversary while under great threat from a neighboring power. Constance, Diachona’s young heir, is facing serious doubts and a growing affection for a young commander. Can Constance stand tall in a man’s world and be a leader in her nation?
The author, Nadine Keels, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
[easyazon-link asin=”B00F0SI07M” locale=”us”]The Movement of Crowns[/easyazon-link] is a smart modern fairy tale. Diachona is vividly and beautifully written with a lot of care toward setting the scene of political struggle counterpoised with romance. Keels build her world with a deft hand so that it feels appropriately complex and yet carry an air of stark reality.Constance is a strong young woman who is realistically flawed. She’s uncertain of herself and has a strong need to prove herself. She relies on her friend for an understanding of her fellow characters. She’s part of a political game of chess that is very cleverly mapped out for the reader. Keels entertains the reader while slowly setting up what’s to come in the more intense second part of her story. Readers of romance, political intrigue and alternate worlds will find themselves engaging with Constance and her struggle.
I have two criticisms of [easyazon-link asin=”B00F0SI07M” locale=”us”]The Movement of Crowns[/easyazon-link]. The first is that the dialogue is very inconsistent in style. There is a feel and formality that slips from time to time lending itself to more modern speak. The second is that some of the key background characters are quite one-dimensional. In my opinion, the story doesn’t suffer from the lack of development but could have been enhanced with just a few lines.
Keels is strongly Christian and her work reflects her beliefs. [easyazon-link asin=”B00F0SI07M” locale=”us”]The Movement of Crowns[/easyazon-link] doesn’t have an overbearing religious subtext but it is quite evident. Her romance story line is very appropriate for young teens and the fantasy-like story line may appeal to young girls.
[easyazon-link asin=”B00F0SI07M” locale=”us”]The Movement of Crowns[/easyazon-link] is charming with a bit of political intrigue. Readers are left at the end of the novel with the sense that they’ve read something unique and special. Pick this one up today and let me know what you think.Nadine Keels is a Seattle-based author of more than a dozen novels. Her novel [easyazon-link asin=”1482036282″ locale=”us”]Love Unfeigned[/easyazon-link] has been reviewed by this blog. You can read that review by clicking here.
Read an excerpt and buy The Movement of Crowns by Nadine Keels on
Amazon U.S. • Amazon U.K. • Amazon Canada
For more information about Nadine Keels and her work visit her website. You can connect with Nadine Keel on Goodreads, Smashwords, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Twitter @NadineKeels.