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Review: The Cost of the Crown - The Royals of Andelar #1

The Cost of the Crown book cover on blue background

This is a book that has been on my TBR for a while and I'm only sorry that I didn't pick it up sooner! The Cost of the Crown is the first book in The Royals of Andelar series by Joy Crain and I completely understand why it's such a gem. As someone who speaks a minority Chinese language that's not mainstream, this book made feel seen and it's one I would recommend to anyone else from the Chinese diaspora feeling caught between worlds.

Book Synopsis

Missy Hanson never dreamed of falling in love and living happily ever after. In fact, she doesn’t know what she wants to do after she graduates from college; nevertheless, she’s content working as a journalist for her local newspaper and assisting at her aunt’s California bakery. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity emerges for her to visit the southeast Asian country of Andelar, Missy is thrown into the world of royalty as the special guest of the king and queen—and it’s clear she doesn’t belong, despite her family ties to the area. But the royal family isn’t without its mysteries. Rumors abound that a secret prince is hiding amid Andelar’s society, and Missy is determined to find out who he is.

Aiden Waverly never wanted a crown or a title. He craves a normal life, but being a secret prince of biracial background is difficult enough and would create chaos amid the tabloids if the press learned about his parentage. After years of traveling the world to help those in the greatest of need, he’s faced with a life-altering decision: take his place as crown prince or walk away as a commoner. With no clear path that will satisfy him and the royal family, the tug between following his heart and doing his duty to Andelar becomes harder every day.

When a chance encounter throws Missy and Aiden together, neither of them are prepared to challenge what they thought they knew about themselves. And when an ancient royal law threatens to tear them apart, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for love.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

The Cost of the Crown is a beautiful royal romance that tugs on your heart and makes you yearn for what's possible. From its stunning cover to its vivid imagery of the nation of Andelar, this book will have you wishing that you could book tickets to this tucked-away Asian country. From a memorable meet-cute to deeper discussions on how vulnerable populations should be taken care of, every page is packed with meaningful emotion and storytelling. In reading Aiden and Missy's story, I can easily picture them as they relate to each other as biracial children who don't feel as if they fit in anywhere. Joy Crain does a splendid job in fleshing out what it means to be a third-culture kid by bringing in Asian and Western elements to both of the characters' upbringing. This is one of the few books I've read that sensitively addresses racial trauma, how the lack of linguistic ability impedes cultural assimilation, and the pressures involved in conforming to ethnic expectations.

On top of how well these issues are covered, the author also embeds the Christian faith into this journey in such a refreshing way that it feels tangible and alive throughout the book. Every instance of prayer and sacrificial love reflects the characters' hearts for Jesus, and it's evident that Aiden and Missy prioritize obedience to God over romantic love. I love that this book reflects Christian discipleship even when there is a cost. While I can't quite visit Andelar, I am grateful that this is a story that I can return to again and again based on how well it incorporates faith, culture, and social justice. Readers who enjoy royal romances will appreciate this beautiful story about belonging and family, demonstrating that there is such love to be found as children of the King.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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