The Movement of Crowns (Movement of Crowns Series #1) by Nadine C. Keels: A Book Review

The Movement of Crowns (Movement of Crown Series #1)
Author: Nadine C. Keels
Genre: Christian, Fantasy
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: 2013
Pages: 116
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: At the point when kingdoms’ ideas of humanity differ…

     The nation of Diachona is celebrating the twentieth birthday and rite of passage for Constance, the Diachonian king’s daughter and heir. Yet, the pause for festivity doesn’t erase collective doubts about Constance’s aspiration for a place with the men on the National Council, nor does it eliminate fears roused by oppressive threats from a neighboring, powerful empire. Amid increasing rumors of war and personal misgivings about her own future, Constance deems this an inopportune time to be falling in love with one Commander Alexander. Will Providence keep them all through international tensions and the changing of times, or is Diachona watching its territory in vain?

     My Review: In a world that is run by kings, the future of Diachona is insecure. For their king has no sons, only a daughter named Constance. Despite the country’s disappointment for the king’s lack of sons, the king is persistent to make his daughter his heir. While the country’s ongoing debate over naming Constance his heir, the king of Munda, a neighboring country, lusts after some of the lush lands of Diachona. Diachona soon find themselves at the brink of war. Could Constance help save Diachona and in the process become the official heir to the throne?

     I found Constance to be an amazing woman. It is clear that she is destined to become a great queen. She loves her country. She also loves and respects her father, whom she looks up to as a great king. Constance is a great strategist. She makes many plans and is willing to take many risks. She also researches the customs, situations, and politics of her enemy’s people to understand Munda’s situation. It is because of this that she sees Munda’s weakness which is Diachona’s advantage. Even though Constance is a good politician, she also rules with her heart. She is very emotional. She is in love with Staid, the military leader of Diachona. Yet she knows her family wants her to marry a foreign prince to help strengthen alliances. Constance is determined to be the official heir to the throne, win the war, and to have love.

     I didn’t think the world-building was fully developed. I would have liked to known a bit more about Diachona and the neighboring countries surrounding her. I would also have liked to known more about the Diachonian peoples, customs, and culture. Yet, I did come to the conclusion that Diachona had a great military, and that the council members seem to be divided. They were more concerned about their own safety, rather than that of their country because they wanted to Diachona to give themselves up to Munda very easily.

     Overall, the book is about love, family, and hope. The message of the book is that God has a plan for all of us and to trust in His plan. We as human beings are called to do what is right. I found the story to be very slow-paced and I was very bored by the politics, which covered half the book. I also thought that the climax was boring for it had no tension, and I think it should be rewritten to heighten its dramatic effect. However, I did like the story for it was light-hearted, sweet, and lovely. I also thought it was a beautiful ending. I recommend this book to fans of Christian, fantasy, and romance genres, and anyone interested in strong heroines and who is looking for an inspiring story about hope.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars