The Chalice and the Crown by Kassandra Flamouri

The Chalice and the Crown by Kassandra Flamouri

Published: June 05, 2020

Sasha Nikolayeva is a young, talented ballerina who has just landed her most prestigious role. It should be time of rejoicing and pride but the nightmares that have always plagued her take a hold of her. She sinks into them and it’s feared that she is suffering from the same mental ailments that took her mothers life when she was in her prime.

Her mind and body deteriorate as the nightmare’s she falls into take her to live in the City of Roses. A city in which she has no voice and is a thrall (a slave). The thralls are not considered human, they are treated like dolls and pets. Any instance of them being aware could result in punishment and death.
Her dance brings her out of her mentally entrapped state but it could cost her life if anyone of power was to find out. She builds a secret relationship with a few trusted individuals who can potentially help her find a way out and back into her world.

Sasha will have to choose between returning to her beloved grandmother and others she finds dear or stay in the City of Roses and fight.

This book is dark, gritty and leaves you wondering if Sasha can balance the line between magic, insanity and reality. I didn’t expect to be pulled into this book so quickly and found myself devouring it. I am not one who normally enjoys magical aspects but the writing, storyline and the authors ability to make words and scenes alive mesmerized me.

Be prepared for unanswered questions but I assume that is because this will become a series and not because the writer is done telling Shasha’s story.

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.