Avalon Tower Book Review: A Spy Academy Romantasy I Could Not Put Down
Overall Rating: 5/5 Spice Rating: 3/5
Some books end and I feel content. Others end and I immediately need to read the next book in the series. Avalon Tower by C.N. Crawford and Alex Rivers was firmly the second kind. The second I finished, my only thought was "okay, where is book 2? I NEED it."
This series was originally published independently, and it has since been picked up by Scarlett Press. The books are being re-released, which means a whole new wave of readers is about to discover them. I happened to grab my copy through my Allurial subscription, and it is gorgeous. The sprayed edges make it a shelf showpiece.
Pretty books are great, but the story inside is what earned my five stars. Let's get into it.
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A World Unlike Anything Else in Romantasy
The concept is what hooked me first and what enticed me to choose Avalon Tower for my September Allurial subscription box to begin with. Avalon Tower is an urban fantasy that takes place in modern France, Europe, and the UK, with a dystopian streak running through it. After a war with the fae, many of the conveniences of today's modern society are gone. While the fae mostly remain behind the veil, they are still a very real threat. I have read a lot of romantasy, and this setting felt original to me. It stands out in a crowded genre, and that freshness carried me through the book.
The story follows Nia, who is on a trip to France when she gets pulled, completely unaware, into a secret spy mission. Unbeknownst to Nia, she’s actually demi-fey and carries a very rare magic that the spy academy needs. She ends up taken by Raphael, a spy who happens to also be a past love interest. Nia is enrolls at an elite, hidden spy academy, where she must prove herself among her peers. Woven through all of it is Merlin mythology, which adds a layer of legend to an already inventive world. It is a unique blend, and I loved spotting how the pieces connected.
Nia, Raphael, and a Prince Who Enters Your Dreams
Both Nia and Raphael carry complex backstories, and neither one felt flat to me. What I enjoyed most about Nia is the strength she discovers as she trains and goes on missions. Watching her grow into it was deeply satisfying. Raphael is the fey who took her, and he is no stranger. They share history, and he broke her heart. He makes a worthy MMC, and that past gives every scene between them extra charge.
Then there is the fae prince who can enter people's minds while they sleep. We meet him in this book, and something ties him to Nia that I am very eager to explore in future installments. There are unanswered questions there, and I want answers.
The Romance
The romance is definitely earned. Avalon Tower is full of "almost" moments, and the “will-they-or-won't-they” energy between Nia and Raphael is strong. Romance is forbidden among the spies because it could jeopardize the mission, so the longing has real stakes behind it. When the payoff arrives, it feels worth the wait.
I would rate the spice about 3/5. It is definitely explicit, so this is not a fade-to-black read, but it is not the spiciest book on my shelf either.
Pacing and Plot
If you are expecting a day-to-day school story like Fourth Wing, know that Avalon Tower leans in a different direction. We see some of Nia's experiences and struggles in the classroom, but the book focuses more on her spy missions and trials. There is a lot of excitement, and it kept me reading long into the night. There are also some twists along the way. I am staying quiet about the details because I would never want to spoil them for you.
Where I Wanted More
My critiques are small, and they come from wanting more of a good thing. I would have loved to see more of the classroom setting, since the academy itself takes a back seat at times.
I also wished the forbidden romance rule had been enforced more. It did not seem to come into play much until close to the end of the book, and I kept imagining how much tension it could have added. Another couple getting expelled after being caught, or more close calls for Nia and Raphael, would have turned up the pressure even further. The angle is a great one, and I think it could have been emphasized more.
Who Will Love This Book
If you loved Fourth Wing or On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn, I think you will enjoy Avalon Tower. It is also a great pick if you are a fan of dystopian romances. If you like your fantasy with a spy academy, a forbidden love, and a fae prince with mysterious motives, put this one on your list.
Final Thoughts and Ratings
I loved this book, and I cannot wait to see where these characters go in the next one. I will absolutely be reading more from these authors.
Have you picked up Avalon Tower yet, or is it on your TBR? Tell me in the comments, and let me know if you are also eyeing the Scarlett Press re-releases.