ARC Review: Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward
A sweeping, slow-burn romantasy full of curses, demons, danger, and one very broody mercenary.
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Release Date: February 17, 2026
Summary
Crown of War and Shadow introduces readers to a crumbling kingdom, a failing magical barrier known as the Fulcrum, and demons beginning to slip into the mortal world. In the middle of this chaos stands Sorrel, an outcast with a mysterious past cursed with an ability she never asked for: whenever she looks someone directly in the eye, she sees and experiences their death.
Because of this, Sorrel has lived her life carefully, quietly, doing everything in her power to help others from the shadows. But when fate chooses her for a quest to return the Queen’s crown and stop the rise of the Dark King, she has no choice but to step into a destiny far greater (and far scarier) than she ever imagined.
Enter Merc, the enigmatic, dangerous, unfairly sexy mercenary known only by his profession. He is the one person whose death Sorrel cannot see—a mystery that both terrifies and intrigues her. With demons stalking their path and the world unraveling around them, Sorrel hires Merc to guide her across the deadly Badlands.
And so begins a journey full of forced proximity, slow-burn tension, hidden magic, destiny, and danger. The attraction between them grows, simmering under every brush of fingers and heated glance… even as they fight it every step of the way.
My Thoughts
Sorrel is an incredibly compelling FMC—quietly strong, compassionate, and determined to do good despite a curse that has cost her connection her entire life. Her inner struggle between fear, hope, and the desire to finally belong made her easy to root for.
Merc, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of dark, broody, morally gray hero that romantasy readers will devour. He’s fierce, controlled, lethal when needed… and absolutely undone by Sorrel, even when he tries to hide it.
Their dynamic is deliciously slow-burn.
Forced proximity? Check.
Only one bed? Check.
“Touch her and die”? Double check.
I’d rate the spice a 3 out of 5 chili peppers—explicit but not overpowering, and thoughtfully woven into the emotional stakes of their relationship.
The plot is full of consistent challenges, ambushes, creatures, and magical trials as Sorrel and Merc fight their way across the Badlands and toward their shared fate. The worldbuilding is rich and the stakes are high, though I will say the pacing lagged in a few middle sections.
Overall, though? This is a strong, addictive start to a new romantasy series.
My overall rating: 4/5 stars
J.R. Ward knows how to craft tension, romantic and otherwise. Fans of Shield of Sparrows or darker romantasy worlds will feel right at home.
Read This Book If You Liked…
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
If you love dark romantasy with danger at every turn and a broody hero who goes soft only for his girl, this one’s a must-read.
Book Discussion Guide
Perfect for book clubs:
Sorrel’s curse isolates her from others, but it also gives her a unique perspective on life and death. How do you think this ability shapes her character and choices?
What do you think draws Sorrel and Merc together the most—their trauma, their destiny, or their contrasting personalities?
Were you surprised by the reveal that Merc’s death is hidden from Sorrel? What theories do you have about why?
The Fulcrum represents balance and safety. How do themes of balance, fate, and free will show up throughout the book?
Which moment between Sorrel and Merc made you realize their feelings were deeper than attraction?
How did you feel about the pacing? Did any sections stand out as particularly strong or slow?
What do you predict will happen in book two of the Kingdoms of the Compass series?
If you had Sorrel’s ability, how would it change your relationships?
Which character besides Sorrel and Merc do you want to know more about as the series continues?
What themes would you say define this book—hope, destiny, sacrifice, love, survival?
About the Author
J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her compelling characters, richly built worlds, and emotional storytelling. Best known for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Ward brings her signature blend of intensity, romance, and grit to the romantasy genre with The Crown of War and Shadow.
Learn more about J.R. Ward and her books at her official website.
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