Golden Crown (Arthur Academy #2) by Kathleen Mareé
ABOUT THE BOOK
If the world is full of monsters, how do we know who wears the crown…?
**Not a standalone – you must read Broken Wing (Arthur Academy #1) before reading this conclusion**
Hendrix:
In the dark of the night he bared his soul, delivering a shocking event that should’ve changed everything. So why in the light of day, does everything appear the same…? The further I’m immersed in this world they call the ‘elite,’ the more I don’t understand. And it’s not only his world I’m afraid I’m falling for, but the Golden Crown himself as well. But Pax still has secrets. And I want him to trust me, like a flame wanting fire. Because despite his world being nothing as it seems, I’m not sure I could walk away even if I wanted to. Because the truth is, I don’t want to. I want him.
Paxton:
In the dark of night I revealed a truth, and delivered the brutal reality of what the elite really means. So why in the light of day, does everything appear the same…? It’s the same cat and mouse games, and the same political power tricks where the Golden Crown is all they see. It’s all they want to see. Except for her. But there are things I can’t tell her. Things I don’t think she’ll understand. And I need her to trust me, like a fire needing flame. Because despite me knowing what this world does to those who fall victim to it, I’m not sure I could walk away from Hendrix, even if I wanted to. Because the truth is, I don’t want to. I want her.
MY REVIEW
Book 2 in the Arthur Academy series picks up where Broken Wing left off.
A dead body. A cover-up. A plan to protect the girl he loves. Paxton’s life as part of the elite is too good to be true. His father is an evil manipulative bastard who uses his son as a puppet for his own gain. Paxton’s fight to protect his mother and sister, Lucy, from his father’s cruelty is a constant battle. So when he falls for the girl who opened his black heart, he has to stop his father’s reign of devastation to keep her safe as well.
Hendrix is perplexed by Paxton’s mood change. One minute he wants her and the next he’s pushing her away. She will find out what’s going on and when she does, she’ll lose her heart in the bargain.
This book is more about Paxton’s story with the nastiness of his controlling father and his elite world. In this case, money and prestige don’t buy you happiness. It puts your loved ones in danger. Paxton and Hendrix are destined for each other, they just have to hide their feelings until Paxton’s plan for revenge is finalized. Austin is Paxton’s best friend and I love his role in Paxton’s plan. He’s the only person Paxton trusts to keep Hendrix safe. Austin’s friendship and sacrifice are so valuable to Hendrix and her determination to make everything right between Austin and Lucy is the least she can do. Watching Paxton and Hendrix slowly fall for each other is worth the wait as the angst and bullying in book 1 turns to love and protection.
As always, I love the supporting characters in this book including Lucy and Austin’s unrequited love, and the loveable Gabe and his bestie Mercedes who shows a different side of herself. Tucker is a surprising character who stands out in this book as well.
Overall, I am delighted to recommend book 2 in the series which concludes Paxton and Hendrix’s story. The suspense is palpable as the bad guys get their just desserts and the good guys come out on top. I’m looking forward to reading Austin and Lucy’s story.
BUY THE BOOK
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen grew up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, where family holidays by the beach and tormenting her two younger brothers, was how she spent her early years. But at the young age of 11, when she submitted a short story to a talented writing competition through the NSW schools program, not only did she win it, but she quickly found a love for it as well.
Throughout her schooling, writing was a hobby, along with sketching and various sports. But fast forward to her adult years when she moved to Europe to follow her husband’s field hockey dream, and her love for writing surged to the surface.
Her debut story, Cut, was penned over two years where her hobby seemed to lead to the completion of Pennys’ world. The rest of the series came the following year.
Kathleen enjoys writing stories full of self-discovery, emotional journeys, and of course, love.
Something else she loves is hearing from her readers, so feel free to follow her blog or drop her an email.
For signed copies of her novels, more information about upcoming stories, or to follow her blog, please visit her website www.kathleenmaree.
Dream often. Believe always.
Follow Kathleen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Goodreads.