Grim & Oro: Dueling Crowns Edition by Alex Aster

• MAIN THEMES:

  • Love vs Duty

  • Love Triangle

  • Multiple POV

  • Stability vs Passion

  • Found Family

  • Political Intrigue

I picked up ’s Dueling Crowns Edition mostly because the book itself is gorgeous (and I caught it during a 50% off sale at Barnes & Noble) - and honestly, it delivered on the aesthetic. The illustrations, sprayed edges, and overall design made this feel like one of those editions you want displayed face-out on your shelf at all times.

What surprised me most is that I jumped into the stories completely backwards and without reading the rest of the series first… and somehow it still worked. I read Oro’s story before Grim’s (because rules are suggestions), and both narratives stood solidly on their own. That’s actually pretty impressive for a companion-style fantasy romance.

The love triangle absolutely understood the assignment. One romance in particular completely stole my heart, and I will be saying nothing further because spoilers are a crime. The spice level also felt balanced; enough tension and payoff to keep things interesting without tipping into overly graphic territory. Very PG-13 fantasy romance in the best way (I would give it 2 peppers - the plot didn’t depend on the spice, nor did it distract from what was happening).

Grim’s story ended up being the stronger one for me emotionally. I saw a lot of myself in his character; the guardedness, the internal conflict, the feeling of carrying more than you let people see… and that connection made his chapters hit harder than I expected. I may or may not have felt a couple of heart tugs and eye droplets here and there.

That said, the pacing in Oro’s story dragged at times. There were stretches where the plot slowed enough that I found myself struggling to pick the book back up. And while the writing was enjoyable overall, I didn’t come away with many standout quotes or passages that lodged themselves permanently in my brain.

I’m still undecided about continuing the series as a whole. Part of me is curious enough to give book one a chance and see if I get fully pulled into the world. But even as someone standing halfway in and halfway out of the fandom, I can say this edition was a genuinely fun read with beautiful presentation, addictive romantic tension, and at least one character who completely won me over.

TLDR: It’s a solid 4-Star read, even if I don’t read any other books in the series. I get the hype - would recommend.