Crown of War and Shadow, J.R. Ward
Crown of War and Shadow, J.R. Ward
8 Rating(s)
List: $32.99 | Sale: $23.10
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Crown of War and Shadow
Kingdoms of the Compass

Bestseller

Author: J.R. Ward

Series: Kingdoms of the Compass #1

Narrator: Stina Nielsen

Unabridged: 19 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/17/2026

Categories: Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Epic


Synopsis

“J.R. Ward is a powerhouse in the genre and never disappoints!”--Rebecca Yarros, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"Absolutely unputdownable!"--Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Crown of War and Shadow is a brand new, sweeping, slow-burn romantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R., perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Jennifer Armentrout!

An outcast burdened with a curse. A mercenary out for himself. A kingdom that must be saved.

In the deep, dark, dead of night, passions rise, and empires fall…

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.

Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.

Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic

A Macmillan Audio production from Bramble Books

About J.R. Ward

J.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author behind the wildly popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series, known for its darkly romantic world of warrior vampires, gripping action, and emotional depth. With a background in law and a love for storytelling that began in childhood, Ward has built a universe where danger and desire collide in unforgettable ways. Her books, often blending urban fantasy with paranormal romance, have earned her a devoted global fanbase. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, her dogs, and indulging her obsession with all things pop culture and classic rock.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Heather on September 02, 2025

I always love J.R. Ward books, but I especially loved this beginning of a new series. There were some twists I saw and some I didn't. Very much already looking forward to the next installment. Welcome addition to the world of fantasy/romantasy. Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for access......more

Goodreads review by Ceacea on November 11, 2025

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the gifted copy of this eARC. Genre: Romantic Fantasy ⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶 2/5 🧠 4/10 Cliffhanger: 3/10 Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete series. Single first-person POV. There are some darker elements in this story. Publication date 2/17/2026. This was a big book for......more

Goodreads review by Katie on January 13, 2026

I made myself mad after I finished this book because I realized I'd now have to wait a whole year+ for the next book in this series to come out. I got on Goodreads to write my review and got even more mad when I remembered this book technically isn't out yet either! I read the ARC. 😭 What an incredib......more

Goodreads review by Dianne on December 28, 2025

3.5 STARS Let's see: what can Sorrel do and what can she do that she has never done before? And what can she do that she was born with? Well, she can predict when and how someone will die. She can reanimate someone/animals who are very near death, save near-dead babies, and those are just for starters......more

Goodreads review by Penny on November 25, 2025

Even though I’m not a huge fan of romantasy and prefer urban fantasy/paranormal thrillers, when I saw this series-opener by an author I’ve enjoyed in the past, I had to give it a try. We meet Sorrel, a girl who’s not in a good situation. Along comes Merc who becomes her guide to a new life. I have a......more


Quotes

Praise for Crown of War and Shadow:

“Absolutely unputdownable.” - Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Praise for the J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:

“Utterly absorbing and deliciously erotic.”—Angela Knight

“Delicious, erotic, and thrilling.”—New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan

“Dark fantasy lovers, you just got served.”—New York Times bestselling author Lynn Viehl

“To die for. I love this series!”—New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann

“J.R. Ward’s urban fantasy romance series is so popular I don’t think there’s a reader today who hasn’t at least heard of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.”—USA Today

“Hold on tight for an intriguing, adrenaline-pumping ride.”—Booklist