Magic and enchantment surround Evelyn Skye’s debut novel, The Crown’s Game. Set in 1812, it is a dazzling work of fantasy that takes place in an alternate Imperial Russia. True events and places are intertwined with historical fiction to breathe life into a spectacular tale of intrigue.

In this alternate reality, the Tsar of Russia is assisted with ruling by an Imperial Enchanter; one who can pull magic from the wellspring of the country and perform powerful spells, or “enchantments”. It has been over a generation since the country has had an Enchanter and word has arrived to Tsar Alexander that there are now two teenagers that are living as Enchanters-in-training.

Nikolai and Vika are both Enchanters by birth and were raised learning to hone their craft to become the next Imperial Enchanter. Neither has a clue that the other exists. The Tsar calls forward both Enchanters into a series of magical duals, called The Crown’s Game, which will determine who will become the next Imperial Enchanter. Upon seeing each other for the first time, both are struck with an intense passion for the other, as well as a desire to win the Game. However, the only setback is that only one Enchanter can survive the Game. To further complicate matters, Pasha, the Tsar’s son and Nikolai’s best friend, is equally smitten with the illustrious Vika.

Over the next several weeks, both take their turns at one-upping the other’s magic as the country watches, mystified at the changes happening to their beloved city as a result of each Enchanter’s magical selection. Tension burns between Vika and Nikolai and they soon realize that there is more to this game than meets the eye.

Evelyn Skye has written a captivating novel that begins with a bang from the very first page. Her prose is almost magical, itself, as once you begin reading, you are truly unable to put it down! The descriptions of Russia and the Tsardom are spot on and you truly feel like you’re amongst Vika and Nikolai as they cast enchantment after enchantment. Her depictions are vivid and bright, and the characters and setting jump off the page!

The whole novel is so taut with forbidden love and secret twists that readers can’t help but fall in love. That said, I am eagerly awaiting 2017 for the sequel to this brilliant debut!