The Crown

Eadlyn's growth is the point of this book. In The Heir she was haughty and guarded; here, faced with real responsibility, she begins to listen to her advisers, to her people and to the young men around her. The remaining suitors include her childhood friend Kile, the shy Finnish chef Henri, whose translator becomes increasingly important, and several others, each with a distinct personality and a reason to hope.

Political tension simmers in the background, with protests and resentment of the monarchy, and Eadlyn's decisions about the country matter as much as her decisions about love. The tone is gentle and the romance clean, with plenty of swoony moments and some genuinely funny scenes. The final choice surprises some readers and delights others, but it fits the character she has become. America and Maxon appear in touching family scenes.

A warm, quick read that rounds off the series with a ribbon on top. Readers who want more royal intrigue from the author can try The Betrothed. It is the kind of ending that leaves fans smiling, with loose threads neatly tied and a final scene that feels earned. About 304 pages in the HarperTeen paperback.