Lies Beneath The Crown
Author: Sharmadha Sandurkar
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing (2025)
Total Pages: 343
Reviewed By: Neel Preet
In this sweeping, fantasy-rich novel, “Lies Beneath The Crown” debut author Sharmadha Sandurkar crafts a dazzling world of deception, magic and high-stakes destiny, combining the pulse-pounding pace of action-adventure with the layered depth of literary fiction. Through the 45 adrenaline-charged chapters, this children’s fantasy not only entertains but also challenges the readers to contemplate the themes of identity, morality and power in a world teetering on the edge of ruin. The storyline revolves around the primary characters and the incidents taking place in their lives. Besides, the manner in which the author had carried out the task of storytelling in her book is captivating enough to make the readers quench for more with every turn of the page, and this is something that actually makes this title reading worthy!
Author Sharmadha Sandurkar is a young author, known for her book, “Lies Beneath The Crown” which is published by Evincepub Publishing and is released during the period of April 2025. Also, the book is available in both paperback as well as in e-book format and the readers can find this title on all the top online marketplaces.
The story in this title, “Lies Beneath The Crown” launches with urgency and mystery as a trio of the unlikely protagonists — Rudra, Samarin and Ren infiltrate the Kingdom of Gracevale, under the guise of nobles. What begins as a carefully orchestrated heist quickly spirals into a larger, far more dangerous web of politics, secrets and ancient evil. The trio’s plan is upended when they are swept into the 120th Games of Aetheria, a deadly competition in which champions from each of the five kingdoms must survive brutal trials to win glory for their homeland. Interestingly, author Sharmadha Sandurkar skilfully transforms what might have been a straightforward fantasy caper into a multi-layered tale of survival, with Rudra caught in the morally ambiguous space between her criminal mission and her forced role as a public champion!
On top of that Rudra emerges as a truly compelling protagonist — tough, smart and haunted by her dual roles. Her internal conflict as she toggles between a thief’s cunning and a hero’s responsibility brings emotional resonance to a narrative otherwise packed with intense external action. As the Games unfold, the author adds yet another thread of intrigue — a series of unnatural royal murders that begin to destabilise the continent’s political order. This darker undercurrent lends the book a sense of looming dread, pulling the narrative away from pure fantasy adventure and anchoring it in the shadows of conspiracy and history. It is here, in the intersection between epic fantasy and political thriller, that the storytelling truly shines. The mystery surrounding the murders leads Rudra into the deep, forgotten lore of Aetheria, where she uncovers chilling evidence of the Darkwalker — a malevolent force long believed vanquished.
One of the Notable Strengths of this title is how seamlessly the author balances the various tones and layers of her story. The action sequences, be it within the Games or during covert missions are taut, cinematic and electrifying. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, blending familiar fantasy elements with unique mythological depth. Readers will find themselves immersed in detailed kingdoms, from the opulent Gracevale to the shadows that stretch far beyond its borders. At the same time, the literary underpinnings of the narrative never falter. The prose is crisp and evocative and the dialogues especially those involving Rudra and her companions carry the weight of purpose and backstory without sacrificing pace. Moreover, “Lies Beneath The Crown” is more than just a fantasy quest; it is a meditation on truth, legacy and the lies we build around power. The author deftly explores the concept of nobility — not just in bloodline, but in action. What does it mean to be noble? Is it determined by birth, by choice, or by the burdens we carry? These questions linger in the background as Rudra races against time, her enemies and even her own doubt.
Another highlight of the book is its strong ensemble cast. While Rudra is undoubtedly the heart of the story, characters like Samarin and Ren are far from mere sidekicks. Each brings their own motives, strengths, and emotional arcs, creating a dynamic that resonates with loyalty, rivalry and reluctant heroism. The evolving relationship between the trio, especially under the pressure of betrayal and revelation, adds another layer of emotional depth to the plot, which the readers shall witness!
Now, upon reaching the final part of the review, i.e. the Book Verdict, we can conclude that a title like “Lies Beneath The Crown” is for sure a reading worthy title. The book deserves a chance by the readers as it is a triumph of imagination, structure and emotion. Author Sharmadha Sandurkar has delivered a debut that not only captivates with its narrative complexity but also carves out a distinctive voice in the crowded realm of fantasy literature. With a perfect blend of fantastical thrills, literary insight and meaningful character development, this book is bound to resonate with readers of all ages particularly those who crave a story that dares to go beyond the surface of crowns and kingdoms.
Furthermore, with the elements of magic, mystery, competition and impending doom, the novel keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what lies beneath not just the crown, but also the very fabric of Aetheria’s reality, which makes it a MUST READ. And with hints of more stories to come, the author leaves the door tantalisingly open for further adventures!
Book’s Link: Amazon