The Hemlock Queen
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'Hannah Whitten is my new favourite obsession' Jodi Picoult, New York Times-bestselling author In the second instalment of Sunday Times Times bestselling author Hannah Whitten's lush, romantic epic fantasy series, a young woman who can raise the dead must navigate the dangerous world of the Sainted King's royal court. The corrupt king August is dead. Prince Bastian has seized the throne and raised Lore - a necromancer and former smuggler - to his right hand side. Together they plan to cut out the rot from the heart of the sainted court and help the people of Dellaire. But not everyone is happy with the changes. The nobles are sowing dissent, the Kyrithean Empire is beating down their door and Lore's old allies are pulling away. Even Prince Bastian's changed. No longer the hopeful, rakish, charismatic man Lore knows and loves, instead he's reckless, domineering and cold. And something's been whispering in her ear. A voice, dark and haunting, that's telling her there's more to the story than she knows and more to her power than she can even imagine. A truth buried deep that could change everything. With Bastian's coronation fast approaching and enemies whispering on all sides, Lore must figure out how to protect herself, her prince, and her country before they all come crumbling down and whatever dark power has been creeping through the catacombs is unleashed. Praise for The Foxglove King: 'Sinister, deadly and so seductive you won't be able to tear yourself away from this dark gem of a book' Stephanie Garber, New York Times-bestselling author 'Beautifully written, lushly cinematic, unsettling, mysterious - an unputdownable story' Ali Hazelwood, New York Times-bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis 'Dripping with dark opulence and sizzling intrigue, The Foxglove King proves Hannah Whitten is a force to be reckoned with. Never before have I been so completely captivated' Erin A. Craig, New York Times-bestselling author 'Darkly sumptuous and beautifully dangerous, The Foxglove King wraps you up in a velvet gown and then holds a knife to your throat' Ava Reid, Sunday Times-bestselling author of The Wolf and the Woodsman 'I am obsessed with this book! Hannah Whitten just keeps getting better and better' Katee Robert, New York Times-bestselling author
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)
I enjoyed this installment. Bastian kind of gave me later series Tamlin vibes and tbh, even without that, I wasn't really feeling the relationship between him and Lore. Though I guess I wouldn't be opposed to throuple if they got their s together lol. I liked the addition of the gods and am curious where the next will go.
I had tons of fun with The foxglove king, and the exact same thing happened with its sequel, The Hemlock Queen. In an over saturated market of romantasy, this story feels original to me, and I'm invested in the series.
The story picks up immediately after the events of the first book, and we immediately start learning more about the magic, the gods and their power.
The pace of this book was a bit slower than I would have preferred, but the worldbuilding and plot remain interesting, full of manipulation, scheming and twists. I must say Hannah Whitten is doing a great job regarding the character development. I care so so much for everyone (of the good guys) in this story that it's almost unbearable.
For the romantasy readers, the tension and angst in this book is palpable and off the charts. I had so many feelings, particularly regarding one particular character who is making my heart ache. I'm devastated!
I've said on my first foxglove king review that I hate love triangles but that Hannah put me on board for a poli relationship between Lore, Bastian and Gabe. I'm even more on board for it now! I love them all and I just want to see these damaged characters healing and experiencing a bit of happiness. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced there would be a HEA in sight, but I'll have to wait and see.
I can't wait to see what Hannah is planning for the third book!
I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really like the direction this book took in what I thought was a duology but I know realize from that cliffhanger that it is at least a trilogy if not longer.
This book really expands on the lore of the world and the characters and features a fair use of flashbacks. The flashbacks had some of the most interesting parts, and while some of the book was not as action packed, I can see how it was designed for the tone of the book and setting up for the third one.
In this book you will find: the duality of man, betrayal, polyamory, multiple deaths (some on page), life and death magic, and so much more.
