This was quite the debut for Natasha Siegel. The subject matter: Richard I (the Lionheart) of England and Philip II, and their relationship. Set in the waning days of the reign of Richard's father, Henry II, Siegel provides the reader with not just historical events but a passionate love between Richard and Philip.

As one who majored in history, this book was quite a treat to read. Written in first person, alternating between the 2 men, it was interesting to see their romance develop (even if it is only a theory). Her style of presenting it was sensitive, passionate, and at times playful. There was also an air of sadness, due to the roles each man played in life: monarch and impending monarch, with all the weight of the crown on each man's head. Another interesting aspect: Philip's wife Isabella. For the time, she had a surprisingly mature attitude towards her husband's love for Richard. At one point, she actually chides him for being too scared to enjoy the love he has for and with Richard. Quite impressive considering the attitudes of the day regarding homosexuality, and also a little shameful that in today's world, it's hard to find people so easily accepting of homosexuality.

This is a pleasant and balanced mixed of true historical events and a fictional romance. Rather than one overshadowing the other, they complement each other, giving more nuance to all the main characters in the book. This is definitely a worthwhile read for historical romance buffs. It is one that will truly captivate the reader, as a well-written book should.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for access to this ARC, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: war, violence and murder, death of a loved one, grief, pregnancy, family tensions, anxiety

I'd been intrigued since I heard about this book and it did not let me down. An alternative history that uses King Phillip and King Richard as a bouncing off point. An amazing historical read, that is not historically accurate and very queer. This was everything my history major heart wanted. The prose was gorgeous, the writing and just grand romance of it all.

You are immersed in Phillip and Richard's worlds, how their destines are keeping them apart but have also thrown them together in ways they both want to exploit. Destined to be rivals yet in love with each other. I loved how this book made their positions be the great hurdle rather than because they were queer. Just a gorgeous read.

I cannot wait to see what Natasha writes next.

Steam: 2

Feels tailor made to make a splash on BookTok. Historical M/M, political intrigue with a side dose of tropey romance, but it's a lot slower and more melancholy than that description may initially make one think.

Given that I don't know much about this period of English/French history, the author's note about the ahistorocity of the book didn't really make much of a difference to me, for all I knew this could have been a low fantasy story with completely made up kingdoms and it wouldn't have affected my understanding of the story at all.

Phillip and Richard's characters are well drawn and contrasted strongly against each other, even if their narrative voices aren't terribly distinct. Alternating first person viewpoints are not my favorite by a long shot, and this would have likely been better in third person limited, but it was fine.

I don't know if I would have read this if I hadn't received the ARC but I enjoyed it immensely and I'm glad I did.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was really good! It was intriguing and bewitching. Once I started I didn't want to stop. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The historical note at the start of the book states that even though these characters are based on historical figures and it takes place in a historical setting, they are, above all, fictional. It serves as a warning for people who are annoyed by inaccuracies in historical fiction, and also probably for people who hate fanfiction.

It's romantic and it's beautifully written, and I loved it. It honestly might've gotten me out of my reading slump. So many lovely passages and parts I highlighted. Wish it was longer, though. Looking at the page count, it's not a short book, but it felt short. I wish more time was spent focused on Richard and Philip getting to know each other, and while I like romance that's based on mutual initial attraction, I would've loved more slowburn. As is, it felt like a few things were missing for me to really fall for their romance? Regarding the story, not a whole lot happens, since the plot is moved primarily by one powerful, dysfunctional family's failure to compromise and the political conflicts that arise from it. It's really lovely as is, but I wish more happened! I wanted more <3

Two men whose lineage, and the responsibilities affiliated with it, will inevitably place them at odds pursue an opportunity for happiness in Natasha Sigel’s Solomon’s Crown.
A young and newly crowned King Philip of France is determined to restore the nation to its former expanse and power, bringing glory to his name along the way. King Henry of England, whose sons led a failed rebellion against him, threatens to cut Philip’s grand plans and reign short, prompting Philip to make an alliance with one of Henry’s sons; Richard, the second in line for the English throne and Duke of Aquitaine, has a reputation of being a fierce warrior and he suddenly becomes the heir to England after tragedy strikes his elder brother, providing him an opportunity to depose his father. Where Philip proves useful in maneuvering through political negotiations regarding his father, Richard’s attraction to Philip makes him seriously question whether the crown is worth having. With war looming ahead of them, each man has a choice to make between their desire for one another or their glorious ambitions for their respective nations.
In a narrative that takes great liberties from the historical reality of these notable figures (and admits it from the start), a tale filled with courtly relations and manipulations, blood-given versus glory-earned respect and power, and love and betrayal takes shape through the presentation of each man’s perspective; the concepts of everything having its season as it cannot last forever and men of history being taken from the myths they’ve become and made human through a love story comes across strongly through the writing. The portrayal of the characters of Philip and Richard exemplifies with relative ease the ideas of doomed love as a result of an impossible attraction and being true to yourself and your desires to make you happy instead of being played by others to suit their games and whims; however, the romance between the two felt too underdeveloped for the somewhat dramatic level of inner conflict each thought through to try to balance political tactics against their wants. As traveling takes longer in medieval Europe, the passage of time is not always clear, though there are occasional mentions of a year since last seeing someone or something to that effect, making this story one that has a much vaster scope than may be expected when reading through at a quick pace as the writing isn’t bogged down with minute historical details yet provides enough context and detail to orient the reader.
Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc for review.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE CHOICE FOR MY 100th BOOK OF THE YEAR, what an amazing chooser I am.

For all the ways this book is so not my usual thing (historical fiction, retelling, politics, war), THIS BOOK IS SO MY THING.

Zero complaints. One million stars.

It captured the time period and historical events without weighing the pace down - I don't know if it this will make sense, but it gave me a feeling as the reader of "this is what IS happening," rather than "as you know, this is what happened." Just the same info and vibes someone living the story would have, not the hindsight perspective of the facts & figures & dates & names & places & times of a history text. It was a perfect balance of giving the EXACT right amount of information to understand the politics and machinations going on without feeling like you had to either have a deep understanding of the time period or had to learn it while reading. I often find historical fiction alienating in that way (for I am a simple, little think lady), but really, this was just perfectly done.

The overall writing style is similar - it's not heavy or overwrought, but still manages to get in the lingering expressions and fleeting feelings and confusion and confliction between Richard and Philip. The writing isn't spare or bare or lacking for detail, rather it conveys a feeling of every word and every sentence being written to be JUST ENOUGH, resisting the temptation to lay it on thick or repetitively drive things home. I really enjoy when the author trusts the reader in this way.

Also, for a book about politics and war, it is so oddly PEACEFUL. The reading experience, I mean. It somehow manages to be a cozy book while armies are marching and plots are being hatched. I don't know how, it JUST DOES.

Of course I should say something about the romance - perfection. There are a lot of books with the whole "I love you, but we CAN'T be together" type of plot line, but this one is a standout. In a lot of books, that kind of thing is easily solved, but with Richard and Philip, oh wow, y'all really CAN'T. BUT I HOPE YOU DO ANYWAY.

Lastly, can I just talk about Isabella? HOW GREAT IS ISABELLA? I really love the way she was worked into the story and not an afterthought or even a complication. The love between her and Philip adds an extra enjoyable layer to both the book and the relationship between Richard and Philip. I wish I had an Isabella. ISABELLA IS GREAT.

3.5 stars
Historical fiction based on King Phillipe of France and Richard the Lionheart, future king of England. While their countries are historically enemies, these two leaders fall in love and have to try to manage the politics of their positions, family expectations, cultural taboos, etc. I liked the internal conflicts they each went through as their personal relationship often conflicted with the roles they felt they needed to fulfill. I didn't think the romance aspect was very well done, however. It felt forced and not very well-developed.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Solomon's Crown by Natasha Siegel

King Richard and King Phillip, historical characters, are the lead protagonists in this story. The ascension of Richard to kingship and the friction with his siblings is the subplot.
I’m not fond of romantic literature regardless of who is involved. I was not fond of this book despite the author’s sometimes scintillating characterizations.
If you are fond of pseudo-historic romances you may enjoy this book, I am not so I really didn’t care for it despite my fondness for historical novels.

Not all historical MM romance is created equally!

The publicist reached out to me personally so I accepted this ARC, but I don't think it was something I'd have grabbed otherwise and I should have trusted my instincts. I am not into Tudor [and earlier] era England very often, and this was not my cup of tea at all.

Firstly, if you're going to write RPF and change this much, I mean...It becomes original work, really. Not that I'm invested in medieval English and European monarchy drama, or accurate history of any of this, but yeah. Not sure why it was tied to real historical figures in this case, as the book opens with a long disclaimer about the writer "largely" abandoning historical accuracy.

Second, this was just dull. I'm not sure if it's that I wanted historical fantasy going in, or something else to spice it up, but wow. Painful to slog through.

The dialogue in terms of the era seemed well-done, at least. There were some nice tropey romantic moments, like one teaching the other archery in a very hands-on manner. But for the most part, this wasn't really my thing; two stars.

A fascinating reimagining of the relationship between Phillip and Richard. Siegel is an incredibly talented writer and her prose is what makes this book and the story come to life. Do not go in expecting historical accuracy (if the summary did not already warn you), as Siegel takes plenty of liberties. At the end of the day, this is a story of love and the conflict between the heart and throne and Siegel does an excellent job bringing these characters to life.

I must thank Megan Whalen for bringing the eARC into my hands, I enjoyed it tremendously!

This is a romance between King Philip of France and Richard, Duke of Aquitaine, it is historical only in the sense that these men were really alive and rulers, and as much of history is stories told to please one ear or another. I would say it isn't a impossibility and make of the rest what you will.

Natasha has divided her romance between Richard who's brash, impulsive and stubborn and the more withdrawn, cold and clever Philip's perspectives. Solomon's Crown stays true to the saying as being largely a warning in wisdom against the power of the throne and it's rivalry with the heart, and love.

Solomon's Crown as the book points out, is also a flower, cyclamen and given many names besides. There was also a nod to the story of Solomon's judgement in King Henry likening England as a babe to be torn in two between himself and Richard if he couldn't have his way in the matter of Aquitaine and there would be a war he would lose none the less.

The less said on King Henry the better, I liked Philip's wife Isabelle and her devotion in friendship to Philip and her approval in his love for Richard. I partly hoped Richard would be at their side during the birth of Louis. There were times that Philip imagined Richard in his life so strongly as if almost to summon his spirit, but it wasn't spoken of by him to Richard or Isabelle and was a curiosity.

I was also fond of Richard's man Stephen and thought at one point he and Isabelle - or Queen Eleanor's handmaiden Adelaide and Isabelle -might meet and find love as it seemed unfair that Isabelle not have her own great romance.

I did enjoy that this ended with the possibility of victory, kingship, and a lasting love between Philip and Richard.

I was excited to read this book. I love world history and especially Phillip and Richard. What a wonderful job this author has done with this alt-history look at this time in history.

It is the twelfth century in Europe and Philip has gained a wife and a throne as the King of France. He is young and so is his bride. They seem to enjoy reading more than being married, and I get that! Philip has had to grow up in a hurry. A boy king with a father who isn’t all there and surrounded by other kings and their sons who want to dethrone Philip.

The worst is his enemy, King Henry, of England. With several sons, but none who are loyal, he is trying to best Philip.

After a couple of years his son, Richard finally comes to pay his respects to Philip. Philip is anxious to make a deal with Richard but it is a deal that his heart is making and not necessarily his head.

Richard, Duke of Aquitaine, and a son who never dreamed he would be King. But things happen and here we are. As is so often the case enemies have turned into lovers and they will be questioning their motives for wanting to be the one wearing the crown.

Will they go to war or will they let love win? There was so much intrigue in this book and I loved it! If this is alt-history I am all in.

NetGalley/March 14th, 2023 by Dell

A beautifully written alternate history of the lives of King Philip of France and Richard, Duke of Aquitaine. As the author herself notes, the events in this novel, and even the characterizations of the people portrayed in this novel do not exactly follow history. Although marketed as a romance, Solomon's Crown does spend more time on politics and war than on romance, although Philip and Richard's relationship is always present.

"Once, before I had known Phillip at all, I had wanted to be the subject of songs, the hero in poems."

Solomon's Crown is a masterful alternate history retelling of the relationship between Phillip II and Richard I. It is romantic--filled with moments of nearly painful pining that comes with such an unlikely and "forbidden" (in a sense) love such as theirs.

Siegel is a superb writer, with flowing and graceful prose that reads so smoothly. It is clear her passion for history in the loving time that was taken with Phillip and Richard's relationship, and the intertwining of the political reality for the two with their ceaseless affections.

This was stunning, and certainly will remain a favorite of mine for a good, long time. I cannot wait to read what Siegel will write next, as I have no doubt it will be as wonderful and captivating as Solomon's Crown.

The description of this book immediately intrigued me and I was so excited to read it, but I found the actual execution of the story to be lacking on several fronts. Firstly, I don't really get why the author decided to use real historical figures if she was going to change history so much that they resembled their actual counterparts only in name. Of course in any historical fiction there needs to be changes to actual history, but at the end of the book the author flat out said she had "Largely abandoned history." In that case, why not just make it entirely fictional? It felt like she really wanted to tell a romance with a happy ending but the actual history was too depressing so she had to change a majority of it just to get to where she wanted. A lot of the time it also felt like the story was unbalanced- like the author had too much politics and not enough romance, or that the romance was too sudden. Again, I feel like this is because she felt that she had to tie it into the actual history and it just didn't really mesh with the story she was trying to tell. Phillip and Richard also felt a bit flat, they never truly drew me in as characters and their voices were not distinct enough from each other. Ultimately a promising premise with disappointing results.

I liked this book, just wasn't entirely in love with it. While I dug that it dived deep into the history, (I learned a lot!) I kind of wanted more about their relationship (they long distance pine for each other a lot.)

Instead of romance, we get an awful lot of politics. Which is cool, if that's your thing. If you're like most folks, you maybe are familiar with the names of these two men, but not what their connection to history was. This book gives you a front row seat to their reigns and the the messiness of inherited titles, (and the the trauma and drama that was often passed down for generations.) I found most of that fascinating, but again wanted a bit more relationship stuff in there.)

Of course, it makes perfect sense today that some of these kings (and queens!) of old were gay, but still did their familial duty, marrying for political prestige and trying their best to sire children. To that end, I think I enjoyed Phillip's scenes bit more because we got to see that side of his life and the surprisingly healthy relationship he had with his wife.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars, rounded up!

This book is going to get compared to The Song of Achilles, however, despite the war aspect, I didn't really find the two to be that similar. In addition, I do feel like this is better categorized as historical fiction instead of romance as I felt the romance was almost a secondary plot in the book (but still a huge part of it).

I was really impressed with the writing style and was very engaged with the story. Both Richard and Philip felt like fully realized, different characters that I could both sympathize and root for. I really enjoyed this and will definitely be re-reading when it's released! Overall, a rather impressive debut and I will definitely be looking forward to reading this author's future works!

Thanks the NetGalley and Dell for the eARC!

4/5 Stars!

Solomon's Crown is an old-fashioned, slow-burn epic in the best way. If you can get through the build up, you won't be sorry. I was skeptical about this one but it ended up hitting me right in the feels at allll the right points!

Love between rival kings? Just throw it at me, I'm game for it. But more importantly, there was so much earnestness in the voices of our leads. Such a beautiful, visceral yearning that had my heart clenching in my chest. There's nothing like being long-destined enemies and ultimately blowing up the odds by coming together anyway. I can't get over how my little bumblebee brain almost didn't want us to finish this because it took a little while to get there but friends, let me just say, IT WAS WORTH IT!

The writing itself was beautiful and even though I didn't know about the setting, I never felt talked down to as a reader. I was totally immersed and it was lovely to learn about Richard and Phillip. What they longed for, what kept them up in the night. and the terrible choice they had to make between each other and their legacies.

An absolutely stunning, aching romance. Highly rec this to anyone who loves love, and especially if you've got a bit of a history buff in you. Catch this in March 2023!

*My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for granting me this arc in exchange for my honest review*

As someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, I was curious to see if this fictional take on the relationship between Richard the Lionheart and Phillip Augustus would grab my interest. I'm happy to say it did. There is little, and contradictory, historical evidence on whether Richard and Phillip were in love. However, given the period of time, this is not surprising. Siegel clearly did a lot of research in the writing of this book, and it helps bolster the "truth" of the account. I would definitely recommend this book.