The Witch’s Heart meets The Priory of the Orange Tree in this debut novel about a woman who can bring people back from the dead, and the princess — and only heir to the throne — that she must protect, no matter the cost.

This really scratched my itch for feminist fantasy. I look forward to further installments.

This was one of my most highly-anticipated reads of 2024, and I'm so glad I got it early! I loved everything about this book. The best way I could describe it is a cross between The Midnight Lie and Queen of Coin and Whispers. I absolutely LOVED the prose; I feel like I just flew through the book because of how well the writing flowed. Hellevir's powers were so interesting and I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters detailing her first experiences in Death and setting up her backstory. Further into the book, I also loved the political intrigue Hellevir becomes entangled in. I didn't really like Sullivain, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book. I appreciated that while there's definitely an attraction between Hellevir and Sullivain, it wasn't insta-love. Sullivain has a long way to go and a lot of maturing to do (despite being in her 20s and in a position of power) before I think I'll start to like her.

This book was complex, unique, and had me captured from the start. The main character can speak with Death and resurrect those who have died. However, this comes at quite the price. Her thought process as to who to save and who not to save is thrilling to read about. This story is one that has a lot of heartbreak but also commentary on a lot of tough subjects.

The most interesting part of this book was the “treasures” and offerings Hellevir has to give throughout the book. I wonder how the author thought up these and deemed them enough. It was different from other books about offerings and sacrifice in this way.

This isn’t your typical fantasy but it is a very good read. Easy to get through, tugs at your heart strings, and makes you question your own values. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy deep topics and fantasy that isn’t completely centered around romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really, really wanted to love this book. The premise behind it is great, the power to bring things back from the dead. However, about a quarter of the way in, I was not thinking of the book, my mind was wandering which isn't a good sign.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

The prose feels geared toward the younger crowd, so I definitely would say it skews New Adult. I stopped after chapter 1 (4%), but I would see this as an easy three stars on average and four/five for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

I was so sad that I couldn't love this novel! I am a huge fan of sapphic fantasy, and was thrilled to see comparisons to Priory of the Orange Tree. However, for whatever reason, I could not find myself captivated by the story. The beginning moves a bit slowly, but I think the biggest issue was that I couldn't really connect with the characters. It reads like a biography at times, and I felt more outside the story than I felt moving along with it. The best parts at the start were Hellevier going into Death, which felt very Sabriel-like, but once the story moved away from this I wasn't as engaged. It seems this is the first entry in a larger series, which makes the lack of context for characters such as the man in black make more sense, but still frustrating to feel like the edges of the world and characters were ill-defined.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5

This was a fantastic debut that reads like a dark gothic fairytale with great character work.

I am not someone who typically enjoys the naïve, good-hearted protagonist, but Hellevir was so much more than that. Her journey was both intriguing and heartbreaking. Her relationships with the other characters, such as Farvor, her mother, even Death, and of course Sullivain, were complex and interesting to explore.

Speaking of Sullivain, I was thoroughly invested in her (very complicated) relationship dynamic with Hellevir. In some ways, it reminded me of The Unbroken, but I thought it was much better handled in this book. I am looking forward to learn where they go from here.

It's take on Death, was perhaps the most central aspect of the book, and was both fascinating and unique (both as a character and a setting). I am curious about what lies beyond it.

In terms of the plot itself, it was somewhat predictable at times. However, the execution made up for it. I expected certain reveals and character deaths fairly early on, but the way they were executed still managed to surprise me.

When it comes to pacing, the book starts off a little slow, but builds as it goes on, so much so that I finished the entire book in a day. The atmosphere of the book also helped in engrossing me with it's gothic, fairytale-like charm.

It did have a few negatives that stops it from getting a perfect score for me While the politics of this book impact so much of the plot, it wasn't explored firsthand as much as it could have been. I've already mentioned my enjoyment of the relationship between Sullivain and Hellevir, but I did end up wishing they spent a bit more time together, especially in the earlier parts. The world building of the book could also have been more clearer. However, these are all aspects that can improved upon with sequels.

Overall, a thoroughly engrossing book with a unique premise and interesting characters. I am looking forward to what the author does in further installments.

In this debut novel merging elements of "The Witch’s Heart" and "The Priory of the Orange Tree," a captivating tale unfolds. Hellevir possesses the rare ability to resurrect the dead, bound to safeguard Princess Sullivain, the kingdom's sole heir. The price of her power is extracted by a shadowy figure governing the afterlife.
When tragedy strikes, Hellevir is summoned to raise the Princess to avert civil unrest. Yet, as the threat of war looms, Hellevir's sacrifices escalate in her bid to protect Sullivain, even as their bond deepens into love. The narrative's rich world-building and compelling characters immerse readers in a tapestry of magic and emotion.

The story deftly navigates themes of power, love, and sacrifice, carving its unique path while echoing beloved tales. This debut masterfully explores the intricacies of life, death, and the complexities found in between. A fusion of fantastical elements and emotional depth, this novel enchants with its spellbinding narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's imagination.

Thank you to Avon Books and Harper Voyager US and Net gallery for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for giving me access to an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will admit, when I saw that this book claimed “The Priory of the Orange Tree” as a comp title, I was skeptical. “Priory” is such a singular work that comparing anything to it is something you need to be able to back up. “The Gilded Crown” backed up its claim. It was truly an incredible first book in this series— with all the twists, turns, intrigue, and anguish that one would expect from a book claiming “Priory” as a comp title. I was immediately drawn into the world and connected with the characters, falling into their story along with them. The writing was masterful and the story so carefully plotted— an exceptional work all around. I will absolutely be following this series and author closely, because I cannot wait for the next installment.

4.5 stars rounded down to 4.

Something epic this way comes. The first in a new duology, The Gilded Crown follows Hellevir, a woman who can enter death and bring back souls from the other side, but at a great cost to her. In death, she meets a dark stranger and makes a bargain. If she brings him precious treasures from the living world, he will let her bring back souls for a lesser cost. He gives her riddles to solve to find the required treasures. Following them opens her eyes to the thruth of the fabled history of an ancient war. Meanwhile, there are powers swirling in the living world that threaten to upset the balance of her country. She is swept into the intrigue when she raises the Princess and only heir to the throne from the dead.

I was captivated by Hellevir and her story. She was caught in the middle of so many opposing forces. Life and Death. The old ways and a new religion. The Queen and her family. Sullivan and her brother. I'm excited to see how this duology will end. There was no cliffhanger, rather the book ended with the start of a new chapter in Hellevir's life.

I enjoyed the riddles as a way to incorporate world building without it feeling like I was slogging through info dumping. Each new riddle took Hellevir someplace new and added a new layer to the legends, challenging what she thought she knew. And I'm sure there are more riddles and secrets to come in book two.

I developed a few theories about the plot as I was reading. Some of them were proven wrong before the end of book one, but a few are still unresolved. I really enjoy when a book gets me actively theorizing as I read and looking for clues. The plot was very engaging, compelling, and complex enough that I wasn't content to sit and read; I needed to dig into the layers of this new world.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the ARC.

OMG! This book immediately had me hooked from just the description. It sounded so unique and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

The writing is so descriptive that it allows you to vividly picture what is happening. Both the characters and the setting are very well developed. Death was probably my favorite. He was a very intriguing character and left me wanting even more scenes including him. Hellevir’s character was easy to feel for with the gift that burdens her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was an excellent debut. Can’t wait to see what the next book holds!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed a lot about this book. The concept is very strong. I appreciate a little political intrigue, and her ability to go into death was really interesting I agree with the comparison to Priory of the Orange Tree and Witch's Heart. There were some technical issues I found that I'm sure will be caught in editing, such as missing punctuation and a phrase or two repeated too many times.

My biggest issue is actually the title. It has very little relevance to the content of the story. The cover art is beautiful and drew me in right away, but I honestly think the title should be reconsidered.

Overall, while I gave this book a high rating based on my own enjoyment, the writing could be stronger. I wasn't invested in the little bit of romantic subplot we got. The love interest isn't particularly likable and they don't have much chemistry. The mystery of who Death is and his whole backstory didn't really have a satisfying resolution, so I'm assuming you find out more in the next book. The ending was a little anticlimactic and I'm not really sure the direction the story is heading in going into the next installment. I'm at least intrigued enough to continue on when it is released.

I will certainly recommend it to people who might be interested in political fantasy with a sapphic romantic subplot and no spice.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Summary of the plot:

Hellevir has the ability to raise the dead by going into the afterlife (called Death) and paying a price by this man dressed in all black. The price can be her fingers, an apple, seeds, etc. But every time she visits, this man demands more from her. The Queen of the land discovers her power and forces Hellevir to resurrect her granddaughter and heir, Princess Sullivain. Hellevir is blackmailed into remaining by Sullivain's side as assassins may try to take her life again, and Sullivain's death would cause a civil war.

Thoughts on the plot:

I would give this book 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. I think the story had a lot of potential, but it just didn't meet my expectations. The beginning is quite slow, but I enjoyed reading the scenes of Helliver entering Death as there was a sense of unknown and darkness. The author does a good job making the protagonist an interesting character because Helliver constantly has to decide how often to use her power and for who. She could save everyone, but at what cost? She picks and chooses who she saves, which is a lot harder than it seems.

One of my biggest problems was that I felt like there weren't really that many consequences for any risky action. Sullivain's death is supposedly a reason for civil war to break out, but I didn't really feel that much political tension, so whenever she did die, it didn't feel like anything monumental was going to happen. I wish we could have seen more political action. Additionally, it seems that Helliver can raise the dead without much consequences. Supposedly, using her power takes a way a part of her soul, but her actions and personality remains consistent through the book. Also, the man dressed in black always demands more stuff from her every time she uses her power, and he asks her to find these human objects through riddles. Helliver has the easiest time obtaining them.

Overall, it was a decent read. I wish we got more answers on who this man in black is, but I'm assuming we learn more in the next book (if there is one). There are also gods and religions that play a significant role in the story, so if that's your thing, this might be a good book for you.

Would I recommend this book? I suppose.