Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the ARC.
I personally adored Malice and was so excited to see what Heather Walter would do with Snow White. It should be made very clear that this book takes place before the events of the fairy tale and tells the story of what made the Evil Queen who she is.

Ayleth is a witch who is bad at magic, while still grieving the lost of her sister she embarks on a quest to bring her back. Along the way she ignites an old flame and begins to be pursued by the mad king.
Ayleth reminds me of Regina from once upon a time a woman scorned who with a broken heart becomes the very thing she swore to never be. Including the habit of collecting human hearts to maintain power over her enemies and allies alike.
Walter also pulls from the story of Anne Boleyn; a consort who becomes the Queen only to be see as a witch.

Over all I loved this book but wished I could have gotten the story of Snow White not just the prologue of how the Evil Queen came to be. Fingers crossed that Walter writes a short story.
*The twist made me almost throw my phone

The Crimson Crown is a twist on the story of how the Evil Queen in Snow White came to be, with twisting in elements of the Tutors. To be completely honest, I had forgotten about all of that as I read the story, and was absolutely shooketh at the ending!! The main character, Ayleth, is a witch living under the judging eye of her mother. Life for the witches is much different after the White King and his court spun lies to make the witches the enemy. However, is that the only lie? Even amongst the witches, outliers are judged and seen as outcasts and wrong. Meanwhile, Ayleth doesn’t seem to have any real powers she can feel, yet she isn’t going to let that stop her to head out on a perilous journey to the White Palace.

Once arriving in the White Kindgom, Ayleth comes face to face with Jacquetta. A witch that once held her heart, but betrayed her. It’s difficult to forget that betrayal. It’s also difficult to remember their time together, how she smelled, and how it felt to be in her arms. It’s a battle she must fight. The focus has to be on not being discovered. Otherwise, she will burn.

Ayleth quickly discovers something is wrong in the White Palace. Things do not feel right, and honestly, neither does she. The darkness does not only seem to peek from around every corner, but what if it is coming from inside her? She digs for the truth, but it seems someone is always one step ahead of her to keep her from finding the truth. Things are not always as they seem, though.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Who’s the fairest of them all? You will find out at the end of the book that takes you on twists and turns. It is a reminder that you may not fully know your power, but it’s there. You also don’t have to follow the rules of how you were told was the only way to discover it. Sometimes you have to look within, and embrace what you find.

I truly enjoyed this book. I give it 4.5 (it will show as 4 here), as there are parts where it dragged a bit for me, but the ending blew me away. I also love seeing the LGBTQIA+/sapphic representation. There is a small level of spicy, but not much. If you love reading books that are reimagining of elements of fairy tales, witchy books, and/or the aspects reflecting the Tutors court, then you will enjoy reading The Crimson Crown. Publishing date will be August 27, 2024. Be sure to pre-order from your local indie bookstore, or from where you prefer to purchase books.

Thank you to Random House Publishing - Ballentine/Del Ray, NetGalley, and Heather Walter for the eARC to review in exchange for an honest opinion. I also share on GoodReads, Instagram, various FB reader groups (especially bi and sapphic fiction groups), and TikTok.

In "The Crimson Crown," Heather Walter intricately navigates the transformation of Ayleth from a marginalized witchling to the formidable Evil Queen. Ayleth's poignant journey, fraught with longing for acceptance and love amidst familial shadows, unfolds against a backdrop of betrayal and unforeseen twists, culminating in the emergence of a villain with complex motivations.

Drawing inspiration from the historical intrigue of Tudor courts and the allure of Maleficent and Anne Boleyn archetypes, Walter delivers a masterful fusion that captivates readers with its depth of world building and the enigmatic allure of courtly politics. The narrative stands on its own, immersing readers in a richly detailed realm infused with witchcraft and fairy tale elements.

Central to the novel's allure is its meticulously crafted characters, each bearing nuanced flaws and motivations reflective of their Tudor counterparts. Characters like Joan, Marion, and the Queen shine vividly, mirroring the complexities of Tudor women navigating power dynamics. Ayleth's trajectory, propelled by external pressures and internal conflicts, evokes empathy as she grapples with the consequences of her actions while striving to uphold her moral compass.

Walter's prose effortlessly explores themes of love, betrayal, and the societal constraints faced by women, engendering a profound connection with Ayleth's quest for redemption. While the narrative's pacing gradually builds towards a climactic resolution, earlier pivotal moments could have enhanced the narrative's momentum.

In sum, "The Crimson Crown" is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the intricacies of power, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the sequel's continuation of Ayleth's captivating journey.

Disclosure: This review is based on a digital review copy provided by Netgalley and Del Rey (Thank you). Reviews will be posted to Goodreads, instagram, retail stores where books are sold.In "The Crimson Crown," Heather Walter intricately navigates the transformation of Ayleth from a marginalized witchling to the formidable Evil Queen. Ayleth's poignant journey, fraught with longing for acceptance and love amidst familial shadows, unfolds against a backdrop of betrayal and unforeseen twists, culminating in the emergence of a villain with complex motivations.

Drawing inspiration from the historical intrigue of Tudor courts and the allure of Maleficent and Anne Boleyn archetypes, Walter delivers a masterful fusion that captivates readers with its depth of world building and the enigmatic allure of courtly politics. The narrative stands on its own, immersing readers in a richly detailed realm infused with witchcraft and fairy tale elements.

Central to the novel's allure is its meticulously crafted characters, each bearing nuanced flaws and motivations reflective of their Tudor counterparts. Characters like Joan, Marion, and the Queen shine vividly, mirroring the complexities of Tudor women navigating power dynamics. Ayleth's trajectory, propelled by external pressures and internal conflicts, evokes empathy as she grapples with the consequences of her actions while striving to uphold her moral compass.

Walter's prose effortlessly explores themes of love, betrayal, and the societal constraints faced by women, engendering a profound connection with Ayleth's quest for redemption. While the narrative's pacing gradually builds towards a climactic resolution, earlier pivotal moments could have enhanced the narrative's momentum.

In sum, "The Crimson Crown" is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the intricacies of power, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the sequel's continuation of Ayleth's captivating journey.

Disclosure: This review is based on a digital review copy provided by Netgalley and Del Rey (Thank you). Reviews will be posted to Goodreads, instagram, retail stores where books are sold.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Title: The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Pub Date: August 27, 2024

🌟 4/5
🫑 2/5

🍎 Snow White Retelling
🌈 LGBTQ+ Representation
⛓️ Magic is Outlawed
🦋 Witch Covens and Dwarves
💔Yearning and Heartbreak
🗡 Epic Betrayals
⏳️ Unexpected Twists
🔥 Morally Grey FMC

The premise of this story is intriguing, essentially a villain origin story that predates the classic fairy tale, with a witchy twist.

Ayleth's character is well-developed and loyal to a fault, though her fear of her own power and her tendency to overthink situations leads to an overall sense of self-doubt. She's had her heart shattered repeatedly and would do anything, including risk her life, to get her sister Rhea back and right the wrongs that have been done to her and her coven. Only time will tell where her heart is truly leading her.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Del Rey for the digital review copy.

3.5

The origin story of how the wicked queen from Snow White came to be. Ayleth, the youngest witch is about to go through the ceremony of Ascension, after tragedy strikes her sister, that includes blood and fire and receiving gifts from the Ancient witches they derive from. Something goes amiss and Ayleth is determined to bring back her sister from the Veil she gets into the White Kings palace to try and recover the lost Bloodstones to bring back her sister and she gets more than she bargains for. Witches and covens, magic, familiars, magical mirrors, a quest for the bloodstones. I wish more was given to us I felt the magic was barely spoken about and Ayleth’s lack of powers was also not really spoken about. I enjoyed the story but it was very slow in most parts but I love the authors writing and her characters.

This was such a fun book, and I loved the world building and character development! I love all fairy tale retellings, and this one being sapphic with beautifully flawed characters and a Tudor-inspired setting is an added bonus!

Big thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC. Snow White is one of my favorite fairy tales so I had such high hopes for this book and Heather, you've blown my mind! Please tell me there's more to come! I stumbled upon this gem on NetGalley, drawn in by witches and Sapphic vibes, and boy, am I glad I did. Who knew a retelling of the evil queen's story could be so captivating? Ayleth's journey had me hooked from page one. The enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies dynamic? Pure brilliance. The court politics and eerie undertones kept me on the edge of my seat. What a ride! Can't wait for more adventures like this one."

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for sending me the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 ⭐️
Read if you like:
↠ Dark fairytale
↠ Wicked Witch Origin story
↠ Sapphic lovers

So I was super excited for this book!
I wouldn’t say that the book had a slow start, but rather I expected more of a Snow White re-telling. Instead I would consider this book more of the Wicked Witch Queens “origin story”.
After I felt I had a better understanding of what to expect as I continued reading, I enjoyed the book!

I was intrigued by Ayleth as the FMC immediately, and I enjoyed seeing her and her life in the coven.
JACQUETTA, ugh I wanted more from their love story!
At times I felt as though certain chapters were a little longer than need be. And I felt as though there were some plot holes that never got the attention they deserved.
Heather did an amazing job telling the story of Ayleth, you fall in love with her and root for her to find her strength all the while forgetting in the end she is the villain!

Walter seamlessly intertwines the rise of the Malevolent Queen from Snow White with the historical saga of the life of Anne Boleyn.

Crimson Crown is a story of women, witches, coming into your own and learning that you always have your own power even when they call you powerless.

I have always loved the history of the Tudors, especially Anne. Her story has always fascinated me from a very young age, as it did with many others. She is the most well known of Henry the 8th's six wives. What Walter has done with Crimson Crown is something I have never seen any other do before (and she nailed it). Knowing Anne's story and reading this I screamed, squealed, and yes even threw my book at the tid bits she put in about Anne's life that just elevated the novel to a whole new level.

I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this phenomenal novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Fairytale Retellings are always a bit hit or miss for me, but I requested this one as I did very much enjoy this author’s Malice.
This book is even better, at least for my tastes! I loved the court intrigue and the witchiness ughhh so good like why do I like the evil queen now

A twisty Snow White retelling with witches and a sapphic romance. This was slow paced and took me a wee while to read but overall a good story and I’m looking forward to the next book. I really didn’t like the love interest though, she drove me insane! 3.5 stars

The cover is stunning but unfortunately I couldn't get past the halfway point. Tbh I actually forgot this was a retelling until I re-read the description. I appreciate the opportunity to read this though!

When this book is officially published I will post to my GoodReads account. (When the book is published).

So I don't have a lot to say about this one which is both a good thing and a bad thing. I was really excited when Heather Walter announced another book (after having read her Malice). When I found out this was another retelling...I was skeptical. Maybe my mistake while reading this was comparing consistently with Malice....

I don't know...characters were very one dimensional...ugh the expectations were high and not met, but if you're looking for a "twisty" retelling of another classic you might still enjoy it....

I will say I will be rereading the novel when it is officially published. I'm hoping that my perspective changes!

To save her coven against the evil Huntsman, a young witch must learn how to control her powers to save her family. Will she succeed? A reimagined version of the Evil Queen from Snow White that will leave on on the edge of your seat. Find out if Ayleth succeeds and how she overcomes her fears and learns to control her magic. The writing is taut and fast paced, the story thrilling and will leave you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down!

How i love love love great fairytale retellings. This one does not fall flat, it delivers and is so worth the read. Told from the POV of Snow White's evil queen stepmother, this is for all of us who grew up loving these classic stories and wanting more.

I am obsessed with this book. The Anne Boleyn/Maleficent crossover was fantastic - the worldbuilding had so much depth and the intrigue of court and not knowing who to trust was well done. And, of course, the whole thing was just so perfectly witchy.

I was shocked by the twists and couldn't put the book down. Highly recommend.

Thank you for NetGalley for a chance to read and review this book. All my opinions are my own.

A very very special thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book to review.

HOLY SMOKES HEATHER
Let me say I am literally typing this as fast as I can so that I can buy/read anything else you have written. Please please please say this isn’t a standalone I need MORE.

I saw the title/cover of this book while randomly browsing NetGalley and was like “oh witches? Sapphic? Yeah that’s my jam” and requested it without much thought, luckily got approved and dove in.

This book, this story… is incredible. A retelling of the origin story of the evil queen? Not something I would have imagined myself super interested in but wow.
Now I need to re-watch Snow White to figure out how exactly she was evil because Ayleth my sweet girl, you have suffered and your choices are so valid.

This was enjoyable from beginning to end. So easy to take in. Enemies to lovers to enemies??? Yes.
I haven’t been this excited to read in quite a while but it really had me in a chokehold. I loooooved the sassy court politics and not so subtle snides between a certain dog owner and a misunderstood queen.
Plus the demonic shadowy creepiness of this story was so compelling like yes yes yes I love a little spook!!
This was an amazing adventure and I’m so grateful to have found it.



*spoilers*

Ayleth and Jacquettas relationship ugh I was internally screaming. Like GET IT TOGETHER JACQUETTA saying you’re a coward is no excuse!! Be with your girl, y’all’s families are toxic and you could be happy and free.
Shout out to Joan and Roland for being the most helpful and understanding baddies around.
Double extra shoutout to Nettle for being the best side kick. As a cat owner myself, they really do choose you and are the best mischievous little companions.
I was sad Sybil didn’t get her moment to shine as much as she could have but it truly added beauty and despair.

I really thought something freaky was going to happen with the king but I’m so satisfied with the outcome. Puppet boy!

And what’s to happen with Blodwyn? I hope she is swept under Ayleths wing and they become the ultimate dynamic duo of animal loving book reading powerhouses.

I need more shadows I need more growth I need to know what happens to the covens and the dwarves and I want to watch Ayleth take her power and use it. Please give me a book 2!!!!

I love reading and/or watching villain origin stories, so I was super excited to get approved for this Snow White Evil Queen retelling! I loved seeing all the little details about the movie’s Evil Queen play roles in this novel, and it truly makes so much sense how and why Ayleth descends into her villain era. I feel like a lot of villain origins stories (cough, cough, Cruella) don’t make sense for the villain to be as evil as they are, but Ayleth’s story definitely does. You can watch her jealousy and comparisons to other women start as early as the first few chapters, and the parts with the mirror were really interesting. I will say that this book was long and definitely felt long. I felt it could’ve done with being shortened (especially the slow beginning), but overall this book scratched the fairy tale itch. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the arc!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I was SO EXCITED to see a sapphic origin story of the Evil Queen from Snow White. Like, you don’t even understand. I still haven’t gotten around to reading Malice (I know, I know), but I had faith that Heather Walter could make this one another sapphic fantasy classic.

When I first started reading, I was wondering where the retelling would begin. I wouldn’t say the book started off slowly, because I was interested in Ayleth’s family angst and her life in her coven, but I found it much more exciting once she ended up in the queen’s service and we started seeing the Snow White elements. How she ended up at court was a little contrived, but I enjoyed her quest to resurrect her more powerful sister, prove herself, and maybe prevent the end of the world. That mission was already enough for Ayleth to worry about, but the king was on the prowl for a new mistress (even though he was married and had at least one mistress already) and decided she would be his next favorite. It felt similar to a romantasy relationship with the plot beats (a “meet cute”, the FMC and MMC running into each other repeatedly, some banter, a very unpleasant female rival for the MMC’s affections), except Ayleth was NOT into it. That was a fun twist.

The romance: why have enemies-to-lovers when you can have lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers to… enemies again? You get your hostile tension trope while scratching the second chance itch. Two for the price of one! That said, I’m not a fan of Jacquetta. Every character was enjoyable in their own way, even the side characters, and even Jacquetta, but… she was weak. As a person, not as a poorly written character, because she did have a lot of layers. A lot of COWARDLY layers. Run home to mommy and don’t come back!! I also grew really tired of reading how she smelled of juniper. I don’t know what that smells like, but it must smell like horrible girlfriends.

I see this one is marked as Adult but it read more like upper YA to me. There is one tiny spicy scene towards the end but nothing very explicit. If you’re worried about a Tudor-inspired setting having archaic-sounding language, don’t be. The prose is very accessible.

I kept waiting for Ayleth’s villain turn, tapping my foot, saying “girl listen to that evil voice, do it, do it do it” and then…! HOOOH BOY THAT ENDING!! Is there a sequel? There has to be a sequel! I want Ayleth to burn the world down.