Wow. I literally just put this book down. This is an enchanting tale of young Binsa and her struggles against the life she has been forced into. This was stunning from the moment it started with elaborate but believable world building with rich history. This reads like an established universe that you're just returning to. Binsa struggles against who she is and who she thinks she is. This is a coming of age for a new era. This really is stunning. I'm tongue tied in the best way. Just wow.

🌟 4.25 🌟

The Scarlet Throne is perhaps the first political fantasy I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Binsa sits on the Scarlet Throne as the vessel for the goddess Rashmatun. She has been the "living goddess" for more than a decade now, much longer than expected. Binsa doesn't believe in the goddess though and had never felt her presence. She does however house the demon Ilam which she inherited from her mother. Now the priests of Rashmatun (and the vessels of other gods) have decided to find a successor and Binsa will do anything to retain her power.

Binsa is an incredibly intriguing character. There are people she cares about and she seems to genuinely want to do right by the city she presides over, but when push comes to shove, she does not want to let go of her power. She is definitely a morally grey character and I think just about everyone in this story is as well. The side characters are all vastly interesting and I wish we had more info on their backgrounds. The setting is realistic and interesting. All in all, I just wanted more of everything and I'm glad that we will eventually have more books to read in this world.

Note: This book ends on a definite cliffhanger (and I'm going to hate the wait for the next book).

Questions I hope get answered:
Why is Ilan's corporeal manifestation different for each of his vessels?

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and Orbit books for access to this arc.

The cover got me. It’s colorful and beautiful and dang, that black (demon) cat. I too have read and seen information about the Living Goddesses of Nepal so I was excited to see how this would translate into a fantasy story.

Binsa is beyond a morally gray character but she is given a valid reason for wanting to hang onto her power and position. Former Rakhti leave the temple grounds and are expected to marry and sink back into obscurity. This is reinforced for Binsa when she learns what happened to the Rakhti before her.

At first I liked Binsa. She is a sixteen year old, faced with losing everything that gives her a prominent place and some degree of power in her world. She’s been bullied and abused by her mother, she’s had a demon embedded in her, she lost her older brother when psycho-mom drove him out only to finally regain him years later but still can’t claim the relationship. When she realizes that the priests are going to pull a power move on her, Binsa decides to block that and go for gold.

The sad thing is that Binsa is a sixteen year old and her brilliant badass skills aren’t quite what she thinks they are. Her actions are more reactive and frantic for a good bit of the story. She also gives herself over to the demon who is tied to her, slowly and then more quickly traveling down the path of losing her humanity. Binsa kills some people and though she tries to do the old “I’m only going to kill the sinners” thing, eventually this choice is taken from her. Innocents die for her ambitions.

And yet, I was still (mainly) on her side. The rules hamper her, the priests have an iron clamp on power, and Binsa wants that for herself. Can’t blame her for that. I do blame her for what she does in the last third of the book, especially the last few chapters. Her revenge is going nicely, she clears the decks of the main person against her and … she’s got it. Total control. Then she goes off the deep end into actions which … I just can’t, then follows all this up with a narcissistic “blame the victim” mentality before setting up book two.

The world building is mostly good, well thought out and described with enough detail but not over-elaborated. The book also loses points with me due to there being too many puzzle pieces that tend to get mentioned and then set aside for a hundred pages by which point I’ve forgotten much about them. I’ll read reviews of the next book before deciding whether to read it or not. I’m not entirely sure I want to see Binsa redeemed or watch her skip further down the path of “Oh, my God.” I know, it’s weird. B-/C+

Thanks to Oribit and Netgalley for sending this ARC my way!

Binsa is a goddess. A false one. She is bound to a demon using his powers to hold her place as the living goddess. In her role, she will be replaced as soon as she comes of age. Delaying that is only possible for so long. Just how much will she give to keep her seat on The Scarlet Throne?

It was incredibly interesting reading a book based on the actual living goddesses of Nepal. When I was reading about them in preparation for this book I wondered what would happen if one of them didn't want to give up the role and this book literally played out that question.

Solid read with a lot of potential. Enjoyed the lore and the character journey, but it felt as though the prose and technical writing was getting in the way of the read and end up detracting from other aspects of the story. Can easily see that getting better as the author continues writing though.

This is a case of “it’s not you, it’s me” - I prefer my fantasy books to have more clearly defined edges, namely when it comes to character motivations / driving force. Main character Binsa wants to hold onto power, and that’s her entire goal, but she has absolutely no power to begin with; she’s a figurehead constantly on the verge of being exposed as a fraud and/or cast out entirely. With such a wishy washy goal, the plot doesn’t follow a clear trajectory, making it hard to hold my attention. The side characters don’t establish themselves at all in the beginning, and so they were all quite frankly forgettable.

This book had a really engaging concept and interesting ideas to explore about magic, but I ultimately DNF'd it at the 60% mark.

The main character has an interesting storyline, of using and hiding her blood magic to maintain her position as a living vessel for a goddess, but I never really connected to her beyond that one motivation. We get hints at a backstory, but she felt both shallow and unlikeable. With the book being in a single first-person POV, it was hard to maintain interest, as we aren't given much beyond Binsa's constant ruminations on needing to maintain her power. Ultimately, I was unfortunately bored most of the time while reading :(

I'd be interested to try other books from this author in the future, and look forward to seeing what she tries next.

I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately this book fell flat to me. The book dragged a lot at times

I have NO doubt that this book is going to get SO much hype after it comes out. It is such a top tier character-driven fantasy novel that I know people are going to absolutely devour. What's even cooler? It's a DEBUT novel! Like, how is that even possible? Amy did such an amazing job on The Scarlet Throne I am SO excited to see what is next for them.

One of my favorite thing about this book is how Amy bleeds the lines between good and bad. Like, yes, our FMC has some objectively bad qualities and makes very poor decisions; however, there are also times when Binsa behaves or reacts in a certain way that I was like...... well, that wasn't great but it's possible I would have responded similarly. Don't get me wrong, she is definitely morally grey but I think we're given some reasons as to why that is. The political intrigue throughout was so well done and didn't leave me questioning if I understood the world the story was set in. Something I think readers should be aware of, though, is that this is definitely a slower paced novel that sometimes feels like it's going nowhere. We understand some on Binsa's background and what her goals are, but at times it's almost like she's already achieved her goal or maybe I just didn't know where her character arc was headed.

So excited for the rest of this trilogy! Thank you Amy Leow, Orbit, and Netgalley or the eARC. Love you lots, mean it! ❤️

First of all thank you to Net Galley for providing me an ARC to review!

The story of Binsa is one of aggressive self preservation. It tackles the idea of breaking or succumbing to generational curses. The FMC is also a completely unreliable narrator and you watch her slowly lose herself in her attempt to give her life meaning. You are not meant to like her you are meant to try to understand her. I also like that there is no romance subplot, it is completely about morality and how people are imperfect and can be manipulated to become the worst versions of themselves.

I am excited to see where the story goes.

This was so much fun! I really liked Binsa and how out of pocket she could be at times. Overall a good time and I am exited to see where book 2 goes from here.

The Scarlet Throne is a mean little pill of a book. Set in a Tibetan inspired fantasy world where humans are selected as vessels of gods, Binsa has clawed her way into a position as a 'living goddess' using demonic blood magic. Teamed up with her cat demon Ilam, she has maintained power far longer than she has been expected to reign. Facing priests who now want her gone, a new goddess candidate in the form of a little girl, and a conspiracy that stretches centuries, Binsa will do anything to remain a living goddess.

Immediately reading the books description I was sold, but I was not expecting the story to be so dark and unforgiving. If Cersei Lannister's chapters in ASOIAF were peak literature to you, PICK THIS BOOK UP NOW. Binsa is a cruel, complicated, power hungry and constantly paranoid character whose small decencies are constantly at war with her desire for greatness at all costs. She is an absolute BLAST TO FOLLOW.

Amy Leow took some massive risks with her character and making her very hard to redeem in a way we just don't get to enjoy from female characters in fiction. Binsa has a tragic background, but she's not written as a character whose particularly sympathetic. This is not a "good for her" female rage story, but rather, one that explores obsession with power from the perspective of a woman. Binsa is in fact, 'bad for everyone'.

The side characters are also fantastic in their ways. To start, theres quite a few of them and particularly the priests are challenging to keep track of at times, but everyone has a very distinct personality. This is a single POV and first person, yet even though Binsa's delusional eyes, these characters shine with their own motivations, hopes and dreams. All of them need to survive Binsa in their own way, and several characters- particularly the little girl Medha, add a moral brightness to an otherwise dark book.

The tone of the book incorporates court politics and mystery and at times can be slow, but never boring. Binsa's scheming is always a ton of fun, but this is not an "action packed" book. It is best suited for fans of low fantasy and political fantasy. The prose is fairly simple, but while the books aesthetics may seem to appeal to New Adult readers, The Scarlet Throne may not be suited for those looking for friendship and romance in their stories, and will be much more appealing to horror and grimdark fans looking for a unique story that is packed with villainous and grey characters all ready to betray each other at a moments notice.

If you are sick of "good for her" and are ready to enter an era of women behaving badly, The Scarlet Throne will be your 5 star read of the year.

This was indeed a book that I read with things that happened. Honestly going into this I thought it was going to be something different, and while I’m not upset with what the Scarlet Throne was, I feel like I just read a lot of nothing. The Scarlet Throne feels like a book that’s just setting the stage for its sequels, very few mysteries posed in this book are answered, and while the world is fascinating, it’s barely explored. You’re kept confined to a corner of a city in the corner of the world with little explanation given for the greater context.

While Binsa is a ruthlessly fun main character, none of her motivations feel particularly real. We’re told that she fosters visceral hate for her mother, but that never really comes across. We’re told that she’s selfish and power-hungry, and while her actions match that, the emotion of that never really comes across. This book is in 1st person, but every emotion that Binsa apparently feels doesn’t seem reflected in how she talks about it.

Ultimately while I wanted to like this book more, I just… don’t.

The Scarlet Throne is a gripping odyssey of revenge, power, and survival that delves into the darkest corners of human ambition. Amy Leow has crafted a richly detailed and original world, immersing readers in a narrative where the stakes are as high as they are treacherous. The story follows Binsa, who desperately clings to her role as the human vessel for a goddess. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear—both from the synopsis and the unfolding drama—that Binsa is not a divine being but rather a pawn controlled by a cunning demon.

This twist alone injects the narrative with intense, delicious tension. Yet, Leow doesn’t stop there. She fearlessly drags her characters through harrowing lows, delivering a novel brimming with unforgettable twists and turns. I found myself gasping, covering my mouth in shock, and snapping my fingers in appreciation of the story’s boldness (because we champion strong, complex women in all their glory).

If you're in search of a tale with devious demons, formidable women, a refreshing absence of clichéd romance, and an inventive world, The Scarlet Throne is a must-read for you.

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
She was just so dreadful that I had to keep reading. Nothing about this main character is a hero, and I ATE IT UP. It reminds me of all the true crime podcasts that I listen to. When you hear the tragic story of a serial killer's childhood, you can feel bad for the child but hate the adult, you know? Poor Binsa is precisely like that. There is still a heart in there somewhere.
Somewhere... Maybe.
I guess we won't know until book two!

eARC Review: eARC Review: The Scarlet Throne by Amy Leow 🔥

This was an incredible villain in the making story that’s based on Nepali culture! The world building, the characters, the magic system. . . . It was all so well crafted in my opinion. I was also VERY happy to see an Author’s Note at the beginning of the book; Leow gives a wonderful look into how this new series (it’s a TRILOGY!!!) was inspired by the Kumari (living goddesses) of Nepal and why she decided to have the story stay connected to the country in the first place.🇳🇵

The story follows Binsa, a Rakhti of the goddess of wisdom, Rashmatun. She’s manipulative and calculating like one would expect of a villainess, but she’s doing all this to survive. Really, she’s actually sensitive to what her trusted and loved ones think of her, and is a bit of a people pleaser for her city. I loved her gradual descent into being a power hungry “villain” though I do think she couldn’t broke a bit earlier. 😈

All in all, I just had a GREAT time with this political fantasy based on Nepal. I did find the ending a bit odd as the group felt like they joined forces a bit too quickly, but other than that, I LOVED this! ❤️

BIG thank you goes to my besties Orbit Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review, and to Leow for writing an incredible court politics fantasy set in a South/Southeast Asian like world! 😍

Publication date: September 10!

Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐️

I usually don't look to closely at what the book is about when I choose to read it, but I didn't expect this story, I think. I think I expected intrigue and things like that but to have such a main character like Binsa was a surprise. This is not the hero type character at all but more of the antihero type. She is something of a narcissist I think on steroids. Binsa will be the character I remember though as one of the most flawed and interesting characters from this book. The culture that this world exists in needed to be expanded upon I think as well. The magic systems were one of contrast where you have one that is more symbiotic or parasitic while the other was more depending gaining power from natural sources. Would like to find out more about in upcoming stories. There was mention of other countries, peoples and their religions/gods to and hope to see that explored more. I am left wondering what how this story will continue for one thing so will wait eagerly for the next installment in this series. I am unsure if this will be a reread for me though. A nice read for a first book in a series and should be liked by many readers. I just finished this one and these are my first thoughts but there is so much left unsaid about this book that I hope other readers will come to find out for themselves.
As always thanks to the publishers, netgalley and of course the talented author for the chance to read a good book. 3 and half to four stars for me.

This was a strong start to a new trilogy. The main character, compared to Azula from Avatar the Last Airbender, is a selfish, ambitious, scheming young woman full of rage and spite. Her redeeming qualities are slowly erased over time, as a vicious cycle of bad decisions in difficult situations continue to be made. Seeing her descent into who she becomes is both horrifying and gripping. The trauma and the darkness that surrounds her is compelling and masterfully written. She is not a character I like, or even fully understand, but she is certainly one that fascinates me. The supporting cast are fully fleshed out individuals with unique roles on Binsa’s journey. This book was excellent and impossible to put down, and I am eager for the next instalment of the trilogy.

DNF at 25%. This book just wasn't for me. I cannot enjoy a book where the FMC does not have any code of honor or any morality, ESPECIALLY if it's told in 1st person POV. I was stuck in Binsa's headspace for a quarter of the book, and that was more than enough for me.

From the get-go Binsa has the archetype that I'm not particularly fond of: angry, ambitious and arrogant. Her desperation to hold onto power pushed her into many schemes, lies and repulsive acts. And to top it off Binsa was manipulative and demanding towards her brother, the only person that actually seemed to love and care for her. Not once did I see any ounce of kindness or thoughtfulness from our FMC for others; every decision she made had her own best interest at the forefront.

***********MINOR SPOILERS BELOW***********

I was holding out and hoping for a redemption arc, but it was game over for me once innocent lives were being claimed without much consideration. Binsa readily agreed to kill people for blood magic to strengthen her bond and power with her demon. I didn't see any internal struggle when she made this atrocious decision, and she agreed upon this rather quickly without much hesitation. This would’ve been a more compelling read for me had it portrayed a good person slowly spiraling away from her humanity. But since Binsa was already terrible from the start of the story, it was just of a horrible girl stooping even lower into the role of a monster. With an FMC I don't remotely care about or want to root for, I’m just not inclined to continue this story and commit anymore time than I already have.

All I can say for this book is… wow!!

The Scarlet Throne is a story about Binsa, the only girl left standing in a bloodbath of a trial to be the vessel to a goddess. As her claim to her goddess throne is starting to come to an end, we follow her slow villainous descent from morally gray to total black.

I liked quite a few aspects of this book:
-This was loosely based off South Asian (Nepal) mythology
-The world of magic developed by the author
-Demons, goddesses, and political corruption all rolled into one setting
-The complicated relationships between the FMC, Binsa, and her brother, mother, demon, religion, and her successor, Medha
-No love interest or spice
-Unreliable narrator
-The ending!!!!

I sometimes struggled with the book. It was beautifully written and the pace was pretty consistent, but sometimes the plot didn’t have much to push it forward. Nevertheless, that comes with the territory of a character-driven story.

Highly recommend this for anyone who loves fantasy or mythology. It is so well done with the mythological and fantasy background, world building, and understanding of a magic system.

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and the author for an e-ARC of this book. This review was left voluntarily.