4.75 stars! It is so rare to see a book series COMMIT to the enemies to lovers trope—it's been thrown around so much the words don't mean much anymore, but if you are looking for a TRUE enemies to lovers fantasy, this series has that in spades. The betrayals, the cat and mouse, each of them always keeping the other at the point of their sword. I am so down bad for Arin and Sylvia. I almost didn't care as much about the plot because them as characters were so compelling, the plot was just gravy.

"Still fond of throwing knives, are you?"
"Only when my target is so very good at catching them." --> THE BANTER

I do highly recommend reading the first book before reading this one because the world is so complex, it was hard to dive back into the world and its lore after reading the first book over a year ago. This series does such a phenomenal job at showing how the WORLD is in shades of grey, all different rebellion factions doing what they believe needs to be done in order to ensure their survival.

"For the truly enlightened among us are those who understand that the realities we build were already built for us."

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Jasad Crown by Sara Hashem had a slow start for me, but once it found its rhythm, I was completely hooked. The rich blend of political intrigue, a compelling magic system, and memorable characters made it an unforgettable read. The somehow still slow-burn romance adds emotional depth without overshadowing the gripping plot. It’s easily one of the best fantasy duologies I’ve read—thoughtfully crafted, emotionally resonant, and highly recommended for fans of fantasy with a well-written romantic thread.

What truly sets this book apart is its nuanced exploration of identity, loyalty, and power. Hashem weaves these themes seamlessly into a fast-paced narrative filled with tension and stakes that feel both personal and epic. The worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and the relationships are layered and emotionally charged. As the story unfolds, every choice and consequence lands with real weight. There were even several plot twists I didn't see coming! This was a heartbreaking story, but I loved the resolution and conclusion to this duology—it was satisfying, powerful, and stayed true to the emotional core of the duology.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

All-consuming. Visceral. Potent.
This duology. This book. It reached into the depths of my heart and soul and didn’t let go, didn’t relent.
I felt understood to my core like someone peeled back my skin and saw me. The sheer force of emotion this wrung from me. Eviscerated me. I will never be the same.

THE COMPLEXITY OF IT ALL. To be at war with the world around you while also being at war with yourself. The journey of self-discovery. The meaning and struggle of identity and duty. Two sides of the same coin - unraveling the tangles of the life they were thrust into, trying to make sense of the cards they were dealt while also learning how to love and be loved. The steadfast found family. The uncovering of truths. The blurred lines of…everything. Hate and obsession. Acceptance and renewal. Loyalty and reverence. Control and power. Burden and discovery. The bonds. The tension.
The emotional attachment I have to these characters is unparalleled. All of the characters arcs and growth were so special to witness. Stepping into their power and also letting go of it. Sylvia is a character that feels like she was written for me. I don’t know if one will ever be able to top her. Flawed and complex and imperfect. Paired with the complicated, multi-faceted layers of Arin and the beautiful grounding of Sefa. The transcendent love of Marek. The courage of Jeru. The small child that still lives in all of us in Fairel. Each represent a facet of what it means to be human and the messy complexity of it all.
Sara has an uncanny ability to weave words together in a way that makes you FEEL. EVERYTHING. My nerve endings feel raw and exposed.

I will re-read these books throughout my lifetime and it’ll never be enough for me.

heart rating: 6❤️
star rating 4.5✨

Technical critiques:
My emotional attachment did of course heighten my experience of this book- if we got down to technical critiques my biggest issues were structural. I really wish it had been longer and that this had been mapped out to be a trilogy instead because there was so much crammed into this book. A lot was skated and glazed over and skipped transitionally as we jumped from POV to POV. It did feel a bit choppy at times and I felt like we were missing some of the in-betweens which also made the ending feel a bit rushed - it was 650 pages but it went by sooo fast and I just wanted a bit more lingering in some areas.
but really, considering everything else comparatively, it didn’t detract from my experience, it just may for you. I think the Jasad Heir was still my favorite of the two but overall, Sara’s ability to make me so invested and attached and so utterly devastated in just a duology speaks for itself. It could be a 10 book series and it wouldn’t be enough for me. I feel like I have thought about this book every minute of every day since I finished it. or rather, since it finished me.

“I AM WHAT REMAINS.”

Immediate YES!

This book came with rebellion, found power, and a heroine who is all tough and vulnerability wrapped up in royal trauma. Alarus, the magic system, the tension with the love interest... It has layers, y’all.

It reminded me of An Ember in the Ashes but with sharper politics and more moral grayness. If you like your fantasy with heat, emotional weight, and unapologetically powerful women—this checks every box. The pacing is intense, and the stakes are real. Loved it.

5⭐️
I think I liked the first book a little better if only because it didn’t wreck me as much as this one did…
I really don’t have a lot of bad things to say about this book. I loved the prose, the pacing, the world building, and everything in between. Some things didn’t 100% make sense to me but not enough to let them stick. The ONLY two critiques I have are: *spoiler* I don’t understand why she put the barrier up just to decimate it a few seconds later? And secondly, I understand this is probably YA but if there’s going to be a fade to black, I really want it clearly stated that they did something worth fading to black: it wasn’t clear to me what happened; did they kiss, did they hug??
The love story and Arin’s dedication was honestly just such a nice additional warmth to the story that I didn’t know I needed until I was sobbing. I wish Essiya wasn’t such a martyr but what can you do? I really loved this story and wish I got to see their reunion and what a life with the awaleen means for the characters but all-in-all, love.

One of my most anticipated books of 2025! There were a number of places the plot felt pretty choppy--this book is trying to pack a LOT in. But I love the dynamic between Arin and Sylvia/Essiya so much--they're one of my favorite book couples.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

I knew if this book was anything like The Jasad Heir it was going to be an easy 5 stars but my expectations were blown out of the water. This story was PHENOMENAL.

It’s rich in Egyptian culture, high stakes and tears. There is nothing that could’ve prepared me for the plot twist and the ending. My jaw was on the FLOOR. It’s actually shocking how a beautifully detailed story like this was able to fit into only 2 books. There is truly nothing lacking. It’s everything I could’ve asked for and more.

If you can’t tell I really loved this one. Super sad it’s over because I loved the characters so much but happy I got to see where they all ended up in the future.

Absolutely 10/10 must read duology.

Turns out vengeance, politics, and ancient magic make a killer combo.
The Jasad Crown just casually slid a dagger into my heart. This book throws you into a whirlwind of rebellions, secrets, politics, and enough tension to set Jasad on fire (too soon?). Essiya is that girl—traumatized, sarcastic, and has a deep aversion to staying out of trouble. And Arin? The broodiest brooder to ever brood. If you liked book one, you'll love book two.

Would I survive in this world? Absolutely not.
Did I scream “JUST KISS” at least five times? Without shame.
Would I sell out my own people for an ounce of magic and chance to survive? …Look, times are hard.

Sara Hashem, I’ll be seeing you in the future.

Thanks NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Sara Hashem for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was brilliant and the duology was fabulous. I still can’t believe this is Sara Hashem’s debut series. The characters, struggles, storyline, and nature of events are so well thought out. This duology never felt rushed or choppy as some do. I liked that this book really jumped right in, as I felt book 2 took a bit to get into. The way the magic systems evolved and exploring the different ways their kind could use magic was very fun and unique.
4What a beautifully tragic story. This is some dense fantasy with a touch of devastatingly rich romance. I think if you liked hurricane wars, you’d love this story. The banter and brooding and pining really had me in its clutches.
The epilogue did me in.

OH MY GODDDDDD. I WANT TO REREAD THIS BOOK FOREVER AND EVER. The Scorched Throne duology is one of my top favorite fantasy series and Essiya and Arin are like top 3 favorite book couples ever. Sara Hashem, you have my heart and you ripped it to shreds and stitched it back together!!!

The Jasad Crown is the second book in The Scorched Throne duology and we are immediately right back into the action. I really appreciated Arin’s chapters in this book and the more insight we got into his head. He is such a complicated character and it was so interesting to watch and read his character development. The girlies wanted yearning and Sara Hashem said HERE cause OMG, Arin is the king of yearning. “IF YOUR MAGIC TAKES YOU, I WILL DRAG YOU BACK. IT CANNOT HAVE YOU.” HE IS SO DOWN BAD. And I feel it cause I am also down bad for Essiya.

Essiya is one of the strongest book characters I’ve ever read. She is the heroine of all heroines. I love her and the fact that she kept her sense of humor throughout despite having every reason not to. She loves hard, she protects her people, and I want her to have a peaceful forever where no one and nothing ever bothers her.

I really enjoyed getting the other characters POVs in this book also. There are so many moments that will break your heart but I enjoyed this book so so much and I CANNOT WAIT to see what Sara Hashem does next. I will be thinking about this series until the end of time. Infinity stars.

The Jasad Crown delivers a searing, emotionally-charged finale to The Scorched Throne duology that left me reeling, breathless, and utterly in awe. Sara Hashem takes everything that made The Jasad Heir shine—the intricate politics, raw characters, Egyptian-inspired worldbuilding—and deepens it tenfold in this unforgettable conclusion.

Essiya (Sylvia) is a standout heroine: complex, traumatized, loyal, and burning with a reluctant hope that slowly turns into conviction. Watching her go from fugitive to symbol of rebellion was nothing short of powerful. Arin, too, is given the space to fully come into his own—with his aching devotion, burdened ideals, and quiet yearning making him one of my favorite fantasy love interests in recent memory.

The romance in this book is not just a subplot—it is the emotional spine. Every glance, every unspoken word between Arin and Essiya carries the weight of everything they’ve endured. Their bond is fire and friction, heartbreak and healing. It’s enemies-to-lovers at its best: slow burn, full of tension, loyalty, and earned trust.

Hashem also gives side characters their due—Sefa and Marek's platonic love was so beautifully rendered it broke me, and the addition of multiple POVs made the stakes feel higher and the heartbreak deeper. The magic system becomes more refined here, and the expansion of lore around the Awaleen and Jasadi history adds texture without bogging the narrative down.

The epilogue? Devastating and perfect.

If I had one small critique, it’s that this story could have been a trilogy. While the duology wraps up well, a third installment might’ve given more room for certain political arcs and world-building to breathe. That said, the pacing here is vastly improved from book one, and the momentum never lets up.

For fans of:

Egyptian-inspired fantasy

Slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance

Found family and loyalty

Female protagonists reclaiming their power

Sara Hashem has cemented herself as a fantasy author to watch. I’ll be pressing this duology into the hands of every romantasy reader I know.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

✨Book Review✨

The Jasad Crown is the second and final book in The Scorched Throne duology. I absolutely loved book one and I had really high hopes for book two. This book was everything I wanted and more. I loved that we got multiple POVs. The characters we lose throughout the story absolutely gutted me. The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending broke my heart. Essiya, Arin, Sefa and Marek are some of my favorite book characters of all time. Their stories will stick with me forever. 💜

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this arc!!

I had such a good time with this story and to be back with these characters again. The yearning ugh. I can’t believe it’s over but I can’t wait to see what this author hs in store next

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Jasad Crown is an epic conclusion to The Scorched Throne duology. Book two picks up right where book one left off, with Sylvia and Arin finding themselves once again at odds. War between Kingdoms becomes inevitable, and our main characters are forced to make difficult decisions to be made on behalf of their people and for the future of magic itself.

I found book two to be a big improvement from book one – both in terms of pacing and storyline quality. Readers get to experience two new POVs (side character favorites Marek and Sefa), and a lot of the layered world lore finally comes together.

The three main things I love about this series are as follows:
• I was living for the romance CRUMBS – the romance plot takes up a small portion of the overall page count, but it is sooo well written and filled with longing.
• This is *actually* a high stakes story – war is gritty, relationships are betrayed, lives are lost… and it all hurts.
• Sylvia is difficult, but real and relatable – I don’t always agree with her choices, but I do respect them.

I will absolutely be going back in for a re-read within the coming months!

Thank you to Orbit for providing an eARC for review! All opinions are my own.

The Jasad Crown was absolutely flawless. It had everything I could ever want in a romantasy book: a brutal, Egyptian inspired world, a fearless, fierce heroine fighting for her fallen kingdom, political intrigue, forbidden magic, a morally grey, ruthless commander who’s only loyal to one person, and a true enemies to lovers romance so filled with yearning that I barely survived.

This duology gives us four power hungry kingdoms trying to destroy each other, and one vanquished kingdom fighting to reemerge from the ashes. We get POVs from Essiya, Arin, Malek, and Sefa, who are all separated in different kingdoms, and the way it was written fully immerses you in the story. I can’t fully articulate how much I love Arin and Essiya. They are true enemies who despise the other and actively try to unalive each other. She’s the guarded heir to a broken throne who doesn’t let anyone get close to her and is snarky, sassy, and stabby. He’s the stoic, controlled, cold, calculated commander of the kingdom that conquered and destroyed her homeland, and is brutal, ruthless, and unforgiving. Their relationship was the best kind of slow burn, filled with banter, angst, longing, and devotion, and I couldn’t have loved it more.

Please read this duology. The world is so rich and well developed, and we get magic, gods, monsters, political intrigue, reluctant leaders who never wanted to be heroes, and the best romance ever!

Thank you to Orbit Books, Hachette Book Group, Sara Hashem, and NetGalley for the ARC.

📔The Jasad Crown
✏️ Sara Hashem
📆 July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

READ IF YOU LIKE:
🐦‍⬛ fugitive queen
🐦‍⬛ lost kingdom
🐦‍⬛ true enemies to lovers
🐦‍⬛ dangerous magic
🐦‍⬛ monstrous creatures
🐦‍⬛ warring kingdoms
🐦‍⬛ found family
🐦‍⬛ multi POV

4 stars! The Scorched Throne duology, an Egyptian-inspired epic fantasy, ends with a great and somewhat devastating finale.

Sylvia, a sassy and humorous fugitive heir, faces constant challenges in choosing herself or the world.

Arin’s devotion to Sylvia in this book is swoon-worthy. The multiple POVs make Marek, Arin, Sefa, and Sylvia even more lovable.

“I love a woman whose choices are not so perfect. Who found her peace in Arin even when Arin found nothing peaceful in himself.” ❤️‍🩹😭

Highly recommend this duology for a no-spice, enemies-to-lovers story with multiple POVs, world-building, and a unique, magical, fantasy world and political intrigue!

Side note: I believe this could’ve been a trilogy due to more world-building and background information.

🌿| 🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦 - Gripping finale. Very well written. Slow-burn. Imperfect but bold characters. Political gains. Sacrifice. Legacy. Beautiful tension.

👑| Enemies to Lovers
👑| Epic Battle
👑| Found Family

This was superb! The finale of this duology did not disappoint. The writing is lush, atmospheric, and completely draws you in. It had me fully hooked the entire time. The world-building was excellent in every aspect. The Egyptian inspiration makes this feel fresh and unique when so much of fantasy feels the same. The political intrigue is top-tier; it had me on the edge of my seat the whole book. The plot was outstanding and unpredictable. Pacing is phenomenal, and no spots felt like they dragged. It has an amazing, diverse cast of characters. They are very well developed, and they all felt so real. The tantalizing slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance was fantastic and didn't overtake the plot. I love that she did this as a duology and not a trilogy, but I was kind of sad to reach the end. I can't wait to see what Sara Hashem comes out with next.

First of all, I have to admit this took me two tries to fully read. I dnfed at about 30% the first time because I realized in order to fully enjoy this book, I needed to either reread or explore a detailed refresher of The Jasad Heir first. There was so much rich world building to try to remember after reading book one 2 years ago... without a solid recap in the beginning, I was struggling. I picked this book up for a second time after reading a refresher and the experience was IMMENSELY better. This is mostly due to the unique terminology (which varies by kingdom) and the dependency on remembering a few very specific scenes from book one.

Upon finishing this book finally, here are my thoughts. I LOVED THIS. Once again, I am thoroughly impressed by the ability to build such a vast and detailed world that can be explored so fully throughout the course of these two books. This was an incredible way to close out the duology and I loved the reading experience (the second time around lol). It's long, but it is all so necessary and so very worth it.

A few highlights:
- Sylvia, Essiya, my sweet love. The character progression of this story is outstanding. We see Sylvia/Essiya step up and out in the most brilliant of ways. As with any book character, there are moments of "WHY??" followed by "I get it, I get it". She's real, she's plagued by so many involuntary responsibilities, she's so very dedicated to her people and discovering a way forward for everyone.
- Arin of Nizhal, they could never make me hate you. I am fully obsessed with this man and his overwhelming loyalty to the love of his life no matter what was thrown at them. THE ENDING? HELLO? I am unwell. I am in love.
- Essiya + Arin ?? Resuscitate me, please. Because the tension, the yearning, the long and drawn out desire for intimacy has STOPPED MY HEART. They are SO gone for each other but they are also in the most difficult of positions. There are a few particular scenes that have ROCKED me because of how deeply these two care for each other.
- Marek and Sefa, we have been blessed with POV chapters for each of them and getting a closer look at who they are and how they move through life. I loved getting to explore more of the depths of their soulmate relationship in many phases of life.
- Jeru, Namsa, Maia, Lateef, even Efra, we are set up with a fantastic cast of side characters who build the world and the journey and offer hard truths and unrelenting support.
- Politics galore, I loved the exploration of power and what it means wield and seek more of it. We see the good and the bad sides, we see people use it well and we see people exploit it. It gives us the fullest picture of how this world works, and how it SHOULD work.
- Magic, for better and for worse. This is one area that was sometimes a struggle for me personally due to my tendency to visualize when reading. Some things were very difficult to picture in my brain and therefore I didn't follow it as much. This was largely a problem before I read the book one refresher, but even later there were some scenes with magical creatures and displays of power that were a little fuzzy, but still ultimately worked in context. We see Essiya's struggle with magic, while we see others in their pursuit of magic. And how it all works together is incredible.

Truly, this duology is a gold mine, a treasure trove, and I don't think enough people have experienced it. But I'm in love with the story. I am in love with the world. I am in love with the yearning and the desperate reach for love.

Arin. Just Arin.

This book is such a step up from the first (which I also enjoyed!). The pacing felt tight and the stakes kept me hooked the whole time. Sylvia really shines here. She’s fierce, messy, determined, and finally ready to fight for more than just survival. And Arin? No notes.

I did want more depth in the world building, especially given how intriguing the Egyptian inspired setting is. Some parts felt a little surface level when I wanted rich details to really pull me into this world. But overall this was a super satisfying, emotional finale. The characters are easily the strongest part of this series. Sara Hashem gave us two leads who feel fully realized and have real chemistry.