This is a great follow up to the Jasad Heir and definitely one of my new favorite duologies! I these characters so much! The only thing I would say that gives this book 4.5 stars instead of a solid 5 is more of them together! (And I don’t just mean the romance: I mean the friendships as well). This is a rare enemies to lovers where it’s not just about attraction but the way the two people connect to one another (with excellent subtle humor between them). I can’t wait to see more from this author

First, thank you to Net Gallery and Orbit for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

I loved the first book of the series and couldn’t wait to read the sequel after that cliffhanger ending. I’m glad to say the sequel did not disappoint at all! In the Jasad Crown, we get to continue experiencing Sara Hashem’s Egyptian-inspired fantasy world. We get to know more characters in depth, and we also get to see the growth of Sylvia/Essiya and Arin. And the ending was perfection even if it killed me. Petition for more books from Sara Hashem!

I need to send the biggest thank you to Orbit Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I want to also thank Orbit books for publishing this amaaaazing author. And for publishing some of my fave books ever.
Ok so, The Jasad Crown is the long awaiting sequel for The Jasad Heir, and so I don't want to spoil anything.
I'll just say that this series should be mandatory reading.
I love it.
I love it.
I loooove it.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I knew. I KNEW that this book would mess me up and good lord did it.

Honestly, if you read The Jasad Heir then I shouldn't need to sell you at all. The intro novel was a knockout and The Jasad Crown is absolutely a worthy successor.

All of the characters are fleshed out, the additional POV chapters genuinely add to the story, and, in a sea of copy/paste book boyfriends, Arin of Nizhal rises untouched from the masses.

Just read it. Do yourself the favor.

This was the PERFECT SEQUEL 🗡️👏🏻🖤

It gave what it needed to give. It exceeded my expectations. It made me cry. I've never read a sequel so masterfully done. A sequel that is not only on par with the first book, but one that exploded my love for a world and its characters. Waiting two years for The Jasad Crown was nothing when faced with the sheer artistry Hashem created. I would have gladly waited four if it meant more time with my book babies.

Starting off, we get much more of Arin compared to the first book. The Jasad Crown opens with his point of view in Nizahl. Admittedly, I was thrown. The addition of two other points of view didn't help. I don't want to use the word "dense" anywhere near my favorite duology, but going from one (and a half) POVs with Syvlia and Arin to four with the addition Sefa and Marek was an adjustment. An adjustment I quickly reconciled! Hashem stayed with the same character in their POVs the perfect amount of time, and then jumped to another at the right times to have you needing to continue reading to see what would happen.

This sequel really made me love Arin. Of course I liked him in the first book, but now there's no denying it's love. He truly cares for his people and tries to be the best Commander he can given the circumstances. Take away the fact that his father is evil and his country is guilty of the same crimes it condemned others for, and you get a young man just trying to do right by his people. Meeting Sylvia allowed him to see the treachery of the world as it related to his father's reign. And just like I was by this sequel, he had his world cracked open and was left questioning and fearing the outcome.

The tension this story has caused me is insane. Whenever I was reading, I was just waiting for the break, and whenever I wasn't reading, I was thinking of how tense the story felt to me and when and what "the break" would be.. There was a continuous foreboding, hovering "thing" in every scene. This may have been exacerbated by Essiya's constant stream of consciousness about going mad. Essiya's character arc was beautiful. Over two books, Hashem managed what others take six to do.

The way Hashem creates stunningly beautiful intimacy scenes between Essiya and Arin without explicit detail is *chef's kiss*. More books like this, please! She took all the great things about the "Romantasy" genre without needing to add explicit se*ual content to keep readers entertained. The way Essiya lusts after Arin's back had me cackling. Girl is always commenting on it.

I LOVE the way Hashem did the book equivalent of breaking the fourth wall in chapter fifty-seven when she had minor characters comment on the protagonists' romance like they were in union with the readers watching it unfold. Speaking of the romance! Essiya and Arin are a new favorite OTP for me. I can't put into words my love for their love. When broken characters find peace within each other, I melt. I was afraid, though. Afraid that all the Essiya/Arin content Hashem was giving us was a foreshadowing of inevitably being torn apart. In chapter thirty-six, especially, I kept thinking Mother Sara is feeding us readers with the content we love but that much had me worried because why would she give us so much? What's the point unless she's sowing the seeds of a deep love that won't be consummated? I had a feeling they would be torn apart for eternity. I've never been so happy to be WRONG! I really thought Essiya and Arin wouldn't get to be together in the end. Well, boy was I wrong. Yippee!

Some other thoughts:
- loved getting to learn about all the magical abilities via the Urabi
- loved the kitmers
- loved the way the magic and the Awaleen siblings all tied together and to our protagonists
- loved the settings and location jumping, from magical anomaly forests to the sea to the palaces and war rooms, it's understated but definitely a political fantasy
- loved the off-screen romance between Diya and Sorn, we got to see a two-page rendition of it, and I was hooked
- loved getting more time with Jeru, my guy, even though it was enabled by Wes' fate, poor guy, Vaun got what was coming to him hehe

I don't think you understand. I'm OBSESSED. No notes.

This was a much awaited second installment to the duology written by Sara Hashem. I was a bit trepidatious as many second installments have been disappointing as of late, but I am so thrilled for that not to have been the case with this book.

Sara returns you to the beautiful and dangerous world right where things left off in the first book. The plot progresses throughout the book at a good pace and the elements weave together in a satisfying way. The character development is the strongest with Arin and it’s refreshing to see some of the choices Sara makes with his character specifically. All of your favorites return and you follow their journeys in the aftermath of Sylvia’s revelation. Also, several side characters are introduced in this book and they’re given an appropriate amount of backstories.

The romance progresses in a way that is true to the personalities of both of the main characters (gloves and all).

My only critique is that I wish I knew what happened to a certain character that Sylvia uses her magic on to heal.

Overall, thrilled to have been able to read this book. And I will most definitely continue to read anything Sara Hashem blesses her readers with. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC in exchange for this honest review.

What a stunning conclusion to the Scorched Throne duology. I really enjoyed having even more points of view because were able to understand other characters motivations and their decisions a bit more. I really love the setting of these books, the unique magic system and the romance is filled with yearning and tension. There is a ton of action and very suspenseful but at points it did seem like it was running a bit long.

Overall, this was a great ending to a wonderfully unique romantasy. I really fell for these characters and I was so invested in their outcomes. Sylvia was an amazingly strong female character that I loved to cheer for. I loved her banter with Arin as well as his character growth. Such a great ending!

“I do not need to stand essiya, do you want me on my knees again? Do you want me to beg?”

Book two elevated! That worldbuilding?! 😫 I was drawn into a universe so vivid and intricately layered, it was super easy to immerse myself into the setting. The lore was deep and cohesive, every detail thoughtfully placed. The characters were complex and compelling, and the emotional undercurrent running through the story made it impossible to look away.

The stakes rose, the emotions intensified, and the pacing was sharper. The dynamic between the FMC and MMC sizzled, and the tension wasn't just romantic, it was built on a foundation of pain, history, and unresolved emotion. Their chemistry was undeniable, and every interaction between them carried so much weight. This was enemies to lovers written with real depth and fire.

Both characters carried so much within them, grief, guilt, longing, love. Watching them grow, both individually and together, was incredibly powerful. The emotional arc felt earned, and by the end I was completely wrecked. 😭

The ending was everything it needed to be. Beautiful, devastating, unforgettable. A masterfully crafted conclusion to a duology that left a lasting mark.

Huge thanks to Orbit and NetGalley for the early eARC. It was an absolute privilege to experience this story!

SPOILERS BELOW, don't scroll if you haven't read it!
















FIRST OF ALL, Arin's nicknames for Sylvia:
- Suraria (aka demon) (affectionate)
- deranged goose (affectionate)
- torment of my soul (affectionate)

I have like a hundred favourite quotes, most of them spoilery, so here are a couple that are not :"")

<i>"... she still had the temperament of a deranged goose."</i>

<i>"I am not one for pointless musings, Suraira, but I am starting to wonder if whoever built my skull built it for the express purpose of surviving you."</i>

💫 The book was brilliantly written! All the plots ,the subplots, the interweaving of the present and the various pasts, the intricate character arcs of like a dozen people (including two new povs!!), everything was written so beautifully, I have no words
💫 The Jasadis were so >>>> I loved all these new characters so muchhh ++ the kitmers were SO cute
💫 THE ROMANCE, WHAT THE SWOONIEST OF SWOONS WAS THAT 😭 the slow-burn, the intensity, the trust they had in each other, THE SAFE SPACES THEY WERE FOR EACH OTHER, I'm gonna cry again
💫 WHAT DO YOU MEAN 10 YEARS LATER
💫 How soon can we beg Sara Hashem and Orbit Books for a tiny follow-up fluffy novella? 😭
💫 WHAT DO YOU MEAN 10 YEARS LATER
💫 I will forever cry for Marek
💫 CAN WE GET A SEFA BOOK (it will break me but I need it)
💫 Also the Mahair scenes!! Fairel!!! I loved these scenes so muchhh
💫 The running joke of the frogs being scared of Sylvia 😭
💫 WHAT DO YOU MEAN 10 YEARS LATER, IM SOBBING AGAIN

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

-----
((Review to come soon, currently can't see much since I'm sobbing my eyes out))

This is how you write a second book. I am almost at a loss for words for how much I enjoyed The Jasad Crown. It went into a multi pov that was not in the first, but I still cared about each characters pov which is a difficult task for authors and rarely done this well. I also felt like the storyline of characters in different areas flowed so well together and ended seamlessly. My favorite part of this book was how haunted some of the characters were from the ending of the first (especially when they were haunted by a romantic interest). The way memories invaded thought processes and were pushed away or twisted was so realistic and deepened my emotional connection with the characters. Meanwhile, the politics continued to be intriguing and well thought out. There were absolutely heart wrenching quotes dealing with death and grief that summed up feelings in ways I wasn't aware words could. Absolutely go read this duology right now.

The amount of potato chips I nervously ate and tissues (for happy and sad tears) I went through with this book...I will be sending a thank-you note, all of the sesame candies, and possibly a therapy bill to Sara Hashem.

But seriously, I adored this duology, and I am so thankful to have walked alongside the endearing and complex characters of this realm. I will be thinking about this series for years to come and will most definitely do a reread once The Jasad Crown hits the shelves on July 15, 2025!

Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit, for an ARC of this book!

Heartstopping and gut-wrenching conclusion to The Scorched Throne duology! By the end of the book, I was an emotional wreck as I truly will miss the characters. Sara Hashem is amazing with how she crafts each character and weaves their storylines together, making the reader feel attached. The political plot took center stage, even more so, for the second book, and I was hooked. It was intense, and I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. While the romance was a sub-plot, I devoured it because of how angsty and heartwrenching it felt. I don't know how I'll be able to move on. My heart hurts, but in a good way.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Hashem, and Orbit for an eARC of The Jasad Crown in exchange for an honest review.

The Jasad Crown delivers a powerful and seamless continuation of The Jasad Heir, picking up immediately where the first book left off. The expansion of the world-building is both rich and rewarding—we gain a deeper understanding of the Urabi and Jasad, and the political and magical intricacies continue to unfold in compelling ways. One of the standout aspects for me was the tension between Essiya and Arin. Their dynamic is beautifully executed—complex and emotionally resonant, I love a tension and a slow-burn enemies to lovers! Their stolen moment in the mirayah was a particular highlight, layered with longing and vulnerability and it struck the perfect balance between intensity and intimacy.

The ending was heart-wrenching, yet hopeful, and I found myself wishing for just a few more chapters—though I fully admit that may be due to my own reluctance to leave this world behind. That said, I did find myself a bit confused about the events surrounding Rovial and his siblings. I think I may have missed a key piece of background information in the first book, which gives me the perfect excuse to revisit the duology—despite the ever-growing stack on my TBR list.

Overall, The Jasad Crown is a gripping and emotionally satisfying conclusion to a deeply engaging duology. I’m still thinking about the characters and themes, and I can’t wait to see what this author does next.

Sara has done it again. I adored the Jasad Heir and was patiently awaiting the Jasad Crown to be released. This pulled me out of my book slump! What a rollercoaster of emotions. An absolute perfect follow up and end of this duology.

<i> "I had unfettered access to my magic" </i>

A close to The Scorched Throne duology, this novel had been one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. Hashem's style of writing, although many critique as very wordy, has been outstanding as recently-debuted author. Reading <i>The Jasad Crown</i> was a journey, because Hashem's writing encapsulates you into each and every moment of the novel.

At every plot twist and turn Essiya [Sylvia] and Arin find themselves searching for a solution to the depth of Essiya's magic and searching for each other.

The word-building, although lengthy, was absolutely amazing and each scene had details that would make me feel as though I am watching it play out in front of me (exactly what made this novel in particular meet my high expectations, following the first novel in the duology). There was no <i>extra</i>ordinary aspect to the novel: it displays usual tropes to many fantasy novels. But, simultaneously, that was what had captured me; it was a perfect book to read in between much heavier novels that I had been reading.

This was such an amazing duology to read, from start to finish, and I'm looking forward to more from Hashem! Please check out this book, and the duology if you haven't already, it will be so worth it!

Note: <i> Thank you to NetGalley and OrbitBooks for providing me with an ARC, in exchange for an honest review of the novel </i>

This book is an absolute MASTERPIECE

I wanted to savor every word of this book while also devouring it immediately. Ahh my heart

when I tell you, you will never read a duology that gets better with every single chapter. I am not being dramatic. I am left in shambles, but also I’m totally in awe by the end of this book.

I am so happy that I went back and reread The Jasad Hier right before this because oh my God All of the things that I didn’t understand in the first one were so beautifully wrapped up in this book and I am just in so much awe with the raw talent this author put into this series.

The added point of views in this book (Marek and Sefa - they have my heart), the love between Arin and Sylvia, Essiya stepping in to her new role with so much grace and bravery and her just being a baddie with the best heart, and then the absolute heartbreak that comes with war.

All of it was just so well done and left me not wanting to change a single thing. OK maybe one thing. If you know you know.

The writing, the unique world building, the magic that is unlike anything you’ve ever read.. it was just DIVINE.

Definitely one of my top-tier duologies and I will definitely be reading all of the authors other books moving forward because damn I am in love.

If book one didn’t totally steal your heart, the Jasad Crown definitely will!!!!


“Welcome home, Suraira” ahhh I am dead

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC 🩷

A Powerful, Political Fantasy That Grabs You and Doesn’t Let Go

The Jasad Crown by Sarah Hashim was an absolutely incredible read — a full 5 out of 5 stars for me.

I love political fantasy, and this book hit every single note I needed: the worldbuilding was rich, the character development was layered and satisfying, and the pacing kept me fully locked in. Essiya was a brilliant lead — I loved how her powers began to manifest at the start of the story and how that growth continued naturally through the plot. She felt real, sharp, and complex in all the best ways.

The chemistry between Essiya and Arin was so well done. It wasn’t over-the-top or cliché — just a steady, simmering undercurrent that added to the tension rather than distracting from it. And the fact that Arin still cares for her, even after everything? Loved that emotional weight.

One of my favorite parts was getting chapters from side characters’ points of view — it gave the world so much depth and showed how everyone had their own role to play in the larger political game.

Without spoiling anything: this book is full of new discoveries, shifting power dynamics, emotional stakes, and thoughtful writing. I truly enjoyed every second of it.

If you love stories with political intrigue, magical legacies, and slow-burning connections — this one is absolutely worth reading. I can’t recommend it enough.

I absolutely adored The Jasad Crown it was the perfect end for The Scorched Throne duology! 5/5 ⭐️

When I first finished The Jasad Crown it broke my heart and it put me in the biggest reading slump. I could not find another book that could compare to the romance, world building, fantasy, and the characters in The Jasad Crown. The epilogue was devastating and the love the characters have for each other throughout the book whether it be platonic or romantic is perfect.

The character growth Essyia went through and how she changed as a character shows just how dynamic she is. Seeing her point of view throughout The Jasad Heir and moving into The Jasad Crown shows just how different she is than when we first met her. Everything she went through shaped her from the trials to the yearning of home and him. Seeing Essyia from Marek, Sefa, and Arin’s points of view lets us see from not just her point of view of how much she truly has changed and the love that they have for her.

I loved this duology and I think I will be doing a reread soon. Thank you Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC in return for my honest opinion! I love it!

4.5 stars!! Not me crying like a deranged goose because of this INCREDIBLE second half of Sara Hashem’s gorgeous gorgeous fantasy duology!!!! This is the EPITOME of romantic fantasy, the perfect fantastical story with a side of romance that adds the heart into an overwhelmingly powerful story!

I would absolutely recommend rereading The Jasad Heir before jumping into this one, because from page one the story is go go go in all directions, following Sylvia’s departure from the Victor’s Ball. Told in multiple POVs with stories that weave together beautifully (and emotionally)(I mean Marek’s thoughts omg)(not to mention Arin’s!!), this book truly has everything: plans on plans on plans, magical beasts I wish I could see, betrayals and uprisings, magic madness (heaven sin), pining oh so much pining, ghosts (force ghost energy), and, of course, a powerful woman rising up against the tyranny that destroyed her family, her home, and her people.

I adored the first book, with its perfect example of true enemies and incredible world setup - and everything I loved was just magnified and amplified in this second half. Sylvia’s growth in understanding, ability, and most importantly bravery were inspiring. She loved the people that were worth her love (and deserved it, Arin!), and even those that weren’t (Efra I’m looking at you). Her clever cat and mouse games of planning strategies around niche pieces of historical legislation with Arin made me so full of joy. They really were the perfect balance for each other. Her softness started to affect him, and getting Arin’s side of the story was a major part of loving this story. Seeing the world change as he understood more of what had gotten them to this point from his eyes was something so sorely needed - and so well earned!

I cannot wait til this is all out in the world! Thanks so much to Sara Hashem, Orbit, and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

4.5! That was a great conclusion to a wonderful duology. Such a great story with layers and depth and great characters. I definitely feel like I should have done a reread before jumping into this one to fully grasp everything that was happening but it was still great.