As a lover of folklore, mythology, and the stories of women in history that people tend to hate, I adore this book. It is not a retelling, nor is it historically accurate (but I will be thinking of it as historically accurate because I want to), but it pulls from a real person who has been judged harshly by time.
The Raejina of poisons gets to tell her own story in this book. If you are looking for a fairytale full of blood, anger, and a little (lot) of tension this is it. Plus there is a side character who I want to narrate all of my life now (Kama).

She was not a selfish murderess. She cared for her people; she cared for it all: the kingdom, the cosmos, the Yakkas. Him. They were more than not dissimilar. She was an echo.

High fantasy at its best. The world building was epic, the magic system was amazing, and the characters made me fall in love. Anula&Reeri were the slowest of slow burns and I loved it and hated it lol mainly cause I just wanted to shove them together and be like stop being dumb, you are in love. 😂

Anula and her rage, Reeri and his guilt…they tugged at my heart. I just wanted to stab all the people for both of them. The other Yakkas were amazing and so complex….I have a special place in my heart for Kama and all her chaos. 😏 if you are looking for your next high fantasy read with Sri Lankan inspired mythology and magic I got you friend!

•forced proximity
•enemies to lovers
•feminine rage
•sloooow burn
•so much YEARNING

Her Soul for a Crown is a dark, sumptuous tale of ambition, vengeance, and unlikely alliances set against the rich backdrop of ancient Anuradhapura. Alysha Rameera delivers a gripping reimagining steeped in South Asian mythology, political intrigue, and searing emotional tension.

Anula is a heroine unlike many I’ve read: calculating, determined, and unapologetically ruthless. Orphaned by war and driven by the singular desire to claim the throne for her people, her journey is one of moral complexity and razor-sharp strategy. When her careful plans crumble under a sudden coup, her desperate bargain with the Blood Yakka, Reeri, adds a tantalizing supernatural edge to her quest for power.I

Thank you to NetGalley and Alysha Rameera for an ebook in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

this book took me a bit to get into, but once I was in, I had a lot of fun. I truly enjoyed the mythology that the author use. Would definitely reid more of her work in the future!

**3.5 stars, rounded up for Goodreads

Sri Lankan mythology is a first for me but one I enjoyed with this book. I went in with no expectations and was very pleasantly surprised when I realized how much fun I was having. I admit, the start of the book took me a bit to get into but once I was past the 15% mark I had such an easy time with it and was able to get through the whole book so much faster than I anticipated. I'll be on the lookout for more diverse reads now that I have another name to add to my diverse authors list!

Her Soul for a Crown sinks its fangs in from the first page and never lets go. Alysha Rameera crafts a richly woven tale of vengeance, ambition, and divine entanglement set against a mythos inspired by Sri Lankan lore—and the result is spellbinding. Anula is everything I want in a romantasy heroine: ruthless, clever, and absolutely done with waiting for the gods to save her. Her calculated rage feels earned, her every move purposeful, and her slow unraveling alongside the terrifyingly seductive Reeri is a masterclass in romantic tension.

This isn’t just fantasy with a love story sprinkled in—it’s a romance wrapped in ash, poison, and ancient power. The chemistry crackles without falling into trope fatigue, and Reeri? He’s that rare divine love interest who is genuinely otherworldly while still being emotionally gripping. Their bond feels both dangerous and deeply intimate, pushing the plot forward with heart and heat in equal measure. I devoured every page and already want more from this brutal, beautifully rendered world. If you’re looking for a romantasy that bites back—this is it.

A solid, diverse Romantasy title. I very much enjoyed this South Asian fantasy title steeped in romance from the get-go. It's fast-paced, well-written, and engaging until the last page. It's one of the few Romantasy books I've read recently that really captures what the genre is about--romance but in a fantasy setting. And while maybe I would've liked a tad deeper worldbuilding at points, this book more than makes up for it with the chemistry between the leads (which I often find is lacking these days from fantasy romance titles, as they are overly reliant on tropes instead of character and relationship building.) Overall, highly recommended!

The title—"her soul for a crown" is actually what's the plot is about and it's an epic fantasy romance based on Sri Lankan mythology.

Character arcs in the book were quite incredible! Each character was different, and my favourite was Aluna. I'm quite amazed by the portrayal of this historic figure in this book, and absolutely I was a fan of such a character— queen of poisons!

The dynamic between Reeri & Aluna was the absolute best part of it— seeing each other in new light and how they weren't different from each other.

The world building was quite simple, and it was exclusively drawn from the Sri Lankan myths. Yakkas, Second Heavens were a big part of the book!

Thanks Alysha Rameera and Casablanca books for a review copy!!

I’m obsessed. I need more.I really enjoyed this.
The story pulled me in right from the beginning with its unique world and intriguing plot. I loved how the characters were written—especially the main character, who felt strong, real, and easy to connect with. The romance had just the right amount of tension and emotion, and the pacing kept me wanting to read more.

Alysha Rameera did a great job creating a fantasy world that felt vivid and alive, without being too complicated. It had the perfect mix of magic, emotion, and suspense. I’m so glad I picked this up, and I’ll definitely be reading more from her!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Refreshing!!!

I often feel like South Asia does not get enough representation in books and ‘Her Soul for A Crown’ is such a wonderful gift to the book world. It has everything I desire in a fantasy/romantasy plot - strkng female characters, roots in mythology and real life history, as well slow burn, a pronunciation guide and a map. Overall, a strong plot.

I felt like I grew with Anula and Reeri as individuals, as well as a pair. I was hooked from the early chapters, which I usually don’t get - I tend to struggle with the starts of books. But this flowed well and I was enamoured. I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy to proudly display on my bookshelf.

This ARC has simply changed my brain chemistry. It has encouraged me to research more into South Asian mythology, the cultures and history and it’s so rich! Books like these often enlighten the mind and the author displays pride in her heritage. Beautiful story, beautiful book, gorgeous book cover!

I look forward to more work from Alysha Rameera.

Really enjoyed this and love how unique the story and characters are. Her Soul for a Crown is beautifully written, fast paced, with a slow burn romance, and lovable characters.

I loved how strong Anula was and her vision for women to have more ~anything~ in society. I liked her character development throughout the book and seeing her grow as well.

I loved Reeri and his whole family. The dual POV added such a nice element to this book especially since the FMC and MMC were “tethered”.

100% recommend for readers who enjoy slow burn romance.

For a very long time I’ve been chasing the feeling I had when I first read The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh. Time and time again I have read books and just let out a little sigh in disappointment. The balance would be off and the books never matched the allure, magic, and chemistry that leaped off the pages. Luckily, Reeri and Anula capture that magic in Her Soul for a Crown, and they shine.

For a very long time I’ve been chasing the feeling I had when I first read The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh. Time and time again I have read books and just let out a little sigh in disappointment. The balance would be off and the books never matched the allure, magic, and chemistry that leaped off the pages. Luckily, Reeri and Anula capture that magic in Her Soul for a Crown, and they shine.

This book is ultimately a sharp revenge tale, highlighting the slippery aspect of governing, the weight of those in power and the powerless. I adored certain aspects about this novel, but I didn’t care for the mythical elements and just wanted to skip them. I think in this instance the mythology weighs down the pace of the narrative and feels like a crutch the author clings to for comfort. Gosh that sounds harsh, but sometimes I just want a novel without the convoluted web of lore. The fantasy aspect needed to be toned down a bit and utilized with a light touch, I'm looking for flair and finesse. Use fantasy sparingly and wisely! I’m also going to put my foot down and say: we didn’t need the side plots or side characters.

This book was strong enough to have Anula and Reeri stand alone and I wish we got that story. The chemistry in this book is just glorious and so well constructed that it needed to be the leading aspect of the narrative. Alysha's writing shines with Anula and Reeri on the page and I will heavily praise it (besties, the chemistry? stunning). Also this book has such a rich source material, and I wish we had the opportunity to lean into it more.

Nevertheless, I truly appreciate when an author keeps me guessing after an epilogue. After reading this book, I can't wait for whatever Alysha's writing next. Her Soul for a Crown is promising, and striking. Plus the cover art? Beautiful.

Thank you so much Sourcebooks Casablanca for the digital arc and for the lovely interactions on social media!!

I can't wait to put the physical copy on my shelf!
I loved the book, the slow burn is slow burning, the lore is loring!

I like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a read.

When it comes to this book, I found it... boring. I had read books similar. I also didn't quite grasp the magic aspect. I think I did by the end, but what I took away from this is:

There was no evil demon, just someone tagged as one. In the end, he simped for her pretty hard and fast.

Yearning is so back!!!

From the first few chapters, I was HOOKED. Slow burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology?? Yes please and thank you! This book has everything you could ever need - forced proximity, tethered bonds between enemies who obviouslyyyy turn to lovers, rich worldbuilding that’s not too confusing or info-dumpy, delicious banter, found family elements, a rage filled fmc, revenge, lovable side characters (Calu’s witty one liners got me giggling!) and so much more!!

I really loved the FMC, Anula, and her whole character arc. Watching her grow from rage-fuelled, tunnel-visioned revenge to realising she needed to fight for her people, and actually let herself love and care for others (and herself!) was just so satisfying. She’s forced to question everything she thought she knew about the gods and divinities and the way she relearns and rebuilds her beliefs made her journey so captivating. Even after everything she's been through, she still chooses strength and hope and determination, and I just loved her so much, and she reminded me of my girl Aelin! And after reading the author's note at the end and finding out Anula was inspired by the first queen of Sri Lanka made the whole story feel even more fascinating.

I love a book that has some in real life mythical backing in it, so the summary definitely caught my eye.

I love a strong FMC but Anula did piss me off at some points with her entitlement. But seeing her character grow thought the book did make me eventually fall in poverty with her.

I grew to love Reeri and the Yakkas and the growth they had as well.

Terri’s yearning as he wanted to get to know Anula while in his situation was just so heart wrenching.

It was good read - give it a 4/5!

Alysha Rameera has come up with a very fast paced, slow-burn fantasy romance based on Siri Lankan mythology. I enjoyed it quite a lot. Not a single page was boring for me, which is very rare for me these days.

The author has brilliantly portrayed forced proximity that I fully enjoyed and cracked up when the 'blessed gift' made commentary on the situations and provided unsolicited advices to the MLs. I mean it surely added funny flavour to the plot.

Anula, OMG, she was such a strong character. I have no words for how much I liked her. She went through the worst and still it didn't turn her into a villain. That says a lot about how beautiful her soul was. A lot of people just become stone after going through so much. How about we meet up some day, Anula? I could use your advice or two. LOL.
BtW, her character arc was the strongest and the best.

Reeri, my heart broke for him too, so many times. Like come on, cut him some slack, would you?
That Katadiya character made me furious on so many occasions. If I were the FMC there, I wouldn't have been so generous on giving her so many chances. or may be I would have?

Reading the author's notes about the mythology and the liberties she took here and there, I was awed. I mean it all started with 'what ifs', didn't it?
To sum it up, I ate it up. Loved it.

This book completely swept me off my feet. What a ride! I’m honestly still reeling from how much I adored it. From the intense romance to the rich worldbuilding and the unforgettable characters, this story had everything I could want in a fantasy novel. (Warning: very long review. I needed to convey how much I loved it!)

Let’s start with the romance: Anula and Reeri’s relationship was chef’s kiss. The tension, the banter, the emotional highs and lows—it was all so deliciously messy and compelling. Their dynamic brought a great mix of heat and humor, especially in the midst of darker, more intense moments. I'm a huge fan of forced proximity and hate-to-love, and this book delivered those tropes so well. The soul-tether between them added so much depth and urgency, it amplified everything they felt and made every interaction crackle. And the yearning! The YEARNING!! Absolutely immaculate!

Reeri, the male lead, was hands down one of my favorite parts of the novel. I’m a sucker for a well-written romantic lead, and he checked all the boxes: layered, flawed, haunted by past mistakes, and yet still full of heart. His love for his people, his yearning to do better, and the pain he carries made him feel so real. I just wanted him and his fellow Yakkas to be happy.
Anula, our fierce and brilliant heroine, won me over immediately. She’s strong and stubborn, with a mind as sharp as her tongue. While she did frustrate me at times, especially in her early interactions with Reeri, her reasoning was always valid, and her growth over the story felt honest and earned. She never betrayed her values, and that unwavering loyalty to her people made her incredibly compelling.

The worldbuilding was nothing short of phenomenal. The culture, the lore of the gods and divinities, the blessed gifts, the politics and power dynamics, it all felt so organic and vivid. Nothing was dumped or forced; the information was revealed naturally through the story, and I never once felt lost or overwhelmed. The author clearly put a ton of thought and care into crafting this world, and it paid off beautifully.

Plot-wise, this was a rollercoaster: betrayal, bloodshed, revenge, love, magic—it kept me on my toes the whole time. There was never a dull moment; even the quieter scenes were steeped in tension and anticipation, making every turn in the story feel significant. The emotional and action-packed stakes of the plot kept me completely invested, and I couldn’t put it down. It was impossible to predict where the story would go next, and that’s part of what made it so exciting! The unpredictable twists and turns kept me fully engaged.

And let’s not forget the relationships beyond the romance. Reeri’s bond with his siblings, especially Calu, who was a standout for me, was so heartwarming and fun. Calu's sunny mischief was the perfect foil to Reeri’s gruff seriousness, and their brotherly bond added so much emotional texture to the story. The side characters were all memorable, with some I loved, some I hated, and some I was surprisingly conflicted about. Everyone had depth, and no one felt like filler. Even minor characters had moments that mattered.

The writing in this book is absolutely captivating! From the very first page, the author’s unique voice pulls you in, wrapping you in a world of vivid descriptions and sharp, evocative language. The way the author uses words to build atmosphere—whether it’s the tense silence before a battle, the warmth of an intimate moment, or the eerie hum of ancient magic—is nothing short of magical. I was immediately immersed in the rich, textured world where every detail felt purposeful and alive. There was so much foreshadowing! So many details that make so much sense after finishing this novel.
One thing that stood out to me was the author’s use of archaic language like “betwixt” and “mayhaps.” While these words are rare in modern conversation, they fit perfectly in the context of the world the author has crafted. It’s as if she chose to bring this story to life in a language that felt both timeless and deliberate, creating an old-world charm that makes the reading experience feel like stepping into another era. The choice wasn’t just for fun—it added weight and depth to the story.
Simply put, the author’s writing is exceptional. It’s eloquent without being overbearing, rich without drowning in unnecessary detail, and perfectly attuned to the emotional rhythm of the story. It’s the kind of writing that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

And that author note at the end? Such a wonderful surprise. I had no idea Anula was inspired by a real historic figure, the first queen of Sri Lanka who was remembered mainly as the woman who poisoned six husbands to get the throne, while her male predecessor’s crimes were overlooked. This book obviously isn’t meant to be historically accurate, but knowing that made it even more powerful. You can tell how much research and heart went into this story. The author did a phenomenal job!

This book deserves so much hype. It’s one of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in a while, and I’ll be shouting about it for a long time! I’d recommend this book to readers who want to be swept into a world of gods, divine realms, and rich mythology; who love powerful magic, a fiery romance full of longing, and heroines and heroes who fight for more than just survival—they fight for who they are.

Alysha Rameera’s debut is the kind of book that sinks into your bones and absolutely wrecks your sleep schedule. The tension is unreal. The yearning is absolute agony in the best way. Steeped in Sri Lankan-inspired mythology, Her Soul for a Crown delivers everything you want: forced proximity, an enemies-to-lovers dynamic so sharp it hurts, poisoned jewelry, and a world that is as deadly as it is magical.

I had heard whispers about this debut and was so excited. Within the first few paragraphs, I knew this was something special. It was genuinely refreshing to read a fantasy book so unlike anything else out there.

Anula and Reeri are everything. They are bound by magic, tangled in revenge, and drawn to each other whether they like it or not. I devoured this book, and honestly, I’m mad I can’t experience it for the first time again.

If you love slow-burn tension, rich mythology, and a romance that makes you a little feral, this one is for you.

Wow wow wow this is going to be a hit! I had to leave a review here because I hope others will jump on the chance to read this. When you read a lot of fantasy books, they sometimes start to all feel the same. Her Soul For. Crown is different, beautifully-written, and has memorable characters. I loved diving into this mythology; it was all new to me, but the author does a great job with storytelling and I didn’t feel lost. I can’t wait for my fantasy and mythology loving friends to get their hands on this book. Thanks so much for the opportunity to read in advance!