It had been a while since I found a book that brought back that unique feeling, when fantasy and romance blend in just the right way. Her Soul for a Crown did exactly that, and it kept me hooked from beginning to end.

The story follows Anula, a young woman willing to do whatever it takes to claim the throne, even sell her soul to a cursed god. Alongside Reeri, the powerful Blood Yakka, she forms a dangerous alliance marked by politics, revenge, and a bond that soon proves more risky (and irresistible) than any bargain.

What stood out to me the most was the chemistry between Anula and Reeri, ntense, well-developed, and full of tension. They completely own every scene they share, and honestly, I would have read an entire book focused just on the two of them. On the other hand, I felt like the mythological elements and a few side plots slowed down the narrative at times.

Still, I can’t deny how much I appreciated the author’s research and the cultural richness woven into the story. The Sri Lankan-inspired setting brought a fresh perspective to the genre, and the mix of mythology and political intrigue was definitely a highlight.

In the end, Her Soul for a Crown delivers a bold, standalone fantasy that leaves you wondering what the author will write next. And yes,the book is as stunning on the outside as it is promising on the inside.

I really liked the MCs in this book, and their individual character motivations and the way they grew to understand each others' pasts and hence change their goals was amazingly written!

That said, I had somewhat of a hard time understanding the world-building after the 50% mark, especially with the introduction of the new set of villains, the rewritings of the mythology and with the past/present back and forths happening in the MCs' heads without any designatory chapter headers. I think I'll go back and reread the second half of the book sometime to completely grasp what was happening.

All that being said, I absolutely loved reading the Sri Lankan mythology and history! If you read the author's note at the end, you can see the brilliance in the way the original mythology and history was shaped into this book. I am super excited to read more books by this author in the future!

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

update at 28% --
Reeri: makes mysterious, nefarious plans
Also Reeri: I offered her my HAND to help STEADY HER (also she's so beautiful), but SHE DIDN'T WANNA HOLD IT 😭

update at 25% --
The bickering between them is amazing, oh my gosh 😭

DNF 40%

I wanted to love this book so badly since I was captivated by the premise, it sounded like my favorite kind of romantasy (badass FMC seeking revenge and crown at the cost of her soul? I was SO excited) but sadly I just couldn’t get through this book and I hate DNFing ARCs. It is influenced by Sri Lankan mythology and it was really interesting, it was my first time diving into it and I liked learning about it and discovering this fascinating world. But, unfortunately, there was simultaneously too much info dump and not enough was explained, I found myself extremely confused by the different names and characters and places while a lot was happening very quickly in two POVs with some events in the present and others in the past without a clear line about which is which and by the time I started to grasp the storyline and understand the plot, I lost interest and found myself skim reading and forcing myself to continue. I also couldn’t really care about the main characters, while Anula was quite interesting, she annoyed me and Reeri was just bland, I couldn’t even force myself to care about how their relationship would develop when romance is usually my favorite part of the story. In short, the premise of this story was really good and I was so excited to read it, but the execution was lacking to say the least and I’m not going to force myself to continue it. Maybe I will give it another chance in the future.

DNF @ 47%

I really wanted to like this book as the premise was super interesting but unfortunately it was not for me.

There are elements to this book that I really did like. I liked that the book was based on Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan mythology as I’m not too familiar with this.

I did not feel that connected to any of the main characters. The world building was decent however, it did feel underdeveloped in some parts. I also found that the pacing of this book was really slow and at the half way mark, not much had happened.

Even though this book was not for me, it may be for you! If you like books with strong fmcs, shadow mmcs, reluctant allies to lovers and forced proximity - this book will be right up your alley!

Thank you net galley and sourcebooks casablanca for the e-arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early access to review this book!
I really wanted to like this but something was missing. Throughout it was a realy good story but in some places I got out of it.
I enjoyed it but not as much as I wanted.

I really enjoyed this book. It's always nice to read fantasy novels based on the mythology from other cultures. The beginning felt a little slow to me but that also could have been because I was getting used to all the different names and places and trying to keep them all straight. The romance aspect didn't even really come into play until about halfway through and it was refreshing because we got a good solid backstory from all the characters and the world building before being thrown in to any romance problems/drama. If you're looking for a fantasy with a side story of romance, this is a great option as the romance is not the focal point. Highly recommend!

Epic, sweeping, romantic- I could come up with a dozen more words to describe this novel, but only one will do it justice- beautiful.

DNF at 20% -- the opening chapter felt crass with on-page assault that felt unnecessary, and kinda made me hesitant to keep reading. And then terms like Maha Equinox completely took me out of the story. Also the characters I know pretty well from mythology being introduced in a new context are throwing me off. I'm mildly interested in the MMC's backstory but not enough to keep going. Someone unfamiliar with the language and mythology might enjoy it tho.

Unfortunately, I decided to put Her Soul for a Crown down before finishing it. While the premise and worldbuilding had potential and I can see how this would appeal to many fantasy lovers, I found it challenging to fully connect with the storyline and characters. This one just wasn’t the right fit for me at the moment, but I’m sure others will appreciate the unique atmosphere and creativity the author has brought into this story.

Thank you NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Oh boy. How do I put this? This novel was okay at best. The general story idea was interesting - a woman who lost her family to a long list of usurpers and war seeks revenge and to take on the throne to "save" her people. Nothing we have not seen before, and super loosely based on Sri Lanka's history. Toss in some mythology with the Yakkas (think like demons), a little sell of one's soul for a bargain, and boom, story.

So why did this fall flat?

Honestly, it was the writing. Plain and simply.

Since this is an ARC, changes might be made before full publication (fingers crossed), but the writing itself was not as smooth as I would hope. Rameera has certain scenes that do progress the plot in interesting ways, but gets stuck in repetition. How many times do we have the inner monologue of Reeri and Anula's growing attraction/lust for each other? How many times does Reeri bring up his longing for a soul that communes with his?

And for the love of my sanity, how many *bleeping* times did I have to read Reeri think of Anula's "Bee-stung lips"?!?!? This phrase was the biggest scene killer in the entire book, which is rough cause it is repeated like 27 times. There was even an important build up scene I was really into until that. Ruined the moment and I almost put the book down. Since I do not like to not finish a book, I kept going but it took longer to get through. Seriously, why was this phrase even brought up? That just sounds painful, not sexy. Are there no other words to describe a woman's lips??? URG!

When the focus is on the story, it is not bad. Not great, but not bad. This is definitely not one that will get your mind working as the biggest thing throughout the book (besides the main characters mentally trying to *ahem*) is looking for this special dagger hiding in plain sight type of thing. The descriptions and depictions of the concept of Heaven and Hell (in this case the two Heavens that need to stay in constant balance) were interesting. The Yakkas were fun to look into, but were very whiney. Yes, I understand they have been abused for centuries, but to be beings that can be prayed to and can offer gifts in exchange for a price, they were wimpy. Reeri is the Blood Yakka, for goodness sake, but all he does in pine for love. Really?

Do NOT even get me started on the so-called "spice" towards the end. Rameera would have been better off doing a closed door style instead of writing those scenes. It is very clear the author was uncomfortable and could not really get into the scenes. They felt super rushed and after the entire novel build up and lustful thoughts, these definitely did not live up to the hype. Very sloppy and disappointing. I also would have burned the headboard a long time ago.

Overall, I'm more disappointed in yet another example of showcasing different mythology that takes the easy way out. Rameera even states a bit of the history and mythology at the end of the novel that depicts much more exciting versions of Anula and Reeri. To me, it would have been much more exciting to see the real versions of themselves in the novel, even if they fell in love. With the exception of the barely spicy tones, this really felt more cookie-cutter YA then anything else. Definitely not adding to my bookshelves, but not a terrible quick read where nothing really surprises you.

This had so much potential with a strong start, but fizzled out somewhere in the middle. I was so excited for this, as there aren’t many Sri Lankan mythology based books. If any at all! It had all the right ingredients-revenge plot, pining, morally gray characters, political scheming, and meddling deities. The execution just missed the mark. I’m sure this will be a hit for many!

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!!

Based on the story of the first Queen of Sri Lanka, but mostly know for being a wicked woman who poisoned six husbands to get her throne.

And then the twist - what if she was saving the kingdom instead?

It’s a dual POV, written in third person.

I feel the story could have been shorter, there are some scenes that lacks perspective and are just «there» or «rushed». But, it’s still a good story. Just some tweaking and some more flow in the writing and it’s an easy four star read.

(Thank you NetGalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book early, this is my honest review!)

I loved HER SOUL FOR A CROWN so much. Sometimes you just need a standalone fantasy and this beautiful story was giving us everything.

DNF @32%

Wasn't liking the main characters, and the plot was not pulling me in.. Premise sounded good though..

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

Actual Rating: 4.25

The Important Highlights
This is a standalone romantasy novel inspired by Anula, the first Queen of Sri Lanka. Creative liberties were taken for this debut novel. This was told in third person from Anula and Reeri's POV. This slow burn has epic political intrigue.

My Unhinged and Messy Thoughts
I really enjoyed learning about the culture in this book. Even though the author made it clear that she took creative liberties, it's evident that she did a TON of research. The story was extremely compelling although it felt much longer than it actually was. There was always something going on though. The pacing was steady. I think this book is going to be super popular when it releases!

In Conclusion
I wouldn't necessarily read this again but I am excited for my deluxe first edition to show up!

I unfortunately had to DNF because the writing wasn't for me. The beginning scene felt a bit weird & forced.

"For readers of Sarah J Maas, Scarlett St. Clair, and Tasha Suri's The Jasmine Throne, this epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas - even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all - the Blood Yakka, Reeri.

Anula Ramanayake of Anuradhapura calculated her ascent the moment she was orphaned - when her village burned in an endless war and the gods forsook her prayers. First, she would marry the raja. Then, she would poison him and take the throne for herself and her people. But when an unexpected coup thwarts her careful plans, Anula is left with one desperate option. She offers her soul to the cursed gods she renounced in exchange for the crown.

In the Second Heavens, Reeri the Blood Yakka, the most dangerous and powerful of his clan, hears her prayer. For eons, he's waited for such a valuable offering - one that could finally give him the chance to kill his divine tormentor and return his fellow Yakkas to their former glory on earth. Reeri accepts Anula's bargain, tethering them until their goals are achieved, or until they die.

As the war presses on, Anula must move quickly or lose her chance to become the first raejina. But while she is skilled at many things, especially in stopping hearts, the closer she grows to Reeri, the more she finds her own heart at risk. And when the time comes to fight enemies both human and divine, Anuradhapura and the Heavens will never be the same."

For fans of romantasy and Monstress.

This is a romantic fantasy based on Anula, the first queen of Sri Lanka. While it was definitely interesting and very unique, I found it to be confusing with quite a few holes. First off, the romance felt very forced and purely physical. I honestly have no clue how they could be in love with each other outside of trauma bonding because they know nothing about each other and their whole relationship is based on proximity and the bond. The spicy scenes were also such an afterthought and completely unnecessary. Second, there was enough conflict in this book to fill an entire book series which made it incredibly confusing. There is the soul ripping deal with Reeri and the Yakkas, the Kattadiya, Wessamony, and the war with Polonnaruwa. Because of it, there wasn't time for any of the conflict or the resolutions to really develop and play out properly leading to lots of loopholes and whiplash from one problem to the next. The end was insane there was so much going on. Third, I wish things were explained earlier in the book and it felt like the order of things was just a little off. Lastly, the word "mayhap" and phrase "bee stung lips" are used way too much and it really got on my nerves (mayhap is used 67 times in the book).
In general, while this was a really cool concept, it was too much for a single book and I really wish it was developed more.

I was gifted this book from netgalley for an honest review.

unfortunately, I had to DNF this book at 60%. i just couldn't get into the storyline or characters.
the writing isn't bad it just wasn't for me, and it didn't feel fleshed out enough. I need the story to flow better in order to keep my interest.

I am sure plenty of people will love this book, but again, it just wasn't for me.