Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eArc!

I loved the setting of this novel, I'm a sucker for anything Scottish. Featuring anything Unseelie court, Scottish folklore, etc. count me in, This what was made the book for me!

While I loved Alyth and Samson, I do feel like their connection could've been deeper. It was a bit insta-love and maybe that's what got to me, as I'm not typically a fan (personal thing though!).

This definitely would be appropriate for 13+ and teenage me would've ate this up!!

Rounding up to 4 stars, was closer to 3.5-3.75 for me. I was really intrigued by the premise of this book and can see many people who are looking for a lighter, fast paced historical fantasy really enjoying it.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into it. I started to feel like I was forcing myself to keep going hoping it would finally grip me and that moment never came. I felt like the characters lacked the depth I was wanting for a book set in Queen Mary’s court. The fae aspect was interesting, but at times felt a bit rushed through. Overall it was an OK read for me, but nothing I would obsess over…


Thank you NetGalley and sourcebooks fire for the opportunity to read this early.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC. I truly enjoyed this historical fantasy set in 16th century Scotland.
Alyth, a half fae bastard princess, is charged with protecting Scotland (and by extension, Queen Mary) and maintaining the wall keeping the Red Caps out of the country. If the wall falls in this world, it also falls in the far world, and Alyth is the one keeping the threat at bay. Samson, an English ruffian, is sent across the border into Scotland by his nefarious father for vague reasons that have to do with evil. Samson has been cursed to go into berserker rages by a fae artifact and only the promise of breaking the curse motivates his participation. Alyth and Samson reluctantly ally to defeat a plot to kill Mary and destroy the wall. Sparks and chaos ensue.

Told in dual first person POV, the MCs personalities are brought to life. Alyth is capable, suspicious and used to handling everything on her own. Samson is such a ray of sunshine despite battling his own blood lust. There’s strong black cat X golden retriever magic here. The chemistry between the characters was a bit awkward at first but less so later in the book as they form a stronger emotional connection. This book is definitely lower YA. Some kissing and close dancing.

The world building was absolutely fantastic - I loved seeing so many fae characters represented. The sluagh, brownies and glastaigs were particular favorites of mine. The magical history of the wall and Red Caps is revealed organically and elegantly through the storytelling.

This is a fast paced read, particularly the last 20%. There are two reveals - one about 80% in that I absolutely saw coming and was no less exciting for it, and one in the final pages that I absolutely had no clue about. This sets the book up well for the next in the series. After all, even though Alyth and Samson have stopped the immediate threat, the Red Caps are still out there…

I requested this book because the premise really took me in, and I'm pleased to say it lived up to my expectations!

The Crimson Throne is a historical fantasy novel set during the Tudors era, exploring the intricacies of the politics at court, with a magical twist. The main character, Alyth, is the Guardian of the Fae realm, ensuring that the wall she's sworn to protect remains intact, keeping the Red Caps away from the Fae portals. Unable to leave Scotland because of her oath, she never expected to meet Samson, an Englishman, who is trying to find a cure to the magic that cursed him into violent blackout rages. When his father offers him the opportunity to find that cure, he readily accepts it - even if it means becoming a spy of the Elizabethean court. As their paths cross, Alyth and Samson agree to work with each other to protect their countries, and discover a plot centuries in the making...

I really appreciated this take on the Tudors era, and the research that went behind the making of this book. Rich in Scottish folklore, The Crimson Throne is fast-paced and gripping, full of action from the very first chapter, with compelling characters and a riveting romance.

Monologue-driven books are certainly my thing, but I have to agree with other reviewers that the book does a lot of telling and not showing, which sometimes can be detrimental to the story and its characters.

Nonetheless, I liked it and I'm eager to read the continuation of this story to see where it goes, what happens with the characters we've grown to know, and perhaps even others that so far have only been hinted that.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the advanced copy.

THIS is the fae court intrigue I crave in stories! And I’m adjusting my rating to be what a teen version of myself would have rated this novel, because it is what adult me loves about Outlander and the Fae courts of Dresden files - 4.5 rounding up to 5🌟! This was an incredibly fun and romantic read, combining real Scottish and English history with fantastical alternative fae elements. I couldn’t put it down.

I am hesitant to provide too much detail as a big part of what I loved were the twists and turns throughout the story. What I can say, the fae of this story are my absolute favorite archetype - very similar to Holly Blacks flavor of fae, where magical beings can come in all sorts of appearances and levels of magical capabilities, and it was fun to discover new characters as the story progresses. The fae are highly crafty, always searching for an upper hand via word play. We see glimpses of the Unseelie Court, learn about impending threats from the Red Caps, and all as a backdrop to a well done historical romance (Queen Mary vs Queen Elizabeth era court conflict), with a little dash of fae passion. No spice in this story, and I didn’t miss it! Great yearning and only kisses!

I came into this novel already a huge fan of Sara Raasch and her spicy adult Royals and Romance holiday stories. Be forewarned, this is true YA (ages 13+), but it ultimately didn’t matter to me, because I was here for the vibes ✨ Were some aspects of the story predictable? Yes. But there were so many more aspects I enjoyed! And again, I can recognize I have the advantage of an adult perspective and ability to guess plot points, especially as the ending approached. But as I have said, I still had surprises that I didn’t see coming as the world unfolded along the way. Teen me would have made this my whole personality, and I plan on picking up the sequel as soon as it’s available, because that ending teaser was delicious! Thank you to Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for this eARC!

This is one of the most fun books I’ve read in a while!! I requested this after seeing the description of Outlander meets Holly Black, and I don’t think I’ve seen a more accurate description! It had the historical romantasy feel of Outlander (but YA and no spice) and the fae court politics of The Cruel Prince!

The plot of the story is done so well!! This story is more plot driven than character driven, but I think it works well! There are so many great and remarkable scenes. Some of my favorites include a knife to the throat, a masquerade ball, and a goblin market!! I don’t want to give any thing away but these scenes are worth the read! The plot is also easy to follow and understand. There is a lot of politics happening in both the human and Seelie courts with several different players. However, the story kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat without being complicated. And the ending was FANTASTIC!! I didn’t see it coming, and I’m so glad there’s going to be another book!

The romance in this was everything I could want in a romantasy!! It has an enemies to lovers/forbidden romance that is worth every moment! It’s also a grumpy x sunshine where she’s grumpy and he’s sunshine 😍. The teasing banter between Alyth and Samson had me glued to my kindle. A majority of my highlights were either Samson’s thoughts or words 😂. I loved everything he had to say! The moments they have together are some of the highlights of the story. I loved how they truly saw each other, and I was still thinking about after finishing the book!

The setting of the story is truly magical! I loved it being set in 1500s Scotland where there’s a thin veil between the human and fae worlds! We get to meet so many fae creatures, and I thought it enhanced the story getting to learn about them!! This story does such a great job of incorporating actual history with fantasy! I really appreciated and loved the historical note at the end that gave some great information!

Overall, I loved the book, it’s extremely entertaining and fun, and I desperately need the next one!!

I received an early digital review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read several books by Raasch and Revis, and I have truly enjoyed every single one of them. When I saw that they were releasing a historical fantasy novel centered around Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I, I had to get it. I was thrilled to be approved for this!

This book perfectly combines history and fantasy. I absolutely loved the true historical facts woven into the story. I have always had a keen interest in English and Scottish history, so this book provided exactly what I was looking for. I was particularly grateful that Raasch and Revis incorporated the lore of the Seelie and Unseelie courts. While the world of fae has many stories, I always appreciate those rooted in genuine fae mythology. I cannot recommend this book enough and am eagerly anticipating where the story will go next!

**3.5 STARS**

Content Warning: violence

+ I wasn’t sure how to feel about this story and thought I would need to really in the mood to enjoy it but I thought the story was really intriguing. Alyth, is Fae, and she is the protector of Mary Queen of Scots. That’s a fresh take on the war between Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth! I thought it was really interesting how Lord Darnley who is Mary’s husband is the prime suspect of who might harm her but they had no real way of stopping him. There is a lot of royal politics and I also loved all the Fae creatures.

+ Samson is a thief and sent to Scotland to find a magical item for his father but he learns that’s not the extent to the plans his dad has for him there. He meets Alyth and they fall for one another. At first Alyth is suspicious of him, but it’s an enemies to lovers romance and I thought it was fun seeing them fall for one another. As the story unravels, Alyth has to make a choice about Samson.

+ Alyth was an interesting character because she has insecurity issues – her father thinks doesn’t think much of her because she’s half human, but that doesn’t stop her from using all her abilities, like seeing auras around people to help her keep Mary protected.

~ It wasn’t strong on the enemies to lovers or the romantasy. I think they fell for each other pretty quick.

Final Thoughts:

This was a refreshing take on the war between Mary Queen of Scots and Queen EIizabeth of England. It included the Fae, magic and mythical creatures. It also had a little romance and strong character in Alyth. I thought this was a fun read and will appeal to those who like historical fiction!

I was excited to read this romantasy because it was set in Scotland. I am a fan of romantasy/dark romance and Outlander. The book did not disappoint, I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to my friends who also love to read. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read it.

I cannot wait to read this!
Author is coming locally for a signing too.
Will check back in with review
RTC

This was such a fun one. I was completely hooked from the start and I cannot wait for more from this dynamic duo!

Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Fire for an ARC of this book. Luke the first book in most series, this one does start off a little slow. World building takes some time. But, when it takes off and everything starts clicking into place, it goes fast! The Scottish history along with the fae lore is perfect. Watching the relationship between Alyth and Samson change and grow is heart warming and it’s the only heartwarming thing when it comes to the fae and war. I like this collaboration with Beth Revis and Sara Raasch. You will not be disappointed if you pick this book up.

As someone who was a huge fan of the TV show Reign, I was so excited to dive into another version of Mary Queen of Scots’ life. I was truly hooked from Chapter 1! Our main character Alyth was very likable as she struggled with her duty & her feelings. Samson’s struggles mirrored Alyth’s on so many levels, and I loved seeing them grow closer. The idea of magic driving so much of this Scottish history is such a fun premise. I enjoyed reading the wonderful blend of magic and history. All of the magical creatures included in the book added to the whimsical yet eerie environment. I kind of expected the big reveal at the end, but the final events of the book have already made me excited to read Book 2!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

Thank you, Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley, for the ARC of The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis.

My favorite author duo has done it again! Raasch and Revis deliver a historical fantasy that feels like The Cruel Prince meets Outlander—rich with Scottish court intrigue, high stakes, sharp banter, and a romance full of delicious tension. The political machinations and pre-war scheming between Queen Mary and her traitorous husband make for a gripping backdrop, and the way fae lore is woven into the story gives it a dark, dangerous edge that I loved.

Alyth completely stole my heart. As the barrier guardian, she’s fierce, clever, and vulnerable in all the best ways. Reading from her POV was an absolute treat. Samson is her perfect foil—an Englishman with a sword, a secret, and a whole lot of self-doubt (and, yes, daddy issues). Together, their enemies-to-allies-to-lovers arc is top-tier: full of mutual teasing, sharp-edged banter, and yes, unforgettable dagger-to-the-throat tension. Their chemistry practically crackles off the page, and I cannot wait to see their dynamic develop in book two.

What makes this book shine is the writing. The quotes are as sharp and memorable as the characters themselves:

“Wild things hate walls. Even protective ones.”
“What are you, Alyth?” “Your ruin.”
“She might kill me at this party, but, bloody hell, she’ll look stunning doing it.”

Raasch and Revis each wrote from a different character’s perspective, and it shows in the best way—Alyth and Samson feel distinct and fully realized, making the dual POV immersive and balanced.

Highly recommended if you love:
• Scheming courts with real stakes
• Banter-filled, slow-burn romance
• Fae that are dark, dangerous, and not your friends
• Historical fantasy with a dash of Scottish intrigue

This is an absolute must-read for fans of political fantasy, morally complex characters, and romance that cuts like a blade.

I’m sorry I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounded good and this is a genre I like but it was so hard to get into. The first 100+ pages, which is nearly half the book there is no action, there is nothing happening except dialog. Assuming it’s a set up for a series, there is a lot of character development so hopefully they can get into a grove better and quicker but this was so tough.

What I liked:
- As with the last Sarah Raasch book I read, the characters are so unserious at times and I loved the sense of humor to offset the serious theme
- SCOTLAND. I visited earlier this year and it truly is a magical place, so it was fun to see the fairytales being woven into being.
- The Leths and their role in the UKs geopolitical climate. I saw Hollyrood when I was in Edinburgh and it was cool to have some background historical knowledge while reading it.
- They ended the book enough of a cliffhanger that now I will need to read the second.

What I didn’t like as much:
- I felt like the pacing of the events were crazy. This all happened in the matter of a few days. I get that Scotland is small but it felt like everyone was traveling at the speed of light and SO much happened in one day, which leads me to my second critique:
- the romance felt rushed. Again, this happened in the span of a few days. They know literally nothing about each other and it’s already affecting the choices? I hope in the second one they are able to spend a bit more time together before doing something crazy.
- The ‘plot twists’ were predictable. I felt like I knew who the baddie was as soon as they talked about the High Blade and the redcaps. I also didn’t see the point of the washer woman fae and her warning about the impending death. I feel like we saw that coming even without knowing the background historical events well.

Regardless, I found the book entertaining and I’m looking forward to the second! I know how Mary’s life ends but I’m curious to see how it plays into the plot.

*3.5 rounded up*
As somebody who absolutely LOVED this author duo's previous duology, I had this one preordered before I even knew anything about it. You put their names together on a book and I read it, simple as that. Obviously my impatient self couldn't wait for the preorder, so I requested this ARC as soon as I saw it go live on netgalley. And let me just say, they delivered again.

This was a strong start to a new series. The magic system is really interesting, and I'm excited to see it explored more in the next book(s?). It took me a bit to get into it, but by halfway through I was really into it, and the last 30 percent had me HOOKED and binging to finish it. (side note: sequel WHEN??)
I will say I only really loved or even cared for the main couple. Which I guess makes sense because besides Mary we don't spend much time with other characters. I'm hoping to see some more of the other characters in the sequel.
However, while I may have only cared about 2 people, those 2 people more than make up for it. I don't know what Beth and Sara put in their romances, but it gets me hanging on every word every single time. I love the buildup of their relationship and how each of them learned to love not only other people but themselves. I can't wait to see what they get up to next and how their relationship will continue to blossom. Watching them learn to trust each other after so long of only trusting themselves was so beautiful.

thank you netgalley for this ARC.

so this was a very filler based story one that sets a lot of things up for a sequel. I loved our MMC and FMC. Their story was interesting and I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel!!

Unfortunately, this fell very flat for me. Firstly, there was way too much telling and not showing, which made everything feel very superficial. For instance, we're repeatedly told how Alyth is the most powerful Leth (part human/part fae) in Scotland and I truly cannot tell you what she did that made this feel like I could buy it.

The narration and writing felt extremely colloquial and semi-modernized. I guess if something is heavily reliant on a historical setting, I have a different set of expectations for the writing style. This was not met in The Crimson Throne.

I truly cannot think of anything that really redeemed this for me. I liked the fact that it was a short enough book - I honestly think if it was longer, I would have DNF'd it but it was short enough to power through.

The characters were flat - Samson especially. I couldn't tell you a single personality trait of his, honestly. Because I couldn't connect to their characters, the romance also felt uninspired.

All in all, a very boring and mid read. Not the worst thing I've ever read, certainly, so it can have 2 stars.

The prologue was absolutely amazing and immediately sets the tone for this book. It has eerie fae that will truly give you the creeps in some scenes. Set in Scotland, the historical parts revolve around Mary Queen of Scots. I only knew a bit of history about her and the time period going into this but even so I found it to be a really interesting twist on her reign. The story actually centers around Alyth who is a half fae who is sworn to protect Scotland from the Red Caps who are intent on causing harm. Samson crosses paths with her on the way to end a curse that involves the need to spy on Queen Mary. I found their romance to be quite sweet and the story that unfolded had me up reading late into the evening.