Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
Unfortunately at 27% I am DNFing this book. I liked the idea of Mary Queen of Scots life being even more complicated with the influence of Fae magic. I enjoy the Alyth chapters. But unfortunately the Samson chapters are dragging for me in a way that makes me want to skip them. I fall asleep every time I try to read his chapters. It makes it very hard to stay interested and excited for the story. It may just not be for me.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I am giving my rating based on my own personal opinion and not that of any other party.

fantastic magic twist on historical events/characters, really cool magic details and world building within the story. loved the banter and interaction between Alyth and Samson. great pacing and cliffhanger/reveal ending,

The Crimson Throne follows Alyth, lady’s maid to Mary Queen of Scots and half fae sworn to protect Scotland against a bloodthirsty clan of fairies. Samson is tasked by his father to spy on Mary’s court and is in over his head. As Alyth and Samson both work to uncover the threats circling their countries, they realize there’s much more than suspicion between them.

I love a good enemies to lovers (more like opposing sides in this one) romantasy and this one had such a fun concept. It really did feel like Outlander meets Holly Black. I loved the alternate history of Mary Queen of Scots. It was so interesting and the court politics were really fascinating. This was so easy to fly through with tons of action and deception. The twist was SO good and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Alyth was a great main character. I loved when she went toe to toe with Mary and asserted her power. Her magic was so cool and she had the perfect amount of badass and intelligence I love in fantasy heroines. Samson was a refreshing love interest. He was very determined and had a lot of heart. The banter and flirtation between Alyth and Samson was so well done.

Overall, if you love Holly Black or Outlander, I’d definitely recommend checking this out!

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the arc!

A richly imagined romantasy that blends court intrigue, fae magic and forbidden attraction. The Crimson Throne introduces readers to Alyth Graham, a powerful fae guardian serving Queen Mary of Scotland, and Samson Calthorpe, a cursed spy working under Queen Elizabeth. When Red Cap weapons begin appearing in the Scottish court, Alyth and Samson find themselves drawn together by a shared mission and a dangerous connection.

The alternating perspectives offer insight into both leads, each carrying secrets and burdens that shape their choices. Alyth is fierce and loyal, while Samson’s internal conflict adds emotional depth to the unfolding mystery. Their chemistry is immediate, but the romance builds with tension and trust, never overshadowing the political stakes.

The setting is lush and atmospheric, with historical detail woven seamlessly into the fantasy elements. The plot moves swiftly, balancing action, espionage and emotional beats with skill. Themes of loyalty, identity and sacrifice run throughout, making this more than just a love story.

Ideal for readers who enjoy enemies to lovers, historical fantasy and stories where magic and politics collide. A strong start to a promising duology.

The Crimson Throne is the first novel in the Spy and Guardian duology. The story follows alternating dual POVs. Alyth is a lady in Mary, Queen of Scots’s court. Not only that but she’s also the daughter of a fae prince of the Seelie Court. Her position gives her the responsibility of keeping the kingdom safe from invaders both mundane and magical. Samson is the illegitimate son of Elizabeth I’s spymaster. Previously living a rough life in the London slums, Samson’s father gives him a mission to infiltrate the Scottish Court. Samson thinks it’s to protect Elizabeth I from a Scottish assassination attempt but he soon gets entangled in Lord Darnley’s attempts to take the throne from his wife Mary, Queen of Scots.

Unfortunately I found the pace was a bit too fast in places of the book, I didn't feel I had time to digest the events at times. The character writing was somewhat weak, I understand the main leads’ motivations but little of the quirks that round them out better as people. I couldn’t tell you what their favorite foods or pastimes are. I had similar issues with the romance, it came out of nowhere. I also wasn’t sold on the ending, it felt abrupt. But I’m going to trust the authors’ handing of it in book 2.

However I loved the historical accuracy of the plot. This book is based off real events which happened in Mary, Queen of Scots’s court in 1566-1567. The authors’ magical flair never seems to contradict history and makes the book greatly enjoyable.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes their historical fiction with a little magic.
Actual rating 3.75, rounded to 4 stars.

The Crimson Throne is an enchanting blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Our MCs are Alyth, a powerful Scottish half-fae tasked with protecting Queen Mary and preventing the enemy Red Caps from infiltrating Scotland and Samson, an English street urchin who just wants to break his curse and earn his father's attention. Initially at odds, Alyth and Samson quickly realize working together may be the key to accomplishing both their goals.

Having read very little of the description past "Outlander meets Holly Black" I was pleasantly surprised to discover our story would be fitting into royal politics during the Elizabethan era. Though Alyth is a bastard among the fae, she's considered the highest ranking Leth in Scotland which much to Mary's annoyance she doesn't need to blindly follow the queen's orders. I also enjoyed the take on the era being that warring fae and Leth are the real masterminds behind Mary v. Elizabeth. Though we know Mary is aware of the fae essentially secret societies are running the government behind the scenes and who doesn't love a little skull and bones?

I will say this is advertised as an "enemies-to-lovers" story, but it really doesn't qualify. Yes, Samson is there to spy on Mary, but at no point is positioned as Alyth's "enemy." I wish there had been a little more time spent building their romantic connection; I want to root for them but the chemistry is minimal. I also found most of the plot to be fairly predictable, but the twist at the end I didn't see coming and has me interested to see how the next book plays out.

Loved this book so much I loved the characters and the story line. I was sucked into the book once I got to chapter 2 and I wanted to finish it and not put it down.

This novel was an interesting read during the time of Queens Mary and Elizabeth, but also bringing in the legends of the fae. This novel includes magic and history, though there is much that remains unknown. Alyth is a very powerful half-fae in Scotland, but she cannot leave because she is the barrier guardian, working continuously to prevent the Red Caps for entering. She serves Queen Mary and protects her, even though she doesn’t always agree with Mary. Samson lives in England, illegitimate son to Queen Elizabeth’s advisor. Samson has uncontrollable rages, but wants to protect his siblings, which is why he does “jobs” for his sire. When a mission comes with an offer Samson can’t refuse, he meets Alyth and knows he is a pawn in a much bigger game. Join Alyth and Samson on their adventures to discover the truth behind the Red Caps invasion while forming an attachment to each other. I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is a unique take on the politics surrounding the tensions between Queen Elizabeth of England and Mary Queen of Scots, with a very magical twist. The fae and their realm are tied to the land of Scotland, so any threats to Scotland also threaten the faerie realm. Alyth, the FMC, is the most powerful Lethe in Scotland, a half-fae defender of the magical border surrounding the country. Alyth takes her duty to Mary and Scotland very seriously, until the enigmatic Samson infiltrates the Scot’s court as a spy from England in exchange for the chance of breaking his own magical curse. As the story progresses and the stakes get higher, Alyth and Samson must determine if their priorities are determined by duty, or if they are able put their trust in one another. This book blends magic, subterfuge, murderous plots, external magical aggressors, and court politics into a very enjoyable read. Raasch and Revis gave the Scottish landscape such a lyrical quality, almost as an homage to the wilderness. The ending left on quite a cliffhanger, so I’ll be eager to learn more in book two!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for access to this eARC for review; all thoughts are my own.

Reign, if it had Scarlet Witch & Winter Soldier at each other's throats, with cameos from Agatha Harkness & more magical, witchy, beings! X
I adored this action packed fantasy that weaves historical strife between powerful queens, with interesting magic systems, and uncontrollable beings.
The Crimson Throne is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end and I look forward to seeing how the story progresses in the next book!

Filled with history, romance and fantasy. I loved the mix! Fast paced action. Awesome characters. I definitely want to read the next one! This was a page turner for me! Thanks#Netgalley and #SourceBooksFire for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

I thought this was quite interesting. How they brought in some of the traditional court history and turned it into fantasy lore. The politics of this book are quite mischievous and really kept the pace of the book moving quite well. The romance was pretty well balanced within the book, but it was not overpowering. I wish there was a more developed magic system between the fae realms to bring an extra spark to the book, but maybe that will come later since this is a series I think it could bring some interesting battle scenes. Overall, I think it was a good read, and I think it is going to be a very intriguing series, especially if they keep tying in historical politics.

Alyth has been tasked with watching over Queen Mary. Specifically, her husband, Lord Darnley, and his magical attempts to cause her harm. Alyth is half fae and is sworn to keep the Red Caps out of Scotland. Samson wants to lock in his position in the English court and is sent to Scotland as a spy. Alyth and Samson must navigate the tumultuous Scottish court and stay one step ahead of Lord Darnley. What secrets will they uncover in their search?

The Crimson Throne is the first book in the Spy and Guardian series. This historical fantasy transports readers to the time of Mary Queen of Scots and puts a fae spin on everything. Raasch and Revis don’t spend much time going into the lives and history of the historical characters, but readers with a basic understanding of the Elizabethan era should have no issues following along. The ending of this book was satisfying and complete, with the note at the end saying the next book will be another story that may not be a direct sequel. A fun read for fans of this time period or genre.

The Crimson Throne was not quite what I expected. I started this book expecting politics, a romance subplot and a dash of the faery world. Instead, Sara and Beth crafted this beautifully intricate vision of Scotland during Mary’s rule, where the fae are integral to every aspect of the story.

I LOVED the balance between the fae and the court politics, and how this eventually helped build the romance between Alyth and Samson. It felt like Romeo and Juliet, only more mystical and less insta-love.

Alyth was a great main character and really drove the story forward. She was very proactive and unashamed when she finally gave in to her feelings for Samson, which was a nice change from books similar to this.

I found the story engaging and well written, albeit a little slow at times. But for the most part I would recommend this book and cannot wait to see how Alyth and Samson’s story continues in the next.

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis
Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, two accomplished authors known for their individual successes, have united once again for their second collaborative effort, The Crimson Throne. This fascinating novel stands out by seamlessly blending a rich fantasy world with real historical events. The authors have meticulously woven their narrative into the genuine political tensions between Queen Elizabeth and Scotland, incorporating accurate timelines and many authentic historical figures, which give the story a powerful, grounded feel.
The heart of the book lies in its two main characters, Alyth Graham and Samson. Alyth is a compelling and complex protagonist, a Leth (half human, half Fae) tasked with the monumental duty of protecting Mary, Queen of Scots, and defending the entire kingdom from an ancient threat known as the Red Caps. Her story is expertly mirrored by Samson, a young man born out of wedlock who has survived on the harsh streets of London. Plagued by a magical curse that causes him to commit violent acts he doesn't remember, Samson is a figure of tragic complexity.
This is a masterfully executed "enemies-to-friends" story. Both Alyth and Samson have been forged by hardship, yet their inability to understand one another's true intentions creates a palpable tension that drives the plot forward. The journey from conflict to mutual understanding is built on a shared history that, at first, seems to pull them apart but ultimately brings them together.
The novel is further enhanced by its beautiful setting. The descriptions of Scotland's rugged, dramatic landscapes and the intricate details of its characters are so vivid they make the world feel tangible and alive. The Crimson Throne is a powerful, character-driven fantasy that showcases the authors' talent for building complex relationships and immersive worlds. I highly recommend it for anyone who appreciates a story where the deepest conflict lies within the hearts of its protagonists.
M.Roberts

I'm so sorry, this was a DNF for me. I really wanted to like 'The Crimson Throne' because it sounded right up my street - court intrigue, Scotland, magical Fae.

However, the writing in the prologue was of such poor quality that it kept pulling me out of the story. I'm sure the plot will be amazing, I just can't get over the writing. I am sure it will be for someone, just not for me.

Again, I'm so sorry for not being able to provide a full review for this book. I will not share this to social media out of respect for the authors.

I loved this book! It’s been so hectic health wise so it’s taken me a while but oh my gosh, I loved every second!
Firstly, I love any book that has history embedded or throughout, so I knew I was going to love it. Very easy to read and to get hooked on this one.

I found there was a great balance of fantasy and history and feels very well written and that a lot of time and thought went into this book.

I enjoyed the characters and always wanted the best for them and to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Alyth in particular was a great character and had all the power and fierceness I want in a fmc.

I think the description on outlander meets holly black is as good as any to describe this book. If you like fantasy and history, this book is a must read for you! Can’t wait to see what comes next.

This was an interesting bit of alternate history in which, what if Scotland was a gateway to the far realm? During the reign of Queen Mary of Scots, familiar historical figures are blended with magic and fae. This follows around the time her secretary, David Rizzio was murdered and to where Lord Darnley is killed at Kirk o’ Field. It’s super cool has this magical lore had been woven in with history seamlessly. If you like historical fiction and a bit of romantasy, this book is for you!

Beth Revis has quickly been moved to my top favorite authors. I loved how the authors wove real history into a lush tapestry of fae lore and espionage. The secret codes and magical battles added great tension, while the romance simmered beautifully.