The Poisonous Crown: The Crown of Serpent and the Firebird: Book 1

by Maїna

“You’ve sacrificed what mattered most. The dominion took its due—you just don’t yet know what it claimed. "

"Handsome, with a will of iron. Quick to act." Her fingers grazed his forearm, her touch impossibly light yet burning. The goddess noticed his grip on the blade, her eyes flickering to it with a smile. "And with a cold heart..." She leaned closer, so close he could feel her breath against his ear. "Men like you," she whispered, "are my weakness."

Under the night sky, a king was secretly waiting for a fleet to come. An army was promised, but instead, a blade touched his throat. That's how everything started...

"The Poisonous Crown" is a dark fantasy forged from the ashes of the land of Oriana, where forgotten religion and ancient fairy tales twist into nightmares.

This tale is no gentle fable—it is cruel, unflinching, and mercilessly a world drenched in blood and betrayal, where torture and injustice reign, and monstrous beings walk beside us—some cloaked in human flesh, others clawing their way from realms long hidden. Here, the gods are no saviors, and they always demand their due.
This is a story for the brave. The main character, Zorian, would do whatever it takes to claim the Golden Throne of Kyvgar and make sure his name is not forgotten.

Fans of "The Witcher" and "Game of Thrones" would love it.

"Should Helgi prove the three sacred trials—loyalty unbroken, courage unyielding, and devotion to his purpose—and, above all, should he live to see the sunrise, then the mantle of chieftain shall be his. And when dawn breaks, the Rikars will stand behind him."


TRIGGER WARNING: 18+, scenes of sex, torture, murder, burning, and a lot of blood.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2025

About the author

DEAR READER

Thank you for picking up my debut novel.

Life as a new author is both exciting and challenging—especially for an introvert like me. Your support means more than I can put into words.

If you enjoyed this story, I’d be deeply grateful if you could leave a review or share a mention. Even the smallest note makes a world of difference.

This is only the beginning. More books in The Crown of Serpent and Firebird series are on the way, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

You can find me on Instagram @maina.books.n.art. Let’s stay connected.

Reviews

[Marina Comela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book thinking it was a romantasy. But, it was not what I expected. While there is some “love story” in it, it is not the main focus. This book is so much more. I absolutely loved the slavic mythology!
It’s 4,5 stars for me, only because I feel like some characters come and go, but maybe there’s some thought behind it 🤷🏻‍♀️

100% would recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book!

[Ruxi Avram · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Thank you, Maïna for entrusting me with reading this book, a very interesting epic story!
We have many characters that fight for the throne, many characters that are willing to trade their soul for power, many that lose the person who they love most and wish for revenge. This book definitely reminds me of Game of Thrones, but without the sexual explicit scenes. This book is softer on the explicit scenes, and even on the bloody ones, but written so that the reader can have a rather full image of the story.
For me, this book is a 4.5 stars, and I do hope the next one will bring light on the story. I want to read more about all the characters and where all leads. The fight for the throne of Kyvgar is intense, and I do wonder where fate will bring Zorian.
I particularly liked how the characters are all connected,even if , in the beginning it does not seem like it, how their lives influence each other and mold the fate of The Golden Throne.
I have received this book as ARC from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Samuel J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down I loved the book!
This is not an easy evening read. One really has to turn brain on to understand this story. Probably not for typical book-tock readers.

Thank you Maina for sending me ARC copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily

[Chey Osburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poisonous Crown is an epic, multilayered fantasy that pulls you right into a world shaped by gods, creatures, tension, and characters whose fates are far more intertwined than they first appear.
The story is vivid and constantly moving—there’s truly never a moment to rest. You have to pay attention! Maïna’s ability to build atmosphere is remarkable; you feel transported into the kingdom, walking alongside warriors, schemers, and gods. The writing is beautiful and wonderfully descriptive.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its large cast of characters. While it may not be obvious at first how their paths connect, the slow reveal of these relationships becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of the story.
Trying not to give too much away here, but the emotional stakes run high, and no character feels safe. (Try not to get attached!)
And now? I’m left staring into the abyss, waiting for Book 2!
Thank you, Maïna and NetGalley, for the ARC.

[Diana More · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Their gazes fixed on the lone warrior rising from the carnage as if a new god had risen."

Oh boy, this was EPIC. The story is filled with details and action; there is no time to rest, and always something is going on!
I personally loved how multilayered this book is. I really enjoyed the multiple main characters' POV. I had no idea how all these people were connected, but it all came together in unpredictable plot twists, and it turned out that every detail had a purpose.
Extra star for all the 'creatures' and gods. Because of it, the world feels real.
Additionally, I appreciated the writing style; all the details were executed masterfully.

And my recommendation: don't get attached to the characters, they might not live to the next chapter.

Thank you, Maina, for approving me to be your ARC. I'm waiting for the next story!

[Sammi Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one sounded interesting because it was marketed as a mix of The Witcher and Game of Thrones, which share the same setting, goal, and a good portion of the interactions, so it wasn't just a cash grab comparison like we're seeing a lot of. I want to add to it, though, because as I was reading, I was given very much Kratos from God of War for the main character, for his personality, and how he was being pushed forward. I really enjoyed reading, and the ending had me blown away. That's all I can say without giving it away, but it's definitely worth the ride to get there.
I give this one a solid 4.5/ 5 stars and look forward to reading more of MaЇnas' work.

[Oliver Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I want to say, that I follow the author on social media and that’s how I got to be an ARC for this book.

In short: this novel is a very powerful debut and one of the best books I read this year .

I do feel sorry for the author, because I can see all the low star reviews come from DNF. I do write myself I know how it feels.

So, I want author to know, that I really liked her work and wish her to continue.

Thank you Maïna for a chance to review this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily

[Adel Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so this book is smt I have never read before. Beautifully written! It is confusing at first, so I get where all the bad reviews come from, but once you get it OMG!!!
Get through the first part, trust me it’s worth it

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy!

[Mercy (Bucky’s Version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I had to DNF the book about 40% through as I found the book very confusing. The overall idea of what the book would be is very good however with the multiple POVS and the travelling back and fourth in time, I found it hard too get into it and it was confusing for me

But a huge thank you to the author (Maïna) and netgalley for letting me read this book. I may choose to re read this book later on

[Batty Squeaks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting read. You really have to pay attention to who is in the part you are in to figure out what time period you are in.

There is a lot of characters and many sort of feel the same or similar.

I love the idea of this story and the execution was interesting though maybe a bit confusing.

You are introduced to a world under going changes. A king has been crowned but at the cost of another. What of the real royal line? Who are they? Will they rule again?

Who is this quiet man who comes from a stolen girl and her captor?

I think I would like to have heard this story more than read it. It has that feel of story that should be told more than read.

Story idea 5 star
Character development 3 star
Organization 3 star

[Sam D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Got a free copy of this book from netgalley.

If you like:
1. Book where you have no idea wtf is going on at the beginning, but it all makes sense in the end.

2. Books that are UNPREDICTABLE. Literally, this story keeps surprising me.

3. Crazy plot twist.

4. Not over complicated fantasy world, but with interesting lore.

5. Not to much drama, but a lot of gray morality.

This book is for you.

It was definitely for me, so I’m waiting for the next book!

[Leanne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little strange, it had a story inside a story, inside a story. Multiple events involving different character. It all started coming together in the last 80% of the book. It’s an interesting story hopefully more questions will be answered in book 2

[Nenope · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's interesting that one of my favourite part of this book was what some other reviews criticise, namely the numerous side characters. I am a little fed up with some other fantasy books that focus on the FMC and the MMC, and the author only adds side characters because it's customary to have more people in the book. I also really enjoyed that finally it's not 1st person POV. Quite a lot of authors can't execute it well and you end up having the same voice throughout the book under different names because the author can't adequately put themselves in different caharcters' perspectives.

The story is definitely interesting, but I have to agree with the author here, the writing could be better, however I jave read much worse books than this (a side note here, I understand that the author is enthisiastic about her book, but PLEASE don't rate your own book and don't give yourself 5 stars, it's not authentic and comes across weird - reviews and rating are for the readers). I personally didn't have any issues with the timelines and I also liked that the characters are more complex and less "good or bad" than in other books.

Overall it's a promising book with a good story, it will hold your attention, but there is room for improvement.

[Karina Wirst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Maïna for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book is not for everyone, but very well written!

So I can see, that all the negative reviews come from people that dnf the book. And I get that, it is hard to understand at first, but the story is really good when you finally get it.

And the ending… 😮‍💨 Can’t wait for a next book!

[Lisa Burns · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot had promise but the execution was lacking. There was not a single character that I found interesting or sympathetic. For a while, I wasn't even sure who the main character was due to the many side characters thrown in to the mix.

Some of the history could have waited but most of it was not useful in the character development.

The world development was pretty close to non-existent.

I hate giving poor reviews without something to polish them a little. The best I can say was that the main plot line had promise and that the editing wasn't too bad.

[Bridgette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I am very sorry to the author but I had to DNF this book at about 50% of the way through.

The multiple 3rd person POVs were not clearly defined and they were giving me whiplash making it hard to follow at times. Worse than Crescent City 3 (which was also giving me whiplash but at least I could follow it.)

There were also time jumps and flashbacks that weren't done well leaving me wondering what time period I was in.

In one of the flashbacks, the FMC was rescued from slavery where she was raped repeatedly and now the first night of freedom she’s jumping on her rescuer? Not really making much sense … and the age gap was a little creepy.

The chapters are very long making it hard to keep interest. When I look at the bottom of my kindle and see "1 hour and 11 minutes left in this chapter" it makes me want to walk away because it's too long of a time commitment for one sitting. I usually only have 20-30 minutes at a time to read during my day.

Overall, the plot and the characters were all very confusing to keep straight in my head. About 44% of my way through I started to wonder what even was the point of some of the plot points. I know that authors will usually explain things in time but I thought it was so boring, I couldn't even care to continue.

I feel bad writing such a trashy review, but it is honest. I read a lot of fantasy and this one just didn't match my interest or vibes.

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poisonous Crown is a beautifully written and emotionally rich fantasy that kept me completely absorbed. The story centers on Imogen, a young woman in the volatile Breton court who discovers that her mother’s death may not have been the accident everyone believed. As she digs deeper, she uncovers court secrets, poison plots, and political intrigues that endanger not only her claim to the throne but her life.

What makes this book unforgettable is not just the mystery of who killed Imogen’s mother, but the way Imogen grows into her own power as she uncovers truth after truth. The web of suspicion slowly tightens around those she once trusted, and by the time we learn that the poison used against her mother was part of a larger conspiracy targeting royal heirs, the stakes feel genuinely life or death. Imogen’s relationship with Alaric, a nobleman entangled in his own family’s schemes, adds emotional depth without distracting from her main quest. Their alliance becomes one built on shared danger, mutual respect, and genuine affection, and their choices shape the political landscape of the entire realm.

The ending delivers justice in a way that feels earned. Imogen exposes the conspiracy, reclaims her rightful place, and brings about change to a system built on secrets and betrayal. This book blends court politics, atmospheric worldbuilding, and a compelling heroine whose intelligence and courage make this a standout read.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

[Nicole Butler · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the description of the book, this seemed like it would be such a fun story! However I DNF it after 52% into it and felt like there was no plot at all, just talked about random characters with no attachment.

The timeline of the story is confusing. We start with the main character being mentioned once in the first chapter. then we jump to the past where there's zero mention of the main character, even 52% in. I wish there was a better explanation of why we are reading about these people.
There's also too many irrelevant named characters, it makes it hard to follow because you dont know who you are suppose to pay attention too.
There's also a lot of fluff details but not enough in the actual journey of the characters so key parts of their development is missing and there's no attachment to any of them from the readers perspective.
None of the people have true ages as well, they are mentioned a few times as being children who then are in crappy situations and they all the sudden "feel like a grownup" but they get put into spicy scenes and it feels icky. Im still picturing them as children, they need to have proper ages or some how make sure time has passed to explain they are true adults.
I did love the lore and monsters in the world however... they were awkwardly placed in the story and added no value.

[✨ Sarah Mariee ✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

A dark epic fantasy with fairytales and mythology intertwined. Recommended for fans of Game of Thrones and The Witcher.

I was so excited for this one, I wish I could have stuck it out to the end. I found the book to be very confusing and hard to follow. There are so many characters and I’m sure eventually we see how all of their lives intersect and how the pieces fit together - but I struggled keeping track of who is who. For example, Olyssia is said to be thirteen, but everyone keeps saying things along the lines of how she’s grown, one character essentially saying “I expected you to be a child but you’re grown” and talking about how beautiful she is, then that same character calls her child? I kept going back pages to triple and quadruple check I read her age right. The change of place and time also was hard for me to follow, it felt like it was all over the place.

I see the potential of an amazing and magical story for sure and I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy readers. Just because it wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it won’t be someone else’s Roman Empire.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Maina for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[reii · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

I did DNF around 57% buttt I think that this story has great potential just that the way it was delivered wasn’t really capturing my attention well. The first 2 ‘chapters’ were great then I started to feel confused about the story. Like… where are we going? Before I get to know the characters in the present timeline, I am going backwards to meet everyone else in the past. There were so many characters and I was finding hard to keep up.

It’s like a good storytelling book, for me. I felt like a tale was being narrated to me more than I experienced the book and the realm if that… makes sense?

But I really enjoyed the literature though. I loved how the author wrote her sentences and the choices of words she used; how she strung her words together.

Thank you Netgalley and Maïna for this ARC!

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK: THE POISONOUS CROWN
AUTHOR: MAINA
PUB DATE: 23RD DECEMBER 2025
👑👑
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👑👑
First of all, I liked the world-building. It was amazing and creative, filled with different unique supernatural creatures. But, I didn't really like the storyline and the characters, I fear they were scattered. Timelines and different POVs just were just intertwined with no structure, but I can't say it was confusing. I reached the middle before I could understand what the book was about, and I didn't like it. The POVs were too much and unnecessary. they drew focus from the actual main characters.
👑👑
I didn't really like this book, but I felt it was promising. However, I hope the next book has fewer POVs and a structured system.

[Anika · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I had to stop reading this book, which was probably my fault and perhaps I wasn't in the right frame of mind for the book to win me over. I saw in the details that it is for fans of Game of Thrones and that you therefore have certain expectations of a complex plot with lots of characters. But I have to say that I didn't understand much, there were actually lots of characters, but unfortunately you didn't know what their agenda was. For me, the story and world-building were very, very shallow; unfortunately, you didn't really get inside the heads of the POV characters and couldn't empathise with them. As I said, I would still recommend the book, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Nevertheless, many, many thanks to Maїna and the team at NetGalley for the free e-ARC.

[Ariet Blake author · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ooooh where do I start?
This book was a really interesting and fun read. The author invoked a lot of imagery that made me truly feel like I was in the kingdom and wholly part of her world. The writing was beautiful, but unfortunately i couldn't root for most of the characters. The relationship between most of the main characters felt loose and disconnected and though she wove the different aspect and generations beautifully, it was still lacking in some areas.
I would absolutely recommend.
Much love and thanks to the author and Netgalley for the eARC.

[Myah Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC! Thank you book funnel and maïna!! Unfortunately I have been super busy and I don’t think I will be able to finish this book before its release date so I’m temporarily giving this a 3 star rating until I can finish it! So far I am really enjoying this book! I love fantasy and I’m glad this books hits on the fantasy so well! There’s a little bit of love story without overwhelming the rest of the book with it! So far so good! Will update my review when I finish!

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This did not work for me as much as I hoped it would, unfortunately, and I almost DNFd around 50%.
The story was a bit more meandering than I prefer, but may be fine for many others. There were several sections in the first half that jumped around and didn't feel relevant. It felt like when we met a new character, we jumped into a full backstory, most of which did not feel relevant in the second half of the book. That space could have been used to flush out other details that felt missing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this advanced copy for review.

[Allyson Paradis]

I wish I could give this book a proper review, but it ended up being something not my style. I didn’t get very far before realizing it wasn’t the kind of fantasy book I typically immerse myself in, and couldn’t bring myself to continue it. However, I will say that Maïna’s writing style is very nice and flows really well. The concept is definitely interesting, even if it ended up not being something I would read, and I’d say if it is your style, it’s worth a shot!

[Elisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I ended up having to DNF this book. I'm all for being descriptive but maybe this book got too descriptive that it started to take away from the story and I couldn't stay engaged to what was going on. The general premise of the story was good and is usually the kind of story I'm into but I was unable to stay connected to the story and its characters.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me this e-ARC.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is beatifully writen, The description, details, worldbuilding are amazink. It felt as if I'm really leaving in Oriana. At the same time it is not overcomplicated. Very interasting main caracteres. I enjoyed tis book and would defenelly recomend. And waitting for the next one!

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this book has a little bit of everything I love. Mythology -yes, romance -yes Spicy) , Humor-yes, Sadness-yes. It was an emotional roller-costar for sure! Love it! want to read more.
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest. My expectations for this book were very low. But it turned out to be a were good written debut. Extra star for nor over complicating world building. Will recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.
Thank you NetGalley!.