The Crown of Moonlight

by Martina Boone

A captivating, slow-burn romantasy where Outlander meets Otherworld magic. When a Highland woman saves the immortal enemy she was raised to fear, she awakens a forbidden power and a crown that could save two worlds…or destroy them both.

Five crowns. Two reluctant lovers. One throne between them.

Flora Domhnall is determined to protect her people and keep her Highland clan neutral in a war between the Everfolk. Then she finds a dying warrior—one of the rebel king’s Riders—bleeding in her woods. If the Raven Queen’s soldiers catch him, Flora’s clan will hang as traitors. If she turns him away, the rebels will demand revenge.

Chyr is a Rider of the Anvar’thaine. He’s immortal, yet a mysterious wound is dragging him toward death, and the doorway back to his world beyond the Veil is sealing shut. To save both realms, he must rely on the mortal woman who has every reason to fear and betray him.

Allied by necessity and stalked by their enemies, Flora and Chyr cross moor and mountain while war rages through the Highlands and the land wakes in fury. Flora’s mysterious magic defies the oaths etched into Chyr's skin, but as her power grows, Chyr needs her to accept it. To save his people and hers, he’ll pay the price in blood and heartbreak.

Honor is everything—until it isn’t. Then you hunt for the one chance left.

Tropes, Themes, and Descriptors:
Reluctant allies-to-lovers under threat • Fate-touched romance • Emotional complexity • He falls first • Slow burn → trust → deep, sensual, and explicit • Immortal wounded hero • Smart, strong heroine • Dual POV (1st person) • Ancient elemental magic and fae sorcery • Celtic mythology • Lush Scottish Highlands setting • High stakes • Dark fae rebellion • Alternate historical content • Immersive world-building • Honor, duty, politics, and power

Award-winning author Martina Boone crafts a sweeping historical fantasy romance that combines Scottish Jacobite drama with Otherworld magic for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Rachel Gillig, Sarah A. Parker, Penn Cole, and Devney Perry.

★★★★★ PRAISE FOR MARTINA BOONE ★★★★★

"Skillfully blends rich magic and folklore with adventure, sweeping romance, and hidden treasure . . . Impressive." —Publisher's Weekly

"So swoon-worthy it's ridiculous." —RT Book Reviews, RT Editors' Best Books of the Year

"Even the villains and not-likable characters were just so engrossing. I have to say I've already put the sequel on my TBR shelf." — USA Today

"Darkly romantic and steeped in Southern Gothic charm..." —#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

"Charming and steamy on the surface, with cold-blooded secrets buried down deep." —Kendare Blake, New York Times bestselling author

"Beautifully written, with vivid characters, a generations-old feud, and romance that leaps off the page. Not to be missed." —Megan Shepherd, New York Times bestselling author

"Delightful, charming, and heartwarming!" —Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

"Heartwarming, lyrical, soulful, and with just the right amount of humor: this book sparkles with authentic, layered characters and beautiful, thoughtful prose." —Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling author

"Haunting, atmospheric, and absorbing..." —Claudia Gray, New York Times bestselling author

"Will draw you in and hold you until the very last page." —Leah Cypess, award-winning author

"Perfect for fans of Nora Roberts and Susanna Kearsley..." —Erin Cashman, award-winning author

"Mixes dark magic with darker family secrets in a way that'll make you relieved there are two more books." —Kat Zhang, award-winning author

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fae, Fiction

460 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Martina Boone is the award-winning author of romantic fiction set in magical places. Her latest book is a slow-burn to hot chemistry with a bit of spice romantic fantasy available November 11, 2025. THE CROWN OF MOONLIGHT is ACOTAR meets OUTLANDER when a Highland woman uses illicit magic to heal a wounded fae Rider who could doom her clan--or save her world.

Martina's other books include the southern gothic Heirs of Watson Island series for young adults, starting with COMPULSION, the Celtic Legends Collection of novels set in Scotland, Cornwall, Ireland, and Wales, beginning with LAKE OF DESTINY, and the crossover contemporary LOVE FOR TWO LIFETIMES. She’s passionate about improving lives through literacy and the love of books.

She lives with her husband, Shetland Sheepdog Phinney, and an Izzy cat who loves to edit Martina's work. When she isn’t writing, she loves travel, wildlife, wildflower meadows, horses, skiing, chocolate-flavored tea, Nutella, and men in kilts. (Not necessarily in that order.)

Reviews

[Maeghan 🦋 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley & the author for a chance to review this ARC!

I’m a little conflicted with this one and therefore settled on a 3 stars rating. All along I thought this was a debut and was surprised when I saw it wasn’t. There were definitely some issues with the writing, execution & pacing for me.

Do keep in mind that reading is subjective and I recommend reading this book to form your own opinion.

I read a lot of complicated books and I enjoy them. But this wasn’t complicated, it was confusing. It took me the longest time to get accustomed to the world and its leaders - and even then, I still feel like I was reaching for needles in a bale of hay.

The world wasn’t properly explained, and even if you were in the heads of the two MCs - you never had full access to their characters and thought process. They felt too perfect. I know this is a weird complaint but I felt indifferent to them because they weren’t reacting to anything that was happening. A significant death happened at some point and I was completely indifferent to it. It goes to say that because we didn’t have full access to the characters and they didn’t have any depth - the romance was also surface level. They were attracted to each other right from their first meeting.

I think this story had potential but ultimately fell flat on the deliverance.

The thing I loved the most was how much the FMC loved and cared for her horse. I thought it was a unique and cute element. I often feel like the horses are treated as a means to an end in Fantasy novels but this one wasn’t like that and I appreciated it.

[Selene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This has soooo sooo sooo many of the right things, this awesome historic highlands feel. The kind that makes you want a flowy dress and a gothic castle to run through at night. A really interesting magic system, an evil queen, high stakes,emotional losses. It ends on a mild cliff hanger and yet there was just something missing that didn’t give me personally that obsessed must know totally invested feeling. Reading is really subjective so this can definitely just be me personally not connecting with it and it’ll land perfectly with others. 💜 I did really enjoy the fmc being a healer and trying so hard to lead and protect her people. This reads like a historical romance with fantasy elements and I feel like that made the magic more believable. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book slowly crawled its way to becoming one of my top reads of 2025!! I COULD NOT STOP reading this book last night. the Slow burn! THE TENSION! THE YEARNING!! 🫠🔥

the romance was just so good I was on the floor. Also did I mention the Scottish lore is incredible and world building sublime? And that there are loyal animal companions? And the female lead is like a badass and fierce clan leader that reminds me so much of Merida from Brave! ✨ she has with magical abilities, is not afraid to stand up to anyone (specially those who try to force her hand in a marriage 🤭) & has a heart full of compassion and kindness. Oh and the MC is a immortal warrior in a kilt, yes you’ll thank me later.

What you can expect:
✨Forced proximity
✨she heals him
✨badass female lead
✨YEARNING & TENSION
✨slow burn romance
✨animal companions
✨Scottish Romantasy
✨he falls first

[Wendy Higgins]

This was so good. If you are missing Outlander, this has that same historical Scottish feel but with fantasy elements of the fae great hunt. Readers who are craving an intense plot with a really lovely romance element will appreciate this story. She nails the details of Scottish history. Even the land itself is so vivid that it's like a character of its own. Just beautiful!

[✨ tweety ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the editor for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

I'm afraid my review will be critical. I'm sad that unfortunately I couldn't enjoy it like I hoped I would.

This book bored me and confused me. I have no other words to explain how I felt while reading it (perhaps, frustrated).

The beautiful cover and the old Scotland setting lured me in and the first two chapters or so were intriguing, I wanted to know more. I was liking Flora and from the first time she appears, she seemed to be like the main leads I usually prefer. The first encounter with the mmc appears early on and I was curious to see how they would interact since I was promised a slow burn enemies to lovers dynamic.

As the story moved along, however, it started showing its foundational flaws.

The story is there, but for most of it if not all, I was confused about the world and the lore and the magic. The lore and the magic is explained during Flora and Chyr's interactions, which is a clever way to tell the reader about it. However, not how it was executed in this story. Instead of showing us some things like the magic, most of the time we were explained or told about it. Even the plot twists were executed poorly.

The pacing. We follow Flora and Chyr's daily life in scrumptious detail. And their days and thoughts are quite... repetitive. I found that mostly every chapter follows the same routine: wake up-eat-talk about lore-think that they are attracted to each other but remember they should not trust each other-sleep, with the occasional meeting with some people of Flora's clan or enemies. You don't have to tell the reader every single thing your characters do.

The characters are also a problem. This story is told in first person pov. While this is sometimes better because we can have direct access to the characters' thoughts, in this specific case it showed even more how monotonous Flora and Chyr's voices were. Flora definitely had some traits that could make her a character I would root for, but just like Chyr, it was all very bland and superficial. They also seemed very passive and detached when they had to show/feel things, as if things didn't happen to them, they were just a passive receiver of the actions.
And don't make me start about their dynamic. They should be enemies, yet they both trust each other super easily and there is no tension at all between them, no chemistry. No angst at all either, because their moves are so predictable that I knew how their interactions would develop before they did.

In the end, it took a few chapters to make me lose my interest. I persisted because I don't like to leave things hanging and I try to give every story a chance, especially when it deals with tropes I like.

This story wasn't for me. With the right editing I believe this story would be so much more, because it has a lot of potential but the execution (as I have explained above) fell flat.

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this! 👑 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 is one of the best books I've read this year! 🌕

Set in a Celtic fantasy world inspired by Scottish history, this epic fantasy romance is absolutely amazing. Martina Boone's descriptions of the hauntingly beautiful highlands are lyrical and vivid.

Flora Domhnall is a fierce and determined young woman struggling to lead her clan members after so many of them were killed in the vicious war between the fae. When she discovers Chyr, a wounded fae warrior, in the woods, her compassion and training as a healer refuse to let him die. If she can help him to reach the sacred isle of Muilean before Beltane, they might be able to end the horrific war.

Flora is such an inspiring main character: resilient, wise, courageous. I love her deep connection to animals, the land, and the elements, as well as her kind heart.

The lore of the Cailleach queens was fascinating, as well as the magic system that was both inherent and tied to the land.

I was blessed to receive an ARC of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, but before I even finished reading it I had pre-ordered a copy of the book online! If you love romantic fantasy stories, this is a must read! I can hardly wait for the next book.

[Shelby Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a book that I can confidently rate 5 stars in a bit! I got to get my hands on a copy of Crown of Moonlight as an ARC and I loved every second of it! The initial setting had reminded me of Merida from the Disney movie Brave. Kind of Celtic-based with Highland clans and plenty of men in kilts! I also LOVE both Flora and Chyr, the two main characters!!!
Flora is being pressured to marry the highlander lords around her to save her land from ruin. She has lost her entire family in the war except her mother. Her mother's mind broke when their family died so Flora has been left to rule their land by herself. She wants to keep her land neutral during the current war between the rebel king and Queen Vheara. Neither side values human life and she would just love to keep her people safe. The beginning of this story starts with her saving the life of one of the rebel king's Riders, Chyr, and her journey with him to save her people from the queen's oncoming forces. This one was so good and actually kept me on my feet until the end! I am excited for the next story but also don't feel like its leaving me with a gaping cliffhanger either, which I am happy about.

[Emily Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this historical fantasy was entertaining and I did NOT find any "boring" parts to wade through. The pacing was good and felt even. This is a part of a planned series, so it doesn't tie up the plot 100% at the end, but I do not consider it to be a cliffhanger because a significant portion of the plot is tied up. It feels like the end of an episode rather than an abrupt end. The one part that I didn't care for was the use of old English spelling instead of modern English spelling. I felt like that took me out of the story to be constantly thinking "Oh that's spelled wrong. Wait, not a typo, just an anachronism." I received this book as a digital ARC.

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!

I would like to start with a personal disclosure to give a little background/context before my review.. For starters, I have been in a physical/ebook book slump since the last physical book I read in 2023, then alot has happened that's made concentrating on physically reading books difficult (having ADD doesn't help lol), but I missed reading so much & eventually I discovered dramatized audiobooks were not only a thing but they actually were able to hold my attention in that type of format (unfortunately a single narrator was difficult to hold my attention & not by any narrators fault by any means, again ADD got in the way) so that's how I've been still enjoying books even though nothing ever can actually replace physical/e books. Well, fast-forward to the beginning of October 2025 & I see a newsletter in my emails from none other than Martina Boone, who I fully admit I have always been a genuine fan of her work, & after an especially horrible/stressful week I see an email from Martina herself asking if I would like to read an eARC for an honest review. I told her about some of the personal things I went through that week, but that I would love to read her new book. The reason I'm choosing to share all this is because of what she said to me after I told her about things I was going through that she hopes her book can be an escape for me, even if just for a little bit, from things going on & I admit that while I didn't doubt I would enjoy her book, I have always enjoyed her books so I doubted this one would be any different, I was worried about if I was going to be able to get myself to actually sit & physically focus on reading.. especially in a timely manner that would be more meaningful. Well, she doesn't know how true her words ended up being, I immediately started getting lost in this book & it was a struggle to force myself to stop when I needed to. Right from the very beginning this story was able to grab my attention in a way I haven't felt since 2023 & I am grateful to Martina for giving me this gift of an escape during a time when I needed it most. =]

Okay, now to my actual review which I want to make clear I would write regardless of what I chose to share, I wouldn't say I love a book if I genuinely didn't, I'm too blunt for that. So with that in mind, I chose to share what I did so that I could make it easier to understand when I do say The Crown of Moonlight really does have an ability to just suck you right in from the very beginning, it starts out with feet already hitting the ground running, it leaves no time to be boring, but at the same time it's not so fast that it doesn't make sure to introduce you into the world in which we're in, the characters, & understanding what's happening & how serious everything is. This is not a story that tries to paint everything all great & dandy, in fact it's something I wish more of this world could do in general which is be realistic (even in completely fictional books, but have painted a world & an understanding to the ways things are or aren't within that world so we know what is "realistic" or not pertaining to it).. about the situation, the danger, the bad & good, everything as nothing but the facts of what's going on & how things are. Maybe that's part of what immediately drew me in, I'm a realist & I appreciate when others can simply just understand it for what it is as fact, not opinions or anything else unnecessary, just nothing but the truth of how life is sometimes & the choices we must make & that sometimes things simply aren't okay & that's okay. I also emphasized alot with Flora on dealing with death & what seems like never-ending pain or hurt or stress etc but also accepting that it's part of life & all you can do is work with it the best you can & try to stay strong. There's other things but I would be risking revealing too many spoilers, I've never been the type to try pushing a narrative of my understanding of the plot or summary of what happened because I believe that some books are best going into with an open mind & find your own interpretation so you can go along for the ride & let yourself get lost in an amazing story like this book did for me. With that in mind, I'll just say I have alot of respect for Flora & related to her quite a bit even if different things but similar feelings/way of dealing. It may come off selfish or immature but there's an actual reason behind those actions that can be misunderstood as such when in reality it's actually love & protecting or some other reason that was ultimately what you just thought was best in that moment. Life is cruel, it is hard, almost impossible sometimes, but there's also finding the good, the light, love, appreciating the small & big moments, & trying to find that balance because it's all we can do to keep pushing forward & not losing ourselves in the process.

The cliffhanger killed me though, I gotta be honest! 😂 I can't wait for The Hollow Crown to come out & The Crown of Moonlight hasn't even been officially released yet, but best believe I can't wait to continue this journey Martina has opened my mind to & how much it feels extra special in my soul while I've been going through honestly the most difficult & horrible year of my life, I've lost more than I could've ever imagined, so she just happened to introduce me into a world I didn't even realize I needed & I'll forever be grateful & a loyal fan of The Five Crowns series as it begins its journey introducing it to us! =]

ps having an entire glossary & pronunciation guide along with a map & quite literally anything that you could need was incredibly helpful, I just felt the need to add that lol 😁😂

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review! 💌

Blurb:
ACOTAR ✨ meets Outlander 🏴 in a Highland fantasy full of magic, danger & romance.
Five crowns 👑 Two enemies-turned-lovers 💔 One throne 🔥
When mortal Flora saves an immortal warrior, their worlds collide—and only love can rewrite fate. 🌿⛰️

This book was such a breath of fresh air. I fell in love with the world and the main characters, Flora and Chyr, within the first two chapters. Chyr is the perfect mix of morally gray and golden retriever energy—with plenty of “touch her and die” vibes! Meanwhile, Flora is a strong yet soft FMC, learning her magic and its power as she goes. ✨

I wouldn’t call this a slow burn—it definitely gives insta love, but in the best possible way. It’s fated mates without the official mate bond… they’re just meant for each other, and it’s beautiful. I was squealing and kicking my feet the entire time! ❤️

The world and its creatures are so unique and fun! It gives off cozy romantasy vibes while still keeping the stakes high—and that ending?? Killer. I need book two yesterday. 😭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
I’ll be thinking about Flora, Chyr, and this magical world for a long time to come.

[Brielle Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Outlander and stories with magical elements so I was so exited to get the arc for Crown of Moonlight. Man, this book did not disappoint!

Flora is a strong but kind FMC, and I love that she is a healer. Clyr, the MMC, is immortal and this bad ass rider with all these various magical powers, but really such a softie for her and I love that. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good shadow MMC occasionally, but Clyr was refreshingly different and it works. It’s also not a spoiler to say I love a good he falls first trope and this book does that quite well.

Some of the magic/world building was a little confusing at first, but as time went on, it came together. I also loved that this was loosely based on the Jacobite rebellion/Scottish history, but also very much its own thing. Besides the romance piece, I am really hoping Flora, Chyr, & crew can help fight against all the injustice and how convoluted magic has made it all. I did find the glossary at the end very helpful.

I am curious how Boone is going to get 5 books out of this series, but excited to see where it goes. In addition to the romance, this book has great fantasy elements grounded in Highlander culture/stories, but also other magical worlds, that would be interesting to explore.

✨4 stars, still thinking about this book after finishing it a month ago!

Thank you NetGalley and Mayfair Publishing for this e-arc. Crown of Moonlight is already out, came out November 11,2025, so buy it or get it from your local library and read it right now. Personally, I am patiently waiting for a beautiful special edition of this one to come out so I can scoop it up and add to my bookshelf!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Martina Boone for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Story That Feels Like Moonlight on Your Skin

“Some stories don’t just live on the page — they whisper to your soul.”
That’s exactly how I felt reading The Crown of Moonlight by Martina Boone.

As a massive fan of Outlander, I went into this story hoping for a touch of sweeping romance, aching emotion, and lush world-building — and I was not disappointed. In fact, the similarities were uncanny in the best possible way. There’s the same richness of setting, the same sense of fate-touched love, and that slow, simmering tension between two characters who feel destined for each other, even as the world threatens to pull them apart.

This book didn’t just entertain me — it moved me deeply. It wrapped around my heart like soft twilight, filling me with that rare, almost sacred feeling you get when a story truly speaks to you.

Martina Boone’s writing is exquisite. Every scene felt cinematic, wrapped in moonlight and mystery. The romance is gorgeously written — slow-burn, emotionally layered, and incredibly satisfying. The characters are real, raw, and beautifully flawed. Their journey is not just one of love, but of healing, trust, and transformation.

What I especially loved was how the magic in the book isn’t just about spells or otherworldly powers — it’s the kind of magic that comes from love, sacrifice, and choosing to hope even when it hurts.

If you love atmospheric, emotionally rich stories with a touch of the gothic and a whole lot of heart — or if you’re an Outlander lover looking for your next literary escape — The Crown of Moonlight will steal your breath and then hand it back, softer and wiser.

This book is a gift. I can’t wait to reread it under a full moon.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those books where after I finished it, I couldn't really tell you what the problem was. It was one of those books that was interesting, but never really grabbed me. One that was difficult to pick back up and way too easy to put down. I will usually read a book in a day, possibly 2 if it is a longer book. This book took almost a week.

The story is set in the Scottish Highlands and is an enemies to lovers romantasy. Scotland is in the middle of a war where a viscous Fae Queen has been ruling for years and there is another Fae King who has crossed over in a fight to take over as ruler.

We meet our FMC - Flora Domhnal - as she has taken over leadership of her clan when her fathers and brothers are killed in the war. The people fighting on the side of the Queen are going through the countryside and basically torturing and killing everyone and burning their lands - specifically the clans that sided with the Bonny King. The problem for me was that this was actually really confusing to understand and it took me way too long to figure out exactly what was going on.

Chyr- our MMC - is a Rider of the Anvar’thaine. What does that mean exactly? I'm not really sure. Anyway, Flora finds Chyr after he and two other Riders have been ambushed and left for dead. The other two do not survive and she ends up healing Chyr with magic that she apparently never knew she had.

After that, the two of them are on a journey to make it to a certain destination by a certain time when the veil is supposed to let some gate or other from the Otherworld open so that he can get backup? Maybe? The journey is fraught with all kinds of action - so many people trying to kill them- and while Chyr is supposed to be this Immortal Warrior with magic, its Flora who all of a sudden is gaining magic that puts everyone to shame. Like MAGIC magic.

I did like Flora and Chyr as characters but I never really felt any attachment to them. Everything felt very one dimensional and for a supposed enemies to lovers story, it really felt more like insta-love to me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mayfair Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book was out for publication on November 11, 2025.

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crown of Moonlight is a beautifully imagined fantasy that blends magic, mystery, and romance into an enchanting opening for The Five Crowns series. Martina Boone crafts a world that feels both ancient and alive, full of shimmering enchantments, dangerous secrets, and a royal legacy that refuses to stay buried.

The heroine is instantly compelling—strong yet vulnerable, torn between duty and desire, and determined to uncover the truth even when it puts her in the path of danger. The relationships are layered with tension and emotion, and the romantic chemistry crackles through every shared glance and whispered secret.

Boone’s writing is lyrical without losing momentum, pulling you deeper into a world of moonlit forests, cursed crowns, and political intrigue that keeps the stakes constantly rising. The twists are smart and satisfying, the lore is rich, and the slow-build mystery surrounding the Five Crowns adds irresistible depth.

Atmospheric, romantic, and utterly absorbing, The Crown of Moonlight is the kind of fantasy you sink into and don’t want to climb back out of. A captivating beginning to a series that promises even more magic and danger to come.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors! I have always enjoyed Martina's books, and this new series did not disappoint. I am so glad that it is multiple books as I love longer series! I hate to see them end.

No spoilers!

Martina Boone’s Five Crowns is everything you want from a sweeping Highland fantasy romance—lush, perilous, and charged with emotion. Set against the backdrop of a fae war spilling into the mortal Highlands, the story balances folklore and firelight intimacy with the raw grit of survival and duty.

Flora Domhnall is the kind of heroine readers crave: pragmatic, fiercely loyal, and unwilling to be anyone’s pawn. When she saves Chyr, a wounded immortal rebel, her world collides with an ancient conflict that could destroy both their realms. What follows is a slow-burn, high-stakes journey that threads tension through every stolen glance and impossible choice.

Boone’s prose feels both timeless and cinematic—windswept moors, crumbling castles, and an undercurrent of old-world magic that hums through every scene. The dual POV structure adds depth, letting readers feel both the mortal cost of Flora’s courage and the immortal ache of Chyr’s duty. Their chemistry is beautifully rendered—equal parts tenderness and turmoil—never rushed, always earned.

Though the worldbuilding is rich and in depth, it’s worth savoring. Boone deftly weaves themes of honor, sacrifice, and destiny into a narrative that’s as romantic as it is epic. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Outlander, or The Cruel Prince will feel right at home—but Five Crowns stands proudly on its own.

[Sumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Crown of Moonlight, and wow...

Flora comes across three Riders outside of her town's keep, but two are mortally wounded and the third is dying. Despite the political risk of housing the Rider, Flora's humanity will not let him die. Chyr is an Ever, allied with the current regime laying waste to the land in its battles with Vheara, the Raven Queen. After a failed attempt to keep Chyr hidden, they join forces to journey together in hopes of opening a legendary portal to Chyr's homeland.

Unfortunately for Flora, things are not what they seem to be. Her healing skills shouldn't exist to the extent they are. Chyr is hiding secrets. And why has nothing changed in four hundred years and just happening now????

The story is beautifully revealed but it's the chemistry between Flora and Chyr that kept me engaged. She is a fragile human, but her heart is mighty, even when her self-doubt and fear keep her on pins and needles. Chyr admires her strength, as any intelligent man should, and protects her well-being and choices even when he realizes her destiny is a dangerous one. The slow burn romance is very well-executed, and the plot twist at the end is a cliffhanger moment.

Please be aware of your triggers. While this is a work of fantasy, the atrocities committed on the page are those that history books usually brush under the rug, to both human and animal.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gina ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

Thank you to both the author and NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a really entertaining read & perfect book for winter. The world was interesting, and I'm sure anyone who likes Outlander, and even the Witcher (I kept thinking of the first season as I was reading this) will more than likely enjoy this.

That said, the world-building was a bit clunky at times and I think things could’ve been explained more clearly at the beginning, which might’ve made the ending flow better. I also didn’t fully believe in the romance. I loved the FMC as an individual character; she was fleshed out, and compelling. This was less the case for me with the MMC. I felt like he didn’t get the same depth, so I cared less about him and their relationship. That might have been intentional, though.

Overall, this was a fun and engaging read, and I genuinely wanted to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next.

[muhgooo · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 25%. Characters are flat. Writing is clunky. Practically no world building. I thought I had accidentally picked up book 2 of a series but nope.

The worst part? This is a book about magic in old Scotland. But this doesn’t feel like Scotland. No moody descriptions of the landscape, no accents. Just a FMC with red hair and a kilt. 😒

[Lucie in Wonderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Crown of Moonlight” swept me away from the very first chapter. I fell completely in love with the two main characters, Flora and Chyr, whose paths collide in a way that feels both inevitable and achingly fragile.

Flora is the kind of heroine I adore — quiet strength, compassion, and a fierce sense of duty, all wrapped in vulnerability. And Chyr… I didn’t expect to get attached to him this fast. He’s proud, wounded, torn between honor and longing, and every choice he makes carries the weight of centuries. The slow-burn tension between them is perfectly handled: guarded glances, unspoken fears, tenderness that scares them as much as it saves them.

Martina Boone builds an atmosphere that lingers — misty moors, ancient magic, secrets buried beneath sorrow and loyalty. It’s immersive, melancholic, and full of hope at the same time.

I turned the last page both satisfied and restless, because I need to know what awaits them next. Their story still clings to me, and I’m already eager for the sequel.

If you’re looking for a romantic fantasy with heart, depth, and two unforgettable characters, this book is a gem.

[Emziethebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to netgallery for letting me read this outstanding book that needs to be noticed alot more by many bookworm readers or even collectors.
Loved everything about the books plot and the range of characters that helped make this book come to life.
Cannot wait to read more from this amazing author in the future.

[Celeste Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully lush and emotionally resonant fantasy with well developed characters, a gorgeous setting, and so much delicious romance. I devoured this novel in two days. I loved Martina Boone’s textured exploration of morally thorny issues and her portrayal of the complex push and pull we feel when trying to weigh loyalty, compassion, courage, and love. (Plus, the chemistry! Flora! Chyr! Be still, my heart!!!!)

[Samantha Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much more than I expected in all the right ways. It tore my heart apart and stitched it back together too many times to count. The Crown of Moonlight covers grief, love, lust, hope, rage, morals, values, ethics, and everything in between.

I loved Flora from the start and was constantly impressed with her character and growth. I enjoyed her connection to nature especially the dogs. Her realization of the connection of nature and her fury and how that could unfold was beautiful.

Chyr was fantastic and loved the budding romance. Rohan & Rue and Shade & Shadow were also my favorites.

I enjoyed how well the personalities of the Riders and the relationships between all the riders was written. It slowly unfolded context from all the years they have been together.

There were two scenes in this book that had me put the book down and stare off into the abyss and even though it’s usually caused by heartbreak I love when a book makes me do that.

I am truly so excited for book 2!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequels! There are still a few typos that need editing, but they weren't terribly distracting.

Plot - The plot was exciting and kept me reading. It felt like there was constant movement forward in the story. There was clear conflict that didn't seem to have an easy resolution. I did find the ending a tad unsatisfying because it felt easier than it should have been, but hopefully the reason that worked will be explained more in the next book. I wish we'd heard a little more of what was going on back in the Clan politicking during the second half of the book - it kind of feels like a thread that got dropped. But also, plot-wise it makes sense that they couldn't know what was happening. I assumed it'll come back up in the next book. But the fact that Flora wasn't even ever thinking about it was a bit odd.

Worldbuilding - Very nice world and magic system, with an interesting and dark history setting up the plot. The way the oaths work is a little unclear, but I think that's intentional because obviously Chyr's oath problem will still need to be resolved in later books. The setting was very well described, I felt like I was there with the characters the whole time.

Characters - Flora is a great character with well-rounded strengths and flaws that make sense with her background. Chyr seems less well-developed - much of his part of this book revolved around his relationship with Flora and feelings for her. Of course, part of that is because his oaths prevent him from thinking about a lot of his past and other family members. Hopefully he will become more fleshed out in the later books as those issues get solved. The other Riders were interesting, and all had clear, unique personalities. I kind of wish we got a real answer about Flora's mother before she disappears from the book - it felt like there was something more interesting lurking beneath her frivolous shell but we never got to see it.

Romance - For me this was the weakest part - it seemed to be driven mostly by physical attraction or some magical connection. There's quite a bit of telling rather than showing for why they love each other, especially for Flora. In the moment, the only thing she thinks about or says is that it's desire. Only later does she explain why she loves him... I wish we had seen those thoughts develop more organically along the way.

Writing - The writing is a good mix of description, thoughts, and dialogue. I never felt like any one was too heavy. The descriptions are clear and vivid without verging on purple, and I saw no writing errors or oddities. There were still a fair number of typos (mostly extra/missing quotation marks, double capitals, and in one place a whole paragraph was duplicated), but they were too distracting.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this the whole way through and I'll definitely continue the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[love, Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outlander, a backdrop of a fae war, magic and a race against time while giving the vibe of a cozy fantasy.

“The gods don’t hand out crowns for easy. They give them to people who challenge the sun and the moon and make the universe pay attention.”

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Martina Boone for allowing me to read an arc copy of The Crown of Moonlight.

Flora has recently been left as the chief of her clan after her father and brothers died on the battlefield and is determined to keep her clan neutral in the fae war. Her world is upended when she discovers three rebel Siorai (fae) near her home. Despite, the risk to her and her clan, she decided to save the only surviving member, Chyr, who is severely injured. Hoping to saving her people, she allies with him and decides to help him make the journey to the doorway back to his realm.

“… what remains is pure Flora: strength, power and the fierce goodness that shines from her as brightly as the flames dancing across her brow.”

Flora is fierce, determined, loyal and yet is also kind and deeply sensitive to the pain of others. She cares deeply for everyone in her clan but also the animals in her care and that makes her a likeable heroine. It is also great that we get to watch her grow into her own magic as she explores its potential and I really enjoyed seeing the differences between her magic and that of the Siorai.

“Protecting you is how I can keep the oaths I thought I was taking - the oaths worth dying for.”

Flora and Chyr are both incredibly wary of one another at the start and their alliance is uneasy. But as they have to work together and also embark on this long, difficult journey that’s full of grit, they form a closer bond. I enjoyed seeing the differences of their characters through the dual POVs which allows the reader to get a view into their motivations and places Flora’s mortal courage and determination at a direct contrast to Chyr immortal duty bound oaths. Their bond wasn’t rushed and allowed for the chemistry between the two to develop while still retaining the sense of turmoil and pull of duty faced by both.

I definitely enjoyed the second half of the book more and thought that the story found its pacing. The first half of the book still retained the same style of writing but there was something that frustrated me - maybe the pacing or a feeling of repetitiveness? Despite this, I really enjoyed reading this and will definitely be looking forward to picking up the next book. The ending has left me hanging and I’m interested in where the next book picks up.

[Heather Pacella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crown of Moonlight is billed as a historical fantasy romance set in the Scottish Highlands. The mortal realm of Alba Scoria has been ruled over for centuries by an increasing cruel and bloodthirsty succession of immortal Everfolk kings and queens, devastating the land and its people. The story picks up with the humans caught in the middle of a brutal, bloody war, as a rebel Everfolk king attempts to unseat the vicious Raven Queen. Illicit magic wielder Flora, the de facto leader of her clan after father and brothers have been killed in the conflict, is trying to do all that she can to keep her people safe as the conflict rages on. Her world is turned upside down when she stumbles upon a fatally injured Everfolk in the woods during her morning patrol. It would be safest for her and her clan if she lets him succumb to his injuries, but she cannot bring herself to show the same level of cruelty that the Everfolk have shown her people. The man she saves, Chyr, is an Everfolk Rider who is leading the effort to unseat the Raven Queen, though he is beginning to realize that the rebellion cannot succeed if things continue as they are. To change the tide of war, Flora and Chyr must reluctantly join forces and travel to the gateway beyond the Veil, where armies and reinforcements await to end the conflict once and for all. As Flora and Chyr embark on a dangerous journey across the Highlands, they must avoid detection by vicious enemies while fighting their growing attraction to each other. As they make their journey, Flora must also come to terms with her growing powers, and decide how far she is willing to go to save everything and everyone she loves.

The Crown of Moonlight was very well written, and Martina Boone really nailed the historical setting of the book; fans of Outlander and other similar series will really enjoy this. For me, the "fantasy romance" aspect fell a bit flat - our main characters, Flora and Chyr, are stoic to the point of being one-dimensional, and I really struggled to connect with them emotionally. Because of this, the "insta-love" aspect of their story felt a bit unearned. The fantasy world building also was a bit under-developed for the first 60% of the book, which was disappointing, but after other characters joined Flora and Chyr on their journey it really picked up and became very engrossing. The action-packed ending was strong and leaves readers on a slight cliffhanger; it seems like the fantasy world will be expanded even more in the next installment, which I am looking forward to.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest-to-God gift of a slow-burn fantasy romance that features secrets, sometimes even ones kept from themselves, strange ancient magic, and wrapped with a pretty bow of an unexpected and very steamy romance—one that completely consumed me.

I am very much a mood reader who usually has anywhere from three to seven books going at once, but The Crown of Moonlight managed to hold my full attention. I spent about 90% of my reading time focused solely on this story, which says a lot about how immersive and addictive it was. Once I settled into the world, it was incredibly hard to put down.

This book gave me strong Outlander and All Souls Trilogy vibes, but with more we-should-hate-each-other steam and sexy tension, which I ate right up. The romance is a true slow burn, built from being "enemies" then starting to respect each other, adding tension and emotional depth rather than rushing the connection. Everything unfolds naturally, making the payoff feel earned and satisfying. The way in which the FMC chooses to own her choices, her body, her desires... TOP TIER, Y'ALL.

One of my favorite aspects of this story was (of course) the FMC. I loved seeing a genuinely strong, formidable FMC who doesn't need to be rescued repeatedly. She is a Highlander through and through-resilient, capable, determined, stubborn to a fault, almost. But watching her grow into her power and ultimately, in my opinion, earn her destiny was incredibly rewarding and satisfying as a reader. Her character development felt realistic, relatable, and emotionally grounded, which made me even more invested in her journey.

The overall tone of the story was a perfect blend of intensity, suspense, romance, and magic. I LOVED the way the magic connected one of the main characters to the Great Spirit (as a writer, the Great Spirit is actually in one of my work-in-progresses as well leaning toward Native American beliefs, totally different plots but so cool to see, definitely one of my favorite things in this story).

The worldbuilding felt rich, vibrant, and natural, never overwhelming or confusing, and the magical elements were cohesive in a way that enhanced the story rather than overshadowing the characters. Secrets are revealed at a steady pace, keeping the tension high and the plot engaging throughout.

Overall, this book had everything I personally look for in a fantasy romance: strong characters, meaningful growth, slow-burn romance, magic, and a sense of destiny and responsibility that truly feels earned. Martina writes with beautiful prose and impressive diction, I highlighted SO MANY LINES and paragraphs and half of the time whole pages.

This will not be the last @martinaaboone book I read; I will be keeping an eye out for all of her future books! I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it and highly recommend it to readers who love emotionally driven fantasy with romance and spice at its core.

10/10 would recommend. I cannot wait for a sequel.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a e-book in exchange for my honest review.
Slow-burn → spice • Enemies to lovers • Forced proximity • Highland fae rebellion • Immortal wounded hero • Strong heroine • Closing-door portal fantasy • Chosen one • Found family • Banter

Flora is being pressured to marry the highland lords in her surrounding area to protect her clan after the death of her father and older brothers. She is told that that is the only way she can protect her people, yet she does not want to marry any of them. In fact, it appears that she loathes most of them because of how they treated her when they were children. So when she finds Chyr, who is an Ever that is dying and is one of the rebel king's soldier. She chooses to try and save him, even though if she is caught, they will all perish. While nursing him back to health, she learns more about why Chyr and his fellow soldier were in the area, and ends up discovering a lot about herself as well as they try and get Chyr back to safety and have any chance at all to stop the Queen, who is on a war path to control everyone and everything. They have one shot at this, and that one shot is all based on Flora in the end, as they discover she has more power than they ever thought possible.

Overall, this story is so good! We have a strong heroine in Flora who is caring and lovable, while also being powerful and standing her ground on what she believes in. With Chyr, you see a warrior who is bound to an oath that he was far too young to understand when he took it, resulting in him dealing with internal battles, as well as physical ones, throughout this book as they try to get to another realm to have any chance at defeating the evil Queen and protecting Flora's people. This book kept me on my toes, and I was not expecting Flora to end up being who she was, but I loved it!

Nobody sets up cliffhangers better than Boone, and she has done it again with this series. I cannot wait to read the next book, and I need answers on what exactly Flora did and what type of impact this is going to have on everyone.

[Liz | ᥫ᭡reakawayreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me into its Celtic-inspired world from page one. The Scottish highland vibes, the misty forests, the old magic in the land—it all feels alive without being overly flowery or complicated.

Flora Domhnall grabbed my heart right away. She’s trying to hold her clan together after the fae war nearly wiped them out, and she carries that weight in a way that feels real. When she finds Chyr, a wounded fae warrior, she doesn’t hesitate. Her instinct to help—because she’s a healer, because she’s stubborn, because she cares even when it hurts—is what sets everything in motion. Getting him to Muilean before Beltane might be the only shot at ending the chaos.

What I loved most about Flora is how grounded she is. She’s strong, but she’s also tired, grieving, and doing her best with what she has. Her connection to the land, the animals, and her magic felt so natural. The whole Cailleach queen lore and earth-tied magic system was honestly one of my favorite parts—simple, powerful, and really well woven into the story.

The pacing is great too. It doesn’t drag, and it doesn’t confuse you. The book throws you straight into the world and the danger without feeling rushed. It’s honest about how messy things are, how painful loss can be, and how sometimes you just have to keep moving even when it sucks. I related to Flora a lot in those moments.

And Flora and Chyr? I was in love with them almost instantly. Chyr has that morally gray edge but also gives total golden retriever energy in the best way. The “touch her and die” vibe? Perfect. Their connection definitely leans into insta love, but it works here—it feels fated without the official “mate bond” label. I was smiling like an idiot at so many of their scenes.

The world is full of cool creatures, cozy magic vibes, and high stakes that keep things exciting. It’s one of those books that feels comforting and intense at the same time, and I honestly didn’t want to leave it.

[Luxe Livres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured The Crown of Moonlight—it's the perfect blend of lush Scottish Highlands vibes, ancient fae magic, and a slow-burn romance that had me hooked from the first page. If you're a fan of Outlander with a dash of ACOTAR-style fantasy, this is your next obsession.
Flora Domhnall is such a compelling heroine: strong, compassionate, and fiercely protective of her clan, even as she's torn between duty and this forbidden power awakening inside her. When she stumbles upon Chyr, the wounded immortal Rider from the enemy side, their reluctant alliance sparks all kinds of tension. I loved how Boone builds their relationship gradually—it's enemies-to-lovers with real emotional depth, where trust has to be earned amid high-stakes danger and political intrigue. Chyr's immortality and the oaths binding him add this layer of heartbreaking complexity, and yes, the "he falls first" trope is executed beautifully.
The world-building is immersive without overwhelming you: Celtic mythology woven into an alternate historical Scotland, with elemental magic that feels alive and tied to the land itself. The moors, mountains, and fae realms come alive in Boone's prose, and the themes of honor, betrayal, and sacrifice kept the plot moving at a steady clip. There are some intense action scenes and emotional gut-punches (no spoilers, but prepare for feels), and the sensual buildup pays off without overshadowing the story.

My only minor quibble is that the pacing in the middle drags just a tad with some repetitive daily routines, but it picks up quickly and sets up what promises to be an epic series. Can't wait for the sequel! If you love smart heroines, brooding immortals in kilts, and magic that defies the odds, grab this one. Highly recommend!

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crown of Moonlight is the first book I’ve read by Martina Boone, and I really enjoyed it overall. I loved the writing style and how the story took its time. The slow but steady development of both the characters and the plot made everything feel natural and earned rather than rushed.

The dual POV between Flora and Chyr worked really well for this story. Seeing things from both of their perspectives helped me understand their motivations and made their growing connection feel more believable. I also appreciated how the book handled conflict between them. While there is some miscommunication, they actually talk things through and apologize when necessary. Watching them slowly overcome their distrust and learn to work together was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The world-building has a strong, atmospheric feel that really pulled me in. There’s a quiet tension to the setting and the magical elements that kept me engaged without overwhelming the story. The focus on character growth and relationships made the fantasy elements feel grounded and meaningful.

The pacing does slow down a bit in the middle, and there were a few moments where I wished certain plot points had been explored more. Still, the overall journey was satisfying, and the emotional payoff worked well for me.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and found it to be a solid, immersive fantasy with thoughtful characters and strong atmosphere. I’ll definitely be picking up the next volume in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Mayfair Publishing for the review copy. My opinions are my own!