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Queens of Elben #2
Six Savage Thrones
From a major voice in epic fantasy, this breathtaking novel continues the Queens of Elben trilogy in a tale of dragons, courtly intrigue, sapphic yearning, and six queens defying their destiny. DIVIDED HE WINS, UNITED HE FALLS. The kingdom of Elben is in turmoil. One of its magical palaces lies in ruins at the bottom of the ocean and the king is on the hunt for the traitor Queen Seymour. He will not stop until he brings her to her knees. No one would ever suspect Queen Howard of treachery or spy craft, but she is no longer content to be the king's songbird. She will see to Henry's downfall. But there is a new gentleman at court, one who seems to know more about her true motives than he should―is he friend or foe? Queen Cleves has already survived a war. She knows what she must do to protect herself, but now she finds herself fighting a longing for another queen that is so fierce it might swallow her up. Amidst the chaos, King Henry's sister, Cecilia, vies for the power she has been denied. But the queens will soon learn they must work together to break the bonds that tie them to the king. For Henry is delving deeper into strange old magics, ones that could birth a monster.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2026
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June 30, 2026
The first book in the Queens of Elben trilogy, Six Wild Crowns, portrayed an alternate-history fantasy version of England that was deeply invested in the history that we all think we know about the Tudor dynasty, Henry VIII, and his really messy romantic and dynastic obsessions. But this trilogy takes that old memory rhyme about the fates of his six wives, “Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived.” and turns it into an entirely different saga of a king who is magically bound to have six wives AT THE SAME TIME to help him maintain the protective border around his island kingdom.
Naturally, all is not as it initially seems, or this story wouldn’t be half so fascinating. Which it absolutely is. (Of course it is, the original material has been captivating the minds of historians and historical fiction readers for literally centuries!)
By putting a fantasy twist on this well-known historical saga, rather than a retelling, the author is able to not just show these events from the many important and available female perspectives, but to recast the story as something truly magical and, fascinatingly, potentially change the ending. Something that retellings are often loath to do.
So, instead of Henry’s six wives – and various mistresses – overlapping but mostly existing sequentially, all six wives are alive and queenly at the same time. The minute they start working together in Six Wild Crowns, instead of against each other as they’re intended to by the men in power, the story was off and running.
But they slipped under the ‘radar’ in that first book because Henry and his male advisors all underestimated them. As men do. Once the queens’ plan was revealed, the powers-that-be, again, meaning men, targeted the queens and their allies individually and collectively.
This second book is what happens while they are all in the king’s crosshairs. They know they are targets. He knows they are plotting. The situation is going to get bloodier, and it does.
At the same time, more is revealed about the situation in Elben as a whole. The country is literally rotting from within. The gods are not happy with this situation – at all – but the patriarchy’s god, Cernunnos, is rapacious and determined to hold onto his power through Henry no matter who or what gets sacrificed in their collective rampage. The queens’ patron goddess, Medren, may have right on her side, but she is a nurturing goddess whose first recourse is not violence. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if she reaches that point in the third book. The cliche about “nature, red in tooth and claw”, exists for a reason and this story is likely to get there before it can end.
This reader, at least, certainly hopes so, because this second book concludes in a very dark place under very desperate circumstances. The queens may be in mourning and on the run, but the future is still in their hands. They just need to seize it before it’s too late.
Escape Rating B+: This is the middle book in a projected trilogy. And, like most middle books, the situations are always darkest just before they turn completely black. So this isn’t exactly the fun part of the story. The quintessential ‘middle book’ is Tolkien’s The Two Towers, which ended with Frodo carried off as a potentially dead captive in Mordor as Sam, now the ringbearer, follows mournfully behind. Middle books don’t get any darker than that, although this one comes close.
Which is where that B+ rating comes in. Because I adored the first book in THIS trilogy, Six Wild Crowns. I HAD to find out what happened next because THAT story ended when the queens had just ripped the bandage off all of the lies the population of Elben have been brainwashed with for centuries. But they’ve also revealed their queenly conspiracy to their kingly enemy, Henry VIII, and lost one of their number in the process.
This is the part of the story where the noose tightens around all their remaining necks, even as they do their damndest to maneuver said noose around Henry’s instead. But Henry possesses ALL the levers of power as well as the magic he’s stolen from them, and he knows how to use both to his advantage much better than they do their own combined powers.
Part of what makes this trilogy work, at least so far, is the way that it gets inside the heads of each of the queens. Not all at once, because that would probably be too much of a split focus, but one or two – or in this case three.
Six Wild Crowns was told from the alternating perspectives of Queen (Anne) Boleyn and Queen (Jane) Seymour. In that opening story, we watched Boleyn maneuver her way into Henry’s bed, discover the truth of his power and her own her part in how that power was used and how he used his queens up in the process, seduced or manipulated (or both) Seymour and eventually the other queens into her nascent conspiracy, and pay the ultimate price for it.
This time we have three perspectives, Queen (Anne of) Cleves, maintaining her own heart and her own council but in the conspiracy up to her neck, Queen (Katharine) Howard, the youngest and most seemingly twitter-pated queen, the one who no one, not even Henry, believes has enough intelligence to understand the stakes, and a new/old player on the board, Dowager Queen Cecilia of Capetia (France). Cecilia is Henry’s younger sister, and stands in for the real historical Mary Tudor – who wasn’t, at least as far as history records her – nearly so bloodthirsty. Or psychopathic.
The inclusion of Cecilia both rewrites the history of the Tudors as we know them and provides a perspective aligned with the powers-that-be that doesn’t underestimate the queens because she is one herself. But also gives the reader a new character through whom we can see just how far Henry has fallen from the heroic older brother that Cecilia once loved.
Underlying the bloody, fascinating drama of the Tudors is a fantasy about old gods being replaced by new beliefs AND about a rebellion to overthrow the entire heteropatriarchy to right the balance. Which means that the romances that occur in this saga, while they may be mostly tragic – at least so far – also take place across the spectrum of human sexuality. That love is all there is is all we know of love – even when their world is crashing down around them.
In conclusion, a few final thoughts. First, IMHO this isn’t technically a romantasy. At this point in the story I’m not sure ANY of the participants have even the hope of a happy ending. This isn’t a happy story but the real life version wasn’t either. But I do think it has some of the same feels, so if you like your romantasy on the tragic side, there’s plenty of that going on so far.
Second, because this is a middle book, the story neither begins nor ends here. Meaning that readers absolutely should not start here. And, frankly, I wouldn’t blame anyone who hasn’t already started the trilogy for waiting until the third book comes out. This one ends in a literal hell of a place. Which is right and fitting and feels like the way the story should be going at this point, but dammit I wish I knew when the conclusion was coming because I’m gasping to see how it all ends.
An end which, as I’m writing this review, is nowhere in sight. YET.
Originally published at Reading Reality
Naturally, all is not as it initially seems, or this story wouldn’t be half so fascinating. Which it absolutely is. (Of course it is, the original material has been captivating the minds of historians and historical fiction readers for literally centuries!)
By putting a fantasy twist on this well-known historical saga, rather than a retelling, the author is able to not just show these events from the many important and available female perspectives, but to recast the story as something truly magical and, fascinatingly, potentially change the ending. Something that retellings are often loath to do.
So, instead of Henry’s six wives – and various mistresses – overlapping but mostly existing sequentially, all six wives are alive and queenly at the same time. The minute they start working together in Six Wild Crowns, instead of against each other as they’re intended to by the men in power, the story was off and running.
But they slipped under the ‘radar’ in that first book because Henry and his male advisors all underestimated them. As men do. Once the queens’ plan was revealed, the powers-that-be, again, meaning men, targeted the queens and their allies individually and collectively.
This second book is what happens while they are all in the king’s crosshairs. They know they are targets. He knows they are plotting. The situation is going to get bloodier, and it does.
At the same time, more is revealed about the situation in Elben as a whole. The country is literally rotting from within. The gods are not happy with this situation – at all – but the patriarchy’s god, Cernunnos, is rapacious and determined to hold onto his power through Henry no matter who or what gets sacrificed in their collective rampage. The queens’ patron goddess, Medren, may have right on her side, but she is a nurturing goddess whose first recourse is not violence. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if she reaches that point in the third book. The cliche about “nature, red in tooth and claw”, exists for a reason and this story is likely to get there before it can end.
This reader, at least, certainly hopes so, because this second book concludes in a very dark place under very desperate circumstances. The queens may be in mourning and on the run, but the future is still in their hands. They just need to seize it before it’s too late.
Escape Rating B+: This is the middle book in a projected trilogy. And, like most middle books, the situations are always darkest just before they turn completely black. So this isn’t exactly the fun part of the story. The quintessential ‘middle book’ is Tolkien’s The Two Towers, which ended with Frodo carried off as a potentially dead captive in Mordor as Sam, now the ringbearer, follows mournfully behind. Middle books don’t get any darker than that, although this one comes close.
Which is where that B+ rating comes in. Because I adored the first book in THIS trilogy, Six Wild Crowns. I HAD to find out what happened next because THAT story ended when the queens had just ripped the bandage off all of the lies the population of Elben have been brainwashed with for centuries. But they’ve also revealed their queenly conspiracy to their kingly enemy, Henry VIII, and lost one of their number in the process.
This is the part of the story where the noose tightens around all their remaining necks, even as they do their damndest to maneuver said noose around Henry’s instead. But Henry possesses ALL the levers of power as well as the magic he’s stolen from them, and he knows how to use both to his advantage much better than they do their own combined powers.
Part of what makes this trilogy work, at least so far, is the way that it gets inside the heads of each of the queens. Not all at once, because that would probably be too much of a split focus, but one or two – or in this case three.
Six Wild Crowns was told from the alternating perspectives of Queen (Anne) Boleyn and Queen (Jane) Seymour. In that opening story, we watched Boleyn maneuver her way into Henry’s bed, discover the truth of his power and her own her part in how that power was used and how he used his queens up in the process, seduced or manipulated (or both) Seymour and eventually the other queens into her nascent conspiracy, and pay the ultimate price for it.
This time we have three perspectives, Queen (Anne of) Cleves, maintaining her own heart and her own council but in the conspiracy up to her neck, Queen (Katharine) Howard, the youngest and most seemingly twitter-pated queen, the one who no one, not even Henry, believes has enough intelligence to understand the stakes, and a new/old player on the board, Dowager Queen Cecilia of Capetia (France). Cecilia is Henry’s younger sister, and stands in for the real historical Mary Tudor – who wasn’t, at least as far as history records her – nearly so bloodthirsty. Or psychopathic.
The inclusion of Cecilia both rewrites the history of the Tudors as we know them and provides a perspective aligned with the powers-that-be that doesn’t underestimate the queens because she is one herself. But also gives the reader a new character through whom we can see just how far Henry has fallen from the heroic older brother that Cecilia once loved.
Underlying the bloody, fascinating drama of the Tudors is a fantasy about old gods being replaced by new beliefs AND about a rebellion to overthrow the entire heteropatriarchy to right the balance. Which means that the romances that occur in this saga, while they may be mostly tragic – at least so far – also take place across the spectrum of human sexuality. That love is all there is is all we know of love – even when their world is crashing down around them.
In conclusion, a few final thoughts. First, IMHO this isn’t technically a romantasy. At this point in the story I’m not sure ANY of the participants have even the hope of a happy ending. This isn’t a happy story but the real life version wasn’t either. But I do think it has some of the same feels, so if you like your romantasy on the tragic side, there’s plenty of that going on so far.
Second, because this is a middle book, the story neither begins nor ends here. Meaning that readers absolutely should not start here. And, frankly, I wouldn’t blame anyone who hasn’t already started the trilogy for waiting until the third book comes out. This one ends in a literal hell of a place. Which is right and fitting and feels like the way the story should be going at this point, but dammit I wish I knew when the conclusion was coming because I’m gasping to see how it all ends.
An end which, as I’m writing this review, is nowhere in sight. YET.
Originally published at Reading Reality
July 13, 2026
Review originally on JamReads
Six Wild Crowns was one of my favourite books of the last year; an epic fantasy proposal inspired by the Tudor dynasty, Henry VIII and his wives, using them as the basis for an ambitious feminist retelling that put the six queens at the center of the spotlight, crafting a memorable and emotionally impactful story (especially with that ending). After such a strong book 1, I was really hyped for Six Savage Thrones, and I can say all that hype was deserved, as Holly Race did it again.
(Be aware that there might be spoilers)
While in the first book, the Queens were a bit under the radar of Henry and his advisors, mostly being underestimated, we can see how after Boleyn's acts, Henry has the rest of the Queens under the crosshair, vying to sow some discord among the rest and find a way to perpetuate his power without depending on the Queens. But if something is clear is that only together they can triumph against Henry, but the thing is about to get messier and darker; and it's at this point in the story where Race changes the spotlight towards two of the other Queens, Howard and Cleves, and introduces a new POV that was perfect to add to the political intrigue, Henry's sister Cecilia.
And let's start by talking about the newcomer, Cecilia, a complicated character that shows the strength of Race's craft; she's in a difficult spot as the king's sister, but we also see how she vies for power, trying to outsmart the Queens' plot to help Henry. She's a bit of a sadist, but also we could see this as the result of the society that has forced her to become this in order to become the Dowager Queen; a character whose lust for power is definitely terrifying, but strangely hypnotic to follow.
But it's on the figure of Queen Howard where I found the most impressive transformation, as Race deeps dive to reveal more than the naivety and superficiality that was projected, showing a woman that is tired of being ridiculed, of being a tradeable currency; her growth as character is another highlight of the novel.
Cleves plays an important role in the political manoeuvring; she's a bit overshadowed by the sheer force of the other two POV, but I found myself loving how natural yet stormy the romance that happens is.
Having previously layered up the foundations of the worldbuilding, Race takes the opportunity to continue expanding the world because of the Queens' plot, how their machinations and their fight against Henry takes them to explore obscure magic, all to bring down what incarnates the power of Cernunnos. The writing continues to be rich in descriptions and details, perfectly fitting the story that is being told.
Six Savage Thrones is the sequel we needed after the ending of Six Wild Crowns, and it leaves me even more hyped, patiently waiting to see what Holly Race has prepared for the ending of this trilogy. Queens of Elben is a series I will always recommend if you like alt-history with a powerful feminist idea at its core!
Six Wild Crowns was one of my favourite books of the last year; an epic fantasy proposal inspired by the Tudor dynasty, Henry VIII and his wives, using them as the basis for an ambitious feminist retelling that put the six queens at the center of the spotlight, crafting a memorable and emotionally impactful story (especially with that ending). After such a strong book 1, I was really hyped for Six Savage Thrones, and I can say all that hype was deserved, as Holly Race did it again.
(Be aware that there might be spoilers)
While in the first book, the Queens were a bit under the radar of Henry and his advisors, mostly being underestimated, we can see how after Boleyn's acts, Henry has the rest of the Queens under the crosshair, vying to sow some discord among the rest and find a way to perpetuate his power without depending on the Queens. But if something is clear is that only together they can triumph against Henry, but the thing is about to get messier and darker; and it's at this point in the story where Race changes the spotlight towards two of the other Queens, Howard and Cleves, and introduces a new POV that was perfect to add to the political intrigue, Henry's sister Cecilia.
And let's start by talking about the newcomer, Cecilia, a complicated character that shows the strength of Race's craft; she's in a difficult spot as the king's sister, but we also see how she vies for power, trying to outsmart the Queens' plot to help Henry. She's a bit of a sadist, but also we could see this as the result of the society that has forced her to become this in order to become the Dowager Queen; a character whose lust for power is definitely terrifying, but strangely hypnotic to follow.
But it's on the figure of Queen Howard where I found the most impressive transformation, as Race deeps dive to reveal more than the naivety and superficiality that was projected, showing a woman that is tired of being ridiculed, of being a tradeable currency; her growth as character is another highlight of the novel.
Cleves plays an important role in the political manoeuvring; she's a bit overshadowed by the sheer force of the other two POV, but I found myself loving how natural yet stormy the romance that happens is.
Having previously layered up the foundations of the worldbuilding, Race takes the opportunity to continue expanding the world because of the Queens' plot, how their machinations and their fight against Henry takes them to explore obscure magic, all to bring down what incarnates the power of Cernunnos. The writing continues to be rich in descriptions and details, perfectly fitting the story that is being told.
Six Savage Thrones is the sequel we needed after the ending of Six Wild Crowns, and it leaves me even more hyped, patiently waiting to see what Holly Race has prepared for the ending of this trilogy. Queens of Elben is a series I will always recommend if you like alt-history with a powerful feminist idea at its core!
September 20, 2026
3.5 Stars
Okay… give me dragons, dangerous court politics, sapphic yearning and a bunch of queens who have collectively decided they are DONE putting up with King Henry’s nonsense… and I’m listening.
Six Savage Thrones by Holly Race continues the Queens of Elben trilogy, and honestly, things are getting VERY messy at court.
Elben is basically falling apart. One of its magical palaces is sitting at the bottom of the ocean, King Henry is hunting Queen Seymour because apparently treason is having a bit of a moment, and everyone seems to have their own secret agenda.
And then there’s Queen Howard.
Nobody would suspect her of being some sneaky little spy because she’s always been seen as the king’s songbird… except she’s absolutely NOT content to sit there looking pretty anymore.
She wants Henry gone.
Obviously, this would all be much easier if there wasn’t a mysterious new gentleman at court who seems to know FAR too much about what she’s really planning.
Friend? Foe?
Honestly, I would trust absolutely nobody in this court.
Then we have Queen Cleves, who has already survived a war and knows exactly what she needs to do to protect herself.
Unfortunately for her, apparently surviving wars is easier than surviving feelings.
Because she finds herself falling for another queen, and the sapphic yearning in this book is VERY much doing its thing.
Meanwhile, Henry’s sister Cecilia is fighting for the power she’s always been denied, while the queens are slowly realising that if they actually want to break free from Henry, they might need to stop playing their separate games and work together.
Which sounds great in theory…
Until Henry starts messing around with ancient magic that could potentially unleash something monstrous.
Because apparently being a terrifying king with an entire kingdom at his mercy wasn’t enough. We needed MAGICAL MONSTER KING HENRY too.
I really enjoyed the mix of epic fantasy and court intrigue in this one. There are secrets everywhere, alliances constantly shifting, characters trying to work out who they can trust, and enough political scheming to make me suspicious of literally everyone.
And the queens? I loved seeing them becoming more willing to take control of their own destinies instead of simply accepting the roles they’ve been forced into.
The sapphic romance, dragons, magic and dangerous court politics made for such a fun combination, while the darker magical elements kept the stakes feeling high.
Basically, these queens have reached the point of:
“If you won’t give us power… we’ll take it.”
And honestly? About time.
A dramatic, magical and deliciously messy continuation with plenty of secrets, yearning, dragons and questionable royal decisions.
Now I just need to know how much worse Henry can possibly make things before this trilogy is over.
Okay… give me dragons, dangerous court politics, sapphic yearning and a bunch of queens who have collectively decided they are DONE putting up with King Henry’s nonsense… and I’m listening.
Six Savage Thrones by Holly Race continues the Queens of Elben trilogy, and honestly, things are getting VERY messy at court.
Elben is basically falling apart. One of its magical palaces is sitting at the bottom of the ocean, King Henry is hunting Queen Seymour because apparently treason is having a bit of a moment, and everyone seems to have their own secret agenda.
And then there’s Queen Howard.
Nobody would suspect her of being some sneaky little spy because she’s always been seen as the king’s songbird… except she’s absolutely NOT content to sit there looking pretty anymore.
She wants Henry gone.
Obviously, this would all be much easier if there wasn’t a mysterious new gentleman at court who seems to know FAR too much about what she’s really planning.
Friend? Foe?
Honestly, I would trust absolutely nobody in this court.
Then we have Queen Cleves, who has already survived a war and knows exactly what she needs to do to protect herself.
Unfortunately for her, apparently surviving wars is easier than surviving feelings.
Because she finds herself falling for another queen, and the sapphic yearning in this book is VERY much doing its thing.
Meanwhile, Henry’s sister Cecilia is fighting for the power she’s always been denied, while the queens are slowly realising that if they actually want to break free from Henry, they might need to stop playing their separate games and work together.
Which sounds great in theory…
Until Henry starts messing around with ancient magic that could potentially unleash something monstrous.
Because apparently being a terrifying king with an entire kingdom at his mercy wasn’t enough. We needed MAGICAL MONSTER KING HENRY too.
I really enjoyed the mix of epic fantasy and court intrigue in this one. There are secrets everywhere, alliances constantly shifting, characters trying to work out who they can trust, and enough political scheming to make me suspicious of literally everyone.
And the queens? I loved seeing them becoming more willing to take control of their own destinies instead of simply accepting the roles they’ve been forced into.
The sapphic romance, dragons, magic and dangerous court politics made for such a fun combination, while the darker magical elements kept the stakes feeling high.
Basically, these queens have reached the point of:
“If you won’t give us power… we’ll take it.”
And honestly? About time.
A dramatic, magical and deliciously messy continuation with plenty of secrets, yearning, dragons and questionable royal decisions.
Now I just need to know how much worse Henry can possibly make things before this trilogy is over.
June 23, 2026
With higher stakes, plenty of intrigue and (life threatening) challenges to wade through; Holly Race’s follow up to Six Wild Crowns was an empoweringly feminine exploration of politics, patriarchy and alternate Tudor history that I utterly ATE UP!
I will say, though this is does include characters based on historical figures and events, it is a fantasy first and foremost so don’t go into this expecting 100% accuracy. But if you enjoy reads that explore and reclaim women’s stories (by giving them voices, power and agency) then you’ll love this.
It’s intricate and lush, with magical lore surrounding female divinity (and the patriarchal rituals to surppress and steal it) that captured the emotional intensity and risks our Queens undertake. And, had me even more invested in their survival.
I don’t want to go into too much detail with the plot (for fear of spoilers), but I really liked Queens Howard, Cleves and Seymour, who have become such endearing and likeable FMCs. And the juxtaposition between new POV character, Cecilia (depraved sister of Elben’s King Henry) whose trajectory and lust for power was as intriguing as it was terrifying.
But one of the best parts for me, was the dynamics between our Queens. As they finally pool resources (and knowledge) to dismantle Henry’s oppressive rule, and showcased for some really impressive politicking. Even if I did have reservations on whether they’d remain loyal.
I also really liked Queen Howard and her transformation here. As Race strips back the naive, superficial persona and to explore the complexity and ambitions of a woman tired of being ridiculed and objectified. Cleves was pretty amazing too, and I enjoyed watching her savvy political manoeuvring in play (and growing dynamics with Seymour.)
Overall, a satisfyingly twisty and empowering read that’s perfect for fans of stories surrounding sisterhood, female rage and reclaiming power. But do check TWs beforehand.
Also, thanks to Nazia & Orbit Books UK for the HB copy.
I will say, though this is does include characters based on historical figures and events, it is a fantasy first and foremost so don’t go into this expecting 100% accuracy. But if you enjoy reads that explore and reclaim women’s stories (by giving them voices, power and agency) then you’ll love this.
It’s intricate and lush, with magical lore surrounding female divinity (and the patriarchal rituals to surppress and steal it) that captured the emotional intensity and risks our Queens undertake. And, had me even more invested in their survival.
I don’t want to go into too much detail with the plot (for fear of spoilers), but I really liked Queens Howard, Cleves and Seymour, who have become such endearing and likeable FMCs. And the juxtaposition between new POV character, Cecilia (depraved sister of Elben’s King Henry) whose trajectory and lust for power was as intriguing as it was terrifying.
But one of the best parts for me, was the dynamics between our Queens. As they finally pool resources (and knowledge) to dismantle Henry’s oppressive rule, and showcased for some really impressive politicking. Even if I did have reservations on whether they’d remain loyal.
I also really liked Queen Howard and her transformation here. As Race strips back the naive, superficial persona and to explore the complexity and ambitions of a woman tired of being ridiculed and objectified. Cleves was pretty amazing too, and I enjoyed watching her savvy political manoeuvring in play (and growing dynamics with Seymour.)
Overall, a satisfyingly twisty and empowering read that’s perfect for fans of stories surrounding sisterhood, female rage and reclaiming power. But do check TWs beforehand.
Also, thanks to Nazia & Orbit Books UK for the HB copy.
June 17, 2026
It was really exciting to return to this alternate-England world and see how this unique reimagining of Henry VIII’s wives continued after the events of the first book.
Six Savage Thrones picks up soon after the first instalment, shifting focus onto different queens as they rally together against Henry’s unchecked power while navigating shifting alliances and dangerous political games. Henry’s sister, Cecilia, also takes on a more central role as she tries to carve out her own place within the balance of power. The story continues to centre the wives reclaiming agency and defying the roles forced upon them, with the dynamics between them and court politics driving much of the narrative.
I rated this 3 stars, as unfortunately I wasn’t as taken with it as I was with book one. It took me quite a while to get into the story. The slow pace combined with extended political manoeuvring that felt quite drawn out (even though it's something I usually really enjoy!) had me reading much slower than I expected. I also struggled with Cecilia as a character, despite feeling sympathy for her circumstances. Additionally, I think the marketing emphasis on dragons feels slightly misleading, as they play a very minor role in the story.
That said, I did enjoy certain character arcs, particularly Cleve and Seymour’s development, as well as Howard’s storyline and her step out of the shadows into a more active role in shaping her own future. The magic system remains interesting and I still really like Holly Race's writing style, so I will continue to read her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Six Savage Thrones picks up soon after the first instalment, shifting focus onto different queens as they rally together against Henry’s unchecked power while navigating shifting alliances and dangerous political games. Henry’s sister, Cecilia, also takes on a more central role as she tries to carve out her own place within the balance of power. The story continues to centre the wives reclaiming agency and defying the roles forced upon them, with the dynamics between them and court politics driving much of the narrative.
I rated this 3 stars, as unfortunately I wasn’t as taken with it as I was with book one. It took me quite a while to get into the story. The slow pace combined with extended political manoeuvring that felt quite drawn out (even though it's something I usually really enjoy!) had me reading much slower than I expected. I also struggled with Cecilia as a character, despite feeling sympathy for her circumstances. Additionally, I think the marketing emphasis on dragons feels slightly misleading, as they play a very minor role in the story.
That said, I did enjoy certain character arcs, particularly Cleve and Seymour’s development, as well as Howard’s storyline and her step out of the shadows into a more active role in shaping her own future. The magic system remains interesting and I still really like Holly Race's writing style, so I will continue to read her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 6, 2026
This was a great sequel to the first book in the Queens of Elben trilogy. We get more worldbuilding and although Boelyns no longer present, shes haunting the narrative and I loved that.
As someone who loves the Tudor era, I loved reading about my favourite queens carry on their stories. I especially loved Cleves and Seymour, their dynamic was absolutely perfect. The romance that was present through this story, especially through them was wonderful.
I also really appreciated that we saw more into Cecilia's mind. She's such a complex but important character and I'm really hoping in book three we see even more of her.
Also that ending??? I can't wait to see how this is going to play out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who loves the Tudor era, I loved reading about my favourite queens carry on their stories. I especially loved Cleves and Seymour, their dynamic was absolutely perfect. The romance that was present through this story, especially through them was wonderful.
I also really appreciated that we saw more into Cecilia's mind. She's such a complex but important character and I'm really hoping in book three we see even more of her.
Also that ending??? I can't wait to see how this is going to play out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️
‘Let us all be very silly, Your Majesty. Let us wreak havoc with our silliness.’
After the ending of book one, I was equal parts excited and terrified to dive into Six Savage Thrones and somehow it managed to exceed all of my expectations. The main reason for my apprehension being the lack of Boleyn because oh how I adored her, but Holly Race manages to carry through her heart and her spirit magnificently through this sequel.
One of my favourite things about this series has been the exploration of the relationships between the queens and that continues here, with the bond between the sister-queens Cleves and Howard trancending to a whole new level. Their older/younger sister bond is one of the emotional anchors of the story and Holly Race does such a brilliant job of showing all of its complexities and the importance of this relationship through both characters’ povs. There is loyalty, frustration, love, sacrifice and moments that genuinely broke my heart. No matter how high the stakes became, I found myself constantly invested in their individual journeys and how their compassion and respect for eachother helped shape who they become.
And speaking of things I was invested in... the sapphic yearning we get a taste of in book one absolutely delivers here. Without spoiling anything, if you spent the first book desperately hoping certain feelings would be acknowledged, this sequel rewards your patience in the best way. The tension, the emotion, the payoff... perfection.
Cecilia was also a fantastic addition to the story. Sharp, determined and ambitious, she brings a completely different perspective to the narrative. I initially found her pov quite jarring because she is so removed from the queens’ ideology, but over the course of the book I found her endlessly compelling to follow. Watching her carry out her plans and discovering the truth behind the bordweal magic, I was constantly wondering which path she would ultimately decide to take.
You’ve probably seen me say this
multiple times already but this book was RELENTLESS. We pick up already in the midst of the consequences of Six Wild Crowns seriously dramatic ending and through to the final chapter, the queens are forced into impossible situations where every choice feels like a battle field comes with huge consequences. The stakes are sky-high throughout and there were multiple moments where I genuinely had no idea how anyone was going to survive what was happening. But Holly Race balances all of this action, political intrigue with softer moments with our favourite characters and relationships so that we get a few moments to breathe but gets every twist to land exactly where it needs to.
And then there is that ending.
I finished the final pages on a plane and genuinely had to stop myself from making a scene. I gasped, sat bolt upright in my seat and then spent the next few minutes quietly sobbing whilst staring out of the window. If you've read it, you know exactly why. Book three can not come soon enough!
Six Savage Thrones is dramatic, emotional, brutal and completely addictive. It expands everything that made book one so compelling whilst delivering satisfying character arcs with new povs, incredible relationship development and twists that left me reeling.
Some favourite quotes:
‘Next she must think to the future. Always ahead, for insanity lies behind.’
‘You will outwit us all in the end, little songbird,’
‘She knows pain, and she can bear it. She is a woman, after all.’
‘Six years of pleasuring men, and not once has she been pleasured in the way she now knows is possible. It calls for revenge, does it not?’
Thank you so much to Little Brown Books and Netgalley for this e-arc 🫶🏼
‘Let us all be very silly, Your Majesty. Let us wreak havoc with our silliness.’
After the ending of book one, I was equal parts excited and terrified to dive into Six Savage Thrones and somehow it managed to exceed all of my expectations. The main reason for my apprehension being the lack of Boleyn because oh how I adored her, but Holly Race manages to carry through her heart and her spirit magnificently through this sequel.
One of my favourite things about this series has been the exploration of the relationships between the queens and that continues here, with the bond between the sister-queens Cleves and Howard trancending to a whole new level. Their older/younger sister bond is one of the emotional anchors of the story and Holly Race does such a brilliant job of showing all of its complexities and the importance of this relationship through both characters’ povs. There is loyalty, frustration, love, sacrifice and moments that genuinely broke my heart. No matter how high the stakes became, I found myself constantly invested in their individual journeys and how their compassion and respect for eachother helped shape who they become.
And speaking of things I was invested in... the sapphic yearning we get a taste of in book one absolutely delivers here. Without spoiling anything, if you spent the first book desperately hoping certain feelings would be acknowledged, this sequel rewards your patience in the best way. The tension, the emotion, the payoff... perfection.
Cecilia was also a fantastic addition to the story. Sharp, determined and ambitious, she brings a completely different perspective to the narrative. I initially found her pov quite jarring because she is so removed from the queens’ ideology, but over the course of the book I found her endlessly compelling to follow. Watching her carry out her plans and discovering the truth behind the bordweal magic, I was constantly wondering which path she would ultimately decide to take.
You’ve probably seen me say this
multiple times already but this book was RELENTLESS. We pick up already in the midst of the consequences of Six Wild Crowns seriously dramatic ending and through to the final chapter, the queens are forced into impossible situations where every choice feels like a battle field comes with huge consequences. The stakes are sky-high throughout and there were multiple moments where I genuinely had no idea how anyone was going to survive what was happening. But Holly Race balances all of this action, political intrigue with softer moments with our favourite characters and relationships so that we get a few moments to breathe but gets every twist to land exactly where it needs to.
And then there is that ending.
I finished the final pages on a plane and genuinely had to stop myself from making a scene. I gasped, sat bolt upright in my seat and then spent the next few minutes quietly sobbing whilst staring out of the window. If you've read it, you know exactly why. Book three can not come soon enough!
Six Savage Thrones is dramatic, emotional, brutal and completely addictive. It expands everything that made book one so compelling whilst delivering satisfying character arcs with new povs, incredible relationship development and twists that left me reeling.
Some favourite quotes:
‘Next she must think to the future. Always ahead, for insanity lies behind.’
‘You will outwit us all in the end, little songbird,’
‘She knows pain, and she can bear it. She is a woman, after all.’
‘Six years of pleasuring men, and not once has she been pleasured in the way she now knows is possible. It calls for revenge, does it not?’
Thank you so much to Little Brown Books and Netgalley for this e-arc 🫶🏼
June 16, 2026
The queens of Elben are back, and this sequel absolutely delivers. Packed with political intrigue, dangerous magic, fierce female friendships, sapphic longing, and unforgettable twists, Six Savage Thrones had me completely enthralled from beginning to end.
Holly Race continues to weave a stunning story of resistance, power, and sisterhood, with characters who refuse to be confined by the roles they've been given. I particularly loved that Howard came into her own in this instalment. She learns to weaponise the fact that people underestimate her, transforming from a seemingly powerless queen into a formidable political player.
We are introduced to a new character who is very interesting to read 👀 Ambitious, complex, and often difficult to predict, she brings a fresh dynamic to the political landscape of Elben. I loved getting inside her head and seeing events unfold through her eyes, especially as her goals don't always align with those around her. She's the kind of character who keeps you questioning her motives, and I can't wait to see where her story goes next.
This sequel is darker, more emotionally complex, and more politically driven than its predecessor, raising the stakes in every possible way. The twists kept me hooked, the character development was fantastic, and now I'm desperately counting down the days until Book 3!
Holly Race continues to weave a stunning story of resistance, power, and sisterhood, with characters who refuse to be confined by the roles they've been given. I particularly loved that Howard came into her own in this instalment. She learns to weaponise the fact that people underestimate her, transforming from a seemingly powerless queen into a formidable political player.
We are introduced to a new character who is very interesting to read 👀 Ambitious, complex, and often difficult to predict, she brings a fresh dynamic to the political landscape of Elben. I loved getting inside her head and seeing events unfold through her eyes, especially as her goals don't always align with those around her. She's the kind of character who keeps you questioning her motives, and I can't wait to see where her story goes next.
This sequel is darker, more emotionally complex, and more politically driven than its predecessor, raising the stakes in every possible way. The twists kept me hooked, the character development was fantastic, and now I'm desperately counting down the days until Book 3!
June 11, 2026
Many thanks to Orbit for the preview. All opinions are my own.
OMG THAT ENDING?! I am SCREAMING! My heart could barely handle this book, so I know it will just burst for book 3. But I need it now!
Six Savage Thrones is an incredible followup to Six Wild Crowns. (Slight spoilers for book 1 are likely). The tension is ratcheted way up, as are the stakes. Seriously, I was SO TENSE the entire time reading this book--edge of my seat, both barely able to continue and not able to put the book down. The queens are in the thick of their plots now, but Henry has more up his sleeve than they can anticipate. Trust is a rare commodity, and to trust the wrong person means death.
In this book we really focus on Cleves and Howard. We still see a good amount of Seymour, but she's not a POV character in this book. We also get Cecilia's POV (Henry's younger sister, modeled on his real youngest sister Mary). Cecilia is a real piece of work. I hated her, but we also see an even darker side of her family through her. Cleves is clever, but her walls are so freaking high, and she shows her real self to no one. And oh Howard. She absolutely broke my heart. Her character growth and journey throughout this book was my favorite. I desperately miss Boleyn, but Howard is now my favorite of the queens.
This book covers a lot of really dark topics, so take care while reading. But damn they're all handled so well. The trauma these women have all been through is insane, but seeing them come out the other side is amazing. Though it's no where near done yet! Like I said the end is absolutely insane. I can't even imagine what Race has in store for us in the final book, but I am feral for it.
Highly recommended!!
OMG THAT ENDING?! I am SCREAMING! My heart could barely handle this book, so I know it will just burst for book 3. But I need it now!
Six Savage Thrones is an incredible followup to Six Wild Crowns. (Slight spoilers for book 1 are likely). The tension is ratcheted way up, as are the stakes. Seriously, I was SO TENSE the entire time reading this book--edge of my seat, both barely able to continue and not able to put the book down. The queens are in the thick of their plots now, but Henry has more up his sleeve than they can anticipate. Trust is a rare commodity, and to trust the wrong person means death.
In this book we really focus on Cleves and Howard. We still see a good amount of Seymour, but she's not a POV character in this book. We also get Cecilia's POV (Henry's younger sister, modeled on his real youngest sister Mary). Cecilia is a real piece of work. I hated her, but we also see an even darker side of her family through her. Cleves is clever, but her walls are so freaking high, and she shows her real self to no one. And oh Howard. She absolutely broke my heart. Her character growth and journey throughout this book was my favorite. I desperately miss Boleyn, but Howard is now my favorite of the queens.
This book covers a lot of really dark topics, so take care while reading. But damn they're all handled so well. The trauma these women have all been through is insane, but seeing them come out the other side is amazing. Though it's no where near done yet! Like I said the end is absolutely insane. I can't even imagine what Race has in store for us in the final book, but I am feral for it.
Highly recommended!!
July 5, 2026
I will never get tired of a Tudor history x fantasy mashup. It’s the perfect combination of two of my favourite things, and Six Savage Thrones continues to deliver. Picking up directly where Six Wild Crowns left off, everything is dialled up from the first book. The worldbuilding, the scheming, the court politics, and the intrigue all feel even bigger.
One of my favourite parts of this series continues to be the queens themselves. I loved returning to Elben and spending more time with Aragon, Cleves, Parr, Howard, and Seymour. Every queen feels completely distinct, each with her own voice, motivations, and journey. Cleves and Howard, in particular, had some fantastic character development in this book.
We also meet Cecilia, Henry’s sister, who is delightfully chaotic. She’s definitely a character you love to hate, and honestly… I’m always here supporting women’s wrongs as much as women’s rights.
My only real criticism is that this one was noticeably slower paced, so it took me a little longer to become fully invested. That said, the final 25% absolutely flew by, and now I can’t wait to see how this trilogy comes to its conclusion.
Thank you so much to Orbit for the eARC and finished copy!
One of my favourite parts of this series continues to be the queens themselves. I loved returning to Elben and spending more time with Aragon, Cleves, Parr, Howard, and Seymour. Every queen feels completely distinct, each with her own voice, motivations, and journey. Cleves and Howard, in particular, had some fantastic character development in this book.
We also meet Cecilia, Henry’s sister, who is delightfully chaotic. She’s definitely a character you love to hate, and honestly… I’m always here supporting women’s wrongs as much as women’s rights.
My only real criticism is that this one was noticeably slower paced, so it took me a little longer to become fully invested. That said, the final 25% absolutely flew by, and now I can’t wait to see how this trilogy comes to its conclusion.
Thank you so much to Orbit for the eARC and finished copy!
June 9, 2026
'Howard has been called a goddess by many men, her husband included. But what they was meant was: you make me feel like a god. You are a goddess by right of belonging to me. She wants to own herself. She deserves to own herself.'
I was a huge fan of book one of the Queens of Elben and book two has not disappointed me at all. Race's writing is well-paced, gorgeous and engaging and I was once again immersed in the beautiful, deadly world of Elben and its Queens. We follow five queens as they work together to take down the king who has stolen their goddess' magic. In this novel we follow Howard, Cleves, and Henry's dastardly sister, Cecilia. The stakes are even higher, the sapphic yearning even more intoxicating, and the rebellion even hotter. Cleves is my favourite Queen in this series and I was so happy to read her perspective and get to know her more. Howard has grown on me immensely in this book, whilst young and naïve, she really has grown in this sequel and I can't wait to see where her arc leads.
Overall, a beautifully written sequel with gorgeous prose, high stakes, and a sprinkle of sapphic romance.
Ms Race I know pain, and I can bear it, but that ending! I am an angry queen (iykyk).
Thank you Little Brown Books and Holly Race for the ARC!
I was a huge fan of book one of the Queens of Elben and book two has not disappointed me at all. Race's writing is well-paced, gorgeous and engaging and I was once again immersed in the beautiful, deadly world of Elben and its Queens. We follow five queens as they work together to take down the king who has stolen their goddess' magic. In this novel we follow Howard, Cleves, and Henry's dastardly sister, Cecilia. The stakes are even higher, the sapphic yearning even more intoxicating, and the rebellion even hotter. Cleves is my favourite Queen in this series and I was so happy to read her perspective and get to know her more. Howard has grown on me immensely in this book, whilst young and naïve, she really has grown in this sequel and I can't wait to see where her arc leads.
Overall, a beautifully written sequel with gorgeous prose, high stakes, and a sprinkle of sapphic romance.
Ms Race I know pain, and I can bear it, but that ending! I am an angry queen (iykyk).
Thank you Little Brown Books and Holly Race for the ARC!
July 15, 2026
This was an exciting and satisfying follow-up to the first book in the trilogy, Six Wild Crowns. Having loved Boleyn and Seymour as narrators in the first one, I wasn't sure what to expect with Cleves and Howard here (and surprisingly a third narrator, Cecilia [Henry's sister, loosely inspired by Mary Tudor]). But I loved them too, and now I'm actually looking forward to (I assume) seeing Aragon and Parr take center stage in book 3. Of course it ended on a cliffhanger (and what a cliffhanger!!).
Tudor history aficionados will best appreciate what Holly Race has done with these characters, keeping certain historical storylines intact and subverting others in fascinating ways. But anyone who loves feminist fantasy can enjoy this series about women forming a sisterhood to take back their rightful magic from corrupt and evil men.
Tudor history aficionados will best appreciate what Holly Race has done with these characters, keeping certain historical storylines intact and subverting others in fascinating ways. But anyone who loves feminist fantasy can enjoy this series about women forming a sisterhood to take back their rightful magic from corrupt and evil men.
Want to Read
March 24, 2026👑🔥 Six Savage Thrones by Holly Race 🔥👑
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🖤 What to Expect
• Court politics
• Sapphic longing
• Dragons
• Power struggle
_ __ _ _
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2026
📝 Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🖤 What to Expect
• Court politics
• Sapphic longing
• Dragons
• Power struggle
_ __ _ _
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2026
📝 Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
June 5, 2026
The best little lap dragon, angry Queens, and lesbian yearning - need I say more?
The worldbuilding certainly continues to grow as this series progresses, with more cultural and religious elements referenced, more geographical locations, and more fantasy components! Act One, going into Act Two, really started to deepen my interest in the story.
We have some new POV’s as this series continues, with my favourite being Queen Howard. I believe I would have enjoyed this story even more if I had read book one directly beforehand to retain all the character information and some of the story elements. However, this story still managed to bring tears to my eyes.
Thank you to Orbit Books | Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC of Six Savage Thrones by Holly Race.
The worldbuilding certainly continues to grow as this series progresses, with more cultural and religious elements referenced, more geographical locations, and more fantasy components! Act One, going into Act Two, really started to deepen my interest in the story.
We have some new POV’s as this series continues, with my favourite being Queen Howard. I believe I would have enjoyed this story even more if I had read book one directly beforehand to retain all the character information and some of the story elements. However, this story still managed to bring tears to my eyes.
Thank you to Orbit Books | Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC of Six Savage Thrones by Holly Race.
June 18, 2026
I recieved an ARC of this from Netgalley and proceeded to purchase a copy.
I really love this feminist retelling of the wives of King Henry VIII. I love how all the wives feel like distinct and different characters. They all have their own drives and goals and that plays out well in the story. I loved how this book gave us the perspective of three different characters to the first book and I feel that really drove the story forward. I loved how we got to see more of the creatures in this world in this book and how the magic is being used differently by the different sides of this silent war. I cannot wait to finish out this trilogy whenever the next book comes.
I really love this feminist retelling of the wives of King Henry VIII. I love how all the wives feel like distinct and different characters. They all have their own drives and goals and that plays out well in the story. I loved how this book gave us the perspective of three different characters to the first book and I feel that really drove the story forward. I loved how we got to see more of the creatures in this world in this book and how the magic is being used differently by the different sides of this silent war. I cannot wait to finish out this trilogy whenever the next book comes.
September 21, 2026
Oh. My. There was so much happening in this one!!
May 30, 2026
4.5 stars rounded because it took a while to click for me but OH WHEN IT DID.
We are with three entirely new POVs for this installment and I won’t lie and say it didn’t take me a time to adjust to their perspectives. But watching every character grow and seeing old narrators through the new narrators’ eyes was enthralling. Cleves and Howard take over as our new main queens and I’m fascinated to see if the third book in the trilogy lets us see through Aragon and Parr’s eyes.
HEAVY TRIGGER WARNING involving child bride, adult/minor relationships, and graphic sexual content relating to both. My main qualm with this book is how queasy I felt reading a lot of Howard’s perspective and her “relationship” with Henry. Girl is a girl, a literal child, who has been taught her only asset is her beauty and her body and seeing how the men around her, including her LITERAL HUSBAND, treat her – nausea inducing. Be aware that the author does not shy away from the details.
The feminist message may be a touch on the nose but nevertheless so incredibly powerful and necessary. As a Tudor history nerd, I love how this author takes stereotypes, myths, and quotes attributed to our main players and turns them on their head. And on a sentence level, the prose is absolutely stunning. Growth on growth on growth, for characters, story, and worldbuilding.
The ending takes this story in a direction I’m not sure I’m excited about (think eugh-creepy not excited rather than bleagh-boring not excited) but I will 100% be seated for it.
Content warning: sexual assault and abuse, multiple adult/minor relationships, emotional/domestic abuse, body horror, grief.
*Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!*
We are with three entirely new POVs for this installment and I won’t lie and say it didn’t take me a time to adjust to their perspectives. But watching every character grow and seeing old narrators through the new narrators’ eyes was enthralling. Cleves and Howard take over as our new main queens and I’m fascinated to see if the third book in the trilogy lets us see through Aragon and Parr’s eyes.
HEAVY TRIGGER WARNING involving child bride, adult/minor relationships, and graphic sexual content relating to both. My main qualm with this book is how queasy I felt reading a lot of Howard’s perspective and her “relationship” with Henry. Girl is a girl, a literal child, who has been taught her only asset is her beauty and her body and seeing how the men around her, including her LITERAL HUSBAND, treat her – nausea inducing. Be aware that the author does not shy away from the details.
The feminist message may be a touch on the nose but nevertheless so incredibly powerful and necessary. As a Tudor history nerd, I love how this author takes stereotypes, myths, and quotes attributed to our main players and turns them on their head. And on a sentence level, the prose is absolutely stunning. Growth on growth on growth, for characters, story, and worldbuilding.
The ending takes this story in a direction I’m not sure I’m excited about (think eugh-creepy not excited rather than bleagh-boring not excited) but I will 100% be seated for it.
Content warning: sexual assault and abuse, multiple adult/minor relationships, emotional/domestic abuse, body horror, grief.
*Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!*
September 12, 2026
Nowhere near as good as the first book but not terrible. Overly long and rambling through the mid-section, with way too many pages allocated to Cecelia. Not sure yet if I’ll read book 3.
August 22, 2026
This could have been 4 stars if Holly Race hadn't forced me to read Cecillia's POV.
August 11, 2026
Six Savage Thrones is a compelling sequel! I am thrilled that we got to learn more about the magic of the queens, explore the relationships between them, and of course the lap dragons. I really enjoyed the chapters from Cleves and Howard especially. Cecilia was also an incredible addition, with her caustic wit and willingness to claw her way to power.
This is one of my favorite portrayals of the wives of Henry Tudor, but in a tale that gives them agency and magic. In Six Savage Thrones, Holly Race balances complex politics, the price of magic, and sapphic yearning. I can’t wait to read what happens next!
Thank you to Holly Race, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of my favorite portrayals of the wives of Henry Tudor, but in a tale that gives them agency and magic. In Six Savage Thrones, Holly Race balances complex politics, the price of magic, and sapphic yearning. I can’t wait to read what happens next!
Thank you to Holly Race, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Six Savage Thrones hits a lot of the same notes as the first book, but there are also a few elements that left me underwhelmed or just caught me off guard, like the ending. The third book is going to make or break the series for me, but just by reading this one I was reminded of how much I loved Six Wild Crowns.
In this second book, we follow Cleves and Howard. I didn’t like them as much as Boleyn and Seymour, but their characters and arcs were magnificently done. They ended the book as very different people than they were at the beginning, and you can track the change through every choice they were forced to make and every injustice they were forced to endure. Howard especially was a surprise. In the previous book, she was the youngest and silliest of the queens, and I love how she managed to come into her own without losing all of her sweetness. Cleves’s arc was less impactful for me, mostly because we are only told and not shown what has made her the fun-but-ruthless woman she is now, but I’ve been waiting for her romance since the first “my angry queen” was uttered in the previous book, and I was not disappointed. I only wish I could’ve seen it unfold from Seymour’s point of view, too, especially after following the trainwreck of her love life in the first book. The woman deserves some happiness.
Female empowerment is still the main theme of the story, with a lot of plotting and stratagems and politics. There are more sex scenes compared to the first book, and they are written quite well. One toward the end, involving two people who had never learned to express their desires due to abusive relationships, actually moved me, which is not something I ever thought I’d say about a sex scene. The action, unfortunately, wasn’t as good, and there was a lot of it, too. It is the one thing that negatively impacted my reading experience.
By that I mean both the proper action scenes – which are clearly there only to progress the plot without taking into account any question of realism, not to mention survivability – and all the elements leading to and following from those scenes. There are no consequences for some very careless acts by both the protagonists and antagonists, and if there are, they are brushed aside with a “I’ll have my people take care of it” comment and never mentioned again. People who, we are told, are very smart fail to take simple precautions or give their enemies liberties that inevitably backfire. I can only think the author had to hurry things along to set up everything for the finale, but it’s a real shame. At times, it even turned usually compelling characters into caricatures.
I’m not sure what I feel about the ending yet. It takes an unexpected and quite supernatural turn, but it’s not as if the series has lacked fantastical elements up to this point. Half the book is set in the castle of Plythe, which straddles a waterfall, and we briefly explore the city of Perfugi, built on solidified lava where the houses are made of dragon bone. But until now they've been confined mostly to the background, a magical setting for a story about real political scheming. I'm not sure how I feel about it taking over the plot, but it may yet win me over. Next book is Aragon and Parr’s turn, and after what we learned of the latter’s past I’m quite excited to read her POV.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an early copy of this book! My opinions are my own.
In this second book, we follow Cleves and Howard. I didn’t like them as much as Boleyn and Seymour, but their characters and arcs were magnificently done. They ended the book as very different people than they were at the beginning, and you can track the change through every choice they were forced to make and every injustice they were forced to endure. Howard especially was a surprise. In the previous book, she was the youngest and silliest of the queens, and I love how she managed to come into her own without losing all of her sweetness. Cleves’s arc was less impactful for me, mostly because we are only told and not shown what has made her the fun-but-ruthless woman she is now, but I’ve been waiting for her romance since the first “my angry queen” was uttered in the previous book, and I was not disappointed. I only wish I could’ve seen it unfold from Seymour’s point of view, too, especially after following the trainwreck of her love life in the first book. The woman deserves some happiness.
Female empowerment is still the main theme of the story, with a lot of plotting and stratagems and politics. There are more sex scenes compared to the first book, and they are written quite well. One toward the end, involving two people who had never learned to express their desires due to abusive relationships, actually moved me, which is not something I ever thought I’d say about a sex scene. The action, unfortunately, wasn’t as good, and there was a lot of it, too. It is the one thing that negatively impacted my reading experience.
By that I mean both the proper action scenes – which are clearly there only to progress the plot without taking into account any question of realism, not to mention survivability – and all the elements leading to and following from those scenes. There are no consequences for some very careless acts by both the protagonists and antagonists, and if there are, they are brushed aside with a “I’ll have my people take care of it” comment and never mentioned again. People who, we are told, are very smart fail to take simple precautions or give their enemies liberties that inevitably backfire. I can only think the author had to hurry things along to set up everything for the finale, but it’s a real shame. At times, it even turned usually compelling characters into caricatures.
I’m not sure what I feel about the ending yet. It takes an unexpected and quite supernatural turn, but it’s not as if the series has lacked fantastical elements up to this point. Half the book is set in the castle of Plythe, which straddles a waterfall, and we briefly explore the city of Perfugi, built on solidified lava where the houses are made of dragon bone. But until now they've been confined mostly to the background, a magical setting for a story about real political scheming. I'm not sure how I feel about it taking over the plot, but it may yet win me over. Next book is Aragon and Parr’s turn, and after what we learned of the latter’s past I’m quite excited to read her POV.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an early copy of this book! My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Really Enjoyed It, 4 stars
I really enjoyed returning to the world of Elben and it's queens. I do think that this book suffered a little bit of middle book syndrome, but ultimately I enjoyed it and am very curious to see where this trilogy goes.
In this, we pick up not too long after the events of the first book - my guess was a couple of months. It is interesting because in this we followed two different queens from the first book - in this one Howard and Cleves. We also followed Cecilia, Henry's sister. I was a bit put off by this change in perspectives to start because I felt like I didn't take to either of them as quickly as I did to Boleyn. I think it also slowed some of the momentum going into this one. However, ultimately I really feel like it was the best choice because we will presumably get to know each of the women in their own right now, which I am excited for.
I ended up really loving Howard and the journey that she went on, which was a bit of a surprise to me. After reading the first book, I definitely thought that Cleves would be my favorite. But I loved Howard and the growth that we see in her over the course of this book. Not to say that I didn't like Cleves, because I certainly did. I just felt that Howard really came into her own. But I am very proud of Cleves as well and how she ended this installment.
I think that the pacing in this was a bit inconsistent, and the momentum didn't build quite the same way it did in book 1. I was just a little less invested, which is why this isn't a full 5 stars. However, I ultimately am really enjoying this reimagining of Henry VIII and his wives. I think it's really creative, I love how diverse all the women are, and I am enjoying how the author is playing with the expectations that we have from history. So I really like the project of this series.
While I had a better time with book 1, I still really enjoyed book 2 and look forward to seeing how it all wraps up!
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Six Savage Thrones releases on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Update on the fate of our animal friends - beware of spoilers:
I really enjoyed returning to the world of Elben and it's queens. I do think that this book suffered a little bit of middle book syndrome, but ultimately I enjoyed it and am very curious to see where this trilogy goes.
In this, we pick up not too long after the events of the first book - my guess was a couple of months. It is interesting because in this we followed two different queens from the first book - in this one Howard and Cleves. We also followed Cecilia, Henry's sister. I was a bit put off by this change in perspectives to start because I felt like I didn't take to either of them as quickly as I did to Boleyn. I think it also slowed some of the momentum going into this one. However, ultimately I really feel like it was the best choice because we will presumably get to know each of the women in their own right now, which I am excited for.
I ended up really loving Howard and the journey that she went on, which was a bit of a surprise to me. After reading the first book, I definitely thought that Cleves would be my favorite. But I loved Howard and the growth that we see in her over the course of this book. Not to say that I didn't like Cleves, because I certainly did. I just felt that Howard really came into her own. But I am very proud of Cleves as well and how she ended this installment.
I think that the pacing in this was a bit inconsistent, and the momentum didn't build quite the same way it did in book 1. I was just a little less invested, which is why this isn't a full 5 stars. However, I ultimately am really enjoying this reimagining of Henry VIII and his wives. I think it's really creative, I love how diverse all the women are, and I am enjoying how the author is playing with the expectations that we have from history. So I really like the project of this series.
While I had a better time with book 1, I still really enjoyed book 2 and look forward to seeing how it all wraps up!
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Six Savage Thrones releases on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Update on the fate of our animal friends - beware of spoilers:
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!
A stunning second volume of high fantasy inspired by King Henry VIII. When the first book focused solely on Boleyn and Seymour, the sequel is devoted to Cleves and Howard.
The characters’ expositions, development, and arcs are of the highest quality. Originally, Cleves was introduced to us as an animal lover who surrounded herself with creatures and avoided humans. It was twisted by her own design to make her appear less attractive and therefore avoid Henry’s attention. She was a pariah, a strange creature herself, but throughout the book, we finally get to discover her true nature, the reasons behind her people's shunning, the deeply hidden heart, protected from risk of suffering, trust, love, betrayal. Her developing relations with her family, her lovers, and her ultimate bravery against all odds.
Howard, then, a silly child, a girl focused on dresses, with a kind, little heart, who seemingly cannot comprehend anything beyond her lovely looks. Who, inspired by Boleyn, learned to read and write, and surprises everyone with the depth of her conversation, her creativity, and ideas that may just save everyone’s lives and futures. So desperate to be seen, to be valued by queen sisters, as she fully understands how little attention they paid to her originally. She becomes a power to be reckoned with, and the rose without a thorn grows into a beast.
Additionally, apart from the queen wives, we get to know Cecilia, Henry’s sister, the Dowager Queen, who enjoys inflicting pain. As a means of torture, control, and for the sake of pleasure, it gives her. At first, a crazed sadist, with little to no regard for human life or suffering, shows us her hidden side, the hurt little girl, a broken soul, sold and rid of, in order to achieve the bigger goal. When faced with her mentor’s suffering, she displays compassion, sadness, and kindness, and her anger at the deception leads to the ultimate choice.
The second book takes the queens into a deeper understanding of their powers, tests their alliances, forces their trust, and builds them stronger than ever. The plot itself was so well explained in the first story that it does not suffer from the typical middle-book syndrome. It continues on the high note of quality and incredible pacing. The deeper thoughts, conclusions, and personal development of characters fuel the story. Never a dull moment, when the queens constantly face their fears and risk their lives to get their powers back. The ease of reading, the pleasure of following each chapter, and the satisfying yet heartbreaking ending. The crescendo of the book culminates at the Moon Ball, leaving us craving more, desperately needing book three.
A stunning second volume of high fantasy inspired by King Henry VIII. When the first book focused solely on Boleyn and Seymour, the sequel is devoted to Cleves and Howard.
The characters’ expositions, development, and arcs are of the highest quality. Originally, Cleves was introduced to us as an animal lover who surrounded herself with creatures and avoided humans. It was twisted by her own design to make her appear less attractive and therefore avoid Henry’s attention. She was a pariah, a strange creature herself, but throughout the book, we finally get to discover her true nature, the reasons behind her people's shunning, the deeply hidden heart, protected from risk of suffering, trust, love, betrayal. Her developing relations with her family, her lovers, and her ultimate bravery against all odds.
Howard, then, a silly child, a girl focused on dresses, with a kind, little heart, who seemingly cannot comprehend anything beyond her lovely looks. Who, inspired by Boleyn, learned to read and write, and surprises everyone with the depth of her conversation, her creativity, and ideas that may just save everyone’s lives and futures. So desperate to be seen, to be valued by queen sisters, as she fully understands how little attention they paid to her originally. She becomes a power to be reckoned with, and the rose without a thorn grows into a beast.
Additionally, apart from the queen wives, we get to know Cecilia, Henry’s sister, the Dowager Queen, who enjoys inflicting pain. As a means of torture, control, and for the sake of pleasure, it gives her. At first, a crazed sadist, with little to no regard for human life or suffering, shows us her hidden side, the hurt little girl, a broken soul, sold and rid of, in order to achieve the bigger goal. When faced with her mentor’s suffering, she displays compassion, sadness, and kindness, and her anger at the deception leads to the ultimate choice.
The second book takes the queens into a deeper understanding of their powers, tests their alliances, forces their trust, and builds them stronger than ever. The plot itself was so well explained in the first story that it does not suffer from the typical middle-book syndrome. It continues on the high note of quality and incredible pacing. The deeper thoughts, conclusions, and personal development of characters fuel the story. Never a dull moment, when the queens constantly face their fears and risk their lives to get their powers back. The ease of reading, the pleasure of following each chapter, and the satisfying yet heartbreaking ending. The crescendo of the book culminates at the Moon Ball, leaving us craving more, desperately needing book three.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
SIX SAVAGE THRONES is a book of uncertain trust as the Tudor queens try to retake their power.
While SIX WILD CROWNS was a re-imagining of the Tudor Queens (while there were massive changes, the events inspiring the book were much clearer), SIX SAVAGE THRONES is only loosely inspired by history. The events are not obviously drawing on history, but rather taking the world and characters set up in the previous book and following the consequences of their actions. I was quite glad that the author note at the start sets this out as it set my expectations accordingly and I could therefore enjoy this as a fantasy book full of uncertain loyalties and dangerous desires.
The strength of this book is the uncertainty over who can be trusted. The kings have maintained their hold by playing the queens off one another, isolating them, and Henry is very alert to betrayal after Boleyn's actions. Therefore it is impossible to know whether the people offering help are really trustworthy or have been planted to gather information. The character of Culpepper is a great example of this - and an interesting re-working of a historical figure.
There is also so much romantic and sexual tension in this book. Cleves and Seymour are very much attracted to each other, but holding out for various reasons. The tension between them is so good - a push and pull that is so much fun to watch. Howard's journey with understanding her own desires was very sweet by contrast.
I was surprised to see that Seymour wasn't narrating this book, being the surviving POV from the previous book. Instead, Howard, Cleves, and Cecilia (very loosely inspired by Henry's sister Mary) narrate the book. I really liked seeing Cleves and Howard's perspectives - they are some of the most ignored of Henry' VIII's wives - the strange foreign wife and the young, promiscuous one. As with Boleyn and Seymour, Holly Race interrogates those stereotypes and makes them well-rounded, realistic characters. Cleves has deliberately forged her image while Howard is struggling with an image forced upon her.
Cecilia was the POV it took me the longest to appreciate. She's deeply unlikeable as someone who revels in pain. She is as strong willed and determined to get her own way as the other queens, but it come across far more viciously in a way that's very hard to get behind. Eventually I decided I liked that there was someone this unashamedly awful as a narrator, but I never really liked her - and mostly wanted her to be outwitted by the others.
I am looking forward to seeing where the final book goes - and if Aragon and Parr will narrate it.
SIX SAVAGE THRONES is a book of uncertain trust as the Tudor queens try to retake their power.
While SIX WILD CROWNS was a re-imagining of the Tudor Queens (while there were massive changes, the events inspiring the book were much clearer), SIX SAVAGE THRONES is only loosely inspired by history. The events are not obviously drawing on history, but rather taking the world and characters set up in the previous book and following the consequences of their actions. I was quite glad that the author note at the start sets this out as it set my expectations accordingly and I could therefore enjoy this as a fantasy book full of uncertain loyalties and dangerous desires.
The strength of this book is the uncertainty over who can be trusted. The kings have maintained their hold by playing the queens off one another, isolating them, and Henry is very alert to betrayal after Boleyn's actions. Therefore it is impossible to know whether the people offering help are really trustworthy or have been planted to gather information. The character of Culpepper is a great example of this - and an interesting re-working of a historical figure.
There is also so much romantic and sexual tension in this book. Cleves and Seymour are very much attracted to each other, but holding out for various reasons. The tension between them is so good - a push and pull that is so much fun to watch. Howard's journey with understanding her own desires was very sweet by contrast.
I was surprised to see that Seymour wasn't narrating this book, being the surviving POV from the previous book. Instead, Howard, Cleves, and Cecilia (very loosely inspired by Henry's sister Mary) narrate the book. I really liked seeing Cleves and Howard's perspectives - they are some of the most ignored of Henry' VIII's wives - the strange foreign wife and the young, promiscuous one. As with Boleyn and Seymour, Holly Race interrogates those stereotypes and makes them well-rounded, realistic characters. Cleves has deliberately forged her image while Howard is struggling with an image forced upon her.
Cecilia was the POV it took me the longest to appreciate. She's deeply unlikeable as someone who revels in pain. She is as strong willed and determined to get her own way as the other queens, but it come across far more viciously in a way that's very hard to get behind. Eventually I decided I liked that there was someone this unashamedly awful as a narrator, but I never really liked her - and mostly wanted her to be outwitted by the others.
I am looking forward to seeing where the final book goes - and if Aragon and Parr will narrate it.
September 28, 2026
After the ending of Six Wild Crowns, I was a little apprehensive to read the next instalment of the Queens of Elben series as (book 1 spoiler) Anne Boleyn, for me the most dynamic character, sacrificed herself, making me concerned that the other characters couldn’t necessarily carry the rest of the series. Six Wild Crowns picks up where the 1st left off, with Henry’s wives plotting against him, Anne’s sister Mary now married to Henry, as he continues to sap their life force to maintain his reign.
While this 2nd instalment does lack Boleyn, we do have another strong character that really makes this story something special, this time in the form of Katherine Howard. Of all the women in this story, Howard truly shines in this instalment, she’s vulnerable, she’s brave, she’s likeable and she develops and grows on the page as she finds her voice and relevance away from her husband and the other Queens who overlook her. There is one point in particular that is just delicious, I adored her.
Cecilia, the Queens sister, feels too dastardly to be real, the motivation behind her sadism in one moment and then shock at her brother’s behaviour was confusing at times and so help me, the whole kidnapping/hostage plot was ridiculous – who gives an unstable, manipulative prisoner free rein over and the place and leaves them unattended?? What was the point in that entire plot and why did it feel resolved so rushed come the end??
There was an unnecessary death I wasn’t happy about, a dragon-fight scene that was uncomfortable and another Queen’s death (side note: 2 Queens have now died in this story but neither death/body is specifically seen so I’m holding out a hope for a later gotcha moment, I don’t know) but this is still another empowering read elevating women who have only been known, in large, by their oppressive husband.
The theme of sisterhood is still incredible strong in this story, which is a very powerful and beautiful theme. My only frustration is that the ending was a little fantastical (yes, I know it’s a fantasy read but still), a general exasperation on behalf of these poor women, but this is a series that has already veered so closely away from historical truth or reality that I can’t really complain. I will be more frustrated if Boleyn really does stay dead, in line with history at least, but history can be so imaginatively rewritten in other ways such as the ending.
I look forward to how the Queens of Elben series concludes but this is another strong instalment with an imaginative and wild take on some of our most known historical figures.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
While this 2nd instalment does lack Boleyn, we do have another strong character that really makes this story something special, this time in the form of Katherine Howard. Of all the women in this story, Howard truly shines in this instalment, she’s vulnerable, she’s brave, she’s likeable and she develops and grows on the page as she finds her voice and relevance away from her husband and the other Queens who overlook her. There is one point in particular that is just delicious, I adored her.
Cecilia, the Queens sister, feels too dastardly to be real, the motivation behind her sadism in one moment and then shock at her brother’s behaviour was confusing at times and so help me, the whole kidnapping/hostage plot was ridiculous – who gives an unstable, manipulative prisoner free rein over and the place and leaves them unattended?? What was the point in that entire plot and why did it feel resolved so rushed come the end??
There was an unnecessary death I wasn’t happy about, a dragon-fight scene that was uncomfortable and another Queen’s death (side note: 2 Queens have now died in this story but neither death/body is specifically seen so I’m holding out a hope for a later gotcha moment, I don’t know) but this is still another empowering read elevating women who have only been known, in large, by their oppressive husband.
The theme of sisterhood is still incredible strong in this story, which is a very powerful and beautiful theme. My only frustration is that the ending was a little fantastical (yes, I know it’s a fantasy read but still), a general exasperation on behalf of these poor women, but this is a series that has already veered so closely away from historical truth or reality that I can’t really complain. I will be more frustrated if Boleyn really does stay dead, in line with history at least, but history can be so imaginatively rewritten in other ways such as the ending.
I look forward to how the Queens of Elben series concludes but this is another strong instalment with an imaginative and wild take on some of our most known historical figures.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars.
It was such a delight to return to Holly Race's Tudor Queens x dragons story! Book two of a trilogy is infamous for the second book slump, but I thought this was an excellent second installment.
This time, instead of focusing on Seymour and Boleyn, our POV characters are Howard, Cleves and a new queen, Cecilia. Of course, Seymour still plays a significant role in the plot, but we mainly see her from other people's POVs.
I thought I would be disappointed at leaving Seymour's and Boleyn's POVs behind. But, I finished the novel so fond of both Howard and Cleves. I enjoyed their storylines and personalities a lot, and they both had beautiful, moving character arcs. Howard's backstory is particularly disturbing due to the amount of childhood sexual abuse she received, so I'm really glad we got a chance to see her evolve beyond that. I suspect that the third book might focus on the POVs of Aragon and Parr, and while I'm sure they will be done justice, I'm currently feeling sad at the idea of leaving Howard and Cleves behind.
As for Cecilia, she's certainly a complex villain. I didn't always find the way she felt to be completely believable, but I did both hate and sympathise with her throughout the novel.
Just like with book one, I loved all the references to specific historical characters and events throughout the novel, even as the trilogy makes some big changes.
As for the magic system, I still love the depth of it, and particularly, all the different types of magical beings and the ways that they exist or are used/abused in this world. I found the crones to be one of the most intriguing magical beings from book ones, so I really enjoyed seeing them play a bigger role in book two. On the other hand, I was hoping for a little bit more from the dragons — but, I remain optimistic about their role in book three!
Finally, I really appreciate that for both books in this trilogy, Holly Race has managed to wrap up with a shocking cliffhanger-style twist while also writing really satisfying conclusions for the main characters' arcs. It means that I'm eager to read the next book, but I also feel really good about how the story has — for now — finished.
It was such a delight to return to Holly Race's Tudor Queens x dragons story! Book two of a trilogy is infamous for the second book slump, but I thought this was an excellent second installment.
This time, instead of focusing on Seymour and Boleyn, our POV characters are Howard, Cleves and a new queen, Cecilia. Of course, Seymour still plays a significant role in the plot, but we mainly see her from other people's POVs.
I thought I would be disappointed at leaving Seymour's and Boleyn's POVs behind. But, I finished the novel so fond of both Howard and Cleves. I enjoyed their storylines and personalities a lot, and they both had beautiful, moving character arcs. Howard's backstory is particularly disturbing due to the amount of childhood sexual abuse she received, so I'm really glad we got a chance to see her evolve beyond that. I suspect that the third book might focus on the POVs of Aragon and Parr, and while I'm sure they will be done justice, I'm currently feeling sad at the idea of leaving Howard and Cleves behind.
As for Cecilia, she's certainly a complex villain. I didn't always find the way she felt to be completely believable, but I did both hate and sympathise with her throughout the novel.
Just like with book one, I loved all the references to specific historical characters and events throughout the novel, even as the trilogy makes some big changes.
As for the magic system, I still love the depth of it, and particularly, all the different types of magical beings and the ways that they exist or are used/abused in this world. I found the crones to be one of the most intriguing magical beings from book ones, so I really enjoyed seeing them play a bigger role in book two. On the other hand, I was hoping for a little bit more from the dragons — but, I remain optimistic about their role in book three!
Finally, I really appreciate that for both books in this trilogy, Holly Race has managed to wrap up with a shocking cliffhanger-style twist while also writing really satisfying conclusions for the main characters' arcs. It means that I'm eager to read the next book, but I also feel really good about how the story has — for now — finished.
July 5, 2026
Queens of Elben took everything I loved about Six Wild Crowns and expanded it in the best possible ways. The world grew larger, the stakes became even higher, and I found myself completely invested in every perspective.
One of my favorite character arcs was Howard's. History often remembers her as an underestimated queen, but Holly Race gives her so much depth. Forced into her role at such a young age, watching her grow into the queen she was meant to be was incredibly rewarding. Her resilience, compassion, and quiet strength made her one of my favorite characters.
I also adored following Cleves and Seymour. Seymour has already lost everything, so she doesn't hesitate to hold tightly to the good she finds. Cleves, however, is so afraid of losing everything that she's hesitant to take that leap. Watching every fleeting moment of happiness be overshadowed by duty made their relationship all the more heartbreaking. When Cleves finally allows herself to be vulnerable, she doesn't become weaker, she becomes a stronger version of herself, both as a woman and as a queen.
Cecelia completely surprised me. Watching her begin to question everything she believed while wrestling with the same ambition and hunger for power that drives her brother made her perspective fascinating. Her internal conflict was one of my favorite parts of the story.
There were moments that genuinely broke my heart (I'm still not over Howard losing her dragon), and others that left me completely stunned. By the final chapters, I couldn't put it down.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars is because there were a few moments where I wanted just a little more, but they weren't enough to take away from an incredible reading experience.
If you enjoy historical fantasy filled with dragons, political intrigue, morally complex characters, and deeply emotional character arcs, this is a series you shouldn't overlook. It's one of the most underrated fantasy series I've read, and I already can't wait for Book 3
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Race, and Orbit US for the gifted eARC of Queens of Elben in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of my favorite character arcs was Howard's. History often remembers her as an underestimated queen, but Holly Race gives her so much depth. Forced into her role at such a young age, watching her grow into the queen she was meant to be was incredibly rewarding. Her resilience, compassion, and quiet strength made her one of my favorite characters.
I also adored following Cleves and Seymour. Seymour has already lost everything, so she doesn't hesitate to hold tightly to the good she finds. Cleves, however, is so afraid of losing everything that she's hesitant to take that leap. Watching every fleeting moment of happiness be overshadowed by duty made their relationship all the more heartbreaking. When Cleves finally allows herself to be vulnerable, she doesn't become weaker, she becomes a stronger version of herself, both as a woman and as a queen.
Cecelia completely surprised me. Watching her begin to question everything she believed while wrestling with the same ambition and hunger for power that drives her brother made her perspective fascinating. Her internal conflict was one of my favorite parts of the story.
There were moments that genuinely broke my heart (I'm still not over Howard losing her dragon), and others that left me completely stunned. By the final chapters, I couldn't put it down.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars is because there were a few moments where I wanted just a little more, but they weren't enough to take away from an incredible reading experience.
If you enjoy historical fantasy filled with dragons, political intrigue, morally complex characters, and deeply emotional character arcs, this is a series you shouldn't overlook. It's one of the most underrated fantasy series I've read, and I already can't wait for Book 3
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Race, and Orbit US for the gifted eARC of Queens of Elben in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 26, 2026
This was a great continuation of the series. I cannot reiterate how much I am loving this fantasy retelling of King Henry VIII and his wives. I re-read Book 1 ahead of this eARC to reimmerse myself in the land of Elben. Definitely a wise decision on my part because I had forgotten a lot of key plot points. Looking back at my original review, I felt the same as I did then. A story about some badass women taking back their power and sticking it the man (Henry)? Yes, please. They definitely started a revolution, and Book 2 throws you immediately into the middle of the consequences of Boleyn and Seymour’s actions.
I missed the POVs of Boleyn and Seymour. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the change in the beginning, but I did ultimately enjoy both Cleves and Howard. Cleves is so interesting and quirky. She’s clever in the mind, but sort of dumb in the heart, if you know what I mean. My god, the yearning and the denial of feelings. It was painful, but oh so rewarding when she finally gives in. But the real stand out for me was Howard. Consistently underestimated, watching her gain confidence to grow in her queenly duties and in her own magical power was glorious. I was rooting for her the entire time, especially considering what happened to her real-life counterpart.
And then there was the third POV, Henry’s sister, Cecilia. Cecilia’s POV was hard to read because she is just such an awful person. Every time her POV came up, I was tempted to skip it. 👀 I didn’t, but I wanted to. I didn’t understand why she’s there. Am I supposed to feel sorry for her? I don’t know.
The writing and worldbuilding continued to keep me engaged and interesting, despite its slow start. Watching the five queens discover their power and bond together in sisterhood was everything. They are going against their religion, their husband, and risking their lives in the process. And their husband gets big mad about it? OMG. YES!! Nothing like watching a mediocre man falter in the presence of amazing women.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for this eARC!
I missed the POVs of Boleyn and Seymour. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the change in the beginning, but I did ultimately enjoy both Cleves and Howard. Cleves is so interesting and quirky. She’s clever in the mind, but sort of dumb in the heart, if you know what I mean. My god, the yearning and the denial of feelings. It was painful, but oh so rewarding when she finally gives in. But the real stand out for me was Howard. Consistently underestimated, watching her gain confidence to grow in her queenly duties and in her own magical power was glorious. I was rooting for her the entire time, especially considering what happened to her real-life counterpart.
And then there was the third POV, Henry’s sister, Cecilia. Cecilia’s POV was hard to read because she is just such an awful person. Every time her POV came up, I was tempted to skip it. 👀 I didn’t, but I wanted to. I didn’t understand why she’s there. Am I supposed to feel sorry for her? I don’t know.
The writing and worldbuilding continued to keep me engaged and interesting, despite its slow start. Watching the five queens discover their power and bond together in sisterhood was everything. They are going against their religion, their husband, and risking their lives in the process. And their husband gets big mad about it? OMG. YES!! Nothing like watching a mediocre man falter in the presence of amazing women.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for this eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this sequel. After everything that happened in the first book, I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, and this story did a great job expanding both the world and the stakes.
With **Boleyn's** revolution still threatening the kingdom, the six queens are scattered across Elben, each facing impossible choices as they fight for survival and try to uncover the truth about the ancient magic that has shaped their world. As old alliances begin to shift and dangerous new enemies emerge, it becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom rests in the hands of the very women who were once expected to simply stand beside a king.
One of my favorite parts was seeing **Queen Howard** and **Queen Cleves** step into the spotlight. Howard's growth throughout this book was incredible, and I loved watching her become so much stronger and more confident. Cleves also became one of my favorite characters, and I really enjoyed seeing the bond between the queens grow as they slowly learned to trust one another despite everything working against them.
The political intrigue, court secrets, and expanding magic system kept me completely invested. I loved learning more about Elben's history, the ancient powers at work behind the scenes, and how everything connected to the queens' destinies. Every new revelation made me even more excited to see where the story was heading.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me is that the middle slowed down a little in places. Even so, I was never bored, and the ending absolutely made up for it. It wrapped up enough to feel satisfying while leaving me desperate to find out how everything will come together in the final book.
Overall, this was a fantastic second installment. It expanded the world beautifully, gave several of the queens wonderful character growth, and raised the stakes in a way that has me excited to jump straight into the finale.
With **Boleyn's** revolution still threatening the kingdom, the six queens are scattered across Elben, each facing impossible choices as they fight for survival and try to uncover the truth about the ancient magic that has shaped their world. As old alliances begin to shift and dangerous new enemies emerge, it becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom rests in the hands of the very women who were once expected to simply stand beside a king.
One of my favorite parts was seeing **Queen Howard** and **Queen Cleves** step into the spotlight. Howard's growth throughout this book was incredible, and I loved watching her become so much stronger and more confident. Cleves also became one of my favorite characters, and I really enjoyed seeing the bond between the queens grow as they slowly learned to trust one another despite everything working against them.
The political intrigue, court secrets, and expanding magic system kept me completely invested. I loved learning more about Elben's history, the ancient powers at work behind the scenes, and how everything connected to the queens' destinies. Every new revelation made me even more excited to see where the story was heading.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me is that the middle slowed down a little in places. Even so, I was never bored, and the ending absolutely made up for it. It wrapped up enough to feel satisfying while leaving me desperate to find out how everything will come together in the final book.
Overall, this was a fantastic second installment. It expanded the world beautifully, gave several of the queens wonderful character growth, and raised the stakes in a way that has me excited to jump straight into the finale.
July 21, 2026
The second entry in the Queen's of Elben series.
I worried I wouldn't like this as much as the first book, as my favourite character was gone, but I ended up preferring this, as the author really settled into the world and the end result was a tighter, more dramatic and tension filled tale. The Queen's are very much on the back foot, they are down a Queen, and while they might now know the truth and what Henry is doing to them, Henry now knows that they are a threat and is moving to deal with it. There was a real cat and mouse feel to the whole story, and the way the tale shifted meant that you weren't always certain who was what animal.
Queen Boleyn may be physically absent from the book, but her influence and her spirit haunts the narrative on almost every page.
Queen Howard... oh my word. Now that is how you write a character that everyone thinks is stupid (including herself). From the naïve blank face that she presents to the world, to the very painful growth as she tries so desperately to prove herself, this is a proper arc that demands your full attention every time the PoV focuses on her. Howard's tale is very much the star of the show.
That's not to say Cleves (and by extension Seymour) is lacking, but she was a little too self contained for my liking.
However, my heart has not recovered from a certain death. If you've read, you know exactly which one, that was cruel of the author and my poor little heart.
This is a series worth grabbing because after that cliffhanger I have no idea how any of them are going to survive and how this story is going to wrap up but I have the confidence in the author. You will need to read them in order however, this is one story across multiple books.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
I worried I wouldn't like this as much as the first book, as my favourite character was gone, but I ended up preferring this, as the author really settled into the world and the end result was a tighter, more dramatic and tension filled tale. The Queen's are very much on the back foot, they are down a Queen, and while they might now know the truth and what Henry is doing to them, Henry now knows that they are a threat and is moving to deal with it. There was a real cat and mouse feel to the whole story, and the way the tale shifted meant that you weren't always certain who was what animal.
Queen Boleyn may be physically absent from the book, but her influence and her spirit haunts the narrative on almost every page.
Queen Howard... oh my word. Now that is how you write a character that everyone thinks is stupid (including herself). From the naïve blank face that she presents to the world, to the very painful growth as she tries so desperately to prove herself, this is a proper arc that demands your full attention every time the PoV focuses on her. Howard's tale is very much the star of the show.
That's not to say Cleves (and by extension Seymour) is lacking, but she was a little too self contained for my liking.
However, my heart has not recovered from a certain death. If you've read, you know exactly which one, that was cruel of the author and my poor little heart.
This is a series worth grabbing because after that cliffhanger I have no idea how any of them are going to survive and how this story is going to wrap up but I have the confidence in the author. You will need to read them in order however, this is one story across multiple books.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
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