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The Orichalcum Crown
Makoto lost her mother to a battle she can't remember before being adopted into the Kauneus Empire's royal family. Upon her eighteenth birthday, she receives her mother's necklace from the emperor. Makoto's memories slowly return, haunting her with visions of her lost sister and her mother's murder.
She is torn between the family and answers awaiting her across the sea and the relationships with her family, best friend, and his handsome brother. Makoto fears returning home will cast doubt upon her loyalty to the emperor and sever her from the family. After all, Kauneus has no need for a disloyal princess.
Makoto's eldest adoptive sister, Athena, remains banished from Zenith Palace for uncovering the emperor's secret bastard. She is visited by her former dragon uncle, who shares a rumor that the emperor will be assassinated during the annual ball. Athena has no choice but to break her exile to save her father. Returning home risks death, but she'll pay any price for her family's safety.
As night falls upon the ball, lurking shadows and hidden agendas threaten the empire's fragile peace. Makoto and Athena must navigate the delicate lines between loyalty and betrayal and learn what they are willing to sacrifice for freedom, truth, and family.
“A cleverly plotted fantasy with a cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf.
“The Orichalcum Crown is a lush and wonderfully imagined work of fantasy that centers on a princess who, after recovering lost memories of her former life, seeks out the truth about her past. Whitley slowly develops the narrative tension, enticing readers through atmospheric worldbuilding and stirring writing.” TheBookLifePrize.
"In a land populated with deadly monsters, reluctant immortals, vicious secrets, and persistent whispers from a hidden past, a young woman finds her voice in The Orichalcum Crown… a family-first novel steeped with mythology and shrouded in mystery.” Indie’s Today.
She is torn between the family and answers awaiting her across the sea and the relationships with her family, best friend, and his handsome brother. Makoto fears returning home will cast doubt upon her loyalty to the emperor and sever her from the family. After all, Kauneus has no need for a disloyal princess.
Makoto's eldest adoptive sister, Athena, remains banished from Zenith Palace for uncovering the emperor's secret bastard. She is visited by her former dragon uncle, who shares a rumor that the emperor will be assassinated during the annual ball. Athena has no choice but to break her exile to save her father. Returning home risks death, but she'll pay any price for her family's safety.
As night falls upon the ball, lurking shadows and hidden agendas threaten the empire's fragile peace. Makoto and Athena must navigate the delicate lines between loyalty and betrayal and learn what they are willing to sacrifice for freedom, truth, and family.
“A cleverly plotted fantasy with a cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf.
“The Orichalcum Crown is a lush and wonderfully imagined work of fantasy that centers on a princess who, after recovering lost memories of her former life, seeks out the truth about her past. Whitley slowly develops the narrative tension, enticing readers through atmospheric worldbuilding and stirring writing.” TheBookLifePrize.
"In a land populated with deadly monsters, reluctant immortals, vicious secrets, and persistent whispers from a hidden past, a young woman finds her voice in The Orichalcum Crown… a family-first novel steeped with mythology and shrouded in mystery.” Indie’s Today.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 9, 2025
The Orichalcum Crown by J.J.N Whitley is a story that spans across multiple genres—imperial drama, family drama, monsters, coming-of-age story, etc. Makoto is our locus of empathy here, as I found myself quickly getting interested in this little girl who must now become a princess. The slogan “beauty and strength” is often repeatedly used as the ideal for how a princess should be and behave. That in itself started feeling like a way of forcing a girl to behave in ways other than her natural instincts. Of course, in an imperial setting, there are expectations of proper behavior from everyone. That could have made the story dull, but that is far from the case here:
“The crown is neither prize nor burden. ’Tis a symbol of the trust our people have put in me, and that I in turn put in my successors. We are no better than our subjects. Thus, we have no need for ornate or lavish regalia. The design must be modest lest we forget ourselves. The material heavy, for the duty of leadership weighs upon us. Humility and responsibility will lead us to prosperity. Pride and cowardice shall be our undoing.”
Beauty and strength for a princess. Humility and responsibility for an emperor. Makoto fiddled with the crown until it almost felt comfortable. “Do you think I’m ready for this?”
“For one day?” He chuckled. “I trust you to not burn down the mountain, deplete the treasury, or start a war in that time.”
Makoto finds herself being raised by the emperor and is continuously trying to act more and more graciously like a princess. As the plot develops, we learn about the magical powers of characters, the intrigues, and much more.
I also liked the other protagonist, Athena, who provides a strong contrast to Makoto's character. There are several other characters too, and many are well-developed. The story is driven more by plot and less by action; even though superpowers and monsters are always present, they play very little role in the story. I thought the plot twists were well-planned but found the prose a little lacking in luster. Though sufficiently good for the story, it didn't ever particularly impress me.
One of the major themes is family and a sense of belonging. The relationship between the sisters here was excellently portrayed:
She cradled her sister’s head and kissed its crown.
“You’re right, by the way. You’re no ‘little ruby’ anymore, Makoto. You’re a blazing fire, and you’ll burn brighter than all the stars in the Platinum Dragon.”
Other themes include court politics, which was fairly well done, and a coming-of-age arc that was the highlight of the book. Though there is some magic, it is treated more as one of many details rather than the most important thing, and that was a refreshing change.
I highly recommend this to readers who love books about royalty and would enjoy a book spiced up with a bit of fantasy.
“The crown is neither prize nor burden. ’Tis a symbol of the trust our people have put in me, and that I in turn put in my successors. We are no better than our subjects. Thus, we have no need for ornate or lavish regalia. The design must be modest lest we forget ourselves. The material heavy, for the duty of leadership weighs upon us. Humility and responsibility will lead us to prosperity. Pride and cowardice shall be our undoing.”
Beauty and strength for a princess. Humility and responsibility for an emperor. Makoto fiddled with the crown until it almost felt comfortable. “Do you think I’m ready for this?”
“For one day?” He chuckled. “I trust you to not burn down the mountain, deplete the treasury, or start a war in that time.”
Makoto finds herself being raised by the emperor and is continuously trying to act more and more graciously like a princess. As the plot develops, we learn about the magical powers of characters, the intrigues, and much more.
I also liked the other protagonist, Athena, who provides a strong contrast to Makoto's character. There are several other characters too, and many are well-developed. The story is driven more by plot and less by action; even though superpowers and monsters are always present, they play very little role in the story. I thought the plot twists were well-planned but found the prose a little lacking in luster. Though sufficiently good for the story, it didn't ever particularly impress me.
One of the major themes is family and a sense of belonging. The relationship between the sisters here was excellently portrayed:
She cradled her sister’s head and kissed its crown.
“You’re right, by the way. You’re no ‘little ruby’ anymore, Makoto. You’re a blazing fire, and you’ll burn brighter than all the stars in the Platinum Dragon.”
Other themes include court politics, which was fairly well done, and a coming-of-age arc that was the highlight of the book. Though there is some magic, it is treated more as one of many details rather than the most important thing, and that was a refreshing change.
I highly recommend this to readers who love books about royalty and would enjoy a book spiced up with a bit of fantasy.
December 8, 2025
From the very first pages, The Orichalcum Crown feels weighted with memory loss, grief, and inherited responsibility, but it never leans too heavily into melodrama. Instead, it allows those emotions to surface naturally through Makoto’s perspective. What struck me most early on was how tender the writing is even when it’s describing frightening or brutal moments. Pain and wonder exist side by side, which gives the story a softness that makes its harsher scenes more impactful.
Makoto is a compelling protagonist because she isn’t framed as heroic in the traditional sense. She is frightened, uncertain, and often confused, but never passive. The tension between who she is expected to become and who she actually is drives much of the emotional arc. The idea of “beauty in strength” repeats throughout the novel in ways that feel earned rather than symbolic. Strength here is not dominance or fearlessness, but endurance, restraint, and the ability to care when it would be easier to close oneself off.
The political dynamics and family structures add depth without overwhelming the personal story. Emperor Rudolph is especially well written; his affection, cruelty, fear, and pride all coexist in a way that makes him unsettling yet believable. Relationships feel earned, particularly the bond between Makoto and Ephraim, which provides warmth and safety in a story that often feels cold and precarious. These quieter connections ground the larger fantasy elements and make the stakes feel intimate rather than abstract.
What ultimately makes The Orichalcum Crown linger is its refusal to simplify morality. No one emerges unmarked by violence, grief, or compromise. Even moments of love are threaded with loss. The novel trusts the reader to sit with discomfort, to hold conflicting truths at the same time, and to recognize that survival often reshapes people in ways they did not choose. It feels like the beginning of a larger saga, but it stands confidently on its own as a story about identity, power, and the cost of protection.
Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/12/08/r...
Makoto is a compelling protagonist because she isn’t framed as heroic in the traditional sense. She is frightened, uncertain, and often confused, but never passive. The tension between who she is expected to become and who she actually is drives much of the emotional arc. The idea of “beauty in strength” repeats throughout the novel in ways that feel earned rather than symbolic. Strength here is not dominance or fearlessness, but endurance, restraint, and the ability to care when it would be easier to close oneself off.
The political dynamics and family structures add depth without overwhelming the personal story. Emperor Rudolph is especially well written; his affection, cruelty, fear, and pride all coexist in a way that makes him unsettling yet believable. Relationships feel earned, particularly the bond between Makoto and Ephraim, which provides warmth and safety in a story that often feels cold and precarious. These quieter connections ground the larger fantasy elements and make the stakes feel intimate rather than abstract.
What ultimately makes The Orichalcum Crown linger is its refusal to simplify morality. No one emerges unmarked by violence, grief, or compromise. Even moments of love are threaded with loss. The novel trusts the reader to sit with discomfort, to hold conflicting truths at the same time, and to recognize that survival often reshapes people in ways they did not choose. It feels like the beginning of a larger saga, but it stands confidently on its own as a story about identity, power, and the cost of protection.
Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/12/08/r...
December 17, 2025
Epic fantasy often hinges on spectacle, but The Orichalcum Crown by J.J.N. Whitley distinguishes itself by placing intimacy, memory, and moral responsibility at the heart of its world-building. Set within the empire of Kauneus, the novel follows Makoto Clarissa vi Kauneus, a young princess burdened not only by political expectation but by fragmented memories, inherited trauma, and a power she does not fully understand. From its opening moments, the story establishes a deeply personal tone, even as it unfolds on an imperial scale.
Makoto is a compelling protagonist precisely because she is uncertain. She makes her way through the courtly intrigue, assassination threats, and questions of succession while grappling with her origins in Avalon and the meaning of the Orichalcum Crown itself, an artifact that symbolizes humility and responsibility rather than glory. The political tension surrounding Avalon’s possible independence, the shadowy influence of religious and noble factions, and the menace of unseen conspirators give the narrative a steady undercurrent of suspense. Yet the novel never loses sight of its emotional core: Makoto’s relationships with her sisters, her father, and those sworn to protect her.
Author Whitley’s world-building is meticulous and textured, enriched by mythology, ritual, and a cast of sharply drawn supporting characters, most notably the volatile Athena, the observant Reina, and the enigmatic Morgana. The prose is elegant without being overwrought, allowing moments of introspection to sit naturally beside scenes of political maneuvering and latent violence. Themes of identity, legacy, restraint, and power recur throughout, lending the story a philosophical depth that to to another level, beyond standard fantasy fare.
Overall, The Orichalcum Crown by J.J.N. Whitley is a thoughtful, character-driven, intense, and impressive opening to a new epic fantasy series. Readers who value political complexity, morally grounded protagonists, and richly imagined worlds will find much to admire here, and plenty to anticipate in the volumes to come.
Makoto is a compelling protagonist precisely because she is uncertain. She makes her way through the courtly intrigue, assassination threats, and questions of succession while grappling with her origins in Avalon and the meaning of the Orichalcum Crown itself, an artifact that symbolizes humility and responsibility rather than glory. The political tension surrounding Avalon’s possible independence, the shadowy influence of religious and noble factions, and the menace of unseen conspirators give the narrative a steady undercurrent of suspense. Yet the novel never loses sight of its emotional core: Makoto’s relationships with her sisters, her father, and those sworn to protect her.
Author Whitley’s world-building is meticulous and textured, enriched by mythology, ritual, and a cast of sharply drawn supporting characters, most notably the volatile Athena, the observant Reina, and the enigmatic Morgana. The prose is elegant without being overwrought, allowing moments of introspection to sit naturally beside scenes of political maneuvering and latent violence. Themes of identity, legacy, restraint, and power recur throughout, lending the story a philosophical depth that to to another level, beyond standard fantasy fare.
Overall, The Orichalcum Crown by J.J.N. Whitley is a thoughtful, character-driven, intense, and impressive opening to a new epic fantasy series. Readers who value political complexity, morally grounded protagonists, and richly imagined worlds will find much to admire here, and plenty to anticipate in the volumes to come.
October 29, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
2nd September 2025
TITLE: THE ORICHALCUM CROWN
AUTHOR: Joshua Whitley
Star Rating: 5
“A cleverly plotted fantasy with a cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this story of family loyalty and betrayal from talented author, Joshua Whitley. It’s predominantly the story of two sisters, Makoto and Athena, who attempt to stop a plot to kill the emperor. I must say, there’s a lot going on in this complex story – and the characters, particularly Athena, are richly drawn and fun to root for.
So, what did I enjoy the most? Well, the pacing is strong – not overly fast, mind you – but perfect for this sort of story; a story focusing on politics, family loyalty, betrayal and not so much on ‘’big fights’. It’s all very subtle in a way as the author cleverly develops the plot using his array of characters. Athena is the best of the bunch; she’s tough, fit for fight, and up for a challenge. I liked her a lot. The author also works competently with speech, which is tightly written and consistent with the character’s personality. Finally, the plot is very cleverly constructed. It’s complex in a way, but the author keeps it together all the way to the ball and the (rather grisly) monster attack.
So, if you enjoy smartly plotted fantasy packed with twists, turns – and suspense, this is for you. I think most readers will enjoy getting to know the many royal characters, and if they don’t mind a bit of blood and gore, they’ll enjoy the climatic ending. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Oh, and my favorite line has to be this: “Here is your rule, Princess,” he said, lifting his bloody axe. “Survive.”
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
2nd September 2025
TITLE: THE ORICHALCUM CROWN
AUTHOR: Joshua Whitley
Star Rating: 5
“A cleverly plotted fantasy with a cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this story of family loyalty and betrayal from talented author, Joshua Whitley. It’s predominantly the story of two sisters, Makoto and Athena, who attempt to stop a plot to kill the emperor. I must say, there’s a lot going on in this complex story – and the characters, particularly Athena, are richly drawn and fun to root for.
So, what did I enjoy the most? Well, the pacing is strong – not overly fast, mind you – but perfect for this sort of story; a story focusing on politics, family loyalty, betrayal and not so much on ‘’big fights’. It’s all very subtle in a way as the author cleverly develops the plot using his array of characters. Athena is the best of the bunch; she’s tough, fit for fight, and up for a challenge. I liked her a lot. The author also works competently with speech, which is tightly written and consistent with the character’s personality. Finally, the plot is very cleverly constructed. It’s complex in a way, but the author keeps it together all the way to the ball and the (rather grisly) monster attack.
So, if you enjoy smartly plotted fantasy packed with twists, turns – and suspense, this is for you. I think most readers will enjoy getting to know the many royal characters, and if they don’t mind a bit of blood and gore, they’ll enjoy the climatic ending. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Oh, and my favorite line has to be this: “Here is your rule, Princess,” he said, lifting his bloody axe. “Survive.”
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
January 17, 2026
Reading The Orichalcum Crown felt a bit like holding a puzzle without the box lid. You can tell the pieces matter, but for a long time, you're not quite sure how they're meant to fit.
The story leans heavily into fragmented memory and unanswered questions, which left me feeling unmoored early on. Worldbuilding is sparse at first, and the pacing can feel slow enough that I found myself wondering where the story was heading. Some elements (powers, protections, and relationships) are introduced without much grounding, which made it harder for me to immerse myself in the world fully.
But the final act changes the experience in a meaningful way. Once the narrative starts revealing what it's been holding back, the emotional throughline becomes clear. Makoto is a compelling protagonist, not fearless or traditionally heroic, but quietly resilient. Her journey explores strength as endurance and care, rather than dominance, and that idea landed for me.
What really worked were the relationships. Emperor Rudolph is complex and unsettling in a way that feels intentional, and Makoto's bond with Ephraim adds warmth and safety to a story that often feels cold and precarious.
This, for sure, isn't a book that rushes to please ( or even make sense). It asks for patience and trust, and while I wish some of its power had surfaced earlier, I do think it shows real promise as the beginning of a larger fantasy series.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy to read and review.
The story leans heavily into fragmented memory and unanswered questions, which left me feeling unmoored early on. Worldbuilding is sparse at first, and the pacing can feel slow enough that I found myself wondering where the story was heading. Some elements (powers, protections, and relationships) are introduced without much grounding, which made it harder for me to immerse myself in the world fully.
But the final act changes the experience in a meaningful way. Once the narrative starts revealing what it's been holding back, the emotional throughline becomes clear. Makoto is a compelling protagonist, not fearless or traditionally heroic, but quietly resilient. Her journey explores strength as endurance and care, rather than dominance, and that idea landed for me.
What really worked were the relationships. Emperor Rudolph is complex and unsettling in a way that feels intentional, and Makoto's bond with Ephraim adds warmth and safety to a story that often feels cold and precarious.
This, for sure, isn't a book that rushes to please ( or even make sense). It asks for patience and trust, and while I wish some of its power had surfaced earlier, I do think it shows real promise as the beginning of a larger fantasy series.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy to read and review.
March 29, 2026
The Orichalcum Crown is a slow-paced fantasy revolving around the drama, intrigue, and lives of a supernatural royal family. The synopsis of the story caught my attention and drew me in. An adoptive daughter who can’t remember her past, an exiled princess who returns to stop a possible attack on the emperor, and siblings and cousins who get caught up in family drama and political plotting felt like it could be a fantastic read.
However, the story fell flat with rough world-building, lack of direction, and heavy dialogue-based passages. There was very little explanation on the lore, the characters’ abilities, and race backgrounds. Also, the constant switch between older and modern speech patterns, anachronisms, and origins of names used made it difficult to picture the setting. I was very confused reading the book and had to reread sections to make sure I didn’t actually miss something.
The majority of the book felt like it was just being used for set up. Around 80% in is when the plot actually starts taking off. I love the idea of one generation of a royal family coming together to learn, grow, and unveil secrets that might shatter their understanding of family. I just wish there was more detail in the writing so the audience could feel more connected. I would also consider this story more YA than General Adult. I would be interested in reading the second book if there’s promise of more information about the world and characters.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read a fantasy novel with a good premise.
However, the story fell flat with rough world-building, lack of direction, and heavy dialogue-based passages. There was very little explanation on the lore, the characters’ abilities, and race backgrounds. Also, the constant switch between older and modern speech patterns, anachronisms, and origins of names used made it difficult to picture the setting. I was very confused reading the book and had to reread sections to make sure I didn’t actually miss something.
The majority of the book felt like it was just being used for set up. Around 80% in is when the plot actually starts taking off. I love the idea of one generation of a royal family coming together to learn, grow, and unveil secrets that might shatter their understanding of family. I just wish there was more detail in the writing so the audience could feel more connected. I would also consider this story more YA than General Adult. I would be interested in reading the second book if there’s promise of more information about the world and characters.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read a fantasy novel with a good premise.
October 30, 2025
Set in a richly imagined world of monsters, immortals, and imperial secrets, The Orichalcum Crown follows a young woman’s journey of self-discovery amid political intrigue and family drama. With subtle magical elements and emotionally complex relationships, it pairs historical grandeur with mythic mystery. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews