What Claws Beneath the Crown

by Jen Drapp

After the Great War, the realm teeters on the brink of chaos, plagued by unrest and fragile alliances. The Unseelie Court has long been dormant and nearly forgotten. Until now.

Princess Zara of Masseda would do anything to avoid becoming queen. Reckless and selfish, she longs to be free from the crushing weight of her crown. But when her stepmother forces her into an arranged marriage to Prince Leer of Lanray, Zara has no choice but to accept her fate. Unable to shift like most Fae, Zara is seen as a liability, especially by Leer's brooding and arrogant squire, Alfrie.

Haunted by his tragic past, Alfrie owes his life to Prince Leer. Supporting the prince’s engagement to Princess Zara is just another one of his duties and he expects Zara to be just like every other royal—spoiled and blissfully unaware of the world beyond their sheltered lives at court. And when they meet, Zara’s clumsy magic and childish behavior prove him right.

But after a brutal attack on Masseda by the Unseelie court, Alfrie is tasked with teaching Zara to hone her shifting abilities to prepare for an imminent battle, igniting a forbidden spark between them. In the midst of buried secrets and the looming threat of war, they discover their shared enemy may be closer than they imagined, and Zara’s greatest threat might be the one man she can’t resist.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

Jen Drapp, who writes under this and also under the name of J.D. Corbett, was raised in Charleston, South Carolina. As a girl, she was obsessed with learning and reading about historical and fictional characters; one of her favorites being Scarlett O'Hara. Jen has always loved writing, whether it was short stories about made-up worlds or even essays for school. She has five contemporary romances published and continues to learn and grow as an author. Jen currently lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter, and a 4 year-old Cattle Dog.

Follow Jen on socials!

www.jencdrapp.com
www.facebook.com/JDCorbettBooks
www.instagram.com/jencdrapp

"Enjoy the read!"--JD

Reviews

[Audrey Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!
Spoiler free review!
I am honored to have been selected to review What Claws Beneath the Crown by @Jen Drapp . This is set for release February 17th, 2026.
I loved this story so much! I cant wait for this to be released! It will definitely be going on my shelf as a book trophy! This is an inspired by Snow White story and the theme is there. I loved there's some twists and turns you dont see coming but also some that you do. The Step Mother i know i shouldn't like , but she did have some good lines that had me cackling. The MMC's Alfrie and Leer i was really torn between for most of the book but I think the story clears that up. Our FMC is an unruly princess in a peaceful kingdom. She is anything but a traditional princess in her relam. Book 2 is going to be epic and I am already ready to see how we go from here!

[Ceacea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Jennifer Drapp for this eARC.
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 4/10
Cliffhanger: 3/10
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete series. Dual first-person POV. Expected publication date is 2/17/2026.

The Seelie and Unseelie kingdoms have ended a war resulting in the Seelie coming out on top and the Unseelie fading away into obscurity. Princess Zara wants no part of an arranged marriage needed to stabilize the kingdom but duty can only be put off for so long. This book sets the stage for the series walking us through Zara coming to terms with it while at the same time fighting a pesky attraction to her betrothed's best friend who is an instant thorn in her side.

I can't go into a lot of details without spoiling the story but what I can tell you is that things are not always as they seem. If you like trying to puzzle out a story as you go along you will love this one. My biggest issue was the characters not picking up on clues quicker. But as you read you start to understand there are reasons that may be happening.The FMC was not smart and honestly I don't think she cared to be. She was also incredibly self centered because 'Princess'. She gets a bit better by the end and the silver lining is she has plenty of room for growth and I expect we will see that in the next book.

This was a quick read and was fun at times as I do love a good twisty turny story. It was also a little spicier than I expected but at the same time it's a slow burn for the main couple.

[Rae ʚ♡ɞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

•°~Thank you so much to the author & NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book ~°•


~` 4 ✨ `~

★★★★☆

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

~•° 🧚 | ⚔️ | 🐅 °•~


~°•| Someone, please help me. I CAN'T any longer. Why? Why would, you do this to me, Miss Author??? 😭


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| 🗡️| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
C•h•a•r•a•c•t•e•r•s:

•° Z A R A °•
girl, in the beninging (yes, I did that on purpose), you were so stupid. Like argh, you don't want to be with Alfrie, but then you're jealous when he hugs someone? what the flip? 🙃 Sigh, Zara is a strong girly, I knew that while reading the book. When she cares about someone, she will do A LOT to save them, even though she sees herself as a spoiled princess. Okay, maybe she is. Just a little bit. Towards the ending, she went through so much, poor girl. I hope she get's her happy end.

But uhm...or you say: "My hunny Bunny Prince Leer" one more time.... 🔪

🖤

★~ E M L Y N ~★
where can I find a best friend like her? Why are book besties always so 💋?! She is so supportive and funny and cute and I just want to kidnap her and put her in my pocket. Along with Alix. You two were..uhm..not very secretive about your relationship. I'm not complaining though. 🤭


🫂

🛡️— A L I X — 🛡️

"I swear, I'm dealing with children."

Well, well, well. Loyal bodyguard. Protective brother like. Into my cart 🛒. No, jokes aside, Alix is so sweet. He cares so much about Zara and Emlyn (for one maybe a bit more than the other 😉), he even survived Zara's bratty attitude. And trust me, she can be REALLY bratty. Alix can testify to that. He is definitely my favorite character. After Alfrie.

✨


🥼 ° A L F R I E ° 🥼

"I am hers. Completely. Even if she will never be mine."

Oh, Alfrie. 🤧 He went through the most in this book. Form loosing his family, to getting punished countless times by freaking 👏 King 👏 Hardin 👏 and to loving someone who is in denial of loving him back. People can really be monsters. All he wanted was to be loved. 🥺

Ok no, all he wanted was some peace and quiet, but whatever.

What I didn't really like...

"She bites her lip, and how I long to be that lip."

Uhm....Alfrie? Are you okay?

Anyway, if you're looking for blond haired, green eyed traumatized men, here ya go. (I like dark haired men more, but we'll ignore that as well.)


💕

I saved the best for last. 💀


🤮 ^ L E E R ^ 🤮

Eww. Yuck. Disgusting. Anything else you know to express disgust. This guy is nuh uh. Like what??? I didn't like him at all. Like, Zara are you blind? how can you like this man. He isn't even that handsome. I hate him. I mean, he's name is Leer. LEER.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | 🗡️| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What-I-didn't-like:

so the beginning was kind of, slow and not very interesting. That's why it was a bit hard to get into the story. That's all. 😊

HOLY CLIFFHANGER by the way. 😁

[Chezza's life · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc review*
4.75

Oooooooo i enjoyed this one, i loved the tension, the story/plot, love interests. It was all there.

The plot twists within plot twists were not what i exoected. Loved it
Beautifully written too, easy to read and flowed well.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for another fab read

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review.

This was everything I needed to get me out of a book slump. A loose retelling of Snow White that gives you the comfort of familiarity while keeping you intrigued with some fun twists. Two fae kingdoms uniting against the unseelie fae, arranged marriage, secrets, court intrigue, sheltered princess, trainer/trainee….I didn’t want to put it down from the 70% mark. Looking forward to book 2.

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

listen, did I pick this book completely off vibes? yes. the title, the cover, the description. perfection 🤌🏻.

I have to thank Netgalley for providing the venue for acquiring this ARC and for introducing me to Jen Drapp... go follow her on insta.

anyways, let's get to the book review. This story was completely in my genre, I love a good romantic fantasy and have read a ton of them... I have NEVER read one like this. punch me in the face with a plot twist in the last chapter and leave me with my mouth hanging open at the end. HOW DARE YOU, JENNIFER! I highly recommend this read so you too can be as indignant as I am that the sequel is not available yet 🤣

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Claws Beneath the Crown by Jen Drapp is a wonderful mix of a Snow White retelling and fae lore, sprinkled with a good amount of spice. The story follows Zara, a sheltered, selfish, irresponsible, and seemingly magic-less princess who is forced into an arranged marriage. We meet Prince Leer, her betrothed, whom she quickly is enamored by; and Alfrie, Leer’s friend and squire, who initially is irritated by Zara, but a reluctant friendship builds that eventually turns into forbidden feelings. After an attack by an enemy court, Alfrie is charged with teaching the princess to shift, and in true fairytale fashion the story really begins when the safety ends.

This was a really fun read. I especially loved the character dynamics and the fairy-tale tone of the prose. I really enjoyed the interweaving concepts of the classic Grimm tale, like the lacing of Zara’s corset too tight as well as fae lore, like shifting and Seelie vs Unseelie courts. The main characters were all very memorable, and I enjoyed the character development of side characters as well. There are well rounded friendships and conflicts between the characters. The writing flowed easily, and I found myself settling into the world quickly.

There were parts I struggled with. As a reader, I would have like to be trusted a tad more. I found the story to be very predictable, and not in the sense of knowing what happens in the classic tale. I found the foreshadowing was overused because it was the same throughout most scenes. It made the story seem self-aware.

Overall What Claws Beneath the Crown is a fun reimagining of a classic tale and folklore that I’d definitely recommend to fans of romantic fantasy.

Thank you to Jen Drapp and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Brenda Stokvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Jen Drapp for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
4,25 ⭐

What Claws Beneath the Crown is a dark Snow White retelling. Princess Zara likes nothing more than to neglect her duties. She is selfish and immature and she lacks the ability to shift like other Fae. Her father and stepmother arrange a marriage to Prince Leer. He immediately sweeps her of her feet and wants to take her to his Kingdom of Lanray, after threats from Unseelie Fae. Zara convinces her father she first needs some training in fighting and shifting before she goes to Lanray. Prince Leer's squire Alfrie is an expert shifter who is tasked to teach her. Soon there is more between them than hate and annoyance.
This book was very entertaining, although a bit predictable. Most of the twist and turns I saw coming. That doesn't take away from the fact I really had a great time slowly seeing my theories come to life!
Zara as our main character was very unlikeable. She is flawed, and frankly quite childish. That does leave her plenty of room to grow, so to see her evolve and connect the dots was amazing. Alfrie is definitely not wrong in his first assessment of Zara being a spoiled brat. Alfrie's history was gutwrenching and his remark about humans having poor memory (read the book to find out what this means!) nearly brought me to tears.
The relationship between Zara and Alfrie is tense at first and heartbreaking in the end. I really need the next book asap, because I want to feel hope for them!

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A spoiled princess, a Prince Charming and a rotten realm…


Zara is a spoiled nineteen-year-old princess, who still cannot shift and prefers parties over responsibility. While she rebels, her mirror-obsessed stepmother arranges her marriage to the charming Prince Leer. Beneath the polished court of Masseda, unseelie attacks and quiet betrayals hint that something is deeply wrong.

The Snow White motifs are clear but well integrated. Both main characters are young and often naive, one sheltered and impulsive, the other burdened by survivor’s guilt. There is obvious room for growth, which carried much of my interest.

Scent check. Leer is cedar and freshly fallen rain. Zara reads as citrus and lavender. Alfrie remains without a discernible scent.

The twist was not entirely surprising but handled in an engaging way, and the love triangle is resolved within this book. A solid 3.5 to 4 stars, rounding up for potential. I will pick up the sequel and hope certain endearing characters finally grow a spine.

[Marjorie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for giving me access to thisn advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

What Claws Beneath the Crown by Jen Drapp offers a darker take on a Snow White–inspired romantasy, blending familiar fairy-tale elements with shifters and a more morally complicated tone.
The story follows a sheltered, spoiled princess who begins the book lacking both direction and confidence in her own abilities, while being quite self-absorbed and inclined towards reprehensible behaviours. Her arc focuses on self-discovery—learning who she is beyond the crown and what she may be capable of when forced to stand on her own. While her growth is gradual, it forms the emotional backbone of the novel.
Romance plays a meaningful role, though it’s often tangled with manipulation and uncertainty rather than idealized affection. Mysteries surrounding legacy, power, and hidden truths drive much of the plot, giving the story a sense of tension and forward momentum. The inclusion of shifters adds an interesting layer to the world and reinforces the darker twist on the classic tale.
As the opening book in a series, What Claws Beneath the Crown focuses on setting up characters, conflicts, and themes rather than delivering full resolution. Readers who enjoy fairy-tale retellings with a slower-burn character arc, romantic tension, and shadowed motivations may find this an intriguing place to begin.

[Lizze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Jen Drapp for allowing me to review this book as an eArc!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I became very invested in the story. I like that the MCs are not what you would expect, especially the MMC. They each deal with their own problems and insecurities which make you root for them most of the time, sometimes the FMC was just frustrating but her character grows throughout the book. There is a fairytale aspect of Snow White but I didn't find it overtly noticeable throughout the novel until closer to the end of the book.


There are plot twists in this book that left me reeling (but in a good way) and not everything is as it appears. There is spice in this book but with the main MCs it is a very slow burn (it does build throughout). I am excited to see where this story will go and anxiously await book 2! I would recommend this book to those that love enemies to lovers, slow burn romantasy.

[Kelsey Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took a bit for me to get into. The beginning is pretty slow, but when the plot starts plotting? I couldn’t put it down. There’s romance, forbidden attraction 👀, spice, secrets, betrayal and some of my theories were right but 90% of the big “ah ha!” Moments, I DEFINITELY didn’t see coming! The FMC kind of drove me nuts in the first half of the book but her character development was so good. Multiple twists that I fully saw coming and some I didn’t see AT ALL. I honestly can’t wait to read the second book, because there has to be a second or I’ll riot. This book comes out February 17th and will be a favorite this year for sure!

🖤Thank you NetGalley and Jen Drapp for the opportunity to read and review this book early!🖤

[Lauren Shenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough for the author of this to send me an ARC copy and I am SO GLAD she did! It gave me allllll the feels, my emotions were like a roller coaster. I was gripped from the start, it was straight in with the story, enough world building that I could imagine it but not too much where it goes on and on and I get bored. Everytime I thought I knew where it was going I’d end up questioning myself and changing my mind. I flew through this book and HIGHLY recommend. I can’t wait to read more of Jen’s books and hopefully we get a book 2 for this because I can’t wait to see what happens next!!

Jen, if you read your reviews, you have a real talent x

[Amber Althoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only I could give this book more than 5 stars. I am a sucker for fairy tale retellings that have their own plot with just hints of the older tale woven in. Jen Drapp nailed the retelling with her own original plot in such a cohesive way. You’ve got a spoiled fae princess, an evil stepmother, a gorgeous prince who might have a dark secret, his trusted friend who has his own side story. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what book 2 brings!

[Bookaholic MK · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will be honest, there were times I enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and easy, and, more than that, I believe it will turn out to be an interesting book for the majority of fantasy readers nowadays. However, for me personally it lacked everything. The romance within the love triangle was nonexistent, no matter with whom. I felt like it was supposed to resemble Red Queen, but it simply lacked credibility. All the plot twists I found easily predictable from the first chapters. The whole dynamic was off to me. It was an easy read, but honestly not much more than that.

[Freja Holmstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Spoiler-Free ARC Review

Thank you to NetGalley and Jen Drapp for the ARC of What Claws Beneath The Crown 💛

I was immediately intrigued by this being a Fae-world fairytale retelling. The story follows Princess Zara (FMC) as she prepares for an arranged marriage to Prince Leer of another Court (MMC1). It’s told in dual POV between Zara and Alfrie (MMC2), Leer’s best friend — and yes, that dynamic is as interesting as it sounds 👀

Since this is spoiler-free, I won’t get into specifics, but the world-building is fairly gentle and never feels overwhelming. It unfolds naturally as the story progresses, which I appreciated.

I’ll be honest; the first ~5% was a bit of a struggle for me. Some of the writing felt slightly clunky and it didn’t immediately pull me in. HOWEVER. The remaining 95%?

Fully redeemed. Once Alfrie’s POV entered the chat, I was locked in. He is hands-down my favourite character so far and easily the highlight of the book for me.

There are some genuinely delightful twists and turns. While there is some obvious foreshadowing, there were still plot twists that caught me off guard (which I love). The romance is very much central to the story rather than a background subplot, and I adored several of the side characters — especially Zara’s bodyguard, Alix.

The ending absolutely sets up future books, and I will 100% be continuing this series. Despite a few moments where the sentence structure didn’t feel as smooth as it could have been, I ended up really enjoying Jen’s storytelling overall. This was a fun, romantic, twisty romantasy that definitely held my attention.

I’m very much looking forward to reading more from Jen! ✨

[Meghan Sutherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. There were several twists throughout the book that weren't completely expected some that were. Overall I feel like it's a twist on Snow White. It was a fun read.

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

​A sincere thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy (eARC) of this title. The Lit Whisperer’s analysis finds this to be a compelling and atmospheric read, earning a solid 4 stars.
​Overall, the world-building is good and the characters are well-developed, making for an immersive experience. I particularly enjoyed the tension between the main character, Zara, and her "enemy." That friction kept the pages turning! However, I did struggle with the love triangle between Zara and the two male leads; it felt a bit forced for my taste.
​⚠️ SPOILER ALERT: I found it frustrating that Leer wanted to kill Zara so abruptly ("just like that"), and I wasn't a fan of Alfrie being used as a mere pawn in the larger game.
​Despite those plot points, it remains a good story with a very strong atmosphere.
​Follow me for more reviews @TheLitWhisperer.

[Lindsay S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and absolutely loved it! Entranced from the start… I’m already anxiously awaiting book 2.

[ੈ♡‧₊˚ Thais · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and author Jen Drapp for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m so glad I got to read it. 💖

⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂

🌙 Review: What Claws Beneath the Crown by Jen Drapp
𓍊𓋼𓍊 2 ☆

🗡 Update (02/04/26)

❥๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑❥


❤ I recently finished reading What Claws Beneath the Crown by Jen Drapp, and I must confess that I’m coming away from this experience with very mixed feelings. The book sets out to be a "romantasy" with high political stakes and mystical transformations, but the execution fluctuates between moments of brilliance and passages that truly test the reader's patience.

● The Superficiality of the Protagonist

❤ I’ll start with the point that bothered me the most: the construction of our protagonist, Zara. In the synopsis, the author already warns us that she is a spoiled princess, oblivious to the real world. However, the execution of this personality trait felt heavy-handed. For much of the plot, Zara comes across as frivolous and lacking a distinctive backbone.

❤ Her emotional inconsistency is frustrating; in one chapter, she is understandably spiraling because she’s being treated as a bargaining chip in a political marriage, yet in the very next, she seems to forget her convictions simply because her suitor, Leer, is physically attractive. This lack of depth makes her growth—which should be the heart of the book—feel a bit forced rather than an organic evolution.

● Alfrie’s "Oasis"

❤ If the characters, in general, lack layers, Alfrie is the exception that proves the rule. He is, without a doubt, the highlight of the book. Through him, the author manages to inject real dramatic weight, exploring his traumas and a past that feels much more grounded than the rest of the cast. His dynamic with Zara is what kept me turning the pages, as he brings a sobriety and emotional charge that balances out the futility of the court interactions.

● The Silver Lining: Writing and Worldbuilding

❤ Despite the pacing and characterization issues, it’s not all thorns. Jen Drapp has a fluid writing style that makes for an easy read, and the concept of the "shift" (the animal transformation) is well-integrated. When the action finally kicks in and the political masks fall, the book gains an electrifying momentum.

❤ The setting of Masseda and Lanray, while it could have been more detailed, creates an interesting backdrop for the conflict between the Seelie and Unseelie courts.

● The Verdict

❤ What Claws Beneath the Crown had the potential to be a gripping read, but it ultimately gets lost in characters that feel like cutouts of well-known archetypes without the necessary depth. It’s a fun read for those looking for a light pastime in the genre, especially for the mystery surrounding Alfrie and the ending that promises a much more interesting (and less annoying) Zara in the next volume.

[Daniela Nero · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
Thank you so much to Jen Drapp for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book honestly surprised me in the best way.

What Claws Beneath the Crown is a romantic fantasy full of court intrigue, dangerous secrets, and slow-burn tension that quietly builds until you suddenly realize you’re completely hooked. The world feels rich without being overwhelming, and there’s a constant sense that something dark is lurking just beneath the surface.

Zara is not a perfect FMC, and that’s exactly why I liked her. She’s stubborn, reckless at times, and clearly struggling between who she wants to be and who she’s expected to become. Watching her grow throughout the story felt natural and earned, especially as the stakes kept rising. The dual POV really added depth and helped me understand the motivations and inner struggles of the characters instead of just watching everything unfold from the outside.

The romance is very much a slow burn, filled with tension, longing, and forbidden attraction. It simmers rather than rushes, and when moments finally land, they feel deserved. Add in shifter fae, political unrest, and subtle Snow White–inspired elements, and it all blends together in a way that feels familiar but still fresh.

I will say the beginning takes a little time to build, but once the plot really gets going, I had a hard time putting it down. The twists kept me guessing, and that ending absolutely left me wanting book two immediately.

If you love romantasy with court politics, character growth, slow-burn romance, and just enough spice without overpowering the story, this one is definitely worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5
Thank you again to Jen Drapp for trusting me with an early copy. 🖤

[The Beachy Booknook · Rating 2 out of 5]

So sorry but this did just not do it for me. I found the entire thing to be written poorly. The characters were shitty, the world-building made no sense, and the plot had giant ass holes. I just could not get into this story and was very bored. THANK YOU in advance to NetGalley for the e-Arc of this story in exchange for an honest review.

What I liked:
- Our MMC, Alfrie. Literally the only enjoyable character in the entire book (besides Alix). He was layered and grumpy and sweet.
- Fae animal shifters are kind of cool. Except the shifting isn't really explained well just that some fae can shift.
- Snow white retelling. Meh

What I didn't like:
- The FMC, Zara, is utterly intolerable. She starts the story spoiled and selfish, literally ruining everything for everyone around her and not giving a fuck. And instead of having a redemption arc and maturing, she ends the story just as insufferable.
- The world building was not fleshed out enough. Every chapter brought up new questions - about the plot, about characters, about their motivations - and nothing was ever explained. Like some fae have healing magic and some don't. That aspect was never explained just thrown away as an off-hand comment. I could follow the basic premise of the story but was ultimately mostly confused.
-Nothing happens for the first 70% of the book, then everything happens in the last 30%. Pacing was poor and left me bored for the beginning.
-Ultimately, not a lot about this story gripped me. The characters were unlikable and difficult to root for. There were few original elements in this story.

[picking_up_the_pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was good. I think as far as romantasy goes, this fit the bill. The pacing was done well, the characters were interesting and I was invested the whole way through. I had no idea what way it was going to go for the first half, I had slight suspicions on a couple things but the story is very engaging and I really did enjoy reading it.
I think my only criticism would be two things: one, I'm not sure it needed to be as long as it was. While I was very interested in the story the whole way through, there is a section in the middle where I felt it was dragging out a little. Two, character wise, I really really liked both Alfie and Leer. I liked Emlyn and Alix as well. All these characters felt like they had their own personalities and they each brought something important to the story. I hesitate just a little, with Zara. Maybe she can only go up from here as far as character development goes, but both Alfie and Leer were obsessed with her. And I have to assume it was just her looks because she didn't "bring a lot to the table" as far as strengths go. Everyone saved her a few times, but she just struck me as....vapid.....so I just think the other characters had more depth to them.
These two things are minor, minor things that I noticed. For me, it didn't take away from the story. Minor things.
Despite all this, I loved this story and if I had book two, I would definitely just jump in and continue to see what happens next.

Thank you so much to netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this book prior to its release. I humbly appreciate it.

[MidnightMargins · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going into What Claws Beneath the Crown, and the first part of the book took a little time to settle in. The story builds around court politics, an arranged marriage, and a developing love triangle, with some magical elements woven into the world.

What worked best for me were the character dynamics. The relationships between the FMC and the two MMCs felt distinct and engaging, and I appreciated that both connections had very different energy. One relationship develops quickly with a more intense, immediate pull, while the other unfolds as a slower burn over time. It made the love triangle feel more balanced and interesting, and I genuinely enjoyed both characters for most of the story.

The pacing overall kept the story moving, and once I settled into the narrative I found myself happy to simply go along for the ride.

Where I struggled a bit was with some of the world-building. The magical elements were intriguing but not always fully explained, and the history and rivalries between the courts were sometimes referenced in passing rather than fully explored. At times this left me wanting a little more clarity about the broader political background and some of the characters’ past experiences.

Overall, this landed at a solid three stars for me. I think readers who enjoy arranged marriage tropes, love triangles, and fantasy stories with lighter world-building will likely have a good time with this one. The ending also leaves plenty of room for the story to expand further in future installments.

[Jenna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
What Claws Beneath the Crown had me absolutely hooked from the start! It was A Romantic Fantasy with a little bit of everything that I needed in a book! It hs themes of Shifter fae and some elements of Snow White. I ate this book up so fast!
I could immediately understand and picture the world and the vibe from very early on in the book. I was on the end of my seat and needed to read more.
I really enjoyed most of the characters in the book And it was nice to see each of their relationships play out in the book. I really like Zaras Character and was rooting for her throughout the book.
Leer definitely had me completely fooled (IYKYK!;p ) and I didnt like Elara from the start but she definitely had her moments too.
I definitely could feel the emotions Jen wants us to feel between the characters as we read.
There is some spicy scenes as well which im definitely here for 😂😂 they didnt take away from the plot at all and added a nice touch to the book.
The story was written so well and there was lots of twist that I didnt see coming. At the end I was so shocked! But I also felt hope for Zara too.
I cannot wait for Book 2 to come out! It is going to be so so good! I cannot wait to see where this story goes.
Thank you Jen for this Masterpiece 🥰 I cannot wait to get this book on my shelves! And read book 2!

[Ivey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fairytale retelling that doesn’t just dip its toes into darkness but dives in headfirst, this book is exactly that. It takes the familiar bones of Snow White and reshapes them into something moodier, sharper, and far more deliciously twisted than I expected.
The world‑building is lush and eerie, painting a kingdom where beauty is weaponized and magic feels both alluring and dangerous. The dark romantic tension is the real highlight—slow-burning, forbidden, and threaded with emotional complexity. One of the MMC (Alfrie) is frustratingly passive at times—a total pushover (this is the only reason for the 4 stars; I wanted him stronger). It did add a layer of realism to their trauma and backstory, even when I wanted to shake them. The dynamic between the two MMCs is messy, intense, and impossible to look away from. But that ending? I still don’t know if I’m impressed, horrified, or just emotionally damaged in the best way. The cliffhanger doesn’t simply set up the next book—it explodes everything you thought you understood. The final reveal had me staring at the page thinking, “What did I just read?!” If you love dark romantic fantasy, morally gray characters, and retellings that refuse to be predictable, this one is absolutely worth the read. Just be prepared: the cliffhanger is brutal, and you will need the sequel immediately.

[Nikkireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This year has been off to such a strong start, and I’ve been lucky enough to read some truly great ARCs What Claws Beneath the Crown is definitely one of them.

Set in a fae realm still recovering from the Great War, this story follows Princess Zara of Masseda, who wants nothing to do with the crown or the arranged marriage tying her to Prince Leer of Lanray. Considered weak because she can’t shift like other fae, Zara is forced into training after a brutal attack and into close proximity with Alfie, the prince’s brooding squire.

I really enjoyed Zara as a main character. She doesn’t fit the mold of a typical princess, and that made her easy to root for. The dynamic between Zara, her betrothed, and his squire added great tension to the story especially with not one but two MMCs in play. As a Disney girly, I also loved the subtle Snow White inspired elements woven into the narrative.

The court intrigue, forbidden attraction, and looming threat of war kept me engaged throughout. While I did wish Zara had a bit more character growth by the end, this was still a solid and enjoyable read that I’m glad to have started my year with.

A fun romantasy with fae politics, tension, and just enough darkness to keep things interesting.

Thank you Jennifer Drapp and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Hey_She _Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early on, once the FMC explained described who the “villains” were, I found myself quickly guessing who the true antagonists might be.
This book ended up being a bit of a mixed experience for me. The plot itself was engaging, and this Snow White retelling offers twists and turns that genuinely caught me off guard. The story moves in unexpected directions, and the ending especially is a major shock.
However, I struggled with many of the characters. The bodyguard’s role felt underdeveloped at times, and I found myself questioning the dynamics between him and the FMC. Alfie was difficult for me to connect with, and the princess often came across as overly helpless, which made it harder to stay invested emotionally. Zara’s portrayal also wasn’t my personal favorite, as she sometimes felt vapid, but I can see how that characterization ties into her position and the angst it creates within the plot. The romantic push and pull between the FMC and MMC sometimes leaned more youthful than I expected, though it may appeal to readers who enjoy that style of tension. Overall, while I didn’t connect strongly with the cast, the storyline and surprising conclusion made this an interesting and memorable retelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jen Drapp for allowing me to review this ARC!

[Caley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC opportunity!

⭐️⭐️.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️ /5 🌶️

I ended up giving What Claws Beneath the Crown a 2.5/5. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll continue with this series. Zara, the FMC, came across as immature and often frustrating. Her constant indecision and repetitive actions made it hard to stay engaged, and at times I found myself rolling my eyes rather than connecting with her character.

The supporting cast was fine, some had interesting potential, but none of them were strong enough to carry the story forward or make it stand out. The plot itself felt fairly predictable, and I often found I could guess what would happen before it did. While the world-building had potential, it wasn’t explored deeply enough to make the setting feel vivid or compelling.

As for the romance and spice, it was very tame, probably a 1.5/5 for me. There wasn’t enough tension or chemistry to really make the romance feel exciting, and it felt more like an afterthought than a driving part of the story.

Overall, this book just didn’t capture my interest. While it might appeal to readers looking for a light, easy read with minimal heat, it didn’t leave a lasting impression for me.

[E H · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Arc Review*

Jen Drapp, you QUEEN!

The ending of this book rivaled the ending of Shield of Sparrows. I'll say that again. The end of this book RIVALED the ending of Shield of Sparrows. The major difference between What Claws Beneath the Crown and Shield of Sparrows is that this book is a retelling.

First and foremost, this is a Snow White retelling, so if you're questioning the plot or the mechanics of this book, you're just not paying attention. This book is a slow burn for the MCs, but a bit spicy for the couple we're pretty sure we're not supposed to be rooting for. Jen did a WONDERFUL job teasing us for a full freaking 44%. It wasn't until 66-70% that ISH HIT THE FREAKING FAN. Pacing would have been the only reason I gave this book four stars, but I couldn't even convince myself to take anything away. Even with a lot being packed in to the last 20%, I still put this book down PUMPED to read it's sequel. It's not often that I don't see a twist coming, but there's a big ol' twist in there that I didn't see coming. A clever queen, Jen Drapp is. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style & cannot wait to die into the next installment.

Read ya trigger warnings, homies. This is a dark story