King of Beasts

Twin Crowns #5

by Catherine Doyle

King Alarik Felsing.

A lone wolf.

A frozen heart …

Deep in the mountains of a snow-swept kingdom, an ancient beast is stirring. When a beautiful young wrangler arrives to try and tame it, she is not expecting to tame the beast that lives inside the king too. But sometimes, all it takes is an unexpected spark to melt even the iciest of hearts …

A stunning new romantasy novel filled with magic, tantalizing romance and thrilling action.

498 characters ( 2000)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult, Fantasy Romance, Young Adult Fantasy, Magic

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2026

About the author

Catherine Doyle grew up in the West of Ireland. She holds a first-class BA in Psychology and a first-class MA in Publishing. She is the author of the Young Adult Blood for Blood trilogy (Vendetta, Inferno and Mafiosa), which is often described as Romeo and Juliet meets the Godfather. It was inspired by her love of modern cinema. Her debut Middle Grade novel, The Storm Keeper's Island (Bloomsbury, 2018), is an adventure story about family, bravery and self-discovery. It is set on the magical island of Arranmore, where her grandparents grew up, and is inspired by her ancestors' real life daring sea rescues.

​Aside from more conventional interests in movies, running and travelling, Catherine also enjoys writing about herself in the third-person.

Reviews

[sarah ༊*·˚]

how can i wait for 2026?? JUSTICE FOR ALARIK 😭

[Claire ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing conclusion to the series and a great goodbye to the king of my heart Alarik Felsing.

This was SOOOO good. Romantic, adventurous, and so funny I genuinely cracked up a few times, KING OF BEASTS is a wonderful sendoff to the TWIN CROWNS series. People disappointed with the resolution to the love triangle in the trilogy, like I was, will definitely feel more satisfied here: Greta is a spunky, fun heroine and matched Alarik's energy very well.

This book is also sooooo much better than CAPTAIN OF FATES: better written, better plotted, and with better-developed characters, so if you were unsure whether to finish the series based on the fourth book, definitely give this one a go. I think Doyle had more time to perfect this one and it shows.

WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR? Yes! And I certainly wouldn't mind reading more in this universe as well, but this was a great send-off.

ARC received from Electric Monkey in exchange for an honest review. This title released on the 29th January 2026.

1. TWIN CROWNS ★★★☆☆
2. CURSED CROWNS ★★★☆☆
3. BURNING CROWNS ★★★★★
4. CAPTAIN OF FATES ★★☆☆☆

THE STORM KEEPER'S ISLAND ★★★★☆
THE DAGGER AND THE FLAME ★★☆☆☆

—

finally my king gets the recognition he deserves 😩👌

[tappkalina]

I haven't even read book 3 yet, so I guess I just spoiled the love triangle endgame for myself, but who cares, because this was the very few instances where I loved both of them equally.

[_booktique2_ D Amora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I just finished my pookie ALARIKS book. Like it’s over? That’s IT? Me need more😭😭😭

[Emelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Frostbitten, Fierce, and Perfect Goodbye – Infinity of Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

An emotional, unforgettable and perfect conclusion to the series that owns my whole heart. King of Beasts is everything I hoped for and then it melted me with more.

With a looming war and an arranged marriage meant to protect his kingdom, King Alarik Felsing is a man burdened by duty, closed off to the idea of love—if his frozen heart can even want.
Struggling to tame the beasts around him, he calls upon a skilled wrangler, one who meets him with fierce calm, steady hands, and a soul wild enough to match his own: Greta Iversen.

Her fierceness lies in her gentleness, her wildness, her quiet strength. Greta doesn’t just wrangle the kingdom’s wildest beasts—she meets Alarik head-on, sees through him, and opens his eyes to a world beyond war.
Together, they are everything.

They are my favorite couple in the entire Twin Crowns world.
Greta didn’t just win Alarik’s heart, she won mine too.
She’s easily become my favorite book character of all time. Kind, steady, beautifully strong in both mind and soul—just as Alarik sees her. They are absolutely perfect for each other.

I couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful, soul-deep love story to bring this series to a close.
It made me feel the very same way Twin Crowns did when it first swept me away and reminded me why I fell in love with this world in the first place.

Alarik and Greta’s story is my favorite of all, and King of Beasts fits them—and this world—so perfectly.
Even as it concludes and closes the door of the Twin Crowns series, it doesn’t feel like a goodbye. It feels like a full-circle, heart-swelling ending that warmed me through and through. It left a key tucked in my heart and an echo of a beast’s roar that will live in my chest forever.

[Tuktuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait! I will storm into the bookstore on the release date and get Alarik asap 🥷. He deserves the best and I am sooo happy that his story continues 🥹🌬️💕.

[Emelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Frostbitten, Fierce, and Perfect Goodbye – Infinity of Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

An emotional, unforgettable and perfect conclusion to the series that owns my whole heart. King of Beasts is everything I hoped for—and then it melted me with more.

With a looming war and an arranged marriage meant to protect his kingdom, King Alarik Felsing is a man burdened by duty, closed off to the idea of love—if his frozen heart can even want.
Struggling to tame the beasts around him, he calls upon a skilled wrangler—one who meets him with fierce calm, steady hands, and a soul wild enough to match his own: Greta Iversen.

Her fierceness lies in her gentleness, her wildness, her quiet strength. Greta doesn’t just wrangle the kingdom’s wildest beasts—she meets Alarik head-on, sees through him, and opens his eyes to a world beyond war.
Together, they are everything.

They are my favorite couple in the entire Twin Crowns world.
Greta didn’t just win Alarik’s heart—she won mine too.
She’s easily become my favorite book character of all time. Kind, steady, beautifully strong in both mind and soul—just as Alarik sees her. They are absolutely perfect for each other.

I couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful, soul-deep love story to bring this series to a close.
It made me feel the very same way Twin Crowns did when it first swept me away—and reminded me why I fell in love with this world in the first place.

Alarik and Greta’s story is my favorite of all, and King of Beasts fits them—and this world—so perfectly.
Even as it concludes and closes the door of the Twin Crowns series, it doesn’t feel like a goodbye. It feels like a full-circle, heart-swelling ending that warmed me through and through— it left a key tucked in my heart and the memory of every wild heartbeat behind it.

It’s not a goodbye, but a full-circle, heart-swelling finale—an echo of a beast’s roar that will live in my chest forever.

[Amy Kirton]

As much as I love the idea of this - Justice for Alarik ✊- I just can’t seem to grasp the idea of him with someone that isn’t Wren. They should’ve been endgame.
How am I meant to wait this long for it to come out 😭
I’m really exited about this book but it still makes me sad as I think about what could have been with Wren and Alarik.
But I’m sure it’ll still be good 😊

[Iris]

My song:
I want it
I want it
I want it I want it I want it
Hey! 💃
And repeat

[Trish]

Finally justice for Alarik!! 😭😭

[Farah ♡]

alaric my man.... only youll have me reading this...

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

(Kinda spoilers)
Loved that he finally got someone. I still kinda wish for him to be with Wren. FMC with animal powers, but not a Soldier. Great FMC. Cute love story, but i wish that they explained the war more because it felt like War just to have something else then MMC and FMC be plus Princess Elve felt random. But still loved the character.

[˗ˏˋ★ ʟᴜᴀ ★ˎˊ˗ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was very much needed and, i'm happy to say, it very much delivered.

Alarik is one of the most beloved and interesting character in Twin Crowns. thankfully, our new heroine, Greta, rises to the occasion and is equally compelling on her own. she's able to match Alarik's energy out of sheer stubbornness and, at the same time, tear down his icy walls with her kindness.

but the romance isn't the only thing that this book has to offer. we also have ancient secrets buried in the mountains, majestic warrior beasts and some political intrigue; along with very lovable secondary characters (old and new). overall, a very worthy continuation and finale for the Twin Crowns universe.

NOTE: i skipped Captain of Fates because i simply wasn't interested and haven't heard great things about it. can confirm they're completely separate standalones and there's only a small mention of it in this book.

[Jonas Backer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!

[ThianeJansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

King of Beasts was a really enjoyable return to the Twin Crowns world for me!

I was especially excited for Alarik’s story, and that was easily my favourite part of this book. Getting more time in Gevra was so fun, and I loved exploring that side of the world in more detail. The setting felt vivid, atmospheric and made me remember why I enjoyed this world so much to begin with.

Greta and Alarik had a really lovely dynamic. I liked the tension between them but also how naturally their relationship developed over the course of the story. It never felt rushed and I found myself really rooting for them by the end.

This one didn’t hit quite as hard for me emotionally as the main trilogy and the pacing felt a little uneven in parts, but overall I had a genuinely good time with it. It felt like a really nice revisit to this world and a satisfying story for Alarik.

If you already love the Twin Crowns universe, especially if Alarik has always been one of your favourites (I know he is) , I definitely think this one is worth picking up.

Reading order for the Twin Crowns world:

1. Twin Crowns
2. Cursed Crowns
3. Burning Crowns
4. Captain of Fates (optional)
5. King of Beasts

If you’re mainly reading for Alarik, you can absolutely do:

Twin Crowns
Cursed Crowns
Burning Crowns
King of Beasts

and skip Captain of Fates.

I skipped Captain of Fates and had no trouble following King of Beasts. There are a few references, but it reads perfectly fine without it.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

KING OF BEASTS is an epic send off for this world.

Gevra is the second most important country in the main trilogy, but the land and its people have always been seen through outsiders' eyes (mostly Wren's). I was so excited for this book to show us Gevra through its people's perspective. This is the book that shows readers why an icy land could be beautiful and be home to its inhabitants, not merely a dangerous, cold place.

I was also very excited to get inside Alarik's head. He was my favourite major (non-POV) character from the main trilogy. I appreciated that the book didn't go down the "he might be brutal but he secretly hates it" route. Of course, he is humanised (more so than in CURSED CROWNS and BURNING CROWNS) with more depth given to his reasons, but I'm very glad the cliché method for having brutal characters be love interests was avoided.

The book revolves around a dispute with Gevra's neighbour, Vask. I really liked that the plot evolved from the consequences of BURNING CROWNS. Gevra has been massively damaged by the events of that book and so the ambitious neighbour is taking advantage. So often books gloss over the consequences of the final battle (largely because they're ending there and want happy epilogues!) and I loved that this book interrogated that. This set up allows for plenty of action, including one major battle (that doesn't form the ending, to further kick the trend!)

The romance is as swoony as you'd hope from this world. It's not quite enemies-to-lovers but there's a certain antagonism between them (partly because Alarik keeps everyone at bay and partly because Greta dislikes what's happened to the kingdom under his rule). Once they find their common ground, their fledgling feelings then take on a forbidden aspect as he's engaged to someone else.

Like with CAPTAIN OF FATES, several characters from the main trilogy also get cameos - Anika, Tor, and Wren. It was lovely to see glimpses of them, particularly as they are the three with relationships to Alarik. Tor and Alarik's interaction was my favourite. Their relationship was an undercurrent of tension in the main trilogy and I really liked seeing it explicitly addressed.

I am so sad to see this series end, but we could not have said goodbye in a better way.

[Emily G · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 big fat stars for Beast Daddy Alarik Felsing

A bittersweet goodbye to the Twin Crowns series.

Alarik’s story was everything I’d hoped for and his connection with Greta was beautiful and honest. Seeing these two open up to each other was so heartwarming and it had all of my favourite tropes.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly magnificent, my favourite of hers so far. This book reminded me that I’m not growing out of YA when masterpieces like this exist.

Read it for the beasts (both animals and man), read it for a new fmc to love, read it if you’ve read and loved Twin Crowns, read it if you haven’t. Just devour it and thank me later.

This book is full of pining and magic, full of life and well loved characters. I truly loved every single page and I don’t know what to do with myself now!

Read if you love:
🐺 Wild Beasts
❄️ Frozen Kingdoms
🌲 Pining, Longing and Slow Burn Yearning
✨ Royals and Magic
👑 Cameos from your fave Twin Crowns Characters

I also finally forgive Cat for the end of the Twin Crowns love triangle ❤️

[Nija (love triangle apologist)]

I'm not gonna read this after the mess that was Burning Crowns (I do not trust these writers with my fav), I'm just here to say what kind of wasted opportunity is it to have a Marino AND an Alarik sequel and NOT have them get together?? think about it. it would have worked so well. the closed-off ice king and the whimsical swashbuckling captain. going on a journey together and falling in love against all odds. they'd annoy each other so much. Celeste & Anika being matchmakers. we could have had it all

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Electric Monkey for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my review. All opinions are my own.

As a MASSIVE fan of Twin Crowns and its universe I was buzzing to be approved for this ARC, and it did not disappoint!

King of Beasts follows Greta Iversen (Tor’s younger sister) who is summoned to be the wrangler of King Alarik Felsing’s beasts, in preparation for an upcoming war. With the war looming, Alarik is set up for an arranged marriage in hopes to protect the kingdom.

Alarik is burdened by duty and he is closed off to the idea of love, his heart is made of ice and thankfully Greta melts it!

Behind Rose and Shen, these are my next favourite couple of the series. The slow burn was beautiful and was at the right pace, I really loved the relationship that they built and how they weren’t afraid to shout at one another. Some of their moments were really funny. It was lovely to see Greta come out of her shell and I felt like they both complimented each other well.

(Funny moments: every time Lief was there. He was hilarious and Alarik hated him so much! And also when Tor made his appearance!! I was literally kicking my feet!)

I thought this story was perfect to close the series. I am sad that the Twin Crowns series is over, I am hoping in the future that the authors will revisit! My first 5 star read of the year!

Also worth mentioning, a true YA novel, with no spice meaning it can sit in my school library.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Electric Monkey for allowing me to read this ARC!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley*
I'm so sad that this is over! But what a fantastic end to this series. Alarik is my favourite character, so this is the book I was most excited for and it did not disappoint.
With Alarik's Kingdom on the brink of war, he needs a new wrangler. Greta was not only perfect for the job, but a perfect addition to this series. I truly enjoyed her character and her story.
I loved the plot for this book. The world building has been fantastic throughout the series, and I loved the imagery and descriptions.
This was an incredibly satisfying ending to the series. But I am truly sad that it is over. Once again, Doyle's writing did not disappoint!

[vicysbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

For det første, denne skulle hatt Wren i seg 😤 iykyk. Hadde gledet meg så mye til denne, men kjedet meg skikkelig første halvdel av boka 😭 Siste halvdel var heldigvis litt bedre, for det hadde gjort vondt å gi denne 2 ⭐️🥲 Favoritten er fortsatt bok 2 🫶🏻

[Mauireadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The ending Alarik deserves!! I had such high hopes for book and Catherine delivered, big time. This book was everything it needed to be. Was everything super obvious? Yes. And still it's a 4.5 for me because the execution and writing was so amazing. Also, I love all the beasts sm 😭

I will miss the Twin Crowns world but I'm glad we had a trilogy and two spin offs in this wonderful world!

[booktokandchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alarik is a babe

[Ulrikke · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Salima || salimateez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably more like 3.75⭐️ bc there were some real corny bits wdym “what does the beast inside you crave’ girl heLP 😭 but otherwise,, this was so so fun I loved the characters & their dynamic 🥹🥹

[Yalenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your soul sings to mine, wildling. I want to listen to its song every day of my life." 🥰

[Zoë Vermote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suuuuper leuk!! YA romantasy at its best. Het einde voelde een beetje rushed aan daarom 4 sterren maar das het enige

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliantly written story in the Twin Crowns series, focusing on the stone-cold King Alaric and the sympathetic, brave Greta Iverson.

The strength lies in its characters, both main and side characters. They are layered, written in-depth, and with emotion, making their chemistry easily feel real. Underneath Alaric's icy exterior, there is humor and love. Love for his family and for his country. He is a true king who cares for his people, albeit with a preference to protect them by means of war and violence. So when he hires his former wrangler's sister, he rediscovers this love and explores a new kind.
Greta, the youngest Iverson, proves that you can be emotional and brave, humble and wild. She is skilled with the beasts and eventually earns the respect of fellow soldiers (mostly) on her own. It is hard not to like her.

Their chemistry was sweet and pulled at my heart. How can't I be moved when a meant-to-be couple is faced with wars, conflict, and an arranged marriage? I also love how Princess Elva, the King's betrothed, has her own fierce spirit. I am very intrigued by her story! Of course, there are some recurring characters, such as Celeste, Tor, and Wren. It's always welcoming to have familiar faces around. We get to see Tor as an overprotective brother, and Wren's humoursly regality.

Besides the characters, the plot and pace were just perfect and interesting. I prefer fantasy books with some politics, as it inherently adds tension. I do want to add that the antagonist (Queen, what's her name) was far less detailed and a bit shallow. While she fulfilled her role and the enemy perfectly, there wasn't much story behind her. However, it didn't bother me anyway since she was evil anyway.

Final rating: 4.8🌟

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3.5⭐️

I still believe Alarik and Wren had way too much chemistry between them for that to go to waste, but I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Fun characters and an engaging story, with enough to keep it fresh despite being the fifth entry into the series.