Her blood carries ancient power. The world demands a price.
Eris Dragov, daughter of a vampire king, hears voices no one else can. Her trances are not madness. They are prophecy, and they could decide whether the world is saved or burned to ash.
Empires are ready to fall. Vampires and werewolf shifters alike. Peace is a lie. Only blood will decide what survives.
Torn between two sworn enemies, a devoted vampire heir and a rebel Lycan Alpha, Eris is trapped in a forbidden love that threatens to tear the world apart. Every choice costs blood. Every desire risks war.
Haunted Crowns is a dark fantasy romance packed with fierce magic, dangerous love, impossible choices, and scorching, poetic prose for readers who crave power, passion, and rebellion.
If you enjoyed Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses and Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night, you'll love Haunted Crowns.
ARC Review - Dark Gothic Romantasy - I devoured this book in 2 days. The poetic prose was so beautiful. The dialogue was perfection. The slow burn and the banter were great. These characters had such strong chemistry. This story had me in a chokehold!
In a kingdom where unity is a façade and power is divided by bloodline, Haunted Crowns delivers a layered fantasy romance driven as much by political tension as by matters of the heart.
What truly pulled me in was the emotional complexity of the love triangle between Eris, Stephan, and Kareon. The tension didn’t feel manufactured — it felt inevitable. I found myself genuinely torn, understanding and connecting with both men in different ways.
Eris stood out to me as a heroine shaped by isolation and expectation. As a Firstblood vampire princess, she has grown up confined within a system that prizes purity and control, her trances viewed as instability rather than strength. Watching her navigate a world that sees her as both symbol and liability added a quiet ache to her journey. Her resilience felt earned, and I appreciated that her strength wasn’t loud — it was steady and intentional.
Stephan surprised me with the depth of his devotion. As General and future king, he embodies order and legacy, carrying the weight of responsibility within a fractured political hierarchy. Beneath that discipline lies fierce protectiveness. The moments where he stands unwavering in his support of Eris carried real emotional weight for me. His struggle between duty and personal loyalty made him more than just the “royal choice” — it made him deeply layered and emotionally compelling.
Kareon, Alpha of the Lycans, brings a raw intensity that shifts the energy of every scene he enters. His authority feels forged through struggle rather than inheritance, and that instinct-driven strength contrasts powerfully with royal composure. His soul-bond with Eris adds emotional gravity to their connection, making it feel instinctual and undeniable while deepening the stakes of the triangle.
What worked especially well for me was how the political tension amplified the romance rather than overshadowed it. The divided hierarchy and fragile balance of power made every emotional decision feel consequential.
A richly layered romantasy where power is inherited, seized, and fiercely defended — and love complicates everything.
- I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
First, I want to thank the author/publisher and BookSirens for this free ARC and especially for letting me critique your art. I know it is your love child.
I LOVED this book. The author’s note stated that the author was unable to pick a favorite of the main characters. I feel the same. They were complicated and raw and you love all 3 in different ways. The book engages you quickly and there are so many different twists and turns that you are wondering what will happen next. When you think you know what’s going to happen and how it will finish, it completely surprises you. Every. Time. Yes, I had tears, but no spoilers.
If I could say anything that could be critical, it would be the use of the number of similes and metaphors. That is not something I would normally notice and I did notice that it felt like a high number. But, that is completely subjective, and I’m sure some would disagree, because, overall, they built the depth of the characters. It didn’t take away from the story at all.
One final comment. I thought the author’s use of spice was tasteful. In my opinion, I would put it at the lower end of the scale. I don’t mind spice as long as it isn’t the whole plot. That being said, I don’t need 10 pages with lots of detail. No judgments if you like ‘the more spice the better’. I’m rather new to fantasy/romantasy and have read books I loved that had a high level of spice, so I’m letting you know where I feel it is at on the spectrum.
Now, I will be looking forward to the second book. I know this is a debut, so I really hope the author has the next one 3/4 finished so I don’t have to wait a long time.
I received an ARC of Haunted Crowns in exchange for an honest review. This is my first ARC review, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
Haunted Crowns is a dark romance fantasy featuring vampires, lycans, political intrigue, and an intense love triangle. The story follows a vampire heroine who can sense the emotions of others and receive premonitions. As the daughter of one of the Twin Kings, she is caught between duty, danger, and forbidden desire.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its emotional depth. The heroine’s abilities feel both like a gift and a curse, and I loved seeing how they influence her relationships and choices. The atmosphere is dark, heavy, and immersive from the very first pages.
The love triangle is a major highlight. Both love interests are distinct, compelling, and deeply devoted, which makes the emotional tension feel real and painful in the best way. While I have a soft spot for Kareon, my favorite character ended up being Stephan because of his presence and emotional impact.
I would have loved a bit more detailed descriptions of both the characters and the world. A deeper level of detail could have made the setting feel even more vivid and immersive.
Overall, Haunted Crowns is a gripping dark romance fantasy filled with passion, danger, and heartbreak. Perfect for readers who enjoy morally gray characters, supernatural politics, and intense romantic tension.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a page turner and a finished it very quickly. I liked there was political intrigue between 3 main parties and how the dynamics flowed and changed between these groups as the plot developed. The FMC has some chosen one vibes, and I like how this related to a wider history in the world. The romance arch ia great and I like how it merged different tropes. The author has a fantastic writing style. The imagery, personification etc was really captivating and the use of different sentence types gave it good pace. She's very talented. If you're a romantcy fan who loves vampires, lycans, war, emerging evil and high stakes, this book is for you.
Wow. Where to start. At first I didn't think this book was for me. But I kept reading and man oh man is it for me ! I got sucked into this book. I am keeping my review plain without spoilers. I hope there's a second and hopefully a 3. The story was absolutely captivating. At one point it nearly brought me to tears. What a wonderful book. The characters are so unique and the story , just when you think you know what's going to happen; nope you don't. This is a definite must read! I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I devoured this story. It had everything, Wars, family curses, kingdoms, a love triangle, The lot.
The plot was really good, i did find it a bit slow paced to begin with, but when the action started i was instantly gripped and could not read it quick enough.
The was perfect as well with the three off them bound together no matter what, through blood and divinity
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book and these characters. It was different from what I thought it would be like. It's not your typical vampire/lycan book, it had a different spin that I enjoyed. The book was very fast moving and kept me guessing. There weren't boring moments. The ending wasn't how I thought the love triangle would go… Unlike the author, I definitely had a favorite character!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Amazing read it in 2 days, I couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next one.Great book, thank you for allowing me to read it. Just a note I'd change the font on the cover if you don't stare at it it appears to say hunted crows. But otherwise perfection, I could not put it down, wish I had a hardcopy to read at anytime.
Vampires, werewolves, magic, a long term war, a kingdom at stake, two love interests and one woman at the center of it all. This was an action packed read that I didn't want to put down. Thank you E.S. Kaeryel for my arc.
forbidden bonds, supernatural tensions and destiny driven twists this book had me hooked. I couldn't put this one down! this one is definitely worth reading!
There are some books that feel as though they were written in candlelight shadow (this book has me feeling a little dramatic, can you tell?), and Haunted Crowns carries that atmosphere from the very beginning. If you loved Underworld especially the first two films, that dark, gothic undercurrent where danger hums quietly beneath every exchange, then you will recognise the mood almost immediately. There is a heaviness to this world, an unspoken sense that something ancient and unsettling is moving beneath the surface, and that the heroine herself is far more entangled in it than she initially understands.
What I appreciated most is that her strength does not come from training or from stepping neatly into a role she was prepared for. Instead, it grows out of fear and discomfort. She is scared, she knows the risks, she hesitates, and yet she still chooses to move forward because she believes it is the right thing to do. That kind of courage, the kind that exists alongside doubt rather than in the absence of it, feels deeply human. As the revelations unfold and we begin to understand the danger surrounding her, the stakes sharpen in a way that feels more purposeful rather than dramatic just for the sake of it.
The pacing is quick, and for the most part I enjoyed that sense of momentum. The story rarely lingers, and there is an urgency that keeps you turning the pages. The romantic tension especially benefits from this. The love triangle element is handled in a way that keeps you genuinely uncertain, because the chemistry feels present on both sides. You are not nudged too obviously toward one outcome, and that balance makes the emotional stakes far more engaging than if one option had felt clearly inferior from the start.
At the same time, the speed occasionally comes at the expense of texture. We move from place to place without always knowing how much time has passed or what the journey between those spaces felt like. I found myself wishing for small grounding details, perhaps a pause at an inn, a night spent travelling, a quiet moment that allows the characters to process what has just happened. Not because the story needs to slow down dramatically, but because those quieter beats would give the world a little more weight and realism.
I also struggled somewhat with the point of view shifts. Perspectives move rapidly, sometimes even within the same paragraph during dialogue, and while it is interesting to have access to multiple interior worlds at once, it can feel slightly disorienting. Instead of deepening the tension, it occasionally pulls you out of the moment as you adjust to whose thoughts you are inhabiting. A clearer separation might have allowed certain emotional exchanges to land more fully.
Even with those structural frustrations, the foundation of this story is strong. The premise is compelling, the emotional core feels sound and the prose itself is beautiful. The writing is poetic and confident without becoming indulgent, and even in moments where I wished for more breathing room, the language continued to carry me forward. There are good bones here, and a sense that this author is building toward something even bigger.
Haunted Crowns leaves you with that lingering, slightly haunted feeling, as though you have stepped into a world still humming with unresolved tension, and that, more than anything, is what makes it memorable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A romantasy that is richly written, focused on devotion instead of lust, AND a standalone? Yes, please! And it wasn't even my cup of tea because I don't normally read vampire/werewolves books. Well done!
Minus, neutral and plus points, as usual:
☔ the world building was too thin for my liking, I couldn't understand what time we were in. They had devices, yet fought with swords and travelled with horses. The magic was also very loosely described. I didn't understand what Eris' spirits were, and why they were such a big deal. ☔ The plot felt a bit uneven. ☔ Perhaps it was a formatting error, but... Some chapters started with location + time of the day, some didn't. Some had it halfway the chapter. There was one chapter in the past, and it took me forever to figure out we'd returned to the present. ☔ This is more personal, but... I normally don't read
Neutral points: ☁️ The narrator is omniscient/head-hoppy, and it took me time to get accustomed to it. It put distance between me and the characters, but it made the story feel like a myth, which works well with its style and plot.
Plus points: ☀️ THE. WRITING. As soon as I read the sample, I knew this book would be for me, poetic and with beautiful imagery. It's not an easy feat to pull off, and though it did get a little repetitive at times, the author made it. A talent like this can only grow! ☀️ Love as devotion. I find it more and more rare in books these days, and it was beautifully depicted. ☀️ Can we talk about the fact that I don't have to read 5 other books for their HEA? It's not easy to wrap everything up in one book. Great job with that!
This dark romantasy shattered my soul in the best way possible. The kind of book that has you screaming “NO” at least once (or ten times).
From the very first chapter, you’re thrown into a fragile world teetering on the brink of war. The political tension is razor-sharp, the factions crackling with barely restrained violence. It feels like a place where war it’s the only language anyone has ever spoken.
Eris is absolutely compelling. She begins in survival mode, shaped by conflict, but watching her tap into her power and grow into it? Addictive. She’s the kind of woman who follows her heart instead of the path laid out for her—and that choice changes everything.
As the story unfolds, prophecies, ancient magic, and layers of buried injustice begin to surface, forcing you to question everything you thought you understood. Every revelation reframes the past. Nothing is simple. No one is entirely safe.
And then… the romance. A mate bond that feels effortless in its inevitability—yet catastrophic in its consequences. The yearning is devastating: “I keep dreaming you’ll vanish if I touch you.” “It’s you, Eris. The one I will ever belong to.” “You are the only freedom I’ve ever known.” “You think I could live in a world without you? You think I would not burn this world to the ground if it meant keeping you here?” Stefan delivers obsession wrapped in devotion.
But Kareon… “You are something I can’t afford to lose.” “You can fight all you want, but it won’t change what we are.” He gripped my heart and never let go.
The emotional tension, the impossible choices, the looming disaster hanging over love like a blade…AMAZING. This is a story about power, fate, war, and the terrifying vulnerability of loving someone in a world designed to break you.
E.S. Kaeryel's words are like fire on the page - fierce, intense, all-consuming. I wish I could permanently scorch them into my brain where I might easily recall the poetic beauty of each line as needed. If this is a debut novel, I'm speechless.
In the Haunted Crowns, amidst a setting rife with conflict between various factions of vampires and lycan (werewolf) rebels, we have Eris, a strong-willed princess shunned by society for her odd magic, who loves fiercely and dreams of peace. She's the catalyst for a war over the crown, caught between the love of two sworn enemies, and restless ancient spirits with unfinished business. Eris takes us on a journey that leads to self-discovery, betrayal, hidden family secrets, paranormal encounters, and romance that burns.
If you encounter an MMC who does dark and brooding, burn-the world-for-her devotion and tantalizing yearning better than the ruthless, controlled vampire prince Stephen Dragov, I'll be surprised. Likewise, his counterpart is fierce, alluring, dangerous and feral in ways that only an Alpha wolf can be.
This story kept me enthralled and turning pages late into the night for both it's beautiful language and twisty, unpredictable plot that gave me vibes of the movie Underworld for it's warring vampire factions and forbidden love tragedy between rival species.
This was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me, which could have been improved if one of the storylines felt less like insta-love. All in all, a deeply emotional, different and entertaining read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for providing me with a free ARC of this lovely book.
I went into this book feeling a little unsure about where the story was headed. The opening chapters felt slow at times and occasionally confusing, which made it difficult initially to fully grasp the direction and themes the author was building toward. However, around the midpoint, the narrative finds its footing and the central plot becomes much clearer, delivering a surprising shift that recontextualizes earlier events in an intriguing way. The story introduces multiple factions, adding depth and complexity to the worldbuilding. While this expanded scope was interesting, I found myself wishing for a bit more background and clarity on how everything connected within the larger narrative. The love triangle added emotional tension and intrigue, though it occasionally felt disorienting, as Eris seemed to present different facets of herself depending on which male lead she was interacting with. One of the strongest elements for me was the dynamic between Stephan and Kareon. Despite their personal conflicts and emotional rivalry, their willingness to set aside differences and work together in support of Eris’s mission added meaningful character development and emotional depth. Overall, this is an ambitious, character-driven story with layered relationships and evolving stakes. Readers who enjoy complex interpersonal dynamics, slow-burn plot development, and intricate worldbuilding will likely find a lot to appreciate here.
I reviewed this book through Book Sirens and I am giving this review freely.
From the very first chapter of Haunted Crowns, S. Kaeryel proves an extraordinary ability to craft characters that feel hauntingly real and impossible to forget. Chapter one doesn’t simply introduce the cast it immerses you in their fears, ambitions, and hidden wounds with such depth that you feel immediately tethered to their journeys. The emotional undercurrents are palpable, and the tension is expertly woven, pulling you forward from the very first page.
What makes this novel especially captivating is how those initial impressions only grow stronger. The characters evolve in ways that feel authentic and earned, their relationships layered with complexity and quiet intensity. Kaeryel’s writing allows you to see not just what they do, but why they do it and that intimacy makes every choice, betrayal, and triumph resonate deeply.
The prose itself is beautifully constructed lyrical without being overwhelming, sharp without losing its emotional weight. Each chapter ends with just enough revelation or suspense to make it nearly impossible to put the book down. There’s a steady, deliberate pacing that builds intrigue while rewarding the reader with meaningful development and richly drawn scenes.
Haunted Crowns is more than just a compelling story it’s an experience that lingers. From the captivating opening chapter to the final page, S. Kaeryel keeps you fully invested, always wanting more. It’s a masterfully written novel that reminds you why immersive storytelling matters.
Haunted Crowns by E.S. Kaeryel is a dark, haunting masterpiece that pulls you into its shadowy depths from the very first page. The world-building is as ethereal as it is unsettling, weaving together a tale of power, secrets, and the delicate line between light and dark. The story pulses with tension, every chapter dripping with mystery and brooding intensity.
As an EARC graciously given to me by the author, I was entranced by the sheer weight of this narrative. Kaeryel's writing is rich and atmospheric, every sentence laced with an eerie undertone that makes you feel as though you're wandering through a dream—one that you’re not sure you want to wake from, even when it’s terrifying. The characters, each with their own twisted desires and tortured pasts, add layers of complexity to an already captivating plot.
What I found most compelling was the emotional weight that hung between the characters. Their interactions are both beautiful and painful, filled with a raw intensity that left me breathless. The tension—emotional and otherwise—builds slowly, but when it hits, it’s explosive. The darker elements of the story are perfectly balanced with moments of vulnerability, making the stakes feel all the more real.
Five stars without question. Haunted Crowns is a beautifully twisted tale, with enough intrigue, passion, and darkness to keep you turning the pages long after the world has gone quiet.
This was a pretty solid book. The plot was out here giving EVERYTHING and then some.
There was a lot to love here:
- a strong, likeable FMC
- a hot, strong and caring shifter/lycan
- a prince charming-esque MMC who is mostly likeable and also is a heck of a warrior (who knew?)
- a love triangle (maybe? Kinda? This is still up for debate to be honest)
- a plot that develops more as you go and is layered
- strong pacing that leaves you riveted and turning the page needing answers
That being said, the actual writing style is one that is honestly not my favorite and I think that had we been given first person POVs this would have been a bit better. Keeping this in mind though, I did read the whole thing because I liked the plot and honestly was so here for Kareon, so take from that what you will.
The characters were super well done here. You love some, love to hate others and some get some solid redemption arcs. I do wish we would have had a more satisfying ending for Kareon who let be real here is giving 10/10 and then some.
The book overall was great. Was the ending a little cheesy? Yes. Was I expecting a bit more? Also yes, but I still had a great time and this was a solid 4/5⭐️ read
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a great story! Haunted Crowns is a mix of political fantasy and romantasy—leaning more toward traumantasy in the best way. In a world where sexual tension in books is so heavily hyped, this was a really refreshing change. The connection here is soul-deep. The love interests aren’t there to take or claim, but to help her heal and reach her full potential.
I loved the dual POV, and the moments of omniscient prose worked beautifully for this story—it suited the tone and scope so well. The villain was well-written, his character had depth. While my heart broke at times, the author handled the darker scenes with respect, and nothing ever felt over the top or gratuitous.
Overall, this was a fantastic fantasy, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Haunted Crowns completely captivated me! The characters, Eris, Stephan, and Kareon, are phenomenal, and their relationships are written with such depth and authenticity. One of the most amazing parts of the story was watching Eris come into who she truly is. Her growth and self-discovery felt so natural and inspiring. I found myself relating to her in ways I didn’t expect, which made the story even more personal and engaging. The emotional layers and connections between the characters feel so real, and the story’s blend of romance, fantasy, and intrigue kept me hooked from start to finish. I’m beyond excited for book two and can’t wait to dive back into this world!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Brimming with political intrigue and compelling characters, this story is definitely a must-read for lovers of high-stakes romantasy! The immersive gothic imagery drew me in immediately and I remained hooked all the way through. All of the characters had incredible depth, including the villains, and the slow-burn and yearning were palpable among the love interests. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and really getting to see the story unfold from all-sides. The pacing remained fluid and consistent and the tension throughout kept me on the edge of my seat. This was a solid 4 star read for me and I hope to be able to read more from E. S. Kaeryel soon!
This book has left me not quite knowing what to say! I felt the story had so much potential and the characters could have been heart breaking but the book just didn't quite make it.
It felt too rushed with the story but overly descriptive at times, however I can really see this story developing into something I can't put down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks Book sirens and the authority for sharing!
It took just a few chapters into the book for me to get really hooked and want to not put it down. The story would answer some of my questions but at the same time add a few more. There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t know where it was going to go next and how the story was going to end. There were times I smiled at things that happened and also times that I started to cry a little due to what was happening.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As my first ever arc read, Haunted Crowns did not disappoint! The world building was immersive, but the characters dynamics is what really stole the show for me. The tension was amazing, the kind of slow burn that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. I devoured this book very quickly and now grieving that it is over. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
This book was action packed to keep you wanting more. Bloodlines are crossed and fate has chosen. The main groups are Firstbloods (or our blood/blood line vampires), turned vampires, lycans, and humans. The Firstbloods are royal and rule the land but not everyone wants it to remain that way. This follows our FMC as she relieves she not only loves her cousin and wants to be with him but that the Lucan Aloha lets her wild side run free. Who does she choose, or can she have both?
i was entranced by the first page. it started out ready for war with everyone on edge. as you continue reading more and more unfolds. jaw dropped and mind racing trying to figure out everything. tough decisions, fated mates, romance, power, and war. this book grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go. you just have to know what happens next. there’s never a dull moment. be sure to check it out on 4/21
Loved this book from start to finish the story the backstory the why choose the everything. I literally hope there is a book 2 as I would love to delve even further into this world.. I’d of given 5 stars but I struggle with books written in third person otherwise this would of been my 5 star read of the year. The parents battle scene made my heart hurt. Such a fabulous book
I could not put this book down and read every spare minute I could! I loved the world, characters and story! I enjoy emotional rollercoasters and this did not disappoint! I’m eagerly awaiting more, I need more!
I received an ARC for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you so much to the author and BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was so poetic and I enjoyed it a lot. I think it was an easy and fantastic book to read and I really loved the world and the characters, and oh my gosh it was all beautifully done.