A Rebel Crown

Dragon Queen #2

by Sarah Long

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

I’m Sarah, a romantasy author who spends way too much time among crystals, plants, and various forms of wildlife.

I was born and raised on the west coast of California before running away to New Orleans to read literature with the local vampires.

After a hurricane and a degree, I found myself wandering around Los Angeles, dreaming of becoming a novelist in a script writer world.

The heat was a tad too much, so I moved across the pond to pursue an MA in English Language and Linguistics in London, focusing on practical applications of linguistic theories on fiction.

Now I’m writing from my lake-adjacent cottage in the Netherlands, with my husband and two children cheering me on.

Reviews

[Christina Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful follow up to A Gilded Game that really builds Mae's and Astrid's stories, both together and apart.

The added worldbuilding through both of their stories really gets to the heart of the characters, the factions within Dragonrun, and how this society fits into the larger world. It feels very realistic to me (albeit upsetting) that there are rebel groups with different goals who fail to build a stronger coalition together + humans who are aware of the society's harms but decide it's worth it for the economic and protective benefits of things they way they are. (Trying to say that in the least spoiler-y way possible.)

And while I loooooove how much story and development the author manages to build without needing the book to be 500+ pages long, the brevity did mean that some of the details felt lost/not fully fleshed out to me. It's possible I missed things while devouring the story since it's so engaging... but I couldn't fully suspend disbelief for things like the trackers, which were just suddenly no longer mentioned, and multiple characters' ability to sneak around for pretty major events while being heavily guarded.

I'll be here eagerly waiting for Dragon Queen #3!

[Michelle K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this! I feel a noticeable improvement in the author’s writing and ability to engage the reader in the story compared to book 1!

My jaw was HANGING after chapter 2 (was NOT expecting that plot twist) and I inhaled the rest! This is a shorter than I’m used to fantasy/sequel, but it is refreshing to read a series that has fantasy elements that I feel like I am understanding without hundreds of pages of thick world building. I originally said book 1 felt more YA, but this one picks up a bit and I wouldn’t say it’s entirely safe for a YA reader (maybe an older-YA). 🌶️

I really started to get excited about the relationships developing here - Astrid + 😈 (maybe 🤔 too?), Mae + Kael, Scales + 🧐 (leaving out the surprises so you have to read to find out!)

My biggest critique is I felt like some parts were missing - this is a dual POV yet there are some big gaps in both POVs. I think it was intentional, but some BIG things happen in those gaps and I think I would’ve liked to read about them even if it made the book a little longer (specifically the capture of 😈 at the end sticks out to me as a big missing piece)!

Thanks to the author for this advanced copy, looking forward to seeing how this story ends!

[Tracy Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another addictive read from Sarah in this second book in the series.

Mae continues to fight the good fight, discreetly of course. With all eyes watching her every move, the pressure becomes overwhelming at times. Mae seems to have built a situationship of sorts with Scales, providing the unified front the Queen and her subjects expect. However it’s Mae’s ‘dynamic’ with Kael that really had me desperate to read the next page. There is *so much* angst between them, compounded with the imminent threat of Kael’s impending 💀 my heart so badly wants them to get a HEA.

Astrid has an equally engaging story in this sequel. I particularly enjoyed the dual POV’s between Mae and Astrid. Each of their journeys has expectations on both of them, yet seem to be more intertwined as the book progresses.

The sprinkling of romantic interests between certain characters was a great addition to the story. I received an ARC of this book from the author and I certainly can’t wait to read what happens next!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Rebel Crown, although for me it didn’t quite hit the same highs as the first book. That said, I still flew through it and absolutely need the finale immediately after that cliffhanger — genuinely cruel ending in the best way 😭

One thing I really loved this time was the switching POVs. It gave the story a much bigger scope and helped me connect more with the wider cast. Astrid especially stood out for me in this book; it really felt like she was given more depth and a stronger storyline, and I found myself much more invested in her character this time around. Even if I'm desperate to find out what happened in some of the gaps 👀

The pacing dipped slightly in the middle for me compared to book one, but the final stretch completely pulled me back in. Overall, a strong sequel that expands the world and characters well, and I’m already desperate to see how the trilogy wraps up.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what can I say! Another strong 4star for me!

I again really enjoyed this dual POV book between the two sister FMCs. The YA fantasy feel has matured a touch with some suggestive moments with both sisters and their love/lust interests! Whilst reading the feelings of high society even regency remain but this time it’s littered with adventure and a touch of rebellion. The dragons in this book however unlike the last were not at all hidden… they and their plan were well and truly out and about (I won’t say more)! I liked how relationships between characters have matured and taken unexpected turns in this book - I’m interested to read what is next for them and how they evolve. Throughly enjoyed this book and look forward to what comes in the next book, the finale ♥️

[Angela Ballas · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! I received this book early and was blown away!! I read A Gilded Game 1st because this is the 2nd book..and I was hooked from the beginning. Mae and her group go through ALOT! I was on the edge of my seat through most of this book. Kael 🥵🔥 will do ANYTHING for Mae! The banter between all of them had me laughing! I loved EVERYTHING!!! It ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the 3rd book! I definitely recommend!

[Catia Aguiar]

Advanced reader given by the author!


It was a delight to return to Dragonrün and follow up the adventure of Mae and Astrid and the rest!

I truly enjoyed this book, it has plot and romance, adventure and dread, various emotions!

Hard to write without spoilers but to anyone who loves a fantasy book, with dragons and magic, a bit of romance but mostly a plot driven book with a good world building, this book is for you!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a quick, engaging read with characters and a world that truly captivated me.

That said, I felt the book could have benefited from more depth in certain areas. Whenever significant events did occur, they sometimes felt rushed and underdeveloped. Expanding these key moments would have enhanced the overall impact of the story.

Despite this, I'm genuinely excited for the next book and eager to discover where the story goes from here.

[felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say I loved the first book so much and this one didn’t disappoint either. I love the characters the plot twists all of it. The character development throughout both books is so good. I love Kael so much I wanna know more and have more scenes with him and mae. I cannot wait for the next book. It has been an honour to read both of these as arc reads xxx

[Amy Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sarah Long for my ARC 🫶🏼 firstly - what was that ending?! I’m far too impatient to wait for book 3 to find out what happens! I really enjoyed this, I just wish it was longer! I gelled a lot more with the characters this time round and felt everything flowed a lot better. Really looking forward to book 3!

[Megthebookgoblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - this is a good second book in the series. The plot thickens with how they are going to get around the evil dragon queen and how they are going to survive a corrupt kingdom with their lives.

If you like fake marriage, forbidden love, magic, bridgerton style tonight and dragons then you might like this book.

[Marilyn Formosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fight for freedom is on. All finally united together towards the same goal.

[Charlotte Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy

What a spell binding read, beautifully written and engaging. Following on my book 1, can’t wait for book 3.

[Torie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this sequel! Adore sarahs writing style. I really enjoyed getting to see more of the characters and their powers and personalities. I hope Mae and Kael finally get their happy ending in book 3! Cant wait to dive back into this world and see what happens next