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Crown of the Forsaken Heir

Not yet published
Expected 17 Aug 26

Win a free print copy of this book!

24 days and 20:07:25

30 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
When Cecelia is unexpectedly named Heir of the Shrouded Forest instead of her twin brother, her life is destroyed overnight.

The inheritance binds her to a rare and corrupted magic feared by even the divine. When her furious father murders her mate in protest, Cecelia braces for death.

Instead, she’s forced to survive.

Thrust into the heart of a brutal power struggle between warring realms, Cecelia becomes a target for both sides. Desperate to sever her connection to the forest before it consumes her completely, she reluctantly allies herself with Prince Myrad and his loyal bloodsworn guards. But the prince's help comes at a cost, and fate seems determined to entangle them further.

As divine forces close in, Cecelia finds herself caught in a centuries-old conflict that threatens far more than her own survival. Torn between duty and desire, she begins to fall for a quiet scholar harboring secrets of his own. But in a world where death is never far, and the gods are always watching, Cecelia must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to reclaim control of her life and avenge her mate.

Paperback

Expected publication August 17, 2026

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About the author

Kris Rose

1 book52 followers
Kris Rose writes gothic romantic fantasy filled with cursed lands, bad choices, love that ruins everything, and the women that burn it all down.

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5 stars
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15 (40%)
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6 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Annie.
27 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2026
Advanced copy received from the author.

That was a wild ride and I enjoyed every page! I was in a reading slump-DNFing several books before but this one sucked me in and wouldn’t let go. The twists and turns had me at the edge of my seat not knowing what to expect!

I wasn’t sure where the story would go with her mate being killed at the beginning. However, I know who I want her love interest (or interests🖤) to be but I have no idea at this point.

This world is large but the author did a great job at world building and explaining the magic. Maps are one my favorite parts of a book and this one is very detailed and helpful in understanding the world.

I enjoyed this book so much and need book 2 in my hands asap!
Profile Image for Becky.
130 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The magic system was unique, but I just couldn't stand how the FMC's feelings were as flighty as a hummingbird.....or maybe more like a bee trying to pollinate as many flowers as possible! 🤔 She was all over the place with the pining over a different man IMMEDIATELY after schmoozing another one.
Profile Image for Allison Pace.
86 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5 to 4 (so rounding up) - Crown of the Forsaken Heir was such a pleasant surprise. Honestly, I liked this a lot. Going in, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I found myself quickly pulled into the story and invested in both the characters and the larger conflict.

One of the biggest strengths of this book is the pacing. The action starts almost immediately and never really lets up. There weren't many lulls where I felt my attention wandering, and there always seemed to be something happening; whether it was a battle, a political maneuver, or a new revelation. The political intrigue was especially enjoyable and added another layer to the story beyond the action.

The side characters were another highlight for me. In fact, one of my favorite aspects was that I was never completely certain who the true MMC was supposed to be. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something would happen that made me question it again. That uncertainty was actually a lot of fun and kept me engaged. The world itself is also interesting and unique. There was also some genuinely enjoyable banter sprinkled throughout, which helped balance the heavier moments.

That said, there were a few things that kept this from being a full 5-star read for me. That said, there were a few things that kept this from being a full 5-star read for me. No major spoilers here, but I do touch on a few plot and romance elements, so proceed with caution if you're avoiding all details before reading.


While I appreciated that the author didn't open the book with a massive information dump, there were times when I felt a little lost. Even after finishing, I'm still somewhat confused about the divine beings and exactly how they fit into the larger world and plot. I respect the choice to let readers discover things naturally, but I think a bit more clarity would have helped.

I also struggled with how quickly everyone seemed to become obsessed with the FMC. While it's easy to understand why that's appealing (don’t we all want that haha), it felt a little unearned at times. Many characters immediately liked, respected, or were drawn to her despite her not really doing much early on to justify that level of devotion.

There were also a few instances where the narrative appeared to jump ahead in time from one paragraph to the next without much indication. Usually, these transitions are marked with extra spacing or a scene break, so when they happened here, they felt a bit jarring. Not a deal breaker by any means, but some clearer formatting would have made those shifts easier to follow.

Finally, I found the romance dynamics a little difficult to reconcile at times. The FMC has a blood bond, yet she seems fairly open to and attracted to other men relatively quickly. For me, that felt a bit soon given the importance the story places on that bond.

Overall, though, this was a highly enjoyable read. The fast-paced plot, political intrigue, engaging cast, and unique world kept me turning pages. Will definitely be continuing with this series!
Profile Image for Katherine Ford.
2 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
Some books slowly pull you in… and then suddenly refuse to let go. Crown of the Forsaken Heir was exactly that experience for me.

I’ll admit that at the very beginning I wondered how the emotional pacing would unfold. Cecelia is thrown into an almost relentless series of devastating events, and I found myself hoping the emotional weight would have room to breathe. But the farther I read, the more completely invested I became. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I became utterly locked into her journey. Every heartbreak, every impossible choice, and every hard-earned moment of resilience only made me more determined to see her succeed.

Cecelia is such a compelling protagonist. What I loved most wasn’t that she always had the answers—it was her spirit. Watching her navigate grief, uncertainty, responsibility, and the terrifying discovery of her own strength made her feel incredibly human. Her growth feels earned, and by the end I was completely rooting for her.

The supporting cast is equally fascinating. I absolutely adored Thierry (who deserves to be protected at all costs), found myself endlessly intrigued by Myrad despite wanting to bitch slap him more than once, and was a fan of team Xavy right from the start. I loved how every interaction seemed to reveal another hidden layer to the people surrounding Cecelia. One of my favorite aspects of this story is that I genuinely don’t know who I fully trust anymore—and I mean that as the highest compliment. Allegiances shift, motivations evolve, and just when I think I’ve figured someone out, Kris Rose manages to make me question everything all over again.

The world-building is another standout. I was genuinely impressed by the scope of the mythology woven throughout the story. Rather than simply borrowing familiar myths, the author builds something that feels fresh while rewarding readers with clever nods and Easter eggs inspired by ancient legends. Those little moments of recognition were so much fun.

The magic system, the politics, the different realms, and the history all hint at something far larger than what’s revealed in this first installment. I never felt like I was reading a world built just for one book—it feels like stepping into a living history with countless stories still waiting to unfold.

By the end, I found myself thinking less about what had happened and more about what will happen next. I can’t wait to see how Cecelia grows into her power, learns to trust herself, and continues navigating the conflict between duty, destiny, and her own heart. And after everything this cast put me through, I desperately need to know which relationships will deepen, which ones will shatter, and which unexpected alliances are still waiting around the corner.

If you enjoy epic fantasy filled with mythology, political intrigue, emotional character growth, morally complex characters, shifting loyalties, and a heroine whose greatest strength may be her resilience, Crown of the Forsaken Heir is absolutely worth picking up.

I, for one, will be anxiously waiting for Book Two.
Profile Image for Rachel.
386 reviews
July 3, 2026
This book starts with a premise that pulled me in immediately. Killing off Cecilia’s mate within the opening chapters? Intriguing. The cast also deserves a mention. Despite the number of characters introduced, each one felt distinct and balanced, which is no small feat in a fantasy with so many moving pieces.

The overall concept of this book has my name written all over it: magic, gods, fated mates, and an ancient forest at the heart of the story. On paper, it checks so many of the boxes I naturally gravitate toward.

Where I struggled was primarily with the pacing and flow. I often felt like the story returned to the same locations and emotional beats in quick succession, which made certain sections feel more repetitive than impactful. While I loved the idea of the gods and the role they were meant to play, I personally found myself wanting a deeper understanding of their purpose and how they fit into the larger world. It felt like there was more to explore there than this first installment had time to offer.

The dialogue was another area where my experience varied. There were moments where conversations flowed naturally and the characters felt incredibly believable, but there were also scenes where the dialogue felt a bit repetitive, revisiting the same ideas multiple times.

The male cast was a bit more hit or miss for me. Thierry was easily my favorite, and I found myself wishing we spent more time with characters like him. Cecilia also spent much of the story reacting to the decisions of those around her, which left me wanting to see her exercise more agency over the direction of her own story. I suspect this may be part of a larger character arc in future books, but in this installment it occasionally slowed the momentum for me.

That said, I do think there are glimpses of something really special here. The descriptions of the forest and surrounding world are often beautiful, and the foundation for an interesting fantasy series is certainly present. While this one didn’t fully come together for me, I can absolutely see readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy, gods, magic, and fated mates finding plenty to love here.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for kingdoms.of.books.
48 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 5, 2026
5/5*****

Relentless action, feminine rage, mortals, immortals, meddling gods, magic, monsters, fated bonds, forests unsurvivable at night, evil kings, villains you love to hate, political intrigue, epic battle scenes and more. Despite these common fantasy/romantasy themes, Kris Rose formulates these into something distinctive and fresh. This is a huge fantasy world with many characters yet the author composed the writing in such a way that it was not overwhelming, a very difficult feat to execute properly.

The Prologue starts off with a major plot twist and the relenting pace continues throughout the book. This book is bold, dramatic, dark and gothic. And, there is an injection of humorous banter which I totally loved and appreciated. Kris Rose expertly crafted engrossing worlds and engaging characters. #crownoftheforsakenheir is imaginative, intensely compelling and an obsessive read.

Cecelia, the FMC, is multi-dimensional; strong, compassionate, fierce and an FMC the reader wants to support. She encounters multiple challenging events that fuel her character growth and rage to combat evil and revenge those who wronged her or her loved ones. Will she become something even the gods will fear?

The supporting male characters: Myrad, Xavy and Theirry, are also compelling and distinctive. Their personalities range from arrogant, judgmental, egotistical, and grumpy, to delightful, happy and always whistling, charming, and, lastly, a book nerd with glasses yet he is a Blademaster. Who doesn't love a book nerd who is also a skilled swordsman?

Kris, you are one of my new auto-buy authors. I know your future writings will continue to be inspiring and creatively genius. I cannot wait for book 2!!!

Favorite quotes:

Kingdoms are easier to destroy than women.

She's even changed the color of her fate.

How do you keep from feeling powerless in a world that's so full of evil.
Profile Image for Alexandra Brown.
59 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 5, 2026
I was an ARC reader for this book, and overall I’d give it 3.5 stars.

The premise immediately caught my attention. Corrupted magic, gods, fated mates, political conflict…..those are all things I normally love in a fantasy, and this book definitely had the foundation for a really interesting world.

I also enjoyed Cecelia as the FMC. She goes through so much, and it was easy to root for her as she tried to navigate a world that seemed determined to make every decision for her. There were several side characters I found myself wanting to know more about as well, which tells me there’s a lot of potential in this series.

For me, the biggest challenge was the pacing. There were quite a few moments where the story felt like it was circling the same emotional beats or conversations, and I found myself wanting the plot to move forward a little more. I also wished the dialogue had a bit more depth in places. Some conversations felt a little too straightforward, and I kept hoping for more emotion, tension, or layers that would make those moments hit harder.

I also found myself wanting more from the worldbuilding. The magic system, the gods, and the history of the different kingdoms were all really intriguing, but I wanted to dive deeper into how everything connected. There were so many interesting ideas introduced that I felt like I was only scratching the surface of what this world has to offer. That being said, I never stopped believing in the potential of the story. The concept is strong, the world is unique, and there are plenty of mysteries that made me curious about where the series is headed. I think readers who enjoy fantasy with magic, political tension, divine influences, and slow-building mysteries will find a lot to like here.

Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I truly appreciate the opportunity to experience this story early, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this world continues to grow in future books.
Profile Image for Liz | ᥫ᭡reakawayreads.
281 reviews95 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 4, 2026
**Crown of the Forsaken Heir** follows Cecelia, a fiercely resilient FMC who is constantly pushed to her limits through grief, manipulation, and political control across multiple kingdoms. From the start, she is treated as a pawn in larger divine and royal games, and her journey is defined by survival, impossible choices, and slowly learning to reclaim her own power.

At first, I worried the emotional pacing might feel overwhelming due to how relentlessly Cecelia is put through hardship. Instead, I became completely absorbed in her story. Every setback and moment of loss only deepened my investment in her growth and eventual defiance.

Cecelia is a standout protagonist not because she always knows what to do, but because of how she endures. Her transformation from grief-stricken and controlled to someone beginning to channel that pain into strength felt earned and compelling. I especially loved her banter with other characters, which added much-needed levity and charm throughout the heavier moments.

The supporting cast was equally memorable. Thierry was an instant favorite, Myrad was frustrating but intriguing in the best way, and the shifting alliances kept me constantly guessing. I loved that trust was never straightforward—just when I thought I understood someone’s motives, the story would challenge that assumption.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the world-building. The mythology feels expansive and layered, blending familiar mythological echoes with fresh ideas that make the world feel alive and much larger than what we see in this first installment. The magic system, politics, and multiple realms all hint at a much bigger story still unfolding.

Overall, this was a gripping fantasy full of emotional intensity, shifting loyalties, and strong character growth, with a heroine I couldn’t help but root for from beginning to end.
Profile Image for LilandtheLibrary.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 5, 2026
Holy WOW did this book put me through the emotional wringer.

First off, the side characters of manly men deserve medals because they somehow managed to survive the absolute chaos surrounding our FMC. They’re the real MVPs.

From page one we’re launched into a massive, immersive world where the FMC just cannot catch a break. The world-building is incredibly ambitious, and while there’s a lot to take in at first, it creates a rich fantasy landscape that only gets more compelling as the story unfolds. She’s basically a human pinball bouncing from one disastrous situation to the next. Does she always make the best decisions? Absolutely not. Does that somehow make me root for her even harder? Also yes. I mean… she’s the Forsaken Heir (see what I did there? 😏).

By the end, I was practically cheering every time she started standing up to the people who had wronged her. And as for one particular man in her life…let’s just say I’m hoping book two either gifts him an entirely new personality or sends him on a one-way quest to another realm. I’m not picky.

I’ll definitely be picking up book two because I am READY for the FMC’s revenge era. Give me the growth. Give me the vengeance. Give me a heroine who realizes she doesn’t need anyone else to claim her power.

If you love sprawling fantasy worlds, a morally messy FMC, a motley crew of side characters who put the B in banter, and watching a heroine come into her own power, you’ll want to add this to your TBR!!!Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Jennifer Denise.
178 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 8, 2026
The atmosphere was easily this book's greatest strength. Kris Rose creates a dark, gothic world that feels haunting and immersive, and I found myself wanting to spend more time in the Shrouded Forest than I did with many of the characters themselves.
The premise is incredibly strong—a forsaken heir, dangerous court politics, cursed magic, and a heroine driven by survival and vengeance. It has all the ingredients of a romantasy I should have absolutely loved.
Where it fell just short for me was in the execution. While I enjoyed the story, I never felt completely invested in the characters or emotionally attached to their journey. The pacing occasionally slowed the momentum, and I found myself waiting for the emotional stakes to catch up to the incredible worldbuilding.
The romance has promise, especially if you enjoy a slower burn with tension rather than instant payoff, but this first installment felt more like laying the foundation than delivering the emotional punch I was hoping for.
Overall, this is a solid start to what could become an excellent series. If you're looking for gothic romantasy with political intrigue, morally gray characters, and an eerie, atmospheric setting, this is definitely worth picking up. While it didn't completely win me over, I'm interested enough to continue the series and see where the story goes.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐¾ (3.75/5)
Perfect for readers who love:
Gothic romantasy
Dark castles and cursed forests
Political fantasy
Slow-burn romance
Morally gray characters
Found family
Female rage and revenge arcs
Profile Image for Cristy Crawford.
12 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 1, 2026
This is an easy 5-star book for me. It's the first gothic romantasy that I've picked up this year, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I highlighted 22 quotes and dropped the first tear on page 8... yes, you read that right PAGE EIGHT!

The story follows Cecelia, a fiercely strong female main character (FMC) who is a daughter, twin, and blood-boned mate. Right from the start, she's dealt with immense grief and on the verge of death, when her fate is redirected by a chance encounter.

Rage and insurmountable grief become the only fuel that keeps her alive when surrender would be the easier choice. She's torn from friends and loved ones, again and again, yet she refuses to stop fighting.

There are countless things that I love about this unique story, but the standout for me is author, Kris Rose's extraordinary ability to write fight scenes that feel raw, physically and emotionally charged. The human vs. immortal characters clash so vividly that I felt as if I was standing at the edge of the field watching every blow land in real time.

This book is gripping, brutal, and unforgettable. I cannot wait until its official release on August 17, 2026. I will be happily adding a paper copy to my ever-growing bookshelf that holds all of my favorites.

Come Follow Me on TikTOK: @cristy.crawford3
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
I'm obsessed! Sometimes I read a book and enjoy it but have literally no memory of it afterwards. This story and its characters are permanently etched into my brain now. And I love it!

I've been in a bit of a reading slump recently, but this book snatched me out of it. Several chapters in and I felt the same excitement I had when I first started reading romantasy. Everything felt fresh and exciting in a way I haven't experienced in a while.

I wasn't expecting the book to be so enjoyable and fun. I laughed outloud in several places! The characters are perfectly flawed and loveable and wonderfully compelling.

This book created the most distinctive world I've experienced in a while. The world is huge but at no point did it feel overwhelming. I never felt lost!

The political landscape is surprisingly clear considering how many complicated and moving parts there are in the book. This first book introduces enough material to set the stage for readers to discover the complexities of this exciting world in the series. I want to know everything about every character and country.

The ending isn't a cliffhanger, but I am desperate to know what happens next and to continue my adventures with my new favorite book friends. I miss them already. Book 2 can't come fast enough!
Profile Image for Marina.
363 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 27, 2026
I would say this is a reverse harem?
A whole bunch of possible mmc. There is a point in exploring each relationship and, yes... the book will end with that question still opened.

Cecilia suffered a lot and this story was a constant test to what she was forced to be against her wish, or what she thought her life would be. Plus, no secret but the book starts with her loosing her fated mate and this becomes a significant element that will still need a conclusion for closure (otherwise she will die)

The story was very interesting. Some of the dialogue and character interactions were very funny and I would be having a lol attach by myself. For a debut work the writing style was great and fun to read. The flow was constant and I was connected to the story from the very beginning.

Do I have a favourite mmc? Yes (current status by the end of the book is unknown as alive or not). Is he going to be "the one"? I hate to think that he might not be. The book will toss too many hints to all sorts of directions.

Doesn’t end on cliffhanger but ... it kind of does.... and no questions have been answer yet so let's see what will come next!

"I received this book for free and am leaving a review voluntarily."
Profile Image for Samantha.
44 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 1, 2026
Absolutely loved this book and ready for book two of the series!!!

At the start of the book, Cecelia tragically loses her blood mate and much of her story is connected to the grief from that loss and a deep feeling of uncertainty with what her path should be next. She was not anticipating to be named heir, and figuring out how to harness that power and responsibility at times has her feeling overwhelmed.

Cecelia is also used as a pawn across several kingdoms and among the divine characters, which further leads to her uncertainty and overwhelm. By the end of the book, we begin to see her harness her grief and frustration to fuel her powers and push back against the control others wield against her.

I absolutely loved the banter between characters and often found myself cracking up at their interactions. Cecelia also finds herself connected to numerous potential MMC’s in the story and we never really found out which one she thought was ‘the one’ (also a reason I’m eager to dive into the next book in the series).

A huge thank you to Kris Rose for this advanced reader copy—I loved it and can’t wait for more!! You can find Crown of the Forsaken Heir on its pub day of August 17th, 2026.

#2026reads #ARCreader #KrisRose #CrownoftheForsakenHeir #romantasy
Profile Image for Jamie Raymond.
28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 6, 2026
Holy Moly. I finished this arc and I’ve one huge complaint…. I don’t have the next book. Our FMC, She is strong, fierce, heart broken, & vengeful! I love Ces! I’ve got to say our main male lead, Mryrad, I’m not sure, I want to love him, he grew on me as the book went and I can not wait to see how the relationship continues to grow! He loves her he just has a hard time showing it. 🩷 Essentially we have three main male characters and all have their own strength, weaknesses, and reasons we like them, they all have different ways they help her on her journey and help her realize her power. I’d say she has feelings for each for different reasons. I am so curious to see how it all plays out as they all have added to her journey and the story and you honestly root for each for different reasons. They’ve all Saved her a different times!
Also, Death we CAN NOT leave him out. I have my theories as to him, but I won’t spoil anything for anyone, all I can say is this is a book you don’t want to miss!
⚔️heart break
⚔️powerful heir
⚔️out for revenge
⚔️fated mated mates maybe? Maybe not?
⚔️enough spice, but not too much
⚔️power struggle
⚔️save the kingdom vibes
⚔️blade master
⚔️fate

#arc #arcreaders #book #read
Profile Image for Cassie DePlancke.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 29, 2026
This is a review of an ARC provided by the author and I am choosing to leave a review.
This book is full of all my favorite things, unique magic, beautiful world building, feminine rage and a stabby FMC! The story is action packed and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I genuinely enjoyed following Cecelia as she developed her magic and learned to rescue herself. She’s goes through so much heartbreak and turmoil, but always finds a way to be resilient and strong even when she wants to give up.
I was also very intrigued by the forest magic in this book. It was refreshingly unique and kept me wanting to learn more. I still have so many questions about this magic and can’t wait to see what Cecelia will do with it!
There were multiple times throughout the book where I wondered if this was going to turn into a reverse harem. Cecelia has multiple potential love interests and I still can’t decide who I’m rooting for! With them all being fairly possessive males, I’m dying to see how this plays out. Needless to say, I’m eager for book 2!
Profile Image for ✧.*Emma✧.*.
324 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 30, 2026
Also thanking the author for receiving an arc!
So from the start you get thrown into the action immediately. I still needed to get used to the world, but after that I really enjoyed the story! I found the cast of characters really diverse and big with different type of magic systems. Some of these scenes made me really giggle out loud and those moments were just briljant.

Now about the romance. The entrances of some of the male characters were just iconic. I really enjoyed the slowburn between the characters. But I was rooting for one of the other characters. Thierry was just so kind and helpful to Cecelia... So I found him amazing. I kind of wish that maybe we had the pov of some of the male characters? (I think that would be really interesting). I'm rooting for Thierry now!

The only thing kind of putting me of was the difference between the pacing. The slower bits were so good! But you get thrown into a different kind of event really quick. But I think I just needed to get used to it.

Overall a really gripping and broad story!
Profile Image for Annie Adlington .
12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 1, 2026
Okay, I need to start by saying this was a total guilty pleasure - like, I devoured it in a couple of sittings and had zero regrets. Cecelia gets handed a cursed inheritance she never wanted, her dad murders her mate, and suddenly she's stuck in the middle of a royal power struggle with a prince and his very loyal bloodsworn guards. The world-building around the Shrouded Forest actually had some real texture to it, which I wasn't expecting from something this soapy, it wasn't just a backdrop, it felt lived in. The characters kept surprising me too, with so many possible MMC options, it was a rollercoaster!
My one real gripe is that I wanted more of Cecelia herself — her past felt like it was being held back a little too tightly, and I'm hoping book two cracks that open properly instead of just moving the plot forward. And look, I have to say it: I am fully Team Death for whoever she ends up with. No notes, just please let him win. This is popcorn romantasy through and through, but it's a fun guilty pleasure, and I'll absolutely be picking up book two.
Profile Image for Julie Mcmurray-knope.
28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 27, 2026
I received Crown of the Forsaken Heir as an ARC. It is a dark gothic fantasy romance with lots of twists and turns. Cecelia is the Daughter of the King of the Shrouded Forest. She and her blood mate are walking home from a tavern when they are attacked by some of the twisted, vile creatures who inhabit the Shrouded Forest. When her blood mate dies defending her, she is not only heartbroken but destined to die as well.

What follows is a story of struggle, grief, and growth. I liked the idea of the story and found the concept of the corrupted magic intriguing. The characters were well written. However, I could only give it three stars (2.5, really) because the profanity and sexual content aren’t things I personally enjoy. I would say it’s about two chili peppers.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 6, 2026
ARC Copy Review: Thank you NetGalley

2.5⭐️

I really wanted to love this book, especially with such strong start. But it really just felt surface level at best.

The concept was what drew me in, but there little to no world building or character development.

I didn't buy into how Cecilia had just lost her Blood Mate, yet is attracted and wants to be with 3 other males.

Her relationship with her twin is mentioned, but glossed over - something else I didn't buy into. They should have a strong relationship having grown up together, but it felt like they were more like acquaintances.

What is the purpose of the divine? What are each driven by, and trying to achieve?

Too many underdeveloped areas for me to continue with the series.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 24, 2026
I throughly enjoyed this book! I was hooked and just had to find out what happened next. I loved going through the emotions throughout the book.
This book was one where I physically just wanted to hug Cecilia. She went through so much heart ache and just trying to survive. The world building is easy to follow, you stay with the characters, and you really won’t get lost. You never actually knew where the next chapter was going to take you though. Which I loved that I couldn’t predict. Some of the guys I loved some I didn’t so much. Overall this is a great book and I really want to the second one to come out!
Profile Image for Mel Ram.
133 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
Crown of the Forsaken Heir was such a fun, fast-paced read! There was never a dull moment, something was always happening, and the story kept moving from one exciting event to the next. If you love books with nonstop action, this one definitely delivers.

The pacing was incredibly fast, and I felt like I couldn't blink without missing something important. It kept me completely engaged from beginning to end, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to pick up the next book in the series and continue Cecilia's journey!
Profile Image for KelseyReadsABunch.
38 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 3, 2026
This one was such a pleasant surprise—I ended up flying through it! The strong female protagonist immediately drew me in, and I really enjoyed the magic system and how it was incorporated into the story.

The character development was one of the highlights for me, and the slow-burn romance felt well paced rather than forced.

The action scenes were also exceptionally well written and easy to follow. If you're a fan of classic romantasy with plenty of magic, romance, and adventure, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

Thank you to our friends at NetGalley for this arc.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
24 reviews
July 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and to the author Kris Rose for gifting me an eARC!

The premise of this book was really interesting and really drew me in. Unfortunately I did have a bit of a hard time with the pacing of the story and felt like there were some points where I had to keep going back in the book to try and figure out what was happening. That being said, the pacing got better about half way through and we had less setting switches as well. I have so many questions that I’m hoping will be answered in the next book because I need to know what happens to some of the men in this book!
Profile Image for Richelle Lodholtz.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 6, 2026
This is a review of an ARC provided by the author and I am choosing to leave a review.

I definitely was hooked from the beginning. I love that there are different types of magic, the detailed world and character building, and let’s not forget a powerful FMC looking to find herself and revenge.
I am excited to see even more development in not only the forest magic but how things will meld with the Ever Ones and the Divine.
I definitely feel like she is indecisive about who she wants to be with, which is just one of the MANY reasons I am yearning for book 2!!! I need it like..right now.
Profile Image for Kim.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 9, 2026
Advanced copy received from author

I have so many questions after reading this book but im fully hooked.
This book is very fast pace but also complex the FMC makes jump from one place to the other with different male characters.
Everytime you think you get an answer 100 new questions come up and keep you wanting to read more to get to the next answer.
Also I don't trust all of these male characters some seem to good to be true so im very curious to see where this series is going and who can be trusted?!?!
Profile Image for Olivia Poppy.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! This was my first ARC experience, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But I flew through this! The story was entertaining and fast paced, but it was the characters that really stole the show for me. There were a lot of characters introduced, but everyone felt unique and well developed. I have a few new favorite characters now! There was also some spice which was fun. I’m so curious to see where the story goes in book two!
Profile Image for Hailey.
207 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2026
3.5⭐

Here we follow Cecilia, heir to the Forest, after her blood-mate is brutally murdered. And when a blood-mate dies, you are destined to follow.
I actually really liked the world building, it was fun and intriguing, the different elements of magic was interesting as well. The characters were well written and fun! I actually really loved the book in the middle chapters.

Thank you to booksirens and the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for Claire Dawson.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 5, 2026
This book really surprised me in all the best possible ways! One minute I was reading the prologue, and the next I looked up from my kindle and hours had passed (hello dehydration). It was fast paced and fun! I’m firmly on Team Thierry (and I think Cecelia is too…?) and hope we see lots more of him in book two. It’s sooo refreshing to get a romantasy MMC who’s genuinely a nice guy (shout out to sexy scholars everywhere).

Thanks to the author for letting me read an advanced copy!!
Profile Image for Lyona  West.
76 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 5, 2026
Thank you Netgalley, Author, and Publisher for giving me this opportunity on this ARC read.

3.75 ⭐️ rounded up. All hell breaks loose in this book. Fast paced everything lol. One minute we are here and the next we are there. There was fun and Chaos and then some parts could've went with more depth as to why some of the divine were doing what they were doing. I will continue this chaos cause I need to know what happens.
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