What do you think?
For Coven and Crown
Ravenna and her coven are starving.
The land is dying, the animals are being killed by demons, and there are no explanations in sight. In her malnourished state, the witch queen’s elemental power barely works, and she is captured by the king’s army. The king—a human and the son of the man who was responsible for her mother’s death—promises sustenance for her and her witches if she helps him stop the demon attacks that are affecting his realm, too. Determined to prove she is a worthy and capable leader, Ravenna reluctantly agrees to work alongside her enemy in exchange for feeding her coven.
Caden detests witches, especially the daughter of the one who killed his father. Despite his long-standing hatred, Caden needs Ravenna’s elemental power if the humans are going to stand a chance at destroying the demons. If the king can’t protect his realm, his advisory council will call for his removal.
The two struggle to set aside their distrust, loathing, and mutual anger at what their parents did to each other, but the demons remain invincible, and now an even bigger threat is slithering up from the underworld.
Fighting for survival, they each try to enlist support from their people to no avail. Ravenna’s coven senses a growing attraction between their queen and the enemy and takes violent action to end their relationship before it begins. Torn between duty, retribution, and their budding romance, Ravenna and Caden have a chance to rid the world of demons, but they must figure out how to heal the rift between their people first.
The land is dying, the animals are being killed by demons, and there are no explanations in sight. In her malnourished state, the witch queen’s elemental power barely works, and she is captured by the king’s army. The king—a human and the son of the man who was responsible for her mother’s death—promises sustenance for her and her witches if she helps him stop the demon attacks that are affecting his realm, too. Determined to prove she is a worthy and capable leader, Ravenna reluctantly agrees to work alongside her enemy in exchange for feeding her coven.
Caden detests witches, especially the daughter of the one who killed his father. Despite his long-standing hatred, Caden needs Ravenna’s elemental power if the humans are going to stand a chance at destroying the demons. If the king can’t protect his realm, his advisory council will call for his removal.
The two struggle to set aside their distrust, loathing, and mutual anger at what their parents did to each other, but the demons remain invincible, and now an even bigger threat is slithering up from the underworld.
Fighting for survival, they each try to enlist support from their people to no avail. Ravenna’s coven senses a growing attraction between their queen and the enemy and takes violent action to end their relationship before it begins. Torn between duty, retribution, and their budding romance, Ravenna and Caden have a chance to rid the world of demons, but they must figure out how to heal the rift between their people first.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 25, 2026
This book consumed me. The second I started reading about a dying land crawling with demons and a starving coven struggling to survive, I knew I was about to become obsessed. I finished this within hours because every chapter pulled me deeper into the desperation, tension, and emotion of the story. It felt dark, haunting, intimate, and strangely beautiful all at once.
One of my favorite things about this book was Ravenna. She is powerful in a way that feels raw instead of polished. Even weakened by hunger and exhaustion, there is still something commanding about her presence. She is a queen carrying the weight of an entire coven on her shoulders while trying not to crumble beneath it.
I loved that the FMC was the stronger fighter, the one with elemental magic and authority, yet she still allowed herself softness with the person she loved. That balance made her feel real. She was fierce and blunt, unapologetic about her desires and opinions, but underneath all of that strength was a deeply wounded soul.
The story handled her grief beautifully. Ravenna is not simply a “strong female character” written without flaws or emotion. She is a woman shaped by loss, starvation, responsibility, and generational hatred. There were moments where the cracks in her armor showed and honestly those scenes hurt the most.
Beneath the witch queen was still a child who never truly got the chance to mourn her mother or heal from the violence surrounding her life. The tenderness hidden inside her surprised me constantly. She carried kindness beneath every sharp edge.
I also loved the atmosphere surrounding the covens. The women felt almost mythic in nature. There was this Amazonian energy mixed with ethereal fantasy elements that made them stand out from typical fantasy witches.
Their appearances, the elemental powers, the hierarchy between women, and the survival mentality all created something vivid and memorable. The world felt alive even while it was dying. The author created a setting where famine, fear, and demons constantly pressed against the characters, making every emotional moment feel heavier.
And Caden. Dear god, Caden.
He was everything I wanted in a fantasy romance hero. Angry, guarded, loyal, sharp tongued, and carrying enough grief to drown in. His hatred toward witches initially felt believable because of the bloodshed between their families, but what made him compelling was how similar he was to Ravenna beneath all that anger.
They mirrored each other in ways that made their connection feel inevitable. Both of them were trying to lead people who questioned them. Both were children shaped by parental loss and violence. Both were exhausted from carrying responsibilities they never truly got to escape.
Their chemistry worked so well because it was not built on shallow attraction alone. It was two lonely, wounded people recognizing themselves in each other while fighting every instinct telling them not to.
The tension between duty and desire was written so well. Every moment they let their walls crack felt earned. Watching Ravenna and Caden slowly move from distrust and resentment into understanding was one of the strongest parts of the book.
Also yes, he was hot. That deserves its own statement.
What surprised me most was how emotional this story became. I expected fantasy, romance, and danger, but I did not expect the quieter moments to hit as hard as they did. The themes of survival, leadership, inherited hatred, and trying to heal wounds left by previous generations gave the story so much depth.
Even the conflict between the humans and witches felt layered instead of one sided. Everyone carried pain. Everyone carried fear.
And listen. I cried over the cow. I am not accepting judgment for that.
The demons themselves were genuinely interesting too. I loved the darker fantasy elements and the growing sense of dread throughout the story. Every reveal made the world feel larger and more dangerous.
There was this constant feeling that something ancient and terrible was lurking beneath everything, slowly crawling closer while the characters were already struggling to survive. It added such an addictive tension to the story.
The prose was stunning. Truly stunning. The writing had this immersive quality where emotions felt heavy and vivid without becoming overly dramatic. The descriptions painted the world beautifully while still keeping the pacing addictive. I kept highlighting lines because so much of the writing felt cinematic and emotionally sharp.
This story balanced brutality with tenderness in such a compelling way. It gave me aching romance, dangerous magic, political tension, grief, yearning, and characters who felt painfully human beneath all the fantasy elements. By the end, I was completely attached to Ravenna and Caden and desperate to know what happens next.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next book.
One of my favorite things about this book was Ravenna. She is powerful in a way that feels raw instead of polished. Even weakened by hunger and exhaustion, there is still something commanding about her presence. She is a queen carrying the weight of an entire coven on her shoulders while trying not to crumble beneath it.
I loved that the FMC was the stronger fighter, the one with elemental magic and authority, yet she still allowed herself softness with the person she loved. That balance made her feel real. She was fierce and blunt, unapologetic about her desires and opinions, but underneath all of that strength was a deeply wounded soul.
The story handled her grief beautifully. Ravenna is not simply a “strong female character” written without flaws or emotion. She is a woman shaped by loss, starvation, responsibility, and generational hatred. There were moments where the cracks in her armor showed and honestly those scenes hurt the most.
Beneath the witch queen was still a child who never truly got the chance to mourn her mother or heal from the violence surrounding her life. The tenderness hidden inside her surprised me constantly. She carried kindness beneath every sharp edge.
I also loved the atmosphere surrounding the covens. The women felt almost mythic in nature. There was this Amazonian energy mixed with ethereal fantasy elements that made them stand out from typical fantasy witches.
Their appearances, the elemental powers, the hierarchy between women, and the survival mentality all created something vivid and memorable. The world felt alive even while it was dying. The author created a setting where famine, fear, and demons constantly pressed against the characters, making every emotional moment feel heavier.
And Caden. Dear god, Caden.
He was everything I wanted in a fantasy romance hero. Angry, guarded, loyal, sharp tongued, and carrying enough grief to drown in. His hatred toward witches initially felt believable because of the bloodshed between their families, but what made him compelling was how similar he was to Ravenna beneath all that anger.
They mirrored each other in ways that made their connection feel inevitable. Both of them were trying to lead people who questioned them. Both were children shaped by parental loss and violence. Both were exhausted from carrying responsibilities they never truly got to escape.
Their chemistry worked so well because it was not built on shallow attraction alone. It was two lonely, wounded people recognizing themselves in each other while fighting every instinct telling them not to.
The tension between duty and desire was written so well. Every moment they let their walls crack felt earned. Watching Ravenna and Caden slowly move from distrust and resentment into understanding was one of the strongest parts of the book.
Also yes, he was hot. That deserves its own statement.
What surprised me most was how emotional this story became. I expected fantasy, romance, and danger, but I did not expect the quieter moments to hit as hard as they did. The themes of survival, leadership, inherited hatred, and trying to heal wounds left by previous generations gave the story so much depth.
Even the conflict between the humans and witches felt layered instead of one sided. Everyone carried pain. Everyone carried fear.
And listen. I cried over the cow. I am not accepting judgment for that.
The demons themselves were genuinely interesting too. I loved the darker fantasy elements and the growing sense of dread throughout the story. Every reveal made the world feel larger and more dangerous.
There was this constant feeling that something ancient and terrible was lurking beneath everything, slowly crawling closer while the characters were already struggling to survive. It added such an addictive tension to the story.
The prose was stunning. Truly stunning. The writing had this immersive quality where emotions felt heavy and vivid without becoming overly dramatic. The descriptions painted the world beautifully while still keeping the pacing addictive. I kept highlighting lines because so much of the writing felt cinematic and emotionally sharp.
This story balanced brutality with tenderness in such a compelling way. It gave me aching romance, dangerous magic, political tension, grief, yearning, and characters who felt painfully human beneath all the fantasy elements. By the end, I was completely attached to Ravenna and Caden and desperate to know what happens next.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next book.
May 24, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author Nicole Holland.
This is my first EVER ARC review for C&C.
Pacing: It opens slow like your grandma getting up to make a cup of tea. Introducing Ravenna & her coven like an anime episode trying to introduce as many characters as possible in a few chapters. I had to re-read it to make sure I didn't miss anyone, including their bull named Brutus.
However, Once The Queen Witch is captured. The gear switches into 5th and you find yourself flipping pages demanding to know what happens next.
Themes:
Betrayal, Betrayal and more betrayal...you'll have to forgive me but how many forked tongues, knives or arrows can one possibly take?
Elemental Witches... it reminded me of Avatar: the last air bender as a reference which I loved. Ravenna, The last fire witch. Sounds great to me.
BBEG...Demons, Tonga, Karlov.
I have read of demons, done in many ways. I was confused about the soultion to defeat them, it seemed the answer was there early on but only later was discovered by ravenna how to use said soultion.
As a Pasefika man, seeing the name of one of our groups of people (Tonga) used as a lava villian wasn't on my bingo card but here we are. (E.g. if maui was a villian)
Is it weird I'm looking forward to what Karvok, the demon king does next. (Hopefully Bronwen)
Spice...
If you love a slow burn, then look no further then this Edgefest... after several failed attempts, We finally get between the sheets with Ravenna & Caden. My oh my, it did NOT disapoint. *NSFW warning*... Perhaps you should read this particular chapter in the confines of your own little room with the door locked and not in a public place, you heathens.
World building:
Most of the story takes place in the human realm, so it feels compact, but despite this it still feels well thoughtout and the want to learn more about the demon realm.
Twists:
There were more twists and turns than tiberian tiger telling tales of tongue twisters while twirling two sets of tiny twizzlers. The amount of near deaths and plot armour felt heavy, as a consequence this made any potential sacrifices by main characters lack emotional weight or trauma that comes from the loss of a character's actual death.
Honourable mentions:
Captain Tal, dark and handsome. We salute you.
Rylo should have a sainthood.
Tal x Lira. (Idgaf) fanfic please.
Bronwen is a fraud.
Caden, the king of vanity and other ways to describe his smile.
Queen Witch Ravenna, Last of the fire witches.
Farrah is my 2nd favourite witch.
Overall: I enjoy the emotional rollercoaster this journey took me on and makes me excited for the next book in the duology. P.s. prequel please and thank you.
This is my first EVER ARC review for C&C.
Pacing: It opens slow like your grandma getting up to make a cup of tea. Introducing Ravenna & her coven like an anime episode trying to introduce as many characters as possible in a few chapters. I had to re-read it to make sure I didn't miss anyone, including their bull named Brutus.
However, Once The Queen Witch is captured. The gear switches into 5th and you find yourself flipping pages demanding to know what happens next.
Themes:
Betrayal, Betrayal and more betrayal...you'll have to forgive me but how many forked tongues, knives or arrows can one possibly take?
Elemental Witches... it reminded me of Avatar: the last air bender as a reference which I loved. Ravenna, The last fire witch. Sounds great to me.
BBEG...Demons, Tonga, Karlov.
I have read of demons, done in many ways. I was confused about the soultion to defeat them, it seemed the answer was there early on but only later was discovered by ravenna how to use said soultion.
As a Pasefika man, seeing the name of one of our groups of people (Tonga) used as a lava villian wasn't on my bingo card but here we are. (E.g. if maui was a villian)
Is it weird I'm looking forward to what Karvok, the demon king does next. (Hopefully Bronwen)
Spice...
If you love a slow burn, then look no further then this Edgefest... after several failed attempts, We finally get between the sheets with Ravenna & Caden. My oh my, it did NOT disapoint. *NSFW warning*... Perhaps you should read this particular chapter in the confines of your own little room with the door locked and not in a public place, you heathens.
World building:
Most of the story takes place in the human realm, so it feels compact, but despite this it still feels well thoughtout and the want to learn more about the demon realm.
Twists:
There were more twists and turns than tiberian tiger telling tales of tongue twisters while twirling two sets of tiny twizzlers. The amount of near deaths and plot armour felt heavy, as a consequence this made any potential sacrifices by main characters lack emotional weight or trauma that comes from the loss of a character's actual death.
Honourable mentions:
Captain Tal, dark and handsome. We salute you.
Rylo should have a sainthood.
Tal x Lira. (Idgaf) fanfic please.
Bronwen is a fraud.
Caden, the king of vanity and other ways to describe his smile.
Queen Witch Ravenna, Last of the fire witches.
Farrah is my 2nd favourite witch.
Overall: I enjoy the emotional rollercoaster this journey took me on and makes me excited for the next book in the duology. P.s. prequel please and thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second book I have ARC read for Nicole Holland. The first being Shadowbound.
I am so happy that I got to have this experience in getting to read For Coven and Crown as an ARC.
At the beginning, I was a bit skeptical when it came to the solidary of things. It seemed like the coven had too much going on, with trying to introduce and include each of the Coven witches. Though it was just a small rocky patch where it felt like this. Though during this time, I found myself asking "did I miss something" as it felt like I was on point B and completely missed point A. Though this just seemed to feel like a small rough patch as the book progress wonderfully after that.
I found I wasn't as fond of getting to know Ravenna and her life with her coven. No, I felt like I began to enjoy the story more when she was captured and taken to the capital to see King Caden.
I adore Caden so much. He is such a complex character. Actually this could be said about both Caden and Ravenna.
I have to say I did enjoy this world and the complex dynamics between the witches and the humans.
The characters , some felt like they had more development than others. When others were more strung along and left with wanting more.
Yet this is only the first book of a duology. I am excited to get the next book and see what happens for Caden and Ravenna's story.
The twists and turns just kept coming. It started to feel like maybe there was some curse in play that made everything seem to go worse even if things weren't meant to go that way--especially when Ravenna was involved.
At times I felt like I was watching an episode of House of the Dragon. Well lacking the dragons and the more questionable romantic dynamics. Though in this comments I am meaning the cutthroat nature of politics, the backstabbing and angst. Well I guess I could also link it to watching a episode of Game of Thrones too.
The book hooks you, drags you through so much then hits you with arrows and cuts you with daggers. I need not just the next part , but would love to see the story through perhaps Tal or Lira's POV. Oh and a prequel would be wonderful too.
Some twists were so unexpected. When others were expected (but not disappointing at all when they happened).
I am so happy that I got to have this experience in getting to read For Coven and Crown as an ARC.
At the beginning, I was a bit skeptical when it came to the solidary of things. It seemed like the coven had too much going on, with trying to introduce and include each of the Coven witches. Though it was just a small rocky patch where it felt like this. Though during this time, I found myself asking "did I miss something" as it felt like I was on point B and completely missed point A. Though this just seemed to feel like a small rough patch as the book progress wonderfully after that.
I found I wasn't as fond of getting to know Ravenna and her life with her coven. No, I felt like I began to enjoy the story more when she was captured and taken to the capital to see King Caden.
I adore Caden so much. He is such a complex character. Actually this could be said about both Caden and Ravenna.
I have to say I did enjoy this world and the complex dynamics between the witches and the humans.
The characters , some felt like they had more development than others. When others were more strung along and left with wanting more.
Yet this is only the first book of a duology. I am excited to get the next book and see what happens for Caden and Ravenna's story.
The twists and turns just kept coming. It started to feel like maybe there was some curse in play that made everything seem to go worse even if things weren't meant to go that way--especially when Ravenna was involved.
At times I felt like I was watching an episode of House of the Dragon. Well lacking the dragons and the more questionable romantic dynamics. Though in this comments I am meaning the cutthroat nature of politics, the backstabbing and angst. Well I guess I could also link it to watching a episode of Game of Thrones too.
The book hooks you, drags you through so much then hits you with arrows and cuts you with daggers. I need not just the next part , but would love to see the story through perhaps Tal or Lira's POV. Oh and a prequel would be wonderful too.
Some twists were so unexpected. When others were expected (but not disappointing at all when they happened).
May 30, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
I was absolutely thrilled to receive an ARC of For Coven and Crown by Nicole Holland.
As a devoted romantic fantasy reader, I was captivated from the first moment I saw the cover and the tropes.
After reading a few early, spoiler-free reviews, I knew I had to request it and I’m so glad I did.
The book consumed me from the start, with its immersive, emotionally rich prose.
I especially loved how the story was set mostly in the human realm, with just subtle hints of the witch and demon realms, leaving so much more to explore in the sequel.
The magic system is truly fascinating, and I was especially drawn to Ravenna, the last queen of her witch coven, who carries a raw, commanding power.
Caden, the human king, is one of the most complex characters I’ve encountered his grief, anger, and guardedness made me connect to him even more than Ravenna.
Together, their slow-burn tension, as sworn enemies who must learn to cooperate for their peoples sake, is electric.
The plot twists were expertly placed, and the story balances grief, duty, and these rich tropes like one bed, witch and witch hunter, betrayal, elemental magic, and prophecy so powerfully. What truly stood out was not just the protagonists, but also the emotional depth of the side characters and their impact on both Ravenna and Caden.
These relationships and moments were profoundly moving. While the pacing sometimes disrupted the flow for me, it never took away from how much I cared about these characters and their journey.
I’m truly excited for book two in this duology, eager to see how the story of Caden and Ravenna unfolds, especially as we have barely glimpsed the world of the demons, and I can’t wait to see how it all expands.
I was absolutely thrilled to receive an ARC of For Coven and Crown by Nicole Holland.
As a devoted romantic fantasy reader, I was captivated from the first moment I saw the cover and the tropes.
After reading a few early, spoiler-free reviews, I knew I had to request it and I’m so glad I did.
The book consumed me from the start, with its immersive, emotionally rich prose.
I especially loved how the story was set mostly in the human realm, with just subtle hints of the witch and demon realms, leaving so much more to explore in the sequel.
The magic system is truly fascinating, and I was especially drawn to Ravenna, the last queen of her witch coven, who carries a raw, commanding power.
Caden, the human king, is one of the most complex characters I’ve encountered his grief, anger, and guardedness made me connect to him even more than Ravenna.
Together, their slow-burn tension, as sworn enemies who must learn to cooperate for their peoples sake, is electric.
The plot twists were expertly placed, and the story balances grief, duty, and these rich tropes like one bed, witch and witch hunter, betrayal, elemental magic, and prophecy so powerfully. What truly stood out was not just the protagonists, but also the emotional depth of the side characters and their impact on both Ravenna and Caden.
These relationships and moments were profoundly moving. While the pacing sometimes disrupted the flow for me, it never took away from how much I cared about these characters and their journey.
I’m truly excited for book two in this duology, eager to see how the story of Caden and Ravenna unfolds, especially as we have barely glimpsed the world of the demons, and I can’t wait to see how it all expands.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am unwell.
I devoured For Coven and Crown in one day. One. Day. I ignored all responsibilities, fully abandoned any attempt at being a functioning adult, and read straight through because I physically could not put this book down.
And honestly? I kind of wish I had paced myself… because that ending wrecked me. Completely. Thankfully this is a duology, so I won’t have to survive too many more emotional ambushes like that… or at least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
Now, the actual book.
The world-building is fantastic. Humans and witches hate each other so deeply they live in completely separate realms, avoiding one another at all costs. This isn’t mild dislike, this is hatred that runs as deep as the Mariana Trench, and you feel it in every interaction.
The plot? I loved it. Demons are threatening both worlds, so Caden, the human king, decides the best solution is to kidnap Ravenna, the witch queen, and force her to help him. As you can imagine, things do not go according to plan… and that’s all you’re getting from me. No spoilers here.
The characters were everything. Caden? Obnoxious. Infuriating. I wanted to slug him more than once. He absolutely needs someone to knock him down a few pegs.
Ravenna, on the other hand? I loved her. She’s strong, sharp, a little snarky, but also full of hope and heart in a way that made her impossible not to root for.
And the side characters, both human and witch, were just as compelling. Some I adored, some I wanted to fight, which is exactly how you know they’re well written.
I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this story. It consumed me, wrecked me, and left me desperate for the next book.
I devoured For Coven and Crown in one day. One. Day. I ignored all responsibilities, fully abandoned any attempt at being a functioning adult, and read straight through because I physically could not put this book down.
And honestly? I kind of wish I had paced myself… because that ending wrecked me. Completely. Thankfully this is a duology, so I won’t have to survive too many more emotional ambushes like that… or at least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
Now, the actual book.
The world-building is fantastic. Humans and witches hate each other so deeply they live in completely separate realms, avoiding one another at all costs. This isn’t mild dislike, this is hatred that runs as deep as the Mariana Trench, and you feel it in every interaction.
The plot? I loved it. Demons are threatening both worlds, so Caden, the human king, decides the best solution is to kidnap Ravenna, the witch queen, and force her to help him. As you can imagine, things do not go according to plan… and that’s all you’re getting from me. No spoilers here.
The characters were everything. Caden? Obnoxious. Infuriating. I wanted to slug him more than once. He absolutely needs someone to knock him down a few pegs.
Ravenna, on the other hand? I loved her. She’s strong, sharp, a little snarky, but also full of hope and heart in a way that made her impossible not to root for.
And the side characters, both human and witch, were just as compelling. Some I adored, some I wanted to fight, which is exactly how you know they’re well written.
I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this story. It consumed me, wrecked me, and left me desperate for the next book.
June 7, 2026
Received as an ARC (But finished it later than expected)
Just wow.
Everyone that knows me, knows that I love a good fantasy, especially with witches. This book? It makes me desperate for book two, like I need it NOW.
It starts with a coven that is not in a good predicament (the land is dying and they are starving). When they go to the human realm, their Queen, Ravenna is taken by the human King, Caden. In this story, humans despise witches, seeing them as savage, ruthless beings deserving of death. However, instead of killing her, the king uses Ravenna to discover how to fight/defeat the true threat, the demons. Thus, the story unfolds as the two struggle with their differences and their hate of one another.
This definitely kept my attention, making me want to devour every page. The characters are interesting because let's be real, none of them are perfect - they make mistakes and often make you angry with their behaviors (well, that was me with Caden) . It was very well written and planned out. To me, I liked the flow, and how the story really unfolded and twisted at the end. Though some things were predictable lol, not at fault to the author! But certain characters gave me a vibe that I couldn't shake. It made me want to scream at the characters in question. Is it possible to slap someone through a page?
I highly recommend it for those who love a good slow burn fantasy with witches. :3
And a huge sorry to the author for reading this later than I was supposed to.
Just wow.
Everyone that knows me, knows that I love a good fantasy, especially with witches. This book? It makes me desperate for book two, like I need it NOW.
It starts with a coven that is not in a good predicament (the land is dying and they are starving). When they go to the human realm, their Queen, Ravenna is taken by the human King, Caden. In this story, humans despise witches, seeing them as savage, ruthless beings deserving of death. However, instead of killing her, the king uses Ravenna to discover how to fight/defeat the true threat, the demons. Thus, the story unfolds as the two struggle with their differences and their hate of one another.
This definitely kept my attention, making me want to devour every page. The characters are interesting because let's be real, none of them are perfect - they make mistakes and often make you angry with their behaviors (well, that was me with Caden) . It was very well written and planned out. To me, I liked the flow, and how the story really unfolded and twisted at the end. Though some things were predictable lol, not at fault to the author! But certain characters gave me a vibe that I couldn't shake. It made me want to scream at the characters in question. Is it possible to slap someone through a page?
I highly recommend it for those who love a good slow burn fantasy with witches. :3
And a huge sorry to the author for reading this later than I was supposed to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
Title: For Coven and Crown
Author: Nicole Holland
Rating: ★★★★☆
In For Coven and Crown, Nicole Holland weaves a dark and enchanting tale that immerses readers in a world on the brink of collapse. The story follows Ravenna and her coven, who are grappling with the dual threats of a dying land and a looming demonic force. The atmosphere is rich and haunting, pulling readers into a narrative filled with tension and urgency.
Holland’s writing shines as she explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the burdens of leadership. The characters are well-developed, each facing their own struggles as they navigate the complexities of power and sacrifice. The blend of witchcraft and folklore adds depth to the story, creating a magical yet perilous backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of the characters’ choices is palpable, making it hard to put the book down. If you enjoy dark fantasy with strong female characters and a mix of magic and danger, For Coven and Crown is a must-read. This tale is not just about the fight for survival; it’s also a poignant exploration of what it means to protect those you love when the world seems determined to tear you apart.
Overall, this book is a captivating read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Author: Nicole Holland
Rating: ★★★★☆
In For Coven and Crown, Nicole Holland weaves a dark and enchanting tale that immerses readers in a world on the brink of collapse. The story follows Ravenna and her coven, who are grappling with the dual threats of a dying land and a looming demonic force. The atmosphere is rich and haunting, pulling readers into a narrative filled with tension and urgency.
Holland’s writing shines as she explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the burdens of leadership. The characters are well-developed, each facing their own struggles as they navigate the complexities of power and sacrifice. The blend of witchcraft and folklore adds depth to the story, creating a magical yet perilous backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of the characters’ choices is palpable, making it hard to put the book down. If you enjoy dark fantasy with strong female characters and a mix of magic and danger, For Coven and Crown is a must-read. This tale is not just about the fight for survival; it’s also a poignant exploration of what it means to protect those you love when the world seems determined to tear you apart.
Overall, this book is a captivating read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
May 25, 2026
I was honored with an advanced copy of “For Coven and Crown” and it was amazing!! This dark fantasy world was well written and thought out. This is the first book in a duology by Nicole Holland.
Ravenna, the FMC, is an elemental witch. Not just any witch but the Witch Queen. She lives in the witch realm with her coven. Her land, crops, animals, and her coven are dying. Ravenna cannot find the food and supplies to keep them alive. She must break the treaty with the human realm to steal the food they desperately need.
Caden, the MMC, is the human king. He hates witches, as all humans do. However, the demons are back and killing his people. He must do something. In the past, the witches killed off the demons with their elemental magic. Therefore, Caden kidnaps Ravenna to do his bidding and get rid of the demons. But, of course, it won’t be that easy. Caden also must deal with his own political issues within his own advisor council.
Neither Caden or Ravenna trust each other, but they must work together or everyone, humans and witches alike, will die. They do have one thing in common; they are willing to sacrifice themselves to save their people.
The author states that her favorite characters are Manon and Dorian from “Throne of Glass” and this book definitely gives off those vibes.
Ravenna, the FMC, is an elemental witch. Not just any witch but the Witch Queen. She lives in the witch realm with her coven. Her land, crops, animals, and her coven are dying. Ravenna cannot find the food and supplies to keep them alive. She must break the treaty with the human realm to steal the food they desperately need.
Caden, the MMC, is the human king. He hates witches, as all humans do. However, the demons are back and killing his people. He must do something. In the past, the witches killed off the demons with their elemental magic. Therefore, Caden kidnaps Ravenna to do his bidding and get rid of the demons. But, of course, it won’t be that easy. Caden also must deal with his own political issues within his own advisor council.
Neither Caden or Ravenna trust each other, but they must work together or everyone, humans and witches alike, will die. They do have one thing in common; they are willing to sacrifice themselves to save their people.
The author states that her favorite characters are Manon and Dorian from “Throne of Glass” and this book definitely gives off those vibes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For Coven and Crown, by Nicole Holand, is the first book in the duology.
I really enjoyed this book. If you like true enemies to lovers with witches and demons, this is a book for you.
Ravenna, the queen of the witches, is trying to anything she can to keep her coven from starvation, even if that means venturing to the human realm to steal food, which goes against the peace treaty between them.
Caden, the king of the humans, finds out that the witches will be breaching the treaty and intercepts them, all but Ravenna is able to escape back to their realm. Breaking the treaty is an instant death sentence, but Caden has other plans for Ravenna.
Throughout the book, Ravenna and Caden are having to learn how to work together, and that requires trust, which they don’t have for each other. I really enjoyed watching their relationship blossom.
There are some really good side characters in this book as well. I believe that really helps make a book great. The witches in the coven are great, and I really hope we get to know them more in the second book. I also really like Tal, Caden’s best friend and commander of the human army.
Be prepared for a cliffhanger but is so worth the read, so don’t let that stop you from picking it up now. I can’t wait for book two!
I really enjoyed this book. If you like true enemies to lovers with witches and demons, this is a book for you.
Ravenna, the queen of the witches, is trying to anything she can to keep her coven from starvation, even if that means venturing to the human realm to steal food, which goes against the peace treaty between them.
Caden, the king of the humans, finds out that the witches will be breaching the treaty and intercepts them, all but Ravenna is able to escape back to their realm. Breaking the treaty is an instant death sentence, but Caden has other plans for Ravenna.
Throughout the book, Ravenna and Caden are having to learn how to work together, and that requires trust, which they don’t have for each other. I really enjoyed watching their relationship blossom.
There are some really good side characters in this book as well. I believe that really helps make a book great. The witches in the coven are great, and I really hope we get to know them more in the second book. I also really like Tal, Caden’s best friend and commander of the human army.
Be prepared for a cliffhanger but is so worth the read, so don’t let that stop you from picking it up now. I can’t wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
I've not read any of Nicole Holland's books previously & I am thankful that I was allowed to join her ARC team. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nicole takes us on a journey to a world I'm not sure I've read about before, where the realms were fully accessable by anyone, just a border on a map. I found i quite liked the dynamics of the witches, there weren't many left, just a small coven trying to survive as their realm slowly died, demons were once again walking the land. They took a risk & the Queen was captured by the humans. I realy felt for both the Witch Queen & the King, both finding themselves ruling their realms after their parents killed each other. I could empathise with them trying to live up to their parents' standards, keeping their people safe. You know sparks will fly & I loved the way it was teased at, then put on the back burner to slowly build heat while the story unfolded more. Elemental magic, demons, court politics & betrayal all combined to make you feel for not only the FMC & MMC but also the other chaacters we meet.
I've not read any of Nicole Holland's books previously & I am thankful that I was allowed to join her ARC team. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nicole takes us on a journey to a world I'm not sure I've read about before, where the realms were fully accessable by anyone, just a border on a map. I found i quite liked the dynamics of the witches, there weren't many left, just a small coven trying to survive as their realm slowly died, demons were once again walking the land. They took a risk & the Queen was captured by the humans. I realy felt for both the Witch Queen & the King, both finding themselves ruling their realms after their parents killed each other. I could empathise with them trying to live up to their parents' standards, keeping their people safe. You know sparks will fly & I loved the way it was teased at, then put on the back burner to slowly build heat while the story unfolded more. Elemental magic, demons, court politics & betrayal all combined to make you feel for not only the FMC & MMC but also the other chaacters we meet.
June 1, 2026
“For Coven and Crown” was a fantastic book. It made me loolk up and realize I’ve been reading for three hours without accomplishing a damn thing I planned to do. Ravenna and Caden carry the story, but they don’t carry it alone. The supporting cast feels like more than set dressing, and a few of them could probably carry books dedicated to their stories.
*coughTALcough*
The relationship at the center of the novel works because neither character is willing to make things easy. They have history, obligations, baggage, and enough stubbornness to derail a lesser story. The tension builds naturally, and when the story finally cashes in on that investment, it earns the moment.
The fantasy elements are equally strong. Witches, demons, political maneuvering, betrayals, ancient grudges, and elemental magic all share the page without competing for attention.
My only criticism is that the opening asks you to keep track of a lot of moving pieces. I personally have a hard time keeping tabs on a lot of characters/elements. Once those pieces lock into place, though, the story takes off and rarely slows down.
And that ending? Nicole owes me another book. SOON.
Five stars.
Punch and pie.
*coughTALcough*
The relationship at the center of the novel works because neither character is willing to make things easy. They have history, obligations, baggage, and enough stubbornness to derail a lesser story. The tension builds naturally, and when the story finally cashes in on that investment, it earns the moment.
The fantasy elements are equally strong. Witches, demons, political maneuvering, betrayals, ancient grudges, and elemental magic all share the page without competing for attention.
My only criticism is that the opening asks you to keep track of a lot of moving pieces. I personally have a hard time keeping tabs on a lot of characters/elements. Once those pieces lock into place, though, the story takes off and rarely slows down.
And that ending? Nicole owes me another book. SOON.
Five stars.
Punch and pie.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy:
This book was a ride from start to end! Although Manon and Dorian is what drew me in Ravenna and Caden truly stole my heart. Their banter and back and forth had me kicking my feet and giggling. Their story isnt straight forward, it ebbs and flows in such a natural way (although agonizing when I just wanted them together!). The slowest of slow burns with enough heat to keep you reading. There were so many moments I didn’t see coming. Being a fairly seasoned reader that’s hard to achieve for me so cudos to the author! And don’t even get me started on that ending, I am very much looking forward to the next book.
SPOILERS BELOW:
My one question is in chapter 15 it’s mentioned that the demons drown, and that they need to get them into the water, which turns out to be the answer to the demon issue…. They mention/assumed they had to be dismembered for it to work so maybe that’s why they disregarded it and never brought it up again but that was literally the answer and when it was told later in the book they acted like that was never considered!
This book was a ride from start to end! Although Manon and Dorian is what drew me in Ravenna and Caden truly stole my heart. Their banter and back and forth had me kicking my feet and giggling. Their story isnt straight forward, it ebbs and flows in such a natural way (although agonizing when I just wanted them together!). The slowest of slow burns with enough heat to keep you reading. There were so many moments I didn’t see coming. Being a fairly seasoned reader that’s hard to achieve for me so cudos to the author! And don’t even get me started on that ending, I am very much looking forward to the next book.
SPOILERS BELOW:
My one question is in chapter 15 it’s mentioned that the demons drown, and that they need to get them into the water, which turns out to be the answer to the demon issue…. They mention/assumed they had to be dismembered for it to work so maybe that’s why they disregarded it and never brought it up again but that was literally the answer and when it was told later in the book they acted like that was never considered!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For Coven and Crown is a dark enchanting story where Ravenna the Queen of the witches and her coven are fighting to survive. Their land is dying, the humans are their enemies and there are demonic forces at play as well. There is a lot to process at the beginning but Nicole Holland's writing really draws you in with graphic descriptions. It's dual POV so we also get the story from Caden the King of the human Realm. Both Ravenna and Caden's characters are very well developed and the tension and banter between them had me rooting for them each. They are both struggling with issues that they start to work through together. Holland has some great twists and turns, with it expected to be a duology we don't have a HEA, we are left on a cliffhanger. I loved this story and I will be watching for the second book. I hope that we get more back story of other members of the Coven as well as some of the side characters on the human side. Maybe even a prequel with more information about the Originals. Thank you Nicole Holland for the opportunity to read For Coven and Crown early!
June 1, 2026
***This review is for an Advance reader copy (ARC) provided by Nicole ahead of the release. Thank you for the chance to dive into another world of yours, Nicole! Had the best time!!***
Enemies to lovers where the FMC STABS him (accidentally) and he still falls in love with her?!? Say no more.
I fell for Ravenna and Caden just as much as—if not, more than—Manon and Dorian. These characters were so complex, both fighting for their own sides stubbornly. They were both such natural leaders and watching the slight politics go down in the background only added that much more tension to their fight with the demons. Watching Ravenna and Caden come together (and apart and together again) over the span of this book had me HOOKED. The tension was so real, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to yell at them the entire time. Such perfectly balanced characters with a grounded, vivid, easy to digest world. Love, love, LOVED this story and I can’t wait to see how Nicole continues everything in book two!!
Enemies to lovers where the FMC STABS him (accidentally) and he still falls in love with her?!? Say no more.
I fell for Ravenna and Caden just as much as—if not, more than—Manon and Dorian. These characters were so complex, both fighting for their own sides stubbornly. They were both such natural leaders and watching the slight politics go down in the background only added that much more tension to their fight with the demons. Watching Ravenna and Caden come together (and apart and together again) over the span of this book had me HOOKED. The tension was so real, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to yell at them the entire time. Such perfectly balanced characters with a grounded, vivid, easy to digest world. Love, love, LOVED this story and I can’t wait to see how Nicole continues everything in book two!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5
I Read an ARC of "For Coven and Crown" and I am writing this review voluntarily. This is a romantasy, slow burn, enemies to lovers story with humans, witches, demons, a sightreacher and, of course, a couple of back-stabbing characters that made me want to cause physical harm due to their treachery! A Witch Queen and a Human King who are sworn enemies must learn to work together to defeat a common demon enemy. I was thoroughly engaged by the developement of Ravenna and Caden's relationship, the obstacles that they had to overcome and the Coven dynamics. I was incredibly enterained and, at the end of the book, craved more as I was not ready for it to be over. I have so many questions and look forward to reading the next book in this series. If you enjoy romantasy book with an enemies to lovers trope including a slow burn, check this one out!!
I Read an ARC of "For Coven and Crown" and I am writing this review voluntarily. This is a romantasy, slow burn, enemies to lovers story with humans, witches, demons, a sightreacher and, of course, a couple of back-stabbing characters that made me want to cause physical harm due to their treachery! A Witch Queen and a Human King who are sworn enemies must learn to work together to defeat a common demon enemy. I was thoroughly engaged by the developement of Ravenna and Caden's relationship, the obstacles that they had to overcome and the Coven dynamics. I was incredibly enterained and, at the end of the book, craved more as I was not ready for it to be over. I have so many questions and look forward to reading the next book in this series. If you enjoy romantasy book with an enemies to lovers trope including a slow burn, check this one out!!
May 25, 2026
I had the absolute privilege of reading an ARC of For Coven and Crown and I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it.
This book completely swept me away. The atmosphere, the magic, the tension, the characters… everything felt so immersive and alive. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story until I reached the point where I physically could not put it down.
What I loved most was how emotionally invested I became. The relationships felt layered and convincing, the stakes kept building in the best way, and there were multiple moments that had me staring at the page in disbelief.
If you love fantasy with rich worldbuilding, compelling character dynamics, and the kind of story that keeps you thinking about it long after you finish, you need this book on your radar. Ravenna and Caden will not disappoint you.
Nicole Holland absolutely delivered with this one.
This book completely swept me away. The atmosphere, the magic, the tension, the characters… everything felt so immersive and alive. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story until I reached the point where I physically could not put it down.
What I loved most was how emotionally invested I became. The relationships felt layered and convincing, the stakes kept building in the best way, and there were multiple moments that had me staring at the page in disbelief.
If you love fantasy with rich worldbuilding, compelling character dynamics, and the kind of story that keeps you thinking about it long after you finish, you need this book on your radar. Ravenna and Caden will not disappoint you.
Nicole Holland absolutely delivered with this one.
May 26, 2026
"Knock, Knock, Knock"
Can book two come out already? That's how I was left feeling. The tension in this book is sooo good. Our FMC Ravenna is queen of the witches, trying to get them by as best as she can with lands that are dying all around them. Struggling with no resources Ravenna makes a decision that leads her into her enemies hands. Enter Caden, the human king and MMC. The drama and tension unfolds from there. This enemies to lovers had me in a death grip. There is a little of everything in this book and I loved it. Nicole Holand's writing had me on pins and needles with the tension between the characters. I cannot wait for the part of this story.
Can book two come out already? That's how I was left feeling. The tension in this book is sooo good. Our FMC Ravenna is queen of the witches, trying to get them by as best as she can with lands that are dying all around them. Struggling with no resources Ravenna makes a decision that leads her into her enemies hands. Enter Caden, the human king and MMC. The drama and tension unfolds from there. This enemies to lovers had me in a death grip. There is a little of everything in this book and I loved it. Nicole Holand's writing had me on pins and needles with the tension between the characters. I cannot wait for the part of this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to get to read this ARC! Caden is the human king, Ravenna is the witch queen
Great character development, their motives are well communicated as are their inner thoughts and feelings.
Attraction and yearning but their people are enemies forced to unite to fight a common foe, seemingly unkillable demons. Lots of slow burn and yearning!
Spice well done! Not cringy! Just the right amount!
Amazing plot twists and high stakes battles and politics!
A fave read of the year so far!
Great character development, their motives are well communicated as are their inner thoughts and feelings.
Attraction and yearning but their people are enemies forced to unite to fight a common foe, seemingly unkillable demons. Lots of slow burn and yearning!
Spice well done! Not cringy! Just the right amount!
Amazing plot twists and high stakes battles and politics!
A fave read of the year so far!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute pleasure to read an ARC of this book. There were a lot of elements of this book that I really enjoyed, particularly Ravenna, the coven, and the magic system as a whole. There were other elements though, like the development of Ravenna and Caden's relationship, that I felt were a bit underdeveloped or moved a bit too quickly. I particularly enjoyed the side characters, especially Tal. Overall, I did have a good time reading this book, and I'm very interested to see what happens in the next one
May 25, 2026
I was lucky enough to read an arc of this book. And WOW. I ate this up! The powers, the world, was all so captivating! All the heavy moments were felt and hit hard! Which is something I feel is a necessity, at least in books I read. Also... CADEN!! He was so complex but so loyal. He was everything! But I also loved how much him and Ravenna were similar! Both driven by an emotional past and trying to escape. All and all this book was fantastic. I love witchy books and this was such an awesome read!
May 29, 2026
Well! This wasn’t at all that I was expecting. This is my 4th arc from this author and she constantly surprises me! Though I never read any of the books the premise was based on, I had a very fun time. From the whiplash I was getting from emotions, to the twist and turns (I didn’t know where I was gonna be thrown next but I had a fantastic time) did I mention there are dragons?!!! Also, Caden… sir… the things I would…. Never mind 😅👀👀 I’m honestly excited to see where this goes in the next book. And I again thank you Nicole for allowing me to ride this journey with you!
June 1, 2026
i enjoyed the read. Ravenna is part of a small coven trying to survive inthere dying lands. Caden is the king of the human relams that is thriving. this is a emeies to lover the banter between them to had me hooked. im just said i have to wait for book 2. but that just meand i can do a reread when it comes out............ ...spolier just a little when they have to the same wroom and relize there one bed she tell them to sleep and he basically says no because she the prisoner had me made me smile hard that whole section did
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another absolute banger of a book from Nicole Holland. One of my favorite elements within her stories is her natural ability to breathe life into worlds I’ve never stepped into and have me completely immersed in no time at all.
I love that she doesn’t let her characters get off easy with what we all want them to have (or be). They have to work…and work hard for every scrap of happiness.
It’s not often I flip the last page and scream out because there’s no way it’s over…I NEED MORE!!!!
I love that she doesn’t let her characters get off easy with what we all want them to have (or be). They have to work…and work hard for every scrap of happiness.
It’s not often I flip the last page and scream out because there’s no way it’s over…I NEED MORE!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very much ACOTAR inspired. Slow burn, enemy to lovers story with magic and demons. A kingdom of humans whose generational hate is forced to face the fact that the only ones who can save them are the ones they hate the most. A king and queen forced to work together to fight an enemy who could kill them all. Definitely worth the read! Ends on a cliff hanger. Hope I get to read about the next adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love a good witch and royalty match!! And it’s dual POV. This book was good. I love Ravennas saucy attitude and the depths she goes to protect her coven. Caden, the crown, is just as fiesty and they work together to attempt to save both their realms. It’s rich with characters and plot twists they kept me clicking pages long after bedtime. This is a duology so it ends in a hella cliffhanger. I hope she’s almost done writing book two ! 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy for review . This book had me in a chokehold. I couldn’t stop reading this book it took me less than two days. This has Manon and the 13 vibes. I want to much more I want the backstory on the queen and the prince. I want to read the story continue.. From back stabbing, traitors, and forbidden love this book needs to be at the top of your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Manon and Dorian lovers, this is for you!!!
Always love Nicole's books. I feel like she just does a great job of thinking of all the aspects of a fantasy world. They're so immersive, and the plots are gripping!
Things I loved:
🔥Ravenna and her coven
🔥There is one scene with her coven that had me GASPING
🔥Caden is, ofc, hot as hell
🔥The spice!!!
🔥The cliffhanger had me eager for more!!
Always love Nicole's books. I feel like she just does a great job of thinking of all the aspects of a fantasy world. They're so immersive, and the plots are gripping!
Things I loved:
🔥Ravenna and her coven
🔥There is one scene with her coven that had me GASPING
🔥Caden is, ofc, hot as hell
🔥The spice!!!
🔥The cliffhanger had me eager for more!!
May 25, 2026
This book has a little bit of everything. Love, enemies to loves, fated mates, and betrayal. She is a witch among humans that hate witches, and he tries very hard not to fall in love with her. Little does he know that the betrayal he will face doesn't come at the hand of witches, but his most trusted inner circle. I could not stop reading this book it is truly amazing. I definitely recommend.
Read
May 27, 2026This was my first time ARC reading for Nicole Holland and I absolutely bodied this book in a day. I could not stop reading, Holland’s writing kept me captivated and engaged the whole time. I love Caden sooo much, I cannot wait for the second part of this duology to see what happens with Caden and Ravenna! The cliffhanger at the end has me sat!
May 16, 2026
Nicole did it again! I didn't just read this book I devoured it! I have been following Nicole on Tiktok since before the release of Shadowbound in 2024 and have watched her go through so much of the writing process and could not wait to read this book. I knew it would be good but I was amazed at how well all the bits a pieces she shared all came together into this piece of beautiful art that had me hooked just from the dedication page.
Two enemy kingdoms. One flourishing, one wasting away, forced to come face to face with a threat that neither of them were prepared for. Nicole's amazing world building gave us enemies to lovers with a side of forced proximity as well as adventure, action, elemental magic and a dash of spice. All of which left me wanting more.
Ravenna and Caden filled the void that Sara J Maas had left by not giving us a Mannon and Dorian book without actually being from the Maas universe. I loved it and wish I could read it for the first time again. If you enjoy fantasy and adventure but also enjoy some great sexual tension you must read.
Two enemy kingdoms. One flourishing, one wasting away, forced to come face to face with a threat that neither of them were prepared for. Nicole's amazing world building gave us enemies to lovers with a side of forced proximity as well as adventure, action, elemental magic and a dash of spice. All of which left me wanting more.
Ravenna and Caden filled the void that Sara J Maas had left by not giving us a Mannon and Dorian book without actually being from the Maas universe. I loved it and wish I could read it for the first time again. If you enjoy fantasy and adventure but also enjoy some great sexual tension you must read.
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