What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Crown #2
Defenders of the Black Crown
A sequel to the book readers deemed 'an LGBTQ Game of Thrones', perfect for fans of The Wheel of Time , Priory of the Orange Tree, and the Farseer Trilogy, Defenders of the Black Crown brings back the same political intrigue you loved in book one. but with more twists and more secrets.
"After having such high expectations after reading 'Traitors', I will say that 'Defenders of the Black Crown' exceeds the first instalment in this series." -Dani Cox
The Queen is dead.
A new enemy is rising to power from beyond the coastline.
Raena, an heir to the throne, takes her place as ruler of Candor. But she cannot reveal her true identity as a woman or she will surely be executed. Avenna, once a duchess, returns to her life as a commoner. She hardens her heart and leaves her true love Raena, but will a heinous assault reunite them? Sylas, a Lord displaced, is forced to lead the refugees and prisoners out of the Boen slaughter. He may be the only one to stop the next war between dwellers of the ocean and the land. And Bell, the noblewoman, finds the way to command a kingdom is sometimes through gaining the ear (and the bed) of a King.
In this second book of the Black Crown series, Raena, Aven, and their allies learn that it will take more than power and titles to overturn years of oppression, but they might die trying.
"After having such high expectations after reading 'Traitors', I will say that 'Defenders of the Black Crown' exceeds the first instalment in this series." -Dani Cox
The Queen is dead.
A new enemy is rising to power from beyond the coastline.
Raena, an heir to the throne, takes her place as ruler of Candor. But she cannot reveal her true identity as a woman or she will surely be executed. Avenna, once a duchess, returns to her life as a commoner. She hardens her heart and leaves her true love Raena, but will a heinous assault reunite them? Sylas, a Lord displaced, is forced to lead the refugees and prisoners out of the Boen slaughter. He may be the only one to stop the next war between dwellers of the ocean and the land. And Bell, the noblewoman, finds the way to command a kingdom is sometimes through gaining the ear (and the bed) of a King.
In this second book of the Black Crown series, Raena, Aven, and their allies learn that it will take more than power and titles to overturn years of oppression, but they might die trying.
- GenresFantasyQueer FantasyLGBT
472 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2022
About the author
Cate Pearce
3 books44 followersCate Pearce was homeschooled on a Christmas tree farm in rural Western Washington. At age eight she was fed-up with a plotline on Star Trek TNG so she wrote her own episodes on a Commodore 64. She has been a writer ever since, but only recently decided to share that information with you and the world.
Cate has two children which she delivered at-home with the assistance of saintly midwives. Cate is unapologetic in her fervor for feminism, queerness, and Christian faith. Aside from writing, her "day job" is to prepare organizations for response and recovery from catastrophic disasters. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Cate has two children which she delivered at-home with the assistance of saintly midwives. Cate is unapologetic in her fervor for feminism, queerness, and Christian faith. Aside from writing, her "day job" is to prepare organizations for response and recovery from catastrophic disasters. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 6, 2022
4.25 stars. I’m enjoying this series more and more. This type of epic fantasy tale is exactly what I like and throw in some sapphic leads and I’m super happy. I thought the first and debut book of this series was pretty impressive even though there were a few newbie bumps, this second book is even better in several respects. It does have a middle book feel as it is working up to something big in book three, but I found that I didn’t mind, there is still plenty going on that kept me hooked.
In my review for the first book Traitors of the Black Crown, I stated that this book reminds me of Game of Thrones and it still does. It contains a couple of kingdoms, all with their own cultures and religion, there are wars, intrigues and in this book also several fantasy aspects are added. This is a continuing storyline so you have to start with book 1.
There is still a large cast of characters, but only a few POVs (3rd person) namely; Reana (in disguise as sir Rowan), Duchess Aven and Sylas (Reana’s adopted father). This book is on the longer side, so I’ll write my review like I did for the first book in sections.
Worldbuilding: Clearly most of the worldbuilding has been done in the first book, but in this book a location is added to the world. It is well described and I liked how the story now deepens, giving more insights in the cultures of the different kingdoms and there were some very pronounced fantasy elements added to the story (still no dragons, but we do get another big creature).
Intrigue: This is still going strong, where there are kingdoms and wars, there is intrigue and especially in this book the MCs struggle with who to trust. There were also some good twists along the way.
Characters: The best part of this book. Due to the Feudal and patriarchic system in these worlds, some things that happen were very frustrating to read and it was so good to see a cast of strong women (and some men) and how they all handle the difficulties in their paths in their own way.
In my review on the first book I mentioned that the characters were sometimes too good to be true and could use more growth. I’m so happy to see that happening in this book. Aven is hands down the most badass character. She is beaten down time and time again and she has a really hard time, but she does not give up and stands up for herself. Reana definitely attained some rough edges and makes plenty of mistakes, she was a bit dense at times (for someone who is supposed to be really smart), but I love a flawed character and even when I sometimes tore my hair out at some of her actions I liked her and felt sorry for her at some bittersweet moments. Finn does not have a big role in this book, but we get to see more of Bell, and she’s a colorful character for sure and she has a couple of interesting “pets”.
Diversity: Adult epic fantasy stories still often are not highly diverse, but this book is. Aside from the obvious, namely the various races with highly different characteristics and cultures, the mains are lesbian, bi, pan and ace (although not explicitly mentioned) and with a main in disguise as a man there is some clear gender bending.
My book had a few errors (like chapter headings that were off and a missing chapter) which is probably an ARC thing and will hopefully be resolved before release. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but big things are about to happen in the third book, that is clear. There was one thing that struck me as strange at the end of this book, which is something really important that happens to Reana. I have to be a bit cryptical because I don’t want to give spoilers, but this likely will affect all their lives and when they talk to each other they do not talk about the elephant in the room, but pretend they can more or less continue with their lives as is, which was weird to me. I hope there will be more attention to this in the third book (which I think there will be).
If you like epic adult fantasy this is a series you’ll want to read. I can’t wait for the third book to arrive!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In my review for the first book Traitors of the Black Crown, I stated that this book reminds me of Game of Thrones and it still does. It contains a couple of kingdoms, all with their own cultures and religion, there are wars, intrigues and in this book also several fantasy aspects are added. This is a continuing storyline so you have to start with book 1.
There is still a large cast of characters, but only a few POVs (3rd person) namely; Reana (in disguise as sir Rowan), Duchess Aven and Sylas (Reana’s adopted father). This book is on the longer side, so I’ll write my review like I did for the first book in sections.
Worldbuilding: Clearly most of the worldbuilding has been done in the first book, but in this book a location is added to the world. It is well described and I liked how the story now deepens, giving more insights in the cultures of the different kingdoms and there were some very pronounced fantasy elements added to the story (still no dragons, but we do get another big creature).
Intrigue: This is still going strong, where there are kingdoms and wars, there is intrigue and especially in this book the MCs struggle with who to trust. There were also some good twists along the way.
Characters: The best part of this book. Due to the Feudal and patriarchic system in these worlds, some things that happen were very frustrating to read and it was so good to see a cast of strong women (and some men) and how they all handle the difficulties in their paths in their own way.
In my review on the first book I mentioned that the characters were sometimes too good to be true and could use more growth. I’m so happy to see that happening in this book. Aven is hands down the most badass character. She is beaten down time and time again and she has a really hard time, but she does not give up and stands up for herself. Reana definitely attained some rough edges and makes plenty of mistakes, she was a bit dense at times (for someone who is supposed to be really smart), but I love a flawed character and even when I sometimes tore my hair out at some of her actions I liked her and felt sorry for her at some bittersweet moments. Finn does not have a big role in this book, but we get to see more of Bell, and she’s a colorful character for sure and she has a couple of interesting “pets”.
Diversity: Adult epic fantasy stories still often are not highly diverse, but this book is. Aside from the obvious, namely the various races with highly different characteristics and cultures, the mains are lesbian, bi, pan and ace (although not explicitly mentioned) and with a main in disguise as a man there is some clear gender bending.
My book had a few errors (like chapter headings that were off and a missing chapter) which is probably an ARC thing and will hopefully be resolved before release. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but big things are about to happen in the third book, that is clear. There was one thing that struck me as strange at the end of this book, which is something really important that happens to Reana. I have to be a bit cryptical because I don’t want to give spoilers, but this likely will affect all their lives and when they talk to each other they do not talk about the elephant in the room, but pretend they can more or less continue with their lives as is, which was weird to me. I hope there will be more attention to this in the third book (which I think there will be).
If you like epic adult fantasy this is a series you’ll want to read. I can’t wait for the third book to arrive!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2026
‘Defenders of the Black Crown’ is the much-awaited sequel to ‘Traitors of the Black Crown’, a sapphic fantasy series by Cate Pearce.
After being highly entertained by the first book (and a little obsessed with Duchess Aven), I had high hopes for the second instalment, and it didn’t disappoint.
We pick up where we left off in ‘Traitors’, in Ediva at the execution of Queen Zarana and King Zander. From the very beginning, you are thrown right back into the political intrigue and action, as Raena and the gang attempt to save Candor from ruin. With enemies on all sides, shaky allies, and players within their own court working against them, it will be hard to save Candor and themselves.
After having such high expectations after reading ‘Traitors’, I will say that ‘Defenders of the Black Crown’ exceeds the first instalment in this series. It was thrilling from the very first page and I couldn’t wait to follow the story and find out what happens in this one.
This book features many different POVs, from Raena and Aven to Bell and Sylas, and this added a great depth to the plot. As a reader, you are seeing everything unfold through these POVs, getting an insight into the situation the characters don’t. Armed with a little more information than the characters, it makes the entire book engaging and thrilling, if a little anxiety inducing at times!
The characters are much more developed in book two, allowing you as a reader to connect to them on a deeper level. Which makes THAT moment (I won’t spoil it) even more heart-breaking, especially as you as a reader know something the characters don’t. As with Zander and Zarana in book one, there are definitely characters you will love to hate, and some you aren’t too sure whether you can trust.
The world building has continued to develop throughout this book, with the addition of a new location with the Hornes. You get a much greater depth of understanding about each location and their customs/religion etc, and how these relate to the characters in their time in each location.
Now for my favourite character, Aven. We left Aven in a bit of a precarious situation at the end of ‘Traitors’, as her Duchy was destroyed by the Boens and in Ediva, Aven is a commoner. This situation doesn’t get better quickly – in fact, Aven goes through probably the most character development in this book.
She is treated awfully by those around her and is hurt so many times that she closes herself and her heart off, relying only on herself to survive. ‘Defenders’ sees Aven return to her roots, her family in Candor, and as hard as it is following her journey, it is great to see Aven finding herself again, who she is as a person without her Duchy or Raena. I won’t spoil anything more about Aven’s journey but hers is the best development of any of the characters and you’ll just end up loving her more by the end.
The ending of this book is a complete cliff-hanger of epic proportions, in more ways than one. Secrets are revealed and characters are left hanging in the balance as war is on the horizon. It is a completely evil way to end this second instalment, but it makes me anxiously await the third book, so well played, Cate, well played.
‘Traitors of the Black Crown’ earned 4.5 stars from me. ‘Defenders of the Black Crown’ gets a well-deserved 5 stars.
After being highly entertained by the first book (and a little obsessed with Duchess Aven), I had high hopes for the second instalment, and it didn’t disappoint.
We pick up where we left off in ‘Traitors’, in Ediva at the execution of Queen Zarana and King Zander. From the very beginning, you are thrown right back into the political intrigue and action, as Raena and the gang attempt to save Candor from ruin. With enemies on all sides, shaky allies, and players within their own court working against them, it will be hard to save Candor and themselves.
After having such high expectations after reading ‘Traitors’, I will say that ‘Defenders of the Black Crown’ exceeds the first instalment in this series. It was thrilling from the very first page and I couldn’t wait to follow the story and find out what happens in this one.
This book features many different POVs, from Raena and Aven to Bell and Sylas, and this added a great depth to the plot. As a reader, you are seeing everything unfold through these POVs, getting an insight into the situation the characters don’t. Armed with a little more information than the characters, it makes the entire book engaging and thrilling, if a little anxiety inducing at times!
The characters are much more developed in book two, allowing you as a reader to connect to them on a deeper level. Which makes THAT moment (I won’t spoil it) even more heart-breaking, especially as you as a reader know something the characters don’t. As with Zander and Zarana in book one, there are definitely characters you will love to hate, and some you aren’t too sure whether you can trust.
The world building has continued to develop throughout this book, with the addition of a new location with the Hornes. You get a much greater depth of understanding about each location and their customs/religion etc, and how these relate to the characters in their time in each location.
Now for my favourite character, Aven. We left Aven in a bit of a precarious situation at the end of ‘Traitors’, as her Duchy was destroyed by the Boens and in Ediva, Aven is a commoner. This situation doesn’t get better quickly – in fact, Aven goes through probably the most character development in this book.
She is treated awfully by those around her and is hurt so many times that she closes herself and her heart off, relying only on herself to survive. ‘Defenders’ sees Aven return to her roots, her family in Candor, and as hard as it is following her journey, it is great to see Aven finding herself again, who she is as a person without her Duchy or Raena. I won’t spoil anything more about Aven’s journey but hers is the best development of any of the characters and you’ll just end up loving her more by the end.
The ending of this book is a complete cliff-hanger of epic proportions, in more ways than one. Secrets are revealed and characters are left hanging in the balance as war is on the horizon. It is a completely evil way to end this second instalment, but it makes me anxiously await the third book, so well played, Cate, well played.
‘Traitors of the Black Crown’ earned 4.5 stars from me. ‘Defenders of the Black Crown’ gets a well-deserved 5 stars.
October 14, 2022
When I got this book, I was so excited to read it. And when I started this book I was immediately sucked into the book.
The interaction between Raena, Finn and Bell made me laugh at multiple times, those tree are amazing togheter. But the interactions between Raena and Aven were my favorite, even if they sometimes hurt.
So while I really loved almost all the characters, the story itself was a little bit disappointing. It was a lot of political intrigue and it felt that not so many things have happened. We know at the beginning of the book what will come and I kept waiting on it, but it didn't come. I think it's for the last book and that makes me a little sad because this book could have been better if she started with it even if it's at the end of the book or just as cliffhanger. Now it just felt like it was a filler book.
The character development was well written, you get to know these characters even more and you got also a few new perspectives. I am very curious about how this trilogy will end and I am looking forward to read the next book.
The interaction between Raena, Finn and Bell made me laugh at multiple times, those tree are amazing togheter. But the interactions between Raena and Aven were my favorite, even if they sometimes hurt.
So while I really loved almost all the characters, the story itself was a little bit disappointing. It was a lot of political intrigue and it felt that not so many things have happened. We know at the beginning of the book what will come and I kept waiting on it, but it didn't come. I think it's for the last book and that makes me a little sad because this book could have been better if she started with it even if it's at the end of the book or just as cliffhanger. Now it just felt like it was a filler book.
The character development was well written, you get to know these characters even more and you got also a few new perspectives. I am very curious about how this trilogy will end and I am looking forward to read the next book.
November 11, 2022
Picking up from where the first book left off, Defenders of the Black Crown finds its characters in Ediva figuring out next steps. Then, as Raena takes the throne, Aven returns to her roots on the farm, and Bell tries to carve out a future of her own, their future is uncertain.
This story really leapt into the political machinations of the kingdoms. Everyone is looking to get a leg up, they have their own agendas, and they’re willing to do what it takes to get what they want.
This book features a multi-character POV with solid character development. With that, comes a broader view into the world. The reader gets a sense of the different customs between kingdoms and geographies.
This was truly a fast-paced read that was hard to put down. If you liked Traitors of the Black Crown, you’ll love Defenders of the Black Crown!
Special thanks to Hansen House for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
This story really leapt into the political machinations of the kingdoms. Everyone is looking to get a leg up, they have their own agendas, and they’re willing to do what it takes to get what they want.
This book features a multi-character POV with solid character development. With that, comes a broader view into the world. The reader gets a sense of the different customs between kingdoms and geographies.
This was truly a fast-paced read that was hard to put down. If you liked Traitors of the Black Crown, you’ll love Defenders of the Black Crown!
Special thanks to Hansen House for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
December 17, 2022
damn
I’m sure the third one is in the works cause I hate cliffhangers like that and phew that was awesome.
I’m sure the third one is in the works cause I hate cliffhangers like that and phew that was awesome.
July 30, 2023
Might be the middle boom syndrome, might be the context of when it was written (read the foreword and acknowledgements), but this wasn't fun for me. I really liked the first book, even though it had its flaws. But this one was a painful and laborious reading experience. It was so grim, and there was never much hope, or so little, to balance things out.
I guess the last few chapters are weighing in the balance of me picking up the third book when it comes out, but if so, I'm making myself a promise of dropping it stays so grim in the first 30%.
Conflict is great, but you have to get some space to breathe here and there. The story didn't breathe much, or at least, not enough for me. And with the amount of pages to go through on top of that... Yeah, it's lucky I didn't just abandon ship halfway through.
The first book had flawed characters, which is quite alright. But this one feels like it's pushing the flaws of some of them to the extreme, and it felt a little "too much" at times. I hate Bell now, for example, which wasn't the case at all before. The whole parts about Sylas were... way too long for what information they gave us. I felt like slapping Aven and Raena a few times as well. The fact they don't do something about Sir John feels really stupid to me. Let's not even talk about Allyn.
Anyway, we'll see if curiosity makes me continue with this. I guess it cannot go as bad regarding the amount of grimness, specifically all the abuse and agression directed at Aven and women in general.
I guess the last few chapters are weighing in the balance of me picking up the third book when it comes out, but if so, I'm making myself a promise of dropping it stays so grim in the first 30%.
Conflict is great, but you have to get some space to breathe here and there. The story didn't breathe much, or at least, not enough for me. And with the amount of pages to go through on top of that... Yeah, it's lucky I didn't just abandon ship halfway through.
The first book had flawed characters, which is quite alright. But this one feels like it's pushing the flaws of some of them to the extreme, and it felt a little "too much" at times. I hate Bell now, for example, which wasn't the case at all before. The whole parts about Sylas were... way too long for what information they gave us. I felt like slapping Aven and Raena a few times as well. The fact they don't do something about Sir John feels really stupid to me. Let's not even talk about Allyn.
Anyway, we'll see if curiosity makes me continue with this. I guess it cannot go as bad regarding the amount of grimness, specifically all the abuse and agression directed at Aven and women in general.
November 3, 2022
Amazing follow-up to the first book in the series and the cliffhanger is fantastic! Loved the world-building as well as the political intrigue. I was incredibly happy with the character development and the author does a great job of making her characters seem like real people.
July 27, 2023
Really a good book. The story had so many twist it wasn't predictable at all.
The are so many characters and different story lines, but Pearce did a good job pulling it together. This would be a great movie to watch.
The are so many characters and different story lines, but Pearce did a good job pulling it together. This would be a great movie to watch.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews