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pinkalpaca's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
lisztaffe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
bookwormclare01's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
stacyfrancesreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
OMG, I just finished "Her Majesty's Royal Coven" by Juno Dawson and I am SHOOK! This book is an absolute must-read, and here's why:
First off, I need to shout out HarperCollins for sending me this gem. It's not my usual genre, but boy am I glad I picked it up.
Imagine a bunch of witches navigating a post-civil-war world, each with their own POV. You get to dive into the lives of Niamh, Helena, Leonie and Elle - childhood friends turned adults who are reunited by a doomsday prophecy. Like, talk about drama!
Let's talk about Leonie. She's formed her own coven called Diaspora for black, minority and LGBTQ+ witches. The way the book tackles discrimination and privilege within the witch community is so on point. It really opened my eyes to the issues marginalised groups face, even in a magical world.
And the transgender representation? Juno Dawson, being a transgender woman herself, writes with such raw power and empathy. The struggles of transgender people are portrayed in a way that makes you feel all the feels. It's clear these are issues close to her heart and it hits you right in the gut
Now, onto the theme of friendship. We all have those friends we've known forever, but sometimes, people change and it's ok to let go. This book captures that perfectly. The bond between these witches feels so real and relatable. It's a reminder that you need to surround yourself with people who let you be your true self.
The 90s nostalgia is everything! Spice Girls, Boyzone - it's all there. Plus, the contemporary witch vibes are hilarious. One of my fave quotes: "I'm doomed to float stationery. Great. Wicked witch of WHSmith." I mean, come on, that's gold. And the whole found family theme? These witches are more like sisters, and it gives you all the warm fuzzies.
Each character's POV is so distinct and well-written. You really get to know them and see the story unfold from different angles. The pacing starts slow, but once you're in, it's impossible to put down. And that ending? OMG. Totally cliffhanger. I NEED the next book, "The Shadow Cabinet", like yesterday.
Seriously, go read this book. Whether you're here for the 90s throwbacks, the witchy sisterhood, or the emotional depth, you're gonna love it. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster and some serious heart-stomping moments. 5 stars, hands down. Happy reading, witches!
First off, I need to shout out HarperCollins for sending me this gem. It's not my usual genre, but boy am I glad I picked it up.
Imagine a bunch of witches navigating a post-civil-war world, each with their own POV. You get to dive into the lives of Niamh, Helena, Leonie and Elle - childhood friends turned adults who are reunited by a doomsday prophecy. Like, talk about drama!
Let's talk about Leonie. She's formed her own coven called Diaspora for black, minority and LGBTQ+ witches. The way the book tackles discrimination and privilege within the witch community is so on point. It really opened my eyes to the issues marginalised groups face, even in a magical world.
And the transgender representation? Juno Dawson, being a transgender woman herself, writes with such raw power and empathy. The struggles of transgender people are portrayed in a way that makes you feel all the feels. It's clear these are issues close to her heart and it hits you right in the gut
Now, onto the theme of friendship. We all have those friends we've known forever, but sometimes, people change and it's ok to let go. This book captures that perfectly. The bond between these witches feels so real and relatable. It's a reminder that you need to surround yourself with people who let you be your true self.
The 90s nostalgia is everything! Spice Girls, Boyzone - it's all there. Plus, the contemporary witch vibes are hilarious. One of my fave quotes: "I'm doomed to float stationery. Great. Wicked witch of WHSmith." I mean, come on, that's gold. And the whole found family theme? These witches are more like sisters, and it gives you all the warm fuzzies.
Each character's POV is so distinct and well-written. You really get to know them and see the story unfold from different angles. The pacing starts slow, but once you're in, it's impossible to put down. And that ending? OMG. Totally cliffhanger. I NEED the next book, "The Shadow Cabinet", like yesterday.
Seriously, go read this book. Whether you're here for the 90s throwbacks, the witchy sisterhood, or the emotional depth, you're gonna love it. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster and some serious heart-stomping moments. 5 stars, hands down. Happy reading, witches!
bookswithmeg_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Helena Vance is a trip. That is all.
jobro236's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
bookmarkedbyfi's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ecolh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I actually like the concept of grown adult women in their mid 30s being the heros of the story. The book also got more interesting with addition of trans rights in covens came into play.
It fell short for me when the writing seemed disjointed, as though Dawson had a different style every time she went back and edited the book.
There are a couple of instances that made me uncomfortable when speaking about human rights, with the implication being that no one would choose to be transgender...which doesn't sit right with me as a catch all statement about trans people. I will say that this is never said by any of the trans characters in the book, but by the cis ones, so perhaps the following books will address it, but it's unlikely that I'll find out for myself.
It fell short for me when the writing seemed disjointed, as though Dawson had a different style every time she went back and edited the book.
There are a couple of instances that made me uncomfortable when speaking about human rights, with the implication being that no one would choose to be transgender...which doesn't sit right with me as a catch all statement about trans people. I will say that this is never said by any of the trans characters in the book, but by the cis ones, so perhaps the following books will address it, but it's unlikely that I'll find out for myself.
mitziatratum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75