Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this is a 3.5 for me. This book had so much potential as the premise was so interesting but for me it just was okay. It wasn't bad but it just felt a little flat and never seemed to pick up momentum. Not just in the main plot but the romance as well which felt a little lackluster. I felt more romance with her brother and his romantic partner than the FMC and her love interest. I think the issue is so much of the things that could have made this book exciting was done off page or when it was done on page it was done cleanly like even the losing of a finger was done with no fuss magically. Maybe I missed it somewhere, but I don't see this as being marketed for a younger crowd where things might have to be cut back a little on details to be appropriate. But even I have read YA books that have found a way to describe these elements in a way that is appropriate and still add excitement to the story.
I will also say that the nativity in the FMC was a little annoying after a while. Like I totally get how she is that way when she was home in her village but when she got to the big city which I don't expect her to be an expert politician immediately it just seemed like every time she was shown the harsh reality of her situation, she is surprised as if it didn't happen already in some way or form.
In the end this book was okay, it wasn't bad, but nothing stood out.
This book is about Hellevir who has the ability to bring the dead back to life, but it comes with a personal sacrifice. This is an ability she discovered when she was a child. While it wasn't a gift, she used often it was one that made those around her nervous so much, so she was left in the care of an herbalist healer who has the same ability. One day the queen shows up to their door demanding her mentor help the princess and heir to the throne who was unalived. Her mentor refused but Hellevir stepped up to heal the princess and bring her back with the promise from the queen this would be a 1x thing and to leave her be. But the of course didn't remain true and she is soon summoned to the capital to help keep the princess alive as she is still under threat of @ssassination. Now Hellevir must do what she can to keep the princess alive without losing so much of herself that she ceases to exist. But she is also trying to stay under the radar of the who would see people like her who follow the old ways done away with as they are a challenge to a new rising order within the city. How long will she be able to survive on what seems like borrowed time.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I will also say that the nativity in the FMC was a little annoying after a while. Like I totally get how she is that way when she was home in her village but when she got to the big city which I don't expect her to be an expert politician immediately it just seemed like every time she was shown the harsh reality of her situation, she is surprised as if it didn't happen already in some way or form.
In the end this book was okay, it wasn't bad, but nothing stood out.
This book is about Hellevir who has the ability to bring the dead back to life, but it comes with a personal sacrifice. This is an ability she discovered when she was a child. While it wasn't a gift, she used often it was one that made those around her nervous so much, so she was left in the care of an herbalist healer who has the same ability. One day the queen shows up to their door demanding her mentor help the princess and heir to the throne who was unalived. Her mentor refused but Hellevir stepped up to heal the princess and bring her back with the promise from the queen this would be a 1x thing and to leave her be. But the of course didn't remain true and she is soon summoned to the capital to help keep the princess alive as she is still under threat of @ssassination. Now Hellevir must do what she can to keep the princess alive without losing so much of herself that she ceases to exist. But she is also trying to stay under the radar of the who would see people like her who follow the old ways done away with as they are a challenge to a new rising order within the city. How long will she be able to survive on what seems like borrowed time.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
gotta make this a soft dnf for now but honestly idk, i just rarely wanted to pick it up :(
i wonder if im just not in the mood for it rn
i wonder if im just not in the mood for it rn
Man, this book started as a 5-star read for me. I looked at my partner and told him this book might be up there for greatest debut. I was invested heavily, fell in love with the concept, and devoured the book's first part. Somewhere around the middle of the book, I felt it was buffering. No more plot development was happening, a routine had developed that left me wanting more and not getting it. I struggled to get through the last parts of this book because I couldn't get reinvested in the story. I know more books are going to follow this in the series, so maybe this was on purpose, but I think either the book should have been shorter or it should have had more exciting parts spread throughout.
However, I want to point out a few things that were spectacular about this book. The writing style is eloquent. I love the details, the darkness surrounding a lot of the settings and the FMC, the political discourse, the queer relationships, the religious zealots, the encounters and mysteries surrounding Death. I think this story could have been so much more if it had continued to progress at the pace it began with.
This story follows Hellevir, an herbalist with an affinity for nature and animals. She has a gift that the crown-appointed religion views as diabolical. However, the crown's granddaughter needs assistance only Hellevir can offer and they form a relationship. Each time Hellevir uses her gift, a toll is taken (physically, mentally, and emotionally). Hellevir is moved into the city close to the royal family and must learn the politics to keep both her and her family alive.
I was able to read the eARC of this book provided by HarperCollins Publisher from Netgalley. I hope this author can continue writing and developing a writing style, and I want to see where this story goes.
However, I want to point out a few things that were spectacular about this book. The writing style is eloquent. I love the details, the darkness surrounding a lot of the settings and the FMC, the political discourse, the queer relationships, the religious zealots, the encounters and mysteries surrounding Death. I think this story could have been so much more if it had continued to progress at the pace it began with.
This story follows Hellevir, an herbalist with an affinity for nature and animals. She has a gift that the crown-appointed religion views as diabolical. However, the crown's granddaughter needs assistance only Hellevir can offer and they form a relationship. Each time Hellevir uses her gift, a toll is taken (physically, mentally, and emotionally). Hellevir is moved into the city close to the royal family and must learn the politics to keep both her and her family alive.
I was able to read the eARC of this book provided by HarperCollins Publisher from Netgalley. I hope this author can continue writing and developing a writing style, and I want to see where this story goes.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Helliver is the definition of set yourself on fire to keep some one else warm. The relationship dynamic between Helliver and the princess feels very toxic. The Princess is very trapped by her Grandmother but that doesn't excuse the hurt she puts Helliver goes through.
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Harpercollins UK and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.
Touted as The Witch’s Heart meets Priory of the Orange Tree is an absolute reach for this book.
Now it wasn’t bad, it was an easy read with some interesting aspects, and I would read the sequel. I would be interested to see more of the world building and how the characters develop.
But The Witch’s Heart or Priory this book is not. Those are both really excellent, complex books. This book just isn’t up to that standard, and having that comparison sets it up for disappointment.
Thank you so much to Harpercollins UK and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.
Touted as The Witch’s Heart meets Priory of the Orange Tree is an absolute reach for this book.
Now it wasn’t bad, it was an easy read with some interesting aspects, and I would read the sequel. I would be interested to see more of the world building and how the characters develop.
But The Witch’s Heart or Priory this book is not. Those are both really excellent, complex books. This book just isn’t up to that standard, and having that comparison sets it up for disappointment.
he Gilded Crown brings a new perspective to necromancy. Hellevir is a young woman intent on saving everyone. Everything she does is for the good of the many, no matter the personal cost. When she realizes as a very young girl that she can bring the dead back to life, she becomes determined to use her gift as often as possible. As you can imagine, most others are not as altruistic as Hellevir and she quickly ends up entangled in the violent machinations of politics and court life as news of her abilities spreads. With her family, friends, and even her own soul at risk, she is forced to make decisions between what is possible and what is right.
This book includes:
- Death as a corporal concept
- Religious conflict between a monotheistic religion and a philosophical/spiritual religion
- Necromancy as it has never been seen before
- Altruism vs Ruthlessness
- Violent political machinations
- LGBT characters and love stories
- A Familiar
- Who done it murder mystery
I loved "The Gilded Crown." It was nothing as I expected based on the book title or cover art, however, Hellevir's story captured my heart. Her connection with the natural world and dynamic with Death was so visceral, and the imagery was strong. I was in blissful agony watching her be so trusting and innocent over and over, and I wished for her success so badly. I can't relate to her, I related much more to Farvor, but I rooted for her regardless.
My only plot issue is that I felt like Hellevir's relationship was a bit forced, I think the soul-bonding was enough of a motivation for her. Cutting the weak romance would have removed some of the scenes that dragged. I also mentioned the cover art and title a bit before, but I think the book title was hugely misleading. It should have been something like *The Girl Who Made a Bargain with Death* or *Death's Bargain" or *walks with Death* or something that alludes more to the dark fairytale aspects that are central to the plot. The cover art should also never have been changed. I loved the original cover and it matched the genre and themes way better. The new cover alludes to a spicy romantasy, and this is very much not that.
All that said, I did enjoy this book and I highly recommend this one to all lovers of folktales and fables. Fans of "After the Woods," "Thornhedge," and other less literal and slower-paced stories will eat this book up.
I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Marianne Gordon for the opportunity to review this book.
This book includes:
- Death as a corporal concept
- Religious conflict between a monotheistic religion and a philosophical/spiritual religion
- Necromancy as it has never been seen before
- Altruism vs Ruthlessness
- Violent political machinations
- LGBT characters and love stories
- A Familiar
- Who done it murder mystery
I loved "The Gilded Crown." It was nothing as I expected based on the book title or cover art, however, Hellevir's story captured my heart. Her connection with the natural world and dynamic with Death was so visceral, and the imagery was strong. I was in blissful agony watching her be so trusting and innocent over and over, and I wished for her success so badly. I can't relate to her, I related much more to Farvor, but I rooted for her regardless.
My only plot issue is that I felt like Hellevir's relationship was a bit forced, I think the soul-bonding was enough of a motivation for her. Cutting the weak romance would have removed some of the scenes that dragged. I also mentioned the cover art and title a bit before, but I think the book title was hugely misleading. It should have been something like *The Girl Who Made a Bargain with Death* or *Death's Bargain" or *walks with Death* or something that alludes more to the dark fairytale aspects that are central to the plot. The cover art should also never have been changed. I loved the original cover and it matched the genre and themes way better. The new cover alludes to a spicy romantasy, and this is very much not that.
All that said, I did enjoy this book and I highly recommend this one to all lovers of folktales and fables. Fans of "After the Woods," "Thornhedge," and other less literal and slower-paced stories will eat this book up.
I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Marianne Gordon for the opportunity to review this book.
The Gilded Crown brings a new perspective to necromancy. Hellevir is a young woman intent on saving everyone. Everything she does is for the good of the many, no matter the personal cost. When she realizes as a very young girl that she can bring the dead back to life, she becomes determined to use her gift as often as possible. As you can imagine, most others are not as altruistic as Hellevir and she quickly ends up entangled in the violent machinations of politics and court life as news of her abilities spreads. With her family, friends, and even her own soul at risk, she is forced to make decisions between what is possible and what is right.
This book includes:
- Death as a corporal concept
- Religious conflict between a monotheistic religion and a philosophical/spiritual religion
- Necromancy as it has never been seen before
- Altruism vs Ruthlessness
- Violent political machinations
- LGBT characters and love stories
- A Familiar
- Who done it murder mystery
I loved "The Gilded Crown." It was nothing as I expected based on the book title or cover art, however, Hellevir's story captured my heart. Her connection with the natural world and dynamic with Death was so visceral, and the imagery was strong. I was in blissful agony watching her be so trusting and innocent over and over, and I wished for her success so badly. I can't relate to her, I related much more to Farvor, but I rooted for her regardless.
My only plot issue is that I felt like Hellevir's relationship was a bit forced, I think the soul-bonding was enough of a motivation for her. Cutting the weak romance would have removed some of the scenes that dragged. I also mentioned the cover art and title a bit before, but I think the book title was hugely misleading. It should have been something like *The Girl Who Made a Bargain with Death* or *Death's Bargain" or *walks with Death* or something that alludes more to the dark fairytale aspects that are central to the plot. The cover art should also never have been changed. I loved the original cover and it matched the genre and themes way better. The new cover alludes to a spicy romantasy, and this is very much not that.
All that said, I did enjoy this book and I highly recommend this one to all lovers of folktales and fables. Fans of "After the Woods," "Thornhedge," and other less literal and slower-paced stories will eat this book up.
I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Marianne Gordon for the opportunity to review this book. This review is also available on my GoodReads - check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863
This book includes:
- Death as a corporal concept
- Religious conflict between a monotheistic religion and a philosophical/spiritual religion
- Necromancy as it has never been seen before
- Altruism vs Ruthlessness
- Violent political machinations
- LGBT characters and love stories
- A Familiar
- Who done it murder mystery
I loved "The Gilded Crown." It was nothing as I expected based on the book title or cover art, however, Hellevir's story captured my heart. Her connection with the natural world and dynamic with Death was so visceral, and the imagery was strong. I was in blissful agony watching her be so trusting and innocent over and over, and I wished for her success so badly. I can't relate to her, I related much more to Farvor, but I rooted for her regardless.
My only plot issue is that I felt like Hellevir's relationship was a bit forced, I think the soul-bonding was enough of a motivation for her. Cutting the weak romance would have removed some of the scenes that dragged. I also mentioned the cover art and title a bit before, but I think the book title was hugely misleading. It should have been something like *The Girl Who Made a Bargain with Death* or *Death's Bargain" or *walks with Death* or something that alludes more to the dark fairytale aspects that are central to the plot. The cover art should also never have been changed. I loved the original cover and it matched the genre and themes way better. The new cover alludes to a spicy romantasy, and this is very much not that.
All that said, I did enjoy this book and I highly recommend this one to all lovers of folktales and fables. Fans of "After the Woods," "Thornhedge," and other less literal and slower-paced stories will eat this book up.
I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Marianne Gordon for the opportunity to review this book. This review is also available on my GoodReads - check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863
“You don’t have much choice when your both bound and one of you decides to jump.”
“The Gilded Crown,” by Marianne Gordon
Hellevir has been able to raise the dead since she was ten years old. The showed figure in the afterlife demands a price for every life she resurrected which continues to go up the more she brings back. Her gift has been her secret until Princess Sullivain is assassinated and Hellevir decides to bring her back. With the assassin unknown, Hellevir must remain by the Princess’ side in case she is needed. Hellevir begins to fall in love with the Princess, but she only has so much of herself to trade the death god.
This book was really good. I loved the premise of the story. The main character was annoying because of how much she was willing to do for people she didn’t know but it was essential to her character in the book. I wanted her to stand up for herself more. I liked how the princess was more than she seemed and how it complicated the story. I cannot get enough of the death god and his lore and really hope there will be more about all that in the Raven’s Trade series. 4 out of 5 stars.
-F/F
-Magic
-Death God
-Political Intrigue
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
“The Gilded Crown,” by Marianne Gordon
Hellevir has been able to raise the dead since she was ten years old. The showed figure in the afterlife demands a price for every life she resurrected which continues to go up the more she brings back. Her gift has been her secret until Princess Sullivain is assassinated and Hellevir decides to bring her back. With the assassin unknown, Hellevir must remain by the Princess’ side in case she is needed. Hellevir begins to fall in love with the Princess, but she only has so much of herself to trade the death god.
This book was really good. I loved the premise of the story. The main character was annoying because of how much she was willing to do for people she didn’t know but it was essential to her character in the book. I wanted her to stand up for herself more. I liked how the princess was more than she seemed and how it complicated the story. I cannot get enough of the death god and his lore and really hope there will be more about all that in the Raven’s Trade series. 4 out of 5 stars.
-F/F
-Magic
-Death God
-Political Intrigue
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.