ARC Review: The Hemlock Queen (The Nightshade Crown, Book 2)

This book was provided to me by NetGalley and Orbit Books US in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: The Hemlock Queen	Author: Hannah F. Whitten
Series: The Nightshade Crown	Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Orbit Books	Page Count: 400

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: gore

• Moderate: blood, sexual content

• Minor: cursing

In the second installment of New York Times bestselling author Hannah Whitten's lush, romantic epic fantasy series, a young woman who can raise the dead must navigate the dangerous and glamorous world of the Sainted King's royal court. The corrupt king August is dead. Prince Bastian has seized the throne and raised Lore—a necromancer and former smuggler—to his right hand side. Together they plan to cut out the rot from the heart of the sainted court and help the people of Dellaire. But not everyone is happy with the changes. The nobles are sowing dissent, the Kyrithean Empire is beating down their door, and Lore's old allies are pulling away. Even Prince Bastian's changed. No longer the hopeful, rakish, charismatic man Lore knows and loves, instead he's reckless, domineering and cold. And something's been whispering in her ear. A voice, dark and haunting, that's telling her there's more to the story than she knows and more to her power than she can even imagine. A truth buried deep that could change everything. With Bastian's coronation fast approaching and enemies whispering on all sides, Lore must figure out how to protect herself, her prince, and her country before they all come crumbling down and whatever dark power has been creeping through the catacombs is unleashed.

★★★★★ — obsessed 🥵🥵🥵 — sweltering

Hannah Whitten’s The Hemlock Queen is a dark and captivating read that grips you from the beginning. At times eerie, it keeps you on edge, engaged throughout every moment. The book's twisted characters and their evolving dynamics keep you guessing and invested.

The chief protagonist, Lore, is caught in a love triangle between Bastian and Gabe, and the reader can't help but wish for a happy resolution for all. As the plot unfolds, the characters reveal new facets that challenge your initial perceptions, contributing to a constantly evolving narrative.

The world-building in this book is nothing short of obsessive. The gory details, while occasionally overwhelming, paint a vivid, gritty picture that pulls the reader into its depths. The characters are so well-crafted and endearing, you root for their happiness and safety, even while knowing the tragic inevitability that they all can’t be safe and content.

What I appreciated most was the unveiling of the history and truth behind the Sainted King and the gods, further enriching the already complex world. The anticipation of the story's conclusion is palpable, and Whitten’s exceptional writing keeps you hooked.

In conclusion, The Hemlock Queen is a stellar read that offers a dark, atmospheric world, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing.