Review: The Foxglove King (The Nightshade Crown, Book 1)

Title: The Foxglove King	Author: Hannah F. Whitten
Series: The Nightshade Crown	Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Orbit Books	Page Count: 467

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: gore

• Moderate: animal death, death

• Minor: blood, cursing, fire/fire injury, sexual content

When Lore was thirteen, she escaped a cult in the catacombs beneath the city of Dellaire. And in the ten years since, she’s lived by one rule: don’t let them find you. Easier said than done, when her death magic ties her to the city. Mortem, the magic born from death, is a high-priced and illicit commodity in Dellaire, and Lore’s job running poisons keeps her in food, shelter, and relative security. But when a run goes wrong and Lore’s power is revealed, she’s taken by the Presque Mort, a group of warrior-monks sanctioned to use Mortem working for the Sainted King. Lore fully expects a pyre, but King August has a different plan. Entire villages on the outskirts of the country have been dying overnight, seemingly at random. Lore can either use her magic to find out what’s happening and who in the King’s court is responsible, or die. Lore is thrust into the Sainted King’s glittering court, where no one can be believed and even fewer can be trusted. Guarded by Gabriel, a duke-turned-monk, and continually running up against Bastian, August’s ne'er-do-well heir, Lore tangles in politics, religion, and forbidden romance as she attempts to navigate a debauched and opulent society. But the life she left behind in the catacombs is catching up with her. And even as Lore makes her way through the Sainted court above, they might be drawing closer than she thinks. In this lush, romantic new epic fantasy series from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Whitten, a young woman’s secret power to raise the dead plunges her into the dangerous and glamorous world of the Sainted King’s royal court.

The Foxglove King is a dark yet stunning tale that masterfully interweaves elements of magic, mystery, and drug addiction into a dense web of political intrigue. The world-building in this novel is exquisite, presenting a fascinating history revolving around deceased gods whose magic seeps into the world, posing a dangerous threat.

What's truly intriguing is the formation of diverse religious sects aiming to control this potent and perilous magic. The innovative concept of using poison to both extend life and induce a state of high is another captivating aspect of this story. Every element of Whitten's narrative is unique and beautifully crafted, making The Foxglove King a standout in the realms of romance and fantasy.

Whitten's writing style is nothing short of commendable. The way she weaves her narratives leaves the reader stunned and in awe of her storytelling abilities. With each turn of the page, the anticipation for the next book in this series only grows.

The Foxglove King, the first in The Nightshade Crown series, sets a high bar for the subsequent books. The mesmerizing blend of romance and fantasy in a setting rife with political and religious tension makes for a compelling read. If you're a fan of lush, romantic epic fantasies with a dash of darkness, "The Foxglove King" is a book you should not miss.