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Her Majesty's Royal Coven #0.5
Queen B: The Story of Anne Boleyn, Witch Queen
This next spellbinding installment of Juno’s “irresistible” fantasy series Her Majesty's Royal Coven (Lana Harper) takes us back to the reign of Henry VIII and the origins of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven under the beautiful, the bewitching, Anne Boleyn.
It’s 1536 and the Queen has been beheaded.
Lady Grace Fairfax, witch, knows that something foul is at play—that someone had betrayed Anne Boleyn and her coven. Wild with the loss of their leader—and her lover, a secret that if spilled could spell Grace’s own end— she will do anything in her power to track down the traitor. But there’s more at stake than revenge: it was one of their own, a witch, that betrayed them, and Grace isn’t the only one looking for her. King Henry VIII has sent witchfinders after them, and they’re organized like they’ve never been before under his new advisor, the impassioned Sir Ambrose Fulke, a cold man blinded by his faith. His cruel reign could mean the end of witchkind itself. If Grace wants to find her revenge and live, she will have to do more than disappear.
She will have to be reborn.
In this gripping, propulsive, sultry short novel, Juno Dawson takes us back to the bloody beginnings of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven to show us the strength, steel and sacrifice it takes to make a sisterhood.
It’s 1536 and the Queen has been beheaded.
Lady Grace Fairfax, witch, knows that something foul is at play—that someone had betrayed Anne Boleyn and her coven. Wild with the loss of their leader—and her lover, a secret that if spilled could spell Grace’s own end— she will do anything in her power to track down the traitor. But there’s more at stake than revenge: it was one of their own, a witch, that betrayed them, and Grace isn’t the only one looking for her. King Henry VIII has sent witchfinders after them, and they’re organized like they’ve never been before under his new advisor, the impassioned Sir Ambrose Fulke, a cold man blinded by his faith. His cruel reign could mean the end of witchkind itself. If Grace wants to find her revenge and live, she will have to do more than disappear.
She will have to be reborn.
In this gripping, propulsive, sultry short novel, Juno Dawson takes us back to the bloody beginnings of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven to show us the strength, steel and sacrifice it takes to make a sisterhood.
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
December 12, 2023
I can't wait to read this!! HMRC is so kickass. I just know this will be amazing especially after seeing how Juno talks about this book. Screw the one star reviews. I'm super excited.
July 20, 2024
Ugh, Junooooo, why was this not a full length novel?? I would’ve devoured 500 pages of this so easily. This author’s writing is so fantastic and so immersive, and I loved getting this background insight into the world of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. I think that because it was so short, I didn’t feel properly connected to the characters like I do of those in HMRC, but this does pack a punch and is full of emotion and I still really enjoyed it.
July 2, 2024
I adore this series!
The audiobook is narrated by Nicola Coughlan aka Penelope Featherington aka Clare Devlin so obviously that format is fantastic.
The audiobook is narrated by Nicola Coughlan aka Penelope Featherington aka Clare Devlin so obviously that format is fantastic.
November 12, 2023
Can we PLEASE fucking stop perpetuating the harmful anti-Elizabethan propaganda about Anne Boleyn (accused of) being a witch??? It’s 2023. Let’s put some fucking respect to this judiciously-murdered woman’s name and let her rest!
June 21, 2024
4.5
J'ai adoré les deux premiers tomes de HMRC, j'attendais donc avec impatience ce prequel, et il ne m’a pas été déçue ! Se déroulant sous le règne d'Henri VIII, connu pour avoir exécuté plusieurs de ses nombreuses épouses, l'histoire tourne autour de l'emblématique Anne Boleyn. Dans cette réimagination, elle est dépeinte comme une sorcière déterminée à amener son peuple au pouvoir. Le récit est riche en conspiration, ambition et trahison, faisant de Queen B un roman féministe et saphique extrêmement prenant. C'était fascinant d'assister aux premières étapes de la création de Her Majesty’s Royal Coven et à la manière dont elles façonnaient déjà le monde moderne. Juno Dawson excelle dans la création de personnages complexes et attachants, notamment dans son portrait de femmes fortes.
Merci NetGalley pour l’ENC.
J'ai adoré les deux premiers tomes de HMRC, j'attendais donc avec impatience ce prequel, et il ne m’a pas été déçue ! Se déroulant sous le règne d'Henri VIII, connu pour avoir exécuté plusieurs de ses nombreuses épouses, l'histoire tourne autour de l'emblématique Anne Boleyn. Dans cette réimagination, elle est dépeinte comme une sorcière déterminée à amener son peuple au pouvoir. Le récit est riche en conspiration, ambition et trahison, faisant de Queen B un roman féministe et saphique extrêmement prenant. C'était fascinant d'assister aux premières étapes de la création de Her Majesty’s Royal Coven et à la manière dont elles façonnaient déjà le monde moderne. Juno Dawson excelle dans la création de personnages complexes et attachants, notamment dans son portrait de femmes fortes.
Merci NetGalley pour l’ENC.
June 12, 2024
The origin story I needed. I absolutely loved the Tudor setting and the peril created by the witchfinders. Despite being short this story packs a punch and is full to the brim with emotion and drama. I loved the portrayal of women, it’s a feminist celebration. Overall a great edition to the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
February 20, 2024
An entrancing take on the rise and fall of the ambitious and bewitching Anne Boleyn, Witch and Queen.
Dawson’s latest installment of her popular HMRC series leads us back to the beginning; a beginning that starts with the beheading of a witch who became queen. Her coven in turmoil, a traitor on the run and her dream of witches in power dashed, Anne faces the executioner’s axe with grace & poise, knowing she still has one last move to play.
Intricately weaving together the times before and after Anne’s death, Dawson lays the foundation for her HMRC series through the eyes of Lady Grace Fairfax and Cecilia De La Torre, witches and ladies-in-waiting. This prequel excellently explores the theme of women’s power and struggles through love, fear, birth and death. While compact in length, Dawson really packs in the romance, drama and danger with this one.
I throughly enjoyed it!
Dawson’s latest installment of her popular HMRC series leads us back to the beginning; a beginning that starts with the beheading of a witch who became queen. Her coven in turmoil, a traitor on the run and her dream of witches in power dashed, Anne faces the executioner’s axe with grace & poise, knowing she still has one last move to play.
Intricately weaving together the times before and after Anne’s death, Dawson lays the foundation for her HMRC series through the eyes of Lady Grace Fairfax and Cecilia De La Torre, witches and ladies-in-waiting. This prequel excellently explores the theme of women’s power and struggles through love, fear, birth and death. While compact in length, Dawson really packs in the romance, drama and danger with this one.
I throughly enjoyed it!
May 20, 2024
A prequel novella to Dawson's HMRC series.
It's an alternate historical fantasy based on the historical figures of Anne Boleyn and her ladies-in-waiting.
The story didn't grip me like the other books in the series. It wasn't just the usual depiction of promiscuous Anne or Anne the witch that didn't sit well with me, what pulled me out of the story most often were the anachronisms used (right now only "sharing a bevy" and "smog" come to mind, but there were more).
All in all it an interesting prequel, but it didn't add depth or important information to the existing story.
It's an alternate historical fantasy based on the historical figures of Anne Boleyn and her ladies-in-waiting.
The story didn't grip me like the other books in the series. It wasn't just the usual depiction of promiscuous Anne or Anne the witch that didn't sit well with me, what pulled me out of the story most often were the anachronisms used (right now only "sharing a bevy" and "smog" come to mind, but there were more).
All in all it an interesting prequel, but it didn't add depth or important information to the existing story.
July 15, 2024
I will start my review of Queen B by Juno Dawson by stating that I have actually not read Her Majesties Royal Coven or The Shadow Cabinet yet.
I am glad, however, that I have read this one first as this is a short novel which introduces us to the origins of the coven, as well as the betrayals the coven faces, and has left me looking forward to the others in the series.
Queen B is set during the rule of King Henry VIII in the year 1536 and begins with the execution of infamous figurehead Anne Boleyn. As someone who enjoys history, with one of my specific interests being the Tudor reign, I was left spellbound by this stunning blend of historical fact with fiction.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for this ARC
I am glad, however, that I have read this one first as this is a short novel which introduces us to the origins of the coven, as well as the betrayals the coven faces, and has left me looking forward to the others in the series.
Queen B is set during the rule of King Henry VIII in the year 1536 and begins with the execution of infamous figurehead Anne Boleyn. As someone who enjoys history, with one of my specific interests being the Tudor reign, I was left spellbound by this stunning blend of historical fact with fiction.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for this ARC
July 23, 2024
Juno Dawson's previous two novels in the Her Majesty's Royal Covern series were excellent & this novella takes us back to the 1600s with a cast of new characters.
Dawson blends fact & fiction together very neatly, but this time the story doesn't have the excitement of her previous books. The characters are as good as ever, but the plot lacks the magic (!) of the other HMRC stories & is missing Dawson's wonderful sense of humour. It's still worth reading, but I hope the next HMRC novel will see a return to form.
Dawson blends fact & fiction together very neatly, but this time the story doesn't have the excitement of her previous books. The characters are as good as ever, but the plot lacks the magic (!) of the other HMRC stories & is missing Dawson's wonderful sense of humour. It's still worth reading, but I hope the next HMRC novel will see a return to form.
March 30, 2024
This was a great story and while only being a short novella it still managed to invest me in the characters and get me emotionally invested in their story lines. This is a heart breaking story of strength, love, betrayal all set among the 1500s where women were hunted for being witches.
I loved this. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review,
I loved this. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review,
July 20, 2024
Am I going to rate anything by Juno in this series 5 stars? Yes! Cos I love them!
July 6, 2024
What can I say other than to kick off with a bold and loud - I Loved This.
I am a self-proclaimed 'Tudor Nerd' and Anne Boleyn is one of the queens I have always been fascinated by, and so, despite how I've felt about some aspects of the main novels of The HMRC Trilogy so far, I knew I needed to read this novella, about the founding of Her Majesty's Royal Coven, as soon as I heard about.
Honestly this is my favourite part of the HMRC world and sits head and shoulders above the core books for me. I just can't help it when you've got a strong set of female characters, intrigue, magics, traitorous actions and it's all woven around one of the most well known periods of British history in novella form. Don't get me wrong, I know it's tired - all the speculation about Anne Boleyn and witchcraft, but I love that this is went wholeheartedly into answering - WHAT IF SHE WAS A WITCH THOUGH?
I loved the interweaving of known historical figures and their perceived personalities, like Jane Rochford where everything in the history books shows her to be an untrustworthy and selfish figure who was so ambitious it was to the detriment of those around her. Obviously we're lacking nuance as there's no 1st hand texts remaining but her characterisation in this sits with what information we do have. Anne's personality and actions reads how I picture Anne in real life (and how Claire Foy portrays her in Wolf Hall) and I love her for it and for those who know the ins and outs of Elizabeth's household, much like me, I'm sure that Grace's conclusion will have you cheering.
For those familiar with the HMRC series we've still got all the bits that are known and loved - highly effective magic scenes, love in various forms and we've got feminist commentary which is much more even-handed and nuanced than I found in Her Majesty's Royal Cover, but this time it's all set against the backdrop of iconic British history with some core historical female figures.
Yes of course this book isn't perfect, for me some of the language use felt a little too modern and was a bit jarring when I came across it but overall this did what it needed to with the right amount of story, detail, characterisation and world building. It could obviously have been made a full novel if it was looking at the rest of the Tudor period (and I would have loved that too) but this was Anne and her ladies' story so this novella format was perfect and comes highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for a digital review copy of "Queen B" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
I am a self-proclaimed 'Tudor Nerd' and Anne Boleyn is one of the queens I have always been fascinated by, and so, despite how I've felt about some aspects of the main novels of The HMRC Trilogy so far, I knew I needed to read this novella, about the founding of Her Majesty's Royal Coven, as soon as I heard about.
Honestly this is my favourite part of the HMRC world and sits head and shoulders above the core books for me. I just can't help it when you've got a strong set of female characters, intrigue, magics, traitorous actions and it's all woven around one of the most well known periods of British history in novella form. Don't get me wrong, I know it's tired - all the speculation about Anne Boleyn and witchcraft, but I love that this is went wholeheartedly into answering - WHAT IF SHE WAS A WITCH THOUGH?
I loved the interweaving of known historical figures and their perceived personalities, like Jane Rochford where everything in the history books shows her to be an untrustworthy and selfish figure who was so ambitious it was to the detriment of those around her. Obviously we're lacking nuance as there's no 1st hand texts remaining but her characterisation in this sits with what information we do have. Anne's personality and actions reads how I picture Anne in real life (and how Claire Foy portrays her in Wolf Hall) and I love her for it and for those who know the ins and outs of Elizabeth's household, much like me, I'm sure that Grace's conclusion will have you cheering.
For those familiar with the HMRC series we've still got all the bits that are known and loved - highly effective magic scenes, love in various forms and we've got feminist commentary which is much more even-handed and nuanced than I found in Her Majesty's Royal Cover, but this time it's all set against the backdrop of iconic British history with some core historical female figures.
Yes of course this book isn't perfect, for me some of the language use felt a little too modern and was a bit jarring when I came across it but overall this did what it needed to with the right amount of story, detail, characterisation and world building. It could obviously have been made a full novel if it was looking at the rest of the Tudor period (and I would have loved that too) but this was Anne and her ladies' story so this novella format was perfect and comes highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for a digital review copy of "Queen B" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
May 9, 2024
BOW DOWN WITCHES
It’s 1536 and the Queen has been beheaded.
Lady Grace Fairfax, witch, knows that something foul is at play – that someone had betrayed Anne Boleyn and her coven. Wild with the loss of their leader – and her lover, a secret that if spilled could spell Grace’s own end – she will do anything in her power to track down the traitor. But there’s more at stake than revenge: it was one of their own, a witch, that betrayed them, and Grace isn’t the only one looking for her. King Henry VIII has sent witchfinders after them, and they’re organized like they’ve never been before under his new advisor, the impassioned Sir Ambrose Fulke, a cold man blinded by his faith. His cruel reign could mean the end of witchkind itself. If Grace wants to find her revenge and live, she will have to do more than disappear.
She will have to be reborn.
Let me say that I am a huge fan of the HMRC series and was so excited to read the prequel Queen B and the origin story for the HMRC witches. Described as a novella, Queen B is in fact 400 pages long and it took me a while to get into the story. If you are familiar with English Tudor history and the world of Henry the 8th, it might be easier to get into but it was a bit of an obstacle for me in the beginning.
Juno’s ability to present flawed characters to her readers is one of my favourite aspects of her work. Even with all their flaws laid out on the page, you end up getting attached to them and invested in each of their stories. Dawson includes past and present events throughout the story which really gives the reader a better understanding of what happens from different perspectives.
The focus remains almost completely on the female protagonists whereas the likes of Henry and his advisors feature but don’t get to hog the spotlight which is refreshing. The witch hunters are a truly terrifying aspect of this story and Dawson really brings to life the terror that women faced at a time when any woman could be accused of witchcraft and have no defence from these claims.
A captivating and refreshing story, Queen B is out on July 18th. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the arc. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s 1536 and the Queen has been beheaded.
Lady Grace Fairfax, witch, knows that something foul is at play – that someone had betrayed Anne Boleyn and her coven. Wild with the loss of their leader – and her lover, a secret that if spilled could spell Grace’s own end – she will do anything in her power to track down the traitor. But there’s more at stake than revenge: it was one of their own, a witch, that betrayed them, and Grace isn’t the only one looking for her. King Henry VIII has sent witchfinders after them, and they’re organized like they’ve never been before under his new advisor, the impassioned Sir Ambrose Fulke, a cold man blinded by his faith. His cruel reign could mean the end of witchkind itself. If Grace wants to find her revenge and live, she will have to do more than disappear.
She will have to be reborn.
Let me say that I am a huge fan of the HMRC series and was so excited to read the prequel Queen B and the origin story for the HMRC witches. Described as a novella, Queen B is in fact 400 pages long and it took me a while to get into the story. If you are familiar with English Tudor history and the world of Henry the 8th, it might be easier to get into but it was a bit of an obstacle for me in the beginning.
Juno’s ability to present flawed characters to her readers is one of my favourite aspects of her work. Even with all their flaws laid out on the page, you end up getting attached to them and invested in each of their stories. Dawson includes past and present events throughout the story which really gives the reader a better understanding of what happens from different perspectives.
The focus remains almost completely on the female protagonists whereas the likes of Henry and his advisors feature but don’t get to hog the spotlight which is refreshing. The witch hunters are a truly terrifying aspect of this story and Dawson really brings to life the terror that women faced at a time when any woman could be accused of witchcraft and have no defence from these claims.
A captivating and refreshing story, Queen B is out on July 18th. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the arc. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 21, 2024
Queen B is a novella, a historical prequel to the Her Majesty’s Royal Coven series. We are transported to the 1500’s, back to the beginnings of HMRC.
A fast paced quick read that packs a punch. I highly recommended Queen B for established fans of the popular series. For those who have HMRC on their TBR this will be the perfect taster that will have you immediately reaching for the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the history of HRMC and I’m absolutely bursting for the next instalment. I would love this to be the beginning of a string of novellas exploring the foremothers of HMRC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this digital review copy.
A fast paced quick read that packs a punch. I highly recommended Queen B for established fans of the popular series. For those who have HMRC on their TBR this will be the perfect taster that will have you immediately reaching for the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the history of HRMC and I’m absolutely bursting for the next instalment. I would love this to be the beginning of a string of novellas exploring the foremothers of HMRC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this digital review copy.
May 10, 2024
2.5⭐️ I adored Her Majesty’s Royal coven and look forward to continuing the series, so when I received an ARC of Queen B I was very excited. Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this one which I put down to it being historical fiction, as I don’t usually enjoy this genre.
Queen B taps into the history of Anne Boleyn but instead of being a retelling it focuses on the women around her and their lives after her death. The main focus being on Grace, who is determined to find the traitor within their coven with whom she holds responsible for her Queen’s death.
I did try to enjoy the book but I just found that I couldn’t connect with the characters in the same way I have done in the main books of the series. This was a big part of why I loved the books so much therefore highlighting the difference of Queen B for me.
This novella isn’t a necessary read within the series as it doesn’t add to the story. I can imagine those who love the series and enjoy the historical fiction genre would really enjoy the reading experience.
Queen B taps into the history of Anne Boleyn but instead of being a retelling it focuses on the women around her and their lives after her death. The main focus being on Grace, who is determined to find the traitor within their coven with whom she holds responsible for her Queen’s death.
I did try to enjoy the book but I just found that I couldn’t connect with the characters in the same way I have done in the main books of the series. This was a big part of why I loved the books so much therefore highlighting the difference of Queen B for me.
This novella isn’t a necessary read within the series as it doesn’t add to the story. I can imagine those who love the series and enjoy the historical fiction genre would really enjoy the reading experience.
July 20, 2024
I loved this novella based on Anne Boleyn. It was fabulous to be transported back to these times and read about the coven in court. The characters are brilliant and I was hooked from the start!
May 28, 2024
It's hard not to be disappointed in a book for simply not being the book you wished it were? But when I saw HRMC #3 I was like yessss but then when I realized it was a prequel I was like HANG ON there is a lot of unfinished business in the present day of that story!!! I am too concerned about Theo, Elle, Leonie, etc! Now you want me to go back to the 16th century?! I don't have time for this!!!!
That said I think I could have gotten hella into Anne Boleyn, Witch Queen but I didn't love the structure of this--it went back and forth in time between the time right after (historical spoilers) Boleyn's death and 10 years prior, and I think it made it hard for the story to build momentum and for me to build attachments to the characters or to get invested in the romantic confessions/triangulations--some of them felt like they came out of nowhere. I think less time jumping would have served the story better.
(Having both read The Other Boleyn Girl and had it corrected for me by the Vulgar History podcast I felt familiar with the rumors of Anne's witchcraft etc in a way that I hadn't been previously, on account of my American education, so I do think having that background info was helpful to me.)
Overall I still like the witchy worldbuilding and this was a fun, quick read I just...a) wanted a different book but also b) think that the book that this was, could have been a stronger book. I remain ANXIOUSLY awaiting the NEXT book in this series!!
That said I think I could have gotten hella into Anne Boleyn, Witch Queen but I didn't love the structure of this--it went back and forth in time between the time right after (historical spoilers) Boleyn's death and 10 years prior, and I think it made it hard for the story to build momentum and for me to build attachments to the characters or to get invested in the romantic confessions/triangulations--some of them felt like they came out of nowhere. I think less time jumping would have served the story better.
(Having both read The Other Boleyn Girl and had it corrected for me by the Vulgar History podcast I felt familiar with the rumors of Anne's witchcraft etc in a way that I hadn't been previously, on account of my American education, so I do think having that background info was helpful to me.)
Overall I still like the witchy worldbuilding and this was a fun, quick read I just...a) wanted a different book but also b) think that the book that this was, could have been a stronger book. I remain ANXIOUSLY awaiting the NEXT book in this series!!
May 6, 2024
Thank you to Penguin Books and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
TW/CW Beheading | Violence
Queen B. is a prequel to Her Majesty's Royal Coven that is set quite a bit into our history. It is a slight retelling of Anne Boleyn.
I was very hesitant about a Anne Boleyn retelling. But this story isn't so much about Boleyn as it is about the women around her. In this story, some of the ladies she surrounded herself with were witches, like herself. And in this story we mainly follow Grace Fairfax. She becomes close to Anny Boleyn while also coming more into touch with the magical side of herself. We go back and forth between the present situation for Grace, which is just after Boleyn was beheaded, and scenes that were important to Grace before the beheading.
Grace wants revenge for the person who sold out Anne Boleyn as a witch. It drove the present scenes forward. The flashbacks gave some balance to that as we saw a different side to Grace.
However I was not that invested in this story. There is very little link towards the actual two books we've read. And I did not care too much about any of these characters. It was not a badly written book in anyway. But I could not really connect with it.
It is an interesting read but also one you can easily skip if you aren't that interested in Anny Boleyn or the history part of this story.
TW/CW Beheading | Violence
Queen B. is a prequel to Her Majesty's Royal Coven that is set quite a bit into our history. It is a slight retelling of Anne Boleyn.
I was very hesitant about a Anne Boleyn retelling. But this story isn't so much about Boleyn as it is about the women around her. In this story, some of the ladies she surrounded herself with were witches, like herself. And in this story we mainly follow Grace Fairfax. She becomes close to Anny Boleyn while also coming more into touch with the magical side of herself. We go back and forth between the present situation for Grace, which is just after Boleyn was beheaded, and scenes that were important to Grace before the beheading.
Grace wants revenge for the person who sold out Anne Boleyn as a witch. It drove the present scenes forward. The flashbacks gave some balance to that as we saw a different side to Grace.
However I was not that invested in this story. There is very little link towards the actual two books we've read. And I did not care too much about any of these characters. It was not a badly written book in anyway. But I could not really connect with it.
It is an interesting read but also one you can easily skip if you aren't that interested in Anny Boleyn or the history part of this story.
June 10, 2024
Queen B is a short novel prequel to the Her Majesty's Royal Coven series by Juno Dawson, revealing the mystery and betrayals that broke open one of the most powerful covens in British history. The story begins with Anne Boleyn's death. Lady Grace Fairfax was always her most loyal subject, and she's determined to avenge her queen. Who in their coven betrayed Anne? And can Grace solve this mystery without the full violence of a patriarchal witch hunt falling on their heads?
Juno Dawson's HMRC series is a recent favorite of mine, and this historical fantasy continues her tradition of strong twists and bold, brutal female characters. We get to see the beginnings of their coven in flashbacks, see a witchy Anne behind the scenes, discover her hopes for her daughter and for their kingdom. This is a quick, fun read of scheming and magic featuring a female-driven alt-history that will delight fans of the Tudor dynasty and its history as well as fans of Dawson's novels.
Content warnings for misogyny, sexual harassment, violence.
Juno Dawson's HMRC series is a recent favorite of mine, and this historical fantasy continues her tradition of strong twists and bold, brutal female characters. We get to see the beginnings of their coven in flashbacks, see a witchy Anne behind the scenes, discover her hopes for her daughter and for their kingdom. This is a quick, fun read of scheming and magic featuring a female-driven alt-history that will delight fans of the Tudor dynasty and its history as well as fans of Dawson's novels.
Content warnings for misogyny, sexual harassment, violence.
July 24, 2024
“A witch without her coven is only half a thing.”
Queen B’s story is the origin story of how HMRC came to be. It’s 1536, the Tudor age and Anne Boleyn has been beheaded by her husband, the notorious Henry VIII. The book shifts between the aftermath of the death of Anne and slivers of her life at court, surrounded by her coven.
Lady Grace Fairfrax and Anne Boleyn had a special bond and she knows in her gut that her Queen had been betrayed which led to her tragic death. Grace decides to find this traitor but when finding out that it is a witch close to them she cannot let revenge take the upper hand, especially not when now the King has appointed witchfinders and they are all in danger.
Spoilers ahead:
This book was short(er) but honestly it did not fall short on any level. The romance between Anne and Grace was doomed from the start but it is that love that ultimately changed the trajectory for witches and their future. It also shows true sisterhood and the lengths they would all go for one another. What’s also interesting is the difference in how witches are treated by men and women. Henry doesn’t hesitate to execute his wife and mother of his child whereas Grace finds it in herself to think about the wellbeing of all witches instead of her own personal desires when she finds out that a close witch friend has betrayed Anne.
I devoured this book in one day and I am so grateful to have gotten an arc for this one. All opinions are my own.
Queen B’s story is the origin story of how HMRC came to be. It’s 1536, the Tudor age and Anne Boleyn has been beheaded by her husband, the notorious Henry VIII. The book shifts between the aftermath of the death of Anne and slivers of her life at court, surrounded by her coven.
Lady Grace Fairfrax and Anne Boleyn had a special bond and she knows in her gut that her Queen had been betrayed which led to her tragic death. Grace decides to find this traitor but when finding out that it is a witch close to them she cannot let revenge take the upper hand, especially not when now the King has appointed witchfinders and they are all in danger.
Spoilers ahead:
This book was short(er) but honestly it did not fall short on any level. The romance between Anne and Grace was doomed from the start but it is that love that ultimately changed the trajectory for witches and their future. It also shows true sisterhood and the lengths they would all go for one another. What’s also interesting is the difference in how witches are treated by men and women. Henry doesn’t hesitate to execute his wife and mother of his child whereas Grace finds it in herself to think about the wellbeing of all witches instead of her own personal desires when she finds out that a close witch friend has betrayed Anne.
I devoured this book in one day and I am so grateful to have gotten an arc for this one. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
���️All opinions are my own⚠️
Flawless.
What does it talk about?
Well... What if... Anne Boleyn were the leader of a Coven of witches?
I read and loved both of the previous HMRC's books: the second one in particular, is one of my very favourite reads of 2023.
I had access to this copy thanks to #Netgalley; I didn't expect to be accepted so I was amazed by the notification. I looked forward to reading this new installment.
I initially expected this to be a sequel to "The Shadow Cabinet" (which I am also very much looking for), so you can guess my surprise when I saw that it was a prequel, set during the age of King Henry VIII.
There is a reason for this: I don't always like to read plots before opening a book, especially if it's by an author I already read and enjoyed very much, as not to ruin my feeling of surprise. This was especially useful in this case: I was very much delighted by this change of setting, it was a breath of fresh air before the next sequel in series.
The plot develops in a very original, interesting and mature way. It is serious, not light-hearted, engaging, not superficial: all the characters are very well described and excellently brought to life. The worldbuilding is good as well: I could see the scenery in front of my eyes as the story unfolded.
It was very much emotional, gripping, intriguing, and never boring for me. Many topics were touched, with care and authenticity.
Juno Dawson's style is very recognizable: as usual it is clear, direct, polished and a bit sophisticated.
As with the previous books in series, I don't consider this a Young Adult series but instead, an Adult one despite not including sp1cy, s3x or expl1cit scenes.
This was only my 3rd read by Juno Dawson, so I wasn't sure I would have liked this one.
Well, I've now officially become a fan of Juno Dawson's writing, I now would like to read her other works (and I absolutely want to read the third book of "Her Majesty's Royal Coven" 😍❤️).
I thank the publisher, author and Netgalley very much for this opportunity ❤️
I give this 4.7 out of 5⭐. Have I already said I look forward to reading the follow up novel? ❤️
Flawless.
What does it talk about?
Well... What if... Anne Boleyn were the leader of a Coven of witches?
I read and loved both of the previous HMRC's books: the second one in particular, is one of my very favourite reads of 2023.
I had access to this copy thanks to #Netgalley; I didn't expect to be accepted so I was amazed by the notification. I looked forward to reading this new installment.
I initially expected this to be a sequel to "The Shadow Cabinet" (which I am also very much looking for), so you can guess my surprise when I saw that it was a prequel, set during the age of King Henry VIII.
There is a reason for this: I don't always like to read plots before opening a book, especially if it's by an author I already read and enjoyed very much, as not to ruin my feeling of surprise. This was especially useful in this case: I was very much delighted by this change of setting, it was a breath of fresh air before the next sequel in series.
The plot develops in a very original, interesting and mature way. It is serious, not light-hearted, engaging, not superficial: all the characters are very well described and excellently brought to life. The worldbuilding is good as well: I could see the scenery in front of my eyes as the story unfolded.
It was very much emotional, gripping, intriguing, and never boring for me. Many topics were touched, with care and authenticity.
Juno Dawson's style is very recognizable: as usual it is clear, direct, polished and a bit sophisticated.
As with the previous books in series, I don't consider this a Young Adult series but instead, an Adult one despite not including sp1cy, s3x or expl1cit scenes.
This was only my 3rd read by Juno Dawson, so I wasn't sure I would have liked this one.
Well, I've now officially become a fan of Juno Dawson's writing, I now would like to read her other works (and I absolutely want to read the third book of "Her Majesty's Royal Coven" 😍❤️).
I thank the publisher, author and Netgalley very much for this opportunity ❤️
I give this 4.7 out of 5⭐. Have I already said I look forward to reading the follow up novel? ❤️
June 26, 2024
A prequel to the HMRC series, we go back to the time of Anne Boleyn and her untimely demise at the order of Henry VIII
We flash forward and back through the eyes of Grace, mainly, strong witch and close confident to the Queen
Grace is trying to figure out who betrayed the Queen, and her Coven, and won't stop until she does. But she is also being pursued by a witch hunter so needs to watch her step....
I really enjoyed this jump back in time to when the order started, and I like the tales of the 6 wives so was nice to see this dotted in
Really recommend, especially if you enjoy the HMRC series
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyger for the early review copy, all opinions my own... out July 18th
We flash forward and back through the eyes of Grace, mainly, strong witch and close confident to the Queen
Grace is trying to figure out who betrayed the Queen, and her Coven, and won't stop until she does. But she is also being pursued by a witch hunter so needs to watch her step....
I really enjoyed this jump back in time to when the order started, and I like the tales of the 6 wives so was nice to see this dotted in
Really recommend, especially if you enjoy the HMRC series
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyger for the early review copy, all opinions my own... out July 18th
July 20, 2024
4.5 rounded up ⭐
This was a great addition to the HMRC universe. As someone who is in love with this series and loves Tudor History it was great to have this tie in. Grace was a perfect main pov for this story and felt like a good gateway into the Tudor court world. I'd love to have more mini novella's that follow on from this or mini stories set in different periods of British History as we all know it gets real bad for witch kind and how that ties in with HMRC past the snippets we get in the original series.
My only criticism is that I found the romance between Grace & Anne - while I loved it - did feel slightly under developed and quick but this was probably more to do with the length of the novella than anything else.
This was a great addition to the HMRC universe. As someone who is in love with this series and loves Tudor History it was great to have this tie in. Grace was a perfect main pov for this story and felt like a good gateway into the Tudor court world. I'd love to have more mini novella's that follow on from this or mini stories set in different periods of British History as we all know it gets real bad for witch kind and how that ties in with HMRC past the snippets we get in the original series.
My only criticism is that I found the romance between Grace & Anne - while I loved it - did feel slightly under developed and quick but this was probably more to do with the length of the novella than anything else.
July 24, 2024
“Maybe it’s a northern thing. Love is for rich people.”
This prequel was my first introduction to the HMRC series and it’s safe to say I will definitely be picking up the other instalments. I couldn’t believe this is the only one set in the Tudor period because all of these characters felt as fully realised as if Dawson had written them a thousand times before. It had romance, drama, deceit, everything you’d expect in the wake of Anne Boleyn’s death—especially when she’s the leader of the most high-profile coven in Britain. The historical fact blended perfectly with the fictional witchcraft, lending itself perfectly to the feminist message. I will definitely be back for more from Her Majesty’s Royal Coven.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
This prequel was my first introduction to the HMRC series and it’s safe to say I will definitely be picking up the other instalments. I couldn’t believe this is the only one set in the Tudor period because all of these characters felt as fully realised as if Dawson had written them a thousand times before. It had romance, drama, deceit, everything you’d expect in the wake of Anne Boleyn’s death—especially when she’s the leader of the most high-profile coven in Britain. The historical fact blended perfectly with the fictional witchcraft, lending itself perfectly to the feminist message. I will definitely be back for more from Her Majesty’s Royal Coven.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
July 18, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
more like a 3.5
I love this prequel novella idea which tides us over until the next installment in the Her Majesty's Royal Coven series. For fans of Her Majesty's Royal Coven and The Shadow Cabinet, Dawson is able to pack an intriguing story about the origins of the covens. About with queens, loyalties, and witchfinders. By seeing through multiple lenses of the court and of Anne Boleyn herself, Queen B manages to balance historical fiction and fantasy deftly.
more like a 3.5
I love this prequel novella idea which tides us over until the next installment in the Her Majesty's Royal Coven series. For fans of Her Majesty's Royal Coven and The Shadow Cabinet, Dawson is able to pack an intriguing story about the origins of the covens. About with queens, loyalties, and witchfinders. By seeing through multiple lenses of the court and of Anne Boleyn herself, Queen B manages to balance historical fiction and fantasy deftly.
July 23, 2024
Queen B builds upon the world Juno Dawson has weaved in her HMRC series by exploring the ever-fascinating Anne Boleyn by way of her rise, downfall, and the most important people in her life: her coven of witches. Obviously, this is a work of fiction, but the historical details throughout add a grounding in reality. This is a novella, and so only a brief look at the coven and its various members, and yet it covers a lot of ground. The powers of the various witches were wonderfully described, with the plot echoing a lot of the themes of the HMRC books so far. A good accompaniment to the series.
July 19, 2024
3.5 stars
Look, I love Anne Boleyn, I’ve really enjoyed this series, AND the audiobook is read by Lady Whistledown herself, so this was a no brainer for me.
This tries to do a lot in a small space. I think I would have enjoyed a full-length novel more because while going back and forth on the timeline, I feel like we miss out on some emotional impact. I just wanted more!!
I did really love the conclusion though. The way the story wrapped was beautiful and made me appreciate it more.
Many thanks to PHR audio for the advanced listen. All opinions are my own.
Look, I love Anne Boleyn, I’ve really enjoyed this series, AND the audiobook is read by Lady Whistledown herself, so this was a no brainer for me.
This tries to do a lot in a small space. I think I would have enjoyed a full-length novel more because while going back and forth on the timeline, I feel like we miss out on some emotional impact. I just wanted more!!
I did really love the conclusion though. The way the story wrapped was beautiful and made me appreciate it more.
Many thanks to PHR audio for the advanced listen. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2024
Considering this is “only” a novella, this was fucking amazing!!! Honestly loved to see how my fucking favourite fantasy series HMRC began, and the fact it was with Anne Boleyn, here a queer witch is so fucking iconic!!! You slayed Juni Dawson, you ate and left no crumbs.
Perfect novella!!! I am not ready for this series to end with the next book 😭
Perfect novella!!! I am not ready for this series to end with the next book 😭
July 21, 2024
I absolutely loved this and devoured this in one day. Her Majesty's Royal Coven is one of my favorites series ever and this prequel was so interesting to see the start of what we know in the later books. Everything happening at court and with Anne Boleyn was so well done and Juno Dawson's writing and characterization is always amazing !
Also the sapphic yearning in this!!!!!! 👏🏼
Also the sapphic yearning in this!!!!!! 👏🏼
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