The Hemlock Queen

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


I really like the direction this book took in what I thought was a duology but I know realize from that cliffhanger that it is at least a trilogy if not longer.

This book really expands on the lore of the world and the characters and features a fair use of flashbacks. The flashbacks had some of the most interesting parts, and while some of the book was not as action packed, I can see how it was designed for the tone of the book and setting up for the third one.

In this book you will find: the duality of man, betrayal, polyamory, multiple deaths (some on page), life and death magic, and so much more.

I had tons of fun with The foxglove king, and the exact same thing happened with its sequel, The Hemlock Queen. In an over saturated market of romantasy, this story feels original to me, and I'm invested in the series.

The story picks up immediately after the events of the first book, and we immediately start learning more about the magic, the gods and their power.

The pace of this book was a bit slower than I would have preferred, but the worldbuilding and plot remain interesting, full of manipulation, scheming and twists. I must say Hannah Whitten is doing a great job regarding the character development. I care so so much for everyone (of the good guys) in this story that it's almost unbearable.

For the romantasy readers, the tension and angst in this book is palpable and off the charts. I had so many feelings, particularly regarding one particular character who is making my heart ache. I'm devastated!

I've said on my first foxglove king review that I hate love triangles but that Hannah put me on board for a poli relationship between Lore, Bastian and Gabe. I'm even more on board for it now! I love them all and I just want to see these damaged characters healing and experiencing a bit of happiness. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced there would be a HEA in sight, but I'll have to wait and see.

I can't wait to see what Hannah is planning for the third book!

I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Hemlock Queen was a wild ride. I wasn't sure how this book was going to go after finishing the first one – there were a few different roads Whitten could have taken – but DANG. She picked the most entertaining one, for sure. I really don't want to spoil the ‘reveal' that we get in this book, so you get a pretty darn vague review, sorry friends.

If you pick this up and spend the first half of the book totally annoyed with Bastian let me tell you there is a perfectly good explanation for why you feel that way. And once you figure it out, WOOF. You feel bad for feeling the way you did. My poor Sun prince.

The romance is still present here, but it's fraught. Shaky and nebulous and leaves you feeling maybe a little on the dirty side. (Not in a good way.) The triangle is still here, but it starts to feel less like a triangle, and more like a possible polycule WHICH WOULD BE SO REFRESHING AND INTERESTING if Whitten decides to go this route eventually. Lore loves both Bastian and Gabe, and I truly don't see a reason why she has to pick between the two - especially when they both care for each other, too.

Lore makes some interesting decisions in this book, ones that I hope she'll get to see pan out. At the end of the book, I am flat out terrified for her, but knowing her as a character I am sure that she'll figure out how to save herself.

WHAT AN INTERESTING PREMISE THIS SERIES HAS. I am fully on board with this, and I can't wait to see where Whitten goes, and what the end game is here. Four and a half stars. I cannot wait to read the next entry into this series.