Review: The Foxglove King (The Nightshade Crown #1) by Hannah Whitten

*I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

The Foxglove King

(The Nightshade Crown #1)

by Hannah Whitten

March 7, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

In this romantic new fantasy series from 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.

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.

Review

I read The Foxglove King back in April and while I liked it, I wasn't really sure what to say about it. The magical element and the romantic tension were super good however, the plot at times felt similar to other recent fantasy stories I've read.

Similar to Hannah Whitten's previous books, The Foxglove King was deeply atmospheric. I loved her haunting yet elegant writing. Dark and foreboding, the story dealt with complicated and mysterious relationships. It did not matter whether the relationship was a physical or an intangible one, I devoured them all. The power of Mortem was especially interesting. Show me more please!

Lore was clever and brave. She played the political game well. Her real identity surprised me no more than the lengthy wait it took for the truth to come out. I look forward to seeing what her choices will bring.  I will say this- Lore should not be underestimated ;)

I am very wary of the developing love triangle. Having said that, am I intrigued by both love interests? Yes. Do they each have compelling traits? Yes. Hence I enjoyed the romance so far in The Foxglove King. Though I have yet to fully choose a ship, I am leaning towards one side so Hannah Whitten, please don't break my heart?

The Foxglove King with its spooky atmosphere had one of the most formidable and resilient characters I've had the pleasure of reading. Though I know the chances are not high, I hope the sequel treats them fairly. Please and thank you.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.