The Foxglove King: A Review Of Death Magic And Forbidden Romance
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A woman who wields death, a monk who has a hard time holding true to his vows and the crown prince of the land finds their fates somehow intertwined. That is the general idea of The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten. The first book in the Nightshade Crown trilogy.
Living in the city of Dellaire, Lore has a job running poisons for her surrogate mothers. The city is laced with death magic ties known as Mortem after the Goddess that now lies buried at their feet. But Lore is different than those that surround her inner circle, (although she loathe to admit it) she is stronger than any other Mortem wielder to date (aside from the long-dead Goddess herself). Eventually, after a run goes awry she learns that she has captured the eye of the Presque Mort. A group of monks whose once been touched by death now also wields the hand of Mortem.
“Every shape of affection can maim but a triangle’s formed most like a blade.”
After capturing Lore, the head of the Presque Mort, the Priest Exalted (and twin to the Sainted King August), gives her a stark choice: help him or spend her life as a prisoner. It’s clear which option she chooses. Having her orders, and pairing her with Gabriel, instructing them to discover how and why entire villages disappear without a trace dying overnight.
Soon Lore finds herself caught up in the glittering court. Juggling the schemes of the Presque Mort, the King, the crown prince Bastian, and her own secrets.
Title: The Foxglove King
Author: Hannah Whitten
Genre: Gothic Fantasy, Forbidden Romance
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice Rating: .5 chili peppers
I admit, I tend to wait until a series is complete before diving in. That was the case with The Foxglove King. When it was first announced, I requested an ARC because the premise sounded too unique to pass up. Now that I finally have my copy of The Hemlock Queen (book 2 in the trilogy), I decided it was the perfect time to dive in.
At first, I didn’t think The Foxglove King would be for me. The beautiful covers lured me in, as they often do with my reads. Although I loved the idea of a court and a death-based magic system, I can’t count how many books fall short in their execution. Despite initial concerns about this one, it eventually found its flow and turned into a story I enjoyed.
“he gazed up at her like he was fire and she was fuel.”
The story, rich with layers involving Lore of the Arcenauex family, the Bleeding God, the Night Witch, and more, feels like a story within a story. Death crystallizes and seems endless within Lore, even though she desperately wants to be free of it.
In the shadows, there is a mystery. The visions Lore tangles with blue smoke against the azure sky, eluding to something more. It gives your mind a workout to piece together the hidden paths. The gothic tale feels almost historical in nature with the heavy use of the church and books reminiscent of the bible.
The world-building at first glance feels non-existent. With feels of a city you or I could inhabit. Taking cues from urban fantasy. But as you delve deeper you see hidden threads of the world culminating to make the masterpiece that is The Foxglove King.
As with most stories the plot ebbs and flows. Building up the pressure until it releases. Then doing it all again. With this natural flow of the story, it often feels like the valley’s trudge. With nothing to really spur you along, feeling boring and slogging in ways. Aiding in this feeling is the moments of slight repetition. While I can’t put too much stock in it as I read an uncorrected proof, one hopes that it was edited before final printing.
As always comes with these reviews there are questions you would like answered. Is there romance in it? Is it spicy?
“If grace is blasphemous, build me a pyre.”
Yes, there is a romance within The Foxglove King. It is more than a simple love story. Lore finds herself wanting one man while it is eluded to the other wants her. Finding herself tangled in kisses with him. While this first book isn’t spicy, one thinks that it will be as their love story progresses. Lore will eventually have to choose between them (won’t she?). And, because the love triangle is not fully solved by the end of it, by the end you know who you want her with. One has taken a vow of celibacy and the other is the Sun Prince dammit! Plus, the forbidden romance adds another layer to the plot, making your mouth water for the moment they get together.
Overall, I genuinely had a good time reading The Foxglove King, and while I didn’t immediately dive into book 2 I will be continuing the story to see what happens with Gabriel, Lore, and Bastian.
You can grab a copy of The Foxglove King and book 2 The Hemlock Queen is out now! Thank you to Orbit for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
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