De scharlaken troon

by Sara Raasch, Beth Ravis

Romantasy met een originele twist op de klassieke enemies-to-lovers trope, voor fans van Holly Black en Outlander.

Wat gebeurt er wanneer de paden van een Engelse spion en een fae elkaar kruisen?

Samson Calthorpe heeft er alles voor over om zijn vader te helpen, dus als hij gevraagd wordt om een spion the worden aan het Engelse hof, hapt hij meteen toe.
Alyth Graham is een bastaard van een faeprins en een menselijke moeder. Ze houdt de man van de Schotse koning, Lord Darnley, al jaren in de gaten. Het enige dat Alyth en Samson met elkaar delen is hun haat voor Lord Darnley.

Met behulp van geheime codes, verborgen berichten en een klein beetje magie proberen Alyth en Samson een eeuwenoud plan te ontrafelen.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Romantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Fantasy

368 pages, ebook

Expected publication October 7, 2025

About the author

Sara Raasch has known she was destined for bookish things since the age of five, when her friends had a lemonade stand and she tagged along to sell her hand-drawn picture books too. Not much has changed since then — her friends still cock concerned eyebrows when she attempts to draw things and her enthusiasm for the written word still drives her to extreme measures. Her debut YA fantasy, SNOW LIKE ASHES, the first in a trilogy, came out October 14, 2014 from Balzer + Bray. It does not feature her hand-drawn pictures.

Reviews

[₊˚ ⁀➴ kenzie ⠀❦ jacks’ version · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝ Even when all this was invisible to me, you never were. ❞ ~ Samson


∘₊✦ The Crimson Throne ⚔️

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ~ 3.5



⟡ preread ⟡

⌕ Thanks so much to Netgalley for approving my first ever ARC!! https://www.netgalley.com/book/614535...


✑ overview (spoiler-free!)

⠀⠀⠀ ↳ In this historical fantasy YA novel, Alyth, a magical fae, has a duty to protect the Scotland Queen Mary from dangerous Red Caps who are lurking beyond the enchanted border. Samson, a lowly thief from the city of London has striked a deal with his father to find an object in Scotland that has cursed him since his childhood. Little do they know that there's a deeper, more dangerous plan set underway.


◗ plot

⠀⠀⠀ ✦ The story must lead on to other books in the series, since most of it was building on the characters and the plan in Scotland, and ended with another plotline for the next book.
⠀⠀⠀ ✦ The pacing was quick and enjoyable, I feel like it was more centered on the plot rather than characters, which made it feel disconnected from them and their personalities. The romance was also a bit quick to start at the beginning.
⠀⠀⠀ ✦ The narrative was written as though the actual characters were speaking and thinking in their dialect of Scottish and English, which helped bring life to the writing.

‧₊˚ ✶ "War is coming to both our lands." ~ Alyth



⭑ worldbuilding

‧₊˚ ⚘݄ “Creatures like this, they’re not good or bad. They’re wild. They drift between the worlds, and they deserve to be protected from fae and man alike.” ~ Alyth

⠀⠀⠀ ↠ The way that the story was integrated Scotland and the royal powers in the 1500s with magic and an in-depth group of fae living among them in the borders made the story feel very realistic.
⠀⠀⠀ ↠ I was impressed with the setting, and how it was described just enough to give some parts eerie and mysterious vibe, but wasn’t overdone. I especially liked the description of the countryside and the cities, and how you could clearly picture the surroundings.
⠀⠀⠀ ↠ One highlight of the book was the fae creatures of Scotland, which I loved. The brownies and Alyth having a connecton was sweet, as well as the will-o’-the-wisps, and I loved her determination to protect the magical beings.


❖ characters

⠀⠀⠀ ౨ৎ The characters had great storylines, but I felt their personality and development could have been improved and more detailed, it felt sort of dry at parts and like it was missing something. I think they could have had more unique traits as characters as well. The emotions were there, but I also thought they could have been shown with a bit more life through the character’s actions.
⠀⠀⠀ ౨ৎ I appreciated the added characters in the fae realm, like the goddes of winter and the witch, and I appreciated how their abilities were well-written.

‧₊˚ ✶ “How can I prove myself to you?” ~ Samson

⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Alyth • "I've seen magic all my life, but I've never felt it until now." ~~ She was very focused, and her knowledge and upbringing as a fae with knowledge on the legends and creatures added magical details. The way she could see the auras and intentions of other people was also a unique type of magic. What resonated with me was her deep connection with the fae creatures like the brownies and glaistigs, and how she called on them for help. ✨
⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Samson • “We need each other, you and I.” ~~ I loved his aloofness even with his challenges, and how determined he was to prove himself to Alyth however he could. Although I think that the details on his heritage could have been improved with more depth.
⠀⠀⠀ ➵ Queen Mary ~~ I disliked her personality, especially the self-centered part, but she added to the plot of the fae and human worlds being connected.


✦ favorite parts (spoilers ahead) ✦

⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Alyth and Samson camping under the stars when they first meet, and watching the stag walk by
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Alyth confronting Samson in his room at the castle about the amulet that blocks fae magic
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Them dancing together and Samson explaining himself to Altyh at the baptism party, and again in the fae realm to the entrancing music
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Alyth riding one of Queen Beira's stags to warn Samson from the explosives, and sending a hoard of robins as a warning sign
⠀⠀⠀ ⊹ Their kiss as the fire storms behind them in the town


➶ my recommendation

⤷ ⟡ age rating: 13+
⤷ ⟡ content warnings:
⠀⠀⠀— language ~ 6/10
⠀⠀⠀— romance ~ 4/10 - kissing, spice-free
⠀⠀⠀— violence ~ 5/10 - stabbing, deaths with magic abilities
⠀⠀⠀— other ~ drinking, manipulation
⤷ ⟡ For fans of the False Prince and books by Jennifer Nielsen
⤷ ⟡ Best for readers who love romantasy and fantay set in real locations


☾ final verdict

⠀⠀⠀ This was a fun adventure, and I especially loved the setting and creatures. Overall, I would say this book was successful in the plot, but the characters were lacking some detail and relatability.



The Crimson Throne — 2025
~ ∘₊ ✦

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was an original take on the tudors era, as queen Mary of Scots is married to Lord Darnley and is pregnant with his son but with fantasy elements, magical objects and half faes who are called Leth.

Alyth is a powerful Leth, and queen Mary’s lady in waiting and is charged with keeping Scotland and queen Mary of Scots safe as well as ensuring the wall between the human and fae worlds doesn’t get destroyed.
As the attempts on queen’s life intensify, leaving Red Cap objects in their midst, she is determined to find out the culprits and end their threats.

Samson is the bastard son of the powerful English Lord Cecil, but his life is dispensable to him. He sends him to Scotland on a mission to infiltrate the Scottish court and find the Red Caps dangerous objects that the queen keeps in exchange of freeing him from the curse that has been plaguing him since childhood.

The concept and plot was interestingly unique and I was really excited to read this because Reign is one of my favorite series and it was great to find many accurate historical points in this book.

Alyth was a powerful main character, who doesn’t think twice before jumping into danger and saving those she is tasked to protect. Samson has a similar trait two, that made the story really interesting.

I felt that the pacing and the chemistry between the characters could’ve been better though as it was a little boring at times, but overall I had a great time reading this.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks UK for this copy!

[~Jennifer~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and all of true history entwined in it. I loved that it was set in Scotland, and their folklore. I apologize for how long it took me to read this, it is no reflection on the book. Unfortunately this month has been crazy, both good and bad. I’m very interested to see where the next book takes me. Thank you NetGalley any SourceBook Fire for the advance copy.

[Andrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for the arc of The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis.

My favorite author duo is back again! Sara and Beth are so brilliant at creating a fantasy world of their own rules and machinations. It was very easy to slip into this book of historical Scotland court intrigue and fae.

Alyth!! The barrier guardian you are!! Reading from her pov was very fun. She's a feisty protagonist that sets the tone for a fast-paced and invigorating read.

Samson :) A just as feisty counterpart, but with self-doubt issues. And daddy issues lol. But, incredibly likeable!!

The two main characters find themselves caught in the pre-war antics between Queen Mary and her traitor husband. Alyth must keep the peace to ensure the safety of the fae wall. Samson struggles to please his father while dealing with a devastating curse. An unlikely comradery brings Alyth and Samson the blueprint to help each other's cause, even if it may be on separate sides.

There was a bit of insta-attraction, but overall it gave the characters and story charm that I ate up.

"I don't understand much of this world so far, but I understand her."

[Jefferz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if Mary, Queen of the Scots’ tumultuous reign and the surrounding scheming were influenced by the presence fae magic and other Scottish folklore? Sara Raasch and Beth Revis’s collaboration novel The Crimson Throne is an entertaining and straightforward YA romantasy novel as well as a liberally interpreted historical fiction story. Magical fae powers, cursed objects and weapons, historic grand castles and sweeping scenic landscapes, The Crimson Throne has all the right elements for a great fantasy story. Presented from dual perspectives, one a Scottish half-fae guardian of the crown and one an English spy sent to infiltrate said crown’s inner circle, the scene is set for a forbidden romance between two opponents meant to outplay each other with both the Scottish/England Kingdoms and the Fae Kingdom’s future at stake.

An important note that is not clearly mentioned on early previews and listing for The Crimson Throne at the time of this review is that this is the first book in a brand new fantasy duology (the ARC received as well as Amazon’s presale store states it’s part of a duology titled Spy and Guardian but I don’t see this highlighted on other platforms like Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, etc.). Due to this novel only telling part of the overall story, this book ends with a notable cliffhanger and plot twist. While there are certain narrative elements and character arcs that are sufficiently concluded within this novel, the majority of the book’s premise and overall storylines are left as “to be continued…” and will require you to read the assumed future sequel novel to see how everything truly ends.

One area that pleasantly surprised me was the story’s commitment and attention to historical details. While Alyth Graham and Samson Calthorpe are entirely fictional characters, many of the other notable characters are based on very real historic individuals. Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth are no-brainers, but one of the antagonist Lord Darnley is entirely true to the real Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley/Mary’s husband. Mary and Lord Darnley’s infant son James is present and integral to the story’s main plot, and Mary’s entire court, close friends, and an assortment of English barons and personalities are all historic people. And while I will refrain from going into too much detail to avoid spoilers, many of the book’s notable scenes are based on real historical events with a magical twist or motivation behind them. While I appreciated the attention to detail and historical accuracy of the story, those far more familiar with Scottish history will be even more delighted by Raasch and Revis’s exciting and quite clever historic retelling.

A great balance between fantasy and historical fiction, The Crimson Throne feels like an all-around solid fantasy YA novel that features whimsical magic, various mysterious fae and other Scottish-inspired folklore beings, and an occasional splash of good action. While the novel is characterized as being a romantasy story, I found the political scheming of various characters seeking the power and influence of the throne to be quite compelling, especially in matters surrounding Alyth’s dual roles as guardian of both human and fae kingdoms. I really enjoyed Alyth’s character who’s stubborn, independent and strong-willed, yet smart and accomplished when need be. Her unorthodox place and role within Queen Mary’s court posed a variety of interesting situations as well as providing a lot of insight and details into this alternate fantasy version of the 16th century. Her character’s mixed heritage and her complicated feelings towards her father and the fae kingdom added another layer to the interconnected human/fae dynamics at play and overall, I found her story and perspective excellent and quick to read! The mix of fae culture and folklore vs more generalized fantasy magic fanfare is highly accessible yet still well constructed and imagined.

The premise and story sets up Samson as Alyth’s foil beyond his English background. Alyth is rough and outspoken while Samson is a street actor capable of wearing a mask to suit the occasion. Where Alyth is recognized as part of Mary’s court, Samson is a simple thief who’s paid to steal magical objects from other lords and notable houses. Yet despite their seemingly opposite backgrounds, the two characters can’t help but feel some sort of odd interest in each other and a growing need to protect the other regardless of better judgement or the potential costs.

While I thoroughly enjoyed Alyth’s perspective throughout the novel, I was personally less enthusiastic about Samson’s perspective for a few reasons. As a Leth, the series term for an individual with both human and fae heritage, Alyth’s knowledge and experience with fae culture and magic automatically make her perspective more colorful and fantasy filled. Samson’s lack of knowledge of all matters fae and his gradual understanding of the political entities in play ordinarily could’ve been a great proxy for the reader learning about the world of The Crimson Throne. Unfortunately, the story starts with Alyth’s perspective first before switching to Samson’s perspective right after, and on multiple occasions Samson and the reader are introduced to magical concepts or details that were already covered albeit more briefly in Alyth’s chapter earlier, leading to repetitive and unnecessary information to avoid plot holes of Samson knowing things he shouldn’t. Additionally, while Alyth is given a lot of time to shine early-on in the book’s dramatic prologue as Scotland's guardian and when she first meets Samson, Samson has a far less notable and far less action-filled introduction. As the story progresses, Samson’s task of spying and infiltrating the Queen’s court isn’t quite as exciting and inspiring to read as it sounds on paper vs Alyth’s half. Samson’s curse and unknown background provides great narrative material towards the end of the novel and the direction of the novel’s ending implies that even better plot threads are to come, but I felt the way his curse was handled and written was a bit generic and typical for the YA fantasy genre. For me, the book’s pacing slightly dragged in the first half particularly when Samson and Alyth are apart and doing their own thing individually. However, whenever they were together things picked right back up, and that’s an especially important point for romantasy readers.

Another minor critique I had was with Alyth and Samson’s relationship and romance, as well as how the romantasy element is marketed. While the two are technically on opposite sides from two opposing kingdoms, their interactions and relationship dynamics didn’t really feel like the expected enemies-to-lovers trope per se (likely an intentional marketing buzzword for romance readers). From their meeting to their unlikely cooperative alliance, their relationship feels more like mysterious dangerous strangers to lovers, or perhaps towards the end of the novel, forbidden lovers. What starts as a subtle interest from both sides also veers a bit into the insta-love territory, particularly from Samson’s perspective; this is undoubtedly a he-falls-first kind of romance vs Alyth’s perspective that develops at a slower and more reasonable pace. Overall, I would’ve liked to see a bit more nuance or development, particularly in the first half of the book to justify both characters’ sudden devotion to each other over all else.

Despite a few minor nitpicks in places, The Crimson Throne has a lot to like, especially for readers looking for a clean romantasy read free of unnecessary miscommunication drama, triggers (apart from some violence and murder), and other cheap methods used to drum up interest. The world-building is great and at times I often felt it far surpassed the base level of detail the straightforward story needed, clearly setting up a lot of excellent material for the sequel novel. The writing style is also solid and having previously collaborated on their past Witch and Hunter duology, Raasch and Revis’s work is expectedly seamless and polished (I'm a fan of Raasch's Royals & Romance series but this is my first experience with Revis's work). A nice balance of fae folklore, historical fiction, political scheming, romance, and classic YA fantasy goodness, the Crimson Thone is an easy book to pick-up and an even easier one to finish and enjoy!

This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Sourcebooks Fire via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, checkout my blog TheBookGrind!

[jenny reads a lot]

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I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing this digital ARC for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam: 🫑

This book was simply a good time. The world was full of Scottish folklore and had that creepy fae vibe. I didn’t feel much depth in the character work but found the story and relationship between our FMC and MMC interesting enough that I kept turning page after page and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Are you going to be totally blown away and surprised by this book? Probably not, but you will have a fun time reading it.

[em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This romance had all the right ingredients. I especially enjoyed the use of Scottish folklore and the political tension woven into the fantasy. Alyth, in particular, stood out to me as a compelling character. I loved her power, her drive, and how rooted she was in her magical world. Samson, the charming English spy, was doing his best. His curse is intriguing, but a lot of it is explained in early dialogue instead of unraveling in action. I couldn’t help but feel that showing these darker moments would’ve added more emotional depth and urgency to his character arc. His big curse was just told to us. No drama, no buildup. Give me trauma! That being said, there is plenty of drama in the rest of the book that I did enjoy.

[Bibliothecat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Sourcebooks UK for providing me with the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Crimson Throne has an interesting premise and opens on a strong note. Unfortunately, my interest kept wavering the more I read. There wasn't much I could truly criticise but it was simply lacking some spark that would keep me more interested. Ultimately, that made this feel like merely an okay read.

This book weaves faerie lore and folktales into actual history making Mary Queen of Scots and other historical figures actual characters. I wasn't entirely sure how well the authors would pull this off but it actually started really strongly - the setting felt authentic and the fantastical elements were tucked in nicely making the whole thing feel organic. But after a while things started going downhill; Mary and Darnley started to feel more and more like caricatures. It's hard to deduce how the real people truly would have been but they felt borderline stupid, petty and completely incompetent at all they did.

Furthermore, this is being advertised as an enemies to lovers whilst not really having any of those elements. Yes, our main characters - half Fae Alyth and English spy Samson - start off on opposing sides. But beyond Alyth's mistrust, they at no point feel like actual enemies and I want to argue that Samson's affection for Alyth was pretty instantaneous. I wouldn't go as far as to say that the romance was bad, but it was definitely poorly marketed and just didn't stand out as anything special either. I personally would describe this more as a kind of reluctant allies dynamic.

Writing, pacing and general plot were all fine. Non were fantastic but also nothing that stood out negatively. Had the historical figures turned characters been more polished and had the plot and romance had just a bit more of a spark, this could have made for a fine historical fantasy. As it is, it's something I can see people who particularly like fae and Scotland enjoy, but I wouldn't tell anyone to expect their next favourite book.

[Queen KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the authors and publisher for the ARC.

4.5 stars. After Night of the Witch, I only had to see that this dream team was putting out another book to be all in. When I started the book I wasn’t sure about the setting being in the court of Mary Queen of Scots but once again magic was worked and the story really became its own. I really enjoyed the world building and meeting all the different fae creatures and the nod to the Night of the Witch World with Moyra. I also absolutely love Alyth and Samson and can’t wait to see how things go for them in book 2. Speaking of book 2, that ending has me needing it ASAP!

[Lucia]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

[Madison Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: This book was seriously The Cruel Prince meets Outlander with a historical fantasy twist that absolutely killed it with the political aspects of court. It had everything I love: scheming courts, sharp banter, impossible choices, and a romance full of sharp edges and softer moments that sneak up on you... And let's not forget the unforgettable dagger to the throat scene.

Alyth, the way she balances her power, wit, and vulnerability, had me fully obsessed with her. Samson, the Englishman with a sword, a secret, and some serious devotion to Alyth. The chemistry between them is top-tier enemies-to-allies-to-lovers perfection that I can't wait to see developed into book 2. Their dagger-to-the-throat tension, mutual teasing, and yes, even arguing over who has the worse daddy issues... it all just works beautifully.

But what really stood out was the writing. The quotes are unforgettable:
“Wild things hate walls. Even protective ones.”
“You’re pretty when you’re suspicious.”
“What are you, Alyth?” “Your ruin.”
“She might kill me at this party, but, bloody hell, she’ll look stunning doing it.”

I love that these dual authors each took on a character to write a book; it's a unique way to write, and I love seeing their talent shine together. Their world is magical, dark, and full of lore, especially the fair folk (who are not so fair at all... this is not the sexy kind of fairy book, this is the evil kind).

Highly recommend if you love:
-Court politics with actual stakes
-Banter-filled romance
-Fae that are not your friends
-Enemies to allies to lovers

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara Raasch and Beth Revis are one of my favorite author duos! Their joint writing style creates pure magic. I love their particular brand of stories — steeped with history and mixed with fairytales!

I am an avid Tudor History fan and love everything about Outlander, so this story already had my name on it. It was everything I hoped for and more! The courtly politics, the tension between England and Scotland/Elizabeth and Mary, and the feral beauty of the land. I loved the unique magic system and the connection between the fae and human realms. We get so much of the Scottish side of the realm in this story; I’m eager to see more of the Seelie Court and its politics.

I’m always up for a dual POV novel and thought it worked extremely well to showcase the different motivations Alyth and Samson initially have. Their banter was top notch and I enjoyed the level of friendship and mutual respect they shared for one another. It’s a true enemies to allies to lovers done right.

I thought I had seen it all when it came to reimagining Mary Stuart’s and/or Elizabeth Tudor’s lives. This story is wholly unique and adds a magical spin to gaps in our historical record. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel to see how it all turns out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested this because I have recently read and loved books from both of these authors and was intrigued to see how they would mesh together and I have to say I really enjoyed this one. I think calling it a romantasy does it a little bit of a disservice though. It felt more like historical fantasy with a romance subplot (I realize it doesn’t sound that different but this was not super romance forward).

This is a historically accurate retelling of the story of Mary Queen of Scots (which I literally knew nothing about going into this) but add some fae! Don’t worry if you also knew nothing about her, the history part isn’t long and boring and is essential to the story. It’s dual POV from our characters Alyth and Samson with each author penning one POV.

I think this had the perfect amount of romance in it and the relationship between Alyth and Samson was really well done with the banter and yearning from both sides. The romance plays an important role and isn’t there just to fulfill some enemies to lovers check box.

I believe this is a duology and the story ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next part.

Thank you to NetGalley and the authors and publisher for an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Morgan Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up to 4 stars

The Crimson Throne was a mixed read for me. I found myself starting and stopping several times, largely because the historical setting—one of my least favorites—caught me off guard. I hadn’t realized that aspect when I first requested the book, and I was initially drawn in by comparisons to Holly Black, hoping for something in the vein of The Cruel Prince.
About halfway through, though, the story really found its stride. The plot picked up, and I became much more engaged. The cliffhanger ending definitely left me curious enough to continue with the next installment.
This was my first book by Sara and Beth, and while I noticed the dual-author voice at times, I found their writing style intriguing. I’ve already purchased another title by them and look forward to seeing how their work evolves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis
ARC from Netgalley
E-Book
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 on Goodreads...

Thank you to NetGalley & Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Crimson Throne is a story set in Scotland during the reigh of Mary Queen of Scotts. The story combines historical fiction with fantasy and romance elements as the two main characters seek to uncover threats to their respective realms.

On paper, from reading the description, this book sounds like a perfect blend of my favorite genres. There are many great individual pieces within this story, but they don't fall together well and seemed rushed.

This story is marketed for the 14-18 YA Reader, which I can see throughout the writing style although there's heavy theming surrounding murder plots, and death. The romance between the two characters felt unnecessary and quite sudden. Rather than add something to the story it felt as though it detracted from how strong and independent the FMC was, and added another layer to a story that didn't need it.

If you enjoy historical fiction and some fantasy you will likely find something to interest you in this book, but unfortunately it did not leave me wanting more.

[Ky (kys.bookish.adventures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun interesting read!! I love the YA historical fantasy vibes and the Scotland setting and lore. There was a lot more political focus than I expected but in a great way where I was so invested in the scheming.

Alyth our FMC is so intriguing and I absolutely loved her. I was always wondering what she would do next and Samson was mysterious and exactly how I like my MMC (plus a dagger to the throat is one of my FAV trope and this delivered such a memorable one) Their banter was top tier and I loved the chemistry and the push and pull enemies to lovers vibes but a lot of tension along the way.

Highly recommend this one!

[Giada · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF al 27%.
Ho 31 anni, sono troppo vecchia per tutti questi libri insta-love.
Per quanto mi dispiaccia per Sara Raasch (mia regina dopo la serie di The nightmare before kissmas), forse questo lavoro a quattro mani sarebbe dovuto rimanere solo a due.

(Comunque grazie sempre a NetGalley per gli ARC, tvbaa)

[Katee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found that this book took a long time (~80%) to get to any “action”. The characters and theme of the book are well thought out, but to sit tight to 80% before anything of any real mention happens, is quite a while.

Alyth lives in Scotland where she is a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, Mary. There are three types of beings in this world - Fae (100% magic), Leth (50% magic, like Alyth), and Human (no magic, like Mary).

Not only is Alyth a Leth, she comes from Fae nobility, through her father. Due to this lineage she has one job, and it is to protect the magic wall around Scotland to keep the country safe from the Red Caps, a group trying to infiltrate the country and kill the Queen.

Recently, the Queen has birthed a baby boy, and the time for the christening is coming near. A stranger, Samson, arrives at the castle claiming he was sent by one of Mary’s supporters. However, Samson’s father, Cecil, is working with Mary’s husband, Darnley, to overthrow the throne and the country. Samson has been sent with a magical object and a personal curse that he hopes will be broken.

However, as Samson spends more time at the castle, Alyth begins to care for him. Alyth is torn between doing the right thing for her country (and killing Samson) and doing something selfish for herself and going with her heart. How will she decide?

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Release date : 10 July 2025

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4
Spice: Someone put a green bell pepper, which I thought was funny, but accurate

This is advertised as Outlander meets Holly Black and it mostly hits that vibe. Overall, I liked this book and I will read the sequel. With that being said, the pacing is a little slower than it needed to be. I also think the two main characters had some good moments of romantic tension, but their overall relationship arc felt a little forced. It doesn’t meet the full potential of yearning and angst I hope for in this type of book (ya or new adult?). I liked both the main characters, the world, etc. My only gripe was their voices sometimes weren’t proper English (which is in character), but other times they were. The use of ma was so annoying to me.

The storyline is super creative and I love the accuracy with history. I love that they came up with this magical idea, born out of facts. I am actually happy with the cliffhanger ending and excited to read more.

Thanks to netgalley for the arc!!

[inpageswithlouise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as an eARC - the story follows Samson, a clever, street-raised commoner whose father has court connections but not enough money or power to get Samson anywhere useful. So when he’s offered the chance to become a royal spy, he jumps at it, determined to prove himself in Queen Elizabeth’s court.

Then there’s Alyth, a half-fae guardian sworn to protect the barrier between Scotland and the deadly creatures of the Fae Lands. She’s got eyes (and magic) on Queen Mary’s slippery husband, Lord Darnley, who she suspects is up to something dangerous. She’s no lady, but she’s one of the most powerful protectors in Scotland and she doesn’t trust Samson one bit.

What I loved is that they’re both from totally different worlds Alyth’s rooted in magic and duty, Samson’s just trying to survive but they’re forced to work together. Their only common ground? A mutual hatred of Darnley. Together, they start digging into codes, magic, and long-buried secrets.

I loved the Scottish atmosphere! If you love romance mixed with political scheming and hidden magic, this is 100% worth picking up. I’m so ready for book two.

[Ailie Freeburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Read as an ARC through NetGalley.

I absolutely loved this read! Being Scottish, our history and folklore runs so deep that this story felt so powerful. I loved how the authors introduced real magical elements without rewriting the original history of the story while also portraying an alternative tale. I would absolutely recommend and definitely will be looking out for more reads from these authors!

[Stina Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Royal Betrayal, Ancient Magic, and a Wall That Keeps the Monsters Out… Until It Doesn’t.
The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, releasing October 7, 2025, is a lush, magic-infused fantasy set against the misty backdrop of Scotland’s royal courts and shadowy wilds. As a fan of the duo’s previous collaborations, I went into this book expecting another five-star read—and while it didn’t quite reach that mark for me, there’s still plenty to admire.
The story opens strong with a captivating premise: Alyth, a powerful Fae protector born to defend Scotland, serves the Seelie Court and has spent her life guarding the wall that holds back the brutal, banished Red Caps—creatures who grow stronger with every act of violence. These aren’t just monsters; they’re war-forged nightmares, and if they ever breach the wall, all of Scotland is at risk.
Set in a version of our world where magic remains hidden from humans (except for Fae, who walk among them unnoticed), the novel focuses on the young and vulnerable Queen Mary of Scotland. Newly married to Darnley, a leth (low Fae) from England, and pregnant with her first child, Mary is suddenly betrayed in the most horrifying way—her husband attempts to assassinate her with a Red Cap weapon.
This betrayal sets everything in motion. Alyth, sensing something deeply wrong, begins a dangerous quest to discover if the wall has been breached. Though she finds no cracks, the threat is rising—and it’s clear the Red Caps are already making moves from within.
On her return to Stirling Castle, Alyth crosses paths with a mysterious man posing as a nobleman attending the prince’s christening. Distrust simmers between them, but tension gives way to reluctant alliance—and eventually something more. But can she truly trust him? Or is he yet another pawn in a deeper game?
As secrets unravel, Alyth and her new ally embark on a race against time to uncover Darnley’s full plan: Who is he working with? How many Red Cap weapons has he smuggled into Scotland? And when will the next attempt on the crown be made?
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Here’s what worked:
• The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric, rooted in Celtic lore but accessible and cinematic. The presence of Red Caps adds a constant undercurrent of danger.
• Alyth is a strong protagonist, duty-bound yet emotionally complex, and her growth throughout the book is compelling.
• The final quarter of the book is fantastic— explosive, twisty, and full of the payoff you’ve been waiting for.
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What didn’t work as well for me:
• The middle of the book drags. While I understand the need for setup in a series starter, some parts felt padded, and the pacing lost its momentum.
• The romance, while intriguing, could’ve used more tension and depth earlier on to feel truly earned by the end.
________________________________________
Final thoughts:
The Crimson Throne is a strong start to what promises to be an epic series. While it has some pacing issues in the middle, the world is immersive, the lore is sharp, and the ending delivers a satisfying punch. If you’re a fan of court politics, dark magic, and slow-burn intrigue with high stakes, this book is absolutely worth a read.
I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel—because the Red Caps aren’t done yet. And neither is Alyth.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical fae power, cursed objects, political intrigue and forbidden romance combine in The Crimson Throne, a YA historical romantasy by Sara Rassch and Beth Revis. I really enjoyed the authors' previous duology, so I jumped at the chance to read their next collaboration. The premise is captivating with an alternate version of our world in which magic remains hidden from humans. Alyth, being the Scottish half-fae guardian of the crown and invisible magical wall that separates Scotland from England, has sworn her life to protect Scotland and the fae that share its borders. The threat of the exiled Red Caps is rising and they have Lord Darnley, the Queen's own husband willing to help them succeed in whatever way possible. Samson is the English spy sent to infiltrate the Scottish court. He is tasked with carrying a magical amulet over the border into Scotland to find out if Queen Mary has her own stash of magical items. He is also trying to discover a way to remove a violent curse that was placed upon him as a child. Despite having different objectives, Alyth and Samson are unified in their mission to destroy the threat to both their kingdoms.

I think Alyth is the stronger of the two leads, she is independent, stubborn and emotionally complex. I felt how much she loved her world and her drive to protect it is compelling. Her role as guardian and her role in Queen Mary’s court gave a lot of interesting insight into the alternate version of 16th century nobles in a fantasy setting. She has a complicated relationship with her father, and her mixed fae heritage lends another layer to the interconnected human and fae dynamics.
Samson is charming, able to don a mask that helps him become the person he needs to be. He is eager to prove himself useful to his father, hoping to have his curse lifted. The romance between her and Samson is maybe a little rushed, I wish it could have been explored a bit more to help give them a deeper connection.

I enjoyed how the historical elements were woven in with the Scottish folklore, it helped to bring the story to life. You can tell how much research went into creating the story. The world building is atmospheric, and the authors create vivid and cinematic scenes throughout the story. You can feel the undercurrent of danger the Red Caps present and how if they manage to break through, it will have far reaching consequences to both the human and fae realms. I felt the first half of the book was a little slow, but the second half really picks up and I was sucked into finding out how the story ends. This was a fun adventure making it a quick easy read.

[Molly Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age Rating 14+
Language 3/5
Spice 1.5/5
Violence 4/5

⭐️Good for people who like romantasy and The Cruel Prince ⭐️

I was so fortunate that my local bookstore opened a program for reviewing advanced readers copies, or I would have not received the chance to read this book before it came out. This copy was so special and I was excited to read it as it is the first ARC I’ve ever read/received!

The Crimson Throne was an amazing blend of history and fantasy; I personally have primarily loved fantasy, but this book made me love the present history aspect even more. Okay now to what I enjoyed about the book in depth:

⭐️The History⭐️
History is one of my most favorite subjects at school and this year I am learning about London and Ireland. Due to the fact that I did not research the book prior to reading it, I didn’t fully grasp how much of a historical element is in this book. The Crimson Throne unveils motives for every history based character that shape how readers see them in reading and in history.

⭐️World building⭐️
I am not the person to judge world building but the world was created in a way that left practically no holes. I love Ireland and since most of the book was history based and took place in a real world country, the world was well written. One thing I may have enjoyed was a little bit more explanation of the world of the faerie, I have read other books (and there will hopefully be more in the next book) but overall it did not take away too much from the story.

⭐️Romance⭐️
Typically I love books that have a little bit of romance. From the start I could sense the romantic tension between Alyth and Samson. It wasn’t as much enemies to lovers, but more instant attraction and forbidden love. Nevertheless I thought that the amount of spice included was perfect for the book and my sensitivity to sexual content.

⭐️Characters ✨(I liked reading dual POVs this book even though I usually don’t because it’s a lot to keep track of)✨

✨Alyth
Alyth’s character was well written and not one sided. I loved her determination and strength but also the vulnerability and fear she expressed. It makes a character a lot more relatable due to the fact that they know they’re not perfect and they actually need the other characters.

✨Samson
I absolutely love Samson’s character! ❤️ He definitely was the MMC that fits in among the rest, he’s done horrible things but the fans still love him (although this time most of the things he’s done he can’t control). He was also well written and I enjoyed reading from his perspective.

✨Royalty & Other Side Characters
Most of the royal characters, while they were interesting, annoyed me so much. Both Queen Mary and Darnley revealed themselves to be cruel and selfish (Darnley was the whole book and I guess I should have sort of expected a little bit because they are royalty).

[Shannai · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5

Thank you to Sourcebooks UK and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was an intriguing YA fantasy, steeped in Scottish folklore and enriched with a great deal of Scottish history, which I found fascinating to explore. I haven’t read much that draws on this particular mythology, so I really appreciated the fresh setting and the way the author wove real historical figures and events into the narrative.

The story follows Alyth, a fae who serves as a guardian to Queen Mary, and Samson, a young man sent to Scotland as a spy in Mary’s court. There’s plenty of political intrigue and tension running throughout, with darker themes tied to betrayal, loyalty, and the consequences of power struggles between nations.

Alyth is a character bound by duty and honour, but her growing connection with Samson leaves her deeply conflicted. She’s torn between her role in protecting what is right and the feelings that begin to surface as the story unfolds. Meanwhile, Samson grapples with his own internal demons, believing himself to be cursed, which adds a layer of melancholy to his character.

While I was invested in the concept and appreciated the depth of the historical backdrop, I did find the pacing quite slow in places. The combination of dense historical detail, intricate world-building, and political machinations sometimes made it hard for me to stay fully engaged. The plot only truly began to pick up in the final 20%, which made the earlier chapters feel like a bit of a slog at times. Because of this, I struggled to fully connect with the characters and felt I didn’t get to know Alyth and Samson as deeply as I would have liked.

That said, I really liked both of them individually and especially enjoyed the glimpses of their relationship. I just wish there had been more time spent developing their bond in a way that allowed for greater emotional impact.

Overall, this is a richly woven historical fantasy with a unique setting, but I think readers should be prepared for a slower, more atmospheric pace. I’m curious to see where the story goes next, especially as the ending hinted at bigger things to come.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

The Crimson Throne is a historical fae romantasy set in an alternate Tudor period of Scotland and England. Half fae Alyth Graham, the daughter of a fae prince and a minor Scottish noblewoman, is the guardian of the barrier located in Scotland that is holding back the bloodthirsty fae Red Caps clan. She is tasked with the protection of Scotland, hence its queen Mary as well. Samson Calthorpe is the bastard son of an English duke accidentally cursed by a fae object in his childhood. When his opportunistic father offers him a deal to break the curse, he takes his chance. He is to infiltrate the Scottish court and act as spy for England’s Queen Elizabeth. Alyth and Samsom circle each other as portends of imminent Red Cap invasion threatens the court, and they must learn who to trust before a plot centuries in the making comes to fruition.

I thought this was a serviceable historical fantasy set in a time period I’m sure Western readers are more familiar with than I am. It had a pretty interesting set up with how the fae were incorporated into the story. There was court intrigue, clandestine espionage, and political machinations alongside murder and assassination attempts. When I read this book, I had no idea it was actually a YA romantasy. Reading through it, I told myself the book reads very young adult with its story, characters, and dynamics. Looking it up now, some places list it as YA romantasy while others as historical fantasy so that needs to be clarified as this is very much a historical YA romantasy.

I did like both Alyth and Samson with their complexity and shared daddy issues. However, I just didn’t buy into their romance all that much. I don’t think the book telegraphed well how their connection developed. It just seemed to happen while I didn’t ever feel the chemistry nor tension I expect out of this type of dynamic. On a side note, one weird thing I noticed though is that they always felt like they were just in the sidelines somehow, like stuff just kept happening elsewhere while they were doing their own thing.

The Crimson Throne is an unremarkable YA romantasy that I wanted more out of.

*Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC via NetGalley

[Michaela Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

I did actually enjoy this one quite a bit, and I did sort of crack the plot half way through because this is loosely based on some of my favorite Irish mythology and folk stories that deals with the fae. This stuff lives rent free in my brain. So when I recognized what it was I was really excited about it.

It's in the Elizabethan Era, set between Scotland and England. Mary is married to her second idiot husband Lord Darnley and she's pretty close to deciding he's not worth the effort. Her son James has just been born and Scotland is entrenched in a second set of warfare between the Seelie Fae and the Redcaps. As if they don't already have other political issues.

Alyth is a Leth, a half human daughter of the Seelie King, not good enough for the fae, but the safety of all of Scotland rides of her ability to protect the wall that keeps the Redcaps out of the country, keeps the peace, the safety of the Fae and the people. It puts her in a strange position as a maid to Queen Mary, the lowliest of her court, but with power almost equal to or higher than the queen as the strongest Leth.

Samson is being sent as a spy into Mary's court by his father Cecil, a noble lord high up in Queen Elizabeth's court. He's to pose as a secretary to a Lord and steal any Redcap weapons that Mary is stocking up for the potential upcoming war between herself and Elizabeth who sees Mary as a direct threat to her rule. It's something his father has had him do many times before.

The Redcaps are getting stronger, their hate and rage and evil wants bubbling over into the citizens of Scotland, they are fueled by war and bloodshed. Alyth suspects a push for the wall and a war will break out between the fae very soon.

I liked the overlay of political human intrigue with the Fae customs and culture together. It was a solid read and I would be interested in seeing what happens next in the web Alyth and Samson find themselves in and if together they can end this bloody war.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical spin on a historical feud where you keep your friends close and enemies closer.

“The Crimson Throne” finds Scotland protected by a magical Wall held together by Queen Mary’s handmaid and fae Alyth who is desperate to keep the Red Caps out but finds herself drawn the the English traveler Samson who has a curse upon him and if they’re not careful they may find themselves on the wrong side of this conflict with more than just the fae at war.

I’m going to start and say I know very little about the history of the rival Queens other than the Victor at the end of said conflict so some of the pieces I cheated and looked up as I read but I think that made it a bit more fun as we hit the accurate historical beats with a sprinkle of magic and flair in between. There’s so much folklore and mythology in Scotland and having those pieces come to life over the course of the story was one of my favorites and there’s a moment where a character truly *sees* for the first time and that moment of magic is what so much of this world felt like in my own head.

I really loved the dynamic between Alyth and Samson , two people who have every reason to be enemies finding common ground and seeing the beauty in their differences even if their secrets and intentions at the beginning are at odds with each other. Trying to manage the political chess game while also being tethered to a world much bigger gave them a lot of opportunities for betrayal and it will be interesting to see how they fair at story’s end.

A really strong start to what is shaping up to be a fun and dynamic duology and I can’t wait to see how they continue to blend fact with fiction between two women who both have their hands on the throne.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**