Crown of Poison

Crowns of the Fae #3

by R.L. Perez

Crown of Poison is a Snow White retelling with a twist, full of dark fae magic, deadly court schemes, and steamy romance. The Crowns of the Fae books can be read in any order as stand-alone novels.

Genres: Fantasy, Ebooks

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2026

Reviews

[Melissa Widener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown of Poison by R.L. Perez
Crown of the Fae #3
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to a 5)
Spice: 1.5/5
Cursing: slight
Format/Source: ebook from author
Genres/Tropes: romance, fantasy, fairy tale retelling, enemies to lovers, magical creatures
Audience: NA
Setting: Winter Court
Characters: Eira, Calista, Theron, Frisk, Kendra, Stella, Denton, Mauro, Vikros, Nyra
👍 short chapters, multi POV, unique magical creatures, slight cursing, different Snow White retelling, fast-paced, offbeat magical powers and fae
👎 none

Description:
Princess Eira, a half-fae half-human, only wants freedom for her court and her people. But her stepmother has banished her from the kingdom because of her human bloodline. Now, Eira leads a secret band of rebels, all eager for change. And when an assassin crosses her path, she sees her chance to infiltrate the Winter Court and put an end to her stepmother’s rule. Or so she thinks.
Theron, the realm’s most skilled assassin, has been trapped in a contract with the Queen of the Winter Court for over a decade. Lucky for him, he has one last mission to complete before he is finally free: eliminate the vagabond princess who threatens the queen. But when he tracks her down, she isn't what he expected. She tricks him into a bargain, and now, he is forced to travel alongside her to the Winter Palace.
As they journey together, their hatred toward one another shifts, making way for new feelings. Eira realizes Theron is more than just a killer. And Theron discovers that Eira is not the villain the queen had painted her to be. But the queen's hold on Theron is stronger than he thought. And as he starts to fall for Eira, he struggles against the binding magic of his contract with the queen, which demands he fulfill his final assignment.
Can Eira achieve her goal of freeing her kingdom? Or will the deadly assassin unravel her plans… and her heart?

I enjoyed this novel, especially the unusual magical creatures, fae, and abilities. This is a very distinctive retelling of the beloved Snow White. I recommend this novel those who enjoys fairy tale retellings.
#bookstagram #booklovers #fairytaleretelling #snowwhite

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early release copy.

I didn’t realize when I got this that it was the third of an interconnected series. Now I want to go read the others. I had so much fun with this story. I love retellings and this Snow White one was such a fun ride! I loved Eira from start to finish. There’s nothing about her I would change. The way she stood up for what she believed in is what made me love her. And our hero was complicated and broody. I adored him. I wasn’t obsessed enough to give this 5 stars but still had a ton of fun. Looking forward to reading more from this world!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨

Eira is a fierce outcast turned rebel who outwits adversaries. The Hunter is a hot, morally grey MMC aching for freedom and is sent to hunt her.

Tropes:
🍎Snow White retelling
🤝Fae bargains
⚔️"l've been sent to unalive you"
🐾Animal companions
🗣️Grumpy × sunshine banter
🪨Only one cave
🙋 He falls first

As secrets and revelations come to light, can these bargain-bound adversaries overcome the longing in their hearts or will their bargains doom them both?

Crown of Poison is an alluring Snow White retelling packed with action, searing quips, and undeniable tension!

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ari bookedmybook · Rating 3 out of 5]

R.L. Perez - Crown of Poison // ARC received from author

Eira escaped her evil step-mother five years ago. Now she’s ruling as the Queen and terrorizing the kingdom with her blood magic. Eira is going to take back the crown no matter what, but when the queen sends her best hunter Theron, after Eira, things gets much more complicated.

Crown of Poison is an adventurous retelling of Snow White. I really liked Eira and how brave she was. This princess is smart, sassy and badass. Her banter with Theron was fun and I enjoyed their constant bickering.

The romance was a slow burn enemies to lovers, which never goes wrong. After tricking Theron into a bargain where he agrees not to kill her and travel with her back to the palace, they have to cooperate. Dealing with your enemy isn’t the easiest but it’s very fun to read! Especially when someone gets high on pixie wine… The sexual tension is real.

My favorite part was the talking animal companions. I loved how protective all the animals were of Eira. They were funny and sweet and adorable.

I found the travel trope well done, but felt the heist part was a little rushed. Everything happened at the end and I felt that part could’ve been elaborated. I wanted to see more fight scenes and action but felt like it maybe wrapped up too nicely, too quickly. Otherwise it was a fast, enjoyable read and a good third book in a series I adore. If you haven’t read Crown of Slumber or Crown of Briars yet, I highly recommend them! Both amazing fairytale retellings with dragons 👀

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Michelle Morley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love fairytale retellings with bite, sass, and a fierce FMC… Crown of Poison delivers. 👑🐍

R.L. Perez takes the bones of Snow White and gives us something far darker and far more fun.

Enter Eira — a kick-a$$ heroine — her band of cheeky talking animals, and Theron… the gruff huntsman who absolutely stole the show for me.

Theron’s growth across the story was chef’s kiss. I came for the grump, stayed for the razor-sharp wit. 😏

Perez’s writing flows effortlessly, pulling you through the angst, adventure, and simmering emotion without missing a beat.

If you’re enjoying the Crowns of the Fae fairytale re-imaginings, this is another strong addition — and the best part? They work perfectly as standalones.

Thank you to R.L. Perez for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Eira, also known as the Snow Princess, who has been exiled for the last five years after not only discovering her stepmother’s true form, but stealing an enchanted object that belonged to her.

Now, when Eira hopes she has amassed an army, she learns she can’t pay them enough. But when she learns her stepmother has sent her personal assassin to take out Eira, Eira decides to attempt to use the assassin to get to her stepmother and end her reign, before it’s too late.

This is a unique take on Snow White. I also feel like after reading this, the title gives it a whole new meaning while also hinting at events in the book.

Eira is not a soft-spoken Snow White, but she does have animal friends that talk and are not your average animal 😆 The animals and Fae creatures were a highlight for me, especially the little arctic fox, what a sassy fox.

Eira I thought was fierce, snarky, and just a girl who knows what she wants and is gonna get it. She’s a no nonsense gal, and I appreciate when someone knows what they want and won’t allow anything to distract her.

Theron is that broody grumpy character I always love, with that tragic past and hidden soft heart. I especially loved him with the animals and fae creatures.

I love the relationships in here, such as between Eira and Stella. You can tell these two had such a bond, and then the others that Eira bonds with despite them being humans and she half.

I think I had the hardest time with the romance. Even though I did for the most part like the way it played out towards the end of the book, I didn’t really like how it developed up to that point. Now, I love Eira, but I didn’t really like how Theron was portrayed. He came off as rather dumb. I got the impression he is this really smart, stealthy, really good at his job assassin, but then he meets the princess and it’s like he’s not that at all. I mean, he gets tricked by her so easily, a few times, and it’s like he couldn’t do anything right, and I just don’t think that really matched the character that was developed at the beginning of the book, at least not for me. And even though I liked his character, I just don’t like how he was portrayed in the book after being told one thing, but then he acts differently than what I expected. And so for me, the romance wasn’t really romantic, it was just there, and I didn’t really care if they’d end up together. I would say I think they would make pretty good friends though.

Aside from that, I really did enjoy the unique take on Snow White, and I really like this world. I do look forward to the next book!

Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC copy of this book from the author and wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression upon finishing it even though I wasn’t required to post a review.

A Snow White retelling that merges Fae and humans together in a struggle to reclaim and post the rightful princess to take the throne her father held before he was killed by his treacherous second wife!

Princess Eira is forced to flee the castle when she discovers the dark secret her stepmother hides to save her life! However she is wounded by the queen and poison is slowly killing her as she gathers humans and Fae and Unseelie to her cause. Then the Queen’s assassin is sent to kill her but he is tricked into a Fae bargain with her and being bound to her to attempt her coup to reclaim her throne he slowly starts to see what he has been told about her has all been lies. Being an assassin, however, he wants to help her succeed even though he doesn’t think he’s worthy to be in her presence if she succeeds.

Through the trek and battles with the Queen’s soldiers and each of them sacrificing themselves for each other a bond grows between these two original enemies into something far more than they originally envisioned.

This is a story you’ll enjoy reading of a half Fae, half human who possesses Fae magic that helps her out of tight spots and a Fae assassin who finally believes what Eira is telling him and discovers magic he never knew he had but makes the ultimate sacrifice to give it to Eira who uses it to save a mortal fatally wounded and himself as well with his gift to her!

If you enjoy fairytales you will love this story of love, hate, attraction and rejection as two people discover the one that completes them is the one who they never considered at all!

I enjoyed this story and the battle between good and evil and the hard choices one makes for love and kingdom! I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this story as one I believe you’ll love as well as you are caught up in the action/ adventure of these two and the Fae animals who aid Eira in her quest to take the crown from her evil stepmother and show the world just how evil she truly is!

If you haven’t read fairytales recently why not give this book a read and discover what you’ve been missing! Fairytales are a wonderful escape from reality as you immerse yourself in a story you will soon be captivated with!

You won’t regret your decision to read this book I assure you!

[Caitlyn Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an eARC for this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Story
Eira is the half-fae, half-human princess of the winter court. After her father’s death at the hands of Eira’s stepmother, she barely escapes from the palace with her life. Five years later, she and a group of human nobles from around the kingdom are fighting in the shadows to take down the fake Queen. But Eira’s stepmother won’t go down without a fight.

Enter Theron, unwilling assassin to the Queen who’s been under her control for the past decade. She offers him a bargain: bring her the heart of the rebel princess and be freed of his duties as assassin. After ten years suffering in her employ, Theron jumps at the chance. But thanks to Eira’s quick thinking, he ends up unwittingly drawn into a far bargain not to harm her and to get her safely back into the winter palace.

Thoughts
I take my fairytale retellings VERY seriously and this book did not disappoint. This is the perfect Snow White retelling with just the right amount of callbacks to the original fable while still feeling like a fresh story. The world building is just enough to give us that old fairytale style fantasy world.

Eira is an absolute badass - despite having been raised to be royalty, she doesn’t come across the way most royals do. It’s an “I’m not like other royals” type of personality without being absolutely insufferable. She’s determined and steadfast in her beliefs and will put her life on the line for what she believes in and I love that for her (and for the reader).

Theron is your run of the mill rough and tough assassin with a secret heart of gold. What makes him stand out though is that rather than the normal “man shows woman the horrors of their kingdom and she reluctantly joins his cause” we get the exact opposite with Theron joining Eira’s cause instead. It’s nice to see a man realize that the woman is smarter than him - very refreshing.

And the woodland creatures - I mean fae creatures - have to be my favorite part. Kendra is just baby and Morus is your grumpy old grandpa with a soft spot for his grandkids. Frisk is your comic relief with a righteous soul. I’m here for ALL of them.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough, if you love fairytales with a twist in any capacity, this book is for you.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers, hunter-hunted, found friends, good defeats evil with themes around inclusion... it was great to read the latest installment in the Crowns of the Fae series. Same same but different to the other books in the series - you know what you're getting, and that's no bad thing.

It's may be predictable (I saw the loopholes as soon as the bargains were struck) - but it's also incredibly addictive. I read it through in one sitting. I loved Eira and Theron's bickering and banter, and the little moments where they're still denying their feelings for each other - and the moments after they gave in. The spice is solid, although I could have used a bit more of it. That alleyway scene!

As you might expect with a Snow White retelling, she has animal friends - and they're so loveable. A cute and teeny dragon who finds her bravery as the book progresses, a witty and cheeky fox, and a curmudgeonly stag are with her throughout, all fiercely loyal. I was very glad none of them died.

There are a couple of plot holes. There were attempts to close them, but I still had questions. But they didn't affect the main plot so I could let them slide. I was also frustrated that she had a solution all those years, but was so focused on her plan that she couldn't see it - and Theron could definitely have realised sooner than he did.

Still, I had a good time - and I'm already really looking forward to Crown of Ashes, which I'm sure will be just as addictive and fun.

---

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown of Poison 4.5☆

Snow White is probably my favorite of the Disney princesses (along with Belle), so when I read that the next Crowns of the Fae books was going to be her retelling, I was thrilled. Crown of Poison was everything I had hoped it would be! R.L. Perez brilliantly reinvented Snow White's story, and it's the best retelling I've read so far! The prologue started off with a bang! Adrenaline inducing and nail biting right at the start. The use of the apple but not in the same way of the traditional story was such a great twist to the tale. This rendition had a ton of amazing elements that draw you in and keep you hooked such as steller magical powers, various types of faerie creatures, a cute tiny dragon, the slowest of slow burns, lots of flirting that everyone around can see except the MMC and FMC, fun teasing banter and catchy swear words like "shivering bones". I also love the dual POV.

Eira is kind, funny (especially drunk on the pixie brew) and full of sunshine, but also very cunning and clever. Her bright personality was the perfect balance to the Theron's broody, grumpy one. The side characters were a delightful addition to the story. The faerie creatures defensiveness and care for Snow was heartwarming.

This has been my favorite book of the Crowns of the Fae series. The recreation of Snow White, from the apple to the mirror to the animals and "the kiss".. it was such a great twisty take on the fairytale!

Favorite Quotes:

“Tormenting you is my absolute pleasure.” ~ Eira
“Not a torment at all.” ... “In fact, you’ve dug your way into my heart, peeling back layers I didn’t know were there. You’ve stripped me bare, princess.” ~ Theron

“Who am I, princess?” ~Theron
“You are mine.” ~ Eira

“You stupid, grouchy man, why did it take you so long?” ~ Eira

He’d satisfied me while leaving me wanting more. It was torture. {Eira}

[Tonje Lien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and very unique take from a Snow White inspired story!

The Queen has launched a search for her stepdaughter who vanished in thin air. But not only her, but something important she also took from her. The Queen has a few secrets and loaths her stepdaughter that has been slipping through her searching for years.

Eira is rebelling against the Queen due to the unfair and wrong treatment of humans and unseelie fae. She is rallying troups for a revolution against the crown to reinstate the true queen: her!

The Queen is sending her most skilled hunter to kill Eira and she is using her magic to manipulate and force her will upon everything and everyone she wants to use and control.

When Eira tricks the hunter he has no choice and reluctantly, but not easily, help her with her cause and a favoure she needs.

Forwards, the magical unseelie animals who are also Eiras friends, are helping them along the way. They are also adorable!!

Eira is a bad ass, stubbern, fiercely loyal friend and animal lover who would rather die than not help someone in need.

The hunter is a grumpy fae used to being alone, hates humans and don't understand them at all. He has a very steep character growth and improves himself immensly in the expanse of the story!

The relationship between Eira and hunter, and hunter and the magical animals I found really cute!

Loved it!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for an ARC!

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so anyone who knows me knows I LIVE for a fairytale retelling, childhood stories into adult fantasies 🥹

R L Perez takes a new spin on Snow White with a special dedication to Graham (#justiceforthehuntsman).

Our story begins with an understanding of why snow was exiled, introducing a court system and different fae factions. I am going to argue it’s not spoilers to say that the main villain is the Evil Step Mother 😂

We the proceed with a time jump to Snow, her bandits and a range of magical creatures… dragons, elk and foxes (oh my 🎶).

As the story progresses, we gain an understanding of the magic systems and how the court has come into such a place of torment under Step Mothers rule. Following Snow and the Huntsman journey to the castle, there is excitement and adventure.

However, this retelling was on the shorter side, leading to an insta-love interpretation (including badly timed spicy moments- like girl you’re literally so close to ending your task and a roll on a dusty floor is really your priority?), and an final chapter and epilogue that seemed to backtrack on the love story? I’m all for some self development and proving yourself but ‘I am yours’ is basically a proposal at this point.

Got to be honest, I did enjoy the book, I just wanted MORE!

Thank you to NetGalley and R L Perez for the opportunity to review and read this book!

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown of Poison proves yet again why R.L. Perez is among my top favorite open-door romantasy authors. I was consumed by the story from start to finish, and several times I found my stomach in knots because of the suspense. Ms. Perez truly has the knack for prolonging the MCs' suffering - and you as the reader ends up riveted to the book because you won't want to put the book down until the MCs are out of danger. The action sequences keep you at the edge of your seat, and of course the spicy scenes just bring up the heat to flush your cheeks. I love how the enemies-to-lovers transition between the MCs was made to be believable; I hate it when MCs are clearly enemies at one point then all of a sudden they're inseparable lovers. In this book, how Princess Eira and royal assassin Theron eventually fell for each other was woven in a way that convinced me that it was indeed an inevitable outcome for the two of them. They're both incredible characters that there's no other way but to adore them. And the villain? Oh was she unequivocally evil! I was wholly satisfied at the end that she faced.

This was clearly another 5-star read for me. Im thrilled that I have yet to see more of this series with the book that follows next!

I'm a grateful recipient of a free review copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.

[Krista Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting twist on the classic tale of Snow White, with magic, talking animals, magic apples and of course a sassy half human half seelie FMC.

This book starts off with the princess of the winter court dealing with her evil queen stepmother after the loss of her father. When she learns of the truth about his death and secrets of the queen, she gets caught and must flee the palace to save herself. Years later she has teamed up with humans and magical animals to work out a plan to take out the queen. When an huntsman is sent to kill her, she tricks him into working with her to get her back into the castle and work out her plan to save all of the creatures of her kingdom.

This book was full of some of my favorite tropes including found family with the humans and animals she made her friends and one horse/one stag with the huntsman that had me giggling. I loved all the banter between her and the huntsman and how they slowly learn to trust each other as they uncover each others secrets and truth about how they ended up in this situation. Overall this was an enjoyable retelling and I am for sure going to check out more of the standalones in this series! My rating 4.2/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[lizface · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life with you,” he murmured, “will always be interesting, my queen. With or without bargains.”

Ugh my heart 💗

What an amazing Snow White retelling! I love how the apple and mirror were worked into this story and how the romance developed between our MCs. Our FMC and her animal companions were so great! The magical powers were super interesting, especially how one was discovered and given 👀

In Crown of Poison we meet Eira who is notoriously known as The Snow Princess.
Eira has been sabotaged by her evil stepmother who may have even been the one to murder her father! When Eira discovers the awful truth she tried to expose her step mother, only to be caught. And now she is on the run and continually hiding herself.
As Eira plans on taking the throne back begin to unfold we meet Theron, the Queens loyal assassin/hunter. Theron is not who he seems on the outside but he is stuck in his position, and feels like there is no way out. So he continues to do as he is told. Once he meets the snow princess things begin to change in him. And he now as the opportunity choose his own future.

Thank you thank you thank YOU to Ms Perez for my eARC 🫶🏼
I adore every book of yours I’ve read. I can’t wait for you to feed me more of them 🤭

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Eira fled from the Winter Palace when she discovered her stepmother, Queen Calista's, secret.
After being exiled she sought refuge in Knockspur, the last of the human lands. After five years away from her home, Eira has gathered enough intel, gold, a small human army and fae creatures to take over her stepmother's place and become the rightful queen of Winter Court.

However, a hunter has been sent by her stepmother to kill her. Theron, the queen's best assassin, has been outsmarted by Eira and he now must take her to the palace and smuggle her inside. The journey is hard, blizzards, near death, pixies, and much more will be some of the complications they will encounter on the way there. But perhaps the circumstances will leave Eira and Theron open to love?

I loved this retelling. Eira and Theron's bickering was hilarious and cute. I mostly enjoyed all the fae creatures, specially Kendra. She is loyal and sounds so adorable. Mauro was so funny in all his grumpy splendor. I liked the world bulding, the fae magic, the human/fae struggle and the claiming of the throne by the rightful heir. Overall a wonderful story with beautiful characters and some powerful demons fae.
Thank you to the author for this magnificent eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Instead of taking her heart, she had claimed mine.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Crown of Poison is a Snow White retelling that fell new and authentic.

Eira is a princess in exile, slowly dying from the poison that her stepmother attacked her with years ago. Theron is the hunter sent to kill her, but he will soon question all of what he knew about the kingdom. This is not only the story of a royal seeking to reclaim her rightful crown, but of the hate that can be taught through generations of racism and prejudice.

The enemies to lovers dynamic in this book is absolutely delicious. I appreciate how through their fae bargain, Eira and Theron are forced to work alongside each other and build trust before any romance is involved. Plus, the banter they have is exquisite.

I also appreciate how clever the author is in introducing fae bargains to drive the narrative. Often used to trick and entrap, there always seems to be a loophole. Especially when it matters most.

Finally, one of the things I loved the most was the way that the author used the fae animals to pay tribute to the Snow White. She takes the time to delve into their personalities and character development, which is instrumental to the story.

I not only recommend Crown of Poison, but the entire Crowns of the Fae series!

[Tamika Strijbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say i devoured this is an understatement. I was so hooked on this book, I couldn't put it down!

A very entertaining twist on a classic, with talking animals, magical apples and a love that has you kicking your feet.

Eira's and Theron's story had me hooked from the first page to the very last. It felt wonderfull to delve back into this world and living with a new set of characters.

The way they went from enemies to reluctant allies who tolerated each other because they had to, to lovers at the end. The way they yearned for eachother had me swooning, saving each other while convincing themselves they hated the other, had me kicking my feet more than once.

Don't get me started on Frisk, Kendra and Mauro were some of my favorite characters. Their attitude towards both main characters was delightfull to read. Sometimes their reactions were the same as i had towards both Theron and Eira, which had me goggling at 1am

I can't wait for stella's story and will patiently wait for the next book in this world.

Thank you to R.L Perez for sending me this e-arc to read and review, I enjoyed it immensely.

[timeleftinbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Poison is Snow White retelling following our FMC Eira or 'Snow' and Theron our MMC who is the hunter tasked with killing her but who ends up falling in love with her instead in this true enemies-to-lovers romantasy. ⚔️

The story is gripping from the very start and I found it difficult to put down. There are alot of charming and interesting characters and relationships introduced which due to being a standalone we don't really get to explore in great depth - such as Frisk and how he knew Nyra so well.

The writing is descriptive and easy to follow and the banter between our MCs is very entertaining. I like that Theron struggled with his identity despite it being Eira who is the character trying to convince people of her birthright.

Overall a really enjoyable read although I would have liked the MCs to spend some time with each other having fun without either fighting enemies or sleeping together - a bit more romance would have really added to the story.

P.S. I really wanted Theron to show Eira his cabin! 🖤

Can't wait to read more from this author 🫶

Thankyou to Netgalley and Willow Haven Press for the ARC - publishes 1st March 2026

[Elia Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this Snow White retelling! I really enjoyed having a smart and strong princess Eira and Theron the redeemable hunter as her love interest. The action and plot was fast from the start and immediately immersed me into this fun new world.

I love the slight changes to the original Snow White tale. The dwarves now being Eira’s leads in the rebellion, apples providing something more than poison (no spoilers), and more. I love Eira’s animal friends and how Eira also learns to be better throughout the story as well as Theron. They both had learning to do and became better because of it.

Towards the end, the pace slowed a bit and it felt like their time in the town near the castle DRAGGED. I also did not like the constant “Shivering Bones” it is too close to shiver me timbers in my opinion and it just took away from the dialogue.

I could have used a more concrete HEA, BUT, that is just me 😉

All in all it was a great story and I look forward to going back to read the first two in the series even if this book could be read as a standalone.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Willow Haven Press, and R.L. Perez for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Michaela Zeno · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank the author because I received an ARC of this book!! I’ve read all of her fairytale retelling books, and I really enjoyed them. I love the world that they are all set in and how they kind of cross paths. It’s so great and every time I read one of the books I love it, and in the end it leaves me wanting for the next book! You don’t have to read them in them in order, but you would get a better experience if you do. I’ve only read a few Snow White retellings, so I was very excited to jump into this. This is a Romantasy set in world that is introduced in the first book, and this is also a slow burn with a little bit of a dislike to lovers. I felt like the slow burn was very much needed between Theron and Eira. There is so much push and pull between them. I absolutely loved it!! I also enjoyed Eira’s connection with all of the animals in the forest. I feel like that was such a good nod to the original Snow White‘s character. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series because it’s going to be a Cinderella retelling. We get the introduction of the main character in this book so that is very exciting…like I’m ready to read that ASAP.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew I would fall so deeply in love with fairytale retellings. This retelling of a classic fairytale made into a faetale was absolutely breathtaking. The banter between the main characters was top tier and I was here for it. The struggle between the main characters felt incredibly real, and I was captivated by the slow yet steady progress they made throughout the story.

The characters in this book were simply marvelous. Each one felt fully fleshed out and brought something unique to the table. I loved how the idea of the dwarves was subtly interwoven into the story. The author's creativity in weaving these familiar elements into a fresh and inventive narrative was truly impressive. And the fae beasts were such a great part of the story, I loved Frisk the fox the most I think.

Overall, this book exceeded all my expectations and then some. It's a shining example of how a well-executed fairytale retelling can breathe new life into a beloved story. A definite must-read for fans of the genre!

[Rachael Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC for this book!

I was so pleasantly surprised by this one, I haven't read the other books in the Crown of the Fae series but this did not lessen any enjoyment from the story as I understand they are all standalones.

Crown of Poison is a Snow White retelling following half human/half Fae princess Eira who, after escaping the clutches of her evil Queen stepmother Calista 5 years prior, outsmarts hunter Theron and enlists his help to sneak back to the palace with her human rebel friends to take back the crown.

I really enjoyed this book, I liked both Eira and Theron as main characters and the magical talking Fae creatures they are accompanied by were great. I enjoyed how by using Fae and magic elements it gives a new take on the classic tale, weaving these in seamlessly.

The world building is good for a book of this length and it was straightforward to follow.

I might just have to pick up more of the books in this series now!

4.5 ⭐ rounded up to 5 for Goodreads 🌹

[realms.of.romantasy (Cara B) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic installment of the Crowns Of The Fae series by R.L. Perez!

This is an incredible Snow White retelling that was so addicting I couldn’t put it down. Less than 24 hrs later and I’m swiping through for more pages. It was such a quick easy entertaining and immersive read.

The plot is such a fantastical twist on Snow White lore. The world was vibrant and lush. The characters were absolutely amazing - not only did I fall in love with the MCs, I also adored the side characters. And you can’t help but be enamored by Eira’s sidekick animals - Frisk, Kendra and Mauro are all snarky and sassy and offer incredible banter along with all the characters.

I love that this series is made up of multiple standalones, each having their own plot line, characters and HEA!! Any of the books in this series I highly recommend if you are looking for a Romantasy read that is light and easy to read.

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crown of Poison is such a fun and adventurous retelling of Snow White. I really loved Eira. She’s brave, smart, sassy, and completely badass. This is not a helpless princess story, and I was here for it.

Her banter with Theron was one of my favorite parts. The constant bickering, the forced cooperation after she tricks him into a bargain so he won’t kill her, and the whole enemies-to-lovers setup just worked so well. Watching them travel back to the palace together while pretending not to feel anything was very entertaining. And yes, the pixie wine scene was hilarious. The sexual tension between them is very real.

But honestly, my absolute favorite part was the talking animal companions. I adored how protective they were of Eira. They were funny, sweet, and completely stole every scene they were in.

A really enjoyable retelling with strong characters, great banter, and just the right amount of slow-burn romance.

[Charl Ormond · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was lucky enough to ARC read this for the amazing R.L Perez and what a book it was … I absolutely loved it.

The story is a retelling of Snow White and honestly for me it was so much better…. Who wants to end up with the prince anyway 😂

The FMC is Eira who is one of the best FMC I have read she’s quirky, funny and so so likeable and relatable that you can’t help but love her, the MMC is the hunter Theron and he’s a sarky grumpy man sent on his mission and the banter between them is just glorious.

The story follows Eira who has escaped her stepmother the queen and is trying to get her kingdom back and there is just so many adventures along that journey. She has a heart as pure as snow…. The best thing for me was the slow burn between the love interests and also the bonds of the animal friends she has.

This story was a fully enjoyable book from start to finish and us Graham girls have finally got his happy ending… great book and I’m so happy I was able to ARC this.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could change one thing about this book, it would be to remove the use of 'on instinct'. It is used so much that I felt myself getting annoyed each time it came up.

I know this is a romantasy but I felt like maybe there was too much focus on the romance and the plot got a little forgotten midway through. At the end there's a whole army of humans and fae creatures that battle to take over the castle and we get absolutely no details on this critical part of the plot and it's just assumed it's happening and everything is going to plan while our FMC is in some random room in the castle having sex with our MMC 😂

The final stand in the throne room with the revelation also felt like a cop-out and was disappointing. I particularly think what Snow did for Stella would have been better if she had been talked out of doing it instead.

I did enjoy all the little nods to Snow White though and that is why I'm giving this 3⭐️

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theron wants his freedom from the Queen's hold. Promised and end to her service she has sent him on a mission to destroy the Ice Princess that is living in exile causing a rebellion. Theron with no other choice but to do his Queen's bidding set out on his mission with one goal in mind: his freedom. He didn't realize that he was sent on a mission that he had no hopes of completing.

I still giggle to myself the way Eira tricked Theron; he was so cocky and sure of himself, and his mark was standing right in his face, and he didn't even realize it. My boy got conned TWICE. Once by the evil queen and secondly by Eira. LOL!!!

This was a true enemy to lovers' story about Snow White and the Huntsman. You get all of the magical elements: Magic, Fae, Wicked Stepmother, Enchanted Animals with a splash of spice. This is a quick read and put a nice little twist on a classic tale.

[Scishellgmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn enemies to lovers snow white retelling full of magic, secrets, danger, suspense and unexpected allies. In a world where the fae rule and humans are second class citizens, can half human/half fae Princess Eira retake her kingdom from her evil stepmother, Queen Calista, and break her dark magic?
Assasin/hunter Theron has been sent by the Queen to kill Princess Eira, but after she tricks him into a fae bargain he begins to question everything he has ever known. What if everything he has done, all the people he killed, was not for the safety of the winter court, but to keep an evil queen in power? What if everything he has ever believed was wrong?
Can Eira and Theron learn to trust eachother and work together to save the winter court before it's too late or are they both doomed by the magic that binds them?

[Kate - Lekxareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
I finished A Crown of Poison by R.L. Perez last night and yeah… easy 5 stars for me.

It’s a Snow White retelling and honestly my favorite one from this series so far. I’ve read almost everything by R.L. Perez and I just love how her magic systems are always easy to follow. This one has blood magic and some secret powers that slowly come out, which kept me fully hooked.

The relationship though?? SO good. The slow burn, the yearning, the little moments, the spice. I loved all of it. Eira is that FMC that does not take BS and stays focused in on her mission. And Theron?? Top-tier book boyfriend. Protective and intense. 😮‍💨

Add in dark vibes, romance, and dragons, and I was done.

If you love dark romance, retellings, and a protective MMC, you’ll probably eat this one up.