There is only one negative about Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, and that is it ends. This is a book you never want to end, you want to stay in the world of magic and witchcraft that Juno Dawson has created forever. It's utterly fantastic, every character makes you connect with them and feel something different for them. The plot is twisty but oh so believable and compelling in the world which has been created. A spellbinding, very real and current book that leaves you wanting to read everything Juno Dawson has ever written.

Mesmerising addictive and just plain amazing.

They live and work among us they look just like us but they are witches, members of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven a secret organisation protecting us from the dark creatures of nature. But all is not well within this sacred sisterhood.

When a menacing prophecy is deemed to involve a trans child old rivalries are reopened and new battles fought. Because life is never simple and friends can become enemies in a heartbeat.

An amazing adventure of magic, friendship and gender politics. This is the best witchy story I’ve read in ages.

I loved the play on HMRC ( it’s what we call the UK tax office) and the way ordinary life was juxtaposed with magic, mingling the ordinary, the earthy and the spectacular into a witty drama laced with politics, love, friendship and the big questions of modern life.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dawson’s first adult novel - Her Majesty’s Royal coven. Dawson does a stellar job on writing about apt topics including race, sexuality and gender in a book about magic.

A downfall I feel is the overwhelming amount of character and plot lines, that just fizzle out — who was the sullied child then? Why is Leonie’s storyline included, including her coven “Dispora” when it is established and never mentioned again.

At moment I felt the book was written, in a young adults tone and momentarily forget it is meant to be “adult fiction” however this doesn’t detract from the book.

Witches live amongst us. For centuries the HMRC has kept control over the Witches living in the UK. Now lead by Helena Vance, the Coven is at it's strongest ever which is good for a prophecy has arisen, one that could lead to the destruction of Witch kind forever. Still recovering from the last war Niamh, Elle and Leonie lead their own lives, separate from the Coven, but Helena is quick to draw them back in when trouble rears it's head. Life for Niamh, Helena, Leoni & Elle was significantly easier when their only argument was over who got to be which Spice Girl. Now they find themselves on opposite sides of a battle that they may not recover from. Sides have been picked, battle lines have been drawn and the friends will need to decide whether it's worth dying for what you believe in.

Her Majesty's Royal Coven was an absolute blinder of a book, it starts off slowly luring you in, giving you plenty of history for both the world and the characters and then takes off with a bang. Told from the POV's of our four friends, Niamh, Helena, Leonie and Elle, we see lots of different versions of the HMRC. For Niamh it was a time in her life she enjoyed, being able to shape the next generation of Witches, but also a time of immense grief due to the loss of both her Fiancee and sister. Now she lives a quiet life as a vet, using her magic only to help those in need. Leonie see's it as a place that she never really fit in, the HMRC was not made for people like her, people of different colours, religions, sexualities. After splitting from the Coven and starting her own, tensions between her and Helena have been a little high, but Leonie did what she needed to make every Witch feel welcome. Elle was more than happy to leave her life as a Witch behind her. Now a doting mother and wife to a family who have no idea of her past, she uses her powers sparingly and only in dire need. She's the Switzerland of the group, always trying to keep the peace and keep together her friend's who have slowly drifted apart. Helena is the new leader of the HMRC and has set views on who should be allowed to join the coven, views that get tested and questioned throughout the novel. She knows how dangerous Warlocks can be after the High Warlock started the last war, and knows that men are the problem. She has very limited views on life, but is a woman who knows her own mind and will not be removed from her path once she has started.

Alongside our four MC's we meet a multitude of side characters from fellow Witches, Warlocks to mundanes, people with no magical powers. Dawson weaves a large side cast of characters into her story, but it's incredibly easy to keep everyone straight in your head. My favourite of the smaller characters had to be Theo. Poor misunderstood Theo. I can't talk much about their journey, but they play a pivotal part in the plot and my heart absolutely bled for them reading this story.

The premise doesn't really give away much of the story, which makes it so much more shocking and entertaining whilst reading, but does make it incredibly hard to talk about without giving away any spoilers. A big theme in this book is what it means to be a woman, is it biology that makes you one, or can you choose to become one at will. These questions are poured over throughout the story with main characters being on both sides. Some fight for the right for anyone who calls themselves a 'woman' to be included in the Coven, where as others see it as dangerous, as a way for men to slowly creep into a woman's world and take over. I found myself getting incredibly angry throughout the story, that someone could have that limited a belief and be willing to kill for it, be willing to go to such incredible extremes because their way of life is threatened. But unfortunately that is the state of the world we live in today and Dawson does a great job showing the daily plight of trans people. The certain characters belief's had me steaming with rage, something I'm noticing more and more with fantasy these days and loving, but please beware going in that their thoughts and actions could be extremely triggering to some, but especially to any trans readers.

The magic in this book was incredibly well written and pretty commonplace for anyone who is used to reading witchy books. But what Dawson does brilliantly is show the physical use of magic through her descriptive writing, every scene where it was used be it in battle, or a more mundane task was effortlessly brought to life and I almost felt like I was watching the scenes like a movie in my head whilst reading. I would say that the story started off a little slowly, I wasn't 100% sure where it was going until about 40% of the way through, but once it get's going it absolutely takes flight and I found the last 50% so hard to put down.

Though there is plenty of romance in this book, both straight and queer, the main relationships Dawson showcases is that of family, both through blood and circumstance. When our characters joined the Coven, they became sisters, linked in a way that is difficult to destroy. But what Dawson does brilliantly is show that as children we are so sure that life will work out the way we want, we have blinders on to life, rose tinted glasses that make everything seem possible. But as we grow, we see the reality of life, of people. We see the people we grew up with become unrecognisable, put things into motion, dangerous things, because their way of life is threatened. She really showed the intricacies of family, how you can love someone and hate them at the same time, and I loved reading all the interactions between our four MC's.

My one question to Dawson? What the fuck was that ending? How could you end it like that? Why did you have to go and build me up only to break me? Ok, so I know that was more than one question, but seriously the ending of this book just blew my mind. Partially my fault because I had it in my head this was a stand alone, but I also just can't believe she went there. Any who i'm a little broken and dying to get my hands on the next book, so if that doesn't make you want to pick it up, I don't know what will!

This was an absolute and very clever - I love her sharp wit. There were times when I was a little lost but on the whole I really enjoyed it.

I thought this read was ok.. it didn’t stand out but the political aspect of the book was spot on. It was a little cliche in terms of her writing style as well. I wouldn’t mind reading it but it is not one that I would highly recommend

“Modern witchery”
For the most part I really enjoyed this, it has some fabulous concepts and I really loved most of the characters. There are some really interesting and important messages, especially the idea of the monster being of our own making. I also loved the storyline about the Diaspora offshoot, as it showed that it’s not just the men who keep getting it wrong.
Looking forward to the next instalment.

Another striking novel from Juno Dawson. Charged, game-changing and utterly encapsulating, this is an unmissable novel for those looking for something witchy.

So much to love about this unique story. Wit m he’s, a coven, treachery, friendship and a good healthy dose of betrayal, what’s not to love? Written with Juno’s own humour that made me smile throughout I honestly can’t wait for the next part of this series.

HMRC was my first Juno Dawson and it won’t be my last! From the very very clever acronym for the title, to the characters and the story, I absolutely loved this book.
Full of friendship, sorority, feminism, witchery, twist and turns, this book just kept me hooked and wanting to read more… and now I truly can’t wait for book 2!
A particular highlight was the depiction of LGBTQ+ rights, the trans struggle and the bigotry they have to, unfortunately, still face. I found this book gave me a better context and understanding for the articles and interviews I had read on trans and trans rights and I deeply appreciate that. Reading, even fiction, is great for learning!
But going back to the story, I adored the characters, the strong women ready to stand and fight for what they believe in and what they love. This is a story that, although the plot is great and addictive, would not be the same without all these women making it what it is and as strong as it is.
On a side note, let’s talk a minute about Luke… who I totally picture as the Luke from Gilmore Girls… if he’s not a top 10 man, I don’t know who is!

This book is an absolutely fantastic example of how books in the fantasy genre can and do mirror what is happening in our own world so eloquently. While also giving the reader multiple insights that they may not have personal experience with. Thus building understanding, awareness and empathy with not only fictional characters, but real world issues.

I felt that there were so many important topics raised in this story, echoing statements we've all seen and heard on social media surrounding Trans rights. I thought Juno Dawson did an absolutely stellar job weaving this into the story. Even though this is Dawson's first adult fantasy (I think, at least) there is no change in how realistically she writes all of her characters. It shows how complex people and their ideas, relationships, preconceptions are.

There were so many moments I had to underline here, I loved that the topic of intersectional feminism was raised in regards to witchcraft, and how classism/elitism is interwoven with racism. Yet another aspect that can be seen in parallel with our today.

For me this felt very much a character driven story, with more fast-paced action picking up towards the latter half of the book. And while I didn't particularly relate too strongly to any of the characters and the stages of their lives that they were in, I found the conversations they had between the pages eloquently written as well as important topics to further think on well past the ending of the book.

HMRC manages to be a contemporary and witty take in a crowded witchy genre. By bringing current-day affairs into the world of witch craft she creates a compelling and insightful story with characters that you feel you instantly know. The Spice Girl's references help too.

UM EXCUSE ME WHAT IS THAT ENDING ????? ??????????

Okay so I really enjoyed that. Read it in two days. Couldn't put it down. I loved all the characters and how different they all were, and I liked how it feels like they're on the cusp of change politically/in their lives and they could all either go one way or another. I liked the magic system and it felt very fleshed out in terms of side characters/other story lines going on. Some really great pacing too, especially towards the end when all the action begins. I will 100000% be reading the next one.

My heart can't be dealing with that ending though. Nuh-uh. No thank you ma'am.

Thanks netgalley and harpercollins for the free copy!!

Her Majesty's Royal Coven is a tremendous read - from the considered witch lore that's so finally crafted, to presenting characters and friendships that constantly challenge each other. It's full of twists and turns and set in Manchester and Hebden Bridge (a beautiful bonus). Loved it.

I really loved this book.

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven follows a group of childhood friends - Niamh, Elle, Helena and Leonie - witches of great power who have grown up and gone in very different directions. However, when the oracles of HMRC start seeing premonitions of Leviathan, a demon of fear, rising again and foretelling the arrival of a ‘sullied child’ that will trigger it all, we will see how far the bonds of sisterhood will hold, stretch…or break altogether.

Fans of urban fantasy will love this witchy, feminist story of friendship, found family, LGBTQ issues and betrayal. I certainly did, and can’t wait for the follow up novel!

I’ve loved Juno’s writing for a really long time and I was just so blown away by this book! The characters are written with thought and empathy, and the issues she chooses to tackle are ones that I see every day just with a more supernatural twist.

I look forward to absolutely raving about this book to everyone who walks into my store!

Witches are real. Not only are they real, but they protect the crown and country from all creatures and evil doings. Her Majesty’s Royal Coven is the top coven to belong to. Other covens exist, and our key protagonists, five best childhood friends, have fractured through these covens. Helena is the leader of the HMRC, Niamh has thrown herself into her life as a country vet, Elle has left all coven work behind and is a stay at home mum. Leonie has formed her own coven called Diaspora, a BIPOC, inclusive safe place.

There has long been talk of a prophecy that will destroy the world. The whispers grow that this threat is looming ever closer. As the whispers get louder, a young male warlock, Theo, is captured by the HMRC, with immense destructive power. Helena asks Niamh to help with Theo and things go from wild to off the wall. Theo’s power is out of control and Niamh doesn’t know how to help him manage it. HMRC wants him dead if he can’t be controlled, and Niamh absolutely won’t let this happen. But Theo is hiding a secret, and once Niamh figures it out, it changes everything.

In theory I enjoyed this book. The story is great fun on paper - witches hiding in plain sight, having so much influence on the world around us, running like a bureaucracy. The story and the characters started out well, and had me quite engaged. The diverse cast, and LGBT issue at the core of the story was refreshing to see, and the modern approach to witches and covens is excellent.

I did find myself really disliking some characters, and I know this was intended. What didn’t make sense was quite why a particular character felt this way, when they accepted a LGBT friend, but had such opposing views on other aspects on LGBT areas. Their distorted views progressively got more and more twisted, and there didn’t seem to be much reason for this. It did strongly address key issues in society today through this aspect, and I felt at times the character was being used as a totem for the ‘wrong’ in the world, so that the other characters could all be the beacons of right and positivity. While I am all for inclusivity, and welcome and relish books being more diverse, this one felt a little forced upon you at times.

But overall, a good read, a little slow in pace at points, but the ending certainly went out with a bang!

*I received this book from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are my own.

This is a really great book if you are looking for a more inclusive LGBTQ+ friendly world of witches.
The book centers on a group of witches who grew up together in a small village. Each chapter is written from a different person, so you really get a lot of background.
The book started off a bit slow, but the oracles predict a demon will soon inhabit a witch or wizard and kill all the witches. Each person tackles this a different way, especially when a child might have been found who will channel that demon.
I really enjoyed reading a more inclusive book, and adding a new layer to a witch story. I'm very excited to read the next to books.

A big British action-adventure through a modern queer lens, this exciting first instalment sees a group of childhood best friends all grown up and witches, working in and around the UK's biggest coven, the HMRC of the book's title. When a mysterious child enters their world, the friends find themselves torn about what to do with them and the shape of the world as a result.

Navigating between multiple POVs and with a uniquely Northern locale (as a Northener, I was delighted knowing the locations in the book), Juno Dawson ensures that her characters (empathetic Niamh, ambitious Helena, passionate Leonie, steadfast Elle) are well-realised and relatable, even when they're busy levitating, causing property damage, or dropping lightning bolts onto their enemies. The biggest compliment I can give this book is that it feels like a Buffy-style adventure that explores themes of power, prejudice, racism, gender, transphobia, queer identity, and privilege, in a satisfying, action-filled way.

It also ends up on the best cliffhanger I've seen in a good while so if Dawson can hurry up with Book 2, I'd be much obliged.

I have enjoyed Juno Dawson's previous books but I think this is her best yet. The characters have depth and the book manages to discuss complex issues with warmth, humour and intelligence. Ancient prophecies, contemporary realities and a bunch of kick ass witches. It's a delight.
(Copy received from Netgalley in return for an honest review).