Queen B is part of the HMRC series by Juno Dawson. Although this one is a novella, it really had the potential to be a full story and it left me wanting a little more content! It’s a nice blend of history and fantasy, and sees the coven trying to find a traitor and stay afloat in turbulent times.

If you’re a big fan of the series, certainly give it a go, if you’ve not read the others though, start there! I didn’t read the others first and wished I had.

It’s 1556 and Anne Boleyn has just been beheaded, her close friend and fellow coven member Grace Fairfax is convinced one of their own has betrayed them and sets out to find her before the witch hunters do

Having read and loved the first of the Majesty’s Coven books (and the tv show The Tudors!) I was keen to read this prequel which explores the creation of the coven, however I’d say it could just as easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone as a well written reimagining of life under the reign of Henry VIII

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'm so sad I didn't like this as I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately I was bored for the most part. It seemed to drag which is odd as its a very short book. I'm also struggling to see what the point of this book was. It just felt really unnecessary. Such a shame because I liked HMRC. It's a no from me I'm afraid.

My favourite Juno Dawson book to date!

This novella is a prequel to Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. It follows the founding of HMRC, focussing on Anne Boleyn and her relationships to other witches of the time.

This novella really packs a punch, with so much happening in such a short book. The pacing was great, the characters felt fully fleshed out and I loved gaining insight into the founding of HMRC.

One of the main criticisms of the main trilogy is Dawson’s use of contemporary language (with frequent swearing and pop culture references). However, due to this being a historical novella, the writing is considerably easier to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series and this is essentially a ‘prequel’. I liked getting to know the characters and seeing where it all began. Brilliantly written just like the other books, the storyline and characters kept me interested throughout.

Queen B by Juno Dawson is a glorious introduction to the series "Her Majesty's Royal Coven". A jam-packed novella based in the Tudor Era which blooms into a delectable prequel that catapulted this series straight on to my TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager and the immensely talented Juno Dawson for the ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

I should have read this sooner!! But dare I say it was a perfect read for this time of year!!

Absolutely adored the first two books (Her Majesty's Royal Coven & Shadow Cabinet) and it was so much fun reading essentially what is a prequel and seeing where it all began.

The alternative history which has such strong female characters showing us the strength and sacrifice it takes to form a true long standing sisterhood.

More then just a story about witches.

I loved this book!

I reread the first 2 HMRC books prior to this, and Queen B is an excellent addition. I loved finding out about the beginnings of the coven and the history behind it.

A great addition to the HMRC series, this novella was entertaining and inventive. I would have read a full novel of this story and would have enjoyed fleshing out the characters more.

Thanks: Received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

4.5/5

More of a novella than a full entry into this series, Queen B is never the less absolutely brilliant - full of Dawson's clever writing and compelling female characters, with a queer love story threaded through the narrative. Dawson takes the historical obsession with Anne Boleyn and puts a fascinating supernatural empowerment spin on it - brilliant

Was this a necessary addition to the series? Perhaps not. Was it a good time, as well as a quick and engaging read, perfect for anyone who loves both the main HMRC series *and* Tudor history? Damn right it was!!

It was absolutely wonderful to be back in this world with the original Queen and coven started - Anne Boleyn.
This book was perfect well almost, my main criticism is that it just wasn't long enough! I can't wait for more of this series.

NetGalley arc

I love everything set in the Her Royal Coven universe. It was good getting insight into the founding of the coven

Sorry to say this was a little disappointing; as a fan of the HMRC series I had hoped for more, but it was still pacy and easy to get through.

I love Juno Dawson’s writing – all her books I’ve read make me so sad. This *Her Majesty’s Royal Coven* series prequel about Anne Boleyn is making me even more impatient to be devastated further by Human Rites. Please come and rip my heart out, Juno!

I have somewhat accidentally been on a witch marathon recently and *Queen B* has reminded me why witch narratives are so great. Discourse about witches often reflects attitudes towards real women, somethign which Dawson consistently uses intentionally and effectively in her writing.

*Queen B* is a slight departure from the rest of the HMRC series. Dawson proves she can master a compelling novella (more difficult that it seems!) as well as a fantastical epic. The shift in historical vs. modern settings feels seamless – Dawson’s voice and style translate well to the historical context and has retained its social commentary and modern politics.

I received the advanced reader copy of Queen B but also listened to the audiobook narrated by the incomparable Nicola Coughlan, whose talents elevated my reading experience.

This was a really interesting read, I was impressed by how well Juno's writing lent itself to historical fiction. I definitely wanted more, I want to know about how HMRC came to be and what happened next!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC of this book

When I first read the description I definitely expected to have Anne Boleyn feature a lot more prominently in the main action. But despite that not being the case and us not getting her PoV even in flashback chapters, I loved how the author has woven in historical events, the vibes from SIX the musical, and prequel elements setting up the world of her main story!

Juno KNOWS how to grab an audience - witchcraft AND Tudor England, ofc I was going to enjoy this! It's rare a prequel is done as well as this one, but I should, well, I suppose bow down to Juno (jokes, I adore her, I already do) at the good job done here -History and magic combined, similarly to Emilia Hart type stories is a top combination..!

Queen B is the delicious prequel to the Her Majesty’s Royal Coven trilogy. Her "Majesty’s Royal Coven" and "HMRC: Shadowcabinet" are already available and the final book is due for publication in 2025.

Now, I'm a big fan of this series, owning both digital and physical copies of the first two books. So, you can imagine my excitement for a prequel, especially one concerning such an infamous figure as Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII.

Our protoganist is one Lady Grace Fairfax, contemporary of Anne, and a member of both her household and Coven. Treachery is ever-present at the Court, and our Coven face multiple betrayals, which becomes a focus of the novel, beginning with the execution of the Queen, and then jumping back to relate the events leading upto this stage. Through Grace's eyes, we see the rise of Anne at court, through her complex marriage and eventual death, and the attempts by the Coven to seek revenge.

The mix of historical facts, with fiction provides for an intriguing storyline with a refreshing take on real events. Also, as Anne is also shown through Grace's memories, she remains a somewhat enigmatic figure in the storyline. And though the storyline is about Anne, this approach allows the theme of the importance of sisterhood shine through - an essential theme in the HMRC trilogy.

Witch and Queen offers an enthralling exploration of Anne Boleyn’s rise and fall, blending ambition and enchantment. In this latest instalment of Dawson’s acclaimed HMRC series, we return to the origins of the story, beginning with the beheading of a witch who became queen. As her coven is thrown into chaos, a traitor remains at large, and her dreams of witchcraft in power are shattered, Anne faces her executioner with grace and a final, cunning plan.

Dawson masterfully intertwines events before and after Anne’s death, presenting the narrative through the perspectives of Lady Grace Fairfax and Cecilia De La Torre—witches and ladies-in-waiting. This prequel delves deeply into themes of female power and the struggles surrounding love, fear, birth, and death. Despite its compact length, the novel is rich with romance, drama, and danger, making it a compelling read that sets the stage for the HMRC series.

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