Barron has created another vivid, rich and gorgeous story, spinning the Arthurian myth and lending her own creativity to it.

I read Queen of None earlier this year, and loved it. But this story was even better.

Taking her name from Gwenyfhar (the traditional name for King Arthur’s wife), and as her sister, Hwyfar is a creative character who blends seamlessly into a new retelling of Arthurian legend. Introduced as an alcoholic and pleasure-seeker in Queen of None, we learn more about her and her traumatic path. Hwyfar goes on a powerful journey to rediscover love and her own self-identity.

What I love about Barron’s stories is how she takes the bones of the Arthurian legend we all know, but shifts and spins it into her own. There are characters and places we know such as Gawaine and his foe, Camelot and Avillon, but new characters and worlds. This means it’s a story rooted in the comfort and magic of the original myths and legends, but she gives them a fresh new and completely original look. Her writing spins you into a world of magic, strong emotion, treachery and battle. Her writing is sumptuous and layered, pulsing with emotion.

I was entranced by Queen of Fury.

Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris for the ARC.

The first volume of this series was a surprise smash hit with my students so I was thrilled to receive this copy of Book 2. It is just as engaging and captivating as it's predecessor and was an all round fabulous read!

King Arthur is cast to a supporting role in the Queens of Fate series from Natania Barron, the second installment of which was released on December 3rd. Where the first installment, Queen of None took a deep dive into Anna Pendragon, the only full blooded sister of the once and future king, Queen of Fury takes us deep into the heart of Hwyfar. Arthur’s first betrothed, sister to Gweynevere, daughter of Leodegraunce, and all over badass warrior queen. While this is the second in a series, and I heartily recommend the first book, it does work on its own two feet if you get a hold of this one first.
Barron plays with Arthurian legend with the skill of a sorceress, refocusing attention from the familiar Arthurian legends, to the female characters, and to the otherwise lesser heard voices. She includes the known quantities that we are so familiar with, Arthur, Lancelot and the like, but creates a whole new world for Hwyfar’s origins and future. Nothing is as it seems as Barron works with these characters and worlds, weaving new magic between them. In this book more than the first Arthur is cast as an almost menacing presence in the background, no longer under Merlin’s sway, the human inadequacies of the king become more apparent, his ambition and greed laid bare as he sends his knights on an errand to Hwyfar and the kingdom of Avillion.
The story focuses on Hwyfar, but is also inextricably tied to Sir Gawain who provides the second narrative voice in the book. Gawain was once Arthur’s most lauded Knight, is Arthur’s nephew, second in line to the throne of Carelon, and the son of Anna, the protagonist of the first book in the series. Honestly I usually avoid narratives with a dual narrative voice, I do not generally enjoy them, but I was drawn in very quickly by the use of this structure in Queen of Fury. The structure of the dual perspective served to beautifully underpin and elaborate the relationship between the two characters, and you would be hard pressed to write this tale from just one perspective.
Hwyfar has returned to Avillion after a long period of time spent in Carelon, where she was sent to marry King Arthur, but instead ended up as his sister-in-law, twice. Her father King Leodegraunce is ill, and she is the only surviving and eligible heir. Sir Gawain and a troop of Knights are sent from Arthur’s table to aid and spy on Hwyfar and see what comes next, as Arthur has been promised control of Avillion upon the King’s death. Nothing is as it seems however, lost people are found, the dead converse in secret pathways, and there is more magic at work than any of them ever suspected. Avillion’s mystical roots stretch far deeper than those in Carelon, and so the themes that came to light in Queen of None take pride of place in Queen of Fury.
Even with Merlin at the helm, Carelon was very much grounded in the everyday and the mundane eventually succumbing to the lure of Christianity, whereas the land of Hwyfar’s family is so much more, so much more beautiful and with loftier purpose. I especially love Barron’s mushroom depictions later in the book, it describes what Hwyfar is seeing but also the transient but stable nature of these magical worlds where distance means nothing, but everything means something. Barron crafts a truly remarkable land as she weaves between the places that make up Hwyfar’s story.
The characterizations of Gawain and Hwyfar are built up slowly in Queen of Fury, as Barron works to build on and re-write what we thought we knew about them. At a certain point they become two sides of the same coin, but it is done so subtly that it feels as if it always was. In obvious ways they are both children born to royalty but discarded in some way, both past the prime of their youth. But as their link grows, you start to see more of their connectivity in the previous story and in the ways they think of themselves. It was touching that Barron introduced the idea that both were close to Gweynevere, and both mourn intensely for her. They use a call and response that Gweynevere employed, as a way to talk through each other’s feelings.
Both Hwyfar and Gawain are mourning lost loves as they find each other, Gweynevere certainly, but also Nimue for Hwyfar and a lost soldier for Gawain. Of late I find myself breezing past love making scenes in my romantasy books, sometimes skimming, sometimes skipping whole pages, but Barron’s skill with character development made these scenes unskippable. It was not overloaded with imagery or detail, but bursting with emotion and descriptions that propelled the narrative not just their bodies.
As we follow our characters from Carelon to Avillion and beyond, we are exposed to a much wider world than the framework of Arthur lends itself to. Even Arthur himself is forced to admit that there is much more than he can know or handle at play here. The role of women in this narrative is especially prominent, but does a great job at addressing how women’s work oftentimes has to be hidden from the men to thrive, and by the end of the story you can see how without the women, there would be no legend at all. This story provided far more magic and intrigue than I had anticipated, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third installment.
Natania Barron is an award-winning fantasy author and former GeekMom writer as well as a founding member. Her publications include her 2011 debut, Pilgrim of the Sky, as well as These Marvelous Beasts, a collection of novellas. In 2020, Barron’s Queen of None was hailed as “a captivating look at the intriguing figures in King Arthur’s golden realm” by Kirkus, and won the Manly Wade Wellman award the following year.

While I enjoyed this book more than the first volume, I'm starting to believe that this books are not for me.

There is nothing wrong necessarily with them, the story is interesting, there is drama and romance and everything I might want in a book. The characters are complex and they keep changing and growing. However, I just feel like I can't really get into it and I had the same problem with the first book. Especially because at times I find myself confused and I don't understand the character's motives.

All in all, it's not a bad Arthurian retelling, it just wasn't for me, but I bet many people would enjoy it tremendously.

Let me start by saying: if you’re into Arthurian legends with a side of romantic chaos and enough drama to fuel a reality TV show, this book will be your jam.

Natania Barron spins a tale of power, passion, and plot twists in this gorgeous second volume of her Arthurian romantic fantasy trilogy. And believe me, "gorgeous" isn't just about the cover (though wow, that too).

What I loved:
The love stories? Chef’s kiss. Highwayfar—sorry, Hwyfar—and Gawain’s dynamic is the slow-burn romance I didn’t know I needed. Gawain may have started out as a brute in Hwyfar's eyes, but their evolving relationship was an absolute treat, balancing tenderness with enough tension to keep me furiously flipping pages.

The story itself? Amazing. Political intrigue, ancient magic, and two courts brimming with schemes. Plus, let’s not forget Hwyfar stepping into her Queen Regent role with all the grace and grit of someone who realizes oh no, Dad’s ruined, and the throne is a dumpster fire.

The vibes:
Picture this: ancient forests, corrupt magic, and Arthur’s ever-watchful, slightly menacing grip over everything. Barron’s writing immerses you so fully, you can practically feel the dampness of Avillion’s mists and hear the creak of political manipulation in the background.

Why not 5 stars?
While I adored the romance and the overarching story, a few moments dragged for me, particularly in the political machinations. (Sometimes I just wanted someone to yell, "Hwyfar, girl, just stab him already!") But overall, the balance of action, intrigue, and romance kept me hooked.

Final Thoughts:
If you're into female-led, romantic fantasy with a rich Arthurian backdrop, Queen of Fury is a must-read. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about watching characters defy societal expectations—and Arthur himself—while navigating messy, beautiful relationships.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I also low-key yell at the characters in frustration? You bet.

Gawain and Hwyfar were two of my favorite secondary characters in Queen of None so I was very excited about them being the focus in Queen of Fury. Just like in the first book, the world that Barron has built here is so easy to get lost in, especially if you’re a fan of Arthurian legend. The magic system felt A LOT more intricate than in the first book since we get to see more lands, which no complaints here, but you really do have to pay close attention. There were many things I loved about Queen of Fury, but the best part in my opinion were the character journeys of Gawain and Hwyfar. Watching them recognize strengths they never knew they had and taking claim of what was rightfully theirs was such an incredible thing to read. I absolutely loved their romance too. Oh my goodness, it was so beautiful. The action was so exciting and so vividly written. I feel like this book ended so perfectly, but it also sets up another book so well and I honestly can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.

Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris Books for a digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

In Queen of Fury, Natania Barron continues to weave a spellbinding tale set in a unique Arthurian fantasy world. This time, we follow Queen Hwyfar on her journey of self-discovery, as she breaks free from ancient bindings and enacts her FURY!

Barron's writing style is both captivating and immersive, drawing readers into a world filled with dark magic, political intrigue, and complex characters. The author's skill in world-building is evident, as she creates a rich and detailed setting that feels both familiar and utterly original.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the dynamic between Hwyfar and Knight Gawain. Their relationship is a delicate balance of love, respect, and shared trauma. Gawain, a deeply flawed and emotionally complex character, provides a poignant counterpoint to Hwyfar's fierce determination.

While the plot is driven by action and suspense, the heart of the story lies in its exploration of family, love, and the enduring power of hope. Barron masterfully weaves these themes into a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Queen of Fury is a must-read for fans of fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. It is a testament to Barron's talent as a storyteller and her ability to create unforgettable characters and worlds.

Hwyfar of Avillion, discarded first betrothed of Arthur Pendragon, returns home to a mad father & a blighted kingdom. When Sir Gawain comes on the scene, Hwyfar’s quest becomes more perilous &

This sequel was almost everything that I had wanted from this series! The new characters were deep and engaging, the pacing kept me on the edge of my seat, and there were so many little references to more obscure bits of Arthurian lore!

And I absolutely loved the differing magics in this book! And how it took a relatively minor character from the folklore and using her perspective to recontextualize everything we thought we knew about the story of Arthur and his knights.

The romance happened a little fast for me. I do like the opposites attract romance, but we went too quickly from attraction to the deepest love either character had ever felt. They did end up going through so much together that by the end I was all in. But it took me a while to fully invest in the romance.

I absolutely cannot wait to request Queen of Mercy, and have a beautiful matching set of this whole series.

All my thanks to both NetGalley and Rebellion for the opportunity to read this arc!

I absolutely loved this. The story explores relationship dynamics, Arthurian politics and magic, grief, strength, but also vulnerability.
The storytelling is fantastic and I enjoyed the dual points of view. The world building and character development are incredible. This is how fantasy and romance stories should be! I can’t wait to read more in Queen of Mercy I love this universe.
Thank you Solaris and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

What can I say except wow! This is a fantastic book. Full of action and drama. Such incredible characters and what a vivid world! Felt like I was there!

You must read this book you will live it! I promise.

Highly recommend

This is the second book of the Queens of Fate series, which re-examines the legends of King Arthur in the eyes of the women of the tales: and gives a voice to the characters that were often sidelined. Retelling the story of the Gawain and the Green knight the story primarily deals with grief, regret and reinventing yourself. Both our MCs, Hwyfar and Gawain are left to deal with the wreckage of their life trajectory - Hwyfar as the rejected bride of Arthur, and now the disappointing Princess of Avillon & Gawain as an injured Knight who has limited time doing the only thing that he’s good at. Featuring a rich world that is excellently designed and explained, this thread of healing from grief and coming to terms with yourself is weaved masterfully in the wider plot which features a plot against Hwyfar’s father and a long running take over attempt by another kingdom. Both Barron’s books have done a really good job of giving a distinctive and realistic voice to the women of Arthurian tales and grapples with the ‘romance’ of Arthur and the harsh reality of medieval women and their roles and limits in society. Not allowed real power, they have to resort to manipulation and behind the scenes meddling to effect change - even the powerful witches. As an older FMC (and an older MMC to be fair) we get a very different take on fantasy romance than in other books of the genre. There is an element of fatalistic realism that both characters inhabit - their romance is forbidden by Arthur himself and they know their is a time limit, and there is no way they can be together honestly and without trickery. It’s a really interesting take on the genre that left a lasting impression. The book deals with PTSD and the impact of the patriarchal society on both women and men - Gawain is a knight who has only been valued for his martial prowess and without that who is he? He is traumatised by what he has done in war, how he was treated by his father, and has no effective coping skills to deal with that. His growth is done really well in the book, and compliments the arch of their romance really well. Both characters grow and develop in a really satisfying way, and their romance is extremely sweet. Definitely one to pick up for a different take on fantasy romance!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Queen of Fury by Natania Barron is the first person dual-POV historical fantasy romance continuation of Queen of None. Sir Gawain, the son of Queen Anna and the nephew of King Arthur, has been sent by his uncle to meet with Queen Regent Hwyfar, Arthur’s sister-in-law. Arthur plans for Hwyfar to marry one of his knights to bring Avillion under his control but Gawain is not an option. Too bad there’s a spark between Gawain and Hwyfar.

One of the things I really liked was how Hwyfar and Gawain feel older, around their thirties if I understood the timeline correctly. Gawain is described as an excellent knight but also has something of a belly while Hwayar is sturdy and has a very desirable figure but she’s never described as thin. A lot of fantasy romance features leads with perfect, model-esque bodies or six-packs without even trying whereas this was going for a more realistic depiction of a strong man (they often have a layer of fat on their stomachs) and two people who don’t have ultra fast metabolisms.

The romance between Gawain and Hwyfar is forbidden and, to a degree, taboo. Gawain is Arthur’s nephew and Hwyfar is the older sister of Arthur’s wife, making them family by marriage and Hwyfar is older than Gawain by at least a few years. Hwyfar was also one of the many lovers Nimue, the shadow of Gawain’s mother, took. There’s a lot of mess and possible taboo if you examine their relationship super closely but, at the same time, none of it really matters for the time period or in the grand scheme of things. It could, however, be a hard pass for a reader if there are certain things they are not looking for in a romance.

This was a lot more of a fantasy romance than Queen of None, which had romantic elements but wasn’t focused on a particular couple. As a sequel, it is set in the same world, but takes place years after Nimue disappeared and mostly features new or minor characters. Anna does make an appearance but it’s fairly brief. I’m curious to see how all of this culminates in the third book because there were ramifications from what happened in Queen of None, but it felt more like sweeping things that altered the course of a possible future instead of an immediate domino effect.

I would recommend this to fans of both Arthurian lore and fantasy romance, readers who love romances where the two leads are a bit older and a bit more self-assured, and readers who wanted more of a romance focus while reading Queen of None

In many ways this book felt like a departure from the first book in the trilogy, but at its core it has the same angle and ethos that makes this series stand out from other Arthurian books.

The first big difference is that this book has two perspectives: Hwyfar and Gawain. We met both characters in the first book, one more briefly than the other, and at first I wasn’t keen on having Gawain be a main character. It wasn’t long though before I was fully on-board. We have only seen him through his mother’s eyes so far, and by her own admission she didn’t know him well. I really felt like we got to see a whole new side to Gawain, including his doubts, his tenderness, and his complicated relationship with Arthur.

Hwyfar, on the other hand, has been put in what is essentially a ceremonial position, but is determined to use that power to her advantage. She was a very compelling character, and I really liked getting to know Gawain more through her eyes as well.

Both Gawain and Hwyfar are queer and have had same-sex relationships in the past, and I thought this was such a great aspect of their relationship to explore. Neither of them have come into their relationship with any expectations and it felt very refreshing in this world where marriage is often a transactional or political action.

To be honest, I wasn’t really fussed about the main action plot of the book. I didn’t find it particularly gripping or exciting, but the character dynamics definitely made up for it.

This book has me very excited and intrigued for the final instalment next spring, and I’m looking forward to seeing what is in store for these characters next.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

I was absolutely blown away by the complex love stories in this book. Both the romantic love story, but also the platonic loves. The loves within families at large, blooded and found. I didn't expect this at all, nor did I expect to like this book so much more than the first book of the series (which I already liked a lot), but there's so much tension, so much angst, so much yearning, and so much intrigue slathered onto these pages that it's impossible to stop reading.

At it's core, this is a story about finding self-actualization alongside love in a world that hates both and understands power only as binary (in every sense of the word).

I love retellings and I love Arthurian fiction. This is definitely the best of both worlds! Dangerous magic, nature, and a leader who doesn't have the peoples best interests at heart! An exciting read.

The descriptions are beautiful, and it’s clear that the author knows how to weave together a story. This one, though, did not capture my attention in the way I hoped it would. The will-they-won’t-they tension just didn’t seem to build in any kind of anticipatory way, despite the characters clearly being set up in that kind of relationship.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC copy of this book!

Rating: 4Stars

Tropes:
• Fierce yet vulnerable hero
• Grief
• family dynamics
• magic
• insta-love
• slow-burn romance.

Natania Barron’s Queen of Fury takes readers on a journey through the mists of an Arthurian retelling, brimming with political intrigue, prophecies, and magic. The story opens with a somber question: "How do you mourn someone who is not yet dead?"—a poignant exploration of grief and loss that sets the tone for the tale to come. While the writing style in the first chapter felt a bit surface-level, lacking the depth I hoped for, the portrayal of Hwyfar’s complex relationship with her father’s deteriorating health is both raw and beautifully rendered, marking a strong start to what promises to be an epic adventure.
Hwyfar herself is a fascinating protagonist. Beneath her stoic exterior lies a fierce strength, and her use of indulgence as a form of escapism from her inner darkness makes her a truly compelling character. She is at once soft and harsh, with a depth that keeps the reader invested in her journey. The secondary characters, particularly Gawain, add depth to the story as well. They are flawed and fractured, yet they feel real and multifaceted.
However, one drawback is the overemphasis on the characters' physical sizes, especially when it comes to their attraction to one another. This focus lends the romance an "insta-love" feel rather than allowing it to develop into a more nuanced, emotional connection. Despite this, the LGBTQI+ representation is handled wonderfully, with non-heterosexual relationships depicted in a natural, fluid, and authentic manner.
Some aspects of the plot, like the first assassination and the development of the romance, felt rushed. There is little emotional build-up, and the connection between characters develops too quickly for readers to fully engage with it. Gawain, in particular, falls in love too fast, and his conflicting emotions could have been explored with more tension and complexity. While their love’s rapid nature is explained within the context of the story, I would have appreciated more build-up to deepen the emotional impact.
Overall, Queen of Fury is an engaging and immersive read with strong character development and a rich atmosphere, though its pacing and the rushed romance may leave some readers wanting more emotional depth.

I loved this romantic Arthurian retelling of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Not only was it a wonderful reimagining of the island of Avalon, but it incorporated Lyonesse (another mystical land of Arthurian legend) and the island of Ys from Breton folklore into the mix and it just made me so happy overall. And Hwyfar (I’m assuming it’s pronounced as hu-veer) and Gawain? Natania, you have officially joined the ranks of my incredibly limited favorite romantic fantasy authors with these two. 😍

The story follows Hwyfar and Gawain’s POVs about a few years after the events of Queen of None. Hwyfar is a proud but broken woman struggling with taking over a kingdom while trying to deal with her grief for the deaths of her lover and beloved sister on top of her dependence on alcohol and narcotic-like substances. I loved how realistic her substance abuse was in this and how she isn’t afraid to tell people her thoughts. This is a bit opposite of Gawain who I feel lives a lot in his head and only really comes out of his shell when around people he trusts. I loved the exploration of toxic masculinity through the concept of chivalry and its expectations of how men should act and look like as knights. Gawain struggles with how he should act and coupled with his traumatic upbringing with an abusive father, I can see why he strives to be more stoic and righteous man. The interactions between these two was just *chef’s kiss* with their yearning and longing for one another, and I really liked what Barron did with their connection. I was also very impressed with the way in which their bisexuality was handled and how they are each not afraid to talk about their sexual history and previous partners. Really though, these two gave me the idea of two gentle and traumatized gentle giants coming together to help each other heal. 🥹

The only lingering questions that I have are that of Elayne and her role in Hwyfar’s past, but is she the main character for the final book in the trilogy? I would love to get to know more about her! 🤞🏼

All in all, I had an incredible time reading this second installment to The Queens of Fate series, and would really recommend it for fans of Keetch’s Morgan le Fay series and are dying for another stellar Arthurian retelling to fill the time between now and her third book. ✨

Big thank you goes out to Solaris Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review and to the author, Barron, for making me swoon with these two. ❤️

Publication date: December 3!

Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐️

Are you looking for a book full of adventure, fated lovers, betrayal, and loss? If so, this is the book for you! Book two in the Queens of Fate series did not disappoint! Hwyfar was supposed to be the wife of King Arthur until she was passed over for her sister Gwyn, so she created a life for herself of luxury, elaborate foods, clothes, artisans, and, of course, any lover she wanted. But that life has come to a screeching halt. She is called back to Avalon as her father's health declines. She has never wanted to rule, but now the throne is thrust upon her, and new enemies and old attack her isle. With the help of knights sent by Arthur, who also wants the Isle of Avalon, Hwyfar will set out on an adventure unlike any other. This book made me laugh and cry and kept me guessing what would happen to Hwyfar and Gawain until the end. My heart shattered and then was restored time and time again.

I loved this book! Treachery, quests, romance, and magic! Well-written. I liked the pace of the story too. This is how I imagine the tales of King Arthur. Highly recommend!