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.

4.5 stars

Queen of Fury, sequel to Queen of None, tells the story of Hwyfar, princess of Avillion, former betrothed of King Arthur and sister of Gweyn. She is a riveting, powerful heroine who must return to her home after spending seven years at Arthur’s court at Carelon, to step into a regency over her ailing father. When Avillion is threatened by war, Arthur sends a group of knights headed by Gawain, son of Anna Pendragon. In exchange for military aid, Arthur wants Hwyfar to marry one of his knights, thus removing her as a potential threat to Carelon in the future. As soon as Gawain arrives, the connection between him and Hwyfar is inevitable. The two are whisked away on a magical adventure to the home of Hwyfar’s mother, and must work together to find their way out of traps, fight monsters, and return to end Avillion’s conflict.
This book is absolutely fantastic. I really liked Queen of None, but this sequel stands head and shoulders above. I don’t think I’ve ever “shipped” two characters before they even meet on the page the way I did Hwyfar and Gawain. Their dynamic is so much fun, and so full of nuance, and tells such a beautiful story about two people finding love after trauma. I also loved getting so much more insight into Hwyfar, because I didn’t even see how much she was hurting during the events of Queen of None. We also got to see Anna from the perspective of others, and the two books work together so well. This series, and this novel, are must-reads for anyone interested in a feminist King Arthur retelling. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Queen of Mercy!

3.5rounded down to 3

Hwyfar has been a pawn for most of her life, but with her father descending into madness, she has the opportunity to rule her kingdom. Will Gawain's arrival help her succeed or ruin her plans?

Read if you like:
-Arthurian legends from a female-centric POV
-Duty vs Heart
-Loyalty vs Love
-Magic and Fated Mates

I liked the beginning and middle of the book, but the pacing in the last half was off. It either needed to be a shorter book or a longer one. My favorite part was how Hwyfar and Gawain had been caught in the middle their whole lives only to finally find each other. It wasn't exactly a romance, but it did have romantic elements.

OMG like... I liked Queen of None well enough, (oh look I gave it 4 stars), but this one... I figure you could skip the first and just READ THIS. (Well, assuming you have a core knowledge of Arthurian legends.)

Hwyfar is fire and fury and everything you would want in a Queen. Of course, King Arthur can't have that because then she would challenge him and his authority too much. So he marries her sisters instead (in succession, not at the same time, lol). But Hwyfar is still a Princess of Avillion in her own right, not just Arthur's jilted bride, and when she's done wallowing, she finds a way to rise to her true calling and protect her homeland.

There's a dual POV in this one, so you're following both Hwyfar of Avillion and Gawain of Orkney, which is brilliant in this (okay, maybe a little tropish) tale of fated lovers, treason, and magic, especially since both parties present a very different persona to the world than they truly are/feel. There's interweavings of the tales of the green man (Green Knight?) and the lost kingdom of Lyonesse, cults with corrupt magic, and a navigating of forbidden love because King Arthur is a self-absorbed, insecure man who cannot abide anyone better than him nearby for fear that they will rise up and take his throne. Even if it's his own nephew.

Content warnings: I have to add that this is 100% NOT a clean read. A key theme in the magic of this story is the concept of "carioz" or partners, and the exchange of power or energy in this pairing worked out via a lot of blood and sex.

It's a marked shift from Anna Pendragon's story, where the protagonist herself is hidden in the shadows - and stays there. Here, Hwyfar is meant to be relegated to the background, but she steals the reins for herself, taking command of her own destiny. It's still very much a period piece though, showcasing what she can (or cannot) do within the constraints of a misogynistic, chauvinistic society - especially if she wants to balance agency with respectability. There's also that pesky thing about family loyalty and how all they want to do might break the peace of the kingdom since they're both from royal families.

Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Solaris/Rebellion Publishing via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hwyfar is tending to her dying father when she receives word that her half uncle is staging an attack for the throne. Word is sent to Arthur, who decides to send aid if Hwyfar agrees to a marriage contract to solidify her not being eligible to the throne of Avillion. In her distress, she agrees, and Arthur sends Gawain along with a dozen other men to assist, and to search for the “graal”, three magical relics hidden throughout the realm. Gawain and Hwyfar quickly develop a connection both emotional and magical in nature during their quest to save Avillion

This was certainly more fun than the first book in the series. It was rather more whimsical and romantic as well. I thought Hwyfar and Gawain both displayed good growth as characters, but as per usual with a romantic plot line, I thought it was too hasty.

This was a OK read. I wasn't super big on seeing another narrative of a female being pinned as mad. Story line and everything was OK. Just not that captivating.

Where to start?? This book is a beautifully crafted work of art, filled with drama,romance, magic and so so much more it truly kept me guessing at every turn and took me back to why I love reading so much! This book felt like a little escape from the noise.

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and publisher.

This is the second book in a series and another fantastic addition from this author. We’re seeing a lot of Arthurian retellings recently, but this author is choosing to focus on the lesser known women from the stories. You can read these books stand-alone as they focus on different main characters, however reading them in order is just wonderful and gives such richness to the second story.

This is a tale of a woman reclaiming her heritage, protecting her home and discovering love along the way. We have a bold and brilliant main character and an initially unsure, but supportive love interest whose affection only grows in spite of knowing their relationship would never be sanctioned by the king.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. There were a few bits that got a little repetitive, however on the whole this was a fantastically magical, gripping and rich tale. We have so much history, folklore and delightful detail in this story.

First, thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. This is my first ever ARC review and I am so happy to have this one be my very first!

This is a sequel, and I have not read the first book, though after this book I do really want to read it and have added it to my TBR! My review does have my thoughts as someone reading this knowing they have not read the first book. It is still a really good book and you could read it as if it was a standalone like I did. But you’ll probably want the first book after if not before reading this one!

Here are my thoughts before reading: The Queen of Fury by Natania Barron is the very first ARC copy I have ever done and The Queen of Fury is the first book I have ever read by Natania Barron. I was drawn to the cover and I accidentally missed that this was the second book in The Queens of Fate Series. That being said I was drawn to it being about the strong women in King Arthur.

Due to this book being a sequel, I did have a harder time diving into the book. (I am definitely going to get the first book, Queen of None.) But once I finally got through the initial chapters of orienting myself in the Arthurian world I did start to enjoy the story (around 20% through the story). That being said the plot was beautifully written and I could not put the book down after I got through the world-building.

Our MMC, Gawain, and FMC, Hwyfar were beautifully written with a lot of depth in their characters. Both characters had an interesting backstory with various threads connecting them (fated, if I dare say). And there was a theme of healing in the book, which I loved not only for Hwyfar’s home but also for Hwyfar and Gawain as they navigated through loss. Loss of family, loss of their positions and control. Barron does a really good job of going in depth of the emotional toll these two experience throughout their journey.

Hwyfar is a very interesting FMC character, she is the eldest daughter of the King of Avillion and was originally supposed to marry King Arthur, for some reason Arthur chose to marry Gweynevere, the younger sister who passed away. Arthur then married Hwyfar’s other sister Mawra. This affected Hwyfar in many ways, loss of magic, drinking and taking many lovers earning her a negative position in King Arthur’s court. Throughout the book, we also see her struggle with trusting others. When her father gets sick she returns to Avillion and eventually becomes the Queen Regent leading to us meeting the MMC.

Our MMC is Gawain, and my initial thoughts on him is that he seems very grumpy. He does not indulge King Arthur on the pursuit for Christianity nor does he want a wife. He also had a connection with Gweynevere. Arthur sends him to Avillion with Gawain’s brother and some other knights to help stop an invasion by Prince Ryence and the Ys. Side note: Gawain is very tall with knee problems as someone who is also very tall with knee problems, this is so relatable so Gawain became my favorite automatically!

The romance was just the right amount and it did have some spice but it was very tastefully written and did not distract from the main story. And the banter! Oh, I loved Hwyfar and her sass and wit! Gawain always knew how to respond to her too. These two kept laughing and I fell in love with each turning page. My favorite quote was, “I will not run, I will not falter.” It was used alot and it really summed up Gawain and Hwyfar’s relationship as they build up trust in each other and their love for each other.

I loved the magic aspect, though sometimes I felt lost on what was going on. There are three forms of magic and a graal mentioned. I did struggle with following the magic lore (granted this was probably explained in Queen of None). And some major conflicts were solved with this magic but I just felt lost when reading it. Despite this the plot was well written and I did not want to put the book down once Gawain and Hwyfar were on their journey in Avillion to parlay with Prince Ryence.

I don’t know a lot about the story of King Arthur aside from the movie and I read one of those classic books on him almost 15 years ago. My Arthurian knowledge was very limited but Natania Barron does a pretty good job explaining the different magical aspects and the politics. Speaking of King Arthur, he was a piece of work, I was not a fan of him and the author did a good job at making me despise King Arthur.

Overall I gave this book 4.25 stars (4 stars). The plot kept me on my toes and the last few chapters had me so worried for Hwyfar and Gawain. The twists and turns were so good! I will definitely be reading more of Natania Barron’s work in the future and Queen of None is in my cart! If you love a forbidden love, Arthurian lore, a powerful FMC, and a giant MMC this is the book for you!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Queen of Fury by Natania Barron is a thrilling Arthurian retelling filled with political drama, ancient magic, and a beautifully crafted romance.
Hwyfar, a strong and conflicted protagonist, finds herself thrust into a dangerous game of power as she fights to reclaim her kingdom through a series of quests.
The author weaves an enchanting tapestry of rich world-building, where ancient forests are filled with magic, and court intrigues keep you guessing at every turn. The fresh take on King Arthur was particularly interesting. In this book, he is a calculating and ruthless ruler, determined to manipulate those around him to achieve his ends.
Hwyfar’s internal struggle between her duty and desires made her journey all the more gripping, and I found myself rooting for her as she faced impossible decisions. The relationship between her and Gawain was masterfully written, slowly evolving from initial distrust to a romance that felt both natural and passionate.
Overall, Queen of Fury is a compelling, emotional, and immersive read that I highly recommend to fans of strong, stubborn heroines with a soft side.

This book was beautiful! The writing was so beautiful and it added so much to the story. The world building was very well explained. I would highly recommend this book!