I thoroughly enjoyed Foxglove King, the first book in the series, and was really excited to dive into The Hemlock Queen. However, while there were definitely elements that stood out, The Hemlock Queen didn’t quite hit the same sweet spot for me. The story had a lot of potential, and I did appreciate aspects of it, but ultimately, it felt a bit too complicated and drawn out in certain areas.

One of the highlights of The Hemlock Queen for me was the ending. It was absolutely heart-wrenching and truly a fabulous conclusion to the book. It had that emotional punch and was one of the key reasons I still gave the book a 4-star rating—because that ending was definitely memorable and left me wanting more. But, unfortunately, the rest of the book didn’t have quite the same impact.

The story often felt difficult to follow at times. There were parts where the plot became overcomplicated, and I found myself getting lost in details that didn’t seem to push the story forward. It felt like the pacing was off, with sections that lingered too long on internal monologue, prose, and world-building that didn’t necessarily add clarity to the story. In fact, at times, these elements seemed to make things even more complicated, and it felt like the narrative was unnecessarily dragged out. I think the book could have benefitted from a simpler, more streamlined approach.

Despite these issues, I’m still really invested in how the series will end, and my hope is that the next installment is more fast-paced and easier to follow.

Death, religion, longing, betrayal this book has all of that and so much more, I just love Hannah Whitten's worlds.

3.5 stars rounded up because I'm still intrigued as to what's going to happen both with the main plot of the gods and with the characters and their relationships.

But...I didn't get on with the book as much as I'd hoped to. It chopped and changed a little bit too much for me in terms of what I expected, that's possibly more on me and what I was bringing to the book as a reader, but I felt like the book was slow to start, with Lore being extremely passive, being carried along by Bastian and events, not speaking up for herself. The book picks up pace and plot in the second half, but somehow in doing so, for me, it also loses the complexity and interesting threads at the same time. So let's try and organise my thoughts:

1. The romance (the love triangle)
I don't normally like love triangle tropes at all, mainly because there's usually lying and betrayal, but I don't think the relationships between Lore, Gabe, and Bastian follow the usual path. They all care for each other despite the complicated experiences they've been through, and how each of them deal differently with their beliefs and values, and they don't lie to each other, they just don't necessarily know how to communicate their feelings for and to each other, and the main plot feeds into this. So I think Hannah Whitten navigates their relationships really well, because this is the only three-person romance I've read where I actually care about and root for all of the characters in different ways. There is one steamy scene, and, while I often find steamy scenes cringey, especially dialogue-wise, that wasn't the case for me here, however, how and when it happened, and with who, given what was going on with the plot, I wasn't entirely sure about. It was kind of understandable, but at the same time, Lore doesn't really know the motives of the person involved at this point, and had been exploring the character's flaws and her own flawed responses to them for much of the beginning of the book, so, I couldn't really root for it.

2. Which brings me onto the gods. Their origins are a little disappointing, and a little, I don't know a better word for convenient. The source of the power is vague and intangible, and also involves a controlling abusive relationship that I can't understand, and didn't like reading about, and it brought the gods down to a human small level. This is interesting to me, because it explores the idea of the power of hero/deity worship, and what makes a deity, and the nature of control, but at the same time lessens the mystery of the gods, and therefore makes them less interesting to me, and reduces the main antagonist to just a bad man, powerful, but human in nature, and a pretty stereotypical baddie. Given the ending, we find that one of them has a lot more control over a certain person and events than originally thought, which brings into question that character even more, which again, makes Lore's romantic decisions a bit more dubious when it comes to this person.

3. The magic - I found the idea of mortem really interesting in the first book, but the combination of spiritum and mortem makes Lore's magic less interesting for me, because it seems to solve every desperate situation she's in, in the main parts of the book. Bringing life back, bringing death to plants, animals, people, and things, manipulating stone - Lore can use her magic in every situation, but at the same time, it's not used in a complex way that can help her think her way out of the main problem she faces.
<spoiler> I was pretty glad that the solution she tries at the end doesn't work out, it followed the pattern of the magic use up to this point, and would have been another case of this being too convenient, so the ending is what gives me hope for the third book. </spoiler>

4. The rest - The side really are side characters. Alie was the better fleshed out of all of them, with a story of her own, but Malcolm was pretty non-descript, and Lore's adoptive mothers while brought in at the ninth hour, don't have much to do except serve the plot.

So, a mixed bag, but note my star rating, my mixed feelings not withstanding, I enjoyed reading this book and want more! What Hannah Whitten does really well for me is write immersive worlds with a sense of past and history, grounded in human conflict that I find really convincing, and write romances that feel real and not too cliched, the characters react to their experiences and I can understand and empathise with their characters which makes me care about romantic plotlines that in other hands I just wouldn't like. I feel like the third book is going to redeem my issues with this second one, because it felt like the book was headed in a definite direction, it just wavered a bit in how it was getting there. So still excited to read about how Gabe, Lore, and Bastian are going to get out of their various predicaments (if they all do -eep!)

Review “The Hemlock Queen” by Hannah Whitten

This is the second book in the Nightshade Crown Series by Hannah Whitten, so beware that you have to read The Foxglove King first.

I really liked the first book because of the unique magic system and religious political court. However, sadly, Hemlock Queen didn’t reach the expectations I had for the book.

The book starts where the first ends, where the MCs Lore, Bastian and Gabe find themselves in positions of power in the Sainted Court because of the events in the Foxglove King. With Bastian's coronation fast approaching and enemies whispering on all sides, Lore must figure out how to protect herself, her prince and her country before they all come crumbling down and whatever dark power has been creeping through the catacombs is unleashed.

The book was very slow paced, it felt like nothing severe was happening. I don’t know if it's because this book is suffering from the "middle book syndrome" or just the lack of action, but for me it felt over long. However, we got a lot more insight on the gods, religion and world building.

I really liked Lore in the first book, because she was strong and sassy, but sadly, she had a very passive role in Hemlock Queen and let the other characters handle the plot. Towards the end, she took matters back into her own hands and hopefully in the next book she will become stronger and more determined than before.

The swoon worthy Bastian I liked instantly first lost his flirtatious and swaggering self in this book. (Spoiler: But maybe that is because an insane god inhabits his body??)
I really felt the anger and sadness in Lores's need to protect this precious human. He deserved better.
The love triangle gave me a hard time. The tension and chemistry were nowhere to be found like in the first book and neither me nor Lore could decide which one it will be. In my opinion, the romance part suffered in favor of worldbuilding, and I wish there were more cute scenes with the three of them.

However, this book presents a consuming dark world with life and death magic, awaking gods and political intrigues. The characters are overall likable and the writing is bespelling.

You'll enjoy it if you like:

• Gothic Fantasy/Romantasy
• Unique Magic system with Death Magic and Necromancy
• Love Triangle / Romantic Angst
• Gods
• High-stake secrets

Thanks to NetGalley, Orbit and Hannah Whitten for the eARC in exchange for a honest review <3

A fantastic second book in an outstanding fantasy series that takes even further into the world of gods, magic, fonts, love, betrayal, and the endless fight Lore must wage to save the ones she loves. Epic, masterful, and action pact until the very end! I am so very ready for the final book! I loved all the characters, even the ones I wanted to hate, and I enjoyed taking this next step in their journey with them. Well done to the author for creating this world J can not seem to let go of.

This book had me more gripped than the first. The character growth was very intriguing. I loved the dilemma that the 2 main characters were in. The magic system from both books I absolutely loved and that's what I like with books about magic, something different.
I also loved the political element and the forbidden romance, love triangle AND the warring between gods and goddesses and the personal angst that all the characters are going through in this book.
I do fear that the 3rd book will give us heartache that most of us aren't prepared for as I certainly am not as I've grown to love these characters. Cannot wait for book 3 now.

Thank you Little, Brown book group uk and Netgalley for sending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review

I absolutely adored this follow up to the Foxglove King. Whitten expertly expands the world and the lore of the gods, whilst keeping the heart of the novel with the core romance.

What. A. Rollercoaster!

I loved this book! The Hemlock Queen is the sequel to The Foxglove King, which I didn't realize when I requested it - oops! But I flew through book 1 to get to this one and oh my was it worth it. I found the world highly intriguing and good fun. The characters all have my heart broken because I want them all to be happy, but I'm still not sure where the love triangle is heading. I'm here for it though!

Lore cracks me up. She's funny and so honest. I think one of my favourite aspects of the world - aside from the banter and chemistry between the three main characters - is the poison trade. Of course, that's where the series gets its name. It's an interesting take on substance use and abuse. I cannot wait to get my hands on The Nightshade God

I needed to know what would happen after foxglove king. This book had the usual second book syndrome - it seemed to be slow in places - but I did enjoy where the story went and I am looking forward to the next one.

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten

Thank Netgalley and Little Brown Books for providing me with an advance copy.

This book, a much quicker and easier read than the first one in the series, resonates with Lore's relatable coping mechanisms. We see her dealing with her pain through alcohol, a method many of us can understand, as she struggles to move on from the events of the previous book. Her feelings of anguish, pain, and anxiety were portrayed so beautifully that I could really connect with what she was experiencing.

The love triangle, a significant and compelling theme, continues to unfold in this story. Gabe's reluctance to acknowledge his feelings allows Bastian to step in, creating a complex story

#thehemlockqueen #netgalley #littlebrownbooks #BookReview

Tropes:
* Epic magic
* Religious political system
* Love triangle
* Gods in earth
* Slow burn

This was a great sequel in a series that I have devoured so far and can not wait for the 3rd book in the trilogy.

I hated how passive Lore was at the start of this book but it makes sense when she’s coming to terms with so much change. There’s more politics, religion and magic in this book where all are intrinsically linked! It’s a complex story where the plot is far reaching, coming full circle and all is explained in the end. There are romantic ties between our two main MCs Bastian & Gave. I am personally a Bastian fan as I feel he fights SO hard and others underestimate or brush him off. I can’t wait to see what is to come…

4.5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️

Quotes:
* Sweetness was as foreign to her as it was to him, and she craved it.
* Be morally ambivalent with me, then.
* poison where His heart should be. Fitting.
* All godhood passes in selfishness and desperation.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK - Orbit for this eCopy to review

I really enjoyed the first book in this series (The Foxglove King), however The Hemlock Queen was over long, very slow and over complicated. It didn't seem to have the same sexual tension between Bastian, Gabe and Lore s the first book. I really struggled reading it. Perhaps it was because the gods are taking over the characters their great personalities from book 1 were lost in this sequel.

I am still interested in how the series develops I'm just hoping the characters improve and the plot is a bit more straight forward and fast paced

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In book 1, Lore and Bastian survived a plot by Anton that would have seen Lore dead and Bastian wielding the power of life and death. Now, in book 2, Bastian is about to be coronated, Gabriel is the priest exalted, and Lore has become Bastian’s right hand. As Bastian's rule begins, Lore notices a change in Bastian and fears what could be causing erratic behaviour. Something is happening to Bastian, and it appears someone is putting ideas in his head, but who could it be and how can Lore help before Bastian loses himself entirely.

The character development in this second was so much better than in book one. There's still a love triangle type situation, which isn't normally my thing but I'm holding out for them to just become a throuple, but i fear there is going to be some heartbreak in the 3rd book instead. The Hemlock Queen was even better than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In book 1, Lore and Bastian survived a plot by Anton that would have seen Lore dead and Bastian wielding the power of life and death. Now, in book 2, Bastian is about to be coronated, Gabriel is the priest exalted, and Lore has become Bastian’s right hand. As Bastian's rule begins, Lore notices a change in Bastian and fears what could be causing erratic behaviour. Something is happening to Bastian, and it appears someone is putting ideas in his head, but who could it be and how can Lore help before Bastian loses himself entirely.

The character development in this second was so much better than in book one. There's still a love triangle type situation, which isn't normally my thing but I'm holding out for them to just become a throuple, but i fear there is going to be some heartbreak in the 3rd book instead.

Even though I remembered enjoying book one. I went into this one remembering absolutely nothing about it and it took me a while to get back into the world, and I almost gave up a few times as nothing was clicking for me in my head and I had no idea what was going on. However I’m glad I continued as I did end up liking this one okay, seeing how Lore continued to deal with having powers and then having a goddess in her head was interesting and I enjoyed seeing that aspect.
I think this book would have been given a greater depth of story telling if we had a P.O.V from Bastion (and maybe even Gabe) as I think Bastions story is much better as he is completely taken over by his god and I wanted to hear his side and how he is trying to fight for his control of self.
The writing/world building again was fine and not overly complicated. But the characters all seem too young for their ages and they read more teenagers than late 20s.

Thank you to the publishers for my arc.

I absolutely loved Foxglove King and was very interested to see where the events of the book would go.

Hemlock Queen follows the aftermath of the ritual and there's a big problem. Lore and Bastian may be alive but they aren't alone. As they try to navigate their feelings for one another and battle their subconscious it's evident that they're fighting a battle they may not win but Lore is determined not to lose and is determined to break what fate has in store for not only herself and Bastian but for their friends as well.

Can't wait for book 3!

Love the sequel and cannot wait for the next book!

The beginning and end were amazing, a little slow in the middle, but I just needed to know how the story unfolded!

3,25/5 stars.

I liked this book way more than the first one. It was easier and much quicker to read. I felt like this had faster pace than the first one, and this one was overall more interesting in my opinion. One of the best things about both of the books was the gothic atmosphere and feel to it. I also liked the death magic part of this.

I had a bit of a hard time buying the relationship between Lore and the guys. I just didn't feel the chemistry between either pairing, but as a love interest I do like Bastian more than Gabe. Maybe it would have helped if there were also pov for both Bastian and Gabe and if there was a bit more steam between the love triangle to keep things interesting.

Also because there was only Lore's pov I felt that a lot happened off page that Lore was never a part of. Which was a shame because I am always eager to see more political intrigue and all the schemes behind the scenes.

Overall I enjoyed this one a lot, I just would have enjoyed this even more if this was a bit longer and had more pov's.

I loved the Foxglove King and the ending left me feeling shocked and betrayed! I could not wait to read the Hemlock Queen!

The book starts off with Lore numbing her pain with alcohol and trying to get over what happened in the first book.
Her anguish, pain and anxiety was beautifully written. All her feelings throughout the book were so amazingly written that you could just feel what she was feeling.

The love triangle is still strong in this book. Gabe still doesn’t want to admit to his feelings which makes it easier for Bastian to swoop in. Lore’s feelings are still split between them both.

Normally the second book in a series feels like a filler but The Hemlock Queen is definitely not one of them! It still had its fast pace and just so much happens in this book that you are in a constant mix of emotions you are going through!
I loved every single second of this book and I could not put it down until I had it finished!

I can’t wait for the last book!

Firstly thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK, Hannah Whitten & Netgalley for sending me an eARC of the Hemlock Queen.

The Hemlock queen is a dark and gothic fantasy which takes place straight after Book 1, The Foxglove King. Lore is a great FMC, strong and fierce, and she is a big part of why I loved book 1, but she does take a bit more of a back seat in this book.

The world building is on point and I loved the addition of the Gods in this book as well as all of the court politics! The romance does feel more developed in this book but it is still very much a slow burn and of course the love triangle between Lore, Gabe and Bastian is a big part of the book. They are also dealing with their new found positions of power and navigating all that entails!

I really enjoyed Hemlock Queen. Would definitely recommend for fans of gothic fantasy with a more YA romance vibe. Looking forward to book 3!

Did I not realise this was a sequel? Yes
Did I go and buy the first book anyways, absolutely love Foxglove King then get straight onto this one? Absolutely yes I did.

This was such an easy read, I felt I was able to follow along the journey without too much mental effort or having to go back to parts in the book to understand, or reread sections which I appreciate.
I also felt like while I loved the first book, the writing has also really improved for no2. The second book in a series can be tricky sometimes but this did great!

I think I'm now invested for the next one!

This sequel took everything I loved about The Foxglove King and dialled it up to ten. Hannah Whitten delivers a dark, atmospheric masterpiece full of intrigue, betrayal, and even deeper magic.

We pick up right where The Foxglove King left off, and Lore’s world is darker and more dangerous than ever. Now tangled in the web of court politics, death magic, and her own unravelling destiny, Lore is as fierce and complex as ever. I loved watching her walk the razor’s edge between power and vulnerability, life and death.

The relationships in this book are everything. The tension between Lore, Gabriel, and Bastian is impossible to look away from. Their dynamics are layered, emotional, and so full of angst I couldn’t get enough—especially as trust fractures and alliances shift. The slow-burn romance (and the heartbreak that comes with it) kept me glued to the page.

Whitten’s world-building shines yet again, steeped in gothic beauty and rich lore. The stakes are higher, the magic darker, and the rot creeping through the kingdom feels suffocating. I couldn’t tear myself away as secrets were revealed and the threads of the story came together in shocking ways.

By the time I hit the ending, I was reeling. The twists, the betrayals, the heart-stopping moments—I’m still recovering. The Hemlock Queen is everything I want in a dark fantasy sequel: atmospheric, emotional, and utterly unputdownable. If you love gothic intrigue, morally grey characters, and stories that blur the lines between love and power, this one’s for you. I need the final book ASAP.