I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group/Penguin Books for providing me with an egalley of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Someone betrayed Anne Boleyn and her coven, and Lady Grace Fairfax is determined to find out who. But Grace is not the only one looking for the traitor. Kind Henry has his witch hunters out determined bring them to the light and punish them for their crimes.
I have been really enjoying this series by Dawson. I loved this chance I had to go back to the beginnings of how Her Majesty's Royal Coven and see the strength and fortitude it took to keep their coven alive. I love an origin story. Dawson takes us from present to past with alternating chapters as we watch the relationship between Grace and Anne develops as well as how their coven joins to ensure the continuation of their group.
All the characters are well developed despite the short nature of the story. I really enjoyed the twist on the relationship between Anne and one of her ladies; the love and intimacy they shared. And the fear involved in them potentially being found out. Dawson expertly shows the important connections between the witches, how they protect each other, and their determination to be kept safe from those who want them eradicated. She easily weaves in drama and emotion between her characters and touches on the power love, betrayal, fear, and death.
There is action and suspense making the story fast paced and impactful.
For those who know the story of Boleyn, this story truly delves into the idea of what if she were really a witch and how that played out behind the scenes. While this is part of the HMRC series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone, if you choose to do so. But if you're a fan of the series, it will give you a wonderful background of how HMRC was formed and how they continued to be enmeshed in the politics that are the royal family.