⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven is a story about modern day witches and the threat that looms on the horizon for a group of childhood friends who all went their different ways after the civil war.

“A beginning often signals an end. That's the thing with dawn... you must first get through the night.“

At the very beginning, I was a bit confused about this story to be honest. They kept talking about a war that had happened, and at first I believed they were talking about World War II when talking about the war. Later on it became apparent that a civil war within the magic community had happened. I think some of this confusion could’ve been prevented by putting the explanation of the history earlier in the story then it is now.

I really liked the plot and how the story played out. It had me grasping and really drew me in. The introduction was really well done to introduce the different characters and their current lives. It also really shows how their lives change by all that happens in the book. So the impact is really felt and real.

The different characters were a bit hard to keep track of and not all were as memorable. Niamh I liked best, but maybe also because she had quite a prominent role in the story itself. Helena seemed really narrowminded throughout the story and I wasn’t a fan, but I believe that was the goal in writing her that way. Leonie was really awesome in her stand and what she did for the BIPOC and queer community in the story with Diaspora! Elle wasn’t so memorable or stood really out to me. Holly and Theo stood out more and I really liked that duo. I kinda wanted to see more of them and I am excited to see how they’ll continue to grow.

This whole book is really inclusive and I like how all was included and portrayed. Theo being trans, was a really nice touch and I liked the different views of the characters on that and how they viewed it all. I really applaud Dawson for that. The whole book feels like a massive story all for women’s rights and the struggles we sometimes face as women. It made me feel empowered reading this!

The ending came along really nicely and I really grasped at the very last few pages! While some parts were a bit predictable, it still really took me by surprise!

Spoiler

I am kinda afraid though about what Ciara did to Niamh, because if she’s truly death because Ciara killed her body, then I’ll be very, very sad as Niamh and Theo are my favorite characters. I also don’t believe she can pull it off very long hiding who she really is

Seeing as this is the first in a trilogy, I will be picking up book two! But I do wonder where the story will go for two more books. While I have an idea for the next book, it doesn’t seem like something that can be dragged over two new books. I am curious to see how the story will play out in this world.

Overall, this book is an awesome and empowering read with kickass fantasy involved as well. The message on transgenders depicted in this book is really important and worth reading.