Nikki’s Review of The Briar Crown

By Helen Rygh-Pedersen

Started: 11/10

Finished: 11/18

Back Jacket Synopsis: 

Twenty-five years ago, there was life. Twenty-five years ago, there was peace when the descendants of the dryads and naiads kept all life in balance. Until one fateful night when the Oderbergs invaded, executed the royal house of Domonov and took Domovnia for their own, ruling with an iron fist and an edict of fear.

Roslyn Pleveli, like most of the orphans of that night, wants revenge and an end to the persecution of her kind. Yet, even if the Domovnian’s use of magic was permitted, she wouldn’t be much help, able to command only a few lowly weeds. But everything changes when she saves the life of an injured young man in the forest not knowing it was the prince of the Oderbergs himself. Ordered to see to the rest of his treatment, Roslyn is snatched from her home and all that she loves by his soldiers.

Now, in the Oderberg stronghold, she has the chance to change things. With the royal family within her grasp all she has to do to free her people is kill them… but can she do it, or will something more powerful than revenge heal the wounds of the past?

Nikki’s Review: I am a sucker for enemies to lovers and this story delivered on that. The two main characters were an unlikely pairing that had great banter and chemistry. I appreciated the strength of Roslyn and the tenderness of Prince Frederik as they navigated their new arrangement. 

The world building was excellent. It was a fully fleshed out setting and the writing style matched it perfectly. The cover is gorgeous as well, and even won the SPFBO Bronze medal for Best Fantasy Cover. 

The story buttoned up nicely at the end in a satisfying way.

Great quote from the book: 

‘Frederik placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head upwards so that she could look nowhere but his face…”And I think you see yourself in the box others have placed you in. I see none of those things, Roslyn. I see someone with powers and passion. Step out of the box and let your true self be free”’

“Movie” Rating: PG-13+ for coarse language and sexual content - this one got spicy!!! 

Overall Recommendation: If you like enemies to lovers stories with magical elements in a medieval setting with a little bit of spice, you will love The Briar Crown! Keep an eye out for my ARC review of Apple Seeds in the Snow- another story by Helen Rygh-Pedersen in the Zemkoska Chronicles series (interconnected standalone novels). 

If you would like to purchase The Briar Crown on Amazon, follow this link

Disclaimer: *Our reviews are solely our opinions and not swayed by any outside factors. The reviews are for fun and not meant to be taken as a professional book endorsement, review, or advice.