A review by plush
The Gilded Crown by Marianne Gordon

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Hellevir has been strange for longer than she has been able to speak to Death and raise the dead. Once Hellevir raised the heir to the throne after she was assassinated, it was only a matter of time before the crown decided she was too valuable to leave in her village next to nothing. But the city surrounding the palace is crawling with webs of deceit and hatred. Threats come both from the crown demanding her obedience and the church that labels her a heathen. Raising the dead exacts a toll that she’s more than willing to pay, but being near the princess may cost her heart. 

This book hooked me from the first page. I could not put it down. I love Hellevir. She’s so real and flawed. I love the atmosphere and the writing of this story. Everything feels so tangible while reading. I love the descriptions and how beautifully everything is described. 

I honestly can’t believe it’s a debut novel. This book is a thorny delight that will stick with me for a long time. I cannot wait for more.