I just loved this sequel to Her Majesty's Royal Coven. Picking up from the cliff hanger that we were left on in the first book we learn more of all the characters with some unexpected OMG moments. I’m not going into any details of the story as you have to have read the previous book and I don’t want to spoil it for you. The only down side is I now have to wait for the last book in the trilogy! Probably my top book of the year so far. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

The Shadow Cabinet picks up right where HMRC left off and the pace is just as relentless. As well as getting POVs from our main witches, we are also introduced to new ones; some from established characters such as Luke, but also from new people. This gives us the opportunity to learn more about them which I really enjoyed. It also means we are privy to a few secrets they may be hiding!

The main themes from the first book are all still here as well as the various pop culture references and political commentary. The development of Theo and how she is still coming to terms with her transition is one of the more moving parts of this series and the scenes with her and Holly are some of my favourites.

I found myself wishing that we could spend more time on Leonie’s storyline as the fast pace meant that we didn't get as much development as I would have liked. Consequently, when the shocks came, they didn’t pack as much of a punch.

At times it feels like there are one too many threads; as well as the threat of Hale, there is now a human witchfinder cult populated with incels along with the looming presence of the Prime Minister’s advisor who clearly has issues with witches. However, Dawson manages to weave these threads neatly together to provide an exciting and shocking finale that literally left my jaw on the floor.

Enjoyed this just as much, if not more than book one. The character progression was fantastic, the prose were as good as ever. Cannot wait to read more work from this author.

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Shadow Cabinet
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Book 2 of 3 of HMRC
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Juno Dawson
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: LGBT+ Urban Fantasy
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 8th June 2023
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 31st May 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.5/5

”Maybe a woman, any woman, just can’t be powerful in this world. It’s not even a glass ceiling, we can all fucking see it.”

This series is such a trip.

The Shadow Cabinet remains every bit as political as the first book, with more feminism and trans rights activism to enjoy.

However, this read isn’t heavy in the slightest. It’s raw, has so much humour, and a jaw dropping amount of female empowerment. Of course, I loved it.

The main character is an exciting blend of loose morals, wild spirit, and unnerving rebellion. She was such a complex and deeply thought out character with an incredible realness to her. It’s a testament to Dawson’s writing of how well developed this character is.

This book truly is a whirlwind of a fantasy. Or a fantasy on acid. There were twists I expected, twists I never saw coming, and twists for the sake of twists. Not once during this entire story did I get bored.

Surprisingly, Whilst Theo was a huge contributing character in book one, she was incredibly basic in book two, although I do feel like this leads us into a momentous character arc in book three, so I am excited to see what that leads.

I also felt like the themes were slightly different in this book, with the friendship already strongly established in book one, this book seemed to focus on romantic relationships with the toxic relationship of one couple and more exploration into another couple who is in an open relationship.

The Shadow Cabinet was so damn enjoyable. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this fun series.

—Kayleigh🤍
@ Welsh Book Fairy🧚‍♀️✨

“A Spellbinding Sequel!!”
Picking up immediately after the events of Her Majesty's Royal Coven, Dawson's novel throws readers back into this magical world with a plot even more addictive than the first. After believing that Hebden Bridge is safe from trouble and magical chaos, this group of friends find themselves faced with new dangers as the future of HMRC is questioned and loyalties are tested. Dawson's sequel is not one to miss.

I did not think it was possible to enjoy a book as much as I did the first but The Shadow Cabinet is perhaps one of my favourite reads this year! Dawson expands on the world we already loved and develops the stories of each character in the best ways possible. We learn more about each of characters we previously pondered about and are certainly not left disappointed. This is a pacy and tense read that will not leave you bored but will certainly leave you wanting more. The perfect sequel left on the perfect cliffhanger, I need the third book immediately!

Thank you to the publishers for the early reading copy.

I thought Her Majesty’s Royal Coven was fantastic- well The Shadow Cabinet blew it out of the water!

Picking up almost immediately after the events of HMRC (I’m still not over that twist right at the end!), Dawson whisks us into a world where the coven is battling to recover from the actions of its High Priestess. All of the characters introduced in HMRC are back and Dawson continues to weave their stories together on the page.

I love her style of writing- it’s compelling, relentless in terms of the twists and turns in the story- I couldn’t put it down and I was thrown by many of the revelations… Juno knows how to keep us at the edge of our seat.

The book starts off with a slower pace but after the first 100 pages, the story accelerates and doesn’t give up right until the very last word. I can not wait to read the third book in the series! The fierceness and strength of the witches shines through once more in The Shadow Cabinet and it’s definitely a book that I will recommend to the patrons in the library.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This review will be posted on my blog & IG on the 8th of June

Dawson not only perfectly picks up from the exciting cliffhanger of book 1 but manages to weave a tale that is exciting and free from world building is able to deepen the characters.

New additions are strong, but my heart remains with the core witches.

A testament to her ability is that I was able to enjoy a prolonged body swap storyline, a la Buffy’s Who Are You, which is a feat in and of itself as I find them tired and gimmicky normally.

Propulsively page turning with a great climax, I need more. Immediately, And a ten part Netflix adaptation,

Well, she’s done it again folks, Juno Dawson has written another absolutely sensational book. So, the truth is, I’m not really a fantasy reader and I don’t often get into book series, but genuinely, ever since reading Her Majesty’s Royal Coven last summer, I have not stopped thinking about the Shadow Cabinet and boy oh boy did it not disappoint. This book develops on so many details mentioned in book one and I thought it was just so well done. I love the morality discussions in this series, asking the question, if you’re told you’re evil all your life, are you destined to become evil? But much like the first book, Dawson shows that not everything is black and white. I just loved this book and am absolutely dying for book 3. If you love magic, feminism and queer stories, add a little sprinkle of demons and this is an absolute winner.

The Shadow Cabinet retained all the amazing aspects we loved from HMRC - witches, great rep & strong coven bonds, but something about it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

TSC picks up right where HMRC left off & follows the same cast of characters as they adjust to the events of the first book. The one thing I really liked about this book was that the characters remained consistent & the way they dealt with the aftermath were believable & in character.

However, for me although it was well written the pacing was very slow & nothing really happened? The whole plot ultimately ended up being pretty pointless & with basically no climax. Unfortunately I feel like this book suffers a bit from second book syndrome.

Thank you to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

The Shadow Cabinet is the second book of the Her Majesty's Royal Coven. This book starts where the first book left off. It was such a fun read for me. I really enjoyed the friendship in the first book and it continues to grow for me. Juno Dawson writes really beautifully. I loved how each character is has a unique voice and reading their stories was so much fun. Also, this book ends with a massive cliffhanger like the first book too. I can't wait for the next book to learn how this story will end. Thanks to the publisher for this arc.

I was a bit on the fence after reading HMRC as I felt that the characters were too much all black or all white and the world building was a bit missing.
I enjoyed this book and had fun as there's more world building, more action, and the character are more nuanced and we get to know more about them.
It's fast paced, there's a log going on and I had fun and found it entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

The Shadow Cabinet is a brilliant sequel full of so much drama. I loved that we got more world building and historical context about HMRC. The author weaves it into the history of the UK that you already know in a way that makes it feel like it could be real. We also get to know much more about the mundanes who know about witches, from the oblivious prime minister to secret groups of misoginistic witch hunters. The book switches between multiple points of view frequently and each of the protagonists has so much going on. Each plot line was equally engrossing so at the beginning the switches felt a little jarring, but it all comes together in the end.

Like the first book in this series, this one ends in a massive twist and cliffhanger. However, don't worry, there's still a lot of resolution and threads from the plot are wrapped up, it's just that more unravel!

If you loved the first book, I'm sure you will love this one. I cannot wait for book 3!

Kindle copy too difficult to read. Lines of text clearly not in the right order. Will review once I can get a readable copy

The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson is a thrilling and intense continuation of the series, delivering another dose of mystery, magic, and complex character dynamics. Picking up where the previous book left off, the story follows a group of witches as they navigate the aftermath of a shocking revelation and face new challenges that threaten their world.

Dawson's writing style continues to captivate readers, seamlessly blending humor, emotion, and suspense. The book maintains the same witty and engaging tone as its predecessor, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The author excels at creating well-rounded and multi-dimensional characters, each with their own distinct voice and internal struggles.

One of the highlights of Shadow Cabinet is the expansion of the narrative perspective. While the first book primarily focused on the main protagonist, this sequel introduces additional points of view, offering a deeper exploration of various characters' thoughts, motivations, and conflicts. This adds complexity to the story and allows readers to gain a broader understanding of the world and its inhabitants.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Dawson skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, effortlessly intertwining them to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The suspense builds steadily, keeping readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets hidden within the shadowy world of witches and government agents.

While the book maintains its humorous and light-hearted tone, it also tackles darker and more challenging themes. Dawson fearlessly delves into topics such as grief, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. These moments of emotional depth add depth and realism to the story, balancing out the fantastical elements with raw human experiences.

However, some readers may find that the sheer number of events and revelations in the story becomes overwhelming at times. With so much happening, certain plot points may feel rushed or resolved too quickly, leaving less room for the full impact of their consequences to be explored. This could potentially detract from the overall satisfaction of the reading experience.

Overall, this amazing book by Dawson is a worthy sequel that successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. Juno Dawson continues to deliver a compelling and entertaining story that combines supernatural elements with relatable human struggles. With its engaging writing, well-developed characters, and a mix of humor and darkness, this book is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

The Shadow Cabinet is a thrilling and emotionally charged sequel that delves deeper into the world of witches and the consequences of their actions. Picking up from the shocking conclusion of the first book, the story continues to follow a cast of diverse characters as they navigate complex relationships, government conspiracies, and the pursuit of power.

One of the strengths of this novel is the expansion of multiple character perspectives. Dawson skillfully incorporates additional point of view chapters, allowing readers to delve into the minds of various characters, including surprising additions like Luke and even the Prime Minister. This multi-perspective approach adds a new layer of depth to the story, providing contrasting viewpoints and shedding light on characters with differing opinions about the world of witchcraft.

The writing in Shadow Cabinet maintains Dawson's signature blend of humor and emotional resonance. The prose is engaging and easy to follow, even amidst the whirlwind of events and the large ensemble cast. The author fearlessly tackles challenging themes and difficult moments, offering readers the opportunity to grapple with complex ideas. The characters themselves are multi-faceted and compelling, each with their own struggles and motivations that add depth to the overall narrative.

However, one aspect that detracts slightly from the impact of the story is the abundance of events and the fast-paced resolution of conflicts. While the plot remains fast-paced and full of twists and turns, the sheer volume of events can sometimes make it feel rushed or even bordering on the absurd. The intense level at which the events unfold can diminish the impact of certain moments, and there is a desire for more exploration of the smaller, quieter moments that could provide a more balanced narrative.

Despite this minor flaw the Shadow Cabinet remains a gripping and entertaining read. It continues to tackle complex themes and tackles the consequences of the characters' actions with depth and nuance. The shocking revelations and betrayals keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next twist. While this sequel may not fully capture the magic of the first book, it sets the stage for an intriguing third installment which I cannot wait for, and it leaves readers curious about the future stakes and developments in the series.

Overall, the second installment of this series is a solid continuation of the series that offers a mix of thrills, emotional moments, and thought-provoking themes. Juno Dawson's skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters ensure that readers will be invested in the world of the witches and eager to discover what lies ahead in the next installment.

🧙‍♀️ Review 🧙‍♀️
The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson

I’ve never been so excited to get an advance reader copy as I was for this! The Shadow Cabinet is the eagerly awaited sequel to Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. I loved HRMC when I had read it last year. It was a gorgeous mix of 90s nostalgia, female friendships and witchy business.

Here’s the blurb for the new book: a group of childhood friends and witches must choose between what is right and what is easy if they have any hope of keeping their coven–and their world–from tearing apart forever.

This really was gripping from the get go! I was delighted there was a little glossary at the start to recap on all the characters and where they were at. The tension kept ratcheting up as the novel progressed. I loved the character development in this book and Ciara was wonderfully unpredictable! HRMC ended on a heartstopping cliffhanger and this one is no different!

This is a brilliant series with such powerful LGBT rep, I’d highly recommend it if you haven’t started this series yet. It’s out on the 8th of June. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Second book in a brilliant fantasy, witches and warlocks, thriller series. Continues the story from a short time after first book ended on a deliciously duplicitous twist. This story is made by all the deceit and major secrets (no spoilers) and relationships of all kinds. Thank you to Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Thank you to Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction, Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the arc of The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Having totally loved and devoured Her Majesty's Royal Coven, I was desperate to read The Shadow Cabinet, especially after that total cliffhanger ending. Unfortunately, this meant that my expectations were high and The Shadow Cabinet didn’t quite meet them.

I’m not saying The Shadow Cabinet is a bad book or that you shouldn’t read it but, that sense of middle book syndrome was most definitely present. This wasn’t helped by the poor formatting of the e-book, leaving the first chapter pretty much unreadable and the start of every other chapter in the book including jumbled lines from the first chapter - confusing to say the least but, even more so in the context of one of the key plot lines in the book.

However, there’s a lot to like about this book, Juno Dawson builds layers of suspense and anticipation into the book as you progress, and delivers the mother of all plot twists at the end. The plethora of human emotion is on display, from the downright ugly to the stunningly beautiful and, the portrayal of Theo as she continues her journey is so emotional.

I wish I could wax lyrical more about The Shadow Cabinet but, that middle book syndrome seemed to just lurk everywhere, from the slow pace of the story to the whole lack of resolution for so many sub-plots. However, thus won’t stop me reading book 3, because damn that cliffhanger was another doozy!

I absolutely loved HMRC so could not wait to read the second in the trilogy. The Shadow Cabinet picks up from the cliffhanger at the end of HMRC with the return of Ciara and Leonie, Elle and Juno as they deal with the fallout from Helena's actions. In the Shadow Cabinet we see a broader scope of its role in the world as we see its precariously balanced relationship with the British government. Without giving spoilers away we also meet the Witchfinders and their attempts to bring down the coven.
Not sure if it was a formatting error or a stylistic approach but the opening of each POV chapter was difficult to read initially.
This is an enjoyable sequel and I love Juno Dawson's writing style and references but didn't grip me as much as HMRC and was very slow moving but I feel that this is building for the final installment which has been wonderfully set up with the cliffhanger.
I received a ARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Thank you for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Shadow Cabinet continues from where the previous book Her Majesties Royal Coven left off. The plot centres around a group of childhood friends, including Leoni, who is on a mission to find her brother Radley. Radley, in turn, is searching for an escaped prisoner named Dabney Hale. The prisoner's goal is to acquire the Seal of Solomon, an object with immense power. The narrative also follows the struggles of Elle, who faces the aftermath of her husband discovering her witchcraft, Theo, who tries to unravel the mystery behind her transformation and Niamh's strange behaviour, and Ciara, who kills her twin sister and takes over her body, causing chaos as she assumes the role of High Priestess.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which masterfully continues the stories of the beloved characters. As always, Dawson leaves readers in suspense with her gripping final two chapters and a cliff-hanger that leaves them eager for the trilogy's conclusion.

Juno's delightful incorporation of 90s references throughout the book takes me back to my own teenage years and adds to the overall charm and appeal of the narrative.