Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

Disclaimer: I know basically nothing about the Tudors and cannot say how similar or dissimilar this book is to the history.

As far as I can tell, there isn't much in common here with actual Tudor history, aside from Henry having six wives? The setting also didn't feel much like England, but that's fine, that's not a critique.

There are two PoV characters, Boleyn and Seymour. They initially appear to be one way: Boleyn is cold and calculating, while Seymour is timid and insecure. However, over the course of this book both of them reveal themselves to be much more complex than they initially seemed, with satisfying and well-written character arcs. I also love their interactions and the way their relationship developed. This is kind of spoilery (sorry), but while their relationship is not romantic, there is a certain tension and yearning between them that is so much fun to read. I am a little disappointed that they did not end up together, but like, that's not a dealbreaker or anything.

I like how Henry isn't portrayed as a straight-up villain. We see him from both Boleyn and Seymour's eyes: Boleyn is in love with him and only sees the good in him while deliberately ignoring his flaws, while Seymour is more objective and can see his flaws while still acknowledging his positive traits.

While I liked the characters, I did find the plot as a whole to be a little... formulaic? I have read a lot of feminist fantasy retellings, and this one doesn't stray too far from the format, making it pretty easy to predict all the twists. Which isn't inherently a bad thing, it's just that the plot didn't wow me.

The worldbuilding turned out to be pretty different from what I expected. The kingdom of Elben is supposed to be a fantasy version of Tudor England, but it differs a lot in the queernorm worldbuilding. This might sound like a contradiction, given that misogyny is a big theme, but I think it makes sense in this case. While queer and poly marriages are the norm here, there is an element of classism that results in firstborn daughters being expected to marry men of higher social standing (plus produce offspring) in order to boost their families' position on the social hierarchy.

This is the first book of a series, so a lot of this book is spent setting things up, establishing the lore etc. etc. for the sequel, but honestly I think, if you are fine with not knowing what happens next, this can be read as a standalone.

In this book, loosely inspired by Tudor history, we follow the six queens of Elben as they discover more about the origins of their role.

I have very mixed feelings about this book! On the one hand, I liked the Tudor inspiration. The author mentions that she did a lot of research, including reading historians such as Alison Weir, and I do think it showed in the character of Boleyn who seemed as complex and nuanced as I believe the real person to have been. That said, the Tudor inspiration only goes so far and the other queens seem less true to character or less developed. The initial plot is intriguing albeit slightly conventional, but either I didn't understand the ending or this is intended as the first book in a series, as the core issues did not appear to have been resolved. I did enjoy the world-building with the different provinces and palaces, and the alternation of the POVs of Boleyn and Seymour (the queens are always referred to by their last names as this is how firstborn children are named in this universe - presumably a bid by the author to avoid confusion between both Annes and Katherine/Catherine).

A recommended read for fans of historical fantasy focusing on themes of sisterhood and the subversion of patriarchal structures.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating- 3 stars
(E-ARC)
Many thanks to Little Brown Group, the author and NetGalley for letting me have an E-ARC of this book

I really wanted to love this book, but it was not the cause. I adored the world building- I thought it was executed really well and really painted a vivid picture of the world in the book. .At times thought I did feel like it went on for too much and I did find skimming parts because it did often repeat in the world building. I always love to read a retelling of the Tudors and was super excited to dive in especially with sapphic reprensation too. Although it was not historically accurate, it was nice to see a retelling in a fantasy world which was filled with dragons, magic etc.

However, this book was not advertised as it was shown. The author really highlighted and emphasises the dragons a lot but when reading the book, there was only lap dragons. I honestly thought that they would have become more into the story but it seemed like it was not the case at all. The sapphic represnation felt off too and felt like it had been added as a tick box. rather than fleshing it out and incrpating into the story.. This book was just not for me and I will not be carrying on with the series.

A new twist on the old tale we all know, Henry and his 6 wives.

Although the wives in this tale are all in existence at the same time and are positioned under ancient law to give the King the power to protect his country.

The Queens are all kept seperate in their own designated castle and Boleyn has fallen for the King as a love match, not like some of the other wives.

Seymour is sent to spy on Boleyn by another jealous Queen and no one expected the two to become allies of sorts.

As Boleyn and Seymour grow closer and start asking questions, maybes the history they know isn't as true as they are led to believe....

I really enjoyed this book, the Tudor vibes intertwined with the magic system was so fun to me. I always loved Boleyn in the other tales, and this book made me love her more!

Would definitely recommend! Out June 10 so not long to wait if this sounds like your kind of thing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the review copy, all opinions my own.

i'm not sure if it was because i was expecting something too high (i saw the words sapphic yearning, court politics, and TPOTOT being mentioned, of course my expectations were high), but this was just okay to me.

so let me start with the pros first. the finale really sets up for the sequel which i liked, and i did really enjoy the court politics aspect that they promised were in this book. also i'm a fan of detailed and descriptive writing in my fantasy, so i also actually don't have an issue with the writing.

however. this book also lacks a lot in my opinion. the pacing, to me, especially in the first half was awful especially when setting up the relationship between seymour and boleyn. the characterizations of the characters as well could've been better? i thought this book would be filled with cunning women but i didn't really see that in this book. also the sapphic yearning in question?? i honestly felt baited because can you really call it that? i will give it benefit of the doubt though for now because this isn't a stand alone.

i do still think this series has potential, especially with how it ended so i might still look out for the sequel when it comes out!

thank you to Orbit UK and Netgalley for the e-ARC.

I’m so excited to have received an ARC of Six Wild Crowns by Holly Race via NetGalley — thank you so much to Holly Race, NetGalley and Little Brown Group UK for the early copy! 🖤

This one had me instantly curious — a blend of historical fiction and fantasy set in a Tudor-inspired world filled with magic, dragons, and political tension? Yes please. 👑🐉

The story reimagines the six wives of a king bound by an ancient magical rule to marry six queens — and these women are anything but passive. It’s female-empowering, intense, and layered with quiet moments of vulnerability and strength. You can expect rivalries, alliances, morally grey characters, and slow-burning tension that keeps you turning the pages.

✨ Tropes I loved:
– enemies to reluctant allies
– sapphic undertones
– court politics
– found purpose
– dragons (did I mention dragons?)

As someone who loves history but hasn’t read much historical fiction, this was such a refreshing crossover. If you’re into atmospheric reads with stakes, strong female leads, and Tudor court vibes… this one’s for you.

📖 Releases June 10th!

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit and author Holly Race for this eARC

In the beginning I kept on looking for parallels to King Henry the VIII and his six wives (a la The Other Boleyn Girl, but with magic), however except for the names there aren’t any parallels to be found. So whether you are interested in the Tudors or not, will not matter for this book as it’s a completely original story.

And oh I loved this story!
It starts off kinda slow. Instead of diving right into the plot Race takes her time to really develop her characters and her world while giving us little a little trail of breadcrumbs leading to the main plot/conflict.
Once the plot really gets going it just gets even better!
If you want well developed, diverse characters, strong women and a good story you will love this!
I devoured it in a single day and can not wait to read what is next for our Queens!
4.25 stars

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. Unfortunately I DNF'd this book quite early, likely due to a mismatch between what I thought the book was about and what it actually was. I had assumed this was a historical fantasy novel actually set in Tudor-era England, rather than just adapting the names of Henry's wives to a new story. The start of the world-building also felt very superficial and didn't make much sense - why just transpose so much of the Tudor era when the unique things we learn about this new kingdom actively clash with the original?

Sadly, this book was not for me. I really struggled to get through it. I am obsessed with Six The Musical and it's given me an unhealthy obsession with the Six Queens. This book sounds amazing - the Queens AND dragons???? Sold. But unfortunately this fell really flat. I felt it was very slow and nothing was really happening. I'm so disappointed I didn't love it. Just because I didn't rate it, doesn't mean you won't.

I love a period drama, and I love a herstory retelling where the female figures from our male centred histories are given their time to shine. One can only imagine the lives of Henry’s wives, because history fails to do them any justice beyond their role in his rule, and so I eagerly devour any media about them, jumping at the chance to puzzle them out. Six Wild Crowns is by no means a faithful telling of their potential story, nor does it profess to be, but it is fiendishly entertaining with a lot to say about power, and how it is so often stolen by parasitic men. Boleyn and Seymour are sharp, cutting, and fierce; their attraction to one another, their power dynamic and quick wit makes for a tantalising read as they verbally spar with one another within the confines of court etiquette and then work to establish their own power. The way that Race writes is cinematic and evocative; I can practically feel the stones of the castle and the spray of the surf at Brynd, and quickly empathise with these two women in the tangled webs that have been woven for them. Six Wild Crowns serves as a feminist statement, a bending and embellishment of history which serves to amplify the suffering of women throughout the ages whose shine has been dimmed by the men who subjugate them. Race cherry picks from all of my favourite genres, and in blending them together with her own magical prose creates something totally unique.

I really wanted to love this book. I’m obsessed with this time period and was really intrigued about the way this story was going to unfold with the twist of dragons and assassins but I just couldn’t get into it.

Overall, I enjoyed Six Wild Crowns and did find the story more intriguing from about halfway in. I look forward to learning more about the other Queens (other than Boleyn and Seymour) as I feel they weren't fleshed out enough but I guess this is to set up the overall story for the next book.
I disliked how much Seymour called herself stupid. Clearly, this was a product of how she has grown up, but it was grating.
I know it is supposed to be a fantasy reimagining of Henry XIII and his 6 wives, but other than the names used, it doesn't really scream that to me. Of course, there are some parallels with history, but overall, it's just another story.
I think anyone coming in as a hard-core tudor fan wanting a fantasy reimagining is going to be disappointed. But separating it from that, it's actually OK. Although there are elements that seemingly come out of nowhere and then disappear again. It is an easy read.
The magic and the dragons aren't fully explored in this book, but hopefully, more in the next book.

Unfortunately, I’ve decided to DNF this book. I gave it a few tries, but I really struggled to connect with the writing style. The premise had me hooked, and I was expecting to enjoy it, but it turned out differently than I anticipated. It just wasn’t for me, though I can see how other readers might find it interesting.

Grateful to the publisher via netgalley for providing an advance copy for review.

names took a bit to get used to, but once I adjusted, I was hooked.

I loved the character growth, especially in Boleyn and Seymour, whose POVs drive the story. The concept of Henry’s power being tied to his six wives to protect Elben was fascinating, and the magical elements—especially the dragons—were unique and compelling. The crones were genuinely terrifying!

The dynamic between the queens was rich and layered, with complex relationships and backgrounds. Their bond brought a strong found-family vibe, complemented by the humorous and heartfelt side characters.

I also appreciated the inclusivity—diverse ethnicities, LGBTQ+ and non-binary representation, and a powerful thread of feminine rage throughout.

No me cabe duda de que cada nación mira con especial cariño a su propia historia mientras desprecia un tanto la de los demás. Es por esto que la premisa de Six Wild Crowns que se basa un poco (pero muy poquito) en la historia de Enrique VIII quizá sea de más interés para el mundo anglosajón que para nosotros, que vemos más la historia del primera cabeza de la iglesia anglicana como un vividor aprovechado de insaciable apetito sexual que iba quitándose de en medio a sus esposas como el que se sacude el polvo del camino. Afortunadamente o no, porque la sinopsis en ese sentido es bastante engañosa, la relación de este libro con la historia tal y como creemos conocerla es tangencial, como mucho.


Se dice que el rey deberá tomar seis esposas que guarden simultáneamente seis castillos para que el poder mágico defensivo de su Dios proteja el reino de Elben. Así que cuando Enrique toma por esposa a Boleyn, completa el sexteto que le proporciona el poder necesario para defender su reino. Boleyn está localmente enamorada de su marido, culmen de la masculinidad, pero su carácter inquieto la llevará a explorar la magia del mundo y lo que descubrirá iniciará un conflicto de consecuencias inesperadas.

Six Wild Crowns es un libro que pretende alentar la sororidad, pero lo hace de una forma un tanto basta. El harén de Enrique está relativamente aislado y no se relacionan entre ellas, ya que daría mala imagen, o eso es lo que se supone, ya que la realidad sobre la fuente del poder y las consecuencias de su uso es bastante más oscura. La representación femenina de esposas es bastante variada, desde la joven e inocente a la más mayor con gran experiencia, la que utiliza sus argucias para evitar las visitas nocturnas del rey o la que directamente cree que es tonta y actúa en consecuencia. Pero que todas estén subyugadas por el poder del patriarcado es dar un mensaje demasiado directo sin ninguna sutileza.

¿Los dragones de la cubierta? Publicidad engañosa, ya os lo digo yo, es que tienen una presencia tan testimonial que la verdad, mejor que Holly Race los hubiera obviado del todo.

El libro, a pesar de los variados puntos de vista, resulta un tanto monótono. La intriga cortesana es demasiado previsible y el tono en general resulta bastante aburrido. Aunque Olivia Dowd como narradora del audiolibro cumple con su función, el material de partida tampoco da para mucho más. Y, para más inri, el final es un cliff hanging literal, que no sé si merecerá la pena resolver.

Set in a vividly imagined kingdom, six queens are magically bound to six palaces by ancient magic to maintain the realms safety.
The kingdom of Elben feels entirely real and each queen’s domain, from the reserved elegance of Seymour’s palace to the seductive, dangerous charm of Boleyn’s, feels distinct and vividly imagined. There isn’t an information dump of world building and lore, instead it is revealed organically through character interactions and subtle shifts in power.
Holly uses cutting dialogue that’s clever, intimate and often packed with double meanings so you feel every choice, every hesitation, every heartbreak. The writing is beautiful but it never feels overly flowery or soft. There’s a constant mix of tension, emotion, danger and desire that’s always simmering just under the surface making it difficult to put the book down.
I very much enjoyed the main characters, Boleyn and Seymour, two queens on opposite ends of the power spectrum who find themselves caught in a dangerous alliance. At first, their connection is rooted in survival and wary alliance, but as the story unfolds, it becomes layered with vulnerability, desire, and slow-burning trust. Their relationship is layered and complex and I love that Holly gave both women a mix of agency, vulnerability and power. The push and pull between duty and yearning is so well done, and the way their relationship unfolds within the oppressive structure of a patriarchal monarchy makes it all the more poignant.
Six Wild Crowns is a fresh feminist perspective on historical archetypes and is a must-read for historical fantasy girlies looking for courtly drama, magic, rebellion, and political intrigue. I read the first chapter of this book and I knew it was going to be a five star read for me! The shade in this chapter cemented Boleyn as my fave! I haven’t stopped thinking about it and I’m already desperate for the next in the Queens of Elben series.

Ooh I was really looking forward to this, I adore a bit of Henry and his poor wives! Well they are not so poor here, I mean sure they're not having the best time but they are portrayed so powerfully in this alternative telling. I loved them all and their individualality. The relationships between the wives were excellent and vibrating with tension. The lore on the magic and where it comes from and who it's originally intended for was so good. The pace and writing were great, the description lush and clear. I had a great time and sincerely hope there is more to come!
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley for the arc, all thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.

This book had such a cool premise: a reimagining of the Tudor queens in a fantasy setting with magic and dragons? Holly Race's writing style is engaging, especially when she's diving into the court politics and the intricate relationships between these powerful women.
The way she delves into the character development of the queens, giving them agency and exploring their bonds of sisterhood against a tyrannical king, was a definite highlight. It’s a fascinating take on well-known figures, and I appreciated the strong feminist commentary woven throughout – examining power dynamics and what it means for women to unite against oppression.
While the concept was brilliant, the execution felt a little uneven in places. There were moments where the pacing lagged, and I found myself wanting a bit more depth in certain magical elements or plot points. It’s a solid and ambitious read, but it didn't quite hit that "can't put it down" level for me. Still, if you're looking for a fresh, feminist fantasy with a historical twist, it's worth checking out!

I really thought the writing for this was good but I didn’t connect with this one and it is such a bummer. I found my attention constantly drifting. And while our main character was interesting, it could not hold my attention and I gave up around 40%. I think I will give this a try on audio and see if I can finish it that way!

Six Wild Crowns is a bold and inventive fantasy novel loosely inspired by the six wives of Henry VIII. It breathe new life into an old tale you may think you know with political machinations, interesting magic system, intrigue, treachery and even the occasional dragon.

Race’s writing is lush and vividly conjures the world up around you. The magic system is interesting, particularly as the story evolves and changes. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and especially the varying settings with each queen possessing their own castle. These are such a fun reflection of their character and background, hinting at their nature. It feels both expansive and claustrophobic, as everything hinges on the whims of the king. When the king is seen as god, the boundaries do not exist and nothing is safe.

I liked how Race gradually built this up with both Boleyn and Seymour’s viewpoints. They are two vastly different women in the way they play the game and it is so tantilising to hear both of their voices. However, never trust an initial impression here. They are both determined to survive no matter the cost. Though they may have hidden their intelligence behind a simpering smile, make no mistake, they contain daggers. This three-dimensional characterisation extends to the other wives we get to meet, all of whom contradict the standard interpretation of them as historical figures. It feels so fun and refreshing, especially as their story has impacted the collective consciousness over and over again with a renewed focus in the past few years.

This book is primarily focused on court politics with the intimate power plays through the smallest of gestures all the way up to brazen defiance. It is wonderfully imagined with fascinating titbits of information scattered throughout (give me a Cleeves spinoff immediately). Race hints at more to come, particularly in terms of other territories and the rising tensions on an international scale.

Six Wild Crowns is history as you’ve never seen it before – taking these threads and running head first into this epic and empowering tale. I cannot wait to continue this story.