
Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley and Little, brown book group and orbit for the ARC for this book!!
I had my doubts when I started this book, as you can tell it took me around two weeks to finish it, not for lack of effort (I read almost every day lmao).
When I tell you this book had one of the most beautiful endings to a story I ever read, I’m not lying I legit cried. The characters, my god the characters were all so compelling and complex. Every detail from both books had a reason for it being there, I especially appreciated the prose, and setting as an Egyptian woman. At first I thought this duology would be “too ambitious” for its own good, I didn’t particularly love the first book. Yet after finishing this one I can confidently say this duology will forever have a place in my heart. Thank you.

4.5 star rating rounded up
This book was actually so good. I say actually because I was a bit apprehensive going into this one. The more time that had passed since I read The Jasad Heir, the more I wondered if I over-shot my rating a little. Still, I was curious about the sequel, and I am happy to report that this one captivated me almost right away. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives (I always eat up a multi-POV) and the way the plot kept moving. Mind you, there were some small things that I wasn't the biggest fan of, but overall I enjoyed the dynamics of the characters, their interactions and the growth. The twists and reveals hit perfectly, and in the end, I shed a multitude of tears, which in my eyes is a good sign. The humour stayed intact and Sara Hashem really had some fun one-liners that suited the characters well and made me laugh.
But if there is one thing that speaks to how much I enjoyed this one, it is that after reading the arc, it changed my mind about the duology, and I put in my pre-order for book 2.

In The Jasad Crown, conclusion to The Scorched Throne duology, we see Sylvia reclaim her heritage and become Essiya, the Malika of Jasad. Arin discovers the truth behind his father’s deceptions and he takes matters into his own hands. Sefa and Marek get their own chapter povs as they try to find their way back to each other after being separated by Sylvia’s magic. Nations wage war as Jasad restores its magic and people.
The overall world building and fantasy elements in this book suffer from being underdeveloped, the magic, politics and history are quite vague while the characters are overly written. Hashem focuses on telling the reader everything about her characters and vaguely showing the integral politics and magic of the world she has created. There are many great ideas in this book with potential to highlight key plot points and foreshadow important moments, especially with the inclusion of Sefa and Marek’s pov chapters, but they always come back to the characters instead of the world and don’t utilise their potential to build a succinct pace. Hashem has clearly created a thought out world, but I found the focus was too heavily on the characters rather than the world politics for the ending of this duology.
There is an interesting magic system that directly links to the world politics and is the core of the kingdoms wars over the ages, however the reader is required to fill in gaps until secrets are revealed which leads to many moments of confusion with the court politics and history. Even the magical abilities Sylvia herself possesses were sometimes quite abstract and hard to understand. On the other hand, the inclusion of creatures and monsters was a fun way to explore the unique Egyptian mythology inspiration.
Arin saved this book for me, not in the brooding attractive male love interest way (even though that did have its appeal) but because he continuously tries to find solutions to every problem and most often pulls them off. He is constantly questioning his own morals, looking to the version of himself that governs a nation in a way that serves them instead of them serving him and he is not afraid to be the one that suffers to allow not only his own people but also the ones of opposing nations survive.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

Sara Hashem’s The Jasad Crown is a soul-shattering, masterfully written conclusion to The Scorched Throne duology, its a sweeping epic of lost kingdoms, forbidden love, and the price of legacy. This series has everything I love in fantasy: political tension, ancient powers, vivid settings inspired by Egyptian mythology, and a romance that absolutely wrecked me.
Essiya (Sylvia), the rightful Queen of Jasad, is one of the most powerful, emotionally resonant heroines I’ve ever read. Her journey, from a fugitive afraid of her past to a fierce, reluctant leader willing to sacrifice everything, is so beautifully done, it broke my heart again and again. And Arin... oh, Arin. Cold, calculating, and emotionally complex, he’s the perfect match to Essiya’s fire. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is written with exquisite tension, raw emotion, and just the right amount of violence-turned-intimacy. The yearning? Off the charts. The payoff? Everything.
But this story isn’t just about romance. It’s about identity, loyalty, power, and what it means to rebuild from ruin. The plot dives into heavy themes like cultural survival, inherited trauma, and the dangers of repeating history. Hashem explores these ideas through a world rich in lore, language, and legacy. Her prose is immersive and emotionally charged, pulling you into every fight, heartbreak, and fleeting moment of peace.
The ensemble cast adds even more strength to the story. Sefa and Marek shine with their unshakable bond, one of the most moving portrayals of platonic love I’ve read. Their chapters brought levity, hope, and so much heart. I also loved seeing more of Jeru and new characters like Lateef and Maia, each one bringing fresh insight into this multi-layered world.
And that ending? It gutted me in the best possible way. Bittersweet, powerful, and unforgettable. The epilogue was a final emotional blow — equal parts healing and devastating, and I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from it.
The Jasad Crown is everything I want from a fantasy series: bold, emotional, complex, and deeply human. It’s not just a story, it’s a journey. One I will never forget. If you love richly built worlds, morally grey characters, sharp political drama, and romance that will ruin your life (in a good way), this duology is a must-read.
Prepare to cry, scream, and highlight every other line. Sara Hashem has officially earned a permanent place on my favourite authors shelf, and I’ll be thinking about Essiya and Arin for a very, very long time.

The jasad crown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is how you wrap a duology!!!! The first book was already amazing but this toped it in every way. This was one of those rare occasions where I could have read 5 more books with these characters but at last, only 2 worked perfectly.
The political intrigue and drama continued to slay, with more magical creatures, betrayals and secrets added to the mix. The found family was even more beautifully developed than in The jasad heir and the plot was action packed and yearning filled.
Arin and Sylvia were such well crafted and deep characters individually, but together, OMG, I LOVED THEM SO MUCH TOGETHER!!!!!!! Their romance is everything that is good and they had me swooning and kicking my feet at any minimal interaction.
Now, as for the ending!!!! WHAT WAS THAT!!!!!????? What was the need for emotionally destroy me with that epilogue. I mean, it was perfect but still, ouch!
I need for everybody to read these books, and I'm looking forward whatever Sara Hashem does next.

Where do I even begin to talk about this book?
The Jasad Crown is the last book in the Scorched Throne duology.
With the last Jasad heir on their side, the Urabi’s were gearing up to reclaim their homeland that was scorched and destroyed during the last Blood Summit. While Sylvia had limited options be a willing participant of this war, she and Arin wanted to prevent it as much as possible.
They knew the cost of war. Though they were on the opposing sides, they didn’t want to see innocent lives lost to the greed of privileged nobles and politicians pushing for the war. It was a battle of wills and magic with their love struggling to stand the test of time.
Going into the book, I was a little hesitant thinking it was going to be a full fledged war novel, but it wasn’t the case. It heavily focused on avoiding the impending war. The story narrated through four POVs was a convenient choice, since all our main characters were scattered in different directions. I was so worried this would limit Arin and Essiya’s page-time but, boy, the author didn’t disappoint us.
After Jasad Crown, I wasn’t ready to part with this duology, so I went back and read Jasad Heir. I should have done this first, but I didn’t have time. Going back to book 1, I noticed too many things were foreshadowed that would happen in book2. I was reeling with the events unfolding in a steady, yet a brilliant pace. I could see a lot of effort going into planning the plot.
I liked Sefa’s growth along with our other main characters. They had to rediscover themselves and come to terms with the truth staring at them. They grew into people who strived for change and a better world. I also loved the mythology of the gods whose magic inherited by their descendants was the root cause of all the problems. They played a huge part as much as our four MCs.
Lastly, Essiya and Arin’s romance did justice to enemies-to-lovers trope. It’s one of the few Fantasy books that got it right. I never read two couples who loved fighting each other as them. They liked punching each other. It was their love language, and I ate up every morsel of their interaction. I couldn’t (and wouldn’t) stop obsessing over them. They were (and are) the it couple for me.
The Jasad Crown is one of the best sequels I’ve read thus far. I never went into it expecting to find an all-time favourite read, but here we are. I could go on to say how much I loved the plot, world, and the romance, but I’d spare y’all the words and would rather recommend it if you haven’t read it yet.
Thank you Orbit and NetGalley for the DRC of the book!!

The Jasad Crown is an emotionally charged and exhilarating conclusion to The Scorched Throne duology—a powerful, beautifully written fantasy that deserves far more attention than it’s getting. Sara Hashem blends intricate political intrigue, rich world-building inspired by Egyptian mythology, and heart-stopping romantic tension into a story that’s as thoughtful as it is thrilling.
Picking up after the events of The Jasad Heir, this sequel raises the stakes without sacrificing emotional depth. Sylvia—formerly Essiya, the last surviving heir to the fallen kingdom of Jasad—faces the impossible weight of her destiny. As she’s torn between the freedom she once longed for and the crown she never wanted, she must embrace her magic, lead a displaced people, and navigate the murky waters of loyalty, duty, and love.
At the center of this novel is the fiercely slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance between Sylvia and Arin. Their chemistry is electric, brimming with tension, vulnerability, and all the aching yearning romantasy fans live for. But this is far more than a romance: it’s a story about identity, legacy, and the sacrifices leadership demands. Sylvia’s growth—from survivor to reluctant queen—is both painful and empowering. Arin’s own transformation is equally compelling, as he confronts the lies that shaped his world and begins to question his role in maintaining them.
The world-building here is lush and immersive. The magic system remains fascinating, but it’s the political landscape that really shines—complex, brutal, and deeply rooted in themes of colonialism, class, and control. Hashem doesn’t shy away from hard truths or moral ambiguity, and the result is a story that feels deeply grounded even amidst all its fantasy.
And while this book clocks in at nearly 700 pages, it never drags. There are high-stakes tournaments, betrayals, ancient magic, and surprising twists that kept me racing through the chapters. The found family elements are tender and grounding, and the ending, though bittersweet, hits with emotional precision.
The Jasad Crown is a masterful finale to a duology that’s full of heart, fire, and soul. If you're craving a fantasy that challenges, entertains, and sweeps you off your feet—with characters who are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable—this one is not to be missed. Whether you're here for morally grey protagonists, slow-burn romance, or powerful political themes, Hashem delivers it all with remarkable grace.
Thank you Little Brown Book Group UK for the e-arc. Please note, my opinions are my own.

I was so interested in this book to be able to continue the events of the series after the ending of the first book. I really enjoyed the writing style and the fact the book was in multiple pov. The storyline and plotline of this book was very interesting. There were many twists and turns that occurred throughout the book where I didn’t want to put the book down. The characters were very interesting and developed very cleverly. And with how book ended which completed the story.

“Arin firmly believed an attempt on one’s life was the highest form of flattery.”
This is the sequel & conclusion to The Jasad Heir & it picks up where TJH finishes & we are thrown right back in to everything that is happening because of the end of TJH.
I devoured this book, I loved it so much, even more that TJH & especially seeing Arin & Essiya’s relationship develop. The way I love these two & their dynamic!
This book has high stakes, with a war looming & every leader of the kingdoms trying to keep themselves in power.
We have such great discussions on what it means to be a good leader & how those in power should be protecting all their people, not just the wealthy & leaving the poor to suffer.
How corrupt leaders can cause the downfall of their whole kingdom & how that corruption spreads.
Arin & Essiya’s character arcs were so good! How Essiya learns to become a leader & protect her people & how Arin gets rid of corrupt leaders & how he is so methodical & plans for every threat to protect his people.
Their slow burn romance was everything & I was rooting for them so hard!
I also loved the side characters we meet & of course Sefa & Marek who are truly the best friends that Essiya could ever have.
And that ending, had me on the edge of my seat. I was absolutely terrified for my faves because I knew Sara was going to hurt them & me & I was right. 😭
The last part of the book HURT & that ending broke me. But I loved it so much.
If you haven’t read The Jasad Heir then go do that asap & then go buy the sequel because you will need it as soon as you finish TJH.

An enjoyable conclusion to the Scorched Throne duology, with our much loved characters from the first book all going through their own trials and tribulations, and developing as people.
The world was still interesting and I enjoyed how the various powers manifested. There was possibly too many action scenes for me, but that's just my personal preference. Additionally, there were several climatic points towards the end of the book, none of which were the actual ending, which meant when the conclusion finally arrived I was a little underwhelmed.
As a whole, a well written book, and the characters kept me reading.

Well that epilogue had me pacing my room at 1am in the morning..
I gave the first book in this series a four star rating, however I felt something was missing and this completely fulfilled that for me. The pacing definitely improved, the plot felt like it flowed more seamlessly, the world building was detailed but easy to follow and it didn’t spell it all out for the reader. I mainly read books for an adult audience but this is exactly what i want in a YA fantasy book. What a beautiful and heart wrenching conclusion to this world, I can see how some people would dislike the ending but i thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for what is next for Sara Hashem.
Thank you to NetGally and the Publishers for this Arc copy 📖

Thankyou to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!♥️
I loved this book has multiple POV's and around halfway it sped up big time. I also loved and hated the ending at the same time.
So for all readers out there: buckle up and enjoy the ride ✨️
3,75 🌟 rounded up.

A fantastic duology that is not being talked about enough! It may be the slowest of slow burns but oh my, the chemistry between Sylvia and Arin is off the charts. Sara Hashem has built up the tension between these two perfectly and it was great to see how these two navigated all the drama and big reveals of book one, both balancing their sense of duty to their people, and what that means for magic in the future, as well as for themselves. This book has a great mix of politics, found family, character development, action, and romance. It's a really well crafted plot with plenty of different elements unfolding to both move it forward and hold our attention. It builds on the world of book one but we also learn more of the history and the magic system that was really intriguing. I also liked how there was this big obstacle in the mix and I really couldn't see how they were going to be able to get past it - I was kept on my toes and there were plenty of surprises and twists to build up to the big ending. The last page or two was a little too much of a fizzle rather than a bang for my tastes which was a shame but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this book and watching Sylvia adapt to her new circumstances, tackle the challenges that come with her title and her magic, and also her fierce attraction to a certain enemy commander... A truly brilliant book and I can't wait for whatever Sara Hashem writes next as I guarantee I'm going to devour is just like I devoured the Jasad Heir books! You don't want to miss these.
I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

whilst i adored ‘the jasad heir’ so much, i have to say this second book is where my heart lays. the yearning, the slow burn, the friendships and the fucking plot???? it superseded ALL the expectations that i had.
essiya and arin urghhhh <3 they have my heart 🫶🏽 the fact that they spent so much time physically apart and yet we still got the yearning, the loyalty, the “MY WIFE” moment — best couple fr fr. i will say i did miss the banter from the first book tho </3 and that ending, i fear we needed MORE 🗣️🗣️🗣️
WHAT YOU DID TO ONE OF MY BELOVED CHARACTERS I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR SARA 😭💔 i will never recover from that heartbreak :(
i HAVE to say that my beloved, diya, is such an underrated character and even though we only got one scene with her in this book— i LOVED LOVED LOVED her friendship with essiya. i wish we had more of them 😩😩 i will say that one scene had me ON MY KNEES for diya and sorn 🧎🏽♀️➡️ sara, pretty PLEASSSSEEE will you give them a novella 😫

The Jasad Crown 👑 is an epic conclusion to the Scorched Throne Duology. Firstly this series has absolutely everything, a fugitive queen, a lost kingdom, forbidden alliances, political instability, ancient powers and magical beings! The first book offered a high stakes journey and I wasn’t even sure where it would go, but this blew me away. I love a book that’s unpredictable and wild and this delivered!
There is nothing I dislike about this duology, the settings are vivid and beautiful (inspired by Egyptian mythology) and the characters complex and interesting. This is a fantasy romance so the romance is a subplot to the larger plot, but the way the romance is so important and the yearning so intense it’s almost a full on romantasy. For that reason I think this book will appeal to those who prefer fantasy but also highly entertaining for those that enjoy romantasy.
The Jasad Crown is about being who you are destined to be, leading from the heart and acceptance. The writing is amazing and brings out raw emotions from happiness to sorrow. Read this for epic storytelling, unique world-building and immersive fantasy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

How do you even express your gratitude towards a book that made you feel all the things possible in this world?
How can you even recover after reading those last words?? How can you go on from this?
The real answer is i’ll never recover.
If there was even a question about how jasad crown will play out after the end of jasad heir, it exceeded all my expectations.
I went through all the stages possible : amusement, hope, love, sadness, grief, more love, pure despair, another stage of love, another stage of despair and fulfilment. I have very very few female characters that i truly enjoy and adore and
Essiya is one of them. She is such a fierce force, she survived a lot and even though we can call her a little morally grey, her sense of helping and duty is very present. There are not enough words to describe how much love i have for her and her crazy behind.
And Arin of Nizahl.. i have never seen a man that yearned like him. And I fear no one will ever be like him. This man throughout the whole book yearned, even though his sense of duty had a battle with his feelings. Every interaction he has with Essiya either made me laugh, smile, kick my feet with how cute they were while sparing with swords or sob my heart out for 47 minutes.
The last 10% were a rollercoaster that malfunctioned and made me fall from 50 metres above ground. But man it was all worth it in the end.
Even now as i am writing this i cry remembering all of it, who am i kidding i keep going back to reading those last 2 chapters to cry some more.
I WOULD LITERALLY DIE FOR THEM AND ALSO THE FOUND FAMILY?? Crying
Thank you to the publisher for the arc

I read a fair amount of fantasy and I believe this is one of the genre's best kept secrets.
Firstly, I love the fact The Scorched Throne books are a duology. I think it's refreshing to not have to pencil off years to an extensive series. I also think this means we are getting quality over quantity rather than following the usual pattern of making authors publish entries year on year. This is such a breath of fresh air in the genre. The rich world building is infused with Egyptian mythology alongside thrilling characters, perfidious politics and an enchanting magic system.
Jasad is the apex of culture- bountiful in riches and magic. It is the beating heart and stronghold of the land. Until a coup lead by the Nizhal army means Jasad is decimated. Houses burned, people slaughtered or made refugees and magic restricted. All the royals of the house of Jasad are killed...or so they thought.
The Jasad Heir focuses on the escaped Jasad princess Essiya, who has adopted the alias of Sylvia in a provincial village in Omal- here she has surrounded herself by found family in the shape of Malek and Sefa. She apprentices under the chemist, Rory and has found a sanctuary in the local orphanage where she was raised. All she knows is survival. Her precarious peace is shattered when Arin, the Nizahl heir, arrives at the village pursuing Jasad fugitives. The Nizahl kingdom continue to hunt the Jasad and outlaws the use of their magic. Sylvia wears cuffs that moderate her magic but in emotional distress, her magic flares. When one of her favourites from the orphanage is threatened, her magic makes a dramatic display. Arin uses this as leverage to enter Syliva in The Alcalah, a tournament between the four kingdoms, as his champion. This is done to lure out the remaining Jasad rebels so Arin can quash any hope of revolution. The relationship between Syliva and Arin is *true* enemies-to-lovers with some blisteringly good banter. And whilst there are the usual romantasy tropes in there, it is done in such a fresh way.
If the Jasad Heir is about identity, legacy and allegiance then The Jasad Crown is about what it is to accept your birthright. What it is to lead. To follow the path laid at your feet and the strength needed to divert from it. What it is to know that the answer to all your people's problems may lead to your end. Sylvia has been adbucted by the Urabi who wish to reclaim Jasad and resurrect the fortress that will keep their people safe. But whilst Sylvia is keen to provide salvation for her people and a place to call home, she is also struggling with the weight of that expectation. The life Sylvia dreams of must be sacrificed in order for Essiya to take her place as queen. She is also overwhelmed with the level of magical powers she now possesses. Arin, too, through his relationship with Sylvia questions what it is to be blindly loyal, to be a soldier when he is a natural ruler. He has a sharp mind and once he starts to unpick the doubts that have crept upon him, he realizes the levels of deception that have been involved in Nizahl's consolidation of power. The character arc that Arin goes through in this book is beautifully constructed. The ending was again innovative and emotional. Have the tissues ready!
I raced through these two books in a matter of days. And considering The Jasad Crown is 672 pages long that is some going. Sylvia and Arin are morally grey and not always likeable. But you cannot but help to root for them to overcome their strife. We all love dragons and wyverns and hippogriffs and direwolves and witchy cats. But it was great to be exposed to some new creatures. This duology has become one of my fantasy favourites! If you haven't already, get your copy now.
Thank you Little Brown Book Group UK for my advanced copy of The Jasad Crown. Please note, my opinions are my own.

The Scorched Throne duology by Sara Hashem
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I came across The Jasad Heir in 2023 when I was looking for fantasy books which were different, coz all of them seemed so predictable. The Jasad Heir was a pleasant surprise, I enjoyed it. When I heard @bookstersisters raving about the sequel I knew I had to read it.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
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I loved the sequel more than the first part. It is fast paced, once you start it is hard to put down. You will definitely swoon over Arin in this book. Definitely recommended for readers who love romantasy. I didn't see most of the twists coming, so I was awed throughout.

A solid read! A great ending to the duology
Thank you Netgalley & Little brown Book Group for a copy of the e-arc

Let me talk about my shattered, broken into million pieces, heart and how that is The Jasad Crown’s fault. I read the last 20% of this book twice. TWICE. The first time I was in shock. The second time I cried desperately. After hours, days, I can’t still believe in what I just read. It’s no exaggeration to say that, The Jasad Crown, was the first final book to ever exceed my expectations. Never, in a million years, I would believe this book would break me in such a way.
If The Jasad Heir took some time to win me, its sequel wasn’t here to play around. From the first page to the last, peace was an unknown word for me and, believe me, it was glorious. The two years of waiting were so worth it. The plot twists, the pace, the political intrigue, the worldbuilding, everything here, improved so so much and I was completely addicted to it. While I was reading it, I breathed it, when I wasn’t, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Sara Hashem created an extraordinary story, and I’m still marveling about it.
As for the characters… as I have in my bio, I have a soft spot for not so madly crazy characters. I can’t resist them. I just can love and support them, specially if they drive everyone mad. Specially each other. Sylvia and Arin are my weakness. As individual characters, they’re so otherworldly. Together? The world aka my heart is theirs. The way these two got to me is insane. I don’t know how or when, I fell so deeply in love with them but oh, it hit hard.
My heart still hurts you know? The Jasad Crown was such an emotional experience, such an unexpected love that closing that page still physically hurts. I don’t know, but I think this how favorite books are made.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Group UK for giving me an eARC in exchange of an honest review 💜