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Her Soul for a Crown
For readers of Sarah J Maas, Scarlett St. Clair, and Tasha Suri's The Jasmine Throne, this epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri.
Anula Ramanayake of Anuradhapura calculated her ascent the moment she was orphaned—when her village burned in an endless war and the gods forsook her prayers. First, she would marry the raja. Then, she would poison him and take the throne for herself and her people. But when an unexpected coup thwarts her careful plans, Anula is left with one desperate option. She offers her soul to the cursed gods she renounced in exchange for the crown.
In the Second Heavens, Reeri the Blood Yakka, the most dangerous and powerful of his clan, hears her prayer. For eons, he's waited for such a valuable offering—one that could finally give him the chance to kill his divine tormentor and return his fellow Yakkas to their former glory on earth. Reeri accepts Anula's bargain, tethering them until their goals are achieved, or until they die.
As the war presses on, Anula must move quickly or lose her chance to become the first raejina. But while she is skilled at many things, especially in stopping hearts, the closer she grows to Reeri, the more she finds her own heart at risk. And when the time comes to fight enemies both human and divine, Anuradhapura and the Heavens will never be the same.
Features Include:
character art
map
glossary of terms
and more!
Anula Ramanayake of Anuradhapura calculated her ascent the moment she was orphaned—when her village burned in an endless war and the gods forsook her prayers. First, she would marry the raja. Then, she would poison him and take the throne for herself and her people. But when an unexpected coup thwarts her careful plans, Anula is left with one desperate option. She offers her soul to the cursed gods she renounced in exchange for the crown.
In the Second Heavens, Reeri the Blood Yakka, the most dangerous and powerful of his clan, hears her prayer. For eons, he's waited for such a valuable offering—one that could finally give him the chance to kill his divine tormentor and return his fellow Yakkas to their former glory on earth. Reeri accepts Anula's bargain, tethering them until their goals are achieved, or until they die.
As the war presses on, Anula must move quickly or lose her chance to become the first raejina. But while she is skilled at many things, especially in stopping hearts, the closer she grows to Reeri, the more she finds her own heart at risk. And when the time comes to fight enemies both human and divine, Anuradhapura and the Heavens will never be the same.
Features Include:
character art
map
glossary of terms
and more!
464 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2025
76 people are currently reading
35569 people want to read
About the author
Alysha Rameera
1 book132 followersAlysha Rameera is a Sri Lankan and German American author who writes about little-known historical figures, romance, and magic, preferably altogether. On non-writing days, you can find her baking at home or traveling the world with her husband.
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August 2, 2025
──⟡⋆˙✩ 2 stars ✩ ⋆˙⟡──
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 βօօҟͲąցʂ 𓍯𓂃
➸ He falls first
➸ Slowburn
➸ Female rage
➸ Forced proximity
➸ Dual POV
Well… this isn’t the first time a book betrayed me, so I should be used to the sting by now.
My expectations were high.
South Asian representation?
Fantasy rooted in Sri Lankan mythology?
A furious FMC, skilled in poisoncraft, bent on avenging her murdered family?
Her plan? Marry the Raja. Poison him. Take the throne. Become the first Raejina.
I was so here for it.
And yet, the worldbuilding and fantasy elements were so vague and confusing, they flew right over my head. I got lost in the writing—but not in the way I wanted to be.
I wanted to see Anula get the throne.
I wanted her to scheme, to kill, to rule.
I wanted her to laugh with wicked satisfaction as she crossed names off her list one by one.
But halfway through, she changed her mind.
Suddenly, she didn’t want the throne anymore.
Suddenly, vengeance wasn’t it—justice was.
(Which, yes, justice is great and all. But I signed up for vengeance.)
Instead of poison and power plays, we got romance. Distraction. Doubt.
And she lost the one thing that made her electric: her rage.
The romance, ironically, had all the elements I usually love—slowburn with the whole prickly-girl-meets-soft-boy dynamic.
But here? It got in the way.
She had one job. Just one.
Get your revenge first, fall in love later.
Priorities, Anula.
I don’t like it when characters forget what they came for.
There’s a time and place. This was not it.
And I just wish she knew that.
Many thanks to netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
My review on Instagram
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 βօօҟͲąցʂ 𓍯𓂃
➸ He falls first
➸ Slowburn
➸ Female rage
➸ Forced proximity
➸ Dual POV
Well… this isn’t the first time a book betrayed me, so I should be used to the sting by now.
My expectations were high.
South Asian representation?
Fantasy rooted in Sri Lankan mythology?
A furious FMC, skilled in poisoncraft, bent on avenging her murdered family?
Her plan? Marry the Raja. Poison him. Take the throne. Become the first Raejina.
I was so here for it.
And yet, the worldbuilding and fantasy elements were so vague and confusing, they flew right over my head. I got lost in the writing—but not in the way I wanted to be.
I wanted to see Anula get the throne.
I wanted her to scheme, to kill, to rule.
I wanted her to laugh with wicked satisfaction as she crossed names off her list one by one.
But halfway through, she changed her mind.
Suddenly, she didn’t want the throne anymore.
Suddenly, vengeance wasn’t it—justice was.
(Which, yes, justice is great and all. But I signed up for vengeance.)
Instead of poison and power plays, we got romance. Distraction. Doubt.
And she lost the one thing that made her electric: her rage.
The romance, ironically, had all the elements I usually love—slowburn with the whole prickly-girl-meets-soft-boy dynamic.
But here? It got in the way.
She had one job. Just one.
Get your revenge first, fall in love later.
Priorities, Anula.
I don’t like it when characters forget what they came for.
There’s a time and place. This was not it.
And I just wish she knew that.
Many thanks to netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
My review on Instagram
August 15, 2025
I was really hoping I’d love this one but I kept putting it down and struggling to come back to it. Finally I grabbed the audio and powered through but I was still left a little wanting. Conceptually this book should have been a knock out for me but the execution left me struggling to follow along. I don’t think this is a bad book but I do think it is a little rough around the edges.
What’s to love….
- slow burn romance
- shadow daddy? except he’s literally shadows
- revenge & feminine rage
- morally grey MCs
- Sri Lankan mythology based fantasy
What didn’t really work for me…
- pacing, at times we were flying and other times things were moving at a glacial pace
- world-building, especially in the beginning - I wanted more information upfront. I don’t mind being a little confused when reading but I was feeling pretty lost!
3.25⭐️| TikTok | IG |
Thank you Sourcebooks for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
What’s to love….
- slow burn romance
- shadow daddy? except he’s literally shadows
- revenge & feminine rage
- morally grey MCs
- Sri Lankan mythology based fantasy
What didn’t really work for me…
- pacing, at times we were flying and other times things were moving at a glacial pace
- world-building, especially in the beginning - I wanted more information upfront. I don’t mind being a little confused when reading but I was feeling pretty lost!
3.25⭐️| TikTok | IG |
Thank you Sourcebooks for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2025
This Sri Lankan-inspired Romantasy was SO good! This is one that you’ll for sure want to check out the author’s note when you’re finished-it was so interesting to hear the author’s reasoning for telling this specific story in this way. I loved the badass feminine rage throughout the book, and the found family relationship from the main characters and their chosen circle. I was gifted this audio from Sourcebooks Audio and thought that the narration balanced both the sweet, emotional parts of the story with the intense action scenes. This book is nonstop action, so it is one that I’d recommend listening to carefully vs a casual listen, but definitely feel like it’s a can’t-miss for Romantasy fans looking for something different than the most common titles.
August 14, 2025
Her Soul for a Crown by Alysha Rameera
Book Blurb: This epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri.
Book Rating: ****
Audio Rating: ****
Feels: Thrills, Fierce, Trepidation, Satisfaction
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Mythology, Fantasy Romance
First published August 12, 2025 : Audio book 12 hours 59 minutes
What if? I love that that is the question the author asked herself and we get to read this amazingly intense story about a women who poisons her way to the crown. I was just in love with this concept and it delivered. I loved the world building , mythology aspect of the story with deals and secret societies. The scenes were rich and lush with myth, striving for a better world and some intense slow burn. The spice in this story was delicious and well built up. I absolutely adored the strength and courage of our FMC. Total plus that she went around poisoning people who deserved it. I easily flew through this read.
Audiobook Review: Loved this read as an audiobook. The cadence of the narrator was very easy to follow and enjoy the story while listening. Tone and inflection was pleasing and I was able to follow along at my preferred speed which is 1.7. The pacing was varied and at critical points in the story I felt like the drama was amplified with the narration. Pronunciation was so fluid and beautiful I felt like it really added to story and kept me in the story without pulling me out at any point . Overall I felt the narration really added to this story and made it a lovely read as an audiobook.
This book has:
Enemies to Lovers
Feminine Rage
Sri Lankan inspiration
He falls first
Found Family
One Bed
Slow Burn
Poisons
Thank you to Alysha Rameera and Sourcebook publishing for this gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Book Blurb: This epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri.
Book Rating: ****
Audio Rating: ****
Feels: Thrills, Fierce, Trepidation, Satisfaction
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Mythology, Fantasy Romance
First published August 12, 2025 : Audio book 12 hours 59 minutes
What if? I love that that is the question the author asked herself and we get to read this amazingly intense story about a women who poisons her way to the crown. I was just in love with this concept and it delivered. I loved the world building , mythology aspect of the story with deals and secret societies. The scenes were rich and lush with myth, striving for a better world and some intense slow burn. The spice in this story was delicious and well built up. I absolutely adored the strength and courage of our FMC. Total plus that she went around poisoning people who deserved it. I easily flew through this read.
Audiobook Review: Loved this read as an audiobook. The cadence of the narrator was very easy to follow and enjoy the story while listening. Tone and inflection was pleasing and I was able to follow along at my preferred speed which is 1.7. The pacing was varied and at critical points in the story I felt like the drama was amplified with the narration. Pronunciation was so fluid and beautiful I felt like it really added to story and kept me in the story without pulling me out at any point . Overall I felt the narration really added to this story and made it a lovely read as an audiobook.
This book has:
Enemies to Lovers
Feminine Rage
Sri Lankan inspiration
He falls first
Found Family
One Bed
Slow Burn
Poisons
Thank you to Alysha Rameera and Sourcebook publishing for this gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2025
This book completely swept me off my feet. What a ride! I’m honestly still reeling from how much I adored it. From the intense romance to the rich worldbuilding and the unforgettable characters, this story had everything I could want in a fantasy novel. (Warning: very long review. I needed to convey how much I loved it!)
Let’s start with the romance: Anula and Reeri’s relationship was chef’s kiss. The tension, the banter, the emotional highs and lows, it was all so deliciously messy and compelling. Their dynamic brought a great mix of heat and humor, especially in between darker, more intense moments. I'm a huge fan of forced proximity and hate-to-love, and this book delivered those tropes so well. The soul-tether between them added so much depth and urgency, it amplified everything they felt and made every interaction crackle. And the yearning! The YEARNING!! Absolutely immaculate!
Reeri, the male lead, was hands down one of my favorite parts of the novel. I’m a sucker for a well-written romantic lead, and he checked all the boxes: layered, flawed, haunted by past mistakes, and yet still full of heart. His love for his people, his yearning to do better, and the pain he carries made him feel so real. I just wanted him and his fellow Yakkas to be happy.
Anula, our fierce and brilliant heroine, won me over immediately. She’s strong and stubborn, with a mind as sharp as her tongue. While she did frustrate me at times, especially in her early interactions with Reeri, her reasoning was always valid, and her growth over the story felt honest and earned. She never betrayed her values, and that unwavering loyalty to her people made her incredibly compelling.
The worldbuilding was nothing short of phenomenal. The culture, the lore of the gods and divinities, the blessed gifts, the politics and power dynamics, it all felt so organic and vivid. Nothing was dumped or forced; the information was revealed naturally through the story, and I never once felt lost or overwhelmed. The author clearly put a ton of thought and care into crafting this world, and it paid off beautifully.
Plot-wise, this was a rollercoaster: betrayal, bloodshed, revenge, love, magic—it kept me on my toes the whole time. There was never a dull moment; even the quieter scenes were full of tension and anticipation, making every turn in the story feel significant. The emotional and action-packed stakes of the plot kept me completely invested, and I couldn’t put it down. It was impossible to predict where the story would go next, and that’s part of what made it so exciting!
And let’s not forget the relationships beyond the romance. Reeri’s bond with his siblings, especially Calu (who was a standout for me) was so heartwarming and fun. Calu's sunny mischief was the perfect foil to Reeri’s gruff seriousness, and their brotherly bond added so much emotion to the story. The side characters were all memorable, with some I loved, some I hated, and some I was surprisingly conflicted about. Everyone had depth, and no one felt like filler. Even minor characters had moments that mattered.
The writing in this book is absolutely captivating! From the very first page, the author’s unique voice pulls you in, wrapping you in a world of vivid descriptions and sharp language. The way the author uses words to build atmosphere is nothing short of magical. I was immediately immersed in the rich world where every detail felt purposeful and alive. There was so much foreshadowing! So many details that make so much sense after finishing this novel.
One thing that stood out to me was the author’s use of archaic language like “betwixt” and “mayhaps.” While these words are rare in modern conversation, they fit perfectly in the context of the world the author has crafted. It’s as if she chose to bring this story to life in a language that felt both timeless and deliberate, creating an old-world charm that makes the reading experience feel like stepping into another era. The choice wasn’t just for fun, it added weight and depth to the story.
Simply put, the author’s writing is exceptional. It’s eloquent without being overbearing, rich without drowning in unnecessary detail, and perfectly attuned to the emotional rhythm of the story. It’s the kind of writing that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
And that author note at the end? Such a wonderful surprise! I had no idea Anula was inspired by a real historic figure, the first queen of Sri Lanka who was remembered mainly as the woman who poisoned six husbands to get the throne, while her male predecessor’s crimes were overlooked. This book obviously isn’t meant to be historically accurate, but knowing that made it even more powerful. You can tell how much research and heart went into this story. The author did a phenomenal job!
This book deserves so much hype. It’s one of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in a while, and I’ll be shouting about it for a long time! I’d recommend this book to readers who want to be swept into a world of gods, divine realms, and rich mythology; who love powerful magic, a beautiful romance full of longing, and heroines and heroes who fight for more than just survival. They fight for who they are.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
Let’s start with the romance: Anula and Reeri’s relationship was chef’s kiss. The tension, the banter, the emotional highs and lows, it was all so deliciously messy and compelling. Their dynamic brought a great mix of heat and humor, especially in between darker, more intense moments. I'm a huge fan of forced proximity and hate-to-love, and this book delivered those tropes so well. The soul-tether between them added so much depth and urgency, it amplified everything they felt and made every interaction crackle. And the yearning! The YEARNING!! Absolutely immaculate!
Reeri, the male lead, was hands down one of my favorite parts of the novel. I’m a sucker for a well-written romantic lead, and he checked all the boxes: layered, flawed, haunted by past mistakes, and yet still full of heart. His love for his people, his yearning to do better, and the pain he carries made him feel so real. I just wanted him and his fellow Yakkas to be happy.
Anula, our fierce and brilliant heroine, won me over immediately. She’s strong and stubborn, with a mind as sharp as her tongue. While she did frustrate me at times, especially in her early interactions with Reeri, her reasoning was always valid, and her growth over the story felt honest and earned. She never betrayed her values, and that unwavering loyalty to her people made her incredibly compelling.
The worldbuilding was nothing short of phenomenal. The culture, the lore of the gods and divinities, the blessed gifts, the politics and power dynamics, it all felt so organic and vivid. Nothing was dumped or forced; the information was revealed naturally through the story, and I never once felt lost or overwhelmed. The author clearly put a ton of thought and care into crafting this world, and it paid off beautifully.
Plot-wise, this was a rollercoaster: betrayal, bloodshed, revenge, love, magic—it kept me on my toes the whole time. There was never a dull moment; even the quieter scenes were full of tension and anticipation, making every turn in the story feel significant. The emotional and action-packed stakes of the plot kept me completely invested, and I couldn’t put it down. It was impossible to predict where the story would go next, and that’s part of what made it so exciting!
And let’s not forget the relationships beyond the romance. Reeri’s bond with his siblings, especially Calu (who was a standout for me) was so heartwarming and fun. Calu's sunny mischief was the perfect foil to Reeri’s gruff seriousness, and their brotherly bond added so much emotion to the story. The side characters were all memorable, with some I loved, some I hated, and some I was surprisingly conflicted about. Everyone had depth, and no one felt like filler. Even minor characters had moments that mattered.
The writing in this book is absolutely captivating! From the very first page, the author’s unique voice pulls you in, wrapping you in a world of vivid descriptions and sharp language. The way the author uses words to build atmosphere is nothing short of magical. I was immediately immersed in the rich world where every detail felt purposeful and alive. There was so much foreshadowing! So many details that make so much sense after finishing this novel.
One thing that stood out to me was the author’s use of archaic language like “betwixt” and “mayhaps.” While these words are rare in modern conversation, they fit perfectly in the context of the world the author has crafted. It’s as if she chose to bring this story to life in a language that felt both timeless and deliberate, creating an old-world charm that makes the reading experience feel like stepping into another era. The choice wasn’t just for fun, it added weight and depth to the story.
Simply put, the author’s writing is exceptional. It’s eloquent without being overbearing, rich without drowning in unnecessary detail, and perfectly attuned to the emotional rhythm of the story. It’s the kind of writing that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
And that author note at the end? Such a wonderful surprise! I had no idea Anula was inspired by a real historic figure, the first queen of Sri Lanka who was remembered mainly as the woman who poisoned six husbands to get the throne, while her male predecessor’s crimes were overlooked. This book obviously isn’t meant to be historically accurate, but knowing that made it even more powerful. You can tell how much research and heart went into this story. The author did a phenomenal job!
This book deserves so much hype. It’s one of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in a while, and I’ll be shouting about it for a long time! I’d recommend this book to readers who want to be swept into a world of gods, divine realms, and rich mythology; who love powerful magic, a beautiful romance full of longing, and heroines and heroes who fight for more than just survival. They fight for who they are.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
August 24, 2025
4.5⭐
Thank you so much to Alysha Rameera and Source Books Casablanca for the ARC.
𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 is an epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri.
This book swept me off my feet the second the book started. The decadent prose and feminine rage was present all throughout the book, not missing a beat with the rage and anger emerging from Anula, the FMC.
The relationship between Anula and Reeri is so well done. The author added a unique twist to the forced proximity trope. The banter and tension between them was messy for them but the way their emotional intelligence in dark times together was a compelling dynamic. Not to forget the yearning, which was absolutely immaculate between them. The romance stemmed so organically that it became compelling to read about both of them.
𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐤𝐚 is the male lead and is based on the Sinhalese folklore of the demon Reeri Yakseya, believed to be one of the most cruel and powerful demons. In HSfaC, his character is different. He's more empathetic and we see a more different side to him. He's a very well-written and mature male lead, whose behaviour and actions are layered and flawed, haunted by the mistakes of his past and full of heart to right his wrong. He loves his people a lot and he yearns to be so much better. He punishes and blames himself for all the pain caused because of him, which makes him feel so much real. He yearns and loves Anula so much that he becomes so pathetically in love with her, changing his perspective of her and ready to sacrifice himself for her.
𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐚, the female lead, was based on the Queen Anula of Anuradhapura, who was the first queen-regeant in Sri Lankan history. The Queen in the mythology was said to have married six times and during her five year reign, she poisoned her way through four husbands, causing her to rule on her own. This version of Anula in HSfaC is very different yet similar. Anula in pretense was married multiple times here and she's a poison master. She yearns to claim the throne and crown, the change the patriarchal kingdom and to give equality to women. She wants to bring change to her people and exact revenge for all the wrongs done to her and her origin village. She's cunning, cruel, determined, arrogant and brave, not stopping until she succeeds. She's also fierce and stubborn, standing for what is right. Her dearly interactions with Reeri were stubborn but her reasoning was always valid She never betrayed the values she learnt and her unwavering loyalty to her people, even at her lowest, shapes her to be a powerful and empowering female lead. Her growth over the span of the book made it feel honest and well deserved.
The rollercoaster of emotions I felt when there were betrayals, sacrifice and bloodshed is incomprehensible. The revenge plots were so deeply planned yet faltered, but they still found a plan within the chaos. The emotionally attached stakes were really high, which made me sob at times. The plot lines were immersive and the foreshadowing for them was very subtle but made so much sense when revealed. The decadent and purple prose was very Immersive and made me feel more engaged to the storyline.
The platonic relationships and bonds between Reeri and his siblings were heartwarming. It was essentially a standout for me to read about. The side characters were well developed, some I still loathe and some are very memorable.
Overall, I loved this novel so much! If there would ever be another novel set in this universe, I would love to read it! This is a romantasy filled with forced proximity, slow burn, yearning, platonic bonds, betrayals and sacrifices, perfect for readers of Sarah J Maas, Scarlett St. Clair, and Tasha Suri's The Jasmine Throne.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲.
Thank you so much to Alysha Rameera and Source Books Casablanca for the ARC.
𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 is an epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri.
This book swept me off my feet the second the book started. The decadent prose and feminine rage was present all throughout the book, not missing a beat with the rage and anger emerging from Anula, the FMC.
The relationship between Anula and Reeri is so well done. The author added a unique twist to the forced proximity trope. The banter and tension between them was messy for them but the way their emotional intelligence in dark times together was a compelling dynamic. Not to forget the yearning, which was absolutely immaculate between them. The romance stemmed so organically that it became compelling to read about both of them.
𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐤𝐚 is the male lead and is based on the Sinhalese folklore of the demon Reeri Yakseya, believed to be one of the most cruel and powerful demons. In HSfaC, his character is different. He's more empathetic and we see a more different side to him. He's a very well-written and mature male lead, whose behaviour and actions are layered and flawed, haunted by the mistakes of his past and full of heart to right his wrong. He loves his people a lot and he yearns to be so much better. He punishes and blames himself for all the pain caused because of him, which makes him feel so much real. He yearns and loves Anula so much that he becomes so pathetically in love with her, changing his perspective of her and ready to sacrifice himself for her.
𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐚, the female lead, was based on the Queen Anula of Anuradhapura, who was the first queen-regeant in Sri Lankan history. The Queen in the mythology was said to have married six times and during her five year reign, she poisoned her way through four husbands, causing her to rule on her own. This version of Anula in HSfaC is very different yet similar. Anula in pretense was married multiple times here and she's a poison master. She yearns to claim the throne and crown, the change the patriarchal kingdom and to give equality to women. She wants to bring change to her people and exact revenge for all the wrongs done to her and her origin village. She's cunning, cruel, determined, arrogant and brave, not stopping until she succeeds. She's also fierce and stubborn, standing for what is right. Her dearly interactions with Reeri were stubborn but her reasoning was always valid She never betrayed the values she learnt and her unwavering loyalty to her people, even at her lowest, shapes her to be a powerful and empowering female lead. Her growth over the span of the book made it feel honest and well deserved.
The rollercoaster of emotions I felt when there were betrayals, sacrifice and bloodshed is incomprehensible. The revenge plots were so deeply planned yet faltered, but they still found a plan within the chaos. The emotionally attached stakes were really high, which made me sob at times. The plot lines were immersive and the foreshadowing for them was very subtle but made so much sense when revealed. The decadent and purple prose was very Immersive and made me feel more engaged to the storyline.
The platonic relationships and bonds between Reeri and his siblings were heartwarming. It was essentially a standout for me to read about. The side characters were well developed, some I still loathe and some are very memorable.
Overall, I loved this novel so much! If there would ever be another novel set in this universe, I would love to read it! This is a romantasy filled with forced proximity, slow burn, yearning, platonic bonds, betrayals and sacrifices, perfect for readers of Sarah J Maas, Scarlett St. Clair, and Tasha Suri's The Jasmine Throne.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲.
May 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early access to review this book!!
I think this will become a new favourite of many. It has a gripping start, and the FMC is the embodiment of feminine rage.
There’s 2 separate storylines - but I felt like neither of them were especially fleshed out. I couldn’t grasp the stakes and never warmed up to the MMC.
The writing didn’t flow as nicely as I would’ve liked - which rendered some scenes very cropped and unnatural to the storyline. The FMC had a very distinct personality but the MMC was… a bit weird to read about? The aspect of mystery surrounding him wasn’t the best and it did make him feel like a checklist. The romance was extremely lusty and that’s something I struggled with a lot (especially considering it’s marketed as slow burn).
There’s constantly something happening for a good chunk of the book - which keeps the reader’s attention BUT some things happened so fast and weren’t properly explained in the aftermath…
The side characters also had very awkward interactions with the MCs and the conversations felt stilted.
There’s a few instances where a major event happened - and they just moved on without investigating or trying to understand what happened and how… and I was left feeling very dissatisfied with that. I don’t appreciate having to accept things for storyline purposes.
Overall, I think most people will like this. It just didn’t amaze me.
I think this will become a new favourite of many. It has a gripping start, and the FMC is the embodiment of feminine rage.
There’s 2 separate storylines - but I felt like neither of them were especially fleshed out. I couldn’t grasp the stakes and never warmed up to the MMC.
The writing didn’t flow as nicely as I would’ve liked - which rendered some scenes very cropped and unnatural to the storyline. The FMC had a very distinct personality but the MMC was… a bit weird to read about? The aspect of mystery surrounding him wasn’t the best and it did make him feel like a checklist. The romance was extremely lusty and that’s something I struggled with a lot (especially considering it’s marketed as slow burn).
There’s constantly something happening for a good chunk of the book - which keeps the reader’s attention BUT some things happened so fast and weren’t properly explained in the aftermath…
The side characters also had very awkward interactions with the MCs and the conversations felt stilted.
There’s a few instances where a major event happened - and they just moved on without investigating or trying to understand what happened and how… and I was left feeling very dissatisfied with that. I don’t appreciate having to accept things for storyline purposes.
Overall, I think most people will like this. It just didn’t amaze me.
May 21, 2025
I really wanted to love Her Soul for a Crown as much as I love a slushed Mountain Dew in a hot summer day. The premise: an orphaned poison-wielding badass named Anula, steeped in Sri Lankan mythology, ready to sell her soul to a cursed god named Reeri to topple heartless rajas? It had me vibrating with excitement. Slow-burn romantasy? Mythological vibes? Revenge? Sign me up! But after finishing this book, I’m left feeling like I ate a gorgeous curry that was missing a few key spices.
Anula is a firecracker of a protagonist. She’s fierce, whip-smart, and her affinity for poisons makes her the kind of gal you’d want on your side in a bar fight—or, you know, a royal coup. Rameera’s worldbuilding is lush, with Anuradhapura’s (say that five times fast) golden palaces and shadowy jungles popping off the page like a Bollywood set. The mythology? Reeri, the Blood Yakka, is creepy-cool, like a demon you’d reluctantly invite to dinner because he’s got stories. When the book hits its stride, it’s a page-turner. I stayed up past midnight, ignoring my dogs judgmental stare, because I hadto know if Anula would pull off her revenge.
But here’s where the curry starts to thin out. The side characters—Bithmul and Reeri's Yakkas—are flatter than my attempts at making naan.
Then there’s the whole “three rajas in as many days” situation, which had me snorting louder than my neighbor’s lawnmower. So, Anuradhapura apparently swaps kings faster than I swap Netflix shows, and nobody bats an eye, even during an age of Usurpers? Two new rajas pop up like whack-a-moles, and the entire kingdom’s like, “Cool, business as usual.” The soldiers don’t mutiny. The people don’t riot. The street vendors aren’t even whispering, “Yo, what’s with the raja roulette?” It’s like the whole kingdom’s been slipped a chill pill.
The pacing doesn’t help. The first half drags like my dog when she knows it’s bath time, with too much setup and not enough action. Then the back half sprints, cramming betrayals, battles, and romantic confessions into a whirlwind that left me dizzy. I kept thinking, “Slow down, let me savor this!” A little more flesh on the side characters and a deeper dive into the kingdom’s reaction to its raja speed-dating could’ve balanced things out.
Her Soul for a Crown is like a dazzling costume party where half the guests forgot to show up. Anula’s a star, the romance is okay, and the mythology is fresh, but the thin side characters and head-scratching plot holes keep it from greatness. I’d still recommend it to romantasy fans who love a fierce heroine and don’t mind some gaps—pair it with a mango lassi and enjoy the ride.
Anula is a firecracker of a protagonist. She’s fierce, whip-smart, and her affinity for poisons makes her the kind of gal you’d want on your side in a bar fight—or, you know, a royal coup. Rameera’s worldbuilding is lush, with Anuradhapura’s (say that five times fast) golden palaces and shadowy jungles popping off the page like a Bollywood set. The mythology? Reeri, the Blood Yakka, is creepy-cool, like a demon you’d reluctantly invite to dinner because he’s got stories. When the book hits its stride, it’s a page-turner. I stayed up past midnight, ignoring my dogs judgmental stare, because I hadto know if Anula would pull off her revenge.
But here’s where the curry starts to thin out. The side characters—Bithmul and Reeri's Yakkas—are flatter than my attempts at making naan.
Then there’s the whole “three rajas in as many days” situation, which had me snorting louder than my neighbor’s lawnmower. So, Anuradhapura apparently swaps kings faster than I swap Netflix shows, and nobody bats an eye, even during an age of Usurpers? Two new rajas pop up like whack-a-moles, and the entire kingdom’s like, “Cool, business as usual.” The soldiers don’t mutiny. The people don’t riot. The street vendors aren’t even whispering, “Yo, what’s with the raja roulette?” It’s like the whole kingdom’s been slipped a chill pill.
The pacing doesn’t help. The first half drags like my dog when she knows it’s bath time, with too much setup and not enough action. Then the back half sprints, cramming betrayals, battles, and romantic confessions into a whirlwind that left me dizzy. I kept thinking, “Slow down, let me savor this!” A little more flesh on the side characters and a deeper dive into the kingdom’s reaction to its raja speed-dating could’ve balanced things out.
Her Soul for a Crown is like a dazzling costume party where half the guests forgot to show up. Anula’s a star, the romance is okay, and the mythology is fresh, but the thin side characters and head-scratching plot holes keep it from greatness. I’d still recommend it to romantasy fans who love a fierce heroine and don’t mind some gaps—pair it with a mango lassi and enjoy the ride.
April 18, 2025
Alysha Rameera has come up with a very fast paced, slow-burn fantasy romance based on Siri Lankan mythology. I enjoyed it quite a lot. Not a single page was boring for me, which is very rare for me these days.
The author has brilliantly portrayed forced proximity that I fully enjoyed and cracked up when the 'blessed gift' made commentary on the situations and provided unsolicited advices to the MLs. I mean it surely added funny flavour to the plot.
Anula, OMG, she was such a strong character. I have no words for how much I liked her. She went through the worst and still it didn't turn her into a villain. That says a lot about how beautiful her soul was. A lot of people just become stone after going through so much. How about we meet up some day, Anula? I could use your advice or two. LOL.
BtW, her character arc was the strongest and the best.
Reeri, my heart broke for him too, so many times. Like come on, cut him some slack, would you?
That Katadiya character made me furious on so many occasions. If I were the FMC there, I wouldn't have been so generous on giving her so many chances. or may be I would have?
Reading the author's notes about the mythology and the liberties she took here and there, I was awed. I mean it all started with 'what ifs', didn't it?
To sum it up, I ate it up. Loved it.
The author has brilliantly portrayed forced proximity that I fully enjoyed and cracked up when the 'blessed gift' made commentary on the situations and provided unsolicited advices to the MLs. I mean it surely added funny flavour to the plot.
Anula, OMG, she was such a strong character. I have no words for how much I liked her. She went through the worst and still it didn't turn her into a villain. That says a lot about how beautiful her soul was. A lot of people just become stone after going through so much. How about we meet up some day, Anula? I could use your advice or two. LOL.
BtW, her character arc was the strongest and the best.
Reeri, my heart broke for him too, so many times. Like come on, cut him some slack, would you?
That Katadiya character made me furious on so many occasions. If I were the FMC there, I wouldn't have been so generous on giving her so many chances. or may be I would have?
Reading the author's notes about the mythology and the liberties she took here and there, I was awed. I mean it all started with 'what ifs', didn't it?
To sum it up, I ate it up. Loved it.
August 11, 2025
l love how unique this book is! The author is just-the nicest person ever!" The writing is so great and this was one of my-most anticipated books for a reason!
August 3, 2025
If you're wanting your heart ripped out, set on fire, and then put back in then this is the book for you!! I can't even begin to explain how emotionally attached I was to Anula, the FMC, Reeri, the MMC, and all the side characters.
All of the characters in Her Soul for the Crown are extremely well fleshed out but the raw rage and emotions Anula shows are so very relatable, and in a world ruled by men she is the only one that wants to protect her people, her kingdom. Even if that means poisoning a few unworthy enemies.
The world building and presence of the Cosmos, Divinities and Yakkas (good and bad) is beautifully written and I absolutely love the mythological aspects of the story. Showing that nothing is as simple as black and white, everything requires balance and that's a big part of the story.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys feisty FMC’s, a soul dead connection, and a bash of poison in your reading!
All of the characters in Her Soul for the Crown are extremely well fleshed out but the raw rage and emotions Anula shows are so very relatable, and in a world ruled by men she is the only one that wants to protect her people, her kingdom. Even if that means poisoning a few unworthy enemies.
The world building and presence of the Cosmos, Divinities and Yakkas (good and bad) is beautifully written and I absolutely love the mythological aspects of the story. Showing that nothing is as simple as black and white, everything requires balance and that's a big part of the story.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys feisty FMC’s, a soul dead connection, and a bash of poison in your reading!
June 11, 2025
2.5 ★— I really wanted to love this, because it had all the elements I look for in a fantasy romance: a revenge-driven heroine, a pining MMC, political scheming, morally grey characters, squabbling deities, layered power dynamics and a richly imagined world. I also loved that this world was inspired by Sri Lankan mythology, written by an author from that same culture, who was clearly passionate about the subject matter.
Those elements do shine through in the opening chapters. Anula, the FMC, has endured a life marked by loss and chooses to take control of her fate by plotting to marry the raja, seize the crown, and then kill him. Her plans entangle her with Reeri, the Blood Yakka - a divine being scarred by betrayal. The two strike a literal Faustian bargain to help each other achieve their goals.
I was hooked early on, but somewhere around the middle, the story lost me. There are two parallel plotlines - Anula’s pursuit of the throne and Reeri’s mission to reclaim lost power for the Yakkas - but neither felt fully fleshed out. Neither Reeri’s fellow Yakkas could really keep me interested and make me want to follow their storyline, nor did Anula’s side characters really hold my attention.
Anula, as a concept, is compelling. Her hunger for revenge and willingness to do whatever it takes made sense to me. But despite her clear motivations, I struggled to connect with her emotionally. The world is richly imagined, but paradoxically, it also felt… empty. The side characters didn’t feel fully realized. They mostly seemed to exist to move the plot along rather than to live in the world themselves.
Reeri had potential, and his gentleness contrasted nicely with Anula’s sharp edges. But I didn’t quite buy the speed or depth of his feelings for her. It felt like their emotional bond developed too fast and without enough foundation. While the tension between them was at times entertaining, it lacked weight.
I really appreciated the mythology and the ambition behind the worldbuilding, but something was missing in the execution. I wanted more depth, more immersion, more emotion. In the end, I felt too disconnected from the characters and the story to truly care about what happened.
___________________________________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Those elements do shine through in the opening chapters. Anula, the FMC, has endured a life marked by loss and chooses to take control of her fate by plotting to marry the raja, seize the crown, and then kill him. Her plans entangle her with Reeri, the Blood Yakka - a divine being scarred by betrayal. The two strike a literal Faustian bargain to help each other achieve their goals.
I was hooked early on, but somewhere around the middle, the story lost me. There are two parallel plotlines - Anula’s pursuit of the throne and Reeri’s mission to reclaim lost power for the Yakkas - but neither felt fully fleshed out. Neither Reeri’s fellow Yakkas could really keep me interested and make me want to follow their storyline, nor did Anula’s side characters really hold my attention.
Anula, as a concept, is compelling. Her hunger for revenge and willingness to do whatever it takes made sense to me. But despite her clear motivations, I struggled to connect with her emotionally. The world is richly imagined, but paradoxically, it also felt… empty. The side characters didn’t feel fully realized. They mostly seemed to exist to move the plot along rather than to live in the world themselves.
Reeri had potential, and his gentleness contrasted nicely with Anula’s sharp edges. But I didn’t quite buy the speed or depth of his feelings for her. It felt like their emotional bond developed too fast and without enough foundation. While the tension between them was at times entertaining, it lacked weight.
I really appreciated the mythology and the ambition behind the worldbuilding, but something was missing in the execution. I wanted more depth, more immersion, more emotion. In the end, I felt too disconnected from the characters and the story to truly care about what happened.
___________________________________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2025
Refreshing!!!
I often feel like South Asia does not get enough representation in books and ‘Her Soul for A Crown’ is such a wonderful gift to the book world. It has everything I desire in a fantasy/romantasy plot - strkng female characters, roots in mythology and real life history, as well slow burn, a pronunciation guide and a map. Overall, a strong plot.
I felt like I grew with Anula and Reeri as individuals, as well as a pair. I was hooked from the early chapters, which I usually don’t get - I tend to struggle with the starts of books. But this flowed well and I was enamoured. I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy to proudly display on my bookshelf.
I look forward to more work from Alysha Rameera.
I often feel like South Asia does not get enough representation in books and ‘Her Soul for A Crown’ is such a wonderful gift to the book world. It has everything I desire in a fantasy/romantasy plot - strkng female characters, roots in mythology and real life history, as well slow burn, a pronunciation guide and a map. Overall, a strong plot.
I felt like I grew with Anula and Reeri as individuals, as well as a pair. I was hooked from the early chapters, which I usually don’t get - I tend to struggle with the starts of books. But this flowed well and I was enamoured. I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy to proudly display on my bookshelf.
I look forward to more work from Alysha Rameera.
August 11, 2025
I don’t even know where to start with this one... Her Soul for a Crown was absolutely phenomenal. I feel so lucky to have received an ARC, and if I gave ratings beyond 5 stars, this would be one of them. This is a standalone marketed as an epic, slow burn, romantasy, but honestly, it reads more like an epic fantasy with a romance subplot. And that “slow-burn” is slooooow in the best possible way.
The magic system here is heartbreakingly beautiful and rooted in Sri Lankan mythology, which makes this world feel so rich and unlike anything I’ve read. Some of the vocabulary is in a different language, of course, and while it takes a minute to understand, it quickly becomes part of what makes this book so immersive.
Our FMC, Anula, is such a fierce, determined heroine... the kingdom's rulers took away her family, orphaning her and ultimately lead her to train to overthrow them. She's trained in politics and poison as a concubine to infiltrate the crown. She's got this single-minded almost blind drive for vengeance and it gets complicated in the best way by Reeri, the cursed Blood Yakka (think demi-god) she bargains with. Their bond is so much more than forced proximity. It is tense, layered, and built so meticulously that when the emotional moments hit, they hit.
I would say this is epic in scope but the characters feels so real and intimate. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I can’t wait to see what Alysha Rameera does next. I am so entirely impressed with how well she fit the incredible world-building, nuanced romance and magic system into a standlone book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
The magic system here is heartbreakingly beautiful and rooted in Sri Lankan mythology, which makes this world feel so rich and unlike anything I’ve read. Some of the vocabulary is in a different language, of course, and while it takes a minute to understand, it quickly becomes part of what makes this book so immersive.
Our FMC, Anula, is such a fierce, determined heroine... the kingdom's rulers took away her family, orphaning her and ultimately lead her to train to overthrow them. She's trained in politics and poison as a concubine to infiltrate the crown. She's got this single-minded almost blind drive for vengeance and it gets complicated in the best way by Reeri, the cursed Blood Yakka (think demi-god) she bargains with. Their bond is so much more than forced proximity. It is tense, layered, and built so meticulously that when the emotional moments hit, they hit.
I would say this is epic in scope but the characters feels so real and intimate. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I can’t wait to see what Alysha Rameera does next. I am so entirely impressed with how well she fit the incredible world-building, nuanced romance and magic system into a standlone book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2025
Burn? 🔥 Achingly slow. Tension? Excruciatingly painful.
This isn’t just a story of love, it’s a story of absolute surrender to get back the person who stole your heart.
I loved the prose in this , it was so wonderful.
Our characters are well-developed, and layered. The inclusion of immortal beings was interesting, and the female lead is extremely strong. Anula is wicked with her poisons, and Reeri likes it. 🤭😏 She does everything in her power to protect her people and I appreciated that. Even when it means she has to disagree with the so called ‘leaders’. She stands up for what’s right.
Reeri is the god Anula summoned to help her. But let’s just say they find themselves…much more tethered than they liked.
The tension was delicious.. slolooowoww buurrrrnn done right I was literally fighting for my life. Anula and Reeri were so perfect together it had me clawing at the walls trying to get them to do more than accidentally touch. I liked the atmosphere and culture represented.
Lovely story highly recommend.
Thank you to the publishers on Netgalley for this earc. Happy release!
This isn’t just a story of love, it’s a story of absolute surrender to get back the person who stole your heart.
I loved the prose in this , it was so wonderful.
Our characters are well-developed, and layered. The inclusion of immortal beings was interesting, and the female lead is extremely strong. Anula is wicked with her poisons, and Reeri likes it. 🤭😏 She does everything in her power to protect her people and I appreciated that. Even when it means she has to disagree with the so called ‘leaders’. She stands up for what’s right.
Reeri is the god Anula summoned to help her. But let’s just say they find themselves…much more tethered than they liked.
The tension was delicious.. slolooowoww buurrrrnn done right I was literally fighting for my life. Anula and Reeri were so perfect together it had me clawing at the walls trying to get them to do more than accidentally touch. I liked the atmosphere and culture represented.
Lovely story highly recommend.
Thank you to the publishers on Netgalley for this earc. Happy release!
July 30, 2025
This was not only my first Alysha Rameera book, but also the first book that explored and was based off Sri Lankan mythology and I absolutely devoured it. Outside of work and sleep, this book occupied so much of my time and mind that I might have to go back and read it again. I love novels that blend romance, mythology and fantasy *cough* Hades x Persephone by Scarlett St. Clair *cough* and knowing that Alysha and Scarlett are friends solidified the need to read this ARC as soon as possible.
If you like romance with mythology with fantasy with bad ass FMCs, I cannot recommend this enough. I am gnawing the bars of my enclosure to get my hands on more b0oks but I will instead be patient because I know it will be worth the wait.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcesbooks Casablanca for the ARC!
If you like romance with mythology with fantasy with bad ass FMCs, I cannot recommend this enough. I am gnawing the bars of my enclosure to get my hands on more b0oks but I will instead be patient because I know it will be worth the wait.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcesbooks Casablanca for the ARC!
July 25, 2025
A slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman, Anula, with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri.
I loved this story. It was different and well written, great worldbuilding and beliavable characters. It is easy to become invested in the FMC and her need for revenge. Then the added parts of gods, bargains and men with their own agenda, makes this story wonderful. It shows the power of believing in oneself and to see things through, to not be confused with the immediate but seeing the whole picture.
I loved this story. It was different and well written, great worldbuilding and beliavable characters. It is easy to become invested in the FMC and her need for revenge. Then the added parts of gods, bargains and men with their own agenda, makes this story wonderful. It shows the power of believing in oneself and to see things through, to not be confused with the immediate but seeing the whole picture.
July 16, 2025
update, done!
I really liked the MCs in this book, and their individual character motivations and the way they grew to understand each others' pasts and hence change their goals was amazingly written!
That said, I had somewhat of a hard time understanding the world-building after the 50% mark, especially with the introduction of the new set of villains, the rewritings of the mythology and with the past/present back and forths happening in the MCs' heads without any designatory chapter headers. I think I'll go back and reread the second half of the book sometime to completely grasp what was happening.
All that being said, I absolutely loved reading the Sri Lankan mythology and history! If you read the author's note at the end, you can see the brilliance in the way the original mythology and history was shaped into this book. I am super excited to read more books by this author in the future!
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
update at 28% --
Reeri: makes mysterious, nefarious plans
Also Reeri: I offered her my HAND to help STEADY HER (also she's so beautiful), but SHE DIDN'T WANNA HOLD IT 😭
update at 25% --
The bickering between them is amazing, oh my gosh 😭
I really liked the MCs in this book, and their individual character motivations and the way they grew to understand each others' pasts and hence change their goals was amazingly written!
That said, I had somewhat of a hard time understanding the world-building after the 50% mark, especially with the introduction of the new set of villains, the rewritings of the mythology and with the past/present back and forths happening in the MCs' heads without any designatory chapter headers. I think I'll go back and reread the second half of the book sometime to completely grasp what was happening.
All that being said, I absolutely loved reading the Sri Lankan mythology and history! If you read the author's note at the end, you can see the brilliance in the way the original mythology and history was shaped into this book. I am super excited to read more books by this author in the future!
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
update at 28% --
Reeri: makes mysterious, nefarious plans
Also Reeri: I offered her my HAND to help STEADY HER (also she's so beautiful), but SHE DIDN'T WANNA HOLD IT 😭
update at 25% --
The bickering between them is amazing, oh my gosh 😭
June 25, 2025
This book has ruined me for every other romantasy to come :')
- slow burn desi enemies to lovers with a dual POV
- poisons, revenge, feminine rage & political intrigue
- power dynamics b/w well-developed deities
- sapphic side characters & beautiful, beautiful prose
- Sri Lankan mythology inspired adult fantasy
- fast-paced, puzzles, artifacts and plot twists
I am a simple reader, if I see fantasy in the wild inspired by South Asian mythology and imbued with feminine rage, I will be slamming that add to TBR button. Her Soul for a Crown delivers more than what it promised, I was all for the fast pace and the beautiful prose. Love seeing a true enemies to lovers with the slowest of slowburns and chemistry so fiery the only thing hotter than it is the feminine rage that burns through those pages. The worldbuilding is intricate perfection and the political drama keeps you on your toes -- so much fastpaced suspense?? i was screaming at the plot twist after plot twist towards the end, that climax made me feel SO much rage and despair and just bookish gremlin screeching in general -- all I am saying is this was an EXPERIENCE and I have a new favourite autobuy author :d If you loved The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri & The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala, this should be the next on your TBR.
Reeri is the sweetest little MMC who deserves so much, and Anula is a deserving fierce queen, heck, I would bargain MY soul for her to have and keep the crown.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance review copy. All opinions are honest :)
- slow burn desi enemies to lovers with a dual POV
- poisons, revenge, feminine rage & political intrigue
- power dynamics b/w well-developed deities
- sapphic side characters & beautiful, beautiful prose
- Sri Lankan mythology inspired adult fantasy
- fast-paced, puzzles, artifacts and plot twists
I am a simple reader, if I see fantasy in the wild inspired by South Asian mythology and imbued with feminine rage, I will be slamming that add to TBR button. Her Soul for a Crown delivers more than what it promised, I was all for the fast pace and the beautiful prose. Love seeing a true enemies to lovers with the slowest of slowburns and chemistry so fiery the only thing hotter than it is the feminine rage that burns through those pages. The worldbuilding is intricate perfection and the political drama keeps you on your toes -- so much fastpaced suspense?? i was screaming at the plot twist after plot twist towards the end, that climax made me feel SO much rage and despair and just bookish gremlin screeching in general -- all I am saying is this was an EXPERIENCE and I have a new favourite autobuy author :d If you loved The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri & The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala, this should be the next on your TBR.
Reeri is the sweetest little MMC who deserves so much, and Anula is a deserving fierce queen, heck, I would bargain MY soul for her to have and keep the crown.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance review copy. All opinions are honest :)
June 7, 2025
So I've been wanting to get more involved with readibg fantasy lately so I was truly happy that I managed to get approved for this book. If you are someone who likes some historical fiction with their fantasy genre then this is the book for you. There is also some mythology so that is another pro to consider. The novel also contains a strong female heroine which is also a plus side. Although there are some themes of violence so I would advise that you proceed at your own risk but overall the story is very good.
Our main character Anula has suffered much heartbreak in her life and she has finally prepared for how she wants to move on with her life. She has spent countless hours becoming trained in the art of poisoning. Her next goal is to marry the raja and once that is done she plans to assassinate and take the throne for herself.
Along the way Anula encounters Reeri who is part of the blood yakka. Reeri ia trying to reclaim the lost power for his group. The two then decide to team up in order to get their goals accomplished. The two of them are the opposite of each other but they manage to work well together with no complaints.I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Our main character Anula has suffered much heartbreak in her life and she has finally prepared for how she wants to move on with her life. She has spent countless hours becoming trained in the art of poisoning. Her next goal is to marry the raja and once that is done she plans to assassinate and take the throne for herself.
Along the way Anula encounters Reeri who is part of the blood yakka. Reeri ia trying to reclaim the lost power for his group. The two then decide to team up in order to get their goals accomplished. The two of them are the opposite of each other but they manage to work well together with no complaints.I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
soft-dnf
June 16, 2025Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book will be a DNF for me at 27%. I could see how this may be popular for some upon release. However, it is just falling quite flat for me. There are two main characters, and it does switch between them, but it almost seems like a hodge-podge of scenes slapped together for the sake of fast pacing and to try to form some kind of cohesive story. The very beginning of the book was a little off-putting because you're thrown into a situation with very little context and then just bland descriptions afterward. Readers need more context on things that are supposed to be happening in a story, not just reading through a story to read through it.
Give this a try as you may like it. I may come back to it once edited, published, and a possible audiobook released, but I will have to put it down for now.
Unfortunately, this book will be a DNF for me at 27%. I could see how this may be popular for some upon release. However, it is just falling quite flat for me. There are two main characters, and it does switch between them, but it almost seems like a hodge-podge of scenes slapped together for the sake of fast pacing and to try to form some kind of cohesive story. The very beginning of the book was a little off-putting because you're thrown into a situation with very little context and then just bland descriptions afterward. Readers need more context on things that are supposed to be happening in a story, not just reading through a story to read through it.
Give this a try as you may like it. I may come back to it once edited, published, and a possible audiobook released, but I will have to put it down for now.
August 12, 2025
I am giving an honest review for an advanced reader copy I was provided.
First of all, the cover art is STUNNING and casually is one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen- hats off to the designer: Diana Dworak. Diana, if I ever publish a book, I'm hunting you down to design mine too.
When I read that this was a retelling of the first queen regent of Sri Lanka and that it was inspired by Tasha Suri's 'The Burning Kingdoms' trilogy, I knew this was going to be a good book.
In an interview, author Alysha Rameera says, "Back in 2019 I came across the story of Anula of Anuradhapura and how she became the first queen regnant in Sri Lanka, and possibly the first in all of Southeast Asia, but the history books only remembered her as a wicked woman who poisoned six husbands to get the throne...Here was a woman who accomplished something only men had been able to, and she's villainized for it. I thought, 'What if she poisoned her way onto the throne because the men doing the job were the actual villains?' As I dove into research I found myself asking the same question about the demons in Sri Lankan mythology, which were seen primarily as insatiable beings of disease and death, so cruel and savage that their leader often had to physically punish them. But, what if they weren't the villains either? After all, it's usually those in power who write the history books, and as we have seen (and are seeing now), being in power does not negate one's ability to be the true villain."
Our main character, Anula, quickly cemented herself as one of my favorite characters ever (anyone else reminded of Malini from The Burning Kingdoms?) We love to see a woman on a mission, who isn't afraid of being seen as a bitch, and gets shit done. *Does anyone have an official counter for how many people she kills/attempts to kill?*
Our male protagonist, Reeri, is also a great counterpart to Anula and stands well as his own character as well. I love how their goals and desires overlapped and weaved seemlessly into the plot.
I would agree with other commenters who say that this is a fantasy with romance rather than the romance being the center of the plot- which I prefer! This gives the characters more time to develop as individuals, without sacrificing those sweet and steamy moments together as a couple.
I also wished for more-developed side characters, though you do get so caught-up in the quick-paced plot and the main characters, that you don't dwell too much thought to them comparitivly. I would have loved extra time with them, but the book did not feel lacking without it.
All in all, I LOVED this book! I can't believe this is the author's debut novel- she writes like an experienced novelist. I am so interested to see what she creates in the future!
First of all, the cover art is STUNNING and casually is one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen- hats off to the designer: Diana Dworak. Diana, if I ever publish a book, I'm hunting you down to design mine too.
When I read that this was a retelling of the first queen regent of Sri Lanka and that it was inspired by Tasha Suri's 'The Burning Kingdoms' trilogy, I knew this was going to be a good book.
In an interview, author Alysha Rameera says, "Back in 2019 I came across the story of Anula of Anuradhapura and how she became the first queen regnant in Sri Lanka, and possibly the first in all of Southeast Asia, but the history books only remembered her as a wicked woman who poisoned six husbands to get the throne...Here was a woman who accomplished something only men had been able to, and she's villainized for it. I thought, 'What if she poisoned her way onto the throne because the men doing the job were the actual villains?' As I dove into research I found myself asking the same question about the demons in Sri Lankan mythology, which were seen primarily as insatiable beings of disease and death, so cruel and savage that their leader often had to physically punish them. But, what if they weren't the villains either? After all, it's usually those in power who write the history books, and as we have seen (and are seeing now), being in power does not negate one's ability to be the true villain."
Our main character, Anula, quickly cemented herself as one of my favorite characters ever (anyone else reminded of Malini from The Burning Kingdoms?) We love to see a woman on a mission, who isn't afraid of being seen as a bitch, and gets shit done. *Does anyone have an official counter for how many people she kills/attempts to kill?*
Our male protagonist, Reeri, is also a great counterpart to Anula and stands well as his own character as well. I love how their goals and desires overlapped and weaved seemlessly into the plot.
I would agree with other commenters who say that this is a fantasy with romance rather than the romance being the center of the plot- which I prefer! This gives the characters more time to develop as individuals, without sacrificing those sweet and steamy moments together as a couple.
I also wished for more-developed side characters, though you do get so caught-up in the quick-paced plot and the main characters, that you don't dwell too much thought to them comparitivly. I would have loved extra time with them, but the book did not feel lacking without it.
All in all, I LOVED this book! I can't believe this is the author's debut novel- she writes like an experienced novelist. I am so interested to see what she creates in the future!
June 11, 2025
Her Soul for a Crown is a lush and captivating romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology, with world-building that absolutely shines. Our FMC is a fierce, revenge-driven heroine who wields poisons like a deadly art—I loved her strength, sharp mind, and unshakable focus. The romance was a definite highlight: slow burn, full of tension, and built on that delicious forced proximity trope.
While there were a few slower moments and the side characters could have used more depth, the overall story was immersive and enjoyable. A solid read for romantasy lovers looking for something rich in myth and magic.
Big thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted ARC!
While there were a few slower moments and the side characters could have used more depth, the overall story was immersive and enjoyable. A solid read for romantasy lovers looking for something rich in myth and magic.
Big thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted ARC!
April 28, 2025
For a very long time I’ve been chasing the feeling I had when I first read The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh. Time and time again I have read books and just let out a little sigh in disappointment. The balance would be off and the books never matched the allure, magic, and chemistry that leaped off the pages. Luckily, Reeri and Anula capture that magic in Her Soul for a Crown, and they shine.
This book is ultimately a sharp revenge tale, highlighting the slippery aspect of governing, the weight of those in power and the powerless. I adored certain aspects about this novel, but I didn’t care for the mythical elements and just wanted to skip them. I think in this instance the mythology weighs down the pace of the narrative and feels like a crutch the author clings to for comfort. Gosh that sounds harsh, but sometimes I just want a novel without the convoluted web of lore. The fantasy aspect needed to be toned down a bit and utilized with a light touch, I'm looking for flair and finesse. Use fantasy sparingly and wisely! I’m also going to put my foot down and say: we didn’t need the side plots or side characters.
This book was strong enough to have Anula and Reeri stand alone and I wish we got that story. The chemistry in this book is just glorious and so well constructed that it needed to be the leading aspect of the narrative. Alysha's writing shines with Anula and Reeri on the page and I will heavily praise it (besties, the chemistry? stunning). Also this book has such a rich source material, and I wish we had the opportunity to lean into it more.
Nevertheless, I truly appreciate when an author keeps me guessing after an epilogue. After reading this book, I can't wait for whatever Alysha's writing next. Her Soul for a Crown is promising, and striking. Plus the cover art? Beautiful.
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Casablanca for the digital arc and for the lovely interactions on social media!!
This book is ultimately a sharp revenge tale, highlighting the slippery aspect of governing, the weight of those in power and the powerless. I adored certain aspects about this novel, but I didn’t care for the mythical elements and just wanted to skip them. I think in this instance the mythology weighs down the pace of the narrative and feels like a crutch the author clings to for comfort. Gosh that sounds harsh, but sometimes I just want a novel without the convoluted web of lore. The fantasy aspect needed to be toned down a bit and utilized with a light touch, I'm looking for flair and finesse. Use fantasy sparingly and wisely! I’m also going to put my foot down and say: we didn’t need the side plots or side characters.
This book was strong enough to have Anula and Reeri stand alone and I wish we got that story. The chemistry in this book is just glorious and so well constructed that it needed to be the leading aspect of the narrative. Alysha's writing shines with Anula and Reeri on the page and I will heavily praise it (besties, the chemistry? stunning). Also this book has such a rich source material, and I wish we had the opportunity to lean into it more.
Nevertheless, I truly appreciate when an author keeps me guessing after an epilogue. After reading this book, I can't wait for whatever Alysha's writing next. Her Soul for a Crown is promising, and striking. Plus the cover art? Beautiful.
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Casablanca for the digital arc and for the lovely interactions on social media!!
June 27, 2025
What must one do to achieve justice? How can one determine good from evil? Can something/someone be both good and evil? All of these questions and more came to my mind as I was reading “Her Soul for a Crown” by Alysha Rameera. Follow the main character, Anula, as she works through the various challenges in her life. They start with the destruction of her village and her family and continues through what should be the best, and maybe the hardest, choices for her country. There are many unexpected twists and turns that happen in this book!
This was a hard book for me to get into and finish; though by the end of the book I didn’t want to put it down. I think that one of the biggest challenges for me is my lack of knowledge of the Buddhist and Hindu religions and the ancient history of Sri Lanka. At the end of the book there is a Glossary and Name Pronunciation Guide. I wish that these sections would have been placed at the beginning of the book. I feel I would have been able to follow the storyline better. A brief description of the characters in the Name Pronunciation Guide would have helped as well.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me a copy of this book and selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions stated are my own.
#hersoulforacrown
#sourcebookscasablanca
#netgalley
This was a hard book for me to get into and finish; though by the end of the book I didn’t want to put it down. I think that one of the biggest challenges for me is my lack of knowledge of the Buddhist and Hindu religions and the ancient history of Sri Lanka. At the end of the book there is a Glossary and Name Pronunciation Guide. I wish that these sections would have been placed at the beginning of the book. I feel I would have been able to follow the storyline better. A brief description of the characters in the Name Pronunciation Guide would have helped as well.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me a copy of this book and selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions stated are my own.
#hersoulforacrown
#sourcebookscasablanca
#netgalley
July 11, 2025
I absolutely loved Her soul for a crown. It was such a refreshing fantasy to read if you are looking for south asian inspired mythology and for the south asian representation in general.
And this book has everything, plot, slightly found family, romance, fast paces actions and was so fun reading this kind of mythology for someone who always found that side of the world so interesting and so full of multiculturalism, i absolutely adored it and i cant wait to read more books like this.
August 16, 2025
3.25 STARS
A fun debut novel that had a lot of interesting and unique cultural elements woven in throughout. Let's start with some of the things I really enjoyed. First, a feminine rage revenge plot? Yes, always. One of my fave tropes. Multiple POV and found family? Also, yes, always. Did love the culturally inspired elements and the descriptions of the characters features and locations was great. Having some powerful shadow based gods, also a plus for me. Definitely a lot of potential in this one.
Some things I did not enjoy as much included the confusing story lines, uneven pacing that kept taking me in and out of the story, and the way the language/vocabulary was used for certain words. That is more of a personal thing for me and totally understand others may enjoy that in a fantasy! Also, I think I needed a bit more from the romance between the FMC and MMC. Was not completely sold on how they came to want each other or why.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
A fun debut novel that had a lot of interesting and unique cultural elements woven in throughout. Let's start with some of the things I really enjoyed. First, a feminine rage revenge plot? Yes, always. One of my fave tropes. Multiple POV and found family? Also, yes, always. Did love the culturally inspired elements and the descriptions of the characters features and locations was great. Having some powerful shadow based gods, also a plus for me. Definitely a lot of potential in this one.
Some things I did not enjoy as much included the confusing story lines, uneven pacing that kept taking me in and out of the story, and the way the language/vocabulary was used for certain words. That is more of a personal thing for me and totally understand others may enjoy that in a fantasy! Also, I think I needed a bit more from the romance between the FMC and MMC. Was not completely sold on how they came to want each other or why.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2025
Her Soul For A Crown is a compelling and intricate fantasy. It took a bit for me to get into it, but I soon got hooked on the magic system and Anula’s journey. Anula has always been underestimated. When her family was stolen from her, she became committed to revenge. As Anula schemes to get closer to the throne, she meets Reeri the fearsome Blood Yakka. They strike a bargain, but one with a terrible price. How far will Anula go for revenge?
Anula has an incredible journey in this book and I loved her character growth. I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover. Anula is willing to go to the ends of the earth (and to the heavens) for revenge. Reeri is a mysterious being who has the power to give Anula what she wants - for a price. As Anula and Reeri get closer, they learn that they are bound together until their bargain is fulfilled. The romance between Anula and Reeri felt a bit off in terms of pacing, it felt very slow burn and then sped up abruptly. I still enjoyed it though! I enjoyed the banter from side characters as well. The history behind the real life Anula was fascinating. Readers who love a woman set on revenge and intricate magic should check out Her Soul For A Crown.
Thank you to Alysha Rameera, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Anula has an incredible journey in this book and I loved her character growth. I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover. Anula is willing to go to the ends of the earth (and to the heavens) for revenge. Reeri is a mysterious being who has the power to give Anula what she wants - for a price. As Anula and Reeri get closer, they learn that they are bound together until their bargain is fulfilled. The romance between Anula and Reeri felt a bit off in terms of pacing, it felt very slow burn and then sped up abruptly. I still enjoyed it though! I enjoyed the banter from side characters as well. The history behind the real life Anula was fascinating. Readers who love a woman set on revenge and intricate magic should check out Her Soul For A Crown.
Thank you to Alysha Rameera, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
Anula's family and village was attacked by the raja's men when she was young. She was the only survivor. She goes and lives with her aunt after and her aunt teaches her how to become powerful from the shadows. Anula's aunt promises to help her take her revenge against the raja and they begin planning and training. Their plan is for Anula to marry the Rajasthan and then take over the crown and become the first raejina.
Reeri is a Yakka who causes his family to be cursed and punished by their lord. The Yakkas used to have shrines they could make bargains with humans out of, yet they have been held prisoner in the Second Heaven for two centuries. They are tortured daily and Reeri is desperate to make a bargain with a human that will allow him to find the relic that his lord is looking for. He hopes to find this to end the suffering of the other Yakkas.
The day arrives when Anula is supposed to marry the raja and set years of planning in motion. Instead she is faced with a coup that ends with the Rajasthan death. Refusing to give up on her plans, Anula makes a deal with Reeri. She bargains her soul in exchange for becoming raejina.
This was an amazing book full of Sri Lankan mythology. Anula is bent on revenge and yet she still has so much love to give, deep down. Reeri is desperately trying to free himself and his family from their cruel lord's grasp while blaming himself for their current situation. In their own ways, they are both motivated by their love for their families. Anula and Reeri both had some amazing chemistry and yearning. I absolutely adored this book.
Thank you to @netgalley, @sourcebookscasa, and @alyshasbooks for the gifted eARC.
Reeri is a Yakka who causes his family to be cursed and punished by their lord. The Yakkas used to have shrines they could make bargains with humans out of, yet they have been held prisoner in the Second Heaven for two centuries. They are tortured daily and Reeri is desperate to make a bargain with a human that will allow him to find the relic that his lord is looking for. He hopes to find this to end the suffering of the other Yakkas.
The day arrives when Anula is supposed to marry the raja and set years of planning in motion. Instead she is faced with a coup that ends with the Rajasthan death. Refusing to give up on her plans, Anula makes a deal with Reeri. She bargains her soul in exchange for becoming raejina.
This was an amazing book full of Sri Lankan mythology. Anula is bent on revenge and yet she still has so much love to give, deep down. Reeri is desperately trying to free himself and his family from their cruel lord's grasp while blaming himself for their current situation. In their own ways, they are both motivated by their love for their families. Anula and Reeri both had some amazing chemistry and yearning. I absolutely adored this book.
Thank you to @netgalley, @sourcebookscasa, and @alyshasbooks for the gifted eARC.
July 16, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC via NetGalley.
DNF 40%
I wanted to love this book so badly since I was captivated by the premise, it sounded like my favorite kind of romantasy (badass FMC seeking revenge and crown at the cost of her soul? I was SO excited) but sadly I just couldn’t get through this book and I hate DNFing ARCs. It is influenced by Sri Lankan mythology and it was really interesting, it was my first time diving into it and I liked learning about it and discovering this fascinating world. But, unfortunately, there was simultaneously too much info dump and not enough was explained, I found myself extremely confused by the different names and characters and places while a lot was happening very quickly in two POVs with some events in the present and others in the past without a clear line about which is which and by the time I started to grasp the storyline and understand the plot, I lost interest and found myself skim reading and forcing myself to continue. I also couldn’t really care about the main characters, while Anula was quite interesting, she annoyed me and Reeri was just bland, I couldn’t even force myself to care about how their relationship would develop when romance is usually my favorite part of the story. In short, the premise of this story was really good and I was so excited to read it, but the execution was lacking to say the least and I’m not going to force myself to continue it. Maybe I will give it another chance in the future.
DNF 40%
I wanted to love this book so badly since I was captivated by the premise, it sounded like my favorite kind of romantasy (badass FMC seeking revenge and crown at the cost of her soul? I was SO excited) but sadly I just couldn’t get through this book and I hate DNFing ARCs. It is influenced by Sri Lankan mythology and it was really interesting, it was my first time diving into it and I liked learning about it and discovering this fascinating world. But, unfortunately, there was simultaneously too much info dump and not enough was explained, I found myself extremely confused by the different names and characters and places while a lot was happening very quickly in two POVs with some events in the present and others in the past without a clear line about which is which and by the time I started to grasp the storyline and understand the plot, I lost interest and found myself skim reading and forcing myself to continue. I also couldn’t really care about the main characters, while Anula was quite interesting, she annoyed me and Reeri was just bland, I couldn’t even force myself to care about how their relationship would develop when romance is usually my favorite part of the story. In short, the premise of this story was really good and I was so excited to read it, but the execution was lacking to say the least and I’m not going to force myself to continue it. Maybe I will give it another chance in the future.
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