Books, Boots and Bakeries

Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Crimson Crown and the River of Shadows series.

I first read The Crimson Crown, the second book in Karina Halle’s River of Shadows series, while lounging on a yacht in the Whitsundays—a far cry from Hanna’s new home in the shadowy Finnish underworld. I know, it’s a hard life, but someone has to do it! – Yet, despite the stark contrast, Halle’s writing completely pulled me into her dark and mythological world.

Picking up where the first book left off, Hanna is now trapped in the Finnish underworld, navigating its dangers as she tries to survive and figure out her next move. Her complex relationship with the god of death, Tuoni, grows even more intense, with shifting alliances, forbidden desires, and deadly power struggles. As Hanna searches for a way to escape, she also uncovers long-buried secrets about herself and her connection to this world.

This installment raises the stakes and deepens the intrigue, with Hanna facing increasingly personal and perilous challenges. The characters feel real, even in their fantastical setting, and their relationships remain a highlight of the series. The MMF scene with the shadow double? Bold, unexpected, and undeniably steamy. As someone who enjoys MM romance, I loved how seamlessly Halle worked it into the story. It’s moments like this that make me wish I could visualize the scene in vivid detail rather than relying on my imagination—if only my brain could bring such a sizzling moment to life!

The cover is as striking as the story, with the crimson crown itself symbolizing so much of the power struggles and sacrifices central to the book. Halle’s ability to balance emotional depth with high-stakes action makes this an unforgettable read.

If you haven’t picked up the River of Shadows series yet, this is the perfect time to dive in. With the final installment coming soon, it’s a journey worth taking