The Evergreen Heir is a beautifully written story with political intrigue, fated mates, and acknowledging that sometimes we are our own worst enemy. The main character, Neelo, is a nonbinary, neurodivergent heir to the Southern Court who is dealing with a chaotic mother who is ready to abdicate to fully embrace the Southern party lifestyle without any of the responsibility of ruling, a best friend/betrothed that Neelo doesn't want to admit they want (yet 👀), and a violet witch plot threatening to upend Okrith.
The bookish heir traverses the Southern Court with their best guy Talhan in an attempt to save their mother (and the entire Southern Court really) from the witching brew that she is addicted to and identify the sources of the brew leads Neelo on an adventure that forces them to face truths about themself and some of the other important people in their life. We meet with some old friends from previous Five Crowns of Okrith books, have a massive, crazy plot twist, and end Neelo's story on a happy note, while the overarching, connecting threads of plot end on a cliffhanger.
The pacing of this book was just right. We are given enough background and world building that someone picking this book up could read it as a standalone (with a few small gaps in the relationship dynamic between the kings, queens, and heirs to the courts).
The diverse representation in this book was also so well done. The main character Neelo is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, but the story doesn't really focus on Neelo coming into their gender identity - they are already comfortable and accepting of who they are. We more see Neelo struggle with being introverted and having anxiety while balancing their role as Heir and future ruler. There is also an established poly relationship that is accidentally exposed and comes as a surprise to everyone except Neelo.
Overall an excellent book that I would definitely recommend and can't wait to see how it is wrapped up in future book(s)!

I love A.K Mulford already, but now I love her even more. This series is one of my favorites! Book four sets us up for the last book in the series and doesn’t disappoint as so many “books in the middle” can do. Not this one, it’s amazing.

Not only is this book (and series) full of incredible representation, it’s full of plot and prose. A.K has what I refer to as a “devourable” writing style. I can start one of her books and look up 2 hours later and not every realize how much time has passed. I have to clear my calendar when I read her books. Book 4 has dark forces threatening the world while our main character Neelo is trying to save her mother and the empire while trying to wiggle out of an arranged marriage. Neelo begins to see that they can no longer put off the inevitable as the threat to destroy the nation and bring down the throne.

AK is just a master at storytelling and before you know it… one word at a time, one chapter at a time, one book at a time you are transported to another place and time!!!!! Absolutely loved!

**I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley (and then proceeded to buy the hardcover anyway) and this is my honest review**

I've been waiting eagerly for Neelo's moment to shine and A.K. Mulford did not disappoint! In The Evergreen Heir we finally get to focus on a non-binary main character and their love interest. Neelo often feels out of place in the southern court, distancing themselves from the revelry and debauchery that their mother has made the focus of court life. But they must step into their position as the heir and find out how the violet witches plan on bringing down the southern court before it is too late.

A.K. Mulford always manages to give us characters that leap off the page. By the end of this book Neelo and Talhan were like old friends. Each had their own relatable characteristics and troubles. The way that Talhan doggedly sticks by his friend but also knows when to give them space is beautiful.
I also love that the side characters are as well developed as the MC's. We don't get as large of a cast in this book, but we still get to see some of our previous MC's and characters come back.
A.K. Mulford also didn't shy away from providing us with spice but they wrote it in a way that honored Neelo's identity. Being my first spicy book with a non-binary MC using they/them pronouns, I wasn't sure if I would it difficult to follow. However after the first chapter, I quickly caught on and didn't have any issues with confusion due to pronouns.

I feel like the overall mystery and pacing of this book was a little slower than previous, but its all setting us up for the last book in the series. The real conflict is between Neelo and their mother. The main focus was heavily on Neelo and their own personal journey with the mystery and overarching plot in the background. I'm excited for book 5, and am glad this one didn't end completely in a cliffhanger without resolution.

Neelo has become one of my favorite characters in this series, even though I think as a book The Witches Blade ranks among my favorite out of the four currently published.

Thank you to A.K. Mulford and Harper Voyager for the ARC of The Evergreen Heir.

The Evergreen Heir is the 4th book in the Crowns of Okrith series and just like those before it, I couldn’t put it down!

I have been so intrigued by Neelo since the first book (The High Mountain Court). They are bookish and quiet but oh so brilliant. A.K. As usual has done a fantastic job with the diversity in her books. Neelo is non-binary and though it’s not said aloud I think they may be on the spectrum. While our golden eagle Tal seems to have dyslexia.

Tal and Neelo are thrust together to try and figure out just what is in the witches brew, a potent drug, that the southern court indulges in. Neelo’s mother is an addict and is suffering from the effects of the brew. Neelo thinks that there may be more to the brew based on how it’s affecting people and they learn to lean on Tal to help.

The book has fated mates, intrigue, some spice (handled wonderfully!) and secrets. Absolutely one of my favorite series that does so much for representation in the fantasy genre.

I loved Neelo’s story!! This was a great continuation of the series. There was the perfect amount of romance between Talhan and Neelo, while also having tons of plot surrounding the violet witches. I loved that the other main characters from the previous books made appearances as well, but didn’t overshadow Neelo and their story!

Title: The Evergreen Heir
Author: A.K. Mulford
Release Date: June 13th, 2023
Page Count: 403
Format: Netgalley
Start Date: May 29th, 2023
Finish Date: June 11th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I have related to many characters that I related to over my course of reading, but I've never really felt like I was actually a part of the book. Until this book. Neelo is going to forever be on my favorite character list! This book has nonbinary representation. It has demisexual representation! I'm so happy about both! I am demisexual so it makes my heart happy to see the representation. There's also brief references to a polyamorous relationship. That's all I'm going to say about that. I really loved getting to know Neelo better. I've been curious about them from the very first book. I know this may seem silly, but I really felt a strong connection with them. After reading this book, I now see why. I fully recommend reading the first three books in this series before this one. It can be read alone, but there are several references that just won't be understood without them in my opinion. I will be buying a copy of the audiobook once this book is officially released!

Title: The Evergreen Heir
Author: A.K. Mulford
Release Date: June 13th, 2023
Page Count: 403
Format: Netgalley
Start Date: May 29th, 2023
Finish Date: June 11th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I have related to many characters that I related to over my course of reading, but I've never really felt like I was actually a part of the book. Until this book. Neelo is going to forever be on my favorite character list! This book has nonbinary representation. It has demisexual representation! I'm so happy about both! I am demisexual so it makes my heart happy to see the representation. There's also brief references to a polyamorous relationship. That's all I'm going to say about that. I really loved getting to know Neelo better. I've been curious about them from the very first book. I know this may seem silly, but I really felt a strong connection with them. After reading this book, I now see why. I fully recommend reading the first three books in this series before this one. It can be read alone, but there are several references that just won't be understood without them in my opinion. I will be buying a copy of the audiobook once this book is officially released!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

This fun adventure of a series is perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, A Broken Blade, etc. It has everything you could want in a New Adult fantasy book: witches, Fae, action and a little bit of spice. This is definitely a series you don’t want to sleep on and is perfect for holding you over between ACOTAR/Crescent City books!

This story is the fourth installment in the Five Crowns of Okrith series. Neelo, our nonbinary protagonist, and their betrothed, Talhan, swooned me. The author's treatment of Neelo's gender and neurodiversity was refreshing. This book had it all - thrilling adventures, intense family dynamics, and a journey of self-discovery. I was hooked from start to finish! This series is a must-read if you're a fantasy fan looking for more diversity.

Oh my heart. I have looked forward to this book for so long. Each book just keeps getting better.


Neelo is the Heir to the Southern Court, but has no desire to rule. Talhan, our fierce warrior twin, is arranged to marry Neelo after the events in the previous book. After being friends since a young age but separated for many years, the two have many things to work through, but also the turmoil causing sickness in the people of the Southern Court. Don't forget our mysterious Baba that we fear is looking to cause problems. 


The amount of banter and sweet moments captivated me throughout the book. The many emotions each character goes through are very relatable and realistic. I love the different personalities and characteristics that are included in the novel. If you are looking for adventure, humor, wit, and spice, then this series is the next on your tbr.

I want to thank NetGalley as well as Harper Voyager for presenting me this book early. I am reading this around the publication date, but I tried my hardest to read it as quick as I could towards the pub day.

I am honored to have the chance to read this book early. I follow A.K Mulford on social media. I have read the former three books pretty rapidly within the last 6 months. To say I was impatiently waiting for this book would be an understatement.

Publication date: June 13, 2023.

There was a lot of questions floating in my mind before I started this part book as it is categorized as a fantasy romance. Alot of them were centered around Neelo. It took me a few pages to get use to the word "them" as a pronoun in text. I'm used to it being a word used as a plural to people(s) not in a conversation. Overtime, it's a word you get use to and accept.

When I read the Rogue Crown, the third book, I could tell Talhan was enamored by Neelo. This duo has a childhood friend to lovers as well as grumpy sunshine troupe.
I loved Neelo character progression. They came off as a introverted bookworm in the past books. Once they grew into their fates, I loved them even more! Seeing a softer, loving side of Talhan was a great cherry on top.

There were some action scenes in this book but mostly a lot of sleuthing. It felt like Neelo and Talhan were like Sherlock and Watson traveling all around Okrith trying to uncover a mystery.
All in all, a lovely book. At the very end, Mulford definitely hints to the next couple for the fifth and final novel.

I’ve received an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness, this series keeps getting better from book to book. Each time I think, huh tough to top that and I’m wrong. I love books that make me love love, and get a little heartsick in the process. What is pleasure but pain and vice versa.

This book follows Neelo (They/Them) the Heir to the Southern Court as they work together with Talhan (He/Him) to uncover the mystery of the Violet Witches return, and stop a drug from killing/controlling their people. The slow burn romance in this one almost killed me. I fell in love with Talhan promptly, and really resonated with Neelo in this book. A shy bookworm, who doesn’t think they are ready or worthy for the things they want, and the journey to find that hidden strength they’ve always had. The only thing I wanted from this book is Talhan’s point of view, I was practically raving for it. Like I said, I fell in love with him, and just needed a touch more of him, and his point of view.

This book contains friends to lovers, mysteries, poly relationships, found family, LGBTQIA + characters, touch them you’ll die, sunshine/grumpy, and some really good smut. Can’t wait to read the next one to see how this one could be topped!

The Evergreen Heir is the 4th book in the Five Crowns of Okrith Series! I read the first 3 books in the series a few months ago and this one is definitely my favorite of the series, so far!

This book follows Neelo, a non-binary, neurodivergent bibliophile who is next in line to the crown of the Southern Court, and Talhan, the Golden Eagle, who is known for his skill on the battlefield and is Neelo’s betrothed.

Out of all the characters in this series, I feel like I can relate to Neelo the most. They are introverted and would rather be lost in a book than be the center of attention. Neelo’s struggles with anxiety and self doubt are so relatable, and their character growth in this book is incredible.

I love Talhan so much! He is perfect in literally every way. He was so understanding and patient with Neelo. He respected their boundaries and I fell head over heels in love with him. Tal is my forever book boyfriend. 🫶🏻

The slow-burn and tension in this book had me in a chokehold. The spice was amazing and it didn’t take away from the plot at all.

I rated this book 5/5 stars! The Five Crowns of Okrith Series by A.K. Mulford is INCREDIBLE! If you enjoyed ACOTAR, FBAA, or TOG, this is a MUST read!

Tropes:
non-binary MC
grumpy x sunshine
friends to lovers
forced proximity
arranged marriage
book-loving MC

Thanks so much to A.K. Mulford, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review! ♡

THIS BOOK WAS PERFECTION!!!! It gave me everything I wanted and even what I didn't know I needed. This series is magical and takes you on a wonderful journey throughout the land of Okrith. This is perfect for lovers of Fantasy romance.

The Evergreen Heir," the fourth installment in the Five Crowns of Okrith series, continues to captivate readers with its rich character development and engaging storytelling. Mulford, delves into the journey of Neelo, a nonbinary heir to the southern court, and their developing relationship with Talhan, one of the twin Golden Eagles.

One of the highlights of this series has been the author's skillful handling of character development, and "The Evergreen Heir" is no exception. Mulford masterfully brings Neelo to life, allowing readers to truly connect with the protagonist. Neelo's exploration of their nonbinary identity is sensitively portrayed, adding depth and authenticity to their character.

What sets this book apart is the emphasis on Neelo's personal growth and their romantic connection with Talhan, rather than solely focusing on their identity. The author successfully weaves together a tale of love, self-discovery, and the harsh realities of not being able to save everyone. This approach adds a relatable dimension to the story, making it more than just a narrative about identity.

Throughout the book, readers will find themselves engrossed in Neelo's struggles to save their mother's court and simultaneously navigate their blossoming relationship with Talhan. The chemistry between the two is well-crafted, lending an element of spice and excitement to the narrative.

"The Evergreen Heir" reaffirms the notion that who Neelo is as an individual is more important than how they identify. Mulford skillfully conveys this message, emphasizing that love, growth, and personal fulfillment are the focal points of the story.

I loved The Evergreen Heir! Such a fun journey, filled with suspense at every corner. I adored the relationship between Neelo and Talon, and read this one really quicky because I was so invested. AK Mulford gave us tropes everyone loves while still painting a story that felt fresh and original. I also loved how inclusive the cast of characters was. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an arc for this exciting read!

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This is the fourth book of The Five Crowns of Okrith, and it did not disappoint. You will get action, romance, magic, adventure, drama, and a great representation of non-binary MC.

This was the first non-binary MC book that I have ever read, and I think it was done so well. The plot of the book was not on the back burner, but you really get to see the growth of the characters in this book more than the plot of the series, but it was done so well that you will not feel as though you’re missing out on something. Instead, you will gain so much, you will see the growth of this amazing character, Neelo(they/them) and Talhan(he/him). You will come to see why the growth of this character was so important to the series and what Neelo and Talhan will be able to bring to the game when the war between the Violet witches and the Crowns.

While reading this you will see little parts from the other books start to make sense and you will see how everything is all woven together. I loved that in this book you had the main plot, but you also had side plots that worked well together, and at the end of the book you will not feel like something was missing from it at all.

I loved the characters the most in this book. Getting to meet and understand Neelo more was an amazing experience. I loved that Neelo was able to show more of their kind, bravery, their love of their crown and people, you really can start to feel for Neelo and I know that I was able to relate to feeling like the quiet one in the group when I am around other loud personalities as well. I really enjoyed getting to see more and more of Neelo come out of their inner shell and start to shine and be who they really are not just around themselves but to their people, their friends and of course Talhan. Talhan, he is the world’s sweetest guy. Yet at the same time he is still human, and you can see his mistakes in this book, and you will see his ownership of them and the time he takes to make sure that the ones he loves are shown how much they matter by listening and changing.

I don’t want to ruin this book for you by going on and on about it. Instead, I hope that you will pick it up and read it for yourselves. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys: Fantasy, Friends to Lovers, arranged marriages, fated mates, non-binary MC and amazing side characters, great plot.

I want to thank NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the opportunity to review this book.

Firstly I want to say that, having followed Ali’s journey from the get go, being able to read book 4 in her series was so surreal. I’m so glad she was able to tell this story and provide much needed representation for all our non-binary friends out there. You deserve to be seen too.

Now onto the review

For all my grumpyXsunshine fans out there, this one is for you. Neelo, our grump, is a bookworm and has no interest in taking the throne from their mother. Talhan, our sunshine, is a warrior who just so happens to ‘accidentally’ get himself betrothed to our grump. We also have a healthy dose of friends to lovers as they both have been friends since they were young. I really loved the dynamic this bought, as there were many moments within the book that we got to see how important it was to Neelo to know Talhan had their back and saw them for who they were right from the get go. It also made for a great slowburn as Neelo struggles to reconcile with the fact that they are attracted to someone.

I will admit, reading in the third person from the point of view of a non-binary character did at times get confusing as the they/them/their pronouns got confused with the group descriptors. You begin to associate the words with Neelo and as soon as the group descriptor is used, sometimes the brain had to take a moment and reread the sentence. This is by no means saying that it made the book any less enjoyable, but it does take a bit of getting used to. Hopefully, more books with non-binary MC’s will continue to pop up and it will become more common.

I think that Ali did a great job with Neelo’s character in making them relatable to a wider audience. I mean, if we’re reading this book we’re obviously readers and what reader isn’t going to resonate with an introverted bookworm?
Was this my favourite of the series? No (that honour belongs to the Witches Blade, duh!), but I really, really enjoyed Neelo as a character and it was fun to get to see more of our beloved Talhan.
I do however think the plot of the overarching story is starting to get a little dragged out in places. The first two books had great pace and plot, with the battles being a major part of the novel and making the end of each book powerful and because of that, the first books stand out. However, with both the Rogue Crown and the Evergreen Heir, there were parts that felt slow and dragged out. I believe I mentioned in my review of The Rogue Crown that I felt the battle in that was slightly rushed and I kind of want to say that for this one as well. The last battle felt a little all over the place and I wish we could have seen a little more desperation to save a certain character (no spoilers here sorry!). That, however, may be just my love of tragedy whoops!

All in all I think this was a great addition to the Five Crowns of Okrith series and a great continuation into the story of the mystery of the violet witches!

I can’t wait to get my hands on book 5! Which I’m pretty sure will be following our lovely Carys, yay!



Thank you to Netgalley, the team at Harper and Ali herself for providing me with a copy of this book. I have decided to give my honest review in response.

I love the LGBTQIA+ rep in this series. It's refreshing to see in a fantasy series where I feel like I see it less often. I'm not non-binary but am a member of the community and felt this was written and portrayed really well in general while also realistically capturing the daily struggles of being misgendered. I thought the character development as well as relationship were very well written.

I'm also always excited to see some neurodivergent rep in books! It's something I've only recently started finding in books, so it makes me happy to see this representation as someone with ADHD.

Tropes/Highlights:
- Non-Binary MC
- Neurodivergent MC
- Slow Burn
- Court politics
- Attempted Political Assassination
- Fated Mates
- Grumpy/Sunshine

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy!

I really enjoyed this story in the Five Crowns of Okrith series! We’ve met Neelo in previous books, but now they get their own story. Neelo is non-binary and I like how this is just a part of their character and it feels natural for them. I really like how this story ties in with others in the series and it’s really best not to read this without reading the rest of the series first because it builds on what happens in them and there are some reveals in here that are pretty mind blowing. I’m really enjoying this fantasy romance series and I’m eager to read the next book!