Wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars.

The writing remains lush and descriptive without being overly flowery, which I appreciate. The story is dark (and darker than the first book), with deep themes of what it means to be good, selfishness,, forgiveness, religious persection and identity, and what happens when we die. The characters are complicated and often morally grey, and the character actions don't shy away from these dynamics. This book, even more than the first, is almost entirely centered on Hellevir and Sullivain's relationship, with very little interaction from Hellevir's family or loved ones (at least until the last third of the book). I think this slowed the plot down somewhat, as much of Hellevir's internal dialogue is very repetitive and cyclical (does she hate or love Sullivain?). There is a relatively large time jump between the ending of the first book and the start of this book (3 years) and I'm not sure it really served the story. Much of the first third of the book is very slow, and ultimately didn't feel like it served any real purpose necessary for the plot (particuarly the interaction between Hellevir and the Peer in the small town). The pace of the story was very uneven, and even dragged at times, which reduced the emotional impact for me.

People may have mixed emotions on the ending, but for me I think it is a satisfying while also thought provoking conclusion that I may continue to think about for a long time.

I'm gutted but I'm also healed.

I adored The Gilded Crown and it remains one of my top reads last year. It was a dark fairytale with a lush world, complex characters, and tense political intrigue, and I couldn't wait to see where the sequel led.

The Antlered King didn't go in the direction I expected at first, but then I did see the ending coming. I don't mean that in any sort of negative way; it means the foreshadowing and bread crumbs were there, and I was filled with a growing sense of dread that made me devour page after page. When I finally reached the ending, there was catharsis as I blew my nose and wiped away my tears. I wouldn't say it's a classically happy ending, but it's a fulfilling one and I can't see this tale ending in any other way.

Hellevir remained a wonderful character with seemingly steadfast morals, but they twisted her up inside with her love for Sullivain. To know someone so intimately, their history, their struggle, their abuse, to drink their SOUL! Are we what others have made us? Or can we remake ourselves?

Sullivain embodies the line "as long as you're still alive, you always have the chance to start again." And again. And again. Did she get too many chances? Yes. Did that make me cry any less? No.

This duology is about grief and death but ultimately about foregiveness. I feel scraped up and raw inside but also comforted. This is a beautifully crafted tale in a beautifully crafted world.

The Antlered King by Marianne Gordon is a sweeping, tragic, and fiercely beautiful conclusion to the Raven’s Trade duology. It’s the kind of dark fantasy that doesn’t flinch from the brutality of war or the devastation of love, but it also finds moments of quiet tenderness amid the chaos. Gordon’s lush prose and meticulous world-building create an immersive reading experience that will stay with you long after the final page.

At the center of the story is Hellevir—a necromancer whose gift to raise the dead is both a blessing and a curse. Hellevir’s journey in this book is nothing short of harrowing. Cast out from the very court she fought to protect, she’s haunted not just by the souls she has raised but by the betrayal and heartbreak that comes from loving someone as ambitious—and dangerous—as Princess Sullivain. Their relationship is the beating, broken heart of the narrative. It’s a love story steeped in obsession, power, and sacrifice, with moments so raw they leave you breathless.

Sullivain, once a vulnerable heir clinging to survival, has grown into something darker—a ruler consumed by the need to consolidate power at any cost. Gordon doesn’t shy away from showing how love can become twisted by ambition and fear, and it makes Sullivain an incredibly complex character. She’s magnetic and terrifying in equal measure, and watching Hellevir wrestle with her devotion to a woman who may no longer be the person she fell in love with is both devastating and mesmerizing.

The stakes in The Antlered King couldn’t be higher—civil war looms, and Hellevir is caught between the living and the dead, forced to navigate Death’s cryptic riddles one last time. The afterlife itself is rendered with eerie beauty, a place both haunting and strangely sacred. The Antlered King, the mysterious ruler of the dead, is an unforgettable presence—a figure who feels ancient and otherworldly but somehow deeply connected to Hellevir’s fate. The mythology surrounding Death is one of the strongest parts of the series, and in this final installment, it reaches its crescendo in a way that is both surprising and inevitable.

Gordon’s writing is rich without being overwrought, her descriptions dripping with sensory detail. The battle scenes are brutal, the emotional confrontations even more so. Yet for all its darkness, the story never feels hollow. There’s a beating heart beneath the blood and ash, a yearning for justice, connection, and something that feels like peace.

If there’s a critique, it’s that the pacing can feel uneven at times. The middle section, while full of character introspection, slows down as Hellevir pieces together Death’s final puzzle. However, the explosive final act more than makes up for it, delivering a climax that is as heartbreaking as it is cathartic.

At 4.5 stars, The Antlered King is a masterful conclusion that balances dark fantasy with profound emotional depth. It’s a story about power, loss, and the price of holding on to love when the world demands sacrifice. Fans of queer romance and morally complex heroines will be captivated by Hellevir’s final reckoning. This is a tale that doesn’t offer easy answers—but it offers something far more precious: a reminder of the beauty found in resilience, even when all seems lost.

WOW did I love this duology. This book was DARK and I loved every second of it.

Hellevir made her decision to leave Sullivan, and now she must pay the price. She chooses to retain the parts of her that are left and move on, convinced Sullivan isn't the girl she thought, despite their time together in dreams. But after running into a Peer, Hellevir learns the situation is more dire than she anticipated, and she finds herself searching for precious things again.

While she uncovers the truth about The Antlered King, Sullivan, and her own family, Hellevir has to make a choice--does she choose peace or war? Sullivan or her brother? Which one is right? And what will her decision cost her?

This book feels SO raw. Hellevir really goes through it (not that she wasn't already), both emotionally, physically, and mentally. Every step forward is two steps back, and even my heartless soul feels for her and her lose-lose situations. The character development for Hellevir and Sullivan is incredible, both as individual characters and their relationship. Are they friends? Lovers? Enemies? All three? None of the above? It's such a complicated story without feeling that way--it's just emotional. And dark. This is VERY dark.

If you're looking for rainbows and butterflies, or a light sapphic romance--this is not for you. If you want a happily ever after--this is also not for you. But if you want a raw fantasy rooted in politics, relationships, and what it means to hunger, this is for you.

This is definitely going to stick with me for awhile--I wish this had been a four or 5 book series somehow, because I would read a million more books about Hellevir and The Antlered King.

absolutely incredible novel. I loved all of the relationships coming to their natural (if sometimes heartbreaking) conclusions, it felt romantic and realistic and just so right. the political intrigue grows to the point of war, devastating me and the world both. READ THIS BOOK

(look the first one has a title and cover that have NOTHING to do with the book, idk what was happening there. but read it so you can read the sequel!!!)

ps for the love of god check triggers

I read Gilded Crown during my October Reads, excited to return to the duology and was thinking about re-reading The Gilded Crown before starting The Antlered King. Thankfully, Gordon does a wonderful job with giving us a little bit of a recap so I didn't really have to go back and read book 1 all over again.

Now, I enjoyed the darker tones with the themes of Death, Immortality, and forgiveness. Hellivir still annoyed the shit out of me with many of her choices, but there were some points where I did have to think a couple of times about why she did them. I felt like some of her growth went backward here and Sullivan was, of course, just creeping around.

I still had a good time reading this, Gordon writes this beautifully, and it gave me a lot to think about after completing this duology. Not one of my favorites but I did still like it.

3.5 rounded up 4.

Thank you NetGalley & Avon Harper Voyager for the eARC for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for giving me an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review! After how much I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I was beyond excited to have a chance to read the second. I do think it tried to do just a bit too much to follow up the powerhouse of the first book, but I still loved it immensely and am sad my time with the world and the characters is over. As part of the “doing to much” it felt like there was some weird characterization— especially pertaining to Sullivain— where the reactions felt either out of character or like we’d skipped a few steps in characterization. Everything just felt a bit too heightened, as though we needed to reach some sort of threshold in order for the ending to have the expected punch. That said, it has been nearly a year (at the time of reading) since I read the first book so, while Gordon does a really excellent job of reminding us of all the important things that happened in book one, it is possible that I’ve forgotten some of the more nuanced bits of character interaction. But, I still loved this book, and this series, and am sad that it’s now over.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for allowing me a ARC to read.

The Antlered King by Marianne Gordon is a hauntingly beautiful blend of dark fantasy and mythic folklore that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. This book is an immersive journey into a world where nature and magic intertwine in ways that feel both ethereal and grounded, as if you’ve stumbled into an ancient fable whispered through the forest.

The story centers around the Antlered King, an enigmatic and powerful figure tied to the wilds, and a young protagonist (no spoilers here!) whose life becomes irrevocably linked to his mysterious realm. Gordon’s prose is lush and evocative, painting scenes so vividly that I could almost feel the damp moss underfoot, hear the rustle of leaves, and catch the faint, otherworldly hum of the King’s presence. The atmosphere she creates is unparalleled—equal parts eerie and enchanting.

What stood out the most was how deeply rooted the book feels in folklore. Gordon doesn’t just pull from mythological tropes; she breathes new life into them. The Antlered King himself is both terrifying and captivating, a perfect embodiment of untamed power. His character is written with such nuance that he feels more like a force of nature than a mere antagonist or ally. You’re never quite sure whether to fear him, trust him, or something in between.

The protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of this wild and untamed world, is equally compelling. The themes of sacrifice, survival, and the tenuous balance between humanity and nature are woven throughout the story, giving it a weight that lingers long after the final page. The relationships between the characters—tense, tender, and sometimes heartbreaking—add emotional depth to an already rich narrative.

While the pacing is generally strong, there are moments in the middle where the plot slows down, delving deep into introspection and the lore of the world. For some, this might feel like a lull, but for me, it added a layer of immersion that made the climactic moments hit even harder. The ending—without giving too much away—is bittersweet and utterly satisfying, leaving just enough unanswered to keep me thinking about it days later.

If I had one critique, it’s that the secondary characters, while interesting, sometimes felt overshadowed by the sheer presence of the King and the protagonist’s arc. I would have loved to see more development for a few key figures, as their stories hinted at untold depths.

Overall, The Antlered King is a mesmerizing tale of magic, mystery, and the primal pull of the wild. Marianne Gordon has crafted a story that feels timeless, like a myth passed down through generations, yet wholly unique in its execution. It’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and folklore who enjoy lush world-building, morally complex characters, and stories that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars. Highly recommended, and I can’t wait to see what Marianne Gordon writes next!

God, what an incredible book! Somehow the prose and characters got even better in book 2. I’m just so in awe of the character development and the world building of this book. There’s so much to bite down on here and i could not stop reading. This is somewhat of a flat arc (for Hellevir at least) and it is so wonderfully executed.

I absolutely loved this book and hope that they decide to make one to come after. The characters stole my heart and I give it 4 stars!

I really liked the first book and was excited when I saw this here on netgalley! This was a strong conclusion to this duology and it was a great way to finish off the story. the characters were fantastic and everything fell into place very well. Nothing seemed weird, the pieces fit together and the story played out as it should have.

3.5 Stars

𓄋 Morally grey characters
𓄋 Tragic Sapphic
𓄋 Necromancy
𓄋 Religious exploration/trauma

I loved The Gilded Crown so much I had to re-read it to make sure I didn't miss anything. However, Marianne did an awesome job at recapping everything in this sequel so I wasn't completely lost.

The Antlered King continues down the darker story side with death, immortality, and forgiveness. Some of Hellevir’s choices will have you side eyeing her, making you think twice, maybe even a third time. Sullivan is still creeping around, doing the most to be just as terrible and intriguing as before. I did feel like the main story line felt a little like a side quest.

The writing is still gorgeous, and the world-building was on point yet again. The pacing was decent but Hellevir’s growth seemed to take one step forward and then two steps back though, which made me feel like we were running on a treadmill. Doing all this legwork but getting nowhere.

Not my favorite read this year but there were many parts I enjoyed and choices I was left thinking about long after I put the book down.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Publishing, and Marianne Gordon for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

No one is more sad about this rating than me. Especially because I re-read the first book in preparation to read this ARC (which ended up not being necessary because the author really did a great job recapping the major elements of the first book for the reader) and ended up loving it more than when I'd initially read it. Unfortunately, the conclusion to this story really left me cold. I actually had to take a bit to mentally process my feelings on it. Ultimately, though, I'm just immeasurably disappointed by how things turned out.

I will say that the writing was, once again, stunning and immersive. Despite my rating and overall feelings on the plot, there were also some character moments that really stood out. There was also an issue with some of the character development/resolution, but we'll get there.

The biggest issue I had with this book is that the plot was very repetitive and cyclical. If that had been a commentary on both the cyclical nature of abusive relationships and the conflicts that arise with the trope "with great power comes great responsibility" then I think it would've worked. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to be the case. It really just seemed like a vehicle to draw out the story. As a side effect, all of those character moments and developments also felt repetitive. Hellevir's character growths ended up feeling like they didn't matter because every time another character would make an observation or criticism, Hellevir would take that, seem like she was growing, then go right back to old habits. Again, if this felt like the point of the story, it would have been fine. The ending, however, seemed to me to show that wasn't the case.

Then, there's the romance with Sullivain. That was one of my main criticisms of the first book. When I thought the author was going to go a different direction with it, upon my reread I felt like the relationship worked. This book killed that thought real quick. The romance, as it is in this book, did not work for me at all. I can't get too deep into it because it delves heavily into spoilers. As much as I disliked this conclusion, I won't spoil things for people. Instead, I'll say that Sullivain's character arc and her relationship with Hellevir felt unearned.

As for the stuff with The Antlered King himself, that also felt largely unsatisfying. Again, can't say anything due to spoilers, but I really wish there'd been a bit more detail and clarification about him.

Overall, this was probably one of my most disappointing reads of the year. The ending in particular really failed for me and delivered an unsatisfying and frustrating conclusion to a duology that I'd hoped would be favorite.

The reading experience for this book was super immersive and perfectly blends folklore, horror aspect’s, mythology, and fantasy in my opinion. I definitely feel like the characters are the stars of the show and Hellevir was fantastic! Overall I enjoyed this read!!

⭐ 5 !

When I finished the first book of this duology, The Gilded Crown, I started my review by saying "this book was s0mehow completely different from what I expected and also exactly what I would've wanted", and that statement is just as accurate about this installment as it was the first. The covers for these books do them an incredible injustice as they really make you think these are classic romantasy novels, or at least lighthearted in nature, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Hellevir's story is relentless and when the punches start, they don't stop. I wanted to look away but I just couldn't, it was brutal, but it was offset by just how rich, atmospheric, and alluring this world is. On another positive note, there is more Sullivain this book! She is awful, but in the best way, and getting inside of her head was such a delight, especially with how disconnected I felt to her last book.

I loved it, I might've cried a little, but it was worth it. I would recommend this series if you enjoy:

-Truly morally grey characters
-Tragic sapphic pining
- Explorations of religion, family, and forgiveness

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was blown away by the depth and emotion of this book! The world is so vividly drawn, I loved being immersed in it. I read slowly so I could absorb all the details and really feel every scene. This book takes place several years after the first one. Hellevir is still processing the events that occured years ago. Then war begins, and her focus must shift to the present. She feels torn between her family and Sullivain, but she tries to do what she feels in her heart is right. Love is a major theme of the book, but I wouldn't call it a romance. It's more about realizing that the people you love most aren't always good for you, and finding a way to relate to them that's compassionate but also respectful of yourself. This against the backdrop of civil war, with Sullivain fighting to keep her kingdom and Hellevir acting as a healer, trying to save as many lives as possible. The ending didn't make me happy, but it felt true to the characters. I'll definitely look for more by this amazing author!

Not so long ago as I write this, I had the privilege to read the first book of this duology. It had been sitting on my TBR for some time as I kept passing it up based on my assumption that it would be a fairly standard romantasy tale; the cover, frankly, made it blend in to the point where I would have ignored it entirely if I had not heard it was sapphic. “Standard romantasy but make it sapphic” is enough of a hook to make me curious to try something.

When I finally got around to reading that first book, it was nothing like I’d imagined. The story was rich with complicated characters and a claustrophobic world that left me anxious to read the next part. And wow, that wasn’t the conclusion I had expected, but perhaps I should have known better than to ever assume I knew where this was all going.

The Raven’s Trade as a whole is not for the faint of heart. It’s not the darkness of the world, but the circumstances and choices presented to the characters that make it such a “difficult” read. Hellevir makes mistakes but never does she feel stupid for making them: she tried her best given what she knew and the restraints around her. Sullivan is cruel but no matter what she does, it comes after a lifetime of being molded into that role. How much control do either of these two really have over their lives and choices? I wouldn’t call this series a tragedy exactly, but it certainly follows the rules of one, much more than any other template.

Now, I’ve said my piece on the whole duology. If any of that intrigues you, if you’re a fan of hurt no comfort (lol), if you enjoy reading sapphic stories that aren’t straightforward romances… do check out the first book. And if you enjoy the ride, pick up the second when it comes out.

For those who already have read the first book and want to know about the second: the Antlered King is a book about death. Death, immortality, the afterlife, and what people do and don’t deserve. The “surface” plot picks up a few years into Hellevir’s self-imposed exile and follows her continual efforts to protect the people she loves and prevent a civil war. But that’s only the surface. Mind you, it’s surface one that masterfully wracks up the tension and nearly had me pacing the room and yanking on my hair as I knew I couldn’t trust a single moment of peace. But the real heart of the story is its questions and themes. Is wanting to be a good person enough to absolve us? Or do only our actions matter? What purpose does shame serve in helping or hindering our growth? Is eternal suffering a fitting punishment for mistakes we made in life? At what point do we stop giving people second chances? Is forgiveness a weakness or a strength? It’s these ideas that take center stage as the story reaches its conclusion, and they’re what will make or break the ending for you.

Perhaps you’ll disagree with Hellevir’s choices. I know I never could have made them. But I’m not Hellevir and can only wish someone might make the same choices for me as Hellevir made for other characters. That someone might see the good in me even when I can’t see it in myself. Because the alternative is the void, which is really just shame, and that never solves anything.

Truly phenomenal I absolutely loved this as much as the first one. This is such an underrated series.

This was a strong conclusion to the Raven’s Trade duology and did a great job in finishing the story in a great way. I enjoyed getting to go on this journey and how everything played out. The characters felt like they belonged in this world and worked with the plot of the book. Marianne Gordon was able to write this well and was glad I was able to read this.

This was OK! Kind of sounds like the a demon books when first looking at the book. I wasn't the biggest fan of this but it was a decent read.