“This sumptuous romance explores the relationship between Philip II of France and Richard the Lionheart. . . . Betrayal and tragedy lurk around every corner, yet there are moments of breathtaking loveliness.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)
“Absolutely captivating and wonderfully romantic . . . I didn’t want to put this book down, even when it had ended.”—Rainbow Rowell, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Simon Snow Trilogy
Two rival kings fall desperately in love—but the fate of medieval Europe hangs in the balance.
Twelfth-century Europe. Newly crowned King Philip of France is determined to restore his nation to its former empire and bring glory to his name. But when his greatest enemy, King Henry of England, threatens to end his reign before it can even begin, Philip is forced to make a precarious alliance with Henry’s volatile son—risking both his throne, and his heart.
Richard, Duke of Aquitaine, never thought he would be king. But when an unexpected tragedy makes him heir to England’s royal seat, he finally has an opportunity to overthrow the father he despises. At first, Philip is a useful tool in his quest for vengeance . . . until passion and politics collide, and Richard begins to question whether the crown is worth the cost.
When Philip and Richard find themselves staring down an impending war, they must choose between their desire for each other and their grand ambitions. Will their love prevail if it calls to them from across the battlefield? Teeming with royal intrigue and betrayal, this epic romance reimagines two real-life kings ensnared by an impossible choice: Follow their hearts, or earn their place in history.
Natasha Siegel was born and raised in London, where she grew up in a Danish-Jewish family surrounded by stories. Her poetry has won accolades from Foyle’s and the University of Oxford. Solomon’s Crown is her first novel.
“I cannot believe this book exists. I want to wrap myself in velvet to read passages aloud beside a blazing hearth that’s taller than I am. The prose thrums with best kind of heartbreak. . . . There are moments of breathtaking loveliness: a kiss by a frozen woodland stream, light pouring through a stained-glass window, every acid-bright cameo by Eleanor of Aquitaine.”—The New York Times Book Review
“An utterly delightful reimagining of medieval Europe, where a romance between two kings unfolds across enemy lines. Natasha Siegel’s sweeping tale full of heart and historical optimism will make you believe the impossible.”—C. S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise
“Riveting, haunting—two powerful rulers in a battle for love and respect.”—Tamora Pierce
“I savored every page. These two kings will wreck your heart, and you’ll ask them to do it again. Natasha Siegel’s is a voice I craved in historical fiction.”—Heather Walter, author of Malice
“[A] compelling portrait of two men on the cusp of their respective fame in history . . . Siegel is a relative newcomer to the world of historical fiction. But she is a welcome gift to lovers of the genre. Solomon’s Crown is a book that should be in everyone’s library.”—Historical Novel Society
“Recounts [a] captivating and chivalrous romance . . . An intriguing and imaginative story.”—Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star
“A breathtakingly intimate love story set against a sweeping historical backdrop, Solomon’s Crown is an unforgettable delight.”—S. T. Gibson, author of A Dowry of Blood
“Solomon's Crown has the mixture of sweeping scope and lush sensory detail that makes for the best historical fiction. This is a joyful debut from a remarkable talent.”—Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous Light
“Glorious, heart-wrenching, and, above all, hopeful. Solomon’s Crown is a meditative, startlingly lovely examination of love, rivalry, and what makes a legacy, and Natasha Siegel has crafted a triumph of a debut.”—Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief
“Romeo and Juliet meets Oscar Wilde in twelfth-century Europe. This is truly a unique work and one to be savored.”—Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of The Memoirs of Cleopatra
“[A] star-crossed love affair . . . A heart-wrenching, romantic historical saga.”—Library Journal
“Captivating . . . Siegel’s smooth, gorgeous writing deliciously evokes the era and establishes her well-drawn characters. This will be catnip for readers who like their historical romance to come with a deep political slant.”—Publishers Weekly
