Though there is plenty of romance in this book, both straight and queer, the main relationships Dawson showcases is that of family, both through blood and circumstance. When our characters joined the Coven, they became sisters, linked in a way that is difficult to destroy. But what Dawson does brilliantly is show that as children we are so sure that life will work out the way we want, we have blinders on to life, rose tinted glasses that make everything seem possible. But as we grow, we see the reality of life, of people. We see the people we grew up with become unrecognisable, put things into motion, dangerous things, because their way of life is threatened. She really showed the intricacies of family, how you can love someone and hate them at the same time, and I loved reading all the interactions between our four MC's. They are Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. They protect crown and country from magical forces and otherworldly evil. But their greatest enemy will come from within.

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson | Waterstones

An amazing adventure of magic, friendship and gender politics. This is the best witchy story I’ve read in ages. Juno Dawson is at the top of her game in this vibrant and meticulous take on witchcraft. Her characteristic wit and grit shine through'They live and work among us they look just like us but they are witches, members of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven a secret organisation protecting us from the dark creatures of nature. But all is not well within this sacred sisterhood. They protect crown and country from magical forces and otherworldly evil, but their greatest enemy will come from within…

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson review – sorcery

Sunai is a relic and former archivist who keeps a low profile and is strangely unable to die. On the run from his past and haunted by a letter he refuses to read, Sunai leads a life of melancholy debauchery — which lands him on the crew of a salvage mission he can’t remember joining. In his company is an attractive and troubled doctor named Veyadi Lut, a man in pursuit of secrets Sunai has been desperate to escape. But as soon as someone throws a punch, the book shines. Darwin writes violence with the rhythm and surprise of a well-executed sonnet, wedding the smooth grace of choreography with the unflinching brutality of fists breaking bone. The fights are mesmerizing, layered like fascia, twitching and flexing and propelling the story toward a conclusion that both satisfies and opens the door to the next volume. There are whisperings of a prophecy that will bring the coven to its knees, and four best friends are about to be caught at the centre. While the balance on the whole is off, Ciara’s shattered perspective is genuinely moving, and the decision to swap main characters so violently is admirably bold. I’m still champing at the bit for the series conclusion.But moneyed interests have sullied the Codes, and created a society where the Grievar generate both mass entertainment and an escalating arms race, with nations struggling to produce the fastest and strongest fighters by any means necessary. Murray Pearson is a formerly famous Knight turned scout, who is bitter and resigned to the corruption of the Codes — until he finds Cego, a boy enslaved by an underground fighting ring. Cego’s abilities and compassion give Murray hope for the future.

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven: The magical SUNDAY TIMES number 1 Her Majesty’s Royal Coven: The magical SUNDAY TIMES number 1

The magic in this book was incredibly well written and pretty commonplace for anyone who is used to reading witchy books. But what Dawson does brilliantly is show the physical use of magic through her descriptive writing, every scene where it was used be it in battle, or a more mundane task was effortlessly brought to life and I almost felt like I was watching the scenes like a movie in my head whilst reading. I would say that the story started off a little slowly, I wasn't 100% sure where it was going until about 40% of the way through, but once it get's going it absolutely takes flight and I found the last 50% so hard to put down.

There are whisperings of a prophecy that will bring the coven to its knees, and five best friends are about to be caught at the centre. Life as a modern witch was never simple… but now it’s about to get apocalyptic. When a menacing prophecy is deemed to involve a trans child old rivalries are reopened and new battles fought. Because life is never simple and friends can become enemies in a heartbeat.