Sara Raasch and Beth Revis have crafted something truly extraordinary in The Crimson Throne, weaving together the treacherous political landscape of Mary Queen of Scots’ court with a richly imagined magical underworld. This historical romantasy succeeds brilliantly where many others falter, creating a narrative that feels both authentically grounded in Tudor-era politics and genuinely magical in its supernatural elements.
The story follows two compelling protagonists whose paths intertwine in the volatile Scottish court. Samson Calthorpe arrives as a reluctant spy, bearing a curse that has isolated him from everyone he’s ever cared about. His desperation to break free from this magical affliction leads him into the dangerous world of court intrigue, where he must pose as a secretary while investigating suspected threats to Queen Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Alyth Graham serves as one of Mary’s ladies-in-waiting, but her true identity runs far deeper—she’s half-fae, tasked with protecting Scotland from the murderous Red Caps who feast on bloodshed and war.
Character Development That Captivates
Samson: The Cursed Spy
Raasch and Revis excel at creating a protagonist who carries genuine internal conflict. Samson’s curse manifests as violent blackouts that endanger everyone around him, making his mission infinitely more complex than simple espionage. His London street-smart sensibilities clash beautifully with the refined expectations of the Scottish court, creating moments of both humor and tension that feel organically earned rather than forced.
The authors skillfully reveal Samson’s true nature—his Red Cap heritage—in ways that recontextualize earlier scenes without feeling manipulative. His struggle with his identity, particularly when he discovers his connection to the very creatures Alyth fights against, provides genuine emotional weight to the romantic arc.
Alyth: The Guardian Between Worlds
Alyth emerges as one of the strongest fantasy heroines in recent memory. Her ability to see auras adds a fascinating layer to court intrigue, allowing readers to understand the complex motivations swirling around Mary’s volatile reign. Her dual heritage—human and fae—places her in the unique position of protecting both worlds from the Red Cap threat.
The authors avoid the common pitfall of making their magical protagonist overpowered. Alyth’s abilities come with real costs and limitations, and her greatest strength often lies in her strategic thinking rather than raw magical power.
Historical Authenticity Meets Creative Freedom
The book shines in its treatment of historical figures and events. The authors demonstrate impressive research into Mary Queen of Scots’ turbulent reign, incorporating real figures like David Rizzio and Lord Darnley while reimagining their motivations through a magical lens. The political tensions between Scotland and England feel genuinely consequential, not merely window dressing for the fantasy elements.
Particularly impressive is how the book handles the historical David Rizzio murder. By incorporating Red Cap magic into this real historical event, the authors create a version that feels both faithful to the documented brutality and enhanced by supernatural elements that don’t diminish the historical tragedy.
The court settings, from Holyrood Palace to Stirling Castle, are rendered with vivid detail that transports readers directly into the period. The authors’ attention to social hierarchies, religious tensions, and the precarious position of women in power creates an authentic backdrop that enhances rather than competes with the magical elements.
A Magic System with Teeth
The Red Caps represent one of the most genuinely menacing antagonistic forces in recent fantasy literature. These creatures’ dependence on violence and bloodshed for sustenance creates stakes that go beyond typical fantasy conflicts. Their weapons of war, crafted from manipulated magical threads, provide tangible threats that can’t be easily overcome through power alone.
The barrier between the human and fae worlds serves as both a protective measure and a source of constant tension. Alyth’s role as guardian carries weight because the consequences of failure extend far beyond personal loss—entire realms hang in the balance.
Romance That Serves the Plot
The romantic elements between Samson and Alyth develop naturally from their shared circumstances and complementary personalities. Their relationship faces genuine obstacles beyond typical miscommunication tropes. The revelation of Samson’s Red Cap blood creates a conflict that can’t be resolved through simple conversation—Alyth has literally sworn to kill him if he becomes a threat.
The tension between trust and duty provides emotional complexity that elevates the romance beyond surface attraction. Both characters must choose between personal desires and larger responsibilities, creating moments of genuine conflict that strengthen rather than weaken the overall narrative.
Areas Where the Narrative Stumbles
While The Crimson Throne succeeds admirably in most areas, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues in its middle section. Some court intrigue scenes feel slightly repetitive, particularly when establishing various lords’ motivations. The dual perspective structure sometimes creates artificial delays in revelation that test reader patience.
The magic system, while creative, occasionally lacks the clear rules that would help readers understand the limitations and costs of various abilities. Alyth’s powers sometimes feel conveniently available when needed, which diminishes the sense of genuine peril.
Additionally, while the historical research is generally excellent, some modern sensibilities occasionally creep into character dialogue and attitudes in ways that feel slightly anachronistic.
Literary Craftsmanship
The authors demonstrate impressive skill in alternating perspectives, giving Samson and Alyth distinct voices that reflect their different backgrounds and worldviews. Samson’s chapters carry the rough edges of his London street origins, while Alyth’s sections flow with the more formal cadences appropriate to court life.
The prose itself strikes an effective balance between accessibility and period-appropriate formality. Action sequences are particularly well-executed, maintaining clarity even during complex magical confrontations.
Thematic Depth
Beyond its entertainment value, The Crimson Throne explores meaningful themes about power, identity, and the costs of duty. The contrast between inherited power (Mary’s birthright) and claimed power (the magic both protagonists wield) runs throughout the narrative, reflected in both political and personal conflicts.
The book also examines the isolation that comes with dangerous abilities, showing how both Samson’s curse and Alyth’s responsibilities separate them from normal human connections. Their relationship becomes not just romantic but redemptive, offering each the possibility of being truly known and accepted.
Comparison to Similar Works
Readers who enjoyed the political intrigue of The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon will find similar pleasures here, though The Crimson Throne offers tighter pacing and more intimate character focus. The historical fantasy elements echo the best aspects of The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow, while the court intrigue channels the complexity of The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison.
The romantic elements will appeal to fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid in their complexity and emotional authenticity, though the fantasy setting creates different stakes and conflicts.
Final Verdict
The Crimson Throne represents a significant achievement in historical fantasy romance, successfully balancing complex political intrigue with genuine magical wonder and authentic emotional development. While not without minor flaws in pacing and magical system clarity, the book delivers a satisfying reading experience that honors both its historical inspiration and fantasy innovations.
Raasch and Revis have created a world rich enough to support multiple volumes while telling a complete story that stands on its own. The promise of future books exploring Queen Elizabeth’s story provides exciting possibilities without detracting from this volume’s resolution.
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
- Complex historical fantasy with authentic period detail
- Romance that develops naturally from character and plot
- Magic systems with clear stakes and consequences
- Political intrigue with genuine complexity
- Strong character development and dual perspectives
Similar Books to Explore
If you enjoyed The Crimson Throne, consider these complementary reads:
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – Epic historical fantasy with complex world-building and political intrigue
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow – Atmospheric fantasy with portal magic and historical elements
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab – Historical fantasy romance with magical curses and time-spanning narrative
- The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison – Court intrigue with fantasy elements and complex political maneuvering
- Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – Atmospheric historical fantasy with romance and magical competition
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden – Historical fantasy blending Slavic folklore with Russian history
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – Gothic historical fantasy with supernatural elements and period detail
The Crimson Throne establishes Raasch and Revis as a formidable collaboration, building on the foundation they laid with their previous Witch & Hunter duology while exploring new historical territory with confidence and skill.
