If you love historical fiction, powerful leaders with heavy responsibilities, and moments of queer joy, then you have to read Solomon’s Crown. I loved the depth of character and setting. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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, 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 one another 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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Solomon’s Crown is a story about the weight of history, but also about the spaces for joy. Siegel does a fantastic job at exploring these moments of power and betrayal mixed with these pockets of individuality and glimpses of happiness. So often the power struggles of families play out across miles and with casualties. With chemistry from the beginning, I enjoyed the characters in Solomon’s Crown. Siegel connects these characters, these leaders, with their pasts, troubled families, but also with their potential to be seen anew.
Readers find themselves wondering from the beginning, if they will be doomed. If this can be a real thing, if it’s possible to find these fragments of joy before our duty weighs us down. So rarely is it about what it’s right, what is just. Can Philip and Richard live a life outside of the betrayals and battle fields? With some scattered letters, Solomon’s Crown brings a multi-faceted refracted light onto these men. The ways they have to reconcile who they are, with the crowns they wear. With their pride, desires for revenge, and regret.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
Solomon’s Crown is determined to tell a story about history, about leaders, about what could have been. If you want to find out more from Siegel’s perspective, I highly suggest you watch this panel I moderated because Siegel touches upon the accuracy and intentions! Find Solomon’s Crown on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, & The Book Depository.