Solomon's Crown

A Novel

By: Natasha Siegel

Narrated by: Ben Allen, Steve West

“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.

©2023 Natasha Siegel (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“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

slow start, nails the finish

Loved this book. bit slow at the beginning but nails it in the end with it's characters and story. definitely recommend.

Wonderful alternative history!

The narrators did a great job voicing Phillip and Richard. You don’t have to have to know the history to enjoy the story but I enjoyed knowing which parts the author diverged into fiction. Highly recommend!

Utterly splendid

Brilliant book with sublime narration. The immediacy of the relationship so well embedded in the history. Highly recommended!

Incredible!

That has to be one of my instant favorites! It was so well written it reminded me of some of my other favorites like Song of Achilles and Dark Rise. I love these characters with a passion!

Wonderful performance!

Love against the odds with an absolutely perfect performance! High drama and war and daisy chains - I described it as a “horny Wolf Hall.”

Wonderful narration

Wonderfully written and achingly beautiful at times. I had to listen to it in chunks because I was so afraid of what would happen! I also appreciated the author's notes about how and why she deviated from the historical narrative. I love queer historical stories, partly as a reminder that we have always existed.
With audiobooks, the narrator(so) can make or break the experience, and I am delighted at the choice of actors for both Richard and Philip. They are utterly perfect.

One of my new favorites!

This had the perfect amount of angst for me without getting too dark. If you're even mildly interested please give this a listen!

It was beautiful

This book exceeded my expectations. The narration was wonderful and the story was well written. I was uncertain at first if I would like it seeing as Richard the Lionheart and Philip the God-given had such tumultuous real life relations. Many of my fears were put aside in the foreword by the author. I am very glad I gave this book a chance!

Extraordinary!

A truly satisfying listen. The narration is superb as is the storytelling. In the author’s note, she says that she was inspired to write this in part when she saw Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton as Richard and Phillip in The Lion in Winter. I remember that film well because when I saw it I thought that I really wanted to know their story. And now I have it. Is this a true story? Somewhat yes. The author admits departing significantly from the historical record, in favor of telling a joyful story rather than a tragic one. And in a world filled with tragedy, I’ll take a well told joyful story, even if it isn’t entirely true. Will definitely listen to it again.

Lovely

Siegel had me enthralled from chapter 1. Couldn’t stop listening to this book once I started. Ben and Steve read this beautifully. Pretty sure this is now one of my favorites.