The Antlered King

A Novel (The Raven's Trade, Book 2)

By: Marianne Gordon

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

In this stunning conclusion to the Raven’s Trade duology that began with The Gilded Crown, Hellevir’s bargains with Death to save the ones she loves—including the princess she risked everything to bring back to life—may just lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

Hellevir’s gift to raise the dead once thrust her into the center of a court filled with backstabbing and treason, where she became duty bound to protect Princess Sullivain, the sole heir to the kingdom’s throne and target of many rivals eager for the crown. But the more Hellevir risked to keep Sullivain alive, and the more deeply she fell in love with the princess, the greater the cost became—for Hellevir’s power can only be granted by the strange figure who rules the afterlife, and there is always a price to pay.

Now Hellevir may have risked too much, and Sullivain has become obsessed with consolidating power to vanquish her foes once and for all—by whatever means necessary. Cast out to the fringes of a country on the verge of civil war, Hellevir is torn between protecting her heart or giving what little she has left to finish what she started. Yet, her connection with Sullivain runs deeper than the mortal world, and saving her friends and family might mean risking the woman she is still bound to by soul and blood.

To stop a war, Hellevir must unravel the last of Death’s riddles and decide, once and for all, who deserves to live, what a life is worth, and whether she can pay the price. This explosive finale to the Raven’s Trade duology is sure to satisfy fans of dark fantasy and queer romance.

©2025 Marianne Gordon (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Absolutely destroyed me

Destroyed me emotionally beyond comprehension, An ending I hated not because it didn’t make sense or because it was bad, but because of how beautiful it was and how it made me feel.

Got me at the end

I am not going to lie, this book scared me plot wise. I was so afraid it was trending in the direction of GoT with just how very dark and depressing it got. But by the end of it I was a crying mess wishing I could get more. If you’re a fan of books that will make you sit there in discomfort for a majority of the plot and unapologetically make you question your own morality system by the end of it then I cannot recommend this enough. Fans of Bly Manor or Last of Us Part 2 stans will understand this book. Those seeking cozy, feel good romantasys should probably steer clear.

The narration and prose are unfathomably good. I loved it in the first book just as much as I loved it in this one. The magic system, world, and setting are just as fascinating. The only downsides I can think of are how much I wanted to smack sense in to some of the characters and that at some points the pacing felt a bit off with slow repetitive moments and breakneck transitions.

Beautifully Written and Narrated

Extremely powerful writer with such a unique story. I can't wait until Gordon's next book. And, Kristen Atherton is the best narrator I have ever heard. I will listen to any book she narrates. I have already saved every book I can find that she has narrated in my wish list!

ripped my heart to bits and stitched me back together

this duology healed something within me and if I ever stop crying I’ll listen to both books again and again

Narration was so good.

such an interesting story. almost like hellevir coming to terms with death. slight romance side story. but its mainly a fantasy.

Incredible high fantasy

I deeply enjoyed this duology. Having read a lot of fantasy, I appreciated it's originality and unpredictability. It touched on themes of emotional intelligence, healthy relationships and self exploitation. Very well developed characters with engrossing relationships.

Sad it's over

I'm genuinely sad about this book and series being over. I really enjoyed the story and it was such a great way to make my commute not suck