After adoring Her Majesty's Royal Coven, I knew I was going to read this prequel novella as well. I listened to the audiobook again which is once more beautifully narrated by Nicola Coughlan. Queen B is a wonderful story, sweet and serious, about the view of women (witches) back in the 16th century with a queer cast of characters, with love and friendship, loss and loyalty, told on two different time levels (before and after Anne Boleyn's death). I highly recommend it, especially if you liked the main trilogy. This one can be read separately as a standalone and has a satisfying conclusion.

more like a 3,5 there were a lot of things I honestly didn’t quite like (the implied SA at the end of one of the chapters or the weird witchhunter monologue ish chapters but maybe that’s just me). One thing I can trust Dawson with are queer characters and their portrayal!! loved every second of it. She has a way of making you want more of a story and that’s enough of a reason for me to keep reading. Can’t wait for the third book of HMRC

I adore the HMRC Series and was super excited to get a short and sweet backstory read after the massive twist at the end of The Shadow Cabinet. As usual the book explores the power and the place - and of course the means of escape - of women in a world dominated by (powerhungry) men. Even though it is so short, we get a lot of insight on a the witches feelings, realtionships and ambitions.