Her Majesty's Royal Coven: A Novel by Juno Dawson (English) Paperback Book

Description: Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson "Superb and almost unbearably charming, Her Majestys Royal Coven… expertly launches an exciting new trilogy." —The New York Times Book Review "Talk about a gut punch of a novel. …A provocative exploration of intersectional feminism, loyalty, gender and transphobia [that] invites readers into an intricately woven web of magic, friendship and power." —The Nerd DailyA Discovery of Witches meets The Craft in this epic fantasy about a group of childhood friends who are also witches.If you look hard enough at old photographs, were there in the background: healers in the trenches; Suffragettes; Bletchley Park oracles; land girls and resistance fighters. Why is it we help in times of crisis? We have a gift. We are stronger than Mundanes, plain and simple.At the dawn of their adolescence, on the eve of the summer solstice, four young girls--Helena, Leonie, Niamh and Elle--took the oath to join Her Majestys Royal Coven, established by Queen Elizabeth I as a covert government department. Now, decades later, the witch community is still reeling from a civil war and Helena is the reigning High Priestess of the organization. Yet Helena is the only one of her friend group still enmeshed in the stale bureaucracy of HMRC. Elle is trying to pretend shes a normal housewife, and Niamh has become a country vet, using her powers to heal sick animals. In what Helena perceives as the deepest betrayal, Leonie has defected to start her own more inclusive and intersectional coven, Diaspora. And now Helena has a bigger problem. A young warlock of extraordinary capabilities has been captured by authorities and seems to threaten the very existence of HMRC. With conflicting beliefs over the best course of action, the four friends must decide where their loyalties lie: with preserving tradition, or doing what is right. Juno Dawson explores gender and the corrupting nature of power in a delightful and provocative story of magic and matriarchy, friendship and feminism. Dealing with all the aspects of contemporary womanhood, as well as being phenomenally powerful witches, Niamh, Helena, Leonie and Elle may have grown apart but they will always be bound by the sisterhood of the coven. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Author Biography Juno Dawson is a bestselling novelist, screenwriter, and journalist. Junos books include the global bestsellers, This Book is Gay and Clean. She also writes for television and has multiple shows in development both in the UK and US. An occasional actress and model, Juno appeared on HBOs I May Destroy You. This is her adult debut. Review A Most Anticipated Novel of Summer 22 in The Washington Post | Goodreads | LitHub | PopSugar | Parade | Bustle | Tor | Paste | The Nerd Daily | SheReads | Gizmodo | Book Riot | LifeSavvy | Distractify"Theres so much humor and sadness here, so much tenderness and compassion and a deep love of women. The book draws a gentle thread through the visions we have for ourselves, the memories from which we build our relationships and the ways in which we comprehend the present, and then it pulls that thread taut. Superb and almost unbearably charming, Her Majestys Royal Coven is a beautiful exploration of how foundational friendships age, and it expertly launches an exciting new trilogy." --The New York Times Book Review"Her Majestys Royal Coven is a shimmering, irresistible cauldrons brew of my favorite things: a thrilling, witchy plot; a diverse, compelling, and beautifully drawn cast; complex relationships with real heart; laugh-out-loud banter; and the kind of dazzling magic I wish existed. You wont be able to put it down."—Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Paybacks a Witch"Juno Dawson is at the top of her game in this vibrant and meticulous take on witchcraft. Her characteristic wit and grit shine through Her Majestys Royal Coven, which paints a convincing picture of how magic might converge with the modern world."--Samantha Shannon, New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree"Talk about a gut punch of a novel. Her Majestys Royal Coven is sure to have readers who love witchy stories— and the queerer, the better—salivating from the very first page...this book has more twists, betrayals and drama than a Desperate Housewives episode and I lived for that...A provocative exploration of intersectional feminism, loyalty, gender and transphobia, Dawsons Her Majestys Royal Coven is an immersive story about what it means to be a woman—and a witch—and invites readers into an intricately woven web of magic, friendship and power." -- The Nerd Daily"Dawson, in an impressive flex, uses the rules of the fantasy genre to make a statement about people of color and LGBTQ individuals and how organizations can exclude and ignore them. Readers who enjoy witches and watching change ripple through a culture will enjoy this series." -- Booklist (starred)"A femme-forward story of power, morality and fate that is not shy about its politics...Beyond its politics, what especially makes Her Majestys Royal Coven shine is its impeccable voice. Dawsons conversational, matter-of-fact tone calls to mind writers like Neil Gaiman and Diana Wynne Jones; its at times funny, at others heartbreaking, but always perfectly calibrated...A thoughtful entry into the witch canon that intrigues and challenges as much as it delights." -- Bookpage"Juno Dawson has created your new obsession. Her Majestys Royal Coven is full of her trademark heart and humour, with a delicious slick of darkness. I fell in love with her coven - and I need the next installment now!"—Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies"Such a joy to read – the world building is incredible, the writing sophisticated, and the exploration of gender and identity is done with nuance and care. Utterly compelling." —Louise ONeill, author of Asking for It and The Surface Breaks"The funniest paranormal epic Ive ever had the pleasure to read." --Nicole Galland, bestselling author of Master of the Revels"Look if the idea of a story about a group of girls living in an alternate England and working for a centuries-old secret government bureau of witches doesnt grab you immediately, I dont know what to tell you. Except that theres also a witch civil war, an oracle that prophecies a young warlock will bring about genocide, and a group of friends torn about how to stop it." --Paste"Cleverly constructed…a gradually building layer of political commentary ultimately reveals a complex metaphor for the U.K.s sociopolitical climate and mainstream transphobia... an exciting new direction for Dawson. Readers will be eager for the next installment."—Publishers Weekly"This first adult novel by YA author Dawson (Clean; Meat Market) is a story of feminism, matriarchy, gender roles, and tradition...Readers who love a big fight between good and evil, who enjoy seeing magic in the everyday world, and those who like their heroines journeys to include all facets of heartbreak will savor the cut and thrust of this battle." -- Library Journal Review Quote "Juno Dawson has created your new obsession. Her Majestys Royal Coven is full of her trademark heart and humour, with a delicious slick of darkness. I fell in love with her coven - and I need the next installment now!" --Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies Excerpt from Book CHAPTER ONE Higher Science Niamh In her dreams, Conrad was still alive. They were banal, domestic little scenes: she could still smell whatever dinner hed cooked, and shed be washing the dishes when hed slide his arms around her waist. Shed feel the brush of his lips against the nape of her neck, The Archers low in the background. The oddest fragments returned to her: Sunday morning toast crumbs in bed coming back to haunt them on Sunday night; leaning over him to look out of the plane window as they were coming in to land at Dublin; walking the dog through Hardcastle Crags on a lazy Saturday afternoon - that smell of damp mulch and wild garlic. Other times shed simply dream she was listening to him breathe. He always fell asleep the second his head touched the pillow, like he had narcolepsy or something, and so Niamh, a fitful sleeper at best, would often fixate on his peaceful tide to quiet her chatty brain. Awaking now, she reached for him, only to feel the cold side of the bed. It was like pressing a thumb on a bruise every single time. Why am I awake? Her phone. Her phone was ringing. She remembered she was on call. Shite. She kicked off the duvet and pushed a nest of auburn hair out of her face. Her phone vibrated on the nightstand, the display reading BARKER FARM. It was 00.53. Still the Witching Hour, she thought ruefully. A common misconception; any hours grand for witching. Niamh cleared her throat. She always thought it seemed unprofessional to sound like shed been sleeping while on call, although it was rare for someone to phone this late. Hello? Mrs Barker? Oh hello, Dr Kelly, Joan said in her best telephone voice. I do hope I didnt wake you? Not at all, Niamh lied. Are you OK out there? Its Pepper again . . . No further explanation was necessary.The horse was old. Old and tired. Ill be right over in ten, Niamh said. She threw on whatever mismatched clothes were piled on the back of her dresser chair, and pulled her hair into a ponytail. Tiger barely stirred from his basket as she tiptoed through the kitchen, offering only a nasal huff to express his irritation at being awakened. The Border Terrier was quite used to her nocturnal comings and goings. It was a cold night for late March, not quite cold enough for a frost, but not far off either. A shame, shed hoped to file winter away for another year. She wrapped a scarf- a gift knitted for her by one of her clients - around her neck as she walked. Niamh reached her Land Rover and, checking in the rear-view mirror, pressed her eyes with the pads of her thumbs, trying to look less bleary. It didnt entirely work, needless to say. The Barker farm was only a short drive away, on the other side of Hebden Bridge. Niamh knew the route in her sleep, but thought it best to play the radio real loudly, just in case. The road from Heptonstall village towards Hebden Bridge town, in the gutter of the valley, was winding and perilously steep, slick with earlier rain. She drove carefully, windows open wide to wake herself up. Normally bustling, Hebden Bridge was almost eerily quiet. The pubs, bars and restaurants had kicked out hours ago and Market Street was dark. Niamh drove until the cottages and old mills opened out into the dark sprawl of Cragg Vale. On the horizon, the farmhouse was the last light for miles. The gates were open, ready, and she swung the Land Rover down the bumpy dirt track towards the riding school. Joan Barker was waiting, a wax jacket over her flannel pyjamas, tartan legs tucked into her wellies. Niamh turned off the engine and stepped out of the car, dragging her kit bag off the passenger seat as she went. Hows she doing, Joan? Oh, Dr Kelly, shes not in a good way. A familiar dread in her stomach. Lets go take a look shall we? As soon as they were in the stable, Niamh didnt need to use any arcane skills to see Pepper was in a bad way. Oh dear, Niamh said, kneeling alongside the old Cleveland that rested in the hay, her breathing shallow. Do you need anything, doctor? Joan asked. It might be best if Joan was out of the way for a moment or two. If she saw what was about to happen, Niamh would find it very difficult to explain. Ive everything need for Pepper, but youve not got a black coffee for me have you? Its some ways past my bedtime. Of course. Ill be back in two shakes. Joan turned onher heel to head back to the farmhouse. Its true what they say about Yorkshire folks: theyd do anything for you and the kettle is never cold. When the coast was clear, Niamh placed her hands on Peppers flank. Oh my poor sweet girl. With animals, it wasnt that she could hear whole thoughts in the way she could with humans. Thoughts, like light and sound, travel in waves, and she was able to tune in to a frequency if the mood took her fancy, but animals communicate on a pure emotional level. Right now, Niamh could feel mournful weariness, sheer exhaustion, coming from Pepper. In short, shed had enough. It was like looking in a mirror and recognising it on your face, rather than hearing it. Niamh was a far better sentient than she was a healer. She could locate a problem, feel the angry reds in an animals body, but wasnt gifted enough to make it go away entirely by herself the way a healer would. She could absorb some of the pain though, soothe the poor thing. Niamh sent her thoughts clear into the horses mind. Youre hanging on so hard, arent you? Just let go, my girl, you can go now. Rest. Youve done ever so well, and been ever so good. From Pepper, there was a last stubborn push, and a twitch of her hind legs. She whinnied softly. Niamh understood. Pepper didnt want to let her mistress down. Oh, you arent. Joan loves you and doesnt want you suffering, now, does she? Lean back into it and drift away, old girl. Theres nothing left to do here, and Joan is made of stern stuff. Shell be overcome at first, but then therell only be love. And with that, from Pepper, she felt blessed relief. Like shed been given permission. I can help you go, Niamh said aloud. She reached into her kit and produced a vial of Eternal Repose : a tincture of valerian and hemlock Annie had taught her to make not long after she graduated. Pepper was in pain, this would ease her off. Itd be like falling asleep with the heating on. She unscrewed the cap of the little brown bottle. Open wide , she told Pepper and the horse obliged. Niamh placed a couple of drops on her tongue. There you go, sweet girl. Niamh rested her head against Peppers and almost heard her gratitude, so strong it was. Joan came back into the stables carrying a steaming mug of coffee. How is she, doctor? Niamh stood and took the drink from her. The worst part. Shes dying, Mrs Barker. Im so sorry. Thisll be her last night. Her lip wobbled. Theres nothing you can do? Ive made her comfortable, she wont feel any pain. Niamh wrapped an arm around her and steered her into Peppers bay. Here, lets be with her as she falls asleep. She knows were here. Niamh and the farmer knelt at Peppers side as her breath ebbed out like low tide was coming. CHAPTER TWO The Sting Helena The ceiling had more holes in it than a colander. Their vantage point, a derelict warehouse, was bitterly cold, and Helena had been standing on a crust of pigeon shit since dawn. She didnt complain. That wouldnt do at all in front of the others. She had to lead by example, and didnt tolerate whiners. She had to be so mindful, in an organisation made up almost entirely of women, to snuff out little fires of dissent before they sent smoke signals to the warlocks or, worse, the government. That meant no gossip; no bitching and definitely no whining. Her Majestys Royal Coven was strong, impenetrable and united. Helena frequently referred back to Eva Kovacics keynote speech at CovCon 18: she spoke so eloquently of how the patriarchy, above all else, fears women coming together, so internal female division only succeeds in greasing that machine. Helena had adopted it as a personal mantra since. She raised the binoculars to her face. The street outside was quiet, rush hour petering out. The odd straggler, now late for the office, hurried past the red brick safehouse, latte in hand, but that was about it. Helena turned to Sandhya and - following her own credo - kept her irritation at bay. Do we have anything ? Sandhya lifted her fingers to her temple and wordlessly spoke to the sentients waiting outside in the van. Nothing yet, maam. Bird shit landed about a centimetre in front of Helenas Prada loafers. She felt it whizz past her nose and took a step back. The pigeons in the rafters cooed, mocking her. For Gaias sake, she snapped, turning on Ella, the young oracle on her team. Ella, has the intelligence changed? No maam. He will come today. We have seen it. Like many of the younger oracles, she made no attempt to hide her baldness with a wig, wearing it as badge of pride. All well and good, but where was he? Did you happen to see a time at all? Could I bob out for a croissant? Maam, Sandhya int Details ISBN014313714X Author Juno Dawson Short Title Her Majestys Royal Coven Language English Year 2022 ISBN-10 014313714X ISBN-13 9780143137146 Format Paperback Subtitle A Novel Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Imprint Penguin USA Country of Publication United States Pages 448 Publication Date 2022-05-31 AU Release Date 2022-05-31 NZ Release Date 2022-05-31 US Release Date 2022-05-31 UK Release Date 2022-05-31 Series The HMRC Trilogy Series Number 1 Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:135306820;

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