Solomon's Crown: A Historical Fiction Novel - Perfect for Book Clubs & Historical Fiction Lovers" （如果原书有更具体的主题或时代背景，可以进一步优化，例如：） "Solomon's Crown: A Medieval Historical Fiction Novel - Great for Fans of Epic Kingdoms & Royal Intrigue" 或（如果是奇幻类）： "Solomon's Crown: A Fantasy Adventure Novel - Ideal for Lovers of Magic, Kingdoms & Epic Quests

The summary of Natasha Siegel's book Solomon's Crown instantly caught my attention and I am so grateful to have received an advance digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. .I started reading it as soon as I received the ARC and I could not put it down. It fulfilled so many of my likes: historical setting, first person narration, alternating POV, romance, intrigue, medieval setting, enemies to allies to lovers..Solomon's Crown tells the story of Philip II of France and Richard I of England (Richard the Lionheart) through their own first person alternating narration. It starts with the history and moves to the author's recreation of the characters and what could have been, in beautifully lyrical writing that transports you into their lives, their minds, their hearts.The book spans about a decade in the lives of Richard and Philip, with time skips that work as far as propelling the narrative. The historical events are imparted with excellent clarity and are woven into the POVs seamlessly.The recounting of the specific events from both characters POVs is fascinating and immensely satisfying. The characterizations are nuanced and historically based, with a loving helping of The Lion in Winter added in. It works so well. You are immersed in the story, the politics, the lives. I literally inhaled this book over the course of 24 hours. And I will be going back for a reread.The prose is lush and packed with emotion. The vulnerability of both characters really stood out to me. This story fleshed out these epic historical figures and made them real, approachable, in all their flawed and vulnerable ways. It is a peek behind the curtain at leadership, at what ruling and kingship means. And what it means to find love and happiness along with the power and pomp that their station entails.Richard and Philip are enthralling and utterly engaging. I loved them both. I loved their POVs, I loved their stories, I loved them together. The secondary characters are well written, interesting in their own right, and unique in their portrayals.The history is on every page but it is the romance and the attraction that shines through the story. The depiction of all the obstacles in Richard and Philip's way. The way their exalted roles give them dizzying power but also limit them and confine them and force decisions on them. This story is about how they navigate that to find and keep each other and a measure of happiness in their lives.I was thinking about this book long after I finished it. Philip and Richard will stay with me, in the way Siegal wrote them. I was rooting for them from the start and the book fulfilled all my wishes for their story.This is a debut book and it is dazzling. I greatly look forward to more books by this author. This will be a wonderful new addition to my shelf. I've already preordered the physical book after reading this ARC.My highest recommendation. Five stars.My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.