I have no idea where to start with this review. This has officially become one of my favorite books. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like. The LGBTQIA+ story is so well written and fleshed out that it feels like a natural progression of history. So many books feel compelled in adding elements that deliberately try to diversify the book. Not at all here. The High Mountain Court is the first book in The Five Crowns of Okrith series, and it is fantastic! The story has so many elements that I enjoy in a high fantasy – fae, witches, fated mates, magic, epic quests, found families, monstrous villains, strong messages, and a fast-paced plot. The story follows Remy, a red witch in hiding who goes on an epic quest with a fae prince to help defeat the evil King of the Northern Court. I absolutely loved getting to know Bri more and learning more about her history. There is so much more to her than the tough warrior exterior that she presents to the world. We already know that she has so much love for her friends and family, but we also get to see her vulnerable side and facing her fears in a new relationship. This book has a sapphic romance with some spicy scenes and A.K. is always so good about being inclusive.

The biggest reason for that is that it feels rushed. You know how when you're summarizing a book you might gloss over the less important parts? It kind of feels like the entire book was glossed over, especially the beginning. Their journey was waaaay too fast. We could have had more scenes where they all just get to know each other, maybe Heather teaches Remy about some plants, someone tells a story, maybe they have to go the long way around cause they spot some Northern soldiers in their path. What I don't understand is, why Remy would hide as a red witch if she's a princess and in glamour?? wouldn't it make more sense to glamour yourself as something more inconspicuous. it also made her less interesting. Bri wants to solve the queen’s murder as fast as possible because of the prophesy that was made when she was born, she is going to try and change it. Ma stavo parlando della trama… trama che non ha nessun senso logico perché il mondo in cui è ambientata non ha alcun senso e non parliamo del sistema magico!

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This book really has it all. It’s got adventure, romance, friendships, magic, and great world building. And there’s twists that keep you guessing. I love this book so much Remy and Hale have officially wormed their way into my heart. Thank you so much to A.K. Mulford for the ARC! The third book in the Five Crowns of Okrith series follows Bri as she helps the Western Court figure out who murdered Queen Thorne. Just like the previous two, it’s full of magic, fae, witch hunters, romance, and action. For the chance to save herself, her people, and help rid the world of a murderous tyrant, Remy must put her faith in Hale and his companions on a dangerous quest to find lost relics…and discover if she is ready to secure her legacy. This enemy to lovers tale finds passion among the adventures that seem to always be chasing the series' cast of characters. Mulford wonderfully balances the action and intrigue of the plot alongside the sweet sentimental moments where the characters shine through - the attention given to all the familial and platonic relationships (alongside the romance) of this series is part of what makes it an immediate favorite. My only fault for this installment is sometimes the plot felt too future-focused, as if it was more about setting the stage for the rest of the series. But as someone who is planning to read the entirety of the series, I can't be too mad about that.

The main character often finds herself in situations where survival is unlikely, but she makes it out alive every time... Even when she says that her power is really low at that moment and that she feels weak. Upon meeting the male protagonist and his posse, Remy ends up going through the mandatory physical training of every YA fantasy. Daggers, swords, bows, whatever-you-can-name, and that was disappointing to me. I thought the book was about witches and magic, not sword-fighting faes. As to the world we are in, there are different kinds of witches – Brown, Green, Blue, Red, and the mysterious Purple wishes who are thought extinct. Brown witches heal, Green witches often work with herbs, etc., to cook amazing foods, Blue witches have visions and can see the future, and Red witches have almost a telekinesis power. The red witches have been hunted for years because of previous politics, and court intrigue (see “The High Mountain Court”), but this practice is finally coming to end – much to the witch hunter’s anger. The magic system within the novels is well thought out, and we slowly discover pieces of it in each book. For each court, as we are placed within that world, we get to see more of a certain kind of witch and how they practice. WONDERFUL representation in the book; with both queer and POC sprinkled throughout the series. I always wondered why there aren't more queer fae in the fantasy genre. They're supposedly immortal beings, don't you think if a being lived for so long they would be more fluid with their sexuality and gender? So I'm glad the author gave us thatA.K. Mulford delivers another magical installment in her fantasy ""The Five Crowns of Okrith" series with the charismatic, tough, and entirely lovable Bri at the center. From the first books of the series, we know that Bri is a loyal if not overly stubborn friend, set on always helping those she loves. Now, we get to learn more of her story, including the prophecy that has haunted her since birth and has left her unwelcomed in her home court. We get to see Bri's vulnerable side as she struggles with her growing feelings for the princess she's been destined to usurp - all while trying to solve who assassinated the queen and threatens the future of the Western Court if not all of Okrith. Having Bri as the MC was an absolute delight - she is snarky and caring, dedicated to doing what's right, but not without having a bit of fun. Princess Abalina, Lina, may wear many masks, but proves an equally witty match with a heart of gold underneath - will her heart remain solely for her people and court, or does it have room for her new unofficial guard? E dato che siamo in tema diritti, abbiamo pure un personaggio gender fluid che è messo lì solo per fare l’occhiolino alle masse perché sostanzialmente è inutile.

Los personajes secundarios son geniales, me han gustado mucho y se han ganado mi corazón, pese a que la autora les da mucha importancia me gustaría poder saber mucho más de ellos en las siguientes partes.Although I look forward to more insight into other characters in the next book, and the continuation of seeing familiar ones, I do have 2 bits of contention. I don't think a little gore and a low level of "spice" are what makes a book a New Adult novel instead of YA. New Adult books should begin blurring the lines between good and evil in terms of morals. In the text, you never get the impression that the characters walk that line. They're all standard main characters trying to save their world from an "enormous" threat, and no side plot implies that there could be more to it. This is also probably why it took me well over a month to finish this book, although I started reading it way before its release date.