Reviews: Human Rites (56)
“I'm unbelievably sad to leave this incredible cast behind”
(Hardback)
What a finale!
Although I'm unbelievably sad to leave this incredible cast behind, this was a beautiful send off. This trilogy (plus a fantastic prequel) is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre, it's such a fast-paced, addictive series, I can't believe I managed to wait a whole year for this final instalment!
Dawson manages to balance the high-stakes and tension going into this final book with some beautiful, heart-felt moments between the core cast that really make the story sing. This finale is well-rounded, if not a little complex at times, giving each character the time they deserve. There is also, of course, plenty of heart-breaking moments to be found so consider this your tissue warning.
Dawson has shown what a talent she is in Adult Fantasy and I can't wait to see what she's got cooking up in her cauldron next!
I received a free copy of 'Human Rites' in exchange for an honest review
“An epic ending to an overall incredible series”
(Hardback)
What a ride! Human Rites delivers everything I hoped for and so much more. I couldn't wait to dive straight into this book after finishing The Shadow cabinet, and I was swept up immediately in the most epic fantasy I've ever read set in our modern world. Juno Dawson has a remarkable talent for blending the everyday with the extraordinary, and this installment truly explores that magic in a way that feels both fresh and deeply rooted. One of the aspects I adored most was the detailed exploration of the magic. It dove even deeper into solidly established elements but also introduced new facets that enriched the lore of the series.
It is almost impossible to talk about this book without getting into spoilers, but I'll give it a go anyway. This last instalment dives even deeper into the history of these beloved witches and the monumental moments that have shaped their lives. Every turn of the page brought a mix of joy, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping twists that kept me turning the pages well into the night. I went on this emotional rollercoaster right alongside them, feeling every high and low as their stories interwove with one another, making the hardships all the more real and the victories all the sweeter.
It’s clear that the witches of HMRC have grown in ways that have captured my heart completely. Every single character became someone I could not help but care for. Their journeys, with all the twists and complex emotions, have left a lasting impression on me, and I'm really sad that this series is over. It was truely magnificent, and unforgettable as a whole and I can't wait to see what Juno Dawson will come up with in the future.
If you crave an epic fantasy that is rooted in our modern world, this is a must read journey you won't soon forget.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK for providing me with a proof copy via NetGalley.
“A satisfying and epic conclusion to an absolutely incredible series.”
(Hardback)
Human Rites kicks off near enough straight after that insane cliffhanger we were left with at the end of Shadow Cabinet. Obviously I can't go into much detail as this is the third and concluding part of a series.
This book is a wild ride!! It was literally non-stop from page one. The witches are once again trying to stop the forces of evil from ending the world. The twists and turns had me gasping out loud. Even though every HMRC book has been high stakes this one felt like it was on another level entirely.
I always love the humour within these books. With the books mainly set in the North West I loved call outs to places I recognise, the comment about the GMEX had me cackling. I love Hebden Bridge and am dying to go back now, it truly does feel like a magical place.
I think Ciara is still my favourite character, she's so well written and this book very much solidified my love for her. Any passages mentioning Annie had me in tears! Senait's back story reveal was brilliantly done and unexpected, it took the narrative in a direction I truly wasn't expecting and I loved every second of it.
Juno has this insane talent of being able to make you snort laugh one second and sob so hard the next. Her writing is so effortless to read. Human Rites is a satisfying and epic conclusion to an absolutely incredible series. To read a book like this in the times we are currently living in feels strange but ultimately hopeful, this book feels like a call to arms and a message of love in such a dark time, it screams you are not alone as the witches of Hebden wrap their arms around you.
“Highly recommended”
(Hardback)
Juno Dawson’s Human Rites is a powerful, emotionally charged finale to the Her Majesty’s Royal Coven trilogy.
It’s a story of reckoning, personal, political, and magical. The characters are forced to confront grief, justice, and the consequences of past choices, navigating impossible decisions in a world on the brink.
Dawson blends fantasy with sharp social insight, crafting a narrative that is urgent, layered, and deeply human.
The novel explores what it means to rebuild after devastation, asking hard questions about power, identity, and hope.
Bold, sharp and engrossing, it’s a fitting end to a series that never grew on me and improved novel by novel
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
“An epic finale!”
(Hardback)
Wow! There were a lot of threads to handle in this conclusion, and Dawson does so masterfully. All of the elements of the trilogy come together and collide, and bring us to a complex but satisfying ending – wonderful stuff! All our favourite characters are back, and Dawson doesn’t shy away from their complexity and the difficulties between them. Instead these things feed into making a powerful final blow for the HMRC trilogy full of magic, action, and love.
I’ll keep this brief, as I’m posting pre-publication; but if you loved the first two, you are not going to be let down in the finale. If anything, you’re going to be blown away once more! A fantastic end to a fantastic trilogy that I would heartily recommend to any fan of contemporary fantasy.
I received a copy of the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
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Human Rites: Signed Edition
Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror , Science Fiction & Fantasy
Juno Dawson (author)
Hardback Published on: 17/07/2025
Price: £18.99
