Step into the enchanting world of The Kingdom of Crows, where magicless halflings dream of queenship and shape-shifting crows hold the key to destiny! Olivia Wildenstein’s paranormal romance series weaves a spellbinding tale of love, betrayal, and ancient prophecies in a faerie-filled realm. With its lush world-building and heart-pounding twists, this series has captivated romantasy fans craving a blend of epic fantasy and slow-burn romance.
Centered on Fallon, a half-fae, half-human outcast, The Kingdom of Crows follows her quest to fulfill a prophecy: 'Free the crows, and they will make you queen.' But as she navigates political intrigue and tangled relationships, Fallon discovers that power comes at a cost. Ready to dive into a world where crows are more than they seem? Let’s explore this fantastical saga!
How The Kingdom of Crows Began
Olivia Wildenstein, a USA Today bestselling author, crafted The Kingdom of Crows inspired by her love for romantasy and intricate world-building. Drawing from Italian folklore and her knack for creating strong, flawed heroines, Wildenstein began the series with House of Beating Wings in 2022. Her goal? To blend the allure of fae mythology with the emotional depth of romance, creating a story that feels both epic and intimate. The series quickly gained traction on BookTok, where fans praised its unique take on shifters and forbidden love.
The Heart of The Kingdom of Crows
The series kicks off with House of Beating Wings (2022), where Fallon, a magicless halfling, sets out to collect iron relics to overthrow the faerie monarch and rule alongside her beloved Dante, prince of Luce. But freeing the crows unleashes Lorcan, a possessive Crow King with his own agenda. House of Pounding Hearts (2023) deepens the stakes as Fallon grapples with her mind-link to Lorcan and her desire for the Lucin throne. House of Striking Oaths (2023) sees her kidnapped and confronting harsh truths, while House of Shifting Tides (2024), a standalone spin-off, follows Zendaya and Cathal in a tale of second chances. House of Burning Frost (2025) introduces Isla, a shifter sorceress, in a steamy marriage-of-convenience plot.
Themes of betrayal, destiny, and found family run deep, set against a vibrant world of fae courts, serpents, and crow shifters. Wildenstein’s lyrical prose and slow-burn romance keep readers hooked, while political intrigue and shocking twists add depth. The series’ Italian-inspired setting, with its lush landscapes and ancient magic, feels like a character itself, drawing comparisons to Sarah J. Maas’s immersive worlds.
Why The Kingdom of Crows Resonates
The Kingdom of Crows has carved a niche in the romantasy genre, blending high-stakes fantasy with emotional vulnerability. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit rave about its world-building and complex characters, from Fallon’s fiery determination to Lorcan’s brooding intensity. Its BookTok popularity underscores its appeal to readers seeking diverse love stories and strong female leads. Though not a household name, the series’ loyal following and critical praise—such as Stacia Stark’s endorsement of House of Shifting Tides—highlight its growing influence.
As Wildenstein continues to expand this universe, The Kingdom of Crows remains a testament to the power of niche stories. Its blend of heart-wrenching romance and fantastical adventure ensures it lingers in readers’ hearts, proving that even lesser-known series can leave a lasting mark.
- First Book: House of Beating Wings (2022)
- Number of Books: Five (including one standalone spin-off)
- Genre: Paranormal romance, fantasy
- Author: Olivia Wildenstein
Grab House of Beating Wings and soar into The Kingdom of Crows’s magical world of fae, romance, and destiny today!