A.K. Mulford

The High Mountain Court is the first book in the high fantasy series, The Five Crowns of Okrith. Expect witches, fae, romance and a diverse characters in this adrenaline-filled adventure.

The High Mountain Court

Victoria Sutton

“I am so desperately in love with you,” Hale said as tears welled in his eyes. 

Hale slid his arms out of his still-pinned sleeves, leaving his cloak like a ghost against the tree. He ran to her. Colliding into her, he pressed Remy against a tree trunk as his lips covered hers. He kissed her with a desperation she matched with her own. It was real. Her Fated mate. 

"Only the fae can communicate through fire," Hale said. "You shouldn't have been able to hear that." 

“It was witch magic,” Remy said, even as she retreated from him again. She knew she gave even more away by retreating, but she needed to create distance in case he rushed her. 

"It was not witch magic" Hale said, his gray eyes darkening as he took a few slow steps forward. She thought she still might be able to outrun him if she summoned all of her powers. I know who you are, Remy ...or should I say, Your Majesty?"

Remy knew then that she never had a choice. She would hold on to life just to wipe his tears away. That was how much she loved him.

It had to be the Southern Court and the honey wine. The food and drink, the sweet smells, the warm air: it had made her drunk on revelry. She had danced in the twilight, dueled in a fountain, and now she wanted to kiss a prince in a hidden garden. But it was not her doing, it was all the magic of the Southern Court, she reassured herself.

She decided then and there if she was to pretend to belong to him, then he would equally belong to her.

Red witches created this memorial. Only red witches and the High Mountain royal fae could cast the red magic that animated objects. 

Clearly, he did not like that the witches ignored his orders. But Remy was powerful, if only she would claim it, and she was getting precariously close to embracing what she was. When that day came, the prince would have to tread lightly.

Tears welled in Remy's eyes at that gentleness. She couldn’t handle it, that he saw her and allowed her to feel the trauma. That he would not reprimand or dismiss her. He was simply there, seeing it all without judgment. Remy bit the inside of her cheek so hard she thought she might draw blood. More blood. 

Hale chuckled more and more at the thought. Something in Remy loved that he laughed like a witch. It was deep and hearty, making his whole body shake. Entirely different from the begrudging sounds he usually made, this sound was genuine.

Gods, those gray eyes were the smoke before the flame. They scorched her skin.

A subtle smirk crossed Hale's face as he asked, “Do you wish to concern yourself with my tongue?"

This is the third or fourth thing that makes me think Remy must be part fae. 

"You must be a powerful brown witch, Talhan said, his amber eyes moving from Heather's skilled hands to Remy's forehead. "That bruise on her head is gone already."

I’m sorry… perked up? Like a cat? 😅

Definitely foreshadowing the plot/characters!

Fated love was another fae magic, the rarest magic of all. Some fae souls intertwined long before their lives even began. Their Fated magic was so strong that the bond was sometimes detectable even while they were still in the womb. Many of the richest fae families paid blue witch oracles to predict their children's Fated. Others were superstitious and believed it was bad luck to know, but Fated love was undeniable. 

Remy's thoughts snagged on the words Carys spoke. 

"She died before they ever met, Carys said. "His Fated was a prin- cess of the High Mountain fae. She died in the Siege of Yexshire."

Keesha

Sophia 

I really wanted to like this. I thought it would be right up my alley. But I just can't help but see all the problems with it.

For one thing, I feel like we skipped a lot of steps in the romance. One minute they've just met, and in the span of literally a few pages, I've found that they've been traveling together for a long time now and "no one gets under his skin the way you do". One minute they dislike each other, the next minute they are flirting something fierce.

I also couldn't get over just how formulaic it was. There is nothing original here. I get that some tropes are tried and true, but I would still expect them to have some kind of new twist, you know? Or at the very least I would expect the characters to be able to stand on their own.

All of that are the reasons I will not continue this book. That, and I could see the plot twists coming from a mile away. I'd much rather read a romantasy that will scratch the itch I am having right now. Anyway, that is all. I don't recommend.

Emily B

DNF 16%

I really wanted to like this. I thought it would be right up my alley. But I just can't help but see all the problems with it.

For one thing, I feel like we skipped a lot of steps in the romance. One minute they've just met, and in the span of literally a few pages, I've found that they've been traveling together for a long time now and "no one gets under his skin the way you do". One minute they dislike each other, the next minute they are flirting something fierce.

I also couldn't get over just how formulaic it was. There is nothing original here. I get that some tropes are tried and true, but I would still expect them to have some kind of new twist, you know? Or at the very least I would expect the characters to be able to stand on their own.

All of that are the reasons I will not continue this book. That, and I could see the plot twists coming from a mile away. I'd much rather read a romantasy that will scratch the itch I am having right now. Anyway, that is all. I don't recommend.

If you want a book to make you feel the way Throne of Glass did with a bit more smut this is your book. The storylines are similar but I still love it

Macy M

I liked the premise, but this book was just poorly written. It felt like when I had to read other people’s short stories in high school English- just very simple. I thought it would be like a more diverse ACOTAR, and it was diverse, but in that forced way like Netflix shows have where you can tell the author probably hasn’t interacted with people who actually are part of the groups their writing about. I will not be reading the rest of the series!

Kendra Leigh 

Decent, but would have been better if the author did not hide what the narrarator already knew for a twist. Most of it was obvious, so the reveals felt obnoxious.

Ariel Johnson

I enjoyed this book much more than I initially thought I would! I wasn’t anticipating it being bad or anything but I am cautious about books getting a lot of hype on booktok as (in my experience) most are not worth the hype. This book was engaging, fun, has great characters, and a little spice to top it off. A really fun na fantasy read! 

Kerry McHugh West

Kristen Lee

Okay so this is my first time writing a review, but I absolutely loved this book and felt the need to share. 
Some slight spoilers here but nothing too revealing. 
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The High Mountain Court is everything I love about a fantasy romance. Witches, fae, enemies to lovers, fated mates, kings and queens, violence, spice, queer characters, betrayal, plot twists, etc. My favorite stories always have to do with the underdogs getting their redemption/revenge and reading HCM did not disappoint that. Nothing is ever as it seems at first and AK Mulford's attention to detail did not go unnoticed! 
From the very beginning I could not put this book down. Remy is a complex, intense, brave MC. She is strong, cunning, intimidating, even. At the same time she is tender, hurt, and healing. The trauma bonding between characters is so organic and real. 

Without going too far into detail, the story lines among side characters are FANSINATING. I'm sorry, a non binary heir to a kingdom? SEVERAL QUEER CHARACTERS??? HECK YES SIGN ME UP. Something about queer characters existing in a fantasy world where they don't have to hide that detail is so up my alley. I love that AK Mulford made a point to include queerness in a way that was not obviously queer-coded, that was just...normal. Ah I loved it. 

I will say there are a few things about it that I didn't loooveeee but nothing serious enough to even bring it down a star. For instance, there were obvious fantasy romance tropes that were a bit predictable that I have read before. But that doesn't change the fact that I read fantasy romance because I LOVE THOSE TROPES. Predictable or not, I enjoyed it. I was a little sad that the next book was going to be about Rua and not a continuation of Remy and Hale. However, after I processed the book and read the first novella, I am so excited to see what AK Mulford has in store for the rest of Okrith. 

One last thing, AK Mulford's social media presence is amazing, she is so sweet and so genuine and I can not wait to read more and get to know her more. You have earned yourself a true fan miss girl. I only hope there are so many more where that comes from.

Addison Miller

This book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. Unfortunately it missed the mark. The beginning of the story felt fresh and intriguing, and had me wanting more but the rest of the book was boring. Everything happened too easily, some of the plot was down right confusing, and the twists were painfully obvious. I think had this story been spread out over two or even three books it could have been phenomenal. Oh well. 

Maggie Hepditch

The plot twists had my jaw on the FLOOR! I'm confused about a handful of things tho so 4.5/5.

Elizabeth Bentler

Wow! This was very good. Prefect for any fan of High Fantasy and Fae! There are mates witches and wonderful friends ship. If you need something to help with a book hangover look no further. Would you like out of a reading slump? Also 18+ for reading age this book has some spice!

Tropes include- Enemies to Lovers and Found Family.

Nicole Cousin 

I enjoyed this read quite a lot. It had me wanting to know more. My favorite thing was the world, with the colored witches, and having fae. 

 l am a character driven reader and I enjoyed reading about them and felt like I actually cared for rhem. I cried a bit at some sacrifices being made and laughed when a joke was said. 

I am definitely going to read book 2 🥳

courtofkayla 

3.5 out of 5 Stars

The High Mountain Court is a tension-filled New Adult fantasy that is perfect if you're in the mood for a chosen one trope, mates, and a world filled with magical wars, betrayals, and witches and faes this is the book for you.

High Mountain Court follows Remy, one of the last red witches, and after her magic fails her she is taken by a handsome and infuriating fae prince to try to stop a war from happening. Loyalties clash and truths emerge and Remy and Prince Hale are forced to work together. Love blooms in the deadliest places, the truth of what happened to the red witches comes to the surface, and the court politics and intrigue of this fantasy world pick up.

The only reason I gave this book a 3.5 instead of a 4 is that the pacing was a little back and forth. Some big events and plot points were constructed perfectly, while the ending felt too high stakes for the setup and so many pieces fell in that I was a little confused. However, overall this book was really good and I'm definitely planning on picking up the second one when I have more time to read this summer!

Final verdict: definitely recommend it!


Virginia Parnell

4.5/5 stars. 

I received an advanced reader's copy of this novel. I was not sure what to expect but ... this book delivered. Usually, it takes me a week or so to get through a fantasy novel. This is because of the stogy overly-detailed uninteresting non plot-driven world-building chapters in most fantasy novels. I finished this one in three days (even leaving a party early to get those last few chapters read). This novel was wonderfully paced, beautifully written, and interesting. The magic atmosphere of the book was intoxicating. The romance was fun but didn't overbear the plot. If you like witches, fae, and a good heist this is the book for you.

Angela Dan

2.5 stars. The more I think about this book the more I hate it. 
I cannot believe the audacity of the book to be written from the MC's pov and hide her identity from the readers for 3/4 of the book. 😒 was I supposed to gasp for air and though hands when she was randomly like "I aM AcTuAlLy FaE 🤪 and a lost princess 😅💅🏻" ? This is the first time a book has hidden their thoughts and feelings from me, and I find it pointless. Like what am I even reading? (This also applied to the added thoughts about her wishing she was his mate..). 

The spicy scenes were so embarrassing and cringe I couldn't bring myself to read them. The descriptions were absolutely horrid, they portrayed all the wrong things. Half the time I didn't even know the positions of the characters. And the hand biting scene ✋ I gave up. What does that even mean. 
And while I know this isn't an enemies to lovers book, the characters have such a weird chemistry. I didn't feel a thing for them. I don't know how to put it, but the love interest sucks. If he or she died I wouldn't even flinch. I might say "Good riddance" if I had enough energy for it.

Other than that the villain build-up was so short lived. Literally the first meeting he was killed. And I see it's the authors style, cause she literally introduced the main character's brothers and sister ONE OR TWO chapters before they showed up. 

Again, the more I think about this book, the worse. The idea was a great one, the execution lacks.. I might read the sequel.. only because I really liked the ideas and hope and pray the author will write better with time.

Kelsey Lucero

I received an ARC of The High Mountain Court in exchange for an honest review. 

This book was absolutely amazing! The writing was beautiful! There were so many twists and turns and it was so exciting. The first half took me 3 days, but then I read the second half in 1 day. I couldn’t put it down once I got to the middle. This is a definite must read for every fantasy fan!

Sarah S

**I received a complimentary Advance Digital Copy in exchange for an honest review.** 

Is dystopian high fantasy a thing? If so, The High Mountain Court is it. We enter the story in a world dangerous for Red Witches 13 years after the High Mountain Court was decimated by the power hungry Northern King. We have Fae, Witches, Magic, adventure, an impossible mission, lovers fighting to overcome all odds, evil kings, and destiny. 

It was just the right amount of world building, enough for the story to make sense, and not overwhelming where you are skimming pages. It is such an asset for high fantasy because it keeps the plot moving and the pace up. 

The characters are well written, racially diverse, and there is great LBGTQ+ representation.

It was a bit of a slow start but still enjoyable. (maybe because I am reading a digital copy? I, personally, prefer physical books, because I get distracted easily) 

This book is full of shocking twists, love, laughter, passion and heartbreak. 

The only thing that I wasn't a big fan of was the similarities between one of the tasks during the search for the relics and HP and the half blood prince. It was well written but it really pulled me out of the story with how similar the scenes were.. 

Even still, I really enjoyed this book. Solid enough to be a stand alone, but thankfully it's not. I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series!

Ashley Hernandez

Definitely thought that this would just be another "well ACOTAR did well so let's pump out something similar"  And while there are similar concepts and constructs I found this book really enjoyable, great magic building, nice love story, all my favorite tropes

Brandie States

~Received ARC for honest review~
All I can say is WOW. This book had me hooked, the storyline, the characters, the world...I loved it all! Highly recommend!!!! I absolutely loved Remi, she's so bada** and so lovable! I also really loved all the other characters in their group! Carys was awesome, and Hale...oh, Hale, my new book boyfriend for sure! Highly highly recommend!!!!

Regina Corley 

Wonderful storytelling

What a wonderful story. From start to finish, the characters were believable and you’re rooting for them. Just enough spice to make the slow burn satisfying, and some amazing twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Ali Dane

Best Epic Fantasy Debut of 2021

Fantastic debut from AK Mulford. The High Mountain Court proves that indie books can compete with likes of Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo. This beautifully imagined world is full of all your favorite fantasy elements. Lush world building and a cast of characters readers dream of. A world full of Fae, Witches, and magic this epic fantasy is nothing like anything out there right now. It has everything you want: magic, action, friendship, and romance. You will get wrapped up in this story and not want to put it down. AK Mulford is one to watch as an up and coming indie author changing what the world thinks of independent publishing.

The High Mountain Court is the first book in the thrilling fantasy saga, The Five Crowns of Okrith. Expect adventure, romance, and a diverse cast of characters.

Erica VanNoy 

This book gave me serious ACOTAR vibes, but with a very unique story. Can’t wait for book 2!

Kasandra

Dates read : september 25th to october 8th

Rates : 4.8*
	Plot : 4.75
	World building : 4.75
	Characters : 5*
Spice : 3.5* (some scenes in the 2nd half)

Themes : War, Ennemis to lover, Fated love, LGBTQ+ representation, loyalty

Resume :
What if you lived your life hiding in fear you would be killed if they knew who you are?? What if you thought you were the only red witch alive and someone came to you and told you many are hiding in the dark ??
Remi, 19 years old, is a red witch. 13 years ago, the Northern King destroyed her country and slew her people. For 13 years, she is the only one remaining and for 13 years she’s hiding because of it. She is under the protection of Heather, a brown witch. With Fenrin, also a brown witch, Remi is moving from tavern to tavern, disguised as a human so that the witch hunter doesn't slay her. 
She was living a pretty normal life til the day when 4 fae warriors ran straight to her. Hale, Eastern prince, and his 3 companions need a red witch and they want Remi to come with them. Hale wants to find 2 red witches' talismans. From him, Remi learns that not only are there multiple red witches hiding but also one of her brothers is still alive. 
Even though she doesn’t fully trust the prince, she will still go with him, because it means she can have the possibility to go back to her own kind.
What will happen during their cross-country?? Will they find the talismans ?? Was she right to trust Hale ??
Remi will have to sacrifice more than she wanted to be able to feel free again. 

Review :
«Never let anyone else tell you who you are, Remi, not even me. No one decides how bright you shine but you.» Remi's mom
With The High Mountain Court, A.K. Mulford sets up a beautiful world in which a diverse cast will evolve. In this YA fantasy, she introduces us to Okrith and it’s five courts (High Mountain, Western, Southern, Northern and Eastern). Each court has their own witches (red, brown, blue, green and purple).
I really like that the author uses the trip of Remi to explain to us the different culture and the different powers that each coven of witches has. There is a lot of world building and description but because it is separated between each place, it’s a little bit less overbuilding. 
I also like the fact that each court is really different. Nothing is left behind by A.K. Mulford, their skin color is different, their clothes and their ways of living also. 
I just think there was a little bit too much description in some parts of the story.
The plot is well written and you discover the plot at the same time as Remi. There is just enough suspense to give you the feeling of wanting more. I figured out some parts of the plot before it happened, but I was still surprised by the end of it. For me, it’s always a good thing. 
Like in some of other fantasy, there were some obstacles that seemed unconquerable, but the characters got over them easily. For me, it’s always frustrating and seems rushed by the author.
Finally, A.K. Mulford introduces us to such a good and diverse cast of characters. For me, it’s the best part of the book. Remi has just enough sass and she has a strong personality. When she sets her head around something, no one will be able to change her mind. She is relatable and believable. 
Hale is a strong fae warrior with a big heart and I like the fact that he doesn’t need to feel superior. He wants everyone to be equal. 
I think my favorites are «The eagles», two of the fae warriors under Hale commandement. They are full of dry humor. 
I like that we have different LGBTQ representants and no one is afraid of who they are and who they like. She choose to represent homosexuel and non-binary characters. It was refreshing and well explained. She also makes sure to use the right pronoun for everyone. 
The relationships are upfront and enjoyable. They are reliable through the ups and downs and you really feel the affection between them. 
I’m a sucker for chosen family or family by heart. A.K. Mulford prouves us that it’s ok to be broken and it’s ok to choose your family from your heart instead of your blood relatives.

Gwendoline Aviles 

This book was absolutely amazing. This is the first fantasy book I've read and I am in awe of this authors skill. 

Erika Jordan

Freaking amazing 

This was a bit slow in the beginning but the entire middle was hard to tear away from! The ending isn’t exactly what I hoped for but I’m still happy with it.

The High Mountain Court

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