The Reading Bud

Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author  J. J. N. Whitley for his latest release, The Orichalcum Crown.

Book: The Orichalcum Crown
Author: J. J. N. Whitley
Publication Date: November 1, 2025
Genres: High Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Coming of Age
Formats Available: Kindle, Paperback (in progress)

About the Book

Makoto lost her mother to a battle she can’t remember before being adopted into the Kauneus Empire’s royal family. Upon her eighteenth birthday, she receives her mother’s necklace from the emperor. Makoto’s memories slowly return, haunting her with visions of her lost sister and her mother’s murder.

She is torn between the family and answers awaiting her across the sea and the relationships with her family, best friend, and his handsome brother. Makoto fears returning home will cast doubt upon her loyalty to the emperor and sever her from the family. After all, Kauneus has no need for a disloyal princess.

Makoto’s eldest adoptive sister, Athena, remains banished from Zenith Palace for uncovering the emperor’s secret bastard. She is visited by her former dragon uncle, who shares a rumor that the emperor will be assassinated during the annual ball. Athena has no choice but to break her exile to save her father. Returning home risks death, but she’ll pay any price for her family’s safety.

As night falls upon the ball, lurking shadows and hidden agendas threaten the empire’s fragile peace. Makoto and Athena must navigate the delicate lines between loyalty and betrayal and learn what they are willing to sacrifice for freedom, truth, and family.

“A cleverly plotted fantasy with a cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!”

– The Wishing Shelf

“The Orichalcum Crown is a lush and wonderfully imagined work of fantasy that centers on a princess who, after recovering lost memories of her former life, seeks out the truth about her past. Whitley slowly develops the narrative tension, enticing readers through atmospheric worldbuilding and stirring writing.”

– TheBookLifePrize

“In a land populated with deadly monsters, reluctant immortals, vicious secrets, and persistent whispers from a hidden past, a young woman finds her voice in The Orichalcum Crown… a family-first novel steeped with mythology and shrouded in mystery.”

– Indie’s Today.

You can find The Orichalcum Crown here:
Amazon | Goodreads | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Books2Read

About The Author

J. J. N. Whitley

J. J. N. Whitley is a licensed attorney and proud cat-dad. His time in Okinawa sparked a love for anime and JRPGs, and living in Australia did the same for sports.

You can find author Whitley here:
Instagram | Youtube | Patreon | X

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