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Born to Reign
Dathoviel, 1477
Amidst dance and combat training, history lessons, and lectures on diplomacy, Brianna Carpenter finds herself torn between the familiar comforts of her village and the castle life she grew up believing could be hers–just days before her twenty-fifth birthday and official crowning as princess.
Unfortunately, her heart is also pulled in two directions. One being her first love, Drew, the handsome and sweet town doctor, and her current lover, Theo, the enticing and dedicated knight.
Meanwhile, nineteen-year-old Henric arrives in Dathoviel, tasked with infiltrating Queen Amelia’s inner circle while his mother, Leah, travels to Petrovia to recover the dagger King Spencer used to take Alaric’s life.
But despite years of hearing about the land being his birthright, Henric remains uncertain–both of his mother’s plan and his own desires. Is it possible to recapture the throne where his father once sat, and avoid the bloodshed that has plagued the kingdom since his ancestor’s time? Or must he walk away to break the pattern of destruction?
Dathoviel is about to be rocked by generations of secrets and lies they never saw coming in this unexpected and heartwarming sequel set almost twenty years after Let it Reign .
The time has come to uncover who was truly Born to Reign .
REVIEWS
"I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion to this duology. Cathrine outdid herself! Born to Reign resonated in so many from the sense of duty and obligation, to the hardships that always accompany a coming of age. Cathrine once again beautifully weaves character, relationship and political story lines together so that they create a perfect symphony."
"An amazing sequel that stands on its own and might even surpass the first book. Brianna, Theo, Drew, Amelia, Caroline, Henric, and the rest of the characters feel like a group of friends I enjoyed spending time with. And there is a beautifully diverse cast. Has a very satisfying ending but leaves room for anything to happen in the future... Here's hoping we will get more books set in Dathoviel!"
Amidst dance and combat training, history lessons, and lectures on diplomacy, Brianna Carpenter finds herself torn between the familiar comforts of her village and the castle life she grew up believing could be hers–just days before her twenty-fifth birthday and official crowning as princess.
Unfortunately, her heart is also pulled in two directions. One being her first love, Drew, the handsome and sweet town doctor, and her current lover, Theo, the enticing and dedicated knight.
Meanwhile, nineteen-year-old Henric arrives in Dathoviel, tasked with infiltrating Queen Amelia’s inner circle while his mother, Leah, travels to Petrovia to recover the dagger King Spencer used to take Alaric’s life.
But despite years of hearing about the land being his birthright, Henric remains uncertain–both of his mother’s plan and his own desires. Is it possible to recapture the throne where his father once sat, and avoid the bloodshed that has plagued the kingdom since his ancestor’s time? Or must he walk away to break the pattern of destruction?
Dathoviel is about to be rocked by generations of secrets and lies they never saw coming in this unexpected and heartwarming sequel set almost twenty years after Let it Reign .
The time has come to uncover who was truly Born to Reign .
REVIEWS
"I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion to this duology. Cathrine outdid herself! Born to Reign resonated in so many from the sense of duty and obligation, to the hardships that always accompany a coming of age. Cathrine once again beautifully weaves character, relationship and political story lines together so that they create a perfect symphony."
"An amazing sequel that stands on its own and might even surpass the first book. Brianna, Theo, Drew, Amelia, Caroline, Henric, and the rest of the characters feel like a group of friends I enjoyed spending time with. And there is a beautifully diverse cast. Has a very satisfying ending but leaves room for anything to happen in the future... Here's hoping we will get more books set in Dathoviel!"
- GenresFantasy
550 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2023
24 people want to read
About the author
Cathrine Swift
18 books49 followersCathrine Swift is an author, designer, and book doula.
Passionate about writing steamy romantic fiction embedded with responsible representation and diversity, Cathrine aims to help fill the world with books bursting with characters of all religions, races, sexual orientations, and identities.
As so many authors do, Cathrine began writing at a young age, her first book, naturally turned out to be about dragons and princesses. (The second was science fiction.) At age eight, she won a short story contest, and is still milking that glory-- as you can see.
She has dedicated her adult life to learning, practicing her craft, and uncovering her true voice through heartbreak, hardship, and human interaction.
Recognizing how writers and creatives have changed her life, Cathrine strives to utilize her growing talent to do the same-- hopefully leaving the world a better place than she found it.
One way she does this is through building an epic community of writers and authors who elevate one another. She also offers book doula services, helping indie authors through their debut's and offering marketing support.
When she isn't writing, she is homeschooling her daughter, daydreaming about getting back to NYC, decluttering a closet, catching up on the latest Marvel offering, or reading fan-fiction and drinking a matcha latte.
Her favourite trope is enemies to lovers and if you ever want to talk Star Trek, Star Wars, or Doctor Who, she's your girl.
Passionate about writing steamy romantic fiction embedded with responsible representation and diversity, Cathrine aims to help fill the world with books bursting with characters of all religions, races, sexual orientations, and identities.
As so many authors do, Cathrine began writing at a young age, her first book, naturally turned out to be about dragons and princesses. (The second was science fiction.) At age eight, she won a short story contest, and is still milking that glory-- as you can see.
She has dedicated her adult life to learning, practicing her craft, and uncovering her true voice through heartbreak, hardship, and human interaction.
Recognizing how writers and creatives have changed her life, Cathrine strives to utilize her growing talent to do the same-- hopefully leaving the world a better place than she found it.
One way she does this is through building an epic community of writers and authors who elevate one another. She also offers book doula services, helping indie authors through their debut's and offering marketing support.
When she isn't writing, she is homeschooling her daughter, daydreaming about getting back to NYC, decluttering a closet, catching up on the latest Marvel offering, or reading fan-fiction and drinking a matcha latte.
Her favourite trope is enemies to lovers and if you ever want to talk Star Trek, Star Wars, or Doctor Who, she's your girl.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 1, 2023
What a wonderful, heart warming read! This book is perfect for anyone wanting to travel off to a different time with swords and castles, but still want to relate to the characters...Cathrine does this! She writes her characters so well! I found myself relating to them and feeling like I knew them personally. The stories and problems everyone faces are real life issues and everything is handled gracefully.
Cathrine is an author that is local to me and I am so happy to be able to support her in her journey and read her beautiful stories. Can't wait for more!
Cathrine is an author that is local to me and I am so happy to be able to support her in her journey and read her beautiful stories. Can't wait for more!
May 17, 2023
An amazing sequel that stands on its own and might even surpass the first book. Brianna, Theo, Drew, Amelia, Caroline, Henric, and the rest of the characters feel like a group of friends I enjoyed spending time with. And there is a beautifully diverse cast. Has a very satisfying ending but leaves room for anything to happen in the future... Here's hoping we will get more books set in Dathoviel!
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July 21, 2025
A powerful and heartfelt sequel that blends royal intrigue with deeply human emotion. Brianna’s struggle between duty and desire felt incredibly real, and Henric’s quiet search for purpose added depth to the story. The themes of legacy, identity, and breaking cycles of conflict were beautifully handled.
Cathrine Swift writes with emotional clarity and heart, making Born to Reign not just a fantasy read, but a thoughtful reflection on what it truly means to lead, and to heal.
Cathrine Swift writes with emotional clarity and heart, making Born to Reign not just a fantasy read, but a thoughtful reflection on what it truly means to lead, and to heal.
May 21, 2023
I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion to this duology. Cathrine outdid herself! Born to Reign resonated in so many ways: from the sense of duty and obligation, to the hardships that always accompany a coming of age. Cathrine once again beautifully weaves character, relationship and political story lines together so that they create a perfect symphony.
June 17, 2023
I was highly impressed with this second piece to an already fantastic story. You can tell that the author put a lot of effort and time into her writing and has grown over her last 3 books. I enjoyed seeing how the world building grew and expanded, while keeping the same tight knit family feeling. I will definitely be recommending this book!
June 13, 2023
A delightful sequel to Let it Reign! I loved seeing all of my favorite characters all grown up, meeting a few new ones, and the ending was spectacular.
November 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I fell more in love with the characters in this book. Cathrine’s characters are rich, diverse and relatable.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews