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The Duchess of Kokora
The Duchess of Kokora, Phera Ylir Mdana, has entered the marriage games of the neighboring kingdom of Ryene. But she’s not there to woo the dashing Prince Dominic.
Her true objective? To win back one of the other contestants, Lady Rocelle Virae—Phera’s true love and ex-fiancée.
Not only must Phera mend matters with her childhood sweetheart, but she must also conceal her intentions and charm the court to earn their votes and stay in the competition. This entails no end of mischief throughout the many sorcerous and social challenges where she must also pretend to be absolutely besotted with the prince.
But as long-brewing political tensions simmer beneath the surface, the playful veneer of the courtly games begins to crack. In the end, Phera, Dominic, and Rocelle find themselves united in a desperate bid to prevent a duel that threatens the integrity of the kingdom, the stability of the continent, and any hope for a happily ever after.
This is the first installment in a planned series.
Her true objective? To win back one of the other contestants, Lady Rocelle Virae—Phera’s true love and ex-fiancée.
Not only must Phera mend matters with her childhood sweetheart, but she must also conceal her intentions and charm the court to earn their votes and stay in the competition. This entails no end of mischief throughout the many sorcerous and social challenges where she must also pretend to be absolutely besotted with the prince.
But as long-brewing political tensions simmer beneath the surface, the playful veneer of the courtly games begins to crack. In the end, Phera, Dominic, and Rocelle find themselves united in a desperate bid to prevent a duel that threatens the integrity of the kingdom, the stability of the continent, and any hope for a happily ever after.
This is the first installment in a planned series.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2024
15 people are currently reading
6871 people want to read
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July 21, 2024
Came for the lesbians, stayed for the story.
That is all I have to say for this intro.
Plot Summary:
The Duchess of Kokora Phera has entered the marriage games of neighboring kingdom Ryene. However, her intention is not to marry the prince and gain immeasurable power, but to win back the love of her life, Rocelle. Though this may seem simple, Phera runs into numerous problems including stopping a bloodthirsty duel, fending off a vicious fellow contestant, and grappling with the fact that her beloved may love another.
Will Phera finally get her happily ever after?
Plot Review:
First of all, this book is hilarious.
I haven’t genuinely laughed at a book since my time reading “Jackaby” by William Ritter, but this book truly had a lot of good chuckles in it.
Including this gem:
“If your appearance were a horse, I would take it out back and put it out of its misery.”
And also this one:
“Oh?” Pellivar looked toward Leran before shifting his weight back in a dueling stance. “Ah, I see. Be wary, good man. For the sake of my honor and my warrior’s pride, I will not hesitate to strike down the elderly!”
I even laughed writing these out!
Anyway.
Besides the engaging humor, I found this book to be a really solid debut plotwise. The world building was excellent and extensive with a lot of details covering each kingdom and culture presented throughout the story. The idea of the marriage games was also interesting and fresh. I read a lot of books with this kind of basis for a story, but this one was rather unique and I appreciated that.
Concerning the magic system, at times I felt confused. I was being told what was happening and how things worked, but there were times when I couldn’t really grasp what was being explained to me.
This could be a result of info dumping or my overall stupidity.
For the sake of being able to give this five stars, I’m blaming the latter.
Another little thing that bothered me slightly was the fact that the marriage games, a very crucial part of this book, was more or less left as a background plotline. While the games, when they happened on page, were very unique and interesting, I would have liked to dive deeper into that storyline. But it was kind of a side situation since Phera is dealing with her messy love life and trying to prevent a duel between a fifteen-year-old boy and his brother.
Otherwise, this was a solid plot, especially for a debut novel!
Characters:
Phera. Phera. Phera.
What an amazing character.
I truly enjoyed following Phera throughout this book. She’s very passionate and witty, which I see a lot in books similar to this. But her character was done SO MUCH BETTER than other series!
She’s smart and intuitive, but makes mistakes and catches herself in lies that extend far past what she expected.
In short, she’s a flawed character, but one that I enjoyed immensely.
Regarding Rocelle.
I just really hated this character.
I hated how Phera described her as so good and pure, when she’s literally enjoying the way two people are fighting over her affections. She also acts as though it is not her fault at all. Yes, it’s not her fault that she fell for both of them and they fell for her, but she CAN decide to end this foolish competition and make it clear she wants one, both, or none of them.
Because toying with people like this really made her character seem villainous, which I’m not sure was the overall intention. Due to her actions, it was impossible for me to root for her and Phera’s relationship.
It was even hard to ship her with Dominic, who was one of my favorite characters.
He is also flawed, like Phera, but that is what makes him a good character, too. He’s strong and honorable, but has a violent streak that he fully acknowledges and resents. The scenes with him and Phera are some of the best and most honest.
Just wait til you get to the “closet scene” with both of them, too. It was a masterpiece of humor and fiction!
Another thing this book does well is take difficult topics and discuss them rationally and intimately. We get an amazing conversation concerning intimacy and what it means, as well as several discussions about what makes a person good and what makes a person bad.
This was so, SO refreshing! The reason I am disliking more and more YA reads is because they just never discuss topics like this, so I was glad to see this book handles such things in a very adult-like manner.
Back to characters.
Sorona and Ulric, our “villains,” were also very nuanced and complex characters. Sorona, for example, spends her time trying to diminish Phera’s standing and openly hates the Unsigned (those without magic). Ulric also has a dark side and even challenges his younger brother to a duel in order to gain power of his respective house. While these things are cleary terrible, there were many moments when I found myself questioning whether or not Sorona and Ulric were the TRUE villains of the story. There are moments when they act remorseful or their actions are explained in the grander scheme of things.
Their complexities were very interesting.
And I also have to mention our many, many side characters that are a real highlight! I loved Hespin, Leran, and PELLIVAR!
He was a very niche character with maybe three scenes, but he really caught my attention! I loved his character, and he was barely in it!
The fact that Prabala was able to make me adore these side characters is the mark of an amazing author and I’ll definitely be looking out for more books they turn out!
Overall Thoughts:
This was a truly amazing debut with intriguing characters, plot lines, and a ton of witty humor and I’m so glad I got to be one of the first to review it!
Extra Quotes (because I want you to read this book):
“Not selected a knight?” Pellivar spluttered. “But, then, how are we supposed to test ourselves against one of your famous barbarian warriors? It’s rather discourteous of you not to have brought one. We came all this way, after all.”
“Suffice it to say, the funeral was quite tasteful. Despite being closed casket.”
A big thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC!
That is all I have to say for this intro.
Plot Summary:
The Duchess of Kokora Phera has entered the marriage games of neighboring kingdom Ryene. However, her intention is not to marry the prince and gain immeasurable power, but to win back the love of her life, Rocelle. Though this may seem simple, Phera runs into numerous problems including stopping a bloodthirsty duel, fending off a vicious fellow contestant, and grappling with the fact that her beloved may love another.
Will Phera finally get her happily ever after?
Plot Review:
First of all, this book is hilarious.
I haven’t genuinely laughed at a book since my time reading “Jackaby” by William Ritter, but this book truly had a lot of good chuckles in it.
Including this gem:
“If your appearance were a horse, I would take it out back and put it out of its misery.”
And also this one:
“Oh?” Pellivar looked toward Leran before shifting his weight back in a dueling stance. “Ah, I see. Be wary, good man. For the sake of my honor and my warrior’s pride, I will not hesitate to strike down the elderly!”
I even laughed writing these out!
Anyway.
Besides the engaging humor, I found this book to be a really solid debut plotwise. The world building was excellent and extensive with a lot of details covering each kingdom and culture presented throughout the story. The idea of the marriage games was also interesting and fresh. I read a lot of books with this kind of basis for a story, but this one was rather unique and I appreciated that.
Concerning the magic system, at times I felt confused. I was being told what was happening and how things worked, but there were times when I couldn’t really grasp what was being explained to me.
This could be a result of info dumping or my overall stupidity.
For the sake of being able to give this five stars, I’m blaming the latter.
Another little thing that bothered me slightly was the fact that the marriage games, a very crucial part of this book, was more or less left as a background plotline. While the games, when they happened on page, were very unique and interesting, I would have liked to dive deeper into that storyline. But it was kind of a side situation since Phera is dealing with her messy love life and trying to prevent a duel between a fifteen-year-old boy and his brother.
Otherwise, this was a solid plot, especially for a debut novel!
Characters:
Phera. Phera. Phera.
What an amazing character.
I truly enjoyed following Phera throughout this book. She’s very passionate and witty, which I see a lot in books similar to this. But her character was done SO MUCH BETTER than other series!
She’s smart and intuitive, but makes mistakes and catches herself in lies that extend far past what she expected.
In short, she’s a flawed character, but one that I enjoyed immensely.
Regarding Rocelle.
I just really hated this character.
I hated how Phera described her as so good and pure, when she’s literally enjoying the way two people are fighting over her affections. She also acts as though it is not her fault at all. Yes, it’s not her fault that she fell for both of them and they fell for her, but she CAN decide to end this foolish competition and make it clear she wants one, both, or none of them.
Because toying with people like this really made her character seem villainous, which I’m not sure was the overall intention. Due to her actions, it was impossible for me to root for her and Phera’s relationship.
It was even hard to ship her with Dominic, who was one of my favorite characters.
He is also flawed, like Phera, but that is what makes him a good character, too. He’s strong and honorable, but has a violent streak that he fully acknowledges and resents. The scenes with him and Phera are some of the best and most honest.
Just wait til you get to the “closet scene” with both of them, too. It was a masterpiece of humor and fiction!
Another thing this book does well is take difficult topics and discuss them rationally and intimately. We get an amazing conversation concerning intimacy and what it means, as well as several discussions about what makes a person good and what makes a person bad.
This was so, SO refreshing! The reason I am disliking more and more YA reads is because they just never discuss topics like this, so I was glad to see this book handles such things in a very adult-like manner.
Back to characters.
Sorona and Ulric, our “villains,” were also very nuanced and complex characters. Sorona, for example, spends her time trying to diminish Phera’s standing and openly hates the Unsigned (those without magic). Ulric also has a dark side and even challenges his younger brother to a duel in order to gain power of his respective house. While these things are cleary terrible, there were many moments when I found myself questioning whether or not Sorona and Ulric were the TRUE villains of the story. There are moments when they act remorseful or their actions are explained in the grander scheme of things.
Their complexities were very interesting.
And I also have to mention our many, many side characters that are a real highlight! I loved Hespin, Leran, and PELLIVAR!
He was a very niche character with maybe three scenes, but he really caught my attention! I loved his character, and he was barely in it!
The fact that Prabala was able to make me adore these side characters is the mark of an amazing author and I’ll definitely be looking out for more books they turn out!
Overall Thoughts:
This was a truly amazing debut with intriguing characters, plot lines, and a ton of witty humor and I’m so glad I got to be one of the first to review it!
Extra Quotes (because I want you to read this book):
“Not selected a knight?” Pellivar spluttered. “But, then, how are we supposed to test ourselves against one of your famous barbarian warriors? It’s rather discourteous of you not to have brought one. We came all this way, after all.”
“Suffice it to say, the funeral was quite tasteful. Despite being closed casket.”
A big thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC!
September 1, 2024
Phera Ylir Mdana may have entered the infamous and prestigious Rynish marriage games but her goal is not to win the prince’s heart. Phera is there for her true love Rochelle, whose parents denied her proposal due to politics. Phera is sure if she wins the games, she will prove her worth as their daughter-in-law. Although she somewhat successfully juggles maintaining the audience’s favor while concealing her relationship and winning the increasingly difficult challenges. More than her pride is at stake as she notices something deeper and far more sinister brewing under the crown’s nose.
Phera befriends Prince Dominic and with the help of Rochelle and Phera’s ally Hespin they begin to uncover the secrets lying in plain sight. But long-standing tensions reach a boiling point as they find themselves in the heart of a rivalry that is determined to end in bloodshed. Can they prevent a war while finding love and maintaining their facade? Or will politics and hatred win out in this magic-filled fantasy competition? Find out in, The Duchess of Kokora.
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. The humor surprised me as Phera was incredibly witty and her comebacks were hilarious. I was also very nervous about a lesbian being written by a man but this was done well. The plot was enticing and flowed with the pacing. There were no obvious plot holes, the dialogue was natural, and the relationships had depth. I didn’t skim or get bored and the magic system was easy to understand. The writing was a little wordy but overall it painted a nice picture of the events and characters.
All in all, this is a solid read. It starts strong and carries the reader through magical duels, adventures, and scheming. From creating icy wonderlands with secret lovers to sprinting through burning buildings the action never stops. If you like sapphic fantasy with political strategy and quick-witted humor, you are in the right place. Happy reading!
TW: Anxiety, attempted murder, blood, bones, death, lesbiphobia, misogyny, poisoning, PTSD, war, and violence.
Thanks so much to Prbythebook and Nikhil Prabala for sending me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For more sapphic reviews follow @the.lebian.library on Instagram, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and Tiktok
Phera befriends Prince Dominic and with the help of Rochelle and Phera’s ally Hespin they begin to uncover the secrets lying in plain sight. But long-standing tensions reach a boiling point as they find themselves in the heart of a rivalry that is determined to end in bloodshed. Can they prevent a war while finding love and maintaining their facade? Or will politics and hatred win out in this magic-filled fantasy competition? Find out in, The Duchess of Kokora.
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. The humor surprised me as Phera was incredibly witty and her comebacks were hilarious. I was also very nervous about a lesbian being written by a man but this was done well. The plot was enticing and flowed with the pacing. There were no obvious plot holes, the dialogue was natural, and the relationships had depth. I didn’t skim or get bored and the magic system was easy to understand. The writing was a little wordy but overall it painted a nice picture of the events and characters.
All in all, this is a solid read. It starts strong and carries the reader through magical duels, adventures, and scheming. From creating icy wonderlands with secret lovers to sprinting through burning buildings the action never stops. If you like sapphic fantasy with political strategy and quick-witted humor, you are in the right place. Happy reading!
TW: Anxiety, attempted murder, blood, bones, death, lesbiphobia, misogyny, poisoning, PTSD, war, and violence.
Thanks so much to Prbythebook and Nikhil Prabala for sending me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For more sapphic reviews follow @the.lebian.library on Instagram, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and Tiktok
October 29, 2024
Audiobook Review 🎧📚
♡ Historical setting/fantasy world
♡ Elite magic users
♡ Political intrigue
♡ Jilted Lover/Second Chance Romance
♡ Sapphic
♡ Nontypical Love Triangle
♡ Bridal Competition
◇ Single Pov/Narration
I came for the sapphics, but I stayed for the story. 🏳️🌈
Phera is such a realistic, relatable character. She's been subjected to so much familial trauma but has to hold the weight of her people's expectations on her shoulders, all while fighting to prove herself worthy to the only person she's ever truly loved. But Phera is a flawed individual, like many of the characters, who struggles to face her shortcomings and overcome them in the face of adversity.
"I would be yours forever if you could only let me belong to myself too."
There were also plenty of lighter moments with Phera's quick wit and her companions' propensity for mischief that kept me laughing throughout the book.
Classism is a prominent theme within the story and the implications it has on society.
"Cruelty does not demand intention."
As for the audio performance, it is a single narration. The narrator did a spectacular job with a wide range of accents and dialects to set the characters apart from one another. Her voice translated all of the passion, longing, grief, and guilt that the characters experience throughout the book. An overall excellent performance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy. I eagerly await book 2!
♡ Historical setting/fantasy world
♡ Elite magic users
♡ Political intrigue
♡ Jilted Lover/Second Chance Romance
♡ Sapphic
♡ Nontypical Love Triangle
♡ Bridal Competition
◇ Single Pov/Narration
I came for the sapphics, but I stayed for the story. 🏳️🌈
Phera is such a realistic, relatable character. She's been subjected to so much familial trauma but has to hold the weight of her people's expectations on her shoulders, all while fighting to prove herself worthy to the only person she's ever truly loved. But Phera is a flawed individual, like many of the characters, who struggles to face her shortcomings and overcome them in the face of adversity.
"I would be yours forever if you could only let me belong to myself too."
There were also plenty of lighter moments with Phera's quick wit and her companions' propensity for mischief that kept me laughing throughout the book.
Classism is a prominent theme within the story and the implications it has on society.
"Cruelty does not demand intention."
As for the audio performance, it is a single narration. The narrator did a spectacular job with a wide range of accents and dialects to set the characters apart from one another. Her voice translated all of the passion, longing, grief, and guilt that the characters experience throughout the book. An overall excellent performance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy. I eagerly await book 2!
July 25, 2024
The Duchess of Kokora is an entirely captivating and fascinating story. You know you’re in trouble when you read an ARC that leaves you wanting more - before it’s even been released! I am very hopeful that it’s the first in a series!
The Duchess is an incredible character - strange, hilarious, fearsome, brilliant - I fell in love from the first page! I laughed so much the entire book. And cried.
I loved the side characters and love interest. I was a bit unsure of where the love story was headed and wasn’t completely surprised by the ending.
There are strong, beautiful themes and prose about conflict resolution, pacifism, fighting, standing up for yourself and others. There is gorgeous communication between the characters that I absolutely adored. I loved the friendships and the tenderness from the Prince. It was so endearing.
Thank you so much for this ARC! I cannot WAIT for a sequel.
The Duchess is an incredible character - strange, hilarious, fearsome, brilliant - I fell in love from the first page! I laughed so much the entire book. And cried.
I loved the side characters and love interest. I was a bit unsure of where the love story was headed and wasn’t completely surprised by the ending.
There are strong, beautiful themes and prose about conflict resolution, pacifism, fighting, standing up for yourself and others. There is gorgeous communication between the characters that I absolutely adored. I loved the friendships and the tenderness from the Prince. It was so endearing.
Thank you so much for this ARC! I cannot WAIT for a sequel.
September 19, 2024
I am new to the world of sapphic romance and I believe I am off to a great start. Phera has decided to join the marriage games but is it for the man? No it’s for another contestant who is participating because she is her ex-lover.
This book is perfect for the readers who love the world building, drama, twist and turns but also planning and plotting with a heavy yet perfect dose of humour.
So many themes have been poetically and creatively touched that I just could not put the book down.
🏳️🌈Saphic Love
❤️ Second Chance
💍 Marriage Game with a twist
💕 Fights Drama Politics Duels Magic
This book is perfect for the readers who love the world building, drama, twist and turns but also planning and plotting with a heavy yet perfect dose of humour.
So many themes have been poetically and creatively touched that I just could not put the book down.
🏳️🌈Saphic Love
❤️ Second Chance
💍 Marriage Game with a twist
💕 Fights Drama Politics Duels Magic
September 14, 2024
This is a Queer YA Fantasy Romance, with a witty & sassy female lead that is competing in the marriage games for the hand of the Prince. However, she doesn’t want to marry him. 😱 In fact, she is there to try to win back one of the other contestants: the Lady Rocelle.👀
THE DIALOGUES are whip smart and full of delicious banter!! 😍 it was one of my favorite elements of the story. The Duchess doesn’t hold her tongue when it comes to putting others in their place. The worldbuilding was so intriguing! There are two separate classes of people, the ones that can do magic - The Signed and the ones that can’t; the Unsigned. The story is full of court intrigue and humorous debates that will keep you up reading!
What you can expect:
✨LGBTQ+ romance
✨second chance romance
✨marriage games
✨court intrigue
✨magic & spells
✨banter filled dialogues
✨quick-witted heroine
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy for review
THE DIALOGUES are whip smart and full of delicious banter!! 😍 it was one of my favorite elements of the story. The Duchess doesn’t hold her tongue when it comes to putting others in their place. The worldbuilding was so intriguing! There are two separate classes of people, the ones that can do magic - The Signed and the ones that can’t; the Unsigned. The story is full of court intrigue and humorous debates that will keep you up reading!
What you can expect:
✨LGBTQ+ romance
✨second chance romance
✨marriage games
✨court intrigue
✨magic & spells
✨banter filled dialogues
✨quick-witted heroine
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy for review
September 13, 2024
I honestly could rave about what details made me adore this book, but I don't want to spoil anything. I want you to feel the magic of discovering it yourself. Do you ever write a review and fall more in love with the story as you're doing so? That's this one.
This is a delightful whirlwind of a book that has romance, political intrigue, and a marriage competition. This has a love triangle that is easily one of the best I’ve come across in a long time. It helped that I absolutely adored all three of the characters involved. But it’s not just about choosing between love interests, but about the complexities of human emotions, the depths of friendship, conflict within relationships, and dealing with trauma.
Phera is a fantastic protagonist. She's fierce and hilarious, yet vulnerable in her pursuit to win back Rocelle, her childhood love and ex-fiancée. Watching Phera navigate the treacherous waters of courtly life while pretending to be besotted with Prince Dominic, is pure entertainment. The romance is tense and compelling and even the platonic relationships are full of genuine chemistry and layered emotions. The characters feel real, with their sharp edges and messy emotions, and their relationships are wonderfully complex. UGH I just love it so much.
What I especially loved was the way the book plays with the expectations of the typical love triangle. Instead of feeling like a clichéd tug-of-war, the dynamics between are intricate and surprising. These people all genuinely like one another and appreciate their differences. I was delighted by how the story balances romantic tension with genuine friendship and mutual respect. I appreciated the pacifist character with hidden depths. It was wonderful to see characters who are flawed, each with their own distinct voice and purpose.
The world-building is rich, with a magic system that feels unique. There’s a sense of wonder and danger, and the political undercurrents simmering beneath the surface add another layer of intrigue. I feel like there was enough detailed and interesting world-building without being incredibly overwhelming. The courtly games, with their mix of magical and social challenges, are both fun and fraught with tension, driving the story forward to its unexpected and exciting conclusion.
What I didn't expect was the humor tangled into the story. The writing is sharp, the banter is witty, and the pacing is perfect for a binge-read. I tore through "The Duchess of Kokora" in less than a day and I am dying for the next. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Storygram Tours and the author for the opportunity. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own!
This is a delightful whirlwind of a book that has romance, political intrigue, and a marriage competition. This has a love triangle that is easily one of the best I’ve come across in a long time. It helped that I absolutely adored all three of the characters involved. But it’s not just about choosing between love interests, but about the complexities of human emotions, the depths of friendship, conflict within relationships, and dealing with trauma.
Phera is a fantastic protagonist. She's fierce and hilarious, yet vulnerable in her pursuit to win back Rocelle, her childhood love and ex-fiancée. Watching Phera navigate the treacherous waters of courtly life while pretending to be besotted with Prince Dominic, is pure entertainment. The romance is tense and compelling and even the platonic relationships are full of genuine chemistry and layered emotions. The characters feel real, with their sharp edges and messy emotions, and their relationships are wonderfully complex. UGH I just love it so much.
What I especially loved was the way the book plays with the expectations of the typical love triangle. Instead of feeling like a clichéd tug-of-war, the dynamics between are intricate and surprising. These people all genuinely like one another and appreciate their differences. I was delighted by how the story balances romantic tension with genuine friendship and mutual respect. I appreciated the pacifist character with hidden depths. It was wonderful to see characters who are flawed, each with their own distinct voice and purpose.
The world-building is rich, with a magic system that feels unique. There’s a sense of wonder and danger, and the political undercurrents simmering beneath the surface add another layer of intrigue. I feel like there was enough detailed and interesting world-building without being incredibly overwhelming. The courtly games, with their mix of magical and social challenges, are both fun and fraught with tension, driving the story forward to its unexpected and exciting conclusion.
What I didn't expect was the humor tangled into the story. The writing is sharp, the banter is witty, and the pacing is perfect for a binge-read. I tore through "The Duchess of Kokora" in less than a day and I am dying for the next. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Storygram Tours and the author for the opportunity. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own!
July 17, 2024
This was such a good young adult fantasy read. I found the story and the world the author created to be completely captivating. There were so many interesting elements woven into the story that complimented each other so well.
I enjoyed Phera as a main character. I loved seeing how she navigated the marriage games and her relationship with Rocelle. The dynamic between them was really interesting to watch unfold.
The royal court setting and the dating game aspects were done in a way that was different from other books that I’ve read. This refreshing approach made it hard to put the book down.
Read this if you like:
→ Second chance romance
→ Fake dating
→ Court politics
→ Sapphic romance
→ Dating game
Thank you @prbythebook for sending me a copy of the book.
I enjoyed Phera as a main character. I loved seeing how she navigated the marriage games and her relationship with Rocelle. The dynamic between them was really interesting to watch unfold.
The royal court setting and the dating game aspects were done in a way that was different from other books that I’ve read. This refreshing approach made it hard to put the book down.
Read this if you like:
→ Second chance romance
→ Fake dating
→ Court politics
→ Sapphic romance
→ Dating game
Thank you @prbythebook for sending me a copy of the book.
August 8, 2024
Political intrigue! High magical fantasy! Laughs, actions, morality! Action aplenty! Oh, and all of this set with the backdrop of an ever expanding world centered on the most important game of the Bachelor we’ve ever seen… YES PLEASE!!!
Phera, the eponymous Duchess, is the shining star of the novel. She is a powerful warrior, while remaining humanly fallible. She is funny as hell, while holding sadness in her heart. She is a calculated and logical ruler and politician, while also being ruled by her own emotions and hearts. I found myself excitedly turning each page to discover how she overcame the next challenge of the games, joked through her opponents, or followed the passion of her heart. Phera is a character that can and will compete with the best of them!
An awesome YA fantasy novel with a deeply rich world to explore with a cast of characters I wanted to spend my time with… now I just have to see how patient I can be until the second one comes out!
Phera, the eponymous Duchess, is the shining star of the novel. She is a powerful warrior, while remaining humanly fallible. She is funny as hell, while holding sadness in her heart. She is a calculated and logical ruler and politician, while also being ruled by her own emotions and hearts. I found myself excitedly turning each page to discover how she overcame the next challenge of the games, joked through her opponents, or followed the passion of her heart. Phera is a character that can and will compete with the best of them!
An awesome YA fantasy novel with a deeply rich world to explore with a cast of characters I wanted to spend my time with… now I just have to see how patient I can be until the second one comes out!
November 4, 2024
“Your Honor. In my defense, the gentleman bears a remarkable resemblance to a horse’s ass. When I struck him with that riding crop, why, I was merely thinking to spur him out of everyone’s way!
The Duchess of Kokora, Phera Ylir Mdana, stood tall behind the defense table, widening her eyes in a picture of bewildered innocence as the gallery behind her roared with laughter. "
"If you snore, I will not hesitate to kick you." - Phera to Prince Dominic
(Love their friendship - and banter)
Phera is quite the character. She's sassy, brave, hilarious and tenacious. A protagonist you can't help but root for.
This was a random read for me and the cover art is what primarily drew me in. It is stunning, exudes a strong female character aura (has don't- mess-with-me-I-have-magical-talons vibe) and would make a nice tattoo IMO. I seldom read fantasy nowadays but now and then it serves as a good pallet cleanser. They say that this is a must read for fans of The Selection and Bridgerton series. I haven't watched both so I really didn't know what to expect. I will be totally honest that I didn't have the best experience with the audio narration. The narrator tries too hard to get into character but I often find the change in tone abrupt and distracting, and all the whispering and screeching is driving me NUTS!!! 🤣 Not being a Negative Nancy but I was really hoping I also have the digital copy so I can easily follow along and to better understand what she's saying at times. I hate having to pause and rewind certain parts. 😐
Though I'm still interested in reading the second installment, I'd opt for a digital copy next time.
Tropes:
✔️Sapphic fantasy
✔️Fake dating
✔️courting, friendship and rivalry
✔️Courtly intrigue
✔️Political scheming
✔️Magic duels
✔️Elemental magic
✔️Women in power
✔️Royal competition
✔️For fans of The Selection and Bridgerton series
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and PR BY THE BOOK AUDIOBOOKS! 🖤
3.5✨
The Duchess of Kokora, Phera Ylir Mdana, stood tall behind the defense table, widening her eyes in a picture of bewildered innocence as the gallery behind her roared with laughter. "
"If you snore, I will not hesitate to kick you." - Phera to Prince Dominic
(Love their friendship - and banter)
Phera is quite the character. She's sassy, brave, hilarious and tenacious. A protagonist you can't help but root for.
This was a random read for me and the cover art is what primarily drew me in. It is stunning, exudes a strong female character aura (has don't- mess-with-me-I-have-magical-talons vibe) and would make a nice tattoo IMO. I seldom read fantasy nowadays but now and then it serves as a good pallet cleanser. They say that this is a must read for fans of The Selection and Bridgerton series. I haven't watched both so I really didn't know what to expect. I will be totally honest that I didn't have the best experience with the audio narration. The narrator tries too hard to get into character but I often find the change in tone abrupt and distracting, and all the whispering and screeching is driving me NUTS!!! 🤣 Not being a Negative Nancy but I was really hoping I also have the digital copy so I can easily follow along and to better understand what she's saying at times. I hate having to pause and rewind certain parts. 😐
Though I'm still interested in reading the second installment, I'd opt for a digital copy next time.
Tropes:
✔️Sapphic fantasy
✔️Fake dating
✔️courting, friendship and rivalry
✔️Courtly intrigue
✔️Political scheming
✔️Magic duels
✔️Elemental magic
✔️Women in power
✔️Royal competition
✔️For fans of The Selection and Bridgerton series
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and PR BY THE BOOK AUDIOBOOKS! 🖤
3.5✨
August 9, 2024
A whirlwind of Magic, Love and Laughs!
This YA fantasy is one of the finest books I have read in this genre. It has something for everyone- from magical swordfights to political intrigue, from a sapphic love story to a charming Prince, plenty of action, perfectly timed humour and a worldbuilding which leaves you in awe!
The story follows Phera (who is "Most Likely to Stab You and Looks Fabulous Doing It"); the Duchess of Kokora as she enters the marriage games of a neighbouring kingdom to win back her lover, Rochelle, who is also a participant in the said games.
The book is an action packed fantasy ride with queer representation, talks about topics such as importance of democracy, rights of the downtrodden, equity for all citizens, parental abuse- all the while presenting all sides of the argument and leaving the judgement upon the readers.
This book is a fresh new take on the fantasy genre and if you're not reading it, you're seriously missing out!
This YA fantasy is one of the finest books I have read in this genre. It has something for everyone- from magical swordfights to political intrigue, from a sapphic love story to a charming Prince, plenty of action, perfectly timed humour and a worldbuilding which leaves you in awe!
The story follows Phera (who is "Most Likely to Stab You and Looks Fabulous Doing It"); the Duchess of Kokora as she enters the marriage games of a neighbouring kingdom to win back her lover, Rochelle, who is also a participant in the said games.
The book is an action packed fantasy ride with queer representation, talks about topics such as importance of democracy, rights of the downtrodden, equity for all citizens, parental abuse- all the while presenting all sides of the argument and leaving the judgement upon the readers.
This book is a fresh new take on the fantasy genre and if you're not reading it, you're seriously missing out!
August 9, 2024
In The Duchess of Kokora, the stakes of courtly intrigue are not just about winning a contest but about the complexity of the human heart and the nature of moral choices. I enjoyed the exploration of what makes a person a good person or a bad person. This was a solid debut. There times I was laughing out loud, and I really enjoyed the humor infused into the writing. There were also some unlikable characters, including the main love interest, Rocelle. I feel like Phera is blinded by her feelings but I felt like Rocelle was toying with Phera.
August 6, 2024
PHERA! Gotta love a kick ass and hilarious female lead. I absolutely love a good romance in fantasy and Phera’s messiness with Rocelle and then the platonic chemistry with Dominic was just *chef’s kiss*
The true ride or die for Phera was Leran though and he was absolutely hilarious and the best surrogate dad she could hope for.
I loved the world building but still am not quite sure how the magic system works fully - I’m excited to see more lore in the next book! I did NOT see the ending coming - very excited to see where it goes from here with more political calculating, weddings, and humor.
All in all a super fun read! YA, romance, fantasy, humor, politics, intrigue, action - can’t wait for the next one!
The true ride or die for Phera was Leran though and he was absolutely hilarious and the best surrogate dad she could hope for.
I loved the world building but still am not quite sure how the magic system works fully - I’m excited to see more lore in the next book! I did NOT see the ending coming - very excited to see where it goes from here with more political calculating, weddings, and humor.
All in all a super fun read! YA, romance, fantasy, humor, politics, intrigue, action - can’t wait for the next one!
September 28, 2024
"Perhaps the problem is that the fate of so many should not rest on so few."
The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala is a unique fantasy that is so exciting and well written, that you will fly through the pages and marvel at the characterization, fabulous plot, and cliffhanger of an ending.
While the story is compelling and interesting all the way through, the characters drive this fantasy, with Phera Ylir Mdana, the Duchess of Kokora, grabbing everyone’s attention (readers’ and other characters’ alike) from the very first line. With such a fiery beginning, it is hard to fathom that the story could accelerate even more, but it does. Phera and Rocelle were lovers, but past events have fractured their relationship. Can Phera win her back, or is this union beyond repair? While this romance is a prominent plot point here, it is not the only one. Many women have gathered in Ryene to participate in a series of competitive games (the Rounds) to win the hand of crown prince Dominic and gain subsequent high standing. Will Phera, who’s goal is more complex than winning Dominic’s hand, make it to the finals, or will her high-spirited temperament, jealousy (Rocelle is competing too), and quest to protect others from deadly bullies be her downfall and subsequently harm the imperial province of Kokora? To add insult to injury, Phera is considered an unwanted outsider and is subject to prejudice and distrust. She definitely has her work cut out for her. Let the games begin!
"There are no sureties in love. We play our cards as best we can, and let fortune rule the rest."
Nikhil Prabala brings all the characters to life, infusing them with such vivid personalities. This is fantasy, so magic is all over the place, but not everyone has the gift, and not everyone’s magical abilities are the same. The differences between the classes make up a major theme, and with all the romance, competition, magic, prejudice, backstabbing, and bullying aside, other points of interest include trust, honor, family, and true love.
While Phera, Rocelle, Dominic, and a few other good or nefarious others are sure to grab everyone’s attention, my favorite characters are Leran and Hespin. They just might catch your eye too and cause you to ponder if there is more to them than meets the eye (especially Hespin). Intriguing, to say the least. And let’s not forget about the unrest/tensions between nations and classes skittering across the chapters because life, even in fantasy, is most certainly not about romance alone.
The author balances all salient points with ease and blends them into a must-read story that will make you laugh a few times, shake your fist at the tyranny and hate, and root for several characters to prevail.
The Duchess of Kokora is tagged as LBGQT+, and fantasy is often notoriously rife with sex and innuendos in general; however, the physical aspect, especially between Phera and Rocelle, is low key and in very good taste, with an emphasis on emotions and not just the physical. No matter your views or sexual preference, love is love, and the author captures this aspect of romance with realistic aplomb.
Will there be more on the way? The ending suggests that another is not only necessary but demanded.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala is a unique fantasy that is so exciting and well written, that you will fly through the pages and marvel at the characterization, fabulous plot, and cliffhanger of an ending.
While the story is compelling and interesting all the way through, the characters drive this fantasy, with Phera Ylir Mdana, the Duchess of Kokora, grabbing everyone’s attention (readers’ and other characters’ alike) from the very first line. With such a fiery beginning, it is hard to fathom that the story could accelerate even more, but it does. Phera and Rocelle were lovers, but past events have fractured their relationship. Can Phera win her back, or is this union beyond repair? While this romance is a prominent plot point here, it is not the only one. Many women have gathered in Ryene to participate in a series of competitive games (the Rounds) to win the hand of crown prince Dominic and gain subsequent high standing. Will Phera, who’s goal is more complex than winning Dominic’s hand, make it to the finals, or will her high-spirited temperament, jealousy (Rocelle is competing too), and quest to protect others from deadly bullies be her downfall and subsequently harm the imperial province of Kokora? To add insult to injury, Phera is considered an unwanted outsider and is subject to prejudice and distrust. She definitely has her work cut out for her. Let the games begin!
"There are no sureties in love. We play our cards as best we can, and let fortune rule the rest."
Nikhil Prabala brings all the characters to life, infusing them with such vivid personalities. This is fantasy, so magic is all over the place, but not everyone has the gift, and not everyone’s magical abilities are the same. The differences between the classes make up a major theme, and with all the romance, competition, magic, prejudice, backstabbing, and bullying aside, other points of interest include trust, honor, family, and true love.
While Phera, Rocelle, Dominic, and a few other good or nefarious others are sure to grab everyone’s attention, my favorite characters are Leran and Hespin. They just might catch your eye too and cause you to ponder if there is more to them than meets the eye (especially Hespin). Intriguing, to say the least. And let’s not forget about the unrest/tensions between nations and classes skittering across the chapters because life, even in fantasy, is most certainly not about romance alone.
The author balances all salient points with ease and blends them into a must-read story that will make you laugh a few times, shake your fist at the tyranny and hate, and root for several characters to prevail.
The Duchess of Kokora is tagged as LBGQT+, and fantasy is often notoriously rife with sex and innuendos in general; however, the physical aspect, especially between Phera and Rocelle, is low key and in very good taste, with an emphasis on emotions and not just the physical. No matter your views or sexual preference, love is love, and the author captures this aspect of romance with realistic aplomb.
Will there be more on the way? The ending suggests that another is not only necessary but demanded.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2024
The Duchess of Kokora is a great fantasy debut with a cast of interesting characters and a unique magic system. When Phera, the Duchess of Kokora, enters the marriage trials of a neighbouring kingdom, she plans to actually win back her ex-fiancée Rocelle, another contestant. What she doesn't expect is to find herself trying to stop a duel between step-brothers which would likely lead to civil war, allied with both Rocelle and, surprisingly, the prince!
Phera is a fantastic main character - she's powerful and stubborn to a fault, sometimes too quick to act, but always ready to reflect on what she's done. She's not perfect and she knows it. As the story is told from her POV, we get a lot of insight into what goes on in her mind - there's always a new scheme brewing, a new twist to solve or a mistake to analyse. Alongside her, my favourite character has to be Dominic, the prince (I never expected to prefer him to the sapphic love interest, but here we are 😂). I loved how thoughtful he is, how much importance he puts on everything that can help his kingdom and every person that crosses his path.
What I also enjoyed about the characters is that they all have enough depth that I genuinely questioned whether the "villains" were actually all that wrong a couple of times... and seriously questioned the "goodness" of a couple of people along the way! It's always interesting when things aren't just black-or-white.
The marriage trials themselves are less the focus of the story than I expected, as the prevention of the duel takes a much bigger role in the book, but political intrigue is anyway one of my favourite themes in fantasy! I would have loved to see more of the trials or of some of the most interesting contestants, though, as the bits that we got were very good.
The world building is well done, although I found some of the magic system a little confusing. It's a really unique one and I loved getting to learn more about it along the way, but still have some question marks on how it works / different "Signs".
What to expect?
💍 Marriage games, but with a twist
✨️ Unique magic system
⚔️ Duels and magical fights
👑 Political intrigue
🫶 Beautiful friendships
🏳️🌈 Queer protagonists
Phera is a fantastic main character - she's powerful and stubborn to a fault, sometimes too quick to act, but always ready to reflect on what she's done. She's not perfect and she knows it. As the story is told from her POV, we get a lot of insight into what goes on in her mind - there's always a new scheme brewing, a new twist to solve or a mistake to analyse. Alongside her, my favourite character has to be Dominic, the prince (I never expected to prefer him to the sapphic love interest, but here we are 😂). I loved how thoughtful he is, how much importance he puts on everything that can help his kingdom and every person that crosses his path.
What I also enjoyed about the characters is that they all have enough depth that I genuinely questioned whether the "villains" were actually all that wrong a couple of times... and seriously questioned the "goodness" of a couple of people along the way! It's always interesting when things aren't just black-or-white.
The marriage trials themselves are less the focus of the story than I expected, as the prevention of the duel takes a much bigger role in the book, but political intrigue is anyway one of my favourite themes in fantasy! I would have loved to see more of the trials or of some of the most interesting contestants, though, as the bits that we got were very good.
The world building is well done, although I found some of the magic system a little confusing. It's a really unique one and I loved getting to learn more about it along the way, but still have some question marks on how it works / different "Signs".
What to expect?
💍 Marriage games, but with a twist
✨️ Unique magic system
⚔️ Duels and magical fights
👑 Political intrigue
🫶 Beautiful friendships
🏳️🌈 Queer protagonists
December 3, 2024
I was NOT prepared for the ending.......and I certainly hope the next one is ready soon because I am SHOCKED!
In the essence of not spoiling the ending for anyone, I will share how we got there. This book is full of witty banter, political intrigue, and The Witcher worthy magic-infused fight scenes. The pace was nice and steady with interesting twists thrown in here and there to keep me on my toes. The characters are dynamic and multi-faceted. I found the overarching theme to be incredibly relevant to the political climate of today, and the undercurrent of romantic longing was relatable and added another layer to the plot. I have already recommended this book to a friend, and will be first in line when the sequel comes out!
And trust me, you want to listen to the audiobook. The narration was absolute perfection!
In the essence of not spoiling the ending for anyone, I will share how we got there. This book is full of witty banter, political intrigue, and The Witcher worthy magic-infused fight scenes. The pace was nice and steady with interesting twists thrown in here and there to keep me on my toes. The characters are dynamic and multi-faceted. I found the overarching theme to be incredibly relevant to the political climate of today, and the undercurrent of romantic longing was relatable and added another layer to the plot. I have already recommended this book to a friend, and will be first in line when the sequel comes out!
And trust me, you want to listen to the audiobook. The narration was absolute perfection!
March 11, 2025
I received an ALC to review and these are my honest opinions.
As someone who doesn’t consume many audiobooks I fell into this story, i came for the sapphic romance and stayed for the brilliant world and heartache, levels upon levels of schemes and political intrigue, a couple of sassy supporting characters, and a complex and unique magic system. The MFC is witty, intelligent, and daring, the queer normative world is done in such a beautiful way, where who a person loves has no bearing on their place in society! Also, I have found the emotional healing journey to be one of my favorite bits, with quotes that speak to any heart who has had to overcome.
Here are two of my favorite out of context quotes:
“Over those next years, the contradiction tormented Phera until she simply couldn’t bear to think about it any longer. She pushed the pain down into the place where dreams lived, lapping just beneath her skin in restless tides. And like a tide, she could not find a moment to rest, to settle, to be content, but always a reason to roar and to crash and to rage. For when the tide grows still, there is nothing else to do but stare honestly into the endless depths beyond and drown.“
———-
“You love me so much that you would burn the world down to protect me. You love me so much that you won’t let me face the world on my own. It is love, I do not deny that. But it is also control, and pride, and stubbornness.” Tears fought their way like stars across the gleaming surface of Rocelle’s eyes. “I would be yours forever if you could only let me belong to myself too.”
I highly recommend this one in whatever your preferred reading format is!
As someone who doesn’t consume many audiobooks I fell into this story, i came for the sapphic romance and stayed for the brilliant world and heartache, levels upon levels of schemes and political intrigue, a couple of sassy supporting characters, and a complex and unique magic system. The MFC is witty, intelligent, and daring, the queer normative world is done in such a beautiful way, where who a person loves has no bearing on their place in society! Also, I have found the emotional healing journey to be one of my favorite bits, with quotes that speak to any heart who has had to overcome.
Here are two of my favorite out of context quotes:
“Over those next years, the contradiction tormented Phera until she simply couldn’t bear to think about it any longer. She pushed the pain down into the place where dreams lived, lapping just beneath her skin in restless tides. And like a tide, she could not find a moment to rest, to settle, to be content, but always a reason to roar and to crash and to rage. For when the tide grows still, there is nothing else to do but stare honestly into the endless depths beyond and drown.“
———-
“You love me so much that you would burn the world down to protect me. You love me so much that you won’t let me face the world on my own. It is love, I do not deny that. But it is also control, and pride, and stubbornness.” Tears fought their way like stars across the gleaming surface of Rocelle’s eyes. “I would be yours forever if you could only let me belong to myself too.”
I highly recommend this one in whatever your preferred reading format is!
September 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The Duchess of Kokora, Phera, has entered the marriage competition known as the Rounds. The victor gets to marry Prince Dominic, but Phera's true aim is to reclaim her ex-fiancé, the fellow contestant Lady Rocelle. The story is filled with political tension and intrigue, with all signs pointing toward impending war. We will have to wait for the next book to see how it unfolds though!! I found many characters to be quite likable, and none of them are flawless. They are all on a journey of learning and growth, which was refreshing to read, and there's still so much potential for development ahead. Our lead, Phera, is witty and delightful, and I thoroughly enjoyed her playful antics. I am eager for the next book!!!
August 25, 2024
This debut novel by Nikhil Prabala is a deft syncopation of the genres of Fantasy and Romance. The prolific presence of talons, magic spells and deadly weapons created from the elements Earth, Air, Water and Fire provide the trappings of Fantasy while Romance is embedded in the unique situation of a woman being pursued at the same time by another woman and a man. Lengthy interlocutions show the characters to be well conceived and skillfully delineated with an eye on psychological plausibility and characterological integrity.
The author deserves special credit for his effective portrayal of love's different moods and phases when drawn into the vortex of simmering political tensions, ego clashes and emotional turmoil. The subliminal conflict demanding reaction from all the main characters is the unresolved conflict between value-based traditions and soulless modernism which is synonymous with spiraling technological advancement. The unnerving impact of this ideational tug of war is best expressed in Rocelle's wondering whether this modernity 'will damn us or save us".
Cast against the backdrop of a society fractured by The Rich and The Privileged into diverse segments as The Signed, The Unsigned, The Guilded, The inhabitants of Low Town, Midtown and Palace Grounds, Duchess Phera's quest to rekindle love in her ex-fiancée Lady Rocelle evolves into the realization that true love is an amalgam of selflessness and sacrifice.
The muted leitmotif of the novel - Honor is superior to mere Physical prowess -is highlighted in the decision of Phera, Rocelle and Dominic to stop Ulric and Sorana from using "duel" as a ruse to steal from Caspar his title, his life, and his property. Their choice is a vindication of Dominic's assassinated father's firm belief that a man should seek glory in the protection and service, not in conquest and domination.
Phera's dynamic personality is what makes this novel a compelling read. If her jumping into the fire raging in midtown to save lives shows her kindness and selflessness, her fights with people like Mansibal Vloram prove that she cannot tolerate bullies. Perhaps the horrid truth she learned from her mother about the Emperor's viciousness might have generated in her heart a seething hatred for people attacking defenseless persons. Her magnanimity is shown in treating the unfairness of Lord Virae as the weakness of a protective parent.
The surprise ending is sure to thrill readers and make them eagerly wait for the sequel. The Duchess of Kokora is an exceptionally good novel and deserves a five star rating.
The author deserves special credit for his effective portrayal of love's different moods and phases when drawn into the vortex of simmering political tensions, ego clashes and emotional turmoil. The subliminal conflict demanding reaction from all the main characters is the unresolved conflict between value-based traditions and soulless modernism which is synonymous with spiraling technological advancement. The unnerving impact of this ideational tug of war is best expressed in Rocelle's wondering whether this modernity 'will damn us or save us".
Cast against the backdrop of a society fractured by The Rich and The Privileged into diverse segments as The Signed, The Unsigned, The Guilded, The inhabitants of Low Town, Midtown and Palace Grounds, Duchess Phera's quest to rekindle love in her ex-fiancée Lady Rocelle evolves into the realization that true love is an amalgam of selflessness and sacrifice.
The muted leitmotif of the novel - Honor is superior to mere Physical prowess -is highlighted in the decision of Phera, Rocelle and Dominic to stop Ulric and Sorana from using "duel" as a ruse to steal from Caspar his title, his life, and his property. Their choice is a vindication of Dominic's assassinated father's firm belief that a man should seek glory in the protection and service, not in conquest and domination.
Phera's dynamic personality is what makes this novel a compelling read. If her jumping into the fire raging in midtown to save lives shows her kindness and selflessness, her fights with people like Mansibal Vloram prove that she cannot tolerate bullies. Perhaps the horrid truth she learned from her mother about the Emperor's viciousness might have generated in her heart a seething hatred for people attacking defenseless persons. Her magnanimity is shown in treating the unfairness of Lord Virae as the weakness of a protective parent.
The surprise ending is sure to thrill readers and make them eagerly wait for the sequel. The Duchess of Kokora is an exceptionally good novel and deserves a five star rating.
August 29, 2024
This is a very well-written and easy-to-read page turner! A fantasy tale of adventure, romance, deceit and love, it was an imaginative story with wonderful character development. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read that is bound to carry you away! I really hope it gets turned into a movie! This could easily have as much or more impact than Rowling's Harry Potter, and hopefully the author is already working on a sequel.
April 22, 2025
WOW. As half of the comments I gotta say... I came for the sapphics, but stayed for the story. Each and every one of these characters is well-written and complex which makes the story itself so much better.
This book made me feel so many emotions and I cannot wait for the next one. I'm excited to read more of them.
This book made me feel so many emotions and I cannot wait for the next one. I'm excited to read more of them.
July 28, 2024
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Genre/Themes: Lesbian Romance, Action, Magic.
The Duchess of Kokora, Phera, is in love with Rochelle, a lady from the neighbouring kingdom of Ryene. After a brutal break-up, she decides to participate in The Rounds, a courtship game, to marry Prince Dominic.
Political tensions simmer under the shadow of the games, and Phera, Dominic, and Rocelle unite to prevent a duel threatening the kingdom's and the continent's stability.
There is lots of action and romance with questionable motives by young people who have been through a lot. There's a lot of growth in Phera and Dominic; both understand who they are and why they behave the way they do. Rochelle's character sometimes falls a bit behind, feeling flat and repetitive; her character lacks a more consistent and engaging backstory.
It is an enjoyable and captivating story with a lesbian romance, especially if you like titles like The Priory of the Orange Tree, The Burning Kingdoms, and The Shadow and Bone.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Genre/Themes: Lesbian Romance, Action, Magic.
The Duchess of Kokora, Phera, is in love with Rochelle, a lady from the neighbouring kingdom of Ryene. After a brutal break-up, she decides to participate in The Rounds, a courtship game, to marry Prince Dominic.
Political tensions simmer under the shadow of the games, and Phera, Dominic, and Rocelle unite to prevent a duel threatening the kingdom's and the continent's stability.
There is lots of action and romance with questionable motives by young people who have been through a lot. There's a lot of growth in Phera and Dominic; both understand who they are and why they behave the way they do. Rochelle's character sometimes falls a bit behind, feeling flat and repetitive; her character lacks a more consistent and engaging backstory.
It is an enjoyable and captivating story with a lesbian romance, especially if you like titles like The Priory of the Orange Tree, The Burning Kingdoms, and The Shadow and Bone.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2024
Thank you Nikhil Prabala and your team for allowing me to listen to your book for my honest review. This book was really good. I loved the wittiness of the characters. The storyline was great and the ending was really good.
September 10, 2024
This was a fantastic read! It has something for everyone: action, romance, humor and wonderful world building! I loved the humor in this book. There were so many times I was laughing out loud and the world building is exactly what every reader looks for in a fantasy book! Phera was a great character. I truly enjoyed following her on her journey! She's witty and passionate! I hope there will be more of this world. I'm definitely not ready to let it go yet! Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours and Nikhil Prabala for sharing this book with me!
Read
August 14, 2024DNFd at 80%
More like a YA Bridgerton than anything else, this is a regency romance with a dash of fantasy setting and basic magic. Simplistic and nicely written if a bit over described and direct, with a lot of over the top/overdramatic elements.
The plot and world is not very well introduced, I had to refer to the blurb and without it I would have no clue what was going on. It’s like stepping in halfway through the book.
I loved the original synopsis and idea but it needs a new first chapter that actually introduces the world, characters and plot properly.
It’s not bad, just a little bit shallow, the world is not well developed or explained.
I liked the characters and writing well enough, I love Pheras attitude and wit, the but there’s just nothing happening. Slow and actually less plot than there is in the blurb, which I was so excited for.
For me it was just lacking emotion and didn’t pull me in at the beginning, and then when I was invested in the characters there was no plot or anything to keep me interested.
These masks we wear make it possible to get through life without being so wretchedly witnessed by the world. I will not begrudge you the comforts of yours. Not with how often I've enjoyed mine.
More like a YA Bridgerton than anything else, this is a regency romance with a dash of fantasy setting and basic magic. Simplistic and nicely written if a bit over described and direct, with a lot of over the top/overdramatic elements.
The plot and world is not very well introduced, I had to refer to the blurb and without it I would have no clue what was going on. It’s like stepping in halfway through the book.
I loved the original synopsis and idea but it needs a new first chapter that actually introduces the world, characters and plot properly.
It’s not bad, just a little bit shallow, the world is not well developed or explained.
I liked the characters and writing well enough, I love Pheras attitude and wit, the but there’s just nothing happening. Slow and actually less plot than there is in the blurb, which I was so excited for.
For me it was just lacking emotion and didn’t pull me in at the beginning, and then when I was invested in the characters there was no plot or anything to keep me interested.
These masks we wear make it possible to get through life without being so wretchedly witnessed by the world. I will not begrudge you the comforts of yours. Not with how often I've enjoyed mine.
February 25, 2025
This book was moderately enjoyable; however, it had more of a young adult vibe than I anticipated, and the storyline felt somewhat disjointed. I thought the concept of the magic system was intriguing, but it wasn't executed in a way that I found particularly impressive. Regarding the LGBTQ+ relationship, I found it lacking, and I also struggled to understand the prince's role in the story, as he seemed somewhat extraneous. The twist at the end felt unnecessary and didn't quite align with the narrative. Overall, I wasn't a major fan of this novel, despite having high expectations.
Thank you to the Author Nikhil Prabala for writing this novel and sharing it with us.
Thank you to the Author Nikhil Prabala for writing this novel and sharing it with us.
September 3, 2024
{ARC REVIEW}
All opinions on this book are 100% my own.
Before jumping into this review I think it is important to understand my headspace before picking up this story. Unfortunately, I was teetering a book burnout before picking up this book. I also chose to read this ARC on my phone and had some trouble focusing on the story due to that.
I think the perfect audience for this story is younger readers who are just exploring fantasy/romantasy. This book reminded me of the selection series with LGBTQ+ representation and fantasy elements.
I had some troubles focusing on the world and characters of this story. During some chapters I would not realize that there was a switch between scenes and characters until being close to done. I had to reread many chapters due to this. I think this story could have benefitted from allowing scenes to develop and grow longer. It would have given readers a better chance to learn the characters and personality traits of them.
I think the contents of the story are very cute. It is a love triangle with some tension and seemingly competitions? I still am a bit confused on the magic system of this world. I think if there were some more stakes it could also appeal to an older audience. This is the main reason I think younger readers would enjoy this story more.
I gave this book a solid 3🌟 with the fact that it would have been a solid 3.5 or 3.75 if I had picked it up during mood reading.
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC. I am looking forward to seeing how your stories develop and what creative ideas you have in mind moving forward! 🤍
YT 📸 chelsxchill
All opinions on this book are 100% my own.
Before jumping into this review I think it is important to understand my headspace before picking up this story. Unfortunately, I was teetering a book burnout before picking up this book. I also chose to read this ARC on my phone and had some trouble focusing on the story due to that.
I think the perfect audience for this story is younger readers who are just exploring fantasy/romantasy. This book reminded me of the selection series with LGBTQ+ representation and fantasy elements.
I had some troubles focusing on the world and characters of this story. During some chapters I would not realize that there was a switch between scenes and characters until being close to done. I had to reread many chapters due to this. I think this story could have benefitted from allowing scenes to develop and grow longer. It would have given readers a better chance to learn the characters and personality traits of them.
I think the contents of the story are very cute. It is a love triangle with some tension and seemingly competitions? I still am a bit confused on the magic system of this world. I think if there were some more stakes it could also appeal to an older audience. This is the main reason I think younger readers would enjoy this story more.
I gave this book a solid 3🌟 with the fact that it would have been a solid 3.5 or 3.75 if I had picked it up during mood reading.
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC. I am looking forward to seeing how your stories develop and what creative ideas you have in mind moving forward! 🤍
YT 📸 chelsxchill
August 26, 2024
I have mixed feelings on this one. I want to love it, but I just don't. It's an okay book, and it has a lot of potential, but there are a lot of flaws as well.
The main characters all come across as really selfish, with the exception of possibly Dominic. And while I like Phera, and I understand that she is broken by her past mad has trauma, she is also an incredibly selfish person as well. She does have a lot of redeeming qualities, at least.
Rochelle, on the other hand, is just toxic, and I can't see why Phera is interested in her. I am much more interested in a relationship between Phera and Dominic and see them as much better suited for each other.
I also had to check to see if this was a book two in a series as it seems like it picks up in the middle of the story. This was kind of offputting, and it felt like there was a lot of information missing. For example, I don't feel like we ever got Phera's full family background and why there is so much animosity.
The magic system is interesting, but again, it is not well-explained. There is a lot of strife between those that have magic and those that don't, but it doesn't really discuss how those with magic come into it or anything like that. Some more worldbuilding would really help this book to be better.
The main characters all come across as really selfish, with the exception of possibly Dominic. And while I like Phera, and I understand that she is broken by her past mad has trauma, she is also an incredibly selfish person as well. She does have a lot of redeeming qualities, at least.
Rochelle, on the other hand, is just toxic, and I can't see why Phera is interested in her. I am much more interested in a relationship between Phera and Dominic and see them as much better suited for each other.
I also had to check to see if this was a book two in a series as it seems like it picks up in the middle of the story. This was kind of offputting, and it felt like there was a lot of information missing. For example, I don't feel like we ever got Phera's full family background and why there is so much animosity.
The magic system is interesting, but again, it is not well-explained. There is a lot of strife between those that have magic and those that don't, but it doesn't really discuss how those with magic come into it or anything like that. Some more worldbuilding would really help this book to be better.
Read
December 2, 2024DNF - firstly, I wanted to thank Netgalley.com for the ARC. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Now for my review— I really tried to finish this book… I really did. This book, however, sent me into a reading slump that lasted months. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get out of it. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will ever get around to finishing this book so I’m going to cut my losses and write my review based on what I did read.
Things I enjoyed about the book:
- Simple to read: The diction/syntax was not overly complex or confusing. Coming out of reading Gideon the Ninth, I appreciated the ease of reading this novel.
Things I didn’t like:
- Cringey Dialogue: Some of the dialogue between the characters felt a little cringe. I’d like to disclaim that I didn’t feel this way about all the dialogue, just specific moments. There were moments I got major second hand embarrassment or felt like I needed to just stop reading altogether. I hate to say it, but it was writing like this that caused me to put the book down and never pick it up again. Maybe other people would disagree, but I just couldn’t get past it.
Now for my review— I really tried to finish this book… I really did. This book, however, sent me into a reading slump that lasted months. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get out of it. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will ever get around to finishing this book so I’m going to cut my losses and write my review based on what I did read.
Things I enjoyed about the book:
- Simple to read: The diction/syntax was not overly complex or confusing. Coming out of reading Gideon the Ninth, I appreciated the ease of reading this novel.
Things I didn’t like:
- Cringey Dialogue: Some of the dialogue between the characters felt a little cringe. I’d like to disclaim that I didn’t feel this way about all the dialogue, just specific moments. There were moments I got major second hand embarrassment or felt like I needed to just stop reading altogether. I hate to say it, but it was writing like this that caused me to put the book down and never pick it up again. Maybe other people would disagree, but I just couldn’t get past it.
October 26, 2024
I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator did a nice job. When it comes to content, I felt the world building was lacking and some of the characters were a little flat. I like the premise of this book, but I found myself confused multiple times while reading because some of the background and explanation around the countries, politics, and magic seemed to be lacking. It almost felt like a second book in a series. I did really enjoy Phera’s personality. I love a strong feisty main female character. I also liked that all of the main characters had flaws. Thank you NetGalley and Grand Press for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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