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Wild Elegy: A Dragon Willow Story
Not yet published
Expected 17 Apr 26Magdala Devney was raised upon one unshakeable truth – prince Asherton Ageric stole her home and her heritage and he must never live to see the throne. So, when Magdala is appointed as Prince Asherton’s bodyguard, she only accepts so she can betray him and reclaim what he stole from her.
But a summer on a rainy, remote island with her worst enemy proves more complicated than Magdala imagined and she begins to realize that prince Asherton may not be the monster she once believed.
With enemies closing in on every side and her feelings for the enigmatic prince growing into something dangerously like passion, Magdala finds not only her duty and her heart at risk, but his life as well.
Wild Elegy is an enemies-to-lovers bodyguard romantasy for the eldest daughters who crave love with no strings attached. Best read after The Sunbird’s Last Lament.
But a summer on a rainy, remote island with her worst enemy proves more complicated than Magdala imagined and she begins to realize that prince Asherton may not be the monster she once believed.
With enemies closing in on every side and her feelings for the enigmatic prince growing into something dangerously like passion, Magdala finds not only her duty and her heart at risk, but his life as well.
Wild Elegy is an enemies-to-lovers bodyguard romantasy for the eldest daughters who crave love with no strings attached. Best read after The Sunbird’s Last Lament.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 20, 2026
What to expect: NA romantasy, female bodyguard, ADHD MMC, forced proximity, unhinged MCs, carnivorous plants, yearning, touch him/her and die
I loved reading Wild Elegy. I had those moments where I forgot I was reading. It balanced humor, emotional depth, chaotic shenanigans, and high-stakes. I was most definitely into the plot. I really liked the untamed nature setting and how it felt reflective of the characters, who don’t really fit in “neatly” anywhere. I felt for the FMC that she would do whatever it took to take care of loved ones but that was taken advantage of, and the MMC didn’t think he mattered because of the situation he was born into.
Although these characters are no strangers to arguments🤣, it also takes emotional intelligence to accept people who are different from you and learn how they live. Of course, banter is always fun with characters who are opposites, imo. 🤭 Also, now I have a new favorite paternal side character. You need to meet him. 😌
The pattern I’ve noticed from The Sunbird’s Last Lament and now Wild Elegy is that the FMCs love fiercely and protectively, which I appreciate, because I’ve often seen that in the MMCs in fantasy (which I love), but it’s really emphasized with the FMCs here. I wish we saw that more and how it doesn’t take away femininity but amplifies it. I’m so excited to read more books in this world. 🤩
Content:
-spice level: closed-door (s*xual implication between a married couple)
-profanity: several uses of h*ll and b*stard (I don’t consider b*stard a curse word, but some people do)
-other content: grief over death, drowning, passive suicidal ideation, torture, violence
-Mentions of the Only, which is God
I received an eARC.
I loved reading Wild Elegy. I had those moments where I forgot I was reading. It balanced humor, emotional depth, chaotic shenanigans, and high-stakes. I was most definitely into the plot. I really liked the untamed nature setting and how it felt reflective of the characters, who don’t really fit in “neatly” anywhere. I felt for the FMC that she would do whatever it took to take care of loved ones but that was taken advantage of, and the MMC didn’t think he mattered because of the situation he was born into.
Although these characters are no strangers to arguments🤣, it also takes emotional intelligence to accept people who are different from you and learn how they live. Of course, banter is always fun with characters who are opposites, imo. 🤭 Also, now I have a new favorite paternal side character. You need to meet him. 😌
The pattern I’ve noticed from The Sunbird’s Last Lament and now Wild Elegy is that the FMCs love fiercely and protectively, which I appreciate, because I’ve often seen that in the MMCs in fantasy (which I love), but it’s really emphasized with the FMCs here. I wish we saw that more and how it doesn’t take away femininity but amplifies it. I’m so excited to read more books in this world. 🤩
Content:
-spice level: closed-door (s*xual implication between a married couple)
-profanity: several uses of h*ll and b*stard (I don’t consider b*stard a curse word, but some people do)
-other content: grief over death, drowning, passive suicidal ideation, torture, violence
-Mentions of the Only, which is God
I received an eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️6
OH MY WORD.
I don’t know where to begin. Andrea you’ve done it again! This story was incredible. Beautiful. Stunning. Perfect. I’m so in love with this book.
The characters felt so real. I can definitely relate to both of them. I deeply admire Magdala’s strength and courage. Asherton and Magdala loved each other so deeply and they were ready to risk their lives for each other. I’m completely obsessed with both of them🥹
Zephyr. He was so amazing. The way he cared for Ash was so sweet. He was like a father to Asherton. Their loyalty to each other runs so deep.
Again, I adore Ash and Mags with my heart. When they almost died for each other I was on the edge of my seat. This book made me tear up with the way they fervently loved each other. And I loved reading about their time on the island. I admire how unique and beautiful both of them are. I really loved how much Asherton loved and cared for his plants (and Magdala of course;) Anton was such a sweetheart 🤭 (iykyk)
I’ll need a few days to recover from this book, but it was wonderful. It’s absolutely, one hundred percent worth the read.
tropes:
🪷enemies to lovers
🗡️forbidden love
🪷prince x bodyguard
🗡️touch her/him and d!e
🪷forced proximity
🗡️”who did this to you?”
🪷”My wife/ husband.”
🗡️unhinged MC’s
🪷ADHD MMC
🗡️found family
🪷intense yearning
🗡️eldest daughter FMC
🪷single pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only & vague innuendo between a married couple (closed door)
- no language
TW: bl00d, violence, murder, drowning, grief, death
OH MY WORD.
I don’t know where to begin. Andrea you’ve done it again! This story was incredible. Beautiful. Stunning. Perfect. I’m so in love with this book.
The characters felt so real. I can definitely relate to both of them. I deeply admire Magdala’s strength and courage. Asherton and Magdala loved each other so deeply and they were ready to risk their lives for each other. I’m completely obsessed with both of them🥹
Zephyr. He was so amazing. The way he cared for Ash was so sweet. He was like a father to Asherton. Their loyalty to each other runs so deep.
Again, I adore Ash and Mags with my heart. When they almost died for each other I was on the edge of my seat. This book made me tear up with the way they fervently loved each other. And I loved reading about their time on the island. I admire how unique and beautiful both of them are. I really loved how much Asherton loved and cared for his plants (and Magdala of course;) Anton was such a sweetheart 🤭 (iykyk)
I’ll need a few days to recover from this book, but it was wonderful. It’s absolutely, one hundred percent worth the read.
tropes:
🪷enemies to lovers
🗡️forbidden love
🪷prince x bodyguard
🗡️touch her/him and d!e
🪷forced proximity
🗡️”who did this to you?”
🪷”My wife/ husband.”
🗡️unhinged MC’s
🪷ADHD MMC
🗡️found family
🪷intense yearning
🗡️eldest daughter FMC
🪷single pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only & vague innuendo between a married couple (closed door)
- no language
TW: bl00d, violence, murder, drowning, grief, death
February 22, 2026
⭐ 5/5
🌶 2/5 - (Behind closed doors)
Wild Elegy by @andreacostelloauthor
Amazing character art by @etherealart008
I have a new expectation of princes. They need to be obsessed with plants and preserving the land, and my bodyguards need to be sassy, stabby eldest daughters.
I was so excited to receive this arc. This is set in the world of The Dragon Willow Duet. Book one is The Sunbrid’s Last Lament, and book 2 will be released later this year. This book takes place between the two books, but you don’t need to read book 1 to be able to enjoy Wild Elegy: A Dragon Willow Story. I am definitely going to be reading Sunbird’s Last Lament because I miss this world already.
I absolutely loved these characters and just would like more Asherton plant nonsense. I honestly think I could read an entire novella of Asherton and Zephyr greenhouse adventures. I loved how Asherton isn’t your typical Prince Charming but rather an ADHD plant dad who could defend himself if he wanted to, but he never does. Then we have Magdala, the bodyguard, who is the eldest daughter, who just wants to be lovely and not imposing. The tension these have kept me up till midnight reading.
Every twist and turn had me panicking, updating Goodreads until the end. I am so excited to continue this world and see what else Andrea Costello does!
🌶 2/5 - (Behind closed doors)
Wild Elegy by @andreacostelloauthor
Amazing character art by @etherealart008
I have a new expectation of princes. They need to be obsessed with plants and preserving the land, and my bodyguards need to be sassy, stabby eldest daughters.
I was so excited to receive this arc. This is set in the world of The Dragon Willow Duet. Book one is The Sunbrid’s Last Lament, and book 2 will be released later this year. This book takes place between the two books, but you don’t need to read book 1 to be able to enjoy Wild Elegy: A Dragon Willow Story. I am definitely going to be reading Sunbird’s Last Lament because I miss this world already.
I absolutely loved these characters and just would like more Asherton plant nonsense. I honestly think I could read an entire novella of Asherton and Zephyr greenhouse adventures. I loved how Asherton isn’t your typical Prince Charming but rather an ADHD plant dad who could defend himself if he wanted to, but he never does. Then we have Magdala, the bodyguard, who is the eldest daughter, who just wants to be lovely and not imposing. The tension these have kept me up till midnight reading.
Every twist and turn had me panicking, updating Goodreads until the end. I am so excited to continue this world and see what else Andrea Costello does!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wild ride! If there were three words that I would use to describe Costello’s writing, they would be whimsical, heartbreaking, and unpredictable. Somehow, every novel just keeps getting better. Wild Elegy is by far my favorite yet! It deals with subjects like betrayal, rebellion, curses, self-doubt, and hurt. It is a heavy story and contains some painful, tear-inducing scenes.
The world of Dragon Willow is beautiful. Everything is thought out, from plants and fauna, to weaponry and politics. There is a medieval quality while also including many things with later influences. Sometimes, there is an almost steampunk feel while staying whimsical. After The Sunbird’s Last Lament, I loved learning more about the world building in Wild Elegy. The tropical setting was fabulous, full of botanical nightmares and friends.
The characters in Wild Elegy are unique and quirky. Magdala is made of strength and duty with an attitude to match. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like her because of how brash she was. My fears proved unfounded, however, as her deeper fears and repressed emotions emerged. Her character growth was amazing! Asherton was such a sweetheart. How can someone be so weird (in the best way) and yet be so dangerous and heartbreaking? I love him. Also, I need to mention Anton. He is the bestest plant ever! He offered some really sweet and funny scenes. Just know, I WANT HIM!
The plot in Wild Elegy was a stressful rollercoaster. There were so many opposing forces at play. The villain was absolutely horrendous as were several side characters. Every time I thought that a bad situation is over, another one would pop up and provide more trauma. Hello grey hair, goodbye fingernails! The ending was sweet relief and I cannot wait for the next Dragon Willow novel!
Thank you to Andrèa Costello for an ARC of Wild Elegy! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 3 (fade-to-black scene between a married couple and some flirtatious innuendo)
Language: a couple of times involving “what the h3ll” and one involving wh—e as an insult by the villain
Faith-Elements: several references of The One
Notes: scene involving t0rtur3, and a woman’s cycle
The world of Dragon Willow is beautiful. Everything is thought out, from plants and fauna, to weaponry and politics. There is a medieval quality while also including many things with later influences. Sometimes, there is an almost steampunk feel while staying whimsical. After The Sunbird’s Last Lament, I loved learning more about the world building in Wild Elegy. The tropical setting was fabulous, full of botanical nightmares and friends.
The characters in Wild Elegy are unique and quirky. Magdala is made of strength and duty with an attitude to match. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like her because of how brash she was. My fears proved unfounded, however, as her deeper fears and repressed emotions emerged. Her character growth was amazing! Asherton was such a sweetheart. How can someone be so weird (in the best way) and yet be so dangerous and heartbreaking? I love him. Also, I need to mention Anton. He is the bestest plant ever! He offered some really sweet and funny scenes. Just know, I WANT HIM!
The plot in Wild Elegy was a stressful rollercoaster. There were so many opposing forces at play. The villain was absolutely horrendous as were several side characters. Every time I thought that a bad situation is over, another one would pop up and provide more trauma. Hello grey hair, goodbye fingernails! The ending was sweet relief and I cannot wait for the next Dragon Willow novel!
Thank you to Andrèa Costello for an ARC of Wild Elegy! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 3 (fade-to-black scene between a married couple and some flirtatious innuendo)
Language: a couple of times involving “what the h3ll” and one involving wh—e as an insult by the villain
Faith-Elements: several references of The One
Notes: scene involving t0rtur3, and a woman’s cycle
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like my heart might burst from my chest just from thinking about Andrea's Wild Elegy, a standalone story set in her Dragon Willow universe. I feel like I laid my heart and soul out on a platter, and Andrea took them and nursed them back to health. I feel like my whole being was mended and made anew, like I finally took a long-awaited breath after finishing this story.
Why? Because Andrea's lyrical prose and her skill in crafting the most intricate and perfectly imperfect characters are almost unmatched. Each of her books makes me feel the same, and I yearn for more. More of these feelings waiting to be inhaled. More of this pitter-patter that my heart won't stop making. More of this bubble I create when I lose myself in the pages of her books.
Wild Elegy surpassed my expectations. It grabbed me and never let me go. It took me into its embrace and cradled my weary soul. It held me close when I wept for Magdala and Asherton and all that life threw at them. It let me sob at the unfairness of it all—at the sheer pain of Ash's soul and his feeling of unworthiness, at the many responsibilities Magdala willingly put on her shoulders, and at the pain and sorrow they both went through.
But it also shared in my joy and happiness as I watched these two beautiful souls find their home in each other. It allowed me to bask in the vastness of Ash's mind, to delight in his day-to-day activities and his wandering soul. It made me want to leave my shoes behind and run barefoot with him, Magdala, Zeph, and Anton.
Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand in Wild Elegy. They merge together and create a tale of love, hope, and friendship that must be experienced and felt. A tale of life lived. A tale of choice and devotion. A tale of healing. A tale that becomes the balm to your soul.
Thank you, Andrea, for having me on your team once again. Words can't even begin to express my gratitude.
Why? Because Andrea's lyrical prose and her skill in crafting the most intricate and perfectly imperfect characters are almost unmatched. Each of her books makes me feel the same, and I yearn for more. More of these feelings waiting to be inhaled. More of this pitter-patter that my heart won't stop making. More of this bubble I create when I lose myself in the pages of her books.
Wild Elegy surpassed my expectations. It grabbed me and never let me go. It took me into its embrace and cradled my weary soul. It held me close when I wept for Magdala and Asherton and all that life threw at them. It let me sob at the unfairness of it all—at the sheer pain of Ash's soul and his feeling of unworthiness, at the many responsibilities Magdala willingly put on her shoulders, and at the pain and sorrow they both went through.
But it also shared in my joy and happiness as I watched these two beautiful souls find their home in each other. It allowed me to bask in the vastness of Ash's mind, to delight in his day-to-day activities and his wandering soul. It made me want to leave my shoes behind and run barefoot with him, Magdala, Zeph, and Anton.
Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand in Wild Elegy. They merge together and create a tale of love, hope, and friendship that must be experienced and felt. A tale of life lived. A tale of choice and devotion. A tale of healing. A tale that becomes the balm to your soul.
Thank you, Andrea, for having me on your team once again. Words can't even begin to express my gratitude.
February 24, 2026
🤎 Standalone (connected to The Dragon Willow Duet)
🤎 Romantasy
🤎 Enemies to Lovers
🤎 Bodyguard x Prince
🤎 Releases April 17, 2026
🤎 Find it on KU
❤️🔥 Closed-Door Romance: descriptive kissing, innuendo, implied intimacy
🤬 Language: uses of hell, bastard
⚔️ Violence: poison, torture, murder
I loved the confidence of Evander in The Sunbird’s Last Lament, but there’s a new kid in town and his name is Asherton Ageric. Beset with the whimsy + sad boy vibes of Wizard Howl (iykyk) and the romantic depth of a Byronic hero, Ash immediately steals the stage. Although Magdala’s opinion and reservations about the boy king start us out as skeptical, it doesn’t take very long watching him in the greenhouse to immediately fall in love with his personality and chaotic order. Magdala herself wrestles over whether to strangle or console the man she’s duty-bound to protect. Our FMC has the fortitude of a woman raised to bear the kingdom’s burdens on her own and the personal convictions to bring about a better future. That sounds sappy, but Magdala really does care about the people close to her, so even though she’s tasked with protecting her enemy, you know she’s gonna do it well. As she uncovers the mystery that is Ash, disillusions her love for Elegy, and comes face to face with her own choices, we find a young girl in need of purpose, family, and need I say it? Love.
Shoutout to Anton. Honorable mention to Algie.
Thank you, Andrèa, for the ARC! Looking forward to #2 of The Dragon Willow coming this fall 🐉
🤎 Romantasy
🤎 Enemies to Lovers
🤎 Bodyguard x Prince
🤎 Releases April 17, 2026
🤎 Find it on KU
❤️🔥 Closed-Door Romance: descriptive kissing, innuendo, implied intimacy
🤬 Language: uses of hell, bastard
⚔️ Violence: poison, torture, murder
I loved the confidence of Evander in The Sunbird’s Last Lament, but there’s a new kid in town and his name is Asherton Ageric. Beset with the whimsy + sad boy vibes of Wizard Howl (iykyk) and the romantic depth of a Byronic hero, Ash immediately steals the stage. Although Magdala’s opinion and reservations about the boy king start us out as skeptical, it doesn’t take very long watching him in the greenhouse to immediately fall in love with his personality and chaotic order. Magdala herself wrestles over whether to strangle or console the man she’s duty-bound to protect. Our FMC has the fortitude of a woman raised to bear the kingdom’s burdens on her own and the personal convictions to bring about a better future. That sounds sappy, but Magdala really does care about the people close to her, so even though she’s tasked with protecting her enemy, you know she’s gonna do it well. As she uncovers the mystery that is Ash, disillusions her love for Elegy, and comes face to face with her own choices, we find a young girl in need of purpose, family, and need I say it? Love.
Shoutout to Anton. Honorable mention to Algie.
Thank you, Andrèa, for the ARC! Looking forward to #2 of The Dragon Willow coming this fall 🐉
March 10, 2026
4.5 stars
I loved this story so much. Magdala is someone who always takes care of the people around her, and I admire that about her. Even though she was taught to hate Asherton, the way she treats him shows her true heart. She’s feisty, strong, stubborn, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. Watching the two of them slowly get to know each other was incredibly sweet.
Asherton quickly became one of my favorite characters. He had me laughing out loud so many times, but he’s also such a selfless and kind person. You can really feel how deeply he’s grieving and how much he cares for everyone around him. He constantly puts others before himself, Asherton struggles with feeling like he’s a waste of space because he’s a legitimate heir to the throne. He believes he doesn’t matter, that no one would miss him, and that everyone sees him as troublesome or “too much.” But that isn’t true at all, and seeing his relationship with Magdala grow and blossom was beautiful.
I also really appreciated the ADHD representation.
At its heart, this story is about finding love in unexpected ways and discovering what true love really looks like💕
Some of my favorite moments were the swimming lessons and especially the scene where Asherton is brushing out Magdala’s curls while they talk.
Spice: 0
Language: 0
I loved this story so much. Magdala is someone who always takes care of the people around her, and I admire that about her. Even though she was taught to hate Asherton, the way she treats him shows her true heart. She’s feisty, strong, stubborn, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. Watching the two of them slowly get to know each other was incredibly sweet.
Asherton quickly became one of my favorite characters. He had me laughing out loud so many times, but he’s also such a selfless and kind person. You can really feel how deeply he’s grieving and how much he cares for everyone around him. He constantly puts others before himself, Asherton struggles with feeling like he’s a waste of space because he’s a legitimate heir to the throne. He believes he doesn’t matter, that no one would miss him, and that everyone sees him as troublesome or “too much.” But that isn’t true at all, and seeing his relationship with Magdala grow and blossom was beautiful.
I also really appreciated the ADHD representation.
At its heart, this story is about finding love in unexpected ways and discovering what true love really looks like💕
Some of my favorite moments were the swimming lessons and especially the scene where Asherton is brushing out Magdala’s curls while they talk.
Spice: 0
Language: 0
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book somehow managed to feel equal parts cozy and intense. The settings were richly developed, and the plot kept me reading through the twists and turns it took.
I loved Magdala's tenacity and toughness. A heroine who can be both fierce and fond is one of my favorite things in a book, and her hard exterior hiding a soft heart she doesn't want to acknowledge even to herself was a delightful unfolding over the course of the story.
And Asherton. A chaotic prince who loves his somewhat menacing sentient plants. I can see exactly how Magdala fell in love with him!
I loved Magdala's tenacity and toughness. A heroine who can be both fierce and fond is one of my favorite things in a book, and her hard exterior hiding a soft heart she doesn't want to acknowledge even to herself was a delightful unfolding over the course of the story.
And Asherton. A chaotic prince who loves his somewhat menacing sentient plants. I can see exactly how Magdala fell in love with him!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Andrea, you have ripped my heart to shreds. One. By. One.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wild Elegy
By: Andréa Costello
Magdala and Ash's love was fearless and unconditional. I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to read an advanced copy (eARC) of this spectacular book, and I can only advise that you order it ASAP. So well done. It shows how the things that matter, are not things and objects, but people and love 💕
🪴 She's his bodyguard
🪴 She hated him, until she met him
🪴 Carnivorous plants (w/ personality 😏. Shout-out to Anton)
🪴 Touch her and 💀
🪴 Touch him and 💀
🪴 She's sent to get the truth, but the truth is unexpected.
💕 Closed-door (married)
🤬 Mild (mostly the word for illegitimate son)
"Get your hands off my wife" 😭
I received an eARC copy. All opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wild Elegy
By: Andréa Costello
Magdala and Ash's love was fearless and unconditional. I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to read an advanced copy (eARC) of this spectacular book, and I can only advise that you order it ASAP. So well done. It shows how the things that matter, are not things and objects, but people and love 💕
🪴 She's his bodyguard
🪴 She hated him, until she met him
🪴 Carnivorous plants (w/ personality 😏. Shout-out to Anton)
🪴 Touch her and 💀
🪴 Touch him and 💀
🪴 She's sent to get the truth, but the truth is unexpected.
💕 Closed-door (married)
🤬 Mild (mostly the word for illegitimate son)
"Get your hands off my wife" 😭
I received an eARC copy. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews