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The Undoing of Lines

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Well past marriageable age, half-Fae Princess Clara refuses to be traded into marriage, even if it means aiding the human kingdom of Danascis which suffers from a magic-induced drought. Determined to help in her own way, she journeys to the scorned Fae lands to plea with their king for reprieve.
Casimir, the powerful yet reluctant Fae king, strikes a deal with Clara, giving her the chance to learn about her Fae heritage and magic governed by the ley lines. Little does Clara know, but Casimir gambled with her fate.
After historical mysteries are uncovered, Clara finds herself destined to usurp a vicious, seemingly immortal dictator. Casimir takes responsibility for educating and training Clara in all things Fae, discovering they are not so different after all. While facing unravelling secrets, tainted family legacies, and life-long friendships, Clara must carry the weight of making choices for the greater good – all while trying to shield her heart from the emotionally unavailable Casimir.
Not only will Danascis not be saved if she doesn’t succeed, but Casimir will not be freed from his own personal prison, and - for Gaia’s sake - she cares.

520 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

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Rebecca Hesseling

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Caz (whatcazread).
200 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2026
The Undoing of Lines is a romantic fantasy with storytelling so immersive it completely pulled me in from the very first page.

Clara is a half-fae, half-human princess determined to save the human lands, which are barely surviving a brutal fifty-year drought. Desperate to find a way to save them she does the only thing she can think of, she runs away with Leo, her loyal royal guard and heads into the fae lands to ask for their aid herself.

There she meets Casimir, the young King of the South, and his court. As Clara spends more time among the fae she begins uncovering the truth about her mother’s fae heritage, the complicated dynamics within her family and the real reason Casimir keeps his distance, even as the pull between them becomes impossible to ignore.

I absolutely loved Clara and the way she stands up for what she believes in. She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to challenge the patriarchy. She’s not perfect and she definitely doubts herself at times, but that’s exactly what makes her feel human. Well, half human. She’s determined, strong and willing to fight for what she believes in.

And Cas, honestly, he’s book boyfriend material through and through. The reluctant King of the South carrying an unbearable amount of grief and secrets he can’t share. The emotional walls? The tension? The quiet longing? You can’t help but feel for him.

The banter and slow burn between Clara and Cas was one of my favourite parts of the book. Clara is bold and a little feisty while Cas keeps his emotions carefully locked away, leaving her constantly guessing what he’s really thinking. Watching them slowly learn to trust each other and finally let their guards down was so satisfying.

“I see the way you look at me, Clara. I know exactly what it means. Because I look at you the same way.”

I also loved the relationships Clara builds with the side characters, especially Leo. That said, I’m hoping we get to see more depth from them in book two because it definitely feels like we’ve only scratched the surface.

Overall, this is a fantastic slow burn fantasy romance full of court politics, secrets and magic and that cliffhanger ending has me absolutely desperate for the next book. If you like romantic fantasy with tension, banter and emotional stakes this one is definitely worth a read.
19 reviews
February 16, 2026
Themes:

✅Enemies to lovers
✅Slow burn romance
✅Emotional tension
✅Found family
✅Character-driven drama
✅Cliffhanger ending

I have really mixed feelings about The Undoing of Lines.
It took a while before I felt invested. About a couple chapters in, it picked up. The emotional tension started to build and I actually felt curious about where the story was going. The book then found its rhythm and I finally felt like I understood what the author was trying to convey.

One thing that did bother me, though, was how some characters seemed to disappear for long stretches and then reappear when the plot needed them. It made parts of the story feel a bit uneven, like certain arcs weren’t fully developed or consistently followed through.

Although I will say, towards the end, the book did hit. The final stretch pulled me back in, and that cliffhanger genuinely caught my attention. It left me thinking, which I didn’t expect after feeling disconnected earlier on.

Overall, the story itself wasn’t bad. I do wish that some of the side characters had been fleshed out more, but perhaps that was the authors intention. It definitely had moments where it really worked and moments where it lost momentum. The ending definitely bumped it up for me, even if the journey there felt a bit uneven. I will certainly be on the lookout for book 2.

Thank you to Berry Agency for the ARC, and I look forward to book 2 of the series.
Profile Image for Katja Ehler.
79 reviews
March 8, 2026
Thank you Rebecca Hesseling and the Berry Agency for the opportunity to review this e-ARC!

3.5 ⭐

The Undoing of Lines is a gripping romantasy that is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking! The world building is fantastic and I absolutely LOVED the magic system. It's intriguing and complex but not too complicated and also really well explained.

I enjoyed seeing Cas and Clara's relationship develop and was equally invested in Clara's journey of coming into her magic and discovering her own empowerment. The story does a masterful job of blending fantasy with romance, without letting one genre overpower the other.

At times the dialogue and tensions between characters (particularly Della and Clara) felt a bit juvenile with characters arguing and reconciling very quickly, which occasionally took me out of the story. I also would've loved for Cas' friends to be more developed in general, as they seemed quite similar to the Night Court group from ACOTAR. Hoping to see these characters fleshed out in the next installment, which I'll def be reading!

Overall a great first book in the series! And unlike a lot of popular romantasy series, Hesseling is unafraid of dealing her characters some REAL stakes and consequences which I really appreciate!
Profile Image for Sian Murphy.
19 reviews
February 23, 2026
This book is an incredibly well written book that draws you in from the very start. The storytelling is so immersive, you can’t help but want to keep reading to find out what will happen next.

Rebecca has done an excellent job of crafting the emotional depth of the characters, especially through the lens of Clare. By focusing on her journey, the reader is able to experience her emotions firsthand as it fluctuates from suspicion and frustration to deep empathy and love for the characters around her. This emotional rollercoaster is one of the book’s strongest

But damn those friendships 🥰 Clare and Della’s is so real and heartwarming while being very emotional and Casimir (Cas) and Riggs is so brotherly that it makes you love them and want them These relationships are pivotal and contribute so much to the overall emotional impact.

And that ending? 😱 If you think you’ve figured out how things will end think again. It’s constantly is changing how it will end that you just don’t know until you read ‘THE END’

I’m really excited to see what’s in store for us next. 😁
Profile Image for Tiffany.
28 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2026
🧭The Undoing of lines by Rebecca Hesseling🧭
❗ARC review from THE BERRY AGENCY❗ Rating: 3.5⭐

This book is an extremely engaging fantasy, filled with emotional depth and world building. It took a few chapters to get invested, but once I was, it was difficult to put down. The travel aspect was very interesting, and we also got to learn a lot about the history of magic which I loved. The found family aspect was beautiful; however, we learn very little about any of them (Alden saving Clara's life TWICE! pop off king). I'd love to learn more about the characters as individuals.

❗IN MY OPINION❗ Clara and Casimir are not a healthy match. The yelling at each other in public, hiding secrets from each other 90% through the book and trying to hurt the other feelings instead of sitting down and communicating, I don't like them as a couple. Separately, Clara and Casimir are amazing characters, although if Clara had to be with anyone, I prefer her with Della.

Everyone's backstories are amazing and so thought out, I am looking forward to book #2 and seeing how these characters develop.
Profile Image for Millie Webber.
30 reviews
February 17, 2026
Firstly, thank you to The Berry Agency and Rebecca Hesseling for this ARC! It is always an honour to be selected as an ARC reader!

I read ‘The Undoing of Lines’ in a mere 12 days due to being completely hooked but bound by this terrible thing called work! I genuinely would get excited to get home and read this but I’m not as much of a spring chicken anymore and had to force myself to put it down so I wouldn’t accidentally stay up until 2am reading…

Admittedly at times I felt like there was a pacing issue. Some of the “not important parts” seemed to last for an extended period of time, whereas the “action” seemed too small.

I thought that the characters were fairly well fleshed out but I thought the romance happened a little too fast, I love a slow burn.

I loved the magic system too! So interesting!
Profile Image for Cayse Rankin.
1 review
March 4, 2026
This book was INCREDIBLE!! The undoing of lines has such a cozy, loving, humble feel to it, filled with an immense amount of love and tension 😉😉 this was the first book in a long time that I was able to easily pick back up after busy days and know exactly where I left off in the story.

The characters are all so different yet work so so well together, Cas has officially made it to top 5 book boyfriends, maybe higher 🥰 I could feel Clara’s determination and acceptance through the pages, Della healed a part of my younger self, Riggs felt like a goofy older brother, Wren had me worried to start with but I warmed up to her, and Alden reminded me again of my younger self.

Overall this was the perfect amount of sweet, fun, cozy, sad at times book (which was very much needed for me) and I am so thankful to Rebecca for putting this out, last thing I will say is that ENDING!! WHAT?!!!
Profile Image for Steph.
1 review
March 11, 2026
What a comfort!
From the forming of friendships, the discovery of love in unexpected souls, to ultimately uncovering one’s true worth; this book has everything!
While it had moments of comforting-predictability, it never lost grip of my attention over the many tense moments of uncertainty throughout the ever unfolding, expertly conveyed story.

Being new to the Romantasy genre, this book was incredibly well written in explaining an unknown world and guiding me through its magic, mythology and endless wonder.
It created relationships built on loyalty and equality and the realization that sometimes you are stronger together.

I was perpetually enthralled from the very beginning and clung to every word, having the characters and narrative sweep me away. Each chapter invariably ending too soon; always leaving me longing for more of the immersive fable and unable to put the book down.

I am eagerly anticipating more incredible stories from this first time author.
8 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2026
Thank you to Berry Agency for sending me an ARC of this book.

From the first couple of chapters I was immediately drawn to Clara as a character. I loved her energy, sass and strength, and she was such a fun protagonist. The book is really well written and the fantasy elements kept me hooked and wanting to keep reading.

I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, particularly the friendship between Clara and Della. The side characters were well developed. I also loved the slow burn between Clara and Cas (new book boyfriend!)

For a debut novel, Rebecca Hesseling did a fantastic job of creating an engaging and immersive world. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to pick up the second book in the series, especially after that ending!
Profile Image for Tasha .
121 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2026
A feisty Princess Clara who wants to stand against the patriarchy… I’m intrigued!!

She’s not perfect. She’s strong, but she doubts herself. And we watch her battle that internally, and at times I wanted to scream at her! My favorite. Emotionally induced reading!

There’s a lot thrown at her in a very short time span. But damn if this woman doesn’t stop trying. I love that. Toss in a little tension and lust and banter and found family 😍 a good read for sure!

Fair warning… I’m now completely locked in for book two. Because how dare I stop without knowing what’s next?!

Thank you to the Berry Agency for the gifted eARC!
Profile Image for Jane Harrison.
1 review
February 18, 2026
I loved how quickly this read! A lot happens in the space of the book and so the pace keeps nice and strong. There are times when the plot seems a little too convenient but otherwise it was an entertaining read.

I really love our characters, including all of our side characters. Clara is feisty but soft which is something I relate to and love to see. It’s refreshing to not have a stabby FMC for a change! I however hope all the side characters get more fleshed out in book 2. Speaking of book 2 what a cliffhanger to leave us on!

I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us.

I would like to the thank the Berry Agency and Rebecca Hesseling for the eARC!
Profile Image for Holly Chapman.
21 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2026
I really loved this book! It was fast paced, had me hooked from the very beginning and all around a great read.

I loved the relationships Clara developed with everyone. Cas and Clara deserved that love and it was a heartwarming read. Clara and Della had me feeling like I was back in school with my girlfriends gossiping together and it really had me loving their dynamic.

I wish the second book was out already, as that ending had me wanting more!!

Excited to read more from this author, I can’t wait to see what the next book as in store!

Thank you to the author, The Berry Agency and Book Funnel for my ARC copy of this book :)
Profile Image for Danielle.
35 reviews
February 27, 2026
Ok!! Warning ends on a cliff hanger!!!! I read this before it was released and I need the 2nd book to be released!!



TROPES!!!!

ELEMENTAL MAGIC
MENTOR & MENTEE
FOUND FAMILY
"F^CK IT"
CHOSEN ONE
ROYALTY
PLUS SIZE REP
CONSENT KING

This was absolutely magnificent hooked me easy to read great banter from everyone great spicy scenes great character development and world building I could feel it see it imagine it.


The only thing that took it away from a 5 star was it was a little a little predictable but not in a bad way more like a cosy place way…

Profile Image for lanae.lover_of_books.
23 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2026
I loved how feisty and strong Clara is. She’s done being told what to do by her father, the King of the human realm, so she takes matters into her own hands.

Clara is a half-fae, half-human princess who wants nothing more than to help the human lands, which are barely surviving a fifty-year drought.

She runs away with Leo her royal guard and they make their way into the fae lands, hoping she can ask for their help.

There, she meets Casimir, the young King of the South, and his court. Clara learns more about her mother’s fae history, complicated family dynamics, and why Casimir is the way he is — including why he’s fighting the pull between them.

I really enjoyed this book and was invested right away. I loved both main characters, as well as all of the side characters.

I need book two ASAP, please!!

Thanks to The Berry Agency for the opportunity to receive an ARC.
Profile Image for Sarah ✌.
1 review
February 24, 2026
This is an incredible debut novel by Rebecca Hesseling. I loved the authors writing style and can’t wait to read more.

~ A strong female character who knows what she wants and sets out to get it, a slow burn romance that keeps you hooked and wanting more and an intriguing storyline to follow. So refreshing to read a well written Romantasy - I was hooked from the beginning! The cliffhanger ending has me absolutely HANGING for the next book. ~

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 review
February 25, 2026
The Undoing of Lines is a gorgeous, cozy, whimsical love story told in a timeless human/fae storyline. The relationships between the characters, including the friendships, are beautifully written and relatable. If you want to escape into a magical land while holding a warm cup of tea, this is the book for you.

Wonderful debut by a brilliant author. I can't wait to see what Rebecca does next.
Profile Image for Em.
3 reviews
February 12, 2026
A princess with an attitude, a found family full of sass and love and attitude, and no shortage of challenges! (And all of the best sorts of banter and angst 😍) This was such a fun read!

The author has an incredible way of making you love the characters you are reading about and I was entirely sucked into this world. It was a hard one to put down and one I know I’ll read again!
Profile Image for Josie White.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 14, 2026
The book that led me back my love of reading. 🥰
Such a way with words that kept you turning page after page!!! The way I can’t stop thinking about the ending….. I will be counting down the minutes until the second book is released!!!! Definitely up there with some of the best female romantasy authors.
Profile Image for Ximena.
31 reviews
February 23, 2026
I love this story.
It started off a bit dubious for me because there were too many call backs to ACOTAR ( I like it btw) but as it developed into its own plot I became more and more engaged with the characters.
It is so easy to read and follow along. It gives you just enough hints to have an idea of where you are going. I can’t wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
65 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2026
Rebecca Hessling’s Undoing of Lines had me hooked from page one.
Clara, Casimir, Della, Riggs and Leo now have a special place in my heart, each on their own path of self‑discovery that ties together so beautifully.

This book gave me everything — tension, excitement, frustration, joy, and tears and the “NOOOOOOOOO” moments that stay with you long after the end.

The world is immersive, characters who each have a well thought out backstory and a romantasy arc that delivers exactly what you want.

If you’re craving a story that keeps you on edge and emotionally invested from start to finish… this is the one.
Profile Image for Liat M.
254 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2026
Well past marriageable age, half-Fae Princess Clara refuses to be traded into marriage. Determined to help her kingdom, who suffer from a magic induced drought, Clara journeys to the Fae lands to plead with their king for reprieve.

Casimir, the powerful, but reluctant, Fae King strikes a deal with Clara allowing her to stay and learn about her magic but Clara is not aware of all the king does, and soon she finds herself enthralled in a destiny that she cannot control.

I loved Clara as a character, she is a strong female lead and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she wants and to say what she is thinking. There’s a vulnerability to her as well and I loved seeing the softer sides to her and the internal struggle that she goes through as she learns more about her mother’s history and who her family are.

The relationships in this book are also beautifully written and while there’s great chemistry between Clara and Cas (love a slow burn!) it’s the side characters that we really bond with. Seeing Clara’s relationship with everyone amongst the unknown politics and the almost innocence of it all is really well done and the characters all have great depth to them.

This was such a great read and I was so captivated by the world that’s been built. I cannot wait to see what happens in book two!

Thank you to the Berry Agency and Rebecca Hesseling for my copy of this book
Profile Image for Rebecca Hesseling.
Author 1 book3 followers
Review of advance copy
January 4, 2026
5 stars, obviously. Might be biased. Also might have just written a sick book.
Profile Image for Candice Porter.
243 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
February 6, 2026
This was a fantastic fantasy book. I loved every minute of it. Blown away
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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