What a lovely fantasy romance this was! I’m so impressed and charmed with this debut effort from Maiga Doocy, and greatly anticipate the rest of the series! 

I think the balance of this was truly pitch perfect: foppish bard with secret pain and his nemesis golden boy from humble origins get locked together by a magical mistake. It’s funny, soulful, and warm, with two flawed characters that learn and grow from their proximity to one another. The worldbuilding wasn’t overwrought, but it still felt unique and compelling in a way that kept me asking questions and wanting to know more. The romance was pitch-perfect; a true slow burn that I know is going to pay off in the following instalments in a huge way. 


I…don’t think I have anything bad to say. Is it a book that is redefining literature? No, but it’s also not trying to be. Thoroughly successful in exactly what it wants to achieve, and perfect for fans of The Last Binding series by Freya Marske that grew up obsessed with Ella Enchanted.