This was an enchanting King Thrushbeard retelling. I loved the character development in this, and it had the perfect balance of enemy to lover tension, redemption, and hilarious banter and magical retaliations.
I loved Astoria's feisty and outspoken attitude, and the way she uses her mage powers and wit to duel with contenders for her hand in marriage and ridicules their attempts, but she also carries a lot of arrogance.
Her plan was flawless until a surprising stranger turns up and throws her world into chaos, and challenges her character perfectly.
The flirting, magical pranks, nicknames, and all the hate to love you energy was swoonworthy and entertaining, and I loved the way they had to earn trust, love and forgiveness over time.
The sibling relationships were very wholesome too, and a lot of the side characters have their own battles to face.
There are lots of tense moments, unexpected betrayals, and I loved all the magical elements, including the adorable telepathic animal companions.
This was utterly charming, with sprinklings of action, a slow burn romance, feisty battles, and lots of intriguing reveals.



✨ "You are not ready for this, Princess"
"Oh, please. I was born ready"

✨"She didn't need a union to magnify her powers, and she would prove to every man on the continent what a woman could do"

✨"I told you, Princess, you will be mine once this duel is over. Don't say I didn't warn you"

✨"You, my beloved wife, my Little Dragon, and my darling Astra, are worth kneeling to my enemies for"