Forged in battle. Bred for war. She will live by the feather and die by the sword. When Badb, the eldest daughter of the Tuatha queen, is forced to marry the enemy Fomorian warlord to secure peace between their warring tribes, she knows it’s no alliance—it’s a death sentence disguised in diplomacy. Her mother wants her exiled, broken, silenced—and the Fomoire want her dead.
But Badb is a warrior. She does not bend easily. Not to her mother’s cruel commands, not to the Fomoire who despise her Tuatha bloodline, and certainly not to Neit, the giant warlord who hasn’t yet realized the most ruthless blade in this war now sleeps in his bed.
For Badb, her sisters are all she cares about. That, and escaping the prison her mother has locked her in. But in the dark, behind closed doors, her hatred for Neit turns to heat, and every brutal clash of power between them only deepens the blistering hunger neither of them dares name.
Yet, even as that fire threatens to consume them, the world around them starts to burn.
As the fragile peace splinters, and the Fomoire court rots from within, war looms—bloody and inevitable. And when the secret Badb carries is finally revealed, it ignites the final spark, forcing both warrior and warlord to confront who they truly are.
Facing a future without her sisters and the man she never meant to love, Badb realizes she must rise. Not as a daughter or a bride—but as who she was always meant to be.
Because peace is a lie. Power is pain. And love always demands sacrifice.
Badb is the first book in a dark romantasy trilogy inspired by the myths and legends of the Irish triple goddess, The Morrígan. It tells the origin story of the eldest sister—the one they call Badb Catha, the Battle Crow. At its heart, it’s an enemies-to-lovers romance about a warrior queen who doesn’t need saving—except from herself—and the cost of forging peace in a world built for war.
Corina Douglas lives in New Zealand with her husband and four kids. If she's not running her indie editing business, Burning Legacies Publishing, she can be found exploring the forest, doing that stretchy yoga thing, or with her nose in a good book.
She writes dark fantasy romance stories based on Celtic mythology, with a special focus on Scottish, Irish, and Welsh folklore. Her stories are full of emotional punch, fast-paced action, and morally grey heroes.
There truly aren’t enough words to describe how much this book moved me. As someone who has survived many hardships, I connected deeply with Badb’s story. Like her, I’ve had to endure, wait, and fight for my healing. Mythology and Tarot have been a huge part of my journey, and I found The Morrigan early on. She has always symbolized strength through the chaos for me, and this book captures that essence perfectly.
Reading Badb: The Morrigan is personal. It’s a testament to resilience, transformation, and the complexity of trauma. This month, I celebrate 17 years of sobriety (10/28/08), and this book came into my life at just the right time. It was healing. It was fierce. It was everything.
The relationship between Badb and Neit is powerful and emotional. From enemies to something much more, their bond develops slowly and beautifully. Neit becomes her anchor, the calm in her storm. And she? She is his storm, unapologetically.
This is more than a 5-star read—it’s a 10/10. An instant favorite. Thank you, Corina Douglas, for writing this incredible book and for sharing Badb’s story with the world. I saw myself in her, and that connection is something I will never forget.
Favorite Quotes:
🗡️ "They called me monster. Witch. Whore. I answered to all of them—and none." — Badb
😭 "But inside, I was screaming. Crying. Falling to pieces. Because Mother had succeeded in stealing more than flesh today—she had taken another piece of my soul."
🥹 "Then let us pretend we have only just met... We are simply Neit and Badb—two strangers forced to make the best of an unfair situation to save the lives of our people."
😍 "You are wanted, Badb. By. Me." — Neit
😈 "It was time to become the crow they feared. The harbinger. The reckoning."
🐦⬛ "The Battle Crow has risen, and she rides for war."
*Spoiler Free Review* An infinity star read for me!!! Babd’s story is raw, gritty and so hauntingly beautiful. The author takes you on a journey; you watch Babd work through and come to terms with so many events in her life. Be prepared to feel the whole range of emotions while you’re utterly consumed by this book. I am simply mesmerized by Babd’s story - this is one that will stick with you. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year (and honestly of all time)! I received an ARC copy of the book, yet still purchased a copy as well just to show my support of Corina Douglas’ most captivating work yet! Add it to your TBR - you’ll love it!
I rarely buy books based on quotes and character art found on social media alone. Rarely, but this is one of the few and it was well worth it!
I love how Corina Douglas brought Badb and Neit's Story to life. The world building, the characters and the story itself are just awesome! There is so much happening here in a fairly short time frame, yet the story does not feel rushed at all.
A bonus point, for me at least: this book does NOT end in a cliffhanger that leaves you at a loss, not knowing how the story will continue! I still can't wait for the second book in this series to be released! I'm definitely not ready to leave this world and these characters behind already - maybe I will never be and they'll live rent free in my mind from now on ;)
PS: read the trigger warnings at the beginning! It is there for a reason and the author tells you plainly to not read this book if one of things mentioned is not for you.
I have been waiting very patiently for this book to be released due to my fascination with The Morrigan. I loved The Daughter of Winter series, so had high hopes for Badb. Badb did not disappoint. I go into books fairly open-minded. the first chapter had me,and it was brutal, straight up. Pure rage. The trauma Badb endures by people who are suppose to love her is tragic, she is super protective of her sisters (I wanna know more of what happened last year, and it came later in the book). Badb and Neit, Neit and Badb. these two are just 'chefs kiss' . He is anamoured with Badb from the moment he's been told to marry her. he is gentle, kind, open, (still very protective and ruthless). He is possessive of what is his, has her back, and stands up for her, but lets her take care of things to prove herself and her allegiance to the new treaty. They go through the trials of mating, finding their feet in the new treaty, both battle hardened and not easy to trust, they both come away being so perfect for each other. Neit was gentle when he needed to be, but he took Badbs rage when she needed to let it out. He didn't hold anything against her, pried her heart open and carefully put it back together. With plot twists, FMC rage, enemies to lovers, trauma, please check your TW.
I have enjoyed Corinas' writing and her commitment to follow the story of these magical gods and goddesses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a highly anticipated read for me, as I loved the Daughter of Winter series by Corina Douglas. Her newest series The Morrigan promised dark fantasy with deep celtic roots and inspiration, so I was thrilled to be given the chance to read and review the ARC.
Tropes: • Feminine rage • Arranged marriage • Shifters • Morally grey MCs • He will burn the world for her
Badb is the first born daughter of a devious and sultry queen mother, sorely unappreciated, chronically abused and blackmailed. Her mother wields her body as power and looks down on Badb the warrior who only wishes to protect her younger sisters. In a cruel twist of political chess, Badb's mother forces her into an arranged marriage with the enemy tribe, the Fomoire. Despite a lifetime of hating this other tribe and decimating them in wartime, Badb finds an unlikely and loyal ally in her new husband, Neit, who finds himself slowly drawn to her. Neit has a keen eye for her inner wounds and is able to give Badb the validation and trust that her mother never wanted to.
If you're looking for a flawed FMC with battle wits and prowess, and a MMC who is determined to love her through her pain, this might be a good read for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have been waiting for the release of this book for what seems like forever.
I am here to tell you the wait was more than worth it. As one who follows the path of The Morrigan, I was intrigued to see how this would play out. I was not at all disappointed. Corina Douglas did a fabulous job of depicting a woman of trauma and consequence standing beside her convictions. The Godess of War in the making who doesn't hesitate to spill blood to protect those that are unable to do so themselves. Neit is the exact partner a woman like Badb (pronounced Bav) needs. One that sees her tells, that is strong enough to push back and one that will always stand beside her, like she will him. It makes my heart happy this is book one, which means more are coming. 🖤🖤🖤
I have been looking forward to reading this ever since I discovered the authors Daughter Of Winter series and then followed the author on Instagram. I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy and I am so grateful because this story is PHENOMENAL. Badb is a warrior, survivor, a hero and I cannot wait to see what she becomes. Neit, ah Neit. Everyone needs a Neit. The author writes her stories beautifully, reading this I could picture every scene, feel every emotion and I loved every second of this book.
I wasn't sure how accepting I'd be of Badb and Neit, because I loved the DOW characters so much. But it didn't take long at all before I fell in love with these characters also. Badb's strength and vulnerability, Neit's wisdom and loyalty and the skillfully written plots and twists are all things that entrap the reader to this book.
If you want a book that hits all the feels, I highly recommend Badb.
Corina Douglas has once again written a story that perfectly blends fantasy and Celtic lore that draws the reader in and gives them everything they could hope for. She creates a love for Celtic lore and figures in readers that will have them coming back for more time and time again. 5 stars from start to finish.
I have waited over a year for this book. It was everything I dreamed it would be. Corina Douglas has a way with words that captivates me and keeps me coming back for more. More laughs, more spice, more screams, just more. I cannot get enough of the writing and stories she produces. This book had me in all my feels.
Corina Douglas writes the BEST stories. Her characters are awesome especially Badb and Neit. (I fell in love with them) Her fight scenes are EPIC. Her sex scenes are EPIC. Her challenge of the Salt Trial was so realistic my heart was racing. (I was panicked.) I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy!
Hi, yea…the emotions in this book…all the feels! •Celtic mythology •REAL enemies to lovers •Arranged marriage •Hidden Identity •SPICE •EMOTIONAL DAMAGE I don’t even know what to read next…AND I CAN’T FOR BOOK 2! Love ya @cdouglas_author and thanks for sending me an eARC! 🖤
This book was absolutely fantastic and such a colorful rendition to the legend of The Morrigan. Badb and Neit were written nicely and I’m glad that Badb was never slowed down and never changed. *chefs kiss*
I read this book in two days, I genuinely could not put it down! I love Corina’s writing style and was so enveloped in her “Daughter of Winter” series that I could not wait to start “Badb” and was honored to receive an ARC. The story is brutal and honest; the characters were real, and I never felt annoyed or that the development was taking too long as is this case sometimes with ‘flawed’ MCs. The love is passionate and gut wrenching in the best way. Corina’s world building again is breathtaking. It makes sense and is complex. She shows you a story, she doesn’t tell. I’m already itching for Macha and Neiman’s stories to come out. Read this if you are a woman, or love a woman, or know a woman. It may be fantasy but the lessons will stay with you.
A great read! If this book were to come out in an audio version, I would absolutely listen again, as I did have to look up a lot of the pronunciation for words, and would love to hear them spoken appropriately! :) Can't wait for book 2!
I've read Corina Douglas's Daughter of Winter series, so I thought I was prepared for Badb. Not a chance! This book is gut wrenchingly brutal and heart breakingly beautiful. Douglas has managed to capture the incredible strength that women have had since the dawn of time and how the right person will always give you the freedom to fly.
Note: There are some pretty heavy scenes in this book and trigger warnings at the start, so please read them!
Amazing, such a heart wrenching story. It shows the damage that emotional abuse does and how ingrained it can be. The walls that are built up are so hard to tear down. The amount of growth that took place for the FMC is immense. Such an epic read, the mythology was fascinating to read also.
Love love love! What fantastic characters! The bond between the sisters was so heartwarming. And the MMC is just amazing. Badb is fierce and strong and smart and everything I want to read about!
I couldn't put this book down. The emotions and turmoil Badb faced were so well written, they had me gripped. I loved the reverence Neit had for her. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Badb The Morrigan by Corina Douglass is a breathtaking and gut-wrenching tale inspired by the Irish Triple Goddess. Centered on Badb, a Tuatha princess forced into marriage with Neit, a Fomoire warlord and her enemy, this story is as brutal as it is beautiful—definitely not for the faint of heart.
Douglass’ writing is both lyrical and raw, pulling you into a world of war, betrayal, and survival. At its core, though, this book is about more than myth and conflict—it’s about resilience, healing, and discovering that love is not weakness but strength. The bonds between sisters, the fire of romance, and the courage to overcome trauma are all woven together in a tale that lingers long after the last page.
One line that has stayed with me: “I will be your strength until you remember your own.” This book is as heart-breaking as it is empowering, and it’s one I won’t soon forget.
I was completely swept away by the mythological depth and emotional intensity of this story. The romance was rich with tension and transformation, perfectly framed by the ancient lore that shaped the characters’ destinies.
I felt a deep connection with Badb—her fierce devotion to her sisters resonated with me on a soul level. She’s flawed, raw, and real, and I loved that about her. And then there’s Neit… my current number one book boyfriend. His unwavering loyalty and quiet strength, especially when Badb was being a bit of a bitch (let’s be honest), absolutely spoke to me. He’s the kind of character who stays, even when it’s hard—and that hit home.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)
If you love mythology, emotional depth, and a romance that burns and heals, this one’s for you.
I had the chance to read an advance copy and it delivered everything I look for in a romantasy. The female lead is fierce, complex, and unforgettable. The story is grounded in Celtic folklore that feels both authentic and haunting.
Crows, prophecy, battles, and power are woven throughout, and every page left its mark. I don’t use the word “obsessed” often, but this book has more than earned it. Dark, gothic, bloody, and deeply compelling, Badb has secured a place among my favourite reads, and I am very keen for more in this series!