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Prince of Fortune
Red, White & Royal Blue meets A Darker Shade of Magic in this swoony debut young adult romantic fantasy following a magical young prince and a noble seer who fall in love in the midst of war and intrigue.
Shy Prince Edmund will be a great king one it has been Seen again and again. With rare magic giving him dominion over the nation’s plants and weather, Edmund feels a great deal of pressure to live up to his nation’s many expectations, including making a perfect diplomatic alliance through marriage. That is, until he meets Lord Aubrey Ainsley.
Charming, romantic, and politically insignificant, Aubrey is a Seer, but not even he could have predicted catching the eye of Edmund, the Prince of Fortune—nor that the anxious prince who talks to plants more than people could feel so right for him. Aubrey’s dream-visions have been full of battle, not love, but to say that Prince Edmund has captured his fancy would be a grand understatement.
As the two become more and more intertwined, the nation of Saben falls under attack. War and dark sorcery loom on the horizon. To save their homeland, Edmund and Aubrey must resist the outside forces seeking to drive them apart and find the power within themselves to create a future for Saben—and each other—they never could have imagined.
Shy Prince Edmund will be a great king one it has been Seen again and again. With rare magic giving him dominion over the nation’s plants and weather, Edmund feels a great deal of pressure to live up to his nation’s many expectations, including making a perfect diplomatic alliance through marriage. That is, until he meets Lord Aubrey Ainsley.
Charming, romantic, and politically insignificant, Aubrey is a Seer, but not even he could have predicted catching the eye of Edmund, the Prince of Fortune—nor that the anxious prince who talks to plants more than people could feel so right for him. Aubrey’s dream-visions have been full of battle, not love, but to say that Prince Edmund has captured his fancy would be a grand understatement.
As the two become more and more intertwined, the nation of Saben falls under attack. War and dark sorcery loom on the horizon. To save their homeland, Edmund and Aubrey must resist the outside forces seeking to drive them apart and find the power within themselves to create a future for Saben—and each other—they never could have imagined.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2024
88 people are currently reading
3413 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Tirreno
1 book45 followersLisa Tirreno lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family and a soap opera of chickens.
A recovering journalist, she likes museums, old Hammer Horror movies and Pre-Raphaelite art. She has a degree in English literature and history, and is good at stabbing herself with embroidery needles and making elaborate cakes for no good reason.
Her debut novel, Prince of Fortune, came out with Simon & Schuster in October, 2024.
A recovering journalist, she likes museums, old Hammer Horror movies and Pre-Raphaelite art. She has a degree in English literature and history, and is good at stabbing herself with embroidery needles and making elaborate cakes for no good reason.
Her debut novel, Prince of Fortune, came out with Simon & Schuster in October, 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
July 4, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“And so fortune makes happy fools of men
With love, again, again.”
A very generous three, because I do see potential, but I still feel that there is a certain vibe lacking in Prince of Fortune that could have had it deliver a much more rewarding read, rather than - not exactly light-hearted, but as much as the danger was prevalent, I did not feel the danger. The writing tone was kept very light - even by Young Adult standards - almost cozy-like, which admittedly, is something I have a hard time getting along with. 😔
“He was gazing back at him, a small smile on his face now.
“What a wonder you are, Your Highness,” he said, and the last of Edmund’s uncertainty fell away. ”
Well, it definitely was swoony, I'll give it that - very much love at first sight. 🥰 For amidst a looming war and political disarray, the love between the insignificant noble Seer Lord Aubrey and a magical Prince of Fortune Edmund was always very sweet and sentimental - one that bordered close to absolutely fluffy in the way they endeared to one another. Perhaps, if it could have been given a bit more leeway to develop - from their unexpected fall into each other's grasps at sixteen, till they were both eighteen and finding their footing in their respective positions - rather than the immediate impact in which they thrust themselves into each other's hearts and admitted their feelings for each other, I think I could have gotten behind it a little bit more. 😕
And the RWRB reference does seem a bit misleading; there was never any real enmity between the two characters, but if we're going to consider the public reaction to such a union, as well as the political disruption that it does cause, then, yes, that is perhaps the only semblance they shared. It was sad how very invested they were in Edmund's romantic liaisons rather than focusing on more pressing matters - 'Did none of these people have anything better to worry about? They were at war, for heaven’s sake.' 😮💨 A forbidden love between two men that was frowned upon and yet, somehow, won over the hearts of many with each of their respective actions that went in their favor. But, as for Edmund and Aubrey - they were pretty much smitten with each other from the start. 🥲
“You make me feel like I could do it. I could do it, be this great king, if you were with me. You. Not some stranger whose country told them to marry me. You.”
They were still both likeable characters - ones who fit well together. As much as it peeved me at how quickly they were so charmed with one another, it's over the course of time - when they have to face the long absences, the political struggles, fulfilling the duties that are expected of them - is where I felt their relationship strengthen. 🥹🤍🤍 One in which Aubrey's unwavering affection for Edmund stirred the hearts of reader and Edmund - literally. Edmund was endearing; very much in tune more with plants than people, it was nice to see Aubrey make him feel more loved and cherished - to break down the restraints he'd set up around him. Edmund's doubts about being the future king were tangible, despite how it has been foreSeen that he will thrive as a capable ruler. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
There was a nice balance of humor and charm that was neatly off-set against the inclusion of world-building and unrest that was brewing around them. The threat of danger was not as palpable as I would have liked - considering how much was at stake for the both of them. It was a bit difficult at times to discern between the respective characters' associations; but, the warfare action was convincingly portrayed. 😥 I just would have liked a little more cohesion to the magical aspect, because, all things considered, I DO think there was a lot more focus on political dynamics and power struggles - rather than actual sorcery, itself. And of course, the looming need to address who Edmund's future partner would be, which imo took up the majority of the storyline, that it distracted me from all else. 🙄 It is a shame, because I think if more magic had brewed - I think it would have been a much more enchanting read - an extra oomph that would have left a deeper impact on me. 🤷🏻♀️
“I am yours. I get to be yours.”
“Yes, but whatever took you so long?”
Still, I did not entirely dislike my time reading it, so that is a plus. 👌🏻👌🏻 For a debut, it does hold promise if it something that you're in the mood for - it felt like a breeze reading through it, too. And I do love the cover! 😍 I'm just not one who likes a little too much sweetness and too many romantic gestures in their reads, without some form of angst, so this is definitely a me thing. Because Aubrey's confessions were very affectionate, and Edmund's determination was endearing. It was a celebration of love triumphing against all odds - be it the dark forces or those tottering old fools who can't see true love when it's radiating as brightly as it when they are in each other's presence. It left me with a warm fuzzy feeling that despite my prickly intentions endeared to the romantic me and had my heart soften slightly at the earnestness in which the two of them embraced the next step forward. 💌💌
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for honest review.
“And so fortune makes happy fools of men
With love, again, again.”
A very generous three, because I do see potential, but I still feel that there is a certain vibe lacking in Prince of Fortune that could have had it deliver a much more rewarding read, rather than - not exactly light-hearted, but as much as the danger was prevalent, I did not feel the danger. The writing tone was kept very light - even by Young Adult standards - almost cozy-like, which admittedly, is something I have a hard time getting along with. 😔
“He was gazing back at him, a small smile on his face now.
“What a wonder you are, Your Highness,” he said, and the last of Edmund’s uncertainty fell away. ”
Well, it definitely was swoony, I'll give it that - very much love at first sight. 🥰 For amidst a looming war and political disarray, the love between the insignificant noble Seer Lord Aubrey and a magical Prince of Fortune Edmund was always very sweet and sentimental - one that bordered close to absolutely fluffy in the way they endeared to one another. Perhaps, if it could have been given a bit more leeway to develop - from their unexpected fall into each other's grasps at sixteen, till they were both eighteen and finding their footing in their respective positions - rather than the immediate impact in which they thrust themselves into each other's hearts and admitted their feelings for each other, I think I could have gotten behind it a little bit more. 😕
And the RWRB reference does seem a bit misleading; there was never any real enmity between the two characters, but if we're going to consider the public reaction to such a union, as well as the political disruption that it does cause, then, yes, that is perhaps the only semblance they shared. It was sad how very invested they were in Edmund's romantic liaisons rather than focusing on more pressing matters - 'Did none of these people have anything better to worry about? They were at war, for heaven’s sake.' 😮💨 A forbidden love between two men that was frowned upon and yet, somehow, won over the hearts of many with each of their respective actions that went in their favor. But, as for Edmund and Aubrey - they were pretty much smitten with each other from the start. 🥲
“You make me feel like I could do it. I could do it, be this great king, if you were with me. You. Not some stranger whose country told them to marry me. You.”
They were still both likeable characters - ones who fit well together. As much as it peeved me at how quickly they were so charmed with one another, it's over the course of time - when they have to face the long absences, the political struggles, fulfilling the duties that are expected of them - is where I felt their relationship strengthen. 🥹🤍🤍 One in which Aubrey's unwavering affection for Edmund stirred the hearts of reader and Edmund - literally. Edmund was endearing; very much in tune more with plants than people, it was nice to see Aubrey make him feel more loved and cherished - to break down the restraints he'd set up around him. Edmund's doubts about being the future king were tangible, despite how it has been foreSeen that he will thrive as a capable ruler. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
There was a nice balance of humor and charm that was neatly off-set against the inclusion of world-building and unrest that was brewing around them. The threat of danger was not as palpable as I would have liked - considering how much was at stake for the both of them. It was a bit difficult at times to discern between the respective characters' associations; but, the warfare action was convincingly portrayed. 😥 I just would have liked a little more cohesion to the magical aspect, because, all things considered, I DO think there was a lot more focus on political dynamics and power struggles - rather than actual sorcery, itself. And of course, the looming need to address who Edmund's future partner would be, which imo took up the majority of the storyline, that it distracted me from all else. 🙄 It is a shame, because I think if more magic had brewed - I think it would have been a much more enchanting read - an extra oomph that would have left a deeper impact on me. 🤷🏻♀️
“I am yours. I get to be yours.”
“Yes, but whatever took you so long?”
Still, I did not entirely dislike my time reading it, so that is a plus. 👌🏻👌🏻 For a debut, it does hold promise if it something that you're in the mood for - it felt like a breeze reading through it, too. And I do love the cover! 😍 I'm just not one who likes a little too much sweetness and too many romantic gestures in their reads, without some form of angst, so this is definitely a me thing. Because Aubrey's confessions were very affectionate, and Edmund's determination was endearing. It was a celebration of love triumphing against all odds - be it the dark forces or those tottering old fools who can't see true love when it's radiating as brightly as it when they are in each other's presence. It left me with a warm fuzzy feeling that despite my prickly intentions endeared to the romantic me and had my heart soften slightly at the earnestness in which the two of them embraced the next step forward. 💌💌
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for honest review.
October 22, 2024
It is 12:30 AM, and I am crying happy tears over this book as we speak. I loved it.
Both of our protagonists were so sweet and so kind and so strong in their own ways, but also grew so so much through the various events in this book. It was really really refreshing to read two boys being good people, falling in love, fighting for themselves and others, together and separately. They're such good characters. I also adored both of their parents. One, a set of rulers that put themselves at the forefront of a war to protect their people AND were good parents to their kids. The other, a mother fighting in a war alongside so many others, strong and brave and fierce, and the husband a man who wants to create a new, better world for his boys and all kids of this country, and who stayed at home to teach and care for the children of war in his own home. The dynamics were just beautiful.
As for the story itself, I personally loved it. I thought it well paced and written, with a plot the held my attention thoroughly but did not overwhelm. If I have any complaints, I think I wish their was more togetherness of characters. I wanted to see more interactions and more bonding between them all. But that still doesn't stop this from being a 5 star read for me, especially since the way things were laid out made sense in a war torn story.
Both of our protagonists were so sweet and so kind and so strong in their own ways, but also grew so so much through the various events in this book. It was really really refreshing to read two boys being good people, falling in love, fighting for themselves and others, together and separately. They're such good characters. I also adored both of their parents. One, a set of rulers that put themselves at the forefront of a war to protect their people AND were good parents to their kids. The other, a mother fighting in a war alongside so many others, strong and brave and fierce, and the husband a man who wants to create a new, better world for his boys and all kids of this country, and who stayed at home to teach and care for the children of war in his own home. The dynamics were just beautiful.
As for the story itself, I personally loved it. I thought it well paced and written, with a plot the held my attention thoroughly but did not overwhelm. If I have any complaints, I think I wish their was more togetherness of characters. I wanted to see more interactions and more bonding between them all. But that still doesn't stop this from being a 5 star read for me, especially since the way things were laid out made sense in a war torn story.
September 25, 2024
Lisa Tirreno’s A Prince of Fortune is set in a world that is filled with the misery of war, political intrigue, and an incredibly unique magic system. Yet, somehow, the romance still managed to be the highlight of the story for me. It’s simply an incredibly wholesome and sweet love story that I couldn’t help but feel happy while reading because even in the times of war love is the only thing that keeps people marching forward toward peace. Something many people in the real world unfortunately seem to have forgotten.
And on the topic of romance, Edmund and Aubrey were such a cute couple. They are just so perfect for each other and their characters just fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. I loved reading about them falling in love, growing closer and trying not to miss up like any two teenagers would.
I personally think Tirreno did an incredible job at making me care about the couple and get invested in their love since I was screaming at the book during the debate of whether they should be allowed to get married or not. Not going to get into the specifics to avoid spoilers but I truly believe that the topic was done in a very unique and innovative way in the Prince of Fortune.
The best thing about the book, however, is that, despite all the romance and drama, there is still a fantasy epic happening around the young couple and somehow the two aspects of the story don’t feel separate. Without getting into spoilers, the progression of the war and the resulting political and societal ramifications do impact the couple and their own romantic plot which in turn impacts the war and its politics. Now if that isn’t the sign of an author who has a command on every aspect of storytelling I don’t know what is.
A Prince of Fortune is a delightful read that will leave you feeling fuzzy inside and I can’t recommend it enough.
And on the topic of romance, Edmund and Aubrey were such a cute couple. They are just so perfect for each other and their characters just fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. I loved reading about them falling in love, growing closer and trying not to miss up like any two teenagers would.
I personally think Tirreno did an incredible job at making me care about the couple and get invested in their love since I was screaming at the book during the debate of whether they should be allowed to get married or not. Not going to get into the specifics to avoid spoilers but I truly believe that the topic was done in a very unique and innovative way in the Prince of Fortune.
The best thing about the book, however, is that, despite all the romance and drama, there is still a fantasy epic happening around the young couple and somehow the two aspects of the story don’t feel separate. Without getting into spoilers, the progression of the war and the resulting political and societal ramifications do impact the couple and their own romantic plot which in turn impacts the war and its politics. Now if that isn’t the sign of an author who has a command on every aspect of storytelling I don’t know what is.
A Prince of Fortune is a delightful read that will leave you feeling fuzzy inside and I can’t recommend it enough.
November 19, 2024
4.25-4.5⭐ rounded up for GR - if I could hug these two I would in a heartbeat. Despite being set during a war, this book is so soft and sweet, mostly due to its two MCs who care so deeply for each other and the people around them. Edmund, as the titular prince, has a sense of duty that makes him feel like more of an object to his country than a person, which is somewhat heartbreaking, but Aubrey does wonderfully as his partner to help him see himself more clearly and want more for his future. Together they are a wonderful pair you can't help but root for.
Technically, I have a few gripes with this book, particularly with how quickly the two fall for each other and the lack of meaningful time spent together in the beginning of their relationship. Then the war breaks out in earnest and they're separated quite a bit, and while thankfully this never makes you doubt their commitment to each other, it does make it seem more questionable as to how much of a foundation they actually have. There definitely could have been more done to establish their relationship rather than just saying they love each other. Lots of telling, not showing, which I would take more issue with if I wasn't so desperately in need of calm, low angst stories at this point in time.
That said, this book does deliver on a soft, supportive romance alongside some political intrigue and a magical war, and while it's not the most impressive plotting I've read, I was fully invested in Edmund and Aubrey and their extended friends and family. Also, I'm always giving bonus points for a queer normative world. The ending had me choked up for all the right reasons. Just lovely.
Technically, I have a few gripes with this book, particularly with how quickly the two fall for each other and the lack of meaningful time spent together in the beginning of their relationship. Then the war breaks out in earnest and they're separated quite a bit, and while thankfully this never makes you doubt their commitment to each other, it does make it seem more questionable as to how much of a foundation they actually have. There definitely could have been more done to establish their relationship rather than just saying they love each other. Lots of telling, not showing, which I would take more issue with if I wasn't so desperately in need of calm, low angst stories at this point in time.
That said, this book does deliver on a soft, supportive romance alongside some political intrigue and a magical war, and while it's not the most impressive plotting I've read, I was fully invested in Edmund and Aubrey and their extended friends and family. Also, I'm always giving bonus points for a queer normative world. The ending had me choked up for all the right reasons. Just lovely.
November 11, 2024
This was such a good read! I really recommend it. The main characters! The world building! The writing!!
I can't believe this is a debut novel. I read this through libby (my love) but I want to buy a copy now...
I can't believe this is a debut novel. I read this through libby (my love) but I want to buy a copy now...
April 6, 2025
DNF @ pg 174 (43%)
This was just really not for me.
It's more romance than fantasy, and it's insta-love to boot. It was too much, too soon and really turned me off reading instantly.
The writing is okay but very 'ye olde English' so it slows down an already slow story.
There's a slight flicker of an interesting magic, but it's heavily overshadowed by the romance between the two main characters.
I gave up because honestly there was just nothing in this first 174 pages that interested me enough to commit when I have so many good books waiting.
Fans of M/M romance should love this, but fantasy fans will need patience to get to the good stuff.
Not for me, but I can see romance lovers enjoying this.
With thanks to the author for an ARC
This was just really not for me.
It's more romance than fantasy, and it's insta-love to boot. It was too much, too soon and really turned me off reading instantly.
The writing is okay but very 'ye olde English' so it slows down an already slow story.
There's a slight flicker of an interesting magic, but it's heavily overshadowed by the romance between the two main characters.
I gave up because honestly there was just nothing in this first 174 pages that interested me enough to commit when I have so many good books waiting.
Fans of M/M romance should love this, but fantasy fans will need patience to get to the good stuff.
Not for me, but I can see romance lovers enjoying this.
With thanks to the author for an ARC
dnf
October 22, 2025dnf at 27%
January 4, 2025
What the everlasting fuck is going on? 😭 2 pages and they're already in love? Fuck this. Even if it's not a slow burn, this is too fast. NO.
August 19, 2025
2.5 stars
Prince of Fortune is a book where I mostly enjoyed the romance and the characters more than I did the world around them. The world building was vague, the language used teetered between old, victorian and modern English. It pulled me out of the story quite a lot. The relationship between Aubrey and Edmond, although it was instalove, was sweet and fluffy and the juxtaposition between that and the bleakness of war going on around them made my reading experience all the more palpable.
I do not think I'd be opposed to reading another book by this author!
Prince of Fortune is a book where I mostly enjoyed the romance and the characters more than I did the world around them. The world building was vague, the language used teetered between old, victorian and modern English. It pulled me out of the story quite a lot. The relationship between Aubrey and Edmond, although it was instalove, was sweet and fluffy and the juxtaposition between that and the bleakness of war going on around them made my reading experience all the more palpable.
I do not think I'd be opposed to reading another book by this author!
October 13, 2024
ARC REVIEW: This is a cozy romantasy that is a must-read of this season!!
Prince of Fortune is a captivating romantasy that weaves together themes of love, longing, and the complexities of a world torn apart by war. The romance between the protagonists is adorable! Drawing in readers into their intense desire to be together despite the odds stacked against them.
The humor interspersed throughout the narrative adds a delightful layer, *cough cough* Aubrey in general haha! The love letters exchanged between the characters are beautifully written, providing a glimpse into their innermost thoughts and deepening the reader's connection to their journey. This reminded me so much of Divine Rivals, Hamilton, Captive Prince, Bridgerton, and Shadow and Bone.
The fantasy elements are equally impressive, with a unique magic system and a host of intriguing creatures that enrich the world-building. Overall, Prince of Fortune is a mesmerizing tale that combines romance, humor, and a richly crafted fantasy world.
Prince of Fortune is a captivating romantasy that weaves together themes of love, longing, and the complexities of a world torn apart by war. The romance between the protagonists is adorable! Drawing in readers into their intense desire to be together despite the odds stacked against them.
The humor interspersed throughout the narrative adds a delightful layer, *cough cough* Aubrey in general haha! The love letters exchanged between the characters are beautifully written, providing a glimpse into their innermost thoughts and deepening the reader's connection to their journey. This reminded me so much of Divine Rivals, Hamilton, Captive Prince, Bridgerton, and Shadow and Bone.
The fantasy elements are equally impressive, with a unique magic system and a host of intriguing creatures that enrich the world-building. Overall, Prince of Fortune is a mesmerizing tale that combines romance, humor, and a richly crafted fantasy world.
did-not-finish
February 15, 2025good plot but love at first sight isn't my thing
October 14, 2024
i received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review of my own free will :)
WOOF. this was a lovely, if not stressful, read. aubrey and edmund’s relationship is possibly one of my favorites i’ve had the pleasure to read. their devotion to each other never once wavered and i LOVED that. there was even a thought of cheating or anything similar and i can’t begin to express how happy that made me. the happiness they gave each other was just so nice to read, i haven’t read a book that showed such utter adoration between the love interests.
the plot itself was So well done. it’s not a genre i would normally read, politics and wars stressing me out so much but im so so glad that i read this book. was i stressed? oh yeah. i had to take breaks reading, frequently, due to stressing over what might happen and the like but it engaged me. i can easily tell you the plot for the entire novel, something i rarely have due to memory issues. the time skips were very well woven through the story to allow for no lapses in plot and keeping it moving along. however it allowed the reader to feel for aubrey and edmund, for their being apart but also for the war they were in. this novel tugged at my heartstrings a lot and kept me on the edge of my seat. however, the plot was genuinely one of the best i’ve seen in a while. so well done and thought out and the twists always worked so well but weren’t too much or too little. the writing was just so well done i don’t know what to say, im a bit at a loss for words if im completely honest. the ending was such a perfect tie up as well. i can’t recommend this book enough, even if i was stressed out reading it
WOOF. this was a lovely, if not stressful, read. aubrey and edmund’s relationship is possibly one of my favorites i’ve had the pleasure to read. their devotion to each other never once wavered and i LOVED that. there was even a thought of cheating or anything similar and i can’t begin to express how happy that made me. the happiness they gave each other was just so nice to read, i haven’t read a book that showed such utter adoration between the love interests.
the plot itself was So well done. it’s not a genre i would normally read, politics and wars stressing me out so much but im so so glad that i read this book. was i stressed? oh yeah. i had to take breaks reading, frequently, due to stressing over what might happen and the like but it engaged me. i can easily tell you the plot for the entire novel, something i rarely have due to memory issues. the time skips were very well woven through the story to allow for no lapses in plot and keeping it moving along. however it allowed the reader to feel for aubrey and edmund, for their being apart but also for the war they were in. this novel tugged at my heartstrings a lot and kept me on the edge of my seat. however, the plot was genuinely one of the best i’ve seen in a while. so well done and thought out and the twists always worked so well but weren’t too much or too little. the writing was just so well done i don’t know what to say, im a bit at a loss for words if im completely honest. the ending was such a perfect tie up as well. i can’t recommend this book enough, even if i was stressed out reading it
February 18, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 0/5
This book was hands down one of the most alluring and sweet YA novels I have read in a long while!
“You’re stuck with me.”
“Please stay stuck.”
It is a soft romantasy featuring a young Prince Edmund with unprecedented powers and the witty Lord Aubrey Ainsley, who steals his heart as they grapple with the feelings that come with first love and surviving a war where the odds are stacked against them.
Although this book is set in a gorgeously written world filled with political intrigue and a stunning magic system, it was the romance between Edmund and Aubrey that had me hooked. They were so charming and beautifully portrayed, to the point where you could not help but fall in love with them as they desperately fight battles on multiple fronts to stay together. Simply put, their love story is a sweet war-torn romance with the unique feeling of young love that made me want to inject this book into my veins.
“I am yours. I get to be yours.”
“Yes, but whatever took you so long?”
As for the plot itself, it was an easy-to-follow incredible story of political intrigue and a magical war. It was perfectly paced and well-written, balancing the softness and sweetness of the romance plot really well.
This book was just absolutely lovely and is deserving of all the praise. An instant 5 star read that I cannot recommend enough!
Thank you Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy!
🌶️ 0/5
This book was hands down one of the most alluring and sweet YA novels I have read in a long while!
“You’re stuck with me.”
“Please stay stuck.”
It is a soft romantasy featuring a young Prince Edmund with unprecedented powers and the witty Lord Aubrey Ainsley, who steals his heart as they grapple with the feelings that come with first love and surviving a war where the odds are stacked against them.
Although this book is set in a gorgeously written world filled with political intrigue and a stunning magic system, it was the romance between Edmund and Aubrey that had me hooked. They were so charming and beautifully portrayed, to the point where you could not help but fall in love with them as they desperately fight battles on multiple fronts to stay together. Simply put, their love story is a sweet war-torn romance with the unique feeling of young love that made me want to inject this book into my veins.
“I am yours. I get to be yours.”
“Yes, but whatever took you so long?”
As for the plot itself, it was an easy-to-follow incredible story of political intrigue and a magical war. It was perfectly paced and well-written, balancing the softness and sweetness of the romance plot really well.
This book was just absolutely lovely and is deserving of all the praise. An instant 5 star read that I cannot recommend enough!
Thank you Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy!
October 10, 2024
A wonderful fantasy with a sweet romance at its heart. A prince coming into his magic AND his position. A lieutenant whose ability to see the future just might help save his people...and his prince. Tirreno paints a lively world and a true coming-of-age story against the backdrop of a looming war between ancient enemies. The magic system is a fresh take on elemental magic, as well as some fun (or not? lol) with golem creatures! And while our heroes do experience some opposition to their relationship, they are also supported beautifully and wholly by their families and the joy in that is both palpable and beautiful.
March 15, 2025
This book was such a sweet wholesome romance with a loveable cast of characters, set against a dark background of war and brutality. Prince of Fortune was a wonderful blend of cosiness and goriness. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Want to read
May 26, 2024rw&rb meets a darker shade of magic? sign me tf up
July 20, 2025
So to be honest I didn’t have super high hopes for this book. I saw many reviews proclaiming it to be insta love which I really dislike, but I was hoping it would be a nice palate cleanser after some thick literary fiction I’ve been reading recently. And then somehow, I found myself finishing this book in about 6 hours. I loved it!
I did not find this to be instalove at all. I mean, they certainly have a crush on each other instantly? They are teenagers, after all. Or maybe people feel this way because we aren’t watching each and every moment of their interaction up to being together? I found this to be more of a book about two people BEING in love than necessarily about falling in love, and I thought it was wonderful! Honestly I think calling it a romantasy is a little bit misleading, so I can understand why people may be disappointed in it.
Not to mention that this was a WAR book, which was completely unexpected how much of the plot centered around it! Half of the book takes place in forts, in hospitals, on the battleground, etc. The plot absolutely sucked in me and I couldn’t stop reading once I started.
And finally, to touch on my favorite part of the story, I was so intrigued by the role of fate here. If someone only does something because it’s fated, is it truly fated? So interesting!
I’m not going to claim this is a masterpiece of the highest quality, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably reread at some point to catch the details I went too fast to find the first time around.
In the end:
6/5
I did not find this to be instalove at all. I mean, they certainly have a crush on each other instantly? They are teenagers, after all. Or maybe people feel this way because we aren’t watching each and every moment of their interaction up to being together? I found this to be more of a book about two people BEING in love than necessarily about falling in love, and I thought it was wonderful! Honestly I think calling it a romantasy is a little bit misleading, so I can understand why people may be disappointed in it.
Not to mention that this was a WAR book, which was completely unexpected how much of the plot centered around it! Half of the book takes place in forts, in hospitals, on the battleground, etc. The plot absolutely sucked in me and I couldn’t stop reading once I started.
And finally, to touch on my favorite part of the story, I was so intrigued by the role of fate here. If someone only does something because it’s fated, is it truly fated? So interesting!
I’m not going to claim this is a masterpiece of the highest quality, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably reread at some point to catch the details I went too fast to find the first time around.
In the end:
6/5
September 10, 2024
4.5 stars
Thank you Simon & Schuster Childrens and Netgalley for providing me with an a-ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this book, oh my goodness. It was the perfect balance of romance and political war story and I loved every minute of it.
Sweet little prince Edmund captured my heart from the start. He’s so shy and awkward and anxious and I just felt for him so much. I understood how exhausting he found his duties and social obligations and how desperately he wanted to do well with the position he had.
I loved how Aubrey instantly put him at ease. It was like he could read him intuitively and just knew all the right things to say. I really loved getting to know Aubrey better as a character during the war. He really shone in the second half of this book and I was on the edge of my seat during some of his more climactic moments.
These two were just so perfect together and the way the whole kingdom rallied around them made my heart full.
The war and politics felt really well handled. There was a small part towards the middle of this book where I grew a bit restless with it and I’m still not sure if it was my mood or something with the book itself. Regardless, it was only a small blip in a fantastic, gripping read.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Childrens and Netgalley for providing me with an a-ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this book, oh my goodness. It was the perfect balance of romance and political war story and I loved every minute of it.
Sweet little prince Edmund captured my heart from the start. He’s so shy and awkward and anxious and I just felt for him so much. I understood how exhausting he found his duties and social obligations and how desperately he wanted to do well with the position he had.
I loved how Aubrey instantly put him at ease. It was like he could read him intuitively and just knew all the right things to say. I really loved getting to know Aubrey better as a character during the war. He really shone in the second half of this book and I was on the edge of my seat during some of his more climactic moments.
These two were just so perfect together and the way the whole kingdom rallied around them made my heart full.
The war and politics felt really well handled. There was a small part towards the middle of this book where I grew a bit restless with it and I’m still not sure if it was my mood or something with the book itself. Regardless, it was only a small blip in a fantastic, gripping read.
February 4, 2025
4.5/5, this was actually amazing, what a debut by Lisa Tirreno! I will definitely be reading more. I was excited by the prospect of the sort-of regency romance and that the novel was compared to RWRB, and also that it includes political intrigue. I will say that despite the description I was still very surprised at the tonal shift from romance to war, but the suspense and the vibes of the first part of the story in which they’re anticipating war and then actually in war was very well done. the actual war was horrific and gruesome. I will say war stories are not generally my taste, but I thought the storytelling was really solid and the moments within the war of love and care from all the characters including minor and side characters was really lovely, and I found myself enjoying even the war parts. the best part of the novel in my opinion was the last third, with the big battle and then political negotiations and resolution. I looooooved that and I thought it was so great to see where everyone ended up. I really did enjoy this one!
October 25, 2024
3.5 stars
December 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Although I can’t help but think the story would’ve been served better as an Adult series as opposed to a YA standalone. There’s only so much depth you can give to a queer relationship seeking acceptance/the horrors of war/burden of having magic superpowers plot lines in one book. All these ideas were great but just not enough page space dedicated to them. Still I really liked it, especially once we got to the war storyline. Both narrators for the audio did wonderful as well
November 14, 2024
Talk about a good fantasy- the stakes were high, real, and I never had any doubt that I should worry for my fragile psyche. God these characters are just plain good and kind, and that made them better in a world that should have made them cruel and wicked. They understood responsibility and that tragedy of life and took it all in stride. I wish I had Aubrey’s poetic words to describe how much I absolutely adored this book.
March 31, 2024
I received an advance copy of Prince of Fortune. It is an absolutely swoon worthy tale of romance and magic set is a deliciously elaborate world full of intriguing and endearing characters. Aubrey and Edmund will have you falling in love with them from page one as they embark on a grand affair full of visions, mysteries, and magical warfare! Grab a copy and settle in with a nice cup of tea!
May 14, 2025
An absolute delight
What a delightful book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two young men. The twists and turns around the war were well done. The ending, sadly, seems to be a true ending – I would love to read more about Edmond and Aubrey and their families.
What a delightful book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two young men. The twists and turns around the war were well done. The ending, sadly, seems to be a true ending – I would love to read more about Edmond and Aubrey and their families.
August 9, 2025
This book made me cry happy and sad tears, it had surprising twists and the characters felt deep on a personal level- and the writing was just great- overall I absolutely love this book definitely one of my faves
December 5, 2024
The cover of this book caught my eye at my local library. Loved this book! Beautiful love story! 10/10 would recommend
November 19, 2024
This book is charming!
May 28, 2025
You know a book is bad when not even the gays can save it. And I’m convinced that anyone who gave this book anything higher than two stars is an npc because what even was that?
I understand this is a debut and i’m sure Tirreno put her heart and soul into this, but it was torturous to read and I think this book needed to go back to the drawing board. Or even better: rewritten.
I know I shouldn’t keep hoping for the writing to pale in comparison to Brando Sando or RF Kuang, but every time I’d read a fight/battle scene, all I could think was ‘Sanderson does this way better’ or ‘RF Kuang actually makes me FEEL things for her characters’
Sigh.
I’ve wasted too long on this book so i’ll keep this review short. These are the books main problems. And since I gave this book one star, the issues are endless
o There are too many characters. Seriously. None of them besides our main two are memorable and they all blend into one another. They’re also given no introduction and are often just thrown onto the page randomly. Who are you? Where did you come from? Questions that will never be answered.
o The romance is not believable. They fall in love on like page 10. Yeah. No build up, no yearning. Nothing.
o The story is messy and all tell, no show. For 95% of the book, I couldn’t follow the story. And not through lack of trying. I tried over and over to sit down in a quiet room and really try to understand what I was reading. But I just couldn’t. One minute Aubrey was in Honal, the next he was in hospital? How? This book reads like a dream. Random confusing scenes with nothing to link them. And, it’s all tell. The big take down of Honal isn’t even shown. It’s just told in the aftermath which is just weird.
o Another problem with the story is there’s barely one there. Aubrey and Edmund meet at this ball, fall in love and then a series of confusing events occur. There are a few border skirmishes, political issues and some miscommunication between Aubrey and Edmund. Could I tell you what the politics involved? Not really. None of it was coherent and I’ve read POTOT, where politics were front and centre. Then there’s the whole Honal thing where they believe Saben to be the problem so that’s why they’ve been attacking them, but it’s written so poorly that you never feel anything. At least I didn’t.
o The emotion. If I can’t get emotionally invested, then the book can’t be rated above a two. There was this moment when we think Aubrey died in this attack on the Third battalion, but he didn’t? I wasn’t even worried. And I should’ve been! I should’ve been scared or worried but I just felt nothing. And even when Edmund asked Aubrey what happened, even he couldn’t understand how everything happened so easily. So even the main character realises how winning the war and having everything handed to him seemed too simple? What.
o While the writing wasn’t awful, (I can tell the author is skilled at what she does), it was still very basic. The fight scenes were terribly written and need work, the descriptions of places were non existent. I still have no idea what this world looks like. And the character depth was severely lacking.
o Having guns and then magic didn’t work. It could, but here it didn’t. Especially since magic was introduced from the start but then there was suddenly guns? Weird.
o World-building was non existent. This ties into the writing but there was literally no world building. There’s no sense of the bigger picture, no sense of what’s happening in other parts of the world. And no the other places they visit don’t count since they were basically just similar to Saben.
o This book was slow. Slower than a snail at 0.5x speed. Until page 170, nothing happens. I wish I was joking. Up until that point it’s meandering court drama and this silly miscommunication where Edmund thinks Aubrey is cheating on him with Malmsy. I think that was his name? Who knows. None of them were memorable. It doesn’t help this was written in ‘ye olde english’ style, so the already slower pace was slowed down even further while I struggled to get used to their speech patterns. Please save me.
The worst part of this is I never even got a pay off. There wasn’t a single scene I thought was good or interesting or emotional. It was one long boring political meeting with confusing dialogue, random battle scenes that were poorly written and a romance that came out of no where. And a final battle that was off screen coupled with non existent world building, boring side characters with the combined personalities of a walnut and a slow pace that had me falling asleep. I’m ashamed to say I even preferred Song of Silver, flame like night. At least that book had a direction.
Time to put this book on Vinted and pretend it never existed.
I understand this is a debut and i’m sure Tirreno put her heart and soul into this, but it was torturous to read and I think this book needed to go back to the drawing board. Or even better: rewritten.
I know I shouldn’t keep hoping for the writing to pale in comparison to Brando Sando or RF Kuang, but every time I’d read a fight/battle scene, all I could think was ‘Sanderson does this way better’ or ‘RF Kuang actually makes me FEEL things for her characters’
Sigh.
I’ve wasted too long on this book so i’ll keep this review short. These are the books main problems. And since I gave this book one star, the issues are endless
o There are too many characters. Seriously. None of them besides our main two are memorable and they all blend into one another. They’re also given no introduction and are often just thrown onto the page randomly. Who are you? Where did you come from? Questions that will never be answered.
o The romance is not believable. They fall in love on like page 10. Yeah. No build up, no yearning. Nothing.
o The story is messy and all tell, no show. For 95% of the book, I couldn’t follow the story. And not through lack of trying. I tried over and over to sit down in a quiet room and really try to understand what I was reading. But I just couldn’t. One minute Aubrey was in Honal, the next he was in hospital? How? This book reads like a dream. Random confusing scenes with nothing to link them. And, it’s all tell. The big take down of Honal isn’t even shown. It’s just told in the aftermath which is just weird.
o Another problem with the story is there’s barely one there. Aubrey and Edmund meet at this ball, fall in love and then a series of confusing events occur. There are a few border skirmishes, political issues and some miscommunication between Aubrey and Edmund. Could I tell you what the politics involved? Not really. None of it was coherent and I’ve read POTOT, where politics were front and centre. Then there’s the whole Honal thing where they believe Saben to be the problem so that’s why they’ve been attacking them, but it’s written so poorly that you never feel anything. At least I didn’t.
o The emotion. If I can’t get emotionally invested, then the book can’t be rated above a two. There was this moment when we think Aubrey died in this attack on the Third battalion, but he didn’t? I wasn’t even worried. And I should’ve been! I should’ve been scared or worried but I just felt nothing. And even when Edmund asked Aubrey what happened, even he couldn’t understand how everything happened so easily. So even the main character realises how winning the war and having everything handed to him seemed too simple? What.
o While the writing wasn’t awful, (I can tell the author is skilled at what she does), it was still very basic. The fight scenes were terribly written and need work, the descriptions of places were non existent. I still have no idea what this world looks like. And the character depth was severely lacking.
o Having guns and then magic didn’t work. It could, but here it didn’t. Especially since magic was introduced from the start but then there was suddenly guns? Weird.
o World-building was non existent. This ties into the writing but there was literally no world building. There’s no sense of the bigger picture, no sense of what’s happening in other parts of the world. And no the other places they visit don’t count since they were basically just similar to Saben.
o This book was slow. Slower than a snail at 0.5x speed. Until page 170, nothing happens. I wish I was joking. Up until that point it’s meandering court drama and this silly miscommunication where Edmund thinks Aubrey is cheating on him with Malmsy. I think that was his name? Who knows. None of them were memorable. It doesn’t help this was written in ‘ye olde english’ style, so the already slower pace was slowed down even further while I struggled to get used to their speech patterns. Please save me.
The worst part of this is I never even got a pay off. There wasn’t a single scene I thought was good or interesting or emotional. It was one long boring political meeting with confusing dialogue, random battle scenes that were poorly written and a romance that came out of no where. And a final battle that was off screen coupled with non existent world building, boring side characters with the combined personalities of a walnut and a slow pace that had me falling asleep. I’m ashamed to say I even preferred Song of Silver, flame like night. At least that book had a direction.
Time to put this book on Vinted and pretend it never existed.
November 3, 2025
“I love you. I’ll always love you. I think I was in love with you within minutes of our first meeting. Marry me. Please.”
Well done romantasy that features a gruesome war that is visceral and macabre. A percentage of the narrative is told through letters and news stories, but the careful details the author integrates into the main narrative carry the day in terms of top-notch world-building.
I’ve already ordered my hardcover copy and look forward to more from this author.
Well done romantasy that features a gruesome war that is visceral and macabre. A percentage of the narrative is told through letters and news stories, but the careful details the author integrates into the main narrative carry the day in terms of top-notch world-building.
I’ve already ordered my hardcover copy and look forward to more from this author.
February 21, 2025
Right out of the ER is when I decided to read this. My bedridden self decided that this was the perfect way to spend my recovery: Crying over Aubrey and Edmund. I love them so much.
Let's talk about the characters first. I saw myself so much in Edmund. His tendency to overthink and doubt himself is so real. As he became more confident in himself and his abilities, it made me think about myself growing and becoming confident. And Aubrey. I loved that he wasn't just a random boy the prince fell in love with. He was a Lieutenant and a Seer and eventually got in with the Honal people. And the way he handled Edmund's anxiety was so perfect to me. Lisa Tirreno really reminded me how single I was there. "Darling" and "my love," I mean how could I not be jealous. I need an Aubrey to my Edmund please. Anyway, all of the supporting characters added so much too. Lady Ainsley and Alicia were my favorites. Sir J and Mattheson were iconic as well. I was never asking myself why this character was there, they were all necessary.
Moving onto the plot. I loved how the balls and dances in the beginning led up to Edmund and Aubrey's relationship. It helped to establish their love before they went off to war. The different roles everyone played all made sense. And when we got to the end where Edmund took away their magic water, it was so beautifully connected to Aubrey's fight with Honal leaders. The way Edmund could feel that the air felt different made everything click. I especially loved how Aubrey's visions made sense differently than how originally expected. I also appreciate how the book didn't end immediately after the war. Instead, it showed them piecing the country back together and working towards peace with Honal. And of course, Edmund and Aubrey's marriage (yes, I did cry). After waiting for these two to be allowed to tie the knot, it was quite gratifying finish reading the book with Edmund being obsessed with the way Aubrey calls him "husband."
I loved this book so much. I can tell this will be one of the books I will read over and over again. And I know I'll love it more every time. And thank you Lisa Tirreno for making me believe in love again. Hopefully my future partner will take notes from Aubrey...
Let's talk about the characters first. I saw myself so much in Edmund. His tendency to overthink and doubt himself is so real. As he became more confident in himself and his abilities, it made me think about myself growing and becoming confident. And Aubrey. I loved that he wasn't just a random boy the prince fell in love with. He was a Lieutenant and a Seer and eventually got in with the Honal people. And the way he handled Edmund's anxiety was so perfect to me. Lisa Tirreno really reminded me how single I was there. "Darling" and "my love," I mean how could I not be jealous. I need an Aubrey to my Edmund please. Anyway, all of the supporting characters added so much too. Lady Ainsley and Alicia were my favorites. Sir J and Mattheson were iconic as well. I was never asking myself why this character was there, they were all necessary.
Moving onto the plot. I loved how the balls and dances in the beginning led up to Edmund and Aubrey's relationship. It helped to establish their love before they went off to war. The different roles everyone played all made sense. And when we got to the end where Edmund took away their magic water, it was so beautifully connected to Aubrey's fight with Honal leaders. The way Edmund could feel that the air felt different made everything click. I especially loved how Aubrey's visions made sense differently than how originally expected. I also appreciate how the book didn't end immediately after the war. Instead, it showed them piecing the country back together and working towards peace with Honal. And of course, Edmund and Aubrey's marriage (yes, I did cry). After waiting for these two to be allowed to tie the knot, it was quite gratifying finish reading the book with Edmund being obsessed with the way Aubrey calls him "husband."
I loved this book so much. I can tell this will be one of the books I will read over and over again. And I know I'll love it more every time. And thank you Lisa Tirreno for making me believe in love again. Hopefully my future partner will take notes from Aubrey...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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