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The Dragon Queen Duology #1
The Seventh Champion
A dragon princess joins forces with a scarred prince to escape a competition for her hand in marriage, unaware he is hiding dark secrets of his own in the first of a new romantasy duology from the author of Bride of the Shadow King.
Swept from her quiet life as an apothecary’s apprentice to the treacherous court of the High King, Rosie Harpwood is shocked to discover she is the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Reawakening her dormant magic is the kingdom's only hope for salvation, but the journey is perilous, and she'll need a champion to guide her. So the High King hosts a series of trials to determine which prince is worthy of the honor — as well as claiming Rosie's hand in marriage.
Rosie, however, has other ideas.
A talented healer and lover of small, fluffy creatures, Rosie wants nothing to do with demon queens or saving the world. Determined to escape this fate, she joins forces with one of the champions to plot her getaway. Prince Valtar may be enigmatic and a little bit terrifying, but something about him makes her blood burn in ways that have nothing to do with her dragon heritage.
Trained from youth to serve the Dragon Queen, Valtar has proven himself a ruthless assassin. Posing as a suitor to get close enough to his target shouldn't be a problem. But Valtar wasn’t planning on his target being Rosie, the girl he failed to assassinate years ago . . . who has haunted his dreams ever since.
Swept from her quiet life as an apothecary’s apprentice to the treacherous court of the High King, Rosie Harpwood is shocked to discover she is the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Reawakening her dormant magic is the kingdom's only hope for salvation, but the journey is perilous, and she'll need a champion to guide her. So the High King hosts a series of trials to determine which prince is worthy of the honor — as well as claiming Rosie's hand in marriage.
Rosie, however, has other ideas.
A talented healer and lover of small, fluffy creatures, Rosie wants nothing to do with demon queens or saving the world. Determined to escape this fate, she joins forces with one of the champions to plot her getaway. Prince Valtar may be enigmatic and a little bit terrifying, but something about him makes her blood burn in ways that have nothing to do with her dragon heritage.
Trained from youth to serve the Dragon Queen, Valtar has proven himself a ruthless assassin. Posing as a suitor to get close enough to his target shouldn't be a problem. But Valtar wasn’t planning on his target being Rosie, the girl he failed to assassinate years ago . . . who has haunted his dreams ever since.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2025
97 people are currently reading
15843 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
42 books2,280 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
November 11, 2025
This is god tier romantasy.
This is what I’m looking for when I want fantasy and romance. This is it. This is it. This is it.
“How long will I be able to resist kissing her?
How long will I be able to resist killing her?”
To escape a royal contest for her hand, a princess allies with a brooding prince. Little does she know… he’s the assassin sworn to take her life.
“I must take up my true name once again. A name I forswore long ago. And with that name, I will become her champion. With that name, I will become her death.”
I’m a sucker for an assassin book. How is this not the ultimate forbidden romance temptation of a story. I’m literally sweating the entire time like… is he going to unalive her or devour her whole?!
You’re going to go into this book saying… Lauren what do you mean it’s the slowest of slow burns… and then you will trust the process… because you trust me… and go… oh my word. Did I really just read that? Did I really just go through that?
“I must court her favor, win every trial, and appear to be above reproach. A worthy, true-hearted champion. And I must feel nothing. Until the moment I end her life. Until the moment I hold her heart in my hand.”
I finished this book… this book finished me… and I’ve been in shock ever since.
This might be one of my favorite male main characters of all time. He’s brooding and mysterious to a level I had yet to encounter.
And the female main character?? I love her. I love her with all my heart. She is so sweet and kind and sharp but still trusting and still a little naive. I feel like we’re growing right along side her and her journey… it’s wild.
I haven’t read a book like this before. This is such a refreshing take on romantasy and romance and fantasy and world building… I was legitimately bewitched.
This story has everything I love. Trials. Hidden identities. Secret meetings. Stolen glances. Arranged marriages. Villains… and I mean VILLAINS. Like… you find out some of the things they’ve done and you’re nauseous and sweating.
This story gave me Game of Thrones vibes and even a sprinkle of Lord of the Rings vibes. I can tell that so much love and care was poured into this world and it’s history and even with all that we’ve learned. How much is packed into this story… we are just getting started.
The trials are incredible. Like... edge of your seat cannot take a breath incredible.
There’s a “who did this to you?” moment that had me hyperventilating.
When I found out this was going to be a duology my jaw fell to the floor. If book one is this good… I’m going to have to hold book two with oven mitts because it’s going to be scorching with action, romance, and adventure.
The way the male main character is described… “He shifts on his feet. A slight change of position, but something about it conveys an impression of tremendous power only just contained.”
That’s how he is the entire book. I want to crack him open like an egg… but the mystery of this man… it’s tasty. Delicious. He’s stoic and sturdy and stormy and handsome… I could literally gush about this man for hours.
“He is like the very soul of fire itself, hot and unpredictable and consuming.”
And the female main character is flighty and cute and feisty but strong and she rambles and is clumsy but has so much heart and tenacity I love her!!!
There are training sessions too that are sooooo much fun so full of tension and care but balancing trust on a knifes edge. It’s so intense it’s incredible.
“How else can I explain this bizarre draw I feel? This need to be in her presence, to breathe her air? This urge to protect her from all danger. I was overcome with unexpected murderous fury. But that is not who I am. I do not rage. I do not fear. I do not feel. Feelings are the luxury of a man, and I am no man, not anymore.”
And the emotional depth of what these characters are going through. These are the stories I live and breath. The stories that make me think about hard choices and scenarios and how I can face them in stories and in real life with bravery, honor, and above all else, love.
Don’t run to read this… climb atop a dragon and sail to the nearest book store to devour this story… immediately.
This is what I’m looking for when I want fantasy and romance. This is it. This is it. This is it.
“How long will I be able to resist kissing her?
How long will I be able to resist killing her?”
To escape a royal contest for her hand, a princess allies with a brooding prince. Little does she know… he’s the assassin sworn to take her life.
“I must take up my true name once again. A name I forswore long ago. And with that name, I will become her champion. With that name, I will become her death.”
I’m a sucker for an assassin book. How is this not the ultimate forbidden romance temptation of a story. I’m literally sweating the entire time like… is he going to unalive her or devour her whole?!
You’re going to go into this book saying… Lauren what do you mean it’s the slowest of slow burns… and then you will trust the process… because you trust me… and go… oh my word. Did I really just read that? Did I really just go through that?
“I must court her favor, win every trial, and appear to be above reproach. A worthy, true-hearted champion. And I must feel nothing. Until the moment I end her life. Until the moment I hold her heart in my hand.”
I finished this book… this book finished me… and I’ve been in shock ever since.
This might be one of my favorite male main characters of all time. He’s brooding and mysterious to a level I had yet to encounter.
And the female main character?? I love her. I love her with all my heart. She is so sweet and kind and sharp but still trusting and still a little naive. I feel like we’re growing right along side her and her journey… it’s wild.
I haven’t read a book like this before. This is such a refreshing take on romantasy and romance and fantasy and world building… I was legitimately bewitched.
This story has everything I love. Trials. Hidden identities. Secret meetings. Stolen glances. Arranged marriages. Villains… and I mean VILLAINS. Like… you find out some of the things they’ve done and you’re nauseous and sweating.
This story gave me Game of Thrones vibes and even a sprinkle of Lord of the Rings vibes. I can tell that so much love and care was poured into this world and it’s history and even with all that we’ve learned. How much is packed into this story… we are just getting started.
The trials are incredible. Like... edge of your seat cannot take a breath incredible.
There’s a “who did this to you?” moment that had me hyperventilating.
When I found out this was going to be a duology my jaw fell to the floor. If book one is this good… I’m going to have to hold book two with oven mitts because it’s going to be scorching with action, romance, and adventure.
The way the male main character is described… “He shifts on his feet. A slight change of position, but something about it conveys an impression of tremendous power only just contained.”
That’s how he is the entire book. I want to crack him open like an egg… but the mystery of this man… it’s tasty. Delicious. He’s stoic and sturdy and stormy and handsome… I could literally gush about this man for hours.
“He is like the very soul of fire itself, hot and unpredictable and consuming.”
And the female main character is flighty and cute and feisty but strong and she rambles and is clumsy but has so much heart and tenacity I love her!!!
There are training sessions too that are sooooo much fun so full of tension and care but balancing trust on a knifes edge. It’s so intense it’s incredible.
“How else can I explain this bizarre draw I feel? This need to be in her presence, to breathe her air? This urge to protect her from all danger. I was overcome with unexpected murderous fury. But that is not who I am. I do not rage. I do not fear. I do not feel. Feelings are the luxury of a man, and I am no man, not anymore.”
And the emotional depth of what these characters are going through. These are the stories I live and breath. The stories that make me think about hard choices and scenarios and how I can face them in stories and in real life with bravery, honor, and above all else, love.
Don’t run to read this… climb atop a dragon and sail to the nearest book store to devour this story… immediately.
January 4, 2026
I was enchanted from the moment I read the opening line, and once I started reading, I could not stop. Full of charming wit, deadly trials, and the most delicious slow-burn yearning. I am utterly obsessed with this grumpy-sunshine pair!
November 5, 2025
thank you ace and berkley for the arc. i know the purpose of arcs is to get people excited, and i fear my review will do nothing to persuade anybody to pick this up, because DAMN this was a disappointment and just really bad.
i dont even know where to start. the potential was there, yet the execution failed horribly. first and foremost, i thought this was a standalone book, so when the beginning was moving slowly, i was prepared to stick it out. to my dismay, it's another goddamn duology (which is SO unnecessary), and the pacing in this NEVER picks up. i am over trials. i'm over competitions. i'm over all of these repetitive fantasy plots that have zero foundation. if this book had used its 400 something pages usefully and didn't plague the pages with unnecessary, dragging side plots and moments (like saving a fucking gremlin pet thing from a spider web, which spans for a handful of pages, and serves only for the MMC (who is suppose to kill her btw) to come to her rescue), then the pacing would have been better. unfortunately, this book focused majorly on rosie's insufferable internal monologue instead of building a GOOD world with rich politics and quite literally everything else. when i tell you each chapter had LONG paragraphs dedicated to her ruminating over valtar constantly, or what she would wear, or oh gods! rutting trials! i mean it. she had zero personality, and i didn't care about her. i wished valtar killed her because she was annoying as fuck. i hate when a fmc is supposed to be "soft" but she's just fucking stupid instead. a literal braindead bobble head is rosie harpwood.
valtar... he was described as enigmatic by rosie, but that would imply there is something interesting about him, which there isn't. he's a "shadow" prince, and skulks in dark corners, and spies on rosie, and that's it. there was hardly any good dialogue between the two of them, and his character was not developed enough (he had only a handful of chapters in his POV). meanwhile, this is the hero im supposed to root for? give me a break.
their romance was absolutely nonexistent. tension? not in the room with us. there was nothing compelling me of their romance whatsoever. but of course, he's broad chested, and strong and muscular... and oh gods! rosie shouldn't dare think these thoughts!
the general plot??? I dont know where it is truly... we follow these trials that are supposed to give rosie a suited husband to help her overthrow the dragon queen, and maybe it's just me, but i thought we'd be on the journey TO where the queen is, and not doing these trials in a literal basement?🫤 and they weren't even fun or entertaining. also justice for elis. he was the strongest character in this entire book and i'm sad he wasn't the main one. the fantasy elements just were not strong enough. it felt like an unfinished draft if im being honest. (which would explain why it's something hundred pages with zero progression). i've read this recycled smoothie of a book a million times. it didn't even bother trying to do anything new. and the "Who did this to you?" moment (not that I read this for that moment, i didn't know it would be in it) was so fucking stupid. im begging authors to stop relying on tropes to write the books for them and to think of a meaningful plot instead.
the writing in this was not great. the dialogue tried to replicate a regency-esque vibe, but was only really present in rosie's dialogue and nobody else's. i'm not really sure how else to describe it. each chapter was long with rosie's internal monologue as mentioned, and none of it served to develop the plot. it was all filler. i kept waiting for this to do something original, unique, or even a sliver of interesting, and it didn't.
the "twist"? predictable and overdone.
the best part of this book was when i finished it and didn't have to read it anymore.
i dont even know where to start. the potential was there, yet the execution failed horribly. first and foremost, i thought this was a standalone book, so when the beginning was moving slowly, i was prepared to stick it out. to my dismay, it's another goddamn duology (which is SO unnecessary), and the pacing in this NEVER picks up. i am over trials. i'm over competitions. i'm over all of these repetitive fantasy plots that have zero foundation. if this book had used its 400 something pages usefully and didn't plague the pages with unnecessary, dragging side plots and moments (like saving a fucking gremlin pet thing from a spider web, which spans for a handful of pages, and serves only for the MMC (who is suppose to kill her btw) to come to her rescue), then the pacing would have been better. unfortunately, this book focused majorly on rosie's insufferable internal monologue instead of building a GOOD world with rich politics and quite literally everything else. when i tell you each chapter had LONG paragraphs dedicated to her ruminating over valtar constantly, or what she would wear, or oh gods! rutting trials! i mean it. she had zero personality, and i didn't care about her. i wished valtar killed her because she was annoying as fuck. i hate when a fmc is supposed to be "soft" but she's just fucking stupid instead. a literal braindead bobble head is rosie harpwood.
valtar... he was described as enigmatic by rosie, but that would imply there is something interesting about him, which there isn't. he's a "shadow" prince, and skulks in dark corners, and spies on rosie, and that's it. there was hardly any good dialogue between the two of them, and his character was not developed enough (he had only a handful of chapters in his POV). meanwhile, this is the hero im supposed to root for? give me a break.
their romance was absolutely nonexistent. tension? not in the room with us. there was nothing compelling me of their romance whatsoever. but of course, he's broad chested, and strong and muscular... and oh gods! rosie shouldn't dare think these thoughts!
the general plot??? I dont know where it is truly... we follow these trials that are supposed to give rosie a suited husband to help her overthrow the dragon queen, and maybe it's just me, but i thought we'd be on the journey TO where the queen is, and not doing these trials in a literal basement?🫤 and they weren't even fun or entertaining. also justice for elis. he was the strongest character in this entire book and i'm sad he wasn't the main one. the fantasy elements just were not strong enough. it felt like an unfinished draft if im being honest. (which would explain why it's something hundred pages with zero progression). i've read this recycled smoothie of a book a million times. it didn't even bother trying to do anything new. and the "Who did this to you?" moment (not that I read this for that moment, i didn't know it would be in it) was so fucking stupid. im begging authors to stop relying on tropes to write the books for them and to think of a meaningful plot instead.
the writing in this was not great. the dialogue tried to replicate a regency-esque vibe, but was only really present in rosie's dialogue and nobody else's. i'm not really sure how else to describe it. each chapter was long with rosie's internal monologue as mentioned, and none of it served to develop the plot. it was all filler. i kept waiting for this to do something original, unique, or even a sliver of interesting, and it didn't.
the "twist"? predictable and overdone.
the best part of this book was when i finished it and didn't have to read it anymore.
June 2, 2025
3.5 rounded up!!
this book was a lot of fun for the most part, i thought it was absolutely hilarious where we were dropped off in chapter 1, it made for a really fun introduction to Rosie & Valtar 😂. there were alot of great actions scenes & i loved how the plot played out, i cannot wait to get more of this world in book two!!
i only had two real issues with this book - one was the overuse of the word “scintil” it became really annoying really fast if im quite honest lol. second, the pacing of the story threw me off one too many times. i would go from laughing and being really intrigued to finding myself a bit bored.
i think i would have enjoyed this book much more with the audio than physically reading it. but overall i didnt have a bad time!!
this book was a lot of fun for the most part, i thought it was absolutely hilarious where we were dropped off in chapter 1, it made for a really fun introduction to Rosie & Valtar 😂. there were alot of great actions scenes & i loved how the plot played out, i cannot wait to get more of this world in book two!!
i only had two real issues with this book - one was the overuse of the word “scintil” it became really annoying really fast if im quite honest lol. second, the pacing of the story threw me off one too many times. i would go from laughing and being really intrigued to finding myself a bit bored.
i think i would have enjoyed this book much more with the audio than physically reading it. but overall i didnt have a bad time!!
May 25, 2025
"Blight these fancy trimmings! I'm going to have words with Philippa, so help me. She's trying to kill me with fashion, but I swear I won't go down quietly!"
Swept from her quiet life as an apothecary’s apprentice to the treacherous court of the High King, Rosie Harpwood is shocked to discover she is the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Reawakening her dormant magic is the kingdom's only hope for salvation, but the journey is perilous, and she'll need a champion to guide her. So the High King hosts a series of trials to determine which prince is worthy of the honor — as well as claiming Rosie's hand in marriage.
A talented healer and lover of small, fluffy creatures, Rosie wants nothing to do with demon queens or saving the world. Determined to escape this fate, she joins forces with one of the champions to plot her getaway.
Trained from youth to serve the Dragon Queen, Valtar has proven himself a ruthless assassin. Posing as a suitor to get close enough to his target shouldn't be a problem. But Valtar wasn’t planning on his target being Rosie, the girl he failed to assassinate years ago...
"It doesn't have to be real. Just convincing enough."
"Convincing enough for what?"
"To repulse Prince Taigan, of course."
"Ah."
"Do you think he is though?"
"Is what?"
"Repulsed."
3.5 stars. I was charmed by this absolutely GORGEOUS cover and charmed by the absolutely adorable run-on thought/question/supposition of Rosie. There are multiple conversations/thought strings just like the one above and it tickles me. It definitely needed her levity to balance the seriousness of the trials.
(One thing that bothered me was Valtar was described as being super broad. Look at that cover. He is slim. Which I'd prefer and seems more assassin-y but not so in the actual story. And since the cover is what drew me, it bothers me. But I digress.)
Coming off The Weaver Bride, where the trials weren't really a main event for me, the trials in The Seventh Champion were definitely a lot more defined, described, and well thought out. They were challenging and made sense for the expectations that the Champions would have following the tournament.
While readers will have to ~go with it~ on Valtar's reasons for not killing her yet, it does make for a cute story. And BONUS! the other champions were a plethora of various personalities. It's NOT just a tournament full of super attractive princes posturing and trying to win her hand. I liked that a lot.
I also liked that her background as an apothecary's apprentice was actually relevant to her decisions and thoughts throughout her new circumstances.
Embarrassment ought, by rights, to have killed me.
I didn't see one of the twists at the end though I suppose it really shouldn't have surprised me in hindsight...the foreshadowing was there if I cared to pay attention. While it definitely explains the fervor behind the whole savior plan, it raises some questions around her hatching that I'm hoping will be answered in the next book. And the...side effect...that Rosie has on Valtar's mental state will be interesting to explore in the next book also!
Would it damn my soul to eat hell-roasted rabbit?
Recommended for fantasy fans that love the competition trope!
Major thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm looking forward to book two!
Want to read
March 2, 2025A dragon princess joins forces with a scarred prince to escape a competition for her hand in marriage
November 11, 2025
Not the most original thing, but entertaining nonetheless.
This book is a standard, slow-heat romantasy. If someone told me this was a YA novel, I'd believe it. Barring the characters' ages. The female character is irreverent at times, which, to be fair, I think I would be as well, given the absolute ridiculousness of her circumstances at the start of this book.
Rosie is kind and soft-hearted, the sort of character you'd expect to be the chosen one. At times, she reminded me of Aang from Avatar because she is so against the idea of killing people, even if they mean to harm her or others. Yet that is a key aspect of her so-called destiny and the reason for the book's trials.
She is meant to slay her wicked mother with her champion by her side.
In terms of romance, I do enjoy Valtar and Rosie. I think they have natural chemistry and some witty banter. Though their feelings do seem to develop very quickly, I suppose that can be attributed to their situation. Neither of them has ever known love before. They have never had the connection they have with each other with anyone else. A part of me wonders if mates exist in this universe of dragons, because it would not surprise me to discover that's what they are.
Romantasy is often a balancing between the fantasy plot and the romance, where one aspect tends to prove stronger. In this case, it's the romance. I find myself far more curious about how the romance will progress versus how the plot will resolve. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do wish I cared a little more about the plot in general. Alas, we shall see if the next book changes my mind.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley | Ace Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book is a standard, slow-heat romantasy. If someone told me this was a YA novel, I'd believe it. Barring the characters' ages. The female character is irreverent at times, which, to be fair, I think I would be as well, given the absolute ridiculousness of her circumstances at the start of this book.
Rosie is kind and soft-hearted, the sort of character you'd expect to be the chosen one. At times, she reminded me of Aang from Avatar because she is so against the idea of killing people, even if they mean to harm her or others. Yet that is a key aspect of her so-called destiny and the reason for the book's trials.
She is meant to slay her wicked mother with her champion by her side.
In terms of romance, I do enjoy Valtar and Rosie. I think they have natural chemistry and some witty banter. Though their feelings do seem to develop very quickly, I suppose that can be attributed to their situation. Neither of them has ever known love before. They have never had the connection they have with each other with anyone else. A part of me wonders if mates exist in this universe of dragons, because it would not surprise me to discover that's what they are.
Romantasy is often a balancing between the fantasy plot and the romance, where one aspect tends to prove stronger. In this case, it's the romance. I find myself far more curious about how the romance will progress versus how the plot will resolve. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do wish I cared a little more about the plot in general. Alas, we shall see if the next book changes my mind.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley | Ace Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 6, 2025
I am not the target audience for this book. Our FMC and MMC were insufferable, with a lack of tension that felt forced and a plot that felt just as overdone as the romance. It can be loved and well-received by someone else, but the characters, pacing, and plot were off from the beginning. There wasn't enough meat to the story for me to be interested in picking up the second in this duology. I will recommend this book to those who want something a little more sweeping in romance and fantasy, though! It's like romantasy lite.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eArc.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eArc.
May 22, 2025
I really wasn't a fan of the flat out plagiarism of Rebecca Yarros. This book copy and pasted the Fourth Wing scene of Liam's death scene into this book while using the plot of Blooms of Darkness .
The book is extremely slow and does not give much.
The book is extremely slow and does not give much.
October 19, 2025
Oh yes.
I love Sylvia Mercedes' books so much, and I had such a good feeling this book, The Seventh Champion, would be extra extra special. And oh how it is! It's so special! It hits every trope perfectly! And it left me needing, wanting, and desperate for its sequel.
Rosie's quiet existence has been turned upside down after discovery and claim she is the daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen, and the only way to defeat the Queen is for Rosie to manifest into her powers and defeat the mother she has never known. Standing in her way? Herself. Rosie wants nothing to do with any of this. She finds solace in one of the champions who have arrived to win a competition for her hand in marriage, little does she know her new friend has been sent to assassinate her, not aid her. But maybe his heart will beg to differ…
Rosie is such a fabulous heroine! She has no desire to become a sacrificial princess or become some great big powerful being. She only wants to be a healer, especially of vulnerable animals. Her heart isn’t made for following prophecies or becoming an powerful being, her heart yearns for peace and quiet. And yearns for a love earned for heart, not power. Rosie is all sunshine, and I loved her kindness, gentleness, hopefulness, and sheer goodness. But I also appreciated how that didn’t make her a doormat, rather it enticed her to look out for herself if no one else was willing. Her softness doesn’t mean she isn’t strong. She has strength in heart and in courage. And I adore heroines just like Rosie. We need more Rosies in fantasy! Even as her situation changes, Rosie never loses the softness at her core. She doesn’t lose her smile or her hope. Hope can be such a fierce power.
And perhaps her hope will become just the thing to change a certain veiled assassin’s mind of his duty…enter Valtar.
I don’t want to give too much of Valtar away but his POVs became what I anticipated most throughout the narrative. His backstory is heart-wrenching, it paints him in an effectively sympathetic light, as we come to understand why he wants to accomplish the task at hand. The task of ending the life of Rosie. I understand as I also root for Valtar to change course. Because while his past may be shadowed in darkness and endless loss, we see a heart that still beats to the light of hope. A heart with a magnetic pull to protect Rosie. I am fascinated by the contradiction in Valtar. Here’s a man determined to achieve a goal to save someone dear to him, but every action he does moves further away from said goal. Valtar is truly torn, creating a battle within himself. The way he wrestles with himself had me holding my breath, unsure of what choice he will make. It makes him an unpredictable character in a way I relish, because I loved him without ever fully trusting him, allowing for the stakes in the plot to rise. Having that lack of guarantee in safety immediately buckles me in for the long run, knowing whatever this ride will become is one I will hold on tight to until the very end. And I intend to do just that!
Now let’s talk romance! The connection between Valtar and Rosie is almost instinctual. Like here is a pair that feels always meant to be and seeing them approach first cautiously then more determinedly that connection becomes all the more magnetic, it becomes a need not a want to see how their relationship evolves. I loved the way they build one another up. Through Rosie, Valtar’s sharp edges become softened. One minute he’s planning the best way to kill a princess, the next he’s saving a rat-like animal for her! He starts to see the world through her eyes, a world that can be full of hope and love, and it makes him question all he knows. In turn, Valtar teaches Rosie to protect herself. She’s like a lamb being led to the slaughter, no one is in her corner then Valtar teaching her how to watch out for those corners. He sees Rosie in a way she desperately needs and gifts her the very thing she first gifted him: friendship. A friendship that leads to so many possibilities.
From plot pacing, stakes rising, character build-up, and the gorgeous tease and development of romance: The Seventh Champion triumphs so beautifully. The game is set, and I’m here until the final match!
Thank you Berkley Romance, Ace, and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
I love Sylvia Mercedes' books so much, and I had such a good feeling this book, The Seventh Champion, would be extra extra special. And oh how it is! It's so special! It hits every trope perfectly! And it left me needing, wanting, and desperate for its sequel.
Rosie's quiet existence has been turned upside down after discovery and claim she is the daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen, and the only way to defeat the Queen is for Rosie to manifest into her powers and defeat the mother she has never known. Standing in her way? Herself. Rosie wants nothing to do with any of this. She finds solace in one of the champions who have arrived to win a competition for her hand in marriage, little does she know her new friend has been sent to assassinate her, not aid her. But maybe his heart will beg to differ…
Rosie is such a fabulous heroine! She has no desire to become a sacrificial princess or become some great big powerful being. She only wants to be a healer, especially of vulnerable animals. Her heart isn’t made for following prophecies or becoming an powerful being, her heart yearns for peace and quiet. And yearns for a love earned for heart, not power. Rosie is all sunshine, and I loved her kindness, gentleness, hopefulness, and sheer goodness. But I also appreciated how that didn’t make her a doormat, rather it enticed her to look out for herself if no one else was willing. Her softness doesn’t mean she isn’t strong. She has strength in heart and in courage. And I adore heroines just like Rosie. We need more Rosies in fantasy! Even as her situation changes, Rosie never loses the softness at her core. She doesn’t lose her smile or her hope. Hope can be such a fierce power.
And perhaps her hope will become just the thing to change a certain veiled assassin’s mind of his duty…enter Valtar.
I don’t want to give too much of Valtar away but his POVs became what I anticipated most throughout the narrative. His backstory is heart-wrenching, it paints him in an effectively sympathetic light, as we come to understand why he wants to accomplish the task at hand. The task of ending the life of Rosie. I understand as I also root for Valtar to change course. Because while his past may be shadowed in darkness and endless loss, we see a heart that still beats to the light of hope. A heart with a magnetic pull to protect Rosie. I am fascinated by the contradiction in Valtar. Here’s a man determined to achieve a goal to save someone dear to him, but every action he does moves further away from said goal. Valtar is truly torn, creating a battle within himself. The way he wrestles with himself had me holding my breath, unsure of what choice he will make. It makes him an unpredictable character in a way I relish, because I loved him without ever fully trusting him, allowing for the stakes in the plot to rise. Having that lack of guarantee in safety immediately buckles me in for the long run, knowing whatever this ride will become is one I will hold on tight to until the very end. And I intend to do just that!
Now let’s talk romance! The connection between Valtar and Rosie is almost instinctual. Like here is a pair that feels always meant to be and seeing them approach first cautiously then more determinedly that connection becomes all the more magnetic, it becomes a need not a want to see how their relationship evolves. I loved the way they build one another up. Through Rosie, Valtar’s sharp edges become softened. One minute he’s planning the best way to kill a princess, the next he’s saving a rat-like animal for her! He starts to see the world through her eyes, a world that can be full of hope and love, and it makes him question all he knows. In turn, Valtar teaches Rosie to protect herself. She’s like a lamb being led to the slaughter, no one is in her corner then Valtar teaching her how to watch out for those corners. He sees Rosie in a way she desperately needs and gifts her the very thing she first gifted him: friendship. A friendship that leads to so many possibilities.
From plot pacing, stakes rising, character build-up, and the gorgeous tease and development of romance: The Seventh Champion triumphs so beautifully. The game is set, and I’m here until the final match!
Thank you Berkley Romance, Ace, and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
July 4, 2025
Once again, a cover that pulled me right in! She’s so pretty! This is my first read of anything from Sylvia Mercedes and she didn’t disappoint. The Seventh Champion, is the first installment of a romantasy duology, that follows Rosie, an apothecary’s apprentice who is suddenly swept into a new life…more like her true identity. Rosie isn’t just some orphaned commoner but the daughter of the Dragon Queen, a not so nice lady. She’s thrown into the middle of a deadly competition for her hand in marriage, as it is a great honor for whomever wins can wrangle the title. Along the way, she partners with Prince Valtar, a broody and secretive assassin disguised as one of Rosie’s suitors in order to get close to her…in order to kill her. But fear not, not all plans go accordingly.
You betcha we get grumpy-sunshine, um hello, look at that cover. One could also say, enemies to friends to lovers, if you know…you know. Ugh and let’s not forget the sappiest one of them all, the assassin who falls for his mark 😏, that’s an oldie but a goodie. One of my biggest pet peeves is bad world building, it ain’t an easy job so I take it very seriously with a little bit of slack since I know how immersed and soul sucking creating something so hefty can be but I think Sylvia did a fantastic job. She provides a good amount of detail and sets the book up perfectly. Our heroine, Rosie, was perfect! She was the perfect mix of bubbly, smart and intriguing. The romance did feel a bit fast-paced early on in the book but I’m a sucker for that stuff but I do know that not everyone else is. I’m interested to see how Sylvia’s other books are since this one was great. I’m super thrilled to read the next book in the serious, so I know I’ll be on the look out for a release day after this cutie patootie.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group.
4 stars!
You betcha we get grumpy-sunshine, um hello, look at that cover. One could also say, enemies to friends to lovers, if you know…you know. Ugh and let’s not forget the sappiest one of them all, the assassin who falls for his mark 😏, that’s an oldie but a goodie. One of my biggest pet peeves is bad world building, it ain’t an easy job so I take it very seriously with a little bit of slack since I know how immersed and soul sucking creating something so hefty can be but I think Sylvia did a fantastic job. She provides a good amount of detail and sets the book up perfectly. Our heroine, Rosie, was perfect! She was the perfect mix of bubbly, smart and intriguing. The romance did feel a bit fast-paced early on in the book but I’m a sucker for that stuff but I do know that not everyone else is. I’m interested to see how Sylvia’s other books are since this one was great. I’m super thrilled to read the next book in the serious, so I know I’ll be on the look out for a release day after this cutie patootie.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group.
4 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
This book started off strong with engaging writing and tons of humorous banter. It was interesting… until it wasn’t. It was as if the author forgot that this was supposed to be funny, because the endearing humor practically disappeared by 50%. The action really picked up by that point, but I just wasn’t interested anymore. It started to feel too formulaic. I can see others enjoying this, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.
Thank you Ace for the gifted egalley.
Thank you Ace for the gifted egalley.
July 4, 2025
Thank you to Ace and NetGalley for the arc!
This was a good duology starter with a really interesting plot concept! I thought that the plot and idea execution was really well-done, and I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down! The action starts out pretty much right away, and it kept me entertained through to the end. I liked that the romance was more of a sub-plot and not quite the main plot, as well. I liked Rosie as the main character, but I did find that she lacked a lot of character development througout the book. By the end, it feels like she's pretty similar to how she was in the beginning. I think the same can mostly be said for Valtar, as well. Despite this, I found the book interesting and entertaining, and I'm interested to see where the plot goes in the second book! I'll definitely be reading more from Sylvia Mercedes.
This was a good duology starter with a really interesting plot concept! I thought that the plot and idea execution was really well-done, and I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down! The action starts out pretty much right away, and it kept me entertained through to the end. I liked that the romance was more of a sub-plot and not quite the main plot, as well. I liked Rosie as the main character, but I did find that she lacked a lot of character development througout the book. By the end, it feels like she's pretty similar to how she was in the beginning. I think the same can mostly be said for Valtar, as well. Despite this, I found the book interesting and entertaining, and I'm interested to see where the plot goes in the second book! I'll definitely be reading more from Sylvia Mercedes.
May 27, 2025
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
This was a fun read! Thank you to Netgalley and Ace Books for letting me read an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Seventh Champion is entertaining, sweet, intense at times (with some great action scenes), and I really enjoyed our two main characters. The MMC being so torn on his feelings for our FMC is really well done and makes sense, which is hard to do with a “he’s been sent to kill her but falls for her” dynamic in a way that’s actually believable.
Unfortunately, there are some pretty big issues for me in this story. Most glaringly, the world building was pretty weak. Not every story in a fantasy setting needs airtight world building or incredibly intricate backstories, but it felt like I was missing some important context for the story that wasn’t revealed until around 40% of the way into the book. When it was finally revealed, I really felt like it should have been mentioned within the first few chapters in order to make the story more enjoyable to follow. So many plot points revealed later in the story should have come up much sooner, because knowing these details not only wouldn’t have spoiled any twists in the story, but they would have greatly added to being able to understand what was going on. I fully realize that oftentimes context for the larger world and where the characters fit into it is saved for shock value or to add mystery to a book, but so much information that was kept from the reader in the first half of the book did nothing to add to the plot, if anything it made the plot weaker. The way information was revealed to us just felt jarring and out of order! There’s also lot of telling but not showing here.
Small nitpicks - why are “scintil” lamps mentioned every other page? We get it, there are lots magical dwarven lamps in this underground palace. Why are we calling them out in every scene? Also, the cover is stunning, but Valtar doesn’t look like the man on it. He’s described as wide and broad and with hair that almost brushes his shoulders. The man on the cover looks slim and with shorter hair. This feels petty to mention, but the cover is what drew me into requesting to read this story.
This was a fun read! Thank you to Netgalley and Ace Books for letting me read an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Seventh Champion is entertaining, sweet, intense at times (with some great action scenes), and I really enjoyed our two main characters. The MMC being so torn on his feelings for our FMC is really well done and makes sense, which is hard to do with a “he’s been sent to kill her but falls for her” dynamic in a way that’s actually believable.
Unfortunately, there are some pretty big issues for me in this story. Most glaringly, the world building was pretty weak. Not every story in a fantasy setting needs airtight world building or incredibly intricate backstories, but it felt like I was missing some important context for the story that wasn’t revealed until around 40% of the way into the book. When it was finally revealed, I really felt like it should have been mentioned within the first few chapters in order to make the story more enjoyable to follow. So many plot points revealed later in the story should have come up much sooner, because knowing these details not only wouldn’t have spoiled any twists in the story, but they would have greatly added to being able to understand what was going on. I fully realize that oftentimes context for the larger world and where the characters fit into it is saved for shock value or to add mystery to a book, but so much information that was kept from the reader in the first half of the book did nothing to add to the plot, if anything it made the plot weaker. The way information was revealed to us just felt jarring and out of order! There’s also lot of telling but not showing here.
Small nitpicks - why are “scintil” lamps mentioned every other page? We get it, there are lots magical dwarven lamps in this underground palace. Why are we calling them out in every scene? Also, the cover is stunning, but Valtar doesn’t look like the man on it. He’s described as wide and broad and with hair that almost brushes his shoulders. The man on the cover looks slim and with shorter hair. This feels petty to mention, but the cover is what drew me into requesting to read this story.
September 26, 2025
That’s 2.5 stars for me
The book had potential in a very good way
But it was lacking loads of elements. The world building being one of them, I felt like I was thrown into a very confusing world with confusing names and I didn’t know what was going on up until more than half the book was already in place.
That being said, there was NO chemist between valtar and rose, Heck there was more chemistry between her and Elias than her and Valtar.
Also, the fact that this is book 1 in some kind of series just made me frustrated because why do we need to extend this ?! Couldn’t we just make it more fast paced and move on?
Anyways, thanks for netgalley and Berkeley publishing for the opportunity
The book had potential in a very good way
But it was lacking loads of elements. The world building being one of them, I felt like I was thrown into a very confusing world with confusing names and I didn’t know what was going on up until more than half the book was already in place.
That being said, there was NO chemist between valtar and rose, Heck there was more chemistry between her and Elias than her and Valtar.
Also, the fact that this is book 1 in some kind of series just made me frustrated because why do we need to extend this ?! Couldn’t we just make it more fast paced and move on?
Anyways, thanks for netgalley and Berkeley publishing for the opportunity
Read
July 21, 2025DNF. The writing is like a romcom, but the story is fantasy. It feels very basic as well. I'm out.
November 11, 2025
Sylvia Mercedes’s The Seventh Champion, the first book in The Dragon Queen Duology, delivers a great mix of unexpected destiny, lethal competition, and slow-burn, deceptive romance. This is a must-read for fantasy romance readers who crave a story packed with action, danger, and high-stakes deception right from the opening pages.
The story centers on Rosie Harpwood, an apothecary’s apprentice whose quiet life is completely shattered when she is revealed to be the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Thrust into the treacherous High King's court, Rosie is deemed the kingdom’s only hope for salvation—but only if she can reawaken her latent dragon magic. To guide her, and to claim her hand in marriage, the High King hosts a deadly series of trials for a group of formidable princes, or "champions."
Rosie, however, wants nothing to do with saving the world or marrying for power. Her solution? Escape. She quickly finds an unlikely ally in one of the champions, the enigmatic Prince Valtar. While Valtar is brooding, scarred, and utterly terrifying, Rosie is inexplicably drawn to him, and he becomes her key to freedom. What Rosie doesn't know is that Valtar is a ruthless assassin, trained since youth to serve the Dragon Queen, and he is posing as a suitor for one purpose: to get close enough to kill his target.
Mercedes excels at character creation, setting up an irresistible grumpy-and-sunshine dynamic. Rosie is all kindness, courage, and unexpected levity, devoted to healing and soft creatures, making her a delightfully reluctant heroine. Valtar, on the other hand, is a study in deadly contradiction, wrestling with his mission and the magnetic pull of the woman he was sent to destroy. The tension between them—Rosie’s innocent trust conflicting with Valtar’s inner battle—is the engine of the romance, and it burns with an addictive intensity.
The world-building is expertly managed, providing a fantastic introduction to this magical realm of courts, dragon bloodlines, and ancient prophecies. The champion trials themselves are brilliantly conceived, offering exciting action sequences and establishing a foundation of political intrigue and dangerous magic that promises epic scale for the rest of the series.
Ultimately, The Seventh Champion is a successful and captivating series opener. It perfectly blends heart-pounding adventure with a deeply layered, morally gray romance. If you’re looking for a book with assassins, hidden royalty, competitive trials, and a romance where the male lead is genuinely conflicted about whether to kiss the heroine or kill her, look no further. I'll definitely be picking up the next book when I can.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers on Rosie Harpwood, an apothecary’s apprentice whose quiet life is completely shattered when she is revealed to be the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Thrust into the treacherous High King's court, Rosie is deemed the kingdom’s only hope for salvation—but only if she can reawaken her latent dragon magic. To guide her, and to claim her hand in marriage, the High King hosts a deadly series of trials for a group of formidable princes, or "champions."
Rosie, however, wants nothing to do with saving the world or marrying for power. Her solution? Escape. She quickly finds an unlikely ally in one of the champions, the enigmatic Prince Valtar. While Valtar is brooding, scarred, and utterly terrifying, Rosie is inexplicably drawn to him, and he becomes her key to freedom. What Rosie doesn't know is that Valtar is a ruthless assassin, trained since youth to serve the Dragon Queen, and he is posing as a suitor for one purpose: to get close enough to kill his target.
Mercedes excels at character creation, setting up an irresistible grumpy-and-sunshine dynamic. Rosie is all kindness, courage, and unexpected levity, devoted to healing and soft creatures, making her a delightfully reluctant heroine. Valtar, on the other hand, is a study in deadly contradiction, wrestling with his mission and the magnetic pull of the woman he was sent to destroy. The tension between them—Rosie’s innocent trust conflicting with Valtar’s inner battle—is the engine of the romance, and it burns with an addictive intensity.
The world-building is expertly managed, providing a fantastic introduction to this magical realm of courts, dragon bloodlines, and ancient prophecies. The champion trials themselves are brilliantly conceived, offering exciting action sequences and establishing a foundation of political intrigue and dangerous magic that promises epic scale for the rest of the series.
Ultimately, The Seventh Champion is a successful and captivating series opener. It perfectly blends heart-pounding adventure with a deeply layered, morally gray romance. If you’re looking for a book with assassins, hidden royalty, competitive trials, and a romance where the male lead is genuinely conflicted about whether to kiss the heroine or kill her, look no further. I'll definitely be picking up the next book when I can.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2025
4/5⭐️
1/5🌶️
This was such a fun fantasy book, with a premise I was immediately drawn to. Our story dives right in with a seemingly-clandestine-meet-cute, where we realize right away that there is some HEAT between our two MCs. A deadly competition ensues, where our mysterious hallway MMC competes, and we can’t really get a hold of who (or what…?) he is. We get some dual POV and some revealing backstory, all of which culminated into some real twists and turns I didn’t see coming. A few bouts of tears for me, lots of gasps and a few little shimmies here and there. This was really fun! I’m excited to see what happens in the second part of this duology!
What I Loved About This Story:
✨A deadly trial
✨A mysterious past of our FMC
✨DRAGONS!!!
✨A soft-for-her MMC… who is also supposed to kill her
Thank you Berkley for the free copy of this book. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of your 2025 Berkley Romance Influencer Program!
1/5🌶️
This was such a fun fantasy book, with a premise I was immediately drawn to. Our story dives right in with a seemingly-clandestine-meet-cute, where we realize right away that there is some HEAT between our two MCs. A deadly competition ensues, where our mysterious hallway MMC competes, and we can’t really get a hold of who (or what…?) he is. We get some dual POV and some revealing backstory, all of which culminated into some real twists and turns I didn’t see coming. A few bouts of tears for me, lots of gasps and a few little shimmies here and there. This was really fun! I’m excited to see what happens in the second part of this duology!
What I Loved About This Story:
✨A deadly trial
✨A mysterious past of our FMC
✨DRAGONS!!!
✨A soft-for-her MMC… who is also supposed to kill her
Thank you Berkley for the free copy of this book. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of your 2025 Berkley Romance Influencer Program!
November 5, 2025
HOLY CRAP. this book had me hooked from the very first chapter, like I didn’t wanna put it down! I got to read and listen to this one, and both were amazing. The narrators really brought the story to life, and I lovedddd the angst and slow burn between Valtar & Rosie so freaking much! Deadly trials, dragons, a dark prophecy, and a sweet but badass fmc that is brave af but soft too? YES PLS. I already can’t wait for book two!
- he’s an assassin
- she’s a prophesied dragon queen
- deadly trials
- epic world building
- touch her & d!e
- “who did this to you?”
- slowwww burn
- duet narration/pov
thank you to Ace Books, Berkley, & PRH Audio for my gifted audio & physical copies🫶🏼
- he’s an assassin
- she’s a prophesied dragon queen
- deadly trials
- epic world building
- touch her & d!e
- “who did this to you?”
- slowwww burn
- duet narration/pov
thank you to Ace Books, Berkley, & PRH Audio for my gifted audio & physical copies🫶🏼
November 16, 2025
This book was amazing!! It was like a bachelorette but to the death and she is a dragon princess. I absolutely loved the slow burn and yearning between Prince Valtar and Rosie. He was sent there to kill her but his plans changed after she grabbed him and kissed him to avoid someone.
Rosie grew up being an apothecaries assistant after she escaped a fire so all the princess stuff is new to her as she was abducted to enter this contest. So entertaining! Can’t wait for book 2!
🐺
Rosie grew up being an apothecaries assistant after she escaped a fire so all the princess stuff is new to her as she was abducted to enter this contest. So entertaining! Can’t wait for book 2!
🐺
January 8, 2026
Entertaining but somewhat formulaic and some aspects were very similar to a few other YA fantasy series although still interesting. The FMC is living a normal live then plucked from it after being told she is a princess and the long lost daughter of a dragon queen. Said queen is evil and she is told her destiny is to destroy her. Meanwhile the lead MC is an assassin sent by the queen to kill her. Tropes include enemies into lovers and he falls first. The book ends on a cliffhanger.
January 20, 2026
This first book of a romantasy duology sounded good - I mean dragons, competing suitors, and a forbidden romance but it just didn't work for me. While parts of the book I enjoyed, the story didn't feel that original and it dragged! It was long and I honestly just want those hours of my life back. I doubt I will care enough to read the second book when it comes out. I'm not a big romantasy girl so take my opinions with a grain of salt.
January 30, 2026
DNF @ 21%
God, I was so bored by the beginning of this book. The characters read like children and the plot has yet to do much of anything. A real lack of worldbuilding.
God, I was so bored by the beginning of this book. The characters read like children and the plot has yet to do much of anything. A real lack of worldbuilding.
December 6, 2025
i loved it!
the worldbuilding was great! the tension was to die for, and the mystery was intense.
a lot of gasping moments!!
the worldbuilding was great! the tension was to die for, and the mystery was intense.
a lot of gasping moments!!
July 20, 2025
Sooooo, this just happened to be one of those books that I really wanted to like and for whatever reason I just couldn't really get into. I couldn't connect with the main character, Rosie. I found her to be annoying, whiny and that she didn't have enough push to better herself. I really wanted more from Valtar's POV (maybe that will happen in the second book) and what I got was the reason I finished this book. More than likely, I read this book in a certain mood thus my 2 star rating...I would be willing to give Mercedes another chance (especially if book 2 has more Valtar) and chalk this up to a wrong time reading.
Thanks to PRH for the ARC!
Thanks to PRH for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
I adore Sylvia Mercedes other series, so I suppose my expectations going into this were high. A lot of the inner monologue of the FMC felt super repetitive and cheesy, which, when combined with the instalove aspect of the MMC, just didn’t work for me. That being said, the last 10% held my attention and interested me far more so I’m intrigued to see where Mercedes goes with this series! There’s definitely potential to continue developing and maturing the characters!
July 8, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and am so glad I got to read it! This is a fun, suspenseful read that has a lot of heart and romance. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, the competition is fierce, and that ending! OMG! I am looking forward to book 2!
Special thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC.
Special thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC.
August 12, 2025
I know I say this about every book I read, but this has to be one of the most stunning books I've read this year. I can't even begin to describe the sound I made when I saw this cover for the first time. It must have been somewhere between a gasp and a sneeze (a geeze?) because my friend said a polite "bless you". Once I finished geezing, I sat down and started reading this book. And.. didn't get up until I'd finished it because this book is THAT. GOOD.
The Seventh Champion follows Rosie, an apothecary's assistant who turns out to be the long-lost daughter of the dragon queen. It sounds a little cliche, but let me assure you—it's not! Because we're talking about a literal dragon. And now, everyone expects Rosie to embark on a dangerous quest through demon-infested lands so she can throw herself into a dragon flame and emerge in her true form.
There's just one problem—they have the wrong girl. Rosie has never felt very dragon-y, and she was burned by dragon fire as a child. So obviously this is all a mistake, right?
Unfortunately, the high king arranges a series of trials for six champions (aka princes from each kingdom on the continent) to compete in. The winner will get to marry Rosie and accompany her on her quest. And that's where the second problem arises...
I think that the seventh champion, Valtar, brings a lot to the story. While this is still Rosie's book, we get a couple of chapters from Valtar's POV. I lived for them! Valtar reminds me of a better-written version of Kylo Ren: he's a dark, brooding assassin with plenty of scars and a personality that's pricklier than a cactus, but he's also fiercely protective of the people he cares about. I also think he sets up the perfect grumpy x sunshine dynamic with Rosie.
And then there's the trials and the other champions. I like that the trials are well-developed and have actual consequences. The author doesn't shy away from killing characters. And while it's heartbreaking to see some of my favorite champions perish, it also makes the book feel more real.
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because I feel that the relationship between Rosie and Valtar is a bit abrupt. I wouldn't go so far as to call it insta-love, but it definitely isn't the slow-burn romance I was craving. I also think that for a book that's over 450 pages, more could have happened to advance the plot. But, I think this will help it appeal to fans of the cozy fantasy and grumpy x sunshine tropes!
Overall, this book is a solid 4-star read! And, even better, it's the start of a new duology, which means there's a second book to come! Make sure to visit your local bookstore on November 11th when The Seventh Champion gets released. Or you can preorder a copy now and save yourself the trouble. Happy reading!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publishing team; all opinions are my own.
The Seventh Champion follows Rosie, an apothecary's assistant who turns out to be the long-lost daughter of the dragon queen. It sounds a little cliche, but let me assure you—it's not! Because we're talking about a literal dragon. And now, everyone expects Rosie to embark on a dangerous quest through demon-infested lands so she can throw herself into a dragon flame and emerge in her true form.
There's just one problem—they have the wrong girl. Rosie has never felt very dragon-y, and she was burned by dragon fire as a child. So obviously this is all a mistake, right?
Unfortunately, the high king arranges a series of trials for six champions (aka princes from each kingdom on the continent) to compete in. The winner will get to marry Rosie and accompany her on her quest. And that's where the second problem arises...
I think that the seventh champion, Valtar, brings a lot to the story. While this is still Rosie's book, we get a couple of chapters from Valtar's POV. I lived for them! Valtar reminds me of a better-written version of Kylo Ren: he's a dark, brooding assassin with plenty of scars and a personality that's pricklier than a cactus, but he's also fiercely protective of the people he cares about. I also think he sets up the perfect grumpy x sunshine dynamic with Rosie.
And then there's the trials and the other champions. I like that the trials are well-developed and have actual consequences. The author doesn't shy away from killing characters. And while it's heartbreaking to see some of my favorite champions perish, it also makes the book feel more real.
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because I feel that the relationship between Rosie and Valtar is a bit abrupt. I wouldn't go so far as to call it insta-love, but it definitely isn't the slow-burn romance I was craving. I also think that for a book that's over 450 pages, more could have happened to advance the plot. But, I think this will help it appeal to fans of the cozy fantasy and grumpy x sunshine tropes!
Overall, this book is a solid 4-star read! And, even better, it's the start of a new duology, which means there's a second book to come! Make sure to visit your local bookstore on November 11th when The Seventh Champion gets released. Or you can preorder a copy now and save yourself the trouble. Happy reading!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publishing team; all opinions are my own.
May 29, 2025
Ok so I absolutely loved this book. I started it like 3 days ago and I could not put it down! I stayed up waaaay past my bedtime the last few nights because I just needed to keep going and see what happened!
Rosie Harpwood, aka Princess Roselle, was stolen away from all she knew and brought under duress to King Alderin’s underground palace. Why? Because she’s supposedly a dragon princess who must overthrow her mother, the dragon Queen Mhoryga, and save the world. Except, Rosie was burned as a child by dragon hellfire. And she’s never felt even the slightest bit dragon-y. The King has arranged a series of challenges for various champions to overcome. The prize? Rosie’s hand in marriage and the right to accompany her in her gods ordained quest. When she meets Prince Valtair there is an immediate connection. But Rosie doesn’t know he’s an assassin, ordered by Mhoryga to pull Rosie’s heart from her chest and bring it to her. Valtair may be a champion but he is also dark and mysterious and has his own reasons for being there.
So, I’m gonna come right out and say it: this had a LOT of Reylo undertones (Reylo with a paint job as my husband said) but I am absolutely not mad about it! A mysterious brooding prince with dark hair and eyes, built like a god and with a scar over his eye? Who has his master and (her minion) in his head? And a princess who didn’t know who her parents were, was raised by a stranger who took her in, and is actually the daughter of a big bad? Oh yeah. I was all about that life 😌
The plot line was interesting and just chaotic enough to not feel like every other romantasy novel out there. I thought the writing style was good and this book was so easily readable. I legitimately blasted through it. There wasn’t much info dumping and I felt the pace matched the urgency of the plot.
Rosie and Valtair each having POV’s was definitely the move for this book. I enjoyed being in both of their heads and seeing what they both were thinking. Their chemistry was tentative and interesting. Like, it wasn’t an all consuming flame and I kinda liked that. It felt a bit more natural for a pair who had only recently met. I definitely enjoyed watching them get closer and learning more about each other.
There is zero spice in this book (beyond a makeout session) but honestly, I didn’t need it. The plot kept me enthralled and I had no need for any spicy stuff to get on the way.
If you want a Reylo coded romantasy with a cool take on dragons and great plot pacing then this book is for you!
Rosie Harpwood, aka Princess Roselle, was stolen away from all she knew and brought under duress to King Alderin’s underground palace. Why? Because she’s supposedly a dragon princess who must overthrow her mother, the dragon Queen Mhoryga, and save the world. Except, Rosie was burned as a child by dragon hellfire. And she’s never felt even the slightest bit dragon-y. The King has arranged a series of challenges for various champions to overcome. The prize? Rosie’s hand in marriage and the right to accompany her in her gods ordained quest. When she meets Prince Valtair there is an immediate connection. But Rosie doesn’t know he’s an assassin, ordered by Mhoryga to pull Rosie’s heart from her chest and bring it to her. Valtair may be a champion but he is also dark and mysterious and has his own reasons for being there.
So, I’m gonna come right out and say it: this had a LOT of Reylo undertones (Reylo with a paint job as my husband said) but I am absolutely not mad about it! A mysterious brooding prince with dark hair and eyes, built like a god and with a scar over his eye? Who has his master and (her minion) in his head? And a princess who didn’t know who her parents were, was raised by a stranger who took her in, and is actually the daughter of a big bad? Oh yeah. I was all about that life 😌
The plot line was interesting and just chaotic enough to not feel like every other romantasy novel out there. I thought the writing style was good and this book was so easily readable. I legitimately blasted through it. There wasn’t much info dumping and I felt the pace matched the urgency of the plot.
Rosie and Valtair each having POV’s was definitely the move for this book. I enjoyed being in both of their heads and seeing what they both were thinking. Their chemistry was tentative and interesting. Like, it wasn’t an all consuming flame and I kinda liked that. It felt a bit more natural for a pair who had only recently met. I definitely enjoyed watching them get closer and learning more about each other.
There is zero spice in this book (beyond a makeout session) but honestly, I didn’t need it. The plot kept me enthralled and I had no need for any spicy stuff to get on the way.
If you want a Reylo coded romantasy with a cool take on dragons and great plot pacing then this book is for you!
May 17, 2025
We start off by being thrown directly into a scene where several interactions happen quite quickly, which at first felt a bit of a weird way to start since I didn’t really know what was going on. But the scene we’re thrown into actually served as a pretty good way to set the stage for the book and we get a lot of useful information about the characters and the world. Things started making sense to me at chapter 4 when we get a bit more exposition, and from there it was a bit smoother sailing in terms of keeping up with the storyline.
The pacing of the book early on felt a bit rushed, and I think I’d have liked a bit clearer explanation of the politics and the world in the first half of the book to really make it all make sense. I did appreciate the usage of the tutor lessons to flesh out some of the history, it felt like a natural way to include a bit of “showing” what’s happened in the world up until this point. There were a lot of questions I had very early on in the book that FELT like they were going to be contradictions… and they ended up being major plot points that tied things together. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending of the book and the twists and turns we took to get there.
That said, I find Valtar a really intriguing main character. His inner turmoil adds a lot of depth which the other princes are kind of missing (albeit we don’t get their POV so they could theoretically have more depth to them I guess). For me that made him immediately interesting, even knowing he was supposed to be an assassin to kill Rosie, and I was rooting for him the entire time. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the other princes - I surprisingly really enjoyed all of their different personalities! I just very clearly was rooting for Valtar the entire time anyways.
As someone who typically enjoys tension and yearning and slow build romances, I surprisingly really like the romance in this book, more than I expected when page one is them kissing. There’s no insta-love here (which I am personally not a fan of), but the kiss on page one sets the stage for kind of an “insta-intrigue” which I appreciated. Even though the trials seem to take place over a week/couple of weeks, the intensity of everything makes the romance pace feel believable.
All in all I really enjoyed this book, moreso as things went on. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC! I’m glad I picked this one up and now can’t wait to read the sequel and see what happens next.
The pacing of the book early on felt a bit rushed, and I think I’d have liked a bit clearer explanation of the politics and the world in the first half of the book to really make it all make sense. I did appreciate the usage of the tutor lessons to flesh out some of the history, it felt like a natural way to include a bit of “showing” what’s happened in the world up until this point. There were a lot of questions I had very early on in the book that FELT like they were going to be contradictions… and they ended up being major plot points that tied things together. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending of the book and the twists and turns we took to get there.
That said, I find Valtar a really intriguing main character. His inner turmoil adds a lot of depth which the other princes are kind of missing (albeit we don’t get their POV so they could theoretically have more depth to them I guess). For me that made him immediately interesting, even knowing he was supposed to be an assassin to kill Rosie, and I was rooting for him the entire time. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the other princes - I surprisingly really enjoyed all of their different personalities! I just very clearly was rooting for Valtar the entire time anyways.
As someone who typically enjoys tension and yearning and slow build romances, I surprisingly really like the romance in this book, more than I expected when page one is them kissing. There’s no insta-love here (which I am personally not a fan of), but the kiss on page one sets the stage for kind of an “insta-intrigue” which I appreciated. Even though the trials seem to take place over a week/couple of weeks, the intensity of everything makes the romance pace feel believable.
All in all I really enjoyed this book, moreso as things went on. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC! I’m glad I picked this one up and now can’t wait to read the sequel and see what happens next.
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