The Witch Queen

by Alexandria Arden

At 20 years old, Laurel was the prophesied Queen of Thayaria, fated for a great love and to win the war that would unite her people -- until she lost.

300 years after the war with Velmara, Queen Laurel Elestren of Thayaria has shrouded her kingdom in mist. She’s known throughout the Four Kingdoms as The Witch Queen, reclusive and feared for her dark magic.

When the magic of Thayaria begins to falter, Laurel strikes a deal with her enemy, King Mazus of Velmara, to trade emissaries. But Velamara’s emissary, Prince Hawthorne, is a powerful wielder of light magic and a handsome, indiscriminate bachelor — two things Laurel is not prepared to deal with.

As resentment and rebellion form in Thayaria, could Hawthorne be an ally to unite their kingdoms as well as her own? Or was he sent to destroy her from the inside out?

The Witch Queen is the first book in the Crown of Thayaria, an adult Fantasy Romance series with deep world building, high steam, political intrigue, and multiple romance plot lines.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Witches, Dark, Book Club, Fantasy Romance

475 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Alexandria Arden, or Alley, has been writing since she was young. Somewhere between the self-consciousness of her teenage years and the soul crushing experience that was grad school, she stopped writing creatively, convincing herself that the thing she loved doing as a child just “wasn’t her skillset.“

Cue the pandemic and the rise of popular Fantasy Romance books. Alley rediscovered her love of reading and stories. Throughout that process, she started an Instagram account and podcast dedicated to talking about books. She’s built an incredible community of readers and authors alike, and it was this community who inspired her to revisit that childhood passion of writing.

Alley lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and the true love of her life, her cat Willow. When she’s not reading or writing, Alley can be found working in her yard, starting a house project she can’t finish, or complaining while hiking in the Wasatch mountains. Alley is most active on her Instagram accounts, @alexandriaardenauthor and @alleycatsandbooks

Reviews

[TheConnieFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

❥ My Overall Thoughts & Rating ❥

This adult fantasy romance novel was simply electric! I really loved the world building of this book, it really took me into this fantasy world. It is full of adventure, dark, emotional and mysterious! This is a medium paced read that contains lovable characters. It has multiple points of views, which I really enjoyed. It has a diverse cast of characters with flaws of the characters as being the main focus. It really captivated me at the beginning and only got better and better! I enjoyed both of the main characters in this story. The female main character is powerful and fierce and the male main character just as sweet as can be! This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance that I could not put down! Oh and it does come with the perfect amount of spice! I cannot wait until the next book comes out! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars rating!

❥ Who I think would enjoy this book & Content Warnings ❥

I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a great fantasy romance novel! Content warnings include violence, gore, war, emotional abuse, torture, child abuse, death, kidnapping, sexual content, sexism and toxic friendships.

❥ Thank You ❥

Thank you to the author Alexandria Arden for providing me with the electronic ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and feedback. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

❥ Release Date ❥

This book is out now!! You can receive your free copy on Kindle Unlimited, using the KU subscription!

❥ Quick Review ❥

♥️ Adult Fantasy Romance
✔️ Great World Building
♥️ Contains Lovable Characters
✔️ Multiple POV’s
♥️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Slow Burn Romance
♥️ Dark & Mysterious
✔️ Spicy 🌶️

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥

ツ౨ৎ

[Plottwistsandchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria Arden has absolutely outdone herself with The Witch Queen. From the very first page, I was pulled into a rich world dripping with magic, secrets, and twists. This book is everything I crave in dark fantasy—razor-sharp prose, morally grey choices, and a romance that simmers with tension and intensity🔥

Our queen, Laurel, is fierce, flawed, and utterly magnetic. She may be morally grey but her heart is golden❤️‍🔥Woth palace politics and a magic system that felt rich and fully realized, I loved how woven into the world the magic was, One of my favourites to date. Let's not get me started on Thorne- the way he adores Laurel, see's her for exactly who she is under the Witch Queen crown- he is everything she deserves and more. The spice in this book was fireeeeee 🔥 and I loved how their magic played into this, totally took it to the next level😍 HOT HOT HOT!!!

I loved this book so much and was completely obsessed with it from the start. The tension? Off the charts. The betrayal? Delicious. The ending? Screaming, crying, throwing spells.🌺
Arden didn’t just give us a book—she gave us a kingdom. We ride at dawn for Laurel and Hawthorne⚔️❤️

Solid 5 out of 5 read and I NEED book 2 as soon as possible 😭🤯

Thank you so much @alexandriaardenauthor for letting me be a part of the ARC/Street Team for this wonderful story😍💖

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch Queen by Alexandria Arden is a rich, immersive adult fantasy romance (Book One of The Thayar Crown series) that masterfully blends political intrigue, deep world‑building, and a slow‑burn enemies‑to‑lovers romance in a vividly imagined magical realm.

The story follows Laurel Elestren, a young woman who became Queen of Thayaria at just twenty and reshaped her war‑torn kingdom by surrounding it with an impenetrable mist that kept enemies at bay for three hundred years after a devastating conflict with the neighboring kingdom of Velmara. Known across the Four Kingdoms as The Witch Queen for her formidable powers and reclusive rule, Laurel faces a crisis when her magic begins to falter, forcing her to strike a risky emissary deal with her old enemy to let Prince Hawthorne of Velmara enter her mist‑shielded land to assess her strength and potentially avert greater conflict.

What drew me in most was how Laurel emerges as both a fearsome leader and a profoundly human protagonist, wrestling with the heavy burden of rulership, ancient mistrust, and the vulnerability that comes from sharing power and space with someone she shouldn’t trust. The chemistry and tension between Laurel and Hawthorne build slowly and deliciously from mutual suspicion into something charged, emotional, and deeply compelling, with moments of angst, banter, and fiery connection that feel earned and electric rather than rushed.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving The Witch Queen four stars because it balanced epic fantastical scope with personal, emotional clarity in a way that made me care about Laurel not just as a queen in peril but as a woman learning to trust, love, and lead simultaneously.

The slow‑burn enemies‑to‑lovers arc had me turning pages long after bedtime, and the worldbuilding and political intrigue gave the romance a real, resonant backdrop. Fans of spicy, character‑driven fantasy with magic, intrigue, and powerful protagonists will likely fall hard for this one and be ravenous for the next book.

[Jess Demchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first beta read! This was so fun and I cannot wait for it to be published! The magic system is so cool and different and the way it plays into ✨sexy time✨ is HOTTTT 🔥 Thorne definitely made my list of top book boyfriends.

[Nancy Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to sit and percolate on this review.

I can, without a doubt, say that this book is my number one for the year so far (out of about 45 books).

I absolutely loved the FMC and MMC, loved their dynamic, loved their plot. I think the plot was actually intriguing and the system of magic different.

I loved that the FMC was a thick, older, badass woman. Her distrust and attitude were fantastic. I loved how she “played the villain” but truly wasn’t.

For a debut novel, this is a FANTASTIC read. Mind you, I’ve been in a reading slump for two months….but I received this copy for an honest review so I forced myself to start reading it. By chapter two, I was interested and HOOKED.

The ending cliffhanger is heart wrenching and makes you lust for the next one. I CANNOT WAIT.

[Carly Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this tantalizing story. If you like adventure, banter, magic, world building, and enemies to lovers this is 100% for you. This story follows the witch queen, laurel, she’s a badass and a bit sad since the world doesn’t see who she really is. She’s beautiful and powerful. Destined to be more than what people see her as. This story will leave you on the edge of your seat. Beware your heart as mine was not so chivalrously taken and stomped on the most loving way. Laurel will live rent free in my heart with the likes of Aelin and Manon. Yes, Queens.

5 ⭐️


Some of my favorite quotes:

“You are the last defense against Mazus. No one is coming to save you. You must save yourself” pg 63

“My mouth goes dry at her full breasts and curves figure, and I try to cover it with a wide smile that I know exposes my dimple. Her delicate, heart-shaped lips purse in suspicion, and I take an involuntary step toward her, unable to stop my body from moving closer to her” pg 147

“Laurel. Keep those eyes on me” pg 547


While this book has some sexual scenes it is not over powering and very tastefully done.

2.5 🌶️

[Kelsey Keckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow! This is my first time being an ARC reader and I am beyond honored to be one for this one. This was a beautiful story with wonderfully deep characters. I am an avid romantasy reader and a lot of those books can get repetitive but this one was so different then anything I have read before. The FMC was relatable and love that she is curvy and not a 18 year old twig. And the MMC being a light wielder is a nice change of pace. I really loved the world and also the magic system. It wasn’t complicated and I could follow along just fine. I really had a great time from start to finish on this one and excuse me but I am going to need book 2 asap. Thank you again for the opportunity to read this!

[Coz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I can’t convince you to read this book with this review, then I’m afraid for you 😂

For 300 years, Queen Laurel has surrounded her kingdom in mist to keep her people safe. Known throughout the 4 kingdoms as The Witch Queen, she’s feared for her dark magic. When a deal is struck, and Prince Hawthorne is sent as an emissary to discover how powerful she actually is, Laurel isn’t prepared, at all. And you won’t be either!

You want a book with
🥀 yearning
🥀 banter
🥀 spice
🥀 tension
🥀 fated mates
🥀 enemies to lovers
🥀 found family
🥀 touch him & 💀
🥀 touch her & 💀
🥀 amazing magic system
🥀 political intrigue
🥀 curvy fmc rep
🥀 lgbtqia+ rep

I was hooked from the first chapter! The magic system, plot, world building and political intrigue are incredible and so well written. I couldn’t put this book down and just wanted more!

Laurel is a serious BADASS! Omg! The things she can do with her power. She is one of my favourite FMC’s of all time. Thorne is just 👌🏽🥵 like seriously? He is PERFECTION. I absolutely adore Silene & Fionn and WHY Genevieve, why…

I guessed the part of this about 60% through and even messaged Alexandria saying how scared I was. Then the ending…. Of course after a book so full on there has to be a cliffhanger as well. Is book 2 ready yet? I am reeling, I need more please 😭😭

Considering this is a debut novel, I am absolutely blown away by sheer quality of this book! This is a top read of 2025!

Thank you so much Alexandria for allowing me to read this as an ARC!

[Ali Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh.

Not sure what I’m allowed to say in this review before the book is released but — GOOD GOSH. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, and entering a world that I felt I could truly escape into.

I’ll come back to post a more full review.

•edited once I got my thoughts together•
I’m gonna try to leave spoilers OUT of things for now!

I adored this book. I insta-fell-in-love with every effing character — Thorne, LAUREL, Fionn, Nemesia, Silene, Genevieve — for real everybody. I loved that the characters had their own distinct voice, struggles, and journey and yet they melded together so well.

And the spicy scenes?! 🥵🌶️ My. Word. The M/F and F/F spicy bits gave me alllllll the feels in the best way.

This story ended and I immediately missed being part of this world. I had such a book hangover to the point where picking up another book and enjoying it was a task for a while there because it’s hard not to compare everything back to how much I enjoyed reading the Witch Queen!!!

Some of my favorite tropes in the Witch Queen:
•slow burn romance
•enemies to lovers
•fated mates

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do!

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! Slow burn, fated mates, self discovery .
Laurel was thrown into ruling her kingdom at the age of 20 and lost to her enemy The Golden King. She somehow managed to entrap her kingdom in a mist that no one can enter or leave for almost 300 years.

She then makes a deal with it the Golden King to allow his son to visit her kingdom…. Read to find out what happens

[Hollie Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was so good! I loved the FMC and felt she was very relatable. I loved the MMC and felt his strengths complimented the FMC well. It was a slow burn 🔥, but the romance was good! The side characters were well thought out too, and you care about their storylines as well. Excited for book 2!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my sweet time enjoying this book! One thing youll learn about me is i LOVE in depth world building, thats written WELL and thats exactly what we got with The Witch Queen! Its SO immersive so IN DEPTH, SO much detail was poured into every page and it easy to follow along. Almost as if youre in the story yourself! The magic system is easily one of the most unique ones that ive ever read in a fantasy book!

I fell in love with all of the characters so quickly! They each had their own story lines, own journeys but all flowed together in such a beautiful way! Queen Lauren is fierce and SO RESILIENT for everything shes been through, and continue to go through in the book! I loved how she played the scary Witch Queen but was just a facade, that Throne brought out her soft and feminine side! Throne is the Light daddy i never knew i needed⚡️
The spicy scenes?? WERE SPICINNNG🥵🌶️🌶️ Loved that we got to see F/M & a little bit of F/F!! ALSO can we appreciate that Our Queen Lauren has a HUGE PET CAT?!?? Absolutely loved that she LOVED that and brought me so much joy😅

Lets talk about the betrayal yall. Now i was 100% heartbroken when they first figured out who it was, i couldnt believe it. By the end of the book, i was left REEEEEELINGGGG. I honestly didnt see it coming, and it just smacked me on in the face!

Youll face so many emotions while reading this! All the politics of the kingdoms, the friendships that bloom, allies made,the betrayals from the most loyal of people and a rebellion seeking to end the Queen.


Youll be left reeling, along with the rest of us, WAITING for book to 2 come out🥹

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a fun time with this book. From page one, the world completely drew me in the atmosphere, the magic, the intricate structure of the kingdom and the world-building was phenomenal. Rich, vivid, and so easy to fall into that I never wanted to come up for air.

The characters were another standout for me. The FMC was especially captivating, fierce, complex, and utterly magnetic. She’s the kind of character who steals every scene in the best possible way, and I loved getting to follow her through every twist and turn.

I suspected early on which character wasn’t fully aligned with the group, so the reveal landed more as confirmation than surprise. I also wished we had gone a bit deeper into the villain’s motivations, as he felt a little underdeveloped at times. But honestly? Even with those small notes, I still tore through this in just over 24 hours because I was so invested.

The ending was fast paced and tense, and I loved the constant feeling that something was about to detonate that anticipation kept me hooked. And then that cliffhanger hit… ugh. I’m anxious, annoyed (lovingly), and absolutely desperate for book two.

A thrilling, addictive fantasy romance with incredible world building and characters you can’t help but root for. I loved it.

[Megan Gad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. AM. STUNNED! I'm left need more immediately! I already feel like I need to reread it!

The magic system is so original. And the world building is phenomenal. I could truly felt immersed.

It contains all of my favorite things! Found family, political intrigue, enemies to lovers, SLOOOOW BURN, spicy time, the list goes on!

As a fantasy reader it was cool to see little homages to our favorite Romantasy series.

For a self-published debut author this story beyond exceeded my expectations. Hands down one of my favorite reads this year. I think we are looking at the next big Romantasy series. I would put it up there along side Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, etc.. I can't wait to see where this story leads and how this world grows.

[Kelsey Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on while gather myself.

Firstly, read this book. If that all you wanted to know then - go. Feast on this beautiful story.

I don’t often give a book 5 stars. It has to meet a simple criteria, was it easy to put down? If the answer is no, then automatic 4 star. Next question was, did it surprise me? If the answer is yes - 5 stars.

The FMC was valiantly strong and relatable in her weakness. The MMC was, so well written and vulnerable. While maintaining that required masculinity for me.

I am so looking forward to finding out how these two manage.

Note to the author - thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC. Also, I am a better person, I read your acknowledgment regardless of my complicated feelings 😂🥴😉

[Caitlin Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. I’m not a big romance or fantasy reader, but I get it now. Love the power & anger alongside the femininity and softness. So sad that we have to wait for book 2!

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Witch Queen* is a slow burn that will not disappoint, especially when it comes to its spicy romance. With an engaging enemies-to-lovers dynamic and a strong theme of friendship loyalty, this book will capture your heart from the very beginning.

The story is filled with tear-jerking moments that add depth and emotion, making it truly unforgettable. Laurel, the protagonist, shines as an amazing queen, embodying confidence and resilience as she rules and protects her people.

This book is a must-have for your collection—definitely one of my favorite reads!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building, the characters, the plot!! I love all of it! It’s such a cool and immersive world with an interesting and unique magic system. I cannot wait for book two!!

[Gloria Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily one of the best books I have read this year! I could not put it down! The slow burn, the world building, every aspect of this book was intriguing and well-written!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

I was so excited to be chosen to ARC review this book. My excitement has so waned.

The level of detail in this book is phenomenal. I can normally skim read fairly quickly while still taking everything in, but Ally’s writing pulls you in and I had to take every juicy bit of detail.

There is so much foreshadowing and Easter eggs scattered throughout. But also ones meant to trip you up! It's so clever!!! I highlighted so many bits that I was sure meant something - they did but I have a feeling there are more littered throughout meant for future books. I LOVED it!

Laurel & Thorne - our FMC & MMC are gorgeous. Laurel is such a complicated character and I loved how she was written. There is so much depth to her. Thorne portrays one side of himself to the ‘world’ but to his friends - he’s someone else. I just loved this. They would literally die for each other. Having a badass FMC who has the ‘touch him and die’ moment was epic.

The side characters in this book also have great standout. I adored Silene & Fionn.


The magic system is so unique. We don't have a shadow daddy but both FMC & MMC can use light in such a unique way!

The sloooooow burn had me on edge. The tension, the flirting, the explosive coming together. I was squealing like my 5 year old when she's at a party!

You HAVE to pick this book up on May 27th and add to your TBR. You will not regret it. The only thing I need now is Book 2!!!!

[Horromantasy Book Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, this book had me hooked. The Witch Queen is beautifully written, full of depth, magic, betrayal, and so much heart. The world-building is rich but easy to follow, and every character feels alive on the page. Laurel is a powerful, relatable queen you can’t help but root for, and Prince Hawthorne? Let’s just say sparks definitely fly.

This ARC was nearly 700 pages and I savored every word — it’s that good. The twists left me breathless and the ending? Still recovering!

One of the best books I’ve read this year. I’d give it 10 stars if I could!

[Amelia Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to get early access to this book. It was incredible, such an in-depth world, with so much left to explore

The Plus Size FMC the romantasy genre has been waiting for 🔥

[Cassie Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of my favorite books to have read this year! As my first arc read, I was surprised how much I loved it!

The magic is different but is a good way. The strong, morally grey FMC stands out and it’s so refreshing to have an older couple that feels more in line with regular life.

I cannot wait for book 2! Amazing job, can’t wait for everyone to read this! 🤩

[Alexia D'Ambrosio · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Oh gosh where do I begin!? 🤭

This book was soooo good!! I ate it up!! I absolutely loved Laurel!! She was such a badass & i loved how powerful she is!! She was scary, intimidating, sexy but also so kind, caring & loyal to her ppl/kingdom. 🥰 I also loved Thorne!! God the way that man loved every single part of her, he constantly gave her the reassurance she needed & always reminded her how he loved every. single. part of her. Also the fact he got turned on whenever she would threaten him had me blushing and giggling. 🤭😏 The spice was definitely spicing!! 🥵 Thorne the man that u r, he is def in my top fav MMC’s list FOR SURE!! the things he can do with his light power 😩 oh. my. lord. 🫣 I also rly loved the slow burn romance the tension was immaculate & it made it so much better when they finally got together!! The plot had me sucked in the whole time, i never got bored & was constantly feeling like I needed to keep reading to get answers. The mystery and suspense in this book was killing me but it felt so good to start getting answers at the end of the book. Speaking of the end of the book that cliffhanger was absolutely criminal!! 😭 Overall, I rly enjoyed this book, it was amazing especially for a debut release!! I laughed, I shed a tear, I giggled, kicked my feet & blushed!! I would 10/10 recommend this book, & I will 100% be rereading it again when the second book comes out (I can’t wait to read the second book!!) 💖

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book it was amazing & I am so happy I had the chance to read & review it!! 🥰

Some of my Fav Quotes 🤭: (PLEASE DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS!!!!) ⚠️

‘Good night, princeling’ she says with a roll of her eyes. ‘Good night, witchling,’ I yell as she walks away, her face in profile. A real smile breaks out across her lips, & my heart skips a beat in my chest. Success.’ - H

‘Good, witchling. You deserve someone who will worship you, who thinks your magic is just one of dozens of things they find incredible about you. Don’t settle for anything less.’ - H

‘I find you to be the most alluring female I’ve ever encountered. My mind doesn’t wander to you, because you’re always in it. I feel it when you walk in the room, sense you when you aren’t near.’ ‘You’re in my dreams every night, & every morning I fight to stay asleep to keep you with me for just another moment. For the longest time, I tried to deny what I felt for you. Tried to convince myself that Iw sent seeking you out at every opportunity. My whole being orbits around you, & it has since the moment I met you. Please believe me, witchling.’ - H

‘She’s a goddess, & I will willingly worship her.’ - H

‘I see you push it down, try to hide it away. Your feelings are safe with me. You don’t have to be the stalwart leader, or the witch queen, or whoever the fuck else the world expects you to be. Just be Laurel. The good, the bad, the emotional… I want every part of you.’ - H

‘I believe that is now the third time you’ve tried that on mr. Hopefully third times the charm, & you’ve finally learned you won’t get a blow in that way.’ - L

‘I like you teasing me. But just know, witchling, that I can give as good as I take.’ - H

‘But the thought of her ordering me, taking her pleasure from me, is equally, if not more, intoxicating.’ -H

‘Aethers, you’re so fucking hot when you go all evil Witch Queen,’ he whispers, & both my hearts practically explode with emotion for this male, finally believing the words he whispered to me in the dark only two night ago.’ - L

[mel. · Rating 5 out of 5]

she’s thick, and she’s thicc 👀 i absolutely loved The Witch Queen! the slow burn was everything and so worth the wait. Alexandria really took her time to immerse us into the political climate and culture of Thayaria and Velmara, while also having us fall in love with the main and supporting characters. Fionn is a tall drink of water and i need his character art asap pls 👀

as much as i absolutely love and adore Hawthorne, i need to focus on Laurel. she is my girl and my heart goes to her for what she has gone through to get to the throne. the growth she went through is beautiful and so relatable, at least for me. it’s easy to hide behind your walls and tell yourself it’s what’s best to keep yourself and you loved ones safe. especially when the world is believing the false whispers of one individual. but vulnerability with those you trust and care about can lead to amazing and beautiful moments of growth and healing. watching Laurel learn this while navigating so many hard situations and leading her kingdom was so powerful and incredible to experience.

one thing i noticed and absolutely loved about how Alexandria told this story is the subtle unsettling she created. she hinted here and there in a way that low key had me anxious af. it wasn’t an “in your face” type foreshadowing; it was a “what was that? nothing? ok 🥰” and you move on. i think this is why that final 15% really hit me hard!

i highly recommend this book if you’re looking for political intrigue, slow burn, badass females, secrets, betrayal and relatable character development 🥰

thank you @alexandriaardenauthor for trusting me with your book! The Witch Queen release May 27, 2025!

[Kristen Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Witch Queen and I am screaming in all the best (and worst?) ways! This was my first ARC read ever, and wow—did it deliver! It’s clear from the very beginning how much thought and planning Alexandria Arden put into this book. I devoured every single page! 🔥

The world-building is rich and immersive from the start. It’s complex, yet easy to follow as the story unfolds—just like the unique magic system. Some of the magical elements were absolutely fascinating, and I loved how they continued to evolve throughout the story. Also, the way magic is woven into some of the romance scenes! Chef’s kiss. 😘

I love a book with political intrigue and tension, and The Witch Queen had both. From kingdoms pitted against each other to rebellion from within, the characters face many challenges—while also trying to decide if they can truly trust one another. ⚔️

Laurel, the FMC, is a complex character I wanted to hug one minute and then cheer on for her morally gray choices the next. I love that she’s not your typical female lead, but still radiates total bad-ass energy! She also forms a female friendship that had such a compelling dynamic—I couldn’t get enough. 👑

Hawthorne, the MMC, is less complex than Laurel, but I immediately fell for him. Some of his POV scenes had me literally giggling and kicking my feet. 🥰

As I neared the end, I was torn—I didn’t want it to be over, but I had to know what would happen. And that cliffhanger? Screaming! 🙀 My inner monologue since finishing has been: “Book 2, Book 2, Book 2!” I am not ready to leave these characters or the kingdom of Thayaria! ❤️

[Happybookcorner (Clara) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning. I don’t usually sit down for 4 hours in one day and read unless I literally can't help myself, and that was the case with this one. Everything that happened in this book was somehow so satisfying and fit so well together. The characters are extremely lovable. Hawthorne had me at his first POV chapter. There’s just something magnetizing about him. He’s so charming, and the chemistry between him and Laurel was so good. The aggressive yearning ughhhh give me more!

The way their relationship slowly evolves is SO beautiful. You can truly tell these characters were made for each other. Because their relationship is so slow paced we really get to see all the small details of them getting to know each other and gaining trust between each other.

Another aspect of this book I found interesting was the ‘mystery’ part. The characters are trying to solve something throughout this book - that I won't mention, GO READ IT YOURSELF what are you waiting for? - and it truly captured me. I wanted to solve this so bad, and I was grasping for all the bread crumbs Alexandria Arden had left throughout this book. I just found that to be a fun little thing to add to a romantasy book. It really kept me entertained!

I can’t wait for the second book! Especially after that ending - IDK how to cope with that endiiiiing. I just know the second book is about to blow me away.

Thank you Alexandria Arden and BookFunnel for providing me with an ARC. I’m very grateful. I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Athena Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Thank you Alexandria for giving me the opportunity to ARC read your book! This was an amazing book. It's hard to believe that it is a debut novel. I absolutely ate it up and left no crumbs behind. The world building was fantastic and intriguing. The magic system was unique and interesting. The plot was on point. The storyline was great and kept me flipping the pages. This book had all of my favorite tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Fated Mates, Found Family and a Strong FMC. I loved that Laurel (FMC) is not your typical FMC and she embodied / represented curvy women! Being totally transparent, I didn't really care for the use of "witchling" and "princeling" as terms of endearment between the FMC and MMC... If you read the Throne of Glass series, you get it. Other than that, I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a unique and intriguing fantasy romance with great world building. Fantastic job, Alexandria Arden, on your debut novel!

[jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book.

perfection.

it started kind of slow, but still kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. i felt every emotion. i cried, i laughed, i screamed, kicked my feet. the characters, the relationships, the world building, the magic system, and the history lessons at the beginning of the chapters were so well done. i will be recommending this book to many. i cannot wait to read the rest of laurel and thorne’s story!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa. That was one wild, emotional, grip-the-handlbars-for-dear-life rollercoaster of a read! And hold up ... this is Alexandria Arden's first book? She was inspired by bookstagram to write this intricate romantasy that I couldn't put down? No stinking way!

What to expect:

Heavy World Building
Multi POV
Fae/Humans
Elemental/Blood Magic
War/Rebellion/Betrayal
Enemies to Lovers
Fated Mates
Slooooow Burn Romance
M/F and F/F

Also, I can't stress this enough... I'm convinced the author is a slow burn masochist, so if that's your thing, this is your book 😉 Oh, and it ends on quite a cliffhanger, so readers will be desperate for book two!

4.25 ⭐️