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Blue Swan #2
Order of Royals: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26The second book in Jude Deveraux’s spellbinding and unforgettable Blue Swan series weaves an intricate tapestry of fantasy and intrigue on the enigmatic planet of Bellis.
Princess Aradella is trapped in the iron grip of her evil and powerful aunt, Queen Olina. Navigating the treacherous waters of political machinations and familial duties, Aradella discovers allies in unexpected places, including Tanek, a swansman with his own mysterious connections. Set in a world where royalty, magic, and mythical beings coexist, Aradella’s path is intertwined with that of Kaley Arens, an Earthling who becomes deeply entangled in the planet’s intricate social hierarchy, as she is faced with a choice between her homeland and newfound love. As Aradella and her companions uncover dark secrets and hidden agendas, they embark on an adventure filled with loyalty, romance, and courage, where the lines between magic and reality blur, but where love has the power to transform destinies.
Aradella’s heart finds a beacon in Mekos, the son of Tanek, whose distinct heritage and protective nature captivate her. As their bond deepens amidst political intricacies, their love story unfolds through secret plans and whispered promises. But in this world, nothing is as it seems and destiny can’t be denied…
Princess Aradella is trapped in the iron grip of her evil and powerful aunt, Queen Olina. Navigating the treacherous waters of political machinations and familial duties, Aradella discovers allies in unexpected places, including Tanek, a swansman with his own mysterious connections. Set in a world where royalty, magic, and mythical beings coexist, Aradella’s path is intertwined with that of Kaley Arens, an Earthling who becomes deeply entangled in the planet’s intricate social hierarchy, as she is faced with a choice between her homeland and newfound love. As Aradella and her companions uncover dark secrets and hidden agendas, they embark on an adventure filled with loyalty, romance, and courage, where the lines between magic and reality blur, but where love has the power to transform destinies.
Aradella’s heart finds a beacon in Mekos, the son of Tanek, whose distinct heritage and protective nature captivate her. As their bond deepens amidst political intricacies, their love story unfolds through secret plans and whispered promises. But in this world, nothing is as it seems and destiny can’t be denied…
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 6, 2026
2 people are currently reading
6572 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
199 books7,060 followersJude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 13, 2025
Order of Royals
The Blue Swan Duology #2
Jude Deveraux
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Princess Aradella is trapped in the horrible grip of her evil and powerful aunt, Queen Olina. This Queen is such a disgusting person with not a care about others and how they may feel. Aradella is navigating the treacherous waters of familial duties while trying to stay alive. Then Aradella discovers allies she never knew she had in unexpected places, including Tanek, a swansman with his own mysterious ways whom we met in the first book.
Set in a world where royalty, magic, mythical beings, and mayhem all co-exist, Aradella's path is intertwined with Kaley Arens, an Earthling who we met in the previous book. Kaley and Aradella are deeply entangled in the planet's intricate social hierarchy, and Aradella will have to make a tough choice between her homeland and newfound love.
As Aradella and her beloved companions uncover dark secrets and hidden agendas, they will embark on an adventure filled with loyalty, romance, and courage, where the lines between magic and reality are blurred, but where love has the power to transform destinies.
Aradella's heart finds something beyond special in Mekos, the son of Tanek, whose heritage and protective nature captivates her. As their bond deepens, a love story will unfold through secret plans and whispered promises. But on this strange planet nothing is as it seems and destiny can't be denied.
I'm almost speechless. Jude Deveraux is one of two authors who made me fall in love with reading. Ms. Deveraux was the author who fueled my love of time travel and historical romance. This book is absolutely phenomenal, whimsical, and so good. I couldn't stop reading. Books don't get better than this. Once again one of my favorite things is feeling like I belong to the families in the books because the same people in the first book are in the second, but there are more new people added. Aradella and Mekeos were perfect for each other. They balanced each other out in the most flattering ways. I usually am not a fan of books on other worlds, but once again Ms. Deveraux has shown me the error of my ways because this book was to die for. I never knew what was going to come on the next page. It kept me guessing from the get go. All in all this is definitely a book I would recommend to readers everywhere.
The Blue Swan Duology #2
Jude Deveraux
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Princess Aradella is trapped in the horrible grip of her evil and powerful aunt, Queen Olina. This Queen is such a disgusting person with not a care about others and how they may feel. Aradella is navigating the treacherous waters of familial duties while trying to stay alive. Then Aradella discovers allies she never knew she had in unexpected places, including Tanek, a swansman with his own mysterious ways whom we met in the first book.
Set in a world where royalty, magic, mythical beings, and mayhem all co-exist, Aradella's path is intertwined with Kaley Arens, an Earthling who we met in the previous book. Kaley and Aradella are deeply entangled in the planet's intricate social hierarchy, and Aradella will have to make a tough choice between her homeland and newfound love.
As Aradella and her beloved companions uncover dark secrets and hidden agendas, they will embark on an adventure filled with loyalty, romance, and courage, where the lines between magic and reality are blurred, but where love has the power to transform destinies.
Aradella's heart finds something beyond special in Mekos, the son of Tanek, whose heritage and protective nature captivates her. As their bond deepens, a love story will unfold through secret plans and whispered promises. But on this strange planet nothing is as it seems and destiny can't be denied.
I'm almost speechless. Jude Deveraux is one of two authors who made me fall in love with reading. Ms. Deveraux was the author who fueled my love of time travel and historical romance. This book is absolutely phenomenal, whimsical, and so good. I couldn't stop reading. Books don't get better than this. Once again one of my favorite things is feeling like I belong to the families in the books because the same people in the first book are in the second, but there are more new people added. Aradella and Mekeos were perfect for each other. They balanced each other out in the most flattering ways. I usually am not a fan of books on other worlds, but once again Ms. Deveraux has shown me the error of my ways because this book was to die for. I never knew what was going to come on the next page. It kept me guessing from the get go. All in all this is definitely a book I would recommend to readers everywhere.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
👑 Royal duty meets cosmic destiny and somewhere in between, love finds its orbit 🪐
Jude Deveraux’s "Order of Royals" surprised me with how seamlessly it blends courtly intrigue and sci-fi wonder. It’s the kind of story that feels both opulent and intimate: full of whispered conspiracies, quiet courage, and the kind of romance that glows softly against the backdrop of the stars.
Princess Aradella’s journey pulled me in right away. Trapped in a life defined by power and manipulation, she’s a heroine caught between expectation and awakening. What I loved most was how her strength doesn’t come from rebellion alone, but from compassion and the bravery to see beyond duty, to choose connection over control.
Tanek, her enigmatic ally, adds a fascinating balance: secretive yet steady, he becomes both mirror and anchor to Aradella’s turmoil. Their relationship unfolds with patience and tension, like two orbits finally aligning.
Deveraux writes with the confidence of someone who knows how to make a world feel lived in. The political layers never drown out the emotional beats, and the result is something rare; a story about legacy and love that feels both otherworldly and human all at once.
✨ "Order of Royals" is perfect for readers who crave the elegance of classic fantasy but want it filtered through a celestial lens - think "A Thousand Heartbeats" by Kiera Cass or "Defy the Night" by Brigid Kemmerer. It’s richly imagined, romantic, and quietly powerful and a reminder that even in the vastness of space, the heart remains the truest compass.
🙏 Huge thanks to Jude Deveraux, Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA, and NetGalley for the ARC. This book shimmers with hope, rebellion, and starlight.
Jude Deveraux’s "Order of Royals" surprised me with how seamlessly it blends courtly intrigue and sci-fi wonder. It’s the kind of story that feels both opulent and intimate: full of whispered conspiracies, quiet courage, and the kind of romance that glows softly against the backdrop of the stars.
Princess Aradella’s journey pulled me in right away. Trapped in a life defined by power and manipulation, she’s a heroine caught between expectation and awakening. What I loved most was how her strength doesn’t come from rebellion alone, but from compassion and the bravery to see beyond duty, to choose connection over control.
Tanek, her enigmatic ally, adds a fascinating balance: secretive yet steady, he becomes both mirror and anchor to Aradella’s turmoil. Their relationship unfolds with patience and tension, like two orbits finally aligning.
Deveraux writes with the confidence of someone who knows how to make a world feel lived in. The political layers never drown out the emotional beats, and the result is something rare; a story about legacy and love that feels both otherworldly and human all at once.
✨ "Order of Royals" is perfect for readers who crave the elegance of classic fantasy but want it filtered through a celestial lens - think "A Thousand Heartbeats" by Kiera Cass or "Defy the Night" by Brigid Kemmerer. It’s richly imagined, romantic, and quietly powerful and a reminder that even in the vastness of space, the heart remains the truest compass.
🙏 Huge thanks to Jude Deveraux, Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA, and NetGalley for the ARC. This book shimmers with hope, rebellion, and starlight.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a clean Romantasy that didn’t seem like it wanted to be clean. It felt like the author wrote a smutty Romantasy with a cute plot and then the publisher went through and ripped out all the spicy scenes. It’s strange because it feels like each scene leads up to some climactic spicy scene and then it just skips it, and it’s abrupt unlike most fade to black scenes are.
With that said, the book is a campy romcom rife with fantasy. The plot reminds me of an anime because there are so many different slapstick plot twists but the plot doesn’t feel complicated. There isn’t much nuance to it but it is a fun story.
🎙️: Single narrator but multiple POV. She does her job well though so there isn’t any confusion about who’s POV your in. However, there are some places where there are long lists of things that are hard to remember. It’s not the narrators fault but it would be significantly easier to follow along if it was written somewhere for reference, which is why I recommend tandem reading if you’re listening to it.
Romantasy with RomCom vibes
• Multi POVs and storylines
• Secrete Identity
• Campy Saga (like a series of serial novellas)
• Fairytale Retelling
• Evil Queen
• Complicated Family Secrets
❌🌶️: There aren’t any spicy scenes but the story revolves around them, almost like an erotic novel had all the spicy scenes ripped out of it.
⚠️: Cheating subplot with two side characters on a pregnant woman that’s never named of introduced. The whole thing was bizarre and disturbing, I have no idea why the author thought it was a good idea.
With that said, the book is a campy romcom rife with fantasy. The plot reminds me of an anime because there are so many different slapstick plot twists but the plot doesn’t feel complicated. There isn’t much nuance to it but it is a fun story.
🎙️: Single narrator but multiple POV. She does her job well though so there isn’t any confusion about who’s POV your in. However, there are some places where there are long lists of things that are hard to remember. It’s not the narrators fault but it would be significantly easier to follow along if it was written somewhere for reference, which is why I recommend tandem reading if you’re listening to it.
Romantasy with RomCom vibes
• Multi POVs and storylines
• Secrete Identity
• Campy Saga (like a series of serial novellas)
• Fairytale Retelling
• Evil Queen
• Complicated Family Secrets
❌🌶️: There aren’t any spicy scenes but the story revolves around them, almost like an erotic novel had all the spicy scenes ripped out of it.
⚠️: Cheating subplot with two side characters on a pregnant woman that’s never named of introduced. The whole thing was bizarre and disturbing, I have no idea why the author thought it was a good idea.
November 21, 2025
Jude Deveraux's Blue Swan series is a genuine mash up between Alice in Wonderland and Grimm's Fairy tales, a worthy follow-up for fans of Once Upon a broken heart! This mesmerizing tale continues the story from Order of Swans, and moves to Tanek's son Mekos and Princess Aradella, the one who was to marry the odious Prince Nessa.. with reunions galore and more of the political puzzle that the Empyreans present, to solve, this tale moves fast and furious, blazing a trail of convoluted fairy tropes, misunderstandings and reversing plot lines at will!
The ending reveal was simply masterful and gave the tale a true Matrix like gravitas! I cannot wait for the next book!!!
The characters are genuine and try to do what's best but end up bungling long drawn out plans.. with themes from snow white, rose red, Robin hood, never [tinkerbell] and complicated family lines [ seriously, it is the most twisted family tree, by far], this book is a salve for lengthy tomes. With its breakneck pace, clueless characters, and mystifying worlds, it is a sanctum for falling back in love with fairy tales!!!
Sprinkle some stardust on yourself and settle down for a soar! My sincere thank yous to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for furnishing the arc!! I devoured it in a day!!! I had to re read Order of Swans again just because!! Do not miss this hitchhikers guide to fairy tales series!!!
The ending reveal was simply masterful and gave the tale a true Matrix like gravitas! I cannot wait for the next book!!!
The characters are genuine and try to do what's best but end up bungling long drawn out plans.. with themes from snow white, rose red, Robin hood, never [tinkerbell] and complicated family lines [ seriously, it is the most twisted family tree, by far], this book is a salve for lengthy tomes. With its breakneck pace, clueless characters, and mystifying worlds, it is a sanctum for falling back in love with fairy tales!!!
Sprinkle some stardust on yourself and settle down for a soar! My sincere thank yous to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for furnishing the arc!! I devoured it in a day!!! I had to re read Order of Swans again just because!! Do not miss this hitchhikers guide to fairy tales series!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(3.5 stars but I will put 4 on here since you cannot do half stars).
Thank you to Jude Deveraux and her team for the gifted e-book via NetGalley. This is the sequel in the Blue Swan duology, and it delivers a richly descriptive sci-fi/fantasy mashup with intricate world-building and bold creativity. Jude Deveraux’s imagination really shines here. The setting is unique, detailed, and clearly crafted with care.
The character dynamics were engaging, and I did feel connected to each of the main characters, which kept me grounded even when the story became dense. That said, I personally struggled with the pacing. At times the plot felt repetitive, and I found it difficult to get through certain sections.
This is definitely not an “easy read.” It requires full immersion, and I couldn’t really pick it up for short reading bursts the way I can with many of my other books. That’s not necessarily a flaw, especially for a complex sci-fi/fantasy, but it did impact my overall enjoyment. I didn’t feel especially excited to pick it up each time, though by the end I was glad I had finished it, if that makes sense.
Jude Deveraux’s writing style is incredibly distinctive, and I think that if the story had focused on a different concept, it may have resonated with me more. Overall, this was a thoughtful and ambitious read, but one that didn’t fully click for me.
Thank you to Jude Deveraux and her team for the gifted e-book via NetGalley. This is the sequel in the Blue Swan duology, and it delivers a richly descriptive sci-fi/fantasy mashup with intricate world-building and bold creativity. Jude Deveraux’s imagination really shines here. The setting is unique, detailed, and clearly crafted with care.
The character dynamics were engaging, and I did feel connected to each of the main characters, which kept me grounded even when the story became dense. That said, I personally struggled with the pacing. At times the plot felt repetitive, and I found it difficult to get through certain sections.
This is definitely not an “easy read.” It requires full immersion, and I couldn’t really pick it up for short reading bursts the way I can with many of my other books. That’s not necessarily a flaw, especially for a complex sci-fi/fantasy, but it did impact my overall enjoyment. I didn’t feel especially excited to pick it up each time, though by the end I was glad I had finished it, if that makes sense.
Jude Deveraux’s writing style is incredibly distinctive, and I think that if the story had focused on a different concept, it may have resonated with me more. Overall, this was a thoughtful and ambitious read, but one that didn’t fully click for me.
December 13, 2025
This was such an enjoyable continuation of the story. I loved returning to this world where royalty, magic, and layered family dynamics all collide. The political tension and shifting alliances kept me engaged, and I really appreciated how much of the story focused on loyalty, choice, and doing what’s right even when every option costs something.
The romance was a highlight for me. It’s not rushed or flashy, but quietly built through shared danger, whispered plans, and trust earned over time. I liked how the emotional connection felt grounded in protection and partnership rather than instant passion. It gave the love story more weight and made the stakes feel personal.
I also enjoyed the fairytale-inspired elements and the sense that nothing is ever quite what it seems. Secrets unfold slowly, motivations stay murky, and the world continues to expand in interesting ways. While a few moments felt slightly crowded with moving pieces, the story overall flowed well and kept me invested all the way through.
A solid, satisfying read that blends romance, magic, and intrigue beautifully. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
The romance was a highlight for me. It’s not rushed or flashy, but quietly built through shared danger, whispered plans, and trust earned over time. I liked how the emotional connection felt grounded in protection and partnership rather than instant passion. It gave the love story more weight and made the stakes feel personal.
I also enjoyed the fairytale-inspired elements and the sense that nothing is ever quite what it seems. Secrets unfold slowly, motivations stay murky, and the world continues to expand in interesting ways. While a few moments felt slightly crowded with moving pieces, the story overall flowed well and kept me invested all the way through.
A solid, satisfying read that blends romance, magic, and intrigue beautifully. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fun, nostalgic read for lovers of fairytales and sci-fi!
Book two in the Blue Swan series picked up right where we left Kaley, Tanek, Sojee, and Mekos, and the action did not stop! This book is not for the faint of heart (I mean this as a compliment)! Due to its writing style, the reader must be ready to engage with the plot that has a ton of characters and multiple plot lines woven in and out of multiple POVs. It is refreshingly written in a style very similar to that of classic fairy tales, with dashes of modern wit and pop-culture references. I didn't refresh my memory by rereading book one, Order of Swans, before diving into Order of Royals, and I am glad that I didn't! There is a shift in the main characters to include Princesses Aradella and Bree, as well as Tanek's son.
Again, I don't think this one is for everybody, BUT I loved it, and I think that people who adore nods to fairytales but in a unique setting will like Order of Royals!
Thank you, NetGalley and MIRA, for an ARC of Order of Royals by Jude Devereaux! Pub Date: January 6, 2026.
Book two in the Blue Swan series picked up right where we left Kaley, Tanek, Sojee, and Mekos, and the action did not stop! This book is not for the faint of heart (I mean this as a compliment)! Due to its writing style, the reader must be ready to engage with the plot that has a ton of characters and multiple plot lines woven in and out of multiple POVs. It is refreshingly written in a style very similar to that of classic fairy tales, with dashes of modern wit and pop-culture references. I didn't refresh my memory by rereading book one, Order of Swans, before diving into Order of Royals, and I am glad that I didn't! There is a shift in the main characters to include Princesses Aradella and Bree, as well as Tanek's son.
Again, I don't think this one is for everybody, BUT I loved it, and I think that people who adore nods to fairytales but in a unique setting will like Order of Royals!
Thank you, NetGalley and MIRA, for an ARC of Order of Royals by Jude Devereaux! Pub Date: January 6, 2026.
January 1, 2026
This was cute. It did stay on the same line with the retelling of fairytales like book 1, but it also was different. It focused more on Meko (Tanek’s son), and Princess Aradella. We do see Tanek and Kaley, they just aren’t the main focus like I expected them to be. I was kind of disappointed at first because I really wanted more of their love story, but as we get to know Aradella/Meko more and were given just enough to satisfy us with Kaley/Tanek I was okay. The book definitely gets kind of off the wall weird at some points, which isn’t surprising because book 1 was that too. It isn’t a bad thing, just a “well that’s different” kind of thing. It honestly makes the story fun. I did enjoy it, and I have to say listening to the audiobook made getting into the book easy. The narrator did well (Alexandra Hunter Narrated). The book is an adult romantasy but is a clean romantasy IMO. I still think the series is very original and interesting. I still have never read anything set exactly like this, and thats so cool.
This sci-fi fantasy romance is book 2 in the Blue Swan series. The romance in this book is friends to lovers. The book does have adult themes, and tension but remains clean overall. Tanek is promised to Princess Aradella. Kaley loves Tanek and can’t let him go. Princess Aradella’s aunt is evil and has always punished her for not falling into her expectations. This time she isn’t alone and has Mako, Tanek, and Kaley with her, and her aunt’s plans may not go as planned.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
🎧Audiobook
✨Thank You to Harlequin Audio for the ALC✨
This sci-fi fantasy romance is book 2 in the Blue Swan series. The romance in this book is friends to lovers. The book does have adult themes, and tension but remains clean overall. Tanek is promised to Princess Aradella. Kaley loves Tanek and can’t let him go. Princess Aradella’s aunt is evil and has always punished her for not falling into her expectations. This time she isn’t alone and has Mako, Tanek, and Kaley with her, and her aunt’s plans may not go as planned.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
🎧Audiobook
✨Thank You to Harlequin Audio for the ALC✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Order of Royals by Jude Deveraux is a mix of royal drama, fairy-tale vibes, and a little sci-fi thrown in, and somehow it all works. The world she builds is very detailed but it never feels overwhelming—you get enough of the politics, the family drama, and the magical bits to stay hooked.
Princess Aradella is such a great FMC. She’s smart and brave - her strength comes from how she cares about people and makes tough choices. And her romance with Mekos? I loved how real it felt.
The story is fun, too. There’s humor that helps make the story feel light at times, even with all the political scheming.
Overall, if you like fairy-tale-inspired stories with magic, romance, and a ton of intrigue, you’d probably really enjoy this one. It’s immersive and fun. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jude Deveraux and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Princess Aradella is such a great FMC. She’s smart and brave - her strength comes from how she cares about people and makes tough choices. And her romance with Mekos? I loved how real it felt.
The story is fun, too. There’s humor that helps make the story feel light at times, even with all the political scheming.
Overall, if you like fairy-tale-inspired stories with magic, romance, and a ton of intrigue, you’d probably really enjoy this one. It’s immersive and fun. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jude Deveraux and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 11, 2025
I did not read the first book in this series. This wasn't really an issue for most of the book, but the second half brings in a lot of characters that seem to have been a big part of #1, and that got a bit confusing.
Because the narration was told in 3rd person, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. I was just along for the ride; I couldn't have a favorite character because there wasn't a whole lot of substance to them. Maybe I missed that part of the story development in the first book?
Overall, this was a fun jaunt through various fairy tales.
The twist at the end was unexpected. It also was a good thought exercise on different structures of society, god-complexes, and the importance of feeling "offended" (or not offended).
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Because the narration was told in 3rd person, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. I was just along for the ride; I couldn't have a favorite character because there wasn't a whole lot of substance to them. Maybe I missed that part of the story development in the first book?
Overall, this was a fun jaunt through various fairy tales.
The twist at the end was unexpected. It also was a good thought exercise on different structures of society, god-complexes, and the importance of feeling "offended" (or not offended).
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fascinating romantasy series continues in the Order of Royals! Thanks to Jude Devereaux for continuing to write captivating novels throughout my adult life! Order of Royals continues the story that began in Order of Swans. Princess Aradella remains under the control of her evil and powerful aunt, Queen Olina. In this story, we get to see Aradella embark on an adventure to new lands and people. That, combined with elements of fairy tales, romance, and politics makes this a fascinating story! It’s also fun to revisit the main characters from the first book- especially Kaley and Tanek and to see how their love and story evolves. I also loved Aradella’s romance with Tanek’s son, Mekos and to see how she and her cousin Bree continue to find out the truth about one another. Highly recommend!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy!
December 21, 2025
ARC Review
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC. Sadly, this one didn’t work for me. Jude Deveraux was a formative author for me in my younger years, and I was so excited to dive into this series. However, the writing was awkward and clunky, the characters were all caricatures and the flow was just… off. I do think there’s potential in the bones of the story, but I couldn’t get over the “gee whilliikers” inner monologues of the Kaley and Aradella.
This was much better written than Order of Swans, the first book in the series. I think the editing tightened it up a lot here, but the ending seemed very abrupt for an epic tomatady fairy tale space saga.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC. Sadly, this one didn’t work for me. Jude Deveraux was a formative author for me in my younger years, and I was so excited to dive into this series. However, the writing was awkward and clunky, the characters were all caricatures and the flow was just… off. I do think there’s potential in the bones of the story, but I couldn’t get over the “gee whilliikers” inner monologues of the Kaley and Aradella.
This was much better written than Order of Swans, the first book in the series. I think the editing tightened it up a lot here, but the ending seemed very abrupt for an epic tomatady fairy tale space saga.
December 10, 2025
Ok. First off, I loved this book. I loved this duology, HOWEVER I need it to be a trilogy. Jude Devereaux, help a girl out! I loved Order of Swans and read it twice. Was so excited to begin Order of Royals and yet the ending left me with so many questions and needing more. I need Tanek’s story to come to a close as well. I don’t feel like it did. What’s to happen with the Kingdom’s now. I need to know what will happen with Aradella and Mekos. I. Need. More. Overall still loved it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Personally, I preferred Order of Swans. I thought that the first in the series felt more fantasy fairy tale. Order of Royals takes a more sci-fi approach that felt a little jarring. That being said I really enjoy the characters and relationships. Those are really well done. I struggled a little with the pacing. The story felt long even though page wise it isn't that long. I think there is a repetitiveness than run throughout that prolongs the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Order of Royals was a fun, comforting read and very much what I expect from Jude Deveraux. There’s plenty of royal escapism, slow-building romance, and polished storytelling.
I enjoyed the characters and the overall premise, even if a few plot beats felt predictable and the middle slowed a bit for me. It was an easy, satisfying read that pulled me out of my own head and into a glossy, royal world.
I enjoyed the characters and the overall premise, even if a few plot beats felt predictable and the middle slowed a bit for me. It was an easy, satisfying read that pulled me out of my own head and into a glossy, royal world.
October 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Order of Royals pulled me in right away, romance, intrigue, and a touch of magic all wrapped together. Aradella’s choices kept me hooked, and I loved the mix of heart and suspense. A quick, engaging escape into royal drama!
Order of Royals pulled me in right away, romance, intrigue, and a touch of magic all wrapped together. Aradella’s choices kept me hooked, and I loved the mix of heart and suspense. A quick, engaging escape into royal drama!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Full Review to come.
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