What do you think?
Rate this book
The Midwizard of Cosconia
In a land where Maternal Magic once protected every mother and child, birth has become deadly. Fresh out of midwizardry school, Izzie is determined to use her blood magic to save lives.
Maternal Magic is waning each year. She’s lost friends and patients. And no one knows why. Haunted by an ancient ritual that went tragically wrong, Izzie has sworn to do no more harm. But when Cosconia’s twelve races vie for the formerly uninhabitable Wasteland, war threatens to consume the continent—and somehow Izzie ends up in the middle of the conflict.
What’s a wartime midwizard to do? Izzie must face the trauma of her past—which might have more to do with their current predicament than she realizes—and possibly make peace with a very attractive, very annoying wizard.
Could the truth heal her dying land—or break it (and her) beyond repair?
Maternal Magic is waning each year. She’s lost friends and patients. And no one knows why. Haunted by an ancient ritual that went tragically wrong, Izzie has sworn to do no more harm. But when Cosconia’s twelve races vie for the formerly uninhabitable Wasteland, war threatens to consume the continent—and somehow Izzie ends up in the middle of the conflict.
What’s a wartime midwizard to do? Izzie must face the trauma of her past—which might have more to do with their current predicament than she realizes—and possibly make peace with a very attractive, very annoying wizard.
Could the truth heal her dying land—or break it (and her) beyond repair?
- GenresFantasy
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
40 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 23, 2025
Fantasy, medicine and romance meet for this epic novel! I went in with an open mind and was quickly locked in to the world of Cosconia. Right away you are enchanted and each chapter finishes with you immediately wanting to read the next. Izzie is a fearless and independent protagonist who is determined and willing to always go to the next level for her patients. As a women’s health care provider, this book brings up many important topics close to my heart that are often unknown to those not in the field, and eloquently bring up these issues to those not in the medical world. The author does a wonderful job of transitioning between past and present storylines with multiple plot surprises throughout. This is a must read for any fantasy lover, with a surprise twist at the end!
September 1, 2025
The Midwizard of Cosconia
by Zack Schoppen
Call of the Midwiz #1
Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Sep 7, 2025
Self Published
Ages: 16+
In the land of Cosconia, there are twelve races, and once they lived in harmony, but their differences split them apart. Maternal Magic once protected every mother and child, but now giving birth is deadly, and the death rate for both mother and child is rising.
Izzie wanted to help, so being a blood wizard, she enrolled in midwizardry school to learn about the twelve races so she could use her magic to help save the lives of the mothers and babies of any race.
But rumors of war are growing over a piece of land in the Uninhabitable Wasteland, a place where a tree started to grow, and around it, women are becoming pregnant and safely delivering healthy babies.
This is an almost cozy story, if there were less violence than it would've been more suitable for readers under sixteen, but there are some gruesome deaths. Not overly described, but enough so it's questionable. I was hoping for either more action or more cozy, but this fell right in between, so it didn't satisfy either.
Focusing on Izzie, this story follows her over many years, past and present, as the rumors of war grow. I get why the author flipped back and forth, but suddenly adding other characters' POV in the middle of the story did disrupt the flow, and I had to backtrack to figure out who these people were and why they were talking. The jumping back and forth with Izzie's past and present also slowed the reading down, especially at first, because I was still trying to get to know Izzie and her story, then suddenly I was in a different time with a younger and different Izzie. It took a few chapters before I grew comfortable enough with her character to tell the difference between her two selves.
I did like the difference between the races and their pregnancies, some in months, others in years, and the different but similar risks there were, and the trauma of loss.
The 'magic bag' and its reference to 'spoiler', while funny, and I snorted a few times, was also irritating because of how it led the reader to believe 'spoiler', or if it's a 'spoiler'.
The cover, while kind of plain, did match the story, as did the title.
There was a lot of information about being a 'midwife' (OB/GYN), and it was described pretty good and techniques from our world tweaked to fit this world, but I feel that the descriptions and time spent with the other races was lacking. Yes, some were reminisced, but the ones where the reader accompanied Izzie felt too pushed. And things that really didn't need to be were repeated, almost verbatim, too many times.
The story ended with a tiny cliffhanger, opening the door for the sequel, one which I don't know if I'll read.
2 Stars
by Zack Schoppen
Call of the Midwiz #1
Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Sep 7, 2025
Self Published
Ages: 16+
In the land of Cosconia, there are twelve races, and once they lived in harmony, but their differences split them apart. Maternal Magic once protected every mother and child, but now giving birth is deadly, and the death rate for both mother and child is rising.
Izzie wanted to help, so being a blood wizard, she enrolled in midwizardry school to learn about the twelve races so she could use her magic to help save the lives of the mothers and babies of any race.
But rumors of war are growing over a piece of land in the Uninhabitable Wasteland, a place where a tree started to grow, and around it, women are becoming pregnant and safely delivering healthy babies.
This is an almost cozy story, if there were less violence than it would've been more suitable for readers under sixteen, but there are some gruesome deaths. Not overly described, but enough so it's questionable. I was hoping for either more action or more cozy, but this fell right in between, so it didn't satisfy either.
Focusing on Izzie, this story follows her over many years, past and present, as the rumors of war grow. I get why the author flipped back and forth, but suddenly adding other characters' POV in the middle of the story did disrupt the flow, and I had to backtrack to figure out who these people were and why they were talking. The jumping back and forth with Izzie's past and present also slowed the reading down, especially at first, because I was still trying to get to know Izzie and her story, then suddenly I was in a different time with a younger and different Izzie. It took a few chapters before I grew comfortable enough with her character to tell the difference between her two selves.
I did like the difference between the races and their pregnancies, some in months, others in years, and the different but similar risks there were, and the trauma of loss.
The 'magic bag' and its reference to 'spoiler', while funny, and I snorted a few times, was also irritating because of how it led the reader to believe 'spoiler', or if it's a 'spoiler'.
The cover, while kind of plain, did match the story, as did the title.
There was a lot of information about being a 'midwife' (OB/GYN), and it was described pretty good and techniques from our world tweaked to fit this world, but I feel that the descriptions and time spent with the other races was lacking. Yes, some were reminisced, but the ones where the reader accompanied Izzie felt too pushed. And things that really didn't need to be were repeated, almost verbatim, too many times.
The story ended with a tiny cliffhanger, opening the door for the sequel, one which I don't know if I'll read.
2 Stars
August 10, 2025
I… have never been so angry in my life.
And dang it, I really did love the book. I think that’s half the reason I’m so invested and feisty. I’ve told everyone about this stinkin book.
I don’t read fantasy unless someone makes me. I like nonfiction: the finite, the tangible, the factual. This novel I picked because of the author description. Zach Schoppen is a board-certified OBGYN that was frustrated with the misrepresentation of childbirth and pregnancy in fantasy settings. He also said he was Donating proceeds 2025 to Cherry House and Sojourner House. Sure, that sounds interesting, let’s try it. The requisite disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a Trigger warning: infertility, miscarriage, preeclampsia, poor pregnancy outcomes, maternal and fetal mortality. There is also some torture, blood, gore, war kinda stuff.
One day, this guy is going to see the detailed rants I went on in my notes about his story. I don’t want to leave them here because I want to avoid spoilers, but suffice to say: we do not like liars, the past shall not stay in the past, and I will fight a man 🤼 or I suppose two men: the man, and the man that wrote the man. Ack!
Let’s go through what I liked: the story was amazing. I couldn’t put it down. You’re sure this is a debut novel?? The characters. Say what you will about the author: this is not someone that sees women as the subservient sex. He writes powerful, ambitious, nuanced, layered ‘freles’ that carry the story and change the fate of the world. Lulu and Pyke and Dalpha and the professors at the wizarding academy and Lago. My sweet, perfect Lago. There is a map in the front and I love a book with a map. While he doesn’t have the tight control of the emotional journey as a seasoned writer does, he really gets you to feel for these characters and their plights and journeys. It’s a rollercoaster, in the best possible way. There is growth and development. Pacing is kept at a clip. Information is parsed as needed and it is largely action-based. Not a ton of boring backstory or descriptions that get so tedious in the genre. I actually liked the bag. I didn’t think I was going to, but he was funny and weird. I was wholly invested in the story.
Negatives:
I keep going back and forth on the cover. On the one hand, it really does feel like the cover you’d get on a classic older fantasy, circa 70s/80s, so it’s got that nostalgic factor kinda going for it. But I can tell you how it’s going to be perceived by readers, and a lot are going to view it as amateurish, indicative of the lack of polish from a professional publisher. Which leads us to the second negative:
There are editing errors. Between reading student essays and indie ARCs such as this one, I’m more or less immune to them so it didn’t break the story for me. There were enough peppered in there that it was distracting and below the standard we’ve come to expect.
That being said: I’d much rather have a fantastic freaking book with a strange cover and some editing errors than a gorgeously rendered commercially tepid offering. So I can, without hesitation, give this book five stars because the content really was that good.
I’m probably going to buy a whole box of these and start passing them out to all those people I was bothering about it. For the time being, I’m going to stomp around and have very OPINIONS (TM) about how things went down. And wait for the sequel. And anything else chipper Schoppen wants to write. Because dang it, he’s got himself a fan.
And dang it, I really did love the book. I think that’s half the reason I’m so invested and feisty. I’ve told everyone about this stinkin book.
I don’t read fantasy unless someone makes me. I like nonfiction: the finite, the tangible, the factual. This novel I picked because of the author description. Zach Schoppen is a board-certified OBGYN that was frustrated with the misrepresentation of childbirth and pregnancy in fantasy settings. He also said he was Donating proceeds 2025 to Cherry House and Sojourner House. Sure, that sounds interesting, let’s try it. The requisite disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a Trigger warning: infertility, miscarriage, preeclampsia, poor pregnancy outcomes, maternal and fetal mortality. There is also some torture, blood, gore, war kinda stuff.
One day, this guy is going to see the detailed rants I went on in my notes about his story. I don’t want to leave them here because I want to avoid spoilers, but suffice to say: we do not like liars, the past shall not stay in the past, and I will fight a man 🤼 or I suppose two men: the man, and the man that wrote the man. Ack!
Let’s go through what I liked: the story was amazing. I couldn’t put it down. You’re sure this is a debut novel?? The characters. Say what you will about the author: this is not someone that sees women as the subservient sex. He writes powerful, ambitious, nuanced, layered ‘freles’ that carry the story and change the fate of the world. Lulu and Pyke and Dalpha and the professors at the wizarding academy and Lago. My sweet, perfect Lago. There is a map in the front and I love a book with a map. While he doesn’t have the tight control of the emotional journey as a seasoned writer does, he really gets you to feel for these characters and their plights and journeys. It’s a rollercoaster, in the best possible way. There is growth and development. Pacing is kept at a clip. Information is parsed as needed and it is largely action-based. Not a ton of boring backstory or descriptions that get so tedious in the genre. I actually liked the bag. I didn’t think I was going to, but he was funny and weird. I was wholly invested in the story.
Negatives:
I keep going back and forth on the cover. On the one hand, it really does feel like the cover you’d get on a classic older fantasy, circa 70s/80s, so it’s got that nostalgic factor kinda going for it. But I can tell you how it’s going to be perceived by readers, and a lot are going to view it as amateurish, indicative of the lack of polish from a professional publisher. Which leads us to the second negative:
There are editing errors. Between reading student essays and indie ARCs such as this one, I’m more or less immune to them so it didn’t break the story for me. There were enough peppered in there that it was distracting and below the standard we’ve come to expect.
That being said: I’d much rather have a fantastic freaking book with a strange cover and some editing errors than a gorgeously rendered commercially tepid offering. So I can, without hesitation, give this book five stars because the content really was that good.
I’m probably going to buy a whole box of these and start passing them out to all those people I was bothering about it. For the time being, I’m going to stomp around and have very OPINIONS (TM) about how things went down. And wait for the sequel. And anything else chipper Schoppen wants to write. Because dang it, he’s got himself a fan.
July 11, 2025
Yes!! A fantasy novel that ditches 'the chosen one' and asks: 'what if the real magic was delivering babies in the middle of a war?'
The Midwizard of Cosconia is smart, weird, and fresh. It trades in sweeping prophecies for something much more interesting: magical healthcare, bodily autonomy, and the politics of care work. And somehow, it's still surprisingly funny.
Izzie is a brilliant, burned-out blood mage who’s just trying to do her job while navigating interspecies drama, backstabbing bureaucrats, and her mess of an ex. The world is richly built, the birth scenes are wild, and the story strikes a balance between absurdity and emotional depth.
Completely original and deeply entertaining.
The Midwizard of Cosconia is smart, weird, and fresh. It trades in sweeping prophecies for something much more interesting: magical healthcare, bodily autonomy, and the politics of care work. And somehow, it's still surprisingly funny.
Izzie is a brilliant, burned-out blood mage who’s just trying to do her job while navigating interspecies drama, backstabbing bureaucrats, and her mess of an ex. The world is richly built, the birth scenes are wild, and the story strikes a balance between absurdity and emotional depth.
Completely original and deeply entertaining.
August 12, 2025
I received an ARC and am SO glad! I have always loved fantasy and this is one of the most unique books I’ve read. Being an OBGYN, the subject material really spoke to me. The writing draws you in and the world building left me feeling like I was actually there. Izzie is a strong female lead which is my favorite element in any book. The book tackles a lot of women’s reproductive health topics with grace and in a way that doesn’t feel forced. I can’t wait to get my official copy and I actually am already dying for the next book in the series!
August 5, 2025
I was gifted an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
This book was so unbelievably refreshing and original. Throw in that it tackles an underrepresented issue in fantasy, much less real life? Instant 5 stars. Now, there are times in the book where you can tell it’s Dr. Schoppen’s first novel, but it’s actually very endearing and you can feel his passion for the subject matter through it all. As a medical professional, picking up on the little Easter eggs was half the fun for me. And that last 20%? So many tears. The epilogue left us on a cliffhanger and I CANNOT wait for book 2!!!!
This book was so unbelievably refreshing and original. Throw in that it tackles an underrepresented issue in fantasy, much less real life? Instant 5 stars. Now, there are times in the book where you can tell it’s Dr. Schoppen’s first novel, but it’s actually very endearing and you can feel his passion for the subject matter through it all. As a medical professional, picking up on the little Easter eggs was half the fun for me. And that last 20%? So many tears. The epilogue left us on a cliffhanger and I CANNOT wait for book 2!!!!
July 25, 2025
This book was truly unlike anything I’ve ever encountered, keeping me captivated from start to finish! Not only did I gain insight into the challenges of pregnancy, but I also found myself laughing and eagerly anticipating every twist throughout the narrative. One of my favorite aspects of reading is developing complex emotions for the characters, and in the richly crafted world of Cosconia, I quickly came to have strong feelings about them.
The story is filled with unexpected twists, betrayal, misunderstandings, love, loss, and conflict, leaving me eager to uncover what would happen next. There were moments when I found myself internally shouting at the characters and times when I cried right alongside them. If you enjoy lighthearted fantasy novels, this one is a must-read!
What I particularly appreciated about this novel—whether intentional by the author or not—was the wealth of metaphors and parallels drawn between the events in Cosconia and relevant real-world situations today. One of my favorites was the portrayal of strong, empowering women, which resonated deeply with me. Additionally, the sprinkle of pop culture references added a delightful touch to the story. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a read!
The story is filled with unexpected twists, betrayal, misunderstandings, love, loss, and conflict, leaving me eager to uncover what would happen next. There were moments when I found myself internally shouting at the characters and times when I cried right alongside them. If you enjoy lighthearted fantasy novels, this one is a must-read!
What I particularly appreciated about this novel—whether intentional by the author or not—was the wealth of metaphors and parallels drawn between the events in Cosconia and relevant real-world situations today. One of my favorites was the portrayal of strong, empowering women, which resonated deeply with me. Additionally, the sprinkle of pop culture references added a delightful touch to the story. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a read!
July 13, 2025
The Midwizard of Cosconia by Zack Schoppen is a high fantasy novel about Izzie, a wizard and midwife, who travels across the twelve countries of Cosconia to deliver babies among the twelve races. While Izzie is perfecting her trade, she is noticing low fertility rates and high infant and maternal death rates—what is happening to the Maternal Magic? All the while a war is brewing and Izzie’s ex has been spotted.
This was probably the most unique book I’ve read this year! I’m totally obsessed with the concept of a midwife for magical races and Schoppen (a real OBGYN) put in a TON of work making the maternity system of this world feel real. The worldbuilding is really just fantastic and I had so much fun reading it. I also loved Izzie and watching her grow as a midwizard and character. There were some great twist and turns! Overall and fantastic book that I totally recommend!
Is it queer? Yes a queernormative world w/ queer side characters
Should I read it? If you love new takes on fantasy then yes!! Bookmark this one for Sept.
Content warnings: infertility, graphic birth scenes, death of mother, death of baby, blood, violence, magical violence, non-graphic sex
This was probably the most unique book I’ve read this year! I’m totally obsessed with the concept of a midwife for magical races and Schoppen (a real OBGYN) put in a TON of work making the maternity system of this world feel real. The worldbuilding is really just fantastic and I had so much fun reading it. I also loved Izzie and watching her grow as a midwizard and character. There were some great twist and turns! Overall and fantastic book that I totally recommend!
Is it queer? Yes a queernormative world w/ queer side characters
Should I read it? If you love new takes on fantasy then yes!! Bookmark this one for Sept.
Content warnings: infertility, graphic birth scenes, death of mother, death of baby, blood, violence, magical violence, non-graphic sex
July 12, 2025
The Midwizard of Cosconia was definitely a page-turner for me from the very beginning. The story revolves around Izzie, a midwizard (similar to a midwife) with blood magic abilities who travels across Cosconia delivering babies for various magical creatures. The author's richly detailed world-building was absolutely phenomenal!
This book delivers on every level, with a perfect blend of friendship, drama, action, romance, and humor. Kudos to the author for tackling the complexities of pregnancy with sensitivity and depth!
I highly recommend this book to every fantasy reader out there !!
This book delivers on every level, with a perfect blend of friendship, drama, action, romance, and humor. Kudos to the author for tackling the complexities of pregnancy with sensitivity and depth!
I highly recommend this book to every fantasy reader out there !!
July 10, 2025
A debut novel that bursts onto the fantasy scene with a relatable FMC, a bit of a love story and a unique magic system. Combining the visceral reality of midwifery with the sprawling imagination of high fantasy, Schoppen creates a lush, multi-species world where birth is not just biological but deeply political, spiritual, and magical.
This novel is a one-of-a-kind, must read
This novel is a one-of-a-kind, must read
August 17, 2025
The Midwizard of Cosconia should be your next fantasy read! This world includes all of your favorite fantasy races (sprites, giants, wizards, fae, mermaids, orcs, etc), a relatable FMC who is trying to overcome her own mistakes and save her world, and new, creative magic.
What I loved:
-FMC wizard who uses blood magic and is a strong supporter of female rights
-Unique world and magic
-Strong, descriptive world building -- each race described in detail with unique takes on traditional lore
-Progressive conflict building with a cohesive, dynamic climax
-Secondary characters representing a variety of races and friendship
-Baggie was a hilarious sidekick and comic relief
Author Zack Schoppen brilliantly used the main character's job as a midwizard (aka midwife) to build the world of Cosconia and introduce the reader to all of the different races and various issues that exist related to fertility, childbirth, and fetal and maternal mortality. Izzie's quest to help mothers and babies as each race is in danger of dying out from lack of ability to reproduce was such a unique way to world build. She enters each race's territory attempting to learn about their issues with childbearing and the commonalities that are plaguing the entire landmass. When all races start to take advantage of Izzie's desire to help and her affinity for blood magic to build population in anticipation of a war over the Wasteland, it seems that conflict is inevitable and that, perhaps, it was Izzie's fault from a botched ritual centuries ago.
As a mom and educator, it was so refreshing and powerful to read about women's issues front and center in this book, but also so strategically woven into each species and a traditional fantasy novel. Izzie's understanding of midwizardry shed light on how we continue to grow in our knowledge yet still have no answers to much related to childbearing and postpartum needs.
This truly is a fantasy read with a unique spin and excellent writing style! Story elements represented the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances. The ending left me both satisfied and eager for the next book!
What I loved:
-FMC wizard who uses blood magic and is a strong supporter of female rights
-Unique world and magic
-Strong, descriptive world building -- each race described in detail with unique takes on traditional lore
-Progressive conflict building with a cohesive, dynamic climax
-Secondary characters representing a variety of races and friendship
-Baggie was a hilarious sidekick and comic relief
Author Zack Schoppen brilliantly used the main character's job as a midwizard (aka midwife) to build the world of Cosconia and introduce the reader to all of the different races and various issues that exist related to fertility, childbirth, and fetal and maternal mortality. Izzie's quest to help mothers and babies as each race is in danger of dying out from lack of ability to reproduce was such a unique way to world build. She enters each race's territory attempting to learn about their issues with childbearing and the commonalities that are plaguing the entire landmass. When all races start to take advantage of Izzie's desire to help and her affinity for blood magic to build population in anticipation of a war over the Wasteland, it seems that conflict is inevitable and that, perhaps, it was Izzie's fault from a botched ritual centuries ago.
As a mom and educator, it was so refreshing and powerful to read about women's issues front and center in this book, but also so strategically woven into each species and a traditional fantasy novel. Izzie's understanding of midwizardry shed light on how we continue to grow in our knowledge yet still have no answers to much related to childbearing and postpartum needs.
This truly is a fantasy read with a unique spin and excellent writing style! Story elements represented the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances. The ending left me both satisfied and eager for the next book!
August 18, 2025
An exceptionally unique take on fantasy. It inspired me to write the top ten things I enjoyed in The Midwizard of Cosconia
1. Complex characters and motivations
2. Lots of ready potential for future books - other lands, races, characters
3. I learned things about childbirth! Like in real life!
4. The premise is so good that I would have enjoyed reading it even if it wasn't well written (it IS well written, reader)
5. Tons of nods to genre conventions
6. Willingness to subvert those conventions
7. A conflicted but noble protagonist.
8. A complex but understandable system of magic
9. Villains that you love to hate
10. Lago is everything that is beautiful about the world encapsulated in a character
1. Complex characters and motivations
2. Lots of ready potential for future books - other lands, races, characters
3. I learned things about childbirth! Like in real life!
4. The premise is so good that I would have enjoyed reading it even if it wasn't well written (it IS well written, reader)
5. Tons of nods to genre conventions
6. Willingness to subvert those conventions
7. A conflicted but noble protagonist.
8. A complex but understandable system of magic
9. Villains that you love to hate
10. Lago is everything that is beautiful about the world encapsulated in a character
August 21, 2025
I knew the moment I read the BookSirens synopsis that I had to read this. A fantasy centered on a healer—specifically a wizard midwife… er… midwizard—felt totally fresh. I’ve never seen a concept quite like it in the genre, and it grabbed me right away.
We follow Izzie, a wizard and midwife, as she travels across Cosconia to study the twelve races and master the art of delivering babies. She spends about six years with each, and we watch her grow into one of the realm’s most powerful healers. The maternity systems are steeped in magic yet grounded in believable detail. Schoppen (an OB-GYN by day) uses his medical expertise to build out how each race approaches pregnancy and birth, and he explains it in a way that’s clear even for non-medical readers.
As Izzie’s journey unfolds, infertility and infant mortality begin to rise. Those crises, combined with regional tensions, push the realm toward war. Through it all, Izzie clings to her healer’s oath, driven not only by compassion but by a deep, lingering guilt that gives her choices real weight.
There are plenty of delightful touches, too: D&D-ish-style changelings (which made me miss my own 5e changeling), a sentient bag named Baggie Smalls whose pop-culture quips bewilder everyone on the page but will make readers grin, and a satisfying second-chance romance thread.
The book ending with a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping for a second book. I’m looking forward to more adventures in this world, and—let’s be real—more commentary from Baggie Smalls.
I would 100% recommend this book for anyone looking for a fresh read in the fantasy genre. Take caution in looking at the triggers as it does deal with subjects with birthing difficulties such as eclampsia, infant mortality, infertility, etc.
Thank you to BookSirens and Zack Schoppen for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
We follow Izzie, a wizard and midwife, as she travels across Cosconia to study the twelve races and master the art of delivering babies. She spends about six years with each, and we watch her grow into one of the realm’s most powerful healers. The maternity systems are steeped in magic yet grounded in believable detail. Schoppen (an OB-GYN by day) uses his medical expertise to build out how each race approaches pregnancy and birth, and he explains it in a way that’s clear even for non-medical readers.
As Izzie’s journey unfolds, infertility and infant mortality begin to rise. Those crises, combined with regional tensions, push the realm toward war. Through it all, Izzie clings to her healer’s oath, driven not only by compassion but by a deep, lingering guilt that gives her choices real weight.
There are plenty of delightful touches, too: D&D-ish-style changelings (which made me miss my own 5e changeling), a sentient bag named Baggie Smalls whose pop-culture quips bewilder everyone on the page but will make readers grin, and a satisfying second-chance romance thread.
The book ending with a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping for a second book. I’m looking forward to more adventures in this world, and—let’s be real—more commentary from Baggie Smalls.
I would 100% recommend this book for anyone looking for a fresh read in the fantasy genre. Take caution in looking at the triggers as it does deal with subjects with birthing difficulties such as eclampsia, infant mortality, infertility, etc.
Thank you to BookSirens and Zack Schoppen for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2025
This was an incredible take on a fantasy novel!! The Midwizard of Cosconia takes your sword and sorcery fantasy and gives it the lens of midwifery. I had a great time reading this novel. The main character is a badass in so many ways and I loved her realness. She isn't without faults, but she recognizes those faults are tries to be a better person every day.
I could write an extremely long review detailing all the wonderful aspects of this story... but ill give you the cliff notes so you can discover it all yourself:
- great world-building without being overly stilted
- a diverse cast of characters
- some big heartbreak
- some heart healing
- secrets, lies and plotting
- full scale war (the violence and injuries are descriptive)
- LOTS of births (both good and bad outcomes)
- LOTS of babies (same as above)
- a mild (imo) cliffhanger
- hilarious fourth wall breaks
- story spans decades
- revenge
- friendship and family
This story was funny, heartfelt, difficult to read at times and a true adventure story. Experiencing a fantasy world through the female perspective is always an absolute treat and I really loved this story for that reason alone. The midwizardry was truly wonderfully written and the health care aspects included in the book were also great. (Shout out to the author for his shout out to nurses, we thank you)
Bravo and co grats on your debut novel, Zack!!
I could write an extremely long review detailing all the wonderful aspects of this story... but ill give you the cliff notes so you can discover it all yourself:
- great world-building without being overly stilted
- a diverse cast of characters
- some big heartbreak
- some heart healing
- secrets, lies and plotting
- full scale war (the violence and injuries are descriptive)
- LOTS of births (both good and bad outcomes)
- LOTS of babies (same as above)
- a mild (imo) cliffhanger
- hilarious fourth wall breaks
- story spans decades
- revenge
- friendship and family
This story was funny, heartfelt, difficult to read at times and a true adventure story. Experiencing a fantasy world through the female perspective is always an absolute treat and I really loved this story for that reason alone. The midwizardry was truly wonderfully written and the health care aspects included in the book were also great. (Shout out to the author for his shout out to nurses, we thank you)
Bravo and co grats on your debut novel, Zack!!
August 30, 2025
Fascinating angle into the world of fantasy that adds depth and complexity to the races and characters you meet. I’ve never been so concerned about changling infant mortality! Highly recommend!
August 21, 2025
OBSESSED! I couldn’t put this book down.
August 22, 2025
As a lifelong fantasy reader, I found it incredibly refreshing to see a story that centers women’s reproductive health within the genre. The Midwizard of Cosconia is a truly unique and important contribution, blending rich world-building with sharp, witty storytelling. The characters are vibrant and layered, and the plot pulls you in from the very start.
August 10, 2025
Okay, I will admit when I first saw this cover I was thinking "ok, what am I getting into"? However, what lies on the inside is a very good story. This was very different from the typical fantasy stories that I read but that was the best part. When the author reached out to me, the concept of the book was very appealing but what it delivered was so much more than I expected.
I absolutely loved the character of Izzy. She is a midwizard which is more like a midwife with special abilities. She is so gifted and talented when it comes to the world of birthing babies no matter what or who you are. She was very studious in learning the world of pregnancy when it came to the different races that inhabited Cosconia.
What I love also is that the author was able to show the complexities that can come with pregnancy amd he did it in such a creative and poignant way. It was as if I was being entertained and educated all at the same time.
This book made me smile and laugh and then it turned around and made me sad and emotional but I loved every page even more than the last.
This book is coming out in September and you want to go ahead and mark it now on your most read list. I gave this five stars not only for the great storyline but also for the unique spin on the topic of pregnancy combined with fantasy. It truly was exceptional.
I absolutely loved the character of Izzy. She is a midwizard which is more like a midwife with special abilities. She is so gifted and talented when it comes to the world of birthing babies no matter what or who you are. She was very studious in learning the world of pregnancy when it came to the different races that inhabited Cosconia.
What I love also is that the author was able to show the complexities that can come with pregnancy amd he did it in such a creative and poignant way. It was as if I was being entertained and educated all at the same time.
This book made me smile and laugh and then it turned around and made me sad and emotional but I loved every page even more than the last.
This book is coming out in September and you want to go ahead and mark it now on your most read list. I gave this five stars not only for the great storyline but also for the unique spin on the topic of pregnancy combined with fantasy. It truly was exceptional.
August 21, 2025
Zack is a good friend of mine from medical school but WOW, I had no idea he was/is a writer and I am so impressed. I LOVED this book and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to read the ARC. This is the first book I have read for pleasure in over five years and for the last two weeks I have not been able to put it down, choosing to read each evening instead of watching TV! As an ObGyn myself, I loved reading about midwizard Izzie’s journey through Cosconia, helping different species through their labor and delivery, all while trying to understand why morbidity and mortality has increased so drastically. There is fantasy, magic, mystery, romance and action all bundled into this incredible story line. This book was unlike any book I have ever read, and the character building, intricacies and details of each of the 12 species was fantastic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for sure, reading this book has made me excited to read in general again and I can not wait to read the sequel!!
September 7, 2025
I would not consider myself someone who reads a lot of fantasy but I was intrigued when I heard the synopsis of this novel. I think what I loved most about the book was that Izzie wants to use her gifts and abilities to help others-specifically, to help women bring their offspring into a world safely. Izzie develops many friendships with characters of other races because of the work she is doing as a Midwizard. I feel these friendships are instrumental in the Twelve Race War that occurs in the book and I really like how Zack Schoppen connected it that way.
The Midwizard of Cosconia has a very unique storyline, lots of detail, great character development and surprises in the plot along the way! All in all, I don’t think fantasy books will rise on my list of favorite genres. However, the ending of this book leaves me eagerly anticipating book 2 of the series.
The Midwizard of Cosconia has a very unique storyline, lots of detail, great character development and surprises in the plot along the way! All in all, I don’t think fantasy books will rise on my list of favorite genres. However, the ending of this book leaves me eagerly anticipating book 2 of the series.
July 14, 2025
The Midwizard of Cosconia Book By Zack Schoppen 🤰🏻🪄🥲 - These are my unfiltered thoughts.
Rating 5/5😳:
This is so new and interesting. As someone who has pregnancy/delivery trauma, this was so oddly eye-opening. I say that with the best intention too! A fantasy novel with a twist that I for one never seen coming.
🕯️A little message from me as I stand on my soap box:🕯️
The concept behind this book was SUPER intriguing to me. If you don’t know me personally, I had my little girl 03/31. The process to get her Earth side was treacherous. It was an uphill battle to keep me alive and well from the time the delivery began till around a month ago. Zack bases his platform off the idea that he wants to build on the knowledge surrounding women’s health. He is an OB-GYN himself. The information gathered thus far about women’s health is so thin. As an author, to make it a point to represent mothers as a whole and go even further to donate proceeds to organizations funding research is so refreshing. Okay, Mr. Schoppen!👏🏼👏🏼
🐉My 2 cents and then some:🐉
Medical fantasy meets epic adventure. It centers on childbirth in a high-stakes fantastical world, a concept not often seen in the genre! You’ll get to meet orcs, giants, elves, dwarves, halflings, and supernatural creatures. All of these are presented while navigating the impeding war that is to come. You get every touch of fantasy that you are looking for, all while receiving a whole new take! I throughly enjoyed this book and thanks to Zack for reaching out. I hope your release is everything you could dream of.
The Midwizard of Cosconia is set to release September 7th, 2025! 🤩
Rating 5/5😳:
This is so new and interesting. As someone who has pregnancy/delivery trauma, this was so oddly eye-opening. I say that with the best intention too! A fantasy novel with a twist that I for one never seen coming.
🕯️A little message from me as I stand on my soap box:🕯️
The concept behind this book was SUPER intriguing to me. If you don’t know me personally, I had my little girl 03/31. The process to get her Earth side was treacherous. It was an uphill battle to keep me alive and well from the time the delivery began till around a month ago. Zack bases his platform off the idea that he wants to build on the knowledge surrounding women’s health. He is an OB-GYN himself. The information gathered thus far about women’s health is so thin. As an author, to make it a point to represent mothers as a whole and go even further to donate proceeds to organizations funding research is so refreshing. Okay, Mr. Schoppen!👏🏼👏🏼
🐉My 2 cents and then some:🐉
Medical fantasy meets epic adventure. It centers on childbirth in a high-stakes fantastical world, a concept not often seen in the genre! You’ll get to meet orcs, giants, elves, dwarves, halflings, and supernatural creatures. All of these are presented while navigating the impeding war that is to come. You get every touch of fantasy that you are looking for, all while receiving a whole new take! I throughly enjoyed this book and thanks to Zack for reaching out. I hope your release is everything you could dream of.
The Midwizard of Cosconia is set to release September 7th, 2025! 🤩
September 10, 2025
This book has it all: a plot that keeps you hooked, a romance that makes you swoon, and action in all the right places. Truly worth the read, and I can't wait for the physical copy so I can add it to my bookshelf. I was hooked from the first chapter (which, can I just say how unusual that is for fantasy?). The main character Izzie is witty, fun, and heartbreakingly complex. Her relationships in the book pulled at my heartstrings, and her magical talking bag made me legitimately laugh out loud. I love that the author is delving into a very under-represented aspect of fantasy: women! How has there not been a fantasy book written about birth or pregnancy?? It felt like everything under the sun had been done in fantasy until this book downloaded onto my Kindle. Such a fun new twist with an extremely engaging story and characters you really care about.
I can't recommend this book fast enough. For anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy: READ THIS!!!
I can't recommend this book fast enough. For anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy: READ THIS!!!
August 24, 2025
You want fantasy, excitement, romance, action, friends to enemies, look no further than Cosconia!
This is a phenomenal book written by a OBGYN that takes real world maternal and fetal experiences and places them in the fantasy genre. From Giants experiencing shoulder dystocia to Water Fae experiencing infertility this book has it all.
Our MC is a Midwizard aka Midwife who struggles with her own infertility and she travels all over Cosconia to help mothers of all types with their pregnancies and deliveries, all while a war is on the horizon.
As an avid reader and a Certified Nurse Midwife myself, I absolutely loved this book and really enjoyed all of the true life experiences told in an extraordinary way. I usually go for thrillers but this was a true page turner that I could not put down.
A special thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this magical work of art! I can’t wait for the next chapter!
Heather, Midwizard of North Carolina
This is a phenomenal book written by a OBGYN that takes real world maternal and fetal experiences and places them in the fantasy genre. From Giants experiencing shoulder dystocia to Water Fae experiencing infertility this book has it all.
Our MC is a Midwizard aka Midwife who struggles with her own infertility and she travels all over Cosconia to help mothers of all types with their pregnancies and deliveries, all while a war is on the horizon.
As an avid reader and a Certified Nurse Midwife myself, I absolutely loved this book and really enjoyed all of the true life experiences told in an extraordinary way. I usually go for thrillers but this was a true page turner that I could not put down.
A special thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this magical work of art! I can’t wait for the next chapter!
Heather, Midwizard of North Carolina
August 26, 2025
Being someone who loves fantasy and hearing/learning about everything that happens in the medical field, especially OB. I found this book entertaining and interesting to read. I definitely recommend reading this book and once I have the money I definitely plan on buying a hard copy!! I was hooked from the start
August 25, 2025
This was such a page turner!! I am no stranger to fantasy and lately it feels like the same stories over and over. Not this one!! I can quite confidently say this is one of a kind and had me absolutely hooked!! Wizards, mermaids, dwarves and so many other creatures, pregnancy struggles & infertility, a villain you didn’t expect, the perfect amount of romance and a war🫡 although the cliff hanger at the end was cruel I am so excited for more!!
August 25, 2025
Love that this book is creative and an awesome fantasy book but also highlights issues in women’s health and advocacy. Izzie is so lovable - can’t wait to read the next book. There has to be a next book.
August 22, 2025
if adult Dora the explorer grew up to be a midwife and the magic bag that had attitude. well thought out, unique, and moves at a really good pace. great debut novel. MC has the heart of a nurse with the shenanigans of a wizard. would recommend to everyone that likes fantasy and even ones that don't
September 4, 2025
I’m not unusually a fantasy reader. But this one was so unique. I think if you read it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you get invested in the characters and want to know what happens next. I love reading books with a totally new concept
July 20, 2025
Wow, what a different take on fantasy. I was intrigued from the get go, & so appreciative Zach and his wife thought I would be a great ARC reader. I’m a nurse so I’m down for anything medical. This was so cool and eye opening. It’s one of those reads that you typically would not pick up, but should. Women’s health is something that should be talked about more, especially when it comes to reproductive complications & struggles.
You meet so many different characters & they make so many friendships. I loved your main character izzie! You get a good balance of romance, medical, action, fantasy. I also loved the maps. The story focuses on izzie who is a mid wizard, like a midwife, and she delivers babies of all different species. There’s a war happening & izzie is dealing with her own infertility. It’s such a great story and comes out in September! Don’t pass on this one, you’ll absolutely love it!
You meet so many different characters & they make so many friendships. I loved your main character izzie! You get a good balance of romance, medical, action, fantasy. I also loved the maps. The story focuses on izzie who is a mid wizard, like a midwife, and she delivers babies of all different species. There’s a war happening & izzie is dealing with her own infertility. It’s such a great story and comes out in September! Don’t pass on this one, you’ll absolutely love it!
August 20, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book-a unique story highlighting women’s health in a way you’ve never seen before. Everyone should look out for this book coming 9/7!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews