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The Waxing Queen Part I: The Moon Cycle Series Book I
When it comes to love, you do not know what you would give, take, steal, or destroy for it.
With her mother dead, everyone assumes Princess Eleonora will take the throne, come into a magic she hasn’t manifested yet, and stop the deadly Darkness threatening the Elvish kingdom of Aviva. Except when that Darkness attacks the city on Eleonora’s coronation day…she disappears.
With no memory of who she is, Eleonora works as a barmaid on the mortal continent. One night she collides with a half-Elvish mercenary named Cethin, and the two are attacked by wicked creatures who serve the Darkness.
Escaping with their lives—and an oath that will bind them together for all her Elvish life—Eleonora and Cethin travel back to Aviva as her memories return and her magic sparks to life. But she hides the truth from Cethin, as friends and foes both old and new appear and try to tear apart the pair who seem drawn to one another in an inexplicable way.
Can Eleonora hold on to Cethin and stop the Darkness?
Or will she be forced to choose?
With her mother dead, everyone assumes Princess Eleonora will take the throne, come into a magic she hasn’t manifested yet, and stop the deadly Darkness threatening the Elvish kingdom of Aviva. Except when that Darkness attacks the city on Eleonora’s coronation day…she disappears.
With no memory of who she is, Eleonora works as a barmaid on the mortal continent. One night she collides with a half-Elvish mercenary named Cethin, and the two are attacked by wicked creatures who serve the Darkness.
Escaping with their lives—and an oath that will bind them together for all her Elvish life—Eleonora and Cethin travel back to Aviva as her memories return and her magic sparks to life. But she hides the truth from Cethin, as friends and foes both old and new appear and try to tear apart the pair who seem drawn to one another in an inexplicable way.
Can Eleonora hold on to Cethin and stop the Darkness?
Or will she be forced to choose?
- GenresFantasy
545 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to alpha read this book so I’ve seen it from its infancy to what it is today and can’t wait for everyone else to as well!
July 22, 2025
This book took me over mind, body and soul for 3 days. I can hardly believe this is a debut novel, and I don't hesitate to say this was one of my favorite romantasys of the year. The multiple POVs were perfection and I became so attached to the characters and their journeys. Elana was a strong female voice to begin with but to watch her growth over the course of the book was so amazing. I had so many feelings! I don't think I've been this emotionally invested in the characters and their stories in a long time. The emotions and relationships between the characters was a constantly moving and changing thing that kept me on my toes! I was smiling, gasping, crying....honestly, what more can you ask for in a book? I am going to need that next book much sooner than later, pretty please!
July 5, 2025
A.F. Schreiber is a storyteller.
In The Waxing Queen, she transports you to the stunning world of the kingdom of Aviva—a place that feels both entirely new and strangely comforting. It’s serene, vast, and beautifully crafted.
The story unfolds through multiple POVs, each one rich with emotion and nuance. Eleonora ’s POV is the anchor of the story—utterly captivating. You understand her, feel for her, yet there’s a lingering mystery that keeps you needing more. I constantly found myself wondering what she was thinking, where her path would lead. Just as you're deep in her world, you're pulled into another character’s perspective—and each shift adds even more richness and depth to the story.
There’s heated, magnetic chemistry with the MMC (seriously, I couldn’t get enough), and even the side characters? They matter. They become favorites in their own right—These characters aren’t perfect, and that’s what makes them unforgettable. They’re flawed, complex, and they grow in ways that feel real and earned. A.F.’s worldbuilding and character depth completely pulled me in.
This story carries more than just plot. There’s something deeper at work here and you can tell A.F. poured herself into this story. You feel it in the quiet moments, the dialogue, the choices the characters make. Every word feels intentional, emotional, and deeply personal.
In The Waxing Queen, she transports you to the stunning world of the kingdom of Aviva—a place that feels both entirely new and strangely comforting. It’s serene, vast, and beautifully crafted.
The story unfolds through multiple POVs, each one rich with emotion and nuance. Eleonora ’s POV is the anchor of the story—utterly captivating. You understand her, feel for her, yet there’s a lingering mystery that keeps you needing more. I constantly found myself wondering what she was thinking, where her path would lead. Just as you're deep in her world, you're pulled into another character’s perspective—and each shift adds even more richness and depth to the story.
There’s heated, magnetic chemistry with the MMC (seriously, I couldn’t get enough), and even the side characters? They matter. They become favorites in their own right—These characters aren’t perfect, and that’s what makes them unforgettable. They’re flawed, complex, and they grow in ways that feel real and earned. A.F.’s worldbuilding and character depth completely pulled me in.
This story carries more than just plot. There’s something deeper at work here and you can tell A.F. poured herself into this story. You feel it in the quiet moments, the dialogue, the choices the characters make. Every word feels intentional, emotional, and deeply personal.
July 4, 2025
ARC review
This book was a beautiful and fun read. It felt familiar like a cozy blanket, but exciting and adventurous at the same time. It has the tropes you know and love! The different character POV made it more fun to read. I loved Elana and her transformation throughout the book. She's smart, strong, and lovable. Cethin is the ultimate devoted male! Gotta love an MMC that'll burn the world for his love, while at the same time is gentle with her. The emotions run high with some of the other characters and I was on the edge of my seat at times. If you're a Romantasy reader then you definitely need to add The Waxing Queen Pt I to the top of your TBR.
This book was a beautiful and fun read. It felt familiar like a cozy blanket, but exciting and adventurous at the same time. It has the tropes you know and love! The different character POV made it more fun to read. I loved Elana and her transformation throughout the book. She's smart, strong, and lovable. Cethin is the ultimate devoted male! Gotta love an MMC that'll burn the world for his love, while at the same time is gentle with her. The emotions run high with some of the other characters and I was on the edge of my seat at times. If you're a Romantasy reader then you definitely need to add The Waxing Queen Pt I to the top of your TBR.
July 13, 2025
ARC REVIEW
There are SO MANY good quotes in this book, so I can’t wait to share them once the book releases!
This book had me gasping, giggling, crying, screaming, scoffing, and *suggestive eyebrows*-ing. It literally melted my heart, broke my heart, and mended it in ways that had me craving the next scene.
We start with the FMC getting back her memory and realizing that she is the lost princess that her kingdom has been waiting for, meaning she has to figure out not only who she is and who she was, but also how she gets back to her kingdom and all that comes with that. The relationship she finds herself in starts as a slow burn, but that’s only the beginning. Plus, there are her old friendship, new friendships, and new enemies too.
In short, this book is the perfect invitation into a series that has the perfect amount of adventure, romance, friendship, and growth.
Tropes:
Multiple POV
Touch Her and Die
Found Family
Lost Princess
Romantasy
Powerful FMC
Spice:
🌶️🌶️ 2 out of 3 Peppers
While there are sexual scenes, it mostly focuses on the emotions and depth of the relationship, therefore building up and upon the plot instead of being the focal point of the plot.
It never felt forced, overly gratuitous, or over the top. The relationships ebb and flow naturally and I found myself enthralled with the way that they learn to love each other. The relationship issues that come up make sense and are resolved in an appropriate amount of time and with the appropriate conversations/actions. It all felt so natural that it was easy to get caught up in and swoon over the relationships.
Thank you to the author, A F Schrieber, for providing an advanced copy! As always, reviews, ratings, and opinions are honest and my own.
There are SO MANY good quotes in this book, so I can’t wait to share them once the book releases!
This book had me gasping, giggling, crying, screaming, scoffing, and *suggestive eyebrows*-ing. It literally melted my heart, broke my heart, and mended it in ways that had me craving the next scene.
We start with the FMC getting back her memory and realizing that she is the lost princess that her kingdom has been waiting for, meaning she has to figure out not only who she is and who she was, but also how she gets back to her kingdom and all that comes with that. The relationship she finds herself in starts as a slow burn, but that’s only the beginning. Plus, there are her old friendship, new friendships, and new enemies too.
In short, this book is the perfect invitation into a series that has the perfect amount of adventure, romance, friendship, and growth.
Tropes:
Multiple POV
Touch Her and Die
Found Family
Lost Princess
Romantasy
Powerful FMC
Spice:
🌶️🌶️ 2 out of 3 Peppers
While there are sexual scenes, it mostly focuses on the emotions and depth of the relationship, therefore building up and upon the plot instead of being the focal point of the plot.
It never felt forced, overly gratuitous, or over the top. The relationships ebb and flow naturally and I found myself enthralled with the way that they learn to love each other. The relationship issues that come up make sense and are resolved in an appropriate amount of time and with the appropriate conversations/actions. It all felt so natural that it was easy to get caught up in and swoon over the relationships.
Thank you to the author, A F Schrieber, for providing an advanced copy! As always, reviews, ratings, and opinions are honest and my own.
July 4, 2025
Prepare yourself fantasy lovers; this is a novel you don't want to miss. This is Schreiber's debut novel yet she writes like a well established author who has been doing this for decades. I was easily transported to a well built world, filled with complex characters, magic, Darkness lurking, a swoonworthy love interest and the most *perfect* found family. But buckle up-- this is an emotional rollercoaster. Ride the highs, cry during the lows, stare into the abyss when Schreiber rewires your brain and destroys your heart (in the best of ways, of course). This was high stakes and I ate it up. The Waxing Queen Part 1 sets the scene for what is sure to be an epic fantasy series. I'm utterly and completely obsessed. Thank you for the ARC!
August 13, 2025
What a wonderful debut novel with a unique take on multiple POVs (loved this part!) along with adventure and feels!
July 22, 2025
This will be your new favorite fantasy series.
Tropes:
* Anastasia retelling
* found family
* slow burn
* “touch her and die”
* powerful FMC
Princess Eleonora is set to take over Aviva, the Elvish kingdom after her mother’s death, but the Darkness attacks the day of her coronation causing her to flee.
In fleeing, Eleonora, now Elena, loses her memories and is now living in the human kingdom working as a barmaid. One night, a mercenary attacks Elena to bring her to his employer, only the attack triggers her memories.
In this debut novel by A.F. Schrieber, you’ll fall in love with your new favorite fantasy series. With excellent world building, you’ll follow Eleonora on her way back to Aviva to claim what is hers. With a fantastic group characters guiding Eleonora, you will read this story from multiple POVs.
Plenty of jaw dropping moments await you. I’m very excited for what’s to come.
Tropes:
* Anastasia retelling
* found family
* slow burn
* “touch her and die”
* powerful FMC
Princess Eleonora is set to take over Aviva, the Elvish kingdom after her mother’s death, but the Darkness attacks the day of her coronation causing her to flee.
In fleeing, Eleonora, now Elena, loses her memories and is now living in the human kingdom working as a barmaid. One night, a mercenary attacks Elena to bring her to his employer, only the attack triggers her memories.
In this debut novel by A.F. Schrieber, you’ll fall in love with your new favorite fantasy series. With excellent world building, you’ll follow Eleonora on her way back to Aviva to claim what is hers. With a fantastic group characters guiding Eleonora, you will read this story from multiple POVs.
Plenty of jaw dropping moments await you. I’m very excited for what’s to come.
July 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this romantasy read by A. F. Schreiber; with richly detailed world building and all of the romantasy tropes my summer reading heart loves the most, The Waxing Queen Part 1 takes readers through a labyrinth of plot twists, multiple POVs, and ultimately, a cliff hanger ending that hand me demanding answers!
The FMC working through her memories as they come back to guide (and haunt) her were perhaps some of my favorite parts of the story - it gave the tone just the right amount of escapism and foreshadowing to keep me excited to see what was around the corner, without feeling like I'd already figured out all of the mysteries. I enjoyed these parts so much that I only wish we had more!
If you're into the fae romance tales for the spice, know that this one won't disappoint, nor will the author make you squirm with a word salad of cringey ways to describe anyone's anatomy. While this certainly isn't the steamiest romantasy on the market, A.F. Schreiber does a delightful job of vividly writing these parts of the story without making the reader want to toss the book across the room.
The characters of the story process their conflicts and traumas in relatable ways, making them easy to get attached to... although I certainly get the vibes that in this series, no characters are off limits for a true ending (so form those attachments at your own risk - or join your fellow readers in the saddies, we're here for that too!). I'm not usually one for multiple POVs, but this one was done very effectively, and I'd safely say it's one of the few multi-POV novels that had me enjoying the switch in perspective. Each character had a distinctive voice and personality, observing things in ways that added to the story.
I recommend this book for a weekend fantasy read, a summer beach obsession, and for any lovers of fae romance stories.
I received advance access to this book with the agreement of providing an unbiased review.
The FMC working through her memories as they come back to guide (and haunt) her were perhaps some of my favorite parts of the story - it gave the tone just the right amount of escapism and foreshadowing to keep me excited to see what was around the corner, without feeling like I'd already figured out all of the mysteries. I enjoyed these parts so much that I only wish we had more!
If you're into the fae romance tales for the spice, know that this one won't disappoint, nor will the author make you squirm with a word salad of cringey ways to describe anyone's anatomy. While this certainly isn't the steamiest romantasy on the market, A.F. Schreiber does a delightful job of vividly writing these parts of the story without making the reader want to toss the book across the room.
The characters of the story process their conflicts and traumas in relatable ways, making them easy to get attached to... although I certainly get the vibes that in this series, no characters are off limits for a true ending (so form those attachments at your own risk - or join your fellow readers in the saddies, we're here for that too!). I'm not usually one for multiple POVs, but this one was done very effectively, and I'd safely say it's one of the few multi-POV novels that had me enjoying the switch in perspective. Each character had a distinctive voice and personality, observing things in ways that added to the story.
I recommend this book for a weekend fantasy read, a summer beach obsession, and for any lovers of fae romance stories.
I received advance access to this book with the agreement of providing an unbiased review.
July 17, 2025
II really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one! It’s clear the author has a background in writing. It’s beautifully detailed without it being too in depth with tiny unimportant details, but has great world building and a nice and handy index/glossary for terms and pronunciations.
Knocked one star off since the book hooked me right away, but towards the middle and almost end there was a lot of planning and plot taking place and not enough action for me, granted this is only the first book and there is a tiny cliff hanger at the end. Also, someone who’s awful at remember names 2 sets of main characters have similar enough names that sometimes I had trouble remembering who was who.
If you loved Anastasia as a kid and love books like ACOTAR you’ll definitely enjoy this book. It’s similar enough that it fits in with the genre, but different from so many other Romantasy books.
Knocked one star off since the book hooked me right away, but towards the middle and almost end there was a lot of planning and plot taking place and not enough action for me, granted this is only the first book and there is a tiny cliff hanger at the end. Also, someone who’s awful at remember names 2 sets of main characters have similar enough names that sometimes I had trouble remembering who was who.
If you loved Anastasia as a kid and love books like ACOTAR you’ll definitely enjoy this book. It’s similar enough that it fits in with the genre, but different from so many other Romantasy books.
July 9, 2025
Absolutely beautiful read! This book blew me away. The storyline captured my attention immediately, the world building was beautiful and easy to imagine, the characters were lovable and so fun - I was transported every time I picked up the book to read.
The Waxing Queen Part 1 has multiple POVs and scenes that are woven together so flawlessly that you can visualize the story unfolding.
The slow burn romance, the twists and turns, touch her and 💀, found family, magic secrets and so much more .
The highs were amazing, the lows have you feeling every emotion - completely over the moon with this story. It was all consuming in the best way possible and will leave you with an ache for more.
Such an amazing debut and first book in what is going to be a must read fantasy romance series!
The Waxing Queen Part 1 has multiple POVs and scenes that are woven together so flawlessly that you can visualize the story unfolding.
The slow burn romance, the twists and turns, touch her and 💀, found family, magic secrets and so much more .
The highs were amazing, the lows have you feeling every emotion - completely over the moon with this story. It was all consuming in the best way possible and will leave you with an ache for more.
Such an amazing debut and first book in what is going to be a must read fantasy romance series!
August 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I don’t write reviews very often, so when I do, you know I really enjoyed the book.
If you like fated mates that would do anything for each other, and do anything to ensure that they get to continue living for each other (saving the kingdom/ world), then The Waxing Queen is for you.
I personally really enjoyed the different POVs for all of the important characters.
LOTR meets, ACOTAR, meets Anastasia, meets Forth Wing minus the dragons.
Can’t wait for book 2.
July 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
When it comes to love, you never truly know what you’re willing to give, take, steal, or destroy for it.”
This is the first book in a brand-new romantasy series by A.F. Schreiber—and what a ride it is. The story takes you on a thrilling adventure as you follow Eleanora on her journey of self-discovery, identity, and transformation. Along the way, you can’t help but fall in love with the characters and the deep bonds between friends who become family.
I especially loved the multiple POVs—it was so compelling to see what each character was thinking and experiencing in real time. The plot was gripping and had me feeling all the emotions: 🧐🤭😮😭😡😍
Fair warning: it ends on a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself!
When it comes to love, you never truly know what you’re willing to give, take, steal, or destroy for it.”
This is the first book in a brand-new romantasy series by A.F. Schreiber—and what a ride it is. The story takes you on a thrilling adventure as you follow Eleanora on her journey of self-discovery, identity, and transformation. Along the way, you can’t help but fall in love with the characters and the deep bonds between friends who become family.
I especially loved the multiple POVs—it was so compelling to see what each character was thinking and experiencing in real time. The plot was gripping and had me feeling all the emotions: 🧐🤭😮😭😡😍
Fair warning: it ends on a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself!
July 9, 2025
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
My Summary: Eleonora grew up as the princess of the Elvish kingdom of Aviva, but when the Darkness attacks Aviva just as she is about to be queen, she is forced to flee to the mortal realm of Ozul. For 50 years, she stays in her human form and works as a barmaid going by Elana. She has no memories of her past at all until she runs into a half-Elvish mercenary named Cethin who was sent to kidnap her with no knowledge of who she is. After she saves Cethin from wicked creatures who serve the Darkness, the pair flee to Aviva for protection. More memories return, along with her magic, as Eleonora remembers who she truly is. Eleonora is determined to earn a place amongst her people instead of simply claiming her role as queen, but the longer she hides the truth, the more difficult it becomes to unearth it. Will her true identity cause a rift between her and Cethin, or will it bring about a relationship stronger than any she's ever known? And will her magic be enough to defeat the Darkness, or will she have to choose between Cethin and her newfound friends and her kingdom?
My Thoughts: The Waxing Queen Part I is the heart-pounding, beautiful start to a fantasy romance series. It's full of magic, secrets, found family, and romance. Told in multiple points of view, readers see all sides of the action and how each character deals with the grief and trauma of their past as well as the events of the present. The main storyline is about Eleonora finding the way back to herself and to her kingdom, but there are plenty of strong relationships with other Elves who become friends and a budding romance.
The author is a masterful storyteller who has created a vivid world you can easily picture yourself walking through, and though the amount of POVs is plentiful, she still is able to help the reader truly resonate with each character and their specific thoughts and emotions. You can almost physically feel the intentionality behind the characters and their stories.
Of course, the standout characters are our FMC and MMC, Eleonora and Cethin. I loved reading Eleonora's POV. Not only does it anchor the story, but it pulls you in and makes you feel as though you're right there beside her experiencing everything she is. I love that you also get to see things from Cethin's point of view--especially as their relationship grows from reluctant allies to friends to something much deeper.
I cannot recommend The Waxing Queen Part I enough. It is a debut novel you do not want to miss out on. But be prepared for the cliffhanger ending that will rip your heart out.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
My Summary: Eleonora grew up as the princess of the Elvish kingdom of Aviva, but when the Darkness attacks Aviva just as she is about to be queen, she is forced to flee to the mortal realm of Ozul. For 50 years, she stays in her human form and works as a barmaid going by Elana. She has no memories of her past at all until she runs into a half-Elvish mercenary named Cethin who was sent to kidnap her with no knowledge of who she is. After she saves Cethin from wicked creatures who serve the Darkness, the pair flee to Aviva for protection. More memories return, along with her magic, as Eleonora remembers who she truly is. Eleonora is determined to earn a place amongst her people instead of simply claiming her role as queen, but the longer she hides the truth, the more difficult it becomes to unearth it. Will her true identity cause a rift between her and Cethin, or will it bring about a relationship stronger than any she's ever known? And will her magic be enough to defeat the Darkness, or will she have to choose between Cethin and her newfound friends and her kingdom?
My Thoughts: The Waxing Queen Part I is the heart-pounding, beautiful start to a fantasy romance series. It's full of magic, secrets, found family, and romance. Told in multiple points of view, readers see all sides of the action and how each character deals with the grief and trauma of their past as well as the events of the present. The main storyline is about Eleonora finding the way back to herself and to her kingdom, but there are plenty of strong relationships with other Elves who become friends and a budding romance.
The author is a masterful storyteller who has created a vivid world you can easily picture yourself walking through, and though the amount of POVs is plentiful, she still is able to help the reader truly resonate with each character and their specific thoughts and emotions. You can almost physically feel the intentionality behind the characters and their stories.
Of course, the standout characters are our FMC and MMC, Eleonora and Cethin. I loved reading Eleonora's POV. Not only does it anchor the story, but it pulls you in and makes you feel as though you're right there beside her experiencing everything she is. I love that you also get to see things from Cethin's point of view--especially as their relationship grows from reluctant allies to friends to something much deeper.
I cannot recommend The Waxing Queen Part I enough. It is a debut novel you do not want to miss out on. But be prepared for the cliffhanger ending that will rip your heart out.
August 26, 2025
🏰⚔️🌒 ARC REVIEW: The Waxing Queen Part 1 by A. F. Schreiber 🌒⚔️🏰
⭐️ 4.75
🌶 2
Thank you so much to A. F. Schreiber for the gift of ARC reading this PHENOMENAL debut adult epic fantasy! I absolutely adored this book 💙
If you like the sound of a mash-up between Anastasia (the animated film), Throne of Glass, the Lord of the Rings films and a hint of Disney's Rapunzel, then you'll love 'The Waxing Queen Part 1' 🙌
Schreiber is brilliant at worldbuilding already. Her descriptions have the perfect amount of detail to really immerse you in these settings, while providing the story with great atmosphere.
She has also begun to flesh out her various mortal and immortal kingdoms' unique societies, class structures, politics and cultures, which provided a wonderful foundation for both the inner and literal conflicts.
I especially loved the magic system. The elemental and celestial magic is a great twist on a fantasy classic. I can't say too much because *spoilers*, but each person's powers were so much more than simple tools or skills.
Not only do we have Elves and half-Elves, both with different lifespans, appearances and abilities, but also inherently biological differences in magical abilities between sexes. These magical imbalances are brilliantly and authentically reflected in social status, political hierarchy and culturally-reinforced gender inequalities. If only there was a royal who wanted to change the status quo...
If, like me, you like an even amount of attention paid to character development and plot, then you will love TWQP1. This found family is beautiful, complex and imperfect, but I love them. I especially love the LGBTQIA+ rep in the core cast, even if these sad gay boys break your heart.
The romance sub-plot is perfection. From a messy start (like all the best not-so-meet-cutes) develops a reluctant allyship (with some forced proximity from ancient magic), to training buddies, to more. It's drawn out, filled with exquisite tension and snarky banter, and the mutual pining will have you gagged (in the best way).
My one little nitpick would be that there hasn't been a lot of meaningful information provided about the Dark King and co - yet. I have a sneaking suspicion that more will be revealed at the proper moment, but I'm impatient to know everything now 😅
Speaking of, ma'am, what the 🦆 do you call that ending?! There's cliffhangers and then there's what you did. I need Part 2 yesterday!
Overall, I loved this book from start to finish, which only took me 2 days. I could not put this book down! Seriously, RUN to get this book - you can thank me later 💙
⭐️ 4.75
🌶 2
Thank you so much to A. F. Schreiber for the gift of ARC reading this PHENOMENAL debut adult epic fantasy! I absolutely adored this book 💙
If you like the sound of a mash-up between Anastasia (the animated film), Throne of Glass, the Lord of the Rings films and a hint of Disney's Rapunzel, then you'll love 'The Waxing Queen Part 1' 🙌
Schreiber is brilliant at worldbuilding already. Her descriptions have the perfect amount of detail to really immerse you in these settings, while providing the story with great atmosphere.
She has also begun to flesh out her various mortal and immortal kingdoms' unique societies, class structures, politics and cultures, which provided a wonderful foundation for both the inner and literal conflicts.
I especially loved the magic system. The elemental and celestial magic is a great twist on a fantasy classic. I can't say too much because *spoilers*, but each person's powers were so much more than simple tools or skills.
Not only do we have Elves and half-Elves, both with different lifespans, appearances and abilities, but also inherently biological differences in magical abilities between sexes. These magical imbalances are brilliantly and authentically reflected in social status, political hierarchy and culturally-reinforced gender inequalities. If only there was a royal who wanted to change the status quo...
If, like me, you like an even amount of attention paid to character development and plot, then you will love TWQP1. This found family is beautiful, complex and imperfect, but I love them. I especially love the LGBTQIA+ rep in the core cast, even if these sad gay boys break your heart.
The romance sub-plot is perfection. From a messy start (like all the best not-so-meet-cutes) develops a reluctant allyship (with some forced proximity from ancient magic), to training buddies, to more. It's drawn out, filled with exquisite tension and snarky banter, and the mutual pining will have you gagged (in the best way).
My one little nitpick would be that there hasn't been a lot of meaningful information provided about the Dark King and co - yet. I have a sneaking suspicion that more will be revealed at the proper moment, but I'm impatient to know everything now 😅
Speaking of, ma'am, what the 🦆 do you call that ending?! There's cliffhangers and then there's what you did. I need Part 2 yesterday!
Overall, I loved this book from start to finish, which only took me 2 days. I could not put this book down! Seriously, RUN to get this book - you can thank me later 💙
August 30, 2025
Well that was a wild ride. Quite a slow start, but the world building was excellent. I love how everything tied together in the end, Cethin and El are perfect, but the side characters of Eldwyn and Cerdwin the lion and the wolf omg sooooo good. The magic system is incredible. I'm not happy about the cliffhanger but it was expected. I can't wait for more!!!
December 1, 2025
A debut novel and self published? This book has EVERYTHING - yearning, a forgotten princess risen to power again, found family meets allies of destiny. I didn’t know what I was expecting but it certainly exceeded anything I could’ve imagined.
The amount of work and effort that went into this was insane, 5 stars just for this alone.
The amount of work and effort that went into this was insane, 5 stars just for this alone.
August 7, 2025
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this Anastasia retelling, and I was hooked from the start. A. F Schreiber has created a captivating world in her debut novel. If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass, you’ll love this—there’s that same rich character depth and multiple POVs, and the author does an amazing job weaving them together without it ever feeling choppy.
I have SO many theories and I can’t wait to see if they play out in the next books 👀 There’s action, found family, and just the right amount of slow burn. Oh—and it includes two of the best tropes: one bed AND one horse 🤭
I have SO many theories and I can’t wait to see if they play out in the next books 👀 There’s action, found family, and just the right amount of slow burn. Oh—and it includes two of the best tropes: one bed AND one horse 🤭
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