A Treason of Magic

A Treason of Magic #1

by Melissa Marr

In a world where magic, desire, and duty collide, it is beauty who is fated to kill the beast in a lush historical fantasy of secrets and star-crossed love by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr.

Two young women. Heirs to altogether different hereditary burdens. Yet bound by a monstrous threat to their village.

Gabrielle is the first woman in Alveus to carry the mantle of Hunter, which comes with an obligation to kill the faery beasts murdering travelers in Brimmond Wood. Wary of the power she wields as guardian of her people, Gabrielle is summoned by her first love, a seductress who shattered her heart into pieces a decade ago.

Isabeau is the rarest of nobility—a lady duke. She is also afflicted by a curse that leaves her in a deep sleep between the gloaming and daylight. How can she begin her tenure as protector when she can’t keep her village safe from whatever stalks its darkest hours? For that, she needs the help of the Hunter.

Against her will, Gabrielle is falling in love all over again. But what new threats will arise when Gabrielle and Isabeau’s star-crossed destinies collide with the beast of Brimmond Wood?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Queer, Young Adult, LGBT, Paranormal, Audiobook

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

Melissa Marr writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and been bestsellers in the US (NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal) as well as overseas. Wicked Lovely, her debut novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and evolved into an internationally bestselling multi-book series with a myriad of accolades.

In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).

An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.

If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.

Reviews

[numbatreads]

Audiobook review: A Treason of Magic by Melissa Marr

Narrator: Gail Shalan

Vibes: 🏹💃🤨

DNF @ 30%

Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free ALC.

Firstly, I want to say that I think Gail Shalan does a splendid job with the narration of the audiobook. It's a wonderful production and I would heartily recommend it if you want to give this one a try. Second, I really enjoyed Isabeau's rakish Duke character - she is so much fun! Alas, even though I love both fairytale retellings and queernorm historical fantasy, this story is a bit of a hot mess. There are some spoilers below, so proceed with caution if so inclined.

There are some wild inconsistencies between the worldbuilding and the plot. The author establishes three facts about the world very early:
1. It's queernormative - same sex relationships and marriage are normal and accepted.
2. There is a certain degree of gender equality - the love interest is a female Duke (specifically not a Duchess), so women can and do inherent positions of power.
3. There are rigid class divides, i.e. nobility and the working class. Our MC Gabrielle and her family are essentially nobility.

It therefore bamboozles me that one of the main plotlines revolves around Gabrielle's father having issues with her inheriting the title of the Hunter, specifically because she's a woman. He has been training her for her ENTIRE life for this mysterious, magical role passed down through their bloodline to the eldest child. By stint of cooincidence, she is going to be the first female Hunter. Despite, as I say, having chosen to train her for the role (which has included not even treating her as his child - Hunters are usually killed young, so I guess he's trying not to get attached even though she'll only inherit the title when he dies), he would quite like her to marry the local innkeeper because he thinks her husband MIGHT inherit the title instead if she does. The... innkeeper... who has no actual training for this role that's critical for the protection of the realm... but is a man... so would be... better? It would make more sense if this was a desperate bid to protect her, but that isn't how it's presented. Her dad also knows that his daughter likes women, which he has no issue with, apparently, as long as it's not the Duke. Ok, fine, I can see the foreshadowing here with the whole Beauty and the Beast retelling thing. He doesn't like the "cursed" Duke. But she should marry... the innkeeper?

There's also a LOT of time devoted to Gabrielle ruminating on how she tried sleeping with this innkeeper and she wasn't into it. At all. Now, she has no desire to avoid her birthright of becoming the Hunter and is insulted that her dad even wants her to try. But she does feel guilty about not enjoying banging this man that she SHOULD enjoy banging apparently (again, in this queernorm society where it's fine and acceptable to be attracted to the same gender) because... reasons.

Not!Gaston is also surprisingly keen to marry her. He knows she's not into him and he isn't in love with her either, but he's so keen he even tells her she wouldn't have to sleep with him and could take a mistress! He wants to protect her by becoming the Hunter. Because the Hunter gets regularly mangled by fae beasts and usually dies young despite their superpowered healing. And she's so small with her lifetime of training and he's such a big strong man after throwing some wine barrels (literally, this is how his physique is explained). So surely he would do a better job? Of course he wants to take this epic responsibility for this acquaintance he banged one time!

The point at which I decided to call it quits involved a scene with a noblewoman trying to convince the Duke, well known rake and bedder of copious maidens and widows, to marry her and make her the Duchess. Her argument was along the lines of, "I'll bang someone else periodically to give you an heir. We don't need to bang because you can't get me pregnant and I don't really like you like that. But I'll let you fondle my bosoms!". What a cunning and compelling argument.

The people in this story don't behave like people who live in a queernorm society or one where women can be Dukes. Or even just people with, you know, brains.

Pub date: 23 June 2026

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great world, premise and lead characters. Hoping the finished version is pared down during final edits - this would easily be a 4 star read if so. 🤞

[DarkTwistedReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gabrielle has been training her entire life to be the next Hunter when her father dies. It was only ever supposed to pass to the males in the family but having no sons, the duty fell to the eldest daughter.
When a beast around the estate starts dropping bodies, it's up to the Hunter & the Hunter in training to investigate, and kill whatever is doing the Killing.

This was a fun read. Kind of reminded me of the game Bloodborne in some ways.
Not as actiony as I would have liked, but I thought it was a good balance between the mission and the romance.
My biggest problem with it was the total lack of emotional connection I had with the characters. I felt nothing towards any of them, not even annoyance.. but that could strictly be a me problem and nothing to do with the book itself.
The writing was simple and easy to understand, and I liked the faery lore behind the world. I look forward to reading more by Melissa Marr in the future.

TWs: Death of parent, death in general, murder, decapitation. 

[Danique · Rating 3 out of 5]

A treason of magic is an atmospheric historical fantasy that is inspired by beauty and the beast. But with a twist. The world is rich with tradition, magic and fae lore, making the premise immediately intriguing.

Gabriel and Isabeau are both burdened by inherited powers and the story delves into themes of duty, leadership, and expectation. While the worldbuilding was strong, the pace felt uneven. Some sections dragged a bit to much, while others felt rushed.

The romance plays a major role in the story, but it wasn’t to my personal preference, which made it a bit harder to fully engage with.

Overall, this book has a strong concept, but it didn’t fully land for me. Readers who enjoy slower, character driven fantasy and fae mythology may enjoy this book more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

[talkingchicle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was a huge fan of the Wicked Lovely series as a teen, so I was really excited to pick this one up. While I did enjoy it, I found myself wishing for just a bit more.

There are so many elements here that really worked for me: a trailblazing first female monster hunter in her family, a cursed lady duke, a sapphic romance full of yearning, dangerous fae creatures, and a mystery set against an atmospheric backdrop. Still, the worldbuilding and magic system felt underdeveloped. I wanted a clearer sense of how everything fit together, and the story didn’t quite give me enough to fully ground myself in the setting.

At its heart, this is Gabrielle and Isabeau’s story, and second‑chance romance lovers will appreciate the way it unfolds. They navigate old pain, unresolved feelings, and the messy history of a love that never faded. Their chemistry felt genuine, and I wanted them to find their way back to each other. The only drawback was the unclear ages—they read young in some scenes and older in others.

It may not have delivered everything I hoped for, but its atmosphere, emotion, and central relationship still make it a compelling read.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

This book reads like a combination of folk story and fairy tale, with familiar elements and a certain breezy lightness to the writing. This isn’t a book that dives deep into world building or plot or character; it’s simply telling a story, and while it does so well, it’s a style that doesn’t necessarily work for me, personally. I’ve said before that I prefer a book with more of a focus on characters, and this book almost — but not quite — manages to make me feel for Gabrielle and Isabeau.

It’s decently written, and the hints of world building are fun. The relationships between the sisters and the mother/daughter bonds are lovely. It’s just that everything else is so insubstantial. This is a pass from me, but not because it’s a bad book, just because there’s nothing here to to sink my teeth into.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

3.75-4 ⭐️
2 🌶

Firstly, it was very cool to see my name as the love interest's name...but also a little weird 🤣 Secondly, anyone who is a fan of more classic faery stories will find this one very interesting. I enjoyed large parts of this story, though I did find the beginning to be rather slow and some of the dialogue didn't flow well at times. But I really liked the idea of a a family whose whole job is to be the Hunter to keep the realm safe from bad faeries, and that it was passed from parent to child. I liked that it was sort of a murder mystery, too!

Overall, I would recommend this one to anyone who likes these tropes:
☆faeries
☆queer-norm world
☆sapphic romance
☆magic
☆secrets

[Emmy's book bites · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series when I was younger so I was excited to read a new book by her! I loved the Scottish folklore throughout the book, it really added to the fantasy vibes in the story! If you enjoy a beauty and the beast retelling, Id definitely check this one out!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from NetGalley and Melissa Marr in exchange for honest review.

⚡BLURB⚡
In a world where magic, desire, and duty collide, it is beauty who is fated to kill the beast in a lush historical fantasy of secrets and star-crossed love by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr.
Two young women. Heirs to altogether different hereditary burdens. Yet bound by a monstrous threat to their village.
Gabrielle is the first woman in Alveus to carry the mantle of Hunter, which comes with an obligation to kill the faery beasts murdering travelers in Brimmond Wood. Wary of the power she wields as guardian of her people, Gabrielle is summoned by her first love, a seductress who shattered her heart into pieces a decade ago.
Isabeau is the rarest of nobility—a lady duke. She is also afflicted by a curse that leaves her in a deep sleep between the gloaming and daylight. How can she begin her tenure as protector when she can’t keep her village safe from whatever stalks its darkest hours? For that, she needs the help of the Hunter.
Against her will, Gabrielle is falling in love all over again. But what new threats will arise when Gabrielle and Isabeau’s star-crossed destinies collide with the beast of Brimmond Wood?

⚡REVIEW⚡
I was instantly sold on reading this book when I read it was a sapphic romantasy, and for the most part, I loved it. This book was constructed around three things - relationships (both romantic and familial), the role of the Hunter, and the Beast of Brimmond.

As a twin, her father chose Gabrielle over her sister Rylan, for a life of training for her future as Hunter - in fighting and weaponry, but also in science and research, collecting and analysing samples of DNA from the victim of a faery attack, or from offending faeries themselves, who meet their end at the hands of the Hunter. In doing so, he withholds the loving side of their relationship, saving that for Rylan. As a result, their bond is respectful but strained. When he discovered that Isabeau Maudite wished to marry his her, he constructed a lie that saw them torn apart, wishing for Gabrielle to take a husband in the faint hope that the inherited role of Hunter would pass to him. Gabrielle has yearned HARD for Isabeau in the years that have passed, and despite her reputation, it is clear that Isabeau has been doing the same. As the story progresses, Gabrielle and Isabeau are drawn together once more, romantically at first, but then subject to a geas, as Gabrielle attempts to uncover the identity of the Beast. It is at this point that familial bonds truly come into play, with Gabrielle's relationship with her mother and twin changed, and Isabeau's relationship with her aunt, Queen Morag, and her mother, the Duchess of Maudite, becoming key to the plot. Something I found interesting was when Gabrielle assumes the role of Hunter. Her instant thought is to protect Rylan from inheriting the role - but she doesn't seem to have planned exactly who will instead. I found that quite curious - I wonder if Melissa Marr has left that vague for a specific reason?

Isabeau is introduced as a rakish character, who sleeps around and gambles a lot, but it is clear that her feelings for Gabrielle run deep. Their discovery of Gabrielle's father's interference in their relationship sees her determined to prove that they are meant to be together, but a complication has arisen - she is cursed. She summons the Hunter, unaware that Gabrielle holds that position, creating a geas that commands her to kill the Beast of Brimmond. This creates further romantic tension, and the yearning continues in earnest, which I loved. There are two spicy encounters, but even with those, there is still a lot of muddy water between the characters due to the secrets and burdens they carry.

It was a joy to see a queer-normative society for a medieval set novel, and the whimsy of the faery threat added to the feeling that this real celebration of sapphic romance in an unusual setting. I am intrigued to see how the love story develops following the reveals that come at the end of this book, and the conflict that is sure to come.

The one area I did feel let this book down was the pacing. The first half of the book is very much Hunter and relationship focused, and takes its time to build the plot - it feels very slow to get into the plot. In contrast, the second half of the book is focused fully on the Beast, and speeds along, with no real clarity of how much time has passed between chapters. The worldbuilding is spectacular, and if the sequel heads in the direction I anticipate, I suspect that there is a lot more of that to come.

I really enjoyed this novel. It meshes fantasy with sapphic romance to create a different kind of romantasy than the norm, which made for a refreshing read. The bonds between characters are key to the story, and I am interested to see how they continue to influence the plot in the upcoming sequel. I just hope the pacing is a little more even, to really enhance the next part of Gabrielle and Isabeau's incredible story.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually go into most books completely blind, but when I was offered the chance to read A Treason of Magic by Melissa Marr, I was immediately intrigued by the premise. A sapphic romance featuring a female monster hunter, a cursed lady duke, dangerous fae creatures, and a beast terrorizing the countryside? Yes, please!

The story follows Gabrielle, the first woman in her family chosen to inherit the role of Hunter, a position tasked with protecting her people from deadly faery beasts. When a mysterious creature begins leaving a trail of bodies in Brimmond Wood, Gabrielle finds herself pulled into an investigation that becomes even more complicated by the return of Isabeau, the woman she loved and lost years ago. As old feelings resurface and dark secrets begin to unravel, Gabrielle must balance duty, desire, and the growing threat lurking in the woods.

While there is a central mystery involving the Beast and plenty of fantasy elements woven throughout the story, this is very much a character-driven novel, and I loved the focus on the relationships. Gabrielle's struggles with responsibility, family expectations, grief, and self-worth all felt like important pieces of her journey. I especially enjoyed how her role as Hunter shaped not only her actions but also the way she viewed herself and her place in the world.

The romance between Gabrielle and Isabeau is definitely the heart of the story, and if you're someone who enjoys second-chance romances, this will likely be right up your alley. These two spend a lot of time navigating old wounds, lingering affection, and all of the complicated baggage that comes with a love that never truly went away. Their connection felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for them to find their way back to each other. Plus, can we talk about the yearning? Gabrielle spends a good portion of the story hopelessly in love with Isabeau, and Jane Austen would absolutely be nodding in approval from the sidelines. The romantic tension is palpable, and Marr lets it simmer beautifully before giving readers any real payoff.

I also really appreciated the world-building and how the author created a setting filled with fae lore, curses, political intrigue, and dangerous creatures without making it feel overwhelming. The atmosphere has a slightly gothic feel, and Brimmond Wood becomes a character in its own right. I enjoyed learning about the Hunter tradition and seeing how the various pieces of the world connected together as the plot unfolded. The mystery surrounding the Beast also gave me slight Brotherhood of the Wolf vibes, which was a fun and unexpected bonus. Obviously, the stories are very different, but something about a deadly creature stalking the countryside, mounting fear among the locals, and hunters trying to uncover the truth behind the attacks scratched a similar itch for me.

My only issue was the pacing. The first half of the book takes its time establishing the world, relationships, and Gabrielle's responsibilities. While I appreciated the strong foundation it built, there were moments when I found myself wishing the plot would move a little faster. Once the story reached its turning point, however, everything picked up considerably, and I became much more invested in uncovering the truth behind the Beast and the larger mysteries at play.

Overall, A Treason of Magic is a romance-forward fantasy that leans heavily into atmosphere, character relationships, and emotional stakes. If you're looking for nonstop action, this may feel slower than expected. But if you enjoy sapphic romance, rich worldbuilding, fae lore, and stories that explore the tension between duty and desire, there's a lot to love here. I'll definitely be interested to see where Gabrielle and Isabeau's story goes in the next book!

[My Fairytale Days · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: readers who enjoy dark folklore, faerie fantasy, stories inspired by Beauty and the Beast, atmospheric worlds, and old traditions.

Some fantasy novels feel like adventures. This one felt like folklore.

It reads like an old tale that has survived for generations, gathering bits of history, superstition, and whispered warnings along the way. The snippets of folklore at the beginning of each chapter were one of my favourite details. They made it feel as though the creatures, traditions, and stories of this world had been whispered from one generation to the next long before Gabrielle's story began. Combined with its dark atmosphere, it created a fantasy that felt both familiar and wonderfully unsettling.

The Beauty and the Beast inspiration is woven throughout the story, but Melissa Marr transforms it into something entirely her own. Rather than retelling a familiar fairy tale, she uses it as the foundation for a dark fantasy rich with folklore, faeries, and traditions that feel far older than the story itself.

Gabrielle was such an enjoyable character to follow. I loved watching her struggle with the expectations placed upon her, trying to fit into a role that had always been seen as one for a man before gradually finding the confidence to walk her own path instead. That inner conflict between duty and her own heart gave the story a great deal of emotional weight.

The romance also worked really well for me. The only thing I found myself wishing for was a little more time with Gabrielle and Isabeau before the main story began. We learn about their history throughout the book, but I think spending time with their friendship and the beginnings of their feelings right at the start would have made me connect with their relationship even more.

The opening is slower than it probably needed to be, and there were moments where I felt the story lingered a little too long. Strangely though, the more time has passed since I finished it, the more I've found myself appreciating it. I keep thinking about the folklore, the atmosphere, and the wonderfully dark world Melissa Marr created. That's usually a very good sign.

If you enjoy queer stories, old folklore, and fantasy with a darker edge, I honestly think this is time well spent. I'm already looking forward to sinking into book two.

✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• A wonderfully dark folklore-inspired world full of old traditions and faerie legends.
• A Beauty and the Beast-inspired story that feels entirely its own.
• An atmosphere that occasionally reminded me of Bloodborne in the very best way.

🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• The opening was slower than it needed to be.
• I would have loved more time with Gabrielle and Isabeau's shared history before the main story began.
• At times the characters felt a little younger than their ages suggested.

🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
Gail Shalan was absolutely the right choice for this audiobook. Her performance gave the story exactly the weight it needed, making the darker moments feel wonderfully atmospheric without ever becoming overdramatic. Every character had a distinct voice, and I especially loved how she handled the folklore excerpts at the beginning of each chapter, giving them enough space to feel like passages from old books rather than simply the start of another chapter. She is definitely a narrator I'll be keeping an eye out for in the future.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5

A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this audiobook. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings are entirely my own. 📖✨

[Hannah Haseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars)*

First off, let me say that the yearning in this book really does yearn. So many people are yearning. Gabrielle, our FMC, is yearning the most. It reads really well because it does work with her story which the basic premise is that Gabrielle is the first female hunter of creatures maybe in forever. She's in love with the female Duke Isabeau who is apparently a huge rake and despite really hating thinking about her being with other people, she can't get rid of the thought of her.

With attacks happening left and right, Gabrielle is torn between duty, her desire, and familial obligation (with a hint of feeling like she will never be enough due to knowing that she is only the hunter because there was no male child). There are fae, rival queens, a mysterious creature stalking the depths of the forest. All of this while everyone tries to figure out how to fulfill their obligations with new titles.

Sounds incredible. In practice, it's- slow.

Things I loved:

Characters. Very specifically I loved Isabeau, the rake who is just a little cinnamon roll of "Alright, so I have a reputation because I wanted you and you weren't here, so what?" She was incredible. I loved Gabrielle as the female hunter who really just wants to be in a closet with Isabeau doing rakish things but it honor bound to do her duty with a fierceness that is admirable. Really all the female characters were well written adn ones you could root for which made this novel really successful in being a love letter to women.

Yearning. I loved the yearning. It was really well done and despite getting rather tiring, I think that it helped to solidify Gabrielle's character. Like, she had a LOT to yearn for, but I do think that her growth in this regard doesn't happen in a big enough way for it to be super felt. There isn't that moment when she goes from yearning to embracing fully until a bit too late in the novel for it to feel like a payoff.

The biggest issue for me was simply the pacing. it felt long. It felt dragged out. I had to force myself to continue it because as much as I did want to finish it (and I did) it just is not a book where you sit down and gosh the time flies. This is one where a chapter really takes its time. It isn't necessarily a bad thing. In the beginning I actually loved how atmospheric it was. It also sort of set the tone for the world which I appreciated. However, even in the action packed moments, it was a crawl. If you are not someone who wants very atmospheric and very prosey fiction, this isn't for you at all, bt if you can deal with slower action segments, this shouldn't be that much of issue.

Overall, I would recommend this book to people who want to read a romantasy that is very romance/yearning heavy and one that has an interesting enough plot to stay invested. This si definitely a book that shines more on relationships and uses the plot as a way to tell the story of the relationships over the plot being the central focus.





*Thank you to Netgalley, Melissa Marr, and to the publisher for allowing me this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in a world of two queens and their treaty, the Hunter is destined to guard and protect the human territory from any potential faery threats. Intent on hunting down the mysterious faery creature murdering her people, Gabrielle must fight for her life, family, and lover in order to solve the mystery and save her kingdom. With elements of faery lore, romance, and strong female protagonists, A Treason of Magic was a refreshing, quick read that left me surprised by the twists at the end.

Gabrielle has been training since a young age with her father, the Hunter, as he did with his father and so on for many generations. They have no choice but to accept their fate, or otherwise suffer the consequences. She will become the first female Hunter when her father inevitably dies, gaining supernatural strength and abilities—and a secret identity. Gabrielle has guarded her heart for years after a heartbreak and is determined to never marry to stop the Hunter duties from continuing to pass down to future heirs. But this becomes difficult and tension is high when she suddenly finds herself in situations with a past lover, leaving her conflicted. Can she fulfill her Hunter duties and also stop herself from falling in love again with the one who once broke her heart? Will the female Hunter unguard her feelings and finally let herself be with the newly appointed lady Duke?

While I loved the idea of Gabrielle becoming the first female Hunter, the reality of it fell a little flat for me. I wish there would've been a little more action after she gains the Hunter powers. It felt at times, the story told more than it showed when it came to her abilities. I really hoped I would've eventually felt more of a connection with the main characters and learned more from the world-building, especially more about the faeries, but by the end, I was left feeling a little disappointed.

While I often choose stories with strong female characters, this was my first time reading a story involving queer romance between women in power. The romance between the two women was cute and endearing, just felt a little juvenile at times for characters in their early 30s. The romance element is a big portion of the book with some light spicy scenes. I am curious to see how the future between the two could unfold.

Overall, I thought the story was an interesting concept with elements I definitely enjoyed but really was left longing for more connection to Gabrielle and her cursed, lady Duke. I think if the story continues into new novels, there is huge potential to expand on the world-building and various avenues for more Hunter adventures. I would love to read a faster, action-packed story with Gabrielle becoming a confident figher and proving to herself that she can finally step out of her father's shadow.

3.5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of A Treason of Magic by Melissa Marr. All thoughts and opinions of this book are my own.

[Katryna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own, this is my honest review!

Though I explain why below, I want to preface my review by saying that ultimately I would rate the book 3-3.5 stars on a purely personal preference metric. However, it’s probably closer to a 3.5-4 for a reader who focuses perhaps less on the magic system and world-building and more on character development and a solid romantic arc.

===

A Treason of Magic gives the vibes of a historical fantasy with a fae twist. Gabrielle’s family has been tasked with the role of “hunter” since a treaty between the human and fae queens banished fae creatures from the human realm. The role is typically passed down from father to son, but as the eldest child (being born slightly before her twin sister) and lacking any brothers, the role will fall to her. When a strange – and extremely dangerous – beast starts terrorizing the kingdom, Gabrielle (the hunter-in-training) and her father (the hunter) seek to slay the beast before more harm can come to the kingdom’s citizens.

The book also introduces Isabeau, who, like Gabrielle, is to inherit a role typically meant for a male heir – Duke. As the book progresses, we learn more about Gabrielle and Isabeau’s past, their once romantic attachments and bitter split. We follow them as they try to move forward – needing to work together in order to protect the human realm while also keeping their secrets held close.

All in all I think A Treason of Magic had a compelling plot and was a well-written story. I had a bit of trouble connecting to any of the characters, I found them to be a little stiff (though this is largely a stylistic choice by the author, it just didn’t seem to land for me). The world was relatively small and not overly complex but I think this ultimately helped the story because it was far more about the characters and their development through the plot than it was about the larger struggles taking place within the world.

There was a heartbreaking longing to Gabrielle and Isabeau’s relationship that did hit at times however. I could absolutely feel for the characters when they spoke of and to each other and I’m aaaalllllwaaaayyyys here for a queer fantasy romance. It did at other times feel a little juvenile for characters meant to be in their late 20s/early 30s. With that sometimes pulling me out of the story, the fact that the book lacked the high-fantasy elements I normally hope for in a story ultimately pushed my rating down. That being said, the book didn’t exactly promise that so I can’t really hold it against it.

As I said at the beginning, it’s about a 3-3.5 for me, but depending on the reader, I would definitely still recommend, especially for those who prefer the romantic aspects to the fantasy aspects, or are maybe just getting into the genre!

[Lily ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read of 2026! 😊

Thankyou NetGalley and Melissa Marr for this arc ❤️

A Treason of Magic ✨
3.5⭐
LGBTQ Romantasy, deadly faery creatures, curses, hunters and mystery.
🔥Smut included. This is not a closed door book.🔥

Gabrielle is navigating both becoming a new hunter and the reopened wound of heartbreak. She must hunt a murderous faery creature and avenge those who have been killed, all whilst struggling with the pull of desire.

The opening chapter hooked my attention immediately, begining with a dead body being examined by the hunter in training. It very quickly promised mystery and magic. I found the hunters way of investigation different and rather fun to follow.

The world building was easy to absorb and gave me a good understanding for the story. I only hoped for a touch more lore about where the Faery's came from and why. A little of this is wrapped up at the end of the book but I wanted more - If there is to be another book I would hope to see it there but I am unsure currently. Though, I do see potential for a second book.

It took me just shy of a week to get through this book, but to it's credit I had a very busy week. There were times where I questioned the pacing a little, but it didn't deter me from the story.

I liked that the faery's in this book were not beautiful and god-like like my usual Fae reads - they were powerful non-human creatures.

I enjoyed the conflicting and powerful sides to Gabrielle once she became the hunter. I also liked that relationship she had with her family was neither tragic or perfect but somewhere in the middle. There was struggles but obvious love within and it felt realistic.

Isabeau was a more enjoyable character than I expected and I am appreciative of the fact that she wasn't portrayed as completely masculine; she wore trousers but had a softness and elegance to her that read more feminine. And let's face it - trousers are far more practical when your on horse back chasing a girl (and in Gab's case, monsters). 😉

This was a lovely LGBTQ read and for any readers not wishing to read any hate, you wont find any here. There was no questioning or distaste towards loving the same sex to be found. It was the norm within the world to love freely. Very humble❤️👩‍❤️‍👩

🔥There is a handful of smut scenes that do go into some detail for any younger/uninterested readers. If you are like me and don't particularly enjoy smut, they are easy to skim over if you just read the speech in-between🔥

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the premise. It was easy to read and not a heavy book. Whilst it kept me guessing, there was a little predictability in the sense that you are clued in. The sort of book where you can turn your brain off and just enjoy.

Enjoy reading ✨

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good pride month read! A Treason of Magic is a sapphic, queer-normative romantasy felt incredibly lush in every sense of the word. It’s atmospheric, steeped in danger, and the yearning?!? The yearning was sooooo good. Melissa Marr leans fully into the gothic/romantic side of romantasy, and I had such a fun time reading this! Between a cursed lady duke, a beast stalking the woods, and a heroine carrying the weight of becoming the first female Hunter in her family line, this had all the ingredients for a story I’d immediately fall in love with, and for the most part, I did.

What worked best for me was the emotional core of the book. Gabrielle and Isabeau’s history gives the romance an immediate ache, and this book thrives on longing, unfinished feelings, and the tension between duty and desire. I’m always weak for a sapphic second chance romance where both characters are still quietly wrecked over each other, and this delivered on that front. I also really liked the way Gabrielle’s role as Hunter shaped so much of her life, not just in the obvious action/fantasy sense, but in how it affected her family dynamics, her sense of obligation, and the way she sees herself. The lore, the curse, the political undercurrents, the beast in Brimmond Wood all gave the story a rich atmosphere that felt a little darker and more classic than a lot of current romantasy.

My main issue was the pacing, which is the only reason this wasn’t a full five star read for me. The first half takes its time (sometimes a little too much time) settling into the world, the relationships, and Gabrielle’s responsibilities, and there were stretches where I wanted the central plot to move faster. Then the back half swings in the opposite direction and starts pushing through reveals and developments much more quickly. I was still invested, but I definitely felt that imbalance.

All that being said, I still really enjoyed this. It felt like a romantasy that was more focused on the atmosphere, yearning, and the emotional weight both characters are carrying than in nonstop action, and I think that’s exactly why it worked for me as well as it did. If you like sapphic fantasy with lore, curses, second chance tension, and a heroine trying to hold together duty, grief, and desire all at once, this is absolutely worth picking up! And if you’re looking for a sapphic pride month romantasy, I definitely recommend this! I will most likely be continuing the series, because that ending left me very ready to see where Gabrielle and Isabeau go next!

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for this eARC!

[lorenzodulac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Not fantastic either, but a decent read. I’ve never read anything by Melissa Marr before but this was a solid start to her books, I think.
I knew next to nothing going into this book, only that it was a kind of historical fantasy that was also sapphic. I later found out it’s also inspired by Beauty and the Beast, which is fun. There are so many romantasy books inspired by Beauty and the Beast coming out lately. In the past few years or so. This one wasn’t as obviously inspired by it, it was a bit more loosely and subtly done. I don’t usually go looking for retelling or that particular tale, but I wasn’t really disappointed finding out it was.
The writing was pretty good, nothing outstanding but it doesn’t pull you out of the story which is the most important part. I think when I originally picked this book up I thought it was going to be a debut novel? I was clearly mistaken. It reads smoothly and fairly quickly, mainly because it’s quite a short book.
I really liked the setting and magic and how it was portrayed. I had a few issues with the pacing, though.
I did enjoy the fact that queerness is the norm. I always do. It’s one thing to read about two characters very obviously in love with each other and not do anything about it because the world they’re in prevents it. And that’s all good and very enjoyable if done well. It’s another thing, however, to read about two characters who are in love but are torn between their feelings and duty. That should be done more, because it really delivers if done correctly.
I really liked the characters in general. And the concept of their ranking and roles. Like, Gabrielle is a female hunter and Isabeau is a female Duke. I don’t think I’ve read anything that’s similar to that before. At least not to that extent.
Then the romance, which was probably the best part of this book. One thing about Gabrielle and Isabeau, they’ll always put their partner first. Their love is, while almost tortured, true. If there’s a queer romance in my fantasy books I’m always first in line, but here I genuinely just really liked their story and the fact that there was a romance came second.
I would check for trigger warnings because I think there’s some heavy things going on. And there’s spice, it’s not entirely clean, if that’s a make or break situation for some people.
Overall, I would recommend it. I wouldn’t say you should rush to read it, but I still liked my time in it, mostly for the characters. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy recieved by Netgalley

I so badly wanted to love this book, it's atmospheric and the world is intriguing, full of magic and otherworldy creatures, romance and tradition, but unfortunately overall it fell a little flat for me.

I enjoyed the idea of the two main women being in positions of power and both shouldering the weight of different kinds of duty, but also the fact that both women are simply forces to be reckoned with themselves without their titles, both quick minded and skilled fighters and willing to do anything for the ones they love. Individually, I thought they were both very intriguing characters.

That being said I feel like their relationship had the potential to be equally as compelling but instead the constant pattern of them having some kind of moment only for gabrielle to inevitability pull away because of her insecurities over isabeau fully accepting her despite all of the latter's declarations, was too repetitive and it made me lose interest in the development of their relationship.

The most endearing relationships for me were the ones between Gabrielle and her family and then Gabrielle and her village. I appreciated that tragic mix of grief and pride that came with Gabrielle inheriting her powers and how it effects the family as a whole, how her mother and her sister interact with her not just as a daughter and a sibling but as the hunter as well. And I loved that the village protected Gabrielle and seemed to care for her as a person, always being ready to do whatever she needed.

I would have liked to see more world-building, more about the fae, the history of the two worlds and more of a hunt for the beast than what there was. I felt like the plotline of the beast got a little lost to make room for all of the romantic scenes. There were important moments that I think needed more depth and time and then other times where the pacing leading up to significant scene felt slower than necessary and it became difficult to remain interested in the impending outcome.

However, overall this was a really interesting concept and the world itself feels beautiful and rich. I think fans of a slow paced, more romance led fantasy will enjoy this, it just didn't quite meet my expectations.

[notreallyacat · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw this, I thought, "Melissa Marr writing a sapphic historical fantasy? SIGN ME UP!"

But alas, by the halfway point, I may or may not have been ready to cancel my subscription.

To be clear, I will always and forever love Melissa Marr's books. Gotta get that out of the way. We're all allowed to have misses sometimes! But this one was a BIG miss to me.

Let's start with the pros. As always, Melissa Marr makes me want to read all things fae-related. She's created a lush and fascinating world that made me WANT world-building, which is saying something because I have been known to lead aggressive anti-world-building campaigns in the past. I would read another book in this world in a heartbeat! The characters, too, were solid. While they felt a little juvenile at times (to the point where the sex scenes felt inappropriate and I had to check their ages), other than that, they were compelling, interesting takes on their respective tropes, and I liked how they fit into their world.

But the plot. Oh, the plot.

On the plus side, I do think that this book is a great lesson in story structure. Because if you've ever asked yourself, "Do books really NEED subplots to be interesting?"...you can just read this book, and you'll understand that the answer is a resounding YES.

Sure, our plot is nice. It's fine. It would make an OK short story. But it's a little predictable, and then when dragged out over 315 pages with no distractions, it's...a lot. It unfortunately just reaches the point where there's very little to propel it forward, and without that sort of momentum, it's hard to feel motivated to read on, and, well, I just never want my reading to feel like a slog. And this did.

I know Melissa Marr can do better because I've read those better books. I have an entire shelf dedicated to her books! It's beautiful! Pick out any of those, and you won't regret it. But unfortunately, this one is not going to earn a spot on my sacred shelf. Love this book in theory, just not in practice. And I'm bummed about it.

(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the temporary ebook loan! All opinions are, of course, my own.)

[Aura C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay… this was one of those books where I can absolutely see the vision, but I don’t know if the execution fully landed for me.

The atmosphere? Incredible. Melissa Marr really knows how to create a world that feels lush, eerie, and almost old fairytale-like. The fae lore, the forests, the sense of duty and legacy woven through the story all gave this very gothic romantasy energy that I honestly loved. It felt very much like a slower, moodier fantasy instead of a fast paced action heavy one.

Gabrielle being the first female Hunter was probably my favorite part of the entire premise. I loved the idea of this role being passed down through generations and the pressure that comes with carrying a legacy that was never really meant for her. There’s a lot of yearning in this book too. Like… SO much yearning. If you love pining, unresolved feelings, emotionally messy relationships, and sapphic tension, this definitely delivers.

That said, I struggled with the pacing quite a bit. The book spends a lot of time in its atmosphere and relationships, sometimes at the expense of momentum. I kept waiting for the story to fully take off, especially with the Hunter storyline and the darker fae elements, but it stayed more character and romance focused than action focused. I also wanted a stronger emotional connection to some of the characters because there were moments where I felt a little detached instead of fully invested.

I did really appreciate the queer-norm world and the more classic faerie folklore vibes though. It felt refreshing compared to a lot of romantasy lately. And even though this one didn’t completely wow me, I still think readers who love slower, atmospheric fantasy with romance, yearning, and fae politics will probably enjoy this more than I did.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the first female Hunter, Gabrielle must kill the faery beasts hunting travelers in the Brimmind Wood. Isabeau is the first female Duke, and is under a curse that has her in a deep sleep during the darkest hours of the day, unable to protect her people. Isabeau needs Gabrielle's help, but there are new threats beginning to emerge.

Gabrielle and Isabeau had a fling in the past, and Gabrielle isn't keen on repeating it. Both are heirs, and it's usually reserved for sons, but there are none to take up their fathers' mantles. In Gabrielle's case, she's nobility as well as the Hunter's daughter, assisting him with his search for clues about a faery creature hunting; the woods are the border between realms, and few creatures are allowed to stay in the mortal realms. This world doesn't begrudge same sex marriage, even in the nobility, but the Hunter bloodline transmits the powers to the next generation.

Gabrielle and her father have some sense of forensics, so this is a mystery as well as a second-chance romance between the young women. The love they have for each other is a foregone conclusion, so the two actually dance around the secrets they have: the fact that Gabrielle becomes the Hunter after her father dies, and that Isabeau is cursed to appear dead when she sleeps. I had the same thought process as Gabrielle as she searched for clues, but there was a twist to it in the final quarter of the book. The magic in the world is generally limited to a few people, so most people aren't aware of what it can do. I liked the world-building here, and how faeries have their own secrets and needs. It's a fun story for fans of fantasy who enjoy some mystery and romance mixed together.

[ai lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for Melissa Marr and 47North for the eARC!

Gabrielle is the hunter in training, the first woman to hold the position. She is destined to most likely die young, struggling against the faery beasts who violate their treaty with the human world. As a series of brutal attacks claim male victims in the Brimmond Wood, Gabrielle struggles against her duty and her desire for her first love, Isabeau, a cursed lady duke.

While I found some of the world building a bit under-explained, I found the characters fairly compelling. Isabeau and Gabrielle had a lot of chemistry, and I thought Gabrielle's dynamic with her family to be engaging and well thought out. The romance subplot was definitely the most compelling, and I really enjoyed unraveling the nuances of Gabrielle and Isabeaus earlier entanglements. This novel had a lot of fun tropes like a masquerade ball, a curse, friends to lovers, and second chance romance. If you're looking for a fun and light read, this definitely hit the spot!

Now the negative, I found the end twist to be a bit predictable. Overall, I struggled a bit with pacing in this novel. I felt that many moments of foreshadowing happened too late into the novel, making it very easy to guess when something was about to be revealed. Like I mentioned earlier, the world felt a bit underdeveloped at times. I wasn't quite following the structure of the ruling class and who could know the identity of the hunter, which made the stakes of Gabrielle's secret feel a bit thin at times. Still, I thought this was a fun read, and a nice queer romantasy. I'd definitely be interested in reading more of Melissa Marr's work in the future!

[Mahala Cecil · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review: 4.5 STARS!!

This was an incredibly engaging historical fantasy filled with magic, monsters, secrets, and a beautifully emotional sapphic romance. Melissa Marr created a wonderfully atmospheric setting that immediately pulled me into the story, and the pacing kept me invested from beginning to end.

My favorite aspect of the book was the relationship between Gabrielle and Isabeau. Rather than a traditional slow-burn romance, this is a compelling second-chance love story between two women with a complicated history. The emotional tension, lingering feelings, and pining were absolutely fantastic. Isabeau's desire to rekindle their relationship contrasted perfectly with Gabrielle's sense of duty and fear of what would happen if the truth about her role as a Hunter came to light. The emotional turmoil between them was one of the strongest parts of the novel, and the sapphic romance was easily a 10/10 for me.

I also loved the suspense that built throughout the story. As secrets began to unravel and the truth behind the dangers lurking came into focus, I found myself eager to keep listening and uncover what would happen next. The audiobook narration was excellent and added so much to both the atmosphere and emotional depth of the story.

If you enjoy atmospheric historical fantasy, second-chance romance, magic, monsters, and queer love stories filled with longing and tension, I highly recommend picking up A Treason of Magic when it releases on June 23, 2026!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[raes.inkbl0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of A Treason of Magic by Melissa Marr.

A Treason of Magic is a lush, atmospheric historical fantasy that blends romance, duty, and fae lore. The premise is immediately compelling as its a Beauty-and-the-Beast–inspired story where the “beauty” is fated to kill the beast. two women burdened by power, expectation, and curses are drawn back into each other’s lives. The world feels richly imagined, with an emphasis on tradition, magic, and the weight of responsibility.

Gabrielle and Isabeau are both interesting protagonists, each carrying a different kind of inherited duty. I especially appreciated the exploration of gender, power, and leadership, as well as the queer romance at the center of the story. Their shared history adds emotional complexity, and there are moments where the tension between love and obligation really shines.

That said, the pacing felt pretty uneven, and I struggled to stay fully engaged throughout. Some sections moved slowly, while others glossed over moments that could have benefited from deeper emotional development. I also found the central conflict with the beast less compelling than I had hoped, as it sometimes took a backseat to introspection and political concerns.

Overall, A Treason of Magic has a strong concept and beautiful atmosphere, but the execution didn’t fully land for me. Fans of slower, character-driven fantasy with romantic elements and fae mythology may enjoy this, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential.

[Pujashree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Melissa Marr whose works have been on my TBR for a long time. This was a promising premise of a second chance sapphic romantasy, and it was...fine. Perhaps it's the audiobook format or the length or the editor or perhaps it's my eternal problem with romantasy as a sub-genre, but both the sapphic romance and the worldbuilding needed a bit more for it to be truly a great read. This is a fascinating world where there is a fae world kept at bay by a treaty between volatile queens and a Hunter lineage potentially facing erasure. Which in itself could've been so much more immersive if we weren't being mired in repetitive hand wringing around a paltry marriage plot, a mystery that was only a mystery to the protagonist, and a romance that was frankly hard to root for because we only get one side of the story and almost no good reason for them to get together except that...they were literally one miscommunication away from having always been together. And add to that a ton of parental loss and grief that is just NOT processed. The narrator wasn't particularly good at distinguishing character voices and I wish there was a lot more badass Hunter-y shenanigans by the protagonist rather than some combination of anxious spiraling. It was a quick enough read but not sure if I will continue on with the series or this author. Thanks to Netgalley for the audiobook ARC.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Melissa Marr, Author, of "Treason of Magic" takes the reader on a literary fantasy journey to a "World where Magic, Desire, and Duty Collide" "It is beauty who is fated to kill the beast in a lush historical fantasy of secrets and star-crossed love". (description of the synopsis).

In this unique, and well written novel the Genres are: Cozy Fantasy, Folklore, Romance, LGBT, Paranormal, Suspense, Mystery and Thriller. The author vividly describes the scenery, landscape, plot, and the dramatic, colorful, complex and complicated characters. I appreciate that the author uses women to have significant and powerful roles. There are secrets, betrayals, magic, danger, threats, warnings and murder. The two female protagonists start as different heirs to the powerful roles they will inherit. Gabrielle is the first woman to have the difficult role of the "Hunter", and her job description is to be a guardian to her people and kill the beasts that are murderers. Isabelle is a "Lady Duke". She is also a protector, but may be under a curse that has her sleeping during the nighttime. The two women are deeply attracted to each other. There also is the possibility that not everything or everyone is as it seems.

There are several murders that do emotionally cause conflicts and the desire to find the murderers. There are twists and turns, surprises, action, adventure, and intense suspense. I highly recommend this captivating and intriguing fantasy.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two young women burdened by legacy and fate are drawn together by a deadly beast terrorizing their village. Gabrielle, the first female Hunter of Alveus, must confront both the monster in Brimmond Wood and the return of the woman who broke her heart. Isabeau, a lady duke cursed to sleep through the night, cannot protect her people without Gabrielle’s help. As old feelings reignite and their destinies intertwine, they must face the dark force threatening everything they hold dear.

I was immediately drawn to this book when I learned it was a sapphic romantasy. The romance between Isabeau and Gabrielle was beautifully written, and I loved watching them reconnect while navigating the complicated emotions that resurfaced between them. Often I struggle with romantasy because the balance between plot and romance often skews too far towards the latter for my taste, but Marr was able to balance the two perfectly.

The novel’s biggest weakness is its pacing. The opening chapters felt slower than necessary and took a while to gain momentum. However, once I settled into the worldbuilding, the story found its stride, and the second half moved at a much more engaging pace.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the audio-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Marr delivers a breathtaking blend of fantasy, romance, and folklore in this beautifully written tale of duty, sacrifice, and second chances. From the very first page, I was drawn into the enchanting world of Alveus, where danger lurks in the shadows and destiny weaves together the lives of two remarkable women.
Gabrielle is a compelling heroine, carrying the weight of becoming the first female Hunter while struggling with the responsibilities and consequences that come with her power. Isabeau is equally captivating—a strong yet vulnerable leader burdened by a devastating curse. Their journeys are rich with emotion, and watching their paths intertwine created a story that felt both epic and deeply personal.
The atmosphere is lush and immersive, filled with magical creatures, haunting forests, and a sense of mystery that kept me turning pages late into the night. Marr masterfully balances romance, political intrigue, and fantasy, creating characters who feel authentic and relationships that are impossible not to root for.
A beautifully crafted historical fantasy with unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and a touch of Beauty and the Beast-inspired magic. This is a must-read for fans of sweeping fantasy romances, strong female protagonists, and stories where love and destiny are tested against impossible odds.

[Grace Brattley-lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to read this book as an e-arc and I’m not a particular fan of digital books but this might have just swayed me.

This book reimagines gender norms and relationships within a historical setting and I’m totally here for it. This book discusses love over time, death, loss of parents however to me this books key theme is duty vs desire and how the protagonist takes on the responsibility.

For me this book was slow to get into the beginning however Melissa Marr designed the world beautifully and I could envision a map of the world in my head. The level of detail and description for each scene tied in very well with the story and some perceived behaviours of the characters.

Melissa Marr also clearly illustrated the relationships between characters and the protagonist perfectly. I could understand the characters emotions and reactions to events and the theme of duty vs desire ran throughout the book.

After a tragedy is when this book really picked up pace and I could not put it down the storyline keeps guiding you to what’s next until the final plot twist.

This book pulled at my heartstrings and stirred up a range of emotions and I would recommend reading to anyone is wanting to read a short fantasy romance, historical fiction that goes against gender norms

[Bethanie Grimwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to graciously thank Netgalley for the opportunity to enjoy this journey. All opinions are my own.

A Treason of Magic follows our female lead, Gabrielle, who is tasked with training to become the first female Hunter in the long line of male Hunters. Along this journey she reunites with her childhood sweetheart, Isabeau. Isabeau also just happens to be the first female successor to the Duke of Maudite. Both women carry the burden of maintaining their family legacy while also trying to uncover what beast has been attacking their citizens.

I have to admit that it took me a moment to get fully into this book but I was instantly captivated by Gabrielle's storyline. I, too, was the eldest daughter to a father who probably would have preferred me to be a son but made due with what he had. This made her character much more relatable to me and I wanted to see her ultimate success. There was a quote that said "I was what Father made do with, not the child he wanted." I felt an urge to keep reading to know how this would all play out.

I was captivated by all aspects of the story. 10/10 for the love story between Gabrielle and Isabeau. 10/10 for the defining of creatures. 10/10 for familiar bonding. This will be in my recommended list for sure!