My name is Seleste Berigander. I used to have a bright future. Now my greatest achievement is going to bed without a bottle of wine to knock me out.
Unfortunately, life has other plans. War is creeping toward Rhodria, and if I don’t face myself and the wreckage I left behind, everything will fall.
I’m stuck with three stubborn, infuriating males who seem determined to drag a sense of responsibility out of me. Little did I know their help would grind my broken heart into something that doesn’t even resemble one anymore.
Rhodria needs her queen. But tell me, how broken is too broken for a queen?
First of all as with all darker books check your triggers.! Saying that - What a debut, but that ending.! Oh my days.. I devoured this book and loved Seleste and her growth was wonderful to read.! Her men were brilliantly written and each brought her something the others couldn’t. The inner turmoil was at times hard to read but so well written. The plot plotted and I cannot wait for more from this author and this world.!
Finally I’d like to thank Mira for an eArc for my honest thoughts and review.!
I'm not big on this genre of book but i do like them. This book however had me lost most of the book. Parts of this book could have been amazing if it was easier for me to connect to the story. I will say this book was hard for me to understand and I dont know if it is how it was written or because I have dyslexia. I really was excited to read this book i just wish it had been easier to read.
this book has altered my brain chemistry and deserves a god tier rating!
Some books entertain you. Some books wreck you. And some quietly hold up a mirror you didn’t expect to look into. Abdicated touches on heavy themes, and I went into it thinking I was ready… but I wasn’t prepared for how deeply I would see myself in our FMC. She is a Queen — powerful, feared, politically significant. But internally? She is fighting a far more personal war. She struggles with alcoholism as a way to cope with trauma. When she’s overwhelmed, she runs. And the voice in her head is brutal, judgemental, unforgiving, relentless. The kind of self-talk that convinces you you’re always one misstep away from ruining everything. Watching her navigate that internal battle felt painfully real.I’ve been sober for six years now, and this story hit me in a way I didn’t anticipate, not in a triggering way, but in a reflective one. It reminded me how heavy shame can feel. How hard trust is to rebuild. How easy it is to believe you are the villain of your own story. But this book doesn’t romanticise her struggle. It doesn’t simplify it. It lets it be messy. Complicated. Human. And then there are the men in her life, not as saviours, but as catalysts. Each relationship brings something different: – one tied to her past and familiarity – one explosive, confrontational, impossible to ignore – one steady, grounding, quietly protectiveThis is shaping into a why choose dynamic, but it isn’t about picking a favourite. It’s about growth. Accountability. Learning how to lean on others without losing yourself. What I loved most is that reclaiming her throne isn’t just political. It’s personal. Reclaiming her crown means facing the people she believes she failed. Facing her grief. Facing her patterns. And slowly, painfully, beginning to choose better. There’s magic. Fae. Political tension. War on the horizon. But beneath it all is a woman learning that strength isn’t the absence of struggle — it’s choosing to rise anyway. And that final page? Let’s just say… I am not emotionally prepared for Book Two.
Some books get five stars. This one gets reverence. 🩷
I am so grateful I had the chance to receive this ARC in return of my honest review!
I’m still working my way up to the romantasy genre and so very glad I took a leap of faith on this book! From the beginning, it had me lured in! I absolutely love the growth of the FMC and all her mates were chefs kiss throughout the entire book! Make sure you check your triggers as there are mentions of suicidal thoughts, addictive traits, family drama/trauma and more but this is such a good book through it all! Very well written and the plot was so good and thought out just right! That ending though!! I was not expecting it at all!!
Mira Penc totally committed to the dark side, and I am HERE for it! The story was so engrossing, I couldn't put it down. And let's just say the love interests were swoon-worthy – who wouldn't want to be in Seleste's shoes? The book's like a dark, indulgent escape from reality – no responsibilities, just drama and romance. Perfect guilty pleasure!
In this wonderful romance fantasy, we follow Seleste, running from all responsibility, however shes persuaded to go back to her kingdom to become Queen. I don't want to give too many spoilers, I did enjoy this so very much! Can I have book two now please? 🤣
I enjoyed it.... but I felt confused by a lot of it.... It often felt rushed and not well explained... when I managed to get to grips with the storyline though I found I was really enjoying it. I will be reading book 2 when it comes out
The premise of this book was good but I felt like it was lacking so much detail. There was no character building or world building, I was confused what was actually going on for the majority of the book.
⭐⭐⭐ A Unique Premise With Great Potential, But a Confusing Execution
Abdicated has some really refreshing ideas in the fantasy/romantasy space, and after reading so many books in the genre, I actually appreciated how different the characters and world felt. Seleste is messy, raw, and deeply flawed in a way that makes her interesting to follow, and the three male leads all bring something compelling to the story.
That said, the execution didn’t fully land for me.
I often found myself confused about who was speaking, there were several moments where I had to reread passages and still wasn’t sure whose POV or dialogue I was in. The story also references characters long before they’re properly introduced, which added to the confusion. (Karden, for example, gets mentioned but you don’t really understand who he is until much later.)
The world building is where I struggled the most. There are ghouls, fae, forest folk, different cities, and political tension but none of it felt clearly developed. Because of that, the setting often felt blurry, and it was hard to understand how everything fit together.
The timeline jumps between past and present, but the transitions weren’t distinct enough to ground me in which era I was reading, at times. While I liked all the male characters around Seleste, a few scenes had plot holes that made emotional beats feel less impactful.
And the ending… it’s definitely a cliffhanger, but it almost felt like pages were missing rather than a purposeful “to be continued.” A bit more development in the final chapters would’ve made the conclusion feel more earned.
Overall, Abdicated has a really unique foundation and some memorable characters, but the confusing structure and underdeveloped world building held it back for me. I’m curious enough to see what happens next, but I’m hoping the next book tightens the storytelling so the world and relationships can really shine.
The bond she forms with multiple men isn’t shallow or gimmicky; each connection feels intentional, layered, and earned. Every mate represents a different part of her survival, her strength, and her undoing. Their dynamics are tender, volatile, protective, and heartbreaking all at once, woven together by magic that feels ancient and unforgiving. The world-building wraps around the romance like a living thing, dangerous courts, a past that haunts and a destiny that keeps demanding sacrifice. Just when you think the characters might finally be allowed happiness, the story reminds you that love in this world comes with a cost. The emotional tension builds slowly, then snaps. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely cruel. It doesn’t rely on shock alone, it hurts because it rips apart bonds you’ve grown attached to, leaving loyalty, love, and survival hanging by a single thread. The ending isn’t loud or explosive; it’s heavy, aching, and unresolved in the worst (best) way. This is the kind of fantasy romance that stays with you after you close the book, makes you stare at the wall, and leaves your heart suspended in that awful space between hope and grief. If you love deep emotional bonds, destined mates, and endings that leave you shattered and desperate for more, this one delivers.
This is a debut novel that has a cliffhanger that hurts. This book was good but definitely has the ability to be much better. What I mean is that we need more world building and to learn more about the character.
The book feels a bit fractured until you get to the forest. At this point the book comes together in a way that I was actually getting into what was happening. We do know that our FMC ran and has been hiding from herself and her responsibilities. With war eminent she needs to step up.
Each character is unique but I don't feel like we know enough about them. I found myself trying to remember who was who and how they fit in. I still want this information but I am also chomping at the bit to find out what happens next.
I give this 4 stars because I'm invested even though I'm still lost about who everyone is and how they fit in. That cliffhanger definitely has my mouth dropping and I need to know what happens.
This story grabbed me instantly with its raw honesty and powerful emotional depth. Seleste is a beautifully complex protagonist—flawed, wounded, and yet impossible not to root for. Her voice feels so real that every moment of pain, doubt, and determination hits hard. The world of Rhodria is vivid and compelling, and the tension of an approaching war adds urgency to her personal journey.
What truly stands out is how the author balances heartbreak with hope. The relationships Seleste forms with the three stubborn, relentless men around her bring both conflict and healing, shaping her into someone stronger than she ever believed she could be. Watching her confront her past, her addiction, and her identity as a queen is both inspiring and deeply moving.
A gripping, character-driven fantasy that blends vulnerability, resilience, and destiny—beautifully written from start to finish. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page.
Massive thanks to Mira for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Beautiful debut novel by an awesome author. Mira creates a universe of unique magic and a world you'll be desperate to explore more. Seleste is a sassy character, but she's also hurting deeply. In an attempt to run away from the things that haunt her from her past, she runs into Aidion, Jestin, and Riven. While she tries to hide what she is truly going through, these men each have their own ways of worming themselves into her heart and mind. They surround her with love and support, and maybe a bit of cheekiness. This is a story of survival, love, and accepting yourself, flaws and all. It's about growing into yourself and letting others in when you feel vulnerable. Can't wait for the next one because, DAMN, that ending....
Having been honored to be part of the arc team for this book, I can wholeheartedly say it has been an absolute pleaseure. It had been an amazing journey for Mira, with her debut being a tantalising, heart breaking soul warming masterpiece.
The characters are flawed and human, they grow and changed and show accurate depiction of the struggles we have within ourselves, from impostor syndrome to grief to blind love. The growth we see in seleste is both amazing and devastating and understanding her action make her truly real. The mmc's (yes, multiple hallelujah) are charismatic, frustrating and at time alphaholes, but lovable none the less.
The mixing on supernaturals, lore and world building is on point, if you love a gritty fantasy with a touch of spice and a lot of plot, you definitely need to give this book ago.
Thank you Mira and congratulations on an amazing debut!!!
This is a very promising debut novel from Mira. What I liked the most and found very different from other fantasy novels was the complexity of character of Seleste. This is not your random 17 year old peasant to Fae queen story. She is a complex character, with a troubled past that has impacted her deeply, and instead of being the queen her kingdom deserves, she flees her obligations to drown herself in booze, sex and bad decisions. She is more "human" than not in this regard. There is not a lot of world building in this first novel, which may sound pejorative, but it actually gives Mira the opportunity to develop this in the next books! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the story of Seleste and her sexy mates 😉
Wow!!! I felt (and still feel) like I am there in the book walking alongside the characters. This author is a sensational writer.
Seleste is the FMC and she is extremely likeable. She is tormented by trauma and makes some questionable (but understandable) choices which shape the story amazingly.
I went through all kinds of emotions. My heart was definitely pounding through a lot of the chapters.
But my favourite thing about this book is the humour. Even with such an intense storyline I was still laughing out loud.
Even though there’s humour I still had all kinds of emotions. Shock, sadness and anxiety (the good kind):
And lastly WHAT an ending!!! I can’t wait for book 2!
What, what is happening? That ending, the betrayal, I can't get over it! I need book 2 like yesterday!
Seleste, is a FMC with a lot of unresolved issues and trauma, i don't think she has uncovered her true potential, and I can't wait to see her development in the following book! Aidon, has me laughing multiple times with his responses to seleste. Riven, seems like the brooding type with wings 🥰 and Jestin sounds like the one who has always loved seleste no matter what!
Looking forward to see these relationships unfold throughout the story, there is so much potential, I really loved book 1😍
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Dark!! Make sure to check triggers! Now… what heart wrenching story (in the best way). This book does a fantastic job of describing what it’s like to hit absolute rock bottom and find the light. Her men help her along the way the best they can. You can’t force change on someone… they have to realize on their own and the fact her guys where there was awesome. I went through all the emotions with this one and I have a feeling Seleste will hold a special place in my heart for a long time. Can’t wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed reading this, it had great male characters and magic and I can see it really going somewhere. I felt the FMC needed more backbone but then remember she is suffering with her emotions a lot so hope she can find that in the future instalments
Some parts felt a little rushed and I had to go back to make sure I hadn't missed anything but in first person POV that does happen and she was unaware of a lot.
I feel it could be a good series moving forward if bulked out a bit x
From the beginning you are drawn in to the troubles our heroine faces and from the time she meets the Simon I struggled to not laugh out loud at the quips and the dynamic between all the travellers is diverse and yet they have each other's backs even if some half truths or partial truths obscure thoughts. The characters are well written and are very easy for me to resonate with what they are going through and have gone through and I personally cannot wait to read what happens next.
This book was a little hard for me to get into. There was a lot of moving parts and people to get to know and I didn’t really connect to or like the mfc Seleste but once I got going, this book hit the mark. She just wanted to escape everything and did a pretty good job until she discovered how awful things were becoming for her people. She has a lot of flaws and messed up more than once but she just keeps going and trying and I have to give her credit for that. The ending is a cliffhanger and I hate that I have to wait to find what what happens next
It was a really good book the plot was good and so was the characters it was executed perfectly. The writing style was amazing, but do check the trigger warnings cause sometimes it’s not just a grocery list. 🤣
As promised, chapter 18… onward was a total mindfuck. I was so into it that my fam commented on my grumpiness anytime I was interrupted from reading. The change in Seleste, the portrayal of addiction, alcoholism, self loathing, where mind will go when a substance/substances convince you why you’re better with than without. The way her backstory had a complication sort of “well, damn. I can see why, but that’s still fucked” energy… Abdicated represented a sort of depth not many people delve into within themselves or have the capacity to portray. I am awestruck. Also, the world building was incredibly creative.
And the depth of Seleste… the way you captured the weight on her. The complexities of her thoughts, emotions, actions, SELF REFLECTION and self hatred… 😩 The fog and also sharpness of her own self perception. Immaculate.
And THE END?? 😩
P.S. it was less 🌶️ than I originally thought, but the QUALITY *chefs kiss* especially Jestin’s scene 😍. Cannot describe how curious I am about Aidon’s backstory. And I am MORE than anticipating Seleste and Riven. What a privilege it will be to help bring this story to life as the narrator of this project!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow what can I say LOVE LOVE LOVE!! I just could not put it down I loved the main characters and how the FMC has so much to go through from the way she views herself to her alcoholism it was just spot on to the three MMC and how they each bring something to her the other don’t! The story was well paced and kept me on the edge of my seat at times. I have laughed cried and smiled while reading this book it brought all the feels! I can not wait to read the next book! Thank you Mira for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in return for a honest review, I hope I’m lucky enough to receive the next book!
What can I say? This was an amazing start to a promising story Loved the way this world was built and how these characters were made This is the beginning of the FMC's journey to atone for her past actions. We can feel her reluctance to do what she was made for, but also her determination once she is set on the correct path. is she perfect? No ... Is she going to make mistakes? probably... but i feel like we will be able to see a lot of growth comming up... The end was devastating and it came so fast i wasn't even prepared for it to end, especially the way it did... but i hope that this too will be solved 🙏🏻