For Better or for Curse

The Mad King's Daughters #1

by Tanya Bird

The future must be seen to be believed. And theirs will ignite an empire.

Aisha knows what becomes of women born with gifts. She watched her mother burn for hers, leaving her kingdom broken and her father drowning in grief. Now the Emperor is tightening his grip on Avanid, and Aisha and her sisters vow to reclaim power the only way left to them—through marriage. Enter the Crown Prince of Gruisea, a man of quiet intensity with secrets of his own. But falling for her husband was never part of the plan. As political tensions sharpen and feelings grow, Aisha must master her gift before it destroys everything she loves.

Tariq has built his life on loyalty and duty to the crown. But now that crown bows to the Emperor, and the kingdom he’s sworn to protect teeters on the edge of ruin. His betrothal to Princess Aisha is more than a political bargain—it’s a chance to secure Gruisea’s survival. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realises this is no longer just about politics. With rebellion stirring and enemies pressing in, Tariq must figure out whether Aisha’s gift will be Gruisea’s salvation—or its undoing.

For Better or For Curse is a sweeping romantasy about power, rebellion, and family bonds—perfect for readers who love smart heroines, slow-burn romance, a sprinkle of action, and plenty of angst.

Genres: Fantasy

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2026

About the author

Tanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.

You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.

Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com

Reviews

[Lacie]

This was a fun journey. Kingdoms suppressed by a higher power, sacrificing happiness for the greater good, and best of all..a love story. The author has a wonderful way about getting you wrapped up in the story, there really is never a dull moment. Also, no smut!

[Silver Lining · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfectly satisfying romance, a bit of disappointment around the fantasy elements.

2.5 stars.

Before I start my review, I want to say I love Bird’s books. I read all she published, encountering the Companion series as it was still being published a while back. I read her novellas, her standalone books and I even read her newsletter.

I’m a big romance and fantasy reader, and now that the term “romantasy” has been coined I should probably be big on this genre (not yet the case but one never quite know 😀).

For me, this book should be categorized as “romance with a fantasy setting” rather than “fantasy with an emphasis on romance” which can be a murky line in the romantasy genre which means that romance is the biggest plot and the setting of the fantasy is not being dove in as it would be in a fantasy book. It’s why I put 3 stars for a 2.5 book, as so many years later I still feel misled about not having all the fantasy elements I expected from YA Fantasy books when romantasy still belonged to those (and I expect Bird’s book would have belonged to the romance section back then).

I took a bit of time to get into the romance but I absolutely adored it. Aisha and Tariq feel genuine, though I was not sold on them at the beginning. Also, I do think the political marriage that turns into something else is one of my favorite romance (also why I read historical romance a lot). Aisha’s sisters and father are very well-written and life-like too because they will be the main characters in future novels. If you want King Bilal’s story, In sickness and in solace is a cosy fantasy romance novella in this world. I read it before this book to get a feel of things and I would review it 5 stars.
Also, for immersion purposes, I listened to the playlist of the book before reading it almost every time I sat down to read (I don’t read and listen at the same time my brain can’t compute it) and I really liked the playlist so enjoy that 😊

Now, my apologies but I feel there are two main downsides to this story.

First, I feel extremely frustrated - a bit like I was with Kingdom of Walls second book - because the fantasy decorum is very interesting. I believe Bird has a lot more on this world. And I personally feel frustrated not knowing more after the book. I don’t even mean about the other kingdoms as I guess they will be part of the future books (I relished the scene with the sisters with the royals coming in and Queen Farrah’s sharp comments). If we were still at the time of the Companion series I would not feel like this is a downside as I would learn more with the next book. However, I do feel like it was not prioritized in the last two book series (I don’t think it was an issue with Roman Heart as we all know at least a bit about Ancient Rome).

My second disappointment was in the character building of some secondary characters. I don’t think they were not fun, but… Queen Farrah’s change of heart about something seemed to smooth to me. Should she be more… “broken”? Tariq’s guard and companion whose name I can’t quite recall (Kairos ?) doesn’t he have a family or anything? He is only there to drop comments as an objector or to serve part of the plot. Considering Maryam has less presence in the book but has a full back story, I feel like this a big gap.

However, I might think about this too much. If you are looking for a likable and well-written romance it’s fully there and I bet my e-reader on the fact the sequels will be equally romantically satisfying. If you like being fully immersed into a fantasy universe, I believe you might feel like I do… Which is also a credit to Bird’s writing as she leaves me wanting to know more and looking forward to the next book rather than just mere disappointment.

Good luck with the sequels and I’ll be waiting for news about the Bird house.

Madly, your reviewer.

[Jessica Abdo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another epic romance from Tanya Bird!
I have read everything Tanya has written and although I have favourites I’m yet to be disappointed. This series is looking to be up there with my top 3!

This book was such a delight to read. I LOVED the fantasy element - the witchy magic was done so well! I couldn’t put it down, I was so hungry for the story and finding out what would happen next.
The characters were well matched and unlike previous couples there wasn’t that push and pull or “opposites attract” dynamic - I felt like Tariq and Aisha were actually very similar and well suited but other things got in their way. The sneaking about and fun early in the story lulled me into a false sense of security. How epic their love turned out to be.
I love a romantasy and definitely love a bit of spice but I have never felt like I’m missing out with Tanya’s stories. The closed door romance is so beautiful in every one of her books!

I adored the animal “side-kick” in this story!

The hardcover book is just beautiful I love the texture, the colour,the cover! It’s all got very almost Arabian tone. I guess that’s intended because even the names in the story are very Arabic coded.

I could talk about the strengths of this story for ages, but what I will say is that I adored the story and I cannot WAIT for the next book! I think I know exactly who is going to be next - and I’m guessing it’s gonna be a little bit of “grumpy/sunshine” vibes.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving A Failing Kingdom.
King Bilal’s story is ‘In Sickness and In Solace’ inspires book 1, which starts devastating by the event that shook this families spirit but then builds into hope. 5 Princesses and 1 Prince: Zara is the eldest and proxy regent assisting her father, the King who cannot recover from grieving the loss of his queen/wife by being labeled “mad” or crazy. Aisha is the next daughter who has visions. Lilah follows next who is like her mother and familiar with herbs and plants. Safiya is like her father who is warrior trained. Yasmin is talented with animals as the youngest princess and the only Prince is Omar who is playful and mischievous. Getting to know this family brings heart to the story. Their conflict with the Emperor and his holy warriors brings drama. Seeing the love story blossom between Tariq and Aisha is tender. I’ve become invested in this series starter. Plus, I’m eager to read book 2 because Princess Lilah is missing.
I received a copy from BookFunnel to voluntarily leave an honest review.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Bird is exemplary! I absolutely love how she writes real situations in her fictitious worlds, and doesn't brush over real hardships. I love the familial love displayed and how close knit and protective Aisha's family is. Tariq and Aisha's story is remarkable, and even brought me to tears occasionally. They have to overcome the first hurdles to get the "Mad King's Daughter's" stories going, and I have to say, they hit it out of the park. I really can't wait to read the rest of the siblings' stories as they come out and watch the adventures this family goes on. This love story is a fade-to-black romance with a HEA ending with no cliffhanger, but alludes to more.

[MTeresa LTI · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a solid read, as expected. I liked the twists, since I didn't always see them coming. But I didn't quite connect with the characters as I'd have liked. Some of them seemed a bit underdeveloped, like the prince's guard. Tanya always excels at characters' development, so it fell a tiny bit flat this time. The end also seemed rushed, I'd have loved a few more pages. Maybe it was a first-read issue. Time will tell, but I certainly plan to continue the series. Such a pity I have some wait ahead of me!

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanya has never disappointed me and after reading too complicated books that have left me confused, this book was like an oasis. Nothing too complicated and the story moves amazingly. The characters are lovable (not all of them bit those that matter). Until the last coupem chapters I was worried to be honest about how the story will evolve but I am happy with the path it took. It's definitely a must when you need something between books.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good christmas present to be able to dissapear in one of Tanya Birds books again! The story pulls you in straight away, I loved the main characters, as usual a strong female lead and a man than only exists in fiction (unfortunately...). I loved the romance, story and whole new world to dive into. I already can't wait till the next book is out..

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s simple really, if Tanya Bird writes it, I read it and love it. This book is no exception. This is a brand new feel from this author. It’s nothing like what she has written before, but her genius story telling abilities come through. I’m already longing for the next book in this series. Great job Tanya!

[Jacqui Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Bird is my favourite author, she has away with her stories, that have you totally involved, you feel like part of it. Tariq and Aisha’s story is spell binding. I didn’t want it to end. I cried and I laughed. It is the first in The “Mad Kings Daughters” series. I am desperately waiting now for the next in the series.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly sent an Arc of the story and what an enjoyable way to start 2026.

I really enjoyed all aspects of the book, I read this quiet quick!!

cannot reccomend this enough.

I'm really looking forward to reading more books by the author in the future.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured me from the very first page. I loved the strong characters that made me laugh out loud and also want to cry. I loved this story and didn’t want it to end. The hardest part of finding a book you can’t put down is having to wait for the second one to be released!

[Katie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aisha and Tariq’s story kept me gripped from start to finish. Also, I really loved the sisters’ relationship and all of the different personalities. It added such a fun, lively layer to the story. I honestly can’t wait for the next book in the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to get to do the pre edit beta read on this and I absolutely adored it. A fantastic plot carried by brilliantly-created characters, this is definitely not one to miss!

[Karmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, can't wait to read the next one. Love the caracters grew on my for different reasons. I hope I get a book for each of the siblings.

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We're unbreakable. Whatever comes....This kiss was binding sealing something no crown or empire could touch."

"His hand found hers, thumb grazing her knuckles. 'You're the best thing I've ever imported.'"

I can't recommend this book enough y'all!

This is my ALL-TIME favorite of Tanya's!! The magic wasn't overdone and everything felt natural and flowed smoothly. Kudos 👏🏻👏🏻 this isn't done well by ALL authors but she did splendidly.

I'm not gonna lie, I enjoy reading a little smut every once and awhile, however, I honestly don't miss it when I read her books. This book was written with the perfect amount of sexual tension and angst that it truly doesn't need it.

The next story can't come quick enough!

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Bird always delivers an amazing romance! For Better or For Curse was exactly how I wanted to start my reading journey for the year. It has a prefect blend of romance, humor, action and political intrigue. Aisha and Tariq fall in love so easily, but was still at a great pace and not rushed. Not only are the main characters likable but so are the others, I so look forward to reading the sisters love stories! I highly recommend if looking for your next read!