Royal Magic

by Janey Feingold

“Shadows do not step out, Shadows do not stand out.”

This is the motto Darby was raised by at the Shadow Academy where a brutal upbringing forged her into an elite spy. Ever since childhood, she has trained to be invisible, unattached, and to survive in any situation long enough to complete her mission. Now that she’s graduated, Darby will put her training to the test as she carries out her latest task: masquerading as one of Prince Nolan’s marriage season suitors at The Winter Palace, where dark secrets lurk below the sparkling surface…

Darby dives headfirst into a world of lavishly themed balls and court politics. For the first time in her life, she will have a chance to explore her own beliefs, her sense of self, and her heart’s desire. But Darby’s taste of freedom might just alter the course of her life forever as she finds herself faced with an impossible choice. How will she choose between her duty and her destiny?

ROYAL MAGIC is a fast paced, spicy Romantasy novel that explores the dangers of accepting the status quo, the challenge of discovering your own power, and the beautiful mess of falling in love.



*Tropes Include*
Forbidden Romance
Fake Courting
Secret Identity
Fated Mates
She-Saves-Him
Spies!
The Bachelor style marriage season
Bi FMC

And no, this one’s not a slow burn.

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 28, 2026

Reviews

[Gabrielle Benitez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book and WOW!! If you love world building, magic, fantasy, spiiiiicy romance and a little espionage this is your book. The author describes the book as Charlie’s Angels set in a Bridgerton type world WITH magic and that’s literally it. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I can’t wait to see how the rest of Darby’s story unfolds!!! And also Rus’ 🤭

[Nicole Palermo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book and absolutely FLEW through it! The world building, the magic systems, the bisexual FMC!!! Couldn’t get enough of this book - already reading again ✨

Update: even better the second time around. Caught onto so many hints throughout!

[Susannah Scheffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader and even on V1 I couldn’t put it down! It’s your favorite parts of reality dating shows, spy and of course, fantasy novels all in one. The world and magic mechanisms are so unique, unlike anything I’ve read. Such a fun read- I can’t wait for the world to experience it!

[Sidney Chukuntarod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Magic should absolutely be on everyone’s 2026 TBR. We follow a bi FMC who’s part of a trio of spy girlies going undercover during the prince’s Bachelor-style marriage season—an instantly compelling setup that delivers on both intrigue and romance. The magic system feels refreshingly unique while still comfortably familiar, and I already can’t wait to learn more about it in future books.

This is a fast-paced read filled with beautifully flawed, complex characters. While undeniably fun, the story doesn’t shy away from heavier themes, showing how each character chooses— or struggles—to work through them. That emotional honesty really resonated with me, especially in a genre that balances adventure and escapism so well.

Without giving anything away, the ending of book one sets the stage for something truly special. This is a fantastic read for everyone, but particularly for women and young women navigating self-acceptance and identity. I love books that scatter subtle Easter eggs that later pay off in major plot twists, and Royal Magic feels like exactly that kind of story. I’ll definitely be paying closer attention to every god, every color, every name and place, etc on a reread.

Tense dynamics, fated mates (links), romance, adventure, fantasy—and yes, a little spice—Royal Magic truly has it all. Keep your eyes peeled, your hearts open, and buckle up, because if book one is any indication, this series is going to be a thrilling, emotional, and beautifully bumpy ride.

[Kinsey Lux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SUCH a page turner! The story jumps right into the action with Darby and her dual mission to protect the prince while uncovering more about royal magic. Darby is relatable, fun, and a bit impulsive, and her chemistry with Nolan is palpable. The world-building is brilliantly done, and the characters are uniquely crafted and memorable. And as a bonus, the magic system is intricate without being confusing and it feels like there’s so much more for us to learn about royal magic. I didn’t put the book down once I hit Part 2, and I loved the perspectives we got from several different characters and the ride they took us on. There are so many relationships I’m rooting for (and some I really don’t want to happen!), and holy moly, I was floored by that ending. I can’t wait for the next book and to dive back in with these characters! Note, I received an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Diana Tsitlishvili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay wow, where to start? First and foremost huge shout out to there author for receiving this incredible ARC copy for this book. The way I had no idea this wasn’t a standalone and that ending? Ma’am? Idk what to do with myself now.
The plot was so fun and interesting and extremely refreshing because it didn’t follow your typical go to romantasy story. I would describe it as an atmospheric and whimsical world where the bachelor meets Charlie’s angels. The author has a background in film and theater and honestly you can tell based on the way the book and story flows. It was so much more than a romantasy, unique magic system with themes of corruption, love, coming of age and oppression. Loved it

[Heidi Eggert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book and absolutely loved it! My first exposure to the world of romantasy and I already cant wait for the sequel (I hope there is one!). The characters are dynamic and compelling and the story is a real page-turner - I couldn’t put it down and already cant wait to read it again in paperback.

[Jenna Berkenkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy in exchange for an honest review, and I loved this book! It was a total page-turner - I read it in just two days because I couldn’t put it down. The world-building is really fun and immersive and the characters are easy to get invested in. The story ends on a big cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next (fingers crossed there’s another book!)

[Kathryn Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading Royal Magic as a beta reader, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The FMC is powerful but has been taught to hide her source of main power; this is the story of her becoming. The magic and the sexiness will hook you alone. From the very first page, I was invested and read in 2 days. It's the kind of book that makes you want to rush home from plans and stay up past your bedtime just to keep reading. I can't wait for book two as I NEED to know what happens to these characters.

[Carissa Lambariello · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay but nobody told me romantasy is like THIS

[Ruby Westfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was a beta reader for this book*

I absolutely ADORED this read!! The world is thrilling and beautiful and sexy and honestly the same can be said about the characters! This is one of those reads where you fall in love with each character individually and want to know all about their backgrounds. A delightful fast read with extra spicy moments and a driving plot centering around three powerful women. Highly recommend adding to your 2026 TBR!!!! <3

[Anika Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for Royal Magic and can say without a doubt this was my favorite book I’ve read all year!! A beautiful blend of fantasy and grounded characters who feel so alive while still giving all the fantasy feels. The hoop earring.. IYKYK!!