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Reign
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Expected 1 Sep 26Found family, forbidden love, and a heroine who refuses to kneel― from Cosmopolitan's book imprint comes REIGN, a fierce feminist romantasy about choosing freedom over fear and setting fire to the throne.
The Kingdom of Lyonesse is absent of magic but not of rain.
In the rain-soaked Kingdom of Lyonesse, magic is outlawed―punishable by death.
So when Niamh's forbidden witchcraft is exposed, she flees her rainy village disguised as a man.
She never meant to end up on a battlefield.
Mistakenly conscripted into a brutal war engineered by a paranoid king against a vengeful sorceress determined to reclaim the throne, Niamh now hides another secret―her womanhood. Between fighting terrifying beasts and confronting arcane powers she once believed were merely folklore, Niamh is thrust into a world where survival relies on more than luck―it demands alliances.
In battle, Niamh must obey Prince Fitzroy, the king's infuriatingly handsome illegitimate son and sharp-tongued commander tasked with eradicating magic. He is everything she despises…and everything she struggles to resist. Back at camp, she forges a complicated friendship with Bash, a fellow soldier who sees her like no one else does and stirs forbidden feelings that could shatter her disguise.
As war tightens its grip on the kingdom, Niamh is forced to choose: obey the prince who could expose her, trust the soldier who could love her, or embrace the forbidden magic that could save them all.
But war is merciless, and not everyone will live to see which side prevails.
The Kingdom of Lyonesse is absent of magic but not of rain.
In the rain-soaked Kingdom of Lyonesse, magic is outlawed―punishable by death.
So when Niamh's forbidden witchcraft is exposed, she flees her rainy village disguised as a man.
She never meant to end up on a battlefield.
Mistakenly conscripted into a brutal war engineered by a paranoid king against a vengeful sorceress determined to reclaim the throne, Niamh now hides another secret―her womanhood. Between fighting terrifying beasts and confronting arcane powers she once believed were merely folklore, Niamh is thrust into a world where survival relies on more than luck―it demands alliances.
In battle, Niamh must obey Prince Fitzroy, the king's infuriatingly handsome illegitimate son and sharp-tongued commander tasked with eradicating magic. He is everything she despises…and everything she struggles to resist. Back at camp, she forges a complicated friendship with Bash, a fellow soldier who sees her like no one else does and stirs forbidden feelings that could shatter her disguise.
As war tightens its grip on the kingdom, Niamh is forced to choose: obey the prince who could expose her, trust the soldier who could love her, or embrace the forbidden magic that could save them all.
But war is merciless, and not everyone will live to see which side prevails.
496 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Bethan Croome
1 book77 followersBeth is an author and content creator from the UK. She holds a Master’s degree in Writing from Bath Spa University and enjoys crafting stories with flawed characters, complicated romances, and magical settings. When she’s not conjuring up fantastical kingdoms and creatures, you will find her walking her dachshund, Arwen, through the rainy countryside or exploring museums in search of historical inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Want to Read
February 8, 2026Cannot wait 😍😍😍
April 16, 2026
This story follows Niamh as she hides as a man to escape her village after a magical event. Because magic is forbidden, she uses her brother’s name to flee, but gets conscripted to the army instead. There, she meets other wizards from whom she hides her womanhood. As the politics become more incertain, Niamh finds herself fighting in a war and forging unlikely alliances.
I really enjoyed this book, the political intrigue, the feminist takes and the multiple friendships, but I was not sure about the romantic aspect in the story. It seemed too perfect then predictable with Bash while also being too fast and useful with Fitzroy. There was a lack of chemistry between Niamh and the men. It felt a bit forced just to have a romantic aspect that was not necessary in my opinion.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for a copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book, the political intrigue, the feminist takes and the multiple friendships, but I was not sure about the romantic aspect in the story. It seemed too perfect then predictable with Bash while also being too fast and useful with Fitzroy. There was a lack of chemistry between Niamh and the men. It felt a bit forced just to have a romantic aspect that was not necessary in my opinion.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for a copy of this book.
April 12, 2026
This was such a good book!! The themes in this book were all ones I enjoy strong female characters, cross dressing to protect identity, sisterhood, folklore accurate magical beasts and the list goes on!!!
This story gives medieval English Mulan vibes and I’m all for it! The characters were well developed and we got to know them on a personal level.
The slow burn love triangle was absolutely perfect! I don’t always enjoy a love triangle as I find the bouncing back and forth annoying. However, this love triangle was well written and felt natural not forced. The magic language was a special bonus about this book that I found really cool! I can wait for the next book and find out what happens next!
This story gives medieval English Mulan vibes and I’m all for it! The characters were well developed and we got to know them on a personal level.
The slow burn love triangle was absolutely perfect! I don’t always enjoy a love triangle as I find the bouncing back and forth annoying. However, this love triangle was well written and felt natural not forced. The magic language was a special bonus about this book that I found really cool! I can wait for the next book and find out what happens next!
April 15, 2026
A magical political story with a sprinkle of a Mulan retelling isn’t as successful of a message as it may have hoped to be but still a good ride.
With magic outlawed, Niamh hides her talents behind women’s curiosity and medicinal herbs but when a long time friend catches her speaking the forbidden tongue she flees taking her brothers identity and finds herself enlisted for the growing war against the skipped over Queen. With creatures lurking in the woods and more allies than she could have imagined she works to free her people from tyrannical rule and allow those with talents to walk freely in the sun.
From a retelling aspect I really enjoyed the identity swap where Niamh became her brother Finn and was able to walk through the world and be seen for her talents and not her skirts especially when it came to her craft as a blacksmith, that being said she fell into the trap of the gender she was wearing and was rather cruel and belittling to other women who had a different set of talents that made them equally successful in their endeavors. It is a fantasy story so I didn’t expect a lot of modern like changes when it came to sex work but she rarely considered them as fully formed people and more like objects to use or be jealous of and there’s a rather odd, and in my opinion quite selfish, moment with the ownership of a necklace later that gets shrugged off and maybe I’m weird for holding on to that as tightly as Niamh did but I don’t get why she kept quiet about all of it just because she wanted to keep it.
The other characters are rather flat, her brother fairs better when he’s not around and someone else is using his name. The love interests are fine though I wish more was given to flesh them out. With war stories like this I wish we could have focused a bit more on the conflict and used these relationships to pull you in so any loss feels like you’re in the moment with them but it was like looking through glass that muffles the experience. It also wraps up too quickly which again maybe it’s me but to have it be said that there are these grand stakes and essentially a war on two fronts to be handled in a chapter or two is sort of disappointing.
The more I write the more I question my rating but I’ll let it stand because it was an easy read with good bones to it just a bit rocky on the execution.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
With magic outlawed, Niamh hides her talents behind women’s curiosity and medicinal herbs but when a long time friend catches her speaking the forbidden tongue she flees taking her brothers identity and finds herself enlisted for the growing war against the skipped over Queen. With creatures lurking in the woods and more allies than she could have imagined she works to free her people from tyrannical rule and allow those with talents to walk freely in the sun.
From a retelling aspect I really enjoyed the identity swap where Niamh became her brother Finn and was able to walk through the world and be seen for her talents and not her skirts especially when it came to her craft as a blacksmith, that being said she fell into the trap of the gender she was wearing and was rather cruel and belittling to other women who had a different set of talents that made them equally successful in their endeavors. It is a fantasy story so I didn’t expect a lot of modern like changes when it came to sex work but she rarely considered them as fully formed people and more like objects to use or be jealous of and there’s a rather odd, and in my opinion quite selfish, moment with the ownership of a necklace later that gets shrugged off and maybe I’m weird for holding on to that as tightly as Niamh did but I don’t get why she kept quiet about all of it just because she wanted to keep it.
The other characters are rather flat, her brother fairs better when he’s not around and someone else is using his name. The love interests are fine though I wish more was given to flesh them out. With war stories like this I wish we could have focused a bit more on the conflict and used these relationships to pull you in so any loss feels like you’re in the moment with them but it was like looking through glass that muffles the experience. It also wraps up too quickly which again maybe it’s me but to have it be said that there are these grand stakes and essentially a war on two fronts to be handled in a chapter or two is sort of disappointing.
The more I write the more I question my rating but I’ll let it stand because it was an easy read with good bones to it just a bit rocky on the execution.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3.75 ⭐️
Reign follows Niamh who is suspected of being a witch, and is forced to flee to save the lives of her family. She ends up getting forced into the war efforts — taking her brother’s place as a blacksmith. The vibe throughout the story is very much “a man can do it… how hard can it be?”
The kingdoms are at war over who deserves the throne: the (exiled) Silver Witch, or her younger *cough* weaker brother. Insert the Commander of the Army, and the friends Niamh meets along the way. The banter and teasing is great, and I really liked how the FMC really said whatever came to mind.
The story focused a lot on gender roles, and it’s a nice to see that addressed and acknowledged. Niamh is a more talented blacksmith than her brother, but because she’s a woman no one in the society will respect her. It’s interesting to see how short hair and wearing pants can make such a difference.
I related to the FMC a lot, and I could follow along with her thought process for the most part. In the beginning of the story she’s clearly quick witted, and quickly puts things together, but at the end with the surprise twists… I’m surprised she didn’t realize those things quicker (when the reader could assume from the hints)
When the second book comes out I plan to read it. Thankfully I felt satisfied where this book ended because IMO there weren’t really “loose strings.” I would compare it to a Harry Potter book ending at the close of a school year — where there obviously will be more, but it’s a good place to pause.
Yes I would recommend this book, but I wasn’t as excited to pick it up and keep reading as I would prefer. It felt a little slow at times, but the author used that to really build on the details. I think I was just on the verge of a reading slump, but it is a good book!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC
Reign follows Niamh who is suspected of being a witch, and is forced to flee to save the lives of her family. She ends up getting forced into the war efforts — taking her brother’s place as a blacksmith. The vibe throughout the story is very much “a man can do it… how hard can it be?”
The kingdoms are at war over who deserves the throne: the (exiled) Silver Witch, or her younger *cough* weaker brother. Insert the Commander of the Army, and the friends Niamh meets along the way. The banter and teasing is great, and I really liked how the FMC really said whatever came to mind.
The story focused a lot on gender roles, and it’s a nice to see that addressed and acknowledged. Niamh is a more talented blacksmith than her brother, but because she’s a woman no one in the society will respect her. It’s interesting to see how short hair and wearing pants can make such a difference.
I related to the FMC a lot, and I could follow along with her thought process for the most part. In the beginning of the story she’s clearly quick witted, and quickly puts things together, but at the end with the surprise twists… I’m surprised she didn’t realize those things quicker (when the reader could assume from the hints)
When the second book comes out I plan to read it. Thankfully I felt satisfied where this book ended because IMO there weren’t really “loose strings.” I would compare it to a Harry Potter book ending at the close of a school year — where there obviously will be more, but it’s a good place to pause.
Yes I would recommend this book, but I wasn’t as excited to pick it up and keep reading as I would prefer. It felt a little slow at times, but the author used that to really build on the details. I think I was just on the verge of a reading slump, but it is a good book!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I picked up Reign by Bethan Croome mainly because of its description — a girl disguising herself as a boy and ending up in a military camp sounded like something I’d enjoy — and a historical setting.
I read about 44% before deciding not to continue, but I still wanted to share my thoughts.
What I enjoyed most was the writing style. It’s smooth, easy to read, and flows naturally. The atmosphere stood out to me — it reminded me a little of Ivanhoe, not in terms of plot, but in that classic historical feel. There’s also a hint of a love triangle, which could appeal to readers who enjoy that dynamic.
For me, the main challenge was connecting with the characters. The prince felt quite unsure at times, and the moment with a single tear after the first battle made it harder for me to see him as a strong, convincing lead. I personally tend to connect more with male characters who come across as more decisive and strong, so this may simply come down to preference.
The female main character felt more balanced. I liked that she was thoughtful and able to look beyond her initial prejudices. At the same time, her reactions to the two male characters felt a bit confusing to me — it seemed like her attraction was based more on their physical appearance than on their character or actions.
Bash was a very likeable character and the one I found most engaging.
Overall, I found the story easy to read, but I personally was looking for more depth in both the plot and the world-building. The story felt quite straightforward, and I found myself wanting a bit more complexity and detail to stay fully invested.
I think this book could work well for readers who enjoy lighter, atmospheric historical-style stories with a touch of romance. It just wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
I read about 44% before deciding not to continue, but I still wanted to share my thoughts.
What I enjoyed most was the writing style. It’s smooth, easy to read, and flows naturally. The atmosphere stood out to me — it reminded me a little of Ivanhoe, not in terms of plot, but in that classic historical feel. There’s also a hint of a love triangle, which could appeal to readers who enjoy that dynamic.
For me, the main challenge was connecting with the characters. The prince felt quite unsure at times, and the moment with a single tear after the first battle made it harder for me to see him as a strong, convincing lead. I personally tend to connect more with male characters who come across as more decisive and strong, so this may simply come down to preference.
The female main character felt more balanced. I liked that she was thoughtful and able to look beyond her initial prejudices. At the same time, her reactions to the two male characters felt a bit confusing to me — it seemed like her attraction was based more on their physical appearance than on their character or actions.
Bash was a very likeable character and the one I found most engaging.
Overall, I found the story easy to read, but I personally was looking for more depth in both the plot and the world-building. The story felt quite straightforward, and I found myself wanting a bit more complexity and detail to stay fully invested.
I think this book could work well for readers who enjoy lighter, atmospheric historical-style stories with a touch of romance. It just wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reign had a really strong premise that immediately drew me in. I loved the Mulan-inspired elements, the forbidden magic, and the idea of a heroine disguising herself while navigating war and complicated alliances.
Unfortunately, it didn’t fully come together for me. While the beginning showed promise, I found it difficult to stay engaged as the story progressed. The characters, in particular, felt underdeveloped, which made it hard to connect with them. I also found that many of them came across as quite young in their behavior, and I struggled to get a clear sense of their ages, which made it harder to feel grounded in the story.
I also struggled with the FMC, whose actions and emotional shifts, especially in regard to the romance, felt inconsistent at times. The romance itself felt rushed, as much of it develops closer to the end without enough buildup to make it fully convincing. I would have loved to see more development and depth in that aspect of the story.
That said, the concept is compelling, and I do think there’s a solid foundation here. With more depth in both character and relationship development, this could have been a much stronger read for me.
Overall, a great idea that didn’t quite land for me, but one that may still appeal to readers who enjoy romantasy with a quicker-paced romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, it didn’t fully come together for me. While the beginning showed promise, I found it difficult to stay engaged as the story progressed. The characters, in particular, felt underdeveloped, which made it hard to connect with them. I also found that many of them came across as quite young in their behavior, and I struggled to get a clear sense of their ages, which made it harder to feel grounded in the story.
I also struggled with the FMC, whose actions and emotional shifts, especially in regard to the romance, felt inconsistent at times. The romance itself felt rushed, as much of it develops closer to the end without enough buildup to make it fully convincing. I would have loved to see more development and depth in that aspect of the story.
That said, the concept is compelling, and I do think there’s a solid foundation here. With more depth in both character and relationship development, this could have been a much stronger read for me.
Overall, a great idea that didn’t quite land for me, but one that may still appeal to readers who enjoy romantasy with a quicker-paced romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The blurb was what first caught my attention, and overall, it turned out to be a solid read, with strong Mulan vibes.
That said, I absolutely abhor love triangles, so that aspect didn’t really work for me. It also felt a bit strange reading about an FMC who shares the same name as someone I know in real life lmao. The last time that happened, I couldn’t connect with the story at all, but thankfully, it was better this time.
I did end up enjoying the book overall, though the ending felt a little messy.
That said, I absolutely abhor love triangles, so that aspect didn’t really work for me. It also felt a bit strange reading about an FMC who shares the same name as someone I know in real life lmao. The last time that happened, I couldn’t connect with the story at all, but thankfully, it was better this time.
I did end up enjoying the book overall, though the ending felt a little messy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book started off strong and immediately held my attention through the first few chapters. While the overall story had a lot of promise, I found it difficult to stay fully engaged as the writing style didn’t quite pull me in. The found family dynamic lacked authenticity for me, and the romantic plot felt rushed and somewhat unrealistic—especially in the way it concluded. I also wish we had seen more growth from the FMC, as her choices left me feeling more disappointed than invested by the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy
Descriptors: Magic, Witches, Wizards and magical creatures, War, Royalty, Mistaken Identity/Identity swap, Love triangle (is present but book would have been good without it too)
Spice: yes but not the main focus. Felt like more of a, whoops better sprinkle some spice in here to give these characters some connection.
Stand alone? I wouldn't think so.... I could read more...
Would I recommend? Yes.
Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy
Descriptors: Magic, Witches, Wizards and magical creatures, War, Royalty, Mistaken Identity/Identity swap, Love triangle (is present but book would have been good without it too)
Spice: yes but not the main focus. Felt like more of a, whoops better sprinkle some spice in here to give these characters some connection.
Stand alone? I wouldn't think so.... I could read more...
Would I recommend? Yes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 ⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Retelling of mulan ✅
Outlawed magic ✅
Arrogant Prince ✅
Love triangle ✅
The blurb sold me on this book. It was very atmospheric and had a really fun premise. I love a hidden identity, and hiding as a man sounded even more delightful. The book fell flat for me in places I needed it to be a home run though. I needed more depth from our two MMCs and felt very disconnected from the story. There was little emotion that wasn't just told to me, it wasn't experienced. I also felt the FMC was a bit fickle with her affections and it didn't sit well with me.
Overall, I did breeze through this and enjoyed it. If you like retellings and books with feminist ideals you may like this one!
Retelling of mulan ✅
Outlawed magic ✅
Arrogant Prince ✅
Love triangle ✅
The blurb sold me on this book. It was very atmospheric and had a really fun premise. I love a hidden identity, and hiding as a man sounded even more delightful. The book fell flat for me in places I needed it to be a home run though. I needed more depth from our two MMCs and felt very disconnected from the story. There was little emotion that wasn't just told to me, it wasn't experienced. I also felt the FMC was a bit fickle with her affections and it didn't sit well with me.
Overall, I did breeze through this and enjoyed it. If you like retellings and books with feminist ideals you may like this one!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews