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Parrhesia: A Sapphic Contemporary Portal Fantasy Romance
Can love circumvent fate?
After a millennium of war, Adaela ÓDubhlaoich, heir to the Unseelie Court, wants nothing more to do with her deadly magic. She abdicates the throne to establish the Catervae Pax, a utopian society where money doesn't exist, beings have what they need to thrive, and are free to be themselves in St. Louis.
In another life, Vada Livinicus was worshipped by generations of women on Earth. But saying no to the wrong man got her cursed by the God who created her. She’s the only Succubus who feeds off pleasure without ever feeling her own. After thousands of years trying to escape Hell, her chance came in the form of a prophecy…
Two broken women that still believe in a system that swore to peace will learn that those who seek power will try to destroy those who share it. When death comes knocking, they must fight to ensure the survival of not only their own people, but all thirteen factions.
Parrhesia is an Adult Sapphic Romance blending Urban and Portal Fantasy. Imaginative, spicy, and political.
After a millennium of war, Adaela ÓDubhlaoich, heir to the Unseelie Court, wants nothing more to do with her deadly magic. She abdicates the throne to establish the Catervae Pax, a utopian society where money doesn't exist, beings have what they need to thrive, and are free to be themselves in St. Louis.
In another life, Vada Livinicus was worshipped by generations of women on Earth. But saying no to the wrong man got her cursed by the God who created her. She’s the only Succubus who feeds off pleasure without ever feeling her own. After thousands of years trying to escape Hell, her chance came in the form of a prophecy…
Two broken women that still believe in a system that swore to peace will learn that those who seek power will try to destroy those who share it. When death comes knocking, they must fight to ensure the survival of not only their own people, but all thirteen factions.
Parrhesia is an Adult Sapphic Romance blending Urban and Portal Fantasy. Imaginative, spicy, and political.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Parrhesia follows Adaela, who gives up her throne to the Unseelie Court to create the Catervae Pax—an ambitious utopia where Gods, Demons, Vampires, Shifters, Cryptids, Hybrids, Fae, Angels, and Humans coexist through a structured faction system designed to ensure equality and lasting peace.
We also meet Vada, once worshipped by women across generations, whose past is steeped in injustice. After defying her creator, she is cursed to become the first succubus—and the only one unable to feel her own pleasure. After years of fighting for freedom from Hell, she’s finally granted the chance to return to Earth and begin again.
But when faction members start dying and unrest spreads, Adaela and Vada realize the Pax is hanging by a thread—and that their meeting was never accidental, but part of a prophecy years in the making. Will their love be enough to defy fate, or will everything turn to ash?
I’m still a little conflicted about this one. Going in, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect... the blurb felt intentionally vague, and I had already built a version of the story in my head. What I got was something quite different. Instead of centering intimacy and romance, the narrative leans deeply into political maneuvering and faction dynamics. As many of you know, political fantasy isn’t usually what pulls me in the fastest. I was hoping for a story where romance stood at the forefront, but here it feels more woven into the background; present, meaningful, yet not the driving force.
With so much attention placed on power structures and governance, there wasn’t as much space for emotional growth as I personally tend to crave. Even after learning their backstories, I found it difficult to fully anchor myself to the FMCs. Adaela, especially, kept me at a distance. She is guarded — and understandably so — and she carries her responsibilities with unwavering conviction. She is principled, self-sacrificing, and fiercely devoted to justice. I admired her leadership and the weight she was willing to bear for the greater good. And yet, on a more intimate level, I didn’t feel entirely immersed in her internal journey by the end.
Vada, however, drew me in more instinctively. There’s a warmth to her strength; a confidence shaped by suffering, a loyalty that feels intentional rather than blind. She carries both sharpness and softness in a way that made her compelling to me. Even with the dual POV structure, though, I couldn’t help but feel that her presence in the narrative wasn’t as expansive as it could have been. There was so much depth hinted at beneath the surface. I found myself wishing we had lingered with her longer, peeled back more layers, allowed her story to unfold beyond being the steady emotional gravity supporting Adaela’s growth.
The romance itself unfolds at a deliberate pace, carefully avoiding the rush of insta-love. There is tension, restraint, and a slow weaving of trust between them. I appreciated that patience; the quiet moments, the hesitations, the guarded confessions. At the same time, the constant resistance to their “meant to be” connection created a kind of emotional distance for me. By the time acceptance finally arrived, I realized I had struggled to stay fully invested in the romantic payoff.
I also felt that a deeper exploration of friendship could have strengthened my attachment to the story. There are many side characters, which expands the world beautifully, but it also means some relationships don’t receive much focus. The magical elements fascinated me as well; especially Adaela’s death-touched shadow magic and the complexity of Vada’s succubus nature. Both concepts are rich with possibility, and I often found myself wishing we had seen those powers unfold more vividly, alongside a broader magical world.
At its core, this book explores the weight of power, the fragility of peace, and the cost of leadership. If you enjoy politically driven fantasy with high stakes, complex factions, and a slow-burn romance woven through it all, this one might absolutely work for you.
Huge thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
We also meet Vada, once worshipped by women across generations, whose past is steeped in injustice. After defying her creator, she is cursed to become the first succubus—and the only one unable to feel her own pleasure. After years of fighting for freedom from Hell, she’s finally granted the chance to return to Earth and begin again.
But when faction members start dying and unrest spreads, Adaela and Vada realize the Pax is hanging by a thread—and that their meeting was never accidental, but part of a prophecy years in the making. Will their love be enough to defy fate, or will everything turn to ash?
I’m still a little conflicted about this one. Going in, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect... the blurb felt intentionally vague, and I had already built a version of the story in my head. What I got was something quite different. Instead of centering intimacy and romance, the narrative leans deeply into political maneuvering and faction dynamics. As many of you know, political fantasy isn’t usually what pulls me in the fastest. I was hoping for a story where romance stood at the forefront, but here it feels more woven into the background; present, meaningful, yet not the driving force.
With so much attention placed on power structures and governance, there wasn’t as much space for emotional growth as I personally tend to crave. Even after learning their backstories, I found it difficult to fully anchor myself to the FMCs. Adaela, especially, kept me at a distance. She is guarded — and understandably so — and she carries her responsibilities with unwavering conviction. She is principled, self-sacrificing, and fiercely devoted to justice. I admired her leadership and the weight she was willing to bear for the greater good. And yet, on a more intimate level, I didn’t feel entirely immersed in her internal journey by the end.
Vada, however, drew me in more instinctively. There’s a warmth to her strength; a confidence shaped by suffering, a loyalty that feels intentional rather than blind. She carries both sharpness and softness in a way that made her compelling to me. Even with the dual POV structure, though, I couldn’t help but feel that her presence in the narrative wasn’t as expansive as it could have been. There was so much depth hinted at beneath the surface. I found myself wishing we had lingered with her longer, peeled back more layers, allowed her story to unfold beyond being the steady emotional gravity supporting Adaela’s growth.
The romance itself unfolds at a deliberate pace, carefully avoiding the rush of insta-love. There is tension, restraint, and a slow weaving of trust between them. I appreciated that patience; the quiet moments, the hesitations, the guarded confessions. At the same time, the constant resistance to their “meant to be” connection created a kind of emotional distance for me. By the time acceptance finally arrived, I realized I had struggled to stay fully invested in the romantic payoff.
I also felt that a deeper exploration of friendship could have strengthened my attachment to the story. There are many side characters, which expands the world beautifully, but it also means some relationships don’t receive much focus. The magical elements fascinated me as well; especially Adaela’s death-touched shadow magic and the complexity of Vada’s succubus nature. Both concepts are rich with possibility, and I often found myself wishing we had seen those powers unfold more vividly, alongside a broader magical world.
At its core, this book explores the weight of power, the fragility of peace, and the cost of leadership. If you enjoy politically driven fantasy with high stakes, complex factions, and a slow-burn romance woven through it all, this one might absolutely work for you.
Huge thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2026
Okay a lot happens in this! So many wonderful supernatural beings/creatures alongside Gods and Mythology from multiple origins. Fae, Demons, Shifters, Oracles, Vampires, magical realms and places, different supernatural factions, as well as Gods and Goddesses. For me, there were a few too many to keep track of but I absolutely loved the two FMCs and immediate closer circle, especially the badass magic/powers!
I found the first 60% of the book to have great pacing, I really enjoyed the plot and where it was all going. However, the last 30% ish of the book unfortunately lost me a bit. Too much was happening too quickly with too many new characters and Gods mentioned that it lost the weight and emotional space that the rest of it built, for me anyway.
Saying that though, I still absolutely enjoyed it! I always love when there’s some relatable references such as ‘early 2000’s emo playlists’ and ‘crocheted granny square blankets’, and I’m a sucker for spice with a Succubus!
Plot Summary:
Adaela, Fae heir to the Unseelie court, created a utopian sanctuary (called the Catervae Pax) where all factions and creatures live in peace, no currency just shared responsibility and contributions, in an attempt to ensure peace and equality. They’ve had some resistance from people outside of this utopia, and when enemies start portaling into HQ to murder and abduct, and a very dangerous artefact is stolen, they need to figure out who, how, and why!
Vada, formally known as Lilith, powerful succubus, finally gets let out of Hell to join the Demon faction of the Pax and can’t seem to avoid becoming their leader, and needing to get close to her fated mate, Adaela.
Things I loved:
- Vada! Strong, powerful, protective, badass
- Adaela and her death magic
- The chemistry between Vada and Adaela
- Variety of species, factions and Gods
- Urban fantasy blended in
- The Pocket Realm
- Relateable references
- Some disability rep
Overall, a blend of Urban and Portal fantasy jam packed with supernatural beings and Gods, all in the name of a utopian society of peace and equality. Throw in the original Succubus, her Fae fated mate, some epic battles, and Pandora’s Box, and you have this book!
Thank you to the Author for the eARC in exchange for honest review
I found the first 60% of the book to have great pacing, I really enjoyed the plot and where it was all going. However, the last 30% ish of the book unfortunately lost me a bit. Too much was happening too quickly with too many new characters and Gods mentioned that it lost the weight and emotional space that the rest of it built, for me anyway.
Saying that though, I still absolutely enjoyed it! I always love when there’s some relatable references such as ‘early 2000’s emo playlists’ and ‘crocheted granny square blankets’, and I’m a sucker for spice with a Succubus!
Plot Summary:
Adaela, Fae heir to the Unseelie court, created a utopian sanctuary (called the Catervae Pax) where all factions and creatures live in peace, no currency just shared responsibility and contributions, in an attempt to ensure peace and equality. They’ve had some resistance from people outside of this utopia, and when enemies start portaling into HQ to murder and abduct, and a very dangerous artefact is stolen, they need to figure out who, how, and why!
Vada, formally known as Lilith, powerful succubus, finally gets let out of Hell to join the Demon faction of the Pax and can’t seem to avoid becoming their leader, and needing to get close to her fated mate, Adaela.
Things I loved:
- Vada! Strong, powerful, protective, badass
- Adaela and her death magic
- The chemistry between Vada and Adaela
- Variety of species, factions and Gods
- Urban fantasy blended in
- The Pocket Realm
- Relateable references
- Some disability rep
Overall, a blend of Urban and Portal fantasy jam packed with supernatural beings and Gods, all in the name of a utopian society of peace and equality. Throw in the original Succubus, her Fae fated mate, some epic battles, and Pandora’s Box, and you have this book!
Thank you to the Author for the eARC in exchange for honest review
April 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent as were the descriptions. I admit that part of my delight was trying to figure out what real world places inspired the places in the book-as I am a resident of the area where the majority takes place. That said, I think any reader will enjoy this world. The intermingling of many pantheons and mythos creates both familiarity and tension in my brain. Can’t wait for the next one. I love Poe and can’t wait to read more about Them.
February 9, 2026
This was such a neat idea for a story. I very much enjoyed both Adaela and Vada with both of their backstories. This not only gave me cozy vibes, it gave a look into kink, mythology, and the potential of a utopia. I loved the twist in the end as well!
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews