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Bound to the Broken Crown
Not yet published
Expected 27 Jan 26A prince cursed to destroy everything he touched. Until he touched her.
Isca never dreamed her gift for sensing emotions would draw the eyes of princes—let alone the Assembly of Mages. Brought to court under the guise of diplomacy, she quickly learns her secret task: soothe the beast raging under Prince Emrys’ skin and deliver his heir back to the Assembly to forge into a weapon. Refusal means her family’s ruin.
But Emrys is not the monster she expected. Yes, he’s volatile. Yes, he’s destructive and dangerous. Beneath the curse, she glimpses the man—giving, fiercely protective, and unbearably lonely.
To the Assembly, Isca is a tool. To Emrys, she’s a temptation he cannot afford. He pushes her away to protect her, even as his eyes betray the truth: she is the only thing keeping him from drowning.
He could break her with a touch. She could bind him with a heartbeat. While their enemies scheme to use them as pawns, desire threatens to undo every wall they’ve built.
Together, she and Emrys could shatter the Assembly’s chains. But that would mean laying bare her betrayal—the one thing with the power to destroy both the man and the monster.
Bound to the Broken Crown is book 1 of the Magebound Courts Trilogy featuring a tormented cursed prince, the empathic mage sent to calm his inner beast, and their slow-burn romance. This book contains spicy content and graphic combat violence, Suitable for readers aged 18+
Isca never dreamed her gift for sensing emotions would draw the eyes of princes—let alone the Assembly of Mages. Brought to court under the guise of diplomacy, she quickly learns her secret task: soothe the beast raging under Prince Emrys’ skin and deliver his heir back to the Assembly to forge into a weapon. Refusal means her family’s ruin.
But Emrys is not the monster she expected. Yes, he’s volatile. Yes, he’s destructive and dangerous. Beneath the curse, she glimpses the man—giving, fiercely protective, and unbearably lonely.
To the Assembly, Isca is a tool. To Emrys, she’s a temptation he cannot afford. He pushes her away to protect her, even as his eyes betray the truth: she is the only thing keeping him from drowning.
He could break her with a touch. She could bind him with a heartbeat. While their enemies scheme to use them as pawns, desire threatens to undo every wall they’ve built.
Together, she and Emrys could shatter the Assembly’s chains. But that would mean laying bare her betrayal—the one thing with the power to destroy both the man and the monster.
Bound to the Broken Crown is book 1 of the Magebound Courts Trilogy featuring a tormented cursed prince, the empathic mage sent to calm his inner beast, and their slow-burn romance. This book contains spicy content and graphic combat violence, Suitable for readers aged 18+
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Expected publication January 27, 2026
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January 9, 2026
Thank you Astoria Hope for sending me an ARC of Bound to the Broken Crown! I was beyond excited to be invited to join the ARC team and receive an early copy of this book!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: January 27, 2026
Bound to the Broken Crown is the first book in the Magebound Courts series, following Isca, an empathic mage living in a capital ruled by the Assembly. In this world, magic users are required to bind their power to the government, to be used at the Assembly’s discretion. Isca’s mother, who is also an empath, went to great lengths to hide her family’s true abilities, hoping to spare them from the Assembly’s cruelty.
That fragile protection shatters when Isca witnesses a brutal public execution and accidentally lets her magic slip, manipulating the emotions of those around her. The Assembly quickly takes notice and forces her to go undercover as a diplomat in a neighboring kingdom.
Once in the new kingdom, Isca realizes just how impossible her task is. One prince is warm, charming, and confident in his right to rule. The other is dark, feared across nations, and cursed by a monster that lives within him.
This story features dual narration, which I absolutely loved! Isca is the definition of an eldest daughter FMC: self-sacrificing, resilient, and quietly powerful. She carries the weight of her family on her shoulders, holding herself back so her siblings might flourish. Her empathic magic is beautifully done; she reads emotions and situations with incredible intuition, making her both compassionate and clever.
I annotated this book heavily, and most of my notes were in Emrys’s chapters. Astoria’s portrayal of his internal war of man versus monster was haunting and deeply emotional. His insecurities, self-loathing, and desperate yearning for connection broke my heart repeatedly.
The world-building was well-paced, the slow-burn romance was perfect, and the angst had me desperate for more!
Bound to the Broken Crown delivers everything I love: a strong eldest daughter FMC, a morally dark MMC with a literal monster inside him, political intrigue, forbidden romance, and magic that feels alive. If you enjoyed One Dark Window duology or the Daughter of No Worlds trilogy, you need to add this book to your TBR!
I also highly recommend reading the short prequel available on Astoria Hope’s website before starting the book. It provides helpful world-building and adds even more depth before diving into Isca’s story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: January 27, 2026
Bound to the Broken Crown is the first book in the Magebound Courts series, following Isca, an empathic mage living in a capital ruled by the Assembly. In this world, magic users are required to bind their power to the government, to be used at the Assembly’s discretion. Isca’s mother, who is also an empath, went to great lengths to hide her family’s true abilities, hoping to spare them from the Assembly’s cruelty.
That fragile protection shatters when Isca witnesses a brutal public execution and accidentally lets her magic slip, manipulating the emotions of those around her. The Assembly quickly takes notice and forces her to go undercover as a diplomat in a neighboring kingdom.
Once in the new kingdom, Isca realizes just how impossible her task is. One prince is warm, charming, and confident in his right to rule. The other is dark, feared across nations, and cursed by a monster that lives within him.
This story features dual narration, which I absolutely loved! Isca is the definition of an eldest daughter FMC: self-sacrificing, resilient, and quietly powerful. She carries the weight of her family on her shoulders, holding herself back so her siblings might flourish. Her empathic magic is beautifully done; she reads emotions and situations with incredible intuition, making her both compassionate and clever.
I annotated this book heavily, and most of my notes were in Emrys’s chapters. Astoria’s portrayal of his internal war of man versus monster was haunting and deeply emotional. His insecurities, self-loathing, and desperate yearning for connection broke my heart repeatedly.
The world-building was well-paced, the slow-burn romance was perfect, and the angst had me desperate for more!
Bound to the Broken Crown delivers everything I love: a strong eldest daughter FMC, a morally dark MMC with a literal monster inside him, political intrigue, forbidden romance, and magic that feels alive. If you enjoyed One Dark Window duology or the Daughter of No Worlds trilogy, you need to add this book to your TBR!
I also highly recommend reading the short prequel available on Astoria Hope’s website before starting the book. It provides helpful world-building and adds even more depth before diving into Isca’s story.
January 13, 2026
I received an eARC from the author through NetGalley and this is my honest review
- 🖤he's the dark twin, cursed
- his brother is the light twin 💛
- 👑 The twins share the crown as princes
- 🧙♀️she's an empath and a mage
- starts as a possible love triangle with the twins 🔺
- longing, tension, slow burn
- she's a 24 year old virgin still living with her parents
- he's been celibate for 10 years
- political manipulation and potential war
- Romance is the primary focus, plot in the background
- low, almost PG-13 level spice
If you are looking for a easy, predictable, tropey, standalone romance taking place in a fantasy world, this book is for you!
Overall, this is a 2.5 star read that I rounded up to 3 stars. There were several reasons why this was not 4-5 star read, with two main big ones which I will describe after I review what I liked.
What I liked:
- The MFC was the one keeping a secret AND the hurt from the secret was resolved in this book.
- I also liked that the golden brother knew his dark brother liked the MFC, but would never seek her out, so the golden brother manipulated his dark brother in order to get him to pursue her. We were not told that the golden prince kissed the MFC for this reason until the end, but this was NOT surprising in anyway.
- I was happy to see the MFC grow and move past her more passive approach with the MMC and become more assertively aggressive towards him. He was an aggressive, isolated, jerk and needed someone more pushy to get what they wanted from him. So, again, I was happy to see her get that strength and take what she wanted from him since he was so scared.
- When the MFC was frustrated and just wanted to be alone, she decided to be selfish and not listen to the MMC when he said she needed a guard for her safety. For some reason, she thought she knew better than the MMC and could protect herself. Surprise, she couldn't. She jeopardized everyone's safety, including herself and put the MMC back into a dark place. Immediately after, she was able to reflect and understand that she was acting selfishly. I appreciated this growth in her ability to reflect and change behavior. She also was able to reflect after she finally shared her secret and could understand her fault in that. Her maturity developed in this book.
- I also appreciated that the MMC was able to reflect back on his avoidant behavior and understand that this was an approach considered cowardly. It would have been more mature to have faced her in an honest and direct way.
- At first, the connection between the MMC and MFC was more because of their magic pulling each other together; however, as the story moved forward, they grow personally together. I appreciated this.
- As noted, the MFC starts to find her strength and grows in this book. She uses this strength to defy the Assembly that are evil jerks. I was delighted to see that happen.
My main two issues with this book:
- First, I just finished a six book series with four novella's, all of which were each very unique, full of depth, had complex and messy characters, and was really well written. I was not just given some superficial maybe moderately deep information about the characters, I was given and shown in-depth detail about each character and how they became the way they were, in addition to incredible depth to the plot and overall storyline, I was hooked for all six. Therefore, coming into this book, I was having a hard time with loving the characters and story because of how little depth there was. I would say that the most nuanced detail given was about the MFC. Don't get me wrong, there is some detail about the MMC and why he was dark and disturbed but, overall, the information about him AND his internal dialogue was repeated throughout the book and we were not given the contextual and nuanced details I was seeking. I was hoping for at least one chapter that showed us the suffering he was experiencing. We do get insight into the struggles he has with his low self-worth and not perceiving he was good enough for the MFC, but that is it. The MFC sees him on the ground in a fetal like position and she then understands that he suffers that severely each day, but we never get to understand that from his lens. When did this start? What did that look and feel like for him? I wanted more of this emotional and physical information, but we were really only given, repeatedly the same internal dialogue over and over again regarding his thoughts about her. I was even hoping for a flashback to when he absorbed the ring and became dark and cursed. What was that like for him? What changes did he experience? Why did he start isolating? What happened during and after he hurt people (not just his thoughts)?
I was also hoping for more context about the golden prince. He was more charismatic, yet carried a lot of guilt. I wanted more about him too.
- Second, there really wasn't anything to this book that felt different or stood out. I was excited about this story by the way it was proposed, but unfortunately it was just the same ole tropes with nothing extra added. I love some very basic tropes WITH the combination of a unique story, magic system, plot, and/or relationship, but I did not find that in this book. For example, the MFC is living with twin, prince brothers (brother and twin brother trope), one dark and one light, while of course she is keeping a secret. The brother she is attracted to is a brooding, closed off, self-loathing, dark jerk who puts up a wall to keep her at a distance because he believes he's not good enough for her. She's the stubborn, pushy, beauty all the men want and she's naturally good at everything (mediating, engineering, maps, strategy). They both cannot communicate, keep secrets about how they feel, make assumptions about each other, and someone else is interested in her but she isn't in him. There is push and pull. Eventually, they are honest with each other, they get together, a secret is shared, distance happens, and then forget the distance and they get back together. There were zero twists, turns, or surprises.
Other issues:
- Although the MFC was 24, she read like she was a 16-18 year old. The mouthing off, being ridiculed by her parents, and her having to remind herself she wasn't a child and was 24 was juvenile.
Further about this, one of my pet peeves in books is when a trope makes women, who are all about trying to survive, act in incredibly stupid ways that threaten their survival, all for a man. They "just can't help it" or "I don't know why I'm like this around him," when that behavior threatens their and their family's safety. This book at 8%, "By the gods, I'd said too much, but something about that man made me irrational. A powerful, rich mage like him could end me and my family for the small slight without facing consequences." So, she gets her behavior could get her and her family killed, but she just does it anyway for an unknown reason? Yet, we the readers have just been told about how much she sacrifices everyday to survive and how much she avoids the mages attention. But, this man, a powerful mage, just makes her sassy and defiant, and she's willing to comprise everything to talk back?! WOMEN ARE SMARTER THAN THIS. I wish women would not be written as unintelligent, impulsive, irrational people because of a man when they were JUST written as smart survivors!
- Don't get me wrong, I love a woman who mouths off, but I love it when she 1) does it strategically and is reading the room and/or 2) has the power or status backing her and/or 3) knows he won’t hurt her due to some pre-existing knowledge (likely going back to point 1).
I was happy to see the MFC’s internal dialogue at 16% start shifting into strategy on how to defy the evil group of mages because of how they are treating her. She was figuring out how to play the game, which I loved.
- Overall, this was a sloowwwwww paced book. I took a note that, at 45%, almost nothing had happened. The MFC was living with the princes, all the men wanted her (of course), she had made no progress in mediation, and that's about it. There was very little action at this point and the plot had barely moved forward. I started to skip paragraphs because I got really bored at nothing happening or the repeated internal dialogue.
- I was confused by the magic system and the world. These were both under explained. We get more explanation about the magic, but again not enough for me to feel like finished the book understanding it, which is an issue since this is a standalone.
- Another thing I was confused by was the MFC's reasons for not wanting the MMC. "I wasn't supposed to want him like this. I was supposed to think of the good of the realm, stability of Darreth, of getting back to my family as quickly as possible. " Why? Why would being with him not be for the good of the realm or creating stability for the people? She was the calm to his storm… That had been clearly established and emphasized multiple times by the author when the MFC was having these thoughts. She was helping him and making him better, which was helping the realm and their people. Yet, she's telling herself being with him wouldn't do that? This was the most confusing rational I have read in a long time in a book to justify keeping distance. Also, why would she need to get back to her family as soon as possible? They were very poor and she was another mouth to feed, and she was the oldest sibling and the only one unmarried besides the one minor child left in the home. Why wouldn't she get with a prince and have money to give to her family? I just didn't understand this in any capacity.
I will note: Although the MFC’s rationale for keeping distance in a romanic sense was confusing, the MMC's rationale for keeping distance was well justified and I could believe why he kept pushing her away- he was so dangerous and harmful, he didn't want to hurt one of the people he actually cared about and helped him.
- By the end, there were several plot holes left unanswered. Maybe the other standalone in this same world will address these.
- There was little banter and really only one action scene.
- 🖤he's the dark twin, cursed
- his brother is the light twin 💛
- 👑 The twins share the crown as princes
- 🧙♀️she's an empath and a mage
- starts as a possible love triangle with the twins 🔺
- longing, tension, slow burn
- she's a 24 year old virgin still living with her parents
- he's been celibate for 10 years
- political manipulation and potential war
- Romance is the primary focus, plot in the background
- low, almost PG-13 level spice
If you are looking for a easy, predictable, tropey, standalone romance taking place in a fantasy world, this book is for you!
Overall, this is a 2.5 star read that I rounded up to 3 stars. There were several reasons why this was not 4-5 star read, with two main big ones which I will describe after I review what I liked.
What I liked:
- The MFC was the one keeping a secret AND the hurt from the secret was resolved in this book.
- I also liked that the golden brother knew his dark brother liked the MFC, but would never seek her out, so the golden brother manipulated his dark brother in order to get him to pursue her. We were not told that the golden prince kissed the MFC for this reason until the end, but this was NOT surprising in anyway.
- I was happy to see the MFC grow and move past her more passive approach with the MMC and become more assertively aggressive towards him. He was an aggressive, isolated, jerk and needed someone more pushy to get what they wanted from him. So, again, I was happy to see her get that strength and take what she wanted from him since he was so scared.
- When the MFC was frustrated and just wanted to be alone, she decided to be selfish and not listen to the MMC when he said she needed a guard for her safety. For some reason, she thought she knew better than the MMC and could protect herself. Surprise, she couldn't. She jeopardized everyone's safety, including herself and put the MMC back into a dark place. Immediately after, she was able to reflect and understand that she was acting selfishly. I appreciated this growth in her ability to reflect and change behavior. She also was able to reflect after she finally shared her secret and could understand her fault in that. Her maturity developed in this book.
- I also appreciated that the MMC was able to reflect back on his avoidant behavior and understand that this was an approach considered cowardly. It would have been more mature to have faced her in an honest and direct way.
- At first, the connection between the MMC and MFC was more because of their magic pulling each other together; however, as the story moved forward, they grow personally together. I appreciated this.
- As noted, the MFC starts to find her strength and grows in this book. She uses this strength to defy the Assembly that are evil jerks. I was delighted to see that happen.
My main two issues with this book:
- First, I just finished a six book series with four novella's, all of which were each very unique, full of depth, had complex and messy characters, and was really well written. I was not just given some superficial maybe moderately deep information about the characters, I was given and shown in-depth detail about each character and how they became the way they were, in addition to incredible depth to the plot and overall storyline, I was hooked for all six. Therefore, coming into this book, I was having a hard time with loving the characters and story because of how little depth there was. I would say that the most nuanced detail given was about the MFC. Don't get me wrong, there is some detail about the MMC and why he was dark and disturbed but, overall, the information about him AND his internal dialogue was repeated throughout the book and we were not given the contextual and nuanced details I was seeking. I was hoping for at least one chapter that showed us the suffering he was experiencing. We do get insight into the struggles he has with his low self-worth and not perceiving he was good enough for the MFC, but that is it. The MFC sees him on the ground in a fetal like position and she then understands that he suffers that severely each day, but we never get to understand that from his lens. When did this start? What did that look and feel like for him? I wanted more of this emotional and physical information, but we were really only given, repeatedly the same internal dialogue over and over again regarding his thoughts about her. I was even hoping for a flashback to when he absorbed the ring and became dark and cursed. What was that like for him? What changes did he experience? Why did he start isolating? What happened during and after he hurt people (not just his thoughts)?
I was also hoping for more context about the golden prince. He was more charismatic, yet carried a lot of guilt. I wanted more about him too.
- Second, there really wasn't anything to this book that felt different or stood out. I was excited about this story by the way it was proposed, but unfortunately it was just the same ole tropes with nothing extra added. I love some very basic tropes WITH the combination of a unique story, magic system, plot, and/or relationship, but I did not find that in this book. For example, the MFC is living with twin, prince brothers (brother and twin brother trope), one dark and one light, while of course she is keeping a secret. The brother she is attracted to is a brooding, closed off, self-loathing, dark jerk who puts up a wall to keep her at a distance because he believes he's not good enough for her. She's the stubborn, pushy, beauty all the men want and she's naturally good at everything (mediating, engineering, maps, strategy). They both cannot communicate, keep secrets about how they feel, make assumptions about each other, and someone else is interested in her but she isn't in him. There is push and pull. Eventually, they are honest with each other, they get together, a secret is shared, distance happens, and then forget the distance and they get back together. There were zero twists, turns, or surprises.
Other issues:
- Although the MFC was 24, she read like she was a 16-18 year old. The mouthing off, being ridiculed by her parents, and her having to remind herself she wasn't a child and was 24 was juvenile.
Further about this, one of my pet peeves in books is when a trope makes women, who are all about trying to survive, act in incredibly stupid ways that threaten their survival, all for a man. They "just can't help it" or "I don't know why I'm like this around him," when that behavior threatens their and their family's safety. This book at 8%, "By the gods, I'd said too much, but something about that man made me irrational. A powerful, rich mage like him could end me and my family for the small slight without facing consequences." So, she gets her behavior could get her and her family killed, but she just does it anyway for an unknown reason? Yet, we the readers have just been told about how much she sacrifices everyday to survive and how much she avoids the mages attention. But, this man, a powerful mage, just makes her sassy and defiant, and she's willing to comprise everything to talk back?! WOMEN ARE SMARTER THAN THIS. I wish women would not be written as unintelligent, impulsive, irrational people because of a man when they were JUST written as smart survivors!
- Don't get me wrong, I love a woman who mouths off, but I love it when she 1) does it strategically and is reading the room and/or 2) has the power or status backing her and/or 3) knows he won’t hurt her due to some pre-existing knowledge (likely going back to point 1).
I was happy to see the MFC’s internal dialogue at 16% start shifting into strategy on how to defy the evil group of mages because of how they are treating her. She was figuring out how to play the game, which I loved.
- Overall, this was a sloowwwwww paced book. I took a note that, at 45%, almost nothing had happened. The MFC was living with the princes, all the men wanted her (of course), she had made no progress in mediation, and that's about it. There was very little action at this point and the plot had barely moved forward. I started to skip paragraphs because I got really bored at nothing happening or the repeated internal dialogue.
- I was confused by the magic system and the world. These were both under explained. We get more explanation about the magic, but again not enough for me to feel like finished the book understanding it, which is an issue since this is a standalone.
- Another thing I was confused by was the MFC's reasons for not wanting the MMC. "I wasn't supposed to want him like this. I was supposed to think of the good of the realm, stability of Darreth, of getting back to my family as quickly as possible. " Why? Why would being with him not be for the good of the realm or creating stability for the people? She was the calm to his storm… That had been clearly established and emphasized multiple times by the author when the MFC was having these thoughts. She was helping him and making him better, which was helping the realm and their people. Yet, she's telling herself being with him wouldn't do that? This was the most confusing rational I have read in a long time in a book to justify keeping distance. Also, why would she need to get back to her family as soon as possible? They were very poor and she was another mouth to feed, and she was the oldest sibling and the only one unmarried besides the one minor child left in the home. Why wouldn't she get with a prince and have money to give to her family? I just didn't understand this in any capacity.
I will note: Although the MFC’s rationale for keeping distance in a romanic sense was confusing, the MMC's rationale for keeping distance was well justified and I could believe why he kept pushing her away- he was so dangerous and harmful, he didn't want to hurt one of the people he actually cared about and helped him.
- By the end, there were several plot holes left unanswered. Maybe the other standalone in this same world will address these.
- There was little banter and really only one action scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC Review | Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bound to the Broken Crown is a moody, emotionally driven fantasy that leans heavily into duty, restraint, and the quiet devastation of forbidden desire. The tension—political, emotional, and romantic—is what truly carries this story, creating an atmosphere that feels heavy in the best way.
One of my favorite aspects was the dual POV. Seeing the story unfold through both Isca and Emrys added depth and emotional balance, especially when so much of the conflict hinges on unspoken thoughts, withheld feelings, and impossible choices. Emrys’s perspective in particular added important nuance and made the emotional stakes feel more layered.
The world itself is intriguing, and while the magic system and the role of the Assembly are clearly central to the story, I found myself wanting more backstory and clarity around both. I also went in expecting more to be uncovered about Emrys’s strange curse. It’s clearly significant and teased in compelling ways, but I wanted deeper exploration and answers by the end, rather than just breadcrumbs.
The characters are flawed and compelling, often making frustrating but believable choices rooted in duty, fear, and obligation. The romance is a slow burn built on restraint and unresolved tension. The spice scenes were well written and emotionally charged, but ultimately left me wanting just a bit more—either in intensity or payoff—given the amount of buildup leading to them.
There were a few moments where the pacing dipped, but the emotional throughline remained strong throughout. Overall, this was an immersive and engaging read with a solid foundation, and I am very interested to see how the magic, the Assembly, and Emrys’s curse continue to unfold in future installments.
Tropes:
Empath x cursed prince
Touch-starved beast
One tent / one castle
Slow burn, high yearning
Grumpy x sunshine
Touch her and die
Favorite quotes:
“I want you on my tongue, Isca. Need to know if you’ll make me hide little sounds or if you’ll scream” -
“Men like him don’t bring salvation for women like me. only trouble” -
“I had finally found something worth staying alive for. Yet if fate demanded a life... i would walk willingly toward the ending i had once begged for --long before watching the light fade from her eyes.” -
“part of me feared his judgement, and another part feared just how much i wanted him to care.” -
“I’ve made peace with being the villain, Isca. But this is turning me into a beast.”
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book and I am excited to see the payoff in book 2!
Bound to the Broken Crown is a moody, emotionally driven fantasy that leans heavily into duty, restraint, and the quiet devastation of forbidden desire. The tension—political, emotional, and romantic—is what truly carries this story, creating an atmosphere that feels heavy in the best way.
One of my favorite aspects was the dual POV. Seeing the story unfold through both Isca and Emrys added depth and emotional balance, especially when so much of the conflict hinges on unspoken thoughts, withheld feelings, and impossible choices. Emrys’s perspective in particular added important nuance and made the emotional stakes feel more layered.
The world itself is intriguing, and while the magic system and the role of the Assembly are clearly central to the story, I found myself wanting more backstory and clarity around both. I also went in expecting more to be uncovered about Emrys’s strange curse. It’s clearly significant and teased in compelling ways, but I wanted deeper exploration and answers by the end, rather than just breadcrumbs.
The characters are flawed and compelling, often making frustrating but believable choices rooted in duty, fear, and obligation. The romance is a slow burn built on restraint and unresolved tension. The spice scenes were well written and emotionally charged, but ultimately left me wanting just a bit more—either in intensity or payoff—given the amount of buildup leading to them.
There were a few moments where the pacing dipped, but the emotional throughline remained strong throughout. Overall, this was an immersive and engaging read with a solid foundation, and I am very interested to see how the magic, the Assembly, and Emrys’s curse continue to unfold in future installments.
Tropes:
Empath x cursed prince
Touch-starved beast
One tent / one castle
Slow burn, high yearning
Grumpy x sunshine
Touch her and die
Favorite quotes:
“I want you on my tongue, Isca. Need to know if you’ll make me hide little sounds or if you’ll scream” -
“Men like him don’t bring salvation for women like me. only trouble” -
“I had finally found something worth staying alive for. Yet if fate demanded a life... i would walk willingly toward the ending i had once begged for --long before watching the light fade from her eyes.” -
“part of me feared his judgement, and another part feared just how much i wanted him to care.” -
“I’ve made peace with being the villain, Isca. But this is turning me into a beast.”
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book and I am excited to see the payoff in book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGallery and Victoria Editing for this eARC
And of course Astoria Hope!
This review contains NO spoilers! And all that is said is my honest and non-biased opinion.
I am not going to give spoilers or massive details of what happens in this book. That would be silly and counterproductive!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
What a beautifully written fantasy romance! The plot was executed perfectly. The writing was amazing and in time for the era.
I was hooked so quickly. It features a 2 point POV, FMC & MMC. Magic, gifts, mages, curses...
FMC - reserved..quiet..does everything she can for her family.. gets an ego boost/ confidence boost..hidden heroine.
MMC - Moody..broody..makes bad decisions for the right reasons..relinquishes control..Almost a beauty and beast/ jekyll and hyde vibe character.
The whole book is emotionally charged, and both main characters have flaws and hidden secrets, ultimately leading to a few wrong choices made, but for the right reasons on their part. This does feel like a love triangle, but do not mistake this as a why choose? This is more of a who and what to choose.
Bound to the broken crown is a slow burn with longing and yearning on both parts. He falls first from his actions, but she falls first in her words. It is an easy read that will hook you from beginning to end. The Spice 🌶 is there and spoken in detail at the time without the crudeness, it is almost refined and wrote with respect?
The plot is easy to follow and understand. It features political, duty, emotional, and magical foundations that continue to influence both main characters' choices.
I wish we could have had extracts of letters that were written and recieved, a sub POV of the beast would have propelled this book to be my all-time favourite book.
I still can't wait to see how all this plans out into the second book. Hopefully, we have a brand new, addictive, fantasy romance series that will fill my shelves 🤭!!
Again, thank you to NetGallery, Astonia Hope, and Victoria Editing. I do not have a major following or a massive social media followage, but I am privileged to have been given the trust and chance to review such an amazing book 📖
#NetGallery #fantasyromance #victoriaediting #Astoriahope
And of course Astoria Hope!
This review contains NO spoilers! And all that is said is my honest and non-biased opinion.
I am not going to give spoilers or massive details of what happens in this book. That would be silly and counterproductive!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
What a beautifully written fantasy romance! The plot was executed perfectly. The writing was amazing and in time for the era.
I was hooked so quickly. It features a 2 point POV, FMC & MMC. Magic, gifts, mages, curses...
FMC - reserved..quiet..does everything she can for her family.. gets an ego boost/ confidence boost..hidden heroine.
MMC - Moody..broody..makes bad decisions for the right reasons..relinquishes control..Almost a beauty and beast/ jekyll and hyde vibe character.
The whole book is emotionally charged, and both main characters have flaws and hidden secrets, ultimately leading to a few wrong choices made, but for the right reasons on their part. This does feel like a love triangle, but do not mistake this as a why choose? This is more of a who and what to choose.
Bound to the broken crown is a slow burn with longing and yearning on both parts. He falls first from his actions, but she falls first in her words. It is an easy read that will hook you from beginning to end. The Spice 🌶 is there and spoken in detail at the time without the crudeness, it is almost refined and wrote with respect?
The plot is easy to follow and understand. It features political, duty, emotional, and magical foundations that continue to influence both main characters' choices.
I wish we could have had extracts of letters that were written and recieved, a sub POV of the beast would have propelled this book to be my all-time favourite book.
I still can't wait to see how all this plans out into the second book. Hopefully, we have a brand new, addictive, fantasy romance series that will fill my shelves 🤭!!
Again, thank you to NetGallery, Astonia Hope, and Victoria Editing. I do not have a major following or a massive social media followage, but I am privileged to have been given the trust and chance to review such an amazing book 📖
#NetGallery #fantasyromance #victoriaediting #Astoriahope
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January 3, 2026DNF 50%
I hate it when I don’t enjoy an ARC as much as I thought I would and have to DNF and, unfortunately, that’s the case here. This book sounded really interesting and I was excited to read it but while the idea for the book was great, the execution was lacking. The prologue and the beginning of the book had me intrigued, the world building and magic system sounded interesting and I was excited to explore it and I liked Isca, our FMC, in the beginning, but unfortunately it went downhill pretty quickly.
To summarize, Isca is an empath mage but hides how powerful she actually is and when she makes a mistake and reveals her power, she is asked to pretend to be a diplomat and travel to a castle to calm things between twin princes so that only one rules in the end. One of the princes, Emrys, is actually cursed, he sometimes becomes violent and unable to control his magic and she is also tasked with calming him.
I think that up to the point of coming to the castle everything was going well, it was maybe a little slow paced, but still kept me interested in how it will all play out, but once Isca was at the palace, what bothered me is that she was literally a merchant and even she called herself peasant and only pretended to be a diplomat, but everyone treated her like she was some kind of genius, she was literally giving war advices while she spent her whole life living in a hut and both princes, actually three since there was another one visiting, behaved like every word out of her mouth was gold, telling her how beautiful and clever and amazing she was almost on every page… and that continued for some time at which I was skim reading and felt like all those exchanges and her interactions with the princes were just so repetitive and I was bored. The only thing that kept me going was Emrys, I wanted to learn more about his curse and liked being in his head and seeing him battle with his instincts and being jealous of Isca, but by 50% I felt like I didn’t know more about him and the curse than I did in the prologue and I didn’t want to force myself to continue reading.
To conclude, this book had great potential, but unfortunately wasn’t for me, I think many people are going to enjoy it and maybe I will give it another chance in the future, but it’s going to be a DNF for me now.
I hate it when I don’t enjoy an ARC as much as I thought I would and have to DNF and, unfortunately, that’s the case here. This book sounded really interesting and I was excited to read it but while the idea for the book was great, the execution was lacking. The prologue and the beginning of the book had me intrigued, the world building and magic system sounded interesting and I was excited to explore it and I liked Isca, our FMC, in the beginning, but unfortunately it went downhill pretty quickly.
To summarize, Isca is an empath mage but hides how powerful she actually is and when she makes a mistake and reveals her power, she is asked to pretend to be a diplomat and travel to a castle to calm things between twin princes so that only one rules in the end. One of the princes, Emrys, is actually cursed, he sometimes becomes violent and unable to control his magic and she is also tasked with calming him.
I think that up to the point of coming to the castle everything was going well, it was maybe a little slow paced, but still kept me interested in how it will all play out, but once Isca was at the palace, what bothered me is that she was literally a merchant and even she called herself peasant and only pretended to be a diplomat, but everyone treated her like she was some kind of genius, she was literally giving war advices while she spent her whole life living in a hut and both princes, actually three since there was another one visiting, behaved like every word out of her mouth was gold, telling her how beautiful and clever and amazing she was almost on every page… and that continued for some time at which I was skim reading and felt like all those exchanges and her interactions with the princes were just so repetitive and I was bored. The only thing that kept me going was Emrys, I wanted to learn more about his curse and liked being in his head and seeing him battle with his instincts and being jealous of Isca, but by 50% I felt like I didn’t know more about him and the curse than I did in the prologue and I didn’t want to force myself to continue reading.
To conclude, this book had great potential, but unfortunately wasn’t for me, I think many people are going to enjoy it and maybe I will give it another chance in the future, but it’s going to be a DNF for me now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
I was lucky to receive an eARC through NetGalley from the author and Victory Editing. All opinions in this review are my honest opinion.
“Bound to the Broken Crown” is a dark fantasy romance by Astoria Hope. It is the first of a series of interconnected standalones. Centred around twin princes Emrys and Nisien. Emrys is the dark prince, who is cursed by an unknown ancient power, and Nisien is the golden one, being very charismatic and liked by all.
The MFC, Isca, is a common born girl from a town far away from the princes. She is gentle and kind yet full of sass and determination. She is the perfect opposite and balance to Emrys.
This is definitely a slow burn dark romance. The first few chapters I found a little long and not grasping my attention, but at about 15% into the book I was hooked. For this storyline the slow romance was perfect. Emrys has been hardened and hurt by years of being cursed and struggling internally with all it has brought his way, so he is not the type of person to fall in love fast or easily.
This is a 4.5⭐️ read that I rounded up to 5 ⭐️.The only thing setting it apart from being a full 5 star read is that we don’t get as much storyline/ world building to help us understand the worlds and characters or their backgrounds. I feel that with a little more understanding it would have been the complete package.
I highly recommend reading this book when it is released January 27,2026 and I cannot wait to read the next book when it is released as well!
“Bound to the Broken Crown” is a dark fantasy romance by Astoria Hope. It is the first of a series of interconnected standalones. Centred around twin princes Emrys and Nisien. Emrys is the dark prince, who is cursed by an unknown ancient power, and Nisien is the golden one, being very charismatic and liked by all.
The MFC, Isca, is a common born girl from a town far away from the princes. She is gentle and kind yet full of sass and determination. She is the perfect opposite and balance to Emrys.
This is definitely a slow burn dark romance. The first few chapters I found a little long and not grasping my attention, but at about 15% into the book I was hooked. For this storyline the slow romance was perfect. Emrys has been hardened and hurt by years of being cursed and struggling internally with all it has brought his way, so he is not the type of person to fall in love fast or easily.
This is a 4.5⭐️ read that I rounded up to 5 ⭐️.The only thing setting it apart from being a full 5 star read is that we don’t get as much storyline/ world building to help us understand the worlds and characters or their backgrounds. I feel that with a little more understanding it would have been the complete package.
I highly recommend reading this book when it is released January 27,2026 and I cannot wait to read the next book when it is released as well!
January 12, 2026
Where do I begin? This book had me on a chokehold and I only had as much restraint as Emrys had against the beast to not devour this book in 24 hours. I had to force myself to slow down reading because I didn’t want the story to end yet!
Isca, my girl does start out as the typical FMC whose story goes from rags to riches, with the power to “save them all” but the way her character was told was refreshing and not tiring. She’s smart and her magic was used in the story in a way that wasn’t cliche but actually impressive.
Emry’s and Nisien. The grumpy x sunshine twins. The relationship between the two brothers was also refreshing to read. They were a duo that complemented each other in a way that I would’ve been satisfied to just a story about them two growing up. Loved them both and now I need Nisien’s POV!
Emry’s are dark brooding MMC was a tortured soul who protected everyone from himself and as cliche as that sounded was actually not? The beast inside him I would be delighted to see if the following book had the beast’s POV because what do you mean this beast purrs which then makes him purr 👀
Catrin, our beloved friend was a delight! Her relationship with the princes and how she isn’t afraid to talk back and set them up is hilarious
As you can tell I very much enjoyed every bit of this book and I’m so so thankful for Miss Astoria and her team for this Advance Reader Copy. I was delightful, beautiful story that actually made me tear up from its HEA
Isca, my girl does start out as the typical FMC whose story goes from rags to riches, with the power to “save them all” but the way her character was told was refreshing and not tiring. She’s smart and her magic was used in the story in a way that wasn’t cliche but actually impressive.
Emry’s and Nisien. The grumpy x sunshine twins. The relationship between the two brothers was also refreshing to read. They were a duo that complemented each other in a way that I would’ve been satisfied to just a story about them two growing up. Loved them both and now I need Nisien’s POV!
Emry’s are dark brooding MMC was a tortured soul who protected everyone from himself and as cliche as that sounded was actually not? The beast inside him I would be delighted to see if the following book had the beast’s POV because what do you mean this beast purrs which then makes him purr 👀
Catrin, our beloved friend was a delight! Her relationship with the princes and how she isn’t afraid to talk back and set them up is hilarious
As you can tell I very much enjoyed every bit of this book and I’m so so thankful for Miss Astoria and her team for this Advance Reader Copy. I was delightful, beautiful story that actually made me tear up from its HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
If you loved Beauty and the Beast, you'll definitely love Prince Emrys and Bound to the Broken Crown.
Isca is a rare empath that has drawn the attention of not only Prince Emrys but the Assembly of Mages. Evaluated from a peasant to a diplomat, she is sent to the kingdom of Darreth to help decide which prince will sit on the throne.
I really enjoyed how Isca progresses from the peasant/ overlooked child who has to help raise her siblings to a respectable lady of the court.
Prince Emrys is the perfect tortured soul trapped by a curse. He yearns for Isca and literally would kill anyone that would harm her.
I know this book is a standalone ( or part of a series of standalones), which always seems to limit world building. I do wish there had bit a little more insight on his curse. Maybe a flashback or dream from his POV? A book with information on the library? Also, I would have liked a little more information on the assembly and the magic system. For these reasons, the loss of a 1/2 ⭐️.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
If you loved Beauty and the Beast, you'll definitely love Prince Emrys and Bound to the Broken Crown.
Isca is a rare empath that has drawn the attention of not only Prince Emrys but the Assembly of Mages. Evaluated from a peasant to a diplomat, she is sent to the kingdom of Darreth to help decide which prince will sit on the throne.
I really enjoyed how Isca progresses from the peasant/ overlooked child who has to help raise her siblings to a respectable lady of the court.
Prince Emrys is the perfect tortured soul trapped by a curse. He yearns for Isca and literally would kill anyone that would harm her.
I know this book is a standalone ( or part of a series of standalones), which always seems to limit world building. I do wish there had bit a little more insight on his curse. Maybe a flashback or dream from his POV? A book with information on the library? Also, I would have liked a little more information on the assembly and the magic system. For these reasons, the loss of a 1/2 ⭐️.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
January 13, 2026
ARC Review - Thank you so much to the author for sharing this with me.
This book was a slow read for me but the second half of the book did keep me intrigued. Overall I think there will be people who will enjoy this book! It just wasn’t a huge hit for me. There was definitely more of a focus on the romance over the fantasy aspect and left a lot of questions unanswered. Despite not being in love with this book I will read the next one because I hope to find out about the mysteries that started becoming unraveled in this book.
Pros
- Morally gray MMC
- Political manipulation and potential war
- Some build up of the Fae/magic history, hopefully expanded on in future books
- Growth seen in both MCs
Cons
- The world building wasn’t great for me. I didn’t feel immersed in the scenes. Both the magic system and the world were under explained
- Slow pacing with little surprises
- Naive Woman/Virgin: The FMC read more as an older teenage character not a 24 year old. It was a little frustrating at points and I didn’t feel a strong connection to her
This book was a slow read for me but the second half of the book did keep me intrigued. Overall I think there will be people who will enjoy this book! It just wasn’t a huge hit for me. There was definitely more of a focus on the romance over the fantasy aspect and left a lot of questions unanswered. Despite not being in love with this book I will read the next one because I hope to find out about the mysteries that started becoming unraveled in this book.
Pros
- Morally gray MMC
- Political manipulation and potential war
- Some build up of the Fae/magic history, hopefully expanded on in future books
- Growth seen in both MCs
Cons
- The world building wasn’t great for me. I didn’t feel immersed in the scenes. Both the magic system and the world were under explained
- Slow pacing with little surprises
- Naive Woman/Virgin: The FMC read more as an older teenage character not a 24 year old. It was a little frustrating at points and I didn’t feel a strong connection to her
January 5, 2026
Bound to the Broken Crown by Astoria Hope is a beautifully woven fantasy romance that blends political intrigue, emotional depth, and slow-burning tension into a story that quietly sinks its claws in—and doesn’t let go.
At the center is Isca, a young empath burdened by magic, expectation, and the constant pull between duty and desire. She’s deeply relatable, especially as she struggles to define herself outside of what others need her to be. Watching her grow into her power—without losing her heart—makes her journey both compelling and emotionally rewarding.
Then there are the twin princes of Darreth: Emrys and Nisien. Each represents a different face of power—one controlled and calculating, the other raw and vulnerable. Their dynamic adds layers of tension, tenderness, and complexity that elevate the romance beyond the surface level.
The world-building is rich and immersive, with a strong sense of history and political weight. The contrast between Caervorn and Darreth adds depth and texture, making the stakes feel real and lived-in rather than decorative.
Themes of sacrifice, redemption, familial bonds, and the cost of responsibility run throughout the story. Isca’s struggle to balance who she is with who she’s expected to be is handled with care and emotional honesty.
Astoria Hope’s writing is lyrical without being heavy, pulling you into the characters’ emotional landscapes while keeping the dialogue natural and engaging. The pacing strikes a solid balance between tension-filled moments and quieter introspection, ensuring the story never loses momentum.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At the center is Isca, a young empath burdened by magic, expectation, and the constant pull between duty and desire. She’s deeply relatable, especially as she struggles to define herself outside of what others need her to be. Watching her grow into her power—without losing her heart—makes her journey both compelling and emotionally rewarding.
Then there are the twin princes of Darreth: Emrys and Nisien. Each represents a different face of power—one controlled and calculating, the other raw and vulnerable. Their dynamic adds layers of tension, tenderness, and complexity that elevate the romance beyond the surface level.
The world-building is rich and immersive, with a strong sense of history and political weight. The contrast between Caervorn and Darreth adds depth and texture, making the stakes feel real and lived-in rather than decorative.
Themes of sacrifice, redemption, familial bonds, and the cost of responsibility run throughout the story. Isca’s struggle to balance who she is with who she’s expected to be is handled with care and emotional honesty.
Astoria Hope’s writing is lyrical without being heavy, pulling you into the characters’ emotional landscapes while keeping the dialogue natural and engaging. The pacing strikes a solid balance between tension-filled moments and quieter introspection, ensuring the story never loses momentum.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars ✨️
This book was amazing! The magic system, the yearning and the world building pulled me in from the very first page and never let go.
The writing is beautiful, and the story unfolds in a way that is perfectly paced. It’s a very slow burn, but the payoff is more than worth the wait.
Prince Emrys is the definition of a broody MC. Riddled with self loathing and guilt over the curse he’s forced to endure, he constantly pushes Isca away, believing it’s the only way to protect her from the harm he fears he’ll cause. But Isca, an empath, may be the only one capable of soothing the beast within him. When Emrys finally gives in to his feelings, he becomes fiercely loyal, deeply protective, and utterly devoted. Touch what’s his, and you won’t survive! He would burn the world to keep her safe.
If you love dark fantasy and books with a beauty and the beast vibe, then you are definitely going to want read this one
This book was amazing! The magic system, the yearning and the world building pulled me in from the very first page and never let go.
The writing is beautiful, and the story unfolds in a way that is perfectly paced. It’s a very slow burn, but the payoff is more than worth the wait.
Prince Emrys is the definition of a broody MC. Riddled with self loathing and guilt over the curse he’s forced to endure, he constantly pushes Isca away, believing it’s the only way to protect her from the harm he fears he’ll cause. But Isca, an empath, may be the only one capable of soothing the beast within him. When Emrys finally gives in to his feelings, he becomes fiercely loyal, deeply protective, and utterly devoted. Touch what’s his, and you won’t survive! He would burn the world to keep her safe.
If you love dark fantasy and books with a beauty and the beast vibe, then you are definitely going to want read this one
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Isca is a lowly peasant hiding her true powers until Emrys, cursed with a monster beneath his skin, accidentally forces her to reveal the extent of her magic. With her secret out, she is sought after by the Assembly of Mages to serve as a diplomat for a neighboring kingdom at the threat of her family's safety. Ruled by two princes, one golden and one dangerous, their land is suffering from conflict and indecision. Isca poses as a lady to help them come to an agreement on who will rule their land, as one king, along with a secret mission to bring their heir back to the Assembly.
While the plot was decent, I found that I did not enjoy the book the longer it continued. At first, it was very promising. I was excited to see how it played out, and I loved the quiet strength the FMC displayed. I'm also a huge fan of the tortured MMC trope. However, it quickly got boring. Nothing happened for much of the book, and even when things were happening I was bored out of my mind. After 75%, I was just waiting for it to end.
As for the characters, the emotions were so shallow and personalities were barely developed. I honestly don't know how the main characters fell in love. They didn't know anything about each other! Besides a couple conversations where they share things the readers aren't privy to (after they are already infatuated).
Isca was kind, patient, hardworking, practically perfect. She basically had the personality of a saltine cracker. There was nothing really flawed about her, other than her lack of thinking every time she opens her mouth. Typical FMC that can't seem to keep quiet in the face of danger! Oh, nooo! While I can see the merits of her soft side, it isn't really my cup of tea to read books with protagonists that basically sit around and wait for the MMC to rescue them.
Emrys is tortured by this monster/curse that makes it basically impossible to know where he ends and the other begins. The "monster" is also never elaborated on. We find out how he is cursed, but not actually what it is. The only thing we know is that it hates Isca and then loves her more than anything else in the world. We also don't actually know why it torments him so much. Yes, he is weighed down by guilt, pain, depression, etc. but why?
The magic in the story is also not explained in any way. There is no rhyme or reason to anything. The magic in the story takes almost a complete backseat. As for the romance, the "second act break up" or main conflict between the couple was so cliche and completely avoidable. There was nothing new about the plot that stood out or made it interesting. I was never on the edge of my seat. Everything was predictable.
Overall, I think the book had a lot of promise. If it had a little more depth it definitely would have been higher rated. I think this book is good for people who want to enjoy a book with very little world building, little to no spice, an uncomplicated FMC, and an easy and predictable ending.
I would also like to thank NetGalley for the ARC.
While the plot was decent, I found that I did not enjoy the book the longer it continued. At first, it was very promising. I was excited to see how it played out, and I loved the quiet strength the FMC displayed. I'm also a huge fan of the tortured MMC trope. However, it quickly got boring. Nothing happened for much of the book, and even when things were happening I was bored out of my mind. After 75%, I was just waiting for it to end.
As for the characters, the emotions were so shallow and personalities were barely developed. I honestly don't know how the main characters fell in love. They didn't know anything about each other! Besides a couple conversations where they share things the readers aren't privy to (after they are already infatuated).
Isca was kind, patient, hardworking, practically perfect. She basically had the personality of a saltine cracker. There was nothing really flawed about her, other than her lack of thinking every time she opens her mouth. Typical FMC that can't seem to keep quiet in the face of danger! Oh, nooo! While I can see the merits of her soft side, it isn't really my cup of tea to read books with protagonists that basically sit around and wait for the MMC to rescue them.
Emrys is tortured by this monster/curse that makes it basically impossible to know where he ends and the other begins. The "monster" is also never elaborated on. We find out how he is cursed, but not actually what it is. The only thing we know is that it hates Isca and then loves her more than anything else in the world. We also don't actually know why it torments him so much. Yes, he is weighed down by guilt, pain, depression, etc. but why?
The magic in the story is also not explained in any way. There is no rhyme or reason to anything. The magic in the story takes almost a complete backseat. As for the romance, the "second act break up" or main conflict between the couple was so cliche and completely avoidable. There was nothing new about the plot that stood out or made it interesting. I was never on the edge of my seat. Everything was predictable.
Overall, I think the book had a lot of promise. If it had a little more depth it definitely would have been higher rated. I think this book is good for people who want to enjoy a book with very little world building, little to no spice, an uncomplicated FMC, and an easy and predictable ending.
I would also like to thank NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
This novel opens a romantasy series with an expansive, fairy-tale inspired foundation that blends political intrigue, emotional tension, and a carefully developed romantic arc. Drawing inspiration from Welsh mythology, the story centers on two princes locked in a long-standing struggle over succession, each representing opposing ideals of rule and power. To prevent the conflict from destabilizing the realm, the Mage Assembly intervenes by placing an outsider at court, an action that sets the entire narrative in motion.
Prince Emrys stands at the heart of the story as a ruler shaped by pain, responsibility, and an internal battle that threatens both his humanity and his crown. His arc is handled with care, allowing readers to witness the cost of leadership, the weight of guilt, and the endurance required to survive prolonged suffering. His characterization balances strength and vulnerability, making him a compelling and emotionally resonant figure. The story also explores his relationship with his twin brother, presenting a nuanced portrayal of rivalry layered with loyalty, restraint, and unspoken care.
Isca, an empath mage drawn into the royal conflict, offers a contrasting perspective grounded in emotional awareness and resilience. Though her arrival is politically motivated, her presence introduces a thoughtful examination of duty versus choice. Her magic adds depth to the worldbuilding, moving beyond familiar elemental systems and hinting at broader possibilities that may be explored later in the series.
The romance unfolds gradually, prioritizing emotional connection and narrative relevance over immediacy. The tension builds organically alongside the plot, resulting in a relationship that feels earned and integral to the story rather than incidental. Intimate moments are driven by character growth and circumstance, reinforcing the overarching themes rather than distracting from them.
In tone and scope, the novel reads like a serialized epic, combining court maneuvering, internal conflict, and moments of quiet intimacy with higher-stakes confrontations. The pacing balances action with reflection, allowing both the political landscape and the emotional arcs to develop naturally. While the focus remains on a single kingdom in this installment, the broader world is clearly positioned for expansion, particularly through unresolved political threads and characters whose loyalties and natures remain uncertain.
As the first entry in an interconnected romantasy series, this book successfully establishes a richly layered foundation. With its emphasis on character-driven storytelling, intricate relationships, and a slow-building romantic core, it offers a strong start and leaves ample room for future exploration. Readers who enjoy emotionally charged fantasy with thoughtful worldbuilding and restrained yet powerful romance will find much to anticipate in the books to come.
Prince Emrys stands at the heart of the story as a ruler shaped by pain, responsibility, and an internal battle that threatens both his humanity and his crown. His arc is handled with care, allowing readers to witness the cost of leadership, the weight of guilt, and the endurance required to survive prolonged suffering. His characterization balances strength and vulnerability, making him a compelling and emotionally resonant figure. The story also explores his relationship with his twin brother, presenting a nuanced portrayal of rivalry layered with loyalty, restraint, and unspoken care.
Isca, an empath mage drawn into the royal conflict, offers a contrasting perspective grounded in emotional awareness and resilience. Though her arrival is politically motivated, her presence introduces a thoughtful examination of duty versus choice. Her magic adds depth to the worldbuilding, moving beyond familiar elemental systems and hinting at broader possibilities that may be explored later in the series.
The romance unfolds gradually, prioritizing emotional connection and narrative relevance over immediacy. The tension builds organically alongside the plot, resulting in a relationship that feels earned and integral to the story rather than incidental. Intimate moments are driven by character growth and circumstance, reinforcing the overarching themes rather than distracting from them.
In tone and scope, the novel reads like a serialized epic, combining court maneuvering, internal conflict, and moments of quiet intimacy with higher-stakes confrontations. The pacing balances action with reflection, allowing both the political landscape and the emotional arcs to develop naturally. While the focus remains on a single kingdom in this installment, the broader world is clearly positioned for expansion, particularly through unresolved political threads and characters whose loyalties and natures remain uncertain.
As the first entry in an interconnected romantasy series, this book successfully establishes a richly layered foundation. With its emphasis on character-driven storytelling, intricate relationships, and a slow-building romantic core, it offers a strong start and leaves ample room for future exploration. Readers who enjoy emotionally charged fantasy with thoughtful worldbuilding and restrained yet powerful romance will find much to anticipate in the books to come.
January 7, 2026
**UPDATED REVIEW**
4.5/5
The author confirmed the next book will continue to investigate some of the mysteries from this one. And we will see key characters again. This helps alleviate some of the criticisms I had. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
————————————————————————————-
“Bound to the Broken Crown” is the debut dark fantasy romance novel by Astoria Hope. It centers around Prince Emrys, who is cursed by an unknown power, and Isca, an empath mage who is sent to help him.
Emrys is twin to his golden brother Nisien. They represent dark and light. His brother is all smiles and charm, while Emrys is dark and angry, mainly due to this curse that haunts him. Together they share the crown of their kingdom.
The Assembly, which is in charge of the magic and mages, has a lot of power in this world. It is not hard to figure out early on that they are likely corrupt. They recognize Isca, a common born girl from a town far from the princes, possess a talent as an empath mage. She is chosen and sent to the princes to broker peace between them. Her secondary mission is to get pregnant by one of them and bring another powerful mage into the world.
She initially accepts, as the Assembly threatens her family. But, after a while, she decides to go against their plan for her. As time passes, Emrys begins to realize that he loves Isca. Her power and care being the only thing that helps him. She also displays her own love and care for him without using her magic. Accepting him with his curse.
The book is fantastic with its romantic pacing. Emrys is not the type of character that would accept his feelings for Isca immediately. He doesn’t want to put her in his dangerous path. So he doesn’t and it takes time for them to accept what’s growing between them.
Isca is a wonderful character. She’s kind and gentle, but has grit and sass. She’s not a damsel and displays her intelligence on several occasions.
My only criticism is the lack of conclusion on some important plot points. This book is labeled as a standalone within this wider world. Perhaps the plot points will make an appearance in another related book. However, I do think this story would benefit from at least being a duology to tie up some big storylines.
We never really find out what the curse is that is afflicting Emrys. I feel like that should have at least been resolved. While I understood the beauty of Isca accepting him with or without the curse. It is implied that the curse came from a ring, and it is treated like its own entity. Therefore, there must be a lot more to it.
We also do not get any conclusions on this mysterious ring. One that Princess Anwen is described as having as well. Perhaps if the next book is focusing on Anwen and Nisien, then I hope that means that storyline is continued in that book.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Considering there is more to come, I won’t put the criticisms against my rating of it. I have hope those big questions will be answered in any upcoming books.
4.5/5
The author confirmed the next book will continue to investigate some of the mysteries from this one. And we will see key characters again. This helps alleviate some of the criticisms I had. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
————————————————————————————-
“Bound to the Broken Crown” is the debut dark fantasy romance novel by Astoria Hope. It centers around Prince Emrys, who is cursed by an unknown power, and Isca, an empath mage who is sent to help him.
Emrys is twin to his golden brother Nisien. They represent dark and light. His brother is all smiles and charm, while Emrys is dark and angry, mainly due to this curse that haunts him. Together they share the crown of their kingdom.
The Assembly, which is in charge of the magic and mages, has a lot of power in this world. It is not hard to figure out early on that they are likely corrupt. They recognize Isca, a common born girl from a town far from the princes, possess a talent as an empath mage. She is chosen and sent to the princes to broker peace between them. Her secondary mission is to get pregnant by one of them and bring another powerful mage into the world.
She initially accepts, as the Assembly threatens her family. But, after a while, she decides to go against their plan for her. As time passes, Emrys begins to realize that he loves Isca. Her power and care being the only thing that helps him. She also displays her own love and care for him without using her magic. Accepting him with his curse.
The book is fantastic with its romantic pacing. Emrys is not the type of character that would accept his feelings for Isca immediately. He doesn’t want to put her in his dangerous path. So he doesn’t and it takes time for them to accept what’s growing between them.
Isca is a wonderful character. She’s kind and gentle, but has grit and sass. She’s not a damsel and displays her intelligence on several occasions.
My only criticism is the lack of conclusion on some important plot points. This book is labeled as a standalone within this wider world. Perhaps the plot points will make an appearance in another related book. However, I do think this story would benefit from at least being a duology to tie up some big storylines.
We never really find out what the curse is that is afflicting Emrys. I feel like that should have at least been resolved. While I understood the beauty of Isca accepting him with or without the curse. It is implied that the curse came from a ring, and it is treated like its own entity. Therefore, there must be a lot more to it.
We also do not get any conclusions on this mysterious ring. One that Princess Anwen is described as having as well. Perhaps if the next book is focusing on Anwen and Nisien, then I hope that means that storyline is continued in that book.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Considering there is more to come, I won’t put the criticisms against my rating of it. I have hope those big questions will be answered in any upcoming books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
4.5⭐️ (rounded up)
2🌶️
Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc of this book!
This was such a suck you in and won’t let go story for me! It’s like a beauty and the beast story but not really at the same time.
This books is based off the tale The Mabinogion. I’ve never heard of this tale but the author puts a little note in front regarding her inspiration which helped a ton!
It is book 1 of an interconnected standalone series.
Our FMC, Isca, is an empathy mage. In kingdoms where mage users are waning, magic like hers isn’t desired as it’s not an “active” magic like elemental magic. Isca works to stay out of sight but help provide for her large family. She does her duty of reporting herself every year to the Mage Assembly, but overall keeps her magic to herself. Shunned by magic users for not being powerful enough and non magic users who fear her, she truly feels lonely in the world.
When an incident at the market brings forth her powerful empath magic to the Assembly’s attention, she’s given a task: help go bring peace and unity to a neighboring kingdom that has 2 princes in charge. Her magic can help calm their disagreements so only 1 heir sits on the throne.
One prince is that steady hand but shys away from flaunting his magic. The other, is a cursed beast who may be strong but has too much bloodthirst to run a kingdom. For Isca, it’s picking one brother or the other…in more ways than one.
I loved Isca as a FMC. She has her own quiet kind of strength. Not your typical “I’m a badass who stands up to every man” type of FMC that’s usually written. She sees the good in people and is quick to forgive and believe but she’s not naive. Her interactions with both princes and the side characters were all enjoyable to read.
This is a dual POV story. Emrys, our cursed Prince, is a man out for blood. He can’t help it. Cursed at 16 with a beast inside him that can’t be controlled, he’s done everything he can to sate the beast, even becoming the Mage Assembly’s pawn for destruction. He’s returned home and now Isca has been thrown in front of him. She makes him calm and aches to be near her, but knows he will only destroy her. He’s not fit to rule a kingdom, or his own heart. But I loved that while he may keep people at arms length, him and his brother still love each other deeply and truly believe they need to run the kingdom together.
The only reason I bumped this down a half a ⭐️ is because I was a bit disappointed in the spice 🌶️ It was built up so much and I was expecting full beast mode (no pun intended) and it just felt flat for me. It was slow burn, which was fine, but the actual writing of the spice, I was hoping and expecting more. The story itself was quite intriguing and had me turning page after page!
2🌶️
Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc of this book!
This was such a suck you in and won’t let go story for me! It’s like a beauty and the beast story but not really at the same time.
This books is based off the tale The Mabinogion. I’ve never heard of this tale but the author puts a little note in front regarding her inspiration which helped a ton!
It is book 1 of an interconnected standalone series.
Our FMC, Isca, is an empathy mage. In kingdoms where mage users are waning, magic like hers isn’t desired as it’s not an “active” magic like elemental magic. Isca works to stay out of sight but help provide for her large family. She does her duty of reporting herself every year to the Mage Assembly, but overall keeps her magic to herself. Shunned by magic users for not being powerful enough and non magic users who fear her, she truly feels lonely in the world.
When an incident at the market brings forth her powerful empath magic to the Assembly’s attention, she’s given a task: help go bring peace and unity to a neighboring kingdom that has 2 princes in charge. Her magic can help calm their disagreements so only 1 heir sits on the throne.
One prince is that steady hand but shys away from flaunting his magic. The other, is a cursed beast who may be strong but has too much bloodthirst to run a kingdom. For Isca, it’s picking one brother or the other…in more ways than one.
I loved Isca as a FMC. She has her own quiet kind of strength. Not your typical “I’m a badass who stands up to every man” type of FMC that’s usually written. She sees the good in people and is quick to forgive and believe but she’s not naive. Her interactions with both princes and the side characters were all enjoyable to read.
This is a dual POV story. Emrys, our cursed Prince, is a man out for blood. He can’t help it. Cursed at 16 with a beast inside him that can’t be controlled, he’s done everything he can to sate the beast, even becoming the Mage Assembly’s pawn for destruction. He’s returned home and now Isca has been thrown in front of him. She makes him calm and aches to be near her, but knows he will only destroy her. He’s not fit to rule a kingdom, or his own heart. But I loved that while he may keep people at arms length, him and his brother still love each other deeply and truly believe they need to run the kingdom together.
The only reason I bumped this down a half a ⭐️ is because I was a bit disappointed in the spice 🌶️ It was built up so much and I was expecting full beast mode (no pun intended) and it just felt flat for me. It was slow burn, which was fine, but the actual writing of the spice, I was hoping and expecting more. The story itself was quite intriguing and had me turning page after page!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Astoria Hope for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Isca is a common born mage doomed to poverty by an unjust system. She hides the extent of her empathic powers from The Assembly for fear of being exploited. One slip in the market turns her whole life around when she realizes she can no longer hide. The Assembly finds her and gives her one choice; convince two warring princes one of them needs to concede the crown and produce an heir or her family will suffer the consequences.
As a young teen, Emrys picked up a ring that cursed him with a beast only satiated by death and violence. He spends most of his life running from the people he cares about to keep him safe. When he realizes that his kingdom is getting attacked more and more from their northern border he realizes he has to go home and help his twin brother figure out how to get their kingdom back on track.
A common empath, who feels too much, given an impossible choice. A cursed prince, who hides his heart behind indifference, creating his own demise. Kingdoms on the brink of war. Will they push each other over the edge or find something worth so much more than either of them could have hoped they deserved.
I have not been this engrossed in a book since I read Throne of Glass for the first time. Even when I wasn’t reading, all I could think about was when I could read again.
The characters in this book are so beautifully written. Isca stole my heart from the first moment. We love a strong female heroine that doesn’t back down and lets her emotions steer her into well thought out decisions. She stands up for herself and, despite being born less than, never lets anyone make her feel like she is lower. And Emrys?! Ugh. My sweet tortured prince. I found myself feeling his struggle and pain and really connected with his inner war. Nisien is so funny and tricksy, I was constantly laughing at his antics and ability to push all the right buttons in his brother to force his hand. I could read again while book on Catrin. All in all, every character was exactly what we needed from them in the book.
The slow burn, slow burned. The timeline was so well spaced and the escalation was so perfectly written. I loved watching Isca and Emrys’ relationship morph as their find it impossible to avoid each other, especially when their magic seems so insistent on intertwining. And the way the beast reacted to Isca was just so cute.
I can’t wait to read more books in this series. Owain seems to be setting up for one?! 👀🤞🏻😂
Isca is a common born mage doomed to poverty by an unjust system. She hides the extent of her empathic powers from The Assembly for fear of being exploited. One slip in the market turns her whole life around when she realizes she can no longer hide. The Assembly finds her and gives her one choice; convince two warring princes one of them needs to concede the crown and produce an heir or her family will suffer the consequences.
As a young teen, Emrys picked up a ring that cursed him with a beast only satiated by death and violence. He spends most of his life running from the people he cares about to keep him safe. When he realizes that his kingdom is getting attacked more and more from their northern border he realizes he has to go home and help his twin brother figure out how to get their kingdom back on track.
A common empath, who feels too much, given an impossible choice. A cursed prince, who hides his heart behind indifference, creating his own demise. Kingdoms on the brink of war. Will they push each other over the edge or find something worth so much more than either of them could have hoped they deserved.
I have not been this engrossed in a book since I read Throne of Glass for the first time. Even when I wasn’t reading, all I could think about was when I could read again.
The characters in this book are so beautifully written. Isca stole my heart from the first moment. We love a strong female heroine that doesn’t back down and lets her emotions steer her into well thought out decisions. She stands up for herself and, despite being born less than, never lets anyone make her feel like she is lower. And Emrys?! Ugh. My sweet tortured prince. I found myself feeling his struggle and pain and really connected with his inner war. Nisien is so funny and tricksy, I was constantly laughing at his antics and ability to push all the right buttons in his brother to force his hand. I could read again while book on Catrin. All in all, every character was exactly what we needed from them in the book.
The slow burn, slow burned. The timeline was so well spaced and the escalation was so perfectly written. I loved watching Isca and Emrys’ relationship morph as their find it impossible to avoid each other, especially when their magic seems so insistent on intertwining. And the way the beast reacted to Isca was just so cute.
I can’t wait to read more books in this series. Owain seems to be setting up for one?! 👀🤞🏻😂
January 10, 2026
🌹Bound to the Broken Crown 🌹
By Astoria Hope
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶🌶🌶
Wow, what a beautiful story!! I was charmed all the way!! This book was such a mesmerizing fairytale! The author brought back the purest love back to the romantasy and I thank her for that!!
The writing was beautiful, poetic and so harmonious with the characters' feelings! I loved how I could feel the moments of calm, rage, moments of longing and yearning just through the writing!
This was almost a love triangle, so to say, and honestly it's my favorite type of love triangle in a story and it was beautifully delivered. I was wondering would it be possible that she picks a different brother, but when it came to that choice, her mind and heart were set. As much as Isca, our FMC, is considered soft, she is at the same time brave, strong and understands that the emotion is sometimes the strongest weapon! I really like how her personality was presented in the story. As much as I love a strong and fierce FMC, sometimes having a soft, feminine energy within a powerful character is exactly what is needed. Isca is just that, and the fact that her power is being an empath made this love story even more touching and believable. The way she understands people through their emotions is a true power for me.
And then we have Emrys, that morally grey, brooding, "touch her and ☠", MMC that you simply have to love!! He is cursed, with dark and dangerous powers that seek destruction over everything around him and he will do anything to protect Isca from his dark side. However, Isca's magic is exactly what soothes the curse, like a missing puzzle peace to be whole, and understanding and accepting that led to the beautiful character growth for Emrys! His and Isca's story unfolding was so beautifully done on the pages and gave us true understanding of soulmates, love and dedication!
I really liked all the side characters as well! They had just the perfect amount of time on paper. And I am loving the idea I'll be reading more about them in following books, as this is going to be a trilogy of interconnected standalones and I can't wait for more!!
Thank you Astoria Hope for gifting me the opportunityto read the ARC version of this book, I am so happy I got to experience beauty of this book! "Bound to the Broken Crown" will be released on January 27th, so mark your calendars!! 💫
What to expect:
▪️touch her and ☠
▪️slow 🔥 and high yearning
▪️spice 🌶🌶🌶
▪️very 🗡 MMC
▪️empath x cursed prince
▪️only one tent ⛺
▪️soft FMC
By Astoria Hope
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶🌶🌶
Wow, what a beautiful story!! I was charmed all the way!! This book was such a mesmerizing fairytale! The author brought back the purest love back to the romantasy and I thank her for that!!
The writing was beautiful, poetic and so harmonious with the characters' feelings! I loved how I could feel the moments of calm, rage, moments of longing and yearning just through the writing!
This was almost a love triangle, so to say, and honestly it's my favorite type of love triangle in a story and it was beautifully delivered. I was wondering would it be possible that she picks a different brother, but when it came to that choice, her mind and heart were set. As much as Isca, our FMC, is considered soft, she is at the same time brave, strong and understands that the emotion is sometimes the strongest weapon! I really like how her personality was presented in the story. As much as I love a strong and fierce FMC, sometimes having a soft, feminine energy within a powerful character is exactly what is needed. Isca is just that, and the fact that her power is being an empath made this love story even more touching and believable. The way she understands people through their emotions is a true power for me.
And then we have Emrys, that morally grey, brooding, "touch her and ☠", MMC that you simply have to love!! He is cursed, with dark and dangerous powers that seek destruction over everything around him and he will do anything to protect Isca from his dark side. However, Isca's magic is exactly what soothes the curse, like a missing puzzle peace to be whole, and understanding and accepting that led to the beautiful character growth for Emrys! His and Isca's story unfolding was so beautifully done on the pages and gave us true understanding of soulmates, love and dedication!
I really liked all the side characters as well! They had just the perfect amount of time on paper. And I am loving the idea I'll be reading more about them in following books, as this is going to be a trilogy of interconnected standalones and I can't wait for more!!
Thank you Astoria Hope for gifting me the opportunityto read the ARC version of this book, I am so happy I got to experience beauty of this book! "Bound to the Broken Crown" will be released on January 27th, so mark your calendars!! 💫
What to expect:
▪️touch her and ☠
▪️slow 🔥 and high yearning
▪️spice 🌶🌶🌶
▪️very 🗡 MMC
▪️empath x cursed prince
▪️only one tent ⛺
▪️soft FMC
January 13, 2026
🐲🩸 The world sees a monster. She feels the man beneath the curse—and the beast falls first.
📖 Bound to the Broken Crown by Astoria Hope
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Fantasy Romance
Tropes:
💔 Cursed MMC
💗 Empath FMC
🛡️ Touch her and 💀
🐌 Slowest burn
👑 He (and the monster) falls first and hard
Isca is an empath who has spent her entire life keeping her head down, terrified of attracting the attention of the Assembly of Mages. One day at the market, a rude customer is suddenly killed by a mysterious traveler wielding terrifying magic. In the chaos, Isca unintentionally releases a powerful wave of calm that blankets the entire market—exposing her abilities and putting her directly on the Assembly’s radar.
She’s forced into a role she never wanted: sent as a diplomat to a neighboring kingdom where one of the twin princes is cursed, housing a beast that threatens to destroy everything. Her mission is twofold—to keep the beast calm so only one ruler can ascend the throne, and to secure an heir from either prince. What Isca doesn’t know is that the man who saved her that day was Prince Emrys himself—the very prince whose beast quiets at her touch. And while others see only a monster, Isca sees the man beneath the curse, without even needing to rely heavily on her magic.
This is the slowest of slow burns, with intentional physical interaction not even beginning until around the halfway mark—and I loved it. The yearning is intense. Not just from the beast, but from Emrys himself, which somehow makes it even more powerful. The pacing is slow, but purposeful, allowing the story to fully build Isca’s role in the court and explore how both Emrys and the beast struggle to navigate her growing presence in the castle.
I love Isca. She’s strong, compassionate, and has an incredibly solid backbone. She wins over the court with intelligence and clarity rather than brute force, and what really impressed me was how rarely she even needs to use her magic. Watching her command respect so naturally was honestly awe-inspiring.
The chemistry between Isca and Emrys builds beautifully. The way their walls slowly come down, the trust they develop, and how open they become with one another made their connection feel deeply earned. This book had me in a full chokehold—I was completely obsessed from start to finish.
Thank you so much Astoria Hope for this ARC. I truly appreciate it, and I can’t wait to read more of your work in the future ✨💖
📖 Bound to the Broken Crown by Astoria Hope
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Fantasy Romance
Tropes:
💔 Cursed MMC
💗 Empath FMC
🛡️ Touch her and 💀
🐌 Slowest burn
👑 He (and the monster) falls first and hard
Isca is an empath who has spent her entire life keeping her head down, terrified of attracting the attention of the Assembly of Mages. One day at the market, a rude customer is suddenly killed by a mysterious traveler wielding terrifying magic. In the chaos, Isca unintentionally releases a powerful wave of calm that blankets the entire market—exposing her abilities and putting her directly on the Assembly’s radar.
She’s forced into a role she never wanted: sent as a diplomat to a neighboring kingdom where one of the twin princes is cursed, housing a beast that threatens to destroy everything. Her mission is twofold—to keep the beast calm so only one ruler can ascend the throne, and to secure an heir from either prince. What Isca doesn’t know is that the man who saved her that day was Prince Emrys himself—the very prince whose beast quiets at her touch. And while others see only a monster, Isca sees the man beneath the curse, without even needing to rely heavily on her magic.
This is the slowest of slow burns, with intentional physical interaction not even beginning until around the halfway mark—and I loved it. The yearning is intense. Not just from the beast, but from Emrys himself, which somehow makes it even more powerful. The pacing is slow, but purposeful, allowing the story to fully build Isca’s role in the court and explore how both Emrys and the beast struggle to navigate her growing presence in the castle.
I love Isca. She’s strong, compassionate, and has an incredibly solid backbone. She wins over the court with intelligence and clarity rather than brute force, and what really impressed me was how rarely she even needs to use her magic. Watching her command respect so naturally was honestly awe-inspiring.
The chemistry between Isca and Emrys builds beautifully. The way their walls slowly come down, the trust they develop, and how open they become with one another made their connection feel deeply earned. This book had me in a full chokehold—I was completely obsessed from start to finish.
Thank you so much Astoria Hope for this ARC. I truly appreciate it, and I can’t wait to read more of your work in the future ✨💖
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eAarc .
3.5 /5⭐️
1/5 🌶️
40% of the way in and we were slowly getting somewhere with the characters. I do not particularly seek for a fast paced book, nor am I expecting for all my questions to be answered in the first few chapters. I was ready to DNF this book as I was unsure where else this would go. I decided to make 1/2 way before I truly decided what route to take. I am so glad I finished.
Isca - I could see being friends with Feyre Archeron. They could easily bond over having some wealth to not having anything, not finishing their education, needing to care for the family and having an injured father and being rescued by someone who turns their life around and begins to refer to them as High Lady.
Isca is a Mage and Empath who was kidnapped for the purpose of helping Emrys contol the curse that consumes him.
Emrys, twin to Nisien, is a cursed prince. The "dark" one. He is a feared, determined and well respected military leader. yet despite his dark, ruthlessness and blood-soaked behavior - he has a soft side. He is committed to protecting his people. He is fully aware of the curse that takes over, and does what he can to keep the curse under control, but the curse has other plans when he is around or touched by Isca.
Nisien - the "Golden" one. Hes the best friend. The polished, refined one.
The slow burn was there, and there were times where I felt a love triangle, but given that Emrys has a curse and where the Author takes him. I dont see him as the sharing kind, but Isca being innocent and unknowing can easily fall for the charm of Nisien but the loyalty of Emrys.
Reasons why this book was not a 5 star...
I did not totally enjoy the lack of the curse. It was there, we were aware of what it did and how it reacted to others and Isca. Hopefully more to come on this.
I was confused about the Assembly - I wouldve loved more information on it as well as magic. Who has it and who doesnt and why they have it and others dont. This was unclear. I couldnt figure out if it was linked to status.
Then there was a book. A book with information she needed. A book she recalled being spoken of. But thats it.
I believe there is a 2nd book coming out which is slated to be a prequel. Hopeful to get more information on some missing pieces.
3.5 /5⭐️
1/5 🌶️
40% of the way in and we were slowly getting somewhere with the characters. I do not particularly seek for a fast paced book, nor am I expecting for all my questions to be answered in the first few chapters. I was ready to DNF this book as I was unsure where else this would go. I decided to make 1/2 way before I truly decided what route to take. I am so glad I finished.
Isca - I could see being friends with Feyre Archeron. They could easily bond over having some wealth to not having anything, not finishing their education, needing to care for the family and having an injured father and being rescued by someone who turns their life around and begins to refer to them as High Lady.
Isca is a Mage and Empath who was kidnapped for the purpose of helping Emrys contol the curse that consumes him.
Emrys, twin to Nisien, is a cursed prince. The "dark" one. He is a feared, determined and well respected military leader. yet despite his dark, ruthlessness and blood-soaked behavior - he has a soft side. He is committed to protecting his people. He is fully aware of the curse that takes over, and does what he can to keep the curse under control, but the curse has other plans when he is around or touched by Isca.
Nisien - the "Golden" one. Hes the best friend. The polished, refined one.
The slow burn was there, and there were times where I felt a love triangle, but given that Emrys has a curse and where the Author takes him. I dont see him as the sharing kind, but Isca being innocent and unknowing can easily fall for the charm of Nisien but the loyalty of Emrys.
Reasons why this book was not a 5 star...
I did not totally enjoy the lack of the curse. It was there, we were aware of what it did and how it reacted to others and Isca. Hopefully more to come on this.
I was confused about the Assembly - I wouldve loved more information on it as well as magic. Who has it and who doesnt and why they have it and others dont. This was unclear. I couldnt figure out if it was linked to status.
Then there was a book. A book with information she needed. A book she recalled being spoken of. But thats it.
I believe there is a 2nd book coming out which is slated to be a prequel. Hopeful to get more information on some missing pieces.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bound to the Broken Crown is a standalone in a series of inter-connected standalones. It can be read on its own.
When it comes to romantasies, this is everything to be expected.
A dark prince? Check.
A sassy, yet utterly loveable female main character? Check.
And of course, we can't forget the slow burn.
While it does lean on the heavier side of romance, this is by no means a bad thing for this particular novel, which focuses somewhat more on our character's interactions and the strengthening of their bond rather than the more fantastical elements in some romantasies, Astoria Hope has done a rather delightful job of showcasing true emotion and the way that sometimes even your worst enemy can be something more than just that, if the universe deems it so...of showcasing just how Isca and Emrys go from hating each other's guts, to slowly growing closer, and then eventually falling head-over-heels for each other....of that tumultuous cloud of feelings for one that we often experience during a relationship.. and of course, the perfect touch of romance, without overdoing the amount of spice.
Astoria Hope has also left plenty to yearn for in Bound to the Broken Crown, as while the world and Emrys's curse is hinted at, there is more focus on their budding relationship and the way that they grow individually and as a couple.... which in turn leaves plenty of room to be left wondering about what will happen next, what we will learn about the world, and what we will learn about how Emrys's curse affects him...
Being my first work from the desk of Astoria Hope, I must say that Bound to the Broken Crown was an utterly delightful read, and I cannot wait to see what happens next to Isca and Emrys... and of course to find out more about the absolutely delightful world that Astoria has created.
Thank you to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op, Netgalley, as well as Astoria Hope for this copy to read in advanced. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews may be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
When it comes to romantasies, this is everything to be expected.
A dark prince? Check.
A sassy, yet utterly loveable female main character? Check.
And of course, we can't forget the slow burn.
While it does lean on the heavier side of romance, this is by no means a bad thing for this particular novel, which focuses somewhat more on our character's interactions and the strengthening of their bond rather than the more fantastical elements in some romantasies, Astoria Hope has done a rather delightful job of showcasing true emotion and the way that sometimes even your worst enemy can be something more than just that, if the universe deems it so...of showcasing just how Isca and Emrys go from hating each other's guts, to slowly growing closer, and then eventually falling head-over-heels for each other....of that tumultuous cloud of feelings for one that we often experience during a relationship.. and of course, the perfect touch of romance, without overdoing the amount of spice.
Astoria Hope has also left plenty to yearn for in Bound to the Broken Crown, as while the world and Emrys's curse is hinted at, there is more focus on their budding relationship and the way that they grow individually and as a couple.... which in turn leaves plenty of room to be left wondering about what will happen next, what we will learn about the world, and what we will learn about how Emrys's curse affects him...
Being my first work from the desk of Astoria Hope, I must say that Bound to the Broken Crown was an utterly delightful read, and I cannot wait to see what happens next to Isca and Emrys... and of course to find out more about the absolutely delightful world that Astoria has created.
Thank you to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op, Netgalley, as well as Astoria Hope for this copy to read in advanced. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews may be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🌹Beauty and the Beast Vibes
💫Empath FMC x Touch Starved MMC
🥀Angst, So Much Angst
💥Political Intrigue
❤️🩹Scarred & Cursed MMC
💞Only She Can Calm the "Beast"
🩶Redeeming the "Villain"
🗡Touch Her and Be R1pped Apart
💞Comfort and Healing
❤️🔥Slow Burn
The slow burning angst my heart craves in Beauty and the Beast-tinged sprawling epic! I was so enamored with the deft of hand romance (some of the best spice I e read because it's plot driven!), utterly heart clenched by the wounded, powerful, achingly beautiful and Scarred Prince Emrys. This decades-long battle he's had to endure of living in constant pain, guilt, fighting a monster for control within, and the bit by bit dissolving of his humanity, was heartbreaking. But also a testament to his resounding willpower!
And we're able to learn his of his internal battle through his own tormented POV but also through the amazing and resilient empath Mage, Isca's insight. Her placement may be political (and btw, I loved the original twist in this). The incumbent political turmoil between lands combined with Emerys' own war for his soul and sanity, was a lovely dual metaphoric battle. There is rising tension between him and his twin, and their seemingly tenuous hold on the throne.
Yet their relationship is actually a rather sweet one...supportive and respectful in their own way and both good rulers deep down as well. This story is wonderfully complex in that it feels like a limited miniseries worthy of a Game of Thrones, with moments of explosive battles, cunning intrigue, incredible angst, secrets, and such moments of quiet tenderness that it makes you forget you're reading and they are really just living this life as you read!
I am a goner for Emerys, give me his monster, his darkness, his light! I want all of this man and his complexity because he is perfect! Truly a breath of fresh air to read, with a love story that grows naturally, drama that tightens like a noose and bursts to exploding release, and overall, a grand scale that screams cinematic perfection! Give me every book in this series to come!
🌶🌶🌶
🌹Beauty and the Beast Vibes
💫Empath FMC x Touch Starved MMC
🥀Angst, So Much Angst
💥Political Intrigue
❤️🩹Scarred & Cursed MMC
💞Only She Can Calm the "Beast"
🩶Redeeming the "Villain"
🗡Touch Her and Be R1pped Apart
💞Comfort and Healing
❤️🔥Slow Burn
The slow burning angst my heart craves in Beauty and the Beast-tinged sprawling epic! I was so enamored with the deft of hand romance (some of the best spice I e read because it's plot driven!), utterly heart clenched by the wounded, powerful, achingly beautiful and Scarred Prince Emrys. This decades-long battle he's had to endure of living in constant pain, guilt, fighting a monster for control within, and the bit by bit dissolving of his humanity, was heartbreaking. But also a testament to his resounding willpower!
And we're able to learn his of his internal battle through his own tormented POV but also through the amazing and resilient empath Mage, Isca's insight. Her placement may be political (and btw, I loved the original twist in this). The incumbent political turmoil between lands combined with Emerys' own war for his soul and sanity, was a lovely dual metaphoric battle. There is rising tension between him and his twin, and their seemingly tenuous hold on the throne.
Yet their relationship is actually a rather sweet one...supportive and respectful in their own way and both good rulers deep down as well. This story is wonderfully complex in that it feels like a limited miniseries worthy of a Game of Thrones, with moments of explosive battles, cunning intrigue, incredible angst, secrets, and such moments of quiet tenderness that it makes you forget you're reading and they are really just living this life as you read!
I am a goner for Emerys, give me his monster, his darkness, his light! I want all of this man and his complexity because he is perfect! Truly a breath of fresh air to read, with a love story that grows naturally, drama that tightens like a noose and bursts to exploding release, and overall, a grand scale that screams cinematic perfection! Give me every book in this series to come!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*****ARC REVIEW***** Spoiler Free!
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book. From the very first page it grabbed my attention and I was invested in the characters. This was quite different from many of the fantasy books I have read recently.
This is a debut adult romantasy novel by Astoria Hope.
In this story, the main female character, Isca, is not a strong warrior type. She is not a fighter or a powerful elemental magic wielder. Her magic is as an empath. Her strength is in her character and in her soul. Her fight comes from her desire to protect those she loves in the only ways she can. She is not wielding a sword, but she wields emotion and words. She is a truly enjoyable female character.
Isca Quote: "Every book could be a weapon, if I could only learning how to wield it."
The main male character is cursed. The story is told from Isca's POV, except for the prologue, where we get to meet our main male character, Emrys. He is a compelling character who makes you feel his conflict and pain, but also his strength and love.
Emrys Quote: "I was no savior, was still a weapon fueled by blood, who might still kill them all."
This story has yearning, a slow burn romance, and a tiny bit of a love triangle. It is well written and I thought that the pacing was well done. Overall, this was a 4.5-5 star read for me. I will be continuing this series.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Age rating: 18+
Tropes:
Empath Mage
Soft hearted FMC
Cursed Prince
Morally Gray MMC
Only one tent
Slow burn
The First Kiss Quote:
"You can't keep avoiding me like this," I whispered.
"No," he said, voice low, hoarse from dust and pain. His hand came up to cup my cheek, "I can't."
His thumb lingered exactly where his brother had first touched me, like he could brush his touch away like the dirt still marring my face, like he was slowly coming to a decision.
"Yes...what you said before about doing things out of order--you were right. I must make amends."
And then he kissed me.
Thank you, Astoria, for allowing me to read this early. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book. From the very first page it grabbed my attention and I was invested in the characters. This was quite different from many of the fantasy books I have read recently.
This is a debut adult romantasy novel by Astoria Hope.
In this story, the main female character, Isca, is not a strong warrior type. She is not a fighter or a powerful elemental magic wielder. Her magic is as an empath. Her strength is in her character and in her soul. Her fight comes from her desire to protect those she loves in the only ways she can. She is not wielding a sword, but she wields emotion and words. She is a truly enjoyable female character.
Isca Quote: "Every book could be a weapon, if I could only learning how to wield it."
The main male character is cursed. The story is told from Isca's POV, except for the prologue, where we get to meet our main male character, Emrys. He is a compelling character who makes you feel his conflict and pain, but also his strength and love.
Emrys Quote: "I was no savior, was still a weapon fueled by blood, who might still kill them all."
This story has yearning, a slow burn romance, and a tiny bit of a love triangle. It is well written and I thought that the pacing was well done. Overall, this was a 4.5-5 star read for me. I will be continuing this series.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Age rating: 18+
Tropes:
Empath Mage
Soft hearted FMC
Cursed Prince
Morally Gray MMC
Only one tent
Slow burn
The First Kiss Quote:
"You can't keep avoiding me like this," I whispered.
"No," he said, voice low, hoarse from dust and pain. His hand came up to cup my cheek, "I can't."
His thumb lingered exactly where his brother had first touched me, like he could brush his touch away like the dirt still marring my face, like he was slowly coming to a decision.
"Yes...what you said before about doing things out of order--you were right. I must make amends."
And then he kissed me.
Thank you, Astoria, for allowing me to read this early. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 1/5
ARC Review
Bound to the Broken Crown follows FMC Isca, a mage gifted with empathy-based magic, who is sent on a mission by the Mage Council to the Kingdom of Darreth—ruled by twin princes. This journey is not one she undertakes willingly; rather, compliance is the price of keeping her family safe.
Prince Nisien is the “golden” prince—charming, polished, and politically refined—while his twin, Prince Emrys, is his stark opposite. Emrys is a feared and respected military leader, known for his ruthlessness in battle and his blood-soaked reputation, yet he remains deeply committed to protecting his people. However, Emrys is slowly being consumed by a curse that makes him reckless, volatile, and dangerous when he loses control.
Isca’s primary mission is to mediate between the brothers and help determine which of them will ultimately be crowned king. Her secondary—and far more disturbing—task is to become pregnant by one of the princes. As both princes are mages and Isca herself is exceptionally powerful, the Mage Council seeks to secure a magically potent heir for their own gain.
The pacing is slow, but I appreciated Isca’s character arc. She evolves from a seemingly powerless peasant hiding her magic into a woman respected within the royal court. While she is surprisingly knowledgeable and cunning for her background, it is hinted that this stems from her upbringing—her mother was once a council mage and her father a guard before an accident ended his service. That said, this backstory could have been explored more clearly. Additional character development would have strengthened the story, though it’s possible these gaps will be addressed in future installments, as several plot threads remain unresolved.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. The MMC is moody, the tension and yearning are well done, and the slow-burn romance works effectively. Isca begins the story unsure and restrained but gradually finds her voice, making her growth one of the most satisfying elements of the book.
I received this advance reader copy for free, all thoughts and review are my own and given voluntarily.
🌶️ 1/5
ARC Review
Bound to the Broken Crown follows FMC Isca, a mage gifted with empathy-based magic, who is sent on a mission by the Mage Council to the Kingdom of Darreth—ruled by twin princes. This journey is not one she undertakes willingly; rather, compliance is the price of keeping her family safe.
Prince Nisien is the “golden” prince—charming, polished, and politically refined—while his twin, Prince Emrys, is his stark opposite. Emrys is a feared and respected military leader, known for his ruthlessness in battle and his blood-soaked reputation, yet he remains deeply committed to protecting his people. However, Emrys is slowly being consumed by a curse that makes him reckless, volatile, and dangerous when he loses control.
Isca’s primary mission is to mediate between the brothers and help determine which of them will ultimately be crowned king. Her secondary—and far more disturbing—task is to become pregnant by one of the princes. As both princes are mages and Isca herself is exceptionally powerful, the Mage Council seeks to secure a magically potent heir for their own gain.
The pacing is slow, but I appreciated Isca’s character arc. She evolves from a seemingly powerless peasant hiding her magic into a woman respected within the royal court. While she is surprisingly knowledgeable and cunning for her background, it is hinted that this stems from her upbringing—her mother was once a council mage and her father a guard before an accident ended his service. That said, this backstory could have been explored more clearly. Additional character development would have strengthened the story, though it’s possible these gaps will be addressed in future installments, as several plot threads remain unresolved.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. The MMC is moody, the tension and yearning are well done, and the slow-burn romance works effectively. Isca begins the story unsure and restrained but gradually finds her voice, making her growth one of the most satisfying elements of the book.
I received this advance reader copy for free, all thoughts and review are my own and given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
👑Bound to the Broken Crown👑
This is book one in a romantasy series of interconnected standalones by Astoria Hope.
Inspired by the Welsh myth, The Mabinogion, we have two princes. One embodies kindness and the other is a cruel figure. In this story, our princes can't come to an agreement on which of them will ascend the throne, so the Mage Assembly sends someone to help them along in their decision.
Enter, Isca. Our 24 hear old peansant girl who's just trying to sell her tinctures and keep her empathy magic under wraps. Shes sent off to aid the two princes a secret secondary mission under pressure from the Assembly, and she'll do anything to keep her family safe. What she's not expecting is that one of these princes she'd met before and they got off on a rough start but something about him calls to her.
I absolutely loved the magic in this and would have loved to see more of it (hopefully in the next book!). Finally magic that isn't just the basic elemental stuff! It was really interesting and I'm hoping to see more variations in the coming books to the series!
I'm also very interested to see where the court politics go in this series as we really only got to see one kingdom. Particularly, I'm curious about a certain prince who's not entirely human 😏
The slow burn was burning and the yearning was yearning in this 🔥 While I did find it a bit of a reach that a peasant (who normally wouldn't have the luxury of being so sheltered) was as naive to certain intimacies between two people, it didn't deter me too much because the chemistry between these two was so great. The push and pull between them, the passion with which they felt for each other was so encompassing. He falls first and he falls harddd 🔥
In the end, I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it! I can't wait to see how the next addition goes!! 💕✨
This is book one in a romantasy series of interconnected standalones by Astoria Hope.
Inspired by the Welsh myth, The Mabinogion, we have two princes. One embodies kindness and the other is a cruel figure. In this story, our princes can't come to an agreement on which of them will ascend the throne, so the Mage Assembly sends someone to help them along in their decision.
Enter, Isca. Our 24 hear old peansant girl who's just trying to sell her tinctures and keep her empathy magic under wraps. Shes sent off to aid the two princes a secret secondary mission under pressure from the Assembly, and she'll do anything to keep her family safe. What she's not expecting is that one of these princes she'd met before and they got off on a rough start but something about him calls to her.
I absolutely loved the magic in this and would have loved to see more of it (hopefully in the next book!). Finally magic that isn't just the basic elemental stuff! It was really interesting and I'm hoping to see more variations in the coming books to the series!
I'm also very interested to see where the court politics go in this series as we really only got to see one kingdom. Particularly, I'm curious about a certain prince who's not entirely human 😏
The slow burn was burning and the yearning was yearning in this 🔥 While I did find it a bit of a reach that a peasant (who normally wouldn't have the luxury of being so sheltered) was as naive to certain intimacies between two people, it didn't deter me too much because the chemistry between these two was so great. The push and pull between them, the passion with which they felt for each other was so encompassing. He falls first and he falls harddd 🔥
In the end, I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it! I can't wait to see how the next addition goes!! 💕✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"A prince cursed to destroy everything he touched. Until he touched her."
Astoria Hope has created a rich, layered world filled with political strife, magical lore and corruption, hidden agendas, and love that manages to grow through the cracks in a power-hungry society. It's fantasy and romance at its indie finest! Bound to the Broken Crown delivers exactly what I look for in fantasy: deep lore, old alliances, the weight of fate, love entangled with duty, and devotion to country. The cast is beautifully diverse and intentional - noble knights, shifty leaders, humble servants, a brave ambassador, and long-forgotten magic that hums beneath it all.
I'm more than ready for what comes next: more worldbuilding, more of the complex and ancient magic, more of the exquisite spice that is payoff for the tender slow burn. I'm especially hooked on Isca, our brave FMC who rises from the humblest of beginnings to challenge the archaic ways of the modern political system. Astoria Hope's writing is so expressive and immersive. This book is romantasy, but it doesn't feel like a story I've heard before. That originality, the sense of something authentically hers, is the mark of a true storysmith.
I felt fully present inside the story - and considering the nature of Isca's magic, I also feel as if she's unknowingly extending it to the reader. I'm under her influence and not bothered one bit. This book was an absolute win for me and I think lovers of true fantasy and romance will wholeheartedly agree!
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Astoria Hope for the true honor of reading and sharing my honest thoughts on this fantastic story. I'll be patiently (and eagerly) awaiting my next chance to dive back into this world.
Astoria Hope has created a rich, layered world filled with political strife, magical lore and corruption, hidden agendas, and love that manages to grow through the cracks in a power-hungry society. It's fantasy and romance at its indie finest! Bound to the Broken Crown delivers exactly what I look for in fantasy: deep lore, old alliances, the weight of fate, love entangled with duty, and devotion to country. The cast is beautifully diverse and intentional - noble knights, shifty leaders, humble servants, a brave ambassador, and long-forgotten magic that hums beneath it all.
I'm more than ready for what comes next: more worldbuilding, more of the complex and ancient magic, more of the exquisite spice that is payoff for the tender slow burn. I'm especially hooked on Isca, our brave FMC who rises from the humblest of beginnings to challenge the archaic ways of the modern political system. Astoria Hope's writing is so expressive and immersive. This book is romantasy, but it doesn't feel like a story I've heard before. That originality, the sense of something authentically hers, is the mark of a true storysmith.
I felt fully present inside the story - and considering the nature of Isca's magic, I also feel as if she's unknowingly extending it to the reader. I'm under her influence and not bothered one bit. This book was an absolute win for me and I think lovers of true fantasy and romance will wholeheartedly agree!
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Astoria Hope for the true honor of reading and sharing my honest thoughts on this fantastic story. I'll be patiently (and eagerly) awaiting my next chance to dive back into this world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bound to the Broken Crown by Astoria Hope is a rich, emotionally charged romantasy that easily earns 4 stars. Set in the Magebound Courts series, it follows Isca, an empath mage forced into a deadly game of politics and manipulation, and Prince Emrys, a cursed heir who destroys everything he touches—until he touches her. The premise is instantly addictive: an Assembly of Mages using people as weapons, a prince treated like a monster, and a heroine torn between survival, family loyalty, and a growing attachment to the man she’s meant to manage.
The relationship between Isca and Emrys is the standout element. Their dynamic is intense and slow-burn, with a delicious mix of volatile power, mutual vulnerability, and forbidden longing.
Emrys is exactly the kind of tormented, fiercely protective MMC fans of dark fantasy romance will devour, while Isca’s empathic abilities and inner steel make her far more than a simple healer or pawn. The book delivers on its promise of magic, longing, sharp-edged court intrigue, and a healthy dose of spice and combat violence, all wrapped in a vivid world with high stakes.
The only reason this lands at 4 rather than 5 stars for me is that a few pacing and information-dump moments slightly pulled me out, especially around the broader political setup and Assembly machinations. However, the emotional core, the curse, and the central romance are so compelling that it’s easy to stay invested, and the unresolved threads clearly set up more to come in the Magebound Courts books. Overall, Bound to the Broken Crown is a dark, satisfying romantasy with a cursed prince, an empathic heroine, and enough tension and tenderness to keep fans turning the pages—and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The relationship between Isca and Emrys is the standout element. Their dynamic is intense and slow-burn, with a delicious mix of volatile power, mutual vulnerability, and forbidden longing.
Emrys is exactly the kind of tormented, fiercely protective MMC fans of dark fantasy romance will devour, while Isca’s empathic abilities and inner steel make her far more than a simple healer or pawn. The book delivers on its promise of magic, longing, sharp-edged court intrigue, and a healthy dose of spice and combat violence, all wrapped in a vivid world with high stakes.
The only reason this lands at 4 rather than 5 stars for me is that a few pacing and information-dump moments slightly pulled me out, especially around the broader political setup and Assembly machinations. However, the emotional core, the curse, and the central romance are so compelling that it’s easy to stay invested, and the unresolved threads clearly set up more to come in the Magebound Courts books. Overall, Bound to the Broken Crown is a dark, satisfying romantasy with a cursed prince, an empathic heroine, and enough tension and tenderness to keep fans turning the pages—and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an e-ARC for this book for my honest review.
4.5
I really enjoyed the slow, deliberate build of this story, especially how the dual POV allows us to immediately see the parallels between the FMC and MMC. Even though their experiences with power unfold in opposite ways, those similarities make their connection feel natural and inevitable.
The FMC isn’t afraid of her magic itself—she’s afraid of how society responds to it, which leads her to hide the true extent of her strength. The MMC, on the other hand, is deeply terrified of his power, and that fear has pushed him into accepting the role society expects of him rather than challenging it. This push and pull contrast makes it easy to see why they’re drawn to each other so early on.
I loved the dual pining and watching them slowly build trust, while simultaneously discounting their own worth, adds emotional tension—especially when it results in a powerful MMC turning into a jealous grump. Personally, love a grumpy character.
The political landscape is intriguing, and I appreciated how the FMC steadily grows in both knowledge and confidence. She’s written as both soft and fierce, which makes her feel well‑rounded and not just there to be bulldozed even with having so much less power initially.
Once the story allows them more time alone together, and the MMC begins to trust himself, those moments are genuinely beautiful after such a careful emotional build.
Overall, this book sets up the next installment very well. I’m especially hoping to see new narrators in the sequel—particularly the MMC’s twin and the princess.
4.5
I really enjoyed the slow, deliberate build of this story, especially how the dual POV allows us to immediately see the parallels between the FMC and MMC. Even though their experiences with power unfold in opposite ways, those similarities make their connection feel natural and inevitable.
The FMC isn’t afraid of her magic itself—she’s afraid of how society responds to it, which leads her to hide the true extent of her strength. The MMC, on the other hand, is deeply terrified of his power, and that fear has pushed him into accepting the role society expects of him rather than challenging it. This push and pull contrast makes it easy to see why they’re drawn to each other so early on.
I loved the dual pining and watching them slowly build trust, while simultaneously discounting their own worth, adds emotional tension—especially when it results in a powerful MMC turning into a jealous grump. Personally, love a grumpy character.
The political landscape is intriguing, and I appreciated how the FMC steadily grows in both knowledge and confidence. She’s written as both soft and fierce, which makes her feel well‑rounded and not just there to be bulldozed even with having so much less power initially.
Once the story allows them more time alone together, and the MMC begins to trust himself, those moments are genuinely beautiful after such a careful emotional build.
Overall, this book sets up the next installment very well. I’m especially hoping to see new narrators in the sequel—particularly the MMC’s twin and the princess.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some books gently ask for your attention.
This one grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go.
Each page is richly descriptive in the best way and every character feels genuine. I adored Catrin immediately, she’s so sweet, and her friendship with Isca is memorable. Their care for one another feels authentic and grounding. And Isca herself is incredibly compassionate. She actually cares about people, which in a world full of political maneuvering and hidden agendas feels rare and powerful.
Isca’s story was also deeply compelling. She's an Empathic Mage thrown into a new and very dangerous reality. She stays soft but fierce throughout, and watching her try to survive and stay true to herself at the same time kept me fully engaged.
And then there’s Prince Emrys…
Moody? Yes.
Cursed? Absolutely.
A misunderstood “monster” to the outside world? Unfortunately.
But thoughtful, tender, and quietly devastating? Without a doubt.
The connection between Isca and Emrys had such depth that I found myself openly emotional over them. The yearning. The restraint. The ache. Yearning is officially back, and thank goodness, because I was afraid we've lost it some places along the way y'all 😂 Their relationship is built on intimacy, trust, and emotional closeness long before anything physical, which somehow makes it even hotter. We love intimacy that means something.
I genuinely did not want this book to end. The writing is stunning from start to finish and is the kind of story that lingers with you long after you close the book.
Thank you to Astoria Hope, I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to read your book.
This one grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go.
Each page is richly descriptive in the best way and every character feels genuine. I adored Catrin immediately, she’s so sweet, and her friendship with Isca is memorable. Their care for one another feels authentic and grounding. And Isca herself is incredibly compassionate. She actually cares about people, which in a world full of political maneuvering and hidden agendas feels rare and powerful.
Isca’s story was also deeply compelling. She's an Empathic Mage thrown into a new and very dangerous reality. She stays soft but fierce throughout, and watching her try to survive and stay true to herself at the same time kept me fully engaged.
And then there’s Prince Emrys…
Moody? Yes.
Cursed? Absolutely.
A misunderstood “monster” to the outside world? Unfortunately.
But thoughtful, tender, and quietly devastating? Without a doubt.
The connection between Isca and Emrys had such depth that I found myself openly emotional over them. The yearning. The restraint. The ache. Yearning is officially back, and thank goodness, because I was afraid we've lost it some places along the way y'all 😂 Their relationship is built on intimacy, trust, and emotional closeness long before anything physical, which somehow makes it even hotter. We love intimacy that means something.
I genuinely did not want this book to end. The writing is stunning from start to finish and is the kind of story that lingers with you long after you close the book.
Thank you to Astoria Hope, I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to read your book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bound to the Broken Crown is a standalone novel within an interconnected series and can be read independently without issue.
For fans of romantasy, this book delivers all the expected elements: a dark prince, a sharp-witted and endearing female main character, and a well-executed slow-burn romance.
The novel leans more heavily into romance than fantasy, but this choice works well for the story being told. Rather than prioritizing extensive world-building, Astoria Hope focuses on character development and emotional depth. The relationship between Isca and Emrys is at the heart of the narrative, evolving naturally from animosity to trust and ultimately to love. Their progression feels earned and emotionally grounded, capturing the complexity of shifting feelings and the vulnerability that comes with connection. The romance is well balanced, offering strong emotional payoff without relying on excessive spice.
While elements of the world and Emrys’s curse are introduced, they are intentionally left partially unexplored. This allows the story to remain centered on the characters while also creating intrigue and anticipation for future installments. Readers are left curious about the broader world and how the curse will continue to shape Emrys’s journey.
As my first experience with Astoria Hope’s writing, Bound to the Broken Crown was an engaging and enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing how Isca and Emrys’s story continues and to exploring more of the world Hope has created.
For fans of romantasy, this book delivers all the expected elements: a dark prince, a sharp-witted and endearing female main character, and a well-executed slow-burn romance.
The novel leans more heavily into romance than fantasy, but this choice works well for the story being told. Rather than prioritizing extensive world-building, Astoria Hope focuses on character development and emotional depth. The relationship between Isca and Emrys is at the heart of the narrative, evolving naturally from animosity to trust and ultimately to love. Their progression feels earned and emotionally grounded, capturing the complexity of shifting feelings and the vulnerability that comes with connection. The romance is well balanced, offering strong emotional payoff without relying on excessive spice.
While elements of the world and Emrys’s curse are introduced, they are intentionally left partially unexplored. This allows the story to remain centered on the characters while also creating intrigue and anticipation for future installments. Readers are left curious about the broader world and how the curse will continue to shape Emrys’s journey.
As my first experience with Astoria Hope’s writing, Bound to the Broken Crown was an engaging and enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing how Isca and Emrys’s story continues and to exploring more of the world Hope has created.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cursed prince, an empath, who refuses to be a pawn, and a realm plagued by power-hungry mages
Prince Emrys lives apart to keep his inner beast from harming anyone, friend or foe. When the lack of united leadership weakens the kingdom, Isca—an empath—is brought in to stabilize the situation. What she doesn’t sign up for is being quietly positioned as a means to secure an heir under mage control.
Isca’s refusal to accept that role defines her: principled, resourceful, and stubborn in the right ways. Her magic soothes Emrys’s curse, even as he repeatedly tries to run from her to protect her from the part of himself that delights in death and destruction. Unfortunately for him, even that beast wants her.
The romance is a slow, intense burn built on restraint rather than dramatics. Emrys is a cursed, secretly tender MMC whose primary motivation is protecting his people. His scent—leather and hearth smoke—fits him perfectly. While it’s occasionally irritating that Isca’s common sense provides answers no one else has seen, her integrity keeps this from becoming irritating.
This works well as a stand-alone, but the worldbuilding clearly hints at more stories to come—and I’ll definitely continue.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is for you if:
• you like cursed, quietly sweet MMCs
• you enjoy stand-alones in expandable worlds
• you appreciate FMCs who refuse to be pawns
This is not for you if you don’t like:
• uncontrollable beasts
• manipulative magical authorities
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted arc.
Prince Emrys lives apart to keep his inner beast from harming anyone, friend or foe. When the lack of united leadership weakens the kingdom, Isca—an empath—is brought in to stabilize the situation. What she doesn’t sign up for is being quietly positioned as a means to secure an heir under mage control.
Isca’s refusal to accept that role defines her: principled, resourceful, and stubborn in the right ways. Her magic soothes Emrys’s curse, even as he repeatedly tries to run from her to protect her from the part of himself that delights in death and destruction. Unfortunately for him, even that beast wants her.
The romance is a slow, intense burn built on restraint rather than dramatics. Emrys is a cursed, secretly tender MMC whose primary motivation is protecting his people. His scent—leather and hearth smoke—fits him perfectly. While it’s occasionally irritating that Isca’s common sense provides answers no one else has seen, her integrity keeps this from becoming irritating.
This works well as a stand-alone, but the worldbuilding clearly hints at more stories to come—and I’ll definitely continue.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is for you if:
• you like cursed, quietly sweet MMCs
• you enjoy stand-alones in expandable worlds
• you appreciate FMCs who refuse to be pawns
This is not for you if you don’t like:
• uncontrollable beasts
• manipulative magical authorities
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted arc.
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