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The Squire and His Prince
For eighteen-year-old squire Kaelen, the crown prince is everything—ruthlessly clever, disciplined, devoted to his siblings, and a man Kaelen has hopelessly loved since childhood.
Richard, however, barely notices his existence.
When the king invites the Estaran royal family for marriage talks, the court rejoices. Richard's refusal to share his bed with any man or woman has, to them, long been a strange defect—one that a political marriage would solve. But Kaelen is left heartbroken.
Worse, when the Estaran prince—Richard’s intended consort—boasts his crude intentions, Kaelen retaliates with his fist.
The single punch explodes into a diplomatic crisis. Caught in the middle, Kaelen soon realises that worse than losing his life—
he may lose his prince.
Richard, however, barely notices his existence.
When the king invites the Estaran royal family for marriage talks, the court rejoices. Richard's refusal to share his bed with any man or woman has, to them, long been a strange defect—one that a political marriage would solve. But Kaelen is left heartbroken.
Worse, when the Estaran prince—Richard’s intended consort—boasts his crude intentions, Kaelen retaliates with his fist.
The single punch explodes into a diplomatic crisis. Caught in the middle, Kaelen soon realises that worse than losing his life—
he may lose his prince.
138 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Briar Niran
1 book9 followersBriar Niran writes fantasy romance featuring queerness, strong sibling bonds and friendship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 31, 2026
This is a quick preface for anybody who cares about things like this: be prepared to ignore the quite extensive age gap! I wouldn’t even mention it but one of the two is eighteen and they’ve known each other for… a while. To say the least.
I will also mention I also read a short story that was sent to me that is set before this novella and the rest of the series takes place. Said short story clarified some things for me, like how Richard actually views Kaelen when he’s young, which was important for me to understand. He firmly believes that any grown man going for a young boy like him is up to no good. Richard still basically watched him grow up and knowing we’ll have a love story between them is definitely not for everyone, especially if you only read this novella and not the short story. But I’m sure things will be cleared up for everybody in the books to come.
While reading this novella I indeed just ignored the age gap. Acted like it was never there, because I knew it would have otherwise impaired my enjoyment. I ignored it and I had the time of my LIFE.
We’re mostly following Kaelen and his feelings for Richard. There’s talk about the prince and how his private life will reflect on his rule. A leader in bed, a leader of a great kingdom, essentially. Kaelen overhears someone talking about the prince in a way that doesn’t sit right with him and he ends up in a fight, and then a duel. That’s the most I can say without giving anything away.
There’s representation of any kind of queerness imaginable, Richard is implied to be ace, and that’s hardly seen in books where there’s a romance element involved. But what was even better was just how normal and day-to-day queerness is seen in this book. There are both female and male suitors to the prince, the parents encourage any kind of companionship for their son. It’s just normal in this world and I can only appreciate that. What was needed was more acceptance for people who just don’t want companionship! At least in the way people expect. Which is of course done on purpose, it’s an issue in this world as well. Richard is, again, implied to be ace.
The last thing I will say is, if that one specific conversation about the future is anything like I imagine, those two will absolutely do me in. And if this novella is anything like the rest of the series then I’m prepared to give away five stars a plenty.
I’m giving it a 4.5/5⭐️ Only because there’s room to grow and I know the rest of the series will be even better. I am so ready for book one, it can’t come fast enough.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will also mention I also read a short story that was sent to me that is set before this novella and the rest of the series takes place. Said short story clarified some things for me, like how Richard actually views Kaelen when he’s young, which was important for me to understand. He firmly believes that any grown man going for a young boy like him is up to no good. Richard still basically watched him grow up and knowing we’ll have a love story between them is definitely not for everyone, especially if you only read this novella and not the short story. But I’m sure things will be cleared up for everybody in the books to come.
While reading this novella I indeed just ignored the age gap. Acted like it was never there, because I knew it would have otherwise impaired my enjoyment. I ignored it and I had the time of my LIFE.
We’re mostly following Kaelen and his feelings for Richard. There’s talk about the prince and how his private life will reflect on his rule. A leader in bed, a leader of a great kingdom, essentially. Kaelen overhears someone talking about the prince in a way that doesn’t sit right with him and he ends up in a fight, and then a duel. That’s the most I can say without giving anything away.
There’s representation of any kind of queerness imaginable, Richard is implied to be ace, and that’s hardly seen in books where there’s a romance element involved. But what was even better was just how normal and day-to-day queerness is seen in this book. There are both female and male suitors to the prince, the parents encourage any kind of companionship for their son. It’s just normal in this world and I can only appreciate that. What was needed was more acceptance for people who just don’t want companionship! At least in the way people expect. Which is of course done on purpose, it’s an issue in this world as well. Richard is, again, implied to be ace.
The last thing I will say is, if that one specific conversation about the future is anything like I imagine, those two will absolutely do me in. And if this novella is anything like the rest of the series then I’m prepared to give away five stars a plenty.
I’m giving it a 4.5/5⭐️ Only because there’s room to grow and I know the rest of the series will be even better. I am so ready for book one, it can’t come fast enough.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2026
eARC copy received in exchange for an honest review
This novella prequel really had it all. I found the prose beautiful without feeling pretentious - something I can really appreciate in my stories about princes and knights. There's a foundation for a believable magic system with appropriate drawbacks for its use. Kaelen and Richard are concrete characters with good strengths and weaknesses in their personalities. I really look forward to reading more from this author and this world.
This novella prequel really had it all. I found the prose beautiful without feeling pretentious - something I can really appreciate in my stories about princes and knights. There's a foundation for a believable magic system with appropriate drawbacks for its use. Kaelen and Richard are concrete characters with good strengths and weaknesses in their personalities. I really look forward to reading more from this author and this world.
January 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Brian Niran for an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review 🫶
I really really enjoyed this novella. All of the characters feel filled with so much heart and passion which makes them all feel very human and likable. The world of the story seems super interesting and I’m excited to be able to explore it more as the series progresses. One thing that stood out is the openness about same sex relationships in the kingdom. There’s a tendency in a lot of queer literature to have one of the central conflicts be the need for things to be closeted and I think it benefits the story in making this not have to be one of them.
Having the main character be so obviously a simp is really fun. Kaelen wears his heart on his sleeve the entire story, but I also love that he’s not treated as though he’s less of a catch than Richard is. Seeing him have game but still only truly want one person adds to the tension of the story, especially when paired with Richard’s feelings of inadequacy.
I guess my only true complaint, if I can even call it one, is that I want more. The ending wasn’t a complete cliffhanger but there’s so much build up towards the end with Aralynn’s visions and the disgruntled Kingdom of Estara, but I’m sure we’ll learn more with the coming books. Until then, I’ll be on the edge of my seat waiting.
I really really enjoyed this novella. All of the characters feel filled with so much heart and passion which makes them all feel very human and likable. The world of the story seems super interesting and I’m excited to be able to explore it more as the series progresses. One thing that stood out is the openness about same sex relationships in the kingdom. There’s a tendency in a lot of queer literature to have one of the central conflicts be the need for things to be closeted and I think it benefits the story in making this not have to be one of them.
Having the main character be so obviously a simp is really fun. Kaelen wears his heart on his sleeve the entire story, but I also love that he’s not treated as though he’s less of a catch than Richard is. Seeing him have game but still only truly want one person adds to the tension of the story, especially when paired with Richard’s feelings of inadequacy.
I guess my only true complaint, if I can even call it one, is that I want more. The ending wasn’t a complete cliffhanger but there’s so much build up towards the end with Aralynn’s visions and the disgruntled Kingdom of Estara, but I’m sure we’ll learn more with the coming books. Until then, I’ll be on the edge of my seat waiting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book immediately captured my attention from the first page. I love the characters, the world building, the magic system and the relationships.
This is a prequel novella to what I believe is going to be a four book series. In the span of only a few pages the author managed to create two compelling families, an antagonist that I hated, and the promise of a complex and involved plot to come.
Kaelen is a squire that is in love with the crown prince. This relationship seems very one-sided. There are admirable things about the prince but I am not sure why Kaelen is so drawn to him. I hope that we get more about this relationship and perhaps Richard's perspective at some point in a future book.
The author's description of the world the story takes place in left me wanting to know more - not because there wasn't enough but because what was presented was so good. The queer-normative nature of the world is also a refreshing change. The relationship has it's challenges but the gender of the characters is not one of them.
There are several secondary characters in the story that stand out but I really enjoyed the relationships of Kaelen's parents and the king and queen. These are not the stodgy older generation that exists in a lot of fantasy writing but merely more "seasoned" versions of the story's main characters.
I look forward to more books in this series and by this author. I am excited to get to know these characters better.
This is a prequel novella to what I believe is going to be a four book series. In the span of only a few pages the author managed to create two compelling families, an antagonist that I hated, and the promise of a complex and involved plot to come.
Kaelen is a squire that is in love with the crown prince. This relationship seems very one-sided. There are admirable things about the prince but I am not sure why Kaelen is so drawn to him. I hope that we get more about this relationship and perhaps Richard's perspective at some point in a future book.
The author's description of the world the story takes place in left me wanting to know more - not because there wasn't enough but because what was presented was so good. The queer-normative nature of the world is also a refreshing change. The relationship has it's challenges but the gender of the characters is not one of them.
There are several secondary characters in the story that stand out but I really enjoyed the relationships of Kaelen's parents and the king and queen. These are not the stodgy older generation that exists in a lot of fantasy writing but merely more "seasoned" versions of the story's main characters.
I look forward to more books in this series and by this author. I am excited to get to know these characters better.
January 16, 2026
you know what? super interesting introduction novella for the series. i got invested in the characters and attached to them in the 130 or so pages, sometimes i read full novels and don't get attached to the characters even by the end. def keeping this series on my radar!
February 1, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
The Squire and His Prince by Briar Niran is a prequel of the The Sun King and His Knight series that hasn't been published yet, and I ended up loving it way more than I expected.
Kaelen has loved Prince Richard for most of his life, and you really feel that in every interaction and every small moment where he’s close to Richard, yet so far away from him. Don't expect a great romance story in here, or spoken declarations of love, as their relationship is very slow-burn. This story is all about yearning, and that’s exactly what worked so well for me.
I found myself getting attached to the characters very quickly. Kaelen is a great protagonist. He’s strong, brave, emotionally aware, deeply loyal, and very loving. His love for Richard feels so genuine and profound, I don't think I have ever read something like this. Richard, on the other hand, is more reserved and controlled, but the story still does a great job of showing his qualities; the way he cares for his siblings and his kingdom, and how much pressure he’s under as the crown prince. I especially appreciated the ace representation with Richard, and it made me furious how everyone around him reacts to it. The idea that a ruler’s worth is tied to who they share a bed with made me so angry, and I hated how much pressure and judgment Richard is under just for existing the way he does. The author did a great job with that.
“But one who truly loves you would accept every part of you. They would cherish what you can give, rather than resent what you cannot.”
The side characters were another highlight. I liked Prince Corwin, Kaelen's sworn brother and Richard's actual brother. In the beginning I thought I would hate him, but I was surprised how caring he was towards Kaelen. He was teasing and funny. I also liked their sisters, Elara and little Briony. These relationships were beautifully developed, even though the novella is fairly short.
On the flip side, Prince Alaric? Absolutely insufferable. I hated him so much, which honestly just means he did a good job as an antagonist.
There are a couple of things worth mentioning before going in. Kaelen is 18, while Richard is about ten years older, and Richard has known him pretty much all his life. That’s definitely questionable, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that. The story does make it clear that Richard himself is uncomfortable with the idea of marrying someone so young and he thinks critically about it, which helped soften that aspect for me.
Besides that, I don't have anything to complain about. I need more of them. I need their relationship to develop. I loved how deeply Kaelen loves. I’m a huge fan of stories where love isn’t loud or dramatic, but slow and aching, and this book delivered that in a way that really stuck with me. The longing and wanting and yearning. Urgh. I could talk hours about how much I loved everything about this.
The writing itself was a big reason I enjoyed this so much. Even in a short format, Briar Niran managed it to make the relationships feel believable and layered. Their writing is easy to read, flows naturally, and kept me not wanting to stop reading. From the first chapter on I knew I was going to love this story. I also have to mention the cover, because it’s gorgeous.
I literally cannot wait for the first book to come out. I need more of Kaelen and Richard ASAP, and I need them to get head over heels for each other. The prequel alone left me with so many questions I cannot wait to be answered in the coming books. I need answers.
The only reason I rate this book only 4.5 stars instead of 5 is simply because I think there's room for improvement, especially their relationship. It can only become better. As for the fantasy elements, I liked the worldbuilding and magic, but they’re not explored very deeply yet. Since this is a prequel, I’m positive the main book will focus more on the magic system and the world as a whole.
Overall, The Squire and His Prince made me care deeply about the characters and left me desperate for the next book. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, a lot of pining, queer romantasy, and ace rep, this is absolutely worth reading. I’m extremely excited for The Sun King's Dawn and genuinely cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Thanks to the the author and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Squire and His Prince by Briar Niran is a prequel of the The Sun King and His Knight series that hasn't been published yet, and I ended up loving it way more than I expected.
Kaelen has loved Prince Richard for most of his life, and you really feel that in every interaction and every small moment where he’s close to Richard, yet so far away from him. Don't expect a great romance story in here, or spoken declarations of love, as their relationship is very slow-burn. This story is all about yearning, and that’s exactly what worked so well for me.
I found myself getting attached to the characters very quickly. Kaelen is a great protagonist. He’s strong, brave, emotionally aware, deeply loyal, and very loving. His love for Richard feels so genuine and profound, I don't think I have ever read something like this. Richard, on the other hand, is more reserved and controlled, but the story still does a great job of showing his qualities; the way he cares for his siblings and his kingdom, and how much pressure he’s under as the crown prince. I especially appreciated the ace representation with Richard, and it made me furious how everyone around him reacts to it. The idea that a ruler’s worth is tied to who they share a bed with made me so angry, and I hated how much pressure and judgment Richard is under just for existing the way he does. The author did a great job with that.
“But one who truly loves you would accept every part of you. They would cherish what you can give, rather than resent what you cannot.”
The side characters were another highlight. I liked Prince Corwin, Kaelen's sworn brother and Richard's actual brother. In the beginning I thought I would hate him, but I was surprised how caring he was towards Kaelen. He was teasing and funny. I also liked their sisters, Elara and little Briony. These relationships were beautifully developed, even though the novella is fairly short.
On the flip side, Prince Alaric? Absolutely insufferable. I hated him so much, which honestly just means he did a good job as an antagonist.
There are a couple of things worth mentioning before going in. Kaelen is 18, while Richard is about ten years older, and Richard has known him pretty much all his life. That’s definitely questionable, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that. The story does make it clear that Richard himself is uncomfortable with the idea of marrying someone so young and he thinks critically about it, which helped soften that aspect for me.
Besides that, I don't have anything to complain about. I need more of them. I need their relationship to develop. I loved how deeply Kaelen loves. I’m a huge fan of stories where love isn’t loud or dramatic, but slow and aching, and this book delivered that in a way that really stuck with me. The longing and wanting and yearning. Urgh. I could talk hours about how much I loved everything about this.
The writing itself was a big reason I enjoyed this so much. Even in a short format, Briar Niran managed it to make the relationships feel believable and layered. Their writing is easy to read, flows naturally, and kept me not wanting to stop reading. From the first chapter on I knew I was going to love this story. I also have to mention the cover, because it’s gorgeous.
I literally cannot wait for the first book to come out. I need more of Kaelen and Richard ASAP, and I need them to get head over heels for each other. The prequel alone left me with so many questions I cannot wait to be answered in the coming books. I need answers.
The only reason I rate this book only 4.5 stars instead of 5 is simply because I think there's room for improvement, especially their relationship. It can only become better. As for the fantasy elements, I liked the worldbuilding and magic, but they’re not explored very deeply yet. Since this is a prequel, I’m positive the main book will focus more on the magic system and the world as a whole.
Overall, The Squire and His Prince made me care deeply about the characters and left me desperate for the next book. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, a lot of pining, queer romantasy, and ace rep, this is absolutely worth reading. I’m extremely excited for The Sun King's Dawn and genuinely cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Thanks to the the author and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2026
The Squire and His Prince - Briar Niran ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘For eighteen-year-old squire Kaelen, the crown prince is everything—ruthlessly clever, disciplined, devoted to his siblings, and a man Kaelen has hopelessly loved since childhood.
Richard, however, barely notices his existence.’
The sense of growth from the main character Kaelen was one of the main things I loved about this book, his strength and resolve to his cause were well developed. Consistent in actions, it was no surprise when his defining moment in the book came around, and better yet, he stayed consistent afterwards.
Prince Richard came across as ethereal and gentle, his actions being more behind the scenes then told about directly, this added an air of mystery and intrigue to the character. The only mystery Richard couldn’t hide was the love he had for his siblings and his realm.
The realm of Ardenia and its general day to day life felt natural and like I could imagine myself there amongst the people working in harmony together.
The writing style of this book was immersive and made the setting and characters feel elegant and graceful, juxtaposing the chaotic nature of Kaelen. The royal characters were refreshingly down to earth, without the self inflated egos of that of the other realms, treating their subordinates with respect and good faith over backstabbing and fear.
The plot escalated from the general day to day life of Kaelen to chaos because he couldn’t hold his tongue, a frequent occurrence completely in line with his character. It showed the personalities of each character and how their individual actions unfolded the combined story, flowing consistently.
The use of magic wasn’t the main element of the story, which felt right considering Kaelen’s occupation, but fell within the natural harmony of the story without coming across as forced. I look forward to learning more about the magic system in the upcoming series.
I loved the sworn brother relationship Kaelen had between Prince Richard's brother and his clear friendship between all the other siblings. I look forward to reading more about the sworn brothers' friendship and how their friendship evolves over time.
Overall this prequel book was very much enjoyed and is a solid 5 star read for me. I can’t wait to read book one of the series when it comes out (The Sun King’s Dawn)
Thank you to Briar Niran and Heartwell House for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
‘For eighteen-year-old squire Kaelen, the crown prince is everything—ruthlessly clever, disciplined, devoted to his siblings, and a man Kaelen has hopelessly loved since childhood.
Richard, however, barely notices his existence.’
The sense of growth from the main character Kaelen was one of the main things I loved about this book, his strength and resolve to his cause were well developed. Consistent in actions, it was no surprise when his defining moment in the book came around, and better yet, he stayed consistent afterwards.
Prince Richard came across as ethereal and gentle, his actions being more behind the scenes then told about directly, this added an air of mystery and intrigue to the character. The only mystery Richard couldn’t hide was the love he had for his siblings and his realm.
The realm of Ardenia and its general day to day life felt natural and like I could imagine myself there amongst the people working in harmony together.
The writing style of this book was immersive and made the setting and characters feel elegant and graceful, juxtaposing the chaotic nature of Kaelen. The royal characters were refreshingly down to earth, without the self inflated egos of that of the other realms, treating their subordinates with respect and good faith over backstabbing and fear.
The plot escalated from the general day to day life of Kaelen to chaos because he couldn’t hold his tongue, a frequent occurrence completely in line with his character. It showed the personalities of each character and how their individual actions unfolded the combined story, flowing consistently.
The use of magic wasn’t the main element of the story, which felt right considering Kaelen’s occupation, but fell within the natural harmony of the story without coming across as forced. I look forward to learning more about the magic system in the upcoming series.
I loved the sworn brother relationship Kaelen had between Prince Richard's brother and his clear friendship between all the other siblings. I look forward to reading more about the sworn brothers' friendship and how their friendship evolves over time.
Overall this prequel book was very much enjoyed and is a solid 5 star read for me. I can’t wait to read book one of the series when it comes out (The Sun King’s Dawn)
Thank you to Briar Niran and Heartwell House for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2026
i could tell from the first few pages that i was gonna love this novella. it has everything i look for in a book. first, i wanna talk about how much i LOVE the characters and their relationship with one another. i love how connected they all are and how much they care for each other. i know it's not quite the found family trope, but it feels like it is and i love that. this novella successfully showed us how well these character play with each other on the page.
i also like the dialogue and how it shows the characters' personalities but most of all, i love how truly reflective kaelen was. he's in tune with his emotions, i can empathize with what he's feeling and above all, his feeling lingers. i have problem with other books when they don't expound how the main characters are thinking and feeling but it's not a problem in this book at all. richard on the other hand i also loved. even though there's a lot of focus on kaelen on this novella, the author was able to show us richard's principles and character so it made it really easy adore him.
this book was able to set up the next one very well. but if i have to point out something i didn't quite like as much as i liked the rest of the book, it would be that i think kaelen learned a little bit too much towards the end. it kind of feels like we've been given too many specific information about the future, especially about the romance. i'm afraid at how it might impact kaelen's attitude or actions moving forward. that being said, it's entirely possible that the author could make it work in the future books and i'm just worrying for nothing.
i'm giving it 4.5 stars because with a bit more scope (which seems like we're gonna get in the next book), it could really shine. i'm really excited to see what comes next!
grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy and share my unbiased thoughts.
i also like the dialogue and how it shows the characters' personalities but most of all, i love how truly reflective kaelen was. he's in tune with his emotions, i can empathize with what he's feeling and above all, his feeling lingers. i have problem with other books when they don't expound how the main characters are thinking and feeling but it's not a problem in this book at all. richard on the other hand i also loved. even though there's a lot of focus on kaelen on this novella, the author was able to show us richard's principles and character so it made it really easy adore him.
this book was able to set up the next one very well. but if i have to point out something i didn't quite like as much as i liked the rest of the book, it would be that i think kaelen learned a little bit too much towards the end. it kind of feels like we've been given too many specific information about the future, especially about the romance. i'm afraid at how it might impact kaelen's attitude or actions moving forward. that being said, it's entirely possible that the author could make it work in the future books and i'm just worrying for nothing.
i'm giving it 4.5 stars because with a bit more scope (which seems like we're gonna get in the next book), it could really shine. i'm really excited to see what comes next!
grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy and share my unbiased thoughts.
January 24, 2026
Oh, my—what have I done? I was in love with this book from the very first chapter. The characters spring to life immediately, and from their first introductions I knew the easy teasing and obvious affection between Kaelen and the three younger royal siblings was going to make this an enjoyable read.
Kaelen is a squire, and while he isn’t royalty, he’s grown up alongside the royal siblings, with parents who are close friends of the King and Queen. Still, falling in love with a crown prince ten years his senior probably isn’t a good idea. But Prince Richard is everything Kaelen wants, and he just…can’t stop himself. The pining is exquisite. Soft, aching, lingering, and absolutely adorable.
This prequel, The Squire and His Prince, feels very much like the calm before a coming storm. It carries a classic fairytale, Arthurian warmth, with darkness quietly lurking beneath the sunshine. The worldbuilding feels effortless, and it was easy to slot the kingdom names and royal courts into a familiar framework that was easy to imagine and I’m sure will be expanded in future books.
This is the beginning of exactly the kind of series I lie awake wishing for: a brave, chivalrous knight (or squire, for now) and a kind, beautiful, tortured prince, with destiny looming over their heads, adventure in their future, and the slowest, most yearning burn imaginable.
I may only feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven—but waiting for the rest of these books might actually kill me. I genuinely loved this short taste of what is to come. I cannot wait for more!
I received a free eARC via BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Kaelen is a squire, and while he isn’t royalty, he’s grown up alongside the royal siblings, with parents who are close friends of the King and Queen. Still, falling in love with a crown prince ten years his senior probably isn’t a good idea. But Prince Richard is everything Kaelen wants, and he just…can’t stop himself. The pining is exquisite. Soft, aching, lingering, and absolutely adorable.
This prequel, The Squire and His Prince, feels very much like the calm before a coming storm. It carries a classic fairytale, Arthurian warmth, with darkness quietly lurking beneath the sunshine. The worldbuilding feels effortless, and it was easy to slot the kingdom names and royal courts into a familiar framework that was easy to imagine and I’m sure will be expanded in future books.
This is the beginning of exactly the kind of series I lie awake wishing for: a brave, chivalrous knight (or squire, for now) and a kind, beautiful, tortured prince, with destiny looming over their heads, adventure in their future, and the slowest, most yearning burn imaginable.
I may only feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven—but waiting for the rest of these books might actually kill me. I genuinely loved this short taste of what is to come. I cannot wait for more!
I received a free eARC via BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 4, 2026
Okay, so this is my first time reviewing an ARC. Thank you so much for accepting my request! I’m enjoying this book, but at the same time, there are some things I don’t like.
First of all, this is a story about a squire who is ten years younger than the prince he likes so much. I won’t spoil the story, but if you enjoy stupid sunshine x grumpy, you might like this book.
The MC (Kaelen) is our stupid sunshine, who loves his prince so much. In Indonesia, we call this bucin (budak cinta), or in English, literally a “love slave” lol. He is so in love with his prince that sometimes I found myself speechless—he can still think about how beautiful his prince is even in the worst situations. He is lovesick indeed.
It’s cute, but at the same time, it makes him look dumb—well, everyone in the book agrees, and so do I. However, he is a righteous person, has a temper, and is also impulsive. Maybe that’s why I don’t really like him as a main character. But he is still young, only 18, and maybe that’s why he’s foolish. So he clearly still has room for improvement.
As for the world-building, honestly, it made me wonder how the hierarchy works. It’s about a kingdom, so no matter how close a prince or princess is to a squire, I think there should still be a clear gap. But maybe this kingdom is more free, since they can set up a marriage between two men.
Other than that, I found myself enjoying their interactions and the writing. I also found a quote I really liked:
“Fear does not absolve cowardice.”
So overall, this is a 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
First of all, this is a story about a squire who is ten years younger than the prince he likes so much. I won’t spoil the story, but if you enjoy stupid sunshine x grumpy, you might like this book.
The MC (Kaelen) is our stupid sunshine, who loves his prince so much. In Indonesia, we call this bucin (budak cinta), or in English, literally a “love slave” lol. He is so in love with his prince that sometimes I found myself speechless—he can still think about how beautiful his prince is even in the worst situations. He is lovesick indeed.
It’s cute, but at the same time, it makes him look dumb—well, everyone in the book agrees, and so do I. However, he is a righteous person, has a temper, and is also impulsive. Maybe that’s why I don’t really like him as a main character. But he is still young, only 18, and maybe that’s why he’s foolish. So he clearly still has room for improvement.
As for the world-building, honestly, it made me wonder how the hierarchy works. It’s about a kingdom, so no matter how close a prince or princess is to a squire, I think there should still be a clear gap. But maybe this kingdom is more free, since they can set up a marriage between two men.
Other than that, I found myself enjoying their interactions and the writing. I also found a quote I really liked:
“Fear does not absolve cowardice.”
So overall, this is a 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
February 5, 2026
The Squire and His Prince is an amazing little novella - the kind that makes you ache for its characters and then leaves you immediately wanting more. I was completely invested from the start, and by the end I was already desperate for the sequel.
Kaelen’s longing feels beautifully done. His love for Richard is steadfast, heartfelt and selfless yet painfully sincere - he wants Richard’s happiness above all else, even when it costs him dearly. That depth of devotion made every interaction feel emotionally weighted, and don't get me started on the ace representation. I also really loved Kaelen’s bond with his sworn brother (and Richard's sibling) Corwin and the easy, affectionate dynamic he shares with all royal siblings - it gave the story a strong sense of found family, warmth and loyalty.
The touches of magic add an extra layer of interest that I hope we delve into in the sequels. The Queen’s prophetic Thread-reading and Elara’s fire magic were particularly enjoyable, hinting at a fascinating wider world to be explored. The queer-normative setting was another highlight - it felt welcoming and warm, and refreshingly unremarked upon, even among the antagonists.
Fans of the slowest-burn queer romantasy, age gaps and all the pining will love this. I’m already champing at the bit for The Sun King’s Dawn to see where this story goes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Heartwell House for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
Kaelen’s longing feels beautifully done. His love for Richard is steadfast, heartfelt and selfless yet painfully sincere - he wants Richard’s happiness above all else, even when it costs him dearly. That depth of devotion made every interaction feel emotionally weighted, and don't get me started on the ace representation. I also really loved Kaelen’s bond with his sworn brother (and Richard's sibling) Corwin and the easy, affectionate dynamic he shares with all royal siblings - it gave the story a strong sense of found family, warmth and loyalty.
The touches of magic add an extra layer of interest that I hope we delve into in the sequels. The Queen’s prophetic Thread-reading and Elara’s fire magic were particularly enjoyable, hinting at a fascinating wider world to be explored. The queer-normative setting was another highlight - it felt welcoming and warm, and refreshingly unremarked upon, even among the antagonists.
Fans of the slowest-burn queer romantasy, age gaps and all the pining will love this. I’m already champing at the bit for The Sun King’s Dawn to see where this story goes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Heartwell House for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
January 15, 2026
'The Squire and his Prince’ has an intriguing set-up that’s apparent from the start: a squire who had just turned eighteen, pining for his Crown Prince a decade his senior. What hope is there for Kaelen, but to admire Richard from afar given the vast difference in status?
But Kaelen is determinedly in love with Richard for the longest time, though some of his actions still show the rash and foolish rationalisations of youth so to speak, which nearly causes the latter to stumble in his path to kingship. Richard finally takes notice of him through his blunders, though it’s not even quite platonic at this point in time.
I like the gentle introduction to the characters and to the land in this prequel, which means I’m not scrambling to digest a boatload of information about the world-building and the politics in a single gulp and swallow. Yet it’s sort of hard to tell where this is going for now which accounts for my rating, given that there’s some kind of prophecy involved when it comes to Kaelen and Richard, only that we’re in for a long journey ahead.
Nonetheless, the prequel gives a good grounding for the books to come—and I’m eager to see what happens next.
*ARC by the publisher via Netalley
But Kaelen is determinedly in love with Richard for the longest time, though some of his actions still show the rash and foolish rationalisations of youth so to speak, which nearly causes the latter to stumble in his path to kingship. Richard finally takes notice of him through his blunders, though it’s not even quite platonic at this point in time.
I like the gentle introduction to the characters and to the land in this prequel, which means I’m not scrambling to digest a boatload of information about the world-building and the politics in a single gulp and swallow. Yet it’s sort of hard to tell where this is going for now which accounts for my rating, given that there’s some kind of prophecy involved when it comes to Kaelen and Richard, only that we’re in for a long journey ahead.
Nonetheless, the prequel gives a good grounding for the books to come—and I’m eager to see what happens next.
*ARC by the publisher via Netalley
January 26, 2026
Such a great novella! I can't wait for the first book to come out!
Kaelen, a young squire who has a lot of love for Ardenia and the crown prince. He will do anything for his crown prince to be happy, even if the crown prince doesn't show much emotion. He even proposed cutely to Richard when he was just a child! Everyone is fully aware of his affections towards Richard and never ever degraded him for it, except Corwin, but it's just his best friend teasing him. Kaelen will do anything to protect Richard and he will not yield, not at all.
Richard, the crown prince of Ardenia, has a lot on his plate. He's won battles and protected Ardenia's borders, but he refuses to marry anyone and has rejected every princess and prince. As the eldest son, he is expected to wed soon.
Kaelen protects Richard's honor by hitting a foreign prince, who spoke ill of the crown prince and faces the consequences of his actions.
One thing I absolutely adore is the family and friend dynamics.
The relationship between the royal family of Ardenia and the Haramont family is everything!
The characters are very likable and little Briony is absolutely adorable!
I can't wait to see more about this world and the relationship between Kaelen and Richard!
Kaelen, a young squire who has a lot of love for Ardenia and the crown prince. He will do anything for his crown prince to be happy, even if the crown prince doesn't show much emotion. He even proposed cutely to Richard when he was just a child! Everyone is fully aware of his affections towards Richard and never ever degraded him for it, except Corwin, but it's just his best friend teasing him. Kaelen will do anything to protect Richard and he will not yield, not at all.
Richard, the crown prince of Ardenia, has a lot on his plate. He's won battles and protected Ardenia's borders, but he refuses to marry anyone and has rejected every princess and prince. As the eldest son, he is expected to wed soon.
Kaelen protects Richard's honor by hitting a foreign prince, who spoke ill of the crown prince and faces the consequences of his actions.
One thing I absolutely adore is the family and friend dynamics.
The relationship between the royal family of Ardenia and the Haramont family is everything!
The characters are very likable and little Briony is absolutely adorable!
I can't wait to see more about this world and the relationship between Kaelen and Richard!
February 3, 2026
I went into A Squire and His Prince completely blind and was so pleasantly surprised by how much depth Briar Niran packed into such a short read. What could have easily been a simple story instead unfolds into a thoughtful, emotional exploration of loyalty, class, and love.
Learning more about Kaelin and Prince Richard and their history was one of my favorite parts of the book. The way their past is revealed throughout the story felt natural and meaningful, adding layers to both characters without slowing the pacing. Kaelin easily won me over. His blend of bravery, loyalty, and genuine sensitivity makes him a character you can’t help but to love.
I also deeply appreciated the world-building, especially the way love is treated as simply love. There’s no assumption that heterosexuality is the default or “correct” form of affection, which made the romance feel both refreshing and affirming rather than performative.
Overall, this was a beautifully told, character-driven story that exceeded my expectations. If you enjoy emotionally rich fantasy with heartfelt relationships and an underdog you can’t help but cheer for, this one is well worth your time.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Learning more about Kaelin and Prince Richard and their history was one of my favorite parts of the book. The way their past is revealed throughout the story felt natural and meaningful, adding layers to both characters without slowing the pacing. Kaelin easily won me over. His blend of bravery, loyalty, and genuine sensitivity makes him a character you can’t help but to love.
I also deeply appreciated the world-building, especially the way love is treated as simply love. There’s no assumption that heterosexuality is the default or “correct” form of affection, which made the romance feel both refreshing and affirming rather than performative.
Overall, this was a beautifully told, character-driven story that exceeded my expectations. If you enjoy emotionally rich fantasy with heartfelt relationships and an underdog you can’t help but cheer for, this one is well worth your time.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this novella. It was an interesting way to introduce a new series, and it definitely has me interested in reading the first novel when it comes out.
This novella introduces Kaelen, a spunky squire who has been hopelessly committed to the crown prince for as long as he can remember. Through the story Kaelan displays his devotion to Prince Richard as not only an act of love, but also of respect.
We see much less of Prince Richard in this novella, although it appears the first novel is from his perspective. He is a bit gruff and hard to get a read on, but the characters around him really help show that his gruffness seems to be a sort of shield. I am also partially to asexual-coded characters, which Prince Richard is, and I am excited to see how his relationship with Kaelen in the series is approached.
I was initially a bit wary about the age gap (Kaelen is 18 and Richard is 28), but I didn’t find the description of it to be overly concerning. Still, if large age gaps are a no go, you may not enjoy this novella.
I would recommend The Squire and His Prince to people who enjoy fantasy romances with a good amount of court intrigue and a queer-normative society.
I really enjoyed this novella. It was an interesting way to introduce a new series, and it definitely has me interested in reading the first novel when it comes out.
This novella introduces Kaelen, a spunky squire who has been hopelessly committed to the crown prince for as long as he can remember. Through the story Kaelan displays his devotion to Prince Richard as not only an act of love, but also of respect.
We see much less of Prince Richard in this novella, although it appears the first novel is from his perspective. He is a bit gruff and hard to get a read on, but the characters around him really help show that his gruffness seems to be a sort of shield. I am also partially to asexual-coded characters, which Prince Richard is, and I am excited to see how his relationship with Kaelen in the series is approached.
I was initially a bit wary about the age gap (Kaelen is 18 and Richard is 28), but I didn’t find the description of it to be overly concerning. Still, if large age gaps are a no go, you may not enjoy this novella.
I would recommend The Squire and His Prince to people who enjoy fantasy romances with a good amount of court intrigue and a queer-normative society.
January 18, 2026
This was a very interesting start to a new series.
Kaelen is a young squire who has been in love with Prince Richard since childhood. All he ever does is to impress him but the prince barely notices him. When a delegation from Estara comes to talk about marriage between Richard and one of the Estaran heirs, Kaelen can barely contain his jealousy. He complicates things further when he throws a punch at the Estaran prince as retaliation for his crude remarks about Richard.
Kaelen is a very likeable character. He is very young and full of idealistic ideas; he doesn't understand court intrigues and acts without thinking about consequences to his behavior. He is very kind and caring to everybody around him, always trying to help.
Richard seems very stoic and weak when we see him through Kaelen's eyes but as the story progresses we see that it is only a façade. He is very strong and doesn't allow anybody to control him.
I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to read the series.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGally for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Kaelen is a young squire who has been in love with Prince Richard since childhood. All he ever does is to impress him but the prince barely notices him. When a delegation from Estara comes to talk about marriage between Richard and one of the Estaran heirs, Kaelen can barely contain his jealousy. He complicates things further when he throws a punch at the Estaran prince as retaliation for his crude remarks about Richard.
Kaelen is a very likeable character. He is very young and full of idealistic ideas; he doesn't understand court intrigues and acts without thinking about consequences to his behavior. He is very kind and caring to everybody around him, always trying to help.
Richard seems very stoic and weak when we see him through Kaelen's eyes but as the story progresses we see that it is only a façade. He is very strong and doesn't allow anybody to control him.
I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to read the series.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGally for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2026
The Squire and His Prince by Briar Niran completely won me over with its soft fantasy atmosphere and deeply romantic heart. From the medieval-inspired setting to the gentle magic woven through the story, it felt like stepping into a classic fairy tale—one grounded by emotion rather than epic battles.
The romance is very much a slow burn, built on loyalty, quiet devotion, and feelings that grow long before they’re ever spoken. I loved how much longing and tenderness filled even the smallest moments between the characters. Their relationship feels sincere and emotionally safe, which made it incredibly satisfying to watch unfold.
The fantasy elements add a sense of wonder and escapism without overpowering the love story. Instead, they enhance it, giving the romance space to breathe while still providing stakes and a sense of destiny. The world feels intimate and intentional, perfectly suited to a story driven by character and connection.
Overall, The Squire and His Prince is a romantic, comforting fantasy that leans heavily into yearning, devotion, and soft magic. A lovely read for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance that’s more about the heart than the battlefield.
The romance is very much a slow burn, built on loyalty, quiet devotion, and feelings that grow long before they’re ever spoken. I loved how much longing and tenderness filled even the smallest moments between the characters. Their relationship feels sincere and emotionally safe, which made it incredibly satisfying to watch unfold.
The fantasy elements add a sense of wonder and escapism without overpowering the love story. Instead, they enhance it, giving the romance space to breathe while still providing stakes and a sense of destiny. The world feels intimate and intentional, perfectly suited to a story driven by character and connection.
Overall, The Squire and His Prince is a romantic, comforting fantasy that leans heavily into yearning, devotion, and soft magic. A lovely read for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance that’s more about the heart than the battlefield.
February 1, 2026
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect for a prequel to an upcoming series. I hate to say this, but I was a bit underwhelmed by what I received.
The Squire and His Prince focuses on Kaelen and his love for the crown prince, Richard. Kaelen's yearning was kind of cute at first. Eventually, it started getting odd. It frustrated me how reckless Kaelen was regarding Richard. Honestly, what made his behavior worse was the age gap, which is not small by any means.
I know this is a prequel, but I have so many questions about the world. Betrothals between people of the same sex seem to be common here. Why is that the case? I was curious about the history of this world, but little was told about it.
Overall, this novella was fun, but it leaves you wanting for more. The one thing that might turn readers off is the ten-year age difference between Richard and Kaelen. If you don’t mind that, I think you will enjoy this book.
I wasn’t sure what to expect for a prequel to an upcoming series. I hate to say this, but I was a bit underwhelmed by what I received.
The Squire and His Prince focuses on Kaelen and his love for the crown prince, Richard. Kaelen's yearning was kind of cute at first. Eventually, it started getting odd. It frustrated me how reckless Kaelen was regarding Richard. Honestly, what made his behavior worse was the age gap, which is not small by any means.
I know this is a prequel, but I have so many questions about the world. Betrothals between people of the same sex seem to be common here. Why is that the case? I was curious about the history of this world, but little was told about it.
Overall, this novella was fun, but it leaves you wanting for more. The one thing that might turn readers off is the ten-year age difference between Richard and Kaelen. If you don’t mind that, I think you will enjoy this book.
January 18, 2026
eARC received through Netgalley.
Detangling my thoughts about this is gonna be tricky. I definitely really liked it, no doubt about that. But figuring out whether this is a full five or a four might take a bit. The book felt like it did everything it set out to do without giving away too much. The characters were great and the writing was good (the dialogue felt very natural to me, which is a super bonus). I wanted more of everything though. More worldbuilding, more of the character dynamics. Some things were mentioned once that could have been whole separate books of their own. But thats not really a fault of the book as drawing the reader in slowly to the story feels like its entire intent. I'm really looking forward to reading on in this series, regardless.
Edit: I think imma settle on a four, but the rest of this series I could easily see being fives in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
Detangling my thoughts about this is gonna be tricky. I definitely really liked it, no doubt about that. But figuring out whether this is a full five or a four might take a bit. The book felt like it did everything it set out to do without giving away too much. The characters were great and the writing was good (the dialogue felt very natural to me, which is a super bonus). I wanted more of everything though. More worldbuilding, more of the character dynamics. Some things were mentioned once that could have been whole separate books of their own. But thats not really a fault of the book as drawing the reader in slowly to the story feels like its entire intent. I'm really looking forward to reading on in this series, regardless.
Edit: I think imma settle on a four, but the rest of this series I could easily see being fives in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
January 28, 2026
This is so good! I want to read the books that follow! I knew this was a prequel, and a very fast read, but it left me wanting more! I loved the set up for the romance (hopefully it’ll be HEA), and the world setting was incredible for such a short book! Kaelen is gold, I adore Richard as well, and Corwin is just awesome. But my favorite is the queen! I love how her visions present several scenarios, making you want to know more, know which one comes to pass, and how is Kaelen going to finally be taller than Corwin! It’s an incredible set up for the next books, and now I can’t wait to read those! Prequels usually don’t add much, but I think that seeing the characters prior to all the struggles they’ll be facing makes you root for them more, and this one was perfect to make readers fall in love with the characters and the lore. Amazing!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2026
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review The Squire and His Prince!
What an amazing introduction. The Squire and His Prince follows Kaelen, a full hearted and fiercely loyal squire, and Crown Prince Richard, who carries the pressure of serving and protecting Ardenia alone as he refuses to marry. We join them to face Kaelen's consequences after attacking a foreign prince who was dishonoring Richard.
The characters are loveable. Kaelen is Ardenia's sweetheart and has made his way into everyone's heart. His relationship with his parents was lovely to read and his friendship with the King and Queen's children is beautiful. These two fated families are the support system everyone dreams of having. Kaelen's yearning for the Crown Prince is tangible and the slow burn is excruciating. I could not get enough of these characters and anticipate how their story continues.
I am impatiently waiting for book one!
What an amazing introduction. The Squire and His Prince follows Kaelen, a full hearted and fiercely loyal squire, and Crown Prince Richard, who carries the pressure of serving and protecting Ardenia alone as he refuses to marry. We join them to face Kaelen's consequences after attacking a foreign prince who was dishonoring Richard.
The characters are loveable. Kaelen is Ardenia's sweetheart and has made his way into everyone's heart. His relationship with his parents was lovely to read and his friendship with the King and Queen's children is beautiful. These two fated families are the support system everyone dreams of having. Kaelen's yearning for the Crown Prince is tangible and the slow burn is excruciating. I could not get enough of these characters and anticipate how their story continues.
I am impatiently waiting for book one!
January 26, 2026
Finished in one sitting.
I don’t think I moved or even breathed?
This was so so good. Very quick read and I finished it rushing to search for the next.
Kaelen (the honourable and brave squire) is head-over-heels in lusty love with Prince Richard who is about as standoffish and icy as he is handsome. Too bad the squire cannot do anything or be with anyone (especially intimately) without conjuring images of the Prince.
When Richard’s honour and character come into question, Kaelen literally slaps the heck out of who dealt the insult.
Too bad it was a foreign prince.
With Richard’s future on the line, Kaelen must fight for his hand.
The ending… oh damn I need that next book immediately.
Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!
I don’t think I moved or even breathed?
This was so so good. Very quick read and I finished it rushing to search for the next.
Kaelen (the honourable and brave squire) is head-over-heels in lusty love with Prince Richard who is about as standoffish and icy as he is handsome. Too bad the squire cannot do anything or be with anyone (especially intimately) without conjuring images of the Prince.
When Richard’s honour and character come into question, Kaelen literally slaps the heck out of who dealt the insult.
Too bad it was a foreign prince.
With Richard’s future on the line, Kaelen must fight for his hand.
The ending… oh damn I need that next book immediately.
Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
The novel captivated me from its initial chapter, offering a comprehensive narrative experience. The characters were well-developed, with a balanced blend of humorous and poignant moments. Each character's motivations were clearly articulated, allowing for deep reader engagement. The plot and setting were exceptionally crafted, evoking a sense of literary nostalgia. The narrative's approach to sexuality was particularly noteworthy, presenting diverse sexual identities with nuance and normalcy. The story's inclusive representation suggests a progressive and empathetic perspective on human relationships. I am eagerly anticipating the book's publication to continue exploring the narrative's trajectory.
January 18, 2026
This was so much fun!
It was a short novella, but I already grown fond of the characters. Kaelen was so sweet with his devotion to Richard and I could see it grow more as he matures. It was also sweet how Richard treated his obvious interest, he didn't play with him and was ready to protect him. I really would love to see when he starts to fell for him, I have no doubt he will deny his feeling at first. It was also very sweet how this big family treated each other.
It was a great prequel, I already want to jump into the first book to see what happens next.
Also, very humorous book, it made me cackle more than once.
It was a short novella, but I already grown fond of the characters. Kaelen was so sweet with his devotion to Richard and I could see it grow more as he matures. It was also sweet how Richard treated his obvious interest, he didn't play with him and was ready to protect him. I really would love to see when he starts to fell for him, I have no doubt he will deny his feeling at first. It was also very sweet how this big family treated each other.
It was a great prequel, I already want to jump into the first book to see what happens next.
Also, very humorous book, it made me cackle more than once.
January 22, 2026
Lovely novella that introduces Kealon a squire and Richard the crown prince of Ardenia. This introduces these characters and a danger that is looming. It also shows how intertwined Kealon and Richard's family is and how close they could be. Due to the visions of the queen they resist their growing feelings towards each to save the kingdom.
I liked how it gave a lot of background for the families of Kealon and Richard and I cannot wait for future books never before has a novella got my so hooked.
Thank you to Briar Niran and to Heartwell House for the ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review.
I liked how it gave a lot of background for the families of Kealon and Richard and I cannot wait for future books never before has a novella got my so hooked.
Thank you to Briar Niran and to Heartwell House for the ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2026
Thank you so much Briar and NetGalley for providing me with this arc!
This novella was fun and quick, and it provided a great setup for the series. I immediately loved every single character and the relationships shown throughout. The open expression of sexuality was very refreshing, especially given that the characters were of royal blood.
I'm very excited to continue this series and see where this author takes it.
Giving this a 3⭐️ rating because it's a novella, and I usually give this rating to novellas as they tend to be too brief and lack the depth of standard novels to warrant a higher rating.
This novella was fun and quick, and it provided a great setup for the series. I immediately loved every single character and the relationships shown throughout. The open expression of sexuality was very refreshing, especially given that the characters were of royal blood.
I'm very excited to continue this series and see where this author takes it.
Giving this a 3⭐️ rating because it's a novella, and I usually give this rating to novellas as they tend to be too brief and lack the depth of standard novels to warrant a higher rating.
January 26, 2026
This novella is a good teaser to a new series, establishing a queer-positive medieval fantasy world, filled with prophesies and political intrigue. Kaelen is so earnest and determined. It's hard to not love him, especially with the flashback to him being seven years old and proposing marriage (adorable!!!). I like the friendship and family dynamics between Kaelen's family and the royal family. I'm very interested in seeing where all this goes!
(I received a free advanced review copy from the publisher/Netgalley.)
(I received a free advanced review copy from the publisher/Netgalley.)
February 3, 2026
The Squire and His Prince by Briar Niran is a medieval fantasy that follows a young squire secretly in love with his prince. I really enjoyed the premise and found the characters easy to connect with. While the plot was somewhat predictable, it was still well executed and engaging.
I especially loved the throwback scenes and how they deepened the dynamics between the characters. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am definitely looking forward to continuing the series.
Thank you to Briar Niran, NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I especially loved the throwback scenes and how they deepened the dynamics between the characters. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am definitely looking forward to continuing the series.
Thank you to Briar Niran, NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2026
This was a super quick novella that introduced the world and characters. I thought that the writing was good and I’m very interested in seeing where the main story goes. I thought that there was just enough in the prophecies to really intrigue me and make me want the first book in the series right away.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read this as an arc. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read this as an arc. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2026
This was wonderful. Sweet and tense and the perfect hook for a series. I find the idea of a novella as a teaser before a series SUCH a fun idea and this had me excited for the rest of the story instantly.
I became invested in the characters so quickly, which I’m impressed with considering the short length, and can’t wait to see where the story takes them.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
I became invested in the characters so quickly, which I’m impressed with considering the short length, and can’t wait to see where the story takes them.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
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