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Of the Beautiful and Haunted
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jun 26Princess Aza knows her secure a marriage alliance or watch her kingdom suffer.
In a land ruled by heat and sand, her kingdom’s well-being depends on trade. A royal marriage is the strongest protection her people have to secure it. That should be easy, as she is known for being the most beautiful princess in the lands, but what they don't know is that she’s plagued with dark secrets that could destroy her.
Aza’s heart already belongs to someone she can never have. Jahar has sworn to guard her. He is not royal. He is older. And he is forbidden. Yet he is the standard every suitor fails to meet as she journeys across kingdoms in search of a husband.
But love isn’t the only secret she hides. Her mind is haunted by visions, voices, nightmares, and grief. If word spreads that the princess is slowly losing her mind, no alliance will be made — and her kingdom could fall.
Fearing that, despite her fallacies, something might be terribly wrong, Aza tries to uncover truths far buried and hidden without uncovering her own secrets and putting herself, her love, or her kingdom in peril.
Torn between duty and desire, will she succeed with all that is on her shoulders and on the line? Or will the secrets and truths make her lose her mind altogether?
In a land ruled by heat and sand, her kingdom’s well-being depends on trade. A royal marriage is the strongest protection her people have to secure it. That should be easy, as she is known for being the most beautiful princess in the lands, but what they don't know is that she’s plagued with dark secrets that could destroy her.
Aza’s heart already belongs to someone she can never have. Jahar has sworn to guard her. He is not royal. He is older. And he is forbidden. Yet he is the standard every suitor fails to meet as she journeys across kingdoms in search of a husband.
But love isn’t the only secret she hides. Her mind is haunted by visions, voices, nightmares, and grief. If word spreads that the princess is slowly losing her mind, no alliance will be made — and her kingdom could fall.
Fearing that, despite her fallacies, something might be terribly wrong, Aza tries to uncover truths far buried and hidden without uncovering her own secrets and putting herself, her love, or her kingdom in peril.
Torn between duty and desire, will she succeed with all that is on her shoulders and on the line? Or will the secrets and truths make her lose her mind altogether?
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 20, 2026
Of the Beautiful and Haunted was one of those books that I can objectively appreciate more than I personally connected with.
Hazie Walker’s writing is genuinely beautiful and immersive. The world felt vivid, atmospheric, and easy to sink into, and there were several emotional relationships throughout the story that really stood out to me, especially the love and connection between the FMC and her father. Those moments carried a lot of heart.
For me personally, I think this book just sat slightly outside my usual reading preferences. I tend to gravitate toward heavier plot progression and higher tension, so parts of the story felt slower than what typically keeps me fully invested. That said, there were still characters and dynamics I really enjoyed, particularly some of the kinder, more genuine suitors who brought warmth to the story.
And then that ending… honestly heartbreaking. After everything this girl goes through, my heart genuinely hurt for her.
While this wasn’t a perfect fit for me overall, I can absolutely see why others will love it, especially readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy, emotional character relationships, court dynamics, and a more gradual unfolding story. The writing itself was strong enough that I’ll still likely continue with Books 2 and 3 because I need to know where everything goes from here!!
Hazie Walker’s writing is genuinely beautiful and immersive. The world felt vivid, atmospheric, and easy to sink into, and there were several emotional relationships throughout the story that really stood out to me, especially the love and connection between the FMC and her father. Those moments carried a lot of heart.
For me personally, I think this book just sat slightly outside my usual reading preferences. I tend to gravitate toward heavier plot progression and higher tension, so parts of the story felt slower than what typically keeps me fully invested. That said, there were still characters and dynamics I really enjoyed, particularly some of the kinder, more genuine suitors who brought warmth to the story.
And then that ending… honestly heartbreaking. After everything this girl goes through, my heart genuinely hurt for her.
While this wasn’t a perfect fit for me overall, I can absolutely see why others will love it, especially readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy, emotional character relationships, court dynamics, and a more gradual unfolding story. The writing itself was strong enough that I’ll still likely continue with Books 2 and 3 because I need to know where everything goes from here!!
May 19, 2026
Review of reader advanced copy.
I went into this book with high expectations, and the beginning absolutely delivered. The world-building and atmosphere immediately pulled me in, and I loved the darker, emotional tone woven throughout the story. While there were moments where the pacing felt a little fast and I occasionally had to pause to keep track of everything happening, the story still managed to keep me invested enough to see it through to the end.
The characters may not have completely won me over, but I did appreciate the complexity of their relationships and the tension between them. Their dynamic added a lot to the emotional weight of the story, especially with all the longing, secrets, and slow-burn elements layered into the plot. I also enjoyed how the author explored heavier themes alongside the romance, which gave the book a more intense and dramatic feel.
What really stood out to me was the ending. I genuinely did not see that twist coming, and it completely changed my perspective on parts of the story afterward. Even with some pacing issues for me personally, the shocking conclusion and emotional moments made this a memorable read overall. If you enjoy dark fantasy romance with intrigue, tension, and unexpected twists, this is definitely worth picking up.
I went into this book with high expectations, and the beginning absolutely delivered. The world-building and atmosphere immediately pulled me in, and I loved the darker, emotional tone woven throughout the story. While there were moments where the pacing felt a little fast and I occasionally had to pause to keep track of everything happening, the story still managed to keep me invested enough to see it through to the end.
The characters may not have completely won me over, but I did appreciate the complexity of their relationships and the tension between them. Their dynamic added a lot to the emotional weight of the story, especially with all the longing, secrets, and slow-burn elements layered into the plot. I also enjoyed how the author explored heavier themes alongside the romance, which gave the book a more intense and dramatic feel.
What really stood out to me was the ending. I genuinely did not see that twist coming, and it completely changed my perspective on parts of the story afterward. Even with some pacing issues for me personally, the shocking conclusion and emotional moments made this a memorable read overall. If you enjoy dark fantasy romance with intrigue, tension, and unexpected twists, this is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very lucky to be chosen as an ARC reader for Of the Beautiful and Haunted. This is a forbidden love romance with an age-gap relationship and a guard x princess trope, and I really enjoyed it from the start.
The author has made trigger warnings very clear, placing icons at the beginning of triggering or spicy chapters. These chapters can be skipped without losing anything important to the story, which I thought was very thoughtful.
I liked the characters, although I think that the side character Zhou ended up being my favourite. He was such a fun character, and honestly, he was my hero with his meddling!
I really empathised with Aza and her struggles throughout the story, which made her character feel very real to me. The book highlights that mental health struggles can affect anyone, and that you never truly know what someone else may be going through.
I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down for the final 15 chapters, which were a roller coaster. That ending had me sitting there thinking, “Whaaaat?!” and I can’t wait to read Book 2!
The author has made trigger warnings very clear, placing icons at the beginning of triggering or spicy chapters. These chapters can be skipped without losing anything important to the story, which I thought was very thoughtful.
I liked the characters, although I think that the side character Zhou ended up being my favourite. He was such a fun character, and honestly, he was my hero with his meddling!
I really empathised with Aza and her struggles throughout the story, which made her character feel very real to me. The book highlights that mental health struggles can affect anyone, and that you never truly know what someone else may be going through.
I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down for the final 15 chapters, which were a roller coaster. That ending had me sitting there thinking, “Whaaaat?!” and I can’t wait to read Book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“In this world, in the next, in Heaven or Hell. My entire being belongs to you.” 😭❤️
Honestly, this quote hits SO much different now after that absolute CLIFFHANGER! 🤯
First off, I want to say a huge thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of this ARC team! Second, I really want to talk about how much care she shows for her readers. The opening pages warn you of spicy chapters (in case you want to skip over them without missing any of the actual plot), and when heavy themes show up, she even labels those chapters as well so you can be mindful of the topics and choose to skip them if needed. I love that so much! 🥹
If you love a good forbidden romance or a guard/princess trope... absolutely SNAG THIS UP! 🛡️👑 This book also gives you a little magic, mystery, and a whole lot of DRAMA right from the very beginning! I could NOT put it down!!
I can’t wait for book 2 to be released because my heart absolutely CANNOT handle how this book ended!!!! I need MORE! 💔😭
Honestly, this quote hits SO much different now after that absolute CLIFFHANGER! 🤯
First off, I want to say a huge thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of this ARC team! Second, I really want to talk about how much care she shows for her readers. The opening pages warn you of spicy chapters (in case you want to skip over them without missing any of the actual plot), and when heavy themes show up, she even labels those chapters as well so you can be mindful of the topics and choose to skip them if needed. I love that so much! 🥹
If you love a good forbidden romance or a guard/princess trope... absolutely SNAG THIS UP! 🛡️👑 This book also gives you a little magic, mystery, and a whole lot of DRAMA right from the very beginning! I could NOT put it down!!
I can’t wait for book 2 to be released because my heart absolutely CANNOT handle how this book ended!!!! I need MORE! 💔😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Read*
Thank you so much Hazie for giving me an ARC copy of your book!
All I can say is wow, wow, wow! This book had me hooked all the way through and I absolutely loved it!
The relationship between Aza and Jahar was beautiful and a 'will they get together, won't they' story, which even though it happened towards the end of the book, was perfectly timed and wasn't rushed, it was spot on!
The ending though! I never saw that coming and I can't stop thinking about it! I really can't wait to read the next book as I need to know what happens next!
There are trigger warnings in the book and certain chapters have them but they are done in such a way that if you don't read that chapter, you don't miss any of the story.
Thank you so much Hazie for giving me an ARC copy of your book!
All I can say is wow, wow, wow! This book had me hooked all the way through and I absolutely loved it!
The relationship between Aza and Jahar was beautiful and a 'will they get together, won't they' story, which even though it happened towards the end of the book, was perfectly timed and wasn't rushed, it was spot on!
The ending though! I never saw that coming and I can't stop thinking about it! I really can't wait to read the next book as I need to know what happens next!
There are trigger warnings in the book and certain chapters have them but they are done in such a way that if you don't read that chapter, you don't miss any of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to be chosen as an arc reader by the author. I liked this book. I thought it was a good fantasy book with a well thought out romance. The author noted pages that had spice or potential triggers on them, which I found to be really helpful and kind especially for a book that depicts struggles with grief and mental health. I'm not sure if personally the book had the depth of books I usually like to read, but I really enjoyed the story and the cliffhanger and the pieces of the puzzle that came towards the end. A great debut novel!
May 25, 2026
ARC read from author.
Fast-paced and easy to read, this book blends a compelling life story with layers of political intrigue. The FMC is dealing with immense grief, recurring visions, and a deep sense of responsibility toward her people, which made her journey especially engaging. There was always enough happening to keep me invested, and the twist at the end genuinely hit me emotionally. I’m definitely looking forward to book two.
Fast-paced and easy to read, this book blends a compelling life story with layers of political intrigue. The FMC is dealing with immense grief, recurring visions, and a deep sense of responsibility toward her people, which made her journey especially engaging. There was always enough happening to keep me invested, and the twist at the end genuinely hit me emotionally. I’m definitely looking forward to book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the author for allowing me to be a Beta reader. This story has everything I love in a romantasy, love, slow burn tension, action, internal struggles, etc. My favorite part was learning why she was having visions. That part and the rest of the story really pick up in the second half.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very interesting story! Gave me aladdin vibes!!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews