The Devil of Tarsyn Forest

by Aalis Blue

When Azul awakens in a foreign world, she's already trapped as a pawn in a royal conspiracy.

Her only ally is Ragnar Valthorne, a warlord whose curse marks him as 'blessed' by death and whose need for her political acumen matches her need for his protection.

But conspiracies, once started, rarely end as planned.

When a forgotten power left by a nameless god emerges from the wreckage of the royal family's ambitions, Azul will claim it—no matter the cost.

For she shall either find a way or make one.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, High Fantasy

576 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 1, 2026

Reviews

[Nao :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑎𝑟𝑠𝑦𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡
𝑄𝑢𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑏𝑎 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝟷

First of all I would like to thanks the author for sending me this arc I was just so happy to get selected to arc read Queen of Sheba 🌱

🩷/5

🐍 The thing I liked the most in this book is the theological aspect; it’s a rich world with a lot of lore, and I really liked the way she keeps some mystery and makes us discover them through the book. I’m so excited to get more lore in the other books because I feel that I’m going to be surprised by what’s going to happen

⋆༺𓆩 ‧˚𓆙˚‧ 𓆪༻⋆

🐍 The court intrigue >>> there’s a lot of politics setting and I don’t honestly think that it’s really a romantasy but more a fantasy with romance (I think it’s why I liked it that much). There’s enough interaction to make us want more but that’s not the main plot and that’s really good.

⋆༺𓆩 ‧˚𓆙˚‧ 𓆪༻⋆

🐍 My girl Azul, I was rotting for her throughout the book. She’s the villain, but she has every right to be. She’s cunning, deadly, smart, and very manipulative of EVERY thing/one around her.
she just refuses to be the victim of her fate and just wow, her character was so well written I loved the way she’s not scared to do monstrous things but she never does it herself she makes people do it for her, every time I was like “dang she’s smart”

⋆༺𓆩 ‧˚𓆙˚‧ 𓆪༻⋆

🐍 Now Ragnar 🌝obviously I love him too, he’s my kind of MMC, down bad for his woman doing EVERYTHING for her, their interactions were so cute because I feel like at first he is totally secretive and I think he has too a lot of lore I just can’t wait to see him even more. At first, it was clearly an alliance, but he fell almost instantly for her. I miss them already😔

⋆༺𓆩 ‧˚𓆙˚‧ 𓆪༻⋆

🐍 It will be released on the 1st of July, featuring 3 different editions: Illustrated Hardback with bonus chapters (only for preorder), illustrated paperback, and Amazon paperback. For more details, you can go to the author account🌱

[Sarha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before anything, thanks so much @aalisblue
for giving me the opportunity to read your book in advance.

Queen of Sheda is a dark romantasy, and it comes out on July 1st.

What a book. The author paints a rich world filled with culture, gods, and folklore—I especially loved that part. Everything around theology, even if it’s a small part of the book, was brilliant and well developed. I really hope we’ll see much more of it in the future.

The FMC, Azul, is not kind—she’s ambitious and will do anything to gain power. And to be honest, I loved that about her. She knows she has to fight to get what she wants, and she will do literally everything to get it, even if she has to commit treason.

I loved the politics—it was really intense, so much that sometimes I got a bit lost, but I was still fully invested. In every chapter, something happens: plot twists, deaths, alliances…

And I really loved Ragnar, our MMC. The yearning is insane—it’s one of the best I’ve ever read. He’s so deeply devoted to her, and he would do anything for her. I can’t wait to read more about them together.

I highly recommend this book!!!

[Ali (Taylor’s version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could take them both (and not in a fight)

[Le Cy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

To start off... Well, where do I even start with this? This was absolutely incredible. It came so close to perfection that it physically hurts my heart not to give it 5 stars. The synopsis promised, and the book absolutely delivered. I had to force myself to take my time with this book, because every intricacy of the plot and every little detail deserved that much attention.

The Devil of Tarsyn Forest is a revenge story filled to the brim with court intrigue, scheming, and a full cast of morally-gray characters. I absolutely adored the writing style from page one. The prose felt unique in a way that kept me completely hooked. Every word seemed deliberate and carefully placed, while still flowing effortlessly. And I also loved that the book opened with an epigraph. It really helped to set the tone, and after reading it, I immediately buckled up for whatever chaos I was about to get myself into lmao.

Almost instantly we're thrown straight into the depths of the political intrigue, and when I say the plot hits the ground SPRINTING, I mean it. The story felt incredibly fast-paced, yet everything remained layered, calculated and unpredictable. Every single chapter the reader is presented with new information that completely shifts the bigger picture, and we have to piece together Azul's plan as we read, which I found to be super engaging.

Beyond that, the dialogue felt so... real. Each character had distinct personalities, and their speech reflected that perfectly. All their interactions, their choices of words, their actions, constantly revealed who they were as people. And that made the characters genuinely feel three-dimensional.

Speaking of characters, I absolutely loved all the women in this book. Azul, Chidinma, Obiageli, Nyraxa, Nkiru, heck, even the Ugoeze and Iyom. They were all fascinating in their own ways: cunning, intelligent, brave, ambitious, and strong. This is exactly the type of female representation I live for in books. Azul in particular was just such an compelling character to read about. She fascinated me from beginning to end, and while I didn't agree with all of her choices, I fully understood what she stood for. She made it so easy to root for her, even at her cruelest. I also really enjoyed some of the male characters, Ragnar and Borji in particular were my favourites, but again, all the characters felt distinct and purposeful, each carrying their own agendas and motivations, and it made the interactions between these characters so much more interesting.

The relationship between Azul and Ragnar in particular leaves so much more to be desired, and I'm already so excited to see how they will grow together in the next installments of the series. Ragnar absolutely stole my heart lol. He spends a good portion of the book being the very embodiment of yearning, and I genuinely loved the dynamic and the tension between the two of them.

The only thing that is preventing me from giving this book a full 5 stars is that I ocassionally struggled to keep up with the plot. Is that partially a me problem? Honestly, maybe. But I think that for a large portion of the book, I felt like I only understood about 60% of what was happening, and I found myself having to constantly refer back to previous chapters and other notes I'd taken just to keep up with everything. I feel like the author juggles so many intricate details and plot points at once that sometimes, the story can become a bit convoluted. I also would have appreciated a little more time dedicated purely to worldbuilding. I think easing readers into the world more gradually would have helped make everything much easier to follow, instead of throwing everything at the reader all at once. That said, I do understand that slowing down for more exposition may come with the cost of the book's intense pacing. (And while I'm aware that the glossary is there for any confusion with the titles and terminologies, my confusion was more about the larger political landscape and faction dynamics rather than the vocabulary itself...)

Nonetheless, this was a phenomenal read. I am so glad to have picked this up, and I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for The Viper in the Winter Boudoir. And if you felt that this review intrigued you in any way, please, please, PLEASE pick up the book!!

(P.S. I love that I caught some Chinese-inspired phrases throughout the book, and I'm assuming the author is also a fan of Chinese media like I am!! I'm not knowledgeable enough to comment on all the cultural inspirations behind the story, but it was a very refreshing setting as compared to all the other fantasy books I've been reading)

(P.P.S. I ALSO DID NOT REALISE THE AUTHOR IS SUCH A TALENTED ARTIST)

(P.P.P.S. I also want to commemorate the fact that I finished reading this on my birthday, yay!)

Thank you Aalis Blue for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Talia N · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you very much to the author for sending me an e-arc of this book.

who doesn't love a good revenge story?

the devil of tarsyn forest was fast-paced, ambitious, and packed to the brim with political maneuvering, morally gray characters, and more than enough moving parts to make this story feel satisfying to read. i had a lot of fun with this book and i can appreciate how well the complexities of this world are presented without feeling too sloggish. the prose was easy to read, it flowed well, and stays this way throughout while the story throws things at you from left, right, and centre.

that being said, a gripe that i had with this book was the fact that it tries to be *everything* at once. the worldbuilding pulls a lot of inspiration from middle-eastern, african, and vaguely asian cultures, and while i admire the intention of building a complex and lived-in world, the execution makes it feel like they were there 'just because', rather than being fully fleshed out. at points, it reads more like a world that's trying to prove that yes it is complex and there are Things Happening.

and things do get complex very quickly. as a seasoned high fantasy reader, i felt like i could mostly keep up and parse with everything we get introduced to, although even then it felt a little more demanding than needed at points. you get hit with all these different names, titles, terminology, factions really early on in the story and if you're not paying attention, it would be easy to get lost. it's not that this book inherently bad or badly written, i'm not saying that at all. more like, it assumes that the reader has spent equal amounts of time in this world and with these characters as the author has, which is most definitely not the case. so whenever a new threat or new faction or a sometimes even a new character is introduced, we get rushed along too quickly as if we were supposed to have instantly understood exactly where this piece of the puzzle goes.

one of my biggest questions while reading this was azul's motive beyond 'these people treated me badly so i'm going to kill them all'. she has so so much potential as a complex and morally gray character and i feel like a lot of this nuance was not fully explored. even beyond the halfway point, i still felt like i wanted more clarity about azul, what she wants to do, why she's in the body that she's in, and ultimately, what it all means. there were definitely hints but i feel like those breadcrumbs don't pay off in satisfying ways.

in terms of characters, there are a LOT of them and to me, that serves as both the appeal and the issue, if that makes sense. too many characters are introduced too quickly and there just isn't enough space for the main cast to fully settle into their roles. relationships between different characters are presented with almost a passing remark and that meant that we didn't get the depth of those relationships needed to make those big reveals land stronger emotionally.

however, i did really enjoy azul as a character. she's cunning in a way that feels earned and i loved the fact that this book let her embrace her darker side. it was such a refreshing change of pace to see that the people who have wronged her in the past are dealt with just like that. it's cold, it's harsh, and it definitely feels very satisfying. however, i feel like azul could have been explored even more as a villain. a lot of her backstory feels like pretty standard main character arcs, with just a bit of a darker edge. we can see that she's headstrong and shrewd and at times just outright merciless but that's more often than not shown through what's going on around her, as opposed to us knowing her inner thoughts and motivations on a deeper level.

and the ending just works. after the culmination of the politicking and scheming and twists, it felt justified and i finished this book feeling like i had just finished off a nice strawberry shortcake.

overall, this book is a good story with its strengths in plot, prose, and pacing, but i do think that it needs a little sanding down around the edges, perhaps fewer characters being introduced at once, more time for the emotional moments to hit, or just clearer payoffs to some of the still-unanswered mysteries by the end of the book.

a very solid story and i had a lot of fun reading this! 3.5/5

[Scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

True rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

Once again, a huge thank you to the lovely author Aalis Blue for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book in advance. It is truly a huge honor <33. (Spoiler-free review)

Okay... so... where do I even begin? Honestly, I have no idea where to start because of the sheer amount of things that I want to say. (A much longer and more detailed review will be posted to my Instagram!) After waiting for what felt like forever, I finally got the chance to receive an ARC, but truth be told, the wait was SO worth it.

As the first book in the upcoming Queen of Sheba series, The Devil of Tarsyn Forest brings this series to a promising start.

The worldbuilding/plot:
The world that this series takes place in, Oblivia, is rich and immersive, with every part of it having its own distinct and diverse traits. Oblivia is a world largely inspired by historical African and Asian influences, giving it a refreshing change from the classic medieval European setting. It's hard to describe things without spoilers, but the plot itself is deeply complex, with many elaborate layers and intricate twists, involving both the characters and in-world politics.

The main characters:
Our FMC, Azul, is a cunning and deadly character who knows how to stand her ground while also not being afraid to do so. Adaptive, resourceful, confident, intelligent, and intuitive, Azul is a character who knows what she wants from the very start of the story and isn't afraid to use any method she can get to accomplish it. A formidable friend and even more formidable foe, Azul handles hardships and obstacles throughout the book in a way that showcases her impressive range of strengths. Azul is many things, and while she's certainly no hero in the classic sense, (nor does she intend to be) one cannot help but root for her regardless.

Next up is Ragnar, our MMC. Usually, I tend to be wary of romances and MMCs who are described as 'powerful' or 'strong', often coming from a high status or position of power (which they usually exploit as they see fit, often creating a toxic power-imbalanced relationship between them and the FMC) but fear not, while Ragnar is a powerful man, he is nothing like the MMC tropes that I'm usually worried about. Dare I say that he's one of the best and most respectful MMCs I've ever come across so far? He's determined, resourceful, respectful, dedicated, and isn't afraid to respect people's boundaries. (I cannot stress this enough, because of how important and rare this is, which makes Ragnar all the more likeable)

The romance:
As someone who doesn't like reading/watching anything romance related, I'm really glad that I gave this book a chance. Incredibly enough, this book is spice-free (minus some of the ARCs), which is extremely rare to find these days. There is no instant lust nor is there an instant magical love at first sight trope which again, is incredibly refreshing. The romance is an ongoing slow burn that is respectful and endearing. It may not be particularly soft, but it certainly makes up for it in many ways.


Overall, the book was a great read, filled with rich worldbuilding, a compelling plot, complex characters intertwined with plenty of political intrigue. (The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because the book starts off with a lot of terminology that doesn't get explained, which felt a little confusing initially.) I absolutely adore this book and can't wait for more to come.

[Katya & the Braincells Inc. · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars!

🚨 Since this is an early copy (thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!), I am excluding my usual "spoiler-ful" section in this review.

Spoiler-free review: Okay, first of all -- wow.

I went into this ARC completely blind (literally no context, just vibes), and immediately got HOOKED. For the first several chapters, I genuinely did not realize this was supposed to be a transmigration story until Chapter 9. The prologue hints at it loosely, but the reveal takes a while to properly settle into place, so I spent the opening stretch trying to piece together the politics, the lore, and why every character felt suspiciously layered. I also had no idea this was a villain x villain setup, which ended up being one of my favorite surprises!

Most importantly, the choice of worldbuilding is lovely! I loved the African and Mongolian cultural influences; those are so rare to see in fantasy. The court politics between the African prince and princess faction especially were so interesting to read (and my biggest highlight) because every conversation felt layered with strategy, pride, alliances, old grudges, all that good stuff. The glossary at the end was also deeply appreciated because there's a lot to absorb early on.

I also ended up surprisingly invested in the character dynamics; Azul, in particular, absolutely carried the story for me. Every time the POV returned to her I lock in immediately. Starting with her fighting for herself was a strong move; it's such a brutal but effective opening because it immediately tells you who she is.

My thoughts on Ragnar are a bit spoilery, so I'm holding back for now, but wow... what a guy. I love a male lead with immense, unquestioned power over his people, who uses that exact same power to ensure his Khatun has everything her heart desires. ☺

The beginning is a little confusing on a first read, however. The POV shifts in some chapters completely caught me off guard at first. I genuinely had to flip back a few times because I thought I missed a page somewhere lol. BUT. Once I got my footing around Chapter 8 (plus a little desperate Google searching for context), everything started clicking into place. And Borji... I have mixed feelings. I liked the mystery around him, but every time he appeared I got nervous because he was giving major "secondary male lead in a love triangle" energy. So imagine my gigantic relief when I realized Ragnar was the real ML.

The writing style itself is pretty straightforward. If you're looking for highly lyrical or ornate fantasy writing, you may find this one simpler than expected. Nothing complicated or flowery (though I really wish it leaned a little more atmospheric or stylistically ambitious); but I think it works for the novel because it keeps the pacing fast, especially once the plot really gets moving around the middle chunk of the book.

Despite the rocky start, this book is over 500 pages and uses every page well. I legit could not get enough. Usually I feel the drag somewhere in fantasy this long, but here I genuinely kept wanting "just one more chapter" until suddenly it was 3 AM! This will probably get even better on a re-read now that I actually understand what the story was setting up from the beginning.

If you like morally complicated protagonists, layered political dramas, and unique cultural inspirations, put this on your radar!

I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
NOTE: This review was first published on May 13th 2026, and later edited on May 17th for clarity.

[Grace Catney · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Aalisblue, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I also want to say thank you to the author for reaching out on Tiktok wishing me a fun time with the book!

The Devil of Tarsyn Forest completely exceeded my expectations. This is not a light romantasy, it is a dark, politically intricate fantasy filled with ambition, betrayal, power struggles, and morally complex characters who will do whatever it takes to survive.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is Azul. She is ruthless, intelligent, calculating, and unapologetically ambitious. Rather than being written as a traditionally likeable heroine, she is allowed to be sharp-edged and deeply flawed, which made her one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. Watching her navigate court politics, shifting alliances, and dangerous conspiracies was endlessly fascinating.

The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, drawing inspiration from African and Eurasian influences in a way that feels refreshing and unique. The political intrigue is heavy throughout the story, and while there are a lot of moving pieces and characters to keep track of, it ultimately creates a layered and rewarding reading experience. Every character has their own motivations, and the constant tension keeps the stakes high from beginning to end.

One small challenge I had at the beginning was keeping track of the large cast of characters, particularly as many of them are referred to by multiple titles and positions. Personally, i think a character glossary would benefit readers in the future. Thay being said, this speaks to the depth and complexity of the world, but it did take me some time to remember who everyone was. Thankfully, reading on Kindle made it easy to search previous mentions and refresh my memory when needed.

My only other minor critique would be the frequency of POV shifts within some chapters. There were occasions where the perspective changed several times in quick succession, and I found this occasionally disrupted my immersion just as I was settling into a character's viewpoint. I think slightly longer stretches with each POV could have made some scenes feel even more impactful. That said, this is very much a personal preference, and it didn't diminish my overall enjoyment of the story.

Ragnar Valthorne was another standout character. His devotion, vulnerability, and unwavering belief in Azul created an intriguing dynamic between them, especially against the backdrop of such a dark and unforgiving world.

This is a slow-burning, complex fantasy that prioritises politics, character motivations, and long-term scheming over fast-paced romance. Readers looking for morally grey characters, intricate power plays, rich worldbuilding, and high-stakes fantasy will find a lot to love here.

Despite my minor critiques, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and became deeply invested in both the characters and the world. I am very excited to continue with this series and see what happens next.

[Sofi Paczka · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fascination with Azul can only be described as love at first sight. In case you didn’t know, Aalis is an incredibly talented artist who, alongside others, teased the most stunning portraits, and I was inevitably drawn in. Once I began reading, maybe without even realizing it, I fell deeply for this woman.

If this were a love triangle between Ragnar and me, I would go to war for her (though, obviously, the Khan would wipe the floor with me :). From the very first moment, she was female rage incarnate and the living embodiment of women ruling the world. I was so captivated by her scheming and planning. She was always so far ahead of the game she might as well have created it. And that, as a woman, felt incredibly empowering.

Without excelling in martial arts or battlefield combat, she brought an entire nation to its knees. I became obsessed with trying to understand what she was planning, what was going on in her mind. I don’t mind admitting there were moments I felt completely lost, moments of little faith when it seemed like everything was about to fall apart… and then she would laugh maniacally, as if every piece were simply clicking into place. It was addictive.

I hadn’t realized I’d grown complacent to a certain kind of fantasy, and don’t get me wrong, there are many great books, recognized or not, that I’ve loved, but this felt different. This is the kind of story that’s refreshing, unique, and utterly enthralling. It reminded me why I fell in love with this genre in the first place, and how much I’ve missed richly intricate world-building.

I’ve never described a book this way before, but it felt… nutritious (when you read it you’ll know what I mean). Every character had their own agenda, and you’re just there, watching it all unfold; alliances forming, betrayals cutting deep. There wasn’t a clear line between good and bad, I guess everyone was simply trying to survive until the winner took it all.

And amidst all the chaos, the battles, the wreckage, the bloodshed, there’s something achingly beautiful about Ragnar’s devotion to Azul. I wish there were someone so willing to burn everything he’s built just to keep me by his side. I’m convinced that if she asked for his heart, he would rip it from his chest and place it in her hands. That’s the level of devotion we’re talking about. I’ve highlighted so many quotes I don’t even know which one is my favorite.

I’m so excited to know this is only the beginning of what feels like a life-changing story, one I truly hope reaches the farthest corners of the world. And I’m so grateful to be here, witnessing it come to life.

A true pleasure, Aalis, infinite thanks for welcoming to this wonderful community, let’s build the Empire of Sheba together.

[nikitaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆

Before I even got the ARC, I actually found Aalis Blue randomly on Instagram and fell in love with her art. I had no idea she was an author at the time. So imagine my surprise when I saw the cover on NetGalley and realized the characters I had been admiring were from her own novel. I was so excited to find that out, and even more excited when I got the chance to read it.

There is something incredibly satisfying about reading a fantasy where the protagonist refuses to be softened for the reader's comfort. Azul is ruthless, calculating, and relentlessly ambitious, and I loved every second of it.

From the first chapters, it became clear that this was not going to be a story about a chosen heroine learning to be brave. It is a story about a woman who has already decided she will seize power no matter the cost.

"Azul Borjigin did not lose. Not to men. Not to the gods. Not to anyone."

The political intrigue was one of my favorite parts. Every alliance felt fragile, every conversation seemed to hide another motive, and every victory came with consequences. I also loved how much attention was given to women's influence within the world, especially through the line: "Women have been playing this game since before your ancestors learned to ride..."

And then there's Ragnar. I am weak for a devoted love interest, and Ragnar delivered. His yearning, loyalty, and respect for Azul made every interaction between them so good. "Ragnar understood the weakness of his flesh; that he would, one day, cross deserts and burn kingdoms for the chance to kneel before her again." I don't know whether I want to be WITH him or be him.

The reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me comes down to the world being very dense. There were moments where I struggled to keep track of the political dynamics and all the moving pieces, especially in the beginning. But once things started clicking, I was fully invested.

This was such a strong start to the series. It gave me a morally gray heroine worth rooting for, fascinating court politics, rich mythology, and a romance built on yearning rather than instant attraction. I already need the next book ASAP!

Thank you NetGalley and the Aalis Blue for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy.

4.5/5 wrath-filled stars 🥀🥀🥀🥀

This is a very special fantasy featuring a wealth of court intrigue and immense world-building inspired by Nigerian and Asiatic cultures. I’ve never read anything quite like it and I’m so glad it exists.

The Devil of Taryn forest follows FMC Azul—a woman sold to the local king—as she is brought back from the brutal brink of death and swears vengeance on everyone who has ever done her wrong. Through sharp political maneuvering, seduction, and the support of a mystical snake familiar, Azul plots to take down her adversaries including her own tribesmen.

As she and the women around her are used like a pawns by the war-making men around them, Azul and her sisters build up their own offensives using blackmail and reputation. While the story progresses—somewhat slowly—an unlikely romance unfolds between Azul and the MMC raising the stakes of Azul’s revenge plot and testing her devotion to seeking vengeance.

What I loved about this book, beyond the diversion from the standard euro-centric fantasy background, was that there was always a thrilling sense that something unexpected was about to happen. And it often did. This plot kept me on my toes and for 90% of the book I had no idea where it was going to take me next. All the while, we the readers are treated to a rich array of characters all with their own interesting motivations and backgrounds.

Unfortunately, the last 10% of the book is where I knocked off half a star as I found it quite predictable with too many deux ex machina moments that cheapened the wits of Azul and her allies for me. There were also several incidents where characters would affect critical elements of the plot “off camera” with everyone but the reader suddenly understanding what is going on. It felt jarring and was confusing at times. Additionally—and this didn’t affect the rating, but thought I’d give my 2 cents anyway—I don’t love the anime book cover and felt like there was stronger artwork in the book itself.

With that said, I had so much fun reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Azul scheme against truly hatable characters. Looking forward to book 2!

[Readineer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I enjoyed this book very much!

The mixture of African and Mongolian cultures is so interesting! This book is rich with details and different characters, it sucks you in and you are at times afraid of what is going to happen.

We follow Azul, a „bought“ princess with the goal to sell her to a Khan warlord. She is caught in the middle of royal scheming, where one person is more viscous than the other. She is often assaulted, humiliated, they try to poison her, but they don’t know who they are dealing with.

The harem dynamic with different wives of the king made an interesting setting and it set up the story quite well. Azul is alone and unprotected, wherever she turns someone is ploying against her. Only that she is not helpless as she seems. She is a heartless and merciless against her enemies and she is here to play the long game.

Ragnar is a warlord who is instantly enamoured with Azul. He decides to trust her and give her his heart, and even though the odds are against everything, he is still unrelenting in his trust. There don’t really have a lot of interaction within the book and most of the time she doesn’t really care for him or anyone in particular.

And the 🐍! It was one of the cutest characters!

All in all, this story is full of politics and scheming. It is so refreshing to have a different cultural background in a book. The characters felt more real, more tangible.

The book is full of mystery and the plot is slowly revealed with every scheming plot. At 80% I wanted to throw away my kindle but the end was very satisfying. Mostly I didn’t know where the story is going, but at the end most of the lose threads were wrapped up.

I wouldn’t call this romantasy, since there is no real romance happening. For me this is more of a high fantasy book.


*** Thank you Aalisblue for the ARC ***

[Sylvia‎♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

first of all i wanna thank Aalisblue for granting me this arc 😭🫶🏽 i am forever grateful, and now for my review:
i loved the world building in this story, when i first saw the map my jaw was literally left wide opened cause of how beautiful it was.
i loved that that there was artwork in the story, it enhanced my reading experience and kept me excited as i read the book. i love the lore about the gods i'm so sure the name Ukhel has been engrained into my brain atp and Tsenkhinn Narvaal.
the glossary at the back was also extremely helpful with all the titles and meaning for certain words (the amount of times i used it is very important but i don't remember so...)
Azul has got to be my new fav fmc, she's cunning and doesn't give up when she has set her sights on something, she's such a well-written character i cannot wait to see more of her in volume 2
and of course, Ragnar Valthorne the man you are, my new book HUSBAND. the level of obsessed this man is with Azul is *chef's kiss*. he's so in love with her and so pathetic about it too but he's also very respectful😭 the amount of times he had me giggling is concerning
I loved the political intrigue this book gives us, how the hierarchy among the Borjigin and the Warlords worked and even the system among the women of the Borjigin. i absolutely loved watching the women doing things, even if it was small things that were done in the background, i absolutely love how these small things impacted the story so much. i hope to see more of this world in volume 2 (i'm scared af)
i also loved how the author intergrated African and Eurasian culture into the story in a way that felt natural, the vibes were just immaculate dear lord!
i hope that once the book comes out everyone is able to enjoy this book and feel the way i felt while reading it (which is a mix of everything btw) 😭

[Fedy Tsubasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SO much to the author for providing the ARC!
Buckle up for a very chaotic review, as I know how I felt about this book, but not how to properly articulate it.


Did I fully understand everything that happened? I hope so?
Did I thoroughly enjoy this read? Absolutely.


This was such a unique book! I was hooked from the Prologue, and found incredibly difficult to put it down (might have read until 3 AM once, whoops).

Never knew what to expect next, and the pacing/way information was provided to the reader at unconventional times made it read a bit like a dark legend unfolding (if that makes any sense to anyone else). Sometimes information was withheld, and you would read weird details that apparently made no sense... Until they did. I wonder how many tiny details that foreshadowed revelations I missed that I would catch with a reread.

The Epigraph at the very beginning sets the tone: Someone wants to record chronicles from the past. Because of this, the fact the narration doesn't have clear POVs at times is quite fitting and helps setting the scene and conveying a more whimsical (?) vibe. It was quite refreshing and atmospheric.

It was politics heavy, with more and more characters you have to keep track of (and thank God for the Glossaries at the end!), which was actually part of the "fun" of this book. And WARNING: This is a dark read, with dark themes and characters, FMC included.
Not Ragnar, our yearning king, though: He's a cinnamon roll. Borji too. Basically Azul has all the Evil Masterplanner braincells among the 3 of them.

So, in conclusion: I do not know how to properly write a review, but I loved this book and I'm tempted to pre-order the beautiful hardcover version.

[4eyed_panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Aalis Blue for providing me an eARC copy!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ALL THE STARS

I am at a loss for words. I am agape, pearls clutched, dk what to do with myself and need book 2 ASAP

This EXCEEDED my expectations, Aalis Blue did a phenomenal job on delivering her story. Could it have been told as straight to the point? NO THIS IS NOT THE TYPE OF BOOK. This was a hell of a journey. It has African and Mongolian world building influences, has layers filled with character tension, HEAVY political intrigue, high stakes, yearning, and emotional damage (this was me personally). You will be invested from the beginning to end. Nothing was predictable. Every chapter you unfold, you'll find yourself reading until 3 am, forget your adult responsibilities, don't know what time is but at least you'll know you're reading a masterpiece.

The FMC Azul is a character I think every girl needs for inspiration. Merciless, intelligent, cunning, and deadly. Reading what she goes through and what she does to get things done, is it questionably moral? Yea but you know what? Good for her, she has my respect. Literally the definition of Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned.

Lord have mercy, Ragna 💕. Despite him being a warlord, that man is grounded and knows boundaries. I think because of that his chemistry with Azul has no force tension or insta love. Just a soft slow burn with yearning which I absolutely adored whenever he talked about or thought about Azul 🥺💕

I do appreciate that the other side characters were given the same treatment to add to the story. I was feeling all types of emotions which is good. I was able to remember every single one of them. I was also mostly mad LOL.

Overall this was a unique read and definitely hit that spot for me for a dark fantasy epic. Can't wait to see more from Aalis Blue 💕

[Mariam ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy

many thanks to the author to let me read this masterpiece of a book

This isn't just normal dark fantasy, this is about women who were degraded to merely females, their lives depended on whether they are useful to men in bed or not
They are murdered, r*ped and sold for men's enjoyment and benefit.
But one woman rising from the dead, to avenge her death at the hands of her adoptive brother who tried to kill and r*ped her.

She was going to burn the world upside down to get her revenge.

This is the story of Azul of the Borjigin.


This story will forever be carved in my mind
Between Azul's political schemes and getting her revenge on one hand, and Ragnar Valthorne, the warlord who couldn't even fight his feelings for his strong and wicked wife.
This was amazing
Everything was.

The first ARC ever that I found worthy of my time and my love for it

I was expecting a masterpiece and I got one!!

It's a complicated story, with so many characters and a very complicated world building that needs to be completed through the next books.
I love how I just imagined everything happening in an alternative universe in south/west Africa. From language to clothing and costumes. It was just giving this rich culture vibes and I couldn't not think of those parts of the world and their people.
(Though I might be wrong but this is what I imagined while I read the 580 pages book!)

In the end
Who wouldn't love a girl getting revenge on everyone who mistreated her and accused her of being a wh*re and they defended the man when she was actually r*ped?

I loved seeing how she didn't spare a soul who dared to hurt her

[SashasBookHaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect going into this, but WOW. This story completely blew me away. From the very first page, I was hooked. Easily one of my favorite reads of 2026 so far.

A dark historical romantasy filled with political intrigue, inspired by Eurasia and Africa. The world felt so unique, immersive, and beautifully written that I genuinely could not put it down. There’s still so much mystery surrounding these characters, and I cannot wait to see what Aalis Blue has in store next. I’m also incredibly grateful for the glossary at the end because it was SO helpful. And the illustrations? Absolutely stunning.

Azul is very much portrayed as the villain — as she should be. Honestly, I hope she becomes even more ruthless in the next book. She’s hard and merciless toward everyone around her, yet soft when it comes to her “love.” I will always root for a morally grey female character. Azul is deadly, calculated, and shows no mercy. When she’s trapped in a palace full of scheming people trying to kill her, how else is she supposed to survive if not by learning to play the game too?

And Ragnar… the simp that you are. The Great Khan. My warlord. The man who would burn the world — and himself — for Azul. My newest favorite MMC.

One of my favorite relationships in the story was actually the platonic bond between Azul and Borji. Their loyalty and devotion to one another was beautiful. The way they protected each other without hesitation or question made me emotional, and I honestly wish we got even more of them.

-Marriage of convenience
-Morally Grey Characters
-Political intrigue
-African and Asian Mythology
-Dark historical romantasy
-He falls first
-Touch her and die
-Betrayal

Spice level:
🌶️

[little fox ⋆˚✿˖° · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a moment to gather my thoughts because how do I recover after reading this absolute masterpiece?

Everything about this story, the plot, the characters, the writing, was crafted so beautifully that I’m struggling to put my feelings into words. It’s one of those rare reads that completely sweeps you away.

One of the things I loved most is that there isn’t a single “good” character in this story, not in a conventional way. Each person is a villain in their own right, and that complexity made the story even more compelling.

Azul, our main character, is a force to be reckoned with, a cunning, calculated woman navigating the treacherous dynamics of court politics. I absolutely adored her. From the very first page, I was captivated by her intelligence, and just when I thought she couldn’t possibly surprise me further, there she goes. What I loved the most is her self-awareness, what I mean is she knows exactly who she is and fully embraces it, using it to her advantage. A queen if you ask me

And Ragnar OH MY GOD where do I even begin? Our feared warlord, the man everyone dreads, another yearner added to the list 😩 Watching him being completely gone for Azul was actually hilarious in the best way possible, I love this man

The world-building was rich, immersive, and incredibly unique, drawing inspiration from African culture in a way I haven’t encountered before in fantasy. It added so much depth and originality to the story. It honestly feels lacking to put it into words but what I’m trying to say is the author outdid herself. From the characters to the setting, the writing, and even the art! I’m completely obsessed <33

[Tola_bookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author for an advanced ebook!

This was one of those books where I sat there after finishing, not even sure where to begin. The Devil of Tarsyn Forest seriously did not come to play in what it delivered.

This story builds itself through layers of character, tension, and careful unfolding. It’s not about overwhelming you all at once, but about pulling you in so deeply that by the time you realize it, you’re already completely invested.

Don’t even get me started on our main character, Azul. She’s not written to be soft or easily loved, and that’s exactly what makes her unforgettable. Cunning, deadly, calculating, and fully aware of it. There’s no hesitation in her, no uncertainty, just clear and unapologetic ambition. The way she moves through the story with such precision feels almost unsettling at times, but in the best way. She’s not here to be liked, she’s ALWAYS here to win. And I respected that completely.

And then there’s Ragnar. There’s a restraint to him that sets him apart from other male characters. And that choice, that control makes his presence feel grounded.

Azul and Ragnar’s dynamic isn’t built on imbalance or forced tension. It’s two strong people navigating each other without losing themselves in the process.

The world-building is rich without being overwhelming. The African influences give it a distinct identity that feels refreshing, and every part of it carries weight. The politics move beneath everything intricate ,mess and constantly shaping the story in ways that keep you paying attention.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil of Tarsyn Forest
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ~5 STARS

Thank you to the author for giving me a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a dark fantasy full of political conspiracies, theology and folklore. The whole world and plot felt beautifully unique and rooted so deeply in culture that it felt real. I was in awe of the author's ability to create such a complex world full of gods, creatures and magic

I must say Azul was everything I ever craved in a female main character. She is so special to me, for so many reasons. She is proud, complicated and morally-grey (but the grey is so dark it's basically black). Truly, she was my favourite part of this book and she will always have a special place in my heart from now on.

There was a perfect split between plot and romance. The book started off setting up the very strong foundation for world-building and character backround. Each character that we were introduced to felt so fully fleshed out and complex in their own ways - even if they were not the MCs. And then when we finally started getting to the romance... it was PERFECT.

I ADORED Ragnar. I mean who doesn't love a (lowkey evil) man that YEARNS with his whole body and soul for his wife.

I would definitely say this is a book for someone that enjoys:
- historical fantasy/romantasy/political thriller
- marriage of convenience
- political plots and backstabbing and manipulation
- a pathetically obsessed MMC and his hot evil wife
- morally grey characters!!!
- revenge!! a lot of it

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
​⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️ (Mostly for moderate violence)

​First of all, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in advance. 💕

❀࿔˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅ೃ❀ᮬ࿔˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙ೃ❀࿔˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅ೃ❀ᮬ࿔

​I loved how well-written Azul is. She isn't afraid to do "monstrous" things, yet she is wise enough to achieve her goals without lifting a finger, instead, she knowingly provokes her enemies or strategically uses those around her. She understands that court life is full of treachery and despite those wishing for her downfall, she proved to be far more cunning than I initially expected for the first few pages.

​Then there is Ragnar, a powerful MMC who deeply respects his Khatun. I loved their first meeting and his reaction when he discovered Azul's true identity. He didn't hesitate for a second to call her his Khatun (swooning).

​While everyone else are swooning over Azul and Ragnar, I’ll gladly take Borji! 🥰 Even though he only has a few scenes, he is such an incredible character that he quickly wormed his way into my heart. (Hoping he has scenes in the second book)

​Lastly, the lore and world-building were excellent. The story progresses naturally, but the way the lore is revealed kept the opening chapters from ever feeling slow. The level of detail kept me reaching for the next page, and I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary so that the world-building never felt like a "dump" of information.

Can't wait for the second book of this series 💕!

[Vee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS DELICIOUS!!! 💥

The world building was AMAZING. Did I fully understand everything that was happening? Not so sure. Did I thoroughly enjoy reading it? HELL YEAH.

AZUL was LETHAL, DEADLY, SMART, MERCILESS, INTELLIGENT and absolutely UNHINGED — AND I LOVED IT!!! I LOVE a good revenge story and seeing a female character who was oppressed, abused, and wronged become the one scheming, plotting, outdoing EVERYONE and literally bringing down an entire kingdom with her intelligence?! GOD, it was SO satisfying to read.

I especially loved that Azul was never presented as anything other than what she truly was. Her intentions were clear from the start, her lethalness stayed consistent throughout the story. She trusted no one, used people for her own agenda, and stayed ten steps ahead of everyone else. IT WAS LOVELY.

Now coming to our lovesick warlord RAGNAR — THIS MAN!!!! This lethal, beautiful, deadly man who is feared by everyone, yet Azul had him wrapped around her finger SO fast. One interaction and this man was willingly submitting himself to her. He walked straight into every trap she set for him, VOLUNTARILY asked her to use him however she pleased, and felt proud when she actually did. GODDDDD their interactions were sizzling. The tension? INSANE.

Book 1 isn’t super romance-focused, but whatever we got between them was RAVISHING and I already need MORE of them together immediately.

GIVE ME BOOK 2 ASAP PLEASE!!!!

[Whispers of ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and more

First off, a huge thank you to Aalisblue for granting me this ARC! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to read it. Now, onto my thoughts!

One of the standout features of this book is its rich theological world and lore. I appreciated how the author unfolds the mystery throughout the story, and I’m eager to explore more in the upcoming installments.

The court intrigue was captivating; while there is some romance, the narrative feels more like a fantasy with romantic elements, which I enjoyed. The political dynamics added depth without overshadowing the main plot.

Azul, the villain, is a fascinating character. She’s clever and manipulative, refusing to be a victim of her circumstances. Her actions are driven by a strong determination, and I admired how she orchestrates events from the shadows.

Ragnar, the main male character, also captured my attention. He’s loyal to Azul, and their interactions are sweet. Initially, their relationship felt transactional, but it quickly developed into something deeper, and I can’t wait to see where their story goes. I already miss them!

If you enjoy morally complex characters, intricate political dramas, and unique cultural inspirations, definitely add this one to your reading list!

I received a free copy from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ella Stainwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5⭐️
This is BY FAR the best ARC I have ever read and I am so so grateful I was given the opportunity to read this early. Except now I have to wait even longer until book two.
Azul is the FMC I have always wanted to read but have never found: morally great from the very beginning, and smarter than almost any others I have seen written. Did the betrayals she committed make me furious with her: yes. Do I love her anyway? 100%.
Then there was Ragnar. His level of yearning was SPECTACULAR. I loved him so much, and I loved how much respect he had for Azul. Same goes for Borji. I wish he had told Azul they met before so I could see that interaction, but I’ll live. I loved their relationship and how vehemently they protected each other.
And of course there was the revenge. Which was perfect - everyone who needed to die, died. Somadina’s death felt like such a relief, and I loved the way Azul tore the harem apart from within.
This book MUST be read and then re-read and then recommended to everyone you know. The only thing that holds me back from giving it 5 stars is the confusion over the multiple names each character had - it completely threw me off for the first 70% of the book. Worth it though!

[Victoria Viper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally picked up this book because of its beautiful cover, but I stayed for the political intrigue, the revenge plot, and the incredible characters.

From the start, I could easily imagine this story as a webtoon or graphic novel, the cover has that stunning illustrated style, and the artwork throughout the book only reinforced that feeling. I think It would translate so well into a visual format.

The romance was another highlight for me. What begins as a marriage of duty, with both characters using each other for their own goals, slowly develops into something much deeper. I especially loved that he falls first and becomes completely obsessed with her, while she gradually grows to genuinely care for him. Their dynamic was so compelling to watch unfold.

I'm also fascinated by Nyraxa's inner circle and can't wait to learn more about them. Every glimpse we get makes them seem even more intriguing.

This feels like the beginning of something truly epic. I can already tell this series is going to be massive in scope and has the potential to become one of my all-time favorite fantasy sagas. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment.

[Cover to Cover Fantasy Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things I loved about this book! Azul could have easily been written as a tragic damsel. Her journey is lonely, full of treachery and surrounded by death. She does not wait for her Knight in shining armor, she creates opportunity where there is none. In a world that sees her as nothing more than a pawn, Azul utilizes every thing (and everyone) at her disposal to become untouchable. I have so much love for her and respect for her brilliance.

Ragnar is my favorite kind of MMC; notoriously deadly and feared, but also a lover boy who values loyalty. I love that their romance isn’t the central plot of the story. Their admiration and affection is earned over the course of a slowwwww burn, that is absolutely worth every second of agony.

This book is filled with schemes, twists, conspiricies and secrets that will keep you on your toes until the very last sentence. Aalish has created a world that feels so real and tangible and I loved getting lost in it. I can not wait to read the rest of this series!

[AJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing all the beautiful art for this book I was extremely excited to get into this and it did not disappoint!

The lore, world, and characters are all so vivid and complex it is addicting to read the intricate and detailed descriptions and follow along with the characters.

It played out like a movie in my head and I was deeply invested in the romance. This has some of the best yearning I've ever read and I cannot wait to see these two characters together as the series goes on!

The descriptions really are my favourite part about this book as I really enjoyed learning and seeing the atmospheric setting as well as delving into the culture and religion.

This is more than just the romance, it is a rich and intense fantasy world with incredible world building and character complexity. There is history, court intruge and loads of different political dynamics. Ragnar and Azul complement each other perfectly! I can tell they're going to be a power couple 🤭

Absolutely loved this 5 🌟

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wanna start by shouting my thanks to the wonderful author for allowing me to arc read this! Thank you so much, I am in awe of your brain! (In the most non weird way😂)

Ahhhhhhh! I can tell you I've never read the likes of this masterpiece, and I probably won't again. At least till its 2nd.
It dropped in my inbox and I could not. Put. It. Down! I pushed my bedtime way past the point I should've and binged.

Azul is so powerful. That refusal to give them anything, the power plays, the absolute genius? 👏

That first meeting? Perfect! The slow, 'I need you to survive but I definitely don't like it' vibes. Immaculate!

Ragnar was down bad and I was right there with him. Azul acting like she isn't affected by him? Friggin stellar! I cannot wait to see what happens with them.

Political intrigue, backstabbing, plotting. My goodness I feel like I was fed so well on this book I just cannot stop thinking about it. Well done. Just. All my applause.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely blown away by this novel. Azul is so unapologetically herself: ruthless, conniving, vengeful. She will stop at nothing to bring down her enemies, of which she has many.
And Ragnar! He fell for her like a ton of bricks. He knew he shouldn’t, but he did anyway, and damn the consequences. He is exactly the man to match Azul. Or at least the one to hand her the torch so she can burn the world down.
I did find myself lost a few times between chapters when there were big scene jumps, but I just kept rolling with it and everything mostly made sense by the end.
This may be an odd comparison, but I was getting Apothecary Diaries vibes from this novel, and I LOVE THAT ANIME. I think Azul and Maomao would be either best friends or the most bitter rivals. I would love to see the two of them in a room together.
Loved this book and can’t wait for book two!

[Jada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley an Aalis Blue for the advanced reader copy!!

🌟 4.8/5

This was an amazing read. I found the author through a reel on Instagram, and I was intrigued from there. The first thing I will say is the world/atmosphere building WAS AMAZING.

I was always cheering for Azul; her strength and endurance were beautiful. This is what I want when authors talk about a strong FMC. She played the long game to right the wrongs that were done to her.

I was binge-reading this, so I'm almost sure that I confused myself. Once Bojin left to discuss the peace treaty, everything started to blow up, and it was a little hard to follow. Once I finished I everything made sense, but the slow-burning chaos was QUICKKK.