The Truth-Teller's Bargain: The Oracle's Duet Part One

by Camille Wolfewood

She cannot lie. He refuses to kneel.

Alethea has never been free.

Born an Oracle with the power to speak undeniable truth, she has spent her life trapped in a gilded cage — her gift wielded by her mother, the ruthless Queen of Lenorea, to silence dissent and tighten her grip on the throne.

When Alethea speaks a prophecy that threatens the crown itself, escape becomes her only chance at survival.

But freedom has a price.

Fleeing the palace, she falls right into the hands of Nakir Hasan, the cursed and exiled heir leading the rebellion against Lenorea's rule. He expects a loyal weapon of the queen — another tool of the throne.

Instead he finds a young woman desperate to escape the very power she was forced to serve.

So they strike a bargain.

Alethea will help him reclaim the crown. In return, Nakir will grant her the freedom she was never allowed.

Yet as war looms and prophecy begins tightening its grip on the future, their uneasy alliance shifts into something far more dangerous — and their unlikely pull to each other grows stronger with every step toward war.

Because the closer Alethea gets to freedom, the harder it becomes to walk away from the man who promised it.

And when prophecy demands its price, she may have to choose between the future of a kingdom and the freedom she has fought her entire life to claim. Because the greatest threat to their bargain may not be the prophecy Alethea spoke . . . but the freedom she seeks, and what — or who — it will cost her to claim it.

Perfect for readers who

enemies-to-lovers tensionmorally gray rebel leadersdangerous bargainsfound familyprophecy and fateslow-burn romantasyepic fantasy rebellionsThe Truth-Teller's Bargain is the first book in The Oracle's Duet, set in the sweeping romantasy world of The Songs of Senmarria.

Genres: Fantasy

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Sannaaghostly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou Camille for the ARC!

The more I kept reading, the more I got sucked into the story!

💙 Found family
💙Slow burn (ish, more like cautious attraction at first)
💙 Interesting magic system

Two reluctant allies fighting to get rid of the Crimson Queen and restore the rightful heir to the throne.

Alethea is different from FMC I usually read but i thought she was really well done. For a princess who was being so sheltered and never having learned to fight, she makes up for it in trying to find her strength in her oracle powers and her own mind.

Nakir was dreamy and him struggling with not having magic anymore is such a unique plot for a magic system to me. I can’t wait to see how him and Alethea are going to be in the second book.

And ofcourse their found family was so wholesome. Sure there will be bickering, but they will go through fire for the other. They have my heart.

And I would like book two right now 🥹

[Chelsie reads books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this before it releases in July🫶🏻

from the moment I started reading this, I couldnt put it down. the plot was so interesting. We have our fmc who was graced with the powers of an oracle. who has been abused for her powers ever since her father died. our fmc is soft and cares alot about the people around her, often causing her to make silly mistakes!!! all she has ever wanted is to be free. Throughout this book I just wanted to hug her, tell her its going to be ok! but also yell at her and tell her to stand up for self!!

our mmc …. oh boy. he had me from his first appearance. it was nice to read a book where the mmc is also soft and kind whilst also being someone you wouldnt fuck with. The way this man treated our fmc was 10/10. he also has horns… just fyi 👀

this book is less than 400 pages but packs so much into it and a great set up book two, which by the way, I need right this second!! I loved the pacing and the way it was written and I dont actually think I have a bad word to say about this book honestly.

[Lyra Blackveil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me feeling every emotion, sometimes multiple emotions simultaneously!

The world that Camille built is thoughtfully described and the characters are complex, yet relatable despite having magic.

Alethea is a rare oracle and a princess in kingdom that has seen violent changes in leadership. Unexpectedly she falls into the hands of the former crown prince of her kingdom. She also finds herself in the midst of the rebellion and must decide if she will betray her family, help the rebels, or leave and find peace & freedom.

There will be times you want to throw your phone or kindle and other times you may need tissues, so plan accordingly.

[Carolyn Jane Gantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I adored this book very much! It was a beautiful story with lovable (and hate-able) characters, self discovery, found family, and just the right about of angst!

This was a very ‘easy’ read! While it didn’t take a ton of brain power to read, it was quite nice to read a romantasy novel that was very easy to understand without compromising everything you love about Romantasy!

I wish we could have had more time with the side characters as I found I really loved all of them, just another reason I’m excited for book two!

[Kristi Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Just because a cage is made of gold doesn’t make it any less of a prison.”

The story begins with Alethea being forced to tell her mother, the queen, if a Lord is guilty of treason. She is pushed to her limits using her gift of truth and the ability to voice a prophecy. It’s apparent very early on that her mother does not care nor have love for her daughter, she is merely a tool to be used.
After making a prophecy that her mother would remain queen until the winter solstice, she flees the castle to enjoy a ride on her mare to get away before her mother learns of the prophecy. Enjoying her time away she quickly looses time and the sun starts to set, her mare gets spooked leaving her behind only for the queens sworn enemy, Nakir to find. Nakir, sworn enemy of the queen has plans to replace her as ruler to take the throne for himself. Soon she finds herself within their encampment and soon realizes they mean her no harm. Nakir realizes she is an oracle yet he doesn’t not push her to use her gifts for his benefit, instead he shows kindness knowing what it costs her to push herself to force her gift which could cause a dangerous burnout. He learns of her mother’s treatment and gets angry when he learns of her mother abuse pushing her to her limit time and time again for her own gain. He tells her that he lost his own power/magic due to burnout while living with the curse of Aeshma’s mark. Desiring freedom from her mother, her powers, and one day becoming queen, she comes up with a plan to aid Nakir to overthrow her mother placing him on the throne forever changing her destiny. It doesn’t take long for her to notice how he makes her feel nor for him to acknowledge how she makes him feel. When Nakir makes the decision to return to Hyelea, Queen Zenobia makes her selfishness known once again forcing Alethea to try and correct her mother’s actions leaving the camp behind. Once Alethea and Nakia are again reunited, Alethea comes to realize it’s not just Nakir that cares for her but so does his friends Dawes, Emi, and Balthasar. Eventually even Kerrigan. Friendship is felt and reciprocated amongst the group that quickly forms into a bond of family. They continue on their journey where sacrifices are made, love cannot be denied, mistakes and promises are made, choices have to be made, yet destinies have yet to be fulfilled as prophecies have been foreseen but not come to pass. The book ends on a cliffhanger as unknown’s lurk within the cold darkness as the sun sets in on what will happen next as she chooses her own path back. Truly a remarkable book on a young woman’s journey of growth while learning that she does matter and deserves to be loved for who she is, not for the gifts she processes to be used as a tool. She learns to reach within herself to fight for her freedom, who she loves, what she believes in, and for a better ruler for the people. Questions have yet to be answered. Is it just her mother they should be concerned about or is there another that could be a potential threat? Another that seems to cause dread whenever his name is brought up. What will transpire from her prophecies? Will the Gods some of them worship come to their aid in battle? Who will fight in the battle? An excellent book that has magic, slow burn, love, vengeance, betrayal, and personal growth that pulls the reader in keeping you turning the pages with anticipation of whats to come next. Absolutely looking forward to reading how the story continues.

[Gyula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this a lot

**ARC READ**

4⭐️
2/5🌶️
Third person/single POV
Book 1 in a duology
Format: e-arc

Spoilers ahead

Thank you very much to the author for granting me an arc read of her book. I’m guessing this is her debut & she did a pretty good job.

The synopsis is what got me: she’s an oracle who strikes a bargain with the leader of the rebellion. Sign me up🤭The writing here is mature & really holds its weight. It’s descriptive & evocative. & just overall, had me all in my feels.

The beginning starts off with a great pace where we meet an FMC who is soft & compassionate & tender despite growing up in a volatile situation due to her gift. Then we meet an MMC who is both stoic but also understanding & kind (Bonus points from me because he has horns😅) There’s no info dumping of the lore; the magic system is very easy to understand; the world building is beautiful. I loved the found family here as well. & I actually enjoyed that there’s no just for shock value crazy cliffhanger ending.

& even though the cons outweigh the pros, I was still engrossed in the story & had to keep reading.

The author states that the romance here takes the lead & it really does. But she also states that this is an enemies to lovers & a slow burn & I strongly disagree. These 2 kiss at 30% & then have a spicy moment at 50% + spice towards the end. Even for a planned duet, that’s way too much of a fast burn & also completely unnecessary to the progression of their relationship IMO. This was kind of inconsistent with the way their romance bloomed.

Other inconsistencies I found weird is the strange things the characters sometimes did that felt out of place & messed with the pacing. The pacing in general lagged in the middle but did pick back up towards the end. Also, the POV inconsistencies is annoying. This is in third person so it’s all in her POV but there were like a few random moments that were in his POV?? I think? maybe? It felt totally out of place & again, really messed with the pacing.

I get that the FMC has her flaws too; the MMC even calls her a people pleaser, which she really is. & yes her martyr personality was used way too heavy of a crutch in her character arc. But her act at the end came from a selfless place so the fact that he abandoned her like that at the end I find (extremely unattractive!) extremely inconsistent to his character arc. This is why I’m not a fan of miscommunication. But I will add, it’s done very well here.

At least by the end, she was starting to show her growth & self improvement. But I’m nervous about the next book with her trying to get back to her new “family” that seemingly abandoned her🤦‍♀️I’m still pissed with this ending🤣I hope she continues to grow & stand up for how he ended up treating her after everything.

**Releases 07/07/2026**

[Wera Niyom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

THE TRUTH-TELLER'S BARGAIN is the first book in a planned duology featuring enemies-to-lovers, dangerous bargains, found family, a slow-burn romance, and morally gray rebel leaders. Alethea is an Oracle who can speak only the truth, bound by her ruthless mother. When she crosses paths with Nakir Hasan, the cursed leader of the rebellion, she discovers freedom isn't an impossible dream. But walking away from the one who promises it may be what breaks her.

First off, the cover is GORGEOUS. When I saw it, I knew I had to read it, and I’d regret it if I didn’t at least sign up to be part of the ARC team. I was NOT disappointed. The premise contains some of my favorite tropes with a delightful level of spice.

Alethea is a protagonist many can relate to. Throughout the novel, she ponders whether she’s strong enough, not realizing the strengths she actually possesses. Watching her come into her oracle powers and discover how she wants to use them (not how her mother would prefer she would) is an inspiring journey. Her beginnings may be grim, but she rises out of the ashes of her prison to become someone that everyone needs. And what makes it so much more rewarding is that she does it on her own. While she finds a family who accepts her for who she is, she uncovers those strengths on her own terms, rather than being helped by the ML.

The worldbuilding is quite intricate and can initially be overwhelming with the number of characters and terms mentioned in the chapters prior to Chapter 1, but I implore readers to stick with this story. Once you unravel the Wolfewood's intentions for the Alethea layer by layer, you'll struggle to put the book down. Epic fantasy always takes some time to acclimate to, but I never once felt that I needed more than a couple of pages to acclimate to THE TRUTH-TELLER'S BARGAIN. Positions of power, magic types, kingdoms—all are explained with the right amount of brevity and simplicity. I commend the Wolfewood for crafting a magic system that makes sense. There are consequences for using it and I love that she's not a master of it and we get to watch how that magic develops as the plot unfolds.

The romance is absolutely SWOONWORTHY. Camille Wolfewood has ruined me because it set my standard for romantasy books so high. The ML is a patient, teasing fellow that I fell in love with from the very beginning. He respects Alethea’s choices and complements her well. Steamy scenes are written so viscerally, I clutched my pearls more than once. My greatest regret is that I wish I could read the second book now, but much like Alethea and her desire for freedom, it’s a series worth waiting for.

[Rebecca ~ readinginNZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The universe had shaped her into a vessel, a means to an end, and her mother had been all too willing to wield her like a weapon in pursuit of power.”

✨ Reluctant allies to lovers
✨ Found family
✨ Dangerous bargains
✨ Slow burn romantasy
✨ Prophecy and fate

I LOVED this book. Like properly, completely, emotionally-invested, thinking-about-it-after-finishing-it kind of loved it.

The concept alone had me hooked from the start. Alethea being an Oracle who cannot lie, forced to serve a corrupt crown, immediately sets such a strong foundation for tension and control. There’s this constant pressure around her gift that makes every interaction feel loaded, like one wrong truth could change everything.

“She had never been taught to lead. She had been taught to obey, to endure, to disappear.”

The found family was genuinely one of my favourite parts. Bal and Emi were everything. Chaotic, loyal, protective in their own ways, and just so easy to root for. Every scene with them made the world feel warmer, even when everything else was spiralling.

“It didn’t end with Nakir. She’d found an unexpected closeness with Emi and Balthasar too…It was as if fate had even their paths together, turning strangest allies, and allies into something akin to family, all in the span of a few short days.”

Nakir and Alethea completely sold me. This is such a good slow burn because it doesn’t feel like instant attraction, it feels like understanding building over time, like trust being negotiated one piece at a time. The dynamic between them starts off so tense and uncertain, especially with Alethea expecting him to be something he isn’t, and I loved watching that shift as she realises who he actually is.

“Enemy. Funny, how the word rang hollow when she couldn’t stop tracking the glass at his lips or the thoughts that came unbidden with every swallow.”

Alethea herself really stood out to me as an FMC. She isn’t the typical warrior princess type, she’s more sheltered, shaped by control and expectation, but her strength comes from her magic and her mind rather than physical dominance. Watching her slowly discover the depth of her own power was such a strong character arc.

“Your life is worth more than anything your visions could ever tell you, Alethea.”

And the ending… genuinely brutal. I’m still not over it 😭 the bonus chapter made it worse in the best way, and the tree scene absolutely wrecked me. It’s the kind of ending that doesn’t just leave you on a cliffhanger, it leaves you emotionally pacing around your house wondering how long you have to wait for book two.

Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth-Teller's Bargain by Camille Wolfewood is a beautifully crafted start to a duology that hits every beloved trope of the romantasy genre. Following two reluctant allies fighting to overthrow the Crimson Queen and restore the rightful heir to the throne, the book balances a high-stakes plot with deep emotional resonance.
​It offers a wonderfully paced, immersive reading experience that beautifully balances a plot-driven fantasy with deep emotional stakes, allowing readers to fully enjoy the magic and romance without feeling overwhelmed by dense lore.
​The character development is where this story truly excels, particularly with Alethea, who breaks the mold of the traditional warrior princess. Because she was heavily sheltered and never learned to physically fight, watching her find her strength through her mind and truth-telling oracle powers is incredibly rewarding. Her journey of self-awareness and her painful realization of the abuse she suffered from her mother is a tough but beautifully balanced lesson in growth.
​Opposite her is Nakir Hasan, the cursed rebellion leader and monster prince. Complete with horns, he is a dreamy love interest and an absolute king of consent who brings immense yearning and tenderness to the story. His struggle with losing his magic introduces a genuinely unique element to the magic system, and his slow-burn chemistry with Alethea leaves you desperate to see where they go in the next book.
​The supporting cast shines just as brightly, forming a wholesome, empathetic found family that acts as a warm, accepting haven for Alethea. While their idealistic community leans a bit fairytale-like for an epic fantasy, it fits the softer tone of the novel perfectly. Every side character is distinct and serves a clear purpose, though they leave you wishing for even more time with them.
​Camille Wolfewood clearly knows how to write characters who love with their whole hearts, but she is equally skilled at writing villains you absolutely love to hate. With a fast-paced ending that packs an immense amount of action into just a few short chapters, this low-spice novel leaves a massive impact. It is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking a soft fantasy driven by romance, plot, and genuine heart.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Camille Wolfewood for an advanced copy of The Truth Teller's Bargain in exchange for an honest review

First and foremost, Camille is a treasure and I thank her for putting up with my frantic DMs.

This book follows Alethea, an Oracle, as she flees her abusive household and goes on an adventure to find her place in the world, but her journey is stopped short by the terrifying, but devilishly handsome, Nakir Hasan - only remining heir of the slaughtered Hasan line.

This book was a fantastic debut. It had really great pacing and I never felt bored, thinking "when is this going to end?". In fact, I think it could have been longer. Give me 100 chapter, let's make it 200. Why stop there? 300. I loved the found family in this family and the unique power of the FMC. You don't see Oracles a lot.

The cast characters were a really heartwarming group of that was each other's found family. They were a kick-ass but really empathetic group of characters that each had their own distinct purpose in the book. I didn't feel like we had a surplus of characters. And the villains truly were villains. For someone who writes characters that love with their whole heart, Camille truly knows how to write characters who hate with their whole hears.

Our FMC Alethea - I can say a lot about her, especially CHAPTER 8 GRAAAAAA, but I liked her. She was self aware of her short comings, and her aversion to violence, and I loved her growth and realization of just how deeply she was abused. That lesson was not easy for Alethea to learn but she did! And we loved her for it.

Nakir - our love interest and the monster prince. HE HAS HORNS GRAAAA. Handsome and a KING (ironic) of consent. We love him. No notes. Just forehead kisses.

The ending killed me. So much happened in so few chapters and I was LIVING. I can't say more due to spoilers but I did message Camille "respectfully, what the fuck was that ending" so there is that.

[Kelly - Through Bookish Eyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 ⭐️’s
~ Rebellion 💙
~ Found Family💙
~ Enemies to Allies to Lovers💙
~ Compelling Magic System💙
~ Political Intrigue💙

I finished THE TRUTH TELLERS BARGAIN in one sitting, the more I read the more I needed to know and it just totally hooked me in. Everything about this story just kept building....And that cover is absolutely gorgeous !!! Easy 4 Stars!

Althea, our FMC, is an Oracle Princess, cursed to tell the truth, bound and ruthlessly used by her mother for a corrupt crown. She is not the instant strong and powerful warrior princess we commonly see. She is a passive, tender heart, whose deep trauma defines her impulsive and at times naive decisions. She struggles to find her place and is aware of her vulnerabilities. As frustrating as that can be, I loved learning with her and watching as her strength and confidence builds and the power of her magic unfolds. The MMC, Nakir, is the Rebellion Leader and exiled Prince! Our broody “monster” ( he has horns!) is kind, patient and understanding, but is also struggling with the loss of his magic! Their love story builds in a more cautious way then a slow burn way. The side characters were just as endearing, and an integral part of the story, I’m itching to learn more about them. (Love our man Bal!)
I honestly could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it, unpacking layers and fleshing out theories. I’m completely invested in Thea’s growth. I love the found family and their budding character arcs. The political intrigue has me scheming. The magic system evolving into something unique has me compelled, and Nakir's yearning for Thea ….oooph! I can’t wait for book 2, because that ending - ahhh! I am so excited to see where Alethea and Nakir's story goes.

Thank you very much to Camille Wolfewood for the eArc .

[Nikolett Ungor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. As someone who loves supporting indie authors, I always aim to share thoughtful, fair feedback. While I have personal reading preferences like a love for fantasy, horses, or specific tropes, I never let that impact my rating unless it is relevant to the book’s intent or audience. I review with the genre and readership in mind.

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bloodiness/darkness: 🩸
Spice: .5🌶️

Get ready for a story with yearning, wanting and healing. There was a lot I really appreciated about this book but I specially have to highlight the relationship between basically the entire rebellion and the princess. I wish the world and communities worked this idealisticly!

Acceptance, quiet support and a very warm atmosphere waited the girl at the rebels and I loved it so much. For an epic fantasy these elements are not really what I am looking for, but since I found the book advertised as a close to fairy taleish story, I think it fit quite well.

I am very happy with the character development. I am definitely a reader that dislikes weakling fmcs, but in this book the development comes soon enough and it's quite balanced.

I think readers who enjoy a softer fantasy with heavy focus on romance but also plot with very little spice, will love the book. It's very easy to read and follow if you don't get stuck in the world building.

My only complaint that took the 5th star from this book is that I found it a bit plain, I didn't get overly excited and screaming invested in the book. I will definitely do my very best to stick around for the second part, but I hope it will give a bit more of something extra, that will make it a 5✨ read.

[Jonni Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful Rapunzel retelling has altered my brain chemistry. This book is genuinely an amazing story. The prose itself had me stopping frequently just to appreciate the word usage and sentence structure.

World building:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The map of this world is stunning. The scene setting was incredibly detailed, making it easy to dive into the world of Senmarria. This world felt old, there are hints to deeper lore within this story and I am hopeful that Wolfewood continues to explore beyond this story.

Characters:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alethea is darling. Her character growth in this book is setting her up to become an unforgettable FMC. I love how Alethea’s soft, pacifist character was preserved when others would have used her challenges to turn her into something hard and unforgiving. The balance between Alethea’s tender heart and newfound strength is perfect.

NAKIRRRRRRRR I love him. Put this man in the book boyfriend hall of fame. No notes.

Nakir’s friends are the best found family! Each character plays an important role in teaching Alethea what real love looks like. I am excited to see how these characters continue to affect the story in the next book.

Magic/Myths/Monsters:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There are many levels to this magic system. Alethea’s power of prophecy may be the driving force of this book, but the system as a whole is much larger. The mythology of this world runs deep and it is felt with every mention of the gods.

Plot/Storyline:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is a slow-burn romance that hits all the notes: enemies to lovers, morally gray MMC, soft FMC.

This story had me creating theories from the start, yet I was still surprised by the chain of events at the conclusion. Alethea reminded me that power can be found, and tenderness can be preserved. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds in book two!

Thank you Camille Wolfewood for an advance copy of this book!

[Samantha Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW for The Truth Teller’s Bargain by Camille Wolfewood:

First off, the actual book is gorgeous which is what those of us who “collect” books want on our shelves!

One of the more unique things about this story was Alethea, the FMC. She’s the princess oracle who cannot lie and she’s considered a soft female. And she stays soft. We are NOT doing the “trained for two weeks and can suddenly defeat everyone in combat” thing here. Instead, she survives with compassion, intelligence, and emotional resilience, which felt so different than what I’ve been reading in the romantasy world.

And Nakir, the MMC???? The patience. The understanding. The way he interacted with Alethea had me internally screaming the entire time. He is the exiled heir who is coming to take back his crown. This is described as enemies to lovers, but personally it read much more like reluctant allies to lovers to me. The tension and dynamic between them felt natural and easy to fall into for this trope.

Have I mentioned the found family yet?? Nearly instant. Immediate emotional support squad energy. Alethea needed people in her corner so badly after the way she was treated by her mother. I hope to see so much more of them in part two of this duology.

The worldbuilding and magic system felt easy to understand without losing the fantasy atmosphere, and the story flowed so quickly that I flew through it. This was very easy and quick read.

Yes, there’s a cliffhanger, but it’s the kind that feels a little satisfying instead of emotionally devastating. It very much feels like book one is laying the groundwork for Alethea fully coming into her powers in book two and I am READY!

[Chenria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author.

First of all, thank you to Camille for the chance to read and review an advance copy of the book.💚

This was an enjoyable read and an overall well developed world building. The characters were interesting and likeable (or despicable, according to their need in the plot XD)
(Balthasar was by far my favorite, but I have a thing for the spymasters...)

Aletha, the FMC, was... difficult for me at times. She is a damsel in distress and a people pleaser. Though this is not completely her fault... she was kept away from people and never really learned people skills. And with all the things they made her do and see... yeah, you don't come out of that unscarred.
But I am not that into the damsel in distress characters, so I had to roll my eyes quite a bit and wanted to step aside with Alethea and have a word with her about actions and consequences.

Nakir, the MMC, is handsome, chivalrous and... definitely not the enemy.
This is supposed to enemies to lovers, though he was never really her enemy. They are just... proclaimed enemies because he leads the rebellion against the queen, Alethea's mother...

But Balthasar and Dawes rescued some of the plot for me.

The writing of the book is good. The reading flows and is enjoyable and I like the general writing style.
The dialogues feel real and how people might actually talk.
The magic system was understandable and never info-dumped.

All in all, it's a charming debut novel and an entertaining book. I say it's a summer read, something you read during your vacation to de-stress with an interesting and entertaining story.

[Tiff D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Camille for the E-ARC!!!

I absolutely DEVOOURED this in less thank 9 hours!

Alethea is a princess, an oracle, and the truth teller. I like that even though she has been sheltered since her fathers death she is holding on to herself the best she can. Her character development was written so well and was easy to follow along with. She gives so much of herself to everyone else she doesnt know how to react when she isnt forced to do it anymore but given the choice.

Nakir was a great MMC and I love that he doesnt have power anymore and he is literally just a man. He was made to be a monster in everyones eyes and Alethea is surprised when she finds out hes not a monster but someone she actually enjoys being around and she seeks him out.

The entire book was well thought out and written. I feel like the charaters were very realistic and relatable when it came down to who they really are and I fell in love with this world.

We get battles, magic, a forbidden romance and understanding when mistakes are made not swift justice. The romance was well integrated and I love that he is the first to fall and fall hard he did, I cant wait to see what happens between Nakir and Alethea. I absolutely loved this and I cant wait to see what happens when Alethea fully comes into her power and rejoins her "family".

"You are not a pawn to be passed around!"

"You replace my entire universe with a glance, Thea."

The absolute swooning!

*special mention for Bal!! The man that you are!*

[K.J. Harrowick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Truth-Teller’s Bargain
Series: The Oracle’s Duet
Author: Camille Wolfewood


It’s a rare gift to read a book before it’s release and discover an author who is destined to become a household name. I found this in The Truth-Teller’s Bargain by Camille Wolfewood—a beautiful, haunting debut weaving cozy fantasy with tender romance under the dreaded rule of the Crimson Queen.

Alethea is an Oracle with a curse—she can’t lie. A traumatized woman who has lived far too long under the Crimson Queen’s iron rule, she suffers heavy trauma and zero confidence. When her gift of foresight reveals the exact moment of the Queen’s downfall, Alethea flees her home, placing her on the path of truth and a rebellion that could secure her own demise as well.

Wolfewood’s gorgeous romantasy, set in a world of old gods and magic woven through the realms, taps into the stark truth of how heavily trauma is carried, even long after escape. Alethea’s optimism gives hope for the future in a dark and cruel world. Five stars for The Truth-Teller’s Bargain, a heart-warming debut that will leave readers breathless and aching for more.


For readers:
- This story leans more romance than fantasy.
- As part of a duology, this story hosts a cliffhanger at the end to lead into book 2.
- Spice level is about a 2 on the chili pepper scale.

This story is perfect for anyone who loves romantasy, soft and tender romances, deep magic and worldbuilding, or an adventure that offers hope in a dark world.

[✨Gretch✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Althea is blessed with Oracle abilities, however it does have some drawbacks. She can only speak the truth, and whatever she says will come to fruition. Even though she is the princess, she is still forced to serve her mother, and if that means almost burning herself out to help with the interrogation of prisoners, her mother will expect her to do it time and time again. One day when Althea snuck out of the castle, she got all turned around, her horse got spooked, and she was left in the dark woods alone without any idea how to get back to the castle. That is until a small band of rebels stumble upon her, and take her back to their camp. Althea thinks this might be the end for her, but they end up not being what she expected in the least.

I was sucked into this story from the start, and had such a great time reading it. Althea is not the strong warrior princess type, but more so a soft and shy. Nakir is the leader of the rebel group, and I would want to join them too if he was the leader because sheesh. Did I mention that he has horns? No? Well he does, and it's hot. Althea also got to break out of her shell a little with the help of some friends. The found family trope is strong in this book, and I am here for it. I adore Balthasar, and Emi, they are easily my two favorite side characters.

While this book does end on a small cliff, it isn't a horrible cliff. I will be eagerly waiting the next book in this series!

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 (𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫)
𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚: 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝟳𝙩𝙝 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 ⭐️

The Truth-Teller’s Bargain is the first book in a duology called The Oracle’s Duet. If you, like me, love found family, enemies to lovers, touch her and d!e, bargain magic and more, this book is for you!!!

I really loved this book! From the very start of this book I got sucked into the story and I just kept wondering what was going on and what would happen. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions for me, I felt it all; love, confusion, anger, surprise.

I absolutely adored the main characters, I really enjoyed the magic system and this world and I LOVED the found family in this 🥹 I also just loved that I saw that GORGEOUS character art of Alethea and Nakir before going into this book, I could imagine them very well while reading the story because of that!

I’m also very proud of the FMC Alethea, her character development was so good towards the end of the book and I just HAVE to know how she’ll grow further in book 2!

The book was also pretty fast paced in my opinion and read easily, which I liked a lot.

And than we have that ending, HELLO?!?! Not me thinking I had like 15 pages left and than it ended?! I need book 2 like RIGHT NOW!!!!

Lastly I wanted to say a huge thankyou to the author Camille Wolfewood for letting me be an ARC reader, I can’t wait for book 2 🌟💙

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Truth-Teller's Bargain: The Oracle's Duet Part One and I want to scream.

I knew there would be a part two, so this was just half of the story. But I need part two now. Not later. Now!

I want to know what the future holds for Alethea and Nakir. For their found family, and for the kingdom!

This book sucks you in and doesn't let go. The feelings hit hard. I felt the anxiety, insecurity but also the blossoming love. It's a romantasy but the love for the found family hits just as hard ❤️

Alethea is an Oracle, blessed or cursed with wielding the truth and only the truth. Her mother, the Queen, misuses that power constantly and strikes fear into the heart of her own daughter. When Alethea sees a prophecy her mother will hate she flees, in fear of her reaction.

She runs right into the hands of Nakir Hasan, the leader of the rebellion. When they find they both have the same ideals they strike a bargain - Alethea will help him regain the crown, Nakir will grant her freedom.

At the point the title of the book is reached -the bargain is struck- the main story begins. A story of war preparations, making alliances, finding family and love and finding the meaning of life.

It's a story I couldn't put down, that takes a hold of you and doesn't let go. I loved it and can't wait to read part 2!

[Mer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Y'all are going to have to take my review with a grain of salt, bc I'm not a big Romantasy genre person. So please keep that in mind! But I really wanted to read and support Camille in the publication of her first book. 💜

Camille writes wonderfully - the prose is varied and gorgeous. I got a wonderful sense of feeling from each line.

Cover art? I'm in-fucking-love. It's eye-catching and beautiful, which is one of the most important physical aspects of a book imo.

Spice scenes? 👀🌶️ So good, but not nearly enough. I need MOOOORE.

Now the meat of my review.

This book is what I would classify as an "easy" read. Easy as in I wasn't enthralled and didn't need a lot of brain power to read it. If a book can be described as the feeling of floating down a lazy river.

There were a lot of common Romantasy tropes. Which, if you are a fan of the genre, you would probably like this book! If you aren't a fan, I would give it a 50/50 chance of enjoying it vs finding it frustrating.

One thing I really wish was that we got more significant scenes with other characters other than Alethea/Nakir.

Overall, this was a solid book even if it wasn't normally my cuppa tea. At no point did I feel like DNFing, and Im excited to see how Senmarria grows in this new medium. 💜

[Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Received ARC from author (thank you Camille!)

The Truth-Tellers Bargain was such a divine read that I feel like everyone needed. Alethea and Nakir were so well-written, that I truly look forward to trying to post more about this book on the upcoming release day. I loved this book dearly, it was so well-written that it made me swoon, cry, throw my kindle (whoops), and kick my feet giggling.

The magic works, the romance, and political intrigue were so attention catching that I simply can't NOT spread word about this book.

Camille Wolfewood wrote it so well, that I cannot help myself to say that I am completely entranced by her writing, so much so that I will 100% pre-order and demolish the second book in the series when it releases this fall (don't quote this; this might change).

Tropes:
⋆˙⟡ Enemies to Lovers
⋆˙⟡ Slow Burn
⋆˙⟡ She Cannot Lie
⋆˙⟡ He Refuses to Kneel
⋆˙⟡ Bargain Magic
⋆˙⟡ Political Rebellion
⋆˙⟡ Touch Her & Die
⋆˙⟡ Star-Crossed Lovers
⋆˙⟡ Prophecy VS. Free Will
⋆˙⟡ Found Family
⋆˙⟡ One Horse

*** ARCS are still open as I'm writing this review (May 11th, 2025). I would highly recommend reading this book if you're wanting to read a well-written romantasy.

[Romantasy Bookbird · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙ARC REVIEW💙

This was a rapunzel retelling where her mother uses her daughter for her power with no regard the effect this has on her until she almost burns out.
Althea is a rare oracle but her disadvantage is she can’t lie. I really enjoyed her as a character. She is not the typical FMC in that she does play damsel slightly especially in the begining and has no fighting skills at all but the tide turns when she decides she can longer watch people suffer and be used as a pawn. Her development in this book is something special in that she has to learn what love, trust and friendship is and how to return it.

Nakir is on a lifelong mission for vengeance and gain back his grown but fate has other ideas when a princess walks into him. Nakir if such a doting and caring MMC. He loathes what’s been done to others especially Thea and I just love how he is with our FMC.
The found family vibes are just everything and how they instantly rally around one another but aren’t scared to put them in their place.
The plot was fast paced, captivating and I was so engrossed and did not want to put this down. There was so much going on and so many interlacing stories it kept me invested. That ending has me desperate to see what’ll happen next.

[Alex Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Camille Wolfewood for the ARC opportunity.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🫂found family
🏳️‍🌈queer representation
🔥slow burn
🧙🏻Magic

This book was SO GOOD!! I'm not even kidding I can't wait for the next one I have to know what happens next! This book sucked me in to a wonderful world that I did NOT want to leave.

I wish I didn't love Alethea so much because she seems so naive but for her it's in a way that's understandable. Girl has been through hell and doesn't know the world. But she fights for what she believes in despite that and that's key. Nakir is such a good MMC. He is definitely a man written by a woman if you know what I mean. But his whole crew is incredible. They all fight for each other so much. And they're such incredible people! The found family dynamic in this book is so wonderful.

And then you add in all the opponents in life they are pitted against, some really powerful, some just arrogant and controlling, but still, they have a background to them. For some, you start to get quite a glimpse into what caused them to be like that. They have a little depth. Camille can write a villain that's for sure.

Overall this book was quite the hit for a debut! Camille Wolfewood is gonna go far and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Terri McCarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok folks. Let me just tell you. The text between these gorgeous covers is as wonderful as the artwork.

We have an Oracle (Alethea) that believes she is damaged goods and has been used/abused her whole life for her power. We have an exiled heir (did I mention he has horns?) Nakir, out to overthrow the Crimson Queen who happens to be Alethea's mother. THEN, we have the most incredible cast of characters who comprise the Dark Court, Nakir's right hand people. When I tell you that the descriptives and characteristics of the Dark Court left me DYING to see character art of this group! I haven't loved side characters this much in a long time.

Alethea took some time to understand and find her inner strength, but when she did? That ending was perfection. And now I need the second book ASAP! How will we wait?! (this is the worst part of being an ARC reader, our wait is EVEN LONGER than everyone else's).

A big thank you to the author, Camille Wolfewood, for the gift of this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
World building ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Characters ⭐⭐⭐.5/5

If I have to choose only one word to describe this book, it's this: beautiful.

First, as you can see, the cover is breathtaking. It's one of my favourite EVER.

The writing, guys. THE WRITING. The language in this book is simply stunning. The Truth-Teller's Bargain was written in such way that make me feel deference while reading.

The world and the magic system simply makes sense. I believe this is one of the first fantasy book where there are no running water/tab. And I just love it. It paints the picture that the world building wasn't just there to accommodate the MCs.

Love the way the story builds. I do feel like the romance burns a little too fast for my liking, though the yearning is definitely there.

My favourite character from the entire book is Balthasar. The way he's so gentle with Alethea melts my heart. The way he stands up for what he think is right? Respect 🙌

Overall, this book earned an easy 4.5⭐ from me!!

[Lenore Keiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal book!

This is the story of a soft woman with rare prophetic powers, who in the face of trauma and humanity's worst traits, chooses to be good. I love the complexity of the characters, and how the FMC navigates choices.

The romance is enemies to lovers-light, as in they are enemies by other's politicking (take that as you want, I liked it, and it was well done without being drawn out). I loved the romance development throughout and the spice was just right with gooood tension.

I honestly think my favorite part was the worldbuilding. I know a lot of books put chapter in-betweens showing quotes from in-story books or characters, but I loved how these snippets both showed such a complex world and gave a tiny preview of what was to come. I didn't just get bored with them and skip over them, instead, I actually found myself re-reading them to take it in.

I, unfortunately, now have to wait for the next book when all I want to do is read and find out what happens.

[cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was graciously given an ARC copy of this book by the author and this is my honest review.

The Truth Teller’s Bargain is poetry on paper. In an industry where POV has become dominant, reading a 3rd person POV, written this beautifully, was refreshing, engrossing, and engaging.

Our FMC Alethea, an Oracle mage and princess of the Crimson Queen’s court is abused and used for her all- seeing visions. Her mother, brutal and cold, uses her at any cost to keep her power. Alethea becomes tired and fed up of the cruelty and runs away, straight into the arms of our MMC Nakir, a deposed rebel prince who is going to retake his family’s throne, the one her family currently occupies.

Alethea and Nakir make a bargain to save the kingdom and liberate them from her mother’s grasp. They must navigate through friendship, power, loyalty, love, family & magic to achieve their ultimate destinies. Each has a path they have chosen, but what are they willing to sacrifice to get there?

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved every minute of it and cannot wait until I find out what happens next.

[Joanne Turnbull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the wonderful opportunity to read this as an arc and I am so pleased I did!

The Truth-Teller's Bargain is a beautifully written romantasy that balances magic, romance, betrayal and personal growth with an accessible, easy to follow narrative. The story shines through its compelling found family dynamic, emotional character development and immersive worldbuilding that unfolds naturally without overwhelming story background. The author balances worldbuilding and plot really well.
Alethea is a relatable and layered protagonist whose journey from obedience to self discovery is deeply rewarding to follow. Her relationship with Nakir delivers plenty of tension, tenderness and emotional depth, while the supporting cast adds warmth, humour and heart to the story.
Though the pacing occasionally slows in the middle and some character choices feel inconsistent, it remains incredibly engaging from start to finish. The emotional stakes, vivid magic system and addictive romance make it difficult to put down and the ending leaves readers eager for the next book!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say don't judge a book by its cover, but this is one of those times where the cover is just as beautiful as what's inside. The Truth-Teller's Bargain is the story of Alethea, an Oracle, who cannot tell a lie, and Nakir, a prince who is fighting to take back his crown.

One 90 degree afternoon I drove to Raleigh to pick up TTB from Camille Wolfewood, author extraordinaire, went to run club with some socks I borrowed from her (she's a nice person as well as author), and once I got home I did not put it down (except to text Camille thoughts and questions and to yell at her when she made me cry).

I freaking loved this book. It transported me to a completely different world in a time when this one is tough. I found new characters I loved, in both the mains and the found family. I have so many theories and I ideas and hopes and dreams for this duolog - like I actually care what happens! I cried! And I cannot wait for book two. 5 stars!