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The Court of Venus
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26The Court of Venus is an ensnaring romantic fantasy in which a moon-blessed magician is summoned back to the deadly magical court she thought she had escaped; where power is determined by the stars—and the closer you are to the king, the more likely you are to die. Perfect for fans of The Knight and The Moth, The Familiar, and A Darker Shade of Magic.
In Alvion, magicians have always ruled beside kings. Blessed at birth by one of the seven planets, their abilities are miraculous and extremely rare. Magicians born under Jupiter influence luck. Saturnborn can speak to the dead. Venusborn read the desires of the living.
At the moment of Bianca Mortlake’s birth, the stars and planets aligned just so, making her the first Moonborn magician in over a thousand years. A sorcery so rare that even the history books cannot say what she is capable of.
After a childhood training under the realm’s most powerful magician—and alongside a most insufferable Venusborn named Roland—Bianca lives a quiet life far from court. Until a chilling missive arrives in the night, summoning her back.
A mad and deadly court awaits. Two queens have met the executioner’s blade, and one wrong move could see any of them next beneath its steel. As power is pulled between ruthless royals and courtiers like the tides by the moon, Bianca must rely on the last person she would ever want to—the infuriatingly alluring Roland.
Because something is terribly wrong in Alvion. And only this moon-blessed magician and her oldest rival can save the court—and each other—from the dark fate they see written in the stars.
The Court of Venus
*rivals to lovers
*courtly intrigue
*magic tournament
*slow burn
*murder mystery
*she falls first, he falls harder
In Alvion, magicians have always ruled beside kings. Blessed at birth by one of the seven planets, their abilities are miraculous and extremely rare. Magicians born under Jupiter influence luck. Saturnborn can speak to the dead. Venusborn read the desires of the living.
At the moment of Bianca Mortlake’s birth, the stars and planets aligned just so, making her the first Moonborn magician in over a thousand years. A sorcery so rare that even the history books cannot say what she is capable of.
After a childhood training under the realm’s most powerful magician—and alongside a most insufferable Venusborn named Roland—Bianca lives a quiet life far from court. Until a chilling missive arrives in the night, summoning her back.
A mad and deadly court awaits. Two queens have met the executioner’s blade, and one wrong move could see any of them next beneath its steel. As power is pulled between ruthless royals and courtiers like the tides by the moon, Bianca must rely on the last person she would ever want to—the infuriatingly alluring Roland.
Because something is terribly wrong in Alvion. And only this moon-blessed magician and her oldest rival can save the court—and each other—from the dark fate they see written in the stars.
The Court of Venus
*rivals to lovers
*courtly intrigue
*magic tournament
*slow burn
*murder mystery
*she falls first, he falls harder
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Bel Banta
1 book69 followersBel Banta is a bookseller and writer. She graduated from the University of Virginia and lives with her partner and two cats in Brooklyn. Some of her very favorite things include video games, coffee, and walking around the city listening to movie scores.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This didn’t work for me. The writing style was good, the characters were interesting, and the romance was slow burn, but the story didn’t pull me in. The plot was focused on court intrigue and scheming, which sounded fantastic, but I felt bored most of the time.
The FMC can shape shift into different animals and humans, so she spends her time spying on people, but it’s just conversation after conversation. Even knowing what she can do, those doing the scheming take zero precautions and are happy to share secrets with anyone who has a familiar face. I mean, someone caught her once and they just told her to leave. Where was the tension? The consequences? I saw none of it.
I kept reading because of the characters and writing, but the stakes were never high enough for me to appreciate it. At one point someone died during a dance and everyone proceeded as if nothing happened. When things finally started picking up (70% in, I think?), I didn’t care anymore.
I didn’t warm up to Bianca and Roland’s romance either, and the ending was underwhelming and felt too neat for my taste.
The narrator did a good job, but listening to the audio made an already boring story drag even more, so I actually preferred reading it.
I felt very neutral about this book overall. Looking back, I wish I dnf’d this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc and alc!
The FMC can shape shift into different animals and humans, so she spends her time spying on people, but it’s just conversation after conversation. Even knowing what she can do, those doing the scheming take zero precautions and are happy to share secrets with anyone who has a familiar face. I mean, someone caught her once and they just told her to leave. Where was the tension? The consequences? I saw none of it.
I kept reading because of the characters and writing, but the stakes were never high enough for me to appreciate it. At one point someone died during a dance and everyone proceeded as if nothing happened. When things finally started picking up (70% in, I think?), I didn’t care anymore.
I didn’t warm up to Bianca and Roland’s romance either, and the ending was underwhelming and felt too neat for my taste.
The narrator did a good job, but listening to the audio made an already boring story drag even more, so I actually preferred reading it.
I felt very neutral about this book overall. Looking back, I wish I dnf’d this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc and alc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4! This book is great. If you want a well rounded fantasy with equal elements of intrigue, court politics, astrology based magic system, world building and romance.. then The Court of Venus is a book for you! It's thick in court games and a mystery surrounding a royal servant of the crown. There is also slow-burn rivals to lovers romance that holds genuine history underneath it. There are a lot of power dynamics explored within the magic system and a great sequel setup. I personally loved the Tudor-inspired aesthetic in this book, its very immersive and sounded dangerous.
The story takes a WHILE to unfold. This is by no means a spicy romantasy. There is a lot of emotional angst/tension which comes at a later part of the book, but I really enjoyed that part of the story (like 65% and onwards). I don't enjoy books that hold the weight with sexual tension and the characters jump into bed by 25%; thats a no go for me. So I can assure you, this is not it.
What's it about
This is a Tudor-like celestial fantasy that is mainly centered on magic that revolves around seven celestial bodies with magical abilities that are rooted and depend on planetary connection: Saturn, Jupiter, Venus and Moon. Our protagonist-Bianca, is a powerful magician who lived away from court for many years. She's asked to come back and there she meets again/reconnects with Roland, a childhood friend turned rival. Within that royal court, dangerous things are brewing. Two queens have recently died and the king is in need of an heir that he can't seem to produce. Bianca mainly returns to investigate the mysterious death of Prince Hal, which is not what it appears to be. As she investigates, a much larger conspiracy starts to evolve.
I've already listened to about 19% of this audiobook and this is GOOD.
This is *potentially* going to be featured on Allurial next month.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrator: Samantha Hydeson
Duration: 14 hours 47 minutes
Speed: 1.75x
Publication date: September 29, 2026
The story takes a WHILE to unfold. This is by no means a spicy romantasy. There is a lot of emotional angst/tension which comes at a later part of the book, but I really enjoyed that part of the story (like 65% and onwards). I don't enjoy books that hold the weight with sexual tension and the characters jump into bed by 25%; thats a no go for me. So I can assure you, this is not it.
What's it about
This is a Tudor-like celestial fantasy that is mainly centered on magic that revolves around seven celestial bodies with magical abilities that are rooted and depend on planetary connection: Saturn, Jupiter, Venus and Moon. Our protagonist-Bianca, is a powerful magician who lived away from court for many years. She's asked to come back and there she meets again/reconnects with Roland, a childhood friend turned rival. Within that royal court, dangerous things are brewing. Two queens have recently died and the king is in need of an heir that he can't seem to produce. Bianca mainly returns to investigate the mysterious death of Prince Hal, which is not what it appears to be. As she investigates, a much larger conspiracy starts to evolve.
I've already listened to about 19% of this audiobook and this is GOOD.
This is *potentially* going to be featured on Allurial next month.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrator: Samantha Hydeson
Duration: 14 hours 47 minutes
Speed: 1.75x
Publication date: September 29, 2026
September 22, 2026
In Alvion’s royal court, heads freely roll whenever the king grows testy, and even the most powerful magicians are not beyond his reach.
Bianca Mortlake is the first Moonborn magician in more than a thousand years. While most magicians possess established gifts associated with one of seven celestial bodies, Bianca’s rare abilities remain largely unknown. After spending her childhood training alongside Roland, an infuriating Venusborn magician, she escaped that world and built a quieter life in service to a highborn family. Then a summons brings her back to the deadly court she thought she had left behind.
Surrounded by treachery, political rivalry, and gruesome executions, Bianca must navigate a place where magicians may hold extraordinary power but are still forced to serve the king. Roland, her childhood rival and supposed adversary, also brings back painful memories of the life she endured before leaving. Yet her pull toward him proves as complicated as the mysteries unfolding within the court.
The celestial magic system is one of the book’s strongest elements. Each type of magician has abilities connected to a particular planet, creating compelling questions about how these gifts manifest and what Bianca may be capable of as a Moonborn. The fantasy is filled with betrayal, forced servitude, sexism, murder, magical revelations, and unsavory political maneuvering as Bianca and Roland attempt to survive this toxic world.
Romance readers should know that the relationship develops slowly and comes after the extensive world-building and court intrigue. However, when the romance becomes a greater part of the story, it carries significant emotional weight. Bianca remains deeply focused on everything she has already lost, which made watching her consider the possibility of a new relationship unexpectedly moving for me.
Samantha Hydeson is a strong choice for this serious, atmospheric fantasy told from Bianca’s point of view. Her performance suits the danger and gravity of the story, and she gives the characters distinct voices. I occasionally became confused about who was speaking or when a scene was taking place because the plot involves shifting identities and visions of memories. Although Hydeson appropriately adjusted her performance during these transitions, the complexity of Bianca’s experiences sometimes made the audiobook difficult for me to follow.
The Court of Venus will appeal most to readers who enjoy intricate celestial magic, deadly royal politics, murder mysteries, and slow-burn romance that develops amid much larger stakes.
Content considerations include murder, executions, forced servitude, sexism, violence, grief, and toxic power dynamics.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Bianca Mortlake is the first Moonborn magician in more than a thousand years. While most magicians possess established gifts associated with one of seven celestial bodies, Bianca’s rare abilities remain largely unknown. After spending her childhood training alongside Roland, an infuriating Venusborn magician, she escaped that world and built a quieter life in service to a highborn family. Then a summons brings her back to the deadly court she thought she had left behind.
Surrounded by treachery, political rivalry, and gruesome executions, Bianca must navigate a place where magicians may hold extraordinary power but are still forced to serve the king. Roland, her childhood rival and supposed adversary, also brings back painful memories of the life she endured before leaving. Yet her pull toward him proves as complicated as the mysteries unfolding within the court.
The celestial magic system is one of the book’s strongest elements. Each type of magician has abilities connected to a particular planet, creating compelling questions about how these gifts manifest and what Bianca may be capable of as a Moonborn. The fantasy is filled with betrayal, forced servitude, sexism, murder, magical revelations, and unsavory political maneuvering as Bianca and Roland attempt to survive this toxic world.
Romance readers should know that the relationship develops slowly and comes after the extensive world-building and court intrigue. However, when the romance becomes a greater part of the story, it carries significant emotional weight. Bianca remains deeply focused on everything she has already lost, which made watching her consider the possibility of a new relationship unexpectedly moving for me.
Samantha Hydeson is a strong choice for this serious, atmospheric fantasy told from Bianca’s point of view. Her performance suits the danger and gravity of the story, and she gives the characters distinct voices. I occasionally became confused about who was speaking or when a scene was taking place because the plot involves shifting identities and visions of memories. Although Hydeson appropriately adjusted her performance during these transitions, the complexity of Bianca’s experiences sometimes made the audiobook difficult for me to follow.
The Court of Venus will appeal most to readers who enjoy intricate celestial magic, deadly royal politics, murder mysteries, and slow-burn romance that develops amid much larger stakes.
Content considerations include murder, executions, forced servitude, sexism, violence, grief, and toxic power dynamics.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2026
The flirtatious kings advisor, beloved by all (except one person who they want desperately and who greets them with a knife to the throat) I LOVE THIS SONG. Romantic fantasy with yearning is back people!!!
A dazzling tale of courtly intrigue, celestial magic, and star written love, Bel Banta’s, The Court of Venus bridges the historical with the fantastical in an expansive narrative all about power and the lengths we will go to rewrite our fates. When an exiled moon-blessed magician returns to the court of Alvion, a growing power struggle necessitates she join forces with her long-ago rival to uncover a conspiracy and solve the murder of their friend from childhood. Against the turbulent king's court, neither will emerge unscathed, nor will they fully outlast the conflicting desires between them and the kingdom entire. In a Tudor-esque plot of secrets and deadly political machinations, Banta builds a landscape fraught with uncertainty—where one misstep spells death by the executioner's sword. With a murder to solve and the past to untangle, The Court of Venus has a lot cut out for it, but it achieves it all with breathtaking skill and an overwhelming singularity. This novel is a clash of personalities, from members of royalty, to courtiers, to the flirtatious king's advisor beloved by all (except the one person who they want desperately and who greets them with a knife to the throat). Not without its kernel of romance, The Court of Venus parries the plot with a biting, sensual slow burn. For there is no one that gets under one's skin quite like a bitter rival, nor someone who can see you down to the marrow and decide they want you anyway. This debut harnesses a vast and hungering intensity. Banta writes with a ferocity that will make you feel held at knife point (and you will like it). The Court of Venus is fantasy the way it should be: suffused in romantic yearning, an intense political underpinning, and a plot that cuts to the bone. Coupled with an agonizing twist that had me ready to scream at the stars, Bel Banta is a talent fated to have me in her walls until book two.
“Before I saw her again, I would have said I had been in love a handful of times. Now I know she has been the only one.” SCREAM
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing the advance review copy.
Bookstagram | Blog
A dazzling tale of courtly intrigue, celestial magic, and star written love, Bel Banta’s, The Court of Venus bridges the historical with the fantastical in an expansive narrative all about power and the lengths we will go to rewrite our fates. When an exiled moon-blessed magician returns to the court of Alvion, a growing power struggle necessitates she join forces with her long-ago rival to uncover a conspiracy and solve the murder of their friend from childhood. Against the turbulent king's court, neither will emerge unscathed, nor will they fully outlast the conflicting desires between them and the kingdom entire. In a Tudor-esque plot of secrets and deadly political machinations, Banta builds a landscape fraught with uncertainty—where one misstep spells death by the executioner's sword. With a murder to solve and the past to untangle, The Court of Venus has a lot cut out for it, but it achieves it all with breathtaking skill and an overwhelming singularity. This novel is a clash of personalities, from members of royalty, to courtiers, to the flirtatious king's advisor beloved by all (except the one person who they want desperately and who greets them with a knife to the throat). Not without its kernel of romance, The Court of Venus parries the plot with a biting, sensual slow burn. For there is no one that gets under one's skin quite like a bitter rival, nor someone who can see you down to the marrow and decide they want you anyway. This debut harnesses a vast and hungering intensity. Banta writes with a ferocity that will make you feel held at knife point (and you will like it). The Court of Venus is fantasy the way it should be: suffused in romantic yearning, an intense political underpinning, and a plot that cuts to the bone. Coupled with an agonizing twist that had me ready to scream at the stars, Bel Banta is a talent fated to have me in her walls until book two.
“Before I saw her again, I would have said I had been in love a handful of times. Now I know she has been the only one.” SCREAM
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing the advance review copy.
Bookstagram | Blog
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Received early via the publisher.
____
Pink hair, one earring and stacks of rings? hELLO?!
Ahem , now that’s out of the way.
Oh how this book won me over rapidly. I was nervous about the Tudor-leaning aesthetic, as historical fantasy can be hit-or-miss for me, but this is largely in aesthetics and otherwise felt like many fantasy settings we know and love. Plus I just adore sinking my teeth into the manipulations of court politics, and with this type of magic running rampant? It was DELECTABLE. What a pairing.
The magic in this is so cleverly used, the reading of desires and emotions fine tuned in a way that had me gleefully reading, keen to find out more right alongside Bianca and Roland. And what makes a romance messier than those emotions being easily read? There’s such an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet from the get go, the childhood friends to rivals to …more (?) is near torturous in all the way those emotions are pulled. They live in each other’s mind, and mine too.
There’s yearning, astrology, and a high stakes rivalry that had me chomping at the bit. It’s a refreshing take on romantasy, and one I hope doesn’t fly under the radar.
____
Pink hair, one earring and stacks of rings? hELLO?!
Ahem , now that’s out of the way.
Oh how this book won me over rapidly. I was nervous about the Tudor-leaning aesthetic, as historical fantasy can be hit-or-miss for me, but this is largely in aesthetics and otherwise felt like many fantasy settings we know and love. Plus I just adore sinking my teeth into the manipulations of court politics, and with this type of magic running rampant? It was DELECTABLE. What a pairing.
The magic in this is so cleverly used, the reading of desires and emotions fine tuned in a way that had me gleefully reading, keen to find out more right alongside Bianca and Roland. And what makes a romance messier than those emotions being easily read? There’s such an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet from the get go, the childhood friends to rivals to …more (?) is near torturous in all the way those emotions are pulled. They live in each other’s mind, and mine too.
There’s yearning, astrology, and a high stakes rivalry that had me chomping at the bit. It’s a refreshing take on romantasy, and one I hope doesn’t fly under the radar.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
firstly, thank you to the publisher for a physical arc and an alc!
i have seen the court of venus everywhere on socials, and so i was excited to dive into my alc!
the court of venus is a new romantasy series following a moon-blessed magician returning to the deadly magical court she believed to have escaped... this definitely had arthurian vibes to me, which is always a plus imo!!
as for the audio, the narrator did a great job!
it was also really nice to meet bel recently and chat with her!
i have seen the court of venus everywhere on socials, and so i was excited to dive into my alc!
the court of venus is a new romantasy series following a moon-blessed magician returning to the deadly magical court she believed to have escaped... this definitely had arthurian vibes to me, which is always a plus imo!!
as for the audio, the narrator did a great job!
it was also really nice to meet bel recently and chat with her!
Want to Read
September 16, 2026no cuz wdym the guy has pink hair?!? is this evangeline's long lost brother...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Honestly, what a blast? Something between 4.25-4.5 good time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ stars (so rounding up). & thank you to both Tor for the ARC & Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for am honest review.
PLOT
In the time Bianca — who was once trained by the kingdom’s best magician — has been away from court, her rival/fellow trainee Roland has risen to power & her other friend, the heir Hal, was mysteriously murdered. She is summoned back to court & finds it’s more of a mess than she thought; queens killed by the king & succession in shambles. She finds the only person she can trust to figure out what’s going on… is the last person she wants to.
- rivals to lovers, childhood friends/rivals
- super unique astrology-based magic system
- equally cunning FMC & MMC
- solo-narrated audiobook
- lower/med spice
- book 1 in a duology
PROS
- This has one of my favorite tropes in it which is “they knew each other as kids & meet again as adults & are adversaries” & it was done QUITE well.
- Oh the tension/longing in this is so good. There’s an additional emotional layer to it that adds such a good boundary & it was so fun to read.
- SUCH good pacing! Felt like we were always doing something fun & interesting & we had no down time in the best way.
- MMC is hot & flirty I like him.
- FMC is clever & deliberate & interesting & I quiiiiite like her as well.
- Fascinating magic system! Super unique. The tie to astrology was so much fun. I also think, because it is a tad complex with how many variations of stuff there is, the author did a good job of bringing that info forward in a way that didn’t feel info dumpy or unnatural.
- Delicious court politics.
- I liked how the flashbacks were woven in. Sometimes those can feel like they carry too much weight for the plot & that the author didn’t know how to world-build without it but these were done in a way that built emotional weight, & I certainly enjoyed!
- Really fun reveals throughout.
- The ribbon scene was delicious.
- AWESOME audiobook btw. She crushed it.
MIDS
- One could argue this is a short book & maybe too much happened to dive super deep into characters & motivations? Idk I liked the pacing, it was super fun & felt like I was just sprinting through this world in a fun way. But then I’d also be like “oh wow okay here we are I guess” - I might just want my cake & to eat it too though, so not calling this a con.
CONS
- Sometimes things maybe felt convenient? Around the magic & general scheming especially. Like I know our people are brilliant & it’s not that they didn’t run into issues, but idk. Something just felt the basest bit too easy when it came to all the plans, etc. Maybe it’s also partly because the magic seems like it can shift/evolve based on astral alignment? Idk, just something!
SUPER fun, will absolutely read book 2!
PLOT
In the time Bianca — who was once trained by the kingdom’s best magician — has been away from court, her rival/fellow trainee Roland has risen to power & her other friend, the heir Hal, was mysteriously murdered. She is summoned back to court & finds it’s more of a mess than she thought; queens killed by the king & succession in shambles. She finds the only person she can trust to figure out what’s going on… is the last person she wants to.
- rivals to lovers, childhood friends/rivals
- super unique astrology-based magic system
- equally cunning FMC & MMC
- solo-narrated audiobook
- lower/med spice
- book 1 in a duology
PROS
- This has one of my favorite tropes in it which is “they knew each other as kids & meet again as adults & are adversaries” & it was done QUITE well.
- Oh the tension/longing in this is so good. There’s an additional emotional layer to it that adds such a good boundary & it was so fun to read.
- SUCH good pacing! Felt like we were always doing something fun & interesting & we had no down time in the best way.
- MMC is hot & flirty I like him.
- FMC is clever & deliberate & interesting & I quiiiiite like her as well.
- Fascinating magic system! Super unique. The tie to astrology was so much fun. I also think, because it is a tad complex with how many variations of stuff there is, the author did a good job of bringing that info forward in a way that didn’t feel info dumpy or unnatural.
- Delicious court politics.
- I liked how the flashbacks were woven in. Sometimes those can feel like they carry too much weight for the plot & that the author didn’t know how to world-build without it but these were done in a way that built emotional weight, & I certainly enjoyed!
- Really fun reveals throughout.
- The ribbon scene was delicious.
- AWESOME audiobook btw. She crushed it.
MIDS
- One could argue this is a short book & maybe too much happened to dive super deep into characters & motivations? Idk I liked the pacing, it was super fun & felt like I was just sprinting through this world in a fun way. But then I’d also be like “oh wow okay here we are I guess” - I might just want my cake & to eat it too though, so not calling this a con.
CONS
- Sometimes things maybe felt convenient? Around the magic & general scheming especially. Like I know our people are brilliant & it’s not that they didn’t run into issues, but idk. Something just felt the basest bit too easy when it came to all the plans, etc. Maybe it’s also partly because the magic seems like it can shift/evolve based on astral alignment? Idk, just something!
SUPER fun, will absolutely read book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set in a Tudor-inspired world where astrologers and magicians rule alongside kings, this was a promising debut with teething problems.
Bianca is born during a rare planetary alignment, making her the first Moonborn magician in over a thousand years. She was trained by the realm's most powerful magician, alongside her insufferable rival, a Venusborn named Roland. Bianca was Roland’s unwanted shadow, trailing after him and the best of the trio: the noble Prince.
Bianca is embroiled in political intrigue, conspiracies, and desperate to uncover a past murder. Roland, her childhood rival, is the Lord Chancellor, both puppet and master of the king depending on the court’s favour. Oh, and he has pink hair.
“And what’s your price?”
He pondered this for a moment, then held up his ring. “Influence. Yours?”
“A home, I suppose.” I shrugged.
“Safety.” “Oh, Mouse, what a tragic answer. We should have named you Crab instead, for how much you love your shell.”
There was a lot of promise here. Bianca was a compelling character: clever, observant, and strong. Roland is a very complicated magician: the powers of Venus, he is basically a force of attraction to everyone.
The magic system was intriguing: magicians are rare and blessed at birth by one of the seven planets, granting them rare abilities in alignment with their birth and planets.
However, the book fell into a few pitfalls.
First of all, there were certain plot conveniences that were frustrating and went against character development. Without spoilers, there’s this big event that Bianca is worrying about throughout the book. Then, she completely FORGETS about it in order to further the plot? Suspicious.
Likewise, the magic system sounds unique and interesting, yet was never fully explained or explored and there are sudden revelations that work to, you guessed it, fix a plot point. This meant that emotional stakes and immersion wasn’t fully realised.
I wish there were diagrams or excerpts from a textbook etc as that would have been pretty cool and helpful.
For what were names but someone else’s idea of what we were, or could be? Bianca, for my shock of white hair. Mouse, for my scurrying.
I haven’t mentioned the art work yet which is stunning. I bet a lot of people will be convinced by the art inserted in certain chapters.
Overall, a lot of potential, but a few teething problems that might be forgiven for a debut writer or less rigorous editing.
3.75 stars.🌟
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Bianca is born during a rare planetary alignment, making her the first Moonborn magician in over a thousand years. She was trained by the realm's most powerful magician, alongside her insufferable rival, a Venusborn named Roland. Bianca was Roland’s unwanted shadow, trailing after him and the best of the trio: the noble Prince.
Bianca is embroiled in political intrigue, conspiracies, and desperate to uncover a past murder. Roland, her childhood rival, is the Lord Chancellor, both puppet and master of the king depending on the court’s favour. Oh, and he has pink hair.
“And what’s your price?”
He pondered this for a moment, then held up his ring. “Influence. Yours?”
“A home, I suppose.” I shrugged.
“Safety.” “Oh, Mouse, what a tragic answer. We should have named you Crab instead, for how much you love your shell.”
There was a lot of promise here. Bianca was a compelling character: clever, observant, and strong. Roland is a very complicated magician: the powers of Venus, he is basically a force of attraction to everyone.
The magic system was intriguing: magicians are rare and blessed at birth by one of the seven planets, granting them rare abilities in alignment with their birth and planets.
However, the book fell into a few pitfalls.
First of all, there were certain plot conveniences that were frustrating and went against character development. Without spoilers, there’s this big event that Bianca is worrying about throughout the book. Then, she completely FORGETS about it in order to further the plot? Suspicious.
Likewise, the magic system sounds unique and interesting, yet was never fully explained or explored and there are sudden revelations that work to, you guessed it, fix a plot point. This meant that emotional stakes and immersion wasn’t fully realised.
I wish there were diagrams or excerpts from a textbook etc as that would have been pretty cool and helpful.
For what were names but someone else’s idea of what we were, or could be? Bianca, for my shock of white hair. Mouse, for my scurrying.
I haven’t mentioned the art work yet which is stunning. I bet a lot of people will be convinced by the art inserted in certain chapters.
Overall, a lot of potential, but a few teething problems that might be forgiven for a debut writer or less rigorous editing.
3.75 stars.🌟
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August 31, 2026
4.5 stars
What a deliciously entertaining fantasy romance! With a decadently rotten court, unique magic system, scheming in the shadows, and fabulous romantic tension, The Court of Venus reminded me of The Foxglove King and One Dark Window. I cannot wait for book two!
Full review to come
What a deliciously entertaining fantasy romance! With a decadently rotten court, unique magic system, scheming in the shadows, and fabulous romantic tension, The Court of Venus reminded me of The Foxglove King and One Dark Window. I cannot wait for book two!
Full review to come
December 9, 2025
Brimming with yearning and set against a glittering world of celestial inspired magic, high stakes, and Tudor worthy intrigue, The Court of Venus shines. Banta has expertly crafted the story I didn’t know I longed for and the world my young zodiac and Tudor obsessed heart craved.
Read
September 21, 2026this was so good! rtc
———
last arc i’m prioritizing for this month, let’s go ✨
———
last arc i’m prioritizing for this month, let’s go ✨
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook, and Tor for the gifted ARC!
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
I went into this expecting another historical romance reskinned as Romantasy, but I could not have been more wrong. This is the kind of sincere depth that I have been begging for within the fantasy romance spectrum. Cutthroat politics, betrayal, scheming, action, and a slow burn, high tension romance that had me blushing in public. This was immaculate.
The world building was immense yet approachable, never choosing style over substance. The sensory rich, immersive writing style deftly captured the tumultuous, blood-thirsty atmosphere of a Tudor court, while seamlessly shifting tone based on the narrative. I loved the celestial magic system, and felt that its logistics and importance were explored equally, adding to the tension within the central mystery and adding depth to almost every plot point. Each reveal made me rethink earlier scenes in a way that felt rewarding rather than a rug pull.
The characters were complex and layered, complete with endearing flaws and unique strengths. Bianca is a pragmatic, clever and resilient protagonist, while Roland is alluring, passionate and a little bit aloof. The friction between them was amplified by their solid foundation of childhood intellectual rivalry, mutual suspicion and shared grief. I felt completely invested in their connection and I could not get enough of their soft, intense dynamic. This is the kind of torturous slow burn romance that gently simmers, building mutual respect and understanding as well as genuine tension. Their connection felt truly earned, believable and profound.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough, and it might take my top spot for the year so far. It completely exceeded my expectations and will be the perfect read if you’re looking for a well plotted, balanced fantasy romance.
*****Do note that this does start out a little slow. Make sure you have the time and mental space for that, and keep going - every piece of the puzzle is worth it.
✦ 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✦
This is a single narration by Samantha Hydeson. I felt that her natural accent really elevated this recording and it felt authentic to the setting. I loved how naturally her tone shifted based on the scene and I felt that she did a great job utilizing different voices for the various cast members. Although this audiobook was well done, I wouldn’t say that it added to my experience in any meaningful way. I think going with your preferred format is best with this one!
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚:
Rivals to Lovers dynamic
Slow Burn Romance
Reluctant Allies
Murder Mystery
Courtly Intrigue and Politics
Magic Tournament
Celestial Magic System
Fate vs Free Will
✄----------
Genre/s: Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Book 1 of 2
Debut Author
5 Stars
✄----------
Follow me on Instagram for more bookish content
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
I went into this expecting another historical romance reskinned as Romantasy, but I could not have been more wrong. This is the kind of sincere depth that I have been begging for within the fantasy romance spectrum. Cutthroat politics, betrayal, scheming, action, and a slow burn, high tension romance that had me blushing in public. This was immaculate.
The world building was immense yet approachable, never choosing style over substance. The sensory rich, immersive writing style deftly captured the tumultuous, blood-thirsty atmosphere of a Tudor court, while seamlessly shifting tone based on the narrative. I loved the celestial magic system, and felt that its logistics and importance were explored equally, adding to the tension within the central mystery and adding depth to almost every plot point. Each reveal made me rethink earlier scenes in a way that felt rewarding rather than a rug pull.
The characters were complex and layered, complete with endearing flaws and unique strengths. Bianca is a pragmatic, clever and resilient protagonist, while Roland is alluring, passionate and a little bit aloof. The friction between them was amplified by their solid foundation of childhood intellectual rivalry, mutual suspicion and shared grief. I felt completely invested in their connection and I could not get enough of their soft, intense dynamic. This is the kind of torturous slow burn romance that gently simmers, building mutual respect and understanding as well as genuine tension. Their connection felt truly earned, believable and profound.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough, and it might take my top spot for the year so far. It completely exceeded my expectations and will be the perfect read if you’re looking for a well plotted, balanced fantasy romance.
*****Do note that this does start out a little slow. Make sure you have the time and mental space for that, and keep going - every piece of the puzzle is worth it.
✦ 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✦
This is a single narration by Samantha Hydeson. I felt that her natural accent really elevated this recording and it felt authentic to the setting. I loved how naturally her tone shifted based on the scene and I felt that she did a great job utilizing different voices for the various cast members. Although this audiobook was well done, I wouldn’t say that it added to my experience in any meaningful way. I think going with your preferred format is best with this one!
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚:
Rivals to Lovers dynamic
Slow Burn Romance
Reluctant Allies
Murder Mystery
Courtly Intrigue and Politics
Magic Tournament
Celestial Magic System
Fate vs Free Will
✄----------
Genre/s: Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Book 1 of 2
Debut Author
5 Stars
✄----------
Follow me on Instagram for more bookish content
Did Not Finish
June 12, 2026DNF at 30%
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!
I was so looking forward to this book, but unfortunately I have to call it. I am utterly bored out of my mind here. I'm going to start with the good and then get into the not-so-good.
I really like the lore/magic system. It's so fun and unique and I love a shape-shifter as a main characters. The magic system gives me some nostalgia over Sailor Moon and I have to chuckle at the fact that our FMC is a "Moon-born" similar to Usagi. The idea of people gaining powers based on when they were born according to the star signs is fascinating and I really liked that!
That being said, nothing else worked for me. It truly feels like there are zero stakes here. Yes, I get that her childhood friend was killed. Yes, I get that there was another random death. But honestly, these people don't care. After that person died at the ball, they shoved his corpse under a table and kept dancing. It doesn't feel like this is a vengeful court; it just feels like the court does not even CARE. Everything is all so dull, especially the plot. The best parts of the book so far are her changing into different animals and humans to spy, but everything that is said and done otherwise is just boring. I am positive that I will forget this book exists in a few hours time.
The relationship between the two mains is... ehhh. I don't feel like they have anything between them at this point. Their "banter" is an attempt... but a poor one. I feel like our FMC has more chemistry with her dead friend. Our MMC himself is utterly boring. I can't even tell you what he's like because he feels so nothing.
Overall, I definitely think this book will end up being either a 2-3 star read for me and I'm just not interested in reading 70% more book to come to that conclusion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!
I was so looking forward to this book, but unfortunately I have to call it. I am utterly bored out of my mind here. I'm going to start with the good and then get into the not-so-good.
I really like the lore/magic system. It's so fun and unique and I love a shape-shifter as a main characters. The magic system gives me some nostalgia over Sailor Moon and I have to chuckle at the fact that our FMC is a "Moon-born" similar to Usagi. The idea of people gaining powers based on when they were born according to the star signs is fascinating and I really liked that!
That being said, nothing else worked for me. It truly feels like there are zero stakes here. Yes, I get that her childhood friend was killed. Yes, I get that there was another random death. But honestly, these people don't care. After that person died at the ball, they shoved his corpse under a table and kept dancing. It doesn't feel like this is a vengeful court; it just feels like the court does not even CARE. Everything is all so dull, especially the plot. The best parts of the book so far are her changing into different animals and humans to spy, but everything that is said and done otherwise is just boring. I am positive that I will forget this book exists in a few hours time.
The relationship between the two mains is... ehhh. I don't feel like they have anything between them at this point. Their "banter" is an attempt... but a poor one. I feel like our FMC has more chemistry with her dead friend. Our MMC himself is utterly boring. I can't even tell you what he's like because he feels so nothing.
Overall, I definitely think this book will end up being either a 2-3 star read for me and I'm just not interested in reading 70% more book to come to that conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Court of Venus is a very slow-building story filled with court intrigue, childhood rivals, hidden motives, and a truly unique celestial magic system. The world felt lush and immersive, fully embracing the historical fantasy atmosphere.
I listened to the audiobook and was completely entranced by the narrator. The performance pulled me into the story and kept me invested in unraveling all the mysteries along the way.
There were a few moments when I genuinely wondered if I had missed something, even though I hadn’t. Some of the scenes seemed to jump in without quite enough background or context, which occasionally took me a little to catch on to.
Still, the beautiful world, intriguing magic, and steadily unfolding mysteries kept me listening and eager to discover how everything would come together. A 5 star rating because it absolutely captivated me.
I listened to the audiobook and was completely entranced by the narrator. The performance pulled me into the story and kept me invested in unraveling all the mysteries along the way.
There were a few moments when I genuinely wondered if I had missed something, even though I hadn’t. Some of the scenes seemed to jump in without quite enough background or context, which occasionally took me a little to catch on to.
Still, the beautiful world, intriguing magic, and steadily unfolding mysteries kept me listening and eager to discover how everything would come together. A 5 star rating because it absolutely captivated me.
September 26, 2026
4⭐️ The highlight of this book for me was the love story between Bianca and a past lover…ugh so heart wrenching. I did enjoy the setting and it made me want to run around a castle in a dress and frolic in the grass. The plot was a little lost on me though and at times a little boring.
“Long ago, I loved a boy who is now a ghost. You know him well. You loved him, too. Just now, I felt his hands beneath your hands and almost screamed.”
“Long ago, I loved a boy who is now a ghost. You know him well. You loved him, too. Just now, I felt his hands beneath your hands and almost screamed.”
March 2, 2026
As a former thirteen-year-old-obsessed-with-Tudor-history-and-also-fantasy-books, I ate this UP. Immersive, addictive historical(ly inspired) fantasy with a slow-burn romance; I think this might have actually done the impossible and shaken me out of my romantasy slump (the focus is on the fantasy, but the romance is fully realized and takes up enough space that I think romantasy readers will enjoy this, in addition to the traditional fantasy crowd).
Thank you Tor for the eARC!
Thank you Tor for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25+ stars! Will come back (fr I will) and update soon!
If you loved the court intrigue of Immortal Rose or A Dance of Lies, but want a completely unique celestial magic system AND childhood rivals who reunite as adults and make you a lil heart sick???
THIS ONE IS FOR YOU.
Bianca is the first Moonborn magician in over a thousand years, but after getting sent away from court (and the scheming and bullshit)... she gets a letter summoning her back.
The king has executed two queens (among many other people), the succession is a mess, her childhood friend and heir to the throne was mysteriously murdered (but people aren't acting like it was murder), and somehow the one person she might actually be able to trust is Roland—the incredibly irritating, incredibly attractive Venusborn magician she grew up training alongside.
And I fear childhood friends/rivals → separated → reunited as adult adversaries will get me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Especially when you start weaving flashbacks into the story and slowly showing me everything that happened between them???
The tension and longing between Bianca and Roland was SO good because there's actual history underneath it. These aren't two random hot people who meet and immediately want to bang each other. There are years of friendship, competition, resentment, affection, and things left unsaid between them.
Which, naturally, makes every little interaction approximately 400% more delicious.
And Roland???
Flirty. Infuriating. Hot.
I also really liked Bianca. She's clever and deliberate, and I loved having an FMC who could actually hold her own in all of the political maneuvering happening around her. Roland is equally cunning, which made watching the two of them scheme together—and occasionally against each other—even more fun.
I also really loved the magic system. I've read a few books with celestial magic but this felt unique in the way it was done.
Different magicians are blessed by different celestial bodies, and their powers correspond with them: Venusborn can read desires, Saturnborn communicate with the dead, Jupiter influences luck, while Bianca's Moonborn abilities are essentially a giant question mark because someone like her hasn't existed in over a thousand years.
There's a LOT going on with it, but somehow it never felt like I was sitting through a lecture on how the magic worked. We learn as we go, and I really appreciated that.
The pacing also MOVES.
There's court politics, a murder mystery, magical competition, scheming, flashbacks, romance, and reveals happening constantly. I flew through it and never really felt like there was a point where the story dragged.
Although I think that's also where my one little criticism comes in.
This isn't a particularly long book for everything it's trying to accomplish, so occasionally I'd have this moment of "oh! Okay! We're here!"
Part of me would've happily taken another 100 pages to sit with the characters, their histories, and some of the emotional beats a little longer.
Overall, though, this was such a fun read.
Give me smart characters trying to outmaneuver each other at court.
Give me weird celestial magic.
Give me murder and secrets.
And PLEASE give me two people with years of complicated history staring at each other across a room while pretending they're absolutely normal about it.
I'm in.
Also, the audiobook??? LOVELY. It's solo narrated and she absolutely crushed it.
And apparently we're getting all of this wrapped up in a duology?
Perfect. See you at Book 2.
If you loved the court intrigue of Immortal Rose or A Dance of Lies, but want a completely unique celestial magic system AND childhood rivals who reunite as adults and make you a lil heart sick???
THIS ONE IS FOR YOU.
Bianca is the first Moonborn magician in over a thousand years, but after getting sent away from court (and the scheming and bullshit)... she gets a letter summoning her back.
The king has executed two queens (among many other people), the succession is a mess, her childhood friend and heir to the throne was mysteriously murdered (but people aren't acting like it was murder), and somehow the one person she might actually be able to trust is Roland—the incredibly irritating, incredibly attractive Venusborn magician she grew up training alongside.
And I fear childhood friends/rivals → separated → reunited as adult adversaries will get me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Especially when you start weaving flashbacks into the story and slowly showing me everything that happened between them???
The tension and longing between Bianca and Roland was SO good because there's actual history underneath it. These aren't two random hot people who meet and immediately want to bang each other. There are years of friendship, competition, resentment, affection, and things left unsaid between them.
Which, naturally, makes every little interaction approximately 400% more delicious.
And Roland???
Flirty. Infuriating. Hot.
I also really liked Bianca. She's clever and deliberate, and I loved having an FMC who could actually hold her own in all of the political maneuvering happening around her. Roland is equally cunning, which made watching the two of them scheme together—and occasionally against each other—even more fun.
I also really loved the magic system. I've read a few books with celestial magic but this felt unique in the way it was done.
Different magicians are blessed by different celestial bodies, and their powers correspond with them: Venusborn can read desires, Saturnborn communicate with the dead, Jupiter influences luck, while Bianca's Moonborn abilities are essentially a giant question mark because someone like her hasn't existed in over a thousand years.
There's a LOT going on with it, but somehow it never felt like I was sitting through a lecture on how the magic worked. We learn as we go, and I really appreciated that.
The pacing also MOVES.
There's court politics, a murder mystery, magical competition, scheming, flashbacks, romance, and reveals happening constantly. I flew through it and never really felt like there was a point where the story dragged.
Although I think that's also where my one little criticism comes in.
This isn't a particularly long book for everything it's trying to accomplish, so occasionally I'd have this moment of "oh! Okay! We're here!"
Part of me would've happily taken another 100 pages to sit with the characters, their histories, and some of the emotional beats a little longer.
Overall, though, this was such a fun read.
Give me smart characters trying to outmaneuver each other at court.
Give me weird celestial magic.
Give me murder and secrets.
And PLEASE give me two people with years of complicated history staring at each other across a room while pretending they're absolutely normal about it.
I'm in.
Also, the audiobook??? LOVELY. It's solo narrated and she absolutely crushed it.
And apparently we're getting all of this wrapped up in a duology?
Perfect. See you at Book 2.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Court is a web ... Spiders who weave and flies who are caught. Which are you?”
4.6/5 [Audiobook review]
First and foremost, the narration is fabulous. Samantha Hydeson was an inspired choice for this novel, bringing an absolutely riveting quality to the performance and giving Banta's fantasy the kind of vocal dimension that makes an audiobook feel like an experience rather than simply a reading. The prose itself flows beautifully aloud, which makes the fact that The Court of Venus is a debut novel all the more remarkable. Bel Banta has an accomplished narrative voice, and I was repeatedly struck by how naturally the language carries the reader through a story that is both conceptually ambitious and richly imagined.
The underlying concept is wonderful, but Banta's masterfully deliberate construction of the world and its characters around it. Getting to experience the settings and lore through what feels like casual observation is an insane accomplishment. I felt like I was there without being spoon-fed every landscape or sociocultural detail. The emotional components of the protagonist's magic are particularly well cultivated, creating a natural avenue for investment in the rest of the cast through creatively intimate character understanding. The memory elements are equally effective, providing past and personal context without resorting to the constant callbacks that can make fantasy narratives feel like a history lesson. Relevant details unfold precisely when/as needed, allowing thoughtfully paced revelations and questions to support every stage of the plot.
The romance is another particular strength. This is slow-burn done correctly: present, compelling, and emotionally consequential without overshadowing the real story. Keeping it secondary gave me considerable room to engage with the characters, the worldbuilding, and the central conflict without falling into the relentless pining that so many romantasies seem determined to inflict upon their readers. The pacing does occasionally linger, but I never found the story dull or stagnant; even its quieter stretches retain enough emotional and narrative momentum to keep me invested.
The Court of Venus is emotionally riveting, evocative at nearly every turn, and impressively constructed. Banta has created a fantasy that understands the value of withholding, of allowing relationships to develop alongside rather than in place of the plot, and of making the emotional mechanics of its magic feel inseparable from those who wield it. As a debut, it is quite frankly an astonishing achievement. I'll be waiting impatiently for the next installment of this thoroughly engaging series — I will never again be able to look at a fur-collared coat without a knot in my stomach.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to "read" and review this exceptional novel pre-release in exchange for an honest review, I have high expectations for this series and its author.
4.6/5 [Audiobook review]
First and foremost, the narration is fabulous. Samantha Hydeson was an inspired choice for this novel, bringing an absolutely riveting quality to the performance and giving Banta's fantasy the kind of vocal dimension that makes an audiobook feel like an experience rather than simply a reading. The prose itself flows beautifully aloud, which makes the fact that The Court of Venus is a debut novel all the more remarkable. Bel Banta has an accomplished narrative voice, and I was repeatedly struck by how naturally the language carries the reader through a story that is both conceptually ambitious and richly imagined.
The underlying concept is wonderful, but Banta's masterfully deliberate construction of the world and its characters around it. Getting to experience the settings and lore through what feels like casual observation is an insane accomplishment. I felt like I was there without being spoon-fed every landscape or sociocultural detail. The emotional components of the protagonist's magic are particularly well cultivated, creating a natural avenue for investment in the rest of the cast through creatively intimate character understanding. The memory elements are equally effective, providing past and personal context without resorting to the constant callbacks that can make fantasy narratives feel like a history lesson. Relevant details unfold precisely when/as needed, allowing thoughtfully paced revelations and questions to support every stage of the plot.
The romance is another particular strength. This is slow-burn done correctly: present, compelling, and emotionally consequential without overshadowing the real story. Keeping it secondary gave me considerable room to engage with the characters, the worldbuilding, and the central conflict without falling into the relentless pining that so many romantasies seem determined to inflict upon their readers. The pacing does occasionally linger, but I never found the story dull or stagnant; even its quieter stretches retain enough emotional and narrative momentum to keep me invested.
The Court of Venus is emotionally riveting, evocative at nearly every turn, and impressively constructed. Banta has created a fantasy that understands the value of withholding, of allowing relationships to develop alongside rather than in place of the plot, and of making the emotional mechanics of its magic feel inseparable from those who wield it. As a debut, it is quite frankly an astonishing achievement. I'll be waiting impatiently for the next installment of this thoroughly engaging series — I will never again be able to look at a fur-collared coat without a knot in my stomach.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to "read" and review this exceptional novel pre-release in exchange for an honest review, I have high expectations for this series and its author.
September 12, 2026
What a refresher!! 👏
I loved everything about this book!!
We follow Bianca, who is a magician, she returns to court and it reunited with the Venusborn and childhood friend, Roland 😏
Lately some fantasy books with romance have been a little off to me and haven’t been hitting that mark but The Court of Venus absolutely did it for me! I did not want to stop reading! For me this has a fabulous balance of world building, politics and romance.
This book had me instantly hooked with more of a gothic vibe, historical setting, mystery and the romance was perfect. The romance is layered with history, tension and best of all surprises!
I love anything with Magic and Astrology so this was definitely a book I had a feeling I was going to love but it truly surpassed my expectations with the writing and overall vibe ♥️
Not to mention this is a debut?! 🤯
Even though there is more coming, this doesn’t leave you on a crazy cliffhanger!! I can’t wait for the next book! 🖤
I loved everything about this book!!
We follow Bianca, who is a magician, she returns to court and it reunited with the Venusborn and childhood friend, Roland 😏
Lately some fantasy books with romance have been a little off to me and haven’t been hitting that mark but The Court of Venus absolutely did it for me! I did not want to stop reading! For me this has a fabulous balance of world building, politics and romance.
This book had me instantly hooked with more of a gothic vibe, historical setting, mystery and the romance was perfect. The romance is layered with history, tension and best of all surprises!
I love anything with Magic and Astrology so this was definitely a book I had a feeling I was going to love but it truly surpassed my expectations with the writing and overall vibe ♥️
Not to mention this is a debut?! 🤯
Even though there is more coming, this doesn’t leave you on a crazy cliffhanger!! I can’t wait for the next book! 🖤
September 1, 2026
3 stars! There was so much I loved in this book that I’m a bit sad it didn’t fully land for me. I really enjoyed the celestial magic system and that the book is brimming with court politics. There’s underlying mysteries/corruption that the main character is trying to uncover. And I also thought the writing style was quite lush and brought the world to life.
That being said, the plot never got to a point where I was hooked. Much of the book felt like the main characters meandering, scheming, and having side conversations that didn’t always necessarily move the story along. I also felt the characters themselves were only explored on the surface level which made me less invested in their romance. By the time the story began to escalate (70-75% mark), I think I had already lost interest.
Overall, I am glad I read it because I was very intrigued by the premise and I did really enjoy the world and the magic, but the plot and the characters left me wanting more. Will read book 2 in this duology in hopes that book 1 was just a slower investment for a better finale!
That being said, the plot never got to a point where I was hooked. Much of the book felt like the main characters meandering, scheming, and having side conversations that didn’t always necessarily move the story along. I also felt the characters themselves were only explored on the surface level which made me less invested in their romance. By the time the story began to escalate (70-75% mark), I think I had already lost interest.
Overall, I am glad I read it because I was very intrigued by the premise and I did really enjoy the world and the magic, but the plot and the characters left me wanting more. Will read book 2 in this duology in hopes that book 1 was just a slower investment for a better finale!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this. Am I the target audience, as a woman who grew up besotted with Tudor history—I know, get in line—ice queens, and seductive dumbasses? Yes. But I also think it's simply really good, and definitely one of the best books I've read this year..
About that Tudor thing: The author is very clear about the inspiration, and it's certainly all over the place. But it's shot through with a magic system that should not! Have worked! For me! It would be so easily for astrology-based magic to be ridiculously corny, or built to simply appeal to the astrology girlies (okay, yes, this also applies to me) with very little weight to it. But Bel Banta clearly thought through all the worst things that could happen if someone possessed magic infused by a specific planet, even if that planet seems kind of innocuous. Pop that into a Tudor-esque world, and you have high stakes every second, and a kind of horrifically terrifying way to live in which you can't trust anyone. Including the seductive dumbass. ESPECIALLY the seductive dumbass, one could say.
This is sold as a "romantic fantasy" versus "fantasy romance", and it's the beginning of a duology, so we've yet to see if there will be an HEA. (The author does, however, work at The Ripped Bodice—so at the very minimum, she knows what a great romance *is*.) But the thing is—the love story here is as good as anything you'll find in a truly good romance novel. And I'll be honest: It is much better than what I've found in a lot of recently written romances written to cash in on the romantasy craze. Bianca and Roland do not trust each other. They antagonize one another. They keep secrets.
But boy. Do they YEARN. They're two of the best kind of yearners—you get a stern, emotionally repressed yearner (Bianca) and a slutty yearner who everyone wants, but he only wants HER (Roland).
This is a slow burn! Which doesn't always work for me, because it feels like the term "slow burn" has become code for "doesn't make a move until 80% in for no fucking reason". Except Roland and Bianca do have reasons, both plot-related and emotion-related, and they make sense. Plus, Banta doesn't just sit there and have them sulk over their feelings. They spend time together. They relearn each other as adults. They fight against a system stacked against them... together.
Because this book has a plot! It has court intrigue and a murder mystery and twists and turns and all of this coalesces so well with the romance. So, here's the thing: Who knows if we'll get an HEA? I guess we'll find out with the sequel, but I think the odds are in our favor. Nonetheless, I felt such an emotional punch with this book that as long as the sequel is good, I truly don't care. "Romantic fantasy" can mean a lot of things, but here—I loved the world, I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I loved the romance. I've enjoyed a lot of books this year, but it's been a while since a book written by a "new to me" author has had me going "I can't get up from this chair until I finish this novel". Every single element and hook had me wanting to read more.
I also just really love Roland and Bianca—I want the best for them! Free my boy he did some fucked up shit but it was all very complicated and he's so in looove and she's kiiiind of a bitch but he loves her so much (with good reason) just let them work it out!
Everything here is so decadent and rich and at times unsettling. Oh, and it's hot. The slow burn does not mean they aren't *attracted* to each other until suddenly they realize they are (this is another gripe I have with the current status of the slow burn romance). Rather, Roland and Bianca dance around each other in a cat and mouse situation, because really, why would they trust each other anyway?
There is a dam. The dam bursts. The dam is sex. Bianca also bursts. A lot. I mean, so does he, but.... Have you ever thought about the appeal of a pink-haired charismatic sadboy who charms everyone he meets except the person he actually wants to charm? And in addition, how good someone with the ability to comprehend your every desire would be in bed? Food for thought.
I feel refreshed and energized by this book. It's so good. I'm desperate for the sequel. And frankly, if Bel Banta wants to keep writing about other characters in this world, there's so much potential. But for now: Let's figure it out for Roland and Bianca, yes?
Thanks to Tor Books and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About that Tudor thing: The author is very clear about the inspiration, and it's certainly all over the place. But it's shot through with a magic system that should not! Have worked! For me! It would be so easily for astrology-based magic to be ridiculously corny, or built to simply appeal to the astrology girlies (okay, yes, this also applies to me) with very little weight to it. But Bel Banta clearly thought through all the worst things that could happen if someone possessed magic infused by a specific planet, even if that planet seems kind of innocuous. Pop that into a Tudor-esque world, and you have high stakes every second, and a kind of horrifically terrifying way to live in which you can't trust anyone. Including the seductive dumbass. ESPECIALLY the seductive dumbass, one could say.
This is sold as a "romantic fantasy" versus "fantasy romance", and it's the beginning of a duology, so we've yet to see if there will be an HEA. (The author does, however, work at The Ripped Bodice—so at the very minimum, she knows what a great romance *is*.) But the thing is—the love story here is as good as anything you'll find in a truly good romance novel. And I'll be honest: It is much better than what I've found in a lot of recently written romances written to cash in on the romantasy craze. Bianca and Roland do not trust each other. They antagonize one another. They keep secrets.
But boy. Do they YEARN. They're two of the best kind of yearners—you get a stern, emotionally repressed yearner (Bianca) and a slutty yearner who everyone wants, but he only wants HER (Roland).
This is a slow burn! Which doesn't always work for me, because it feels like the term "slow burn" has become code for "doesn't make a move until 80% in for no fucking reason". Except Roland and Bianca do have reasons, both plot-related and emotion-related, and they make sense. Plus, Banta doesn't just sit there and have them sulk over their feelings. They spend time together. They relearn each other as adults. They fight against a system stacked against them... together.
Because this book has a plot! It has court intrigue and a murder mystery and twists and turns and all of this coalesces so well with the romance. So, here's the thing: Who knows if we'll get an HEA? I guess we'll find out with the sequel, but I think the odds are in our favor. Nonetheless, I felt such an emotional punch with this book that as long as the sequel is good, I truly don't care. "Romantic fantasy" can mean a lot of things, but here—I loved the world, I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I loved the romance. I've enjoyed a lot of books this year, but it's been a while since a book written by a "new to me" author has had me going "I can't get up from this chair until I finish this novel". Every single element and hook had me wanting to read more.
I also just really love Roland and Bianca—I want the best for them! Free my boy he did some fucked up shit but it was all very complicated and he's so in looove and she's kiiiind of a bitch but he loves her so much (with good reason) just let them work it out!
Everything here is so decadent and rich and at times unsettling. Oh, and it's hot. The slow burn does not mean they aren't *attracted* to each other until suddenly they realize they are (this is another gripe I have with the current status of the slow burn romance). Rather, Roland and Bianca dance around each other in a cat and mouse situation, because really, why would they trust each other anyway?
There is a dam. The dam bursts. The dam is sex. Bianca also bursts. A lot. I mean, so does he, but.... Have you ever thought about the appeal of a pink-haired charismatic sadboy who charms everyone he meets except the person he actually wants to charm? And in addition, how good someone with the ability to comprehend your every desire would be in bed? Food for thought.
I feel refreshed and energized by this book. It's so good. I'm desperate for the sequel. And frankly, if Bel Banta wants to keep writing about other characters in this world, there's so much potential. But for now: Let's figure it out for Roland and Bianca, yes?
Thanks to Tor Books and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 30, 2026
thank you to the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
“This was what I had been born to do: to make and unmake kings.”
AYO THE ENDING ?!?!
this was very very good. super atmospheric, an incredibly interesting & well planned magic system, and intriguing characters.
“This was what I had been born to do: to make and unmake kings.”
AYO THE ENDING ?!?!
this was very very good. super atmospheric, an incredibly interesting & well planned magic system, and intriguing characters.
August 25, 2026
My feelings about this book are… something. Besides being on my 26 in 2026 challenge (which already meant this was a highly anticipated read for me), I’d been following the author’s posts about it since the very beginning so my expectations were VERY high. This is by no means a bad book, I actually really liked the characters and the magic system (I’ll always love anything involving astrology), but there were quite a few moments where I found myself getting bored and wanting to DNF. The romance and the mystery were probably the weakest parts for me, I really liked Roland as a character but I’m not sure I was fully sold on their romance.
I do think that’s a little bit of a me problem tho. I can absolutely see the potential in this one and can easily picture it becoming a favorite for other readers. I just don’t think it was quite the type of book that works for me :(
I do think that’s a little bit of a me problem tho. I can absolutely see the potential in this one and can easily picture it becoming a favorite for other readers. I just don’t think it was quite the type of book that works for me :(
September 22, 2026
This was such a beautifully written book, and I loved it. I felt like I became so immersed in the world, which was so well-crafted. The magic system is unique and very interesting; it’s easy enough to follow, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. I loved the different magic that we got to see employed between the different magicians.
Our FMC Bianca is a white-haired Moonborn magician who has an incredible array of powers. This includes turning into a cat. Sign me up. She’s clever, strong yet vulnerable at times (because both can be true at the exact same time!), and she does not give up. We also have pink-haired, Venusborn Roland, who is essentially my favourite type of MMC. He’s confident to the point of cockiness, but it’s not unfounded, and so it’s charming. He also has impressive powers, and is in a very high role at the court.
The book is set in a Tudor-inspired world, and I truly felt that. I love reading about Tudor England, both in historical fiction and in non-fiction. Banta did such a wonderful job of elevating the fantasy elements of the world, while also bringing to life (in a familiar but new way) the political intrigue and the real danger of misstepping at court.
I quickly found myself wrapped up in the mystery of what happened to Hal, as well as the magic system and court politics, and the rivalry between Bianca and Roland. But in addition to those aspects, I really enjoyed the exploration of Propsero’s character. As the mentor to both Bianca and Roland, Prospero played a major role in their lives, and also caused a significant amount of tension and conflict. I appreciated that we got to see how B & R learned more about Prospero, and how they navigated their feelings about him.
I loved the emotions that the characters explored and how they learned and grew as the book went on. I also loved the romantic elements, which I haven’t really mentioned but were done so well. Roland, you have a new number one fan.
After that ending, I am dying to know what’s next. I cannot wait to see how the duology concludes.
Note: I read much of this via the audiobook, and the narrator Samantha Hydeson did a fantastic job of telling the story and making each character distinct.
Thank you so much to Tor for the gifted review copy, and to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
Our FMC Bianca is a white-haired Moonborn magician who has an incredible array of powers. This includes turning into a cat. Sign me up. She’s clever, strong yet vulnerable at times (because both can be true at the exact same time!), and she does not give up. We also have pink-haired, Venusborn Roland, who is essentially my favourite type of MMC. He’s confident to the point of cockiness, but it’s not unfounded, and so it’s charming. He also has impressive powers, and is in a very high role at the court.
The book is set in a Tudor-inspired world, and I truly felt that. I love reading about Tudor England, both in historical fiction and in non-fiction. Banta did such a wonderful job of elevating the fantasy elements of the world, while also bringing to life (in a familiar but new way) the political intrigue and the real danger of misstepping at court.
I quickly found myself wrapped up in the mystery of what happened to Hal, as well as the magic system and court politics, and the rivalry between Bianca and Roland. But in addition to those aspects, I really enjoyed the exploration of Propsero’s character. As the mentor to both Bianca and Roland, Prospero played a major role in their lives, and also caused a significant amount of tension and conflict. I appreciated that we got to see how B & R learned more about Prospero, and how they navigated their feelings about him.
I loved the emotions that the characters explored and how they learned and grew as the book went on. I also loved the romantic elements, which I haven’t really mentioned but were done so well. Roland, you have a new number one fan.
After that ending, I am dying to know what’s next. I cannot wait to see how the duology concludes.
Note: I read much of this via the audiobook, and the narrator Samantha Hydeson did a fantastic job of telling the story and making each character distinct.
Thank you so much to Tor for the gifted review copy, and to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.
August 11, 2026
I loved this one! The audiobook completely pulled me into the world, and the celestial magic system was easily one of my favorite parts. Give me people wielding different kinds of magic tied to the stars and planets, and I am IN.
There’s court intrigue, danger, secrets, romance, and a fascinating magical world that kept me invested from beginning to end. I also really enjoyed the characters and the tension woven throughout the story.
This was exactly the kind of fantasy I love, and the audiobook made the experience even better. Definitely recommend this one!
There’s court intrigue, danger, secrets, romance, and a fascinating magical world that kept me invested from beginning to end. I also really enjoyed the characters and the tension woven throughout the story.
This was exactly the kind of fantasy I love, and the audiobook made the experience even better. Definitely recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
time for combo ALC+ARC
July 15, 2026
The perfect book….. i love my job!
May 15, 2026
THIS BOOK IS GOOD, Y’ALL.
As someone who has been obsessed with the Tudor era since I was in the single digits, this book felt tailor-made for me. Banta clearly did her research, and it shows. The world feels fully realized, the characters are richly developed, and the writing never falls into the trap of telling when it could be showing.
What impressed me most was how natural everything felt. Despite being a fantasy novel, the characters, relationships, and conflicts felt believable and grounded. The historical inspirations behind the story shine through, and if you’re familiar with them, it’s like discovering little treasures scattered throughout the book.
The magic system is equally well-crafted—thoughtful, consistent, and genuinely intriguing. It feels like a natural part of the world rather than something added for convenience.
This was one of those rare books that had me completely hooked. It broke my heart, surprised me, and kept me turning pages long past when I should have gone to bed. There is yearning, intrigue, betrayal, love, lust, and hope woven throughout every chapter.
I enjoyed this book so much that I preordered a physical copy before I even finished my ARC.
If you love historical fantasy, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
As someone who has been obsessed with the Tudor era since I was in the single digits, this book felt tailor-made for me. Banta clearly did her research, and it shows. The world feels fully realized, the characters are richly developed, and the writing never falls into the trap of telling when it could be showing.
What impressed me most was how natural everything felt. Despite being a fantasy novel, the characters, relationships, and conflicts felt believable and grounded. The historical inspirations behind the story shine through, and if you’re familiar with them, it’s like discovering little treasures scattered throughout the book.
The magic system is equally well-crafted—thoughtful, consistent, and genuinely intriguing. It feels like a natural part of the world rather than something added for convenience.
This was one of those rare books that had me completely hooked. It broke my heart, surprised me, and kept me turning pages long past when I should have gone to bed. There is yearning, intrigue, betrayal, love, lust, and hope woven throughout every chapter.
I enjoyed this book so much that I preordered a physical copy before I even finished my ARC.
If you love historical fantasy, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
July 30, 2026
Court of Venus had the plot and lore that intrigued me. Magicians with a powerful magic that aligns with the planets and solar system. Sign me up. Astrology being the key factor of their magic, I was excited that it was going to be a decent part of the plot. However, that wasn’t the case. From the start there is no world building and no build up to what their powers actually do. I found it hard to dissect how their magic actually worked. The plot became more and more boring. The stakes felt very low. The further I went on, and I found myself not caring about what the characters were actually doing. This is a typical slow burn romantasy book and in turn I found the main love interest bland and uninteresting. The only parts that I really enjoyed was Bianca‘s (FMC) ability to shape shift and small amount of astrology magic that was introduced.
I had really high expectations for this and they weren’t met, which is unfortunate. I do think the writing is good and I would be interested to see what else this author writes in the future but in the case of The Court of Venus, it was disappointing.
2.5/5 stars
Dates Read: July 17-July 30
Thank you to Netgalley.com and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I had really high expectations for this and they weren’t met, which is unfortunate. I do think the writing is good and I would be interested to see what else this author writes in the future but in the case of The Court of Venus, it was disappointing.
2.5/5 stars
Dates Read: July 17-July 30
Thank you to Netgalley.com and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
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