Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis Series: Queens of Villainy #1
Published by Tor on February 18, 2025
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 304
Length: 8 hours, 34 minutes
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, she only wants one to keep her people safe from the empire next door. For that, she needs to spend more time in her laboratory experimenting with her spells. She definitely doesn’t have time to bring order to her chaotic library of magic.
When a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle, Saskia hires him as her new librarian on the spot. “Fabian” is sweet and a little nerdy, and his requests seem a little strange – what in the name of Divine Elva is a fountain pen? – but he’s getting the job done. And if he writes her flirtatious poetry and his innocent touch makes her skin singe, well . . .
Little does Saskia know that the "wizard" she’s falling for is actually an Imperial archduke in disguise, with no magical training whatsoever. On the run, with perilous secrets on his trail and a fast growing yearning for the wicked sorceress, he's in danger from her enemies and her newfound allies, too. When his identity is finally revealed, will their love save or doom each other?
As usual, Stephanie Burgis has created a charming whimsical story. It took me a little bit to get into the characters. But Fabian / Felix was so kind and earnest, both Saskia and I appreciated him. His acceptance of the crows, trolls and goblins was endearing.
Saskia seemed scattered at first. She took so much upon herself it’s not surprising. Luckily, she has Felix and her castle staff to support her. I loved seeing her relationship with Felix build while she tried to ignore her feelings.
When things blow up, I was thrilled with Felix, continuing in his honest, straightforward way. Saskia was shocked but needed to look at the facts. Luckily, even though she didn’t follow her advisor’s recommendations she had made allies. Plus Felix supported her wholeheartedly.
Felix went through his own learning as he worked in the library, organizing and studying spell books. His admiration for Saskia as well as his own confidence blooms. Eventually, he learns of the additional betrayal of him.
Even with the progress made, there is much work to overcome prejudice in the empire. I look forward to more of the Queens of Villainy and their romances. No doubt the Fae Queen will stir up all kinds of trouble. If not, the Goddess surely has ideas.
Narration:
I have enjoyed this narrator previously. She capture the whimsical feel of romantic fantasy in the characters. There were some distinct voices for many main characters. Her performance enhanced the overall emotion from the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Stephanie Burgis
I grew up in America, but now I live in Wales with my husband, fellow writer Patrick Samphire, our sons, “Mr Darcy” and “Mr X”, and our sweet (and extremely vocal) tabby cat, Pebbles. I write fun MG fantasy adventure novels (most recently The Raven Heir) and wildly romantic adult historical fantasy novels and novellas (most recently Scales and Sensibility).
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
I’m glad you loved this too. I adored Felix and I’ll miss him in the next book since I know it will be a different couple’s focus.
yes Felix was a great guy considering all he had been through. I always enjoy this author.
Excellent review, Anne💜
Thank you Jonetta. You would enjoy the cozy kind of fantasy I do that has rich world-building and great characters.
This was a delightful tale, although I read the ebook instead of the audiobook. I was worried at first about Felix hiding his identity, but the author does a great job of making the story work.
yes I worried for poor Felix. Nobody took his side and he’s been mistreated his whole life. I was happy things worked out for him.
I was offered a copy last week so I still need to get to this one. I’m happy to see you enjoyed it, Anne! It makes me more excited to pick it up!
The start is just a little slow, probably me trying to figure it all out. But it’s a lovely read. Hope you enjoy it.
I can’t wait to read this, even more so after reading your thoughts on it.
It’s really lovely Wendy. I highly recommend it.
This one is new to me, but it sounds like it was well done. I need to try this author.
oh yes! This author is great. I’ve enjoyed everything I have read from her.
This does sound really good.
It is really lovely.
This one I’ve been seeing around, and it does sound good! I’ll have to make sure to keep it on my TBR. Great review!
It’s a cozy sort of romantasy. I enjoyed it.