Wooing the Witch Queen: 03/12/24

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis (2025) is a fantasy romance that reads like a Japanese light novel. It could easily be repackaged with a title like, "I was the archduke but I ran away to work for the witch queen as a dark wizard." The book is well aware of light novel conventions and plays with them while telling an absolutely delightful page turner of a slow burn romance.

Felix, the archduke in question, has fled his country on foot and walked into the neighboring kingdom, led by the ruthless witch queen, Saskia. He arrives expecting to beg for sanctuary and instead is misidentified as the latest dark wizard answering her advertisement for a wizard to organize her library of magic tomes. Saskia despite her reputation and temper is a sweet soul. She was raised by a mother who believed in intersectionality and fair treatment of non human sentient species. Saskia continues her mother's legacy by employing "monsters" and treating them fairly.

The majority of the book is the growing relationship between Felix (working under the assumed name Fabian) and Saskia. Through their alternating chapters we also learn about their similar tragic childhoods. Both have been betrayed by those closest to them. Both, though now adults, don't have as much agency as they should.

There's a point in a romance, right before the final act where the couple splits. Just as you think they're finally together and we're off to the HEA, there's a moment of betrayal or some other event that causes them to break up. I expected that here but there's something better and more exciting. Yes, they're forced apart but for reasons beyond their control. It was exciting and in keeping with the world building and characterization.

The second book is Enchanting the Fae Queen and is due in spring of next year.

Five stars

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