An incredibly sweet teen romance set during a terrible time of war, full of political intrigue and magic. Edmund is the Prince of Fortune, the future king who can control the weather for the benefit of the people and the land. He is shy, withdrawn, and a bit unsure of himself even with the immense power he wields. And falls absolutely head of heels in love with Aubrey, the fourth son of a noble family with less political power but is a seer and a complete cinnamon roll in the parlance of our romance reading times. Watching them fall in love, the angst they feel--especially Edmund--on not getting things right and questioning whether they are loved in return, and their sweet gestures toward each other melted my heart. Lisa Tirreno really wrote some true-to-life teen characters here that I think YA readers will connect with. The pair is split up when war breaks out and there are many fantasy and political elements to follow. With war there is violence on the page and harassment, especially of Aubrey as the people question his role in Edmund's life as everyone from parliament to the papers to the people question whether he can marry the prince. It is harrowing to read and raises many questions for discussion about whether proximity to power protects someone or opens them up to more danger. I'm very much looking forward to listening to this one on audio when it comes out!

The novel's lush descriptions and well-researched setting create an immersive experience, while its dynamic characters and engaging plot deliver both emotional depth and excitement. For readers who enjoy historical romance with a strong sense of place and well-drawn characters, "Prince of Fortune" offers a rewarding escape.

I wish I could spend more time in this world and with these characters! Edmund and Aubrey were both wonderfully compelling and fully realized characters; I loved seeing them grow close and fall in love, and also fight to protect their country, one another, and their relationship. The magic, the rich history of the countries in Thasbus, the politics and harsh, grim realities of a magical war are done so well. I really could've happily read this story stretch out over several books, and I hope Tirreno takes us there again in the future.

This was described as red white and royal blue meets a darker shade of magic. I think this was a lot lower fantasy than ADSOM, and I didn't really get the comp to RWARB either since only one is a royal. Also, this is supposed to be a YA book, but I kinda feel like it wanted to be adult? I'd compare it more to Divine Rivals since there's a big war/military aspect that takes up a lot of the middle. I liked the start and the end more. The romance was cute, and I lived the water/seer aspects.