Started out a little slow for me but by the second half I didn't want to put it down! Some surprising twists and turns and very different than some of the other fantasy I have read. I enjoyed the approach to magic and the way it functioned in the world. Some of the world building was initially confusing and could have maybe been outlined a bit better closer to the beginning of the book, but toward the end it was developed more fully for the setting of the first book with flashbacks and deeper understanding of the characters.

Talk about an ending. Wow I can't wait for the next one. This book was so good. The magic and action has you paying attention and on the edge of your seat most of the book. The characters are also amazing. You feel the betrayal when it happens and are happy when things work out. I can't wait for the next one.

Mageborn blends political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and rich magic in a way that’s both compelling and emotionally layered. I loved the tension between duty and desire, and the world felt vivid without being overwhelming.

Pros:
•Complex heroine with real growth.
•Slow-burn romance was well paced.
•Strong world-building with a regal edge.

Cons:
•A bit slow to start.
•Some plot points were predictable.

A satisfying fantasy with heart, power, and just enough angst.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Mageborn by Jessica Thorne is a third person dual-POV romantic fantasy with a mystery element. Grace is a mageborn who hides the fact that after her magic was drained, it somehow came back. Bastien is the cousin of the king and the Lord of Thorns. When the two meet when Grace is looking for her dear friend Kai, it sets them on a path to learn what is actually happening in the kingdom.

One of the rules of the kingdom is that only a child of the same bloodline as Bastien and his cousin can sit on the throne. Because of this, the queen, who has yet to get pregnant and whose husband seems reluctant to even touch her, drugs Bastien so he can make her pregnant. It’s not super explicit, but there is enough on the page from Bastien’s POV followed by clearly labelling this as sexual assault that it could trigger some readers. We’re in the hazy thoughts of Bastien as this is all happening and it’s very well-done but also very uncomfortable.

Bastien and Grace’s romance started before the book opens as they have been meeting each other in the Maegen, a sort of in-between magical world that they can enter in their dreams. Within this dream world, they have grown very close but were not aware of who the other person was in real life as they had never seen each other before. When they do meet in real life, Grace does not trust Bastien at all and his status as the king’s cousin puts a damper on their relationship developing further in real life initially.

The mageborn are people born with powers, often elemental magic, but there are other abilities, such as the ability to leech magic from others and take it into yourself. The mageborn are collared and sometimes bought and sold like slaves, completely at the whims of the people who bought them. This environment makes it more imperative for Grace to hide the fact that her fire magic is coming back at the start of the story and leads her to even asking a friend to leech the magic right out of her, something that is both horrifying and also understandable.

Content warning for brief depictions of sexual assault, violence against children, enslavement, and mentions of human experimentation

I would recommend this to fans of darker Romantasy and readers of fantasy romance who want a mystery element

Title: MAGEBORN
Author: Jessica Thorne
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Re-readability: DEFINITELY (Though the second book is already out!)
Binge-Read Score: Read in 2 days! Great read!

Overall Thoughts:
MAGEBORN truly brings me back to how I felt reading Tamora Pierce for the first time, enchanted from the first page. The world is cast in mystery and every element of the story is nicely tied together. The main characters are three-dimensional and I went through a whirlwind of emotions in this book! I also enjoyed the author’s take on magic, really causing me to consider magic from the lens of different characters' points of view. I can’t wait to read the second book (AND it is already out)!

This was a solid example of tropes done well. Bastien is appealing, powerful without swerving into toxicity, and the power was always balanced enough to keep the growing attraction and tension genuinely engaging for me. I'd read future installments gladly, especially as a palate cleanser.

Overall this was a good read. I will say I feel like it could have been wrapped up so nicely at the end but I should have known better considering the cover says book 1. If you are into string FMC, gods, and mystery you will enjoy this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)

A simmering fantasy full of golden magic, slow-burn tension, and rebellion at its core.

This debut draws readers into a world where magic is feared, forbidden, and weaponized by those in power. With lyrical writing and a slow-building plot, the story weaves together court intrigue, found family bonds, and a dangerous spark between two unlikely allies.

Grace Marchant, a street raised orphan and soldier, is a heroine shaped by fire, sharp, loyal, and defiant. When her path crosses with Prince Bastien, the cold heir to a ruthless regime, their reluctant alliance is filled with suspicion, slow-burn tension, and flickers of something far more dangerous than magic.
The pacing is steady, occasionally slow, but the emotional core of the story, Grace’s growing power, Bastien’s inner conflict, and the shifting dynamic between them keeps the pages turning.

While some character arcs could have used more depth, the worldbuilding is atmospheric, and the themes of resistance, identity, and forbidden connection shine through.

A promising start to what feels like the beginning of a bigger tale. I’ll be keeping an eye out for what comes next.

For fans of romantic fantasy who enjoy a morally gray prince, a fierce heroine with hidden power, and stakes that simmer beneath every stolen moment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

#FantasyReads #RomanticFantasy #SlowBurnRomance #Mageborn #CourtIntrigue #ForbiddenMagic #GrayscaleHeroes #NetGalleyReview #BookReview

A fantasy book with some fun twists! The characters and world were interesting, and the ending was a fun surprise.

I liked the mythology vibes, the magic system and some of the messaging. A powerful take-away for me was that good and evil can be the same depending on which side you are on. I feel like this is so relevant to the world today, outside of fantasy and magic. I have hopes for this series and would love to explore more of this world.

It was fine. It had all the elements I typically love in a book but unfortunately I found my mind wandering a lot while trying to get through it. I think part of the problem is that the book felt as if it lacked cohesive development of the characters and story. For example, despite the MC insistence that she disliked the MMC in the very beginning the relationship felt very insta-love rather than allowing the relationship to build or show the trust being built. Overall, not bad but it took me a while to get through.

Enjoyed this book but not sure it will stick with me as much as Graceling did. They are very similar.
Has:
Duel POV
Magical prejudice
Court Intrigue
Rebellion
Repressed memories

A little predictable but still entertaining.

I really enjoy a fantasy romance with a strong heroine and a dark brooding love interest...so I wasn't desapointed. I tought that the fact the mageborn are both powerful and feared add a lot of tension to the plot. The magic system is unique and interesting. If you enjoy court politics, forbidden magic and slow burned. It's a solid and entertaining read. I cannot wait to read The Nightborn. Thank you for this amazing reading and discovery

This story was a real page-turner! I was completely captivated by the author's unique magic system, which felt fresh and innovative. The plot was intricate and packed with action, ensuring there was never a dull moment. Every twist and turn presented a new challenge, keeping the suspense high and leaving me constantly on the edge of my seat. I particularly appreciated that, even with the looming threat of ongoing wars, the story delivered a satisfyingly happy-enough ending. I'm relieved the cliffhanger wasn't too brutal! What truly stood out for me was the strong female lead. She possessed admirable strengths of her own, independent of her relationship with the male lead, and I loved that she even got to rescue him at times. It's refreshing to see a female character who is competent and resilient in her own right. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling fantasy adventure with a well-developed magic system and a strong, independent FMC.

This was a really fun one. Desperate to save the mageborn, working with her enemy and fighting undeniable attraction, yet battling with lack of trust.

Jessica Thornes first novel of her The Hollow King series wants to shine bright but twinkles at best. Unfortunately, Mageborn couldn't keep me interested enough to want to root for the plot or the characters.

4 stars ⭐️ This is a very slow burn romance with very little spice. But there was adventure and the last half of the book picked up its pacing!

What to expect:
✨slow burn romance
✨enemies to lovers
✨magic
✨found family

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC. All opinions are my own 🫶🏼

This slow slow slow burn romance in a very dark world with magic was fun to read. Enemies to lovers trope with hidden power and closed off MMC.

Mageborn started out slow, and I almost did not finish the book. About 40% through, the pace picked up and I could not put the book down! Author Jessica Thorne did an amazing job with Mageborn.

The book focuses on Grace and Bastien. Two people raised very differently in a world where magic exists but is controlled by the kingdom. Tasked by the dying king to protect Prince Bastien, Grace does her best to keep him safe. From unearthing political schemes and secret identities, Grace and Bastien fight together to save their friends and all innocent lives.

I love how Grace was written. She is strong and loyal. She does not need anyone to save her because she will do it herself. Her sense of loyalty to her sworn duty is also admirable. Bastien as the MMC is intriguing. From the start, the reader is given a glimpse of how there is more to him. The plot twist in the end was really good.

World building was alright. The author did a good job at explaining the history of the world and the magic system.

I definitely will look forward to the next book. I hope it tackles the reason behind the king’s decision to choose Grace for Bastien. I have many unanswered questions that I really hope will get answered.

If you like magic, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, political schemes, and strong FMC, this book is for you!

This was a gripping tale that will take you into a dark world of cruelty where magic is taken. The story was very interesting and the characters were well written. It was a lot going on and many powers were in play.