I sacrificed my sleep to finish this book, I just kept telling myself, "just a few more pages" and before I knew it, the wee hours of the morning arrived and I hungered for the next installation. It's giving Ella Enchanted and Cinderella vibes, and the romance action remains pretty PG-ish. I love the main characters, Raewyn and Stellon, mostly because their names are not as ridiculous as I thought they would be, but also because they are real characters. From different social classes, they bring out perspectives in each other that wouldn't be prodded unless a class divide was crossed.

Raewyn, 20, and Stellon, 24, accidentally encounter each other at the Rough Market, where Raewyn is hoping for a score to keep her family from starving, instead, she begins an adventure into the Fae world, with its intrigue, politics and complexities. As all this goes on, she continues to think of how to help her family because she is a giver, especially since the Great War had decimated her family. If you find my two sentence summary intriguing then I encourage you to buy this book in whatever form is available to you. It is a good escape and you'll enjoy yourself.

A Court Bright and Broken by Amy Patrick is a delightful slow burn, forced proximity, multiple POV Cinderella retelling that immerses you in the captivating world of court politics, mistaken identities, and forbidden love.

What I found refreshing about this story, especially compared to other fantasy/romance novels, is the strong loyalty and camaraderie between the royal siblings. Rather than being caught up in betrayal and backstabbing, they truly feel like real-life siblings—teasing and poking fun at each other while still having each other's backs. The brothers even admit they’re best friends, which adds a nice layer to their relationship. Since this is only the first book, I’m really hoping this vibe continues!

I had a great time exploring the magic system with its intriguing “glamours.” The author did a fantastic job of layering them with variations and a hierarchy without making it feel over-the-top. I particularly loved the glamours of the second son and the princess—I mean, I would love to have those in real life… can only imagine the chaos I would cause!

There were a few moments where I thought, “Oh, I know how this is going to go,” based on similar fantasy tropes I’ve read before. But honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by how things turned out! The author made some clever choices, and I appreciated how each situation unfolded in unexpected ways.

This book was such an easy read; the tone and writing style kept things straightforward without any distractions. Even with the shifting points of view, I felt perfectly in sync with the story. And while I say it’s an easy read, don’t think for a second that the character development or world-building was lacking! The world was vividly described, and I felt like I was right there in the background of each scene. I loved seeing the growth of both the FMC and MMC, even if the FMC could be a bit exasperating and the MMC was a tad intense at times. But I’m honestly, Team Pharis.

I will admit that the beginning and some parts of the middle dragged slightly for me, and I would have happily sacrificed a bit of that slowness for more time at the end of the book. And oh boy, that cliffhanger at the end! I really wasn’t a fan of it. Only because now I have to wait for book 2 and this one just came out.

A huge thank you to Netgalley for the gifted ARC and giving me the chance to read this book!

A Mesmerizing, Slow-Burn Fantasy

A Court Bright and Broken by Amy Patrick isn’t your typical fast-paced, action-packed fantasy. Instead, it unfolds deliberately, immersing readers in one pivotal event and peeling back its layers with rich detail and nuance.

I loved this approach—it made the world feel utterly absorbing, allowing me to catch the subtle hints and foreshadowing woven throughout. The atmosphere is enchanting, the tension slow-burning, and the writing beautifully intricate.

For those who enjoy stories that linger in the moment rather than race from one challenge to the next, this is a must-read. A truly captivating and immersive experience!

I absolutely loved this book!
I loved the magic was really easy to follow, although I feel we see fae in a new light within this book where they don’t feel to be all powerful and can do anything!
The FMC in this book is sooo likeable and you are consistently rooting for her from the beginning!

3/ 5 ⭐️
0/5 🫑
This story can be told in four sentences. A Cinderella-based story where she is a poor human girl (obviously beautiful) and he is the handsome kind Fae Prince. They meet accidentally and she is invited to the grand ball. The (evil) Fairy Godmother (called an Earthwife) sets her up to go to the ball to assassinate the royal family. The prince falls for her; she doesn't assassinate anyone. She spends days in the Prince's chambers and then the evil king finds her. Cliffhanger.

I found myself constantly wondering when this book would pick up and DO something. I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't find a single character to cheer for.

Thank you NetGalley and Oxford South Press for this eARC.

It’s misleading to attempt to label this as having a love triangle — though I understand that the author doesn’t have much, if any say over the blurb — so if that’s something that might put you off giving this book a try, then rest assured, it’s a straightforward Cindarella-esque story of a girl going to a ball, falling in love with a prince … and then drama, politics, and declarations of love all ending on a cliffhanger. Oh, and there’s a shoe, too, but that’s just there for the joke.

This book gives POV chapters of both the prince and the peasant (Stellon and Raewyn) and manages to keep them both fairly distinct. The other prince mentioned in the blurt is Stellon’s younger brother, whose more of an annoyance than an antagonist. The pace is quick, the plot is decently put together, and I didn’t mind either Raweyn or Stellon as characters.

However, the book spends so much time on the two of them learning how Stellon could be a better prince than it does setting up the threats to their romance, the world, the magic system, or any real politics. It’s all very surface level, but since this is the first book in a projected series, I don’t mind that too much. I just hope book two has a little more meat to it and gives a little more tension and interest.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

We follow along as Raewyn does everything she can to help provide for her family after her mother, and step-mother's passing, and her father's injuries. Stellon, our fae crowned-prince struggles with the weight of a future reign he doesn't know when will start. When a bargain goes wrong and Raewyn learns she is in over her head, she faces the choice between herself and her family. Stellon battles his heart while learning things outside the castle are far worse than they seem for the humans. Add in Pharis' the "spare" prince and things begin to get a little murky. This unique story will give Cinderella vibes and make you question everything you read when you get the chance to read Pharis' extra chapter POV!

Cinderella inspired fantasy romance with fae, forbidden love and dangerous bargains.

I have mixed feelings about this book. There were some parts I enjoyed, but also some parts that threw me off a little bit.

I liked Raevyn as a main character. She was independent and fierce and clearly had a hard life. Stellon, on the other hand, was unfortunately a bit boring. I liked him at the beginning of the book, but got frustrated with him (and how he didn’t realize who Raevyn was) towards the end. Pharis seemed like an interesting character with more spark and I would love to learn more about him.

The relationship between Raevyn and Stellon is described as enemies to lovers and slow burn, but they never really were enemies and their relationship was more like an insta-love.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for this ARC!

This was such a fun and captivating fantasy story that really captured my attention from the first chapter. This story follows Raewyn, who in an attempt to save her daily from the Fae King’s tithe, has to strike a bargain. The bargain sends her to the one place and people she is told to stay away from - The Fae and the Fae King's Court. While at the royal court she has to balance politics, the Fae court and its members as well as a blooming romance. This story has a lot of parallels to Cinderella but with a fun and unique twist. This was a quick read and is great for people who are just stepping into the fantasy world. If you’re looking for a unique Cinderella retelling with Fae and human characters as well as a loveable MMC, this is the perfect story for you!

3.5⭐
0.5🌶

Overall I enjoyed this book due to the unique Cinderella retelling but with Fae. I found the characters a bit bland and hard to connect with. The relationship between Raewyn and Stellon felt quite surface level and that is why I had to rate it 3.5 ⭐ otherwise the elements of this book were well written.

I liked Pharis more and almost wish he was the MMC rather than Stellon, but maybe we will get more of him in book 2? It was a fun quick read that I found was a nice palette cleanser that I needed for a fantasy because it didn't feel too heavy. I will definitely read book 2 as I am curious as to where this story progresses.

An addicting Cinderella like tale that will leave you craving more! I was hooked by the story weaving from the first chapter. Believable world building, loveable and hateable characters, a ball, an assassination plot and tons of subterfuge. I can’t wait to read more from this series.

A Court Bright and Broken by Amy Patrick is a great beginner romantasy read. Imagine ACOTAR but instead of the Beauty and the Beast angle, it was Cinderella. The slow burn was a little too slow for me.

A Court Bright and Broken is a delightful and accessible romantasy that blends classic fairy tale elements with a compelling slow-burn romance. Perfect for readers new to the genre or those looking for a light yet engaging read, this book offers an easy-to-dive-into world, charming characters, and a romance that is both sweet and filled with tension.

The story follows Raewyn, a human peasant burdened with the responsibility of caring for her struggling family, and Stellon, an Elven crown prince who has lived a life of privilege without truly questioning the world around him. Their fates intertwine when Raewyn, in desperation, makes a deal with a powerful and untrustworthy witch, setting off a chain of events that brings her into Stellon’s world. From their very first meeting—where Stellon bestows the adorable nickname firebug upon Raewyn—their chemistry is undeniable, even if they both initially resist it.

The book shines in its character dynamics. Raewyn and Stellon start with black-and-white views of each other’s people—she sees Elves as cruel and detached, while he barely considers humans at all. As their relationship develops, so does their understanding of their worlds, and this slow, organic shift is one of the story’s strongest aspects. Stellon, in particular, is an intriguing love interest—not just a perfect prince, but someone with genuine flaws and blind spots that leave room for growth.

While the book leans more heavily into romance than plot, there are still enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. The pacing feels just right, and though the stakes are high, the story remains a relatively relaxed and enjoyable read. The Cinderella-esque elements, the forbidden love dynamic, and the hints of a larger conflict brewing promise even more excitement in future installments. Plus, that bonus scene? Pharis has me asking so many questions!

Overall, A Court Bright and Broken is a fun, heartwarming romantasy with plenty of swoon-worthy moments. While it’s not heavy on intricate worldbuilding or fast-paced action, it excels at what it sets out to do—delivering an enjoyable, relationship-driven story with lovable characters. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the next book takes Stellon and Raewyn!

3.5 ⭐️

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Nerd Fam PR for this ARC.

This was an easy and enjoyable read, interesting magic system with enjoyable world building. This is a cinderella-retelling and I loved the dynamics between Raewyn and Stellon. The beginning of the book gripped me, however, felt that the storyline started to miss something during the middle. The romance was so well written and had me giggling and kicking my feet

<b>SPOILERS FROM HERE:</b>
- I was expecting there to be some type of love triangle/brief romance with Pharis
- I wish we saw more of the sister (already forgotten her name)
- Where did Raewyn's father think she was for all the time she spent in the castle?!

Overall, would recommend for an easy read!

4.5 ⭐️! 🌶️!

Once I started this book, I was immediately swept up && thoroughly invested in Stellon & Raewyn’s story! I loved that the story is multi POV, and I really felt like that made it feel like it was BOTH of the MCs story and allowed me to really dig in. From their first encounter, Stellon and Raewyn have a connection, even if neither of them really accepts it at the time. In that first meeting, Stellon gives Raewyn the CUTEST nickname that is then used throughout the book - firebug. I don’t know what it is about this nickname, but it had me giddy each time I read it.

Raewyn is the eldest daughter in a family that has not been too fortunate, and she is responsible for taking care of everyone. In order to help solve some of their problems, she makes a deal with their (not so) friendly neighborhood witch in exchange for her help. After Cinderella-fying her, it turns out that this witch is no fairy godmother, and Raewyn has to figure out how to make sure she and her family will come out unscathed.

I really fell in love with these characters, and I love that there is very clearly still room for all of them to grow in the next book. Lookin at you, Stellon!

I thought the pacing was just right, and there are so many questions I have/can’t wait to get the answers to, especially after reading that bonus scene. AHHH, PHARIS!!!

💛 Cinderella vibes
💛 Forced Proximity
💛 Royal Intrigue
💛 He Falls First
💛 Slow Burn
💛 Fae x Human

Thank you to Amy Patrick and The Nerd Fam for the digital ARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading.

Escaping to the Fae world is an intriguing experience, especially when it’s a twisty take on Cinderella. There are many differences between the original Cinderella and Patrick’s to become lost in the story. Raewyn and Stellon have a unique bond shared during an experience in the village. He’s royalty while she’s the poor human from a suffering village because the King is a spoiled selfish immortal. It’s quite clever with beautiful details and whimsical characters. Fair warning this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. In all honesty, I prefer this version. Plus I read an early copy so I can share my review, voluntarily.

3.75✨
Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Court Bright and Broken is a very beginner friendly romantasy. I’d likened it to A Dawn of Onyx with less drama and fluffier characters. I had a good time. Laughed, blushed, swooned and just had fun. It’s easy to read, relatively short and relaxing read. The right book for someone who wants something simple but not “dumb”. Also for someone who wants to start with romantasy.

Think Ella Enchanted and Cinderella vibes with forbidden love, a hint of a love triangle, forced proximity, character oriented plot, easy worldbuilding and charming (beware, he’s blond so is he really the main one 🧐🤨) love interest.

We follow Rawyn and Stellon, a human and an Elf, a peasant and a crown prince, who accidentally cross paths and grown kind of smitten with each other. They come from very different circumstances and while Stellon up until now didn’t think about humans often and deeply, Rawyn saw Elves only as evil creatures. Their views were very black and white at the beginning and I like how both of their worlds expanded and became more complicated when they slowly got to know each other more.

I like my fantasy more plot driven, which this wasn’t, though it still kept me entertained. There’s a few twists and turns, but the story is more focused on the romance, on their interactions, though the ending may suggest the second book will have more action.

I liked how Stellon wasn’t only good but had legitimate flaws. I also liked how the book focused on the idea that ignoring a problem, not doing anything, is sometimes as bad as participating in it.

I would recommend it to someone who wants a chill romantasy with simple worldbuilding, fun romance and stakes that are kind of high but don’t feel like it most of the time.

Overall, I’m interested to see what happens in the next books - I’m making up my theories 🧐 especially after that bonus chapter.


If you’re looking for tropes:
(may be spoilery)

❤️ forbidden love
❤️ forced proximity
❤️ one bed
❤️ hint of love triangle
❤️ sunshine MMC
❤️ Cinderella inspiration
❤️ let me take care of you trope
❤️ kind of mates but not
❤️ there’s a bath scene - “I forgot my towel, will you hand it to me please”
❤️ kind of insta-love, but kind of a slow-burn?

This is book one in the Age Of Fae series. It is a reimagining of the Cinderella story, only in this one there are two princes (the heir and his younger brother) who must find brides and they are fae and are expected to marry someone who is also fae royalty. When the crown prince saves a human girl from a band of thieves at the market, and then she returns the favor and saves his life when the thieves take their revenge on the prince, he falls in love with her. I don't want to say much more and ruin the story for you, because I know you are going to want to read this. So lets just say that there is romance, intrigue, magic, a village witch, a ball where the two princes must find their mates, and so much more. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. It can't come soon enough for me!

This was an engaging book with a unique take on the conflict between fae and humans. It featured an assassination attempt and ended on a gripping cliffhanger.

True rating: 2.75/5

The major reason for the low rating was the dialogue and interactions between our MCs. The beginning started off strong with secret identities and our couple saving each other. But once Raewyn gets to the ball, things unraveled fast and not in a good way.

The instalove Stellon has for her is cringy at best. His naivety when it comes to not truly seeing how evil his father is and worse not doing anything about it made me shudder with disgust. And then him trying to buy her love with gifts and promises made me scream and pull my hair. It just rubbed me so wrong how lame this Fae Prince was and for the love interest, he’s such a weak tool.

Now Pharis on the other hand, I was rooting for him to be the one to steal Raewyn’s heart. His bad boy, Devil May care attitude and attention to detail in trying to solve the mystery that is her had me invested in this. Had it not been for him, I’d probably have DNF’d this.

My biggest annoyance with this is that it’s marketed as a “deeply romantic”, “gripping NA high fantasy” and I get none of that. Spice level wouldn’t qualify this as NA and the story reads more of a YA fae fantasy.

It also states <i> “Readers who love character-driven high fantasy like Stephanie Garber's Once Upon a Broken Heart series, Spark of the Everflame, These Hollow Vows, Daughter of No Worlds, Powerless, A Court of Thorns and Roses, LJ Andrews' Broken Kingdom series, and Holly Black will devour A Court Bright and Broken”</i>….. yea the writing is nowhere near this level.