This is my first ARC book and let me tell you, I am not well! I’ve been spiraling in a Charlie-shaped book hole, and this one just handed me a shovel and said, “Keep digging.” This book left me with more questions than answers and I am completely unprepared for the fact that this is a series. As in, I have to wait for answers for who knows how long? Charlie, please—just take my sanity and give me the next book.

From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into this story. The worldbuilding is immersive, the magic system is refreshingly unique and well-crafted, and the characters felt vivid and fully realized. It’s rare to find fantasy that feels this original, Charlie delivers on every level.

The emotional depth of each character added richness to the narrative, and the slow-burn romance was beautifully written, heartfelt, genuine, and perfectly paced.

I’m already eagerly awaiting book two. I can’t wait to continue Nym and Renn’s journey and discover more of this incredible world and its characters.

Charlie’s writing has made me a forever fan. The Shattered King is a must-read and an easy addition to any fantasy lover’s TBR.

Firstly, I'd like to thank Charlie N Holmberg, the publisher and netgalley for letting me read and review an advanced digital copy of this book, all of the following is my own opinion.


🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another 5 star absolute banger of a story to get totally lost in by Charlie N Holmberg!!
I was so looking forward to this book and absolutely ran 🏃‍♀️ to netgalley as fast as I could when I saw it was available to read and review.
I went into this book expecting a fantasy romance that would make my heart skip a beat but what I got was sooooooo much more then that, which is always the way with Charlie's books!


The Shattered King is the first book in a duology and in it you can expect to find these tropes:

-forced proximity
-captive main character
-forbidden romance
-illegal magic
-slow burn romance M/F
-touched by something dark


Just a few content/trigger warnings (but please look into this yourself as I may have missed some, especially as I personally have no triggers myself):
There is some violence and sexual assault (NOT explicit) and also mentions of past experiences of attempted suicides, sexual abuse, (neither of these are graphic/in detail/or on page) and also death of a baby (past tense)


Overview:
The story starts with Nym who has healing powers. There is magic in this book broken down into 3 forms of "craftlock" magic; healers, soul soulbinders and mindreaders and then also just regular people without magic.
Magic had been outlawed and anyone found to be casting any craftlock will be executed but luckily (and also unluckily) for Nym the Queens son has had a life fraught with illness, ailments and broken bones where he needs healers and because of this the royal family decrees the craftlock of healing is now legal, so they can try to find someone who can cure the sickly Prince Renn and use conscription to involuntarily bring healers to the Prince to heal him (not that any have been successful at healing him yet).

In the kingdom of Cansere (where this story takes place and the royal family rule over) there are the usual social classes; rich/middle class/poor...and the richer are discriminatory to the people around them, especially towards anyone with craftlock magic. They look down on Nym and people like her and this adds an extra hardship for Nym throughout the story. There is particular reasons (not that she deserves any of them) as to why Nym is liked less by the higher society around her but I'll let you read the story to find out why.

FMC:
Nym is a very likeable main character and her backstory is heartbreaking, there are many points throughout the story that my heart broke for her. You also learn to understand throughout the book why Nym is the way she is and all she's been through and also why she puts up walls to protect herself, while very slowly (at the same time) letting those walls down for a certain prince.
There are also things about Nym that you might not fully understand at first BUT YOU WILL!! Things will naturally be explained throughout the course of the book and PLEASE stick with it, I loved that mystery in the first half of the story and hypothesising why was fun aswell!! But you will learn these along the way and honestly it just makes me love the depth of the main characters and story even more ✨️

MMC:
Prince Renn
He starts off as a whingey, annoying (3rd in line to the throne) sickly Prince (and I mean, rightly so that he whinges, he's had a pretty tough life) he doesn't yet have any empathy for those around him because he's been in so much pain, he's just been wrapped up in his own self pity and loathing as he's not been able to live the way he's wanted to his whole life. When Nym gets conscripted (against her wishes, but that's too bad for her because a conscription is law and you have to obey) to heal the Prince she's one of many before her, who have all come in and out of the palace trying and failing to heal the broken Prince at all, noone has ever been successful in giving him any kind of relief. So Nym decides when she gets to the palace she'll fail her task on purpose so she can get back to her life at home and continue to help care for her younger siblings.
When she does arrive at the palace to "heal" Prince Renn she sees how miserable his life is and when she has a turn at "trying" to heal him she feels so bad for him, so she actually does just the tiniest bit of healing to give him some relief. To everyone's shock it works and Prince Renn can partially move his foot for the first time in years! Nym gets told by the Queen she HAS to stay at the Prince's side and continue to heal him until he's better and Nym ends up staying at the castle for much longer then she anticipated (much to her reluctance).
As Renn slowly gets healed, overtime he goes from being a self absorbed, unempathetic Prince, to slowly becoming less so. The more he's healed the less he focuses on his own inward pain and more on the goings on around himself, Nym and others. He truly steps into that protective, caring, loveable main male character role so well!!


Healing:
Far out!!!!! Honestly Charlie has such a fantastic, imaginative mind!!!! The world building behind this magic system in the story is SOOOOO FREAKING COOL and so in depth!! I'm not going to spoil that part at all, just honestly go do yourself a favour and read it yourself, I LOVED when Nym was healing and I'm sure you will too. The way that happens and the descriptions are so magical and written so vividly!


AND OH MY GOODNESS THAT ENDING 😱🤯🤩🫨 I AM SOOOOOOOO EXCITED FOR NEXT YEAR TO READ BOOK 2...PLEASE GIVE IT TO ME ASAP....PLEASEEEEEE LET ME READ AN ADVANCED COPY OF THAT TOO 🙏

I will definitely re-read this story many times and I will recommend it to any and all people who are fans of this genre but honestly anyone who loves fantasy will love this!!

PLEASE GIVE ME MOREEEEE

also I would love to read Renn's POV somewhere, anywhere pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee as a whole book, as a Novella, as a bonus chapter I will take any and ALL of anything you've got but I'd love, L O V E to read his thoughts 🥹

Charlie N. Holmberg delivers a darkly enchanting and emotionally layered fantasy in The Shattered King, a story that blends mystery, slow-burn romance, and deeply human stakes with her signature magical touch.

From the opening chapters, Holmberg plunges readers into a kingdom teetering on the edge of danger, where secrets, curses, and consequences unfold with elegant precision. The worldbuilding is immersive but never overwhelming, with just the right amount of intrigue to keep the pages turning while leaving room for emotional depth. The magic system—steeped in curses and supernatural consequences—feels both fresh and mythic, grounding the fantastical in relatable human fears and desires.

What truly sets this story apart are the characters. The protagonist is complex, both fierce and vulnerable, and her journey through grief, loyalty, and reluctant trust is beautifully paced. Holmberg doesn’t rush the relationships—romantic or otherwise—which makes every emotional payoff feel earned. The slow-burn romance is subtle but magnetic, and the tension builds naturally without overtaking the broader story.

The writing is lyrical yet accessible, with moments of sharp tension and quiet reflection woven throughout. Holmberg’s talent for creating atmospheres—brooding castles, cursed lands, haunted emotions—is in full force here. While the plot twists are deftly handled, it’s the emotional undercurrent of regret, duty, and hope that gives this book its heart.

The Shattered King is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with romantic tension, mystery, and a hint of the gothic. It’s a strong start to what promises to be a gripping duology, and I’m eager to see where Holmberg takes the story next.

5 stars – A dark and dazzling fantasy full of heart, perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and rich, immersive storytelling

Thank you 47North and Charlie N. Holmberg for allowing me to access an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you, Netgalley, 47North, and author Charlie N. Holmberg for providing an ARC in exchange for a review! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a 5-star read for me! I couldn’t put the book down, I was reading at work during my lunch break, and I even stayed up until 3 AM to finish it… I was simply captivated by this story.

“The Shattered King” is the story of a captive magical healer, Nym, whose mission is to save Prince Renn from his fate. Renn has lived all his life with a mysterious illness no one was able to cure, no one except Nym. When, unintentionally, Nym manages to remedy the faintest symptom of his ailment, the Queen declares her the prince’s official healer and a ward of the castle. While healing the prince, Nym and Renn start to feel drawn to each other...

I was hooked from the very first chapter. I was expecting another romantasy story just like the many others that fill the shelves in bookshops, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is a fantasy story with a bit of romance and LOADS of yearning! Some other tropes you would find in this book are forced proximity, slow-burn, and grumpy-sunshine dynamic. This book is also proof that we do not need spice to have a good romance!

The magic system was so unique and compelling, and the descriptions of the lumis were so detailed and expressive that you were able to picture everything while you were reading. Not only is it the magic that you can envision with no problem, but it’s all the descriptions along the story, all thanks to the extremely beautiful and vivid writing. There’s so much more I’d like to know about lumis, craftlocks and other magical beings… but I guess the next book will shed some light on these aspects soon.

The characters are well crafted and feel very 3-dimensional, and I loved that you get to know the main characters at the same time Nym and Renn are also getting to know each other, you’re following them —a shadow— along their journey. I thought the build-up for their romance was fantastic, and so was the banter and the ever-present intense longing. For a change, it felt very refreshing to have a FMC older than the MMC and, moreover, a MMC who is not a 2m tall hulking beast of a man. His personality is also a breath of fresh air, for he is genuinely just a good guy, he’s attentive, charming and intelligent, and doesn’t need to be either broody or scary to be considered hot. The only character I didn’t like was Prince Adrinn, are we supposed to like him at the end? Even after assaulting Nym? And, of course, here’s an honourable mention to Sten and Ard, Renn’s loyal guards. It surprised me to discover how much I cared for these characters, even though they only share a few lines throughout the story. Yet another example of how great Charlie’s storytelling is.

The pacing in the first half of the book is definitely slow, and the story is mainly focused on Renn’s daily healing process. This tempo portrays the slowness of the healing itself, and reminds us how tedious and tiring it must have been for both of them. It’s not until the last 20% of the book that action strikes. I didn’t know that this book is going to be part of a duology, so I was expecting the story to wrap up in those last pages, and then I was left terribly disappointed and shocked when I realised that was how the book was going to end. No, I do not like cliffhangers.

It’s also important to mention that there are some possible trigger warnings you might need to consider (sexual assault/abuse).

This was a surprising read for me, I hadn’t read anything by Charlie N. Holmberg (or even knew about her), and I genuinely can’t wait for the next instalment in this series.

The story launches right into the world of a healer and beekeeper named Nym. We follow our FMC as she goes from raising her 7 younger siblings to being conscripted by the crown to attempt to heal the ailing youngest prince and taken abruptly from her family and all she knows. We follow as she works to heal the broken pieces of the prince. The way the author describes each characters souls allowed me to feel like I was right there with Nym.

As the book progresses, we learn more about the prince and how his ailments may be more than just physical. Watching as he interacts with Nym and they both slowly become attached to each other felt like a true slow burn. As the healing progresses so does their admiration for each other.

As the healing progresses and comes closer to completion, the kingdom is faced with adversities that continue to advance and as the kingdom is on the brink of war Nym will do whatever she can to finish this process for the prince. In the final few chapters some dramatic ends and surprise reveals truly had me both devastated and on the edge of my seat. Hopefully there is another book coming soon as the end of this book was a major cliffhanger!


Thank you to both the author and Netgally for providing me with this ARC, opinions provided in this review are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

She's a peasant healer. He's a prince who has been sick his whole life. And their story, from despise to friendship to forbidden feelings, is the most sweetest I have read in a while. Both characters are quite soft and genuine and the relationship between them sweet and innocent.

The story is rather slow paced, with truly slow burn romance, and if you're used to fast paced stories with full of exciting action, this one might not be for you. But I assure you, the silent, sweet tension between the two does pay off in the end, and it will make your heart ache. It's all about the shy smiles, lingering glances and brush of fingers.

I had some issues with the pacing throughout the story, where it sometimes felt like the writing was too hasty, skipping interesting details and encounters totally, only to describe another session of healing. The slow process of the healing was the main event of the plot, with not much else happening. The vibe was calm and cozy, until the end. The end... That was epic, with surprising plot twists and a jaw dropping, high stakes cliffhanger that will make you want to grab book 2 immediately.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, it was amazing.. Of course it was, a Charlie N Holmberg story is always is. The writing was perfect, worldbuilding was to the point, I was hooked and my energy and interest never dropped. I finished in almost two days and I will totally take my time to marinate in the feelings..
Thank you thank you!

Charlie's writing never disappoints. I love the worlds she creates and I immediately get immersed into the story. I can't wait to read the next book especially given this one ends on a cliffhanger.

I got off to a somewhat rocky start with this one. I did not immediately like Nym’s narration and found it hard to connect with her. I’m pleased that I persevered though, after my initial difficulty I did really enjoy this.

The story follows Nym, a craftlock healer, who is drafted to heal the prince of a mysterious illness that has plagued him since childhood. Taken from her family and treated poorly, Nym’s only thought is to finish her job quickly so she can return to her family.

This is what I struggled with most at the beginning of the story. Nym was so fixated on returning to her family that it felt like she only had that personality trait, and it was only after I started seeing more of her that I really began to enjoy the story. I also found the treatment the royals subjected her to to be almost cartoonishly evil, especially the queen.

However, I absolutely loved Prince Renn as a character and I liked seeing how he developed through the story. I thought that the magic system was interesting and the castle politics following the war were intriguing.

I found the second half of the book far more exciting than the first and I flew through it quickly once I was at about 60%.

I will definitely be looking out for the next installment!

Thank you so much to 47 North and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Book Review: The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg

The Shattered King hooked me from the very first chapter, which is rare for me. The writing was captivating, drawing me in and making it hard to put the book down. It was a mistake to start reading it at 9 pm, I stayed up for hours until I couldn’t keep my eyes open.

The story stands out from many other romantic fantasy books I’ve read. Nym, a 24 year old healer, is the oldest of nine kids. After losing her parents, she had to grow up quickly, taking on the roles of both mother and provider for her younger siblings. Her journey begins when she receives a royal summons to heal the bedridden prince, setting the stage for a unique story.

I loved Nym. From the start, she comes across as smart, level-headed, hardworking, and kind—a refreshing change from the typical sarcastic, stubborn, or overly argumentative FMC ( often found in enemies-to-lovers tropes).

The magic system is another standout aspect of the book. I also found interesting how author incorporated Nym’s real life experiences to her magic and showed exactly how hard did she have to work to heal the prince. I couldn’t help but compare it to other books where the FMC is simply portrayed as effortlessly powerful without putting in the same kind of work.

The romance in The Shattered King is subtle yet heartwarming. It’s a slow burn that allows the yearning and connection between the characters to develop naturally. The romantic elements complement the story instead of overshadowing it.

Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait for the Book 2.

All opinions expressed here are my own.I received access to this eARC through NetGalley and would like to thank both NetGalley and the publisher, 47North, for the opportunity to read this story.

This romantasy had no business being as good as it is for something that the author wrote in a breakneck *fifteen days*!! I was captivated and didn't want to put it down--which is a lot given I have a whole graveyard of DNFs. I really enjoyed the POV of the protagonist, FMC Nym who is brash, talented, and has a layered and compelling backstory that I haven't seen before in fantasy. I was worried that the story would be a bit Beauty and the Beast given the plot, but Holmberg does a good job balancing the power dynamic between Nym and Prince Renn. I appreciated that some of the theories I had about the plot were proven wrong and the unique magic healing system. I think fans of The Folk of the Air would enjoy this Part One of a duology, since it has similar vibes with political intrigue and the slow build to all hell breaks loose. It also reminded me of Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri; iron willed protagonists and forced proximity. I can't believe now I'm stuck waiting for Part Two...

Nym is a craftlock healer who is taking care of her siblings after losing their mother and father. The kingdom of Cansere is preparing for war and drafting its citizens into service,. Nym's brother is called up to serve and receives a letter from the queen herself, calling her to heal Prince Renn. Forced to become the prince’s official healer and a ward of the castle, and with her only hope of returning to her family hinging on the prince’s recovery, Nym must navigate the castle’s cruel and twisted court and uncover the haunting truth behind Prince Renn’s illness.

The world building allows the reader to picture themselves in the story. The romance is a nice slow burn , which I love. However , the story moved at a slow pace for me. But I still enjoyed reading it





descriptive writing allows the reader to picture themselves in the story.

FFS, I hate cliffhangers! But this book was so good! A really creative magical universe, and beautifully crafted characters in Renn and Nym. There was a point in the beginning where certain parts were mentioned but not fully explained and I was afraid it was going to be one of those stories that doesn’t quite reach its potential, but then gradually all became clear. I don’t want to give anything away, but I did feel a little disappointed in the development of Nym and Renn’s relationship at the end. I can’t say more than that, but I can’t wait to hear what others think about it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this in advance of publication! I cannot wait for the follow up.

Hooked from the very start, I’ll absolutely be getting The Shattered King upon its release! Full stars, this story leaves me wanting more with every turn of the page.

There’s a reason I don’t usually pick up fantasy/romance books (I refuse to say 'romantasy') when the series is just beginning—because if it’s good, I’ll be hooked, and then I’ll be stuck waiting. That’s exactly what happened here. It was my mistake choosing this one to read as an ARC because it is quite good, and now my impatience is going to skyrocket until the next book comes out.

As you all may or may not know, I am already a fan of Charlie N. Holmberg’s books. I loved the Whimbrel House series, and I have the Spellbreaker and Paper Magician series both in my TBR pile. This book adds to my belief that she is a good writer.

We meet Nym, a magical (craftlock) healer who is taking care of her siblings after losing their mother and father. The kingdom of Cansere is preparing for war and drafting its citizens into service, as proved by her younger brother being called up. Much to her surprise, she receives a letter from the queen herself, calling her into service, but this service is to help heal Prince Renn.
Prince Renn is trapped in his own body, having an unknown illness on top of injuries obtained when he fell down a long set of stone stairs. It has made him cold and distant, believing he will never be healed.

Nym arrives intending to fail the test so she can return to her family, but she’s intrigued by Renn’s illness and torn about not using her gift to help. She manages to heal a very small part of his illness, but it is more than any healer before has managed to do. In doing so, she becomes indentured to the royal family to spend every waking hour trying to fix Renn’s other ailments. In living there, she learns the connections between the rest of the royal family and finds herself drawn to the prince as his walls slowly come down.

This book has quite a lot to enjoy. The descriptive writing allows the reader to picture themselves in the story. Whether it is the cold stone walls of Nym’s room, Renn’s posh chambers, or the bustling market of Nation’s Row, the writing lets you lose reality as you walk along with the characters. The magic system is unique and creative, which makes this book all the more interesting. There are no magical blasts from cast spells, but quiet changes made through abilities that had once remained hidden.

Their romance is a slow burn but worth the wait. The progression of their relationship is something that both of them fight (mostly Nym), but inevitably give in to. For those who are keeping score, there are no spicy scenes in this book, but the romance is beautiful.

All in all, this book is well worth reading. Even though I’m frustrated by the cliffhanger, it’s a testament to how invested I’ve become. I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book—and that’s exactly what any author hopes to achieve

Title: THE SHATTERED KING
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Re-readability: Yes, will likely reread before the second book is released.
Binge-Read Score: Read in 2 days! Great read!

Overall Thoughts:
The world Holmberg creates in THE SHATTERED KING is whimsical and I absolutely loved the creative take on healing magic. The beginning starts with a bit of a slower pace, but I think it served essential background and really did a great job painting all the characters in a 3-dimensional light. Similar to a boulder starting to roll down hill, the momentum in this story builds throughout and I am very excited to read a second book. Thank you to the author, Charlie Holmberg, and 47North for the early access.

Nym—our fierce, quietly determined FMC—is raising her seven siblings when she receives an unexpected summons to the palace. Her task? Attempt to heal the kingdom’s ailing prince, Renn, who has been sick since infancy. No doctor or healer has succeeded, but the Queen refuses to give up, yanking healers from their lives in a desperate attempt to save her only son.

As Nym steps into this gilded cage of royal desperation, she finds herself entangled in more than just a healing mission. Renn, the grumpy, melancholic prince, begins to develop feelings for Nym—and honestly, who could blame him? She’s powerful, stunning, and quite literally saving his life.

This story takes you deep into a magical realm where healing gifts are forbidden—unless, of course, you’re trying to cure the Queen’s heir. The worldbuilding is rich, imaginative, and unlike anything I’ve read before. One of the most compelling elements is Nym’s healing process: every person is different on the inside, and that unpredictability brings the magic to life.

If you’re craving a slow-burn romance filled with forced proximity, aching yearning, and a grumpy-sunshine dynamic set in a vivid magical world—this is your book. Be warned: the ending packs a cliffhanger the size of Texas.

Nym isn’t meek—she’s quiet, yes, but she holds her own. She’s practical, focused, and deeply shaped by her burdens. At times she might seem distant or emotionally flat, but given her life circumstances, it makes sense. She’s learned how to move through the world like a shadow, hoping not to be seen.

Renn, the MMC, is heartbreakingly sad. Life has beaten him down, and he’s long since stopped fighting—until Nym gives him a reason to hope. He’s young, yet wise in ways pain often teaches. There’s so much more to him than he realizes, and I adored watching him rediscover his worth.

Oh, and his family? Absolutely awful. I hated them.

5/5 stars!!
Healer/Patient
Prince/Peasant
Forced Proximity
Forbidden love

Thank you for allowing me to read this before publication!

The book begins with Nym in her small town as she says goodbye to her brother, who has just been conscripted to the military. Nym barely has time to miss her brother before her own conscription letter arrives. She is a healer, and she is required to travel to the palace to attempt to heal the prince (who has been ill for 20 years).

Warning- the book ends on a cliffhanger, so beware! You'll be turning the page for more :)

Such a unique idea! Absolutely loved this and am now looking forward to book 2!

I read and enjoyed Charlie Holmberg’s The Hanging City and some of her other books have been on my TBR for awhile, so I jumped at the chance for an ARC of The Shattered King. I'm super glad I did because shadow daddies and morally grey bad boys are now out, and sickly sexy consent kings are in!

This book was an absolute delight to read. The characters all had a strong sense of uniqueness about them, even ones who didn't speak many words. I related a lot with Nym as the "oldest" child who feels responsible for her younger siblings, and I was endlessly fascinated with her magic and the entire magic system of the book in general. It's so cool to think about her being able to see someone's lumis (the book's version of a psyche/soul/essence) and everyone having a unique lumis with all the different iterations we get to see throughout the book. The way she works with the magic has a lot of depth, and this is well explored throughout the book. I also love that she speaks before thinking, because honestly, same. Nym is snarky to the point of foolishness, she can't help but try to heal those hurting, she cares deeply for her family, and she's also fiercely protective of her own heart. I love her and think she was wonderfully written.

Prince Renn is proof that good guys can be hot and interesting and they need their time in the sun again! He's kind without being perfect (because good does not have to mean boring!), and you really see him grow into who he is throughout the book. The number of sweet, kind, heart gushing lines from Renn... he's like the guy who finally comes along after so many disappointing heartbreaks just as you give up on finding love, and I love that for Nym. Some of my favorite lines of his I feel like are mild spoilers, but just trust me when I say that he will make you swoon.

A few honorable mentions go to Ard and Sten, Renn's guards. They're men of very few words who have a profound impact and sense of existence in the series, and it's definitely a testament to Charlie Holmberg's writing that I felt so attached to so many characters including these two who had relatively few lines throughout the book.

While I love the yearning and the romance involved between Nym and Renn and all the tension that brings, I think the mystery surrounding Renn's lumis, the pending war, secrets of the queen (which I thought I figured out but I was so so wrong by the time the plot twist was revealed), and just generally the goings on besides the Renn/Nym interactions were SO interesting. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I don't know how I'm going to survive until the sequel is released, mostly so I figure out what happens with the war and with where we left things at the end of the book in the state of the world. I absolutely flew through the last 10% because the action was gripping and the reveals were surprising to me, so nothing about this book felt predictable. I look forward to reading the next book, and this was absolutely a slam dunk read for me!