Wretched Mage is a debut romantasy and the first instalment in a new adult duology, with its sequel arriving in early 2026. Perfect for fans of fairy-tale retellings and the works of Sarah J. Maas and Carissa Broadbent, this story blends an intricate fantasy world with political intrigue and a swoon-worthy central romance.

She crossed into their lands. Now she can’t leave.

Jane Darling didn’t know what to expect when she took on the role of merchant for the first time after her father fell ill, but it certainly wasn’t venturing into mage territory. When she’s caught unknowingly trespassing, she’s sentenced to remain on their lands under the watch of the Mage Lord of Mountheim, Reagan.

With her family’s livelihood hanging in the balance, Jane must rely on the estate’s staff to secure vital trade agreements while defending herself against the monsters that stalk a cursed realm and a centuries-old Order steeped in hatred and violence against humans.

But as the stakes rise and the undeniable attraction between Jane and Reagan intensifies, she must learn how their magic works and rely on her wit to survive threats against her life, political intrigue, and the dangerous pull of a man she’s not supposed to want.

For readers who love:

🗝 Forced proximity

🧠 Clever, underestimated heroines

🏰 Courtly dynamics and intrigue

🖤 Power plays and banter

🌘 Fairy tale retelling

UPDATE (NOVEMBER 2025): Hey everyone! The ebook’s been updated to include the cover art. If you’d like a copy with it, feel free to download the file again.

Wretched Mage is for readers who crave romantasy set in atmospheric and timeworn worlds, where lanterns flicker through haunted forests and cozy libraries feel as old as time. It follows adult characters who are still young, burdened by responsibilities and quiet desires, as they navigate traditions, laws, and the deep-rooted lore of the mageborn. This story marks the beginning of their journey, which will continue in the second and final book of the duology.

I feel incredibly grateful to share my debut fantasy novel with the NetGalley community. Thank you so much for the interest in reading and reviewing. If you would like updates on book two, you can find me on Instagram @jbpinheirobooks or TikTok @julianabpinheiroo.