This book was an incredible surprise! It was mysterious, and magical, and just spectacular overall! I craved this book, and couldn’t put it down! Amazing!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor for this incredible ARC!

WOW THIS WAS FANTASTIC!
The Court of Venus gets courtly intrigue right, unique worldbuilding, and has such an energy to it that hooks you in. Bel Banta does a great job of building tension and fear and Bianca and Roland were so fiery, I wish I could wipe my memory and read this book for the first time again.

I really am surprised that this is a debut. The writing was so seamless - the dialogue seemed period appropriate, the exposition was smoothly executed ... I really enjoyed it! The level of detail really made it feel like historic fiction. I loved the planet based magic system. There were several well connected mysteries going on that kept me reading well past bed time. And the slow burn, yearning was so well done and spicy! I found the stories of the FMC and MMC deeply sad. They had to overcome so much and still continue to strive and struggle. I really look forward to what happens next.

Bel Banta....you absolute genius. First off, I'm usually so in between with world building in romantasy books, but from the start, it felt like I was sucked into this whirlwind ride filled with dark, mysterious settings and Banta did not let me go until the book was done! And Bianca???? Bianca, my hot mess in moon born colors, you have my heart and soul. Also, can we talk about the romantic tension between Roland and Bianca. For note, my favorite trope is 'charismatic jerk meets his worst nightmare' and that's EXACTLY what this was and more! I am going to be literally on the edge of my feet awaiting the sequel because this author is holding that cliffhanger over me!

5/5 Phenomenal. The type of creativity in world-building that reminds me why I adore fantasy. I haven’t read a magic system that I have been this obsessed with in SO long and this had me from the jump. Immersive, lush, and decadent: the court setting, the clothes, the tournament, the courtly politics, the dark mystery, the totally unique magic, THE ROMANTIC TENSION???? Unreal.

Bianca echoes many of the fantasy heroines I hold close to my heart while also being totally her own. She is an absolute force!! Relentless and scheming while also being so soft and filled to the brim with desire and love and loyalty. I’m obsessed with her. Roland with his pink hair and pearl earring?? Very much literally born to be the perfect flirt??? The dynamic between these two…delicious. The perfect amount of romance. The perfect amount of magic. The perfect amount of lore.

On top of the intricate plot line and fully-realized characters, the author writes stunning prose that makes this book feel like an absolute treat to read. My kindle’s highlight feature was getting a solid workout.

Already planning my re-read when I get my hands on my physical copy. Banta has absolutely crafted what I think will be THE next big title in fantasy. Can’t wait for the second next part of the duology and honored I got to read this one early.

I could write a whole essay, but I am going to stop here. PICK THIS ONE UP!!!

Wow, okay, yeah!!I didn’t expect to get this invested this quickly, but here we are.

What kept me there was the characters more than anything else. The dynamic between Bianca and Roland just works. There’s history there, there’s tension, and it never feels simple between them.
I really liked how the story unfolds too. It doesn’t rush to explain everything, and you’re kind of putting pieces together as you go. It kept me interested without feeling confusing.
The world itself is also really easy to sink into. The whole court setting, the politics, the way magic ties into everything… it all feels layered without being overwhelming.
And the banter was actually good. Not forced, not trying too hard, just natural in a way that made the characters feel real.
I also liked that it’s not just relying on one thing. There’s the mystery, the relationships, the tension at court, and it all kind of builds together instead of competing with each other.
Overall, I can see this book getting a lot of hype . It’s one of those books that’s just really easy to get into and stay in!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy.

Absolutely gorgeous debut!!

The world building is stunning. This book grips you immediately from the first chapter. There are so many twists and turns in the mystery plot. The narration is almost unreliable even?? So much fun!! I adored our FMC and her persistence as well as her softer side. She carried a great balance. I at first had a love hate relationship with our MMC but his tru colors began to show, and he also has pink hair, which, I am obsessed with. The magic system is truly unique. The writing style of the book goes back and forth from past to present and it gives you all the pieces and understanding it’s supposed to. And THE ENDING?! I’m gasping for book two.

I genuinely did not know what to expect coming into The Court of Venus and I found myself completely delighted by the complexity of Bianca and Roland and the world that they inhabit of Alvion. Bianca's characterization - by mercurial turns shy, withdrawn, dysphoric - was entirely unique and I felt that her perspective propelled the narrative. The system of magic was fascinating and I hope there is a sequel that serves up more depth. I loved the queer (if not normative, then close) worldbuilding and I thought that the side characters were intriguing and appear poised for further character development.

The Court of Venus is romantasy done differently—a sophisticated, Tudor-inspired procedural where the mystery is just as sharp as the romance. Investigating Prince Hal’s death against the backdrop of a rotting court provides a propulsive, "one-more-chapter" pace that makes this debut feel destined for a prestige TV adaptation.
The history between Bianca and Roland is a masterclass in tension. While the world sees a calculating "Venus King" who dominates every room, Bianca remembers the "soft" boy who used to stack the deck just to feel like he could win. Her journey from the overlooked "Mouse" to a powerful Moonborn owning her rare magic—and her survivor's guilt—is a grounded, beautiful arc.
If you’re looking for a cerebral, cinematic story where the emotional stakes are as high as the political ones, read this immediately. A 5-star hit for 2026.

This book pulled me in from the very first page and wouldn't let go until the very end! (AND THAT ENDING MADE ME SCREAM). Stylish writing, a tightly woven plot, and well-written character development.

This was absolutely fantastic! It was so magical and I had such an immersive experience. What a unique book that does such a great slow burn.
This really got me out of a book slump and raised the fantasy bar for me. I hope everyone picks this up , I’ll definitely be telling everyone to read this!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor for a copy of this eARC.

I think this may be one of my top reads of this year and it’s only March but that’s just how good this novel really is. In fact, I think this book alone has made Bel Banta an auto-buy author for me.

The story is set in a fantasy landscape loosely based on Tudor England. In this world there are individuals born blessed by the planets and given unique abilities as a result, some are more rare than others but all are feared for their powers and therefore they are bound to a master they serve. The story begins with the female protagonist Bianca, who is blessed by the moon, being invited to the coronation magician’s tournament by her formal court rival and fellow magician Roland, who is blessed by Venus. Roland has risen to power in the years since they were tutored under the same roof and is now counselor to the king but for all intents and purposes it appears that he is the one who is really ruling the court. Both were raised alongside Prince Hal, who died under mysterious circumstances years before and the questions around his death continue to haunt Bianca. When she arrives for the tournament she is forced to confront her past in the palace as well as find out what really happened between Hal, the King, and Prospero - Roland and Bianca’s former tutor.

If the synopsis was not enough to lure you in, I would say that Bel Banta’s writing and storytelling will cause you to fall in love with not only the characters but the story as well. The banter between the characters is really just a masterwork in how to write dialogue and although there are times it feels that things are a bit ambiguous, it’s clearly with intentionality and not because the author is unable to explain what is happening in that moment.

Bel Banta is masterful in her ability to write a story of political intrigue that doesn’t give everything away at the very beginning. Instead, we peel back layers of the story as information is revealed to us regarding not only the mysteries of Hal’s death but also the connection that exists between Prospero, Bianca, and Roland. If you’re anything like me then you’re probably tired of books that hinge on tournaments and while that is the initial reasoning for getting Bianca to the palace, the tournament has very little actual weight in the overall story. In fact, it seems to just be a mechanism for introducing us to the various magicians and what they can do based on their planets - which is honestly pretty genius and prevents us from being info-dumped on. Regardless, this is a story and a world I want to return to and I’m thrilled to see that there is a second book. I typically read multiple books at a time but found myself wanting to return to this one. The plus side is that yes, it does end with a mystery but it’s not a cliffhanger that will leave readers feeling unsatisfied and anxious - more so we’re excited to see what comes next.

As a former thirteen-year-old-obsessed-with-Tudor-history-and-also-fantasy-books, I ate this UP. Immersive, addictive historical(ly inspired) fantasy with a slow-burn romance; I think this might have actually done the impossible and shaken me out of my romantasy slump (the focus is on the fantasy, but the romance is fully realized and takes up enough space that I think romantasy readers will enjoy this, in addition to the traditional fantasy crowd).

Thank you Tor for the eARC!

After falling so deeply in love with “Honey,” and being a huge Romantasy fan, my hopes couldn’t have been higher for this book. "The Court of Venus" exceeded my expectations and captivated me from the first line. The blend of gothic Romantasy with Tudor Era court intrigue made for such a uniquely gripping read. I couldn’t predict a single way the story unfolded and continually ripped out my heart. It’s a beautiful, complex read that might hurt your soul in a way you’ll never forget. It’s a rare book that can tear at your heartstrings, make you fall so deeply for the characters, and hit this hard. I recommend this to any Romantasy reader, Fans of Rachel Gillig and Kalie Cassidy especially will devour this book. Also would be a great recommendation for fans of historical romance who are looking to give Romantasy a try.

Oh, this was SO good — like, stay-up-late-to-finish-it good. I was hooked from the very beginning!

The magic system was so unique. I especially loved that the political system and maneuvering were the real focus of the story. In a genre where the romance can sometimes take over, it was refreshing to have the romance be more of a subplot. The relationship felt organic, believable, and really well developed without taking too much attention away from the rest of the plot.

I’m pretty sure this is a standalone, which would get major bonus points from me. However, I loved the writing, and would happily read a second one set in this world!

I absolutely loved this one and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Bel Banta!

OBSESSED. I am absolutely obsessed with this book! From the Tudor court settings to the political intrigue and magic system, everything about The Court of Venus delivers. Following the FMC Bianca as she tries to solve a murder mystery about someone she cares about, while holding the MMC Roland and his charming, devious schemes at bay, we get a glimpse into court life and the dangers of court politics, but with a magic system woven in that defies logic.

I honestly wasn't sure what I was getting into when I begin reading this book, especially with so many references to birth planets, horoscopes, etc. but as I eased into the magic system and the character pool, I was able to really enjoy the book's development. I'd categorize the romance in this book as slow burn. It was just right for the story, especially considering the characters' histories which were revealed over time. A standout aspect for me was the descriptive scenery and the way it changed, especially when the characters travelled from court to court.

I'm looking forward to the next book!

I knew from chapter one that this book would be good. And I was right!
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I liked the characters. It’s marketed as a Tudors vibe and I definitely got that from it. Beheaded queens and prisoners. A tower of exile. Court scheming and betrayals and alliances. Add magic into it and you’ve got an excellent book.

I liked the magic style. It’s seemingly random depending on what planet favors you, unable to be passed down through bloodlines. It’s refreshing, something different for me.

It was really easy to fall in love with Bianca, Roland, and Hal. I especially liked Oliver and Miranda and hope to read more about them in the next book. Forewarning, you’re left on a cliffhanger of sorts. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to book two immensely! I may have read the book before it’s officially released, but rest assured I already preordered my deluxe edition!

I went into The Court of Venus knowing very little about it, and I’m so glad I did because this completely surprised me.

From the beginning, I was intrigued by the world, the characters, and especially the magic system. The astrology and planetary-based magic felt so unique, and I loved discovering more about it alongside the main character as her own abilities began to unfold.

The characters were probably my favourite part of the story. Everyone seemed to have their own motives and secrets, which made it so hard to figure out who could actually be trusted. I loved watching the relationships develop throughout the book, and the enemies-to-lovers romance was such a fun addition without taking away from the fantasy plot.

There’s so much happening in this story.. political intrigue, power struggles, mystery, romance, and plenty of twists, BUT it all came together so well. And THAT ENDING?! I genuinely did not see it coming. This was a fun and addictive fantasy, and after that ending I absolutely need to know what happens next.

i went into this not knowing much at all, and i’m so glad i picked it up. such a good debut!
i really loved bel banta’s writing and the world she created. the tudor-inspired court was so fascinating, especially with all the politics, secrets, and danger surrounding it. but the magic system was definitely one of my favorite parts! magic based on astrology, with each planet connected to a different kind of celestial magic, was such an interesting idea. i loved learning more about it and seeing how it shaped both the world and the characters.
bianca was such a fascinating fmc! she’s relentless and scheming, but underneath all of that she’s so soft, loyal, and just craves to be loved. and the way she likes turning into a cat? honestly, if i could turn into a cat, me too bianca, me too.
i was utterly obsessed with the romance! the tension between bianca and roland, especially with all their history and the childhood flashbacks, made their relationship so compelling. i loved watching them go from rivals to falling for each other, and seeing bianca fall in love while still carrying so much grief and guilt. but what i loved most was how they changed each other. i loved how roland accepted all of bianca, even the parts of herself she had learned to protect with claws and teeth, and watching how much bianca changed roland once he fell in love with her was everything.
i also really enjoyed listening to the audiobook! samantha hydeson did such a fantastic job bringing the story to life. her narration fit the atmosphere so well, and she made it such an enjoyable experience to listen to.
i’m so glad i picked this one up, and i can’t wait to read the second book and see what happens next! i’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from bel banta. 🗡️🪐🌙

⟡ thank you to tor publishing group, macmillan audio and netgalley for the arc & alc.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars, rounded up! The Court of Venus took me completely by surprise! I had a vague idea of what the story was about but it wasn't until I began reading that I realized it is a Tudor inspired story. As someone who went through a Tudor history obsessed era at one point in time, the story felt familiar in the best way. The plot is full of court conspiracies, ambitious noble families, shifting alliances, and most importantly, magic. The story follows Bianca, a moon born magician, the most powerful of her age, and Roland, the Venus born magician she learned alongside when they were children. Bianca has been away from court for many years but has returned for a tournament and to get answers for the untimely death of her and Roland's childhood friend, Hal. Roland isn't exactly excited to see Bianca but that quickly changes as a plot to bring down Roland at court begins to emerge.

One of the best, if not the best, part of The Court of Venus is the atmosphere of the story. Reading Bel Banta's writing felt like stepping back in time to Henry VIII's court and I enjoyed every minute of it. Astrology also plays a large role in regard to the magic which I found fascinating. The planets themselves and the alignment of the stars at any given time had a real effect on the characters and it's clear Bel Banta took her time learning about and applying these concepts to the story.

While overall The Court of Venus was a big hit for me, if I had to have one complaint about the story it would be the ending. A not insignificant amount of time in the story is spent trying to solve Hal's murder yet when we finally have answers the end result feels rushed and not very satisfying. I was left questioning how Bianca seemingly just knew what was required of her at the end (no spoilers!) and the perpetrator's reasoning felt flimsy. For such an intricate and detailed story, I simply expected more from the ending. That said, I will definitely be picking up the next book in this duology because after that epilogue I need to know what happens next!

PHENOMENAL!!!

There’s something about this book that feels like stepping into a beautiful, dangerous dream. The atmosphere, the magic, the courtly intrigue, the stars, the secrets - it all felt so enchanting and haunting at the same time.

I loved the Tudor-inspired court and how beautifully the magic was woven into the world. There was this constant feeling that something was lurking just beneath the surface, and I was desperate to figure out what was really happening at court.
And then there’s Bianca and Roland. 🫠 The childhood history. Their slow burn was painful, and watching all that tension slowly unravel had me completely invested.

But honestly, the atmosphere is what I’ll remember most. It’s dark, romantic, celestial, and just a little eerie in the most beautiful way. It feels like candlelight, velvet gowns, whispered secrets, blood on the throne, and two people falling for each other while the stars are quietly deciding their fate.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC copy!

This worked sooooo well for me.

Filled with court intrigue, mystery, & plot twists galore, The Court of Venus grips you early and does not let go. Banta’s writing feels immersive—I felt like I was living in this world with them.

Bianca is such a compelling FMC. She’s grappling with her power—both magical, and her role in the world—in a way that feels real, and makes you root for her. I absolutely LOVED this magic system and Bianca’s abilities, in particular.

And oof, Roland. Witty, competent, pining sad boy dreams. Kind of shitty, kind of snarky, deeply down bad once he falls. So Jacks coded, even beyond the hair change.

The burn here is so deliciously slow, filled with tension and reluctance even if they do have shared history. The spice really hits, too. (petition for the author to learn a certain “inappropriate use of signet ring” tag before the next one 👀)

also:
🏰 historical Tudor-esque vibes but make it magic
🪐 moons and planets and astrology
🐭 he calls her Mouse (and it’s v cute)
❤️ grief & loss of a friend
💫 high stakes that have you stressed
🧪 a mysterious, looming protector / teacher

Loved this! Can’t wait for more!

Thank you Tor for the ARC!

I absolutely loved this. Am I the target audience, as a woman who grew up besotted with Tudor history—I know, get in line—ice queens, and seductive dumbasses? Yes. But I also think it's simply really good, and definitely one of the best books I've read this year..

About that Tudor thing: The author is very clear about the inspiration, and it's certainly all over the place. But it's shot through with a magic system that should not! Have worked! For me! It would be so easily for astrology-based magic to be ridiculously corny, or built to simply appeal to the astrology girlies (okay, yes, this also applies to me) with very little weight to it. But Bel Banta clearly thought through all the worst things that could happen if someone possessed magic infused by a specific planet, even if that planet seems kind of innocuous. Pop that into a Tudor-esque world, and you have high stakes every second, and a kind of horrifically terrifying way to live in which you can't trust anyone. Including the seductive dumbass. ESPECIALLY the seductive dumbass, one could say.

This is sold as a "romantic fantasy" versus "fantasy romance", and it's the beginning of a duology, so we've yet to see if there will be an HEA. (The author does, however, work at The Ripped Bodice—so at the very minimum, she knows what a great romance *is*.) But the thing is—the love story here is as good as anything you'll find in a truly good romance novel. And I'll be honest: It is much better than what I've found in a lot of recently written romances written to cash in on the romantasy crazy. Bianca and Roland do not trust each other. They antagonize one another. They keep secrets.

But boy. Do they YEARN. They're two of the best kind of yearners—you get a stern, emotionally repressed yearner (Bianca) and a slutty yearner who everyone wants, but he only wants HER (Roland).

This is a slow burn! Which doesn't always work for me, because it feels like the term "slow burn" has become code for "doesn't make a move until 80% in for no fucking reason". Except Roland and Bianca do have reasons, both plot-related and emotion-related, and they make sense. Plus, Banta doesn't just sit there and have them sulk over their feelings. They spend time together. They relearn each other as adults. They fight against a system stacked against them... together.

Because this book has a plot! It has court intrigue and a murder mystery and twists and turns and all of this coalesces so well with the romance. So, here's the thing: Who knows if we'll get an HEA? I guess we'll find out with the sequel, but I think the odds are in our favor. Nonetheless, I felt such an emotional punch with this book that as long as the sequel is good, I truly don't care. "Romantic fantasy" can mean a lot of things, but here—I loved the world, I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I loved the romance. I've enjoyed a lot of books this year, but it's been a while since a book written by a "new to me" author has had me going "I can't get up from this chair until I finish this novel". Every single element and hook had me wanting to read more.

I also just really love Roland and Bianca—I want the best for them! Free my boy he did some fucked up shit but it was all very complicated and he's so in looove and she's kiiiind of a bitch but he loves her so much (with good reason) just let them work it out!

Everything here is so decadent and rich and at times unsettling. Oh, and it's hot. The slow burn does not mean they aren't *attracted* to each other until suddenly they realize they are (this is another gripe I have with the current status of the slow burn romance). Rather, Roland and Bianca dance around each other in a cat and mouse situation, because really, why would they trust each other anyway?

There is a dam. The dam bursts. The dam is sex. Bianca also bursts. A lot. I mean, so does he, but.... Have you ever thought about the appeal of a pink-haired charismatic sadboy who charms everyone he meets except the person he actually wants to charm? And in addition, how good someone with the ability to comprehend your every desire would be in bed? Food for thought.

I feel refreshed and energized by this book. It's so good. I'm desperate for the sequel. And frankly, if Bel Banta wants to keep writing about other characters in this world, there's so much potential. But for now: Let's figure it out for Roland and Bianca, yes?

Thanks to Tor Books and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

INCREDIBLE. I don't usually give star ratings on my bookstagram, but this was 6 out of 5 stars for me. When I finished, I immediately started rereading my favorite bits because I wasn't ready to leave this world. Genuinely one of the best books I've read this year and joining the ranks of my all time favorites. I am preemptively begging for book 2 because I must know what happens next!!

The writing was beautiful and the astrology based worldbuilding/magic system was so impressive and interesting. The politics were complicated, but somehow written in a way that I knew who everyone was and understood the different motivations of people in the court.

The characters and character development were both so good! I loved Bianca in the present, but I also loved the flashbacks and seeing her younger when she was still just trying to fit in and figure things out. And Roland!! Like everyone else at court I am obsessed with him! And them together?!?!! Rivals to Friends to Enemies to ???? is a dynamic I didn't know I needed but I absolutely ate it up. I'd be remiss without mentioning: THE YEARNING? THE TENSION? THE BANTER? THE ANGST?  This book hurt me in the best of ways.

I audiobooked this to 60% and then eyeball read the rest! The narrator was so good at portraying Bianca's feelings and really added a lot of depth to the story. There wasn't a ton of variation as far as voices for other characters, but I didn't mind it. I only switched to my physical copy because I had to take my headphones off. I did go back and listen to bits that I eyeball read and that was really fun!!

If you like sad x horny books and love to have your feelings hurt while reading this is for you. If you were obsessed with the Tudors and all the political scheming and drama but thought, "I wish we could make this a little more dramatic and also can I get some magic?" then this book is also for you! I really think this book is for a lot of people and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it and as always, please use my DMs to scream in if you read this (if you don't it'll hurt my feelings!!).

Thank you to Tor and Macmillan Audio for the free ALC and ARC!

Any book that has a magic system based in astrology will always work for me. I want even more from this world. This was so creative and a refreshing read in fantasy.

If you loved the court intrigue of Immortal Rose or A Dance of Lies, but want a completely unique celestial magic system AND childhood rivals who reunite as adults and make you a lil heart sick???

THIS ONE IS FOR YOU.

Bianca is the first Moonborn magician in over a thousand years, but after getting sent away from court (and the scheming and bullshit)... she gets a letter summoning her back.

The king has executed two queens (among many other people), the succession is a mess, her childhood friend and heir to the throne was mysteriously murdered (but people aren't acting like it was murder), and somehow the one person she might actually be able to trust is Roland—the incredibly irritating, incredibly attractive Venusborn magician she grew up training alongside.

And I fear childhood friends/rivals → separated → reunited as adult adversaries will get me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Especially when you start weaving flashbacks into the story and slowly showing me everything that happened between them???

The tension and longing between Bianca and Roland was SO good because there's actual history underneath it. These aren't two random hot people who meet and immediately want to bang each other. There are years of friendship, competition, resentment, affection, and things left unsaid between them.

Which, naturally, makes every little interaction approximately 400% more delicious.

And Roland???

Flirty. Infuriating. Hot.

I also really liked Bianca. She's clever and deliberate, and I loved having an FMC who could actually hold her own in all of the political maneuvering happening around her. Roland is equally cunning, which made watching the two of them scheme together—and occasionally against each other—even more fun.

I also really loved the magic system. I've read a few books with celestial magic but this felt unique in the way it was done.

Different magicians are blessed by different celestial bodies, and their powers correspond with them: Venusborn can read desires, Saturnborn communicate with the dead, Jupiter influences luck, while Bianca's Moonborn abilities are essentially a giant question mark because someone like her hasn't existed in over a thousand years.

There's a LOT going on with it, but somehow it never felt like I was sitting through a lecture on how the magic worked. We learn as we go, and I really appreciated that.

The pacing also MOVES.

There's court politics, a murder mystery, magical competition, scheming, flashbacks, romance, and reveals happening constantly. I flew through it and never really felt like there was a point where the story dragged.

Although I think that's also where my one little criticism comes in.

This isn't a particularly long book for everything it's trying to accomplish, so occasionally I'd have this moment of "oh! Okay! We're here already!"
Part of me would've happily taken another 100 pages to sit with the characters, their histories, and some of the emotional beats a little longer.

Overall, though, this was such a fun read.

Give me smart characters trying to outmaneuver each other at court.

Give me weird celestial magic.

Give me murder and secrets.

And PLEASE give me two people with years of complicated history staring at each other across a room while pretending they're absolutely normal about it.

I'm in.

Also, the audiobook??? LOVELY. It's solo narrated and she absolutely crushed it.

And apparently we're getting all of this wrapped up in a duology?

Perfect. See you at Book 2.

Absolutely fantastic! One of my favorite reads this year. From the beginning I didn't want to put it down. I found it to be medium-fast paced, great character building, and depth. I'm quite sad it's over.

I really really enjoyed the astrology magic system and politics of the world. There's a bit of a cliff hanger but I feel sated enough in the ending. Very refreshing fantasy read for me and I'm very interested to read more in the series and from the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Court of Venus is romantic and tragic and wonderful. Simply wonderful.

I absolutely adore anything astrology-related and friends/rivals to lovers so was immediately drawn to that aspect of this book. I also appreciated the unique nature of the magic system as well as how the magic was wielded. I often read stories with really cool magic concepts but am usually left wanting more. That was not the case here, I’m totally enamored and satisfied with how Bianca wielded her moonborn magic as well as the other characters and their powers. I feel we only got a sample of the types of magics and skills that exist so I’m excited to see if that’s explored in book 2.

One thing I didn’t anticipate but made the story all the more enjoyable was the Tudor-inspired setting. It’s not something I would actively seek out in a book but omg did it serve!! I could FEEL the aesthetic and the world thorough how descriptive and thoughtful the author was about the clothes, the architecture, the dynamics - all of it!

I mean there is so much to praise about this book - the intricacies of relationships, unraveling the truth in a thrilling whodunit, the muted softness of the writing/Bianca’s POV juxtaposed by the bloodthirsty nature of the court and Bianca herself, the supporting cast (I love how important every character is, none are introduced flippantly), the organization of intent, and the threads of fate.

Absolutely riveting. I read this SO fast because I could not stop thinking about it or inching toward my phone to read ONE MORE PAGE instead of working or sleeping or parenting 😂

My honest feelings are that I would def read this again and 100% recommend to anyone looking for a magical and romantic celestial historical fantasy with a baby girl MMC and a black cat FMC (or white in Bianca’s case).

I’m also so grateful that the publishers and NG provided an opportunity for me to read this early. Thank you.

THE COURT OF VENUS by Bel Banta

Magic centered loosely on astrology, defines this book. Your skill in manipulation is based on your relationship to astrological symbols. Bianca is an ultra-rare moonborn. Roland is a Venus. Hal is normal. The three-way relationship has a major impact on the plot.

Magicians are feared. They are bound to service to normal, and not expected to rule. Roland is the Viceroy for King Richard. King Richard’s main interest is immortality. His previous Viceroy, Prospero, failed to provide either a suitable heir or immortality.

Three children, raised together, loved each other, and eventually sundered from one another, figure prominently in the story.

Magicians against magicians, nobles plotting for power, shape-changing, death magic, inescapable prisons, and even a dragon are included. There is an abundant serving of treachery and deceit as well. There is something for everyone in this book.

I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Thank you Tor for the gifted ARC!

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
I went into this expecting another historical romance reskinned as Romantasy, but I could not have been more wrong. This is the kind of sincere depth that I have been begging for within the fantasy romance spectrum. Cutthroat politics, betrayal, scheming, action, and a slow burn, high tension romance that had me blushing in public. This was immaculate.

The world building was immense yet approachable, never choosing style over substance. The sensory rich, immersive writing style deftly captured the tumultuous, blood-thirsty atmosphere of a Tudor court, while seamlessly shifting tone based on the narrative. I loved the celestial magic system, and felt that its logistics and importance were explored equally, adding to the tension within the central mystery and adding depth to almost every plot point. Each reveal made me rethink earlier scenes in a way that felt rewarding rather than a rug pull.

The characters were complex and layered, complete with endearing flaws and unique strengths. Bianca is a pragmatic, clever and resilient protagonist, while Roland is alluring, passionate and a little bit aloof. The friction between them was amplified by their solid foundation of childhood intellectual rivalry, mutual suspicion and shared grief. I felt completely invested in their connection and I could not get enough of their soft, intense dynamic. This is the kind of torturous slow burn romance that gently simmers, building mutual respect and understanding as well as genuine tension. Their connection felt truly earned, believable and profound.

Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough, and it might take my top spot for the year so far. It completely exceeded my expectations and will be the perfect read if you’re looking for a well plotted, balanced fantasy romance.

*****Do note that this does start out a little slow. Make sure you have the time and mental space for that, and keep going - every piece of the puzzle is worth it.

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚:
Rivals to Lovers dynamic
Slow Burn Romance
Reluctant Allies
Murder Mystery
Courtly Intrigue and Politics
Magic Tournament
Celestial Magic System
Fate vs Free Will

✄----------
Genre/s: Fantasy, Romance, Historical
5 Stars
✄----------

Honestly, what a blast? Something between 4.25-4.5 good time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ stars (so rounding up). & thank you to both Tor for the ARC & Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for am honest review.


PLOT
In the time Bianca — who was once trained by the kingdom’s best magician — has been away from court, her rival/fellow trainee Roland has risen to power & her other friend, the heir Hal, was mysteriously murdered. She is summoned back to court & finds it’s more of a mess than she thought; queens killed by the king & succession in shambles. She finds the only person she can trust to figure out what’s going on… is the last person she wants to.
- rivals to lovers, childhood friends/rivals
- super unique astrology-based magic system
- equally cunning FMC & MMC
- solo-narrated audiobook
- lower/med spice


PROS
- This has one of my favorite tropes in it which is “they knew each other as kids & meet again as adults & are adversaries” & it was done QUITE well.
- Oh the tension/longing in this is so good. There’s an additional emotional layer to it that adds such a good boundary & it was so fun to read.
- SUCH good pacing! Felt like we were always doing something fun & interesting & we had no down time in the best way.
- MMC is hot & flirty I like him.
- FMC is clever & deliberate & interesting & I quiiiiite like her as well.
- Fascinating magic system! Super unique. The tie to astrology was so much fun. I also think, because it is a tad complex with how many variations of stuff there is, the author did a good job of bringing that info forward in a way that didn’t feel info dumpy or unnatural.
- Delicious court politics.
- I liked how the flashbacks were woven in. Sometimes those can feel like they carry too much weight for the plot & that the author didn’t know how to world-build without it but these were done in a way that built emotional weight, & I certainly enjoyed!
- Really fun reveals throughout.
- The ribbon scene was delicious.


MIDS
- One could argue this is a short book & maybe too much happened to dive super deep into characters & motivations? Idk I liked the pacing, it was super fun & felt like I was just sprinting through this world in a fun way. But then I’d also be like “oh wow okay here we are I guess” - I might just want my cake & to eat it too though, so not calling this a con.


CONS
- Sometimes things maybe felt convenient? Around the magic & general scheming especially. Like I know our people are brilliant & it’s not that they didn’t run into issues, but idk. Something just felt the basest bit too easy when it came to all the plans, etc. Maybe it’s also partly because the magic seems like it can shift/evolve based on astral alignment? Idk, just something!


SUPER fun, will absolutely read book 2!

I did think this was a standalone and honestly, I don’t actually think it needed to be the start of a series. Or rather, the pacing was a little uneven (slow at the start, racing toward the end) and if it was going to only be a book 1, why did we cram so much into the last 5% or so?

This is essentially a murder mystery wrapped in another murder mystery. First, trying to figure out what happened to Hal and who murdered him, in a world where magicians can alter reality, travel through portals, morph into other people, kill someone by having them read a note or touch a poison or any number of other things. Who killed Hal was a really satisfying journey for the book to take, and I loved the development of his character in flashbacks as well as the unwinding of the circumstances around him. then, partway through, we get another murder mystery, this time in the future: who is fated to die in a mysterious star chart, and who will kill them, and can it be stopped? Winding around all of this is general court intrigue and the exploration of the upper end of magic use.

I really loved the main character, as well as the sort of but not really love triangle. I thought the relationships were actually well explored, with the idea of one great love poked and proded and examined with guilt & envy. I wish we had gotten a bit more on Roland’s side, particularly in the foreign court, but I enjoyed what we got.

I do, however, wish that there had been less time spent on exultation and more on the other characters in the book—the side characters, the court bit players, the shape of the world as a whole. This is an ambitious project and I’m not sure if it bit off more than it could chew or not.

This was truly a wonderful read! As someone who is very fond of astrology this was such a fun way to build a world around it. The flow never felt rushed and every piece of the plot made me desperate for more. The only thing I’ll say is that there were a lot of characters and keeping track was a bit difficult, but I think that’s mostly due to my personal breaks in-between reading.
I sincerely hope there is a sequel to this given there’s still so much to explore (especially the ending). It’s been so long since I’ve read something as unique and I can’t wait to see what else comes from Bel. Perhaps more insight into other planets or into asteroids? Regardless I’m excited!

This is for the romantic fantasy enthusiast—someone who loves the tension of rivals-to-lovers tropes set against a backdrop of high-stakes court intrigue and rich world-building.

This is my ideal type of romantasy; it leans a lot more toward traditional fantasy than many others I’ve read recently. The plot places more focus on the court politics, mystery solving, and the unique astrological magic system (which I loved) over the romance storyline. I thought all of the characters were well-written and that their long history with each other paid off. Honestly, I loved this and hope it gets the recognition it deserves!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars, no notes!

I love a fantasy book with a mystery and this is one of my favourites this year, with an interesting magic system, a romantic subplot and great writing this was such a refreshing read.

I loved the Tudor inspired court and the court intrigue has deadly stakes!

This will be in my Goldsboro box in October and I honestly think I’ll already be ready for a re-read when it gets here, this was that good.

Thank you to NetGalley and TOR for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Fabulous read for lovers of the tudor era, court intrigue, and romance with a literary flair. The magic system was unique and intriguing, as was the plot at large--twisty, surprising, and surprisingly dark in many ways. Bel's prose is also gorgeous and poignant. I look forward to returning to this world!

The Court of Venus was impossible to put down. The magical world was enthralling between the magic, the politics and the relationships. This was entirely new type of magical world than I am used to and I loved seeing how magicians are born purely based on when they are born and how their powers differ but also the links between them. Honestly surprising more magicians haven't gathered to overthrow the monarchy!

Bianca was such a strong FMC and always fights for what is right, she came from such sad beginnings and you could feel her devastation at losing her father figure and her first love. Bianca and Roland's relationship past and present was also so much fun to unravel and see where it all comes from. I loved how they grew closer as they were trying to find answers.

While I loved the mystery and the relationships, the mystery is what had me hooked, there were so many mysteries and layers!!!! Whenever Bianca or Rolan uncovered something, it felt like a new mystery popped up! The characters both main and side had so much depth it was easy to imagine them and how they related to each other.

The romance was secondary to me but I loved the slow burn, it was beautiful to see both Roland and Bianca slowly open up to each other again and heal from their tragedies both on their own and together.

I loved every moment and just when I got to the epilogue thinking wow, I love how it tied up and i can see them living HEA.... BOOM!!!! That is all i will say so no spoilers but didn't see that coming. So..... When is the next one coming ?!?!?!? 🤣

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

The Court of Venus had me at planet-blessed magicians, a murderous royal court, and an infuriatingly attractive childhood rival. 🌙✨

The magic system was easily one of my favorite parts, magicians blessed by the seven planets, each with their own strange and fascinating abilities, while Bianca is the first Moonborn in over a thousand years. Add in a glittering court where queens are quite literally losing their heads, secrets hide behind every jeweled smile, and the stars themselves seem to be warning that something is terribly wrong? I was hooked.

And Roland? Venusborn. Charming. Insufferable. Unfortunately attractive. Naturally, the one person Bianca needs to survive.

Celestial magic, dangerous court games, childhood rivals, delicious tension, and just enough “I despise you, now please stop looking at me like that” energy

The Court of Venus

This one’s for the Tudor and astrology babes!

Moonborn magician Bianca Mortlake returns to court under the guise that she is there for a magicians tournament, but really she’s there seeking answers to her friends death (and potential murder). She was prepared for the courtly schemes and untrustworthy courtiers, but she was unprepared for Roland. Her former rival, now the kings right hand man, and the feelings he stirs within her. Can she make it out with both her head and heart?

Man it has been awhile since a “romantasy” really held my interest but this one did not disappoint! From page one you are thrown into court and have to unravel the plots as you read, what a STUNNING fantasy debut!

If you have, at any point in your life, hyperfixated on the Tudors then this one is for YOU! It has all the drama of the Tudor court with a dash of magic. And WOW the magic!!

The world building in this is top tier. This magic system is for the astrology babes out there! It was so immersive and honestly such a beautiful idea for the magic system. each planet having specific powers was so enchanting. Roland’s rose gold hair made me melt. Bianca and her moonborn powers were incredible, oh how I wish to turn into a cat and nap in a sliver of sunlight.

Now, let’s talk romance. This is a slow burn! Don’t expect them to be fawning over each other 30% into the book, but stick with it because the pay off is incredible! These two do not trust each other, and they have no reason to. They have both been raised in a world where loyalty is given to the one with the most power. Trust isn’t easy to come by. Of COURSE it’s going to take them awhile to figure it out. But wow I just loved them together. I cried, I’m not afraid to admit it.

Easily my favorite Romantasy of the year, wow I just LOVED this book. I cannot wait for any potential future books either in this series or from this author. Absolutely stunning!

Thank you Tor for the advanced copy, all opinions in this review are my own

This is a book for those who: -
Love astrology and crave romantic tension you could cut a knife with it
Rivals to lovers with a complicated past and witty banter
Rich Tudorian setting with a complex group of characters
Court politicking and intrigue

From the start, I was immersed in this Tudor-inspired world following Bianca Mortlake, a Moonsborn magician, who is invited to a viper-filled court by her long-time rival, Roland. Things are not what they seem at court where there is backstabbing, two queens already dead, and a cast of characters that pull you in from the start.

This book is one of the best romantasy books I’ve ever read. This book was phenomenal, and it made me feel the same way I felt when reading Throne of Glass - emotionally connected and deeply rooting for the FMC every step of the way.

The star of the show was the romance. Bianca and Roland’s story unfolded so beautifully from start to end. The yearning was yearning, and their story was a deliciously slow burn, similar to an Austenian romance.

The magic system was wonderfully inventive and thoughtful. It just kept building over time in depth and it complimented the story so well, which shows the level of detail and thought put into this novel!

I will be recommending this to everyone because I think it’s a 2026 must-read!

It comes out September 29th, so it comes just in time for a perfect fall time read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor for the advanced reader copy!

I loved this book! I read a lot of Tudor historical fiction and fantasy and this perfectly blended the two. While not a perfect match to the real life historical figures there were obvious parallels with the King referencing King Henry VIII and his wife as a Catherine Howard figure (very young, flirtatious, married to an old and infirm man). The magic system is fascinating - very few people have magic and it's based on rare alignments of the planets at your birth that determine the type of magic you can wield. The plot for this book wraps up really well, but then you're left on a cliff hanger that sets up for a second book.

Thank you to Tor and Macmillan Audio for the physical ARC and ALC of The Court of Venus!

This was absolutely magical. It was full of Tudor-inspired courtly intrigue and astrology based magic that made for such a unique blend of storytelling. It also has a murder mystery laced throughout the pages with a devastating emotional punch that I was pleasantly surprised by. Bianca, our FMC, is touched by the moon which allows her to clearly see memories (her own and others) and that provides so much character growth and depth.

Bianca’s relationship with Venusborn Roland was also sooooo delicious. It is a slow burn, even though he is a dangerous flirt, and felt like it had a very natural progression. Both characters felt fully realized and I can’t wait to see even more from them both in the next book after that devastating cliffhanger!!

The physical ARC is so beautiful as a piece of art (I can’t wait to see all the art in the finished copy) and Samantha Hydeson was a knockout pick as a narrator. She was able to capture so many different types of characters.

Thank you so very much to Netgalley and Tor for the ARC!

As soon as I heard fantasy inspired by the Tudors, I was in. Plus a romance between a serious-minded woman with a mystery to solve and a man who is all about looking fabulous while scheming and stealing hearts? This felt like a book I needed to have in my life.

My favorite thing about The Court of Venus is the political intrigue. All the spying, murder and mayhem was just so fun. Roland was also a standout hero. He wasn’t the brooding type. He was more the let-me-adorn-myself-with-jewels-and-be-adored-by-everyone kind of guy. He was a nice change of pace. Bianca was an interesting heroine because she knows she is a fish out of water, but she refuses to back down. There were also several side characters I want to get more of in the next book (and there better be another one after that ending).

I would say the weakest point of the book was some of the glossing over details that happened on occasion. When two characters were talking, there wasn’t always dialogue. Bianca just kind of recaps the convo for the reader and I felt like that made me have a harder time connecting to certain characters. I also didn’t feel like the banter was as banter-y as I expected. But I did like the dynamic between Roland and Bianca.

The Court of Venus was a fun read. If you’re looking for a fantasy with court-related drama, a romance between two rivals and a unique magic system, then I highly recommend this one. Was it perfect? No. But I’m giving it a 4.5 rounded up to a 5 because there’s plenty to love here.

This story is fantastic! Part crime solving, part political intrigue. There's so much interesting stuff going on without the use of the tropes you typically see. Inspired by Tudor era, magicians are born when the stars align, with each planet having different gifts, and are “used” in the court.

The writing is good, powerful, and compelling. I could not help but be intrigued. The language used definitely fits the time period with no modern slang. It just worked so well. I felt the story built itself up extremely well.

Overall, this was a 5 star read and I’m looking forward to reaching the authors next book.

⭐ 5 | ❤️ 3/5

I devoured this debut book by Bel Banta and will be reading anything that this author releases moving forward. I’ve read 80+ books this year, and this is my favorite fantasy romance thus far closely followed by This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me and Alchemised. I actually loved Court of Venus even more than the comps, which I didn’t feel were comparable beyond the controlled prose.

This political intrigue fantasy story is half mystery, half romance and feels well researched— drawing its inspiration from the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII. I picked it up after reading a sample in Buzz Books 2026: Fall/Winter, where I was captivated by the beautiful prose. If you’ve read an exhaustive amount within a specific genre, sometimes some stories start to feel familiar with the common archetypes and tropes, but that was not the case here. The story, astrology-based magic system, and Tudor-based aesthetic felt fresh. The characters were lovable and felt embodied, lived in, and well developed. The leads are iconic and memorable on the level of Jude and Cardan from The Cruel Prince, and anyone who loves that pair presumably would love Bianca and Roland. As not to leave out Hal, Bianca and Hal give Iris and Roman from Divine Rivals. I can’t wait to read the sequel and spend more time with these characters. The romance had it all (without disclosing with whom to avoid spoilers): quick-witted banter, playfulness, teasing, yearning, vulnerability, tenderness, and devotion.

For me, the best part of the story was the writing itself; the polished, controlled, mature prose was so beautiful with varied rhythm that flowed. The writing focuses on the somatic, where emotion is shown through physical details such as the space between people, breath, touch, etc (“As my hand extended for a spin, he watched me, his eyes heavy. They moved the way his fingertips trailed over furniture: a slow, torturous drag. Missing nothing. I felt their weight across my turned cheek, across the curve of my bodice.” Note: text is from an uncorrected copy and may change at final release).

I loved the way the author described the magic. It was easy to understand and recall and had a poetic quality to it. Bianca reads emotion, and Roland reads desire. It’s written with such texture that you can vividly imagine their magic in action. The book felt really cinematic, but I can’t even imagine how you would translate this on screen.

I appreciated the diverse representation: queer characters (including a bi mmc) and POC secondary characters. I enjoyed the love triangle between Bianca, Hal, and Roland and had wishful thinking that this would end up being a Why Choose. Bianca is a very competent, cunning, determined magician, who can read emotions and shapeshift, but prefers existing as animals so that she can be hidden. Roland is an ambitious bi rakish charismatic magician with baby girl energy, who can read desire and navigates political courts with ease. Hal was the heir to the Redhall throne, whose connection with Bianca is characterized by its yearning and devotion.

My critiques are minor and did not significantly affect my enjoyment of the story. As a very visual reader, it was frustrating to have the hair color of two secondary characters withheld until the end of the book for the sake of obfuscating an aspect of the story to prolong the mystery. As a result, I just imagined a blur whenever these characters came up, since the story was so specific about the appearance (especially the hair color), of everyone else. There was also a choice by the characters that felt illogical and out of character that seemed to just serve as a load-bearing plot convenience, which telegraphed the outcome. There was also an inconsistency with the magic system (the longevity of exhaulted magic), but that was the most minor of all. Again, I still loved the story, but these moments did pull me out of the story even if briefly.

If you enjoy political intrigue in a magical setting (The Cruel Prince, A Dance of Lies, The Serpent and the Wolf) or a bit of mystery (This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me), this is a must read.

Audiobook listeners: This is a solo narration. The voice actor’s voice was pleasant especially as the story got going. My only critique would be that in the first chapter, the intake breaths were noticeably loud and thus distracting, but I either stopped noticing them after the first few chapters or they weren’t as loud afterward (but I’m pretty sure it was probably the latter). There were only a few instances that took me out of the story such as when a very feminine affectation was used for a side character, but then it turned out to be a male page (who was not described to be effeminate), and sometimes it wasn’t clear if something was said as dialogue or internal monologue, and also in a conversation between Bianca and Roland, where it wasn’t clear who was saying what. But overall, I found it to be easy to follow along, which is especially notable given that its fantasy setting, which can be challenging to follow along with all the world building but not in this case.

I read it via ebook and also listened to it via audiobook and would recommend both formats. My recommendation for the optimal experience would be to start with the print format so that you can savor the prose and to help learn the world, and once you get settled in, listen to the audiobook in tandem. That’s what I did, and I loved the story so much that I did most of the book in both versions (listening while doing errands, and reading/rereading the ebook when I could just focus on the book)

CW: Animal abuse, grief, death, off-page dub-con (not FMC)

This review is based off an ARC provided by Tor and ALC provided by Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Tor Books for the ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Court of Venus is a lush, Tudor-inspired fantasy filled with court intrigue, a fascinating planetary magic system, and more than enough mystery.

Bianca Mortlake is the first Moonborn magician born in over 1,000 years, content to live a quiet life until a death at the court leads to her being called back to find the source.

I found the magic system to be wholly unique and mesmerizing. In a world of copy-and-paste fantasy plots, especially concerning innate powers, The Court of Venus stands in its individualism.

I would recommend this book immediately to fans of Rachel Gillig’s The Knight and the Moth, and Kalie Cassidy’s In the Veins of the Drowning.

I was absolutely swept away by this book! I read a snippet in the Autumn/Winter Buzz books and was so hooked by the writing that I immediately requested a copy and I am so glad I did!


The world building in this is fantastic and the author found a way to make the celestial/zodiac magic system feel fresh and new. It is all so beautifully set in a Tudor-inspired fantasy world, but the standout is truly the cast of characters we meet both past and present. Each character felt rich and real and their backstories unwound in perfect harmony with the story. I cannot wait for the sequel!!

I originally received an e-ARC for this book and when I received the ALC as well, I decided to read and listen at the same time. I have to say that the narrator (Samantha Hydeson) is EXACTLY how I imagined the FMC in my head prior to getting the audio version of the book. Her inflections, personality, and accent are SPOT on for how my brain pictured her to communicate.

This book is very unique and interesting. The world building is woven into the FMC coming back to court after being gone for years. We get flashbacks to her youth, dialog between her and another Magician, and plenty of action to really paint a vivid picture of the atmosphere and environment.

The story is complex and intriguing. The pacing was perfect. I LOVED the tension, the push and pull, and the release of the romance. My emotions rode a roller coaster and I enjoyed every second of it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tor, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies. All opinions are my own.

Thank you SO MUCH to Tor, NetGalley, and Miss Bel Banta for an advanced copy of this book!!

Talk about a debut! This book was so well done from its intricate and unique magic system to the complex character relationships, both familial and romantic.

This book follows Bianca, a Moonborn magician, finally returning to court after years away, finding some familiar faces and some new. Each character in this book is so intentional and so perfectly placed.

There were so many absolutely heartbreaking moments in this book (yes, I’m talking about one in particular, no, I will not spoil) but balanced with such love and hope.

I simply cannot wait for the next book (really, I’m begging)!

Thank you SO MUCH again to Tor and NetGalley for this ARC!