Rating: 5/5 Stars

For fans of Legally Blonde meets Dungeons and Dragons and Game of Thrones vibes. It’s an Instant Classic. Note: This review has spoilers

Author: Cait Jacobs Instagram: @caitsbooks

A war is brewing in the land of Inismian which houses five kingdoms––each associated with a patron god and enchanted object. Every royal is feeling “the calm before the storm”. So when Princess Clia and Prince Domhnall are caught in the crossfire– each wanting to protect their own kingdom, what’s going to happen? 

Princess Clia of Álainndore is destined to be wed to Prince Domhnall of Scáilca. But when Domhnall breaks off the engagement because he “thinks” Clia can’t be a warrior, she takes fate into her own hands by enrolling into the prestigious military academy Caisleán Cósta. There she learns the language of war, embraces her own power, and falls for the resilient and dashing warrior: Ronan. 

This medieval fantasy has it all! One minute we’re at an engagement party or discussing fashion design and the next we’re hunting monsters, exploring crystal caves, and protecting castles under siege. 

If you like Irish Folklore, this book features Irish banshees, Irish druids called Draoi, and cute sea creatures called Dobhar-chu’s. The romance is fierce and the sword craft is described so well! 

The inclusivity in this book was sewn with magic, love and care featuring Queer Normative Worlds (which made me feel so safe!), Disability Rep. and even Mental Health Representation which made me feel seen. 

The writing was cinematic which means I was able to visualize everything vibrantly and deeply down to the facial expressions such as the anxieties Clia felt as she navigated being a Princess at Casleán Cósta. The author is excellent at showcasing each character’s emotions. 

Princess Clia’s whimsical demeanor makes everyone underestimate her–which she brilliantly uses to her advantage. Her fashion-sense and determination is what makes her unpredictable as she defeats two of the main villains in the story. The author writes a narrative where Clia’s pain is tangible when she unalive’s Kordislean in order to save the love of her life: Ronan. I was speechless! 

This novel is a Dual POV of Clia and Ronan. Clia’s Character Arc was learning she’s enough just as she is and her wants & needs are also important. She also experienced what reciprocated love felt like and how her own feminine firecress energy is a force to be reckoned with. If you like Lady Knights, Princess Clia becomes one of the strongest warriors in this novel. 

Ronan’s Character Arc–– he’s my baby! I love him so much! He’s humble, protective, and resilient. But his resiliency was his caveat. He eventually learns that rest is important too and to give himself credibility for his achievements as he heals from trauma but finds love along the way. Both Clia and Ronan become an iconic warrior duo! 

When Murphy (Clia’s pet dobhar-chú) drowns the enemy troops off their boat– I loved that! He was involved more than Clia knew. I could totally see Murphy listening in on the court war meetings. 

Niamh and Clia’s authentic friendship development was comedic and fulfilling. They became friends exactly when they needed it the most. The found family in this book makes you fall in love with all of these characters. 

Winding castle tunnels, winter wars, love and betrayal, this novel is set to release October 14th, 2025! A devotion of gratitude to Cait Jacobs and the Harper Voyager team for the opportunity to read an ARC of this beautiful medieval tale!