My Five Word TL:DR Review: Cosy Romantasy with Villainous Queens

What more could you possibly ask for?

I confess that cosy fantasy is a real hit for me at the moment and picking up a book by Burgis is the equivalent of a cup of tea and a big hug, her books are like snuggly comfort blankets and her writing goes from strength to strength.  I had a deliciously good time with Wooing the Witch Queen.

So, this book has a dollop of romance but it’s not so gloopy that it takes over the plot.  There’s an interesting world, some nasty characters trying to take over, politics, endearing critters and a lovely supporting cast.  Are you not intrigued?

Saskia is the infamous titular Witch Queen.  Called a monster by the uncle she finally managed to get rid of, and generally reviled beyond her own realm, she is a powerful sorceress and has cast a protective spell over the land to protect her people from being overthrown by the (evil) Archduke of Estarion.  Meanwhile, she’s been on the search for a dark wizard to organise her chaotic library so when a young man appears at the castle, quite naturally, Saskia and her staff jump to the conclusion he’s here for the coveted role.  Little do they know that the actual Archduke (who is little more than a figurehead who is being used and abused) has made good his escape and has turned up at her castle seeking sanctuary.  Of course, he’s only too happy to have this little misunderstanding play out and takes to his new duties with gusto.

What I loved about this.

I really enjoyed the writing, it’s outrageously easy to sink into and who wouldn’t be won over by that?  The characters are flawed but likable.  The world has been well thought out but the details are not overbearing.  We learn of the histories of both our central characters through gentle reflection rather than overbearing info dumps.  The atmosphere is wonderfully cosy and being primarily set in a castle there’s a mediaeval feel that is softened considerably by the fact that most of the scenes take part in the library.  I love a good library setting.  Oh, and crows.  And trolls, and underground tunnels.

Saskia is a great character.  She is fiercely protective of those she loves and works hard to keep her lands safe.  At the same time the role of Queen sits uneasily on her shoulders.  She doesn’t want to schmoose and has no interest in politics and putting on a face.  She’s happier in her laboratory working on concoctions – or spending time in her library, particularly since she employed a rather easy on the eye librarian.  Fabian, the new librarian (aka Archduke Felix Augustus) is keeping lots of secrets, not least of which is his attraction to Saskia.  Of course, if she discovers that he is really her arch enemy (even though he isn’t) he will be in grave danger – and yet he wants to come clean.  He’s a gentle nerd – and who doesn’t love a gentle nerd?

Without doubt, Burgis has created two other equally fascinating characters here in the form of Saskia’s allies.  Two other queens, Lorelei and Ailana, (the three have formed an alliance and are known as the Queens of Villainy – a title they are happy to nurture as it bestows upon them a rather fearsome reputation).  I loved these two – their roles here are kept to a minimum as we focus mainly on Saskia/Felix but I believe that the next two books will focus on each of them in turn – which I’m really happy about.

Overall, if you’re enjoying your cosy romantasy at the moment then you should definitely pick this up.  There’s a slow build romance, tension, magic, politics, trolls, fae and a library.  Go, treat yourself.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the author, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4.5 of 5 stars