Ethan is a trans lighthouse keeper and witch and his husband, Peter, is a fisherman who one day, brings a wounded seal into their home, but Ethan can see the seal is actually a selkie. From there, these three men grow closer.

This book has great aesthetic! This small town that held the lighthouse was giving me overcast skies, salty air, and magic.

There’s a lot going on in this little novella; the established relationship between Ethan and Peter and their attempts to have a child, the new relationships with the selkie, and how the town sees Ethan as a witch. Also, there is a lot of pregnancy/fertility talk as well as some self-loathing because of presumed infertility, so if that is something that you can't read, this book isn't for you.

Plus, the sex scenes are particularly good. I love seeing romance books with sex scenes with trans men and Moon continues to deliver!

This is very much a me thing, but obviously, the romance moves pretty quickly which isn’t my favorite.

I rated this book 4 stars. If the religious themes of Moon’s other works intimidate you, pick this one up because you will not be disappointed in the magical, poly vibes of this book!

Ethan Shaw, lightkeeper, trans witch, has enough on his plate while trying for a child with his fisherman husband Peter who he necromanced back from an early grave; he's beginning to feel like maybe it won't happen, and beginning to feel like it's driving a wedge between them. When Peter brings back a seal he'd accidentally injured and who died on the way back, and Ethan recognizes it as a selkie, he throws caution to the wind and commits necromancy a second time to bring the selkie back to life, bringing a feral, confused, handsome young man into their midst.

The writing in this erotic polyamorous story was very good, and while it covered themes I normally don't prefer to read about (fertility struggles being a major part of this) it focused so much on the characters' feelings and fears that I found it absolutely delightful. It was a bit short for my tastes -- it felt like it could have spent more time growing the feelings between all three of them and exploring it, as it felt a bit to me like they were rushing -- and I didn't love <spoiler>the accidental aphrodisiacal drugging of them; it didn't raise issues of nonconsent as they quickly realized what had happened and discussed it, but I'd rather have seen their first time just with the three of them themselves exploring what they had; it didn't feel needed</spoiler>. But in general it was a delight. I'll definitely seek out more of Moon's writing.

CWs: Some descriptions of blood (used for magical purposes); strong focus on issues of infertility/child conception; some references to graphic injury; explicit sexual content

If you've been following my reading in 2022, you know it's no secret that Freydís Moon has turned me into a believer. A believer of what exactly? Pretty much everything. The particular way they combine romance, queer eroticism, religious anarchy, and themes of found family across all of their work has reached something deep within me. Especially to have these stories that very intentionally center, celebrate, and understand trans people really makes them that much more special to me as a reader and a person.

In some ways Three Kings is so different from everything else Freydís has written so far, and in some ways it perfectly continues the conversations that Exodus 20:3 and With a Vengeance started.

It's different because it's a tender, cozy, domestic story that's relatively low-plot and extremely high-aesthetic—which I mean in the absolute most complementary way. This is such a charming, inviting novella that truly transports you to this cloudy little seaside town where everyone knows everyone, and it's as easy to buy some magical fruit or tinctures at the local market as it is to buy a rutabaga. The story portrays a really wholesome, sweet, healthy marriage at the center, and it's just delightful to read about this trans witch/alchemist/necromancer who's obsessed with tending his garden, whipping up spells, and making a beautiful, loving home in his lighthouse with his husband. There is lightness, levity, and the unconcealed joy of discovery that shines through every interaction, whereas Freydís' previous work—though undoubtedly romantic and empowering—is a bit on the darker side.

But at the same time, Three Kings seamlessly fits in with Freydís' backlist because it's a story that revels in brazen queer eroticism and sensuality, it's about forcefully wresting control from the jaws of death itself, and it's about living in a way that is true to yourself even if it flies in the face of what is "acceptable" to society at large. To me, this novella is about contending with the weight of hope—both in its beauty as a force that seems to continuously resurrect itself even in the worst of circumstances and also in what it costs us when it becomes too difficult to hold onto. Hope is a torch to light our way in the dark, but it can also be exhausting when the world demands us to prove that we're worthy to be touched by that light.

Even beyond the thematic work happening in this novella, I think this is very much the kind of story that can change lives. It offers much-needed representation both for transmasc folks who desire to carry a pregnancy themselves, and also for queer folks discovering and embracing polyamory in their lives. Both of those experiences are often demonized and stigmatized in their own ways. There's also no pre-determined path that allows people to safely and readily access those things, and so to see them not only paralleled against each other in this story but also framed in such a way that's open and gentle is so incredibly invaluable. Three Kings welcomes in the complexity of those experiences, not only in the doubt and confusion they can bring but also the joy and the freedom that can be found when things do finally align.

With all of those fertility elements, with Ethan having essentially brought both his husband and this selkie back from the dead with his magic, with having to confront how all three of them sharing space is evoking a newfound evolution in Ethan and Peter's relationship I think there's a powerfully cohesive thematic narrative being woven here. When all is said and done, I think Three Kings is a beautifully tender story about the alchemical force that is change: the things that won't survive without changing, the things that are *always* in a constant state of changing, the fundamental things about ourselves and those we love that will never change—and the truly unique magic of accepting that all of them can be happening to us at once.

For me this, this was another winner. The characters incredibly endearing, the writing is emotionally and visually evocative, and Freydís is able to somehow perfectly toe the line between cozy domesticity and filthy erotic frenzy with the span of paragraphs. If you want a story that can brilliant do both, this is definitely it. I definitely recommend this novella along with all of Freydís' other work, and I truly cannot wait to see what comes next for them.

Three Kings is like one of those decadent, seasonal treats that's bursting with unique spices and sweetness, and is sure to make you feel blissfully happy and content. Ethan and Peter's relationship is at the heart of the story - friends to lovers to husbands, they've grown together and love each other deeply, but the strain of trying to have a child is taking its toll on Ethan. Worried about the necromancy that brought his husband back from the dead, as well as his inability to conceive, Ethan's dealing with a lot, and that's before he resurrects a selkie with an attitude. As the story unfolds, I loved seeing Ethan open up about his struggles and let himself be cared for. Peter is an absolute sweetheart and a perfect complement to Ethan. And then there's Nico, the attractive selkie who likes to wander but is starting to feel the call to settle down. Together, the three of them make the lighthouse extra cozy and create a bond that's intense, magical, and enduring. And super spicy! I love that this story perfectly blends together fluff, heat, and emotions. Reading it was a perfect little mental vacation with great characters, queer joy, and an idyllic, cottagecore setting. I also loved the trans and queer rep, as well as the diversity of the characters!

Overall: enchanting, steamy, and sweet!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Freydís Moon wowed me last year with their Christian infused short, Exodus 20:3, subverting the common theme of religious belief intertwined with religious trauma. This year, they’ve once again drawn on familiar themes with the subtly cottagecore inspired Three Kings. This story is a beautiful blend of whimsical cozy (yet sexy) fantasy set against the changing of seasons, and an introspective look at the struggles of a queer family to expand in the midst of fertility struggles that test their relationships with each other.

I fell instantly in love with Ethan and Peter, and felt deeply for them. They want to have a baby, and the possibility that Ethan may be infertile has caused some strain in their relationship as they’ve struggled to conceive. This is a sensitive issue, especially when incorporating the additional layer of Ethan’s trans was, so I appreciate how the feelings of both sides were incorporated without demonizing the other. And ultimately, despite the strain, they do still love each other and share similar ideas about the life they want.

Nico also adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship. He comes into their lives at a tense time, and while his reception into their relationship may require some suspension of disbelief, ultimately, he does fit in well with them. And all three have complexities that work well with and complement the others.

I really loved this, and can’t wait to see what Freydís Moon writes next! If you’re looking for a queer/polyamorous fantasy read for the holidays that is a great balance of sweet and hot, I recommend checking this out!

CWs: depiction of anxiety pertaining to pregnancy, conversation surrounding fertility

3.5*
Love the trans rep in erotica, and the trans pregnancy rep! I love seeing trans parenthood represented as well
I’m a huge fan of selkie folklore so loved seeing it shown in this setting

I wish this book could have been a bit longer and the time line was longer than a few days. It made the relationship and conversations feel very rushed
I wasn’t a huge fan of nico myself as a character and partner so that took me out of the story a bit

Three Kings is a 4ok low fantasy novella with Icelandic folklore about a feisty lighthouse keeper, his fisherman husband, and the grumpy selkie who washes onto their shore falling in love.

Ethan and Peter have been together for over a decade and want to conceive a baby together but they've had no luck so far. They also acquire a new housemate in the form of a selkie that Ethan revives. The story keeps the intimate setting aside from a few adventures into town, letting all three characters just exist in each other spaces and learning everyone's peculiarities.
Ethan's magical abilities play an equally important role as they connect him to both Peter and Nico (read it to find out how!) and serve as the backbone for the rest of the plot. The two primary romances are equally interesting and different. Peter and Ethan have a routine, a rhythm that only happy, long-term couples have while Nico is, to quote Ethan, a bit of menace and brings some bite into the relationship.

The baby conversations, especially regarding Ethan's trans identity, are handled with care without villainizing either side of the argument. I loved how much they were on the same page regarding the issue and were not in any rush to make decisions about treatment or alternatives while acknowledging that it's been rocky at times.
The talk about opening up their marriage was handled with equal care.

This has a very different vibe to Freydis Moon's other two works but it still has their incredibly emotive writing, excellent character work, and settings you want to experience for yourself. I could feel the brine on my skin, taste the delicious food they cooked and smell the Casper lilies on the island.
As expected, the representation is on point: Ethan's trans body, Peter's Colombian heritage, Nico's Catholic upbringing. We get little nuggets about their childhood, their feelings and character through interesting talks and clever writing.

That’s the problem with so well written and full of emotions books… they leave you wanting more… so much more! You want to stay in the simple life of those people and see through their happiness… what a incredible thing that would be?

Like Ethan I felt apart and was rebuilt by this books with a simple, but at the same time complex story! Real problems with a twist that what I’m calling this trope! Fertility problems, relationships problems, love and desire… acceptance of who you are ! What a perfect love story!

And what a trio, Ethan a witch, Nico a selfie and Peter the fisherman , sorry Peter the Captain of a fisher boat!

They were together for days and you could thought it was rushed, but when it’s so beautiful written it isn’t! I was spelled, hooked, glue to the screen and just couldn’t put it down!

I found that I have a lighthouse thing inside of me and would love to live in that small town, in that house!

I received a copy of this book by NetGalley and this is my swooning heartfelt opinion ❤️

When I tell you I downloaded this and started it and couldn’t put it down I mean it. Having read the authors other published books I was eagerly anticipating this read. AND IT SURPASSED ALL EXPECTATIONS. Everything from the characters, to their development, to the atmosphere of the book and the development of the polyamorous relationship and the journey of grief from infertility was FLOORING. This is the kind of book that makes me feel like I can breathe again, that makes me feel like this is what reading is about and how words should be written. The flow and pacing was perfection. The spice was DELICIOUS. Every aspect of this book was everything I could ever want in a story. I’m ready to read it again.


This book is northern coastal lighthouse cottage core with with witches and selkies and rugged fisherman vibes and I DEVOURED IT. I ached and wanted and cried and laughed and grunted in disappointment when it ENDED because it couldn’t have already ended I need MORE.

Content warnings: blood used in a ritual, necromancy, depiction of anxiety pertaining to pregnancy, conversation surrounding fertility

Ethan and Peter live a pretty idyllic life in the village of Casper as a lighthouse keeper and fishing captain, respectively. One day, a selkie gets tangled in Peter’s net and Ethan uses necromantic ritual to bring another person back to life. Full of healing, intimacy, and interpersonal devotion, this autumnal read is perfect for people looking for some magic and tenderness a la a Miyazaki film that also fucks.

I love the exploration of family here. Ethan and Peter are very devoted husbands at a kind of crossroads in their lives. The selkie does not help in the immediate situation, but opens up the opportunity for something else. There is a mishap with some marrow that leads to heat, but the relationships among the three develop long before ignition. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the husbands, but especially their interactions with others in town. It feels slice-of-life even though there’s definitely an inciting event, a middle, and an end.

The worldbuilding is also rad. The rules of the magic are fairly hand-wavey, but there’s a nice folkloric aspect to Ethan’s rituals that add a layer of dreaminess to the entire narrative. Overall, this quick read is atmospheric, magical, and romantic.

This story blends spiciness, magic, folklore, and the real life struggle of infertility.

It might seem like a odd blend, but the combination works.

Ethan, a witch, and Peter, a fishing boat captain, are a married couple living in a small coastal town. Magic isn’t rare there, but the fact that Ethan bright Peter back from death following a major storm has stirred up a lot of rumors the duo.

When soft hearted Peter dragged home a wounded seal, Ethan is sure it’s more than what it seems. And what the seal is, changes them and their relationship.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Three Kings is an MMM modern-day fairytale that has magic, a cozy romance, and Icelandic folklore.

It's got a trans male lead who is battling with the possibility of infertility. This novella deals with pregnancy talk, so if that makes you uncomfortable, I suggest not reading this book. But if you don't mind, I highly suggest it!!

This is my first Freydis Moon book, and I'm so happy I finally read one of their books. I loved it! I have some of their other books downloaded to read, so I will be reading those soon.

This is a quick novella read, on the longer side of novella length but still goes by fast. I read it in one day, and I already miss Ethan, Peter, and Nico.

<b>are you looking for</b> a luscious, lyrical novella featuring a witch struggling with infertility, a selkie, and a sailor in a polyamorous relationship, with high heat, spice and heart?
<b>read this if you enjoyed</b> <i>A Sea of Pearls & Leaves</i> by Rosalyn Briar; the films of Hayao Miyazaki.
<b>rep:</b> trans MC; Achillean LIs; polyamorous M/M/M relationship.
<b>cw:</b> infertility; sex.

When Ethan's husband Peter brings home an injured seal, the two of them must nurse selkie Nico back to health while working through Ethan's struggles with infertility and reassuring one another of the strength of their marriage, even as they open it onto a new future. <i>Three Kings</i> is a sweet and touching novella with beautiful prose, full of high heat scenes with a gorgeous sense of place and atmosphere. For my personal preferences I struggled with how fast Nico was welcomed into Ethan and Peter's relationship (in terms of the passage of time), although I felt these developments were well-paced within the context of the novella.

<b>CAWPILE:</b> 8.0 (4*)
<b>favourite character:</b> Nico. I really liked how his fae nature was shown through his characterisation.
<b>most relatable character:</b> Ethan. I thought he was an engaging narrator with a strong voice, and I'd really like to read a longer novel from his perspective.
<b>a wish:</b> For my personal preferences, I would have liked the novella to be expanded into a full-length novel so there could have been more time for Ethan, Peter and Nico's feelings to develop for one another across a longer period of time.
<b>disclaimer:</b> I received an ARC of this book from NineStar Press via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.