I loved this book! Saskia and Felix are brilliant characters, very easy to love with amazing chemistry. The world building is great and I can't wait to see how this progresses. Three wicked witches to rule the world! What is not to love.

Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and author Stephanie Burgis for this eARC

I Loved This!

Wooing the Witch was an absolute delight to read.
This to me is peak romantasy. The plot was well though out and well executed but where this book shines is it’s characters.
Saskia is strong-willed and protective of her people while trying to live up to everyones expectations of her as Queen.
And the we have Felix. Felix, who has my whole heart! He is so strong without realising it yet so, so gentle and geeks out over fountain pens and he just deserves the world.
I loved how their romance developed - it felt very real and organic. I also loved our side characters, especially Lorelai!
Just overall a great book, one of my favourite reads this year!

Thank you so much PanMacmillan, Tor Bramble and Netgalley for the arc of Wooing the Witch Queen (Queens of Villainy) by Stephanie Burgis in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. As you’ve probably guessed I’ve got a total soft spot for romantasy, and right now when my life is chaotically busy, caring for my recuperating husband, singlehandedly managing life, work, home & daughter, I am definitely in need of some light reading escape…in those few moments I grab before I fall asleep on whatever book I’m reading.

Wooing the Witch Queen reverses the grumpy/sunshine trope completely, swapping the grumpy hero for a totally soft, gentle, cinnamon role of a hero and a defensive, driven, caffeine fuelled, grumpy heroine, who terrifies absolutely everyone.

‘Queen of Villainy’ Saskia is a wicked sorceress, feared by all after she successfully ousted her evil uncle from the throne, driven by her objective to save her people from the neighbouring empire, she spends day and night experimenting with her spells to defend her country. Felix/Fabian is an Imperial Archduke with no magic, and desperate to escape his realm. He travels to Saskia’s kingdom in the hope that she will take him hostage but, finds himself employed as a magical sorcerer to organise the chaos of Saskia’s library, free to explore his love of poetry, stationery and books.

Thus begins the most delightful slow-burn romance between Saskia and Felix/Fabian, emerging from a search for the strange contraption called a fountain pen, to the comfortable silence of reading together, and sharing notes on book cataloguing and more. Felix/Fabian gradually lowers Saskia’s walls of defence through gentle consideration, thoughtfulness, care and simple acts of service, not overwhelming wooing and romance.
In parallel to the development of their relationship, Saskia is continuing to defend her country, definitely not sleep, and live up to the traditional expectations of a queen, including the terrible and awful demands to socialise and meet societal expectations! Particularly those of her demanding First Minister. Saskia is partially meeting those, finding allies with her neighbouring Queens of Villainy, who are also doing their damnedest to defend their realms from the empire…even if their idea of doing so involves regular catch ups over tea, a healthy dose of magic, sarcasm and most definitely inappropriate behaviour!

The dynamic of three strong women defending their realms in a very male dominated society of rule is particularly prevalent right now, and I absolutely adored the mutual support and guidance they provide to each other, even if at times that did exacerbate Saskia’s definitely need for caffeine, which could almost be considered her downfall!

Burgiss definitely delivers a cosy romantasy, that has a solid plot that provides a chance for the main and sub-characters to shine. Trust me, you will absolutely fall in love with a couple of the smaller members of Saskia’s cast, and there’s no question that her house staff are just amazing! This gentle romance doesn’t load all the spice but, it flows in a wonderful way that is so easy to read and fall in love with. The only downside for me is that I know how long I’m going to have to wait now for book 2, and that promises to be an absolute doozy!
4.5 stars!

I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this book. It has a lot of things that I like in a story: strong characters, friendship and alliances. It is a character driven story, with dual point of view, which starts with a misunderstanding between the main characters. I wasn't sure how it would be resolved at the end. Everything was clarified with good communication without drawing it out through the chapters.
The interactions between Saskia and Felix are really fun to read. The only aspect that I wish there was more of is the interaction with the inhabitants of the castle.
Nevertheless, I can definitely recommend Wooing the Witch Queen to anyone who likes a good love story with magic and secrets.
You get a glimpse at the end what the second book might be about, so I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Thanks to Stephanie Burgis and NetGalley for the ARC.

“His life might not be at risk from Kitvari’s Witch Queen at this moment, but his heart was in grave danger of being lost to her forever.”

If you’re looking for a cozy romantasy with a witchy vibe, a touch of spice, and an enchanting world, Wooing the Witch Queen is a perfect pick. The world-building is beautifully done, the characters are well-crafted, and their personal growth adds depth to the story. While the plot isn’t overly complex, its simplicity makes it an easy and delightful read.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the male perspective as the primary point of view. Although the story alternates between the two protagonists, Fabian’s journey feels refreshingly unique. He’s a reluctant hero—running from his responsibilities and searching for himself—who finds refuge with the formidable Witch Queen.

The romance plays subtly in the background, weaving elements of hidden identities and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. But what truly sets this book apart is its heroine. Queen Saskia is a strong, independent character—decisively not a damsel in distress. Her counterpart, Fabian, is a charmingly nerdy and endearing dark wizard still discovering his strength. Their dynamic is heartwarming, balancing her fierceness with his sweet and unassuming nature.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
- • “I protect what is mine, always.”
• “I’ve watched his gaze follow her and seen the depth of that yearning, the way his body leans towards her like his personal sun…”

Wooing the Witch Queen is a spellbinding mix of lighthearted romance and magical charm, perfect for readers who love a strong heroine and a sweet, unexpected hero.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC!