3.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest interview. I had a great time with this book! I normally don’t care for romance novels so I was pleasantly surprised that there was a lot more going on besides just the romance in this story. It is set in a fantasy world with trolls and goblins, magic and witches and dark wizards, and it is full of fun and lovable characters. The plot follows Felix, the somewhat-ousted Archduke of Estarion who takes refuge with Saskia, the witch queen of the nearby kingdom of Kitvaria. There is a misunderstanding when they initially meet that leads to Felix becoming Saskia’s personal librarian and dark wizard as she is trying to protect her kingdom from her evil uncle. I appreciate that this is a very complete story, even as it is setting up the premise for the next book in the series - which I definitely plan on reading!

I don’t really have any negative critiques of this book, like I said romance kind of makes me roll my eyes but that is 100% a me thing, and it could have been a lot worse. This book is fun and entertaining and engaging and sometimes that is exactly what is needed!

There was like no world building, supposed to be a bad witch but doesn't do anything bad theirs like no connection between the characters just felt like a knockoff assistant to the villain to me in a bad way.

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I got this on eGalley from NetGalley for review.

Thoughts: I keep waffling between 3 and 4 stars for this one. The story is cute, yet predictable. I liked the characters, but though they could have had more depth. The world building is there but thin. Mostly I struggled with something about the writing style; it just didn't flow well for me. To be fair I had the same issue with "Kat, Incorrigable" when I read that book by Burgis...so I may just not mesh well with Burgis's writing style. The whole thing (writing style, plot, characters) are all a bit simple for me.

The books switches viewpoint between Felix and Saskia. Felix is fleeing his home country and seeks refuge in the only place that could stand up to his uncle. That place happens to be the castle of the Wicked Queen Saskia. Saskia needs a evil wizard to organize her library; she assumes that when Felix shows up he's the man for the job and blindly hires him. As efforts to find Felix ensue, Saskia is drawn more and more into the politics she hates. Meanwhile, Saskia and Felix are incredibly attracted to each other. Let's just hope their attraction can overcome the secrets Felix is hiding.

This is all set up to have that whole dark villain thing going on, but none of the characters end up really being all that edgy or villainess. Basically, it's evil but only for show. As mentioned above, the whole thing was a bit too shallow and cutesy for me; I think it's the shallow part more than the cutesy part that bothered me. I also just don't do well with the writing style here; it doesn't flow in a way my brain can handle. I kept having to re-read parts, and that made it a bit clunky to get through. That happens to me with some authors, I have never been able to love Cassandra Clare's writing style or V.E. Schwab's writing style either.

I like the strange family in Saskia's castle, and I generally like Felix and Saskia as characters. I just felt like the whole thing (plot, characters, world, emotions) was a bit thin.

My Summary (3.5/5): Overall this was an okay read. It is fun and quick. If you are looking for a cozy, fun, fantasy read with a little edge (and I mean a very small amount of edge) you might enjoy this. If you are a huge fan of Burgis's writing style, you might enjoy this as well. I probably won't be continuing this series, even though it is a cute premise. This also confirms for me that I am just not a bit fan of Burgis's writing style.

This was so good! Featuring a quiet thoughtful man and a wild powerful woman, this romantasy is a lovely, quiet romantic burn. The worldbuilding is top notch and sets up the future conflicts for future books quite nicely. It's almost so unbearably sweet and passionate that I'm contemplating re-reading it immediately just so I don't have to leave the world of Felix and Saskia.

Wooing the Witch Queen was cozy and sweet, but the relationship and romance between Felix/Fabian and Saskia was a flop.

WOOING THE WITCH QUEEN was an absolute delight, from its sweet, sensitive, traumatized cinnamon-roll hero to its introverted, reclusive, but decidedly not evil heroine. Add to that a castle full of found family, an alliance with two other “evil” queens (one a cool and logical ice queen, the other a capricious, unpredictable faerie), an Empire determined to eliminate nonhumans and their magic, and a neighboring kingdom bent on conquest. Throw in a perfect blend of humor, danger, and romance, and I was enchanted.

Having overthrown the wicked uncle who usurped her throne, Saskia is trying to keep her kingdom safe from outside threats while avoiding bothersome interactions with her subjects and her council. What she really wants to do is continue her work on developing spells to ward the borders. To do that, she needs her First Minister (and ex-lover) Mirjana to keep the kingdom running on her behalf. And she really needs a functioning library. . . but hers is in chaos. So Saskia hires a dark wizard to catalog it.

Felix is neither a dark wizard nor a librarian. He’s the Archduke of the neighboring kingdom. . .but only in name. In reality, his late wife’s father holds all the power, and Felix is fleeing for his life. But when he arrives at Queen Saskia’s castle in disguise, only to have the witch-queen mistake him for her newly-hired librarian, “Sinistro,” Felix discovers that in fact, he’s rather good at the job. He’s certainly safer here in Saskia’s castle than back in his own. And he finds his new employer fascinating—and quite, quite entrancing. I loved his quiet courtship of her, and the attraction that sparks between them under the surface.

I also loved the way Ms. Burgis weaves whimsy and humor, and more than a little of herself, into her writing alongside the more serious plotlines. Felix’s love of fountain pens echoes Burgis’s own, and the crow that adopts him reminded me more than a little of Burgis’s very affectionate and possessive cat, who often features in the author’s social media.* On a deeper level, the whole book reflects Ms. Burgis’s beliefs regarding freedom, inclusivity, and acceptance of people for who they are. Saskia’s love for and loyalty to the nonhumans who sheltered and raised her after her uncle’s treasury, despite other humans’ fear of them, speaks volumes.

While some aspects of the book are a tinge darker than most cozy fantasy fans might expect (most notably Felix’s back story), I think WOOING THE WITCH QUEEN will appeal to cozy fantasy readers as well as those looking for romantasy or fantasy romance. As for me, I loved it, and I’m already eager for the second book in the Queens of Villainy trilogy, ENCHANTING THE FAE QUEEN!


Would I buy or recommend this book? Absolutely! I preordered the paperback, and I’m planning to give a copy to at least one person on my gift list this year.



*Full disclosure: I follow Ms. Burgis on social media and support her Patreon, and I have interacted with her in both. I’ve been a fan of her work for over a decade. However, I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, not Ms. Burgis herself, and my review and rating are sincere and entirely my own opinion.

I thought this was witty and funny in some places but nothing held me into the world. Very character driven plot which is fine but it felt like there was no real setting. I felt really disconnected with everything despite enjoying the character personalities.

Listen, if you're looking for a cute, not super serious book that combines a little bit of fantasy politics with yearning and minor character development, then this is for you. It will fit the bill, and honestly, be better than somethings just like it.

So I really wanted to like this but i just couldn’t get into this. Felix are archduke and runaway just magically is able to escape his abusive father in law because fate wants him too and we never see him escape. And the wicked queen really didn’t do anything even morally gray all of the relationship felt summarized and just a brief overview. I couldn’t really connect to the character which is sad because i really wanted to like this. Overall it was just fine.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC for early review.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

5 stars and I can't stress this enough: cozy as HELL. It took me a minute or two to get used to Amanda Leigh Cobb as a narrator, but she has a slow drawling tone for Saskia that I enjoyed immensely, and her voices for the two queens were very fun (being able to swap between vocal fry for the ice goth and manic pixie dream girl for the hyper Fae is a TALENT).

I feel like, a lot of the time, books marketed as "cozy" fall through for me because I'm holding them up to the standard of Legends and Lattes. However, I've read cozy fantasy books that hold up to that standard, and this is one of them. I'm genuinely starting to think that the key to cozy, at least for me, is the autism or neurodivergence present within the story, since it speaks to me so specifically.

Wooing the Witch Queen is a very cozy, surprisingly kinky romantasy and I can't wait to hear about a potential sequel involving one of the other queens of villainy. Right off the bat though, these aren't actually villainous ladies. They're rulers who have taken up the mantles of villainy in an attempt to do what's right and rule their kingdoms in the ways they see fit, like our main character Saskia. She took the throne from her evil Uncle in an attempt to bring balance to the rampant racism and speciesism ongoing in the kingdom, and is now beloved by her subjects. However, the imperial archduke and her uncle are still causing a myriad of issues, so she enlists the help of a dark wizard to locate and take care of the duke.

Enter Felix, who at first planned nothing more than throwing himself at Queen Saskia's feet and begging for mercy and asylum. But after being mistaken as a dark wizard answering the hiring notice, he undertakes the task of reorganizing her magnificent library and finding the tracking spell she seeks, all while hiding his true identity behind the mask... But he's down so bad for Saskia, and she can't deny her feelings for him either.

So, it's a miscommunication cozy fantasy where two nerds who I WILL be calling autistic struggle to cope with being in the same room and not ripping each other's clothes off. Felix, aka Fabian, can't get anything done without first having a specific type of pen, bonds with an outcast plucky raven from Saskia's flock, and wears a massively oversized cloak and mask to hide himself away from others (even if it is mostly to keep his identity secret). He immediately becomes entrenched in organising the library and works at it without food or sleep for several days, and tries to tell the castle staff not to worry about his unhealthy habits because it's what he's "used to." Queen Saskia hates making public appearances, dealing with her two ally queens, and having to handle the diplomatic elements of ruling a kingdom, and would much rather spend all of her time working on experiments and magic studies in her lab. Between her hot new librarian wizard and her ex-girlfriend who is her diplomatic advisor, she's struggling to focus on anything she actually enjoys. They're both neurodivergent as hell and it makes them completely suited to each other. Which is perfect since they're so horny for each other it HURTS.

This is actually surprisingly kinky for such a cozy title, I was kind of shocked by how much of a sub/Dom relationship these two characters established (Saskia is dominant, Felix is submissive), but the enthusiastic consent and fun they both had made it super entertaining. There was a small scene upset where Saskia takes Felix's voice away right when he tries to tell her his true identity, and she is upset after their sexual encounter when she finds out about it, but he isn't blamed for not being able to tell her and they both enjoyed the scene. And NO, this is not a slow burn, this is a dry brush fire springing up immediately. Insta lust, insta-love. But it's clear that Saskia cares for Felix and would commit murders and malefic deeds to protect him, and he risks his life for her multiple times, proving his devotion.

I think this title is perfect for fans of the Princess Bride, Dreadful, and Legends & Lattes, and I highly recommend!

"Wooing the Witch Queen" by Stephanie Burgis is a Gaslamp fantasy that weaves magic, intrigue, and romance into a cozy tale. The story centers around bisexual Queen Saskia, a powerful sorceress dedicated to protecting her kingdom, and "Fabian," a mysterious librarian with secrets of his own. Saskia’s stern demeanor and sharp intellect make her an intriguing character, while Fabian, who is secretly an Imperial archduke in disguise, brings a touch of charm and slight humor to the narrative. Their dynamic promises a tale of flirtation, deception, and slow-burning romance—or so the synopsis suggests.

While the book excels in its cozy atmosphere, the romance left much to be desired. The chemistry between Saskia and Fabian felt rushed, falling into insta-love/lust territory. One moment Fabian is admiring Saskia’s beauty, and a few chapters later, he's having a inner monologue of how much he's in love with her. The buildup I’d hoped for—the wooing, the flirty exchanges—was fleeting, making it hard to invest fully in their relationship.

On the brighter side, the author’s writing style is enjoyable and fast-paced, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation through Saskia’s character was a delightful touch. The plot itself, while lacking in significant twists or turns, fits the vibe of a cozy fantasy read. It’s not a book driven by high stakes or intricate romance, but it still manages to provide a pleasant escape.

Overall, "Wooing the Witch Queen" isn’t a standout romance, but it’s a solid, light read with charming moments. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, low-stakes fantasy with hints of romance and excellent representation, this might be worth picking up. Just don’t expect a grand, slow-burn love story or any wooing.

Absolutely loved it! I am obsessed with a hopelessly in love pathetic man, and a strong badass woman who’s indifferent but grows to love the mmc. The characters were very well written, they felt like fully fledged characters, and the main characters had actually really good progression in terms of their romance where it wasn’t just lust at first sight but they truly developed their feelings for one another. Although I will say starting the book was a little bit confusing because the story doesn’t start like a normal book you’re just kinda thrown into the story and the situation at hand, which actually made me pause to see if I was reading a second book in a series, but as the story progressed you kind of just get used to it. Overall a really good read, would definitely recommend!

Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. She has to be, its what keeps her people safe. But her neighbors are eyeing her country and she just needs more time to figure out a way to protect everyone and prevent her uncle from reclaiming the throne. When a cloaked figure shows up at her castle after she advertised for a dark wizard, she hires him immediately to sort out the library and look for the magical spells that she needs to save her kingdom.

Why I started this book: Requested the ARC from Netgalley because I had enjoyed other romances from Burgis and this one looked fun.

Why I finished it: Happily ever after for the Wicked Witch Queen? With a sexy librarian who's a prince in disguise? Yes please, and thank you. So fun, and I am thrilled for the next book in the series. Plus I won't say no to my own crow friend.

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC! All opinions below are my own.

This is quite possibly one of the coziest fantasies I’ve read. Found family is one of my favorite tropes- and this book has it in DROVES. While the world building wasn’t astonishingly complex or unique, each and every character made up for that ten-fold. The heart behind each characters actions is admirable, and the main pairing between Felix and Sasika is syrupy sweet! Bonus points for the fact the main couple has fairly healthy communication skills despite their traumas! From building, to breaking, to building back trust- this is one of the most wholesome fantasy romances I’ve had the pleasure of reading.

If you’re a reader who wants a wholesome fantasy romance with plenty of heart and quite a bit of drama, this would be a quick and perfect read. I’ve been left with nothing but fuzzy feelings and impatience for book two!

This was such a fun cozy fantasy. It was exactly what I was wanting. Saskia was the perfect FMC...heart of gold but outwardly needing to be an "evil queen".

This story is about romance and family at its heart, but not blood family. It's definitely about the family you choose. Saskia built herself a wonderful family after her uncle was a terrible person.

I loved seeing the relationship between Felix and Saskia grow throughout the book from an almost indifference on her end and fear on his end to love on both their parts.

The side characters were some of the best, especially the castle staff. I loved how much they cared for Saskia, almost as more of a daughter than their queen.

Overall, this was a cute book that felt like a warm hug.

Thank you to NetGalley, Stephanie Burgis, and Tor/Forge for the E-ARC!

Wooing the Witch Queen was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, the cover art drawing me in and the description being right up my alley. So when I got accepted for the E-ARC I was more than excited to dive into it, and I'm happy to say I was right about it being my type of book!

Felix is the Archduke of Estarion in name and face only, his father-in-law controlling everything, including him, behind the scenes. When Felix learns that his life is on the line, he decides that he'd rather risk running away to their neighbouring country, the magical land of Kitvaria, facing the monster of a witch queen, then stay where he is. Saskia is the fabled evil witch queen, but all she really wants to do is protect her borders from the Archduke who keeps trying to take her lands. When a darkwizard appears at her door, she employs him on the spot, refusing to let him speak lest he wants to stroke his own ego. Unknown to her, the man she brought into her home isn't actually a darkwizard, he's actually the one person she's trying to destroy.

This book kept me turning the pages, unable to put it down until I finished every last page (which may or may not have been 6:30 a.m.). The characters, both main and side, were amazing and distinct, the world-building not too overwhelming but enough that I had clear visuals and understandings of the world we were in, and the romance so well written.

If you're a romantasy fan, then you need to pick up this book when it comes out! You won't regret jumping into this new world with both Saskia and Felix!

I am delighted to say this was one of the more original fantasy romances I've read in some time. It is always cool to read about a strong capable woman being willingly wooed by a slightly less powerful, but equally clever man of mystery. This is a relatively light and quick read. I would especially recommend this to individuals want low steam, but open door.

Thank you Stephanie Burgis, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for my advanced review audio copy! Pub Date Feb 18 2025!

Plot - 4
Writing and Editing - 3
Character Development - 3
Narration - 4
Personal Bias - 4
Final Score - 3.6

• newly crowned queen saskia hires fabian, a mysterious wizard who arrives at her castle, to help organize her magic library. turns out he's actually the imperial archduke in disguise with no magic training at all. when his identity is revealed, it's up to them both to prove if their love can save them.
• this is fun & silly & a quick read that had me laughing & rooting for the main characters.
• it’s camp in the best way, leaning into classic magic tropes, & the romance was one i could believe in.

Archduke Felix is running for his life. He forms a plan to head to the last place his attackers would think him to be, the wicked sorceress Queen Saskia’s court. Opon arrival tho before he can utter his pleas for assistance he not only is mistaken for a summoned upon dark wizard but hears of the Queen’s wish for his very death. Leaving his options limited he chooses to play along as the assumed wizard sent to aid in her libraries cataloguing.Now committed to the role of dark wizard Felix begins to integrate not only into Queen Saskia’s court but surprisingly her heart as well.But what will happen when his truth is revealed, will she accept him or be his harbinger of death.

This cozy romantasy was just the quick reading treat that I needed right now.Not only did this book completely suck me in with its magic,political schemes,and adorable found family vibes but also with a strong and powerful Queen alongside a truly cinnamon roll of a MMC who would gladly choose a library filled with books over battle any day.And while most fantasy reads have the MMC being the misunderstood royal who the FMC seeks in search of refuge, Wooing the Witch Queen gender swaps this typical narrative weaving a perfect mix of sweet and ruthlessness that worked so well together.In fact Queen Saskia is the one that’s protectively snarling “who did this to you”.I absolutely loved the flirty slow burn and building of friendship and trust that Felix and Saskia brought.I also enjoyed Saskia’s patriarchy breaking fellow queen best friends as well and can’t wait to see more of them in future works.However I wouldn’t say this was a spicy read,with most of the more intimate details happening off the page.Overall this was a fun,quick, sweet,cozy,and exciting romantasy read.
If you’re looking for a book that has hidden identities,warring courts,magic,cute crow side kicks,and touch him and die vibes then you should definitely check this one out upon its release.

Wooing the Witch Queen comes out February 18th, 2025.

Thank you NetGalley and Bramble for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks so much to Bramble for the gifted ARC!

WOOING THE WITCH QUEEN is perfect for fans of historical romance, fantasy, and LONG LIVE EVIL. (It is "gaslamp fantasy"). This was both funny and romantic, with a basic magic system that is very easy to understand. Archduke Felix becomes "Fabian" in the wicked Queen Saskia's castle, posing as a dark wizard and her new librarian. The two grow on each other, secrets are kept, and there's political intrigue, but this is a fairly cozy read. This is also a start of a series, Queens of Villainy, and it will be fun to follow the rest of the queens!