Not gonna lie, I picked this up almost entirely because the narrator was Adjoa Andoh, and the promise of sword lesbians didn't hurt one bit. I was not disappointed in that she delivered PERFECTLY on one of my favorite fantasy heroines in a long time who had me cackling with her powerful sass from the very first sentence. The narration also did justice to some serious world-building, wide cast of very personable characters, talking through SO MANY FEELINGS, and the development of some of the best non-romantic relationships that are really the beating heart of this story. What I wasn't expecting was to feel a deep investment in the central sapphic pairing to NOT end up together, because MAN, they had a toxic relationship. Think Kristen Stewart and her girlfriend from The Happiest Season. I am convinced that the real villain in this was actually Rocelle who was THAT flaky bisexual, gaslighting and patronizing and playing her lovers against each other, that gives all other bisexuals and polyams a bad name. Given there weren't other ones to balance this one out, I'm gonna ding the author for this borderline biphobic choice. I'd be madder about this if the narrative didn't deliver on so many other fronts like Phera's badassery and self-reflection, Dominic and Phera's beautiful platonic relationship (despite Rocelle), Phera's whole found family (Hespin and Lloran), etc. Rocelle, Bachelor meets Hunger Games, and physics-defying hot air balloon sex notwithstanding, I am SO IN on this series now and cannot recommend it enough.

Phera, the Duchess of Kokora, has entered the marriage games of neighboring kingdom, Ryene. She doesn't want to marry the king; that is not her intention. Instead, she hopes to win back the heart of her true love, Rocelle.

It won't be easy. Along the way, Phera will encounter numerous road blocks, to include stopping a duel between brothers, fending off a fellow contestant with a vicious streak, and finding that her love may be in love with someone else.

The tone of this book is humorous and quite reminded me of My Lady Jane, another YA book with a fantastical setting and features. It's a solid debut with an engaging plot, world building, and details about kingdoms and culture. I found the idea of marriage games to be fresh and unique; however, I did wish that they were more front and center in the plot instead of relegated to the background..

Phera is passionate and witty, but is flawed and makes mistakes. And though she isn't meant to be the villain, her true love, Rocelle does give off villain vibes. Phera describes her a so pure and so good but she seems quite catty in reality, relishing that two people are fighting over her affections, acting as though there is nothing she can do about it. It makes the reader struggle to connect to Phera's single mindedness of winning her heart. In fact, Phera's relationship with Dominic, who is also trying to win the heart of the person her loves, is so much more lovely. They are honest with each other. And while he struggles with his violent nature, he is strong and honorable.

Overall, the book hits on important themes for YA novels like intimacy, right and wrong, and honesty, which is refreshing without being overbearing. The narration by Bridgerton's Adjoa Andoh is revelatory.

The narration was nice to listen to. However, I found it hard to focus on the actual story. Used it more for background noise.

This one was hard to get into. The romance was there. I wasn't really connected to the characters to feel that romance, though. Because of this, it was hard to root for anyone.

This was such a fun one! As one reviewer mentioned “came for the lesbians, stayed for the plot”. All the characters were complex enough and interesting and intriguing. The humor throughout the book was also wonderful. Great debut!

Phera, the Duchess of Kokora, is joining part of the marriage games to the neighboring kingdom called Ryene. She's not there for the reason you think she'd be there for. While many women are trying to win Prince Dominic's heart, Phera is there to win back Lady Rochelle's heart. Lady Rochelle was Phera's ex-fiancee, but she is currently a contestant in Prince Dominic's marriage games.

Phera and Rochelle's love relationship has always been a secret and when Phera is reunited with Rochelle, Phera needs to mend their relationship all while hiding her intentions to the rest of the kingdom. She also needs to pretend and convince others that she is serious about winning Prince Dominic's heart.

What is really going on between Phera, Rochelle, and Prince Dominic? Will there be a happily ever after between Phera and Rochelle? What happens with Prince Dominic?

I'm not the biggest fan of the fantasy genre, but after seeing this book's cover, I had to read it! This book did not disappoint and this book is super action packed! I was always curious as to what was going to happen and in the back of my mind, I was thinking about what the ending could possibly be. I tend to stay away from fantasy because I know I'll get confused with the fantasy world, but Nikhil did an amazing job writing this book where it was not a

The Duchess of Kokora was an anticipated read for me because of the Sapphic rep as well as the political intrigue. Overall, I think that this book has a great premise, but was ultimately lacking for me in some key areas. This book had many pacing problems. I was constantly feeling like nothing and then everything was happening. The characters were also lacking feeling. Despite all the high emotion scenes, I never felt truly attached or invested in the characters. The political intrigue was not as well developed as I would have liked. I always felt like the explanation was lacking and there were no larger motives to drive the story. I do agree with the other reviews that said this felt like a book two of a series. I also wish that the line between young adult and adult fantasy would have been more clear. The audiobook was well produced but I didn't feel that Adjoa Andoh was suited for this role. Her more mature voice did not fit with the young characters. It was also sometimes hard to differentiate between the characters while in conversations. Thank you to Grand Press and NetGalley for this advanced listeners copy!

I had trouble getting through this. The audiobook version was great it was the story that just didnt do it for me.

“Your Honor. In my defense, the gentleman bears a remarkable resemblance to a horse’s ass. When I struck him with that riding crop, why, I was merely thinking to spur him out of everyone’s way!
The Duchess of Kokora, Phera Ylir Mdana, stood tall behind the defense table, widening her eyes in a picture of bewildered innocence as the gallery behind her roared with laughter. "

"If you snore, I will not hesitate to kick you." - Phera to Prince Dominic
(Love their friendship - and banter)

Phera is quite the character. She's sassy, brave, hilarious and tenacious. A protagonist you can't help but root for.
This was a random read for me and the cover art is what primarily drew me in. It is stunning, exudes a strong female character aura (has don't- mess-with-me-I-have-magical-talons vibe) and would make a nice tattoo IMO. I seldom read fantasy nowadays but now and then it serves as a good pallet cleanser. They say that this is a must read for fans of The Selection and Bridgerton series. I haven't watched both so I really didn't know what to expect. I will be totally honest that I didn't have the best experience with the audio narration. The narrator tries too hard to get into character but I often find the change in tone abrupt and distracting, and all the whispering and screeching is driving me NUTS!!! 🤣 Not being a Negative Nancy but I was really hoping I also have the digital copy so I can easily follow along and to better understand what she's saying at times. I hate having to pause and rewind certain parts. 😐
Though I'm still interested in reading the second installment, I'd opt for a digital copy next time.

Tropes:
✔️Sapphic fantasy
✔️Fake dating
✔️courting, friendship and rivalry
✔️Courtly intrigue
✔️Political scheming
✔️Magic duels
✔️Elemental magic
✔️Women in power
✔️Royal competition
✔️For fans of The Selection series

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and PR BY THE BOOK AUDIOBOOKS! 🖤

3.5✨

The Duchess of Kokora is so much fun to listening to, all due to Nikhil Prabala, a cast member of the popular Netflix series, BRIDGERTON. The story is great, but you have to pay attention because there is a lot going on. It’s long, but oh, so worth the read! I hope there will be more books by this author! ✍️

Audiobook Review 🎧📚

♡ Historical setting/fantasy world
♡ Elite magic users
♡ Political intrigue
♡ Jilted Lover/Second Chance Romance
♡ Sapphic
♡ Nontypical Love Triangle
♡ Bridal Competition

◇ Single Pov/Narration

I came for the sapphics, but I stayed for the story. 🏳️‍🌈

Phera is such a realistic, relatable character. She's been subjected to so much familial trauma but has to hold the weight of her people's expectations on her shoulders, all while fighting to prove herself worthy to the only person she's ever truly loved. But Phera is a flawed individual, like many of the characters, who struggles to face her shortcomings and overcome them in the face of adversity.

"I would be yours forever if you could only let me belong to myself too."

There were also plenty of lighter moments with Phera's quick wit and her companions' propensity for mischief that kept me laughing throughout the book.

Classism is a prominent theme within the story and the implications it has on society.

"Cruelty does not demand intention."

As for the audio performance, it is a single narration. The narrator did a spectacular job with a wide range of accents and dialects to set the characters apart from one another. Her voice translated all of the passion, longing, grief, and guilt that the characters experience throughout the book. An overall excellent performance.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy. I eagerly await book 2!

this audiobook was fantastic! adjoa andoh does a PHENOMENAL job of bringing all of the characters to life. i thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook as well as the story. i firmly believe the narration can make or break a book for someone and really affect their perception of it and decide whether they like the story or not. i found this narration only adds to how great the book already is. it made for a very enjoyable experience and i am thankful for the opportunity to get an advanced copy. thank you! and well done! 👏

I came into this skeptical, and it took a couple of chapters for it to click for me, but I really enjoyed this. The world building is dripped through, there’s some clever scheming and political intrigue, and the characters are all very well fleshed out and feel real with their own motivations often conflicting with each other.

I’d pitch this to a friend as Bridgerton meets Avatar the Last Airbender, the author pulls no punches with screwing with her characters and it’s nice to see this version of the altruistic prince in an unfair world actually give a reason why the prince wants to be a better person.

Also the queer coded book actually has a real love triangle which was refreshing, although I suspect that it here will be more vertices added to the love polygon.


The main character is deeply flawed and self righteous, and genuinely grows over the course of the book.

After a painful break-up Phera tries to win back her love, Rocelle, by proving herself in the competition for the hand of prince Dominic.

“Victory alone means nothing if you lose sight of what you're fighting for.”

There are aspects of this book I really enjoyed. The premise, the romance between Phera and Rocelle, great side characters. But in the end The Duchess of Kokora felt bogged down by its slow pacing and depth of certain story elements.

The synopsis for this book sounds so exciting and very high stakes. Despite this, the book has a heavy focus on politics. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy politics in my fantasy, but I like them clever and full of depth if they are a major focus. While Prabala gives us a look at what this could look like, and we do get some great dialogue at times, a substantial part of it felt more adjacent to high school politics.

The magic system also didn't really work for me. I think the idea for it is cool and unique enough, but the soft magic left me wanting more. Especially because the magic is very relevant to the plot of The Duchess of Kokora.

“You love me so much that you would burn the world down to protect me. You love me so much that you won't let me face the world on my own. It is love. I do not deny that, but is also control and pride and stubborness.” “I would be yours forever if you could only let me belong to myself too.”

Where The Duchess of Kokora truly shines is the love story between Phera and Rocelle. They have a lot to work through in this book, and we luckily get plenty of time to see them do just that. Prabala showed us an in-depth, realistic representation of what it looks like to attempt to repair a relationship.

“If you want my love pure as you say, then you must have my frustration too. Not immediately reasoned around or dissected. Let is stand. Really, truly sit with my feelings, Phera”

I adored the passages on love, but then we'd get long passages of mind games and the book sadly just couldn't keep my attention. Part of this was probably also the narration. While I think the narrator is gifted, I don't think Adjoa Andoh quite fits the vibe of this book for me.

I would recommend The Duchess of Kokora to people who like a well written sapphic romance, don't mind a love triangle, and enjoy soft magic systems. This book is also great for people who prefer dialogue heavy novels.

Thank you Grand Press and Nikhil Prabala for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A slightly different take on standard fantasy fare, with a tale full of political intrigue. Our witty lead is bound and determined to win over the heart of her lost love through a marriage contest ... where the goal is not the coveted prince, but another contestant. This is a tale of queer love and gave me "The Goblin Emperor" (Katherine Addison) vibes. But there isn't much else to be had here. In fact, I have no idea why there was any kind of fantasy backdrop and especially magic. It had no purpose. This is a solid tale, well-written and well-plotted, of love lost and found again, despite all barriers. I also enjoyed the audiobook narration.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator did a nice job. When it comes to content, I felt the world building was lacking and some of the characters were a little flat. I like the premise of this book, but I found myself confused multiple times while reading because some of the background and explanation around the countries, politics, and magic seemed to be lacking. It almost felt like a second book in a series. I did really enjoy Phera’s personality. I love a strong feisty main female character. I also liked that all of the main characters had flaws. Thank you NetGalley and Grand Press for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to PR by the Book for inviting me to review this, they provided me free copy access to the audiobook via NetGalley.
The Duchess of Kokora was outside my usual kind of read but I enjoyed the chance to change up my listening experience, esp with themes on inclusive relationships, strong sassy FMC vibes, and engaging narration from Bridgerton's Adjoa Andoh!

This audiobook is a delight, filled with humor, rich world-building, and a brilliant twist on the marriage games trope. Adjoa Andoh’s narration brings out every ounce of wit in the dialogue, delivering the Duchess’s scathing comebacks with perfect timing and making the banter even more enjoyable. The complex world of magic, politics, and court intrigue is richly detailed, from the divisions between the magical Signed and non-magical Unsigned to the wonderfully chaotic marriage games. Andoh’s skillful voice work draws out the nuances in the characters' personalities, making each one distinct and the story’s stakes thrillingly real. The inclusion of deeper themes on social justice and marginalized identities only enriches this action-packed adventure, giving it a memorable impact and depth.

What sets this book apart is its clever blend of romance and action, tied together with tender LGBTQIA+ representation and vibrant humor. Andoh beautifully brings the romantic elements to life without veering into clichéd or overdone territory, even during the jaw-dropping cliffhanger. This series debut also showcases unique magical elements and political strategy, making it a satisfying read for fantasy lovers who crave engaging plots and sharp dialogue. The Duchess’s bold personality and Andoh’s superb narration make it impossible to put down; you’ll be staying up late, absorbed by every twist, duel, and scheme. For fans of clever fantasy worlds and whip-smart humor, this audiobook is a gem, and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel—with Andoh, of course, to narrate!

4.75 magical stars!

🎧 Audiobook 🎧 is super well read by one of my absolute favourite narrators: Adjoa Andoh!!

I loved this one, right up until the jaw-dropping (romantic) cliffhanger of an ending!

This adventure contained everything that I need to love any fantastic story: great world building, an underlying magical principle that brings that world building together perfectly, deeply-lovable yet flawed characters who reflect upon their mistakes to push themselves towards personal growth, and some form of conversation on contemporary social injustices/marginalization. Add to this incredibly strong female main characters, plus all of the plot-twisting schemes, shenanigans and corners turned, and I stayed up WAY too late into the night listening to this amazing book. Truly smitten.

I will say that I personally identify as pan-romantic ACE. Plus, I also left my teenage years behind decades ago. So, while I can deeply enjoy books containing elements of romance, I personally abhor endlessly awkward YA romance without depth or consequence. Nor do I enjoy smut written purely for smut's sake (no judgement - just not for me as an asexual). This book, among several that I have read lately, has had beautifully tender elements of romance intertwined into high stake, mad-dash adventure with careful deliberateness. I really appreciate this. Additionally, all praises to amazing new 2SLGBTQIA+ authors taking the fantasy and science fiction worlds by storm.

I typically feel much more strongly about cliffhanger endings - most especially those used by debut authors at the beginning of a new series. But as this one is more romantic in nature (as opposed to a cliffhanger that holds someone's life on the line until the next book comes out), bothered me less than usual. Though, I really hope that the sequel comes out soon so that we can all find out what happens!! Also, if Adjoa Andoh isn't narrating the sequel, I will absolutely revolt!

Huge gratitude to Netgalley, and the publisher Grand Press, for an Audio-ARC of this book, in exchange for my truly honest review.

I honestly felt confused for most of the book!

I read on other reviews that it felt like we were in book two of a trilogy or duology and I agree! The book felt like I should be knowing way more of the world. I don’t understand the magic system neither do I understand the politics + no map so I have no idea where is what in this world.
A novela to start off the series would’ve been good I think or better world building.

I listened to the audiobook and it feels like it wasn’t a good fit. Don’t get me wrong Adjoa Andoh is a great narrator but my understanding is that, these characters are in their early/mid twenties, Adjoa Andoh’s mature voice through me off for the whole book. I ended picturing all of them in their 30s

To me the prince and Phera hand way more chemistry than Phera with Rocelle! I really loved the exchanges between the two, they were a great match for each other. I don’t understand their dynamic, why is she so enamoured with Rocell.

The story itself has great potential, there’s some intrigue, wittiness, the pacing is good and there’s a little twist at the end.

2 stars/DNF at 34%.

This book feels like it is missing the beginning of the story. The world, magic system and politics is poorly explained and when there is some explanation, it is usually done in a info dump that doesn’t make much sense, doesn’t actually explain things or is unnecessary. The characters are unlikable, the promised competition is hardly on page and is just boring, and the romance can hardly be called romance and the plot is fairly predictable.

There’s a couple interesting side characters but they cannot keep me engaged enough to finish this book. Also I am not a fan of this narrator’s narration decisions, especially for the men and the accents given to them.

An intriguing story with a feisty FMC! The FMC enters in to the marriage games to marry the prince. However, it’s not the Prince she is after. This story is a sapphic romance. The FMC is a funny and firey character who was fun to follow. The world building was good and plenty of twists and turns!