Review of ‘Wooing the Witch Queen’ by Stephanie Burgis. Discover the spellbinding romantic fantasy that blends cozy vibes, enchanting worldbuilding, and a swoon-worthy romance. Set in a gaslamp-lit world of witches, ogres, and magical queens, this story follows the misunderstood sorceress Queen Saskia as she fights to protect her kingdom—and her heart. Packed with charm, wit, and an endearing cast of characters (including an adorable himbo librarian in disguise!), this book is perfect for fans of cozy, romantic fantasy with just the right touch of intrigue. If you’re looking for a story that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this one’s for you.
‘Wooing the Witch Queen’ by Stephanie Burgis is a delightful romantic fantasy full of enchanting worldbuilding, lovable characters, and a perfect touch of whimsy
Synopsis
In a Gaslamp-lit world where hags and ogres lurk in thick pine forests, three magical queens form an uneasy alliance to protect their lands from invasion…and love turns their world upside down.
Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, she only wants one thing: to keep her people safe from the empire next door. For that, she needs to spend more time in her laboratory experimenting with her spells. She definitely doesn’t have time to bring order to her chaotic library of magic.
When a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle, Saskia hires him as her new librarian on the spot. “Fabian” is sweet and a little nerdy, and his requests seem a little strange – what in the name of Divine Elva is a fountain pen? – but he’s getting the job done. And if he writes her flirtatious poetry and his innocent touch makes her skin singe, well…
Little does Saskia know that the “wizard” she’s falling for is actually an Imperial archduke in disguise, with no magical training whatsoever. On the run, with perilous secrets on his trail and a fast growing yearning for the wicked sorceress, he’s in danger from her enemies and her newfound allies, too. When his identity is finally revealed, will their love save or doom each other?
Review
I received a free copy from bol.com and Pan MacMillan in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my review. Thank you for this review copy.
In a Gaslamp-lit world brimming with magical creatures and simmering tensions, Wooing the Witch Queen delivers a cozy fantasy that feels both enchanting and refreshingly unique. Picture dense pine forests teeming with hags and ogres, three magical queens working together to protect their lands, and a dash of romance to throw everyone off-balance. This is the backdrop for Queen Saskia’s story—one of intrigue, discovery, and unexpected love.
Saskia, the so-called wicked sorceress, is a delightfully layered character. Yes, she’s a queen with a reputation for being ruthless, but calling her “evil” would be missing the point entirely. eneath her icy exterior lies a woman shaped by years of hardship and betrayal, fighting tooth and nail to protect her people. She’s not heartless—just cautious and fiercely protective, with sheer determination to wrest control of her kingdom from her uncle’s clutches.
Enter Felix—oops, I mean “Fabian,” our sweet, bumbling himbo in disguise. The supposed “dark wizard” is really an Imperial archduke on the run, with no magical skills to speak of and a talent for charming his way into Saskia’s castle (and her heart). From the moment he stepped onto the page with his nerdy fascination for libraries and overly ambitious poetry, I knew he was going to win me over. His awkward yet earnest attempts at wooing Saskia made him feel endearing, even when his lies threatened to undo everything.
Now, let’s talk about the romance. While Saskia and Felix’s instant attraction gave the story a fun, swoony vibe, it did feel a bit rushed at times. Felix was already fantasizing about kissing Saskia before they truly knew one another, which made their connection feel less organic and more like insta-love. That said, their chemistry was undeniable, and I was rooting for them even as the stakes rose.
The plot itself was engaging, balancing political intrigue, magical experimentation, and romantic tension. The worldbuilding shone with its clever details—like the witches’ unique powers and the intricacies of Saskia’s kingdom—but it left me craving more. Specifically, I need a prequel that dives into Saskia’s rise to power. How did she overthrow her uncle? What sacrifices did she make along the way? Please, Stephanie Burgis, make this happen.
While the opening chapter was a little disorienting, the story quickly found its rhythm, and the pacing smoothed out. The cozy fantasy vibe was such a comfort—there were stakes, but it never tipped into high-stress territory. Add to that the delightful sidekick crows (seriously, they stole every scene they were in!), and the book had just the right mix of charm, magic, and heart.
Burgis’s writing style was another highlight. It flowed effortlessly, drawing me into the story and making it nearly impossible to put down. I devoured this book faster than I expected, swept up by the witty dialogue, vivid descriptions, and emotional depth.
Final thoughts
Overall, Wooing the Witch Queen is a fantastic start to the Queens of Villainy series. It’s a cozy, magical adventure with lovable characters, an engaging plot, and a romance that will make you smile—even if it’s a little fast-paced. I’m beyond excited for the sequel which will be about the Fae Queen I saw (and hopefully a prequel someday?). If you love magical queens, charming himbos, and stories that feel like a warm hug, this one’s for you.
Rating
8/10
Details
- Trigger Warnings: Violence, deception, death of a loved one, and references to betrayal and political intrigue.
- Themes: Found family, overcoming prejudice, self-discovery, trust, and love as a healing force.
- Representation: The story prominently features a bisexual protagonist (Saskia) and explores diverse relationships.
- Genre: Romantic fantasy, gaslamp fantasy, cozy fantasy
- Pages: 304
- Publication Date: February 18,2025
- Publisher: Bramble
- About the Author: Stephanie Burgis is known for her enchanting fantasy novels, which blend magic, humor, and heart. With a passion for history and fairytales, Burgis creates rich, immersive worlds. She grew up in Michigan and now lives in Wales with her husband, two kids, and a lively household of pets. Her other works include The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart and The Harwood Spellbook series.
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