Enchanting the Fae Queen
Author: Stephanie Burgis
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
What I’m Talking About:
Enchanting the Fae Queen is a solid and entertaining sophomore title in the Queens of Villainy series. As the second title in the series, there is less world building and more action right from the get go. Burgis delves into what drives her main characters, shedding light on their tragic pasts, which connects me to both Lorelei and Gerard and creates emotional investment. Lorelei wants to win over the emperor’s Golden Beacon, making him understand the truth of the emperor’s plans. Having to work together in a fae tournament not only does the trick, but it allows Lorelei to dispel her incorrect assumptions about Gerard.
On the surface, Lorelei and Gerard’s romance falls into the ememies-to-lovers trope, with a dash of forced proximity to seal the deal. However, the pair have been dancing around one another for seven years, flirting with but also observing each other, learning who the true person is beneath the public persona. They have been fighting their mutual attraction, allowing a hidden kinship to develop as they interact over the years. While the author does share with readers their initial meeting, I would have loved to see more of their history via flashbacks so that I could witness the bond and emotions developing. Burgis creates a lovely romance, and the tournament allows for that final change of heart, bringing their feelings from a strong attraction to more, but I am not sold on love.
In addition to the romance, Enchanting the Fae Queen furthers the overarching story of a narcissistic ruler bent on dominating all the lands not currently in his control. His Purification movement and beliefs hit a bit close to the current political climate, and it’s terrifying. The stakes are high, and it feels like time is running out. I am exciting to see how the trio of queens and their allies stop Otto and his sycophants.
Burgis pens a joyful, uplifting romance set in an exciting fantasy realm. The relationship is standalone, but the battle continues on in the upcoming Melting the Ice Queen (2027).
My Rating: B
Jen
About the Book:
Queen Lorelei is a notorious fae seductress, with a trail of broken hearts in her wake. But behind her glamorous lifestyle and sparkling mask lurks a dangerously intelligent woman who’d do anything to keep her people safe, including kidnap the empire’s most famous hero.
The virtuous high general Gerard de Moireul represents all that is moral and true. He has to, after his parents were executed for treason. The last thing he needs is the Queen of Balravia, who showers glitter and rainbow-colored sparkles everywhere she goes without the slightest regard for good taste, decorum, or royal dignity.
They’re opposites in every way, but when they’re swept up together in a grand–and deadly–fae tournament, they discover all of each other’s most hidden truths–and how perfectly they might be suited for each other after all.
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Bramble
Series: Queens of Villainy #2
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Format(s): paperback (304 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley / Author