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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
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 is a review of the audiobook arc.
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 is a review of the audiobook arc.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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 the second chance romance trope, 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.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
🎧 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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief, Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Nikhil Prabala’s The Duchess of Kokora is a delightful and intricate fantasy tale that blends magic, courtly intrigue, and romance in a way that feels both fresh and captivating. I found myself thoroughly absorbed in this unique world, particularly enjoying the world-building and the magic system, which were both richly detailed and creative. With its compelling characters and high-stakes plot, this book kept me hooked, despite a few slower moments.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the magic system. The use of talons and signs to cast spells added a fascinating layer to the story that felt different from the typical fantasy fare. It was woven so naturally into the culture and customs of the various nations within the story, making the world feel complex and alive. The distinct traditions and social dynamics of the countries and the Imperium gave the novel depth, and I was impressed by how immersive it all felt.
As for the characters, they were very well-developed and drove the narrative forward in interesting ways. Phera, the Duchess of Kokora, was both likable and relatable, making her a protagonist you can root for. I appreciated her flaws and the way she worked toward becoming a better person. Her love for Lady Rocelle was touching and added an emotional undercurrent to the otherwise political nature of the plot. Rocelle and Prince Dominic were equally layered and engaging, adding complexity to the storyline with their own motivations and struggles. Even the "villains" in the story were not one-dimensional; they were humanized in a way that made their actions understandable, if not excusable. They truly embodied the saying, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."
While I enjoyed the overall pacing, there were some moments that dragged a little. Certain sections felt slower, but not to the point where I ever considered putting the book down. The intrigue and character dynamics were strong enough to keep me invested even when the pace dipped.
Lastly, I loved how seamlessly queer relationships were incorporated into the story. The queer-normative world Prabala created was refreshing, allowing the romance to be explored without the burden of societal judgment or prejudice. It was wonderful to see Phera and Rocelle’s relationship at the heart of the story without the focus being on their sexuality, but rather on their personal growth and emotional journeys.
Based on how things ended, I can't wait to see where the story leads in the sequel. The stakes are high, and the relationships are so richly layered that the next book promises to deliver even more excitement and intrigue.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the magic system. The use of talons and signs to cast spells added a fascinating layer to the story that felt different from the typical fantasy fare. It was woven so naturally into the culture and customs of the various nations within the story, making the world feel complex and alive. The distinct traditions and social dynamics of the countries and the Imperium gave the novel depth, and I was impressed by how immersive it all felt.
As for the characters, they were very well-developed and drove the narrative forward in interesting ways. Phera, the Duchess of Kokora, was both likable and relatable, making her a protagonist you can root for. I appreciated her flaws and the way she worked toward becoming a better person. Her love for Lady Rocelle was touching and added an emotional undercurrent to the otherwise political nature of the plot. Rocelle and Prince Dominic were equally layered and engaging, adding complexity to the storyline with their own motivations and struggles. Even the "villains" in the story were not one-dimensional; they were humanized in a way that made their actions understandable, if not excusable. They truly embodied the saying, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."
While I enjoyed the overall pacing, there were some moments that dragged a little. Certain sections felt slower, but not to the point where I ever considered putting the book down. The intrigue and character dynamics were strong enough to keep me invested even when the pace dipped.
Lastly, I loved how seamlessly queer relationships were incorporated into the story. The queer-normative world Prabala created was refreshing, allowing the romance to be explored without the burden of societal judgment or prejudice. It was wonderful to see Phera and Rocelle’s relationship at the heart of the story without the focus being on their sexuality, but rather on their personal growth and emotional journeys.
Based on how things ended, I can't wait to see where the story leads in the sequel. The stakes are high, and the relationships are so richly layered that the next book promises to deliver even more excitement and intrigue.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I honestly could rave about what details made me adore this book, but I don't want to spoil anything. I want you to feel the magic of discovering it yourself. Do you ever write a review and fall more in love with the story as you're doing so? That's this one.
This is a delightful whirlwind of a book that has romance, political intrigue, and a marriage competition. This has a love triangle that is easily one of the best I’ve come across in a long time. It helped that I absolutely adored all three of the characters involved. But it’s not just about choosing between love interests, but about the complexities of human emotions, the depths of friendship, conflict within relationships, and dealing with trauma.
Phera is a fantastic protagonist. She's fierce and hilarious, yet vulnerable in her pursuit to win back Rocelle, her childhood love and ex-fiancée. Watching Phera navigate the treacherous waters of courtly life while pretending to be besotted with Prince Dominic, is pure entertainment. The romance is tense and compelling and even the platonic relationships are full of genuine chemistry and layered emotions. The characters feel real, with their sharp edges and messy emotions, and their relationships are wonderfully complex. UGH I just love it so much.
What I especially loved was the way the book plays with the expectations of the typical love triangle. Instead of feeling like a clichéd tug-of-war, the dynamics between (view spoiler) are intricate and surprising. These people all genuinely like one another and appreciate their differences. I was delighted by how the story balances romantic tension with genuine friendship and mutual respect. I appreciated the pacifist character with hidden depths. It was wonderful to see characters who are flawed, each with their own distinct voice and purpose.
The world-building is rich, with a magic system that feels unique. There’s a sense of wonder and danger, and the political undercurrents simmering beneath the surface add another layer of intrigue. I feel like there was enough detailed and interesting world-building without being incredibly overwhelming. The courtly games, with their mix of magical and social challenges, are both fun and fraught with tension, driving the story forward to its unexpected and exciting conclusion.
What I didn't expect was the humor tangled into the story. The writing is sharp, the banter is witty, and the pacing is perfect for a binge-read. I tore through "The Duchess of Kokora" in less than a day and I am dying for the next. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Storygram Tours and the author for the opportunity. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own!
This is a delightful whirlwind of a book that has romance, political intrigue, and a marriage competition. This has a love triangle that is easily one of the best I’ve come across in a long time. It helped that I absolutely adored all three of the characters involved. But it’s not just about choosing between love interests, but about the complexities of human emotions, the depths of friendship, conflict within relationships, and dealing with trauma.
Phera is a fantastic protagonist. She's fierce and hilarious, yet vulnerable in her pursuit to win back Rocelle, her childhood love and ex-fiancée. Watching Phera navigate the treacherous waters of courtly life while pretending to be besotted with Prince Dominic, is pure entertainment. The romance is tense and compelling and even the platonic relationships are full of genuine chemistry and layered emotions. The characters feel real, with their sharp edges and messy emotions, and their relationships are wonderfully complex. UGH I just love it so much.
What I especially loved was the way the book plays with the expectations of the typical love triangle. Instead of feeling like a clichéd tug-of-war, the dynamics between (view spoiler) are intricate and surprising. These people all genuinely like one another and appreciate their differences. I was delighted by how the story balances romantic tension with genuine friendship and mutual respect. I appreciated the pacifist character with hidden depths. It was wonderful to see characters who are flawed, each with their own distinct voice and purpose.
The world-building is rich, with a magic system that feels unique. There’s a sense of wonder and danger, and the political undercurrents simmering beneath the surface add another layer of intrigue. I feel like there was enough detailed and interesting world-building without being incredibly overwhelming. The courtly games, with their mix of magical and social challenges, are both fun and fraught with tension, driving the story forward to its unexpected and exciting conclusion.
What I didn't expect was the humor tangled into the story. The writing is sharp, the banter is witty, and the pacing is perfect for a binge-read. I tore through "The Duchess of Kokora" in less than a day and I am dying for the next. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Storygram Tours and the author for the opportunity. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Though The Duchess of Kokora’s blurb may lead you to believe that this is a fluffy YA novel primarily focused on a romantic competition à la The Selection, the novel is not only an enjoyable romp through high-stakes courtly intrigue punctuated by witty dialogue, but it also ends up being much deeper and more complex than others of its genre, a testament to Prabala’s genre-bending ability to balance thematic complexity with humorous, fast-paced drama.
*** Spoilers from here on ***
First, all the characters in the book were well-developed and realistic. One of my biggest beefs with the YA genre is its flat, repetitive characters, but in this novel, I could understand the motivations of even the story’s villains, Ulric and Sorana; and, similarly, even “hero-coded” characters like Dominic and Phera were clearly grappling with the darkness of their pasts. I appreciated that the driver of conflict wasn’t simply a lack of communication, but rather the ways that individual trauma and different values shaped the characters’ relationships. The sparkling dialogue throughout the book was alternately hilarious and thought-provoking — Prabala’s characters really know how to turn a phrase. I also have to give a shout-out to Rocelle because, while I think her choice to let both Dominic and Phera dangle romantically was selfish, I could empathize with her reflections on how gentleness can be a form of strength. This, like many of the sensitively-rendered details in the novel, showed a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience that set this book on a higher, more literary plane than I would usually rate a YA novel.
This novel is also more complex than your average YA novel because of its world building, which feels like it belongs in the world of high fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, the world building is awesome — elevator barges that move through mountain stone like water? Multiple nations with varying cultural norms in complex geopolitical conflict? Allusions to a past where technology almost ended the world so now there are anti-tech cults who hate pro-tech modernists like Phera?? Incredible — but it feels like there’s a lot more under the surface. Prabala alludes to just enough to let you know there’s more complexity there… but at times the oblique references to unexplained aspects of the world were hard for me to follow. For example, it took me longer than it probably should’ve to figure out that the “Unsigned” referred to people without magic. Similarly, I empathized with Rocelle’s pacifism, but I had to spend some time reflecting after reading to realize that she’s a pacifist in Rhynish culture specifically, which is a culture literally based around competition and conquest. In that context, her struggles with Phera not respecting her gentle strength make wayyy more sense, and I think those dots could have been a little more clearly connected in the story. The fact that there is clearly so much under the surface of the story, though, is very promising for sequel(s?) — and will definitely entice me to keep reading if and when Prabala publishes again.
Thematically, the novel was also rich and dealt with numerous hefty topics. Human rights are a major theme in the novel as our protagonists advocate for the rights of the “Unsigned” (non-magic-users) in Rhynish society, and then (in a truly appropriate twist) Phera herself becomes Unsigned at the end of the book when she overextends her own magic in a duel with Ulric and loses her powers. (Can’t wait to see how this is developed in a sequel — Phera will really have to put her money where her mouth is. It’s one thing to not look down on people who don’t have magic when you do have it, it’s another thing to not look down on YOURSELF when you’ve lost it.)
For me, however, the novel was most impactful and thought-provoking as it explored the value of friendship. Phera’s friendship with Dominic was the most compelling relationship in the book, and I appreciated how the book’s ending drew attention to the importance of valuing non-romantic relationships (like Leran’s love for and mentorship of Phera) and not just getting lost in one romantic interest to the detriment of other relationships. I also appreciated Phera’s realization toward the book’s climax that real love wants the other’s good, not just the other as a trophy or conquest — an appropriate realization for a woman who confidently declares earlier in the book, “Fools sacrifice. Lovers gamble.”
In particular, Phera’s character growth throughout the novel is notable in the ways it advances the themes of finding healthy relationships (romantic and non-romantic) throughout the book, as she learns how to forgive others. It’s so realistic that she is incredibly harsh on other flawed characters, because she is even harsher on herself; and, similarly, her learning that even flawed people can be redeemable and forgiven is an even more powerful message because it also applies to herself.
All in all, this novel is a strong debut, and I’m excited to see what Prabala writes in the future!
*** Spoilers from here on ***
First, all the characters in the book were well-developed and realistic. One of my biggest beefs with the YA genre is its flat, repetitive characters, but in this novel, I could understand the motivations of even the story’s villains, Ulric and Sorana; and, similarly, even “hero-coded” characters like Dominic and Phera were clearly grappling with the darkness of their pasts. I appreciated that the driver of conflict wasn’t simply a lack of communication, but rather the ways that individual trauma and different values shaped the characters’ relationships. The sparkling dialogue throughout the book was alternately hilarious and thought-provoking — Prabala’s characters really know how to turn a phrase. I also have to give a shout-out to Rocelle because, while I think her choice to let both Dominic and Phera dangle romantically was selfish, I could empathize with her reflections on how gentleness can be a form of strength. This, like many of the sensitively-rendered details in the novel, showed a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience that set this book on a higher, more literary plane than I would usually rate a YA novel.
This novel is also more complex than your average YA novel because of its world building, which feels like it belongs in the world of high fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, the world building is awesome — elevator barges that move through mountain stone like water? Multiple nations with varying cultural norms in complex geopolitical conflict? Allusions to a past where technology almost ended the world so now there are anti-tech cults who hate pro-tech modernists like Phera?? Incredible — but it feels like there’s a lot more under the surface. Prabala alludes to just enough to let you know there’s more complexity there… but at times the oblique references to unexplained aspects of the world were hard for me to follow. For example, it took me longer than it probably should’ve to figure out that the “Unsigned” referred to people without magic. Similarly, I empathized with Rocelle’s pacifism, but I had to spend some time reflecting after reading to realize that she’s a pacifist in Rhynish culture specifically, which is a culture literally based around competition and conquest. In that context, her struggles with Phera not respecting her gentle strength make wayyy more sense, and I think those dots could have been a little more clearly connected in the story. The fact that there is clearly so much under the surface of the story, though, is very promising for sequel(s?) — and will definitely entice me to keep reading if and when Prabala publishes again.
Thematically, the novel was also rich and dealt with numerous hefty topics. Human rights are a major theme in the novel as our protagonists advocate for the rights of the “Unsigned” (non-magic-users) in Rhynish society, and then (in a truly appropriate twist) Phera herself becomes Unsigned at the end of the book when she overextends her own magic in a duel with Ulric and loses her powers. (Can’t wait to see how this is developed in a sequel — Phera will really have to put her money where her mouth is. It’s one thing to not look down on people who don’t have magic when you do have it, it’s another thing to not look down on YOURSELF when you’ve lost it.)
For me, however, the novel was most impactful and thought-provoking as it explored the value of friendship. Phera’s friendship with Dominic was the most compelling relationship in the book, and I appreciated how the book’s ending drew attention to the importance of valuing non-romantic relationships (like Leran’s love for and mentorship of Phera) and not just getting lost in one romantic interest to the detriment of other relationships. I also appreciated Phera’s realization toward the book’s climax that real love wants the other’s good, not just the other as a trophy or conquest — an appropriate realization for a woman who confidently declares earlier in the book, “Fools sacrifice. Lovers gamble.”
In particular, Phera’s character growth throughout the novel is notable in the ways it advances the themes of finding healthy relationships (romantic and non-romantic) throughout the book, as she learns how to forgive others. It’s so realistic that she is incredibly harsh on other flawed characters, because she is even harsher on herself; and, similarly, her learning that even flawed people can be redeemable and forgiven is an even more powerful message because it also applies to herself.
All in all, this novel is a strong debut, and I’m excited to see what Prabala writes in the future!