Book Review: The Night's Chosen by E.E. Hornburg
Great books are one of my keys to a great life, and let me tell you folks, this a great book! E.E. Hornburg’s The Night’s Chosen was a very fun, magical ride, and I wanna tell you all about it.
But first, can we please admire this cover? Oh my goodness, it’s so beautiful!
The Book:
The Night’s Chosen by E.E. Hornburg
The Blurb:
CHOSEN OF THE MOON GODDESS. DESTINED TO RULE. FATED TO MARRY.
A QUEST TO SAVE HER FAMILY, KINGDOM, AND HEART.
In this retelling of Snow White, for the past five years Princess Eira has run from her impending wedding. As much as she loves her goddess and kingdom, she’s searched the kingdoms for another way to rule as queen someday while also choosing her own husband. Yet, Eira’s claim to the crown falls into jeopardy when her father, King Brennus, is poisoned and fated to a sleep of living death and Eira is next on the assassin’s hit list – who happens to be her stepmother, Queen Amelia. After Eira escapes Queen Amelia’s clutches she journeys to the northern Paravian mountains in search of an enchanted cup to save her father.
Yet Eira’s quest is more than she anticipated with evading Queen Amelia’s guards, traveling with the one man she shouldn’t be with, and having to bargain with the ancient dragon guarding the enchanted cup. She’ll have to decide how to save her family and kingdom, even if it means sacrificing her heart and all she’s wanted her whole life.
The Review:
A Snow White retelling?!?! I’m here for it! Actually, one thing I learned about myself in the last few years is that I absolutely adore fairytale retellings. They can be so fun and unexpected, and add another dimension to a story I already know and love.
You know what else I love? A debut novel that doesn’t read like one. Hornburg’s writing is masterful, and I realized while reading that she’s one of those writers who can craft a beautiful story so well that she makes the whole process of writing look easy (even though I know firsthand that it isn’t). I was so drawn in by the worldbuilding, the lush and enticing descriptions of settings and attire, and I really liked the characters.
The twist on Snow White (not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb) of the father getting poisoned and entering a deep sleep was favorable; I was glad it didn’t happen to our main character and she was able to go off on a great adventure. There were witches, fae, and other various fantasy characters, which was a welcome surprise. I enjoy a well-formed fantasy world, and especially love one that isn’t limited to only one type of fantastical being.
But one of my favorite aspects of a great book is the romance, and the relationship between Eira and Cadeyrn was memorable. It was sweet, it was romantic, it was fiery and sexy and enviable. Their love for each other was always apparent, and the ways in which they would make sacrifices for each other was heartwarming. And Caderyn himself? Absolutely worthy of a swoon or three.
Overall, this was a fun read! I felt immersed in the world and story as I read, and felt I could easily connect to the characters and understand their motivations.
After reading this one, I’m so very excited to read the next book in the Cursed Queens series, and fortunately, The Shadow’s Heir will be released on May 17, 2022! Less than a month away, and I can’t wait! :)
