The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala on LSBBT Pop-Up Blog Hop with Giveaway!

The Duchess of Kokora

By Nikhil Prabala

LGBTQ+ / YA / Humorous Fantasy / Romantasy

Publisher: Grand Press

Pages: 442

Publication Date: August 8, 2024

SYNOPSIS

The Duchess of Kokora, Phera Ylir Mdana, has entered the marriage games of the neighboring kingdom of Ryene. But she’s not there to woo the dashing Prince Dominic.

Her true objective? To win back one of the other contestants, Lady Rocelle Virae—Phera’s true love and ex-fiancée.

Love proves to be a game like any other when Phera must not only mend matters with her childhood sweetheart, but conceal her true intentions in order to earn votes and stay in the competition.

And as long-brewing political tensions simmer beneath the surface, the playful veneer of the competition begins to crack. In the end, Phera, Dominic, and Rocelle find themselves united in a desperate bid to prevent a duel that threatens the integrity of the kingdom, the stability of the continent, and any hope for a happily ever after.

This novel is the first in a planned series.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From playing the DM in Dungeons and Dragons to writing fantasy novels, Nikhil Prabala loves storytelling, delighting in fantasy fiction from the epic to the cozy and everywhere in between. The Duchess of Kokora is his first published novel.

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, he graduated from Stanford in 2019 and is currently based in the Bay Area. In his free time he enjoys ballroom dancing, singing, playing the guitar, tabletop games, and spending time with friends and family.

WEBSITE ◆ TIKTOK ◆ INSTAGRAM

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REVIEW

I was initially drawn to The Duchess of Kokora because of the beautiful cover. The jewel tones worn by the Mona Lisa-esque woman with a thick braid and talons that sparkle a deep blue fascinated me. Why does she have talons? What mystery is she hiding behind her demure smile?

Once I began reading, the richness of the world-building and the vivid characters pulled me through the story. The author weaves together a complicated tale of political intrigue and forbidden romance, set against a backdrop of a society on the brink of change. 

The characters wrestle with questions whose answers will take them into a very different future. Technology or tradition? Kindness or cruelty? Justice or vengeance? 

These questions are also played out in the Rounds, a competition for the crown prince’s hand in marriage. Phera, a duchess from the neighboring Kokora, must navigate the games with care, as she doesn’t want to win, only to prove herself to her beloved’s family in order to be allowed to marry her. The love triangle that emerges further complicates Phera’s plans.

I enjoyed the fast pace of the book and the adventures that Phera attracted with her fierce personality and brash approach to life. She embraces all that makes her different: “No matter what I do, I will always be an outsider.”

Overall, I was impressed with the depth of the world Prabala created. The rules of the magic, the rising tension between societal classes, the political subterfuge, and the main character’s growth all combine to make a story that I’m anxious to know more about. 

Fair warning, it does end on a cliffhanger. If it goes the way I think it will, we’ll be immersed in Kokora in the next book, and I’m here for it.

If you liked this story, you will probably enjoy these series:: Game of Thrones, The Shadowhunters

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