Synopsis:
All Nyneve Or’Afon needs to do is prove herself to the Druid Elders. Then the young sorceress can go home—back to her magic and her studies, pursuing all the mysteries the world has to offer.
But there’s a rather large obstacle in her way: the handsome and cunning Sir Mordred Pendragon, knight of the Round Table and bastard son of King Arthur. From the very first moment they meet, he’s deeply suspicious of Nyneve. After all, Mordred knows exactly what an outsider with a secret looks like.
Because he is one—a faerie changeling embedded in King Arthur’s court, to be exact. And if anyone could uncover that dangerous truth, it’s the spellbinding sorceress who makes him weak in the knees … which means Mordred will do almost anything to get Nyneve out of Camelot.
But as war brews, a notorious sorcerer returns and an ancient god tests the walls of his prison, Mordred and Nyneve find their similarities growing into an inconvenient attraction—and a necessary alliance if they have any chance of surviving what’s to come.
Review:
As someone who read the Fatebound duology first, I was really looking forward to this prequel and the extra background it promised to add.
The story takes us back to Camelot – a time period I’m not deeply familiar with, but one where I recognise the key figures and the general setting. Nyneve is a druid who must prove herself by becoming a spy at court. Magic is a sensitive subject there, and some political decisions are far from universally accepted. Any information that might give the opposing side an advantage is therefore highly valuable. When Nyneve arrives, she is given an opportunity that allows her to step into that role.
When she meets Mordred, their early interactions are filled with mistrust and resentment. Yet, despite this, they are gradually drawn to one another. As they begin to reveal their secrets, their relationship deepens into something more meaningful.
Looking at this story on its own, I enjoyed it a great deal. Both main characters are placed in situations they had little control over, and their differences are what ultimately bring them together and help form a connection.
However, when I consider it as part of the larger series – having already read the duology – something felt slightly missing. I can’t fully explain what it is, but I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to the characters as I had hoped. The story felt both linked to the main series and somewhat separate at the same time.
That said, it still had its strong moments and was an entertaining read overall. It may simply be that this is only the beginning of the prequel arc, and the next instalment will bridge the gaps and bring everything together more fully.
🌙 Recension: Between the Rival Courts (Fatetouched #1) by Victoria Mier
📚 Genre: Fantasy, Romance
📅 Release Date: May 19, 2026
📱 Read as: Kindle
📗 included in Kindle Unlimited
💸 I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 486
⭐️ 4/5
Between the Rival Courts is a prequel to the Fatebound Duology, but it is not necessary to read the duology first. It is recommended though.
Interested in more?
- Review: The Dream Home by T.M. Logan
- Review: The Love of Another Life by Emma Cooper
- Review: The Player by Rachel Thorne
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