Elizabeth Carlton’s The Royal Rogue is the compelling first novel in a proposed fantasy series.

The story is set in the Nevaharday kingdom, a magical realm populated by the rahee, a horse-loving race. The rahee are divided into the Nevahardans who abide by the kingdom’s rules and a nomadic community known as the kaises which has refused to do the same. Relations between the two are extremely strained.

At the novel’s commencement, principle protagonist Prince Jaycent Connor is grieving the death of his parents, the former king and queen of Nevaharday. The novel also focuses on magical horse-whisperer Levee Tensley, an 18-year-old kaises whose magical equestrian abilities place her on a romantic collision-course with Jaycent.

Initially, Jaycent is unwilling to assume his responsibilities as heir to the Nevaharday throne. Having deferred responsibility to his cousin, Jaycent spends his days drinking and mourning. However, it becomes apparent that an ancient evil has returned, embodied by vengeful demigod Rykar and his horde of Abyssal monsters. Rykar plots to seize control of Nevaharday and eliminate Jaycent’s line.

To save his people, Jaycent must join forces with the kaises and embark on a quest to master his abilities as a dreamer (one who dreams about actual events occurring in other dimensions and across time) alongside Levee, who must also strengthen her mystical abilities.

Incorporating themes of xenophobia, forbidden love, and political intrigue, this is an engaging story that successfully blends romantasy elements with traditional epic fantasy tropes. Carlton delivers a detailed Nevaharday culture brimming with familiar fantasy characters and creatures (elves, unicorns, warring sorcerers, etc.). The novel particularly shines in the development of its diverse characters, such as Jaycent and Levee, benevolent sorcerer Patchi, villain Rykar, and Levee’s childhood sweetheart Milo, whose love for Levee adds a layer of dramatic tension to the story’s central romance.

Overall, The Royal Rogue is an appealing fantasy novel that will satisfy genre fans seeking a new series to enjoy.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.