The Duchess of Kokora

by

Nikhil Prabala

Good young adult fantasy and second-chance romance, filled with heart and humor.

The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala is a new young adult romantasy filled with heart and humor. From the very first scene, I was hooked by the main character, her witty sarcasm, sense of what’s right, and gutsy attitude. I was a quick conscript to Team Phera. 

Phera Ylir Mdana, the titular duchess, is a kick-ass heroine with a sense of humor and a bit of a temper. She is in the neighboring country of Ryene to participate in the “Rounds,” a marriage competition with Prince Dominic as the prize. Her real goal, though, is to last long enough and score high enough in the game without winning. She hopes that the results will increase her marriageable status (and value) in the eyes of the parents of her true love, Rocelle Virae – another contestant. She and Rocelle had been on the verge of an engagement when a marriage proposal gone wrong left Rocelle’s parents unimpressed and both girls disappointed in the other. 

The plot follows the progress of the marriage game, but there is also political intrigue, a fight over Ryene’s class system of the elite “Signed” (magic users) and the lower class “Unsigned” (those without magic, a love triangle, and, of course, the second-chance romance. The author’s world-building is impressive and immersive, with a fully visualized fantasy world and a well-developed system of magic from the start. The storytelling is engaging, and I laughed out loud at the many gems in the sparkling dialogue. Thank goodness there is mention that this book is the first in a planned series because there is a cliffhanger ending. Hurry, Book Two! 

With its engaging main character, robust plot, and rich world-building, I recommend THE DUCHESS OF KOKORA to readers of young adult romantic fantasies.

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