THE HYACINTH LABYRINTH

In the Fae world, a princess and a human embark on an adventurous quest while sorting out their romantic feelings toward each other.

Chloe Wreckersfind has been stuck in Moonshadow Kingdom for a year, hiding her human identity behind the disguise of a common Fae girl who’s working as a stable hand for the queen and practicing her sword skills. Hyacinth Bramblefen, princess of the High Fae, has her own secret: She doesn’t possess any magic. The unlikely pair recently kissed, but they’re still just friends…right? Regardless, feelings can be discussed later, because when Hyacinth gets a clue about her long-lost father’s whereabouts, the duo immediately set off in a carriage on a journey toward the dangerous, mysterious Labyrinth. Chloe secretly hopes she’ll find a portal back to her world so she can be reunited with her twin sister. Joined by a teacup-sized dragon, they encounter a slew of magical creatures, some helpful and others nefarious. While this cozy fantasy with a soft, Sapphic romance functions as a stand-alone, it’s set in the same world as, and features characters from, The Vermilion Emporium (2022) and The Absinthe Underground (2024). Pale-skinned Chloe and purple-hued Hyacinth are a charming couple with sweet yearnings, even if the slow-burn romance lacks depth. Their road trip adventure is full of inventive and appealing magical elements with just the right amount of danger to keep it exciting.

Cute, feel-good, fantastical fun.