Reign

By Bethan Croome
** Publication Date 1 September 2026 **
4 stars




As I continue on my 2026 romantasy tour, this stop belongs to Reign. There is nothing that notes that this is the first of series, but it sure felt like one. 


Niamh Smith is a young woman from the Wetlands of Lyonesse. She longs to be a blacksmith, as she is far more talented than her brother Finn. For now she helps out in the smithy when she can, helping Finn to finish objects or teaching Finn. But the smithy is no place for a woman.


Her best friend is Avice, the daughter of the Lord of the Wetlands. Avice is royalty and Niamh a commoner. They’ve been friends their entire lives. Avice is promised to the son of the King of Lyonesse. Niamh has no prospects for marriage, or any desire to marry. 


Magic is banned in Lyonesse, ever since the King’s sister tried to take the throne. Anyone found performing magic will be hung in the village square. So when Avice hears Niamh speaking Yfelle, the language of witches and wizards, Avice vows to let her father know. In a panic, Niamh commands the black dog she’s been caring for to attack Avice. Then Niamh is forced to flee the Wetlands, fearing for her life.


Niamh’s mother cuts her hair and puts Niamh in man’s clothing and sends her on her way. To the Walled City is Niamh’s plan. She will go there and become a blacksmith. Only her plans get derailed by the recruitment to the King’s army to fight a war in Cambas. 


I’d give this romantasy a lightly spicy rating. I didn’t think it was going to be as good as it turned out to be. Niamh is tough and independent. She is talented as a blacksmith. And she is a very good friend. She is definitely a character you can cheer on. The novel is a tad cumbersome at times, but the story is great. Woman pretends to be man, finds herself falling for a man whom she befriended. The mythology and magical history is interesting. From the tone of the book, I’d think it was placed in the Scottish Highlands. It has that feel to it. The ending left room for a sequel, but I suppose we'll have to wait to see if that happens. 


Would have loved to give the story 4.5 stars, but most outlets only let you give full stars. If you like romantasy that’s a bit on the spicy side, this is a good one.