In Daphne Ryan’s The Daft King, Nicolas Brennan is twenty-one and has worn Myren’s crown since the pox killed his parents, leaving him to rule a kingdom that treats him like an adolescent. His council handles business as citizens call him the Daft King. With no wife, his death would trigger the Crown Trials, a contest to choose Myren’s ruler. When an attack during a hunt injures his friend Camedyr Perry, his advisers decide marriage can wait no longer. Princess Lylie Dey of Pineria is their match, though Nic wants a woman he can love. Brides arrive at Castle Kentillie as disturbing reports emerge from the lustite mine, source of the glowing mineral used in homes. Then a prince brings warnings about Apronia, Myren’s neighbor. Nic must decide whom to trust before danger reaches the crown.

Daphne Ryan’s The Daft King is an incredible fantasy, and Ryan has fleshed Nic out as a genuinely likable young king whose easy humor sits naturally beside his affection for the people around him. I love Petyr, Nic’s closest friend, whose devotion shows when he volunteers to enter the lustite mine after realizing Myren needs answers. Ryan’s world-building is massive, and much of it comes through the political customs separating Riolta’s kingdoms. For example, Myren’s Crown Trials can place an unrelated victor on the throne, while Pinerian law prevents a king’s daughter from inheriting. Still, it’s Ryan’s near-cinematic descriptions of landscapes that steal the scenes, from the underground Wendellian Sea glowing beneath crystal formations, to Qoterra, where purple-haired Queen Hyannis rides beneath a hill crowded with soldiers. Imaginative and bold, readers who enjoy royal families caught inside continental schemes will adore this.

The Daft King: Whispers and Fates Book 1 by Daphne Ryan follows King Nicolas Brennan, a young ruler struggling to guide his kingdom through the aftermath of a devastating plague while dealing with political pressure, dwindling resources, threats from neighboring kingdoms, and the urgent need to secure an heir. When Nic begins searching for a bride, he expects the process to be straightforward, but meeting Wyn, a mysterious historian with secrets of her own, changes everything. As strange events surrounding the kingdom's lustite mines and ancient dangers begin to unfold, Nic discovers that the problems facing Myren are far greater than he ever imagined.

I really enjoyed The Daft King by Daphne Ryan. Nic is an incredibly likable protagonist, and I loved that he is a kindhearted, somewhat unconventional king rather than the typical powerful and intimidating ruler. His friendships with Petyr, Cam, and Aeden bring plenty of humor and warmth to the story, while his growing relationship with Wyn provides an engaging emotional center. The world-building was another highlight for me. I enjoyed learning about the different kingdoms, their political systems, succession rules, and the importance of lustite. The story gradually expands from a seemingly simple search for a queen into something much more complex, incorporating fantasy, romance, and darker themes. The pacing worked well overall, although there were moments where the story slowed down to develop the characters and political background. I appreciated these sections because they made the later events feel more impactful. Overall, The Daft King is a fun and character-driven fantasy romance with plenty of humour, secrets, unexpected twists, and intriguing world-building. The ending left me wanting to know what happens next, and I’m definitely interested in reading more of the series.