This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala follows Phera Ylir Mdana, who maneuvers through Ryene’s elite court to consolidate political power and win the Rounds—a public, strategic contest of influence, alliances, and combat. After striking Ser Vloram to protect a servant, Phera uses the scandal to strengthen her standing. She aligns with Prince Dominic, posing as his romantic interest to shield his actual partner and enhance her visibility. Throughout the competition, she executes a sustained campaign to undermine rivals Sorana and Ulric through sabotage and public manipulation, while managing her deep feelings for Rocelle, a former student and lover. Their renewed relationship becomes a source of emotional confusion and political risk. As Phera gains ground, she proceeds through court rituals, factional hostilities, and carefully staged performances, until a provocative act prompts Queen Mazrazel to propose a royal marriage between Phera and Dominic.
Nikhil Prabala’s The Duchess of Kokora is a fantastic fantasy that takes the best of politicking and social finesse wrapped up in its strong female protagonist, Phera, whose decisions are built on her very own agency and carry weight from one scene to the next. There is a unique romantic angle that is gorgeous and organically depicted, and I appreciate that a relationship between two women is not made into a spectacle. It is authentic in how love is the focus, not the gender of who feeds this love. All of the Rounds sequences burst with excitement, and there is an intelligence to Prabala's use of banter, dialogue, and the public contests that drive the direction Phera is heading in. The result is an exciting introduction to a new world of fantasy. As far as a series goes, the potential is huge, and I would be delighted to follow Prabala's continuation as and when the books are released. Recommended.
