When she recklessly steals a book from him, Oneira inadvertently initiates a forbidden correspondence. Taunting notes and clever retorts reveal a connection neither has found – nor could ever find – in any other.

But Oneira soon learns that Stearanos, bound to a vile king, is tasked with waging war on the queen she once served. A relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire – and yet, Oneira can’t seem to stay away. A bond with Stearanos could alight the long-extinct flame of life within her . . . or it could destroy her entirely.

Something entirely unexpected has happened in my bookish life: I’m finding myself slowly being captivated by the recent trend of ‘villain fantasy’. Somewhat adjacent to ‘cosy fantasy’ but with a realistic perspective of traditional Baddies and just what they get up to when not hatching evil plots, this is fantastic fiction at its most human – and I’m entirely here for it.

Never the Rosesis, quite simply, beautiful. It begins gently, with the initial chapters devoted purely to the Dread Sorceress Oneira in her retirement. She sets up a home for herself that isn’t dictated by the needs of her ruler/owner, discovers some animal companions who appear to provide company, and generally acts like a woman in later life exploring how to manage post-divorce. She’s now free, beholden to nobody, with time all her own. Heaps of potential, but also possibly boredom (especially when you’ve read all the books in your magical library).

The story flows from there, as she reaches out to see what her former Great Adversary, the Wizard Stearanos, is up to. He is still caught in servitude (via contractual obligation) to a greedy King, very aware of how a Powerful Mage must be, but also of a similar mind – he just wants to rest and relax, doing his own thing rather than waging pointless war on behalf of fools. And find out just who is messing about with his own magical library…

As I’m sure many other readers will in this mad world of 2025, I was able to appreciate the need for peace outside the noise of politics and the working world, stepping away from expectations to simply learn how to grow roses, explore dreams and just live a fulfilling life. The humour of the potential retirees being essentially Gandalf-level magic-users was fun, but the slavish systems of this world were also moving, with a kind of magical capitalism stifling creativity for the sake of war.

Oneira is a lovely protagonist and I adored following her little quests of discovery, sharing the value of children’s books and learning how to complete tasks without the use of magic. The pace of the story may be slow compared to more conventionally action-packed fantasy adventures, but the sense of wonder, joy and what is truly valuable can be felt throughout as these two Great Mages seek simple freedom in a world that demands their power.

Gentle, powerful and heartfelt, this is original fantasy at its best.