Introduction
Charlie N. Holmberg is a prolific fantasy author known for her imaginative worlds and accessible, character‑driven storytelling. With more than two dozen books under her belt, she released The Shattered King on the 2nd September 2025 as the first installment of a duology. The sequel, The Half‑Hearted Queen, continues the story and expands the world she introduced in this atmospheric, magic‑tinged adventure.
A Summary
The Shattered King follows Nym Tallowax - an orphan looking after her 7 siblings as a beekeeper. From the get go, it’s clear they struggle month to month, and with Brien, the sibling closest to her in age, now conscripted to fight in the war, it’s even harder to supplement the income. This only becomes more of a problem when she gets conscripted, but not as a soldier, as a healer. She can use magic to enter people’s lumie’s, and heal them from their ailments. She has one job. Heal the Prince. Prince Renn Noblewright has been on death’s door since he was a young babe, but when Nym shows up, there seems to be a chance at his health being able to be fixed. The story weaves their complicated relationship through the political prowess of foreign nations pressuring Cansere to make choices that may doom them.
Writing Style
Holmberg’s style of writing is one that focuses on internal monologues contrasted with the immersive description of the world around the character. The Shattered King is a first person novel with only one POV - Nym Tallowax. She is a seasoned writer, with other 25 books published.
What I Loved
The imagery by Charlie N. Holmberg is just stunning, and definitely made this story as loved as it is. As the concept of a ‘lumie’ is a visual idea within itself, it would have been a make-or-break type of deal depending on how in-depth and well-done the writing was. And Holmberg’s writing in this was amazing! I felt immersed at every step, and never felt bored.
The plot itself was well-crafted, avoiding any plot holes (at least that I caught) and releasing enough information for you to have theories about what is happening, without ever being able to fully nail it on the head.
I really adored the portrayal of class in this book, even though it is a fantasy, it was interesting to see someone who is involved with both the elite classes and the poorer classes as she tried to appease both sides.
What I Didn’t Love
This novel is first person, and only contains one POV, and this choice made it difficult for me to truly love Renn as a love interest, and as a character. Renn is a character who has been through immense pain, hopelessness and feelings of inferiority, and I believe an insight into his mind would be so interesting and would have elevated the book to the next level.
Also, although I didn’t have a problem with this, it’s important for me to say that this book contains a lot of repetition on the character’s actions. I personally enjoyed it, as you got to see Nym and Renn’s daily interactions, spotting small differences and, because you don’t get Renn’s POV, this time spent with him develops his character well. However, some people would consider it boring.
Recommendation
If you love a good romantasy, with a map at the front of the book, and a war torn world, then this is your jam. I read this book in 1 day, and then immediately moved onto the next part in the duology as it had recently come out. I think, even with the book being so good, there is so much Holmberg can do in this world if she chooses to. There is minimal smut, more so yearning, but due to its other dark tones, I wouldn’t suggest it for younger readers.
Songs
Songs that I find reminiscent of the book:
Hartebeest by Yaelokre
Running With the Wolves by Aurora
I Am the Winter by The Family Crest
Before Your Father Hears Us by The Family Crest
(P.S. We made them links so feel free to click on them and get teleported straight into the vibes.)
