Author: Enola M. Douglas

Series: Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms

First Published: 10 July 2026

“I don’t need gold or grandeur, only a place to breathe.”

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank so much Enola for sending a copy my way!

Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms is an interconnected standalone series, so you don’t need to read Whisked Away before but would highly recommend as there is an overarching plot to this series.

An arranged marriage.
A fragile alliance.
A love neither thought possible.

Omega Princess JingYi of Xûen-Sarai has always lived in the shadows—unseen, unwanted, valued only for her skill as a healer. When she’s sent to marry a powerful Alpha lord in a distant kingdom, she sees it as an escape. A chance to reclaim her dignity.

Alpha Lord Alexander Wulfbane expects a flawless bride to restore his disgraced House—but the Omega who arrives is nothing like he imagined. The moment their eyes meet, disappointment lingers, and their fragile alliance begins to fray.

But beyond the cold marriage bed and strained diplomacy, a darker plot is brewing. Across the realm, Omegas are vanishing—and whispers of a forbidden substance threaten to destabilize the Nine Kingdoms. To survive, JingYi and Alexander must become more than a political match.

She’s not the bride he wants.
And she never asks him to be her hero.
But when the storm comes, they’ll have to choose—
stand together, or be swept away.

I fell completely head over heels for this world since reading Whisked Away last year and have been dying to get my hands on this book since it was announced. I am thrilled to announce that I adored Cast Off every bit as much as the first book. JingYi and Alexander have me on an emotional roller coaster. And I was here for every second! It hurt so good!

JingYi is the disgraced omega princess of Xûen-Sarai. And her crime? A facial birthmark and a disabled leg. In a court that values beauty and perfection, JingYi is a flaw that the court will ignore. She survived in the shadows, honing her skills to become a healer. Her usefulness is the only thing keeping her alive. JingYi is resigned to her fate—living in the shadows of the Palace of a Thousand Suns under the cruel treatment of the court she serves. She never expects to escape the palace, but she’s gifted the chance when she’s married off to a distant lord from a country on the other side of the world. This is her chance to be seen as more than her disability. In Xûen-Sarai tradition, she arrives at her new home veiled. At first, it appears that Alexander is an honourable Alpha and that she hopes for a happy life. Their tentative alliance unravels in a single moment when Alexander cannot hide his disappointment when her flaws are revealed. As omegas across the realm go missing, JingYi and Alexander need to become more than a political match. The pair needs to navigate their cold marriage, complex politics and fragile diplomacy. Can they drop their walls and stand together, or will they be torn apart? 

JingYi is one of the strongest characters I’ve read. The sheer amount of cruelty she was forced to face is heartbreaking. She handles everything with dignity, working hard to prove herself to those who’ve treated her poorly. JingYi had spent her life in survival mode, being pitted against her family to win the favour of her father, the emperor, and had the risk of abuse constantly hanging over her head. She’s learnt that the best chance to survive is through her ability as a healer. I loved her friendship with Alexander’s sister, Yrenna, because she finally had someone on her side. It was a joy watching JingYi learn that she can take up space in this world and that she deserves to be loved. 

If you love a grumpy, stoic hero with a secret heart of gold, then Alexander Wulfbane is 100% the man for you. He’s spent the last few decades earning back his family’s favour with the Termorian King. His family name has been disgraced after his father was executed as a traitor. His entire focus is on restoring his honour and protecting his people. He fucks up, a fair few times, but he isn’t above taking ownership and making amends, which we love to see. 

JingYi and Alexander have stolen my heart. Their romance is a delicious slow burn that had my emotions all over the place. Did I want to shake them to get them to talk? Yes. Communication is difficult as JingYi has grown up being forced to make herself as small as possible, and Alexander is emotionally constipated. There is a third act break-up—and before you roll your eyes—it was beautifully done. JingYi needed to leave. She needed to heal from her trauma and learn that she is worthy. And Alexander understood he needed to grovel. And boy, did he grovel! Hands down one of the best grovels I’ve read. 

Behind this emotional romance, our macro plot is developing. Omegas are being kidnapped and trafficked through an underground ring. We’ve learnt more about who is in power behind this underground operation and are realising how widespread it is. I have no idea how this omega trafficking ring will be stopped, but I am here for the ride. I also loved the cameo we got from Rei, Kaelen and Alarik—our characters from the first book.

Cast Off has introduced us to two more kingdoms. Like with the first book, Whisked Away, I am obsessed with the world-building. Hands down, this series had some of the best world-building I’ve ever read. You really get to see the culture clash between Xûen-Sarai and Tremore as we follow JingYi on her journey to marry Alexander. We see differences in their cultural traditions, languages, and even in small everyday details such as clothing and food. It’s truly magical the way Enola M. Douglas has created this world that feels so real. I’m excited to see this world expand as we move through the series.

Enough of me gushing about Cast Off, it’s safe to say we’ve found one of my top reads of 2026. I adore JingYi and Alexander. I already want to reread their story. We have got a little taste of the next book, which I can’t wait for! For all my fantasy and omegaverse girlies, you need to pick up this series stat!