Artefacts of Ouranos

Artefacts of Ouranos is Nisha J. Tuli's international bestselling four-book dark fantasy romance series following Lor, a woman who has endured years of torment under the Aurora King's rule, as she's unexpectedly freed and thrust into the Sun King's queen trials - a deadly competition where ten women compete for the role of queen, with losing meaning death or worse, return to the Aurora King. Blending immersive fae worldbuilding with romance-forward storytelling, the series delivers slow burn dynamics, dual morally grey royal love interests, powerful magical artefacts shaping destinies, and the dark romantasy atmosphere that has earned praise from major genre names including Rebecca Yarros and Raven Kennedy whilst building devoted BookTok readership.

The world of Ouranos is shaped by powerful magical artefacts - including the Heart Crown - whose possession and control determine political power and personal destiny. Fae royal courts operate under competing interests, ancient obligations, and dangerous politics that affect everyone caught between the Sun King's court and the Aurora King's rule. Lor enters this world without the advantages or understanding that other competitors possess, making her an outsider whose survival requires adapting quickly to rules and power structures she doesn't fully understand.

Books in the Artefacts of Ouranos series

Trial of the Sun Queen (Book 1) introduces Lor, freed after twelve years under the Aurora King's rule and thrust into the Sun King's queen trials. Competing against nine other tributes for the role of queen - and facing resentment from competitors who don't believe she belongs - Lor must win because losing means death or return to the Aurora King. The novel establishes the world, the trial framework, and the complicated dynamics between Lor and the royals whose interests intersect with hers.

Rule of the Aurora King (Book 2) continues as Lor finds herself in the hands of Nadir, the Aurora Prince, who believes she's hiding something and is determined to uncover her secrets. As Lor and Nadir search for a lost artefact holding keys to her past and future, their complicated dynamic develops whilst the Sun King pursues her and the larger stakes of Ouranos's future become clearer.

Fate of the Sun King (Book 3) follows Lor on the run with the Heart Crown in her possession and Nadir at her side, as both the Sun and Aurora Kings pursue her. With rebellion stirring and secrets about the artefacts emerging, Lor navigates lies, betrayal, and her own awakening magic whilst fighting for everything she wants.

Tale of the Heart Queen (Book 4) concludes the series as Lor faces the consequences of her wild fae magic whilst fighting for her soulmate, her family, and peace for Ouranos itself - navigating her most powerful and dangerous enemies yet.

Common themes include agency and survival, power imbalances and genuine connection, discovering hidden magical abilities, deadly competition forcing impossible choices, navigating fae politics, and identity forged through trial.