Coming September 7th, 2025

Praise for The Midwizard of Cosconia:

  • "The Midwizard of Cosconia isn’t just a fantasy novel; it’s a love letter to women’s strength, resilience, and the power of compassionate care. The story is original and clearly crafted with love."

    Kimberly H.

  • "Fantasy, medicine and romance meet for this epic novel! I went in with an open mind and was quickly locked in to the world of Cosconia. Right away you are enchanted and each chapter finishes with you immediately wanting to read the next."

    Danielle M.

  • "This was probably the most unique book I’ve read this year! I’m totally obsessed with the concept of a midwife for magical races and Schoppen (a real OBGYN) put in a TON of work making the maternity system of this world feel real. The worldbuilding is really just fantastic and I had so much fun reading it. I also loved Izzie and watching her grow as a midwizard and character. There were some great twist and turns! Overall and fantastic book that I totally recommend!"

    Jordan R.

  • "This book delivers on every level, with a perfect blend of friendship, drama, action, romance, and humor. Kudos to the author for tackling the complexities of pregnancy with sensitivity and depth!"

    Malvika

  • "The story is filled with unexpected twists, betrayal, misunderstandings, love, loss, and conflict, leaving me eager to uncover what would happen next. There were moments when I found myself internally shouting at the characters and times when I cried right alongside them. If you enjoy lighthearted fantasy novels, this one is a must-read!"

    Allison M.

  • "Medical fantasy meets epic adventure. It centers on childbirth in a high-stakes fantastical world, a concept not often seen in the genre! You’ll get to meet orcs, giants, elves, dwarves, halflings, and supernatural creatures. All of these are presented while navigating the impeding war that is to come. You get every touch of fantasy that you are looking for, all while receiving a whole new take! I throughly enjoyed this book and thanks to Zack for reaching out. I hope your release is everything you could dream of."

    Alyssa M.

  • "Yes!! A fantasy novel that ditches 'the chosen one' and asks: 'what if the real magic was delivering babies in the middle of a war?' The Midwizard of Cosconia is smart, weird, and fresh. It trades in sweeping prophecies for something much more interesting: magical healthcare, bodily autonomy, and the politics of care work. And somehow, it's still surprisingly funny. Izzie is a brilliant, burned-out blood mage who’s just trying to do her job while navigating interspecies drama, backstabbing bureaucrats, and her mess of an ex. The world is richly built, the birth scenes are wild, and the story strikes a balance between absurdity and emotional depth. Completely original and deeply entertaining."

    Kelsey S.

  • "A debut novel that bursts onto the fantasy scene with a relatable FMC, a bit of a love story and a unique magic system. Combining the visceral reality of midwifery with the sprawling imagination of high fantasy, Schoppen creates a lush, multi-species world where birth is not just biological but deeply political, spiritual, and magical. This novel is a one-of-a-kind, must read"

    Jordan H.

  • "the story was amazing. I couldn’t put it down. You’re sure this is a debut novel?? The characters. Say what you will about the author: this is not someone that sees women as the subservient sex. He writes powerful, ambitious, nuanced, layered ‘freles’ that carry the story and change the fate of the world."

    Andie W.

  • "What I love also is that the author was able to show the complexities that can come with pregnancy amd he did it in such a creative and poignant way. It was as if I was being entertained and educated all at the same time. This book made me smile and laugh and then it turned around and made me sad and emotional but I loved every page even more than the last."

    Patsy R.

  • "I received an ARC and am SO glad! I have always loved fantasy and this is one of the most unique books I’ve read. Being an OBGYN, the subject material really spoke to me. The writing draws you in and the world building left me feeling like I was actually there. Izzie is a strong female lead which is my favorite element in any book. The book tackles a lot of women’s reproductive health topics with grace and in a way that doesn’t feel forced. I can’t wait to get my official copy and I actually am already dying for the next book in the series!"

    Surbhi J.

  • "An exceptionally unique take on fantasy. It inspired me to write the top ten things I enjoyed in The Midwizard of Cosconia 1. Complex characters and motivations 2. Lots of ready potential for future books - other lands, races, characters 3. I learned things about childbirth! Like in real life! 4. The premise is so good that I would have enjoyed reading it even if it wasn't well written (it IS well written, reader) 5. Tons of nods to genre conventions 6. Willingness to subvert those conventions 7. A conflicted but noble protagonist. 8. A complex but understandable system of magic 9. Villains that you love to hate 10. Lago is everything that is beautiful about the world encapsulated in a character"

    Mark S.

  • "This book has it all: a plot that keeps you hooked, a romance that makes you swoon, and action in all the right places. Truly worth the read, and I can't wait for the physical copy so I can add it to my bookshelf. I was hooked from the first chapter (which, can I just say how unusual that is for fantasy?). The main character Izzie is witty, fun, and heartbreakingly complex. Her relationships in the book pulled at my heartstrings, and her magical talking bag made me legitimately laugh out loud. I love that the author is delving into a very under-represented aspect of fantasy: women! How has there not been a fantasy book written about birth or pregnancy?? It felt like everything under the sun had been done in fantasy until this book downloaded onto my Kindle. Such a fun new twist with an extremely engaging story and characters you really care about. I can't recommend this book fast enough. For anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy: READ THIS!!!"

    Rachel Z.

  • "What truly sets this book apart is its focus. As a mother who has experienced fertility issues, I found this story deeply moving. It’s rare—especially in fantasy—to see pregnancy and fertility take center stage in a way that’s both magical and medically grounded. Schoppen, an actual OBGYN, infuses the story with real insight and care, offering explanations that are accessible, emotional, and impactful without ever feeling like a lecture. The world-building is rich, the tone balances humor and heartbreak beautifully, and the ending had me going, “Wait, THAT’S where you’re leaving us?!” Needless to say, I’m desperate for a sequel."

    Loriana A.

  • "I LOVED this book. This is the first book I have read for pleasure in over five years and for the last two weeks I have not been able to put it down, choosing to read each evening instead of watching TV!"

    Jenn C.

  • "The Midwizard of Cosconia is equal parts court intrigue, magical medicine, and heroic deliveries. A loud round of applause and a hearty dose of admiration for Zack Schoppen, who may have just invented “medical fantasy” and left me wondering why this genre didn’t exist before. The world-building is lush, the pacing brisk, and the medical details add a deliciously unexpected texture to the story. Different, creative, and an absolute breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre."

    Emily

  • "The Midwizard of Cosconia delivers on all of this and more with a simultaneously witty, entertaining, and heart-wrenching account of Izzy's travels through a magical land on her quest to save expecting mothers of all races during increasing tumultuous pregnancies."

    Jordan S.

  • "A true highlight of the book for me was Izzy’s bag- which I won’t share the name of because the naming process was an amazing thing to read- the humour coming out of that silly little sentient bag was nothing short of amazing."

    Rose B.

  • "Izzie, a newly graduated mid-wizard, uses blood magic to help creatures give birth- this book is more than entertaining, it’s full of information that only someone well versed in the subject can give, and as a mother it’s beautiful to see someone introducing the intricacies of birth and motherhood into the fantasy realm. I’m rarely a fantasy girl, but the world and creatures that live in it were beautifully crafted"

    Christi J.