Once Upon a Throne of Thorns

The release date for Once Upon a Throne of Thorns is July 24, 2026, for PC. This indie visual novel from ebi-hime follows a deposed royal turned political assassin in a kingdom held by a paranoid usurper. Forced into a life of bloodshed to secure medical care for his mother, the protagonist Tavi spends his days hunting down dissenters while searching for a long-lost prince who might be the only person left to recognize his humanity.

The narrative leans into the dark atmosphere of a grim fairy tale, blending boys' love romance with political intrigue and high-stakes espionage. Expect a heavy focus on character interiority and the moral weight of political survival in a world where loyalty is bought with blood. This is a clear choice for visual novel readers who prefer moody, grounded drama over lighthearted romance. Buy this if you want a serious, character-driven story about redemption and the costs of loyalty.