3.76 AVERAGE

adventurous emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I'm obsessed. This was like ... the aughts paranormal romances with a subtle cheesiness to it and I loved every minute of it. No joke, I read half in almost a single sitting because I just could not put it down. The writing is simple, but it captures the unique world and its specific brand of romantic magic perfectly. There are some Fallout vibes to it that I adored and I just quite simply loved the two main characters. Will absolutely be reading more from this author in future. 
dark emotional lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

It's a great short YA fantasy book, but the world-building could be better. The female lead, Isadora(pretty name), is not annoying. She reminded me of Feyre from ACOTAR. 

The blend of dystopian elements with modern twists was really well done—it gave the story a unique vibe that kept me turning pages.

I especially loved the dynamic between Isadora and Tristan. Their relationship had layers and the tension. The untold truths and hidden histories between the two kingdoms (or clans?) added so much depth to the story. That kind of political intrigue and generational conflict always gets me.

But… I have to say, the insta love and the rushed pace at the beginning, especially with the wedding? It threw me a bit off...hence the four stars. Still, the rest of the book pulled me back in, and the emotional stakes and world-building made up for the early rush. If you're into forbidden alliances and dystopian politics with a romance plot, this one's definitely worth a read.

lilaknitsandreads's review

4.0
adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
adventurous hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

lost interest around 40%. i should’ve dnf‘ed. 

hated the message of the book but also the „lovestory“. 

in no universe was this enemies to lovers. at most this was strangers to lovers. they both were always cordial with eachother and then randomly loved eachother????? and dropped the L bomb. no yearning no nothing not even a tragedy at the end?!

total waste of time. 

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett is a sharp, emotional YA romantasy set in a world where trust is rare and magic comes at a cost. Isadora’s a healer for the five clans. Tristan’s an assassin from the enemy side. When he saves her life with forbidden magic, they’re stuck with a bond neither of them wanted—and it comes with complications, like memory-sharing and a pull they can’t ignore.

The first few chapters are a slow build, but once it takes off, it moves. The tension, the shifting loyalties, the heartache—it all hits. The story digs into access to knowledge, the danger of blind loyalty, and how small actions can spark change. Also, yes to more standalones in fantasy. The ending wrapped things up perfectly, and honestly, I wasn’t ready to let go.

Brief kissing, no spice. Big feelings. Strong debut. Definitely recommend.

Thank you @BookSparks and @meliissawritesya for the #gifted book. All opinions expressed are my own. 
adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes