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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC review
“The Enemy’s Daughter” by Melissa Poett is reimagining of Tristan and Isolde's story set in a dystopian world woven with magic.
Thank you HarperCollins UK for the advance digital copy of the book (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
Isadora is the daughter of a clan leader that offered her as a 'prize' to the man that manages to kill the enemy, the leader of Kingsland.
She is wounded by a poisoned arrow and Tristan, an assassin from the Kingsland, saves her life using a rare magic that binds them together.
Through this magic they can share memories, emotions, pain and wounds.
I liked the world building, the magic and the romance.
The connection between Tristan and Isadora is enhanced by magic, but they are attracted to each other from the start.
This is not a slow burn and they turn from enemies to lovers after she finds out that her father lies to her about Kingsland.
The story is beautifully written and even if there is only one POV (Isadora's), we get to know Tristan well through his actions.
They are both well developed characters and I especially liked the way Isadora acted.
If you like books with fantasy, magic, romance and strong heroines, you will like this book.
“The Enemy’s Daughter” by Melissa Poett is reimagining of Tristan and Isolde's story set in a dystopian world woven with magic.
Thank you HarperCollins UK for the advance digital copy of the book (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
Isadora is the daughter of a clan leader that offered her as a 'prize' to the man that manages to kill the enemy, the leader of Kingsland.
She is wounded by a poisoned arrow and Tristan, an assassin from the Kingsland, saves her life using a rare magic that binds them together.
Through this magic they can share memories, emotions, pain and wounds.
I liked the world building, the magic and the romance.
The connection between Tristan and Isadora is enhanced by magic, but they are attracted to each other from the start.
This is not a slow burn and they turn from enemies to lovers after she finds out that her father lies to her about Kingsland.
The story is beautifully written and even if there is only one POV (Isadora's), we get to know Tristan well through his actions.
They are both well developed characters and I especially liked the way Isadora acted.
If you like books with fantasy, magic, romance and strong heroines, you will like this book.
Isadora lives in a community far from the edge of the civilization that previous generations enjoyed. They don't have electricity, running water, or any of the modern comforts her parents lived with before the bombs dropped. This is the only life she's ever known. So when her hand in marriage is offered to the one who brings down her clans biggest threat, she's not expecting it to trigger a series of events that may be her entire world's downfall.
*****
I'm a huge fan of Tristan and Isolde, so being offered to read this as a fantasy romance version immediately piqued my interest. I wouldn't actually say this is a fantasy though, as how the leads get their "magic" connection is assumed to be tied to gene mutation from nuclear bombs - which makes this more of a sci-fi/dystopian world instead. Either way, this one was captivating right out of the gates, although it took me a bit to realize we weren't in a pre-industrial world, but a post-war one.
Once that was settled, I was immediately drawn to Isadora - a brilliant and curious woman in a society that didn't allow her to be either. Her exposure to how others lived before the bombs dropped and in current day was so interesting to watch be revealed. Her reactions were visceral as she was torn between what she thought she knew, and what she was discovering.
I do wish we had more relationship development that didn't rely so heavily on the "connection". It was the entire reason she felt drawn to him, and it felt unbalanced when he very clearly was all in. That left a bit of a slower place in the middle of the book as she sorted herself out, but the latter quarter is full of action, twists, and scenes that had me tearing through it. I loved the main twist, and how everything she thought she knew turned on it's head. I didn't see it coming to that degree, and it had me hooked from there on out.
Overall this one was an interesting and captivating read, with beautiful writing that drew me in. I only wish it had been spread over a duology so we got a bit more world building and more explanation into the magical connection!
*****
Thank you to the author, Melissa Poett, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
I'm a huge fan of Tristan and Isolde, so being offered to read this as a fantasy romance version immediately piqued my interest. I wouldn't actually say this is a fantasy though, as how the leads get their "magic" connection is assumed to be tied to gene mutation from nuclear bombs - which makes this more of a sci-fi/dystopian world instead. Either way, this one was captivating right out of the gates, although it took me a bit to realize we weren't in a pre-industrial world, but a post-war one.
Once that was settled, I was immediately drawn to Isadora - a brilliant and curious woman in a society that didn't allow her to be either. Her exposure to how others lived before the bombs dropped and in current day was so interesting to watch be revealed. Her reactions were visceral as she was torn between what she thought she knew, and what she was discovering.
I do wish we had more relationship development that didn't rely so heavily on the "connection". It was the entire reason she felt drawn to him, and it felt unbalanced when he very clearly was all in. That left a bit of a slower place in the middle of the book as she sorted herself out, but the latter quarter is full of action, twists, and scenes that had me tearing through it. I loved the main twist, and how everything she thought she knew turned on it's head. I didn't see it coming to that degree, and it had me hooked from there on out.
Overall this one was an interesting and captivating read, with beautiful writing that drew me in. I only wish it had been spread over a duology so we got a bit more world building and more explanation into the magical connection!
*****
Thank you to the author, Melissa Poett, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A standalone YA dystopian romantasy perfect for fans of Mary E. Pearsons’ Dance of Thieves duology!
The Enemy’s Daughter follows Isadora, the daughter of the Saraf—the leader of the Clans—who works as a healer in a post-nuclear warfare landscape. After an unexpected encounter with a soldier named Tristan, she finds herself imprisoned in enemy territory: Kingsland. Known for their brutal practices and rumored to harbor sinister magic, the Kingsland people have long terrorized the Clans since the fall of the Old World. As Isadora grows closer to Tristan and begins interacting with the people of Kingsland, her long-held beliefs are challenged. She must sift through fact and fiction from the stories she’s been taught all her life and uncover the truth—before war breaks out between the two sides.
The Enemy’s Daughter follows Isadora, the daughter of the Saraf—the leader of the Clans—who works as a healer in a post-nuclear warfare landscape. After an unexpected encounter with a soldier named Tristan, she finds herself imprisoned in enemy territory: Kingsland. Known for their brutal practices and rumored to harbor sinister magic, the Kingsland people have long terrorized the Clans since the fall of the Old World. As Isadora grows closer to Tristan and begins interacting with the people of Kingsland, her long-held beliefs are challenged. She must sift through fact and fiction from the stories she’s been taught all her life and uncover the truth—before war breaks out between the two sides.
I had such a blast reading this! It’s a Tristan and Isolde retelling (though I wasn’t familiar with the original legend before diving into The Enemy’s Daughter). The romance between Isadora and Tristan gave me the same giddy feeling I had while reading Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth) and Once Upon a Broken Heart. However, the story was more reminiscent of Mary E. Pearson’s The Remnant Chronicles and Dance of Thieves series—both of which are favorites of mine. While the book leaned more dystopian than fantasy (which I didn’t expect), I wasn’t mad about it.
The touch-based magic system was a clever device for building romantic tension suitable for a wide audience. It allowed the story to focus on the emotional and magical connection between characters rather than simply on the physical intimacy, making the romance accessible and enjoyable for both a young adult audience and adults who prefer a more subtle, slow-burn style.
I would have loved to learn more about the historical context that led to the post-apocalyptic setting, as well as the origins of the magic. The brief suggestion that it might be a side effect of radiation felt a bit underdeveloped. Still, this was an enjoyable and promising debut from Melissa Poett, and I’m excited to see what she writes next!
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for access to an ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Pros
Fast paced
I didn't want to put the book down
Easy YA Dystopian Romance Read (Marketed as romantacy but I'd say that's secondary to the dystopia)
Cons
Weak writing
Romance underdeveloped
World building underdeveloped
Book felt rushed
If you're an avid fantasy reader, you'll see similarities between this book and a few series written by another author (think night court high lord/human, half human half fae/angel)
Fast paced
I didn't want to put the book down
Easy YA Dystopian Romance Read (Marketed as romantacy but I'd say that's secondary to the dystopia)
Cons
Weak writing
Romance underdeveloped
World building underdeveloped
Book felt rushed
If you're an avid fantasy reader, you'll see similarities between this book and a few series written by another author (think night court high lord/human, half human half fae/angel)
fast-paced
Thank you Book Sparks and the Publisher for a gifted copy.
OOOMPH.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
The first half of this? Good. I liked the bones of the plot, I liked the romantic twists and I thought the world building was easy to follow. The dystopian edge with a hint of fantasy was distinct and worked well. It is a standalone and does wrap up main storylines okay enough.
I think this was missing a lot. With love confessions before even the halfway point hit, my interest immediately tanked. The exploration of feelings and chemistry wasn’t all the way there and my investment level waned because I was behind on all the things they were apparently feeling.
Everything plot wise is very easy. I can’t say that one thing wasn’t highly forecasted or was the only option to move the pages forward. Had this been a duology with an expansion of the world and relationship I truly think this could have been grand.
I’d be curious to see what the author writes next though.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Dystopian Fantasy Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
OOOMPH.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
The first half of this? Good. I liked the bones of the plot, I liked the romantic twists and I thought the world building was easy to follow. The dystopian edge with a hint of fantasy was distinct and worked well. It is a standalone and does wrap up main storylines okay enough.
I think this was missing a lot. With love confessions before even the halfway point hit, my interest immediately tanked. The exploration of feelings and chemistry wasn’t all the way there and my investment level waned because I was behind on all the things they were apparently feeling.
Everything plot wise is very easy. I can’t say that one thing wasn’t highly forecasted or was the only option to move the pages forward. Had this been a duology with an expansion of the world and relationship I truly think this could have been grand.
I’d be curious to see what the author writes next though.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Dystopian Fantasy Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
5⭐️
Big thanks to NetGalley as always, for the ARC of The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett in exchange for an honest review.
This book completely pulled me in—I couldn’t put it down. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. It had everything I love: real enemies-to-lovers tension, forbidden romance, the dystopian setting, layered characters, and so many twists that I never knew what was coming next.
Isadora is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately—strong, kind, but not perfect. And Tristan? Let’s just say he’s the kind of morally gray character who keeps you guessing in the best way. Their dynamic was so compelling. The connection between them is intense, dangerous, and messy in a way that feels believable and earned.
What I loved most was that this isn’t just a romance wrapped in fantasy—it’s a story with real stakes, clever worldbuilding, and emotional weight. The plot moves fast, but it still finds time to explore big questions about trust, loyalty, and how far you’re willing to go for the people you love.
If you’re into fantasy with tension, heart, and characters that feel real, The Enemy’s Daughter is a must-read. I’m already hoping there’s a sequel—I need more of this world!
Big thanks to NetGalley as always, for the ARC of The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett in exchange for an honest review.
This book completely pulled me in—I couldn’t put it down. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. It had everything I love: real enemies-to-lovers tension, forbidden romance, the dystopian setting, layered characters, and so many twists that I never knew what was coming next.
Isadora is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately—strong, kind, but not perfect. And Tristan? Let’s just say he’s the kind of morally gray character who keeps you guessing in the best way. Their dynamic was so compelling. The connection between them is intense, dangerous, and messy in a way that feels believable and earned.
What I loved most was that this isn’t just a romance wrapped in fantasy—it’s a story with real stakes, clever worldbuilding, and emotional weight. The plot moves fast, but it still finds time to explore big questions about trust, loyalty, and how far you’re willing to go for the people you love.
If you’re into fantasy with tension, heart, and characters that feel real, The Enemy’s Daughter is a must-read. I’m already hoping there’s a sequel—I need more of this world!
The Enemy’s Daughter, a debut young adult (YA) dystopian romantasy by Melissa Poett, is a reimagining of the story of Tristan and Isolde.
When civilization is destroyed in the Republic, all that is left is five clans and their enemy kingdom, Kingsland. Isadora, the daughter of a clan leader, is a healer and is searching for ways to bring back the medicine that was once available to her people. Tristan, the son of the leader of Kingsland, is on a mission to get revenge on the clans for the murder of his father.
When their paths cross and Isadora gets shot by a poisoned arrow, Tristan is the only one who can save her. However, in order to do so, he must participate in a magical ceremony that will bind the two of them together for the rest of their lives. When Isadora awakes in enemy territory, “married” to Tristan, she finds herself beginning to question everything her father has ever told her of their so-called enemies, and in the process finds herself in grave danger.
I really liked the magic system in this, and I wished it had been explored a little more. It was something that definitely has elements I have seen before but appreciated nevertheless. In this world, few couples have the ability to connect telepathically and take on each other’s pain, and it was really rad! The connection that is forged through the magic was fascinating, and I would’ve loved to have more of a background on the lore behind it, and I think it would’ve added a lot of depth to the world Poett created.
The romance aspect of the book, despite the magical parts of their relationship, left a lot to be desired. It felt very insta-lovey and it didn’t really seem like either Isadora or Tristan actually knew each other. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the pair. Without spoiling too much, there was also a stalking plotline that was played off in a way I wasn’t digging in the slightest.
I am cutting this book a lot of slack, considering it is a debut. It was fun enough and kept me engaged. That being said, other than the magic system, which was incredibly cool, everything else just felt like every other YA political fantasy I have read. Nothing particularly new or inventive happened, and while I understand there are a lot of fantasy books out there and nothing is 100% original, this just felt like a generic young adult story and I wanted more out of it.
If you like a traditional young adult fantasy with dystopian elements, I think you would enjoy reading The Enemy’s Daughter. If you have read a lot of YA fantasy, and are looking for a fresh and exciting story, I would suggest skipping this one.
The Enemy’s Daughter releases on May 6th, 2025. Thank you to Rylee at Spark Point Studio and HarperCollins for sending me an Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) of this title. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This YA fantasy/romantasy has a compelling premise and solid pacing once it finally gets going, but it struggles with world-building and emotional depth. The beginning is rough, both slow and a bit confusing, so readers might have to push through to reach the stronger parts, especially the interactions between Isadora and Tristan.
Isadora is a healer from a patriarchal society where women are expected to be submissive, and this theme is front and center throughout the book. While it’s an important element of the story, it’s delivered in such an obvious and repetitive way that it starts to feel heavy-handed. Her father, in particular, is so awful that it’s easy to hate him, which makes the ending feel a bit rushed and unsatisfying. After everything she goes through, I was hoping for a stronger resolution to that part of her story.
Tristan is from the enemy territory of Kingsland. He fits the brooding romantic lead role well enough, though he doesn’t show much character growth as the book progresses. Their instant connection leans more swoony than believable, but it’s fun to read if you enjoy that kind of romantic tension.
The central idea, two enemies magically bound with access to each other’s thoughts and memories, is an intriguing one and adds tension and stakes to the romance. I just wish there had been more context early on to ground the story. The world-building was a bit lackluster. The magic system, political structure, and the post-Republic world all could have used more development.
Overall, this is a quick read with a familiar but enjoyable trope at its heart. Readers who like an enemies-to-lovers/ insta-love romance and don’t mind a few shortcuts in character and world-building will probably find it entertaining, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its deeper themes.
Decades after the Republic was destroyed, the 5 Clans and the Kingsland are all fighting for control. Isadora, the daughter of the Clans’ leader, is a healer who is willing to risk her life in order to help care for injured soldiers.
When she is shot with a poisoned arrow by his sodliers, Tristan, an enemy assassin, saves Isadora using a rare magic which binds them together. Isadora must navigate enemy territory, mistrust and danger as she tries to make sense of what’s happened, and how she can get back home.
This is a fast paced book that had me hooked from the start and rescued me from a reading slump. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic really worked, and the tension had me completely invested in Tristan and Isadora’s story.
Without giving too much away, the plot takes unexpected turns that I didn’t see coming, and I loved it. It added a whole extra layer of depth and kept twisting and turning right up until the end.
Isadora stands out with her strength, intelligence and no-nonsense nature. I enjoyed being in her head. I did find myself wishing for a little more development from the side characters and Tristan in particular, but given the shorter length and YA setting, I think it does a solid job with the space it has.
The world building here is one of my favorite elements. The setting unfolded in a really compelling way, blending the dystopian elements with magic and myth.
This magic-meets-dystopia style is new to me, and I love it and definitely would love to read more like it! The romance is sweet, and balances the mistrust and very real danger that the characters face.
This is a really enjoyable read that I’d happily recommend, especially to my fellow enemies-to-lovers fans. This is such a fun way to retell the myth of Tristan and Isolde, and I’m literally running to look up more retellings because this has helped me fall in love with their story.
Read this if you love:
Enemies to Lovers
Myth Retellings
Stabby FMCs
Dystopian Fantasy
Politics, tension & romance
YA Fantasy