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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
TL;DR: Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high but I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t end up loving this more. I rarely say this, but I think Embrace the Serpent could’ve benefitted from being a duology for more detailed world-building, better exploration of the magic system, and deeper character arcs/relationship development. That said, I think it was a fairly solid YA romance fantasy with a unique magic system, and interesting settings and characters. I would recommend this for fantasy readers who aren’t looking for in-depth world-building and magic exploration, but enjoy being reeled in with a simple and unique system, plus those who love an innocently sweet romance with fairly decent stakes.
The story started strong and I was immediately hooked from the first few pages. I loved the unique gemstone-based magic system and how each gemstone had a different ability and strength based on the size, shape, cut, and setting. I enjoyed seeing Saphira utilizing her innate ability to understand what a particular gemstone wants and needs to be—it was fascinating and I really wished that we could have seen her use more of her ability.
Saphira was an interesting character. I did find her timidity and blushing shyness became a bit grating as the story went on (and still nothing changed despite all the things she survived), but it was easy to tell that she had a good heart. After a traumatizing upbringing, she’s desperate for safety and security, which she has found working as a secret jewelsmith for a smarmy jewel merchant pretending to be more than he is. Understandably, she would do anything to maintain that safety, until that choice is taken away from her. Her passion for understanding gemstones and how best to utilize them, as well as her enthusiasm for being a jewelsmith were infectious and seeing her work were some of my favourite parts of the story. Another favourite part of the story was Grimney, Saphira’s adorable and noble golem companion. I loved Grimney so much and his presence on the page never failed to make me chuckle and put a smile on my face! Saphira and Grimney had a very wholesome friendship and I loved their banter so much! 💜
The banter and occasional humour woven into the story was something that I think Mara did well. Although at times the humour felt a bit out of place, for the most part, those moments still managed to make me laugh. Even though I didn’t love the romance, I did enjoy the banter between Saphira and her love interest. A relationship that I struggled with was that between Saphira and her nemesis. I didn’t understand what that girl wanted, and it seemed that neither did she. Ruining someone’s life under the guise of “rescuing” them from a life of mediocrity when you “know” they could be more powerful doesn’t make you the good guy! 🤦🏻♀️ Honestly, I thought Saphira was too kind to the enemies, lol. I wished she had been a bit more firm but I guess that would’ve strayed too far from her character!
Despite all of that, however, I was surprised to not feel an emotional connection to the story and I can’t pinpoint exactly why that is. Maybe it’s because, even though the writing wasn’t bad, the progression of the story felt very rushed, and as a result, it came across as more “telling than showing”. There were some major scenes that had “stomp on my heart and punch me in the gut” emotionally devastating potential, and yet, I was reading those scenes as if it was just another moment in the story due to how rushed the scenes felt. There was so much that I think could’ve been expanded upon and was instead packed into less than 400 pages, that the world-building and character development felt sadly undercooked at the end.
Overall, while I wished that I loved this more and especially felt a stronger connection to it, I don’t think it was a bad story and I know many readers will enjoy it (many reviews have already proved that). I’d be keen to see what else Mara comes out with in the future—hopefully, it’ll be a story that gets the proper time to breathe and grow because her stories deserve it!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an e-arc of this book!
Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara built a world where creatures were half human and sentient. However, they were being ruled over an oppressive emperor and only the Serpent King’s land was impenetrable due to some sort of magic.
The main female lead, Saphira, is a jewelsmith by choice but not entirely since her home and mother were killed by the emperor’s warriors. Through this book we follow her as she tries to hide from her past and make a life for herself. Eventually she is thrown into a marriage of convenience to the serpent king himself.
What I liked about this story was the world building and the details when jewelsmithing was brought up. I also liked the different magical abilities presented. Rane, the mmc, was a great addition to the conflict - if you know, you know.
I think what was not likable was her character arc. Although I loved where she ended up, I didn’t like why she chose to be different. It was again more so for another person rather than for herself. And I wish I could feel the connection more in the romance. It was a bit superficial and not as deep.
Overall, a good story and if you like unique fantasy worlds than definitely pick this up.
Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara built a world where creatures were half human and sentient. However, they were being ruled over an oppressive emperor and only the Serpent King’s land was impenetrable due to some sort of magic.
The main female lead, Saphira, is a jewelsmith by choice but not entirely since her home and mother were killed by the emperor’s warriors. Through this book we follow her as she tries to hide from her past and make a life for herself. Eventually she is thrown into a marriage of convenience to the serpent king himself.
What I liked about this story was the world building and the details when jewelsmithing was brought up. I also liked the different magical abilities presented. Rane, the mmc, was a great addition to the conflict - if you know, you know.
I think what was not likable was her character arc. Although I loved where she ended up, I didn’t like why she chose to be different. It was again more so for another person rather than for herself. And I wish I could feel the connection more in the romance. It was a bit superficial and not as deep.
Overall, a good story and if you like unique fantasy worlds than definitely pick this up.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a change from the contemporary romances I’d been reading what seemed almost nonstop for the past weeks. And it was a great read! I was hooked right away and the story kept me turning pages (tapping on my Kindle that is) as quickly as possible to see what would happen next and how could Saphira get free of all that was keeping her down. The Serpent King was a bit hard to picture in my mind, but that is okay as I didn’t need to know that, especially if he was going to be a love interest.
I loved all the jewelsmithing ideas in the book. Such a neat magical concept. And her little golem friend Grimney was fun as well. The bit with Rane and the Serpent King was close to what happened in Shield of Sparrows if you’ve read that, hopefully I haven’t given too much of a spoiler there. But I had a bit of an inkling about that as I read. I wondered anyway. This is a YA book though, so the romantic parts were kind of alluded to, but it was nothing that was out there right on the pages.
For the first parts of the story it was mostly just the human characters, other than the djinn Lady Incarnadine and Grimney, and of course the Serpent King and his people. But as Saphira and Rane and the Serpent King’s huntsmen left they encountered many different people and creatures. Including some that sound like a type of fae or fairy, as well as some in the end at the wedding such as naiads. Towards the end I was feeling like there wasn’t much time left and this doesn’t say it will be a series, but the author wrapped it all up neatly, and now I am kind of sad in a way, because I really enjoyed all of this world’s magical aspect.
Definitely this will be one of my favorite books of the year!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Featuring:
💖 A marriage of convenience
🐍 Fairytale king with fangs
🗡️ Huntsman with a silver tongue
💎 Magical jewelry
🤘 Golem sidekick
😳Shy young woman who just wants not to be perceived (same girl)
🧨Heaps of trauma for them all
This felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. It’s romantic, magical, tinged with folklore, and layered with just enough darkness to keep things interesting. If you’re into arranged marriages, dangerous bargains, and soft-burn romance between two trauma-scarred but tender-hearted leads, you’re going to eat this up like I did.
Saphira is a quiet and unique powerhouse of a heroine. She's clever, deeply scarred, talented, and just trying to survive while hiding her magical gift. Rane is silver-tongued, loyal to a fault, and so clearly masking his secrets with charm. The slow connection was one of my favorite parts. It’s a romance rooted in protection and emotional honesty rather than instant attraction, and I loved that. And, I mean, suddenly she's married to his King for her safety, which only complicates things. The whole setup is deliciously dramatic. Also, shoutout to the golem bestie. Loooove him!
If I have one gripe, it’s that I wanted more. The world (especially the Serpent King’s eerie, fascinating kingdom) had so much potential that didn’t get fully explored. This could have easily been a duology or a trilogy, and I would’ve devoured every page. Still, even as a standalone, it delivers something emotionally rich, romantic, and mostly satisfying.
Charming, sweet, and full of swoony romance. Embrace the Serpent feels like an old myth retold through a dreamy, magical-jewel-studded lens. And I loved every minute of it.
Thank you to Epic Reads, the author, and Storygram Tours for the beautiful, complimentary copy! This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
💖 A marriage of convenience
🐍 Fairytale king with fangs
🗡️ Huntsman with a silver tongue
💎 Magical jewelry
🤘 Golem sidekick
😳Shy young woman who just wants not to be perceived (same girl)
🧨Heaps of trauma for them all
This felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. It’s romantic, magical, tinged with folklore, and layered with just enough darkness to keep things interesting. If you’re into arranged marriages, dangerous bargains, and soft-burn romance between two trauma-scarred but tender-hearted leads, you’re going to eat this up like I did.
Saphira is a quiet and unique powerhouse of a heroine. She's clever, deeply scarred, talented, and just trying to survive while hiding her magical gift. Rane is silver-tongued, loyal to a fault, and so clearly masking his secrets with charm. The slow connection was one of my favorite parts. It’s a romance rooted in protection and emotional honesty rather than instant attraction, and I loved that. And, I mean, suddenly she's married to his King for her safety, which only complicates things. The whole setup is deliciously dramatic. Also, shoutout to the golem bestie. Loooove him!
If I have one gripe, it’s that I wanted more. The world (especially the Serpent King’s eerie, fascinating kingdom) had so much potential that didn’t get fully explored. This could have easily been a duology or a trilogy, and I would’ve devoured every page. Still, even as a standalone, it delivers something emotionally rich, romantic, and mostly satisfying.
Charming, sweet, and full of swoony romance. Embrace the Serpent feels like an old myth retold through a dreamy, magical-jewel-studded lens. And I loved every minute of it.
Thank you to Epic Reads, the author, and Storygram Tours for the beautiful, complimentary copy! This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Embrace the Serpent is a swoony story about ambition, love, and monstrosity. It's about everything that can turn our hearts hard, our ability to trust closed, and the pieces of our heart that can be consumed by power. With jewelsmithing magic, I loved the unique world building premise of Embrace the Serpent. And if you love unusual but adorable companions, this is for you! But even more than that, Embrace the Serpent asks us whether we have to sacrifice our heart to survive. To be powerful, a good leader, the best in our field.
Embrace the Serpent is a swoony story about ambition, love, and monstrosity. It's about everything that can turn our hearts hard, our ability to trust closed, and the pieces of our heart that can be consumed by power. With jewelsmithing magic, I loved the unique world building premise of Embrace the Serpent. And if you love unusual but adorable companions, this is for you! But even more than that, Embrace the Serpent asks us whether we have to sacrifice our heart to survive. To be powerful, a good leader, the best in our field.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the free copy of this book!
Marriage of convenience is one of my god-tier tropes and I was immediately hooked on the concept. Sunya Mara does an amazing job with banter and that shone through in some of the earliest scenes with Sapphira and Rune.
I really enjoyed reading this, but I feel like it really needed another 50-100 pages to flesh out some of the character motivations and backstories. I would have loved to have gotten more scenes with Sapphira and Mirandel as children. Or given Sapphira a few more scenes with Rune and the Serpent King to show her developing trust of them.
I was hoping to walk out of this with my heart a wrangled mess, but despite this lacking the emotional devastation of The Darkening, it was a fun read.
Marriage of convenience is one of my god-tier tropes and I was immediately hooked on the concept. Sunya Mara does an amazing job with banter and that shone through in some of the earliest scenes with Sapphira and Rune.
I really enjoyed reading this, but I feel like it really needed another 50-100 pages to flesh out some of the character motivations and backstories. I would have loved to have gotten more scenes with Sapphira and Mirandel as children. Or given Sapphira a few more scenes with Rune and the Serpent King to show her developing trust of them.
I was hoping to walk out of this with my heart a wrangled mess, but despite this lacking the emotional devastation of The Darkening, it was a fun read.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This was a fun, quick read! I really love the idea of jewelsmithing, and I feel like the author really let it shine through Saphira. However, sometimes I found the story to kind of jump around a bit and I found myself rereading certain parts. I really with the author spent more time in the 'other' world, it felt very rushed at the end. Overall, I think this was a really good premise, and enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5⭐️- Embrace the Serpent was such a fun, quick read. It follows our FMC, a shy runaway magical jewel maker who is approached for a secret task. Enter a marriage of convenience and forced proximity and I was hooked.
💜 Marriage of convenience
🐍 A king with fangs and magical abilities
🌶️ Closed door romance
💎 Magical jewels
🪨 A pet rock who makes an amazing sidekick
🧞♀️ An evil djinn
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers and author Sunya Mara for this arc!
💜 Marriage of convenience
🐍 A king with fangs and magical abilities
🌶️ Closed door romance
💎 Magical jewels
🪨 A pet rock who makes an amazing sidekick
🧞♀️ An evil djinn
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers and author Sunya Mara for this arc!
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group for this eCopy to review
From the moment I stepped into the world of Embrace the Serpent, I was completely captivated. Sunya Mara delivers a sweeping romantic fantasy that blends intrigue, magic, and unexpected alliances into a mesmerising tale.
The story follows Saphira, a young jeweller's apprentice who has spent years hiding her rare ability to harness magic within gemstones. After escaping the cruel djinn Lady Incarnadine, she now works under the unscrupulous jewelsmith Galen, keeping her talents a secret. But when Galen’s arrogance leads to an impossible challenge set by Lady Incarnadine, Saphira is forced into a dangerous bargain with Rane, the enigmatic huntsman sent by the Serpent King. If she can craft a mysterious piece for his master, the Serpent King will grant her a new identity and freedom. However, when their plans unravel, Saphira finds herself trapped in a marriage of convenience to the cold, silver-skinned ruler himself—caught between his cunning schemes and Rane’s undeniable charm.
Mara’s storytelling is lush and immersive, weaving together a world inspired by Indian folklore, filled with rich cultural details and evocative magic. The tension between Saphira, Rane, and the Serpent King is electric, making every interaction pulse with emotion. The novel’s themes of identity, survival, and power struggles are beautifully explored, keeping me hooked until the final page.
Embrace the Serpent's romance is angsty yet deeply satisfying, the world-building is vivid, and the characters are layered with complexity. If you love fantasy with high stakes, intricate relationships, and a heroine fighting for her own destiny, this book is an absolute must-read.
From the moment I stepped into the world of Embrace the Serpent, I was completely captivated. Sunya Mara delivers a sweeping romantic fantasy that blends intrigue, magic, and unexpected alliances into a mesmerising tale.
The story follows Saphira, a young jeweller's apprentice who has spent years hiding her rare ability to harness magic within gemstones. After escaping the cruel djinn Lady Incarnadine, she now works under the unscrupulous jewelsmith Galen, keeping her talents a secret. But when Galen’s arrogance leads to an impossible challenge set by Lady Incarnadine, Saphira is forced into a dangerous bargain with Rane, the enigmatic huntsman sent by the Serpent King. If she can craft a mysterious piece for his master, the Serpent King will grant her a new identity and freedom. However, when their plans unravel, Saphira finds herself trapped in a marriage of convenience to the cold, silver-skinned ruler himself—caught between his cunning schemes and Rane’s undeniable charm.
Mara’s storytelling is lush and immersive, weaving together a world inspired by Indian folklore, filled with rich cultural details and evocative magic. The tension between Saphira, Rane, and the Serpent King is electric, making every interaction pulse with emotion. The novel’s themes of identity, survival, and power struggles are beautifully explored, keeping me hooked until the final page.
Embrace the Serpent's romance is angsty yet deeply satisfying, the world-building is vivid, and the characters are layered with complexity. If you love fantasy with high stakes, intricate relationships, and a heroine fighting for her own destiny, this book is an absolute must-read.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this. Non-spice romance with a Snake King and a Jewelsmith who has his heart. I love the inclusions of many different kinds of magical creatures in this book and the question that lingers what is freedom and home. 4/5 stars.
I really enjoyed this. Non-spice romance with a Snake King and a Jewelsmith who has his heart. I love the inclusions of many different kinds of magical creatures in this book and the question that lingers what is freedom and home. 4/5 stars.