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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There were so many new releases that I was looking forward to this year, but this book was probably at the top of my list. Brigid Kemmerer is one of my all time favorite authors and she is the writer of my all time favorite YA fantasy book (Forging Silver into Stars) so any time she comes out with a new book, I'm always excited. I think I was especially excited for this book because it is her first adult book, and I would be lying if I didn't mention the fact that my expectations for this book were sky high. I am so pleased to report that I loved this book, which is what I was hoping. One thing I really love about Brigid Kemmerer's books is her writing style. Personally, I'm not that big of a fan of overly complicated and flowery writing and I like how straightforward and approachable Brigid Kemmerer's writing is because it flows so easily and I have no trouble at all picturing everything that is happening. I also love how she crafts her characters, and I would say that this book is a very character driven fantasy romance. I think if you are a reader who prefers more plot driven stories than this book may not be as a appealing because there is more of emphasis on the character and relationship development than other aspect of the story. I found that the characters came first in this book, and the plot surrounding the trouble between the kingdoms and the issues of assassination attempts and questionable alliances became kind of secondary. Personally, I really enjoyed reading how relationship between Jory, Ky, and Asher development and while I don't typically reach for why choose or polyamorous romances, this one worked for because the three characters cared for each other equally. I feel like this book sort of sets up the dynamic between the three characters but there is definitely an overarching conflict that author touches on and from the way the book ended, you can tell it will be explored more in the next book. This is definitely one of my favorite new reads this year and while I don't think it will be replacing my current favorite Brigid Kemmerer book, it is definitely one that I can see myself reading over and over again. I love the emotional aspect of the book and I am so happy to see Brigid Kemmerer break into adult fantasy because she can explore more adult topics and themes in more details and I just like that the characters are a bit older. Overall, I really love this book, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
fast-paced
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'Warrior Princess Assassin' is a romantasy by Brigid Kemmerer and is about a Princess who is being betrothed to a warrior King, but she has feelings for her assassin best friend.
First of all, I enjoyed the story and the fantasy element, even though the magic system wasn't really explained, and the political intrigue was more intense in the last part of the book. There were also some plot holes when it came to the kingdoms and their politics. Some of the characters' choices were, moreover, frustrating and could have gone in another direction, as they weren't really justifiable.
The characters, in addition, were interesting and entertaining, though the Princess was the weakest one of the three when it came to personality. I do think, however, that she has potential to be a strong leader, and I liked her compassion and how she could stand up for herself when things got tough. What I didn't like was the fact that she was made to be the ignorant virgin, who was scandalized by everything. Actually, all the characters felt too YA even though they were twenty-five to thirty.
The whole writing was indeed a bit YA, other than the spicy scenes that are. However, the author knows how to weave intriguing stories, and the romance is always enjoyable.
This one, unfortunately, wasn't for me. I don't really read romantacy or why choose romances, so I might be wrong, but some things were off. First of all, the pace was weird. The whole story took place in the span of three to four days, and, considering the political situation that they were in, the lust was too instant, and they started trusting each other too soon.
Also, some scenes felt forced in order to have the characters lust over one another, and, in retrospect, they didn't make sense. In addition, and even though as pairs their love stories were enjoyable, as a trouple it felt like one of them was always in the background, mainly the princess, who, somehow, was always sleeping in the corner while the two others were getting more intimate. Thus, I would have loved more 'equality' when it came to the interactions between the lovers, as, as it is, they reminded me more of the characters in Forging Silver into Stars, where Tycho and Jax were the main couple, but Callyn was hovering over them looking for a way in. Finally, the spice was awkwardly added at that point in the story, and it seemed like they just had to be added there because the book was ending.
So, overall, the fantasy element was entertaining, but the romance wasn't for me.
'Warrior Princess Assassin' is a romantasy by Brigid Kemmerer and is about a Princess who is being betrothed to a warrior King, but she has feelings for her assassin best friend.
First of all, I enjoyed the story and the fantasy element, even though the magic system wasn't really explained, and the political intrigue was more intense in the last part of the book. There were also some plot holes when it came to the kingdoms and their politics. Some of the characters' choices were, moreover, frustrating and could have gone in another direction, as they weren't really justifiable.
The characters, in addition, were interesting and entertaining, though the Princess was the weakest one of the three when it came to personality. I do think, however, that she has potential to be a strong leader, and I liked her compassion and how she could stand up for herself when things got tough. What I didn't like was the fact that she was made to be the ignorant virgin, who was scandalized by everything. Actually, all the characters felt too YA even though they were twenty-five to thirty.
The whole writing was indeed a bit YA, other than the spicy scenes that are. However, the author knows how to weave intriguing stories, and the romance is always enjoyable.
This one, unfortunately, wasn't for me. I don't really read romantacy or why choose romances, so I might be wrong, but some things were off. First of all, the pace was weird. The whole story took place in the span of three to four days, and, considering the political situation that they were in, the lust was too instant, and they started trusting each other too soon.
Also, some scenes felt forced in order to have the characters lust over one another, and, in retrospect, they didn't make sense. In addition, and even though as pairs their love stories were enjoyable, as a trouple it felt like one of them was always in the background, mainly the princess, who, somehow, was always sleeping in the corner while the two others were getting more intimate. Thus, I would have loved more 'equality' when it came to the interactions between the lovers, as, as it is, they reminded me more of the characters in Forging Silver into Stars, where Tycho and Jax were the main couple, but Callyn was hovering over them looking for a way in. Finally, the spice was awkwardly added at that point in the story, and it seemed like they just had to be added there because the book was ending.
So, overall, the fantasy element was entertaining, but the romance wasn't for me.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!
I have a little bit of a love hate relationship with Romantasy at the moment because it feels like so many of the books are similar but this book reminded me exactly why I love it when this genre is done well. This was my favourite Romantasy read since Fourth Wing. The banter and the dynamics between Asher, Jory and Ky is perfection. A why chose book is not something that I would usually pick up but this made me love it.
There is real depth to the characters, Asher in particular has had a really hard life. Brigid Kremmerer does a fantastic job of building the tension to show why they would be attracted to each other but also why they need each other, it’s beautiful.
The mystery of who wants to kill Jory and Ky is interesting and we are only starting to unravel that. I really can’t wait for the next book, it is now one of my most anticipated reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I have a little bit of a love hate relationship with Romantasy at the moment because it feels like so many of the books are similar but this book reminded me exactly why I love it when this genre is done well. This was my favourite Romantasy read since Fourth Wing. The banter and the dynamics between Asher, Jory and Ky is perfection. A why chose book is not something that I would usually pick up but this made me love it.
There is real depth to the characters, Asher in particular has had a really hard life. Brigid Kremmerer does a fantastic job of building the tension to show why they would be attracted to each other but also why they need each other, it’s beautiful.
The mystery of who wants to kill Jory and Ky is interesting and we are only starting to unravel that. I really can’t wait for the next book, it is now one of my most anticipated reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this ARC.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
When I heard Brigid Kemmerer was writing an adult romantasy I already couldn't wait to dive in. I pre-ordered the beautiful Dutch limited edition and then saw the book on Netgalley and requested a digital review copy. Luckily HaperVoyager granted me one.
This book was addictive and exciting from start to finish. For some reason I had not learned that it was a poly romance before I started reading, but after the first quarter of the book I already had an inkling where this was going. Especially because the author does an amazing job building up all the relationships in this book. There are so many romantic and emotional moments and despite everything these characters are so amazing together!
Although the romance is the main plot in this book, there is also a lot going on when it comes to politics and magic. From the very start it was quite clear that quite a lot of people were hiding a lot of things. Not every question is answered in this book, but the book ends with some satisfying moments and it truly feels like the first part of the story is wrapped up nicely. I'm already really excited to dive into the next part, because it feels like the true fun has only just begun!
I also loved how the author introduced the world and all its aspects to us. We're actually not seeing that much of the world and yet it feels like we've visited a lot more places. That's mostly because hidden in all the emotional moments, confessions and traumas everything we need to know is explained. And because the author found such a natural way to tell us about the horrors of this world, it never feels like an info-dump.
This book was addictive and exciting from start to finish. For some reason I had not learned that it was a poly romance before I started reading, but after the first quarter of the book I already had an inkling where this was going. Especially because the author does an amazing job building up all the relationships in this book. There are so many romantic and emotional moments and despite everything these characters are so amazing together!
Although the romance is the main plot in this book, there is also a lot going on when it comes to politics and magic. From the very start it was quite clear that quite a lot of people were hiding a lot of things. Not every question is answered in this book, but the book ends with some satisfying moments and it truly feels like the first part of the story is wrapped up nicely. I'm already really excited to dive into the next part, because it feels like the true fun has only just begun!
I also loved how the author introduced the world and all its aspects to us. We're actually not seeing that much of the world and yet it feels like we've visited a lot more places. That's mostly because hidden in all the emotional moments, confessions and traumas everything we need to know is explained. And because the author found such a natural way to tell us about the horrors of this world, it never feels like an info-dump.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! All opinions in this review are my own.
3.25 stars. Tandem read with audio of which I bought myself. The narrators were great and really added to the story.
About the book, this had an intriguing premise, a good start, but then fizzled to ashes by the end. Maybe a spark could reignite it into something in the next book but I am unsure whether I will read it or not.
Let me start with what I liked:
- Ky. He was smart, capable, and had emotional intelligence. He was literally perfect other than his one flaw of finding Asher and Jory attractive as partners in this throuple (I also blame the short lived character assassination of his around 75% in). Regardless, I just wanted to read about him and his kingdom and everything he was willing to do to protect his people and his sister. He had a drive, growth, and personality that shined.
- I was entertained. It is very easy to get lost in the book and the different POVs happening so there is that.
Now lets move to the negatives which unfortunately had quite a bit.
- Asher and Jory were both childish and paled in comparison to Ky. Asher less so and had the explanation of very heavy trauma that at least explained why he acted the way he did but Jory was both naive and reckless which makes for an annoying FMC. You can be one or the other and get away with it but not both. For age comparisons, Asher and Jory are 26 and 25, respectfully, and Ky is 30.
- The plot, where? Other than some vague background movements that set up the book, there is nothing to really go off of. Nearly the entirety of the book is the characters bickering from location to location dodging assassins while discussing their alliance and falling in love or at least heavy attraction by the end. Which leads me to my next point...
- The romance. Look, I still don't understand what Ky sees in them other than having a desire, I guess, to guide and protect but either way, its heavy insta lust on all sides and not really a strong romance. Asher and Ky at least have somewhat of a foundation they could lay to build a fire but Jory in any combination was like a wet blanket smothering all of it. It honestly had nothing to do with her inexperience compared to either of them and all to do with her personality being close to cardboard.
- The worldbuilding and the magic system. Its vague and there is nothing there. Lots of the same one-note facts you learn early on are repeated continuously throughout the novel in the same manner and are never built upon. I don't understand how the plot is going to move forward with as sparse as everything is.
All and all, I was excited for this but then by the end, disappointed. I was at least entertained and I love Ky but I am not sure he is enough to want to read the sequel. This all needed more time to stroke from a simmering to a roaring fire that catches everything ablaze.
3.25 stars. Tandem read with audio of which I bought myself. The narrators were great and really added to the story.
About the book, this had an intriguing premise, a good start, but then fizzled to ashes by the end. Maybe a spark could reignite it into something in the next book but I am unsure whether I will read it or not.
Let me start with what I liked:
- Ky. He was smart, capable, and had emotional intelligence. He was literally perfect other than his one flaw of finding Asher and Jory attractive as partners in this throuple (I also blame the short lived character assassination of his around 75% in). Regardless, I just wanted to read about him and his kingdom and everything he was willing to do to protect his people and his sister. He had a drive, growth, and personality that shined.
- I was entertained. It is very easy to get lost in the book and the different POVs happening so there is that.
Now lets move to the negatives which unfortunately had quite a bit.
- Asher and Jory were both childish and paled in comparison to Ky. Asher less so and had the explanation of very heavy trauma that at least explained why he acted the way he did but Jory was both naive and reckless which makes for an annoying FMC. You can be one or the other and get away with it but not both. For age comparisons, Asher and Jory are 26 and 25, respectfully, and Ky is 30.
- The plot, where? Other than some vague background movements that set up the book, there is nothing to really go off of. Nearly the entirety of the book is the characters bickering from location to location dodging assassins while discussing their alliance and falling in love or at least heavy attraction by the end. Which leads me to my next point...
- The romance. Look, I still don't understand what Ky sees in them other than having a desire, I guess, to guide and protect but either way, its heavy insta lust on all sides and not really a strong romance. Asher and Ky at least have somewhat of a foundation they could lay to build a fire but Jory in any combination was like a wet blanket smothering all of it. It honestly had nothing to do with her inexperience compared to either of them and all to do with her personality being close to cardboard.
- The worldbuilding and the magic system. Its vague and there is nothing there. Lots of the same one-note facts you learn early on are repeated continuously throughout the novel in the same manner and are never built upon. I don't understand how the plot is going to move forward with as sparse as everything is.
All and all, I was excited for this but then by the end, disappointed. I was at least entertained and I love Ky but I am not sure he is enough to want to read the sequel. This all needed more time to stroke from a simmering to a roaring fire that catches everything ablaze.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had such a good time with this book! I was eager to learn more about this world and magic system with every chapter but what really grabs you in this story is the characters.
Princess Jory, warrior Ky, and assassin Asher are such beautiful and tragic characters. There were so many times that while learning about their pasts I just wanted to give them a hug and cry together. I loved getting the slow picture of each of their pasts and presents and watching them slowly fit together to heal what’s been broken. This was the first time I’ve read a book with this type of romance represented and it felt so well done. You could truly feel the longing and gentle care that each of the main characters held for one another!
This first book dove deep into the characters, so I’m excited to see the world and magic system expand more in the next book. I’ll definitely be here waiting for it!
Princess Jory, warrior Ky, and assassin Asher are such beautiful and tragic characters. There were so many times that while learning about their pasts I just wanted to give them a hug and cry together. I loved getting the slow picture of each of their pasts and presents and watching them slowly fit together to heal what’s been broken. This was the first time I’ve read a book with this type of romance represented and it felt so well done. You could truly feel the longing and gentle care that each of the main characters held for one another!
This first book dove deep into the characters, so I’m excited to see the world and magic system expand more in the next book. I’ll definitely be here waiting for it!
Overall I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting. Curious to learn more about the side characters.
Con would be the obvious plot twists and it was a little snow.
Con would be the obvious plot twists and it was a little snow.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
2025: 5.0