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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
One of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint!!! The moment I heard Brigid Kemmerer was writing an adult fantasy that sounded like it would be what a true love triangle should be (where they all end up together) I was so beyond excited to see what she would do with it and it was everything I wanted and more.
I love how she handled these darker themes of an adult fantasy and this rather solid start to a trilogy and a new world. I do feel like I would have loved to see a little more in depth world building. That's something I often feel like when reading Brigid Kemmerer's books, but then again I never mind it too much because her true talent is with her character work. She has such an incredible way with characters and their relationships and that was so vibrant in this new book. The dynamic between Ky, Jory, and Asher had me screaming and kicking my feet.
Something else that really struck me that I loved was the dynamic between Prince Dane, and Jory. I feel like we don't often get sibling dynamics like that and it really struck me reading it. Especially in comparison to Ky's relationship with his own sister.
This was a book that I knew half way in was going to leave me in a reading slump in the best kind of way, where I'm left with how amazing this book was and will be struggling to find something to read to make me feel the same way. I will be longingly waiting for a sequel for a book that's not even out yet.
I love how she handled these darker themes of an adult fantasy and this rather solid start to a trilogy and a new world. I do feel like I would have loved to see a little more in depth world building. That's something I often feel like when reading Brigid Kemmerer's books, but then again I never mind it too much because her true talent is with her character work. She has such an incredible way with characters and their relationships and that was so vibrant in this new book. The dynamic between Ky, Jory, and Asher had me screaming and kicking my feet.
Something else that really struck me that I loved was the dynamic between Prince Dane, and Jory. I feel like we don't often get sibling dynamics like that and it really struck me reading it. Especially in comparison to Ky's relationship with his own sister.
This was a book that I knew half way in was going to leave me in a reading slump in the best kind of way, where I'm left with how amazing this book was and will be struggling to find something to read to make me feel the same way. I will be longingly waiting for a sequel for a book that's not even out yet.
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Thank you to HarperVoyager and NetGalley for the eARC.
A sheltered princess, married off for an alliance. A war-hardened king with ferocious magic, hated by his people. An assassin without a place in the world who only craves sanctuary. These three make an unlikely trio but they're thrown together by necessity which blooms into something much more.
I enjoyed the beginning of this book and had quite high hopes, but ufortunately it just didn't hit for me. There isn't a whole lot of plot. Much of the book is the characters travelling from one place to another, and when I finished the book I looked back and had the distinct impression that the plot had barely moved forward.
Being a character-driven story, its enjoyment really hinges on forming some attachments to the three main characters. I enjoyed Asher's backstory, his vulnerability; Ky's relationships with his men and sister. I actually really liked these two, and their dynamic is really quite touching with lots of tension right from the offset. Jory, the FMC, was another matter. I felt as if she was just...there, not really contributing a whole lot. She is portrayed as innocent, naive and sheltered, but some of her actions didn't feel all that believable. I didn't get on with her characterisation at all which is a big deal in a why choose narrative!
I had a decent time reading the book but won't be picking up the sequel, unfortunately I think it's too much romance and not enough plot for my tastes.
A sheltered princess, married off for an alliance. A war-hardened king with ferocious magic, hated by his people. An assassin without a place in the world who only craves sanctuary. These three make an unlikely trio but they're thrown together by necessity which blooms into something much more.
I enjoyed the beginning of this book and had quite high hopes, but ufortunately it just didn't hit for me. There isn't a whole lot of plot. Much of the book is the characters travelling from one place to another, and when I finished the book I looked back and had the distinct impression that the plot had barely moved forward.
Being a character-driven story, its enjoyment really hinges on forming some attachments to the three main characters. I enjoyed Asher's backstory, his vulnerability; Ky's relationships with his men and sister. I actually really liked these two, and their dynamic is really quite touching with lots of tension right from the offset. Jory, the FMC, was another matter. I felt as if she was just...there, not really contributing a whole lot. She is portrayed as innocent, naive and sheltered, but some of her actions didn't feel all that believable. I didn't get on with her characterisation at all which is a big deal in a why choose narrative!
I had a decent time reading the book but won't be picking up the sequel, unfortunately I think it's too much romance and not enough plot for my tastes.
A fantastic fantasy romance with political intrigue and character focused tension. This developed each of the main trio of characters and buit them up nicely where the tension was brilliant and leading the poly romance that felt realistic and emotional.
Asher my favourite charcter, its the sweet tragic cinnamon rolls who get me but it was really unexpected. I went in expecting the broody king, Ky to my favourite and not just as a love interest but a character but Asher's POV ( which truthfully I didnt think I'd love as much from the synopsis) truly shined especially with the depth of his trauma displayed that worked so well in developing the character based storyline.
I don't know if it was me up until reading to 80% I was enjoying Jory as a protag as well but something about the way she is wilfully stuborn about other peoples belief systems and I get because she had a sheltered and naive upbringing but it was frustrated when she couldnt see Asher/Ky's backgrounds or why they would act the way they did. She just wanted to fight about it which made it annoying. I understand she was ignorant but it got on my nerves at this pivotal moment to the characters buildup at this point in the stpory. I know the poly relationship shows how all three characters would have a push and pull along with each member of the rship being able to support the others parts of their personality that hinders them. if this were a non poly rship I'd prefer to the build up of Asher/Ky because of the fantasy world their in it wouod be interestin to see how they'd work without Jory. I just found Jory to be a bit lacking in this rship like she didnt add much to it in a sense because her naivety was hindering her and I get that was the point but it felt like she didnt add anything when Ky/Asher were well written as individuals.
anyways, I loved this romantasy which was a fast read but well developed and I cant wait to see where the sequel goes. 4.75 stars
Asher my favourite charcter, its the sweet tragic cinnamon rolls who get me but it was really unexpected. I went in expecting the broody king, Ky to my favourite and not just as a love interest but a character but Asher's POV ( which truthfully I didnt think I'd love as much from the synopsis) truly shined especially with the depth of his trauma displayed that worked so well in developing the character based storyline.
I don't know if it was me up until reading to 80% I was enjoying Jory as a protag as well but something about the way she is wilfully stuborn about other peoples belief systems and I get because she had a sheltered and naive upbringing but it was frustrated when she couldnt see Asher/Ky's backgrounds or why they would act the way they did. She just wanted to fight about it which made it annoying. I understand she was ignorant but it got on my nerves at this pivotal moment to the characters buildup at this point in the stpory. I know the poly relationship shows how all three characters would have a push and pull along with each member of the rship being able to support the others parts of their personality that hinders them. if this were a non poly rship I'd prefer to the build up of Asher/Ky because of the fantasy world their in it wouod be interestin to see how they'd work without Jory. I just found Jory to be a bit lacking in this rship like she didnt add much to it in a sense because her naivety was hindering her and I get that was the point but it felt like she didnt add anything when Ky/Asher were well written as individuals.
anyways, I loved this romantasy which was a fast read but well developed and I cant wait to see where the sequel goes. 4.75 stars
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this arc!
Well, this is not what I was expecting from this book.
Warrior Princess Assassin is full of yearning and betrayal.
I found the plot to be a bit thin and the betrayals predictable. Unfortunately, I just wasn't feeling the romance between Jory and Ky but I was hooked after the first scene between Jory and Asher and hardly put the book down wanting more of their romance to unfold.
The whole book over covers a short amount of time and not very much happens. There's plenty of plot points mentioned regarding Jory, her potential magic and the Draegonis kingdom that I would like to read more of in the next book and less of the romance. With this three way romance, most of the yearning etc became repetitive. I want more action and plot please!
3⭐️ because although I didn't completely enjoy every aspect of the book, I still didn't want to stop reading 👀
Well, this is not what I was expecting from this book.
Warrior Princess Assassin is full of yearning and betrayal.
I found the plot to be a bit thin and the betrayals predictable. Unfortunately, I just wasn't feeling the romance between Jory and Ky but I was hooked after the first scene between Jory and Asher and hardly put the book down wanting more of their romance to unfold.
The whole book over covers a short amount of time and not very much happens. There's plenty of plot points mentioned regarding Jory, her potential magic and the Draegonis kingdom that I would like to read more of in the next book and less of the romance. With this three way romance, most of the yearning etc became repetitive. I want more action and plot please!
3⭐️ because although I didn't completely enjoy every aspect of the book, I still didn't want to stop reading 👀
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Eeeeeeeee!!!! This was so fun!
We are following our princess Jory, Assassin Asher, and Warrior(king) Maddox. All of their stories are deeply intertwined throughout the story and when I tell you this seemingly love triangle is actually a poly situation?! SCREAMING.
I am solely invested in this book for their relationships 🤭 but on a serious note, this was a good start to this fantasy series. It’s all pretty straightforward when it comes to the world. Jory is being married off to Maddox to help save her kingdom. She doesn’t want to because of the brutal reputation Maddox has, but Maddox needs to marry her for his own reasons. In steps the Assassin who is Asher. Asher and Jory have been best friends since childhood and have lots of feelings there… but he was exiled so she only sees him from time to time. He has faced a lot of trauma and I love that we explored that a bit. I do hope in the next book(s) we get on a deeper level of their character development.
They find themselves in some circumstances that force them to work together and that’s when we see things develop.
Was this mind blowing? No, but I had a great time and I’m excited to see this play out more!
Thank you NetGalley && Avon Harper Voyager for the ARC!
We are following our princess Jory, Assassin Asher, and Warrior(king) Maddox. All of their stories are deeply intertwined throughout the story and when I tell you this seemingly love triangle is actually a poly situation?! SCREAMING.
I am solely invested in this book for their relationships 🤭 but on a serious note, this was a good start to this fantasy series. It’s all pretty straightforward when it comes to the world. Jory is being married off to Maddox to help save her kingdom. She doesn’t want to because of the brutal reputation Maddox has, but Maddox needs to marry her for his own reasons. In steps the Assassin who is Asher. Asher and Jory have been best friends since childhood and have lots of feelings there… but he was exiled so she only sees him from time to time. He has faced a lot of trauma and I love that we explored that a bit. I do hope in the next book(s) we get on a deeper level of their character development.
They find themselves in some circumstances that force them to work together and that’s when we see things develop.
Was this mind blowing? No, but I had a great time and I’m excited to see this play out more!
Thank you NetGalley && Avon Harper Voyager for the ARC!
The way I consumed this in one greedy gulp, give me more.
Warrior Princess Assassin follows Jory, Ky, and Asher as they all get used to their new positions. Jory is a princess set to marry King Maddox Kyronan to bring more troops and food to their respective regions. Jory and Asher have been close friends since childhood until Asher is thrown out of the palace and now someone wants his best friend and her betrothed killed. And he's been hired to do it.
I really liked the way that the chapters were woven together, seeing motivations and reasonings behind their actions. The way that trauma was depicted and the aftermath was really interesting and I think it was important for it to be shown in the way it was, especially in Asher's case.
Overall, I really liked this book! I think it may have benefitted from potentially another edit as some of it did read very YA but this seemed to dissipate in the second half. For an adult debut, this was brilliant and I can't wait to see where Kemmerer goes with this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperVoyager for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Warrior Princess Assassin follows Jory, Ky, and Asher as they all get used to their new positions. Jory is a princess set to marry King Maddox Kyronan to bring more troops and food to their respective regions. Jory and Asher have been close friends since childhood until Asher is thrown out of the palace and now someone wants his best friend and her betrothed killed. And he's been hired to do it.
I really liked the way that the chapters were woven together, seeing motivations and reasonings behind their actions. The way that trauma was depicted and the aftermath was really interesting and I think it was important for it to be shown in the way it was, especially in Asher's case.
Overall, I really liked this book! I think it may have benefitted from potentially another edit as some of it did read very YA but this seemed to dissipate in the second half. For an adult debut, this was brilliant and I can't wait to see where Kemmerer goes with this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperVoyager for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
Me: I’m done with love triangles.
Brigid Kemmerer: They all want each other.
Me: Go on...
Firstly, this isn’t a love triangle. I’m not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. A love circle? If you’re firmly in the monogamy camp, this probably won't be your cup of tea, I'm guessing.
Secondly, I loved how the relationship dynamic between our three main characters was handled because I was concerned it would feel lopsided. Someone always feels like the extra wheel. But in this case, it works. It’s built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like I’m a therapist (I’m not)… But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, I’ll be real. If you’re expecting spice early or even midway, abandon hope. This is the slowest of slow burns and nothing spicy happens until after 90%. But it's not tacked on. It's because this book wants you to sit in the tension and wait for trust to matter. I respect that. Even if I also muttered “just kiss already”.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. It’s tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawson’s Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until it’s not. Until we get to know Asher’s trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves.
Princess Jory herself… She’s naive, soft, frustratingly sheltered, brandishes hairpins as a weapon. Punches people often. However I really appreciated her growth. By the end, she takes up space.
Then, there’s Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big “touch her and die” energy. His relationship with Princess Jory starts with kindness and disguise, both of them meeting outside the roles they were born into. That thread of anonymity gives their connection warmth before duty throws a spanner in the works.
Meanwhile, Assassin Asher is quietly being handed orders to kill both of them. I found the fraught relationship between him and Warrior King Ky and the way they grow to understand each other possibly the most compelling. So yes, when I say this book has layers, I mean it. It’s a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. It’s about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. There’s war, politics, magic and a whole lot of travelling across dangerous landscapes, but the beating heart of this book is emotional growth. And I liked that. The plot definitely ramps up later in the book, though, after the journey.
Moreover, what really stayed with me were the themes. The book digs into privilege and complicity without turning into a lecture, which is impressive because those are loaded topics.
Do I recommend it? If you like romance which slow cooks, simmers and then sets the kitchen on fire peppered with political intrigue, trauma and bathwater heated by a guy who can summon fire, I’d def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, I’d look elsewhere. Be mindful of content warnings going into this, it gets dark.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for the ARC.
Brigid Kemmerer: They all want each other.
Me: Go on...
Firstly, this isn’t a love triangle. I’m not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. A love circle? If you’re firmly in the monogamy camp, this probably won't be your cup of tea, I'm guessing.
Secondly, I loved how the relationship dynamic between our three main characters was handled because I was concerned it would feel lopsided. Someone always feels like the extra wheel. But in this case, it works. It’s built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like I’m a therapist (I’m not)… But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, I’ll be real. If you’re expecting spice early or even midway, abandon hope. This is the slowest of slow burns and nothing spicy happens until after 90%. But it's not tacked on. It's because this book wants you to sit in the tension and wait for trust to matter. I respect that. Even if I also muttered “just kiss already”.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. It’s tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawson’s Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until it’s not. Until we get to know Asher’s trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves.
Princess Jory herself… She’s naive, soft, frustratingly sheltered, brandishes hairpins as a weapon. Punches people often. However I really appreciated her growth. By the end, she takes up space.
Then, there’s Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big “touch her and die” energy. His relationship with Princess Jory starts with kindness and disguise, both of them meeting outside the roles they were born into. That thread of anonymity gives their connection warmth before duty throws a spanner in the works.
Meanwhile, Assassin Asher is quietly being handed orders to kill both of them. I found the fraught relationship between him and Warrior King Ky and the way they grow to understand each other possibly the most compelling. So yes, when I say this book has layers, I mean it. It’s a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. It’s about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. There’s war, politics, magic and a whole lot of travelling across dangerous landscapes, but the beating heart of this book is emotional growth. And I liked that. The plot definitely ramps up later in the book, though, after the journey.
Moreover, what really stayed with me were the themes. The book digs into privilege and complicity without turning into a lecture, which is impressive because those are loaded topics.
Do I recommend it? If you like romance which slow cooks, simmers and then sets the kitchen on fire peppered with political intrigue, trauma and bathwater heated by a guy who can summon fire, I’d def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, I’d look elsewhere. Be mindful of content warnings going into this, it gets dark.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Your honor, I love them.
This book is so so so good. The pacing was spot on. There is multi POV. I love that all three main characters are all flawed in their own ways but they all fit together perfectly. And honestly, I love that Jory is just a regular princess - kind of naive, not a physical bad ass, no secret fighting skills.
I love watching the characters come together across the story and I'm very excited for the sequel.
Your honor, I love them.
This book is so so so good. The pacing was spot on. There is multi POV. I love that all three main characters are all flawed in their own ways but they all fit together perfectly. And honestly, I love that Jory is just a regular princess - kind of naive, not a physical bad ass, no secret fighting skills.
I love watching the characters come together across the story and I'm very excited for the sequel.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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
Warrior Princess Assassin is an enchanting adult debut romantasy filled with adventure, royal alliances and secrets, court intrigue, elemental magic and slow burning romance. The premise of this character-driven story follows two royals pushed into a political engagement, and the assassin tasked with hunting them down (who is also the princess’s childhood bestie). There are many twists and turns along the way as well as themes of survival, trust and hope.
I loved Brigid Kemmerer’s Defy the Night series and hearing about her debut adult romantasy piqued my interest. To be honest, I was really hesitant in the beginning and didn’t know what to expect going into this as a first time reader of why choose, but Brigid Kemmerer wrote a romance with a delicate complexity that felt very natural and balanced, and I ended up loving it.
This page turner of a book captivated me with its addicting top tier banter, emotional depth, multifaceted characters, dangerous cinnamon roll vibes, and a glacial slow burn that really strengthened the relationship dynamic of the princess, warrior king and assassin. There is some minor disability representation of a side character that intrigued me, and I am looking forward to seeing how that will be explored more of in book two. I am also excited to see how the character arcs develop more as the trilogy goes on!
Thank you Netgalley, Avonbooks and HarperVoyagerUS for a copy of this ARC!
I loved Brigid Kemmerer’s Defy the Night series and hearing about her debut adult romantasy piqued my interest. To be honest, I was really hesitant in the beginning and didn’t know what to expect going into this as a first time reader of why choose, but Brigid Kemmerer wrote a romance with a delicate complexity that felt very natural and balanced, and I ended up loving it.
This page turner of a book captivated me with its addicting top tier banter, emotional depth, multifaceted characters, dangerous cinnamon roll vibes, and a glacial slow burn that really strengthened the relationship dynamic of the princess, warrior king and assassin. There is some minor disability representation of a side character that intrigued me, and I am looking forward to seeing how that will be explored more of in book two. I am also excited to see how the character arcs develop more as the trilogy goes on!
Thank you Netgalley, Avonbooks and HarperVoyagerUS for a copy of this ARC!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
No
Based on the title I had initially assumed it would be a completely different story, with a princess taking on two other roles and being some kind of girl boss. Couldn't have been more wrong!
It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story, but after that, I was fully invested, and absolutely devoured this ARC!!
The book starts with an arranged marriage setting, and generally has a great plot with political scheming, betrayals, action packed scenes and secrets to unravel, but its real strength lies in the characters and their interactions. Although, this makes it a bit slower paced read, it's not a bad thing at all, since that way there is time to fully appreciate the gentle touches and how they begin to trust and open up to each other.
I went into it knowing it had why choose romance, and I know it's not for everyone, but that aspect is handled incredibly well! The burn is slow, so when you get to the spicy scenes, it really does feel like a reward.
The setup for the sequel is nicely done, and I already can't wait to spend more time in the company of Jody, Asher and Ky.
PS. Remember to check the trigger warnings, because there is a lot of trauma to unpack. But it is handled with a lot of care!
A massive thank you to HarperCollins UK, Netgalley and the author for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story, but after that, I was fully invested, and absolutely devoured this ARC!!
The book starts with an arranged marriage setting, and generally has a great plot with political scheming, betrayals, action packed scenes and secrets to unravel, but its real strength lies in the characters and their interactions. Although, this makes it a bit slower paced read, it's not a bad thing at all, since that way there is time to fully appreciate the gentle touches and how they begin to trust and open up to each other.
I went into it knowing it had why choose romance, and I know it's not for everyone, but that aspect is handled incredibly well! The burn is slow, so when you get to the spicy scenes, it really does feel like a reward.
The setup for the sequel is nicely done, and I already can't wait to spend more time in the company of Jody, Asher and Ky.
PS. Remember to check the trigger warnings, because there is a lot of trauma to unpack. But it is handled with a lot of care!
A massive thank you to HarperCollins UK, Netgalley and the author for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.