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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
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 š¤ but on a serious note, this was a good start to this fantasy series. Itās all pretty straightforward when it comes to the world. Jory is being married off to Maddox to help save her kingdom. She doesnāt 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 thereā¦ 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 thatās when we see things develop.
Was this mind blowing? No, but I had a great time and Iām 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 š¤ but on a serious note, this was a good start to this fantasy series. Itās all pretty straightforward when it comes to the world. Jory is being married off to Maddox to help save her kingdom. She doesnāt 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 thereā¦ 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 thatās when we see things develop.
Was this mind blowing? No, but I had a great time and Iām 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: Iām done with love triangles.
Brigid Kemmerer: They all want each other.
Me: Go on...
Firstly, this isnāt a love triangle. Iām not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. A love circle? If youāre 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. Itās built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like Iām a therapist (Iām not)ā¦ But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, Iāll be real. If youāre 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 ājust kiss alreadyā.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. Itās tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawsonās Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until itās not. Until we get to know Asherās trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves.
Princess Jory herselfā¦ Sheās 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, thereās Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big ātouch her and dieā 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. Itās a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. Itās about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. Thereās 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, Iād def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, Iād 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 isnāt a love triangle. Iām not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. A love circle? If youāre 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. Itās built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like Iām a therapist (Iām not)ā¦ But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, Iāll be real. If youāre 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 ājust kiss alreadyā.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. Itās tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawsonās Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until itās not. Until we get to know Asherās trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves.
Princess Jory herselfā¦ Sheās 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, thereās Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big ātouch her and dieā 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. Itās a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. Itās about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. Thereās 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, Iād def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, Iād 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 princessās childhood bestie). There are many twists and turns along the way as well as themes of survival, trust and hope.
I loved Brigid Kemmererās 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 didnāt 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 Kemmererās 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 didnāt 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.
adventurous
emotional
funny
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Warrior Princess Assassin is the first book in Brigid Kemmererās debut adult romantasy trilogy, Braided Fate. Warrior-king Maddox Kyronan has a reputation for ruthlessness with his fire magic but needs an alliance to help his slowly burning kingdom. Princess Jory agrees to a political marriage with Maddox to protect her own realm from invaders despite (or because of) the fact that her familyās weather magic is secretly fading. Assassin Asher is Joryās best friend since childhood whose Guild has tasked him with killing both the princess and the king sheās promised to. As loyalties waver and an alliance in doubt, the three must decide who they can truly trustāand it might just be each other.
Terrible title aside, this book was simply so much fun, and I loved every second I spent reading it. This is romantasy in its purest form: the romance is front and center with an otherwise barebones plot. The entire story spans just a few days as the characters journey from one kingdom to another and ends rather abruptly with little narrative resolution yet. The The prose is simple, the story straightforward, and it reads very much like YA in tone; though make no mistake, the spice near the end (at about 90%) is anything but PG.
Where the book truly shines is in its characters and the incredible tension between all three of them. I was fully on board with this true triad, and I adored their banter, flirtation, and friction. Thereās just so much to love about all three of them. Jory is willful and headstrong despite her sheltered naivety, and that she didnāt annoy me at all speaks volumes. Asher probably has the most emotional depth, a broken man hiding behind bravado, and I was absolutely heartbroken and shed several tears for him. Ky may initially seem like your typical tall, dark, and brooding fantasy male lead, but he reveals surprising nuance as the story unfolds. None of them are perfect with each having clear flaws, but their dynamic together is simply magnetic. The chemistry crackles not just between Jory and each man, but also between Asher and Ky. And that spicy scene? Tender, hot, and somehow both wild and tame at the same time.
Warrior Princess Assassin may be light on plot and heavy on romance, but it knows exactly what it is and completely delivers a scorchingly tension-filled MMF romantasy.
*Thank you to HarperCollins UK for the eARC via NetGalley
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
This book was amazing! If you enjoy character-driven stories, this one absolutely delivers. While there is a plot, the heart of this first book lies in the development of our three main characters: who they are, how they grow, and the deepening connections between them.
Brigid Kemmerer does a fantastic job building the emotional bonds among the trio. Even if youāre not usually into āwhy chooseā or polyamorous relationships, youāll find yourself rooting for these three to just get together already! š The romance is very slow burn, and itās not until near the end that we finally get some key moments between themābut the build-up is so worth it.
Parts of the story reminded me of The Kiss of Deception, especially the uncertainty around who the main character might choose. However, unlike in that book, both of the male leads here stay true and loyal to our heroine throughout, which I loved.
Thereās also a compelling broader world and plot arc subtly woven through the narrative, and it really kicks into high gear by the end. Iām 100% picking up book two. I need more of this story.
Jory, Ky, and Asher forever! š
āRest assured, I know how to go to war.ā
š Royal Engagement
š„ Childhood Friends
š Touch Her/Him & š
š„ Found Family
š MMF
I fear this book may have ruined me. In the best way.
If you are looking for a Romantasy absolutely full of tension, the slowest of slow burns (did I mention the tension?) intense emotions that will make you want to steal these characters and wrap them in bubble wrap. An extremely interesting plot full of betrayals, so so so many betrayals and political intrigue. Seriously, trust no one. Then this is the book for you.
āSomehow, they each have the talent to wake something inside of me, a flame I thought I smothered years ago.ā
The tension. The vulnerability. These characters will leave an impression, that is for sure. Kemmerer has done such a beautiful job of creating such developed relationships between Ky, Jody and Asher. And this is only the first book in the trilogy, I canāt wait to see how their relationships progress. They compliment each other so well. From Kyās steady strength, his protective instincts are everything. To Asherās loyalty to Jory, he will do anything for her even to his own detriment. He is ultimately a very dangerous cinnamon roll. Then thereās Jory who by all accounts should be this sheltered innocent princess and she absolutely is but she is also so very strong but this allows her kindness to shine. As the story progresses and she is given the chance you really start to see her character grow. I can already tell she is going to be one formidable FMC by the end of this series and I canāt wait for it.
āIndividually or together, theyāre both intriguing. Compelling. Striking, if Iām being honest with myself. But theyāre also exasperating. Complicated. Messy.ā
Oh my poor messy babes. I love these three far too much. The way Ky is with them both isā¦ well itās honestly beautiful. Heās so gentle but he knows when it push, he can read them both so perfectly.
From the first moment they meet his voice is their downfall. And I canāt blame them. Imagine this great big warrior with this captivating voice. Iād be doomed too.
āHeās so harsh and fearsome that it makes him downright captivating when his voice goes quiet.ā
I have such a soft spot for each of them, they each have experienced hardships in totally different ways but it means they can understand each other easier.
I need desperately need some payback for all Asher has been through because the poor guy needs a hug.
āSheās so different from Asher, and I find it fascinating, especially considering their connection. Heās full of violence and rage, and itās completely unbound. Every time he settles under my touch, itās like taming a wolf.ā
āThe princess is the opposite. This feels like freeing a caged falcon and hoping it returns to your hand.ā
It is safe to say I am well and truly hooked, I canāt wait to see where Kemmerer takes this story and these characters in the books to come.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperVoyager UK & Brigid Kemmerer for this ARC
Thank you NetGalley, HarperVoyager UK & Brigid Kemmerer for this ARC