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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
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 you’re not usually into “why choose” or polyamorous relationships, you’ll find yourself rooting for these three to just get together already! 😄 The romance is very slow burn, and it’s not until near the end that we finally get some key moments between them—but 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.
There’s also a compelling broader world and plot arc subtly woven through the narrative, and it really kicks into high gear by the end. I’m 100% picking up book two. I need more of this story.
Jory, Ky, and Asher forever! 💕
“Rest assured, I know how to go to war.”
👑 Royal Engagement
🔥 Childhood Friends
👑 Touch Her/Him & 💀
🔥 Found Family
👑 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.
“Somehow, they each have the talent to wake something inside of me, a flame I thought I smothered years ago.”
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 can’t wait to see how their relationships progress. They compliment each other so well. From Ky’s steady strength, his protective instincts are everything. To Asher’s loyalty to Jory, he will do anything for her even to his own detriment. He is ultimately a very dangerous cinnamon roll. Then there’s 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 can’t wait for it.
“Individually or together, they’re both intriguing. Compelling. Striking, if I’m being honest with myself. But they’re also exasperating. Complicated. Messy.”
Oh my poor messy babes. I love these three far too much. The way Ky is with them both is… well it’s honestly beautiful. He’s 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 can’t blame them. Imagine this great big warrior with this captivating voice. I’d be doomed too.
“He’s so harsh and fearsome that it makes him downright captivating when his voice goes quiet.”
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.
“She’s so different from Asher, and I find it fascinating, especially considering their connection. He’s full of violence and rage, and it’s completely unbound. Every time he settles under my touch, it’s like taming a wolf.”
“The princess is the opposite. This feels like freeing a caged falcon and hoping it returns to your hand.”
It is safe to say I am well and truly hooked, I can’t 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
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer follows a princess (Jory) who is to marry a warrior king (Ky) to ensure the survival of their mutual kingdoms. Her people need protection from a ruthless enemy, and his people need her father’s magic to restore their crops and farmland. The princess’s closest friend, the assassin (Asher), is given a job that puts all of that at risk.
I have enjoyed Kemmerer’s YA works to varying degrees, so I was excited to see her adult debut. As indicated by my rating, it left with mixed feelings.
What I liked: the overall plot was interesting and the stakes felt high throughout most of the book. It was also told in three POVs, so even when there was a gap in understanding from the character’s, I never felt like I was missing out on information. Each POV also felt distinct, though they occasionally would share certain turns of phrase. It’s also super readable and I can see the Romantasy girls really enjoying this book.
What I didn’t like: (I will provide no actual spoilers here, but I will discuss the main characters traits here)
there were a lot of inconsistencies. As this was an ARC, I cannot share direct quotes until the material is published, but one example is Jory mentally used the word fuck more than once in the first few of her POV chapters, yet she blushed when someone used the word pissing because (according to her) no one curses in front of her??? Additionally it is very repetitive. The author doesn’t trust the reader to remember that Incendar is a super small kingdom but holds its own thanks to their military prowess, so she reminds you every few chapters.
I also went into this book pretty blind, so I didn’t realize at first it was a Why Choose. I don’t typically read those, so I won’t hold that against this book. However, with that in mind, I feel like I should like all three characters and I just didn’t. I liked Asher the most. He actually has reasons and motivations for the ways he acts. My pissed me off pretty early on because he acts like he has a right to know people’s trauma (well, someone’s but I won’t say who) before they’ve decided if they want to share it. Even as we get to understand him better, I just couldn’t forgive that. Jory’s excuse for the way she acts is that she’s been sheltered her entire life and that she’s innocent/ignorant. While I do think that justified some of her reactions, she’s also incredibly reckless and refuses to use her brain before running heedlessly into trouble. She also seemingly has no concept for understand the emotions of those around her.
The writing was also odd. You can tell Kemmerer is used to writing YA because it felt like YA despite the content being very adult. Some of the characters have some pretty graphic trauma discussed on page that wouldn’t be suitable for a YA audience. The relationships are also very insta-lust, resulting in some content that wouldn’t be better suited for adult audiences. This made the whole book just feel kind of strange to get through. It was also strangely predictable.
This is so unrelated to the story, but I also think the title is rough. I know the author rarely gets a say in this, so I’m thinking that one is on the publisher.
Again, I do think this book has its audience. Anyone who really likes the type of romantasy that is set with royals and with tragic backstories, that is super easy to read and is the kind of book you don’t need to give your full attention to (might be a good audiobook to listen to while multitasking) might really enjoy this book. It’s clearly going to be a series, so I hope as Kemmerer gets more experience writing in the adult space her writing finds its flow, because I enjoyed her Defy the Night trilogy.
As always, thank you to NetGally and the publisher for granting me this eARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
mysterious
sad
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
This book was not at all what I had expected: it’s equal parts fantasy, romance, and mystery with lots of tension and political intrigue.
I love a badass FMC as much as the next person, but it was a breath of fresh air to read one who, while certainly not weak, is softer and more feminine. There are two MMCs and they are very different, but you'll love and hate them both at various points in the book, but you'll be happy when they redeem themselves.
While I’d characterize this as a lighter, easy read, there are still many heavy themes and Asher’s backstory in particular is full of trauma
It's obv the first book in a series, so it’s always hard to tell if plot holes will be filled in upcoming books, and if the “why choose” trope becomes a love triange or if it resolves itself, but for now this was a super fun ride and I look forward to the second installment.
Trust no one!!
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVoyager for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love a badass FMC as much as the next person, but it was a breath of fresh air to read one who, while certainly not weak, is softer and more feminine. There are two MMCs and they are very different, but you'll love and hate them both at various points in the book, but you'll be happy when they redeem themselves.
While I’d characterize this as a lighter, easy read, there are still many heavy themes and Asher’s backstory in particular is full of trauma
It's obv the first book in a series, so it’s always hard to tell if plot holes will be filled in upcoming books, and if the “why choose” trope becomes a love triange or if it resolves itself, but for now this was a super fun ride and I look forward to the second installment.
Trust no one!!
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVoyager for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, War
Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Sexual assault, Alcohol
I was not expecting that!
As usual, I went into this book not knowing anything about the plot. I assumed it would be one character taking on the role of Princess, Warrior and Assassin - but nooo, it was three characters. AND I LOVED IT!
I didn't expect the romance that I got, but it was delicious. So tender. So cute. So raw.
This book was such a perfect setup for the next one (which I cannot wait to read)
As usual, I went into this book not knowing anything about the plot. I assumed it would be one character taking on the role of Princess, Warrior and Assassin - but nooo, it was three characters. AND I LOVED IT!
I didn't expect the romance that I got, but it was delicious. So tender. So cute. So raw.
This book was such a perfect setup for the next one (which I cannot wait to read)
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Well, let me start by saying the last 15 pages of this are a RIDE. My jaw literally dropped when the traitor was revealed and I was even saying “oh no oh no” to myself. Looking back now, I see the breadcrumbs, but dang were they beautifully done!
This story and the lenses it’s told through are fantastic. Jory, Ky and Asher all have depth, and are realistic in the way they view the world; a sheltered princess who believes one thing about her kingdom, an assassin that sees everything else about her kingdom and a neighboring king who is just trying to save his people. We bounce between their POVs as the story begins, and spend time with each character so we can really see what makes them tick. We see what they think of each other and what they are doing to manipulate the people around them. Having this insight really ratchets the tension and the angst up perfectly and makes the surprises from each character even better!!
There are some heavy themes in this book and I thought the Brigid navigated them well, again using the POV of the character to really let us see behind the masks everyone is wearing. I felt like this also let us explore the feelings each character has about the others in a way that didn’t feel forced. The relationship that forms is not one of lust based only on desire, but rather one that lets each character really breathe and feel safe in their position. It made me really root for all the characters to find what they needed, which of course is each other!!
Big thank you to the author, Brigid Kemmerer and the team at Avon for granting me the chance to read this early as an eARC via NetGalley!! I’m already anxiously waiting for book 2 and in the meantime will check out BK’s backlist!!
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
This was EVERYTHING I was hoping it'd be and more. My sleep was sacrificed and I'm not mad about it.
Warrior Princess Assassin follows a Warrior (Ky), a Princess (Jory) and an Assassin (Asher) as they try to navigate the circumstances they find themselves in. Jory's been betrothed to Ky, thanks to her brother and her father, but the night before the betrothal is to be made official, Asher, Jory's childhood best friend, receives notice that his next job is to assassinate both Ky & Jory.
The story unravels chaotically from here and it is ADDICTIVE.
This was a fast-paced read and the world-building was perfectly balanced to take that into consideration - too much and this book would risk feeling overwhelming considering we're following three separate main characters. However, I had a clear vision of where we were, the political climate and how each character fitted into the story, but I also didn't feel like I was missing any detail.
For me, this was a book where the characters really shine: their POVs were distinct and insightful, their development was important to the story, and their backstories (one of them nearly having me weeping on multiple occasions) clearly impacted their present day decision-making. Each relationship within the trio had a different dynamic and it was a joy to see these relationships evolve and develop over time.
This is an MMF why-choose romance and. it. was. PERFECT. The yearning in this was INTENSE. The slow-burn was worth it though and we were blessed with some truly scrumptious spice after waiting so (im)patiently to get there. I fear I'll never get over this polycule and I think I'm actually okay with that?
Warrior Princess Assassin comes out on 14th August and I'm absolutely going to be getting a trophy copy. I'm so tempted to reread it soon as I just loved it so much.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Warrior Princess Assassin follows a Warrior (Ky), a Princess (Jory) and an Assassin (Asher) as they try to navigate the circumstances they find themselves in. Jory's been betrothed to Ky, thanks to her brother and her father, but the night before the betrothal is to be made official, Asher, Jory's childhood best friend, receives notice that his next job is to assassinate both Ky & Jory.
The story unravels chaotically from here and it is ADDICTIVE.
This was a fast-paced read and the world-building was perfectly balanced to take that into consideration - too much and this book would risk feeling overwhelming considering we're following three separate main characters. However, I had a clear vision of where we were, the political climate and how each character fitted into the story, but I also didn't feel like I was missing any detail.
For me, this was a book where the characters really shine: their POVs were distinct and insightful, their development was important to the story, and their backstories (one of them nearly having me weeping on multiple occasions) clearly impacted their present day decision-making. Each relationship within the trio had a different dynamic and it was a joy to see these relationships evolve and develop over time.
This is an MMF why-choose romance and. it. was. PERFECT. The yearning in this was INTENSE. The slow-burn was worth it though and we were blessed with some truly scrumptious spice after waiting so (im)patiently to get there. I fear I'll never get over this polycule and I think I'm actually okay with that?
Warrior Princess Assassin comes out on 14th August and I'm absolutely going to be getting a trophy copy. I'm so tempted to reread it soon as I just loved it so much.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Uh. ... Maybe?
This is sure to be a crowd pleaser, particular if the crowd is into romantasy. But in this recent year I've discovered that I really do need a bit more meat-and-potatoes to my books to enjoy them, and that I need plot. Warrior Princess Assassin has ... some ... plot, a bare whisper of plot, mostly forged to get the three main characters to get into situations that provide sexual tension.
I mean, that was the one thing I liked about this: That this is a threesome. A true "love triangle" if you will, where the two male parts also have the hots for one another. That's cool, I like that, in theory, but ... man, there really was nothing there except that. I'm actually pretty sure that's how the idea for this book came about - three hot people get into a love triangle. The "plot" was just there to nudge them along.
It's a shame in a book that basically only revolves around these three characters and nothing else that I intensely disliked two of them. Marjoriana (now that's a ridiculous fantasy name if I ever saw one!), the titular princess, is a naive pushover. Her only bit of bite she gives in the very first chapter quickly evaporates, and she chances allegiances to either of the men at a drop of a hat. She has no spine at all, and while I've seen other reviewers say that she grew into her power, I saw none of that. She's sheltered and gullible, and the only good characteristics I could see were that she actually listenes to poor people sometimes (emphasis on the sometimes).
ASHER, the one who's name is repeated such multitude of times that I literally break out in hives everytime it happens, is the worst assassin I've ever read about. He doesn't kill a single person on page. The only thing he can apparently do is hang around in rafters and bungle up fights. He also has the personality of a wet sock. Oh, sure, there is a tragic past, but that seems more to be a justification for some other things that just had to happen ... no spoilers, if I could manage to spoil the little plot that there is.
Anyway, I am SO SICK of "main female character is obsessed with childhood best friend". SO SICK OF IT. What is it with this trope that has authors in a chokehold these days? Do people simply not want to write a beginning relationship anymore? To imagine a world where these characters start out already loving each other, because if they wouldn't, they would not have a single thing in common with each other, nothing to lead to a potential friendship, because there's no logical reason for them to like each other - other than, of course, "HE IS MY CHILDHOOD BEST FRIEND AND I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT HIM."
I am sick, sick, sick of this trope. If I have to read one again in the next couple of months, I'll scream and throw the book around, I promise.
The saving grace of this throuple was Ky, the warrior king. Not that I can understand how one man can fall in love with these other two assholes, but he was perfection. I love this specific combination of dangerous and gentle, full of rage and still kind. He had an actual motivation, that being saving his kingdom from hunger, and an interesting relationship with his sister, and his guard, and his people. He was just ... so interesting in comparison to the other two. Unfortunately, he is quite obsessed with both of them, which was his only big character flaw. Oh, well. I found myself wanting to know more about him, about his childhood, his growing up on the battle field, the relationship with his father - all the things that were briefly mentioned but never fleshed out. There is a lot of potential here, and maybe it will all come out in future installments, but tbh, I'm not sure whether I'm going to read those.
Yeah. I can see how people would like this, and I'm a little bit sorry I couldn't, but I think my one little opinion can change the potential success this book could find. It's not badly written at all; I just realized in reading this that my genre is less romantasy and more a fantasy with romance, and that maybe I wasn't the target audience for this one. And that's totally okay!
Uh. ... Maybe?
This is sure to be a crowd pleaser, particular if the crowd is into romantasy. But in this recent year I've discovered that I really do need a bit more meat-and-potatoes to my books to enjoy them, and that I need plot. Warrior Princess Assassin has ... some ... plot, a bare whisper of plot, mostly forged to get the three main characters to get into situations that provide sexual tension.
I mean, that was the one thing I liked about this: That this is a threesome. A true "love triangle" if you will, where the two male parts also have the hots for one another. That's cool, I like that, in theory, but ... man, there really was nothing there except that. I'm actually pretty sure that's how the idea for this book came about - three hot people get into a love triangle. The "plot" was just there to nudge them along.
It's a shame in a book that basically only revolves around these three characters and nothing else that I intensely disliked two of them. Marjoriana (now that's a ridiculous fantasy name if I ever saw one!), the titular princess, is a naive pushover. Her only bit of bite she gives in the very first chapter quickly evaporates, and she chances allegiances to either of the men at a drop of a hat. She has no spine at all, and while I've seen other reviewers say that she grew into her power, I saw none of that. She's sheltered and gullible, and the only good characteristics I could see were that she actually listenes to poor people sometimes (emphasis on the sometimes).
ASHER, the one who's name is repeated such multitude of times that I literally break out in hives everytime it happens, is the worst assassin I've ever read about. He doesn't kill a single person on page. The only thing he can apparently do is hang around in rafters and bungle up fights. He also has the personality of a wet sock. Oh, sure, there is a tragic past, but that seems more to be a justification for some other things that just had to happen ... no spoilers, if I could manage to spoil the little plot that there is.
Anyway, I am SO SICK of "main female character is obsessed with childhood best friend". SO SICK OF IT. What is it with this trope that has authors in a chokehold these days? Do people simply not want to write a beginning relationship anymore? To imagine a world where these characters start out already loving each other, because if they wouldn't, they would not have a single thing in common with each other, nothing to lead to a potential friendship, because there's no logical reason for them to like each other - other than, of course, "HE IS MY CHILDHOOD BEST FRIEND AND I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT HIM."
I am sick, sick, sick of this trope. If I have to read one again in the next couple of months, I'll scream and throw the book around, I promise.
The saving grace of this throuple was Ky, the warrior king. Not that I can understand how one man can fall in love with these other two assholes, but he was perfection. I love this specific combination of dangerous and gentle, full of rage and still kind. He had an actual motivation, that being saving his kingdom from hunger, and an interesting relationship with his sister, and his guard, and his people. He was just ... so interesting in comparison to the other two. Unfortunately, he is quite obsessed with both of them, which was his only big character flaw. Oh, well. I found myself wanting to know more about him, about his childhood, his growing up on the battle field, the relationship with his father - all the things that were briefly mentioned but never fleshed out. There is a lot of potential here, and maybe it will all come out in future installments, but tbh, I'm not sure whether I'm going to read those.
Yeah. I can see how people would like this, and I'm a little bit sorry I couldn't, but I think my one little opinion can change the potential success this book could find. It's not badly written at all; I just realized in reading this that my genre is less romantasy and more a fantasy with romance, and that maybe I wasn't the target audience for this one. And that's totally okay!