A review by heameljon
Ancient Vengeance by Katie Reus

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? No

4.5

In Nova, Stella lead a very sheltered life. Besides being a Princess, Stella's parents have been overly protective ever since her older sister was kidnapped. Now that her sister has returned, Stella is being allowed some freedoms. At her sister's wedding someone stole a crown and Stella has been charged with locating the culprit. Upon leaving her realm, someone shoots her with a very powerful poison.

Dragon shifter Rhodes has never known his family or what clan he was born into. At a very young age he was forced to learn to defend himself, because of this developed skill set he has found work as a paid assassin. Rhodes was hired by the Fae to kidnap Stella. After watching her for some time he realizes that Stella is not the danger to society the Fae said she was. Rhodes only kills those that are purely evil. He was following her when she was attacked and saved her life. Once Stella awakens, she and Rhodes agree work together to learn who attacked her and discover who took her families crown.

I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley and the Publisher, KR Press LLC, for an honest review.

Even though Stella has lived a sheltered, regal life, her character has strength and intelligence. Rhodes is a strong male character who has had a hard life and even though he becomes possessive of Stella he is never dominating. I love the world Reus has built in the 'Ancients Rising' series and the interlinked relationships between the characters from book to book. I eagerly look forward to the next installment in this series.