A review by station12reads
Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

"Embrace the Serpent" by Sunya Mara is a fantasy romance set in a world of magical beings and humans; those enthralled by the Empire's djinn and others simply trying to get by. 

When jewelsmith "assistant" and runaway Imperial Ward, Saphira, meets the huntsman of the mysterious Serpent King, her world is upended.  What follows is an incredible story that balances romantic love with love of one's people and unchecked power with that of a devoted ruler. The love that develops between Saphira and Rane is so honest. AND I absolutely loved Grimney, Saphira's sweet and sassy golem. 

This standalone fantasy romance was such a refreshing read. I feel like this genre has been inundated with series lately & it is so nice for a story to be explored and completed in less than 400 pages! I look forward to reading Sunya Mara's previous & future works. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the eARC.