read_game_stitch 's review for:

Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer

5.0

adventurous emotional reflective 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

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Brigid Kemmerer's adult debut is the first book in the new Braided Fate trilogy. I was instantly hooked by this book - it had me tearing up at only 7% in because of the relationship between Princess Jory and assassin Asher. And then the warrior King Ky entered the picture and I loved him as well! The plot hooked me for sure, but it was the relationships between all three main characters that had me absolutely inhaling this. 

I couldn't pick a favourite if I tried. Jory, Asher and Ky are all complex characters rather than stereotypes, and they have distinct relationships with each other, each providing something different and essential to the other. None of the relationships seem lesser than or more than the others. I just found this beautiful. Their relationships make so much sense because of the darker themes that affect the characters, such as trauma, slavery, sexual abuse and war. It was balanced so well and didn't feel surface level in the slightest. It really did feel like these characters were leading the story rather than the plot sort of placing them in position.

I know I'll be desperate to get to the sequels because there was just something about this story and these particular characters that instantly clicked with me. I loved every minute of Warrior Princess Assassin, and although I've read a lot of books already this year, I think this one might be my favourite. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it, desperate to get back to these characters. It's going to be a long, impatient wait for book 2, but until then, there's always a reread waiting for me!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.