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Braided Fate #1
Warrior Princess Assassin
New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer makes her adult debut with this irresistible and steamy fantasy about three characters whose paths will collide in surprising ways – two royals pushed into a political engagement, and the assassin tasked with hunting them down.
WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.
PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous secret: her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she's deceiving him?
ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.
A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and falling in love with each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.
WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.
PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous secret: her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she's deceiving him?
ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.
A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and falling in love with each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2025
1141 people are currently reading
39455 people want to read
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer
30 books17.8k followersBrigid Kemmerer is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of dark and alluring romantic fantasy novels like Warrior Princess Assassin, Defy the Night, and A Curse So Dark and Lonely. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family. When she’s not writing or being a mom, you can usually find her playing board games with her loving husband, or hanging out in the gym, with her hands wrapped around a barbell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,630 reviews
August 13, 2025
Me: I’m done with love triangles.
Brigid Kemmerer: They all want each other.
Me: Go on...
Firstly, this isn’t a love triangle. I’m not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. If you’re 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. It’s built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like I’m a therapist (I’m not)… But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, I’ll be real. If you’re 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.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher? Ashassin?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. It’s tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawson’s Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until it’s not. Until we get to know Asher’s trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves.
Princess Jory herself… She’s 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, there’s Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big “touch her and die” 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, Ashassin 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. It’s a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. It’s about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. There’s 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, I’d def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, I’d 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 isn’t a love triangle. I’m not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. If you’re 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. It’s built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like I’m a therapist (I’m not)… But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, I’ll be real. If you’re 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.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher? Ashassin?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. It’s tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawson’s Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until it’s not. Until we get to know Asher’s trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves.
Princess Jory herself… She’s 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, there’s Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big “touch her and die” 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, Ashassin 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. It’s a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. It’s about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. There’s 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, I’d def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, I’d 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.
August 21, 2025
3.25!
I have to say that when I read Brigid's books, the thing that lures me in is the book title, but this one was so underwhelming - like, did she even try with it? 😭 If we look past that, though, this is a decent read. It does fall short on so many aspects, but it delivers the enjoyment that we crave so perfectly that I don't want to rate it lower, but if we look at it objectively, it should be lower. I didn't really know what to make of the writing style. The book itself was very fast-paced and easy to read, and I was having fun reading it, but that was all 😭 At first, I didn't notice how much this book was lacking, so my experience was going well, but once I started to see it, it just spiraled downwards from there.
Jory, the princess and our main character. So incredibly naive and so gullible, she brought nothing to the book. I think she was just used for all of the characters to meet together because that was all that she helped do; she did nothing. She was shallow and one-dimensional; she had no development, no arc. She was no better than a piece of cardboard, and I hated that she threw away the main character with that much potential. Asher, he honestly was delivering. He has his arc set for the next book and has a lot of potential. I would like to see it explored. Ry, my favorite character, honestly, was kind of ruthless but also a softie, so I was bound to like him.
The romance- It was supposed to be a polyamorous relationship, and it did not deliver. I feel like the chemistry between Asher and Ry was done very well; it was giving enemies to lovers, and the tension between them was good, too, but Jory, in between them, felt like she was just meddling. Cuz it just made it awkward since there was no chemistry between her with literally neither of them, so it was a bummer, and another complaint would be that it moved way too fast, like there was no slow burn or anything, I wanted to see more development from them.
The plot was what?? They just ran from the assassins throughout the book, and the assassins didn't even chase them?? It was honestly not well done, and the world-building was nonexistent. So, you might say, even after all these complaints, why is it getting three stars? Cuz it was enjoyableee.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it could have been way better
___
So excited to buddy read this with Iqra. Also, my second chance for this author 😋
*Thank you to Netgalley- and the publishers Harper Voyager and Avon for an E-Arc*
I have to say that when I read Brigid's books, the thing that lures me in is the book title, but this one was so underwhelming - like, did she even try with it? 😭 If we look past that, though, this is a decent read. It does fall short on so many aspects, but it delivers the enjoyment that we crave so perfectly that I don't want to rate it lower, but if we look at it objectively, it should be lower. I didn't really know what to make of the writing style. The book itself was very fast-paced and easy to read, and I was having fun reading it, but that was all 😭 At first, I didn't notice how much this book was lacking, so my experience was going well, but once I started to see it, it just spiraled downwards from there.
Jory, the princess and our main character. So incredibly naive and so gullible, she brought nothing to the book. I think she was just used for all of the characters to meet together because that was all that she helped do; she did nothing. She was shallow and one-dimensional; she had no development, no arc. She was no better than a piece of cardboard, and I hated that she threw away the main character with that much potential. Asher, he honestly was delivering. He has his arc set for the next book and has a lot of potential. I would like to see it explored. Ry, my favorite character, honestly, was kind of ruthless but also a softie, so I was bound to like him.
The romance- It was supposed to be a polyamorous relationship, and it did not deliver. I feel like the chemistry between Asher and Ry was done very well; it was giving enemies to lovers, and the tension between them was good, too, but Jory, in between them, felt like she was just meddling. Cuz it just made it awkward since there was no chemistry between her with literally neither of them, so it was a bummer, and another complaint would be that it moved way too fast, like there was no slow burn or anything, I wanted to see more development from them.
The plot was what?? They just ran from the assassins throughout the book, and the assassins didn't even chase them?? It was honestly not well done, and the world-building was nonexistent. So, you might say, even after all these complaints, why is it getting three stars? Cuz it was enjoyableee.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it could have been way better
___
So excited to buddy read this with Iqra. Also, my second chance for this author 😋
*Thank you to Netgalley- and the publishers Harper Voyager and Avon for an E-Arc*
August 11, 2025
Oh, I enjoyed this so much more than I was expecting, a perfect romantasy. I had so much fun and I absolutely loved the main characters!!
Jory, the Princess of Astranza, is forced to marry the King of Incendar, to form an alliance her kingdom desperately needs. King Ky is a feared leader of his kingdom, but he needs the power of Jory's father to save his people. Asher is an assassin, a childhood friend of Jory, tasked with killing them both. But who is trying to killed them both before the alliance is forged? The three of them will have to figure that out, all while a simmering tension grows between them..
The main reason I requested this book is because I knew this wasn't a love triangle, so don't go into it expecting that. I mean, why have one when they can all have each other!! As far as I'm concerned, this is the only right way to do the relationship when there are three main characters involved. There was so much tension between them, a delicious slowburn filled with conflict, trust issues, banter and so much chemistry. The three of them were such a delight to read, I hope it continues in this direction. When you add to that political intrigue, betrayal, great secondary characters and immaculate worldbuilding, you get a story you will absolutely love.
The characters, not the plot, were driving the story, which I loved. The story was set up perfectly. We were slowly introduced to the world and we really got to know the characters.
Asher, his story broke my heart, it's always the tortured souls that get me.
Ky, ruthless yet so kind and protective, made me fall in love with him almost instantly. His soldiers and he, and the way they were with each other, were one of my favourite parts.
Jory, such a compelling character. She was incredibly sheltered and naive, but I loved how she came into her own strength.
I can't wait to see where the story takes them. I will be anxiously waiting for book two. The story is just starting, since we got more of the plot towards the end. I guessed the traitor pretty easily, but that honestly didn't take away much from the story.
I devoured this book in one breath, I couldn't pull myself from it. Can book two come any quicker, please?
*Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ARC.*
Jory, the Princess of Astranza, is forced to marry the King of Incendar, to form an alliance her kingdom desperately needs. King Ky is a feared leader of his kingdom, but he needs the power of Jory's father to save his people. Asher is an assassin, a childhood friend of Jory, tasked with killing them both. But who is trying to killed them both before the alliance is forged? The three of them will have to figure that out, all while a simmering tension grows between them..
The main reason I requested this book is because I knew this wasn't a love triangle, so don't go into it expecting that. I mean, why have one when they can all have each other!! As far as I'm concerned, this is the only right way to do the relationship when there are three main characters involved. There was so much tension between them, a delicious slowburn filled with conflict, trust issues, banter and so much chemistry. The three of them were such a delight to read, I hope it continues in this direction. When you add to that political intrigue, betrayal, great secondary characters and immaculate worldbuilding, you get a story you will absolutely love.
The characters, not the plot, were driving the story, which I loved. The story was set up perfectly. We were slowly introduced to the world and we really got to know the characters.
Asher, his story broke my heart, it's always the tortured souls that get me.
Ky, ruthless yet so kind and protective, made me fall in love with him almost instantly. His soldiers and he, and the way they were with each other, were one of my favourite parts.
Jory, such a compelling character. She was incredibly sheltered and naive, but I loved how she came into her own strength.
I can't wait to see where the story takes them. I will be anxiously waiting for book two. The story is just starting, since we got more of the plot towards the end. I guessed the traitor pretty easily, but that honestly didn't take away much from the story.
I devoured this book in one breath, I couldn't pull myself from it. Can book two come any quicker, please?
*Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ARC.*
April 25, 2025
Honestly, it’s kind of impressive to write so many words and still say absolutely nothing. This book started off with so much potential. It actually hurt to finish it and end up feeling so empty. I won’t even get into the details because I know it’ll spiral into a full-on rant, and I’m not trying to drain my energy like that.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2025
Bravo, Brigid. Bravo.
August 10, 2025
OHMAGOSH this book was so bingeable I am genuinely going crazy bc I have no more material to read about these characters 😫
The characters:
The Warrior — oh I was drawn to him from his first pov. Gahhhh his whole character and personality was so stable and safe it litch made me wanna find comfort in him myself. I love how he did what’s necessary for a king. He’s not impulsive and observes behaviour, assesses situations before he speaks or does anything. I loveeeed everything about him.
The Princess — as much as I understood her role in this book she was giving nothing to the overall plot. Her character just did not mesh well with me and she was a bit irrelevant at times to be honest. She felt like dead weight.
The assassin — he made me so emo 🤚 litch want to protect him with my whole body. This man just could not catch a break pls I was on the verge of sobbing for him 😭😭 his whole character just spoke to me. I loveeeed that he was competent in his role and omfds I was eating it up how he bested half the ppl in this book 💋 so satisfying
The romance:
I felt more chemistry between Ky and Asher than any of them with Jory. Like hello the actual betrayal omg the ANGST??? So scrumptious. I did see the potential with Jory and Ky but her with Asher was a mess to be honest. It always felt to me Asher was an afterthought for her.
I’m really glad with how things worked out with them though because they do make sense with each other. The soft moments??? 😫🤚 *on my knees banging my fist on the floor* no bc they were violent one second and then sweet and soft the next plsss I was living for it.
The writing:
As good as the story was, the writing felt overly formal sometimes. It was a bit rocky at the start of the book but I think as the author got more comfortable with the characters, the writing also eased up a bit. Once there was a flow to the book, it became so bingeable u couldn’t tear this book away from my hands.
The world building was good but it’s not exactly the best I’ve ever read. There are still some things that need expanding and fleshing out. I still have questions about the why’s and how’s. But this is definitely another aspect that’s making me want to come back to this world for more when the next book releases.
Overall it was soooo fun and had the perfect pacing.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for the ARC! ♥︎
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I guessed who the traitor was and screamed when I was RIGHT heheh 👹👹
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Buddy reading w Clace (we’re not gna talk about the 11 other books in my CR okay 🤚)
The characters:
The Warrior — oh I was drawn to him from his first pov. Gahhhh his whole character and personality was so stable and safe it litch made me wanna find comfort in him myself. I love how he did what’s necessary for a king. He’s not impulsive and observes behaviour, assesses situations before he speaks or does anything. I loveeeed everything about him.
The Princess — as much as I understood her role in this book she was giving nothing to the overall plot. Her character just did not mesh well with me and she was a bit irrelevant at times to be honest. She felt like dead weight.
The assassin — he made me so emo 🤚 litch want to protect him with my whole body. This man just could not catch a break pls I was on the verge of sobbing for him 😭😭 his whole character just spoke to me. I loveeeed that he was competent in his role and omfds I was eating it up how he bested half the ppl in this book 💋 so satisfying
The romance:
I felt more chemistry between Ky and Asher than any of them with Jory. Like hello the actual betrayal omg the ANGST??? So scrumptious. I did see the potential with Jory and Ky but her with Asher was a mess to be honest. It always felt to me Asher was an afterthought for her.
I’m really glad with how things worked out with them though because they do make sense with each other. The soft moments??? 😫🤚 *on my knees banging my fist on the floor* no bc they were violent one second and then sweet and soft the next plsss I was living for it.
The writing:
As good as the story was, the writing felt overly formal sometimes. It was a bit rocky at the start of the book but I think as the author got more comfortable with the characters, the writing also eased up a bit. Once there was a flow to the book, it became so bingeable u couldn’t tear this book away from my hands.
The world building was good but it’s not exactly the best I’ve ever read. There are still some things that need expanding and fleshing out. I still have questions about the why’s and how’s. But this is definitely another aspect that’s making me want to come back to this world for more when the next book releases.
Overall it was soooo fun and had the perfect pacing.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for the ARC! ♥︎
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I guessed who the traitor was and screamed when I was RIGHT heheh 👹👹
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Buddy reading w Clace (we’re not gna talk about the 11 other books in my CR okay 🤚)
July 26, 2025
When I say I want to read a romantasy, this is what I mean.
If you loved The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson but wanted an adult version where Lia, Rafe, and Kaden are all lusting after each other - let me introduce you to Warrior Princess Assassin and Ky, Jory, Asher. 🥵
I will admit I went into this book blind. All I needed to know was that this was Brigid Kemmerer’s adult debut and I was sold! Imagine my surprise when the warrior, the princess, and the assassin were all separate people and the warrior and the assassin weren’t just craving the princess but each other too!
What’s to love…
- the absolute SLOWEST of slow burn
- political intrigue
- not a dull POV in sight, usually with multiple POVs there is always one I don’t love - this was the exception! I loved being in each of their heads!
- Grade A BANTER
- EPIC TENSION
- easy to binge and totally un-put-downable
- characters you want to root for
- the romance 💗💗
What’s not to love…
- occasionally the POVs were a bit repetitive
🌶️ - Ch 32, 33, 34 🥵
4.5⭐️| TikTok | IG |
Mild trope related spoiler re: their relationship…
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
If you loved The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson but wanted an adult version where Lia, Rafe, and Kaden are all lusting after each other - let me introduce you to Warrior Princess Assassin and Ky, Jory, Asher. 🥵
I will admit I went into this book blind. All I needed to know was that this was Brigid Kemmerer’s adult debut and I was sold! Imagine my surprise when the warrior, the princess, and the assassin were all separate people and the warrior and the assassin weren’t just craving the princess but each other too!
What’s to love…
- the absolute SLOWEST of slow burn
- political intrigue
- not a dull POV in sight, usually with multiple POVs there is always one I don’t love - this was the exception! I loved being in each of their heads!
- Grade A BANTER
- EPIC TENSION
- easy to binge and totally un-put-downable
- characters you want to root for
- the romance 💗💗
What’s not to love…
- occasionally the POVs were a bit repetitive
🌶️ - Ch 32, 33, 34 🥵
4.5⭐️| TikTok | IG |
Mild trope related spoiler re: their relationship…
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2025
just a bunch of walking and talking and somehow we still got nowhere
July 28, 2025
this book made me feel things 🦋 and I loved it.
May 31, 2025
Rated 4.5/5 stars
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is a gem of a romantasy story that I just couldn’t put down. Following three POVs and their increasingly complicated situations when a betrothal-gone-wrong leads all three astray, this is a journey where I didn’t know the ideal outcome- and loved the story all the more for it.
The dynamic between our trio is one of irritation-meets-infatuation, and I ate. it. UP. I adored the push and pull between our main characters, no matter what direction that was felt at any given point, and if anything it just kept reeling me back in, hooked on the outcome for each character. It was tense, heated, and alluring all in one. Add in the political fantasy plot, and I was sold.
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is an incredible foray into adult romantasy from Brigid Kemmerer, one that is bound to have readers begging for more - and is now leaving me longing for book 2 😂
[I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley]
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is a gem of a romantasy story that I just couldn’t put down. Following three POVs and their increasingly complicated situations when a betrothal-gone-wrong leads all three astray, this is a journey where I didn’t know the ideal outcome- and loved the story all the more for it.
The dynamic between our trio is one of irritation-meets-infatuation, and I ate. it. UP. I adored the push and pull between our main characters, no matter what direction that was felt at any given point, and if anything it just kept reeling me back in, hooked on the outcome for each character. It was tense, heated, and alluring all in one. Add in the political fantasy plot, and I was sold.
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is an incredible foray into adult romantasy from Brigid Kemmerer, one that is bound to have readers begging for more - and is now leaving me longing for book 2 😂
[I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley]
Want to read
May 4, 2025please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle 😭😭🙏🙏
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc - all thoughts are my own <3
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc - all thoughts are my own <3
July 28, 2025
“Rest assured, I know how to go to war.” ⚔️👑🔥
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
September 7, 2025
when i read the title “warrior princess assassin” never did i imagine the warrior, princess, and assassin in question were a poly m/m/f why choose!
there wasn’t much of a plot although the vibes were def there and this is much more a character driven beginning to the series (i can’t wait to see how this develops further). it is also steamy as FUCK i won’t lie this had me clutching my pearls in the best way 🔥🥵
i read this in like, two solid sittings and im appalled how kemmerer went from her ya series (which i adored) to THIS. 100% recommend but please check trigger warnings!!
thank you to netgalley and avon for the arc 💫
there wasn’t much of a plot although the vibes were def there and this is much more a character driven beginning to the series (i can’t wait to see how this develops further). it is also steamy as FUCK i won’t lie this had me clutching my pearls in the best way 🔥🥵
i read this in like, two solid sittings and im appalled how kemmerer went from her ya series (which i adored) to THIS. 100% recommend but please check trigger warnings!!
thank you to netgalley and avon for the arc 💫
August 18, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!
3.5 stars because while i really enjoyed this, majority of this book could have been cut in half — the journey from astranza to incendar took entirely wayyyy too long, cutting on time our three mcs could have developed their relationships. the long journey felt like a cheap way to fluff out the first book into the next one.
i will admit i’m glad this was a slow burn and that the plot/characters were not sacrificed for the spice — considering the spice literally did not happen until 92% of the way into the book — but also it was not that spicy lol. although asher and ky totally kept me on the edge of my seat with their heated tension.
overall, i initially ate this up but also skimmed wayyyy too much of the middle, only to wind up with a cliffhanger. i will definitely return for the next book, but hopefully the plot progresses faster in book two.
3.5 stars because while i really enjoyed this, majority of this book could have been cut in half — the journey from astranza to incendar took entirely wayyyy too long, cutting on time our three mcs could have developed their relationships. the long journey felt like a cheap way to fluff out the first book into the next one.
i will admit i’m glad this was a slow burn and that the plot/characters were not sacrificed for the spice — considering the spice literally did not happen until 92% of the way into the book — but also it was not that spicy lol. although asher and ky totally kept me on the edge of my seat with their heated tension.
overall, i initially ate this up but also skimmed wayyyy too much of the middle, only to wind up with a cliffhanger. i will definitely return for the next book, but hopefully the plot progresses faster in book two.
June 16, 2025
Listen. I knew I would love Kemmerer’s first adult fantasy novel but I didn’t know I would it LOVE WITH ALL MY HEART!
Holy moly this was an amazing adventure that took one heck of a sizzling turn in ways I was not expecting!
Kemmerer has an incredible ability to write how love feels. And in this story, she captures not only that, but lust, tension and the kind of chemistry that comes from people that were meant to be together.
This story is a simple one yet so much more than what it seems. We follow a Princess betrothed to a feared, fire wielding King. We have a warrior king on the other end of that betrothal, needing her magic to help save his people. And finally the assassin. He’s the princesses childhood friend and lover- that’s hired to take them both out.
It was SO FREAKING GOOD!!
Thank you to Avon for sending me this ARC, all thoughts are my own!
Holy moly this was an amazing adventure that took one heck of a sizzling turn in ways I was not expecting!
Kemmerer has an incredible ability to write how love feels. And in this story, she captures not only that, but lust, tension and the kind of chemistry that comes from people that were meant to be together.
This story is a simple one yet so much more than what it seems. We follow a Princess betrothed to a feared, fire wielding King. We have a warrior king on the other end of that betrothal, needing her magic to help save his people. And finally the assassin. He’s the princesses childhood friend and lover- that’s hired to take them both out.
It was SO FREAKING GOOD!!
Thank you to Avon for sending me this ARC, all thoughts are my own!
April 16, 2025
DNF at 25%
I wasn’t really vibing with the book, so I looked up reviews. It felt a little too insta lust to me, but whatever. It’s just not my thing.
I did think it would be a love triangle. NO.
I had NO idea this was a why choose romance. I can confirm. The girl does it with both dudes at the same time. The dudes do it with each other. Everyone is doing it with everyone.
I’m embarrassed to say the least. 🙈
I never leave reviews for DNFs, but I felt it was important in this case.
This was a free copy from NetGalley.
I wasn’t really vibing with the book, so I looked up reviews. It felt a little too insta lust to me, but whatever. It’s just not my thing.
I did think it would be a love triangle. NO.
I had NO idea this was a why choose romance. I can confirm. The girl does it with both dudes at the same time. The dudes do it with each other. Everyone is doing it with everyone.
I’m embarrassed to say the least. 🙈
I never leave reviews for DNFs, but I felt it was important in this case.
This was a free copy from NetGalley.
September 5, 2025
“... if this is where you choose to remain, know this: no one will take you away from me.”
This was so much fun, the guys are everything, and I will die on this hill.
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I have such a soft spot for B and her Elemental series, so excited for her first adult one :)
This was so much fun, the guys are everything, and I will die on this hill.
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I have such a soft spot for B and her Elemental series, so excited for her first adult one :)
Want to read
November 16, 2023The title is a little ridiculous… but I do love warriors and assassins 😏
September 3, 2025
THE PRINCESS HAS TWO BOYFRIENDS AND THE BOYFRIENDS ARE ALSO BOYFRIENDS!!!!!!!!!
Do you hear me SCREECHING from the mountain tops?
I’ve been doing cartwheels and giggling for days.
The smut in the next book is about to go friggen CRAZZZZZZZYyyyYyYyyYy!!!! I’m so unbelievably locked in you have no idea.
🎶Fucking two bad bitches at the same damn time🎶
I loved this so much I had an absolute blasttttttt. I think the last line of every chapter had me giggling or gagging I absolutely could not put this shit down.
This book primarily consists of court intrigue and navigating war and is heavy on the romance aspect over fantasy but I ADORED it even though not much plot happens. The silly little dynamics between them all was too good and I simply love it when the tough boys wrestle and fight and then kiss I was clapping like a seal the whole time.
I love that you get the hot, misunderstood, marriage-of-convenience-to-lovers warrior, fire wielder king AND ALSO the tortured, mysterious, friend-to-lovers assassin. Jory is an absolute freaking sheltered IDIOT but I have faith my girl is going to have a great character arc redemption. But really this girl cannot be serious half the time I was like GIRL!? There are a lot of dynamic characters here and they are not perfect at all and I really do love that.
When you read this have a counter how many times someone grabs someone else’s wrist I swear to god.
Wrist grab counter: 13!
(Also PS Brigid if you dream of hurting my baby Asher I really will riot in the streets don’t touch that boy he’s been through ENOUGH.)
Do you hear me SCREECHING from the mountain tops?
I’ve been doing cartwheels and giggling for days.
The smut in the next book is about to go friggen CRAZZZZZZZYyyyYyYyyYy!!!! I’m so unbelievably locked in you have no idea.
🎶Fucking two bad bitches at the same damn time🎶
I loved this so much I had an absolute blasttttttt. I think the last line of every chapter had me giggling or gagging I absolutely could not put this shit down.
This book primarily consists of court intrigue and navigating war and is heavy on the romance aspect over fantasy but I ADORED it even though not much plot happens. The silly little dynamics between them all was too good and I simply love it when the tough boys wrestle and fight and then kiss I was clapping like a seal the whole time.
I love that you get the hot, misunderstood, marriage-of-convenience-to-lovers warrior, fire wielder king AND ALSO the tortured, mysterious, friend-to-lovers assassin. Jory is an absolute freaking sheltered IDIOT but I have faith my girl is going to have a great character arc redemption. But really this girl cannot be serious half the time I was like GIRL!? There are a lot of dynamic characters here and they are not perfect at all and I really do love that.
When you read this have a counter how many times someone grabs someone else’s wrist I swear to god.
Wrist grab counter: 13!
(Also PS Brigid if you dream of hurting my baby Asher I really will riot in the streets don’t touch that boy he’s been through ENOUGH.)
August 19, 2025
« You say you want to know. But you don’t even know what you’re asking for. »
I will admit I wasn’t sure I would like this one when I saw it was poly romance. But my bf said I shouldn’t let that stop me from picking up a book and that was very wise lol.
For the first 100 pages, I still wasn’t sure what to think. But then the MMCs chemistry absolutely blew me away 😭
The men this author writes >
I loved all three characters. They’re multilayered and deep and wounded. The FMC was very naive and judgemental at times but she was shielded by everyone around her all her life (even her best friend)… so of course she was going to be like this. She progressed through the book though and she was compassionate. I absolutely loved Ky & Asher. Nothing compared to those two men and they had the most AMAZING chemistry. I was dying for their moments - they were everything.
Now I do have to admit the plot progressed at a snail pace. I recommend reading this for the romance. I was absolutely entertained by this and I had so much fun with said romance!
« Maybe it needs to breathe so it can begin to heal. »
I will admit I wasn’t sure I would like this one when I saw it was poly romance. But my bf said I shouldn’t let that stop me from picking up a book and that was very wise lol.
For the first 100 pages, I still wasn’t sure what to think. But then the MMCs chemistry absolutely blew me away 😭
The men this author writes >
I loved all three characters. They’re multilayered and deep and wounded. The FMC was very naive and judgemental at times but she was shielded by everyone around her all her life (even her best friend)… so of course she was going to be like this. She progressed through the book though and she was compassionate. I absolutely loved Ky & Asher. Nothing compared to those two men and they had the most AMAZING chemistry. I was dying for their moments - they were everything.
Now I do have to admit the plot progressed at a snail pace. I recommend reading this for the romance. I was absolutely entertained by this and I had so much fun with said romance!
« Maybe it needs to breathe so it can begin to heal. »
August 24, 2025
Really didn’t care for Jory’s character and mostly just wanted Ky and Asher to be together 👀
Overall not a bad book but it just wasn’t for me.
Overall not a bad book but it just wasn’t for me.
May 7, 2025
CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMINGGGGGG, oh my god the way this book was so much fun?!
hear me out, im going to be upfront and honest right away that there is not much that happens in this book until towards the end !!!BUT!!! i think this was SUCH a good and fun way to set up this trilogy. its an introduction to the world, magic, characters and plot without it being extremely overwhelming the way 99% of fantasy’s are these days. it allows you to get comfortable and familiar without too much pressure to keep up with 10 billion things.
every single character in this book was extremely pleasant and intriguing, im very obsessed with the three main characters and the dynamic that they’re attempting to figure out. i really liked all of Kys men that surround him. im very much looking forward to learning more about Kys sister. The traitor is a tad predictable BUT ill give it a pass bc i just really had the best time reading this lol.
i am PUMPED that it seems to be setting up for MMF, i am on my knees praying this is the direction the books will continue in because all three of these characters have the most ridiculous tension and chemistry 🤭
this is my first of brigids and im so deeply impressed by this book as i know her previous works are YA, her writing had me in an absolute chokehold. i really enjoyed how she uses everyones favorite fantasy tropes but in a way that isnt overdone or cliche. the explicit scenes were HOT, i absolutely loved how exploratory they were. im verryyyyy excited to see how the dynamics shift in this aspect through out the next two books, im excited to see jory get more confident with her two men and how ky and asher will eventually find their groove with one another!! the tension and yearning through out the entire book builds up SOOOO stunningly. like when i can get my hands on book two prepare to hate my ass because im gonna be FERAL by the time it happens after all the waiting 😂
im just overall very excited to see where this story goes, there is nothing i love more than an engaging fantasy where i love all the characters and it doesn’t require me to be constantly using my brain to keep up with everything. just *chefs kiss*.
hear me out, im going to be upfront and honest right away that there is not much that happens in this book until towards the end !!!BUT!!! i think this was SUCH a good and fun way to set up this trilogy. its an introduction to the world, magic, characters and plot without it being extremely overwhelming the way 99% of fantasy’s are these days. it allows you to get comfortable and familiar without too much pressure to keep up with 10 billion things.
every single character in this book was extremely pleasant and intriguing, im very obsessed with the three main characters and the dynamic that they’re attempting to figure out. i really liked all of Kys men that surround him. im very much looking forward to learning more about Kys sister. The traitor is a tad predictable BUT ill give it a pass bc i just really had the best time reading this lol.
i am PUMPED that it seems to be setting up for MMF, i am on my knees praying this is the direction the books will continue in because all three of these characters have the most ridiculous tension and chemistry 🤭
this is my first of brigids and im so deeply impressed by this book as i know her previous works are YA, her writing had me in an absolute chokehold. i really enjoyed how she uses everyones favorite fantasy tropes but in a way that isnt overdone or cliche. the explicit scenes were HOT, i absolutely loved how exploratory they were. im verryyyyy excited to see how the dynamics shift in this aspect through out the next two books, im excited to see jory get more confident with her two men and how ky and asher will eventually find their groove with one another!! the tension and yearning through out the entire book builds up SOOOO stunningly. like when i can get my hands on book two prepare to hate my ass because im gonna be FERAL by the time it happens after all the waiting 😂
im just overall very excited to see where this story goes, there is nothing i love more than an engaging fantasy where i love all the characters and it doesn’t require me to be constantly using my brain to keep up with everything. just *chefs kiss*.
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars. I have such mixed feelings about this book! On one hand, I did enjoy it, it was easily immersive and I'm intrigued by the plot. On the other hand, nothing happened. This entire book is them travelling from one place to another, chased by assasins, but without any real sense of urgency or danger.
The romance also didn't work for me, completely. This is MMF and in the beginning I liked Jory (Princess), Ky (Warrior) and Asher (Assassin) as individuals. I enjoyed the dynamic between AsherxJory and I loved the chemistry between JoryxKy, but once KyxAsher started cooking, it was like Jory, who?
Jory is sheltered, innocent, naive. She lacks any real-world experience outside of the castle and though she has experienced some hardship and she does have a backbone when called for, her character just does not stand up against the two MMCs who have so much more knowledge, experience, trauma...the list goes on.
This made the throuple dynamic really unbalanced for me because it kind of felt like the MMCs 'managed' and babied Jory. It felt like Ky and Asher had a closer connection/understanding/desire for each other, than Jory had with either of them, and she eventually just felt a bit like a spare part. Romantically at this point, you could remove Jory from the book and have a solid MM romance.
I am looking forward to the next book. I feel like the plot will really take off in that one, considering where we leave off here. I just hope the romance develops a bit more, and that Jory starts to feel like she plays an essential part in it.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.
The romance also didn't work for me, completely. This is MMF and in the beginning I liked Jory (Princess), Ky (Warrior) and Asher (Assassin) as individuals. I enjoyed the dynamic between AsherxJory and I loved the chemistry between JoryxKy, but once KyxAsher started cooking, it was like Jory, who?
Jory is sheltered, innocent, naive. She lacks any real-world experience outside of the castle and though she has experienced some hardship and she does have a backbone when called for, her character just does not stand up against the two MMCs who have so much more knowledge, experience, trauma...the list goes on.
This made the throuple dynamic really unbalanced for me because it kind of felt like the MMCs 'managed' and babied Jory. It felt like Ky and Asher had a closer connection/understanding/desire for each other, than Jory had with either of them, and she eventually just felt a bit like a spare part. Romantically at this point, you could remove Jory from the book and have a solid MM romance.
I am looking forward to the next book. I feel like the plot will really take off in that one, considering where we leave off here. I just hope the romance develops a bit more, and that Jory starts to feel like she plays an essential part in it.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.
July 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This started off so strong and I really really thought it was going to be a super high rating but once I finished, I felt like nothing happened and it was so unbelievably predictable!
As soon as I realized there were 3 POVs, the warrior, the assassin, the princess - I was so excited! But once I hit 60% and realized that truly nothing was happening, I started to lose interest.
The ending sadly did nothing for me since I had a hunch what was going to happen from the beginning.
I did LOVE both Asher and Ky though and the little plot twist between them all 🔥
I might continue just solely off of vibes!
This started off so strong and I really really thought it was going to be a super high rating but once I finished, I felt like nothing happened and it was so unbelievably predictable!
As soon as I realized there were 3 POVs, the warrior, the assassin, the princess - I was so excited! But once I hit 60% and realized that truly nothing was happening, I started to lose interest.
The ending sadly did nothing for me since I had a hunch what was going to happen from the beginning.
I did LOVE both Asher and Ky though and the little plot twist between them all 🔥
I might continue just solely off of vibes!
April 21, 2025
This book? A masterclass in absolutely nothing happening. Like, I kept waiting for the plot to show up and it was like, “Sorry babe, stuck in traffic. Maybe next chapter.” Spoiler alert: it never arrived.
We’ve got a fire king, a storm princess, and a sad assassin with a tragic backstory and big betrayal vibes—and yet somehow I was more emotionally invested in my grocery list than any of them. The drama potential was there, don’t get me wrong. But it was buried under 400 pages of slow burn that forgot to ever catch fire.
I came for spice and stabbing and secrets—got a snoozefest with a side of indecisive yearning and weird pacing. You ever read something and feel like the author is just lovingly describing curtains while the plot quietly dies in the corner? Yeah. That.
I wanted to love this. I brought snacks. I had hopes. But now I just want my time refunded and my eyeballs iced. Please.
Next!
We’ve got a fire king, a storm princess, and a sad assassin with a tragic backstory and big betrayal vibes—and yet somehow I was more emotionally invested in my grocery list than any of them. The drama potential was there, don’t get me wrong. But it was buried under 400 pages of slow burn that forgot to ever catch fire.
I came for spice and stabbing and secrets—got a snoozefest with a side of indecisive yearning and weird pacing. You ever read something and feel like the author is just lovingly describing curtains while the plot quietly dies in the corner? Yeah. That.
I wanted to love this. I brought snacks. I had hopes. But now I just want my time refunded and my eyeballs iced. Please.
Next!
July 9, 2025
3.75⭐️
OMG I never expected to like a love ▲ this much 🔥
Though the world building was extremely basic I still hope book #2 will bring some more twists and more plot.
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"Warrior Princess Assassin" is the first instalment in a new series written by Brigid Kemmerer. It tells the story of a princess that is promised to a warrior king in order to save both kingdoms. Their life, however, will be put in the hands of a dangerous assassin. Will they be able to survive and help their people?
What captivated me the most in this book is the amazing character arc. When I start reading romantasy, the main thing that I need to be done properly is relations. If it comes to this, Brigid Kemmerer does not disappoint me. All three characters are very deep and complex, and their stories moved my heart. The book deals with some difficult topics, especially violence and abuse. It's very easy to sympathise with all three characters and root for the romantic relationships. And that was the best part. The romance was done in a slow-burn manner and was done excellently. I had never suspected that I could enjoy reading about such a relationship so much!
The only thing that, in my opinion, was lacking was the world-building. It was a rather basic, medieval-like world with not so much of a complex plot. However, it is still the first instalment and you could feel that the author focused more on characters. After the plot twist at the end of the book, I hope that second one will add some more layers to the existing world.
Having say that, I really recommend "Warrior princess assassin" to all romantasy readers. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
OMG I never expected to like a love ▲ this much 🔥
Though the world building was extremely basic I still hope book #2 will bring some more twists and more plot.
------------------------
"Warrior Princess Assassin" is the first instalment in a new series written by Brigid Kemmerer. It tells the story of a princess that is promised to a warrior king in order to save both kingdoms. Their life, however, will be put in the hands of a dangerous assassin. Will they be able to survive and help their people?
What captivated me the most in this book is the amazing character arc. When I start reading romantasy, the main thing that I need to be done properly is relations. If it comes to this, Brigid Kemmerer does not disappoint me. All three characters are very deep and complex, and their stories moved my heart. The book deals with some difficult topics, especially violence and abuse. It's very easy to sympathise with all three characters and root for the romantic relationships. And that was the best part. The romance was done in a slow-burn manner and was done excellently. I had never suspected that I could enjoy reading about such a relationship so much!
The only thing that, in my opinion, was lacking was the world-building. It was a rather basic, medieval-like world with not so much of a complex plot. However, it is still the first instalment and you could feel that the author focused more on characters. After the plot twist at the end of the book, I hope that second one will add some more layers to the existing world.
Having say that, I really recommend "Warrior princess assassin" to all romantasy readers. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2025
I don't know what Brigid Kemmerer put in this book, but it was certainly 100% addictive! I am obsessed 🙈
Warrior Princess Assassin starts as a traditional premise of an arranged marriage to establish an alliance between two nations in need. This is a trope I tend to enjoy as it hints of more political intrigue layered over the main plot. While this story ultimately leans heavily into its characters, it still leaves us with the promise of exciting things to come.
This book is clearly an introductory book to what I suspect will be a very exciting series. We get enough plot to keep us curious about the larger story and future twists, plenty of action to keep us on the edge of our seats, and just the right amount yearning and romantic tension to have stomach fluttering with butterflies. This being said, please bear in mind this is a highly character driven story, being the main focus getting us to understand all shades of the three main characters, and how they can help each other grow and overcome their traumas and fears.
I must admit I was very curious about the romance on the book being a thropple, and I must say this was beautifully and extraordinarily well executed. Honestly, I believe in this relationship more than I have in most romances I’ve read in recent years.
This was my first time reading Brigid Kemmerer and I want to emphasize the writing was definitely a highlight of this book. I was engaged in the story and captured by the characters the moment we are introduced to each one of them. I loved everything about this book and 100% recommend it to Romantasy fans.
I would like to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Warrior Princess Assassin starts as a traditional premise of an arranged marriage to establish an alliance between two nations in need. This is a trope I tend to enjoy as it hints of more political intrigue layered over the main plot. While this story ultimately leans heavily into its characters, it still leaves us with the promise of exciting things to come.
This book is clearly an introductory book to what I suspect will be a very exciting series. We get enough plot to keep us curious about the larger story and future twists, plenty of action to keep us on the edge of our seats, and just the right amount yearning and romantic tension to have stomach fluttering with butterflies. This being said, please bear in mind this is a highly character driven story, being the main focus getting us to understand all shades of the three main characters, and how they can help each other grow and overcome their traumas and fears.
I must admit I was very curious about the romance on the book being a thropple, and I must say this was beautifully and extraordinarily well executed. Honestly, I believe in this relationship more than I have in most romances I’ve read in recent years.
This was my first time reading Brigid Kemmerer and I want to emphasize the writing was definitely a highlight of this book. I was engaged in the story and captured by the characters the moment we are introduced to each one of them. I loved everything about this book and 100% recommend it to Romantasy fans.
I would like to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2025
I’m obsessed with these characters and this story. Brigid never ceases to amaze me with the way she makes me fall in love with her stories.
August 11, 2025
No idea what Brigid put into this book but it was ADDICTIVE!
This book follows Princess Marjoriana, also known as Jory, who has to enter an arranged marriage with King Maddox Kyronan to help protect her people from enemies. Maddox has fire magic that earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his land is burning and he needs the power that Jory's family has to feed his people and land. Both hold secrets, Jory that her father is dying and Maddox that he cannot have people find out how the blaze started.
What will happen when a third player enters the game as there are enemies on all fronts opposing the marriage? Asher, an Assassin working for the Hunter's Guild and best friend to Jory, receives a lucrative job until he sees that his targets are Jory and Maddox. What lengths will Asher go to to protect the woman he loves? What will happen when all three are pushed together?
I loved getting all three POV's in this book!! I can't even tell you which one was my favorite because they were all amazing. The relationship that developed not just with each character, but as a throuple as well. It was so well done and I was on the edge of my seat every time!
I also adored the actual plot because like what do you mean someone wants to kill my loves and we don't know who? And there's just so much more to unpack than just that and I need book two STAT!!
There were also a lot of trigger warnings in the book so please be sure to read those first!! Each character has their own issues and struggles that they have faced and continue to battle as the book goes on. Their relationship and characterization becomes that much more deep as a result.
I also loved Maddox's group of soliders!! Some of my favorite side characters to exist!! I could totally read a book about just them alone and be so happy. The actual state and issues in each country adds another layer of complexity. I just cannot get over Brigid's writing and world building!!
All in all, I need book 2 and I cannot thank Avon Books for the gifted hardcopy and proof!!! You have made a girl very happy for her 21st!
This book follows Princess Marjoriana, also known as Jory, who has to enter an arranged marriage with King Maddox Kyronan to help protect her people from enemies. Maddox has fire magic that earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his land is burning and he needs the power that Jory's family has to feed his people and land. Both hold secrets, Jory that her father is dying and Maddox that he cannot have people find out how the blaze started.
What will happen when a third player enters the game as there are enemies on all fronts opposing the marriage? Asher, an Assassin working for the Hunter's Guild and best friend to Jory, receives a lucrative job until he sees that his targets are Jory and Maddox. What lengths will Asher go to to protect the woman he loves? What will happen when all three are pushed together?
I loved getting all three POV's in this book!! I can't even tell you which one was my favorite because they were all amazing. The relationship that developed not just with each character, but as a throuple as well. It was so well done and I was on the edge of my seat every time!
I also adored the actual plot because like what do you mean someone wants to kill my loves and we don't know who? And there's just so much more to unpack than just that and I need book two STAT!!
There were also a lot of trigger warnings in the book so please be sure to read those first!! Each character has their own issues and struggles that they have faced and continue to battle as the book goes on. Their relationship and characterization becomes that much more deep as a result.
I also loved Maddox's group of soliders!! Some of my favorite side characters to exist!! I could totally read a book about just them alone and be so happy. The actual state and issues in each country adds another layer of complexity. I just cannot get over Brigid's writing and world building!!
All in all, I need book 2 and I cannot thank Avon Books for the gifted hardcopy and proof!!! You have made a girl very happy for her 21st!
August 17, 2025
Wow! I loved this book way more than I expected to!
I have never read a Brigid Kimmerer book before, so I went into this blind not really knowing what to expect. What I found was a book that kept me up until 3am because I couldn't put it down, banter that had me laughing, characters thar I couldn't help but fall in love with, a thick and twisty plot, and a steamy, slow burn why choose romantasy.
The Warrior is a desperate king that needs an alliance to save his people and his kingdom.
The Princess has loved the assassin all her life. Then, she finds herself falling for the king she is betrothed to.
The Assassin is sent to kill the princess he loves and her fiance, the king.
✅️ Arranged marriage
✅️ Slow burn
✅️ Politcal Intrigue
✅️ Trauma
✅️ Reluctant allies
✅️ Why choose
✅️ Betrayal
✅️ Magic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I will definitely be continuing this series when the next 2 books are released in the trilogy. Loved this book and was just what I needed to help pull me out of a reading slump.
I have never read a Brigid Kimmerer book before, so I went into this blind not really knowing what to expect. What I found was a book that kept me up until 3am because I couldn't put it down, banter that had me laughing, characters thar I couldn't help but fall in love with, a thick and twisty plot, and a steamy, slow burn why choose romantasy.
The Warrior is a desperate king that needs an alliance to save his people and his kingdom.
The Princess has loved the assassin all her life. Then, she finds herself falling for the king she is betrothed to.
The Assassin is sent to kill the princess he loves and her fiance, the king.
✅️ Arranged marriage
✅️ Slow burn
✅️ Politcal Intrigue
✅️ Trauma
✅️ Reluctant allies
✅️ Why choose
✅️ Betrayal
✅️ Magic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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I will definitely be continuing this series when the next 2 books are released in the trilogy. Loved this book and was just what I needed to help pull me out of a reading slump.
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