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The Book of All Things #3
The Altruist and the Assassin
She’s searching for redemption. What she finds is her destiny.
From the USA Today Bestselling Author of Kingdom of the White Sea comes a new series of standalone fantasy romance tales set in the same vibrant world: The Book of All Things. Disappear into this tumultuous tale of revenge and redemption, as two fated souls are thrust into each other’s paths once more.
Rhiain enjoys a charmed life as the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the realm. Spoiled and vain, she has never met a need or want she couldn’t attain. The dark spots in her memory have been tucked away, with all other unpleasant things.
Then a terrible mistake brings her entire world crashing down around her. Her life shifts in an instant; her fate, uncertain. Her father’s punishment for her is forcing her to train for a life as one of his prized assassins.
But a chance encounter in a familiar tavern will change everything.
Everything she knows.
Everything she feels.
Everything she is.
As Rhiain gets closer to handsome, enigmatic Asterin— a man she doesn’t remember but claims to possess the truth about her dark spots—she begins to accept there is much more to these gaps in her understanding of the past.
Because these memories were taken from her for a reason. And there are those who will do anything to stop her from remembering.
The Altruist and the Assassin is a standalone fated love fantasy romance tale set in the Kingdom of the White Sea universe, with hints of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty.
From the USA Today Bestselling Author of Kingdom of the White Sea comes a new series of standalone fantasy romance tales set in the same vibrant world: The Book of All Things. Disappear into this tumultuous tale of revenge and redemption, as two fated souls are thrust into each other’s paths once more.
Rhiain enjoys a charmed life as the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the realm. Spoiled and vain, she has never met a need or want she couldn’t attain. The dark spots in her memory have been tucked away, with all other unpleasant things.
Then a terrible mistake brings her entire world crashing down around her. Her life shifts in an instant; her fate, uncertain. Her father’s punishment for her is forcing her to train for a life as one of his prized assassins.
But a chance encounter in a familiar tavern will change everything.
Everything she knows.
Everything she feels.
Everything she is.
As Rhiain gets closer to handsome, enigmatic Asterin— a man she doesn’t remember but claims to possess the truth about her dark spots—she begins to accept there is much more to these gaps in her understanding of the past.
Because these memories were taken from her for a reason. And there are those who will do anything to stop her from remembering.
The Altruist and the Assassin is a standalone fated love fantasy romance tale set in the Kingdom of the White Sea universe, with hints of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2022
37 people are currently reading
2252 people want to read
About the author
Sarah M. Cradit
99 books894 followersSarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 31, 2022
The Altruist and the Assassin is the third standalone romantasy in The Book of All Things series, and it’s dark, romantic, and suspenseful. Oh my word, this story!! I loved it. From the characters to the world-building and plot, everything is layered and rich and nuanced, and I love the messages about family, friendship, love, and more.
Cradit has a knack for creating strong female protagonists, and Rhiain is no exception. She goes through a tremendous amount of growth throughout the story as she becomes a political pawn with a ruthless task. Rhiain has holes in her memory, but as little bits of it come back to her, she learns that not everything is as it seems. I like how the story slowly reveals parts of her past and glimpses of her future. She’s gone through so much, and as the holes in her memory come back, and she gains a little clarity, she becomes even more confident and sure of herself. She’s fierce, determined, and brave, and everything I like in a protagonist.
Asterin is amazing too, and I’d like to officially make him my new book boyfriend! He’s interesting and intelligent, and he is so not what he seems! I like the mystery surrounding him and how he slowly reveals more and more of his personality and connection to Rhiain. There are also some fantastic side characters, especially Sesto! He and the other characters who form this wonderful found family are so compelling and layered, and I was invested in all of their stories. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them as the series continues!
The romance is positively swoon-worthy! Rhiain and Asterin have explosive chemistry, and their relationship is filled with angst, mystery, and so much longing. Their story is complicated and confusing, especially for Rhiain, but the more time they spend together the more undeniable the feelings are. Unfortunately for them, their journey together is not simple, and dangerous people and threats are always lurking.
Like the world-building and the characters, the plot is layered and compelling, and mystery, suspense, and shocking revelations abound. There’s truly never a dull moment, and I was so gripped by the story and the characters that I read the book in one sitting. I couldn’t wait to see if Rhiain would obey her father or stay true to herself. I wanted to learn more about why her father did what he did, even though he knew such a horrific betrayal would cost him the tumultuous relationship he had with his daughter. So many secrets are revealed, each more surprising than the one before it, and it made for an engrossing read.
I loved this book! It has a ton of mystery, suspense, action, romance, a fantastic found family, vivid world-building, and powerful messages. Did I mention the romance, because I can’t get enough of Rhiain and Asterin! Special thanks to Sarah M. Cradit for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Cradit has a knack for creating strong female protagonists, and Rhiain is no exception. She goes through a tremendous amount of growth throughout the story as she becomes a political pawn with a ruthless task. Rhiain has holes in her memory, but as little bits of it come back to her, she learns that not everything is as it seems. I like how the story slowly reveals parts of her past and glimpses of her future. She’s gone through so much, and as the holes in her memory come back, and she gains a little clarity, she becomes even more confident and sure of herself. She’s fierce, determined, and brave, and everything I like in a protagonist.
Asterin is amazing too, and I’d like to officially make him my new book boyfriend! He’s interesting and intelligent, and he is so not what he seems! I like the mystery surrounding him and how he slowly reveals more and more of his personality and connection to Rhiain. There are also some fantastic side characters, especially Sesto! He and the other characters who form this wonderful found family are so compelling and layered, and I was invested in all of their stories. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them as the series continues!
The romance is positively swoon-worthy! Rhiain and Asterin have explosive chemistry, and their relationship is filled with angst, mystery, and so much longing. Their story is complicated and confusing, especially for Rhiain, but the more time they spend together the more undeniable the feelings are. Unfortunately for them, their journey together is not simple, and dangerous people and threats are always lurking.
Like the world-building and the characters, the plot is layered and compelling, and mystery, suspense, and shocking revelations abound. There’s truly never a dull moment, and I was so gripped by the story and the characters that I read the book in one sitting. I couldn’t wait to see if Rhiain would obey her father or stay true to herself. I wanted to learn more about why her father did what he did, even though he knew such a horrific betrayal would cost him the tumultuous relationship he had with his daughter. So many secrets are revealed, each more surprising than the one before it, and it made for an engrossing read.
I loved this book! It has a ton of mystery, suspense, action, romance, a fantastic found family, vivid world-building, and powerful messages. Did I mention the romance, because I can’t get enough of Rhiain and Asterin! Special thanks to Sarah M. Cradit for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
August 15, 2022
I’ll begin with what I liked, which wasn’t much. I was on the edge of my seat, captivated by the mystery of Rhiain’s past and by the uncertainty of her future. I also appreciated the absence of the distracting Scottish accent that was present in The Sylvan and the Sand. The plot twists were surprising and Sesto was the best loyal companion ever. Now, what I didn’t like…
The plot was unnecessarily convoluted and the ending was rather anticlimactic. The characters got under my skin with their endless wallowing in self-pity and guilt, crying, and lust for a forbidden partner. The sweet romance was unfortunately tainted by a tangled web of secrets, excessive smut, and memory loss which left us all feeling lost/helpless. The angst was so prolonged and the MCs were wrapped up in their repetitive thoughts, insecurities, and doubts. I felt misled about Rhiain, who was the least-bada$$ assassin I’ve encountered in a while. What assassin can’t kill a bad guy? She was also terribly unproductive when she was supposed to be passionate about saving her supposed friend and preventing her own unwanted betrothal. Onto Asterin…
Asterin was a brooding coward, okay? He wasted all of our time withholding the truth, only to spill it all after Rhiain threatened to leave him if he didn't. I also didn’t appreciate his OW drama with his prostitutes that he justified with the excuse of being a man with needs. Puh-lease! Do you know how many virgins there are in their 20s, like he was? He wouldn’t have died without sex.
If you can’t already tell, I was fed up and just wanted this book to be over. It was way too long (500+) for how little actually happened. And what did happen I didn't even like. Now I’m wary of continuing on with the series, because while I absolutely loved The Sylvan and the Sand, I’m not convinced the books are getting better. We'll see.
The plot was unnecessarily convoluted and the ending was rather anticlimactic. The characters got under my skin with their endless wallowing in self-pity and guilt, crying, and lust for a forbidden partner. The sweet romance was unfortunately tainted by a tangled web of secrets, excessive smut, and memory loss which left us all feeling lost/helpless. The angst was so prolonged and the MCs were wrapped up in their repetitive thoughts, insecurities, and doubts. I felt misled about Rhiain, who was the least-bada$$ assassin I’ve encountered in a while. What assassin can’t kill a bad guy? She was also terribly unproductive when she was supposed to be passionate about saving her supposed friend and preventing her own unwanted betrothal. Onto Asterin…
Asterin was a brooding coward, okay? He wasted all of our time withholding the truth, only to spill it all after Rhiain threatened to leave him if he didn't. I also didn’t appreciate his OW drama with his prostitutes that he justified with the excuse of being a man with needs. Puh-lease! Do you know how many virgins there are in their 20s, like he was? He wouldn’t have died without sex.
If you can’t already tell, I was fed up and just wanted this book to be over. It was way too long (500+) for how little actually happened. And what did happen I didn't even like. Now I’m wary of continuing on with the series, because while I absolutely loved The Sylvan and the Sand, I’m not convinced the books are getting better. We'll see.
July 30, 2022
''I don't know who I want to be.'' She surprised herself with her bold confession.
Percy nodded, letting her words settle over him. ''I'm not sure I do either. But tonight, this Percy fellow seems like he might be the type for some fun trouble, and Dani, well, I realize we just met, but she..'' He squinted on eye, '' Seems open to it?''
Actual rating : 4.5 stars
TAATA is the third book in an interconnected but standalone fantasy romance tales - The Book of All Things, all set in the Kingdom of the White Sea world.
This book has the perfect amount of swoon, mystery, twists and turns, that is balanced with captivating plot and political intrigue. And we have some lovely secondary characters, that will make you root for them.
“Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
There's a timeless quality to the connection between Rhiain and Asterin. Learning their individual story, you will feel many emotions - happiness, anger, betrayal, disgust and so much more. Even as we are told that Rhiain is spoiled and vain, she has been trough a lot, and you will get to see how her life, as the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the realm, has played it's role in some unfortunate events. And then we have our mischievous and dedicated Asterin , who knows more about Rhiain's struggles and past trauma. But she doesn't know that. I would like to describe more Asterin, but that will give away the whole story a bit. I guess you will need to know him for yourself ;)
In this book you will find:
* Spice 2/5 and violence 2/5
* Fated love
* Forbidden Magic
* Revenge
* Redemption
* Forced Proximity
* Family and political drama
* Found family
* Guardian/protector hero
* Age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25)
* Trauma
Some TW's, without giving away too much: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, parental abuse and trauma.
Art by @adamszkiart
Art by @saramirzaart
Art by @saramirzaart
Thank you to Sarah M. Cradit and her team, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Percy nodded, letting her words settle over him. ''I'm not sure I do either. But tonight, this Percy fellow seems like he might be the type for some fun trouble, and Dani, well, I realize we just met, but she..'' He squinted on eye, '' Seems open to it?''
Actual rating : 4.5 stars
TAATA is the third book in an interconnected but standalone fantasy romance tales - The Book of All Things, all set in the Kingdom of the White Sea world.
This book has the perfect amount of swoon, mystery, twists and turns, that is balanced with captivating plot and political intrigue. And we have some lovely secondary characters, that will make you root for them.
“Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
There's a timeless quality to the connection between Rhiain and Asterin. Learning their individual story, you will feel many emotions - happiness, anger, betrayal, disgust and so much more. Even as we are told that Rhiain is spoiled and vain, she has been trough a lot, and you will get to see how her life, as the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the realm, has played it's role in some unfortunate events. And then we have our mischievous and dedicated Asterin , who knows more about Rhiain's struggles and past trauma. But she doesn't know that. I would like to describe more Asterin, but that will give away the whole story a bit. I guess you will need to know him for yourself ;)
In this book you will find:
* Spice 2/5 and violence 2/5
* Fated love
* Forbidden Magic
* Revenge
* Redemption
* Forced Proximity
* Family and political drama
* Found family
* Guardian/protector hero
* Age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25)
* Trauma
Some TW's, without giving away too much: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, parental abuse and trauma.
Art by @adamszkiart
Art by @saramirzaart
Art by @saramirzaart
Thank you to Sarah M. Cradit and her team, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
July 5, 2022
So. Good.
The way that SMC is able to weave Rhiain's story, while keeping certain things a mystery without losing the interest of the reader is just phenomenal!
This story is complex and so many pieces connect in ways that you don't see coming! It's absolutely beautiful.
The Rhiain at the start of the story is one who is panicking and who comes from a life of privilege. She makes a huge error in judgement and the repercussions echo through the years. However, there is so much more behind each decision than she ever knew and only she has the power to find the truth behind it all - in memories locked away, and truths long buried.
The romance in this story is spot-on, the found family is absolutely beautiful (I adore Sesto), and the revenge and redemption arcs are amazing and so well done.
Highly recommend this addition to The Book of All Things series!
The way that SMC is able to weave Rhiain's story, while keeping certain things a mystery without losing the interest of the reader is just phenomenal!
This story is complex and so many pieces connect in ways that you don't see coming! It's absolutely beautiful.
The Rhiain at the start of the story is one who is panicking and who comes from a life of privilege. She makes a huge error in judgement and the repercussions echo through the years. However, there is so much more behind each decision than she ever knew and only she has the power to find the truth behind it all - in memories locked away, and truths long buried.
The romance in this story is spot-on, the found family is absolutely beautiful (I adore Sesto), and the revenge and redemption arcs are amazing and so well done.
Highly recommend this addition to The Book of All Things series!
July 31, 2022
Thank you Sarah M Cradit for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again the world building of Sarah is incredible. The Book of All Things stories are set upon the same world as Kingdom of the White Sea. I loved to get to know more things about this incredible realm. Each of the characters faces the society of the kingdom in their unique way, offering different perspectives and stories.
On this particular occasion we manly focus on Rhiain. Once upon a time she was a spoiled daughter of a powerful lord. Now she lives with the weight of her choices costing the lives of her best friend and his family. She has been trained to be an assassin as a punishment. And now she is being forced to marry a man who is an enemy to her house.
In addition she has holes in her memory. Somethings in her mind don’t add up. And the only person willing to help her to face her past in Asterin. The brother of the man she must marry. And someone who is confusing and really inconsistent with his actions. Together they end up facing more than they expected.
A book filled with twist, secrets coming to light and awesome characters. A great read for fans of fantasy, forced proximity and great world building.
Once again the world building of Sarah is incredible. The Book of All Things stories are set upon the same world as Kingdom of the White Sea. I loved to get to know more things about this incredible realm. Each of the characters faces the society of the kingdom in their unique way, offering different perspectives and stories.
On this particular occasion we manly focus on Rhiain. Once upon a time she was a spoiled daughter of a powerful lord. Now she lives with the weight of her choices costing the lives of her best friend and his family. She has been trained to be an assassin as a punishment. And now she is being forced to marry a man who is an enemy to her house.
In addition she has holes in her memory. Somethings in her mind don’t add up. And the only person willing to help her to face her past in Asterin. The brother of the man she must marry. And someone who is confusing and really inconsistent with his actions. Together they end up facing more than they expected.
A book filled with twist, secrets coming to light and awesome characters. A great read for fans of fantasy, forced proximity and great world building.
August 18, 2022
I thank the Author for ARC and yes, i loved the story. The plot was good with mystery, suspense, revenge, love, hurt and pain. It was blended perfectly and you could feel it when you read the book.
Rhiain did something she shouldn't have done in the tavern and that cost everyone she loved. This is a journey where she finds herself question everything she had known and reveals a truth. She's through so much to save a person she loves. Even the love between MCs are complicated.
~ Slow burn
~ Fated love
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Actions/Adventure
~ Betrayal/ Lies
~ Hurt/ Comfort
~ Dark magic
~ Found family
~ Hidden identity
~ Long forgotten memories
~ Spicy
~ Revenge/ Redemption
4-⭐⭐⭐⭐
2-🌶️🌶️
I've read a small snippet from book 4 and it's intriguing. I think it's going to be even more interesting especially the world building. Can't wait to read it soon 👀
Rhiain did something she shouldn't have done in the tavern and that cost everyone she loved. This is a journey where she finds herself question everything she had known and reveals a truth. She's through so much to save a person she loves. Even the love between MCs are complicated.
~ Slow burn
~ Fated love
~ Enemies to lovers
~ Actions/Adventure
~ Betrayal/ Lies
~ Hurt/ Comfort
~ Dark magic
~ Found family
~ Hidden identity
~ Long forgotten memories
~ Spicy
~ Revenge/ Redemption
4-⭐⭐⭐⭐
2-🌶️🌶️
I've read a small snippet from book 4 and it's intriguing. I think it's going to be even more interesting especially the world building. Can't wait to read it soon 👀
August 1, 2022
I really loved this story! It had so many twists and turns and a really great suspenseful, dark, romantic feel. Cradit is really good at both world-building and character arcs.
Rhiain and Asterin were such a great couple and I loved watching them learn that the other isn’t exactly as they appear. The chemistry, mystery, and angst were totally on point! It was a beautifully woven story where lots of little pieces are concealed till just the right moment.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥.5/5
Violence: ⚔️⚔️/5
Tropes: Fated love, revenge, redemption, one bed, forced proximity, villain is family, guardian/protector hero, found family, age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25)
Content Warnings: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, cheating from a secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs)
Rhiain and Asterin were such a great couple and I loved watching them learn that the other isn’t exactly as they appear. The chemistry, mystery, and angst were totally on point! It was a beautifully woven story where lots of little pieces are concealed till just the right moment.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥.5/5
Violence: ⚔️⚔️/5
Tropes: Fated love, revenge, redemption, one bed, forced proximity, villain is family, guardian/protector hero, found family, age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25)
Content Warnings: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, cheating from a secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs)
July 26, 2022
Let me tell you, I am in a fantastic mood. Absolutely adored this book from start to finish. A masterpiece 👌🏽
The Altruist and the Assassin is the third installment in the standalone series The Book of All Things.
There is banter between the love interests as well as witty side characters that you would fall in love with. I don't think our enemy deserved the mercy to got to be quite honest but I was really happy with the ending. And boy oh boy, there are so many plot twists as we delve into Rhiain's past.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for you all to read it.
The Altruist and the Assassin is the third installment in the standalone series The Book of All Things.
There is banter between the love interests as well as witty side characters that you would fall in love with. I don't think our enemy deserved the mercy to got to be quite honest but I was really happy with the ending. And boy oh boy, there are so many plot twists as we delve into Rhiain's past.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for you all to read it.
September 4, 2022
Rating 4.75🌟
World building : 4.75🌟
Plot : 4 75🌟
Characters : 4.8🌟
The altruist and the assassin is a story so beautiful. That book made me happy, made me smile but also it broke my heart!! It is full of really nice moment but also full of harder/sad moments!!
This book would definitly deserve a 5🌟 but the beginning of the book was so confusing to me. Some part just happen without much explanations. The FMC was annoying to me 😬😬. All in all the book redeem itself exponentially after the first few chapters
Sarah M Cradit did an amazing job with the world building. Her descriptions are vivid and the amosphere is on point. Many times, i was feeling like i was right there.
I would do anything to see Asterin's library in person 😆😆!!
The plot was really well done and keep you on the edge. Sarah did a really good job creating a multi-level plot full of mysteries!! Most of the twist and turns i didnt see coming.
I love that we had multiple POV. It makes the story more complete.
I like that the author didn't shy away from the harder topics/moments. Those moments are really well crafted and gave me goosebumps!! ‼️There is trigger warnings in this so please check because diving in‼️
I didnt read the other books in this serie but based on this one, Sarah M Cradit has a real gift at creating really nice characters.
Rhiainach is the strong/badass female that i like. She went through her share of hard stuff but still kept her head high!! I loved to witness her evolution through the story. In all honesty, i didnt really liked her at the beginning of the book. I thought she was more of a spoiled childish girl🙄🙄 but she did grew on me!!
Asterin is just the perfect MMC. He is mysterious and grumpy. He is also playfull and caring. Their is so much more to him that what he lets the other see.
The side characters in this book are also amazing. They are well built and they bring to much more to the story.
The romance in this on is swoon-worthy. Its the perfect slow-burn enemies-to-lovers. The protagonist are fitting so well together and the temper of both just made me smile.
The found family trope in this book was so endearing and made me feel hopefull
World building : 4.75🌟
Plot : 4 75🌟
Characters : 4.8🌟
The altruist and the assassin is a story so beautiful. That book made me happy, made me smile but also it broke my heart!! It is full of really nice moment but also full of harder/sad moments!!
This book would definitly deserve a 5🌟 but the beginning of the book was so confusing to me. Some part just happen without much explanations. The FMC was annoying to me 😬😬. All in all the book redeem itself exponentially after the first few chapters
Sarah M Cradit did an amazing job with the world building. Her descriptions are vivid and the amosphere is on point. Many times, i was feeling like i was right there.
I would do anything to see Asterin's library in person 😆😆!!
The plot was really well done and keep you on the edge. Sarah did a really good job creating a multi-level plot full of mysteries!! Most of the twist and turns i didnt see coming.
I love that we had multiple POV. It makes the story more complete.
I like that the author didn't shy away from the harder topics/moments. Those moments are really well crafted and gave me goosebumps!! ‼️There is trigger warnings in this so please check because diving in‼️
I didnt read the other books in this serie but based on this one, Sarah M Cradit has a real gift at creating really nice characters.
Rhiainach is the strong/badass female that i like. She went through her share of hard stuff but still kept her head high!! I loved to witness her evolution through the story. In all honesty, i didnt really liked her at the beginning of the book. I thought she was more of a spoiled childish girl🙄🙄 but she did grew on me!!
Asterin is just the perfect MMC. He is mysterious and grumpy. He is also playfull and caring. Their is so much more to him that what he lets the other see.
The side characters in this book are also amazing. They are well built and they bring to much more to the story.
The romance in this on is swoon-worthy. Its the perfect slow-burn enemies-to-lovers. The protagonist are fitting so well together and the temper of both just made me smile.
The found family trope in this book was so endearing and made me feel hopefull
August 23, 2022
The Altruist and the Assassin is the third book in the ya/na fantasy series called the book of all things by Sarah m. Cradit. This series is set in the kingdom of the White Sea world, which is the same world another series of hers. You don’t need to read that series first in order to enjoy this one but it is helpful to have some background information on the world and some of the families within it. I loved this installment in the series.
In The Altruist and the Assassin we meet our two main characters, Rhiain and Asterin. I really enjoyed their story and it felt different than the romances in the first two books. The book summary calls their story a fated love story with hints of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. And while I do understand that, what I loved most about them was how layered and nuanced their romance really was. Their story was at times confusing because the whole thing was shrouded in mystery from all directions. With Rhiain, her mystery comes from her own spotty memory, and she is desperate to try and fill in the gaps in her memory. With Asterin, his mystery comes from outside influences, but I loved the combination of the two. Their chemistry was undeniable and leap off the page at me. As always, Sarah does a fantastic job with world building and fans of big worlds and epic fantasies really need to check out her books. This one has tons of betrayal, romance, and lots of twists and turns.
I also love the idea of how this story is going to fit into the larger overall world. This story, and series, is set in in the Kingdom of the White Sea, which is the same world her Kingdom of the White Sea series. The Book of all Things series is a series of interconnected standalone fantasy romance stories. If you are a fan of epic fantasy and even more epic world building, you NEED to read Sarah’s books. She is one of the best world building authors I have ever read! Sarah M. Cradit is one of my favorite authors ever.
In The Altruist and the Assassin we meet our two main characters, Rhiain and Asterin. I really enjoyed their story and it felt different than the romances in the first two books. The book summary calls their story a fated love story with hints of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. And while I do understand that, what I loved most about them was how layered and nuanced their romance really was. Their story was at times confusing because the whole thing was shrouded in mystery from all directions. With Rhiain, her mystery comes from her own spotty memory, and she is desperate to try and fill in the gaps in her memory. With Asterin, his mystery comes from outside influences, but I loved the combination of the two. Their chemistry was undeniable and leap off the page at me. As always, Sarah does a fantastic job with world building and fans of big worlds and epic fantasies really need to check out her books. This one has tons of betrayal, romance, and lots of twists and turns.
I also love the idea of how this story is going to fit into the larger overall world. This story, and series, is set in in the Kingdom of the White Sea, which is the same world her Kingdom of the White Sea series. The Book of all Things series is a series of interconnected standalone fantasy romance stories. If you are a fan of epic fantasy and even more epic world building, you NEED to read Sarah’s books. She is one of the best world building authors I have ever read! Sarah M. Cradit is one of my favorite authors ever.
August 11, 2022
I've loved all the books by Sarah M. Cradit.
The altruist and the Assassin are part of the same world built but it can be read as a standalone.
I was quite entertained and I loved every aspect of it!
The altruist and the Assassin are part of the same world built but it can be read as a standalone.
I was quite entertained and I loved every aspect of it!
July 30, 2022
This is one of those books in which I reach the end, and I’m just speechless. As a fan of Sarah Cradit, I am fortunate to be part of her advanced reader team. I don’t think I’ve ever rated one of her books at less than five stars, and I don’t imagine I ever will. Because even though I think her earlier books are exceptional, I have to admit, she keeps getting better and better.
This one had me on the verge of a panic attack more times than I can mention. I was ready to break out the Xanax on more than one occasion, but settled for an edible. What I’m saying is that the tension was extreme—and it wasn’t about someone dying, but just trying to figure out what the hell was going on and what the eventual outcome would be. I couldn’t figure out who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. In a way, it kept changing. Ultimately, the plot gets high marks from me. It’s unique and intriguing. And did I mention? TENSE.
There were some wonderful statements made by characters that I want to share. Tyreste is a childhood friend in love with Rhaian, but he’s poor. He tells her, “If desire were currency, I’d have more than enough gold to make you my wife.”
As a woman, Rhaian has few choices in her life, and she struggles to express herself within the confines of the strictures that confine her. For example, when told something she dislikes, “Rhiain rolled through her catalogue of contrived dispositions and decided bland derision fit the scenario best.”
Without giving away too much of the plot, this image of Tyr’s abode was wonderful: “If he was especially silent, he could hear laughter beyond the thick stone walls, dripping into the earth encasing them.” And when Rhaian has a disturbing encounter with him, she discovers,
“There was only one way to keep the tumult of emotion out of her voice when she spoke, which was to not speak at all.”
Rhaian finds a great friend and confidant in Sesto, her “lady’s maid,” for lack of a better word. He shares some profound words of wisdom: “You’re only discovering what most of us discover all too early in our lives. That life takes and takes from us. If we let it, it will take everything. When it gives, we’re expected to grovel and then lie back and accept the next loss like it’s a gift and not reparation.” He also tells her, “It’s the men in your life who will get you into the same trouble they’ll later punish you for.” Also, when learning of her love for both Tyr and Asterin, Sesto wryly comments, “Asterin has a preference for redheads. You have a preference for men fluent in the language of brooding.”
Rhaian, the heroine of the book, travels a painful journey of self-discovery. This journey shows her that she cannot trust those charged with protecting her. As she determines who can be trusted and who truly loves her, she becomes self-sufficient and proves she is a survivor. Those who decide to help her, do so because they love her and not because she needs them. Initially, she wishes to take on the pain she believes she caused Tyr, before being told, “That’s not how pain works, Rhiain. It belongs to us, like a gift we never asked for but cannot return.” This is just one of the revelations made to her during her quest to uncover the truth.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely, and unequivocally. With so many outstanding books to Sarah Cradit’s credit, I cannot say this is the best, but I can say this is currently my favorite.
This one had me on the verge of a panic attack more times than I can mention. I was ready to break out the Xanax on more than one occasion, but settled for an edible. What I’m saying is that the tension was extreme—and it wasn’t about someone dying, but just trying to figure out what the hell was going on and what the eventual outcome would be. I couldn’t figure out who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. In a way, it kept changing. Ultimately, the plot gets high marks from me. It’s unique and intriguing. And did I mention? TENSE.
There were some wonderful statements made by characters that I want to share. Tyreste is a childhood friend in love with Rhaian, but he’s poor. He tells her, “If desire were currency, I’d have more than enough gold to make you my wife.”
As a woman, Rhaian has few choices in her life, and she struggles to express herself within the confines of the strictures that confine her. For example, when told something she dislikes, “Rhiain rolled through her catalogue of contrived dispositions and decided bland derision fit the scenario best.”
Without giving away too much of the plot, this image of Tyr’s abode was wonderful: “If he was especially silent, he could hear laughter beyond the thick stone walls, dripping into the earth encasing them.” And when Rhaian has a disturbing encounter with him, she discovers,
“There was only one way to keep the tumult of emotion out of her voice when she spoke, which was to not speak at all.”
Rhaian finds a great friend and confidant in Sesto, her “lady’s maid,” for lack of a better word. He shares some profound words of wisdom: “You’re only discovering what most of us discover all too early in our lives. That life takes and takes from us. If we let it, it will take everything. When it gives, we’re expected to grovel and then lie back and accept the next loss like it’s a gift and not reparation.” He also tells her, “It’s the men in your life who will get you into the same trouble they’ll later punish you for.” Also, when learning of her love for both Tyr and Asterin, Sesto wryly comments, “Asterin has a preference for redheads. You have a preference for men fluent in the language of brooding.”
Rhaian, the heroine of the book, travels a painful journey of self-discovery. This journey shows her that she cannot trust those charged with protecting her. As she determines who can be trusted and who truly loves her, she becomes self-sufficient and proves she is a survivor. Those who decide to help her, do so because they love her and not because she needs them. Initially, she wishes to take on the pain she believes she caused Tyr, before being told, “That’s not how pain works, Rhiain. It belongs to us, like a gift we never asked for but cannot return.” This is just one of the revelations made to her during her quest to uncover the truth.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely, and unequivocally. With so many outstanding books to Sarah Cradit’s credit, I cannot say this is the best, but I can say this is currently my favorite.
September 25, 2022
Rating: 4.5✨ (putting this as a 5 star since it leans closer to the 5 than the 4 for me.)
This book was one I didn't know I needed until I started it. And Asterin has become part of my list of favorite book boyfriends. That DOES NOT happen often.
Let me start with disclosing a trigger warning for this book. This book does having mentions of SA and I feel like it is important to mention that before speaking about why you should give this book a chance.
Sarah M. Cradit's writing is so beautifully poetic. This story was woven together in such an incredible way. I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to keep reading it while working and could not wait until I could keep going when I had to put my kindle down.
Rhiain's journey is one I loved. Her journey was one of self discovery and growth. Finding her strength and finding what it means to love and be loved. Finding her chosen family when the one she had did not treat and protect her as such. I ADORED her. I adored reading from her point of view. And I loved seeing her become who she was meant to be. There's moments when I read from the FMC's point of view and I get annoyed at them in some moments. However, I did not feel that way with her at all! I was like a supportive momma bear from the very beginning and wanted to protect her at all costs. Cradit succeeded in created a STRONG female protagonist.
Asterin, like I said, has become one of my favorite boyfriends. He may act like a brooding man on the outside, but that man is so full of love and light to give!! He fiercely protects those he loves and was also dealt a bad card when it comes to family. However, I love that he also found his chosen family. Friends who love him, admire him and would go to battle for him. I loved reading from his point of view as well. Even if it wasn't often. I loved a peek into his mind.
The spice? The spice also delivered! 2-2.5/5 for spice level.
Sesto!!!!! I love him and would protect him against the whole WORLD. You will love him and hope you had a person like Sesto in your life, who was loyal to those he cared for and would not be made to cower before anyone! His strength and love for others were things I admired most about him. Seriously, I would love to see more of him in the future.
I could go on about other characters I adored, but this review would end up being a book itself. If you're a lover of fated loves, this book is for you. If you enjoy books with a small age gap, this book is for you. If you love MMC's who look like they brood 24/7 but are cinnamon rolls on the inside, this book is ALSO for you. Lastly, if you love books that include strong female protagonists who show they do not need rescuing from ANY man and are no damsel in distress, this book is ALSO for you.
If you do give this one a shot, I hope you enjoy The Altruist and The Assassin as much as I did! 💙
This book was one I didn't know I needed until I started it. And Asterin has become part of my list of favorite book boyfriends. That DOES NOT happen often.
Let me start with disclosing a trigger warning for this book. This book does having mentions of SA and I feel like it is important to mention that before speaking about why you should give this book a chance.
Sarah M. Cradit's writing is so beautifully poetic. This story was woven together in such an incredible way. I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to keep reading it while working and could not wait until I could keep going when I had to put my kindle down.
Rhiain's journey is one I loved. Her journey was one of self discovery and growth. Finding her strength and finding what it means to love and be loved. Finding her chosen family when the one she had did not treat and protect her as such. I ADORED her. I adored reading from her point of view. And I loved seeing her become who she was meant to be. There's moments when I read from the FMC's point of view and I get annoyed at them in some moments. However, I did not feel that way with her at all! I was like a supportive momma bear from the very beginning and wanted to protect her at all costs. Cradit succeeded in created a STRONG female protagonist.
Asterin, like I said, has become one of my favorite boyfriends. He may act like a brooding man on the outside, but that man is so full of love and light to give!! He fiercely protects those he loves and was also dealt a bad card when it comes to family. However, I love that he also found his chosen family. Friends who love him, admire him and would go to battle for him. I loved reading from his point of view as well. Even if it wasn't often. I loved a peek into his mind.
The spice? The spice also delivered! 2-2.5/5 for spice level.
Sesto!!!!! I love him and would protect him against the whole WORLD. You will love him and hope you had a person like Sesto in your life, who was loyal to those he cared for and would not be made to cower before anyone! His strength and love for others were things I admired most about him. Seriously, I would love to see more of him in the future.
I could go on about other characters I adored, but this review would end up being a book itself. If you're a lover of fated loves, this book is for you. If you enjoy books with a small age gap, this book is for you. If you love MMC's who look like they brood 24/7 but are cinnamon rolls on the inside, this book is ALSO for you. Lastly, if you love books that include strong female protagonists who show they do not need rescuing from ANY man and are no damsel in distress, this book is ALSO for you.
If you do give this one a shot, I hope you enjoy The Altruist and The Assassin as much as I did! 💙
September 6, 2022
Rhianaich Skylark lives a charmed but sheltered life as the daughter of one of the most powerful and influential men in the kingdom. As a result of her every need being instantly met, Rhian becomes self centered and vain, but when she makes a terrible mistake, she is not the only one who is affected. Now, she must pay for her mistake by letting her father mold her into one of his assassins - a fate that she has resigned herself to. But when she meets a man in a tavern, she doesn’t realize her whole life is about to change yet again.
Asterin Edevane is handsome, arrogant, and powerful, everything Rhian should want to stay far away from. But he also claims to know her, and that he can answer the questions she’s always had about the holes in her memory. As Rhian and Asterin get closer, she knows that she should not get any wild ideas about changing her fate. Yet somehow, she can’t help but dream…
Holy. Freaking. Cow. I think I’m always left speechless after reading a Sarah M Cradit book, but this one was particularly enchanting! I am absolutely obsessed with this unique, complex fantasy world she has created. For me, I was really able to relate to Rhian and her hopes, fears, and dreams. She’s a wonderful girl who has been through so much at such a young age, and her character development is astounding. I also loved her relationships with both Asterin and Tyr.
Asterin. I have so many things to say about Asterin Edevane, and all of them are good. He’s a young man in a position of power, someone who could easily have become corrupted. But Asterin never stops trying to do the right thing, even if he must do so behind the scenes. I admire his loyalty and his honor. I also really loved how patient he was with Rhian, how he never pushed past her limits and encouraged her to find her answers.
Tyr is another character I loved. He could have let himself be consumed by anger and bitterness, and he did, for a little bit. But I was so happy when he found the light again, and repaired his relationship with Rhian. As for the love story in this book, I want to first say that you will not be disappointed. There is a lot of push and pull, and a lot of learning to trust. I think they had an absolutely beautiful journey, and I’m so happy with how it ended. All in all, this was a fantastic read that I very highly recommend.
Asterin Edevane is handsome, arrogant, and powerful, everything Rhian should want to stay far away from. But he also claims to know her, and that he can answer the questions she’s always had about the holes in her memory. As Rhian and Asterin get closer, she knows that she should not get any wild ideas about changing her fate. Yet somehow, she can’t help but dream…
Holy. Freaking. Cow. I think I’m always left speechless after reading a Sarah M Cradit book, but this one was particularly enchanting! I am absolutely obsessed with this unique, complex fantasy world she has created. For me, I was really able to relate to Rhian and her hopes, fears, and dreams. She’s a wonderful girl who has been through so much at such a young age, and her character development is astounding. I also loved her relationships with both Asterin and Tyr.
Asterin. I have so many things to say about Asterin Edevane, and all of them are good. He’s a young man in a position of power, someone who could easily have become corrupted. But Asterin never stops trying to do the right thing, even if he must do so behind the scenes. I admire his loyalty and his honor. I also really loved how patient he was with Rhian, how he never pushed past her limits and encouraged her to find her answers.
Tyr is another character I loved. He could have let himself be consumed by anger and bitterness, and he did, for a little bit. But I was so happy when he found the light again, and repaired his relationship with Rhian. As for the love story in this book, I want to first say that you will not be disappointed. There is a lot of push and pull, and a lot of learning to trust. I think they had an absolutely beautiful journey, and I’m so happy with how it ended. All in all, this was a fantastic read that I very highly recommend.
July 23, 2022
This is the third book in the Book of all Things series, which consists of interconnected Fantasy Romance standalones. And, this one is my favorite so far!!! From the strong characters who show tremendous growth throughout the book to the detailed world building, The Altruist and the Assassin delivers all the emotions to ensnare the reader from page 1. The spice level is a little higher in this book, but it's tastefully written and quite swoon-worthy.
Isolation...Revenge...Forbidden Magic...Stolen Memories...Secrets...Betrayal...
Humor...Forgiveness...Redemption...
Rhiain and Asterin are plagued by events of the past, and they are searching for future freedom. Their journey is riddled with trials and tribulations. Along the way they'll both make some loyal allies and friends. I laughed; I cried; I was appalled; I was angry; I was lost in the budding romance.
Well worth the read.
"From freedom, you can know happiness."
"There is beauty in this, if you choose to see it."
"When choice is taken from you, you bear no responsibility."
"Heart of my heart."
Isolation...Revenge...Forbidden Magic...Stolen Memories...Secrets...Betrayal...
Humor...Forgiveness...Redemption...
Rhiain and Asterin are plagued by events of the past, and they are searching for future freedom. Their journey is riddled with trials and tribulations. Along the way they'll both make some loyal allies and friends. I laughed; I cried; I was appalled; I was angry; I was lost in the budding romance.
Well worth the read.
"From freedom, you can know happiness."
"There is beauty in this, if you choose to see it."
"When choice is taken from you, you bear no responsibility."
"Heart of my heart."
July 31, 2022
I cannot gush enough about this!!! Sarah has beautifully outdone herself in another captivating fantasy that is SWOON WORTHY! Rhain was such a wonderful character to unravel - her background is tough and yet we see the truth of her strength and perseverance throughout the entire story. Asterin.. sigh… oh Asterin… can I fall in love with you even more than I already have?? Such a mischievous one..
If you haven’t taken that step into her worlds yet, do not hesitate a moment longer! I promise you will love ANY of her books!
“Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
Heat Level: 🔥🔥.5/5
Violence: ⚔️⚔️/5
Tropes: Fated love, revenge, redemption, one bed, forced proximity, villain is family, guardian/protector hero, found family, age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25)
Content Warnings: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, cheating from secondary character, memory los, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs)
If you haven’t taken that step into her worlds yet, do not hesitate a moment longer! I promise you will love ANY of her books!
“Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
Heat Level: 🔥🔥.5/5
Violence: ⚔️⚔️/5
Tropes: Fated love, revenge, redemption, one bed, forced proximity, villain is family, guardian/protector hero, found family, age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25)
Content Warnings: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, cheating from secondary character, memory los, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs)
August 6, 2022
Amazing!! This is my favorite book in this series yet! I have sooooo much to say about this book, so here is most of the gushy stuff and the official review is on my blog here (https://booksandwordsandmore599559756...)
Overall, the heat level of this book is 2.5/5, violence is 2/5! Tropes: fated love, revenge, redemption, one bed, forced proximity, villain is family, guardian/protector hero, found family, age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25). Content Warnings: violence, death, murder, sexual assault, child abuse, cheating from secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs).
I. LOVE. A. STRONG. FEMALE. CHARACTER. WHO. FEELS. EMOTIONS. We have our badass lady. We have our badass (but also sweet and charming) hunk of a man. We have consent (between MCs). We have so much character development! This whole book is absolutely gorgeous. It’s written beautifully, the language is lovely. Everything is just amazing and I cannot get over it!! The ending is just perfect, and I feel like their story just wraps up amazingly. As always, I would never be mad to get more content, but I am satisfied with the amount that is in the book. I could not put this book down, and I found myself on the edge of my seat multiple times. The whole arc of the storyline wasn’t overdone, but it also wasn’t so far fetched that I felt like it was reaching. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me an ARC! These thoughts are all my own.
Overall, the heat level of this book is 2.5/5, violence is 2/5! Tropes: fated love, revenge, redemption, one bed, forced proximity, villain is family, guardian/protector hero, found family, age difference (FMC is 19, MMC is 25). Content Warnings: violence, death, murder, sexual assault, child abuse, cheating from secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs).
I. LOVE. A. STRONG. FEMALE. CHARACTER. WHO. FEELS. EMOTIONS. We have our badass lady. We have our badass (but also sweet and charming) hunk of a man. We have consent (between MCs). We have so much character development! This whole book is absolutely gorgeous. It’s written beautifully, the language is lovely. Everything is just amazing and I cannot get over it!! The ending is just perfect, and I feel like their story just wraps up amazingly. As always, I would never be mad to get more content, but I am satisfied with the amount that is in the book. I could not put this book down, and I found myself on the edge of my seat multiple times. The whole arc of the storyline wasn’t overdone, but it also wasn’t so far fetched that I felt like it was reaching. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me an ARC! These thoughts are all my own.
August 4, 2022
I loved the story and I loved the romance. I don’t want to give anything away but this was a special romance. I enjoyed the watching them figure it out. **SIGH** The book just kept surprising me. It’s book 3 of The Book of All Things and it’s a fantasy YA book. SMC can really spin a story into something clever and intriguing. There was secrets, lies and loves that could not stay hidden. I really thought it was well done. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 23, 2022
Sarah M. Cradit enchants readers with a captivating and praiseworthy tale of fated love, revenge, and redemption. Fantasy romance lovers will be mesmerized by the latest installment in The Book of All Things world.
Read
August 25, 2022DNF 20%
July 16, 2024
As with all the books from this series I’ve read, I really enjoyed this one. I laughed, I cried. I swooned. So good.
August 31, 2022
This is the 3rd book by Sarah M. Cradit that I’ve read, and they just keep getting better and better. I can’t describe this story without spoilers but ohhh did I love it! There was so much to this story that was left in 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 until the EXACT right moment, with the biggest shock left until almost the very end. The twists and turns were perfect and agonizing and perfect again. Sarah M. Cradit really knows how to make you love a character and hate a character in just the right way (Tyreste!). Asterin was a moody main character hero that left the reader confused and angry and hopeful all at the same time. And Rhiain was an amazing strong female protagonist with a great character arc.
The romance was just the right mix of enemies to lovers, confusion, and heat.
“𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡. 𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣.”
I stayed up way past my bedtime too many times during this book. This is the third standalone book in The Book of All Things series and it was my favorite of the three (although they are all great). I absolutely can’t wait to read book 4, The Melody and the Master!
⠀
🥰Thank you Sarah M. Cradit for providing me with a review copy!
The romance was just the right mix of enemies to lovers, confusion, and heat.
“𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡. 𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣.”
I stayed up way past my bedtime too many times during this book. This is the third standalone book in The Book of All Things series and it was my favorite of the three (although they are all great). I absolutely can’t wait to read book 4, The Melody and the Master!
⠀
🥰Thank you Sarah M. Cradit for providing me with a review copy!
September 5, 2022
This one was sexier than the last two. Really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2022
Rhiainach Skylark. She wants for nothing. But she is betrothed through an arrangement made by the couple’s fathers, as is tradition. Rhiain wants nothing to do with this. She runs to her best friend to tell him, which is the undoing of her planned future.
I didn’t care much for Rhiain in the beginning. She is spoiled and expects others to give in to her whims. She doesn’t give a second thought about the danger she put her friend in or the repercussions that might follow. And when trouble comes, it’s huge. Of course, Rhiain didn’t mean for any of it to happen. But, she didn’t think things through so it looked like she was only selfishly thinking of herself and everyone blamed her after.
Things that are meant as punishment sometimes turn out to be the life-changing, life-saving catalyst in the end. Much like real life. Having to train to become one of the king’s secret assassins. Having to go to the reliquary to carry out a mission in order to prove herself. Even meeting Asterin, a member of a family that has been a sworn enemy of her own. All are pieces of Fate’s puzzle meant to bring the secrets to light and possibly mend a centuries-old rife in the kingdom. Things are almost never as they seem.
I love this story. There are twists and turns all along the way. Just when you think you have it figured out, something else comes to light and changes course again. The love story reminds me of the one between Jamie and Claire (one of my favorite OTPs!) in Outlander. Things throughout time try to keep Rhiain and Asterin apart. You can’t help but want their happily-ever-after. And the spicy love scenes…swoon worthy!
I absolutely love this series! I normally would rather read a series than a standalone but with these books, you get both. And I’m here for all that comes next! Sarah has become a favorite and an auto-buy author for me.
I highly recommend The Altruist and the Assassin to fans of romantic fantasy, romantasy, fated love, forbidden romance, epic fantasy, family intrigue, and just the right amount of spice.
I didn’t care much for Rhiain in the beginning. She is spoiled and expects others to give in to her whims. She doesn’t give a second thought about the danger she put her friend in or the repercussions that might follow. And when trouble comes, it’s huge. Of course, Rhiain didn’t mean for any of it to happen. But, she didn’t think things through so it looked like she was only selfishly thinking of herself and everyone blamed her after.
Things that are meant as punishment sometimes turn out to be the life-changing, life-saving catalyst in the end. Much like real life. Having to train to become one of the king’s secret assassins. Having to go to the reliquary to carry out a mission in order to prove herself. Even meeting Asterin, a member of a family that has been a sworn enemy of her own. All are pieces of Fate’s puzzle meant to bring the secrets to light and possibly mend a centuries-old rife in the kingdom. Things are almost never as they seem.
I love this story. There are twists and turns all along the way. Just when you think you have it figured out, something else comes to light and changes course again. The love story reminds me of the one between Jamie and Claire (one of my favorite OTPs!) in Outlander. Things throughout time try to keep Rhiain and Asterin apart. You can’t help but want their happily-ever-after. And the spicy love scenes…swoon worthy!
I absolutely love this series! I normally would rather read a series than a standalone but with these books, you get both. And I’m here for all that comes next! Sarah has become a favorite and an auto-buy author for me.
I highly recommend The Altruist and the Assassin to fans of romantic fantasy, romantasy, fated love, forbidden romance, epic fantasy, family intrigue, and just the right amount of spice.
September 1, 2022
This book was absolutely phenomenal, the dramatic secrets completely kept me on my toes. I loved all the characters good and bad, Rhiannon was written so perfectly and watching g her discover her past had me physically unable to put the book down. Asterien and Tyr have my heart in there own ways. It’s was the most perfect passionate slow but. And the world building was *Chefs kiss*
July 28, 2022
RATING:
4 STARS
I just finished Sarah M. Cradit’s The Altruist and the Assassin in less than a day, and I think it's my favorite book so far out of all those in The Book of All Things series. Each book is an interconnected standalone, and you don’t have to read the first two books in the series to be able to follow Rhiain and Asterin’s story. However, I do recommend reading all of the books as The Raven and the Rush and The Sylvan and the Sand are quite entertaining, and there are a couple of moments here and there that might not make as much sense without context.
One mistake can change your life forever. That’s a lesson Rhiain learns the hard way when in the span of a single moment she goes from spoiled noble princess to enduring harsh training to become one of the kingdom’s most feared assassins. After a run-in with a mysterious stranger on a mission (who surprisingly knows her), her life begins to change even more and she has the chance to finally unravel the mysterious holes in her past. Will she be able to reclaim the memories she once thought lost, and discover why she feels so connected to Asterin, or will she be too late?
Rhiain was the character I connected to most in the book. To say she’s had a hard life would be an understatement (please check out the trigger/content warnings below for an idea of what I mean). You couldn’t help but want things to work out for her. I loved getting to see her relationship with Asterin develop - the witty banter between the two of them was fantastic. I was also quite thrilled to see all of the tropes that Ms. Cradit had promised come to life in the story; some of my favorites were found family, fated love, and ‘there’s only one bed’. Please be aware that the steam in this book is more intense than in previous ones - the romance scenes are not fade to black but they aren’t what I would consider explicit or graphic.
While Asterin and Rhiain are the stars of the book, there are definitely some lovable side characters. Sesto in particular was one of my favorites, as were Rhiain’s little brother and Tyr. I know that the author plans to revisit some of the side characters in future books in the series, so I hope I get to see all three of them find their happily ever afters too (and see characters like Rhiain and Asterin make cameos in future Guardians Cycle books).
Each book in the series is designed to be standalone (and exist within individual cycles), but it was cool how each one built on the worldbuilding of the series. You won’t miss anything on the worldbuilding if you don’t read the other books - it’s more like the author is painting individual pictures that connect into one larger one.
Altogether, The Altruist and the Assassin was another amazing installment to a fantastic fantasy romance series. I would recommend this series to readers at the new adult or adult levels who enjoy fantasy romance tales - this book in particular reminded me a lot of Rapunzel or Sleeping Beauty. After three stellar books, I’m excited to see what’s next for readers (and the world of the Kingdom of the White Sea) with The Melody and the Master. Thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review The Altruist and the Assassin immensely! Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
Content Warnings: violence, death, murder, sexual assault, child abuse, cheating from a secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between the main characters
I just finished Sarah M. Cradit’s The Altruist and the Assassin in less than a day, and I think it's my favorite book so far out of all those in The Book of All Things series. Each book is an interconnected standalone, and you don’t have to read the first two books in the series to be able to follow Rhiain and Asterin’s story. However, I do recommend reading all of the books as The Raven and the Rush and The Sylvan and the Sand are quite entertaining, and there are a couple of moments here and there that might not make as much sense without context.
One mistake can change your life forever. That’s a lesson Rhiain learns the hard way when in the span of a single moment she goes from spoiled noble princess to enduring harsh training to become one of the kingdom’s most feared assassins. After a run-in with a mysterious stranger on a mission (who surprisingly knows her), her life begins to change even more and she has the chance to finally unravel the mysterious holes in her past. Will she be able to reclaim the memories she once thought lost, and discover why she feels so connected to Asterin, or will she be too late?
Rhiain was the character I connected to most in the book. To say she’s had a hard life would be an understatement (please check out the trigger/content warnings below for an idea of what I mean). You couldn’t help but want things to work out for her. I loved getting to see her relationship with Asterin develop - the witty banter between the two of them was fantastic. I was also quite thrilled to see all of the tropes that Ms. Cradit had promised come to life in the story; some of my favorites were found family, fated love, and ‘there’s only one bed’. Please be aware that the steam in this book is more intense than in previous ones - the romance scenes are not fade to black but they aren’t what I would consider explicit or graphic.
While Asterin and Rhiain are the stars of the book, there are definitely some lovable side characters. Sesto in particular was one of my favorites, as were Rhiain’s little brother and Tyr. I know that the author plans to revisit some of the side characters in future books in the series, so I hope I get to see all three of them find their happily ever afters too (and see characters like Rhiain and Asterin make cameos in future Guardians Cycle books).
Each book in the series is designed to be standalone (and exist within individual cycles), but it was cool how each one built on the worldbuilding of the series. You won’t miss anything on the worldbuilding if you don’t read the other books - it’s more like the author is painting individual pictures that connect into one larger one.
Altogether, The Altruist and the Assassin was another amazing installment to a fantastic fantasy romance series. I would recommend this series to readers at the new adult or adult levels who enjoy fantasy romance tales - this book in particular reminded me a lot of Rapunzel or Sleeping Beauty. After three stellar books, I’m excited to see what’s next for readers (and the world of the Kingdom of the White Sea) with The Melody and the Master. Thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review The Altruist and the Assassin immensely! Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
Content Warnings: violence, death, murder, sexual assault, child abuse, cheating from a secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between the main characters
August 25, 2022
The Altruist and the Assassin was, yet again, another masterpiece by Sarah Cradit. She does such a wonderful job of getting you to love her characters and her world building is top notch!!
The story follows Rhiainach and Asterin. Rhiain is a great FMC and I love how badass she becomes compared to the very beginning. Asterin is one of my favorite MMCs in the Book of All Things series. He’s very silly and I love his dynamic with Rhiain. There were many twists and turns that I did not see coming, which kept me on my toes and my interest. There were also so many great side characters. Sesto being my favorite! I’m very excited to see what characters and dynamics the next books in the series bring!!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story follows Rhiainach and Asterin. Rhiain is a great FMC and I love how badass she becomes compared to the very beginning. Asterin is one of my favorite MMCs in the Book of All Things series. He’s very silly and I love his dynamic with Rhiain. There were many twists and turns that I did not see coming, which kept me on my toes and my interest. There were also so many great side characters. Sesto being my favorite! I’m very excited to see what characters and dynamics the next books in the series bring!!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2022
This is easily one of my favorite world to dive in to. Sarah does such an incredible job with world building and character development. It’s insane. Definitely recommend
August 2, 2022
There were so many emotions while reading this book. Cradit has the ability to give me a rollercoaster of a plot with internet and fleshed out characters. And she delivers again!
Rhaian starts out as a spoiled and vain princess who doesn’t exactly have a handle on reality. She expects everything to work out without thinking about consequences. She makes a terrible mistake that ends up with her father punishing her and a family for her mistake.
She has gaps in her memory that she calls dark spots. She’s been trying to remember but to no avail. That all changes when she meets Asterin. He is a charming, enigmatic character who is different from anyone she’s met yet. After meeting him, she starts having vivid dreams that feel like more than just a dream.
She learns that her memories were buried by someone for a reason. That revelation leads to numerous secrets unravelling and a dark chilling reality shown to her about her family and everyone around her.
Romance was a highlight of the book. Rhaian and Asterin were so adorable together. It was a swoon worthy romance with amazing lines that were so beautiful to read. I had a huge grin every time they interacted. It was an amazing enemies to lovers and fated love tropes.
“ Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
The story unravels at a fast pace with so many truths coming out. The way the secrets were revealed was touching and personal. The story was intense and the world building was amazingly exhilarating. Every moment was exciting and the book was a page turner.
Rhaian starts out as a spoiled and vain princess who doesn’t exactly have a handle on reality. She expects everything to work out without thinking about consequences. She makes a terrible mistake that ends up with her father punishing her and a family for her mistake.
She has gaps in her memory that she calls dark spots. She’s been trying to remember but to no avail. That all changes when she meets Asterin. He is a charming, enigmatic character who is different from anyone she’s met yet. After meeting him, she starts having vivid dreams that feel like more than just a dream.
She learns that her memories were buried by someone for a reason. That revelation leads to numerous secrets unravelling and a dark chilling reality shown to her about her family and everyone around her.
Romance was a highlight of the book. Rhaian and Asterin were so adorable together. It was a swoon worthy romance with amazing lines that were so beautiful to read. I had a huge grin every time they interacted. It was an amazing enemies to lovers and fated love tropes.
“ Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
The story unravels at a fast pace with so many truths coming out. The way the secrets were revealed was touching and personal. The story was intense and the world building was amazingly exhilarating. Every moment was exciting and the book was a page turner.
December 14, 2022
“Love can mean many things to many people.”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Even if it hurt me. Even if it destroyed me.”
“To destroy you would be to destroy us both.”
Content Warnings: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, cheating from a secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs)
Rhiainach Skylark is spoiled and vain. There isn’t anything that she couldn’t attain. The dark spots in her memory are tucked away with all the unpleasant things in her life. Rhiain’s terrible mistake brings her world crashing around her. Her father punishes her by training her as one of his prized assassins. Then one day, a chance encounter changed everything in her life. Everything she knows. Everything she feels. Everything she is.
Asterin Evedane claims to know the truth behind Rhiain’s dark spots. She has come to accept that there is much more to these gaps than her understanding of the past. But could she trust him? After all, he is the son of the enemy.
✑Rhiain has been through a lot, I mean A LOT. She went through such a traumatic event, then she gets betrayed by the people she loves. I love the character developments between Rhiain, Asterin, and Tyr. Rhiain and Asterin FINALLY stood up against their family.If you could call that family.
Tyr, poor Tyr. I take some of what I said about him.
He has redeemed himself.
I love Sesto. We all need a Sesto in our lives.
I love this found family. This CHOSEN family
✑ Asterin, my sweet, sweet Asterin gets along with almost everything but will DESTROY THE WORLD FOR RHIAIN. I love his protectiveness over Rhiain. I love that he is all about CHOICE because it was all about choice when it came Rhiain.
“Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
✑ I love the chemistry between Rhiain and Asterin. I AM ALL HERE FOR RHISTERIN ❤
✑ The Altruist and The Assassin gave me everything I wanted. It’s full of mystery, twists, and turns you would not expect. There was only one instance where my guess was correct; otherwise, I was in for a shock. It’s got all the tropes I never knew I needed. A story about two fated souls thrust back into each other’s paths once more. The journey Rhiain and Asterin had to take to get their happy ending was not easy.
Tropes that I love from TAATA:
Force Proximity
Age Difference
Enemies to Lover
Found Family
Fated Love
Redemption
Spice: 🌶🌶.5 out of 5
SMC DELIVERED.
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Even if it hurt me. Even if it destroyed me.”
“To destroy you would be to destroy us both.”
Content Warnings: Violence, death, murder, SA, child abuse, cheating from a secondary character, memory loss, parental abuse, trauma (none of the aforementioned occur between MCs)
Rhiainach Skylark is spoiled and vain. There isn’t anything that she couldn’t attain. The dark spots in her memory are tucked away with all the unpleasant things in her life. Rhiain’s terrible mistake brings her world crashing around her. Her father punishes her by training her as one of his prized assassins. Then one day, a chance encounter changed everything in her life. Everything she knows. Everything she feels. Everything she is.
Asterin Evedane claims to know the truth behind Rhiain’s dark spots. She has come to accept that there is much more to these gaps than her understanding of the past. But could she trust him? After all, he is the son of the enemy.
✑Rhiain has been through a lot, I mean A LOT. She went through such a traumatic event, then she gets betrayed by the people she loves. I love the character developments between Rhiain, Asterin, and Tyr. Rhiain and Asterin FINALLY stood up against their family.
✑ Asterin, my sweet, sweet Asterin gets along with almost everything but will DESTROY THE WORLD FOR RHIAIN. I love his protectiveness over Rhiain. I love that he is all about CHOICE because it was all about choice when it came Rhiain.
“Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.”
✑ I love the chemistry between Rhiain and Asterin. I AM ALL HERE FOR RHISTERIN ❤
✑ The Altruist and The Assassin gave me everything I wanted. It’s full of mystery, twists, and turns you would not expect. There was only one instance where my guess was correct; otherwise, I was in for a shock. It’s got all the tropes I never knew I needed. A story about two fated souls thrust back into each other’s paths once more. The journey Rhiain and Asterin had to take to get their happy ending was not easy.
Tropes that I love from TAATA:
Force Proximity
Age Difference
Enemies to Lover
Found Family
Fated Love
Redemption
Spice: 🌶🌶.5 out of 5
SMC DELIVERED.
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