Thank you to NetGalley for the e copy of this book.

This is going to be a DNF for me. Seeing other reviews about a strong female fantasy character who knew what she wanted and was confident had me picking this up rather quickly, however the writing was a really hard pass for me.

From a quick perusal on goodreads, it seems like the initial chapters are slow before it picks up, but I can’t quite get past the prose that seemed rather weak. Just in those initial chapters, I got hung up on several spelling mistakes. Normally I can look past it. As an author, I get that no one is perfect (not even editors) but this time it pulled me out of a story I was already struggling to get into.

Here’s a kicker. Apparently this is a series that follows a different one, one that focuses on the other sister. I didn’t know that at the time of picking it up. Perhaps reading that series first is a requirement because I felt like the worldbuilding was a bit info dumped here and thought I was missing a whole chunk of information about the world and events almost immediately upon starting this book. I would have loved to know more about a magic that Altara describes like it’s it’s own personality and entity inside her.

I think picking up a book that says new adult and spice makes me ache for a more polished writing style but this one is not for me. Though I do love that the first chapter immediately starts with a tease of said spice, but the interactions after left me pretty confused and not really oriented in the story or giving me a clue as to what was going on.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me access this book!

This was just interesting enough for me to finish it, but frustrating enough for me to constantly want to DNF or just read the end. I enjoyed the basic plot and the characters were well fleshed-out, for the most part. I struggled, however, with the pacing of the plot and the inconsistencies with characterizations and plot points. There were multiple times where someone mentions something seemingly important, but no one talks about it or brings it up again despite it clearly being something they should talk about.

I also didn’t love that both love interests treat the opposite gender as expendable—she “doesn’t need their mind” just their body that’s interchangeable with the next cute, strong boy while he needs a “vessel” for his power (*vomit*). I didn’t get the instalust either.

I doubt I’ll read the sequels, though I did like where the author took things in the last few chapters.

I deeply enjoyed The Archer Princess! This story had a lot of lovely characters and both the pace and flow kept me interested from begining to end.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I haven't read anything quite like it. I adored the enemies to lover trope in this book. Th beginning was a bit slow and I didn't understand much but I kept reading and the story became more interesting. That one thing that happened caught me off guard. It was rather interesting….

Overall, I really liked the flow in the book I found it easy to read. And I enjoyed the magic aspect of the book as well. I recommend this book to those that wants; a strong heroine, an enemies to lovers romance, a bit of a mystery and strong friendships.

Okay thank you for NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. Okay so this book was a littleee too mature in my terms, I am 20, but literally this book started off with s*x and then the plot wasn’t too interesting.

The synopsis of the book was intriguing I had to give it a go. Sadly, this book didn't meet my expectations and in general, it wasn't my cup of tea.

The writing itself was good and easy to read, and the book was fast-paced. I love how unapologetic Altara was about what she wants, and how brave she was. The first of the book was really interesting, with the Altara escaping her kingdom, and finding a school in the middle of the jungle. Even the Old Ones plot was interesting. However, halfway through the book, the story started going in the direction of too much comedy and I didn't like that. The demon marriage subplot was so unnecessary and so was a certain bedroom scene - it felt as though the author has no idea how to build the tension between Altara and the love interest so she used a comedic plot device to make a slow-burn romance. I had to skim through the rest of the book because each plot twist was even more ridiculous, and the building relationship between Altara and the love interest was forced, and lacked any chemistry, and any character development.

Really loved this!

The Archer Princess is about Altara, a healer princess on the run after escaping her evil stepmother and venturing to where her mother was originally from. She takes on a new name to hide her identity and starts to go to a finishing school but it turns out there’s dark forces at play, including the Old Ones, a quartet of warriors, who are awakened after a two hundred year slumber and are ready to take back the kingdom that belongs to their leader - King Ashzale Boneweaver. Tara is forced to marry Zale and despite their hatred for each other, there’s a bond and attraction between neither of them can deny.

I absolutely loved how powerful and sex positive Tara was from the start, though she did sometimes let her needs get the better of her at inopportune moments - which gets her engaged to not only a bloodthirsty warrior king, but to a gross demon as well. But, it was pretty funny how she got into these predicaments and was forced to deal with some consequences.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Zale - possessive, grumpy, a downright dick at times….. but soft for Tara despite having a shadow heart that makes him the best warrior ever. The way he logically doesn’t want to want Tara but she gets under his skin and makes him gentle with her had me giddy and wanting more.

I really loved the side characters as well - Rani, Malika and Pia were all such a fun group on Tara’s side, and I also really enjoyed Kai, Raen and Atax from Zale’s side.

Spice was mild but I have seen that it will get spicier through the series which I’m excited for because the tension between Tara and Zale had me ready to beg them to just fuck already and then stupid demons had to ruin the moment 😭😅

This book ended on a major cliffhanger so I am DISTRAUGHT that the second and third won’t be out until next year so I’m going to have to impatiently wait for them, but I am definitely going to be checking out the sister series by the author which focuses on Tara’s sister, because I am now slightly obsessed with this world that EP Bali has created!

If you love enemies to lovers, fated mates, villains who get the girl, stories where a curse needs to be broken, feisty main characters and their monstrous love interests…. You’ll enjoy this!!!

Trigger warning: grief/loss of parent, depression, suicidal ideation, murder, violence, gore, torture, mutilation/body horror, assault, and mentions of child illness.

Thank you to Netgalley & BooksGoSocial for the e-ARC and opportunity for this amazing read in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you BooksGoSocial, E.P. Bali and NetGalley for the digital issue.

This is a book that had a complete change in the middle of the book, and that change was more than positive.

I started this book with great enthusiasm, as soon as I started reading it I saw that the author warned whoever was reading it that sensitive topics were going to be touched on and that they could find out what they were by clicking a link. That seems incredible to me and I think that ALL books should offer the possibility for the person to choose to know what sensitive topics are going to be dealt with.

Beyond this (which is not minor), when I read the synopsis I jumped headlong into reading it.

The score is 3 and a half stars. And I'm going to start by explaining why it's not really four or five stars.

From the beginning this book tries to be spicy, to give that adult tone to the reading, which I don't like, I felt forced. And that's why I don't like it, because I felt it was out of place, out of place and that the thoughts or actions of the protagonist were forced so that there would be something spicy every two chapters (even if it's just the mention of something). Spicy books don't bother me, but here I noticed it forced (and it's not something I've only seen here, there are several fantasy books that try to include SOMETHING of that and I can't see it natural).
On the other hand, I felt that it was really difficult for the story to start (although I also liked this because it gives us context and situates us) and I did not see such an interesting connection between our protagonist and her new friends as I would have liked to read. But the three reasons are really very personal and if he asks me "do you recommend it?" would be a YES.

This story has a very interesting fantasy world, interesting and well-constructed protagonists, although I would have loved a couple more pages to get to know them well. I feel that they were many and we learned little from them, but I am sure that in the next books this will be reversed.

I really liked how the relationship between our main protagonists developed, I didn't feel forced or fast, but... precise, interesting and mega captivating. And the other protagonists that we know made the reading much richer.
Another interesting topic is the way in which the magic of Altara and her friends is manifested. And to show us that not everything is rosy when having powers. Especially the power of Altara fascinated me, super original.

THAT ENDING, MY GOD WHAT IS THAT ENDING. I need the second RIGHT NOW. RIGHT NOW!

A read that started out being meh and turned into a more than interesting story.

Wow, just wow. When I saw this beautifully done cover art, I had to pick this book up immediately, and what can I say? It was one of my best book decisions, and I'm so happy I found this gem. This was my first read from this author, and you bet it won't be my last, especially after I found out there already is a trilogy revolving around Altara's sister.

E.P. Bali's writing is fantastic and made this book such a pleasure to read. Altara is now part of my favorite female characters of all time. I love that she is such a powerful woman that knows exactly what she wants and how she will get it. Now Zale and his brothers? I can't tell you which one of these hot men I'd want for myself but the choice would probably be all. Altara's girl group has my heart, and I can't wait to read more about them, especially Pia. And can we just talk about the diversity in this book? It was amazing to see so much rep in this, and I am desperate to read the next installment of this trilogy!

The Archer Princess wasn't what I was expecting at all, it's a good book but definitely not for me and really could have benefited from an explicit content warning just to give readers a heads up. I personally struggled because this is not at all what I was expecting.

If you're not bothered by explicit content this would be a good pick for you!

This is a book about a princess. The princess has some magic powers. She moves to the place where her mother is from and feels excited about it but also a little apprehensive. Things happen in the plot. Then more things happen.

The first part of this review very much feels like how this book was written. I was excited to be granted access to this galley because I was so in the mood for an exciting romantic fantasy adventure, but what I got was a pretty juvenile plot that felt like nothing more than backdrop or build-up to some lackluster smut scenes. The writing was not great - very much let me tell you exactly what is happening without any depth or context. I felt no connection to the characters while reading.

The cover is beautiful, and the story has promise in general if the writing could be spruced up a bit. But overall, I think there are some better stories worth spending time and money on.

What a surprise... this is a new to me author and i just loved this book. The writingstyle is very easy and likable ,reads like a YA. It does have NA content but a very mild spice lvl.

The things i absolutely loved are;
- Strong female main character
- Smoking hot shifters with a definite rough edge
- Interesting magic system
- It does have some darker gritty content.
- Enemy to lovers
- Fated mates
- Wicked sense of humor (blue dingdong)

When starting the book you see the spoiled princess, the one who is very rash, does wat she wants. But the further the story goes you find out there are way more layers to this young female. And that she is not that ignorant and is fighting her own inner demons. She is a strong, fierce and loyal friend. Putting others before her. Overal this all makes for a great start to this series. It makes me even want to pick up the previous serie about her sister. I cannot wait for the sequel to this!

After reading E.P. Bali's Warrior Midwife, I was hoping I would enjoy this book and it did not disappoint. This book is a feminist manifesto wrapped in fantasy, magic, and intrigue. There is bipoc representation and the main character is strong and sassy, although sometimes annoying. Early on she gave me vibes of that "I make stupid decisions without thinking them through," that I don't enjoy in books when it's the character's whole personality. But what is great with Bali's work is that Altara grows and develops and you realize it was an intentional choice by the author. She is easy to root for and you are drawn into the story from the beginning.

I have a thing for fictional bad boys, especially when they have been wronged and are seeking revenge, so Zale checked every box for me. Fans of Valen from "Court of Shadows and Thorns" or Warwick from "Savage Lands" will love Zale and his crew of warriors. As wth so many other great fantasy series, there is a curse to be broken but it still feels unique and personal to this storyline. Would highly recommend everyone read this series and I cannot wait for book two to release.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book opens with explicit content, which is not what I was expecting, and I found rather disgusting. That unfortunately set the tone for the rest of the book for me. I struggled to even get a third of the way through it.

This is a great fantasy novel! Love the strong female lead, enemies to lovers trope, and fate mates! This story mixers the dark and heavy, with the bright and light romance. I loved the POC representation in this book, as the male and female are both. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

4.8/𝟱
TW: torture, suicidal thoughts, no seggs 😒

🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ BEAUTIFUL sexy menzes
~ Sexy male sleeping beauty spin off
~ Luscious, tropical & saree-filled world
~ Great cast of complex & intriguing characters
~ Excellent pacing 👏
~ Beautiful promise of seduction and seggs
~ Sleeping beauty/Snow white-esque male pov

Altara is running away from home. Where better to go than the tropical lands of her now deceased & much loved mother? Where else but a land brimming with magic that calls to her, with seggsy new menzes, mysteries & olden kings trapped underground & wild wild beings. As Tara joins a school under false pretenses, hiding from her stepmother & the demon butcher, her life will overcome her, one touch at a time.
🦖
This book exceeded my expectations. I read it in one sitting eagerly rushing towards the end & HOPEFULLY fulfillment, only to be left panting for more (you lieddd authorrr! @ektaabaliauthor). The characters share a lot of different types of trauma & watching them begin to overcome them was rewarding. A fantastic read for lovers of fantasy, great storytelling & unique happenings.

✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.

🌱THE MEH
~ … 😒 where is it?!??
~ The cliffhanger 😒
~ Not even a proper sustained touch thing for a few hours😒
(I am so upset, but can’t even really complain because I really enjoyed the book 🥲)

♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)

This review contains NO SPOILERS

Holy moly! If I could give this book 10 stars, I certainly would! Mrs. Bali you blew me away!!!!! This book had me in a desperate chokehold and the FMC Altara was so badass and strong! This book contains a beautifully written world with amazing characters. Also, it depicts love and sacrifice, fated mates, and leaves you in a strong cliffhanger. I can’t wait for books 2 and 3 to see what happens with Altara and Zale.

🏹👸🏽 BOOK REVIEW 👸🏽🏹

Title: The Archer Princess
Author: E.P. Bali
Rating: 3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

The beginning of the story really drew me in, a young princess escaping an abusive/ unhappy home life and a marriage she doesn’t want was a really strong start for me. I enjoyed being put right into the action rather than it building up a lot.

However, I do think there are some pacing issues in the book. Some parts feel extremely slow, where others feel much faster and this is something that I personally do not enjoy much in my books as I feel it makes some areas feel rushed when it could have been more evenly spread throughout the book.

I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers as it is one of my favourite tropes, and the world building is absolutely incredible which is needed in fantasy books. However, the character building and backstories could use some more work. (However, reading other reviews I found this is a sister series which I did not realise so I wonder if that is why there is not as much as I haven’t read them).

I’d also encourage people to check the trigger warnings before reading.

Overall it was enjoyable and I would read more in the series.

I was drawn into this story from the very beginning. The female MC,, Altara seemed adventurous and curious as she set off to her new home. I thought her powers were cool and enjoyed as she began to get accustomed to her surroundings. I was eager to see her archery skills and didn’t feel we got too much of that as the story progressed. The story stalled in the middle and then it felt like some weird twist was thrown in as a shock factor but made the story seem silly. Zale was a cool character to read about but after that slow middle and odd aspect thrown in I sort of checked out. I kept reading but now I found myself less invested in the outcome. It’s still a solid read but maybe not for me. 3 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and E.P. Bali for the advanced copy of The Archer Princess via NetGalley, in return for my honest and unbiased review. Quick note: I don’t recap plots in my reviews, as it’s easy enough to read the book’s synopsis and blurbs, I purely focus on my feelings & opinions of how the books makes me feel.

This was a fun read that ended up really drawing me in. There are some lovely cultural nuances featured in the story which I’ve not encountered in fantasy before, which were a joy to explore. It was really interesting to read the author’s notes at the end of the book, detailing her Fijian and Indian heritage, elements of which she has woven into this series.

I did have a little annoyance of the sex-crazed attitude of the protagonist at time. Don’t get me wrong, I love a spicy fantasy book, but reading a strong female protagonist saying her mind is ruled by her clitoris does put me off a bit. But as the story went on, this evened out and found a smoother, more sensual cadence.

The world building was promising, and the character development was very good. The author kept a lot back until the very end of the book, developing an excellent cliff hanger, not only in plot but also in character development. My reading pathway is character development, so this truly hooked me into wanting to read the next book in the trilogy: The Archer Witch, which is due to be published in January 2023.

Moods: adventurous, dark, mysterious, tense
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, hidden identity, peril, redemption/dark past, soulmates/fated mates, villain get the girl
Pace: medium
Character development: medium-strong
Plot or character driven: 50/50
Diversity: medium
Spice: 3/5
Trigger warnings: Blood/Gore, Death, Death of a family member, Murder, Physical or mental abuse, Physical illness, Profanity, Suicidal ideation, Torture

Rating 4/5

This review will be featured on my blog at www.mymentalshelf.com on the publication date