Rebecca Robinson’s debut The Serpent and the Wolf is a compelling romantasy that blends high-stakes political intrigue with the simmering tension of an enemies-to-lovers romance. While the novel doesn’t break entirely new ground in the fantasy genre, it delivers an engaging and suspenseful story filled with ruthless characters, strategic alliances, and just enough slow-burn romance to keep readers hooked.

At the heart of the novel is Vaasa Kozár, a woman sharpened by loss and betrayal. Having lost her mother to a mysterious dark magic and constantly threatened by her merciless brother, Vaasa enters a politically fraught marriage to survive. Vaasa’s journey is one of defiance and resilience—she’s a heroine who has been trained for combat and political maneuvering her whole life, and it’s her cunning that drives much of the story forward. Robinson does a good job of portraying Vaasa’s inner turmoil as she grapples with both her dangerous magic and her precarious situation in this new marriage.

The marriage to Reid of Mireh is where the romance begins to take shape. From the start, their relationship is rooted in politics, distrust, and manipulation. Reid, the ruthless foreign ruler, offers Vaasa a deal that seems almost too good to be true: help him win the votes he needs to rise in power, and she can walk free. The layers of political machinations between them create a tense, slow-burn dynamic that is one of the novel’s strongest aspects. The enemies-to-lovers trope is handled well, with Robinson letting the tension build naturally. The chemistry between Vaasa and Reid deepens as the story progresses, but it never feels rushed, making their attraction both believable and satisfying.

What sets The Serpent and the Wolf apart is its focus on political intrigue and strategy. Vaasa is not just trying to survive a dangerous marriage—she’s navigating the deadly power plays of multiple nations, including her brother’s lethal plans. The constant tension of betrayal, shifting alliances, and hidden motives keeps the plot engaging. Reid’s political goals also add complexity to his character, making him more than just a brooding love interest. His relationship with Vaasa goes beyond physical attraction, involving mutual respect and strategic thinking, which gives the romance a more mature and layered feel.

The world-building in the novel is solid, though at times it feels like certain aspects could have been more fleshed out. The dark magic that runs through Vaasa’s veins is intriguing, but its mechanics remain somewhat vague throughout the story. The political landscape is detailed and rich, but the magic system, a key part of Vaasa’s identity and struggle, could have used more depth and explanation to make it feel fully integrated into the plot. Still, Robinson provides enough context for readers to stay immersed in the world and its political complexities.

The pacing of the novel is generally steady, though the middle section feels slower as it focuses on the political dealings and trust-building between Vaasa and Reid. While this time is necessary for the development of their relationship, some readers might wish for a bit more action or conflict during this part of the story. The stakes are certainly high, but the build-up to the climax could have been tighter to maintain the momentum.

The secondary characters, particularly Vaasa’s brother, add layers of tension to the narrative. His ruthless ambition and willingness to use his sister as a pawn make him a compelling antagonist, though he could have been explored in more depth. The tension between familial duty and personal survival that Vaasa faces is a driving force in her character development, and more insight into their relationship would have added even more weight to the plot.

Final Thoughts:
The Serpent and the Wolf is a strong debut that successfully combines political intrigue with a slow-burn romance, making it a satisfying read for fans of romantasy. While certain elements, like the magic system, could have been more fully developed, the complex dynamics between Vaasa and Reid keep the story engaging. The novel’s strategic alliances, betrayals, and well-executed enemies-to-lovers arc make it a compelling addition to the genre. A solid 3.5-star read that promises plenty of intrigue and romance, with room for more exploration in potential future installments.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶 / 5

✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Only one bed
✨ He falls first
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Touch him and die
✨ Fake "dating"
✨ Arranged/forced marriage
✨ Stabby FMC

I thoroughly enjoyed this one!! The plot kept me on my toes and guessing throughout. Vaasa was complex and flawed in a way that didn't make me want to throw the book across the room. She's incredibly relatable to anyone who's every been terrified of vulnerability or letting anyone close.

Truly the only thing I didn't like was that I felt that some of the world building and explanations weren't fully flushed out. I'm still confused about their government and the elections. Also, I would have killed for a map, because the geography simply didn't make sense to me. However, I was able to put all that aside because the characters and plot were amazing.

If you liked the bridge kingdom, I think you'll like this one too!

The Serpent and the Wolf follows a lot of familiar beats of a classic romantasy. Those who are looking for their next book in this genre, I believe this book would be perfect for them. We follow Vassa and Reid, stuck together in a marriage of convenience. The book starts off with a propelling scene of Vassa escaping at the night of their wedding. Cursed with a dark magic inside of her, she seeks her own path and future where she is bound by other people's decisions and choices. Eventually, Vassa and Reid reach an agreement where they realize they can help each other for 3 years. I think Rebecca has intriguing writing and while the story seems familiar, the author does try to make it unique with the marriage of convenience trope set in a fantasy world. The author also described Vassa's magic in an enticing manner. The book is fast-paced, almost to its detriment because the relationship between Reid and Vassa moves a little too fast. Otherwise, the ending has set up the second book in the duology and I'd be interested to see how the story continues.

4.5/5
Amazing new romantasy. Strong characters, great banter, wonderful connection between characters. This book has amazing tension and build up with the slow burn between the 2 main characters and what is expected with an arranged marriage situation. It was amazing to follow. The world building/ political set up was a tad bit confusing for me. I'm not sure if I missed something in the beginning or what but I still have questions not sure if it will be explained later on in the series. The side characters were a wonderful addition, the being a nice flare and depth to the Vassa. This book has you guessing and I love how Vassa is powerful and direct. It is a nice change of pace from FMC that are "weak" and learn to be powerful really quick. This is everything I love in a Romantasy and would highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster/ Saga press for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. This is my honest opinion.

I LOVED this book! Initially I had Daenerys Targaryen vibes when I read about Vaasa's brother marrying her off for political gain. However, Vaasa is far from meek and unexperienced as she had lived her entire life thus far training and learning. She gave Reid of Mireh a run for his money out the gate. I loved the world building, the character development, the slow burn romance, and the political game. This is really my second book exploring fantasy (aside from Harry Potter years ago) and I'm definitely a fan! I did have some of the mystery figured out by the end of who did what, but it wasn't too easy to determine and the story had me turning the pages for 2 days. I loved the origin story of Vaasa and her family, it gave a lot of depth to the book. The only thing I don't like about this story is that I have to wait so long to find out what happens in the next book.

ARC provided by Simon & Schuster

This book literally just throws you in there and expects you to be hooked but I really need more than that.
I'm trying to not to spoil anything but from the books description I was expecting a 'ruthless ruler' and enemies to lovers or at least a good dose of tension even but this is not that. Just because your FMC tries to stab her new stranger of a husband 2 or 3 times in the first few chapters, doesnt make a real enemy to lovers story. I want seething hate from both sides because that means we've got some good times ahead. The MMC has the patience of a saint, if anything. Nothing wrong with it, but not what it's being sold as. There's also some generic politics and alot of side characters to keep up with and you do get more world building as the book progresses.

It does pick up towards the end though, and there is a cliffhanger! 3/5 stars, no regrets and I may pick up the next but it didn't stand out to me in any way.

This is my first book from Rebecca Robinson and wow, The Serpent and the Wolf did not disappoint! First of all, thank you for the ARC NetGalley, this review will be posted on Amazon on November 19th, 2024. This is a fantastic book full of amazing imagery, the world building, the magic systems, and politics is out of this world.

Vaasa, the FMC, has such a great story. She really turns her life around and that journey of friendship and learning her magic was touching.

Reid is an absolutely perfect, charming, funny MMC. Their love story was everything. It is literally what you wish for when you think of an enemies to lovers troupe. For those readers who enjoy plot over spice- this book is for you. Know that there are some scenes with overly spicy language but the plot is what I stayed for and that slow burn was everything!

Most of all though, the overall feeling of family and bad A girlfriends in this book was what sold me. Their sense of family and bring Vaasa into their coven was beautiful.

I cannot wait for book two because the cliff hanger has me on pins and needles. And let’s just say, Reid will get the job done!

Once again, thanks for the ARC publishers and NetGalley!

Spice: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Single POV (you get a little dual at the end)
Enemies to lovers

This book started out so strong and interesting, especially with the enemies to lovers. I was afraid this book was going to follow the pattern of what a lot of enemies to lovers do where the FMC will immediately start to lose her anger and start to realize how beautiful he is. But not this book, Vaasa was very realistic about her feelings towards Reid. She kept her anger and over a natural pace she started to bloom with him and acknowledge her feelings.
The way the worldbuilding and magic system is written is so easy to follow and digest. A lot of times with this genre they just throw in random stuff to try to make the world feel bigger but this was kept very simple and yet the world still felt massive and strong. Not once do you feel like you are lost or that you have to circle back to figure out what the heck is going on.
And on to my favorite part to dissect is how an author can write a woman – and Rebecca Robinson nailed it perfectly. Vaasa makes mistakes, she doesn’t admit when she is wrong but will still feel the guilt of it weighing heavy on her, she will do things without thinking about the repercussions and I. LOVE. IT! I love when a female is flawed because it shows you that she isn’t your stupid stereotypical female superhero who is only concerned about her looks and her heart. She deserves everything good in life and I pray the next book gives that to her.
I really wish we could have gotten more POV’s from Reid because I would have loved to see how much depth he really has and felt like those little glimpses we got at the end made me love him so much more. But even only seeing him through Vaasa’s eyes for 90% you still fall in love with him. You still can see how much of a caring and strong man he is. I love how playful, teasing and witty he is with her. Their banter is so sexy and funny.

Wow! Witches, magic, secrets, enemies to lovers, and political intrigue galore! The romance was really well done, but the politics was actually my favorite part of this book. The action scenes throughout (and specifically at the end of the book!) had me on the edge of my seat AND THE PLOT TWIST?! Didn't see it coming. Then that cliffhanger of an ending?!?! Ugh, I'll just be over here desperately awaiting book 2. Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc!

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book! I discovered it through TikTok, and I have to say, I enjoyed it overall. However, the book had its flaws. I wish the romance between Vaasa and Reid had been more fully developed throughout the story. The author has a talent for describing the setting and imagery, but at times, it felt overdone and became a bit tedious.

I especially loved the beginning, when Reid and Vaasa first met—it was amusing, and her plan was quite entertaining. Despite enjoying the book as a whole, there were moments that dragged and felt a little dull.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Saga Press, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

Vaasa is married off to a foreign ruler as part of a political treaty. She’s also struggling with an unknown power inside of her. Her new husband agrees to help her learn her power in exchange for her pretending to be his perfect wife.

I enjoyed the romance aspect of this story. I wish it had a bit more fantasy elements to keep me interested.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title to review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for this stunning romantasy debut!

If you like:
•badass morally grey FMCs
•arranged marriage (this is no spoiler, you learn right off the bat)
•journey of self discovery & empowerment
•slow-burn
•found-family & friendships

This may be the one for you!

Although it contained known and beloved tropes, it felt exciting and thrilling and I was totally hooked from the first page. I really love the magic concept for the FMC and the MMC has such sweet and brilliant lines throughout the story. The ending got me gobsmacked and excited to see how this story continues.

I really loved the premise and was intrigued in the beginning. Pacing felt a little off in the middle. World building was there, but just wanted it to be more cohesive. A lot of the plot holes I thought I saw in the beginning were fixed later on, but it almost felt like we were lied to (fell into the hole) in the beginning with an answer that didn’t make sense and then later on in the story the author was like JK! This is really why x and x happened. Even tho they lead you to believe at first it was a wishwashy answer. The ‘mysteries’ weren’t teased that we would find out later on, so I was scratching my head until we found out. Ig is what I’m trying to say. To me, you don’t need that to give us suspense. There are other ways to add mystery.

The politics could have been organized better, I really didn’t feel like the author made us care. Why does a certain someone want power? What’s the reasoning? What’s their end goal? Maybe we will get insight in book 2. Also the MMC didn’t grip me as a tangible real character as much as the FMC. However, absolute adore whatever comes out of his mouth LOL he has quite the way with words.

I do have to say I didn’t see the twist coming, but I also felt that we weren’t set up for one of the twists properly. There were no road signs or indicators or subtle hints or symbolism in a cohesive way that says “oh that makes sense why that character did that.” I can’t explain it fully without giving stuff away but I want to feel an aha satisfied moment looking in hindsight where I was like OMG I SHOULD HAVE SEEN THAT COMING versus like wha? Huh? I know nothing about this character so I didn’t expect it at all.

All that being said, still an enjoyable and binge-worthy read and well-done to the author! The backstory to this all that was revealed (and still will be unpacked in guessing in future books intrigued me).

This world building was so lush and so cool. It took me a little bit to get the hang of the political system, but it was so cool to have an election in a fantasy world. I loved the setting, I loved the politics, it was really interesting. It started out a little bit slow for me, but I think that's just because I was in a reading slump; once I got into it, I was *into* it, and I ate it up. I rated this book 4.5 stars. The only reason it wasn't 5 (because I really love this book) was because I felt like some things happened a little fast, particularly the romantic arc. I felt like there wasn't enough signposting and building up to it, but I still love it. I'm anxiously awaiting release day so I can talk to everybody about it!

3.75 ⭐️

Thank you Saga Press and Netgalley for the ARC! All ideas are my own.


Spice was a 1/5 🌶️
the politics were not the strong suit- I really wasn’t sure what was happening there. I personally am not a fan of instant love. The magic is cool, & I love a consensual king.

4.5/5, Rounded up for NetGalley.

I’m absolutely rushing to buy a physical copy on November 19th! I loved this.

For Lovers of
🐍 Slow Burn Romance
🐺 Arranged Marriage
🐍 Political Intrigue
🐺 Found Family
🐍 Magic and Witches
🐺 Grumpy/Sunshine

You are instantly thrown into the conflict with an arranged marriage that the FMC, Vaasa wants nothing to do with. She has inherited a terrifying curse upon her Mother’s death and needs answers. Answers that she knows she won’t find being married to the prowling Wolf of the enemy territory. Or will she?
From there, Vaasa is lead on a journey through political intrigue, family secrets, inherited magic, and character growth.

I wouldn’t necessarily call this a Romantasy book because it didn’t feel like the main part of the story. It was a complex Fantasy full of world building and politics, with a little bit of Romance. The Romance that was present was such a slow-burn and very well done.

I’ve also gained a new book boyfriend in Reid. Reid is such a sweet cinnamon roll and I love him so. His understanding and “Who Did This to You” demeanor. *chef’s kiss.*

I will warn you, It does end on a cliffhanger that will leave you begging for the next book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Saga Press, and the Author for an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

In a saturated genre, The Serpent and the Wolf stands out for its political intrigue, emotionally mature hero, and unique world building. Enemies-to-lovers has been having its moment for years now, but frequently, the main characters aren't truly enemies. But in this new romantasy release, Vaasa and Reid are absolutely forced into an arranged marriage based on political politics between two empires desperate to defeat the other. The marriage is not to seal an alliance or create peace, but rather Vaasa's brother's attempt to ensure her death and his ability to invade Reid's kingdom. But Reid needs Vaasa for his own political posturing, and Vaasa needs Reid's knowledge about her newly developed dark shadow magic to prevent her early death.

Witches, demons, court intrigue, attempted assassinations, kidnapping, betrayals, combat training, and family saga provide the rich context for Reid and Vassa's forced proximity (those newlyweds have to share that one bed right?), slow burn, undeniable attraction to blossom from alliance, to friendship, to lovers.

Vaasa was such a well-written black cat, stabby, and sharp-minded heroine, while Reid was a refreshingly emotionally mature hero raised by a loving family (gasp!) who was DOWN BAD for Vaasa the moment she tied him up to escape him on their wedding night. Together, I think this couple is going to shake up the romantasy couple fandom and I cannot wait to see where this new series leads in book two.

Okay, so who names a male fantasy hero Reid?? In all seriousness this book was at its best when politicking. I felt like the main character learned very slowly, while the male love interest was infatuated very quickly. Would have loved to see the side characters more developed as well. The rival and her wife felt like cardboard cutouts but were written to imply interesting backstories.

I liked the idea of what it could’ve been to what it ultimately ended up being. I think the execution is really where I struggled to enjoy the story to the extent that I could’ve - the world wasn’t really expanded the way it needed to be for this to be an immersive experience. It was a slow burn romance with minimal tension, which an interesting experience. I would say my expectation for romantasy is that the story can hold up if you took out the romance or the fantasy, I don’t think this one reasonably accomplishes that. If you enjoyed Serpent and Dove, you’ll probably really enjoy this one too.

Thank you so much Saga Press for providing an ARC via NetGalley!

I really wanted to love The Serpent and the Wolf, but I found myself really disappointed with the execution because this seemed like it would be a new favorite.

I didn’t feel immersed in this world at all, in fact, I would have liked to see the world building fleshed out a lot more. It almost felt like the story was being whispered to me, it was in my grasp but I couldn’t connect whatsoever. There is a missed opportunity in the very first chapter to build tension between our FMC and MMC — this would have helped tremendously with me becoming invested in Vaasa’s story. 



Even though this one didn’t work for me, I think it will be a solid read for others that are looking for a new read in the romantasy genre. If you’re a fan of Lara and Aren from The Bridge Kingdom, you’ll probably love this.

If you are a fan of political intrigue, romantic fantasy, and action, this might be a good suggestion for you! I thought the one-sided enemies to lovers trope was interesting - Reid, the powerful MMC never once disliked Vaasa, the sharp-minded FMC. I haven’t read a lot of books with the reverse grumpy/sunshine trope, so that was a fun twist for me. Loved the world building and the use of magic (and the characters who posses it). I really can’t believe that this is a debut novel, and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series! Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!