I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this as I was not familiar with the author whatsoever, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I finished in less than a day and am eagerly awaiting the next installment

Oh. My. God. I loved this book & it completely took me by surprise!!

Thank you to NetGalley & the Publisher for allowing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

I'm so freaking glad I was given this advanced copy because I am GAGGING. The only way I can describe this book is "ACOTAR (if it was well written) meets Game of Thrones". There is so much I loved about this combination that made the novel feel gritty and realistic while still holding strong Romantasy vibes. Of course, there were parts that were a little predictable, or a little cliche, but the key difference with this book and others is that those lesser parts were overlookable (and even wanted. I mean, it just makes sense sometimes). I was hooked from page 2. I knew by her writing style, and the immediate jump into the main plot, that this book wasn't going to disappoint. And it certainty didn't.

I liked these characters pretty well. I didn't 100% click with the MFC or the MMC for tiny reasons or another, but their chemistry together brought out a really solid storyline, and any minor issues I might have had were so far in the background it didn't matter.

I think my main issue with the MFC is her ability to see logically what she's doing, and know her actions aren't the correct course, but do them anyway (in a shitty way). There were a few times she would say "I know I'm only reacting this way because ______ ", and then proceed to immediately do what she just self-realized she shouldn't do. I guess in a way it's very human, but in a character-in-a-book-who-is-learning-and-growing way, it was a little annoying. She ultimately DOES grow into herself though, and we really get a good sense of what's going on in her head and why, so it's forgivable. You actually WANT to see her succeed and that's the real main point. A MFC you can't empathize with is useless to any plot.

As for the MMC, he was a little bland. He was sort of too nice, too charming, too respectful without cause, etc. He isn't our MAIN main character, so it wasn't a large annoyance or anything, but it did make him "automatically likeable", and bland. I was sort of hoping he would play into his "nickname"/role more, putting up walls or feeling standoffish for personal reasons to match the energy our MFC is giving, but Rebecca chose the 'gentle giant' approach with this one. Again, can't really complain about it, but it could have been spiced up a bit more than we already got. I also felt like we didn't get enough internal thoughts or feelings from him, which made it really hard to tell if the nice guy act was genuine as we went through the novel. There was no change to the way he treated her, despite everything, and it made it confusing and suspicious almost.

I was not at all expecting as much lore, backstory, history, and politics that came with this world building though. This is what gave it more of that realistic, gritty GOT's vibe. The politics really blew me away (and slightly confused me, as all politics do), in such a pleasant way. It was tangible, and it fit so perfectly into the plot to weave all these characters and their relationships together.

The plot tho -- ON POINT. Loved it. Had me up reading to 4am the next morning I was so enthralled. The minute I would put it down, I'd pick it back up again, which is rare for me because I'm easily distracted lol. I never saw any of the major plot twists coming, and the twists I did guess at, I wanted to happen anyway so it was a rewarding feeling when the pay off happened. The last 5% had me screaming because how dare you make me sit with this for 2+ years while I wait for a sequel??

Whatever you're making next, I'm here for it!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the opportunity to read The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson in exchange for my honest review.

The story of Vaasa Kozár, who is thrust into a treacherous political marriage with Reid of Mireh, is as much about survival as it is about love, trust, and the cost of power.

I went into this book with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised, as it turned out to be one of my favorite reads so far this year. The novel stands out in the crowded Romantasy genre, offering an original story filled with action, romance, and intricate world-building without getting lost in the typical overused crutches of the genre.

The character dynamics between Vaasa and Reid drive much of the story’s appeal. Vaasa is a fierce, cunning, and strategic protagonist shaped by a lifetime of manipulation and hardship. Reid, on the other hand, is a study in contrasts—funny, honest, and patient yet undeniably dangerous when necessary. Their relationship, while marked as an enemies-to-lovers trope, is a bit more one-sided, which left me craving more insight into Reid’s motivations and feelings. Why does he fall for Vaasa so quickly? The lack of a clear explanation here feels like a missed opportunity, but it doesn’t detract too much from the overall narrative.

One of the novel's strengths is its perfect blend of character and plot development. The balance between world-building and political intrigue is handled so well, with the political plotline offering enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged without overwhelming them with action. The manipulative mind games are particularly well-written, keeping the tension high throughout. However, a map would have been helpful to visualize the regions whose histories and locations are crucial to the story.

While the magic system, particularly Vaasa’s connection to the mysterious dark magic, could have been explored in more depth, the hints provided are tantalizing enough to suggest that more revelations are coming in future books which adds to the anticipation for what’s next in Vaasa’s journey.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of the romantasy genre who are looking for something fresh and engaging. It’s a fast-paced, epic tale that masterfully blends romance, politics, and the exploration of trauma, making it impossible to put down. It hasn’t been released yet and I’m already begging for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC
4 stars, but only because I want room to rank subsequent books higher. I have a great feeling about this series!

Quick run down:
Black cat FMC
Arranged marriage
Slow burn romance
Witches/Covens
Early stages of Found Family
Good world building, but looking forward to seeing other locations
Political intrigue/maneuvering, with an MMC who trusts his partner's insight <3
A good dash of feminine rage, which we love to see

Vaasa and Reid are unlikely allies in this debut fantasy romance. Forced into an arranged marriage, Vaasa must learn to trust her new husband, while navigating assassination attempts from her brother, and wrangling her newfound magic before it consumes her and everything she comes to love.
This pulled me out of an awful reading slump. I was so invested in not only the romance between Reid and Vaasa, but also the budding friendships Vaasa made within her coven (sodalities were a really neat way to organize the different magic schools!) and Icrurian society. Found family will get me every time! Definitely looking forward to the next installment, and already preordered my physical copy of book one.

4.5.

Tropes:

•He falls first
•Found family
•One bed trope
•Who hurt you

"I have collected a thousand words, and yet I cannot find a single one to tell you what comes alive inside of me when you are near."

I went into this with absolutely no expectations and didn’t even think much of it to be completely honest.

BUT NOW? AFTER FINISHING?! IT IS MY NEW OBSESSION. I INHALED THIS BOOK. IT IS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION AND IT IS PROBABLY MY FAVORITE ROMANTASY OF THE YEAR (so far). This was absolutely phenomenal! I cannot stop thinking about it!!

It had everything I loved in a romantasy. Tension was so THICCCCC I couldn’t even breatheeeee The stakes were so high. The PLOT TWIST AT THE END??? I WAS GASPING FOR AIR!!

Had some minor issues with the politics and the scheming. (I’m just a visual person so it would’ve been nice to see everything with the map)

My only major problem with this is we didn’t really get an explanation as to why Reid fell for Vaasa (Do not get me wrong. Reid is literally the man of my dreams) why he loved her first or why he is so willing to love her? I kept thinking we were gunna get an explanation towards the end at his POV but we didn’t? Hopefully we get answers in book 2 which I will be on my knees begging for.

I can not wait to see where this goes! Loved it. New fantasy that manages to stay away from all the over done tropes, but carries all the intrigue and greqt story line. Think ots more maturely written than alot of romantic books, and I loved it more for this!

My thoughts on the book.... numbered because they're all over the place and I'm having so. many. feelings. This is me trying to keep myself organized.

1. SCREAAAAAMIIIIING
2. I can't deny that I loved the last half of the book more than the first.
3. The magic system was interesting. Although I can't say I fully understand it.
4. I would have really appreciated a map. And maybe a glossary of sorts?
5. Reid of Mireh is the greenest green flag to exist ever, ever. I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
6. Vaasa's strength and brutality was something unbelievably terrifying and beautiful to behold.
7. The SLOWEST of slow burn.
8. WHAT THE HECK?! WHY?!
9. November is so far away.

This book is fast paced and intriguing., with good world building and politics. Vaasa’s character development throughout the book was well-written and kept me wanting more. I love a good slow burn, which The Serpent and the Wolf delivered. And that ending?!?! I need book two now!

🐍 enemies-to-lovers
🐺 black cat FMC
🐍 cinnamon role MMC
🐺 political intrigue
🐍 who did this to you?
🐺 slow burn
🐍 arranged marriage
🐺 magic

Thank you NetGalley, Rebecca Robinson, and Saga Press for the opportunity for this ARC.

This Book!! is absolutely fantastic!! ✨✨

5⭐️

This book instantly hooks you from the beginning and personally for me just kept getting better and better!

You have witches, magic an arranged marriage
and plenty of action ⚔️
The world building was easy to understand and the character development for Vaasa was KEY!
it’s makes you love their Romance even more!
Such a good slow burn 🔥 I love Reid 🫶😭

Also the twists…😱😱😱

Absolutely love this book & can honestly
say this is a HIT! Romantasy ✨🗡️
Definitely a favorite for me this year!!
Can’t wait to see what’s to come 🫶

This book was amazing. I loved the world building and intricacies of the way they run the countries. But I am not okay with the ending!!! I need the next book now! I love the story of Reid and Vaasa and I know it’s not over! I shed so many tears over this book!

Went into this with no idea what to expect and was blown away. The slow burn romance and enemies to lovers was perfection. Vaasa pushes through her struggles and really becomes her own. I loved her character. Reid is amazing. From the beginning I Ioved him. This book gives you those moments where you are left smiling at the tension and the building romance but also leaves you heartbroken for the main character. It’s done in such a wonderful way that keeps you up late reading and wanting more. The ending has me absolutely pacing waiting for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC ⭐️

Wow. Wow. Wow.

I went into this book expecting a run-of-the-mill romantasy, something fun and light to pass the time. But from the very first page, this story grabbed me and didn’t let go. The slow-burn romance, paired with the enemies-to-lovers trope, was executed to perfection. 😍 Vaasalisa might just be my new favorite FMC . Her journey of healing was beautifully woven into the narrative, making it one of the most compelling aspects of the book for me. It kept me up all night—I just couldn’t go to sleep until I had finished it! And that ending—I’m already on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2, and book 1 hasn’t even hit the shelves yet! 😭

magic, witches, intricate world, and two stabby main characters? what else could you ask for?!

this book was amazing! the world building was incredible, the slow burn romance was fulfilling, and the story was such an addictive read!

the ending left me GASPING and already excited for book two, even though this one has yet to be published.

Woah!
The cover was what initially called my attention but I quickly realized I was going to love this read! This is for someone who loves JLA or SJM or any fantasy romance. The FMC, Vaasa is absolutly one of my favorites.

The BANTER IS EVERYTHING! With amazing character development, plot, world building and a strong willed FMC - this is easily one of my favorite reads of 2024.

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did! I highly recommend this for anyone who loves books from authors such as jla and sjm.

I absolutely loved the fmc, Vaasa and her take no crap attitude! From her first night with her new husband, Vaasa quickly became one of my favorite female characters EVER!

Reid was so unexpected and took everything in stride... Except when it comes to his wife. When it comes to her, I love his tear the world apart attitude.

I'm not going to give spoilers, but if you are looking for your next favorite fantasy read with great banter, and an fmc who isn't the damsel in distress type, I highly, HIGHLY recommend The Serpent and The Wolf. I can't wait to see where book 2 takes us.

Read this book! I am a big reader of all things fantasy and this book was magical. It had everything I am looking for in this genre. It is a very strong start to a new series. It ended on a great cliff hanger and I cannot wait for the next book. The writing is strong and the book has some great twists. I found myself really rooting for Vaasa and Reid. I am excited to see where this series goes!

Immediately loved the MMC as soon as he was introduced. The banter was exactly what I had been looking for in a fantasy. The bonds the characters created had me both laughing and crying. Getting to see the fmc experience friendship for the first time was so heartwarming. I am a sucker for well written female friendships with depth. I can’t express enough how much I loved the character development in this book and watching the two main characters grow not only together but individually. I didn’t realize that this was the first book in a series so the ending was definitely a shock for me. I can without a doubt see myself picking up the next book when it is time.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

There's so much to love about this book! It has enemies-to-lovers romance, strong female characters, a cool magic system, and a found-family dynamic. I struggled a bit with the start of the book (it felt rushed and info-dumpy to me), but once I got past that, I really enjoyed the story. Overall, I think "The Serpent and the Wolf" is a great addition to the new-adult romantasy genre.

I can see the first chapter being perfect for readers who like to jump straight into the action. It follows the main couple and the chaos that unfolds on their wedding night. I like how the opening chapter establishes the characters' personalities and motives. It sets the scene for the ultimate enemies-to-lovers arc! It took me a while to connect with the characters (this book is more plot-driven than character-driven in the first few chapters), but the opening hook was more than enough to keep me reading.

And speaking of characters...

Can we take a moment to talk about Reid? I feel like sooo many MMCs are either hairy mountain men (no judgment if that's your thing), musclemania cardboard cutouts, or Rhysand 2.0. That isn't the case here. The MMC, Reid, rose to his position by popular vote. He's a natural leader, and he's committed to serving his people. Reid is also crazy about the FMC, Vaasa, but he understands that she's had a difficult upbringing and doesn't want to trap her in a life of political scheming. Personally, I think his decision to respect her wishes and offer her a chance at freedom is wayyy hotter than other romances I've read where the MMCs bark orders and saunter around expecting them to be obeyed (I'm looking at you, Hooked).

I also really like the found-family dynamic in this book. Vaasa has a troubled relationship with her brother and isn't close to anyone in her native kingdom. I love that she finds friendship among the local coven of witches and starts training with the soldiers stationed near Reid's villa. Vaasa is my favorite kind of character: smart, strong, and loyal to those she cares about. I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store for her.

Overall, I'm rating this book a solid 4 stars!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

Serpent and the Wolf is a compelling tale that intertwines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in a dark, mythical setting. The characters are richly developed, particularly the fierce yet conflicted protagonist who navigates treacherous alliances. The plot is full of unexpected twists, keeping readers on edge until the very end. With its vivid world-building and intense narrative, this book is a gripping read for fans of fantasy and adventure. I can't wait for book two to see how the story continues to unfold!!!

From the gripping start, the story offers a thrilling mix of adventure, romance, and fantasy. Vassa is a brilliant, grumpy character with a heart of gold, while Reid, reminiscent of Khal Drogo, balances toughness with a sweet, family-oriented side.

It’s a solid foundation for a promising series with rich world-building and engaging side characters. Highly recommended for Romantasy fans—preorder this gem! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.