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.

3.5/5! I really enjoyed this and the characters.

admittedly i read this while waiting for a concert and got lost in some of the politics. overall had a lot of fun with this and it ends on a wild cliffhanger that I enjoyed. I am sick of the fantasy trope of the two love interests becoming utter enemies right before the 2nd book so I am so glad this didn't end with that, but was still enemies to lovers!

definitely recommend :)

Thank you to Saga Press for allowing me to read the ARC of The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson.
If you love slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy books, this book is a must read. Vaasa, the FMC is a strong, fierce, intelligent character that doesn’t trust anyone. Throughout the books she learns more about her magic, and in turn herself. Reid, the MMC, knows just how to push Vaasa’s buttons and the banter between the two is top notch. This will be at the top of my book recommendations come November when it is published. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, it has me on the end of my seat.

I love books where the female lead owns the MMC. Ugh. So satisfying to see the FMC basically telling the MMC how to rule and he does it all because he trusts her judgement and sees her as his equal. I LOVE THIS. I love how we really see the FMC grow as a person throughout this novel. But that ending was cruel. Book 2 asap pls??!!?!? OK in all seriousness, this was a fun read. there was no toxic, immature behavior from the MMC. There is communication and mutual respect and I love that.

Wait, my one complaint was that I feel like I don't know much about the MMC. A lot of time he just felt like the FMC's emotional support teddy bear. Also, this sounds silly but he grins way too much. I think the issue is that the most I took away from him is that he grins and that he respects her. Like even the info about him, we learn through other characters. Like his dad. I want more depth to him.