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!

‘Perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy and Thea Guanzon, Rebecca Robinson’s thrilling romantasy debut combines high-stakes political intrigue and a steamy, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance.’
 
Gahhh! My feelings are all over the place after finishing this one!

Ima be completely transparent though. I requested this arc from NetGalley because of the cover, the blurb & the initial ratings.

When I started, I groaned just a smidge 🤏🏼 as 3rd p/pov is not a view I love🥴 But that’s a regular occurrence with my NG req’s + my little weird quirk…🤷🏻‍♀️ Idk.

Soooooo…. The first half, sadly I did not like or enjoy. The political aspect was heavy and the pace, for me at least, was slow. I just found it lacking in a way & I felt no emotional connections at all.

However, Robinson, in her debut, turned that shit around completely in the back half. I mean, I was just waiting to get this over with. But then she whips out the second 50% like a master! My jaw went slightly lax and I thought “ohhh got damnnn, here we gooooo!”🙌🏼

We have magic, witches & their covens, maybe even a few magicked monsters. A slow burn, steamy lil enemies to lovers, bowchickawowwow action (*winks*) ~ Betrayal of the worst sort. Redemption? Maybe. Relationships formed. Relationships lost. Devastation, oh mann that ending!

There’s something about this one that made me hang on tight and in the end, got me all up in my feelings. A worthy read, for sure.

There’s a cliff, y’all! So be prepared!
Personally, she can’t write book #2 fast enough for me!
I. Am. Invested!🙌🏼

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for this arc in exchange for review!
 
Pub date: 11.19.2024.

Thanks to Saga Press Books and NetGalley!

This was an easy to read and entertaining start to a new romantasy series. There were some things that didn’t work for me, but I appreciate that there is an actual plot and world building as that can be hard to find in the romantasy genre lately. Yes there is some steam, but it’s not the entire focus thankfully. I liked the political aspects of the plot and while some of the world building was a little fuzzy, it’s an interesting setting that you do get a good feel for.

This felt like it was missing the first few chapters, dropping in at a point where you really need a bit more backstory to appreciate it. I actually loved the first chapter, but it is just so out of nowhere and strange introduction to our characters. The writing style is descriptive without being over done, but it’s repetitive in both overused words and phrases and the same information being told to the reader several times.

I really liked many of the side characters and their interactions with the FMC. It has a found family feel, which is always a fav of mine. The magic system is very interesting and different, but I was left with some questions about it.

It ends on a cliffhanger because of course it does, but there is at least a conclusion to some aspects of the plot. The set up for book two is a very familiar path which has been done many times before, so while I definitely plan to continue the series it will be with the hope that it has a more creative approach than just the same old romantasy basics.

I’d give this a 3.5⭐️ rounded up.

It's an enjoyable read! The tension kept me on edge, and the witty banter added a delightful layer to the story. I'm always drawn to political intrigue, and this book definitely delivered, keeping me fully engaged from start to finish. While the plot was definitely the standout aspect, some of the characters fell a bit flat for me. However, the slow-burn romance was a definite highlight that I thoroughly enjoyed. Also the ending left me completely floored and eager to dive into the next installment. I only wish the magic system had been explored in more depth, as it felt like an aspect with a lot of untapped potential.

Thank you to Netgalley and Saga Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited for this book!! But it kind of fell flat for me. It was kind of slow to start and I had to push through. Who did this to you and arranged marriage are some of my favorite things in books, but for some reason I just couldn't get into this one.

The story begins with the death of Vaasa's mother, leaving her to navigate a world filled with a dark magic that resides within her all alone. Seeing her as a threat to his reign, Vaasa's brother devises a plan to marry her off to Reid of Mireh, a foreign ruler. Vaasa is unwilling to succumb to this fate and takes things into her own hands; armed with combat skills and political knowledge, she charts her future. Once Reid catches up to her, he makes her a deal to allow her to walk away forever if she gives him three years to help him secure the political power he desires. In return, Reid promises to help her understand and control the dark magic within her. What starts as a political arrangement shifts as their mutual attraction grows. However, Vaasa grapples with trust issues due to her brother's scheming and quest for power at all costs.

Vaasa is shaped by loss and a relentless will to live on her terms. She is a determined and brilliant female character. She is the one who understands the role she must play to outsmart her political rivals and help Reid gain power in the region. From a young age, her father wielded her to understand and execute political and combat skills. Men have always used her for their gains. When she meets Reid, he is portrayed as a ruthless ruler, but his character reveals layers of complexity. His deal with Vaasa is a political maneuver and a strategic play for survival and power. His relationship with Vaasa grows out of respect and a common despite of Vaasa's brother.

The exploration of the power struggles and political intrigue moves the story forward and impacts the characters' lives and decisions. The characters must navigate their motivations and the threats external forces pose. For Vaasa, it is about retaining her autonomy and identity amidst the dark magic threatening to consume her and the men who see her as a tool for their ambitions. Vaasa's story moves from a pawn in her brother's game to a powerful player. The book is a standout and a thrilling adventure.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley, Saga Press, S&S Saga Press.

Lots of angsts and feelings and I enjoyed every pages!
Vaasa is a strong lead and I adore Reid! It was so fun to see them navigating political intrigues, mastering magic, and dancing (both literally and around their feelings lol). THAT ENDING THO! I need moreeee

If you take any recommendation from me, let it be this one! This book comes out November 19th, and I will be first in line to get a physical copy!

This is my new obsession- I literally couldn’t put it down. I think it is going to be my fave Romantasy book of the year. It has everything you want in a Romantasy: excellent world building and politics, a slow-burn romance, a fantastic magic system, and twists that kept me hooked!

Vaasa’s character growth was incredible; I loved how she was both tough and vulnerable. Ried was perfect, he was patient and has such a soft heart. I LOVED the witchy magic. And the last few chapters had me on EGDE- it was soo intense. I need the second book now!

I would highly recommend!!
Thank you Netgalley and Saga Press Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A really good start to a new fantasy romance series! It’s got all the good tropes - one sided enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, slow burn, he falls first, only one bed, etc., but it manages to not feel overly tropey if that makes sense. There’s tons of political intrigue, two badass MCs, a cool magic system, and some great twists with an action packed ending.

I’ll admit my eyes start to glaze over a bit when there’s too much political talk and there were also a lot of people/places to keep track of, but the world was interesting and I did really enjoy a few of the side characters. The cliffhanger was pretty wild and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where it goes in the next book!

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson follows the cursed Princess Vaasa of Asterya after losing both her parents and being forced by her brother into an arranged marriage with Reid of Mireh.

Fans of the romantasy authors like SJM, JLA, Raven Kennedy and Carissa Broadbent will be satisfied with this one — Vaasa is trying to figure out her magic & Reid strikes up a deal with her that will work in both their favors. This book has some heavy political elements that I did get a little bit lost in, but the romance, witchcraft and badass action scenes made up for it. The beginning and end of the book are fast paced & there’s a lot of side characters that we are introduced to.

I was personally very drawn to Melisina and Amalie enjoying the time that Vaasa spends with her newfound coven learning to control her magic. Be prepared to swoon and then almost immediately have your heart crushed — there are some gory scenes that might be triggering, but if you’ve read the authors I’ve mentioned above then this won’t phase you too much.

I am so ready for the next installment - thank you so much to NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to reading more from Rebecca Robinson & encourage romantasy lovers to grab your copy immediately when this comes out on Nov 19, 2024.

When I read the blurb for this book, I was very intrigued by it. Enemies to lovers in an arranged marriage who must work together to fight against evil? Yes, please.

Unfortunately, while the potential was there, the execution fell flat for me.

The first like 30% of this, I really struggled to get into it. The writing was a bit messy, the pacing felt off, and I didn’t really like the characters.
That first scene in the beginning could have been so much longer. Like give me some context, maybe the wedding that happened on that same day? Or her travelling there? Let me get into her head a bit to understand what’s happening and why she doesn’t like him and acts the way she does? Like that scene had such potential, the set-up was so good and could have really worked well a bit later on to build tension between the two main characters, missed opportunity imo.

It turned into somewhat of an easy read (once I got past that weird beginning) even though I found the pacing to be a bit choppy.

The world building felt kind of half-baked, like a lot is explained but not in a satisfying way? I just never felt like I had a real grasp on this world and everything that was happening in it. Same with the whole plot tbh, it just left me confused most of the time.

I did like Vaasa, the fmc, she was an interesting character, albeit a confusing one. Reid, the mmc, felt very much two-dimensional to me. Also, kind of disappointing that he's described as brutal, feared by everyone, merciless, notorious, threatening (I could go on), and then he wasn’t like that at all.. He was kind of the opposite? And that’s fine! But why make him out to be something he is not? Oh yeah, because every mmc in a romantasy has to be this morally grey horrible person or whatever..

The romance between them was somewhat of a slow burn, and I appreciated that. Something else I realised while halfway through, there was no excessive talk about how insanely beautiful everyone was, and I found that to be very refreshing.

Overall, an interesting debut with potential for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

A good story creates an emotional connection with the reader, and "The Serpent and the Wolf" by Rebecca Robinson did just that. This stellar, spellbinding romantasy debut had me hooked from the start, devouring it in just a couple of days. It’s the first book in a series and one of those that are nearly impossible to put down once you’ve begun. The story kicks off with a bang and never lets up.

The narrative centers around Vaasa Kozár, a princess of Asterya who believes she is cursed. She harbors dark magic within her that she can neither control nor understand. To make matters worse, she has a brother who wants her dead and a husband she didn’t choose. After their parents' death, her cruel brother, Dominic, ascends as Emperor. To rid himself of Vaasa, he marries her off to a ruthless foreign ruler, Reid of Mireh.

But Vaasa isn’t your typical helpless heroine. She possesses political savvy, combat skills, speaks six languages, and knows how to hold her own. Her arranged marriage starts on the wrong foot, and what unfolds is an intriguing tale that blends political intrigue, action, magic, and a steamy, enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance.

I loved this book. It’s the perfect example of a page-turner. The writing is clear and engaging without being simplistic, pulling me in from the first page. The world-building, characters, magic, political systems, and suspenseful plot make it a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read.

The plot is complex and creatively executed, making the story feel fresh and unique - a breath of fresh air in the genre. I was particularly impressed by the intricate plotting. Every action was well thought out, and Vaasa's intelligence, bravery, and ability to confront her demons despite her fears and insecurities won me over. I appreciated what the Serpent and the Wolf symbolized and admired how Robinson didn’t spoon-feed us answers, allowing events to unfold naturally.

The characters are fantastic, ranging from honorable to downright wicked. Vaasa, in particular, is incredibly well-drawn. Robinson skillfully delves into her deepest thoughts and emotions, making her a real, relatable character. Though she was a bit irritating at times with her attitude and reluctance to open up, I appreciated the way she grew and developed throughout the story. The dynamic and sexual tension between Vaasa and Reid were also compelling.

The author rises above clichés to craft a story that feels fresh and less predictable than it might have been. The side characters are mostly well-developed, adding depth to the narrative. This is a story that highlights the importance of personal strength, perseverance, support, community, friendships, and love. It's worth mentioning, however, that there are a couple of steamy scenes, which fit seamlessly into the story.

My only minor complaint is the frequent use of swear words, which didn’t seem to fit the world Robinson created. Nonetheless, this novel was everything I could have wished for and more. It wasn’t just entertaining; it also provided something I love to see in a book - moral conflict.

While it might not be entirely new to the genre, it’s definitely a cut above many others. If you enjoy an intense story with a brilliant cast of characters, a satisfying story arc, and emotional depth dealing with grief, loss, bullying, trauma, loneliness, and rising above one’s upbringing, then this book is for you. The action-packed ending is impossible to put down and leaves you on a cliffhanger. I must read the second book in the series now!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

I have a new favourite author! Rebecca Robinson takes fantasy romance to the next level and I am obsessed

This book is gonna be well loved for sure by the romantasy world. It’s so friggin good! If you enjoy Carissa Broadbent, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah J Maas- this story will be right up your alley.

The story centers around Vaasa, a princess from an incredibly cruel and domineering country that has sold her into marriage to a man she doesn’t know.

Vaasa’s no damsel in distress though. She is everything she was raised to be: sly, dangerous, and cold. She is a well crafted weapon. Learning how to love and trust is actually a big part of her journey.

And the guy she’s just been forced to marry, tie to a bed, threaten to kill, and run from? Well that’s Reid, the Wolf of Mireh. And it’s basically love at first death threat for him. He’s got big Cassian vibes.

There is political intrigue, magic, and a whole new world and culture to dive into here. Robinson’s world building is excellent, but it was her relationship building that totally won me. This is a really interesting, fun, emotional, and well told story. Definitely check it out!

5/5 STARS!!

After the death of her father, Vaasa Kozár's brother took the crown, and then following the death of her mother, she is sent to die in a marriage she does not want with an enemy kingdom. See, Vaasa also possesses rare magic that she views as a curse, but as she spends time with her husband and the local coven, she realizes it's not the curse she originally thought it was. She experiences incredible personal growth, learning how to love and let people in. All the while, her husband and current Foreman (like a governor) of Mireh, Reid, is attempting to run for Headman (above the governors). To appear like the perfect Headman, he strikes a deal with Vassa: her freedom in exchange for three years of her help. But all of this begs the question of what happens when feelings get involved and three years isn't enough.

I literally cannot express how good this book was, I mean wow. Honestly, I don't usually enjoy books in the third person, so I dreaded starting this, but I did myself a disservice by waiting so long. This book was simply fantastic. I LOVED the political intrigue- it very much reminded me of The Auran Chronicles by Wendy Heiss, where the main female character is essentially playing political chess the whole time. I was also captivated the entire time- there was pretty much always something going on.

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you're thinking about it, I cannot recommend it enough. And I know the book hasn't even been published yet but I desperately need the second book in my hands right now so incredibly badly.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was the perfect “romantasy” recipe!! The tension and banter were great!!

All of my favorite tropes including:
Enemies to lovers
He falls first
Badass fmc

Overall such a great start to a series! Can’t wait to see where the rest of the story goes!!

All her life, Vassa has been trained as a tool for her father to use as a way of strengthening his political hold on other countries. When her parents die, her brother who sees Vassa as a threat to his rule, marries her to the supposedly ruthless and evil King Reid of Mireh. Vassa knows that if the newly inherited magic doesn’t kill her, then she will either die at the hands of Reid or her brother. And Vassa wants to live! But Reid isn’t who she thought he was. He loves his country and wants what is best for his people and for her as his new wife. They make a deal; she helps him win the election and stays with him for three years as his consort and then he will release her and she can finally be free. What neither of them expected was falling in love or her brother’s determination to kill her.

I fell in love this novel from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. There is action, politics, and slow burning chemistry. The only negative, the story ends with a big cliff-hanger; when is the next book is coming out?

For the romantasy lover who also loves the political intrigue side of the story!

I used to think that enemies-to-lovers was my number one favorite but this book made me see just how much I enjoy one-sided-enemy-to-lover. So much so that I've officially tied those two tropes for first place! It contained so many of my favorite tropes and I just love how this author addressed them. I felt the author did their best to reform the tropes based on popular complaints from readers and made them better. I, for one, was impressed with how she executed that!

Vaasa is officially one of my top 5 FMCs. I loved how she was the perfect compliment of tough and vulnerable. She wasn't always right in her actions, but who of us is right all the time? Thankfully, the author reflected that the character was aware of this and took the needed steps to change.

Reid quickly became one of my many book boyfriends. I think I liked him from the moment he walked into the room for the first time. As much as I love a morally grey MMC, Reid was a dose of fresh, cinnamon roll scented air.

Tropes:
He falls first
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Strong, Self-aware FMC -- She can be annoying at times but she's self aware enough to address that! I LOVE when an author does this.
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Who did this to you?

Fair warning, this does end on a cliffhanger but it's so worth it. I'm so looking forward to the next in this series!

The Serpent and the Wolf was a promising start to its series. The beginning of the book started off strong. It was giving me Sarah J Maas and Jennifer Armentrout vibes. I liked how the author set up the world. I especially liked how Vaasa and Reid came together. That opening scene with them was awesome. Overall, I enjoyed Vaasa and Reid's characters. Vaasa started to grow on me towards the end of the book. She was a prickly character and I found it hard to root for her at times. She definitely was her biggest obstacle. Although Reid could have been developed a smidge more in my opinion, I was content with his character. I left the book with a good sense of who he is as a character. I liked Vaasa and Reid's relationship. It was nice to see their relationship gradually develop over time. As a slow burn girlie, I did want a bit more tension between them at the beginning. There were A LOT of side characters to keep track of. I had a hard time keeping track of everyone. I found myself frequently searching names on my Kindle. I liked the Veragi side characters, especially Melisina and Amalie. I hope to see more development from all of the witches in future installments. I did struggle at the 60-70% mark of the book. I'm not sure what happened, but I wasn't as captivated as I was at the beginning of the book. The story really picked up at the end with some surprising twists and action. The ending does leave off on a more unhappy note...which I was fine with! I think readers will be eager to get answers and conclusions with the next book. My ARC did not have a world map, which made it hard to follow along at points. I hope the published version will have one for readers. Overall, this was an exciting romantasy book. Thank you to NetGalley and S&S/Saga Press for the ARC.