- A great debut by this author and a perfect start to a new series. This book has tons of political intrigue that fuels the romance between Vaasa and Reid. It is filled with kingdoms, magic and plenty of action. I would highly recommend this book even with the cliffhanger it leaves off in. Vaasa wasn’t happy being pawned off in this marriage to Reid, but she isn’t a damsel in distress. On their wedding night, she ties up Reid to the bed and threatens him not to look for her. She escapes and tries to find out as much information as she can about the magic that is inside her. Reid eventually finds her, and they make a deal, she will stay with him for three years and he will take her to be trained by witches that have her same magic. Then their adventure, romance and political intrigue all start to unfold. This is a really enjoyable and intriguing read. Thank you, Netgalley and S&S/Saga Press for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (

The blurb for this book had me instantly intrigued—enemies-to-lovers in an arranged marriage who must team up against dark forces? Absolutely, sign me up!

This story was filled with high-stakes political intrigue, vivid world-building, a tension-packed slow-burn romance, and twists that kept me guessing. While it didn’t fully hit that romantasy note I was hoping for, the potential was definitely there. The premise had me hooked, and the start was promising, though I felt the pacing wavered a bit in the beginning and middle.

I loved the unique magic concept for Vaasa, our FMC. She was intriguing—puzzling at times, but that only added layers to her character. Vaasa is no fool; despite her social naiveté, her contributions to her husband’s political campaign were insightful, and the intricacies between the nations and city-states felt beautifully fleshed out. Reid, meanwhile, didn’t quite live up to his fierce reputation. Described as brutal and merciless, he ended up being unexpectedly gentle—but his sweet, clever lines added such charm that I couldn’t help but love him. Together, the main characters made a fantastic team.

The romance unfolded at a lovely, slow-burn pace, which I truly enjoyed. And a refreshing bonus—there wasn’t endless focus on everyone’s beauty. It was a nice change that kept the story grounded.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with so much potential! The ending left me absolutely stunned, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.

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

The description for The Serpent and the Wolf had me intrigued when I read it. Slow burn, romantasy with enemies to lovers? An arranged marriage between individuals from opposing nations? Mysterious dark magic also thrown into the mix? Heck yes, sign me up! However, after reading it I must say the execution could have been much better.

The book started out so incredibly slow. This caused me to not want to read it (along with other aspects that I’ll mention soon) which caused me to take a whopping 18 days to finish this book. For anyone who doesn’t know me, is usually read a book of this size within 1-4 days depending on what’s going on in my life. So that right there is an indication on its own that some work could be done on this book. But anyway, the beginning starts with the wedding night but we don’t get a glimpse of anything past the surface. We don’t know how the ceremony went or the events leading up to the wedding. We’re kind of just thrown into it and left to figure it out. But that’s the most difficult thing about the first 75% of this book — there is sooo much telling and not much showing. I want details, I want to feel the characters’ emotions, I want vivid imagery. It didn’t happen for me.

There is also an incredible amount of political crap going on constantly throughout most of the book. I can usually deal with it and I even like some of the political intrigue in fantasy books. However, with this book there are so many locations, people, places, levels of status, nations, groups of people, languages, and so on that it becomes very murky and hard to keep everything straight. I have an ARC copy of this book so I cannot say for certain if the author and publisher plan to include a map or a list of the levels within the political structure or even basic explanations for telling the different groups of people apart… but if they do not plan on including something to aid readers with sorting everything out, that is another missed opportunity. Many readers like to have a visual when entering a fantasy world, myself included. I’m huge on the visuals. Moving on, the political speak would drag on and on and then when we would finally get a glimpse of the actual magic that the FMC possesses, it would end faster than it began! This was so depressing and I almost considered DNFing this book due to that. The pacing felt so off and with so much politics and not enough magic it didn’t feel balanced.

Once I was about 50% in and started to adjust to the awkward pacing and accepted the fact that magic would take the backseat, I felt like the read became a bit easier. But just a little bit. I liked the idea of the enemies to lovers thing and some of the scenes with the two MC’s were great, but again it fell short when so much more could have been done. I could definitely feel the enemies vibe coming from Vaasa, our FMC, but for Reid, the MMC, it didn’t seem like he had a concrete reasoning as to why he hated her people other than it being passed down. He also didn’t show it as much. So it was kind of a grumpy x sunshine at times more than it was enemies to lovers. When I hear enemies to lovers, I want ENEMIES to lovers. I want to feel that burning emotion, and I also want to know the reason behind it.

Another thing that bothered me with this book was that many things happened off page. They would set it up where something was about to happen (most of the time it wasn’t even anything major) and then they would continue with a replay of how the events occurred instead of speaking about it as the characters are actually experiencing it. This was absolutely maddening because it went on for the entire first half of the book. When Vaasa was learning about her magic there were periods of 5 hours, 3 weeks, a month, etc. of time that went by and we got a little quick summary of what she did but nothing was shown on page. I understand not being repetitive when the characters are living their daily lives and going through the same routines for weeks or months but there could have been some scenes where the reader is shown how their lives are progressing, especially with Vaasa. Thankfully this little trend seemed to stop after about halfway through the book and we got to see more on page action throughout the second half.

***** POSSIBLE SPOILER *****

To break this down for you, I took notes on when things occurred in the book. I’m trying not to spoil anything but I want to show just how long it took for major events to take place.

So for example, there isn’t really a major conflict or tension actively occurring in this book until about 50% of the way through. For that entire first half of the book we’re kind of just listening to political talk and the occasional magic thrown in. The actual switch from enemies to lovers happens at 57% and it’s not super lover-y. There’s a significant event at 62% and I appreciated that being described as the characters were going through it instead of a recall of what happened. Then the first time the MC’s actually have some heat in their romance is at 67% and it was long overdue. However, true feelings aren’t exposed until 82% which feels like forever. And perhaps the author is truly just trying to lay groundwork for an entire series, but I still feel like it could have been finessed. Finally, around 85% a major event and turning point takes place and the pace picks up.

***** NO SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON *****

The last portion of the book was actually really enjoyable, but I was still feeling a little bitter due to how long it took to get to the action. When the pace really picked up at about 85% I was turning pages faster and faster. I thought for sure this was going to be maybe a 1 or 2 star read up until the last part of this book. The ending saved it for me. We got to see lots more magic actually happening on page and we were shown things instead of simply told about them. Also, the romance got a little spicy which I can always appreciate, especially after waiting so long for things to heat up! We also got to see the family drama and theatrics between nations happen which increased the pace and intensity.

So at this point I’m not sure if I will read the next book(s) but let’s just say, I’m definitely curious! If you’re into super slow burn romances, grumpy x sunshine mixed with enemies to lovers, court politics, and magic then this book could definitely be a hit for you. I’d encourage anyone to give it a try but just be prepared that it is a very slow burn and the action happens at the end of this book!

Thank you to the author, publishers (Saga Press), and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review! I truly appreciate it!

I love a good fantasy with a not so complicated world building strategy. And a good family drama with enemies to lovers romantic fantasy elements? Count me in. I think it's a great series starter and definitely one I plan on picking up again when the second book comes out.

This book reminds me of sooo many other cozy ftansies by Baldree, Durst, and many others. Great story, wonderful plot, and in depth characters! Share could you ask for? Totally recommend!!

This is a true enemies to lovers romantasy debut that is a total hit. Vaasa, angered after being married off by her evil brother, runs away from her new husband, only to find that they might be of use to one another after all.

I loved the characters in this one so much!! The mmc, Reid, in particular was an absolute joy to read about, and I loved the way he cared for Vaasa just the way she was. Through her character development and growth, he was always supportive and intrigued.

The banter and slow burn chemistry was so good and the loathing was strong from Vaasa, which made the enemies to lovers romance all the better.

I wish that I had gotten to know the setting just a little bit more through the writing, but the focus definitely felt more on the romance/politics which is sometimes standard for romantasy. Overall an amazing debut and I can’t wait to read more!

The Serpent and the Wolf is a very political fantasy romance about Vaasa, a young woman haunted by the recent death of her mother and the magical substance that has been infecting her since the death. At the behest of her hated brother she is sold off in an arranged marriage to what is essentially a warlord of another country.
Vaasa flees her marriage as soon as possible but when her new husband finds her he makes her a deal she can’t refuse.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review. I am giving this book 3.5⭐️.
I did enjoy this book and the main characters, Vaasa and Reid. I liked their developing romance and I enjoyed Vaasa being able to find a new home, new friends and her journey of growth and acceptance with the substance that is now conjoined with her. The book ended on an ok if not slightly predictable cliffhanger and I would definitely be interested in reading book 2.
The main issue I had with this book is the overly complicated politics of what region cares about what and is headed up by how many people and they worship which gods that do what now? I would highly suggest some sort of chart at the beginning or the end of the book for making sense of the politics especially since it was the weakest part of the book.
Overall I did enjoy this and have already posted my review on my social media (TikTok and YouTube)

Absolutely loved this book so addictive, held my attention and I couldn’t wait to see what happens next. Loved the enemies to lovers and the magic system I. It. The world building is really easy to follow. Can’t wait to see if there is a book two and patiently waiting to see what happens next. Thank you to netgalley and saga press for the chance to read.

Rating: (3.5/5)
Review:
I adore the cover of this book! 😍

The beginning was lacking a decent amount of context. It made me feel like I didn't read a previous book because it just jumped into the story and I was expected to know what happened beforehand. I struggled to get into this. It didn't keep my attention at all. I can't speak for the final copy of this book, but if you don't read the synopsis you'll be even more confused when you start this.

The world-building was easy to follow, but I wanted more, if that makes sense. I didn't particularly care for any of the characters. They lacked development besides the MFC I love a good slow burn, enemies to lovers, but this fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Saga Press, & the author for this ARC. *All thoughts & opinions are my own.*

The Serpent and the Wolf
Rebecca Robinson
Rating: 5 Stars
✅ Reluctant allies to lovers
✅ Mysterious magical powers
✅ Political scheming
✅ Arranged marriage

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. The romance is perfection. Reid is the perfect book boyfriend because he is a supposedly ruthless and intimidating ruler who deep down has a kind heart. Vaasa is hardened and somewhat standoffish, but it is for understandable reasons. Vaasa is cunning and intelligent, and her first meeting with Reid is too good. The book had a good mix of both political intrigue and also action. I didn’t expect to enjoy the political aspects as much as I did, but I really loved seeing Vassa’s scheming and I appreciated the intelligence of her character.
I definitely hope to read more books by this author.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

World building, politics, slow burn, enemies to lovers, “my wife", magic, slow burn, twists and turns, and politics, arranged marriage, fake dating, found family, "who did this to you"

What more could you ask for??

I'm Dnfing this at 20%...

I am not sure why, but me and this book are not meshing well. It has some good things going on (a grumpy girl, hate to love, magic, viking/Sinbad vibes) but I keep checking out of the story. I will come back to this closer to release date 😭😭

Woah! I absolutely loved this! Fantastic debut from Rebecca Robinson! I have a feeling this one is going to be popular. When I saw the blurb from Kate Golden I was immediately intrigued and I was definitely not disappointed!

We immediately start off the book with Vaasa being forced by her evil brother into a political marriage with an enemy kingdom leader, Reid, The Wolf of Mireh. The Serpent and the Wolf begins with a political alliance and political intrigue persists throughout the entire novel. Our FMC is a political mastermind and it is fun to see her scheming throughout the story. I think fans of The Bridge Kingdom would really like this. Our FMC and MMC have a tumultuous and, at best, strained beginning to their relationship. The slow-burn romance was done really well and, to me, felt quite natural and realistic. Overall, here is the TLDR:

💜Political Intrigue and Scheming 
🐺Slow Burn 
💜He falls first, and hard 
🐍She tries to kill him 
💜Uncontrollable magic that could kill the FMC 
🐺Forced/Political marriage
💜Enemy Kingdoms 

This review would not be complete if I did not mention the banter! Reid and Vaasa are two SASSY people 🤣Ugh, I am a sucker for good banter (especially enemies to lovers banter 🥰) and Robinson definitely delivers.
Here is a little taste:

“Marital spats are no fun, or so I’ve heard. Not that my wife has been around long enough for me to discover their level of joy.”

“I almost killed you on our wedding night.” …
“As I told you, you underestimate how much I enjoyed that.”

“I’d rather be eaten by wolves.” …
“Call me a wolf whenever you’d like, Wild One.”


Just a heads up, this is marketed as a romantasy debut but I would say this is more of a fantasy romance (fantasy book with romance as subplot). If you are going into this thinking romance is the main plot, you might be a bit disappointed. But I can definitely see the sequels being more romance-centered. Romantasy is a bit of a tricky genre to pin down.

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

Vaasa Kozár, daughter of an emperor, feels that she has been cursed with this mysterious shadow magic ever since the death of her mother. In a politically advantageous match, Vaasa's brother forces her to marry Reid of Mireh. Vaasa escapes from Reid on their wedding night, and she is desperate to learn whatever she can about the magic that is making her sick. Reid offers her a deal that she cannot turn down. He will help her learn how to control her magic, and he will legally divorce her after three years. In return, she will help him navigate this political world that he is about to enter as he becomes the new leader of his country. Vaasa learns more about her past and her feelings for Reid grow.

This couple initially reminded me of Khal Drogo and Daenerys, but something was missing and that comparison went away after the halfway point in the book. Reid is supposed to be this amazing fighter and strategist, yet he comes across as very weak and not strong in a fight. The relationship building was fine, but the writing felt a bit flat and trite. Some plot reveals at the end were a bit predictable. Fans of Thea Guanzon may enjoy this book.

I thought this book might be on by Did Not Finish pile after the first few chapters, but by about a quarter of the way through, it got better.

The book starts with our main character, Vassa, escaping from her husband, Reid, on her wedding night. With only vague details of how she manages the task, we next find her masquerading as a student in temple in a foreign city, trying desperately to find information on the magic she possesses, which she believes to be a curse.

Despite the awkward start, the story does pick up once the more political details of the plot emerge (after her husband Reid, who is an elected official in his nation of city-states, finds her again). I still struggled a little with Vassa as the main character, as she seemed a little thin in her motivations and reactions. She literally has never had a single friend in her life, and is highly confused when she makes her first one, yet she simultaneously had a lover she cared for- really? But Vassa is not a fool, despite her inter-personal naiveté, and her contributions to the political campaign of her husband were interesting, and the complexities of the interactions between the different nations and the city states were well-formed.

The main antagonist is Vassa’s brother, the emperor, who would prefer Vassa to die rather than threaten his claim to the throne (which she does simply be being alive and married). He hoped her magic would kill her, and married her off in the hopes her death would be an excuse to invade Reid’s nation. But instead of dying, Vassa discovers ties to her new home that she was unaware of, and a method of controlling her powers. As she realizes her desire for freedom might have changed into a desire for a home and personal bonds, she is forced to make a decision that will change the fate of two nations. There is clearly more to this story to come, so I assume another book is planned in this series. 3.5 stars.

I would recommend this book for fans of the Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon, and The Light of the Oracle by Victoria Hanley.

Review to be posted on Fantasy Hive closer to the release date.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. The Serpent and the Wolf was a great slow-burn romance with tons of political intrigue and was just a genuinely fun read. I loved the world-building, and the magic system. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads for release.

It took some time to get into the book but once I did I enjoyed it more. I would have liked to of had more interaction between the main characters. It just seems like Reid and Valssa didn’t really even spend any time together or even get to know one another or even speak to each other and all of a sudden they love each other. I did enjoy the different concepts of how magic is used. That was something new. I also even enjoyed the political aspect of the book. I definitely didn’t see all these surprising twists that are unfolding with all the villains coming out of the shadows but it’s definitely making things interesting. The last line from Reid at the end of the book definitely has me wanting to read the next one so I can see where he goes from here and figure out what all is going on. Overall it wasn’t something that would be considered one of my all time favorites but it’s definitely something I would probably recommend to others to read because it’s not a bad read.

4.5 🌟 thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the gifted arc!!
I absolutely loved this. It’s very heavy on the political intrigue, so if you don’t like that, this book probably isn’t for you. This had such a good balance of romance, politics, and world building, and I think this has a ton of potential to become a great high fantasy series.
I really liked the FMC, Vaasa. She was strong-willed, intelligent, and likable, yet still flawed as a character. She struggles with her own demons and makes a lot of progress throughout the book.
The MMC, Reid, was great too. I absolutely loved the banter between the two, and you know it’s going to be good when there’s a dagger to throat scene at the very beginning of the book.
The betrayal at the end had my jaw on the floor. The last 20% of this book had me simultaneously wanting to scream and puke. And the cliffhanger is rough. You know what hurts? Knowing this is an arc and realizing I’ll have to wait a hot minute for book 2.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I loved loved loved this! It hit a lot of my sweet spots. Such delectable political intrigue, a marriage of convenience where they become allies, a slow burn, all so good!

Rated this a 4.5 stars. What an opening night to a debut. Really enjoyed the storyline and the unique magic system in this world. Plot focuses on political intrigue with romance being the subplot but nonetheless I devoured the book. The romance is a slow burn but once Vaasa and Reid get together, it is magic. Cannot wait to continue this series!