Chef's kiss to this stunning YA retelling of Tristan and Isolde, set in a dystopian future! I love the original Celtic legend, and I think the author did an amazing job of honoring it, while creating a fresh story. The writing style and the plot both flowed well and made for a fast-paced read, filled with action and romance. You get real character growth too, especially with Isadora. I really love this book! Also, a huge round of applause for a standalone novel!!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for access to this arc.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠♡︎ 4🌟
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌♡︎ 4.5🌟
𝖲𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀♡ 4🌟
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍♡︎ 3.5🌟
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀♡︎ 4🌟
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾♡︎ 0🌟

Yassssssss! 👏🏾 i found a fun read that was perfect for my reading slump! What got me captivated at first was that this book is a Tristan and Isolde reimagining so I was expecting nothing but the best. The writing style and the immediate meeting of the main characters was one of my favorite parts! The tension was there, the plot wasn’t hard to follow and was pretty self explanatory, the magic system is something unique but not overused within the book.

Even though I was eating this book up, I wish it was going to be a 5🌟 read for me because it definitely had the potential! I wish their relationship progressed a bit slower because in my opinion she fell in love a little too early and I do wish there was more emotional building. This book was described as dystopian but you don’t really get the vibes when reading the book because of the lack of immersing readers into the setting.

If you’re looking for a fun YA Romantasy read then I do recommend this book! Not only because of the book cover but because it’s perfect if you’re in a reading slump and just need something for the vibes.

Thank you HarperCollins Quill🪶 Tree Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

this book lost me when the fmc tried to heal the fascist warlord in the first chapter. then, it just kept going downhill. i understand that the fmc has a love of medicine but did she really have to try out her skills on the FASCIST WARLORD????? “but his death will cause a war 🥺” AND??? that’s one less fascist in the world.

The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett is a captivating debut that mixes dystopian world-building with a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. The novel is set in a war-torn world where ancient feuds and power struggles define every relationship, and it introduces a fascinating blend of magic, politics, and forbidden love. It's an immersive story, full of tension, mystery, and complex characters, making it an enjoyable and gripping read from start to finish.

At the heart of the story are the two main characters, Isadora and Tristan, who couldn't be more different. Isadora is the daughter of the enemy's leader, and her peaceful, healing nature clashes with the brutal, war-driven world around her. On the other hand, Tristan is an assassin from the opposing side, hardened by war and betrayal. Their initial interactions are full of hostility, but as the story unfolds, they’re forced into close quarters, and the dynamic between them shifts in a way that feels natural and captivating. The progression of their relationship from enemies to reluctant allies, and eventually lovers, is one of the strongest points of the book. It's slow-burn, with plenty of tension and moments of vulnerability that make the connection feel authentic.

The world-building is rich, though there are moments where the author hints at larger political and magical systems that aren't fully explained. I would have loved to see a bit more depth in terms of the world’s history and the reasons behind the conflict. That being said, the book's focus is on the personal stakes between Isadora and Tristan, so while the world-building isn't the most fleshed-out, it still provides a solid foundation for the plot.

Magic plays an important role in the story, especially with the healing abilities of Isadora and the more dark, mysterious magic surrounding Tristan. The way magic is intertwined with the characters' personal journeys adds layers to the narrative, making the stakes feel even higher. The mystery behind Tristan’s powers, and the bond that forms between him and Isadora due to these powers, adds an intriguing element to the romance and plot.

The pacing of the novel is a bit uneven at times. While the first half of the book is filled with tension, romance, and intrigue, the second half tends to slow down, especially when it delves into the characters' internal struggles. This could be a turn-off for some readers, but for those who appreciate character-driven stories, it provides more depth to the emotional conflict.

The secondary characters, while not as fully fleshed out as Isadora and Tristan, add an interesting layer to the plot. They serve as both allies and obstacles, creating tension and forcing the protagonists to confront their own values and motivations. However, some of these characters feel a bit underdeveloped, and I wished there had been more focus on their roles in the larger political and magical dynamics.

Overall, The Enemy's Daughter is a compelling read that beautifully combines romance, magic, and conflict. The slow-burn romance between the leads is emotionally satisfying, and the action-packed moments keep the tension high throughout the novel. While there are a few areas that could be expanded upon, particularly in terms of world-building and character development, the book successfully immerses readers in a high-stakes, emotional journey. I highly recommend this to fans of YA dystopian and fantasy, particularly those who enjoy a touch of magic and a slow-burn romance at the center of the story.

Thank you to netgalley and harpercollins books for this advanced review copy

This was a nice fun read about two enemies in a post-apocalyptic society. I felt that the main character was a little whiny, and the world building was a little confusing, but this book was enjoyable to read. The romance felt a bit sudden, but other than that the story was very entertaining.

This was fantastic! Isadora's growth was excellent! A young lady discovering that the system she believed she understood is actually the greatest terrible factor in her life is my favorite book subgenre. It was a nicely done romance. Such an excellent YA fantasy with real characters, a compelling story, and a complex world-building. I adored the writing style; it was delightful and simple to read.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books and Melissa Poett for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up. This was an amazing and quick read, I had such a good time!

I enjoyed Tristan and Isadora. Tristan is so sweet and caring, while Isadora is compassionate and kind. Both of them have curious minds, they are hungry for knowledge and eager to learn more about the world around and beyond.

The forced proximity/forced marriage trope was handled well. Thanks to the intriguing bond magic, the romance was sensual, sweet and respectful. And the tension! So much tension! The relationship between Tristan and Isadora was filled with tension and yearning, it was so delicious.

The pacing was consistently quick, but perhaps a bit too quick for my taste. Things progressed too quickly, I wanted to see more emotional buildup between the characters. I also wanted to learn more about this intimate magic. What happens when the bond is broken? Is it possible to form a new bond after the previous one has been destroyed? Some characters also lacked description, it was hard to envision them.

But overall, it was a great debut book. I would love to read a spin-off about how the world ended.

awesome idea. i'm a huge fan of the tristan/isolde story so the idea of doing a fantasy twist to it was an awesome one and I loved this! 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Thanks to NetGalley & Quill Tree Books for the arc!

**1.5 stars** I was drawn from this magnificent cover and was severely disappointed. But props need to be given to the cover that is beautiful art.
Inspired by Irish folklore, Tristan & Isolde, we follow our main female character, Isadora–an 18 year old healer risking her life to help the injured soldiers in battle. Set in a dystopian world, following the destruction of the Republic, there are now two settlements; the five clans and Kingsland, grasping for control over the other. Following a valiant battle, the leader of Kingsland is dead. Isadora goes on her own only to run into our mmc, Tristan. Who we later find out is the former leader’s son. After dire circumstances, the two find themselves interwoven and in Kingsland. Isadora now has to formulate a plan to escape the haunches of the enemy territory and return to her home. But she finds herself revealed to the truth and is unsure about everything she’s ever known.

I wanted to dnf this book at 20% but I managed to finish this one pretty easily, hence the half star rating. Right off the bat, we are thrown into the action. There was never a time where we got a detailed explanation of the destruction of the Republic. No foundation, no idea when or where this story took place. I would have loved to read more on the Republic or why it fell in the first place but we are barely given a reason. So many plot holes, it was generally a mess. The names the author uses in this book were all over the place. So you have no idea where they are. (Liam, Farron, Annete, Caro, Freia, Enola, Teag, Vador, to name a few)

Since this is marketed as dystopian, we can only assume this is set in the future, however, they seemed to have completely lost any sense of anything modern. So far as to go back into arranged marriages for the good of political gain, and have women be no part of anything that only a man can easily do. (But their pants still have zippers?) I really didn’t understand the feminist angle. Especially when this contributed nothing to the story. Not to mention Isadora is an 18 year old HEALER and learned from a textbook but no modern medicine exists anymore in her land? But the enemy territory has surgeons in hospitals? Make it make sense.

On top of the lack of world building, there were barely any physical descriptions of these characters. Other than if they’re younger or older than Isadora, we have no picture of what all of these characters look like. I had to refer to the cover for our two main characters. Since this is a standalone, I’ve been noticing that authors tend to be very vague when writing in certain genres like dark fantasies, dystopian, romantasies, and others within this realm.

After reading the author’s note in the beginning, I was very excited. But shortly after reading the first sentence of chapter 1, I knew I was going to be disappointed. This is marketed as YA and will give you butterflies and the feels. Neither of which I felt. This could appeal to some? Especially if they are new to reading. But I will credit the fact that this was fairly easy to get through.

Cute and full of promise, but ultimately not for me. The writing itself is excellent but the execution left me with a lot of questions about the worldbuilding, etc.

I loved this! The growth in Isadora was top tier! My favorite sub-genre of books is when a young woman realizes that the system she thought she knew is actually the most oppressive force in her life. The romance was beautifully done.

LOVED THIS! such a fantastic YA fantasy, authentic characters, propulsive plot and intricate world building, I really loved the writing style it was so easy to digest and enjoyable, can't recommend to fantasy fans enough!

So so interest!!!!! The characters were well fleshed out and the writing style was very easy to get through. I’m always a sucker for books in this genre. I’m so happy I was given the chance to read this!!!!

The clans have called a contest to take the head of the Kingsland's leader and Isadora is the prize. Marrying her will secure their position as the next Saraf, leader of the clans. While Isadora resents being used as a pawn in her father's scheme, she will play her part to unite the clans against their enemy. But after the contest is completed, things take a turn for Isadora. Not only is she saved from death by a Kingsland soldier, the magic he used to save her has forged a connection between them. The closer they grow, the more information they can learn from the other's mind. Can Isadora fight her attraction to protect her people or will she grow closer to her enemy so she can bring information back to her people and her betrothed? "The Enemy's Daughter" is a dystopian romance loosely based on the legend of Tristan and Isolde.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC of "The Enemy's Daughter" in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very cute silly little story. I did like the first half a little bit more as it felt more on the realistic side of things and then Tristen's and Isadora's relationship felt like it changed overnight when she got to Kingsland. Also, um it would have been nicer to know how this "bond" worked. Was it an after effect of the fallout? I guess I just had too many questions by the end and I wish we had more of a slower build on Isadora and Tristen's relationship. The going from being strangers to being in love was a little too unbelievable.

That being said, I had a great time and this is a nice and quick guilty pleasure read.

DEVOURED.

Yesterday afternoon I opened this book with curiosity, immediately became enthralled with its bewitching words, obsessively read into the night, failed the battle against sleep, woke up with admitted ire towards daylight savings, quickly forgave it when I realize I had another free day of reading. I finished by noon, and all in all: I could hardly put this one down. I didn’t want to until my eyes gave in. The Enemy’s Daughter came to impress, and it accomplished just that.

That is how much I loved this book, how I craved it even as I was reading. It’s an absolute keeper.

In a world being rebuilt from the ruins of destruction, a fight between factions — five clans and the Kingsland — results in the death of the latter’s leader, heightening tensions and issuing a power struggle. The daughter of one of the faction leaders, Isadora, goes to tend to injured soldiers when she stops an attack from a young man from the Kingsland. She must decide whether to turn him in or let him go. For at her heart she is a healer. Before her choice can be realized soldiers from Kingsland subdue her with poison. A poison meant to kill until Tristan surprises them all by calling upon a magical bond of his people to save Isadora’s life— and bind her life to his. What follows is a journey into a world Isadora knows little of, is fascinated much by, and questions the answers she thought she once knew. This new world houses a boy whose heartbeat she can’t help but match with her own, resetting them on a much unexpected path.

Isadora is a marvelous heroine. Her heart is kind and courageous, a heart that longs to see peace and heal wounds. Her perception of the world is limited to what she was taught, so being thrust into the world of Tristan forces new perspectives, unexpected questions, and heartbreaking realizations. It changes her irrevocably, but no change is greater than what arises in her heart with knowing Tristan. Tristan may not have a POV, but his presence is paramount. He becomes as layered and complex a character as Isadora. We get to know his grief, strengths, vulnerabilities, and just how deep and faithful his love is. Both Isadora and Tristan serve this narrative in equal merit, elevating the story as a whole. And this includes their love story.

Ah, the romance! It’s beautifully written. I most appreciated how the magical bond plays a major part in the love story. That connection heightens and strengthens the value of emotional intimacy between Isadora and Tristan. It’s clear the two are physically attracted to one another, but it’s that dive into the emotional connection tethering one to the other that truly takes my breath away. I was captivated by the love story. That said, I did feel it was initially rushed into, and I missed having slower pacing to develop that early courtship-like stage before delving into that “I’m in love” stage. Truthfully, when I feel this way towards a romance it reflect on my rating, but I find I’m okay letting this bit go. Because while this remains a quibble, by book’s end I was all in for the love story. I felt the chemistry, yearning, desperation, and the selflessness that is born of the love between Tristan and Isadora. It may not have been perfectly paced, but it was perfectly felt.

The world-building fascinates! I don’t want to give much of it away, but for me it is a completely unexpected, surprisingly experience. And I wholly immersed myself in this environment. The setting is important, as it comes into play with heightening tension between the brawling factions. I wish I could say more, but this something to experience first hand!

You know you’ve found *the* book when you’re reluctant to turn that final page. I didn’t want to say goodbye to these beautiful leads I met and loved, not yet! Not now! Nevertheless, every story comes to an end, but the memory of this one will forever have me wanting to begin it all over again and again. And that's exactly what I'll do.

If Melissa Poett ever wants to write a novella or bonus epilogue to further expand on how we leave this story, I’ll be first in line to grab my copy. This is truly an incredible read. I will be preordering, scouring for all the editions, and keeping this as one of my crown jewels on my shelves.

One final note, I will like to shout out to the synopsis for providing the exact amount of intrigue needed to reel readers in, while keeping much under wraps to leave one awe-struck! This book kept me engaged from beginning to ending.

Thank you HarperCollins Children’s and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

This is a solid debut. It is firmly YA and the plot is pretty straightforward as a Tristan and Isolde retelling. As such, apart from the dystopian setting (which I thought was developed and established quite well), there isn't really anything new or entirely unpredictable. But it was very sweet and enjoyable with a classic feel to it. It felt very much like a story I would have fallen completely in love with when I was younger. I would easily and happily recommend to any young readers looking for something romantic.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books for the advanced copy!

This was such an interesting take on a long held classic tale. The world was built well and I liked the dynamic between all the characters but especially the MMC and FMC.

The Enemy’s Daughter is a gripping dystopian reimagining of Tristan and Isolde, perfect for fans of YA fantasy. Set 30 years after the fall of the Republic, it follows Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer who risks her life to protect her clan from Kingsland, a settlement she believes to be dangerous. When she’s shot with a poisoned arrow, Tristan saves her using his magic, and she’s forced to heal in Kingsland, bound to him.

As Isadora plans to escape, her growing feelings for Tristan and the freedom she experiences blur her original mission. The story is packed with tension, romance, and a unique magic system that kept me hooked. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s an enjoyable, entertaining read for anyone craving more dystopian romance.

I was actually unfamiliar with the Tristan/Isolde story before reading this book, but I don't think that took away from the story. The backdrop for this story is absolutely fascinating. We are following Isadora 37 years post a nuclear war event. This means that her parents generation remembers the pre nuclear war that they are interacting with the remnants of and how that compares to present day. While Isadora is from the clans that are quite primitive, our MMC Tristan is from the "Kingsland" that the clans are aware are much better off. Very quickly they are forced into a situation by which they save one another from almost certain death, but end up being bonded in the process.

This is a closed door YA standalone romance, and how I wish it was so much more than that. This world has so much potential...but save for being served as a backdrop, not much else is explained. Why is there a lore? What is up with this weird bond that they have? They have traders, does that mean there are other pockets of civilization outside of Isadora's and Tristan's areas? Instead we get a sort of enemies to lovers insta romance that did not feel super believable. This book occurred over the time span of a few days and Isadora changed her world view so quickly that it took me out of the story. Now, I did love how Isadora's parents had a role in this story, and there were parts of the romance that were very entertaining.

I think if you enjoyed shows like "The 100" or "Revolution" (I know this is a call back but those were the vibes) and don't mind surface level worldbuilding because you're there for the romance - I think you'd enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publisher for the ARC.