The False Pawn

The False Pawn is a fantasy slow-burn romance that has a lot of political aspects in it. The romance took a backseat to the political plot and it was rather refreshing with books nowadays. The storyline was decent and the characters were interesting enough. The book is set up well to span over multiple books and I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us. The FMC was easy to connect and empathize with, but she is a tad annoying at the beginning of the book. With politics playing a big part in the book, I didn’t find myself trusting anyone. The twist in the book took me completely by surprise which I loved because I can usually guess the twists and turns of books. Altogether The False Pawn is a great debut book and I can’t wait for the next in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and A. E. Asavi for providing the eARC.

This story… was not what I expected. The pacing is reasonable and lots happens and it’s not really a plot I have come across before. But oh my days do we go from 0-60, from very little tension to sudden sexual advances in the name of “you’re my property”. Now this would be fine, but the whole human-is-slave concept is dialled up to 90 in the beginning, with every other utterance talking about obedience and discipline and other buzz words that really kill the mood. Less is more, more or less. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is left to the imagination, which is a shame.

Characters are interesting, though. I like Anthea’s stubbornness and unwillingness to bend. It’s done in a very good way, and whilst I didn’t resonate with her life experiences (how could I?), I did appreciate and sympathise with her. I liked her. She is a good MFC and I kept turning the proverbial pages to see what happened to her… I also loved how Anthea grows in strength, both politically and physically. She has an immense journey and is not just some meek creature out of her depth. The first third of the book was a challenge for various reasons but the payoff in the latter two thirds is significant and worth the wait. We are not dealing with a self-insert character, which is what I initially feared.

Now. The nomenclature has to be mentioned, because to me this was the biggest problem with the book. The names themselves seem to follow a phonetic and graphemic system that is acceptable for the average English reader can understand. The issue is that about 75% of the characters have names starting with “A” or “E”. It’s like the inspiration was LotR but it was taken one step too far. Even the horse’s name starts with an E. This is a problem for me keeping up with who is who.

Overall? I really enjoyed it as a book to escape into another world. Despite my negative points above, it did not detract from my general ability to switch off and enjoy story for the sake of the story and not overanalyse too much. I would advise warnings to be attached to this book as it is certainly not for everyone, but there is a large fan base who I know will love it. I am more than a little curious to see how the series progresses.

Struggling to enjoy her life and desperate for a way out of her rut, Anthea finds herself in over her head in a world she never thought possible. Lost and confused in an unknown realm where nothing is as it seems, she embarks on a journey that forces her to examine herself and embrace the inevitable change as she tries to find her way home. Entangled with elves, magic, and prophecy, Anthea must unravel layers of deception and betrayal while trying to find her footing in a brand new world.

This was a really great introduction to a new fantasy series. Asavi excels in world-building, creating a vivid and immersive setting. The attention to detail in the political, cultural, and social structures of the world enhances the realism of the fantasy setting and makes the reading experience much more immersive. The plot felt very well paced, with perfectly timed twists, reveals of information, and moments that built character development. This book has the perfect balance of romance and fantasy, sprinkled with political intrigue and spice. I can’t wait for this series to continue so we can see where Anthea ends up.

I’d highly recommend this for anyone who loves strong FMCs, magical courts, elves, dragons, and broody swoony bodyguards.

Themes and tropes: enemies to lovers, feisty FMC, Broody Prince, Hot Commander, realm travel, prophecies and fate, dragons, elves, caste system, politics, betrayal

I enjoyed this book and would recommend if the above themes and tropes interest you. The books gives you exactly what is described and is written well. It starts off with a human FMC who gets abducted from her world and tossed into a foreign magical realm. The first half of the book is centered around a “feisty” FMC trying to figure out how to get back home, what she can leverage or negotiation to aid her goal. Despite not having magic, the FMC is protected against magic being used against her and uses it as a way to navigate her attempt at freedom. A lot of the book is her not knowing much about this new world, her surroundings or the elven royalty who are holding her. However, the second half of the book sets it up very nicely for you to want to continue reading the next book in this series. You learn about the political history of the realm, past and present betrayals, prophecies and fate that have led to this series of events, and there’s DRAGONS.

I really enjoyed: The writing style and pace, mixing it up with Eleven royalty rather than Fae.

I disliked: I wish some of the context from the later half of the book came a bit sooner.

The False Pawn by A. E. Asavi, is probably one of the most conflicting books I have read in a long while. Honestly, I couldn't decide until probably three-quarters of the way through, if I actually liked the book or not. And it has nothing to do with the story, because Ms. Asavi's writing style is great. She brings depth and life to her characters, and it's obvious early on, most eadters will either lover or hate her story. Since I didn't hate the the book, it still gave me room to warm up to the story, which I did finally, about the last quarter of the way through the book.

Lies run rampant throughout this book. In fact, lies abound so much, it's hard to tell if anyone ever knows how to tell the truth about anything, or if everyone is going to grow a nose longer than Pinocchio. Physical torture is another tool that is used liberally in this book for most of this new world that the main female character finds herself trapped on.

The main female character, while she does the right thing and steps up for her family, putting food on their table and clothes on back, is a weak enabler. And by that I mean, she spins stories for people that intentionally hurt others, i.e. men who sexually assault women, and claim that the victim is the one really at fault, not the perpetrator. The enabling portion comes into play when you realize the main female character lets her youngest sister just laze around the house doing what she wants without contributing, yet the oldest sister keeps getting angry at her and yelling at her about getting a job, but never does anything to enforce her getting one, nor does she try to help her get a job - she'd rather stay home, get drunk and resent her sister.

The one time the female character does goes out, she does so more out of spite against her sister than anything. Then, before she knows it, she wakes up on some other world where humans are practically sub-par "citizens", and most are used as slaves, and those not slaves are considered
rebels.

Most of us, when we think of Elves, we think of either Christmas or Lord of the Rings and Middle Earth by J. R, Tolkien. You need to forget all about those preconceived notions of Elves when you read The False Pawn.

Elves in this book, like Mr. Tolkien's books are split into realms, but that is about where the similarities end. The False Pawn's Elves are angry, vindictive, manipulative, human slave-trafficking, and they don't care who gets in their way as long they get what they want, especially the royalty.

Now, there are a couple of decent Elves thrown in, but you see their decentness AFTER they were told to help torture the main female character, with one breaking her hand and the other whipping her fourteen times instead of twenty because she passed out and she couldn't learn her lesson unconscious. A Queen is also decent, and does her best to try and help the main female character, explaining what is going on, why everyone is behaving the way they are, not that that excuses their behavior in the least.

By the end of the book, the main female character has a choice to make, and she realizes she has some major growing up to do at the same time. She finally comes to terms that she is probably not going to see her sisters again, so she could at least use her position to help the humans where she currently is, and make sure they are finally able to be treated fairly. But to do that she must learn how to do things she never thought possible, and become someone she never thought she could become.

Even though it took me a while to determine if I actually liked the story, Ms. Asavi did a remarkable job bringing an entire new world to life. Her characters are full of depth and make you think about where you are in your own life and the injustices that go on in the world.

If you want a book that is full of spirit, action, survival, hope, and most of all growth and love, then The False Pawn is just the book for you. I don't know when book will come out, but in my opinion, it won't be out soon enough.

The fact that this book is a debut surprises me a lot because it was VERY well done. If you want the perfect balance between fantasy, romance and mystery, that’s your book!! For me the only (small) flaw was the FMC, Anthea. She didn't captivate me even though I understood her motivations.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The whole elves and humans plot line had gotten a little old for me but I loved it in this book.

The action and expected romance kept me going. There were moments that left me speechless and almost in tears as I read through Anthea's pain. I appreciate that romance isn't the main storyline within this and our heroine has a real purpose and strong personality.

This book does include some violence, which could be a turn off for a lot of people. That being said it isn't a main thread through the story.

One thing I struggled with was the names, in particular similar sounding names or spelt names (this may have just been a me problem though).

Overall, loved it and was getting more anxious as I saw how little I had left and how much more I needed to know. Really excited to see how this series will be brought to life.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Age recommendation: 16/17+
“A mouse also has claws and teeth. And a clever mouse knows that sometimes the best way to survive is to play the cats game better than they do.”
A E Asavi brings to us an amazing new fantasy series. “The False Pawn” book one in the series A Song of Ancient Flame, tells us the tale of Anthea Clark. A woman just trying to a catch a break from the unbearable amount of responsibility placed upon her since her parents' death. She feels it is up to her to provide for her sisters and keep them safe, but after a fight with her youngest sister, it becomes clear that she needs a night out. Anthea goes out and has a few drinks, but when she leaves the bar, a strange man attacks her. A strange man who knows her name… One babbling about dragons and her needing the free someone, Anthea struggles to get free, and when she does, she finds instead of getting a break more has been added to her load off responsibility. Thrust into a new world ruled by elves, with no know way to get home she has many things to figure out. Why won’t these elves let her leave, why are they so interested in her when to them she’s a mere human, and will she ever return to the human world again?
I adore Anthea. She is so relatable and her sparky attitude and ability to adapt is amazing. She is inspirational and everything a female wants to see in a fmc. I also love Beldor, I hated him at first but honestly, he seems like such a sweetheart, he is definitely my favourite. I also find both Endreth and Eldrion to be quite intriguing I love their protective nature, and I love their similarities, but I also love their differences. Endreth is on the shy side though he definitely doesn’t seem like it. Once you read the book you’ll understand though, but in this aspect Eldrion doesn’t give a ****. Eldrion doesn’t allow himself to be walked all over. No offence to Endreth of course… Moving on I find the character growth and plot develop really well, and I live for the slow burn in this read. It is done just right. I also really admire the authors writing style. It fits really well with the plot, and I could not stop reading! This is definitely one of my favourite reads so far this year. Now that being said, I did find some of the wording to be repetitive at the start, other than that I can’t think of anything else that I didn’t like.
Some of the tropes in this novel include: one bed, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, slow burn, and love triangle.
Now we need to add the TRIGGER WARNINGS: sexual assault, abduction, abuse, slavery, racism, suicide, ptsd, gore, and death.
It’s clear that the author put a lot of thought into this novel, from the unique names, to the different twists and details within this novel. I am ecstatic for the next book, and I hope many readers will find this series because it deserves some hype! Lastly I would like to say thank you to A E Asavi, and netgalley for a free e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It was an honour to read this novel, and I can’t wait to see more work from this author.

I devoured this book! We first encounter Anthea, our female main character, who is fed up, exhausted, and looking for a new path. The majority of us can say that we have been in her shoes before. However, one should always be careful what they wish for. After a night of partying, Anthea meets a stranger and is transported to an entirely new universe and falls into the arms of a handsome elven prince. Our dream, right?

Our author has created a world that we fall into with Anthea and must figure it out with her. There are politics, hierarchies, class divides, much different than Anthea's home universe and the more she learns, the reader does too. Asavi gives us just enough to follow along with Anthea but leaves you desperate with wanting for the next book in the series. This book is a true cliffhanger.

If you are a fan of spice, do not fear, there is plenty to thirst after. If you are looking for world building, you will also find it here.

Well done for a debut and I look forward to the next in the series.

Did I devour this book or did this book devour me?

Let me say, I was hooked from page 1 and could not put this book down, reading until the wee hours of dawn. I loved the pacing of the book; each bit of new information had me forming theories, questioning characters, and eagerly turning the page to learn more. I found the plot fascinating and intriguing and after that ending cliffhanger, I am desperate for the next book in the series.

Overall, I LOVED this book and couldn't get enough :)

A. E. Asavi’s The False Pawn weaves together fantasy, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance in a rich, immersive world where deception and danger lurk at every turn. With a compelling protagonist and a plot brimming with court machinations and mystery, this book promises a captivating journey for fans of "romantasy" who enjoy a blend of romance and world-building, with a dash of dragons for good measure.

The story follows Anthea Clark, a relatable heroine who, at 30, feels disillusioned and overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life. This grounding in reality makes her an instantly sympathetic character, especially when her life is abruptly upended by a stranger who seems to know her all too well. Without warning, Anthea is swept away into a foreign world filled with powerful Elven politics, where humans are seen as inferior and trust is a dangerous gamble. From the moment she arrives, the stakes are high, and Anthea is forced to quickly adapt to survive the cutthroat environment.

One of the novel’s strengths is its intricate political landscape. Asavi skillfully sets the stage with court politics that are both treacherous and complex, ensuring that Anthea’s every move must be calculated to avoid falling prey to dangerous schemes. The two Elven princes who capture her add layers of intrigue—enigmatic and powerful, they remain central to the political games being played. Their intentions are unclear, creating a tension that keeps the reader guessing about who can be trusted.

The slow-burn romance aspect is well-executed, allowing the chemistry between Anthea and the princes to develop naturally amid the intrigue. There’s just enough “spice” to keep fans of romance satisfied, but the novel remains plot-forward, making sure the romance complements rather than overshadows the political drama. This balance between the romantic tension and the central plot of survival and deception helps elevate the novel, giving it more depth than a typical romantic fantasy.

Anthea is a compelling protagonist, not only because she’s thrust into a world so different from her own but because she must summon her intelligence and resilience to navigate it. She’s neither a damsel in distress nor a flawless heroine; her internal struggles, combined with her sharp wit, make her journey through this new world feel authentic and engaging.

The fantasy elements, particularly the inclusion of dragons and other magical creatures, add a layer of excitement to the novel’s world-building. While these elements are not the primary focus, they serve to deepen the sense of wonder and danger that pervades the narrative. Asavi teases enough about the larger world’s lore to make readers curious for more without overwhelming them with too much information at once.

If there’s a minor critique, it’s that the novel sometimes leans heavily on familiar tropes within the fantasy and romance genres. The "ordinary woman swept into a foreign world" setup, along with the enigmatic princes and court intrigue, will feel familiar to fans of the genre. However, Asavi injects enough fresh energy and character development into these elements to make them feel more personal and engaging.

The pacing is mostly steady, though the middle sections of the book could have benefited from more action or sharper twists to maintain momentum. The buildup of the romance is effective, but the political intrigue sometimes slows down as the novel shifts focus to developing relationships and emotional stakes. However, for readers who enjoy slow-burn narratives that gradually ramp up the tension, this pacing will likely be a welcome feature.

Final Thoughts:
The False Pawn is a well-crafted mix of fantasy, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance that will appeal to fans of plot-driven "romantasy" with a strong heroine at its core. A. E. Asavi has created a world filled with deception and danger, where Anthea Clark must rely on her cunning to survive—and protect her heart. While the novel plays with familiar tropes, it does so in a way that feels fresh, and the rich court politics, along with the promise of dragons, make for an engaging read. Fans of slow-burn romances with a twist of intrigue and adventure will find much to enjoy here.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Trigger warnings; torture, violence, sex scenes

I'm not going to lie: I was so close to DNF-ing this book. I was about 20% into it and thought that the plot was too slow, but i pushed through and I actually enjoyed this a lot more than I expected! If you're worried about it being too much like SJM's books (specifically ACOTAR), I would say that it doesn't really feel like SJM's books. Yes, there is a strong, independent female protagonist in this book, but I don't think she is an exact copy of Feyre or Aelin or Bryce. The worlds are different and the magic system is also different. Yes, there are people who are hundreds of years old and have magical abilities, but that's not unique to SJM's worlds.

I think what made me really enjoy this book is Anthea, the protagonist. At first, I found her to be a little unlikable, but once she discovered that she held all the power in her predicament and started giving no Fs on whether she lived or died, I became more intrigued on her story. In terms of the world, it was easy to understand and you can see that there is room to grow it. So definitely excited about that. Overall, I'm sad at the ending but will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!