The Serpent and the Wolf is the first instalment of a romantasy duology and is the debut novel of author Rebecca Robinson.
This book follows Vaasalina Kozár, heiress to the Asteryan empire, married off to the foreman of Mireh: Reid Cazden. Mere weeks after her mother’s death, a black curse that promises death follows closely behind her and Vaasa must use whatever means necessary to find out how to cure the affliction that plagues her. Even making a deal with her now-husband.
I absolutely loved this book. I am such a big fan of romance with a plot and The Serpent and the Wolf certainly delivered. Vaasa is a deeply compelling and complicated character, and her struggles feel so real it’s very easy to empathise, despite it being a character in a book. The author spoke about how she created Vaasa when she was feeling similar turmoil, so the writing is authentic and so real. Her story arc was very well done.
I know the book is marketed as a romantasy, but it didn’t really feel like one. I expected a lot more of the traditional magic/creatures/other-worldly elements rather than a primarily human story with a few paranormal features. This did start to change towards the end, so perhaps the sequel will continue on the trajectory.
I really enjoyed the political intrigue; the worldbuilding was done at a comfortable pace and it was refreshing to read about a democratic system rather than the commonly used kingdom/royalty. It opened up a lot of avenues of exploration and the politics were just as good as the romance. The set-up of the foremen and councillors were a bit hard to keep up with at times, it took a while for me to make sense of their system.
The romance: *chefs kiss*. I love a slow burn. Love it. This was a slow burn done right. Other authors should read this book and emulate how to write a slow burn. It felt really genuine. The found family aspect was also wonderful.
I demolished this novel in two days and I can’t wait for the sequel.

The Serpant and the Wolf

By Rebecca Robinson

This story has everything - witches and magic, warriors, arranged marriages, sibling rivalry and even politics!

Vassa is coming to terms with the recent and violent death of her mother when she is sent to a new territory for her arranged marriage. Unhappy about the arrangement Vassa attempts to flee in a quest to find the answers she needs to survive. Drama and danger follow her as her murderous brother keeps track of her movements within her new home.

I loved this story - it's plot, pace and twists were all fantastic as was the strong fmc and the other female characters surrounding her. Definitely worth a read! I am hoping there is not too long to wait until the next book!

Thank you Rebecca Robinson and Netgalley for the arc read!

4⭐️
2🌶️
“Is that what you need, Wild One? To be in my bed?....Will you bring the knife?”🐺🐍

Vaasa tying her betrothed (Reid) to the bed and leaving him bleeding? Iconic. What more do you need to know?

The Serpent and the Wolf pulled me in with its immersive world-building and the way the characters’ growth unfolded—watching them grow and learn through the story completely drew me in! The ending was gut wrenching and left me desperate for the next book!

And Reid? Whisper in my ear anytime Headman. “Pretend you love me, Wild One. And make it convincing.”. That line alone had me ready to pledge my loyalty. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

Tropes:
⭐️Who did this to you?
⭐️Bad ass FMC
⭐️Enemies to lovers
⭐️Deadly magic
⭐️Slow burn
⭐️Found family
⭐️Arranged marriage with fake dating
⭐️Twister politics


Thank you Rebecca Robinson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review⭐️

"Not him. he is merely a green bean."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🤩

Wow. Wow. Wow.

This was a lot more political that I usually read; which I didn't realise going into it.
HOWEVER, I ate it the heck up.

It gets right into the action and doesn't stop.
The last 20% had me in a complete and utter chokehold.
There were tears, there was kicking feet, smiling like an idiot, punching the air, gasping, and even sitting up forcefully in disbelief.

Usually, I have a love hate relationship with a slow burn. I LOVE when the slow burn finally burns, but I also hate the slow burn while I'm reading because JUST KISS ALREADY.
This is, without a doubt, the BEST slow burn I have ever read.
This will truly be my benchmark for all slow burns going forward.

What a gem from a debut author; I can't wait for the rest of the series!

"I have learned that home is seldom a place; it is people, the most unexpected of them, that give us roots." || "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."

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this eARC.

The Serpent and the Wolf is a serious contender for my favourite read of 2024.
I don’t even have the words to string together my thoughts because the ending of this book has altered my brain chemistry, but I’ll try my best.

This book has:
🌎 Politics that rival Crescent City/SJM with world building
🗡️ Enemies to lovers/Forced marriage
🔥 Slow burn
🔮 Magic/witches
🪦 “Who did this to you?”/Touch her and die vibes

The MMC is a walking GREEN flag. Yep you read that right, a romantasy with a GREEN FLAGGED MMC!
My pet peeve with majority of romantasy male leads is that they are always toxic in some way but Reid Cazden is far from it. Our FMC, Vaasa Kozár, is a boss in her own right and maintains that status to the very last page.
Even the side characters (who each get a fair amount of spotlight) are enjoyable and make this book everything that it is.

I am absolutely in awe that this is a debut novel and I am SO excited to hear that it’s been signed on for a trilogy 😮‍💨🤌🏽
I have no idea how I’m going to survive the wait until the second books release!

I love a really good romantasy and Rebecca Robinson delivered.

The writing is flawless and the plot is very unique. The pace runs quick at the start and then mellows out before picking up again towards the end.

I love the magical system. It’s simple yet unique, involving witches and the different magic they possess per coven. There’s a political aspect to it too, as our FMC grew up being shaped as an ambassador between countries, which gave her a strategic mindset.

The chemistry between our couple was great. I LOVE the marriage of convenience trope but I hope that there would’ve been more “dramatic” moments for them during their slow burn phase.

The only snag for me was that it was so hard to get into the politics aspect with, remembering the names of places and following on the “strategies” outlined. I’m very anal with reading, I need to understand each thought process and with the war games described , I just couldn’t keep up.

The cliffhanger builds enough excitement to make you scream for more.

Overall though, if you’re looking for a good, entertaining romantasy, this is for you.

You will love this if you love:
🐺 Marriage of convenience
🐺 Slow burn
🐺 Bad ass FMC
🐺 Cinnamon roll MMC (think Cassian)
🐺 Found family