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The King and the Assassin #1
The Assassin Bride
It is said that the Neverseen King comes for a bride every hundred years. I thought it was only legend . . . until he came for me.
I am one of twelve assassins forced to compete for the hand of our unseen king, who I’m beginning to doubt is even human at all.
Why he needs a bride, much less one who wields a blade, isn’t any of my business. All I’m trying to do is get out of here with my life and my heart intact. I don’t want to care about the mysteries I begin uncovering about the king, about why he never shows his face, about his palace that turns into a nightmare after dusk. I’m just trying to escape. But apparently, my choice is to win this competition or die.
I’m not dying.
And I’m definitely not falling in love with the Neverseen King.
I am one of twelve assassins forced to compete for the hand of our unseen king, who I’m beginning to doubt is even human at all.
Why he needs a bride, much less one who wields a blade, isn’t any of my business. All I’m trying to do is get out of here with my life and my heart intact. I don’t want to care about the mysteries I begin uncovering about the king, about why he never shows his face, about his palace that turns into a nightmare after dusk. I’m just trying to escape. But apparently, my choice is to win this competition or die.
I’m not dying.
And I’m definitely not falling in love with the Neverseen King.
404 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2023
1156 people are currently reading
8892 people want to read
About the author
Anastasis Blythe
15 books522 followersAnastasis Blythe makes her home in central Texas with her husband. When she’s not writing, she gardens, accompanies local bands and choirs on piano, rescues feral cats, and tries to keep up with the laundry. She loves exploring the world through reading, walks in nature, and thoughtful conversations. You can find her on Instagram at @anastasisblythe and on her website at AnastasisBlythe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
March 20, 2024
Can 👏🏻 we 👏🏻 please 👏🏻 stop 👏🏻 with 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 stupid 👏🏻 trope!
The “I’m a delicate humane that just turned 18 and am being forced to marry against my will to the hottest man in my existence, who happens to be immortal but acts like a teenage boy going through puberty, but this manly man’s man is soooooo like evil 😈 because he did an evil thing 😈 that everyone tells me he did he obviously never actually did because everyone is lying and I have M A G I C 🧚🏻♀️ but also I’m an idiot that can’t think for myself since my brain isn’t fully formed yet but don’t worry because I’ve been trained in all my 18 years of life (yes crawled out of my mothers womb with this knowledge!) as an ASSASSSSIN but oops I fell in love with the not so evil but morally gray prince because he’s really a golden retriever teehee” trope?
There has got to be something else on TikTok or booktok or whatspad that these lazy ass dime store authors can copy right???
I cannot eye roll enough my god
The “I’m a delicate humane that just turned 18 and am being forced to marry against my will to the hottest man in my existence, who happens to be immortal but acts like a teenage boy going through puberty, but this manly man’s man is soooooo like evil 😈 because he did an evil thing 😈 that everyone tells me he did he obviously never actually did because everyone is lying and I have M A G I C 🧚🏻♀️ but also I’m an idiot that can’t think for myself since my brain isn’t fully formed yet but don’t worry because I’ve been trained in all my 18 years of life (yes crawled out of my mothers womb with this knowledge!) as an ASSASSSSIN but oops I fell in love with the not so evil but morally gray prince because he’s really a golden retriever teehee” trope?
There has got to be something else on TikTok or booktok or whatspad that these lazy ass dime store authors can copy right???
I cannot eye roll enough my god
November 15, 2023
★ ★ ★.5 | no spice
Note: I try my hardest to not include spoilers in my reviews. However, spoilers and how you define a spoiler is subjective. Proceed with caution.
*A special thank you to the author for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
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Another day, another fantasy series.
I feel like I have a lot to say about this book and I’m trying to find the best way to organize my thoughts.
First of all, I had a good time reading this book for the most part. The trial aspect was interesting. And Eshe was actually a great character. I loved her so much. The overall vibes were enjoyable and I feel like this was a great set up for the remaining series.
That being said, I wanted just a bit more from it. The world building was a little sporadic and confusing, just because it felt like something was missing. Especially because the first half was long, so I would’ve expected some more thorough world building. Also, a lot of the plot happened at the end. So, a little top heavy.
As far as the romance part, I loved the Neverseen King. He was quirky and made jokes that made him endearing. I just wish there was more connection between him and Nadira. The notes allude to it. But I wanted more chemistry and more scenes that build that chemistry.
Overall, I will read the next book. But, I wish some of my questions were answer before the end of this book.
Note: I try my hardest to not include spoilers in my reviews. However, spoilers and how you define a spoiler is subjective. Proceed with caution.
*A special thank you to the author for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
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Another day, another fantasy series.
I feel like I have a lot to say about this book and I’m trying to find the best way to organize my thoughts.
First of all, I had a good time reading this book for the most part. The trial aspect was interesting. And Eshe was actually a great character. I loved her so much. The overall vibes were enjoyable and I feel like this was a great set up for the remaining series.
That being said, I wanted just a bit more from it. The world building was a little sporadic and confusing, just because it felt like something was missing. Especially because the first half was long, so I would’ve expected some more thorough world building. Also, a lot of the plot happened at the end. So, a little top heavy.
As far as the romance part, I loved the Neverseen King. He was quirky and made jokes that made him endearing. I just wish there was more connection between him and Nadira. The notes allude to it. But I wanted more chemistry and more scenes that build that chemistry.
Overall, I will read the next book. But, I wish some of my questions were answer before the end of this book.
Want to read
August 30, 2024Imaging watching this video: https://youtube.com/shorts/gpsIkZjEYT...
Finding it on Goodreads
AND THEN FINDING OUT IT HAS NO SPICE 🤭
Finding it on Goodreads
AND THEN FINDING OUT IT HAS NO SPICE 🤭
January 1, 2024
I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I stayed up until four last night to finish this book. It was amazing! Nadira is an enslaved assassin who is kidnapped to participate in a deathly competition for the hand of the Neverseen King. It was advertised as The Selection meets Throne of Glass and I definitely agree with that!
The book was action-filled, and the writing style is amazing, I highlighted multiple quotes because I thought they were so well done and they made me feel things. The book was intriguing and I couldn't put it down at all. I loved the characters, the mystery, and most of all the slow-burn romance. I am a sucker for a good slow burn-romance and this was definitely what I was looking for!
The mystery in the book is also done really well. At some point, I had so many questions and theories. And this book made me feel things. At some point it even made me feel for a banister, which is something I wouldn't think would ever happen in a book.
All in all, I would most definitely recommend this book! I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read books 2 and 3!
Honestly, I stayed up until four last night to finish this book. It was amazing! Nadira is an enslaved assassin who is kidnapped to participate in a deathly competition for the hand of the Neverseen King. It was advertised as The Selection meets Throne of Glass and I definitely agree with that!
The book was action-filled, and the writing style is amazing, I highlighted multiple quotes because I thought they were so well done and they made me feel things. The book was intriguing and I couldn't put it down at all. I loved the characters, the mystery, and most of all the slow-burn romance. I am a sucker for a good slow burn-romance and this was definitely what I was looking for!
The mystery in the book is also done really well. At some point, I had so many questions and theories. And this book made me feel things. At some point it even made me feel for a banister, which is something I wouldn't think would ever happen in a book.
All in all, I would most definitely recommend this book! I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read books 2 and 3!
November 3, 2023
Wow! I started this book when the author had it on Kindle Villa, but since I really hate reading books on my phone, I stopped. When she announced that she was doing arcs for releasing this book in physical form, I was SO EXCITED!
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And holy cow, this story didn’t disappoint. Woven against a middle eastern inspired kingdom, with plenty of magical twists and turns, I couldn’t put this book down (seriously, I haven’t read this fast in a long time 🤣). Nadria, the Neverseen King, and Eshe were my favorite characters and ever reveal, every uncertainty, every sarcastic comment was just golden!
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I cannot wait for the next book in this series and I may have to go binge more books from Anastasia Blythe now!
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Five out of five!
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And holy cow, this story didn’t disappoint. Woven against a middle eastern inspired kingdom, with plenty of magical twists and turns, I couldn’t put this book down (seriously, I haven’t read this fast in a long time 🤣). Nadria, the Neverseen King, and Eshe were my favorite characters and ever reveal, every uncertainty, every sarcastic comment was just golden!
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I cannot wait for the next book in this series and I may have to go binge more books from Anastasia Blythe now!
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Five out of five!
July 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ br with mclean!
im speechless. november 5th could not come quick enough.
im speechless. november 5th could not come quick enough.
October 11, 2023
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC of this book and I was completely blown away by it. The description of it being a mashup of Throne of Glass and The Selection really hit the nail on the head. The characters came to life on the pages and the setting was easy to envision as you followed along with the stories many twists and turns. I also loved how swoony and tension filled it was without having spice. Definitely a book I would highly recommend! Release date is November 15th for this book for those who don't want to read it through KindleVella episodes.
August 20, 2025
4.5 rounded up to five
A great no-spice romantasy read that had me binging in basically a day. It’s not my favorite of the author’s works, but it’s definitely a great book! I found myself intrigued, fascinated, and unable to put this book down.
The plot was complex and dynamic, and the cast was interesting and engaging. I wasn’t a fan of the two main characters personally, not sure why, but I didn’t hate them or anything. Just felt indifferent towards them. But I really loved seeing all the dynamics between the characters and the relationships that were built.
Great work, and excited to continue with the next book
A great no-spice romantasy read that had me binging in basically a day. It’s not my favorite of the author’s works, but it’s definitely a great book! I found myself intrigued, fascinated, and unable to put this book down.
The plot was complex and dynamic, and the cast was interesting and engaging. I wasn’t a fan of the two main characters personally, not sure why, but I didn’t hate them or anything. Just felt indifferent towards them. But I really loved seeing all the dynamics between the characters and the relationships that were built.
Great work, and excited to continue with the next book
November 9, 2023
This is my second time reading this book and I love it even more this read-through! I love Nadira, the regretful assassin, her best friend Eshe the thief, and, of course, the mysterious Neverseen King who is looking for a bride. There was an exotic fantasy world, a bride contest, and a need to be behind locked doors at night- or else.
Loved this book on Kindle Vella, loved it more as an ebook, and can't wait to love it most of all in print!
Note to more sensitive readers: on-page violence and past trauma.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The perfect romantasy book!
Loved this book on Kindle Vella, loved it more as an ebook, and can't wait to love it most of all in print!
Note to more sensitive readers: on-page violence and past trauma.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The perfect romantasy book!
November 4, 2023
This book is full of action, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, and morally grey characters that you can't help but root for! I love Nadira so much. It's not often that you find a FMC who, although she is strong in her own right, also has her vulnerable moments and needs someone in her corner. The anxiety she has in the book was handled so well, and 100% believable. Your heart breaks for her. The friendship she has with Eshe is beautiful. They are so fun together and I loved their sisterly bond.
The Neverseen King is mysterious and I had so much fun getting to see glimpses into who he is and what is going on at the palace. His story is equally as heartbreaking as Nadira's. These are two broken souls looking for hope in the darkness.
This book will take you through twists and turns that leave your head spinning.
I can't wait to have this book on my shelf and to read the next one in the series!
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
The Neverseen King is mysterious and I had so much fun getting to see glimpses into who he is and what is going on at the palace. His story is equally as heartbreaking as Nadira's. These are two broken souls looking for hope in the darkness.
This book will take you through twists and turns that leave your head spinning.
I can't wait to have this book on my shelf and to read the next one in the series!
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2025
Blythe has a flare and knows how to slather the story with emotion and romance, which makes it hard to put down! Honestly, I'm not entirely sure I'm the right reader for female assassin stories (for whole lot of thoughts that I just deleted). The romance is the primary mover in this story with a swoon-worthy hero who makes everything worth it! LOL
I ADORED the Neverseen King. He was the epitome of swoony. Also, I really appreciated Nadira's protective instinct toward Eshe--what a great relationship between these two. Loved the concept of trials, but they seemed to take a back seat to the romance. LOVED the last scene in the king's point of view--really impressed with Blythe's ability to capture such a different voice from her heroine for the strong male lead, so I'm definitely going to give the next book a shot (esp since it's all in his voice) and am excited (#forreasons) to learn Nadira and the king's story continues there.
I ADORED the Neverseen King. He was the epitome of swoony. Also, I really appreciated Nadira's protective instinct toward Eshe--what a great relationship between these two. Loved the concept of trials, but they seemed to take a back seat to the romance. LOVED the last scene in the king's point of view--really impressed with Blythe's ability to capture such a different voice from her heroine for the strong male lead, so I'm definitely going to give the next book a shot (esp since it's all in his voice) and am excited (#forreasons) to learn Nadira and the king's story continues there.
August 4, 2025
Throne of Glass meets The Selection meets The Beauty and the Beast in this book, and I really enjoyed the read! Once the storyline gets really going, it’s very hard to put down. And the cliffhanger ending has me about to go immediately download book 2. If you like fantasy or romantasy, you’ll probably like this.
October 15, 2023
I received an ARC from the author and I flew through this book! I loved her Zheninghai Chronicles series and I can't wait for the rest of this series!
-Book 1 in a series
-Enemies to lovers
-Nadira's POV (mostly)
Likes: 👍
-The Neverseen King & Nadira ♥️
-Mysterious doors
-Friendship with Eshe 🥰
-The banister
-Flawed characters who struggle
-The visual setting (gives Aladdin vibes)
-Book 1 in a series
-Enemies to lovers
-Nadira's POV (mostly)
Likes: 👍
-The Neverseen King & Nadira ♥️
-Mysterious doors
-Friendship with Eshe 🥰
-The banister
-Flawed characters who struggle
-The visual setting (gives Aladdin vibes)
November 12, 2023
I had the awesome experience of receiving the ARC copy of this. This was a great read, beautifully written. It sucks you into a world of conflict and mystery. This has throne of glass vibes but with a twist. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it anyone that enjoys thrills and plot twists. Can’t wait to see what Anastasis has in store next for Narida and the Neverseen King.
January 6, 2024
OBSESSED OBSESSED OBSESSED!!!!!!!!!!!
I absolutely fell in LOVE with this story! ❤️ It unfolded so perfectly in its own mysterious way, and was delightfully unpredictable in exactly where the author was taking the book.
And the love story? Yes YES yes 🙌🏻
BUT I AM NOW ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT FOR THE NEXT BOOK 😭
I absolutely fell in LOVE with this story! ❤️ It unfolded so perfectly in its own mysterious way, and was delightfully unpredictable in exactly where the author was taking the book.
And the love story? Yes YES yes 🙌🏻
BUT I AM NOW ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT FOR THE NEXT BOOK 😭
November 16, 2023
37% in and bored to death
August 19, 2024
I bought this and devoured it! The plot was intense in a good way. There was action and I love this book! So excited she wrote book 2 which is amazing.
March 16, 2025
3.25-Stars
September 17, 2024
Eshe was my favorite! She was a great friend and one of the best side characters I’ve read in a fantasy book.
Also, I’m looking forward for more development for the Neverseen King and the Assassin’s relationship. There could have been more world building, but because I’ve read some of her other books I understood who some of the characters were. Great, clean fantasy read.
Also, I’m looking forward for more development for the Neverseen King and the Assassin’s relationship. There could have been more world building, but because I’ve read some of her other books I understood who some of the characters were. Great, clean fantasy read.
June 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐ 0 🌶️ but includes kissing.
Themes/tropes: enemies to lovers, fight to survive, competitions to marry, magic, fae, dragons, close proximity, haunted pasts.
Themes/tropes: enemies to lovers, fight to survive, competitions to marry, magic, fae, dragons, close proximity, haunted pasts.
January 8, 2024
Definitely worth the hype. I loved this one. Evocative, emotional and at times heartwarming. I sometimes find these 'competition' books can get a bit repetitive after a while (within the book itself I mean, with one task after the other), but Anastasis managed to weave wider elements between her competitions, and they didn't overtake the whole book.
Can't wait for The Neverseen King
Can't wait for The Neverseen King
October 6, 2024
I give this book a 4.5. I loved the characters and the plot but i usually read shorter books so it felt a little long. If you love clean fantasy romances with a slow burn you’ll love this book!
February 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
What is this?! I’m enchanted, simply enchanted
What is this?! I’m enchanted, simply enchanted
March 17, 2025
Plot- Fast paced. Lots of action!!
It did have a rocky beginning, though… The beginning had my grudging interest but I was disturbed. The poor FMC was an enslaved assassin and consequently had a damaged psyche and a lot of baggage. Then at 15% I almost quit. I was horrified at the violence and how the love interest was a monster for subjecting his potential wives to such terror. (Yes, it had a Bachelor vibe.) I started to skip thru the FMC’s internal monologuing to see if it would get any better. I wanted to respect the MMC, and I didn’t like the carnage.
I’m SO GLAD I stuck it out because very soon I was back to reading every word, and completely hooked!
Writing Very descriptive, immersive writing. Outstanding atmosphere. This author is very talented! I felt deeply connected with the FMC. Perhaps the internal monologuing could have been more concise, but I didn’t mind it.
Characters- the FMC and the MMC were both broken souls and needed each other. I liked them both. I’m glad that the FMC was still able to process emotions notwithstanding her horrifically traumatizing life.
(TBH, the fact that she could function like a normal person was 100% unrealistic, but I didn’t mind- I certainly didn’t want to read about how her trauma would have realistically affected her. That would not be a fun book to read.)
I loved the FMC’s BFF, Eshe. She was amazing!
Romance- Very high chemistry. Loved it! It’s the chemistry that always gets me to keep turning pages, and this romance was delicious.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- some amazing kisses, but totally clean. Yay! High chemistry in a clean book!
Substance abuse- none
Violence- I normally don’t include violence in my content reviews because I don’t read horror and rarely come across it. Well, I’m including it in this one. I think this book was the bloodiest book I’ve ever read. Lots of carnage and killing.
Cover- good
POV- first person single POV (he only gets the epilogue, which I like. Scenes from his POV are available via her newsletter but I haven’t read them.)
Cliffhanger- yes and no. Their relationship is stable (they are engaged) but there are loose ends with politics and with his face,m still being in shadow, etc.
Format- KU
It did have a rocky beginning, though… The beginning had my grudging interest but I was disturbed. The poor FMC was an enslaved assassin and consequently had a damaged psyche and a lot of baggage. Then at 15% I almost quit. I was horrified at the violence and how the love interest was a monster for subjecting his potential wives to such terror. (Yes, it had a Bachelor vibe.) I started to skip thru the FMC’s internal monologuing to see if it would get any better. I wanted to respect the MMC, and I didn’t like the carnage.
I’m SO GLAD I stuck it out because very soon I was back to reading every word, and completely hooked!
Writing Very descriptive, immersive writing. Outstanding atmosphere. This author is very talented! I felt deeply connected with the FMC. Perhaps the internal monologuing could have been more concise, but I didn’t mind it.
Characters- the FMC and the MMC were both broken souls and needed each other. I liked them both. I’m glad that the FMC was still able to process emotions notwithstanding her horrifically traumatizing life.
(TBH, the fact that she could function like a normal person was 100% unrealistic, but I didn’t mind- I certainly didn’t want to read about how her trauma would have realistically affected her. That would not be a fun book to read.)
I loved the FMC’s BFF, Eshe. She was amazing!
Romance- Very high chemistry. Loved it! It’s the chemistry that always gets me to keep turning pages, and this romance was delicious.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- some amazing kisses, but totally clean. Yay! High chemistry in a clean book!
Substance abuse- none
Violence- I normally don’t include violence in my content reviews because I don’t read horror and rarely come across it. Well, I’m including it in this one. I think this book was the bloodiest book I’ve ever read. Lots of carnage and killing.
Cover- good
POV- first person single POV (he only gets the epilogue, which I like. Scenes from his POV are available via her newsletter but I haven’t read them.)
Cliffhanger- yes and no. Their relationship is stable (they are engaged) but there are loose ends with politics and with his face,m still being in shadow, etc.
Format- KU
July 20, 2024
“These many years have been a torture for me. Unending, spent in the dark, alone, with nothing but a ceaseless battle to fight. There was no reprieve from sorrow, from the constant ache of emptiness.” ~ Neverseen King
Hello, My New Obsession!! Gahhhhh! This book! Nadira…Eshe…The Neverseen King…can I just say EPIC!!
First of all, this cover is gorgeous! I always judge a book by its cover, and when I saw it I knew it was going to be amazing! I was NOT wrong! My initial impressions after the first few chapters: the Darkling does The Bachelor and President Snow has designed the competitions, in a world with Witcher-esque magic and monsters! But it is so much more than that!
Enemies to more
Strong, morally gray, torn FMC
The Neverseen King, can it get more mysterious?!?
Crazy, awesome best friend
Ridiculous, terrifying marriage competitions
He falls first
“Who did this to you?”
“Touch her and die!”
Slow burn of your dreams
The kiss you thought would never come
Magic, fae, and maybe a dragon…
One POV, with a surprise POV for epilogue
And BONUS POV chapters with author newsletter
Completely clean, no language or spice
Book 2 cannot come fast enough!! And I would love it to be dual POV or even just the king’s only. He is that good people, THAT GOOD!
#anastasisblythe #theassassinbride #cleanfantasyromance #cleanfantasy #morallygrayfmc #slowburnromance #enemiestolovers #bookstagram
Hello, My New Obsession!! Gahhhhh! This book! Nadira…Eshe…The Neverseen King…can I just say EPIC!!
First of all, this cover is gorgeous! I always judge a book by its cover, and when I saw it I knew it was going to be amazing! I was NOT wrong! My initial impressions after the first few chapters: the Darkling does The Bachelor and President Snow has designed the competitions, in a world with Witcher-esque magic and monsters! But it is so much more than that!
Enemies to more
Strong, morally gray, torn FMC
The Neverseen King, can it get more mysterious?!?
Crazy, awesome best friend
Ridiculous, terrifying marriage competitions
He falls first
“Who did this to you?”
“Touch her and die!”
Slow burn of your dreams
The kiss you thought would never come
Magic, fae, and maybe a dragon…
One POV, with a surprise POV for epilogue
And BONUS POV chapters with author newsletter
Completely clean, no language or spice
Book 2 cannot come fast enough!! And I would love it to be dual POV or even just the king’s only. He is that good people, THAT GOOD!
#anastasisblythe #theassassinbride #cleanfantasyromance #cleanfantasy #morallygrayfmc #slowburnromance #enemiestolovers #bookstagram
November 17, 2023
Do you love The Bachelor, but wish it was super murderous? Here you go!
Nadia is an assassin, *not* by choice. When she’s kidnapped and forced to compete for the hand of the Neverseen King, it could be her ticket to a new life … if she doesn’t die in the process, anyhow.
A sentient house, terrors in the night, monsters and treasons and a dangerous ball—Anastasis Blythe, as usual, brings plenty of action along with deep emotions.
Random notes:
-Eshe is my favorite & I hope she gets even more time in the rest of the series!
-did I mention SENTIENT HOUSE
-The Neverseen King is a touch more morally gray than I usually like in a love interest, BUT there are also two more books and I’m interested to see what else develops.
-Speaking of, this was a great pace and the resolution was just enough to have me eager for more without being too much of a cliffhanger.
Thanks to the author for an ARC! All opinions are my own.
Nadia is an assassin, *not* by choice. When she’s kidnapped and forced to compete for the hand of the Neverseen King, it could be her ticket to a new life … if she doesn’t die in the process, anyhow.
A sentient house, terrors in the night, monsters and treasons and a dangerous ball—Anastasis Blythe, as usual, brings plenty of action along with deep emotions.
Random notes:
-Eshe is my favorite & I hope she gets even more time in the rest of the series!
-did I mention SENTIENT HOUSE
-The Neverseen King is a touch more morally gray than I usually like in a love interest, BUT there are also two more books and I’m interested to see what else develops.
-Speaking of, this was a great pace and the resolution was just enough to have me eager for more without being too much of a cliffhanger.
Thanks to the author for an ARC! All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2025
⚔️🖤
The Assassin Bride — Anastasis Blythe
🌟 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 4 blades
📆 Date Finished: July 11th, 2025
🗡️ Genre: Fantasy Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow Burn, Palace Intrigue
🕵️♀️ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒
👤 Nadira (FMC – assassin)
➤ Grieving, guarded, but not cold (errrrrrr... well.... not emotionally...)
➤ Her inner voice is raw, real, and sometimes annoying! 😏
👑 The Neverseen King (MMC – ???)
➤ Elusive, powerful, but gentle in unexpected ways
➤ His presence was felt looooong before he appeared 💖
🧨 Eshe (Side character – fellow thief)
➤ Witty, loyal, and layered
➤ A surprising emotional anchor
➤ The "If I get stabbed today, make sure I’m buried with a snack." typa girl
❤️🔥 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 & 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
✔️ Tension-filled and slow burn
✔️ Touch-starved & trust-starved
✔️ Emotionally charged — no steam, but deep
✔️ The kind of romance that hurts first, heals later
🏰 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃‑𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓
✔️ Lush palace setting
✔️ The competition felt gritty and unpredictable
✔️ A bit quieter in the middle, but the tension never left
✔️ Loved how mystery and danger were layered like veils
⚠️ 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒
⚔️ Childhood trauma • Assassin violence • Panic attacks • Emotional manipulation
🕯️ All handled thoughtfully with clear narrative weight. There are MANY panic attacks because Nadira is a fainter, which I felt was a bit overdone, but not too bad.
🌟 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃
✔️ The atmosphere: suffocating but seductive
✔️ The romance: emotional, understated, and believable
✔️ It hurt, it healed
🌫️ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊
➖ Some slower pacing in the middle third
➖ The king’s mystery was compelling—but I craved just a bit more of... you know... maybe his FACE! WHERE IS THE FACE?!?!?
➖ A few worldbuilding threads I hope get fleshed out in the sequel
📚 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐎:
🖤 Lovers of Throne of Glass and To Kill a Kingdom
⚔️ Readers who want slow-burn, knife-sharp romance
🏰 Fans of competition tropes with high emotional stakes
🕯️ 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Nadira isn’t just an assassin. She’s a girl torn apart and saved by her Sultani.
This book pulled me in with shadows and blades… but kept me with tenderness.
📚 I’ll be reading Book 2 the second I can.
🖤 4 stars for a story that stabbed soft and bled slow.
🌟 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 4 blades
📆 Date Finished: July 11th, 2025
🗡️ Genre: Fantasy Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow Burn, Palace Intrigue
🕵️♀️ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒
👤 Nadira (FMC – assassin)
➤ Grieving, guarded, but not cold (errrrrrr... well.... not emotionally...)
➤ Her inner voice is raw, real, and sometimes annoying! 😏
👑 The Neverseen King (MMC – ???)
➤ Elusive, powerful, but gentle in unexpected ways
➤ His presence was felt looooong before he appeared 💖
🧨 Eshe (Side character – fellow thief)
➤ Witty, loyal, and layered
➤ A surprising emotional anchor
➤ The "If I get stabbed today, make sure I’m buried with a snack." typa girl
❤️🔥 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 & 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
✔️ Tension-filled and slow burn
✔️ Touch-starved & trust-starved
✔️ Emotionally charged — no steam, but deep
✔️ The kind of romance that hurts first, heals later
🏰 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃‑𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓
✔️ Lush palace setting
✔️ The competition felt gritty and unpredictable
✔️ A bit quieter in the middle, but the tension never left
✔️ Loved how mystery and danger were layered like veils
⚠️ 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒
⚔️ Childhood trauma • Assassin violence • Panic attacks • Emotional manipulation
🕯️ All handled thoughtfully with clear narrative weight. There are MANY panic attacks because Nadira is a fainter, which I felt was a bit overdone, but not too bad.
🌟 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃
✔️ The atmosphere: suffocating but seductive
✔️ The romance: emotional, understated, and believable
✔️ It hurt, it healed
🌫️ 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊
➖ Some slower pacing in the middle third
➖ The king’s mystery was compelling—but I craved just a bit more of... you know... maybe his FACE! WHERE IS THE FACE?!?!?
➖ A few worldbuilding threads I hope get fleshed out in the sequel
📚 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐎:
🖤 Lovers of Throne of Glass and To Kill a Kingdom
⚔️ Readers who want slow-burn, knife-sharp romance
🏰 Fans of competition tropes with high emotional stakes
🕯️ 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Nadira isn’t just an assassin. She’s a girl torn apart and saved by her Sultani.
This book pulled me in with shadows and blades… but kept me with tenderness.
📚 I’ll be reading Book 2 the second I can.
🖤 4 stars for a story that stabbed soft and bled slow.
January 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE
fantasy
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: murder, death, physical abuse, some gore
I liked this. This is my first book by the author and I do think I'll read more, though I'm not entirely convinced that I'll finish this series (just based off of the Goodreads reviews that I looked over for book 2), or at least not any time soon since I hate cliffhangers and apparently book 2 ends on one.
Nadira is a trained assassin. She is taken from her slaver by the Neverseen King and forced to compete in a competition with 11 other potential brides-to-be. It's brutal. There's a lot of violence in this book so be warned of that going in.
I enjoyed seeing Nadira and the Neverseen King get closer. I thought it was especially sweet how being near him put her at ease and allowed her to sleep and eat in a way that she never had been able to previously.
First new-to-me author of 25 down!
Favorite Quotes:
😏 “How my heart beats faster, little assassin, knowing that being deprived of my attention is a punishment for you.”
⭐️ ”You, my lovely assassin, are the brightest star in all the world.”
🥰 He is everything that is warm, solid, and safe in this world. I can hardly breathe, but for once, I am happy to drown.
❤️ “I trust him because he makes me feel seen and safe. He makes me want to believe I’m not a lost cause. He makes me hope for good. He makes me want more for my life. And with him, I have a purpose—a purpose that isn’t murdering for wicked men. A purpose of saving instead of killing.”
GENRE
fantasy
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: murder, death, physical abuse, some gore
I liked this. This is my first book by the author and I do think I'll read more, though I'm not entirely convinced that I'll finish this series (just based off of the Goodreads reviews that I looked over for book 2), or at least not any time soon since I hate cliffhangers and apparently book 2 ends on one.
Nadira is a trained assassin. She is taken from her slaver by the Neverseen King and forced to compete in a competition with 11 other potential brides-to-be. It's brutal. There's a lot of violence in this book so be warned of that going in.
I enjoyed seeing Nadira and the Neverseen King get closer. I thought it was especially sweet how being near him put her at ease and allowed her to sleep and eat in a way that she never had been able to previously.
First new-to-me author of 25 down!
Favorite Quotes:
😏 “How my heart beats faster, little assassin, knowing that being deprived of my attention is a punishment for you.”
⭐️ ”You, my lovely assassin, are the brightest star in all the world.”
🥰 He is everything that is warm, solid, and safe in this world. I can hardly breathe, but for once, I am happy to drown.
❤️ “I trust him because he makes me feel seen and safe. He makes me want to believe I’m not a lost cause. He makes me hope for good. He makes me want more for my life. And with him, I have a purpose—a purpose that isn’t murdering for wicked men. A purpose of saving instead of killing.”
June 27, 2025
5⭐️ I don’t know why there are such brutal reviews pinned for this book but I loved this. I ate up this entire story and left no crumbs.
And goodness Anastasis Blythe! How good you are at writing a bingeable story! I have read 4 books by her now and I am so impressed. She has such a way at telling a story. What makes her style so interesting is the precision of her prose paired with a kind of effortless lyricism. Every sentence feels intentional, yet nothing feels forced. Her descriptions are vivid without being overindulgent and unnecessary.
Just everything was so well done. The plot, the pace, the characters. Oh the sweet characters. They all just need a little love. Especially our sweet FMC and MMC. They both needed a big hug and to be held. The tension between Nadira and the king was wow! I am eating up their slow burn romance. The next two books better be satisfying for them.
I also loved loved loved Eshe. So much! She is like the bestest best friend ever. She was hilarious and good and I loved every interaction between her and Nadira. Such a beautiful friendship. It’s almost too good to be true, and I better not feel any heartbreak for these two in the next book.
The last 60 pages were unhinged crazy! So many things went down. It was so fast paced and immersive and just everything you want in a fantasy romance. I’m reading the next book immediately.
Read if you enjoy:
- Clean/closed-door romance
- Fantasy
- Arranged marriage competition
- Single POV (FMC)
- Morally grey MCs (but like not)
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language (in world language like ‘sands’)
And goodness Anastasis Blythe! How good you are at writing a bingeable story! I have read 4 books by her now and I am so impressed. She has such a way at telling a story. What makes her style so interesting is the precision of her prose paired with a kind of effortless lyricism. Every sentence feels intentional, yet nothing feels forced. Her descriptions are vivid without being overindulgent and unnecessary.
Just everything was so well done. The plot, the pace, the characters. Oh the sweet characters. They all just need a little love. Especially our sweet FMC and MMC. They both needed a big hug and to be held. The tension between Nadira and the king was wow! I am eating up their slow burn romance. The next two books better be satisfying for them.
I also loved loved loved Eshe. So much! She is like the bestest best friend ever. She was hilarious and good and I loved every interaction between her and Nadira. Such a beautiful friendship. It’s almost too good to be true, and I better not feel any heartbreak for these two in the next book.
The last 60 pages were unhinged crazy! So many things went down. It was so fast paced and immersive and just everything you want in a fantasy romance. I’m reading the next book immediately.
Read if you enjoy:
- Clean/closed-door romance
- Fantasy
- Arranged marriage competition
- Single POV (FMC)
- Morally grey MCs (but like not)
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language (in world language like ‘sands’)
October 13, 2023
(This book was given to me as an ARC. This review does not contain any major spoilers)
A deadly assassin, unlikely friendships, a series of competitions with more at stake than what is revealed, a land split by poverty and riches, and a king that no one has seen for almost a hundred years.
That is just the tip of the iceberg as you delve into Anastasis Blythe's first book, The Assassin Bride in her newest trilogy, The King and the Assassin. With flawless execution Blythe reels you into a fantasy tale about a king searching for a bride, a castle that comes to life at night in a very deadly way, and the relationships that unfold or collapse during the competition that ensues.
Nadira is a feared and deadly assassin who happens to pass out at inopportune times suggesting that she has a lot more going on than what we can initially see. Her friend Eshe is the polar opposite and keeps Nadira on her toes in a way that only true friends can. The Neverseen King is going to be a favored morally grey character as soon as this book hits the shelves.
Two of my favorite lines from this book are: "I may obey, but I will never submit." and "The hand that wields magic holding the one that bears a blade."
If you enjoy fantasy, enemies to lovers, strong female characters, and an action-packed read, then this is the book for you. As Nadira's story unfolds through the pages you will find yourself dropped into a wonderful world of all your favorite troupes and the tinest bit of snarkiness that will make you laugh.
A deadly assassin, unlikely friendships, a series of competitions with more at stake than what is revealed, a land split by poverty and riches, and a king that no one has seen for almost a hundred years.
That is just the tip of the iceberg as you delve into Anastasis Blythe's first book, The Assassin Bride in her newest trilogy, The King and the Assassin. With flawless execution Blythe reels you into a fantasy tale about a king searching for a bride, a castle that comes to life at night in a very deadly way, and the relationships that unfold or collapse during the competition that ensues.
Nadira is a feared and deadly assassin who happens to pass out at inopportune times suggesting that she has a lot more going on than what we can initially see. Her friend Eshe is the polar opposite and keeps Nadira on her toes in a way that only true friends can. The Neverseen King is going to be a favored morally grey character as soon as this book hits the shelves.
Two of my favorite lines from this book are: "I may obey, but I will never submit." and "The hand that wields magic holding the one that bears a blade."
If you enjoy fantasy, enemies to lovers, strong female characters, and an action-packed read, then this is the book for you. As Nadira's story unfolds through the pages you will find yourself dropped into a wonderful world of all your favorite troupes and the tinest bit of snarkiness that will make you laugh.
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