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The Order of Grimm
The bustling city-state of Märchen borders the Three Queendoms, represented by the Spindle, the Slipper and the Apple.
But the time of the godmothers has passed. If you want access to magic you either have to be one of the few who are born with it and live in hiding. Or extremely wealthy.
Former assassin Samara Dawa is bent on vengeance. When the opportunity arises to destroy the man who sold her as a child, she doesn’t hesitate. Soon Samara finds herself needing to infiltrate a magical auction run by the mysterious Order of Grimm.
The main item for sale: the last descendant of Queen White.
To pull off this heist she’ll need to put together a crew: an inside man, an explosives expert, a kinetics expert, a master forger and a getaway driver.
And she needs to do this all under the nose of her boss: the head of the thieves guild.
But the time of the godmothers has passed. If you want access to magic you either have to be one of the few who are born with it and live in hiding. Or extremely wealthy.
Former assassin Samara Dawa is bent on vengeance. When the opportunity arises to destroy the man who sold her as a child, she doesn’t hesitate. Soon Samara finds herself needing to infiltrate a magical auction run by the mysterious Order of Grimm.
The main item for sale: the last descendant of Queen White.
To pull off this heist she’ll need to put together a crew: an inside man, an explosives expert, a kinetics expert, a master forger and a getaway driver.
And she needs to do this all under the nose of her boss: the head of the thieves guild.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
Paperback
Published January 14, 2025
25 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Shiromi Arserio
204 books32 followersA native of London, UK, Shiromi Arserio is a stage actor and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. She holds a BA in theater from Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. In addition to narrating over 270 audiobooks in British English, American, and Australian accents, her voice can be heard in video games such as Nancy Drew: The Shattered Medallion. A self-proclaimed geek, Shiromi currently resides in Seattle with her husband and furbaby.
Shiromi is the author of two short stories. Prior to venturing into audiobook narration she worked as a freelance writing for publications such as Renaissance Magazine and Northwest Magazine.
Shiromi is the author of two short stories. Prior to venturing into audiobook narration she worked as a freelance writing for publications such as Renaissance Magazine and Northwest Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 29, 2025
4.5⭐️ (Rounded up)
The Order of Grimm is a captivating fantasy heist novel with strong themes of found family, identity, and betrayal. This novel is the debut from Shiromi Arserio, an award-winning audiobook narrator who’s known for her top-notch fantasy narration.
The story takes place in Märchen, a city once ruled by the magical Three Queens. Protagonist Samara Dawa, who was kidnapped as a child and trained by an assassin’s guild, is now working independently for the thieves’ guild. When she’s contacted by her former friend, Callista (now the matron of the Assassin’s guild), to break into Chetwin Humphreys’s safe—the man who sold her as a child—she agrees to the job. Soon she assembles a ragtag crew, and together they plan the elaborate and high-stakes heist. As the mission unfolds, loyalties shift, plans suddenly change, and the crew are suddenly in for more than they expected.
The story wonderfully blends elements of gothic fantasy, political intrigue, high-stakes drama, and glimpses of an old magical society. The story is told from multiple POVs—while Samara always remains the heart of the story, the other crew members (Art, Ana, Gerda, and Seb) get their own chapters, which enriches the plot and gives amazing insight into the group’s dynamics.
The writing is fluid and easy to follow, with a great balance of fast-paced action, compelling dialogue, and descriptive world-building—all of which are layered and well organized without ever overwhelming the reader—as can so often be the case with fantasy books! The world-building is rich and immersive, with detailed cityscapes, intricate politics, and a bit of insight into a fairy-tale-esque history. The details on the Order of Grimm and the Three Queens are captivating but not expansive enough to fully appreciate—a prequel or sequels to expand upon their intricacies and history would be very interesting!
Samara is a gritty, determined protagonist who grapples with identity and trust issues from past betrayals. Her assassin training and her work for the thieves’s guild have made her thick-skinned, resilient, and a fearless leader. When she puts together a crew for the heist, she’s often more concerned with the others’ abilities and welfare than her own, which accentuates her admirable character.
The supporting crew brings diverse energy to the story. Art is a charismatic inside man and actor who’s able to charm and con his way through obstacles. Gerda is a burly bouncer turned getaway driver who shows incredible loyalty. Seb is an explosives expert linked to the thieves’ guild who Samara knows from past jobs. Lastly, Ana is a mysterious magic user whose ability to redirect kinetic energy becomes key to the success of the heist. The suggestive romance subplot between Seb and Ana is a fun distraction from the non-stop action and could become very compelling if explored further! Each member of the ‘ragtag crew’ is likeable with an intriguing backstory, and the found family vibes between them are quite pronounced by the end. With such rich characters and a solid foundation of world-building, there’s a great opportunity to expand this into a multi-book series, possibly having a different member of the crew as the main character in each book—not only to get better acquainted with each, but also for unique adventures and emotional arcs!
The story is fast-paced throughout but does linger at key moments to incorporate compelling emotional depth—mostly with regard to Samara’s backstory with Callista. For much of the story, Samara has her guard up—and rightfully so—as she’s constantly mulling over who to trust and what action her crew needs to take next. Being used to working jobs on her own, she’s not thrilled with the idea of having a crew—but in the end, it serves her well, and she acknowledges its benefits and the bonds she’s formed. Samara’s emotional arc is the real heart of the story, and readers will resonate with her need for vengeance and freedom. The tension and pacing escalate in the second half, after some major reveals and plot twists. The ending is quite satisfying but leaves questions unanswered—and opens the door to many possibilities in a sequel!
Overall, The Order of Grimm is an impressive debut offering an intriguing fusion of high-stakes fantasy and heist narrative. The expansive world-building, rich characters, layered storytelling, and themes of identity and betrayal offer a highly memorable reading experience! Readers looking for a fast-paced fantasy thriller with a strong female protagonist and found family vibes should immediately add this book to their TBR!
🎙️NARRATION (READ BY THE AUTHOR)🎙️
The audiobook of The Order Of Grimm is an immersive, suspenseful listen narrated by award-winning narrator Shiromi Arserio, who also authored the book!
From the very first chapter, Arserio fully embodies protagonist Samara with a gritty, determined voice that captures the character's fearless spirit. Arserio draws listeners into Samara’s inner dialogue, whether she’s mulling over whether to trust Callista or contemplating how to get out of the trouble she’s in—and every line is performed with authentic, captivating expression that makes the character feel real, relatable, and likable! As the character’s emotional arc unfolds, Arserio layers in subtle vulnerability, making Samara easy to empathize with. The dialogue between Samara and Callista is a major highlight—in the early exchanges between them, Arserio makes Samara's mistrust and resistace very tangible by adding unease and hesitation in Samara's voice. In contrast, Callista is first portrayed as overly confident and unapologetic, which makes her unlikable. The underlying animosity from their past is superbly expressed.
Arserio’s familiarity with the pacing and emotional layers of the story is also evident from the very first chapter. Every chapter is well paced—slowing down for character introductions and compelling dialogue between the ragtag crew members and increasing tension and pacing during the high-stakes suspense.
As this is a multi-POV story, Arserio does an impressive job giving each member of Samara’s crew a distinct voice and unique emotional intensity. Art, the con man, is given a wry, charming voice to capture his smooth-talking swagger. Gerda, a loyal friend of Samara, is portrayed with a more introspective, calm voice. Ana, the magic-user shrouded in mystery, is portrayed with a more distant tone. Seb, the explosives expert, is portrayed with an anxious, animated voice that matches his unpredictable nature. Arserio seamlessly switches between voices, even during fast-paced scenes, and makes the listening experience extremely immersive and cinematic!
Overall, this immersive, high-quality audio production, coupled with Arserio’s outstanding narration, creates an unstoppable listening experience! This audiobook is a must-listen for fantasy lovers who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes stories, multi-POVs, and immersive listens with a cinematic feel! If you haven’t listened to Shiromi Arserio’s narration before, this is your perfect opportunity to not only get acquainted with her top-notch voice acting skills but also her great writing—and let's hope there’s a sequel coming to this impressive debut novel! In the meantime, be sure to check out her extensive list of fantasy titles (and other genre titles) she’s narrated!
The Order of Grimm is a captivating fantasy heist novel with strong themes of found family, identity, and betrayal. This novel is the debut from Shiromi Arserio, an award-winning audiobook narrator who’s known for her top-notch fantasy narration.
The story takes place in Märchen, a city once ruled by the magical Three Queens. Protagonist Samara Dawa, who was kidnapped as a child and trained by an assassin’s guild, is now working independently for the thieves’ guild. When she’s contacted by her former friend, Callista (now the matron of the Assassin’s guild), to break into Chetwin Humphreys’s safe—the man who sold her as a child—she agrees to the job. Soon she assembles a ragtag crew, and together they plan the elaborate and high-stakes heist. As the mission unfolds, loyalties shift, plans suddenly change, and the crew are suddenly in for more than they expected.
The story wonderfully blends elements of gothic fantasy, political intrigue, high-stakes drama, and glimpses of an old magical society. The story is told from multiple POVs—while Samara always remains the heart of the story, the other crew members (Art, Ana, Gerda, and Seb) get their own chapters, which enriches the plot and gives amazing insight into the group’s dynamics.
The writing is fluid and easy to follow, with a great balance of fast-paced action, compelling dialogue, and descriptive world-building—all of which are layered and well organized without ever overwhelming the reader—as can so often be the case with fantasy books! The world-building is rich and immersive, with detailed cityscapes, intricate politics, and a bit of insight into a fairy-tale-esque history. The details on the Order of Grimm and the Three Queens are captivating but not expansive enough to fully appreciate—a prequel or sequels to expand upon their intricacies and history would be very interesting!
Samara is a gritty, determined protagonist who grapples with identity and trust issues from past betrayals. Her assassin training and her work for the thieves’s guild have made her thick-skinned, resilient, and a fearless leader. When she puts together a crew for the heist, she’s often more concerned with the others’ abilities and welfare than her own, which accentuates her admirable character.
The supporting crew brings diverse energy to the story. Art is a charismatic inside man and actor who’s able to charm and con his way through obstacles. Gerda is a burly bouncer turned getaway driver who shows incredible loyalty. Seb is an explosives expert linked to the thieves’ guild who Samara knows from past jobs. Lastly, Ana is a mysterious magic user whose ability to redirect kinetic energy becomes key to the success of the heist. The suggestive romance subplot between Seb and Ana is a fun distraction from the non-stop action and could become very compelling if explored further! Each member of the ‘ragtag crew’ is likeable with an intriguing backstory, and the found family vibes between them are quite pronounced by the end. With such rich characters and a solid foundation of world-building, there’s a great opportunity to expand this into a multi-book series, possibly having a different member of the crew as the main character in each book—not only to get better acquainted with each, but also for unique adventures and emotional arcs!
The story is fast-paced throughout but does linger at key moments to incorporate compelling emotional depth—mostly with regard to Samara’s backstory with Callista. For much of the story, Samara has her guard up—and rightfully so—as she’s constantly mulling over who to trust and what action her crew needs to take next. Being used to working jobs on her own, she’s not thrilled with the idea of having a crew—but in the end, it serves her well, and she acknowledges its benefits and the bonds she’s formed. Samara’s emotional arc is the real heart of the story, and readers will resonate with her need for vengeance and freedom. The tension and pacing escalate in the second half, after some major reveals and plot twists. The ending is quite satisfying but leaves questions unanswered—and opens the door to many possibilities in a sequel!
Overall, The Order of Grimm is an impressive debut offering an intriguing fusion of high-stakes fantasy and heist narrative. The expansive world-building, rich characters, layered storytelling, and themes of identity and betrayal offer a highly memorable reading experience! Readers looking for a fast-paced fantasy thriller with a strong female protagonist and found family vibes should immediately add this book to their TBR!
🎙️NARRATION (READ BY THE AUTHOR)🎙️
The audiobook of The Order Of Grimm is an immersive, suspenseful listen narrated by award-winning narrator Shiromi Arserio, who also authored the book!
From the very first chapter, Arserio fully embodies protagonist Samara with a gritty, determined voice that captures the character's fearless spirit. Arserio draws listeners into Samara’s inner dialogue, whether she’s mulling over whether to trust Callista or contemplating how to get out of the trouble she’s in—and every line is performed with authentic, captivating expression that makes the character feel real, relatable, and likable! As the character’s emotional arc unfolds, Arserio layers in subtle vulnerability, making Samara easy to empathize with. The dialogue between Samara and Callista is a major highlight—in the early exchanges between them, Arserio makes Samara's mistrust and resistace very tangible by adding unease and hesitation in Samara's voice. In contrast, Callista is first portrayed as overly confident and unapologetic, which makes her unlikable. The underlying animosity from their past is superbly expressed.
Arserio’s familiarity with the pacing and emotional layers of the story is also evident from the very first chapter. Every chapter is well paced—slowing down for character introductions and compelling dialogue between the ragtag crew members and increasing tension and pacing during the high-stakes suspense.
As this is a multi-POV story, Arserio does an impressive job giving each member of Samara’s crew a distinct voice and unique emotional intensity. Art, the con man, is given a wry, charming voice to capture his smooth-talking swagger. Gerda, a loyal friend of Samara, is portrayed with a more introspective, calm voice. Ana, the magic-user shrouded in mystery, is portrayed with a more distant tone. Seb, the explosives expert, is portrayed with an anxious, animated voice that matches his unpredictable nature. Arserio seamlessly switches between voices, even during fast-paced scenes, and makes the listening experience extremely immersive and cinematic!
Overall, this immersive, high-quality audio production, coupled with Arserio’s outstanding narration, creates an unstoppable listening experience! This audiobook is a must-listen for fantasy lovers who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes stories, multi-POVs, and immersive listens with a cinematic feel! If you haven’t listened to Shiromi Arserio’s narration before, this is your perfect opportunity to not only get acquainted with her top-notch voice acting skills but also her great writing—and let's hope there’s a sequel coming to this impressive debut novel! In the meantime, be sure to check out her extensive list of fantasy titles (and other genre titles) she’s narrated!
January 25, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
The Order of Grimm is a standalone magical heist story featuring a reformed assassin. The heroine is given an opportunity to go up against the man that sold her to the assassins guild when she was a child. She just needs to open a safe in his office for a former friend. This is just the situation she needs to see if she can find some records of her past and start looking for her family. As an assassin she worked alone, but for this job she will need a crew.
With the assistance of a few friends and a couple other specialized unknowns, a plan is hatched. When things go wrong, they go really wrong, and now the team has to pivot and try and save a girl being auctioned off as a descendant of one of the last magical queens. Infiltrating an auction is going to be a lot harder and the stakes are a lot higher.
I would say this is a little bit Oceans 11 and sorta Six of Crows. The idea of the world was interesting. Three Queens used to rule Cinderella, Rapunzel and Snow White with fae magic. But almost all of the magic left the world when they did. Magic wielders are few and far between now, hunted for their power. Trying to run a heist under the nose of Thieves Guild and against a Kingpin is more than dangerous. But the prize, is worth risk, especially if she does have magic.
This was an entertaining book. The makeshift crew had interesting characters to fit the needed roles with some decent backstories blended in. They were all pretty likeable characters. I was a little sad they weren't a bit grittier or morally ambiguous like in Six of Crows, they are more wholesome or nice than that crew. I found the story entertaining overall but think the characters could have had a bit more depth to them. Still a fun story that did make me wonder how they were going to get one over on the bad guy.
Narration:
Performance: ★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★
Sound Effects: None
Shiromi Arserio is a new to me author but I have listened to some of her other works. She gives a solid performance and made it easy to differentiate the characters from each other. The story was easy to follow with her performance. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
The Order of Grimm is a standalone magical heist story featuring a reformed assassin. The heroine is given an opportunity to go up against the man that sold her to the assassins guild when she was a child. She just needs to open a safe in his office for a former friend. This is just the situation she needs to see if she can find some records of her past and start looking for her family. As an assassin she worked alone, but for this job she will need a crew.
With the assistance of a few friends and a couple other specialized unknowns, a plan is hatched. When things go wrong, they go really wrong, and now the team has to pivot and try and save a girl being auctioned off as a descendant of one of the last magical queens. Infiltrating an auction is going to be a lot harder and the stakes are a lot higher.
I would say this is a little bit Oceans 11 and sorta Six of Crows. The idea of the world was interesting. Three Queens used to rule Cinderella, Rapunzel and Snow White with fae magic. But almost all of the magic left the world when they did. Magic wielders are few and far between now, hunted for their power. Trying to run a heist under the nose of Thieves Guild and against a Kingpin is more than dangerous. But the prize, is worth risk, especially if she does have magic.
This was an entertaining book. The makeshift crew had interesting characters to fit the needed roles with some decent backstories blended in. They were all pretty likeable characters. I was a little sad they weren't a bit grittier or morally ambiguous like in Six of Crows, they are more wholesome or nice than that crew. I found the story entertaining overall but think the characters could have had a bit more depth to them. Still a fun story that did make me wonder how they were going to get one over on the bad guy.
Narration:
Performance: ★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★
Sound Effects: None
Shiromi Arserio is a new to me author but I have listened to some of her other works. She gives a solid performance and made it easy to differentiate the characters from each other. The story was easy to follow with her performance. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
October 18, 2025
Who doesn’t love a good heist story? Especially one filled with chaos, clever twists, and a ragtag crew you can’t help but root for? It’s a fast-paced, twisty ride and so much fun.
I loved how this story balanced tension with charm. The found family dynamic within the crew was such a highlight; every member felt distinct and fully realized, with their own quirks, interesting backstories, and strong character arcs that make the group feel genuinely alive.
What really hooked me was why things went wrong. There was nuance behind the failure and some really interesting character moments. There’s also a wonderful energy to how the plot unfolds. Tight pacing, unexpected turns, and just the right amount of emotion to make you care deeply about these thieves.
And if you enjoy audiobooks, the author-narrated version adds an extra spark of authenticity that pulls you even deeper into the world. The Order of Grimm is super fun and character-driven. With excellent character development and plenty of twists, I’m already counting down the days until book two!
Thanks so much to MTMC and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
I loved how this story balanced tension with charm. The found family dynamic within the crew was such a highlight; every member felt distinct and fully realized, with their own quirks, interesting backstories, and strong character arcs that make the group feel genuinely alive.
What really hooked me was why things went wrong. There was nuance behind the failure and some really interesting character moments. There’s also a wonderful energy to how the plot unfolds. Tight pacing, unexpected turns, and just the right amount of emotion to make you care deeply about these thieves.
And if you enjoy audiobooks, the author-narrated version adds an extra spark of authenticity that pulls you even deeper into the world. The Order of Grimm is super fun and character-driven. With excellent character development and plenty of twists, I’m already counting down the days until book two!
Thanks so much to MTMC and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
What a delightful book! A heist set in a post-fairytale-age world. I can't wait for the sequel.
January 5, 2025
Heists always go right and nothing unexpected happens. No twist, no turns, just everything to the plan. Always. So when I saw Shiromi Arserio had her own book coming out, narrated by her, I definitely wanted to check it out. "The Order of Grimm" out 14 January 2025.
Magic is a rare thing in this day and age. Unless you happen to be born with it, or be filthy rich. The city of Märchen lays next to the Queendoms and enjoys a bustling "diverse business" market, totally normal to have an assassin's house in the city. Staffed by people who totally were not stolen to be trained and indoctrinated as children. But we are following Samara Dswa, an ex-assassin, who doesn't kill anymore and is trying to take down the man who sold her as a child. When her old sister/friend/current leader of the assassin's has an offer, she desperately wants to not be a trap, Samara must get competent help to pull off a heist. I'm sure it won't go sidewise and have new wrinkles like, thieves guild, city watch, magic, and the like.
Narrated by Shiromi Arserio, thank you for the copy and it was a delight hearing things exactly as the author intended.
Reasons to read:
-Magic heist, I'm going to go in on that
-Cast of characters is fantastic and with their own motivations and quirks
-Some concepts and history based on the Grimm fairy tales but with it being connected to a broader plot
-World has stuff going on in the background that made me intrigued
Cons:
-That person really deserved a stabbing
Magic is a rare thing in this day and age. Unless you happen to be born with it, or be filthy rich. The city of Märchen lays next to the Queendoms and enjoys a bustling "diverse business" market, totally normal to have an assassin's house in the city. Staffed by people who totally were not stolen to be trained and indoctrinated as children. But we are following Samara Dswa, an ex-assassin, who doesn't kill anymore and is trying to take down the man who sold her as a child. When her old sister/friend/current leader of the assassin's has an offer, she desperately wants to not be a trap, Samara must get competent help to pull off a heist. I'm sure it won't go sidewise and have new wrinkles like, thieves guild, city watch, magic, and the like.
Narrated by Shiromi Arserio, thank you for the copy and it was a delight hearing things exactly as the author intended.
Reasons to read:
-Magic heist, I'm going to go in on that
-Cast of characters is fantastic and with their own motivations and quirks
-Some concepts and history based on the Grimm fairy tales but with it being connected to a broader plot
-World has stuff going on in the background that made me intrigued
Cons:
-That person really deserved a stabbing
June 5, 2025
⭐️ 4.5/5
The Order of Grimm is a cleverly written fantasy heist with strong found family vibes, reminiscent of Six of Crows and Ocean's Eleven. The story shines through its complex characters and emotionally engaging dynamics. The main character stands out for her intelligence and the clear growth she undergoes, making her journey both compelling and satisfying.
Among the crew, the standout was the girl who worked as the getaway driver, who not only brought strength and loyalty to the group but also shared a deep friendship with the protagonist. The interactions among the crew felt real and heartfelt, especially during scenes where they planned and trained together, moments that really showcased their growing bond and individual skills.
Themes of loyalty and justice were at the heart of the story, and the moral tension between revenge and doing the right thing gave the book an emotional depth that elevated the fast-paced plot. The fantasy elements were light but well-executed, and the world-building was immersive enough to draw you in without overwhelming detail. The ending was satisfying, and though this seems to be a standalone, I’d absolutely read more from this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Order of Grimm is a cleverly written fantasy heist with strong found family vibes, reminiscent of Six of Crows and Ocean's Eleven. The story shines through its complex characters and emotionally engaging dynamics. The main character stands out for her intelligence and the clear growth she undergoes, making her journey both compelling and satisfying.
Among the crew, the standout was the girl who worked as the getaway driver, who not only brought strength and loyalty to the group but also shared a deep friendship with the protagonist. The interactions among the crew felt real and heartfelt, especially during scenes where they planned and trained together, moments that really showcased their growing bond and individual skills.
Themes of loyalty and justice were at the heart of the story, and the moral tension between revenge and doing the right thing gave the book an emotional depth that elevated the fast-paced plot. The fantasy elements were light but well-executed, and the world-building was immersive enough to draw you in without overwhelming detail. The ending was satisfying, and though this seems to be a standalone, I’d absolutely read more from this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2025
The Order of Grimm
By Shiromi Arserio
Narrated by Shiromi Arserio
4 ⭐️
The story: A fantasy heist where the rag tag con group turns to found family with fairytale bits sprinkled in; mostly extinct magic comes out to play in more than one heist.
This book is fun. Our MC = Sam or Samara is all business. Her motives are usually a bit selfish, she’s earned it, but not greedy. Gold doesn’t entice her. Revenge does. When an opportunity too good to pass up is presented, she gathers together a handful of strangers with specialized skills. The group’s evolution steals the show for me. They bond together with loyalty and trust while Arserio keeps tabs on how little they know of each other. It’s a fun dynamic to explore. This book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger but does leave a big ol’ invitation for book 2 to come waltzing in. I really hope it does! 🤞
Arserio is a voice actor and award winning audiobook narrator by trade. I didn’t know this when I picked this audiobook up. I was sucked in by the cool name, pretty cover, and the promise of a heist. I love when those random choices pay off in a big way. This was a great listen.
Thank you NetGalley, Shiromi Arserio, and Gobbolina Press for this audiobook ARC! 🫖
By Shiromi Arserio
Narrated by Shiromi Arserio
4 ⭐️
The story: A fantasy heist where the rag tag con group turns to found family with fairytale bits sprinkled in; mostly extinct magic comes out to play in more than one heist.
This book is fun. Our MC = Sam or Samara is all business. Her motives are usually a bit selfish, she’s earned it, but not greedy. Gold doesn’t entice her. Revenge does. When an opportunity too good to pass up is presented, she gathers together a handful of strangers with specialized skills. The group’s evolution steals the show for me. They bond together with loyalty and trust while Arserio keeps tabs on how little they know of each other. It’s a fun dynamic to explore. This book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger but does leave a big ol’ invitation for book 2 to come waltzing in. I really hope it does! 🤞
Arserio is a voice actor and award winning audiobook narrator by trade. I didn’t know this when I picked this audiobook up. I was sucked in by the cool name, pretty cover, and the promise of a heist. I love when those random choices pay off in a big way. This was a great listen.
Thank you NetGalley, Shiromi Arserio, and Gobbolina Press for this audiobook ARC! 🫖
January 24, 2025
Magic, heists, bad-assery, and Grimm fairytales galore. The Order of Grimm by Shiromi Arserio was a thrilling read!
I found out about this book while I was scrolling on TikTok. I stumbled upon a live stream of a woman in a recording booth reading this book. I was instantly intrigued, not only because of Shiromi’s amazing voice but also because of the story she was weaving live on my little screen. Once I found out she not only was recording the audio for this book, but she WROTE IT ALSO!!! I knew I was going to need this book in my life!
One of my favorite feelings while reading is when you start a new book and immediately know you’re going to like it. As I began the audio book of The Order of Grimm, I knew right away! Not only was the narration smooth, clear, and expressive, but I also loved the atmospheric writing style that made me feel totally immersed in the bustling, almost steam punk like, city and the different cultures of this world. I loved the world building!! The idea of magic and fae once thriving and slowly vanishing as the world grew to no longer need them, leaving magic a rare skill many no longer believed in it, I was totally here for. I loved the references to well known Grimm fairytales and princesses we all know and love. At the beginning of each chapter there was a snippet of newspaper article or other information that filled you in on this world’s history and culture. I love creating world building like this that explains the world as needed in interesting ways!
What’s a heist without a team? I loved the diverse cast that made up our rag-tag team of thieves! They felt familiar, but also unique and well rounded. I also loved how the POV of this story would jump to different characters at times so we could see every angle of the heist and know the thoughts and worries of each character. Samara was our fearless leader, former assassin, and bad ass main character. She drove this story and I loved getting to know her and her backstory. Gerda was probably my favorite character, it’s very close between her and Samara. Gerda is Samara’s friend who protects those she cares about. She is a big buff lady with a heart of gold who was punching baddies left and right, how could I not love her?!
If you like Six of Crows or A Tempest of Tea you’ll love this book!
Special thanks to the author and narrator of this book, Shiromi Arserio, for gifting me an ARC of the audio book. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I found out about this book while I was scrolling on TikTok. I stumbled upon a live stream of a woman in a recording booth reading this book. I was instantly intrigued, not only because of Shiromi’s amazing voice but also because of the story she was weaving live on my little screen. Once I found out she not only was recording the audio for this book, but she WROTE IT ALSO!!! I knew I was going to need this book in my life!
One of my favorite feelings while reading is when you start a new book and immediately know you’re going to like it. As I began the audio book of The Order of Grimm, I knew right away! Not only was the narration smooth, clear, and expressive, but I also loved the atmospheric writing style that made me feel totally immersed in the bustling, almost steam punk like, city and the different cultures of this world. I loved the world building!! The idea of magic and fae once thriving and slowly vanishing as the world grew to no longer need them, leaving magic a rare skill many no longer believed in it, I was totally here for. I loved the references to well known Grimm fairytales and princesses we all know and love. At the beginning of each chapter there was a snippet of newspaper article or other information that filled you in on this world’s history and culture. I love creating world building like this that explains the world as needed in interesting ways!
What’s a heist without a team? I loved the diverse cast that made up our rag-tag team of thieves! They felt familiar, but also unique and well rounded. I also loved how the POV of this story would jump to different characters at times so we could see every angle of the heist and know the thoughts and worries of each character. Samara was our fearless leader, former assassin, and bad ass main character. She drove this story and I loved getting to know her and her backstory. Gerda was probably my favorite character, it’s very close between her and Samara. Gerda is Samara’s friend who protects those she cares about. She is a big buff lady with a heart of gold who was punching baddies left and right, how could I not love her?!
If you like Six of Crows or A Tempest of Tea you’ll love this book!
Special thanks to the author and narrator of this book, Shiromi Arserio, for gifting me an ARC of the audio book. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
So I immediately love the setting. Each chapter is prefaced by snippets from essentially a tour guide book, giving little snippets about the land and places which I thought was such a fun touch. It gave the world a lived in full even without a lot of backstory.
Our main character Samara is a fun one, with some mystery background and some (understandable) trust issues. It makes her a bit distant to the other characters but also allows us to explore her psyche a bit, though not as much as I imagined.
The heist-plot line is fun because it’s had Ocean 11 vibes but never forgets it’s in a fantasy setting. That add a different flavor to what might feel like a standard thieving plot.
The other characters are interesting but I found myself mainly engaged with Samara which is a good thing. The only thing I found a bit tiring was sometimes the plot seemed almost too busy with so many characters and so much action but in a heist setting, you kind of want that. I definitely chock that up to just a me thing.
Overall, a creative fantasy heist story with an engaging protagonist in a world that feels just as layered as the characters
So I immediately love the setting. Each chapter is prefaced by snippets from essentially a tour guide book, giving little snippets about the land and places which I thought was such a fun touch. It gave the world a lived in full even without a lot of backstory.
Our main character Samara is a fun one, with some mystery background and some (understandable) trust issues. It makes her a bit distant to the other characters but also allows us to explore her psyche a bit, though not as much as I imagined.
The heist-plot line is fun because it’s had Ocean 11 vibes but never forgets it’s in a fantasy setting. That add a different flavor to what might feel like a standard thieving plot.
The other characters are interesting but I found myself mainly engaged with Samara which is a good thing. The only thing I found a bit tiring was sometimes the plot seemed almost too busy with so many characters and so much action but in a heist setting, you kind of want that. I definitely chock that up to just a me thing.
Overall, a creative fantasy heist story with an engaging protagonist in a world that feels just as layered as the characters
July 28, 2025
I’m a fan of both heist stories and fairytale retellings so I was intrigued by this debut novel that integrates the two. The heist aspect is very well done although the fairytale parts are mostly background for much of the book, they add a fun touch.
I really enjoyed the crew and seeing what each of their talents brought to the team.
The setting is fairly gritty with people kidnapped into slavery and entrapped into servitude by gambling dens. Samara was taken as a young child and sold to be trained as an assassin. She was able to leave that but works as an enforcer for one of the local crime bosses. When her “sister” assassin recruits her to steal a safe from the man who sold her, she puts together her first crew.
Although I enjoyed the book overall, I didn’t much care for the ending. While the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, there are still many unanswered questions and the main characters aren’t exactly safe.
The author is also an accomplished narrator and the audio performance is excellent. Other reviews describe this as Oceans 11 meets Six of Crows in a Snow White world and I’d agree.
October 16, 2025
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 3.5⭐️
Themes: 2.5⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️
Emotional Impact: 3⭐️
Overall rating: 3.5/5⭐️
✨Female Former Assassin
🤎A heist narrative
✨Rival sisters
🤎Found family
✨Character driven by vengeance
🤎magical abilities
Former assassin Samara Dawa is bent on vengeance. When the opportunity arises to destroy the man who sold her as a child, she doesn’t hesitate. Soon Samara finds herself needing to infiltrate a magical auction run by the mysterious Order of Grimm. The main item for sale: the last descendant of Queen White.
I enjoyed the heist plot and the found family aspect the most. The groups evolution and bond is what kept me hooked. Excited for the sequel The Glass Coffin Society.
Arserio is an award-winning narrator with narrating over 300 audiobooks. I highly recommend the audiobook!
Thank you to MTMCtours and Shiromi Arserio for this physical copy.
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 3.5⭐️
Themes: 2.5⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️
Emotional Impact: 3⭐️
Overall rating: 3.5/5⭐️
✨Female Former Assassin
🤎A heist narrative
✨Rival sisters
🤎Found family
✨Character driven by vengeance
🤎magical abilities
Former assassin Samara Dawa is bent on vengeance. When the opportunity arises to destroy the man who sold her as a child, she doesn’t hesitate. Soon Samara finds herself needing to infiltrate a magical auction run by the mysterious Order of Grimm. The main item for sale: the last descendant of Queen White.
I enjoyed the heist plot and the found family aspect the most. The groups evolution and bond is what kept me hooked. Excited for the sequel The Glass Coffin Society.
Arserio is an award-winning narrator with narrating over 300 audiobooks. I highly recommend the audiobook!
Thank you to MTMCtours and Shiromi Arserio for this physical copy.
October 18, 2025
I loved every moment lost in this book, and I devoured this adventure in almost one gulp. To me this story hit like a steampunk fantasy rendition of a Lara Croft // Tomb Raider film that merged with a retelling of Snow White….yeah….you read that right. Just try to picture that.
Now add more character depth, better banter, and a bigger cast of relatable misfits. Have I hooked you yet?
Samara Dawa, a deadly assassin with a dark past, is drawn into a high-stakes magical heist when she’s offered the chance to rescue a royal descendant and confront a figure from her childhood captivity. To succeed, she must gather a crew of skilled outcasts and navigate a world of magic, betrayal, and shifting alliances. As the mission unfolds, Samara is forced to confront her own trauma and decide whether revenge or redemption will define her future.
‘The Order of Grimm’, a heist fantasy, is the first book in The Tales of Märchen series. I will definitely be picking up book 2 coming soon!!
Now add more character depth, better banter, and a bigger cast of relatable misfits. Have I hooked you yet?
Samara Dawa, a deadly assassin with a dark past, is drawn into a high-stakes magical heist when she’s offered the chance to rescue a royal descendant and confront a figure from her childhood captivity. To succeed, she must gather a crew of skilled outcasts and navigate a world of magic, betrayal, and shifting alliances. As the mission unfolds, Samara is forced to confront her own trauma and decide whether revenge or redemption will define her future.
‘The Order of Grimm’, a heist fantasy, is the first book in The Tales of Märchen series. I will definitely be picking up book 2 coming soon!!
May 1, 2025
Ocean's Eleven meets Snow White: can it get any better than that?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! In order to see if I'll continue with a book, I look for one of two things: if I connect with a character right away, and if the book has a great hook. This book had both of those elements!
The book starts out with Samara, a retired assassin, nearly being killed in a tourist trap. Her would-be assassin gives her a message from her sister, and I had to know why.
What follows is loveable characters, despicable villians, and a fantasy heist that pulls you in and never lets go.
Arserio has a talent for keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, and amping up the tension little by little until you're flying through pages.
A great debut for this author/narrator and I can't wait for more!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! In order to see if I'll continue with a book, I look for one of two things: if I connect with a character right away, and if the book has a great hook. This book had both of those elements!
The book starts out with Samara, a retired assassin, nearly being killed in a tourist trap. Her would-be assassin gives her a message from her sister, and I had to know why.
What follows is loveable characters, despicable villians, and a fantasy heist that pulls you in and never lets go.
Arserio has a talent for keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, and amping up the tension little by little until you're flying through pages.
A great debut for this author/narrator and I can't wait for more!
September 2, 2025
I liked all of the references to fairy tales (snow white, the order of the grimm, the glass coffin, godmothers, ect). Interesting book with Samara, the main character, being raised as an assasin. She is hired by someone she though of as family to do a job only to find out that she was set up, so what does she do next? Read the book and find out. I was left with some questions at the end of the book which makes me thing the author is going to write another one in this series. There is a little magic, a lot of fighting and a heist that seems more than a little difficult to pull off. I recieved an ARC of this book.
Content: A few swears but mostly with made up curse words, and one character that made several references to his sexual pastimes. Human trafficking plays a big role in this book with none of the main characters supporting it.
Content: A few swears but mostly with made up curse words, and one character that made several references to his sexual pastimes. Human trafficking plays a big role in this book with none of the main characters supporting it.
January 12, 2025
It’s giving Locke Lamora and Celaena Sardothien.
I’m completely hooked. This audiobook is incredible. As a debut novel it’s absolutely fantastic! And having such an acclaimed narrator read HER OWN BOOK it’s *chefs kiss*. It is read exactly how it should be, all of the emphasis is bang on, and the names are pronounced the same every single time!! I don’t think I can emphasize how great this really is! I have complete faith and utter trust in the narrator.
As for the storyline. Strong female main character - check. Historical fantasy setting - check. Big heist to pull off with a small unlikely team - check. There is betrayal, and trauma, and a whole bunch of badassery. Only downside is waiting for book 2… because there is definitely more story to be had.
I’m completely hooked. This audiobook is incredible. As a debut novel it’s absolutely fantastic! And having such an acclaimed narrator read HER OWN BOOK it’s *chefs kiss*. It is read exactly how it should be, all of the emphasis is bang on, and the names are pronounced the same every single time!! I don’t think I can emphasize how great this really is! I have complete faith and utter trust in the narrator.
As for the storyline. Strong female main character - check. Historical fantasy setting - check. Big heist to pull off with a small unlikely team - check. There is betrayal, and trauma, and a whole bunch of badassery. Only downside is waiting for book 2… because there is definitely more story to be had.
January 15, 2025
A light fantasy rescue mission with a retired assassin and her newly formed crew finds themselves learning to trust each other while being thwarted by those they once trusted the most. Sam has moved on but her "sister" is still entrenched in the dark world of assassins for hire, can help her without becoming what she's worked so hard to removed herself from?
This was a quick fun read with twists and turns at every corner. I loved the multi-POV and thought the characters each had their own little backstory that helped move the plot along. It helped with the trust issues this new crew was facing and I hope we see them again.
Received this audiobook ARC from NetGalley and VictoriaEditing for an honest Review
This was a quick fun read with twists and turns at every corner. I loved the multi-POV and thought the characters each had their own little backstory that helped move the plot along. It helped with the trust issues this new crew was facing and I hope we see them again.
Received this audiobook ARC from NetGalley and VictoriaEditing for an honest Review
January 25, 2025
Okay. This book. It's like if you got to read Six of Crows from Inez's point of view but a little bit mashed up with fairy tales. I adored it. It was so well written and just something I really enjoyed with the storyline and backstories, you name it! A mash-up crew pulling off a major heist, plot twists abound, then they have to pivot and pull off a bigger heist! I also liked that while there were multiple characters, I usually knew what was going on and could keep the main characters straight.
If you like Mahle & Madison's Twisted Pages or Bardugo's Six of Crows, give this book a shot, you wont regret it!
Plus, Shiromi is a top notch narrator. I'm so glad she wrote this book and narrated it herself!
If you like Mahle & Madison's Twisted Pages or Bardugo's Six of Crows, give this book a shot, you wont regret it!
Plus, Shiromi is a top notch narrator. I'm so glad she wrote this book and narrated it herself!
September 13, 2025
"The Order Of Grimm" by Shiromi Arserio is a classic heist fantasy adventure. If you like heists with magic sprinkled on top, check this one out. The story is fast-paced, following the lead of former assassin Samara. Samara was trained in the highly specialized all-female guild (think Black Widow), but not by choice. Even if she is free of that life, she is still lost, for she doesn't know where she came from. When she gets dragged into one more job, she only takes it because she thinks she might find her family.
In an Ocean's 11 style, Samara gathers her team, and what you get is a book with a ragtag team of heroes, lost magic and inheritance, found family, and a loner protagonist. The history of the godmothers added an interesting backdrop to the world, and the little snippets at the beginning of each chapter were fun.
In an Ocean's 11 style, Samara gathers her team, and what you get is a book with a ragtag team of heroes, lost magic and inheritance, found family, and a loner protagonist. The history of the godmothers added an interesting backdrop to the world, and the little snippets at the beginning of each chapter were fun.
October 22, 2025
I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting.
The order of Grimm is about Samara who is a former assassin. She gets asked to do a heist and it the perfect way for her to get back at the man who sold her as a child. Samara needs to infiltrate a magical auction which is run by the order of the Grimm and the main item uk for sale is the last descendant of queen white.
There were lots of great characters within this book who helped Samara with the heist.
I love how Samara doesn’t want to be an assassin anymore but that she’s found another use for her skills.
There were some twists I saw coming but also some I didn’t.
I just wish the book could of been longer
The order of Grimm is about Samara who is a former assassin. She gets asked to do a heist and it the perfect way for her to get back at the man who sold her as a child. Samara needs to infiltrate a magical auction which is run by the order of the Grimm and the main item uk for sale is the last descendant of queen white.
There were lots of great characters within this book who helped Samara with the heist.
I love how Samara doesn’t want to be an assassin anymore but that she’s found another use for her skills.
There were some twists I saw coming but also some I didn’t.
I just wish the book could of been longer
January 10, 2025
Former assassin Samara now works for the thieves guild and they do not like their people working independently. When Samara gets the opportunity for revenge against the man who sold her as a child, she takes it but is betrayed. This will lead her to trying to rescue a girl from the same fate.
Very well written and beautifully narrated by the author (I listened to the audiobook). Great characters in this well paced, action packed adventure novel. There will be plots, plans, fights, magic, explosions, friendship and honour. Can they save the girl and themselves?
Very well written and beautifully narrated by the author (I listened to the audiobook). Great characters in this well paced, action packed adventure novel. There will be plots, plans, fights, magic, explosions, friendship and honour. Can they save the girl and themselves?
May 15, 2025
Fun Concept, Uneven Execution
The Order of Grimm by Shiromi Arserio offers a unique blend of fairy tale lore and heist thriller, with a strong setup and an intriguing lead in Samara Dawa. The worldbuilding is creative, especially the reimagining of Märchen and its magical black market. However, the pacing falters in places, and some characters in Samara’s crew feel underdeveloped. While the plot has promise and flair, it sometimes leans too heavily on genre tropes without fully exploring its emotional stakes. Still, fans of fantasy capers may find it an enjoyable, if imperfect, ride.
The Order of Grimm by Shiromi Arserio offers a unique blend of fairy tale lore and heist thriller, with a strong setup and an intriguing lead in Samara Dawa. The worldbuilding is creative, especially the reimagining of Märchen and its magical black market. However, the pacing falters in places, and some characters in Samara’s crew feel underdeveloped. While the plot has promise and flair, it sometimes leans too heavily on genre tropes without fully exploring its emotional stakes. Still, fans of fantasy capers may find it an enjoyable, if imperfect, ride.
September 7, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a quick read involving a magical heist and found family. Samara is an ex-assassin, doing odd jobs until her friend Callista pulls her in for a job. Their relationship is complicated, but they still work together well. Without wanting to, Samara gathers a team that becomes a family: Art, Gerda, Seb, and Ana all bring their own skills and backgrounds to the story, creating diversity. All the characters are developed and complex. The author switches between POVs, and they are all engaging. This was a fast-paced read filled with plenty of high stakes.
This was a quick read involving a magical heist and found family. Samara is an ex-assassin, doing odd jobs until her friend Callista pulls her in for a job. Their relationship is complicated, but they still work together well. Without wanting to, Samara gathers a team that becomes a family: Art, Gerda, Seb, and Ana all bring their own skills and backgrounds to the story, creating diversity. All the characters are developed and complex. The author switches between POVs, and they are all engaging. This was a fast-paced read filled with plenty of high stakes.
October 22, 2025
As someone who LOVES heists, found family, and vengeance plots, The Order of Grimm was the perfect read!
Somehow, Arserio has managed to give depth and intrigue to every character throughout the book without skimping for the main character, Samara. I love the rag-tag group that Samara puts together to help with heisting and cannot wait to see where this crew goes in the next book!
Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
Somehow, Arserio has managed to give depth and intrigue to every character throughout the book without skimping for the main character, Samara. I love the rag-tag group that Samara puts together to help with heisting and cannot wait to see where this crew goes in the next book!
Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
April 14, 2025
If I could give this more stars, I would. The world Arserio has so skillfully crafted claws you down into the depths of assassins, secret societies, and lost magic.
The FMC Samara is a lethal assassin trying to find her place in the world and trying to do some good along the way. For those who love a funny, colorfully dysfunctional found family, The Order of Grimm delivers the goods.
The FMC Samara is a lethal assassin trying to find her place in the world and trying to do some good along the way. For those who love a funny, colorfully dysfunctional found family, The Order of Grimm delivers the goods.
September 11, 2025
This was a very creative and enjoyable read. A reinterpretation of a fairy tale world after the fairy tales are over. Thieves. Organized crime. Powerful men and women fighting over the dregs of magic and influence. Definitely worth the time to read. I hope she expands this into an entire universe. I would read every story!
February 1, 2025
And just like that I finished my 5th book for January. I really enjoyed this one a lot. The writing was amazingly good and the characters were lovable. It definitely gave me Six of Crows and A Tempest of Tea vibes. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
February 20, 2025
A wonderful fantasy heist novel, with a cast of interesting characters which grabbed me from the word go! I definitely want more!
Shiromi Aresrio is a talented narrator and as you’d expect she brought her own words to life with the upmost skill!
Shiromi Aresrio is a talented narrator and as you’d expect she brought her own words to life with the upmost skill!
September 2, 2025
She is after revenge and her plot is going to be difficult as she will need help going undercover in the magical guild. Being born with magic is dangerous unless you are very wealthy. See if she manages to get the revenge she wants
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read
October 23, 2025
I give this a 4.5 but rounding up! I binged this book, it was such a fun read! There are some adult themes (non romance) but I enjoyed reading this one. It’s clever, quick paced, and will keep you on the edge of your seat as we follow our gang through their adventures!
Did not finish
November 16, 2025Assassins are always a hard sell with me, and, just coming off a book that didn't make enough use of the past perfect tense, I wasn't up for another one. (Noting this mainly for myself, so I don't pick it up again.)
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