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Braided Fate #1
Warrior Princess Assassin
New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer makes her adult debut with this irresistible and steamy fantasy about three characters whose paths will collide in surprising ways – two royals pushed into a political engagement, and the assassin tasked with hunting them down.
WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.
PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous secret: her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she's deceiving him?
ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.
A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and falling in love with each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.
WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.
PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous secret: her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she's deceiving him?
ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.
A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and falling in love with each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2025
1305 people are currently reading
49398 people want to read
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer
30 books18k followersBrigid Kemmerer is the New York Times bestselling author of dark and alluring romantic fantasy like Warrior Princess Assassin, A Curse So Dark and Lonely, and Defy the Night, and compelling contemporary romance like Letters to the Lost. Her books have sold over one million copies and been translated into more than 20 languages, finding readers all over the world. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,146 reviews
December 20, 2025
Me: I’m done with love triangles.
Brigid Kemmerer: They all want each other.
Me: Go on...
Firstly, this isn’t a love triangle. I’m not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. If you’re firmly in the monogamy camp, this probably won't be your cup of tea, I'm guessing.
Secondly, I loved how the relationship dynamic between our three main characters was handled because I was concerned it would feel lopsided. Someone always feels like the extra wheel. But in this case, it works. It’s built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like I’m a therapist (I’m not)… But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, I’ll be real. If you’re expecting spice early or even midway, abandon hope. This is the slowest of slow burns and nothing spicy happens until after 90%. But it's not tacked on. It's because this book wants you to sit in the tension and wait for trust to matter. I respect that.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher? Ashassin?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. It’s tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawson’s Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until it’s not. Until we get to know Asher’s trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves. [Trigger warning list at the bottom of this blog post if you need them.]
Princess Jory herself… She’s naive, soft, frustratingly sheltered, brandishes hairpins as a weapon. Punches people often. However I really appreciated her growth. By the end, she takes up space.
Then, there’s Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big “touch her and die” energy. His relationship with Princess Jory starts with kindness and disguise, both of them meeting outside the roles they were born into. That thread of anonymity gives their connection warmth before duty throws a spanner in the works.
Meanwhile, Ashassin is quietly being handed orders to kill both of them. I found the fraught relationship between him and Warrior King Ky and the way they grow to understand each other possibly the most compelling. So yes, when I say this book has layers, I mean it. It’s a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. It’s about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. There’s war, politics, magic and a whole lot of travelling across dangerous landscapes, but the beating heart of this book is emotional growth. And I liked that. The plot definitely ramps up later in the book, though, after the journey.
Moreover, what really stayed with me were the themes. The book digs into privilege and complicity without turning into a lecture, which is impressive because those are loaded topics.
Do I recommend it? If you like romance which slow cooks, simmers and then sets the kitchen on fire peppered with political intrigue, trauma and bathwater heated by a guy who can summon fire, I’d def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, I’d look elsewhere. Be mindful of content warnings going into this, it gets dark.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for the ARC.
Brigid Kemmerer: They all want each other.
Me: Go on...
Firstly, this isn’t a love triangle. I’m not an expert at terminology but no one is standing awkwardly in the corner twiddling their thumbs. If you’re firmly in the monogamy camp, this probably won't be your cup of tea, I'm guessing.
Secondly, I loved how the relationship dynamic between our three main characters was handled because I was concerned it would feel lopsided. Someone always feels like the extra wheel. But in this case, it works. It’s built on trust, vulnerability and mutual consent and choice which sounds like I’m a therapist (I’m not)… But it truly feels earned, despite many precarious moments.
That said, I’ll be real. If you’re expecting spice early or even midway, abandon hope. This is the slowest of slow burns and nothing spicy happens until after 90%. But it's not tacked on. It's because this book wants you to sit in the tension and wait for trust to matter. I respect that.
But let me set the stage. We start with the dynamic between Assassin Asher (Assasher? Ashassin?) and his friendship with Princess Jory. It’s tender, childhood-sweet and a little Dawson’s Creek coded, complete with sneaky bedroom visits. Cute. Until it’s not. Until we get to know Asher’s trauma bingo card. Mind your triggers, loves. [Trigger warning list at the bottom of this blog post if you need them.]
Princess Jory herself… She’s naive, soft, frustratingly sheltered, brandishes hairpins as a weapon. Punches people often. However I really appreciated her growth. By the end, she takes up space.
Then, there’s Warrior King Ky. He respects women and he has big “touch her and die” energy. His relationship with Princess Jory starts with kindness and disguise, both of them meeting outside the roles they were born into. That thread of anonymity gives their connection warmth before duty throws a spanner in the works.
Meanwhile, Ashassin is quietly being handed orders to kill both of them. I found the fraught relationship between him and Warrior King Ky and the way they grow to understand each other possibly the most compelling. So yes, when I say this book has layers, I mean it. It’s a cracking premise.
Beyond the romance, I felt that Warrior Princess Assassin leans towards more character-driven. It’s about feelings and relationships and emotions and unpacking trauma. There’s war, politics, magic and a whole lot of travelling across dangerous landscapes, but the beating heart of this book is emotional growth. And I liked that. The plot definitely ramps up later in the book, though, after the journey.
Moreover, what really stayed with me were the themes. The book digs into privilege and complicity without turning into a lecture, which is impressive because those are loaded topics.
Do I recommend it? If you like romance which slow cooks, simmers and then sets the kitchen on fire peppered with political intrigue, trauma and bathwater heated by a guy who can summon fire, I’d def recommend it. If you need lots of plot and instant spice, I’d look elsewhere. Be mindful of content warnings going into this, it gets dark.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for the ARC.
August 21, 2025
3.25!
I have to say that when I read Brigid's books, the thing that lures me in is the book title, but this one was so underwhelming - like, did she even try with it? 😭 If we look past that, though, this is a decent read. It does fall short on so many aspects, but it delivers the enjoyment that we crave so perfectly that I don't want to rate it lower, but if we look at it objectively, it should be lower. I didn't really know what to make of the writing style. The book itself was very fast-paced and easy to read, and I was having fun reading it, but that was all 😭 At first, I didn't notice how much this book was lacking, so my experience was going well, but once I started to see it, it just spiraled downwards from there.
Jory, the princess and our main character. So incredibly naive and so gullible, she brought nothing to the book. I think she was just used for all of the characters to meet together because that was all that she helped do; she did nothing. She was shallow and one-dimensional; she had no development, no arc. She was no better than a piece of cardboard, and I hated that she threw away the main character with that much potential. Asher, he honestly was delivering. He has his arc set for the next book and has a lot of potential. I would like to see it explored. Ry, my favorite character, honestly, was kind of ruthless but also a softie, so I was bound to like him.
The romance- It was supposed to be a polyamorous relationship, and it did not deliver. I feel like the chemistry between Asher and Ry was done very well; it was giving enemies to lovers, and the tension between them was good, too, but Jory, in between them, felt like she was just meddling. Cuz it just made it awkward since there was no chemistry between her with literally neither of them, so it was a bummer, and another complaint would be that it moved way too fast, like there was no slow burn or anything, I wanted to see more development from them.
The plot was what?? They just ran from the assassins throughout the book, and the assassins didn't even chase them?? It was honestly not well done, and the world-building was nonexistent. So, you might say, even after all these complaints, why is it getting three stars? Cuz it was enjoyableee.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it could have been way better
___
So excited to buddy read this with Iqra. Also, my second chance for this author 😋
*Thank you to Netgalley- and the publishers Harper Voyager and Avon for an E-Arc*
I have to say that when I read Brigid's books, the thing that lures me in is the book title, but this one was so underwhelming - like, did she even try with it? 😭 If we look past that, though, this is a decent read. It does fall short on so many aspects, but it delivers the enjoyment that we crave so perfectly that I don't want to rate it lower, but if we look at it objectively, it should be lower. I didn't really know what to make of the writing style. The book itself was very fast-paced and easy to read, and I was having fun reading it, but that was all 😭 At first, I didn't notice how much this book was lacking, so my experience was going well, but once I started to see it, it just spiraled downwards from there.
Jory, the princess and our main character. So incredibly naive and so gullible, she brought nothing to the book. I think she was just used for all of the characters to meet together because that was all that she helped do; she did nothing. She was shallow and one-dimensional; she had no development, no arc. She was no better than a piece of cardboard, and I hated that she threw away the main character with that much potential. Asher, he honestly was delivering. He has his arc set for the next book and has a lot of potential. I would like to see it explored. Ry, my favorite character, honestly, was kind of ruthless but also a softie, so I was bound to like him.
The romance- It was supposed to be a polyamorous relationship, and it did not deliver. I feel like the chemistry between Asher and Ry was done very well; it was giving enemies to lovers, and the tension between them was good, too, but Jory, in between them, felt like she was just meddling. Cuz it just made it awkward since there was no chemistry between her with literally neither of them, so it was a bummer, and another complaint would be that it moved way too fast, like there was no slow burn or anything, I wanted to see more development from them.
The plot was what?? They just ran from the assassins throughout the book, and the assassins didn't even chase them?? It was honestly not well done, and the world-building was nonexistent. So, you might say, even after all these complaints, why is it getting three stars? Cuz it was enjoyableee.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it could have been way better
___
So excited to buddy read this with Iqra. Also, my second chance for this author 😋
*Thank you to Netgalley- and the publishers Harper Voyager and Avon for an E-Arc*
October 26, 2025
Such an unexpected gem of a read, this was so fun!!!
August 11, 2025
Oh, I enjoyed this so much more than I was expecting, a perfect romantasy. I had so much fun and I absolutely loved the main characters!!
Jory, the Princess of Astranza, is forced to marry the King of Incendar, to form an alliance her kingdom desperately needs. King Ky is a feared leader of his kingdom, but he needs the power of Jory's father to save his people. Asher is an assassin, a childhood friend of Jory, tasked with killing them both. But who is trying to killed them both before the alliance is forged? The three of them will have to figure that out, all while a simmering tension grows between them..
The main reason I requested this book is because I knew this wasn't a love triangle, so don't go into it expecting that. I mean, why have one when they can all have each other!! As far as I'm concerned, this is the only right way to do the relationship when there are three main characters involved. There was so much tension between them, a delicious slowburn filled with conflict, trust issues, banter and so much chemistry. The three of them were such a delight to read, I hope it continues in this direction. When you add to that political intrigue, betrayal, great secondary characters and immaculate worldbuilding, you get a story you will absolutely love.
The characters, not the plot, were driving the story, which I loved. The story was set up perfectly. We were slowly introduced to the world and we really got to know the characters.
Asher, his story broke my heart, it's always the tortured souls that get me.
Ky, ruthless yet so kind and protective, made me fall in love with him almost instantly. His soldiers and he, and the way they were with each other, were one of my favourite parts.
Jory, such a compelling character. She was incredibly sheltered and naive, but I loved how she came into her own strength.
I can't wait to see where the story takes them. I will be anxiously waiting for book two. The story is just starting, since we got more of the plot towards the end. I guessed the traitor pretty easily, but that honestly didn't take away much from the story.
I devoured this book in one breath, I couldn't pull myself from it. Can book two come any quicker, please?
*Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ARC.*
Jory, the Princess of Astranza, is forced to marry the King of Incendar, to form an alliance her kingdom desperately needs. King Ky is a feared leader of his kingdom, but he needs the power of Jory's father to save his people. Asher is an assassin, a childhood friend of Jory, tasked with killing them both. But who is trying to killed them both before the alliance is forged? The three of them will have to figure that out, all while a simmering tension grows between them..
The main reason I requested this book is because I knew this wasn't a love triangle, so don't go into it expecting that. I mean, why have one when they can all have each other!! As far as I'm concerned, this is the only right way to do the relationship when there are three main characters involved. There was so much tension between them, a delicious slowburn filled with conflict, trust issues, banter and so much chemistry. The three of them were such a delight to read, I hope it continues in this direction. When you add to that political intrigue, betrayal, great secondary characters and immaculate worldbuilding, you get a story you will absolutely love.
The characters, not the plot, were driving the story, which I loved. The story was set up perfectly. We were slowly introduced to the world and we really got to know the characters.
Asher, his story broke my heart, it's always the tortured souls that get me.
Ky, ruthless yet so kind and protective, made me fall in love with him almost instantly. His soldiers and he, and the way they were with each other, were one of my favourite parts.
Jory, such a compelling character. She was incredibly sheltered and naive, but I loved how she came into her own strength.
I can't wait to see where the story takes them. I will be anxiously waiting for book two. The story is just starting, since we got more of the plot towards the end. I guessed the traitor pretty easily, but that honestly didn't take away much from the story.
I devoured this book in one breath, I couldn't pull myself from it. Can book two come any quicker, please?
*Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ARC.*
April 25, 2025
Honestly, it’s kind of impressive to write so many words and still say absolutely nothing. This book started off with so much potential. It actually hurt to finish it and end up feeling so empty. I won’t even get into the details because I know it’ll spiral into a full-on rant, and I’m not trying to drain my energy like that.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2025
Bravo, Brigid. Bravo.
August 20, 2025
just a bunch of walking and talking and somehow we still got nowhere
November 19, 2025
When I say I want to read a romantasy, this is what I mean.
If you loved The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson but wanted an adult version where Lia, Rafe, and Kaden are all lusting after each other - let me introduce you to Warrior Princess Assassin and Ky, Jory, Asher. 🥵
I will admit I went into this book blind. All I needed to know was that this was Brigid Kemmerer’s adult debut and I was sold! Imagine my surprise when the warrior, the princess, and the assassin were all separate people and the warrior and the assassin weren’t just craving the princess but each other too!
What’s to love…
- the absolute SLOWEST of slow burn
- political intrigue
- not a dull POV in sight, usually with multiple POVs there is always one I don’t love - this was the exception! I loved being in each of their heads!
- Grade A BANTER
- EPIC TENSION
- easy to binge and totally un-put-downable
- characters you want to root for
- the romance 💗💗
What’s not to love…
- occasionally the POVs were a bit repetitive
🌶️ - Ch 32, 33, 34 🥵
4.5⭐️⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Mild trope related spoiler re: their relationship…
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
If you loved The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson but wanted an adult version where Lia, Rafe, and Kaden are all lusting after each other - let me introduce you to Warrior Princess Assassin and Ky, Jory, Asher. 🥵
I will admit I went into this book blind. All I needed to know was that this was Brigid Kemmerer’s adult debut and I was sold! Imagine my surprise when the warrior, the princess, and the assassin were all separate people and the warrior and the assassin weren’t just craving the princess but each other too!
What’s to love…
- the absolute SLOWEST of slow burn
- political intrigue
- not a dull POV in sight, usually with multiple POVs there is always one I don’t love - this was the exception! I loved being in each of their heads!
- Grade A BANTER
- EPIC TENSION
- easy to binge and totally un-put-downable
- characters you want to root for
- the romance 💗💗
What’s not to love…
- occasionally the POVs were a bit repetitive
🌶️ - Ch 32, 33, 34 🥵
4.5⭐️⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Mild trope related spoiler re: their relationship…
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
OHMAGOSH this book was so bingeable I am genuinely going crazy bc I have no more material to read about these characters 😫
The characters:
The Warrior — oh I was drawn to him from his first pov. Gahhhh his whole character and personality was so stable and safe it litch made me wanna find comfort in him myself. I love how he did what’s necessary for a king. He’s not impulsive and observes behaviour, assesses situations before he speaks or does anything. I loveeeed everything about him.
The Princess — as much as I understood her role in this book she was giving nothing to the overall plot. Her character just did not mesh well with me and she was a bit irrelevant at times to be honest. She felt like dead weight.
The assassin — he made me so emo 🤚 litch want to protect him with my whole body. This man just could not catch a break pls I was on the verge of sobbing for him 😭😭 his whole character just spoke to me. I loveeeed that he was competent in his role and omfds I was eating it up how he bested half the ppl in this book 💋 so satisfying
The romance:
I felt more chemistry between Ky and Asher than any of them with Jory. Like hello the actual betrayal omg the ANGST??? So scrumptious. I did see the potential with Jory and Ky but her with Asher was a mess to be honest. It always felt to me Asher was an afterthought for her.
I’m really glad with how things worked out with them though because they do make sense with each other. The soft moments??? 😫🤚 *on my knees banging my fist on the floor* no bc they were violent one second and then sweet and soft the next plsss I was living for it.
The writing:
As good as the story was, the writing felt overly formal sometimes. It was a bit rocky at the start of the book but I think as the author got more comfortable with the characters, the writing also eased up a bit. Once there was a flow to the book, it became so bingeable u couldn’t tear this book away from my hands.
The world building was good but it’s not exactly the best I’ve ever read. There are still some things that need expanding and fleshing out. I still have questions about the why’s and how’s. But this is definitely another aspect that’s making me want to come back to this world for more when the next book releases.
Overall it was soooo fun and had the perfect pacing.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for the ARC! ♥︎
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I guessed who the traitor was and screamed when I was RIGHT heheh 👹👹
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Buddy reading w Clace (we’re not gna talk about the 11 other books in my CR okay 🤚)
The characters:
The Warrior — oh I was drawn to him from his first pov. Gahhhh his whole character and personality was so stable and safe it litch made me wanna find comfort in him myself. I love how he did what’s necessary for a king. He’s not impulsive and observes behaviour, assesses situations before he speaks or does anything. I loveeeed everything about him.
The Princess — as much as I understood her role in this book she was giving nothing to the overall plot. Her character just did not mesh well with me and she was a bit irrelevant at times to be honest. She felt like dead weight.
The assassin — he made me so emo 🤚 litch want to protect him with my whole body. This man just could not catch a break pls I was on the verge of sobbing for him 😭😭 his whole character just spoke to me. I loveeeed that he was competent in his role and omfds I was eating it up how he bested half the ppl in this book 💋 so satisfying
The romance:
I felt more chemistry between Ky and Asher than any of them with Jory. Like hello the actual betrayal omg the ANGST??? So scrumptious. I did see the potential with Jory and Ky but her with Asher was a mess to be honest. It always felt to me Asher was an afterthought for her.
I’m really glad with how things worked out with them though because they do make sense with each other. The soft moments??? 😫🤚 *on my knees banging my fist on the floor* no bc they were violent one second and then sweet and soft the next plsss I was living for it.
The writing:
As good as the story was, the writing felt overly formal sometimes. It was a bit rocky at the start of the book but I think as the author got more comfortable with the characters, the writing also eased up a bit. Once there was a flow to the book, it became so bingeable u couldn’t tear this book away from my hands.
The world building was good but it’s not exactly the best I’ve ever read. There are still some things that need expanding and fleshing out. I still have questions about the why’s and how’s. But this is definitely another aspect that’s making me want to come back to this world for more when the next book releases.
Overall it was soooo fun and had the perfect pacing.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for the ARC! ♥︎
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
I guessed who the traitor was and screamed when I was RIGHT heheh 👹👹
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Buddy reading w Clace (we’re not gna talk about the 11 other books in my CR okay 🤚)
September 26, 2025
when i read the title “warrior princess assassin” never did i imagine the warrior, princess, and assassin in question were a poly m/m/f why choose! 🤭
there wasn’t much of a plot although the vibes were def there and this is much more a character driven beginning to the series (i can’t wait to see how this develops further). it is also steamy as FUCK i won’t lie this had me clutching my pearls in the best way 🔥🥵
i read this in like, two solid sittings and im appalled how kemmerer went from her ya series (which i adored) to THIS. 100% recommend but please check trigger warnings!!
thank you to netgalley and avon for the arc 💫
there wasn’t much of a plot although the vibes were def there and this is much more a character driven beginning to the series (i can’t wait to see how this develops further). it is also steamy as FUCK i won’t lie this had me clutching my pearls in the best way 🔥🥵
i read this in like, two solid sittings and im appalled how kemmerer went from her ya series (which i adored) to THIS. 100% recommend but please check trigger warnings!!
thank you to netgalley and avon for the arc 💫
July 28, 2025
this book made me feel things 🦋 and I loved it.
October 5, 2025
5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The kingdom is at stake. No matter how badly I want to, I can’t run away. But I can choose how to face my destiny.
Warrior Princess Assassin had my heart pounding, melting, fluttering, aching and healing all at once.
I devoured this book. Savored every page. Breathed in every word. I was completely enchanted.
Before you assume this is a Love Triangle, you can rest easy that it's not. It's one of the most beautifully written Poly romances that is just so angsty, so passionate, so tender, so sensual. Brigid Kemmerer handles it with such genuine care and thought that each of the three characters stand out and their feelings come off organic and sincere.
I appreciate that the author gave me enough time to explore the dynamics between the characters as pairs and as a trio. Nothing felt rushed and no one was left stranded or treated as a third-wheel. Despite two of the characters having shared history, it didn't negate the natural progression of the feelings all three of them developed for each other.
Princess Jory is trapped in an arranged marriage while her heart yearns for her childhood friend Asher, but this marriage is a condition for an important alliance—and no matter how much she yearns to escape it, or rather escape her betrothed, cannot condemn her Kingdom for her own selfishness. Asher has been in love with Jory forever, but since he was exiled at Sixteen from the Palace, he has been subjected to enough horrors and had become a killer himself—he is well aware that not only do the odds stand against him to be with the one he loves, Jory does not know who he truly is now. King Maddox Kyronan, blessed with a lethal fire magic and a reputation to match is eager to seal this alliance, take his bride and return to his Kingdom to attend to matters far more important.
Jory, Asher and Ky... each are haunted by their own ghosts and nightmares, each carry hidden and visible wounds, and when they all find themselves together that is when something begins to shift and, perhaps, their scars and hearts might begin to mend.
Holy hell the tension between the three of them was drawn so taut I was pleading the author, the characters, anyone to just cut it and when Jory, Asher and Ky reached their breaking point... I did not brace myself for the emotional wreck I'd turn into.
It's a slow, slow burn that had me on edge and rewarded me in the best way (yes there is some spice with more in the future). The chemistry between them was sizzling and incredible and I could not get enough.
This book is quite character-driven and balanced between three different POVs, so it was very enjoyable to me to step into the mind of each character and experience their thoughts and feelings.
There are dark topics that are mentioned and discussed, especially what one of the characters was subjected to, so I caution sensitive readers to make sure they read the content warnings.
Brigid Kemmerer, girl I was not familiar with your game but what an absolutely incredible adult fantasy romance debut!! Now I'm on my toes anxious for book 2 *sobbing*.
Even if you're not a fan of Poly romance, I promise you this book will take your breath away!
The kingdom is at stake. No matter how badly I want to, I can’t run away. But I can choose how to face my destiny.
Warrior Princess Assassin had my heart pounding, melting, fluttering, aching and healing all at once.
I devoured this book. Savored every page. Breathed in every word. I was completely enchanted.
Before you assume this is a Love Triangle, you can rest easy that it's not. It's one of the most beautifully written Poly romances that is just so angsty, so passionate, so tender, so sensual. Brigid Kemmerer handles it with such genuine care and thought that each of the three characters stand out and their feelings come off organic and sincere.
I appreciate that the author gave me enough time to explore the dynamics between the characters as pairs and as a trio. Nothing felt rushed and no one was left stranded or treated as a third-wheel. Despite two of the characters having shared history, it didn't negate the natural progression of the feelings all three of them developed for each other.
Princess Jory is trapped in an arranged marriage while her heart yearns for her childhood friend Asher, but this marriage is a condition for an important alliance—and no matter how much she yearns to escape it, or rather escape her betrothed, cannot condemn her Kingdom for her own selfishness. Asher has been in love with Jory forever, but since he was exiled at Sixteen from the Palace, he has been subjected to enough horrors and had become a killer himself—he is well aware that not only do the odds stand against him to be with the one he loves, Jory does not know who he truly is now. King Maddox Kyronan, blessed with a lethal fire magic and a reputation to match is eager to seal this alliance, take his bride and return to his Kingdom to attend to matters far more important.
Jory, Asher and Ky... each are haunted by their own ghosts and nightmares, each carry hidden and visible wounds, and when they all find themselves together that is when something begins to shift and, perhaps, their scars and hearts might begin to mend.
Holy hell the tension between the three of them was drawn so taut I was pleading the author, the characters, anyone to just cut it and when Jory, Asher and Ky reached their breaking point... I did not brace myself for the emotional wreck I'd turn into.
It's a slow, slow burn that had me on edge and rewarded me in the best way (yes there is some spice with more in the future). The chemistry between them was sizzling and incredible and I could not get enough.
This book is quite character-driven and balanced between three different POVs, so it was very enjoyable to me to step into the mind of each character and experience their thoughts and feelings.
There are dark topics that are mentioned and discussed, especially what one of the characters was subjected to, so I caution sensitive readers to make sure they read the content warnings.
Brigid Kemmerer, girl I was not familiar with your game but what an absolutely incredible adult fantasy romance debut!! Now I'm on my toes anxious for book 2 *sobbing*.
Even if you're not a fan of Poly romance, I promise you this book will take your breath away!
September 27, 2025
6 ⭐️ Read
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book! It wasn’t anything like I was expecting but managed to deliver so much more! I’m obsessed with all 3 of them but Asher has my heart! 🫶🏾
Seriously this is one of my favorite reads of the year and of all time. I devoured this book in one sitting. And the audiobook was actual magic! I need book 2 ASAP!
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book! It wasn’t anything like I was expecting but managed to deliver so much more! I’m obsessed with all 3 of them but Asher has my heart! 🫶🏾
Seriously this is one of my favorite reads of the year and of all time. I devoured this book in one sitting. And the audiobook was actual magic! I need book 2 ASAP!
December 11, 2025
4.5 ☆
i won’t lie, the main thing that stood out to me while reading this was the romance. Jory was a bit too naive and inexperienced for my liking, but i did love how she did what she could to keep Asher and Ky safe once she became more aware of everything. now .. KY and ASHER ?!!?!! I’M IN LOVE. these two men had THE most chemistry, they understood each other on a level that neither one had experienced before and the way Asher so easily gave in to Ky? ON MY KNEES !! i felt so bad for Asher, i don’t think there’s ever been another character who i think needed more love and protection than him.
“You are free. But if this is where you choose to remain, know this: no one will take you away from me.”
i do think they’re all cute as a throuple, but Ky and Asher definitely had the more compelling connection. Jory’s brother was driving me so far up the wall, actually could not stand him from page one and can’t wait to see him get what he deserves for being a loser. Jory definitely needs to wake up and start pushing back, with Ky at her side they could get so much done. i had high expectations for this for some reason, but it still managed to surpass them anyway.. can’t wait for #2 .
i won’t lie, the main thing that stood out to me while reading this was the romance. Jory was a bit too naive and inexperienced for my liking, but i did love how she did what she could to keep Asher and Ky safe once she became more aware of everything. now .. KY and ASHER ?!!?!! I’M IN LOVE. these two men had THE most chemistry, they understood each other on a level that neither one had experienced before and the way Asher so easily gave in to Ky? ON MY KNEES !! i felt so bad for Asher, i don’t think there’s ever been another character who i think needed more love and protection than him.
“You are free. But if this is where you choose to remain, know this: no one will take you away from me.”
i do think they’re all cute as a throuple, but Ky and Asher definitely had the more compelling connection. Jory’s brother was driving me so far up the wall, actually could not stand him from page one and can’t wait to see him get what he deserves for being a loser. Jory definitely needs to wake up and start pushing back, with Ky at her side they could get so much done. i had high expectations for this for some reason, but it still managed to surpass them anyway.. can’t wait for #2 .
April 16, 2025
DNF at 25%
I wasn’t really vibing with the book, so I looked up reviews. It felt a little too insta lust to me, but whatever. It’s just not my thing.
I did think it would be a love triangle. NO.
I had NO idea this was a why choose romance. I can confirm. The girl does it with both dudes at the same time. The dudes do it with each other. Everyone is doing it with everyone.
I’m embarrassed to say the least. 🙈
I never leave reviews for DNFs, but I felt it was important in this case.
This was a free copy from NetGalley.
I wasn’t really vibing with the book, so I looked up reviews. It felt a little too insta lust to me, but whatever. It’s just not my thing.
I did think it would be a love triangle. NO.
I had NO idea this was a why choose romance. I can confirm. The girl does it with both dudes at the same time. The dudes do it with each other. Everyone is doing it with everyone.
I’m embarrassed to say the least. 🙈
I never leave reviews for DNFs, but I felt it was important in this case.
This was a free copy from NetGalley.
September 16, 2025
✩ 3.65 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Royal Engagement
➼ Political Intrigue
➼ Healing From Trauma
➼ Why Choose
➼ Narrated by Teddy Hamilton, Abigail Reno, and Aaron Shedlock
➼ Three First Person POV’s
I ended up liking this a lot more than I expected. I think what really made this book good was that a lot of focus was placed on their trauma, their emotional connection, and how they could each fulfill a need for each other. I also really loved that we got to hear from each character in first person POV. As in most romances, the FMC still felt like the primary character, but each MMC got pretty equal air time which really allowed for both of their strengths to shine.
I will probably always prefer to read about monogamous relationships because they are just more romantic in my opinion, but this was surprisingly good. I have to say though, I did think Asher’s story was particularly sad. His casual detailing of his life as a slave, an assassin and a whore felt even heavier than the narrative allowed for. How could the FMC know even a portion of what he had been through and still argue that slavery did not exist in their county?
I’m pretty curious about where this story will go. I have a lot of questions about her father’s illness and Ky’s sister. I feel like there is a lot that hasn’t yet been revealed, and I’m interested to see how it will all play out.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Okay, I’m ACTUALLY reading a “why choose romance” now. 😅 Going in expecting that I probably won’t love it, but open to being pleasantly surprised! I forgot to skip my Fairyloot subscription that month, so I figure I might as well read it since I own it. 😆
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Royal Engagement
➼ Political Intrigue
➼ Healing From Trauma
➼ Why Choose
➼ Narrated by Teddy Hamilton, Abigail Reno, and Aaron Shedlock
➼ Three First Person POV’s
I ended up liking this a lot more than I expected. I think what really made this book good was that a lot of focus was placed on their trauma, their emotional connection, and how they could each fulfill a need for each other. I also really loved that we got to hear from each character in first person POV. As in most romances, the FMC still felt like the primary character, but each MMC got pretty equal air time which really allowed for both of their strengths to shine.
I will probably always prefer to read about monogamous relationships because they are just more romantic in my opinion, but this was surprisingly good. I have to say though, I did think Asher’s story was particularly sad. His casual detailing of his life as a slave, an assassin and a whore felt even heavier than the narrative allowed for. How could the FMC know even a portion of what he had been through and still argue that slavery did not exist in their county?
I’m pretty curious about where this story will go. I have a lot of questions about her father’s illness and Ky’s sister. I feel like there is a lot that hasn’t yet been revealed, and I’m interested to see how it will all play out.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Okay, I’m ACTUALLY reading a “why choose romance” now. 😅 Going in expecting that I probably won’t love it, but open to being pleasantly surprised! I forgot to skip my Fairyloot subscription that month, so I figure I might as well read it since I own it. 😆
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
May 31, 2025
Rated 4.5/5 stars
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is a gem of a romantasy story that I just couldn’t put down. Following three POVs and their increasingly complicated situations when a betrothal-gone-wrong leads all three astray, this is a journey where I didn’t know the ideal outcome- and loved the story all the more for it.
The dynamic between our trio is one of irritation-meets-infatuation, and I ate. it. UP. I adored the push and pull between our main characters, no matter what direction that was felt at any given point, and if anything it just kept reeling me back in, hooked on the outcome for each character. It was tense, heated, and alluring all in one. Add in the political fantasy plot, and I was sold.
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is an incredible foray into adult romantasy from Brigid Kemmerer, one that is bound to have readers begging for more - and is now leaving me longing for book 2 😂
[I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley]
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is a gem of a romantasy story that I just couldn’t put down. Following three POVs and their increasingly complicated situations when a betrothal-gone-wrong leads all three astray, this is a journey where I didn’t know the ideal outcome- and loved the story all the more for it.
The dynamic between our trio is one of irritation-meets-infatuation, and I ate. it. UP. I adored the push and pull between our main characters, no matter what direction that was felt at any given point, and if anything it just kept reeling me back in, hooked on the outcome for each character. It was tense, heated, and alluring all in one. Add in the political fantasy plot, and I was sold.
Warrior, Princess, Assassin is an incredible foray into adult romantasy from Brigid Kemmerer, one that is bound to have readers begging for more - and is now leaving me longing for book 2 😂
[I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley]
September 3, 2025
THE PRINCESS HAS TWO BOYFRIENDS AND THE BOYFRIENDS ARE ALSO BOYFRIENDS!!!!!!!!!
Do you hear me SCREECHING from the mountain tops?
I’ve been doing cartwheels and giggling for days.
The smut in the next book is about to go friggen CRAZZZZZZZYyyyYyYyyYy!!!! I’m so unbelievably locked in you have no idea.
🎶Fucking two bad bitches at the same damn time🎶
I loved this so much I had an absolute blasttttttt. I think the last line of every chapter had me giggling or gagging I absolutely could not put this shit down.
This book primarily consists of court intrigue and navigating war and is heavy on the romance aspect over fantasy but I ADORED it even though not much plot happens. The silly little dynamics between them all was too good and I simply love it when the tough boys wrestle and fight and then kiss I was clapping like a seal the whole time.
I love that you get the hot, misunderstood, marriage-of-convenience-to-lovers warrior, fire wielder king AND ALSO the tortured, mysterious, friend-to-lovers assassin. Jory is an absolute freaking sheltered IDIOT but I have faith my girl is going to have a great character arc redemption. But really this girl cannot be serious half the time I was like GIRL!? There are a lot of dynamic characters here and they are not perfect at all and I really do love that.
When you read this have a counter how many times someone grabs someone else’s wrist I swear to god.
Wrist grab counter: 13!
(Also PS Brigid if you dream of hurting my baby Asher I really will riot in the streets don’t touch that boy he’s been through ENOUGH.)
Do you hear me SCREECHING from the mountain tops?
I’ve been doing cartwheels and giggling for days.
The smut in the next book is about to go friggen CRAZZZZZZZYyyyYyYyyYy!!!! I’m so unbelievably locked in you have no idea.
🎶Fucking two bad bitches at the same damn time🎶
I loved this so much I had an absolute blasttttttt. I think the last line of every chapter had me giggling or gagging I absolutely could not put this shit down.
This book primarily consists of court intrigue and navigating war and is heavy on the romance aspect over fantasy but I ADORED it even though not much plot happens. The silly little dynamics between them all was too good and I simply love it when the tough boys wrestle and fight and then kiss I was clapping like a seal the whole time.
I love that you get the hot, misunderstood, marriage-of-convenience-to-lovers warrior, fire wielder king AND ALSO the tortured, mysterious, friend-to-lovers assassin. Jory is an absolute freaking sheltered IDIOT but I have faith my girl is going to have a great character arc redemption. But really this girl cannot be serious half the time I was like GIRL!? There are a lot of dynamic characters here and they are not perfect at all and I really do love that.
When you read this have a counter how many times someone grabs someone else’s wrist I swear to god.
Wrist grab counter: 13!
(Also PS Brigid if you dream of hurting my baby Asher I really will riot in the streets don’t touch that boy he’s been through ENOUGH.)
Want to read
May 4, 2025please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle please don’t be a love triangle 😭😭🙏🙏
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc - all thoughts are my own <3
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc - all thoughts are my own <3
August 18, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!
3.5 stars because while i really enjoyed this, majority of this book could have been cut in half — the journey from astranza to incendar took entirely wayyyy too long, cutting on time our three mcs could have developed their relationships. the long journey felt like a cheap way to fluff out the first book into the next one.
i will admit i’m glad this was a slow burn and that the plot/characters were not sacrificed for the spice — considering the spice literally did not happen until 92% of the way into the book — but also it was not that spicy lol. although asher and ky totally kept me on the edge of my seat with their heated tension.
overall, i initially ate this up but also skimmed wayyyy too much of the middle, only to wind up with a cliffhanger. i will definitely return for the next book, but hopefully the plot progresses faster in book two.
3.5 stars because while i really enjoyed this, majority of this book could have been cut in half — the journey from astranza to incendar took entirely wayyyy too long, cutting on time our three mcs could have developed their relationships. the long journey felt like a cheap way to fluff out the first book into the next one.
i will admit i’m glad this was a slow burn and that the plot/characters were not sacrificed for the spice — considering the spice literally did not happen until 92% of the way into the book — but also it was not that spicy lol. although asher and ky totally kept me on the edge of my seat with their heated tension.
overall, i initially ate this up but also skimmed wayyyy too much of the middle, only to wind up with a cliffhanger. i will definitely return for the next book, but hopefully the plot progresses faster in book two.
July 28, 2025
“Rest assured, I know how to go to war.” ⚔️👑🔥
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
June 16, 2025
Listen. I knew I would love Kemmerer’s first adult fantasy novel but I didn’t know I would it LOVE WITH ALL MY HEART!
Holy moly this was an amazing adventure that took one heck of a sizzling turn in ways I was not expecting!
Kemmerer has an incredible ability to write how love feels. And in this story, she captures not only that, but lust, tension and the kind of chemistry that comes from people that were meant to be together.
This story is a simple one yet so much more than what it seems. We follow a Princess betrothed to a feared, fire wielding King. We have a warrior king on the other end of that betrothal, needing her magic to help save his people. And finally the assassin. He’s the princesses childhood friend and lover- that’s hired to take them both out.
It was SO FREAKING GOOD!!
Thank you to Avon for sending me this ARC, all thoughts are my own!
Holy moly this was an amazing adventure that took one heck of a sizzling turn in ways I was not expecting!
Kemmerer has an incredible ability to write how love feels. And in this story, she captures not only that, but lust, tension and the kind of chemistry that comes from people that were meant to be together.
This story is a simple one yet so much more than what it seems. We follow a Princess betrothed to a feared, fire wielding King. We have a warrior king on the other end of that betrothal, needing her magic to help save his people. And finally the assassin. He’s the princesses childhood friend and lover- that’s hired to take them both out.
It was SO FREAKING GOOD!!
Thank you to Avon for sending me this ARC, all thoughts are my own!
Read
December 9, 2025Confused expectations, lost adventure, & oops not for me!
A playful DNF at 50% 📖😅
Title, cover, and Jodi Picoult’s praise had me sold 📚✨. I went in blind and this time I did not exactly know what I was signing up for 🤷🏻♀️. A little bit of research beforehand might have helped but I usually like to go in completely blind 👀.
I was excited at first and ready for adventure ⚔️👑 but somewhere along the way the story lost me 😅. Once that “no more” feeling popped into my head and my heart 💔 I gently closed the cover and moved on. Oops not for me and that is perfectly okay 👍.
A playful DNF at 50% 📖😅
Title, cover, and Jodi Picoult’s praise had me sold 📚✨. I went in blind and this time I did not exactly know what I was signing up for 🤷🏻♀️. A little bit of research beforehand might have helped but I usually like to go in completely blind 👀.
I was excited at first and ready for adventure ⚔️👑 but somewhere along the way the story lost me 😅. Once that “no more” feeling popped into my head and my heart 💔 I gently closed the cover and moved on. Oops not for me and that is perfectly okay 👍.
August 24, 2025
Really didn’t care for Jory’s character and mostly just wanted Ky and Asher to be together 👀
Overall not a bad book but it just wasn’t for me.
Overall not a bad book but it just wasn’t for me.
September 5, 2025
“... if this is where you choose to remain, know this: no one will take you away from me.”
This was so much fun, the guys are everything, and I will die on this hill.
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I have such a soft spot for B and her Elemental series, so excited for her first adult one :)
This was so much fun, the guys are everything, and I will die on this hill.
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I have such a soft spot for B and her Elemental series, so excited for her first adult one :)
November 29, 2025
When I first heard of this book I was under the impression that this would be about a super fighter/spy princess, so I passed.
I'm glad I was wrong and I finally picked it up.
The writing is really good and the characters more complex and interesting than I'm used to in this genre.
I had a great time with this book and I'm looking forward to the next one.
I'm glad I was wrong and I finally picked it up.
The writing is really good and the characters more complex and interesting than I'm used to in this genre.
I had a great time with this book and I'm looking forward to the next one.
November 21, 2025
all hot people in the room should kiss each other
Want to read
November 16, 2023The title is a little ridiculous… but I do love warriors and assassins 😏
October 15, 2025
4.5
Warrior princess assassin was everything I could ever want, this is a true love triangle story and it has a throuple which is even better.
It went by so quickly because of how much happened that I didn't even realize it was more than 400 pages. I like the magic system and I feel like it will be more explored in the next book, the plot is political intrigue gold. And the romance. I'm obsessed.
The only downside is that I discovered this book pretty soon after the release so now I have to wait so long for the sequel.
Warrior princess assassin was everything I could ever want, this is a true love triangle story and it has a throuple which is even better.
It went by so quickly because of how much happened that I didn't even realize it was more than 400 pages. I like the magic system and I feel like it will be more explored in the next book, the plot is political intrigue gold. And the romance. I'm obsessed.
The only downside is that I discovered this book pretty soon after the release so now I have to wait so long for the sequel.
August 19, 2025
All the marketing was sure to say this was not a YA book. This is her adult debut. Not YA, not YA, NOT YA. If that is true, then why do all these characters act like they are 15 fucking years old?!? They have no logical reasoning skills, no communication skills. Jory (what a name BTW 🙄) is the most naive, annoying, useless FMC. You cannot convince me that these characters are supposed to be 25, 26, 28 years old, or whatever age they are. This is not a fantasy book either. There is no world building. I couldn't even begin to explain the magic system because it's not explained at all in the book. There's basically no plot. There are characters wanting to sleep with each other. That's it.
If the author wanted to write a book about a throuple, she should have just written a romance book about a throuple. That's clearly what she wanted. There's nothing wrong with writing romance novels. Just own it and move on. Although I would suggest writing more mature characters so it doesn't seem like your are writing sex scenes about 16 year olds. Suffice to say I will not be reading the next one.
If the author wanted to write a book about a throuple, she should have just written a romance book about a throuple. That's clearly what she wanted. There's nothing wrong with writing romance novels. Just own it and move on. Although I would suggest writing more mature characters so it doesn't seem like your are writing sex scenes about 16 year olds. Suffice to say I will not be reading the next one.
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