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The Assassin's Revenge
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jan 26Everything Prince Lucian thought he knew about his maid is a lie. Not only is her name Odessa—a foreign name from the enemy country—and not Rosalyn, she’s apparently a pirate who poisoned him and his family and opened the drawbridge to the enemy forces.
But as if she wants to confuse him, she was the one who dragged him to safety, and when she leaves him and he finds himself about to die at the hands of bandits from his own land, she saves him again and offers him a deal. She claims she was blackmailed with her fiancé’s life by the enemy general Baerick and that he has gone against his word and killed her love regardless. She wants revenge, the ultimate revenge, for she says that death is not enough for such a betrayal. She wants to destroy what Baerick loves most too—his legacy—and so she must help the fallen prince reclaim the country she just helped defeat. And in return? When it is over, she will let Lucian take her life.
They often say deals that are too good to be true can’t be trusted, but Lucian is quickly learning how unprepared he is to survive on his own, so what other choice does he have but to trust the very person who has already attempted to kill him?
Check out Assassin’s Revenge and find yourself on a whirlwind journey full of secrets, suspense, and maybe even love.
But as if she wants to confuse him, she was the one who dragged him to safety, and when she leaves him and he finds himself about to die at the hands of bandits from his own land, she saves him again and offers him a deal. She claims she was blackmailed with her fiancé’s life by the enemy general Baerick and that he has gone against his word and killed her love regardless. She wants revenge, the ultimate revenge, for she says that death is not enough for such a betrayal. She wants to destroy what Baerick loves most too—his legacy—and so she must help the fallen prince reclaim the country she just helped defeat. And in return? When it is over, she will let Lucian take her life.
They often say deals that are too good to be true can’t be trusted, but Lucian is quickly learning how unprepared he is to survive on his own, so what other choice does he have but to trust the very person who has already attempted to kill him?
Check out Assassin’s Revenge and find yourself on a whirlwind journey full of secrets, suspense, and maybe even love.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 23, 2026
26 people are currently reading
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Review of advance copy received from Author
"Look here, boy, you’ve never seen real battle, but war is not honorable."
— Rohan.
💚 Assassin FMC
💚 A naive, cinnamon roll prince (oh, he’s also a virgin and celibate 😏)
💚 Third person POV
💚 Reverse damsel so hard she saved him multiple times!
💚 Hidden identity
💚 Secret arrangement
💚 No spice with HFN ending
You’ve heard of a sheltered princess, but what if the roles were reversed?
Meet Lucian: the MMC. The prince. My cutie patootie adorable puppy cinnamon rolly that we must proteccy <33
You’ll feel sorry for him. You’ll laugh at him. You’ll want to knock some sense into him and probably shake his shoulders and scream, STOP WHINING! 😡 But you also can’t help wanting to tuck him under a blanket with warm milk, biscuits, and forehead kisses, like *mwah* 😘
No, Lucian isn’t your typical shadow daddy with permanent brain damage who can’t communicate and is always growling you’re mine! 25/8 🤢 He’s actually a softie 🥺 He likes to yapping about honor like Zuko’s long lost cousin, and guaranteed not to last a day without our FMC, Odessa.
And yes, this lasts for more than half the book! His development isn’t as instant as Indomie (for those who haven’t tried it, it’s an Indonesian instant noodle woohoo 😏). It’s slow. It’s tender. It’s believable.
There are days when he can’t even get out of "bed" because he’s mourning what he lost. He *gasped* cried 😱 A man who spills tears. I know! Shocking, right??? 😩And in the end, he grows.
Some of you might think this is odd and assume it’s just another feminist agenda, but stay long enough and you’ll find the answers, reasonss and explanations. And hey, if most of us can look at a naive princess and think, "Aww, adorable 😍"
Why don’t we treat him the same?
Lucian’s character might be a double edged sword. But I appreciate the author experimenting instead of giving us the usual brooding, cold, 7 ft tall MMC. She wrote Lucian with all his flaws. I’d rather read about Lucian and his journey from nothing than another unbreakable guy with dark hair (he’s brunette!) and eyes like a void (he’s blue eyed! 👀💙).
Sure, I think it would’ve worked better if Lucian were younger, maybe around 17-20?? Instead of his actual age, which felt a 🤏 bit 🤏 too old for him. But honestly I didn’t mind that much.
Please give him a chance 💚
Odessa, on the other hand, is a much more mature character. She’s a pirate 🏴☠️ A professional liar. The Temptress of the Seas 🌊 From the first chapter, Odessa doesn’t make readers wait long to witness her skills: she lies, deceives people, scares a poor guard, and then betrays our MMC. Ouch 🙂 As the story progresses, we learn a lot about her: her motivations, her family, and how capable she is of playing many roles. Previously, she was a servant. Most days, she’s a pirate. Other days, a noble.
At first, I struggled with her. It felt like the author pushed Odessa a little too hard by making her naturally good at everything and outshined others. The pirate crew respected her. The people adored her. And she even gave orders to her captain, Rohan! Not advice but a full blown orders 🤨
Look, I love FMCs with ridiculous power and genius sexy brains but the least you could do is make it ... Ugh, subtle? 😬 While I'm aware that there’s background for her skills, it happens off page, so Odessa ends up feeling too perfect. Without everyone constantly praising her, I think readers would accept her greatness more easily if it doesn't shoved down our throats :)
Luckily, this is balanced by the romance. What happens between Lucian and Odessa is definitely not instalove/lust because Lucian is basically a monk when it comes to intimacy I’m crying 😭 They don’t even recognize their attraction until around 65%. One polite kiss later, and it solidifies the YA feeling despite the characters’ ages. But I also wouldn’t call it enemies to lovers, simply because Lucian is too pure to hate anyone, even Odessa, after everything she did 🥺
I imagined this book like The King (2019) starring Timothee Chalamet but sadly it lacked tension. I guess I wanted the story to be bloodier. I wanted Lucian to have more spotlight during the battle. I’m also not a fan of the time jumps in the last 40%. It would’ve been great if this were split into a duology so we have more background on the side characters, stronger found family vibes among the pirates, and a deeper sense of their struggle for peace. The war would’ve felt more thrilling if the focus wasn’t so heavily on Odessa.
In the end, I still had a few questions :
- How did Baerick manage to assassinate the royal family so smoothly?
- How was the king of Sabalta this blind?
- How exactly did Odessa meet Rohan and Jesse?
- And how everyone forgave the traitor without consequences? Yeah that didn’t make sense to me.
Still, it was an enjoyable read. I forgave almost everything because of Lucian. Despite the book title that dedicated to Odessa, IMO he carried the whole story on his back through sheer characterization. Where else will you find a nervous, compassionate prince who knows nothing about the world, yet is willing to learn, even while something inside him keeps whispering that he’s a failure?
Sara Bittner wrote him excellently 👏
And that’s what made him memorable for me.
— Rohan.
💚 Assassin FMC
💚 A naive, cinnamon roll prince (oh, he’s also a virgin and celibate 😏)
💚 Third person POV
💚 Reverse damsel so hard she saved him multiple times!
💚 Hidden identity
💚 Secret arrangement
💚 No spice with HFN ending
You’ve heard of a sheltered princess, but what if the roles were reversed?
Meet Lucian: the MMC. The prince. My cutie patootie adorable puppy cinnamon rolly that we must proteccy <33
You’ll feel sorry for him. You’ll laugh at him. You’ll want to knock some sense into him and probably shake his shoulders and scream, STOP WHINING! 😡 But you also can’t help wanting to tuck him under a blanket with warm milk, biscuits, and forehead kisses, like *mwah* 😘
No, Lucian isn’t your typical shadow daddy with permanent brain damage who can’t communicate and is always growling you’re mine! 25/8 🤢 He’s actually a softie 🥺 He likes to yapping about honor like Zuko’s long lost cousin, and guaranteed not to last a day without our FMC, Odessa.
And yes, this lasts for more than half the book! His development isn’t as instant as Indomie (for those who haven’t tried it, it’s an Indonesian instant noodle woohoo 😏). It’s slow. It’s tender. It’s believable.
There are days when he can’t even get out of "bed" because he’s mourning what he lost. He *gasped* cried 😱 A man who spills tears. I know! Shocking, right??? 😩And in the end, he grows.
Some of you might think this is odd and assume it’s just another feminist agenda, but stay long enough and you’ll find the answers, reasonss and explanations. And hey, if most of us can look at a naive princess and think, "Aww, adorable 😍"
Why don’t we treat him the same?
Lucian’s character might be a double edged sword. But I appreciate the author experimenting instead of giving us the usual brooding, cold, 7 ft tall MMC. She wrote Lucian with all his flaws. I’d rather read about Lucian and his journey from nothing than another unbreakable guy with dark hair (he’s brunette!) and eyes like a void (he’s blue eyed! 👀💙).
Sure, I think it would’ve worked better if Lucian were younger, maybe around 17-20?? Instead of his actual age, which felt a 🤏 bit 🤏 too old for him. But honestly I didn’t mind that much.
Please give him a chance 💚
Odessa, on the other hand, is a much more mature character. She’s a pirate 🏴☠️ A professional liar. The Temptress of the Seas 🌊 From the first chapter, Odessa doesn’t make readers wait long to witness her skills: she lies, deceives people, scares a poor guard, and then betrays our MMC. Ouch 🙂 As the story progresses, we learn a lot about her: her motivations, her family, and how capable she is of playing many roles. Previously, she was a servant. Most days, she’s a pirate. Other days, a noble.
At first, I struggled with her. It felt like the author pushed Odessa a little too hard by making her naturally good at everything and outshined others. The pirate crew respected her. The people adored her. And she even gave orders to her captain, Rohan! Not advice but a full blown orders 🤨
Look, I love FMCs with ridiculous power and genius sexy brains but the least you could do is make it ... Ugh, subtle? 😬 While I'm aware that there’s background for her skills, it happens off page, so Odessa ends up feeling too perfect. Without everyone constantly praising her, I think readers would accept her greatness more easily if it doesn't shoved down our throats :)
Luckily, this is balanced by the romance. What happens between Lucian and Odessa is definitely not instalove/lust because Lucian is basically a monk when it comes to intimacy I’m crying 😭 They don’t even recognize their attraction until around 65%. One polite kiss later, and it solidifies the YA feeling despite the characters’ ages. But I also wouldn’t call it enemies to lovers, simply because Lucian is too pure to hate anyone, even Odessa, after everything she did 🥺
I imagined this book like The King (2019) starring Timothee Chalamet but sadly it lacked tension. I guess I wanted the story to be bloodier. I wanted Lucian to have more spotlight during the battle. I’m also not a fan of the time jumps in the last 40%. It would’ve been great if this were split into a duology so we have more background on the side characters, stronger found family vibes among the pirates, and a deeper sense of their struggle for peace. The war would’ve felt more thrilling if the focus wasn’t so heavily on Odessa.
In the end, I still had a few questions :
- How did Baerick manage to assassinate the royal family so smoothly?
- How was the king of Sabalta this blind?
- How exactly did Odessa meet Rohan and Jesse?
- And how everyone forgave the traitor without consequences? Yeah that didn’t make sense to me.
Still, it was an enjoyable read. I forgave almost everything because of Lucian. Despite the book title that dedicated to Odessa, IMO he carried the whole story on his back through sheer characterization. Where else will you find a nervous, compassionate prince who knows nothing about the world, yet is willing to learn, even while something inside him keeps whispering that he’s a failure?
Sara Bittner wrote him excellently 👏
And that’s what made him memorable for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Are you tired of assassins who have trained their whole life, but have never actually killed then when they go out on their first mission can't because they are too naive and have a heart of gold that won't allow them to take a life? Yeah, me too. Odessa kills six people in the first chapter. And I rooted for her to get her revenge the entire book! If you're a fan of murder, mayhem, and political intrigue all set against the backdrop of a war, this one's for you. If the last line of the description got you with ‘and maybe even love,’ then this one is not for you.
There was a bit of a slow start (discounting the murdering). As for the writing there were a few spots where words were repeated too close together in the same paragraph and a few sentences needed to be reread to get the full effect. And there is a great deal of swearing. All that being said, I'd still recommend reading this book. It's amazing. Though it is the first in a trilogy, it has a satisfying conclusion that works as a standalone.
Now I have to go on a little rant about the two things that I wish were different. They served their purpose beautifully, but were SO sad. The first is a minor spoiler.
Baerick captured Odessa's fiance Jesse at some point when there was fog. In the author's note she talks about almost starting with this scene, I'm glad she didn't because where the book started was absolutely perfect. But did this scene get cut altogether or did I just miss it? After reading the book I'm really not sure how Jesse was captured beyond that he was providing a distraction. If this is a deleted scene I'd love to see it included as bonus material in a future book, since my heart has already been ripped out, might as well stomp on it as well.
All that to say, I wish Baerick had been lying when he told Odessa that he already killed Jesse. I was waiting for that to be the twist until about 70% of the way through. The ‘somehow he's alive’ didn't sit well in Rise of Palpatine, but I would have accepted it here. How absolutely in love Odessa still is with Jesse is one of the two reasons there really was no romance with Lucian. (The other being that she killed his parents… so I wasn't rooting for that relationship until a single point for about two pages before all hope was ripped away.)
That was the twist I wished for, this next one is the actual twist, so MAJOR spoiler. If anything above made you want to read the book go and do that first and maybe come back to see if you agree with the other thing I wish had gone differently.
Not too long before the final battle Lucian asks Odessa what she'll do after the war (making it clear to the reader but somehow not her that he isn't going to kill her). She started talking about her cousin, Alexander. She clearly cares about and loves him. And I'm going: yay! she has a reason to want to live after this is all over. she does still have family that cares about her.
In the battle, right at the climax, when Odessa is about to kill Baerick, he drops the bombshell that Alexander is there and for reasons that HE MAKES A JOKE ABOUT is probably already dead. I was terrified that this would throw her enough that she wouldn't get her revenge, but in keeping with the theme of beheadings being super easy, he loses his head. But what about Alexander? He dies in her arms! I know letting him live would drastically alter the ending, but why couldn't she get one thing? One happy moment? Severely injured? Sure, this is a war. But why couldn't he live?
I guess if you want books that don't induce tears, this one might not be good. But it was done so well that I didn't mind that much. I'm still rooting for the twist in book two to be that Jesse is alive. I know he's not, but a girl can dream.
There was a bit of a slow start (discounting the murdering). As for the writing there were a few spots where words were repeated too close together in the same paragraph and a few sentences needed to be reread to get the full effect. And there is a great deal of swearing. All that being said, I'd still recommend reading this book. It's amazing. Though it is the first in a trilogy, it has a satisfying conclusion that works as a standalone.
Now I have to go on a little rant about the two things that I wish were different. They served their purpose beautifully, but were SO sad. The first is a minor spoiler.
Baerick captured Odessa's fiance Jesse at some point when there was fog. In the author's note she talks about almost starting with this scene, I'm glad she didn't because where the book started was absolutely perfect. But did this scene get cut altogether or did I just miss it? After reading the book I'm really not sure how Jesse was captured beyond that he was providing a distraction. If this is a deleted scene I'd love to see it included as bonus material in a future book, since my heart has already been ripped out, might as well stomp on it as well.
All that to say, I wish Baerick had been lying when he told Odessa that he already killed Jesse. I was waiting for that to be the twist until about 70% of the way through. The ‘somehow he's alive’ didn't sit well in Rise of Palpatine, but I would have accepted it here. How absolutely in love Odessa still is with Jesse is one of the two reasons there really was no romance with Lucian. (The other being that she killed his parents… so I wasn't rooting for that relationship until a single point for about two pages before all hope was ripped away.)
That was the twist I wished for, this next one is the actual twist, so MAJOR spoiler. If anything above made you want to read the book go and do that first and maybe come back to see if you agree with the other thing I wish had gone differently.
Not too long before the final battle Lucian asks Odessa what she'll do after the war (making it clear to the reader but somehow not her that he isn't going to kill her). She started talking about her cousin, Alexander. She clearly cares about and loves him. And I'm going: yay! she has a reason to want to live after this is all over. she does still have family that cares about her.
In the battle, right at the climax, when Odessa is about to kill Baerick, he drops the bombshell that Alexander is there and for reasons that HE MAKES A JOKE ABOUT is probably already dead. I was terrified that this would throw her enough that she wouldn't get her revenge, but in keeping with the theme of beheadings being super easy, he loses his head. But what about Alexander? He dies in her arms! I know letting him live would drastically alter the ending, but why couldn't she get one thing? One happy moment? Severely injured? Sure, this is a war. But why couldn't he live?
I guess if you want books that don't induce tears, this one might not be good. But it was done so well that I didn't mind that much. I'm still rooting for the twist in book two to be that Jesse is alive. I know he's not, but a girl can dream.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book. My only complaint was that I wanted more!!
I found this book very engaging, fast paced and character driven. Getting to know Odessa and Lucian was a journey and a privilege as they grew as characters and slowly shared their true selves with each other (and the reader). Lucian was a refreshing MMC who stayed true to his morals. Odessa is a badass pirate assassin and well you'll see.
There were parts of the book that I was left wanting more (but perhaps I'm just greedy for a good thing) and that ending..🙊.. I'll be holding out for future books with baited breath.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I found this book very engaging, fast paced and character driven. Getting to know Odessa and Lucian was a journey and a privilege as they grew as characters and slowly shared their true selves with each other (and the reader). Lucian was a refreshing MMC who stayed true to his morals. Odessa is a badass pirate assassin and well you'll see.
There were parts of the book that I was left wanting more (but perhaps I'm just greedy for a good thing) and that ending..🙊.. I'll be holding out for future books with baited breath.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC.
January 9, 2026
⚔️ Revenge binds them together… even when trust is the most dangerous weapon of all.
📖 The Assassin’s Revenge by Sara Bittner
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🫑
Action & Adventure Fantasy
Tropes:
🗡️ Badass FMC
🎭 Hidden identity
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
🖤 Morally grey FMC
💘 He falls first (and harder)
🐢 Slow burn
🩹 Hurt / comfort
Odessa is blackmailed into doing the one thing she swore she never would—assassinating the king and queen and opening the castle gates to their enemy. When General Baerick betrays her after using her as a pawn, Odessa chooses revenge. Along the way, she stumbles upon the poisoned prince. Saving his life might not have been the smartest decision, but when they realize they share the same enemy, an uneasy alliance is formed.
This book is such an adventure. I loved it. Odessa is a deeply layered FMC—quiet, mysterious, and incredibly intelligent. She’s very closed off, but for good reason, and her morally grey choices made her all the more compelling. I loved how much depth she had and how her past shaped the way she navigates the world.
The prince annoyed me at first because of his sheltered upbringing. You can really tell he’s lived a very protected, privileged life, and that shows in the way he reacts to hardship and the realities outside the palace walls. But his character growth ended up being one of the strongest parts of the book. Watching him slowly learn, unlearn, and grow into someone more grounded made me appreciate him a lot by the end.
Their relationship gave me Celaena and Dorian vibes (and please, I hope not in the tragic sense because I’m rooting for them to be endgame). I loved how their bond started with friendship and trust rather than instant romance. Odessa’s patience with him, paired with how he never gave up on her and consistently offered comfort, made their dynamic feel genuine and earned.
I teared up a bit during their backstories—it really hit me in the feels. That said, the pacing felt slightly unbalanced for me. Some parts felt a little slow, while others could have used more room to breathe.
Overall, this was an engaging, character-driven fantasy with a strong FMC, meaningful growth, and a slow-burn dynamic that kept me invested.
Thank you Sara Bittner for this ARC 🤍
📖 The Assassin’s Revenge by Sara Bittner
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🫑
Action & Adventure Fantasy
Tropes:
🗡️ Badass FMC
🎭 Hidden identity
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
🖤 Morally grey FMC
💘 He falls first (and harder)
🐢 Slow burn
🩹 Hurt / comfort
Odessa is blackmailed into doing the one thing she swore she never would—assassinating the king and queen and opening the castle gates to their enemy. When General Baerick betrays her after using her as a pawn, Odessa chooses revenge. Along the way, she stumbles upon the poisoned prince. Saving his life might not have been the smartest decision, but when they realize they share the same enemy, an uneasy alliance is formed.
This book is such an adventure. I loved it. Odessa is a deeply layered FMC—quiet, mysterious, and incredibly intelligent. She’s very closed off, but for good reason, and her morally grey choices made her all the more compelling. I loved how much depth she had and how her past shaped the way she navigates the world.
The prince annoyed me at first because of his sheltered upbringing. You can really tell he’s lived a very protected, privileged life, and that shows in the way he reacts to hardship and the realities outside the palace walls. But his character growth ended up being one of the strongest parts of the book. Watching him slowly learn, unlearn, and grow into someone more grounded made me appreciate him a lot by the end.
Their relationship gave me Celaena and Dorian vibes (and please, I hope not in the tragic sense because I’m rooting for them to be endgame). I loved how their bond started with friendship and trust rather than instant romance. Odessa’s patience with him, paired with how he never gave up on her and consistently offered comfort, made their dynamic feel genuine and earned.
I teared up a bit during their backstories—it really hit me in the feels. That said, the pacing felt slightly unbalanced for me. Some parts felt a little slow, while others could have used more room to breathe.
Overall, this was an engaging, character-driven fantasy with a strong FMC, meaningful growth, and a slow-burn dynamic that kept me invested.
Thank you Sara Bittner for this ARC 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚The Assassin's Revenge
✍🏻Sara Bittner
Blurb:
Everything Prince Lucian thought he knew about his maid is a lie. Not only is her name Odessa—a foreign name from the enemy country—and not Rosalyn, she’s apparently a pirate who poisoned him and his family and opened the drawbridge to the enemy forces.
But as if she wants to confuse him, she was the one who dragged him to safety, and when she leaves him and he finds himself about to die at the hands of bandits from his own land, she saves him again and offers him a deal. She claims she was blackmailed with her fiancé’s life by the enemy general Baerick and that he has gone against his word and killed her love regardless. She wants revenge, the ultimate revenge, for she says that death is not enough for such a betrayal. She wants to destroy what Baerick loves most too—his legacy—and so she must help the fallen prince reclaim the country she just helped defeat. And in return? When it is over, she will let Lucian take her life.
They often say deals that are too good to be true can’t be trusted, but Lucian is quickly learning how unprepared he is to survive on his own, so what other choice does he have but to trust the very person who has already attempted to kill him?
Check out Assassin’s Revenge and find yourself on a whirlwind journey full of secrets, suspense, and maybe even love.
My Thoughts
An assassin that has trained his whole life but when he goes on a mission he doesn't have the heart to kill. Odessa kills six people in the first chapter.Odessa is blackmailed into doing the one thing she swore she never would—assassinating the king and queen and opening the castle gates to their enemy.Prince Lucian begins as a stilted, soft, stubborn, and naieve young man.by spending time with Odessa he becomes more likable If you enjoy murder, mayhem, emotional, adventures stories. and political intrigue all set against the backdrop of a war, this book is for you.
Thanks to the Author Sara Bittner for allowing me to read and review this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Sara Bittner
Blurb:
Everything Prince Lucian thought he knew about his maid is a lie. Not only is her name Odessa—a foreign name from the enemy country—and not Rosalyn, she’s apparently a pirate who poisoned him and his family and opened the drawbridge to the enemy forces.
But as if she wants to confuse him, she was the one who dragged him to safety, and when she leaves him and he finds himself about to die at the hands of bandits from his own land, she saves him again and offers him a deal. She claims she was blackmailed with her fiancé’s life by the enemy general Baerick and that he has gone against his word and killed her love regardless. She wants revenge, the ultimate revenge, for she says that death is not enough for such a betrayal. She wants to destroy what Baerick loves most too—his legacy—and so she must help the fallen prince reclaim the country she just helped defeat. And in return? When it is over, she will let Lucian take her life.
They often say deals that are too good to be true can’t be trusted, but Lucian is quickly learning how unprepared he is to survive on his own, so what other choice does he have but to trust the very person who has already attempted to kill him?
Check out Assassin’s Revenge and find yourself on a whirlwind journey full of secrets, suspense, and maybe even love.
My Thoughts
An assassin that has trained his whole life but when he goes on a mission he doesn't have the heart to kill. Odessa kills six people in the first chapter.Odessa is blackmailed into doing the one thing she swore she never would—assassinating the king and queen and opening the castle gates to their enemy.Prince Lucian begins as a stilted, soft, stubborn, and naieve young man.by spending time with Odessa he becomes more likable If you enjoy murder, mayhem, emotional, adventures stories. and political intrigue all set against the backdrop of a war, this book is for you.
Thanks to the Author Sara Bittner for allowing me to read and review this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I applied for the ARC because I liked the idea of gender-reversed roles of the main characters. The FMC was a pirate and assassin, while the MMC was a pampered prince who needed her protection. The book did not disappoint at all! It was well written with good pacing and world-building.
The characters were complex with a lot of depth. When I started reading the book, I found it difficult to like them. Lucian was ignorant and at times whiny, whereas Odessa was cold, and I couldn't forgive her for what she had done. But as the story progressed and their backgrounds and past experiences unveiled, I understood where they were coming from. Their traumas, struggles and suppressed emotions began making sense, and I could connect with some of the things they had gone through. I also ugly cried towards the end.
Usually character development takes time, and it happens over the course of multiple books, but in this case, the author did a brilliant job of it. Lucian's increasing confidence and Odessa's redemption were explored well.
I also liked the supporting characters, especially Rohan. He was the perfect father figure to both of them. I enjoyed their interactions with each other.
The conflict, fight sequences, acts of revenge, rescue operations were all described in detail. The final outcome of the story was also great. It gave the perfect conclusion to the current problem, while also giving an opening to the sequel.
The romance was slow-burn and immensely satisfying. I was relieved that it wasn't over-the-top or rushed, because it wouldn't have gone well with the plot. The feelings were there, but the characters were also practical about their situation.
I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers who like strong vengeful heroines, cinnamon-roll MCs, pirates, secrets and shocking revelations.
The characters were complex with a lot of depth. When I started reading the book, I found it difficult to like them. Lucian was ignorant and at times whiny, whereas Odessa was cold, and I couldn't forgive her for what she had done. But as the story progressed and their backgrounds and past experiences unveiled, I understood where they were coming from. Their traumas, struggles and suppressed emotions began making sense, and I could connect with some of the things they had gone through. I also ugly cried towards the end.
Usually character development takes time, and it happens over the course of multiple books, but in this case, the author did a brilliant job of it. Lucian's increasing confidence and Odessa's redemption were explored well.
I also liked the supporting characters, especially Rohan. He was the perfect father figure to both of them. I enjoyed their interactions with each other.
The conflict, fight sequences, acts of revenge, rescue operations were all described in detail. The final outcome of the story was also great. It gave the perfect conclusion to the current problem, while also giving an opening to the sequel.
The romance was slow-burn and immensely satisfying. I was relieved that it wasn't over-the-top or rushed, because it wouldn't have gone well with the plot. The feelings were there, but the characters were also practical about their situation.
I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers who like strong vengeful heroines, cinnamon-roll MCs, pirates, secrets and shocking revelations.
January 15, 2026
3.5 stars
A slow-burn fantasy that delivers tension, heart, and sharp blades
The Assassin’s Revenge by Sara Bittner was everything I want from a fantasy romance: atmospheric, emotionally charged, and unapologetically slow-burn.
From the very beginning, the story pulls you into a dangerous world of secrets, shadowy politics, and impossible choices. The heroine is refreshingly morally grey—skilled, guarded, and shaped by betrayal in a way that feels raw and believable. I loved that her strength isn’t just physical; her inner conflict and resilience are what truly define her.
The enemies-to-lovers arc is handled with patience and care. The tension builds gradually through mistrust, reluctant cooperation, and sharp banter, making every small shift in their relationship feel earned. When moments of vulnerability finally surface, they hit hard. This is very much a slow burn done right.
The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the found-family elements add warmth and depth to an otherwise dark, high-stakes narrative. Action scenes are well paced, emotional beats land effectively, and the ending left me desperate for the next book.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with assassins, betrayal, morally complex characters, and a romance that simmers instead of rushing to the finish line, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll be continuing this trilogy without hesitation.
A slow-burn fantasy that delivers tension, heart, and sharp blades
The Assassin’s Revenge by Sara Bittner was everything I want from a fantasy romance: atmospheric, emotionally charged, and unapologetically slow-burn.
From the very beginning, the story pulls you into a dangerous world of secrets, shadowy politics, and impossible choices. The heroine is refreshingly morally grey—skilled, guarded, and shaped by betrayal in a way that feels raw and believable. I loved that her strength isn’t just physical; her inner conflict and resilience are what truly define her.
The enemies-to-lovers arc is handled with patience and care. The tension builds gradually through mistrust, reluctant cooperation, and sharp banter, making every small shift in their relationship feel earned. When moments of vulnerability finally surface, they hit hard. This is very much a slow burn done right.
The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the found-family elements add warmth and depth to an otherwise dark, high-stakes narrative. Action scenes are well paced, emotional beats land effectively, and the ending left me desperate for the next book.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with assassins, betrayal, morally complex characters, and a romance that simmers instead of rushing to the finish line, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll be continuing this trilogy without hesitation.
January 5, 2026
Absolutely fantastic. I loved it, and I’m sure many more will as well. I wouldn’t even be exaggerating to say what I was thinking throughout the entire book, which is that this has a good chance to go big and become well known.
I thought the world building and relationships were really well done. The characters felt real and their motivations and personalities were distinct and clear.
The romance between Lucian and Odessa was definitely long built, but sweet at the end and worked out well.
One of my favourite parts was the fighting and ‘dishonourable’ strategies they used. I wish there could have been more descriptions of the battles and fighting that goes on, but the author put a good amount in.
The few ending chapters were able to make me sad multiple times, which is a good thing. I can’t really say why because it would get into spoiler territory, but the emotions definitely got through.
I only have a minor complaints that I don’t think is enough to knock it down a star. The pacing was slower than I was used to with some chapters not having much action, but it worked well in the end.
I’m really excited for a second book, although I believe my heart will be once more at risk.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read this, it was absolutely great and I enjoyed reading a few chapters every night to help me sleep.
I thought the world building and relationships were really well done. The characters felt real and their motivations and personalities were distinct and clear.
The romance between Lucian and Odessa was definitely long built, but sweet at the end and worked out well.
One of my favourite parts was the fighting and ‘dishonourable’ strategies they used. I wish there could have been more descriptions of the battles and fighting that goes on, but the author put a good amount in.
The few ending chapters were able to make me sad multiple times, which is a good thing. I can’t really say why because it would get into spoiler territory, but the emotions definitely got through.
I only have a minor complaints that I don’t think is enough to knock it down a star. The pacing was slower than I was used to with some chapters not having much action, but it worked well in the end.
I’m really excited for a second book, although I believe my heart will be once more at risk.
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read this, it was absolutely great and I enjoyed reading a few chapters every night to help me sleep.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lucien…oh God! He had me pulling my hair out at times with how annoyingly naive he is. I wanted to knock some sense into him. And honestly? That’s a huge compliment. It’s a proof of how effective the author’s writing is, pulling out such a strong emotional reaction from me as a reader.
Set in a castle-ly and pirate-y background, Lucien’s stark contrast with Odessa makes their dynamic incredibly engaging, and the characters' development overall was thoughtfully written and beautifully executed. Their adventures started with one mission in mind and ended with two nations at war settling into peace are sprinkled with twists, thrilling throughout and absolutely love the sword-clashing scenes. The supporting characters serve their roles well, adding depth and helped set the emotional tone perfectly.
I have good time reading this book, and thankful to be given the opportunity to read this in advance.
Set in a castle-ly and pirate-y background, Lucien’s stark contrast with Odessa makes their dynamic incredibly engaging, and the characters' development overall was thoughtfully written and beautifully executed. Their adventures started with one mission in mind and ended with two nations at war settling into peace are sprinkled with twists, thrilling throughout and absolutely love the sword-clashing scenes. The supporting characters serve their roles well, adding depth and helped set the emotional tone perfectly.
I have good time reading this book, and thankful to be given the opportunity to read this in advance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gritty, Tactical, and Deeply Moving
The Assassin’s Revenge is a standout, character-driven fantasy that successfully balances gritty action with profound emotional depth. Sara Bittner excels in crafting a world where motivations are distinct and the stakes feel genuinely high.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its character evolution. The dynamic between the morally grey, "badass" Odessa and the sheltered-yet-principled Lucian is expertly handled, offering a rewarding slow-burn romance built on hard-won trust. While the pacing is deliberate, it allows the narrative to breathe, making the pragmatic, "dishonorable" combat tactics feel realistic and the poignant ending truly resonant.
This is a compelling tale of redemption and strategic intrigue. I highly recommend it to any reader seeking a layered fantasy adventure with a heart-wrenching emotional payoff. Thank you to Sara Bittner for the ARC! My heart is at risk for book two.
The Assassin’s Revenge is a standout, character-driven fantasy that successfully balances gritty action with profound emotional depth. Sara Bittner excels in crafting a world where motivations are distinct and the stakes feel genuinely high.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its character evolution. The dynamic between the morally grey, "badass" Odessa and the sheltered-yet-principled Lucian is expertly handled, offering a rewarding slow-burn romance built on hard-won trust. While the pacing is deliberate, it allows the narrative to breathe, making the pragmatic, "dishonorable" combat tactics feel realistic and the poignant ending truly resonant.
This is a compelling tale of redemption and strategic intrigue. I highly recommend it to any reader seeking a layered fantasy adventure with a heart-wrenching emotional payoff. Thank you to Sara Bittner for the ARC! My heart is at risk for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured the first half of your book and was OBSESSED with the FMC - she's a total baddie, and I loved the role reversal with the sheltered MMC, it was super refreshing! Both characters' arcs were on point, though I did see some twists coming... except for Odessa's ending, that threw me for a loop 🤯!
My only gripe is the pacing felt kinda off at the end - those time jumps in the last few chapters made it feel a bit rushed and choppy. Still, it was a quick, entertaining read, and I'm so glad I got to be an ARC reader! 😄 Thanks for sharing your baby with me!
💜Assassin/Morally gray FMC
💙A naive prince 🤴 worth it for once to see someone do this.
🩵 Third person POV
💚 Reverse damsel
💛Hidden identity
🩷 Secret arrangement
⚔️ Enemies to lovers, my favorite part.
💘 He falls first. Absolutely needed to see this in a book.
🐢 Slow burn need a change from spicey read this.
My only gripe is the pacing felt kinda off at the end - those time jumps in the last few chapters made it feel a bit rushed and choppy. Still, it was a quick, entertaining read, and I'm so glad I got to be an ARC reader! 😄 Thanks for sharing your baby with me!
💜Assassin/Morally gray FMC
💙A naive prince 🤴 worth it for once to see someone do this.
🩵 Third person POV
💚 Reverse damsel
💛Hidden identity
🩷 Secret arrangement
⚔️ Enemies to lovers, my favorite part.
💘 He falls first. Absolutely needed to see this in a book.
🐢 Slow burn need a change from spicey read this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like the main theme running through this book is mental health, with bits of the mourning process and shades of morality along with it.
Prince Lucian begins as a stilted, soft, stubborn, and naieve young man. I was actually annoyed with his haughty attitude as I usually am with most female main characters. But through his encounters and time spent with the strong and encapsulating Odessa, he is morphed into a more likeable man, and a just leader while still holding onto his kind hearted ideals. I liked how they quietly supported each other through out the story, being the balance the other one needed even though their beginning is messy.
I know a sequel is already in the works, but I feel this works well as a stand alone.
This review is based on an ARC and is my honest opinion.
Prince Lucian begins as a stilted, soft, stubborn, and naieve young man. I was actually annoyed with his haughty attitude as I usually am with most female main characters. But through his encounters and time spent with the strong and encapsulating Odessa, he is morphed into a more likeable man, and a just leader while still holding onto his kind hearted ideals. I liked how they quietly supported each other through out the story, being the balance the other one needed even though their beginning is messy.
I know a sequel is already in the works, but I feel this works well as a stand alone.
This review is based on an ARC and is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026I’m so excited that I had the opportunity to ARC read this book and really enjoyed it! I was not expecting such a cute and emotional story about assassins and pirates.
I loved that traditional roles were reversed and I ended up pleasantly surprised at Lucian’s perspective. Although I found him a bit annoying at first, I ultimately loved his character development and his journey. Actually, the flaws for both him and Odessa and how they dealt with them made it a more realistic story for me.
I felt the pacing in the last 1/3 of the book was a little rushed vs the time progression from the beginning. I definitely liked the ending, it wasn’t quite what I expected. However, I wish there was more detail getting there.
I loved that traditional roles were reversed and I ended up pleasantly surprised at Lucian’s perspective. Although I found him a bit annoying at first, I ultimately loved his character development and his journey. Actually, the flaws for both him and Odessa and how they dealt with them made it a more realistic story for me.
I felt the pacing in the last 1/3 of the book was a little rushed vs the time progression from the beginning. I definitely liked the ending, it wasn’t quite what I expected. However, I wish there was more detail getting there.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book, with a badass FMC and a very sheltered and somewhat selfish MMC it was a nice role reversal from typical books in this genre. Both of their character arcs were nicely written, but still somewhat predictable. I will say I wasn’t fully expecting Odessa’s ending, so that was a pretty good twist. I felt like the ending was rushed, the last handful of chapters had some time jumps that didn’t fully seem necessary and made the last quarter of the book feel a bit choppy.
It was a quick and entertaining read for the most part, some things just didn’t click for me and that’s totally just my own preference. Thank you, Sara, for allowing me to be one of your ARC readers!
It was a quick and entertaining read for the most part, some things just didn’t click for me and that’s totally just my own preference. Thank you, Sara, for allowing me to be one of your ARC readers!
January 6, 2026
As my first ever ARC read, I will this book was pretty different from my typical reads but it honestly was really good. I loved the complexity of the characters and the overall theme of people/things not being as they seemed. I enjoyed finding out more and more about Odessa throughout the entire book(even down to the last chapter), rather than everything just being front-loaded. I had a hard time getting momentum at the beginning just because I found the MMC suuuuper annoying but I honestly think that was the whole point and it ultimately made his character arch that much more meaningful so I’m super glad I pushed through:)
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Assassin's Revenge is a swashbuckling tale of a pirate who teams up with a prince to rescue his homeland and secure her revenge. The characters develop through the story and grow with each other. Themes tackled include death and dying, loss, good vs evil, power and corruption, survival, human growth and change.
The book tended to drag even when it was skipping ahead and I was not a fan of the excessive language. Though the plot has potential and I like the idea, I do not think the development of the story was fleshed out well.
Read this if you like emotional, adventures stories.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy to read and review.
Assassin's Revenge is a swashbuckling tale of a pirate who teams up with a prince to rescue his homeland and secure her revenge. The characters develop through the story and grow with each other. Themes tackled include death and dying, loss, good vs evil, power and corruption, survival, human growth and change.
The book tended to drag even when it was skipping ahead and I was not a fan of the excessive language. Though the plot has potential and I like the idea, I do not think the development of the story was fleshed out well.
Read this if you like emotional, adventures stories.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am very appreciative of Sara Bittner and their team for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of The Assassin’s Revenge!
I really enjoyed seeing Odessa and Lucian grow together and learn to trust each other. Their banter progressively grew more entertaining and thoughtful. Their sense of adventure and shared goal was also fun to see play out!
I know it was purposeful for his character arc, but I didn’t love Lucian at the beginning of the story. But as with Odessa, he grew on me with his Princely (and pirate) traits.
I really enjoyed seeing Odessa and Lucian grow together and learn to trust each other. Their banter progressively grew more entertaining and thoughtful. Their sense of adventure and shared goal was also fun to see play out!
I know it was purposeful for his character arc, but I didn’t love Lucian at the beginning of the story. But as with Odessa, he grew on me with his Princely (and pirate) traits.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars rounded up since Goodreads makes you choose. This action-packed story of love, loss, growth, and self-doubt is great for people who want adventure with deep, slow-building relationships. The petulance of the male lead was a bit tough for me to get through early on, but Odessa’s skill and plot kept me hooked. I liked the timeline that allowed time for grief and growth in a way that felt authentic. I received this as an ARC from the author. It is my first book by Sara Bittner, but I cannot wait to read the sequel now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fast, gritty revenge story with war and political drama, and it kept me turning pages. Odessa feels like a real assassin (no endless hesitation), and the stakes stay high from the start. Prince Lucian surprised me the most. He’s compassionate and way out of his depth, but that’s exactly what made him stand out. It’s a slow burn in the relationship department, and the focus is way more on survival, strategy, and consequences than romance. A few parts dragged a bit, but overall it was a really enjoyable read. If you want murder, mayhem, and intrigue, this is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this from author as an ARC for my honest review. A little different from my normal reading style but I enjoyed the change. Lucian and Odessa brought humorous banter into the book and I grew to love them more as the book went on. Well written and the story flows well. Look forward to reading more from her soon!
January 8, 2026
Up until about 50%, Lucian drove me crazy! Almost to the point I wanted to put the book down but I’m thankful I pushed thru. There were some twists I saw pretty early and others that took me by surprise at the end. I also appreciated the ending wasn’t a huge cliff hanger and could easily be a standalone but if you want more of the story can continue on with the next book when it’s released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’d like to thank Sara for the ARC opportunity. Unfortunately, I DNF this one at 40%
I loved Odessa, a strong FMC with a past. Badass pirate assassin…loved. Now the prince…I couldn’t stand at all. His constant complaining to his whole being a virgin thing…I just couldn’t anymore.
Maybe I’ll return to this after it releases.
I loved Odessa, a strong FMC with a past. Badass pirate assassin…loved. Now the prince…I couldn’t stand at all. His constant complaining to his whole being a virgin thing…I just couldn’t anymore.
Maybe I’ll return to this after it releases.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this book as a Free Arc and with an honest review.
Its cover and blurb really drew me to look into this book further, it sounded so promising and interesting!
FMC is pure sassiness but MMC is predominantly whining in the first half of the book, and in my opinion should have been greater. It didn't fully live up to its promise.
Its cover and blurb really drew me to look into this book further, it sounded so promising and interesting!
FMC is pure sassiness but MMC is predominantly whining in the first half of the book, and in my opinion should have been greater. It didn't fully live up to its promise.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First time reading a book by this author. I’m so glad I did . The character development throughout the book is amazing. The emotions this book makes you feel it completely draws you in from the beginning. You can relate to the characters and what they go through. I highly recommend this book! It’s a great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received from Author in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked seeing both Odessa and Lucian grow as individuals and their friendship grow as they learn to trust each other. I cannot wait for the next books to be released to see where their stories go.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked seeing both Odessa and Lucian grow as individuals and their friendship grow as they learn to trust each other. I cannot wait for the next books to be released to see where their stories go.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An intense epic story, where in the midst of revenge characters also find themselves and what they are capable of in order to safeguard themselves and those depending on them.
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