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Braided Fate #2
Captive Traitor King
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26Brigid Kemmerer returns with the sizzling, high-stakes sequel to the #1 international bestseller Warrior Princess Assassin—where the betrayals are deeper, the magic burns brighter, and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.
CAPTIVE. Asher has always sworn loyalty to Jory, the princess he’s loved from afar—but now the King of Incendar has claimed a place in his heart too. Someone wants them both dead, and only Asher’s blade can keep them safe. Yet his past won’t let him go, and he must decide if he can break free—or remain prisoner to his old scars.
TRAITOR. Princess Jory of Astranza agreed to marry the King of Incendar to secure peace, but betrayal runs closer than she ever imagined. With her own brother unmasked as her enemy, two kingdoms teeter on the edge. To protect her people, she must take the throne. But there are still dark secrets to unravel that will force Jory to confront where her true allegiance lies.
KING. Maddox Kyronan has discovered trust—and something more—with his reluctant bride and her deadly protector, but the fragile alliance between their nations threatens to unravel. His people are starving. His enemies are circling in. Torn between the crown and his heart, Ky risks losing it all.
As buried truths surface and tensions reach a breaking point, Jory, Asher, and Ky must confront the desires that could save their kingdoms—or shatter them forever.
TROPES YOU'LL
Why Choose/polyamorous romanceSecret MagicHidden IdentityHurt/ComfortRoyal-Political SchemingBetrayal/Redemption
CAPTIVE. Asher has always sworn loyalty to Jory, the princess he’s loved from afar—but now the King of Incendar has claimed a place in his heart too. Someone wants them both dead, and only Asher’s blade can keep them safe. Yet his past won’t let him go, and he must decide if he can break free—or remain prisoner to his old scars.
TRAITOR. Princess Jory of Astranza agreed to marry the King of Incendar to secure peace, but betrayal runs closer than she ever imagined. With her own brother unmasked as her enemy, two kingdoms teeter on the edge. To protect her people, she must take the throne. But there are still dark secrets to unravel that will force Jory to confront where her true allegiance lies.
KING. Maddox Kyronan has discovered trust—and something more—with his reluctant bride and her deadly protector, but the fragile alliance between their nations threatens to unravel. His people are starving. His enemies are circling in. Torn between the crown and his heart, Ky risks losing it all.
As buried truths surface and tensions reach a breaking point, Jory, Asher, and Ky must confront the desires that could save their kingdoms—or shatter them forever.
TROPES YOU'LL
Why Choose/polyamorous romanceSecret MagicHidden IdentityHurt/ComfortRoyal-Political SchemingBetrayal/Redemption
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer
30 books18.6k 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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November 17, 2025GIMME MY THROUPLE!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!
3.5 stars — ok, just like book one, this also went nowhere plot-wise, HOWEVER, there was a tad more smut which i was over the moon about. however, there were also way too many c*ckblocked scenes which frustrated me because this book is supposed to be high stakes fantasy with sexy moments strewn in between 💔🙄 but nothing actually happens
i really love asher and ky’s relationship more than i do jory with either of the men. i do feel that jory is sadly a very weakly written fmc which is upsetting in a romantasy written by a woman; but i do believe there is potential for her growth. i think asher is the most fleshed out character of the trio, although his trauma is hard to read at times because he was assaulted consistently at such a young age.
again, while this book went nowhere at all, i still ate it up, especially after that ending, so i’ll be sticking around for book three because i need to know what happens to this trio😭
——
despite book one kinda being mediocre, i still really enjoyed the character dynamics between our trio of mcs -- i just hope relationships deepen in a meaningful way, and that the world building is actually expanded upon🙂↕️🤞🏼
3.5 stars — ok, just like book one, this also went nowhere plot-wise, HOWEVER, there was a tad more smut which i was over the moon about. however, there were also way too many c*ckblocked scenes which frustrated me because this book is supposed to be high stakes fantasy with sexy moments strewn in between 💔🙄 but nothing actually happens
i really love asher and ky’s relationship more than i do jory with either of the men. i do feel that jory is sadly a very weakly written fmc which is upsetting in a romantasy written by a woman; but i do believe there is potential for her growth. i think asher is the most fleshed out character of the trio, although his trauma is hard to read at times because he was assaulted consistently at such a young age.
again, while this book went nowhere at all, i still ate it up, especially after that ending, so i’ll be sticking around for book three because i need to know what happens to this trio😭
——
despite book one kinda being mediocre, i still really enjoyed the character dynamics between our trio of mcs -- i just hope relationships deepen in a meaningful way, and that the world building is actually expanded upon🙂↕️🤞🏼
Want to Read
April 13, 2026
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
Aahhhh!!!! I'm so excited I received an arc for the sequel, too. Though this requires a re-read for Warrior Princess Assassin!!
Aahhhh!!!! I'm so excited I received an arc for the sequel, too. Though this requires a re-read for Warrior Princess Assassin!!
April 18, 2026
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Desire is the cruelest cage.
Thank you Harper Collins for providing me with an eARC, I could not wait for November to reunite with these characters!!
A sheltered princess, a fierce warrior king, and a ruthless assassin find themselves bound by a fragile alliance as their fractured bond clashes between duty and desire.
Captive Traitor King continues where we left off and wastes no time in pulling us back into the aftermath of shocking reveals and looming dangers, especially as enemies are stepping closer and the stakes rise higher with every passing moment.
With political scheming and careful plotting, the fate of their kingdoms hangs in the balance, as every choice teeters between survival and ruin, especially as shifting loyalties blur the lines between allies and enemies
Ky is burdened with his duties as enemies lurk in the shadows of his kingdom, while Jory is stepping out of the role she was molded for and Asher is confronted by the hidden scars of the past he's long concealed.
Their intoxicating dynamic is strained by uncertainty and broken trust, yet beneath it burns a fierce longing they willingly surrender to.
Beyond the simmering chemistry and heated dynamic between them, which I gladly savor, what I appreciate the most is the way the story allows space to carefully navigate free will and agency among the three of them, considering their unbalanced power dynamics.
There's a tender, beautiful vulnerability and soft intimacy that defines their relationship, the vulnerable pieces of themselves they reserve only for each other when they are not the King, the Princess and the Assassin but simply Ky, Jory and Asher.
It makes the simmering romance between them even more sensual and addictive. I cannot get enough of them.
While the pacing slows down in the first half of the book, it felt necessary so the characters feel more grounded while giving the story space to process the chaos of book 1 and their turbulent relationship.
The new revealations about the magic could tip the scales and as it can be honed into a weapon that could be their greatest advantage or their greatest threat. There is a thrilling aspect to that considering the hidden gifts of a certain character.
Two characters have earned my honorary favorite character titles aside from the protagonists, and I am rooting for them hard. Without any spoilers, their names start with the letter (R) and (H).
As new truths emerge, confronting them could change everything.. from the fate of their kingdoms to the path of their own lives. And after that ending I am left desperately longing for the third book and dreading the fact that it will be a long wait until then.
Prepare for more political intrigue, aching romance, decadent debauchery, and unraveled secrets that will have you reeling.
Desire is the cruelest cage.
Thank you Harper Collins for providing me with an eARC, I could not wait for November to reunite with these characters!!
A sheltered princess, a fierce warrior king, and a ruthless assassin find themselves bound by a fragile alliance as their fractured bond clashes between duty and desire.
Captive Traitor King continues where we left off and wastes no time in pulling us back into the aftermath of shocking reveals and looming dangers, especially as enemies are stepping closer and the stakes rise higher with every passing moment.
With political scheming and careful plotting, the fate of their kingdoms hangs in the balance, as every choice teeters between survival and ruin, especially as shifting loyalties blur the lines between allies and enemies
Ky is burdened with his duties as enemies lurk in the shadows of his kingdom, while Jory is stepping out of the role she was molded for and Asher is confronted by the hidden scars of the past he's long concealed.
Their intoxicating dynamic is strained by uncertainty and broken trust, yet beneath it burns a fierce longing they willingly surrender to.
Beyond the simmering chemistry and heated dynamic between them, which I gladly savor, what I appreciate the most is the way the story allows space to carefully navigate free will and agency among the three of them, considering their unbalanced power dynamics.
There's a tender, beautiful vulnerability and soft intimacy that defines their relationship, the vulnerable pieces of themselves they reserve only for each other when they are not the King, the Princess and the Assassin but simply Ky, Jory and Asher.
It makes the simmering romance between them even more sensual and addictive. I cannot get enough of them.
While the pacing slows down in the first half of the book, it felt necessary so the characters feel more grounded while giving the story space to process the chaos of book 1 and their turbulent relationship.
The new revealations about the magic could tip the scales and as it can be honed into a weapon that could be their greatest advantage or their greatest threat. There is a thrilling aspect to that considering the hidden gifts of a certain character.
Two characters have earned my honorary favorite character titles aside from the protagonists, and I am rooting for them hard. Without any spoilers, their names start with the letter (R) and (H).
As new truths emerge, confronting them could change everything.. from the fate of their kingdoms to the path of their own lives. And after that ending I am left desperately longing for the third book and dreading the fact that it will be a long wait until then.
Prepare for more political intrigue, aching romance, decadent debauchery, and unraveled secrets that will have you reeling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Today I’d planned to read a book on my physical TBR because it’s been there for a while… but then I requested this one and got it immediately??????? THANK YOU SO MUCH NETGALLEY & THE PUBLISHERS 😭 I’m beside myself
4.5✨
This book picks up where the first one left off and I am just at a loss for words for the romance. I’m rarely a ‘head over heels’ for romance type of reader… but this one?? Wow. I’m just so enchanted by what the mmc’s have. Asher & Ky have THE BEST chemistry I’ve read in a long while & I can’t get enough.
This one has the same issue that the first instalment had where the plot is actually directionless and you mostly feel like it’s going no where… but the character development & romance makes up for it tenfold.
I don’t always read the sex scenes in books because I mostly feel like they’re all the same after a while but I cannot skip a single word from the scenes in this series so another thing that says it all.
I don’t think it comes as a surprise that Asher is my favourite character. He’s so traumatized & I just want to protect him at all cost. What he went through is so difficult to read but it’s just such a good thing that the author isn’t shying away from these topics.
Ky is such a protector. You can tell this man has aura. Jory sort of fades in the background ; even in the first one I’ve felt that the men had way more chemistry. But her character still has very important traumas and I appreciated that it was explored more in this instalment.
As mentioned above, the plot didn’t really move in this one so I called a few of the twists. But the ending was CRIMINAL. As Princess Donut would say : THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!! (My exact reaction. I just sat there thinking : WHERE IS THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!!)
Really recommend this series for romance lovers.
4.5✨
This book picks up where the first one left off and I am just at a loss for words for the romance. I’m rarely a ‘head over heels’ for romance type of reader… but this one?? Wow. I’m just so enchanted by what the mmc’s have. Asher & Ky have THE BEST chemistry I’ve read in a long while & I can’t get enough.
This one has the same issue that the first instalment had where the plot is actually directionless and you mostly feel like it’s going no where… but the character development & romance makes up for it tenfold.
I don’t always read the sex scenes in books because I mostly feel like they’re all the same after a while but I cannot skip a single word from the scenes in this series so another thing that says it all.
I don’t think it comes as a surprise that Asher is my favourite character. He’s so traumatized & I just want to protect him at all cost. What he went through is so difficult to read but it’s just such a good thing that the author isn’t shying away from these topics.
Ky is such a protector. You can tell this man has aura. Jory sort of fades in the background ; even in the first one I’ve felt that the men had way more chemistry. But her character still has very important traumas and I appreciated that it was explored more in this instalment.
As mentioned above, the plot didn’t really move in this one so I called a few of the twists. But the ending was CRIMINAL. As Princess Donut would say : THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!! (My exact reaction. I just sat there thinking : WHERE IS THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!!)
Really recommend this series for romance lovers.
October 16, 2026
Thank you to Harper Voyager for the ARC! If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll like this one. Truly romantasy at its finest. It’s character-driven just like the first book, but manages to be so fun still. I love both MMCs so much. The yearning, the tenderness… Shewwwww. It’s very rare for me to enjoy a second book more than the first, but I dare say- this second book was better! It ends on a crazy cliffhanger, so just be prepared.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
👑⛓️🪻⤷ 𝟓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔. 𝒂𝒓𝒄 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
My expectations were sky-high going into this because I absolutely devoured the first book. The sequel Captive Traitor King was quite literally everything I was looking for.
Plot-wise the first half of this book was pretty stiff. There was a lot more focus on character building and exploring their personal traumas. While I do wish a little more happened in the first half, I was pretty content to just learn more about Ky, Asher, and Jory. This book goes into depth about the individual struggles of each character and the ghosts that still haunt them. A lot of the stuff that happened to them broke my heart and I really just wanted to give them all a hug. 🥹
I loved that this book is equal parts romance and royal-political scheming. This book really expands on the tension between the three Kingdoms: Astranza, Incendar, and Draegonis. I appreciated that the map and the territories are pretty simplistic, allowing the politics to be complex while still being easy to understand. Right now I'm equally curious about where the romantic relationships are heading and how the political conflict will play out. I swear, every chapter of this book is so addictive, I couldn't put it down. I finished this book in less than 12 hours and was reading late into the night.
We got to learn a little more about Ky's sister Victoria, but not much. I think there is a world of opportunity for her character and I'm eager to see what the author decides to do in future books. We also got to fall in love with some of the side characters. I love Roman and I am shipping him so hard with another one of the side characters. Anyway, the side characters and the general atmosphere apart from the main characters is immaculate and so enjoyable to read.
One last thing before I conclude: That ending omg!! 😱 What a cliffhanger!!! Here's the important thing though, the cliffhanger felt very earned. It didn't feel too abrupt or jarring. It felt like the perfect little diabolical surprise at the end of the book. I need the next book immediately.
Overall, this book did not have too much going on plot-wise in the first half, although it does pick up significantly towards the end. The most prominent part of the book was the character building; we got to learn so much about each of the main characters, and the spice was 🤌🏼 *chef's kiss* The royal-political aspect of this book was so fun to follow along with and I honestly can't wait to continue this series!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
*Publication Date: Nov 2, 2026*
My expectations were sky-high going into this because I absolutely devoured the first book. The sequel Captive Traitor King was quite literally everything I was looking for.
Plot-wise the first half of this book was pretty stiff. There was a lot more focus on character building and exploring their personal traumas. While I do wish a little more happened in the first half, I was pretty content to just learn more about Ky, Asher, and Jory. This book goes into depth about the individual struggles of each character and the ghosts that still haunt them. A lot of the stuff that happened to them broke my heart and I really just wanted to give them all a hug. 🥹
I loved that this book is equal parts romance and royal-political scheming. This book really expands on the tension between the three Kingdoms: Astranza, Incendar, and Draegonis. I appreciated that the map and the territories are pretty simplistic, allowing the politics to be complex while still being easy to understand. Right now I'm equally curious about where the romantic relationships are heading and how the political conflict will play out. I swear, every chapter of this book is so addictive, I couldn't put it down. I finished this book in less than 12 hours and was reading late into the night.
We got to learn a little more about Ky's sister Victoria, but not much. I think there is a world of opportunity for her character and I'm eager to see what the author decides to do in future books. We also got to fall in love with some of the side characters. I love Roman and I am shipping him so hard with another one of the side characters. Anyway, the side characters and the general atmosphere apart from the main characters is immaculate and so enjoyable to read.
One last thing before I conclude: That ending omg!! 😱 What a cliffhanger!!! Here's the important thing though, the cliffhanger felt very earned. It didn't feel too abrupt or jarring. It felt like the perfect little diabolical surprise at the end of the book. I need the next book immediately.
Overall, this book did not have too much going on plot-wise in the first half, although it does pick up significantly towards the end. The most prominent part of the book was the character building; we got to learn so much about each of the main characters, and the spice was 🤌🏼 *chef's kiss* The royal-political aspect of this book was so fun to follow along with and I honestly can't wait to continue this series!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
*Publication Date: Nov 2, 2026*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
⚔️≋💙≋👑 Captive Traitor King 👑≋💙≋⚔️
꒰➛ Stars: 4 ⭐!
꒰➛ Pov: Multiple first-person
꒰➛ Spice: 2 / 5
꒰➛ Content: Swearing; violence; memories of SA (in backstory); a few somewhat detailed spicy scenes
꒰➛ This review is spoiler-free!
꒰➛ Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Story! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Warrior Princess Assassin, there was a lot of adventuring, and quite a bit of political intrigue too. Some of my favorite things! Here, we take a slower pace to really get to learn about each of the characters, letting them have a little downtime while still keeping up the politics! Some people don't really care for slow pacing, but I actually thought it was a good choice here, because we needed those moments where everyone just connects with each other. Of course, the situations surrounding Ky, Jory, and Asher still drag them away from each other, but that's life in a fantasy world right?
Basically, if Warrior Princess Assassin was journeying and politics, Captive Traitor King is romance and politics 💗 (AND WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER THAT WAS EVIL)
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Characters! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
╰┈➤ 𝒦𝓎
Ky's by far the most emotionally mature character in the book (said with affection for the others). The warrior king with the gentle heart was definitely my favorite in the last book, and he still is here 🥰 He's just such a safe place for Jory and Asher, and the understanding he has for them is so heartwarming. We delve a little more into the ways the battlefield has shaped him, and I firmly believe he deserves a little coziness in his life
╰┈➤ 𝒥𝑜𝓇𝓎
In my review of Warrior Princess Assassin, I said I was looking forward to Jory growing as a character, and I wasn't disappointed! She's still headstrong, still unsure, but she's trying. And she's not nearly as impulsive as before, which is good to see! Don't worry though, she still makes little schemes with Asher, always igniting Ky's protectiveness and testing his patience at the same time 🤭
╰┈➤ 𝒜𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓇
Obviously, Asher did not deserve anything that happened to him. If you've read the first one, you know what I'm talking about. We go more in-depth about his past trauma, and I now have two specific people I'd like to... disappear 😇🔪 Seeing him start to feel so safe with Ky and Jory just tugs at your heartstrings, in that make-you-misty-eyed way. His relationship with Jory is also a treat, just because you can read the long-time friendship vibe between them!
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Romance! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll always be a big fan of MMF, the best poly pairing imo, and the romance between the throuple is here! They're so cute together; I don't know much about lab, but even I can tell there's chemistry here! Ky is so protective of them, Jory is finding her footing with them, and Asher has found safety with them, ehehehehe 💗 (Romantic giggling)
AND THERE'S NO MISCOMMUNICATION PEOPLE 🥳 I hate that trope, so I was really happy to see less angst in the relationship itself, but angst towards the world instead. The tension is external rather than internal, and that's definitely my preference in romances!
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Conclusion! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Someone give me the third one, this throuple needs their HEA 🙏🏻 And they had better get one, or else I will RAGE
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
⚔️≋💙≋👑 Captive Traitor King 👑≋💙≋⚔️
꒰➛ Stars: 4 ⭐!
꒰➛ Pov: Multiple first-person
꒰➛ Spice: 2 / 5
꒰➛ Content: Swearing; violence; memories of SA (in backstory); a few somewhat detailed spicy scenes
꒰➛ This review is spoiler-free!
꒰➛ Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Story! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Warrior Princess Assassin, there was a lot of adventuring, and quite a bit of political intrigue too. Some of my favorite things! Here, we take a slower pace to really get to learn about each of the characters, letting them have a little downtime while still keeping up the politics! Some people don't really care for slow pacing, but I actually thought it was a good choice here, because we needed those moments where everyone just connects with each other. Of course, the situations surrounding Ky, Jory, and Asher still drag them away from each other, but that's life in a fantasy world right?
Basically, if Warrior Princess Assassin was journeying and politics, Captive Traitor King is romance and politics 💗 (AND WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER THAT WAS EVIL)
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Characters! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
╰┈➤ 𝒦𝓎
Ky's by far the most emotionally mature character in the book (said with affection for the others). The warrior king with the gentle heart was definitely my favorite in the last book, and he still is here 🥰 He's just such a safe place for Jory and Asher, and the understanding he has for them is so heartwarming. We delve a little more into the ways the battlefield has shaped him, and I firmly believe he deserves a little coziness in his life
╰┈➤ 𝒥𝑜𝓇𝓎
In my review of Warrior Princess Assassin, I said I was looking forward to Jory growing as a character, and I wasn't disappointed! She's still headstrong, still unsure, but she's trying. And she's not nearly as impulsive as before, which is good to see! Don't worry though, she still makes little schemes with Asher, always igniting Ky's protectiveness and testing his patience at the same time 🤭
╰┈➤ 𝒜𝓈𝒽𝑒𝓇
Obviously, Asher did not deserve anything that happened to him. If you've read the first one, you know what I'm talking about. We go more in-depth about his past trauma, and I now have two specific people I'd like to... disappear 😇🔪 Seeing him start to feel so safe with Ky and Jory just tugs at your heartstrings, in that make-you-misty-eyed way. His relationship with Jory is also a treat, just because you can read the long-time friendship vibe between them!
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Romance! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll always be a big fan of MMF, the best poly pairing imo, and the romance between the throuple is here! They're so cute together; I don't know much about lab, but even I can tell there's chemistry here! Ky is so protective of them, Jory is finding her footing with them, and Asher has found safety with them, ehehehehe 💗 (Romantic giggling)
AND THERE'S NO MISCOMMUNICATION PEOPLE 🥳 I hate that trope, so I was really happy to see less angst in the relationship itself, but angst towards the world instead. The tension is external rather than internal, and that's definitely my preference in romances!
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Conclusion! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Someone give me the third one, this throuple needs their HEA 🙏🏻 And they had better get one, or else I will RAGE
═══ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ═════ ≪ °♡° ≫ ════
Want to Read
December 3, 2025I CANNON WAIT A WHOLE 11 MONTHS FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT 😭
Want to Read
December 6, 2025there are not enough words in the English language to describe how much I need this sequel
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m not entirely sure what Bridget Kemmerer puts in her books and her writing that just with one title made me a convert for life. Warrior princess assassin was easily in my top 5 books I read last year and the moment I opened the EPUB for the sequel I was just instantly sold. My bias is tremendous.
What I love most about this is how character driven it is. The writing is so absolutely detailed in describing every thing everyone is feeling and it’s so wild to me that I enjoy it this much. As a person with aphantasia, I tend to hate long descriptions because they bore me since my brain can not pick up and provide the visual cues, but when it comes to these specific characters inner thoughts and monologues I just can not get enough.
This book hooked me just as much as the first one and I think if you went feral after WPA you’re gonna be absolutely happy with this one. I live for the MMF dynamic and the way this is written, you can easily drop any part of the throuple and the relationship would still work and be believable. A true love TRIANGLE. I need more. More of this universe, more of this mechanic and more from the author in general.
All three POVs are engaging and entertaining but my favorite is Asher, the emo sad boy with a list of trauma so long it rivals any dark romance MMC. Particularly my favorite are his interactions and relationship with Ky, which continues and expands like in book one, and I could honestly read pages and pages of this alone. I adore the two of them together and their individual relationships with Jory as well. There’s also been some further exploration of her own trauma caused by get relationship with her family, Dane in particular, which to me was very personal.
I find the relationship very lust forward which I usually dislike in favor to slow burns but with these three it feels like it’s moving slowly despite some of the filthy sentiments they share for each order😂 the constant ill time interruptions were hilarious. But when it hits, it hits. This is genuinely one of my favorite romances in the genre.
Plot wise, we’re moving very very slowly but I’m not saying that in a bad way. There were some big revelations that I saw coming, but I’m really liking where the story is going. The cliffhanger tho I did not predict and it’s absolutely evil.
5/5 😩😩
What I love most about this is how character driven it is. The writing is so absolutely detailed in describing every thing everyone is feeling and it’s so wild to me that I enjoy it this much. As a person with aphantasia, I tend to hate long descriptions because they bore me since my brain can not pick up and provide the visual cues, but when it comes to these specific characters inner thoughts and monologues I just can not get enough.
This book hooked me just as much as the first one and I think if you went feral after WPA you’re gonna be absolutely happy with this one. I live for the MMF dynamic and the way this is written, you can easily drop any part of the throuple and the relationship would still work and be believable. A true love TRIANGLE. I need more. More of this universe, more of this mechanic and more from the author in general.
All three POVs are engaging and entertaining but my favorite is Asher, the emo sad boy with a list of trauma so long it rivals any dark romance MMC. Particularly my favorite are his interactions and relationship with Ky, which continues and expands like in book one, and I could honestly read pages and pages of this alone. I adore the two of them together and their individual relationships with Jory as well. There’s also been some further exploration of her own trauma caused by get relationship with her family, Dane in particular, which to me was very personal.
I find the relationship very lust forward which I usually dislike in favor to slow burns but with these three it feels like it’s moving slowly despite some of the filthy sentiments they share for each order😂 the constant ill time interruptions were hilarious. But when it hits, it hits. This is genuinely one of my favorite romances in the genre.
Plot wise, we’re moving very very slowly but I’m not saying that in a bad way. There were some big revelations that I saw coming, but I’m really liking where the story is going. The cliffhanger tho I did not predict and it’s absolutely evil.
5/5 😩😩
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Did I finish this in less than 12 hours, or did it absolutely finish me???
My sweet baby Asher. Honestly, that’s the review.
But since we should talk more about it, this book does such an incredible job of peeling back more and more of Asher’s layers. Every reveal adds depth to who he is, what he’s survived, and why he acts the way he does - the retreating from touch, the hiding, the instinct to make himself smaller. I especially loved how Ky can see right through the facade and immediately knows how to put Asher at ease, while we’re still watching Jory learn how to care for him without pushing in the wrong way. That contrast was so beautifully done.
I understood why the tension and miscommunication between Asher, Ky, and Jory had to be there after the end of Warrior Princess Assassin, and it absolutely made sense for where the story is in the series. That said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t desperately hoping for a few slivers more of happiness/joy/romance. I think I just wanted a tiny bit of peace for them far earlier than book two was ever realistically going to give me (especially considering Brigid fully admits to planning how to make her characters suffer lmao).
What Brigid does so masterfully, though, is the dialogue and the painfully human accidental missteps each character makes. No one is misunderstanding each other because the plot needs it; they’re misunderstanding each other because they’re hurt, healing, scared, and trying anyway. That’s what makes it hit so hard.
I giggled. I gasped. I ignored all of my responsibilities just to spend more time with these three (really two, looking at you Jory + Asher) absolute idiots.
Tytyty Avon and NetGalley for the eARC of my most anticipated read of the year. It was every bit as amazing as I hoped.
Come back in November when it releases for the full spiral
My sweet baby Asher. Honestly, that’s the review.
But since we should talk more about it, this book does such an incredible job of peeling back more and more of Asher’s layers. Every reveal adds depth to who he is, what he’s survived, and why he acts the way he does - the retreating from touch, the hiding, the instinct to make himself smaller. I especially loved how Ky can see right through the facade and immediately knows how to put Asher at ease, while we’re still watching Jory learn how to care for him without pushing in the wrong way. That contrast was so beautifully done.
I understood why the tension and miscommunication between Asher, Ky, and Jory had to be there after the end of Warrior Princess Assassin, and it absolutely made sense for where the story is in the series. That said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t desperately hoping for a few slivers more of happiness/joy/romance. I think I just wanted a tiny bit of peace for them far earlier than book two was ever realistically going to give me (especially considering Brigid fully admits to planning how to make her characters suffer lmao).
What Brigid does so masterfully, though, is the dialogue and the painfully human accidental missteps each character makes. No one is misunderstanding each other because the plot needs it; they’re misunderstanding each other because they’re hurt, healing, scared, and trying anyway. That’s what makes it hit so hard.
I giggled. I gasped. I ignored all of my responsibilities just to spend more time with these three (really two, looking at you Jory + Asher) absolute idiots.
Tytyty Avon and NetGalley for the eARC of my most anticipated read of the year. It was every bit as amazing as I hoped.
Come back in November when it releases for the full spiral
April 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐!
If you liked Warrior, Princess, Assassin, you will love its sequel too. Brigid Kemmerer shows the same care for her characters here, and it’s truly what’s best about this book. All 3 characters are beautifully fleshed out, and the relationships between them, as a result, are a delight to read.
But that’s not to say the work building isn’t good either! The politics get more tangled and there is so much suspense, although I do wish we could have gotten some answers on important plot points earlier in the book.
The end is nerve wracking, and I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for the ARC.
If you liked Warrior, Princess, Assassin, you will love its sequel too. Brigid Kemmerer shows the same care for her characters here, and it’s truly what’s best about this book. All 3 characters are beautifully fleshed out, and the relationships between them, as a result, are a delight to read.
But that’s not to say the work building isn’t good either! The politics get more tangled and there is so much suspense, although I do wish we could have gotten some answers on important plot points earlier in the book.
The end is nerve wracking, and I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
(4.5⭐)
SO I DID NOT JUST READ THAT?? THERE HAS TO BE MORE??? WHY DID IT END TOO SOON STOPPP I'M LOSING MY MIND.
Nobody speak to me for the next 92365826 days. I'm not okay. Brigid, you had no right to end it there!!!!!! Especially with those revelations at the end?! Stopp guys I'm actually so scared for these characters please I can't do this☹️ Book 3 is going to rip me apart, I just know it.
So I already knew I would adore Captive Traitor King and yet somehow it still exceeded my expectations. No words will ever be enough to describe how much I LOVE these characters. Ky, Jory, and Asher all mean so much to me, I just want to protect them from this world. Give them all the love, safety, peace and wholesomeness they deserve please. We delve deeper into each of their characters in CTK and oh if I didn't adore it (while it also constantly broke my heart). I love how each of them recognized the other's trauma and demons they were carrying. If you were worried about there being a lack of development in their relationships with one another in this book, know that there's absolutely nothing to worry about. Brigid creates such a raw and beautiful development between them all, without feeling the need to create misunderstandings that last for 23979262 years (as I've seen too often in other books once the main couple gets together in book 1...). We actually get to see them all have conversations with one another and watch them grow as individuals, and together. And they balance each other SO well, you can tell they each love the other for different reasons but equally the same. Like!!!! Ky, Jory, Asher I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!
In WPA, Ky was my favourite. Here in CTK, there's no doubt that Asher was my favourite. And I'm so sure that in book 3, Jory will be my favourite considering how things left off (the potential!!!!). Don't get me wrong though I love each of them so so much, truly each of their characters are so well written. The tenderness and vulnerability?? The silly and adorable moments?? The ruthlessness and how fiercely protective they are of one another?? THAT'S MY TRIO. Devastated that I won't have any new content of Ky, Jory, and Asher until Fall 2027 at a minimum🥲
And side characters!!! You know for a book that's so short (the way I am crying over it being only ~330 pages), Brigid really makes you care about these characters so much😭 And yes I know that most of the soldiers were in book 1 but considering I do not remember anything about them since I read WPA a year ago... to make me adore them so much in so little time??? Sev and Roman my favs I love them so much. The Roman & [redacted] friendship and the Sev & [redacted] conversation were absolutely everything they were so sweet🥹 And Hidi and Ahn!! I wish we got more of those two but I loved those scenes with them. I just know book 3 will give us more of all of these guys and I can't wait.
Honestly, this series isn't very plot heavy but like I said in my book 1 review, I really don't care!! If the characters mean everything to me then I can easily ignore the lack of plot. Also things picked up in the 2nd half and I love that one of my theories I had at some point (which I dismissed because I was like surely that's an insane theory) actually ended up being right!!!! I'M STILL NOT OVER THAT ACTUALLY LIKE DAMN. Did not see the other reveal coming though about the rain like oh ???? And then to end it like that.... no, no, I can't think about it okay I'm going to stop now.
I only have one small complaint which kept it from being a 5 star and it's that I genuinely think this book would've been even better if it was longer like truly I wish it was. ~330 pages was not enough and with how the last few chapters went it did feel a bit rushed, I wish we could've had more🥲 But again, this is just a really small complaint!
Captive Traitor King was an absolutely stellar sequel with beautiful character growth and I will be first in line begging for an ARC of book 3. Like I am so serious I need it immediately please please just dont be a 2028 release or I'll cry. ALSO PLEASE MAKE IT LONG. 500+ PAGES OR SOMETHING. I just don't want this series to end😭
A million thanks to Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!!
SO I DID NOT JUST READ THAT?? THERE HAS TO BE MORE??? WHY DID IT END TOO SOON STOPPP I'M LOSING MY MIND.
Nobody speak to me for the next 92365826 days. I'm not okay. Brigid, you had no right to end it there!!!!!! Especially with those revelations at the end?! Stopp guys I'm actually so scared for these characters please I can't do this☹️ Book 3 is going to rip me apart, I just know it.
So I already knew I would adore Captive Traitor King and yet somehow it still exceeded my expectations. No words will ever be enough to describe how much I LOVE these characters. Ky, Jory, and Asher all mean so much to me, I just want to protect them from this world. Give them all the love, safety, peace and wholesomeness they deserve please. We delve deeper into each of their characters in CTK and oh if I didn't adore it (while it also constantly broke my heart). I love how each of them recognized the other's trauma and demons they were carrying. If you were worried about there being a lack of development in their relationships with one another in this book, know that there's absolutely nothing to worry about. Brigid creates such a raw and beautiful development between them all, without feeling the need to create misunderstandings that last for 23979262 years (as I've seen too often in other books once the main couple gets together in book 1...). We actually get to see them all have conversations with one another and watch them grow as individuals, and together. And they balance each other SO well, you can tell they each love the other for different reasons but equally the same. Like!!!! Ky, Jory, Asher I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!
In WPA, Ky was my favourite. Here in CTK, there's no doubt that Asher was my favourite. And I'm so sure that in book 3, Jory will be my favourite considering how things left off (the potential!!!!). Don't get me wrong though I love each of them so so much, truly each of their characters are so well written. The tenderness and vulnerability?? The silly and adorable moments?? The ruthlessness and how fiercely protective they are of one another?? THAT'S MY TRIO. Devastated that I won't have any new content of Ky, Jory, and Asher until Fall 2027 at a minimum🥲
And side characters!!! You know for a book that's so short (the way I am crying over it being only ~330 pages), Brigid really makes you care about these characters so much😭 And yes I know that most of the soldiers were in book 1 but considering I do not remember anything about them since I read WPA a year ago... to make me adore them so much in so little time??? Sev and Roman my favs I love them so much. The Roman & [redacted] friendship and the Sev & [redacted] conversation were absolutely everything they were so sweet🥹 And Hidi and Ahn!! I wish we got more of those two but I loved those scenes with them. I just know book 3 will give us more of all of these guys and I can't wait.
Honestly, this series isn't very plot heavy but like I said in my book 1 review, I really don't care!! If the characters mean everything to me then I can easily ignore the lack of plot. Also things picked up in the 2nd half and I love that one of my theories I had at some point (which I dismissed because I was like surely that's an insane theory) actually ended up being right!!!! I'M STILL NOT OVER THAT ACTUALLY LIKE DAMN. Did not see the other reveal coming though about the rain like oh ???? And then to end it like that.... no, no, I can't think about it okay I'm going to stop now.
I only have one small complaint which kept it from being a 5 star and it's that I genuinely think this book would've been even better if it was longer like truly I wish it was. ~330 pages was not enough and with how the last few chapters went it did feel a bit rushed, I wish we could've had more🥲 But again, this is just a really small complaint!
Captive Traitor King was an absolutely stellar sequel with beautiful character growth and I will be first in line begging for an ARC of book 3. Like I am so serious I need it immediately please please just dont be a 2028 release or I'll cry. ALSO PLEASE MAKE IT LONG. 500+ PAGES OR SOMETHING. I just don't want this series to end😭
A million thanks to Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It physically pains me to write this review. Warrior Princess Assassin was one of my top reads of 2025, and Captive Traitor King one of my most anticipated reads of 2026. I cannot express how excited I was to get approved for this arc. That happened on Friday, and I immediately read the entire book on Saturday. My excitement was literally palpable. And there were things I loved: these characters are so great. They are all so individualistic and stand on their own, which can sometimes be challenging in a why choose. I love them all. Asher, my poor broken baby, I love him. I loved / hated getting his backstory. It's dark, you guys. And at points I wondered why it needed to be so dark, and then it came full circle. I enjoyed watching Asher and Jora fit in with Ky's court. The various scenes with tension with the guards were great. And this is such a quick read. The writing is easy to digest and easy to picture yourself inside the story. I read this in basically one sitting.
This is a character driven plot story. It's about the characters working out their relationship dynamics and how they might work together in ruling the larger world. But I unfortunately wanted more situational plot. There were big things that happened at the 30% mark and at the ending, obviously, but this definitely felt like a book 2 set up for the ending of a story. And I'm trying to be realistic with my expectations and my review, but I loved book 1 so much, and I just felt a bit bored throughout because I wanted more action. BUT if you love character driven plot - just ignore my review because you're going to love this. Book 3 is set up to be incredible though!! So I will definitely continue with this series.
3.5 rounded up.
This is a character driven plot story. It's about the characters working out their relationship dynamics and how they might work together in ruling the larger world. But I unfortunately wanted more situational plot. There were big things that happened at the 30% mark and at the ending, obviously, but this definitely felt like a book 2 set up for the ending of a story. And I'm trying to be realistic with my expectations and my review, but I loved book 1 so much, and I just felt a bit bored throughout because I wanted more action. BUT if you love character driven plot - just ignore my review because you're going to love this. Book 3 is set up to be incredible though!! So I will definitely continue with this series.
3.5 rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm still very much enjoying these characters, the scenario in which they find themselves, and the readable prose that keeps the pages flipping quickly.
This installment does suffer from being the middle chapter in a trilogy (or perhaps longer? I don't know). Having realized at the end of the last book that they need to return to the kingdom of Astranza to confront Princess Jory's sus brother, the main trio instead find themselves mired down in Incendar, Ky's kingdom, making plans, waiting for information and the arrival of a mysterious prisoner, defending against various attacks on Ky's stronghold, and mostly figuring out the nature of their interpersonal relationships. The lust-betrayal-anger cycle gets reused a bit too much (as do references to growing tightness in various men's trousers).
With the characters mostly reacting and going in circles instead of driving ahead, there is an air of treading water, of putting off big events until next time. Still, keeping the focus on their feelings about each other as they sit fretting in the castle is welcome when emotional breakthroughs and sexy fun times come around.
I started reading this series because of my wife's enthusiasm for it, and now I find myself joining her in impatient eagerness for the next installment
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
This installment does suffer from being the middle chapter in a trilogy (or perhaps longer? I don't know). Having realized at the end of the last book that they need to return to the kingdom of Astranza to confront Princess Jory's sus brother, the main trio instead find themselves mired down in Incendar, Ky's kingdom, making plans, waiting for information and the arrival of a mysterious prisoner, defending against various attacks on Ky's stronghold, and mostly figuring out the nature of their interpersonal relationships. The lust-betrayal-anger cycle gets reused a bit too much (as do references to growing tightness in various men's trousers).
With the characters mostly reacting and going in circles instead of driving ahead, there is an air of treading water, of putting off big events until next time. Still, keeping the focus on their feelings about each other as they sit fretting in the castle is welcome when emotional breakthroughs and sexy fun times come around.
I started reading this series because of my wife's enthusiasm for it, and now I find myself joining her in impatient eagerness for the next installment
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
Want to Read
June 4, 2026I love me a good book on royal-political scheming ;)
Very happy to be able to receive a continuation of this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and the author, Brigid Kemmerer for an early ARC!
Publication date: November 3, 2026
Very happy to be able to receive a continuation of this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and the author, Brigid Kemmerer for an early ARC!
Publication date: November 3, 2026
March 27, 2026
The way I regret reading this. That ending is going to haunt me. No 3rd book in sight and that’s how we end!!! I’m devastated!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the e-arc!
I'm so saddened by the lack of enjoyment I had with this sequel, especially since I greatly enjoyed my experience reading Warrior Princess Assassin, but this sequel was just so maddeningly mediocre.
My biggest qualm with this novel is the pacing. WHAT THE HECK WAS THE PACING. The first half of the book is one singular day. ONE DAY for half of an already short book is ridiculous!! Especially when it's a fantasy novel about a looming war. I was so confused because this book was so incredibly short and I just didn't understand why it even had to be a book. Like this entire book could have easily been 100 pages. Just..nothing happens. The final twist is something I 90% guessed at the end of book 1 so I was left dumbfounded over that being the huge ending here. This book is character focused 100% and it was jarring to me just because book 1 did not have such a focus on them. And I do often enjoy character focused fantasies, but I didn't love any of our three MCs here enough to justify the bizarre pacing here. Like the whole book takes place over 3 days and it's mostly conversations. Huh?
In light of this, I can't really say the character development was major because again it's been 3 days lol like they're becoming aware of their flaws but that's about it. Jory annoyed me more than anything in this one, I just found her to be acting brash all the time and I didn't connect to her. Everytime someone commented on how kind she was and caring I was just like she's acting like a normal human with decency.
Ky has always been my favourite and I did enjoy him here. I liked seeing his flashes of vulnerability.
Asher is just a character I don't connect with. I enjoyed getting to understand him more but I just don't love him.
Side characters wise, I liked Roman, but the short length of this book really left no room for any side characters. Still don't know why Victoria is a character at all given how irrelevant she's been.
Plot wise it's a lot of conversations and no action. We learn more about magic as a whole but when the main aggressor in this series is a kingdom that no one knows anything about it becomes somewhat laughable in a sense. No one knows anything about Draegonis! Not even who's ruling the damn place. It becomes hard to be invested in a conflict when the 'bad guys' are potentially not the bad guys if we had any context at all for their actions.
While I had more dislikes than likes in regards to this novel, I will say that the writing was good and I enjoy it for what it is. I will read the finale but I do firmly believe that this could have easily been a duology. I'm not sure exactly what will be happening in book 3 given how loose the plot is but I hope that it's a book of more length than this!
Captive Traitor King hits shelves November 3rd.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the e-arc!
I'm so saddened by the lack of enjoyment I had with this sequel, especially since I greatly enjoyed my experience reading Warrior Princess Assassin, but this sequel was just so maddeningly mediocre.
My biggest qualm with this novel is the pacing. WHAT THE HECK WAS THE PACING. The first half of the book is one singular day. ONE DAY for half of an already short book is ridiculous!! Especially when it's a fantasy novel about a looming war. I was so confused because this book was so incredibly short and I just didn't understand why it even had to be a book. Like this entire book could have easily been 100 pages. Just..nothing happens. The final twist is something I 90% guessed at the end of book 1 so I was left dumbfounded over that being the huge ending here. This book is character focused 100% and it was jarring to me just because book 1 did not have such a focus on them. And I do often enjoy character focused fantasies, but I didn't love any of our three MCs here enough to justify the bizarre pacing here. Like the whole book takes place over 3 days and it's mostly conversations. Huh?
In light of this, I can't really say the character development was major because again it's been 3 days lol like they're becoming aware of their flaws but that's about it. Jory annoyed me more than anything in this one, I just found her to be acting brash all the time and I didn't connect to her. Everytime someone commented on how kind she was and caring I was just like she's acting like a normal human with decency.
Ky has always been my favourite and I did enjoy him here. I liked seeing his flashes of vulnerability.
Asher is just a character I don't connect with. I enjoyed getting to understand him more but I just don't love him.
Side characters wise, I liked Roman, but the short length of this book really left no room for any side characters. Still don't know why Victoria is a character at all given how irrelevant she's been.
Plot wise it's a lot of conversations and no action. We learn more about magic as a whole but when the main aggressor in this series is a kingdom that no one knows anything about it becomes somewhat laughable in a sense. No one knows anything about Draegonis! Not even who's ruling the damn place. It becomes hard to be invested in a conflict when the 'bad guys' are potentially not the bad guys if we had any context at all for their actions.
While I had more dislikes than likes in regards to this novel, I will say that the writing was good and I enjoy it for what it is. I will read the finale but I do firmly believe that this could have easily been a duology. I'm not sure exactly what will be happening in book 3 given how loose the plot is but I hope that it's a book of more length than this!
Captive Traitor King hits shelves November 3rd.
June 6, 2026
The squeal I let out when the book I joined NetGalley for got approved!! This totally made my day in the best way, and then I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. Who needs sleep? (Oh goodness, me!)
We pick up just a week after the first book. Jory, Ky, and Asher seem to have fallen back to their default settings, trying to figure things out in their own way. So much of this book is a healing journey, and learning to do things together. “That’s the point of an army.”
What I really love about this book are the characters. They’re so beautifully and heartbreakingly written, I cannot help but love them. Even the side characters. I love having the alternating points of view from each of our 3 main characters, to be able to really understand their thoughts, their fears, their insecurities. The trauma, the healing, it’s all so much.
I thought I had figured out the shape of what was happening at the two-thirds mark, only to be thrown off the scent. But then turns out I was right!! I was screaming in my head, only to have my stomach drop right out of my body at the ending.
How am I going to make it to the next book after this?! This is the only book series I’ve read with this type of relationship dynamic, but other aspects like the political maneuvering did remind me of The Bridge Kingdom and The Remnant Chronicles. So I would think fans of those books would also enjoy this series.
Final thoughts: I don’t even know what to do with myself now. I loved this book so much, I love the characters, and I cannot wait to see how this all comes together in the next book.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
We pick up just a week after the first book. Jory, Ky, and Asher seem to have fallen back to their default settings, trying to figure things out in their own way. So much of this book is a healing journey, and learning to do things together. “That’s the point of an army.”
What I really love about this book are the characters. They’re so beautifully and heartbreakingly written, I cannot help but love them. Even the side characters. I love having the alternating points of view from each of our 3 main characters, to be able to really understand their thoughts, their fears, their insecurities. The trauma, the healing, it’s all so much.
I thought I had figured out the shape of what was happening at the two-thirds mark, only to be thrown off the scent. But then turns out I was right!! I was screaming in my head, only to have my stomach drop right out of my body at the ending.
How am I going to make it to the next book after this?! This is the only book series I’ve read with this type of relationship dynamic, but other aspects like the political maneuvering did remind me of The Bridge Kingdom and The Remnant Chronicles. So I would think fans of those books would also enjoy this series.
Final thoughts: I don’t even know what to do with myself now. I loved this book so much, I love the characters, and I cannot wait to see how this all comes together in the next book.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2026
I loved this book even more than Warrior Princess Assassin, which is saying a lot because Warrior Princess Assassin is half of my personality. When it comes to the growth these characters have shown in mere weeks, you can feel how their decisions, the lives of those around them, and the their own internal struggles have altered their lives, but instead of it weighing them down, they allow it to be the catalyst for positive change. Dealing with both the internal and external conflicts around them, each of your main characters is forced to face challenges that would once have hindered them. They are developing as individuals and as a whole, leaning on each other when necessary, providing a sense of stability in an environment where the world around them seems to be crumbling. Their relationship is also beginning to bloom and flourish, which made me fall in love with them even more than I already had.
I loved that this book slowed down the impending doom to allow the characters a chance to develop. It was the perfect set up for the final 25% of the book that took off with little room to breathe. Secrets are being revealed, ulterior motives are uncovered, and the delicate balance on the razor edge is heavily teetering.
The massive cliff hanger that we are left on has me needing the next book immediately. Seriously, I will take scraps at this point to settle my nerves. I really cannot wait for everyone to read this because if you loved Warrior Princess Assassin, you will not be disappointed by Captive Traitor King!
I loved that this book slowed down the impending doom to allow the characters a chance to develop. It was the perfect set up for the final 25% of the book that took off with little room to breathe. Secrets are being revealed, ulterior motives are uncovered, and the delicate balance on the razor edge is heavily teetering.
The massive cliff hanger that we are left on has me needing the next book immediately. Seriously, I will take scraps at this point to settle my nerves. I really cannot wait for everyone to read this because if you loved Warrior Princess Assassin, you will not be disappointed by Captive Traitor King!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Addictive!!
Just like book one, this book completely sucked me in and didn’t let me go.
It started off feeling like a filler book but quickly evolved into a high-stakes sequel filled with plot twists. While I enjoyed the romance the most in book one, the romance in this one felt a little overshadowed by the secrets that were unraveled, which, by no means, is a bad thing. I just found myself more caught up in the mystery, the secrets, and the bigger picture of what was really going on. Overall, this was such an addictive sequel that kept me turning the pages, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next!
Just like book one, this book completely sucked me in and didn’t let me go.
It started off feeling like a filler book but quickly evolved into a high-stakes sequel filled with plot twists. While I enjoyed the romance the most in book one, the romance in this one felt a little overshadowed by the secrets that were unraveled, which, by no means, is a bad thing. I just found myself more caught up in the mystery, the secrets, and the bigger picture of what was really going on. Overall, this was such an addictive sequel that kept me turning the pages, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been waiting for the second book to drop since I read Warrior Princess Assassin and gosh, it did not disappoint!
The pacing was fast, the plottwist unforseen and gosh, I just love Asher, Ky and Jory. They all developed in such a beautiful way. Each having troubles with their past and all three helping each other to ease through them with such understanding and awereness. This book had me hooked from beginning to end.
And then that cliffhanger 😱 I was almost shouting no, no, no on the couch!! I need the 3rd book like right now!
Definitely a 6⭐️ pageturner!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author Brigid Kemmerer for the chance to read and review this ARC. Its been a true pleasure.
The pacing was fast, the plottwist unforseen and gosh, I just love Asher, Ky and Jory. They all developed in such a beautiful way. Each having troubles with their past and all three helping each other to ease through them with such understanding and awereness. This book had me hooked from beginning to end.
And then that cliffhanger 😱 I was almost shouting no, no, no on the couch!! I need the 3rd book like right now!
Definitely a 6⭐️ pageturner!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author Brigid Kemmerer for the chance to read and review this ARC. Its been a true pleasure.
July 7, 2026
Son of a bitch.
Now what do I do.
Other than crash out?
I loved this.
Now what do I do.
Other than crash out?
I loved this.
October 8, 2026
WHAT AN ENDING.
Captive Traitor King starts off with exactly what I loved so much about the first book: a focus on the characters and their relationship. Brigid continues to explore Ky, Asher, and Jory's pasts, and we learn more about each of their traumas and how they are healing from them. This is a series where all of their trust and affection feels earned, and I love that they all provide different forms of comfort, support, and even challenge for each other.
Where this sequel differs from Warrior Princess Assassin , is that there is less action and plot. This definitely feels like a middle book in terms of pacing. The pieces of the story come together very slowly, and for a majority of the book, it is a lot of talking around the action. However, the hints that we get culminates into an explosive revelation at the end (see the first line of this review), and I'm really impressed by Brigid's ability to make all the parts of a seemingly disparate picture really snap in place with just a few key bits of information.
This book really centers the romance as the main pivot of the story. The downtime in between action and plot development means we spend a lot of time delving even deeper into Ky, Jory and Asher's backgrounds. The character work for all three is fantastic. Asher will always be the most broken of sad boys, but I also really liked that Brigid explored Ky and Jory's trauma in a deeper way.
I love that Ky, while so steady in the face of Jory and Asher's fears and unwavering in how he protects and takes care of them, is also hurting in his own way; I love that they both recognize that and seek in turn to take care of him. I love that Jory is the softness that Ky and Asher need in their lives, but is in a way much stronger than either of them, because she is the one most ready to look at the horrors they face head on—and make both of them face them, too. And I love that Asher is so perceptive and understands Ky and Jory better than he understands himself to know exactly what they need. There is so much tangible growth for them all individually, but also for every connection and relationship between them.
They all just fit together and balance each other out perfectly. These are the the types of connections that I really treasure, and they are undoubtedly one of my favorite romances to read. There is also much more spice in this sequel. Much like the conversations that grow their understanding of each other, the lull in between plot points leaves lots of time for tension to spark, kisses to be shared, and for one very hot bath scene.
Captive Traitor King is definitely a recommendation for anyone who loved the first book. I think Brigid does an incredible job of building on the tentative trust in WPA and meaningfully develops all of their relationships. For those who enjoy a more action-driven storyline, go into this one knowing that there will be a lot of waiting around for big plot points. But the ending did give me the payoff that I needed to still feel invested in this series eager for the next book. This series continues to be a standout in the romantasy genre, with a thoughtful, intricate poly romance and rising stakes that will leave you wanting more.
PS. Not once while I was reading this did I think about my romantasy slump. Who knew the thing to cure me would be familiar, beloved characters from a series I know I love?
﹙ 3.5 ☆ ﹚
— Thank you Avon for the ARC!
Captive Traitor King starts off with exactly what I loved so much about the first book: a focus on the characters and their relationship. Brigid continues to explore Ky, Asher, and Jory's pasts, and we learn more about each of their traumas and how they are healing from them. This is a series where all of their trust and affection feels earned, and I love that they all provide different forms of comfort, support, and even challenge for each other.
Where this sequel differs from Warrior Princess Assassin , is that there is less action and plot. This definitely feels like a middle book in terms of pacing. The pieces of the story come together very slowly, and for a majority of the book, it is a lot of talking around the action. However, the hints that we get culminates into an explosive revelation at the end (see the first line of this review), and I'm really impressed by Brigid's ability to make all the parts of a seemingly disparate picture really snap in place with just a few key bits of information.
This book really centers the romance as the main pivot of the story. The downtime in between action and plot development means we spend a lot of time delving even deeper into Ky, Jory and Asher's backgrounds. The character work for all three is fantastic. Asher will always be the most broken of sad boys, but I also really liked that Brigid explored Ky and Jory's trauma in a deeper way.
I love that Ky, while so steady in the face of Jory and Asher's fears and unwavering in how he protects and takes care of them, is also hurting in his own way; I love that they both recognize that and seek in turn to take care of him. I love that Jory is the softness that Ky and Asher need in their lives, but is in a way much stronger than either of them, because she is the one most ready to look at the horrors they face head on—and make both of them face them, too. And I love that Asher is so perceptive and understands Ky and Jory better than he understands himself to know exactly what they need. There is so much tangible growth for them all individually, but also for every connection and relationship between them.
They all just fit together and balance each other out perfectly. These are the the types of connections that I really treasure, and they are undoubtedly one of my favorite romances to read. There is also much more spice in this sequel. Much like the conversations that grow their understanding of each other, the lull in between plot points leaves lots of time for tension to spark, kisses to be shared, and for one very hot bath scene.
Captive Traitor King is definitely a recommendation for anyone who loved the first book. I think Brigid does an incredible job of building on the tentative trust in WPA and meaningfully develops all of their relationships. For those who enjoy a more action-driven storyline, go into this one knowing that there will be a lot of waiting around for big plot points. But the ending did give me the payoff that I needed to still feel invested in this series eager for the next book. This series continues to be a standout in the romantasy genre, with a thoughtful, intricate poly romance and rising stakes that will leave you wanting more.
PS. Not once while I was reading this did I think about my romantasy slump. Who knew the thing to cure me would be familiar, beloved characters from a series I know I love?
﹙ 3.5 ☆ ﹚
— Thank you Avon for the ARC!
August 20, 2026
Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyage and Bridgid Kemmer, for the advance copy of Captive Traitor King in exchange for an honest review!
Wow, wow, wow, I need the next book asap because that ending has me shook!! Every time I read a book in this series, I think that it can’t get better, but it keeps getting better and better!
Captive Traitor King takes place right after the end of the first book. But this time we get a deeper look into the kingdoms of Incendar, Astranza, and Dregonis. I liked being able to see more of the kingdoms and how each of them is run, and the relations between them. We got to see more of the tension between kingdoms and their political relations, which I liked!
I loved learning about the past of Jory, Asher, and Ky. It helped to really give life to their characters, and I couldn’t help but sympathize with them more. They have all been through so much, especially Asher. I wanted to hug him after hearing everything that he went through and how it’s shaped him as a person. It helped me to understand why his character acts the way he does. I think Jory, Asher, and Ky all give each other something in their relationship and help to complement each other. While they still have some trust issues in the beginning of the book, I think it’s warranted because they all don’t want to be betrayed, as they have been in the past.
I love the conflict in this book. And while you will get a lot of character development from this book, there is also a lot of political intrigue and conflict, and you will still get lots of action from the book. The story will have you invested the entire time! I also liked that we got to see more of Ky’s sister. She was mentioned a few times in the first book, but both Jory and Asher are curious about her. While Ky tries to keep them away, he can’t hide his sister forever, and I was glad Ky let Asher get to know his sister a little more.
I can’t wait to get the next book into my hands because of that cliffhanger??? I need to recover from that, because I don’t know if I’m ready for the next book! I can’t wait to see how things play out with the characters and the conflict they are facing.
Wow, wow, wow, I need the next book asap because that ending has me shook!! Every time I read a book in this series, I think that it can’t get better, but it keeps getting better and better!
Captive Traitor King takes place right after the end of the first book. But this time we get a deeper look into the kingdoms of Incendar, Astranza, and Dregonis. I liked being able to see more of the kingdoms and how each of them is run, and the relations between them. We got to see more of the tension between kingdoms and their political relations, which I liked!
I loved learning about the past of Jory, Asher, and Ky. It helped to really give life to their characters, and I couldn’t help but sympathize with them more. They have all been through so much, especially Asher. I wanted to hug him after hearing everything that he went through and how it’s shaped him as a person. It helped me to understand why his character acts the way he does. I think Jory, Asher, and Ky all give each other something in their relationship and help to complement each other. While they still have some trust issues in the beginning of the book, I think it’s warranted because they all don’t want to be betrayed, as they have been in the past.
I love the conflict in this book. And while you will get a lot of character development from this book, there is also a lot of political intrigue and conflict, and you will still get lots of action from the book. The story will have you invested the entire time! I also liked that we got to see more of Ky’s sister. She was mentioned a few times in the first book, but both Jory and Asher are curious about her. While Ky tries to keep them away, he can’t hide his sister forever, and I was glad Ky let Asher get to know his sister a little more.
I can’t wait to get the next book into my hands because of that cliffhanger??? I need to recover from that, because I don’t know if I’m ready for the next book! I can’t wait to see how things play out with the characters and the conflict they are facing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So I absolutely inhaled WPA, I loved everything about it. Asher was by far my favorite character. That’s why I’m a little disappointed in this second book.
CTK is 360 some pages of nothing happening. It’s all talking, trauma memories, sex acts, and repeat. We finally get some action but it was at the 98% mark and ended on a cliffhanger.
There is a lot of past developments in this story and it’s really dark. Like super dark. I don’t mind dark reads but I really missed the action that went with the first book. We can do dark and action but mostly this was just talking.
I will say it was a quick read, the story was easy to read (almost YA ish but with spice,) I definitely think this trilogy could have been a duo logy with cutting a huge chunk of this book out.
I will also say the development of Asher was huge in this book. We see exactly what happened to him and why he is the way he is. It makes your heart break.
Will I read the next book? Yeah probably because I need my boy Asher to be okay.
Thank you to Avon and Harper voyager for the arc!
**********SPOILERS*********
We see a lot of what Asher went through as a slave and it’s super dark. Like dark AF. Asher sees a couple that did some nasty damage to him and he’s traumatized again and instead of helping him resolve the issues we get a spicy scene with the main characters. It doesn’t make sense. Then we get to the end and I cannot. I’m really hoping the third book isn’t trauma/torture p*rn.
CTK is 360 some pages of nothing happening. It’s all talking, trauma memories, sex acts, and repeat. We finally get some action but it was at the 98% mark and ended on a cliffhanger.
There is a lot of past developments in this story and it’s really dark. Like super dark. I don’t mind dark reads but I really missed the action that went with the first book. We can do dark and action but mostly this was just talking.
I will say it was a quick read, the story was easy to read (almost YA ish but with spice,) I definitely think this trilogy could have been a duo logy with cutting a huge chunk of this book out.
I will also say the development of Asher was huge in this book. We see exactly what happened to him and why he is the way he is. It makes your heart break.
Will I read the next book? Yeah probably because I need my boy Asher to be okay.
Thank you to Avon and Harper voyager for the arc!
**********SPOILERS*********
We see a lot of what Asher went through as a slave and it’s super dark. Like dark AF. Asher sees a couple that did some nasty damage to him and he’s traumatized again and instead of helping him resolve the issues we get a spicy scene with the main characters. It doesn’t make sense. Then we get to the end and I cannot. I’m really hoping the third book isn’t trauma/torture p*rn.
October 9, 2026
Thank you so much Avon for the eARC!
I enjoyed returning to this world, but I definitely had some mixed feelings about this one!
The plot pacing felt all over the place. The first half of the book takes place over basically ONE DAY, and there was so much talking that I found myself wishing for more actual action. There’s plenty of political intrigue and complicated conversations, but at times it felt like the story was moving in circles rather than moving forward.
I also struggled with the character development. I wanted to see more growth throughout the story, and unfortunately, I found myself getting frustrated with Jory more often than not. I understood what she was trying to do, but some of her choices just weren’t working for me.
BUT KY AND ASHER? I would read this book just for those two. That’s it. That’s the review. Their dynamics and the complicated relationships between these characters were easily some of my favorite parts, and I wanted more of them every time they were on the page.
Overall, I enjoyed being back in this world and am still invested in seeing where the story goes next. While the pacing and character development didn’t quite work for me, Ky and Asher definitely kept me reading!
I enjoyed returning to this world, but I definitely had some mixed feelings about this one!
The plot pacing felt all over the place. The first half of the book takes place over basically ONE DAY, and there was so much talking that I found myself wishing for more actual action. There’s plenty of political intrigue and complicated conversations, but at times it felt like the story was moving in circles rather than moving forward.
I also struggled with the character development. I wanted to see more growth throughout the story, and unfortunately, I found myself getting frustrated with Jory more often than not. I understood what she was trying to do, but some of her choices just weren’t working for me.
BUT KY AND ASHER? I would read this book just for those two. That’s it. That’s the review. Their dynamics and the complicated relationships between these characters were easily some of my favorite parts, and I wanted more of them every time they were on the page.
Overall, I enjoyed being back in this world and am still invested in seeing where the story goes next. While the pacing and character development didn’t quite work for me, Ky and Asher definitely kept me reading!
May 14, 2026
Thank you NetGallery for the eARC! 3.75⭐️
I was sooo excited to get access to this book!!! I adored the first one and was thrilled to pick up the second one. Overall, this book does kinda fall into the middle book syndrome. Especially in the beginning in which there is a lot of reminding the reader what happened previously (which I did very appreciate), but even after this point it felt like a while before the plot began to progress.
This book seems to focus a lot more on Asher and him coming to terms with all of the abuse and violence he experienced in his youth. I did really appreciate the attention on his character this time around, given that we learned a lot about Jory and Ky in the first novel.
HEAVY SPOILERS:
Especially with the reveal with Asher in the end (OMG!!)
Continuing on:
I found myself enjoying the last third of the novel more than the beginning (which is mostly bigger reveals and connections, as well as, some spice 💋). I continue to love the dynamic between the three of them, and I’m really excited to see more development in the next book!!!
I am thrilled to see more of Jory making important decisions also toward the end, especially with Dane and now with Ky and Asher gone (for now…)
This series continues to be very yummy and I cannot wait for the third book!! Highly recommend to my romantasy lovers!
I was sooo excited to get access to this book!!! I adored the first one and was thrilled to pick up the second one. Overall, this book does kinda fall into the middle book syndrome. Especially in the beginning in which there is a lot of reminding the reader what happened previously (which I did very appreciate), but even after this point it felt like a while before the plot began to progress.
This book seems to focus a lot more on Asher and him coming to terms with all of the abuse and violence he experienced in his youth. I did really appreciate the attention on his character this time around, given that we learned a lot about Jory and Ky in the first novel.
HEAVY SPOILERS:
Especially with the reveal with Asher in the end (OMG!!)
Continuing on:
I found myself enjoying the last third of the novel more than the beginning (which is mostly bigger reveals and connections, as well as, some spice 💋). I continue to love the dynamic between the three of them, and I’m really excited to see more development in the next book!!!
I am thrilled to see more of Jory making important decisions also toward the end, especially with Dane and now with Ky and Asher gone (for now…)
This series continues to be very yummy and I cannot wait for the third book!! Highly recommend to my romantasy lovers!
October 9, 2026
That’s some Damn Good Romantasy. This is the opposite of Romantasy slop, this is Romantasy Gold.
The plot thickens and twists, I didn’t see it coming. But I should have! That ending, Brigid? Honestly!? The character work, brilliant. And the spice was earned, and satisfying.
When is Noun. Noun. Noun. The third coming out?
The plot thickens and twists, I didn’t see it coming. But I should have! That ending, Brigid? Honestly!? The character work, brilliant. And the spice was earned, and satisfying.
When is Noun. Noun. Noun. The third coming out?
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