An assassin takes an impossible contract to clear her best friend’s name. The target is a fae prince feared by both realms for an ancient power called the Untamed. She fails—and accidentally binds herself to him instead. If he dies, she dies. Whatever she feels, he feels. He hires her as his personal guard, and together they cross the realm in search of a way to break the bond. But some secrets are never meant to be discovered. Some bonds are never meant to be broken. And some powers are never meant to be tamed. The Untamed is a slow-burn fae romantasy for readers who like their heroines sharp, their heroes dangerous, and their tension drawn out until it hurts.
For readers who loved the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses but wanted a sharper heroine. The Untamed features a propulsive pacing of The Inheritance Games and the romantic tension of From Blood and Ash.
Analise Song is a former registered nurse turned stay-at-home mom who was advised to pick up a hobby while dealing with postpartum anxiety. She chose writing among the other 27 hobbies she has. It did absolutely nothing to help her anxiety and now several fictional characters are also suffering. She lives in an urban setting with her two kids, one husband, one chaotic Goldendoodle, six chickens, three ducks, five hundred book boyfriends, and five fish tanks—because at some point, “just one more” became a lifestyle instead of a decision. When she’s not managing her ever-growing list of hobbies (of which there are far too many), she can be found writing stories filled with dangerous magic, complicated characters, and emotionally questionable choices. She still isn’t sure if writing made things better, but it definitely made things more interesting.
Tropes: Dark Romantasy, Accidental Magical Bond, Assassin FMC, Shadow Daddy MMC, Forced Proximity, One Bed/One Horse, Items Quest, Slow Burn, Found Family, Hidden Magic, Fae, Adversaries to Allies, Small Circle Loyalty, "The Ladder 🌶️”
Quotes: "Some secrets are never meant to be discovered. Some bonds are never meant to be broken. And some powers are never meant to be tamed."
Review No Spoilers: The FMC a skilled female assassin who takes on an incredibly risky contract; she must eliminate a fae target to clear her best friend's name. Her mark is a powerful fae prince feared across two realms for wielding an ancient, volatile power known as "the Untamed". When her assassination attempt fails, it triggers an accidental magical bond that tethers the two together; If one dies, the other dies. With their lives now permanently linked, the prince hires his would be killer as his personal guard. Together, they are forced into close proximity as they travel across the realm to find magical artifacts to break the bond. However, as they navigate dangerous court politics and haunted forests, they face non-stop assassination attempts from other factions. The closer they get to destroying the link, the more they begin to question if they actually want to be parted.
Sooo.... got a lil sneaky peak, and let me tell you! So far I am hooked and can't wait to get my hands on more. The book is well written, great plot and world building and I feel once I get my hands on the whole thing, it'll be the only thing I'm doing til it's read through.
Some books entertain you and then some books quietly consume your entire personality for a few days. Untamed did the second one. I picked up Untamed thinking I was getting a fantasy romance. What I got was emotional sabotage in the best possible way. The atmosphere? Absolutely addictive. The tension? Unbearable. In the ways that you want it to be. Every interaction felt layered — dangerous, intimate, sharp, emotional. The kind of chemistry where even a conversation feels more intense than most romance scenes in other books. You keep guessing characters intentions. And the thing is… Untamed doesn’t rely on nonstop action to keep you hooked. It’s the slow unraveling. The looks. The mistrust. The pull between characters that absolutely should not want each other but do anyway.
This book gave me: ✨ dark fantasy tension ✨ morally grey energy ✨ masked ballroom scenes ✨ forced proximity ✨ emotional damage ✨ “this is a terrible idea” attraction ✨ the constant feeling that something devastating is about to happen
I finished this book with my heart completely conflicted and immediately needed the next one.
BookTok fantasy readers? You need this on your radar.
Every word upon the page, the way it was written, both excited me and went straight to imprinting on my heart.
From the beginning my full attention was captured. Completely enthralled and enthused. It must be the right mix of everything for me. It has a solid and interesting plot and premise. It has action, adventure, and a strong female lead that is humerous and joyful to read. It has a male lead who in actions and responses made me smirk, or made my heart sing. It has fascinating elements, great world building, and the spice was delicious. It had great characters and great relationships and interactions between them. All facets excited curiousity and intrigue.
It is easy to read yet full of details. The sneaky-unsuspecting details that carry its own significance that threads throughout this work of art. Almost everything expressed carried its own weight. As I reread it (yes already!) I was like oh! There was a passive meaning in those [already great the first time around] interactions and responses from the characters. Genius. Truly masterful crafting there!
So.. I think this book truly swept me off my feet - and I am not mad about that. It is already deemed as my favorite. I want this book in print in my hands like yesturday! I am definitely looking forward to book two!
ARC review with spoilers: I love the banter between the FMC and the MMC. His shameless flirting left a smile on my face. I enjoyed the journey they both went on throughout the book. The plot is great. It kept me guessing who could want them dead throughout the book. I hated when their bond was forcibly broken and I hate that she didn’t stay with him. But I am excited that he found a way to hopefully (fingers crossed) bring her back to him. Can’t wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the compelling characters to their engaging dialogue and the emotions they evoked. The narrative was expertly crafted, maintaining a high level of engagement throughout with its action-packed sequences. I am eagerly anticipating reading the second installment and any future works by this author, who has undoubtedly gained a new fan
FORCED PROXIMITY, STRONG FMC, SLOW-BURN Okay I already want more. Im waiting for book number 2! I love the world and the new power. I want to know more! I can’t wait to see more of Sera, Caelan and Riven! 👀👀
We have a lot of mystery to know that I hope to see in book 2. Thanks for this good read and i can’t wait to know more.
I got a sneak peek into this book and let me say I’m hooked!!!! I can’t wait to finish this book. I love the story building and the banter. I’m completely intrigued as to how these 2 characters I read about will be intertwined. Eagerly awaiting the arc to hit my inbox!
I’m so thankful to be one of the few to get a sneak peek. I’m already in love! I can’t wait to be able to read the full book🥰. I have a feeling I’m not going to be able to put it down.
I knew I was going to enjoy the ARC of Untamed by Analise Song the moment I read her first email welcoming me to her ARC team. Her sense of humor, dry and a little self-deprecating, resonated with me, and I knew that her style of humor would bleed into her story. I was prepared to laugh, but I wasn't prepared to fall head over heels in love with these broken characters.
This story follows a female assassin, Sera, who takes a contract to kill a fae prince to save her best friend, a fellow assassin, from the consequences of missing his mark: death.
When she attempts to assassinate Caelen, the feared Prince of Twilight, she fails, and unknowingly binds their lives together. Any pain she feels, he feels, and vice versa; if he dies, so does she. Having failed to carry out the assassination, Sera is now a target of her former syndicate and has no choice but to accept the Prince's offer to become his personal guard. Together, they travel across Primoria to break the bond and discover who wants the Prince dead.
And along the way, they bond in the human way--through shared moments of deep understanding and empathy. Through resolve to see past the masks worn for public comfort. And through personal determination to be anchors for each other, wherever the storm takes them.
This story is full of electric tension, a painfully delicious slow-burn, dry, sarcastic humor born from trauma and the resolve to not be consumed by it, and side characters who are every bit as lovable as Sera and Caelen.
This isn't a fantasy rom-com. It isn't absurd or funny just to be funny. If you are looking for light, low-angst entertainment, you won't find that here. You will find broken characters who, despite the pain and trauma they have lived through, still find ways to laugh and celebrate life.
Rating: 5 stars
Spice level: open-door, explicit, well-balanced with character development and plot
Tropes: female assassin x intended target; magic bonds; one horse; forced proximity; quest; powerful FMC; soft-for-her MMC; training/sparring; found family; corrupt politics; shadow-daddy adjacent (thank you, ma'am, for the gift that is Riven); goofy best friend; witty banter
I am OBSESSED with Untamed, and I recommend you give it a try if you are a romantasy fan. Now comes the truly agonizing part: the wait for book two.
(I received this ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are, for better or worse, my own.)
Ok let’s chat about this book. I give it 3 stars maybe 3.5. My thoughts might not be coherent, or people may disagree, but I like what I like. And this one was so close, but disappointed me at the end.
Let’s start with the FMC and MC. I love the banter between them. The book touches on some danger but still is able to keep a humorous edge to it. The honesty in their inner thoughts honestly made the story much better. It felt like actual thoughts. Ok his obsession and yearning for her was so perfect. I love him so much. And I love how strong she is.
The romance builds in a way that you are giddy and rooting for them. But there’s also this sense of doom because it seems like everyone else is trying to keep them apart. I love how hard he fell for her. And so unapologetic. It made me love him even more
I do wish we had a little more of the journey part of the story. More of there initial attraction and banter. Because they both fell pretty fast. Or maybe a little more of the fighting and adventure. That part of the book was really fun to read but seemed to end a little quickly.
SPOILERS AHEAD ********
Ok let’s talk the ending. I love how despite evyerhtign calean is still determined to make sera is wife. im so into the determination. I just wish that they would have had some moments of them together at the cottage, like picturing what life would be like if they left and lived together in the cottage with turquoise walls.
Riven started out as such a great character arch. But I was heavily disappointed by the bonus chapter. I think it was a ruined chance to show loyalty and found family. I think having him be in love with her, kinda soiled the book in my mind. i can see the romance budding with Brie and Mallar. Great set up for future books. That’s what I was expecting with Riven and the witch, so again that decision for the other was very dissapointing.
I really enjoyed the majority of the book. But Sera’s resignation to just live in exile and not see Calean, seemed against her character. She had been a really strong FMC so again very disappointed in the change of her character.
Some people may be into love triangles of a MMF book, but that’s not my style. If that is the premise of the next book then
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was able lucky enough to get an ARC for Untamed and, as a debut novel, I was really impressed with it. The FMC, Sera, carries the book really well as a very strong, funny, and competent character. Her general irreverence was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I found it refreshing that generally the characters were willing to actually acknowledge things that were happening, particularly with themselves or with other character relationships. This is a hard one to get into without any spoilers, but I think you will see what I mean.
The world building was decent, but I'm hoping for a bit more in the second book, mostly because what we did have I found really interesting.
Give this book a try! It is a solid start to what could be a great series.
Anywho, I'm just rambling now. Thanks for the ARC Analise and I can't wait for book 2!
I received an ARC of this book from the author Analise Song in exchange for an honest review.
If you love dangerous fae men, forced proximity, shadow powers used VERY irresponsibly, and slow-burn tension that makes you want to scream into a pillow… Untamed absolutely delivers. 😭
This book follows Sera, an assassin from The Obsidian Hand, who takes on an impossible contract to save her best friend’s life. Her target? Caelan Vaelor — an exiled fae prince carrying an ancient power known as the Untamed. Naturally… everything goes horribly wrong.
The accidental blood bond between Sera and Caelan was honestly one of my favorite parts of the story. The fact that they can feel each other’s emotions and physical pain created SO much tension, especially because these two do not trust each other at all in the beginning. The enemies-to-reluctant-allies dynamic was done really well and the slow-burn payoff felt earned.
Sera was such a refreshing FMC too. She’s sharp, sarcastic, exhausted by literally everything, and honestly just wants peace, chickens, and retirement 😂 Meanwhile Caelan is dangerous, cursed, charming, and exactly the kind of morally gray fae prince readers eat up.
Also… the side characters?? Riven absolutely stole scenes every time he appeared, and I desperately need more of the day-drinking fae princess immediately.
The pacing in the middle slowed slightly for me at times, but the character dynamics and worldbuilding kept me invested the entire way through. The tension carried this book HARD. Expect yearning, banter, found family vibes, hidden magic, and a romance that burns painfully slow in the best way.
Overall, Untamed feels like the kind of romantasy that’s going to hook fans of fae politics, emotionally damaged characters, and “touch her and die” energy immediately.
3/5 spice 5/5 tension Would absolutely return to this world.
Oh boy, what a riveting read. we meet Sera, an assassin for a guild since she was 14. Her friend Xander, also an assassin, shows up at her place looking rough....the reason...he missed! This is a no no in the guild, you have one miss and then you are extermianted. Sera cant let that happen to her oldest friend, so she goes to the top and states she will do anything to clear him. She must kill the Prince of Shadows and was given a dagger to do it. It will be hard from both her and Xanders lives depend on it. At the masquerade ball, Sera dances with a very handsome man not knowing he is Prince Caelan. Cealen knows that there will be an attempt on his life like there normally is, but he didnt expect a woman in a gold dress. he will give her dibs as she acutally cut him, but what he wasnt expecting was serpents leaving the daggers going into his and her skin. What just happened? A cursed dagger brought them together and they must find a witch to undo it. It is harder than they though. the bond wont let them be too far from one another but also there is smtg about Sera that has Caelan taking notice. A witch sends them on a hunt for items to help break the bond and during this hunt to different areas, Caelan, along with his guards Riven and Maelor, see what Sera is really capable of with her magic. There are rumors spreading fast as wildfire and it makes the Twilight kingdom look bad. Caelan must determine who wants to ruin him and how is Sera involved in it. Drama, bad ass-kickery heroine, forbidden love and deadly deceit makes this a great read.
I have very mixed feelings about this. There are some parts that just didnt sit well with me, but i did overall enjoy the story. A fun little read. 3.5/5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️
About 20% of the way in, Sera had just met Brie and was already really familiar with her as if they had been besties for life. Ans then talking about Caelen's accident? It almost seemed... too familiar for Sera just barely meeting Brie and Caelen.
I felt like a lot of the drinking scenes where they're just hanging out was filler... some had important dialogue brought up, but it felt repetitive. But i also understand the importance of them all building camaraderie and strengthening their relationship with one another.
I did struggle a little bit with understanding Caelen's power ans his "reaching" for it at first. Either I just didnt click with the way his power was described or it wasn't described well.
And there were a lot of similar sounding names which was a bit annoying to me, but nothing bad! But Mallas, Maelor, Caelen, Gaelin.....
I did enjoy that Sera didnt become a weak, sniveling fmc like most do after their assassination days are over. She's likeable, a smartass, and a badass. And her with Maelor was hilarious. His quips and her reactions were the perfect banter.
Lastly.... WHAT WAS WITH THAT RIVEN POV?! Like... it almost blindsided me, but at the same time, i had a feeling....does this mean Caelen and Sera are no more? Is this gonna turn into a why choose? Does Sera feel the same? I'm really curious now....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received an advanced reader copy of Untamed. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, which featured many of my favorite tropes, including enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, political intrigue, found family, and witty banter.
The characters were particularly compelling. Sera is a fantastic protagonist; her role as a human assassin reminded me of the "High Table" guild in John Wick, and I loved how she held her own against her fae counterparts. Caelin is an exiled prince from Primora. His character was reminiscent of the Spring Prince from Beasts of Briar mixed with King Ravinger, while Riven provided a mysterious, brooding energy similar to Reaver or Kieran for fans of From Blood and Ash. Maelor is Caelan other right hand man, he’s a loyal mountain of a man who isn’t going to make things easy.
One of my favorite lines was: “The dandelion cycle, I thought. First, a weed you cut down on principle. Then something you find yourself guarding against the wind.” This perfectly encapsulates the evolving dynamic between the characters.
I was not ready for this book to end! I want more, and looking forward to book two.
First I want to thank the author for the ARC of this book! Usually when I do an ARC read I like to be super professional in my reviews and tell everyone a bit about the story and what I liked. I keep all this in a notes app on my phone.
Unfortunately, I got through this book way too fast and my notes look like this:
I am obsessed with Sera, and her banter. I am obsessed with Caelan, and his banter. I am obsessed with Riven, period. I can’t even tell you how obsessed I am with every single one of these characters.
The amount I was giggling and kicking my feet at this story was frankly disturbing. Also, the bonus chapter was EVERYTHING. Period.
Favourite quotes:
Caelan talking about how he met Sera ‘"She was a killer." I stiffened. “At negotiations," he finishes.’
‘“Chickens. I would never have guessed." "Yes. They lay eggs." I finished my glass of wine.’
Tell me why that passage made me snort laugh out loud?!
‘“Is this where you’ve been keeping an eye on me? On my roof?" “No. Sometimes it’s the trees."’
Absolute 5🌟 read, no notes. I can’t wait for book two!
From the first few chapters, I was hooked. It's been a minute since I read a romantasy book, and Untamed did not disappoint. From the plot, the characters, to the flow of the book, I was locked in and wanted more as I kept going. Sera is a strong FMC who can take care of herself and is a great person to read about. Caelan is also a strong MMC who is flirty and can make you swoon. Both are very much dangerous, and they fit so well together. The slow burn between them is worth every second. Even when they first met, you could feel the tension from them as you read. The spice in this book was chef's kiss and done wonderfully. I loved the supporting characters and all they added to the book. They care for both Sera and Caelan so much and would do anything to help them and vice versa. Overall, this was a great read that kept me glued to my kindle. It was filled with great relationships, great chemistry, great plot and conflict, and so much more. I would definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the second book.
If you like, assassins, fae, bonds and side characters that are unintentionally funny?? This book is for you. It wasn’t anything new by any means, but I did enjoy myself! For Analise’s first book, I’m thoroughly impressed.
Caelan was slowly growing on me throughout the book, his cheesy lines did actually make me laugh out loud. Sera.. I feel for you girl, I really do. Can she finally be happy?? I have a soft spot for Riven 🙂↕️ I don’t know why, I do like the morally grey side characters, they have a spot in my tiny, little, black, heart.
I can’t lie, he beginning was a little too quick for me. A lot was happening in the first few chapters, we were moving very quick. But, I enjoyed the pacing onwards, the pacing kept me on my toes and made me want to read more.
But that ending?? 👀 I’m very curious how book two will play out.
Overall this is a very easy to follow story. I enjoyed the pacing, the banter, and the overall flow. I did wish there was more world building, but we are only book 1 out of 3+, so I'm sure we can explore more later on. The banter style reminded me a bit of Jasmine Mas (whom I love), and I was eating it up and giggling constantly.
There were some technical editing issues as other people have mentioned, but I found that the copy I read did not have nearly as many as others suggested. I also went in knowing that the final edited version is still being finalized and went in with an open mind.
I am SO looking forward to the following books in this series - hopefully with more chapters in Riven's POV, as well as more of Brie/Maelor👀 together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to Analise Song for the ARC ....I enjoyed it very much Give me a bonding and a Fae who falls in love with a Human and Im always down for a good time. This was a good time. The beginning was a little disjointed but, it quickly came together. I was a little confused on some areas that I felt the author could have elaborated on better and some moments in time that could have been described, but it didn't bother me to stop reading or disengage with the story. The FMC was great touch and tender when needed and the MMC was equally as great. I was thrown a little by the ending and am not entirely sure where the author wants this to go but I am really looking forward to the next book.
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest voluntary review. I loved this debut novel. Analise was able to create a complex world without it being overbearing to the plot. This was a fresh and unique plot delivered with fast paced action and thoroughly developed characters. What happens when an assassin gets magically bound to her target? The mystery and political intrigue are just as integral to the plot as the yearning and romance. This is a fantastic debut novel that has a satisfying ending while also setting up a solid sequel. I recommend if you love the following tropes: forced proximity, strong FMC, found family, slow burn with spice, he falls first, hidden magic and bodyguards.
I love the storyline, the character development, the world building, and the surprising twists. The dysfunction of the royal birth family really demonstrates how siblings can have different perspectives of family life that mold them as adults.
I enjoyed the unique personalities of the characters and the loyalty with which they want to protect their found family. Home is not a place but the people who make you happy.
What’s not to like? ✅stronger FMC with undiscovered powers and mysterious heritage ✅restrained MMC who loves intensely ✅fun secondary characters ✅forced proximity ✅enemies to lovers ✅a shared quest/adventure and dangerous bonding ✅magic and deadly creatures ✅questions to be answered
ARC REVIEW I Loved this book! The banter and friendship was my favorite part. I love these characters!
A human assassin, Sera, took a contract to kill the fae Prince of Twilight, Caelan, to save her best friend. She instead accidentally bound her life to his.
The prince is impressed with her skills and hires her to be his personal guard. The citizens of twilight are divided on having a human in the court and some begin to rebel which gets the attention of the king.
Caelan, Sera, and his closest guards try to figure out how to handle that situation while Sera works her way into their hearts.
I hope the 2nd book comes out soon because I need to know what happens next! If you like banter, slow burn romance, battles, betrayal, fae, witches, bonds, and love, you have to read this one!
Phenomenal from start to finish! I could not put it down! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it absolutely did not disappoint!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC!
A female assassin trying to kill a prince? Honestly, that’s all you need to know. Strong FMC, incredible banter, tension, yearning, spicy scenes, nonstop action, an exciting quest, and found family, and you’ve got a book that completely hooked me.
The pacing was fantastic, the chemistry was undeniable, and there was never a dull moment. I was flipping those pages so fast.
This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Now I just need book two immediately because that ending left me desperate for more!
I love how the author created a world with her writing where I could just vicariously place myself in. From the beginning to the very end, I was intrigued and captivated by every part of the book. I love the plot, action, adventure, characters, and so much more. I especially love the character development and world building. The imagery and details were spot on, and I adored how the emotions were so beautifully expressed. I'm so excited for book 2!!!
Untamed completely swept me away. The found family element is one of the strongest parts of the story: warm, chaotic, loyal, and the emotional backbone of the entire journey. The slow burn tension between is deliciously drawn out, full of longing and unspoken moments that make every interaction hit harder. And that twist!! I genuinely didn’t see it coming! A gripping, emotional, beautifully crafted fantasy. 5 stars.
A Fae falling for a Human? Yes, please! While the beginning was slightly disjointed and a few areas could have used more descriptive depth, the chemistry between the FMC and MMC kept me hooked. The FMC was wonderfully written—tough yet tender when it mattered most. I was surprised by the direction the ending took, but I’m excited to see where the sequel leads. A very solid, enjoyable read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
This is the first time I’ve read this author had very good plot. Main character was always in to caring for her family member. She was a nurse. She also had hobbies. She took on writing and course had her hands full main character head a lot going on definitely a slow burn. Tropes of shadow, daddy, dark fantasy type romance, and even though it took me a little longer to read because I got confused a couple times I’m definitely gonna try to read the second one if I am eligible to get the arc.