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The Honeyblade Duology #1
Honeyblade
Lira was forged to be the perfect weapon. Deadly, invisible, and bound to obey. Born with an unusual scent, she can kill with just one touch. Raised by a secretive order and commanded by her handler, her mission is simple: infiltrate the royal court, gain Prince Kellan’s trust, and kill him when the signal comes.
Except Kellan doesn’t die.
Immune to the power that defines her, the prince becomes both her greatest threat and her greatest mystery. He notices things he shouldn’t. He asks questions she can’t answer. And the closer Lira comes to completing her mission, the more the life she was promised begins to feel like a cage closing in.
She was made to kill on command. But for the first time, she has to choose who deserves to die.
Except Kellan doesn’t die.
Immune to the power that defines her, the prince becomes both her greatest threat and her greatest mystery. He notices things he shouldn’t. He asks questions she can’t answer. And the closer Lira comes to completing her mission, the more the life she was promised begins to feel like a cage closing in.
She was made to kill on command. But for the first time, she has to choose who deserves to die.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2026
About the author
A.M. Marklund
2 books11 followersA.M. Marklund is a fantasy author with roots in Sweden. When not writing, she spends her time at her 9-5, or training for a triathalon. Out in the wild you will never see her turn down a good book, a board game, or an excuse to talk about fantasy lore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 15, 2026
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.
Lira needs to find a way to kill Prince Kellan.But..he's immune to her magic,also arrogant and obviously dislike her.Going through each trial should be not so hard,it's not like she wants to win and marry him,but it seems that not everyone trust her,and some keep secrets that may just blow her cover.
Will she kill the Prince and get her answers?
It was a great fantasy read.Lira was this assasin trusting blindly her mentor,but when something didn't sound right she did start question what is really going on.I really hope she get a chance a to confront him,because for me it was not a fatherly love,but more as he was using her for his own gain.I would not say that this is a romance,that may yet to come as it was more a dislike to something like respect.Hopefully in second book I get some answers,because the betrayal at the end was what I could not believe,and just the secrets about the magic started making sense,can't wait for more.
Thank you author for ebook copy,my review is honest and my own.
Lira needs to find a way to kill Prince Kellan.But..he's immune to her magic,also arrogant and obviously dislike her.Going through each trial should be not so hard,it's not like she wants to win and marry him,but it seems that not everyone trust her,and some keep secrets that may just blow her cover.
Will she kill the Prince and get her answers?
It was a great fantasy read.Lira was this assasin trusting blindly her mentor,but when something didn't sound right she did start question what is really going on.I really hope she get a chance a to confront him,because for me it was not a fatherly love,but more as he was using her for his own gain.I would not say that this is a romance,that may yet to come as it was more a dislike to something like respect.Hopefully in second book I get some answers,because the betrayal at the end was what I could not believe,and just the secrets about the magic started making sense,can't wait for more.
Thank you author for ebook copy,my review is honest and my own.
August 10, 2026
I am very appreciative for having had the chance to read an Advanced Copy of Honeyblade! 🎉
My overall impression after finishing Honeyblade is positive. I quite liked Lira, the FMC. She is a strong and independent character who is very determined to complete her mission. She starts out with a black and white perspective of what she must do, but this changes as she meets the MMC and learns that not everything is as she believed.
The MMC was entertaining and grew on me, as he did for Lira. I enjoyed his cheeky humour and that he couldn’t help but want to support Lira and begin falling for her.
I very much enjoyed the banter between the MCs:
“Did someone piss in your breakfast this morning?” she retorted. The man in the shadows in front of her laughed, a laugh that sounded oddly melodic. “Careful. That kind of wit makes enemies just as fast as friends.”
There relationship is a slow burnnnn 🔥:
“Sorry to disappoint.” He looked at her with his brows furrowed. “You don’t.”
The twist at the end was also a great surprise and left me wondering what will happen in the next book. 🤯
Only a few things pulled me away from the story. There were a few editing issues and it took me a few chapters to get use to the author’s writing style. I would have liked a little bit more lore and backstory about the compound and Lira’s past. This did not stop me from enjoying the story overall though!
I would recommend Honeyblade to anyone who loves:
• Strong FMC
• Fun banter between MC’s
• Unique magic system
• Single POV
• Slow burn
• No spice/PG
I look forward to the next book!! ✨
My overall impression after finishing Honeyblade is positive. I quite liked Lira, the FMC. She is a strong and independent character who is very determined to complete her mission. She starts out with a black and white perspective of what she must do, but this changes as she meets the MMC and learns that not everything is as she believed.
The MMC was entertaining and grew on me, as he did for Lira. I enjoyed his cheeky humour and that he couldn’t help but want to support Lira and begin falling for her.
I very much enjoyed the banter between the MCs:
“Did someone piss in your breakfast this morning?” she retorted. The man in the shadows in front of her laughed, a laugh that sounded oddly melodic. “Careful. That kind of wit makes enemies just as fast as friends.”
There relationship is a slow burnnnn 🔥:
“Sorry to disappoint.” He looked at her with his brows furrowed. “You don’t.”
The twist at the end was also a great surprise and left me wondering what will happen in the next book. 🤯
Only a few things pulled me away from the story. There were a few editing issues and it took me a few chapters to get use to the author’s writing style. I would have liked a little bit more lore and backstory about the compound and Lira’s past. This did not stop me from enjoying the story overall though!
I would recommend Honeyblade to anyone who loves:
• Strong FMC
• Fun banter between MC’s
• Unique magic system
• Single POV
• Slow burn
• No spice/PG
I look forward to the next book!! ✨
July 21, 2026
Honeyblade was such an enjoyable read. It hooked me really quickly and I ended up flying through it. The pacing is spot on, with something always happening without ever feeling rushed or overloaded.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the relationship between Lira and Kellen. I’m a huge fan of a slow burn romance, and this one really worked for me. Their chemistry felt natural, the banter was genuinely fun, and, refreshingly, they actually communicate with each other. Some of my favourite scenes were their quieter moments together in the library, where the flirting felt effortless rather than forced.
The world building is another real strength. There’s enough detail to make the world feel rich and lived in without pages of heavy exposition. Everything unfolds naturally, and I never felt overwhelmed by information. It actually reminded me a little of One Dark Window because of its unique magic system and grounded, medieval feel, although Honeyblade has its own identity.
Lira’s ability is one of the most original magical powers I’ve come across in fantasy for quite a while. I won’t spoil it, but it adds something genuinely fresh to the story and made me even more invested in seeing where things would go.
I also loved the supporting cast. Every character felt distinct and added something to the story rather than simply filling space. The trials were another highlight. Instead of relying purely on combat, they required intelligence and problem-solving, which made them feel much more interesting and memorable.
There are a few twists along the way that kept me guessing, and while the ending leaves plenty of questions unanswered, it felt like the perfect way to set up the second book without relying on an over-the-top cliffhanger.
Overall, this was a fast-paced fantasy with a unique magic system, fantastic character dynamics, excellent world building and a romance that completely delivered for me. If you enjoy slow burn romance, clever trials, engaging characters and fantasy that trusts the reader without over-explaining everything, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
★★★★¾
Thanks to the author for this book.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the relationship between Lira and Kellen. I’m a huge fan of a slow burn romance, and this one really worked for me. Their chemistry felt natural, the banter was genuinely fun, and, refreshingly, they actually communicate with each other. Some of my favourite scenes were their quieter moments together in the library, where the flirting felt effortless rather than forced.
The world building is another real strength. There’s enough detail to make the world feel rich and lived in without pages of heavy exposition. Everything unfolds naturally, and I never felt overwhelmed by information. It actually reminded me a little of One Dark Window because of its unique magic system and grounded, medieval feel, although Honeyblade has its own identity.
Lira’s ability is one of the most original magical powers I’ve come across in fantasy for quite a while. I won’t spoil it, but it adds something genuinely fresh to the story and made me even more invested in seeing where things would go.
I also loved the supporting cast. Every character felt distinct and added something to the story rather than simply filling space. The trials were another highlight. Instead of relying purely on combat, they required intelligence and problem-solving, which made them feel much more interesting and memorable.
There are a few twists along the way that kept me guessing, and while the ending leaves plenty of questions unanswered, it felt like the perfect way to set up the second book without relying on an over-the-top cliffhanger.
Overall, this was a fast-paced fantasy with a unique magic system, fantastic character dynamics, excellent world building and a romance that completely delivered for me. If you enjoy slow burn romance, clever trials, engaging characters and fantasy that trusts the reader without over-explaining everything, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
★★★★¾
Thanks to the author for this book.
August 31, 2026
After reading the blurb this book immediately caught my attention and I am so glad I read it! The story, the characters, the plot, the suspense, the magic was all no less than AMAZING, I would reccomend this book to romantasy lovers everywhere! I can not WAIT to see what book 2 will hold!
August 17, 2026
Whew ok guys this was an intense one, think strong FMC and a Royal courtship trial. This book was a slow burn, alot of understanding in the beginning of who our FMC is and the importance of her mission.
She is placed into this fake courtship with the Prince and 2 other Princesses to win his hand in marriage once they go through these 'trials'. Her mission is to kill the prince with her secret power during thse trials...and whew this was an interesting one.
Extreme enemies to lovers, secret powers and alot of unknowns, this story really kept you guessing. Is the Prince going to die, is she going to be able to do it 😬. .I liked the story and the Prince, but o my goodness her companions I wanted to throw out the window, like if you don't trust her GET OUT OF HERE! 😆🤦♀️.
The end really leaves you hanging...and that is all I can say about that.
She is placed into this fake courtship with the Prince and 2 other Princesses to win his hand in marriage once they go through these 'trials'. Her mission is to kill the prince with her secret power during thse trials...and whew this was an interesting one.
Extreme enemies to lovers, secret powers and alot of unknowns, this story really kept you guessing. Is the Prince going to die, is she going to be able to do it 😬. .I liked the story and the Prince, but o my goodness her companions I wanted to throw out the window, like if you don't trust her GET OUT OF HERE! 😆🤦♀️.
The end really leaves you hanging...and that is all I can say about that.
August 20, 2026
First off, I want to thank A.M. Marklund for this ARC of Honeyblade. It was a treat to read and I'm honored by the opportunity.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It is very well paced, the characters are fun to read about, and the plot was intriguing enough to keep my interest throughout. The world building is some of the best I've read in a very long time. The world feels grounded in enough descriptions and facts that it feels like it could be a real place. There were a few small typos throughout, but they didn't impact my opinion of the story.
Lira is an awesome character to read about. She feels well defined and it was easy to picture her. I love her bloodthirsty instincts. I especially love that she has absolutely no maternal desires. It is very rare to see a FMC who is badass who eventually changes to wanting children. This was a very nice deviation from the norm. Her scent gland magic was incredibly unique and I've never read of any weapon/power like this. I really liked the way it was described. It also felt a little alien and slightly unsettling every time I read the phrase "activated her scent glands".
Her first interaction with the prince in the library when she is sneaking around was absolutely hilarious. It was relatively obvious that it was the prince there, but I did appreciate how they got to freely meet each other instead of a more formal setting.
One of my few complaints about this book is how long it took for Lira to actually spend significant time with Kellan. Their relationship felt a little forced, because it was quite a sudden shift between her wanting to find a way to kill him, to her realizing she cared about him and didn't want to kill him. I wish it would have been drawn out a little more. At the pace it is currently, her change is just a bit jarring. That's not to say that Kellan (and Verrin) don't have me in a chokehold, because they absolutely do. Reading about their meeting in the library nearly did me in because it was so witty and fun. That is one of my highlights for this book. Their sparring session and training bits were so much fun. It was hilarious watching her decide how much of her strength she should show. The fighting was written well and descriptive enough that it was easy to picture.
Verrin was another highlight of this book. In the beginning, I was thinking he was secretly going to be the prince, but I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. I'll admit that he felt a little too good to be true when I was reading about him. I had a feeling that he was going to be trouble; I just wasn't sure what kind of trouble he was going to be. I also wondered if he was the one to hire Lira and her team to assassinate Kellan. Either way, I loved reading about him.
Another complaint that I had was that it felt like the assassination plot took a backseat for a while in the middle during the trials because I got so distracted by all the other plotlines going on. I wished that it would have been a clearer looming threat throughout. After Rashed tried to poison Kellan, it felt like the book got a little distracted from Lira's mission. Not that I didn't love reading about what was there, I just with the assassination thread would have been kept consistent throughout. I got so distracted in the other plotlines that I genuinely was rooting for her to win the trials so she could become queen.
This book reminds me of The Poison Daughter because they both have unique magic systems, strong warriorlike female leads with deadly abilities, princes that are immune to said abilities, and court politics. The world building reminds me of From Blood and Ash. It feels like a grounded world with its political intrigue and court games. The phrase "Makes a man wonder what you could do with that mouth" will forever live rent free in my head because it was just too good.
Overall I really adored reading this book. I just wish that the main plotline had been a major focus throughout the book. This is one of the best books I've read in a while and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to review it. I will definitely be recommending it to my fellow romantasy readers because this book deserves more publicity.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It is very well paced, the characters are fun to read about, and the plot was intriguing enough to keep my interest throughout. The world building is some of the best I've read in a very long time. The world feels grounded in enough descriptions and facts that it feels like it could be a real place. There were a few small typos throughout, but they didn't impact my opinion of the story.
Lira is an awesome character to read about. She feels well defined and it was easy to picture her. I love her bloodthirsty instincts. I especially love that she has absolutely no maternal desires. It is very rare to see a FMC who is badass who eventually changes to wanting children. This was a very nice deviation from the norm. Her scent gland magic was incredibly unique and I've never read of any weapon/power like this. I really liked the way it was described. It also felt a little alien and slightly unsettling every time I read the phrase "activated her scent glands".
Her first interaction with the prince in the library when she is sneaking around was absolutely hilarious. It was relatively obvious that it was the prince there, but I did appreciate how they got to freely meet each other instead of a more formal setting.
One of my few complaints about this book is how long it took for Lira to actually spend significant time with Kellan. Their relationship felt a little forced, because it was quite a sudden shift between her wanting to find a way to kill him, to her realizing she cared about him and didn't want to kill him. I wish it would have been drawn out a little more. At the pace it is currently, her change is just a bit jarring. That's not to say that Kellan (and Verrin) don't have me in a chokehold, because they absolutely do. Reading about their meeting in the library nearly did me in because it was so witty and fun. That is one of my highlights for this book. Their sparring session and training bits were so much fun. It was hilarious watching her decide how much of her strength she should show. The fighting was written well and descriptive enough that it was easy to picture.
Verrin was another highlight of this book. In the beginning, I was thinking he was secretly going to be the prince, but I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. I'll admit that he felt a little too good to be true when I was reading about him. I had a feeling that he was going to be trouble; I just wasn't sure what kind of trouble he was going to be. I also wondered if he was the one to hire Lira and her team to assassinate Kellan. Either way, I loved reading about him.
Another complaint that I had was that it felt like the assassination plot took a backseat for a while in the middle during the trials because I got so distracted by all the other plotlines going on. I wished that it would have been a clearer looming threat throughout. After Rashed tried to poison Kellan, it felt like the book got a little distracted from Lira's mission. Not that I didn't love reading about what was there, I just with the assassination thread would have been kept consistent throughout. I got so distracted in the other plotlines that I genuinely was rooting for her to win the trials so she could become queen.
This book reminds me of The Poison Daughter because they both have unique magic systems, strong warriorlike female leads with deadly abilities, princes that are immune to said abilities, and court politics. The world building reminds me of From Blood and Ash. It feels like a grounded world with its political intrigue and court games. The phrase "Makes a man wonder what you could do with that mouth" will forever live rent free in my head because it was just too good.
Overall I really adored reading this book. I just wish that the main plotline had been a major focus throughout the book. This is one of the best books I've read in a while and I'm really grateful for the opportunity to review it. I will definitely be recommending it to my fellow romantasy readers because this book deserves more publicity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2026
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm giving Honeyblade 4 stars and a bell pepper for spice.
This one had a slooooow start for me. I had a hard time getting into it at first, but once it finally got me, it GOT me. By the time I reached the end, I was actually angry that it was over because now I need to know what happens next.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding. There was enough detail for me to picture places like the secret passageways and the garden, but not so much that I needed to know exactly where I was in the castle at all times.
I also really liked Lira's development throughout the story. She starts questioning the things she's always believed, but it doesn't happen all at once. A lot of it is internal at first. She notices when things don't quite line up, and instead of just barreling through with her orders, she eventually steps back and reassesses what she thinks she knows while still trying to remain loyal to her organization.
Kellan isn't completely oblivious either, which I appreciated. He knows something is up with Lira pretty early, especially after the second trial, but knowing she's hiding something isn't enough to make him pull away from her. It actually seems to make him more interested.
Their relationship is a lot of push and pull. They like pushing each other's buttons and there's plenty of banter, but they both know there are much bigger things happening around them, so they only take it so far. There's no real spice here, but the tension worked well enough that I didn't really miss it. Would I be thrilled if book two gets spicy? Absolutely. Am I going to read it even if everybody keeps their pants on? Also yes.
The slow beginning is really the only thing keeping this from being a five-star read for me. By the end I was completely invested in Lira, Kellan, and what is happening in this world. I need the next book.
I'm giving Honeyblade 4 stars and a bell pepper for spice.
This one had a slooooow start for me. I had a hard time getting into it at first, but once it finally got me, it GOT me. By the time I reached the end, I was actually angry that it was over because now I need to know what happens next.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding. There was enough detail for me to picture places like the secret passageways and the garden, but not so much that I needed to know exactly where I was in the castle at all times.
I also really liked Lira's development throughout the story. She starts questioning the things she's always believed, but it doesn't happen all at once. A lot of it is internal at first. She notices when things don't quite line up, and instead of just barreling through with her orders, she eventually steps back and reassesses what she thinks she knows while still trying to remain loyal to her organization.
Kellan isn't completely oblivious either, which I appreciated. He knows something is up with Lira pretty early, especially after the second trial, but knowing she's hiding something isn't enough to make him pull away from her. It actually seems to make him more interested.
Their relationship is a lot of push and pull. They like pushing each other's buttons and there's plenty of banter, but they both know there are much bigger things happening around them, so they only take it so far. There's no real spice here, but the tension worked well enough that I didn't really miss it. Would I be thrilled if book two gets spicy? Absolutely. Am I going to read it even if everybody keeps their pants on? Also yes.
The slow beginning is really the only thing keeping this from being a five-star read for me. By the end I was completely invested in Lira, Kellan, and what is happening in this world. I need the next book.
September 20, 2026
A slow burn cliffhanger ending that leaves me desperate for book 2? Sign me up! Thank you to A.M. Marklund for gifting me this ARC. Honeyblade is a single POV fantasy and is the first book in the Honeyblade duology. The story follows Lira, an assassin with an interesting way of killing, who is sent to take care of the Prince. Things change unexpectedly and Lira begins questioning everything.
This book sucked me in from the beginning and didn't let me go. The slow burn between Kellan and Lira was delicious. Lira was a really strong FMC without being super abrasive. I loved watching her change her black and white view on things as she discovered new things about herself and about Kellan. I do wish all the backgrounds had been fleshed out a bit more and we got more character development with Kellan. However, the ending had me at the edge of my seat audibly gasping, which more than makes up for everything. The Author did an amazing job with world building and the pacing was really well done.
I am dying for the second book. I need to find out what happens next
4 out of 5 stars
0 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “Did someone piss in your breakfast this morning?”
Read this if you like: Fantasy, betrayal, cliffhanger, court intrigue, enemies to lovers, hidden identity, magic, morally grey FMC, slowburn, courtship trials
F*ck appears: 0
Spicy chapters: 0
This book sucked me in from the beginning and didn't let me go. The slow burn between Kellan and Lira was delicious. Lira was a really strong FMC without being super abrasive. I loved watching her change her black and white view on things as she discovered new things about herself and about Kellan. I do wish all the backgrounds had been fleshed out a bit more and we got more character development with Kellan. However, the ending had me at the edge of my seat audibly gasping, which more than makes up for everything. The Author did an amazing job with world building and the pacing was really well done.
I am dying for the second book. I need to find out what happens next
4 out of 5 stars
0 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “Did someone piss in your breakfast this morning?”
Read this if you like: Fantasy, betrayal, cliffhanger, court intrigue, enemies to lovers, hidden identity, magic, morally grey FMC, slowburn, courtship trials
F*ck appears: 0
Spicy chapters: 0
August 28, 2026
Honeyblade by A.M. Marklund
Honeyblade was such an enjoyable and exciting read! I loved the historical setting mixed with assassins, deadly powers, and the whole Toxikin element. There was a great sense of danger throughout the story, especially with Lira’s lethal power and the fact that Kellan is somehow immune to her power
The slow-burn tension between Lira and Kellan was definitely one of my favourite parts. Watching them go from survival and suspicion to catching feelings made their dynamic so much more intriguing. There’s plenty of tension, secrets, and twists along the way, and the plot twist genuinely caught me off guard!
The story kept me turning the pages, and then that cliffhanger happened… Now I NEED to know what happens next!
Overall, a really fun, exciting read with a great mix of danger, mystery, and high-stakes survival. I’m already really looking forward to the next book! 🐝⚔️
Honeyblade was such an enjoyable and exciting read! I loved the historical setting mixed with assassins, deadly powers, and the whole Toxikin element. There was a great sense of danger throughout the story, especially with Lira’s lethal power and the fact that Kellan is somehow immune to her power
The slow-burn tension between Lira and Kellan was definitely one of my favourite parts. Watching them go from survival and suspicion to catching feelings made their dynamic so much more intriguing. There’s plenty of tension, secrets, and twists along the way, and the plot twist genuinely caught me off guard!
The story kept me turning the pages, and then that cliffhanger happened… Now I NEED to know what happens next!
Overall, a really fun, exciting read with a great mix of danger, mystery, and high-stakes survival. I’m already really looking forward to the next book! 🐝⚔️
September 19, 2026
I want to start with the art on the chapter headers were beautiful. Everything about this was so intriguing. I love when the FMC is badass & can kick some ass. Or well in this case, kill. And her power was so unique to anything else I read. Her power & how she manipulated it was so fascinating & one of a kind. Well to me it was one of a kind. How fast Lira integrated into the court system for her mission really showed how she was trained & how smart she truly is. We saw her go from this assassin who always completes her missions to someone who hesitates because of intrigue when her power doesn't work like it usually does. I loved seeing how she was trained to be a killer but she still has a heart. The relationship between her and Kellan from the get go with the banter, I knew was going to be something special. Going from banter to slowly getting along & sneaking glances to falling in love to betrayal was set perfectly & had you in a whirlwind but you still wanted them together. And of course I know the 2nd book will be out soon & I'm glad because those cliffhangers have me on edge! There are so many things left unanswered that have you picking your brain trying to figure out what will happen next. I loved this & I can't wait for the next one.
September 5, 2026
Honeyblade follows the Fmc Lira who has the powers to kill anyone with her scent and her mission being sent to kill the prince, Kellan. Lira is a strong independent character who is determined to complete her mission with no help, however there is a couple problems come up.
I really enjoyed reading the slow burn between Kellan and Lira and I cannot wait to read more of their story to see if and how things work out between them.
It’s a book that made me question so many things throughout like who everybody actually is, what are they hiding and why Kellan is immune to her power. I can’t wait for the next book, this one ended on an incredible cliffhanger and I need to know what they do next.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading the slow burn between Kellan and Lira and I cannot wait to read more of their story to see if and how things work out between them.
It’s a book that made me question so many things throughout like who everybody actually is, what are they hiding and why Kellan is immune to her power. I can’t wait for the next book, this one ended on an incredible cliffhanger and I need to know what they do next.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
Honeyblade was an easy enough read, with an intriguing premise and plenty of the familiar romantasy ingredients.
Lira is an assassin for a secret organisation, with a unique ability to use scent as a weapon. Sent undercover during the courtship trials with one goal — kill the Prince — things obviously don’t go quite according to plan when he survives. Suddenly, Lira has to figure out what comes next while navigating the court, the trials and her growing connection to the Prince.
I enjoyed the concept, particularly Lira’s abilities and the assassin-undercover storyline, and there were definitely moments that kept me turning the pages. That said, the overall story felt quite familiar and I found the pacing a little uneven in places, so it didn’t completely hold my attention.
If you’ve enjoyed books like Powerless, I think you’ll probably find plenty to enjoy here. It has that same mix of fantasy, romance, competition and danger, making it a good choice if you’re looking for an easy romantasy read.
Overall, a fun enough read, but unfortunately one that didn’t quite stand out for me.
Honeyblade was an easy enough read, with an intriguing premise and plenty of the familiar romantasy ingredients.
Lira is an assassin for a secret organisation, with a unique ability to use scent as a weapon. Sent undercover during the courtship trials with one goal — kill the Prince — things obviously don’t go quite according to plan when he survives. Suddenly, Lira has to figure out what comes next while navigating the court, the trials and her growing connection to the Prince.
I enjoyed the concept, particularly Lira’s abilities and the assassin-undercover storyline, and there were definitely moments that kept me turning the pages. That said, the overall story felt quite familiar and I found the pacing a little uneven in places, so it didn’t completely hold my attention.
If you’ve enjoyed books like Powerless, I think you’ll probably find plenty to enjoy here. It has that same mix of fantasy, romance, competition and danger, making it a good choice if you’re looking for an easy romantasy read.
Overall, a fun enough read, but unfortunately one that didn’t quite stand out for me.
August 25, 2026
Unique idea! Some fantasy books feel similar but this one did not. The beginning really pulls you in. I also really enjoyed the ending and it leaves you wanting more.
September 2, 2026
4.5⭐️ Cliffhanger! I need to read book 2 immediately. Lira is an assassin with a unique power and goes undercover for an assignment (kill Prince Kellan). She must pose as someone else during the prince's wedding trial to get close to him. The prince is moody and standoffish at first but Lira and Kellan gradually warm up to each other. I have several unanswered questions that I'm sure will be answered in the next book. Honeyblade is fast paced and and easy read. There is no spice. I was entertained throughout the story and am genuinely curious as to what happens next. Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy to read and review. #gifted
September 3, 2026
I absolutely loved Lira! Strong, confident, and competent! Kellan got on my nerves at the beginning but I warmed up to him as the story went on! The plot was solid, the writing was vivid! I just wish I had more information on certain things, it didn't hurt the story, I just like knowing everything.
If you like enemies to lovers, magic, and secret organizations, this is for you!!
If you like enemies to lovers, magic, and secret organizations, this is for you!!
August 7, 2026
ARC Read
The premise of this was fab! I enjoyed the world building and the characters, especially the cause they were fighting for. The slow burn between the FMC and MMC was great and I enjoyed the trial elements of the book. I also loved the relationship between the FMC and her bestie.
But unfortunately I feel as though it lacked slightly in giving us more detail in certain areas, the trials were cut short and I don’t think we received much back story regarding what the FMC was fighting for. I got the idea of this from the first few pages, and loved that idea. But after these pages I don’t think much else was mentioned? The first few pages of the book were great and I was really hoping this would’ve been expanded further.
I think the second book has huge potential and I’m hoping it picks up on some things that were missed in this one!
The premise of this was fab! I enjoyed the world building and the characters, especially the cause they were fighting for. The slow burn between the FMC and MMC was great and I enjoyed the trial elements of the book. I also loved the relationship between the FMC and her bestie.
But unfortunately I feel as though it lacked slightly in giving us more detail in certain areas, the trials were cut short and I don’t think we received much back story regarding what the FMC was fighting for. I got the idea of this from the first few pages, and loved that idea. But after these pages I don’t think much else was mentioned? The first few pages of the book were great and I was really hoping this would’ve been expanded further.
I think the second book has huge potential and I’m hoping it picks up on some things that were missed in this one!
September 8, 2026
I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Honeyblade hooked me from its opening chapter with an intriguing heroine, mysterious powers, and a fantasy world I immediately wanted to explore.
Lira’s story kept me interested as more of her abilities and the world around her were revealed. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed world-building. Rather than feeling overwhelming, the setting feels developed and gives the plot more depth. The slow-burn relationship between Lira and Kellen was another highlight, building anticipation without overshadowing the larger story.
I particularly appreciated the supporting cast. They have personalities and purposes of their own, and several could easily carry stories of their own. I would have enjoyed a little more progression in some areas of the plot, but the unanswered questions ultimately left me eager for the sequel.
An epic fantasy with rich world-building and memorable characters, Honeyblade delivers a gradual buildup that holds you captive and makes the book difficult to put down
Honeyblade hooked me from its opening chapter with an intriguing heroine, mysterious powers, and a fantasy world I immediately wanted to explore.
Lira’s story kept me interested as more of her abilities and the world around her were revealed. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed world-building. Rather than feeling overwhelming, the setting feels developed and gives the plot more depth. The slow-burn relationship between Lira and Kellen was another highlight, building anticipation without overshadowing the larger story.
I particularly appreciated the supporting cast. They have personalities and purposes of their own, and several could easily carry stories of their own. I would have enjoyed a little more progression in some areas of the plot, but the unanswered questions ultimately left me eager for the sequel.
An epic fantasy with rich world-building and memorable characters, Honeyblade delivers a gradual buildup that holds you captive and makes the book difficult to put down
September 4, 2026
First, thank you, A.M. Markland, for a reader copy!!
Lira, an assassin, was a likable FMC. The FMC's character development made me feel more invested in the story, although more of her backstory would help me better understand her thoughts. Throughout the book, she starts to question the reality she had been trained to accept, building an opportunity for character growth in the next book. The slow-burn romance between Lira and Kellen was lovely; I would have liked more interaction so I could get a better sense of Kellen, as I felt like I didn't know him until the end. Oh, and I definitely have some feelings on the queen and Verrin.
Some of the themes felt too familiar for me, but the unique magic of the FMC balanced it out. The editing: there were some confusing parts, such as repeated phrases and chapter-opening differences, that required rereading, especially at the beginning.
We were left on a cliffhanger, and I have lots of questions that were not wrapped up, leaving me ready to read the next book. Overall, I did enjoy this book, and if you like a slow burn with political elements, you will want to pick this up.
➳❥ Enemies-to-lovers
➳❥ Slow Burn
➳❥ Morally Grey Characters
➳❥ Court Intrigue
➳❥ Single POV
📖 "It's easier to please them when they only see what I let them."
Lira, an assassin, was a likable FMC. The FMC's character development made me feel more invested in the story, although more of her backstory would help me better understand her thoughts. Throughout the book, she starts to question the reality she had been trained to accept, building an opportunity for character growth in the next book. The slow-burn romance between Lira and Kellen was lovely; I would have liked more interaction so I could get a better sense of Kellen, as I felt like I didn't know him until the end. Oh, and I definitely have some feelings on the queen and Verrin.
Some of the themes felt too familiar for me, but the unique magic of the FMC balanced it out. The editing: there were some confusing parts, such as repeated phrases and chapter-opening differences, that required rereading, especially at the beginning.
We were left on a cliffhanger, and I have lots of questions that were not wrapped up, leaving me ready to read the next book. Overall, I did enjoy this book, and if you like a slow burn with political elements, you will want to pick this up.
➳❥ Enemies-to-lovers
➳❥ Slow Burn
➳❥ Morally Grey Characters
➳❥ Court Intrigue
➳❥ Single POV
📖 "It's easier to please them when they only see what I let them."
August 6, 2026
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Honeyblade was a great read. The premise alone hooks you immediately: an assassin sent to kill a prince using her one deadly power, only to discover he’s completely immune to it. From there, the pacing feels tight, with no dragging or rushing.
The magic system feels fresh and new, and its woven into the plot which raises questions I just need answers to.
Lira, our FMC, makes the book for me. She’s sharp, driven, and morally grey. She spent her whole life following orders without question, and watching that certainty crack as she gets closer to Kellan was compelling from start to finish. Their dynamic has real chemistry, with banter that feels natural instead of forced.
By the end I was desperate for book two. Once again, thank you A.M. Marklund for the good read, I’m looking forward to the next.
Honeyblade was a great read. The premise alone hooks you immediately: an assassin sent to kill a prince using her one deadly power, only to discover he’s completely immune to it. From there, the pacing feels tight, with no dragging or rushing.
The magic system feels fresh and new, and its woven into the plot which raises questions I just need answers to.
Lira, our FMC, makes the book for me. She’s sharp, driven, and morally grey. She spent her whole life following orders without question, and watching that certainty crack as she gets closer to Kellan was compelling from start to finish. Their dynamic has real chemistry, with banter that feels natural instead of forced.
By the end I was desperate for book two. Once again, thank you A.M. Marklund for the good read, I’m looking forward to the next.
June 26, 2026
I was lucky to be able to read an Advance Copy of this book!
I loved the premise and the beginning was a hook! I wanted to understand Lira, I wanted to know more about the magic!
This has left me wanting more! And waiting for the next book!
I loved the premise and the beginning was a hook! I wanted to understand Lira, I wanted to know more about the magic!
This has left me wanting more! And waiting for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you love fantasy romance with unique magic, deadly secrets, forbidden feelings, and a heroine who would do absolutely anything for the people she loves, then HoneyBlade is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Lira has spent her entire life believing in a single purpose. As part of an organisation that eliminates people for the “greater good,” she has never questioned her role or the people she serves. Armed with a deadly gift—the ability to release a scent that kills—she is sent on her most important mission yet: assassinate Prince Kellan.
The problem? Kellan is completely immune to her power.
What starts as a mission quickly becomes something far more complicated as Lira gets closer to the prince she was meant to kill. And watching her struggle between loyalty, duty, and the feelings she never expected to develop was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Lira was easily the star of the story for me. She is strong, determined, and fiercely loyal to the people she cares about. Even when cracks begin to appear in everything she’s ever believed, she doesn’t lose that core part of herself. I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning and became more invested in her journey with every chapter.
Kellan was a character who took some time to grow on me. At first, I found him frustrating because he seemed reluctant to question his mother, the Queen, or the world around him. But as the story progressed, I started to appreciate his growth and found myself becoming much more attached to him than I expected.
One thing that really stood out was the magic system. Fantasy can sometimes feel like you’ve seen every variation possible, but the scent-based magic felt fresh and different. It added an extra layer of danger and intrigue that kept me hooked.
That said, there were moments where I wanted more. Some plot points felt like they could have been explored in greater depth, and there were a few inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. I also found myself wishing some of the side characters had been given more page time because there were several who felt like they had stories worth telling.
Overall, HoneyBlade was an enjoyable fantasy romance that kept me turning the pages. The relationship between Lira and Kellan developed in a way that had me fully invested, and I loved watching their connection grow despite all the secrets standing between them.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with a unique magical twist, a morally grey mission, and a heroine whose loyalty is tested at every turn, HoneyBlade is one to keep an eye on. And after that ending, I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see what happens next.
If you love fantasy romance with unique magic, deadly secrets, forbidden feelings, and a heroine who would do absolutely anything for the people she loves, then HoneyBlade is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Lira has spent her entire life believing in a single purpose. As part of an organisation that eliminates people for the “greater good,” she has never questioned her role or the people she serves. Armed with a deadly gift—the ability to release a scent that kills—she is sent on her most important mission yet: assassinate Prince Kellan.
The problem? Kellan is completely immune to her power.
What starts as a mission quickly becomes something far more complicated as Lira gets closer to the prince she was meant to kill. And watching her struggle between loyalty, duty, and the feelings she never expected to develop was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Lira was easily the star of the story for me. She is strong, determined, and fiercely loyal to the people she cares about. Even when cracks begin to appear in everything she’s ever believed, she doesn’t lose that core part of herself. I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning and became more invested in her journey with every chapter.
Kellan was a character who took some time to grow on me. At first, I found him frustrating because he seemed reluctant to question his mother, the Queen, or the world around him. But as the story progressed, I started to appreciate his growth and found myself becoming much more attached to him than I expected.
One thing that really stood out was the magic system. Fantasy can sometimes feel like you’ve seen every variation possible, but the scent-based magic felt fresh and different. It added an extra layer of danger and intrigue that kept me hooked.
That said, there were moments where I wanted more. Some plot points felt like they could have been explored in greater depth, and there were a few inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. I also found myself wishing some of the side characters had been given more page time because there were several who felt like they had stories worth telling.
Overall, HoneyBlade was an enjoyable fantasy romance that kept me turning the pages. The relationship between Lira and Kellan developed in a way that had me fully invested, and I loved watching their connection grow despite all the secrets standing between them.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with a unique magical twist, a morally grey mission, and a heroine whose loyalty is tested at every turn, HoneyBlade is one to keep an eye on. And after that ending, I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honeyblade Arc Review
I am really grateful to the author for reaching out with this ARC read. I am going to give a completely honest review.
I have pretty mixed feelings about Honeyblade. The first chapter definitely hooked me and made me want to keep reading, but I spent most of the book feeling a little lost when it came to the power system. I kept expecting things to click into place, but even by the end I still didn't really understand how it all worked. I also would have liked more background on the compound and the world in general because I think it would have helped me connect with the story a bit more.
There were also a couple of editing issues that pulled me out of the story. In Chapter 7, two full sentences were repeated, which I mentioned to the author. Later on, there also seemed to be a few missing sentences because some sections didn't quite make sense or flow properly, and I mentioned that as well after finishing.
I really liked trying to guess what Lira's first interaction with the prince would be, it ended up being so funny, I knew the stranger in the library must have been him. I also really liked Verrin, until that completely backfired on me.
Kellen was easily my favourite character. He's the kind of prince you actually want to root for, funny, whitty, secretly kind, caring, genuinely wants what's best for his country, and clearly has secrets that I'm desperate to learn more about. I also really liked Lira, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I loved the last few chapters where he rescued her regardless of the information he learnt. The other two girls in the competition were great too, but if I'm honest, most of the other characters didn't leave much of an impression on me. I did not like the queen at all.
The town scene was probably one of my favourite parts of the book, really got a deeper look into the main characters and seeing their relationship develop, and I did enjoy the overall storyline and the character development. That said, I found myself wishing more of the plot had actually happened. It felt like there was a lot of setup, and while I enjoyed getting to know the characters, I wanted a bit more action and progression.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Honeyblade, even if I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about it. It has characters I really liked and enough mystery to make me curious about what comes next, but I do think stronger world-building, a clearer explanation of the magic/power system, and a bit more plot progression would have made it a much stronger read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was able to read an advanced reader copy of Honeyblade, and I read it fully within 24 hours of receiving it purely because I could not wait to see what happened. There are some books you pick up, and you know you will enjoy from the very first page, and this was one of those books for me.
Honeyblade follows Lira, who can kill people by releasing a scent, and she is tasked with killing Kellan, the prince, but he is immune to her abilities. I really enjoyed reading Lira's perspective. I found her engaging and believable. Her arc from being a devout follower of the compound to questioning herself and the world she thought she knew was beautifully described and shown throughout the book. There is tension throughout the book, and the pacing is great making it easy to read.
There is a blossoming romance between Lira and Kellan in this book, though with so many obstacles and differences in their way, it is hard to know what will become of them in the second book. They immediately have banter and then grow as people because of each other throughout the book, though nothing amounts to much in this first book, which leaves more to come in the next book. The romance elements of the book feel almost like a period piece, with a focus on proximity and the brushing of hands. Which is refreshing as it feels realistic for the world they are in, rather than forcing something for the sake of it.
The magic is very interesting, and I love how the author portrayed Lira's relationship with her abilities throughout the book. Her abilities are a defining part of how she views herself, so it is something that she grapples with throughout the book. The descriptions of how the magic felt in her body, and how she could manipulate and use it, were vivid. The world is immersive without requiring extensive descriptions, and the supporting cast of characters was well thought out and utilized.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and I am looking forward to reading the second book and seeing what becomes of the characters.
Honeyblade follows Lira, who can kill people by releasing a scent, and she is tasked with killing Kellan, the prince, but he is immune to her abilities. I really enjoyed reading Lira's perspective. I found her engaging and believable. Her arc from being a devout follower of the compound to questioning herself and the world she thought she knew was beautifully described and shown throughout the book. There is tension throughout the book, and the pacing is great making it easy to read.
There is a blossoming romance between Lira and Kellan in this book, though with so many obstacles and differences in their way, it is hard to know what will become of them in the second book. They immediately have banter and then grow as people because of each other throughout the book, though nothing amounts to much in this first book, which leaves more to come in the next book. The romance elements of the book feel almost like a period piece, with a focus on proximity and the brushing of hands. Which is refreshing as it feels realistic for the world they are in, rather than forcing something for the sake of it.
The magic is very interesting, and I love how the author portrayed Lira's relationship with her abilities throughout the book. Her abilities are a defining part of how she views herself, so it is something that she grapples with throughout the book. The descriptions of how the magic felt in her body, and how she could manipulate and use it, were vivid. The world is immersive without requiring extensive descriptions, and the supporting cast of characters was well thought out and utilized.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and I am looking forward to reading the second book and seeing what becomes of the characters.
October 17, 2026
First, I want to thank A.M. Marklund for the gifted epub copy of Honeyblade to read and provide my honest thoughts!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Honeyblade was such a fun fantasy read that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. If you give me a female assassin and royal court intrigue, then you should know that I’m going to be invested in it.
Lira was such an amazing character. She was strong and took her job as an assassin seriously. She always did everything she could to finish her mission and was always set in her ways when it came to her tasks. I really liked the idea of her being able to use her scent to unalive her targets. It was an interesting take on being an assassin and it definitely made me even more invested when Kellan was immune to it. Powers are magical and strong in a sense but there is always a flaw or an undoing so to speak and Lira’s undoing was Kellan.I enjoyed the character development as well, especially with Lira. Knowing that she didn’t just blindly accept everything or was too stubborn to see that things weren’t adding up made me appreciate her even more. It made me happy to see that even an assassin can question everything they’ve ever learned.
I really liked the Royal court world that was built into this story. The magic, the overall vibes of the court life really made me feel like I was in some fantasy world of the TV show, Reign. (Which is one of my absolute favorite shows btw!). The slow burn between Lira and Kellan was amazing and I loved how they brought the banter that I enjoy in a good fantasy romance. Overall it was a pretty good first part of a duology and I’m curious to see where it goes!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Honeyblade was such a fun fantasy read that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. If you give me a female assassin and royal court intrigue, then you should know that I’m going to be invested in it.
Lira was such an amazing character. She was strong and took her job as an assassin seriously. She always did everything she could to finish her mission and was always set in her ways when it came to her tasks. I really liked the idea of her being able to use her scent to unalive her targets. It was an interesting take on being an assassin and it definitely made me even more invested when Kellan was immune to it. Powers are magical and strong in a sense but there is always a flaw or an undoing so to speak and Lira’s undoing was Kellan.I enjoyed the character development as well, especially with Lira. Knowing that she didn’t just blindly accept everything or was too stubborn to see that things weren’t adding up made me appreciate her even more. It made me happy to see that even an assassin can question everything they’ve ever learned.
I really liked the Royal court world that was built into this story. The magic, the overall vibes of the court life really made me feel like I was in some fantasy world of the TV show, Reign. (Which is one of my absolute favorite shows btw!). The slow burn between Lira and Kellan was amazing and I loved how they brought the banter that I enjoy in a good fantasy romance. Overall it was a pretty good first part of a duology and I’m curious to see where it goes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not put this book down.
I mean the first scene the FMC, Lira, is stalking a man she has been sent to kill. She kills with no apprehension. Using her ‘powers’ to kill.
We don’t know a lot about this world, other than there really isn’t magic, except this small collection of people led by Cervin, housed at the ‘compound.’ Here they are trained to use their powers to assassinate. We also don’t learn a lot about Lira’s past.
She is a naturally curious person, and she has learnt to trust her gut. Sometimes leading her into trouble. Including unwittingly stumbling into something dark.
Cervin uses this information to send her undercover into the palace to kill the prince. How does an assassin make their way in? There are courtship trials happening for the prince to find a wife. No these aren’t the typical trials we read about in romantasy. They are focused on intelligence and poise in royal positions.
But things change for Lira as she starts to unravel the truth and gets to know the real Prince. And the people she works with and the beginnings of the truth behind her powers.
I love how different this book is. A unique magic system, intense characters, a morally grey FMC, trials and courage. She speaks up even when she shouldn’t, she takes matters into her own hands, even if it leads to her demise. Oh, and I am pretty sure that the queen is absolutely crazy, evil and totally unhinged.
The characters of Lira and Kellan are well thought out, there is banter and some yearning.
The ending has me desperate to know what happens and grateful it is only a duology.
I mean the first scene the FMC, Lira, is stalking a man she has been sent to kill. She kills with no apprehension. Using her ‘powers’ to kill.
We don’t know a lot about this world, other than there really isn’t magic, except this small collection of people led by Cervin, housed at the ‘compound.’ Here they are trained to use their powers to assassinate. We also don’t learn a lot about Lira’s past.
She is a naturally curious person, and she has learnt to trust her gut. Sometimes leading her into trouble. Including unwittingly stumbling into something dark.
Cervin uses this information to send her undercover into the palace to kill the prince. How does an assassin make their way in? There are courtship trials happening for the prince to find a wife. No these aren’t the typical trials we read about in romantasy. They are focused on intelligence and poise in royal positions.
But things change for Lira as she starts to unravel the truth and gets to know the real Prince. And the people she works with and the beginnings of the truth behind her powers.
I love how different this book is. A unique magic system, intense characters, a morally grey FMC, trials and courage. She speaks up even when she shouldn’t, she takes matters into her own hands, even if it leads to her demise. Oh, and I am pretty sure that the queen is absolutely crazy, evil and totally unhinged.
The characters of Lira and Kellan are well thought out, there is banter and some yearning.
The ending has me desperate to know what happens and grateful it is only a duology.
September 14, 2026
A Deadly Game of Magic, Marriage Trials & Slow-Burn Tension
If you love fantasy romance with enemies-to-lovers tension, sharp banter, court intrigue, and a magic system that actually feels unique, Honeyblade deserves a spot on your TBR.
A.M. Marklund hooked me right away with Lira—a deadly assassin with a lethal touch being sent to infiltrate the royal court during a series of marriage trials. Her target? Prince Kellan.
The problem? He’s completely immune to her magic.
And THIS is where the fun begins.
I loved the psychological game between them. Lira can't simply rely on her power, so every interaction becomes a battle of wit, suspicion, and strategy. The banter is sharp, the tension is delicious, and their chemistry builds slowly without feeling forced.
Lira is exactly the kind of heroine I love—fierce, capable, and dangerous while Kellan is the perfect match for her. He's intelligent, observant, and protective, but never feels like he's simply there to save her.
I also really enjoyed the marriage trials. They're not just about who can physically win; there's plenty of strategy, manipulation, and political maneuvering, which made the court feel wonderfully tense and claustrophobic.
The pacing did slow down a little for me in the middle, but the finale COMPLETELY made up for it. And that cliffhanger?! Let's just say I'm going to need book two immediately.
If you love The Bridge Kingdom, lethal heroines, royal intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, and a romance built on tension and mutual suspicion, definitely give Honeyblade a try.
If you love fantasy romance with enemies-to-lovers tension, sharp banter, court intrigue, and a magic system that actually feels unique, Honeyblade deserves a spot on your TBR.
A.M. Marklund hooked me right away with Lira—a deadly assassin with a lethal touch being sent to infiltrate the royal court during a series of marriage trials. Her target? Prince Kellan.
The problem? He’s completely immune to her magic.
And THIS is where the fun begins.
I loved the psychological game between them. Lira can't simply rely on her power, so every interaction becomes a battle of wit, suspicion, and strategy. The banter is sharp, the tension is delicious, and their chemistry builds slowly without feeling forced.
Lira is exactly the kind of heroine I love—fierce, capable, and dangerous while Kellan is the perfect match for her. He's intelligent, observant, and protective, but never feels like he's simply there to save her.
I also really enjoyed the marriage trials. They're not just about who can physically win; there's plenty of strategy, manipulation, and political maneuvering, which made the court feel wonderfully tense and claustrophobic.
The pacing did slow down a little for me in the middle, but the finale COMPLETELY made up for it. And that cliffhanger?! Let's just say I'm going to need book two immediately.
If you love The Bridge Kingdom, lethal heroines, royal intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, and a romance built on tension and mutual suspicion, definitely give Honeyblade a try.
August 30, 2026
Thank you, A.M. Marklund, for reaching out and providing me with a reader copy!! I enjoyed myself immensely :)
Honeyblade is a fast-paced fantasy book about Lira - an assassin sent to kill prince Kallan.
First of all, I found Lira's powers really interesting, and something that has never been done before. The originality definitely kept me hooked.
I think Lira is an enjoyable main character. She has values that she is starting to question, and she is overall likeable. So is Kallan, who started growing on me near the end of the book. Free my boy from the boy mom!!
I did like that the trials were not deadly for once, and focused on politics and diplomacy. It seemed very fitting for a queen-to-be.
What I appreciated most was how easily I read the book. The writing style and pacing were good, and I finished the book in 3 days (it's huge for me!) - I was really hooked :)
My main issue was editing. At the beginning of the book I was confused. First chapter ended in a way that seemed contrary to the beginning of the second chapter - the flow wasn't natural. Also, at the beginning, some lines were repeated, and that threw me off. But the further the story went, the better the writing, and in the end it was very much enjoyable.
That being said, I'm eagerly waiting for book 2! I will be recommending Honeyblade to anyone who likes court dramas, creative superpowers, and slowburn :)
Honeyblade is a fast-paced fantasy book about Lira - an assassin sent to kill prince Kallan.
First of all, I found Lira's powers really interesting, and something that has never been done before. The originality definitely kept me hooked.
I think Lira is an enjoyable main character. She has values that she is starting to question, and she is overall likeable. So is Kallan, who started growing on me near the end of the book. Free my boy from the boy mom!!
I did like that the trials were not deadly for once, and focused on politics and diplomacy. It seemed very fitting for a queen-to-be.
What I appreciated most was how easily I read the book. The writing style and pacing were good, and I finished the book in 3 days (it's huge for me!) - I was really hooked :)
My main issue was editing. At the beginning of the book I was confused. First chapter ended in a way that seemed contrary to the beginning of the second chapter - the flow wasn't natural. Also, at the beginning, some lines were repeated, and that threw me off. But the further the story went, the better the writing, and in the end it was very much enjoyable.
That being said, I'm eagerly waiting for book 2! I will be recommending Honeyblade to anyone who likes court dramas, creative superpowers, and slowburn :)
October 24, 2026
I found the bodily equivalent of "moist" while reading this book but the story was so inviting, I could look past the use of the word gland/glands numerous times. Just like the main character's smell of honey and caramel, Honeyblade entices you fall in love with an assassin's journey to killing her target.
I knew I was in for an adventure when I opened my Kindle and right there at the start, there was a map and names I wasn't sure how to pronounce. All the key elements of a great fantasy read. Marklund jumps right into the adventure which captures the reader and was much appreciated by this reader. Although I am a slow reader and life became very busy when I started reading, the plot kept me coming back for more every night. Trials, courts, and magic, everything that I love in a book. I was hoping for some spice but despite the lack of a high pepper level, the tension between the main characters was developed nicely. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book between Lira and Prince Kellen.
This book is for those that love the personal tension in shows like Queen Charlotte and the people as pawns in Game of Thrones. If made me wish I could reread some of my favorite books like Assassin's Blade for the first time again. I am left with a void in my life till I read the next book in this duology.
I knew I was in for an adventure when I opened my Kindle and right there at the start, there was a map and names I wasn't sure how to pronounce. All the key elements of a great fantasy read. Marklund jumps right into the adventure which captures the reader and was much appreciated by this reader. Although I am a slow reader and life became very busy when I started reading, the plot kept me coming back for more every night. Trials, courts, and magic, everything that I love in a book. I was hoping for some spice but despite the lack of a high pepper level, the tension between the main characters was developed nicely. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book between Lira and Prince Kellen.
This book is for those that love the personal tension in shows like Queen Charlotte and the people as pawns in Game of Thrones. If made me wish I could reread some of my favorite books like Assassin's Blade for the first time again. I am left with a void in my life till I read the next book in this duology.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A future king with a bounty on his soul.
An assassin is tasked with courting him, only to kill him with her deadly scent, but discovers that he is immune to her.
Can she find another way to complete her mission, or will her search for answers to his
immunity lead to her ending?
With courtship trials, politics, secrets, and lies, this is a book that will have you itching to turn the pages. And with a cliff hanger that leaves you hanging on the edge yourself, you'll wish book 2 was already out! This was such an addictive read! I loved the flow of the writing. It was easy to follow, and I never felt lost, which made picturing the scenes effortless.
If I didn't have to adult, I would have finished this story much sooner. The MFC's powers are unlike anything I can recall coming across in recent reads, making them feel unique and memorable. The banter between the MMC and MFC was great, and I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly begin to grow - though it's only the very beginning. This is a true slow burn, with plenty of questions and mysteries still waiting to be unraveled.
This book will be living in my head for a while. I really want to know where the story is going and what becomes of the characters.
It truly was a fascinating read!
An assassin is tasked with courting him, only to kill him with her deadly scent, but discovers that he is immune to her.
Can she find another way to complete her mission, or will her search for answers to his
immunity lead to her ending?
With courtship trials, politics, secrets, and lies, this is a book that will have you itching to turn the pages. And with a cliff hanger that leaves you hanging on the edge yourself, you'll wish book 2 was already out! This was such an addictive read! I loved the flow of the writing. It was easy to follow, and I never felt lost, which made picturing the scenes effortless.
If I didn't have to adult, I would have finished this story much sooner. The MFC's powers are unlike anything I can recall coming across in recent reads, making them feel unique and memorable. The banter between the MMC and MFC was great, and I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly begin to grow - though it's only the very beginning. This is a true slow burn, with plenty of questions and mysteries still waiting to be unraveled.
This book will be living in my head for a while. I really want to know where the story is going and what becomes of the characters.
It truly was a fascinating read!
September 29, 2026
Honeyblade pulled me in with such an intriguing premise. Lira is a fascinating protagonist—she has been shaped into a weapon and taught to follow orders without question, so watching her begin to question everything she has been told made her journey especially compelling.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lira and Prince Kellan. Their relationship has that perfect enemies to lovers tension, with suspicion, secrets, and an undeniable pull between them. The fact that Kellan is immune to Lira’s deadly ability adds another layer of mystery and keeps the story moving.
The royal court setting, magic, hidden agendas, and constant feeling that something could go wrong gave the book a great atmosphere. I also appreciated that the story isn't just about whether Lira can complete her mission it’s about what happens when someone who has always been controlled finally starts making choices for herself.
Overall, Honeyblade was an addictive fantasy romance filled with intrigue, danger, and chemistry. It left me wanting to know what happens next, and I’m definitely looking forward to the second book!
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lira and Prince Kellan. Their relationship has that perfect enemies to lovers tension, with suspicion, secrets, and an undeniable pull between them. The fact that Kellan is immune to Lira’s deadly ability adds another layer of mystery and keeps the story moving.
The royal court setting, magic, hidden agendas, and constant feeling that something could go wrong gave the book a great atmosphere. I also appreciated that the story isn't just about whether Lira can complete her mission it’s about what happens when someone who has always been controlled finally starts making choices for herself.
Overall, Honeyblade was an addictive fantasy romance filled with intrigue, danger, and chemistry. It left me wanting to know what happens next, and I’m definitely looking forward to the second book!
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