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The Emperor's Conspiracy #1
The Assassin's Gift
She’s trained to kill. But is her prey the man she’s ordered to eliminate… or the one who sent her?
Princess Lien reserves her loyalty for her uncle, the emperor. Groomed as his secret assassin after he took her in, her first target is the khan of the barbarians responsible for her parents’ murder. But her supernatural speed is no help when the monarch betroths her to the man she’s meant to slay.
Waking naked in the enemy camp far from the palace and her pet dragon, Lien is horrified to find she’s imprisoned by the ruthless tribe—and they know her true mission. Refusing to believe her uncle betrayed her, she vows to become his spy. But as evidence that she’s on the wrong side mounts, it will test her fidelity and honor.
Can Lien unravel a web of deceit in time to stop the real traitor?
The Assassin’s Gift is the first book in the riveting Emperor's Conspiracy fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, loyalties challenged, and treacherous battles, then you’ll love Claire Boston’s enthralling adventure.
Buy The Assassin’s Gift to reveal the heart of evil today!
Princess Lien reserves her loyalty for her uncle, the emperor. Groomed as his secret assassin after he took her in, her first target is the khan of the barbarians responsible for her parents’ murder. But her supernatural speed is no help when the monarch betroths her to the man she’s meant to slay.
Waking naked in the enemy camp far from the palace and her pet dragon, Lien is horrified to find she’s imprisoned by the ruthless tribe—and they know her true mission. Refusing to believe her uncle betrayed her, she vows to become his spy. But as evidence that she’s on the wrong side mounts, it will test her fidelity and honor.
Can Lien unravel a web of deceit in time to stop the real traitor?
The Assassin’s Gift is the first book in the riveting Emperor's Conspiracy fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, loyalties challenged, and treacherous battles, then you’ll love Claire Boston’s enthralling adventure.
Buy The Assassin’s Gift to reveal the heart of evil today!
416 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2020
33 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Claire Leggett
7 books161 followersClaire Leggett has loved dragons, magic and everything fantastical since she read The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. As a child she used to sneak to the bottom of the garden in the hope of finding fairies. Alas she never found any, so she brought them alive in her own imagination.
Her stories are full of magic, adventure and escape.
When Claire’s not writing she can be found creating her own handmade journals, swinging on a sidecar, or in the garden attempting to grow something other than weeds.
Claire lives in Western Australia with her husband, who loves even her most annoying quirks, and is currently learning how to crochet.
You can connect with Claire by joining her reader group.
http://www.claireleggett.com/reader-g....
Her stories are full of magic, adventure and escape.
When Claire’s not writing she can be found creating her own handmade journals, swinging on a sidecar, or in the garden attempting to grow something other than weeds.
Claire lives in Western Australia with her husband, who loves even her most annoying quirks, and is currently learning how to crochet.
You can connect with Claire by joining her reader group.
http://www.claireleggett.com/reader-g....
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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February 4, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/4/2021)! 🎁
March 27, 2021
I don't know why, but I had really low expectations for this book, maybe because I have seen the "bad ass assassin princess"-story before and been severely disappointed. This book was not what I had expected though, and not like other books I've read with the "bad ass assassin princess"-trope.
What I loved most with this book, okay one of several things, but what took me by surprise the most was the personality of the main character, Lien. Her being trained as an assassin to serve the emperor (who's her uncle) combined with a naivete was, it may sound cliché, but it was really well balanced in her character. I loved reading about when Lien first arrive at the enemy's camp, the cultural clash, and her view of the world being challenged.
It was a simple but elegantly executed story (or should I say simply elegant? *wiggles eyebrows*), the plot held tight throughout the book. There were so many heart-warming moments, and I'm happy to see other relationships than romantic form for Lien (a pet peeve of mine is that many books give no shit at all to relationships other than the love interest and the protagonist and all other characters feel like paper cut-outs placed "because there is supposed to exist more than two people in a world right..?" There are other relationships important to a person than the stunningly handsome dude you laid your eyes on 3 sec ago...).
Lien has weaknesses, she is trained as an assassin yes, but she isn't omnipotent and she is aware of her own limits. She is human.
I also enjoyed what we got to learn about the world, it was not described indepth, nor the magic, but I like both extremely developed fantasy worlds and the "you-get-to-know-the-bits-you-see" fantasy worlds just as I find both soft and hard magic systems can be done well. By the way, Lien's dragon Kew was suuuuper cute.
Lien's growth through the books was engaging to follow, as she gets to experience the world for herself, form her own opinions from those experiences and becoming independent from her uncle, the emperor, what she begins to value and wants to protect. And what she is willing to sacrifice to protect it.
I just LOVED this book, can't wait to read more books by this author and this time my expectations will be appropriately high, I am sure I will not be disappointed.
What I loved most with this book, okay one of several things, but what took me by surprise the most was the personality of the main character, Lien. Her being trained as an assassin to serve the emperor (who's her uncle) combined with a naivete was, it may sound cliché, but it was really well balanced in her character. I loved reading about when Lien first arrive at the enemy's camp, the cultural clash, and her view of the world being challenged.
It was a simple but elegantly executed story (or should I say simply elegant? *wiggles eyebrows*), the plot held tight throughout the book. There were so many heart-warming moments, and I'm happy to see other relationships than romantic form for Lien (a pet peeve of mine is that many books give no shit at all to relationships other than the love interest and the protagonist and all other characters feel like paper cut-outs placed "because there is supposed to exist more than two people in a world right..?" There are other relationships important to a person than the stunningly handsome dude you laid your eyes on 3 sec ago...).
Lien has weaknesses, she is trained as an assassin yes, but she isn't omnipotent and she is aware of her own limits. She is human.
I also enjoyed what we got to learn about the world, it was not described indepth, nor the magic, but I like both extremely developed fantasy worlds and the "you-get-to-know-the-bits-you-see" fantasy worlds just as I find both soft and hard magic systems can be done well. By the way, Lien's dragon Kew was suuuuper cute.
Lien's growth through the books was engaging to follow, as she gets to experience the world for herself, form her own opinions from those experiences and becoming independent from her uncle, the emperor, what she begins to value and wants to protect. And what she is willing to sacrifice to protect it.
I just LOVED this book, can't wait to read more books by this author and this time my expectations will be appropriately high, I am sure I will not be disappointed.
August 8, 2020
The Assassin’s Gift was a fast paced, action packed read. It captured my attention right from the start till right to the end. Although this can be read as a standalone, there will be more in this series and I will definitely be checking them out!
September 27, 2020
Rating: 5 stars.
I really fell in love with this book. The Assassin's Gift had me reading well into the night. I found it to be charming and intriguing. The story kept me enthralled from the very start, and the build-up really added to the overall suspense. The East Asian influence of the story (names, places, yurts and food styles etc.) has a significant impact and I think makes it so much better. I found Lien (main character) to be a bit naive throughout the book, but this does not take away from the story, it impacts her decisions and creates intense anticipation.
As tensions rise and lies are uncovered, truths are revealed and trust is questioned. I was really impressed by the complexity of the plot and how the relationship between Temur and Lien unfolds. From a young age Lien was raised in a world of lies, and as she learns the truths her loyalty to the Emperor is questioned. When she discovers all the terrible things her uncle has done and hidden from the Empire she knows that her people are depending on her and it is her duty to bring him down and restore peace between the lands. Each time something was revealed, I was in shock and couldn't wait for more details.
This was a phenomenal read, and I really enjoyed The Assassins Gift. It is so well written and presented leaving me speechless. I can't wait for the next book in the Emperor's Conspiracy series by Claire Boston. I will be recommending this to my friends for them to enjoy.
I really fell in love with this book. The Assassin's Gift had me reading well into the night. I found it to be charming and intriguing. The story kept me enthralled from the very start, and the build-up really added to the overall suspense. The East Asian influence of the story (names, places, yurts and food styles etc.) has a significant impact and I think makes it so much better. I found Lien (main character) to be a bit naive throughout the book, but this does not take away from the story, it impacts her decisions and creates intense anticipation.
As tensions rise and lies are uncovered, truths are revealed and trust is questioned. I was really impressed by the complexity of the plot and how the relationship between Temur and Lien unfolds. From a young age Lien was raised in a world of lies, and as she learns the truths her loyalty to the Emperor is questioned. When she discovers all the terrible things her uncle has done and hidden from the Empire she knows that her people are depending on her and it is her duty to bring him down and restore peace between the lands. Each time something was revealed, I was in shock and couldn't wait for more details.
This was a phenomenal read, and I really enjoyed The Assassins Gift. It is so well written and presented leaving me speechless. I can't wait for the next book in the Emperor's Conspiracy series by Claire Boston. I will be recommending this to my friends for them to enjoy.
April 8, 2020
I received an e-arc of this book through Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
I was most impressed with the author's ability to convey complex and authentic emotions, which made this novel compelling to the point of obsession. I found myself staying up late and ditching Animal Crossing to learn what happens next! The pacing matched the level of care taken with the emotions making this a marvelous escape during this crazy time.
Although categorized as an adult fantasy, I believe that anyone who enjoys young adult or new adult fantasy would enjoy this great piece of literature. I was reminded of the Indian captive stories that I was obsessed with as a middle grade reader. As with those, I loved seeing an outsider learning about their ignorance and embracing another culture. This story has Asian influence, and I loved the juxtaposition of cultures.
I was excited to learn that this will be a three book series; however, it looks like the main character will switch for the second book. So I'm assuming that book three will also have a different main character. Either way, the other books should be just as amazing if the author continues her care and craft of genuine emotions.
I was most impressed with the author's ability to convey complex and authentic emotions, which made this novel compelling to the point of obsession. I found myself staying up late and ditching Animal Crossing to learn what happens next! The pacing matched the level of care taken with the emotions making this a marvelous escape during this crazy time.
Although categorized as an adult fantasy, I believe that anyone who enjoys young adult or new adult fantasy would enjoy this great piece of literature. I was reminded of the Indian captive stories that I was obsessed with as a middle grade reader. As with those, I loved seeing an outsider learning about their ignorance and embracing another culture. This story has Asian influence, and I loved the juxtaposition of cultures.
I was excited to learn that this will be a three book series; however, it looks like the main character will switch for the second book. So I'm assuming that book three will also have a different main character. Either way, the other books should be just as amazing if the author continues her care and craft of genuine emotions.
March 5, 2020
I received this novel from Booksprouts as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow! This novel was an excellent read. I was enthralled from start to finish. Ms. Boston writes a tale that contains love, adventure, betrayal, action, and so much more. Princess Lien, the main character of the novel, has been groomed to be an assassin due to her "gift". She has been brought up in seclusion, like most royalty and knows nothing outside the palace grounds. Everything changes when the emperor gives her hand in marriage to Temur, the leader of the Rhoran, whom Lien despises with a passion. As Lien spends time with the Rhoran, most of the things were was told were incorrect and she begins to question her upbringing. However, there is a greater plan at play that could impact the Rhoran in a negative way. Lien must comes to terms with the people that raised her to the family she has now with the Rhoran. Follow Lien on a journey, where she discovers more about herself and her strength as a woman.
Wow! This novel was an excellent read. I was enthralled from start to finish. Ms. Boston writes a tale that contains love, adventure, betrayal, action, and so much more. Princess Lien, the main character of the novel, has been groomed to be an assassin due to her "gift". She has been brought up in seclusion, like most royalty and knows nothing outside the palace grounds. Everything changes when the emperor gives her hand in marriage to Temur, the leader of the Rhoran, whom Lien despises with a passion. As Lien spends time with the Rhoran, most of the things were was told were incorrect and she begins to question her upbringing. However, there is a greater plan at play that could impact the Rhoran in a negative way. Lien must comes to terms with the people that raised her to the family she has now with the Rhoran. Follow Lien on a journey, where she discovers more about herself and her strength as a woman.
April 26, 2023
I read this book in a day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lien the heroine, grows through out the story and it is wonderful to see a really strong female character. There is a large number of interesting character and the story is intriguing. I high recommend the latest in Claire Boston's books and waiting for the next in the series. Congratulations to Claire.
April 7, 2020
Intensely Exciting Tale!
“The Assassin’s Gift” had me hooked from the start. I loved the characters and the build-up. A tumultuous wild ride chocked-full of twists and unexpected circumstances that propel the characters on a journey of discovery and truths. This intense tale kept me riveted to the last page. Recommended
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
“The Assassin’s Gift” had me hooked from the start. I loved the characters and the build-up. A tumultuous wild ride chocked-full of twists and unexpected circumstances that propel the characters on a journey of discovery and truths. This intense tale kept me riveted to the last page. Recommended
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
April 6, 2020
Ms Boston has chosen a new Genre, and provided a great read in the process. Well developed characters with an interesting range of surprises kept me reading well into the night. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Read
April 16, 2020Amazing read!! I really enjoyed the world building and the characters are PHENOMENAL! I cannt wait to see what happens in book 2 and I couldn't put this down!🥰🤯💕
Want to Read
December 29, 2020First Impressions first posted on Uptown Oracle
So our main character Lien is extremely naive and whilst she’s been trained as an assassin… I just don’t think she’s been educated properly. Just in the first 10% there’s so many red flags about the emperor, and Lien has basically been brainwashed into undying loyalty. I’m guessing that the book is gonna take time to develop her character away from this later on, but at the moment our main character can be frustrating.
This is further explained by the propaganda which surround her people, the Bonamese and the clan Rhuran. The Bonamese are a patriarchal society with an emperor and Lien has been told they’re the most civilised, strongest, most educated etc. Whereas the Rhuran are barbaric, uncivilised and ruthless warmongers. The world building focuses heavily on these supposed societal difference’s, and then the actual culture and differences when Lien meets Temur. So I liked the inclusion, although it would have been good to see a bit more of the Bonamese.
Speaking of Temur, he’s the Khan of Rhuran and his leadership style is very hands on. He’s not a feared leader like the emperor, and he’s much closer to his people and his family too. He’s the perfect introduction character for opening Lien’s eyes to who the Rhuran are and this causes a lot of internal conflict for her, because of her loyalty.
Not a lot really happens because of Lien at the start of the book, instead things happen to her which are really fast paced. This gives us a lot of information, but I do think it could have been more impactful if we’d spent more time in the palace. Showing more of the court and how Lien acts within it could have given more depth to her loyalty as currently she’s not done anything that she’s been told to do.
The actual storyline also felt like it was going through steps, without really expanding or diverting from them which is currently making it predictable. I am interested in finding out more and seeing if this improves later in the book though. So I will be reading the rest of The Assassin’s Gift.
So our main character Lien is extremely naive and whilst she’s been trained as an assassin… I just don’t think she’s been educated properly. Just in the first 10% there’s so many red flags about the emperor, and Lien has basically been brainwashed into undying loyalty. I’m guessing that the book is gonna take time to develop her character away from this later on, but at the moment our main character can be frustrating.
This is further explained by the propaganda which surround her people, the Bonamese and the clan Rhuran. The Bonamese are a patriarchal society with an emperor and Lien has been told they’re the most civilised, strongest, most educated etc. Whereas the Rhuran are barbaric, uncivilised and ruthless warmongers. The world building focuses heavily on these supposed societal difference’s, and then the actual culture and differences when Lien meets Temur. So I liked the inclusion, although it would have been good to see a bit more of the Bonamese.
Speaking of Temur, he’s the Khan of Rhuran and his leadership style is very hands on. He’s not a feared leader like the emperor, and he’s much closer to his people and his family too. He’s the perfect introduction character for opening Lien’s eyes to who the Rhuran are and this causes a lot of internal conflict for her, because of her loyalty.
Not a lot really happens because of Lien at the start of the book, instead things happen to her which are really fast paced. This gives us a lot of information, but I do think it could have been more impactful if we’d spent more time in the palace. Showing more of the court and how Lien acts within it could have given more depth to her loyalty as currently she’s not done anything that she’s been told to do.
The actual storyline also felt like it was going through steps, without really expanding or diverting from them which is currently making it predictable. I am interested in finding out more and seeing if this improves later in the book though. So I will be reading the rest of The Assassin’s Gift.
July 9, 2020
This was a title which really intrigued me because of the East Asian (Chinese & Mongolian influences) settings of the story. The story focuses on princess Lien who’s been trained to be an assassin for the glory of the empire and the emperor (her uncle). She however wakes up in the enemy camp and is forced to reconcile her beliefs and understanding of the world. This story was a straightforward one and a pretty fun one at that. The good guys are good and the evil ones are bad throughout. Claire’ Boston’s writing style makes the story very accessible and the main character while being naïve is still a likeable one. This is a clean fantasy story where the action and deeds are kept at a PG level. I enjoyed reading it and while it would appeal more to me 25 years ago, it was a definitely a 3 star read.
July 11, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read of Claire Leggett and it will not be the last. This is a story about lies, deceit from an cold heartless emporer who is also Leon’s uncle who shows no emotion until she meets a family and tribe who eventually find a way to build trust and respect for Lein who was their enemy. The tribe finds their way into her heart, but it’s her arranged marriage to the tribal leader that she wants to gain his trust and love.
July 21, 2021
This was an enjoyable read - the world was interesting and the characters were well-developed - however, the plot was a bit stop & start for me, and the relationship between the leads moved a bit too abruptly.
June 26, 2023
A little slow to start, but picks up quickly.
Enjoyable read.
For my clean readers: mild language, lots of violence(murder, war battles, fights, poisoning, etc). Romance-kissing and a bedroom scene that is not super descriptive.
Enjoyable read.
For my clean readers: mild language, lots of violence(murder, war battles, fights, poisoning, etc). Romance-kissing and a bedroom scene that is not super descriptive.
August 28, 2021
3.7 stars
October 18, 2021
Best suggested read in ages
Kindle suggested this to me and I read it not expecting much. What a delightful surprise. Cannot wait to read more.
Kindle suggested this to me and I read it not expecting much. What a delightful surprise. Cannot wait to read more.
November 26, 2020
3.5.
O título e a sinopse do livro um pouco misleading, uma vez que, dão a entender que é uma história mais de uma personagem "mais agressiva" e com grandes batalhas pelo meio mas, na verdade, é um livro muito mais soft que se concentra, maioritariamente, na adaptação da personagem a uma realidade completamente diferente daquilo que lhe foi instruído ao logo da sua vida.
Nem a parte do "assassin" nem a parte do "gift" foram trabalhadas o suficiente. Caso tivessem sido desenvolvidas, a história teria-se tornado muito mais interessante e muito mais do que a descrição de habilidades que a personagem ia aprendendo com a tribo.
Contudo, o mini plot que o livro continha foi interessante o suficiente para me levar a ler o livro na integridade e foi fácil gostar das personagens.
O título e a sinopse do livro um pouco misleading, uma vez que, dão a entender que é uma história mais de uma personagem "mais agressiva" e com grandes batalhas pelo meio mas, na verdade, é um livro muito mais soft que se concentra, maioritariamente, na adaptação da personagem a uma realidade completamente diferente daquilo que lhe foi instruído ao logo da sua vida.
Nem a parte do "assassin" nem a parte do "gift" foram trabalhadas o suficiente. Caso tivessem sido desenvolvidas, a história teria-se tornado muito mais interessante e muito mais do que a descrição de habilidades que a personagem ia aprendendo com a tribo.
Contudo, o mini plot que o livro continha foi interessante o suficiente para me levar a ler o livro na integridade e foi fácil gostar das personagens.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews