The Assassins

The Shattered Isle #3

by Jade Presley

One New Queen. Four Possessive Assassins. Her Throne and Heart at Stake.

Two weeks ago, I was the handmaiden and best friend to the princess of the Shattered Isle.
Today—thanks to her—I’m Queen and have four possessive assassins protecting me at every turn. They couldn’t be more different…or irresistible.
Each is irritatingly gorgeous, incredibly deadly, and consumes my every thought.

River is charming, funny, and compassionate.
Varian is sarcastic, edgy, and sharp.
Blaize is icy, mysterious, and dangerous.
And Crane has broken my heart too many times to count.

We have to work together to save my queendom, but the more time we spend together, the more we can’t deny the electric chemistry begging us to cross the line between their professional duty to me and our building needs for each other.

Now the very being who tortured me for weeks has picked up right where the evil king left off and is terrorizing my Isle. While I wasn’t raised to be queen, I love my people and will do anything to restore peace to my queendom—including chase down General Payne.

But there is more to his random attacks than we know, and if we can’t figure it out, I risk losing the trust of my people, my throne, and the four assassins I can’t live without.

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, Romance, Ebooks, Dark Romance, Romantasy, Science Fiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2022

About the author

Jade Presley is a pen name created to write romantasy stories that pair rich world building with characters that will make you blush and leave you thirsting for more. When not writing, I’m going on epic quests during game night or hanging with my family and Irish Wolfhound in my mountain home.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[bookishninaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a one setting read, fast paced and marvel men.
This series introduced me to RH but the first book is the OG!

I liked this one but didn’t love it. And I was robbed of Blaise(Bucky) in this one which was what i was most excited about.

There was definitely politics, world building and plot that i felt this book was just made to prepare us for the next one? And still i felt meh? The only time i got excited was when Lock(Loki) shows up, he just spice things up for me! Also with that ending???? If i was planning to give up on the series the ending changed everything.

[ampère 🫐 · Rating 2 out of 5]

smut 90%, plot 10% 😂

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another AMAZING marvel inspired retelling.
These books just get me. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to have such wonderful characters that you love so much out into another world the way Jade has with this series. You are seeing the characters from marvel but the are entirely different and unique from the movies. This is a true fantasy, with spectacular world building and a really cool magic system.
These men are something to read. My imagination was running wild. Varian is of course my favorite though!
That cliff hanger though 🤯 I will be reeling until the next book comes out.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Book 2 now please!

[Lauran’s Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of The Assassins by @jadepresleyauthor and when I tell you I dropped everything to read it, I am not exaggerating. I had it read in under 24 hours & loved every bit of it. This is the 3rd book in the Shattered Isle series & it follows the new Shattered Isle queen Gessi & her assassins. The assassins are inspired by characters from the Marvel world: River is inspired by Ant Man, Blaize is inspired by Winter Soldier, Crane is inspired by Hawkeye and Varian is inspired by Venom. Gessi has known Crane & Varian since childhood & has just recently met River & Blaize when they are assigned to help her find & defeat the General. As they work towards their goal, Gessi discovers the assassins are her mates. Like the first two books, there is wonderful world building with humor, action & magic. It ends on a cliff hanger, so now I am anxiously awaiting the next book. If you are a Marvel fan, I can’t recommend this series enough!

😏That dedication page🥵

Her Assassins releases 9/27/22. This is a reverse harem/why choose and has open door spice. Check TWs.

And lastly, thank you Jade for the shout out in your acknowledgements! That was such a nice surprise!

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

God I love Marvel, especially bucky.

[Taylor Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Assassins is a mixture of Marvel and why choose. I loved seeing the building of relationships between Gessi, River, Varian, Crane, and Blaize.

River and Varian have such a fun, playful demeanor. The teasing, banter, and funny personality that Varian has really made it so much more enjoyable.

Jade has developed such a compelling storyline. I can't wait to continue reading to see where the adventure takes us next!

[Hannuuhhhh.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment of The Shattered Isle series. In this book, you follow Cari’s best friend Gessi and her 4 bodyguards/assassins. You get to see Gessi in her new role and get to know her assassins. I found Gessi a bit frustrating at first, but she definitely grew into her new role. As the story progressed and I thought about how much stress she was put under, I understood her many tantrums. She also had 4 sexy assassins to take her mind off of the hunt for General Payne; the sadistic tyrant trying to take over the realms. Gessi’s bodyguards Varian, River, Blaize, and Crane each have their unique abilities and powers. And start having a magnetic attraction to Gessi.

I loved the dynamic between the guys and Gessi. Though I felt Crane was a bit absent in most of the book. I felt even his time with Gessi was kind of rushed. Hopefully in the next book he can get his time to shine. Omg, the banter and lust between Varian and River were so good! Just when I thought those two were my fave Blaize entered the scene. And uuuhhhhh I think he’s my favorite. 🥵🥵🥵 Oomggg the way he took charge and made Gessi just obey! 😮‍💨 And so many good group scenes. Jade delivers the group scenes in her books.👏

If you love action, magic, and fantasy with marvel inspiration and why choose romance, you will enjoy this book!

[kay reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Why choose/ RH
Marvel fanfic moment
Crane ( Hawkeye) , Blaise (Bucky), Varian ( Venom), River (Antman)
Shifters
Powers


This book is a continuation novel in the shattered Isle series, which i also gave around 3 stars. they were an enjoyable read although the writing was a little mediocre and sometimes a little cringe, the characters were a little 2 dimensional to me but the tension between our fmc and her assassins was giving and the angst with Crane was also giving and the plot had some potential but i think it is not supposed to dilute the romance which i think was a main focus so i had a fun time overall.

Our fmc, Gessi, pulled a Bella Swan moment "Take me, Kill me, Let them go please" and then there was that overly dramatic Crane entrance in the middle of all the chaos!! All in fun, All in fun of course!!

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I’m in love with this book and of course the characters. Gessi, Varian, River, Blaize and Crane are characters that you won’t want too forget. Gessi is the new Shattered Isle queen and General Payne wants her dethroned. Once I started reading I didn’t want too stop. Love seeing Cari, Lock and Steel again. The ending wtf I need the next book ASAP. Definitely a read that everyone must read.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Taylor Fenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first two books in this series, and Lock is my favorite of Cari’s mates from the previous books, but I think I might have loved Gessi and her assassins even more! (But not more than Lock, just to be clear!) The Assassins is such a sexy, spicy, unputdownable read! I devoured this book in one sitting. The writing is fantastic, the worldbuilding definitely paints a picture along the way not only of the kingdom that lives under the moon and stars, but of the wave of destruction left by General Payne and the spice and chemistry between characters is on fire!

As with the previous books, you don’t have to be a Marvel fan to appreciate these books. If you love why-choose romance, sci-fi/fantasy stories, and really spicy reads, I can’t recommend this series enough! I do recommend reading the first two books to get the backstory of what has occurred before The Assassins, but I don’t think it’s absolutely required.

[leonie · Rating 1 out of 5]

i’ll never trust tiktok again

[Erin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Carly Mariner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 14. That is all.

[Amaya Vanserra · Rating 4 out of 5]

the plot twists, immaculate, the characters, perfection, the romance, couldn't be better, the spice, absolutely stunning. The only thing that I wish we had was more, the whole thing felt kind of rushed. 4/5 stars

[Dewi | Yerathiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so we have book 3 in the Shattered Isles series, the marvel retelling- focussed on Gessi instead of Cari with Varian (Venom), Crane (Hawkeye), River (Ant-Man) and Blaize (Bucky). This is the one i was looking forward to because of venom x)- yes he shifts🤤 i mean what?

Story wise I feel like it was a lil more story compared to Cari's books so I liked that more as well. The smut was spicy af but i don't know if I'll continue with the fourth book? We'll see when its released.

They're very short reads and a fun pallate cleanser in between larger series :)

[Kiki ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book series : Shattered Isle
Book 3/3
Author: Jade Presley

I really couldn’t put this book down! It’s nice and refreshing to have mature characters, smut that comes with Plot! ❤️❤️


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(5/5)

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
(Something for everyone!)

Honest review time! I'm not going to get too much into detail about this book! I LOVED it! However, I want to give you an insight into my thoughts. I loved how descriptive Presley was with this book right off the jump! Pulling you deep into her world! The world entangles you, you are feeling everything each character is feeling, and you are rooting for the love to grow as the story progresses.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book early @jadepresleyauthor

The pain that you will feel... When she told Crane to go... ahh the pain :(

My favorite quotes, or at least my two top favorites from the book, are "There is nothing but his consuming presence, his power crackling between us. -" and "my assassins, the stars twinkling in the inky sky behind them."

-Raw emotions
-The pain of the loss of a villager.
- There was definitely an increase in sensory details. And man does it hold you in its clutches!

Spice: 100/5 (The spice variety is kink friendly and a bit wider in range) 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

The plot, world-building, progression!: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Characters:5/5
The humor in this book is fantastic and an excellent relief from the pain.

Lastly, I absolutely loved this amazing book series! I wish there was more! It's worth the read! The ending Ah my heart! But I’m ready for more!!

[rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[arc review]
Another knock-out book from Jade Presley!!

Unlike the two previous Shattered Isle novels, this installment follows Gessi's grapple for the throne with the help of her assassins: Crane, Varian, Blaize, and River.

Admittedly, I requested this ARC solely for Blaize (and that dedication); I foolishly thought that no other mix of characters would live up to Cari, Tor, Steel, Talon, and Lock (thankfully, I still got a taste of them in this book!). But above all else, I forgot about Jade's impressive ability in writing characters beyond the pre-established Marvel-inspired imagery.

Presley provided incredible character development for all assassins involved. The banter between characters, especially River and Varian, was hilarious; I feel like a lot of authors don't have a knack for writing comedy (at the least, comedy that doesn't transfer well on paper), whereas Presley landed each joke and jab perfectly. Characterizations aside, The Assassins had a splendid plot and really good pacing. I literally could not put this book down and I loved how short it was!

However, there are two reasons I didn't give this book five out of five stars: Crane and Gessi.

Crane was the only assassin I couldn't connect with. Yes, he had good intentions, but he came across as too... I'm better/smarter than you than any other character. I genuinely could not stand him, but that is more personal preference than poor writing on Presley's behalf. Gessi, on the other hand, felt like a copy-and-paste of Cari. But where I found Cari powerful, I thought Gessi annoying. There were wayyyy too many sentences she started that she never finished ("I need...", "I...", "You..."), which is a small thing that just irked me whenever it popped up.

Crane and Gessi aside, this was a HIGHLY enjoyable installment that I would recommend to any fan of Marvel!

[JuJu · Rating 5 out of 5]

While our beloved Cari is finding her way being Queen of the All Realms, this story is about her best friend, Gessi, and her growth as the Shattered Isle Queen. Plagued with the responsibility of finding the General, Gessi is accompanied by her Assassins; River, Blaize, Varian and Crane. As they all grow closer, discoveries are made, bonds are formed and secrets come to the surface. And let us not forget the spice.

Jade Presley does it again in the third installment of the Shattered Isle series. I will be honest when I realized this book was not going to revolve around Cari and her beautiful mates, I was a bit disappointed. That feeling quickly vanished after reading River and Varian bicker at each other. I very much enjoyed reading the blossoming bond between the characters and was happy to read Cari wasn’t excluded - neither were the All Planes Kings.

There was nothing about this book I did not like, nor would I change. Maybe, just maybe, I would add an additional sentence in the beginning where Jade writes: ‘If you’ve ever wanted the winter soldier to give you a hand necklace, this book is for you.’ And I would add a little sprinkle about one’s desire to feel Venom’s tongue. BUT that’s neither here nor there.

Like the first two, I recommend this book to everyone I can. Not only is the spice just right, but the plot, the story, the characters - everything else about the book draws the reader in, leaving them wanting to know more. Jade’s ability to worldbuild is impeccable. Book 4 cannot come out soon enough! A huge thank you to Jade Presley for blessing us with her creative mind.

[Helen Dawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book apart of "A Shattered Isle Novel" and is definitely my favorite. While I love Cari & her mates, I fell completely head of heels for Gessi and her 4 mates. The first two books, were more smut than plot, but this one has a wonderful plot throughout the entire book. Gessi is the new queen of the Shattered Isle after Cari killed her father, the previous king. Now, General Payne is out torturing and killing innocent villages that stand in support of Gessi & Cari. The General wants two things, the crown, and to cause as much pain & suffering as possible. I love how the author introduces Gessi figuring out each of her mates. Each mate is completely different but they all love her and will do anything for her, as she will do for them. Even though I knew River, Blaise, Valerian and Crane were her mates, I was consumed when reading how they each finally accepted the mating bond. I enjoyed their love for each other, it was more than just their love for Gessi; unlike Cari who is in love with 4 brothers. The spicy and smut was excellent! Gessi and her mates were constantly thrown curve balls that they had to overcome, some expected and some completely threw me off (in a good way)! My heart rooted for Gessi at every turn and wanted her to get her revenge on General Payne while also securing a safe and happy future for her people. It seems every step forward Gessi & her mates get, they are thrown five steps back. I cannot wait to read book 4 and see what is in store for The Shattered Isle, The All Planes, Gessi & her mates as well as Cari & her mates. Will they stop General Payne? If they do, at what cost?

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Marvel-like characters! This time we get Hawkeye, The Winter Soldier, Ant Man, and Venom inspired men. The third book in the Shattered Isle series, this one follows Gessi as she navigates her way through her new role as queen with her assassins to help her.

As Cari’s best friend, I found Gessi to be irritating at first. I think I expected the strength she displayed at the end of the last book to carry over into this one, but it came off as childish instead. However, I loved that when needed, she stepped up and channeled that inner strength again to do what was necessary. Plus we get to see her relationship with each of the guys and how they differ from one to the next.

“You may be the queen of the Shattered Isle, but here, in my hands? You belong to me.”

And the men… whoa. I thought Crane was going to be my favorite, but then Varian showed up. Or maybe Blaize? Definitely Blaize. But River is just so sweet! Well, it's a good thing you don’t have to choose in this book. I do wish Crane had more involvement, but I completely understand why he was missing and I actually loved that storyline.

“Steel asked me to protect you. That means I protect you, even from yourself.”

This was such a fun read and that cliffhanger was fabulous. And the cameo towards the end made me smile! Filled with magic, fantasy, and world building, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started reading this book because booktok told me it's basically Marvel fanfic, and it really is.

The new book follows Ges on her journey to secure her kingdom with her four new bodyguards. Two of whom she has known and grown up with, Crane (aka Hawkeye) and Varian (aka Venom). And two newcomers River (aka Antman) and Blaize (aka Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier).

Like the previous two books, the characters and plot are ok. Like it's not bad, but it's not really good. I find the characters really one dimensional and the plot, has potential, but it's written quickly and very basic. The POV changes a lot between the four men and our FMC and for me sometimes I find it confusing and a lot to keep track of when the POV changes more than 2-3x.

For me, this book is read for the marvel subtext and the spice. And in that aspect I'm never disappointed. We have another why choose romance, with fated mates. The men don't disappoint. And our female main character is at least written strong and powerful.

The book ends on a slight cliffhanger. And in the next book I think we're finally gonna get both sets of why choose's romance characters and our two FMC in one book. Which sounds exciting and im here for the amount of spice we'll most likely get. But also I have a feeling the POV is gonna change even more and that aspect has my head spinning as changing POV's as much as these books already does kinda kills me.

But good easy quick read! I was entertained and definitely found myself chuckling at all the marvel references and slight changes in names.

[Gabby Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avengers but with spice!!

The 3rd installment did not disappoint at all. I didn't know how the series could get better but then it did. With the main focus shifting from Cari and the 4 Brothers from the first 2 books to the Newly Crowned Gessi and her 4 Assassins I knew we were in for a ride.

While Gessi struggles with the trauma of being held captive and tortured by General Payne (vile man) and dealing with the new responsibilities of becoming queen she now has to deal with 4 incredibly hot men being around her 24/7. How ever will she cope?!!

Constant sexual tension builds between Gessi and these Assassins and the spice is just *chefs kiss*. It even includes Gessi finding herself a third wheel for a moment or two. Naughty naughty Assassins.

But all throughout this book we are after one thing and one thing only. An orgasm? No! General Payne! That bastard is on the run and destroying helpless villages and its upto our "heros" to save the day.

Will they catch him? Will he pay for his crimes? Will Gessi have an Orgasm?

Guess you'll have to buy the book to find out! You won't be sorry!

[Madison📚🌻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I would like to thank Jade Presley for a review copy of The Assassins in exchange for an honest review🥰

Let’s start off with my review shall we? I freaking loved this book! Once again I loved the Marvel aspect of the characters! Blaize (Bucky) was my favorite, of course! Then there is River (Antman), Varian (Venom) and Crane (Hawkeye) 😊 The banter between not only Gessi and the boys, but River and Varian?! SWOON. I loved the idea that each boy was looking out for their Queen in different ways. Whether that be right by her side, or out of her view, they each put her first. The plot was very well thought out and fast paced. I can’t wait to see how the next book plays out!

The spice?! Jade Presley seriously knows how to right some spicy scenes. Let me just say the scenes between Varian, River and Gessi were so hot!! And then the last spicy scene in the book?! You’ll definitely need a glass of water for that one cause….🥵🥵

Overall this book was a 5⭐️ read for me! And if you like Marvel (especially Bucky) I highly recommend picking this series up!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Marvel inspired smutty book? Yes please. She can continuing writing these forever and I will continue reading them. I will say that I felt this book had a lot less plot than Cari’s books, but I don’t know that I cared. I can’t decide who my favorite of the four assassins are. I really tried to pick a favorite and simply couldn’t. Blaize is our winter soldier, Crane an incredible Hawkeye, Varian I kept thinking of as the Hulk but he’s giving off more Venom vibes with his tongue action 👅 😅, and the final member of our assassin group is our shrinking hilarious ant-man. Lock making an appearance in this book made me realize how much I love him. I loved getting a chance to see glimpses of Cari and her men too. Gessi is a strong female character who is working through the trauma of being held and tortured by the general all while learning how to be queen to her people. Her assassins would set the world on fire for her, but even better they help her do it herself. Ugh, these are just so good and I don’t want to wait for the next book! I need more!!

[Tancy | tancysreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ another installment to this marvel fanfic fantasy universe of the Shattered Isle! It picks up where the last book left off, but switching perspectives to Gessi now instead of Cari since the ending of Her Revenge left off with Gessi now a big part of the fight.

If you love marvel characters (winter soldier, ant man, Hawkeye, or venom specifically) then this book is for you, heck this entire series is for you! It’s very spicy, reverse harem, fated mates, “who did this to you?” vibes all around for these sexy heroes. I love how Gessi is really trying to fight her own battle while also getting over her trauma the general instilled in her in the past.

I found myself really enjoying these characters, I loved the cameo of previous ones, & I also really liked the little side characters that are also marvel inspired. Overall, I really liked this addition to the series & will be patiently waiting for the next books release to continue the story. 4/5🔥

[Brittani Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved loved loved this book I had been waiting since I had finished her revenge for it to come out and I’m so happy I got to arc read for it.🥰🥰
I loved all the characters in this one just as much as I loved everyone in the last two books. I will admit that Crane is my favorite out of all the guys with Blaize being a close second, so there were times I had to walk away cause I felt so bad for him that Gessi just assumed he didn’t care about her anymore when that wasent the case at all. There were times I was just yelling please hear him out already, But besides my frustration at their disagreements I adored this book so much and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one cause I’m so worried about lock and what happened right at the end I’m hoping he’s just that exhausted and it’s nothing serious 😶

[Reviews_by_Jazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the previous books, I wasn't team Gessi until the end of Her Revenge, and she became a favorite character. This book solidified her as a favorite going forward. I can get behind River, Crane and would love them to get behind lol. This was a story of growth for everyone involved the main characters and the people that follows them. There were moments of laughter and of sadness. sThe plot was amazing. I also love how we still got glimpses of Cari, Lock, Steel and Talon through the friendships.
Please read Her Villains and Her Revenge so you don't get lost in the connections of the characters.
I highly recommend.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade Presley does it again.

When I’m telling you, I did not want this book to stop, I shouted out loud at the end, I was not ready for it to be over. The cliffhanger we’re left on.. I’m dying for the next book.

Not only are these books HOT AF, (I mean, come on, characters based off of Marvel men) but the story and plot is so creative, you’re instantly hooked and you can’t put it down. I’m addicted to the fantasy plot.

The books in The Shattered Isle series have easily become some of my favorites.

Please Jade, keep them coming.

[Samantha Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

I definitely enjoyed this a lot more than the first two books, but this still left me wanting more from the characters and their stories. I would have loved to have seen more of what Gessi’s past and what she went through. I also would have enjoyed more POVs than just primarily Gessi’s. I wanted more of Crane and his POV so bad.

I like that this book wasn’t as heavily focused on steam and that it focused on the plot a bit more. Looking forward to reading the fourth book.