The Assassin of Grins and Secrets

Grinning Assassin #1

by K.E. Andrews

Once the infamous assassin who killed with a smile, Serein now waits for death in the fighting pits of the Harpy's Chest. When the crown prince of Sarddon, Rameses al-Amirmoez, seeks her out with an offer of freedom if she serves as his guard, she must decide whether to work for those who ravaged her homeland or die.
Rameses wants to believe that the war his father started was justified, but he has heard rumors and seen a cruelty in his father that causes him to question everything he's been told. To find answers, he needs Serein.
Uriah Stormheir, Captain of the Oyon's city guard, finds himself caught between his duty to the crown and his friendship with Rameses. His distrust for Rameses' new guard runs deep. As Uriah wrestles with guilt from his past, he must work alongside the dangerous assassin whose true motives are hidden underneath her scars and dark grins.
In a land of hot sands and dying magic, Serein plays the game of secrets with Uriah and Rameses, knowing one wrong step could end her life. As the shadows of her past catch up with her, she has to choose between pursuing vengeance and protecting a secret only she knows.

*Trigger Warning* Please be aware that this book contains scenes of gore, violence, torture, physical abuse, sexual assault, mentions of rape, gaslighting. This book might not be suitable for younger readers.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Magic, Adult, New Adult

528 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2021

About the author

Spfbo 9 Finalist, Indie Ink Award Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, 2023 Page Turner Awards Finalist, & 2025 Indie Author Project runner up. K.E.Andrews has always been an avid reader, which sparked her passion for writing at an early age. Most days, she spends her time daydreaming about stories and making mood boards. When she's not writing, she tends to her plants, plans out her next crafting project, and binge-watches shows on Netflix. She currently lives in Powder Springs, Georgia with her family and cats.

Reviews

[John Mauro · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is originally published at Grimdark Magazine.

In The Assassin of Grins and Secrets, the debut dark fantasy from K.E. Andrews and a semi-finalist in the 8th Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO8), the notorious assassin Serein is known for wearing a surreal smile while she kills her victims with a legendary efficiency.

Does Serein smile because she derives some sick pleasure from killing, or because she has created a persona to mask the trauma of her past? While Serein’s external scars are evident from the opening scene of the novel, her inner wounds are revealed more gradually.

The Assassin of Grins and Secrets has two additional protagonists: Rameses, the somewhat naïve crown prince of Sarddon who rescues Serein from prison to become his personal bodyguard, and Uriah, his longtime friend and confidant who also serves as captain of the city guard. Rameses and Uriah make for excellent foils, with the idealistic, outgoing prince clashing with his distrustful head of guard who questions Serein’s motivations.

The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is fundamentally a character-driven novel, and K.E. Andrews excels at creating complex, relatable characters. I especially enjoyed the nuanced relationships among the three protagonists, particularly the slowly emerging respect between Serein and Uriah and the development of Rameses as he comes to grips with the atrocities committed by his father against Serein’s people. One of the main uncertainties throughout the story is whether Serein will remain faithful in her service to Rameses, or if she will seek revenge on his father for the crimes perpetrated against her people.

K.E. Andrews skillfully subverts the tropes normally associated with a female assassin lead. There is no love triangle here, no seduction, and no romance whatsoever. Serein excels as a female assassin in a male-dominated world because she is so good at what she does.

A unique aspect of the novel is that Serein experiences chromesthesia, a condition where hearing sound evokes visual perceptions of color, with different colors associated with different types of sound. The use of colors in The Assassin of Grins and Secrets reminded me of Warbreaker, the early Cosmere novel from Brandon Sanderson, where the magic system involves perceiving colors more vividly. K.E. Andrews has captured this extrasensory perception beautifully and shown how it can enhance and deepen Serein’s awareness of her surroundings.

Although this is her debut fantasy novel, K.E. Andrews has already published three volumes of poetry. Andrews writes beautifully, and her experience as a poet shines through especially in her descriptions of the colors that Serein sees coming from different types of sound.

Although the worldbuilding in The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is inspired by various cultures around the world, there is definitely an Arabian flair that recalls the Tower and Knife Trilogy by Mazarkis Williams. This is a refreshing change from the usual high fantasy worlds inspired by medieval Europe. K.E. Andrews provides a lot of helpful information about her world at the front of the book, which I consulted frequently while reading the story.

The plot of The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is a slow burn and strikes a good balance between the characters’ inner and outer conflicts. By the second half, I became fully invested in the story, especially as a terrifying figure from Serein’s past returns with a menacing plan. My only criticism of The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is that the pacing feels inconsistent, with some parts dragging a bit too long and the ending coming too abruptly for my taste.

K.E. Andrews weaves a colorful tapestry of intrigue throughout The Assassin of Grins and Secrets. The author shines in her character work, particularly with Serein’s complex motivations as an assassin with a mysterious past. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Assassin of Grins and Secrets and recommend this book for fans of nuanced, character-driven dark fantasy.

[K.E. Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I feel weird writing a review for my own book, but I just wanted to share my feelings about this story with you all. Ten years ago, I began this story, not really knowing how it would impact my life and shape me as a writer. This story has undergone so many versions and followed me through so many different seasons. There were seasons I thought, "wow, this is so great," only to see it in a different light later and cringe. However, I'm so happy that it has changed and become what it is now. Is it perfect? No. Will it be filled with immaculate grammar and spelling? I certainly hope so, but I'm human (as are editors), and English can be hard sometimes. Is it going to be a bestseller? I have no idea, but I think if this story finds the right people and they enjoy it, then that's more important than any New York Times Bestseller label. I had so much fun building this world and growing these characters. Serein, Uriah, and Rameses are each so unique and different, and they make me smile. I hope you enjoy following them through this story. I truly think this story is great even if it isn't completely perfect, but then again, aren't most stories that way? And if you don't, that's ok. This story may not be for everyone. This story will remind me that I'll keep growing as a writer and keep trying to make the best stories I can in the future.

[James Harwood-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A notorious assassin is captured & recruited by her enemies. Coupling the weight of her past & focusing on her original goal a new terror arrives.

Servitude to her enemies gets her closer to her revenge. There are others however, who distrust her every move. The true goals of new master also a mystery.

Plenty of gladiatorial fights and dangerous deceit. This acts as a tense thriller in the present while slowly revealing a shadowed past.

A terror filled past that is quickly catching up.

All told with an Arabian flair.

Loved it. You can feel the danger on every page! Bring on book 2.

[Jamedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Score: 4,75 out of 5 stars.

Full review text: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Interview with K.E. Andrews: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...

The Assassins of Grins and Secrets is an excellent debut novel from K.E. Andrews, set up in what has become one of my new favourite fantasy settings, the ones based on the Arabic world. Throw into the mix charismatic characters, excellent descriptions, and an engaging plot, and you will get a really good idea of what AOGAS felt for me.

We are introduced to Serein, a young assassin who is basically waiting for her life's end in the fighting pits until she's rescued in order to work as the bodyguard of Rameses al-Amirmoez, who offers her freedom once the contract is finished; giving her a big moral dilemma, as it would mean for Serein working for the people who ravaged her homeland. Having virtually no margin to choose, she accepts, meaning that she will have to protect Rameses and serve him, which also makes her closer to the man responsible for the tragedy of her homeland.

It's important to remark that this will become a character-driven story. Despite Serein will have the spotlight most of the time, the conflicts of other characters also become important. Rameses is struggling to try to conciliate the image he has of his father, the king, and the despicable acts that have happened under his leadership; he needs Serein to confirm the conspirations that are happening, forcing her to play a dangerous secret game. At the same time, Uriah, captain of Oyon's city guard, is having problems balancing his friendship with Rameses and his duty with the crown; and on top of that, he is being forced to work with Serein, despite that he has difficulties trusting her.

The development of trust between these three characters becomes an angular part of the novel, reflecting perfectly on how the relationships between people may vary depending on what happened. It is especially interesting to see the development of trust that happens between Uriah and Serein, being forced to become unexpected allies, especially after the past of Serein comes back to haunt her. Because Serein is a woman whose past is not going to let her live peacefully; Andrews makes excellent work reflecting on certain aspects of Serein, as you can appreciate whenever Serein analyses a person, a reflection of her old live as an assassin.

Andrews weaves a world of which you want to know more. The Arabic setting is charming, with several aspects that are carefully crafted, making use of really beautiful prose, and being especially remarkable in the use of descriptions (and more in concrete, food descriptions will make you feel hungry while reading). We are going to pass most of our time in the city of Oyon, mostly seeing the rest of the locations through the past flashbacks of Serein. It must also be stressed that all of this worldbuilding feels organic, with really interesting vibes on this Arabic-based universe, a mix of cultures. I would also like to remark that it is a low fantasy world, with the magical elements being kept to the minimum.

This book felt really short to me despite the number of pages it has. I greatly enjoyed reading it, so I hope it advances in the SPFBO8. I greatly recommend this book to readers who enjoy different settings from the classic medieval trope and to those who want character-driven fantasy, with tense political plots. I will keep an eye on the next K.E. Andrews works, because The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is a great debut, and a great demonstration of the potential she has as an author.

[Andrews WizardlyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasy story with a compelling neurodivergent protagonist who has a dark past filled with trauma. I loved the supporting characters, the pacing and middle eastern culture on display.
This is one of my top books of the year and made me fall in love with Assassin Fantasy!

If I have a single complaint the ending is a bit abrupt. But lays the ground work for the sequel so I’m mostly fine with it.

[Bookxican · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: 1.5
Book 1: Grinning Assassin Series

✨Disclaimer: This review strays from the usual format ✨

I would like to start this review by saying that I’ve had the opportunity to interact with the author of this book on several occasions, and she is a very kind and welcoming person. I hope that she does not take this review personally, but as an opportunity for growth. With that being said, she is more than welcome to discuss the review with me.

I started reading this book with a lot of hope and optimism but unfortunately the best way to describe it is, “I don’t think X means what you think it means”.

This book is marketed as a Moroccan inspired fantasy, and it does a disservice to the culture. A lot of what is borrowed from Morocco is misused, misunderstood, and misplaced, and if this series is to continue, I hope the author hires a Moroccan sensitivity reader to correct and enhance her story. If she does not, then well this will be one more author, one more book, and one more story that unfortunately uses BIPOC stories to peacock around their “woke cred” and say they support diversity.

What follows is just some of the things that are questionable with regards to its Moroccan background:

LANGUAGE:
o Riad – Strictly speaking, the definition of riad is garden. But by popular use, it is a type of house. For a good 3rd of the book I thought there was a whole guest home inside the palace.
o Medina – It is not a town square. It is the word for city. Today it is used to differentiate the medieval part of cites from the new part. Specially in Marrakesh and Fes.
o Bismillah – If there is no Allah, there is no Bismillah, Mashallah or Inshallah.

CULTURE:
o Msemen is for breakfast or teatime, and although made with some butter, it is by no means buttery on its own, and only served outside of breakfast to tourists.
o A kaftan is not a dress. It is a robe or loose tunic that by no means shows the back (Serein shows off her scars), nor does it restrict arm movement to fight. If anything, it would cause more issues getting tangled in the legs.
o Elephants – I would legit love to see an elephant try to walk inside the Medinas.
o Zilllig tile – In Morocco, the tile only ever covers the wall and no more than about two meters high. It is not on the ceiling. You’ll kill someone with a falling tile.
o Souks or sooqs are not next to homes. The Medinas are not built that way either. This is due to common sense. You do not want the dye souk, the tanneries, or the copper squares next to your homes. You need a lot of water to dye fabrics (they’re next to the river), the tanneries stink, and the copper is a hell of noise. You also do not have the spice souk next to the clothes souk. Imagine if a wind blows and now you have powder all over your clothes.
o Adding middle eastern elements to Moroccan culture is like adding Inca elements to Aztec culture. Just… don’t. Morocco is quite proud the Ottomans never conquered their land. Why would you even mix them all up? You cannot divorce culture from history and place.

Some of these things do not particularly affect the story, but I can’t help but feel that the Moroccan inspiration was simply used as seasoning to try to set the story and book apart from the one thousand and one European inspired ones, and that is a real shame. BIPOC cultures should not be used that way.

As for the story itself, well there isn’t one. You see little of Serein actually being an assassin, and her motivations are never quite solidified. At the beginning she really doesn’t want to escape prison, she is half-assed on her supposed revenge against the King, and you would think going back to her Sun and Stars would be her top priority, but it doesn’t seem like it. So, I found myself disengaged for all of it, and the end was so abrupt and dragged out that whatever little I cared for Serein went out the window. She didn’t even get a final confrontation with the man that made her what she was/is meant to be.

And then there is the use of Chromesthesia. Considering how this is also such a large part of the marketing done for this book, I expected it to have a larger part in the story. It does not. Like Morocco, this is another pretty trapping. Actually, an annoying trapping because the descriptions got overly repetitive, long and unnecessary, and even inconsistent. There are two types of individuals with chromesthesia: Projectors see the colors in the external space, and associators are those that perceive the colors in their mind’s eye. Through the book however, Serein is both, and while discussing this book with a friend, the story switched so often from one to the other, my friend firmly believed Serein was mainly an associator and I believed she was a projector. What is the point of including such a cool and seldom explored neurodivergence if it is going to be misused thus?

I am genuinely sad that this book let me down so much, but sadly I see it as a perfect example of what is wrong with recent indie publishing trends. I am by no means the ultimate authority on BIPOC subjects but it has become too common place for white authors to use BIPOC cultures to “inspire” their works, but unfortunately they just do the bare minimum to set their books apart and say that they are diverse. As it is, Serein is marketed as a brown woman but by the end of the story I am quite convinced that the Old Kingdom is Spain, and that would bring a whole lot of other issues…

Sadly too, this book also solidifies an observation I have made of the indie author community. Since a lot of the authors are friends, they are too afraid of genuinely helping each other without causing hurt feelings or facing calls of jealousy. A lot of authors become stuck in silos that echo back toxic positivity and create the false idea that stories like these are perfect, fine, and woke. They are not.

This book in particular is also an SPFBO semi-finalist, which further reinforces the idea that using BIPOC cultures for your “unique” worldbuilding will get you far, even when used badly. This is mainly a criticism leveled at the competition because it is NOT ENOUGH to propel diverse stories further if you do not propel diverse writers and do not have more DIVERSE JUDGES. With a variety of judges, stories like these are more likely to get sifted out, because a wide variety of backgrounds bring about more informed decisions that can take into consideration diverse perspectives, cultures, languages, and histories.

I hope all of this changes.

[Teone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if I'm happier for having read an amazing book, or more desperate because I will have to add another series to be completed to the already long list.
I've started The Assassin of Grins and Secrets without big expectations, I just wanted something entertaining and not too long, before plunging in the next long book of one of open series I'm reading, probably the Stormlight Archives or the Kallattian saga.
I found instead a great book, with an intriguing worldbuilding, a gripping story, and most of all a group of amazing characters.
I couldn't help to love Serein, with her desperate struggle and her colours, Rameses and Uriah, and their interactions are the main strength of the book for me, but I found also the big evil enemies worryingly fascinating, with their boundless cruelty and their indifference to every normal feeling and morality.
I guess it's a sign that K.E. Andrews knows how to write and how to create great characters.
I love when a book can stir emotions, at least my emotions, and this one definitely did it.

I only hate myself because I should have waited at least for the second book to be published.

[J.C.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely prose - the MC 'sees' sounds, so the descriptions are weirdly vivid. Low magic setting, highly competent assassin MC (who doesn't love that?) with some fun side characters. Set in a secondary world but with strong Moroccan influences that I thought were lovely. One of those stories where you get little dribbles of backstory as you go along, and almost nothing in the way of infodumps - this is the kind of storytelling I like. If anything, I think the book under-reveals.

The pace is relatively slow, so be prepared, and the ending is a bit abrupt. Also pay attention to trigger warnings, there are references to various kinds of abuse (not graphically depicted, but it's there).

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series so I find out what happens!

[Tori Tecken · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

+ Female Assassin
+ Beautiful Worldbuilding
+ Excellent, well-rounded cast
+ Dark, blood-soaked fantasy

When prince Rameses goes in search of The Grinning Assassin, he gets more than he bargained for when he discovers a scarred woman, near death but still savage, in a dank prison. His bodyguard and friend Uriah, sees her as nothing more than a liability, a knife in the dark.

Rameses sets himself a dangerous and difficult task, and to do it, if he cannot gain Serein's trust, he must at least gain her as an ally. For her, it is a chance at freedom and a life she has only experienced in dreams.

This is a beautiful book inside and out. I went into it looking for a great female assassin protagonist and I did not leave disappointed. Serein is a deeply flawed anti-hero with a loyal heart beating deep beneath the scars and distrust that she wears. Uriah is a dark and brooding character with a tight grip on justice and following the letter of the law to do his duty. And Rameses is an idealist, a prince beginning to realize that the world is much deeper and darker than he imagined.

The author's ability to create believable dialogue was one of my favorite parts of the story. I felt like I was listening in to real conversations, not "reading a book". The dynamic between the three main POV characters was interesting and they starkly contrasted each other, something I always love with multi-POV stories. It was also refreshing to read a story with POVs that weren't in a love triangle.

The worldbuilding is beautiful. Serein sees sounds with color, and at first it took me a little while to get used to, but by the end there was something familiar and comforting about the consistent colors
in Serein's POV. You can tell that the author is a poet and artist, because the lyrical descriptions and colorful visual representation of the environment were stunning.

There were a few moments in the middle of the book where things slowed down a bit, and a couple of the side characters would have been more compelling with a little extra nuance.

Overall, if you love strong female assassin protagonists, beautiful worldbuilding, and slow burn intrigue? This book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Ricardo Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished K.E. Andrews masterpiece "The Assassin of Grins and secrets" cause I'm not exaggerating when I'm calling exactly that, a complete masterpiece.

Serein's story is a masterclass in world building. The use of Arabic culture to mix it on this fantasy world fits perfectly. Don't be overwhelmed by the tons of new words that this book presents, you get rapidly get used to them (and the glossary at the beginning of the book also helps).
Regarding the plot and the characters, nothing bud can be said, the story is super interesting and entertaining and the more you get to know all the main different characters, the more you want to know. And this book is only the beginning of the story cause I really want to know more about what is what will occur with Serein, Uriah, Rameses and all the political issues that are presented.

Really really really recommended

[Brittany Czarnecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this story, and thought that the world building was excellent, the characters were fully developed and felt real. The level of sensory detail in this book was impressive, and I could imagine everything so clearly!
I did find myself looking forward to chapters with Serein and Uriah together more than any others and wished there had been more. I like the enemies to friends trope that’s developing here and can’t wait to read more about these two in the second book.
Overall, it was a fun read with good dialogue that kept the story flowing, and a great debut novel!

[Eric B. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting story with a cast of flawed and dark characters that kept me intrigued until the end. I'm looking forward to continuing this series and can't wait for book two! I really enjoyed Andrews' use of synesthesia with the main character, a condition that allows her to see sounds as colors. Such an ingenious way to add another layer to the story and pull you into the crimson, golden, and verdant words throughout.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ARC Review]

I requested an ARC for this book because I'd been following the author on Bookstagram for a while; the snippets and quotes she kept sharing made me really curious. I didn't need to read a blurb anymore to know this book would be right up my alley!

The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is an adult, gritty, epic fantasy story with multiple POV's that would be suitable for any older YA's as well. We have a snarky, conflicted ex-assassin on a revenge quest, political intrigue, action, north african inspired worldbuilding and a ton of beautiful but non-melodramatic prose.
*a sidenote: I understand that there might just be more of it in the next instalment, but book 1 of this series is relatively low-fantasy. There are mostly some hints here and there for magic to come.

Favourites:
- Dialogue: This was the first book I've read by K.E.Andrews and I was deeply impressed by what I believe was one of her biggest strengths: dialogue. There is quite a lot of it in this story, but it's just so REAL. I can only hope that, one day, I'll be able to match her ability to write such realistic, easily flowing dialogue.
- Prose: Andrew's prose are stunning. I've read many a book by authors who aim for beautiful prose but end up with melo-dramatic characters and purple prose. Not so with The Assassin of Grins and Secrets. The way she weaves her story on the page is truly magical.
- Depth & inner conflict: I personally think the inner conflict often makes the character. Every POV character in this book shows inner conflict on various levels that made me, as the reader, emphasize with them and question the decisions that needed to be made. In addition, even the side characters show the depth we need so the world we are in feels real.
- Worldbuilding: immersive. Like any great story, this one made me feel the warm wind on my face, hear the crashing of the waves against the rocks and taste the yummy tagine dishes and flatbreads we encounter in the 'exotic' country that Serein, the protagonist, lives in. We also gt hints at the rest of the wide, wide world, but no info-dumps. Just the way I like it.

What I missed:
There was only one thing that I can mention here, and it's totally a personal preference, nothing more. Andrews' descriptions are fantastic, but sometimes there was just a little bit too much of it for my taste. I know this won't be the case for everyone, but just here and there I could have done with a slightly faster pace and less food description mostly. But that's it, and I wish goodreads allowed the opportunity for 4,5 stars instead!

Sexual content: non-graphic or steamy -->but see content warnings below
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderately graphic
Content warnings: mention of torture, battle and murder, sexual assault and rape (non graphic; nothing really on screen but it is clear what's happened)

Conclusion:
If you like gritty, almost a little dark, descriptive epic fantasy with immersive worldbuilding, beautiful quote-worthy prose, and real people with their own hopes, dreams, painful pasts and conflicts, then I can highly recommend picking up The Assassin of Grins and Secrets. I, for one, know I'll be eagerly looking forward to book 2!

[Amber Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-pounding, gut-wrenching adventure!

As soon as I started this book, the Assassin of Grins and Secrets plunged her dagger into my imagination and drove it deeper with each succeeding page. Andrews' vivid descriptions filled with mouth-watering adjectives, explosive verbs, and delightfully obscure but specific nouns transported me into another world, dissolving my reality into a distant mist. This out of body reading experience is rare for me these days. I followed the characters through angst-ridden, heart-pounding, gut-wrenching adventures so real I remembered them in my dreams as my own.
@k.e.andrews is my new standard for showing vs telling with the superb mix of dialogue, inner thoughts, sensual settings, and intense action. It took a chapter to get used to sounds being described as colors, but I found it interesting. I had to reread a sentence occasionally to determine whether a word modified a sound or an object though.
The action sequences and hand-to-hand combat scenes featured the most realistic fights I have ever read. I could visualize every move. Though I practice German longsword and prefer to keep my opponents a little farther away than Serein the assassin, I appreciate her technique. Andrews understands that sword (or knife) fighting is really just fighting with swords, involving wrestling, grappling, and whatever will bring your opponent down. In a world where everyone has hidden motives, enemies lurk around every corner, and no one can be trusted, a girl has to carry around as many blades as possible! Daggers are easier to conceal than scimitars.
Serein enjoys throwing others off balance, whether in the ring or in casual conversation. She guards her secrets closely while discovering as much as she can about everyone else. I loved the journey from mistrust to tentative acceptance between her and the other main characters.

Content warnings:
Blood gushes, bones splinter, and enemies die in gruesome ways. There are also instances of sexual assault and rape, mostly in flashbacks without describing the entire act, but it is disturbing. Serein endures great suffering, but the journey is worth it!

[Tori Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew's novel the Assassin of Grins and Secrets follows compelling, complex characters engrossed in an equally deep plot. With tense action, mystery, political struggles, and masterful world building, Andrews makes her mark as a fantasy author. I'm excited to see how she will continue unraveling the story in her sequels. Look forward to great things from her.

[Jayon Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The book was fast paced and easy to read. Can’t wait for book 2!

[Steven Gnerlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

From its alluring cover to its intriguing back cover blurb, "The Assassin of Grins and Secrets" had me hooked from the start. Despite my initial reservations about the Middle Eastern-inspired setting, I found the world-building and cultural details to be among the highlights of this book.

The well-crafted characters and their realistic relationships kept me engaged, while the intriguing plot and skillful handling of mysteries and action added to the overall allure. Serein, the complex protagonist with a dark past, was a standout character, and her journey left me wanting to know more.

The lush descriptions and attention to detail brought the vibrant world to life, immersing me in its streets and tantalizing me with Moroccan-inspired cuisine. The presence of appendices at the beginning was a minor setback, but once I skipped past them, I was rewarded with a captivating story that left me hungry for future installments.

"The Assassin of Grins and Secrets" is a gripping fantasy tale that blends depth, intrigue, and vivid storytelling. Despite its length, the book flows smoothly, making it a worthwhile read for those seeking a beautifully descriptive narrative. Don't let the glossary deter you; this book is a gem waiting to be discovered.

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

JANUARY INDIE PICK

"Don’t forget that you’re a wolf among lions. Always be on guard, or they’ll tear you apart."

Aside from the spelling & gramatical errors, the overall story and pacing is pretty good.

The way in which the characters experienced different sensory responses is quite unique and something I enjoyed exploring through the story.

Serein is a well written character with an indepth backstory. I was LIVING for the slowburn friendship between her and Uriah.

I need book 2 ASAP!

[Janelle Garrett]

I absolutely loved this book, and you should read it. Here's why.

The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is immersive and captivating from the first chapter to the last. The worldbuilding, plot, characters, and themes interweave quite seamlessly, one not being sacrificed for the other.

It follows the story of Serein, who we find in captivity fighting in the coliseum. She has scars on most of her body, a testament to the hard life she's been dealt. She was once known as the Grinning Assassin, lethal and feared, but now enslaved. Initially it's a bit unclear why she is in captivity, but as the story progresses, it's unfurled. What I appreciated was that there was very little info-dumping. Serein has a very distinct voice, is sarcastic and snarky, with some laugh-out-loud one-liners. She is likable, flawed, compelling... everything you want from a main character. The supporting cast are just as well-written, from a prince who doesn't act like a prince, to a moody guardsman hiding a heart of gold.

Serein is bought by Rameses, a prince who is intent on her joining his bodyguards. Serein is suspicious of his motives, and as it turns out, he does have an ulterior objective. She goes along with it to gain her freedom, and along the way, they become friends of a sort. Rameses is without guile, an affable sort of fellow who gets along with everyone, cares about people, and wants what is best for his country. On the flip side, his father is a despot. Serein has her own reasons for despising him, and she herself has ulterior motives for going along with Rameses plans. Then there is Uriah, Rameses best friend and guardsman, whose tough exterior is hiding wounds of his own.

The twists and turns of the plot keep the reader engaged. There are action scenes interspersed with compelling character development and world building, dialogue that isn't stilted or stunted, and as mentioned above, humor to keep things from getting too dark. What I found interesting was that there was more than one antagonist, with plot threads that kept me guessing, without getting too confusing. Also... a pet tiger. Yes, please. Thank you.

Ultimately, this is a book about the indomitable power of the human spirit, friendship, and the lengths someone will go for those they love. I love SPFBO for so many reasons, and finding gems like this book is one of them. Do yourself a favor and bump it to the top of your TBR piles!

*This review originally published on Booknest.eu*

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading an early pre-pub version of this story, I'm excited to get a physical copy! The main characters are compelling, the magic system is interesting, and the lush worldbuilding has me looking forward to future installments. If you're looking to start a fantasy series that is lovingly written with beautiful detail, you should check out this book to support an Indie author.

Characters: The people we meet in AoGaS are both dazzling and terrifying. Xanses is a standout as a blood-chilling villain, and the three POV characters are all unique and interesting. Serein, a former assassin with closely guarded secrets, is darkly hilarious, Rameses, the crown prince, has an endearing naivety and passion that are infectious, and Uriah, the head of city guard, is the refreshing, grounding perspective that made him my immediate favorite.

Worldbuilding: The world is rich and detailed. You will feel like you're walking the bustling streets beside Serein, and your stomach will growl at the spread of Moroccan-inspired food. I love immersive, detailed fantasy, so the level of attention Andrews pays to painting the world has me hungry for future books.

Overall: It would be difficult to finish the Assassin of Grins and Secrets and not be excited for more. I look forward to where the story will continue to go. As an added bonus, the book is absolutely stunning. I can and will judge a book by its cover, and I need the whole series on my bookshelf.

[Margaret Gaffney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Haven't read a fantasy this good in a while.
K.E. Andrews writes a comprehensive world with beautiful descriptions of cities and landscapes, not to mention food. I've been craving simosas and Indian curry since I started reading. The writing was also excellent, lots of gore, but she left a disclaimer at the beginning. I do not think graphic sex scenes are ever necessary in novels, so I'm grateful she included the themes without requiring me to skim the pages until scenes were over. I have to admit, I guessed Serein's secret part way through, and I started looking up the meanings of the names included at the beginning to prove my theory, but only because I was so eager to figure it out! I loved Uriah (I kinda ship Uriah and Serein, though nothing is certain atm), and Rameses was charming, though I'd like him to grow up from his casual promiscuity. My only complaint was noting several (at least 10) different typos in my copy, but they were all missing periods or words, so not a big fix.

The cliffhanger ending has me biting my nails!

[Adam Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Assassin of Grins and Secrets, K.E. Andrews creates a world that is enjoyable to inhabit (as long as you’re a safe distance away!). It’s always a pleasure to read a strong female lead in a genre still dominated by male protagonists and Serein is a good one. But I also appreciated when perspectives changed to that of Rameses and Uriah, so that we learnt more about them, and also saw Serein in new ways. I really liked the way colours were used to describe sounds, but at times it did feel a little jarring. The fight sequences throughout were particularly strong and the way in which they were described felt very dynamic. One fight near the end reminded me (in a good way) of a similar fight in Dune. I think fans of Samantha Shannon will really like this book. I’m not usually a fan of longer books, but from the strong opening chapter until the end, Andrews kept me reading and engaged. The epilogue hints at further intrigue and I’m excited to see where the story goes next!

[Loureen Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrews draws you into Cemiyon, a world you never heard of before, but will never forget. You’ll enter the brilliant mind and wounded soul of a young assassin, Serein. She has cheated Death and keeps a relentless grasp on Life because of a secret hidden deep in an Old Kingdom forest. You’ll walk with her on the streets of Oyon, and into a Palace she once vowed to return to for one reason only. Within a few moments, you’ll be so immersed in the colors, aromas, and tastes of this land that your own may seem strange. When you meet a prince and a prostitute, you’ll begin see them as real people, whose struggles intertwine with Serein’s constant battle for Life. Each chapter leaves you wondering and waiting, your mind exploring its own hidden passage ways in attempt to understand, unravel, and discover. Not for the squeamish, but worth the adventure.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has quickly become my most prized possession. I couldn’t put it down from wanting to see what twist would come next. It’s interesting, exciting and inspiring. I haven't read a book this good in years. I love it ❤️ I think I'll read it again 😄

[Troy Knowlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 TLDR: The Assassin of Grins and Secrets is an exciting tale full of suspense, action, and plenty of delicious mysteries. The wonderfully executed twists and turns will keep you eager to see where Andrews takes you in this promising start to a potentially epic series.

Let's start by briefly touching on the plot. Our story is centered around Serein, a renowned assassin who is currently rotting away in jail after being captured by her enemies. She is quickly transferred to fighting pits, where we get our first taste of her skills as she fights for survival. After her match, she is found by a prince who offers her a life contract to work for him. Serein initially refuses, having suspicions as to his intentions, but eventually accepts and our story kicks off from there.

I thought the plot was well executed with little to no drag in the progression of the story. The narrative holds many mysteries, twists and turns, and big revaluations. My only critique is that it posits many more questions than answers, which leaves a sense of unfulfilment upon finishing the novel. It also ends rather abruptly, which I paradoxically love and hate at the same time. I love it because it makes perfect sense given the tone, but I hate that we are given so many plot points and loose ends that don't seem any closer to resolving than they did fifty pages prior. ***HUGE DISCLAIMER: I'd be remiss not to stress that this is the first novel in what seems to be a series, and these minor critiques could be completely washed away in a sequel novel. In fact, I'm fairly confident many of these plot threads will lead to exciting and epic conclusions later on (as I've seen Andrews execute with smaller arcs in this novel), and that their introduction here was done in an effort to "get the ball rolling" with those plot elements.

Let's talk a bit about the characters. I enjoyed our cast of characters for the vast majority of the novel. When we meet Serein, she is at possibly the lowest point in her life, emaciated with lice crawling through her hair. It doesn't take much to get us invested in rooting for her, which provides a good start to us getting to know her. The rest of the cast is very likeable and multifaceted, be it the warm, charming prince or his workaholic bodyguard with a troubled past. Andrews gives us plenty of variety in her characterizations, though the previously mentioned 3 have by far the most time devoted to them. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between the prince and his father, showing how familiar ties can muddy the once clear waters of morality. The only critique I have on the characters lies with Serein. While I thoroughly enjoyed Serein's character and loved learning more of her past and her motivations, those motivations and big reveal moments don't come right away. Andrews takes time to flesh them out, which I enjoy and thought made those secrets/ revelations all the more resonant. The unfortunate side effect of this is that, while I am in Serein's POV feeling her emotions and thoughts, it's hard to connect deeply with her character and understand her actions early on, being that so many aspects of her past that shape her decisions are kept under wraps and only slowly trickled in over time. This becomes less and less of an issue as the novel marches forward, but I had to mention this here. This was solely my experience and other readers may not run into this issue, so take this minor critique with a grain of salt.

Though most of this story takes place in one city, I appreciate all the details fed to the reader about the various cultures and locations within this setting. Andrews definitely seems to have a masterful grasp on her world, and she treats us to copious amounts of mythology, history, and culture from it. I'm eager to see where she takes us in future stories within this setting.

The action in this novel is beautifully executed. There's no shortage of it, and it always feels intense, as if it's jumping off the page. I LOVE how Serein diagnoses her opponents with razor sharp perception that's reminiscent of the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies. Being able to see her thoughts as she fights was one of the major highlights for me, and I'm sure for many others as well. Expertly done!

All in all, I really loved The Assassin of Grins and Secrets. It has everything you'd want in a good "cloak and dagger" style of story: mystery, suspense, action, and tragedy. Andrews clearly has a knack for this style of story and I'm excited to see where she takes it next!!!

[David Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot I like about the Assassin of Grins and Secrets. The writing is colourful and engaging, the characters well drawn and different, the world building exotic and detailed. I loved the dynamic that build between the main characters. The POV character Servin is particularly intriguing. We get her back story dripped in bit by bit fleshing her out nicely. She is a great protagonist. If you like feisty gal anti-hero’s you will love her. Equally the other characters are revealed slowly as Servin learns more and more about them and finds out more of their secrets. Ramses seems like a trivial playboy but is much deeper and dour captain of the guard Elijah has dark secrets of his own.
There is a nice linguistic trick where sounds are described using colours. But does not seem to go anywhere and does not add much to the story. It would be nice to have used this is the story telling a bit more.
The plot is good two. An assassin rescued from the slave pits, a woman given a post in the guard against all tradition and custom, a royal intrigue with possible murders and war to wipe out magic users. It’s all there.
So why am I not giving the Assassin of Grins and Secrets five stars? Pacing. The story is really slow, and in the first half of the book nothing much of interest happens. (Having said that, there is a life or death duel in the slave pit, an ambush of the group by rebels and some love hate build up between the main characters). I just felt a little too bogged down in detail, and something gone into in detail go nowhere. For example, there is a big section about how Servin steals a rabbit bone and sharpens it into a weapon, then later she’s allowed to carry a knife anyway. It does reveal something of her character and resourcefulness, but there too much of it. Similar with Ramses getting her to read a certain book. Or the fact that Uriah has secrets. We got it the first time. And the detail of the world building is also a bit distracting. It seems that every meal is described, every costume change, the architecture of every room, the customs and traditions of every persons ethnic background. These are worthy knowing, but there is a lot of it.
Once the story finally gets going it moves along and draws you in but that does not happen until almost half way through. There is a five star book in there, but it is overgrown by detail (In my opinion, others may disagree). For me a bit of pruning would have made this stellar.

[Lucy A. McLaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellently written book. K.E. Andrews has mastered the “snarky/sassy assassin who doesn’t like people but secretly has a lot of pain and love in her heart” with Serein. Unlike other assassins I’ve read in previous books, I actually *liked* her. She is witty and not afraid to speak her mind. She is clever and utilises her skills at every possible moment. I also enjoyed the banter between her and Uriah, and how their relationship developed throughout the story. Andrews has a compelling writing style, with excellent worldbuilding and interesting characters. I highly recommend this book.

[Courtney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't to be drawn into such a vivid world. I loved it! The setting, the characters and the trauma, was all so real and so heartbreaking. I am dying to know how it ends, will definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out.

[Xyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and compelling beginning.

The Assassin of Grins and Secrets has quite a lot to say about it. I was first drawn to the book by its beautiful cover, and the introductory back cover blurb that went along with it was intriguing, so I bought it on a whim.

I finally got around to it, and it was a fascinating read. I have never had any particular interest in a Middle East / Arabia / etc inspired setting, but the world building and cultures were some of my favorite parts of this book.

The characters are very well done, and their relationships develop in realistic and believable ways. The plot is interesting, the mysteries are very well handled, and the action is well done as well. I will give additional kudos for having a main character specialize in something besides swords, even though I will freely admit swords are my favorite weapons and are the go-to for a reason.

This book pulled me in from the beginning, and I'm so glad I picked it up. I urge my fellow readers to give it a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

An absolute must read.

[Kate Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t enjoyed a book like I did Assassin of Grin and Secrets in a long time. Other than a few typos, the writing was excellent. The world was really layered and full of rich details. Because the cultures were familiar, you fell easily into picturing the setting. The story was compelling. It wasn’t hard to connect with Serein and you began rooting for her at the beginning all the way until the end. I loved the sound visuals and somehow felt relief when Uriah or Rasima would speak, giving us a break from the varying yellows and golds. The stark contrast of Sethos’ voice was genius and revealed that maybe the colors were tied to Serein’s own subconscious which gives us insight into the characters.

I’d like to know a little more about magic and Immortals, which I assume we’ll learn more of as we dive deeper into the different cultures in the next book.

There were parts that felt a little slow compared to the pacing of the main story. The flashbacks didn't interest me as much as the present happenings. I understand filling in the gaps and fleshing out characters, but it was easy to fill in the blanks with Serein's backstory and so I was a little impatient to get through those flashbacks.

I can’t wait for the second installment.

SPOILERS

I appreciated there were no graphic sexual scenes as I don’t do spicy reads. HOWEVER, if Uriah and Serein end up romantically involved, I wouldn’t mind a little innuendo! Also, if something happens to Rameses, I will truly mourn. I imagine not all of our protagonists will live through the coming storm and I’m already bracing myself for impending deaths. This is the sign of a great writer who knows how to make her characters complex and beloved.