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The First Dryad #3
The First Stone
Sanaa of Rote exists only to please her father, the King, by marrying the High Prince of an allied realm. And she will succeed. She must. If she can bear to swallow her hatred for the man to whom she must yield every fragment of her power.
From the world of The First Dryad by Teshelle Combs...enter the story of The First Stone.
Expect to devour this standalone enemies to lovers, high fantasy, royal drama, dirty dancing masterpiece in one sitting.
From episode 8: "Bite Your Lips"
“Yes. That’s why you found me up here. Alone.” He glared. “Your jealousy astounds me.”
I clenched my jaw and forced myself to breathe. He had the peculiar talent of making me more angry than my physical body could withstand. Every part of me thrummed with the vibrance of life, the reality of pure anger. “So why did you ask to come, besides to provoke my allegedly astounding jealousy?”
“To try. With you.”
I tucked my hair behind my ears and exhaled. “…It did not go well.”
“It did not.”
“You may go then. I wish to descend on my own.”
“No.”
I glared at him. “No? What do you mean no?”
“I won’t leave you. No.”
I huffed. “Then I will leave you.” But as soon as I took a step, he took one as well. I turned back and explained my desire yet again, in simpler terms. “You stay. I will go down.”
“No.”
And again. He stepped when I did. A most aggravating shadow.
“It is getting dark,” I complained.
“Then we should both descend.”
“I will—”
“No.”
And then I understood. “You are…doing dominance!”
He rolled his eyes. “I am not doing dominance. I am dominant.”
I put my hands on my hips. “You cannot be dominant unless I submit. And I won’t.”
“What happens now, then?” And Taeyo stepped toward me. So close that there were only two choices. Fall off the edge of the cliff or face him. Touch him.
What are you doing, Sanaa? You are challenging his dominance? His dominance? And asserting—pretending? Deluding?—that you have some dominance of your own? What happens now, indeed? Will you…fight? Dance? Sanaa, you are in over your head. What. Happens. Now?
I sucked in air and titled my chin and tried to look like I meant what I was about to say. “My mind is made up. I descend on my own. Challenge me, and I will push you off this cliff, Taeyo. I promise you I will.”
But this High Prince, this Taeyo, switched places with me, moving me in one fluid motion toward the center of the cliff while his back was to the edge. The Future King leaned into me, both his hands gripping my waist so he could pull my hips against his. And then he whispered, his lips grazing my temple. “Say my name like that again and you may do anything to me you like.”
And then he took a step backwards, his eyes on mine, and walked right off the edge.
The story is waiting. Come have a taste.
From The First Collection, including titles like The First Dryad, The First Nymph, and The First Flame.
- GenresFantasy
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2023
56 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Teshelle Combs
58 books572 followersTeshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 18, 2024
I love teshelle books, and this one did not disappoint. I loved the world and the characters created within this book. A great read for fantasy romance readers. This is a light read that will keep you turning pages the whole book.
June 3, 2023
Love the series
This author gives you everything in this series. I am loving the stories. They are all so incredibly intriguing. I recommend her highly as an author. She's very gifted with the pen and definitely won't disappoint.
This author gives you everything in this series. I am loving the stories. They are all so incredibly intriguing. I recommend her highly as an author. She's very gifted with the pen and definitely won't disappoint.
June 24, 2024
4.25 stars for this very interesting arranged marriage dystopian-esque story. One of the great things about this story is Sanaa’s growth. She goes from a highly patriarchal society, forced to endure some extremely repressive and incessantly unpleasant things in the name of propriety and purity, to a society that is for all intents and purposes, the complete opposite. Forced into an arranged marriage, not knowing what to expect, and finding out everything she had been told and taught was essentially wrong, Sanaa embraces her inner power, in more ways than one, and has an impressive transformation by the end of the book.
The romance here is also quite a journey. Her interactions with her intended husband, Taeyo, are curious and interesting. He’s not what she expected, and even though this is single POV from Sanaa’s perspective, it’s clear she’s not what he was expecting either. They have some fun clashes. I did find myself surprised at the lack of consideration he seemed willing to concede when he learned of where she came from and what she knew, but ultimately they both had some growing to do.
There is a big shift and things take quite a turn, I do have to say I have…….mixed feelings about the ending. I had some questions, and definitely some thoughts at the direction and resolution, not all of them were positive. But overall I really did enjoy the story and it was a fun ride, even if the ending left me a little - I don’t want to say disappointed because that’s not the right word. I think maybe a bit confused. There is an HEA, but there are components to this HEA that I definitely wasn’t thrilled with. However, there was plenty I did very much like, enough that I can overlook some of my own nitpicks. So ultimately, a good fantasy/magic story.
The romance here is also quite a journey. Her interactions with her intended husband, Taeyo, are curious and interesting. He’s not what she expected, and even though this is single POV from Sanaa’s perspective, it’s clear she’s not what he was expecting either. They have some fun clashes. I did find myself surprised at the lack of consideration he seemed willing to concede when he learned of where she came from and what she knew, but ultimately they both had some growing to do.
There is a big shift and things take quite a turn, I do have to say I have…….mixed feelings about the ending. I had some questions, and definitely some thoughts at the direction and resolution, not all of them were positive. But overall I really did enjoy the story and it was a fun ride, even if the ending left me a little - I don’t want to say disappointed because that’s not the right word. I think maybe a bit confused. There is an HEA, but there are components to this HEA that I definitely wasn’t thrilled with. However, there was plenty I did very much like, enough that I can overlook some of my own nitpicks. So ultimately, a good fantasy/magic story.
May 8, 2023
In Rote, women are treated as nothing, deigned to a life of silent servanthood towards their fathers and husbands. Sanaa, daughter of the king of Rote, is arranged to marry the prince of Caram to forge a lasting alliance between the two kingdoms. She has prepared her whole life for this arrangement, expecting to enter into a terrible marriage with an old and ruthless prince.
But Taeyo, Prince of Caram, along with the people of Caram, defy all of her expectations. Nothing could have prepared her for all she would face in this strange new land, or for how much strength she had hidden within her all along.
This enemies to lovers fantasy romance will make you laugh, tear up, and cheer, as you are immersed into a story of wonder, power, sisterhood, and friendship.
A very unique story from a stand apart author. Looking forward to reading more from Combs in the future!
But Taeyo, Prince of Caram, along with the people of Caram, defy all of her expectations. Nothing could have prepared her for all she would face in this strange new land, or for how much strength she had hidden within her all along.
This enemies to lovers fantasy romance will make you laugh, tear up, and cheer, as you are immersed into a story of wonder, power, sisterhood, and friendship.
A very unique story from a stand apart author. Looking forward to reading more from Combs in the future!
June 6, 2024
When I finished The First Stone I told my friend, “that was incredible my heart is sad that it is over”. If I couldn’t experience reading this book again for the first time I had to know someone else would. Teshelle writes with so much creativity, vibrance, and passion that The First Stone has a texture you feel, it moves through you as you read through the book. The world building is original, imaginative, and presented in a way that flows. From the counties, cultures/customs, languages, magics, histories, and so much more Combs not only created two separate systems, but every bit of information that was given was in a way that flowed with the story. One of my most favorite parts of any Teshelle Combs books are the characters. Like in her other novels, The First Stone has a cast of diverse characters. While the plot quickly progresses the characters grow along with it. I quickly got attached and couldn’t stop reading until I’d reached the ending. While I’d love to say so many more things they’d all be spoilers.
July 1, 2024
All I gotta say is I was blushing like a little girl in school! Tessa knows what she is doing in this book! First, I felt terrible for the MFC because of the way she was raised and then her being thrown into a different kingdom with different styles! But ugh I want them to be happy!!
I truly loved this book! I know there are many more and I cannot wait to read them! There action, love, betrayal, and many more in this book! But I honestly fell in love with the last chapter. I was so happy!!! Ugh I can not wait for more books from her!
I truly loved this book! I know there are many more and I cannot wait to read them! There action, love, betrayal, and many more in this book! But I honestly fell in love with the last chapter. I was so happy!!! Ugh I can not wait for more books from her!
May 31, 2024
This was by far one of my favorites out of the first series!
I absolutely love Sanaa and I loved seeing her grow into the woman she was always meant to be. No matter what came her way, Sanaa never gave up, and she only became stronger because of it!
This was such a fun read!
I absolutely love Sanaa and I loved seeing her grow into the woman she was always meant to be. No matter what came her way, Sanaa never gave up, and she only became stronger because of it!
This was such a fun read!
June 11, 2024
📚✨ Book Review: The First Stone by Teshelle Combs ✨📚
Sanaa of Rote exists only to please her father, the King, by marrying the High Prince of an allied realm. And she will succeed. She must. If she can bear to swallow her hatred for the man to whom she must yield every fragment of her power.
From the world of The First Dryad by Teshelle Combs...enter the story of The First Stone.
Expect to devour this standalone enemies-to-lovers, high fantasy, royal drama, and dirty dancing masterpiece in one sitting.
🗡️👑 If "royal drama" and "dirty dancing" don’t make your bookish heart do a happy dance, I don't know what will. Sanaa’s journey to not lose herself while forced to marry Mr. "I Make You Want to Scream in Both Good and Bad Ways" is an epic ride. 🤯
Enemies-to-lovers trope? Check. Political intrigue? Check. Sizzling tension that makes you want to scream "Just kiss already!"? Triple check. ✔️✔️✔️
What really stands out in The First Stone is the fierce woman empowerment. Sanaa is not just a pawn in royal schemes; she’s a powerhouse who reclaims her narrative, shattering chains of expectation and forging her own destiny. In a world where we need strong female characters more than ever, Sanaa’s story is a refreshing and necessary reminder of the strength and resilience of women. 💪👑
Dive into The First Stone and watch as Sanaa navigates a maze of courtly schemes, personal vendettas, and the ever-present tension with her High Prince. Honestly, their banter is so sharp it could cut through Sanaa’s royal tiara. 👑✂️
Binge-read alert: You won’t put this down until you’ve devoured every last word. And trust me, you’ll be craving more of Teshelle Combs’ enchanting worlds and fiery characters. 🌟🔥 #BookLove #EnemiesToLovers #HighFantasy #RoyalDrama #FierceWomen #BookReview
❤️ Happy reading! 📖✨
Sanaa of Rote exists only to please her father, the King, by marrying the High Prince of an allied realm. And she will succeed. She must. If she can bear to swallow her hatred for the man to whom she must yield every fragment of her power.
From the world of The First Dryad by Teshelle Combs...enter the story of The First Stone.
Expect to devour this standalone enemies-to-lovers, high fantasy, royal drama, and dirty dancing masterpiece in one sitting.
🗡️👑 If "royal drama" and "dirty dancing" don’t make your bookish heart do a happy dance, I don't know what will. Sanaa’s journey to not lose herself while forced to marry Mr. "I Make You Want to Scream in Both Good and Bad Ways" is an epic ride. 🤯
Enemies-to-lovers trope? Check. Political intrigue? Check. Sizzling tension that makes you want to scream "Just kiss already!"? Triple check. ✔️✔️✔️
What really stands out in The First Stone is the fierce woman empowerment. Sanaa is not just a pawn in royal schemes; she’s a powerhouse who reclaims her narrative, shattering chains of expectation and forging her own destiny. In a world where we need strong female characters more than ever, Sanaa’s story is a refreshing and necessary reminder of the strength and resilience of women. 💪👑
Dive into The First Stone and watch as Sanaa navigates a maze of courtly schemes, personal vendettas, and the ever-present tension with her High Prince. Honestly, their banter is so sharp it could cut through Sanaa’s royal tiara. 👑✂️
Binge-read alert: You won’t put this down until you’ve devoured every last word. And trust me, you’ll be craving more of Teshelle Combs’ enchanting worlds and fiery characters. 🌟🔥 #BookLove #EnemiesToLovers #HighFantasy #RoyalDrama #FierceWomen #BookReview
❤️ Happy reading! 📖✨
June 11, 2024
I purchased this book with my own money some time ago but recently also received it as an ARC. I read and reviewed the copy that I bought.
This was an amazing addition to the series! I can't really pinpoint anything I didn't like. The characters, the story, the descriptions. All amazing! I LOVED the banter between Tae and Sanaa. They were both such awesome characters. I loved the development especially. I also liked all the side characters very much. It's so rare that I don't hate anyone!
My only real confusion is that chapters 1 and 2 were exactly the same. I would guess that it's a printing error, but I'm not entirely sure.
I love how unique all these First books are. They really bring new things to the table and are a great change of pace! I wouldn't say there were any real plot twists, but I did get surprised a couple times.
It does have spicy scenes, but they are well-written and not ridiculously in-depth.
In conclusion, it was a phenomenal book that I will be remembering for a very long time. Can't wait for more!
This was an amazing addition to the series! I can't really pinpoint anything I didn't like. The characters, the story, the descriptions. All amazing! I LOVED the banter between Tae and Sanaa. They were both such awesome characters. I loved the development especially. I also liked all the side characters very much. It's so rare that I don't hate anyone!
My only real confusion is that chapters 1 and 2 were exactly the same. I would guess that it's a printing error, but I'm not entirely sure.
I love how unique all these First books are. They really bring new things to the table and are a great change of pace! I wouldn't say there were any real plot twists, but I did get surprised a couple times.
It does have spicy scenes, but they are well-written and not ridiculously in-depth.
In conclusion, it was a phenomenal book that I will be remembering for a very long time. Can't wait for more!
June 12, 2024
Once again, a wonderfully built world and wonderfully complex characters were the name of the game.
Sanaa is possibly one of the greatest characters I have ever read. She is the epitome of growth coming from a land like Rote, which was bland and boring and conforming and harsh and emotionless and just mute. Not to mention, women were just a means for creation and power. Blegh.
Her shift after moving to Caram, which is very loud and colorful and flavorful and challenging and strong and equal. It just led to her ultimate power and badassery.
I loved the relationship between Sanaa and Taeyo. The banter was perfect. The respect was perfect. They just really matched well. They pushed each other's boundaries but not in a way that made the other feel unloved.
The additional characters. There are always so many, but Tess really makes sure you learn about and love each and every one. This is possibly one of my favorites of the First series.
To continue on about the characters... literally, there's a frog named Mus that has a big part to Sanaa's story. A FROG.
Sanaa is possibly one of the greatest characters I have ever read. She is the epitome of growth coming from a land like Rote, which was bland and boring and conforming and harsh and emotionless and just mute. Not to mention, women were just a means for creation and power. Blegh.
Her shift after moving to Caram, which is very loud and colorful and flavorful and challenging and strong and equal. It just led to her ultimate power and badassery.
I loved the relationship between Sanaa and Taeyo. The banter was perfect. The respect was perfect. They just really matched well. They pushed each other's boundaries but not in a way that made the other feel unloved.
The additional characters. There are always so many, but Tess really makes sure you learn about and love each and every one. This is possibly one of my favorites of the First series.
To continue on about the characters... literally, there's a frog named Mus that has a big part to Sanaa's story. A FROG.
July 1, 2024
I have never met a Tess Combs books that I didn’t like. This one is right up there on the list of favs!!! Sanaa, a princess from Rote, was raised in a very strict patriarchal society where a woman’s role is to be submissive to men. She was promised to Taeyo, a high prince from Caram. Things are WAY different in Caram, a lot more relaxed and Sanaa no longer has to be submissive
This was a slow burn love story with out-freaking-standing world development. The meticulous attention to detail, elaborate character profiles that are wide-ranging and distinct.
I fell in love with this story from page one and loved in right to the very last word. I enjoyed reading about Sanaa’s story of growth, love, found family and becoming the strong woman she was meant to be. I loved how Sanaa and Taeyo’s relationship grew from an arranged marriage into something real.
I cannot say enough good about this book. It was a beautiful story that I know I will find myself rereading time and time again. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the First Collection.
This was a slow burn love story with out-freaking-standing world development. The meticulous attention to detail, elaborate character profiles that are wide-ranging and distinct.
I fell in love with this story from page one and loved in right to the very last word. I enjoyed reading about Sanaa’s story of growth, love, found family and becoming the strong woman she was meant to be. I loved how Sanaa and Taeyo’s relationship grew from an arranged marriage into something real.
I cannot say enough good about this book. It was a beautiful story that I know I will find myself rereading time and time again. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the First Collection.
September 25, 2023
Wow! Talk about power! To watch Sanaa grow out of her meek and dull shell of a life to pair with Taeyo and his vibrant, fun, and empowering lifestyle was inspiring.
Sanaa (an 8th princess) was born and raised to be Taeyo's (a high prince) match. She is a woman, and therefore weak and powerless in her homeland of Rote - taught to be submissive to men - as she is the property of her father and nothing more. Going to a foreign land to please a prince she does not know has been her only path in life. No friendships, no close-knit family to leave behind. When she arrives in new-to-her territory, she is met with a polar opposite culture and must abandon all she was taught in order to better survive her new journey.
Admist action and romance, comedy is sprinkled all over - keeping this intense, but not too intense. I could not put this book down! I did not expect the ending and that made this all the more worth every minute!
Sanaa (an 8th princess) was born and raised to be Taeyo's (a high prince) match. She is a woman, and therefore weak and powerless in her homeland of Rote - taught to be submissive to men - as she is the property of her father and nothing more. Going to a foreign land to please a prince she does not know has been her only path in life. No friendships, no close-knit family to leave behind. When she arrives in new-to-her territory, she is met with a polar opposite culture and must abandon all she was taught in order to better survive her new journey.
Admist action and romance, comedy is sprinkled all over - keeping this intense, but not too intense. I could not put this book down! I did not expect the ending and that made this all the more worth every minute!
June 1, 2024
Women are powerful. They are the foundation for their partners. That’s the most concise summary I can provide for this book. But it wouldn’t do Teshelle Combs the justice she deserves.
Ms Combs is a brilliant author who creates these magnificent worlds and complex characters that encourages the readers to feel and think deeply about what they are reading. “I can never tell…whether the world is intricately beautiful or stunningly simple.” I have read several works by Ms Combs and feel the same about what she writes.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’ll simply say this, Sanaa, the Eighth Princess of Rote discovers through this tale that she is no a no one, but a great, and Powerful someone. Trust me, every person should read this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏 - World Building
🌶️🌶️🌶️ -(Tess is never graphic in the spicy scenes, at least, not IMO)
⚔️⚔️⚔️ - Some fighting/battle, not terribly graphic or long
👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻 - Fantasy/Women Empowerment
💜💜💜💟 - 3.5 on the Romance, there’s some, enough, but not heavy on it, after all, this is Sanaa’s self discovery journey
Ms Combs is a brilliant author who creates these magnificent worlds and complex characters that encourages the readers to feel and think deeply about what they are reading. “I can never tell…whether the world is intricately beautiful or stunningly simple.” I have read several works by Ms Combs and feel the same about what she writes.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’ll simply say this, Sanaa, the Eighth Princess of Rote discovers through this tale that she is no a no one, but a great, and Powerful someone. Trust me, every person should read this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏 - World Building
🌶️🌶️🌶️ -(Tess is never graphic in the spicy scenes, at least, not IMO)
⚔️⚔️⚔️ - Some fighting/battle, not terribly graphic or long
👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻 - Fantasy/Women Empowerment
💜💜💜💟 - 3.5 on the Romance, there’s some, enough, but not heavy on it, after all, this is Sanaa’s self discovery journey
July 18, 2023
Absolutely amazing not only is there a strong female character but there is true love and a male main character that is strong but also there for his love. Love is so strong in the book but so is strength and resilience this is an amazing read and I absolutely recommend it I’d give it two spicy peppers as it’s spicy but not much at all. I love how everyone is equal here and it is astonishing how amazing this story really was, it hit me in the feeling for sure. This book would be considered a fantasy dystopian we’re freedom is fought for but it is so worth fighting for love and freedom. Everyone has power and I love how it is shown! As always I love this writer and anything she writes I will stand beside her forever.
July 23, 2023
This is definately Tess' Happy story! No major heartbreak or tears. Just a lovely romance between a prince and princess, sort of.
I loved the character development in this book, and made notes of many quotes I just love. I was gripped early on and made opinions about characters which changed as we got further into the story. This is a 'Happily Ever After' book, at least in regards to our main characters, however it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There is death, rebellion, and sexist men!
Non-Spoiler ans Out of context Quotes i love
"What a shame we are both free. Oh... no. How ever will we survive without enduring one another's company?"
- Introvert Motto right here!
"Say my name like that again and you may do anything to me you like"
- I love you is out - this is what we want to hear.
I loved the character development in this book, and made notes of many quotes I just love. I was gripped early on and made opinions about characters which changed as we got further into the story. This is a 'Happily Ever After' book, at least in regards to our main characters, however it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There is death, rebellion, and sexist men!
Non-Spoiler ans Out of context Quotes i love
"What a shame we are both free. Oh... no. How ever will we survive without enduring one another's company?"
- Introvert Motto right here!
"Say my name like that again and you may do anything to me you like"
- I love you is out - this is what we want to hear.
August 23, 2023
What an adventure! The story begins with Sanaa, a quiet, obedient, blend into the background princess, is sent off to an unknown land to marry a mysterious and rumored to be old prince. Sanaa was in for some culture shock when she stepped foot into Caramain soil.
Caram was a place full of life, with music, female warriors, something her home would never allow! Throughout her time in her new home, Sanaa has the pleasure of making real friends, trying real food, and just really living life as she wants. Although her relationship with future husband Taeyo starts off strained, the two nobles fall madly in love with their acts of love and acceptance.
This has been by far my favorite Combs book!
Caram was a place full of life, with music, female warriors, something her home would never allow! Throughout her time in her new home, Sanaa has the pleasure of making real friends, trying real food, and just really living life as she wants. Although her relationship with future husband Taeyo starts off strained, the two nobles fall madly in love with their acts of love and acceptance.
This has been by far my favorite Combs book!
December 9, 2023
Groundbreaking self discovery in fantasy
This one was amazing in the journey that we are taken on in terms of Sanaa finding herself. She is brought up in a rigid, unforgiving way, but when she is sent to marry the Prince of a distant country, she is a fish out of water. While being completely out of sorts, embarrassed, and hopeless, Sanaa is ready to be done. Then, she and Taeyo finally begin to understand one another, and she is able to discover more about herself than she ever thought could exist. The Caramian culture is exactly what Sanaa needed. With high stakes choices and dangerous decisions, will she usher in a new Era for both Rote and Caram, or will she grow cold trying?
This one was amazing in the journey that we are taken on in terms of Sanaa finding herself. She is brought up in a rigid, unforgiving way, but when she is sent to marry the Prince of a distant country, she is a fish out of water. While being completely out of sorts, embarrassed, and hopeless, Sanaa is ready to be done. Then, she and Taeyo finally begin to understand one another, and she is able to discover more about herself than she ever thought could exist. The Caramian culture is exactly what Sanaa needed. With high stakes choices and dangerous decisions, will she usher in a new Era for both Rote and Caram, or will she grow cold trying?
June 10, 2024
Where do I start? This book felt like a warm hug from friendship while reeking chaos on your heart. One of my favorite tropes....enemies to lovers with with an added arranged marriage. Throw in a dirty dancing vibe and what more do you need?
I adored watching Sanaa grow into herself and own it. She had a rough life till she was shipped off to Caram to be wed to Taeyo the High Prince. It is here where Sanaa truly shines. She learns a new culture thats centered around dance. She is taught many things and learns how a women should be taught and loved. Tae and Sanaa's relationship is not without trial.
It wouldn't be a true Tess book without the strife that she eventually mends. Each time i think her books cant get any better a new premise comes along.
I adored watching Sanaa grow into herself and own it. She had a rough life till she was shipped off to Caram to be wed to Taeyo the High Prince. It is here where Sanaa truly shines. She learns a new culture thats centered around dance. She is taught many things and learns how a women should be taught and loved. Tae and Sanaa's relationship is not without trial.
It wouldn't be a true Tess book without the strife that she eventually mends. Each time i think her books cant get any better a new premise comes along.
September 3, 2025
An excellent addition to the series. Sanaa and Tae start angsty and feisty but it all feels very realistic to the very confusing set of circumstances that Sanaa finds herself in. Going from the ultimate uptight realm to a place that's so open and emotional freaks her out. As she settles in and makes friends, she starts to learn more about herself. I loved Wyla so much, one of my favorite side characters. I also appreciated that Thellip was such a total himbo. He easily could've been pigeonholed into being a villain, but the actual villain was much more interesting. I loved how he was never actually on screen. It made for a unique but satisfying ending.
Loving this series and so excited for the next one!
Side note - Sanaa was definitely Sansa in my head the whole time, LOL
Loving this series and so excited for the next one!
Side note - Sanaa was definitely Sansa in my head the whole time, LOL
June 3, 2024
✨Arc Review✨
This poor girl gets thrown into a new country pushed to wed and makes a huge mess of the whole thing only to be assaulted right after. Good grief how could you not feel for her! And then it gets better (or worse) as she find out he has lovers! Girl I’d run but in her case she can’t! I absolutely love that most of Tess’s books make you feel such range of emotions!
Jesus you wait and wait for them to connect for only her to be force back to Rote this story truly is a tragic roller coaster that keeps you coming back for more!
“Unshackle me, sister. I am ready to fight” yas 👏🏻 👏🏻 The girl power in this book is everything!
This poor girl gets thrown into a new country pushed to wed and makes a huge mess of the whole thing only to be assaulted right after. Good grief how could you not feel for her! And then it gets better (or worse) as she find out he has lovers! Girl I’d run but in her case she can’t! I absolutely love that most of Tess’s books make you feel such range of emotions!
Jesus you wait and wait for them to connect for only her to be force back to Rote this story truly is a tragic roller coaster that keeps you coming back for more!
“Unshackle me, sister. I am ready to fight” yas 👏🏻 👏🏻 The girl power in this book is everything!
June 18, 2024
An epic story about a princess born and raised in a society where all women are treated inhumanely and constantly told they are “nothing.” She’s suddenly sent to a vibrant kingdom where people dance, eat, drink fight, and love with passion. There, women’s power is worshipped. Amidst all this revelry, she’s never felt so alone.
What follows is a powerful awakening of her self identity, her spirit, her great love story, her family, friendships, and even her kingdom. As I’ve come to expect from Tess Combs, the writing was totally captivating and the message was empowering. I absolutely loved it.
What follows is a powerful awakening of her self identity, her spirit, her great love story, her family, friendships, and even her kingdom. As I’ve come to expect from Tess Combs, the writing was totally captivating and the message was empowering. I absolutely loved it.
June 25, 2024
This is my first read by Teshelle Combs. I appreciate her dedication to her world building and character development. I came into this read with no expectations and this is my first 5 star read of the year!
Sanaa is a great FMC. The amount of growth that happens in this story is amazing. This story of love and finding yourself is makes it such an enjoyable read. To go from being not seen or heard to fully embracing one's self fully just gives me all the warm fuzzy feelings.
Tae is a great MMC. Learning about him was very entertaining.
If you enjoy love stories and a badass FMC please read this book.
Sanaa is a great FMC. The amount of growth that happens in this story is amazing. This story of love and finding yourself is makes it such an enjoyable read. To go from being not seen or heard to fully embracing one's self fully just gives me all the warm fuzzy feelings.
Tae is a great MMC. Learning about him was very entertaining.
If you enjoy love stories and a badass FMC please read this book.
March 5, 2023
Stone
I don't know how to rate this book; it took me a while to get into it, and it didn't really pick up for me until I was 45% into it. I felt the characters came across as young teenagers and not as older teenagers nor adults in their early 20s, it was a bit annoying and frustrating. Also, I didn't like some of the things that happened when Sanaa went back home. I felt that the author should have allowed Taeyo and Sanaa to spend more time together and have more sweet moments.
I don't know how to rate this book; it took me a while to get into it, and it didn't really pick up for me until I was 45% into it. I felt the characters came across as young teenagers and not as older teenagers nor adults in their early 20s, it was a bit annoying and frustrating. Also, I didn't like some of the things that happened when Sanaa went back home. I felt that the author should have allowed Taeyo and Sanaa to spend more time together and have more sweet moments.
August 20, 2023
Fun and daring
I pictured this one in my head so easily, it was like watching a movie.
Sanaa is from a country where women are property. They are to be quiet, obedient, and perfect. No scars, no blemishes, no opinions, and no personality.
Her marriage to a foreign prince brings confusion. This new land is full of color, music, and dancing. Where women are allowed to feel, be strong, and be equal.
She now has to learn who she is, what she wants, and how her new found power can help those she left behind.
I pictured this one in my head so easily, it was like watching a movie.
Sanaa is from a country where women are property. They are to be quiet, obedient, and perfect. No scars, no blemishes, no opinions, and no personality.
Her marriage to a foreign prince brings confusion. This new land is full of color, music, and dancing. Where women are allowed to feel, be strong, and be equal.
She now has to learn who she is, what she wants, and how her new found power can help those she left behind.
September 5, 2023
I have read almost all of the First Collection books and this one is by far my favourite. I loved Taeyo so much. He is by far my favourite guy out of the collection series. The way that he supported and loved Sanaa made my heart so happy. I loved the banter between the two as well. I also loved the way that Sanaa took back Rote. She proved that women can do anything and I loved her independence and determination.
I hope there is going to be more of Sanaa & Taeyo eventually because I don't want their story to be over.
I hope there is going to be more of Sanaa & Taeyo eventually because I don't want their story to be over.
October 2, 2023
EMBRACE YOUR POWER! Sanaa’s story will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time! The character development, world building, and the overall story is like a fantastic and lively musical that grasps your attention and holds throughout the whole entire time. This story will take your imagination on a grand adventure. Just like with all the other “First” books in the series I was able to visualize the story as if it were a movie/series/play and also hear the soundtrack in my mind. I can’t stress enough how much of a MUST-READ this entire series is!
June 15, 2024
The first stone by Tessa Combs is an amazing book!!!
Talks about Sanna of Rote who is only alive to please everyone of Rote but when she is forced to go to Marry the High King she finds out that is a stronger woman than she knows
This book shows that women have power and she learns that and reclaims that she has the power and shows people how to use that power.
This book is a great read and takes you thru learning about how to take things into your own hands and has a good love story as well.
Enjoy this book and the author as well 😊
Talks about Sanna of Rote who is only alive to please everyone of Rote but when she is forced to go to Marry the High King she finds out that is a stronger woman than she knows
This book shows that women have power and she learns that and reclaims that she has the power and shows people how to use that power.
This book is a great read and takes you thru learning about how to take things into your own hands and has a good love story as well.
Enjoy this book and the author as well 😊
June 20, 2024
This story has an amazing love story, with a slow burn. Our FMC learns to love herself, to love life, and to find love in another. This story has great characters that are well developed. The world building is wonderful, I love the pictures of the world she paints with her words. The plot/story is amazing, that I really enjoyed. This is an easy read without a dull moment. Any buddy from a teenager to an adult can read and enjoy this story. Tess has done it once again and brought us such a beautiful story.
June 26, 2024
As usual, Tess rocks! Pun intended! I cannot stress enough how she is my favorite author because of her incredible world-building, depth of character, supporting characters who hold your heart, and always there is a loyal pet. This was such a great story of self discovery and empowerment. I loved the energy of the Caramian people and the way they approach power and love. It is so hard for me to see authors who can bring a world to life in your mind, but her depictions of Caram made you feel the music and energy of the place. And on top of it all, Taeyo was an absolute dreamboat! 🖤
July 14, 2025
Every time I read another one of The First Collection, I swear that one is my favorite of the series. Sanaa's story of growing into the woman she was always meant to be was empowering. For any woman who was ever made to feel small or withhold who they truly were, this one is for you.
"I am in love with the women of Rote. With the wiseness of them and with their cunning. Their fortitude. And their enigmatic resilience. I am in love with the look of them and their silence and their noise. Just as I am in love with myself."
"I am in love with the women of Rote. With the wiseness of them and with their cunning. Their fortitude. And their enigmatic resilience. I am in love with the look of them and their silence and their noise. Just as I am in love with myself."
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