A decent debut novel!

The False Pawn is a fantasy slow-burn romance that has a lot of political aspects in it.

The storyline was interesting and the characters were pretty decent. The world building was also good.
The book is set up well to be a series.

Although the writing could use some work as all new authors can, overall I would say a great start!

If you like: fantasy, mystery, deception, betrayal, and a bit of spice you should definitly give it a try!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this captivating fantasy romance, the author weaves a beautifully intricate world filled with magic, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry between the protagonists. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape where the stakes are high, and love transcends boundaries.

The characters are delightfully complex, each facing their own trials and transformations. Their journey is not just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, making every shared moment feel electric and deeply meaningful.

The plot is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with tender, intimate scenes that linger long after the book is closed. The author’s lyrical prose brings the settings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and danger of this enchanting world.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape that deftly combines elements of fantasy and romance. It’s a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability. Perfect for fans of the genre, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical journey of the heart!

The False Pawn is a romantasy about Althea Clark, a normal 30-year-old who is mysteriously whisked away from her normal life into another world. She’s captured by two elven princes and plunged into the treacherous world of court politics, where humans are enslaved, used, and abused. She will do anything to return home to her dear sisters.

I wanted to try this story as an entrance into romantasy. The book was not for me. The story and world are interesting, but the writing style was not my favorite and the pacing was quite slow. It was too dark for me and twists the standard stereotypes of elf culture and society, which I found off-putting. It was also too spicy for me. Romantasy is probably not my genre.

The novel reads a little like Game of Thrones and reminds me of what I’ve heard about Fourth Wing, though I haven’t read it. Fans of those stories who love lots of world building and heart-to-heart conversation may enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 3.25 stars/review contains spoilers
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-book.
Spice: 🌶️

I thought this book was decent, especially for a debut novel. Our FMC ends up in the elven world of Isluma after she's been out drinking (an unknown man put spells on her, this plot line will likely come back up in Book 2, at least I hope so), and ends up in Prince Endreth's bed. No one is really who they seem at first and the princes keep her in the dark about their intentions (the politics are a little confusing w/ the world building because you're introduced to everyone pretty quickly).
Also the MC's just treat women/humans terribly and the bit of spice that occurs is meant to be slow burn--the relationship is just 0 to 100 w/ it becoming sexual. Pacing could have been better.
The plot twist where Prince Endreth betrays her and was always going to give her the court; very clever and didn't see that coming. The ending was kind of sudden, even if it wasn't necessarily a cliff hanger. She makes her way through the caves and into the human territory, and Althea is blindfolded by the humans. And the warrior Eldrion waits for her in the town because he believes she's still alive. I think their romance has more potential and there is a lot of *smoldering* between them. Depending on the release date for book 2...not sure if I'd stick around to read it!

Thank you Netgalley + Publishers for this !

I did not think I would have enjoyed this as much as I did .

Enemies to lovers , strong FMC , bloody MMC , and really good world building !

This is definitely a Romantacy girlies book !

I don’t think it was anything crazy special , but it was very enjoyable !!

Absolutely LOVED this debut novel by A.E. Asavi. The False Pawn had me gripped from the get go. Great world building with mild spice.
Finally an FMC that isn’t completely inept or self deprecating. I need to know what happens to Anthea, does she make it home?!… is the next book ready to be published yet?!?
If you’re an ACOTAR fan (check!), a Fourth Wing Fan (check!), then this book is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely loved this book. It started off in a bizarre way that caught my attention and I did not know what to expect. I honestly cannot wait for the next book. I am sad I couldn’t continue reading right now! This book had some romance, some drama, and some thrills. Everything you would hope for in a romantasy novel. I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC!

there will be more i promise" @A.E. Asavi how dare you stop there ?
When is the next book ready ?

4.4/⭐
1/🌶️
Netgalley
Enemy to lovers?
Plot twists
Dragons
Potential war
.
What i loved:
-The book is captivating
i kept reading not being able to put the book down
I wanted to know the next part and the next and the next

-worldbuilding
Although not all is very clear yet you slowly see together with thea how this world works and its history

- the plot twist
Although i didn't think i would trust them again after what happened i loved the plot twist, well i was angry at the character responsible but in this case it's a good thing

What i didn't love:
-the end
How dare you end a book this way?????.

-the sisters
We don't know anything about them anymore i would of loved to at least know something

-the way thea came to the world


Lovely book Would totally recommend but be prepared to wait for the next book now

A. E. Asavi’s The False Pawn weaves together fantasy, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance in a rich, immersive world where deception and danger lurk at every turn. With a compelling protagonist and a plot brimming with court machinations and mystery, this book promises a captivating journey for fans of "romantasy" who enjoy a blend of romance and world-building, with a dash of dragons for good measure.

The story follows Anthea Clark, a relatable heroine who, at 30, feels disillusioned and overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life. This grounding in reality makes her an instantly sympathetic character, especially when her life is abruptly upended by a stranger who seems to know her all too well. Without warning, Anthea is swept away into a foreign world filled with powerful Elven politics, where humans are seen as inferior and trust is a dangerous gamble. From the moment she arrives, the stakes are high, and Anthea is forced to quickly adapt to survive the cutthroat environment.

One of the novel’s strengths is its intricate political landscape. Asavi skillfully sets the stage with court politics that are both treacherous and complex, ensuring that Anthea’s every move must be calculated to avoid falling prey to dangerous schemes. The two Elven princes who capture her add layers of intrigue—enigmatic and powerful, they remain central to the political games being played. Their intentions are unclear, creating a tension that keeps the reader guessing about who can be trusted.

The slow-burn romance aspect is well-executed, allowing the chemistry between Anthea and the princes to develop naturally amid the intrigue. There’s just enough “spice” to keep fans of romance satisfied, but the novel remains plot-forward, making sure the romance complements rather than overshadows the political drama. This balance between the romantic tension and the central plot of survival and deception helps elevate the novel, giving it more depth than a typical romantic fantasy.

Anthea is a compelling protagonist, not only because she’s thrust into a world so different from her own but because she must summon her intelligence and resilience to navigate it. She’s neither a damsel in distress nor a flawless heroine; her internal struggles, combined with her sharp wit, make her journey through this new world feel authentic and engaging.

The fantasy elements, particularly the inclusion of dragons and other magical creatures, add a layer of excitement to the novel’s world-building. While these elements are not the primary focus, they serve to deepen the sense of wonder and danger that pervades the narrative. Asavi teases enough about the larger world’s lore to make readers curious for more without overwhelming them with too much information at once.

If there’s a minor critique, it’s that the novel sometimes leans heavily on familiar tropes within the fantasy and romance genres. The "ordinary woman swept into a foreign world" setup, along with the enigmatic princes and court intrigue, will feel familiar to fans of the genre. However, Asavi injects enough fresh energy and character development into these elements to make them feel more personal and engaging.

The pacing is mostly steady, though the middle sections of the book could have benefited from more action or sharper twists to maintain momentum. The buildup of the romance is effective, but the political intrigue sometimes slows down as the novel shifts focus to developing relationships and emotional stakes. However, for readers who enjoy slow-burn narratives that gradually ramp up the tension, this pacing will likely be a welcome feature.

Final Thoughts:
The False Pawn is a well-crafted mix of fantasy, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance that will appeal to fans of plot-driven "romantasy" with a strong heroine at its core. A. E. Asavi has created a world filled with deception and danger, where Anthea Clark must rely on her cunning to survive—and protect her heart. While the novel plays with familiar tropes, it does so in a way that feels fresh, and the rich court politics, along with the promise of dragons, make for an engaging read. Fans of slow-burn romances with a twist of intrigue and adventure will find much to enjoy here.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC!

I'm a huge fan of fantasy, and this book had a bunch of tropes that I enjoy which is what initially intrigued me. I felt there was a lack of ...something in this book though. It felt like to me the author would make time pass by quickly when they wanted to move the plot along. That aside, I still did enjoy it! I would read the next in this series, too.

Read via Netgalley
The story was very slow to start, as is common for longer fantasy series while the world is being built.
“You are in a world where magic is life” yet we don’t see much of magic being used, its source, who has it and what impact it has on the power structure of the world - apart from a powerful group who has used power and dragons as a threat to everyone else.
There are enough interwoven threads in the story to be engaging and I will read the next in the series when it comes out. I have some theories about the storyline and I want to see how it pans out.

Spoiler:


There is misinformed consent here, as in she gave consent based on misinformation. I love that when she found out, she kicked him to the curb so quickly you could hear him bounce and she kept that misinformation in mind while encountering others.

Great read, very intriguing plot and well written, will definitely be reading the next :)

i rated this book 4/5 stars.

Elves, magic, and spice—check.

The False Pawn has a storyline that is engaging, and Asavi’s writing style effectively draws you into her world. The novel is rich with politics, subterfuge, class divides, and the classic struggle between good and evil, accompanied by violence. The characters are well-developed; while I didn’t like all of them, that’s part of the appeal. The FMC can be grating at times, but the story improves as it progresses.

I was a bit disappointed that dragons don’t make an appearance, though the twist regarding their absence was intriguing. Be aware that the book ends on a cliffhanger, so you'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!

It’s got fantasy, mystery, deception, betrayal, and a bit of spice. The book was really great! I think the author really did an amazing job and I truly cannot wait to see what comes from them next!

A fantastic read from cover to cover! A.E. Asavi has penned an impeccable fantasy novel. So good I could hardly put it down.

I was hooked by the book right away, getting sucked into the plot. As I read further I fell in love with Anthea and Endreth.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Frankly, I have nothing nice to say about this book, so I'm going to keep it as simple and short as I can. The book follows Anthea Clark, who gets handed a rock in the first chapter and is teleported to a Different World where magic exists, and is full of elves. However the elves are super racist and the only way for Anthea, a human, to fit in is to act as a sexy slave (awful, awful sentence to write out) so the other elven courts don't find out her secret and beat the shit out of her for it. I guess.

The entire novel is a poor excuse for trying to navigate fantasy politics. Which it fails at utterly. Also, every single thing is taken verbatim from another more popular fantasy novel. I won't name them, you can guess. There's nothing original or interesting here, and it was not worth the time I spent reading it. I had no idea this was going to be a slave fantasy because nowhere in the description is that stated. In fact, the description is so vague I wonder why I picked up the ARC at all.

The writing itself is fine, but not enticing. There was just no fun to be had at all in this experience, and the "spice" was not earned. Also there are like 100 men and all of them have vaguely similar names. The Queen of Elves and a random footsoldier have extremely similar names, to where I didn't realize they were two different people.

"Fyrlion" = random footsoldier
"Fyralin" = QUEEN OF ELVES

Also "Endreth" and "Endrion" my god please come up with something else

If you change nothing else, change these names. I hated when George R. R. Martin did it, hated it here, too. Marika Melina Maliketh Melania lookin'. I would have fully DNF'd if this wasn't for a review, so like, a .5 star rating from me.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have dnfed it half way through I just couldn’t stand it any longer. On paper it had everything I love: fantasy, romance and mystery, but that’s only in the surface. If you dig deeper you’ll the deeply unlikable heroine, nonsensical plot ridden with cliches to drown in. The writing was ill-done, the lacklustre description and boring dialogues that could have been forgiving if the characters were truly captivating or the plot truly fascinating, but alas.

I was fortunate to get an arc . I was excited by the premise and the cover is gorgeous but, I couldnt get into it.

I didn't know how the author blended together a modern world with fantasy but they did. I'm pleasantly surprised at the world building is really great. Anthea Clark is a great character she's a match for her male counterparts. I love her fire and spunk! They're too many elements that could be spoiled and i won't do that to my fellow readers. Suffice to say I want the next book now. Until next time Happy Reading!

I want to thank A. E. Asavi for this ARC via Netgalley.

Brief summary: The False Pawn follows Anthea, a normal girl working a morally questionable PR job. That changes when she is abruptly whisked away to a fantasy realm with elves and magic. With only her wits and a unique immunity to magic she must navigate the politics of the different elven courts in this new world and do what she must to survive.

Thoughts: I saw lots of potential with this book. The premise was unique and centered more on the politics between the different elven courts with some elements of romance. I did feel that we got to know the FMC pretty well and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how she would get out of the situation she was in. Unfortunately, the pacing felt very slow until about 40% when it started to pick up a bit. This book has some dark themes since humans are second class citizens in the elven courts so read with care. Overall I think if you like politics and mystery in a darker fantasy setting this could be for you, I just wouldn’t recommend if you are looking for a true romantasy because the romance is truly secondary.