For fans of:
- the Hurricane Wars

Vaasa is cursed. She is cursed with a dark magic that she knows will eventually bring her to an untimely demise. She is cursed with a brother who is using her as a pawn and will eventually dispose of her once he is bored. She is cursed with a marriage to a wrathful man from a neighboring kingdom. Worst of all, she is cursed by her own memories.

This book includes:
- Rivals to Lovers
- dark, all consuming magic
- a coven of witches
- treachery and perilous family dynamics
- a misunderstanding
- political intrigue and court machinations

This book was exciting. Watching Vaasa struggle with her darkness (both supernatural and psychological) hooked all of my attention. The slow burn was deliciously sinful and I could feel the chemistry jumping off the page. I especially liked the humanization of the villains. In real life, bad actors are hardly ever all evil. Usually, it is the culmination of fears and abuses coming to life in a way that is destructive and devastating to those around them. "The Serpent and the Wolf" did a good job of showing the "bad guys" as victims of circumstances without absolving them of their sins. I am looking forward to book 2 and will definitely be recommending this book to all my peeps.

I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Robinson, and Saga Press for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863 and it will be posted to my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/ and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightingales?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

The Serpent and the Wolf is a solid debut that blends slow-burn romance, political intrigue, and dark magic. Vaasa, traded into an arranged marriage with Reid, escapes on their wedding night only to strike a deal: three years as his wife in exchange for her freedom. Along the way, she uncovers truths about her inherited magic, forms unexpected bonds, and faces the looming threat of her ruthless brother.

I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Vaasa and Reid, but the pacing dragged in the middle, and the large cast of characters sometimes felt overwhelming. That said, the last quarter had me hooked, with a cliffhanger that guarantees I'll pick up the sequel. If you're into slow-burn romantasy with complex world-building, this one’s worth a read.

Review: This magical tale was intriguing to watch unfold. I enjoyed the character development, and was able to connect early on with the main characters. I struggled some with so many names, some very hard to remember and separate who was who. Overall though, the story came together nicely and I was very happy with the outcome. It is a very slow burn, but so worth it! She does leave our MMC and FMC on a cliffhanger, so there’s sure to be a sequel!
Summary: Vaasa lost her mother young, and has spent her life with a mysterious shadow illness that she’s been told will claim her life young. Her brother has inherited the family throne and she struggles to maintain normalcy and keep her sickness at bay. So when her brother trades her off to marry a high leader of another country, she is determined to escape and keep some freedom. Holding her new husband at knifepoint on their wedding night, she does just that. But her freedom is short-lived when he finds her and reclaims his wife. Full of stubbornness and grit, Vaasa is determined to serve her 3 year deal with him in exchange for her freedom. Her ruthless brother has other plans though, coming to see her and her new husband as a threat to his kingdom. In a foreign land where she can’t be sure who to trust, Vaasa slowly makes friendships and begins to see her husband may not be as cruel and rigid as rumor had her believe. Can she make a life here? Can she let her guard down? And how will she defeat the looming threat of her brother? But more than all those questions, the biggest is how will she learn to maintain this shadow sickness, that may not be a sickness at all, but a gift and connection to a powerful ancient coven?

Thank you to NetGalley, author Rebecca Robinson, and Saga Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I’m excited to see where this story goes next!

Solid 4.5 ⭐️ read for me!

I’m absolutely floored by how much I enjoyed this. There was banter, and a slow burn, and politics, and an election and a coven of witches!

Per usual I went in blind after seeing that this was fantasy romance, and I bought a shelf trophy since I received an ARC from NetGalley.

Vaasa was incredible, and there was a moment where she learned to accept friendship and loyalty among the witches and it had me in tears.

And let’s not get me started on the romance with Reid because oh my god I was living for it. Their banter was so fun, and the arranged marriage turned marriage of convenience turned into an actual romance was *chefs kiss*

Well done, Rebecca! Now please get us book two 🤞

A slow-burn, high-stakes fantasy with a complex political system and intense banter; this book is perfect for fans of "The Cruel Prince" and "A Fate Inked in Blood". Vaasa is a blade forged by her father's strict rule and high standards. Her whole life she knew she would be wielded in order for her kingdom to gain more power. Married off to a ruthless foreign ruler, Vaasa escapes on her wedding night to start living for herself. She couldn't outrun her husband forever and when he finds her, he makes her an offer she can't refuse...

I was so addicted to the banter and relationship between Vaasa and Reid (her husband). Their chemistry from the beginning was undeniable and I found both characters so intriguing in their own ways. Vaasa and Reid were both so fully fleshed out it was easy to get lost in their world. I also really enjoyed the magic system in this book and how the coven interacted with other aspects of the society.

If you enjoy slow burn romances with political intrigue then this should be your next read. The last part of this book is fantastic! This teetered between a 3 and 4 star read for me, but the last 20% was what pushed it to a 4 star read.

Vaasa has been raised as a political weapon and is married off to a leader from an opposing country. In defiance of the marriage, Vaasa leaves to pursue her own goals, one of which is learning of her newly inherited magic. Despite her efforts, her new husband, Reid, finds her and strikes a bargain-three years of pretending to be happily married in order to help him become headman of his country and then Vaasa can be free.

The slow burn between Vaasa and Reid was really well done. I loved their banter and the teasing from Reid. He slowly helps Vaasa to see that she can care for others and hope for more. Their romance was sweet and believable.

The pacing of this book is uneven. The first third had me completely hooked. Then in the middle I started to lose interest. I had difficulty keeping track of the characters, where they were from, and how they factored into the politics. I was also hoping for more of the witches and their magic. I’m still not quite sure what exactly Veragi magic does. There’s shadow/mist that’s created and can be blasted into others. Does it shrivel their insides? Stop their hearts? I would’ve been more interested if the magic was explained better and showed Vaasa training and learning how to wield it. Once I got to the last fourth of the book, I really couldn’t put it down. The action of the last section is what’s really keeping me intrigued and looking forward to the next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the advanced copy.

LOVE THIS BOOK READ IT NOW

I see this book every time I walk through target and it warms my heart to know I got to read it before it came out :))

I really need to pick up a physical so I can own this book myself ❤️

The Serpent and the Wolf is a debut romantasy novel by Rebecca Robinson. Vaasa Kozár is our main character; at first, I didn’t care for her. As the novel progresses, we learn more about Vaasa, her family, and her world. Married off to an enemy lord, Vaasa seeks to escape. All she wants in life is freedom–from her new husband, from her brother, and most of all, from the curse that killed her mother.

It starts off slow, and I considered marking this one as DNF at several points. However, I’m glad I finished it, as the second half is way better than the first half.

The novel is clearly part of a series, ending on a big cliffhanger to set up the next book. If, like me, you’re not sure you want to start another series that hasn’t been finished yet, and you don’t like stories with open endings, you may want to skip this one until the rest of the books are done.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5)

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for an advance copy in exchange for sharing my opinions. All opinions in this review are my own.

Well written, really loved the world building and character development! Just simply a really good book!

I think this is a good book but I couldn’t get into it and I don’t think it’s the book for me. It just started so quickly and I didn’t feel any attachment to the characters

3.75 rounding up! I almost didn’t read more than the first few chapters because the writing was weird. After you get past the first few chapters it’s better. I loved the characters but there was a lot of them and it became hard to keep track of who belonged to which group. I enjoyed the slow burn, but felt the MMC lacked a bit of depth. Crazy ending. Overall, a good romantasy rec!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A Fantasy Romance Masterpiece - 5 Stars!

I'm thrilled to have received an e-ARC of "The Serpent and the Wolf" by Rebecca Robinson, courtesy of Netgalley, the publisher, and the author herself. This book is a shining example of why I adore fantasy romance novels!

Vaasa, the female main character, is expertly crafted, showcasing a complexity that drew me in from the start. Her reluctance to marry Reid is palpable, and I found myself invested in her journey.

Reid, oh Reid! He's the epitome of a perfect book boyfriend. He is patient, understanding, and respectful. His character embodies the ideal balance of masculinity and empathy, empowering Vaasa throughout the story. The banter between them is witty and engaging, never once feeling forced or cringeworthy. (BTW the slow burn BURNS!)

The plot is masterfully woven, with a well-developed political aspect that adds depth to the narrative. I found myself equally invested in the romance and the politics, which is no easy feat!

The ending left me heartbroken and eagerly anticipating the next installment. Be prepared for a massive cliffhanger!

I highly recommend "The Serpent and the Wolf" to anyone seeking a mature fantasy romance. This book has restored my faith in the genre, and I'm excited to see what Rebecca Robinson has in store for us next!


Rating: 5/5 stars

Vaasa has been honed and trained to be a dangerous weapon. She's been sent to enemy territory to marry in order to form an alliance. Reid is her husband to be, and is everything she hates. Forced to act like they actually like each other, Reid and Vassa enter into a dance of companionship, bargains, and magic.

This was so good. I could not put it down. The magic system was pretty cool, and the characters were diverse and complex. I did not expect the twist at the end, and it's like Pandora's box exploded and now all I have are questions about what comes next!

This review may contain spoilers.

4.5

Wow. I am truly at a loss for words because this book took me completely by surprise. The opening scene plunges you straight into the action (literally), and I was hooked from the very first chapter. The female main character embarks on a journey that feels refreshingly unique. Initially believing she is cursed and destined to die, she ultimately discovers that what she thought was her lifelong curse is actually her greatest source of strength.

I adored so many aspects of this book: the sharp banter, intricate politics, heartfelt friendships, the captivating coven of witches, and the richly imagined world. But above all, what I loved most was the swoon-worthy male main character. His cleverness as a leader, his thoughtfulness in private moments, and his unwavering love and loyalty for his wife give his character incredible depth that goes beyond the words on the page. He absolutely deserves a spot at the top of fantasy reader's book boyfriend lists!

This will be a book that I read again, and I'll be anxiously awaiting the release of the next one in the series!

I finished The Serpent And The Wolf last weekend and I’m still thinking about this book. Thank you to Saga Press for my review copy, my opinions are my own.

This book is amazing with female rage, political marriage, magic, slow burn romance, manipulation, FMC that knows WAY more, and a MMC who falls in love first. I highly recommend the book for romance lovers looking for a slow burn romance with a bit of fantasy.

Vassa and Reid are explosive together, and their banter is fantastic. There’s elements of found family and support that Vassa didn’t grow up with, which is a lovely addition, and Vassa’s insecurities come into play with the family dynamics. Masterfully done.

Rating: 4.5, rounding up to a 5 stars.

This book is everything I want in a romantasy. I am obsessedwith our MMC, Reid - the Wolf of Mireh. From chapter one, this man was down bad for our FMC, Vaasa, the eldest daughter of Asterya. And while it may have taken some time for Vaasa to warm up to him, this man is easily in my top 5 MMCs after just the first chapter.

Examples just from chapter one (minor spoilers):
"I suspect you could stop my heart in any color"
"These knots are well down" You'll have to teach me so we can switch places next time"

This story had such a unique setup as well. Vaasa is married off to Reid by her brother after the death of both of her parents that were in quick succession of one another. Eventually Vaasa and Reid make a bargain that Vaasa will help make sure that he is voted into being the head of the republic of Icruria, in which Vaasa will have a legal divorce and will be free to leave and live her life after that. Due to this, there is a lot of politics and scheming involved in this book - which I enjoyed.

However, Vaasa has this unknown power that she is initially terrified of, and Reid brings her to a coven of witches who helps teach her to control it. The sisterhood that forms as Vaasa learns to trust not only the coven but herself, literally brought tears to my eyes.

The relationship between Vaasa and Reid is a true slow burn. I wouldn't say it's a true enemies to lovers, as Reid falls for her at first sight, but Vaasa...dislikes him for a while. I will say that I enjoyed that Vaasa was attracted to Reid as a person before any real physical attractions began. She admired him as a son, as a leader, before admiring his abs for instance. There are also only two real spicy seasons in this book, and because there were so few I really felt that they had impact to demonstrate the trust that Vaasa now has in Reid.

Knocking off half a star due to:
- I wanted to see more of the "Wolf" in the wolf of Mireh. I felt like we got to see some real badass moments from Vaasa, and I wanted more of that side from Reid
- Towards the end, some of the writing felt a bit clunky, especially as we were alternating POVs. There was a random sentence that was from like a narrator's perspective instead of one of the characters, it felt out of place.
- I want our strong FMCs to remain strong FMCs, and in a few pages it felt like so much build up was undone. This is more so of a complaint of FMCs in romantasies in general, so it's not specific to this book, but I really want to see an empowered Vaasa in book two again.

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

So I tend to struggle to write reviews if I’m being honest, so what I’m going to do here is literally cut and paste the notes I made in my notes app while reading as my review and then add some post reading updates:

Notes-

Loved Vassa from the first scene- gave me Lila Bard vibes and I’m here for it.

Writing is fluid

The tension is delicious

I hope there’s a map

I need more of Vassas history. 77 pgs in and the dynamic btw her and her brother is still unclear. More background on how she grew up; examples of how she was raised and her relationship with her father etc. I have a lot of questions

I love love love the friendship with the witches 🥰🥰 Melisina, Amalie, Mariana, Romana, and Suma- the makings of a found family?

Freaking love Amalie 🤩 “Your strength is my strength” Everyone needs an Amalie in their life! “One witch is a problem, but a coven is a nightmare”

This is a slow slow slowwwww burn. The build and everything that comes with it- the confusing feelings, the vulnerability, the tug of war between the wanting, but also wanting to protect yourself is believable and relatable

Post read add: You get little crumbs throughout about Vassa, her history, her relationship with her brother, father, and mother. I don’t mind crumbs at all! In fact; that’s the way it should be imo as opposed to info dumping. However, when I’m a decent chunk of the way through and I still have a lot of questions and there’s a bunch of holes in the mc’s characterization and world building; I start to get nervous because when I’m reading a new to me author- that trust isn’t there that those things are going to get satisfactorily addressed. It really sucks to get to the end of a book and have a bunch of untethered threads. Even if there’s a sequel; I have to have enough backstory, history, world building in the first installment to feel like I know the MC’s and the world they’re living in.

I’m happy to report that by the end the nerves were unfounded though! I got Vassa’s history that I wanted with hopefully more to come in the sequel and the world building here was an absolute strength. World building is one of my favorite things about fantasy and it’s one of the things I’m often disappointed in. I want all the things- geography, history, a well developed political system, distinct cultures, social norms, religious/spiritual values, magic system etc and it makes me so soooo happy when those things are well done!

I really really loved this one and can’t wait for the sequel! Where were the special editions? Where were the sub boxes on this one?? Because I would have wanted them! Just sayin

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for providing an eArc for review consideration! All thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed this book very much. I thought the character building and world building were very good and the plot flowed very well.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series because I have to know what happens next!

This book completely blew me away. If you love stories packed with political intrigue, fierce partnerships, and a slow-burn romance that will have you clutching your heart, The Serpent and the Wolf is your next obsession.

From the moment we meet Vaasa I was hooked. She’s the kind of heroine who owns her female rage—stabby, determined, and impossible to root against. I adored her dynamic with Reid, the layered ruler who challenges her every step of the way. Their friendship and chemistry felt earned, and the tension? Delicious. Reid’s “Where’s my wife?” moment and unwavering support made their partnership shine.

Beyond the romance, this book delivers everything I love about romantasy:

✨ Found family and fierce loyalty.

✨ Women’s witch covens that exude strength and sisterhood.

✨ Deceptions and betrayals that kept me on edge.

✨ Libraries brimming with secrets.

✨ Magic that feels dangerous and alive.

Vaasa’s journey from survival to love is unforgettable, and the slow-burn romance is perfectly paced amid the high-stakes political plot. The royalty, dark magic, and just the right amount of stabbing come together beautifully, making this a debut that feels bold, immersive, and unputdownable.

If you’re a fan of stories where female rage is celebrated, partnerships are tested, and twists that keep you guessing, this book delivers it all.

Thank you author Rebecca Robinson & Saga Press for the paperback & audiobook to read.

Ready for all the intense slow burn feelings of a story you can not put down, because this is absolutely it. It is magical and has every element you want in a fantasy book. It's an incredible debut book and you would have no clue this is her first story. I can't wait for more!