I could not put this book down. Finished it in two days. Super swoony, on the edge of your seat, great world building (actually wanted more!) and fabulous unforgettable characters. It's the perfect romantasy for both young and older readers.

This was such an interesting concept, but I think it would be better without comparison to Tristan and Isolde. It was more inspired by than a retelling. I enjoyed figuring out what the deal with the setting was. The cover was stunning.

Gorgeously written and gripping from the very first page to the last, Melissa Poett’s THE ENEMY’S DAUGHTER is the romance read of the year. (No contest.)

3-3.5 stars! ‘The enemy’s daughter’ takes place in a setting after bombs have been dropped. Five clans working together to survive against ‘kingsland’ whom are their enemies. The FMC Isadora who is training to be a healer leaves her home to head to wear a possible battle is breaking out when she ends up discovering one of the enemies. To save her life he uses his ‘magic’ which gives them a strange connection, Isadora has to figure out its meaning all while her worldview shifts as she has to try to save her family or side with the enemy.

I think I struggled with this book especially at first. I picked it up because in the description it was compared to ‘Curious tides’ a book/series I adore that’s in a fantasy setting but dark academia. This was nothing like that, so I was confused and took me longer to get into it. I also found the first person narration to be a little repetitive / whiny, but it also made sense considering Isadora’s situation. I’m glad I researched ‘The romance of tristan and iseult’ because while you don’t need to know about it, I think the context could be important prior to reading.

Overall while it was too YA at times for me I do think there was a lot of important messaging, especially in today’s current political climate (i’m from US), as in this book are confronted with gender roles and violence. However the book did have me wanting to know what was going to happen next, finished this book pretty quickly once I got into it.

This was a pretty quick read but a bit underwhelming. The world building needed help, as well as the backstory for why these two rival colonies came to be. There's talk about "when the bombs dropped" "the old world" but it's never really explained. Was there a war? A nuclear attack? Who knows. There's also very little development to the romance and I think my biggest issue is that it was forced, in a way. Yes, she agreed, but she knew if she didn't she would die. There's a love connection that can take place between two people, but that isn't explained well either. How did this magic come to be? Without an in depth history it becomes this surface level addition to the story. I thought Isadora and Tristian were cute together, though. I may need a break from YA romantasy because the whole time I wished that they were older. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

3.75/4

For a debut novel this was stunning! But also had a few things that I think could have been improved on that would have blown it out of the water.

The Enemy’s Daughter takes place in a dystopian setting 30 years after a bombing of the Republic wipes out nearly 90% of the countries population. Isolde is the daughter of a clan leader, and a healer by trade. When the leader of the enemy territory is killed, Isolde is promised to the one who killed him as a prize. Until Isolde interacts with Tristian, someone who is supposed to be an enemy and ends up being something more. Now in enemy lands, Isolde is learning that everything she has been taught may not be what it seems and the connection she feels for Tristian might be the answer she needs.

First and foremost - marriage for SURVIVAL? I was holding my breath during that entire exchanged. I loved seeing Isolde and Tristian form and connection and what that meant for them as enemies. I loved Tristian from the get go. You could tell there was something soft about him - especially for Isolde. He was ready to tear his life apart for her the moment they met. The forced proximity in this was so well done - you could tell the tie between these two was more than the secretive magic between them.

What didn’t work for me: the world building. Really the lack there of. I was so confused on how in 3o years the clans had resorted to such primitive behavior - especially after seeing how Kingsland was set up. It made it hard for me to like Isolde as a character because while she was smart and cunning - I hated seeing how looked down upon she was (and a little judgemental). I wanted to learn more about the bombings and the environment that they were residing in. This is answered a bit when the big reveal happens - but honestly that infuriated me even more, but mostly in a political kind of way.

Overall, this was a fast and engaging read and like I said earlier, a stunning debut. Sometimes it’s hard to get invested in standalones that are packed like this one, but this was honestly so enjoyable.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Melissa Poett, and HarperCollins Children’s for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Chef's kiss to this stunning YA retelling of Tristan and Isolde, set in a dystopian future! I love the original Celtic legend, and I think the author did an amazing job of honoring it, while creating a fresh story. The writing style and the plot both flowed well and made for a fast-paced read, filled with action and romance. You get real character growth too, especially with Isadora. I really love this book! Also, a huge round of applause for a standalone novel!!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for access to this arc.

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠♡︎ 4🌟
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌♡︎ 4.5🌟
𝖲𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀♡ 4🌟
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍♡︎ 3.5🌟
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀♡︎ 4🌟
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾♡︎ 0🌟

Yassssssss! 👏🏾 i found a fun read that was perfect for my reading slump! What got me captivated at first was that this book is a Tristan and Isolde reimagining so I was expecting nothing but the best. The writing style and the immediate meeting of the main characters was one of my favorite parts! The tension was there, the plot wasn’t hard to follow and was pretty self explanatory, the magic system is something unique but not overused within the book.

Even though I was eating this book up, I wish it was going to be a 5🌟 read for me because it definitely had the potential! I wish their relationship progressed a bit slower because in my opinion she fell in love a little too early and I do wish there was more emotional building. This book was described as dystopian but you don’t really get the vibes when reading the book because of the lack of immersing readers into the setting.

If you’re looking for a fun YA Romantasy read then I do recommend this book! Not only because of the book cover but because it’s perfect if you’re in a reading slump and just need something for the vibes.

Thank you HarperCollins Quill🪶 Tree Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

this book lost me when the fmc tried to heal the fascist warlord in the first chapter. then, it just kept going downhill. i understand that the fmc has a love of medicine but did she really have to try out her skills on the FASCIST WARLORD????? “but his death will cause a war 🥺” AND??? that’s one less fascist in the world.

The Enemy's Daughter by Melissa Poett is a captivating debut that mixes dystopian world-building with a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. The novel is set in a war-torn world where ancient feuds and power struggles define every relationship, and it introduces a fascinating blend of magic, politics, and forbidden love. It's an immersive story, full of tension, mystery, and complex characters, making it an enjoyable and gripping read from start to finish.

At the heart of the story are the two main characters, Isadora and Tristan, who couldn't be more different. Isadora is the daughter of the enemy's leader, and her peaceful, healing nature clashes with the brutal, war-driven world around her. On the other hand, Tristan is an assassin from the opposing side, hardened by war and betrayal. Their initial interactions are full of hostility, but as the story unfolds, they’re forced into close quarters, and the dynamic between them shifts in a way that feels natural and captivating. The progression of their relationship from enemies to reluctant allies, and eventually lovers, is one of the strongest points of the book. It's slow-burn, with plenty of tension and moments of vulnerability that make the connection feel authentic.

The world-building is rich, though there are moments where the author hints at larger political and magical systems that aren't fully explained. I would have loved to see a bit more depth in terms of the world’s history and the reasons behind the conflict. That being said, the book's focus is on the personal stakes between Isadora and Tristan, so while the world-building isn't the most fleshed-out, it still provides a solid foundation for the plot.

Magic plays an important role in the story, especially with the healing abilities of Isadora and the more dark, mysterious magic surrounding Tristan. The way magic is intertwined with the characters' personal journeys adds layers to the narrative, making the stakes feel even higher. The mystery behind Tristan’s powers, and the bond that forms between him and Isadora due to these powers, adds an intriguing element to the romance and plot.

The pacing of the novel is a bit uneven at times. While the first half of the book is filled with tension, romance, and intrigue, the second half tends to slow down, especially when it delves into the characters' internal struggles. This could be a turn-off for some readers, but for those who appreciate character-driven stories, it provides more depth to the emotional conflict.

The secondary characters, while not as fully fleshed out as Isadora and Tristan, add an interesting layer to the plot. They serve as both allies and obstacles, creating tension and forcing the protagonists to confront their own values and motivations. However, some of these characters feel a bit underdeveloped, and I wished there had been more focus on their roles in the larger political and magical dynamics.

Overall, The Enemy's Daughter is a compelling read that beautifully combines romance, magic, and conflict. The slow-burn romance between the leads is emotionally satisfying, and the action-packed moments keep the tension high throughout the novel. While there are a few areas that could be expanded upon, particularly in terms of world-building and character development, the book successfully immerses readers in a high-stakes, emotional journey. I highly recommend this to fans of YA dystopian and fantasy, particularly those who enjoy a touch of magic and a slow-burn romance at the center of the story.

Thank you to netgalley and harpercollins books for this advanced review copy

This was a nice fun read about two enemies in a post-apocalyptic society. I felt that the main character was a little whiny, and the world building was a little confusing, but this book was enjoyable to read. The romance felt a bit sudden, but other than that the story was very entertaining.

This was fantastic! Isadora's growth was excellent! A young lady discovering that the system she believed she understood is actually the greatest terrible factor in her life is my favorite book subgenre. It was a nicely done romance. Such an excellent YA fantasy with real characters, a compelling story, and a complex world-building. I adored the writing style; it was delightful and simple to read.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books and Melissa Poett for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up. This was an amazing and quick read, I had such a good time!

I enjoyed Tristan and Isadora. Tristan is so sweet and caring, while Isadora is compassionate and kind. Both of them have curious minds, they are hungry for knowledge and eager to learn more about the world around and beyond.

The forced proximity/forced marriage trope was handled well. Thanks to the intriguing bond magic, the romance was sensual, sweet and respectful. And the tension! So much tension! The relationship between Tristan and Isadora was filled with tension and yearning, it was so delicious.

The pacing was consistently quick, but perhaps a bit too quick for my taste. Things progressed too quickly, I wanted to see more emotional buildup between the characters. I also wanted to learn more about this intimate magic. What happens when the bond is broken? Is it possible to form a new bond after the previous one has been destroyed? Some characters also lacked description, it was hard to envision them.

But overall, it was a great debut book. I would love to read a spin-off about how the world ended.

awesome idea. i'm a huge fan of the tristan/isolde story so the idea of doing a fantasy twist to it was an awesome one and I loved this! 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Thanks to NetGalley & Quill Tree Books for the arc!

**1.5 stars** I was drawn from this magnificent cover and was severely disappointed. But props need to be given to the cover that is beautiful art.
Inspired by Irish folklore, Tristan & Isolde, we follow our main female character, Isadora–an 18 year old healer risking her life to help the injured soldiers in battle. Set in a dystopian world, following the destruction of the Republic, there are now two settlements; the five clans and Kingsland, grasping for control over the other. Following a valiant battle, the leader of Kingsland is dead. Isadora goes on her own only to run into our mmc, Tristan. Who we later find out is the former leader’s son. After dire circumstances, the two find themselves interwoven and in Kingsland. Isadora now has to formulate a plan to escape the haunches of the enemy territory and return to her home. But she finds herself revealed to the truth and is unsure about everything she’s ever known.

I wanted to dnf this book at 20% but I managed to finish this one pretty easily, hence the half star rating. Right off the bat, we are thrown into the action. There was never a time where we got a detailed explanation of the destruction of the Republic. No foundation, no idea when or where this story took place. I would have loved to read more on the Republic or why it fell in the first place but we are barely given a reason. So many plot holes, it was generally a mess. The names the author uses in this book were all over the place. So you have no idea where they are. (Liam, Farron, Annete, Caro, Freia, Enola, Teag, Vador, to name a few)

Since this is marketed as dystopian, we can only assume this is set in the future, however, they seemed to have completely lost any sense of anything modern. So far as to go back into arranged marriages for the good of political gain, and have women be no part of anything that only a man can easily do. (But their pants still have zippers?) I really didn’t understand the feminist angle. Especially when this contributed nothing to the story. Not to mention Isadora is an 18 year old HEALER and learned from a textbook but no modern medicine exists anymore in her land? But the enemy territory has surgeons in hospitals? Make it make sense.

On top of the lack of world building, there were barely any physical descriptions of these characters. Other than if they’re younger or older than Isadora, we have no picture of what all of these characters look like. I had to refer to the cover for our two main characters. Since this is a standalone, I’ve been noticing that authors tend to be very vague when writing in certain genres like dark fantasies, dystopian, romantasies, and others within this realm.

After reading the author’s note in the beginning, I was very excited. But shortly after reading the first sentence of chapter 1, I knew I was going to be disappointed. This is marketed as YA and will give you butterflies and the feels. Neither of which I felt. This could appeal to some? Especially if they are new to reading. But I will credit the fact that this was fairly easy to get through.

Cute and full of promise, but ultimately not for me. The writing itself is excellent but the execution left me with a lot of questions about the worldbuilding, etc.

I loved this! The growth in Isadora was top tier! My favorite sub-genre of books is when a young woman realizes that the system she thought she knew is actually the most oppressive force in her life. The romance was beautifully done.

LOVED THIS! such a fantastic YA fantasy, authentic characters, propulsive plot and intricate world building, I really loved the writing style it was so easy to digest and enjoyable, can't recommend to fantasy fans enough!

So so interest!!!!! The characters were well fleshed out and the writing style was very easy to get through. I’m always a sucker for books in this genre. I’m so happy I was given the chance to read this!!!!

The clans have called a contest to take the head of the Kingsland's leader and Isadora is the prize. Marrying her will secure their position as the next Saraf, leader of the clans. While Isadora resents being used as a pawn in her father's scheme, she will play her part to unite the clans against their enemy. But after the contest is completed, things take a turn for Isadora. Not only is she saved from death by a Kingsland soldier, the magic he used to save her has forged a connection between them. The closer they grow, the more information they can learn from the other's mind. Can Isadora fight her attraction to protect her people or will she grow closer to her enemy so she can bring information back to her people and her betrothed? "The Enemy's Daughter" is a dystopian romance loosely based on the legend of Tristan and Isolde.