Thanks to Netgalley for this arc copy of What Fury Brings. I enjoyed this book. It was a world flipped around. Women are in charge and are basically womanizers reversed. The story was decent. The spiciness was there. I'd call it mild spice. The FMC was great. I like it when they know what they want and just take what they need. Sanos the MMC was just really a blah character. I did not enjoy him very much. Let's just say this story could have been different maybe better if he had told her who he really was. Alas, I'm not a writer and I think she made this story short and sweet for purposes of moving on to the next character in the series.

This book flips patriarchy — women are the strong rulers and men are the oppressed. It’s dark, messy, and totally addictive.

Olerra, a warrior princess, kidnaps the wrong prince and sparks fly. The story has politics, villains, spicy scenes, and a curvy heroine you’ll love.

I stayed up until 2am reading it. The chemistry didn’t totally hit for me, so I gave it 4 stars, but the plot surprised me.

Heads up — this book is adult with heavy themes. Read the author’s note first.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan/Feiwel for the ARC. All opinions are mine.

I was super excited to be selected for an ARC of this book, especially since I usually enjoy works written by Tricia Levenseller. Unfortunately, I ended up DNF-ing it. I really tried to push through, but it just wasn’t clicking for me. The concept had so much potential, but I found the execution really dehumanizing. It was frustrating to see women in the story not grow or evolve, even when given the chance to build something better. Instead of learning from the past, the new society felt just as stuck.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for the opportunity!

This was a very interesting read for me. While the synopsis had me intrigued, I dont think I was ready for the actual vibe of the book. This was the type of plot I thought I wanted, but how interesting that when it came, it felt odd. Not the writing, not the characters or the world - nothing was wrong with the book at all, it just felt a bit uncomfortable because of the gender swapped dynamic. Which really made me think -- what was it about the swap that was uncomfortable? And what about it in its more common form (male dominate society) that felt comfortable? That spurred a lot of thoughts on just how ingrained some of these elements of patriarchy are to the point that it can impact our moral compass. That shook me a bit. So overall - good book, lovely writing, but be ready to confront your feelings on society and gender roles!

I think this book is going to have a lot of feelings about it- if you are someone who is easily offended by certain plot lines (like if Firebird was a no go for you) then maybe skip this one. If you are looking for a completely gender-bent dark romantasy where the society is ran by Amazonian type women and men are basically slaves, then you will 100% eat this up. It takes a lot for me to be offended by a book, so I was able to enjoy this quite a lot (I’m prefacing this because I made the mistake of reading a lot of negative reviews and I am convinced half of those didn’t finish the book at all). We have two warring lands- the Brute and Amarra, which was formed by a goddess and essentially became a haven where women rule and have the gift to overpower men physically to keep themselves and their land safe. A lot of the atrocities that they commit are fairly identical to what men to do women in real life, so it’s pretty morally grey. Is it retribution or are you doing the same harm they’re doing? But I personally believe in supporting women’s wrongs, so I was mostly here for it. The spice was pretty spicy for me- and I was intrigued in the way the story portrayed how all women were taught about pleasure before ever losing their virginity. Our main character was very confident in most areas and that area despite her being a virgin was both empowering but also a little comical. I loved that the royals dress their harem of men up to be beautiful and they spend their days doing what the ladies in court would do. The tension between Olerra and Sanos was a slow burn and o was enjoying it but then it went full speed out of nowhere so I was taken aback a bit
by that, but overall enjoyed how everything turned out in the end. I have purchased two of Tricia’s other books for their sprayed edges but haven’t gotten around to them yet, so this was actually my first time reading her work. I’ll be moving those books up my TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan | FEIWEL for the free ecopy in exchange for my honest opinion.

DNF @ 40%

This started off so strongly because of how unique the storyline is.. but the further I went into this, I couldn't do it. First off, I usually enjoy romantasy books that have a stronger plot aside from the romance and while the messaging of this was strong - it is very romance/ spice heavy. And the romance & spice felt very immature to me. I just don't think this one is for me, sadly.

Second, the synopsis really got me excited about this book and I loved how the women were the strong ones and the men were considered "weak". I thought it was so interesting that the women had to kidnap a husband but I think the writing & story just wasn't executed well enough for me.

I do think some will enjoy this though, so still give it a shot.

This book doesn’t just sidestep the patriarchy—it sets it on fire. It flips the fantasy script by replacing the archetypal brooding male warrior with a fierce, complex, and deeply human female lead. In a genre often dominated by male saviors, this is the feminist fantasy we’ve been waiting for.

Amarra is the kind of world you don’t just read—you inhabit. The world-building is rich, layered, and alive, drawing you in with its history, politics, and magic. But it’s Olerra who truly commands the page. A formidable force both mentally and physically, she’s not only a warrior in the traditional sense but a woman of integrity, compassion, and quiet strength.

A gripping, intelligent escape with heart, grit, and brains to match.

SPICE: 3🌶, RATING: 4.25⭐️, VIBES: powerful heroine ⚔️ immersive fantasy 🌍 feminist fire🔥

Tricia Levenseller is an all-star. I fell in love with her storytelling in Daughter of the Pirate King and longed for something as exciting and fantastic but with a some spice... and here it is!! What Fury Brings was thrilling and magical but also...hot. She writes such likable strong female characters who are leaders, fighters, and clever thinkers. This was wonderful.

Thank you to NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review. I appreciate it!

Olerra, the warrior general princess of Amara, fights for her rightful place on the throne against a conniving cousin and her ruthless mother. There's also Sanos, the eldest heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, who has endured years of abuse under his cruel father, King Atalius.

Olerra's plan to secure her throne involves kidnapping a husband. She picks her enemy's second born son, the seemingly soft and poetic Prince Andrastus. However, in a twist of fate, it's the wrong prince who ends up in her carriage after a drunken night out with his brothers. Sanos, fueled with hatred for the Amarans and terrified of what his absence might mean for his loved ones, plots his escape and resists Olerra's forced marriage plans. Yet, as days turn into stolen moments, he begins to see a different side of the warrior princess, finding himself undeniably drawn to the fierce woman who kidnapped him.

I never read any of Tricia Levenseller's books before, but I can say that this was great. The perspective of flipping everything in our patriarchal world to what it would be if women were the physically powerful ones who were in charge. This is dark, bold, and challenges the norm. I didn't find this uncomfortable at all, but rather powerful and full of emotion. This is how women have been portrayed and treated since the beginning of time. It was a fun ride to see the gender roles reversed.

This was such a unique fantasy with a matriarchy instead of a patriarchy, and I found it so interesting to see a female dominated society side by side with the MMC's male dominated society-- lots of food for thought! I am a big fan of Levenseller and always enjoy her books, and this was no exception! I had a great time reading.

I really enjoyed this story. It provides a twist on gender roles and assignments.

Amarran and Brutish are two kingdoms at odds with each other. One is centered around women, while the other is male centered–very reminiscent of society in real life, but I thought it was more extreme. I was absolutely fascinated that the people in both kingdoms behaved the exact same, while also thinking they were more superior than the opposite gender. I'm sure the author purposefully did this to point out their hypocrisy, but after reading her moving author's note at the beginning, I found myself wishing that the women were beacons of equality. So yes, while the Amarran women adopted traits & characteristics typically assigned to masculinity, I found myself searching for the feminism. I couldn't for the life of me understand why these women chose revenge and internalized misogyny over true feminism.

I thought this would be an amazing ode to feminism and was surprised to find myself actually feeling sorry for the men. I don't know if that was intended but I didn't think it was. As a result, I think this would be a very enlightening and eye-opening story for men to read. I think they would end up being uncomfortable reading the parts of the story dealing with punishment, but it's necessary. Many women in real life have to deal with their autonomy being taken away by men all the time.

The actual story itself excited me. This was a real page turner for me. From the moment of the kidnapping I couldn't stop flipping the pages to see how this would turn out. It has action, romance, betrayals, trickery, and politics. It's a slow-burn and we gradually get to see Sanos fall for Olerra and her kingdom of Amarra. I did think that Sanos went from hating her to loving her in a split second. I wasn't mad about it though because I was enjoying the build up to it.

I don't think the point of this story is to make women feel empowered, so I'd be cautious if that's what you're looking for. Instead, I think this is the author's own way of "getting revenge" against men who commit real atrocities to women. What better way to do it than with a book?

I have absolutely loved everything that this author has previously released and own copies of it all. However, I am soooo disappointed in this book. I was expecting the anger and the role reversal. I wasn't not expecting it to depict child grooming and to talk about the sexual exploration of a 13 year old. I'm sorry but I could not read past that part. It made me sick to my stomach. The fmc does talk about how she wishes she could change it but it was just briefly mentioned and she does nothing. This is definitely not a romantasy and does not need to marketed as such.

Provocatively stunning hear me roar I am a sexy strong seductive woman…enticing enough?? Pleasure and pain yet hell has knows no fury like an angry woman!! Just a humble princess warrior who wants peace, love, and what’s right for all! Imagine 2 kingdoms with soo much in common yet so different… a brut for a prince and a feminist warrior for a princess.

Please read the Author’s Note and all trigger warnings before reading this book. This book was written from a place of fury and it’s very evident. If anything, I hope this book sparks more conversation and I truly wish men would read it.

The story centers around a Matriarchal society in which women are the dominate sex. 500 years prior, they were Goddess Blessed with the ability to overpower any man. Men are now seen as accessories, valued for their looks alone. The noblewomen of this society must also steal their husband’s from neighboring royal kingdoms to keep royal bloodlines. This story completely flips the script, having women behaving like men. However in this society, the acceptance of LGBTQ+ communities was refreshing.

I went back and forth on how to rate this book. In reference to the concept? Five stars. I love a good Feminine Rage Story. From a satirical standpoint, having a Society completely flipped on it’s head where Women are in charge? Where Men are now to be the ones seen and not heard? Perfect! Sign me up. The execution though? Fell a bit for me. I just want to believe that Women would be better than this. Especially after 500 years.

The romance also felt more like Stockholm Syndrome. Our character’s didn’t get very much one-on-one time in order for the Romance to make sense from an emotional standpoint to me. The FMC also felt too contradictory. She wanted to be better and give our MMC a choice, yet she always seemed to take that choice away from him.

This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read and I truly enjoyed the concept. The execution just wasn’t quite there. I understand that was the point, but it didn’t make it any easier to read. I truly would hope that women would be better than that.

**thank you netgalley and tricia levenseller for this arc in exchange for an honest review!!**

the premise of this book was extremely unique and, as the author's note says, i too am angry and tired. having a dark fantasy book where the usual male/female roles are swapped, where people are diverse and accepted, was a breath of fresh air. the worldbuilding was really good in that sense. my biggest qualm is with the characters and how they didn't feel like they had much depth to them outside of this woman wants to crown, and her cousin doesn't want her to have it. if there had just been a bit more substance, i would have enjoyed it more. the spice was well written and different than your usual romantasy spice which was also fun to read. overall, i enjoyed the book and would recommend for those looking for something different.

Wow. This book was one I was not expecting to like so much. Now first things first ****check your triggers**** this book is not going to be everyone's cup of tea and that is ok. I haven't read any books where women are the lead characters taking control and are the leaders. While there were parts in this book that were good there are also some that can be hard for some individuals. Overall I was satisfied with this book. If you love dark romance then this book is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this novel.
I thought I would enjoy reading this one, it seems to be a popular ARC. I ended up DNFing this one at around 30%. I just couldn't get into it, maybe it just was not my cup of tea?
I kept getting the Ick while reading this for different reasons. One being a 13 yr old being sold to a harem (he isn't going to be used until he is of age but will be trained?), the way the FMC interacts with the MMC even though she is going to change things once she is Queen.
I think this "Romantasy" should be labeled Dark Fantasy Romance maybe and much of it, even at 30% is pretty dark.
There is an authors note with trigger warnings, Please Please read it before starting this one!

I was disappointed in this book. I think the writing was fine (not terrible, but also not great) and the idea of the story sounded so interesting. However, my issue lies with the execution. I understand what the author was trying to do, and I think there is a place for that kind of story. This was just too heavy-handed for me. I think this book would have benefitted from more nuance and metaphor that would allow the reader to infer the meaning rather than hitting them in the face with it. As a woman, I completely understand the point of the society, but having the FMC full-out explain why their county is the way it is, multiple times, was too much for me.

I know this is a deeply personal story for the author and I definitely think there is an audience for this story. It just wasn't me.

This book??? THIS. BOOK. I devoured What Fury Brings like a woman scorned, armed with vengeance and words sharp enough to kill. Tricia Levenseller really said, “feminist rage but make it hilarious, sexy, and sword-wielding,” and I ATE. IT. UP. That being said... let me be very clear: this is a DARK Romantasy.

The concept is so wildly original. Taking the historical oppression of women and flipping it on its head with magic, fury, and a heroine who has zero patience for patriarchal nonsense. Olerra is equal parts chaos and command. She is everything that a ruler should be. She delivers savage one-liners like: “I’ll bed him, wed him, then behead him”. Showing her strength and confidence. I aspire to have even a fraction of her confidence in our current male-dominated world. This story is raw, ruthless, and dripping with feminine fury. And Tricia puts it on full display in her writing. Tricia doesn’t tiptoe to make anyone comfortable; she finds the line, looks it dead in the eye, and crosses it with flair.

Now let’s talk about the “penis guillotine.” Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The moment I read that on the trigger warning page, I buckled up. And when it finally made its appearance?? I gasped. I cackled. I immediately texted three friends. Tricia, you’re unhinged in the best way, and I love you for it. That trigger warning will go down in history. (Also, yes, this moment is not long in the book, but it's always the first thing I talk about... don't judge.)

The humor in this book is next-level. It’s that delightfully deranged kind, where you laugh out loud and then pause because the commentary hits just a little too real. Like, oh... this is funny until you remember it’s rooted in very real oppression, and then it's not so funny. And the romance? Banter-filled, bold, and deliciously spicy. Chapter 17?? Let’s just say… spicy girls, you’ll want to highlight it in all the colors. Sanos was so completely undone by Olerra the entire book, and honestly? Same.

Underneath all the chaos and unhinged moments (aka, “husband hunting”), there’s sharp social commentary woven into every scene. Power dynamics. Gender roles. That line: “It’s just always been in your favor until now.” WHEW. Tricia didn’t come to play. I also love how multiple times what true equality would be like was discussed by both parties in the book, leaving behind the question for us as readers to consider.

I highly recommend reading the author’s note before diving in. It lays out Tricia’s intent, provides essential context, and gives you a solid list of content warnings. This is not a lighthearted fantasy romp. It’s revenge-fueled. It's bloody. It’s dark. Even though I was laughing through most of it, this book is not for everyone. That being said... here are the tropes: kidnapping, captive/captor, bondage, revenge, politics, magical matriarchy.

This book gave me everything: a heroine with wrath in her bones, a love story that actually feels earned, and a plot that’s equal parts smart and absolutely bonkers. Honestly, I want to go hunt noblemen with the girls. Girls' night, anyone? Someone get me a sword.

I love the idea of this book more than I do the book itself. I guess I want to believe that if woman became the more dominant sex we would do it better than men. I really liked the main two characters. I loved the caring nature of the FMC, but I didn’t like the way she wanted to teach the MMC to be more subservient and punish him when he rebelled against this. The authors note said she often wrote after times she felt belittled by men. I felt the title and many chapters really showed this to be true.