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.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book early.

I really wanted to love this book but it honestly fell flat. The author put all the trigger warnings in the front so I knew what I was getting into and none of those bothered me. However, the characters felt lacking and there was a massive disconnect on the romance. This read more as a Stockholm syndrome “romance” than an enemies to lovers.

DNF at 41%—that was as far as I could go before I had to put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the eARC.

I went into this book with so much excitement. I absolutely adored The Daughter of the Pirate King series, and when I saw she was writing an adult romantasy, I couldn’t wait to dive in. The blurb completely hooked me. But what I found inside genuinely shocked me. The kingdom is built around a reversed society where women hold all the power—and the way that dynamic is explored felt deeply uncomfortable and, at times, disturbing. I honestly think the book would have been much better without the romance entirely. It just didn’t belong in the world that was created.
I really tried to give it a fair chance, but I couldn’t keep going. This one was a hard no for me.

What Fury Brings by Trisha Levenseller ( Release Date September 23, 2025)

I was already excited about this book, but then I read the author’s note and I was locked and loaded. Having a matriarchal society/kingdom was fascinating to read. To have the pains, struggles, and expectations of women throughout history then be swapped on to men was incredibly eye opening to say the least. I really enjoyed the world, politics, banter, relationships (both romantic and otherwise), as well as the organic growth of the characters. I honestly want everyone to read this just so I can see their reactions to this Matriarchal society compared to what history and current day has taught us about what it means to bear as a woman in a mans world.

**please, please read the trigger warnings as there are some dark themes throughout the book highlighting on previous atrocities committed against women of all ages.**


Feral Rating: 4/5 🦝🦝🦝🦝
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

What you can find:
- Gender Bent History/Society
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
- Curvy Strong FMC
- Hidden Identity
- Hate to Love You
- Secrets
- Banter


Book Summary:

A warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.
There's a shortage of men in the kingdom of Amarra. After a failed rebellion against the matriarchy, most noblemen in the country are dead. Now the women of Amarra must obtain their husbands (should they want one) by kidnapping them from other kingdoms. Olerra, a warrior princess vying for the throne, is determined to prove her worth by kidnapping a husband. And not just any husband. To outmaneuver her treacherous cousin, she needs the best. Fortunately, the second-born prince of their greatest enemy is widely known for both his looks and his sweet, docile temperament. He's the perfect choice to secure her claim to the throne. Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, has nothing but contempt for the idea of a society run by women. Trained from birth to fight, lead, and follow in his father's overbearing footsteps, his path has always been set.
Until he takes his younger brother's place in a drunken prank and finds himself kidnapped, carted off to the Amarran Palace, and informed that he is to become the husband of Queen Potential Olerra. Sanos needs to escape before anyone learns his real identity, but the more he gets to know his captor, the less sure he is of what he truly wants.

A matriarchal society where men are only prized on looks and women hold ALL of the power? Sign me the f up instantly!
The feminine rage I felt while reading this has been unmatched. I devoured the political conflicts/ world building. I discovered how much I didnt know if needed a prince being captured trope. I am so glad this wasnt YA because the spice was on point.Olerra and Sanos have amazing banter and tension filled chapters.

First, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, where do I start? Oh, I know. We will start with the fact that I absolutely loved this book! I've read everything Tricia Levenseller has ever written, and I have loved all of her books. I was intrigued when I saw she was publishing her first novel for adults, so when the arc was presented to me, I jumped on it.

I think there has been a lot of speculation on this book for the people who've read it. Let me be as clear as the author has been. This is not a feminist novel. This is a novel about revenge. This is a novel full of the ugly that women have endured for hundreds of years, but showcased as if they were done to men. It was truly illuminating to see the perspectives of characters changed once they saw the truth of things. It's true what they say, unless people are affected first and foremost, they are unlikely to open their eyes to the truth. Tricia showcased that perfectly with this novel.

This novel was the perfect blend of the ugly in our world and the beauty in what can happen when people work together, with trust and love. It showed the true strength of the heart. This novel is not for the feint of heart. It will show you the harsh truths that most people ignore in our history

What a powerful and beautiful novel. Snaps for Tricia for always writing a novel I can sink my teeth into! I would give it a million stars if I was allowed.

3.5 stars. As with any Levenseller this book was first and foremost plain fun to read! While initially hesitant about the power dynamics of the main characters in this book, I found them to be so likeable and real, the power imbalance didn't quite matter the further on I read.

Thank you net galley for allowing me the opportunity to read this one. My opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eArc of What Fury Brings!

In a world where everything is the opposite of ours, women rule. Everything is gender bent in the realm of Amarra. The story follows Olerra, a warrior princess, who is the General of Amarra. In attempt to win the throne from her lecherous cousin, Olerra kidnaps herself a husband. In an unfortunate turn of events, Olerra accidentally (and unknowingly) kidnaps the enemy's heir to the throne, Sanos. The relationship that develops between Olerra and her captive unfolds delicately and filled with mistrust. But it eventually becomes something strong and beautiful.

I loved the way everything was turned on its head. Men are expected to be seen, not heard. Look beautiful, speak right, be submissive. They are there to sire children and raise them. Our FMC is curvy, tall, and strong. But our MMC, Sanos, was not raised in this culture. He was raised to be a king, with all the privileges of being man. Sanos has his own secrets he keeps from Olerra, some of which come around to bite him.

Filled with political intrigue, swoon worthy tension, delicious spice, and true villains. What Fury Brings is an ode to feminine rage, in the best way possible. This is a standalone, but other characters have been suspiciously left open. Please read the trigger warnings before diving in though.

Hot as hell, fresh, and full of feminine rage I love to see from female leads. I’ve loved all of Levenseller’s YA works, and her step into adult was mighty and incredible. Cannot wait for more from her next book 👀

This book completely snuck up on me—in the best way. What starts out as a fun, twisty take on gender politics quickly becomes this strangely tender, hilarious, and emotionally charged story about power, pride, and unexpected connection. no, it’s important to know. The author does say this is not feminism or feminine rage so please note that for going any further into this review.in addition this is her debut novel into adult romantsy, so check your triggers.

With that out of the way,Olerra is exactly the kind of FMC I love reading: intense, unapologetically ambitious, and sharp enough to make the people around her just a little nervous. Her mission to abduct a husband sounds like something out of a bard’s fever dream, but somehow, she makes it feel like the most reasonable strategy in the world. with issues on her own to deal with she still puts her family friends and needs of her country first,until she’s forced to look at things from a different perspective.

And Sanos? I honestly wasn’t prepared to care so much about him as I felt this was more a story of Olerra learning her way. However, watching this battle-hardened/ mentally and physically abused prince try to keep his dignity intact while being dragged across enemy lines—and then slowly start questioning everything he thought he knew—was surprisingly moving. The banter between him and Olerra? So good. Witty, yet awkward,
layered, and loaded with just the right amount of sexual tension and the newness of a fresh relationship.

Some parts of the world didn’t feel fully fleshed out, but I didn’t even mind. Because, the relationship dynamics were the real centerpiece here, and they were done with so much heart. Especially the time given to the sister/best friend, Ydra, who made you feel, like this book could be your life. Which made reading this not just, entertaining to me, but rather it made me think about how we define strength, and who gets to lead.

My only critique for this book is that when it’s published I hope the chapters get the main character names under them,or as the title so you know when you’re switching POVS a little more.

All in all, If you’re into forced proximity, strong heroines, grumpy/sunshine energy, and banter that sparkles like a dueling blade not just between main characters, add this to your list immediately.

Side note: I really hope we get a second book for Ydra.

Stars/ spice:
3⭐️
3🌶️

I unfortunately didn’t like this book and I really wanted to love it. I didn’t see any character growth for either the FMC or the MMC and didn’t find that the romance between was believable. Everything was surface level and very dry.