Search

Search only in certain items:

AG
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
31 of 235
Assassins Gambit (Hearts and Thrones book 1)
By Amy Raby
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga, is as deadly as she is beautiful. She's a trained assassin for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate power. Using her charm and wit, she plans to seduce her way into the emperor's bed and deal him one final, fatal blow, sparking a battle of succession that could change the face of the empire.
  
As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son of a deposed emperor, Lucien must constantly be wary of an attempt on his life. But he's drawn to the stunning Caturanga player visiting the palace. Vitala may be able to distract him from his woes for a while - and fulfill other needs, as well.
  
Lucien's quick mind and considerable skills awaken unexpected desires in Vitala, weakening her resolve to finish her mission. An assassin cannot fall for her prey, but Vitala's gut is telling her to protect this sexy, sensitive man. Now she must decide where her heart and loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her heart for good....

I enjoyed it for the most part the start was a bit ropey and definitely had trigger warnings for rape and abuse but after the first quarter it became an easy likeable read. Characters were likeable and unlikeable in their own rights and the ending was pretty decent!
  
40x40

ClareR (5879 KP) rated And So I Roar in Books

Feb 3, 2025  
And So I Roar
And So I Roar
Abi Daré | 2024 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
And So I Roar is the follow-up that I didn’t know I needed! I read and loved The Girl with the Louding Voice, and I thought it had all come to a satisfactory end, and Adunni would be able to get on with her life with Tia’s help. But it seems that the skeletons in Adunni’s closet are coming out, no matter what - along with Tia’s.

Adunni is forcibly taken back to her village by the Chief and the person who brought her to Lagos, so that she can atone for the suspected murder she has fled from in TGWTLV. The village has been affected by drought, and the sins of a number of girls is apparently to blame.

At the same time, Tia’s mother is dying, and Tia has argued with her about something that happened when Tia was a teenager.

But all that pales in the face of what Adunni and the other women and girls go through at the tribal court.

There are themes of rape, child brides, baby factories, FGM and women as second class citizens, resigned to a life of domestic drudgery.

And then there’s the reason for the tribal court. Drought, caused by climate change and deforestation.

This is a really hard-hitting novel, and even in its darkest moments the strength of the female characters shines through. I loved this book as much as the first.

And before you ask, you DEFINITELY need to read the first book before you read And So I Roar!