Thursday 20 June 2013

Assassin's Gambit - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Assassin's Gambit (Hearts and Thrones #1)
by Amy Raby


What is it about:
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.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This was a really nice read.

I will confess I had my doubts at first. An assassin who falls for her victim... It sounded like it might be an unbelievable and forced romance. But when a friend with similar tastes told me she really enjoyed the book I decided to give it a try.

And I'm glad I picked this book up, because it's very different from what I feared.

Vitala's actions are very believable and the romance developed at a realistic pace. The intrigue and action that's going on is also very well written and romance and action intertwine in a natural way. All in all this is a really intense adventure with a sizzling romance at the heart of it.

The one negative thing was the resolution of the romance. There are some barriers that were removed very abruptly in my opinion. I would have liked this book even more if the ending had been stretched out a bit and things had been resolved a bit more believable.

That aside this is a very decent and enjoyable Fantasy Romance and I will keep an eye out for other books by Raby.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Fantasy Romance read.


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4 comments:

Jeffe Kennedy said...

Glad you liked it! Alas for that cop-out ending. *sigh*

Sullivan McPig said...

Thanks again for the rec.

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

aww too bad the romance isn't all that. the cover is sooo cool though!

Aurian said...

Was she hired to assassinate him? Or was it her own idea?