Fresh Fridays: On Friday, I review a brand new series (ie. only has one book released so far) to see if the series is worth keeping up with. Here is this week’s offering:
Braided Fate Series
Other books planned to be in the series:
Synopsis for Warrior Princess Assassin (from Goodreads):
New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer makes her adult debut with this irresistible and steamy fantasy about three characters whose paths will collide in surprising ways – two royals pushed into a political engagement, and the assassin tasked with hunting them down.
WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his kingdom is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that the royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his land flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how the blaze began.
PRINCESS. With war looming on the horizon, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous secret: her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she’s deceiving him?
ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.
A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and falling in love with each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Braided Fate
# of Books: 2 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: No
Genre: Adult, Romance, Fantasy, LGBT
Heat Rating: Toasty (Kink: mild)
Point of View: First Person, Multiple
Publication Date: August 12, 2025 – ongoing
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
I’ve read enough Brigid Kemmerer books by now to know that I’m always in for a good time. So I was really excited to pick up her “adult” debut in the Romantasy genre. I was looking forward to a politically charged fantasy with some strong characters battling it out based on my previous experiences with her YA and New Adult fantasy series.
What I Liked:
–Character Driven Plot–
Brigid Kemmerer knows how to write strong vulnerable characters in all her stories and this story is no exception. I loved watching these characters grow and interact throughout the novel. It seems cliché but you can see why the series title is “Braided” Fate with how effortlessly she interweaves these 3 character stories together.
–The Romance–
Which is why I loved the romance! It has been a long time since I read a true love triangle (polyamory) and I enjoyed every second of this! It was a great slow burn chemistry between all the characters. I made myself a note at the 13% mark about how much I was enjoying the spark between two of the leads so early on.
I think I knew that polyamory was a feature in this story but I honestly forget as I was reading. It happens so naturally in this story that it never felt forced or like it was there to “check a box”. Given the character driven narrative, I could easily see why these 3 would be drawn together and I loved watching them discover that for themselves.
What I Didn’t Like:
–Needed a Little More from the Plot in the Middle–
The only thing that kept this book from being perfection was that the dramatic, political plot lagged a bit in the middle. I wanted it to come out a little more throughout rather than an onslaught of twists at the very end.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:
I feel like this first book laid down a good foundation of the world and the characters so I am eager to see how the plot will evolve from that solid base now that the stage is set.
My Rating: 4/5
Warrior Princess Assassin 4/5 | Captive Traitor King TBP
If you want a good character driven fantasy novel that keeps doesn’t overwhelm you with a complicated magic or political system, this is a great one for you to try. Also, if you like love triangles or polyamory, this is perfect for you!
Read if You Like: character driven stories, polyamory, romantasy
Avoid if You: want more political plotlines
- The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson (The Remnant Chronicles #1)
- American Queen by Sierra Simone (New Camelot Series #1)
- Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry (Shield of Sparrows Series #1)
