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The Assassin's Saint
Terahime is frozen over for winter, and time seems to slow as Dante and John face the outcomes of their escape from Captiva City.
The king has been assassinated, Red Wine is missing, Captiva City is on lockdown, Fallen Arbor has bounties out for their heads, and John is clinging to life. A guilt-stricken Dante cares for John, their debts stacking ever higher as nothing seems to ease the priest’s pain. When the Guild calls Dante into action, he’s caught between revenge and a strange need to gain experience. Armed with a soul weapon, he unravels both past and present. As he becomes stronger, something more monstrous grows inside him.
Grandemere changes as Fallen Arbor’s presence is now publicly known. As parleys of peace between The House and The Tower bring the Civil War to a truce, the people are talking more than ever. Rumors of Viceroy Falco’s demise by the Blood Prince and his priest have reached even Terahime. As the Ice Breaking Ceremony nears to ring in the start of spring, the Blood Exchange is looking for the next Blood Champion of Terahime to compete in the Scarlett Isles. Will Dante choose to join the final rounds?
John can’t believe how long it has taken to get back on his feet, but a simple glance in a mirror reveals his gaunt and weathered body. Against all odds, John is hellbent on living up to the Saint’s Mark across his back, becoming a beacon of hope for the whole of Grandemere. Confessions come to light, complicating what bloodlust means for both star-crossed an addiction, a need, and even a curse of their own making. Can Dante and John survive the secrets to fight this battle together?
The king has been assassinated, Red Wine is missing, Captiva City is on lockdown, Fallen Arbor has bounties out for their heads, and John is clinging to life. A guilt-stricken Dante cares for John, their debts stacking ever higher as nothing seems to ease the priest’s pain. When the Guild calls Dante into action, he’s caught between revenge and a strange need to gain experience. Armed with a soul weapon, he unravels both past and present. As he becomes stronger, something more monstrous grows inside him.
Grandemere changes as Fallen Arbor’s presence is now publicly known. As parleys of peace between The House and The Tower bring the Civil War to a truce, the people are talking more than ever. Rumors of Viceroy Falco’s demise by the Blood Prince and his priest have reached even Terahime. As the Ice Breaking Ceremony nears to ring in the start of spring, the Blood Exchange is looking for the next Blood Champion of Terahime to compete in the Scarlett Isles. Will Dante choose to join the final rounds?
John can’t believe how long it has taken to get back on his feet, but a simple glance in a mirror reveals his gaunt and weathered body. Against all odds, John is hellbent on living up to the Saint’s Mark across his back, becoming a beacon of hope for the whole of Grandemere. Confessions come to light, complicating what bloodlust means for both star-crossed an addiction, a need, and even a curse of their own making. Can Dante and John survive the secrets to fight this battle together?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 23, 2025
Thank you to V.C. Willis and 4 Horsemen Publications for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Traibon Family Saga is a wonderful series with phenomenal writing, perfect pacing, complex and morally gray characters, and exceptional worldbuilding. V. C. Willis has done an incredible job of balancing myth, thrill, action, mystery, and romance! None of the abovementioned is above the other.
I came across this story years ago when Dante was merely a runaway Prince and now I'm proud to say this saga is a true diamond treasure. Though the author has insisted that reading the Prequel is not necessary and its a standalone I personally think anyone interested in a great romantsy should read The Champion’s Lord and for those who have read books 1&2 I encourage you to reread like I did after the prequel because I promise you it makes the flavor of the story so much more delicious.
The Prequel is a simple hello because Book 3 is just the beginning of the Traibon Family, Book 1 was merely something to interest you, Book 2 was the appetizer, and Book 3 is the start of the full-course feast. Back in The Prince’s Priest we were introduced to a boy who ran away from his royal heritage, The Priest’s Assassin was a young man playing dress up to protect his identity but by the end of The Assassin’s Saint, the runway prince is no mere boy or young man, we are introduced to Prince Dante Le Denys Traibon, a great King in the making.
Book 3 gets a lot more bloody, gory, and painful for Dante but it also raises questions of just how much more of his potential can he unlock and though it scares Dante as a reader I'm here for it, and with the myths that surround both him and John only makes the story oh so much sweeter.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this series will take us as Dante and John continue on their journey.
The Traibon Family Saga is a wonderful series with phenomenal writing, perfect pacing, complex and morally gray characters, and exceptional worldbuilding. V. C. Willis has done an incredible job of balancing myth, thrill, action, mystery, and romance! None of the abovementioned is above the other.
I came across this story years ago when Dante was merely a runaway Prince and now I'm proud to say this saga is a true diamond treasure. Though the author has insisted that reading the Prequel is not necessary and its a standalone I personally think anyone interested in a great romantsy should read The Champion’s Lord and for those who have read books 1&2 I encourage you to reread like I did after the prequel because I promise you it makes the flavor of the story so much more delicious.
The Prequel is a simple hello because Book 3 is just the beginning of the Traibon Family, Book 1 was merely something to interest you, Book 2 was the appetizer, and Book 3 is the start of the full-course feast. Back in The Prince’s Priest we were introduced to a boy who ran away from his royal heritage, The Priest’s Assassin was a young man playing dress up to protect his identity but by the end of The Assassin’s Saint, the runway prince is no mere boy or young man, we are introduced to Prince Dante Le Denys Traibon, a great King in the making.
Book 3 gets a lot more bloody, gory, and painful for Dante but it also raises questions of just how much more of his potential can he unlock and though it scares Dante as a reader I'm here for it, and with the myths that surround both him and John only makes the story oh so much sweeter.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this series will take us as Dante and John continue on their journey.
October 5, 2025
- 'The Assassin's Saint': our Hero Dante learning necessary skills, battling existing and new foes, hiding out while attending the healing of his near-death wounded lover, and acquiring a new, precious and arcane weapon and advisor. This is a brief description of this exciting third installment of the Traibon Family Saga (fourth if you count the prequel novella 'The Champion's Lord' which established some of the lore of Grandemere and some characters), a feudal MM romance, a different take on vampirism, with action, gore, morally questionable choices and a taboo relationship for the ages, daemonic Blood Prince and his Priest.
- Dante, once runaway prince, reluctant Bloodeater, professed protector and defender of his love, John, must now take up manual labor to afford their sustenance and the medicines for a long and problematic rehabilitation. Gun-shot, fevered and bed-ridden, near death, John is out of commission for almost half the book. At wit's end, Dante accepts gold and assignments from the Assassin's Guild to continue his training, to go after their mutual enemies, to avenge John and gain skills. At the same time, he nurtures the growing bloodlust he is afraid of, becoming more than human, more than Daemon, something he isn't sure of and has no knowledge to reckon with. Thankfully, he acquired a Soul Weapon imbued with the spirit of Ashton, his much older, tempestuous, bawdy and skilled warrior-brother. The cantankerous banter between the two, mentoring and argumentative, supportive and biting, provides much of the humor in this book, as the other characters of the last book are out of reach to our protagonists. Ashton has knowledge of family history, occult and otherwise, knows old cures and remedies, and supplies a running monologue of spicy tales and criticism of his younger and comparatively inexperienced brother. It is up to Dante to take the advice and the superior skills and put them to good use against their current enemies, who have their origins in the previous foes of Ashton. It was good to bring back Ashton from the prequel, as a wise advisor and a friendly/feisty family member, who has his own unsolved angst and foibles that Dante must contend with. Helpful hints about bloodlust and fighting tips abound, and Dante is an even stronger warrior and perhaps a more compassionate lover, as he now has access to his predecessor's faults as well as his virtues.
- Dante's missions for the assassins add to his warrior training and his knowledge of Fallen Arbor, an ancient enemy at the core of the wars his country has fought for centuries, a hidden connection to the old Empire, and the Old Continent itself. His newly acquired hand-to-hand bare-knuckle fighting via the Blood Exchange fight competition, and his renown as new Champion will aid him in the next saga. As recovered John is finally able to help with their support, as Dante's fight winnings give them stability, it paves way for more adventures.
- The relationship issues brought forth in this installment, Dante's fear of hurting John in the throws of love/bloodlust, John's newly confessed addiction to feeding Dante as part of their love-making, their growing reliance and dependence on each other, now as able-bodied men, both fierce and strong in their beliefs and love, support and hopes for each other, show great emotional and philosophical depths. Their love is as strong as their desire, two against society and religion, trusting and humble in their dealings with each other; their new-found honesty with each other, swearing not to hide their fears and trepidations shows character growth. This is a strong and heroic couple, defending each other and their ideals, building their world-view as they explore their passions. I can't wait for the next novel to see their characters build again, as they defend their world and strengthen each other, along with their allies, in this new kingdom/alliance they are building.
- Dante, once runaway prince, reluctant Bloodeater, professed protector and defender of his love, John, must now take up manual labor to afford their sustenance and the medicines for a long and problematic rehabilitation. Gun-shot, fevered and bed-ridden, near death, John is out of commission for almost half the book. At wit's end, Dante accepts gold and assignments from the Assassin's Guild to continue his training, to go after their mutual enemies, to avenge John and gain skills. At the same time, he nurtures the growing bloodlust he is afraid of, becoming more than human, more than Daemon, something he isn't sure of and has no knowledge to reckon with. Thankfully, he acquired a Soul Weapon imbued with the spirit of Ashton, his much older, tempestuous, bawdy and skilled warrior-brother. The cantankerous banter between the two, mentoring and argumentative, supportive and biting, provides much of the humor in this book, as the other characters of the last book are out of reach to our protagonists. Ashton has knowledge of family history, occult and otherwise, knows old cures and remedies, and supplies a running monologue of spicy tales and criticism of his younger and comparatively inexperienced brother. It is up to Dante to take the advice and the superior skills and put them to good use against their current enemies, who have their origins in the previous foes of Ashton. It was good to bring back Ashton from the prequel, as a wise advisor and a friendly/feisty family member, who has his own unsolved angst and foibles that Dante must contend with. Helpful hints about bloodlust and fighting tips abound, and Dante is an even stronger warrior and perhaps a more compassionate lover, as he now has access to his predecessor's faults as well as his virtues.
- Dante's missions for the assassins add to his warrior training and his knowledge of Fallen Arbor, an ancient enemy at the core of the wars his country has fought for centuries, a hidden connection to the old Empire, and the Old Continent itself. His newly acquired hand-to-hand bare-knuckle fighting via the Blood Exchange fight competition, and his renown as new Champion will aid him in the next saga. As recovered John is finally able to help with their support, as Dante's fight winnings give them stability, it paves way for more adventures.
- The relationship issues brought forth in this installment, Dante's fear of hurting John in the throws of love/bloodlust, John's newly confessed addiction to feeding Dante as part of their love-making, their growing reliance and dependence on each other, now as able-bodied men, both fierce and strong in their beliefs and love, support and hopes for each other, show great emotional and philosophical depths. Their love is as strong as their desire, two against society and religion, trusting and humble in their dealings with each other; their new-found honesty with each other, swearing not to hide their fears and trepidations shows character growth. This is a strong and heroic couple, defending each other and their ideals, building their world-view as they explore their passions. I can't wait for the next novel to see their characters build again, as they defend their world and strengthen each other, along with their allies, in this new kingdom/alliance they are building.
October 4, 2025
Third in series (Traibon Family Saga), must be read in order. Fantasy. Established couple. Single POV.
Hiding in a shipping port town, John is still recovering from his bullet wounds and Dante is desperate to help him. As they are slowly adopted by the town, Dante has assassin guild missions and the local fight club to contend with.
The POV remains with Dante, and this story reveals more about family bloodlines, political machinations, and the empire’s history. There is quite a lot of conversation between the soul sword Ashton and Dante to further the world building, but I wish there wasn’t so much time spent with Dante and John separated. There is a good amount of adventure and violence to keep the reader interested, but there isn’t any real movement in the overall story for Dante and John. Overall, this was a good addition to the series, and the scenes between Dante and John are my favorite as they remain committed and invested in their goal.
Hiding in a shipping port town, John is still recovering from his bullet wounds and Dante is desperate to help him. As they are slowly adopted by the town, Dante has assassin guild missions and the local fight club to contend with.
The POV remains with Dante, and this story reveals more about family bloodlines, political machinations, and the empire’s history. There is quite a lot of conversation between the soul sword Ashton and Dante to further the world building, but I wish there wasn’t so much time spent with Dante and John separated. There is a good amount of adventure and violence to keep the reader interested, but there isn’t any real movement in the overall story for Dante and John. Overall, this was a good addition to the series, and the scenes between Dante and John are my favorite as they remain committed and invested in their goal.
October 5, 2025
This, the 3rd book in the Traibon Family Saga, takes place in Terahime, where John is still recovering from being shot. As with the other books, it is told via Dante's POV yet still contains John's internal musings intermittently.
Via the soil sword "Ashton" the world building continues to develop, and a broader picture of the structural and political hierarchy is revealed. This book in the Saga contains much action and violence, self-recrimination, struggle, independent determanism and (of course) the connection between Dante and John, both emotional and physical. While no significant strides are made toward their ultimate goals, the time is well spent preparing and healing. The next installment will see Dante set out after an adversary in unfavorable conditions.
I received a gift copy of this part of the series as a gift and voluntarily provided this review. To best understand this book, please read The Prince's Priest and The Priest's Assassin. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Via the soil sword "Ashton" the world building continues to develop, and a broader picture of the structural and political hierarchy is revealed. This book in the Saga contains much action and violence, self-recrimination, struggle, independent determanism and (of course) the connection between Dante and John, both emotional and physical. While no significant strides are made toward their ultimate goals, the time is well spent preparing and healing. The next installment will see Dante set out after an adversary in unfavorable conditions.
I received a gift copy of this part of the series as a gift and voluntarily provided this review. To best understand this book, please read The Prince's Priest and The Priest's Assassin. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
September 18, 2025
Thank you first to V.C Willis for letting me get to know your work and reviewing this book.
I had not picked up the series yet it was on my to TBR list, given the chance to review the new book I picked up the series from the beginning. I was not disappointed at all. This new chapter to the Traibon Family Saga keeps the story moving forward in a great way and builds on the story line. The romance between John and Dante grows even more for each other. The way Dante uncovers the family history with Ashton is captivating. Now it's too wait and see how they get though all that is now coming their way.
I Am voluntarily leaving this review.
I had not picked up the series yet it was on my to TBR list, given the chance to review the new book I picked up the series from the beginning. I was not disappointed at all. This new chapter to the Traibon Family Saga keeps the story moving forward in a great way and builds on the story line. The romance between John and Dante grows even more for each other. The way Dante uncovers the family history with Ashton is captivating. Now it's too wait and see how they get though all that is now coming their way.
I Am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 5, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the Traibon Family Saga. This book happens after Dante and John and Red wine escort princess Sonja and Royal Knight Valiente back to Captiva City. I enjoyed watching Dante grow into his powers and train himself, basically surviving every trouble that comes his way, and the conversations between him and Ashton were an absolute delight. I'm guessing there is a next book, and I'm looking forward to that.
Thanks for the Arc.
Thanks for the Arc.
September 12, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” The assassin’s saint. A Prince, a Priest, and a Battle for Survival.
In a kingdom locked in the throes of winter and civil unrest, Dante and John are on the run, grappling with the fallout from a king's assassination and a network of bounties on their heads. While Dante is consumed by guilt and the need to protect John, a desperate call from the Guild thrusts him into a new conflict, forcing him to confront both his past and present. As he grows stronger, armed with a newly acquired soul weapon, a dangerous and monstrous force awakens within him.
With whispers of a truce between warring factions and rumors of the Blood Prince and his priest reaching distant lands, Dante and John are drawn into a high-stakes competition. The Blood Exchange is searching for the next Blood Champion of Terahime, and Dante must choose whether to enter the final rounds and face formidable competitors. Simultaneously, John grapples with his own transformation, becoming an unlikely beacon of hope for his people, all while battling his own secrets. As confessions come to light and old wounds resurface, the duo must navigate a treacherous path filled with bloodlust, sacrifice, and complicated desires. The ultimate question remains: can Dante and John survive their pasts to fight this battle together? 💛
In a kingdom locked in the throes of winter and civil unrest, Dante and John are on the run, grappling with the fallout from a king's assassination and a network of bounties on their heads. While Dante is consumed by guilt and the need to protect John, a desperate call from the Guild thrusts him into a new conflict, forcing him to confront both his past and present. As he grows stronger, armed with a newly acquired soul weapon, a dangerous and monstrous force awakens within him.
With whispers of a truce between warring factions and rumors of the Blood Prince and his priest reaching distant lands, Dante and John are drawn into a high-stakes competition. The Blood Exchange is searching for the next Blood Champion of Terahime, and Dante must choose whether to enter the final rounds and face formidable competitors. Simultaneously, John grapples with his own transformation, becoming an unlikely beacon of hope for his people, all while battling his own secrets. As confessions come to light and old wounds resurface, the duo must navigate a treacherous path filled with bloodlust, sacrifice, and complicated desires. The ultimate question remains: can Dante and John survive their pasts to fight this battle together? 💛
March 2, 2026
The Ice Breaking Ceremony nears... but the secrets are what will truly shatter you.”
If you thought the escape from Captiva City was intense, nothing prepares you for the atmospheric, heart-wrenching journey in Terahime. This installment takes everything I loved about the first book the grit, the complex morality, and the desperate bond between Dante and John and freezes it into a high-stakes pressure cooker.
If you thought the escape from Captiva City was intense, nothing prepares you for the atmospheric, heart-wrenching journey in Terahime. This installment takes everything I loved about the first book the grit, the complex morality, and the desperate bond between Dante and John and freezes it into a high-stakes pressure cooker.
October 15, 2025
Very impressive work by the way, things were being handled while Dante kept a low profile. And he made a promised to himself he would not let John down. There’s just something you have to keep to yourself. I received a copy from the author and voluntarily decided to leave a review.
August 19, 2025
This was a good read and a good edition to the series. Overall the characters and plot are really done well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2025
The twists and turns of these books is mind boggling and addictive. I am not actively #TeamJohn and #TeamDante. I just can't pick one over the other.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews