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The Lady of Innislee #1
Court of Vipers
"We are enemies by necessity, not by desire. You are my perfect torture, and I would have it no other way."
Riona Nevis has been a pawn in her uncle's court all her life. The moment she was born, her future was decided for her: when she came of age, she would marry the man her uncle chose and secure her kingdom a valuable political alliance. She obeyed once, and it nearly cost her life. Now that she has escaped Beltharos's cutthroat court, she will not allow anything—or anyone—to tear her from her home again.
Prince Auberon is the infamous second son of the Erdurian Emperor. He is cunning, charming, wicked, and ruthless. When the Crown Prince is invited to bid for Riona’s hand in marriage, Auberon accompanies his brother into the heart of Rivosa with two missions: secure the betrothal, and uncover a secret that could end the decades-long war between their countries.
Auberon will stop at nothing to help his brother win Lady Riona’s hand. Riona will do anything to avoid an arranged marriage. But when a high-ranking courtier is found murdered, they are forced into a shaky alliance that could change both their countries for the better…or destroy them completely.
Court of Vipers is the first book in a New Adult dark fantasy series set in the Born Assassin world, full of cutthroat court intrigue, morally gray heroes, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.
Riona Nevis has been a pawn in her uncle's court all her life. The moment she was born, her future was decided for her: when she came of age, she would marry the man her uncle chose and secure her kingdom a valuable political alliance. She obeyed once, and it nearly cost her life. Now that she has escaped Beltharos's cutthroat court, she will not allow anything—or anyone—to tear her from her home again.
Prince Auberon is the infamous second son of the Erdurian Emperor. He is cunning, charming, wicked, and ruthless. When the Crown Prince is invited to bid for Riona’s hand in marriage, Auberon accompanies his brother into the heart of Rivosa with two missions: secure the betrothal, and uncover a secret that could end the decades-long war between their countries.
Auberon will stop at nothing to help his brother win Lady Riona’s hand. Riona will do anything to avoid an arranged marriage. But when a high-ranking courtier is found murdered, they are forced into a shaky alliance that could change both their countries for the better…or destroy them completely.
Court of Vipers is the first book in a New Adult dark fantasy series set in the Born Assassin world, full of cutthroat court intrigue, morally gray heroes, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.
528 pages, ebook
First published April 14, 2021
548 people are currently reading
3808 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Pawl
15 books75 followersJacqueline Pawl can be most often found reading, writing, or shopping for even more books to add to her ever-growing ‘to-read’ pile. (She swears, someday she’ll get a chance to read all of them.) MERCILESS is the first book in her Throne of Glass-esque fantasy series, complete with tough-as-nails assassins, snarky blacksmiths, a dreamy prince, and a mad king.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 15, 2022
Court of Vipers is an intriguing political intrigued, fantasy novel that did hook with its first chapter which led me to have high expectations.
The writing is pretty good, I believe it was compelling and just knows how to make a reader want to keep reading more but, as the story goes, it somehow became a little forgettable, especially with its dragging storytelling that takes off my enjoyment in the story, as well as some confusion along the way.
The characters are all suspicious in my opinion and almost everyone had their own hidden agenda I think the character parts, were at least written well.
I also didn't think the romance was an enemies to lovers at most but more of a forbidden romance but the burn is pretty good though.
They were twists as well but I kind of just couldn't care about them anymore because of the overall execution and pacing of the story. There was also a cliffhanger that I still can't decide whether I liked it or not.
Overall, I think the story was okay minus the pacing and execution. It could have been better though. I think I would still read the next just to see what will happen.
*Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The writing is pretty good, I believe it was compelling and just knows how to make a reader want to keep reading more but, as the story goes, it somehow became a little forgettable, especially with its dragging storytelling that takes off my enjoyment in the story, as well as some confusion along the way.
The characters are all suspicious in my opinion and almost everyone had their own hidden agenda I think the character parts, were at least written well.
I also didn't think the romance was an enemies to lovers at most but more of a forbidden romance but the burn is pretty good though.
They were twists as well but I kind of just couldn't care about them anymore because of the overall execution and pacing of the story. There was also a cliffhanger that I still can't decide whether I liked it or not.
Overall, I think the story was okay minus the pacing and execution. It could have been better though. I think I would still read the next just to see what will happen.
*Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
January 6, 2023
Words can not describe how I feel about this book (and I don’t normally leave reviews), so I am channeling my inner Silvy.
After a bit of a reading slump, this book rejuvenated my SOUL.
He fell first (and harder, in my opinion). Enemies to lovers to something in-between. It has one spice-y scene that fades to black (sorry besties, but it IS worth your time I promise).
Riona is your typical FMC: doesn’t want to be used as a pawn but instead wants to make a lasting impact. She loves her home, her people, and her family. The way she handles herself and the eloquence when she speaks had me FLOORED. She inspires such loyalty in her people but also in me🥹
Prince Auberon is witty, charming, broody, mysterious. Auberon is a man on a mission: to find the secrets of Innislee and arrange a marriage between Riona and his brother.
This book is a murder mystery with political intrigue and a forbidden romance. I might come add more just because it was so good.
After a bit of a reading slump, this book rejuvenated my SOUL.
He fell first (and harder, in my opinion). Enemies to lovers to something in-between. It has one spice-y scene that fades to black (sorry besties, but it IS worth your time I promise).
Riona is your typical FMC: doesn’t want to be used as a pawn but instead wants to make a lasting impact. She loves her home, her people, and her family. The way she handles herself and the eloquence when she speaks had me FLOORED. She inspires such loyalty in her people but also in me🥹
Prince Auberon is witty, charming, broody, mysterious. Auberon is a man on a mission: to find the secrets of Innislee and arrange a marriage between Riona and his brother.
This book is a murder mystery with political intrigue and a forbidden romance. I might come add more just because it was so good.
August 22, 2022
“I’m brooding. That’s what distant, devastatingly handsome, emotionally tormented princes do.”
“Let him think me vain. Let him think I can be taken in by a pretty face.”
This is a fantasy novel with a strong political plot and a little bit of romance involved. It is the first book in a new series that is set in the Born Assassin world. I was able to read this book without reading any of the other books from the other series.
Riona Nevis belongs to the court of her uncle's kingdom. He has decided to arrange a marriage alliance despite her just coming back from another kingdom where her life was almost taken. Another kingdom where she was married to a man she loved, but let him go so he could be with the woman he truly loved.
Throughout this book, Riona is trying her best to solve a mystery in order to not have to go through with a marriage. She meets one of the prospective brothers, Prince Auberon, and they work together, each having their own agendas.
I enjoyed the characters and how each one was a moving part in a much larger picture. The descriptions of the different kingdoms also adds depth to the story.
The plot was good and strong, with great writing. However, there were several times where the story dragged for me. I found myself getting a little bored in the middle of the book. It did pick up more towards the end.
This book was nothing like I was expecting. It borders on enemies to lovers/forbidden love. There is a lot more politics than I was expecting and not as much romance as I had hoped.
I thought the book was ok, however, I did NOT like how it ended. It was a bit of a cliffhanger but not a good one in my opinion.
December 30, 2022
this book was so good. I was sobbing for at least 30 minutes while reading and I would do it again even though it felt like my heart was being ripped out.
Though I would recommend to not read this book until the second one comes out
Though I would recommend to not read this book until the second one comes out
January 16, 2023
4.5/5. even tho this book felt like it was 5 years long, it was still so good
August 21, 2022
This story kept me turning the pages eager for more. Usually I get annoyed jumping from one pov to another but this book to not only kept me thoroughly invested in both Riona and Prince Auberon povs but had me devouring each page as quickly as I could to get to the next chapter. There was not a dull moment to be had, it is a breathtaking land full of deceit, hope, revenge, and a surprising plot twist. I really enjoyed this book, and I think anyone should pick it up and start a new adventure in Rivosa.
February 14, 2023
3.5
jakby niby to było fajne, ale te ostatnie rozdziały? zepsuły szansę na cztery gwiazdki
ona: nienawidzę cię całym sercem
on: ej chcesz pójść ze mną do łóżka?
ona: jeszcze pytasz!
jakby niby to było fajne, ale te ostatnie rozdziały? zepsuły szansę na cztery gwiazdki
ona: nienawidzę cię całym sercem
on: ej chcesz pójść ze mną do łóżka?
ona: jeszcze pytasz!
October 30, 2024
3.5
not sure how I feel about the end but at least I can say I wasn’t expecting it
not sure how I feel about the end but at least I can say I wasn’t expecting it
September 9, 2022
I desperately wanted to give this 5 stars because I adored the book but the way it begins and ends really confused me to the point where I felt like I had missed something important and had to go back.
Starting with the good: I loved the writing style, the overall plot and pacing, and the mystery and intrigue laced throughout. There were multiple twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and I felt like the world was well established. As for the romance, although I would’ve loved more focus on it, there was slow burn, forbidden love, dual POV, and reluctant allies to lovers (I wouldn’t quite call it enemies to lovers as they were never super hostile toward one another). Also I have my fingers crossed there’ll be more steam in the series!
My only big problem was with the way the story was structured as a flashback as Riona tells a story to the emperor. Honestly, I didn’t even realize that it was going into a flashback, I just assumed that I was missing context from the other series’ that this one is based off of. I think the rest of the books in this series are supposed to fill in more gaps and continue with Riona telling her story to the Hyperion, but I guess I just didn’t understand the purpose of this structure for storytelling. I personally just found it confusing and think the book would’ve been stronger without it. In fact, I loved the rest of the book so much that I definitely would’ve given it 5 stars if it had just begun at Chapter 3 and ended at Chapter 75.
Starting with the good: I loved the writing style, the overall plot and pacing, and the mystery and intrigue laced throughout. There were multiple twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and I felt like the world was well established. As for the romance, although I would’ve loved more focus on it, there was slow burn, forbidden love, dual POV, and reluctant allies to lovers (I wouldn’t quite call it enemies to lovers as they were never super hostile toward one another). Also I have my fingers crossed there’ll be more steam in the series!
My only big problem was with the way the story was structured as a flashback as Riona tells a story to the emperor. Honestly, I didn’t even realize that it was going into a flashback, I just assumed that I was missing context from the other series’ that this one is based off of. I think the rest of the books in this series are supposed to fill in more gaps and continue with Riona telling her story to the Hyperion, but I guess I just didn’t understand the purpose of this structure for storytelling. I personally just found it confusing and think the book would’ve been stronger without it. In fact, I loved the rest of the book so much that I definitely would’ve given it 5 stars if it had just begun at Chapter 3 and ended at Chapter 75.
January 4, 2024
The way this was structured with the majority of the writing being a flashback really confused me, I actually went back and re-read the beginning as I thought I had skimmed over something and missed information but it was just not obvious that it was a flashback to me until the very last few chapters.
I enjoyed the fact that this was a more political read than romantic but the book did seem very long and I had to work to read it, I wasn’t wanting to pick it up often.
The ending annoyed me with the amount of information and story that was missing that will no doubt be a further flashback in the next book but I do not think I have it in me to try and read it. I understand the aim of a cliffhanger but it wasn’t a cliffhanger to the relationship I expected.
I did like the overall writing style of this author however so I might try and read some other work, but I won’t be continuing with this series.
I enjoyed the fact that this was a more political read than romantic but the book did seem very long and I had to work to read it, I wasn’t wanting to pick it up often.
The ending annoyed me with the amount of information and story that was missing that will no doubt be a further flashback in the next book but I do not think I have it in me to try and read it. I understand the aim of a cliffhanger but it wasn’t a cliffhanger to the relationship I expected.
I did like the overall writing style of this author however so I might try and read some other work, but I won’t be continuing with this series.
April 2, 2023
A book like this is why I will hunt through endless kindle unlimited books I inevitably DNF. I am always searching for something different and this book delivered.
Now the author’s note concerned me at the start, I won’t lie. The synopsis of the book had hooked me so being told “Hey it’s cool if you read this but you might want to read this other series first” made me hesitant. Especially when I went to look up the first series and saw it was five books about a lady assassin. Given that I was 6 books into Throne of Glass before burning out a few months ago, I was just not feeling more assassin stories.
So of course at first I was feeling a somewhat lost. At some points I definitely felt like there was information that I was missing, but as I went on, this story sunk its claws into me. I couldn’t even say what it was. I’m not so keen on murder mystery plots usually but this story had our lead pursuing so much court intrigue I couldn’t look away.
By the time I hit the second half I was bingeing. I must have read at least the last 40% today just so I could finish it, it was that hard to put down. It was one slap-you-in-the-face revelation after another toward the end. Some of it played out along the lines of what I expected, but others totally blindsided me and made my jaw literally drop. That’s not all that easy to do to me in this genre.
Now I’m done reading this first book and I’m itching to read the next part, but now I have to wait until winter?! Okay fine, have my pre-order money, author, you win. I want that book on day one. I have to have more Riona. Please.
Overall I loved a lot about this book and it was so good I am putting the first series on my TBR to tackle once my assassin plot addled brain heals. This author managed to engage me and I deeply interested in learning more about the world they’ve built. I definitely see myself wanting to dive deeper, especially if this series continues after the next book and I have to wait for even more.
Now the author’s note concerned me at the start, I won’t lie. The synopsis of the book had hooked me so being told “Hey it’s cool if you read this but you might want to read this other series first” made me hesitant. Especially when I went to look up the first series and saw it was five books about a lady assassin. Given that I was 6 books into Throne of Glass before burning out a few months ago, I was just not feeling more assassin stories.
So of course at first I was feeling a somewhat lost. At some points I definitely felt like there was information that I was missing, but as I went on, this story sunk its claws into me. I couldn’t even say what it was. I’m not so keen on murder mystery plots usually but this story had our lead pursuing so much court intrigue I couldn’t look away.
By the time I hit the second half I was bingeing. I must have read at least the last 40% today just so I could finish it, it was that hard to put down. It was one slap-you-in-the-face revelation after another toward the end. Some of it played out along the lines of what I expected, but others totally blindsided me and made my jaw literally drop. That’s not all that easy to do to me in this genre.
Now I’m done reading this first book and I’m itching to read the next part, but now I have to wait until winter?! Okay fine, have my pre-order money, author, you win. I want that book on day one. I have to have more Riona. Please.
Overall I loved a lot about this book and it was so good I am putting the first series on my TBR to tackle once my assassin plot addled brain heals. This author managed to engage me and I deeply interested in learning more about the world they’ve built. I definitely see myself wanting to dive deeper, especially if this series continues after the next book and I have to wait for even more.
January 18, 2023
Every now and then , you stumble across a hidden gem in Kindle Unlimited… and this book is an absolute diamond!
A sharp, intellectual story of political intrigue centred around possibly , the most likeable female protagonist of this genre: Lady Riona.
Riona is faced with three suitors , each trying to win the favour of her uncle, The King, in order to secure her hand in matrimony and the wealth and treatys of her kingdom.
Very quickly, Prince Auberon , the brother of one of these suitors, strikes up an unorthodox friendship with Riona and feelings develop.
The dialogue between these two is utterly sublime, no mindless chatter, just sharp , quick witted banter that slowly reveals the true strength and depths to each of their characters.
I’m quite partial to a slow burn and Court of Vipers thoroughly comes up trumps. Never did I think that a brush of hands could make my toes curl or that a declaration of love so eloquently spoken could have me rooting for the pair…. The romance is executed so poetically that it rips your heart out, stamps on it and then convinces you to keep hoping for that HEA…
The sequel is due in November and I’m utterly bereft, no idea how I will cope until then . Yes, of course I will keep reading other books, but this story has left a deeply rooted imprint in my mind and I’m completely held prisoner by it.
5/5 for a beautiful enchanting read that will have you hoping that love will win out in the end….
A sharp, intellectual story of political intrigue centred around possibly , the most likeable female protagonist of this genre: Lady Riona.
Riona is faced with three suitors , each trying to win the favour of her uncle, The King, in order to secure her hand in matrimony and the wealth and treatys of her kingdom.
Very quickly, Prince Auberon , the brother of one of these suitors, strikes up an unorthodox friendship with Riona and feelings develop.
The dialogue between these two is utterly sublime, no mindless chatter, just sharp , quick witted banter that slowly reveals the true strength and depths to each of their characters.
I’m quite partial to a slow burn and Court of Vipers thoroughly comes up trumps. Never did I think that a brush of hands could make my toes curl or that a declaration of love so eloquently spoken could have me rooting for the pair…. The romance is executed so poetically that it rips your heart out, stamps on it and then convinces you to keep hoping for that HEA…
The sequel is due in November and I’m utterly bereft, no idea how I will cope until then . Yes, of course I will keep reading other books, but this story has left a deeply rooted imprint in my mind and I’m completely held prisoner by it.
5/5 for a beautiful enchanting read that will have you hoping that love will win out in the end….
November 29, 2022
Okay wow. I knew I loved politics and court drama but I didn’t know I loved it this much.
I enjoyed the way the story starts present day, we have no clue who anyone is or what’s going on and then the FMC tells us her story. Which is the majority of the book, and then we’re thrown back into present day with even more shocking news. Very clever way to invest the readers in a series.
I did absolutely devour the court political drama. I love political scheming. Love a “silver tongued” noble woman who knows how to work the people in the courts.
I loved the mystery aspect, another way the author had me invested early on. A murder???? Well now you’ve got me hooked.
The romance was not spicy at all which is fine, not every fantasy romance needs it. But I still enjoyed the characters and their dynamic. I did not expect the revelation about our MMC, and i am still not sure how I feel about it. I feel like this is shaping up to be a star crossed enemies to lovers? Either way the author did a great job with this story and I’ll definitely be reading the next.
I enjoyed the way the story starts present day, we have no clue who anyone is or what’s going on and then the FMC tells us her story. Which is the majority of the book, and then we’re thrown back into present day with even more shocking news. Very clever way to invest the readers in a series.
I did absolutely devour the court political drama. I love political scheming. Love a “silver tongued” noble woman who knows how to work the people in the courts.
I loved the mystery aspect, another way the author had me invested early on. A murder???? Well now you’ve got me hooked.
The romance was not spicy at all which is fine, not every fantasy romance needs it. But I still enjoyed the characters and their dynamic. I did not expect the revelation about our MMC, and i am still not sure how I feel about it. I feel like this is shaping up to be a star crossed enemies to lovers? Either way the author did a great job with this story and I’ll definitely be reading the next.
June 22, 2023
Probably a 3.5 actually. I'd probably have marked it higher if the sex scene wasn't a cut-away.
I'm not sure what I think about this. I both did and did not like the flashback aspect and I wanted more The Liar chapters.
I think one of the issues is that
This didn't leave me dying for the new book like others did so I'm not sure if I'll continue the series or not. I also couldn't decide if this was considered YA or NA because of the age of the characters and the lack of explicit scenes that usually characterize NA. I think it could be both.
I'm not sure what I think about this. I both did and did not like the flashback aspect and I wanted more The Liar chapters.
I think one of the issues is that
This didn't leave me dying for the new book like others did so I'm not sure if I'll continue the series or not. I also couldn't decide if this was considered YA or NA because of the age of the characters and the lack of explicit scenes that usually characterize NA. I think it could be both.
October 23, 2022
I have a lot of mixed emotions on this book. It was very well written and easy to read. It reminded me a little of Throne of Glass in the loosest sense based on the intrigue and knowing characters were hiding details that we would learn later in the book. Nothing else comes close to representing that series but that piece alone reminded me of Aelin and all her secrets.
Anyway back to this book. What I wasn’t a fan of what the beginning of the book. I felt like I came into the story late and was missing a ton of details. It left me confused and it’s not my favorite way to start a book. I almost gave it up then.
I also don’t love how the book ended. I felt like there were a lot of details left out and call me old fashioned, but I prefer a HEA for a book of this length. Sadly that is not the case here.
Anyway back to this book. What I wasn’t a fan of what the beginning of the book. I felt like I came into the story late and was missing a ton of details. It left me confused and it’s not my favorite way to start a book. I almost gave it up then.
I also don’t love how the book ended. I felt like there were a lot of details left out and call me old fashioned, but I prefer a HEA for a book of this length. Sadly that is not the case here.
February 10, 2023
The first thing to understand is that EVERYONE is suspicious for their own reasons. The intrigue is so well written you are never quite sure who can be trusted. An enemies to lovers forbidden romance, it also has elements of mystery, court intrigue and conspiracies, battles, espionage, and even magic. The author does a good job capturing the intricacies and horrors of war as well as the effects it can have on those who must bear the burden of decision making. Watching the relationship between the calculating ebony beauty of a princess and the self proclaimed charming, broody, diplomatic Prince as they navigate the slender line of duty, loyalty, freedom and passion is GOING to have you favoring one side or the other. That being said the mystery and intrigue are integral parts of the story so be ready.
May 31, 2023
Political plots ✔️
Enemies to lover ✔️
Forbidden romance ✔️
This book was good. I was actually reminded a little bit of the Princess Bride with the way the story was set up.
Riona Nevis is the niece of the king of Rivosa, who is going through negotiations for an arranged marriage with several candidates. One of the countries negotiating is Rivosa’s sworn enemy, and Riona works with the prince to solve some mysterious occurrences in her country. Everyone seems to have hidden agendas and ulterior motives.
There is a mild cliffhanger, and obviously a lot more history between the prince and Riona that occurred after Rivosa. It’s apparent these two have not been able to keep their hands off each other and should have married each other from the start.
Enemies to lover ✔️
Forbidden romance ✔️
This book was good. I was actually reminded a little bit of the Princess Bride with the way the story was set up.
Riona Nevis is the niece of the king of Rivosa, who is going through negotiations for an arranged marriage with several candidates. One of the countries negotiating is Rivosa’s sworn enemy, and Riona works with the prince to solve some mysterious occurrences in her country. Everyone seems to have hidden agendas and ulterior motives.
There is a mild cliffhanger, and obviously a lot more history between the prince and Riona that occurred after Rivosa. It’s apparent these two have not been able to keep their hands off each other and should have married each other from the start.
August 11, 2022
It starts strong - I was absolutely intrigued, I kept trying to guess at the twists. Somewhere along the way, around 60% in, it became stagnant. I was driven to know how it all played out, but not by the story, just simply my own devotion to being that far in. And the romance just seemed to feel...weird. It was a slow burn and then blazing in a page; by the end, the emotions didn't make sense to me. I enjoyed the writing style for the most part. IDK, maybe I will look forward to a sequel, but I also don't mind not continuing.
September 24, 2022
Wow
Not what I expected but I liked it. So much happening. Holds a key of mystery. I was shocked with how it started with the FL telling her own story. I love the ML his attitude and character cracks me up. But at the same time he truly will do anything for the woman he loves. Even if everyone hate him after. I was shocked with what she chose to do after she left. She was strong. She put her feeling aside to be in a loveless marriage to help the people. Very self-sacrificing but I felt like they all were for their country.
Not what I expected but I liked it. So much happening. Holds a key of mystery. I was shocked with how it started with the FL telling her own story. I love the ML his attitude and character cracks me up. But at the same time he truly will do anything for the woman he loves. Even if everyone hate him after. I was shocked with what she chose to do after she left. She was strong. She put her feeling aside to be in a loveless marriage to help the people. Very self-sacrificing but I felt like they all were for their country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
5 Stars – Dark, Twisted, and Utterly Addictive!
Court of Vipers by Jacqueline Pawl is a gripping, seductive ride from start to finish. The world-building is immersive, the characters are dangerously captivating, and the slow-burn tension kept me hooked. It’s a delicious blend of dark romance, betrayal, and power games, with a fierce heroine you can’t help but root for. If you love morally grey characters and steamy twists, this book is a must-read!
Court of Vipers by Jacqueline Pawl is a gripping, seductive ride from start to finish. The world-building is immersive, the characters are dangerously captivating, and the slow-burn tension kept me hooked. It’s a delicious blend of dark romance, betrayal, and power games, with a fierce heroine you can’t help but root for. If you love morally grey characters and steamy twists, this book is a must-read!
October 1, 2024
Court of Vipers Book1
Such a powerful woman, that is always over looked. But she disagree with her Uncle the King in marrying her off to strangers. To people she thinks is an enemy until she learns a truth her Uncle didn’t want ever to be found out. But is is a story about you can’t help the people you fall in love with.
Such a powerful woman, that is always over looked. But she disagree with her Uncle the King in marrying her off to strangers. To people she thinks is an enemy until she learns a truth her Uncle didn’t want ever to be found out. But is is a story about you can’t help the people you fall in love with.
March 13, 2023
What an adventure, from beginning to end!
An astounding story of deception, murder, romance, manipulation, and loyalty. I did not want it to end! Riona is one of the most real and resilient women I've had the pleasure of getting to know. What an awesome story!
An astounding story of deception, murder, romance, manipulation, and loyalty. I did not want it to end! Riona is one of the most real and resilient women I've had the pleasure of getting to know. What an awesome story!
January 8, 2025
Intriguing, mysterious, and definitely hooked me after the first chapter. I was so confused by what was going on I just needed to keep reading to find out. The relationship is toxic, at best. Not my favorite. But the political games kept my interest.
August 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! It had a nice pace and the start of the book was very captivating. The ending confused me a little bit, which is why I give it four stars. But, the plot twists and the characters were amazing! I will be reading the whole series.
August 14, 2022
Oooh!
What a twist!
Well written, great storyline and world building. And the ending!!
I also adored the first chapter! Can't wait for the next book!
What a twist!
Well written, great storyline and world building. And the ending!!
I also adored the first chapter! Can't wait for the next book!
February 5, 2023
DNF 43% in. 😴😴😴😴😴
July 10, 2023
Can not wait for the next one in series omg loved this so much!
dnf
December 4, 2023No.
Just no. I didn't feel a thing and the writing style had me skipping 90% of the book.
Just no. I didn't feel a thing and the writing style had me skipping 90% of the book.
December 4, 2024
Wow
I really enjoyed this story, pretty much from the beginning. The twists at the end though!!! Oh my!!! I definitely will be reading the rest of this series.
I really enjoyed this story, pretty much from the beginning. The twists at the end though!!! Oh my!!! I definitely will be reading the rest of this series.
July 8, 2024
Two years ago I gave this book 4 stars. Today, I'm giving it...like 3.9?
Nah, I'll be serious. This is still a four star book, but I've re-read for two reasons: so I can finally write this review, and so I can read book 2 (there's an important edit re: this at the end). I'll be honest when I say that I didn't read every word this time the way I would have two years ago. I skimmed quite a bit of it, refreshing the story in my mind rather than being engrossed in it.
Regardless, I really liked this book.
It's pretty easy to read, being both Political Intrigue- and Romance- Lite™.
Let me explain - there is politics but the political aspect isn't meaty - there are multiple players but as everything is from Riona's POV we're not forced to keep track of complex manoeuvres/manipulations/motivations like we would if it was a dramatic political novel; and there is romance but it's more of an undercurrent rather filling every page and driving the plot.
Court of Vipers does tend to get bogged down somewhat in places, and while you know a few big reveals (I hesitate to call them "twists") are coming they are mostly left to the last few chapters.
Riona has moments where she grated on my nerves. She's can be a little too headstrong, and the end result does have me questioning whether she actually did do what was ultimately good for her country, or if she just blindly followed her own moral compass. Which makes for a nice grey area where readers can make their own judgement about what they would have done in Riona's place.
No self-insert FMC here, folks.
Riona and I do have one thing in common though: a weakness for handsome, charismatic LIARS (not a spoiler, Auberon is literally referred to as The Liar throughout the book).
As the kids these days would say he has rizz. Cartfulls of it.
Like willing-to-betray-your-uncle-and-marry-into-the-family-who-killed-your-mother levels of rizz (side note: is it one Z or two? My millenial is showing)
While I kind of love the story-within-a-story trope, bookending the story with "modern day" events had me double checking if I'd accidentally picked up the second book in the series during the first few pages and made me feel like we'd missed something important during the last few pages (the whole plot of Book 2 maybe?)
Really though, my least favourite part of this book is the last half of the last chapter. To avoid spoilers I won't state which scene but iykyk. It just felt out of place and my gut tells me it could have waited until the next book - but maybe not, maybe it'll become clear why it needed to be in Book One after I read Book Two...in which case:
Onwards!
Me, charging forth to read Rise of Rebels, at a slightly less than leisurely pace
Edited to add: Omg Book 2 isn't even published yet. What is happening with the world? This is a disaster. I have to move Rise of Rebels from my 2023 tbr to my 2024 tbr, v. inconvenient.
I'm kidding of course, it's a bummer, but mostly because my memory is terrible and I'll probably have to read Court of Vipers again before I can start Rise of Rebels when it's released, a heavy burden I'm willing to carry.
Channeling magnanimity à la Violet Crawley
Nah, I'll be serious. This is still a four star book, but I've re-read for two reasons: so I can finally write this review, and so I can read book 2 (there's an important edit re: this at the end). I'll be honest when I say that I didn't read every word this time the way I would have two years ago. I skimmed quite a bit of it, refreshing the story in my mind rather than being engrossed in it.
Regardless, I really liked this book.
It's pretty easy to read, being both Political Intrigue- and Romance- Lite™.
Let me explain - there is politics but the political aspect isn't meaty - there are multiple players but as everything is from Riona's POV we're not forced to keep track of complex manoeuvres/manipulations/motivations like we would if it was a dramatic political novel; and there is romance but it's more of an undercurrent rather filling every page and driving the plot.
Court of Vipers does tend to get bogged down somewhat in places, and while you know a few big reveals (I hesitate to call them "twists") are coming they are mostly left to the last few chapters.
Riona has moments where she grated on my nerves. She's can be a little too headstrong, and the end result does have me questioning whether she actually did do what was ultimately good for her country, or if she just blindly followed her own moral compass. Which makes for a nice grey area where readers can make their own judgement about what they would have done in Riona's place.
No self-insert FMC here, folks.
Riona and I do have one thing in common though: a weakness for handsome, charismatic LIARS (not a spoiler, Auberon is literally referred to as The Liar throughout the book).
As the kids these days would say he has rizz. Cartfulls of it.
Like willing-to-betray-your-uncle-and-marry-into-the-family-who-killed-your-mother levels of rizz (side note: is it one Z or two? My millenial is showing)
While I kind of love the story-within-a-story trope, bookending the story with "modern day" events had me double checking if I'd accidentally picked up the second book in the series during the first few pages and made me feel like we'd missed something important during the last few pages (the whole plot of Book 2 maybe?)
Really though, my least favourite part of this book is the last half of the last chapter. To avoid spoilers I won't state which scene but iykyk. It just felt out of place and my gut tells me it could have waited until the next book - but maybe not, maybe it'll become clear why it needed to be in Book One after I read Book Two...in which case:
Onwards!
Me, charging forth to read Rise of Rebels, at a slightly less than leisurely pace
Edited to add: Omg Book 2 isn't even published yet. What is happening with the world? This is a disaster. I have to move Rise of Rebels from my 2023 tbr to my 2024 tbr, v. inconvenient.
I'm kidding of course, it's a bummer, but mostly because my memory is terrible and I'll probably have to read Court of Vipers again before I can start Rise of Rebels when it's released, a heavy burden I'm willing to carry.
Channeling magnanimity à la Violet CrawleyDisplaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews