Last Updated on December 20, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
I knew that my good reading streak had to end. I know I haven’t read a ton of books this year, but before Assassin’s Gambit, I was averaging 4.5-5 stars a read. Unfortunately, my first romance read ended up being a disappointment for me, despite the gorgeous cover that first lured me in and the promising premise.
Read on to see why Assassin’s Gambit by Amy Raby missed the mark for me.
Book Info
Publisher: Berkley Romance | Release Date: April 2013 | Pages: 400
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Romance | Format: Mass Market | Source: Bought
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.
On the Page
- Sex
- Ableism
- Blackmail
- Body modifications
- Classism
- Hate crimes
- Indentured servitude
- Intrusive thoughts
- Knife violence
- Loss of limb
- Panic attacks
- Sex work
- Rape
Referenced
- Amputation
- Flogging and whipping
- Forced and coerced marriage
- Slut shaming
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- The premise: An assassin who falls in love with her mark, coming from two different warring realms and political stances? Yeah, that was one of the main reasons this story piqued my interest.
- The Caturanga element: Caturanga was a game that both Lucia and Vitala played and I thought it was a really fun worldbuilding element.
- Disabled main character: Lucian lost part of his leg during an accident and thus uses a cane and a fake wooden leg. It was refreshing to see a disabled main character who is still respected and even in a position of power.
Dislikes
- Lack of realistic character chemistry: The romance felt ingenuine and unrealistic, which was the biggest reason I struggled with this book. I don’t think Lucian and Vitala truly got to know one another and Lucian felt super instant love, where Vitala didn’t feel genuine at all in her feelings.
- Romance pacing: Also, “traditional” pacing in romance novels, it’s a slow build until the characters finally have sex (it’s like a reward, when we get to that point). The pacing felt all off in this book, which, paired with the lack of chemistry, made it hard to invest in this story and give me something to look forward to, as a reader.
- Rape scene: Do we need these? Answer: no, we do not.
Rating
When I read romance, chemistry is really important to me. The lack of realistic chemistry between Lucian and Vitala was a major issue. Their “love” felt instant on Lucian’s part and reluctant on Vitala’s, which made it hard for me to get on board and invested in their romance.
In Sum
Overall, Assassin’s Gambit was a promising romance that excelled in creativity, yet faltered in execution–particularly in keep elements that make a romance read a romance read for me. Others might enjoy this more, but it was my first disappointing read of the year. Was it so disappointing that I’d never read a book by Raby again? Absolutely not! I could see myself checking it the second book in this series someday.
But, for now, I’m hoping my next romance read will be much more enjoyable.
Patreon | Newsletter | Editorial Services | Twitter | Instagram | Kofi
![Hello, writers, wordsmiths and storytellers!
Thanks for the BooksforMaui fundraiser, I was able to work with three winners after I donated my most popular querying package: the 1st Impressions Package.
It was so wonderful to work with those writers that I want to work with more who want to prepare for the querying trenches. So much so, I'm offering 50% off for anyone who books during the month of October! 🎃
Full details below.
THE PACKAGE:
This is a combo package for writers who are preparing to query, but want to make sure their querying materials are going to make the right first impression to agents.
You get an single edit of your query letter, synopsis AND your 1st 50 pages, along with notes and an email summary.
COST:
Traditionally $200, this sale for $100 is good from October 1st - October 31st! Payment plans are available by request and always welcome.
TIMELINE:
Please note you just need to book in October to secure this pricing. If you need more time to prepare your materials, we can actually plan to work on your materials anytime in the next year ($50 will be required to secure booking).
Right now, I am doing 1-2 week turnaround time for this package.
Interested? Please reach out on my website (linked in bio) and let's get you ready for the trenches!
Please share widely, as word of mouth is how freelancers find clients!
[ID in alt text]
#writing #writinghelp #editing #amediting #amrevising #edits #freelanceeditor #SFFWriters #fantasywriters #writingcommunity #writing #querying #amquerying #writersofinstagram #writersofig #WIP #editorial #1stImpressionsPackage](https://thoughtsstainedwithink.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Ooof sorry that this one missed the mark for you and hope your next romance read of the year is better!