Embrace the Serpent
Fantasy, YA
HarperCollins
June 24, 2025
The Serpent King is the most eligible bachelor in the land: a monster with dark and terrible magic and the ruler of the last free kingdom. Riches and power await his future bride—but so does a life forever trapped in the games of court.
That fate is eighteen-year-old Saphira's worst nightmare. Ever since the Empire made her an orphan, she’s found freedom in being invisible. So despite her rare gift for harnessing the magic in gemstones, she lets an unscrupulous jewelsmith take credit for her increasingly sought-after work.
But when the king sends his most clever huntsman to find the best jewelsmith of all, the spotlight lands on Saphira. Faced with choosing between falling into the Empire’s grasp or marrying a monster, she chooses the latter — even if it means getting increasingly caught between her cold, serpentine husband and his cunning, handsome huntsman.
Embrace the Serpent was a magical journey of a young woman trying to remain hidden from her oppressor. It’s her talent as a jewelsmith that makes it practically impossible to hide in plain sight. Her talent imbues her jewelry with magical gifts. Saphira couldn’t avoid creating these pieces even to save her life. Her need to create is like the need to breathe air or drink water.
Saphira ends up on the run with the Serpent King, as his future bride! He’s mysterious and intimidating with some serious powers. Even so, he needs her help to keep his people safe. Without options, she finds herself allying with the King in hopes of remaining free from the evil that took away her entire family and forced her into hiding.
I enjoyed Embrace the Serpent for all of its close calls, and narrow escapes while on the run. It was adventurous and exciting, while also giving the characters enough time to learn each other. It was a sweet YA romance that is perfect fantasy readers.
Kristin lives in the PNW with her husband, and three kids. She loves to read YA fiction, fantasy, and romance. She enjoys a few side-hustles, including creating bookreels/booktoks for authors. The only shows she watches are re-runs, and if she’s not reading a book, she’s listening to one.
