A Blog of Books and Tea

(Rattle the Stars PR ARC Review)

Tropes:

• Redemption
• Oppression
• Love & Loss
• Assassin x Prince
• Enemies to Lovers
• MM Romance
• Spicy Scenes

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖

Spice Level – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis –

In the Kingdom of Netherhelm, a kingdom steeped in dark magic; two unyielding forces are about to collide.

THE EXECUTIONER PRINCE:

Thorne Shadowfall, third-born to the throne of Netherhelm, is a silver-haired disgrace among his obsidian crowned kin. Cursed by his father to bear the weight of a sin he didn’t commit and forced to murder citizens in secret. Thorne has made a home in agony, as the blood he spills tightens the King’s grip on him.

THE SERPENT OF NETHERHELM:

Harrow Darkbloom is most comfortable in the shadows or wielding a blade. An assassin and a myth.

To the nobles, he’s a faceless nightmare; to the common folk, a legend. His next target: the silver haired Prince of Netherhelm himself.

To strike, Harrow must masquerade as a knight to gain access to the Prince, but when a night of passion exposes the truths they’ve both buried, their hatred becomes a match which ignites against the stone of their lust and creates something far more dangerous. Bound by sin and secrets, the prince and the assassin find themselves entangled in a web of betrayal and prophecy with war on the horizon.

Will their lust and hatred end in ruin or salvation?

Thoughts –

This book had a compelling start. The world felt as though it was filled with darkness from the very first page. The pages are brimming with tension and morally grey characters, which helped the plot progress.

I also really enjoyed the world and magic system within the story. The idea that magic is inherited and tied to a “titan” is truly original and kept me hooked. I’d like to see more of the world as I feel as there is more to experience.

The relationship and dynamic between the two main characters was so fun. It was a true enemies to lovers that felt authentic; you could sense the mistrust and hatred as the two warred with their feelings and their responsibilities.

I found Harrow to be really intriguing , especially as we learn more about him and how he was brought up. As an assassin pretending to be a knight, it was surprising to see the love he holds for his family and the less fortunate within the realm. We also see him use his position to get close to the royal family to get revenge and fulfil a contract. However, it doesn’t take long for his walls to begin to crumble and him gradually letting Thorne close to him, even though he tries to deny his feelings.

Thorne is an absolute delight and he should be protected at all cost. He has faced so much suffering at the hands of his “family” and carries a massive amount of pain and guilt because of it. This pain is so apparent throughout the story, and drives the plot.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a great story and strong enemies to lovers with plenty of banter. It is also the perfect book for Pride Month 🌈.