EMBRACE THE SERPENT

In her quest for freedom, a gifted young jewelry-maker finds herself married to a monster.

With nothing left of her mother but a sapphire ring and a warning to hide from a dangerous djinn, talented jewelsmith Saphira has spent the last 12 years learning how to go unnoticed. Unfortunately, her boss Galen’s ambitions and an ill-fated interaction with someone from her childhood land them at the Rose Palace, home of the ruthless Lady Incarnadine from whom indentured Imperial Ward Saphira escaped. When 17-year-old Saphira’s only option to avoid returning to that fate is a last-minute marriage to the mysterious, silver-skinned Serpent King—who’s as cold and distant as his dark-haired huntsman Rane is warm and charming—she takes it. With her shape-shifting gemstone golem, Grimney, by her side, Saphira, who has dark hair and eyes, is determined to achieve independence for herself, though she’s pitted against the machinations of a villain she may not even be able to recognize. The evocative fantasy world feels influenced by Indian cultural elements, including the food, environment, and folklore about Nagas. The intriguing characters and promising magic elements can’t quite overcome the packed plot that needs much explanation. This stand-alone, which contains plenty of angsty romance, will be more pleasing to casual fantasy readers than those looking for deep, robust worldbuilding or a well-defined magical system.

A muddled yet colorful and romantic fantasy.