Book Review: The Altruist and the Assassin by Sarah M. Cradit

About the Book:

Title: The Altruist and the Assassin

Author: Sarah M. Cradit

Series: The Book of All Things

Release Date: August 9, 2022

Publisher: Storyville Press

Blurb: Rhiain enjoys a charmed life as the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the realm. Spoiled and vain, she has never met a need or want she couldn’t attain. The dark spots in her memory have been tucked away, with all other unpleasant things.

Then a terrible mistake brings her entire world crashing down around her. Her life shifts in an instant; her fate, uncertain. Her father’s punishment for her is forcing her to train for a life as one of his prized assassins.

But a chance encounter in a familiar tavern will change everything. Everything she knows. Everything she feels. Everything she is.

As Rhiain gets closer to handsome, enigmatic Asterin— a man she doesn’t remember but claims to possess the truth about her dark spots—she begins to accept there is much more to these gaps in her understanding of the past.

Because these memories were taken from her for a reason. And there are those who will do anything to stop her from remembering.

The Altruist and the Assassin is a standalone fated love fantasy romance tale set in the Kingdom of the White Sea universe, with hints of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

Reality is what others say it is. It’s what they think, and when enough of them think it, it replaces the truth.

The Altruist and the Assassin is the third standalone romantasy in The Book of All Things series, and it’s dark, romantic, and suspenseful. Oh my word, this story!! I loved it. From the characters to the world-building and plot, everything is layered and rich and nuanced, and I love the messages about family, friendship, love, and more.

Cradit has a knack for creating strong female protagonists, and Rhiain is no exception. She goes through a tremendous amount of growth throughout the story as she becomes a political pawn with a ruthless task. Rhiain has holes in her memory, but as little bits of it come back to her, she learns that not everything is as it seems. I like how the story slowly reveals parts of her past and glimpses of her future. She’s gone through so much, and as the holes in her memory come back, and she gains a little clarity, she becomes even more confident and sure of herself. She’s fierce, determined, and brave, and everything I like in a protagonist.

Asterin is amazing too, and I’d like to officially make him my new book boyfriend! He’s interesting and intelligent, and he is so not what he seems! I like the mystery surrounding him and how he slowly reveals more and more of his personality and connection to Rhiain. There are also some fantastic side characters, especially Sesto! He and the other characters who form this wonderful found family are so compelling and layered, and I was invested in all of their stories. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them as the series continues!

Heart of my heart. Soul of my soul. My beginning and my end and everything in between.

The romance is positively swoon-worthy! Rhiain and Asterin have explosive chemistry, and their relationship is filled with angst, mystery, and so much longing. Their story is complicated and confusing, especially for Rhiain, but the more time they spend together the more undeniable the feelings are. Unfortunately for them, their journey together is not simple, and dangerous people and threats are always lurking.

Like the world-building and the characters, the plot is layered and compelling, and mystery, suspense, and shocking revelations abound. There’s truly never a dull moment, and I was so gripped by the story and the characters that I read the book in one sitting. I couldn’t wait to see if Rhiain would obey her father or stay true to herself. I wanted to learn more about why her father did what he did, even though he knew such a horrific betrayal would cost him the tumultuous relationship he had with his daughter. So many secrets are revealed, each more surprising than the one before it, and it made for an engrossing read.

I loved this book! It has a ton of mystery, suspense, action, romance, a fantastic found family, vivid world-building, and powerful messages. Did I mention the romance, because I can’t get enough of Rhiain and Asterin! Special thanks to Sarah M. Cradit for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.