The Serpent and the Wolf—High Stakes Politics with an Enemies-to-Lovers Slow Burn

If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy with intricate politics, a richly imagined world, and a romance that simmers beneath the surface, then The Serpent and the Wolf is a debut not to miss. This is one of the many books recommended to me on Threads.

Earlier this month I reviewed Gild, which was another recommendation in the same thread that didn't quite fit my requirements. This time, it fit like a glove.

At a Glance

What I Loved

When we first meet Vaasa, she’s furious, forced into a political marriage by her brother, the new king, after their father’s death. With their mother lost to a mysterious magical illness, Vaasa fears she’s inherited the same dark magic. Determined to survive and uncover the truth, she plots to escape her new husband, Reid of Mireh.

But Reid isn’t the enemy she expected. A patient and powerful ruler, he meets Vaasa’s rage with surprising tenderness. As tensions cool, the two strike a fragile alliance, learning to navigate the treacherous world of court politics together.

The magic system is layered and fascinating, with unique covens and bloodline-based abilities. The story also touches on found family, loyalty, and political games, adding to the suspense.

Enemies to Lovers + Marriage of Convenience

The story starts on their wedding night when the bride tries to kill the groom. Are you hooked yet? But because he's been so nice, she decides to let him live—tied to the bed. Vaasa and Reid’s arranged marriage is filled with public pretenses, simmering tension, and a deeply satisfying emotional arc. He’s attentive, patient, and clearly falls first. She tries to kill him—classic.

Intricate Political Intrigue

This is where the story shines. Court politics, shifting alliances, secrets and schemes—every move feels like a strategic play on a larger chessboard.

World-Building

The setting is fully realized, drawing you into a realm of rival kingdoms, magic passed through bloodlines, and lurking supernatural threats.

Slow Burn That Delivers

The romance isn’t the focus, but it’s a rewarding subplot. If you like your romantic tension with a healthy dose of mutual pining and fake dating, this one’s for you.

Magic, Monsters, and Found Family

The magical system—generational, rare, and powerful—adds depth to the story. I only wish it had been explored further.

A quote I loved

“Dismissing your emotions doesn’t make them disappear, it only gives them reason to rise later without your consent.”

A Few Notes:

While the pacing slows in parts, the political tension and layered world kept me turning pages. There’s tons of setup for even more drama and danger in future installments, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.

Final Thoughts:

The Serpent and the Wolf balances classic romantasy tropes with a solid fantasy foundation, offering a compelling debut filled with tension, twists, and emotional payoff. Perfect for fans of immersive world-building and strategic intrigue with just the right touch of heat.