Why I DNF’d Warrior Princess Assassin (Brigid Kemmerer) — A Thoughtful Look
Let me start by saying this isn’t a “bad book” review—it’s a not-for-me review. Warrior Princess Assassin is beautifully written, full of tension and heart, and clearly crafted by a skilled storyteller. My decision to DNF (Did Not Finish) isn’t about quality—it’s about preference. I think it’s important to talk about that openly, because what doesn’t click for one reader can absolutely be a five-star read for another.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
What Warrior Princess Assassin Is All About
Set in a realm of magic, political intrigue, and shifting loyalties, Warrior Princess Assassin introduces three central figures: a princess, a warrior king, and an assassin. Princess Jory of Astranza is torn between duty and desire—her family’s magic is fading, and to save her kingdom she must marry King Maddox “Ky” Kyronan, a fearsome warrior whose fire magic and battlefield reputation precede him.
But Jory’s heart has long belonged to Asher, her childhood friend turned assassin for hire. When Asher is tasked with hunting down both Jory and Ky, loyalties blur, secrets unravel, and attraction becomes increasingly complicated.
What begins as a seemingly classic love triangle soon takes a twist—the emotional lines between all three characters begin to blur. Rather than a traditional “choose one” scenario, the story edges into “why-choose” or polyamorous romantic territory. It’s steamy, emotionally complex, and, for many readers, a refreshing shake-up of romantasy conventions.
What Worked for Me
The opening hooked me right away. The setup felt high-stakes and compelling, and I was immediately invested in the triangle forming between Jory, Ky, and Asher. Each POV was distinct, and Kemmerer’s writing had that cinematic pull that makes you want to keep turning pages. I also loved that this wasn’t going to be a simple “king versus assassin” rivalry—it promised emotional depth, betrayal, and the kind of tension that makes romantasy shine.
Where I Started to Drift
My main struggle came when the romantic direction started to shift. Once the dynamic between Ky and Asher began to develop, I realized the story was veering into territory I don’t personally enjoy. I’m not a fan of reverse harem or polyamorous relationships in my fiction; I prefer my male main characters to be completely focused—borderline obsessed—with the heroine. Basically, I prefer monogamy. When the romantic energy is split, my emotional investment tends to fade.
There were other smaller things that contributed, too. The pacing slowed in parts, and I found myself waiting for a bigger payoff that never quite came. From what I’ve read in other reviews, the ending leans more toward setup for the series than resolution—which likely would’ve frustrated me further.
So rather than push through, I decided to set it aside. Sometimes, it’s better to move on to a book that matches your current mood than to force a finish that feels like homework.
What Others Loved
It’s worth noting that many readers are loving this book. Reviewers have praised its lush writing, emotional tension, and the slow-burn chemistry between all three leads. Asher, in particular, seems to be a fan favorite for his darker backstory and moral complexity. Readers who enjoy “why-choose” dynamics, slow-burn tension, and high fantasy politics are calling this an addictive new romantasy series.
So while it didn’t work for me personally, I can easily see why Warrior Princess Assassin has become a hit among fans of authors like Elise Kova, Danielle L. Jensen, and Sarah J. Maas.
Reader Ratings & Spice Level
Even though I didn’t finish Warrior Princess Assassin, I always like checking in on what other readers are saying. Across Goodreads reviews, this romantasy has been generally well-received — averaging around 4 out of 5 stars. Many readers highlight the intricate relationships, emotional tension, and immersive world-building as standout features.
As for the spice level, most readers rate it around a 3 out of 5 — meaning it’s steamy, but not overly explicit. The romantic tension takes center stage, with emotional depth and sensual chemistry driving much of the story’s heat rather than purely physical scenes.
If you enjoy slow-burn passion layered with complex dynamics (and don’t mind your fantasy romance leaning into the “why-choose” direction), this balance of emotional and physical intensity might be right up your alley.
About the Author — Brigid Kemmerer
Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author best known for weaving emotional depth, moral complexity, and immersive fantasy into her stories. Over the years she has penned more than a dozen novels across YA fantasy, contemporary romance, and paranormals—books like A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, Letters to the Lost, and now Warrior Princess Assassin.
Kemmerer grew up moving across the U.S. (Omaha → Albuquerque → Cleveland → eventually settling near Annapolis/Maryland) and later held a career in finance before embracing full-time writing.
Central to all her work is a fascination with character, relationships, and the lines (and tensions) between duty, identity, and love. In interviews, she says that even though she writes across genres, at heart her stories are always about family—the families we inherit, and the ones we choose.
My Verdict
Warrior Princess Assassin is one of those reads that reminds me how personal reading tastes really are. Brigid Kemmerer delivers beautiful writing, intricate world-building, and layered emotion—but the romantic direction just wasn’t my style. I prefer my fantasy romances with a single, all-in hero whose world revolves around the heroine, so the “why-choose” dynamic made it hard for me to stay fully invested.
Still, I can absolutely see why this book is a new obsession for readers who love complex love triangles, morally gray heroes, and high-stakes magic. If that’s you, this might be your next binge read. It just wasn’t mine.
Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Let me know if the comments.