Betrothed to the Emperor (Emperor's Assassin Book 1) by Kai Butler

Amazing start to a new series by Kai Butler. Be ready for an epic fantasy world with political intrigue, hidden plots, interesting characters, and a possible romantic alliance that may end with death.


From the Betrothed to the Emperor blurb:

I was born to kill the emperor, but first, I must marry him.

I trained as an assassin while my twin sister trained to be the empress. My life will be forfeit once I murder the most powerful man on the continent, but I have no choice. If I fail, the Imperium will consume our nation and anyone who rises against them.

Too soon, we walk into the glittering imperial court, each step taking us closer to the dangerous man on the black throne, my sister’s future husband, the newly crowned Emperor of the Southern Imperium. Emperor Tallu has more spies than fish in the sea. He poisoned his own father to secure the golden crown.

When his sharp eyes skim over us, they don’t catch on my sister. They land on me, his killer.

“I choose you, Prince Airón of the Northern Kingdom. You will be my consort.” Tallu’s smile is mirthless. “Or I will reduce your entire nation to ashes.”

Betrothed to the Emperor ends with more story to tell, but the characters end on a HFN.


SNik's review:

First in series (The Emperor’s Assassin). Fantasy. Arranged marriage. Slow burn. Single POV. Cliffhanger. 

Having been trained all his life to assassinate the emperor, Airón doesn’t expect to be chosen as the emperor’s consort instead of his sister. Thrust into the intrigue of the Imperium court, Airón must bide his time in killing Emperor Tallu, he must make sure that the empire is thrown into chaos leaving his home kingdom to survive without another war.

There were so many things to like about this first story (in a trilogy?), the world building, the fascinating characters (both main and secondary), and the secrets making sure the reader is kept on the edge of their seat throughout. Nothing in this story was predictable, and I really appreciated that Airón is committed to his training and mission, no matter what. Tallu is an enigma, and even with little glimpses of his true character, there was not telling what his true motivations were. This was a thrilling read, and the possible romance keeps you guessing. Waiting impatiently for the next entry into this series after a fantastic start.

Betrothed to the Emperor is currently available as an e-book and paperback