This is more of a 3.75 closer to a 4 star read but I did have some impatience with the pacing in the middle of the book.

If you love books where the romance is the main plot this book will be so fun and while I did enjoy the development of the romance I do want to see more of the world as the series continues. Give me more side characters give me more of the devils give me more of the neighboring kingdoms.

I am looking forward to the rest of the series and im hoping to see a lot more development!

This was surprisingly delightful, It was in third person (thank you jesus), enemies to lovers, forced marriage, and just a handful of my favorite things, so it had me KICKING MY FEET and giggling to myself non stop.

One of the most underrated gems I've found on NetGalley, I need a physical copy to add to my collection asap.

Also, on my way to find the sequel.

This Book has everything you want in a medieval fantasy—knights, court drama, a complicated romance, and just the right amount of spice. The story weaves in political intrigue and moments of tension that keep things interesting. The characters and their relationships are well-written, making you care about what happens to them. While the pacing slows down a bit in places, it picks up for a satisfying finish. If you enjoy a good mix of romance and adventure, you’ll definitely enjoy this one!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This book was so much better than I was expecting it to be. I was expecting your average entertaining read, but I genuinely couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting.

The author seems to have done her homework on medieval warfare (and the descriptions don't bog down the narrative!), and the world building is great. The sunshiney FMC is lovable from the start, and the grumpy MMC quickly grew on me.

My one criticism is that this <i>is</i> part of a trilogy, and that aspect isn't handled with as much grace as I'd like. I genuinely had to wonder about some of these loose threads "Will this get addressed in the next book? Or did the author just forget about this?" I'm assuming these things will get resolved, but it's not something I typically wonder about when reading books that are part of a series; the authors' intentions to resolve the thread in a later book is better telegraphed.

You know that feeling when you pick up a book with zero expectations and it turns out to be an absolute gem? That’s Traitor Son by Melissa J. Cave. I went in blind, and honestly, that’s the best way to dive into this epic high fantasy with medieval vibes...with just the right amount of angst, slow-burn pacing, and

A warrior and the daughter of the Divine Emperor are forced into an arranged marriage to (awkwardly) unite their rival families. It’s all very “peace treaty chic” until you realize Ophele has a little secret: the Emperor executed Remin’s family, and oh yeah, they were totally innocent. Should she tell him? Will she tell him? Let’s just say you’ll be sweating alongside her as the slow burn unfolds.

The world-building is top-notch, and the historical fantasy vibes make you feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval soap opera (in the best way possible). The romance has a strong, deliciously tense current running through it. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good enemies-to-reluctant-lovers-to-maybe-actual-lovers situation? Plus, the family drama and intrigue are enough to keep your head spinning (but in a fun way).

Is it fast-paced? Nope. This one’s a slow burn, folks. Melissa J. Cave takes her sweet time laying out the chessboard of alliances, betrayals, and secrets, but trust me, it’s worth sticking around. You’ll be so immersed in the story, you won’t even realize you’ve been holding your breath during some of the more intense moments.

Overall, Traitor Son was a fantastic surprise, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK. What a phenomenal first book in a series. I appreciated the world building, the historical aspect and paranormal aspects. Plus the grovel was just chef's kiss.

It was such a nice fantasy book, old school vibes, with a well thought out world and characters. The pace I would say is slow/medium.

The story follows Remin, a renowned knight in the kingdom and hated by the king because of his parents' treason, and Ophele, the bastard daughter of the king. After accomplishing one of the king's commands, he is granted anything he wants. As part of a plan to get a safe place for his knights and get back at the king, he asks for a piece of land and the hand of the king's daughter. Mistreated her whole life, Ophele is a very innocent and delicate girl. As they navigate through the kingdom to reach Remin's lands and work to make them habitable for a population, they have to work through their feelings for each other, easier said than done for Remin, who has lived through so many attempts of murder against him that his trust is very much limited to his knights.

The characters were lovely, they were deep and insightful. They merged so well also, complimenting the other perfectly. The setting was so nice, I felt like I was in there. After that open ending I can't wait for the second book.

5/5 stars

This is an excellent start ot a new fantasy series: a grimdark romantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed and leaves nothing hidden. The picture on the cover made me think of Ancient China, the characters and the world building are well done.
Good storytelling, intriguing plot. Can't wait for the next novel
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This one took me by surprise, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did! The best way to describe it would be a quiet, cozy romantasy. It wasn't crazy go go go with the action like a lot of romantasies I've read, but the world-building was solid and I was very invested in the characters. The romance is between Remin, son of a traitor, and Ophele, exiled daughter of the Divine Emperor, they are brought together in a forced marriage but of course there is attraction and fear of each other so the marriage is very tense. He brings her back to his land, where he and his men are trying to build a bright new world for themselves, they have to learn how to trust each other and maybe even love? I loved their connection and how their relationship built, it was slow and difficult but ultimately so worth it. I also really appreciated that even though Remin seems like your classic broody alpha male, he didn't feel like the stereotypical ones and I felt like he had so much depth. I cannot wait to read the next book!

This was a very easy book to read I did like it.. but with the spicy scenes, the fact that the FMC's has 17 didn't appealed me much if she was older... Also she felt a bit immature and I get the reasons but still...
In general I did liked the book and the story was interesting

Really good book that will leave you wanting more. The characters are lovable and relatable. I agree with other reviews that I wish the stakes were alittle higher so the characters have to overcome more/deal with more.

I cannot stop thinking about this. I have not connected to a main character more. Originally a reserved and anxious girl, she is able to find her bubbly and talkative personality and a man who loves and supports her through it all.

The main characters got me interested in the beginning, and they kept me hooked. I loved following their story.

I love the world too. The worldbuilding felt so natural, and the world felt so real and intriguing.

I only wish the stakes had been higher near the ending.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fantasy read with slow burn romance.

Includes:
Complicated feelings
Arranged marriage
Slow burn
Friendship
Found family

I received this as an e-arc on #netgalley to review.

If you loved Under the Oak Tree, you'd probably really like this.

I am going to start off by saying that at the end of it, I enjoyed this book. I originally wanted to read it because of the cover and because I thought it would be action packed. Most of the action happens in the beginning and then you're thrown into a world of Remin (MMC) going to claim his wife, Ophelle (FMC) that he basically gained to marry due to winning a big war that the emperor never thought he would win. Most of "action" takes place in the beginning and there's not much fighting or battles after that, just demon and ghoul sightings that never harmed the main characters really. It was more of a romance story in which 2 characters have to learn to overcome their trauma and learn to trust and love each other. Its a simple story, however, I just really enjoyed the writing. It was a little different. Thankfully there was no "throat bobbing" (SJM I'm looking at you), and although there was spice, I felt it was really well written and I could really imagine it (LOL). I loved all the side characters, Miche being my favorite. A man who knows how to communicate always gets me. The character development of Remin & Ophelle was good, and realistic. You aren't just angry with someone or hate them for one second and the magically love them and never get angry with them again. It doesn't work that way and I liked that Remin was LEARNING to love Ophelle and made mistakes throughout but eventually learned from them and still made mistakes even after that in the way he treated her but always realized and made himself work hard to be better. I really enjoyed that part of the character development and hopefully we'll see more action in the future books.

I liked the love story, but I expected more plot. The love story, though pretty nice, was very predictable and none of the questions got answered in terms of the conspiracy and the devils. I understand that for the first book in the series, this is supposed to set up the world and introduce to the main characters but even the world-building wasn't really there. The plot almost wholly takes place in Tresingale and surrounding area and there's just details of building a town that could someday grow into a city, the greatest there ever was.
I liked the writing style but was not a fan of the narrative. I just needed something more to happen in the book beyond Remin and Ophele's married life. I enjoyed reading about the Knights of Brede. The knights were actually more interesting that the very one dimensional protagonists. I do see the character development but if it is absolutely predictable, is it really development? I really liked Remin's confession to Ophele with his will and the way they are setting up their corner of the world. But the dual POV being them and they only thinking about the town and each other, it got a little tedious. I would have liked to read more about politics and I believe another POV from someone in court would have added that missing component to this book. Maybe everything that was happening in Tresingale getting reported to the emperor and him discussing it or just reacting to it, that would have put up a really great contrast and created some much-needed tension in the plot.
There was a snippet of book 2 at the end of this and I wanted to pick it up right away because of the contrast it provided being from the emperor's POV. I would actually be interested in reading the sequel but this one was disappointing for me.

2.5/5 ⭐️

Before I get to the negative bits, I want to make it clear that most of my negative feelings toward this book have very little to do with the writing itself. I think that Cave could have a strong career ahead as a writer. That said the middle portion of this book is one of the single biggest drags I’ve ever experienced as a reader. When the romance takes center stage at the beginning and the end the story is engaging and tantalizing to consume. Outside the romance it’s hard to find a lot of positives; the world is bland, it’s fantasy with almost zero fantasy elements outside exterior menace from creatures you never meet. What it boils down to for about 50% of its pages is a building sim that has little do with actual development outside water carrying. I hate writing reviews like this but growth is hard without negative feedback. As I eluded to the issue has much less to do with the writing as with the crafting of the world and even more so the story.

e-ARC from NetGalley.

This is basically my perfect book and I've already recommended it to all applicable parties! 🥰

Almost as soon as I started, I drew parallels to one of my favorite webtoons, Under the Oak Tree. At one point, I legitimately checked my copy to make sure they weren't the same book. They are not. Don't worry.

This novel follows two protagonists. Ophele, the abused and neglected bastard daughter of the Emperor, and Remin, the son of "traitors," who has only survived the Emperor's numerous assassination attempts thus far by good fortune and sheer force of will.

Seven years prior to the start of our story, Remin was assigned an impossible duty by the Emperor: To retake a valley the Empire had been warring over for centuries. In exchange, Remin would be granted the valley, reappointed as a noble, and given more gold than he knew what to do with. But Remin added a last condition to the terms: If he won back the valley, he was to be given the Emperor's daughter for his wife. The Emperor had no intention for Remin to even survive and is willing to do anything he can - assassination, poison, espionage, betrayal - to make sure he doesn't.

And yet, Remin succeeds.

And thus he finds himself bound - as an insult - to the Emperor's bastard daughter, Ophele. Though the estate upon which Remin finds her is hers, it was taken from her by a disgraced noble family after her mother's death, and she has spent the years since as little more than a lowly servant and a magnet for the ladies' cruelty.

Their marriage is abrupt - Ophele not even aware that she's betrothed - and her new husband is closed-off and brooding. As they travel to the newly won valley where Remin is building his dynasty, Ophele shyly manages to build relationships with all but her own husband.

From the moment she was introduced, I loved Ophele. She is so sweet and brave and curious. The friendships she builds are unintentional and grounded entirely upon her own innocent kindness.

For some time, though, I struggled with Remin. He seemed callous and unnecessarily cruel to Ophele. It made me resent him. Even as his realizations about his new wife brought tears to my eyes, I didn't understand his complete unwillingness to let her in. Until I did. And then I cried for him as well.

This is not an action-packed story. Most of it is spent building a perimeter wall and carrying water to laborers. Most violence and battle occurs off the page. Often, we are not privy to the characters' innermost motivations. But that is not a deterrent. Cave's writing and storytelling is better than I could have dreamed and I was not disappointed.

This book was wonderful. It's somehow a beautiful, slowburn romance; a cozy fantasy; and a story with high stakes, all at once. There is so much love and warmth within this found family. There is this sense of anxious guilt over every perceived failure as they build this city and fight off demonic creatures night after night. There's the agony of waiting for the characters to understand each other, to learn to speak and to trust. There's the sinister knowledge that the next attempt on Remin's life could come from anywhere at any time. There's the question of why it hasn't already.

I don't know what else to say about it. This is my perfect book and I cannot wait for the next one.

I want to thank the author and netgalley for this ARC. This book caught my attention and was quite captivating.  The chemistry between the characters was great. I had a great time reading this story

I loved the world building and politics.
I liked the story and the characters. I spent a good time reading it.
The plot is captivating and i loved romance. I really enjoyed this book

There are fewer things better than starting a new book with no expectations and it delivering something great. Melissa J Cave's 'Traitor Son' does exactly that and was a brilliant read.

Thanks to excellent world-building, superb characterisation, and political machinations, I was quickly gripped and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this new series.

Whilst the romance element of the plot took centre stage (something I'm not normally into), I was engaged throughout and the fantasy and political elements woven around this were very well done, with the potential of what's to come a very exciting prospect!

I'm really looking forward to the next instalment and would give this 4.5 stars if I could. A very nice surprise and a huge thank you to NetGalley and Owl & Bear for an ARC of this novel.