3.5 stars rounded up!

What a breath of fresh air. This book grabbed me immediately, the FMC was so easy to like. The whole thing was whimsical and swept me up. The descriptions of the world were vivid and easy to imagine, I could see it all in such a beautiful light.

The characters were well fleshed out, lots of reasoning behind their decisions and actions which I enjoy in a book, even the "villains" were given reasons behind their motives which made it easy to believe what they were doing.

The magic system is my favourite part of this book. Totally unique and in some way, scientific in that it is based on some physics of jewels and properties of metals, even if they relate to very unscientific magic. I enjoyed the FMCs way of thinking things through and explaining her understanding of the magic.

The sidekick, the cutest thing. He also added to the story a lot!

The forced proximity and marriage came about quite quickly but I enjoyed it playing out none the less.

There were lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming so they were enjoyable too!

The suspense was there from page 1 and all the way to the end making it a quick, enjoyable read from start to finish.

YA isn't usually something I read and this was definitely YA in the slow burn and innocence in the romance. The yearning was palpable and the author did a great job portraying any romance in the book well while keeping it YA.

Things moved at a breakneck speed which worked well for the story, even beautiful moments that were slower to appreciate surroundings or have quiet moments were busy with lots of details and feelings. I feel like this book could have easily been at least a duology despite the story wrapping up nicely at the end. I would have loved a dual POV too!

R E V I E W

Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara

☆☆☆.75

Advanced Reader Copy graciously provided by Hachette Children's Group | Hodder Children's Books via Netgalley

This was a nice little YA fantasy read, suitable for fans of the Folk of the Air series and monster romances.

I found the premise quite unique, with FMC Saphira being a talented jewelsmith capable of endowing jewels with magic based on the wearer's desires. The addition of a gargoyle-like sidekick gave me Knight and the Moth parallels, whilst the MMC definitely had some Cardan-energy towards the end.

I will say that whilst I enjoyed this story, and found the romance sweet and wholesome (definitely suitable for those who prefer their intimacy off-page), there were times where the overarching narrative seemed to take a back seat and I questioned what Saphira's role in this whole endeavour even was. There is a big part of this story where her jewelsmithery takes a back seat in favour of developing the relationship between the main characters and endearing the Serpent King to Saphira, to the point where I forgot she even had a greater role to play than his wife.

Despite this, this was a nice, cosy read and a nice pallette cleanser between bigger, harder-hitting stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

I really liked the super-cool jewel based magic system, and I thought how personal it was to the individual jewelsmith was really interesting. I also enjoyed the fast pace and easy read nature of the book.

The reveal with Rane, in my opinion, was pretty obvious but it did work for the story, as in, it didn't not make sense, it was just a little too on the nose. <spoiler> I couldn't really understand if his people knew he was the king or not? Or if like they thought that was the real Rane who was king and the Rane we knew first went by something else? I don't know. </spoiler>

As I said in the spoiler above, there was a lot here that I just didn't get and I had to either sit in that and be annoyed or move on. I mostly chose to move on. Saphia's backstory doesn't make a ton of sense? <spoiler> Suddenly her mom's around and fine? Huh? Also, Saphira really doesn't seem to care that much? And you know what, while I have you in this spoiler, is her name Aria or Saphira because that was not clear? Is her OG name Aria?? I don't know. </spoiler> What happened when she was a child is very unclear, and I don't totally understand the whole Lady Incarnadine thing or the Emperor. Mirandel is a completely murky character, and I really don't understand her relationship to anyone else in the book.

Also, the whole fake marriage of convenience/looking for a bride thing was a blip of a plot point that made no sense. If you're looking for that here, it's not really around.

Overall, if you ignore a lot of the finer details of world-building and just brush off the confusing story elements, there is a fun, easy-read fantasy here. I do think it would be better suited to mid-range teens (15-17), as they would be more likely not to notice that stuff. Three stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Sunya Mara for this ARC!

This was a fantastic and thrililng read. It was full of world building and magical system, which had you gripped from beginning to end. It is an incredible read and so worth buying. I would highly recommend reading this!

I really enjoyed Sunya Mara's debut duology The Darkening and was excited to see her publish a new standalone. And lucky me; it comes in my favourite colour and is partially inspired by Beauty and the Beast. While the elements are definitely there and there are certainly some higher stakes too, this felt like a softer story overall - the Serpent King isn't quite so beastly and I felt the romance was altogether more on the sweet side.

While it wasn't entirely clear which or if any culture inspired this setting, it felt like a mixture of Indian and Middle Eastern elements. Set in a world were jewels hold magic and djinn and other mythical creatures live in a very tense peace with humans, the author created a really interesting magic system. Our main character Saphira is a jewelsmith; not only is she create pretty jewellery, but she also enhances their magic properties giving the items a boon to the wearer. Where once magical creatures and humans lived side by side, jewelsmiths eventually found a way to bind magic folk to items too.

I truly enjoyed Saphira as a character. There has (finally!) been an increase in quieter female lead characters and she was such a great fit for this. Despite being a passionate and talented jewelsmith, she prefers to keep a low profile and gets nervous in crowds. She she poses as an apprentice of a lesser skilled jewelsmith who, unlike her, has all the salesman skills. Despite trying to hide both her skills and her very person, when the Serpent King from a magic kingdom comes looking for a human bride, it is Saphira who catches his eye.

Saphira is a good example of how a quiet character who prefers solitude and doesn't do well in crowds can be a very strong and satisfying character to read about. She's clearly talented and it was lovely to see her journey into giving into her passions. She's also very clever as jewelsmithing requires a lot more than just a good eye for aesthetics. She is caring and brave in her own quiet way. She embarks on a journey with the Serpent King under the guide of marriage but both stand to gain something from their arrangement.

I confess that I guessed how the romance would play out quite early on but it was nonetheless nicely written; there was some good foreshadowing and I liked how all characters involved reacted when cards were put on the table. The romance felt very organic which made for a sweet and easy to root for main couple.

While the world building wasn't overwhelmingly detailed, I think it was well done for a standalone and I'd happily read future books set in this same world. It feels colourful with all it's jewel magic and and the way it was all described was just aesthetically really pleasing.

As a whole, I don't think this was an overly complicated plot - you kind of get what you'd expect from the premise but it's just really nicely written, has a great magic system and truly shines with it's main characters.

For the amount of fantasy I read, it takes a lot to surprise me. But this surprised me in the best way, especially with the magic system. A fantastic read!

I adore this book! From the beginning it is so compelling. There’s interesting lore, a fascinating magic system (jewels), and it is a fast read. Never shallow or boring, just a lovely spice free young adult fantasy romance. I can’t wait for whatever this author writes next.

Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara is a beautifully descriptive fantasy novel that captivates with its vivid imagery and enchanting world-building. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, making it a quick and engaging read. However, the resolution of the central conflict feels somewhat rushed, with problems being resolved a bit too quickly. This left me wishing for more depth and development, I think that could have been achieved by expanding it into two books. Despite this, the novel's charm and immersive quality make it a delightful read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Fascinating story with very interesting characters.

The story background with the jewel making was very interesting, full of magic and romance. Kept me very focused on the story and couldn’t put the book down.

Can’t wait to read more books by the author.

Arc generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group for this ARC to review

This book follows Saphira, a young jewelsmith who lives in the shadow of her master jewelsmith, Galen, but that’s just the way she likes it. Escaping the clutches of the djinn as a child, Saphira now prefers to fly under the radar and hide in the shadows while Galen takes the credit for her work. However, Galen’s desire for status eventually lands her bang in the middle of dangerous territory with the djinn Lady Incarnadine, leaving her with no choice but to plan for an escape when she is recognised. However, that escape is as dangerous as staying with Galen. Saphira is faced with a choice, stay with Galen and risk her identity being revealed to all, or marry the terrifying Serpent King which is ultimately, a dangerous deal but the path she chooses.

The magic system Sunya has created around jewellery and gemstones was fascinating and unlike anything I’ve ever read. An honourable mention should also go to Saphira’s pet rock who was a cute addition! This book is YA but it did feel as though the first half was slower to pick up than the second half which had more adventure, danger and held my attention in a way that the first half didn’t.

I would have loved to see more of the relationship develop during her time with the Serpent King and to delve deeper with the backstories of the characters who were all great. Overall enjoyed Embrace the Serpent and would recommend to lovers of YA.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group for this eCopy to review

From the moment I stepped into the world of Embrace the Serpent, I was completely captivated. Sunya Mara delivers a sweeping romantic fantasy that blends intrigue, magic, and unexpected alliances into a mesmerising tale.

The story follows Saphira, a young jeweller's apprentice who has spent years hiding her rare ability to harness magic within gemstones. After escaping the cruel djinn Lady Incarnadine, she now works under the unscrupulous jewelsmith Galen, keeping her talents a secret. But when Galen’s arrogance leads to an impossible challenge set by Lady Incarnadine, Saphira is forced into a dangerous bargain with Rane, the enigmatic huntsman sent by the Serpent King. If she can craft a mysterious piece for his master, the Serpent King will grant her a new identity and freedom. However, when their plans unravel, Saphira finds herself trapped in a marriage of convenience to the cold, silver-skinned ruler himself—caught between his cunning schemes and Rane’s undeniable charm.

Mara’s storytelling is lush and immersive, weaving together a world inspired by Indian folklore, filled with rich cultural details and evocative magic. The tension between Saphira, Rane, and the Serpent King is electric, making every interaction pulse with emotion. The novel’s themes of identity, survival, and power struggles are beautifully explored, keeping me hooked until the final page.

Embrace the Serpent's romance is angsty yet deeply satisfying, the world-building is vivid, and the characters are layered with complexity. If you love fantasy with high stakes, intricate relationships, and a heroine fighting for her own destiny, this book is an absolute must-read.

Embrace the Serpent is an enjoyable and quick read, writing is accessible and flows smoothly, making it easy to get swept up in the world and characters right from the first chapter.

The romance is sweet and engaging without overpowering the plot, and the adventure elements keep things moving at a fast pace. It’s very much a young adult book—with all the tropes and themes you’d expect.

If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining escape with a bit of danger and a bit of heart, this one’s worth picking up. A solid 4-star read for me!

This was a really great, fast paced, romantasy, and I loved the adventure.
The characters seemed well fleshed out and although I could guess what was going to happen, it did not take away from the enjoyment of the story. It was nice to be able to peace together the story as it was unfollowing.
The Snake King is such a perfect candidate for book boyfriend of the year and I am rooting for him and Saphira.
I love love loved the jewelsmith aspect and the whole concept of jewels as well as the inclusion later on of the divine creatures. Grimney was an absolute favourite!

I am so happy that this is getting published! I read the beginning of this book several years ago on Amazon and couldn’t find it again as it was lost in the sea of books but I really enjoyed continuing it and I am relieved to see that little of the original dialogue and the characters haven’t changed since that first read!
The plot, the romance and the atmosphere of this book is so lovely i want to dive in all over again!
Romance Rating: Sweet Smokey - fade to black with very little buildup
Violence Rating: Level 3

This was a really fun and engaging book and I loved how it had such a unique premise around jewel crafting and magical jewellery.

I enjoyed how fast paced it was and that it was a romantasy that has all mix of different elements of genres that I am such a fan of and I found this helped with how much I really enjoyed the story and characters, also give me a magical sidekick/familiar and it will always be a book I will love.

Overall this was just such a magical YA romantasy and one I will always recommend.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review before publication. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a child Saphira witnessed her mother’s murder before being kidnapped by the killer. She escapes to the streets where she is taken in by a jewelsmith who sees the potential in her natural talent. He teaches her the finer elements of the craft and offers her a job and a home. In return he takes credit for her work and watches his business flourish. Fortunately for him Saphira is more than happy to keep to shadows, especially if it means the woman who killed her mother won’t be able to find her again. But Saphira’s masterful work soon begins to attract more notice than either of them could have ever expected. When the Serpent King comes to town looking for both a jewelsmith and a bride, Saphira finds herself thrust into the spotlight amidst a maze of politics and danger.

Saphira has all the foundations for the perfect female protagonist: a fierce orphan with a special talent, a past she is trying to hide, and dreams for a better future. She even has a cute and quirky ‘animal’ sidekick. It’s the perfect set-up for a great story and Sunya Maya does not disappoint with the execution. Her character development is flawless. Saphira starts as a girl in hiding and is pushed reluctantly into the spotlight before eventually embracing her true self.

The character of the Serpent King offers a delightful contrast, living his life in the spotlight with a carefully cultivated image of confidence, authority, and danger. His reputation relies on the bloody accomplishments that others would try to hide. Similarly his huntsman Rane exudes confidence, but holds his secrets close to his chest. I love how, as the plot progresses, we start to see glimpses behind the armour of both men.

As for the world itself, I think Sunya Maya has taken a few simple ideas and embellished them beautifully. The idea of a hidden city and a rivalry between the magical and the non-magical is an age old trope and it works so well in this book. The magic of jewelsmithing is introduced in a frivolous way, as jewellery for noble women, but quickly takes on a much more serious tone with a far greater level of complexity. As a stand-alone book, it has just enough world-building to immerse us in the story without bogging down the book with too many plot-slowing details.

Overall this book has the ideal balance of character development, plot intrigues, and world-building - just the right combination to make it impossible to put down.

3 stars - YA fantasy

Saphira, an “apprentice” jewel maker, who secretly makes the jewels for her master to sell in his name, attracts the attention of Rane, the huntsman of the serpent king. Saphira ends up wed to the serpent king and travels to his land for a mysterious job. However, her jewel master wants her back and enlists the help of Lady Incarnadine the high lady / Djinn to the emperor.

I loved the world setting of the magical jewels / jewel makers and found it intriguing how Saphira was the actual maker but hiding behind her master Galen. I found the serpent kings hunt for a bride and the chosen ladies similar to regency England. I absolutely loved the character of Grimmey who is like a stone / rock pet.

The story had all the makings of a really good duology but as a stand-alone I found it lacking. I felt like everything was half described from the magic system, the serpent kings kingdom, the relationship development between Saphira and Rane. Saphiras reunion with her mother felt extremely rushed / passed over, as did the ending.

I feel like if it was longer it could have been fleshed out more making it an enjoyable read, but as it were I found myself slightly disappointed.

Thank you to Hachette Children's Books for the ARC!

𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙮, 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙖 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙣. 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝 & 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙬𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙊𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩!

This was a lovely YA romantasy and I had a great time reading it. I really liked the magic system and the jewelsmithing. The yearning tension and slow build were exactly what I like in a romantasy. It is firmly YA so there is not any spice.

This book is chock-full of incredible lore, fascinating jewel magic, and harrowing escapes from the Imperial Guards hunting Saphira. I loved Saphira's character and how she builds trust slowly with Rane, lowering walls that have kept her alive and safe for years. Her abilities as a jewelsmith were incredible to read about, and I loved her golem companion, Grimney. He stole the show in every scene he appeared in.

Overall, I had a good time. I think it’s worth picking up for the magic system alone, but really the entire book is so interesting

Wow. I loved this one—absolutely devoured it.

This book was everything I wanted and more. Embrace the Serpent is rich, intense, and brimming with emotion. The writing is gorgeous, the world feels dark and mythic, and the characters? Completely unforgettable.

I was hooked from the first chapter. The tension, the magic, the emotion—it all hit so perfectly. There’s this underlying ache to everything, like you know things could fall apart at any second, and yet there’s still so much beauty and hope woven in. And the romance? Chef’s kiss. Deliciously complicated in all the right ways.

Sunya Mara has this way of making every moment feel meaningful, and I found myself fully swept up in the story. I didn’t want it to end.

Rating: 5/5 – Powerful, poetic, and packed with feels. I’m obsessed.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*