June 3rd, 2025
Home | Log in!

On Top Shelf
Sandra BrownSandra Brown
Fresh Pick
MY FRIENDS
MY FRIENDS

New Books This Week

Reader Games

🌸 Summer Kick-Off Giveaways


Sunshine, secrets, and swoon-worthy stories—June's featured reads are your perfect summer escape.

Slideshow image


Since your web browser does not support JavaScript, here is a non-JavaScript version of the image slideshow:

slideshow image
He doesn�t need a woman in his life; she knows he can�t live without her.


slideshow image
A promise rekindled. A secret revealed. A second chance at the family they never had.


slideshow image
A cowboy with a second chance. A waitress with a hidden gift. And a small town where love paints a brand-new beginning.


slideshow image
She�s racing for a prize. He�s dodging romance. Together, they might just cross the finish line to love.


slideshow image
She steals from the mob for justice. He�s the FBI agent who could take her down�or fall for her instead.


slideshow image

He�s her only protection. She�s carrying his child. Together, they must outwit a killer before time runs out.


Assassin's Gambit

Assassin's Gambit, April 2013
The Hearts and Thrones Series
by Amy Raby

Signet
Featuring: Vitala Salonius; Lucien
400 pages
ISBN: 0451417828
EAN: 9780451417824
Kindle: B008EKOR3E
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book
Add to Wish List


Purchase



"In the Struggle of Power, Nothing is safe...not even her heart."

Fresh Fiction Review

Assassin's Gambit
Amy Raby

Reviewed by Sherri Morris
Posted June 3, 2013

Fantasy | Science Fiction

Vitala Salonius is the first female to win the game of Caturanga. Caturanga is a strategy game that is a favorite of the current King, Emperor Lucien. Vitala isn't your average champion, she is on the mission she has been training most of her life for. Vitala is a ward breaker and trained assassin through the Obsidian Circle. Vitala had been chosen at a young age because of her half Kajallan, half Roircan heritage, which allows her to easily pass for Kajallan. The Kajallan Empire has use the Riorcan people as slaves, and levied high taxes on them. As Caturanga champion, she is invited to the palace. Upon meeting Emperor Lucien, Vitala grows to respect and even like Lucien. When a group of his officers tries to assassinate him, Vitala finds herself saving his life instead of letting him die. While running from the assassins they try to come to understand the feelings they have for one another. Now that Cassain, the new acting Emperor of Kajallan is working to decimate the Riorcan people, and take Lucian's 13 year old cousin Celeste as a wife, the pair must act quickly and strategically to bring Cassain down and rescue Celeste. I loved that the characters are both far from perfect but seem perfect for each other. Both Vitala and Lucien have had their own people turn against them. Vitala because of her heritage that caused her to look more Kajallan that Riorcan and Lucien, because of the loss of his leg. Although Amy Raby is a new author for me, I will absolutely loved her writing in ASSASSIN'S GAMBIT.

Learn more about Assassin's Gambit

SUMMARY

Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga, is as deadly as she is beautiful. She's a trained assassin for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate power. Using her charm and wit, she plans to seduce her way into the emperor's bed and deal him one final, fatal blow, sparking a battle of succession that could change the face of the empire. As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son of a deposed emperor, Lucien must constantly be wary of an attempt on his life. But he's drawn to the stunning Caturanga player visiting the palace. Vitala may be able to distract him from his woes for a while—and fulfill other needs, as well. Lucien's quick mind and considerable skills awaken unexpected desires in Vitala, weakening her resolve to finish her mission. An assassin cannot fall for her prey, but Vitala's gut is telling her to protect this sexy, sensitive man. Now she must decide where her heart and loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her heart for good....


What do you think about this review?

Comments

No comments posted.

Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!

 

 

 

© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net  all rights reserved Privacy Policy