The Empress by Kristin Cast

Kristin Cast’s The Empress is a high-heat, fake marriage romantasy that plunges readers into the enchanting and dangerous world of Towerfall. With tarot-inspired intrigue, morally gray characters, and a swoon-worthy romance, this novel is the perfect pick for fans of Scarlett St. Clair and Outlander.

Thank you Kristin Cast, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for the free digital book.

Kristin Cast’s The Empress delivers a seductive, tarot-inspired romantasy full of mystery, danger, and an irresistible morally gray hero. The story pulled me in with its dual realms, offering intriguing parallels between Towerfall and the real world. The concept of mirror versions of characters across these realms added depth and complexity to the narrative.

Kane was a standout. Dashing, brooding, and dangerous, he made for a compelling love interest, embodying the morally ambiguous warrior archetype perfectly. Hannah, on the other hand, felt refreshingly relatable. Her heroism came not from hidden powers but from her personal growth, as she gained confidence and embraced her own inner strength. It was such a delight to see a heroine who felt so grounded and realistic, even in a fantastical setting.

While I enjoyed the story’s premise, I did feel slightly confused about the role of the Empress card and its significance in the broader narrative. As the first book in a series, The Empress lays a fascinating foundation, but I’m eager to see how the tarot elements, especially the tower and its mysteries, will unfold in future installments.

With its fake marriage trope, high stakes, and seductive world-building, The Empress offers a captivating blend of romance and fantasy. Fans of Scarlett St. Clair and Outlander will find much to love in this spellbinding start to a new series.