Betrothed to the Emperor

Emperor's Assassin, Book 1

De: Kai Butler

Narrado por: Michael Ferraiuolo

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.

©2025 Kai Butler (P)2025 Kai Butler

so much talent

This is an extremely complex world that looks to be an epic fantastical series. Butler has set up a harsh world where distrust, revenge and self serving goals seem to rule. Told only from Airon's perspective, he may believe everything he says but you have to wonder what is he not seeing in this twisted world. Emperor Tallu throws all his plans upside down when he picks Airon to be his consort instead of his sister. Can he continue his family's revenge plan as he sees more of this world?
Michael Ferraiuolo has an amazing voice and talent.

Came for the LGBT characters, stayed for the incredible performance

Very intriguing, can’t wait for the next one. Excellent performance as well, the raven’s voice was great. Awesome worldbuilding and nail-biting plot!

need book 2 now!!!

please this is so good I can't believe we have to wait for the second book

I NEED MORE!

This story had me hooked from the beginning. As soon as the emperor claimed Airón, I knew this would be page turner. Tallu and Airón will have to find a way to put their differences aside and work together. This book ends in a cliffhanger so beware. I cant wait for book two!

Intrigue, action, and spice!

Quick and fun. The MMC is wonderfully snarky, so that sold me. I had at least once big gasp of surprise, several giggles, and plenty of amused smirks. I can't wait for the second book!

Great start to a new series!

Five stars! Five stars!! This was an amazing start to a new series! The narration was fantastic as always.

Super interesting plot and characters

Complex characters and plot twists I got this book since I love the narrator but now I’m hooked on the author too

fantastic start to this series…

can’t wait until the next book. The world and intrigue are exciting and real in ways I didn’t expect.

Romantasy Meets Suspenseful Thriller

Can a relationship be built by lies, mistrust and ancient wisdom? Well Emperor Tallu and Prince Airón need to do exactly that if either one of them is going to survive. Prince Airón has lived his whole life with one mission and Emperor Tallu is the target. Emperor Tallu is surrounded by lore, rumor and assumptions of his character, heart and his very existence on the throne but why you are shown is certainly not what you get. Kai Butler puts us in a world of the Imperium and the Northern Kingdom who are frenemies but decades old promises need fulfillment and while an enemy within is revealed it will take two made of similar hearts even if they do not realize it to ensure their safety and safety of all peoples. We are left hanging onto the last words and waiting to see what decision will be made.

Narration can do ones of two things, it can enhance or diminish. The narration for this story truly takes it to another level. I definitely enjoyed reading this story but at times I felt it lagged or it wasn't as interesting but the narration keeps you engaged from start to finish. The narration of Michael Ferraiuolo transports you directly this world and brings all character for side and main to life. Giving a voice to Prince Airón and Emperor Tallu allows you to feel what they feel and allows you into their essence. This is my first story with Michael Ferraiuolo and it will certainly not be my last. He very clear and has great tonality throughout. I cannot wait for the next installment and I am even more excited to hear how the story progresses.

Excellent story with an excellent narration!

This book cements Kai Butler as one of my favourite authors! Set in a bloody empire paused on the brink of further bloodshed, the story is filled with uncertainty, intrigue, and betrayal. I was kept on the edge of my seat wondering how Airón would adapt to his new situation. I loved the glimpses we got of Tallu’s character - all is not as it seems. Action, danger, attraction, and loyalties tested added to my enthralment.

The excellent narration absolutely increased my enjoyment!

This is the first book of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger; there is definitely far more to this story and I can’t wait to find out what happens.