The Enemy’s Daughter

by Melissa Poett
The Enemy’s Daughter cover
Good Books rating 3.33
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 1440
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-08
brilliant 5.00

The Enemy’s Daughter is a captivating YA dystopian romance that reimagines Tristan and Isolde. The story features a strong, rebellious heroine and a forbidden romance that is both messy and transcendent, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and emotional tension.

The Enemy’s Daughter is a stunning reimagining of Tristan and Isolde set in a dystopian world woven with magic. The story follows Isadora, a healer and daughter of a clan leader, who is saved by Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, using forbidden magic. Their connection is both magical and dangerous, as they navigate their growing attraction while being bound together. The book is praised for its strong world-building, political intrigue, and emotional tension. Isadora is a strong, kickass heroine who rebels against her father's desires, and her relationship with Tristan is captivating and messy. The book also features a mothering figure, Enola, who is beloved by readers. The reviewer was completely immersed in the story and felt a deep connection to the characters and the world. They highly recommend this book and have even ordered a special edition.

Quick quotes

    This book is absolutely everything. I haven’t read anything like this since The Cruel Prince.

    I feel the political intrigue and emotional tension that has built between the two civilisations is really unravelled through Tristan and Isadora’s connection and sparks a lot of debate.

    I felt so much throughout that book. I hadn’t heard of the this retelling before but I can say that this is the real story because it had me right here ❤️!

neverjudgeabookbyitscover.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-08-20
disappointing 1.50

The reviewer found the writing style bland and the world-building flawed, with a lack of setting descriptions and unexplained war origins. Characters felt underdeveloped, and the romance was unconvincing, leading to disappointment overall.

The reviewer was initially excited about The Enemy’s Daughter due to its beautiful cover but quickly became disappointed. The writing style felt bland, and there were few descriptions of the setting, making it unclear where or when the story took place. The world-building was flawed, particularly because there was no explanation about the beginning of the war and the fall of the Republic. Characters felt underdeveloped, lacking depth and proper descriptions. The romance between Tristan and Isadora was unconvincing, with their connection feeling surface-level and primarily based on a magical bond. The reviewer was upset by the mishandling of the enemies-to-lovers trope and the lack of feminism in the story. While they wouldn't recommend it personally, they think fantasy fans new to the genre might find it easy to follow.

Quick quotes

    The writing style felt very bland, and there were rarely any descriptions of the setting, so I had no idea where or when the story took place.

    The romance wasn’t swoon-worthy at all — it was more confusing than anything.

    The story definitely didn’t live up to my expectations at all.

youngcreativepress.com · Unknown · 2025-04-30
thought-provoking 3.50

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of family, loyalty, and identity. The narrative is intense and thought-provoking, though some may find the pacing uneven.

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett is a powerful exploration of family dynamics and the lasting impact of historical conflicts. The story delves into the lives of characters grappling with their pasts, creating a rich and layered narrative that keeps readers engaged. The emotional depth and intensity of the relationships are particularly compelling, though the pacing can feel uneven at times. Themes of loyalty and identity are woven throughout, making it a thought-provoking read. While the plot is engaging, some readers might find certain elements thin or underdeveloped. Overall, it's a book that will resonate with those who enjoy deep, character-driven stories.

Quick quotes

    The narrative is intense and thought-provoking.

    The emotional depth and intensity of the relationships are particularly compelling.

    Themes of loyalty and identity are woven throughout, making it a thought-provoking read.

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