Review: Rogue Secreto by Victoria McCombs

About the Book

From the author of Mortal Queens and Oathbound comes a fast-paced standalone in a roman empire world, filled with danger, catacombs, secret identities, and a forbidden romance.

Marsella has the unique ability to steal secrets with one glance. She keeps her identity hidden, while going under the name Rogue Secreto. The emperor hires her to read secrets of his enemies, all without realizing this masked figure who can bring empires to heel is his beloved daughter.

He lures enemies to his doorstep by promising Marsella’s hand in marriage, while the Rogue Secreto uncovers their secrets.

But Marsella has another secret. A boy she’s found, trapped behind a wall of water deep within forgotten ruins. As she seeks respite from the demands of her father, she’s drawn to the ruins and to the boy. He becomes her escape, her most treasured secret, and she shares everything she hears with him. When Marsella gleans a secret about someone trapped behind water, she thinks she’s found how to set him free. But he’s been waiting a hundred years to be released, and thanks to the secrets Marsella has been feeding him, he has the chance.
Too late, Marsella learns why he was trapped in the first place.

“I can hold them,” he said softly. “Tell me your darkest secrets, and I’ll carry them for you.”

ROGUE SECRETO is perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter or One Dark Window. It sits at the upper end of the YA genre.

AMAZON / GOODREADS

MY THOUGHTS

Full of intrigue, treachery, and secrets (so many secrets), this dark romantasy was everything I was hoping for and so much more! Victoria McCombs is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books never disappoint, and Rogue Secreto was another winner. I absolutely loved it! It is darker than her previous books, but it still had moments of hope and light, which I really appreciated.

Marsella was a complex character. Being able to see other people's secrets had its advantages, but its drawbacks too, as did her hidden identity. Even though she made some poor decisions along the way, ones that I didn't always agree with, she was still very likable.

I was very intrigued by Cyrus. Why was he trapped? Could he be freed? Was he good or bad? I had so many questions and was very eager to learn more about him.

I thought the Fortune Coins were very interesting. I was very intrigued by what they could do and the power that they held.

This was an incredibly compelling story. I didn't want it to end. I thought the pacing was perfect. I was always eager to get back to it when I had to set it aside. I liked the Ancient Rome setting and thought the worldbuilding was great. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy! I can't wait for McCombs' next book!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS