Dark Desires and Dangerous Fates: Kiss of the Basilisk Book Review

Book Summary – Spoiler free

Kiss of the Basilisk is the first novel in Lindsay Straube’s “Split or Swallow” series. This fantasy romance intertwines elements of seduction, competition, and supernatural creatures, offering readers a uniquely unhinged experience.

The story centers on Temperance “Tem” Verus, a sheltered young woman who is about to enter a kingdom-wide competition to win the hand of the prince. But this is no ordinary contest—each competitor must train in the art of seduction with a basilisk, a powerful serpent-like being. Tem is paired with Caspen, the enigmatic Serpent King, whose presence is both intoxicating and dangerous. As she trains under him, she finds herself caught between duty, desire, and the realization that there is more at play than just the competition. The political tensions between basilisks and humans add another layer of danger, making Tem question everything she thought she knew.

Analysis & Opinion

I am going to try very hard not to ruin this book for you so here goes nothing.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Kiss of the Basilisk is the social pressure Tem faces, particularly from Vera, one of the more sexually experienced competitors. There’s an unspoken (and sometimes very spoken) expectation that Tem should conform to this world of seduction, as though being more sexually active or cunning gives a competitor an edge. It mirrors real-life situations where people—especially women—face pressure to fit into certain molds when it comes to relationships and experience. Even her own mother, instead of discouraging her, plays a role in preparing her for the competition, reinforcing that this is just the way things are done.

Then there’s the mind-blowing concept of being trained by another man on how to please your future husband. It’s not unheard of for people to have multiple relationships before marriage, but the formalized aspect of it is what makes it so intriguing and almost unsettling. The idea that winning a husband’s hand depends on how well you’re trained in the art of seduction is both fascinating and taboo.

Political Intrigue & War Between Basalisks and Humans

Beyond the romance, another gripping element of the story is the political tension between humans and basilisks. There’s a war looming in the background, built on generations of secrets and betrayals. As Tem begins to unravel the truths hidden between the two factions, it becomes clear that her role in this world is far bigger than just the competition.

What makes this aspect so compelling is that Tem is caught between two vastly different societies, both with their own rules, dangers, and prejudices. The second book is bound to be a rough journey for her as she struggles to find her place—does she belong with the humans, the people she’s known her whole life? Or is she more aligned with the basilisks, especially given her deepening connection with Caspen? The power struggle is brewing, and it’s going to get messy.

Imagery & World-Building

While I loved the premise, I did find some of the imagery surrounding the basilisks a little too broad at times. I struggled to fully visualize them beyond the way they were described on the cover, which made it harder to stay immersed in the story. This became especially tricky in the second half of the book as Tem’s relationship with Caspen deepened and she was exposed to more of the basilisk world. I wanted clearer depictions of their environment, their transformations, and their society beyond the general descriptions we got.

Spice, Steam & Unexpected Surprises

Other than that, the book delivers plenty of spice and steam—way more than I was expecting. I picked this up because I loved the cover and had just finished watching Shahmaran on Netflix, thinking, “Oh cool, this could be good.” Low and behold, I was pleasantly and bashfully surprised at just how much heat this book packed. If you’re going in expecting a light fantasy romance… well, brace yourself.

My Compass points to you. I could not change direction even if I wanted to.

Lindsay Straube

Adding to the intensity, there’s a well-woven mystery throughout the story. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another layer unraveled, keeping me on my toes. And the ending? I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say there’s a slight cliffhanger that left me both frustrated and eager for the next book, which I believe, now don’t quote me, is scheduled for release November 2025.

Final Thoughts

This book is perfect for fans of dark fantasy romance who don’t mind a lot of spice alongside their intrigue. If you enjoy unconventional love triangles, forbidden desires, and supernatural elements mixed into your romance, this is for you. However, if you prefer a plot-driven story with minimal erotic content, you might find this overwhelming.

Yeah, typically I would recommend other books, but maybe just stay tuned for the second novel in Split or Swallow.

Who Are You Rooting For? Leo or Caspen?

If you’ve read Kiss of the Basilisk, the big question is—are you team Leo or team Caspen?

On one side, we have Prince Leo, the man Tem is meant to compete for. He represents stability, duty, and everything Tem has been raised to desire. He’s charming, royal, and the “safe” choice—but that doesn’t mean he’s without secrets or ulterior motives. Don’t even get me started on his dad. Like ew. That man is just a pure controlling father figure, and yet Leo is definietly resilient and willing to fight. I mean yes there is a past relationship partially in the way of his happiness, but I cannot say more.

Then there’s Caspen, the Serpent King, who is everything forbidden and dangerous. He is the one training Tem in ways she never imagined, and their chemistry is undeniable. He challenges her in ways Leo never could, but can she truly trust him? He is old, not in a stale way, but in a strong masculine way. I think there is still plenty for him to learn.

Personally, I’m leaning toward Caspen—his brooding, powerful presence just does something. But Leo has his moments too, and I feel like book two is going to make it even harder to choose.

So, who are you rooting for?