The Order by TJ O’Shea is a sapphic adventure romance that is not to be missed.
At her father’s masquerade ball, witty heiress, Luciana Piccolo is whisked into the arms of a mysterious stranger on the dance floor and literally swept off her feet. She’s thrilled to break the shackles of her purposeless life but when said stranger kidnaps her and takes her to the rebel camp, she’s less than thrilled to actually be shackled as a prisoner. Lucy is forced to accompany her abductor who is an abrupt and ruthless assassin across the war-torn former United States as Taylor executes assassinations and leads the rebel army.
As the two fight to stay alive, they must rely on one another, and the antagonistic spark begins to ignite a passionate flame. The stakes get higher while secrets are revealed as the battle between new love and old loyalty may prove more dangerous than the war they’re immersed in.
Writing
The Order has meticulously built a unique nation where tyrants, rebels, and citizens from all classes clash over their ideals. The first chapter masterfully blends playful banter with heart-pounding action, pulling me in from the start and taking me on a thrilling journey in more ways than one.
The writing is brilliantly crafted, featuring richly detailed character descriptions, an impressive vocabulary, vivid sensory language, and perfectly timed, profound quotes from classic literature. I found myself highlighting numerous passages that I’ll revisit whenever I need a reminder of just how remarkable this book truly is.
There was a moment in the book so profoundly moving that I actually cried. I’ve teared up while reading before, but to be brought to tears like this is rare. Every word conveyed the love, pain, and heartache so intensely that I felt their emotions as my own. It was an emotional experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
Narration
Just when I thought I couldn’t love this book anymore, the audiobook took my admiration to new heights. Jen Jayden, a new narrator for me, flawlessly embodies each character’s essence. With a diverse cast of main and side characters, Jayden masterfully maintains their distinct voices. She perfectly delivers the humor, emotional depth, and intense action, making every moment captivating. Even after reading this book multiple times over the years, I found myself hanging onto Jayden’s every word.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
After reading the publisher’s synopsis for The Order, I expected to enjoy it, but I was completely unprepared for how deeply it would captivate me. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and simply couldn’t put it down. The plot is brilliantly crafted, blending gripping scenes of war and violence with a beautifully woven romance that left me breathless.
Taylor is both an assassin and lieutenant general in the rebel army, a disciplined, unwavering soldier. She follows orders flawlessly—until she crosses paths with Luciana Piccolo, daughter of a tyrannical regional leader. In Taylor, there’s a striking dichotomy: she’s a lethal force, yet beneath her ruthlessness lies an empathetic, lonely soul. Though she’s steadfast in her loyalty to The Order, letting Lucy in softens her, and as her defenses begin to crumble, the transformation that unfolds is something truly special.
Lucy isincredible! She loves her father, yet resents the isolation he’s imposed on her To the world, she’s a privileged heiress who is meant to be seen and not heard, but underneath she is passionate, brilliant, and fearless. Her real strengths shine through as faces enemies head-on, fighting alongside Taylor and her army. Her sharp wit and sarcasm had me smirking and laughing more than once!
The romance between Lucy and Taylor is absolutely swoon-worthy. Even though Taylor starts as Lucy’s captor-turned-ward, the attraction between them is undeniable—and mutual. Their chemistry is electric, and as their relationship deepened, my heart soared and ached for them. I loved how their love empowers each of them to build the lives they truly deserve.
Mason, Hunter, Delilah, Faith, Cassie, Finnley, and Theia are all vital members of The Order, each bringing something essential to the journey. Their unique dynamics and contributions enrich the story, making it even more captivating.
Heads Up
This story contains descriptions of violence and death.
The Conclusion
If I could shout from the rooftops about how amazing this book is and how anyone who loves sapphic adventure romances needs to read it, I absolutely would. It’s an exquisitely written story with remarkable main characters, a stellar supporting cast, and a perfect blend of action, drama, sarcasm, and romance.
I’ll happily revisit this story time and time again because being part of Lucy, Taylor, and their incredible journey was a true pleasure. Though the path is full of challenges and obstacles, the themes of perseverance, loyalty, courage, and love that run throughout make this one of the best books I’ve ever read. Whether you read it or listen to the audiobook, you can’t go wrong!
Excerpt from The Order by TJ O’Shea
As I deliberate how best to maim myself with a champagne flute, a throaty voice tingles in my ear from behind. “Hello again.”
When I turn, I’m staring at the top of the head of the mysterious blonde from earlier. Running my tongue across my lips, I cock an eyebrow and peer down at her. “Hello yourself.”
With a formal bend at the waist, she takes my hand in hers. “I’m sorry to bother you, Miss Piccolo, but I’d love to have this dance.” Deceptively kind eyes harden as she sizes up Jimmy Junior. “You don’t mind, do you?” It doesn’t matter if he minds, because she forcibly detaches his grip on my other arm, shoving my champagne flute into his meaty hand. “May I?”
I’ve barely finished nodding when she whisks me away to the dance floor. After we’re out of range of the lovely Jimmy Junior, I heave a sigh of relief. “You’re my hero.”
We join others on the dance floor and fall into place among those whirling around to the small orchestra’s arrangement. Our heels hit the waxed hardwood in perfect time to the music, weaving through the ballroom with ease. I enjoy a good waltz as much as the next heiress, but it’s poor form to dance with a stranger. Though, I have to admit, the impertinence of dancing with the region leader’s daughter without introducing herself feels apropos for the same woman who worked Chief Jones into a rage.
“So,” I begin, “does my savior have a name?”
“Taylor.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1642473780
Publisher: Bella Books
Audiobook Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrator: Jen Jayden
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