Dagger Eyes is a 2022 novel by Tarin Santos. It follows Princess Alanitora of Trenvern, who wields an uncanny ability to read others, as well as extensive abilities in combat. When a conspiracy threatens to destroy her kingdom, she has no choice but to save it by marrying a prince from a neighboring kingdom. With the help of friends and unlikely foes, Alanitora fights against assassins in order to uncover the mystery surrounding her life.
The book is the first of a trilogy, and the first novel written by Tarin Santos. It is categorized as an Adventure novel with elements of Mystery and Romance
Contains examples of:
- Action Girl: A number of characters within the novel fit this trope, most notably the main character, Alanitora, but also side characters like Diane, Tathra, Zinaw and Sagittarius.
- Altar Diplomacy: The initial reason for Alanitora's departure from Trenvern is to marry Prince Daruthel of Donasela in order to join their kingdoms, as arranged by her father, King Ronoleaus. It is later revealed that Ronoleaus intended to use this marriage as a means to destroy Donasela by marrying Alanitora to her biological brother.
- Costume Porn: Santos makes a point to describe the dresses worn by Alanitora and her companions in multiple instances throughout the novel.
- Kicking Ass in All Her Finery: Alanitora has absolutely no issues with fighting in her princess gear. In fact, her ladies-in-waiting have even sewed special pockets for her weapons in some garments.
- Ladykiller in Love: It is implied that Regenfrithu fits this trope well. He's incredibly charismatic, and has dozens of girls attempting to win his hand in marriage, but he seems to only have eyes for the heroine.
- Pretty Princess Powerhouse: Pretty much the entire point of the novel is showing Alanitora being more competent at protecting herself over the guards assigned to her.
- Royally Screwed Up: Incest between royals is discussed early on as something that could easily collapse a kingdom's infrastructure. Near the end of the novel, it is revealed that Alanitora was arranged to marry Prince Daruthel because he's her full brother, a ploy constructed by King Ronoleaus to make Donasela powerless
- Warrior Princess: Also a main point of the novel. Mostly applies to Alanitora, but also fulfilled by a few other royal women in the novel.
- World of Action Girls: Played Straight. This novel seems to flip the male-dominated action genre on it's head, with a majority of the female characters being able to fight while male characters are useless or limited in their abilities.
