“Split or Swallow (nka Kiss of the Basilisk)”, Lindsay Straube

Published August 16, 2024

Twenty year old Temperance Verus has never been kissed. But that's what the basilisk is for.

Along with thirteen other contestants, Tem must train with a basilisk to learn the power of seduction and win the prince's hand in marriage. When Tem is matched with Caspen, the Serpent King, she realizes she might actually stand a chance. But with tensions rising between the basilisks and the humans, Tem is suddenly torn in two directions. As her bond with Caspen deepens, so does her connection with the prince. And when she uncovers a terrible secret about the royal family, Tem finds herself caught between two neither of which she can survive without.

No offense to everyone involved, but Split or Swallow being republished under the new name Kiss of the Basilisk with a new cover was not it. Separate from the story, the new cover is actually gorgeous…but knowing what the original self-published cover looked like, I prefer the vibe of the original. Even the title Split or Swallow is straight fire. Very tongue in cheek. Very horny, as expected from a book that is about. a girl being taught sex by a literal basilisk.

• SPOILERS AHEAD

  I went into this book expecting smut, nothing more. What I did not count on was genuinely liking Tem, Caspen, and Leo. The potential for a legit why-choose was strong, but in the end, Tem copped out by commanding Leo to find his true love, allowing her to live happily ever after with Caspen.

  Tem is not the best FMC—she contradicted herself multiple times, acted petulantly, and made questionable decisions. However, I could overlook all that because this is a fantasy, and her situation is unusual, and I would probably be just as unhinged if I were in her place.

  Some iconic moments in this book that need to be mentioned:

  • the vibrating/growing/thrusting claw living inside Tem’s pussy, gifted to her by Caspen 👀

  • the ritual where Tem had to fuck Caspen’s dad in front of other basilisks, resulting in a fiery orgy—some prima nocta shit

  • Rowe (a villain) eating out Tem under Caspen’s command and then getting his dick ripped off

  • ✨cresting✨

  • “Hybreed” 😒

  • the Challengers-coded bonus chapter was a why-choose dream, and I love the author for including this gem

Content Warnings

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of content and trigger warnings.

graphic sexual content • violence • murder • cannibalism

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