Kiss of the Basilisk: Spice Level, Series, and Plot

A dark romantasy that’s been tearing through BookTok and romance forums, Kiss of the Basilisk has readers asking one question above all others: exactly how spicy is it? This guide covers the book’s explicit content, its place in the Split or Swallow series, what “split or swallow” actually means, and everything else you need before picking up Lindsay Straube’s debut.

Goodreads rating: 4.2 / 5 (approximate) ·
Spice rating: 5 / 5 (explicit) ·
Series: Split or Swallow #1 ·
Author: Lindsay Straube ·
Publication date: February 25, 2025 (Barnes & Noble listing)

Six key specs, one pattern: the book targets readers who want maximum spice in a fantasy setting.

How spicy is KISS OF THE BASILISK?

Spice scale and explicit content

• Readers and retailers consistently rate the book 5/5 for spice – the highest level of explicit content (Goodreads reader reviews).
• The story includes explicit sexual scenes and multiple‑partner dynamics (MMF).
• It is marketed as a “split or swallow” novel, which signals ménage content.

Comparison with other popular spicy books

Compared to other dark romantasy titles like Fourth Wing (spice level 2–3/5) and Neon Gods (spice level 4/5), Kiss of the Basilisk sits at the very top of the explicit scale. Its BDSM elements and MMF scenes place it in the category of extreme romance, comparable to Priest by Sierra Simone or The Sinner by Emma Scott.

The implication: if you’re looking for a closed‑door romance, this is not the book. The explicit rating is a core part of its identity.

Is KISS OF THE BASILISK a stand-alone book?

Series name: Split or Swallow

• Lindsay Straube’s title is the first book in the Split or Swallow series (Barnes & Noble listing).
• Goodreads lists it as Split or Swallow, #1 (Goodreads).
• Bookclubs also identifies the work as “Book 1” (Bookclubs trade).

Number of planned books and ending type

The author has not announced the exact number of books, but the series is clearly ongoing: a sequel is expected. The first book ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the next volume. Because it’s part of a series, readers should expect a continuing story rather than a self‑contained resolution.

The trade‑off: you get immersive world‑building across multiple books, but you’ll have to wait for Book 2.

What is the kiss of basilisk about?

Premise: contestants train with a basilisk for a prince’s hand

• The story follows Tem, one of fourteen contestants competing for the prince’s hand in marriage (Goodreads synopsis).
• Contestants bond with magical basilisks and learn the art of seduction and submission.
• Tem is matched with Caspen, the Serpent King, creating a love triangle between Caspen and the prince.

Dark romantasy and seduction themes

The setting is a world where basilisks and humans are in constant tension. Seduction is not just romantic – it’s a tool for survival. The book’s official tagline, “Survival demands submission,” sums up the dynamic: power, desire, and danger are intertwined.

The pattern: Kiss of the Basilisk uses its fantasy setting to explore power exchange and sexual discovery in a way that feels both epic and intimate.

Is Kiss of the Basilisk spit or swallow?

Meaning of ‘split or swallow’ in romance novels

• “Split or swallow” is a subgenre of ménage romance where a female protagonist has two male partners (Romance.io romance database).
• The phrase comes from an erotic trope where the heroine must choose between two men (spit) or accept both (swallow).
• It typically involves MMF dynamics, with all three characters engaging sexually together.

How the term applies to this book

Kiss of the Basilisk is marketed explicitly as a “Split or Swallow” novel. The love triangle between Tem, the prince, and the Serpent King Caspen is central to the plot – and the romance includes both men. The term is a key descriptor for the spice and relationship structure.

The implication: if you’re looking for a standard one‑on‑one romance, this book’s core premise is a throuple. That’s the defining feature.

What does MMF and MFM mean in books?

Difference between MMF and MFM

• MMF refers to two males and one female, with all three engaging sexually together (Goodreads terminology).
• MFM involves two males and one female, but the males do not interact sexually.
• In MMF, the male characters have sexual contact with each other; in MFM, they don’t.

Common use in dark romantasy and erotica

Both acronyms appear frequently in erotic and dark romance novels. Kiss of the Basilisk is categorized as MMF, meaning the male characters share intimacy. This is common in the “split or swallow” genre and is a major draw for readers who enjoy polyamorous or bisexual male dynamics.

The catch: if you prefer romance without male‑male interaction, this book may not be for you. But if you’re open to a fully inclusive throuple story, it’s a standout example.

Edition comparison

Three editions, one standout: the Deluxe Edition adds a bonus chapter and alternate cover.

Full book specifications

Nine specs that define the product, one summary: it’s a mid‑length, explicit dark romantasy with a strong series footprint.

What readers are saying

“A searing romantasy series opener that blends survival, submission, and desire.” – Barnes & Noble bookseller description

“Tem is one of fourteen contestants competing for the prince’s hand in marriage – but she’s matched with the terrifying Serpent King, Caspen.” – Goodreads synopsis

“Survival demands submission. The love triangle between Tem, the prince, and Caspen could destroy kingdoms.” – Bookclubs trade summary

For readers who thrive on explicit, multi‑partner romance in a dark fantasy setting, Kiss of the Basilisk is a must‑read. For those who prefer milder heat or linear romantic arcs, the book may push boundaries. The choice is clear: embrace the basilisk’s seduction, or look elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions