The epic conclusion to the intensely romantic and beautifully written story that started in Divine Rivals.
Two weeks have passed since Iris Winnow returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over. Roman is missing, and the city of Oath continues to dwell in a state of disbelief and ignorance. When Iris and Attie are given another chance to report on Dacre's movements, they both take the opportunity and head westward once more despite the danger, knowing it's only a matter of time before the conflict reaches a city that's unprepared and fracturing beneath the chancellor's reign.
Since waking below in Dacre's realm, Roman cannot remember his past. But given the reassurance that his memories will return in time, Roman begins to write articles for Dacre, uncertain of his place in the greater scheme of the war. When a strange letter arrives by wardrobe door, Roman is first suspicious, then intrigued. As he strikes up a correspondence with his mysterious pen pal, Roman will soon have to make a decision: to stand with Dacre or betray the god who healed him. And as the days grow darker, inevitably drawing Roman and Iris closer together…the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war.
Title : Ruthless Vows
Author : Rebecca Ross
Series : Letters of Enchantment (book two)
Format : physical
Page Count : 432
Genre : YA fantasy romance
Publisher : Wednesday Books
Release Date : October 26, 2023
Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★
Hollis' 3 star review
I feel like something of a buzzkill as I write this review but after being swept away and caught up in the romance and heartache and magic of book one, this felt just okay in comparison. Still an enjoyable read but I felt so removed from everything.
I think that it's because ultimately too much felt the same as book one in terms of the romance (except we were on fast forward as we already had the foundation and it was Just For Reasons that we were sort've starting over with it) and as far as the whole conflict with the gods.. this also felt rushed. But also really flat and rather a let down. I liked the idea of this conflict a lot more in the first instalment because it felt more abstract and peripheral to the main event. However when given the spotlight, when forced to look all the details in the eye and actually consider them, I just don't think it worked very well.
Also, whereas I did enjoy the characters, even the supporting ones, I couldn't help but feel that every scene with Iris and her brother was just.. I don't know, the vibes were just off. It was the least convincing dynamic of the entire series and I struggled with them every time they were on the page together. Which kind of took the wind out of my sails near the end when I was meant to be devastated about something and instead just felt briefly sad.
And I think that's kind of what the whole book did. Every emotion that Ross wanted me to feel, all these beautifully rendered moments, just glanced off me. I will still think of Divine Rivals fondly but this end result for the series makes me glad I didn't wear myself (or my bank account) out trying to secure any special editions of book one because initially I did think this would be a new favourite duology. And in the end.. it's good but not the wow I expected from how things started out. But that's okay.
I very much look forward to reading whatever this author has on offer next but I do hope we can cross the almost-but-not-quite adult threshold found in this series and finally break away from the YA. I think maybe that's where she'll really shine.
** I received a finished copy from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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