Scan barcode
kirstenpod_'s review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, Murder, Confinement, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Medical content, Sexual content, Gun violence, and Vomit
booktalkwithrae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love Divine Rivals, and although this one did not quite live up to my expectations, I still enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I was really surprised to see that we were getting a deep dive into Darce, his story, and the war. I did really appreciate it because I felt like in the first book. We were really lacking a lot of information and understanding of the war and the mythology so it was nice to fill in some of those gaps in this book. However, I think I need to build up from the first book to really appreciate and understand the war.
I love Iris and Roman. I love their individual characters, and I love the romance between them. I was really excited for the amnesia trope. I felt like it was an opportunity for them to fall in love all over again, and that was some of my favourite parts from the first book. However, I was sad that there wasn’t more of a buildup between them as Romans‘s memories began to return to him. I definitely wanted more.
In this book, we saw a lot more of the side characters have their own storylines a little bit. And for a duology that sometimes hard to do because you don’t have a lot of book to give the side characters a lot of attention. But Rebecca Ross did an excellent job in making the side characters feel so real and have their own story on the side.
Overall, I love this zoology, and it is one of my favourites and one that I will recommend too many people. I am sad to leave this world, but I also think it was the perfect length, and I am very excited to see what else Rebecca Ross will do in the future.
I was really surprised to see that we were getting a deep dive into Darce, his story, and the war. I did really appreciate it because I felt like in the first book. We were really lacking a lot of information and understanding of the war and the mythology so it was nice to fill in some of those gaps in this book. However, I think I need to build up from the first book to really appreciate and understand the war.
I love Iris and Roman. I love their individual characters, and I love the romance between them. I was really excited for the amnesia trope. I felt like it was an opportunity for them to fall in love all over again, and that was some of my favourite parts from the first book. However, I was sad that there wasn’t more of a buildup between them as Romans‘s memories began to return to him. I definitely wanted more.
In this book, we saw a lot more of the side characters have their own storylines a little bit. And for a duology that sometimes hard to do because you don’t have a lot of book to give the side characters a lot of attention. But Rebecca Ross did an excellent job in making the side characters feel so real and have their own story on the side.
Overall, I love this zoology, and it is one of my favourites and one that I will recommend too many people. I am sad to leave this world, but I also think it was the perfect length, and I am very excited to see what else Rebecca Ross will do in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Blood, and War
luna_98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
wow. the drama, the tension, the war, the romance, the tragedy. i loved it.
this was more fantasy-driven whereas DR was more romance which i felt struck the perfect balance for this duology. the writing is beautiful, the multiple pov’s tell a great story.
this was more fantasy-driven whereas DR was more romance which i felt struck the perfect balance for this duology. the writing is beautiful, the multiple pov’s tell a great story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and War
Moderate: Murder, Death, and Grief
Minor: Vomit
ddammeyer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content and Vomit
picaresquedreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Death, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Blood, Gun violence, and Grief
katievallin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've read a few books by Rebecca Ross, and I really like her writing style. This one was very enjoyable but sad. I like that there was never any doubt about Roman and Iris finding each other again, and I really like their relationship and chemistry. I wasn't planning on reading this book because I was annoyed and stressed about the cliffhanger at the end of the first one, but this was very well done and a good conclusion.
Some excellent quotes:
"Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me, and fill my empty spaces."
"He let his hands relax at his sides, realizing that he was safe here, that he needed to open those old scars so they could heal."
"It was not always a happy story, although it was an honest one."
Some excellent quotes:
"Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me, and fill my empty spaces."
"He let his hands relax at his sides, realizing that he was safe here, that he needed to open those old scars so they could heal."
"It was not always a happy story, although it was an honest one."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Classism, Blood, Murder, and War
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: Medical trauma, Chronic illness, and Sexual content
emiliemhr's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
katelynndzindzio's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Favorite quotes:
"She was the same as she had been centuries ago, drawn from very old wind and cold constellations.
But she was not here to fall prey to what had been." -Enva; Ruthless Vows
"Soon it would be night; the stars would pierce the sky like nails, and he would light the candles and write by fire because the words came easier in the darkness" -Roman; Ruthless Vows
"He wouldn't change a thing. Because if he could, would the two of them still be here, bound together by vow and trial and love that had crept up on him like ivy on stone?" -Roman; Ruthless Vows
I sit here wishing there was more to their story, the story of Iris and Roman. One where they live together in piece forever and no tragedy surrounds them; however, that isn't their story. They once believed they were rivals, but honestly they never truly were. If they were they wouldn't have been drawn to each other so intensely. Even without their magical typewriters that they inherited, they would have found each other.
"She was the same as she had been centuries ago, drawn from very old wind and cold constellations.
But she was not here to fall prey to what had been." -Enva; Ruthless Vows
"Soon it would be night; the stars would pierce the sky like nails, and he would light the candles and write by fire because the words came easier in the darkness" -Roman; Ruthless Vows
"He wouldn't change a thing. Because if he could, would the two of them still be here, bound together by vow and trial and love that had crept up on him like ivy on stone?" -Roman; Ruthless Vows
I sit here wishing there was more to their story, the story of Iris and Roman. One where they live together in piece forever and no tragedy surrounds them; however, that isn't their story. They once believed they were rivals, but honestly they never truly were. If they were they wouldn't have been drawn to each other so intensely. Even without their magical typewriters that they inherited, they would have found each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, War, Violence, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit and Terminal illness
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“I would love to see you burn with splendor. I would love to see your words catch fire with mine.”
Ruthless Vows started right after the ending of the 1st book, this story focuses more on the war part and the gods which we didn’t get many from the previous book.
For those who love to see more of the fantasy element and explore more about the world building, then you’ll like this sequel.
However, I have to admit the war plot and the gods overshadowed the romance of our two main characters - Roman and Iris.
I fell in love with Divine Rivals because of the beautiful romance of Roman and Iris, so not seeing them together as much in this book felt like there’s something missing which is part of the reason this book left me feeling slightly unsatisfied...
The last few chapters were quite heart-breaking with what’s left after the war but the epilogue gives hope that the ones that survive will build back something new while slowly healing from the aftermath.
Overall, as a duology I love reading these books.
The writing style is one of my favorite part from this series - it’s beautiful, lyrical and mesmerizing.
Roman and Iris love story will always held a special place in my heart - I admire their powerful love and trust to one another that conquer distance, war and even the gods couldn’t come between them!
I’m looking forward to read more books from this author in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Blood
Minor: Sexual content
r3ader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm not sure what to rate this book. On one hand the ending felt fitting, it was a good ending for this duology.
On the other hand, this book did not live up to the first one. Especially the first half was veeery slow and not really interesting.
I do love the showing of the war. It's not the main theme, but it's still there. And due to current events (#free🇵🇸), it feels even more real and just overall more emotional.
The ending was intense and like I said, I liked it it was by far the best part of this book.
I would recommend this book only to those who REALLY want to know what Romans and Iris' fates are. If you are content with the ending of the 1st book and aren't that interested in the 2nd, you don't need to start this one tbh. 😅
On the other hand, this book did not live up to the first one. Especially the first half was veeery slow and not really interesting.
I do love the showing of the war. It's not the main theme, but it's still there. And due to current events (#free🇵🇸), it feels even more real and just overall more emotional.
The ending was intense and like I said, I liked it it was by far the best part of this book.
I would recommend this book only to those who REALLY want to know what Romans and Iris' fates are. If you are content with the ending of the 1st book and aren't that interested in the 2nd, you don't need to start this one tbh. 😅
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Violence, Death, and Confinement
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, Classism, Chronic illness, Blood, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief