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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
ziracrow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Chronic illness, War, Confinement, Death, Blood, Medical content, and Vomit
erinreadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
This book has evocative description and exciting plot points, but I was honestly a bit disappointed in it overall. I loved Divine Rivals but for some reason, the sequel didn’t grip me as much.
This book had just as much plot and just as high of stakes, but the pacing felt a bit rushed to me. I didn’t feel like the characters had much time to breathe and because of that, I’m not sure we got to see the characters develop as much as we saw in the first book. I wanted to see more character interaction with the lovely side characters like Attie, Marisol, Keegan, and Tobias. But because there was so much action, we didn’t really get to see much interaction, which made it feel a bit removed. I wasn’t as invested in this book as I was with the first.
I also missed the epistolary bits of the first book; I wish this one had more of that. I understand that Iris and Roman didn’t have much time to be writing long love letters but that is central to their relationship, a point we are reminded of at the end. If they were to be separated for practically all of the book, I wanted to see more of their relationship through letters. It felt a bit like two different stories for most of the book, and I missed the passion and longing from the first book.
All in all, it was still an entertaining storythat I’m glad did not end in too much death . It did feel a bit rushed, though, and I don’t think it compares to Divine Rivals.
Read if you liked Divine Rivals, if you like wartime stories, or if you like action-packed low fantasy.
This book had just as much plot and just as high of stakes, but the pacing felt a bit rushed to me. I didn’t feel like the characters had much time to breathe and because of that, I’m not sure we got to see the characters develop as much as we saw in the first book. I wanted to see more character interaction with the lovely side characters like Attie, Marisol, Keegan, and Tobias. But because there was so much action, we didn’t really get to see much interaction, which made it feel a bit removed. I wasn’t as invested in this book as I was with the first.
I also missed the epistolary bits of the first book; I wish this one had more of that. I understand that Iris and Roman didn’t have much time to be writing long love letters but that is central to their relationship, a point we are reminded of at the end. If they were to be separated for practically all of the book, I wanted to see more of their relationship through letters. It felt a bit like two different stories for most of the book, and I missed the passion and longing from the first book.
All in all, it was still an entertaining story
Read if you liked Divine Rivals, if you like wartime stories, or if you like action-packed low fantasy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Gun violence, Blood, Vomit, Violence, War, Classism, and Grief
luna_lovelace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
The world-building was done well, immersing me in the story and making me curious to know more about Dacre's perspective.
I was initially intrigued by the possibility of Dacrehaving a good side, but as the story progressed, I realized that his actions were merely the result of a god's human-like emotions getting the better of him.
While I still love Roman and Iris, I must say that the romantic aspect of this book doesn't measure up to the first book in the series.
However, the author did an excellent job of fleshing out the other characters, like Tobias and Attie. The book was filled with so many likable characters that I couldn't pick just one favorite!
The only criticism I have isthat I don't understand the reason behind Sarah and Forest's death, other than to give Iris more loss in her life.
I was initially intrigued by the possibility of Dacre
While I still love Roman and Iris, I must say that the romantic aspect of this book doesn't measure up to the first book in the series.
However, the author did an excellent job of fleshing out the other characters, like Tobias and Attie. The book was filled with so many likable characters that I couldn't pick just one favorite!
The only criticism I have is
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Grief, Murder, Torture, War, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Sexual content
anndreya's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
Moderate: Blood, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
kaitlynnnng's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-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
4.0
Just like the first book, this was beautifully written, and I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Stalking, and War
Minor: Blood, Gun violence, Death of parent, Confinement, and Medical trauma
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I was excited to pick this up after reading and enjoying "Divine Rivals".
"Ruthless Vows" picks up almost immediately after the conclusion of "Divine Rivals". Iris has finally been reunited with her brother, but she still has no idea where her husband, Roman is. With nothing else to do but try to report the truth, Iris heads back to the front lines, both to try to report on what is happening, and to try to find out what happened to Roman.
I really did not enjoy having to read how Roman lost his memories and had no idea who Iris was to him. I did however really appreciate that we got to watch them fall in love via typewriter all over again. They really are meant to be, and it is absolutely beautiful that it is words that bring them together.
This book does get into the politics of the war a little bit more, which I did not love, but I do think it was executed well and helped to push the story along.
Overall, I was satisfied with this ending. I was devastated for the losses, but my heart sang for those who found peace and love. I definitely recommend this duology to anyone who is looking for a light fantastical romance.
"Ruthless Vows" picks up almost immediately after the conclusion of "Divine Rivals". Iris has finally been reunited with her brother, but she still has no idea where her husband, Roman is. With nothing else to do but try to report the truth, Iris heads back to the front lines, both to try to report on what is happening, and to try to find out what happened to Roman.
I really did not enjoy having to read how Roman lost his memories and had no idea who Iris was to him. I did however really appreciate that we got to watch them fall in love via typewriter all over again. They really are meant to be, and it is absolutely beautiful that it is words that bring them together.
This book does get into the politics of the war a little bit more, which I did not love, but I do think it was executed well and helped to push the story along.
Overall, I was satisfied with this ending. I was devastated for the losses, but my heart sang for those who found peace and love. I definitely recommend this duology to anyone who is looking for a light fantastical romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Blood, Toxic friendship, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent
lakinglaze's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
This was lovely. The story came all together in a massive crescendo and I enjoyed every moment of it. I’m going to miss Roman and Iris, but I’ll just keep mentally picturing them from the ending of this book and imagine all the wonderful events of the characters’ lives I’m sure followed this story. 💗
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking, War, Medical content, Alcohol, Violence, Animal death, Medical trauma, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Chronic illness, Confinement, Sexual content, Blood, Death, Grief, and Murder
readwithria's review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
After really enjoying Divine Rivals, I found Ruthless Vows to be slightly disappointing. I couldn’t tell you exactly why that is, but I have some thoughts.
This book didn’t seem to have a lot of character growth. The characters were all solid in their relationships and selves already, so they didn’t have personal flaws that they overcame in this book. The pacing was also very slow, except for the amnesia plot line which seemed to move much faster than the rest of the book. I also didn’t feel as connected to the secondary characters in this book, and they felt a bit thrown in to me.
That isn’t to say I didn’t like anything about the book - I did. I just had such high hopes, and they weren’t met.
If you really want to know how the duology ends I’d recommend reading this book, but if you weren’t invested at the end of Divine Rivals I think you can sit this one out. 3 stars.
This book didn’t seem to have a lot of character growth. The characters were all solid in their relationships and selves already, so they didn’t have personal flaws that they overcame in this book. The pacing was also very slow, except for the amnesia plot line which seemed to move much faster than the rest of the book. I also didn’t feel as connected to the secondary characters in this book, and they felt a bit thrown in to me.
That isn’t to say I didn’t like anything about the book - I did. I just had such high hopes, and they weren’t met.
If you really want to know how the duology ends I’d recommend reading this book, but if you weren’t invested at the end of Divine Rivals I think you can sit this one out. 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: War
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content