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4.48 AVERAGE
4.48 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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:
No
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book did not disappoint! I recently read and loved N.E. Davenport's The Blood Gift Duology and was excited to dive into the latest book by the author.
Our Vicious Oaths is written in two POVs, with the primary POV being that of Kadeesha. This book has good world-building, an interesting magic system, political intrigue, a strong FMC, shadow daddy vibes, and a lot of spice. This was a well-written story, with a good balance between the fantasy and romance aspects, and with a plot that felt believable. I particularly enjoyed the push and pull of Kadeesha and Malachi, as well as all of the political scheming. Highly recommend!
Rating 4.25/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you Harper Collins for an eARC copy of Our Vicious Oaths. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chewed. Ate. Devoured. Whatever it is the kids are saying these days, N.E. did THAT!. Dare I say this is her lane, and I want a few more books like this in the very near future (mind you, it ain't even fully out yet). I loved everything about from the MCs (still can't decide if I wanna be Malachi or Kadeesha or be a willing third idk maann) to the friendships to the bloodthirstinessof the Cadre, but most of all the celebration of black culture. Davenport got me wanting to get a grill made for special events and I work in a forest majority of the time lol. Anyways I'd hate to spoil it for anybody but you should definitely check it out if you love
- faes
- strong black women
- black women being loved on and out loud
- fantasy with a side of political intrigue
- that promo video of MBJ in grills (you'll get it once you READ THE BOOK!)
- sassy animal companions
- Idk what else but just give it a try
Chewed. Ate. Devoured. Whatever it is the kids are saying these days, N.E. did THAT!. Dare I say this is her lane, and I want a few more books like this in the very near future (mind you, it ain't even fully out yet). I loved everything about from the MCs (still can't decide if I wanna be Malachi or Kadeesha or be a willing third idk maann) to the friendships to the bloodthirstinessof the Cadre, but most of all the celebration of black culture. Davenport got me wanting to get a grill made for special events and I work in a forest majority of the time lol. Anyways I'd hate to spoil it for anybody but you should definitely check it out if you love
- faes
- strong black women
- black women being loved on and out loud
- fantasy with a side of political intrigue
- that promo video of MBJ in grills (you'll get it once you READ THE BOOK!)
- sassy animal companions
- Idk what else but just give it a try
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I’ll admit, I had preconceived notions of how far court novels work before picking up this book, and I was thrown at the beginning. But as I tore through page after page, I began to fall absolutely in love with it.
We follow Kadeesha, a far princess of the Aether Kingdom as she form a pact to eliminate the High King with the Apollyon court’s king: the man who attacked her wedding ceremony. But slowly, it becomes much more than she bargained as tensions rise between her and the male who changed the course of everything.
Even when I was still wobbling about whether I liked it or not, I couldn’t deny what a fantastic story it was or the quality of the writing. And once it won me over, I think what I appreciated most was that the story felt like the right pacing from the get go through the end. I also loved how its characters are so human (despite the irony of such a statement) in the way the emotional story and conflict went.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book enough and can’t wait to buy a physical copy once it’s published!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
This book is long and overly wordy. I feel like the same time we're repeated just phrases differently. Scenes were dragged out. However it was a good story. I enjoyed the dynamic between the 2 MC's. The FMC was a bit naive at times.
adventurous
tense
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:
No
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Review: Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport
Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport is an absolute standout, a thrilling, immersive read that I can’t stop thinking about. If you’re craving a fantasy that blends high-stakes magic, dragons, a fierce female lead, and a swoon-worthy shadow-wielding king, this belongs at the top of your TBR.
This book delivers a perfect mix of beloved tropes: enemies to allies, forced proximity, a slow-burn romance (though let’s be real, the spice is on the page early), and even a political forced marriage. Add in an all-female dragon-riding warrior squad, elemental magic, and a villain so vile you’ll actively root for their downfall, and somehow, it never feels like too much. Every element is intentional, and the world-building is seamless.
Kadeesha, our main character, is the heart of the story. She's strong, loyal, and unwilling to compromise who she is, even when caught between duty and desire. Her convictions never waver, and watching her fight for her people and her truth is empowering. Then there’s Malachi, the brooding, deadly, drop-dead gorgeous king who oozes charisma and power. He’s arrogant, intense, and absolutely delivers on every front. The chemistry between them is electric, and the dynamic they share gives the story depth and fire.
The supporting cast is just as memorable, adding richness and emotion to the world. And if all of that isn’t enough to hook you, Kadeesha’s dragon is named Zahzah. Yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.
This book hits shelves October 28th, do yourself a favor and pre-order it or mark your calendar. Our Vicious Oaths is the kind of fantasy you’ll want to devour and then immediately talk about with everyone you know.
Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport is an absolute standout, a thrilling, immersive read that I can’t stop thinking about. If you’re craving a fantasy that blends high-stakes magic, dragons, a fierce female lead, and a swoon-worthy shadow-wielding king, this belongs at the top of your TBR.
This book delivers a perfect mix of beloved tropes: enemies to allies, forced proximity, a slow-burn romance (though let’s be real, the spice is on the page early), and even a political forced marriage. Add in an all-female dragon-riding warrior squad, elemental magic, and a villain so vile you’ll actively root for their downfall, and somehow, it never feels like too much. Every element is intentional, and the world-building is seamless.
Kadeesha, our main character, is the heart of the story. She's strong, loyal, and unwilling to compromise who she is, even when caught between duty and desire. Her convictions never waver, and watching her fight for her people and her truth is empowering. Then there’s Malachi, the brooding, deadly, drop-dead gorgeous king who oozes charisma and power. He’s arrogant, intense, and absolutely delivers on every front. The chemistry between them is electric, and the dynamic they share gives the story depth and fire.
The supporting cast is just as memorable, adding richness and emotion to the world. And if all of that isn’t enough to hook you, Kadeesha’s dragon is named Zahzah. Yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.
This book hits shelves October 28th, do yourself a favor and pre-order it or mark your calendar. Our Vicious Oaths is the kind of fantasy you’ll want to devour and then immediately talk about with everyone you know.
adventurous
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:
No
I finished Our Vicious Oaths by @nia.davenport this afternoon, and y’all, it’s phenomenal. Kadeesha is this great blend of formidable and empathetic and Malachi is possessive and protective and the shadow daddiest. The world-building and magic system were well done and easy to jump into and the stakes are established fast-fast, as is the spice. Really grateful to have gotten an ARC via @netgalley - add this to your TBR for October!
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Incredibly fun read. Very spicy. If you're into a spicy romance with a MMC with a violent streak a mile long and a FMC who almost matches his violent fervor then this is the book for you.
I really liked the tale of these Fae kingdoms and the political infighting between all of them. There were some twists I saw coming but some I definitely didn't. Hello, wedding. I will say that it was a *push* to get through the first chapter. It was very much an info dump with some character building and plot. Which is not my favorite. I would have preferred if that info was woven into to several chapters rather than have such a front loaded book. I also would have liked if the FMC was a bit more worried about someone being (semi-spoiler about to happen) in charge of her kingdom while she was gone for a while? And how certain characters could remember things outside of a ward that was supposed to stop that? Did I miss those things being explained? Or... Why was that never explained?
However, I'm really glad I kept reading because the story was fun and the spice was excellent. And while I love a slow burn... I also love when some delightful spice shows up early and stays throughout the whole book. Especially if there is a strong ass FMC involved. I also loved the MMC's Aunt. Strong female departing some badass lessons. Like understanding your power so you can wield it effectively AND fairly. People in our world could learn from Nychelle.
What made my weirdo heart happy:
The sass from many of the main and side characters e.g.:
"You are all juvenile. Why was I cursed to be a part of this band of fuckery?" - Shionne
"Fuck off into the sun," -Kadeesha (I will be using this in my own life)
A love of books: He winked at her as he handed over the book. "I am a king of many talents."
Will I read more books by this author?: Yes.
Would I recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, if they like spicy books.
[I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.]
I really liked the tale of these Fae kingdoms and the political infighting between all of them. There were some twists I saw coming but some I definitely didn't. Hello, wedding. I will say that it was a *push* to get through the first chapter. It was very much an info dump with some character building and plot. Which is not my favorite. I would have preferred if that info was woven into to several chapters rather than have such a front loaded book. I also would have liked if the FMC was a bit more worried about someone being (semi-spoiler about to happen) in charge of her kingdom while she was gone for a while? And how certain characters could remember things outside of a ward that was supposed to stop that? Did I miss those things being explained? Or... Why was that never explained?
However, I'm really glad I kept reading because the story was fun and the spice was excellent. And while I love a slow burn... I also love when some delightful spice shows up early and stays throughout the whole book. Especially if there is a strong ass FMC involved. I also loved the MMC's Aunt. Strong female departing some badass lessons. Like understanding your power so you can wield it effectively AND fairly. People in our world could learn from Nychelle.
What made my weirdo heart happy:
The sass from many of the main and side characters e.g.:
"You are all juvenile. Why was I cursed to be a part of this band of fuckery?" - Shionne
"Fuck off into the sun," -Kadeesha (I will be using this in my own life)
A love of books: He winked at her as he handed over the book. "I am a king of many talents."
Will I read more books by this author?: Yes.
Would I recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, if they like spicy books.
[I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.]
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Our Vicious Oaths was such a good read! Immediately pre-ordered the physical copy. It was packed with world-building, action, delicious spice, character development, and strong women. I loved the power dynamic between Kadeesha and Malachi and their evolution throughout the book. I was simultaneously kicking my feet and shaking my head in so many scenes. I loved that while their physical relationship is at the forefront of the plot for much of the book, it was balanced well with fae politics, battles, magic, and more! I also loved the references back to black culture like grilles and braids/hairstyles.
The only thing I would've changed is to have the character glossary at the front of the book by the map. I didn't even know it was hidden in the back until I was done!
I told myself I needed to start supporting more black authors and I'm SO grateful I had the chance to read this one. I will be recommending this one to all my romantasy reader friends!
The only thing I would've changed is to have the character glossary at the front of the book by the map. I didn't even know it was hidden in the back until I was done!
I told myself I needed to start supporting more black authors and I'm SO grateful I had the chance to read this one. I will be recommending this one to all my romantasy reader friends!