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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I was going to give this 4 stars, but the ending completely blew me away, so I bumped it up to a 5, even though it's probably more a 4.6, 4.7 maybe. Because it's not as good as ACSDAL, a solid 5, but it was SO much better than the second book. I still can't stand Lia Mara's chapters, and I still don't love Grey's, but we got Harper and Rhen back, so that automatically made the book better. I love those two SO MUCH!!! Also, I really like how Grey and Jake became such good friends, as well as (in the last two chapters) how Grey and Rhen started to get over their differences and try to become friends. It was so sweet!
Rhen, I think, might be one of my new favorite characters. He's such a difficult character to portray, and I love his devotion to Harper and his country, but at the same time he made some pretty bad decisions along the way. And omg he suffered SO MUCH and the second quarter of the book broke my heart so bad. I almost started bawling when Grey came to the castle with Harper, and Rhen has all but given up; bruised, battered and broken (not to mention traumatized), believing his girlfriend to be dead and his brother to be on his way to kill him, and suddenly he's being rescued by everyone who he'd been abandoned by, and of course he believes it's all another one of Lilith's tricks.
"I must be dead. Or dreaming. This is a new way for Lilith to torture me. Surely" (351). And then: "I didn't expect to find him like this. I should have. I remember Lilith's torments. I remember how much Rhen endured on my behalf.
I see how much he's endured this time.
Rhen hasn't let go of Harper's hand. They're sitting together on the chaise by the hearth, and he keeps looking at her as if he expects her to vanish from the room if he glances away" (357).
Rhen deserves a lifetime of rest, peace, and someone to take care of him and remind him that everything's going to be okay.
And that's pretty much all I have to say on these books. I'm disappointed I read the sequel series first, because (once again) I already know what's going to happen. Still, this trilogy (well, two books of it lol) was amazing, and all of these characters have left an impression on my heart ❤
Edit:
After reading some other reviews where people couldn't stand this book I realized I forgot to mention something. (And I promise this wasn't born from other people's opinions, I thought this before but just didn't think to mention it.) That thing is the ending.
I feel like the author came to a logical resolution, and I sort of agree with it, but there are some parts that I wish were done differently.
I wish that AVSBAD ended in Grey renouncing the throne to Rhen and just ruling Syl Shallow alongside Lia Mara while Rhen becomes the king of Emberfall. Because really, Rhen HAS been preparing his whole life for that role... and he is good at it! He's so devoted to his country, which can be seen from his actions in ACSDAL, AHSFAB (although it's shown in a rather messed up way and it's portrayed as if he's more acting in his own interests, though I know better), and in AVSBAD. Kind of. He genuinely cares about his people, and everything he does is for the good of Emberfall. He's literally the perfect king, and Grey is not... by ANY means.
He's a good guy, but he's spent his life as a soldier and a guard. He knows nothing about ruling a kingdom; hence why he asks Rhen for help and places him as regent. There really isn't any reason for him to try and claim the throne at all. He didn't even want to! The only reason he is is because Keris Luran wanted him to, and she's dead now anyway, so in my humble opinion he should have just stayed in Syl Shallow. Until Harper comes and asks for help defeating Lilith of course. Boom, and of story, everything works out for everyone.
Honestly I really wish I could have an argument with someone who disagrees because I am 100% on team Rhen and will defend him against anyone's accusations. Yes, he made some really horrible choices, but, as Harper inner monologued about multiple times, does one horrible decision really overshadow everything good? Nobody's perfect, and though he shouldn't be excused from what he did, he also did what he thought had to be done. It didn't mean he hated doing it any less, and he felt truely remorseful about it afterwards. To be honest, this whole situation is part of the reasons why I like him so much. He's a complex character, and not without his flaws, but there really is so much good in him, and he really would.
Rhen, I think, might be one of my new favorite characters. He's such a difficult character to portray, and I love his devotion to Harper and his country, but at the same time he made some pretty bad decisions along the way. And omg he suffered SO MUCH and the second quarter of the book broke my heart so bad. I almost started bawling when Grey came to the castle with Harper, and Rhen has all but given up; bruised, battered and broken (not to mention traumatized), believing his girlfriend to be dead and his brother to be on his way to kill him, and suddenly he's being rescued by everyone who he'd been abandoned by, and of course he believes it's all another one of Lilith's tricks.
"I must be dead. Or dreaming. This is a new way for Lilith to torture me. Surely" (351). And then: "I didn't expect to find him like this. I should have. I remember Lilith's torments. I remember how much Rhen endured on my behalf.
I see how much he's endured this time.
Rhen hasn't let go of Harper's hand. They're sitting together on the chaise by the hearth, and he keeps looking at her as if he expects her to vanish from the room if he glances away" (357).
Rhen deserves a lifetime of rest, peace, and someone to take care of him and remind him that everything's going to be okay.
And that's pretty much all I have to say on these books. I'm disappointed I read the sequel series first, because (once again) I already know what's going to happen. Still, this trilogy (well, two books of it lol) was amazing, and all of these characters have left an impression on my heart ❤
Edit:
After reading some other reviews where people couldn't stand this book I realized I forgot to mention something. (And I promise this wasn't born from other people's opinions, I thought this before but just didn't think to mention it.) That thing is the ending.
I feel like the author came to a logical resolution, and I sort of agree with it, but there are some parts that I wish were done differently.
Spoiler
So, in this book we ended with Rhen yielding to Grey, who now has the throne of Emberfall without a fight. Rhen is left having no idea what he's supposed to do now, since he's been preparing to become king his entire life, and doesn't know how to be anything else. Then in the last chapter Grey's like "hey I still need your help ruling" and we know from Forging Silver Into Stars that this happens through Grey going to Syl Shallow with Lia Mara as king of both counries, and Rhen staying at Ironrose as the acting Regent of Emberfall. We also know from Carving Shadows Into Gold that people in Emberfall are kind of annoyed because their king is never around. Basically it seems like Rhen is ruling Emberfall in all but title.I wish that AVSBAD ended in Grey renouncing the throne to Rhen and just ruling Syl Shallow alongside Lia Mara while Rhen becomes the king of Emberfall. Because really, Rhen HAS been preparing his whole life for that role... and he is good at it! He's so devoted to his country, which can be seen from his actions in ACSDAL, AHSFAB (although it's shown in a rather messed up way and it's portrayed as if he's more acting in his own interests, though I know better), and in AVSBAD. Kind of. He genuinely cares about his people, and everything he does is for the good of Emberfall. He's literally the perfect king, and Grey is not... by ANY means.
He's a good guy, but he's spent his life as a soldier and a guard. He knows nothing about ruling a kingdom; hence why he asks Rhen for help and places him as regent. There really isn't any reason for him to try and claim the throne at all. He didn't even want to! The only reason he is is because Keris Luran wanted him to, and she's dead now anyway, so in my humble opinion he should have just stayed in Syl Shallow. Until Harper comes and asks for help defeating Lilith of course. Boom, and of story, everything works out for everyone.
Honestly I really wish I could have an argument with someone who disagrees because I am 100% on team Rhen and will defend him against anyone's accusations. Yes, he made some really horrible choices, but, as Harper inner monologued about multiple times, does one horrible decision really overshadow everything good? Nobody's perfect, and though he shouldn't be excused from what he did, he also did what he thought had to be done. It didn't mean he hated doing it any less, and he felt truely remorseful about it afterwards. To be honest, this whole situation is part of the reasons why I like him so much. He's a complex character, and not without his flaws, but there really is so much good in him, and he really would
Spoiler
make a great king
The first two of this series were phenomenal. This one dissapointed me. The story seemed different and repetitive to me. I kept feeling like everything was going in circles. However the ending ( 80 percent mark) redeemed it for me.
Rhen and Harper deserved so much more. I only skimmed the last 3rd of the book because I knew the ending and was so upset. It feels way too forced. Grey had no interest in being king in book 2 and now all of the sudden he just takes everything from Rhen? Okay, how?
I really do not like Grey from book 2 and on. Lia Mara is a weak queen and will not be capable of ruling.
I love the growth in Rhen and Harper in this book. I know their growth is slower because if how emotionally scarred Rhen is. It made their moments together so sweet. That's the only reason this book gets 3 stars.
I hope there is more from thos story that gives Rhen and Hatper everything they deserve.
I really do not like Grey from book 2 and on. Lia Mara is a weak queen and will not be capable of ruling.
I love the growth in Rhen and Harper in this book. I know their growth is slower because if how emotionally scarred Rhen is. It made their moments together so sweet. That's the only reason this book gets 3 stars.
I hope there is more from thos story that gives Rhen and Hatper everything they deserve.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars, I read the rest of the series and felt that it ended really well
adventurous
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:
Complicated
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Vow so Bold and Deadly follows our main characters, Rhen, Harper, Grey and Lia Mara as they navigate their opposing kingdoms being on the brink of war. Here we see Rhen as he battles with the angst of losing Grey and then emotionally losing Harper because of his previous actions. In the Kingdom of Syhl Shallow, Grey struggles to earn respect from his future army and Lia Mara struggles to rule in the shadow of her ruthless mother. This book picks up right after the events of this previous book.
The ending of Vow did a great job of tying up loose ends and leaving the reader happy with where the future is heading for these characters. We see reconciled relationships and previous relationships on the mend. Every character finds where they belong and comes into their own by the end. However, my only gripe is the book took a long time to get there. The pacing on this third book felt extremely off to me. In nearly 85% of the book, the reader is just waiting for something to happen. Finally, when we reach the ending, it literally wraps up in the last 15% and it happens really quickly. It felt rushed and didn't feel true to the characters or the story. It felt more like a continuation and not an ending to a series.
Despite all that, I'm still giving this book 4.5 stars. Brigid wrote this whole book while in Covid lockdown while homeschooling three kids. This book has it flaws, but it is still a testament to a resilient mom and author. Bravo. Ms. Kemmerer, bravo.
The ending of Vow did a great job of tying up loose ends and leaving the reader happy with where the future is heading for these characters. We see reconciled relationships and previous relationships on the mend. Every character finds where they belong and comes into their own by the end. However, my only gripe is the book took a long time to get there. The pacing on this third book felt extremely off to me. In nearly 85% of the book, the reader is just waiting for something to happen. Finally, when we reach the ending, it literally wraps up in the last 15% and it happens really quickly. It felt rushed and didn't feel true to the characters or the story. It felt more like a continuation and not an ending to a series.
Despite all that, I'm still giving this book 4.5 stars. Brigid wrote this whole book while in Covid lockdown while homeschooling three kids. This book has it flaws, but it is still a testament to a resilient mom and author. Bravo. Ms. Kemmerer, bravo.
Unfortunately, this story isn't what I thought it would be. I rated the first book 5 stars, the second 4 stars, and the trend continues.
I loved each of the characters, but here's the thing - Harper and Rhen definitely took a blow and haven't been themselves since the first book ended. They got sidelined and I expected far more. It's like they lost all of their spark and got reduced to tools meant to just move the story forward. I was hoping for them to actually get a decent happy ending, but that didn't happen either. That last chapter didn't feel like an ending at all.
Grey and Lia Mara got far better treatment and while I still adored them, I wish other characters got the same. I mean, I don't dislike where each character ended up by that last chapter, but I thought we'd get more of an epilogue. Like, how are they managing their new lives, or at least one last happy scene and not some random moment that doesn't even have Harper and Lia Mara.
It's a shame because the writing is amazing and the core of the story is fun and complex- it's just that the author chose a wrong turn halfway in. It's almost as if this wasn't a trilogy but a collection of stories that sort of connect.
I loved each of the characters, but here's the thing - Harper and Rhen definitely took a blow and haven't been themselves since the first book ended. They got sidelined and I expected far more. It's like they lost all of their spark and got reduced to tools meant to just move the story forward. I was hoping for them to actually get a decent happy ending, but that didn't happen either. That last chapter didn't feel like an ending at all.
Grey and Lia Mara got far better treatment and while I still adored them, I wish other characters got the same. I mean, I don't dislike where each character ended up by that last chapter, but I thought we'd get more of an epilogue. Like, how are they managing their new lives, or at least one last happy scene and not some random moment that doesn't even have Harper and Lia Mara.
It's a shame because the writing is amazing and the core of the story is fun and complex- it's just that the author chose a wrong turn halfway in. It's almost as if this wasn't a trilogy but a collection of stories that sort of connect.
Unfortunately, this story isn't what I thought it would be. I rated the first book 5 stars, the second 4 stars, and the trend continues.
I loved each of the characters, but here's the thing - Harper and Rhen definitely took a blow and haven't been themselves since the first book ended. They got sidelined and I expected far more. It's like they lost all of their spark and got reduced to tools meant to just move the story forward. I was hoping for them to actually get a decent happy ending, but that didn't happen either. That last chapter didn't feel like an ending at all.
Grey and Lia Mara got far better treatment and while I still adored them, I wish other characters got the same. I mean, I don't dislike where each character ended up by that last chapter, but I thought we'd get more of an epilogue. Like, how are they managing their new lives, or at least one last happy scene and not some random moment that doesn't even have Harper and Lia Mara.
It's a shame because the writing is amazing and the core of the story is fun and complex- it's just that the author chose a wrong turn halfway in. It's almost as if this wasn't a trilogy but a collection of stories that sort of connect.
I loved each of the characters, but here's the thing - Harper and Rhen definitely took a blow and haven't been themselves since the first book ended. They got sidelined and I expected far more. It's like they lost all of their spark and got reduced to tools meant to just move the story forward. I was hoping for them to actually get a decent happy ending, but that didn't happen either. That last chapter didn't feel like an ending at all.
Grey and Lia Mara got far better treatment and while I still adored them, I wish other characters got the same. I mean, I don't dislike where each character ended up by that last chapter, but I thought we'd get more of an epilogue. Like, how are they managing their new lives, or at least one last happy scene and not some random moment that doesn't even have Harper and Lia Mara.
It's a shame because the writing is amazing and the core of the story is fun and complex- it's just that the author chose a wrong turn halfway in. It's almost as if this wasn't a trilogy but a collection of stories that sort of connect.