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witcheep's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
This second book of Letters of Enchantment duology has a premise that made me hesitate to read the book at as fast a pace as I regularly would devour a sequel to a book I loved; I wasn't sure my opinion would be as high towards the sequel as well, and I didn't want to be disappointed. Fear not, the sequel is great. Ross's writing โ her use of descriptive language โ is as beautiful as ever, and it keeps the reader captivated. The main characters are in a tough spot, but their personalities shine through the relationships they hold dear and make them very interesting, multi-dimensional and immensely likeable. The plot is also fascinating: the themes of war, peace and religion are discussed often, and I like how their morality is regarded from multiple points of view.
Let's begin my review with the things that made me hesitant, though: the main characters being separated and the plot taking steps backwards regarding the relationships built in the first part. Ruthless Vows continues the plot from where the Divine Rivals left off, but because of Roman's amnesia, it feels like the main couple has taken multiple steps backwards to the starting point when they didn't know each other yet. Moreover, the war keeps them apart and constantly in danger: Roman being held at Dacre's side of war and Iris staying at Enva's, it seems like their setting has expanded into an even bigger rivalry than at the beginning of the duology, when it was just professional rivalry between the two. This is a kind of setback that I usually do not like as a plot device, but Ross manages to write this kind of plot better than many other authors I've read a sequel including a similar premise from.
I tend not to like the main characters of a book being separated in a book, even if they had a means to communicate with each other. It's just too heartbreaking, especially when the separated people belong to each other's side as clearly as Iris and Roman are meant to be together. I would love to see more happy things going on for these two sweethearts already, or at the very least them allowed to get back together to each othermore often .
A great strengts of Ross's is making her characters form meaningful relationships that make each individual a stronger person. This is shown in Ruthless Vows, especially through Iris. Iris remembering everything of the events from the Divine Rivals makes her determided to get Roman back. She doesn't shy away from any means necessary to do so, and proves it time and time again by facing dangers, such aspulling a heist, volunteering to go back to the front as a correstpondent, and sneaking to an enemy zone . Even disregarding the magic of the Alouette typewriters, Iris's will and courage seem magical, and she gets people close to her in on her scheming to help her.
Let's begin my review with the things that made me hesitant, though: the main characters being separated and the plot taking steps backwards regarding the relationships built in the first part. Ruthless Vows continues the plot from where the Divine Rivals left off, but because of Roman's amnesia, it feels like the main couple has taken multiple steps backwards to the starting point when they didn't know each other yet. Moreover, the war keeps them apart and constantly in danger: Roman being held at Dacre's side of war and Iris staying at Enva's, it seems like their setting has expanded into an even bigger rivalry than at the beginning of the duology, when it was just professional rivalry between the two. This is a kind of setback that I usually do not like as a plot device, but Ross manages to write this kind of plot better than many other authors I've read a sequel including a similar premise from.
I tend not to like the main characters of a book being separated in a book, even if they had a means to communicate with each other. It's just too heartbreaking, especially when the separated people belong to each other's side as clearly as Iris and Roman are meant to be together. I would love to see more happy things going on for these two sweethearts already, or at the very least them allowed to get back together to each other
A great strengts of Ross's is making her characters form meaningful relationships that make each individual a stronger person. This is shown in Ruthless Vows, especially through Iris. Iris remembering everything of the events from the Divine Rivals makes her determided to get Roman back. She doesn't shy away from any means necessary to do so, and proves it time and time again by facing dangers, such as
Dacre believed he had the upper hand, grooming Roman to be his dutiful correspondent. But little did he know that he was not the only source of magic.
"You will regret ever taking him from me," she whispered through her teeth, feeding paper into her typewriter.
I'm in love with the beauty of Ross's writing! It's very descriptive with the use of imaginative metaphors, while the story advances in a great pace, and the overall feel of the text is captivating.
How could he mourn something that he couldn't remember? Roman wondered if there was a word to describe such a feeling, for the way it gathered on his shoulders like snow. Cold and soft and infinite, melting as soon as he touched it.
Even shower thoughts in this book are very eloquent and metaphorical. Or perhaps it's just Roman's character
After reading the book, I needed a couple of days to contemplate the contents of it and my thoughts about it before I could even begin writing my review. This usually is an indicator of a great book: it leaves a lasting imprint and isn't easy to separate from your mind. So, if you hesitate picking up this sequel, I urge you to hesitate no longer. You'll be heartbroken through reading the book, but it's very much worth it in the end.
Review written 17.3.2024
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Classism, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement and Violence
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 (#free๐ต๐ธ), 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. ๐
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 (#free๐ต๐ธ), 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. ๐
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
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
aelytacchan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Although I liked Divine Rivals better, Ruthless Vows was a good follow-up to the story and the ending was satisfying!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Violence, Gore, Murder, Gun violence, Death, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, War, Body horror, and Confinement
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Medical content
kaitlynnnng's review
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
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. Iโm going to miss Roman and Iris, but Iโll just keep mentally picturing them from the ending of this book and imagine all the wonderful events of the charactersโ lives Iโm sure followed this story. ๐
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
lmayfieldx's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
โ๐ฅ๐๐ญ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ. ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ ๐ข ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐โ
tw: torture, confinement, violence, war, injury, medical content, death
๐ก๏ธ gods at war
๐ก๏ธ good vs evil
๐ก๏ธ secret romance
๐ก๏ธ amnesia
๐ก๏ธ dual pov
๐ก๏ธ third person
after roman is caught by dacre, iris arrives home and is unsure how to go on. when her and attie are given the opportunity to go back to the war front as correspondents, she jumps at the chance to find her husband. iris must find roman and continue to gather information about the war that dacre is planning, all while trying to remain safe amidst the war
โ
ruthless vows started at full speed & continued picking up, which i really enjoyed
when i finished divine rivals, i was left wishing that we had gotten more of the mythology aspect. ruthless vows did provide us with more dacre & enva, but they kinda overpowered the book, rather than there being a nice balance between dacre & enva, iris & roman, the war, etc
the war was much more prevalent in the plot in ruthless vows, which i liked. there was also really good character development, especially for iris. she exhibited strength in divine rivals by overcoming several challenges & being perseverant. we got to see more of her strength in ruthless vows
the amnesia trope in this was okay. i enjoyed when roman started to remember bits and pieces of iris. but i feel like he remembered very quickly & wish this had been drawn out a bit more before he started having glints of memory come back to him
some of this story became fairly repetitive & kinda just retold what happened in divine rivals. considering the time frame was just two weeks following the end of divine rivals, i feel like divine rivals couldโve just been a standalone that was a bit longer
overall i enjoyed this duology & iโm excited to read more books from rebecca ross
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Death, Confinement, and Torture
Minor: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
blacksphinx's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
On some level it's really funny that this book had a chance to re-do the worst thing about the first book, the instant love between our protagonists , and then chose to do the same exact thing again but even faster. There's also some groan-worthy exposition where it really doesn't make sense that the party in question would stop and willingly monologue. Lastly, this book engages in one of my least favorite tropes, pair the spades - NO ONE can end this book without a lover!!!111 ugh
But... I love historical fantasy and what kept me enthralled in the first book was the up-close depictions of warfare. And there's plenty of warfare, spying, and tense action scenes in this sequel to keep me turning the pages. I'm now left hankering for another book series that blends non-magical warfare with a fantasy setting.
But... I love historical fantasy and what kept me enthralled in the first book was the up-close depictions of warfare. And there's plenty of warfare, spying, and tense action scenes in this sequel to keep me turning the pages. I'm now left hankering for another book series that blends non-magical warfare with a fantasy setting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Confinement, Vomit, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Moderate: Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Medical content, Kidnapping, Blood, Torture, Medical trauma, and Car accident
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, and Alcoholism
sariereads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Gun violence, Torture, War, Death, Confinement, Genocide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Violence, Terminal illness, Murder, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content