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A review by shelves_by_sim
Oath of Devotion and Ruin by Alexandra Rei
adventurous
challenging
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
4.0
I read the first book in this series, Feud of Blood and Darkness, and I really enjoyed it but this one was so gooood!! Again, the magic system is so cool. I love how the magic is based off of tarot cards and how each arcanum gets gifted a magic by their specific god. I love the beliefs and history of the Arcanum and what they stand for. This being said, like most institutions they are stuck in there ways and even though our story didn't get the change we wanted for the future, we definitely saw some growth in their way of thinking, especially towards those of demon blood.
I actually thought this was going to be a follow on from book 1 but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that this story followed an entirely new set of characters. I really liked the background Lena came from, I felt like it made her humble and authentic. The plot gives a good amount of mystery from the beginning, especially regarding Lena's betrothed and the Emperor's Arcanum, Gabriel Velmont. I enjoyed these new side characters, especially getting to know the werewolf clan.
There was so much action in this book, I loved the battle with the vampires, I loved hunting down the wendigo. I think the slow burn between Gabriel and Lena was perfect, for most of the book it feels like he despises her until he doesn't and it is everything. I loved the cabin scene, seeing his walls crack a little was everything. The ending was heartbreaking and beautiful and I wanted so much more of them!
I actually thought this was going to be a follow on from book 1 but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that this story followed an entirely new set of characters. I really liked the background Lena came from, I felt like it made her humble and authentic. The plot gives a good amount of mystery from the beginning, especially regarding Lena's betrothed and the Emperor's Arcanum, Gabriel Velmont. I enjoyed these new side characters, especially getting to know the werewolf clan.
There was so much action in this book, I loved the battle with the vampires, I loved hunting down the wendigo. I think the slow burn between Gabriel and Lena was perfect, for most of the book it feels like he despises her until he doesn't and it is everything. I loved the cabin scene, seeing his walls crack a little was everything. The ending was heartbreaking and beautiful and I wanted so much more of them!