A review by filipateodoro
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

adventurous dark emotional inspiring 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

What a wonderful way to start the reading year and what a perfect way to end a duology!

This book was immensely satisfying and gripping. It takes your hand right at the first few chapters and pulls you, never letting go and never slowing down.

Just like in Divine Rivals, I found the author's treatment of war, partic larly from the point of view of the civilians, to be faultless. It's not often you see this perspective in fantasy books and she nails it. There is magic in this world, but reality is just as well written and striking. Given what we have watched happen in the world in recent years, and even in the months before and during this book's release, some scenes in this felt haunting. I don't usually get emotional with books, but I was quite moved in parts.

If I had to choose something that didn't quite click for me, it would be what someone in the military said close to the end of the book to deal with a confrontation (
when Keegan said they should discuss things "intellectually" and the Graveyard captain suddenly didn't feel like shooting people anymore
). I thought the way that unfolded was the most naive and childish scene in the whole book and would have preferred if things had taken a different route (
for example, having Iris deliver the evidence in time, stopping the execution, then revealing a power struggle within the Graveyard, which often happens with such groups, and a more moderated side would take over... but now that I write that, maybe that wouldn't hit as hard
). However, I also understand that the author probably wanted to impart their message on the reader on a certain topic (
war crimes and the complicated aftermaths of violent conflicts
), and I respect the point that was made.

I will gladly explore this author's other works in the future.
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