A Vow so Bold and Deadly | Review

Synopsis

Review

I had a lot- A LOT- of thoughts about this book so I hope I can focus them on the most important parts.

This book started out much milder than I was expecting. Actually, the whole book seemed somewhat less violent than I thought it would be. For some reason, I just kind of expected this book to start out with all the characters in a showdown or something. Or maybe war? I don’t know. But, as I read, I saw the importance of each character talking through everything that had happened in the previous two books (especially AHSFAB). There were a lot of unresolved emotions and strained relationships that needed to be worked through so I appreciate the time Kemmerer dedicated to that. Despite the lack action throughout most of the book, I did still enjoy it.

Along the same lines, it was also nice to hear the thought process behind the choices each person made. Each character is flawed and made flawed choices that they had to own up to. But they were all backed into a corner at some point and had to do what they had to do. I’m just really glad this book was told in 4 POVs.

Speaking of characters, I’m glad we got to see more of Harper and Rhen in this book after being a little deprived in book 2. I was reminded why I love them so much. There were also many times when I was like, “Harper is so cool!” I’m also glad I was able to see that emotional arc I so needed from Rhen. I was just feeling so conflicted about him from book 2 and this book resolved much of my conflict.

It was also great to see the growth in Grey in this book. The person he was in book 1 is completely different to who he is here in book 3. He’s confident, independent, and understands a little bit better who he is. The only person who I’m not happy with is Lia Mara. Her character was easily my favorite in book 2, but she was my least favorite here. She just felt…weak. I hate to say that, but that’s how I felt. It seemed like each person was doing so much, fighting so much for what was necessary, and she was just sitting on the sidelines. Perhaps the argument can be made that she fighting just as hard, but in a different way. However, her fight just didn’t come through for me. I had really hoped for more from her.

Much like the first two books, I enjoyed this one, but felt like there was something missing. And, much like the first two, I can’t figure out what that something is. Was it that this book wasn’t quite as romantic as I thought it would be? Was it the whole Lia Mara issue? Was it the lack of violence? I’m not sure.

The ending also has me feeling a little conflicted. So much of this book was spent figuring out how everyone was feeling that I think some other, maybe more important issues, were pushed under the rug. I think I just kinda thought the characters could handle Lillith and the kingdoms in one big finale, but that wasn’t really the case. In the end, the conflict kinda felt like it was only about defeating Lillith. I would have liked more resolve with the kingdoms.

Lastly, I was kinda sad that Rhen got the shaft once more in this book. It felt like he was dealt a bad hand on all three books. He deserved more. That’s all I gotta say.

Overall, I thought this was a really good ending to this series! There were some things I wish could have played out differently, but I still enjoyed reading this book.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating

To check out my other reviews, click here. Or to check out more books by Brigid Kemmerer, go to her Goodreads profile or her website.