Member Reviews
(Warning: spoilers for the first book in the series ahead.)
The second in a fantasy duology in which two gods are at war and have drafted mortals to fight their battles for them. In the first book, Iris and Roman fell in love while writing magical letters to each other (heavy Shop Around the Corner vibes here) only to get separated at the cliffhanger when Dacre (the Bad God) saved Roman from the brink of death, wiped his memory, and made him his slave while Iris’ brother force-rescued her from a similar fate. This second book sees Iris working to find Roman and Roman struggling to regain his memories, and then the both of them working together to secretly bring Dacre down.
The second book is just as well written as the first. The narration switches back and forth between Iris and Roman, and Ross makes the transitions smooth, which isn’t always the case. I also loved that the epistolary element continued in the sequel, and it’s cleverly used as an interesting plot mover. Iris show more and Roman are a great couple and I liked how their relationship grows and matures in this volume, and I’m particularly impressed that although they’re apart for most of the book, Ross does a great job balancing that tension and not making it angsty or frustrating. The Bad Guys are also nicely drawn and complex; yeah, the gods are a-holes, but their motives are believable and believable. show less
The second in a fantasy duology in which two gods are at war and have drafted mortals to fight their battles for them. In the first book, Iris and Roman fell in love while writing magical letters to each other (heavy Shop Around the Corner vibes here) only to get separated at the cliffhanger when Dacre (the Bad God) saved Roman from the brink of death, wiped his memory, and made him his slave while Iris’ brother force-rescued her from a similar fate. This second book sees Iris working to find Roman and Roman struggling to regain his memories, and then the both of them working together to secretly bring Dacre down.
The second book is just as well written as the first. The narration switches back and forth between Iris and Roman, and Ross makes the transitions smooth, which isn’t always the case. I also loved that the epistolary element continued in the sequel, and it’s cleverly used as an interesting plot mover. Iris show more and Roman are a great couple and I liked how their relationship grows and matures in this volume, and I’m particularly impressed that although they’re apart for most of the book, Ross does a great job balancing that tension and not making it angsty or frustrating. The Bad Guys are also nicely drawn and complex; yeah, the gods are a-holes, but their motives are believable and believable. show less
Two weeks have passed since Iris Winnow returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over. Roman is missing, and the city of Oath continues to dwell in a state of disbelief and ignorance. When Iris and Attie are given another chance to report on Dacre’s movements, they both take the opportunity and head westward once more despite the danger, knowing it’s only a matter of time before the conflict reaches a city that’s unprepared and fracturing beneath the chancellor’s reign.
Since waking below in Dacre’s realm, Roman cannot remember his past. But given the reassurance that his memories will return in time, Roman begins to write articles for Dacre, uncertain of his place in the greater scheme of the war. When a strange letter arrives by wardrobe door, Roman is first suspicious, then intrigued. As he strikes up a correspondence with his mysterious pen pal, Roman will soon have to make a decision: to stand with Dacre or betray the god who show more healed him. And as the days grow darker, inevitably drawing Roman and Iris closer together…the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war. show less
Since waking below in Dacre’s realm, Roman cannot remember his past. But given the reassurance that his memories will return in time, Roman begins to write articles for Dacre, uncertain of his place in the greater scheme of the war. When a strange letter arrives by wardrobe door, Roman is first suspicious, then intrigued. As he strikes up a correspondence with his mysterious pen pal, Roman will soon have to make a decision: to stand with Dacre or betray the god who show more healed him. And as the days grow darker, inevitably drawing Roman and Iris closer together…the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war. show less
"Despite our mundane lives, perhaps we make our own magic with words."
"Their souls weren't mirrors but complements, constellations that burned side by side."
What can I say? Divine Rivals was magnificent and I enjoyed it a lot. I was really looking forward to seeing how the story resolved and I have to say... I was not disappointed. I think this was a perfect ending. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel at first because I felt like things were moving slowly. I mean I think honestly I was just bitter that Iris and Roman were separated still. I don't know what I was anticipating... okay yeah I do... I just wanted things to magically be fixed haha. However, my god that would have been so disappointing given the marvelous story that unfolds here. I just missed their beautiful and witty banter. Yet, we did get some side romances to make up for it and they were adorable.
Can I just say that the times this book had me on the edge of my seat was ridiculous. The emotions it made me show more experience were unfair. I mean I'm trying so hard not to spoil things but I cannot explain to you how hard that is. I enjoyed that this one was even more war focused, but like in ways that directly and seriously impacted all our characters. I enjoyed more of the Dacre/Enva story and I feel like they played a bigger role in this one than the first. I enjoyed the typewriters coming into play again; I don't know why but their is just something so sweet and beautiful about a romance that is mostly carried out in written letters.
I think what I loved most about this one was just how much love enabled our characters to do. They were willing to do anything for the ones they loved. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. I seriously cannot express to you the moments I laughed, cried and screamed at this book. I think it was executed beautifully and I really loved that our characters had to work for their happy ending. I love being reminded how much I enjoy YA stories sometimes they have this ability to transport you. Basically if you haven't read this series... and like also recommend it to everyone you know. show less
"Their souls weren't mirrors but complements, constellations that burned side by side."
What can I say? Divine Rivals was magnificent and I enjoyed it a lot. I was really looking forward to seeing how the story resolved and I have to say... I was not disappointed. I think this was a perfect ending. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel at first because I felt like things were moving slowly. I mean I think honestly I was just bitter that Iris and Roman were separated still. I don't know what I was anticipating... okay yeah I do... I just wanted things to magically be fixed haha. However, my god that would have been so disappointing given the marvelous story that unfolds here. I just missed their beautiful and witty banter. Yet, we did get some side romances to make up for it and they were adorable.
Can I just say that the times this book had me on the edge of my seat was ridiculous. The emotions it made me show more experience were unfair. I mean I'm trying so hard not to spoil things but I cannot explain to you how hard that is. I enjoyed that this one was even more war focused, but like in ways that directly and seriously impacted all our characters. I enjoyed more of the Dacre/Enva story and I feel like they played a bigger role in this one than the first. I enjoyed the typewriters coming into play again; I don't know why but their is just something so sweet and beautiful about a romance that is mostly carried out in written letters.
I think what I loved most about this one was just how much love enabled our characters to do. They were willing to do anything for the ones they loved. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. I seriously cannot express to you the moments I laughed, cried and screamed at this book. I think it was executed beautifully and I really loved that our characters had to work for their happy ending. I love being reminded how much I enjoy YA stories sometimes they have this ability to transport you. Basically if you haven't read this series... and like also recommend it to everyone you know. show less
What a beautiful conclusion to the story! I loved the first book and it picks up right after Divine Rivals ends. The gods, Dacre and Enva, are a much bigger part of this one and I loved getting to know their characters. It’s war and there are gutting losses, but the story unfolds beautifully and did not disappoint.
I have to agree with the numerous other readers who declared this book to be a let-down compared to Divine Rivals. It was okay, but the spark that drove the first book was missing. (I have specific quibbles, but those definitely venture into spoiler territory.) Rebecca Ross still has a beautiful way of weaving words together though.
Only slightly less enjoyable than Divine Rivals - I loved how this duology concluded. Fast-paced and I was pleased to see some of my questions from the first book answered. Overall, a wonderful read & I look forward to reading more from this author!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Ruthless Vows is the conclusion to this epic duo series by Rebecca Ross. I didn't know what I expected, all I knew is that "Divine Rivals" blew my heart out of the water with that ending and I had to jump into this conclusion and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. I literally took my time reading this because it was so good. I didn't even look at my progress show more percentage like I normally do because I was so swept away by this story. The conclusion is not an easy one, but its a journey of heart and soul and courage and I soaked it up like a sponge and never wanted to let go of this one.
First Line
There was never any doubt in her mind, even after all these dust-streaked mortal years, that Dacre would one day come for her.
Summary
In the previous book, our couple, Kitt and Iris were seperated by the consequences of battle and war. Now Iris is working in the city of Aoth to try to get word out of the truths of what is happening with Dacre and his agenda. Kitt has been healed by Dacre but at a very heavy price, forced to write for him with no memory of who he was before or the woman who holds his heart. But as Roman gets closer to Oath and as Iris gets closer to Roman, they find their way back to each other. But will they be able to bring peace to their people once again or will vengeance of a demi god destroy them all...
What I Loved
There was so much to enjoy about this one here. I was instantly drawn into this story and my heart bled for Iris and Kitt and the journey they need to go through. There is such longing between them that cuts deep to the reader. I was so fascinated to see where Ross would take this story. I can definitely see the talent that she hides behind and if you enjoyed the journey in "Divine Rivals" then you most definitely will be excited with what is delivered in this one.
The seperation between them just after they get married and embrace the love that they have for each other was so real and heart wrenching. You feel the distance between them and you just want them to find each other again. Even though they are apart, they find their own ways to connect...through writing letters. And the words that they share with each other as they rediscover their love and Kitt finds his own way back to even being a stronger man melts the heart. I was intrigued about the plot with Dacre and it stunned me in so many ways. Even though some of it was predictable, some of it really had some turns I didn't expect to happen. And there were some actions taken that I literally wanted to get pom pom's and cheer my couple on. Even though it ends in a HEA, doesn't mean that Iris and Kitt don't lose some people they love deeply. That broke my heart....I was literally sobbing. But there is also such a message of redemption, hope and healing that completes this story. Definitely a story worthy of getting physical copies on my shelves and reading again pretty soon because I am not ready to let go of this couple.
What I Struggled With
Nothing.
Overall View
Ruthless Vows is a conlusion that is a epic sweeping finale of truths being revealed, personal rediscovery and the power and atonement behind honest true love that wins the day! AN FLAWLESS WINNER OF A READ!
Favorite Quote(s)
"Let me be your secret, then. Tuck my words into your pocket. Let them be your armor."
write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. write to me and fill my empty spaces.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy
Character Types: Journalists
Themes: Danger Elements, Love Letters, Magical Realism, Married Couple Pairing
Tropes: Amnesia
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Come Back...Be Here-Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments. show less
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Ruthless Vows is the conclusion to this epic duo series by Rebecca Ross. I didn't know what I expected, all I knew is that "Divine Rivals" blew my heart out of the water with that ending and I had to jump into this conclusion and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. I literally took my time reading this because it was so good. I didn't even look at my progress show more percentage like I normally do because I was so swept away by this story. The conclusion is not an easy one, but its a journey of heart and soul and courage and I soaked it up like a sponge and never wanted to let go of this one.
First Line
There was never any doubt in her mind, even after all these dust-streaked mortal years, that Dacre would one day come for her.
Summary
In the previous book, our couple, Kitt and Iris were seperated by the consequences of battle and war. Now Iris is working in the city of Aoth to try to get word out of the truths of what is happening with Dacre and his agenda. Kitt has been healed by Dacre but at a very heavy price, forced to write for him with no memory of who he was before or the woman who holds his heart. But as Roman gets closer to Oath and as Iris gets closer to Roman, they find their way back to each other. But will they be able to bring peace to their people once again or will vengeance of a demi god destroy them all...
What I Loved
There was so much to enjoy about this one here. I was instantly drawn into this story and my heart bled for Iris and Kitt and the journey they need to go through. There is such longing between them that cuts deep to the reader. I was so fascinated to see where Ross would take this story. I can definitely see the talent that she hides behind and if you enjoyed the journey in "Divine Rivals" then you most definitely will be excited with what is delivered in this one.
The seperation between them just after they get married and embrace the love that they have for each other was so real and heart wrenching. You feel the distance between them and you just want them to find each other again. Even though they are apart, they find their own ways to connect...through writing letters. And the words that they share with each other as they rediscover their love and Kitt finds his own way back to even being a stronger man melts the heart. I was intrigued about the plot with Dacre and it stunned me in so many ways. Even though some of it was predictable, some of it really had some turns I didn't expect to happen. And there were some actions taken that I literally wanted to get pom pom's and cheer my couple on. Even though it ends in a HEA, doesn't mean that Iris and Kitt don't lose some people they love deeply. That broke my heart....I was literally sobbing. But there is also such a message of redemption, hope and healing that completes this story. Definitely a story worthy of getting physical copies on my shelves and reading again pretty soon because I am not ready to let go of this couple.
What I Struggled With
Nothing.
Overall View
Ruthless Vows is a conlusion that is a epic sweeping finale of truths being revealed, personal rediscovery and the power and atonement behind honest true love that wins the day! AN FLAWLESS WINNER OF A READ!
Favorite Quote(s)
"Let me be your secret, then. Tuck my words into your pocket. Let them be your armor."
write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. write to me and fill my empty spaces.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy
Character Types: Journalists
Themes: Danger Elements, Love Letters, Magical Realism, Married Couple Pairing
Tropes: Amnesia
Book Perspective
DUO Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Come Back...Be Here-Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments. show less
I really liked the first book. Despite some cliches that had me roll my eyes, I thought it was a well written, interesting book. Two people falling in love anonymously through prose instead of attraction felt refreshing, and I liked the murky grey area of wartime journalists influencing morale and/or public opinion depending on what they write.
Yet for some reason this sequel didn’t grab me as much. I’ll be honest and say while I liked the romance well enough in book 1, it was not my main reason to keep reading, making the first half of this book a bit meh. One misses the other dearly. They’re apart, yearning and afraid, but get back together.
The other part pf the book was about the magic of the two gods at war. I thought this was a low fantasy series, with the gods as backdrop to the characters’ world and I loved it precisely because of that. I was interested in the lives of people at the front, the soldiers, the medics, and those left behind. Two warring magical gods, ley show more lines and portals simply did not interest me.
It wasn’t for me because it followed up on the aspects I liked less, but it is still a well written book and a good continuation. show less
Yet for some reason this sequel didn’t grab me as much. I’ll be honest and say while I liked the romance well enough in book 1, it was not my main reason to keep reading, making the first half of this book a bit meh. One misses the other dearly. They’re apart, yearning and afraid, but get back together.
The other part pf the book was about the magic of the two gods at war. I thought this was a low fantasy series, with the gods as backdrop to the characters’ world and I loved it precisely because of that. I was interested in the lives of people at the front, the soldiers, the medics, and those left behind. Two warring magical gods, ley show more lines and portals simply did not interest me.
It wasn’t for me because it followed up on the aspects I liked less, but it is still a well written book and a good continuation. show less
4 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awe, it’s bittersweet finishing Ruthless Vows, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Divine Rivals. Overall, I enjoyed this sequel, while in my opinion, it wasn’t as good as Divine Rivals, it did keep me intrigued and delivered a satisfying conclusion.
What I loved ❤️:
* Chapter titles! I wish more authors did this. 🥰🙌
* Beautiful writing
* Roman and Iris: Their connection and love story is memorable and just super sweet.
* The war scenes were gripping and compelling. I liked getting more background on the gods.
* The themes of familial bonds and love resonate deeply, highlighting the strength found in togetherness and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
What I didn’t love:
* Not Enough of Iris and Roman: This sequel delves deeper into the war between the gods and it seemed to have overshadowed the central romance that was so cherished in Divine Rivals. Although, the sequel introduces new layers to its characters and show more plot, certain aspects seem underexplored or unresolved, leaving me with some lingering questions and a tiny sense of wanting more from the story’s conclusion.
Favorite Quotes:
“Write me a story where you keep me up late every night with your typing, and I hide messages in your pockets for you to find when you’re at work. “Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me and fill my empty spaces.”
“The magic still gathers, and the past is gilded; I see the beauty in what has been but only because I have tasted both sorrow and joy in equal measures”.
"You may not be a goddess, but nor am I a god. Despite our mundane lives, perhaps we can make our own magic with words."
"I believe I'm quite good at this."
"And what's that, Winnow?"
"At taking you by surprise, Kitt."
"I look forward to the next chapter. The one you will write in your story, as well as the one we write together." show less
Awe, it’s bittersweet finishing Ruthless Vows, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Divine Rivals. Overall, I enjoyed this sequel, while in my opinion, it wasn’t as good as Divine Rivals, it did keep me intrigued and delivered a satisfying conclusion.
What I loved ❤️:
* Chapter titles! I wish more authors did this. 🥰🙌
* Beautiful writing
* Roman and Iris: Their connection and love story is memorable and just super sweet.
* The war scenes were gripping and compelling. I liked getting more background on the gods.
* The themes of familial bonds and love resonate deeply, highlighting the strength found in togetherness and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
What I didn’t love:
* Not Enough of Iris and Roman: This sequel delves deeper into the war between the gods and it seemed to have overshadowed the central romance that was so cherished in Divine Rivals. Although, the sequel introduces new layers to its characters and show more plot, certain aspects seem underexplored or unresolved, leaving me with some lingering questions and a tiny sense of wanting more from the story’s conclusion.
Favorite Quotes:
“Write me a story where you keep me up late every night with your typing, and I hide messages in your pockets for you to find when you’re at work. “Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me and fill my empty spaces.”
“The magic still gathers, and the past is gilded; I see the beauty in what has been but only because I have tasted both sorrow and joy in equal measures”.
"You may not be a goddess, but nor am I a god. Despite our mundane lives, perhaps we can make our own magic with words."
"I believe I'm quite good at this."
"And what's that, Winnow?"
"At taking you by surprise, Kitt."
"I look forward to the next chapter. The one you will write in your story, as well as the one we write together." show less
Oh this duology..talk about heart wrenching.
These books are an interesting mix of war time romance and folklore. Gods and magic are real in this world and we get a glimpse of magic in buildings and items.
A magical typewriter (yaaas, that’s where I was sold), a set of love/hate Gods in a twisted marriage and a young journalist couple return in this follow up to Divine Rivals.
Very little spice here; but so,so much passion.
These books are an interesting mix of war time romance and folklore. Gods and magic are real in this world and we get a glimpse of magic in buildings and items.
A magical typewriter (yaaas, that’s where I was sold), a set of love/hate Gods in a twisted marriage and a young journalist couple return in this follow up to Divine Rivals.
Very little spice here; but so,so much passion.
now this. THIS. is a duology worthy of the hype i've seen it get. i wouldn't consider myself a fan of wwii stories or just war-focused stories in general but this one just hits different yk. iris and roman are probably one of my favorite book ships ever, probably because even if their romance is on the subtler side. i don't typically love historical fiction but i do love magical realism, and i know a lot of people were complaining about how this focused more on the gods and magic side of the story compared to the previous book but honestly that's why i loved this one so much more. ugh. so brilliant.
Pre-Reading Updates: had to go to 2 targets to find this y’all i better not be disappointed!!
Pre-Reading Updates: had to go to 2 targets to find this y’all i better not be disappointed!!
Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the Letters of Enchantment duology. I borrowed this on ebook through Kindle Unlimited.
Thoughts: This is the second, and final, book in the Letters of Enchantment duology. This started out very slow but got better as the book continued.
The book starts a couple weeks after Winnow is rescued by her brother and returned home and Roman disappears from the battle front. We quickly find that Winnow is being asked to go back out to the war front and that Roman has been healed and captured by Dacre, who wants Roman to represent Dacre's side of the story through press releases. Roman has lost his memory but then strange letters start appearing in his wardrobe again.
This started sluggish and reminds you of the first book a lot. We have two characters, who don't know each other (or at least Roman doesn't know he knows Winnow) communicating through a magical typewriter. This felt repetitive and I honestly hate it when authors use memory loss as a show more plot device.
The story got more intriguing as it progressed. I enjoyed learning more about the gods and their powers. We get to see a lot more of Dacre and his armies in this book than we did in the first book. Watching Roman and Winnow eventually team back up again was fun, but felt a bit like you were re-reading the first book again. I do continue to enjoy this fantasy World War One like world; it is well built and unique.
This was well written and easy to read. As mentioned above, the pacing was off throughout the story.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I ended up liking this even though it had a slow start. This does a good job tying up the series and I enjoyed learning more about the gods and their powers. I was disappointed with memory loss being used as a plot device in the beginning...I just think this is a trope that has been so over done. I loved the world here and was very engaged by the complex and lifelike characters as well. I plan on reading more of Ross's books in the future. show less
Thoughts: This is the second, and final, book in the Letters of Enchantment duology. This started out very slow but got better as the book continued.
The book starts a couple weeks after Winnow is rescued by her brother and returned home and Roman disappears from the battle front. We quickly find that Winnow is being asked to go back out to the war front and that Roman has been healed and captured by Dacre, who wants Roman to represent Dacre's side of the story through press releases. Roman has lost his memory but then strange letters start appearing in his wardrobe again.
This started sluggish and reminds you of the first book a lot. We have two characters, who don't know each other (or at least Roman doesn't know he knows Winnow) communicating through a magical typewriter. This felt repetitive and I honestly hate it when authors use memory loss as a show more plot device.
The story got more intriguing as it progressed. I enjoyed learning more about the gods and their powers. We get to see a lot more of Dacre and his armies in this book than we did in the first book. Watching Roman and Winnow eventually team back up again was fun, but felt a bit like you were re-reading the first book again. I do continue to enjoy this fantasy World War One like world; it is well built and unique.
This was well written and easy to read. As mentioned above, the pacing was off throughout the story.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I ended up liking this even though it had a slow start. This does a good job tying up the series and I enjoyed learning more about the gods and their powers. I was disappointed with memory loss being used as a plot device in the beginning...I just think this is a trope that has been so over done. I loved the world here and was very engaged by the complex and lifelike characters as well. I plan on reading more of Ross's books in the future. show less
A bittersweet, tho satisfying conclusion to Divine Rivals, but not quite as captivating. The constant barriers between the main characters was frustrating to the story and the reader. Rather than a couple huge barriers to overcome, like amnesia, or being held captive by the other side, it felt like a hundred insignificant obstacles that had to be slogged through to get to the end and reunion.
I felt so stressed while reading this book. The characters where in danger so many times, tortured and hunted by a unstoppable force. I didn't enjoy it, I kept waiting for a lightness that didn't come. it was written so well, it just wasn't my type of read.
Since this book was released last year, I have been excited about reading it. Yes, I had pushed it to the back of the burner to finish most of the books ahead of it, but I had decided now to finish up an amazing story of gods amongst humans and a magical typewriter that linked two souls together. I wanted to know their story. I wanted to know what kind of ending the author would give to, not only Iris and Roman but to the Gods and their war.
This book was a huge disappointment. This is a war between two selfish Gods who have made it a point to use humans on their chess boards without thought or concern. More with the way both of their egos have been bruised. I felt no sympathy for either of them but more for the people who had been losing their lives for something that seemed so pointless.
The connection with the characters was not there. Rather, Roman and Isis spend a lot of the book away from each other, but this is mainly due to Roman having amnesia and in the presence of the show more Dacre, writing his story to make him more sympathetic to those out there reading the Oath Gazette. In contrast, Iris spends her time running around.
Honestly, I almost did not finish this book. I loved the first book. I loved the world-building. The characters. The whole thing. This book, not so much. show less
This book was a huge disappointment. This is a war between two selfish Gods who have made it a point to use humans on their chess boards without thought or concern. More with the way both of their egos have been bruised. I felt no sympathy for either of them but more for the people who had been losing their lives for something that seemed so pointless.
The connection with the characters was not there. Rather, Roman and Isis spend a lot of the book away from each other, but this is mainly due to Roman having amnesia and in the presence of the show more Dacre, writing his story to make him more sympathetic to those out there reading the Oath Gazette. In contrast, Iris spends her time running around.
Honestly, I almost did not finish this book. I loved the first book. I loved the world-building. The characters. The whole thing. This book, not so much. show less
4.25
This is a very sweet romance with the magic/war as background noise.
Whilst there was a little more explained about the gods ( not enough for me) this is pretty much just about Roman and Iris’ relationship. Thankfully the amnesia bit didn’t last long as it’s something I personally don’t enjoy.
I did end up staying awake to finish it so despite its length, it is well paced. A decent ending to the duology.
This is a very sweet romance with the magic/war as background noise.
Whilst there was a little more explained about the gods ( not enough for me) this is pretty much just about Roman and Iris’ relationship. Thankfully the amnesia bit didn’t last long as it’s something I personally don’t enjoy.
I did end up staying awake to finish it so despite its length, it is well paced. A decent ending to the duology.
So far Rebecca Ross has been a 4.5 to 5 star read for me and this conclusion to the duology was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed it and got a satisfying end.
No Second Book Syndrome with this book!
Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. There were some parts where I was like, "no, the author couldn't." Let me tell you that Ross most certainly could.
I'd recommend rereading Divine Rivals before starting this one.
4.5 Stars
Content: war violence, implied/vague intimacy scenes between a married couple
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I can’t believe this comes out the day after Christmas.
Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. There were some parts where I was like, "no, the author couldn't." Let me tell you that Ross most certainly could.
I'd recommend rereading Divine Rivals before starting this one.
4.5 Stars
Content: war violence, implied/vague intimacy scenes between a married couple
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I can’t believe this comes out the day after Christmas.
I really wanted to love this. I had loved the first book so much. But it just seemed so rushed and just not really any build up. It just lacked a little something, in my opinion.
Nowhere near as good as Book 1.
It’s a bit of a stretch that an ancient god needs a semi-amnesiac war correspondent to produce propaganda for him. Or that a different god needs a different war correspondent to end a war. Truly am not a fan of this plot.
The beautiful moments and magical letters that made Divine Rivals so incredible felt extremely forced given the direction that the story headed. More war games, less fantasy.
Oh well.
It’s a bit of a stretch that an ancient god needs a semi-amnesiac war correspondent to produce propaganda for him. Or that a different god needs a different war correspondent to end a war. Truly am not a fan of this plot.
The beautiful moments and magical letters that made Divine Rivals so incredible felt extremely forced given the direction that the story headed. More war games, less fantasy.
Oh well.
Nowhere near as good as Book 1.
It’s a bit of a stretch that an ancient god needs a semi-amnesiac war correspondent to produce propaganda for him. Or that a different god needs a different war correspondent to end a war. Truly am not a fan of this plot.
The beautiful moments and magical letters that made Divine Rivals so incredible felt extremely forced given the direction that the story headed. More war games, less fantasy.
Oh well.
It’s a bit of a stretch that an ancient god needs a semi-amnesiac war correspondent to produce propaganda for him. Or that a different god needs a different war correspondent to end a war. Truly am not a fan of this plot.
The beautiful moments and magical letters that made Divine Rivals so incredible felt extremely forced given the direction that the story headed. More war games, less fantasy.
Oh well.
Probably 4.25. It was an enjoyable read, and I liked it better than the first one, but I don't know that the characters or the story will stick with me.
I could write a 10 page essay about the way Iris' loss of innocence and facing the reality of life mirrors Forrest almost doing the opposite and what that meant for their character arcs.
If I was Iris and Roman's father showed up at my house unannouned and broke-into my house my ass would be calling the cops on him. Roman is a grown man who doesn't need his father controlling his life and to do what daddy and mommy want him to with his life and this mother is another piece of trash. I didn't like his mother either and she should have looked after him not being against him and not agreeing with the asshole husband she married and the both of them should have not be blaming Roman for his sister's death that he had no control over.
The poor nightingale's how they were being treated by evil people or I don't know if the nightingale's are still being used by the evil people but I am sure they are being mistreated the way Marisol was describing how cruel they were being bashing their wings and slamming their bodies against their cages where they were being held trying to escape. Darce seems like to be a very cruel person and I didn't like him very much and how very show more demanding to people being eaten by his hounds that part was gross and not really necessary and I found him also boring when his part being read and was slow I hope someone puts him in his place or have him be killed.
Darce seems like really big asshole controlling Roman taking over his typewriter and burning his books from his grandfather and I would be pissed if someone who I loved that left me their belongs and burned them. And of course his father doesn't do anything to stop it and his father didn't really care about it.
All in all I thought the book or the story was ok and the only person I liked in the book was Roman I didn't like Iris to much but she was ok and I felt sorry for when her brother and best friend passed away. And for Roman I am sure he was relief when he read about his father was going away and it was a good thing he didn't get with the girl who his parents wanted to be with since she was going to be away for a long time and as well as her father for making those bombs I gave this a 3 1/2 sta show less
The poor nightingale's how they were being treated by evil people or I don't know if the nightingale's are still being used by the evil people but I am sure they are being mistreated the way Marisol was describing how cruel they were being bashing their wings and slamming their bodies against their cages where they were being held trying to escape. Darce seems like to be a very cruel person and I didn't like him very much and how very show more demanding to people being eaten by his hounds that part was gross and not really necessary and I found him also boring when his part being read and was slow I hope someone puts him in his place or have him be killed.
Darce seems like really big asshole controlling Roman taking over his typewriter and burning his books from his grandfather and I would be pissed if someone who I loved that left me their belongs and burned them. And of course his father doesn't do anything to stop it and his father didn't really care about it.
All in all I thought the book or the story was ok and the only person I liked in the book was Roman I didn't like Iris to much but she was ok and I felt sorry for when her brother and best friend passed away. And for Roman I am sure he was relief when he read about his father was going away and it was a good thing he didn't get with the girl who his parents wanted to be with since she was going to be away for a long time and as well as her father for making those bombs I gave this a 3 1/2 sta show less
A great conclusion to this duology. I was sad for Iris and her loss but I was also excited by how the story ended.
Looking forward to reading more of Rebecca Ross's work in the future.
Looking forward to reading more of Rebecca Ross's work in the future.
What a perfect book to start off 2024! I loved Divine Rivals but Ruthless Vows was even better. I will miss Kitt and Winnow. The entire cast of characters will live in my heart and brain for a very long time! Highly recommend this series.
I am enchanted in every way. What a fantastic way to start 2024.
3.5 stars
crying to my husband about how much im going to miss them
Absolutely loved this series. This was not where I thought this story would end. Such a great reading journey!
The first book was better.
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