Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment #2)

Favorite Quotes…

“Do you ever feel as if you wear armor, day after day? That when people look at you, they see only the shine of steel that you’ve so carefully encased yourself in?”

“Sometimes,” Iris began, “I don’t think we know what we’re made of until the worst moment possible happens. Then we must decide who we truly are and what is most important to us. I think we’re often surprised by what we become.”

“Books are difficult things to write, or so I hear. As the author, you will love the words one day, and despise them the next.”

“I’m becoming a girl made of regrets. Every morning, I wake from my gray, dreamless sleep and I think of you.”

“How utterly sobering it was, then, to realize how seldom daydreams like that aligned with reality.”

“It was only a book, but it felt far more than leather and paper and ink.”

by Rebecca Ross

4 out of 5 stars

In "Ruthless Vows," the second installment of the Letters of Enchantment Duology, Rebecca Ross expertly continues the journey of Iris and Roman, characters who captured our hearts in the first book with their depth and complexity. The novel delves deeper into their evolving relationship, set against the backdrop of a world teeming with political machinations and ancient magic.

Iris, with her keen intellect and fierce determination, remains a captivating figure. Her growth throughout the series is both believable and profoundly engaging. As she navigates the treacherous waters of politics and personal ambition, we see layers of her character unfold in the most unexpected ways. Ross has a particular skill in portraying her female protagonists as both vulnerable and formidable, making Iris a character that resonates with strength and relatability.

Roman, on the other hand, is the perfect counterbalance to Iris. His journey is one of internal conflict and a quest for redemption that complements the external chaos of their world. Roman's honor and underlying tenderness beneath a veneer of stoicism make him a profoundly compelling character. His interactions with Iris are charged with an intensity that drives the narrative forward, making their partnership one of the most dynamic aspects of the book.

In this sequel, the stakes are higher, and the magic more enthralling. Ross expands upon the enchanting world she has created, delving into its darkest corners and revealing secrets that keep the pages turning. The plot thickens as alliances are tested and loyalties questioned. Iris and Roman find themselves at the heart of a storm that will change their world forever. The intricate plot weaves together political intrigue, ancient lore, and the personal demons of our protagonists, creating a tapestry of storytelling that is as beautiful as it is compelling.

What's particularly striking about "Ruthless Vows" is how it builds on the foundations laid in the first book. The world of the Letters of Enchantment Duology is rich with history, and Ross takes the reader deeper into its mysteries. The magic system is both elegant and complex, intertwining with the plot in ways that are surprising yet utterly fitting.

However, Ross masterfully ensures that the heart of the story is the human experience — the choices, sacrifices, and desires of Iris and Roman. Their relationship evolves in a manner that is raw and real, fraught with tension yet underscored by an unbreakable bond. The emotional depth she brings to their partnership is what truly drives the narrative, making every twist and turn in the plot feel impactful and necessary.

In avoiding spoilers, it's enough to say that "Ruthless Vows" takes readers on a journey that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying. The plot moves with a purpose, every scene and chapter revealing something new about the characters and the world they inhabit. The climax builds on the promises of the first book, delivering a conclusion that is both fulfilling and thought-provoking.

"Ruthless Vows" is a sequel that not only meets the expectations set by its predecessor but exceeds them. It's a testament to Ross's skill as a writer that she can maintain the delicate balance of crafting a world that is wondrously magical and unmistakably human. Iris and Roman's story, set against the enthralling backdrop of the Letters of Enchantment Duology, is a tale of love, power, and destiny that will leave readers spellbound. With its intricate plot, profound character development, and breathtaking world-building, "Ruthless Vows" is a worthy continuation of a beloved saga.

 

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