Ruthless Vows
Title: Ruthless Vows
Author: Rebecca Ross
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross is the concluding book of the "Letters of Enchantment" duology, following the events of Divine Rivals. The story resumes two weeks after the previous book's ending, with the protagonist, Iris Winnow, grappling with the aftermath of war, the awakening of gods, and the uncertain fate of Roman, her love interest. The narrative is rooted in a fantasy world called Oath, where magic and divine entities play crucial roles.
This book is highly praised for its exploration of love amidst the turmoil of war. Iris and Roman's relationship is a focal point, evolving from tender beginnings to a mature, deep connection. Their dynamic is celebrated for its authenticity and depth, making them one of the favorite fictional couples in recent literature. The book's strength lies in its captivating writing style, with Ross's prose described as akin to a fine piece of art. Each sentence is carefully crafted, creating vivid imagery and eliciting a spectrum of emotions, making the novel a demonstration of literary artistry.
However, the novel is not without its criticisms. While the beginning is strong, maintaining the momentum from Divine Rivals, the narrative experiences a slowdown in the middle. The subplot involving the gods Enva and Dacre, while crucial to the overarching plot, is seen as lacking depth and exploration. This results in these characters feeling somewhat underdeveloped, which detracts from the overall narrative. Despite these issues, the novel recovers its pace and delivers a compelling conclusion.
Ruthless Vows is described as an epic conclusion to a deeply romantic and beautifully written story. The challenges faced by Iris and Roman, including Roman's memory loss and alliance with the god Dacre, add layers of complexity to their relationship and the story's unfolding conflict. The novel's ending brings the characters' journey full circle, offering a satisfying resolution to the series.
In summary, Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross is a skillfully written, emotive conclusion to the "Letters of Enchantment" duology. It excels in character development and prose but experiences some pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots. Nonetheless, it remains a recommended read for fans of historical fantasy and romantic narratives.
