Quick Thoughts: A Vow So Bold and Deadly (Cursebreakers #3) by Brigid Kemmerer

*Review contains spoilers.

A Vow So Bold and Deadly

(Cursebreakers #3)

by Brigid Kemmerer

January 26, 2021

Goodreads Summary:

Face your fears, fight the battle.

Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone—even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace.

Fight the battle, save the kingdom.

Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and a magical scraver by her side. As Grey's deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs.

As the two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and a dangerous enemy returns, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker series.

Review

After reading A Curse So Dark and Lonely and A Heart So Fierce and Broken back to back, I did not want to read A Vow So Bold and Deadly because it would mean saying goodbye to the characters. At the same time it gutted me to see them in conflict so I needed to know how their story would end. Fitting.

What I Liked:

- the story picked up right after the events of AHSFaB

- the characters struggled big time but had some very honest realizations

- lots of character growths:

  - Harper's devotion to Rhen even after all his less than desirable actions

  - after much turmoil, Lia Mara doubled down on her beliefs and stood her ground

  - the loyalty Tycho has for Grey

- shocking events (particularly the brutal attack on Rhen) heightened the stakes

- swoony and surprisingly sexy scenes between both couples

- Grey is always so honourable

- brave sacrifices

- I sense we'll be seeing more of the Scravers

- the developing bromance between Grey and Rhen

- the hopeful note AVSBaD ended on

The Not So Much:

- the return of a villain wasn't explained

- I was hoping for more action

- the ending felt very much unfinished regarding certain plots

"But I also know you are stronger than your fear." (p. 91)

"But maybe I needed to shatter my expectations before I could start over." (p. 307)

"Sometimes we make such poor choices that the good ones pale in comparison." (p. 310)

"...about bad decisions that feel right in the moment you're making them." (p. 336)