Review: Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment #2) by Rebecca Ross

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review.

Ruthless Vows

(Letters of Enchantment #2)

by Rebecca Ross

December 26, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

The epic conclusion to the intensely romantic and beautifully written story that started in Divine Rivals.

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 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.

Review

After that heartbreaking ending in Divine Rivals, I had to pick up Ruthless Vows immediately! Rebecca Ross is a master with words. All sorts of emotions were welling up in me while I read the conclusion to Iris and Roman's epic love story.

With excellent pacing, Ruthless Vows was full of sorrows but also of hope. War demands casualties and this book gave them. Some deaths really broke my heart :( I disliked and did not care for the gods since they were the source of all the heartaches. Though I have to admit, they were more clever than I gave them credit for.

"Sometimes, 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." (arc, p. 361)

Oh Iris. Her life was one obstacle after another but she didn't let them stop her from taking action. Alongside Attie, they bravely continued reporting on the front line and accomplished so much more. The stolen moments Iris had with Roman were especially meaningful given what came together at the end of Ruthless Vows. I was also extremely happy to see Iris reunite with her brother and talk things through.

"He wondered how many mundane things hid magic, or perhaps it was better to think of it as how much magic liked being married to the ordinary. To simplicity and comfort and overlooked details." (arc, p. 225)

Alone and without his memories, Roman found himself in a precarious position in Ruthless Vows. I was so nervous for him even though he proved I didn't need to be~ Roman was smart enough to be careful with who he trusted. It was refreshing and encouraging watching him regain his memory.

Ruthless Vows is one unforgettable ending. An incredible journey of love and loss, The Letters of Enchantment duology is romantic, engaging and hopeful. It's one hell of a love story!

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.