Book Review: Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

‘Ruthless Vows’ by Rebecca Ross was released in 2023, and is the sequel to ‘Divine Rivals’, the bestselling fantasy novel about two young people that fall in love amidst times of war, through the sharing of letters via magical typewriters.

This book is prompt in its following of the first book, and continues telling Iris’ and Roman’s story as they grapple with the obstacles that are in front of them, with Iris and her best friend Attie having returned to Oath, and Roman being lost, a prisoner of war, turned converted soldier to the enemy’s side.

Iris struggles with the grief of being back in her home after she lost her mother, and the return of her brother, Forest, who is recovering from his war wounds, having escaped the clutches of Dacre and his manipulation, and fled with Iris, back to Oath. He lives in fear of being found out as a deserter, having been healed from the brink of death at the front lines and converted to the other side. He is the insight Iris needs but doesn’t want about what may have befallen her husband, meanwhile Roman’s parents are demanding Iris annul her marriage vows.

I loved how the theme of promise was so intrinsic to this half of the story, leaving readers to question whether Iris and Roman would have survived all that befell them had they not decided to marry at the end of the first book. While the promise to be bound to one another in life and death, forever and always, was what kept Iris and Roman tethered to hope and to the memory of someone, or something, from before Roman lost his memory, it was what would keep Enva and Dacre from slaying each other, and needing mortal men to wage their wars for them.

I really enjoyed this more active take on the events during this war. While one could argue that most things happened to Iris or Roman during the first book, Iris certainly finds herself on a more emboldened path after the events of ‘Divine Rivals’. It was an incredibly interesting and subtle means of character development, and I really enjoyed watching her grow in confidence, while still being true to her character. She was always being anchored by doing what was right, she just lacked that same reservation to throw herself into the fray of a warzone that she arguably had before blood was shed in the trenches, or, even, one could argue, before blood was shed in Avalon Bluff.

I also loved how love was what emboldened Roman to stand up and fight the mind control. He was able to see through the haze and regain his memory through his strange feelings about Iris, but also through their fleeting reunion, and with their bond renewed, he returns to himself, and his own stubbornness. They compliment each other in their prickly stubbornness, and their unwavering trust in each other. I loved it.

Another element of the story I loved was the subtle, background oriented relationship that evolved between Attie and Tobias, who is effectively a postman, that delivers letters, missives and reporters to various locations. He becomes a trusted confidant, and a fierce friend, but his chemistry with Attie was clear from the beginning. I loved getting to catch glimpses into their heightened romantic tension until it came to a head towards the end of the book. Because people can’t help but love, no matter what.

This was another amazing book and a fantastic conclusion to Roman and Iris’ story. I thought it was a fun duology with strong world building, and it has me excited for potential future projects Rebecca Ross may have on the horizon.