Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐ / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2 out of 5 stars)
I did not expect to be this disappointed at the last book after the hype I felt from the first two. If you fancy reading a good ending, I would advise that you stay clear of this trilogy or at least stop at book one. Although book two is probably the best in my opinion, it would end in such a cliffhanger that you’ll need to get through book three to get the satisfaction of knowing, but not exactly getting the positive feeling, to this series conclusion.
The book honestly started so well. I found myself smiling at Harper and Rhen’s frequent return. I was just as happy for their return as their lack of presence from the last book. The author brought the feisty lady from Washington DC and the cool prince back and it’s such a glowing reminder of how captivating the first book was because of their dynamics. The continuation of Grey and Lia Mara’s affairs made a good balance with the other couple’s focus on politics and everything just felt like it was building up to something good… until it wasn’t.
The characters were built up only to fall so flat in the end. Grey lost his signature loyalty and has just been reduced to his magic. Harper became closer to a typical damsel in distress heroine. Lia Mara did not make any progress in proving her worth to wear the crown. And the most unforgivable mistake of all, Rhen lost the very core of his persona as the prince who grew fit to lead his people. I would’ve respected the outcome if he hadn’t felt so empty in the end. Unfortunately I was just as crushed as he was. In my opinion, he was robbed the most in all of this mess.
If the characters’ conclusion weren’t bad enough, the story ended as if there could still be another book made to give a satisfying ending to it all. But you know there isn’t one so it’s just frustrating not being able to get a good closure. Because of this, the little awkwardness I felt from the previous books when characters would switch manners of speaking suddenly feel like I hated it more. Lia Mara used the word ‘customers’ and Grey just used the term ‘d**k’ which felt so out of place when they weren’t from the other world.
The only redeeming quality of this is that the romance aspect at least received a satisfying wrap up. There were relationship developments and tons of affection. There was enough romantic conflict and warmness to make the reader blush. The lack of finality and physical contact in the previous books made these scenes feel earned and made a thoroughly enjoyable read. Past that, however, I can’t feel anything other than disappointment.
Favorite Quote(s):
“I’m glad you’re my ally now,” I say. His eyebrows lift, and I blush, because it sounds so sterile out loud. “I wouldn’t want to face you on a battlefield.”
― Brigid Kemmerer, A Vow so Bold and Deadly
“I wouldn’t want to face you on a battlefield either.”
“Liar,” I say, and I’m teasing, yet also serious. “I could never defeat you in battle.”
“On the contrary.” He takes my hand and kisses my fingertips. “You know all the ways to make me yield.”
“You know,” she calls behind me, “for Harper, I would have done it for free.” She pauses. “I was curious how much it was worth to you.”
― Brigid Kemmerer, A Vow so Bold and Deadly
“I would have given you ten times as much.” I think of the moment Harper plunged a dagger into Lilith’s chests. I have to put a hand against my midsection to shake off the sudden emotions. “For Harper, I would have given you everything.”
The Stray Reader 
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