A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson – a Review
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Description:
Lia is always prepared for battle, but being blackmailed into marriage by Prince Alexandros is a challenge too far. She has no choice. He’s holding her sister hostage to force her hand. But with this union built on betrayal and rage comes a contract. By the goddess’s law, the marriage must not be consummated. A relief to Lia. She’d rather commit regicide than fall into bed with a man she loathes.
There is one other saving grace. Marriage gives Lia access to the palace and a chance to uncover the truth about the treasured eye of the goddess―and the magic it holds. But something inexplicable and impossible to ignore soon binds Lia and the prince. By night they walk in each other’s dreams, and by day they share each other’s pain.
As longing and trust grow between Lia and Alexandros and inhibited desires are set free, outside forces rise against them, posing an ever-present danger. Not only to the throne but to their very lives.
Review :
A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson is the second book in her The Eye of the Goddess series. The story picks up right after the cliff hanger ending of A Tribute of Fire. Lia has been forced into a marriage with Prince Alexandros in order to save her sister: Quynh being a hostage. In the first book, Lia fell hard for the charming Jason, who turns out to actually be Prince Alexandros. While Lia is playing the happy bride publicly, she watches her chained sister serve wine to guests, which infuriates her. But she will learn from her sister, the Prince has been offering his protection, especially from the growing relationship between Quynh and Thrax, the Prince’s captain.
Both characters carry grievances against each other. The slow burn between romance begins to build on a genuine emotional connection. The banter between them maintains wit and intelligence even when they’re trying to wound each other. Lia and Xander continue to have one of the most complicated relationships ever, but we can see how much they truly love each other. They both shared dream sequences between Lia and Alexandros, which shows advances, developing romance, prophecy and intervention; making moments feel simply passionate.
I loved the supporting characters, especially Lia’s adelphia sisterhood relationships (Lo, Suri, Zalira, Ahyana, Demaratus & Kungburu (a special pet), who provide crucial emotional friendship and help. Their found family was so great together, as they were all so good. Lia is still fighting to save her family and her country amidst political intrigue, feelings for her husband, new relationships, and a country on the brink of war.
What follows is an exciting last half of the book, that had some surprising twists and turns along the way. The story was gripping and compelling, tense, intrigue, intense chemistry and the character development. A Vow of Embers was a wonderful romantasy mythology that had me unable to put the book down. Lia was a terrific heroine, who was captivating and determined, as she had a wonderful sister’s group. A Vow of Embers was so very well written by Sariah Wilson. I will say that the cliffhanger was an amazing twist.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Publisher
