A Vow in Vengeance
Immortal Desires Series
Dark academia meets enemies-to-lovers themes in Jaclyn Rodriguez’s debut novel A Vow in Vengeance.
Fifteen years ago, as punishment for a failed uprising, a decree was made by the three immortal kings: the elves, seraphs, and druids would rotate in selecting one hundred mortals once a year; no one who is selected is ever seen again. Rune has lost her whole family to the Selection; this year, she is determined to be selected herself to get beyond the Wall and find them. It is the druids’ turn to perform the Selection, and they are the most feared immortals due to their powerful, mysterious magic.
After catching the eye of one of the druid princes, Rune is selected and delivered to her uncertain fate. Anticipating slavery or torture, she is surprised to find that the selected are expected to become immortal citizens of the druid realm—after a ruthless tenure at the Forge, an academy where they learn the druids’ tarot magic.
The book’s magic system is enchanting. The use of tarot cards as a means to channel magic is original, and care is taken to consider the traditional meanings of the cards when assigning their affiliated magic. The Devil enables illusions; The High Priestess empowers mind reading. When the rare World card calls to Rune, symbolizing her potential command over all the powers within the Major Arcana, it places a target on her back and forces her into proximity to Prince Draven, the only other person with the same abilities. A tentative alliance blooms. But there are secrets in the halls of the Forge that could bring down a kingdom, and Rune’s quest for vengeance may cost more than she is willing to sacrifice.
A powerful mortal and a druid prince become embattled allies in this tense fantasy novel.
Reviewed by
Danielle Ballantyne
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