Cover Image: Vow of Thieves

Vow of Thieves

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Member Reviews

This was one of my most anticipated released of the year and I wasn’t disappointed, thank you netgally and publisher for the opportunity

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This book had a unique premise, it was a tad bit slow at the beginning but swept me up soon enough and kept me in it's grip well until the end. I would recommend it to other fellow fantasy fans in a heartbeat. Thank you for allowing me to read and hand sell this title.

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I really enjoyed the Remnant Chronicles, so I was excited to step back in that world with Kazi and Jase. I was expecting to like this series, but I wasn’t expecting it to become a favorite. Kazi and Jase’s love for each other is very inspiring and the book was full of action and friendship. There was never a dull moment and it ended with a wonderful Remnant reunion. Mary E Pearson has an amazing writing style and I truly hope she keeps bringing us back into this world again.

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I really loved this continuation! Sometimes with sequels to spinoffs it can feel like the world and story are just being dragged on unnecessarily, but this was definitely not the case with this book. I found it to be a great edition the overall story arc and so much fun. I hope there are more books to come within this universe.

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VOW OF THIEVES is a thrilling end to a wonderful spin-off YA fantasy. Although a spin-off series from the Remnant Chronicles, this duology has a different feel and certainly stands on its own rights. We are also introduced to different parts of this world that give their own flavor to the book. In the first book, we were introduced to Kazimyrah (Kazi), a very talented thief who is also called Ten because she has never been caught and so has all ten fingers. She now works for the Vendan Queen and was sent on an assignment that forever changed her life in the first book.

Now, she is on her way back to Tor’s Watch in this sequel. Jase is the other main character, and we get his and Kazi’s points-of-view in alternating chapter. Jase is the Patrei of Tor’s watch, beloved by the people, he oversees the town and the popular trading market there. In the first book, we watched Kazi and Jase fall in love, while also surviving being captured in human trafficking. As they return to Tor’s Watch together, Kazi’s biggest fear is that Jase’s family who are very important to him, the Ballengers, will not accept her as his significant other.

Everything is about to head into further chaos and danger when they are attacked upon arrival. Separated, they must face separate battles for survival, not sure if the other has even survived but hoping against hope to be reunited.

What I loved: This book leaves off a lot of the world building from the first and so moves very quickly. With plotting, adventures/action, and intense battle sequences, this book will keep the reader turning pages until the satisfying ending. I still absolutely adore the romance in this duology, and while it takes a backseat in this sequel, it is strongly present. With fascinating riddles (Kazi is quite clever at creating these) and historical texts also appearing throughout, this book is fully developed and unbelievably engaging. Kazi is everything you could want in a heroine and then some, and Jase compliments her character perfectly. Even for readers who did not love the Remnant Chronicles, I would highly recommend trying this spin-off series- it has a different flavor, satisfying for people who loved the original series and different enough for fans of other types of fantasies.

Final verdict: Intense, thrilling, and clever, VOW OF THIEVES is a can’t miss book for fans of YA fantasy. I highly recommend reading this duology if you love slow-building romances, action/adventure, and clever plotting. Pearson does not disappoint with these incredible characters and fascinating world!

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If you have not delved into the world of the Remnant Chronicles, you are so missing out! I truly love getting swept away into Mary E. Pearson’s world and highly recommend that you do too. This latest installment, Vow of Thieves, is one of the best of the saga.
Kazi and Jase’s story began in Dance of Thieves, and Pearson left us all desperate to know what would happen next. Kazi is an awesome heroine: a skilled fighter, with a heart of gold, who puts everyone else first; and Jase is her perfect complement. Which, of course, means that they end up making things more complicated by trying to solve the kingdom’s problems by themselves, creating a wonderfully complicated plot, full of ups and downs. The story sank its talons into me immediately and carried me on a grueling, twisting, action-packed ride, one in which I didn’t want to land. It was definitely the type of book that I wanted to read more and more, but never wanted to finish! 🙂
I love how the world of the Remnant Chronicles grows more detailed as the series evolves, how Pearson has taken us into an entirely new area of this world, along with an alternate history, opening up unlimited possibilities for tales of the Remnant. So much promise for the future of the Chronicles!
Trust me, however, you want to read the other books (at the very least, start with Dance of Thieves) so you can truly understand what is happening. Though she does refer to activity from the first trilogy (The Beauty of Darkness, The Heart of Betrayal, and The Kiss of Deception), you could still definitely get lost in this book without knowing all of the details. But they are so good, you’ll want to read them anyway. 🙂
So many thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing/Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own!

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You might remember that time I was like YOU NEED TO READ DANCE OF THIEVES and had all of the excitement over Mary E. Pearson’s companion book to The Remnant Chronicles series. After reading Dance Of Thieves, I felt like the story seemed wrapped up but was well aware that Vow Of Thieves was coming and would actually wrap the series.

7 REASON TO READ VOW OF THIEVES:
As my favorite president, Jed Bartlett says “What’s Next?” Friends, this book delivers entirely on what’s next. We get to see even more of the ultimate fates of characters from the Remnant Chronicles. We also finally see how all plays out for Kazi and Jase and get a solid conclusion.
In which Kazi lives up to her nickname Ten. Okay, so we know that Kazi has the nickname Ten because she essentially stole a tiger from under someone’s nose in basically broad daylight. What she steals in Vow of Thieves is much, much more precious.
The stakes are so high. I was actually worried for Kazi and Jase. They go through some horrific things and through some serious pain. At one point I genuinely thought at least one would die. This book is actually a nail biter if you are actually a person who bites your nails.
No matter the pace at which you read this, you’re consuming excellence. I had expected to get through this book in like 2 days, but it actually took me 11. Life happens, but no matter. I always found myself looking forward to more time in Pearson’s world.
The struggle is worth it. I’ll keep saying this but the ending is so perfect. All the persistence on behalf of the characters really plays out for the best. I liked that we actually got some payoff instead of being subjected to difficult situations for naught.
Oh, and the beginning few chapters are right out of left field. I had no idea to expect THAT. You’re dropped right in to a situation and are like really, THAT GUY? That freakin’ guy. Okay then, I guess it’s going to be that way.
You just can’t go wrong with Mary E. Pearson. I am a pretty big fantasy consumer. And so, the market is big and it can be hard to pick a book. Straight up though, all the books by Mary E. Pearson deliver. Always. I have yet to read one of her fantasy books and be let down. If you run in taste that is similar to me, I guarantee you’ll enjoy this book as well as all the Remnant Chronicles and Dance Of Thieves.

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Thank you Netgalley for providing an e-galley for review.

I went into this series expecting not love it because I really didn’t love the Remnant chronicles. But as soon as I picked this up I was in love. The characters were amazing, I fell in loved with the side characters such as much. Jace and Kazi’s love was so mushy but yet so cute. I wasn’t even annoyed that a lot of the book was about their love and relationship. I love the plot and the action and I love that there’s a magic system but it’s not really the main focus.

You need to read this if you read the remanant chronicles and didn’t really enjoy it.

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First off, I didn't realize when I started reading this that the series is a duology. So I was expecting perhaps a bit of middle-book syndrome and was surprised when the book didn't feel sluggish in the least. In fact, I found myself eager to read this book every chance I got. The book starts out with Kazi very hurt and in captivity and then moves back a couple of weeks to show us how she got there. So, of course, I was eagerly reading to find out what happened and how she was separated from Jase. Surprisingly, it wasn't one of those cases where it took us half the book to get back to where we'd started, though. No, the pacing in this book moved along swiftly and we were back to that beginning moment relatively quickly. And then we got to see how Kazi was going to get herself out of a horrible situation. The stakes were sky-high throughout the story, which also kept me invested. There were some major revelations when it came to the villains, and I was never quite sure who would make it out of the situation alive. I also appreciated that Jase and Kazi never lost faith in each other; their trust, devotion, and dedication was unfaltering. While certain others might have doubted Kazi's motives, Jase never did, and I appreciated that.

And then, I started getting toward the end of the book and realizing that this was an actual wrap-up---I wasn't going to be left with a million loose ends or a cliffhanger ending---wait, was this ... a duology? That made the ending both glorious and painful; glorious because I loved every minute of what was happening and painful because I was incredibly sad to let Kazi and Jase go. This is the sign of a fantastic series, in my opinion.

Oh, and I did think that Pearson left us with just a tiny hint of possible future books at the end. We can only hope!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

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I was not emotionally prepared for this book at all. I cried, I laughed and like Kazi I was devastated when her and Jase were separated. I devoured Dance of Thieves a week before the release of Vow of Thieves. It was everything I needed after The Remnant Chronicles. I'm always a bit weary of companion novels, but I honestly might think this duology topped the original series for me. Don't get me wrong, Kiss of Deception will always have a special place in my heart, but the writing, plot and character development were just amazing in this book.

At the beginning of the book something happens that separates Kazi and Jase from each other. Kazi is held captive by a new enemy while for the longest time we're unsure if Jase is even alive for a while. I mean from the synopsis and interviews with Pearson we know he is but the writing was so well and I was so into the book that I was right there with Kazi, devastated by his loss. They were separated probably about 70%-80% of this book, which you think would create problems with character development and the romance, but we we actually saw them mature into leaders and fall more in love with each other. With the use of cut scenes and them being so in sync as a couple, we see how deeply they care for each other while also protecting their family and the town they care deeply for.

The plot was more of a slow-burn, but I never found myself not engaged. There was constant progression of character development along with the plot. There was always something going on, to the point where I was always tense and worried what twist Kazi or Jase would have to face next. I was constantly trying to figure out who was friend and who was enemy. Like our characters I didn't know who I could trust. The new enemy was also a formidable one. He was always one step ahead of our hero and heroine, smart as a whip with a well thought out plan to boot. Everything weird that was going on with the town in the first book was finally answered and brought full circle.

Family was such an important part of this series. The Ballenger family were formidable opponents, a strong team that seemed like they could face any challenge and overcome it but even they were taken by surprise. For a lot of the book they are hiding in the vault we were introduced to in the first book. The same vault where the founder Greyson Ballenger hid his friends and family in when they were under attack and trying to start over. The juxtaposition between then and now was one of my favorite things to read besides the romance of course. The vault is an important part of Ballenger roots that we get to see in present day action. The vault itself fascinated me. Pearson said she'd done a lot of research on secret bunkers to base it off of. It was interesting to see it in action, how it was a little town of its own that could sustain so many people.

While significantly different from The Remnant Chronicles, Dance of Thieves has become one of my favorite series. The characters and their interactions with each other along with their own development captivated me and still has yet to let me go. I loved exploring more of this world but in a new and completely different way. Pearson's writing gets even better, if that's possible. Never trust her though because there is always an unexpected twist, especially at the end. I never even considered what this world could have been based of or where the inspiration of the map came from. During a meet and greet I got to see her at she admitted her map was based off of something, but refused to tell what exactly and instead said that there are Easter eggs throughout both stories to aid us in discovering the truth. It was just one more thing that enraptured me about this series in world. This series ending was an epic one and wrapped up thing nicely. I'm never disappointed to pick up a book by the spectacular Pearson.

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Former enemies turned lovers, Kazi and Jace, are returning to Jace’s home to share the good news of the Queen’s edict and their new relationship. Everything goes haywire when the two are viciously attacked and Jace is almost killed and Kazi is stabbed and captured.

Jace’s land was to be newly named a Kingdom with him at the helm, but the pair have returned to a town mired in chaos and devastation. Someone else is claiming to be King of Jace’s land and has threatened to kill any who oppose him.

Separated, and not knowing if the other survived, they each must face a world unlike the one they left. Saving the surviving members of Jace’s family and those who are loyal to the family, is the first priority.

Pearson continues her wonderful Dance of Thieves tale with a stunning conclusion. Kazi shows her grit – she will not give up, despite unbelievable pain and devastating odds. Jace is consumed with learning if Kazi has survived and what horrors she has been subjected to. Both are cunning and clever – able to manipulate people when needed. The book moves at a brisk pace with danger at every turn. This is a book that’s hard to set down, a book that compels readers to turn each page with bated breath. The danger is palpable and almost makes readers cringe with anticipation.

It is the strength to keep going, of enduring horrors, that is a hallmark for both Kazi and Jace. But the future has issues with both the control of the kingdom and the family acceptance of their former enemy. This series is another foray into the world of Remnant and it sizzles and sparks just as the original series did.
4.5*

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The book was full of deception, intrigue, and played with my emotions with a few unexpected events. At times I struggled with the events we didn't know about until after they happened, but that's also very indicative of real life as it's mostly how we hear about things. I like that the characters are strong and independent, especially Kazi, while also experiencing growth. I'm not a huge fan of romance in books, but I liked it here. It felt right for the story. The continued world building and subtle magic is fantastic; it's a very rich world. I enjoyed the mystery of the book and not knowing exactly what was going to happen. This was a great wrap up to a duology. It makes me want to go back and read The Remnant Chronicles.

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4.5/5 Stars.

After Dance of Thieves, I couldn't wait to see how Mary E. Pearson would wrap up the story of Jase and Kazi. I have to say that Vow of Thieves delivered an experience I won't soon forget! Full of deception and political intrigue, the story begins with Jase and Kazi going to Tor's Watch, only...the unexpected happens, and then the nail-biting begins. Torn apart, each character must face demons real and imagined, fight for survival, and try to find their way back into the other's arms...but can they? It's nice to read a story about characters that are strong together, yet also strong apart, unique individuals who have their own strengths, yet also drawn to each other. I really appreciate that the story is told from separate points-of-view, and this duality is also reinforced by this story being a duology. I really enjoyed the pace of the book, the character development, the magical elements found in the book and the way the story wrapped up. This is one of those duologies that were so well written there was no need for it to be made into a trilogy. I loved it and it is one I will be revisiting many times in the future.

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I really struggled with Vow of Thieves. The premise fell short for me which Dance of Thieves so eloquently set up. I felt that everything was a bit “off” compared to the first book. I really wanted to love this one.

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I struggled a bit getting back into this world and trying to keep track of so many names and locations without a reference. But once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. Great twists and pacing with characters I worried about the entire time

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3.5 STARS

I have mixed about this installment. I am a huge fan of Remnant Chronicles and loved Dance of Thieves. I had no idea this was only a two book series, so some of my emotions can tied to that. Numerous events occurred "off the pages" and the reader learns about them after the fact. I would rather experience key moments with the characters, in lieu of a glossed over recap. There were twists and a lot of action to keep the book entertaining. Overall, it was an enjoyable finale, but I wanted a little more. I would read more from this world if Pearson chooses to write another spinoff.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt for my review copy.

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Opening line:
"A dusty beam of light wormed its way through the stone, and I leaned in, hoping to steal some warmth."

I thoroughly loved Dance of Thieves, and so when I saw the next book was coming out, I grabbed it and I'm so glad I did.
First off: how can a human being write such intricate details about people, places and intrigue? What kind of brain does this amazing thing called storytelling and keeps the reader reading and trying to guess and falling in love with characters and wanting to stab the villains??
Second: Dual points of view chapters. Sometimes, one wasn't there...
Third: Kazi! She is a strong, strong woman and human being and she doesn't think she is but she is inside and out. "I'll take one for the team because I love my team." Every. Single. Time. Go to jail, get out of jail, fight someone or lots of someones, thrown in a cell, beaten, rescued and lovedlovedloved for her bravery and strength and dedication.
Fourth: HELLO JASE. That is all.
Fifth: Pacing was almost perfect. Okay, it was perfect.

Can you tell I enjoyed the book? And you know what else I love?? DUOLOGIES! I love that the writing/publishing world is getting away from the series and going to 2 books. love it.
I'm ready for any and all new books Mary Pearson writes. Bring. it. on.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read.

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Love, loyalty, bravery and perseverance!
Thanks to NetGalley, Edelweiss and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read and review Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson!
Kazi and Jase are heading to his home when they receive a cryptic message that they’re not sure they can trust. The message says that Samuel is dead. They’re devastated and Jase takes off towards his home, with Kazi close behind. They’re attacked and the last thing she knows about Jase is that he’s been shot with several arrows and one of those arrows was embedded in his chest. Someone grabs Jase. Later, Kazi sees a severed hand with his ring on it. She continues staying in Jase’s kingdom even though it’s been overrun with attacks and most of his family fled and is in hiding. Kazi stays to help Lydia and Nash, Jase’s young siblings. Kazi isn’t sure if she can trust anyone and the danger spirals around her. I can't say much more without giving some of the story away! An intriguing story of love, loyalty, bravery and perseverance, 5 stars!

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

First off, I just want to say that I read Dance of Thieves and Vow of Thieves back to back, so if I mention something that happened during the first book, that is why.

I was so excited to see the Remnant Chronicles and world coming to us in a new way! I only wish that I had taken the time to at least re-read the last Remnant Chronicles book. While you don't NEED to in order to enjoy Dance of Thieves, it would certainly help. Events and characters are referenced liberally through the books and so you will see spoilers for Remnant if you read this series first.

I think my favorite part of this series has been the Ballengers, and is it any surprise? I love seeing Jase and Kazi interact. I LOVED the scenes while they were on their journey back to Tor's Watch. I loved seeing their interaction in general--whether it was at the beginning or the ending. I admired both of their determination to see each other through the events of the novel, while also staying true to their characters.

Though we do get a bit of a reprieve from the action at the beginning of the book, we are quickly swept into the excitement as they approach Jase's home. I felt like I was literally on the edge of my seat during that scene and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Usually, when there are characters captured and imprisoned or severely injured, I tend to skip over those books and I was worried I would really dislike Vow of Thieves because of that. Luckily, the plot did not keep our characters out of action the entire book and the action and plots and betrayals left me breathless.

The only negative thing I have to say is that there were certain times the book felt very long, but honestly that could be because I read both books back to back.

I definitely hope I can manage to fit in a re-read of the Remnant Chronicles and a re-read of this duology so I can catch all the little mentions of things I couldn't remember from the first series.

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Vow of Thieves was the perfect end to this duology. Kazi and Jase both really grew as characters and I just loved seeing them fight for what mattered to them.

I’m not going to talk too much about the plot but it was brilliant. I loved how Pearson played with perception, trust, and desire to create something startlingly unique and engaging. Vow of Thieves is the kind of book that I wanted to immediately go back and read again to see if I could figure certain things out before they happen. Plus, I had a major suspicion about this world confirmed in the book and it just made me appreciate this series so much more. AND we get some wonderful appearances by much-beloved characters.

The Remnant Chronicles has long been one of my favorite YA series and this duology only further cemented this world as a favorite. Also, there was one section where I totally cried (I’ll let you guess the reason since saying what caused it is a spoiler).

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