Many thanks to NetGalley & Zando for the advanced reader copy. This was a new author for me, so I was excited to read her work.

excellent debut book. Will be a big hit for romantasy readers in 2026.


Tropes
Enemies to Lovers
Fake dating/ fake fated mates
Coming of rage
Forced Proximity
There’s only one bed
School/Training
Tarot Card Magic
Strong FMC

I devoured this book! It was so good. I loved the dynamic between all of the characters and the twists was so well done.
The banter between Rune and Draven was immaculate. And the way Draven doesn't just fall, but falls HARD. I loved every second of it.

It kinda gave me Fourth Wing vibes, in the best ways. I need the next book right now.

An absolutely phenomenal start to this series.
Thanks to netgalley I received an advance copy of this book, and it did not disappoint. Its even5e in my top five for 2025.

The concept was interesting and the dark academia vibes were on point. The love interest is dark and dreamy, and the pace for the romance was perfect. I finished the arc and immediately went to preorder the deluxe edition.

The only actual downside to this arc was how long I'm going to have to wait for book 2!

3.5 ⭐️’s

I enjoyed this fast paced Romantasy with a unique lore and magic system and found the story to be a fun vibes read to finish. I loved that this book involved Seraphs, Elves, Druids and Humans plus magical creatures and more! Personally it took me a few re reads at the start to understand the complexity of the magic system and how all of the tarot cards fitted in, and at times I found the pace and some major plot points a bit rushed. I would have loved a slower burn and more tension between Rune and Draven but overall loved their chemistry and banter. I definitely did not predict one of the main twists and I’m curious to see how it all plays out in book 2!

So I really struggled with rating this book and let me try explain why...

✅ The writing in this book was quite appealing, easy to read, heavy with imagery and thought and overall was quite compelling.

But...everything else?

🚫 It felt like I was reading a book that just plucked ideas out of other books, Percy Jackson with the Hearths, One Dark Window with the magical cards, Fourth Wing with a vaguely military school with sparring and death along every hallway.

🚫 Alas, the relationship between Draven and Rune felt like I've read this relationship a hundred times. Xayden and Violet. Rhysand and Feyre. Hunt and Bryce. The Shadow daddy and the loud-mouthed, strong woman. There were times where I enjoyed their banter but so many times it felt like a rinse and repeat of these other characters, it didn't feel like they have their own soul.

🚫 The side characters were too much on the side. We hardly had any scenes with them and yet were supposed to believe that Rune has these 'found family feelings' towards them? Her feelings felt so unearned.

🚫 Rune's behavior at the beginning. Girl. Your entire family has been taken by different immortal creatures. You're alone. You're an assassin for survival. You want vengeance. Why would you choose this time to to mouth off? Why would you be acerbic towards a person who could kill you at a moments notice? The only reason why Rune survived the first few chapters was because Draven thought she was hot from the start. Thank goodness Rune has hotness going for her. Or else this book would be really short.

This book was strange. It was entertaining and I got through it quickly but it felt like this book was all the other romantasy books I've read, except they were all put in a blender with water, turned into a smoothie and then fed back to me.

Thank you for Netgalley for an ARC. This review is voluntary.

This book was so good. From the first chapter I knew I’d be hooked. The writing was great, the story was unique and kept me wanting to find out more.
I loved the relationship between Rune and Draven. I think watching the two of them and their banter was amazing. I found myself wanting to see them interact and to grow with each other in a way I don’t often feel for the main characters. They felt relatable and fun to read about.
The world building in the story was incredible. I can’t wait to see more of this world open up, to learn more about the history and the battles and the secrets this story has in store.
I would highly recommend this book, the vibes were on point.

As someone who reads a lot of fantasy and romantasy, I went into A Vow in Vengeance with high expectations, especially knowing the author is Latina, which is still so rare in this genre. I’m thrilled to say those expectations weren’t just met, they were exceeded! This book had everything I love: an immersive world, a gripping revenge plot, and a slow-burn romance I couldn’t get enough of.

Rune Ryker, our FMC, instantly stole my heart. As a Latina reader, seeing a heroine whose cultural identity is tied so deeply to her roots and family hit so close to home. Her tan skin, curly hair, and strong sense of loyalty, it felt like the kind of representation I’ve been waiting for in fantasy. I saw myself in her, and it brought me such joy. And then theres Draven. Whew. He’s broody, arrogant, and walking the line between ally and enemy, which of course means I’m obsessed! Their banter? Perfect. Their chemistry? Top tier. I won’t give too much away, but let’s just say… I love a man who pleases 🤭

The story explores identity, family bonds, and the lengths we’ll go to protect the people we love. Rune’s loyalty to her bloodline and her desperation to reclaim what’s been taken from her gave the plot so much emotional weight. I found myself relating to her fierce protectiveness, especially how her sense of self is tied to what remains of her family. It’s messy and raw and deeply human.

The pacing was spot-on, with not a single dull moment. The plot unfolded with the perfect balance of action, mystery, and romance. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a twist would hit or a new reveal would deepen the stakes. The writing was fast-paced and vivid, and the world building felt cinematic without being overwhelming.

For a debut, this was incredibly confident and compelling. It’s clear Jaclyn Rodriguez is one to watch. I’ll absolutely be picking up anything she writes next, especially the sequel, which I already need yesterday!

If your a fan of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, or TOG, and you love a Romantasy with high stakes, rich magic, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance (which a touch of forced proximity and excellent banter) add this to your 2026 TBR immediately!

Thank you to Zando publishing, author Jaclyn Rodriguez, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this title.

I LOVED this book. It was everything I could have wanted in this genre. The tension was fire. The world building was so detailed. There was lots of humor/banter between the MMC and FMC that had me rolling. The ending was a solid set up for the next book.

This is 100% worth a read if you like romantasy!

Thanks to NetGalley, Zando and Jaclyn Rodriguez for the ARC!

This is a fast paced story with plenty to enjoy that had me hooked almost from the start.
It isn’t exactly a masterpiece of writing but it was a fun and easy read that I really enjoyed.
With the rise is academic type stories this fits right in and offers a lot of well loved tropes that I alway enjoy no matter how often I read them.
I also really loved the MFC and MMC and their journey together. The banter was fun and has me giggling and kicking my feet in places, and I can’t wait for book 2 to see what’s going to happen next.
Overall this isn’t really anything new, but I still enjoyed it all the same and I’m sure it’s going to be a big one on TikTok.

Really enjoyed the tarot-card based magic! I thought it would be hard to follow but it actually wasn’t. I think the banter is one of the best parts of this book. The world building is very rich. Rune’s determination was very admirable and her chemistry with Prince Draven palpable.

Great debut novel from this author. The FMC was great. Loved her inner dialogue and her quirky retorts. Will continue this series.

I had so much fun reading this book. So many fun tropes in this romantasy: tarot based magic, an academy setting, a fake 'engagement', secret plots, all with a side of spice. I loved all the twists and turns and was surprised by quite a few. I have so many highlights of the best swoony moments too. Definitely a new book to obsess over, and I will be anxiously awaiting the next in the series!!

You want power? Prove it. You want magic? Take it."
"Healing was a gift only I could give myself. Yet sometimes healing is not enough. Sometimes things first must burn."

When Runes family was taken by the immortals during the Selection, she had nothing left but her desire for vengeance. She would stop at nothing to get Selected and find her family beyond the wall.
Turns out being selected comes with magic, being "changed", and enrollment in the Forge, an immortal magic school for their elusive tarot magic.
Runes newfound powers are only matched by Prince Dravens, one of the last people she can trust. But with secrets and betrayals around every corner, Rune must accept Dravens help and involve herself in his schemes. He's the only one who can help her find her family.

"We made a vow. At the end of this, I want you seated on the throne with me. So, we can see this through. Vengeance for us, justice for everyone."

I loved this book! Its fast paced plot got me hooked right away and the tension in the sloow burn romance kept me wanting more. The world building was beautiful and complex with a very unique tarot card magic system.
Rune is a fiesty FMC who would do anything for those she loved. And I totally fell in love with Draven. A dark, tatted prince with wings AND horns who eventually yearns for her😍 Their banter was great, and I highlighted SO many quotes that were both funny, and beautiful.
The story ended on a slight cliffhanger, I definitely can't wait to see what happens in book 2! This was Jaclyns debut novel and I just know the romantasy lovers are going to love it! Add it to the TBR, it releases January 13, 2026!

•Third Person
•Fake Fated Mates
•Enemies2Lovers
•Hunt for Magical Artifacts
•Magic School
•Mythical Creatures like Wyverns & Drakes
•Betrayal & Vengeance

True rating = ⭐⭐⭐.5.
I was very intrigued by the concept of the book and a tarot card based magic system, which I thought was a really interesting concept. Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy this book until 1/2 way through and became engrossed until 2/3 through. It made me more excited for the second book more than anything. My main issue was the pacing, there were some very significant moments towards the beginning of the book that the author needed to take a beat to acknowledge and she didn't. I'd put the book down and subsequently realize the significance of something that I normally would have gotten while reading.
I do think the author did a great job with the significance of the tarot cards, especially distinguishing them with how complex the magic system is, and the development of the main "war". The final scenes were enthralling and by then there was a substantial connection between the two main characters that I was interested in seeing how it progressed.
All in all, I liked our main characters and the concept, but the pacing was off until the latter part of the book, making it hard for me to enjoy until then.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Listen. If rage was a perfume, this book would be wearing it like armor.
Jaclyn Rodriguez came out swinging with A Vow in Vengeance—a bloody, gorgeous revenge fantasy that reads like Game of Thrones and The Wrath & the Dawn had a baby raised by morally grey wolves.

Our heroine? Soft in love, sharp in justice. Every chapter is a knife in the ribs, in the best possible way. Dark romance, court intrigue, betrayal layered like an onion of pain? Inject it.

3.5 Stars
A Vow in Vengeance is dark, intense, and dripping with tension—the kind of book that lures you in with secrets and power plays and dares you to trust no one. Jaclyn Rodriguez delivers a story full of betrayal, obsession, and characters who toe the line between love and ruin.

There were moments I was completely hooked—the morally grey love interest had just the right mix of menace and allure, and the plot had some genuinely satisfying twists. The atmosphere? Deliciously dark and dramatic.

That said, a few things held this one back from being a solid 4-star read for me. The characters, while intriguing, felt a little underdeveloped—I wanted to know them more deeply, to feel their motivations and pain rather than just read about it. There’s a strong foundation here, but some emotional moments and relationships needed more depth to really land.

A Vow in Vengeance is a breathtaking romantasy debut—and easily my top read of the year so far! Releasing in January 2026, this one needs to be on your radar. I’m calling it now: this is destined to blow up on BookTok.

This book captures everything that’s working in the romantasy genre right now—slow-burn romantic tension, richly layered worldbuilding that supports rather than overshadows the romance, and magic that actually drives the plot. I devoured it in one sitting.

What really stood out was the unique magic system built around a detailed Tarot-based framework. It felt fresh and immersive. Fans of Fourth Wing, Spark of the Everflame, or A Court This Cruel and Lovely will feel right at home with this one.

Our heroine, Rune, is a badass Wraith living in the mortal realm. When she risks everything to cross The Wall and be Chosen by the Druids, her life unravels—dragging secrets from the shadows that could change everything.

This story has everything I crave in a fantasy romance: a heart-aching romance, morally gray choices, vivid worldbuilding, and high stakes that kept me turning pages. A Vow in Vengeance had me hooked from chapter one—and I’m already counting down to the sequel.

✨ A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodrigues ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Vow in Vengeance!

This book pulled me in from page one with its dark, twisty atmosphere and morally grey characters. Rodrigues debut delivers a rich fantasy with court intrigue, secrets, and a slow-burn romance that had me flipping pages late into the night.

I loved the complexity of the main character Rune — fierce, flawed, and driven by more than just revenge. The world building was immersive without being overwhelming, and the pacing kept the tension high without losing the emotional stakes. The banter and chemistry? Delicious.

The tarot-based magic system was one of the standout elements for me — fresh, symbolic, and so well-integrated into the story. The found family element stole my heart, giving the book emotional depth and warmth in all the right places.

There were a few moments where the plot felt slightly uneven or I wanted just a bit more development in certain relationships, but overall this was such a strong and addictive read.

And that ending? I’m going to need book two immediately — I’m not emotionally prepared to let this world go.

Wow wow wow! This book was what I have been waiting for from a Romantasy. The plot twists, relationship, and magic system were all top notch. This book was fast paced, funny at times, action packed at others, and just overall an enjoyable read.

There is one major con to this book that can potentially be a deal breaker for some. The FMC’s back story is eerily similar to A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair. The character’s history doesn’t get described in detail, it gets glossed over after the fact throughout the book. However, the information provided is almost entirely the same as the older Romantasy book. Also, the magic system is clearly inspired by The Shephard King Duology by Rachel Gillig. The usage and actual powers related to tarot cards is completely different in this book, but the idea was there.

With that being said, this book had a lot of unique elements. The FMC and MMC’s relationship with each other was OMG to die for. I LOVE the MMC and the way he cares for our FMC throughout the entire book. The actual plot and motivations for the characters was exciting and the burn and tension between our two MCs kept me wanting to read more.

Overall this was an enjoyable read and I definitely will be reading the rest of this series. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is a 3-star read for me. Not too bad but not too good either.
The story is a mix of all the other romantasies that are out this year.
The moment the MCs realised that they needed to gather some artifacts was the end for me.
However, I liked the MCs. I liked the type of magic and the world in general.
But it was just a bit disappointing reading familiar concepts again and again!