jaclynrodriguezauthor dit a great job with this book and I fully expect it to be one of the big releases of 2026!

Rune (FMC), Draven (MMC) super intriguing relationship with quite some turns. jaclynrodriguezauthor managed super well to write an interesting couple that while still staying within well loved romantasy tropes is super unique. Rune’s and Draven’s relationship also developed in a very realistic way. I am used to romantasy and normally there is quite some romance quick, but it went a bit slower this time. I remember being a little bothered by this at the start, but my attitude was quickly changed and I actually appreciated the development more in the end. Another thing I loved about Rune and Draven is that when they fought they were honest about their issues and after ran off to cool down, instead of the more common fight about something else, separation for X amount of time and then the make up that included a conversation that was needed earlier!

The book consists of very solid writing and world building. And I loved the different plot twists and they had me gasping. I am also super excited to see more of the world jaclynrodriguezauthor created in future books.

The ending had it’s normal sad notes, but I also loved how it was handled and that it wasn’t a super common romantasy ending (relationship wise).

Next to the main characters this story also had an ensemble cast that worked quite well and helped to move the story forward, I also loved that the FMC had a group of friends she could rely on.

All things considered this books should definitely find it’s place on your TBR, you won’t regret it!

Thank you zandoproject and netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5

This fantasy has a lot of different elements that I am a big fan of, this has a lot going for it!

We've got a magical academy, an enemies to lovers-esque situation, a sassy FMC who is not afraid to speak her mind, prince drama, and a very unique tarot card-based magic system.

Our FMC is dealing with a lot of different things throughout this book, she's searching for her family, she's training at a rigorous academy, and she's got some romantic drama (of course).

I wasn't obsessed with our MMC, I found him kind of annoying at times, he definitely annoyed our FMC too (but that is obviously on purpose, this is enemies to lovers). The two did have some pretty good banter though!

I love me a reluctant alliance and a fast pace, so I can see a lot of people really enjoying this book. I just wish that I found Draven (MMC) to be a bit more likable for me as a person. I think I would've gotten behind their chemistry and the whole situation more.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

This book fantasy book was exciting, action packed and filled with extremely cool magic concepts. I was excited to see how the author tied in tarot cards into her world and getting to dive into a new atmosphere . I was GREATLY not disappointed. There’s tropes that had me hooked from the very beginning such as enemies to lovers, forces proximity, slow burn with spice and touch her you…
The characters rune and Draven had me on the floor their chemistry is no match!

Thank you so much zando and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review A Vow of Vengeance as an arc! Thank you Jaclyn Rodriguez for creating such an awesome world for us readers to explore.

this book was so good, i really enjoyed it so much and am so sad it's over. I loved draven and rune and their story was so lovely. the twists were wild and i didn't expect half the things to happen that did. the ending was so good and i cannot believe i have to wait for book two but am so excited for it. highly recommend this book!

4.5⭐️ for me. I absolutely devoured this book. There is so much to love and enjoy contained in the story. I didn't want it to end!

The characters were all so enjoyable. Our FMC Rune is a fire cracker! Already dangerous having worked as a Wraith. She decides to meet fate head on and start down a path to save her family. I love how she doesn't pander to Draven or any of the Druid nobility. I would love to learn more about her time being a wraith for the Lord of Westfall. Her journey is a joy to watch and seeing her strength and her purpose grow is brilliant.

Draven is the heir to the Druid king and he's so much more than a spoiled princeling. I really enjoyed how protective he was of Rune and how he stood up for her. The things we learn about Draven along the way are integral parts of the story and I loved seeing how characters are linked by the past.

The tension in this book is 🔥i absolutely loved the banter and flirtation. It's a really beautiful love story building in front of us and I highlighted so many beautiful quotes!

"I will always be yours. Until the stars burn out. Hatefully and adoringly, my wicked heart is yours alone."

There is a sizzle of spice (nothing too graphic) but the notes with the magic pen had me kicking my feet!

Now we get to my favourite part - the magic system. The druids magic is through cards. Each person is drawn to one card in particular and it reminded me of the providence card magic system in The Shepherd King duology. This book gave us such a great insight into the cards through Runes lessons in the academy, and yet there's still so much for us to see and learn. The academy setting suited this story so well and it helped us learn more about not just magic but the curse and history.

The world building is great. We get to see different kingdoms - mortal, Druid, and Elven. We meet different creatures and wyvern!

The ending of the book sets us up for book two so perfectly, but in all honesty it's going to be one hell of a wait! I can see this being big when it comes out! I can't wait to continue Rune and Draven's journey! What a fantastic job the author has done!

Thank you Zando publishing, NetGalley and the author for the arc. This is my own honest review.

Vengeance – (noun) Punishment inflicted, or retribution exacted from an injury or wrong.

Rune Ryker was driven by the desire for vengeance. The immortals had taken everything from her, including her family, home, and life. Determined to reclaim all that was lost, Rune embarked on a mission. Unexpectedly, she found herself captivated by Prince Draven.

The pros of A Vow in Vengeance, I loved the idea of it. Tarot card magic is a new and fresh idea to me, so I was instantly intrigued. I loved the found friends she made, and I absolutely loved her strong, bold and daring character.

Draven's character was intriguing, yet I found myself desiring more depth and development. Although we received limited insight into his personality, the moments that featured him were very enjoyable. Additionally, the interactions between Draven and Rune I felt were heart fluttering moments. There’s definitely spice there and I was here for it.

“He will have me satisfied, or not at all. “Can you breathe?” I pant. “Who cares? F**king smother me, Rune.”

I mean if that doesn’t make you fan yourself and blush, then I guess you aren’t me, because I found that to be hot.

Regarding the cons of the book, it lacks detail on the tarot cards learning process. The story barely covers her learning journey, leaving us with little information about the world and druids.

The writing varied between being engaging and feeling choppy. The moments I found most compelling were when Draven's dialogue expressed his thoughts and feelings towards Rune. His words were often poetic and swoon worthy.

If there is a sequel, I will certainly read it because the first book captured my attention and kept me engaged throughout.

*Thank you Jaclyn Rodriguez, Zando, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

A great debut despite being your generic fantasy romance. Fans of Throne of Glass will recognize some familiar elements—an elite training school, a sharp-tongued heroine, and a dangerously charming prince—but the tarot-based magic system brings a fresh and intriguing twist that kept me hooked.

Ok so I am conflicted on how to feel about this arc...

The concept for this story was so cool, based off the description I was getting One Dark Window/Hunger Games/Zodiac Academy vibes.... sadly, when reading I didn't get these vibes.

The story is told similar to FBAA where you learn a lot of information while the FMC is learning things, but a lot of the information is just explained to the reader instead of showing it to us. Personally, I don't know much about Druids or Tarot and found this to be disadvantageous as the reader. Maybe if you already have an understanding of these concepts the world building would make more sense...

I am usually a pretty fast reader, but the first half of this book was like trudging through mud, I kept waiting for things to happen, then they didn't, or I was confused. Our FMC attends an academy to develop her magical skills, but we don't really get to see her in the academy setting, she is just there and tells us about it. I wanted to see more of the academy setting and her interacting with her classmates. She gets class with her classmates, and there is an aspect of found family, but these characters are pretty one dimensional because we don't learn anything substantial about them, so I didn't get attached at all.

This was also the case with the FMC and MMC, I found them to be the typical Romantasy MCs. She was oppressed and is now on a mission, she has special powers that she isn't supposed to have, she has a unique hair color and a snarky attitude. He is tall dark and broody, with wings and a lot of power. I just described half of the romantasy couples out there, so they weren't anything special to me.

All this being said I got about 70% of the way through the book, then I just couldn't be bothered to finish. I think this is due to what I described in this review, finding the FMC/MMC and side characters one dimensional. I am sad to have dnf'd this book because it truly had great potential, sadly it is a one star for me.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Zando for the eARC of this book! All opinions are my own!

A fun easy to read romantasy but lacking in world building and the enemies became lovers pretty much instantly. Some story jumping and also why did they hardly eat anything?

It won’t let me give 4.5 stars but that is what I’d rate A Vow in Vengeance. I see a lot of reviews complaining about the dark and broody MMC but for me, personally, if he doesn’t have dark hair and an attitude, it’s not the romantasy for me. I LOVED this book so much - I literally cannot stop thinking about it. I’m HOPING this will become a series (assuming it will due to the ending in this particular book). I loved Rune and I loved Draven. The friends, magic, romance, etc. was perfect and I couldn’t put it down (literally I stayed up until morning to finish it). I cannot WAIT for the world to fall in love with these characters like I did. Tarot is magic that I haven’t read about before. I’ve read the Shepherd King duology and that is the only series where I’ve seen cards being used, so this was new to me and I loved it so much.

2.5, rounded up. While this has a lot of potential, I have two major issues. I found A Vow of Vengeance needed to be at least 100-150 more pages. For a romantsy, this is light reading (arc is 385 pages), and you can tell when it comes to the lore, world building, and explanations. The concept is so interesting, but it felt like I missed a books worth of backstory before this. Everything is ‘told’ and nothing is ‘shown.’

Second major issue, is generic romantsy MMC. Tall with dark hair. Stupidly handsome with a cocky grin. Neck tattoos. This is the same MC that is in every other book right now. I don’t like similar characters, because it makes me compare non competing books.

I personally do tarot and was excited for a romantasy book including it. Unfortunately, my qualm with this book is that it lacks originality in the romance department. Every single recent romantasy book the MMC is tall with dark hair and he’s cocky. I just want one where it isn’t the exact same guy in every book.

Wow, this book was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible! From the very first page, I was hooked. The story is a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night.

The protagonist, Rune Ryker, is a force to be reckoned with. Her determination to uncover the truth about her family and navigate the treacherous world of the Immortal realms is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

The setting of the Forge academy is richly detailed and immersive. The tarot-based magic system is unique and adds an intriguing layer to the story. Each chapter beginning with a tarot card and its meaning was a brilliant touch that deepened my understanding of the world and its magic.

And then there's Prince Draven. Their relationship is the epitome of the enemies-to-lovers trope, filled with tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry. Their dynamic added so much depth and excitement to the narrative.

Jaclyn Rodriguez's writing is vivid and cinematic. The world-building is top-notch, and the plot twists left me gasping. It's hard to believe this is her debut novel!

If you're a fan of fantasy romances with strong heroines, complex magic systems, and sizzling chemistry, A Vow in Vengeance is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Jaclyn Rodriguez writes next!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I'm giving this book a solid 3. For a debut novel, I thought it was very entertaining. It had a nice mix of magic, danger, and tension. This was definitely a book I read in one sitting, the pace was perfect, and I just HAD to know what was coming next. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the magic system. I had never seen Tarot cards as the magic system before, I thought it was dope and unique. Vow of Vengeance did sound familiar in some parts, it was giving ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, but nowadays what isn't? Overall it was a good book. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I can't wait to pick up my trophy in January!

A Vow in Vengeance completely captivated me. From the first chapter, I was drawn into a dark, enchanting world filled with sharp tension and high stakes. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Rune and Prince Draven crackled with intensity, and the tarot-based magic system added a refreshing, mystical edge to the story. Rune’s relentless drive for vengeance, her quiet strength, and the slow-burning chemistry woven through each scene made this an unforgettable read.

Thank you for the ARC NetGalley & Zando!

Loved. Loved, loved, loved. Add to your TBR now, please.

Firstly, basing magic off of Tarot cards - beautiful. I thought it would be hard to follow given how many there are and the Major/Minor of it all, but it just made sense. Each card and their powers were easy enough to follow and it was fresh and fun, have I mentioned I loved it?
The enemies to lovers has me in a chokehold and let me tell you, even knowing it's coming I adored the back and forth. AND THE BANTER! Ugh, yes. If they aren't threatening each other constantly? what. is. the. point. Chef's Kiss.
Only downfall with this one is that I have to wait so so so long until the next one is released.
I can't wait to see what cover art they come up with, oooooooooooh it's gotta be good.

5* easy

This had me gripped from the first page to the very last! I really enjoyed this story, and the magic system was really interesting to learn. I loved the characters, and I really liked the side characters too. I can’t wait to read the next book and will be anxiously waiting to find out what happens next.

This was definitely a romantasy which is always a good thing in my book. I loved the banter between the protagonists and the forced proximity. It was such a fun read.

I would definitely recommend this one!

ps thank you to author/publisher for allowing me to read this arc from NetGalley ❤️

4.5⭐️ This has just about everything you could ask for in a dark academia romantasy. This is one of my favorite ARC reads of the year so far and a fantastic debut by Jaclyn Rodriguez. For once I didn’t hate the MMC to where he had to grow on me by the end. I actually liked that Draven from the start and loved that the FMC Rune embraces and thrives within her insecurities. The magic system was honestly what drew me in and it did not disappoint. I am so fascinated by tarot and this was the first time I’ve seen it used this way and I would love to read more. The only downside now is having to wait for the next book!! I am definitely a fan

A Dark, Addictive Romantasy Full of Magic and Tension

I absolutely loved this book! A Vow in Vengeance pulled me in from page one with its gripping enemies-to-lovers tension, immersive world-building, and the deliciously dangerous dynamic between Rune and Prince Draven. The tarot-based magic system was unique and added a fresh twist to the romantasy genre. I was hooked on Rune’s quest for vengeance, her inner strength, and the slow-burn chemistry that built with every page.

The only reason I’m giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that there were a few pacing moments—especially in the middle—where things dragged just a bit, and I found myself wanting more depth in the side characters and political intrigue. But overall, it’s sexy, action-packed, and full of addictive banter. I can’t wait for the sequel!

4.5/5 rounded up

I want MORE! This book was amazing, I was hooked on the story within the first two chapters. “A Vow in Vengeance” is full of fantasy, romance, and magic! It also has enemies to lovers (but not intense), fake relationships, and elements of found family. The plot is intriguing and it is easy to get lost in the world described. I truly enjoyed Rune & Draven’s chemistry and how their relationship evolved. I’ll be waiting on the next books in this series and I can tell it will get spicy soon (this book is abt a 1.5/5 in terms of spice). Also, I love the fact that both MCs are strong and certain scenes exhibit Rune’s (FMC) growth strength-wise. The magic system was creative and interesting to explore with FMC.

I’m so glad I was able to read this early, thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the eARC!