A Vow in Vengeance is the kind of debut that grabs you by the collar and dares you to look away—and I didn’t. I couldn’t. From the very first page, Jaclyn Rodriguez plunges you into a vividly imagined world teeming with magic, vengeance, secrets, and betrayal, and I was hooked like a moth to an unholy, flaming tarot card.

At the heart of it is Rune Ryker, a fierce, stubborn, deeply human heroine with a chip on her shoulder and fire in her veins. She’s the kind of character who isn’t here to be liked—she’s here to survive, and if that means stepping on toes or lighting the whole realm on fire, so be it. Rune’s voice felt raw and honest, filled with grief and grit, which made her journey not just engaging, but emotionally gripping.

The setting—a ruthless magical academy known as the Forge, where immortal druids rule with power drawn from tarot cards—is as eerie and enthralling as it sounds. I loved the dark academia aesthetic here: sharp uniforms, ancient rituals, magic with consequences, and that intoxicating blend of beauty and danger. The tarot-based magic system is unique and brimming with potential, even if I sometimes wished for just a bit more clarity in the mechanics. Still, it never detracted from the thrill of watching Rune unlock her rare and dangerous powers.

Then there’s Draven. Oh, Draven. Brooding, powerful, infuriatingly handsome, and clearly hiding more than just scars under those shadows. I adored the push-pull dynamic between him and Rune. Their banter had bite, their forced proximity was deliciously tense, and the slow unraveling of their trust (and attraction) was everything I look for in an enemies-to-lovers arc. They are two broken people circling each other like predators—both afraid, both drawn in, both unwilling to admit how badly they need one another.

And while I didn’t fall head-over-heels for every single moment—there were parts where I wished for more worldbuilding depth, and a few pacing hiccups in the second half—the emotional core kept me tethered. Rune’s loyalty to her missing family, her growing unease with power, and her desperate attempts to carve out something that feels like justice… it all made me root for her fiercely. The side characters added fun flavor too, especially some who surprised me by the end (and who I hope we’ll see more of in future books).

This is a debut that leans into its tropes—dark prince, rebel girl, dangerous magic school, slow-burn romance—but does so with confidence and heart. I can tell Jaclyn Rodriguez has so much more to say, and I am absolutely coming back for book two. That ending? Yeah… let’s just say I shouted a little.

Final thoughts: If you love dark academia, tarot magic, reluctant alliances, and heroines who punch first and apologize never, A Vow in Vengeance should be next on your romantasy radar.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando/Slowburn for providing me this magical and intriguing romantasy/dark academia novel’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciate it!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, there are some unique and interesting aspects to the plot. For example, the magic system revolves around tarot cards. You have a major power and a minor one. Our main characters have the World power, which means you have access to all the powers (as one would assume by the name). It's very very very rare, and of course the main characters (aka the main couple) are the only two who have it. I thought this magic system is kind of interesting. I haven't read too many books where cards are used as magic.

Also, I do like a dark acadmia book, though this doesn't feel so strongly like a dark acadmia book. It has qualities of it, but it feels more like a high school drama than anything else. I also like how this book contains Druids in it, which is something I typically don't see. So this added to the unique aspects that I liked.

On the other hand, I felt as if the romance was too forced. I mean, the guy starts calling the girl "Love" within 33% of the book, even though there was no romantic gestures or whatever. It is a hate-love relationship, but there is no chemistry aside from "we share the same super rare power and are forced to work together". I am kind of interested in Draven (the male love interest) and his political goals. I don't care as much about Rune's because she seems like a really surface level character.

Overall, I thought this book was decent. I may pick up the next one, but I'd recommend this to people who might find it interesting!

I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping, magic-laced story and can’t wait for the next installment! Rune was a standout for me—morally grey, yet still grounded in doing what’s right, and watching her powers evolve alongside her shifting loyalties made for a compelling and layered read.

Draven? Absolutely drool-worthy. The morally grey MMC trope is done right here, and the slow burn romance? It burned—though I was definitely craving a little more spice. The twists and "whodunit" elements kept me guessing the entire time, and I especially loved the integration of tarot-inspired magic. That said, some of the tarot aspects felt a bit repetitive at times.

My only real critique was the ending—it felt a bit abrupt. I would’ve loved just a bit more development to give the conclusion the weight it deserved.

Still, a fantastic fantasy with rich characters, intriguing magic, and plenty of tension. Bring on book two!

I really wanted to like A Vow in Vengeance, but honestly, it just didn’t work for me. The premise had potential, and I thought I was in for an intense, emotionally charged story. Instead, I found it hard to connect with the characters or stay invested in what was happening. The pacing felt off, especially in the beginning, and I struggled to stay engaged.

There were moments where I thought it might pick up, but it never quite got there for me. It wasn't a terrible book by any means, but it just didn't hold my attention or leave much of an impact.

Thank you for the arc from Net Galley!

Wow, was I ever drawn to this novel! Romantasy with a MFC who is not only a POC, something rarely represented in romantasy, but she is also strong, smart, and capable without the help of a man training her.

This book's foundational concept is amazing-tarot card magic?! Sign me up! However-I couldn't help but feel like the fantasy of the book took a back seat to the romance which felt somewhat cookie cutter. How many times do I have to read about forced proximity with a dark, broody MMC who is a bit of a rebel wild card, yet has immediate will they, won't they predicable banter with the FMC? It felt a little been there done that, and I found myself wishing there was wayyy less romance and wayyyy more world building. The MMC Draven has sooo much potential, but I found myself kind of bored with him.

There's an info dump prologue and epilogue, and it turns more into tell and not show. I would much rather the story have started with her journey as a wraith, and her working her way to Selection. Further, the MFC backstory as a Wraith being so glossed over made it hard for me to connect with her-it felt like at the end of the book I didn't really know much about her.

Another thing I also struggle with when it comes to 1st person narrative is a) a lot of tell and not show and B) it's easy for the main character to feel one dimension, which I feel like is what happened for me here. We only see things from Rune's POV so she appears without flaws, and we also miss out on a lot of side character building. All her friends kind of seem the same to me.

Overall, I loved the magic system, and the concept of this book. I just want more world building, more politics, more slow burn.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Rune is a strong Fmc character who wants vengeance for her family after being chosen in the selection. I really liked the world building in this book and the great detail in the magical system using tarot cards as a tool for magic, something I haven’t read in a book before. I enjoyed the academic setting and meeting all the character especially Draven and watching Rune and Draven’s enemies to lovers relationship develop.

I will say throughout reading this book I did notice parts of the story have a similar vibe to the hunger games and fourth wing.

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!