A Vow in Vengeance was a super fast paced, intriguing read. It had high stakes magic, with a unique tarot based magic system that almost reminded me of the Shepherd King duology? My favourite aspect of this was Rune however, she was fiery, stood on business, and her quest for a found family made my heart ache at time.

There was a gorgeous amount of world building that made it feel so easy to get lost in this world, especially for a debut novel, and the slow burn was buuuurning!!

If youre looking for your next romantasy read with all your favourite tropes but a unique magic system, look no further.

A VOW IN VENGEANCE blends a sizzling enemies to lovers romance with a coming of age story about a girl who infiltrates an elusive magical world just to try to find her family. It’s saucy, a real page-turner, and one highly entertaining read!

If you've been waiting for your next winged book boyfriend, look no further! A Vow in Vengeance is the perfect romantasy book, complete with a unique magic system, a badass heroine, and a powerful, morally gray love interest you'll be swooning for from the moment he steps onto the page. Every plot twist packs a punch, and I was utterly captivated by the enemies-to-lovers romance--equal parts intoxicating and utterly devourable. Rune is the bisexual heroine of my romantasy dreams! I hope other readers are prepared, because this book will keep you up late into the night desperate to find out what happens next.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, I was hooked so quick which doesn't always happen for fantasy books for me sometimes it takes me a bit to get into them. I absolutely devoured this book in one day. It is one of my favorite books of the year. I love Rune and her snarky remarks to Draven, she had me laughing and having such a good time I was telling my husband about it. I enjoyed seeing Rune and Draven's relationship evolve through the book from one of need to one of love. The other characters like Ember and Wynter were also lovely to ready, I adored then they were great friends. There were some twists and turns I was not expecting and I love a book that catches me off guard. This book was such a great time and I will be ready for book 2.

4/5

A Vow in Vengeance is a thrilling blend of dark romance and epic fantasy that pulled me in from the first page and never let go. Jaclyn Rodriguez crafts a world ruled by immortal powers, deadly traditions, and secrets that make trust a dangerous gamble.

The tarot-inspired magic and druidic lore add a fresh, haunting edge to the richly built world, while Rune Ryker—fierce, broken, and relentless—anchors the story with raw emotion and unstoppable determination. The slow-burning romance crackles with tension, layered with fate, politics, and deep scars that make every moment charged and meaningful.

Rodriguez’s twists kept me constantly second-guessing, and the pacing was relentless, driving me straight to a finale that was utterly unputdownable. For fans of morally complex characters, intense romance, and immersive fantasy, A Vow in Vengeance is a standout that demands to be devoured. I can’t wait for book two.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

A Vow in Vengeance did not disappoint. The magic system and plot were so well thought out and explored fantastically elements i don’t often see in a book.
The way tarot was incorporated into and built off the plotline was absolutely amazing and i loved how it was used to bring the FMC and MMC together.
I also loved Rune’s character development throughout the story, how she slowly grew into herself and learnt who she could be.
This was an amazing novel and i hope to read the next one soon, thank you to netgalley and the author for giving me the chance to read this book.

A Vow in Vengeance hit all the right notes for me as a romantasy fan. Brutal academy setting, high stakes magic, and an enemies to lovers slow burn that sizzles from the start. Think Throne of Glass with its deadly training grounds and fiery heroine, but with a clever tarot based magic system that adds something completely original.

What really stood out to me was Rune’s search for her lost family. It gave the story so much emotional weight, grounding all the action in something deeply personal. Her drive, resilience, and vulnerability made her such an easy character to root for.

The worldbuilding is rich and layered, and the way magic is taught throughout the book is honestly fascinating. And then there’s Prince Draven. Arrogant, clever, maddening, and completely magnetic. His dynamic with Rune is pure tension, and their banter had me flying through the pages.

Yes, it plays with familiar tropes but it does so confidently and with style. For a debut, it’s impressive and I’m already counting down the days until the sequel. If you’re into ruthless training schools, slow burn romance, and original magic systems, this one’s for you.

I liked this but didn’t love it. This is a super fast paced book and easy to read which I liked but I didn’t feel ~super~ compelled to finish it.

Plot: 3/5. Liked the idea and the magic system idea but the world building was lacking. Also I was excited when the characters were transported to a different world but then it all seemed so juvenile when they were in the academy setting that I lost interest really fast.

Characters: 3/5. Didn’t feel connected to any of the characters or relationships. The FMC was supposedly like an assassin prior to the start of the book but we didn’t get to see this side of her at all and she seemed rather pathetic through a lot of the book so I’m not sure how we’re supposed to believe that part of the plot.

Overall liked the idea of the book but the way the characters acted were too juvenile for me.

A Vow in Vengeance is an emotional rollercoaster packed with tension, passion, and jaw-dropping twists. Jaclyn Rodriguez weaves a gripping tale of betrayal, retribution, and the blurred lines between love and revenge. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a world where secrets simmer beneath the surface and trust is a dangerous luxury.

The characters are complex and deeply flawed—especially the leads, whose chemistry is as explosive as it is heartbreaking. Rodriguez doesn’t shy away from darkness, but she also allows space for redemption and vulnerability, which makes the emotional payoffs hit that much harder.

What I particularly loved was how Rodriguez kept me constantly second-guessing motivations. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, another twist would turn everything upside down. The pacing is relentless in the best way, making it impossible to put down.

Perfect for fans of morally grey heroes, slow-burning revenge plots, and emotionally intense romance, A Vow in Vengeance is a standout in the dark romance genre. Jaclyn Rodriguez has truly outdone herself.

Highly recommended!

The first thing inhave to say about this is that a map is definitely necessary. I had no idea where things were supposed to be. In line with that, i feel like the world building could've been a bit clearer. Same with the magic system, I thinks its really cool and unique but as a big tarot fan myself, i would've liked more artistry in the explainig.
As for the characters, they only thing that kept me reading was Draven. Rune was giving major pick-me vibes, all tell no show of what a badass she was. Reminded me the Throne of Glass FMC, and I wasn't a fan of hers (so much I don't remember her name) the side character were a bit one-dimentional in the way of Fourth Wing (a lot of it felt like Forth Wing, actually)
All things said, I think for what it is, it was good. A fun read, although it dragged at times and there were details that took me out of the story,

This book had so many elements that I love in a romantasy— a magical academy setting, enemies-to-lovers tension, a sassy and strong-willed FMC, and a prince who’s equal parts charming and infuriating. Rune’s journey kept me hooked from the start. She’s a determined character, searching for her family while juggling the challenges of a demanding academy and complicated romantic entanglements.

The magic system was hands-down my favourite part. The tarot-based setup felt really fresh and unique, and I loved how each chapter opened with a card explanation that tied into the plot. It gave the story a solid structure and kept me invested in the world. The world-building in general was strong, and I appreciated the depth it added—especially once the book moved into the politics of the different races and Rune’s personal quest.

That said, I did struggle a bit with the first half. The school setting and some of the writing felt more young adult to me, and the pacing was a bit slow at times. But things definitely picked up later on, especially with the rising stakes and the evolving character dynamics. Rune’s development was solid, though I sometimes found her decisions a bit erratic given her backstory. I’d expected her to be more in control in high-pressure moments, but her emotional outbursts made her feel more human, even if they occasionally frustrated me.

Overall, A Vow in Vengeance was a fun, action-packed read with strong characters, addictive banter, and a unique magical system. While I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series myself, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced fantasy romance with a fresh magical twist and that classic enemies-to-lovers spark.

A Vow in Vengeance is a hopeful 4-star read that shows real promise. The writing style is beautiful, surprisingly so for a debut, but I often wished the author had shown more rather than simply telling, especially in scenes like the magic classes.

As my first Arcana/tarot-based fantasy, I found the world intriguing but sometimes confusing. The magic system could definitely be explored in more depth. I also noticed some writing mistakes, which I’ve shared with the publisher via NetGalley.

Character-wise, while enjoyable to read, they sometimes lacked depth. It felt at times like the author was writing characters that didn’t fully belong to her yet. Still, I’m rooting for them, especially the found family dynamic with the friend group, which is still growing but has great potential in future books. One part that felt particularly rushed was the sudden shift in Rune and Draven’s relationship before the first ball, i feel like it it needed more buildup.

What I truly appreciated was how unpredictable the story was. I usually guess the plot early on, but this one kept me on my toes until the very end.

Overall, this is a strong start. If the author and publisher take feedback into account, this series could truly shine. I hope it gets the hype it deserves, I’ll definitely be reading the next one.

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!