Thank you so much for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review! I really enjoyed this one! The tension was fantastic and the tarot card magic was chefs kiss!

Safe to safe this is a book I will most DEFINITELY be purchasing and rereading!! This book had me in a chokehold from page one

I enjoyed this book so much that I want to shout it out on top of my fucking lungs😭👏🏾.

First of all thank you netgalley and Zando projects for giving me this beautiful Earc.

Do you know how refreshing it is to read a fantasy book that's soooo different from other books????🥹

First of all this is a DEBUT!!! A Debut written so perfectly especially a fantasy👏🏾♥️ Jaclyn should be given her flowers!!!

Every year humans are selected by the immortal realms which are divided into the druids, the seraphs and the elves. This year is the Druid's turn for the selection and Rune Ryker decides that she wants to be selected.

Rune 's family were taken to the immortal realms and she decides you know what I'm going to find them even if it's the last thing I do.👏🏾🙂

She thinks when you're selected you become a worker you know a slave but things are different from what she expects. 🙂.

The magic system of the Druids is different from the other immortals. They use Tarot cards👏🏾🙂. The author was really thinking out of the box with this one. ✨👏🏾

Rune finds herself attracted to the most powerful Arcana which apart from herself the only other person who has the same power is the prince🤭.

I fell in LOVE with this man the moment he was described 🤭. Who doesn't like a man with wings 😭 🤷🏾‍♀️....and horns....and eyes that change with every emotion he feels💁🏾‍♀️. Prince Draven is now my new current book boyfriend 😮‍💨♥️.

The chemistry between Rune and Draven was off the charts 🤭. Every interaction between them had me smiling and giggling at my phone🤭😍.

Rune the badass girl who's stubborn to her core and won't accept help that easily put in the same room with the hot, brooding, arrogant Prince Draven. 😭✨🎀 What more could a girl ask for honestly 🤷🏾‍♀️.

The BANTER!!!! THE TENSION!!!!😮‍💨♥️. He doesn't even hide how obsessed he is with her and I LOVE THAT!!!!🤷🏾‍♀️.

Quote:

"Would you be satisfied with so little of me?" I ask not ready to answer what is building between us.
"I'd beg on my knees just to get that much if you," he breathes.
"Then beg," I whisper.


THIS SCENE HAD ME FERAL!!!!!!

"But I'm also not a conquest. So tell me Draven....what does that make me to you?"

His gaze is a caress. "It makes you mine,"🤭

THIS MAN!!!!

I think I quoted every conversation they had because of how cute they were. 🤭🙇🏾‍♀️. They agreed to act like fake fated mates but they ended up falling in love 😭♥️🌸.

It was also so healing to see Rune make friends after years of being alone and how Draven literally wants to take care of her😭✨♥️.

With the way this ended I know book 2 will be GOOOOOOOOD!!!!! 🙇🏾‍♀️. I hope I also get the arc copy of that too when the time comes that is!!!!

Jaclyn Rodriguez you have a new fan🤝🏾.

If you like dark academia, forced proximity, a MMC who's an asshole but is secretly obsessed with the fmc and if you also like high stakes this is a book you'll enjoy💁🏾‍♀️🙂🌸.

As a seasoned observer of the mystical currents that weave through our realms, I approached Jaclyn Rodriguez’s debut romantasy novel, “A Vow in Vengeance,” with a discerning eye. What I discovered within its pages was not merely a tale, but a tapestry woven with threads of ancient power, celestial guidance, and the enduring spirit of the wild – a true revelation for any who walk the Druid's path.
From the very first turning of the page, it was evident that this was no ordinary foray into the familiar. While many would confine the mysteries of the tarot to the shadowed alcoves of fortune tellers, Rodriguez has dared to envision a world where these archetypal forces are not mere divination tools, but the very essence of a unique magical system. Here, the Major Arcana do not simply foretell, they enhance; they are the wellspring from which gifts and powers flow, a concept as refreshing as pulling The World card in a tarot reading.
Our journey begins with Rune, a changeling and the most recent selection of the revered Druids, whose connection to the earth's pulse resonates deeply within me. Alongside her, the formidable Prince Draven, the Druid Prince of Sedah, shares a destiny rarely seen. Both bear the rare and potent gift of The World – a mastery over all the Major Arcana, a feat not witnessed in five centuries. This powerful resonance between them, a mirroring of cosmic design, immediately drew me in. Will the pride of a seasoned leader, accustomed to the pinnacle of achievement, yield to the arrival of a new, equally gifted soul? The tension, as palpable as the rustling of ancient leaves in the wind, kept me spellbound.
Their shared path leads them to The Forge, an academy where both changelings and pure-born Druids hone their innate magic. It is here that the intricate dance of their powers unfolds, a symphony of burgeoning abilities guided by the wisdom of the Arcana. The narrative, much like a perfectly laid spread of tarot cards, kept me engaged and eager to uncover what revelation lay next. Though some threads of fate were, to my experienced eye, somewhat predictable, this did not diminish the immersive quality of the journey. For just as the predictable ebb and flow of the tides are vital to the health of our world, so too can a well-told, engrossing story captivate, even with familiar turns.
For those who find themselves drawn to the intricate dance of destiny, to the whispers of Seraphic guidance in the lives of the selected, and to the charmed spirit of the elven realms, “A Vow in Vengeance” holds a potent allure. Fans of fake dating, the fiery intensity of enemies-to-lovers tropes, the tantalizing slowness of a true burn, and the inevitable pull of forced proximity will find their hearts quickened. Add to this the allure of ancient artifacts waiting to be rediscovered and the heartwarming embrace of lost and found family, and you have a tale as rich and multifaceted as a truly illuminating tarot reading.
Jaclyn Rodriguez’s talent, for a debut author, is truly impressive, akin to a newly bloomed fey flower, vibrant and promising. I, for one, eagerly await the next installment in this captivating series, eager to witness the unfolding destiny of Rune and Draven, and the fate of Arcadia itself. “A Vow in Vengeance” is more than a debut; it is a declaration, a powerful opening to a world brimming with magic and possibility. With the certainty of a perfectly aligned High Priestess, I bestow upon this novel a solid 5 stars. Mark your calendars, on January 13, 2026, a new legend will be born. Add this to your TBR – your spirit will thank you.

+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

I want to thank @jaclynrodriguezauthor @netgalley @zandoprojects and @slowburn.reads for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/f94b3473bd276e187cb21df1c8f1dc0019334984" width="80" height="80" alt="10 Book Reviews" title="10 Book Reviews"/>

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/3e5c9dc49e6e53fec0ee9743175a4d14589ed262" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>

<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/d03e09b48d88c13d50db7f67eb7bf8ab9bbccfce" width="80" height="80" alt="80%" title="80%"/>

Thank you to Jaclyn Rodriguez, Zando, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

If I could rate it properly it would be ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

"You have entangled yourself in my soul, your thorns rooting between my ribs, and I cannot breathe without thinking of how sharply I want you.”

Jaclyn Rodriguez enters the romantasy arena with a debut that is as brutal as it is tender. *A Vow in Vengeance* is a feral, lyrical, and emotionally raw story about power, vengeance, and the vulnerability of love. Set against the backdrop of the Immortal Realms and fuelled by tarot-based magic, this novel had me gripped—wrecked, really—by the final page.

✦ The Heart of the Story ✦

At its core, this is a tale of reclamation—of identity, of magic, of agency. Rune Ryker is a standout protagonist: clever, calculating, and driven by purpose and pain. She throws herself into the Forge, an elite academy for Immortal druids, to take down the kingdom that destroyed her family. Rune orchestrates her own entry into a world that wants her broken—and refuses to bow to it.

She is also refreshingly described as a curvier female lead, offering welcome representation in a genre that so often defaults to waif-like heroines. Rune’s physicality isn’t tokenised—it’s simply part of who she is, and that presence is powerful.

Enter Draven Vos: devastatingly composed, power-hungry, and entirely undone by Rune. He’s her opposite in every way, except where it matters. Their dynamic is electric—tense, distrustful, and scorching with slow-burn yearning. While their romance unfolds across blades and banter, Rodriguez never forgets to build mutual respect, which grounds even their most dramatic moments in emotional truth.

“Even if she ran a dagger through my gods-damned heart, I would likely grasp her hand just to hold it a moment longer.”
“That I will always be yours. Until the stars burn out. Hatefully and adoringly, my wicked heart is yours alone.”

The romantic arc cuts deep, with longing so intense it borders on devotion. If you're a fan of couples who would destroy the world for each other—while snarking their way through it—Rune and Draven will crawl under your skin and stay there.

✦ Worldbuilding & Magic ✦

Let’s be honest—the first few chapters are dense. The magic system, rooted in tarot and Druidic lore, drops you straight into arcane politics with minimal hand-holding. But once you get your footing, the payoff is huge. The world blooms with lore, layered power structures, and high-stakes prophecy. The Forge itself is richly drawn—a magical university pulsing with danger, secrets, and cutthroat ambition.

Rodriguez trusts her readers to catch up—and we do. What unfolds is a world that feels tangible and dangerous, where every spell has a cost, and no one escapes unscathed.

✦ Emotional Texture & Supporting Cast ✦

This book is laced with themes of feminine rage, betrayal, and found family. There’s a sharp emotional clarity to Rune’s perspective—her grief, her fire, and her refusal to be reduced by anyone, including the gods. The supporting cast is vivid and memorable, never feeling like background noise. Each relationship brings texture to the story, particularly those built outside of romance.

There’s real heart here—soft moments carved out of chaos—and the emotional beats land because they are earned.

“Only you can fix me, Wraith.”
“Oh Princeling, haven’t you learned by now? I’m just going to make you so much worse.”

✦ Tropes You’ll Love ✦

⭐ Enemies to Lovers
⭐ Dark Academia
⭐ Fake Fated Mates (or are they?)
⭐ Fake Dating
⭐ Forced Proximity / One Bed
⭐ Snark and Banter
⭐ “Touch Her and Die” Energy
⭐ Found Family
⭐ Tarot-Based Magic
⭐ He Falls First (and hard)

**Final Thoughts**
*Swoon-worthy* doesn’t begin to cover it. This is a story that burns slow but cuts sharp—with lines that linger in your chest long after the final chapter. For a debut, *A Vow in Vengeance* is staggeringly confident: lyrical, high-stakes, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way.

Yes, it demands patience early on, but Rodriguez rewards that investment with a world that is immersive, dangerous, and heartbreakingly alive. It left me gutted, glowing, and desperate for more.

Don’t sleep on this one. If this is just the beginning, we’re looking at a romantasy series that could go toe-to-toe with the genre’s best. I am now waiting for Book 2 and cannot wait to see how all the characters fare with the ending that we were given.

A Vow in Vengeance is a perfect romantasy. Draven and Rune were chefs kiss. This had everything I wanted. Politicking. Love. Found family, Enemies to lovers, a fruitful plot. Academic setting. The reveals.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Romantasy is very hit or miss for me, but this was a hit. I could not put this down even for a single second. I feel like Rune was a pretty well developed character and fell outside of the “needing revenge” archetype that we see in female characters in this genre. Draven was also really interestingly developed. Rodriguez really takes advantage of tropes, but in a way that felt natural and not as a way to hit things in a list. Tarot as the magic system was very unique, but I wish we got more world building with that and just overall with the development of the magic, I’ll definitely be waiting for book 2.

Thank you so much to netgalley for the arc!!!

I really really enjoyed this book! The story follows Rune a mortal whose entire family have been taken to the immortal kingdoms through the selection. The selection happens every year hosted by either the druid, seraph or elf kingdom. The selection is a punishment for the mortal kingdoms for their uprising 15 years ago. When Rune is selected by the druids she finds out that the mortals are granted powers.

This story is a intricate fantasy world where the magic system is based upon tarot cards which grant differing magical powers!!

This book was so unique and interesting!! I was completely invested in the story. I rated it 4 stars because I honestly think it could be 150 pages longer!! There are a few aspects of the story which are slightly rushed over and I think need more explanation! However, I did feel the story really dragged you in and kept you on your toes the whole way through. Can’t wait to continue with this series!!

This was pretty mid. I liked the magic logic but wish it had been explained better tbh it would have helped. I also wanted to like the main characters but parts of the book felt so rushed and the romance a bit forced. There are a lot of people in this story it’s hard to keep up with them all and their relationships just didn’t feel as genuine as I had hoped. I thought I would over time get more connected to the characters but it was a little all over the place. Just didn’t make me excited tbh. Overall it was okay but I was relieved to finish. Maybe the second one will be better I would check it out at least.

4 ⭐️ - Thank you NetGalley and Zando for the arc!

At first, I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book and I kinda was comparing it to others I have read but I tried to stop doing that and let it stand on its own. I think the book has a lot of potential and it could be a fantastic romantasy novel. I want to start with some of the issues that led me to not give it a full 5 stars. Mainly, some writing and plot issues. Those things can be tweaked and fixed between now and publishing. There were times that I was also a bit confused, especially in the beginning. It felt like I needed second hand knowledge before going into the book. Eventually, I did feel like I got the hang of everything and wasn't as lost.

Now for the good stuff lol I loved the storyline and I loved the characters. Was the MMC a copy and paste of a ton of other MMCs? Sure. But... I also ate it up and I loved Draven. Don't know what that says about me but lol. A lot of side characters stood out to me and I loved the FMC as well. She did feel like she could develop into an even better character with some tweaking. All in all, their relationship had me giggling and kicking my feet so I think that's a good sign as to where this is headed lol

The book as a whole felt alive. It felt like it really could be the next romantasy hit but it does need some refinement. I also think it can actually be longer? Give us more of the world building? Maybe more explanations on the magic system? I can see book 2 as well and what I want from it so I hope book 1 is given more before publication. The twists at the end were great but they also left me thinking "where did that come from?" "there's gods now?"

Excited to see where the author takes it and I am very happy I read it. If you are into academic settings, tarot card magic, slow burn and high stakes - this will def be a great pick for you.

One of my fave books of the year!

I'm claiming sorcery because it's like Jaclyn Rodriguez went into my head, pulled out everything I like in romantasy and wrote my perfect book. No notes.

A Vow in Vengeance has everything. Enemies-to-lovers? Tick. Dark academia? Tick. A woman out for revenge? Double tick. This book had me hooked from the very first page. The world-building is expansive and vivid, and our lead Rune is an absolute force. She's sharp, fierce, and focused on her mission, vengeance blazing in her veins. I LOVE an FMC that is driven by trauma and rage, and I especially love when their single-minded plan gets derailed by a broody, bantery enemy who throws everything into chaos.

Enter Draven. He's the best kind of menace with a magnetic energy, an air of mystery and wings. WINGS. His dynamic with Rune made me feral and I ate up every interaction. The progression from enemies-to-lovers is slow and delish, and it's made even better with a fun twist on fake dating I've never read before and a double combo of one-bed and forced proximity. Obsessed with it all.

To top it all off, the magic system is rooted in my new obsession - tarot. I loved all the intricacies: from the way their arcana is chosen, the rules around their cards, and how they learn to wield the magic. It’s layered, clever and perfectly woven into this dark academia world filled with immortal druids, ancient power, and youthful ambition. It all blends together in a setting that had me glued to my Kindle.

By the end, I was totally in love with Rune, Draven, the gang, and the rich, magical world they live in. I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m going to be counting down the days till the sequel lands.

This book was amazing!! I knew I was going to love Draven from the first time we saw him but he and Rune together took me by surprise. I am not usually a slow burn fan but I truly cannot wait for them to be together in the next book now that they have an unbreakable bond! Sooo much left to uncover and answers to get!

ARC RECEIVED VIA NET GALLEY

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Tropes:
🌗Fake Fated Mates
🌗Fake Dating
🌗Enemies To Lovers
🌗Close/forced proximity
🌗One Bed
🌗Found Family
🌗He falls first

‘Even if she ran a different through my gods damned heart, I would likely grasp her hand just to hold it a moment longer,”

Eeeeekk! Jaclyn Rodriguez set her debut novel in our hands and she didn’t disappoint. I was so excited about the blurb alone from this book, giving off fourth wing meets one dark window vibes and yet it was everything I could have hoped for and more.
We are given a full glossary of cards and the power that they represent, an intense but necessary worldbuilding and introduction to a unique magic system and a budding, slow burn fake dating couple who are full of Witt, banter and barbs that just make the tension that much better.

“Don’t flatter yourself, I’d marry a broom handle if it secured my kingdom.”
“It’d be more likely to fuck you than me.”

Draven was likeable, he wasn’t overly morally grey but something about him kept my attention on the vulnerability hidden within the monster he put forward. Rune was a determined, guarded girl who needed to lower her walls and let people in having lost everyone she ever loved. The burn in this book was slow, like slower than most with a small reprieve of some heavy petting, the tension was palpable. It was hot. If you ask yourself can a slow burn with very tiny spice be hot? The answer is yes. The tension. Seriously, so good I’ve mentioned it twice.

“Would you be satisfied with so little of me?”
“I’d beg on my knees just to get that much of you.”

Swoon worthy in my opinion. I would also say there are elements of feminine rage, acts of betrayal and love and found family. Rounding out for a fast paced, slow burn romantsy sure to make a hit with its debut. I personally really enjoyed this book, it left me feeling lost after that final page. Sure to be the start of an incredible series, you do not want to miss out on this.

As a spiritually girly with as many tarot decks as books, it was a no brainer to request a copy of this one. Magic school? Vengeance? Brooding prince? Yes please.

Rune is the revenge driven heroine we all secretly wish we could be. She has lost everything, she is armed with tarot magic, and she has absolutely no time for emotional attachment. Naturally, she is immediately tethered to a moody, horned prince who speaks fluent smirk and definitely has a secret and possible tragic backstory.

The banter is top tier, the slow burn is perfect, and the magic system is genuinely cool. There is a whole college called the Forge, and instead of pulling all-nighters over essays, these lot are out here flinging cards and destiny at each other.

The worldbuilding is lush, the pacing is sneaky in the best way, and the characters have enough depth to warrant their own therapy sessions. I had a blast. Ten out of ten would enrol in this cursed university immediately

This is a dark academia romantasy, which placed me in a trance after the first chapter. The illustrative tarot magic, world building, made it easy for my imagination to transport into this world.
Rune Ryker, FMC is a resilient woman out for vengeance.
She had everyone that she loved taken from her.
She longs to be reunited with her family and she will not let anyone or anything stand in her way.
Part of Rune’ s revenge, requires her to be selected for the Forge an elite college, where tarot magic is taught and wielded. Upon admission Rune magic revealed she has the rarest most powerful magic; only one other person hold this magic Prince Draven.
Tethered together because of the powerful magic, they soon learn they have a more in common than they thought.
The slow burn and banter between the two is next level!
Thank you NetGalley, Zando Projects and Jaclyn Rodriguez, for the opportunity to read ARC !!!!!

Tropes:
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Dark Academia
✨Fake fated mates
✨Forced Proximity
✨Snark and Banter
✨Tarot/ magic
✨ Touch her and die

Immediately, I was quite transfixed with the magic system and the differing abilities the tarot gave the druids, the magics, of the elves and seraph — on that note more detail about the elves and seraph would have helped the plot along towards the end. Especially understanding the fathers roll and the politics and intricacies of how they are all connected.

Our fmc, Rune, felt like she needed more flushing out. Think Aelin from TOG… rune was a “wraith” a badass spy who could fight and infiltrate. Yet, I felt none of that from her. Just passing references and the clear mentions of her wanted status in the mortal worlds (even the mmc says he forgets how capable she is… exactly) she has endured a lot of trauma and is searching for vengeance in the immortal world. However it feels like an afterthought at times and I highly believe she would benefit from more glimpses into her badass nature. Her training, her fighting, how she thinks ahead and uses those skills to build her presence.

Draven the mmc has a lot of characteristics of Xaden from the forth wing but not as flushed out. That being said, I enjoyed him quite a lot. I found that he felt more grounded and as the reader I felt his role to be more tangible and enjoyable. His reactions to Rune made me smile and the way his thought process unraveled was a good bit of fun.

The slow burn romance is a favorite trope of mine and most of this was done wonderfully here with the exception of the spice. It was not the best written and felt like it deserved more of a tense climax.

The secondary characters were ok. They serve their purpose, I just wish I had more back story for them as I think it would have helped ground the world building a bit more.

Overall the first 60% of the book was an enjoyable and I had very high hopes it would become my next obsession. The longer chapters and pacing for the last bit felt a bit off for me. However this is a good debut and I am genuinely excited to see where the author goes with this and future stories.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for this arc!

I requested the ARC for this as I was pulled in my the tarot card magic. Having read the ARC for “Arcana Academy” earlier this year and loving it, I was hoping for similar expectations. I’m sorry to say that was not the scenario. Note: there are some spoilers here.

The writing:
“A Vow in Vengeance” had a similar set up to “Arcana Academy”. The magic, the school focused on magic, the prince helping the FMC - the tropes are pretty much the same. I really appreciated that before the story, there was a list of all Major Arcana and the powers associated with each card. Down to the negatives. For one, the chapters were too long. Yes, I’m not a fan of long chapters but with lengthy context, it’s very easy for a reader to lose attention which is what happened with me. Let’s add that the story felt like fan fiction…specifically “Fourth Wing” meets “From Blood and Ash”. Some fan fiction is good (like “Manacled”), yet the writing was cheesy and the sentimental lines felt forced.

The characters - Rune:
To start off, I could not stand Rune. I might even hate her? It’s clear the author wanted to present Rune as a spunky bad ass but she was not. We’re told that she’s physically capable of fighting (she was a wraith), that she’s smart and cunning, and yet I saw none of those traits. Her whole story is to set out for revenge but she doesn’t properly plot. She’s not strategic and relies solely on being a hothead. I mean she throws a shoe at the prince?! How is that helping you find your family when you could locked up in prison? Hot take, I don’t think she deserved to be the chosen one. Maybe it’s because of other books but why are we making the chosen one a bratty person? Harry Potter wasn’t this annoying when he was the chosen one! To end my thoughts on Rune (because I could keep going), the author missed a great opportunity to write a strong female character. She needed to show Rune’s abilities. What in her past made her cunning and dangerous…

The characters - Draven:
I think it’s because I couldn’t stand Rune that I found Draven to be somewhat bearable. That said, it was so hard to ignore the fact that he’s based on Xaden Riorson. He’s the son of the man who lead the uprising. He’s got tanned skin, dark hair, and tattoos. Don’t forget that he can speak through minds. Yes Xaden is hot but please can authors stop copying and pasting characters?

Overall, this was a disappointing read. The concept was great but the execution was a miss. My advice would be to hone in on the details and show why characters are the way they are labeled. Show, don’t just tell. It makes it very easy for readers to not relate to the character and quite frankly, poke holes at the narrative.

4/5 Stars ⭐️

The magic concept of A Vow in Vengeance was very unique and intriguing; however, I felt like the tarot card aspect needed a little bit more explanation. I don't know much about tarot cards, so I was a little confused at times along with the FMC (Rune) because she was also learning this type of magic for the first time herself in the book.

I loved how the MMC (Draven) was written. I think his character was the best put together in terms of development. Rune's character development is done well too, but I still felt like there was more that could have been done to really emphasize her character even more. Everything was told from Rune's POV, but I am a sucker for dual POV especially when it comes from the MMC, so I wish we had gotten something from Draven's POV.

There was not much going on in the beginning of the book but the last 10% of the book was like one thing after another, another secret after another. I think the overall story of A Vow in Vengeance could benefit from being a little bit longer to give more context to the magic system, the world building, and character development. This was the slowest of slow burns I think I've ever read which I was good with. I enjoyed seeing Rune and Draven build a bond over time.

I cannot lie, that as a debut novel for Jaclyn Rodriguez, I am thoroughly impressed. I will for sure read more from her and look forward to seeing where the story of Rune and Draven goes.

4.5 ⭐️

⟢ “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞,𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭. 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲, 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞.”⟢


ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜɪɴɢ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ January 20 , 2026


⋮ ⋆｡˚꒰ঌ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 ໒꒱˚｡⋆

Rune Ryker has one goal: revenge. After losing everything to the Immortals, she forces her way into their world—straight into the Forge, a deadly school of tarot-based magic. Her power is rare, her enemies are many, and her only ally is the infuriatingly powerful Prince Draven. As sparks fly and secrets unravel, Rune must survive betrayal, deadly magic, and a brewing war that could burn the realms to the ground.

⋮ ⋆｡˚꒰ঌ ࣪𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ࣪ ໒꒱˚｡

⋆ Woah! I seriously DID NOT realise that this book was like 400 pages , I STILL WANT MORE! Honestly the ending made me curious about what will happen in the next book. Moreover, I LOVE the writing style ( and you’re telling me that this book is the author’s debut novel?) The magic system is very unique but at the same time a little difficult to remember , because there’s a whole lotta information.It has a bit of Insta love ( which is a trope I hate) but I love the banter! Kind of powerless and hunger games concept like there’s selections , BUT there are Major cruel Prince vibes. The characters were likeable but that the same time I did not feel MUCH connection with them , but I’m sure it’ll change as I get to read the next book. I can already sense that this book is gonna be popular in booktok because of sooooo many aspects! ALSO I CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT THE ONE BED SCENEEEE!! This book got me giggling and kicking my feet ( YES THERE I SAID IT)



𐔌 . ⋮ 𝐂ɦα𝗋α𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐲𝐤𝐞𝐫 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

Our Fierce FMC!! She is a bit of a complex character but loved her nonetheless. Also this book was written in her POV and it was really fun.She has white hairs which reminded me of awful book Powerless , but thankfully she is nothing like Paedyn gray 😌 She’s so well written and might as well one of my favourite FMC ♥️ This couple is literally so cute and their love is so pure!


⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐬 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

⟢ “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧”⟢

DAYUMMMMM! I just KNOW he’s gonna be the next trending bf in booktok except the fact that he’s tall , is very handsome and has a cocky grin like any other fictional men in fantasy book Like I love whenever he flirted with Rune and most of all , how he’s not always grumpy and cold. HES JUST SO CUTEEE AHHHHH. ( and yes I added him to my list of Book bf🤭)



𐔌 . ⋮ 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

• Enemies to Lovers
• One Bed
• Fake dating
• He Falls first and harder
• Found Family
• Enemies to lovers ( Kinda)
• Spice : 🌶️ 🌶️/ Age rating : 15+



⋆.˚✮ 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 ✮˚ I love this book even though it’s not a five star. I cannot wait for this book to be published and for y’all to read this 😍 Really looking forward to the next book in the series ! Thank you NetGalley , Zando and Jaclyn Rodriguez for the E arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Netgalley and Zando for the eArc of A vow in Vengeance

4⭐️/5

Overall I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a great start to a series. I always enjoy it when there's a unique magic system and I thought the author did a good job of explaining the magic in the story. The romance was definitely more of a slow build but I wouldn't really call it enemies to lovers, which is how it was described in the synopsis. While the main characters don't initially get along, they aren't exactly enemies and they warm up to each other fairly quickly. There's some room for improvement in the next book and I'm excited to read it and see what happens with these characters.