First of all I want to thank netgalley and the author for this amazing arc!

Readers who loved the Never Keep and One Dark Window will absolutely love this! This book included:
✅ a really cool magic system
✅ dark, ruggish and may i say new shadow daddy Draven
✅ A relatable and brilliant female mc
✅ druid college // that also gives harry potter sorting house troupe?
✅ complex world/ world politics
✅ actual plot and twists
✅ fated mates, forced proximity

I cannot describe to you how much I love this magic system! the world and the whole concept of this book was really interesting. I loved the development of the story and the two mmc’s. I absolutely cannot wait for this books debut because was it AMAZING! Thank you so much to this incredible author for another really good romantasy with a super cool magic system!

Pretty good I did enjoy the different magical classes and sections. I was very interested in the type of magic and did enjoy the tension and angst. Overall, a pretty good book. I’m excited to read the next one.

I really enjoyed this book! I was drawn in by the idea of a tarot based magic system and it was everything I'd hoped it would be! The magic is unique, interesting, and well built. I also fell in love with the characters. Rune and Draven are both badass and their chemistry is incredible.

The world building is pretty straightforward, and this is definitely a trope heavy book. That said, it doesn't feel inauthentic and the tropes are done in a satisfying way, instead of just feeling like they're thrown in so booktok will talk about it.

All in all, this was a really fun read and I'll definitely be coming back for book 2.

Yesssssss ! I cant tell you how much i love a good dark academia! They are absolutely delicious and this didn’t fault ! 10/10 read with all the feels

The premise of this book, centered around tarot cards, immediately caught my attention. But unfortunately, the story didn’t quite do it for me.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the overwhelming amount of information. At times, I felt flooded with excessive detail and had to reread paragraphs multiple times. In others moments I was left confused, feeling like I had missed something important. The magical system itself often lacked clarity, which made it tough to keep up with.

I also found it hard to connect with the characters. I felt emotionally connected to Rune from the beginning but then it immediately fizzled out when I discovered she had nearly no depth to her personality. Also, Prince Draven… I just couldn’t find any liking for him. He seemed too “golden retriever” forward for me when I prefer a morally grey MMC. I also didn’t entirely understand the fake relationship/marriage of convenience trope in this type of fantasy novel. It felt out of place and entirely too cheesy.

The worldbuilding posed another issue. The amount of information for each setting or “world building” made it impossible to visualize like I can with other fantasy books. I struggled to recall any concrete details about the people or creatures. And found myself going “who is this random character being mentioned?”

All in all, while the book had an intriguing concept, the execution didn’t meet my expectations.

I picked this up primarily for selfish purposes, as a tarot reader myself, but the synopsis intrigued me more than I thought. After finishing it, I don't regret picking it up.

The plot was thick and rife with so much information and worldbuilding while being personally perfectly paced. Imagine my surprise when I was at the 36%, heavily confused that I was still by that point, as it felt a lot has happened already. But I can't fault it; none of the plot beats felt at all rushed or even lacking.

The characters held my heart, each one coming into a semblance of who they would turn out to be in the later books of the series. Rune is a spitfire, and I loved that for her; however, she also has a curious mind and knows when she needs work without being rash. I had hoped her previous experiences could keep a hold on her later, but maybe we'll find more of that later. Draven has a hold on my heart, albeit somewhat confusingly at times. But I attribute these to his previous known experiences, and as a psychologist in training, I can see the realism of it.

I'm excited to get a copy upon release and even more so for the sequel!

Thank you to Zando and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book, I really did LOVE it! Dare I say, you have a Romantasy hit? This book delivers a truly standout magic system, with druids channeling tarot and other magical races wielding distinct powers that elevates both the politics and combat. The dynamic between Rune and Draven is compelling, growing from friendship to something possibly deeper (though the fated mates angle remains mysterious and unresolved – are they? Aren’t they?) Rune’s found family shines, especially Ember and Wynter, who steal the show. It’s a heartfelt, action-packed fantasy that will resonate with anyone who loves complex magic, emotionally rich bonds, and strong heroines with real vulnerability.

Deadly tarot cards, a unique magic system, vengeance and a brooding immortal prince? Sign me up for them all!!

This book comes with some of the best tropes you could ask for too!

💙Slow Burn Romance
🌟Unique Magic System
💙Enemies to Lovers
🌟Dark Academia
💙Forced Proximity
🌟Revenge
💙Fake Fated Mates

Every year, humans are forced to travel to the immortals realms for Selection, a process where 100 mortals are chosen. After losing all her family to the Selection, Rune Ryker decides to take matters into her own hands and aims to get selected in order to gain entrance into the realms, to seek vengeance and find her family. Only she finds out she is to be turned into a Druid and given powers gifted by the cards. Not only that but she is also destined for the most powerful and rare card of them all, “The World” along with Prince Draven.

Rune is your typical badass, revenge seeking heroine who has lost everything and everyone, so feels she shouldn’t become close to anybody to avoid further heartbreak. I really enjoyed reading the development of her character arc. Her relentless determination to find her family showed her more vulnerable side and added more heart to the story.

Then we have the brooding, teasing, frustratingly handsome Prince Draven who also has his own secret past. Is he essentially Rhysand but with horns? Probably, but I still love him.

The banter between Rune and Draven was one of my favourite parts of the book. And as always, I love a unique magic system. I’d love to know more on how each card was used for different magics.

While I did love this, I feel the story fell a little flat regarding the world building and required more of an in depth plot line in some areas. For instance, Rune is attending an academy, learning how to build her powers but we don’t really get to experience that a whole lot. The side characters were just that, side characters. That’s where it lost 1 star for me.

Thank you @netgalley and @zandoprojects for the ARC!!

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel! Once I got past the beginning portion (which dragged a little) couldn’t put it down.

…some mild, possible spoilers…

The magical world created is interesting & definitely unique in comparison to a lot of the “same” that’s out there these days in the romantasy/fantasy world. There was lots of world building, though it did border on explanation rather than storytelling at times, I mean, even I was bored of the Tarot details by the end. But I really liked the uncovering of why the Selection is necessary, that was clever.

I’m not going to lie, there were definitely elements that felt a little too close to Yarros’ Emperyean series, but that’s probably inevitable if you set it in a training college. I really liked Draven as the MMC, he was interesting, sexy and appropriately arrogant, but more than he appears. MMC trope of dreams really, I heartily approve! That said, I’m definitely a Xaden girly, and he was very Xaden coded…

Rune was, well, annoying. Her back story was interesting enough. It did become overly complicated. Almost like there were too many things going on at once by the time we got to the end of the novel. I’m not going to lie, she wasn’t super likable for much of the novel, she spent a lot of time reacting & not thinking. Which I guess is understandable, but her forthrightness didn’t always read as such, it often felt like arrogance and bordered on unbelievable given where and who she was…

Pacing was a little weird, some big time jumps that are sort of filled in with some letter tropes. I feel like things did start to move a little too quickly by the end. A lot happened very quickly in the second half & the ending was quite over the top considering where we started the novel.

All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. I’m interested to see where Draven in particular goes from here!

Thanks Net Galley for a fabulous ARC!

4 Stars.

A Vow in Vengeance is fantastic debut- enemies to lovers romantasy, covering base with fantastic world building. The main themes of this book to lookout for, is the unique tarot magic system integrated, with a powerful and driven female lead. The magical academy known as the forge sets the backdrop for dark academia, but with the ancient rituals, a revenge arc and unique characters, you get some eerie and cosy vibes. It would be the perfect fall read in my opinion.

You will love this if:
- You love slow burn romances with enemies to lovers trope
- You love dark magical academia plots
- You like slow starts and a fast paced finish

Why I didn’t rate this a little bit higher:
- Pacing is not consistent and may possibly lose readers interest in the first half
- Predictable tropes and plot at times
- Some characters are too surface level and not explored enough

Overall, for a debut this was fantastic and really hit the spot I was looking for as a magical dark academia fantasy book. Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for providing me with an Arc of this, for an honest review.

There were things I liked, especially the dark, moody vibes and some of the lore but overall, it didn’t quite pull me in the way I hoped. That said, I think this could work well for readers who love complex, brooding love interests and slower character reveals! I’ll still definitely read book 2.

A Vow In Vengeance drops you into a world where, as punishment for a past human rebellion, magical races select humans each year and take them away—never to be seen again. I won't spoil the twist, but it's definitely intriguing. With a Tarot-based magic system, political tension, and a compelling romance, I was hooked within the first few chapters. Jaclyn Rodriguez does an amazing job combining action, emotion, and world-building.  

LIKES:

The characters were well-written and interesting. While Rune is strong and a complex protagonist, though she was chosen by the strongest Tarot card, her power wasn't instantly perfect and usable. She had to work hard, fail, and try again, which was more realistic and I appreciated that. 

The world-building and Tarot-based magic system were unique and refreshing. I loved the creativity behind it, and how each card tied into specific abilities.

One of my favorite things was the communication between Rune and Draven. Instead of relying on tired miscommunication tropes, they confronted their issues directly, apologized when needed, and made a clear effort to understand each other. 

DISLIKES:

As intriguing as the Tarot magic was, I did find it a bit overwhelming at times. I frequently had to flip back and forth between the chart and the chapters. 

While I 'm always a fan of a good enemies-to-lovers arc, I found it a bit unbelievable that Rune, after a lifetime of hating these magical races, was so immediately attracted to Draven. It felt inconsistent with her backstory and personal bias.

Overall, I really enjoyed A Vow In Vengeance. Thankfully, there's more to come, and I can't wait for the next installment. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, original magic systems, and character-driven fantasy, this is one to add to your list. Definitely recommend!

From the very beginning I could tell this book and I were not going to be compatible. We’re introduced to Rune, the protagonist, and what is supposed to be a heartbreaking moment where her mother is forcibly ripped from her life. I felt absolutely nothing. Often the beginning of a book can be confusing and you need time to bond with the characters so I continued to give the story a chance. I mostly spent the rest of the book vacillating between boredom and irritation.

The personality of our heroine is what I most took issue with. Rune is a very immature character that loves to run her mouth and complain. She’s constantly blustering about and enjoys flashing the middle finger. While on that subject, shouldn’t there be some other way to convey an obscene gesture in a fantasy realm rather than utilizing one that is commonly expressed in our world? This took me completely out of the story and added on to the laundry list of ways Rune feels like a child who just discovered there are bad words and filthy gestures. Mature adults don’t need to constantly bandy about this type of behavior. She is, however, twenty years old. Maybe I expect too much.

She drops expletives like it’s hot. I’m fine with harsh language as long as it makes sense in the story but when it’s peppered throughout to this degree, it begins to grate on my nerves.

You can often find Rune glaring, sporting an attitude, and angry over one thing or another.

Unfortunately, Rune does not strike the reader as being very bright. When she is first chosen for the selection, she positively drips with condescension and complaints. I would like to argue that the Druids have been given a bad rap. They showed some real patience with Rune because not once was she smote nor did she taste the back of their hand for her smart mouth.

While on that subject, the selected humans are given the choice to die or be transformed into an immortal like the druids, seraphs, and elves of this realm. While obviously death is a harsh alternative, most would look at being allowed the opportunity to live an immortal life as a gift.

Rune, however, bemoans the fact that she has shifted into an immortal body and all that accompanies it. I’m not joking when I say that she literally complains that her hair is lustrous and no longer tangled. She’s not grateful whatsoever for the new magical abilities she’s been given by the Druids. Furthermore she’s not being thrust into slavery or servitude which is what the reader expects when we hear how terrible the Druids are. Rune is being allowed to attend a magical academy for free with the native druidic children of the realm. Never once does she stop to be grateful that she has been bestowed the most powerful rare kind of magic. She’s also being housed with the prince. Oh indeed, she suffers greatly.

Sounds to me like the Druids are actually pretty benevolent and getting selected is not all that bad. Rune will die on this hill, however. She is offended that she’s no longer human and has so many nice things.

Now, to be fair to Rune, she has had her mother, father, and brother taken or selected by the Druids against their will. Her ire and hatred against the Druids for this reason is understandable at first. After she realizes that her family is not enslaved, and likely are alive and well, she could have expressed some kind of joy or gratitude.

I haven’t even gotten to the magic portion or the nice free school that Rune must attend as a budding immortal. The magic that Druids use is siphoned through tarot decks and each Druid has their own deck including the fledgling ones like Rune. The ins and outs of this type of magic could not be any more confusing, however. Each Druid or changeling (this is what new recruits like Rune are called) has a new magical identity that is established when they are presented a tarot deck for the first time. It’s kind of like the sorting hat in Harry Potter. One of the major arcana basically chooses the student. There are just simply too many cards though and not enough explanation about what each one does for the reader to understand how these students cast their spells. I gave up trying to parse out the differences and just accepted that I would be in the dark for the rest of the book.

You would think being at a magical academy would be super riveting but the lectures and lessons are tedious.

There’s also extreme overuse of specific words like “princeling”, “smirk”, and “prick”.

The world building was weak as well and didn’t give much detail at all to the human realm. I couldn’t see much diversity in culture or religion. Was there a monarchy? There were nine human territories but how were they governed? How did they dress? Were the specific customs?

After Rune is taken out of the human realm she’s deposited into the immortal’s world but I had the same frustrations here. Everyone seemed very homogeneous. There’s no other languages spoken or faiths or anything to set anyone apart.

Even though this reads like a Young Adult book I do think it was intended for an adult audience. As I said before there is language and some sexual content for those that like a heads up.

Rune herself is bisexual but this felt like an afterthought and a bid for inclusion as not much is added to the story. The only mention was of a previous relationship.

The premise of this one sounded so promising but it just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for the Arc and allowing an honest review.

This was such a fun high fantasy read! Magic, monsters, and a killer academy setting? Say less. Add in a snarky enemies-to-lovers dynamic, a powerful FMC with a hidden past, and a whole lot of trust issues (rightfully so)—and I was hooked.

This story is a badass revenge arc wrapped in emotional growth, betrayal, and learning how to let people in again. And did I mention the fake dating and one bed trope? It truly has it all. Including gorgeous MMC with wings. Need I say more?!

A wildly entertaining debut with twists, sass, and an ending that will leave you desperate for book two. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their fantasy sharp, tropey, and emotionally satisfying.

Oh my gosh this book was absolutely fantastic! I could not put it down!! I adored the slow build of their relationship alongside rune finally becoming the true badass she is. I cannot wait for the next instalment !! I’ll be eagerly sitting here waiting for it, thank you so much for sending me this copy!

i was going to finish this book, however at the 70% mark i’m still not invested in the characters and unfortunately i don’t care for the plot or the couple so i won’t be finishing this 🙁

This fantasy book takes you to a place where druids, elves, and seraphs are oppressing humanity, and demanding a tribute of sacrifices. Whenever I read about the descriptions of the druids, all I see in my head is cat people.

This book is for young/new adults.

This was so fun. I would have loved more romance but the adventure and magic was compelling. Looking forward to more

This book had me like “ooh this is spicy!” and then “wait, what is going on again?” in quick succession. The setup? Super cool. You’ve got tarot magic, a deadly magic school (yes pls), and a broody prince with secrets. Basically all the ingredients for a romantasy binge. And Rune, our main girl? She’s fierce, snarky, and not here to make friends—which I always respect.

But here’s the thing: I felt like I was dropped into a world that expected me to already know how everything works. The tarot system sounded awesome… but it never fully clicked for me. And the academy setting? More like a cute backdrop. I wanted more day-to-day chaos, magical exams, spicy rivalries… gimme the drama, you know?

Rune and Draven definitely had chemistry, and their tension was fun to read—but his character felt like a mix of every morally gray fantasy love interest I’ve ever read. I wasn’t mad about it, just not exactly wowed either.

The bones are definitely there. I can see this becoming a fave for a lot of romantasy fans. But for me, it just needed a bit more depth, a little more clarity, and honestly… more time in the Forge!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

This was VERY good. I’m so sad I’ll have to wait ages for the next one in the series.

Let’s start with the magic system. This is by far the most unique and complex magic system I’ve ever encountered in a fantasy novel. The druids ’ use of tarot to channel their magic, as well as the seraphs and elves having very specific powers made the political and fight scenes especially interesting; rather than everyone having unlimited and similar powers, each character brought their own strength and magic. I hope we get more on these magical abilities in the next books.

I’m going back and forth on how I feel about the development of Rune and Draven’s relationship. I think their alliance and friendship grew very steadily, which I loved. I am a little confused as to whether they are actually fated mates, though, as it kind of came out of nowhere and was never verified. Based on the behavior I would surprised if they’re not, but not knowing for sure stresses me out.

I also love Rune’s found family. Ember is the friend everyone needs and deserves and Wynter is a god among men! I WANT JUSTICE FOR FELIX EXPEDITIOUSLY — that hurt real bad.

You’ll love this if you like complex magic systems, fated (??) mates, found family and a badass FMC who also isn’t afraid to cry.