Series Name: These Hollow Vows, # 2
Review By Veronica
These Twisted Bonds is a spell-binding and thrilling conclusion to the These Hollow Vows duology.
Favourite Quote:
“Shhh,” Finn whispers. Was I crying? “Shhh, you’re home now.”
“Home,” I say softly, burying my face in his arms. I don’t know where we are, but home feels right.
“I’ve got you,” Finn says. “Don’t give up Don’t you dare fucking give up. You’re safe now. You’re home.”
I feel myself being lowered into a bed, and I cry out, afraid he’s going to leave me here. I can’t find the words, but I don’t want him to leave, I don’t want to be alone.
Goodreads Synopsis:
After Abriella’s sister was sold to the fae, she thought life couldn’t get any worse. But when she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making - loving two princes and trusting neither – things are not quite as clear as she once thought.
As civil war wages in the Court of Darkness, Brie finds herself unable to choose a side. How can she know where she stands when she doesn’t even know herself anymore? In this darkly romantic thrill ride, the more Faerie is torn apart from the inside, the clearer it becomes that prophecies don’t lie and Brie has a role to play in the fate of this magical realm – whether she likes it or not.
I admit that I am a bit disappointed that this series is only a duology. Only because I love the characters and story that Lexi has created and didn’t want it to end, this book picks up right after the first book ends. Now be warned, if you haven’t read the first book and don’t want to read any spoilers, stop reading this review now. Those bookworms who have read the first book know that Brie fled the castle after discovering that Seb had lied and betrayed her. Brie is on the run and has no idea where she will go. All she knows is that she cannot trust anyone. It did take her a long time to figure that out. Brie finds herself immortal and a fae, the very beings she dislikes. Not only that, but her powers of wielding shadows have only gotten stronger, along with her connection with Finn.
Overall, I loved the direction Lexi took this series in. The fae world expanded more in this book; we get to spend time in the Kingdom of the Wild Fae and meet King Misha (who is wonderful and an absolute delight). Also, we get to dive more into the world’s history and finally see the hidden danger that was looming in the background in the first book. There are a lot of fast-paced moments, some dramatic and entertaining twists, and, of course, a love triangle full of angst and lusty feelings. This book was easy to read; I ended up reading it in one sitting because I really couldn’t put it down. Lexi has left a few subplots unfinished, which leaves the door open for a spin-off series (I know there is already a spin-off book focused on Brie’s sister). Lexi knows how to capture and keep her readers’ attention. She knows what makes a good YA fantasy novel and makes sure she delivers a book that her readers will adore.
Brie grows a lot in this book. In the previous book, her character growth was almost non-existent. In this book, her attention shifts from her personal problems to the problems facing the Unseelie Kingdom. That slightly selfish and prejudiced attitude changes, and she is more rational and thinks of the greater good. She becomes the voice of reason between Finn and Seb. The mystery surrounding Brie’s powers is answered in this book, and I really like what Lexi did with her character arc.
The parallels between ACOTR continued in this book, especially around the love triangle between Brie, Finn, and Seb. Their characters and how they interact with each other really feel similar to how Freya, Rhys, and Tamlin interacted in ACOTR. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing; I really enjoyed it. In this book, we get to see events unfold from all three main characters’ POVs. Spending more time with Finn and learning more about his backstory was great. There was just something about his character that just drew you in and made you swoon a little. This is a YA book, so the spice level is on a low level. I enjoyed the chemistry between Brie and Finn. Those moments where these two just got to spend time together were perfection, and I found myself wanting more.
These Twisted Bonds, is an epic conclusion to a satisfying and addictive series.
