Review: Ryan’s fantasy debut left my jaw on the floor! 

 

I enjoyed reading from Brie’s perspective! Though I knew what was going to happen to her before she did because of the predictability of the novel’s major plot points, I found her relationships with Prince Finnian and Prince Ronan intriguing. I don’t normally reach for books with love triangles, but Ryan breathes new life into this old trope by having her main character use both love interests to achieve her own hidden agenda. The more she gets to know both of the fae males, the more she grows attached to them, making her backstabbing that much more worse. 

 

Another aspect of the novel I appreciated is Ryan’s world-building! She does a great job making the Unseelie Court distinct from the Seelie Court in her descriptions. Additionally, she dives into the history of the rift between the two courts and showcases their unique customs and traditions. 

 

Ryan’s magic system is easy to follow and further showcases the differences between the two fae courts. Those who live in the Seelie Court, otherwise known as the Court of the Sun, have the power to manipulate light. Those who live in the Unseelie Court, otherwise known as the Court of the Moon, have the power to manipulate darkness. Brie discovers that she has power of her own when she crosses over from the human realm and the mystery surrounding its origins kept me on my toes. 

 

The end of “These Hollow Vows” left me reeling! Up until that point I was able to anticipate every plot twist, but nothing could have prepared me for the ultimate betrayal. Ryan’s masterful end makes it impossible not to pick up book two. I can’t wait to see how Brie gets her revenge.