The ending saved this book from being a two-star read.

Keep in mind that I gave the first and second book five stars. Even during the re-read, I fully enjoyed them both. I was debating giving the second book four stars after the re-read, but I decided to honor the original rating when I wrote up the review.

The first book is a solid retelling of Beauty and the Beast, where Rhen and Harper’s story is told. A beast falling in love with a beauty, and vice versa. The second book follows Grey and his journey as he finds his footing (vague to avoid spoilers). This book… I don’t even know what happened.
Literally. I have no clue what this book was about. War? Political strategizing? Specially war strategy?

In the second book, there were several new characters introduced. I was expecting the same for the third and I was disappointed. Adding new characters could’ve spiced up the plot and made the reading more interesting, since we would’ve had more personalities to explore.

Maybe I’m being nitpicky at this point, but I felt that Kemmerer really wanted to make sure you knew why the book was titled A Vow So Bold and Deadly. She dropped the word “vow” several times and it was getting on my nerves.

There were moments of beauty, though. There were moments of gore and blood, which held my attention, and those pages flew by. However, most of the book was a struggle to get through. I found myself bored often and the relationship building was tedious.

The ending, like I mentioned before, saved this read for me. I’m glad I pushed through because I really did want to know how it ends. I was invested in the characters because I loved the previous books, so I really wanted to know how the war ends.

I felt that the ending was beautiful, but sad. Despite the serious nature of the book’s closure, I laughed several times. Our favorite characters broke parts of their personality traits and the results were hilarious, as well as wholesome.

I don’t want to rant about this book because I desperately wanted to adore this novel. I was part of the Street Team and I pre-ordered it. I raved about its release to every bookish friend that I have. It was just… disappointing.