Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books I’ve personally read and genuinely enjoyed.
I don’t go into fantasy books expecting to love them. Most of the time, I assume I’ll struggle to connect, feel overwhelmed by the world-building, or lose interest once the novelty wears off. Ruthless Vows was no exception to that mindset—if anything, I was even more cautious because it’s the second book in a series, and sequels often disappoint me.
But this one didn’t.
What I Expected vs. What I Actually Experienced
After finishing the first book in the Letters of Enchantment series, I was pleasantly surprised—but still unsure whether I wanted to continue right away. I took a break (I always need one after fantasy), fully expecting the second book to either lean harder into complex fantasy elements or lose the emotional pull that made the first book work for me.
Instead, Ruthless Vows felt steady, intentional, and emotionally grounded.
The fantasy remained present, but it wasn’t overwhelming or confusing. The world was already established, and I didn’t feel like I was constantly trying to keep up or decode new rules. That alone made the reading experience smoother than I expected. More importantly, the emotional core—the relationship, the tension, the uncertainty—carried the story forward rather than the fantasy mechanics themselves.
How It Felt to Read
This book surprised me in a quiet way.
The pacing wasn’t rushed, but it didn’t drag either. I felt pulled along more by the emotional stakes than by plot twists. The push and pull between the main characters was what kept me invested. There’s longing, frustration, and vulnerability woven throughout, and those moments are what actually stuck with me after I put the book down.
It didn’t feel flashy or overdone. It felt patient. And for someone like me—who isn’t naturally drawn to fantasy—that made a big difference.
The Fantasy Element (From a Non-Fantasy Reader)
If you’re someone who usually avoids fantasy, I think this series—and especially Ruthless Vows—is approachable. The magic and world-building are there, but they don’t dominate every page. I never felt like the story disappeared behind lore or complexity. The focus stayed on the characters and their choices, which made it easier for me to stay emotionally connected.
Who This Book Is For
- Readers who don’t usually love fantasy but are open to it when it’s character-driven
- Anyone who enjoyed the first book and wants a sequel that actually delivers
- Readers who value emotional tension and relationship development over constant action
Who It Might Not Be For
- Readers looking for heavy, intricate fantasy systems
- Anyone who prefers fast-paced, plot-first storytelling over emotional buildup
Final Thoughts
I rarely say this about fantasy sequels, but Ruthless Vows genuinely lived up to the first book for me. It stayed true to what worked without trying to escalate everything unnecessarily. If you’re hesitant about fantasy—or usually disappointed by second books in a series—this one is worth giving a chance.
I’m really glad I did.
