A Vow so Bold and Deadly (Excerpt) – Brigid Kemmerer

First of all, I want to thank Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this short preview of A Vow so Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer. From the first words of A Curse so Dark and Lonely – “There is blood under my fingernails. I wonder how many people I’ve killed this time.”- I have been completely obsessed with this series. I finished both of the previous books in a day, and I fell in love with the characters and storyline, which is why I’m so grateful to have a little sneak-peak of the newest book which has an expected publication on January 12th, 2021. 

Plot

Since this isn’t the full version of the book, (I will be reviewing that when it comes out in January), there isn’t much to go on for the plot. In this copy, there was one chapter from each main character’s point of view. 

Grey is in Syhl Shallow, preparing to go to war with Rhen in Emberfall. He’s with his companions from the previous book, A Heart so Fierce and Broken. Grey has come to terms with his magic and is practicing as much as he can. Along with this, he’s getting settled in a new life in Syhl Shallow, with Lia Mara, who is now Queen. 

After seeing Grey and his new life, we come to Rhen back in Emberfall. Rhen seems to be really struggling with his life. Not only has he lost his best friend, but it seems like things are on the outs with Harper. Not to mention the evil sorcerer who is haunting his every move. Rhen’s preparations for war seem non-existent, and he is finding it hard with the season coming back without his usual traditions with Grey. He is lonely in the castle, and with Harper not at his side, he isn’t doing well. 

Harper on the other hand is happier in her new life than she was back in D.C. Unfortunately, her brother has left her to go with Grey, back to Syhl Shallow, so she is mostly alone, not counting her guard friend Zo. Harper is torn between the two heirs to the throne of Emberfall. Her friendship with Grey is precious and has always been strong, and her love for Rhen, while conflicted, is also very powerful. 

Lia Mara, the new Queen of Syhl Shallow struggles to maintain her kingdom’s image while also treating her subjects fairly. Lia Mara is torn between her mothers’ methods of violence and poor treatment, and her own gentler hand. It seems as if some subjects believe her to be weak, and following a man. It is clear that in just one chapter, we can see how much her kingdom means to her, and how willing she is to do right by all of her subjects in the fairest way possible. 

Characters

We don’t get to see much of our beloved characters, but it’s still more than enough to show just how strong their feelings are. Grey has always been one of my favorite characters, and from this small excerpt, he still is. He has grown into someone who is willing to do what is right for the things that he believes in, even if that means betraying his oldest friend and brother. 

Lia Mara has actually turned into a character I really enjoy reading about. In the previous book, I wasn’t sure how exciting her part of the story would be, and what she would add, but I’m so interested in how her time as Queen will change her character. Along with this, she’s a kind character who actually cares about her subjects, which is a nice change from reading about rulers who are only cruel. 

Harper is also a character I’ve always liked. Her strength to overcome everything is amazing, and the fact that her character is written with a disability (cerebral palsy), makes her that much more interesting. I think it’s really cool to see a character overcome all of these obstacles despite their weaknesses, and that is exactly what she does. 

Rhen seems like he’s going to be a bit of a downer in this book. I do feel sorry for him, just from this one chapter, but I kind of feel like he’ll bring the book down. I’ve always found his story interesting, and I think that the whole Lilith aspect of it will be very cool to read about, but I kind of feel like he needs to get his act together. If not for his kingdom, then for Harper, who has done pretty much everything in her power for him. 

In Conclusion… 

Only 4 chapters of this book got me hooked again! I’m so excited for the full version to come out, and I am so sucked in and compltely captivated by the storyline and characters. Once again, Brigid Kemmerer has me hooked!

Rating: 4.5/5⭐ (for the excerpt)