A review by emilyreadthatbook
Vows & Ruins by Helen Scheuerer

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Sequels often don’t live up to the first book in series, this book not only lived up to the first, but surpassed it. 

In the first book we saw Thea gaining her place as a Shieldbearer and Guardian, finding her way out of the sheltered life she lived as a reluctant alchemist in training. In this book, Thea is fully embracing the Guardian life, sometimes to her detriment. Apprentice to Wilder Hawthorne, the notorious Warsword, they both struggle to resist the sparks that continue to flare between them.

What I liked:
- Thea is finally coming into her own. She has stopped asking for permission and is demanding what she wants.
- The spicy spice is spicing. No closed doors here.
- The friendships between Guardians, between Warswords (I love Torj… he’s so sassy), and the friendships that begin developing between the Guardians and the Warswords.

What I disliked:
- Audra’s teaching style. It felt like due to her, Thea distrusted herself and her power.
- Wren during the first half of the book. She came off rather selfish and overly-confident.