These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows Book 2)

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I absolutely loved the first book, These Hollow Vows, but I did have a few issues with Brie being tormentingly stupid on occasion. Thankfully, These Twisted Bonds has completely redeemed her character flaws. After the betrayals of the first book, Brie launches herself into her new circumstances taking no more shit from anyone. THIS BOOK WAS JUST INCREDIBLE. Ever since the jaw dropping ending to These Hollow Vows, I couldn't wait to find out what happens with Brie, Finn and Bash. I was not let down. One thing to note: this book does have elements of spice in it. Far beyond what we saw in Book 1. It definitely toes the line between YA and NA, so some readers may want to take that into consideration before reading those scenes.

This book, while still very good, did not quite hit all the marks I’d wished for. Maybe I had high expectations, maybe I didn’t give myself enough time to process the first book, I don’t know. Still, I very much enjoyed the further unfolding of secrets, the romance, and learning more about this world. I don't think love is about what we deserve. It's an opening of our hearts, not a judgement we make."

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I did predict pretty much everything that happened so there weren’t really any twists for me, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all. I do wish that some of the final climax chapters with the enemy Queen were elongated as it did feel like it was wrapped up pretty neatly – even though I could tell that the plot was leading in that direction. I do feel like the plot maybe had more intricacies and mystery in the first book, but I still thought it was good.

This. Book. I loved These Hollow Vows and it ended up as one of my favourite books of 2021, and I had high expectations for the sequel. Those expectations were more than met by These Twisted Bonds. While the romance elements are present, These Twisted Bonds is full of so much more. The book revolves around the two warring courts, The Court of the Moon, and The Golden Court. The plot is full of political intrigue, alliances and betrayals, and a fight for justice and peace. I loved that the book gave us a chance to watch Brie grow and develop, and focus on finding out who she is, away from the influences of those who wished to sway her. It was a choice that worked to propel the story beyond a love triangle, and gave Brie and identity of her own. Her personality and character arc were both developed incredibly well, and gave us a deeper understanding of the pain, hurt, and hope that she felt in her soul. It made me fall even more in love with a character I had liked from the start - and gave us a deeper connection with the girl who loved so fiercely, she went into an unknown realm to save her sister. One of the things that captivated my attention the most - if you don’t count all the interaction between the characters -, was the in dept history and legends of the fae realm that we haven’t had the opportunity to read about until now. I never pay much attention to the details on maps because I find it hard to actually visualise it while reading a book but Lexi was just magnificent on it! Every little detail about the legends and the creation of the what we know now to be the fae realm is so well written that you can clearly visualise the map in your head as this rich world is being created!

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The dynamics between the characters was written well, and the fluctuations of these relationships was very much in line with what we discovered at the end of Book 1. The side characters are all either likeable or serve their purpose. Would I have liked to have seen more exploration and development of other characters? In truth, yes, I would have. I’d have liked to see beyond Brie’s feelings for who she ultimately ended up with/loved, to see more of him as a person in of himself, versus what he was for/toward Brie. Also, I loved every moment of newcomer, Misha, who quite frankly almost stole the show for me. I’d loved to have learned more about him beyond his support and incredible friendship with Brie. Nevertheless, I think it’s very clear: this is very much Brie’s story, with every other character - even her love interests - serving her arc, the world building and overall plot. I was so happy to have this book in my hot little hands, that I barely stopped reading it until I was finished. She’s been so quiet, I almost forgot she was here. I wonder how much she learns simply because others forget she’s present.”