These Hollow Vows

Occasionally a book comes along that simply takes your breath away, and These Hollow Vows was one of those books for me. This young adult fantasy romance has been on my to be read list for months and I am so glad I finally made time to read it. It features a love triangle and hidden identities, as well as a plot that focuses first on the main character’s plight and then deals with the romance aspects second.The story is written in the first person and told by the main character Abriella, or Brie. She is a human searching for her sister in the land of the fae and finds herself stock between leaders of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Throughout the story she learns the truth about her past and the strange abilities that have developed since leaving the human world, Elora, behind and learns to overcome her own prejudices as she tries to unravel the truth.This story is absolutely beautifully written and is a perfect example of how to write in the first person. There is no breaking of the fourth wall, or anything that would momentarily take the reader out of the story. The plot is intriguing from start to finish and will keep you turning the page. There are so many mysteries that Brie must uncover and I loved that there was a balance of ones the audience could predict and ones you never saw coming. I love not being able to predict every outcome or answer to a secret before it’s revealed in the story, and it meant the ending left me breathless and desperately wanting to jump into book two.This is a great option for fans of ACOTAR or FBAA without being a carbon copy of those stories. It has some spice without being graphic, but at no time does that take away from the chemistry between the characters or the intensity of the scenes. This book is a 5 out of 5 and high up on my favorites list.

I really liked the vibe of the story. It kind felt like a fairy, Cinderella-esk story in the beginning with Brie’s situation before she enters the Fairy Realm. The writing is super easy to follow along and immerse yourself in the story quickly, and things really start to take off once Brie is in the Fairy Realm and the action keeps up throughout the book.As much as I enjoyed this story though, because I really did, I also had quite a few issues with it. I found that a lot of things were very easy to figure out, but actually took a long time to be revealed and for Brie to realize when it was so obvious. I really liked Brie’s character in the beginning but at about the halfway mark a lot of the things she did or said contradicted her beliefs that were stated in the beginning. Which, I get to a point because things changed and a lot of truths were revealed, but it was her thoughts about certain things like her thinking how strong she is, or that she would never let anyone control her or manipulate her, etc. And then literally doing the exact opposite when it is so obvious what is going on to everyone except her. Her obliviousness to it all was irritating, I’m not going to lie.There was also a character that I liked in the beginning, that I wound up really disliking in the end. And I’m not really sure if it was the character themselves, or Brie’s not so smart decision making and who she trusts. It was all just so obvious that her surprise just doesn’t seem believable at all.I did give this book four stars because for the most part it was enjoyable, I liked most of the characters, and the writing and pace were really great and keep you interested the whole time. After the ending I am very interested to read the second book and to continue on with this story to see how the author wraps up this duet.

"𝐴𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑘𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢." ❤️Let me tell you that I read the last 30 pages of this book barely breathing and that I’ve never felt so betrayed by a character before.These Hollow Vows gave everything it promised.A really good plot, fantasy, morally grey characters, action, mysteries, the opportunity to create theories, a new fantasy world and twists.When the first revelation happened right at the beginning I started wondering if the story would have any plot twists at all. If what I thought to be one of the biggest secrets was being revealed like it was nothing, what the hell was waiting for me?So I started tabbing everything I thought was a possible clue for a plot twist. In my defense, I always get at least one theory right.Loved Finn. Loved how he was introduced, loved his personality and how he was with Brie – the shower scene!!!! And when they’re watching the stars!! – Team Finn all the way.Loved to see Brie as a brave girl that was ready to do everything to save her sister.The mystery around the location of the Unseelie Crown was so well played along the book that when I finally knew where it was, I had to put the book aside and stare to my wall for about 10m. I may have said OMG a dozen times.At 30 pages to finish the book something happened that I thought was the perfect ending… but there were 30 pages left!!! Wtf could happen that she needed 30 more pages when she had the perfect badass ending for the book at that moment?!That’s when I remembered that she shared on her account that her daughter was mad at her cause of the ending of the book… so…. Shit’s about to happen.And it happened.I’ve never felt so deceived and betrayed by a character before.One of my theories was right, of course, but I only got half the truth. The rest of it was so mind blowing that I gave this book 5 stars right away.I’m so excited and anxious to read the second book.

Thanks for the great rec Sarah! I hadn't heard much about this series and dove in blind.It was fantastic! Great upper YA - fae, hidden powers, a curse. This kept me guessing right till the end. Writing is so bingeable, love the characters and the mystery keeps unfolding.

Excelente compra. O livro chegou em perfeito estado e super rápido, 5 estrelas.Para a história eu daria 4 estrelas.

I can’t believe what happened!Just what I needed to read. Looking for the next one!Buy it, read it!

Have been meaning to read this book for a while and finally had the time to do so, and what a fabulous read!Loved everything about this story - the world-building, the characters, the plot.Abriella/Brie was courageous, desperate, lonely, yet hopeful with a huge capacity for love. Handsome, sweet Sebastian lit up her dreary life yet he was keeping secrets. Then there's Finn. He was compelling, enigmatic and alluring. The plot and back story are slowly unveiled - you need to keep up with everything, take note, and soon things start to become clear. Just as you think Brie finally has happiness in her grasp, more truths are revealed, leaving you ready for the concluding novel.

Beautifully written. Kept pulling me in. Absolutely recommend this for fans of SJ Maas. Slow burn and somewhere in between ya/na.