Voto di Devozione e Rovina (Cronache Arcane Vol. 2)

by Alexandra Rei

🔱🔥Voto di devozione e Rovina🛡️🌑

Benvenuti nel mondo degli Arcani


🗡 arranged marriage
🗡 fated mates
🗡 Arcani vs Cavalieri dell'Apocalisse
🗡 found family
🗡 Antichi dei
🗡vampiri/fae/mannari/demoni


1482,

Lena Ferrante ha 17 anni quando i due fratelli Velmont, Liam ed Emanuelle, si presentano al suo villaggio per portarla a Saint Denis, dove lei dovrò sposare il loro fratello maggiore Gabriel Velmont. Con rammarico, lascia il padre e la sorella Alma, scoprendo che ad attenderla non ci sarà solo un matrimonio combinato, ma anche l'onere o l'onore di essere la Papessa, cioè l'Arcano scelto da El, padre di tutti gli dei.

A Saint Denis verrà prima addestrata brutalmente da Sasha, madre dei fratelli Velmont e Arcano della Forza, e dovrà affrontare un promesso sposo che sembra fare di tutto per tenerla lontana e farle desiderare l'annullamento del matrimonio.

Quando la Sibilla avverte il risveglio dell'Arcano del Mago, il giovane Sylas, Lena e i fratelli Velmont si dirigono in Valacchia e scoprono che il paese è tenuto sotto controllo da un sire vampiro diverso da tutti quelli che il mondo ha conosciuto. Il Voivoda, non è altro che il cavaliere rosso dell'Apocalisse e la battaglia contro di lui è la prima della nuova guerra sacra.

Tra nemici del piano infernale e alleati da conquistare, Lena dovrà anche risolvere il mistero che sembra essere Gabriel Velmont.

"Gli dei sono crudeli, Lena. Ricordalo sempre."


⚔️ Libera i tuoi poteri
❤️ Reclama i tuoi Arcani
✨️ Proteggi il mondo



ALTRE

Benvenuti nel mondo degli Arcani

Il mondo degli Arcani è un'ucronia della nostra Saint Denis, capitale di Anges, che non è altro che Parigi in Francia, Rema è la città fondata da Remo e non da Romolo, e Maa'tar non è altro che il nome di Las Vegas. Un mondo in cui la mappa è molto simile alla nostra, ma la storia e gli eventi che si sono succeduti l'hanno cambiata nei dettagli.

🌶Spice 3/5 (due scene a porte aperte, sensuali)

💀Trigger warnings : violenza, sangue, combattimenti mortali

Genres: Fantasy

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

Reviews

[Mariangela ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione in arrivo nei prossimi giorni

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent follow up to Arcana Wars: Feud of Blood and Darkness!

I just love the premise of these books, the magical world building is like NO other.
Book 2 returns to the in depth world of the Arcana, a novel where fantasy meets tarots.

Lena is our FMC, and her destiny has been chosen when two brothers come to pay her dowry and take her to Saint Denis, where she is to marry their oldest brother, Gabriel Velmont.

The sacrifices Lena will face deepen her character and I really felt she was fleshed out so well.

I loved the second act of this book, it flies by and will beg you to stay up late reading it.
Due out in April, I highly encourage this series to all romantasy lovers.

Thank you to the author for the chance read and review this ARC.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to Tales & Teacups for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lena Ferrante is 17 years old when the Velmont siblings, Liam and Emanuelle, show up to buy her dowry and take her to Saint Denis, where she is to marry their oldest brother, Gabriel Velmont. With regret, she leaves her father and sister Alma, discovering that waiting for her will be not only an arranged marriage but also the burden or honor of being the High Priestess, that is, the Arcanum chosen by El, father of all gods. In Saint Denis she will first be brutally trained by Sasha, mother of the Velmont siblings and the Strength Arcanum, and will have to deal with an Emperor, her fated mates by gods, who seems to be doing everything to keep her away and make her wish for the annulment of the marriage. When the Sibyl senses the awakening of the Magician Arcanum, Lena, and the Velmont siblings enter the province of Wallachia and discover that the country of Arges is held in check by a vampire sire unlike any the world has known. The Voivoda, the prince of Wallachia, is none other than the red knight of the Apocalypse, and the battle against him is the first of the new holy war. Between enemies from the infernal plane and allies to conquer, Lena will also have to solve the mystery that seems to be Gabriel Velmont.

Lena is given a great shock and forced out of the world she knows and into one that poses constant danger. And she just feels like a whiny brat throughout it all. She quickly forgets about her family and moans about having to learn magic, and learning to read and write. I could feel no connection to her at all. There was no spark to her in the slightest.

This story sounded so interesting to me when I first read the synopsis. Even more so when it was described as grumpy x sunshine which I absolutely adore. However, this book felt rather like a mess from start to finish. I really do believe I should have just DNF’d this book, but I was really really hoping it was perhaps just slow and would improve. But it didn’t. This book requires heavy editing still. So many sentences did not make sense, pronouns were changed multiple times in the space of a paragraph (sometimes even in just a sentence!), words were missing and so many other things that should be weeded out and fixed in the editing process. It meant that the entire story was incredibly confusing and cumbersome to read. It felt like I was reading fanfiction… The characters were all over the place and more often than not, referred to by their magical title and not their names! This left me at a loss because how was I supposed to remember what everyone was when there was a lot of other confusion? Romance wise, not a fan. There was no chemistry and then suddenly it’s love? Nope, not right. In this kind of story, we need a slow burn. We get no burn here. The ending is incredibly meh and to be perfectly honest, I was just grateful I reached the end.

Overall, Oath of Devotion and Ruin is unfortunately a book that needs a lot of work in my opinion.

⭐️/5

Thank you again to Tales & Teacups for an advanced copy of this book.

[Nikky Reads Romantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the world of Arcana Wars! The lore is unique, vast and brings so many possible storylines. Returning to it with a sequel that truly stands on its own but with clear ties (and Easter eggs) to the first book in this series.

The romance could have used a bit more slow burn or build up, I felt like we went from zero to love quite quick. But overall Lena’s story gave us a great trainings montage, epic scope battle scenes and centered around themes of belonging, freedom and duty. The ending was bittersweet which truly made the story complete.

I received this eARC* in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the review opportunity!

*The version I read does need some more editing to make the story flow more naturally (switching of pronouns mid sentence, referencing to characters as their champion instead of their names but also switching the title for said champion etc).

[nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚒️Fated mates
🕯️ Arcana
⚒️Faes
🕯️ Werewolves
⚒️Vampires
🕯️ Strangers to lovers
⚒️ Slowburn

📚 How can I even begin to describe how incredible this book was? From the very first page, it swept me away. If you're a fan of tarot, romantasy, epic battles, complex relationships, strong FMCs, deep sibling bonds, and an arranged marriage with a distant yet undeniably attractive partner, then what are you waiting for to get Oath of Devotion and Ruin?

🛡️ I was hooked instantly. This story is gripping, expertly crafted, and the author’s knowledge is obvious and makes the tale so enjoyable, catching and thrilling. It masterfully blends various fantasy elements into a unique narrative. Alexandra’s writing is delicate, capturing the complexity of emotions with such depth and beauty. No need for open door spice to feel the intensity of the bond between Lena and Gabriel.
The only minor critique I have is the way her sister's behaviour changed—it felt a little abrupt. But aside from that, this story was nothing short of flawless. It’s only April, but I have a strong feeling this book will land in my top 10, possibly even my top 5!

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another banger once again! I absolutely devoured the second book in the Arcana Wars saga!! I love the world this series is set in so very much! The idea of Arcana being chosen from individuals in this world is so deeply interesting to me!

I absolutely loved how the plot went in this book! It was easy to follow and really keeps your attention! Once I picked this book up I had a very difficult time actually putting it down!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2🌶️🌶️

[incredibly_bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore these books!! 🩵
This is the second in the Arcana Wars series, the first being A Feud of Blood and Darkess, which I was also lucky to read as ARC.

Both books have the same 'theory' but with different generations/people, meaning different endings. This makes each one easy to read as a standalone story.

They are NA fantasy (with romance) about an ancient order of knights, chosen by the gods, destined to protect the High Priestess. OOBAD centres around the High Priestess, Lena Ferrante, who is a soft feminine energy FMC.

Both books are a refreshingly unique look at fantasy, and I'm all here for it 🙌

So if you like :

🗡 Arranged marriage
🗡 Fated mates
🗡 Arcana knights Vs Horsemen Apocalypse
🗡 Found family
🗡 Ancient Gods
🗡 Vampires/faes/werewolves

Then these are definitely for you!

I shall be patiently awaiting book 3 in the series... in the meantime, I may just have to purchase these two for my trophy shelf 😜👌

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I really loved book 1, but I wish I could say the same about book 2—alas. The 7-8 year age gap bothered me at first, but what frustrated me the most was Sasha. She drove me up the wall, and I almost regretted signing up for the ARC. I always thought I loved the Fated Mates trope… never imagined something could make me hate it, but here we are. After this book, I think I’ll be avoiding Fated Mates like the plague. Though, I’ll admit—the ending saved it.

[EP Gazette · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
2 🌶️ Kissing and mildly explicit scenes
2 ☠️ A few triggers apply

Do the gods decide your fate or do you?

Lena may be the High Priestess, but she doesn't feel like one. Though sorely under prepared, with the help of the other Arcana she is able to live up to her role. When the four horsemen of the apocalypse arrive, she is forced to accept her fate and do what she must to save the world.

I loved all the Arcana and their complex relationships they shared. Lena 's growth is amazing and the love she built with Gabriel awe inspiring.

[Samantha Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oath of Devotion and Ruin is a gripping enemies 2 lovers romantasy that blends tension, magic, and slow burning passion in all the best ways. Alexandra crafts a vivid world filled with political intrigue and dangerous alliances, but it’s the dynamic between the two leads, Lena and Gabriel, that truly makes the story shine.

Lena is a fierce and determined character and I loved how her strength wasn’t just about physical skill but also resilience and intelligence. She refuses to back down, even when faced with impossible odds, making it easy to root for her. On the other hand, Gabriel is the epitome of the brooding, reluctant hero, grumpy, guarded, and undeniably compelling. His slow softening toward Lena is incredibly satisfying, and their chemistry crackles with every interaction.

The push and pull between them, layered with emotional depth and sharp banter, kept me hooked from start to finish. If you love slow burn romance, high-stakes adventure, and characters with real depth, Oath of Devotion and Ruin is definitely worth the read.

[Naia Sterne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per prima cosa, come tradizione ormai impone, ho preso in mano il mio mazzo di tarocchi. Stavolta volevo sapere quale Arcano mi avrebbe guidata in questa nuova lettura. La carta che è uscita? La Papessa. Inevitabile, direi, visto che la protagonista assoluta di questo volume è proprio Lena. Le carte non sbagliano mai, e il richiamo era chiaro: questa volta avrei dovuto guardare il mondo attraverso gli occhi di chi incarna la saggezza, ma anche la solitudine del dovere.

Con Voto di Devozione e Rovina Alexandra Rei ci porta nel 1482, in un medioevo alternativo intriso di magia, divinità e battaglie che non appartengono soltanto al piano mondano. Lena Ferrante, una ragazza semplice e mite, viene strappata alla quotidianità della campagna e condotta a Saint Denis per adempiere a un destino che non ha scelto. Non solo dovrà sposare Gabriel Velmont, erede della casata e Arcano dell’Imperatore, ma scoprirà anche di essere la Papessa, colei che incarna il potere spirituale scelto dagli dei e destinata a guidare le sorti della prossima guerra sacra. Insomma: da un giorno all’altro passa dal mungere le capre a dover fronteggiare i Cavalieri dell’Apocalisse. Avete presente quando pensate che il vostro problema più grande sia il raccolto che non cresce o il vicino che vi ruba le galline? Ecco, Lena senza dubbio, vorrebbe questi, di problemi.

E qui arriva il bello: Lena e Gabriel non sono la classica coppia predestinata che si innamora al primo sguardo, come dovrebbe essere fra Imperatore e Papessa, qui si tratta di due persone che preferirebbero farsi una passeggiata sul rogo piuttosto che cenare insieme. Gabriel, appare inizialmente come una figura distante e impenetrabile. È un personaggio tormentato, quasi tragico, che vive il proprio destino come una condanna. Quando i motivi della sua freddezza si rivelano e la sua complessità emerge, ti fa pensare: "va beh dai, allora non lo strangolo." Le sue scelte non nascono dall’indifferenza, ma da un peso interiore che lentamente viene svelato.

Tra battibecchi, silenzi e doveri divini, l’alchimia cresce. Lenta, dolorosa, ma proprio per questo più soddisfacente. Alexandra è brava a non forzare nulla: ci lascia assaporare la faticosa e tormentata crescita di questo rapporto, che risulta autentico e credibile. Riusciranno a trasformare un’unione nata come obbligo in qualcosa di diverso? È possibile imparare a fidarsi quando il cuore ha più ferite che speranze? O quando fatichi a comprendere quali siano tuoi sentimenti e non quelli dei fantasmi delle tu vite passate?

Quello che più colpisce è il percorso della protagonista. Lena non è l’eroina classica, già pronta, già consapevole del proprio ruolo: è una giovane che non sa leggere né scrivere, che affronta l’addestramento con paura e fatica, e che spesso vorrebbe solo tornare a una vita normale. Proprio questa sua fragilità la rende credibile e vicina al lettore: nonostante i dubbi e le cadute, riesce sempre a rialzarsi e a crescere. Il suo desiderio di libertà, il legame con la sorella Alma e la volontà di restare fedele a se stessa diventano i veri motori della narrazione.

Il romanzo mette in scena anche un ampio ventaglio di personaggi secondari, ciascuno con un ruolo ben preciso. Alma, la sorella di Lena, porta con sé tutta la forza di un legame indissolubile; Sasha, la madre dei Velmont e Arcano della Forza, incarna quella severità che nasconde affetto e visione. Ognuno contribuisce a farci percepire che questa non è solo la storia di due ragazzi legati dal destino, ma di un intero mondo che si muove intorno a loro.

Il worldbuilding resta uno dei punti di forza dell’autrice. Gli Arcani, incarnazioni viventi dei tarocchi maggiori, danno vita a un sistema magico originale e suggestivo, che intreccia spiritualità, guerra e mito. L'immaginario di Alexandra non è soltanto una cornice storica, ma un mondo alternativo, ricco di riferimenti, creature, divinità e conflitti. Tra vampiri, cavalieri e poteri antichi, il romanzo riesce a sorprendere con colpi di scena e scenari sempre nuovi. E le suocere – pardon, le Arcanum della Forza – non si limitano a criticare la minestra, ma ti addestrano a colpi di spada. Che poi uno quasi quasi rivaluta la suocera reale. Vampiri, fae, sanguemisto e divinità si intrecciano in un tessuto narrativo che non lascia spazio alla banalità e permette di riflettere. Certo, l’universo è vasto e complesso, ma l’autrice riesce a guidarci senza mai sommergerci con spiegazioni inutili: tutto emerge attraverso le azioni, i dialoghi, i conflitti.

E poi ci sono i temi: il destino che sembra già scritto, l’amore che lotta contro il dovere, la paura di non essere abbastanza, la fatica di crescere in fretta. Lena rappresenta ognuno di noi quando ci troviamo davanti a scelte troppo grandi, ma con la forza – e la testardaggine – di non arrenderci. Gabriel, invece, ci ricorda che dietro la corazza più dura può nascondersi un cuore che ha paura di soffrire ancora. La riflessione sulla paura del diverso e il pregiudizio nei confronti di qualcosa che non si conosce e che per semplicità si teme e si cerca di estirpare senza alcuna analisi approfondita.

Tra addestramenti, battaglie e segreti che vengono lentamente alla luce, è un romanzo che sa tenere incollati alle pagine. È molto più di un semplice fantasy romantico: è un racconto di crescita, di scelte difficili e di identità. È la storia di una ragazza che si trova schiacciata tra il peso del destino e il desiderio di vivere come una persona qualunque, e di un uomo che deve imparare ad accettare la possibilità di amare nonostante il dolore. Una storia che parla di legami, di coraggio e di scelte impossibili.

Riusciranno gli Arcani a fermare i Cavalieri dell’Apocalisse? O il passato, con i suoi segreti, sarà l’ostacolo più grande da superare?

Una lettura che consiglio a chi ama i fantasy dal respiro epico, a chi cerca una storia d’amore che cresce piano tra mille difficoltà, e a chi vuole immergersi in un universo dove i tarocchi non predicono soltanto il futuro, ma lo creano.

E sì, Alexandra, anche questa volta ci lasci con quella voglia di avere subito il volume successivo tra le mani. Perché, se c’è una cosa che gli Arcani ci insegnano, è che il destino non aspetta.

[Stress Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙🗡️Oath of Devotion & Ruin ARC Review🗡️💙

⭐⭐⭐⭐

✨ Chosen by the gods. Bound by prophecy. Torn by love.

❓Do you think devotion often leads to ruin, or that devotion is necessary to avoid ruin in real life (literally or metaphorically)? Or how's your weekend starting?

❕AOTD: I'm loving the cooler temperatures we're having and enjoying a day of not running all over the city.

✨ The gods demand loyalty. The world demands blood. And Lena's heart demands something far more dangerous. Oath of Devotion and Ruin is a story of sacred lies, forbidden love, and the cost of carrying heaven's will on humble, human shoulders.

📖 This book starts off when Lena, a young woman woman from the countryside, is suddenly promised to Gabriel (the heir of a powerful Arcana house) and thrust into a divine destiny she's not at all prepared for - becoming the next High Priestess. Forced to leave her simple life living with her dad and sister, Lena has to master reading and writing while also learning to use her magical powers. During this, she also has to navigate politics, danger, duty, and try to get to know her betrothed, Gabriel - who seems to have a disdain for her. With threats growing around her and the stakes getting higher, Lena also has a mystery to solve.

💭 With themes like:

• duty vs freedom - Lena's struggle between the expectations placed on her by gods, people, prophecy, and tradition vs what she wants (to stay with her family, to have a "normal" life, to not hurt/be hurt by the burdens of power.

• identity & self worth - Lena starts the book as a humble young lady who happens to be illiterate. Throughout the book, she learns to believe in herself and what she's capable of. Mirroring this is Gabriel's own burdens and how he handles expectations.

• love, trust, and romantic tension - Can love grow under duty, fear, and trauma? This is a slow burn, with Gabriel intentionally distancing himself from Lena early on and Lena being scared and overwhelmed with the drastic changes she's experiencing. Through conflict, mutual danger, revelations, and vulnerability their relationship changes and grows.

• cost of magic - being High Priestess is both an honor and a curse. She gets power and danger, for example. Lena has to make big personal sacrifices to be the High Priestess, some that have a greater impact to the world at large.

• belief and gods - what one believes, what one doubts, and how one interprets divine mandates shape the plot. And bring up questions regarding the infalliblity of the gods and if a prophecy must be strictly obeyed, or can it be challenged, questioned?

💬 The arrival of the Horsemen, threat of apocalypse, betrayal, crumbling old orders - these all serve as metaphors for internal ruin: the soul that sacrifices too much, the self that is often lost under duty, the cost of leadership.

I love that Rei doesn't just ask us to root for hero-ism, but also shows us the cost of heroism. She shows us characters that accept that some choices are painful and that "doing the right thing" sometimes requires sacrifice.

✍🏻 Well written with accessible, clear language it reads pretty quickly. Thoughtful, intentional word choices and vivid descriptions make for an easy to imagine world.

⏳The pacing felt mostly pretty good. It's a pretty fast pace with action, dialogue, and character growth keeping the plot chugging along.

For the length of the book, I feel like having both werewolves and vampires was too much for me. It's been awhile since I read Rei's first book, but I don't recall either being in it. I feel like having both caused certain parts to feel rushed and others to feel slow to me.

🗺️ Well built and richly imagined, I enjoyed the world Rei created. It feels lived in and real. I appreciate that this book is connected to Rei's previous book and could feel and see the connection while reading.

🔮 Together the Arcana along with their correspondences to Tarot major arcana create a pretty cool, overarching symbol within this book. Each Arcana reflects specific duties, characteristics, and spiritual power and those Arcana are interconnected with the characters. The metaphor being how different types of power need other types, while also conflicting with one another.

The book starts off with a list and explanation of the major arcana. Don't feel like you need to remember every bit of this to start the book like I did. 😂 For the life of me I cannot remember what these are called.

👥 The characters were pretty well developed, but I found that I struggled to fully connect with them, especially Lena. There's a lot of growth, especially for Lena, but I just never found myself attached to her.

💖 Slow burn that works well. Tension and yearning, but also resistance, misunderstanding, and distance. The begrudging way they learned and developed trust in one another was my favorite part of the romance.

💬 I liked this book a lot, I just wish I had been able to connect with the characters (particularly Lena). As a character focused reader, I need to feel connected to the characters. I will continue the series, as I'm quite curious as to where the connected story goes.

📚 If you liked: The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Carissa Broadbent), From Blood and Ash (Jennifer L. Armentrout), The Bridge Kingdom (Danielle L. Jensen), or Throne of Glass (Sarah J. Maas), then I think you'd like this book.

Thank you to @alex_reiauthor for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5

Where fantasy meets tarots – Oath of Devotion and Ruin is a NA Urban Fantasy standalone, and book 2 in the Arcana Wars series.

Wow! Alexandra Rei knocked it out of the park with this one! In all transparency, I liked book 1, but I didn’t love it. Book 2? I WAS HOOKED! I could not put this one down! Even though having read book 1 I was familiar with the gods and their Arcana Knights, which are based on tarot cards, I was appreciative of the refresher with the introduction of the gods in the beginning. From there, we hit the ground running with world-building and meeting our FMC, Lena Ferrante.

✨️NA Urban Romantasy
⚔️Ancient Gods Bestowing Some of Their Power
✨️Complex Magic System
🔱Fate/Destiny
✨️Arranged Marriage
🛡️Fated Mates
✨️Arcana Knights Vs Horsemen Apocalypse
🌑Vampires/Faes/Werewolves
✨️Rewriting Your Story

We are transported to the year 1482, where Lena Ferrante’s life changes drastically. Lena lives in the country as a shepherdess, but one day, Liam and Emmanuelle Velmont show up to buy her dowry to take her to Saint Denis, where she is to marry their oldest brother, Gabriel. Lena doesn’t want to leave her father or her sister Alma, and discovers that not only is she supposed to marry a man she’s never met, but that she has also “awakened” as High Priestess–the Arcanum chosen by El, father of all the gods and is known for rising to save the world…something that feels more of a burden than an honor for Lena.

Lena is thrown into a world of duty-bound training where she is pushed to her limits physically and mentally, while Gabriel, the Emperor and her fated mate by the gods, seems to avoid her at every turn. Alone and with no comfort from her betrothed, Lena wishes to avoid the marriage at all costs.

When other Arcana Knights awaken and Lena leaves the sacred grounds where she has been training, her eyes are opened to the evil threatening humanity and she is thrown into a battle with the Red Knight of the Apocalypse, inciting the first battle of the new holy war.

With enemies surfacing from the infernal plane and Arcana Knights to conquer as allies in the holy war, Lena must also figure out the enigma that is Gabriel. Will these two be able to work past their reservations in order to truly understand one another and be a united front in the war of the Horsemen Apocalypse? Or did the gods choose the wrong High Priestess to lead the charge?

I absolutely resonated with Lena and all of the inner turmoil she faced upon having to leave the life she knew and being thrown into a world she didn’t know existed. Lena was a resilient FMC and set on finding her own path regardless of what the gods had decided for her. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions while reading, including tearing up a time or two, and was initially on the fence about Gabriel, but once we got to know what’s going on his head…whew! I won’t spoil that for you, but I felt for both Lena and Gabriel as they navigated unfamiliar territory together. The spin on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse was pretty cool, and I loved the battle scenes! I highly recommend this one if you enjoy fantasy reads with a dash of romance!

[Dezirani Sahu · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

It's a NA urban romanstacy novel of arcana war series where fantasy meets tarots. I read the first book of the standalone series - Feud of blood and darkness and I enjoyed that one but this one is so good. I loved the way Alexandra portrayed the same pattern of plot with the arcanum warriors in a fresh and unique way. I'll not go for the comparison with the former but still the way she has written the role of Lena as high priestess is really praiseworthy as in the first series the high priestess was aware of her duty and her role but here Lena she was enforced to play her role.

Coming to this plot, it's about Lena a village girl, 17 years old, when the velmont family buy her dowry and take her to Saint Denis, where she have to marry the Empire arcanum Gabriel and have to play her role as a high priestess, the arcanum choosen by EI, father of all gods by serving the mankind. After reaching there she was told how to live there and train with weapon. She tries not to fall but she can't marry Gabriel who despises her, honestly speaking, he wasn't the easiest to go along. Little did she know that on the other hand, Gabriel who tries by all means to stay away from Lena so as not to lose her in this life. And on the top of that, where she finds her biggest enemy in the sacred war, is her sister Alma, the sister who had loved her so deeply and raised her like a mother.

🗡️ Fated mates🗡️ Arranged marrige🗡️Farmer girl & Nobel man🗡️Arcana knights Vs Apocalypse Horseman

Connecting all the links, observing the past, checking the qualities of all and taking consideration of her relations with all how sensibly and rightly Lena choses her five hands was the best thing after her stupidity and the time when she initiated this, was really incredible.As we had known from the first series that how it's important to be the five hands of high priestess

It was easy to follow and didn't lose its pace, the characters were well written and well developed be it Liam, Gabriel, Emmanuel, Charlotte, Sookie, Alma and of course the character of Lena has developed by the time and you can probably understand its reason. This is how it goes without the spoiler but if I go a bit more with spoiler free then, you'll understand the plea, fear, guilt of Gabriel, you'll see the sensibility of Charlotte especially when she tells Lena about Gabriel so that she can take the right decision after knowing her responsibility as an arcanum without thinking about her self intrest, you'll see how Liam takes the responsibility, you'll see how Sookie
patiently listen Lena and guides her and fights for her, how Emmanuel and Suzzane makes her comfort in the beginning how Sasha guides her and trains her, how Margareth made her see the truth, and how Alma loved her despite their differences.

And when I saw a reference I saw how both are standalons still connected with each other and the way she has ended cleverly giving us a hint I guess for third book. Anyway, loved the way she takes us in the fantasy world with the blend of arcana with tarots cards.
Thank you Alexandra for including in me your arc team trusting me again with your book.

[bookishpadawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

▸Arranged marriage
▸Fated mates
▸Farmer girl x Noble man
▸Arcana knights vs Horsemen apocalypse
▸Found family
▸He warms her when she is frozen
▸Ancient Gods
▸Vampires/faes/werewolves

"I've lost you too many times. I will not lose you again in this life."

Lena Ferrante is a gentle farm girl who lives with her father and older sister, one day Liam and Emanuelle Velmont, show up to buy her dowry and take her to Saint Denis, where she is to marry their oldest brother, Gabriel Velmont, but not only that, she must know the fact that she is the High priestess, the Arcanum chosen by El, father of all gods. every rising of high priestess signifies the coming of the sacred wars, and Lena's late awakening makes her has to train harder and study a lot in catching up on the knowledge of arcana. Lena always feels unsuited in her role as high priestess; while studying and facing an upcoming sacred war, Lena also tries to find a way to return to being a mere human and an annulment of her marriage with Gabriel Velmont

I like this book, but this book doesn't bring the same feelings as when I read the first book. in this sequel book we are taken back a long decades before the first book happened. if the first book we are presented with a female lead with a strong character, which she already knows what her role is, her tasks, her responsibility, and what is happening in her world. and in this book, the female lead is a gentle-hearted farm girl, she doesn't know anything about her tasks as a high priestess whatsoever because of her late awakening. she only knows that she was brought to the Velmont family home to get married, not to save the world. but thats where the fun is...this second book like emphasizes at that time, to defeat the villain did not only require the power of the Arcanas, but also the power of kindness and forgiveness. Even though Lena seems careless and whiny because she constantly feels like she doesn't fit in with her role or with the world of Arcana—more she doesn't want to marry Gabriel Velmont because Gabriel keeps ignoring her, but she knows her limits, doesn't force herself and she knows what she wants and sticks to it until the very end, and that's what I like about her. and in this book, it's explained why Gabriel distances himself and ignores Lena, but after all the reasons still their interaction in this book is lacking, even Lena interacts more with Liam. just because Gabriel and Lena are a fated mates that God has destined that's why they feel instant affection and fell in love. overall, I liked the storyline and all the characters. a fun, fast-paced, and thrilling journey, recommended!

Huge thanks to the author for including me again on her ARC team, it's an honor and privilege to me. All opinions are my own.

[Tra le righe · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 La storia parla di Lena, una ragazza semplice che vive serenamente con la sorella Alma. La sua vita cambia quando una benestante famiglia la reclama come promessa sposa per il figlio maggiore, secondo un vecchio accordo stretto dalla madre. Costretta a partire, Lena scopre di essere la Papessa, prescelta da un potere sacro legato agli Arcani, destinata all’Imperatore, Gabriel, che però la rifiuta e la tratta con freddezza, e costretta ad addestrarsi per affrontare i Cavalieri dell’Apocalisse.

✨ Ho adorato questo libro! È un fantasy davvero originale: la presenza degli Arcani e dei Cavalieri dell’Apocalisse lo rende unico e affascinante, lontano dai soliti cliché. La scrittura è scorrevole, con continui colpi di scena e rivelazioni e alterna momenti di addestramento, battaglie, misteri e un pizzico di romanticismo.

🥰 Uno degli aspetti che ho apprezzato di più sono i personaggi. Ce ne sono tanti, tutti diversi tra loro, ma uniti da un obiettivo comune. Insomma, se amate la trope della found family, questo libro vi accontenterà.

💗 Ma parliamo due protagonisti:
Lena è una bella protagonista: le sue scelte sono sempre comprensibili e coerenti, e questo la rende facile da amare.
Gabriel, invece… beh, inizialmente avrei voluto prenderlo a sberle! Ma si sa, i personaggi tormentati nei libri hanno quasi sempre dei motivi validi dietro i loro comportamenti, e anche lui non fa eccezione. Alla fine ho finito per capirlo – e sì, anche apprezzarlo.

💞 Tra Lena e Gabriel non c’è assolutamente amore a prima vista: lui la tratta con freddezza e lei è terrorizzata all’idea di doverlo sposare. Ma sotto la superficie si nascondono tanti segreti, e quando iniziano a venire alla luce… beh, non voglio rovinarvi la sorpresa. Dico solo che finalmente qualcosa cambia – o forse no? Dovete scoprirlo voi!

✨ Quindi, consiglio assolutamente questo libro a chi cerca una storia particolare e scorrevole. Voto di devozione e rovina è un viaggio emozionante tra magia, destino e sentimenti. Non ve ne pentirete!

Recensione completa sul mio blog: https://tralerigheblogs.blogspot.com/...

[Alessia (alexa.dreams_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Voto di devozione e rovina” è lo spin off di Faida di S4ngue e Tenebra, uno dei libri fantasy romance migliori del 2024 per me. E a distanza di qualche mese, Alexandra ci regala un nuovo capitolo sugli Arcani, questa volta dedicato a Lena Ferrante e Gabriel Velmont. (Scorrete per vedere l’edizione stupenda😍)

Questo volume mi ha confermato che Alex è ormai una garanzia a livello di scrittura. Anche se la coppia del primo libro per me resta insuperabile, perché le dinamiche del loro amore sono fra le mie preferite in un fantasy, lo stile e la costruzione della trama mi hanno impedito di staccarmi dalle pagine anche in questo secondo libro, volevo assolutamente andare avanti per scoprire come si sarebbe evoluta la storia.
La prima cosa che mi ha colpita è stato il rapporto tra Lena e Alma, due sorelle che si amano e che tengono talmente tanto l’una all’altra che le sorti del mondo saranno fortemente influenzate dal loro legame. Questo rapporto di sorellanza mi ha davvero commossa e colpita.
Come sempre, il worldbuilding e il sistema magico degli Arcani sono meravigliosi, originali e coinvolgenti, ho apprezzato trovarli ancora una volta e soprattutto vedere come si sposano con l’azione, l’addestramento e le scene di combattimento, che sono scritti così bene che sembra di assistere a un film nel corso della lettura.
E infine, l’amore di Lena e Gabriel. È stato bello vedere come Alexandra abbia creato delle dinamiche sia di trama che di amore completamente diverse rispetto a Faida. Questa volta infatti lui è molto più complesso, molto più tormentato, con un voto a gravare sulla sua vita, e lei deve affrontare diversi ostacoli, sia perché non sapeva di essere un Arcano, ma lo scopre solo poco prima dell’inizio del libro, sia perché deve imparare a gestire i suoi poteri ma anche a leggere e scrivere, dato che non sa farlo provenendo da una famiglia povera. A questi aspetti personali, si va appunto a intrecciare la storia d’amore, anch’essa tormentata, difficile, ma alla fine tanto romantica e coinvolgente.
Non vedo l’ora del terzo volume che ho già visto essere in scrittura da parte dell’autrice, e che spero ci regalerà tante emozioni quanto i primi due💙⚔️

[Alexis Helfers · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This is a urban Romantasy and it’s so good, it follows our FMC Lena(17) who is forced to leave her family when 2 brothers come along and pay her dowry then take her back to Saint Denis, where she will then marry Gabriel and become the High Priestess of the Arcana.

✨Found Family
✨Fated Mates
✨Magic
✨Slow Burn
✨Rivals to Lovers
✨Fae/Vampires/Werewolves
✨Arranged Marriage

I really did enjoy this book but at times it was hard to relate with the FMC, she deals with a lot of inner turmoil between her duties as a High Priestess and her family, And tends to get into sticky situations from ignoring warnings, but nonetheless she’s a great character and takes her job seriously and picks up on what’s she’s supposed to do rather quickly.

Gabriel is definitely giving Morally grey to me, he’s very cold and distant when it comes to Lena, but then all of a sudden bam hella progress, so they are fated mates and it’s understandable that they can’t resist one another for long but it was just like bam in your face which isn’t bad but it’s not always for everyone I personally like it to be dragged out a bit more.

I did really enjoy the side characters but got confused a a bit and had to make my own notes on who is who so I didn’t keep getting lost, nonetheless overall it was good!

Overall this was a good book and I enjoyed how evenly balanced and spread out the action in the book was which made it a really easy read for someone who is constantly on the go, I just kept wanting to sit down and get to the bottom of this, I would totally recommend reading the first book though for more world-building even though they are standalones it make this book way better for me personally!!

Book is releasing on April 2nd of 2025 so definitely check it out!!

Thank you to Tales & Teacups for an Advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Vami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in Arcana series
TROPES:
arranged marriage
reluctant fated mates
grumpy x sunshine
soft feminine energy FMC
Arcana knights Vs Apocalypse Horsemen
found family
vampires/faes/werewolves
Welcome to the world of the Arcana, a novel where fantasy meets tarots.
1482,
Lena Ferrante is 17 years old when the Velmont siblings, Liam and Emanuelle, show up to buy her dowry and take her to Saint Denis, where she is to marry their oldest brother, Gabriel Velmont. With regret, she leaves her father and sister Alma, discovering that waiting for her will be not only an arranged marriage but also the burden or honor of being the High Priestess, that is, the Arcanum chosen by El, father of all gods.

In Saint Denis she will first be brutally trained by Sasha, mother of the Velmont siblings and Arcanum of the Strength, and will have to deal with an Emperor, her fated mates by gods, who seems to be doing everything to keep her away and make her wish for the annulment of the marriage.

When the Sibyl senses the awakening of the Magician Arcanum, Lena, and the Velmont siblings enter the province of Wallachia and discover that the country of Arges is held in check by a vampire sire unlike any the world has known. The Voivoda, the prince of Wallachia, is none other than the red knight of the Apocalypse, and the battle against him is the first of the new holy war.
Between enemies from the infernal plane and allies to conquer, Lena will also have to solve the mystery that seems to be Gabriel Velmont.
The book was great! All the characters were written with great care, and I really enjoyed reading it. Although there were times I didn’t like how Lena behaved, I can’t blame her since she was new to this world. But I absolutely loved how she managed to overcome all the obstacles. And Gabriel… I don’t want to say much about him because I might spoil the story, but trust me—when you read this, don’t hate him. You’ll understand why after finishing the book! The story was also a little emotional, especially with characters dying.

[Bibliomania143 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The gods awaken their Arcana to win a war. But when the High Priestess rises, it is to save the world.”

OH. MY. ARCANA.
Gabriel and Lena completely stole my heart!! It takes forever for them to find their way to each other—but when they do? It’s pure magic. I swear I started off absolutely loving Liam and wanting to throw Gabriel into a pit, but somewhere halfway through the book… BAM. Team Gabriel forever. I can literally pinpoint the exact moment I fell for him—he’s just so good, so layered, so heartbreakingly soft underneath that gruff exterior.

And Lena? BABE. The growth, the resilience, the sheer determination she shows—ugh, I adored her journey. Imagine being thrown into a life you didn’t even know existed, asked to change everything about how you think and live, and still rising like a queen? That’s Lena.

The beginning did feel a little slow (maybe because I had read the first book and some parts felt familiar), but once I got past the first quarter, I was HOOKED. Nothing about it felt repetitive after that—the adventure, the stakes, the magic systems, the war prep… it was all edge-of-your-seat goodness! The different Arcanum and their powers were so fascinating, and I loved how the tension kept building.

And can we talk about the ending? TRADITIONS? SHATTERED. For LOVE? Say less—I’m obsessed.
This book is perfect for anyone who’s into arranged marriage, fated mates, found family, and mythical showdowns like Arcana Knights vs. the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Oh—and yes, there are vampires, fae, and werewolves too. You’re welcome.

PS: Gabriel’s struggles broke me. The whole emperor-remembering-his-past-lives and still feeling those heartbreaks? I was sobbing. Alma’s past reveal?? I did not see that coming, and what happened afterward—ugh, my poor heart.
Please read it so I have someone to cry with. Also, I loved Sookie!

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5

This story is a Romantasy that follows Lena Ferrante, a 17 year who suddenly becomes the High Priestess of the Arcana, forcing her to leave her father and sister behind. Lena struggles between her loyalty to her family and her duties as the High Priestess.

🔱The Vibe🔱

⚔️ Arranged marriage
🔱 Fated Mates
⚔️ Arcana Knights vs Horsemen of the Apocalypse
🔱 Found Family
⚔️ Vampires/Fae/Werewolves
🔱 Slow burn
⚔️ Magic
🔱 Rivals to Lovers


⚔️Teaser⚔️

“I would recognize you anywhere, in any form, in any detail and in any feature. I would recognize your voice, even as a deaf person.”

🔱My Thoughts🔱

As with the first in this series of stand alone I am grateful to have the explanation of the Gods and the Arcanum. It was easy enough to follow but super helpful when you get into the story.

I found Lena to be a relatable character struggling between the yearning to be with her family, and her duties as High Priestess. She takes to her training rather quickly and takes her roles seriously most of the time. But like any good FMC she is stubborn and fails to heed warnings.

Gabriel was a harder character to get attached to, he was very cold to Lena. I felt like the progression with him and Lena was out of nowhere. I understand because the fated mates and their positions but felt like it dropped in from nowhere and was pretty explosive. -not a bad thing by any means it just caught me off guard.

The side characters really add to the story and I found myself really enjoying Liam. I was confusing about the friendship between Charolette and Lena, mainly because I kept getting Charolette confused with someone else.

The action in the book is very fast paced and evenly spread through the story. The pacing of the book is very consistent! It made for a very quick read.

Thank you Alexandra Rei for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa MOHsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately fell for the main character, Lena. I related to her insecurity she experiences when brought to Saint Denis to start her training as the High Priestess.

”I don't want to be a burden”
“I'm afraid of getting it wrong”
“I am nothing more than a shepherdess…”
“I feel so inadequate…”

My heart ached for her, but I loved seeing her come into her role, and more so into herself. She became aware of the world outside her small village, and realizes people/beings are not just good or bad, but a mixture of both depending on the decisions they end up making at the time. She even stands up for them when her fellow Arcanum are not willing to see past their own bias.

“Lena, Lena, Lena ... in this life or the next, my lips will never be tired of calling your name.”

I very much enjoyed the enemies to lovers part of this book. My favorite part is how Gabriel struggles with it all. He hates his lack of choice, and feels that he cannot even trust his own feelings, knowing the destiny of the Emperor and High Priestess and his awareness of his past lives and the love they experienced with their own High Priestess. Are his feelings his own, or do they below to the previous Emperors? How would it really feel to know that your destiny is not your own, but something decided for you by unseen gods?

“I promised you that I will stay by your side to remind you who you are, every day, every hour if necessary…”

I cannot end this without mentioning Charlotte. I still can’t decide if I like her or not! Please go read the book and come back to tell me if you find yourself constantly going back and forth on your feelings for her.

[Carol_inbookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝓥𝓸𝓽𝓸 𝓭𝓲 𝓭𝓮𝓿𝓸𝔃𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓮 𝓻𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓪

❝ Non lo so questo. So solo che quando ti guardo ho la certezza di aver trovato in te 𝒍𝒂 𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒆 e ti fa dire: non voglio nient’altro che questo. ❞

Oggi vi porto nel cuore pulsante del secondo volume de Le Cronache Arcane e non posso che ringraziare di cuore Alexandra per la copia del libro e i gadget spettacolari, curati in ogni minimo dettaglio e perfettamente in linea con l’universo narrativo.

Prepariamoci a un viaggio tra tropes che sapranno catturarvi fin dalla prima pagina:

⚔️ Arranged Marriage
⚡️ Fated Mates
⚔️ Found Family
⚡️ Vampires & Werewolves

Ma ora lasciate che vi conduca nel vivo della storia.

Lena conduce un’esistenza semplice, quasi sospesa tra la quotidianità e il dolore della perdita della madre, strappata via dalla peste. Vive con la sorella e il padre, portando avanti la loro sopravvivenza tra pascoli e montagne. Ma ignora completamente che la sua vita stia per cambiare in modo irreversibile. In un battito di ciglia, viene promessa sposa a un uomo mai visto prima, costretta a imparare a leggere e scrivere da zero… e a sostenere intensi allenamenti sotto la guida inflessibile di Sasha, Arcano della Forza e madre del suo futuro sposo.

Il world building è ricco e affascinante, un intreccio di poteri arcani e divinità antiche che accompagna il lettore in un universo dove nulla è lasciato al caso. Ogni Arcano ha una storia, un’energia, un destino che si intreccia con quello di Lena.

La narrazione non conosce momenti vuoti: ogni pagina è una scoperta, ogni colpo di scena sorprende, sovverte le aspettative, emoziona. Mi sono ritrovata a vivere le emozioni dei personaggi con una tale intensità da provare davvero le loro perdite, le loro vittorie, le loro scelte difficili.

Il legame tra Lena e Gabriel cresce tra tensione, destino e sacrificio. Il loro sentimento non è solo romantico, è un fuoco che brucia tra doveri e affetti contrastanti, rendendo le loro decisioni ancora più laceranti.

Se amate i fantasy densi di magia, emozione e passione, questo libro vi conquisterà. Una lettura travolgente che consiglio senza esitazione.

Instagram: @carol_inbookland

[Matilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I am beyond grateful for all the trust authors put in me by entrusting me with their ARCs, more so to Alexandra as she was the first person who asked me to be an ARC reader and thus introduced me to this journey I have been adoring to my core ❤️

Oath of Devotion and Ruin is so much different than Feud of Blood and Darkness that I was surprised at how well Alexandra managed to implement the same type of system with the Arcanum warriors in such a fresh way!

FOBAD was about strength and resilience, OODAR was about compassion and love ❤️

Until the very end, I was enjoying the book a lot, but the end, the wraping of the war and of Lena's personal life, was what did it for me! It cemented it all because it reinforced the duty of Lena as High Priestess in a way that was so different from the duty of the High Pristess of Feud of Blood and Darkness! It reinforced the thread woven by the gods in such a powerful way I was stuck to the book and felt a hole in my chest as I read the final words of the epilogue! ❤️

And I got a reference! And it made me so happy to see how FOBAD and OODAR are standalones and yet so connected! 🥰

(I know I sound kinda secretive on all this talk of threads and references, but it is that or straight spoilers, so... 🤭)

All and all this book is as good as the first one on the series, and in such a different way too, that I can't wait for more Arcana Wars books to see how Alexandra spins the same roles and the same system into something fresh and new and yet so familiar as she has done with Oath of Devotion and Ruin! 🥰

[Yasmin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a fantasy novel full of intricate backstories and characters, and the usage of tarot cards interwoven with the characters. I found it really cool and fascinating that at the beginning of the advanced copy I received, it asks us to pull a card that determines the role you play in this novel! That is a really cool feature and very unique that I haven’t seen at all in any other fantasy novels. It also includes a cheat sheet that explains what each tarot card signifies and where it pops up within the character in the novel.

Without spoiling it too much because this truly is a intricate masterpiece that is fully developed in history, world building and using tarot cards, this is a must read if you want to get lost in the world of Arcana. The fact that the Horsemen Apocalypse is also intertwined in this novel just makes it so much better because of how detailed the plot of the book is. Each trope mentioned above is executed perfectly and the book is at a fantastic pace to read. I truly loved reading this book and getting to know Lena and Gabriel, the fated mates in an arranged marriage.

My favorite quote from this book is “I would recognize you anywhere, in any form, in any detail, in any feature. I would recognize your voice, even as a deaf person. And I know why I loved you so much. And why I will find you again and again, until even the last ray of light dies in the thickest darkness….” My heart is just swooning at this 🤭

Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥

[Tre Amiche e un Libro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo secondo volume della saga Cronache Arcane ci è molto piaciuto. La storia entra nel vivo già nelle prime pagine e siamo catapultati in un mondo arcano all’interno della cittadina di Saint Denis. Ci affezioniamo subito a Lena, il personaggio femminile, per il suo amore nei confronti del padre e della sorella e per la sua determinazione ad andare a testa alta verso un destino che non comprende al pieno ma puntellato di persone alle quali ben presto imparerà a voler bene. Più difficile è stato comprendere il personaggio maschile Gabriel e le sue paure, il suo freddo atteggiamento iniziale ce l’ha reso meno empatico rispetto a Lena ma, man mano, che ci siamo addentrate nella vicenda ci siamo rese conto della complessità del suo carattere così chiuso, non per semplice antipatia nei confronti della futura moglie, ma per un dolore così grande che abbiamo compreso pienamente cercando di immedesimarci in lui e capendo il significato profondo delle sue parole. I due personaggi durante il loro conoscersi crescono e si evolvono, si comprendono e impareranno ad apprezzarsi e chissà forse capiranno qualcosa di più sul loro essere Arcani e sulla loro natura umana ma non vogliamo svelare troppo e rubarvi il gusto della lettura… La storia è incalzante, la narrazione fluida, la scrittura buona e lo scorrere delle pagine va veloce fino alla conclusione che abbiamo amato e quindi vogliamo complimentarci con l’autrice e rimaniamo in attesa del terzo volume, augurandole un grande in bocca al lupo.

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelle vicinanze di Aragonia,1482

Lena Ferrante, insieme a sua sorella Alma, sono cresciute lontane dalla realtà che affligge Saint Denis.

Non ancora maggiorenne, Lena si vede costretta a seguire un nuovo cammino dettato dagli Arcani, ergo fuori dal suo controllo, e prendere posto accanto al suo futuro marito come Papessa.
Questo spostamento improvviso non solo le farà salire dei dubbi, ma aumenterà gli attriti con l'Aracano dell'Imperatore, alias Gabriel Vermont.
Ora, le ragioni non le conosce ancora, ma sa questi contrasti con l'erede dei Vermont avranno vita lunga se non troveranno un punto di incontro👀

Ma il punto all'ordine del giorno non sono questi screzi, ma il tumulto che prende d'assalto altre parti del regno, con gravi conseguenze sugli innocenti. Sarà compito dell'Oracolo trovare gli Arcani mancanti, e di quelli già presenti mettere ordine prima che l'oscurità abbia la meglio💀

Ho apprezzato molto di più questo secondo volume, rispetto al primo.
Nonostante vi siano tensioni tra Gabriel e Lena, non ho sentito una forzatura da parte dei protagonisti nel voler imbrigliare questa nuova condizione impostagli.

A dispetto di ciò che le persone si aspettano da lei, Lena vuole solo tornare dove era amata, apprezzata, non usata come una pedina. Gli Arcani già risvegliati avranno un ruolo ben preciso nella lotta contro chi li vuole distruggere; e scoprire chi si cela dietro queste gesta, sarà un fattore decisivo se farsi guidare dall'istinto o dalle emozioni umane🔥

Una storia tra 0d10 e amore, giustizia e libertà: da non perdere✨

[Alessandro Camparsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oath of Devotion and Ruin è una bomba di emozioni, misteri e legami pericolosamente intrecciati. Alexandra Rei riesce ancora una volta a trasportarci in un mondo dove il confine tra devozione e distruzione è sottilissimo, e ogni scelta può scatenare un'apocalisse (letteralmente).

La protagonista, Lena, è molto più di una semplice eroina da fantasy romantico: il suo viaggio da pedina sacrificabile a figura centrale di un destino divino è scritto con intensità, passione e quella giusta dose di tormento. I suoi dilemmi interiori sono reali, palpabili, e il legame con Gabriel riesce a essere tanto tenero quanto oscuro. La chimica tra i due è un crescendo ben gestito, senza mai sfociare nel cliché.

Il worldbuilding è uno degli aspetti più forti: creature fae, vampiri, licantropi, cavalieri e dei antichi si fondono in un universo ricco e originale. A tratti può essere un po’ denso da digerire nelle prime pagine, ma una volta superata la fase di orientamento, la trama decolla e non lascia respiro.

Se proprio vogliamo trovare un difetto, ci sono piccoli momenti in cui lo stile si fa un po’ confuso e ci sarebbe stato bene un editing più attento. Ma nulla che rovini davvero l’esperienza complessiva.

In sintesi: consigliatissimo a chi cerca un romantasy con forti tensioni emotive, un retrogusto mitologico, e personaggi che restano impressi. Oath of Devotion and Ruin non è solo una storia d'amore o di guerra, ma una riflessione su potere, sacrificio e identità.

[Nica · Rating 4 out of 5]

è stato bello ritornare nel mondo dei tarocchi, degli arcani maggiori e del soprannaturale (un po' in stile shadowhunters). prima di leggerlo, ho fatto la lettura dei tarocchi e sorpresa sorpresa (nemmeno troppa) ci hanno azzeccato, infondo si sa, le carte dicono sempre il vero.

qui la trama fantasy si lega nuovamente al romance, insomma l'imperatore e la papessa sono destinati a stare insieme, ma qui non è poi tanto semplice, infatti Gabriel si rivela molto contrariato alla cosa.

ho trovato entrambi i filoni -fantasy e romance- ben bilanciati tra di loro, in cui Lena impara cosa vuol dire essere un arcano, c'è una found family, e c'è un amore un po' struggente (che mi ha ricordato un po' will herondale).

l'unica pecca che ho trovato è che nonostante sia ambientato nel 1400, non mi sono sentita in quell'epoca, in realtà mi è parso come stare fuori da una linea temporale ben precisa, soprattutto per il modo di parlare dei personaggi che per i loro modi di agire.

nutro una profonda ammirazione per il lavoro di Alexandra, soprattutto per la cura che mette in tutti i lavori che fa (si può benissimo notare i tarocchi e le carte che ha fatto creare, per non parlare degli overlay - è tutto magnifico) e ciò è sicuramente un grandissimo più in questo libro (infatti troverete all'interno un sacco di meravigliose illustrazioni).

la cosa bella che nonostante sia un prequel è autoconclusivo, quindi potete leggerlo anche prima del libro principale e lo potrete apprezzare comunque.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

🃏 ✦ Oath of Devotion and Ruin ✦ 🃏
Author: Alexandria Rei
Series: Standalone (book 2 in the Arcana Wars series)
Pages: 258
Genre: NA Urban(ish) Romantasy

VIBES
⚔arranged marriage
•reluctant fated mates
⚔found family
•vampires/faes/werewolves
⚔grumpy x sunshine

𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦
I read Alexandra Rei’s debut, Feud of Blood and Darkness, and was impressed with the writing style and gripping (and unique) storyline so I jumped at the opportunity to read her second book, Oath of Devotion and Ruin. Both books are standalones within the Arcana Wars series which are novels about an ancient order of knights, chosen by the gods each generation, destined to protect the High Priestess.

17 y/o Lena is told that she must marry Gabriel, however, she soon discoversthat she is also the next High Priestess. The plot is easy to follow and keeps your attention. Quick read with just over 250 pages full of fast-paced action. I loved the story and recommend these books to fantasy readers. My only moans with this book are that the characters were referred to by their magical title and not their names which left me confused a lot. Also, I thought the romance between Lena and Gabriel felt rushed. I would have loved to see more slow burn and angst.

QUOTE
"Our sacred duty it is to protect and serve the High Priestess, in this life and in all the lives to come.”