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Reign of Secrets #4
Oath of Deception
For Savenek, there is no greater honor than protecting Emperion. While other young men his age study a trade, he attends a secret, elite military academy where he has been honed into a lethal asset for his kingdom. He can gather information without detection and kill from the shadows. Savenek’s own father is the schoolmaster, and he forces Savenek to train harder than any other student. As graduation draws near, Savenek eagerly awaits the vows inducting him into the Brotherhood of the Crown.
When a messenger arrives with news of war brewing on the horizon, the Brotherhood is called into action. Eager to prove himself, Savenek goes on his first mission alone. He doesn’t expect to uncover a treacherous plot to destroy Emperion. He doesn’t expect to join forces with someone outside the Brotherhood, let alone a woman. He certainly doesn’t expect to fail.
But then again, his father taught him nothing ever goes as planned.
Political intrigue clashes with romance in this thrilling story that continues the Reign of Secrets saga.
When a messenger arrives with news of war brewing on the horizon, the Brotherhood is called into action. Eager to prove himself, Savenek goes on his first mission alone. He doesn’t expect to uncover a treacherous plot to destroy Emperion. He doesn’t expect to join forces with someone outside the Brotherhood, let alone a woman. He certainly doesn’t expect to fail.
But then again, his father taught him nothing ever goes as planned.
Political intrigue clashes with romance in this thrilling story that continues the Reign of Secrets saga.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2018
164 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Anne Davis
27 books1,067 followersJennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer. Jennifer is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), winner of the Kindle Book Awards (2018), a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014).
Visit Jennifer online at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
Visit Jennifer online at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 11, 2018
This book is amazing. Just when you have it figured out, or at least a few things figured out, there are new twists and turns and surprises. Much excitement, edge of your seat reading. Well worth being a part of this series of books!
March 14, 2021
This novel is essentially Savenek's backstory. And while it was entertaining to read, it really held no surprises for me since it took place during all of the events of the first three books. I loved seeing more of Nathenek and getting to know Savenek's personality and backstory, but overall, the plot was slightly dull because I knew almost exactly what was going to take place from the very beginning. I feel as though this book could almost be a spin-off novel rather than a true part of the original series. The story wasn't bad, but I'd already spent my time getting invested in Allyssa's side of the story over the course of three amazing, suspense filled, plot twisting novels. As a result, I had some pretty high expectations going into this book, and sadly, it just didn't quite live up to them. I'm really looking forward to reading the next and final book in the series though, since that one picks up where the third novel left off, and continues Allyssa's story, the one I truly adore.
June 5, 2018
This was the perfect continuation of this series!
Taking place alongside the events of CoD1, this book introduces us to Savenek. Immediately, we feel as robbed of this person as Allyssa was. As a character, Savenek proves to be creative, skilled, pragmatic, and stealthy. He also has a few familial traits we have come to know and love over both the True Reign series and Reign of Secrets. Most of that comes in the form of a confidence that borders arrogance, dedication, the desire to constantly improve, and an intense loyalty to his nation. While we could always debate nature vs. nurture, they were qualities that allowed the reader to feel the connection to his family.
What I also enjoyed (probably the most) out of this book was the relationships between the characters. To say more would be edging into spoiler territory, and I don't want to rob anyone of the pleasure of a first read. So, suffice to say, I enjoyed the different natures and discoveries you make about this particular cast.
One of the other unique parts of this book is this: it could stand alone. As of right now, if you picked up book 4 and didn't have access to books 1-3 of the Reign of Secrets series, it wouldn't hurt you. Yeah, you might not understand most of my review then, but that's the beauty of it. If you started with Savenek and then went back to Allyssa, it wouldn't harm you. Savenek is his own person and his stories stand alone, just like Allyssa's did. And I absolutely love it.
That said, it is an adventure you're in for. There's no resting for the wicked in this book. Trained as an assassin, Savenek is sent on his first solo mission, and things are not at all what he expected. There are new dangers, new enemies, and secret alliances that are cause for concern. And Savenek wants to take on them all...
The pacing is quick and absorbing and enjoyable. I've always been a fan of Jennifer Anne Davis's skill with the written word, and this one does not disappoint. So set aside some reading time and dive in!
Taking place alongside the events of CoD1, this book introduces us to Savenek. Immediately, we feel as robbed of this person as Allyssa was. As a character, Savenek proves to be creative, skilled, pragmatic, and stealthy. He also has a few familial traits we have come to know and love over both the True Reign series and Reign of Secrets. Most of that comes in the form of a confidence that borders arrogance, dedication, the desire to constantly improve, and an intense loyalty to his nation. While we could always debate nature vs. nurture, they were qualities that allowed the reader to feel the connection to his family.
What I also enjoyed (probably the most) out of this book was the relationships between the characters. To say more would be edging into spoiler territory, and I don't want to rob anyone of the pleasure of a first read. So, suffice to say, I enjoyed the different natures and discoveries you make about this particular cast.
One of the other unique parts of this book is this: it could stand alone. As of right now, if you picked up book 4 and didn't have access to books 1-3 of the Reign of Secrets series, it wouldn't hurt you. Yeah, you might not understand most of my review then, but that's the beauty of it. If you started with Savenek and then went back to Allyssa, it wouldn't harm you. Savenek is his own person and his stories stand alone, just like Allyssa's did. And I absolutely love it.
That said, it is an adventure you're in for. There's no resting for the wicked in this book. Trained as an assassin, Savenek is sent on his first solo mission, and things are not at all what he expected. There are new dangers, new enemies, and secret alliances that are cause for concern. And Savenek wants to take on them all...
The pacing is quick and absorbing and enjoyable. I've always been a fan of Jennifer Anne Davis's skill with the written word, and this one does not disappoint. So set aside some reading time and dive in!
July 13, 2018
This book starts off at the same time as book one in the series, but letting you see where Savenek has been during that time and up until he learns who he is! Then it leaves it as a cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers! Hehe!!
Savenek has always just wanted to be like his father and be part of the Brotherhood that keeps the Kingdom safe. He finally gets on a mission and ends up with a woman on this mission. They are assigned to make negotiations for weapons in another kingdom and to find out other information. What they find is much worse than they thought. Their lives are constantly in danger. There is a romance going on between them. And where I would love to see them together, I dare not wish it as I learned with Savenek’s sister’s first intended. But I love watching Savenek become a love sick puppy and do his duty at the same time!!
There is action, adventure, little twists and although we as the audience know who Savenek is from the previous book, Savenek does not! It is interesting to have that aspect and watch what Savenek does with his life and be there when he learns of who he is!
This series is a fun one and I would recommend it to everyone. Now, I need to know what Savenek does next!! And I want to see the romance bloom too!
Savenek has always just wanted to be like his father and be part of the Brotherhood that keeps the Kingdom safe. He finally gets on a mission and ends up with a woman on this mission. They are assigned to make negotiations for weapons in another kingdom and to find out other information. What they find is much worse than they thought. Their lives are constantly in danger. There is a romance going on between them. And where I would love to see them together, I dare not wish it as I learned with Savenek’s sister’s first intended. But I love watching Savenek become a love sick puppy and do his duty at the same time!!
There is action, adventure, little twists and although we as the audience know who Savenek is from the previous book, Savenek does not! It is interesting to have that aspect and watch what Savenek does with his life and be there when he learns of who he is!
This series is a fun one and I would recommend it to everyone. Now, I need to know what Savenek does next!! And I want to see the romance bloom too!
June 1, 2018
If you wanted the back story about Savenek who shows up in the true reign series this is the book for you. The story is amazing and fills in all the little details about the missing twin brother that you been asking for. Old and new characters are introduced in this fast paced novel that will keep you guessing right up tell the end. I was drawn into the story to the point where the everyday noise around me fading into a quite drone in the back of my mind. I was absorbed into the story of Savenek and Ari and i hated to see it end though since i read the other books i kind of knew where we were going to end up. Jennifer has done another amazing job of crafting a story that weaves around you and does not want to let go.
July 1, 2018
I fell in love with the original Reign series when the author first debuted and I've been a devotee of the world ever since. I adored Allyssa (and Kerdan AHHH!) and I was excited for Savenek's book. I'm glad to say it didn't disappoint!
The worldbuilding is minimalist to avoid info-dumping. At the same time, the story introduces us not only to new layers in the known regions of the world, but new regions of the world.
The plot:
One of my favorite things about Davis's writing is the pacing. Oath of Deception follows Savenek through the same timeline of Cage of Deceit, but in another country. There is that same quick pace seen in Davis's other books, interspersed with humor, action, and romance. You can tell the author has researched her fight scenes and it pays off!
The characters:
Savenek is a developed character with good layers of internal conflict, recklessness, and . Some of his internal dialogue felt awkward toward the beginning for me, hence the half star deduction. But I did feel the author adjusted to writing the male POV by the end and
Ari is awesome. Ari is so cool. Ari had better come back in the next book. Interpreter, diplomat, and spy, the story mostly centered on her and Savenek working at negotiation/espionage. Their banter and oft times awkward dynamics were adorable and I genuinely hope for more in later books.
Nathanek, one of my favorite True Reign characters, comes back, but primarily at the beginning and end. I want more! We also meet an additional cast of characters including a new family of royals that is probably going to need destroying in later books (just saying).
Be aware that the author has a propensity toward cliffhangers. There was a cliffhanger here, but the next book is promised in a few months. In the meantime, I highly recommend this series of Clean Fantasy and Young Adult Adventure!
The worldbuilding is minimalist to avoid info-dumping. At the same time, the story introduces us not only to new layers in the known regions of the world, but new regions of the world.
The plot:
One of my favorite things about Davis's writing is the pacing. Oath of Deception follows Savenek through the same timeline of Cage of Deceit, but in another country. There is that same quick pace seen in Davis's other books, interspersed with humor, action, and romance. You can tell the author has researched her fight scenes and it pays off!
The characters:
Savenek is a developed character with good layers of internal conflict, recklessness, and . Some of his internal dialogue felt awkward toward the beginning for me, hence the half star deduction. But I did feel the author adjusted to writing the male POV by the end and
Ari is awesome. Ari is so cool. Ari had better come back in the next book. Interpreter, diplomat, and spy, the story mostly centered on her and Savenek working at negotiation/espionage. Their banter and oft times awkward dynamics were adorable and I genuinely hope for more in later books.
Nathanek, one of my favorite True Reign characters, comes back, but primarily at the beginning and end. I want more! We also meet an additional cast of characters including a new family of royals that is probably going to need destroying in later books (just saying).
Be aware that the author has a propensity toward cliffhangers. There was a cliffhanger here, but the next book is promised in a few months. In the meantime, I highly recommend this series of Clean Fantasy and Young Adult Adventure!
February 3, 2019
I feel like Jennifer is in my head and knows exactly what I want to read. These series is really so amazing and this book is proof of that! I need more!!!!
September 17, 2023
Oath of Deception took me a little while to get into, and I almost wondered if I were going to be able to finish it during the first few chapters. I was very accustomed to reading about Allyssa, and all of a sudden I was reading about Savanek. However, I spent money on these books and I spent an enormous amount of time reading the first three...so I forced myself to continue on.
And boy am I glad I did.
Savanek is the perfect complement to his sister whom he has never met, and his interactions with Aryam, whom he calls Ari (please tell me y'all can see who Aryam is...if you can't tell now, you'll be able to tell near the end of the book. ANYWAY-), his interactions with Ari are great. While they're going for typical brother and sister, it's obvious that he's having a terribly hard time not having an intense crush on her.
Oath of Deception backtracks to the timeline of the first book and brings us up to speed on what Savanek was doing that entire time. If I had not persevered through what I felt was a slow bit in the beginning of this book, I would not have discovered some very important information that answers question's I've been asking since book one.
I will say this, and I stand by my assertion: Odar still sucks.
If you're feeling like it's going a little bit slow...hang on. You've made it through 60% of the series to get to this point, and you'll likely regret giving up if you stop reading now.
And boy am I glad I did.
Savanek is the perfect complement to his sister whom he has never met, and his interactions with Aryam, whom he calls Ari (please tell me y'all can see who Aryam is...if you can't tell now, you'll be able to tell near the end of the book. ANYWAY-), his interactions with Ari are great. While they're going for typical brother and sister, it's obvious that he's having a terribly hard time not having an intense crush on her.
Oath of Deception backtracks to the timeline of the first book and brings us up to speed on what Savanek was doing that entire time. If I had not persevered through what I felt was a slow bit in the beginning of this book, I would not have discovered some very important information that answers question's I've been asking since book one.
I will say this, and I stand by my assertion: Odar still sucks.
If you're feeling like it's going a little bit slow...hang on. You've made it through 60% of the series to get to this point, and you'll likely regret giving up if you stop reading now.
October 2, 2023
I read the previous book in the series four years ago, so I barely remembered the details. This entry stands alone as a fantastic adventure and romance, with some political intrigue.
The ending is a surprise (maybe it wouldn't have been if I had remembered the earlier books in the series), but it's an often-used device.
Typos: the author once again uses laid for lay, three times here. Hoard (amass) is used for horde (a throng of people).
Continuity error: Ven tells Ari early in the story that he started training as an assassin at age seven. Later in the book, he tells her this again, and she is shocked to hear it, as if the earlier conversation had never happened.
The ending is a surprise (maybe it wouldn't have been if I had remembered the earlier books in the series), but it's an often-used device.
Typos: the author once again uses laid for lay, three times here. Hoard (amass) is used for horde (a throng of people).
Continuity error: Ven tells Ari early in the story that he started training as an assassin at age seven. Later in the book, he tells her this again, and she is shocked to hear it, as if the earlier conversation had never happened.
September 16, 2020
Loved the book! At first I was a bit sceptical since the first 3 books were focused on Allyssa, I wasn't sure how the transition to Savenek would take place.
I guessed in the beginning itself that Ari was Mayra, but still the revelation was exciting. The part about Savenek finding about his true heritage was also well written.
The book had lot of exciting parts and I was constantly on edge thinking of what the pair would do next. I'm eager to read further and see how the story progresses.
Overall, another wonderful book by Jennifer Anne Davis.
I guessed in the beginning itself that Ari was Mayra, but still the revelation was exciting. The part about Savenek finding about his true heritage was also well written.
The book had lot of exciting parts and I was constantly on edge thinking of what the pair would do next. I'm eager to read further and see how the story progresses.
Overall, another wonderful book by Jennifer Anne Davis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2019
I've always been the person that gets so attached to one character's perspective, that when it's switched to a different character, I'm weary. Starting this book with Savenek's POV made me nervous that I wouldn't finish it. "It's not Allyssa. I don't even know Savenek. I don't wanna read it." *folds arms and pouts*
BUT!!! Thankfully, I muscled through the beginning and got into the story. It was awesome!! It takes place during Allyssa's story, before and during the kidnapping. It shows his life and the mission assigned to him to help with the war. Mayra was included with this mission and I loved their relationship! Pretending to be brother and sister, they were at each other's throats while trying to hide their secret feelings for each other. So fun to read :)
With the politics getting more and more tense and betrayals around the corner, this was a perfect lead-in to the final book. Clean, fun, and adventurous!
BUT!!! Thankfully, I muscled through the beginning and got into the story. It was awesome!! It takes place during Allyssa's story, before and during the kidnapping. It shows his life and the mission assigned to him to help with the war. Mayra was included with this mission and I loved their relationship! Pretending to be brother and sister, they were at each other's throats while trying to hide their secret feelings for each other. So fun to read :)
With the politics getting more and more tense and betrayals around the corner, this was a perfect lead-in to the final book. Clean, fun, and adventurous!
February 12, 2019
Unfortunately, I really did not enjoy Oath of Deception as much a books 1-3. Going from Allysa's viewpoint to Savenek's seemed jarring and unnecessary during the series. After reading this book, I felt it may have been better to have been released as a novella?
March 13, 2019
Wanted to give more stars
The only thing keeping this book from being five star is the period correctness of some verbiage and a few parts that didn't quite make sense. Honestly most people probably wouldn't even be bothered by it. I love the storyline and the characters and will continue to buy all the forthcoming books, so please don't let the little minor discrepancies stop you. This series is definitely worth reading
The only thing keeping this book from being five star is the period correctness of some verbiage and a few parts that didn't quite make sense. Honestly most people probably wouldn't even be bothered by it. I love the storyline and the characters and will continue to buy all the forthcoming books, so please don't let the little minor discrepancies stop you. This series is definitely worth reading
February 28, 2020
I knew it was one lady-in-waiting that loved sevenek. But which one? From the start I wished it was still allyssa being first person but then I really enjoyed seeing sevenek’s side. I liked how he can be a player sometimes. It made me laugh; the accident kiss with lare. I loved how sevenek liked ari. And her name could be switched like rema’s.
From birth to death, we are linked by blood.
I knew it had a bigger meaning to it!!!
Family...
From birth to death, we are linked by blood.
I knew it had a bigger meaning to it!!!
Family...
April 9, 2025
This started off so strong! I feel like that's how I started my review for book 1 as well… I've learned that this series is just not for me. I think I need a deeper plot and more politics and less teenagers being angsty and falling in “love’.
I was excited for Saveneks' story, basically because he was the kid pushed out of his family, and I really felt for him. The brotherhood was interesting, and I really wish we got more of it, rather than Savenek spying (if you can call it that).
I was excited for Saveneks' story, basically because he was the kid pushed out of his family, and I really felt for him. The brotherhood was interesting, and I really wish we got more of it, rather than Savenek spying (if you can call it that).
June 20, 2018
Oath of deception
This was a great story that tells you more of what was happening in other areas at the same time Alyssa was going thru what she was going thru. I hope more books are written I am anxious for Savenik and Alyssa to finally meet face to face. The only down side is the wait until the next book and I hope I don't forget about the series while I wait
This was a great story that tells you more of what was happening in other areas at the same time Alyssa was going thru what she was going thru. I hope more books are written I am anxious for Savenik and Alyssa to finally meet face to face. The only down side is the wait until the next book and I hope I don't forget about the series while I wait
February 24, 2019
Doesn't disappoint
This was a fast paced and interesting read. I enjoyed it. You just have to look past some things that seem silly, like sending 16 year olds out as spies. If you can suspend common sense over those things, it's a great book. It was interesting to see Savenek's life.
This was a fast paced and interesting read. I enjoyed it. You just have to look past some things that seem silly, like sending 16 year olds out as spies. If you can suspend common sense over those things, it's a great book. It was interesting to see Savenek's life.
March 15, 2021
Savenek
Trained in the Brotherhood (a secret spy organization that is loyal to the Emporian crown) since he was seven, now he's ready to join them. His father Nathanek is sent one way on a mission and he is sent on another. He meets up with Ari for the mission and they head into Telmena. There they learn of treachery and barley escape with there lives.
Trained in the Brotherhood (a secret spy organization that is loyal to the Emporian crown) since he was seven, now he's ready to join them. His father Nathanek is sent one way on a mission and he is sent on another. He meets up with Ari for the mission and they head into Telmena. There they learn of treachery and barley escape with there lives.
October 21, 2021
A bit boring and bland. Also, as I said about the previous book, the romance is like a teen novel but the the rest of the things( politics, action and loyalty shown by characters) are very mature so it doesn't mix properly enough for me. Somehow, 16 yr olds doesn't fit this storyline and the mindsets of the characters.
Overall, It was okayish.
Overall, It was okayish.
July 9, 2018
Oath of Deception
At first I was disappointed that this didn’t start where I expected but months before. However, by the end I was pleased to be given those few months to get to know our character. I love that we are getting to see things from Savenek’s side.
At first I was disappointed that this didn’t start where I expected but months before. However, by the end I was pleased to be given those few months to get to know our character. I love that we are getting to see things from Savenek’s side.
April 23, 2019
Interesting turn in the series
I loved seeing some plot points through another characters point of view. Another quick paced story that is a fast but very satisfying read. Will start the 5th book immediately, can't wait to see how it ends!
I loved seeing some plot points through another characters point of view. Another quick paced story that is a fast but very satisfying read. Will start the 5th book immediately, can't wait to see how it ends!
July 4, 2020
I loved Savenek in this book !!
Book 3 and 4 and faaaar better from the first series from the characters to the story building itself
Let’s see how Neco ( Mayras father) will acted in front of Savenek😂😂
Book 3 and 4 and faaaar better from the first series from the characters to the story building itself
Let’s see how Neco ( Mayras father) will acted in front of Savenek😂😂
December 19, 2020
Yes and yes
I really thought I wouldn’t like this book because i wanted to know what happens wit princess Alyssa but it was soooo good. I can’t believe there is only one book left in this series. I know I am gonna what more!!!
I really thought I wouldn’t like this book because i wanted to know what happens wit princess Alyssa but it was soooo good. I can’t believe there is only one book left in this series. I know I am gonna what more!!!
January 14, 2021
This is nice story of Savenek. It was good getting to know more about Allyssa’s twin brother and what he’s been up to. Now I can’t wait to finish off this series with the last book where Allyssa and Savenek meet.
January 23, 2021
Wasn't sure how I'd like it being from Savenek's point of view and I just love Allyssa and wanted to keep going with her, but I loved it! Loved that it told us all these other crazy things that were happening. It was a fun story.
April 22, 2021
Thrilling
I am loving this series from beginning to end! I'm not normally a fan of switching character stories in the middle of the series, but this was well done and so worth it. Can't wait to read the final book!
I am loving this series from beginning to end! I'm not normally a fan of switching character stories in the middle of the series, but this was well done and so worth it. Can't wait to read the final book!
June 20, 2024
It took a bit longer to get into compares to the previous books, but I did eventually get there. It as a fun book and I'm glad I decided to go back to it after taking a small break.
I'm kind of excited to get at least partly back to Alyssa though. I do prefer her storyline.
I'm kind of excited to get at least partly back to Alyssa though. I do prefer her storyline.
June 12, 2018
Needs a help
Found the characters had little back ground. ARI who is she how did she get her skills.. what would have happened if she didn't have a twin.
Found the characters had little back ground. ARI who is she how did she get her skills.. what would have happened if she didn't have a twin.
July 25, 2018
Great read.
Loved seeing a different perspective from his side. A great series for young adults to teens. Can’t wait to read the next book
Loved seeing a different perspective from his side. A great series for young adults to teens. Can’t wait to read the next book
July 27, 2018
Fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews