Vicious Vows

Mad Magic Saga #2

by Nicole Conway

Josie Barton is a force to be reckoned with. After defeating the infamous Unseelie Lord, Fir Darrig, and joining the fight to bring peace to the divided faerie courts, her life has only grown more complicated. Working for the King of the Faeries and chasing down spell-slinging troublemakers is a full-time gig, and it turns out balancing a normal human life and a world of mad magic is much more challenging than she thought. But as a powerful fledgling sorceress determined to prove herself, now isn't the time to start backing down.

Especially when whispers of an ancient darkness--the same evil that drove the faeries from their homeland ages ago--begin rippling through the court. And when prominent members of the Seelie Court also vanish in the wake of the appearance of a rival sorcerer, Josie knows she can't afford to waste a single second on doubt.

Partnered with her roguish changeling soulmate, Josie must brave the twisted world of magic, spells, and secrets once again. This time, however, a new enemy has emerged from her long-buried past that may push her abilities to the brink. Can Josie find the strength to stand against someone that close to her heart? Or will past pain force her hand to turn against the man she loves?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Audiobook, Paranormal, Fiction, Young Adult

Paperback

First published September 8, 2020

About the author

Nicole Conway is originally from North Alabama and attended Auburn University. She is happily married and enjoys writing as a full time career.

Best known for her international bestselling fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES - Nicole is currently working on a follow-on series, THE DRAGONRIDER LEGACY. Her other published works include MAD MAGIC, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN STARS, SCALES (Releasing Spring 2019), and RENEGADE RUNNER (2021).


Nicole is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel.

Reviews

[Catherine McLeod · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointed with this one. I was looking forward to the continuation of Mad Magic and it delivered. But the end had a really long flashback that seemed out of place for the book and then abruptly ended. I’m onto the next book in the series which picks up in the next moment and I’m hoping will provide some resolution. But this one left me hanging and ended poorly for me. I’m still looking forward to the next in the series!

[Tally Vivarais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I like it: 5★
Does it fit the genre: 5★
Does it do what it's trying to do: 5★
Storyline: 4★
Writing style: 3★
Characters: 4★
Plot Twists: 5★
Pacing: 3★

Overall: 4★

AND THAT'S HOW YOU WRITE A SEQUEL.
Unique Storyline? Check.
Still connected to the original plot? Check.
Character development? Check.
Not entirely different personalities? Check.

Beautiful. Just beautiful. Reading from the different perspectives were amazing. I will admit that I got a little lost when her brother was randomly introduced into the plot since he made absolutely no sense. I thought I understood it in the end of the book from the mom's perspective, but I still don't think I get it. That being said, flawless. It's funny, romantic, interesting, and absolutely adorable. Ulrich is still my favourite character despite being a big himbo.

Not a fantastic main character, I didn't care much for Josie, like she was enjoyable! but the side characters were so much better. that's just a personal preference though.

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 for this one…very mixed feelings tho I definitely enjoy the audio (audible) versions the most, so far! I’ll keep with the series for now! ;))

[Freya Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. But I feel like there should be a book 3. There is so much unfinished business!!! I need answers!! 😫

[Kleri _reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I really like this series and this book was no exemption. I loved it but I have to admit that the second installment feels very different from the first. Josie has learned how to use her powers so she is not the "protected" one like in book one, the romance is also less prominent here comparing to book one, and new people have entered the plot. The pacing and structure is a bit weird as well - especially the ending feels very abrapt, after the flashback. Unlike book one, several things remain unresolved in this book - obviously the expected answers are to come in the next installment...
Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Eldrick and Roxie's storyline was super sweet. The moral messages are fantastic! The twists and turns are interesting! And we finally get some answers about Josie's and Zeph's past and parents.
I'm so looking forward to book 3!

At the moment (31 dec 2023), the whole series is available for free with Amazon Audible subscription! :)

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie's Story . . .

Josie Barton has defeated the infamous Unseelie Lord, Fir Darrig. She is becoming a powerful sorceress and she will need all her skills for what is coming. There are whispers of an ancient darkness the faeries remember from long ago. Then members of the Seelie Court vanish. Partnered with her changeling soulmate, Josie must brave the twisted world of magic, spells, and secrets once again to investigate. But someone from her past will cost her everything if she can’t stand against him. Is this something she cannot win?

[Violet Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I officially am NOT OKAY 😭 I didn't know how book two would go, considering I felt everything was nicely wrapped up in book one, but Nicole Conway did not disappoint! Secrets, lies, and untold truths. Book two definitely makes me feel towards Zeph, and he became more relatable. It was also nice to do a slight flashback to the past to also further explain some of the why's and how's. I can't wait to read book 3!

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicious Vows (The Mad Magic Saga Book 2)

I really enjoyed all the characters , got a little lost in the last chapter because it goes back to 19 years vs adding a novella to this series.Aside from that, this. is a great book! I’d recommend it!!
From the 1st page I was drawn in and it didn’t stop with the last page!!
The cliffhanger has me in a loop.. now onto the last book…

[Justine Cruz-Dukes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was pretty good. I’m not sure why we needed a flashback but it was nice to hear about Josie’s mom and her relationship with the magical world. I did enjoy all of the plot twists with zef being the fairy kings brother and Josie’s brother actually being alive. Interested to see where that goes or if he gets his own spin-off

[Megan Lahiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, these books have me completely baffled! Do I like them, do I not?? I don't know, but I DO know that I'm going to read book 3 cuz I need to know how this whole thing shakes out! Great for new readers to the fantasy genre, great for teens (so far), and they're easy to get into! Not bad, not the best, just fine when comparing it to ACOTAR or Cruel Prince.

[Tina Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Love all the characters Narrative is wonderful definitely going to listen to these books again soon I hope the Author comes out with a Third book for this series of books

[Kara McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read

This book was fast paced compared to the first and ended with quite a little shock for our Main Characters. A near death battle between lovers, a new romance for the king? Fast paced and full 9f action, I couldn't put it down.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series; however, this book was moving along and then the story drops and we go into a flashback- which is interesting but then that abruptly ends? I’m glad I am not waiting for Book 3 to come out and can start it today to hopefully find out where these stories are going..

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was better than the first, but the chapter from the mom's POV was weirdly placed. I think it should have been the first chapter of book 3 instead. Also, I got really bored about half way and thought about DNFing it. Thankfully it picked up.

[Cynthia Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25
Either I fell asleep and missed something or it went back in time and ended on a completely different story line??? Weird.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I didn't see that coming

[Shanell Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was worth the read.

[Elizabeth Allan Lzzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great stepping back into this world. I love the charaters in this series and what a cliff hanger!

[Laura_c_loves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Fantastic!! I absolutely love this series. I adore Josie and Zeph and the rest. I'm excited about reading book 3!