Oath of the Alpha

Blood Rites Duet #2

by Eva Dresden

Captive. Sacrifice. Ultimate power.

This is Aida’s life now. Among the ruins of her birthright, the Usurper demands the incredible power she harbors for his own. King Er’it will make of her a bloody sacrifice, vowing to steal the magnificent force of her magic.

Yet they are both torn between bitter hatred and savage need as Aida learns what it means to be free and Er’it swears his oaths. An irresistible bond pulls them closer, growing stronger day by day as they near the ultimate end of their journey.

The great King is as helpless as his captive Omega to deny the claim they set upon each other.

In the end, they must discover if the need for power will succeed or if the heart will triumph.


Oath of the Alpha is Book Two in the Blood Rites Duet and must be read after Rite of the Omega. This thrilling dark fantasy Omegaverse with a guaranteed HEA contains truly dark themes and complete power exchange. Scenes are not glossed over, which may be distressing for some readers.

Genres: Omegaverse, Dark, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Enemies To Lovers, Abuse

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2020

About the author

Eva Dresden writes dark romance that lives up to its name with every turn of the page. Her heroines are tragic and strong, her heroes are anything but, and tearing characters apart to see what makes them really tick is a favored past time.

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Smut Omegaverse Stars

I really liked this series. Er'it and Aida had a lot of great chemistry together and I really enjoyed their connection. I'm a sucker for anything omegaverse and this one definitely satisfied my craving for the genre.

I will say that I sometimes had to re-read some parts more than once as it wasn't always 100% clear exactly what was happening; but, I find that to be the case for me sometimes in books involving magical happenings. Or maybe I'm just dumb.

Anyway. Enjoyed this series well enough and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Meredith is a hot mess · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She’s come to mean much more than what you claim, my friend. You teeter at a precipice, threatening to fall into the darkness of your power. Yet I believe Aida has a far more important role to play in your destiny than a meager sacrifice, no matter the power promised you in those insane ramblings of mages long dead.”



They had miles to travel still before a search for a long-lost temple and a rite that needed performed. Somehow, at the end of it, he would have to lay his beautiful mate upon an altar, her body recumbent on the cruel stone dais. It was what he’d sworn to do—acquire the unstoppable power the Hat’or had promised him in visions since his youth.

This has turned into one of the most romantic Omegaverse tales I’ve read. Filled with pain, tragedy, sacrifice, and loss. Yet also hope & renewal. This is the type of dark romance I crave.

✥ Aida

"It used to all be like this. Alive, well. Thriving with the endless cycle of life. When Otaso came, he fouled it all. Stripped what he could, leaving behind something dark and vile. Evil things happen when a people are cut off from the land.

You could make it all like this again. Go to Oscara, return it to its former glory. Become a queen if you’ve a mind. Beautiful and terrible if you’d like."



“This place,” her fingers traveled over the edge of a leaf, the thorny edge piercing soft flesh as she whispered, “It is what was done to it.”

It took no effort at all to call to her magic. The icy blue glow painting her skin caused the leaf to recoil. It collapsed in on itself as she placed her palm upon the leathery stem of its vine.



Aida’s magic connected brilliantly to Er’it. One thing I appreciate about Er’it is the underlying characterization the author gave him. When I finished Rite of the Omega for the first time I hated him, but upon rereading it became clear Er’it chose his dark path with good intentions.


~


One heart is not connected to another through harmony alone. They are, instead, linked deeply through their wounds. Pain linked to pain, fragility to fragility. There is no silence without a cry of grief, no forgiveness without bloodshed, no acceptance without a passage through acute loss. That is what lies at the root of true harmony.

-Haruki Murakami



He knew everything. Salty tracks tickled her cheeks, staining the fine hair at her temples as he riffled through each and every miserable moment of her childhood, the terror of her youth, and even those final moments when Otaso had her upon his dais.

"Ah, kou’vera,” he groaned, his voice thick with an emotion far too close to despair. Er’it intended much the same. She saw it there, hovering between them. A dilapidated temple, a broken shrine, his blade flashing in the low light of dawn. His need for the power residing within her, the arrogant claim that it was his Goddess given right to have it—all of it entangled with smoke and blood, scream-filled nightmares, and the knowledge it would kill him to kill her.



By midday, the scouts returned to announce the location of a ruined castle.“Come,” Er’it murmured. A solemn air pervaded their company as they made their way. Everyone knew Aida’s fate.

The lead up to Er’it & Aida’s moment of truth was so incredibly tragic & romantic. There is a hea, but the journey there so trying yet so beautiful. I’m falling in love with Eva’s books because she takes the reader to the depths of despair before pulling them through to the hea.

Trigger Warnings:

‣Really just dubcon. Both the H & h cave to their impulses around each other almost constantly.

Er'it does not heap abuse upon Aida like he did in the last book. Where Rite left off, Er'it has been drained of power. He doesn't have it in him. With their bond, Er'it & Aida's relationship experiences growth.

‣Purple Prose (haha!) No, I love Eva's descriptive writing, but I get the purple prose criticisms from Rite. The purple prose is thicker in the beginning chapters, if you can hang in there past chapter five it smooths out. There's lots more dialogue in this book. Especially when Aida & Er'it are together.

Btw I understand Eva using a more descriptive style for a historical medieval fantasy setting. For those who preferred the Omega's Destruction trilogy, Eva is returning to that world in her next book, Desperate. I'm getting the sense the purple prose won't be as heavy there (From the blurb & the short story, Cost of Desperation, it didn't use quite as much description)

‣Aida. Aida is not a 'kick ass, strong heroine.' I consider her strong, and she does come into her own in this book. She does assert herself with Er'it, but she does not constantly fight her bond with him. I know that's going to bother some of you guys. I liked Aida's softness and there's an interesting duality with her nature & magic. I think her acceptance of her fate is what ultimately leads to the ending, too. I'm thinking on how to word this without spoiling. Ugh, sometimes when I finish a book I just want to discuss it, which makes it more spoilery. Don't read this unless you want to be spoiled. You have been warned. With their bond, there are deep emotional revelations between Er'it & Aida. They fall in love and really bare one another's souls to each other. Yet Er'it still plans on continuing with the Rite.

Aida's response isn't to fight Er'it, but to make him confront the bond/connection they have. She does stand up to Er'it, but in her own way. That willingness to not leave his side & confront in this way is key to triggering Er'it's protective instincts and is what ultimately leads to the hea imo.



Safety:No cheating, No ow drama. Well, the ow drama is super minor. The ow from the last book does appear, but there is literally no ow angst or anything. Here's the details for those interested under this spoiler tag: The ow, Endi, was one of Er'it's mages in his army. In this book you see Endi complaining about Aida some, but Er'it reprimands her. Literally Er'it doesn't give Endi the time of day. He doesn't flirt, touch, pay her any attention. He's single mindedly focused on Aida the entire time. Eventually he sends Endi away.

HEA: Yes :) This is the final book in a duet.

Word count: 79,000+ words

Note on the length: I will be the first to criticize a series if it feels like it should have been a standalone and was chopped up into pieces. In this case, with this series, I actually felt like it could have been a trilogy. The romance is epic in scale. The world in this series is so rich, I'm saddened this is the last and I hope the author returns to the world she's built here.

*ARC kindly provided by the author.

Notes for myself: There are spoilers here! Please don't read if you haven't read the book!!

One of my favorite aspects to this book is the underlying characterization of Er'it. The connection between Aida & Er'it is so moving in this book too, because of how Eva used 'The Hero's Journey' trope and tied it into the romance.

In the great epics, often women are the downfall of the man. (Off the top of my head I'm thinking of Helen of Troy). In this book Er'it is firm on the path to acquiring as much power as possible. While his intentions started out noble, he has already lost much of his humanity. What's so brilliant about Aida's power being one of nature/renewal is that she's ultimately Er'it's redemption. The key to his humanity as well as providing the people he cares for with a rejuvenated land. *sigh

And I have to say out of all the Omegaverse authors I've read, I think Eva writes the bond the best. In both Destroyed & now Oath...the bonds between the couples are complex, unique to the world, just so much more than in all the other Omegaverse books I've read. I really like Omegaverse books when there's emphasis on the bond and it connects to the world/couple in a unique, dynamic way.

Quotes from Rite of the Omega regarding Er'it's past:

The promise he’d made to his dying mother, the youngest and only surviving son of the great Denath empire. Stolen from his family before he’d even been born, raised in the filth and ashes of a destroyed city with his mother’s curses whispered to him as a lullaby.

Er’it had tried to learn the magic of the land in the beginning. He’d done well with it, too. Under Tor’en’s tutelage, he’d blossomed into a promising young mage. It wasn’t enough. Not enough to save his mother, or the destitute people he’d come to call his own. It hadn’t stopped the raiding party from shoving the spear into his mother’s gut and setting the entire village on fire. It was then he’d chosen. Watching his mother’s lifeblood seep around the ragged end of the spear, he’d known what he had to do. The venom in the liquid pools of amber that were his mother’s eyes ordering him to do it. To be what he needed to be to protect them all. So he had done it. Thrown all caution to the wind and gulped down his mother’s hot blood, sobbing the entire time. Gagging by the end of it when the light snuffed out from her gaze. It was Tor’en who led him up to the sandy dunes, told him what he needed to do to finish his rite of passage. Tried to warn the vengeful child Er’it had been of the dangers to come.

The land was claimed in his name, and now people would expect him to fix this mess. The Hat’or only knew how much they had endured under Otaso’s rule all these years, and now to have their very land threatened, watching it wither away every cycle…It would take generations for the land to heal itself, dozens of cycles just for the farmers to do more than scrape by without losing half their crops and animals. A little less time if a mage were to feed power back into the mountains. Easier still to sacrifice a few thousand and let their blood-soaked corpses drain into the parched dirt, though far more gruesome and not what the Aeslomorans had asked for.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A monumental ending to an epic story

His pride fell to ash, the arrogance of his ego dust as he murmured the pleading words against her slack lips. Er'it begged with his heart in a raw ruin within the softness of her palms, his soul hers to do with as she wished if she would but open her eyes. He would no let her go, not now, not ever.

At the end of book #1 I really didn't care for Er'it, but in book #2 I'm pleased to report that he redeemed himself admirably. And it wasn't through grand gestures or sweeping statements but in small moments and tiny detail. Aida is a true dichotomy, easily cowed, gentle of nature and delicate as bone china yet also as strong as steel, ready to stand against injustice and to protect others. Together this pair have a connection, a chemistry, a bond that eclipses time and space but is powerful enough to bring about the end of times too.


All along Er'it has been honest in his deadly intentions for Aida. His gods have shown him the way, but that way ends with her as sacrifice. In Rite of the Omega his treatment of Aida was beyond deplorable, it was horrific, inflicting both physical and mental harm. This book begins where that book left us, and whilst it appears that Aida may well have exchanged the frying pan for the fire, it does have some benefits.


A very cleverly woven plot thread, involving Er'it and the sources of his magical power, transitioned what could have felt like an abrupt change in his character, instead affording it a more believable mien. Er'it remained the same growly, hard and demanding Alpha, but with Aida no longer subject to the whims of his vehemence. Still determinedly set on the path ordained by his gods, it made his tender attitude to Aida feel even more cruel than his violent one did.


It took me a long time to appreciate the dreadful sacrifice that Er'it was willing to make for the sake of his people. I was amazed that the author could turn my mind so completely. What at first seemed a selfish choice to me, an evil decision, morphed into the most selfless act of self-sacrifice. A bad thing done for incredibly good reasons, and a choice that would not leave Er'it unscathed.


I totally believed in the depth of love this pair held for one another. Felt every drop of blood, bead of sweat and shed tear as though it were my own. This tale is gripping, powerful, tumultuous, heart-rending, intense and prodigious. A book you don't want to put down, a story you can't stop reading, a couple you never want to leave behind.

The Blood Rites Duet is one I highly recommend to those who enjoy dark romance, dark fantasy and omegaverse tales.

[Birjis · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Joyless mirth scalded her insides, burning her up into nothing but an empty shell of bitter despair. She didn’t understand her need for him—why she would crave his presence, his very touch—when he hurt her so. Er’it had little need of her beyond what pleasure he got from her body and what would be his upon her death. He cared nothing for her feelings, wanted nothing to do with her heart. So why, then, did she seem so eager to give it to him?'

Joy or mirthless, Aida, I can't explain why I want Er'it too. He can't be symphatized but can be redeemed. He is savage and cruel.
I'm amazed how the Omegaverse is used with magic (besides Zoey Ellis'syth of Omega world), I absolutely enjoyed it. Nothing is soft and pure in this world besides Aida. This book has extreme violence but here Er'it treatment towards Aida is much affectionate.

Oath of the Alpha starts right from where the previous book ended with that dreadful cliffhanger. Aida learns of her powers, her birth, upbringing and background is revealed. Aida is so powerful, all-giving and very stubborn. Her neivete is so endearing. She comes as valuable to all people and Er'it in most cases with his harsh treatment almost kills her. Er'it's determination to complete his quest sometimes forms a discordance in his possessiveness for Aida. His feelings are foreign and confusing. I savour his tender side. As the story shows his barbarous treatment to Aida it radically shows how he comes to care for her unknowingly.

I marvel this world build - the landscape, the period of the story setting, the use of Omegas and the characters names. Personally I find Eva Dresden's heroes as actual Alpha. She doesn't blur their image by softening them. They are cruel, savage, possessive and territorial of their mates. Also her heroes are not so easily liked too. I re-read all of this authors books twice, now I want to erase her stories from my head and start it again.

[Jena · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF terrible writing, can’t deal with it anymore.

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this five stars because I felt legitimately sad that I’d never get another book with these characters again after I was finished. But I am very excited for the Rhyn book I know is eventually coming. His dynamic with that mage (her name is escaping me right now) was so interesting.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I love this series! It's a dark omegaverse HEA, though, from the way things ended, there is likely to be a continuation. Yes, please.








In this book, Er'it and Aida are traveling with his royal caravan to the sacrificial temple of Aida's homeland. Where per the will of Er'it's god, he plans to sacrifice Aida. He knows what he must and will do, she knows that he'll do it despite her unwillingness.





Mages, fantastical creatures, old magic, and ruins are a couple of things that make up this book. I didn't miss the Hades and Persephone allusion. Er'it is a blood mage with darkness in him, is darkness, is more broken than he realizes. Aida, the spring, the balm to Er'it's soul, is not one to hold grudges but has a strong will and character. Er'it is a powerful alpha and Aida has great omega power but is unable to wield it with control. Two strong and powerful characters, a battle of wills.



The book also makes me think of Final Fantasy x and x-2 quite a bit.

It was strange to see on these faces, with their pale gold skin and mismatching hair. From the deepest brown to the brightest red. Aida has dark eyes, dark curls with a bit of red (dark highlights perhaps). In the story, Er'it's caravan is heading North through the snow, to reach Aida's homeland. She comes from a fantastical land that reminds me of my father's family, brunettes and redheads of Northern Spain. Er'it comes from the sands. I made a connection.



I signed up to Eva Dresden's email subscription from a link at the end of her book and received a 1 chapter bonus story, Blood Rites. It includes Aida, Er'it and their children. <3

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood magic, sex magic, earth magic, and two stubborn medieval soul mates is a recipe for a great romance. She is a brunette with red in her hair that comes from a cold land in the mountains that reminds me of my motherland Asturias, España.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a novel with the omegaverse universe and there were some things I needed to google search.

All in all, a very sexy and interesting read but definitely the story had more erotica.

[Serialbookstarter:Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 First off I hate books where the H plans to kill the h. That goes on to the last chapter. The writing is hallucinogenic. I swear the augg the hor is tripping on Shrooms! The book is so descriptive that the story gets lost in the LSD like rhetoric. It’s a cacophony of words that make your Brain hurt as you try to make sense of the swirling colors and energy. Is it magic? Or was the author tripping? The H is dragging the h behind his horse not giving her food or water all day for most of the first book. What a peach. After she’s passed out from heat exhaustion and has most of her skin scrubbed off from being dragged he has rough on sex with her 10 times
per night. There’s so much omega sex it gets boring. Just when you think he’s through for the night, he gives her a bath and then fcks her 10 more times. All the while planning to murder her right up to the last chapter of book 2. She stays weak and he remains an asshole extroidinaire. Her character is woefully underdeveloped and he’s like the Great Khan in mage form.

[Puss'N'Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by PussnBooks.net



Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.


Holy moly! This book was jam-packed with action and testosterone!
I loved it!

Once again Eva blew me away with the world-building and characters that made me wish they were real.

Seriously...I wanna be an Omega.
Don’t Scoff!!! I know you’ve thought it a time or two yourself! :-)

AIDA
This poor wee soul doesn’t know what the hell is going on in her life.
Whether she’s coming or going.
Who to trust or avoid.
Is it lust or love?
Is there anyone out there on her side?
She really goes through it in this book, peeps and my heart goes out to her.
Although she seemed timid and lost in book one she finds an inner strength she never knew she had in book two!

And you know how I love it when a wee slip of a lass bares her teeth to the towering alpha, right?
She evolves beautifully in this book and I loved watching her blossom and find her footing.

ER’IT
Ooft! I spent a good part of this book wanting to twist his nads between my fingernails and pull. That seems oddly specific, right? That’s because I had the pleasure of doing exactly that to a cheating ex-husband...while he lay sleeping...yes, I have rage issues.

Anyway, this guy can be quite the cunt and he just does not see what he has right in front of him!

In saying that...I also wanted to dip him in chocolate sauce and then lick it all off.
I can’t help it. I love the alpha-holes!

His internal struggle was an intense one too though and this story brings out all the feels.

SEX SCENES
Daaaayyyyuuuuummm!

Thrusting his tongue deep inside her to draw out more of her slick, he rumbled against her just to hear her feathery moan turn into a squeal. He continued until she was dazed and unable to do more than twitch beneath his hungry lips. Tearing at the front of his trousers, Er’it freed his cock as he climbed up her body. Driving in to the hilt with a single thrust had them both grasping at the other, moaning at the delicious ache of it. So tight it almost pained him, her body gripped his shaft, rippling around the throbbing length of it as he forced himself to pull back. As glorious as it was to be inside her, the pleasure doubled when he shoved home again. Letting her nails rake down his back, Er’it wrapped her shoulders in a tight grip, pulling her into every vicious thrust as he quickened his pace. Lost in the thick, wet sounds and the slapping of their hips, he struggled not to fall over the brink. He ravaged her mouth with teeth and tongue as she brought her legs higher on his hips to meet every forward lunge, pulling him tighter as she keened against his lips. Er’it snarled a curse, pleasure working down his spine with cruel fingers as she fluttered around him. Hooking an elbow at her nape, he held her still to shove a hand between them, grinding his thumb against the pert nub of her clit. Her eyes were wide and vibrant as she found her release. Screaming into his mouth, she let him take in her savage sounds before the wringing twist of her sheath pulled him along after her. As the thickness of his knot forced through the tight ring of her flesh, he drove it in deep until he struck the very end of her. Locked tight behind her pubic bone, he roared as his body quaked with release.

FINAL THOUGHTS on OATH OF THE ALPHA by Eva Dresden
The world-building was spectacular and the characters were right there with me...in my bedroom...or was that just another fantasy? A brilliant end to an amazing story. Also, I have never laughed so hard at hearing someone called a “Slug-fucker”!


GET IT FROM AMAZON UK HERE

GET IT FROM AMAZON USA HERE

[Lorrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so Er'it redeemed himself quite a bit by the end of the book, but I still thought he was a total douche throughout the majority of it. Aida didn't get as much of a spine as I was hoping for but she did stick up for herself a time or two. I don't know...it was a nice ending but I think I enjoyed the first book a little better. I wasn't expecting that last bit at the end though.

[Grisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars and much much more than that!

It is really satisfying when a series' conclusion confirms all the epicness that it promised in its first instalment. And OotA totally delivers on that point 😍🤩. The plot imagined by ED was so rich and lush, and justly placed the romance between Er'it and Aida at its center in a compelling manner. I feel that their story had to be told, like something would have been amiss in the reading world if it had not. Few books can pretend to that status in my appreciation and I am so thankful that ED shared this story.

Now that I have had the chance to read both books, I can now see how the core of the story is the growth of the Alpha-Omega relationship between Aida and Er'it. While in RotO their meeting was a primal clash drowned in raw and uncontrolled emotions (and led to much misunderstanding, frustration and grief between the H/h), in OotA the element of magic and fate rise up to a crescendo to bind and entangle our H/h in an irrepressible and majestic way. Their romance was written in the stars and aptly, "Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined, bloodshed. EPIC." as would say Logan Echolls 😍 *sweet faint*

And here, the purplish prose of the ED plays an immense and central role to convey the right feelings and emotions to the reader. I say 'purplish' because her prose is not purple at all. It may feel difficult to read compared to the average book, but it is never OTT and extraneous. Every description serves its purpose to build on the imagery and transport the reader in the evocative world building of ED. In OotA, the magic within Aida manifests itself fully to the fore. What we witnessed furtively at the start of RotO and in its last chapter barely let us see what ED had prepared for OotA. Here, the purplish prose sublimes the description of Aida's magic to the lyrical level. The clash of her chaotic power with Er'it's was each time such a beauty to behold, upended by the 'marriage' of their powers in a mix of wondrous colours and the healing flora springing magically everywhere (those heart shaped flowers *sigh*). Add to that the sensuality and urgency of each of their matings which created yet more magical sparks and the epic status of their romance is undeniable.

As a romance reader, I was never attracted to the magic element in my reads. But ED's story is certainly one of a kind. I liked that Aida's magic is so closely linked to her emotional self. It was a genius concept since Aida, as an Omega, was basically a very emphatic and pure soul. I also liked how Aida and her magic helped Er'it to heal. The fact that her magic purged him of his "reserves" was not a random plot element. As a blood mage, Er'it chose the dangerous path of cumulating power through the death and blood of countless people over years (probably decades) and this was slowly guiding him into the same path as Otaso, where evil was no longer something to be combated as a form of retribution and revenge, but where he would become pure evil himself, with no humanity left. Though Aida's magic was chaotic and difficult to be controlled by young and untutored Aida, it had a power of its own to redress what needed to be healed. Hence, it transformed Er'it's bloody power back to his intrisic self (gold and red instead of crimson and bloody) and it healed Aida's homeland of the sludgy evilness that had pervaded it. And it is her pure power that ultimately saved Aida and Er'it's soul just when Er'it was still determined to sacrifice Aida to fulfill his promise to his people - not that he would have gone through it imho. But the storm unleashed proved to Er'it and his people that more good could come out from their joining together than their self-sacrifice.

Also, one very central theme marvelously recounted by ED in OoTA, is the Omegaverse lore. There is no other way to say it than ED took the basic elements of the genre and elevated them to a never seen before (in my angle) summum of epicness. Will it ever be equaled or exceeded? Alpha-Omega, Beginning and Ending. And this is exactly what poetically ED depicted in this book. Er'it was seemingly powerful on his own but he did not know that he was incomplete without Aida. Aida was helpless on her own but could not come into her unsurpassed power without Er'it's guidance and love.

"I've never known love," Aida repeated, taking a deep breath to firm her resolve, "but I would think it feels like this. To want and be wanted, protect and be protected. It feels like a warm fire on a cold eve[], the sun on my face, the thrill of sparks drifting into the night. It is all these things, held tight in my heart. I feel you there. Your heart, your breath, your very soul. They're tangled with my own, and they will not be pulled apart so easily."

I fell in love of the way ED brought in the elements of nesting, claiming marks and emotional bonding into Er'it and Aida's love story. It was as if we were at the beginning of time when the new world first rediscovered the Alpha-Omega power, without reliable history, but only instinct and fate guiding them on what needed to be done, as if OotA was the beginning of all Omegaverse books. This is presumptuous of me, but I am unshamedly in love with the concept and feeling. Let me write it down for the record: the scenes where all these were described (in the marvelous purplish prose) were so transcendentally hot and steamy, omg 🥵🔥🔥. So much raw, primal and elemental sensuality.... *sweet faint* A thousand times thank you, Eva Dresden!

Er'it was a wonderful Alpha in this book. Still rough and cold at times (only by duty, from my perspective), he was all deliciously growly, possessive and protective. And though his love declaration was a bit late (though, I am convinced he already felt it but was only bound by this oath to his people), it was a mountain of eloquence for a so usual gruff Alpha. Aida was purity itself (even with her numerous shrieks and tears - but keep in mind that she is still so young and her emotions and power chaotic) and the epitome of the delicate but strong beyond measure Omega. Cedar and Summer, Snow and Spring. Omg, a match made in sweet heaven 😍...!

The epilogue was hot sweetness itself and I also read the ending blurb and the extended epilogue. I would like to think that this duet was the first volume of an epic saga that ED may or may not revisit someday. Clearly, for me, the extended epilogue would serve as the ending Er'it and Aida's personal saga. Any dangers and adventures that may be recounted based on the ending blurb (where if I am not mistaken Endi would play a very evil role with the help, or not, of Rhyn) would probably happen between the end of OoTA and the extended epilogue which points at a HEA. If ED never revisits this world, I would be happy with this duet and content to forget the end blurb. But if she does, my heart will be happy to follow as I am sure that Er'it and Aida's love will endure any storm. And further to that, ED could also recount their children's fate in a further saga. All in all, ED has created an extraordinary world, so full of possibilities and avenues that could be explored (the different magic, the past woes and wars, the background of the H, the mystery of omegas, the history of Denath, the divinities and the prophecies... so much) and which this duet has only touched upon, yet already in such an essential and powerful manner. And, if I had the wealth to do it, this should absolutely be a movie (or Tv show), to be depicted in all its glory, smut, magic and all - well over GoT et al!

P.S.: Fun note - the way they continously ripped their clothing, I am guessing that Er'it must be travelling with a wealth of fabrics 🤣 But jokes apart, the way they always needed each other (even after carefully bathing!) was just damn hot and sweet 😍🔥!

P.S.2: Side trivia note - the only Omegaverse element that I didn't like in the book, is that Aida's perfume affects other males too. This is not unique to this book and is quite common in the genre, so I am not weighing that against the book. To my mind, a fated bond would lead to the attraction, every aspect of the attraction, being unique to the two leads.


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My review for Book One: here

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying HEA. There is a suggestion at the end of this story that there may be more stories set in this universe and let me just say



Some minor notes. Blood Rites Duet reminded me of Sleeping Beauty and of Naomi Novik's Uprooted, because there is this idea of a woman trapped in a tower and of unnatural, enchanted forest growth that can be healed/reversed through the heroine's awakening. I think this added to the fantasy element. Er'it also has the best pet names for Aida. From the ironic "princess" to "kou'va" or "kou'vera", ate it up!

[M'Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly don't know what to make of this book. This book kinda made me want to stop reading omegaverse books in general.
I hated the way Er'it treated Aida. Even though it got better till basically the end of the damn book.
The entire book was them having rough sex, him abusing her yada yada . It was a repetitive boring ass cycle.
The character development wAs so poor.
Yeah this was kinda bad for me. Waste of time. NEXT!

[Darkreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oath of the Alpha is book two in the Blood Rites Duet and it picks up right where Rite of the Omega left off. This book continues the epic omegaverse fantasy romance between Er'it and Aida. My favorite books have always been the ones that make me feel. And Eva Dresden writes the kind of stories that wring every emotion out of me. Oath of the Alpha is no different in that respect. I was as conflicted when it came to my feelings for Er'it as Aida. His cruelty and single-minded determination to see his mission through clashed with the moments of tenderness and fierce possessiveness. I really enjoyed the character development arcs that Ms. Dresden created for both MCs. The changes were so subtle and well-paced and the essence of both characters as well as their relationship remained true to its tumultuous nature. While I really enjoyed seeing Er'it's unraveling and acceptance of his feelings for Aida, it was her growth and quiet strength that really dug into my heart. Eva Dresden definitely puts her heroines through the wringer, but she makes it all worth it in the end. This book kept up with the raw and brutal sensuality of book one, however, the emotion that was now woven into those encounters made them that much more satisfying. I was enthralled by the lush fantasy landscape created by Ms. Dresden. She took the time to paint a vivid picture of the magical world that is as deadly as it is beautiful. There are so many interesting side characters here that are just begging for their own stories. I would certainly enjoy visiting this world again!

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this second book in the duet, gave me a headache. It became very hard to follow, lots of flowing , wordy and honestly confusing in the beginning chapters. I almost gave up reading. However the prospect of finding something more kept me pushing through to the end.
With more dark magic following Aida, and leading Er'it to be crazed over her willing escape. He fights to bring her back to him, as she seeks the truth about herself. With a witch giving her information about her past and who and what she is, the darkness that followed her from her past haunts the grounds upon which they tread.

There are some scenes that may be triggering to readers new to the Omegaverse and this author's work as a whole, so be patient and read slowly. There is light at the end of this dark forest.

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Er'it. I thought that I only hated him in the first book. I know that there were times in this one where I well and truly hated him. And the thing is, that I hated him after there might be a chance that he could redeem himself, mostly because he would get so close and then boom. I did eventually stop hating him though.

I love seeing the growth that Aida goes through. She really becomes so strong and so powerful in herself during this book. It's amazing to watch.

[Ruba · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Just couldn't bring myself to finish it. Terribly uninteresting main character (Er'it), terrible writing (sometimes you just have to move on confused because it's not clear what's happening). Happy Aida escaped, and there I stopped with this book.

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in Er'it and Aida's duet; since this begins with the cliffhanger Rite of the Omega ended on, you absolutely must read both or you will be lost. I also want to provide trigger warnings for extreme violence in both books, though Er'it doesn't abuse his omega in this one. While this ends definitively for the couple, the epilogue hints that one character will cause problems for them in a later book (so, a trilogy rather than a duet?).

I'm just going to come right out and say that although I know that the Omegaverse is a huge cottage industry with many loyal fans, I've always found the Omega Trope to be lazy writing: I mean, how much effort do you have to put into building a connection between the MC when they're ruled by their hormones? While I understand that the emotional connection does develop, I still feel as though at least 50% if not more of any relationship-building is bypassed via this trope. In addition, even given the Omega trope, we need a reason to root for the couple that goes beyond "betraying body syndrome."

That said, if you enjoy this trope, you will probably enjoy this. While I understand that many were turned off by the ornate prose, it didn't bother me since I'm a fan of such authors as Joyce Carol Oates and Angela Carter. I do understand readers' frustrations at the lack of clarity (I had to read some paragraphs more than once simply to follow basic action) and I did find much of this repetitious (how often does Aida need to scream, lose consciousness, be pulled behind a horse, etc?). I don't think both books needed to be this long.

Though I was glad that Aida came into her powers and showed some strength, her attraction for -- apart from said Omega Trope -- Er'it remains inexplicable given his severe treatment of her that only by the magic of fiction doesn't kill her. And this is where the book lost me. While I thought that the world-building (inspired as much by the War of the Roses and A Game of Thrones as by Omegaverse erotica) was detailed, I found the characters' motivations incoherent. Why, for example, if Er'it needs Aida alive -- at least for the moment -- does he nearly kill her with ill-treatment? If she's so valuable, why do so many people nearly kill her? And what, exactly, does Aida ultimately want? She seems so ambivalent about every situation she's in -- including those she can get out of -- that I never felt that I understood her inner emotions and thought processes. While I get that characters can be ambivalent -- even irrational -- at some point for the sake of narrative and thematic coherence, they must ultimately display some consistency.

3 stars.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea how Eva does it, but she has written another fantastic book that has left me feeling all the emotions... horrified, shattered, sad, joyful, irritated, angry and hopeful I found myself feeling all these emotions while reading this story.

This is another of Eva's stories I have read that after reading it has left me speechless and no idea what to say in a review, other then i was utterly amazed by it and couldn't put it down. I was not able to put this book down once I started reading it til I reached the end.

It would be hard to explain why I felt all of these while reading this story without giving away spoilers. That is not something I will do. What i can and will do is recommend everybody to go read this amazing story now. It is not a story that should be missed! From the ending of the book it appears there might be more to this story to come or at least a spin off series. I desperately hope so. I would love to know more about this world, and see what the future holds in store for Aria and Er'it.

[Jessika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart stopping thrill ride, filled with dangerous magic, a possessive Alpha, and an Omega at the center of it all!
I LOVED this book. I highlighted so many sections of text that were just so raw and beautifully worded. I also love that this author blends quite a few unique and highly descriptive words into her writing. (For example, licentious, which I'm not sure I've ever read in a book, but I love that word now!)
After the brutal and cruel treatment Aida was subjected to in the first book, I thought for sure the only thing that would redeem Er'it would be him groveling for forgiveness at her feet. We are given more answers to Aida's past, however she doesn't share what she finds out from the witch with Er'it. The two continue to push each other and try to deny what they both feel for one another due to the inevitable heartache that it will lead to. Until they litterally can't fight it any more. Their surrender to one another is slow and fraught with setbacks, but so worth the wait.
I can't recommend Eva's books enough for people who like dark stories and/or Omegaverse books. They are feral and raw and dark, but they showcase every emotion taking the reader along for the ride, making them feel every ounce of the intensity. She takes you to the darkest point in the character's story,not skimping on the gory details, and then she leisurely brings back the positive emotions, until you dare venture to hope for the characters again.

[Jedd · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

The scenes prior to the 50% of this book I found to be redundant and unnecessary, except for the part about that witch telling Aida her past.

I never really understood what was going on with Er’it most of the time. He was so bipolar throughout the entire book that by the time he was being sappy and in love with Aida, I didn’t really care anymore.

Aida, on the other hand, I figured to have gained a backbone somewhere after 65%, I think.

I wasn’t able to build a connection with both Aida and Er’it, unfortunately. So I finished this book not really caring about what happens to them.

An omegaverse setting where no one seems to have an idea what the different roles are.

[Nicole BHam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange

It had a good premise. But man did it drag and so much internal dialogue and you bounced around a lot. Finally it was just a repeat of the same scene multiple times I have up.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

Tons of hot angry sex with little explanation for the why is he so angry part. I didn’t like this part as much since the hot cold got tiring.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Oath of the Alpha. I wasn't sure if I would, but it hit all the right notes for me.

In the first book Er'it's behavior was over the top antihero, so how could he redeem himself in a genuine way? Especially given the course he set out for himself?

I don't like it when romance books take the hero, with all his flaws, we hated yet were drawn to in the beginning, and he become a pale neutered version of himself by the end. This did not happen. Dresden showed us, in an organic way, as the story unfolded, the core of Er'it's character, and we find him at the end, a man whose strengths are no longer being used to against himself. His determination to complete his goal is admirable, though his "The ends justify the means" mentality not so much. It asks the age old question of at what point has your journey to victory become Pyrrhic. In a way where you are becoming the enemy you hated.

His connection to Aida allows him to connect with life in a way he had closed himself off to prior. The romantic connection was between the two was palpable, and I was completely absorbed in the story. I enjoyed the way the elements of nests, claims, and heats weren't "explained" just experienced in the world she created.

Definitely this and Rite of the Omega should be on your "to read" list if you are in the mood for a hea that requires an alpha antihero, a captive omega heroine, and an arduous, yet totally worthwhile, journey of self-discovery to get there.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still a bit torn when it comes to Er'it
I admit he did a complete 180 but that doesn't wash the blood from his hands IMO. Had he not been so arrogant he may have seen beyond his fears. Dresden did a magnificent job of making me believe Er'it was slowly losing his fight to the mating call. Had his capitulation been too swift I wouldn't have believed it.
Aldia was a bit tough to swallow in this second book. I just felt like she was unbalanced, for lack of a better word. I had to remind myself that Aldia had spent a lifetime cowering under the manipulative whims of a mad man so her first response was still to tuck tail and comply. She was fighting that response though a bit of learning curve was present as she went. When she did stand up for herself she was a force to be reckoned with.

This closes on a happy for now but we all know the darkness still lurks in the shadows and all this bliss is only temporary

I dropped a star 🌟 because I had a bit of trouble processing the opening chapters - It wasn't because of the storyline - I was enchanted and emotionally invested here as I was with book one- Just the beginning felt distant? for me. Took me a bit to reconnect.
I am hoping a certain general, as well as "teacher", get their own HFN's

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw. That's the only way to describe how I feel. Like my skin has been shredded from my body and I'm lying broken on the ground. My emotions are high, there is a constant lump in my throat, and tears are swimming in my eyes. There have been very few authors who break me, but I'm broken. Now I need to try to put the pieces back together, and I know they won't fit just right. For the rest of my life I will remember this story. It will haunt me and I will return to it again and again because it has ripped out a part of my soul. From beginning to end, this one is brutal, gloriously brutal. There are few moments of calm, and I cling to those moments, even knowing that when they are ripped away I will be left with more wounds. Those wounds will heal, but I will never be the same, and I will wear the scars proudly. I will fondly remember the gut-wrenching pain I went through to get them. So congratulations, Eva Dresden, for writing something so magical and beautiful to have become part of my psyche. Aida and Er'it have become part of me. Their story will be one that others will be measured against, forever more.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely better than my first attempt with this author which was a rare DNF have to check of this is newer because she my be improving.

Issues:
So little dialogue like hardly any at all in the first book and only slightly improved in this book. The complete lack of dialogue makes it hard to like or dislike characters because you don’t get a strong sense of their personalities and who they are.

The males in her stories tend to be overly heartless and cruel. I am not sure what the line is here because I love dark erotica, maybe because theirs no sexual component to the cruelty 🤷‍♀️

There are a fair number of times I have no clue what is going on or happening. I’m sorry to say this is just poor writing.

Good:
There was an interesting component to this book. Omega’s have been gone from this world for so long that nobody really knows anything about them. No knowledge of heat, mates, bonding, nesting, etc. It’s interesting to watch the hero and heroine work through this on instinct alone. FYI instincts are hot!

It’s solid omegaverse Everything I love about Alpha’s and Omegas is here and enjoyable.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Omegaverse, if you don’t know what it is, please take the time to look it up before you judge this book. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s DEFINITELY Mine.
*Grins*
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.

No Spoilers.
HEA(?): Yes!
Dark(?): It’s not as dark as I wanted, but that’s just me. 2.5ish/5
Heat: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 4-4.5/5
Relationship Type: MF
Pacing : Mid/Fast to Fast

While I did enjoy this book, I Kinda think this book should’ve been a trilogy rather than a duet.
The book seemed a tad fast, and it seems like I didn’t get all my questions answered. I almost think there were to many scenes with Kal (the Phylix), but that could be just me. Visualizing parts of the book seemed to be muddled, or hard to picture. It took a lot longer for me to read this book than it usually would. It almost seems like important scenes were missing as well, and to me there wasn’t many breathing areas in the book.
But don’t take this review negatively, I did enjoyed it very much, especially the epilogue!