These Hollow Vows Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
In These Hollow Vows, Lexi Ryan tells the story of Abriella “Brie” Kincaid, a skilled thief barely scraping by in the human world. When her sister, Jas, is sold to the ruthless king of the Unseelie Court to settle their debts, Brie throws herself into a desperate mission. To rescue Jas, she travels into the perilous fae realm and must steal three powerful artifacts from the Seelie Court. Along the way, she meets two princes: Ronan, whom she must charm, and Finn, who teaches her to embrace shadow magic and resist betrayal. The story unfolds in a richly imagined fae world divided between Seelie and Unseelie politics, and Brie faces impossible choices—between trust and deception, loyalty and love.
Why I Love This Book
I love the tension that builds page after page. I enjoy how I never fully trust anyone, because Brie herself is always guessing—and so am I. I love how Brie blends cunning and vulnerability. She’s clever and resourceful, but also naïve in ways that feel real. I love how I felt both frightened and excited by the fae courts—I felt every shift in power and every whispered secret. I love how the romance is messy and unpredictable. I wasn’t sure who Brie should trust or choose, and that kept me hooked. I love how the world-building is just enough: I understood the magic and the politics without feeling overwhelmed. I love how my heart raced when Brie used her shadow skills or outsmarted someone. It made the stakes feel alive.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy fae fantasy with political intrigue, morally grey characters, and a heroine torn between two compelling princes, you'll love this novel. If you like YA fantasy that moves fast, with layered magic and hard choices, this is a good fit.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains themes of abduction, manipulative relationships, and violence. I think it's important to approach this one with caution and check the trigger warnings in advance.
Tagged As
young adult fantasy, fantasy romance, fae, faeries, enemies to lovers, love triangle, shadow magic, forbidden romance, magical relics, political intrigue, strong heroine, rescue mission, dual court rivalry, steamy romance, series, HEA
Steam Level
There’s some spice here—romantic tension and a few intimate moments—without tipping into graphic content. The focus stays on building attraction and danger rather than explicit descriptions.
