The Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan is a YA fantasy about a girl caught between two faerie courts and two dangerously seductive princes. Everyone has their own agenda and our FMC, Abriella, must navigate her way through a world cursed by cruel and malevolent rulers in order to fulfill her destiny and rescue her sister.
“Brie hates the Fae and refuses to have anything to do with them, even if that means starving on the street. But when her sister is sold to the sadistic king of the Unseelie court to pay a debt, she’ll do whatever it takes to get her back—including making a deal with the king himself to steal three magical relics from the Seelie court.
Gaining unfettered access to the Seelie court is easier said than done. Brie’s only choice is to pose as a potential bride for Prince Ronan, and she soon finds herself falling for him. Unwilling to let her heart distract her, she accepts help from a band of Unseelie misfits.
Caught between two dangerous courts, Brie must decide who to trust with her loyalty. And with her heart.”
As a fan of YA fantasy, I really can’t believe that it has taken me this long to read These Hollow Vows. I knew when I opened the book to find a map and name pronunciation list that this was going to be my kind of book. Fae books are almost always compared to the bestselling ACOTAR series but there really is no escaping the similarities in this case; at some points, it was verging on fan fiction.
Brie’s painfully limited knowledge of the faerie courts is based on children’s fairy tales, folklore and rumors twisted over centuries. This can become frustrating at times and poor Brie is very easily manipulated by those around her despite the powerful magic that flows through her veins. We soon learn that everyone has their own agenda and I enjoyed trying to decipher their motives and uncover new layers of deception in their bid to win the Throne.
There are two love interests, each with their own connection to Brie. I don’t mind the love triangle element of this book, however, I needed more time with each character in order to become truly invested. Finn, for example, came across as a poor man’s Rhysand without the charisma and power. It’s simply not enough to give him piercing silver eyes and curly dark locks. Although I adored our final scene with him. I have so many questions!
Both of our potential romantic interests continuously use Brie as a pawn and I hope that in the sequel (These Twisted Bonds coming 19th July) she finally harnesses her powers, unlocks her full potential and puts them both firmly in their place. I’d love for her go-to completely off the rails like Wanda AKA The Scarlet Witch as she appears to be one (if not THE) most powerful character in the book despite her naivety.
I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the magical world Ryan carefully cultivated and was genuinely shocked by the unexpected twists and turns that cleverly unraveled from page to page. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. I have so many unanswered questions and theories.
These Hollow Vibes by Lexi Ryan is available HERE. (Affiliate Link)
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