We’re back at it again! Yet another “can’t put it down read” was found in A Promise So Bold And Broken by Sophia St. Germain. Realistically, after that cliffhanger in book one, I was dying to see if Elessia and Merrick could actually pull things together. Rest assured, this sequel totally delivered on the plot, action, and tension.
**Please note: This review contains minor spoilers**
Plot Summary
After saving her rebel friends on the final day of the election, Elessia is on the run.
But the danger is far from over.
As she fights her guilt for betraying Loche, the man she foolishly believed could mend her broken soul, and wrestles with the unexpected emotions stirring within her for Merrick, her fiercely loyal guard, Elessia learns of the rebels’ true plans—plans that threaten every loved one she’s left behind.
But it’s the even greater peril looming on the horizon—the one that could shatter the very foundations of their world—that forces her to decide whether she is willing to embrace her birthright to the Rantzier name and, with the help of Merrick and his band of unwilling warriors, lead the journey to unite the warring factions of Havlands before it’s too late…
Or before the Fae king and human regent find her.
Quality of Writing
Rating: 5/5
When it comes to the quality of the writing in A Promise So Bold And Broken, the dreaded sequel slump was blissfully avoided. Just like the first book, the writing is super engaging and easy to sink into. I was completely addicted and could’ve easily finished the book in one night.
The world building is still digestible without being an info dump, so I never felt lost in the politics or the magic – I just felt like I was right in the thick of it myself!
Plot Development
Rating: 5/5
Although A Promise So Bold And Broken still takes its time in the plot development department, it never feels slow in a bad way. Every single plot device is given enough room to shine and cook to perfection. The tension built naturally from the aftermath of the book one cliffhanger kept the stakes high, and the yearning steamy.
Characters
Rating: 5/5
For me, the character development throughout A Promise So Bold And Broken is where things really shine. Elessia’s growth is massive in this one. Seeing her transition from an exile plagued with guilt to someone ready to embrace her birthright and lead was a total “hell yes!” moment. And then there’s Merrick – rest assured, I was elated when I realized it was always going to be him and not slimy little Loche. Merrick and Lessia’s romantic development feels so earned, because he’s the only one who truly sees and understands her. What’s not to love about that?
Ease of Reading
Rating: 5/5
A Promise So Bold And Broken is the kind of book that makes it easy to stay completely immersed in the world. Just like the first book, the flow is seamless, despite the world of the Havlands being full of politics and magic. The writing is clear enough to avoid needing a glossary to understand what’s happening, and it’s the perfect kind of read for when you want to get lost in a story without the feeling of studying for a term paper.
Ending
Rating: 5/5
Man was the ending of A Promise So Bold And Broken and emotional rollercoaster. After all that growth and hard earned romanced, the final curveball of the separation between Lessia and Merrick felt like a physical gut punch. It’s one of those endings that makes you want to immediately grab the next book just to make sure everyone’s ok. I’m honestly so nervous for Merrick and the rest of the characters!
Would I Recommend This Book
Absolutely! If you loved the first book, you’ll be obsessed with A Promise So Bold And Broken. It’s a rare sequel that totally avoids that pesky middle book syndrome. The stakes are even higher, the romance is way more steamy and intense, and the character growth is sheer perfection. I’m officially addicted to this series and so ready to get started on the next one!
Overall Rating
A Promise So Bold And Broken is a resounding 5 stars. It’s everything a sequel should be: it honors the groundwork of the first book while cranking up the tension, romance, and stakes up a notch. If you’re looking for a book with a slower pace yet exciting plot, incredible character growth, and an ending that will leave you distraught, this is the one.
Book Rating: 5/5
Spice Rating: 2/5
Curious about how I rate my reads? Check out my Rating System Blog Post for more!
Let’s Talk
Do you think cliffhangers are a brilliant hook for the next book, or just plain cruel?
Reading Stack
Previous Book: Divine Rivals
Current Book: A Bond So Fierce And Fragile
Next Book: When The Moon Hatched
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