These Twisted Bonds by @writerlexiryan - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thanks so much to @hodderscape & @netgalley for my advanced copy!

Everyone was talking about These Hollow Vows last summer, and for good reason, as it took the tired trope of fae courts but freshened it up more than a little, adding goblins, a twisted love triangle that was not actually quite that predictable, and a what the hell ending that had you craving the next instalment.

These Twisted Bonds starts off really slow, and it will take you a while to get into the characters again if you read the first book when it had just come out, but if you stick with it you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying ending you won’t see coming, high stakes romance that is again not very predictable, and while I’ll leave it there so not to give away any spoilers for either book, if any of what I’ve said here appeals and you’re one of those people who likes to wait until a series is done before digging in for a back to back binge read, I’ve found your hot new fantasy read for the summer!

These Twisted Bonds is out July 16th, so get your pre-order in and add These Hollow Vows to your basket at the same time!

First of all a BIG thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for the advanced reader copy! I’ve been so excited to read this book.

These Twisted Bonds is the sequel of Lexi Ryans new fantasy series.
After Brie (Abriella) was betrayed by everyone she loved and trusted, she finds herself caught between not only two lovers but also a brewing civil war in her country Faerie.

Ryan captured me again. I absolutely loved her first book “These Hollow Vows”. The way she writes about the characters and makes the story so easy to get into, was something that made me fall in love with her books. Ryan continued her great job in this sequel. The character developments were absolutely amazing. Bries inner conflicts about love and politics were well portrayed, the struggles shes having with both Sebastian and Finn undid me. Im a sucker for love triangles and Ryan did SUCH AN AMAZING JOB. I love how she put the focus on the characters while adding more and more to the plot. This book was a top read and if you’ve liked These Hollow Vows, you’ll absolutely love These Twisted Bonds.

These Twisted Bonds will be available on 19th July 2022. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now. You wont regret it.

#Netgalley #TheseTwistedBonds

"Don't lose sight of that darkness in you. Let it serve the light."

Why did I request an ARC for a book when the first bugged me and I despise love-triangles? Oh, that's right: I'm an absolute sucker for anything Faerie and for a poor, brooding dark Prince who needs a little love! 

The first part of this book I found quite slow. I felt it mainly consisted of Brie moaning over the fact that she was "foolish" and "nothing special", "ugly" with her short hair and how she just "can't trust anyone" and wants to be "human again" whilst everyone around her was saying how "stunning" and "special" and "powerful" and "incredible" she was. Girl, you were powerless and abused as a human. You now have the power to make a change  so USE THAT AND STOP MOANING.
It was satisfying that it picked up directly where the first one left off, and even though I struggled with the first quarter of this story, it was actually quite action packed and the story progressed quickly.
This story held my interest a lot more as soon as Finn entered it again (see above for my weakness involved tortured brooding dark princes) and although I CAN'T STAND love triangles, I ended up quite enjoying this. "I could sooner choose to stop breathing than stop loving you"  I am an absolute sucker for romance and I ended up really appreciating the relationships built and developed in this story.

I like the world Lexi Ryan has created, and some of the side characters were absolutely fantastic. Could this have potentially been lengthened to develop characters a bit more and more in depth world building? Sure, but I am happy with the conclusion to this story! 

It's not 100% original, and as per my review for the first one I STILL think it had big ACOTAR vibes, but overall this is a solid fantasy series with romance, Fae, warring courts, character growth and a satisfying end.
You know exactly what you're getting from it and it's a fun ride.

Quick question though....is this meant to be YA or NA? I personally felt that this was pushing the YA genre with the steamy scenes....not complaining mind, but maybe not completely suitable for younger readers of the YA category!

Thank you NetGalley, Lexi Ryan, and HodderBooks for the ARC.

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔

These Hollow Vows ended on a plot twist that left Abriella reeling from the betrayal and heartache she felt after coming to a startling realisation.

These Twisted Bonds picks up right where we left off, as Abriella fights to find the truth amongst a web of lies, and find a place where she belongs in the brand new life and world she finds herself thrust into. Struggling to reconcile the betrayals of both Sebastian and Finn, and the loss of not only her mortal life, but also any hope of seeing Jas again, Abriella faces pain, heartache, and a sacrifice so great that it might just destroy her.

I must admit, I enjoyed this book so much more than I anticipated. I was already invested in Abriella, Finn, and Sebastians' story, and thought this was going to be a book that centred mainly around that aspect of the plot. I was thrilled to find, instead, that the plot was complex and multifaceted, with layered elements and complexities woven throughout it.

While the romance elements are present, These Twisted Bonds is full of so much more. The book revolves around the two warring courts, The Court of the Moon, and The Golden Court. The plot is full of political intrigue, alliances and betrayals, and a fight for justice and peace. I loved that the book gave us a chance to watch Brie grow and develop, and focus on finding out who she is, away from the influences of those who wished to sway her. It was a choice that worked to propel the story beyond a love triangle, and gave Brie and identity of her own. Her personality and character arc were both developed incredibly well, and gave us a deeper understanding of the pain, hurt, and hope that she felt in her soul. It made me fall even more in love with a character I had liked from the start - and gave us a deeper connection with the girl who loved so fiercely, she went into an unknown realm to save her sister.

I appreciated the way the events and unanswered questions of Book 1 were answered in These Twisted Bonds. The initial build-up to these answers was a bit slow, but in my personal opinion this was necessary to lay the groundwork for what was to come in the later parts of the plot. There was a lot to unravel, and if it had been rushed, it would not have worked as well as it did. The development of the romance and love triangle was handled very well too. You fully understood the decisions that Brie, Finn, and Sebastian were forced into making, and could empathise with them all.
There were some truly beautiful moments in this book, written to perfection.

"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵."

The dynamics between the characters was written well, and the fluctuations of these relationships was very much in line with what we discovered at the end of Book 1.

My only complaint would be the swiftness of the ending. I feel a few more chapters would have helped resolve the changed dynamics a lot better. Right now, the ending felt a bit rushed and shoehorned in - and while it may have seemed like it was obvious from the get go how this was going to end, a few more chapters dedicated to resolving it would have made it feel a bit more well rounded and tied up the story better.

One thing to note: this book does have elements of spice in it. Far beyond what we saw in Book 1. It definitely toes the line between YA and NA, so some readers may want to take that into consideration before reading those scenes.

Overall, I think These Twisted Bonds lived up to it's predecessor, and far outdid it in all the best ways. The ending may have left a little to be desired, but it did not detract from my enjoyment of reading the book in any way. It was a fast paced, thrilling read full of politics, warring realms, and an angsty romance that left you groaning and wanting more.

These Twisted Bonds is the sequel that These Hollow Vows deserved, and I can safely recommend this to everyone and anyone looking for a read that will pull you in and keep you hooked from start to end.

The ending of These Hollow Vows was anything but peacefull or satisfying. Brie had been through a lot and ended up almost alone, used, cheated on and lied to. Although she also blames herself, the fae are also responsible fort his. And if you think Brie learned from this… You’ll be surprised.

The intrigue continues in this story and while the princes and other leaders of the Seelie and Unseelie court do have their allies, the question remains: who can be trusted and who not? Brie has become more cautious and tries to keep others at a distance, but the attraction between her and the two princes is inevitable. This brings the story to an impasse that we already experienced in the first book.

Nothing wrong with that, a love triangle, but the decisions Brie makes sometimes feel quite insufficient. She’s contiuously tossed back and forth between the two of them and every time a decision is made or they think they found a solution, the story changes again, so that Brie again is faced with difficult choices. With this, the story often repeats itself, no matter how well Ryan wanted to potray the two princes.

Because the story is written from one perspective, as a reader you feel in which direction Brie might want to go, but it seems like everything that happens, happens to make it her more complicated. Not only in making a choice between the two men, but also in doing the right thing for both the Seelie and Unseelie court. These Twisted Bonds does not only focus on the bonds between Brie, Finn and Sebastian, this story also brings up a lot of history about former rulers of Faerie. This gives the story more depth and also brings Brie’s true identity to light.

The second half of the story is by far the most exciting. Brie learns more about her powers, and big steps are taken to save Faerie all together. They face difficul choices, sacrifices have to be made and rival groups have to work together. Moral, friendship, loyalty, acceptence and self-sacrifice are important for this story. Yet love is also a big part of it.

These Twisted Bonds is an all-changing slot in this dulogy where big decisions have to be made.

The excitement was real for the sequel to These Hollow Vows, I wanted to be back in the world with Abriella, Finn (especially Finn) and Bash. There is a love triangle but do not let that put you off as I felt that it was done really well.

I fell in love with the first book, was it something brand spanking new? No but I felt that the characters were written really well, the tension between all the characters was some of my favourite that I have read and the world building had you falling straight into the book. Book two honestly picks up straight where book one left off.

Without spoiling it too much Abriella or Brie to her friends is pissed from what Bash has done to her, and quite rightly so. She finds herself in this book, she grows into her character and accepts what she is, helps that she has this help from Finn. We get to meet more side characters in this book in the form of King of the Wild Fae, and I have to admit he is a very good addition to the characters.

The book is well written, I fell straight back into the world and I was able to finish the book in two days, yes the writing is good and so easy to read. Was I disappointed that this is a duology? Yes, Yes I am. However I felt that it was finished well, we got to know the reasons why Brie was targeted by the evil Queen, why she has powers and how she grew into them.

One thing I will say, we got some STEAMY SCENES. Yes you read that right, we did get some steamy scenes between two characters that I squealed happily about, there was no fade to black so for the younger audience this will no be for you.

Overall it was a great way to end this du9ology, we got closure, we might of got a happily ever after, and we also might of got what's coming to some evil characters. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

This was FANTASTIC! I actually preferred it to the 1st book which is never usually the case when I read a series. It answered all of my questions I was left feeling with from the 1st book and I loved seeing the character development throughout and relationships blossom. It didn't feel rushed or a slog it all just fell into place perfectly. One thing I will say is that Sebastian annoyed me in this book, especially at the beginning BUT that didn't take away from the joy of it at all and I would thoroughly recommend this book to people in the future. P. S, who doesn't love a good love triangle? Who will she go for, which Prince will make the right decision? Ahhh just love it all! Just need to get my hands on the physical version when it's released now. 5/5 stars!

3.75 / 5 stars

First of all a huge thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review <3
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in two days because I needed to know how it ended! I think this book was pretty solid but the reason I rated this book lower than the first, is because I felt the pacing was lacking. The beginning dragged for me, while the conclusion of the book went very fast. In my opinion this could have been executed a little better. Overall the ending was satisfying and I would still recommend this book to others.

Thank you to NetGalley & Publisher for this e-arc,

The first book is one of my 5⭐️ read last year and the sequel shall receive the same because it is good and reach my expectations! I am totally in love with this book. If you haven't read the first book, it is about fae, romance, betrayals & plot twist! Well in this sequel THERE IS ALSO A TWIST THAT MADE ME GASP!?!?!? I TOTALLY SEE IT COMING THOUGH BUT I DIDNT EXPECT I'M CORRECT THOUGH?!

What I love about this book:
❤️ Lexi Ryan have such an amazing fae fantasy books because GURL YOU SHAKE MY WORLD. I couldn't stay still when I read this, I'm eager to read it and been blessed by the publisher & Netgalley for the e-arc, THANK YOU SO MUCH! The first book honestly end with a cliffhanger, BEEN WAITING AGES FOR THE SEQUEL.
❤️ Like usual I live the world building so much because I'm able to picture it so well in my mind. I feel like living there now.
❤️ This time y'all, I am #teamFinn all the way because he is such a precious human being. 😭😭 oh my heart. Ronan/Bash can go away shoooohh

Fae princes with magical abilities – check
An angsty love triangle – check
A complicated lore of the land and mysteries of the past – check

There is also something for all the quest and chosen one tropes enthusiasts out there!

What I am trying to say is, on paper this story is nothing new, and yet, I could NOT put it down. In the first book we are getting to know the characters, in this one, the scheming and angst is dialled all the way up.

It’s one of those feel good, action packed stories that I will definitely come back to for a second read. An equivalent of a tv-show you like to binge watch whenever you need to escape.

I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future!

I really enjoyed it. It’s refreshing to have a series closed after just 2 books. So many authors nowadays drag series on endlessly.

I enjoyed the journey the characters went on and felt the ending was satisfying for all involved. There was lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout. Would definitely read more from this author.

These Twisted Bonds starts where These Hollow Vows ended. I was hoping to enjoy this book more then the first one, but it kind of fell flat. The first 75% of the story was build up, not really a lot going on. Then the last 25% was where all the action happened. At one point I even questioned whether this was going to be a trilogy or even a series as I couldn’t see a ending in sight.
Brie annoyed me for the most part throughout this book, she never really accepts her power until the end, but I would have liked to have seen her using it more. She also used the “but I’m just a normal human girl” card one too many times for mommy liking. I was glad that she and Finn figured out how to be together finally because that feels like all I’ve been hoping for.
The character that stole the show for me was Misha and I would definitely be interested if he gets his own book.
This was your typical YA read. If that’s your thing then I would definitely suggest this but if you wanted something a little more like me then I would skip this one!

This was a really good conclusion to the trilogy. It had drama, suspense, romance and deception - everything that was good from the first. Finn is the perfect male and his court of characters are loveable. Brie grows on you as she becomes this strong character. Sebastian is slightly irksome but he comes through in the end.

These Twisted Bonds revisits the land of the fae and the battle for the crown… light vs dark, and very morally grey.

These Hollow Vows created an amazing fae world that I just loved but I felt quite disconnected from the development in These Twisted Bonds.

I still enjoyed the book although not entirely happy with the ending - still a solid 4 stars!

These Twisted bonds begins right where it left off in These Hollow Vows with Abriella on the run from Sebastian after finding out he had lied to her. While on the run she comes across a camp of imprisoned children and helps rescue them with Misha, who is a Fae King. He is a funny side character who teaches her about her power while being sarcastic, mischievous and chivalrous - I would like to read more about him.

The Unseelie Court is dying and Abriella, Misha and the Court of Darkness are trying to find a way to save it. That is all that can be said without giving anything away. There was a lot of tension and a little bit of spice within the love triangle which I particularly enjoyed!

There were quite a few eye roll moments and repetition as she fought with herself over who she could trust and who she could love. It was quite predictable, but I think it needed that. The ending seemed quite sudden, and I would have liked a bit more, but overall, it is a very engaging, quick-paced read which will definitely be loved by fans of These hollow Vows.

4.5/5

Thank you to netgalley and the published for providing me with an Arc for an honest opinion.

This was the perfect quick and easy fantasy. The romance and action were perfectly executed. Finn is the most stereotypical “bad boy” character but you can’t help but love him
The writing was very engaging and I can’t fault it anywhere.
From an enjoyment perspective this is easily a 5 star read. However, from a long lasting impact stand point it’s not the most memorable. Overall I’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a gripping fantasy 3.75/5 stars

AHHH I loved this book so much! This is the second book in a duology, and I just wish we had more!

It’s been a while since I was so invested in a fantasy - and this gave me all the drama/romance/adventure vibes I’d hoped for!

These twisted bonds picks up straight after book 1 finished (and not to add too many spoilers but that ending already had me GRIPPED)

We see Brie really embracing who she is in this book, as well as more realistic aspects for a fantasy book. Brie regularly talks about how she’s in this strange place and how lonely she feels, as well as having all of this pressure put onto her.

But don’t worry all you Finn fans - we are A LOT more of him in this book - and it is magical! I loved him in book 1, but he really stole my heart in this.

The plot of this had me hooked, and I honestly didn’t know which way it was going to go, even at 93% in.

If you enjoyed these hollow vows, you need to add this to your tbr!

Lexi Ryan you have done it again! You have taken me back into the world I feel in love with a year ago, played with my heart, and made me fall in love with it all over again. Not illness, work, or life itself could stop me from wanting to envelop myself for one more chapter into this absolutely brilliant and (in my opinion) award winning world.

As with These Hollow Vows, Lexi Ryan has created an details and in-depth world with vivid imagery and characters with more than a full personality, which when combine together with her effortlessly flowing and talented writing style creates a world you lose yourself in with ease from the very first sentence until you sudden realise you have just finished the last page and have to drag yourself back to reality. Every emotion, every moment, every step on the floor you feel through her words. There are only a handful of authors whose book I lose myself in this thoroughly, but this is definitely one of them.

What more can I say that five stars and this review does not express how much I love this book and These Hollow Vows. Lexi Ryan these books have a place in my broken and remade heart now and forever. I wish I could re read these books for the first time, so I can fall in love with them again and again and again.

The cover of These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan complements book 1 in all matters and I absolutely adore it.

These Twisted Bonds is an utter masterpiece of a conclusion to this duology. It is full of betrayal, love, friendship, emotions and a beautifully curated fantasy world. Once again Lexi Ryan's gorgeous writing style has been incredibly addictive, compelling and vivid in all its details. It has been impossible for me to put this book down and I have been sucked right back into the story from the very first page without any issues at all.

The plot itself is fast-paced and you won't find any dull or boring scenes whatsoever. There have been some seriously surprising twists and turns that left me speechless - and sometimes swearing... I'm also a total sucker for all the emotions you go through while you're reading this book. You're going from hot to cold, from loving to hating a character (and the other way around). You're feeling all the feelings the characters go through. All the love, fear, gratitude and loss.

The characters are pretty much the same ones from book one. However, they all undergo massive character developments and without giving out any spoilers, all I can say is: Don't write anybody off yet because you won't see their actions coming!!

This duology quickly became one of my absolute favourite stories of all time and I can't recommend it enough. Go read it, now!!

These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan

Having been betrayed by everyone she thought she could trust, Abriella (Brie) now finds herself in the middle of a brewing civil war in Faerie.

I loved this book just as much as the first book. Abriella’s character development throughout is incredible, as is her internal struggle about decision of love or politics. The love triangle between Abriella, Finn and Sebastian continues throughout this novel. But the romantic struggle she faces does not overpower the plot, despite it being a main driving force of the book. Note: there is more spice in this book than in the first one!

The character of Misha swiftly became one of my favourites in this book. He is a calm and wise presence but also injects some joy back into Bries life. However there did seem to be many characters who did not develop or were barely even there this book and so as a reader I felt a bit disconnected from them. These include: Kane and Tynan.

I think the last quarter to me seemed a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the book, and so didnt feel as impactful as it could have been. There is a lot more background knowledge about lineages and the history of both seelie and unseelie courts throughout These Twisted Bonds and I do love that in a book.

Overall a very strong read, that got me super invested with some of the characters and desperate to know how it all turned out. A lovely conclusion to a fast paced, fantasy duology.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.