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Riehse Eshan #4
An Oath and a Promise
Just when Ren had everything he wanted – Mathias, Quareh’s throne, and the chance for peace they’d fought so hard for – it was cruelly ripped away. Now him and Mat are on the run from their own people as they desperately search for a way to restore the prince’s name and protect the country they love.
Hunted across the continent by enemies old and new, it will take everything they have to survive. But if peace in Riehse Eshan can only be achieved at the cost of losing each other, is it too high a price to pay?
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An enemies-to-lovers M/M dark fantasy romance where Reign meets Captive Prince. Dual POV, first person, and an eventual HEA.
An Oath and a Promise is the fourth and final book in this series. Recommended for adults only; reader discretion is advised.
Hunted across the continent by enemies old and new, it will take everything they have to survive. But if peace in Riehse Eshan can only be achieved at the cost of losing each other, is it too high a price to pay?
-
An enemies-to-lovers M/M dark fantasy romance where Reign meets Captive Prince. Dual POV, first person, and an eventual HEA.
An Oath and a Promise is the fourth and final book in this series. Recommended for adults only; reader discretion is advised.
416 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2023
43 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
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June 1, 2024
A thrilling, angsty conclusion that leads to the best HEA for Ren and Mat/Nat!
Both men are on the run as a councilor and one of Ren's sister's husband basically tried to steal the thrown from him, claiming a healer that had worked in the castle for a long time had said that Ren wasn't the dead king's biological son, but someone else's.
The power hungry men use that to try to oust Ren from being king, and now Ren and Mat need to be on the run at the same time they need to try to find some way to prove Ren's legitimacy so he can take his rightful place as king.
And yes, there is non-con at around 37% into the story, which is why I tagged it. It doesn't happen between Ren and Mat, though.
Spoiler under the tag in case you'd like to know the details of what happens:
So heed the TWs, and if you are one who wishes to know so you're better prepared, feel free to read under the spoiler tag. I myself wished I would have known exactly what happens, but no other review I saw at the time had detailed what happens, so I knew I was going to do that for my review.
If you're someone who doesn't want to know, that's why I put it under the spoiler tag, so you can avoid knowing.
I was worried this was going to be the darkest one yet, and while some dark shit happens (as evidenced by above under the spoiler tag), it wasn't too bad overall.
Ren and Mat still maintained who they were throughout this and never lost their edge, individually and together. Their steam was as good as ever, and they're as in love as ever.
Getting to see their journey from the first book to this book was amazing. Where they end up, still maintaining their dynamic but it's all laced with so much love underneath the banter and the glares and scowls and shameless flirting, is so amazing to see.
And finally seeing how these two get their HEA, how they beat the odds, was great. It wasn't easy, by any means, but they get there, in the end.
Plus seeing all the other secondary cast of characters getting their own happy ends, in a way. I'm excited for the novella with Jiron and this new guy who seems to be helping him through the aftermath of what he goes through in this book. Jiron deserves some love too! And I can't wait to see him get it 😍
Finally, after four books of angst and turmoil and pain, these two finally get their HEA, with all the continents at real peace for the first time in many, many years. And it's all thanks to Ren and Mat falling in love, really.
What an epic love story!
I also can't wait for their short novella too. I will never say no to more Ren and Mat 🥰
I'm also excited for the new series this author will have coming out. Definitely a fan of Ms. Blaike after this amazing, amazing series.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend! And now that all 4 books are out, those haven't read these before can just zip through this amazing series and fall in love with the main couple.
Can't wait for more! 😘
My Ratings for the Riehse Eshan Series:
🔅 A Knife and a Blade: 5 stars (my review)
🔅A Whisper and a Breath: 5 stars (my review)
🔅 A Shadow and a Storm: 5 stars (my review)
🔅 An Oath and a Promise: 5 stars
Both men are on the run as a councilor and one of Ren's sister's husband basically tried to steal the thrown from him, claiming a healer that had worked in the castle for a long time had said that Ren wasn't the dead king's biological son, but someone else's.
The power hungry men use that to try to oust Ren from being king, and now Ren and Mat need to be on the run at the same time they need to try to find some way to prove Ren's legitimacy so he can take his rightful place as king.
And yes, there is non-con at around 37% into the story, which is why I tagged it. It doesn't happen between Ren and Mat, though.
Spoiler under the tag in case you'd like to know the details of what happens:
So heed the TWs, and if you are one who wishes to know so you're better prepared, feel free to read under the spoiler tag. I myself wished I would have known exactly what happens, but no other review I saw at the time had detailed what happens, so I knew I was going to do that for my review.
If you're someone who doesn't want to know, that's why I put it under the spoiler tag, so you can avoid knowing.
I was worried this was going to be the darkest one yet, and while some dark shit happens (as evidenced by above under the spoiler tag), it wasn't too bad overall.
Ren and Mat still maintained who they were throughout this and never lost their edge, individually and together. Their steam was as good as ever, and they're as in love as ever.
Getting to see their journey from the first book to this book was amazing. Where they end up, still maintaining their dynamic but it's all laced with so much love underneath the banter and the glares and scowls and shameless flirting, is so amazing to see.
And finally seeing how these two get their HEA, how they beat the odds, was great. It wasn't easy, by any means, but they get there, in the end.
Plus seeing all the other secondary cast of characters getting their own happy ends, in a way. I'm excited for the novella with Jiron and this new guy who seems to be helping him through the aftermath of what he goes through in this book. Jiron deserves some love too! And I can't wait to see him get it 😍
Finally, after four books of angst and turmoil and pain, these two finally get their HEA, with all the continents at real peace for the first time in many, many years. And it's all thanks to Ren and Mat falling in love, really.
What an epic love story!
I also can't wait for their short novella too. I will never say no to more Ren and Mat 🥰
I'm also excited for the new series this author will have coming out. Definitely a fan of Ms. Blaike after this amazing, amazing series.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend! And now that all 4 books are out, those haven't read these before can just zip through this amazing series and fall in love with the main couple.
Can't wait for more! 😘
My Ratings for the Riehse Eshan Series:
🔅 A Knife and a Blade: 5 stars (my review)
🔅A Whisper and a Breath: 5 stars (my review)
🔅 A Shadow and a Storm: 5 stars (my review)
🔅 An Oath and a Promise: 5 stars
June 1, 2025
4.0**** stars
Phew, this last one was kinda exhausting to read. There was a lot going on, while there was also not much happening at all that drove the bigger plot forward. Unfortunately for me, Ren and Mat were on the run for most of the book and I just don’t like following characters around, constantly on the move/road. So yeah, it’s very probably a me-thing that I wasn’t a big fan of this last one.
Still, because this series as a whole was a damn blast I will not rate this any lower I somehow loved it still.
Haha, damn these ladies had balls!!
I’m looking forward to returning to Riehse Eshan soon as there are still two novellas left for me to read.
*************
Riehse Eshan Series
Book 1 - A Knife and a Blade - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - A Whisper and a Breath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - A Shadow and a Storm - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - An Oath and a Promise - 4.0 stars
novella - The Guard and the Gardener
novella - A Throne and a Crown - 4.25 stars
Phew, this last one was kinda exhausting to read. There was a lot going on, while there was also not much happening at all that drove the bigger plot forward. Unfortunately for me, Ren and Mat were on the run for most of the book and I just don’t like following characters around, constantly on the move/road. So yeah, it’s very probably a me-thing that I wasn’t a big fan of this last one.
Still, because this series as a whole was a damn blast I will not rate this any lower I somehow loved it still.
“Where the fuck are your husbands?”
“Getting drunk off their asses in a place called Why Do We Need Them?” señora Hernández shot back, and her wife clutched her hand in warning. “It’s down the road from It’s None of Your Business and just past Go Fuck Yourself.”
Haha, damn these ladies had balls!!
I’m looking forward to returning to Riehse Eshan soon as there are still two novellas left for me to read.
*************
Riehse Eshan Series
Book 1 - A Knife and a Blade - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - A Whisper and a Breath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - A Shadow and a Storm - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - An Oath and a Promise - 4.0 stars
novella - The Guard and the Gardener
novella - A Throne and a Crown - 4.25 stars
May 28, 2024
What a ride!
I can't believe I've finally managed to reach the end of this complex, gripping story. And although I think I loved book three just a smidge more, I still enjoyed the hell out of this fourth book.
"An Oath and a Promise" is a compelling conclusion to the Riehse Eshan series, and although there's a fifth novellla/installment (which I'm assuming will be a lot less stressful and anxiety-inducing than this one; I hope at least: please, no more death and violence *sobs*), Mat and Ren's HEA was as satisfying as I hoped it would be.
I really enjoyed the story in this one: it's packed with daring escapes, kidnapping attempts, violence and confrontations and political scheming; it's also packed with heartfelt romance, panty-melting, kinky steam, banter and a whole lot of funny moments.
I think, after four books, I can firmly say that Mat's probably my favourite: he's still as quick-to-assume and prickly as he was in the first book, but I loved seeing him bloom into this version of himself, where he can be himself, without shame and recrimination and fear. I loved it for him, and he honestely deserves the world after what he was put through, in the previous books but also in this one too. He's messy disaster with a bratty attitude and a tendency to martyr himself for the people he loves and cares about: in other words, my favourite kind of character.
Ren, I admit, was a biiiit more difficult for me to love wholeheartedly because his non-stop flirting can get tiring after a while; but I admit I did end up loving nonentheless. Plus, he's so damn devoted to Mat it made me tear up more than once... and yeah, I adored those two idiots to bits.
All the side characters were absolutely fabulous: from Valeri and Astrid to El, Luis and Jiron. I loved them all, and I can't wait to see them all again in the final novella (and to also read Jiron's novella about his own shot at happiness after the events of this book *tears up*)
Like I said, I loved book three a smidge more because I think I liked the plot more there, and because Ren's non-stop flirting and innuendos got on my nerve more than once. This book is definitely a bit more darker, and a whole lot of traumatic, violent things happen to our beloved characters, and although the banter was a much needed way to lighten the mood, it sometimes felt more than a little forced. Like, I wished the tone had been more serious at times, more high-stakes, Idk.
Anyway, regardless, I still enjoyed it and I'll be diving into the fifth novella asap, as soon as my heart stops beating out of chest and my blood pressure can take. Whew, what a ride. Also, that ending? I SWOONED; it was perfection.
TWs/CWs: sexual assault (with the magical equivalent of drugging) and repeated threats of rape, violence, death, mutilations, drug use, torture, misogyny, homophobia and transphobia, brief suicidal ideation.
I can't believe I've finally managed to reach the end of this complex, gripping story. And although I think I loved book three just a smidge more, I still enjoyed the hell out of this fourth book.
"An Oath and a Promise" is a compelling conclusion to the Riehse Eshan series, and although there's a fifth novellla/installment (which I'm assuming will be a lot less stressful and anxiety-inducing than this one; I hope at least: please, no more death and violence *sobs*), Mat and Ren's HEA was as satisfying as I hoped it would be.
I really enjoyed the story in this one: it's packed with daring escapes, kidnapping attempts, violence and confrontations and political scheming; it's also packed with heartfelt romance, panty-melting, kinky steam, banter and a whole lot of funny moments.
I think, after four books, I can firmly say that Mat's probably my favourite: he's still as quick-to-assume and prickly as he was in the first book, but I loved seeing him bloom into this version of himself, where he can be himself, without shame and recrimination and fear. I loved it for him, and he honestely deserves the world after what he was put through, in the previous books but also in this one too. He's messy disaster with a bratty attitude and a tendency to martyr himself for the people he loves and cares about: in other words, my favourite kind of character.
Ren, I admit, was a biiiit more difficult for me to love wholeheartedly because his non-stop flirting can get tiring after a while; but I admit I did end up loving nonentheless. Plus, he's so damn devoted to Mat it made me tear up more than once... and yeah, I adored those two idiots to bits.
All the side characters were absolutely fabulous: from Valeri and Astrid to El, Luis and Jiron. I loved them all, and I can't wait to see them all again in the final novella (and to also read Jiron's novella about his own shot at happiness after the events of this book *tears up*)
Like I said, I loved book three a smidge more because I think I liked the plot more there, and because Ren's non-stop flirting and innuendos got on my nerve more than once. This book is definitely a bit more darker, and a whole lot of traumatic, violent things happen to our beloved characters, and although the banter was a much needed way to lighten the mood, it sometimes felt more than a little forced. Like, I wished the tone had been more serious at times, more high-stakes, Idk.
Anyway, regardless, I still enjoyed it and I'll be diving into the fifth novella asap, as soon as my heart stops beating out of chest and my blood pressure can take. Whew, what a ride. Also, that ending? I SWOONED; it was perfection.
TWs/CWs: sexual assault (with the magical equivalent of drugging) and repeated threats of rape, violence, death, mutilations, drug use, torture, misogyny, homophobia and transphobia, brief suicidal ideation.
November 13, 2023
I am so SO glad I waited until these books were all published because I am so fucking obsessed with Mat and Ren it is unhealthy. I am grateful for the long weekend here in Canada so I could read these back to back.
Mat and Ren were such incredible characters. I just loved them so much. They are without a doubt in my top favourite couples and I am feeling a bit teary and bereft having finished these four books. These two loved each other so fucking much. SO MUCH. I can’t even put into words how wonderful it was to read a fantasy romance about two men who were so in love, so 1000% dedicated to each other…these two were a true “I will burn the world down for you” couple. The character development throughout the series is top notch. I look back on memorable scenes from past books and seeing how far they came makes my heart swell. They were there for each other every step of the way, even when I didn’t see a way around so many of the external problems thrown their way.
The plot throughout the whole series was also fantastic. I loved how much external angst there was for Mat and Ren to earn their HEA, and the way the author got them there in the end was perfection. Endings are hard, and this ending was perfect. I cannot gush enough. Mat and Ren were such well done characters that they felt like family - as did the side characters. Our side characters were more than just that, they were a huge part of the book and you couldn’t help falling in love with them, too. I appreciate the author’s capability in creating fully developed women characters, especially when one of the three countries in this world is incredibly misogynistic and horrible to women. None of the women characters were caricatures.
There is an SA/rape scene that starts around 35% in. When I saw the trigger warning for this, I was terrified. I couldn’t continue the book until I knew what was going to happen, and thankfully haletostilinski’s review laid out what I needed to know to be able to continue reading “comfortably.” The scene is over quickly and dealt with “well” all things considered. Please read their review if you’re like me - it helped me so much to know what was coming.
I continue to admire how, no matter the extreme level of chaos going on at all times, we were given the exact right amount of romantic scenes between Ren and Mat. Not once was I feeling like I was missing anything, wishing for more scenes between them, feeling liked they’d been apart for too long. Their romance is epic and in our face and I loved it.
I loved Ren and Mat’s humour and wit, and the addition of Mat’s family to the series in book three is incredibly welcome and built strongly upon here while also allowing for some comedic relief that I was more than grateful for.
I cannot recommend this series enough - I read it on KU and am certainly off to buy my own copies of it so I can enjoy it over and over because this series is fucking SPECIAL and I will never get over it.
Mat and Ren were such incredible characters. I just loved them so much. They are without a doubt in my top favourite couples and I am feeling a bit teary and bereft having finished these four books. These two loved each other so fucking much. SO MUCH. I can’t even put into words how wonderful it was to read a fantasy romance about two men who were so in love, so 1000% dedicated to each other…these two were a true “I will burn the world down for you” couple. The character development throughout the series is top notch. I look back on memorable scenes from past books and seeing how far they came makes my heart swell. They were there for each other every step of the way, even when I didn’t see a way around so many of the external problems thrown their way.
The plot throughout the whole series was also fantastic. I loved how much external angst there was for Mat and Ren to earn their HEA, and the way the author got them there in the end was perfection. Endings are hard, and this ending was perfect. I cannot gush enough. Mat and Ren were such well done characters that they felt like family - as did the side characters. Our side characters were more than just that, they were a huge part of the book and you couldn’t help falling in love with them, too. I appreciate the author’s capability in creating fully developed women characters, especially when one of the three countries in this world is incredibly misogynistic and horrible to women. None of the women characters were caricatures.
There is an SA/rape scene that starts around 35% in. When I saw the trigger warning for this, I was terrified. I couldn’t continue the book until I knew what was going to happen, and thankfully haletostilinski’s review laid out what I needed to know to be able to continue reading “comfortably.” The scene is over quickly and dealt with “well” all things considered. Please read their review if you’re like me - it helped me so much to know what was coming.
I continue to admire how, no matter the extreme level of chaos going on at all times, we were given the exact right amount of romantic scenes between Ren and Mat. Not once was I feeling like I was missing anything, wishing for more scenes between them, feeling liked they’d been apart for too long. Their romance is epic and in our face and I loved it.
I loved Ren and Mat’s humour and wit, and the addition of Mat’s family to the series in book three is incredibly welcome and built strongly upon here while also allowing for some comedic relief that I was more than grateful for.
I cannot recommend this series enough - I read it on KU and am certainly off to buy my own copies of it so I can enjoy it over and over because this series is fucking SPECIAL and I will never get over it.
October 29, 2023
now, should i have stayed up til 5 in the morning to finish this book? maybe not
do i regret anything? nope
screaming, crying, throwing up, 5 stars, no notes
do i regret anything? nope
screaming, crying, throwing up, 5 stars, no notes
September 15, 2025
I am utterly obsessed with this series and on my gosh, after the sheer amount of drama, Ren and Mat finally have their happily ever after… I loved the way that they managed to reunite the whole of the continent and everyone who should have got their comeuppance did!
The kink in this one got a little more intense I think (especially towards the end - the night before the wedding?? Wheewwwwww hotttt).
I subscribed to the authors mailing list to get a free copy of ‘A Guard and a Gardener’ which is Jiron’s story, which I���m very excited for and going to read next!
I’m usually not a fan at all of long fantasy series, but this one really had my heart!! I’m excited for Jiron’s novella and the final novella in the series!
The kink in this one got a little more intense I think (especially towards the end - the night before the wedding?? Wheewwwwww hotttt).
I subscribed to the authors mailing list to get a free copy of ‘A Guard and a Gardener’ which is Jiron’s story, which I���m very excited for and going to read next!
I’m usually not a fan at all of long fantasy series, but this one really had my heart!! I’m excited for Jiron’s novella and the final novella in the series!
October 15, 2023
This was such a satisfying ending to this series. I found all the sass, banter, sweetness and political shrewdness I could hope for in this last book in the Riehse Eshan series.
Mat’s sarcasm and bitching are always perfectly matched by Ren’s sass and irreverence. Not to mention his gift for regularly delivering the most ill-timed and inappropriate sexual comments.
That being said, there were a lot of times I wasn’t laughing at all. I wasn’t too scared for those two because I trusted the author not to break our hearts completely, but it sometimes felt like everybody else was fair game and let me tell you, this book played with my heart rate in the second half.
Now, about trigger warnings, I would urge anybody who wants to read this fourth book to check them beforehand. If you want more details on that specific one, this spoiler is for you (the spoiler is about the technical parts of it, not the story details). If you want to go in blind, do not read this part.
One thing I personally love is seeing the day-to-day interactions between characters and when I’m that invested in a fictional ship, I’m always greedy when it comes to it. I would say that the first half of the book was slower than I was expecting, but it definitely filled my need for this. I thought it was also a good way to convey the passage of time and the action and political shenanigans in the second part more than made up for it. If you’re not the same as me on this, just know that it’s definitely worth going through the slowest part to get to the rest!
And if, like me, you can’t get enough of these characters, stay tuned for that special someone’s novella that’s sure to sate our curiosity about their lives after the ending.
Thank you for the privilege of beta-reading this for you!
Mat’s sarcasm and bitching are always perfectly matched by Ren’s sass and irreverence. Not to mention his gift for regularly delivering the most ill-timed and inappropriate sexual comments.
That being said, there were a lot of times I wasn’t laughing at all. I wasn’t too scared for those two because I trusted the author not to break our hearts completely, but it sometimes felt like everybody else was fair game and let me tell you, this book played with my heart rate in the second half.
Now, about trigger warnings, I would urge anybody who wants to read this fourth book to check them beforehand. If you want more details on that specific one, this spoiler is for you (the spoiler is about the technical parts of it, not the story details). If you want to go in blind, do not read this part.
One thing I personally love is seeing the day-to-day interactions between characters and when I’m that invested in a fictional ship, I’m always greedy when it comes to it. I would say that the first half of the book was slower than I was expecting, but it definitely filled my need for this. I thought it was also a good way to convey the passage of time and the action and political shenanigans in the second part more than made up for it. If you’re not the same as me on this, just know that it’s definitely worth going through the slowest part to get to the rest!
And if, like me, you can’t get enough of these characters, stay tuned for that special someone’s novella that’s sure to sate our curiosity about their lives after the ending.
Thank you for the privilege of beta-reading this for you!
August 28, 2024
there always being an incredibly talented healer available makes it really tough to believe that any events in these books are actually high-stakes
October 31, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
Let me tell you, I loved all the previous books in this series and this one was no exception. I read all of them when they came out and they all accompanied me during tough times. During this one I moved out, I left for a course I finally love, and I received an ARC gently provided by the author. I can’t tell you how emotional I am right now. Ren and Mat are such beautiful souls. They inspire me every day to get up and never give up. To never back down. To fight injustice. To realize my worth and what I can bring to people around me. They’re not simple characters but attaching personalities you never want to let go.
👥: Mathias and Ren are wonderful. Their personalities are well-worked because their thoughts and their acts always make sense and are coherent. Ren with his funny and sexy appearance but fragile insecurities and fears, and Mat who will sacrifice his own life for justice losing himself in the process for those he loves.
The stories of the secondary characters continue and I like them really much. It was beautiful how dedicated and loyal they all were to their country and their friends and family.
💞: Since the beginning, they are everything. They balance each other perfectly. Their love overflows behind the pages. If you’re here and you haven’t read the previous books, believe me you want to. It’s an enemies-to-lovers with a great progression and wonderful scenes. In this one, we can see the apotheosis of their relationship and I was not disappointed.
🪶: This series deals with a lot of political issues, and as a not bilingual reader, I understood everything and I was sincerely hyped. The main topics are homophobia and sexim. It was super interesting to see the normes questioning through fictional laws in fictional countries.
I find the pace very good, like in all the previous books, and the big progress throughout the entire series as well.
To conclude, it was a perfect end for a perfect series.
🗒: « “Take that back, Mathias,” I ordered. “You are more than enough. You are everything.” »
« “I don’t know and I don’t care.” Ren’s grin was bright, sly, joyful. Beautiful. “You think our relationship is in the way of peace? I say peace is in our way, Nathanael, and I’ll let the whole fucking continent burn before I give you up.” »
Let me tell you, I loved all the previous books in this series and this one was no exception. I read all of them when they came out and they all accompanied me during tough times. During this one I moved out, I left for a course I finally love, and I received an ARC gently provided by the author. I can’t tell you how emotional I am right now. Ren and Mat are such beautiful souls. They inspire me every day to get up and never give up. To never back down. To fight injustice. To realize my worth and what I can bring to people around me. They’re not simple characters but attaching personalities you never want to let go.
👥: Mathias and Ren are wonderful. Their personalities are well-worked because their thoughts and their acts always make sense and are coherent. Ren with his funny and sexy appearance but fragile insecurities and fears, and Mat who will sacrifice his own life for justice losing himself in the process for those he loves.
The stories of the secondary characters continue and I like them really much. It was beautiful how dedicated and loyal they all were to their country and their friends and family.
💞: Since the beginning, they are everything. They balance each other perfectly. Their love overflows behind the pages. If you’re here and you haven’t read the previous books, believe me you want to. It’s an enemies-to-lovers with a great progression and wonderful scenes. In this one, we can see the apotheosis of their relationship and I was not disappointed.
🪶: This series deals with a lot of political issues, and as a not bilingual reader, I understood everything and I was sincerely hyped. The main topics are homophobia and sexim. It was super interesting to see the normes questioning through fictional laws in fictional countries.
I find the pace very good, like in all the previous books, and the big progress throughout the entire series as well.
To conclude, it was a perfect end for a perfect series.
🗒: « “Take that back, Mathias,” I ordered. “You are more than enough. You are everything.” »
« “I don’t know and I don’t care.” Ren’s grin was bright, sly, joyful. Beautiful. “You think our relationship is in the way of peace? I say peace is in our way, Nathanael, and I’ll let the whole fucking continent burn before I give you up.” »
November 7, 2023
A Must Read Series
It was a perfect ending to a fantastic series. Everything was tied up, and we weren't left with any lingering questions.
It was a perfect ending to a fantastic series. Everything was tied up, and we weren't left with any lingering questions.
October 29, 2023
I first found this series in a bit of a sweet spot, soon after the third book was released. That meant I got to binge-read everything available and then wait in delicious anticipation for the final installment. I devoured this epic conclusion at the same rate I did the earlier books, which is really all the proof you need that this entire adventure is worth the time and effort. The finale especially lives up to the promise and intention of everything that comes before.
The highlight of this series for me is the main characters themselves. Mat and Ren follow a delicious enemies-to-lovers arc that begins with a mistaken identity and ends with the fates of three kingdoms on their shoulders. Through it all, they never lose anything about their incredibly well-crafted characterization that I enjoy. After all, idiots who know they are in love are still idiots in love, and while the hard-won dedication and love they have toward each other is sorted by the beginning of this book, neither is safe. That means we haven’t quite reached the happily ever after stage of this epic, and Blaike makes me continually question whether they will get there, even when I technically have the promise of genre expectation to rely on. I especially adore how absurd these men are toward each other to the bitter end, because love doesn’t require personality change. Though some edges are softened, the romance aspect of this series I adore would not have been the same had Mat and Ren shifted their intense dynamic too far into sweetness (except when appropriate and necessary, which is all the better for how rare it is).
Blaike pulls together multiple threads from earlier in the series to create the adventure the main characters undertake for this conclusion. Mat and Ren travel the breadth of the Riehse Eshan itself to follow their quest, and when I said I wasn’t always sure they’d make it, I mean that literally—there were definitely tears. Of course, even while everything was emotional and epic, it was also incredibly satisfying. Fitting in so many plot points and secondary characters who all deserved some sort of resolution could have made the story unwieldy, but the book itself is more than long enough for it. Blaike excellently balances that length with pacing, giving me everything I wanted from this story and some moments I didn’t realize I needed. Though it’s hard to go into detail this far into an intricate plot without verging into spoiler territory, I do want to note that the point at which Mat and Ren get separated isn’t necessarily the surprise, it is the allies they end up with at the time and how those relationships have shifted. In addition, the “magic” element of this world has been relatively low-key in comparison to the scale of the political machinations, but I was thoroughly impressed by how Blaike introduces a brand-new character toward the end that is a fascinating plot point rather than the deus ex machina he could have been.
The closest thing I have to a complaint about this book is that, at times, the internal narrative voice feels too “modern” for the historically inspired setting. That being said, it’s easy enough to counter this claim by noting that 1) Ren makes his own rules and 2) this is an indication of how well Blaike roots her dynamic characters in their setting while simultaneously making them accessible to contemporary readers. Despite the setting and how magic is blended into it, this series is also not a fairy tale. All of the characters, from unnamed secondaries to heroes Ren and Mat (and especially heroes Ren and Mat) get put through the wringer in ways that don’t always make this an easy read. Not everyone escapes unscathed for the perfect ending, but I was okay with this dose of realism even while I may have been messaging the author with a warning that I’d never forgive her if certain characters didn’t make it to the final page.
Even when it’s difficult, everything about this book is incredibly satisfying. Especially the grand finale, which Blaike mirrors excellently with the opening scene of this book. I enjoyed how the main characters developed and grew over the course of this phenomenal series while staying the same flawed men that I adore. After all, Mat basically saves three countries through sheer obstinacy. And Ren may save his own people with Mat’s support, but he does so with a grin and inappropriate commentary all the while. I already look forward to the follow-up novella planned in this world, because I’m certainly not done with these men yet. I’m not sure I ever will be.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
The highlight of this series for me is the main characters themselves. Mat and Ren follow a delicious enemies-to-lovers arc that begins with a mistaken identity and ends with the fates of three kingdoms on their shoulders. Through it all, they never lose anything about their incredibly well-crafted characterization that I enjoy. After all, idiots who know they are in love are still idiots in love, and while the hard-won dedication and love they have toward each other is sorted by the beginning of this book, neither is safe. That means we haven’t quite reached the happily ever after stage of this epic, and Blaike makes me continually question whether they will get there, even when I technically have the promise of genre expectation to rely on. I especially adore how absurd these men are toward each other to the bitter end, because love doesn’t require personality change. Though some edges are softened, the romance aspect of this series I adore would not have been the same had Mat and Ren shifted their intense dynamic too far into sweetness (except when appropriate and necessary, which is all the better for how rare it is).
Blaike pulls together multiple threads from earlier in the series to create the adventure the main characters undertake for this conclusion. Mat and Ren travel the breadth of the Riehse Eshan itself to follow their quest, and when I said I wasn’t always sure they’d make it, I mean that literally—there were definitely tears. Of course, even while everything was emotional and epic, it was also incredibly satisfying. Fitting in so many plot points and secondary characters who all deserved some sort of resolution could have made the story unwieldy, but the book itself is more than long enough for it. Blaike excellently balances that length with pacing, giving me everything I wanted from this story and some moments I didn’t realize I needed. Though it’s hard to go into detail this far into an intricate plot without verging into spoiler territory, I do want to note that the point at which Mat and Ren get separated isn’t necessarily the surprise, it is the allies they end up with at the time and how those relationships have shifted. In addition, the “magic” element of this world has been relatively low-key in comparison to the scale of the political machinations, but I was thoroughly impressed by how Blaike introduces a brand-new character toward the end that is a fascinating plot point rather than the deus ex machina he could have been.
The closest thing I have to a complaint about this book is that, at times, the internal narrative voice feels too “modern” for the historically inspired setting. That being said, it’s easy enough to counter this claim by noting that 1) Ren makes his own rules and 2) this is an indication of how well Blaike roots her dynamic characters in their setting while simultaneously making them accessible to contemporary readers. Despite the setting and how magic is blended into it, this series is also not a fairy tale. All of the characters, from unnamed secondaries to heroes Ren and Mat (and especially heroes Ren and Mat) get put through the wringer in ways that don’t always make this an easy read. Not everyone escapes unscathed for the perfect ending, but I was okay with this dose of realism even while I may have been messaging the author with a warning that I’d never forgive her if certain characters didn’t make it to the final page.
Even when it’s difficult, everything about this book is incredibly satisfying. Especially the grand finale, which Blaike mirrors excellently with the opening scene of this book. I enjoyed how the main characters developed and grew over the course of this phenomenal series while staying the same flawed men that I adore. After all, Mat basically saves three countries through sheer obstinacy. And Ren may save his own people with Mat’s support, but he does so with a grin and inappropriate commentary all the while. I already look forward to the follow-up novella planned in this world, because I’m certainly not done with these men yet. I’m not sure I ever will be.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
November 24, 2023
What a whirlwind journey through four immensely powerful and exceptionally written books through to this delightful concluding book of the main plot of the Rhiehse Eshan series.
We follow Ren and Mat on their quest to reclaim Ren’s throne and while the plot isn’t as intense and diverting as it had been in the previous books, it still contains enough punch to keep the pages turning. The only reason it took me so long to read it is that I was forcing myself to drag it out because I’m desperate for the story not to end.
Now I’ve reached the conclusion, I am met with the biggest book hangover ever - where am I going to find my kicks now that my favourite final instalment has landed? I am grateful in the knowledge that there will be more books from Blaike, both in this universe and others soon to explore. She has become my first ever auto-purchase author. Wow. Just wow.
Okay a bit of a critique of the book. Ren and Mat are feisty as ever. They are quick witted throughout with quips and one-liners that will have you grinning at the page. They are compassionate towards each other as well as their friends, family, and nation(s). They are fiery in bed. All things are delightful and fun and emotionally driven and it is very easy to fall in love with them. I’ve said it before but I want Mat to be my best friend and Ren to be… something else!
Supporting characters are so well crafted that it is easy to see their personalities bleed onto the page. It’s nice to see so much of Valeri. I think he is going to make an excellent king when the time comes. Jiron… well I won’t say too much because I want this book to be spoiler free. But my heart…
This book promised a HEA and it delivered so beautifully, even if we had a rocky road to journey through before getting there. It felt like touch and go at about the 80% mark! But the ending was not only happy but also beyond satisfying. I was worried for a moment that it would be happy but not swing the way I wanted it to. It turns out that I could not envisage a better ending for the series. Just… perfection. Absolute perfection.
Overall it is consistently written very well and crafted with what can only be described as complete and loving care. Editors will tell you that a book dips in quality around the middle section but that is certainly not true for this book. Every word is needed, every sentence has been thought about, every paragraph is worthwhile. Every chapter makes me fall harder.
As a warning, this book (and the rest of the series) comes with a string of content warnings that should be heeded before diving in. It’s not for everyone. But for those prepared and understanding of said warnings, this whole series is well worth the read. It is hands down one of my favourite reads of all time, my only negative comment is that, like all good things, it had to come to an end. Thank you, Adelaide, for giving us this utterly incredible book.
We follow Ren and Mat on their quest to reclaim Ren’s throne and while the plot isn’t as intense and diverting as it had been in the previous books, it still contains enough punch to keep the pages turning. The only reason it took me so long to read it is that I was forcing myself to drag it out because I’m desperate for the story not to end.
Now I’ve reached the conclusion, I am met with the biggest book hangover ever - where am I going to find my kicks now that my favourite final instalment has landed? I am grateful in the knowledge that there will be more books from Blaike, both in this universe and others soon to explore. She has become my first ever auto-purchase author. Wow. Just wow.
Okay a bit of a critique of the book. Ren and Mat are feisty as ever. They are quick witted throughout with quips and one-liners that will have you grinning at the page. They are compassionate towards each other as well as their friends, family, and nation(s). They are fiery in bed. All things are delightful and fun and emotionally driven and it is very easy to fall in love with them. I’ve said it before but I want Mat to be my best friend and Ren to be… something else!
Supporting characters are so well crafted that it is easy to see their personalities bleed onto the page. It’s nice to see so much of Valeri. I think he is going to make an excellent king when the time comes. Jiron… well I won’t say too much because I want this book to be spoiler free. But my heart…
This book promised a HEA and it delivered so beautifully, even if we had a rocky road to journey through before getting there. It felt like touch and go at about the 80% mark! But the ending was not only happy but also beyond satisfying. I was worried for a moment that it would be happy but not swing the way I wanted it to. It turns out that I could not envisage a better ending for the series. Just… perfection. Absolute perfection.
Overall it is consistently written very well and crafted with what can only be described as complete and loving care. Editors will tell you that a book dips in quality around the middle section but that is certainly not true for this book. Every word is needed, every sentence has been thought about, every paragraph is worthwhile. Every chapter makes me fall harder.
As a warning, this book (and the rest of the series) comes with a string of content warnings that should be heeded before diving in. It’s not for everyone. But for those prepared and understanding of said warnings, this whole series is well worth the read. It is hands down one of my favourite reads of all time, my only negative comment is that, like all good things, it had to come to an end. Thank you, Adelaide, for giving us this utterly incredible book.
October 19, 2023
I was gifted an ARC copy of this final installment of this breathtaking quartet of novels, and it swept me away just as wholly as the first three books did. Nat and Ren, the characters we love and who we have come to know so well in the previous books are just as feisty and snarky as they have always been. Ren is still a chaos-king with a smart strategic mind underneath and Mat is still the scowling wildcat who's mouth gets him into trouble. But now, the undercurrent of unabashed LOVE the MCs have for one another left me feeling so warm and fuzzy about them that even when nearly everything was perilous around them I still was all heart-eyed for how in love they are.
And I mentioned peril. Oh yes, the adventure this book provides does not disappoint! I do not want to get too much into the plot so people can have the joy of reading this on their own but once Nat and Ren get to the finish line and finally get their HEA they have definitely had to work for it!
I am so thankful to be given a ARC copy so I could get my hands on these characters a bit before other people because I do love them very much.
The pacing of the book is great, there's a lot that has to happen for things to fall into place, but it doesn't feel rushed. Nor is there much downtime or what feels like filler. Themes are similar to what the other books have featured. The smut is hot, Nat and Ren are just so gone for each other that it makes everything take on that hazy feeling of love and fondness and combined with all the kinky things they get up to it all adds up to very hot, very lovely action with characters who will fight the world for one another.
By the time we get to the HEA I was cheering for them.
Nesting the rest since it gets a bit more spoilery than is appropriate for an ARC review.
And I mentioned peril. Oh yes, the adventure this book provides does not disappoint! I do not want to get too much into the plot so people can have the joy of reading this on their own but once Nat and Ren get to the finish line and finally get their HEA they have definitely had to work for it!
I am so thankful to be given a ARC copy so I could get my hands on these characters a bit before other people because I do love them very much.
The pacing of the book is great, there's a lot that has to happen for things to fall into place, but it doesn't feel rushed. Nor is there much downtime or what feels like filler. Themes are similar to what the other books have featured. The smut is hot, Nat and Ren are just so gone for each other that it makes everything take on that hazy feeling of love and fondness and combined with all the kinky things they get up to it all adds up to very hot, very lovely action with characters who will fight the world for one another.
By the time we get to the HEA I was cheering for them.
Nesting the rest since it gets a bit more spoilery than is appropriate for an ARC review.
October 20, 2023
"And if I was going to die, it would be how I'd lived: hedonistic, troublesome and without any filter."
This quote about sums it up.
Sassy, sweet, snarky, seductive and sadistic... this series has it all. Starting with the recap, which already makes me laugh out loud. Afterwards, we are put straight back into the story where the third book ended. I would not recommend trying to read this book if you haven't read the previous ones, as you are likely to miss out on a lot.
As there is a lot that needs to be resolved in this book, the pace is high, although I was thankfully able to breathe in between as the author still made time for scorching hot scenes and vulnerable moments between our two main characters, Mat and Ren.
I'm so glad the author really made space for this instead of just hinting to a lot of scenes or summarizing it into a couple of sentences, as it made the relationship between Mat and Ren that much more believable. It also highlighted their growth and devotion to each other.
There are some really good talks about consent in this book as well, alongside with people making a difference when they stand up for what they believe in, despite all the risks this posses.
The snarky comments also helped alleviating the somewhat stressful times Ren and Mat are under. All of this made me want to keep on reading and there was never a dull moment.
Ren and Mat stole my heart from the beginning of the first book and I'm so glad that they finally get there well deserved HEA in this book. It was a really satisfying ending, with enough time to let me gently down after this wild ride.
I really don't want to say goodbye to Mat, Ren and the amazing cast of other characters that surround them. I'm really looking forward to that novella about them! (And I haven't forgotten the author's promise about a certain other character getting a HEA as well.)
There is a list with possible TW at the start of the book, though you might want to avoid those as they can also be seen as a bit of a spoiler.
Overall, another great book and the end of this amazing series! Perfect for fans of C.S. Pacat and Ariana Nash.
This quote about sums it up.
Sassy, sweet, snarky, seductive and sadistic... this series has it all. Starting with the recap, which already makes me laugh out loud. Afterwards, we are put straight back into the story where the third book ended. I would not recommend trying to read this book if you haven't read the previous ones, as you are likely to miss out on a lot.
As there is a lot that needs to be resolved in this book, the pace is high, although I was thankfully able to breathe in between as the author still made time for scorching hot scenes and vulnerable moments between our two main characters, Mat and Ren.
I'm so glad the author really made space for this instead of just hinting to a lot of scenes or summarizing it into a couple of sentences, as it made the relationship between Mat and Ren that much more believable. It also highlighted their growth and devotion to each other.
There are some really good talks about consent in this book as well, alongside with people making a difference when they stand up for what they believe in, despite all the risks this posses.
The snarky comments also helped alleviating the somewhat stressful times Ren and Mat are under. All of this made me want to keep on reading and there was never a dull moment.
Ren and Mat stole my heart from the beginning of the first book and I'm so glad that they finally get there well deserved HEA in this book. It was a really satisfying ending, with enough time to let me gently down after this wild ride.
I really don't want to say goodbye to Mat, Ren and the amazing cast of other characters that surround them. I'm really looking forward to that novella about them! (And I haven't forgotten the author's promise about a certain other character getting a HEA as well.)
There is a list with possible TW at the start of the book, though you might want to avoid those as they can also be seen as a bit of a spoiler.
Overall, another great book and the end of this amazing series! Perfect for fans of C.S. Pacat and Ariana Nash.
January 30, 2025
As much as I've become utterly and completely obsessed with Mat and Ren, I'll admit to going into this book with some hesitation. I've always had a hard time with series that go beyond trilogy count when focusing on the same couple/story line. Unfortunately they tend to feel stretched out and full of more filler content than anything worthwhile, but by book 4 (or more) you want that happy ending and story wrap up you've put so much time into, dammit, and then I end up feeling some disappointment and even resentment that I was pushed into giving out time that didn't feel worth it in the end.
Starting into book 4 here had me trying hard not to tense up my shoulders and just let the story lead rather than getting ahead of myself. I'm glad I did. While there did feel to be some superfluous content through the first third-ish of the book, Adelaide came through in true Ren fashion and decided my concerns had no place in his story and I got a swift kick in the ass before being dragged into the utter chaos that was this book. It was impossible not to be drawn in, no matter who was stomping around what part of the continent. The constant pivots and roadblocks were exhausting in that way that puts you right there in the characters shoes, the moments of relief and joy coming through even that much stronger.
It was a hard-won ending for our boys and a truly beautiful wrap up to the loose threads and plot lines that resulted in a happily-ish ever after (I mean, we are talking about Ren and Mat, after all. 🤷♀️). I will admit it helped to enjoy this ending knowing both Jiron's novella and the additional epilogue novella were waiting afterwards. Part of the bonus of finding this series well after it has found its end.
I will always adore these boys and the family they built around them, and look forward to coming back to re-immerse myself in the sheer joy that was reading this series, and will be doing my very best to drag as many readers into this world along with me that I can.
Starting into book 4 here had me trying hard not to tense up my shoulders and just let the story lead rather than getting ahead of myself. I'm glad I did. While there did feel to be some superfluous content through the first third-ish of the book, Adelaide came through in true Ren fashion and decided my concerns had no place in his story and I got a swift kick in the ass before being dragged into the utter chaos that was this book. It was impossible not to be drawn in, no matter who was stomping around what part of the continent. The constant pivots and roadblocks were exhausting in that way that puts you right there in the characters shoes, the moments of relief and joy coming through even that much stronger.
It was a hard-won ending for our boys and a truly beautiful wrap up to the loose threads and plot lines that resulted in a happily-ish ever after (I mean, we are talking about Ren and Mat, after all. 🤷♀️). I will admit it helped to enjoy this ending knowing both Jiron's novella and the additional epilogue novella were waiting afterwards. Part of the bonus of finding this series well after it has found its end.
I will always adore these boys and the family they built around them, and look forward to coming back to re-immerse myself in the sheer joy that was reading this series, and will be doing my very best to drag as many readers into this world along with me that I can.
August 26, 2025
What a beautiful journey. Cried, laughed, blushed, screamed, stared at nothing for like 50 secs. The recaps???? Omg I loved it. Ren is my my favourite. He's soo full of himself and I love it soo much(his hair is really majestic and beautiful )
Their chemistry is top notch. The love they have for each other is sooo.....idk the word to use. And I love how they communicate and nit just assume things for each other(applauds). I love how they're so protective of each other, especially Mat(it's cute how he trys to protect Ren). The flirting and compliment Ren throws at Nat Is soo sweet, makes my heart flutter.
"That sounds absolutely perfect ". "You're absolutely perfect "
"Nathanael, and I’ll let the whole fucking continent burn before I give you up.” omg they're soo inlove it hurts that it just a book
"Mi amor, Mi sol, Mi corazon, Mi cielo" ohh my heart. "My snowflake" 😖💕
"Moi dorogoi"
Mi luz. Mi vida. Mi fuente de frustracion infinita.” My light. My life. My source of endless frustration.
I want to have a brother Like valeri. He's soo protective of Mat. Jiron, Elias, Luis and Ademar(I miss him) have my heart. Luis and Ademar especially. I cried when I saw jiron is alive
Ren and Nat love each other soo much it hurts me that this book has ending, I want to keep reafmding about them. I'm happy there's a novella and I can't wait to read about jiron and the gardener. This book made think every historical/fantasy book I've ever rated 5 stars should be 4. The humour, the love and everything is just soo perfect
Thank God koyla died. I wish it was more painful
Their chemistry is top notch. The love they have for each other is sooo.....idk the word to use. And I love how they communicate and nit just assume things for each other(applauds). I love how they're so protective of each other, especially Mat(it's cute how he trys to protect Ren). The flirting and compliment Ren throws at Nat Is soo sweet, makes my heart flutter.
"That sounds absolutely perfect ". "You're absolutely perfect "
"Nathanael, and I’ll let the whole fucking continent burn before I give you up.” omg they're soo inlove it hurts that it just a book
"Mi amor, Mi sol, Mi corazon, Mi cielo" ohh my heart. "My snowflake" 😖💕
"Moi dorogoi"
Mi luz. Mi vida. Mi fuente de frustracion infinita.” My light. My life. My source of endless frustration.
I want to have a brother Like valeri. He's soo protective of Mat. Jiron, Elias, Luis and Ademar(I miss him) have my heart. Luis and Ademar especially. I cried when I saw jiron is alive
Ren and Nat love each other soo much it hurts me that this book has ending, I want to keep reafmding about them. I'm happy there's a novella and I can't wait to read about jiron and the gardener. This book made think every historical/fantasy book I've ever rated 5 stars should be 4. The humour, the love and everything is just soo perfect
Thank God koyla died. I wish it was more painful
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2023
An epic end to an epic story.
Ren and Mat are back!!
I was so excited to finally get to read this book, because I have gotten to love these characters so much I missed them. I will for sure do a marathon read of this series again in the near future because it is THAT type of series. The one that stays with you and makes you want to pick up again.
This book made me feel all the angst, suspense, love and happiness the previous books have brought as well.
Of course in this book we get:
- funny banters
- spicy moments *wink wink*
- adventure none stop
- romance all the way
- new surprises
And more!
I will say, I do wish we had had more access into some scenes I won't spoil, but that is on a personal preference.
Thank you so much to Adelaide for the Arc, and for such an epic love story that basically covered so many of the tropes I like that it felt like the series was written just for me:
- Captor/captive trope
- enemies to lovers
- the H falls first and hard 😍
- protectiveness/ possessiveness/obssessiveness levels overload
- bondage play ❤️🔥
- "oh you are such a brat"'ness / "make me" banter 👌🏽
- caretaking moments 🤩
- aftercare (in smaaall amounts but still 👌🏽)
- a forgiving, sweet (and yeah maybe naïve) soul for the h, who protects and stands for what he believes is right and those who deserve his loyalty have it on overload
I am looking foward to reading your next series! 😘
Ren and Mat are back!!
I was so excited to finally get to read this book, because I have gotten to love these characters so much I missed them. I will for sure do a marathon read of this series again in the near future because it is THAT type of series. The one that stays with you and makes you want to pick up again.
This book made me feel all the angst, suspense, love and happiness the previous books have brought as well.
Of course in this book we get:
- funny banters
- spicy moments *wink wink*
- adventure none stop
- romance all the way
- new surprises
And more!
I will say, I do wish we had had more access into some scenes I won't spoil, but that is on a personal preference.
Thank you so much to Adelaide for the Arc, and for such an epic love story that basically covered so many of the tropes I like that it felt like the series was written just for me:
- Captor/captive trope
- enemies to lovers
- the H falls first and hard 😍
- protectiveness/ possessiveness/obssessiveness levels overload
- bondage play ❤️🔥
- "oh you are such a brat"'ness / "make me" banter 👌🏽
- caretaking moments 🤩
- aftercare (in smaaall amounts but still 👌🏽)
- a forgiving, sweet (and yeah maybe naïve) soul for the h, who protects and stands for what he believes is right and those who deserve his loyalty have it on overload
I am looking foward to reading your next series! 😘
August 31, 2025
4,5 stars.
An Oath and a Promise is the fourth and final book in the Riehse Eshan series, a series that I’ve absolutely LOVED. I’ve been putting off reading this final book because I didn’t want the series to be over and I was also scared, because our characters have been through a lot of ups and downs and I just wanted Mat and Ren and the others to be okay.
And I have to say, I’m very happy with how things wrapped up. I’m obviously not going to say anything about the plot, because this is the fourth book in a series where a lot has happened. But the book gave me much of what I was hoping for, including a lot of great Mat and Ren scenes, and we also got to see the side characters that we know and love (though there were some I wish we’d seen more of).
A few things in the story felt a little convenient and like they were solved a bit too easily, and for me the second book is still the best in the series, but this one is probably my second favorite. I didn’t think it was possible to love Mat and Ren more, but I think I do after this book. They’re one of my favorite bookish couples, and I’m sad to see the end of their journey, but thankfully I have a couple of novellas left to read and I can’t wait to do that!
An Oath and a Promise is the fourth and final book in the Riehse Eshan series, a series that I’ve absolutely LOVED. I’ve been putting off reading this final book because I didn’t want the series to be over and I was also scared, because our characters have been through a lot of ups and downs and I just wanted Mat and Ren and the others to be okay.
And I have to say, I’m very happy with how things wrapped up. I’m obviously not going to say anything about the plot, because this is the fourth book in a series where a lot has happened. But the book gave me much of what I was hoping for, including a lot of great Mat and Ren scenes, and we also got to see the side characters that we know and love (though there were some I wish we’d seen more of).
A few things in the story felt a little convenient and like they were solved a bit too easily, and for me the second book is still the best in the series, but this one is probably my second favorite. I didn’t think it was possible to love Mat and Ren more, but I think I do after this book. They’re one of my favorite bookish couples, and I’m sad to see the end of their journey, but thankfully I have a couple of novellas left to read and I can’t wait to do that!
March 15, 2024
And if I was going to die, it would be how I'd lived: hedonistic, troublesome and without any filter.
I appear to be in the minority here with this opinion, but I unfortunately did not find myself loving this book quite as much as I loved the first three. Perhaps, it was due to me reading those in quick succession to each other meanwhile for this one I needed to wait for the release date and then was not too keen to pick it up immediately. However, I do think this is a case of a series being overwritten - I felt like we weren't going anywhere in this book and the ending was somewhat of a letdown: I was expecting a more explosive ending.
Moreover, I did find Ren's humour starting to grate on me and the messages about bigotry, misogyny, and homophobia to be a little heavy-handed. The humour generally was quite light-hearted and even juvenile, but the topics being handled were intended for older readers, so I do not even know who this series can be recommended to.
All of this is to say that I very much enjoyed the series overall and I loved the characters, but this book did not quite do it for me. 2.75/5 stars
January 3, 2024
Oh I finally finished this series, I was waiting for this last book like crazy and unfortunately I am a bit disappointed. I had expected something different.
It was way to light hearted and sweet, it had some darker bits but book as a whole didn’t read as previous 3.
The story was a bit repetitive at times and I was skimming a bit as it didn’t have a total chokehold on me like previous books.
Also there was some fairytale like unbelievable shit going on which seemed very much impossible and way to easy.
Sadly it’s 3.5 stars but I still love these characters and genuinely happy for them. Can’t wait to read Jiron’s story.
It was way to light hearted and sweet, it had some darker bits but book as a whole didn’t read as previous 3.
The story was a bit repetitive at times and I was skimming a bit as it didn’t have a total chokehold on me like previous books.
Also there was some fairytale like unbelievable shit going on which seemed very much impossible and way to easy.
Sadly it’s 3.5 stars but I still love these characters and genuinely happy for them. Can’t wait to read Jiron’s story.
October 22, 2025
Matt and Ren are still really likeable in this book and some of the secondary characters really shine through (though I'd hoped for more of Jiron!). Most of the book follows Ren and Mat on the run, which was exhausting! I kept hoping that they'd get eventually get a long stretch of downtime. I wish this book (and the earlier books) had skipped the sex scenes since they’re too explicit and don’t add anything to the story. The modern language also felt out of place in this kind of fantasy setting. Also, I wish more authors didn’t treat marriage as the ultimate happy ending, especially for characters whose relationship doesn’t fit convention in the first place.
February 16, 2024
It's been a long road to finally get to the hard-won HEA and even in this book, Ren and Mat must endure many difficulties, betrayals, and opposition. Still, they have their loyal friends and family, supporters, and their unwavering love for each other. In this book, Ren must seek to reclaim the crown that was stolen from him by his plotting brother-in-law. Thing get gory at times, the odds seem impossible, but love and courage keep Ren and Mat going. They also have plenty of their kinky S&M escapades. I look forward to reading A Throne and A Crown for the post-series novella.
March 24, 2025
This was a satisfactory ending to this saga. I enjoyed all 4 books but I have to admit that I'm done with these characters and this world now. There's only so many times that the characters can be grievously wounded and then miraculously healed. Which I think the author realized in the last book because Starling disappeared and wasn't around to heal everyone which made the stakes seem higher. Unfortunately Starling was back in this one which lowered the stakes and tension. Plus, I think the author did Jiron dirty. He's tortured for weeks for no reason other than to get him off-page.
October 29, 2023
Magnificent ending to a brilliant series. This final book was all I had hoped for and then some. The love between Ren and Nat/Mat was just so obvious and so beautifully written. The constant push and pull and snark between them was really enjoyable. Their struggles in dire situations (and there were more than enough of those) resulting in a better world for all... Definitely one of the best series I've ever read.
December 6, 2023
While I did enjoy this series overall, I did find myself rushing to the end just so it was over.
These books are LONG and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. I felt like it got repetitive at times, which for lengthy books can be a serious downfall.
I don’t think I would necessarily recommend this series above others, but if you are in the mood for a slow-burn, medieval type story, then give it a go!
These books are LONG and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. I felt like it got repetitive at times, which for lengthy books can be a serious downfall.
I don’t think I would necessarily recommend this series above others, but if you are in the mood for a slow-burn, medieval type story, then give it a go!
January 27, 2025
This is a satisfying end to Mat and Ren’s love story. Through all of the trials and tribulations they experience, in the end they stick together and make everything work despite outside forces trying to break them apart.
I thought this book had a lot of things going on to get to the end too. More than the others it felt like there was more plot than spice - and there is definitely spice in this book.
I thought this book had a lot of things going on to get to the end too. More than the others it felt like there was more plot than spice - and there is definitely spice in this book.
October 5, 2023
Amazing Ending
This entire series has been great to read, but this ending just takes the cake. There is just so much going on in this to take in while Ren and Mathias fight to get back to where they rightfully belong. I highly recommend this entire series and this book especially. Please do mind the trigger warnings.
This entire series has been great to read, but this ending just takes the cake. There is just so much going on in this to take in while Ren and Mathias fight to get back to where they rightfully belong. I highly recommend this entire series and this book especially. Please do mind the trigger warnings.
September 1, 2024
oh God, I can't believe this is over! I only gave it 4 stars because I felt like it took more of a political direction than the previous installments, and also because I thought their peak in the love story was probably end of book 1-middle of book 2, so there was nothing really really new here.
But I loved them so much, I will miss Ren and Mat, and I wish for a 5th book someday.
But I loved them so much, I will miss Ren and Mat, and I wish for a 5th book someday.
October 23, 2023
An Oath and a Promise, the forth book in the Riehse Eshan series, continued to have Ren and Mat/Nat in some harrowing adventures to save their lives. You'll definitely be on the edge of your seat reading what troubles the boys will find themselves. But it's all worth it!
December 3, 2023
loved the series
Yes there was some inconsistencies but who cares this was fabulous and I just wish that the last after marrige novela was already out so I could buy the whole series in hardcover.
Yes there was some inconsistencies but who cares this was fabulous and I just wish that the last after marrige novela was already out so I could buy the whole series in hardcover.
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