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Oaths of Shadow
Myral is in shambles. In the High Protector’s absence, Ringada have been defecting to Darkness, and grarg are raiding villages in the night. The people are losing hope in their Protectors of Light.
When Josen receives a summons to return to Ringard, the trio completes their journey to the home of the Ringada and Josen’s seat of power. Returning after the year-long manhunt for the murderer of his wife, Josen will not only have to earn the trust of those he rules over, he will have to gain the trust of those in the ranks.
With Josen preoccupied with proving himself to his people, Aliyah’s training falls upon Kaino and other Ringada. There is little known about Wyvanni and the power they wield, but as the mystery of Aliyah’s magic begins to unravel, her power grows—and so does her connection to Josen.
Could this be the very thing prophesied to bring peace to Myral and Gralanth? Or is it what set the world in Darkness 400 years prior?
When Josen receives a summons to return to Ringard, the trio completes their journey to the home of the Ringada and Josen’s seat of power. Returning after the year-long manhunt for the murderer of his wife, Josen will not only have to earn the trust of those he rules over, he will have to gain the trust of those in the ranks.
With Josen preoccupied with proving himself to his people, Aliyah’s training falls upon Kaino and other Ringada. There is little known about Wyvanni and the power they wield, but as the mystery of Aliyah’s magic begins to unravel, her power grows—and so does her connection to Josen.
Could this be the very thing prophesied to bring peace to Myral and Gralanth? Or is it what set the world in Darkness 400 years prior?
403 pages, ebook
Published September 24, 24
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 10, 2024
I had the privilege to get this book as an ARC!!
Aliyah, Josen and Kaino may be in the clear… for now. But an ancient, entombed darkness has awakened and is on the hunt for one of the last powerful WyvannI left, Aliyah. Josen has come out of the grief filled fog, with the help and love of Aliyah. Now they must journey back to the place where his world was crushed, back to Ringard. On their journey, Kaino helps train Aliyah, so she’ll never be helpless again and she learns about her Wyvanni powers, and how it can affect her friends. Once in Ringard, all three friends are pulled into their own roles, as life seems to settle. But when Kaino and Aliyah are taken by darkness, Josen has to find his friends, with the help of a familiar face. But this is just the start to more challenges the friends face.
I really liked book one, but book two?! I loved it! We still get pov’s from Josen and Aliyah, but now we also get a bit from Kaino and Driel, his pov makes it a bit easier to understand his actions and definitely able to show some sympathy for him. (Especially towards the end.) Book two, Josen and Aaliyah’s relationship grows deeper as they continue to share their pasts with each other. And Josen’s nickname for her! *swoons* And I like how we get into a bit more about magic when Aliyah and Kaino start researching about Wyvanni. Aliyah definitely finds her strength, when she’s had it all along! Then when you think there’s gonna be a happy ending, Aliyah and Kaino are taken!! We then really get introduced to Madra! From that point on, my heart was racing when Josen had to save them from darkness. The ending has all the twists and turns! Can’t wait to continue this story!
Aliyah, Josen and Kaino may be in the clear… for now. But an ancient, entombed darkness has awakened and is on the hunt for one of the last powerful WyvannI left, Aliyah. Josen has come out of the grief filled fog, with the help and love of Aliyah. Now they must journey back to the place where his world was crushed, back to Ringard. On their journey, Kaino helps train Aliyah, so she’ll never be helpless again and she learns about her Wyvanni powers, and how it can affect her friends. Once in Ringard, all three friends are pulled into their own roles, as life seems to settle. But when Kaino and Aliyah are taken by darkness, Josen has to find his friends, with the help of a familiar face. But this is just the start to more challenges the friends face.
I really liked book one, but book two?! I loved it! We still get pov’s from Josen and Aliyah, but now we also get a bit from Kaino and Driel, his pov makes it a bit easier to understand his actions and definitely able to show some sympathy for him. (Especially towards the end.) Book two, Josen and Aaliyah’s relationship grows deeper as they continue to share their pasts with each other. And Josen’s nickname for her! *swoons* And I like how we get into a bit more about magic when Aliyah and Kaino start researching about Wyvanni. Aliyah definitely finds her strength, when she’s had it all along! Then when you think there’s gonna be a happy ending, Aliyah and Kaino are taken!! We then really get introduced to Madra! From that point on, my heart was racing when Josen had to save them from darkness. The ending has all the twists and turns! Can’t wait to continue this story!
July 8, 2024
Ok so I’m a huge romantasy fan and this book had it all!
I love the close door, slow burn love not lust progression of the attraction between the characters.
If you’re a Kaino fan then you are in for a treat! The witty banter, the playboy, best friend character gets a big boost in this book.
Aliyah has my heart. What she continues to go through is just…can’t put it into words. I’ll spoil if I do and we don’t want that.
Josen is the fiery boyfriend we all dream about in a hero.
I gotta say I love how the POV from multiple characters is awesome! I love that we get real time “what are they thinking” instead of reliving the same chapter over and over again.
I am a huge fan of all the magic that is being developed in this book.
I’m not gonna lie being left where book two ends is killing me! KL has done it again! Leaving me hanging!!!
Xoxo
Katie
I love the close door, slow burn love not lust progression of the attraction between the characters.
If you’re a Kaino fan then you are in for a treat! The witty banter, the playboy, best friend character gets a big boost in this book.
Aliyah has my heart. What she continues to go through is just…can’t put it into words. I’ll spoil if I do and we don’t want that.
Josen is the fiery boyfriend we all dream about in a hero.
I gotta say I love how the POV from multiple characters is awesome! I love that we get real time “what are they thinking” instead of reliving the same chapter over and over again.
I am a huge fan of all the magic that is being developed in this book.
I’m not gonna lie being left where book two ends is killing me! KL has done it again! Leaving me hanging!!!
Xoxo
Katie
August 8, 2024
I have been struggling with reading since April, I read one book a month… I started Oaths of Shadow and finished it in 3 days! This is how much I loved this story and these characters.
Oaths of Shadow is the second book of the Vendi Chronicles, it started right after Aliyah’s trauma at the end of Wound of Ash. This book focused on Aliyah’s healing, learning more about her magic, Josen’s life as high protector.
Aliyah & Josen will always have my heart, their love is so pure. They are in my top 5 favorites books couple. They left me with teary eyes several times. I would say that @klhester_author really masters writing relationship (romance & frienship) ; I felt everything : every fear, every heartbreak…
The ending wasn’t fair ! I want to know more and especially how it’s going to be for a certain character…
I highly recommend this series ! The characters are so endearing, you will fall in love with them. On top of that, the world building is captivating
Oaths of Shadow is the second book of the Vendi Chronicles, it started right after Aliyah’s trauma at the end of Wound of Ash. This book focused on Aliyah’s healing, learning more about her magic, Josen’s life as high protector.
Aliyah & Josen will always have my heart, their love is so pure. They are in my top 5 favorites books couple. They left me with teary eyes several times. I would say that @klhester_author really masters writing relationship (romance & frienship) ; I felt everything : every fear, every heartbreak…
The ending wasn’t fair ! I want to know more and especially how it’s going to be for a certain character…
I highly recommend this series ! The characters are so endearing, you will fall in love with them. On top of that, the world building is captivating
July 28, 2024
ARC REVIEW
The second book of the Vendi Chronicles describes Aliyah's training to get full control of her power. But there is little known about Wyvanni and the power they wield so it's a very difficult situation.
My opinion is that this book is way to better that the first one. The scenes between Aliyah and Josen, Aliyah's training with Kaino and of course Kaino, omg I love this guy.
In this book we're learning more things about Josen's father's betrayal and why he did all these horrible things. Also we're learning more about Aliyah's powers and what she can do.
Aliyah's relationship with Josen is so beautiful. He didn't push her to do something she didn't want, he hugged her and accepted her. He is an amazing man.
The ending of this book was something I didn't expect and now I'm looking forward to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The second book of the Vendi Chronicles describes Aliyah's training to get full control of her power. But there is little known about Wyvanni and the power they wield so it's a very difficult situation.
My opinion is that this book is way to better that the first one. The scenes between Aliyah and Josen, Aliyah's training with Kaino and of course Kaino, omg I love this guy.
In this book we're learning more things about Josen's father's betrayal and why he did all these horrible things. Also we're learning more about Aliyah's powers and what she can do.
Aliyah's relationship with Josen is so beautiful. He didn't push her to do something she didn't want, he hugged her and accepted her. He is an amazing man.
The ending of this book was something I didn't expect and now I'm looking forward to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2024
I loved this book! Hester continues to keep me wondering what will happen. This book continues to be told from Josen’s and Aliyah’s POV, but Kaino and Driel get to add bits from their POV also. (I started to understand him better and have some understanding of his choices.)
Josen, Aliyah, and Kaino travel to Ringard to home of the Reingada. Josen and Aliyah’s relationship continues to develop as backgrounds are shared. Kaino is, as always, the comedic relief and steadfast friend to Josen and Aliyah. Aliyah’s magic continues to get stronger, and she struggles to control it while studying about the Wyvanni.
I was shocked at a couple of moments in this book that I did not see coming. (I have been an avid reader for many years and was pleasantly surprised!) I am super excited for book 3!!
Josen, Aliyah, and Kaino travel to Ringard to home of the Reingada. Josen and Aliyah’s relationship continues to develop as backgrounds are shared. Kaino is, as always, the comedic relief and steadfast friend to Josen and Aliyah. Aliyah’s magic continues to get stronger, and she struggles to control it while studying about the Wyvanni.
I was shocked at a couple of moments in this book that I did not see coming. (I have been an avid reader for many years and was pleasantly surprised!) I am super excited for book 3!!
September 10, 2024
Oaths of Shadow is the second book in the Vendi chronicles. The book continues Josen and Aliyah’s story, and the love they continue to build.
While categorized as a fantasy romance, I feel like the fantasy definitely takes a second seat to the romance. About 75% of the book is just about interactions between Josen and Aliyah, with the fantasy plot making little appearances here and there, until the end when everything comes to head. While entertaining to read, the majority of the book doesn’t really advance the plot much.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fluffy romance book with some fantasy elements, this book has it. It’s entertaining and easy to read, but doesn’t have much of a plot besides the romance going on.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While categorized as a fantasy romance, I feel like the fantasy definitely takes a second seat to the romance. About 75% of the book is just about interactions between Josen and Aliyah, with the fantasy plot making little appearances here and there, until the end when everything comes to head. While entertaining to read, the majority of the book doesn’t really advance the plot much.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fluffy romance book with some fantasy elements, this book has it. It’s entertaining and easy to read, but doesn’t have much of a plot besides the romance going on.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the second book in the Vendi Chronicles. I enjoyed getting more insight to the world this takes place in. My love for the main characters has grown throughout me reading. And I can't wait to see what happens next for them.
Wanna know what I REALLY love about this book? The steady growth for these characters. I absolutely love that things weren't rushed in character development. I loved reading about Aliyah healing and learning more about her powers. I enjoyed seeing that things didn't just come naturally to her and it made me love her character even more. . Josen as well! I wanna point out all the reasons why but I'd be diving into spoiler territory. Kaino still has my heart and I've just loved reading every scene with him. Even the ones that had me about to riot. 😅
Wanna know what I REALLY love about this book? The steady growth for these characters. I absolutely love that things weren't rushed in character development. I loved reading about Aliyah healing and learning more about her powers. I enjoyed seeing that things didn't just come naturally to her and it made me love her character even more. . Josen as well! I wanna point out all the reasons why but I'd be diving into spoiler territory. Kaino still has my heart and I've just loved reading every scene with him. Even the ones that had me about to riot. 😅
September 25, 2024
Oaths and Shadow is the second book in the series, so make sure you check out Wounds of Ash before you dive into this one!
The author does a fantastic job picking us up right where we left off from in Wounds of Ash. There is a lot of healing that needs to be done, as well as figuring out Aliyah's magic. I loved the development of Aliyah and Josen's relationship.
The action at the ending was great, and of course, our hearts are torn out EVEN MORE, but i know KL Hester will take really good care of us, she writes the healing process really well. I'm looking forward to where everything goes from here!
Tropes:
NA Closed Door Romantasy
Grumpy x Sunshine
Magic
Trauma Healing
Samurai Vibes
Thank you, KL, for sending me a copy of this book!
The author does a fantastic job picking us up right where we left off from in Wounds of Ash. There is a lot of healing that needs to be done, as well as figuring out Aliyah's magic. I loved the development of Aliyah and Josen's relationship.
The action at the ending was great, and of course, our hearts are torn out EVEN MORE, but i know KL Hester will take really good care of us, she writes the healing process really well. I'm looking forward to where everything goes from here!
Tropes:
NA Closed Door Romantasy
Grumpy x Sunshine
Magic
Trauma Healing
Samurai Vibes
Thank you, KL, for sending me a copy of this book!
September 14, 2024
I'm glad I took a chance and read book 2. It was much better than book 1. This na romantasy features a strong fmc and a badass villain. And the romance between Grumpy and sunshine that fades to black. After how the last book ended, I was worried about Aliyah but I'm glad she's okay. And I really appreciated her character growth more in this book. Loved Josen's nickname for her. Idk about others but my favourite character was the Villain, she was very well-written. Great ending.
Loved this quote,
"You are my phoenix, ever rising from the ashes of her past and becoming something more precious. It’s not your magic I love–it’s you , Aliyah."
Loved this quote,
"You are my phoenix, ever rising from the ashes of her past and becoming something more precious. It’s not your magic I love–it’s you , Aliyah."
July 2, 2024
ARC Review:
I really enjoyed how we got a deep understanding of both the romantic and platonic bonds between the characters, however the actual storyline may have been stunted because of this. There were a handful of places where what was going on didn't really seem to move the story forward or felt a bit repetitive in areas. This combined with the POVs switching up, sometimes right in the middle of a chapter, are cause for my review being 3stars. I will be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series because I do want to know what is in store next for the characters.
I really enjoyed how we got a deep understanding of both the romantic and platonic bonds between the characters, however the actual storyline may have been stunted because of this. There were a handful of places where what was going on didn't really seem to move the story forward or felt a bit repetitive in areas. This combined with the POVs switching up, sometimes right in the middle of a chapter, are cause for my review being 3stars. I will be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series because I do want to know what is in store next for the characters.
August 20, 2024
3.5 rounded down- ARC review- I enjoyed the overall story but it was slow moving and repetitive at points, I think another round of editing would help with this. The 1st book moved quickly and I was expecting a similar experience here.
FMC comes into her own and fights against recent traumas. Slow burn romance, ends on a major cliffhanger.
Multi-POV which helps to understand the story better overall.
FMC comes into her own and fights against recent traumas. Slow burn romance, ends on a major cliffhanger.
Multi-POV which helps to understand the story better overall.
September 5, 2024
Oaths of Shadow by K.L. Hester is an amazing follow-up to Wounds of Ash! The romantasy is turned up and a major focus in this book. You'll fall in love with the characters even more! 5/5 I would recommend this series!
There are more twists and reveals in this adventure that add to the world. I also loved the awkward moments as Josen and Aliyah's relationship progressed. There are some darking components like in the first one, so check the content warnings!
There are more twists and reveals in this adventure that add to the world. I also loved the awkward moments as Josen and Aliyah's relationship progressed. There are some darking components like in the first one, so check the content warnings!
September 20, 2024
Book two of the Vendi Chronicles was so good! Many of my unanswered questions from book one were answered in this one.
This continues where book one left off, and focuses on Aliyah moving through and healing from the trauma she endured in book one, and learning about her magic and abilities.
I LOVED Kaino and his wit and humor. His character really lightened up the book and made me laugh a lot. His and Aliyah's relationship really grew in this book, and the character growth overall was phenomenal.
I liked the fade to black romance - sometimes those parts seem to overtake the plot of the book, which I find annoying and detrimental to the story if it's overdone.
I also lived the different POVs, and you get to learn more about the different characters through this.
This book was well written and continued the story line wonderfully! I'm intrigued to see what happens next - especially with certain characters!
This continues where book one left off, and focuses on Aliyah moving through and healing from the trauma she endured in book one, and learning about her magic and abilities.
I LOVED Kaino and his wit and humor. His character really lightened up the book and made me laugh a lot. His and Aliyah's relationship really grew in this book, and the character growth overall was phenomenal.
I liked the fade to black romance - sometimes those parts seem to overtake the plot of the book, which I find annoying and detrimental to the story if it's overdone.
I also lived the different POVs, and you get to learn more about the different characters through this.
This book was well written and continued the story line wonderfully! I'm intrigued to see what happens next - especially with certain characters!
October 7, 2024
Welcome back to Vendi! The twists and turns in this book did a great job of keeping the story flowing well. Even if you don't remember much from the first book, enough information was giving to jar your memory.
I enjoyed getting to see Josen, Aliyah, and Kaino's relationships grow throughout the story as we learned more about who and what Aliyah is. The book does leave off on a cliffhanger that already has me searching for the next book's release date.
I enjoyed getting to see Josen, Aliyah, and Kaino's relationships grow throughout the story as we learned more about who and what Aliyah is. The book does leave off on a cliffhanger that already has me searching for the next book's release date.
August 17, 2024
This book was a bit slower than the first one. This one has way more depth and development of the characters which I think was wonderful. The tension between characters was great. This book sets up the next one really great. There was a lot of great banter between all the characters. The betrayal and the last few chapters of the book was so good.
September 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed book one in this series, but I loved this second book.
For me feeling like I knew the characters a bit more and already having had the drama of the first book just added to the overall experience.
I cannot wait to continue reading this story and where the characters take us.
I am just in love with the descriptions of this world, an amazing read for me.
For me feeling like I knew the characters a bit more and already having had the drama of the first book just added to the overall experience.
I cannot wait to continue reading this story and where the characters take us.
I am just in love with the descriptions of this world, an amazing read for me.
September 5, 2024
Okay, this book had me kicking my feet and giggling!!!!
I absolutely love the different relationship dynamics between characters. It makes them feel more real. We see more of the world building here as the characters get deeper into their stories.
The ending is intense. I don't want to give spoilers, but it had me sitting there thinking "How rude!!....... When can I read the next one?" 😂.
I absolutely love the different relationship dynamics between characters. It makes them feel more real. We see more of the world building here as the characters get deeper into their stories.
The ending is intense. I don't want to give spoilers, but it had me sitting there thinking "How rude!!....... When can I read the next one?" 😂.
September 13, 2024
Hester has a way with her heroes. I absolutely love the character development. I loved the action at the end too but I really, really want more from the villains and secondary characters. All around, this is a great story that could use just a little bit more of the background to round it out. Book 3?
August 5, 2024
Thank you to the author for the advanced digital copy!
Even better than the first. Loved the expansion of the world and greater insight into the magic system. That ending though!
Even better than the first. Loved the expansion of the world and greater insight into the magic system. That ending though!
April 14, 2025
I…I thought this was a duology….it is not….next book this fall and it is going to be soooo good! 😊
June 13, 2025
I think my first mistake was think I could read a Romantasy :/ 80% romance and 20% fantasy, not my style
October 3, 2024
Book 2 starts up right after the traumatic ending of book 1. I struggled a bit with the pacing of the first half or so. She is recovering, and time needs to be spent on that, but then it takes quite a while for them to get going with the larger plot as a whole again. I liked getting to see more of what her powers look like and her interactions with side characters. There is so much activity at the very end, though! KL likes to make it hurt a bit. Whew. I am interested in where things go from here! I liked getting to see more of what her powers look like and her interactions with side characters.
Thanks to KL for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
Thanks to KL for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
July 18, 2025
I really enjoyed Book One, but Oaths of Shadow hit differently. It picks up right after Wounds of Ash and immediately dives into the aftermath of everything Aliyah went through. This one focuses more on healing, personal growth, and the deeper layers of the magic system. I loved seeing Aliyah come into her own and realize just how much power she holds, both magically and emotionally.
The slow burn romance between Aliyah and Josen continues to grow in a way that feels genuine and earned. Their bond is soft, a little messy, and full of heart. I really appreciated that the romance didn’t overpower the story. It stayed in the background just enough while still tugging on my feelings. Also, Josen’s nickname for her? Adorable.
Kaino easily became a favorite in this one. He brought so much humor and light, and I liked that we got more of his perspective. He’s charming and sarcastic but also has more depth than I expected. The additional POVs from characters like Driel gave more insight into what’s happening on the other side of the conflict, which helped fill in some gaps from book one.
The pacing was mostly great, though it did slow down a bit in the middle when everyone started settling into their roles in Ringard. But just when I started to feel like things were wrapping up, the tension spiked again and I was all in. The last few chapters had some strong twists and emotional gut punches that definitely left me wanting the next book.
If you like your fantasy with found family vibes, slow burn romance, emotional healing, and a magic system that still has secrets to uncover, this is worth picking up. It’s a strong second book that adds weight to the world and the characters, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
The slow burn romance between Aliyah and Josen continues to grow in a way that feels genuine and earned. Their bond is soft, a little messy, and full of heart. I really appreciated that the romance didn’t overpower the story. It stayed in the background just enough while still tugging on my feelings. Also, Josen’s nickname for her? Adorable.
Kaino easily became a favorite in this one. He brought so much humor and light, and I liked that we got more of his perspective. He’s charming and sarcastic but also has more depth than I expected. The additional POVs from characters like Driel gave more insight into what’s happening on the other side of the conflict, which helped fill in some gaps from book one.
The pacing was mostly great, though it did slow down a bit in the middle when everyone started settling into their roles in Ringard. But just when I started to feel like things were wrapping up, the tension spiked again and I was all in. The last few chapters had some strong twists and emotional gut punches that definitely left me wanting the next book.
If you like your fantasy with found family vibes, slow burn romance, emotional healing, and a magic system that still has secrets to uncover, this is worth picking up. It’s a strong second book that adds weight to the world and the characters, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews