A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy

by Haley Gallant

A kingdom's ruin. A mercenary's redemption. A princess's relentless pursuit of truth.

Princess Valia's world is shattered when her mother and sisters are killed, and she is abducted and held under a sinister illusion. Rescued by a strange mercenary who breaks the illusion with a kiss, she returns home to the capital city of Wyra.

As Valia attempts to unravel the mystery of her family's attack with her magical connection to the Flora, she begins to suspect that not everything is as it seems. A confrontation with her father raises more questions than it answers, so she defies his orders and embarks on a perilous journey to find the truth for herself. Still haunted by the kiss that broke her illusion, she enlists the aid of the mercenary man.

Together, Valia and the mercenary must face horrifying creatures, treacherous men, and a growing bond neither of them expected. As secrets come to light, she must decide who to the kingdom that raised her, or the enigmatic mercenary who saved her life.

A Vow of Blood and Sap is a spellbinding tale of romance, magic, and defiance of fate. Join Valia and her mercenary companion on an epic adventure that will leave you breathless and yearning for more .

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

Reviews

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was written quite well. I was not anticipating the end and how it was handled at all! The ending felt a bit rushed. Would be interested to see how Kirin and Valia mesh further now that Valia doesn't seem to trust the Flora anymore, and Kirin is almost possessed by the Flora, along with memories from an unexpected source.

[Brenda Powles · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. This story is all over the place. The writing is simplistic. Because of this, the book lacks tension. The fact that Kirin won't talk to her while they travel gives the author an excuse not to write dialog. With the lack of dialog, the characters are one dimensional. I have no idea why this is rated so high.

[Hannah Lindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking plunge into a world where magic blooms from the earth and romance simmers with delicious tension! Princess Valia is a compelling heroine, vulnerable yet fiercely determined, whose quest for truth unfolds alongside a slow-burn romance that feels both earned and electric. The plant-based magic system is refreshingly original, weaving through a plot rich with political intrigue and heart-pounding danger. Gallant’s prose is as vivid as it is immersive, painting scenes of enchanted forests and whispered secrets that linger long after the last page. Perfect for fans of epic love stories set against beautifully crafted, perilous worlds. An absolute must-read for romantasy lovers.

[Freedom · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was extremely captivating and wonderful

[Lovergirl25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting I loved that Valia was a strong willed character who never just gave in. She fought for things she believed in and kept going. Kirin was very guarded and skeptical but he couldn't help warming up to her lol. I loved that they did this journey together and I can't wait for more.

[Renae Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intriguing title of this book immediately drew me in, and I began reading with the hope that the story would deliver on its promise. From the opening pages, we meet Princess Valia, a character who has already suffered great loss—and yet, as the story unfolds in the enchanting world of Avania, it becomes clear she has even more at stake. When a brave mercenary arrives, the stage is set for a gripping adventure and a journey toward the truth.

What truly sets this book apart is its world-building. The author’s imaginative names for places and objects add vivid color and richness to each scene, making Avania feel alive and immersive. This careful attention to detail not only brings the setting to life but also deepens the reader’s connection to the story and its characters.

As the plot develops, I found myself increasingly engrossed in Valia’s discoveries and moments of realization. Her dynamic with Kirin Adante—the calm, mysterious mercenary who becomes her protector—is a highlight, with their contrasting personalities creating a compelling and heartfelt partnership.

The story’s pacing is just right, with each chapter introducing new questions that spark curiosity and keep the momentum going. It’s the kind of well-crafted narrative that makes it easy to lose yourself in the pages, eager to see where the adventure leads next.

[S Dorsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hooks you from the opening tragedy and never lets go. Valia is a compelling protagonist whose determination to uncover the truth drives the narrative forward with real urgency. The magical connection to Flora adds a unique element to the world-building, and the mystery surrounding her family's attack keeps you guessing. The bond between Valia and the mercenary develops naturally through shared danger rather than feeling forced, and the kiss that broke the illusion creates an intriguing supernatural thread between them.

The balance of romance, adventure, and political intrigue is perfectly paced. The creatures and challenges they face feel genuinely dangerous, raising the stakes throughout their journey. The tension between trusting her kingdom or the mysterious mercenary who saved her adds emotional complexity beyond the action. The secrets revealed along the way shift your understanding of characters and events in satisfying ways. A breathless page-turner that delivers both heart-pounding adventure and swoon-worthy romance with a strong heroine who refuses to accept easy answers.

[Phil Bolos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy (Whispers of the Flora Book 1) by Haley Gallant is a well crafted fantasy novel that sets up an interesting world and creates a whole new type of magic that fantasy lovers will greatly enjoy. The story follows Princess Valia as she struggles with the events surrounding the attack on her family, her aduction, and her eventual rescue by a mercenary with unique powers. When she returns home, she is hoping to find answers and some new for of peace. But what she finds is darkness and questions. With the aid of the mercenary, Valia embarks on a daring quest to save her kingdom and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. This novel takes world-building to a new level. Each chapter introduces us to new characters and new locations, each more exotic and astounding than the ones that came before. The story moves along at a fast pace, and each event sets up the next chapter nicely. The following installments have a lot of live up to, and the ground work here is done very well.

[Pat T · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of a princess rescued by a mercenary whose kiss breaks a sinister illusion immediately hooks you, and the mystery around her family's attack keeps the tension high. Valia's magical connection to Flora adds unique worldbuilding, and watching her defy her father's orders to seek truth herself makes her an active protagonist rather than a passive victim. The growing bond between her and the mercenary develops naturally through shared danger rather than instant attraction.

The pacing occasionally slows when dealing with political intrigue versus the action sequences. That said, the horrifying creatures and treacherous men they face create genuine stakes, and the question of who to trust, kingdom or mercenary, adds complexity beyond simple romance. The defiance of fate theme and secrets coming to light promise deeper revelations ahead. For readers who enjoy romantasy with mystery elements, magical systems tied to nature, and heroines who take charge of their own story, this delivers an engaging adventure that sets up an intriguing series.

[Ali Ayyaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap by Haley Gallant is a heart-warming novel in which the main protagonist, Princess Valia, whose sister and mother were killed and captured by evil deception. There was a twist in the story when the mercenary man broke the spell and brought the princess back home. She found herself entangled in a complex web of betrayal and secrets, and the truth behind her family’s attack and her mysterious connection with Flora. Moreover, she also realizes that her father was hiding something from her. The book was well-written, with the journey of Vaila and a mercenary man as they sought to uncover the truth about her and her family. This journey involves events, horrible creatures, and people. Moreover, their affiliation with each other becomes stronger, and they develop a strong bond. It is a must-read for fantasy lovers. Loved the character of Princess Vaila in a world filled with threats.

[Grace Bazile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley Gallant’s A Vow of Blood and Sap is a captivating blend of lush worldbuilding, romance, and intrigue that instantly immerses the reader. From the very first pages, Gallant’s prose draws you into a world where magic feels deeply organic, alive in every detail of the flora-filled setting. The characters are layered and compelling, each carrying secrets, vulnerabilities, and strengths that make them feel tangible and real. The romantic tension is beautifully woven into the overarching plot, striking a perfect balance between heart-pounding moments of danger and the tenderness of emotional connection. What makes this book stand out is its originality—the fusion of nature-based magic with themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience creates a story that feels both fresh and timeless. This enchanting start to the Whispers of the Flora series will leave romantasy fans eager for the next installment. Unputdownable and unforgettable!

[Emil Larsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be sure to pee first, before reading this spectacular story.

I found this book very entertaining. Princess Valia is an interesting character that can use magic and has a special connection to the flora and fauna. Along her quest for uncovering the truth, the mercenary accompanied her and the romantic tension between them grew with every chapter, building a deeper bond.

I loved the pace of this story, describing the details of the land they were travelling, the mythical creatures, the magic and the obstacles they had to face. Felt like exploring this world at a realistic pace and not speedrun through it or dragging it out. Good character developments too.

For those loving a good story, I can recommend this one.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic Romantasy That Keeps You Turning Pages...

A Vow of Blood and Sap pulls you into a world where heartbreak and magic dance like old lovers. Princess Valia's life shatters when tragedy tears through her family, leaving her torn between duty to a crumbling kingdom and the wild possibility of choosing her own path. With a mysterious mercenary whose kiss once broke an illusion, she navigates betrayal, shadow creatures, and earth-shaking revelations.

Haley Gallant weaves romance and sorrow so tightly you can't tell where one ends and the other begins. Magic thrums beneath everything like blood in your veins—bold, intoxicating storytelling that leaves you hungry for more. Highly recommended.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy (Whispers of the Flora Book 1)" by Haley Gallant is a mesmerizing mix of magic, love and resilience. The imaginative plant-based magic system feels refreshing, and the enchanting world is painted with vivid detail. The writing is filled with mythical beings, hidden truths and a dangerous and spellbinding journey.

The uneasy bond with the mysterious mercenary brings both tension and tenderness while secrets, betrayals and unexpected twists keep the story gripping. The blend of slow burn romance and thrilling adventure makes this fantasy a truly unforgettable experience. Overall, the twists and heartfelt moments keep the story compelling and make it a refreshing addition to romantasy.

[Robin Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, “A Vow of Blood and Sap” pulled me into a world that feels both dangerous and beautiful. I loved how the Flora-based magic came alive on the page. It gave the story a unique edge that made the setting unforgettable. Princess Valia quickly became a heroine I rooted for. She’s strong but also deeply human, willing to chase the truth even when it costs her comfort and safety. Her slow-burn relationship with the mercenary had me hooked; it’s not just about sparks, but about trust, sacrifice, and the way they challenge each other. The pacing built steadily, each chapter raising the stakes until I couldn’t put it down. By the end, I was torn between feeling satisfied and desperate for the next book.

[J. Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap is a beautifully woven tale of magic, romance, and resilience that pulls you in from the very first page. The author creates an enchanting world where danger, loyalty, and love intertwine seamlessly. Valia’s journey from grief to determination is inspiring, and her bond with the mysterious mercenary is both tender and captivating. The blend of vivid worldbuilding, magical intrigue, and heartfelt romance makes this story unforgettable. With every twist, you’re left eager to know what lies ahead. A perfect read for romantasy fans who crave adventure, passion, and richly imagined worlds.

[Mary C. N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story because it pulled me in from the very beginning with its mix of magic, mystery, and romance. The main character’s strength and determination kept me turning the pages, and I loved how her bond with the mercenary unfolded in such a natural, slow-burn way. The worldbuilding felt rich without being overwhelming, and the twists kept me guessing about who could really be trusted. I’ll admit there were a couple of moments where I wished for a little more depth in certain scenes, but overall it was still a really fun and engaging read that left me curious about what happens next.

[Fatima Majeed · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Tale with Love, Magic and Secrets”

“A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy (Whispers of the Flora Book 1)” by Haley Gallant is a gripping fantasy tale filled with magic, secrets, and slow-burning romance. Princess Valia’s journey is both emotional and bold as she searches for answers in a world shaped by Flora magic. The setting feels vivid and alive, and the bond between Valia and a mysterious fighter grows with every scene. It’s a story about courage, loyalty, and facing hard truths. With high stakes and a powerful ending, this book is perfect for anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy with depth and drama. A truly engaging read from start to finish.

[Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy (Whispers of the Flora Book 1) by Haley Gallant is a captivating romantasy that blends magic, mystery, and emotion into a richly woven narrative.

Gallant’s writing style is lyrical yet accessible, balancing vivid world-building with fast-paced tension. The interplay of romance and fantasy elements keeps the story engaging and emotionally charged.

Overall, this is a compelling and immersive read that will especially appeal to fans of romantasy and epic adventures. The author leaves readers both satisfied and eager to discover where the journey will lead next.

[Ghulam Mustafa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story blends fantasy, romance, and adventure in a way that keeps you hooked. The plant-based magic system feels unique, and the slow-burn connection between the princess and the mercenary adds just the right amount of tension. The worldbuilding is detailed without being overwhelming, which makes it easy to get lost in the setting.

A Vow of Blood and Sap balances danger, mystery, and tenderness, creating a tale that feels both fresh and familiar. The pacing builds as the plot unfolds, and the ending leaves you wanting more. If you enjoy romantasy with strong characters and vivid imagery, this is a great pick.

[Sam S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The magic system involving flora connections feels fresh and well thought out. Valia's character development from sheltered princess to someone willing to defy orders and seek truth on her own terms is compelling. The romantic tension builds nicely throughout without overwhelming the plot, and the mystery surrounding her family's attack keeps you guessing.

Some of the dialogue feels a bit stiff in places, especially during the more formal court scenes, but the adventure elements and growing relationship between the main characters more than make up for it. The ending sets up future books in a way that feels satisfying rather than like a cliffhanger.

[Charlene Hernes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley Gallant wrote a great book about the princess who was rescued by the mercenary after kidnapped and lost her family do to this. This book plot was great story. I couldn't put it down till I was finished. I like the princess she seemed very kind and the other characters and how they came together within the story to make the plot exciting. This book really had some turns and twists, making this reader wondering what would happen next as I kept reading this book. I really enjoyed reading this book Haley Gallant really made this book a great read and I definitely recommend it to others. I give it a 5-star rating and would recommend it to others. I hope to read more from the author.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a typical romantasy setup with a princess, magic, mysterious brooding guy, and while it does deliver on those tropes (and thank goodness for that), it also surprised me with how layered and emotionally rich it turned out to be. Princess Valia is not your average damsel. She’s grieving, confused, and stubborn in the best way. Her magical connection to the Flora adds this mystical vibe that I loved. And Valia's developing dynamic with Kirin was so fascinating. There’s a good balance of action, mystery, and emotional stakes, and the pacing kept me hooked from chapter one. I’m already impatient for Book 2!

[Anka Troitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap has everything a romantasy fan could want – magic, danger, mystery, and a romance that will sweep you away. Princess Valia is a brilliant heroine, full of courage and heart, and the Flora magic makes the world feel wonderfully alive.

The spark between Valia and the mercenary is slow-burn perfection, keeping you turning the pages. It’s a moving tale of loss, trust and defiance, with an ending that lingers long after you’ve finished. A gorgeous read for anyone who loves high-stakes fantasy with plenty of heart.

[Amra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap by Haley Gallant is a fantasy novel that blends court intrigue, romance, and magic into a compelling tale of survival and discovery. The author’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, striking a balance between immersive worldbuilding and emotional depth. Themes of truth, loyalty, and resilience run strongly throughout, explored with nuance and effectiveness. Fans of romantic fantasy, magical quests, and strong heroines will find this book especially rewarding. Overall, it is an engaging, heartfelt, and adventurous read that offers both excitement and emotional resonance.

[Ivory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley Gallant delivers a captivating blend of romance and fantasy that sweeps readers into a world where fate, danger and magic intertwine. The overall resilience and growing connection with a mysterious mercenary add layers of tension and emotional depth to the journey. The strikingly magical world building rooted in the Flora make the narrative both enchanting and unforgettable. Overall, "A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy" stands as a compelling tale of love, betrayal and courage.

[Abdullah Majeed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy (Whispers of the Flora Book 1) by Haley Gallant is a romantic fantasy combining adventure, magic, and emotional tension. It has that immersive quality that makes it easy to lose track of time while reading.

This book will appeal to readers who enjoy romance stories with rich worldbuilding and a balance of romance and fantasy elements. It feels like the kind of read best enjoyed curled up in a quiet spot, allowing yourself to be swept into a world of mystery, enchantment, and unexpected bonds.

[Momna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vow of Blood and Sap by Haley Gallant is a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure that sweeps readers into a world of magic, mystery, and high stakes. The author’s writing is immersive, painting vivid landscapes and crafting emotionally charged moments that balance action with tenderness. The mix of political intrigue, perilous quests, and slow-burn romance kept me turning the pages, though at times the pacing felt a bit drawn out. Fans of the romance genre with strong heroines will find this story especially rewarding.

[Michele Klawitter · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening scene, A Vow of Blood and Sap drew me into a world of magic and betrayal, with a side of unexpected romance. Princess Valia’s grief and determination are written with emotion that feels believable, and her bond with the Flora adds a unique layer of enchantment to the story.
The plot is steadily providing tension with illusions and dangerous creatures. Then add in the secrets that challenge what Valia thought she knew about her family and her kingdom and you have a well rounded story.

[Rajiva Ranjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Vow of Blood and Sap: An Enchanting Romantasy (Whisper of the Flora Book 1)" written by Haley Gallant blends adventure, magic and romance in a captivating way. A romance developed between Princess Valia, a beautiful, strong, and determined heroine who wanted to uncover the truth, no matter what the cost, and a dynamic mercenary who rescued her adds just the right mix of danger, mystery, and tenderness.
This book is perfect for those who love adventure, fantasy, mystery, action and romance all blend together.