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The Red Thread Duology #2
A Pact of Truth and Vengeance: Book Two of the Red Thread Duology
In the aftermath of a wager gone terribly wrong, Rajani, the God of Violence, has made a mistake. In his rage, he has broken a cardinal rule and directly interfered with fate, leading to the severing of a sacred Red Thread. He thinks he has gotten away with it, thinks that nobody besides the equally culpable God of Love, Halia, witnessed his crime.
But he is wrong.
Truth and Vengeance saw. As did the severed Red Thread of Fate, who, enraged, demands retribution.
Standing in the midst of the chaos is heartbroken Xander, widowed by Rajani's actions and the only one capable of rendering justice. But is Xander willing to become a tool of vengeance? To sharpen himself against the impenetrable wall of grief and do what is needed to end a God?
But he is wrong.
Truth and Vengeance saw. As did the severed Red Thread of Fate, who, enraged, demands retribution.
Standing in the midst of the chaos is heartbroken Xander, widowed by Rajani's actions and the only one capable of rendering justice. But is Xander willing to become a tool of vengeance? To sharpen himself against the impenetrable wall of grief and do what is needed to end a God?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 23, 2026
In this second book in The Red Thread Duology, it's now Xander's turn to take on the god of Violence, Rajani. Just like the first installment, this was a very unique, very emotionally engaging, very thought-provoking story.
After the cliffhanger ending of Obie's story, I've been waiting to find out what will happen next! And just as Obie was tested with the gods of Love and Violence, Xander now faces his own trials with the gods of Truth and Vengeance. Are they here to help or to hinder?
It seems with their guidance, it's up to Xander to find his way through past traumas, trying to understand the relationships that have shaped him and whether he can fully break the patterns of the past to be a better person for those around him. Can he learn how to better control himself and his reactions to see the truth and finally beat Rajani to save humanity? And even if Xander can, will Obie remain lost to him forever?
Such a well-written, richly layered story!
After the cliffhanger ending of Obie's story, I've been waiting to find out what will happen next! And just as Obie was tested with the gods of Love and Violence, Xander now faces his own trials with the gods of Truth and Vengeance. Are they here to help or to hinder?
It seems with their guidance, it's up to Xander to find his way through past traumas, trying to understand the relationships that have shaped him and whether he can fully break the patterns of the past to be a better person for those around him. Can he learn how to better control himself and his reactions to see the truth and finally beat Rajani to save humanity? And even if Xander can, will Obie remain lost to him forever?
Such a well-written, richly layered story!
February 18, 2026
I received this an ARC. I absolutely loved this story. The first book was good, but I like Xander's story way better!
February 27, 2026
After giving book one an unofficial 6 stars, this one lands at a clean 5 under my actual rating system. That is not a downgrade. That is this duology being consistently excellent.
A Pact of Truth & Vengeance by Uriah Rowland picks up right where A Wager of Love & Violence ends, but this time the focus shifts from Obie to Xander. I had just reread book one before starting this, so it took me a minute to adjust to being in Xander’s head. Not a flaw, just a mental gear shift. Once I settled in, I was locked in.
Where the first book centered around the gods of Love and Violence, this one moves into Truth and Vengeance. The change works. The gods feel distinct, and the tone shifts in a way that keeps things fresh while still staying true to the heart of the story. The POV change strengthens the overall arc and gives the duology more depth.
Obie’s journey still hit harder for me personally. Coming from an abusive home, I connected deeply with his struggle and resilience. But Xander’s path, especially when vengeance starts driving him, carries just as much weight in a different way. And those final chapters? I was literally crying. Not exaggerating. It hit like a hurricane.
What stands out most is how complete this story feels. It sticks the landing. The emotional payoff across both books is worth every page. Watching two people come from broken homes, get torn apart by meddling gods, and still fight to be together, even when it costs them, says a lot about love, resilience, and chosen family. It does not pretend the road is easy. It shows the damage. It also shows the strength it takes to keep going.
Final Thoughts:
This duology now holds my number one spot, and I do not see that changing anytime soon. I will be rereading both books every year. Some stories stay with you. This one carved out a permanent place.
A Pact of Truth & Vengeance by Uriah Rowland picks up right where A Wager of Love & Violence ends, but this time the focus shifts from Obie to Xander. I had just reread book one before starting this, so it took me a minute to adjust to being in Xander’s head. Not a flaw, just a mental gear shift. Once I settled in, I was locked in.
Where the first book centered around the gods of Love and Violence, this one moves into Truth and Vengeance. The change works. The gods feel distinct, and the tone shifts in a way that keeps things fresh while still staying true to the heart of the story. The POV change strengthens the overall arc and gives the duology more depth.
Obie’s journey still hit harder for me personally. Coming from an abusive home, I connected deeply with his struggle and resilience. But Xander’s path, especially when vengeance starts driving him, carries just as much weight in a different way. And those final chapters? I was literally crying. Not exaggerating. It hit like a hurricane.
What stands out most is how complete this story feels. It sticks the landing. The emotional payoff across both books is worth every page. Watching two people come from broken homes, get torn apart by meddling gods, and still fight to be together, even when it costs them, says a lot about love, resilience, and chosen family. It does not pretend the road is easy. It shows the damage. It also shows the strength it takes to keep going.
Final Thoughts:
This duology now holds my number one spot, and I do not see that changing anytime soon. I will be rereading both books every year. Some stories stay with you. This one carved out a permanent place.
July 9, 2026
When I tell you these two books shook me to my core, it is not an exaggeration. These two books are some of the BEST indie books I've ever read. It was such a unique and fascinating concept, but the heart behind these characters was so apparent in their every action. I will shout this from the rooftops. Everyone should read this.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews