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The Shackled Oath
592 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 13, 2026
I snagged this book from penpinery as an ARC because I’m a professional honest reviewer (translation: I have no self-control and zero chill).
My god, this book. I went in expecting mediocrity at best. Honestly, after the parade of “debut novels” I’ve suffered through this year—bless their chaotic little hearts—I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed.
Plot twist: my expectations didn’t just get shattered, they got yeeted into another dimension.
The world-building? Gorgeous. The magic system? Chef’s kiss, impeccable. And the slow burn? My friends, it’s so slow it should come with a warning label and a fan for when you start spontaneously combusting. I was melting.
You’re going to fall head-over-heels for these characters. By the end I was ride-or-die for Azaria like I’d personally sworn an oath on her team’s found-family bible. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to fight fictional enemies right alongside them. The banter is chef’s kiss—sharp, adorable, and dangerously addictive. I was cackling like a lunatic in public. Zero regrets.
The only downside? That brutal cliffhanger. Being an ARC reader is a curse when you discover a gem this early. Now I’m over here vibrating with impatience, refreshing release dates like a desperate raccoon. Book 2, I’m begging you—drop sooner. My emotional stability needs you.
Bottom line: If you’re even thinking about picking this up, stop thinking and do it. You will not be disappointed. You might, however, develop a new book hangover and trust issues with slow burns. Worth it.
My god, this book. I went in expecting mediocrity at best. Honestly, after the parade of “debut novels” I’ve suffered through this year—bless their chaotic little hearts—I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed.
Plot twist: my expectations didn’t just get shattered, they got yeeted into another dimension.
The world-building? Gorgeous. The magic system? Chef’s kiss, impeccable. And the slow burn? My friends, it’s so slow it should come with a warning label and a fan for when you start spontaneously combusting. I was melting.
You’re going to fall head-over-heels for these characters. By the end I was ride-or-die for Azaria like I’d personally sworn an oath on her team’s found-family bible. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to fight fictional enemies right alongside them. The banter is chef’s kiss—sharp, adorable, and dangerously addictive. I was cackling like a lunatic in public. Zero regrets.
The only downside? That brutal cliffhanger. Being an ARC reader is a curse when you discover a gem this early. Now I’m over here vibrating with impatience, refreshing release dates like a desperate raccoon. Book 2, I’m begging you—drop sooner. My emotional stability needs you.
Bottom line: If you’re even thinking about picking this up, stop thinking and do it. You will not be disappointed. You might, however, develop a new book hangover and trust issues with slow burns. Worth it.
April 7, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
This was by far one of the best books I have read so far this year. I was SHOCKED that this is a debut novel! The story was so well rounded, the characters felt real, and it didn't feel awkward like a lot of first time author books do. The dialogue was mature and it didn't feel like the characters were tripping over themselves when speaking to each other (until they needed to...for obvious reasons). I wanted to dive into book 2 but unfortunately I read this in advance and will have to wait even longer for book 2! The magic system was really cool, but I honestly enjoyed feeling like I was living life in the shoes of the team. The only complaint I would have is some of the names were way too similar and it got confusing at the beginning of the book but I did catch on relatively quickly (specifically the female "L" names and the men/places having a lot of "T" names). Other than that, I genuinely miss this world. The writing was so good I am still blown away. Definitely read it if you are looking for plot forward fantasy with romance being VERY slow burn and not the primary focus!!
This was by far one of the best books I have read so far this year. I was SHOCKED that this is a debut novel! The story was so well rounded, the characters felt real, and it didn't feel awkward like a lot of first time author books do. The dialogue was mature and it didn't feel like the characters were tripping over themselves when speaking to each other (until they needed to...for obvious reasons). I wanted to dive into book 2 but unfortunately I read this in advance and will have to wait even longer for book 2! The magic system was really cool, but I honestly enjoyed feeling like I was living life in the shoes of the team. The only complaint I would have is some of the names were way too similar and it got confusing at the beginning of the book but I did catch on relatively quickly (specifically the female "L" names and the men/places having a lot of "T" names). Other than that, I genuinely miss this world. The writing was so good I am still blown away. Definitely read it if you are looking for plot forward fantasy with romance being VERY slow burn and not the primary focus!!
May 8, 2026
Sooooooo i love every minute of this book, i had to stop everything to read it. Its pulls and pulls, until your sucked in and trapped. This book is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Azaria is a badass fmc, she doesn’t take crap and will put her team first hence why they protect her. So much loyalty among them. Which makes the perfect team. Family doesn’t have to be connected by blood. I love the captains team though, we need to hear more about them in next book or a little novella.
World building in this was insane, it was like watching this in my head. This is a very slow burn but not the main focus of the story which i absolutely love in a fantasy book, though the romance and spice is a major plus i wanted an amazing story that gripped me and this was it. I cant wait to see what happens next. That cliff hanger though……not fair
Azaria is a badass fmc, she doesn’t take crap and will put her team first hence why they protect her. So much loyalty among them. Which makes the perfect team. Family doesn’t have to be connected by blood. I love the captains team though, we need to hear more about them in next book or a little novella.
World building in this was insane, it was like watching this in my head. This is a very slow burn but not the main focus of the story which i absolutely love in a fantasy book, though the romance and spice is a major plus i wanted an amazing story that gripped me and this was it. I cant wait to see what happens next. That cliff hanger though……not fair
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book & I'm so grateful to have been given the chance to read & review it. Zenna has managed to pull me into her world & care for her characters. We have a strong FMC with a troubled backstory that's hinted at but not revealed until later. She's leading her team, standing up against bullies, finding herself, allowing herself to be vulnerable but also in control. You know it's a good book when you finish it & try to see if there's a book 2, I really hope there is.
I absolutely loved this book & I'm so grateful to have been given the chance to read & review it. Zenna has managed to pull me into her world & care for her characters. We have a strong FMC with a troubled backstory that's hinted at but not revealed until later. She's leading her team, standing up against bullies, finding herself, allowing herself to be vulnerable but also in control. You know it's a good book when you finish it & try to see if there's a book 2, I really hope there is.
April 29, 2026
I received this ARC free for a posted honest review after reading. The shackled Oath was a page turner! Yes it was a slow burn but it still had you wanting to explore and travel along with the characters. This book really pulls you and tou become invested in all of the characters that the author introduced as the story develops. It had great world-building and good character development. I loved the magic and fight scenes and it has you rooting for Azaria and her team. I would definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was one of the best books I've read about recently. The depth of the characters, the narrative, not predictable, but slowly building up, this was so well wrapped. Please let it be a book 2!
April 20, 2026
What a well-crafted and interesting world Zenna Lake has created in The Shackled Oath! The main character, Captain Azaria Sylvenhart, is a strong, well-respected leader who is open to giving others a second chance. The book takes us all over the continent of Kareth, with travel by horseback. The kingdom is at war with neighboring kingdom Dravareth. Magic and dramatic fight scenes are plentiful. Azaria has earned her crew of “misfits’” ultimate loyalty. She has had a painful history, which Lake artfully reveals, bit by bit. Court rivalries and intrigue abound.
The author has taken her time to introduce a large cast of characters, bringing each to life with impressive character development. They are worth getting to know. Betrayal and a slow burn that barely gets off the ground, so to speak, lead to a final cliffhanger.
The author has taken her time to introduce a large cast of characters, bringing each to life with impressive character development. They are worth getting to know. Betrayal and a slow burn that barely gets off the ground, so to speak, lead to a final cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews