The ruinous faerie kingdom of Scarlehaze makes a harsh life for humans, and eighteen-year-old Briar Winslow takes the brunt. Branded as a pest and an outcast, she spares no one from her spite, except for her adoptive sister and the Royal Astrologist with a haunting past. When her sister accepts the suspicious marriage proposal of the kingdom’s dangerously charming prince, Briar commits to saving her from the royal family’s slimy clutches through sabotage.
But, as the stars would have it, sabotage requires allies.
Arrogant ones.
When Caelum Bernadotte, the prince’s step-brother and Briar’s largest oppressor, recruits her to overthrow the wedding, it’s only a matter of time before they wonder if the Astrologist has recruited them for something worse. As the enemies work together against a corrupted royal family, conniving witches, and a demon of death, Briar seeks the Astrologist’s guidance to ensure her sister’s well-being. However, as his history is unraveled, so are the wicked secrets of the kingdom---including the motivations behind the dubious wedding.
This whimsical tale was so captivating and enchanting! 🤩 The witty, mischievous, kleptomaniac fmc is so well developed that I immediately found myself rooting for her. Ride or die, I’m a Briar Winslow stan for life! The emotional complexity of her character has you ready to burn the world at her side, while also wishing you could jump into the pages and give her a hug, a girls night, and a good cry. I found myself immediately immersed in the world as I read and couldn’t wait to see what our girl would do next. The subplot about the eerie past of the astrologist with a taste for necromancy and his lost love absolutely had my heart in tatters. I somehow was afraid of him but also wanted to squeeze him like a giant teddy bear and love him forever????? I don’t even know how it’s possible. Then we have our mmc whose character arc from bully to BABE literally had me gasping and fanning away my own blush. Reading a fae fantasy is like eating your fav comfort food; warm and delightful. But add in a unique astrology based magic system, necromancy, and a fmc on the cusp on a villain era and suddenly it’s like someone gave you a second plate and a fat dessert to go with it. The clever banter, twisted secrets, fanciful magic, and astrological magic system all work together to create an incredible, beautifully crafted story. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5.
The first thing that caught my attention about this book was the writing style. It was the most whimsical writing I’ve seen in a while, and I really enjoyed it. Another thing I noticed, was the similarities to The Cruel Prince. At first I was worried that it would be too similar, but it turned out to be set in a similar world, with a few more similarities, but it was very much its own book. My one gripe about this book was it was marketed as an enemies to lovers, or whatever similar titles people use. The fmc and the mmc have two, (if I remember correctly) direct interaction/confrontation before the mmc completely switches up. Aside from that, I really did enjoy the dynamic between the leads, it felt like they were genuinely becoming friends, not just pining after each other the whole time. The big reveal was also not super obvious, which was refreshing after a million copy and paste “plot twists”. The astrology elements and side plot were also very enjoyable. And FINALLY, I need to talk about the main character, Briar was refreshingly independent. Even when things out of her hands were happening, she was the one making her own decisions. She also was just lovable overall, not wanting anyone in her family to get hurt, but not letting herself be walked over like a doormat. And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but her love interest respected her choices and autonomy? I could gush about Briar forever, but I won’t. Overall, this was a very enjoyable book, which I easily sped through in a couple days. Thank you again to the author for the chance to read this before release!
✨🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤✨ The Overthrown Vow by R.D. Schwope
Thank you so much to R.D. Schwope for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. 💙
👑✨ When promises are broken and kingdoms begin to fall, the choices we make can change everything. ✨👑
The Overthrown Vow pulled me into a world filled with intrigue, danger, and the kind of fantasy atmosphere that makes you want to uncover every secret hidden within its pages.
R.D. Schwope creates a captivating story filled with powerful emotions, difficult choices, and characters who are forced to navigate a world where loyalty and trust are never guaranteed. I loved the feeling of uncertainty woven throughout the story — the sense that every decision could have consequences and every alliance could be tested.
The characters bring so much depth to the journey, with their struggles, ambitions, and personal battles adding layers to the story. Watching them face challenges and discover what they are truly willing to fight for made this such an engaging read.
There is something so addictive about fantasy stories where vows, power, and destiny collide. The Overthrown Vow delivers a journey filled with tension, emotion, and a world that leaves you wanting to know what happens next.
A compelling fantasy read full of secrets, challenges, and unforgettable moments. ✨
The Overthrown Vow was a really enjoyable read that pulled me in more and more as the story progressed. The characters, relationships, and emotional tension were what kept me most invested, and there were plenty of moments that had me wanting to keep turning the pages.
I especially enjoyed the way the relationships developed alongside the larger story. There was enough tension, emotion, and uncertainty to keep things interesting without making the romance feel like an afterthought.
There were a few slower moments that kept this from being a full five-star read for me, but overall I really enjoyed the journey and became genuinely invested in how everything would unfold.
A strong four-star read with plenty of emotion, intrigue, and romantic tension and definitely one that left me wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
huge thank you to the author and book sirens for the arc!!
wow! this was so refreshing! the world you built was fascinating and I love the astrology elements. I definitely got lost in this book and loved how the story played out. I also love how our two lead characters run into danger together instead of the usual trope of 'man protect woman'. i am still so upset at you for the orc... why did you do that :( i am already looking forward to the next book and you've become one of my favorite authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The early chapters brilliantly hook the reader by placing a resilient mortal protagonist, Briar, in a dangerous world ruled by cruel fey nobility. The deep bond between Briar and her sister, Novalee, provides a beautiful emotional core amidst a bleak, monster-filled setting. Enhanced by polished formatting and a beautiful hand-drawn map, this introduction sets up a thrilling story of survival and rebellion.
📚RATING OF ADVANCED COPY RECIEVED FROM AUTHOR📚 First of all i have to thank the author R.D.Shwope for this whimsical ARC✨ I’d like to apologize in advance for not being up to date with finishing it for reviews, but I’ve been extremely busy with my studies and had close to no time to read. I am almost finished with about 50 pages left tho. I love the character development, the fmc is so courageous and just amazing. Thank you R.D. Shwope for giving me a chance to be your ARC reader.
I haven't read a book like this in a long time. It sucked me right in and left me begging for me. 10/10 would read again. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.