The Seventh Painted Bride

by Oath Sterling

In Kartham, monsters are hunted, hidden kingdoms are destroyed, and every generation one woman is sacrificed so the rest can survive. Six already have. Esvial Aravell was never supposed to be the seventh.

A bastard with no title, no standing, and no interest in becoming a martyr, she should never have been chosen. But when her bloodline is declared the last capable of completing the sacrifice, she is painted in pink and imprisoned in a palace where monsters wear crowns and no one is ever quite what they seem.

The prince destined to perform her death rite was never supposed to want her to live. The man she loves was never supposed to become engaged to her greatest enemy while she rots beneath the palace. And the tyrannical king who sleeps was never supposed to outlive her.

But Esvial has survived worse than monsters. She can survive this too.

Probably.

The Seventh Painted Bride is a dark romantasy featuring a forced marriage, enemies to lovers, a morally gray prince, a devastating love triangle, blood magic, ancient monsters, hidden kingdoms, forced proximity, and the reminder that some kingdoms aren't worth saving.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark, Dark Romance, Romantasy

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 20, 2026

About the author

Hi! My name is Oath. I write dark romantasy featuring the men you shouldn’t want and plot twists that leave you staring at the wall long after the final page. Years spent working in a high-stakes profession have given me plenty of inspiration for the darker parts of my stories.

I’m neurodivergent, a proud boy mom, and an avid reader. I’m definitely happiest when daydreaming about pretend worlds, eating chocolate, or surrounding myself with something pink. Books have always been my favorite escape, and I hope mine can be that for someone else, too.

Reviews

[Jackie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 6/5 STARS ⭐️

Wow. Just WOW.

I honestly don’t know how to talk about The Seventh Painted Bride without giving something away, and trust me, this is a book you do NOT want spoiled.

There were SO MANY WTF MOMENTS. Every time I thought I had something figured out, something happened that had me questioning everything all over again.

The twists. The tension. The constant “wait… WHAT?!” I could not put this book down. I HAD to know what was coming next.

This is one of those books you need to go into as blind as possible and just let Oath take you on the ride.

Five stars wasn’t enough. This is a 6-star read for me.

So. Freaking. Good.

Thank you, Oath, for letting me be part of your street team and experience the incredible stories you create. 💙

[Jennifer Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing new series that I could not put down. I’ll be counting the days waiting for the next one to come out. No spoilers but this book HAS IT ALL!!

[Kathleen Lacoursiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will edit once I'm done but at the 50% mark HOLY. SHIT. I *cannot* put this down to save my life. Absolutely incredible

EDIT: OH...MY...GOD. I have found the master of plot twists and thy name is Oath Sterling. This gorgeously brutal, spectacularly rendered dark romantasy had me on the edge of my seat; wherever I -thought- it was going to go? It didnt. At all. And I never saw it coming. Esvial has easily become one of my favourite FMC's, unapologetically badass, few f*cks to give, and makes it everyone's problem...but never at the expense of what matters to her most. I have a ridiculous thing for MMC Ivory (can he please get an HEA? I beg? Please?), dark, brooding, but perhaps so much more 😏. If you love dark romantasy....READ THIS. PUT IT ON YOUR TBR. GO PREORDER!!! And join the club of epic book hangovers

Many thanks to author for advanced reader copy

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author

I honestly don’t even know how to put into words how much I loved The Seventh Painted Bride. This book completely consumed me! From the dark, haunting atmosphere to the monsters, blood magic, hidden kingdoms, forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers tension, and that absolutely devastating love triangle… I was hooked from the very beginning.

Esivial is such a compelling FMC, and watching her fight, survive, and discover just how strong she really is had me turning pages like my sleep schedule didn’t matter. And the morally gray characters? YES. PLEASE. GIVE ME MORE.

There were twists, emotions, betrayals, tension, and moments that had me staring at the page like, EXCUSE ME, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! This is exactly the kind of dark romantasy that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go.

Five stars absolutely does not feel like enough. I wish I could give this book INFINITY STARS because it deserves every single one.

Oath, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this incredible book and for trusting me to be part of your street team. It has been such a privilege to experience this story early and help share it with other readers.

If you love dark romantasy, morally gray characters, forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers, blood magic, monsters, hidden kingdoms, forced proximity, and deliciously complicated romance, add this one to your TBR immediately.

This book has officially ruined my sleep schedule and I regret absolutely nothing.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you oath sterling for letting me part of your arc team!!

I absolutely loved this book!!!! I would definitely give it 6 ⭐️s. The spice was hot!! I would give it 4🌶️. I could not put it down!!! The twist and turns that are in this book are unpredictable and they come from everywhere… great first book to a new series!!! It has possessive mmcs, sacrifices, love triangles so much to say but can’t give it away……if you like hot possessive men, love triangles, and touch her and die themes this is a must read.

[Kaylie Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from ARC reader:

When I say “OMG” I seriously mean that. This book will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end! You think you know where it’s headed and BAM! No spoilers but if you enjoy a little suspense, a lot of mystery and dark romance you will love this book! Thank you Oath for allowing me to ARC read for you! Your books are amazing!

[Tonje Lien · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it more stars I would!!

Let me just say - WHAT THE ACTUAL WHAT WAS THAT??

When I thought I knew where this book was heading, no I didn't!! When I thought plot big and small was going in certain directions, NO I DID NOT!!

When I thought it would end like this and that because of x y z, I DIDN'T KNOW A SINGULAR THING!!!

MY MIND WAS BLOWN!!

I was confused and I had whiplash after whiplash at the 50% mark, but the ending? THE ENDING had me question everything and made my husband genuinly concerned if I was okay. After that ending sir, no I am most certainly NOT OK!!!

I have now learned that Oath will F with my mind and blow it all to away too😅🤯

Because daaaamn I have not had that kinda twist at the end where I am gawking at countless revelations!!!

The Characters were likeable, the asshats were eeeeasy to hate and the world - Dystopian but fantasy. Sacrificing a bride for no apparent logical reason other than it will fix things, yeah ok!
Matrons and cunning female and male characters like in game of thrones (who you will despise with everything in you), strong protective MMC's, lovable side characters. This book has it all!

It is very dark so really check your triggers!

Absolutely brilliantly written book!

Now I will be unpatiently waiting on book 2 😅

[Ashley Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute banger to start a new series! I loved this book - I honestly feel like I need to collect myself because I don’t know how to fully put it into words. I cannot wait to see what’s to come!!

This is what to expect -
Dark and Haunting atmosphere ✔️
Blood magic ✔️
Magic ✔️
Hidden kingdoms ✔️
Love triangle ✔️✔️
Enemies - to - lovers vibes ✔️
Forced marriage ✔️

If any of those peak your interest, you have to pick this up when it comes out!!

There’s so many emotions swirled within the story. It’s dark and twisty, there’s moments of like wtf just happened…once the hooks are set, you just don’t want to put it down. Thank you Oath for the opportunity to read early! I honestly can’t wait for the world to read this one!! All opinions are my own.

[Amy Ebeid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear lord this is dark and goooood fantasy storytelling. I absolutely loved it. The FMC is snarky with fantastic inner thoughts and even better banter. There is political intrigue, magic, and feminine rage. This book keeps you guessing until the end and then wanting more when it's over. The ending makes you want to read it again. Such a damn good plot that gets you hooked from the beginning. It is dark, but it is also perfection. Loved it!!!

[Danielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book is 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I honestly dont know what i could say that wouldn't spoil it.

There's so many emotions you will feel. You'll feel joy, pain, betrayal, love, jealousy, anger, lust. Honestly this book has it all. The character and world build is exceptional. The spice is well what can I say is very very 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. Once you think you figured it out another twist comes at you. The cliffhanger at the end had me throwing my phone screaming WTF. You'll absolutely love the emotional Rollercoaster this book puts you on. @oath sterling is definitely one of the best at what she does and is my favorite author. You will devour this book.

[Rose Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Oath Sterling’s other series so when I found out this book was coming out I rushed to sign up for the ARC!

I straight up devoured this in A DAY. It was so good, I know it’s controversial but I personally prefer when MMCs really put the work in for the lead’s attention and fight for it. The banter in this book was electric and I love that the female lead is strong and resilient without being obtuse for no reason.

It does end on a cliffhanger so beware if you hate those. It’s not even out yet and I have to wait for the next one 😭

[Letitia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oath what have you done to my brain!

I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC copy of the 7PB, words and review are my own.

This book was addictive from the begining, take my advice and go in blind, avoid spoilers, just allow yourself to enjoy all the reveals, all the layers, the characters and the unravelling. This is a long book but the pacing was face, the dialogue, the sarcastic humour, the yearning, the wanting, the fear...my nervous system was on-fire, at times I had to take a break just to catch my breath from everything I was experiencing and other time I couldn't put it down.

I was describe this as a dark, gothic, dystopian vibe. We have a sacrifical bride, a Kingdom in ruin, blood magic, religious zealots, hidden kingdoms, a love triangle, and constantly changing chess-pieces - you will not know who anyone is and what is going to happen - it is Divine.

The 7PB is unique, I can't think of another book I would compare it too. I love Esvial...okay, I need to go...no spoliers here.

You need to read this book.

[Déirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release date: 20 November 2026
✔️Morally Grey MMC
✔️Strong FMC
✔️Love Triangle
✔️Enemies-to-Lovers
✔️Forbidden Love
✔️Touch her and die
✔️Who Did This To You
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Multi POV

Firstly I want to say thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this one! There was so much to take in in regards to the magic system and world building. Loads of secrets and revelations unfolding slowly throughout the story. There were times when I thought I had a handle on what was happening and then another piece of information would come to light and I'd realise we still dont have the full picture.
Esvial is such an interesting main character. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about her past, her story, and the things she’s been hiding, and some of the revelations were genuinely shocking.
Another thing I really loved was the feeling that no one could truly be trusted. There are so many secrets, hidden motives and unanswered questions. The ending left me with so many questions about what’s coming next. I’m very curious to see how everything unfolds in the next book.

[Kelsey | Lavender Haze Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I….. am SPEECHLESS.
This story is a political roller coaster. Secrets and lies around every turn. Distrust in everyone and not knowing anything done behind closed doors.

Completely immersive and sweepingly romantic. I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t stop thinking about what was to come next.

I absolutely love the short chapters and the incredibly fast pace. This is a long book but I still wanted MORE.

I cannot wait for book 2. I will be thinking about that ending far into the night…

[Hail.reads.alot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold up hold up HOLD UP.

It’s 4 in the morning and my mind is still trying to catch up and understand what in the world I just finished 🤯

First off Oath, chef kiss, amazing.

Secondly, Esvial our amazing badass FMC, my heart 💔

If you are looking for your next 6⭐️ read, look no further. Just be prepared for your cheeks to hurt from smiling and your heart to ache. This is without a doubt a book that I will go back to and reread over and over again just to have those feels.

Cannot wait for what comes next, seriously, well done Oath!

[Lynn Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book, I have never read a book with an absolutely different magical concepts. The story got me from the first chapter and by the end of it I was totally destroyed. The betrayals, enemies to lovers, scheming matrons and scholars trying to cure the sleeping king. Not knowing who to trust, lost memories, oh boy what a cliffhanger to end the first book in this series I hope the next book will be out ASAP. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC

Be prepared to be pulled in very quickly to this interesting world and a story that will keep you guessing. Kartham is dark and fascinating, with monsters, blood magic, hidden kingdoms, and a sacrificial tradition that has already claimed six women. Esvial suddenly finds herself declared the seventh bride, carrying a responsibility that was placed on her with no say from her. I enjoyed how some of the darker elements of the world felt like they represented bigger ideas too: what happens when responsibility becomes a burden you're simply expected to accept, or when a woman is treated as a sacrifice for the sake of everyone else? There’s also this interesting tension between religion, power, and choice, especially as the King Regent is forced to question what's right vs what he's been taught, and the sort of man he wants to be.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters, too. Even the ones you're not supposed to like are interesting and you want to know what they were going to do next. There are complicated relationships, shifting loyalties, and plenty of characters who make you wonder exactly where their true motivations lie. The prejudice against the creatures adds another layer to the story and raises questions about how easily people can label something as dangerous or lesser simply because they don't understand it. I liked that there seemed to be more underneath those assumptions, and I found myself wanting to know where those beliefs came from.

My biggest complaint is that I want MORE. I want to know more about the world itself, the different creatures, the history behind everything, and especially the role of The Watcher, the Speakers, and how deeply their beliefs have shaped Kartham. There are so many pieces here that I’m dying to understand better and look forward to seeing it all be revealed.

🍵 Final Verdict
A seriously fun introduction to a new-to-me author. The story is readable, well-paced, and full of enough mystery and twists to keep me turning pages. I loved the characters, the magic, and the feeling that there was always something else hiding just beneath the surface. But I also appreciated that beneath the fantasy, there are some bigger questions about sacrifice, responsibility, prejudice, faith, and what happens when people finally decide to question the roles they've been given. And that ending?! WHAT. That cliffhanger has me needing Book 2 immediately. You can't just leave me there!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Right from the beginning, I was completely hooked. This book is exceptionally well-written with stunning, immersive world-building that pulls you right into the story from page one. The characters and their struggles felt so genuine, and the emotions were completely raw and real. I felt them as if they were my own.

​The plot twists? Completely unpredictable. I truly did not see them coming! This book had me constantly turning the pages, completely forgetting about everything else around me. And that cliffhanger... No. Just no. I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to wait for the next book, because I just can't handle it! A must-read.

[Bridget Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟ARC REVIEW🌟

I don’t even know where to begin.

This book hits hard. Like can’t stop thinking about it, could not sleep after finishing it level hard.

Esvi is so resilient, so strong, so fierce. Immediately loved her and her sassy mouth.
There is a wonderful love triangle with Ivory and Karavin.
Karavin is immediately charming.
Ivory is broody af.

The twists and turns in this book were so unpredictable i found myself wondering “DID I JUST READ THAT RIGHT?!” several times.

The last 5% of this book. Unpredictable. I was shooketh.


Stars: 5
Spice: 4

[Cheyenne Lopez-White · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in a reading slump this is definitely the book to fix it. I was locked in right away and it kept me there the whole time. Every time I thought I figured everything out it was like *poof* guess again! Now I just have to anxiously/patiently await book 2 😬. I can tooootally handle that.

[Diana Chinchilla (dianasbookhaven) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocaine ain’t got NOTHING on my addiction to Es & Ivory. 🫠🔥

The book gods blessed us with Oath Sterling, then decided to spoil us absolutely rotten with THE SEVENTH PAINTED BRIDE. And honestly? I don’t know what I did to deserve this book, but I would like to thank whoever approved the request.

This is not a “maybe I’ll get around to it” read. This is a “cancel your plans and move it to the TOP of your TBR. RIGHT. FUC*ING. NOW.” read.

By 10%, I already knew this book owned my heart. So naturally, like the good little addict I am, I went and purchased a trophy copy. I hadn’t even finished it, and I already needed it on my shelf. That should tell you everything.

And Es?! That woman had me in a chokehold. She is witty, smart, funny, and strong, with a nonchalant, smart-ass attitude that made me love her even harder. She is easily one of my favorite female characters EVER. I would happily read pages of her simply running her mouth.
As for the plot, go ahead and make your little predictions. I dare you. 😂 Whatever you think is about to happen… don’t get too attached to that theory.

CAUTION Mini spoiler ahead:

But can we PLEASE talk about our dear, sweet Roses?! 💜 From her very first interaction, I was completely enchanted. There was something about those early scenes with her—the joy, the delight, the unexpected brightness—that I wasn’t prepared for. I thought I already loved this book as much as I possibly could. Then she showed up.

She is her mother’s daughter, with an extra helping of sass, and I adored every second of her. Give that girl her own book, and I will be FIRST in line.

Also, purple dragons need to be real. I will not be accepting arguments. 🐉

Es & Ivory have my whole heart. Oath Sterling, what the hell am I supposed to do with myself now?!


𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚: 11/20/2026
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤♾️
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨: love triangle(ish)
Enemies to Teathered
Touch Her & Die
Gothic Galore
Court Politics

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 and a round of applause because Wtf. this book is amazing I got here through my love of her other series the ashen crown an boy did this not dissappoint. I devoured it in 2 days and was hooked the entire time. You think you have it all figured out but no you definitely don't. The ending was jaw dropping I was left stunned and immediately wanting book two. If I could give it a higher rating I would. I wish I could say more without giving anything away but alas you must read for yourself and discover the magic.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

👰‍♀ ARC Review 💓

The Seventh Painted Bride by @oathsterlingauthor

You know when you finish a book and you just don't know how to react or what do to with yourself. I sat there for a while with my mouth hanging open for a long time 😲 bugging out 🫪 because Oh. My. God!!!

That ending what diabolical! How can you leave us hanging that way.

I knew when I first saw the call for ARC readers that I needed to get my grubby hands on a copy. It looked so good and it did NOT disappoint.

The banter was on point. The true enemies to lovers trope was exceptional. The twists and turns kept me hooked. I can't say enough good things about this book. I immediately pre-ordered a physical copy.

There are talks of more potential ARC spots opening up, if they do, URGE you to apply, you won't be disappointed. If not, then pre-orders are open on Oath's website or Amazon.

[Tisha Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely don’t even know how to properly explain how much I loved this book. The writing, the world building, the characters, the atmosphere… EVERYTHING was done so beautifully.

The world felt so vivid and complete that I didn’t feel like I was just reading about it— I felt completely pulled into it. Every little detail had a purpose, and the story kept unfolding in ways that made me need to know more. The darkness, the romance, the tension, the monsters, the secrets… it all worked together perfectly.

And the writing?? Ugh. There were so many moments and lines that just stuck with me. This is one of those books where you finish it, close it, and realize you’re still sitting there thinking about everything that happened.

I read a lot of books, but every once in a while one comes along that feels different. One that leaves something behind.

The Seventh Painted Bride was that book for me.

Beautifully written. Addictive. Dark. Emotional. Completely immersive. I loved every second of it and I already know this is a story I’m going to be thinking about for a long time.

An EASY 5 stars… although honestly, five doesn’t even feel like enough. 🩷

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished and I most definitely have not recovered from the plot twists and excitement at the end - my heart hurts for Ivory and omg, I did not see that ending coming, who Esvi was originally married to, how is the sixth bride alive - I have so many questions and absolutely cannot wait for the next book (Oath please don’t make me wait too long 🥹) this book was amazingly written, an absolutely must read and so many amazing character stories within it.

[Lora Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love everything Oath Sterling but she absolutely blew this book out of the water! The world and magic building in this book is so unique and you can tell so much thought and care was put into it. I love how Oath writes enemies to lovers and boy did this book hit that nail on the head. This was a longer read but absolutely worth it. This is the perfect start to the series and left MANY things unanswered. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Jenny Whetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to the author for letting me read this story early.

I enjoyed reading this! And the concept is so unique that I haven't read anything like this plot. So it was nice to read something where it didn't have a typical plot. I love how much she used her imagination in the story! Even the little "extras" such as painting the brides, made it so unique!

The author created really likable characters, even if they were from the antagonist side. Creating such likable characters made it difficult to put the story down.

And yes, there is spice! 😍

The ending leaves in a cliffhanger, so there will be a sequel. And that ending...OMG!!!!! When I completely finished the book, all I could think was, "What the f***?!?!" I was NOT expecting that ending and had to sit and stare off in space for a few minutes because my mind would NOT function.

Lastly, she chose an amazing artist with gorgeous pictures to help show the characters and scenes. I purchased the special edition book even before I read the story!

All in all, a good story and I cannot wait to receive my physical book!!🥰

[Zonia H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advance readers copy

Oath Sterling does it again! The seventh sacrificial bride…. Not 1, not 2, not 3, but 7th!!! I would love to talk about Esviel (the FMC) and other characters, but if I do I feel like it would have spoilers and you HAVE to go in not knowing much of anything else. The story will have you hooked and won’t release you! When you think you are done, think again because you will be thinking about this way after you’re done. The world building is incredibly written and Oath has so many plot twists that you think you know things but then it’s like nope you do not. The book has so much tension between characters that you never know when someone may go off. If you’re looking for a great book and a reason to read the 7PB, don’t think and just do it!
Now I have to try and be patient waiting for book 2.

[Melissa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Views.
I could not put it down. I enjoyed this read from start to finish and can not wait for the second part.
Secrets. Lies. Distrust.
A strong, outspoken and mouthy FMC. A brooding MMC and the secondary characters who drive the plot stronger. The ending surprised/shocked me and I would read it again for all the emotions I felt. Amazing.

[Entisar Ali · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The Seventh Painted Bride by Oath Sterling was such an interesting and atmospheric read! It has everything I love in a fantasy story: magic, secrets, political intrigue, complicated characters, and plenty of tension to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed Esvial as a main character. She’s stubborn, witty, resilient, and refuses to let others decide who she should be. I loved her attitude and the way she continues to fight for herself, even when she’s thrown into situations completely beyond her control. She isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes her feel so real. Her dynamic with Ivory was definitely one of my favourite parts of the story. Their relationship is complicated, full of tension, mixed emotions, and moments that had me wanting to know more. I really enjoyed watching their interactions develop and seeing the different sides of their personalities come through as the story progressed. The worldbuilding was fascinating too! Between the mysterious rituals, hidden realms, royal politics, and magical elements, there was always something new to discover. I especially loved the darker atmosphere and the feeling that there was so much happening beneath the surface. The quieter, softer moments between the characters were also a lovely contrast to all the intensity. Overall, this was an immersive, intriguing fantasy with a strong heroine, complicated relationships, and plenty of mystery. I finished wanting book 2 yesterday, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes next!