*Promised*, the second installment in Leigh Walker’s series, unfortunately falls short of the potential set up by its predecessor. While it continues the storyline introduced in the first book, it struggles to build on the foundation laid in *Awakening*, resulting in a predictable and underwhelming reading experience.
One of the most glaring issues with *Promised* is the lack of character development. The protagonist, despite being more seasoned and familiar with the dangers of her world, doesn’t experience much growth from where we left her in *Awakening*. Her internal struggles, while touched upon, are never fully fleshed out, and her decisions feel repetitive and unremarkable. For a character who has already been through so much, her responses to new challenges feel stagnant. This lack of development makes it hard for readers to stay engaged, especially when she seems to be treading the same emotional and narrative ground as the first book.
The romantic subplot, which could have been a saving grace, lacks both depth and originality. The chemistry between the protagonist and her love interest feels forced, with much of the relationship's progression relying on clichés rather than genuine emotional connection. The tension that should naturally arise from their situation often falls flat, and the dialogue between them is stilted, sometimes veering into melodrama. The romantic dynamic that might have been intriguing in the first book becomes predictable in this one, with little growth or change to keep readers invested.
Secondary characters, who had the potential to add richness to the world, are once again underutilized. Several of them were introduced in the first book with hints of interesting backstories or potential, but they remain sidelined here. Their relationships with the protagonist remain superficial, and they often serve only as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. This weakens the emotional stakes of the novel, as the protagonist’s interactions with others lack the complexity needed to create a compelling ensemble cast.
The pacing of *Promised* is also problematic. While the first book managed to balance action and character development, this installment feels uneven, with long stretches where very little happens. These slower sections drag, making it hard to maintain momentum. When action does occur, it feels rushed and doesn’t carry the weight it should. The conflicts that arise are resolved too easily, with little tension or lasting consequence, which ultimately weakens the overall impact of the plot.
In terms of plot, *Promised* falls into predictable territory. While there’s a clear continuation of the overarching storyline, the twists and turns are often telegraphed early on, leaving little room for genuine surprise. Many of the conflicts and resolutions feel formulaic, and the stakes never feel as high as they should. The potential for gripping drama is there, but it’s consistently undercut by the lack of suspense and depth in the storytelling.
One of the more disappointing aspects is the world-building. *Awakening* introduced readers to a supernatural world filled with potential, but *Promised* doesn’t expand on it in meaningful ways.