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The Bloodright Trilogy #2
Oaths of Legacy: Book Two of The Bloodright Trilogy
Torn between loyalty and love, a young prince will learn how much he's willing to sacrifice as he tries to destroy the rebellion that threatens his throne in the exhilarating sequel to Bonds of Brass.
"A knockout."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Gal's destiny has always been clear: Complete his training at the military academy, prove his worth as a royal successor, and ascend to the galactic throne. When a failed assassination plot against Gal sends him and Ettian--his infuriatingly enticing roommate--on a mad dash through the stars, Gal's plans are momentarily disrupted. But he was born to rule the Umber Empire, and with Ettian by his side, nothing will stop him from returning home and crushing the growing insurgency threatening his family's power.
Yet nothing is ever that simple in war--or in love. Gal is captured by the rebellion during a skirmish and faces public execution, his grand fate cut short. To save Gal's life, Ettian does the unthinkable: He reveals himself as the secret heir to the fallen Archon Empire and rightful leader of the rebellion . . . and, therefore, Gal's sworn enemy. Now a political hostage in this newly reignited conflict, Gal must use his limited resources to sabotage the rebellion from within, concoct an escape plan, and return to the empire he's destined to lead. And if that means taking down the man he thought he loved?
All the better.
"A knockout."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Gal's destiny has always been clear: Complete his training at the military academy, prove his worth as a royal successor, and ascend to the galactic throne. When a failed assassination plot against Gal sends him and Ettian--his infuriatingly enticing roommate--on a mad dash through the stars, Gal's plans are momentarily disrupted. But he was born to rule the Umber Empire, and with Ettian by his side, nothing will stop him from returning home and crushing the growing insurgency threatening his family's power.
Yet nothing is ever that simple in war--or in love. Gal is captured by the rebellion during a skirmish and faces public execution, his grand fate cut short. To save Gal's life, Ettian does the unthinkable: He reveals himself as the secret heir to the fallen Archon Empire and rightful leader of the rebellion . . . and, therefore, Gal's sworn enemy. Now a political hostage in this newly reignited conflict, Gal must use his limited resources to sabotage the rebellion from within, concoct an escape plan, and return to the empire he's destined to lead. And if that means taking down the man he thought he loved?
All the better.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2021
72 people are currently reading
3332 people want to read
About the author
Emily Skrutskie
12 books1,041 followersEmily Skrutskie is six feet tall. She lives and works in Los Angeles. Skrutskie is the author of THE ABYSS SURROUNDS US series, HULLMETAL GIRLS, the Bloodright Trilogy, starting with BONDS OF BRASS, and THE SALVATION GAMBIT.
Her latest novel, A LEGIONNAIRE'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND PEACE, is now available!
Her latest novel, A LEGIONNAIRE'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND PEACE, is now available!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
dnf
July 20, 2022NOBODY LIKES U GAL 👺
he is so whiny and full of himself. he’s a brat who thinks he’s the only one with a working brain and constantly undermines everyone else around him. i licherally cannot think of ONE redeeming quality about him. like how are you short AND obnoxious? pick a fucking struggle.
he is so whiny and full of himself. he’s a brat who thinks he’s the only one with a working brain and constantly undermines everyone else around him. i licherally cannot think of ONE redeeming quality about him. like how are you short AND obnoxious? pick a fucking struggle.
July 22, 2025
puuuh … My rating should probably be ignored; I'm totally high on this book and can't think rationally.
I'm in the best book coma ever. That was fantastic.
The ending, the mega battle at the end were worth fighting through Gal's long inner monologues.
And it's pretty brilliantly done even if it got a little tiring, as I suspected it would.
So the reviews for the second book are a bit mixed, but all I can say is that I love it.
As suspected, Gal got on my nerves a bit because he's just this pompous egotistical character and doesn't exactly invite you to empathize with him. But I like him now.
I feel like I've been brainwashed. Stockholm syndrome at its finest, the only question is who ends up with it, probably everyone somehow.
And again, we only get a few smidgens of kissing at the end and a pretty hot scene in between, but they're just kisses, so don't expect too much. And yet I like this story so much. Because even though it has nothing to offer in terms of romance, it's so realistic. I mean Gal and Ettian are just in impossible positions. And from that perspective, it's just brilliant how everything plays into each other and how the balance between the two is restored in the end.
So, I know that doesn't say anything about the book. You probably have to be a sci-fi nerd to appreciate what's going on here. I grew up with the original Star Wars, so ... my path was set ...
I'm a tiny bit sad about how much badass action Wen gets, and I know she'll play way too big a role in the third part, but since I like her, I'll forgive it.
So, book three is bought, and I'm afraid to read it because it's sure to be exhausting now that Gal and Ettian are separated and it will probably take the whole book for them to get back together. I'm just trusting that all the space battles and political intrigue will make up for it.
I can’t look at him. I have to look at him. He’s a black hole and a burning sun all at once, the gravitational center of everyone in the room. All I want is to escape him, but everything about him makes that impossible. 🫠🚀🫠
There are no soft wars to be waged here. This ends in blood—his, mine, or maybe both of ours—and no other way will suffice.
“I turned you into this,” Ettian says, staring into his cup. “And now you’re trying to turn me into you.” 🖤😢🖤
Let me always remember that every stroke of my tongue against his confirms a thousand vicious theories spinning around the two of us. Let me remember the cost of the heavy ache stiffening against his leg.
Let me never forget that this isn’t real.
But for a dangerous second, I do. 🥺🖤🥺
Ettian’s nostrils flare. “You have no ruttin’ idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’m the only other person in the galaxy who knows what you’re—”
“Gal.” His whole body has gone taut like a wound-up spring, engines hot on the verge of ignition. “The war, the aftermath, the…hell I lived through—none of it went away when I walked onto that base. Don’t tell me when my bloodright mattered to me and when it didn’t. You never knew that then, and you certainly don’t know it now.” 💔💔💔
I'm in the best book coma ever. That was fantastic.
The ending, the mega battle at the end were worth fighting through Gal's long inner monologues.
And it's pretty brilliantly done even if it got a little tiring, as I suspected it would.
So the reviews for the second book are a bit mixed, but all I can say is that I love it.
As suspected, Gal got on my nerves a bit because he's just this pompous egotistical character and doesn't exactly invite you to empathize with him. But I like him now.
I feel like I've been brainwashed. Stockholm syndrome at its finest, the only question is who ends up with it, probably everyone somehow.
And again, we only get a few smidgens of kissing at the end and a pretty hot scene in between, but they're just kisses, so don't expect too much. And yet I like this story so much. Because even though it has nothing to offer in terms of romance, it's so realistic. I mean Gal and Ettian are just in impossible positions. And from that perspective, it's just brilliant how everything plays into each other and how the balance between the two is restored in the end.
So, I know that doesn't say anything about the book. You probably have to be a sci-fi nerd to appreciate what's going on here. I grew up with the original Star Wars, so ... my path was set ...
I'm a tiny bit sad about how much badass action Wen gets, and I know she'll play way too big a role in the third part, but since I like her, I'll forgive it.
So, book three is bought, and I'm afraid to read it because it's sure to be exhausting now that Gal and Ettian are separated and it will probably take the whole book for them to get back together. I'm just trusting that all the space battles and political intrigue will make up for it.
I can’t look at him. I have to look at him. He’s a black hole and a burning sun all at once, the gravitational center of everyone in the room. All I want is to escape him, but everything about him makes that impossible. 🫠🚀🫠
There are no soft wars to be waged here. This ends in blood—his, mine, or maybe both of ours—and no other way will suffice.
“I turned you into this,” Ettian says, staring into his cup. “And now you’re trying to turn me into you.” 🖤😢🖤
Let me always remember that every stroke of my tongue against his confirms a thousand vicious theories spinning around the two of us. Let me remember the cost of the heavy ache stiffening against his leg.
Let me never forget that this isn’t real.
But for a dangerous second, I do. 🥺🖤🥺
Ettian’s nostrils flare. “You have no ruttin’ idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’m the only other person in the galaxy who knows what you’re—”
“Gal.” His whole body has gone taut like a wound-up spring, engines hot on the verge of ignition. “The war, the aftermath, the…hell I lived through—none of it went away when I walked onto that base. Don’t tell me when my bloodright mattered to me and when it didn’t. You never knew that then, and you certainly don’t know it now.” 💔💔💔
Want to read
July 13, 2021besties i have set a reminder of my phone for this september 14th lets go
September 21, 2025
I don’t know… it’s so strange, I was not rooting for the main characters… the idea is good, but I think most of the book was a drag, I wouldn’t categorise this story as MM Romance and I’ll explain in the spoilers.
In this book almost every character turned unlikable, there was no connection for me.
I also have this book on Audible, kudos to Anthony Rey Perez for the fine job!
2⭐️
In this book almost every character turned unlikable, there was no connection for me.
I also have this book on Audible, kudos to Anthony Rey Perez for the fine job!
2⭐️
December 7, 2021
3.5 stars
A pretty good sequel to Bonds of Brass, although Gal's constant plotting for the first 3/4 of the book started to wear a little thin towards the end. The finish was solid though, and provided a strong setup for the final book, Vows of Empire.
I do find Skrutskie's writing comfortable and entertaining, and this was a good choice for an audiobook. The story is easy to follow in that format, and the narrator does an excellent job.
A pretty good sequel to Bonds of Brass, although Gal's constant plotting for the first 3/4 of the book started to wear a little thin towards the end. The finish was solid though, and provided a strong setup for the final book, Vows of Empire.
I do find Skrutskie's writing comfortable and entertaining, and this was a good choice for an audiobook. The story is easy to follow in that format, and the narrator does an excellent job.
September 28, 2021
I'm being a little generous on the rating of this one, because I do like the premise and the characters even if the story was a little lackluster this time.
Oaths of Legacy starts off where the first novel ended. Ettian has reclaimed his birthright and Gal is his captive. Gal is furious at Ettian for his betrayal and determined to undermine Ettian's attempt to rebuild the Archon Empire. As anyone who has ever read a romance before will know, Gal is going to have a change of heart along the way.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Ettian and Gal in the previous book, which is why I was disappointed that it seemed so minimal in this one. The problem I had was that so much of the story was over-explained. (Let me explain). Gal constantly explained every interaction, the feelings of all the other characters, the meaning of their conversations, and the implications of every comment. The book seemed to leave nothing for the reader to intuit. I felt like I was being spoon fed too much of the story.
The story had a fast moving plot with a condensed narrative and it clearly advanced the story, but... it didn't really grip me. The relationship between Ettian and Gal should have tugged at the heartstrings, but it left me feeling flat. I'm hoping the end of the trilogy will go out on a high note and I can really feel the bond between the characters again.
Oaths of Legacy starts off where the first novel ended. Ettian has reclaimed his birthright and Gal is his captive. Gal is furious at Ettian for his betrayal and determined to undermine Ettian's attempt to rebuild the Archon Empire. As anyone who has ever read a romance before will know, Gal is going to have a change of heart along the way.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Ettian and Gal in the previous book, which is why I was disappointed that it seemed so minimal in this one. The problem I had was that so much of the story was over-explained. (Let me explain). Gal constantly explained every interaction, the feelings of all the other characters, the meaning of their conversations, and the implications of every comment. The book seemed to leave nothing for the reader to intuit. I felt like I was being spoon fed too much of the story.
The story had a fast moving plot with a condensed narrative and it clearly advanced the story, but... it didn't really grip me. The relationship between Ettian and Gal should have tugged at the heartstrings, but it left me feeling flat. I'm hoping the end of the trilogy will go out on a high note and I can really feel the bond between the characters again.
August 10, 2022
Спустя год я решила таки написать, почему не буду читать последнюю часть.
Потому что я ждала приключения по разным мирам с гейской романтикой.
А получила:
☆ военную стратегию, где ты часами смотришь на карту, высчитываешь мощность двигателей и терзаешься: подсиживает тебя зам или нет. Похуй на убитых - это просто точки на карте. Ноль социалочки, культуры или биологии других планет, потому что зачем.
☆ соло сьюхи Врен. Нет, как сьюха она очень даже ничего. Проблема в том, что я пришла в эту серию за гейским юстом между Эттианом и Галом. Но и Эттиан, и Гал часами смотрят на прекрасную Врен вместо того, чтобы поцеловаться хоть раз.
☆ были забавные моменты, были неожиданные повороты, это правда, но в итоге 3,5☆, и следующую книгу я не возьму. Лень.
Потому что я ждала приключения по разным мирам с гейской романтикой.
А получила:
☆ военную стратегию, где ты часами смотришь на карту, высчитываешь мощность двигателей и терзаешься: подсиживает тебя зам или нет. Похуй на убитых - это просто точки на карте. Ноль социалочки, культуры или биологии других планет, потому что зачем.
☆ соло сьюхи Врен. Нет, как сьюха она очень даже ничего. Проблема в том, что я пришла в эту серию за гейским юстом между Эттианом и Галом. Но и Эттиан, и Гал часами смотрят на прекрасную Врен вместо того, чтобы поцеловаться хоть раз.
☆ были забавные моменты, были неожиданные повороты, это правда, но в итоге 3,5☆, и следующую книгу я не возьму. Лень.
June 26, 2021
This is...like a 3.3, generously rounded up to help the book succeed because I think the series has promise, given how fun book one was and what we can look forward to in the final book.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy for review!
I enjoy this series a lot, as it reads comfortably like the fanfic of a certain big space franchise that it basically is. That said, this entry in the series had huge “middle book energy”, something I confess I have never noticed in any series I’ve read before, at least while I was reading it. Alas, this book felt like a huge chunk of filler, without the emotional and shippy payoff that could have taken place while we were kind of between the big action. I went back and forth with liking and disliking things, so let me elaborate!
This installment had less action and less romance and less a sense of Things Happening than the first book. What it did have was a lot, lot more political maneuvering, battle analysis, and strategy planning. As a politics major, sure, I can get down with that, but it was a lot, when I really wanted more romance – at least romantic tension that the first book nailed.
The book has great, comfortable prose, even with us seeing through Gal’s POV for book two, so it was at least super readable and I read through really quickly. There was something deeply comforting and satisfying about the cockiest character in the cast having almost debilitating anxiety and panic attacks at the worst of times. It was entertaining at times to nod along with Gal’s takes on battle and government strategy, but it was also frustrating that we were trapped in his mind for this whole book, and he spent it convinced that he knew everything and was telling everyone so. Mansplaining at its worst, and there weren’t enough interactions with Ettian to balance out this half of the OTP.
It was enjoyable to read through what action there was, mainly in the form of space battles; the terminology and the descriptions really showed there was thought and planning put into these parts of the writing. For example, there’s a point where a planet is so far away that the advance team gets to it, and then needs another ship between it and the main base as a relay point to pass communications because of signal loss; this is some interesting logistics that I feel like even Star Wars never really addressed. The realism was refreshing among the pew pew battle!
All in all I think I feel kind of neutral about this book. I’m really looking forward to what the final book has to offer, after the inevitable cliffhangers and intrigues hauled out at the end of this one, but overall my dislikes and enjoyments all sort of balanced themselves out.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy for review!
I enjoy this series a lot, as it reads comfortably like the fanfic of a certain big space franchise that it basically is. That said, this entry in the series had huge “middle book energy”, something I confess I have never noticed in any series I’ve read before, at least while I was reading it. Alas, this book felt like a huge chunk of filler, without the emotional and shippy payoff that could have taken place while we were kind of between the big action. I went back and forth with liking and disliking things, so let me elaborate!
This installment had less action and less romance and less a sense of Things Happening than the first book. What it did have was a lot, lot more political maneuvering, battle analysis, and strategy planning. As a politics major, sure, I can get down with that, but it was a lot, when I really wanted more romance – at least romantic tension that the first book nailed.
The book has great, comfortable prose, even with us seeing through Gal’s POV for book two, so it was at least super readable and I read through really quickly. There was something deeply comforting and satisfying about the cockiest character in the cast having almost debilitating anxiety and panic attacks at the worst of times. It was entertaining at times to nod along with Gal’s takes on battle and government strategy, but it was also frustrating that we were trapped in his mind for this whole book, and he spent it convinced that he knew everything and was telling everyone so. Mansplaining at its worst, and there weren’t enough interactions with Ettian to balance out this half of the OTP.
It was enjoyable to read through what action there was, mainly in the form of space battles; the terminology and the descriptions really showed there was thought and planning put into these parts of the writing. For example, there’s a point where a planet is so far away that the advance team gets to it, and then needs another ship between it and the main base as a relay point to pass communications because of signal loss; this is some interesting logistics that I feel like even Star Wars never really addressed. The realism was refreshing among the pew pew battle!
All in all I think I feel kind of neutral about this book. I’m really looking forward to what the final book has to offer, after the inevitable cliffhangers and intrigues hauled out at the end of this one, but overall my dislikes and enjoyments all sort of balanced themselves out.
January 7, 2022
WELL DAYYUMMM! LOOK AT THAT FREAKING AMAZING COVER, PEOPLE!!!! *Dying* to read thissss!
July 8, 2022
3.5 stars.
I liked this one better than the first book, there wasn't that much predictability in this one. I was honestly shocked by all the twists and turns that this story took.
I must say Gal was an absolute dick in the beginning of the story but I loved reading his growth and him finally coming into his own and realizing that hid mother's way may not have been the right way.
My only real issue is the lack of romance. I was hoping that Gal and Ettain would have figured it out by now and join together to kick some ass.
For all this build up, I really hope the final book is epic.
I liked this one better than the first book, there wasn't that much predictability in this one. I was honestly shocked by all the twists and turns that this story took.
I must say Gal was an absolute dick in the beginning of the story but I loved reading his growth and him finally coming into his own and realizing that hid mother's way may not have been the right way.
My only real issue is the lack of romance. I was hoping that Gal and Ettain would have figured it out by now and join together to kick some ass.
For all this build up, I really hope the final book is epic.
April 22, 2021
Oh boy. I don't really know how to write a coherent review for this book, especially without spoilers for Bonds of Brass - and if you haven't read Bonds of Brass, do me a real big favor and do NOT read the synopsis for this one, okay?
I feel like saying that it was good, and queer, and emotionally complex, and full of twists - all that goes without saying. It's Emily Skrutskie; she's been serving up all of the above since day one. So just take all of that as a given going in.
The least-spoilery aspect I can talk about here is the decision to switch away from Ettian's perspective and tell this book through Gal's eyes. It pays off in a lot of ways, the biggest of which is a kind of slow examination of the concepts of empire and bloodright. Gal as we see him in the first book believes wholly in his right to take his mother's throne, but wants to be a different kind of ruler. Gal in his own head makes it clear that despite that, he still hasn't questioned the essential assumptions which underlie Iva-emp-Umber's brutality: that some lives are worth more than others; that lineage makes people better suited to ruling and command; that rigid, centrally controlled hierarchy is the only path to social order. It's clear that he's wrong, but the process of unlearning it is long, especially since he doesn't want to question these assumptions. I'm still waiting for a greater deconstruction of these ideas, but this is good progress.
I also absolutely love Wen's involvement in this book, as she tries to figure out a) where she fits as an outsider in a war between interstellar empires and b) how to deal with the two emotionally constipated boys who both want to be her best friend (though for wildly different reasons). Skrutskie has described this as "a love triangle that's two-thirds platonic" and boy, is that real and DELIGHTFUL.
The ending, as expected, was a roller-coaster ride, with a final chapter that pretty much walloped me upside the head. I have no idea what's going to happen next and I am trying not to think about how long it'll be until I get to find out.
BoB spoilers:
OoL spoilers:
I feel like saying that it was good, and queer, and emotionally complex, and full of twists - all that goes without saying. It's Emily Skrutskie; she's been serving up all of the above since day one. So just take all of that as a given going in.
The least-spoilery aspect I can talk about here is the decision to switch away from Ettian's perspective and tell this book through Gal's eyes. It pays off in a lot of ways, the biggest of which is a kind of slow examination of the concepts of empire and bloodright. Gal as we see him in the first book believes wholly in his right to take his mother's throne, but wants to be a different kind of ruler. Gal in his own head makes it clear that despite that, he still hasn't questioned the essential assumptions which underlie Iva-emp-Umber's brutality: that some lives are worth more than others; that lineage makes people better suited to ruling and command; that rigid, centrally controlled hierarchy is the only path to social order. It's clear that he's wrong, but the process of unlearning it is long, especially since he doesn't want to question these assumptions. I'm still waiting for a greater deconstruction of these ideas, but this is good progress.
I also absolutely love Wen's involvement in this book, as she tries to figure out a) where she fits as an outsider in a war between interstellar empires and b) how to deal with the two emotionally constipated boys who both want to be her best friend (though for wildly different reasons). Skrutskie has described this as "a love triangle that's two-thirds platonic" and boy, is that real and DELIGHTFUL.
The ending, as expected, was a roller-coaster ride, with a final chapter that pretty much walloped me upside the head. I have no idea what's going to happen next and I am trying not to think about how long it'll be until I get to find out.
BoB spoilers:
OoL spoilers:
June 15, 2021
YES YES YES YES YES! There's no feeling quite like the elation of realizing that your favorite new series of 2020 is just as strong, if not stronger, in its second installment.
Note: I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinions.
Gal, Ettian, and Wen (Wen! My girl!) are back in book 2 of the Bloodright trilogy, and the "friends to lovers to enemies to... ?" trope is in full swing. Considering the big revelation about a certain character at the end of Bonds of Brass, and the change of narrator from Ettian to Gal, this book feels like a totally different beast, in a good way. The characters are the same people we know and love, and the tone and the humor are still there, but enough about Oaths of Legacy is fresh and intriguing to--in my opinion--save this book from falling into the trap of a second book slump. Even better, we get to know Gal and Wen more deeply than we ever did in book 1. As interesting as it is to see the charming and sneaky Gal from Ettian's POV, seeing the inner workings of his mind and his decision making process is perhaps even more fascinating. I'm so excited to see what happens when both boys get to narrate in book 3, considering the events of book 2 (which I won't be spoiling).
Of course, as much as I could gush about this book, I also want to write a fair and honest review, so there are a few things about this book that COULD have potentially dropped it to a 4 star book (but ultimately didn't).
-Because of Gal's POV and the circumstances of Gal's presence in Archon in this book (anyone who read the end of book 1 should know what I mean), we see a ton of Gal and even a solid amount of Wen, but there are some sections with very little Ettian. And also, going from being completely in Ettian's head in book 1 to not being in it at all in this book made him kind of hard to read sometimes. We barely got his POV after book 1's big revelation, and I still feel like I don't fully understand exactly where his mind is at and what he wants.
-Sometimes Gal's "plans" to protect himself and/or get home felt a little all over the place. Like he was constantly changing his strategy and sometimes his new strategy would actively undermine his previous one, so that would confuse me a bit. Of course, it doesn't help that both Gal and Ettian are known unreliable narrators who like to keep some secrets from the readers (as book 1 clearly indicated!)
-NOTE: Some people might think the middle is a little slow, but I was never bored! I actually think book 1 had more "lagging" scenes than book 2 did, but that is purely my opinion and probably based off of the fact that I'm almost never bored in Gal's messy little brain.
My parting thought is: BOOK 3 WHEN? PLEASE EMILY I NEED ANSWERS. PLEASE I'M DYING. YOU CAN'T WRITE A BOOK THIS GOOD AND THEN LEAVE ME HANGING FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG UNTIL BOOK 3. I WILL GIVE YOU THIRTY DOLLARS AND MY ETERNAL DEVOTION. PLEASE.
Note: I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinions.
Gal, Ettian, and Wen (Wen! My girl!) are back in book 2 of the Bloodright trilogy, and the "friends to lovers to enemies to... ?" trope is in full swing. Considering the big revelation about a certain character at the end of Bonds of Brass, and the change of narrator from Ettian to Gal, this book feels like a totally different beast, in a good way. The characters are the same people we know and love, and the tone and the humor are still there, but enough about Oaths of Legacy is fresh and intriguing to--in my opinion--save this book from falling into the trap of a second book slump. Even better, we get to know Gal and Wen more deeply than we ever did in book 1. As interesting as it is to see the charming and sneaky Gal from Ettian's POV, seeing the inner workings of his mind and his decision making process is perhaps even more fascinating. I'm so excited to see what happens when both boys get to narrate in book 3, considering the events of book 2 (which I won't be spoiling).
Of course, as much as I could gush about this book, I also want to write a fair and honest review, so there are a few things about this book that COULD have potentially dropped it to a 4 star book (but ultimately didn't).
-Because of Gal's POV and the circumstances of Gal's presence in Archon in this book (anyone who read the end of book 1 should know what I mean), we see a ton of Gal and even a solid amount of Wen, but there are some sections with very little Ettian. And also, going from being completely in Ettian's head in book 1 to not being in it at all in this book made him kind of hard to read sometimes. We barely got his POV after book 1's big revelation, and I still feel like I don't fully understand exactly where his mind is at and what he wants.
-Sometimes Gal's "plans" to protect himself and/or get home felt a little all over the place. Like he was constantly changing his strategy and sometimes his new strategy would actively undermine his previous one, so that would confuse me a bit. Of course, it doesn't help that both Gal and Ettian are known unreliable narrators who like to keep some secrets from the readers (as book 1 clearly indicated!)
-NOTE: Some people might think the middle is a little slow, but I was never bored! I actually think book 1 had more "lagging" scenes than book 2 did, but that is purely my opinion and probably based off of the fact that I'm almost never bored in Gal's messy little brain.
My parting thought is: BOOK 3 WHEN? PLEASE EMILY I NEED ANSWERS. PLEASE I'M DYING. YOU CAN'T WRITE A BOOK THIS GOOD AND THEN LEAVE ME HANGING FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG UNTIL BOOK 3. I WILL GIVE YOU THIRTY DOLLARS AND MY ETERNAL DEVOTION. PLEASE.
August 22, 2021
How does one distill the emotions felt upon reading this book into one little review with mere words to describe them?
Listen. This book is intense and gut-wrenching, full to the brim with intrigue and manipulation, intuition and mistakes, impossible choices and magnificent victories. Gal's point of view as the rebellion's prisoner has us deep-diving into resentment, resilience, and the refusal to understand, building up webs of knotted artifice that you the reader know will crumble in the face of friendship and love. Gal's struggles with panic are real and heart-wrenchingly relatable, and his desperate grasps at any kind of control are delicious to watch unfold. The last fifty pages had me literally screaming, and the last 6 pages had me flinging the book across the couch. You thought the emotional whiplash of a cliffhanger at the end of Bonds of Brass was wild? Brace yourself.
I love this book for its space battles and sci-fi hijinks, for its deep look at friendship and love, for the love triangle that is partially platonic and absolutely consuming, for the way it gives a unique perspective on a galactic rebellion. I love this book. I love this book--if possible--more than the first one. I cannot wait to see how much I love the third one.
Listen. This book is intense and gut-wrenching, full to the brim with intrigue and manipulation, intuition and mistakes, impossible choices and magnificent victories. Gal's point of view as the rebellion's prisoner has us deep-diving into resentment, resilience, and the refusal to understand, building up webs of knotted artifice that you the reader know will crumble in the face of friendship and love. Gal's struggles with panic are real and heart-wrenchingly relatable, and his desperate grasps at any kind of control are delicious to watch unfold. The last fifty pages had me literally screaming, and the last 6 pages had me flinging the book across the couch. You thought the emotional whiplash of a cliffhanger at the end of Bonds of Brass was wild? Brace yourself.
I love this book for its space battles and sci-fi hijinks, for its deep look at friendship and love, for the love triangle that is partially platonic and absolutely consuming, for the way it gives a unique perspective on a galactic rebellion. I love this book. I love this book--if possible--more than the first one. I cannot wait to see how much I love the third one.
February 19, 2022
I’m… the POV character was a terrible choice, character motivations change on a dime, it’s cheesy, and there’s almost no detail grounding the world of the story or making it feel real. There was so much potential in this and instead it’s just a half-alive, nonsensical mess.
Read
November 10, 2021Expected publication date: May 4, 2021
This was clearly planned 👀
Edit October 21, 2021:
Published September 14th 2021
Seems there was a change of plans. . . . Like the end of book 1 😁
Reading soon!
Edit November 6, 2021
This was clearly planned 👀
Edit October 21, 2021:
Published September 14th 2021
Seems there was a change of plans. . . . Like the end of book 1 😁
Reading soon!
Edit November 6, 2021
October 8, 2021
A galaxy-wide rebellion is in the offing when a conquered Archon Empire rises from the ashes to challenge the mighty machine of the reigning Umber Empire. And, caught up in it all are three young people who are at the helm of destiny while still coming into their own. The first book, Bonds of Brass, left off on a stunning note and Oaths of Legacy carries things forward.
It is at this point that I’ll caution readers that if you plan to read the series then don’t read the blurb or the rest of my review. Too late, right? Oh well, there are still lots of twists and turns to come so I’ll keep those to myself.
At the end of Bonds of Brass, Gal who was on the run when an assassination attempt was tried while he was attending academy, ends up captured by the Archon rebellion and thinks his number is going to be punched until his academy roomie, escape partner, and blossoming romance interest steps forward and reveals his true identity as a lost last Archon royal and he wants Gal kept as a political prisoner rather than executed.
Oaths of Legacy switches from Ettian’s to be told all from Gal’s perspective. I was glad to have the chance at both their points of view after really enjoying the first book told by Ettian. But, I have to admit that Gal was in a lousy mood learning his best friend is now his sworn enemy since he’s his prisoner now and all. It was grueling at times when he was near Ettian the way he picked and prodded at the guy to provoke him. But worse, Gal was a true Umber in his calculated thinking of hating Ettian and stirring up as much trouble as he could to undermine him and ultimately see his new reign topple. Gal never saw himself as cold and cruel like his mother, but he struggles to come to terms with the fact that he shares his bloodline’s pride and belief in their right to rule and that he knows better than anyone else how to rule. He spends a great deal of this story trying to lead from the jail cell and believing that he knows better than anyone else. It wasn’t easy to read this, but it was necessary to see his progression to respecting that Ettian might think and do differently, but he isn’t necessarily wrong.
The odd friendship that formed up between Ettian, Gal, and the rascally former street ganger, Wen, continues forward. Wen remains both their friend even though she has taken a role in the Archon rebellion. She latches on to the legend of the Archon Knights of old and takes the piratical commodore as her mentor in her Knight training. She is also the security who keeps an eye on Gal so he works hard to influence her into helping him escape even while he works to keep Ettian from doing something stupid enough to die. Meanwhile, Ettian never had the proper training to rule his people and is forced to learn on the fly. His instincts are good even when his heart leads him to listen to Gal and he lets his feelings for Gal show and are a vulnerable spot for him.
As the middle book in a trilogy, Oaths of Legacy did the job of bringing the story along over the bridge to set up for the crisis point of the final book. There were exciting action moments, political intrigue, and a stormy relationship. It has a huge climax battle and then just when the reader starts to get complacent, a shocker twist happens. Okay, I confess that I was expecting something to happen to get people moved to where they are, but I didn’t expect a certain person to be the means.
So, we paused at a good place that leaves the reader anticipating the third part of the trilogy. I still haven’t established if this is YA or Adult LGBT Sci-fi, but perhaps a bit of both. Definitely a series I would recommend.
I rec’d an eARC of this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
It is at this point that I’ll caution readers that if you plan to read the series then don’t read the blurb or the rest of my review. Too late, right? Oh well, there are still lots of twists and turns to come so I’ll keep those to myself.
At the end of Bonds of Brass, Gal who was on the run when an assassination attempt was tried while he was attending academy, ends up captured by the Archon rebellion and thinks his number is going to be punched until his academy roomie, escape partner, and blossoming romance interest steps forward and reveals his true identity as a lost last Archon royal and he wants Gal kept as a political prisoner rather than executed.
Oaths of Legacy switches from Ettian’s to be told all from Gal’s perspective. I was glad to have the chance at both their points of view after really enjoying the first book told by Ettian. But, I have to admit that Gal was in a lousy mood learning his best friend is now his sworn enemy since he’s his prisoner now and all. It was grueling at times when he was near Ettian the way he picked and prodded at the guy to provoke him. But worse, Gal was a true Umber in his calculated thinking of hating Ettian and stirring up as much trouble as he could to undermine him and ultimately see his new reign topple. Gal never saw himself as cold and cruel like his mother, but he struggles to come to terms with the fact that he shares his bloodline’s pride and belief in their right to rule and that he knows better than anyone else how to rule. He spends a great deal of this story trying to lead from the jail cell and believing that he knows better than anyone else. It wasn’t easy to read this, but it was necessary to see his progression to respecting that Ettian might think and do differently, but he isn’t necessarily wrong.
The odd friendship that formed up between Ettian, Gal, and the rascally former street ganger, Wen, continues forward. Wen remains both their friend even though she has taken a role in the Archon rebellion. She latches on to the legend of the Archon Knights of old and takes the piratical commodore as her mentor in her Knight training. She is also the security who keeps an eye on Gal so he works hard to influence her into helping him escape even while he works to keep Ettian from doing something stupid enough to die. Meanwhile, Ettian never had the proper training to rule his people and is forced to learn on the fly. His instincts are good even when his heart leads him to listen to Gal and he lets his feelings for Gal show and are a vulnerable spot for him.
As the middle book in a trilogy, Oaths of Legacy did the job of bringing the story along over the bridge to set up for the crisis point of the final book. There were exciting action moments, political intrigue, and a stormy relationship. It has a huge climax battle and then just when the reader starts to get complacent, a shocker twist happens. Okay, I confess that I was expecting something to happen to get people moved to where they are, but I didn’t expect a certain person to be the means.
So, we paused at a good place that leaves the reader anticipating the third part of the trilogy. I still haven’t established if this is YA or Adult LGBT Sci-fi, but perhaps a bit of both. Definitely a series I would recommend.
I rec’d an eARC of this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2021
I wish...I wish I loved this. I was so excited as Bonds of Brass pulled me out of the dark depths of quarantine and I fell in love with these characters. It was a long road waiting for this book to come out, and yet as the publish date approached and I didn't hear a lot about it from anyone, especially Emily, I started getting nervous.
After the book arrived, I dived in as I expected and was met with the single most excruciating experience: beings stuck in Gal's head for 200+ pages. I don't particularly have a problem with the plot of this book or what ends up happening by the end, but having to listen to someone born and raised to be King behave so wildly and consistently jumping from anger to spite and back again was a nightmare. A boy I loved so much in book one turned out to be what I consider a whiny teenager by the second book. I guess what we saw in book one was the rose-colored depiction of Gal through Ettian's eyes, but surely this is not really the person that he fell in love with?
I get the idea of being locked away and betrayed by someone who trusted you, sure, but did Gal forget he also lied to Ettian the whole time they lived together? And the fact that Ettian was constantly trying to protect him and uphold his position in front of his community so that they could all be saved. Meanwhile, Gal is just crying about his Mom coming to save him? Honestly, devastated. I get the nuance of a situation and changing feelings and opinions but for a boy who wanted to rule with pride and a gentle hand, he sure flipped a 180 in this book and not even in a menacing way, just in a "please god don't let that boy have power" way.
Will I read the 3rd book? Absolutely.
After the book arrived, I dived in as I expected and was met with the single most excruciating experience: beings stuck in Gal's head for 200+ pages. I don't particularly have a problem with the plot of this book or what ends up happening by the end, but having to listen to someone born and raised to be King behave so wildly and consistently jumping from anger to spite and back again was a nightmare. A boy I loved so much in book one turned out to be what I consider a whiny teenager by the second book. I guess what we saw in book one was the rose-colored depiction of Gal through Ettian's eyes, but surely this is not really the person that he fell in love with?
I get the idea of being locked away and betrayed by someone who trusted you, sure, but did Gal forget he also lied to Ettian the whole time they lived together? And the fact that Ettian was constantly trying to protect him and uphold his position in front of his community so that they could all be saved. Meanwhile, Gal is just crying about his Mom coming to save him? Honestly, devastated. I get the nuance of a situation and changing feelings and opinions but for a boy who wanted to rule with pride and a gentle hand, he sure flipped a 180 in this book and not even in a menacing way, just in a "please god don't let that boy have power" way.
Will I read the 3rd book? Absolutely.
October 23, 2021
I was excited for Gals perspective, until I realized what a moronic little bitch he was. Constantly thinking he’s manipulating everyone around him without their knowledge of it 🙄 and lying to himself about not only his feelings but Ettians. It got to the point that it was almost a chore to read it because I wanted to punch him. His inner monologue sheesh talk about unbearable. The bright points were definitely Ettian coming into his own as a ruler and showing Gal a beautiful example of not being a shithead like Gals mom. Another fave was Wen, man is she a fabulous badass. Becoming the flame knight just amplified her natural talents and showed the universe that she is a truly capable loyal soul. Her bond cultivated with Gal made him a bit more bearable and helped him get out of his head in which his mothers terrible voice kept trying to dictate his actions. After the first book I truly thought she was dead and tbh I’m disappointed she’s still around. Meh. I’ll definitely read the next one though, and here’s hoping we get more of Ettians perspective, I’d even take switching between both of them but please not just Gals. I can’t take that anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
I guess this book is fine if what you’re looking for is a book about Wen Iffan. Like. You would expect a book about two emperors in love to be more about those emperors instead of about how much they love the rando they picked up in another solar system halfway through book one.
You would expect.
Instead, this whole book is basically the Wen Iffan saga, and how much Gal wants to manipulate Wen and then help Wen, and oh, is he in love with a dude on the side? You’d barely know it, since Ettian’s role seems to be yelling at Gal, kissing him a grand total of twice, and otherwise being bed mentioned but not seen.
I can only assume the third book is gonna end with Wen being crowned empress of all the known lands and maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get a single scene of Gal and Ettian having a conversation, as a treat.
You would expect.
Instead, this whole book is basically the Wen Iffan saga, and how much Gal wants to manipulate Wen and then help Wen, and oh, is he in love with a dude on the side? You’d barely know it, since Ettian’s role seems to be yelling at Gal, kissing him a grand total of twice, and otherwise being bed mentioned but not seen.
I can only assume the third book is gonna end with Wen being crowned empress of all the known lands and maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get a single scene of Gal and Ettian having a conversation, as a treat.
October 13, 2022
A strong three stars! Excellent romantic tension, occasional, startlingly beautiful prose, and galaxies of fun! However, the plot is spaghetti, editing feels sloppy and the voice overall is too breathless which makes the whole damn thing feel overwrought. Yes, sloppy yet overwrought. Skrutskie really wants to come across epic, I think, but she’s also got some glaringly repetitive phrasing which is irritating as hell. Ugh, I’m such a sucker, I’m gonna start the next book. That ending was good!
February 25, 2023
The main pitfall of this book is that it is a political intrigue story, without any of the politics being actually intriguing.
Gal might be one of the most insufferable characters that I have had to read from & that definitely did not help with the political aspect of it. I swear the politics were not this boring when I read it from Ettian's perspective. Gal is just so spineless and his character development was done SO dirty. The way his values just kind of spontaneously flipped 75% of the way through,,, like there is so much potential here for yearning and internal anguish and torment and yet we didn't really get to see much of that at all. I will say, there were definitely parts of the book where I had my hand over my mouth and was on the edge of my seat because of the tension between them which was only made SO much more interesting by their history
I just also don't really have it in me to sympathize with colonizers so I really did not have that much sympathy for Gal's perspective.
The potential really was there. And I did love seeing Ettian grow and seeing Gal's views of Ettian shift and change. They have so much potential and chemistry. And the ending???
I hope the last book in this trilogy does these characters justice, bc this one did not
Gal might be one of the most insufferable characters that I have had to read from & that definitely did not help with the political aspect of it. I swear the politics were not this boring when I read it from Ettian's perspective. Gal is just so spineless and his character development was done SO dirty. The way his values just kind of spontaneously flipped 75% of the way through,,, like there is so much potential here for yearning and internal anguish and torment and yet we didn't really get to see much of that at all. I will say, there were definitely parts of the book where I had my hand over my mouth and was on the edge of my seat because of the tension between them which was only made SO much more interesting by their history
I just also don't really have it in me to sympathize with colonizers so I really did not have that much sympathy for Gal's perspective.
The potential really was there. And I did love seeing Ettian grow and seeing Gal's views of Ettian shift and change. They have so much potential and chemistry. And the ending???
I hope the last book in this trilogy does these characters justice, bc this one did not
January 18, 2022
I’ll start off by saying that the middle books in trilogies tend to always be difficult to get through and this one was no exception.
I tried to read this book on several occasions, each time feeling the need to set it back down and never pick it up again. If it wasn’t for the fact that I very much want to know how this series ends, I would’ve marked this one under “did not finish” without a second thought.
I really wish this could’ve been written through Ettian’s perspective instead of Gal’s. I understand why it was written this way, it’s just that Gal was pretty unlikable in this book; I had a hard time remembering why I liked him in the first place.
The first half was very slow and incredibly frustrating with Gal whining and going back and forth between hating Ettian one second and loving him the next. He was in such a constant loop of repeating himself that I just got tired of recycled thoughts.
The second half of the book did pick up a bit, thankfully.
I did enjoy the final battle very much and it was probably the part I was most invested in.
The ending still felt lackluster to me but I’m still very curious to see where it all goes in the grand finale!
Despite this one being tough to get through, I do love these boys and Wen very much. I’m hoping the third book brings back some of that spark!
I tried to read this book on several occasions, each time feeling the need to set it back down and never pick it up again. If it wasn’t for the fact that I very much want to know how this series ends, I would’ve marked this one under “did not finish” without a second thought.
I really wish this could’ve been written through Ettian’s perspective instead of Gal’s. I understand why it was written this way, it’s just that Gal was pretty unlikable in this book; I had a hard time remembering why I liked him in the first place.
The first half was very slow and incredibly frustrating with Gal whining and going back and forth between hating Ettian one second and loving him the next. He was in such a constant loop of repeating himself that I just got tired of recycled thoughts.
The second half of the book did pick up a bit, thankfully.
I did enjoy the final battle very much and it was probably the part I was most invested in.
The ending still felt lackluster to me but I’m still very curious to see where it all goes in the grand finale!
Despite this one being tough to get through, I do love these boys and Wen very much. I’m hoping the third book brings back some of that spark!
August 11, 2021
The characters and world-building continue to remain underdeveloped, only this time around, my tolerance has diminished as we are now past the halfway point of The Bloodright Trilogy. The first half of the book is slow as Gal, who serves as the narrator, is not directly involved in much of the action. This results in very passive storytelling, in addition to his already confusing internal conflict. It was times like these that I yearned for Ettian's point of view. Furthermore, I appreciated the attempt to dissect Wen's character, but it only lasted a short time and was done in a very dull way.
Despite everything, the action remains top-notch and I wish it was not saved for the final pages. I think this is a strong point in Skrutskie's writing and continues to impress. Additionally, I adore Ettian and Gal's slow-burn relationship which is not only captivating but is the main reason these books are so addicting.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Despite everything, the action remains top-notch and I wish it was not saved for the final pages. I think this is a strong point in Skrutskie's writing and continues to impress. Additionally, I adore Ettian and Gal's slow-burn relationship which is not only captivating but is the main reason these books are so addicting.
ARC provided by NetGalley
April 2, 2024
Oaths of Legacy is the second novel in The Bloodright Trilogy by Emily Skruskie. The book had an interesting premise and a unique cast of characters. However, I felt the development of the characters was lacking and it was hard to like Gal, the main protagonist of the story and narrator, as he comes off as whiny and spoiled. The first part of the book felt a little dull and dragged out as it delved into the politics of this world but it did pick up with some intense action as you moved along.
Note: I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Note: I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
December 2, 2021
bitch what
September 20, 2021
This felt very much like a second book where nothing really happened to progress the overall plot forward. The pacing was alright overall - it took a little bit to get into the story, and the beginning was a bit slower since it focused more on political schemes. However, the end definitely picked up the pace! There were some nice action scenes with battles and assassination attempts. Generally though, I did struggle to focus at times because I wasn't sure where the overall story arc was headed, and I just wasn't as invested as I was in the first book.
I also think I probably didn't enjoy this as much because it's "Gal's book." I don't find him nearly as interesting or likeable as Ettian, so this may have hampered my enjoyment (especially compared to the first book). Gal tends to be more whiny and entitled, and he often thinks he knows best. He's conflicted on what to do because he's torn between family loyalty (and inheriting an empire) and his feelings for Ettian. This does cause him to flip flop on his actions and beliefs quite a bit, and while it's understandable, it just doesn't always make for the most fun reading experience.
Thankfully, we do get to see Ettian again here as he's trying to step into the role he claimed in Bonds of Brass. He's not super respected yet, but I think he'll get there! He's still by far the most interesting character to me, and I'm a little bummed that we didn't get to see him more. We also just don't get to see him interact a ton with Gal, and I certainly would have preferred more of this.
Wen is back, and I have to say, I'm rather mixed on her. She seems almost manic at times, but I do like the role she's stepped into here. However, she makes some very dumb, poor decisions. Granted, she doesn't really have the training to strategize and ends up just jumping into things. This sometimes causes disasters because she really needed to think things through more.
Overall, this was a weaker installment of the series for me. I do still think it's an interesting world and plot, so I think I'd like to continue on (especially if we don't follow Gal in the next book). I'd still recommend this series overall to those who want some fun sci-fi!
I received a copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.
I also think I probably didn't enjoy this as much because it's "Gal's book." I don't find him nearly as interesting or likeable as Ettian, so this may have hampered my enjoyment (especially compared to the first book). Gal tends to be more whiny and entitled, and he often thinks he knows best. He's conflicted on what to do because he's torn between family loyalty (and inheriting an empire) and his feelings for Ettian. This does cause him to flip flop on his actions and beliefs quite a bit, and while it's understandable, it just doesn't always make for the most fun reading experience.
Thankfully, we do get to see Ettian again here as he's trying to step into the role he claimed in Bonds of Brass. He's not super respected yet, but I think he'll get there! He's still by far the most interesting character to me, and I'm a little bummed that we didn't get to see him more. We also just don't get to see him interact a ton with Gal, and I certainly would have preferred more of this.
Wen is back, and I have to say, I'm rather mixed on her. She seems almost manic at times, but I do like the role she's stepped into here. However, she makes some very dumb, poor decisions. Granted, she doesn't really have the training to strategize and ends up just jumping into things. This sometimes causes disasters because she really needed to think things through more.
Overall, this was a weaker installment of the series for me. I do still think it's an interesting world and plot, so I think I'd like to continue on (especially if we don't follow Gal in the next book). I'd still recommend this series overall to those who want some fun sci-fi!
I received a copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2021
How is it that this series just keeps getting better with every book?
BONDS OF BRASS was a fantastic novel in its own right, with tons of action-packed dogfights in space and underdogs accomplishing incredible things and a tense, harrowing will-they-won't-they relationship built on secrets at the center of it all.
But OATHS OF LEGACY ups the ante. A relationship that seemed fairly straightforward and heartwarming takes a drastic, politically charged spin; Gal and Ettian's interactions in this book are nauseatingly stressful and frustrating in all the best ways.
Before, when Gal and Ettian went up against the rest of the known universe, it was as a pair, fighting from within the cockpit of a small craft with nothing but the clothes on their backs and each other to keep them from falling apart. Now, in OATHS OF LEGACY, Gal has to struggle with the realities of what it means to be a galactic emperor - from the perspective of someone else that's several steps ahead of him. He has to come to terms with the fact he was betrayed, but betrayed out of a selfishness on Ettian's behalf to keep him alive. He has to learn what he really wants for himself, whether that's galactic domination at the cost of Ettian's empire's defeat, or if he wants something else. Does he want something else? And he has to do it alone.
Gal's character arc in OATHS OF LEGACY is a master class in internal conflict. He really cemented himself as my favorite character in this series, and that's saying something, considering how much I love Ettian to death. Wen, the street rat they save at the end of the first book, really grew on me as well, as she began to take on more of an active role in the story and in Gal and Ettian's lives.
OATHS OF LEGACY is a beautiful story about a beautiful mess. It takes all the best bits of the first installment in the trilogy and dials the tension up to eleven. I am already clinging to the edge of my seat waiting for the third book, and if it's even a tenth as fantastic as OATHS OF LEGACY was, this trilogy will cement itself as something truly incredible.
(Many thanks to the ruttin' fantastic folks over at Del Rey and PRH for the NetGalley ARC!)
BONDS OF BRASS was a fantastic novel in its own right, with tons of action-packed dogfights in space and underdogs accomplishing incredible things and a tense, harrowing will-they-won't-they relationship built on secrets at the center of it all.
But OATHS OF LEGACY ups the ante. A relationship that seemed fairly straightforward and heartwarming takes a drastic, politically charged spin; Gal and Ettian's interactions in this book are nauseatingly stressful and frustrating in all the best ways.
Before, when Gal and Ettian went up against the rest of the known universe, it was as a pair, fighting from within the cockpit of a small craft with nothing but the clothes on their backs and each other to keep them from falling apart. Now, in OATHS OF LEGACY, Gal has to struggle with the realities of what it means to be a galactic emperor - from the perspective of someone else that's several steps ahead of him. He has to come to terms with the fact he was betrayed, but betrayed out of a selfishness on Ettian's behalf to keep him alive. He has to learn what he really wants for himself, whether that's galactic domination at the cost of Ettian's empire's defeat, or if he wants something else. Does he want something else? And he has to do it alone.
Gal's character arc in OATHS OF LEGACY is a master class in internal conflict. He really cemented himself as my favorite character in this series, and that's saying something, considering how much I love Ettian to death. Wen, the street rat they save at the end of the first book, really grew on me as well, as she began to take on more of an active role in the story and in Gal and Ettian's lives.
OATHS OF LEGACY is a beautiful story about a beautiful mess. It takes all the best bits of the first installment in the trilogy and dials the tension up to eleven. I am already clinging to the edge of my seat waiting for the third book, and if it's even a tenth as fantastic as OATHS OF LEGACY was, this trilogy will cement itself as something truly incredible.
(Many thanks to the ruttin' fantastic folks over at Del Rey and PRH for the NetGalley ARC!)
August 21, 2021
The saga continues, and although it is getting better, it’s by a very small degree. This story takes place from the perspective of the prince who is captive. Full of angst, anger, scorn, rage, desire, pain, and, and, and you get the picture. It’s pages and pages of purple prose, which I think is actually quite well done. The flow and syncopation match and augment the feelings expressed. Although it’s well-done, it doesn’t mean I’m enjoying this any more than I would like being plunked down on a sofa in front of a TV to watch hours of an emotionally gripping soap opera. But I think the biggest problems are that this extended monologue just drags on too long and that the plot feels more like diary pages ripped out the middle of a journal rather than a bona fide story with a beginning, middle, and end.
I’m curious how part three will resolve this three-way frenemy power struggle. There are a lot of messy ends to straighten out!
I’m curious how part three will resolve this three-way frenemy power struggle. There are a lot of messy ends to straighten out!
February 16, 2022
I surprisingly liked the relationship more in this book even though like???? It’s less??? Idk but bro this has so many twists and turns and I can’t wait to see how the trilogy plays out. Miss skrutskie definitely stepped it up in this book. I will say this is much more a political vibe than the adventure of the first one which I didn’t like. It was a lot of Gal just walking around scheming. Idk I say give it a shot if you read the first one. It definitely made me want to finish the trilogy.
January 13, 2023
“Let me never forget that this isn’t real.
But for a dangerous second, I do. There’s a moment when my hand slips around the nape of his neck and cradles the base of his skull just like I used to, and in that moment I’m in love with him again.”
Gal’s constant plotting ground my gears enough for me to deduct a star..but, Emily has done it again. I missed my favorite little trio.
But for a dangerous second, I do. There’s a moment when my hand slips around the nape of his neck and cradles the base of his skull just like I used to, and in that moment I’m in love with him again.”
Gal’s constant plotting ground my gears enough for me to deduct a star..but, Emily has done it again. I missed my favorite little trio.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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