Their ruse could shatter the world. Dark magic has consumed Silira Mór, and it’s quickly spinning out of control. Desperate to restore peace and order to her world, Lira urges the newly-immortal Eremon to reclaim his throne. With the usurper-queen Aila across the sea and her daughter, Caitir, making her own bid to rule Iathium, the timing couldn’t be better. Eremon, horrified by his vast power and immeasurable potential, is reluctant to ascend. At Aidryn Tarlach’s urging, he sets out to quietly gather allies in the city and sabotage Caitir’s scheming. Instead, Eremon’s spying transforms into a begrudging fascination with Caitir, entangling them both in a web of deception and intrigue. As tensions escalate and loyalties splinter, relationships unravel and new alliances form. Lira, Aidryn, Eremon, and Caitir must each choose what they are willing to sacrifice to bring unity to their people, protect their magic, and reestablish peace. If you love character-driven fantasy with magic, political intrigue, and an unlikely-allies romance, you will love Vow of Magic .
Haley Walden writes fast-paced, character-driven epic fantasy with magical adventures, spellbinding love stories, and unforgettable friendships. The Witness Tree Chronicles is her series-in-progress.
Haley is a multi-passionate geek with many obsessions, including pop culture, Star Wars, fantasy, mythology, martial arts, film, music, and musical theatre. She lives in the Deep South with her husband and children.
Follow her on Instagram at @authorhaleywalden and @witnesstreechronicles for more details on her worlds! You can sign up for publication updates at authorhaleywalden.com.
Picking up straight after book 2, Keeper of Keys, Vow of Magic was keeping me on my toes and I love it so much!
I love the multiple POVs and how we get to know each characters better! The drama kicked up a notch and I'm here for it. The world building was amazing, like the first two books, and we got to explore more places and lore. Most of all, I love character developments for Lira, Aidryn, Eremon, and Caitir! Especially Eremon but maybe I'm a little biased haha..
Always love the writing style! I could feel each characters struggle with their feelings and it was such a ride to experience it with them. Also adore the slow burn romance of our new pair (can't say who bcs spoiler but take a guess from the cover lol) and drama of our previous OTP Lira and Aidryn. We also got more of Lira's brother Talfryn and lovely new characters you have to meet!
That perfect closing scene! It was a cliffhanger, in a way, and I'm dying to know more. BUT it was such a great scene!
I love how each book is getting better from Defender to Keeper, then Vow. Looking forward to read book 4!
Aila and Caitir had spent an inordinate amount of energy, time, and money trying to ensnare Eremon. It might be interesting to see what happened if he got control of the strings instead.
I’ve no idea where to even begin writing this review. There’s so much going on and all of it leads up to a brilliant plot twist towards the end. As soon as I finished I just sat there thinking WHAT?!!? Just—amazing!!! I know Haley worked her butt off perfecting this book, and, my god, it shows!
Eremon and Caitir are my favorite characters in this series. When you first meet Eremon in book 1 he’s very much your average cinnamon roll; but Vow reveals Eremon has many, many layers to his character. Caitir’s growth is amazing as well! Love the unstoppable team that she and Eremon make when they aren’t constantly at odds with one another and I look forward to more of these scenes in the future. ;) By the way, I’ve shipped these two since the end of book 2. Turns out my clowning sometimes pays off.
Aidryn and Lira go through…a lot. >.< I loved seeing Lira battle against the dark magic she inherited at the end of Keeper and it’s always fun to see a female main character unhinged. Especially when they cave to their anger and bitterness towards certain characters.
I have to say that this book was absolutely fantastic and I know that Haley has worked so hard to get this story right and it shows.
There are layers and layers of intricate plot and the characters all go through a lot lot. But Haley was able to keep all of this in check and I never felt confused. There is a lot of angst because the characters all have their own journeys they need to go through but it has been balanced wth fun banter (especially with Aidryn and Eremon - they have the best bromance and I love it).
The character development is fantastic! Caitir has gone through such a great transformation and she has matured and grown up. After the last few books I wasn't sure what to think of her but now I'm rooting for her so much.
Eremon was such a sweet cinnamon roll but now.... Hoo boy, his darker thoughts and feelings have come out and you can see he is a man of many layers. I really loved the dynamic between him and Caitir. I ship them!
My heart broke for Aidryn and Lira. They are really going through a lot of things and I look forward to seeing the rest of the journey and healing. Aidryn is such a steady character and you can't help but love him and his absolute love he has for Lira and his sister. Lira is really going through it. It was fascinating to see her have such anger (and to act on it). But I feel like everything the characters go through is part of their development and it moves the story forward.
I cannot wait to read the next book and after the ending it is needed! Thank you Haley for sharing these characters and writing their stories.
It’s finally here, the third book in the witness tree chronicles series and I’m happy to be back into this amazing world Haley built.
I love seeing all the different character dynamics and the growth between all the characters, there was so much going on but at the same time you knew exactly what was happening nothing got lost and it all came together so beautifully.
I loved getting to know more of the lore and magic system and just seeing how it affects everyone in its way. The angst in this one too? It tops the others and I’m loving it.
By far my favorite thing in this whole book is the character growth, Caitir and Eremon really blew me me out of the water. I started this book still annoyed and mad with her even though I knew a lot of it was her mother but seeing all of it play out in her head and the way she changes her perspective really blew me away, her character depth is amazing. Also seeing the darker side of Eremon was definitely something spectacular.
You can definitely feel all the love and hard work Haley put into this book and I think everyone should give these books a chance because Her writing is amazing and Everytime she blows me away with her talent. She also knows how to end a book, that closing scene? Killed me.
I have just finished reading the Advanced Reader Copy of Vow of Magic. It continues in the quality and interest of the previous books in the series. The characters of Lira, Aidryn, and Eremon continue to be well developed, although at some times less likable. This book adds Caitir as a major character, rather than the barely developed "side piece" she was previously. It is well plotted, with unexpected twists and multiple viewpoints. I must point out that this book is targeted to a more mature audience than the earlier ones. (Although this septagenarian enjoyed those as well.) The book does end with a cliff-hanger that leaves us waiting for book four. With luck, Haley will not keep us waiting as long for that one as we have waited for this.
Another good book! This has been a fantastic journey with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Well done! Several story lines make the characters come alive with the issues and interests they have with each other. Haley does a great job taking us through the story. And just when you thought it was over, prepare for book 4! I am hoping there will be more stories that will show more continents.
Vow of Magic by Haley Walden The Witness Tree Chronicles Book 3
4.2⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Upper Young Adult/New Adult Epic Fantasy Format: ebook ARC
Loved: *Multiple POVs *New Characters *Awesome character growth *Not too spicy
Loved Less: *First half of book was a little slow for me
Description: Dark magic has consumed Silira Mór, and it’s quickly spinning out of control. Desperate to restore peace and order to her world, Lira urges the newly-immortal Eremon to reclaim his throne. With the usurper Raní Aila across the sea and her daughter, Caitir, making her own bid to rule Iathium, the timing couldn’t be better.
Eremon, horrified by his vast power and immeasurable potential, is reluctant to ascend. At Aidryn Tarlach’s urging, he sets out to quietly gather allies in the city and sabotage Caitir’s scheming. But Eremon’s spying quickly transforms into a begrudging fascination with Caitir, further delaying his return to the throne and damaging his tenuous friendship with Lira.
Meanwhile, Thorne Beran is on high alert to the threats Caitir poses, the harm Lira’s darkness is capable of doing, and the looming inevitability of Aila’s return. When Thorne presses Eremon to take decisive action in the city, tensions quickly escalate. As loyalties splinter, relationships unravel, and new alliances form, Lira, Aidryn, Eremon, and Caitir must each choose what they are willing to sacrifice to bring unity to their people, protect their magic, and reestablish peace.
My opinion: Great continuation of The Witness Tree Chronicles storyline with well developed characters who grow immensely in this book. I truly appreciated the 4 POVs to assist in really understanding what each character is thinking and feeling. Also enjoyed seeing new characters to love...and hate! The first half of the book was a little slow for me; however, the second half took off galloping! There are some definite aha moments that surprised me in a great way. The cliffhanger has me impatiently waiting to see what happens in the next book.
I started this series a few ago and recently got right back into it for the release of Vow the third instalment of this fourth series book.
And I can tell you that the ending of Kεερεr σf Kεγs had me on my toes. I wanted to continue the stories and I devoured it right as I got it, 4 days it took me. I couldn’t stop reading I wanted to see where the story was going, where our characters went, why they lied to each other, why they kept quarrelling, everything!
And god it was everything. You get actions, a lot of it, closed-range combats, political battles, magic-wielding fights, treason, double treason, schemes, redemption, dark magic, relationship, I could go on and on. This book was simply amazing, it was a fantastic third book tying everything beautifully together for the grand final.
The characters go development, the plot advance, and the story gave us more information but kept something beautifully hidden to keep the reader in suspense I am sure that Haley kept some crucial information to herself as our Hearth-Breaking Annoited for the final book.
It is not surprising to anyone with that review that I am giving it 5/5 ⭐ And I cannot wait for the fourth book. I am so ready to see my baby Oda, of course, she is my favourite. And everybody, I am ready for their adventure and to see the continuation of this story.
Thank You Haley for the opportunity to read this book and dive with you in Rodhlan.
It begun just after the events of “Keeper of keys”. I was completely hooked from the start. The plot was great and very interesting. They were lots of actions. We had two more POV : Caitir & Eremon. I am so fond of Caitir, there is so much about her; she is one of my favorite female character. And there was the chemistry between Caitir and Eremon, it was perfect.
Haley’s work on the characters was incredible! Each of them had several layers, backgrounds, I loved knowing more about them. I felt their emotions, their growth. I was fully immersed with Lira’s struggle, how her relationship suffered from it.
And that ending…
Vow of magic was an emotional roller-coaster to read. I can only recommend it, this book was so gooood.
Vow of Magic: The Witness Tree Chronicles #3 by Haley Walden was received through bookfunnel and I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. Great series so far. In this book Dark magic has consumed Silira and is spinning out of control, Eremon is horrified by his own vast power and immeasurable potential, while Aidryn is urging him to gather allies and sabotage Caitir's scheming. Eremon's spying transforms to fascination with Caitir delaying his return to the throne. Meanwhile Thorne Beran is on high alert and the looming inevitability of Aila's return. Each must choose what they are willing to sacrifice to bring unity to their people, protect their magic and reestablish peace. This book is available on Amazon
Vow of Magic starts right where book 2 left off. I loved reading the different points of view, especially since they flowed together and weren’t disjointed like other books I’ve read. It’s easy to keep a picture of what’s going on since Haley’s writing style and descriptions are enough to paint a picture, but not so much that you get tired of reading never ending adjectives.
The only negative thing I have to say about this book is the fact that it caused me to lose sleep because I HAD to finish it and then she kills me with the cliffhanger. Now she just needs to write faster so I can know what happens next. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment. 😀
I love this series so much, each keeps getting better all the time, this book carries on from the second , I loved how much more character knowledge and development we get in this book and also the drama takes it up a notch. Involves a gorgeous slow burn romance and a cliffhanger that will make you want the next book immediately, but like me you’ll have to wait.
Vow of Magic took a darker turn in the story line - the characters are each grappling with their own inner issues while trying to work together at the same time. I loved seeing the new alliances form and characters I had written off, start working their way back into a positive light. There was also some great humor in this one that I loved. And the ending! I am just waiting for the next book.
What a way to link all the characters together. You keep reading as each chapter unfolds another twist in the story line. And the last chapter , what a way to leave you hanging. This cannot be the end of the story as so much is unfinished.
This series has me enamored! A little more spice, but for my extra spicy folks, probably not enough for you 🤣. The plot thickens and a 4th book is coming! I neeeeddd it! The ending ... Agh!!!! I now love Caiter. I despised her in the first two books, but this book adds more depth to her character and understanding of why she is the way she is. In turn, I also saw Adryn and Lira as more flawed and less likeable in this book. (I apologize for incorrectly spelling names).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Vow hands down has to be my favorite in the series so far.
This book got messy. It got real. It took me in DEEP into its world and didn't let go. It was difficult to not highlight everything on my kindle. There are so many little details I can't wait to get back to. As this world expands, I find the need more and more to keep notes for future theories.
I LOVED how this book delved deeper into its relationships and its world.
I'm going to go ahead and say I am a Caitir simp. I love her growth so much in this book. I didn't really like her character as much at the beginning. She's not easy to love, folks. Most times she makes you want to give her a good slap. Especially at the beginning of the series.
There was always more to her, but she hid it well under all of that ambition and hatred. Vow brings out her perspective in a way that helps flesh out her character in ways I didn't find possible.
And Eremon? Let's just say I always sensed there was something more to him, and this book delivered on that.
I.am.in.love.
I don't want to delve into spoiler territory until this book officially comes out, so I'll keep this short and sweet. I adored this book and can't wait for Haley's next book in this series.
First, I must say how thrilled I am to finally have this book in my hands. It’s been a long (but worthwhile) wait.
Secondly, I am in shreds. The emotional turmoil. The plot twists. That ending. I need to sit in these feelings for a minute.
I will quickly say a few additional things:
This third book includes more POVs than the first two which you might expect to get confusing but it never does. Haley does a fantastic job with each character’s voice. Her writing is amazing and this world she’s built is so fascinating.
The descriptions, the emotions…I was in deep! Honestly, I’m ready to read it all over again. I’m never ready to put this world and these characters aside. As you might expect, book four cannot get here fast enough!
If you haven’t picked up this series yet and you love fantasy; do yourself a favor and give it a chance. Immediately. You will not be disappointed. It is one of the best fantasy reads I’ve ever had the pleasure of picking up.
See below for slight spoilery content: . . . . . . . . . . . . . My thoughts on the characters and their role in Vow:
I still adore Aidryn. He is my favorite. Witnessing Lira struggle with the dark magic infecting her, the anger and loneliness she feels and what it does to their relationship was heart wrenching.
Eremon is wrestling with his newfound immortality and the responsibilities he must assume to save them all. He doesn’t handle it well sometimes and his hesitations and stubbornness drive a wedge between him and his friends.
Catir…wow. Her character growth is so satisfying to read. My dislike for her was strong then I pitied her and all she’d experienced and now? I feel so much respect and love for her. The relationship that evolves between Catir and Eremon was something I didn’t really know I would care about. I absolutely did. Their banter and distrust in one another changing into respect, care, and love was beautiful. And I absolutely adored those quick but warm moments she shared with Lira.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the third book in the series about people who can wield good magic or dark magic and the results of their use. Lira is being controlled by a voice in her head as the result of the dark magic that was forced into her by Caitir and Fiadh which has corrupted her good magic and is changing her. There is more betrayals in this book but a new love interest arises for Caitir and Eremon. Aidryn obtains information in a last desperate attempt to save Lira and then when Aila appears everyone learns some startling news about her and the baby Caitir is carrying. It leads up to the next book which will continue this exciting tale of love, duty, honor and survival in a series which will grab your attention and not let you go!
This series is not a quick read by any means as there is so much to read about the main characters and the struggles they have. You will see good people and those who you’ll despise and can’t wait to see justice done to them! But I can assure you that the read is well worth it! It’s a tale that will captivate you and you will really get to know Lira, Aidryn, Caitir and Eremon especially but also others who play pivotal roles in this epic saga!
I most assuredly recommend you get this entire series because it’s not to be missed and you have to read it from the beginning to understand each character and how events change them! You’ll relish the good but will cringe at the darkness of some people and what they do to try and control and gain additional power and influence over others. It is an intense read but so worth the time it takes to read it!
This story is building towards a epic showdown so I urge you to get the entire series up to now so you’ll be ready to continue this story when the next book comes out! You will have invested a lot of time to read the story but again you’ll know it was time well spent!