Book Review: These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows, #2) by Lexi Ryan
I’ve always had a soft spot for fantasy series that promise love triangles, intrigue, and dark magic, so when I dove into These Twisted Bonds, the sequel to Lexi Ryan’s These Hollow Vows, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm quickly dwindled, leaving me as disheartened as a character lost in a labyrinth of plot holes and poor character development.
From the very first line, “Beyond the castle gates, the sun rises and the birds sing, but the Golden Palace is draped in a veil of night. My night. My darkness. My power,” I sensed an aura of potential that was abruptly drowned by a whirlwind of confusing tropes and character choices. The promise of a complex world full of light and shadow quickly gave way to an overwhelming sense of frustration. The narrative tried to be dark and yet romantic, but rather than striking a balance, it often veered into melodrama, giving me the distinct feeling that I was trapped in a fantasy where no one knew how to properly execute a poignant moment.
Let’s talk characters. Our protagonist, Brie, suffers from a severe case of indecisiveness, often vacillating between self-doubt and an overwhelming sense of her own importance. One moment, she declares, “I don’t understand how I could be so special,” only to turn around and embrace her supposed power in the blink of an eye. This constant back-and-forth made it difficult for me to connect with her journey, and I found myself longing for the relatable, resilient character I had initially encountered in the first book.
Finn, who once glimmered with strong, nuanced emotions, transformed into a shadow of his former self—a lovesick character lacking depth. Sebastian, meant to provide tension and conflict, instead contributed to my eye-rolling with his misguided sense of entitlement over Brie’s heart. I mean, who wants to cheer for a character whose primary motivation seems to revolve around not listening to the protagonist’s desires? Yet, amidst this sea of discontent, I found a flickering light in Misha. His charm, wit, and occasional telepathic sass offered some refreshing interactions—he was the one character who didn’t take himself too seriously, providing some much-needed levity in a story that became too bogged down by its own angst.
The writing itself sadly mirrored the characters’ struggles. Ryan’s prose, while occasionally dazzling, too often fell victim to inconsistencies and overused phrases that dulled the excitement. Some moments felt rushed, leading to an uneven pacing that left key resolutions unsatisfying. I found myself annoyed with phrases like “I want to be a better male for you,” which felt clunky and, honestly, rather uninspired. A little originality in dialogue wouldn’t have gone amiss!
Despite my frustrations, there were compelling themes lurking in the background—the battle between light and shadow, the power dynamics of love and choice. These are fertile ground for exploration that, unfortunately, often went unexplored or delivered in tedious cliches. It’s as if the intrinsic drama of the narrative was undercut by a lack of clear direction or development.
In conclusion, These Twisted Bonds may appeal to die-hard fans of the first installment or those who enjoy a complicated fantasy world rife with romance. However, as someone who cherished the initial promise, this sequel felt like a staggered leap into dark waters—my faith drained alongside my patience. If you’re searching for a series with relatable character growth and strong narrative threads, I might suggest looking elsewhere. But hey, if you’re in the mood for a chaotic ride that leaves you scratching your head, dive in! Just don’t forget to pack an air of skepticism along with your adventurous spirit.
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