These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

Firstly, I think the comparison to ACOTAR in this book's pitch was bang on. On the nose! No really, it's literally the same story. I could list all the similarities between the two but.. I really liked this book and I don't think that's necessary. It was formulaic and unimaginative at times but it was so so much fun and gripping and sexy and I don't think I needed it to be anything else. Do I wish it was slightly more unique? Yes and I'm slightly miffed at the missed opportunity to expand upon an already narrow sub-genre. HOWEVER. I believe this book did everything it promised to do very well, and that is my main takeaway from reading this novel.

It twisted and turned throughout like a suspense thriller which I was not expecting and loved. The sub-plots and character motivations were woven together so beautifully that by the end there was just no way I was not going to exclaim in disbelief, no matter how many twists I called in the first half of the book.

The dialogue was sharp and delicious; I soaked up every once of it. The characters were..getting there. While I loved what they had to say, I just wanted more. More nuance, more distinction between them, their motivations and stakes. I'm positive that the characters will be explored more in the sequel (oh please let there be a sequel), and this book will serve as a great foundation.

I did have a slight qualm with the pacing. It actually took me three months to finish this book. Well, it took me three months to get to read the first half, and then about 4 hours to read the latter. The beginning was slow, tedious and even repetitive at times. Brie wasn't that engaging of a character on her own, so it took waiting until the whole gang was together for the pace and intrigue to pick up. But when it did, I was completely hooked. I just wish it had jumped straight in, and didn't waste time on characters and sub-plots that weren't going to be relevant in 200 pages time.

In conclusion, if you enjoyed ACOTAR, pick this up, you'll love it. As for the comparison to The Cruel Prince, I saw no similarities apart from the references to the Fae and their devious antics (don't drink the wine, just..don't).

Thank you ever so much to the publisher for this e-arc!