*Aggressive panting* I DID IT. *Pants* I’M HERE. *More panting* I MADE IT.

PHEW. Guys. This book. Talk about action. From page one, this story kicks it into high gear and doesn’t let up. It feels like I just ran ten miles and I don’t even care because it was AMAZING. If you thought Dance of Thieves was awesome, just wait because this one packs an even bigger punch. It takes off at a freaking sprint right where we left Kazi and Jase travelling back to Hell’s Mouth in book one, thank god too because that cliffy ending was killing me slowly.

Right off the bat I have to scream about the amazing world building in this novel. Mary E. Pearson has done such an amazing job creating this universe and weaving a story that connects everything together. Everything. Little things that I had forgotten about in the Remnant Chronicles and Dance of Thieves came back and tied to the story in amazing ways. The attention to detail left me completely baffled. It immediately made me want to go back and reread all the other books to see if I missed anything and I love when that happens! This is framed so you don’t HAVE to read the Remnant Chronicles before this series, but the experience is so much richer if you do, which is so smart.

Plus, the story is INSANELY good. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish and genuinely had no idea how things were going to end up for a while. Warning for anyone who has high blood pressure: maybe steer clear. And I was so happy to see magic make a comeback in this installment! Magic played a fairly large part in The Remnant Chronicles and I remember finding it interesting that Dance of Thieves has hardly any. But FEAR NOT FRIENDS. Pearson’s subtle way of weaving magic came back for this sequel and I loved it.

Originally I was worried about this suffering from second book syndrome since the first one was so perfect, but I shouldn’t have stressed. Vow of Thieves is just as good, if not better, than book one.

*FINAL WORD*
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I thought this book was AMAZING. The perfect end to a perfect series.

I absolutely LOVED Dance of Thieves and was really worrying that the conclusion would not compare. Well, turns out I didn’t need to worry at all. I thoroughly enjoyed this one too. I found myself reading this any chance I could get, it’s very captivating and fast paced. I still adore Kazi and Jase and their relationship. It’s definitely couple goals for sure. There were a lot of things happening in this book, lots of action and twists. I loved the ending which really got the feelings going. Overall, this was a great duology and I think it really enriches the world and adds a lot to the first trilogy.

After the cliffhangers in the ending the Dance of Thieves I was dove right into Vow of Thieves and devoured it in a day and a half. The story picks up right where the first book left off as Kazi and Jase prepare to finally approach Tors Watch and discover what has happened while they were away.  There was never a dull moment through the final book. Pearson takes you on an emotional coaster as the town and family fight for survival. Plots are uncovered that don't just compromise the town but potentially the world as they know it. You are left wondering who if anyone will make it out alive and will the love between Kazi and Jase endure. 

This novel continues to build out the robust world started in the originally trilogy and adds in many more characters to love. I enjoyed the character arcs that they were less "royal". Pearson writes some vicious villains and fierce females. I actually enjoyed this series more than the Remnant Chronicles but do feel you need to read them first to understand the back story. 

That you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Last year I read Dance of Thieves and there was no question that I would be coming back for the next installment in this series and here it is! Finally!

It took me a quick minute to remember the details of the previous book and get back into the groove of this series but the author did a good job of giving me reminders to jog my memory. I'm so glad the book started off with Jase and Kazi together so I had that solid relationship foundation to kick things off. It really helped with all the crazy awful stuff that came next.

This book is full of political intrigue, deadly games, kings and traitors. Jase and Kazi spend a majority of the book apart each battling through their own horrible circumstances. But they are fierce. Fierce in their love, fierce in their loyalty, and fierce in their will to survive and protect. They are awesome characters and I couldn't help but be pulled into their world. I was firmly planted in their corner the whole way through.

I don't think I had a chance to catch my breath this whole book. It was so full on and constant that I could hardly keep up. The few times I had to put this book down to "real life", I was thinking about it and longing to get back to reading. I love when that happens.

This series needs to be read in order. Jase and Kazi's story wrapped up nicely in this book (it was such a relief to have some good things happen!) but there was definitely an opening left for another story. Fingers crossed! :)

Content: violence, death, torture, swearing. Kissing, mild innuendo.

Mary E. Pearson brings readers back to the world of the Remnant Chronicles and proves there is always more story to tell.

'Vow of Thieves' begins right where 'Dance of Thieves' left off. Kazi and Jase are returning to Tor’s Watch together and are more in love than ever. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Mary E. Pearson knows how to write a captivating romance. Kazi and Jase’s love won’t disappoint readers. Through the promises they make one another, they are determined to bring forth a better future for Tor’s Watch side by side.

Upon arrival their dreams quickly vanish, though. There are no Ballengers to greet them — only bloodshed and death welcome them home. With the unexpected ambush, Kazi and Jase are separated with neither of them knowing if the other survived.

I wasn’t ready to experience so many emotions right off the gate. Like most fans of this series, I have fallen completely in love with these characters, so it was hard not to feel their pain and sorrow throughout the book.

The Remnant Chronicles is full of many strong heroines and Kazi is no exception. Her strength is heartbreaking at times because it’s grown from her need to survive in dire situations. You can’t help but root for her happily-ever-after.

Then there’s Jase who is just as amazing as Kazi. He’s a born leader and in the end he only becomes stronger from the events that take place in 'Vow of Thieves'. There is no other person to lead Tor’s Watch.

Being separated, the pair have to depend on unexpected characters. Without spoiling who they are, I will say that a certain character I disliked from the first book is one I grew to love in 'Vow of Thieves'. I love how well Mary E. Pearson developed them.

Kazi and Jase are tested mentally and physically through each obstacle thrown their way. There is plenty of intriguing politics, awesome action, swoony moments, and lots of drama! In the end I think fans of this series will be satisfied and happy to know there might be even more story left to tell inside this world.

Honestly I’ll read anything Mary E. Pearson writes because I’m a huge fan of hers. She has a brilliant way of engaging with her readers through her writing, and making them feel as if they are the one wielding the sword. In 'Vow of Thieves' she manages to develop a world readers are already familiar in a surprising way. I loved every minute of reading this book!

I would recommend 'Vow of Thieves' to readers who are searching for a fun fantasy tale!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I absolutely loved this book! Vow of Thieves made me furious at times, and pretty much every other emotion a person can feasibly feel, but it was well worth it in the end. I wasn't mad at the book itself, but at some of the characters and their impulsive decisions. However, I also understood their reasons and perspectives, which made it harder to stay mad at them. There were a few characters that I loved to hate, and will continue to wish pain and death upon forever and ever.

Speaking of the characters... they are so wonderfully written! The family dynamics are complicated, and the author really emphasizes that not all families are related by blood. Additionally, people can always surprise you, and it's nice to give them the benefit of the doubt. It's hard to trust others, especially when lives are literally on the line, but Kazi and Jase seem to be able to judge people fairly well. The characters themselves were really fleshed out, and I felt like I'd known them for years. Mary E. Pearson knows how to build characters and worlds, and despite the brutality, it's a world I wouldn't mind living in. As long as I can stay at Tor's Watch!

I enjoyed the subtle magic that was woven into the book, and how it always felt just out of reach. It's there, but it doesn't play a prominent role within the story. It gives the book a dash of fantasy that I greedily devoured. Also, it's been awhile since I read the first book, but there were subtle references to the more important aspects that I may have forgotten. The reminders gently nudged my brain in the right direction, and I was happy for those little tidbits. I never felt lost or confused as I continued the story.

I really enjoyed learning more about the Ballenger history, and where their family originated. They've endured a lot over the years, but not nearly as much as the first Ballenger. He was only a child, yet he managed to build a family out of survivors. They lived and breathed together, fought and died together, and that same tenacious spirit has been passed on for generations. Jase and the others will go on and on about family and secrecy, but Greyson Ballenger wasn't bound to his family in the traditional sense. I think the current Ballenger's forgot that from time to time, and it was nice seeing them learning and growing as a group.

Kazi is amazing. She's strong, intelligent, and fiercely protective. She always puts others before herself, and she's even willing to help the people that want to kill her. Kazi sacrificed herself again and again for the people she cared about, thinking their lives were more important than her own. Fortunately for her, she had people in her life that thought she was worth saving and protecting. Jase, Wren, and Synové would gladly give their lives for their friend. I don't think I could have endured what Kazi did and remained sane at the end. The girl just doesn't give up, and she never gives in. She's confident in herself and her abilities, and clings to hope even when it's painful.

There were a few twists that I was not expecting, but really complimented the overall story. Once certain things are revealed, it makes you question everything you've read previously as the pieces slowly click into place. I never would have expected this story to end up exactly where it did, and I love when a book can keep me on my toes until the very last page.

Vow of Thieves only took me a day to read, and I would have gladly kept turning the pages. However, I do think the ending was perfection, and really captured what the rest of the book had been about. We're left with hope and understanding, and also the knowledge that the world is complicated. People even more so... I cannot wait to see what Pearson comes up with next!

Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on August 5, 2019.

I loved The Remnant Chronicles by the author and I’m so happy that her spin off series is just as good as the original. I love that it is the same world, but feels so different as it features other characters and areas. The politics and adventure are unique to the region, but the angst, drama, and strategy were as good as that of the 2nd and 3rd books of the The Remnant Chronicles. I am emotionally invested in these people as well, hoping to see them overcome.

I feel like more people should be gushing over this series (and The Remnant Chronicles) because it’s such good YA fantasy with high stakes, realistic characters, and tons of politics and court drama.

Great sequel! I love Kazi and Jase. I love the whole world the story is set in! Mary E. Pearson is a fantastic storyteller. I love all the romance, danger, and intrigue!

Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson is the much anticipated follow up to Dance of Thieves. My excitement wasn't contained when I was allowed to read this title early. And add to that the fact that Vow of Thieves is a continuation set in the same world as The Remnant Chronicles. As a precursor to this review, I will try my best to not provide spoilers, but, I am giving you a warning for any unintentional spoilers to either Dance of Thieves, Vow of Thieves, and anything in The Remnant Chronicles.

Kazi and Jase are the  dominant main characters of Vow of Thieves. Told in alternating points-of-view, we continue the adventure. This time, Kazi and Jase are travelling back to Tor's Watch with their new assignments. Danger and love fill these pages, and it's a high intensity adventure that will cause your heart beat to race.

I love Kazi. She is a character that I have put on a fantasy pedestal. Her background was bleak, and she came from practically nothing. But where she is now, despite any struggles along the way, is inspiring. She is loyal but within reason. And above all? Despite all of the hard moments of her life, she was still filled with love and hope. Jase? My fondness for him is of the same ilk as Kazi. But where I love Kazi for her tenacity and  survival, I love Jase for his stability and unwavering love. But there are so man spoilers that I'll have to stop talking about him now.

Honorable mention to Wren and Synove. I want to mention more, but again, spoilers. So, just know that the supporting characters are worth mentioning.

I love this world that Pearson built.  It is filled with so much vivid imagery and world building, which is a detail that I have come to expect from her stories. Pearson's appreciation for art is very evident, allowing me to transform and transport into the streets of Tor's Watch, or even the lush lands. Where I thought we knew everything about this small part of the map during Dance of Thieves, Pearson reinvents this world allowing the reader to know this setting much more intimately.

Pearson's writing is calming with a poetic fluidity. Regardless if it is a romantic scene or a battle, I find myself lost in the moments. Often at times I lose track of time, and next thing you know it is a couple of hours later. That is definitely the case fr Vow of Thieves, at the edge of my seat and thirsty for the next word or two.


*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

I loved the first book and the second one did not disappoint! Mary E. Pearson is an amazing writer and her characters and world are amazingly developed!

I really liked Vow Of Thieves!  I was really excited to get an ARC of it, and I liked it just as much as I thought I would.

I thought the story was great in this book.  I liked seeing what was going on with Kazi and Jase, and things were not easy for them in this book.  I wanted them to be okay, and there were times, especially at the beginning, where I thought things wouldn't be okay.  Things turned out just fine, of course, and I'm glad it did.  They really deserve it after everything they've been through.

I really liked Kazi in this book and she's such an amazing character.  She had some tough decisions to make, and I thought she handled things the best way she could.

As for Jase...I did like him a little bit more in this book than I did in the previous book.  He's really trying to keep his family together and to protect his people.  I wanted him to be okay, but with everything that happens, it wasn't easy for him.  Still, he was able to make his way back to his home and family, and with Kazi, they were able to do what they needed to do in order to get Tor's Watch back to what it was before the attack.

I thought things were wrapped up really well.  I was wondering where the story was going to go, and we definitely found out in this book.  I'm sad it's only a duology, because I really wanted more of this story and this world.  Even though things are wrapped up and this particular story is over, there's room for a lot more story in this world.  With how the book ended, it makes me wonder what else is on the horizon.

Things may have been resolved in this book, but there's a lot more that can happen.  I hope it doesn't, but you never know.  I know I'll be waiting to see if we'll be getting more books in this world, and who it might focus on.  It is a great end to the series, and it was definitely a page-turner.

Like the previous book, it took a little bit to get into the book, but once I did, it was hard to stop reading.  This series, and the Remnant Chronicles, are worth reading.

My Rating: 4 stars.  I really liked Vow Of Thieves, and it's a great end to a great series.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for a honest review. Vow of Thieves is the sequel to Dance of Thieves and the stunning conclusion to this duology (Dance of Thieves series?). It picks up right where Dance of Thieves left off where we follow Jase and Kazi on their journey back to Tor's Watch.

As in Pearson's other books, her writing is phenomenal, and in my opinion, one of the best in the entire YA community. Her words and descriptions are rich and immersive, without it feeling too weighty. Mary E. Pearson's writing is careful balance between having enough description that allows the reader to understand what's going on without being bogged down by it, while also having enough action to keep the plot pace moving. Pearson's writing also does a wonderful job of showing rather than telling. As a reader, I always appreciate when an author gives me the chance to discern what's going on rather than it being spoon fed all the time.

Aside from her writing, the characters are another highlight of this series. They are the engine that drives the story because they are all so well written. Each one, even if they're only a secondary character, rises up from the page to the point that they feel real. Because her characters are multi-dimensional, there are many ways readers can connect with them. For me, I was able to connect with Kazi in Vow of Thieves. I wasn't sure if I liked her as a character in Dance of Thieves but after I read this book, her sacrifice and the suffering she endured really resonated with me because of a vow she made. Pearson leaves you guessing as to what that vow is until the end of the story, but let me just tell you it made me tear up. It was my top favorite thing about this story. The vows made between the characters and how they fought and gave everything to keep them made their love more genuine, true, lasting and honorable. I absolutely loved it.

As for the plot pacing, it remained steady throughout the whole story. I never felt that the story dragged, but I do wish it moved just a little bit faster in some parts. There was constant tension and danger throughout with moments where I wondered if certain characters would be still alive. The final climax was broken into two parts, something I haven't seen done very much in YA where everything is tied up in one big bang. After the climax though, Pearson borrows the LOTR Return of the King method of using several ending scenes to end the story completely. For me, it made for a very satisfactory ending.

Overall this is a fantastic series, masterfully written and richly told.

Kazi and Jase’s saga concludes in Vow of Thieves, the sequel to New York Times best-selling author Mary E. Pearson’s Dance of Thieves. Trust me when I say that you are not prepared for what is about to go down in Hell’s Mouth.

I am such a fan of the world that Pearson has created, both in this duology and in its predecessor The Remnant Chronicles. This world is so rich and diverse and ripe with possibility, and I have fallen in love with each new part that’s been unlocked in every successive book set there. Vow of Thieves returns us once again to the Ballengers’ homestead, but it’s in a very different state than it was when we left. The ending of Dance of Thieves gave us a little glimpse of what was in store, but trust me when I say that you are not ready for what is to come.

There is an ominous warning on Jase and Kazi’s journey back, and they are attacked before they can even set foot in Hell’s Mouth. The Ballenger family – what’s left of it – have taken refuge in their vault and someone new rules the land. Separated by circumstance, Jase and Kazi must fight to discover who the real enemy is and how to defeat them.

This book is full of all sorts of political intrigue. You don’t know who to trust, and you don’t know if you can believe what you knew before. Constant twists and turns in a mystery plot can often feel like the author is being confusing just for the sake of it, but with the plot of Vow of Thieves, stuff may surprise you, but it doesn’t feel unearned. It’s a twist, and you may be shocked, but it’s a twist you feel like you should have seen coming. I’m very tempted to reread Dance of Thieves just to see if I can pick up on any of the things that are revealed in this book.

The characters are no less compelling than they were in the first installment – perhaps even more so, now that their world has been turned on its head. I think I fell in love with them even more in this book.

Pearson has a gift for crafting a story around a secret and giving just enough for the audience to figure it out before it’s revealed. In The Kiss of Deception, it was the identities of the two men pursuing Lia – which one was the prince, and which one was the assassin? Vow of Thieves has a similar secret; it’s relatively big, and it does affect the plot, but not to the extent it did in the first series.

Vow of Thieves provides a satisfactory conclusion to Kazi and Jase’s story while still leaving a lot open for a return to the world as a whole. I would very much like to see that.

Vow of Thieves, by author Mary E. Pearson, is the finale to the Dance of Thieves duology. This series takes place in the same universe as the authors Remnant Chronicles. The story start off few weeks after Dance of Thieves ended with Kazimyrah of Brightmist/Rahtan, and Jase Ballenger, Patrei of Tor's Watch, returning to Tor's Watch with wonderful news from Lia, the Queen of Venda. Jase once her prisoner, is now her lover. Kazi is worried about earning his family's acceptance after she kidnapped him to bring him to justice for harboring fugitives from her kingdom.

But, everything is about to head further into chaos and danger when they are ambushed. Separated, they must face their own individual battles for survival, not sure if the other has even survived, but hoping against hope to be reunited. Kazi, who was given the title of ambassador, is taken to Tor’s Watch where she sees the destruction wrought by their unseen enemy who is very familiar to readers. The cathedral is in ruins. Soldiers are everywhere and Jase’s family is in hiding.

Kazi intends to honor her vow to protect his family and her directive to the queen to find the missing papers that produced the horrible weapons now being used against them by a King with no morals who needs mercenaries to carry out his dirty work. Meanwhile, Jase finds allies in Caemus, Kerry of Fogswallow, as well as Kazi's friends Wren & Synove. He will eventually discover the truth about who is responsible for attacking his watch, as well as learning what his family has been doing since Tor was sacked by King Montegue of Eislandia who claims he was saving the city from raiders.

You do need to remember what happened in the first book in order to understand key characters and what has happened to get Kazi and Jase to this point in the series. Kazi and Jase spend most of the book separated. Each has their own adventures while hoping that they will find each other again. When they do, they are unstoppable as a team. The ending really wraps up things nicely as well as bringing back some characters from the authors Remnant Chronicles including Lia, Kaden, Rhys, Griz, Nash, and Paulie. It also closes a chapter in Kazi's life that has been left unfilled since her mother was stolen away from her when she was just a child.

I think it's fair to say that the author will come back to this world at some point. In fact, she really leaves the door opened for a return with a curious final page.

This sequel was equally as amazing as the first book. The twists and turns and the brilliant plot had me staying up way to late just to know what was going to happen next. Throughout the story, tension escalates and the deceit is fully revealed. Mary has a way of making you feel like you are in the fight alongside these characters. But how do you fight a loosing battle? Zsu viktara and blink last. That’s how.

Even though this duology is part of the Remnant Chronicles world, it could easily have stood on its own. It’s easy to get pulled into this world and fall in love with the characters. Vow of Thieves was a rollercoaster of emotions that I kind of didn’t want to end, but my heart is satisfied

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

WOW. WOW. WOW. Let me just say that I enjoyed Dance of Thieves last year so much! Mary did an amazing job in introducing the world and politics of the Ballengers as well as the epic sloooooow burn between Kazi and Jase!

Book 2 was amazing. This book was filled with action + political introgue + scheming + betrayal + romance and i just couldn’t get ENOUGH. literally that ending made me cry it was so beautiful! I highly suggest this duology. Now im off to read the Remnant Chronicles 🤩

Everything you could want in a story can be found right here! Adventure, action, romance, believable characters and a beautifully laid plot. Such a great read!

I really should stop being surprised at how good Mary Pearson’s writing is, but every time I read something of hers I’m blown away. Her prose is clear and concise, but is as beautiful as a work of art. Her character development is incredible and the world she’s created in this series and in the Remnant Chronicles is so vivid and stunning. Vow of thieves is a seductive adventure about enduring love. It has high stakes, all sorts of twists and turns, and is a satisfying ending (maybe? Maybe not?) to this duology.

**Will be posted on July 24, 2019 on my blog http://pastmidnight.home.blog**

Thank you to Henry Holt & Co and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this eArc.

This book wrecked me but in a good way! I had anxiety, heart palpitations and I even cried a few times! Was I expecting any of that? NO.

Vow of Thieves continues right after the last chapter and harrowing cliff-hanger from Dance of Thieves. Kazi and Jase return to Tor’s Watch and what greets them is unexpected. From then on, it was non-stop worrying and praying on my part. The world-building is lush as usual and the story is written so well I was wondering if Kazi would get out of this alive. After all she had been through, Kazi needed to make it out alive, she deserved some happiness.

At each turn something thwarted Kazi, but this girl has a brain on her like no other. And her fighting skills are just so good, she’s my hero. I love her heart, her penchant for riddles, her skill for thievery, the survival instincts she’s honed because of her past and her will to not die when it seems like hope is lost, “die tomorrow“. Kazi inspires me.

Jase and Kazi together are a dream team. Their love is deep but not so consuming that they can’t do things without one another. They weren’t even together in a good chunk of the book, but in spirit, they were pushing one another to keep going. It was all the things I love in a romance between two characters. They are strong together as a couple, but strong also even torn apart. I was swooning all over their relationship, their teasing and banter. I love them. Speaking of this duo – the book once again is told in dual POV. The story flows so well between the two characters and builds up tension where it should.

Then there is the supporting cast who is always outstanding. The villain was unpredictable, devious, obsessive, and cunning. Some of my favorite characters reappear in this book, Kazi’s best friends Wren and Synové. These three young ladies make a fierce trio. We also see cameos from characters in Mary E. Pearson other series, The Remnant Chronicles which made me want to reread the series again!

I could go on and on about this book, but I don’t want to spoil anything. It is perfection in my eyes. I’ve read very few duologies, but I notice that it’s becoming the trend and personally I’m starting to love it more than trilogies. It keeps the story-telling tight, whereas a trilogy sometimes is one book too long, with a weak finish. If duologies are written like this Dance of Thieves series, then sign me up for more of them!

I fell in love with Kazi, her friends, Jase and his crazy, loving family. It ended beautifully. I hope this isn’t the last story in the Remnant world. I want more adventures set in this world or any world that Mary E. Pearson creates. Vow of Thieves is the perfect sequel to an epic series.

*** 4.5 out of 5 starts ***
You sigh; you gasp; your breathless through it all. It's a story that clinches at your young heart as Kazi and Jase fight through for love. It's the embodiment of what young love and adventure is. The anticipation and allure of the world-building, just adds to the twists and harrowing turns that you get from this plot. Beautifully written and emotionally complex characters will leave you crying for more.

*** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.***