One thing is for sure, this book did not suffer from the infamous sequel syndrome.

Nassum and Gal jump out the page at every turn, I thoroughly enjoyed their (mostly Gal's) journey to friends to complete enemies to "maybe-I-don't-hate-him-that-much-anymore". Its a new and sweet approach to this pair and I look forward to see what else Skrurskie has up her sleeve.

This was bright and explosive and I cannot wait for the conclusion of this magnificent series.

This is the continuing story of Gal and Ettian – whose story from Bonds of Brass I won’t spoil for you, but suffice to say that there are feels to be had. The end of Bonds of Brass had events that lead to much hard feelings between the two, and this one continues that story from Gal’s POV (Book 1 was from Ettian’s POV). He is a political prisoner, more bored than anything else, and is trying to come up with escape plans. One plan results in him being dragged to the warfront with Ettian, and from there, many shenanigans are had.

I really liked seeing this one from Gal’s point of view. It was interesting seeing how a lifetime of training makes him think about situations he finds himself in. It seems almost second nature for him to try and manipulate the people around him, even the people that he likes, to get what he wants. We also see a lot of Wen Iffan in this one, as she has become rather a central character in the grand scheme of things.

It was fantastically written and easy to sit down with for hours at a time. The last quarter or so was action-packed, and hard to put down. I didn’t love it quite as much as I loved Bonds of Brass, however the story that it sets up to tell in the third volume in the series is certain to be entertaining, and so it left me eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

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!

*Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

This was definitely one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it has me even more hyped for the third book than I was before. That said, I was also looking for a bit more from this book than I got. There will not be any spoilers for the this or the first book in this review.

This book takes off just a bit after the earth shattering events of book one. But, this time the main narrator is Gal instead of Ettian. From what I could see in other reviews, a lot of people preferred Ettian's narration, but I actually loved having Gal's perspective. Gal is an idiot. That is true. However, he also struggles with severe anxiety and panic attacks, and as the heir to a throne, has some major trust issues. Due to recent events, these issues have gotten worse, and its honestly really refreshing and relatable to see a character struggle so much over his own thoughts. He questions every little thing he does, and I've come to really love him.

The one thing about the narration change that I didn't love is how little we see of Ettian in this book. We get no insight into his thoughts, and he kind of loses a bit of personality in this book (in my opinion). This is mostly do to the lack of scenes we actually get with him, especially towards the beginning.

On that note, my biggest issue with this book is the lack of romance compared to the first one. There is romance here, don't get me wrong, but there is much less romantic tension, and I don't know if the few scenes we get in the beginning between Gal and Ettian were executed that well.

This book had a lot of politics and strategy. I love what we got, but there needed to be a bit more plot and character growth. I just think a lot of the characterization we did get was overshadowed by the sheer amount of politics.

Now that my complaints are out of the way, I still adored this book. The story is fun and unique, and I really care a lot about the mcs. Also my gosh the PLOT TWISTS. The ending for me wasn't quite as shocking as the end of book one, but my gosh it was still crazy.

I loved the romance that we did get, and I think the third book has soooooo much potential if there is a bit more actual plot points and romanceeeeee. I also really hope that we get dual POV instead of just Gal or Ettian for the last book.

Basically Vows of Empire is now my big goal for arc approvals.

Content Warnings: anxiety, panic attacks, betrayal, hostage, torture (mention), executions (mention), genocidal empire

I don't tend to read sci-fi that much, but had book 1 of Bloodright trilogy recommended to me enough times to take the plunge. Luckily I absolutely adored it, but the ending was probably my favourite part and I couldn't wait to see how different book 2 was. The answer is that it is a very different story from a very different perspective, but is equally satisfying to read and made me fall in love with Gal, Ettian and Wen even more. I really hope the finale to the trilogy is just as engaging and fast-paced as the first 2 books. Oaths of Legacy gets a full five stars from me!

A solid sequel. While not as action packed as the first one this story gives us the events from Gal's perspective. For most of the book Gal is rather insufferable. He's trying to reconcile what he's been taught with what he sees and what he feels, and he is VERY stubborn.
Once you hit the second half of the book the action picks up and you're treated to large scale space battles and life or death moments that bring the trio closer together. And that ending! Whoa-boy!
I would have liked more interaction between the characters, it seems there was a lot of the time when we were just in Gal's head. I missed the quips and the banter, but it's an enjoyable read.

No longer interested in reading. I missed the drama upon the promo for the first book, but I was horrified upon reading reviews to find out this was a book by a white author about queer BIPOC, and that the author got a lot of flack for the way her story was prioritized over those by ownvoices. I don’t wish to contribute to this issue by promoting the book.

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. I am highly anticipating the final book in the trilogy!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

The first book in this trilogy, Bonds of Brass, was told from the POV of Ettian, and slowly revealed that he was not exactly the most reliable narrator. This time, we get to see things from Gal’s POV, and again, it’s not the most reliable of narrators, just for a different reason.

Gal is technically Ettian’s prisoner, after Ettian revealed himself as the heir to the Archon Empire in order to be able to save Gal, the heir to the Umber Empire, from execution. It’s a gilded cage, but a cage nonetheless, and Gal spends his time trying to think of ways of escape, or at least sow discord among the Archon resistance. Yet when opportunities to do exactly that appear, he often questions himself and doesn’t take full advantage. Is he biding his time for the best opportunity? Waiting for his bloodthirsty mother, the Umber Empress, to unleash her fleet to rescue him? Or his his heart getting in the way?

In the first book, we’re unaware Ettian is the Archon heir until the last chapter twist, so what we’re seeing of his thoughts aren’t exactly giving the full picture. I was hoping with that secret out, we’d get Gal’s POV, but I have to admit, we did, but we didn’t. He’s still frustratingly Umber, unwilling to bend lest he break, and such weakness could mean the end of his bloodright claim to the throne. It’s also not clear to me if he understands that Ettian revealed himself as the heir in order to save him, which should have added to his internal conflict.

I think the cultural difference between the two empires is summed up by how their rulers view their subjects. Archon nobility says they serve the people, Umber nobility views it the other way around, the people and the entire universe exist to serve them. Gal can’t break 17 years worth of propaganda overnight, but it’s hard to see what his mother has done, such as killing her own sister to claim the throne, invading the Archon Empire to get their resources, killing their royalty (Ettian’s parents) on video, and not wonder how he can’t see himself as one of the baddies.

The romantic tension between Ettian and Gal is still there, but without being able to know what Ettian is thinking, it literally feels one-sided. They don’t really have much direct interaction until the last half, so there’s not much chance for romance, leaving me feeling this book is more “moving chess pieces until they’re in place for book three”.

I’m very curious about the POV for the third book. The romance fan in me wants to see it alternate, perhaps chapter by chapter switching from Ettian to Gal, but I have a feeling after the twist at the end of this one, it may very well be from Wen’s POV. I like Wen, I want to understand why she’s done some of the things she’s done, but I really want the romantic resolution. The three of them are in love with each other one way or another (not necessarily romantic), so maybe have chapters from all three POVs to cover all the bases. Considering where Gal ends up, we really need to know his thoughts, but we also need to know Ettian’s, and Wen’s too, in my opinion.

The big twist at the end of the first book was foreshadowed, but I didn’t feel like the twist in this one was. Though perhaps I’ll be proven wrong in the next book if it explains how this was all part of The Plan, so it makes sense in retrospect. But I love these characters, so I’ll be back for the conclusion no matter what.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I adored this book. I was worried I wouldn’t like it as much as the first book, but I was wrong. I knew from the second page of reading this book that I would love it! It’s full of action and I love the characters. It’s rare for me to find a book that doesn’t have one chapter that bores me, but I was invested in this book from the beginning. I can’t wait to read the final book in this series whenever it comes out!

Thank you Netgalley (So much!!) for a copy of this sequel to Bonds of Brass!

I loved Bonds of Brass so much and this sequel really supplies the reader with a completely different perspective by making Gal the MC and Narrator. I must admit, Gal can be so so frustrating. There is so much planning and manipulation he's doing as a prisoner under Ettian and even Wen, but there is also major vulnerability throughout all of this. This vulnerability was also clearly shown through the whole trio that I so dearly love.
This sequel had emotion, a lot of strategy and a whole bunch of galactic action. (And, The Cliffhanger!!!).
I definitely recommend continuing this series for a good read and I'm looking forward to book 3!

What can I say? Bonds of Brass is one of my favorite books of all time, so I knew I would love the sequel, Oaths of Legacy.

It was strange at first to be in Gal's head, but he was such a compelling character, that I may have like this book even better than the first. It's hard to say anything without spoiling the first book, so suffice it to say, if you liked Bonds of Brass even a little bit, you MUST pick up Oaths of Legacy the moment it's released. You won't be sorry.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since finishing Bonds of Brass, I have been eagerly awaiting Oaths of Legacy, and the book did not disappoint. It's an easy five stars! I could not put it down. In the first book, we had Ettian's POV, and in this second installment, we get Gal's. As much as I liked Gal in Bonds of Brass, I fell completely in love with his character in Oaths of Legacy. Because its through his POV, we get to see a lot more of his wit, sarcasm, charm, and intelligence. While the book does not lack action (lots of space battles), it focuses a lot on character development and the relationships between characters (Gal and Ettian, Wen and Gal). It also focuses on leadership and what being a good leader means to all of the main characters. The action, the characters, the themes - it all kept me reading. This was a very well-written middle book in a trilogy. I cannot wait to read the third book.

Lives up to everything from the first book -- just as fun; the characters are compelling and progress in interesting ways; the plot and action are exciting and well-written -- and anyone who loved book 1 will love this follow-up. Excellent middle book-- sometimes middle books in a trilogy can feel like filler, but not this one. Can't wait for #3.

This book sucked me in way more then the first one. One of my problems with the first was that I didn't feel like I really got to know Gal so it was hard to understand some of Ettian's motivation. In this book we know all the characters better and the world is more established so it goes at a little faster pace. It was great to get Gal's perspective and a better understanding of where he is coming from.

I have been waiting to read this sequel ever since finishing the first book. The plot, setting and overall storyline are unlike anything I have ever read before in a SF book. I very much enjoyed the sequel however, I of course am still wishing for another book. I cannot get enough of the setting, the storyline visuals are unreal. Another great book by Emily.

The Bloodright Trilogy #2. This volume is from Gal's point of view, and the Umber heir does not take well to captivity, no matter how loose it is. His plans are torn asunder and his belief in Ettian is deeply shaken. Ettian has taken the throne to save Gal's life and now must find it in himself to lead the rebellion while keeping Gal safe. The switch to Gal's point of view is an obvious one, but unfortunately, Gal is far less interesting, and often very annoying - privileged and whiny. Not much happens in most of the book except Gal thinking himself in circles, which he is very good at. Things really pick up in the last third - anytime Wen shows up is a GOOD thing - and even though you're expecting one, the author still pulls off a surprise twist. You will definitely be ready for book 3. Not as good as the first, but still a good read.
My copy was an ARC from NetGalley.

Note: this review is based upon an ARC furnished to me for free by NetGalley.

It’s always a joy when a second book in a series surpasses the first, and Emily Skrutskie does that and more with the YA SFF space opera OATHS OF LEGACY. It’s all here, folks: political intrigue, heartbreak, unreliable narrators, tropes riffed upon and honed to glorious excess, brilliant action scenes, romance, and a few space battles that will make Babylon5 and Firefly fans deliriously happy.

The plot is much tighter than BONDS OF BRASS, as Skrutskie packs a lot of action and emotion into a few months of elapsed time.

You should read BONDS first, to get the most out of this space opera epic.

I wanted to like this one a bit more than I did. Gal is a very confused character and I found myself frustrated with his narration and missing Ettian. Although I do feel like I learned a bit more about Gal in this one, I wish he had gotten to his eventual decisions a bit faster. But the political intrigue was there, the space battles were cool, and I liked Wen’s development a lot. Curious to see where book 3 goes as this story comes to a conclusion though.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy for review! 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.

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.