The conclusion of the Halfling Saga was heartwrenchingly delightful, epically and outstandingly written! This was so well done, i was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldnt predict anything. Just all in all such a great romantasy.

Tensions are high when truths come to light and Keera and the others are left struggling to find their balance. Everyone carries their guilt in a different way, but Keera feels alone and adrift, left to carry the burden of war. When she discovers a new gift that could change the tide of war or sentence those blessed with an even bigger target on their backs, a choice must be made. Everyone must work together to end the threat of the King and to bring peace to the lands.

This fell flat for me and wasn’t how I wanted to see the series end. The character development was lost and the relapse of addiction was uncomfortable with the rest of the storyline. Also umm the ending?!?

Was really hoping for an epic finale, but I was kind of let down. We had this big reveal about Riven at the end of book 3 and now it felt like he was barely there and didnt matter. I also wish Keera could have been more nouanced as in shown more vulnerability and that their relationship could have florished more. Also dont know what that ending was about? Kinda sad, maybe a spin off with some side characters?

My love for this series cannot be overstated, and An Honored Vow is a gorgeous finale. Melissa Blair has built such a fantastic world over the course of this quartet, and has created a collection of characters that feel grounded and relatable, while still landing the fantasy elements. One aspect of this world that really hits home for me (both from a character arc and worldbuilding perspective) is the way that Blair has created rituals and rites for the different cultures of her characters. This really makes the worldbuilding feel rich and immersive, because it allows the reader to form emotional connections to the characters through the ways that they practice these spiritual/cultural rites. This element is especially present in this instalment of the series through funeral rites. I loved the way that Blair's characters have been allowed to express and process grief. This is something I wish more authors would include more heavily in their fantasy works! Having such grounded worldbuilding really gives the reader that emotional beat that makes the heart break and reform, right alongside the characters.

Another aspect of An Honored Vow that I really enjoyed was the way Blair brought her complex character arcs to conclusion. The growth that the characters go through over the course of four books is just incredible. At the end of this book, I was left feeling really proud of how far these characters that I truly love have come. This is especially true of our main heroine (and sometimes anti-heroine) Keera. It really feels like watching a friend become the best version of herself, to read through Keera's journey, and its conclusion here, in An Honored Vow. Keera's struggles feel realistic, even in the fantasy context, and her growth (and sometimes regression after a leap) feels so real and visceral. There is a special joy in seeing her settle into her role and set her own fate.

The action scenes had me breathless, with Blair's cinematic descriptions and the bracing pace. These were tempered with tender moments between characters, both in romantic contexts and platonic/familial ones, leaving wistful feelings about the better future these characters are fighting for, in their world.

The representation in this book feels timely, and allows for a wide array of readers to see themselves in the characters. I especially appreciate the nuanced representation of different sexualities, throughout the series, and specifically in An Honored Vow.

I also would like to shout out the growth of the author's writing prowess, from her debut at the beginning of the series, until now at its conclusion. Melissa Blair has done an absolutely incredible job of wrapping up this wonderful series. It was a beautiful love letter to the characters, and to the world she has created, and I am sad that its over. Time for a full reread, I guess! And I can't wait to see what Melissa Blair creates next.

What an ending to the saga!

Loved the vibes of this book, loved many hight and lows and many heartbreaks!

This was absolutely amazing!! I loved this book so much, the way this series has become a favourite of mine! The magic, the plot, the characters and the romance are the best!

An Honored Vow is the perfect way to wrap up The Halfling Saga. Honestly, I’m still thinking about this book weeks after finishing it. I couldn’t put it down. Once I started, I read it in a single sitting, barely pausing to take a breath. If you loved the second and third books (and trust me, you will), this one is a whole new level of amazing.

Keera’s journey in this book was so emotional to watch. Her growth throughout the series is nothing short of incredible. By book four, she is such a different person, and in the best possible way. Watching her evolve over the course of this series honestly brought me to tears. I also want to give a shout-out to Gerarda. She started as a character I liked, but in this book, she became my absolute favorite side character.

Melissa Blair has done such a beautiful job building this story piece by piece and character by character. It is obvious how much care and love went into crafting each part of this series. Watching it all come together felt like witnessing a masterpiece unfold. I really appreciated that this book did not go as heavy on the war and fighting as I was expecting. There is plenty of tension and high-stakes drama, but the quieter and more tender moments truly shine.

The themes in this book were so impactful. The way the story addresses colonization and the brutal thirst for power is done brilliantly. Damien’s evil is not complex or mysterious; it is rooted in greed and power for the sake of it. This choice highlights the harsh reality of colonization in a simple but incredibly effective way.

Final Thoughts:
This book is the perfect conclusion to an amazing series. It is emotional, intense, and everything I could have asked for in a final book. I am sad to say goodbye to these characters, but An Honored Vow did them justice in every way. If you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for a copy to review!

That was a saitisfying end for an amazing series. An Honored Vow contained everything I liked about the other books: great character dynamics, moral dillemas and interesting plot twists.

I'm truly struggling to review this properly. The ARC I received contained massive formatting and continuity errors making it difficult to read. I have loved this series for years, and the third installment last year was perhaps my favorite so far. An Honored Vow is not quite up to par with the previous novels, even putting aside the issues I would hope to see the publisher resolve before release. I fully intend to read the book once my officially released copy comes in to ensure issues are resolved.
Overall, this book concludes the series, and it is filled with action scenes that have been a hallmark of the saga. The beginning does an excellent job of reintroducing characters and situations, reminding readers of the past books seamlessly. I was very pleased with how easy it was to recall the past books with only a few prompts. I'm going to hold further commentary until I read the published version of the text.
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square for this ARC!

In An Honored Vow this anticipated sequel explores their loss and looks to the future. It examines the wars which live inside of us. The memories which haunt us and the dreams which terrify us. Much like stories that revolve around a war, An Honored Vow asks us whether one person's life is worth the whole of the rebellion? Is an innocent casualty, a loved one, worth losing the battle? It asks the age old question about whether love is a weakness or a strength. An Honored Vow forces our favorite characters to think about the weapons we make ourselves into in order to win, but what happens after?

A fitting end to the series, An Honored Vow ties up the various plotlines remaining from the other three books as well as giving a window into a hopeful future. I appreciated the character growth, particularly from Keera and Gerarada, but also from a few other smaller characters. I am still not sure I 100% forgive Rivan but he was certainly made to repent multiple times throughout this book, which I appreciated. Just as action-packed as the rest of the series, this was absolutely non-stop from start to finish.

I adore a good romance fantasy - even more so when it is diverse and discusses big, important topics.

Finishing a series like this is always bittersweet; these characters have come so far and it's tough to say goodbye. But Blair delivers a satisfying conclusion to The Halfling Saga. This final installment wraps up the journey of Keera and her allies with action, emotional beats, and meaningful character growth, all while staying true to the series' core themes.

One of the standout aspects of this book is Keera's arc. Her journey through loss and grief, addiction, and the weight of responsibility over so many has been portrayed so well, making her one of the most compelling protagonists in romantasy. Blair handles heavy topics with care, allowing Keera to stumble, grow, and ultimately rise in a way that feels earned and deeply satisfying. The supporting cast also shines, with most characters receiving arcs that feel just as thoughtful and complete.

The romance, as always, plays an important role, but it does come with a slight caveat. Keera's love interest feels notably softer in this book compared to earlier books. While this shift makes complete sense given everything he's been through, it feels abrupt at times, almost as if he had been holding back or presenting a different version of himself in the earlier books. Which.. yeah. There are layers to his arc, but readers might need to read between the lines to fully grasp his evolution. I like that Keera took time for herself before diving back in. VERY fitting.

And finally, the emotional beats aren't given as much time to resonate with readers, in my opinion. I know it happens in battles, but I really didn't FEEL much until the end.

Despite these minor quibbles, An Honored Vow delivers on its promises. The stakes are high, the battles are fierce, and the emotional moments hit hard. Blair ensures that every thread is tied up in a way that feels intentional and meaningful, leaving readers with both a sense of closure and a touch of sorrow at having to say goodbye.

For fans of romantasy that isn't afraid to dive into complex themes and flawed, realistic characters, this quartet is a must-read. Melissa Blair has crafted a series worth celebrating, and An Honored Vow is a fitting farewell to a world and characters who will linger in my heart.

Many thanks to TBR and Beyond tours, the author, and Union Square and Co for the complimentary copy and opportunity to read and review! Adore this series!

This book was a satisfying conclusion to this series. I enjoyed the romance and the journey our FMC has been on. This was full of twists and turns, and the worldbuilding throughout was well done. Great series!

I am so in love with this last cover. The eyes and the pendant shine in the right angle in light and I love this amazing detail. Good ending, my favorite elements are found family well written and a main character with bravery and strong will. The triggers don't bother me, it's part of the tension, sadness and what makes the characters fight for a better world.

As much as I wanted to like this book, it was simply ok. As someone who absolutely loved the first book in the series, I feel as though the series as a whole has been on a steady decline since the first book. As an ending to the series this book is fine, but I feel as though I can recall maybe 2 or 3 major things that happen in this book and even then it felt very bland. One of my theories for this may be because the series has been dragged out? I feel as though this could have been condensed into three books rather than four as not much happened, or at least not enough to warrant 4 books. Though, I did enjoy the romance and the fmc’s healing journey she’s been through since book 1.

OH. MY. GOSH. This is the last book in the series, so if you haven't read the other three, go read them. It starts with A Broken Blade. All of the books in this series I rated 4.5 stars or above. This series gave me that feeling that I always chase when I read a fantasy series. I literally devoured these books in a day, EACH. Like seriously, this was such a good series!!

This was such a good final book for this series. It gave me everything I wanted in a series conclusion. I will say, I knew the big twist almost immediately but it didn't lessen my feelings on well this series ended. I cannot put into words how awesome this series is, so please just go read it!

Disclaimer: this series does deal with substance abuse, self harm, and violence pretty heavily. So if those aren't for you, I would skip this series.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this book! I'm so sad that the saga has ended but I loved watching Keera's journey! I will never stop recommending this series to people. I thought Keera and her gang were going to go on a different journey and even though it wasn't what I thought it was going to be I enjoyed every second of it.

~SPOILERS AHEAD~
I thought this book would be very war heavy. I was prepared to watch an entire war happen for the majority of the book. I was taken by surprise that the fight was just the last 10-15% of the book. Though I still loved the book and what happened. I also was frustrated with Nikolai. He is grieving the loss of his mother when she didn't need to die. But to come back and blame Riven for everything and treat him terribly didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Riven and him were like brothers and it just seemed to come out of no where. I also think that for a final book it did drag on a little bit. There was some training that maybe didn't need to be shown. Overall it wasn't the book I expected but it was what Keera deserved. I was NOT ready for Gwyn to absolutely steal her thunder and ruin Damien in the most brutal way possible! It felt like she was following in Keera's footsteps but she hopefully won't have to endure everything that she did over the years. In the end we lost a few beloved characters but everyone got the ending they deserved and I love that!

The perfect ending to the Halfling Saga. The struggles Keera faces and the end results of her decisions lend a perfect story of the oppressed overcoming the evil of a king that only wants a throne. Melissa Blair perfectly writes of found family, substance abuse, devastating loss, and the hope for a free future in the most beautiful way.

Now THIS is how you write a fantasy book!! I have adored watching Melissa Blair's journey in first secretly promoting this series, to it getting self-published, to it getting traditionally published. I was eagerly awaiting for the conclusion of this series after the ground-breaking reveal of *spoiler*'s secret in A Vicious Game. The characters, stakes, politics, themes, world, and magic that Melissa Blair has skillfully crafted in these four books is so wonderfully done. Reading A Vicious Game reminded me so much of why I love the fantasy genre, and how much I love this cast of characters. Keera's journey has been life-changing and I truly don't know how I'm going to say goodbye to these characters. I can't wait to see where Melissa goes next with her craft!

Wow. What a conclusion.

This is a POWERFUL pounding ending in this resoundingly strong quartet.
I cant help but FEEL the themes of colonialism dripping from the pages of this book, and all the books in this series, creating a really strong commentary that is directly mirroring things that we are seeing or have seen in real life, especially in Canada, where myself and the author are from.

I see shadows of oppression, residential schools, forced assimilation, and tyrannical leadership in this book. I FEEL the generational pain in every character. This book is a masterclass in spinning real life issues into fantasy fiction, giving readers like myself insight into what the world looks like for the victims of colonization. I also feel that this book, my reading of this book, and the timing of world events hits rather hard. Reading is inherently political and I feel privileged to see a point of view like this one through my reading endeavors.

Now to get more into the meat of what made this book great and what I think that could have been a bit stronger.

One of my favorite aspects to this book and the series as a whole was how much we grow to love and value each character. At times I would get a little overwhelmed with the amount of characters at play but truly they were all unique and needed and very important as a whole. The losses of some of the key players tore me apart and I love that. I love feeling so invested that the losses hurt that much.

I really enjoyed finally feeling that Keera was able to harness and understand her powers to an extent that she didn't immediately burn out while using them. She was strong and tempered and incredible. She carried an unimaginable burden, and TOGETHER, with the help of her friends, they overcame all odds. I am so proud. I also really enjoyed the subtlety to her and Riven's relationship. They were SO realistic in the way that their whole world didn't revolve around each other in the way that so many romantacies do. They were a part of something so much bigger than just the two of them and watching the ebb and flow of their relationship was really great. No spoilers but I was super satisfied with the ending.

The only real thing that I would have liked to understand better is WHY Damien and his father were SO horrible. They were just killers and tyrants for the sake of being killers and tyrants. I know that in this commentary they are colonizers and in a lot of real history colonizers are only in it for power and spreading their beliefs and views forcibly over others but I would have liked to see more subtlety and depth to that hatred and anger so that as readers we could understand the complexity that is colonization from the oppressor's side.

Overall this series was PHENOMENAL. I am so proud that this came out of Canada and is truly thought provoking for readers. I hope that all readers have their critical brains about them while reading this series and can draw conclusions to real life events. I will be thinking about this series for a long time to come. I am SO grateful to have been given the chance to read and advance readers copy and will be picking up a physical copy as soon as its out to complete the set in my personal library.