Ruthless Vows Summary: An Enchanting Tale of Magic

Introduction: Ruthless Vows Summary | An Epic Fantasy of Betrayal, Magic, and Love

In Ruthless Vows, Rebecca Ross delves deeper into the magical and political chaos established in the first book, Divine Rivals. The sequel is a compelling continuation of the intertwining fates of Iris Winnow and Roman Carver Kitt, two war correspondents with a deep, magical bond.

As they navigate a world torn between gods and mortals, their love is tested by loss, deception, and the heavy toll of war.

This Ruthless Vows summary will guide you through the key moments of this emotional rollercoaster, where the power of words, loyalty, and love collide in unexpected ways.

Quick Summary

• Key Insights:

  • Ruthless Vows is a magical and emotional continuation of Divine Rivals.

  • Themes of love, memory, sacrifice, and the power of words are central.

  • The bond between Iris and Roman is tested against immense odds.

• Main Recommendation: Highly recommended for fans of high fantasy and magical love stories.

• Book Description: Ruthless Vows is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the battle for truth in a world where gods and mortals collide.

• Primary Audience: Fans of epic fantasy, magic, romance, and character-driven plots.

Check More Rebecca Ross’s Summaries:

• Divine Rivals Summary – Rebecca Ross’s Epic Fantasy of Love and War
• Wild Reverence Summary: A Poetic Romantasy Journey Through Divine Realms

Ruthless Vows Summary & Plot Summary

PART ONE: The Magic Still Gathers

1. A Grave Encounter
   Iris Winnow walks through Oath, sensing she’s being followed. Passing her old workplace, the Oath Gazette, she heads to the Inkridden Tribune, where she works as a reporter. The city is riddled with ominous graffiti bearing “ENVA,” and Iris grows suspicious of the goddess’s disappearance.

2. Words Bewitched
   Iris receives a letter from Marisol confirming her marriage to Roman two weeks prior. Roman’s father visits, blaming Iris for “bewitching” Roman and accuses her of abandoning him. Iris insists Roman isn’t in Oath, but Mr. Kitt remains convinced of her betrayal.

3. Two Sides to Every Story
   Iris regrets her separation from Roman. Her brother Forest returns from war, sharing the trauma he’s endured from Dacre’s healing. He warns Iris that Dacre may have erased Roman’s memories to control him. Despite this, Iris continues to write to Roman, though she gets no response.

4. Spider Silk and Ice
   Roman struggles with fragmented memories and Dacre’s manipulation. A dream of Iris and their wedding surfaces, but Dacre’s influence clouds his thoughts. Roman’s article published in the Gazette claims Dacre saved lives in Avalon Bluff, suggesting Roman’s allegiance has shifted.

5. The First Alouette
   Iris and her friend Sarah plan to steal the First Alouette, a magical typewriter from the museum, hoping it will reconnect her with Roman. She discovers a magical link between their past letters and resolves to reach out to him cautiously.

6. We Like Our Middle Names Best
   Roman remembers his middle name, Carver, through dreams and questions Dacre’s narrative. Dacre reveals he controls the Oath Gazette, and Roman begins doubting the truth of his past.

7. Every Lost Letter
   Iris, Attie, and Sarah execute their heist, successfully retrieving the typewriter. Iris finds past letters from Roman, confirming the magical link. She cautiously resumes communication with him.

8. The Name of a Pet Snail
   Roman receives a letter from Iris, asking personal questions, and is confused. Lieutenant Shane hints that Roman’s memories may not be entirely erased, though Dacre’s influence looms.

9. Roadster Post
   Iris refuses a bribe from Mr. Kitt to annul her marriage. With Tobias Bexley’s help, she travels to River Down, where Marisol warns her of the growing dangers of the war.

10. Laundry for Old Souls
    Iris receives no letters from Roman, but he writes back when she asks about her pet snail. A broadcast from Chancellor Verlice signals a tightening of regulations, and Marisol shares concerns about Dacre’s growing army.

11. R.
    Roman’s memory loss is confirmed when he replies to Iris’s letter with confusion. Iris replies with clues, confirming their shared past. Roman agrees to continue their correspondence, signing as “—R,” and Iris as “Elizabeth.”

PART TWO: Drawn to the Flame

12. A Captive Nightingale
    Tobias departs with Iris’s articles while Marisol shares a lesson about not “caging” loved ones. Roman dreams of his past at the Oath Gazette and realizes his past connection to Iris.

13. You’ve Seen Worse than This
    Dacre demonstrates his control over Roman by opening a magical doorway to the underworld. Roman is disturbed by the horrors he witnesses and begins to question Dacre’s tactics.

14. Hunger
    Iris feels strange vibrations from below as she anticipates Roman’s letters. Dacre orders Roman to write for him, further reinforcing Roman’s sense of desperation.

15. Strike Bars E and R
    Iris debates publishing a dangerous myth about Dacre. Roman’s cryptic reply confirms their typewriters’ magical connection, and the group hears rumors of Dacre’s slow advance toward Oath.

16. Nine Lives
    Tobias returns late, and Roman explores Dacre’s war room, uncovering maps of ley lines. Roman offers his writing as a means of ending the war, and Dacre orders him to join the assault on Hawk Shire.

17. Burn My Words
    Roman warns Iris to burn his letter detailing Dacre’s attack plans. Despite his request, Iris shares it with Attie and Tobias, and they immediately decide to head to Hawk Shire for Keegan’s safety.

18. Nothing More than Mist and Memory
    Roman, deep in the underworld, dreams of Iris and realizes he’s been writing to her all along. Dacre orders Roman to lead the assault on Hawk Shire.

19. A Brigadier Made of Stars
    Iris, Attie, and Tobias reach Hawk Shire. Iris delivers Roman’s warning to Brigadier Keegan Torres, and they begin evacuating wounded soldiers to Oath.

20. A House That Knows What You Need
    While helping with the evacuation, Iris discovers an abandoned house in Hawk Shire that seems to have its own magical properties. She signals Tobias but realizes Dacre’s forces are closing in.

21. Face-to-Face with a Dream
    Roman and Iris have an unexpected reunion when Roman finds her hiding in a wardrobe. Though he doesn’t remember her fully, their deep connection is undeniable. Roman helps Iris escape, promising to find her again.

PART THREE: Wings in a Cage

25. Outshine, Once Again
    Back in River Down, Iris exchanges letters with Roman, confirming their bond. Roman, now fully aware of Dacre’s manipulations, agrees to provide information on Dacre’s movements in exchange for Iris destroying the letters.

26. Tell Me of Iris E. Winnow
    Roman’s memories return in full, but the pain of his past scars him. Dacre grows suspicious of Roman’s knowledge of Iris, forcing Roman to lie and protect her.

27. Gods at Gravesides
    Roman travels with Shane to Luz’s grave and learns more about Dacre’s dark powers. The mystery of the divine graves deepens as Roman realizes the full extent of Dacre’s manipulations.

28. When Home Doesn’t Smell Familiar
    The chancellor blocks the entry of Keegan’s forces into Oath, fueling tension. Iris writes an article critical of the chancellor, angering the Graveyard, a masked militant group enforcing curfews and hunting Enva.

29. Fifth-Floor Signals
    Sarah Prindle informs Iris of the Graveyard’s rise in power. Iris plans to follow Dacre’s messenger, Val, confirming her suspicions about the Kitt Estate being the source of Roman’s articles.

30. Don’t Let This Freedom Fool You
    Roman confirms the existence of an underworld door at his family estate. Dacre orders him to meet Iris, convincing her to write for him. Roman secretly plans to warn her.

31. Gravity in a Different World
    Roman travels to Oath, conflicted about his role in Dacre’s plans. He meets Iris at Gould’s Café, but their meeting is tense as Roman maintains a professional façade for her safety.

32. Twelve Past Eleven
    Roman and Iris share a tender reunion, though Roman remains distant, hiding his true feelings for her. They discuss Dacre’s manipulations, and Iris rejects Dacre’s offer for her to write for him.

PART FOUR: A Crescendo for Dreams

40. Come Up for Air
    Iris and Roman meet at Gould’s Café. Roman gives her Dacre’s invitation to write for him, but Iris sees through the manipulative gesture and realizes the danger they’re both in.

41. Conversations with a Figment
    After surviving a bombing attempt on Dacre’s life, Iris takes refuge in a museum where she meets Enva in disguise. Enva reveals the truth about the divine powers, giving Iris the means to defeat Dacre.

42. Surrender My Hands
    Iris is forced to meet Dacre at his estate, where she is ordered to write for him. Roman, torn between loyalty and love, reluctantly helps her comply, but Iris remains resolute in her internal resistance.

43. Courtesy of Inkridden Iris
    Iris publishes Dacre’s ultimatum, secretly including a list of safe shelters for civilians in Oath. Her act of defiance fuels hope for the city’s residents as she continues her fight against Dacre’s tyranny.

44. Iron and Salt
    Roman and Iris share a private, emotional reunion. Iris reveals the sword she received from Enva, and together, they prepare to confront Dacre’s forces in a final stand for their freedom.

45. A Hundredfold, a Thousandfold
    Roman confesses his betrayal of Dacre, willing to risk everything for Iris. His confession leads to a brutal confrontation with Dacre, but Roman’s courage solidifies his commitment to his love for Iris.

46. Your Soul Sworn to Mine
    Iris kills Dacre’s messenger, Val, in a desperate act of self-defense. As Enva’s influence guides her, Iris prepares to confront Dacre, fully aware of the sacrifices she must make to protect those she loves.

47. A Door You’ve Passed Through Before
    Iris and Attie descend into the underworld to confront Dacre. As they face overwhelming odds, they find themselves closer to the ultimate battle to end Dacre’s reign of terror.

48. The Weight of Fifty Wings
    As chaos erupts in Oath, Iris and Attie evade Dacre’s forces, navigating the underworld’s labyrinth to find Roman and end Dacre’s rule.

49. A Lullaby for Doomed Lovers
    Iris and Attie finally confront Dacre in a climactic battle. With Enva’s magic and Draven’s sword, they defeat Dacre, ending his tyranny and freeing the realm from his grasp.

Main Characters and Their Arcs

1. Iris Elizabeth Winnow
   Iris, the determined and brave protagonist, is a war correspondent who uses her typewriter as a magical conduit to communicate with Roman. Her journey is defined by her loyalty, her quest for truth, and her fight for love. Iris’s transformation from a journalist focused on exposing the truth to a warrior willing to wield divine magic showcases her growth and resilience.

2. Roman Carver Kitt
   Roman starts the novel lost and manipulated by Dacre’s power. His amnesia and the pressure from his father create a complex internal struggle. As his memories return, Roman’s character evolves from a tool of Dacre’s to a hero who fights for his love, Iris. His journey is one of rediscovery, redemption, and sacrifice.

3. Enva Skyward
   The goddess of music and healing, Enva’s backstory is filled with sacrifice and loss. She is both a guide and a mysterious figure in Iris’s journey, helping her reclaim the truth about the gods and their powers.

4. Dacre Underling
   The main antagonist, Dacre is a ruthless god who manipulates soldiers through his healing magic. His cold, calculating nature contrasts sharply with Iris and Roman’s emotional journey, creating a tense and dangerous conflict.

5. Forest Winnow
   Iris’s older brother, Forest, is a soldier whose body and mind bear the scars of war. His struggle with his past and his relationship with Iris is a poignant subplot, reflecting the toll that war takes on individuals.

Themes and Analysis

1. Love and Sacrifice
   Ruthless Vows revolves around the theme of enduring love. Both Iris and Roman make profound sacrifices for one another, often putting their lives on the line. Their connection transcends memory loss, physical separation, and the dangers of war. The novel shows how love can be a source of strength, even in the darkest times.

2. Memory and Identity
   The exploration of memory is a key theme in the story, especially through Roman’s character. Dacre’s method of stripping soldiers of their memories highlights how identity is closely tied to one’s past and relationships. Roman’s journey to regain his memories and reconnect with Iris is central to the plot.

3. The Power of Words and Stories
   The typewriters in Ruthless Vows serve as both literal and metaphorical links between the characters. The ability to communicate across realms through writing underscores the power of words to shape reality. In a world filled with propaganda, the characters’ dedication to telling the truth through their writing is a form of rebellion against the manipulations of Dacre.

4. Free Will vs. Control
   Throughout the novel, the characters struggle against external forces that seek to control them, particularly Dacre. The battle for freedom—whether physical, emotional, or ideological—is a driving force for both Iris and Roman.

About The Author Rebecca Ross

Rebecca Ross is a bestselling American author known for her young adult (YA) and adult fantasy novels. Her works often feature lush world-building, lyrical prose, and emotionally compelling romances. Here are some key details about her and her books:

Popular Works:

1. The Queen’s Rising Duology

   • The Queen’s Rising (2018)

   • The Queen’s Resistance (2019)

   • A fantasy series about a young woman with a rare magical talent who becomes entangled in a royal rebellion.

2. Sisters of Sword & Song Duology

   • Sisters of Sword & Song (2020)

   • A standalone fantasy (originally planned as a duology) about two sisters bound by love and duty in an ancient-inspired world.

3. Letters of Enchantment Duology

   • Divine Rivals (2023)

   • Ruthless Vows (2024)

   • A historical fantasy romance where rival journalists fall in love through magical letters during a war between gods.

FAQ

Q1: What is Ruthless Vows about?
Ruthless Vows follows the continuing journey of Iris Winnow and Roman Carver Kitt, two war correspondents in a world torn by the conflict between gods and mortals. Their bond, once formed through magical letters, faces numerous challenges, including Roman’s memory loss, Dacre’s manipulations, and a war that threatens to consume everything they love.

Q2: Is Ruthless Vows worth reading?
Absolutely! Fans of epic fantasy, magical realism, and romance will love Ruthless Vows. The novel explores themes of love, identity, sacrifice, and the power of words, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy high-stakes fantasy with rich character development.

Q3: How long does it take to read Ruthless Vows?
On average, it takes about 10-12 hours to read Ruthless Vows, depending on your reading pace. It’s a relatively quick read for a fantasy novel, with plenty of action and emotional depth to keep you engaged.

Q4: What are the main lessons from Ruthless Vows?
Ruthless Vows teaches the importance of love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. It also explores the consequences of memory loss and the need for truth in a world full of deception. The power of words and stories is also central, showing how they can change the world.

Q5: Who should read Ruthless Vows?
Fans of Divine Rivals and readers who enjoy epic fantasy with romantic elements, magical realism, and strong character-driven plots will find Ruthless Vows a thrilling and emotional journey. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about love, sacrifice, and the power of memory.

Q6: Is Ruthless Vows a standalone novel?
No, Ruthless Vows is the sequel to Divine Rivals and is part of the Letters of Enchantment duology. It is recommended to read Divine Rivals first to fully understand the world and characters in Ruthless Vows.

Conclusion: Ruthless Vows Summary – An Epic Fantasy Magic and Love

Ruthless Vows is a powerful continuation of the Letters of Enchantment series, weaving together themes of love, identity, and sacrifice in a magical, war-torn world. With its complex characters, rich world-building, and emotionally charged plot, it’s a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. If you haven’t picked it up yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this unforgettable story of magic, love, and betrayal.