Dickens & Rumi
Cover of RUTHLESS VOWS

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RUTHLESS VOWS

Rebecca Ross

In the sequel to "Divine Rivals," Roman and Iris will risk their hearts and futures to change the tides of the war. (Ages 13 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel combines substantial wartime danger, deaths, grief, frightening supernatural threats, and mature romantic themes with accessible YA prose. Sexual content is limited and non-explicit. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Characters die in the course of the war; themes of grief are present.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of injuries and the aftermath of battle, though not gratuitously graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language consistent with the genre.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Includes secondary characters with diverse identities.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Features deities and divine intervention as central plot elements.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The central plot strongly emphasizes a committed young-adult romance, separation, longing, and emotional relationship development.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

War, dangerous missions, hostile supernatural forces, captivity risks, and tense uncertainty create recurring fear and suspense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild romantic intimacy.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional social drinking.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Depicts war-related conflict, combat, and magical skirmishes.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront war, loss, danger, and powerful supernatural forces with persistence and morally motivated bravery.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The imagined mythology, magical communication, journalism, and inventive resistance strategies strongly encourage imagination and creative problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Reflects a diverse cast of characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores the power of journalism and storytelling.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate compassion amidst war.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The novel supports loyalty, truth, resistance to oppression, compassion, perseverance, and choosing people over destructive power.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show dedication to their craft and loyalty.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in RUTHLESS VOWS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in RUTHLESS VOWS, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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