Quick Synopsis – Princess of the Aether Dominion, Kadeesha wants nothing to do with fae politics. She is a warrior, first and foremost, and believes her greatest strength is leading her squadron of elite winged serpent flyers to protect her homeland. But bound since infancy to be betrothed to the Hyperion High King, ruler of all Dominions, she has no choice but to do what men have chosen for her.

Repulsed by the idea, she decides to spend one last night of freedom—in the arms of a dangerous stranger who takes her to sexual heights she’s never experienced before…but who is only using Kadeesha to set a trap for the High King.

For the High King and the kings of his six Dominions were responsible for the decimation of the Apollyon Court, and its new king, Malachi, wants his pounds of flesh.

On Kadeesha’s wedding day, Malachi and his special forces attack. Her father is killed, and Malachi wounds the High King, ultimately taking Kadeesha as hostage back to his land.

But she is no true hostage. The two form a pact: she will help lure the High King so Malachi can kill him once and for all, and he in turn will not harm Kadeesha or the Aether people. And as much as Kadeesha hates politics, she is now the Queen of her folk. Fae bonds are unbreakable…and so, perhaps, is the attraction Kadeesha and Malachi feel for each other. For even as they must publicly display their connection to provoke the High King’s jealousy, they struggle to resist the powerful allure between them in order to achieve their ultimate goals.

Song This Reminds Me Of – The Journey by H.E.R.

Publication Date – Oct. 28, 2025

Bookshop Link – Our Vicious Oaths by N. E. Davenport (I received a small commission if you use my link)

Content Notes – This is an adult romance fantasy book with multiple scenes of a sexual nature. There is graphic violence, blood, gore, bodily fluids, and war. There is misogyny, death of a parent, discussion of abortion, and off page spousal murder.

Steamy Rating – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🥵

Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐.5 out of 5

Review – When people talk about fairy smut, this is the kind of book they are referencing, and I mean that in the best possible way. There’s a fast physical burn and slow emotional burn between the two main characters Kadeesha and Malachi. I liked this book, but my biggest complaint was that I felt like it easily could have been two or three books. The story was good, and the romance was intriguing, but I think stretching the story out would have allowed for more world building. There are seven kingdoms in this world, and each has it’s on magic system it specializes in. I know this isn’t the point of the story, but I was so curious about intermingling. Like if someone from the Stone Court (earth magic) and the Water Court had a baby, what would their magic be? Would they have no magic? I felt like the courts were a little too isolated from each other.

The main focus of the story is Kadeesha and a prophecy that she will be the High Queen of a united Nimani. The only thing is the man claiming to be the High King is a massive a-hole. When a massacre occurs at her own wedding Kadeesha escapes with Malachi, the Apollyon Court King. The story follows Kadeesha and Malachi as they explore their explosive physical relationship while trying to bring down the Hyperion High King. Of course, feelings become involved and Kadeesha manages to soften Malachi who is very morally grey.

So much of the story is focused on these two characters that the rest of the story lacked in details for me. However, I still enjoyed reading it. I still thought the book was fun and worth reading, there was just a lot of material for one book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.