Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black, this first book in a dark and action-packed new series is impossible to put down! Light magic is forbidden. Dark magic spells death. Haven has both. After the Prince of Penryth saved her from captivity, seventeen-year-old Haven Ashwood spends her days protecting the kind prince and her nights secretly fighting the monsters outside the castle … her nights secretly fighting the monsters outside the castle walls.
When one of those monsters kidnaps Prince Bell, Haven must ally with Archeron Halfbane and his band of immortals to rescue her friend.
Her quest takes her deep into the domain of a warped and vicious queen where the rules are simple: break her curse or die.
Lost in a land of twisted magic and fabled creatures, Haven finds herself unprepared, not just for the feelings she develops for Archeron, but for the warring powers raging inside her.
Her rare and forbidden type of magic may be their only hope . . . but mixing light and dark comes with a steep price.
Haven’s soul.
Faced with impossible love, heartbreaking betrayals, and a queen intent on destroying the realm, only one thing remains certain.
Haven must shatter the curse or it will devour everything she loves.
Welcome to the Kingdom of Runes where immortals and humans clash, light and dark magic reign, and mythical creatures lurk in the shadows. If you like fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers romance, wild plot twists, and endearing characters that stay with you long after you reach the end, you need to discover the book readers are calling dark fantasy at its best. Just make sure to clear out some space on your calendar first!
Oath Taker was previously published in the boxed set Shattered Worlds under the name Curse Breaker. This is a revised second edition. The Kingdom of Runes series is upper/mature YA and contains mild cursing and adult situations, including romance.
“Could not put this book down! I was in a massive slump after Sarah J Maas finished her throne of glass series nothing was hitting the spot UNTIL NOW!” -Sarah Edwy-Smith , Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★
“Grey has a major talent for world building and writing strong female characters. The story was exciting and I could hardly put this book down.”
-Lauren G., Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Audrey Grey has such a way with words and her story telling in unique and very twisty (you won’t see a lot of things coming!).”
-JK Leonard, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Audrey Grey is a genius storyteller that has woven a witty tale of magic, adventure, action, romance and danger.”
-Cassie J., Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★
“OMG I freaking love this story. Audrey’s writing is descriptive, captivating and hooks you in from the first moment on. It was an amazing story with absolutely great characters (loved the side characters as well). I cannot wait to read what else Audrey has in store for us.”
-Jamie S., Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★more
This book was an unexpected treat.
Beautiful world building, characters, and storytelling. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and more by Audrey Grey.
I really enjoyed reading this book. This fantasy novel really allows you to imagine you have fallen into a different realm with the turn of every page. This book is also ideal for readers of all ages.
Wow this is a Fantastic read. Haven has two kinds if Magic. The Prince of Penryth saved her from Captivity, Haven spends her days protecting the Prince. And nights fighting the monsters. The prince gets kidnapped an the and the band of immortals rescue him. This is a fast paced read. That is action packed. This read pulls you in, and keeps you in thralled. I totally loved this read. The character Haven I just love. The battles are epic. The Author has done a terrific job. And the Scenes are written fantastically as well, I definitely recommend this read.
Shauna Joesten
Audrey Grey has once again created a world that fully immerses the reader. With world building and imagery that puts you right in the thick of the fight you don’t want to miss this action-packed take on Beauty and the Beast!
Wow absolutely brilliant! Listened to this in one day on Friday. Between walking and lying in the sun. Perfect day and what a perfect adventure! I can see why people say this is like Sarah J Maas! It’s similar in the fact that it’s high fantasy with a kick ass female! But worry not as it’s a totally original story too.
This has a slightly younger adult feel to it which can sometimes put me off but honestly it makes up for it with a super stressful, action packed adventure with a bit of darkness to it that you will not want to take a break from reading or listening. On that point listening is brilliant as the narrator is really great!
So it’s set in a cursed realm where there is light and dark magic and monsters and other supernatural immortal beings.
Haven is Royal Companion Guard to Prince Bellamy of Penryth aka a trained female warrior, personal guard and best friend. (She is honestly amazing and can beat all the male kings guards) Bell is kidnapped and taken to the netherworld to be tortured, drained and killed by an evil queen’s daughter. Haven will do anything to get Bell back, she will literally lay down her life for him. This means teaming up with Archeron who is a slave Sun Lord who the king has sent to break the curse and bring back his son oh and he has some pretty epic supernatural abilities.
From this point omg this is an amazing adventure but Archeron is awful to Haven who he sees as just a silly mortal girl that is beneath him. There was a point where I actually hated him as he planned to sell Haven back to the horrendous slaver that abused her as a child to gain passage to the Netherworld. The thing is there is another potential love interest. I say potential as I’m not quite sure but I hope!
The only way to know for sure is to read more and I for one can’t want to see where this series goes as it’s amazing!
World building and writing is amazing and just what is needed for escapism.
Top marks 5/5 and straight onto book 2 as I can’t wait.
Warning this has a small spoiler and I am gonna get it out the way quick. You will have to get book two because the ending will make you want so much more…thats it….lol
I found the world itself to be unique and the Charcters amazing.
Haven, the star, and a surprising little heathen that brings you to hope for her in every way possible. Following her journey to save her only friend and dealing with the unbelievable but also stubborn Sun lord is a treat on its own.
Trust me this series is gonna be a good one and book one may leave you thirsty for more but your gonna love it. I SURE DID.
I’d give this book a 10/5 stars! A-MA-ZING!!!
I seriously love this book! It is packed with danger, drama, laughter, happiness, sadness, enemies…you think of it and it IS in this BOOK!
I love the main character — Haven — she is bold, strong, herself, independent, caring, loving, selfish, stubborn…and more.
The story itself is so good! It’ll let you read as much as is not healthy anymore, but at the same time you want to take a break…not because the plot story is not good, but because you don’t want the book to end so soon!
I personally didn’t like the ending of the book, because it ended unsolved and I thought that they will at least solve the main problem with Bell, but I guess I can live it that. I 100% would read and will read the 2nd book.
I loved the writer’s writing and thinking, I would say.
I also find it really interesting how the writing involved/created a “new language” for the book. Since not a lot of writers do this, but it was amazing.
Spoiler Free Review
If you are like me, then chances are you were drawn to this book at first because of its STUNNING cover art. Everyone can appreciate a great cover. And thankfully, the story is JUST as good, if not better!
I was skeptical seeing that this book was being marketed towards Sarah J. Maas fans, but I am always on the look out for books similar to my favorites, and that combined with the cover art and description made me SO excited to receive a copy of this book. And it did NOT let me down!
I haven’t read a book that was able to capture the same types of feelings I had for the ACOTAR series since I read that series. Until now. Don’t go into this book expecting it to be -the same- but I think its fair to say that this series definitely taps into the same vibes and I am SO happy to be able to dive into another series and get all these amazing feels all over again.
Lets start with the characters:
Haven, our main character, is a bad-ass who goes on this journey to save her best friend, who also happens to be the Prince. On this journey she displays a range of emotions, showing just how complex of a character she is. Seemingly always on guard and defensive, she also manages to still be vulnerable and endearing. Sure she can be frustrating and selfish, but only because she cares so deeply, and is fiercely loyal. Loved her!
Bellamy, Haven’s best friend and Prince of Penryth is a wonderful contrast to Haven and yet still enjoyable to read from his perspective. Hes frightened and scared often, but understandably so. Though feeling helpless, he still managed to show little acts of courage and bravery when needed. I also deeply appreciate a friendship that is strictly that- a friendship.
Archeron, hmm I haven’t quite made up my mind on this one. He intrigues me, and so do his friends. I enjoy all of their characters and I am very interested in how these friendships continue to grow and change in future books. Archeron has this mysterious way about him that definitely draws the reader in. You know he has secrets, and you want to know what they are.
Stolas, is potentially my favorite character as of right now!! I craved for him to appear more in the story from the very start! Every time he appeared I felt his character really take control of the story and make it that much more exciting. Like Archeron, he has that mysterious side to him and I need to know more!
As far as world building goes, I also have to give my praise!
First of all, the book has a MAP. I love me a good map in my fantasy books!
The descriptions of the world around Haven were so easy to picture when reading. From the Devouring fog, to the appearance of the Fallen Kingdom of Lorwynfel and the Djinn, I could picture it all.
The pacing of the novel was great as well, I never felt myself “bored” nor did I feel anything was too rushed at any point. It was simply great all around, despite there being lots of traveling in this first book, it never felt slow because of it. The author really focused on developing the relationship dynamics between the characters while they traveled and it went fantastic. It kept me interested and entertained the entire time. Switching between different points of view helped us get a grasp on what was happening elsewhere in the world and because all the characters are enjoyable to read about, I didn’t feel “taken out of the story” whenever there was a POV switch for a chapter.
I fully plan to read the rest of this series and review them as well. I have high expectations and I have faith Audrey Grey will live up to them based on this fantastic start to the series! I don’t want to speak too soon, but this could be another favorite series AND author for me! Such a pleasant surprise!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND. WOW. This book is incredible. If anyone else has experienced book hangovers from Sarah J Maas’s novels, READ THIS SERIES. Kickass main character and amazing world building and storyline! This series is tasteful, suspenseful, funny, and a complete page-turner (I’ve read all 3 books over the course of 2 days). Also s/o to the great LGBT+ representation through not one, but four supporting characters. I don’t know why this book doesn’t get more buzz, thank you Audrey Grey for your amazing story and I cannot wait for book 4!!!
Oath Taker is full of action and has a wonderful blend of reluctant heroes and mysterious villains. Haven’s quest through dangerous magical lands with her new immortal allies creates page-turning suspense and excitement. It instantly became one of my favorite books!
The MC is frustrating, but in all the best ways.
A complicated character, she tries to do her best by the few people she has come to care for, while also staying true to her own goals and desires. When she makes mistakes, the reasoning behind those mistakes is believable. She acts on impulses, but those impulses are true to her character.
Her guilt is what humanizes her. She feels intensely for those around her, as much as she doesn’t want to admit it. In that way, her development is astounding. She claims not to care but, as readers, we can see that is no longer the case.
The writing style is crisp and clean, with enough vibrant imagery to keep a solid sense of the world. It’s not peppered with over-abundant details. But rather kept vague, allowing the reader to paint their own picture.
The characters are diverse and complex, allowing for a more realistic setting. We know enough about the secondary characters to care about their fate, while also retaining enough questions to want to learn more about them. As the MC, Haven isn’t the only character developing. The other characters are shifting along with her, in a way that’s true for the circumstances they all find themselves in.
Bravo.
(Jan 2021 Re-Read)
I read thus for the first time a year ago and was underwhelmed, however it stuck in my head the entire year because I felt like I didn’t appreciate it as I should have so I decided to try again. The first time I read it, I didn’t have much experience with high fantasy, or fantasy for that matter so I jept thinking that was my issue. I spent the last year almost exclusively reading YA fantasy and so I felt like I was ready to re-read this.
I am so glad I did re-read but it is a really great story! I guess learning all the rules, nuances and history behind stories of magic and the like really helped.
This story is action packed, fantasy and magic galore with increadable world building and amazingly interesting characters! I cannot wait to dive into the next story.
It must not have been the right time the first time but I am sure glad to have followed my instincts and have re-read it. Brillant fun! Now which man do I want for my own… LOL. 4.5 stars.
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(Jan 2020 First Read)
I will preface this review by stating I tend to have a difficult time reading full blood fantasy stories. I cannot picture new worlds, new creatures, new rules, new everything very well; I need fantasy stories based in “real life” or at least with many of the same rules (if that makes sense). So my not enjoying this story is purely my inability to see and understand this new world and has nothing to do with the story itself.
From what I gathered, I enjoyed the diverse characters, their personalities, their gifts and their motivations. I also liked the rune stone idea, though that got a little murky for me as well. I enjoyed the different lands, even if I couldn’t picture them; they sounded unique.
I also felt like too much of this story was travel. I know they were searching for a way to break a curse, but they never really accomplished that. Nor did they gather anything they need to do it. The story felt more like a coming of “magick” for the main character, with everything else left to book two.
I don’t think I will be reading it because I don’t think I can truly appreciate the story. I’m bummed I couldn’t get into this but I have loved other from the author so I will stick with those stories.
Long wonderful loyal adventure!
This was a breathtaking and fantasy filled start to the Kingdom of Runes series! Haven owes her life to Prince Bell and this book is her journey to rescue him after he’s been kidnapped by the Shade Queen. Since she can’t rescue him alone, she teams up with Archean, the sun lord, and his team of immortals. Together, they must journey into the dark and twisted woods and break the curse or die. I loved that she isn’t “the chosen one” and is blindsided by the fact that magic exists and she has both light and dark magic within her. Romance and Haven’s abilities aren’t the main focus of this book, it’s more about the world building of The Mortal Kingdoms, their societies, magical beings, and character descriptions/ development. All of the characters were realistic and relatable with many flaws and struggles and the supporting characters were just as important as the main ones. This book felt like a goulash of many fantasy books, but also still felt like it was its own. I enjoyed the dark journey with twists, turns, and magic!
Vanessa did a fantastic job with this narration! She managed to bring each character to life and had the suspense and magic dripping from her voice. I was captivated from the start and had trouble putting it down!
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I listened to the audiobook and I absolutely love the narrator. The narrator does a great job and simply heightened the world for me.
The world building in this book is great. I absolutely loved it. Getting some tidbits and there and how they live. Absolutely loved it. Haven is feisty and I just love her to pieces. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I loved this book!
I believe Audrey Grey has accomplished writing a truly original and inspiring tale with a strong female character who is not perfect. Many times in reading fantastical fantasy books I am left feeling the main character lacked in flaws. Not this time. This book helped to show the struggles of the many different characters. No one is perfect, which makes this book perfect. The story is truly complex and features a multiple characters with strong wills. When I first read the title of this book I thought to myself it may be similar to other books I had read based on a warrior making promises to protect someone in a royal position. This book proved to be so much more than just another story. I keep saying it and I will probably continue to say this book is complex and exciting. Oath Taker is absolutely appropriate. I love, love, love the glossary at the end of the book. Throughout this beautifully written and in depth fantasy book I found myself trying to keep all of the new terminology straight in my head. Thank goodness there was this amazing glossary to help me keep it all straight! One of the best parts of this book is the balance of power. It truly does not conform to the norms of power many of us have come to expect from a story with royals. It is a truly fun ride to read this book and uncover where true power lies. This book caught my attention from the moment I saw the cover, read the description, and started my reading with (wait for it…) A MAP! Let’s take it a step further and consider the first line of the book, “Haven Ashwood had a horrible habit of flirting with death”. Hmmm….intriguing. The setting of this book was absolutely unique. I loved how this author, Audrey Grey, was able to create a whole world with a mix of dark and light. The setting introduces The Mortal Kingdoms she created and all of the wonderful people and creatures within. It is a complex world with depth and plenty of turmoil. The ending was a cliff hanger. In the best way possible. I really enjoyed how it leaves the reader with the need to know what will happen next for Haven Ashwood. The world has been developed by the end of this book into a complex world in need of change and there are so many questions left to be answered. I was left excited and ready for more. If you are a fan of fantasy, you really can’t go wrong reading this book. There is so much to be taken away from it. This is a truly interesting read capable of capturing the interest of a wide variety of readers. We have talked about how we both really enjoyed this book and we are quite different readers. This will appeal to younger readers mature enough for mild language and all of those above. Pick this book up and finish it in one sitting; I promise you won’t regret it!
Deep and Intense
This is one of those stories you will not want to put down and you will want to be in a room away from every one so you can pay close attention to what you are reading. Had to go back and re read a few times.
This book will also have you on the edge of you seat, and just like watching a movie you will find yourself yelling at the character not to do that…Or Don’t go in there..
Of course the ending will have you screaming and throwing things at the author. Next book better hurry and come out, excitement by the tons.
Until Next Time…. Tabi
Haven is the Royal Companion Guard to the last surviving prince of Penrythian, oath-bound to protect her friend at any cost. On the day of the prince’s 17th birthday he is kidnapped by the Shade Queen to be sacrificed but there’s no way Haven is going to let that happen. Armed with her trusty bow she enters the dangerous lands of the dark queen and meets up with a band of Sun Lords who agree to journey with her to try save not just her friend but their world from the evil queen’s curse. Her new travel companions have no need of a mere mortal’s help but when Haven’s powers manifest the weak mortal that they taunt may end up being the one person their world needs to save them all. The world this author has created is unique and interesting. The characters complex and the storyline twisting with plenty of surprises. I’m eagerly waiting for the next release.
“THE CURSEPRICE Forged in heartbreak, set in bone, cast in blood, carved in stone. A thousand years will my curse reign, unless I have these six things: The tears of a fairy from a wood so deep. The fig of a vorgrath from his mate’s keep. The scale of a selkie burnished gold. The bone of a wood witch a century old. The midnight sliver of a Shade Queen’s horn. The sacrifice of two lovers torn. Haven Ashwood had a horrible habit of flirting”
A page-turning addiction I couldn’t stop reading until the very last word. Brilliant and cunning and fresh.