A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez: A Must-Read Romantasy Debut

If you're searching for your next romantasy obsession after devouring Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses, then A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez deserves a spot at the top of your reading list. This captivating debut novel is the first instalment in the Immortal Desires series, blending tarot-based magic, dark academia vibes, and an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance that will have you turning pages well into the night.

A Vow in Vengeance

by Jaclyn Rodriguez

In this enemies-to-lovers romantasy with tarot magic, a woman attends an academy in the Immortal realms, where she strikes a deal with a power-hungry prince to bring down the kingdom that destroyed her family.You want power? Take it. You want magic? Take it.Rune Ryker has nothing left to lose. It’s all been stolen by the Immortals—her family, her home, her freedom. But she’s done playing by their rules.While every year, mortals are chosen against their will to journey into the Immortal Realms, Rune orchestrates her own selection, determined to find her family and destroy anyone who stands in her way. But her survival depends on making it through the Forge, a college that teaches the elusive tarot magic of the Immortal Druids. And when Rune’s magic reveals itself to be the rarest and most powerful, she’s forced to live with its only other wielder—Prince Draven. Devastatingly handsome, and insufferably haughty with ruthless ambition, he’s the last person she can trust.Her ability draws the attention of the most dangerous druids in the realms, making it all the harder to survive and save her family. Some want to use her. More want her dead. Draven offers to train her . . . for a price. As Rune becomes ensnared in Draven's dangerous games, she learns there are secrets at the heart of the kingdom that some will kill to protect.And Rune and Draven’s growing attraction may be the spark to ignite a brewing war.A Vow in Vengeance is a sexy, action-packed, banter-filled romantasy about choice and destiny and how love binds us all.

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What Is A Vow in Vengeance About?

Rune Ryker has lost everything to the Immortals; her family, her home, and her freedom. But she's done playing the victim. When the yearly Selection comes around, where humans are forcibly taken into the Immortal Realms, Rune orchestrates her own selection. Her mission? Find her family and destroy anyone who stands in her way.

Thrust into the Forge; a cutthroat magical academy for Druid changelings; Rune must master the elusive art of tarot magic to survive. When her powers reveal themselves to be the rarest and most dangerous kind, she's forced to share quarters with the only other wielder of such magic: Prince Draven Vos.

Arrogant, ruthlessly ambitious, and infuriatingly handsome, Draven is the last person Rune should trust. Yet when he offers to train her in exchange for her help with his own secret agenda, Rune finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of politics, power, and forbidden attraction. As secrets at the heart of the kingdom begin to unravel, Rune and Draven's growing connection may just ignite a war that could reshape the realms forever.

Why You Should Read A Vow in Vengeance

• A Unique Tarot-Based Magic System - Fantasy readers tired of the same magical tropes will love this innovative approach to world-building. The tarot card magic system is intricate, well-designed, and genuinely fresh in the romantasy genre.

• Delicious Enemies-to-Lovers Romance - The tension between Rune and Draven practically crackles off the page. Expect witty banter, forced proximity, and a slow-burn romance that builds to explosive moments.

• Dark Academia Setting - The Forge provides the perfect backdrop for danger and intrigue. Think magical colleges with deadly consequences, secret alliances, and high-stakes survival.

• A Fierce, Determined Heroine - Rune is no damsel in distress. She's sharp, snarky, and relentlessly driven by her quest for vengeance. Readers who loved Jude Duarte from The Cruel Prince will find a kindred spirit here.

• A Swoon-Worthy Morally Grey Hero - Draven Vos ticks all the boxes: brooding intensity, protective instincts, wings, and a devoted heart he guards fiercely. He falls first; and he falls hard.

• Rich World-Building with Multiple Immortal Races - From Druids to Seraphs to Elves, the immortal realms feel expansive and layered, promising more secrets to uncover as the series continues.

• All the Tropes BookTok Loves - Fake dating, forced proximity, only one bed, found family, and a "touch her and die" protectiveness that will make your heart race.

• Perfect for Fans of Popular Romantasy - If you devoured Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, ACOTAR, or One Dark Window, this book delivers similar vibes with its own unique twist.

Series Information

A Vow in Vengeance is the first book in the Immortal Desires series by Jaclyn Rodriguez. Published on 13th January 2026 by Zando/Slowburn, this 471-page hardcover marks an impressive debut from a biracial author of Puerto Rican heritage who brings her passion for high-stakes fantasy and complicated romance to life.

The Bottom Line

A Vow in Vengeance is a stunning romantasy debut that delivers everything fans of the genre crave: a fierce heroine, a devastatingly charming love interest, unique magic, and enough tension to keep you breathless until the final page. Whether you're a seasoned romantasy reader or looking for your gateway into the genre, Jaclyn Rodriguez has crafted a world you won't want to leave.

Perfect for readers who love: enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, dark academia fantasy, tarot magic systems, fae and immortal romance, BookTok romantasy recommendations, books like Fourth Wing and ACOTAR.

Looking for more romantasy recommendations? Explore our guides to other fantasy books in our collection.