Book: Undead Oaths by Caitlyn Battelle
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4.5/5
Undead Oaths picks up exactly where Undead Gods left off, and I’m so glad I read them close together. Having book one fresh in my mind made the continuation hit even harder. This sequel expands the scope in the best way, digging deeper into characters we already love (or love to hate) while turning the complexity dial way up.
Elysia remains the beating heart of this series: sharp, stubborn, and constantly trying to defy the fates. She’s fiercely protective of her independence, endlessly scheming, and unapologetically morally grey. I loved that she’s the kind of heroine who’s made brutal choices to survive (sometimes at the expense of others), and the book doesn’t sand down those edges to make her easier to root for. Her political maneuvering feels earned in this world, and even when book two opens in a slightly different setting, she adapts fast and proves she’s absolutely not someone to underestimate.
Her fate is tied to Aidan, the god of the Underworld, who wants to win her over without stripping her of her autonomy. And while he’s powerful and more than a little ominous, he’s also not untouchable. He has real insecurities and flaws, which made him feel surprisingly endearing. He’s our lovable, nerdy, anxious accountant god.
One thing I really appreciated about this series as a whole is the breathing room it gives its cast. Book one took the time to build the world and relationships before fully introducing the main love interest, and that foundation pays off here. The side characters don’t get shoved aside for romance. They’re allowed to evolve, deepen, and complicate the story in meaningful ways.
The romance is a slow-burn, and it absolutely delivers, but it’s only one piece of what makes Undead Oaths so satisfying. There’s also Elysia doing what she does best: plotting, outmaneuvering, and setting vengeance in motion against the king of Kava. There were definitely some “good for her” moments I absolutely loved.
If you’re looking for fantasy with characters living across the entire grey spectrum, a political/magical plot that stays engaging, and a slow-burn romance that actually pays off, pick up Undead Oaths . Just make sure you read Undead Gods first or you’ll be lost!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Caitlyn Batelle for the eARC. All opinions are my own.