Hello reading friends! Welcome to Reading with Jessica! This month I’m reading and discussing Oathbound by Victoria McCombs! This is such a fun read, and book two just released so I would recommend getting that to read when we’re done!!
Okay, let’s dive in, but first a few reminders. This week we’re discussing Chapters 15-27. 🥰 I’m going to divide my thoughts based on chapter so that it’s easy to follow along. These are just random thoughts I had while reading! Feel free to comment on any of it, or just what you thought about these chapters! The goal is to have some fun discussions. And don’t forget – THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!!!! So if you haven’t read these chapters yet, I highly recommend not reading this post until you do. I mean, unless you don’t want to be surprised lol.
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About the Book

Author Victoria McCombs
Published by Third Day Books
on February 8, 2022
Genres: YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Action & Adventure / Pirates, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Epic, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Romance
Pages: 339
AmazonBeware the waters. The dangerous deep brings ruin to all. Emme has spent her life avoiding anything to do with pirates. But the fates are cruel, and now a hidden sickness leads her to partner with pirates for the one thing that can save her-a cure on an island none are certain exists. The pirate captain's secrets are darker than the deep and threaten to kill them all. His obligations are tinged with betrayal, for his oathbind must be fulfilled. To ignore it is to invite peril of unimaginable destruction. As the adventure unfolds, the sea takes more than she expects and the sea gives more than he wants.
Reading Schedule Reminder
Week One – Chapters 1-14. Discussion on February 11th.
Week Two – Chapters 15-27. Discussion on February 18th.
Week Three – Chapters 28 – The End! Discussion on February 25th.

Book Discussion
Chapter 15
Oh way to go Emme! I loved the escape scene. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to get out, I figured someone would have to come rescue her. And this Pearl? What’s her role going to be going forward?
Also, I love the rules that Arn has set for his crew. To me, it mirrors the Christian life. He wanted them to be different from other pirates, just as we are to be different from the world. I can’t tell you that’s what McCombs had in mind while she was writing, but I love seeing that parallel.
Chapter 16
My heart goes out to Arn as we learn about his background with Landon and this girl. That should never break up a friendship! I wonder if they’ll meet later on in the story. Of course they will, why else would we learn this lol.
Okay this black ship is CREEPY. I mean, I am so intrigued and want to know more about it, but wow. There is evil at hand. Or is that what it wants us to believe? I mean Emme is hearing the same words that she heard from the boot……..maybe it’s more of a warning? Trying to figure it out, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to put it together lol.
Chapter 17
So here I’m starting to think that maybe Emric isn’t that bad guy I’m portraying him to be in my head. He seems to genuinely care about his sister. At least in this chapter!
Ok, hold the phone. Emme’s mom is around!? Is it a dream? Is she real? Is it this black ship playing tricks on her and toying with her mind? Oh this just got real interesting…….
Chapter 18
As Emme is telling Arn about her encounter with her mother, I kind of feel sorry for her. She must have felt like she was going crazy. And maybe that’s the whole point. Hmmmmmm.
Chapter 19
Oh man, I was so ready for that first kiss. I may have stopped breathing when I read that scene. I was like, go Arn, kiss her!!! Ugh, okay. This just adds to the tension between the characters, and I love me some good tension.
So when Arn is reminding Emme that he’s a pirate – he steals, kills and all that good stuff – I kind of am annoying with Emme. I mean, she knows all this. Why is she acting like she forgot? And why can’t they both just be honest with each other!!!!!???????? Especially her being honest with him about what she’s feeling, and her journey on the sea. It’s good writing, but frustrating to me at the same time.
Chapter 20
Ugh, my annoyance continues. Again, it’s good writing, but I am so ready for them to just tell each other the truth. No more games. No more walking away. Just a good talking lol.
Chapter 21
Oh I love this new little twist in the story. Who is this girl (creature? I don’t know) that wants Emme to oathbind herself? How is it going to come into play? Man, McCombs is so creative. I am loving all this stuff!!
Chapter 22
Oh man. So this huntress is good. Like super good. And while I know she’s not going to kill Arn and Emric (unless McCombs wants to tear out my heart), this is still making me sit on the edge of my seat. Also… I wonder if Emric noticed how easily Arn goes running because he thinks it’s Emme!
Chapter 23
Emme does it – the thing she said she’d never do. But I get it, she’s sacrificing herself to help those she loves. I believe I would have done the same thing if it were my husband out there.
Man oh man this is fun to read! Emme playing the part of her mother, the woman she doesn’t love!? I am here for it!!!!!
Chapter 24
This was an intense chapter. Like, nail biting good. And Emme! She has come so far…… I am so proud of her. Also, anyone else able to clearly see her and her tattoos? Yeah, I think I actually like them. Oh this was maybe my favorite chapter of the book so far. I wasn’t sure the huntress would actually die, as I figured she would be a good threat going forward. Although….maybe she hasn’t disappeared forever?
And then poor Lewie. Oh this broke my heart.
Chapter 25
Um, the only thing I can think about right now is what Arn said to Emme – that he would always do what he could to protect her. SWOON. What was this chapter even about 😂😂
Chapter 26
This secret thing was kind of cool. I didn’t anticipate the secret that Arn and Emric shared. Interesting choice on McComb’s part. I wonder if Emric admitted that their mother died on the way to the island will change his relationship with Emme? And this box that can capture a ghost. Man McCombs’ creativity with this story just fascinates me. I want more!
Chapter 27
Well it’s about time Emme told someone her secret about being ill, though I wish it would have been Arn and not Emric. But I get it.
Another almost kiss!!! Okay the anticipation for this kiss is building and about to explode. I hope it’s coming soon.
Finally reached the island. I’m ready. What are they going to find there? And did they beat the other ship? Oh this is about to get real good!
Overall thoughts
Oh man this book is awesome. I am just really enjoying all the fun twists and turns of their adventure. Still waiting for that kiss, and still waiting for Emme and Arn to admit their secrets to each other. I imagine it’ll happen at the exact wrong moment (which equates to the right moment for story purposes). I cannot wait to see what happens when they dock at the island!!!
What are you thoughts on these chapters? Share in the comments! Let’s get the book discussion going. 🙂
