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3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It takes about 100 pages for anything to happen plot-wise. The characters do a lot of bickering and talk in circles. The pug-like character is probably the best part of this whole story, however the plot does get a little more engaging for the last 150-200 pages.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A dark retelling of the minotaur myth, with two characters fighting for themselves and each other. I loved everything about this and cannot wait for the second book
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s hard to explain the type of books I like. Yes, fantasy and romantasy but even the tropes, setting and character names affect the ratings I give. Exquisite Ruin is a fantastic example of MY type of books: a book with 60% fantasy 40% romance mix where the romance is spicy, they were lovers turned enemies turned lovers so I KNOW HEA is guaranteed, Greek mythology (retelling or not) is a challenge to write bc you need good research and I’m a sucker for it, AND PLOT TWISTS bc what’s a 5⭐️ book without one?
Something small to note, the story jumps right in so there’s no magic system what not build up. You’ll uncover the whys and hows as you go along🫶🏻What I wish for is to have another chapter AFTER the hea bc I wanted more of the characters but it’s okay bc sometimes less is more right?🥺 I’m also surprised I don’t see many reviews on this book bc is rightly deserves more recognition!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was really expecting to love this based on the premise. Unfortunately, I was bored by it and felt disconnected from both of the main characters. There is so much back-and-forth, hot and cold between them that it gave me whiplash. I found the relationship to be entirely antagonistic and toxic, neither character redeemable and the ending to be frankly confusing and weird. The only saving grace was Pogli, who was adorable. The magic system used is driven by self-inflicted pain and involves some pretty serious intentionally inflicted injuries. I bounced between boredom, confusion, dislike of the characters and inability to understand at all why they were into each other. I’m sure this is perfect for someone but it’s not me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm