A review by fireandfables
Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May

5.0

 Wow. I am in awe. How does someone say "wow" more intensely. I am not going to lie, in the beginning of this book I wrote a note saying how difficult it is to write a story when the MC has lost their memory. It is one thing for worldbuilding for the reader to learn along the way, and something else entirely when the reader is trapped with the MC learning at the mercy of another character. Especially a character that hates them and doesn't really want to part with that information.  It was a slow building book, but so absolutely perfect now that I have finished it.  I wouldn't change a single step of the absolute journey I took with these Sadare and Daesra.  Every single choice was made intentionally.

 

In this adventure, we have a witch called Sadare and a daemon named Daesra going through the maze in this reimagined story of Thesues and the Minotaur.  As they journey, Sadare must learn her true nature, self, and intentions as she has lost her memory.  Daesra starts as her reluctant ally, but it is clear they have a history full of betrayal and strife from the beginning, and Daesra remembers it all, even if Sadare does not.

 

With a slew of trigger warnings, near death experiences, and a power that can only be accessed through pain, the reader is in for a wild ride start to finish.  I cried and had my mind blown. 6 out of 5 stars. 

probably about a 3 pepper spice rating because it is definitely an SM kink even if it is infrequent