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A review by shaysshelf
Blood and Ruin by Rumer Hale
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A few years ago, I had the privilege of participating in the ARC reading for each installment of Rumer Hale's "Blood & Ruin" series. It feels serendipitous that a few years later, I have the pleasure of listening to the ALC audiobook of the first book. Listening to "Blood and Ruin" evoked the same emotions I felt when I first read the book, and the experience was just as captivating the second time around.
Rumer Hale's debut book/series showcases impressive storytelling. In Blood & Ruin, she introduces us to a paranormal world nestled within NYC, featuring six central characters, a distinctive magic system, and a formidable villain.
The story unfolds by introducing us to Kiarra and her alpha mates—Kai (hellhound shifter), Jax (shadow wolf), Luka (Jax's twin and also a shadow wolf), Axel (dragon shifter), and Rion (basilisk shifter), each a formidable alpha in their own right. The exploration of their relationship provides insight into their shared history and backstory. This foundation is crucial in my opinion, as it establishes a pre-existing strong bond and connection among them before the revelation of their mate status. Despite their estrangement, the natural progression from initial animosity to love happens quickly but seamlessly and does not feel rushed given their history.
While Kiarra occasionally assumes the role of a martyr, her extraordinary "abilities" lend legitimacy to her actions. As an incredibly resilient character, she displays unwavering strength in her commitment to protecting her loved ones and facing her fear and ongoing torture. The book features exciting action scenes and well-crafted plot twists, maintaining a sense of suspense. I will be eagerly awaiting the audiobook renditions of the next two books.
Scarlett Everdeen's narration is nothing short of flawless, breathing life into Kiarra's personality. She adeptly captures the multifaceted emotions of the protagonist—her sass, defiance, desire, devotion, love, and devastation. Chase T. Walker's contribution in narrating the last chapter adds a compelling touch, by giving us a peak into our alpha's POV and leaving listeners hanging on the edge of an epic cliffhanger. The good news is, the series is completed. If you enjoy the audiobook, regardless of the next audiobooks not be available - if you really need to find out what happens next in the sequel, you can still read it as a digital or physical book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ALC.
Rumer Hale's debut book/series showcases impressive storytelling. In Blood & Ruin, she introduces us to a paranormal world nestled within NYC, featuring six central characters, a distinctive magic system, and a formidable villain.
The story unfolds by introducing us to Kiarra and her alpha mates—Kai (hellhound shifter), Jax (shadow wolf), Luka (Jax's twin and also a shadow wolf), Axel (dragon shifter), and Rion (basilisk shifter), each a formidable alpha in their own right. The exploration of their relationship provides insight into their shared history and backstory. This foundation is crucial in my opinion, as it establishes a pre-existing strong bond and connection among them before the revelation of their mate status. Despite their estrangement, the natural progression from initial animosity to love happens quickly but seamlessly and does not feel rushed given their history.
While Kiarra occasionally assumes the role of a martyr, her extraordinary "abilities" lend legitimacy to her actions. As an incredibly resilient character, she displays unwavering strength in her commitment to protecting her loved ones and facing her fear and ongoing torture. The book features exciting action scenes and well-crafted plot twists, maintaining a sense of suspense. I will be eagerly awaiting the audiobook renditions of the next two books.
Scarlett Everdeen's narration is nothing short of flawless, breathing life into Kiarra's personality. She adeptly captures the multifaceted emotions of the protagonist—her sass, defiance, desire, devotion, love, and devastation. Chase T. Walker's contribution in narrating the last chapter adds a compelling touch, by giving us a peak into our alpha's POV and leaving listeners hanging on the edge of an epic cliffhanger. The good news is, the series is completed. If you enjoy the audiobook, regardless of the next audiobooks not be available - if you really need to find out what happens next in the sequel, you can still read it as a digital or physical book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ALC.