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A review by wait_whoissheagain
Of Darkness and Ruination by Rachel Fallon
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. I finally have a FMC that feels all the rage that I do about the events in the book and it was very satisfying. It’s a shame we don’t get to see that rage fully expressed but this is only the first book in the series. I’m excited to read the rest of the series and watch Asteria’s story unfold as her strength grows!
The world this story is set in is corrupt and unfair. The experiences of different characters who have been forced into slavery are uncomfortable and devastating. It deals with some pretty heavy topics so please read the trigger warnings before reading this book. I feel so connected to these characters and their struggles. Asteria and Priscilla have a friendship that warms my heart and I love the support they are able to find in each other after what they each went through.
I also enjoy the dynamics of the male friendships. I love their banter and how comfortable they are with each other. You can definitely feel their love for each other when reading about the different ways they mess with one another and with how they express their loyalty.
I gave this book 4 stars because it was a very long book that I feel could have been shorter. A lot of conversations happen multiple times, with the same thoughts expressed each time. The chapters were also really long, with some of them taking nearly 40 minutes to read!! I think shorter chapters would help with letting the book flow more freely. I also found the events of the book to be quite predictable.
Despite this, I did really enjoy it. The love story between our two main characters is sizzling! I loved watching them come together, finding a bond neither were expecting and uniting to take down corruption. Oh, and those spice scenes were *chefs kiss.
With some further edits before its release, I think this could be a really solid romantasy, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
The world this story is set in is corrupt and unfair. The experiences of different characters who have been forced into slavery are uncomfortable and devastating. It deals with some pretty heavy topics so please read the trigger warnings before reading this book. I feel so connected to these characters and their struggles. Asteria and Priscilla have a friendship that warms my heart and I love the support they are able to find in each other after what they each went through.
I also enjoy the dynamics of the male friendships. I love their banter and how comfortable they are with each other. You can definitely feel their love for each other when reading about the different ways they mess with one another and with how they express their loyalty.
I gave this book 4 stars because it was a very long book that I feel could have been shorter. A lot of conversations happen multiple times, with the same thoughts expressed each time. The chapters were also really long, with some of them taking nearly 40 minutes to read!! I think shorter chapters would help with letting the book flow more freely. I also found the events of the book to be quite predictable.
Despite this, I did really enjoy it. The love story between our two main characters is sizzling! I loved watching them come together, finding a bond neither were expecting and uniting to take down corruption. Oh, and those spice scenes were *chefs kiss.
With some further edits before its release, I think this could be a really solid romantasy, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape