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A review by kmartbooks
Through Fire and Ruin by Jennifer Becker, Alice Karpiel
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
At first glance, the premise might feel a bit familiar: (modern-day) humans and fae, separated by a magical border, distrustful of each other after years of conflict. But the authors breathe new life into this classic setup by blending high-stakes politics, intricate power plays, and rich character-driven drama.
The plot is driven by two fascinating and contrasting main POVs. Lora is a human willing to risk it all to find a cure for a deadly virus sweeping across Earth. She brings a fierce, desperate energy to the story. Her journey is filled with deception and the need to survive in the fae world where humans are unwanted. Lora's interactions with Eyden, a mysterious fae trader, are laced with tension as she balances her promises to both her family, the lies she tells to protect them, and her slow-burn feelings for him.
Amira is a low-magic fae pledged to the acting King and tormented by her sadistic brother. Her perspective offers a different kind of tension: a quieter, more psychological one. Trapped in a strange palace, bound by her brother's machinations and her engagement to the brooding and malevolent future High King, she’s a character caught in a gilded cage. She is torn between her friendship with one of the King's friends, her brother's control, and her future husband's indifference. She finds dark secrets hidden within the palace walls, forcing Amira to confront her morality and past.
What makes the two POVs particularly fun is how these two storylines intersect in both large and small ways. The authors do a great job weaving Lora and Amira's paths together, creating a sense of upcoming collision as things escalate. The underlying political intrigue and power games keep the plot moving at a fast pace, and the dark magic lurking in the background adds a layer of suspense.
The romance elements are nicely handled, too. There’s an undeniable chemistry between Lora and Eyden and their attraction is one of mutual fascination with hidden motives. They are both sweet, vulnerable, and passionate at times.
I also really appreciated the world-building. It's detailed enough to feel immersive without being overwhelming, and the history between Earth and the fae domain added interest. The human rebellion subplot, with Elyssa at its core, is another highlight—bringing a raw and rebellious energy that contrasts nicely with the courtly intrigue of Liraen. Plus Elyssa is fab. Love her.
This is definitely darker than I initially expected. It doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes of control, manipulation, and a thirst for power, and it delivers them with maturity.
I'm hooked and I’m excited to see where the authors take this series next. Thanks to R&R Booktours and the authors for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
The plot is driven by two fascinating and contrasting main POVs. Lora is a human willing to risk it all to find a cure for a deadly virus sweeping across Earth. She brings a fierce, desperate energy to the story. Her journey is filled with deception and the need to survive in the fae world where humans are unwanted. Lora's interactions with Eyden, a mysterious fae trader, are laced with tension as she balances her promises to both her family, the lies she tells to protect them, and her slow-burn feelings for him.
Amira is a low-magic fae pledged to the acting King and tormented by her sadistic brother. Her perspective offers a different kind of tension: a quieter, more psychological one. Trapped in a strange palace, bound by her brother's machinations and her engagement to the brooding and malevolent future High King, she’s a character caught in a gilded cage. She is torn between her friendship with one of the King's friends, her brother's control, and her future husband's indifference. She finds dark secrets hidden within the palace walls, forcing Amira to confront her morality and past.
What makes the two POVs particularly fun is how these two storylines intersect in both large and small ways. The authors do a great job weaving Lora and Amira's paths together, creating a sense of upcoming collision as things escalate. The underlying political intrigue and power games keep the plot moving at a fast pace, and the dark magic lurking in the background adds a layer of suspense.
The romance elements are nicely handled, too. There’s an undeniable chemistry between Lora and Eyden and their attraction is one of mutual fascination with hidden motives. They are both sweet, vulnerable, and passionate at times.
I also really appreciated the world-building. It's detailed enough to feel immersive without being overwhelming, and the history between Earth and the fae domain added interest. The human rebellion subplot, with Elyssa at its core, is another highlight—bringing a raw and rebellious energy that contrasts nicely with the courtly intrigue of Liraen. Plus Elyssa is fab. Love her.
This is definitely darker than I initially expected. It doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes of control, manipulation, and a thirst for power, and it delivers them with maturity.
I'm hooked and I’m excited to see where the authors take this series next. Thanks to R&R Booktours and the authors for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.