Genres: Dark Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, NA Fantasy | Release Date: 15 October 2024 | Series: The Infernis Duology | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 379 | Indie Author | Review
“I have had enough of monsters for eternity.”
Gillian Eliza West
Overview:
When I began Ruin by Gillian Eliza West, I didn’t expect to instantly fall in love with this dark romantasy. But from the very first page, Oralia’s tale had me hooked. And as soon as I finished my Kindle edition? I ordered a physical copy, because it *needs* to be on my shelf! So let’s give you an overview, shall we?!
For more than two centuries, Oralia hasn’t been able to feel the touch of another without her darkness turning them into ash. Bitten by a daemoni and cursed with shadow magic at the age of five, Oralia’s been kept to the castle and grounds of King Typhon’s domain ever since. When her power is unleashed with devastating consequences, Oralia flees her adopted father and enters the mists surrounding Infernis. Does she have a plan? Not at all. But she can’t stay in Aethera, and the mists promise an escape. When the Under King (King Renwick of Infernis) sees her predicament, he helps her escape right into his clutches. But making her his prisoner is easy; when secrets start to unravel around Oralia’s parentage? Renwick can’t stop his heart from beginning to thaw… Can Oralia trust what’s blooming between them? How can she reconcile her ability to channel both life and death with her magic? What will it take to stop King Typhon’s wrath from starting a war?
Happiness Boost:
How can Ruin be Gillian’s debut?! This dark romantasy is jam-packed with magic, broken hearts and enemies who will never stop hunting you. I adore every single part of this plot! This glorious tale is so, so good in its ability to make us protective of Oralia, and my heart broke for her on numerous occasions. It’s so easy to believe lies, when you’ve grown up hearing them. To constantly be told you’re a curse, you’re dangerous, you were the reason your mother perished? How that didn’t make Oralia a bitter young lady, I have no idea. But I adore her empathy, as well as her ability to forge her own path.
Oh Renwick. This broken god has seen so much death, and that’s not even touching on his duties in Infernis. So it’s no surprise that with every loss, more pieces from his heart were soon shattered under the strain. And I literally had tears in my eyes when he saw Oralia’s ability with her life magic. To see something, anything, bloom in his kingdom? It’s not just unusual, it’s unheard of. And his reaction to this glimmer of hope in the darkness is just one of the reasons why I’ve got a paperback coming my way.
Within Ruin, we see how long lives don’t equal happiness. In fact, they’re more likely to equal grief and bitterness. But some find a way, including wonderful characters like Sidero and Caston. And at every single point, Renwick pushes Oralia to become who she was always meant to be. He doesn’t just want her to live with the shadow magic inside her, she needs to embrace it. For what purpose? Well, I’m not saying… Because let’s be honest, that’s more than enough of a hint already!
Downside:
There is no such thing as a downside for Ruin!
Final Thoughts:
Ruin by Gillian Eliza West is a fantastic dark romantic fantasy full of broken hearts, powerful enemies and magic on every page. If you love this genre? Gillian is going to become an auto-buy author for you! I’m so convinced about that, I’m actually already following her on Amazon to get book release updates in the future! Love the sound of this story from my review? Just click on the link below to order yourself a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order Ruin via this link: Amazon
