Genres: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fantasy | Release Date: 26 August 2025 | Series: The Princesses of Ruin | Series Book: #5 | Pages: 498 | Indie Author | Review
“I’m ready to die fighting.”
Ember Holt
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to Ember Holt, for letting me read an e-ARC of The Princesses of Ruin!* This dark fantasy is the final instalment in the series of the same title, and easily became my favourite book from this quintet. How could it not, when every sister’s thread was explored in this epic finale! But without further ado, let’s give you an overview, shall we?
Four sisters must unite against one deity, who would see the destruction of everything they hold dear. But can the princesses survive the battle ahead? Given just one opportunity, each sister must travel to the darkest parts of the realm, to gain a weapon that would see the end of Ashai. But it is not only the dark goddess who would see their ruin, as monsters and deadly trials await… Can Scarlett and her younger sisters finally send Ashai to the nine hells? What must they sacrifice to reclaim the kingdom? A happily ever after can never be guaranteed during wartime…
Happiness Boost:
It isn’t easy to wrap up so many character threads in one final tale, but The Princesses of Ruin does it with ease! This dark fantasy reminds you why you fell in love with each individual sister’s journey, even as it blazes a new path towards the final showdown. And when you add new monsters, as well as the deadliest of trials into the mix? Sign. Me. Up. I read this glorious fantasy romance in one day, because I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what would happen, more than anything else!
Listen, if you came for the spicy goodness which was sprinkled throughout the previous books? You will *not* be disappointed. But that’s only part of the delights that awaits you within these pages. I love how Ember navigates the dreams and desires of each couple, even as she hints at what lies in their future—if they survive. Am I being deliberately vague? You know me, I hate to give away spoilers. Of course I’m being annoying and keeping my lips sealed on the specifics!
I adore how Ember highlights the fallibility of the gods and their prophecies. How everyone has their own agenda, and sometimes you need to make a choice between two evils. Add to that the heightened emotions which play out in this dark fantasy? Is it any wonder I raced through this story?! My heart may have a crack or two in it, after this finale, but what an ending we’ve been given. It’s been an experience, journeying alongside the four sisters.
Downside:
This was such a thrilling finale, there’s no downside for me!
Final Thoughts:
The Princesses of Ruin by Ember Holt is a dark fantasy romance finale full of desperate bargains, feminine rage and epic battles. I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, and truly think this was a wonderful finale to the entire series. And with how easily Ember reminded us of each individual character’s characteristics and desires, while keeping the momentum going? This was such an enticing read! Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on the link below to order your copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order The Princesses of Ruin via this link: Amazon
You can see my reviews for the previous books here: The Princesses of Ruin series.
