The Scars of War

by Cece Wylder

War found me first.

Riven Vescari is a man made of fire and fury,
And he says I belong to him.
But he’s not the only one.

Death watches like he’s already claimed me.
Pestilence breathes my name like a curse.
Famine stalks my dreams, starved for something only I can give.

They say I’m part of a prophecy.
A power they’ll kill to claim.
But I’m not here to be claimed.
Let them fight over me.
Let the world burn.
Because I’m not the end they expected.
I’m the one who gets to decide,
And I won’t be choosing between them.

Because why choose… when I can have them all.

The Scars of War is the first book in Of Ruin and Fire, a dark, spicy, paranormal romance series where the heroine doesn’t have to choose. Expect brutal men, rising power, a slow-burn descent into obsession, and one woman at the center of the world’s unraveling. This is a slow burn across 5 books - so, be warned.Content

The Scars of War contains mature themes and scenes intended for adult readers (18+), including elements of violence, emotional intensity, and consensual but rough romantic content. Some storylines include psychological tension, obsession, and morally complex characters. The full TW list will be available on the author's website.

Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Fantasy

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2025

About the author

CeCe Wylder writes dark romance for the emotionally unwell, and she means that lovingly.

Born and raised in wild and wonderful West Virginia, she now lives with her husband (the love of her freaking life), two cats (Eda and Poe), and one dog (Rhett) who is just as obsessed with his momma as Norman Bates was.

Her books are full of filthy obsession, wildly powerful women, morally compromised men, and just enough emotional damage to keep things interesting. When she’s not writing, she’s either drinking too much coffee, forgetting to post on social media, or plotting new ways to destroy her characters before giving them what they might deserve.

Reviews

[DeyaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely phenomenal! The Scars of War is an emotional gut-punch wrapped in lyrical prose and raw, unflinching storytelling. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience.

Cece Wylder drags you into a world cracked wide open by war, love, and loss. The writing is haunting yet breathtaking, painting every moment with vivid, visceral emotion while never shying away from the brutality of reality. This is a story of survival, with scars both seen and unseen, and it lingers long after you turn the last page.

The characters feel messy, human, and painfully real. Through Lux’s perspective, we’re pulled deep into her mind and heart, experiencing every ounce of her struggle and resilience. And that twist? Absolutely jaw-dropping—I didn’t see it coming at all. The ending shattered me in the best possible way, and now I’m counting down the days until the next book! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Jessica Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started out a little slow but when it picked up and I couldn't put it down. I read this book in 3 days. I love the plot & mystery of what the main character is and what she learns about herself. Loved it.

[Magpiebookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book with pretty high expectations, and I’ll admit—I was nervous it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But it absolutely delivered. The pacing and writing style felt so different from what I’ve been reading lately, and it perfectly matched the chaos the FMC was going through. The spice was the right amount—enough to keep things interesting without overshadowing the story. And that ending? I did not see it all coming, which made it even better.

[Doom Sunshine · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 24%

Normally there is an issue with writers not flushing out scenes with details, imagery or thoughts/feelings. However, this author had the exact opposite of this problem. EVERYTHING was important, which means nothing was.

The book was written with grandiose and self aggrandizing verbiage.
Examples:
"I grip the edge of the sink so hard my knuckles go white. The shadows in my apartment feel thicker now."
"The pages pulse with tension, as if they've soaked in something more than charcoal...something alive."
"Every step feels like a lie I'm telling my body, pretending I still understand gravity, time, reality."

Plus, every page had like 2-4 similie's which is just way too damn much.
I'm sure the plot would have been good, but the writing style made reading the book tedious.

[B. Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was drawn in. I needed to know more. The book itself is haunting, chilling, and leaves you questioning everything you’ve read. In the best way. And Lux? Shew. Lux is a character that stays with you after the book is finished.

I felt every bit of her quiet desperation, her fire, her need for something more. She is a powerhouse, and with the way this book ended I absolutely need to have book two like yesterday. I don’t want to spoil it for you, you absolutely must read it!

If you like fantasy, hidden prophecies, four horsemen anything… this is for you. As always, check your triggers, and I will note this is more of a RH with a medium ish burn on the love aspect.

Just. Go. Go get it!

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start this review out and say I am an honest reviewer. I arced this book for Cece. Let's talk pros… it reads smooth, it's a very quick reading book, it has detail, the smut… it smuts good! Now let's talk the cons… for me, I had a hard time following the plot, I didn't understand because I still don't know what “oblivion" is. I honestly can't figure it out. I am giving it a 3.5 out of 5 because it was written well, like I said before it was a smooth read, and the smut was on point, I just personally didn't completely understand the book. 

[Tina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has absolutely got me in a chokehold that is independent fearless and flawed. I feel I was in Luxs mind and experienced every moment with her. I was drawn in from the cover. The fire the desperation and need for more. If you want a book that leaves you with questions and trigger warnings and spicy etc….. i highly recommend. This Author put it all in this book and you can feel her passion, her love for writing the way she laid out this plot and storyline. I can’t wait for two to be written I hope I can ARC for it as well.

[Anisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say, I am obsessed with the chapter titles!
It's such a refreshing choice-a small detail that instantly sets the tone and makes this book feel so thoughtfully structured. From the jump, we follow Lux, a truly headstrong and independent woman who doesn't just push back-she demolishes the concept of taking orders from anyone. She's the kind of protagonist you immediately root for. The plot was perfectly paced and kept me engaged throughout the entire book. It's the perfect balance of plot & spice!
And the ending? Don't even get me started I need the next book now.

[Dragana aka bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing work. The writing style is perfect, the chapters are neither short or long and the main character is a total badass. I loved the surprises, the suspense and the tension. There was just the right amount of humor,drama and darkness. The spice was fire 🥵. Over all a 10000/10 book I absolutely recommend. There is rarely a book that can keep me hooked for a whole day but I devoured this masterpiece in one day.

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers, so here's my thoughts and feelings. It's an easy read, but very well written. Lux (FMC) Is a strong, independent woman who takes orders from no one. Every twist and turn blind sided me in the best way possible. The scars of war is past paced, which I highly appreciate. From start to finish it held my attention with the suspense, mystery, and spice. Be prepared for the ending, you won't guess it, I promise! Now, when do we get the second book? Hurry up!

[Lex]

This book was a roller coaster of frustration and confusion in a good way. I actually really enjoyed the writing style and the way it sucks you in. It brought out conflicting emotions and anxiety about the unknown for the FMC. I felt immersed and too aware of every moment, every breath, every turn. I devoured this book because it basically consumed my every thought when I was away from it.

The spicy scenes are also very well written.

Basically my thought process: wtf is going on, who is that, smash, oh? OHHHH, wait what, WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON, smash. smash again. huh? WHY WONT THEY JUST TELL HER?!?! okay…that’s cool. are they gonna smash? no? maybe? what? WHAT?!?! devastated lol

[Dark fiction lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional start to a series! Super excited to see where the story goes from here. Spicy, yet suspenseful with an unusual plot for the overall story. I enjoyed how it differed from other stories and didn’t have the same old theme that spicy stories usually tend to take. Kept me guessing which direction it would take the entire time. I cannot wait for the second book to come out for the series!

[Richie Pinheiro-Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh myyyylanta!! What a book!! The spice scenes are soooo freaking good, you will blush reading in public! The story keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time!! I cannot wait for the next book! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

[Riley Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was something else in the best way possible. As I was reading it I was a little creeped out at some things but loved that it had its own twists & turns. It was thought provoking & hot at the same time

[Heaven Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omgggggg I hate the cliffhanger, but the read was so good. I loved seeing how Lux transitioned and transformed into such a strong woman. Ahhhh when is the next one coming out ??

[Janene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read, the raw emotions and experiences of the FMC were harrowing to read. Definitely a new read for me and what a ride it has been.

[Heather Trusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read and plot. A quick read and the twist at the end unexpected. The spice was done well and interested where the series is going

[Shannon Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this one down. Excellent writing, a badass FMC, and the spice was spicing. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Amanda McShan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat it was SO GOOD. The spice and plot had such a good flow, I seriously felt like I couldn’t read the book fast enough. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next books in the series and see how the main character is shaped by her new found… let’s say… talent. I guess you’ll have to read it to find out 🫣