What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
14 days and 21:42:15
100 copies available
U.S. only
Kingdom of Shattered Vows #1
Of Fates & Ruin
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
14 days and 21:42:15
100 copies available
U.S. only
If The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and Quicksilver had a dangerously romantic book baby, this is it.
I infiltrated a rival fae court to hunt my enemy. I didn’t mean to stab their golden-eyed king.
Disguised as a recruit, I cross into the wasteland swamp, searching for the rebels who murdered my sister. But instead of a crumbling outpost, I find a glittering court cloaked in illusion, where brutal trials bind warriors to magical beasts. Unfortunately, the first person my dagger sinks into is their infuriatingly gorgeous king. Instead of seeking revenge, Trewyn smirks, as if getting stabbed was just flirting. When he assumes I’m here to enter the Rite of Bonds, I let him believe it.
If I fail the bonding trials, I’ll be exiled before I uncover the truth. If I succeed, I risk becoming what my kingdom fears most, an untamed magic-wielder dangerously loyal to the wrong side. My court raised me to see the rebels as traitors. Now, I worry I’ll willingly bleed for them…especially for him.
King Trewyn goads me, but my body doesn’t care that he’s forbidden. He watches me like he knows what I’m hiding. Like he’s daring me to break. Like he’s already decided I’m his, and he’s just waiting for me to admit it.
But with a darker enemy rising, one that drains magic and leaves only husks behind, I’ll have to choose: avenge my sister or trust the king who’s become my greatest temptation.
Vengeance is a mask. And mine’s about to shatter.
Of Fates & Ruin is Book 1 of the Kingdom of Shattered Vows Series. Perfect for fans of hidden identity heroines who don’t take sh*t from anyone, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers with a side of emotional torment, brutal magical trials, court intrigue, beast bonding, found family, and slow-burn spice. This romantasy will sink its claws into your heart, and it won’t let go.
Trigger blood, gore, injuries, violence, death, grief, killing attacking creatures and people, on-the-page heat when they finally spice.
I infiltrated a rival fae court to hunt my enemy. I didn’t mean to stab their golden-eyed king.
Disguised as a recruit, I cross into the wasteland swamp, searching for the rebels who murdered my sister. But instead of a crumbling outpost, I find a glittering court cloaked in illusion, where brutal trials bind warriors to magical beasts. Unfortunately, the first person my dagger sinks into is their infuriatingly gorgeous king. Instead of seeking revenge, Trewyn smirks, as if getting stabbed was just flirting. When he assumes I’m here to enter the Rite of Bonds, I let him believe it.
If I fail the bonding trials, I’ll be exiled before I uncover the truth. If I succeed, I risk becoming what my kingdom fears most, an untamed magic-wielder dangerously loyal to the wrong side. My court raised me to see the rebels as traitors. Now, I worry I’ll willingly bleed for them…especially for him.
King Trewyn goads me, but my body doesn’t care that he’s forbidden. He watches me like he knows what I’m hiding. Like he’s daring me to break. Like he’s already decided I’m his, and he’s just waiting for me to admit it.
But with a darker enemy rising, one that drains magic and leaves only husks behind, I’ll have to choose: avenge my sister or trust the king who’s become my greatest temptation.
Vengeance is a mask. And mine’s about to shatter.
Of Fates & Ruin is Book 1 of the Kingdom of Shattered Vows Series. Perfect for fans of hidden identity heroines who don’t take sh*t from anyone, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers with a side of emotional torment, brutal magical trials, court intrigue, beast bonding, found family, and slow-burn spice. This romantasy will sink its claws into your heart, and it won’t let go.
Trigger blood, gore, injuries, violence, death, grief, killing attacking creatures and people, on-the-page heat when they finally spice.
702 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2026
70 people are currently reading
1901 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
February 23, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
i enjoyed this a lot. the different courts, the magic, the magical beasts, politics, the romance, the world-building, even the deadly Rite of Bonds.
we dive into the story where Isi is a princess of a court who hates everything about magic and kills anyone who processes it... until one day her sister is dumped in front of her by a magic bird. she then sets off on a revenge story, ready to infiltrate and take down and entire court of magic to avenge her.
from there, the story takes off even more. she's thrown into a court where magic is used freely and no one is thrown in dungeons or killed for it—everything she had been taught has completely turned her world upside down and realizes this court isn't the evil she thought is, that just maybe, it was her own court.
i will say i personally don't think this is a slow-burn or at least on the MMC's side or even quite an enemies to lovers cause he was quite literally enthralled with her the moment he met her — but nonetheless, i still enjoyed their romance.
i think my only qualm with the book and why i reduced a star is, it seemed repetitive in parts about how it kept going on about she was liking the rebels and she couldn't since they killed her sister and you quite literally heard about it in every chapter almost until about 65% in.
i also wish we could have dove more into the magic system—can everyone do the same tricks? why is Isi's stronger? i have quite a bit of questions but hey, maybe book two will answer them!
i enjoyed this a lot. the different courts, the magic, the magical beasts, politics, the romance, the world-building, even the deadly Rite of Bonds.
we dive into the story where Isi is a princess of a court who hates everything about magic and kills anyone who processes it... until one day her sister is dumped in front of her by a magic bird. she then sets off on a revenge story, ready to infiltrate and take down and entire court of magic to avenge her.
from there, the story takes off even more. she's thrown into a court where magic is used freely and no one is thrown in dungeons or killed for it—everything she had been taught has completely turned her world upside down and realizes this court isn't the evil she thought is, that just maybe, it was her own court.
i will say i personally don't think this is a slow-burn or at least on the MMC's side or even quite an enemies to lovers cause he was quite literally enthralled with her the moment he met her — but nonetheless, i still enjoyed their romance.
i think my only qualm with the book and why i reduced a star is, it seemed repetitive in parts about how it kept going on about she was liking the rebels and she couldn't since they killed her sister and you quite literally heard about it in every chapter almost until about 65% in.
i also wish we could have dove more into the magic system—can everyone do the same tricks? why is Isi's stronger? i have quite a bit of questions but hey, maybe book two will answer them!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Even the smallest flame can set the world on fire.”
From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and my attention never wavered. Why are you poisoning these people?! Magic, Dragons (Yes!) rival courts and realms all combine into an utterly gripping story.
Our FMC is a dutiful, loyal daughter and sister, but beneath that devotion burns a fire not easily tamed. She is sharp, strong willed, and every inch the princess she was raised to be, without being the classic spoilt, sheltered royal.
Thrust into brutal trials with savage deaths, Isi develops friendships that are deep, meaningful, and grounded in survival. I love how well developed the side characters are, with their own distinct presence. Every girl needs a Lexi at their side. Yes girl.
The connection between the MMC and FMC? Stunning. The yearning, the affection, the beautifully spoken words exchanged between them will give you all the feels. Those devastating half smiles and side eyes. Oh, Trew. I'm all flustered.
Be prepared to completely fall in love with him.
What to Expect
Touch her and die
Clenched fist
Wound tending
Combat training (1:1..)
Enemies to lovers (light enemies, heavy tension)
Deadly trials
Animal bonding
Yearning
I already know this will be a reread the moment it releases.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alaya Wells for the opportunity to read this early. An absolute pleasure.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and my attention never wavered. Why are you poisoning these people?! Magic, Dragons (Yes!) rival courts and realms all combine into an utterly gripping story.
Our FMC is a dutiful, loyal daughter and sister, but beneath that devotion burns a fire not easily tamed. She is sharp, strong willed, and every inch the princess she was raised to be, without being the classic spoilt, sheltered royal.
Thrust into brutal trials with savage deaths, Isi develops friendships that are deep, meaningful, and grounded in survival. I love how well developed the side characters are, with their own distinct presence. Every girl needs a Lexi at their side. Yes girl.
The connection between the MMC and FMC? Stunning. The yearning, the affection, the beautifully spoken words exchanged between them will give you all the feels. Those devastating half smiles and side eyes. Oh, Trew. I'm all flustered.
Be prepared to completely fall in love with him.
What to Expect
Touch her and die
Clenched fist
Wound tending
Combat training (1:1..)
Enemies to lovers (light enemies, heavy tension)
Deadly trials
Animal bonding
Yearning
I already know this will be a reread the moment it releases.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alaya Wells for the opportunity to read this early. An absolute pleasure.
March 10, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔒𝔣 𝔉𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔰 & ℜ𝔲𝔦𝔫 𝔟𝔶 𝔄𝔩𝔞𝔶𝔞 𝔚𝔢𝔩𝔩𝔰 (𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔥𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔙𝔬𝔴𝔰, #1)
Release Date: March 1, 2026
4.5⭐️4🌶
This is an absolute beast of a book! It took me a minute to get into it, then I realized how much story was just in this one book. This was a roller coaster of a ride, and I'm all buckled in and ready for the next ride with Ms. Alaya Wells. I highly recommend this book for all Fourth Wing fans and From Blood and Ash fans.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Princess Amarissa aka Lady of Mercy aka Isi has been told all her life that magic is abhorrent and she be avoided and not used at all costs. Unfortunately, she is one of the few who is a magic wielder, and her father has forbidden her to try it or use it for anything. If she did, he would have to send his own daughter to the dungeons with the other children who were found to wield magic.
When Addie, Isi's younger sister, comes back from an arranged marriage dead, Isi will stop at nothing to find who killed her. She leaves in the middle of the night to go to the most obvious kingdom where her killer may reside.
The rival kingdom she travels to is ruled by King Trewyn aka Trew, and his kingdom not only allows magic users, but has an annual "trial" to test all magic users before they join is Magic Academy. So, of course, Isi joins the trials and nearly dies in the process; however, whoever passes the trials not only attends the Magic Academy but bonds with a magical beast who chooses them based on how the performed in the trials.
King Trewyn became King when he was just 15 years old when his father died fighting the war the hordes of invading magical beasts called the Skathe. Ever since they found a way into their realm, possibly through a breach in the veil between realms, they have been systematically attacking and eliminating whole towns/villages every few years. There seems to be no way to stop their numbers. Trew's only hope is to find more and more powerful magic wielders that could help him find a way to detect and stop the Skathe from killing his whole Kingdom.
This book was all action, magic wielding, magical creatures, and sexual tension, and I'm HERE for it. I cannot wait to see where Trew and Isi go next in their story. I highly recommend this book for all Fourth Wing fans and From Blood and Ash fans.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Hidden magical powers
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Dragon Riders
🍁Magic Academy
🍁Physical Trials
🍁Training Sequences
TW:
✨Violence/Murder
✨Death by dismemberment
✨Training sequences
✨Death of a sibling
✨Magical creatures talking
Release Date: March 1, 2026
4.5⭐️4🌶
This is an absolute beast of a book! It took me a minute to get into it, then I realized how much story was just in this one book. This was a roller coaster of a ride, and I'm all buckled in and ready for the next ride with Ms. Alaya Wells. I highly recommend this book for all Fourth Wing fans and From Blood and Ash fans.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Princess Amarissa aka Lady of Mercy aka Isi has been told all her life that magic is abhorrent and she be avoided and not used at all costs. Unfortunately, she is one of the few who is a magic wielder, and her father has forbidden her to try it or use it for anything. If she did, he would have to send his own daughter to the dungeons with the other children who were found to wield magic.
When Addie, Isi's younger sister, comes back from an arranged marriage dead, Isi will stop at nothing to find who killed her. She leaves in the middle of the night to go to the most obvious kingdom where her killer may reside.
The rival kingdom she travels to is ruled by King Trewyn aka Trew, and his kingdom not only allows magic users, but has an annual "trial" to test all magic users before they join is Magic Academy. So, of course, Isi joins the trials and nearly dies in the process; however, whoever passes the trials not only attends the Magic Academy but bonds with a magical beast who chooses them based on how the performed in the trials.
King Trewyn became King when he was just 15 years old when his father died fighting the war the hordes of invading magical beasts called the Skathe. Ever since they found a way into their realm, possibly through a breach in the veil between realms, they have been systematically attacking and eliminating whole towns/villages every few years. There seems to be no way to stop their numbers. Trew's only hope is to find more and more powerful magic wielders that could help him find a way to detect and stop the Skathe from killing his whole Kingdom.
This book was all action, magic wielding, magical creatures, and sexual tension, and I'm HERE for it. I cannot wait to see where Trew and Isi go next in their story. I highly recommend this book for all Fourth Wing fans and From Blood and Ash fans.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Hidden magical powers
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Dragon Riders
🍁Magic Academy
🍁Physical Trials
🍁Training Sequences
TW:
✨Violence/Murder
✨Death by dismemberment
✨Training sequences
✨Death of a sibling
✨Magical creatures talking
February 8, 2026
ARC Review🩵Of Fates & Ruin🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thank you Alaya Wells and Net Galley for the ARC!
Deadly trials. Dragons. Animal companions. Slow burn romance. Overall this read was really fun. The tension and the banter through out between our MFC (Isi) and the MMC (Trew) kept me laughing through the whole thing. They did have an insta-love connection going on which was a bit hard to dive into but honestly the chemistry was so strong it ultimately didn’t matter.
Of Fates & Ruin has strong world building, a killer found family, and enough tension to fill the Grand Canyon. Will definitely be back for the next one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thank you Alaya Wells and Net Galley for the ARC!
Deadly trials. Dragons. Animal companions. Slow burn romance. Overall this read was really fun. The tension and the banter through out between our MFC (Isi) and the MMC (Trew) kept me laughing through the whole thing. They did have an insta-love connection going on which was a bit hard to dive into but honestly the chemistry was so strong it ultimately didn’t matter.
Of Fates & Ruin has strong world building, a killer found family, and enough tension to fill the Grand Canyon. Will definitely be back for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC copy review:
I am a huge fan of fated mates and don't get my started on the amount of pages. I was a little worried about finishing it on time due to work and the release date, But it was so worth it!
Fantastic read, highly recommend!
I am a huge fan of fated mates and don't get my started on the amount of pages. I was a little worried about finishing it on time due to work and the release date, But it was so worth it!
Fantastic read, highly recommend!
January 21, 2026
✨Of Fates and Ruin✨
I ALWAYS love me a book by Alaya. She never fails to make me swoon, giggle, feel seen, and take care of my heart.
We begin a new series in a new world from Alaya, following a dual 3rd person POV. And y’all… she once again brings us an MMC TO KEEP FOREVER. Initially, we follow our FMC, Amarissa (or Isi), a princess forced to help purge those with magic from her kingdom. But when she encounters a mysterious man, the body of her murdered sister, and the disappearance of a large group of children, Isi decides to covertly travel to the rebel kingdom next door and find answers for herself. Here she meets our MMC, Trew, a set of deadly trials, a found family, and mysterious clues regarding her sister. Not to mention, magic training, animal bonding, and a king who cannot keep his eyes off her.
Trew is set from the beginning that Isi is his endgame, but she will not give in without fight. There is some insta-attraction (that we find out clues later), but not insta-lust. No, it’s a banter, yearning, and tension-filled push and pull between these two that has you turning pages, devouring to get to where they’re together again. Trew is on FIRE for Isi and I loved his single minded focus. But that ending, Alaya! Our reveals are just scratching the surface and I’m sold to know what’s truly going on here!
Tropes you may find in OFAR are deadly trials, forced proximity, bonded familiars, a cinnamon roll simp MMC, magic, dragons, mystery, “tell me to stop”, found family, banter, slow burn to medium spice, he falls first and so hard, hidden identities, “good girl”, 🔥 the world for her, touch her and ☠️, forbidden love, “mine”, “I’ve got you”, and a cliffhanger.
Alaya, it’s been such a joy to be an arc reader for you since the Kingdom of Bitter Magic series. Always so grateful to read your work. And thank you to Netgalley for this gifted arc as well!
I ALWAYS love me a book by Alaya. She never fails to make me swoon, giggle, feel seen, and take care of my heart.
We begin a new series in a new world from Alaya, following a dual 3rd person POV. And y’all… she once again brings us an MMC TO KEEP FOREVER. Initially, we follow our FMC, Amarissa (or Isi), a princess forced to help purge those with magic from her kingdom. But when she encounters a mysterious man, the body of her murdered sister, and the disappearance of a large group of children, Isi decides to covertly travel to the rebel kingdom next door and find answers for herself. Here she meets our MMC, Trew, a set of deadly trials, a found family, and mysterious clues regarding her sister. Not to mention, magic training, animal bonding, and a king who cannot keep his eyes off her.
Trew is set from the beginning that Isi is his endgame, but she will not give in without fight. There is some insta-attraction (that we find out clues later), but not insta-lust. No, it’s a banter, yearning, and tension-filled push and pull between these two that has you turning pages, devouring to get to where they’re together again. Trew is on FIRE for Isi and I loved his single minded focus. But that ending, Alaya! Our reveals are just scratching the surface and I’m sold to know what’s truly going on here!
Tropes you may find in OFAR are deadly trials, forced proximity, bonded familiars, a cinnamon roll simp MMC, magic, dragons, mystery, “tell me to stop”, found family, banter, slow burn to medium spice, he falls first and so hard, hidden identities, “good girl”, 🔥 the world for her, touch her and ☠️, forbidden love, “mine”, “I’ve got you”, and a cliffhanger.
Alaya, it’s been such a joy to be an arc reader for you since the Kingdom of Bitter Magic series. Always so grateful to read your work. And thank you to Netgalley for this gifted arc as well!
Currently reading
January 22, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and Alaya Wells for providing an ARC copy.
January 24, 2026
Some parts were really good and others fell a bit short for me. The trials and bonding was interesting. A few terms were used over and over again which threw me off. The romance aspect of the story seemed too much to quick. I am interested in finding out what happens in the second book.
February 5, 2026
ARC Review
Strong MFC who knows who she is ✔️
Epic revenge story ✔️
Games and trials ✔️
Found family ✔️
Beast bonding ✔️
Slow burn romance ✔️
Loving MMC ✔️
Devastating character development ✔️
Emotionally gripping story ✔️
In the amazing romantasy we follow two POV’s
Isi- a lady of mercy who is struggling with her royal background and duty as a princess. She is conflicted about how her father handles magic in their kingdom seeing it as a curse that needs to be purged from the land. She is tasked with snuffing out the magic with her deadly poison though she does seek to save as many people as she can. When a night of fun turns into her worst nightmare she sets off on a mission to find who has wronged her and seek out revenge for her kingdom. She sneaks into the enemy territory as a young recruit for their magical army. This is where she endures the rite of bonding, a hellish challenge designed to break a person down before building them anew. Here she meets Trew the king of this land. An instant connection blossoms between them though neither wishes to embrace this side.
Trew- the king of the enemy territory who is struggling with the demolishing of his land. A new enemy is working its way into his world destroying towns and villages leaving nothing but death and decay in its place. The land is left brown and brittle and growing each day. Trew is in charge of setting up the rite of bonds to seek out new battle ready men and women to help defend the land. When he meets Isi the connection devastates him and he knows that while he is balancing being a leader to his people he must also protect this women at all costs.
This story has such amazing character growth that you feel truly connected to everybody and want the best for them. But keep your heart shielded because this story will tear the rug from beneath you and kill some people who you expect to survive at the end. This allows you to always be at the edge of your seat while reading never knowing for sure if someone you love will make it out alive.
Emotional and brutal this also has some of the best romance around. The characters seem to really fall in love instead of it just being fire from the start we get a slow dance that makes you want more. The connection feels real and Trew isn’t afraid to show how he feels and trusts in her ability to handle herself in any situation and let’s face it we all love a strong confidant non toxic king don’t we.
This book was long over 600 pages but it doesn’t feel long in fact it feels like I only read for a short while before it was over. Nothing drawn out or placed just to fill a void, everything purposeful and descriptive creating a vivid world that you can melt into.
When this book ended I was stratified and emotionally raw I can not recommend this enough to anyone. I will be buying the physical book when it comes out and I will be broken until book two comes out.
If you love romantasy and a non toxic love story that will make you burn to the core then please please read this.
Thank you to Alaya Wells for allowing me the chance to read this before its release. It was my pleasure to be thrown into this world I truly can not wait to read more.
Strong MFC who knows who she is ✔️
Epic revenge story ✔️
Games and trials ✔️
Found family ✔️
Beast bonding ✔️
Slow burn romance ✔️
Loving MMC ✔️
Devastating character development ✔️
Emotionally gripping story ✔️
In the amazing romantasy we follow two POV’s
Isi- a lady of mercy who is struggling with her royal background and duty as a princess. She is conflicted about how her father handles magic in their kingdom seeing it as a curse that needs to be purged from the land. She is tasked with snuffing out the magic with her deadly poison though she does seek to save as many people as she can. When a night of fun turns into her worst nightmare she sets off on a mission to find who has wronged her and seek out revenge for her kingdom. She sneaks into the enemy territory as a young recruit for their magical army. This is where she endures the rite of bonding, a hellish challenge designed to break a person down before building them anew. Here she meets Trew the king of this land. An instant connection blossoms between them though neither wishes to embrace this side.
Trew- the king of the enemy territory who is struggling with the demolishing of his land. A new enemy is working its way into his world destroying towns and villages leaving nothing but death and decay in its place. The land is left brown and brittle and growing each day. Trew is in charge of setting up the rite of bonds to seek out new battle ready men and women to help defend the land. When he meets Isi the connection devastates him and he knows that while he is balancing being a leader to his people he must also protect this women at all costs.
This story has such amazing character growth that you feel truly connected to everybody and want the best for them. But keep your heart shielded because this story will tear the rug from beneath you and kill some people who you expect to survive at the end. This allows you to always be at the edge of your seat while reading never knowing for sure if someone you love will make it out alive.
Emotional and brutal this also has some of the best romance around. The characters seem to really fall in love instead of it just being fire from the start we get a slow dance that makes you want more. The connection feels real and Trew isn’t afraid to show how he feels and trusts in her ability to handle herself in any situation and let’s face it we all love a strong confidant non toxic king don’t we.
This book was long over 600 pages but it doesn’t feel long in fact it feels like I only read for a short while before it was over. Nothing drawn out or placed just to fill a void, everything purposeful and descriptive creating a vivid world that you can melt into.
When this book ended I was stratified and emotionally raw I can not recommend this enough to anyone. I will be buying the physical book when it comes out and I will be broken until book two comes out.
If you love romantasy and a non toxic love story that will make you burn to the core then please please read this.
Thank you to Alaya Wells for allowing me the chance to read this before its release. It was my pleasure to be thrown into this world I truly can not wait to read more.
January 28, 2026
5⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you NetGalley and the author for an e-arc of this book! Been a big fan of Alaya’s series and was excited to dive into her new world!
Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing in this thrilling introduction to a world where magic is forbidden and a death sentence, even if considered a merciful one. Princess Amarissa dons her mask of mercy when ceremonies are performed for those discovered with magic. Believed that those with powers will go insane, they sacrifice by drinking poisoned wine, sometimes delivered to Amarissa herself. But this Princess and heir to the throne has her own secret to hide, and when her younger sister turns up murdered, she decides to take vengeance herself.
Going by Isi, she infiltrates the swamped kingdom she believes murdered her sister, only to find not only a landscape she didn’t expect but something more…people with magic. Magic used in their every day lives. Thrust into their bonding trials, she knows she must survive if she hopes to find any info on who killed her sister.
These trials won’t be easy though. The beasts won’t let just anyone bond, and Isi is thrown into a leadership role amongst her small group of new “allies”. But it’s hard to keep secrets when she’s under the critical eye of their King, Trewyn, an enigma of a man Isi can’t keep her eyes off of, nor he. Everything she’s been told about this kingdom and magic overall seems to be unraveling and Isi must decide if revenge is worth a new life of freedom.
I couldn’t put this one down! I love Alaya’s writing and the TENSION and YEARNING she puts in her book. The romance is more of an insta-connection yes, but it’s still slooooow burn and swoon worthy. It builds and builds and when the spice finally spices? 🥵 chemistry off the page.
This book does end on a cliffhanger, which after reading 7 of Alaya’s books by now, does not surprise me one bit 😂 I can’t wait for book 2!!
2🌶️
Thank you NetGalley and the author for an e-arc of this book! Been a big fan of Alaya’s series and was excited to dive into her new world!
Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing in this thrilling introduction to a world where magic is forbidden and a death sentence, even if considered a merciful one. Princess Amarissa dons her mask of mercy when ceremonies are performed for those discovered with magic. Believed that those with powers will go insane, they sacrifice by drinking poisoned wine, sometimes delivered to Amarissa herself. But this Princess and heir to the throne has her own secret to hide, and when her younger sister turns up murdered, she decides to take vengeance herself.
Going by Isi, she infiltrates the swamped kingdom she believes murdered her sister, only to find not only a landscape she didn’t expect but something more…people with magic. Magic used in their every day lives. Thrust into their bonding trials, she knows she must survive if she hopes to find any info on who killed her sister.
These trials won’t be easy though. The beasts won’t let just anyone bond, and Isi is thrown into a leadership role amongst her small group of new “allies”. But it’s hard to keep secrets when she’s under the critical eye of their King, Trewyn, an enigma of a man Isi can’t keep her eyes off of, nor he. Everything she’s been told about this kingdom and magic overall seems to be unraveling and Isi must decide if revenge is worth a new life of freedom.
I couldn’t put this one down! I love Alaya’s writing and the TENSION and YEARNING she puts in her book. The romance is more of an insta-connection yes, but it’s still slooooow burn and swoon worthy. It builds and builds and when the spice finally spices? 🥵 chemistry off the page.
This book does end on a cliffhanger, which after reading 7 of Alaya’s books by now, does not surprise me one bit 😂 I can’t wait for book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'Soon, they’d dress me like a doll for my court’s pageant of death and call it mercy'
'I worried I'd take the mask off and find nothing beneath'
Magic is forbidden, magic is a curse, magic will send you mad. That's what the kingdom is taught, except Amarissa doesn't believe that. For years she has had to hide behind a mask while assisting to eradicate the people of your kingdom who are found to have magic, all in the name of 'mercy'. Until one evening her heart is ripped in half and she sets out on a journey to find the rebels who caused it and bring about justice.
With deadly trials, hidden identities and finding oneself, Of Fates and Ruins is the exciting first book in the Kingdom of Shattered Vows series by Alaya Wells. The story provides a good balance of the romance between the FMC/MMC and the character development, narrative progression resulting in an enjoyable story and a twist ending that has left me looking forward to the next in the series.
Favourite quotes:
✨️ She was violence made beautiful, death wrapped in silk and starlight.
✨️ She could kill me in ten different ways, and I’d thank her for every one.
✨️ “I wasn’t afraid of dying out there. I was afraid of not getting back here to you.”
✨️ This was a goodbye. It was an I will find you in the next life. A prayer and a curse and the most honest thing I’d ever felt.
✨️ “You don’t order me to leave. You don’t command me to survive. If you fall, I will fall with you.”
Vibes:
✨️ hidden identity
✨️ bonded familiars
✨️ touch her and die
✨️ found family
Trigger warnings:
✨️ blood
✨️ violence
✨️ death
✨️ grief
✨️ attacking creatures
✨️ Open door spice
'I worried I'd take the mask off and find nothing beneath'
Magic is forbidden, magic is a curse, magic will send you mad. That's what the kingdom is taught, except Amarissa doesn't believe that. For years she has had to hide behind a mask while assisting to eradicate the people of your kingdom who are found to have magic, all in the name of 'mercy'. Until one evening her heart is ripped in half and she sets out on a journey to find the rebels who caused it and bring about justice.
With deadly trials, hidden identities and finding oneself, Of Fates and Ruins is the exciting first book in the Kingdom of Shattered Vows series by Alaya Wells. The story provides a good balance of the romance between the FMC/MMC and the character development, narrative progression resulting in an enjoyable story and a twist ending that has left me looking forward to the next in the series.
Favourite quotes:
✨️ She was violence made beautiful, death wrapped in silk and starlight.
✨️ She could kill me in ten different ways, and I’d thank her for every one.
✨️ “I wasn’t afraid of dying out there. I was afraid of not getting back here to you.”
✨️ This was a goodbye. It was an I will find you in the next life. A prayer and a curse and the most honest thing I’d ever felt.
✨️ “You don’t order me to leave. You don’t command me to survive. If you fall, I will fall with you.”
Vibes:
✨️ hidden identity
✨️ bonded familiars
✨️ touch her and die
✨️ found family
Trigger warnings:
✨️ blood
✨️ violence
✨️ death
✨️ grief
✨️ attacking creatures
✨️ Open door spice
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wanted to love The Book of Fates and Ruin by Alaya Wells. The premise had so much potential, revenge, political tension, magical trials, but the execution left me more confused than invested.
The biggest derailment for me was the sudden shift into what felt like a half-formed Hunger Games arc. We go from a revenge-driven political storyline to an insane survival trial where contestants are thrown into the jungle to die completely unprepared. The trial is supposedly designed to weed out those too weak to bond with magical creatures, but how does chaotic slaughter accomplish that? It feels less like a meaningful rite of passage and more like shock value.
Some core examples of how messy this is started in the very beginning of the book:
"While every lord in this ballroom looked at me and saw a crown, he’d looked at me and seen a woman, one worth challenging. Worth condemning. Worth risking his life to confront."
A random man said one sentance to her. Why is she obsessed with someone she doesn't even know and acting like he cares about her when his comment was about their garbage ritual in her kingdom.
"His gaze lingered on my face, studying my features with an intensity that made my blood turn to ice. Something shifted in his expression, recognition flickering like a candle flame, there and gone."
Chapter 5 she arrives at the new kingdom and we're under the impression he recognizes her. BUT WAIT.
"If Trew recognized me from the Day of Mercy, I’d be dead or in chains. Yet I still felt like prey being watched by a patient hunter."
Chapter 6, so he doesn't recognize her????? THIS IS THE STUFF IM TALKING ABOUT.
Touch her and die.
and my personal favorite. I want "touch her and die VIBES. Trew saying it to himself while watching her?? CRINGE.
By the end, I wasn’t just frustrated I was confused about the core purpose of the story. Is this about avenging her sister? Political intrigue? A deadly magical trial? A forbidden romance? It tries to be all of them but doesn’t fully commit to any, and that lack of narrative focus made it hard to stay emotionally invested.
I truly wanted to love this. The bones of something great are there. But between inconsistent character motivations, muddled tension, and a plot that swerves without grounding, it just didn’t come together for me.
The biggest derailment for me was the sudden shift into what felt like a half-formed Hunger Games arc. We go from a revenge-driven political storyline to an insane survival trial where contestants are thrown into the jungle to die completely unprepared. The trial is supposedly designed to weed out those too weak to bond with magical creatures, but how does chaotic slaughter accomplish that? It feels less like a meaningful rite of passage and more like shock value.
Some core examples of how messy this is started in the very beginning of the book:
"While every lord in this ballroom looked at me and saw a crown, he’d looked at me and seen a woman, one worth challenging. Worth condemning. Worth risking his life to confront."
A random man said one sentance to her. Why is she obsessed with someone she doesn't even know and acting like he cares about her when his comment was about their garbage ritual in her kingdom.
"His gaze lingered on my face, studying my features with an intensity that made my blood turn to ice. Something shifted in his expression, recognition flickering like a candle flame, there and gone."
Chapter 5 she arrives at the new kingdom and we're under the impression he recognizes her. BUT WAIT.
"If Trew recognized me from the Day of Mercy, I’d be dead or in chains. Yet I still felt like prey being watched by a patient hunter."
Chapter 6, so he doesn't recognize her????? THIS IS THE STUFF IM TALKING ABOUT.
Touch her and die.
and my personal favorite. I want "touch her and die VIBES. Trew saying it to himself while watching her?? CRINGE.
By the end, I wasn’t just frustrated I was confused about the core purpose of the story. Is this about avenging her sister? Political intrigue? A deadly magical trial? A forbidden romance? It tries to be all of them but doesn’t fully commit to any, and that lack of narrative focus made it hard to stay emotionally invested.
I truly wanted to love this. The bones of something great are there. But between inconsistent character motivations, muddled tension, and a plot that swerves without grounding, it just didn’t come together for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Alaya Wells, Netgalley and Victory Editing for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"True courage was feeling the fear and acting anyway. Today, I chose courage."
The first few chapters easily drew me into the story and got me hooked! It starts off pretty fast-paced with a lot of things happening. For me, it was a great start, but I did notice myself wanting a little bit more background information on the different courts and the world itself.
The pace did slow down a bit after the first 30-40% or so, letting me get to know the characters and the world a bit better.
The FMC Isi and the MMC Trew have an instant attraction towards each other, eventhough they are suppose to be enemies. It might be a slow-burn when it comes down to the level of spice, but their chemistry is definitely not slow-burn. It felt a bit unreal how instantly obsessed they were with each other, but several hints make me think they are just fated soulmates.
Both Isi and Trew were easy to love, mainly because they care about others.
Some of the other characters really charmed me as well. As an animal friend, I loved the bonded beasts of course. Would love to get to know more about them. Isi's new found friends are just the cutest and really add to Isi's character.
There are many secrets in this book, some of which you know all about, some of which are a mystery you want to know more about. It made me want to keep on reading... and still does haha. I need book 2!
I wouldn't be surprised if this book becomes quite popular! I would recommend reading it if you are into multiple POV, magic, mysterious enemies, politics in court, adventure, dangerous challenges and a "she can save herself and she is deadly but don't you dare touch her" MMC.
'Of Fates and Ruin' comes out on March 1st!
"True courage was feeling the fear and acting anyway. Today, I chose courage."
The first few chapters easily drew me into the story and got me hooked! It starts off pretty fast-paced with a lot of things happening. For me, it was a great start, but I did notice myself wanting a little bit more background information on the different courts and the world itself.
The pace did slow down a bit after the first 30-40% or so, letting me get to know the characters and the world a bit better.
The FMC Isi and the MMC Trew have an instant attraction towards each other, eventhough they are suppose to be enemies. It might be a slow-burn when it comes down to the level of spice, but their chemistry is definitely not slow-burn. It felt a bit unreal how instantly obsessed they were with each other, but several hints make me think they are just fated soulmates.
Both Isi and Trew were easy to love, mainly because they care about others.
Some of the other characters really charmed me as well. As an animal friend, I loved the bonded beasts of course. Would love to get to know more about them. Isi's new found friends are just the cutest and really add to Isi's character.
There are many secrets in this book, some of which you know all about, some of which are a mystery you want to know more about. It made me want to keep on reading... and still does haha. I need book 2!
I wouldn't be surprised if this book becomes quite popular! I would recommend reading it if you are into multiple POV, magic, mysterious enemies, politics in court, adventure, dangerous challenges and a "she can save herself and she is deadly but don't you dare touch her" MMC.
'Of Fates and Ruin' comes out on March 1st!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 ✨️
Of Fates and Ruin is a romantasy story that, while intriguing in premise, still has some growing up to do.
Not gonna lie, this book took me a while to actually get invested in. The story started off okay, sort of introducing the readers to the world and the two main characters, but it dragged until Isi headed off to infiltrate the enemy kingdom, ruled by Trew. That's when my attention finally focused on the story; however, it seemed as though the entirety of the character had now changed in doing so, not to mention the jump from her sister's murder to being on her journey was quite abrupt.
The story blurb calls this book an enemies-to-lovers tale, yet it felt far more like insta-attraction/love than that. Yes, there was yearning on both sides, trying to deny their feelings, but definitely no enemy vibes aside from Isi constantly reminding herself he was a rival king and possibly her sister's murderer. I wanted to feel more ire and tension. Additionally, I feel that a lot was left unexplained; how the magic system truly works (aside from the beast bonding), the history between the kingdoms, a bit more of the court politics, etc.
However, once the story got going, I began to enjoy it for what it did offer: a princess doing what she thought she needed to do to avenge her sister and her kingdom, finding new friends along the way as she begins to realize what she knows and what is truth may not actually be the same.
The Rite and the bonding were quite enjoyable, and the way the author uses descriptive language drew me in and made me feel the moment much more deeply. Once the relationship between Isi and Trew actually took off, I began to enjoy them as a couple far more. The banter proved to be cute, though I wouldn't have minded a bit more bite to it all. I didn't see the twist coming, though in hindsight, I should have, and that makes me eager to see what happens in the sequel.
All in all, it was an intriguing story idea that I enjoyed reading, though the book could use another round of editing if it hasn't been since I received my copy, as there did have more punctuation and grammatical issues as the book continued. This is absolutely the type of story I want to explore, and look forward to the next in the series.
And.. I really wouldn't mind having a Pherin of my own.
Thank you to Alaya Wells and Netgalley for the ARC copy; none of this influenced my review.
Of Fates and Ruin is a romantasy story that, while intriguing in premise, still has some growing up to do.
Not gonna lie, this book took me a while to actually get invested in. The story started off okay, sort of introducing the readers to the world and the two main characters, but it dragged until Isi headed off to infiltrate the enemy kingdom, ruled by Trew. That's when my attention finally focused on the story; however, it seemed as though the entirety of the character had now changed in doing so, not to mention the jump from her sister's murder to being on her journey was quite abrupt.
The story blurb calls this book an enemies-to-lovers tale, yet it felt far more like insta-attraction/love than that. Yes, there was yearning on both sides, trying to deny their feelings, but definitely no enemy vibes aside from Isi constantly reminding herself he was a rival king and possibly her sister's murderer. I wanted to feel more ire and tension. Additionally, I feel that a lot was left unexplained; how the magic system truly works (aside from the beast bonding), the history between the kingdoms, a bit more of the court politics, etc.
However, once the story got going, I began to enjoy it for what it did offer: a princess doing what she thought she needed to do to avenge her sister and her kingdom, finding new friends along the way as she begins to realize what she knows and what is truth may not actually be the same.
The Rite and the bonding were quite enjoyable, and the way the author uses descriptive language drew me in and made me feel the moment much more deeply. Once the relationship between Isi and Trew actually took off, I began to enjoy them as a couple far more. The banter proved to be cute, though I wouldn't have minded a bit more bite to it all. I didn't see the twist coming, though in hindsight, I should have, and that makes me eager to see what happens in the sequel.
All in all, it was an intriguing story idea that I enjoyed reading, though the book could use another round of editing if it hasn't been since I received my copy, as there did have more punctuation and grammatical issues as the book continued. This is absolutely the type of story I want to explore, and look forward to the next in the series.
And.. I really wouldn't mind having a Pherin of my own.
Thank you to Alaya Wells and Netgalley for the ARC copy; none of this influenced my review.
February 8, 2026
This is a 4.5 star read.
I read this book as an ARC reader and firstly wanted to thank the author for letting me into this amazing world.
I went into Of Fates & Ruin expecting a solid fae romantasy with enemies-to-lovers vibes, but this book absolutely devoured me from the first chapter and refused to let go. If you mashed The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and Quicksilver into one dangerously romantic package, this is it. It will have you laughing, crying and urning for more.
The story follows Isi, a fierce, tall, badass FMC with a hidden identity and a burning need for revenge. She infiltrates a rival fae court disguised as a recruit, only to accidentally stab their golden-eyed king, who turns out to be the brooding, touch-her-and-die MMC named Trew. From there, it’s a rollercoaster of brutal magical trials, court intrigue, beast bonding (dragons and other magical creatures steal scenes), found family dynamics, and the slowest, most torturous slow-burn romance that had me screaming at my Kindle.
What stands out most:
• The tension and yearning between Isi and Trew is chef’s kiss. The banter is sharp and witty, the emotional depth feels real and relatable, and the way their relationship builds, layer by layer, with grief, trust issues, and high stakes, had me completely invested. It’s enemies-to-lovers done right: meaningful, steamy when it finally hits, and never rushed.
• World-building and action shine in the deadly trials and beast-bonding elements. These parts are exhilarating, with high stakes that keep you turning pages. The darkness adds mystery without going overboard, and the found family vibes make you care deeply about every side character.
• Characters feel vibrant and three-dimensional. Isi is a badass heroine who doesn’t take anyone’s crap, (and is also mid 20s) Trew is the perfect mix of golden-retriever energy hiding alpha protectiveness, and the supporting cast (including some swoon-worthy bonded pairs) makes you desperate for book two. I was emotionally wrecked by the end, grief, betrayal, and that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal.
A couple minor notes from my read: It starts a tad slower as it sets up the world and disguise plot, but once the trials kick in and the romance ignites, it never lets up. The page count might intimidate, but it flies by. Apart from the main courts the rest of the world building lacks slightly with little to no description of the entire realm.
Overall, this is one of those books where you finish and immediately need the sequel because you’re not ready to leave these characters. Perfect for fans of high-stakes romantasy with strong FMCs, feral tension, emotional torment, and just the right amount of spice.
Alaya Wells has another hit on her hands—I’m already counting down to book two. Highly recommend!
I read this book as an ARC reader and firstly wanted to thank the author for letting me into this amazing world.
I went into Of Fates & Ruin expecting a solid fae romantasy with enemies-to-lovers vibes, but this book absolutely devoured me from the first chapter and refused to let go. If you mashed The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and Quicksilver into one dangerously romantic package, this is it. It will have you laughing, crying and urning for more.
The story follows Isi, a fierce, tall, badass FMC with a hidden identity and a burning need for revenge. She infiltrates a rival fae court disguised as a recruit, only to accidentally stab their golden-eyed king, who turns out to be the brooding, touch-her-and-die MMC named Trew. From there, it’s a rollercoaster of brutal magical trials, court intrigue, beast bonding (dragons and other magical creatures steal scenes), found family dynamics, and the slowest, most torturous slow-burn romance that had me screaming at my Kindle.
What stands out most:
• The tension and yearning between Isi and Trew is chef’s kiss. The banter is sharp and witty, the emotional depth feels real and relatable, and the way their relationship builds, layer by layer, with grief, trust issues, and high stakes, had me completely invested. It’s enemies-to-lovers done right: meaningful, steamy when it finally hits, and never rushed.
• World-building and action shine in the deadly trials and beast-bonding elements. These parts are exhilarating, with high stakes that keep you turning pages. The darkness adds mystery without going overboard, and the found family vibes make you care deeply about every side character.
• Characters feel vibrant and three-dimensional. Isi is a badass heroine who doesn’t take anyone’s crap, (and is also mid 20s) Trew is the perfect mix of golden-retriever energy hiding alpha protectiveness, and the supporting cast (including some swoon-worthy bonded pairs) makes you desperate for book two. I was emotionally wrecked by the end, grief, betrayal, and that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal.
A couple minor notes from my read: It starts a tad slower as it sets up the world and disguise plot, but once the trials kick in and the romance ignites, it never lets up. The page count might intimidate, but it flies by. Apart from the main courts the rest of the world building lacks slightly with little to no description of the entire realm.
Overall, this is one of those books where you finish and immediately need the sequel because you’re not ready to leave these characters. Perfect for fans of high-stakes romantasy with strong FMCs, feral tension, emotional torment, and just the right amount of spice.
Alaya Wells has another hit on her hands—I’m already counting down to book two. Highly recommend!
February 3, 2026
I’ve waited a couple of days were my review so I could think it out. There are spoilers ahead.
*I am not a writer and it takes so much to write a story and put it out there. I love any new world someone has dreamed of and brought to life.
Thank you so much to the Author and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being an ARC reader.
I gave this book 3 stars, I wish Goodreads had more options, it’s more of a 2.75 stars. I felt like I needed to give my honest review. Here are my bullet points.
Things I liked:
* I liked the trials, and I really like the idea of the bonded animals. Maybe this will get explored more in the next book? Maybe there is some relationship between the fact that they come from a separate realm and also the skathes come from a separate realm?
* The found family friends. I liked the side characters.
Things I do not like:
*It was insta-love. I am all for a feeling between two characters, that they feel this tug. However, with this being book one in a series, there should have been more mystery behind those feelings, as well as less talk from the two main characters about how intense this feeling was. In particular, Trew. The way he so quickly went from being a man who has guarded his heart for years in order to not have this weakness to what seemed like instantly wanted to burn the world for this female made no sense.
Also, the over the pants stuff and description of Trew finishing in his pants and tub was cringey.
I found myself scanning pages where they were declaring their feelings to the reader.
* I did not feel like the female main character, Isi, evolved in a way that made sense. We meet her as this weaker woman who is being forced to essentially kill her people. It reminded me a lot of the character poppy from blood in Ash. Suddenly, she is more outspoken and is able to go toe to toe banter wise with the king of this rival court, who we are made to believe every other court is afraid of and stays away from. I think, if there was more explanation in the beginning of her relationship with the guard who trained her and taught her how to fight it would have made more sense.
Also, she somehow was able to get all these soldiers to defy their kings orders and go to battle even though no one knows her ? And take dragons even though they have not ridden them before ? And shouldn’t they not trust her since she is from a rival court. Red flags.
* The sister. It made sense that she went to avenge her sister. But I feel like the story would’ve flowed better if the sister’s presence at this court and the evolution of how she was, there was paced out more. After Isi becomes a bonded, I feel like she randomly finds this stone in her room, and it just so happens to be her sisters, and it seemed very unbelievable that she would have found that stone and also that the sister would’ve stayed in the same room as her.
* The character of Kira. Was she just there to cause feelings between Trew and Isi? I get that she is this person who clearly was hoping to have some sort of relationship with Trew, but I think that it would’ve been a more believable evolution of her character if maybe her and Isi were able to become unlikely allies, may even get friendly?
*The ending. I’m sorry. But we spent hundreds of pages hearing about how these two are never gonna give up on each other and now she’s deciding to not tell him about what she has learned about her sister, but she also leaves. To me. That made no sense. After their declaration on the battle field, basically giving the feeling of love mg each other and no lies…. To leaving.
*Finally: I saw all the “twists” coming.
*I am not a writer and it takes so much to write a story and put it out there. I love any new world someone has dreamed of and brought to life.
Thank you so much to the Author and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being an ARC reader.
I gave this book 3 stars, I wish Goodreads had more options, it’s more of a 2.75 stars. I felt like I needed to give my honest review. Here are my bullet points.
Things I liked:
* I liked the trials, and I really like the idea of the bonded animals. Maybe this will get explored more in the next book? Maybe there is some relationship between the fact that they come from a separate realm and also the skathes come from a separate realm?
* The found family friends. I liked the side characters.
Things I do not like:
*It was insta-love. I am all for a feeling between two characters, that they feel this tug. However, with this being book one in a series, there should have been more mystery behind those feelings, as well as less talk from the two main characters about how intense this feeling was. In particular, Trew. The way he so quickly went from being a man who has guarded his heart for years in order to not have this weakness to what seemed like instantly wanted to burn the world for this female made no sense.
Also, the over the pants stuff and description of Trew finishing in his pants and tub was cringey.
I found myself scanning pages where they were declaring their feelings to the reader.
* I did not feel like the female main character, Isi, evolved in a way that made sense. We meet her as this weaker woman who is being forced to essentially kill her people. It reminded me a lot of the character poppy from blood in Ash. Suddenly, she is more outspoken and is able to go toe to toe banter wise with the king of this rival court, who we are made to believe every other court is afraid of and stays away from. I think, if there was more explanation in the beginning of her relationship with the guard who trained her and taught her how to fight it would have made more sense.
Also, she somehow was able to get all these soldiers to defy their kings orders and go to battle even though no one knows her ? And take dragons even though they have not ridden them before ? And shouldn’t they not trust her since she is from a rival court. Red flags.
* The sister. It made sense that she went to avenge her sister. But I feel like the story would’ve flowed better if the sister’s presence at this court and the evolution of how she was, there was paced out more. After Isi becomes a bonded, I feel like she randomly finds this stone in her room, and it just so happens to be her sisters, and it seemed very unbelievable that she would have found that stone and also that the sister would’ve stayed in the same room as her.
* The character of Kira. Was she just there to cause feelings between Trew and Isi? I get that she is this person who clearly was hoping to have some sort of relationship with Trew, but I think that it would’ve been a more believable evolution of her character if maybe her and Isi were able to become unlikely allies, may even get friendly?
*The ending. I’m sorry. But we spent hundreds of pages hearing about how these two are never gonna give up on each other and now she’s deciding to not tell him about what she has learned about her sister, but she also leaves. To me. That made no sense. After their declaration on the battle field, basically giving the feeling of love mg each other and no lies…. To leaving.
*Finally: I saw all the “twists” coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
This book completely and absolutely consumed me! I couldn’t stop thinking about it or talking about it. The fierce heroine is unforgettable, but the prince? Absolutely lethal in the best way. His protective, “touch her and you die” energy had me swooning from their first glance, and while the spice is subtle, when it hits, it hits leaving me gasping and kicking my feet. Between the gripping magical trials, the beautifully detailed creature bonds, and the powerful friendships, every page feels alive. At nearly 700 pages and releasing in March 2026 as book one of a series, it’s a commitment but trust me, it will live rent-free in your head and have you desperate for more. If you love a powerful man who isn’t afraid to fall to his knees for his woman, this one’s for you. I need more!
Read
January 30, 2026Forbidden magic. Shadow Daddy. And deadly trials.
5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
from the pages of the library | Pillowfort | Bookbub | LibraryThing | The Story Graph | livejournal | Litsy | Booksprouts
5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
from the pages of the library | Pillowfort | Bookbub | LibraryThing | The Story Graph | livejournal | Litsy | Booksprouts
February 28, 2026
4.25⭐️ If Fourth Wing and Hunger Games had a baby this would be it. I think the plot was really well done for having elements of games/trials and the different mythical creatures being bonded to recruits. It felt like the storyline zoomed by too fast and this could have easily been 200 pages longer. I loved how it ended in the cliffhanger- I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!
Thank you NerdFam for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
Thank you NerdFam for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
March 3, 2026
A very good romantasy with a splendid world building and character development!
Also the bonding between the characters is very well captured. The romance isn’t really slow but feels as a red thread through the book.
I’m very curious for the next installment in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Also the bonding between the characters is very well captured. The romance isn’t really slow but feels as a red thread through the book.
I’m very curious for the next installment in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️s
LOVED! Cannot wait for the next book! Fell in love with the MMC!
A mix of the Golden Compass and Fourth Wing.
LOVED! Cannot wait for the next book! Fell in love with the MMC!
A mix of the Golden Compass and Fourth Wing.
January 27, 2026
Thank you Alaya for letting me ARC read this!!
Of Fates and Ruin by Alaya Wells was a fast-paced, exciting ride that kept me turning pages and craving more. While the pacing was a bit quicker than what I’m usually drawn to, I still had a lot of fun with this one. (And honestly, I never thought I’d say I wished for a slower burn, but here we are.)
I would have loved a bit more character building and breathing room to really sink into the relationships and emotional beats. At times, things felt like they zoomed by so fast that I didn’t always get to fully savor what was happening. That said, the story was engaging, the stakes were high, and I genuinely wanted to know what would happen next.
The plot kept me hooked, the world has a lot of potential, and that ending left me staring at the page in shock. Overall, this was an exciting, entertaining read that sets up what I hope will be an even stronger continuation. And i also want art of the minxpip asap!!!!
Of Fates and Ruin by Alaya Wells was a fast-paced, exciting ride that kept me turning pages and craving more. While the pacing was a bit quicker than what I’m usually drawn to, I still had a lot of fun with this one. (And honestly, I never thought I’d say I wished for a slower burn, but here we are.)
I would have loved a bit more character building and breathing room to really sink into the relationships and emotional beats. At times, things felt like they zoomed by so fast that I didn’t always get to fully savor what was happening. That said, the story was engaging, the stakes were high, and I genuinely wanted to know what would happen next.
The plot kept me hooked, the world has a lot of potential, and that ending left me staring at the page in shock. Overall, this was an exciting, entertaining read that sets up what I hope will be an even stronger continuation. And i also want art of the minxpip asap!!!!
March 3, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author and her team, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this fantastic book. Reviewed on 02/02/26
Of Fates and Ruin, you little dark horse, absolutely loved this story and the characters. Isi at the start felt a mix of strong and weak, but she showed promise of being a force of nature, and it was very enjoyable to watch her character grow. She didn’t lay down and accept defeat; she stood straighter and braced her shoulders with defiance that said, “Bring it.” So many things had me questioning, shaking my Kindle like, “Are you serious?” Moments I felt cross and wishing it had happened so someone else *coughs*.
Omg, the trial was AMAZING!!! Never ever have I felt that way or pictured the descriptions. Had me lying awake trying to imagine how the author came up with that, had me wide-eyed and heart pounding.
I loved the world-building; it wasn’t heavy and it didn’t weigh the experience down. The magic system was refreshing and interesting. And I loved all the companions and that they weren’t always what they appear to be (looking at you, you sassy bundle of floof). “Even the smallest flames set the world on fire”
The found family was a chef’s kiss; I’m a sucker for found family and seeing relationships progress and grow stronger. The loyalty spoke to me so powerfully.
I was a little concerned the romance would move too quickly, but I found to enjoy the pace it was set at and ended up loving Trew so much.
I am very, very cross with the ending and will be frothing at the mouth waiting for the second book. I’m sure it will all work out in the end.
Can’t wait to see where this book goes. Another series to fall in love with! 10/10 for me for sure.
Of Fates and Ruin, you little dark horse, absolutely loved this story and the characters. Isi at the start felt a mix of strong and weak, but she showed promise of being a force of nature, and it was very enjoyable to watch her character grow. She didn’t lay down and accept defeat; she stood straighter and braced her shoulders with defiance that said, “Bring it.” So many things had me questioning, shaking my Kindle like, “Are you serious?” Moments I felt cross and wishing it had happened so someone else *coughs*.
Omg, the trial was AMAZING!!! Never ever have I felt that way or pictured the descriptions. Had me lying awake trying to imagine how the author came up with that, had me wide-eyed and heart pounding.
I loved the world-building; it wasn’t heavy and it didn’t weigh the experience down. The magic system was refreshing and interesting. And I loved all the companions and that they weren’t always what they appear to be (looking at you, you sassy bundle of floof). “Even the smallest flames set the world on fire”
The found family was a chef’s kiss; I’m a sucker for found family and seeing relationships progress and grow stronger. The loyalty spoke to me so powerfully.
I was a little concerned the romance would move too quickly, but I found to enjoy the pace it was set at and ended up loving Trew so much.
I am very, very cross with the ending and will be frothing at the mouth waiting for the second book. I’m sure it will all work out in the end.
Can’t wait to see where this book goes. Another series to fall in love with! 10/10 for me for sure.
March 1, 2026
Of Fates and Ruin by Alaya Wells is a spicy romantasy about a Isi, a princess that infiltrates a rival court to avenge her sister’s murder. Where she ends up stabbing the king, entering a deadly trial where she could bond with a creature that will amplify her magic, finding true friendship and loyalty, defeating a bigger threat to the kingdoms, and falling in love with the enemy… naturally.
This was a fun read. I did very much enjoy the plot, and the character development of everyone, including side characters. The relationships between most of the characters were very believable. The scenes that took place during the trials were heartbreaking and action packed. I also enjoyed the love story that developed between Isi and Trew.
I did struggle getting into the book. When the trials began is when I really became invested in the story. There’s quite a bit of exposition early on to explain Isi's role in this world. I suspect this might be marketed as an enemies-to-lovers story, and while technically true due to the political world building of the rival courts, it didn’t really give me that vibe in the story. If I hadn’t been told they were enemies, the relationship between Isi and Trew felt like acquaintances-to-friends-to-lovers. I wish there had been more consequences for Isi for both her role in her own court and what happens when she is in Trew’s. There are serious actions that she is an active participant in, and while she internalizes most of them and deals with them emotionally, there are not any real world repercussions for her. I feel like having consequences could have elevated the story and Isi’s arc.
Despite a few pacing issues, Of Fates and Ruin is a compelling read that I’d definitely recommend to fans of romantic fantasy.
Thank you to Alaya Wells and NetGalley for the eARC.
This was a fun read. I did very much enjoy the plot, and the character development of everyone, including side characters. The relationships between most of the characters were very believable. The scenes that took place during the trials were heartbreaking and action packed. I also enjoyed the love story that developed between Isi and Trew.
I did struggle getting into the book. When the trials began is when I really became invested in the story. There’s quite a bit of exposition early on to explain Isi's role in this world. I suspect this might be marketed as an enemies-to-lovers story, and while technically true due to the political world building of the rival courts, it didn’t really give me that vibe in the story. If I hadn’t been told they were enemies, the relationship between Isi and Trew felt like acquaintances-to-friends-to-lovers. I wish there had been more consequences for Isi for both her role in her own court and what happens when she is in Trew’s. There are serious actions that she is an active participant in, and while she internalizes most of them and deals with them emotionally, there are not any real world repercussions for her. I feel like having consequences could have elevated the story and Isi’s arc.
Despite a few pacing issues, Of Fates and Ruin is a compelling read that I’d definitely recommend to fans of romantic fantasy.
Thank you to Alaya Wells and NetGalley for the eARC.
March 5, 2026
I listened on audiobook while I read the ebook.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters and especially liked all of our FMCs friends that she made along the way.
Isi is a princess in a kingdom that doesn’t allow magic, in fact they sacrifice those with even a spark of it. Her mother (RIP) told her to hide it from her father the moment she realized she had power. Now she is the lady of “mercy” while those with discovered magic sip from the wine glass that means their end.
I totally understand her wanting to get revenge. Maybe it was just me but I felt from the beginning that all was not what it seemed. I think it is because her father is so evil and secretive. Now she has traveled to a kingdom that regularly does magic to discover who killed her sister. In order to do that she must go through their trials and gain a companion along the way.
King Trewyn (Trew) is a warrior king who protects his people from the front lines. He is fighting a war on multiple fronts. From the creatures trying to take over his lands to the kingdoms that want to stamp them out. He has trained and battled and brought more warriors into it with him. I liked him honestly. I liked the possessiveness and the fact that he couldn’t take his eyes off Isi. It was giving fated mates vibes.
Ok so the only thing I didn’t really vibe with is the speed with which all these relationships developed. The friendships that magically formed so fast and the relationship between Trew and Isi were all very immediate. She was there as a way to get revenge and yet she almost immediately became besties with quite a few people and the attraction and feeling with Trew seemed almost instant. I understand attraction but honestly it would have been better if they had fated mates in here and at least that would have explained the instant draw to each other.
Either way I really liked the story line. I am excited to start book two!
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters and especially liked all of our FMCs friends that she made along the way.
Isi is a princess in a kingdom that doesn’t allow magic, in fact they sacrifice those with even a spark of it. Her mother (RIP) told her to hide it from her father the moment she realized she had power. Now she is the lady of “mercy” while those with discovered magic sip from the wine glass that means their end.
I totally understand her wanting to get revenge. Maybe it was just me but I felt from the beginning that all was not what it seemed. I think it is because her father is so evil and secretive. Now she has traveled to a kingdom that regularly does magic to discover who killed her sister. In order to do that she must go through their trials and gain a companion along the way.
King Trewyn (Trew) is a warrior king who protects his people from the front lines. He is fighting a war on multiple fronts. From the creatures trying to take over his lands to the kingdoms that want to stamp them out. He has trained and battled and brought more warriors into it with him. I liked him honestly. I liked the possessiveness and the fact that he couldn’t take his eyes off Isi. It was giving fated mates vibes.
Ok so the only thing I didn’t really vibe with is the speed with which all these relationships developed. The friendships that magically formed so fast and the relationship between Trew and Isi were all very immediate. She was there as a way to get revenge and yet she almost immediately became besties with quite a few people and the attraction and feeling with Trew seemed almost instant. I understand attraction but honestly it would have been better if they had fated mates in here and at least that would have explained the instant draw to each other.
Either way I really liked the story line. I am excited to start book two!
February 9, 2026
This book consumed me, my thoughts and everyone I talked to I had to tell them about this book. I love the strong female character and even more the prince, the 🥵male character. Not only were they amazing in itself, but the side characters and the strong friendships behind it was even better. The prince with his touch her and d!e had me drooling from the very first moment they laid eyes on each other. If only everyone could have a man like him. The whole story is just captivating from the magical trials to the bonding of the magical creatures. I loved every bit of it in the details the author put behind each animal.
Even though the book isn’t a huge on the spicy side .. let me tell you when it does happen, it's good and the guy makes it worth your while had me gasping and giggling and kicking my feet every time he talks about her or touches her. Tree is all man and powerful and sexy maybe a new book man favorite 💋🥵
Now as this book is not to be released until March 2026, let me just say this is book one and wow I know a lot of people do not like to start a book without a finished series. I'm telling you this book will live rent free in your head and you will be begging for the second book to come out but it's so worth the read and the time that it takes it's no short book at almost 700 pages but I'm telling you it will have you gasping, grasping and giggling, kicking your feet wondering what's gonna happen next
If your looking for a book where the man begs in his knees then this book is for you 🖤
Thank you for this amazing Arc Author Alaya Wells
Even though the book isn’t a huge on the spicy side .. let me tell you when it does happen, it's good and the guy makes it worth your while had me gasping and giggling and kicking my feet every time he talks about her or touches her. Tree is all man and powerful and sexy maybe a new book man favorite 💋🥵
Now as this book is not to be released until March 2026, let me just say this is book one and wow I know a lot of people do not like to start a book without a finished series. I'm telling you this book will live rent free in your head and you will be begging for the second book to come out but it's so worth the read and the time that it takes it's no short book at almost 700 pages but I'm telling you it will have you gasping, grasping and giggling, kicking your feet wondering what's gonna happen next
If your looking for a book where the man begs in his knees then this book is for you 🖤
Thank you for this amazing Arc Author Alaya Wells
March 7, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Alaya Wells for sending me the ARC of Of Fates & Ruin!
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ | Released: March 1 Book 1 in the Kingdom of Shattered Vows Series
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Wow wow wow! I really enjoyed this book. The blurb compares it to Hunger Games and Fourth Wing, and honestly… it delivers.
The story follows Amarissa (Isi), heir to her kingdom and the Lady of Mercy. In her land, magic is forbidden. Those born with it are believed to eventually lose themselves to madness, and the Lady of Mercy performs a ceremony meant to give them a “peaceful” end. But Isi has always questioned the truth behind this tradition and she’s been quietly defying it in ways that could cost her everything.
When tragedy strikes close to home, Isi leaves the safety of her kingdom in search of answers. What she finds instead is an enemy realm with its own brutal system for dealing with magic: the Rite of Bonds, a deadly series of trials where magic-wielders must prove their strength, survive the impossible, and attempt to bond with a magical creature in order to serve in the kingdom’s military.
Thrown into a world she barely understands, Isi must survive the trials, navigate dangerous alliances, and keep her true identity hidden all while uncovering truths that could change everything she thought she knew.
This book has so many of my favorite tropes: found family, enemies to lovers, animal companions, a badass FMC, and a morally gray MMC. While it’s a longer book and at times felt like it could almost be split into two stories because so much happens, I was completely hooked the entire time.
If this is just the beginning of the series, I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ | Released: March 1 Book 1 in the Kingdom of Shattered Vows Series
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Wow wow wow! I really enjoyed this book. The blurb compares it to Hunger Games and Fourth Wing, and honestly… it delivers.
The story follows Amarissa (Isi), heir to her kingdom and the Lady of Mercy. In her land, magic is forbidden. Those born with it are believed to eventually lose themselves to madness, and the Lady of Mercy performs a ceremony meant to give them a “peaceful” end. But Isi has always questioned the truth behind this tradition and she’s been quietly defying it in ways that could cost her everything.
When tragedy strikes close to home, Isi leaves the safety of her kingdom in search of answers. What she finds instead is an enemy realm with its own brutal system for dealing with magic: the Rite of Bonds, a deadly series of trials where magic-wielders must prove their strength, survive the impossible, and attempt to bond with a magical creature in order to serve in the kingdom’s military.
Thrown into a world she barely understands, Isi must survive the trials, navigate dangerous alliances, and keep her true identity hidden all while uncovering truths that could change everything she thought she knew.
This book has so many of my favorite tropes: found family, enemies to lovers, animal companions, a badass FMC, and a morally gray MMC. While it’s a longer book and at times felt like it could almost be split into two stories because so much happens, I was completely hooked the entire time.
If this is just the beginning of the series, I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
February 17, 2026
****ARC REVIEW****
Firstly, thank you Alaya for allowing me to be an ARC reader. It was an absolute pleasure to read and you are a wonderful, fun human being!
This was a fabulous example of the “he falls first” trope. He did. And it was glorious. Our FMC has so much to learn and unlearn about the world. The trials she goes through work to reshape her worldview and realize that maybe her enemy isn’t her enemy at all.
Parts of this book were shocking, but I love the relationship between Trew and Isi and her growth as a character. Trew is perfection. I adore him. There are so many lies for Isi to untangle and truths to learn. The friends she makes along the way were the absolute best found/chosen family. Beware though, that cliffhanger was brutal.
Overall this is a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Violence: 🔪🔪🔪
18+
Quotes:
“Minx,” he breathed, stroking my face. “They can call me king, rebel, monster. Whatever they want. But you’re the only one who gets to call me hers.”
“Bruises will fade. Wounds will heal. My love for you will live forever. Every bruise on your body is proof of your courage, and I will kiss them all until you realize you mean everything to me.”
“Or committing treason, which I heartily agree with.”
“I think there’s something honest in that. Most people only make what they believe can come out perfect. They don’t know how to love something they can’t control.”
Firstly, thank you Alaya for allowing me to be an ARC reader. It was an absolute pleasure to read and you are a wonderful, fun human being!
This was a fabulous example of the “he falls first” trope. He did. And it was glorious. Our FMC has so much to learn and unlearn about the world. The trials she goes through work to reshape her worldview and realize that maybe her enemy isn’t her enemy at all.
Parts of this book were shocking, but I love the relationship between Trew and Isi and her growth as a character. Trew is perfection. I adore him. There are so many lies for Isi to untangle and truths to learn. The friends she makes along the way were the absolute best found/chosen family. Beware though, that cliffhanger was brutal.
Overall this is a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Violence: 🔪🔪🔪
18+
Quotes:
“Minx,” he breathed, stroking my face. “They can call me king, rebel, monster. Whatever they want. But you’re the only one who gets to call me hers.”
“Bruises will fade. Wounds will heal. My love for you will live forever. Every bruise on your body is proof of your courage, and I will kiss them all until you realize you mean everything to me.”
“Or committing treason, which I heartily agree with.”
“I think there’s something honest in that. Most people only make what they believe can come out perfect. They don’t know how to love something they can’t control.”
March 10, 2026
4.5 rounded up
thank you for the arc!! It was exactly what I needed right now.
Think The Hunger Games, but with way more romance.
The trials at the beginning had me glued to the pages. But seriously, what do you even do when your surroundings are trying to kill you? Our FMC absolutely stepped UP. Watching her lead the team and prove herself was everything. And can we talk about the animal companions?! I’m officially obsessed with the minxpip and the cinderhawk.
As for the romance... I’d say this is definitely more "instant love" than "enemies to lovers," but it worked so well. The banter between Trew and Isi was cute, and sooo much yearning that showed how much they BOTH would tear down the world for each other.
The side characters usually make or break a book for me, and this squad (Lexi, Bryson, Kerralyn, and Derren) is top-tier. Though... I definitely have some questions about Kerralyn. 🤨 What are you hiding from me??
I was actually tearing up right before that last battle. That speech!!
I’m convinced there are so many little Easter eggs hidden in here that I need to go back and find.
thank you for the arc!! It was exactly what I needed right now.
Think The Hunger Games, but with way more romance.
The trials at the beginning had me glued to the pages. But seriously, what do you even do when your surroundings are trying to kill you? Our FMC absolutely stepped UP. Watching her lead the team and prove herself was everything. And can we talk about the animal companions?! I’m officially obsessed with the minxpip and the cinderhawk.
As for the romance... I’d say this is definitely more "instant love" than "enemies to lovers," but it worked so well. The banter between Trew and Isi was cute, and sooo much yearning that showed how much they BOTH would tear down the world for each other.
The side characters usually make or break a book for me, and this squad (Lexi, Bryson, Kerralyn, and Derren) is top-tier. Though... I definitely have some questions about Kerralyn. 🤨 What are you hiding from me??
I was actually tearing up right before that last battle. That speech!!
I’m convinced there are so many little Easter eggs hidden in here that I need to go back and find.
February 18, 2026
“Vengeance is a mask. And mine is about to shatter.”
I have no words after finishing this book. I read the entire thing in 2 days. It completely sucked me in, and captivated me. Each character was so beautifully written. I absolutely adore Isi and Trew. Their connection was addicting and obsessive.
I also loved the Rite of Bonds. It reminded me Dire Bound and Fourth Wing- but I felt that it was completely unique. I loved the intensity that the characters faced, and the reward for successfully completing the trials. For every recruit who survived, they were given the chance to bond with a companion. Failing the trials meant death. I loved the magic system and the world building. Each character has their own set of unique traits that play a bigger role in the story.
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. I’m stunned into silence by the cliffhanger and the last 653 pages I just read. Everyone needs to read this book when it comes out!! It leaves you wanting more. I truly didn’t want this story to end.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
I have no words after finishing this book. I read the entire thing in 2 days. It completely sucked me in, and captivated me. Each character was so beautifully written. I absolutely adore Isi and Trew. Their connection was addicting and obsessive.
I also loved the Rite of Bonds. It reminded me Dire Bound and Fourth Wing- but I felt that it was completely unique. I loved the intensity that the characters faced, and the reward for successfully completing the trials. For every recruit who survived, they were given the chance to bond with a companion. Failing the trials meant death. I loved the magic system and the world building. Each character has their own set of unique traits that play a bigger role in the story.
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. I’m stunned into silence by the cliffhanger and the last 653 pages I just read. Everyone needs to read this book when it comes out!! It leaves you wanting more. I truly didn’t want this story to end.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews