Of Fates & Ruin

by Alaya Wells

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.

700 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 1, 2026

Reviews

[_CamillaJane_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[E.H]

Thank you to NetGalley and Alaya Wells for providing an ARC copy.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨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!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 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.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A promise of dragons amd deadly trials will always bring me around. Princess Isi has always had to suppress her magic as it is outlawed and forbidden in her homeland. When her sister is murdered, she vows to get revenge on the rival court Syllavar. Upon entering Syllavar, she’s thrown into a deadly trial, with bonding magical creatures and the warriors. She’s also peaked the interest of King Trew from the beginning - and not just as a warrior……

***Book 1 in series
***Deadly trials
***Magic
***Found family

I loved the trials - brutal and nervewrecking and just what I want to happen in my romantasy books. Our FMC was a true badass, stubborn and more than capable of taking care of herself which is crucial for me. I enjoyed the world building greatly! Romance wise, this did feel a little too insta-love for me from the MMC.

I will be looking to read Book 2 in the series.

Thank you to Alaya Wells and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[MB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and netgalley for sending me this advanced to read.
Spoilers ahead, my friends, not major spoilers, but I am discussing some structure and content.

The book promo basically says, if you like The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, Quicksilver, and Direbound for certain aspects you'll like this book.

This book is nothing like those books. It has its own vibe. Yes it has trials, yes, it has a dragons, yes, it has magic. But it's okay for a book to be its own thing and not really anything like other books except fitting into a genre. I just wanted to get that off my chest.



This book is a pretty good fantasy romance once it gets going. I did engage with a good portion of it. It is written very much to fantasy genre formula, hit most of the fantasy tropes and themes – politics, trials, training, fantasy world, creatures, magic. It’s hits many tropey MMC catchphrases, who hurt you, you will take my eggplant so well, eyes on me, mine, etc. There is spice. Readers that like fantasy romance and the above content may like this book.

What worked:

The attraction and romance.

FMC bonding with the secondary characters.

The storytelling was interesting and kept you invested with the plot.

Once you get past the first four chapters, the pacing is pretty good.

The idea of the mythological familiars.

The trials were short enough you didn’t get bogged down in the never-ending going in circles quest. I can’t thank the author enough for that bit of succinct storytelling.

What didn’t work:

The summary at the beginning of the book really was awkward in composition. When you actually start reading the first chapter, it’s such a jarring difference in the writing. Along with that, the first few chapters of the book introducing you to the FMC seemed again, jarringly different from the rest of the book.

The FMC is a different person from the first five chapters and the rest of the book -it is not character growth -very much like a different person almost immediately once she starts the trials. It’s like the beginning of the story was written to be different than what the story actually became as if the FMC personality and behavior was rewritten.

The familiars having two different forms was a little too much. I couldn’t keep up with all of them but frankly, it worked in the plot action.

Lots of small minor discrepancies. I think a lot of them are probably from edits. None of them are really plot driving discrepancies or continuity issues. They’re just annoying to someone that close reads. Characters have dialogue that appears in response to something that’s been deleted, on several occasions.

The other kingdom as rebels. What were they rebelling against? It didn’t seem that the two kingdoms were actually fighting, nor were the “rebels” part of the first kingdom so were they really rebels?

One specific cuddling scene made absolutely no sense in the context where they were in their relationship.

Now here’s some personal thoughts/preferences/likes and dislikes:

The cliché mean girl character that wants the MMC. Not a fan of this trope. That’s a personal preference.

This book is dual POV. But it’s not. It’s not alternating chapter, you just randomly get the MMC POV when it serves the plot to give someone other than the FMC POV or at spicy times. I was really cringing at the first MMC POV because he was just telling the same scene from his point of view to a certain extent and I was not looking forward to any more chapters like that. But somehow the dual POV worked in pacing. It gave exposition and plot movement, but I can’t say that I liked the jarring random changes in POV.

The FMC suddenly becoming a leader alpha personality and skilled fighter was a wtf moment. Especially as she is scared to death in her own kingdom and she gets into an altercation immediately upon her arrival in the new kingdom, and she doesn’t fight back. But suddenly she’s some kind of excellent cold strategic fighter and has been the entire time as she lets her father railroad her and even whip her? If she was that strong minded and bad ass, why wasn’t she mounting a coup in her own kingdom?

I like that she’s a bad ass. I don’t like that it’s a jarring change that occurs after chapter 5. It’s like a personality/character transplant.

This woman that immediately takes leadership of the new situation she finds herself in would have never let her sister be married off and sent away like what happened in her own kingdom, would have never continued to put up with what she was putting up with.

The FMC and MMC never discuss their actual first meeting. It’s rather odd. I'm not even sure they ever even brought it up.

She mentions the color of his eyes twice in the beginning of the book and then not again until the end of the book she starts referring to the color of his eyes again, which is odd because they were an unusual color. He mentions her eye color often.

The MMC always smirks. Always always always. I love a good smirk. There’s excessive smirking.

Vague description of the MMC – we don’t really know what he looks like other than dark hair and the color of his eyes. There is character art and I would’ve never thought of him looking like the character art. That is a personal preference for me. I don’t like vaguely described main characters and I'm not really a fan of character art. BUT I like that an author will include character art as they established that this is their vision of the character (hopefully their character art came out the way they wanted it to). It's a pet peeve for me when readers ignore the vision of the author. And that is in anything. Including my opinion of their book. I might have critique, but I do respect that they have their own vision and write their own stories. I am completely aware that reviews are nothing more than opinion, even if a reviewer tries for some objectivity.

The author uses the size description in relation to a fist too much. They’re spread out through the book, but it did flag as a trend pretty fast for me.

Not a fan of the grinding spice or him coming in his pants. That’s a personal preference.

Oh, let’s not forget they have dragons that are mostly treated like war horses. I feel like having familiars that had two forms and having dragons was like throwing in everything and the kitchen sink. I guess it worked, but it seemed like a lot.

I like the familiars idea. I felt like they were under utilized, but at the same time, I couldn't remember all their names or all the forms. It just seemed like too much to have the two forms sometimes.

I don’t quite understand the magic system that allows the human shaped characters to be the creature form of their familiar but not be the familiar or is that just a feature of the MMC magic ability?

In conclusion:

I can only recall seeing one maybe two typos. Congratulations to the author. Give yourself and any editing folks a big high-five.

The characters are likable, the plot is compelling. It sticks pretty close to formula for the genre. It’s done in it in an entertaining way with enough creativity to keep it engaging. There’s enough action to make it a fun read, and I think the pacing was done well enough to keep it moving. Sometimes it did seem very long, but I did not get too fatigued.

But. To be blunt, if I was not reading this as an advanced read. I would’ve dropped it within the first five chapters. But after that part of the book, it became more interesting and compelling.

What keeps it from four stars for me is the discrepancies combined with FMC character development transplant. This is an advanced read. It should be near publish ready. And it was pretty close. For me as a person that close reads, discrepancies impact the reading experience. I hope that that some further editing can be done before it goes to publishing.

This book ends on a sort of cliffhanger/reveal. It’s not traumatizing. I kept expecting that reveal earlier in the book so I was not surprised. Also it looks like it’s going to be a series.

Note that this is not published yet and content I have discussed in this review may change before publishing.

[violet’s revenge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 1st ARC review & I couldn’t be more excited! I received it from Alaya Wells herself!

“Even the smallest flame can set the world on fire.” Pherin

“I'd been raised to smile and curtsy while men decided the fate of my people. No more. Today, fate would listen to me. "Who will stand and fight for the people we've sworn to protect?"” Isi

Things I loved:
Strong, mentally & physically, durable FMC. Even in the beginning when she was a bit blind to the world around her she was still willing to do what needed to be done.
MMC is the ying to her yang.
The book throws you right into the middle of things. It does not ease you into it. So at first I was a bit confused & puzzling my way through but it came together rather quickly & I was hooked. The book is full of court intrigue, secrets, political turmoil, evil vs good, love & loathing, life & death & of course some sexy time🔥🔥🔥. And my favorites: dragons, minxpips & firecats oh my!
I think the story was well written & well thought out. It took me about 1/4 of the book before I felt like I was right there with Isi fighting with her, my heart breaking with hers, celebrating her wins & mourning her losses.
What I didn’t love:
Trew was a bit whiny & mushy for my taste. He just went over the top with his declarations of love & devotion. Isi did at times too but some of his POV’s could’ve been cutout completely, if thoughts of love & declarations of love were eliminated. I get it, she’s kind, beautiful, powerful, talented, sexy, yours, you’d give up everything & everyone for her etc. If I’m told once I might forget. Twice & I’ll probably remember. 50 times might be too much. Everyone wants that guy but he will eventually become annoying. I promise!
I think there are some small pieces in the story that could’ve been filled in with a couple sentences but the author chose not to fill in the blanks. Perhaps there’s a bigger picture that I don’t see & those small pieces are actually big ones & will be revealed later? Specifically revolving around Kerralyn.
Overall I really liked the book. I would 100% recommend to anyone who likes a good romantacy.
Side note for the grammar nazi’s. There were maybe 6 times in the book where a word was repeated or was out of place. It happens to the best of us. Especially if you’re an independent writer & don’t have a crew of editors. If you’re looking for something wrong in any book, you will find it. Stop looking & enjoy the world the author so graciously welcomed you into!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Of Fates & Ruin, by Alaya Wells, is book I of the Kingdom of Shattered Vows series. It’s a romantic fantasy that takes place in a world of magic, murder, survival, and control.

Amarissa is a victim princess who is forced to uphold her royal duty — one that clashes with her genuine love for her people. When she loses the only person in her life she feels she can trust, Amarissa embarks on a journey that threatens death at every step.

King Trewyn feels solely responsible for every life in his kingdom. He meets this duties head on while earning and maintaining admiration, trust, and complete loyalty from his people.

When the two cross paths, suddenly everything Amarissa believes comes into question. Is this kingdom everything she was told it was, or is she completely wrong?

Meanwhile, King Trewyn is stuck juggling political upheaval, fighting on battlegrounds, cultivating strategies, maintaining morale, and keeping a watchful eye on the strange woman who “accidentally” stabbed him.

Of Fates & Ruin features great world building, fun characters you want to love or hate, and good overall plot. There are strong moments featuring gritty and raw emotions and you will get a book hangover when you’re done reading.

Unfortunately, some of the plot points were too predictable and there are also a few inconsistencies and moments that are too unbelievable to see past. Jarring moments pulled me from the story, the timing of certain plot points felt forced, and some moments have odd pacing.

Perhaps the biggest issue is King Trewyn’s character. He doesn’t act like a man in his 30s. He often seems significantly younger, despite the role he plays in the story and in his kingdom. Some of his boyish habits feel forced, which can also take you out of the book. And with everything he has going on, it’s difficult to believe he has as much free time as he does.

4/5 stars for themes that leave you daydreaming for days, a wide cast of good supporting characters, and excellent moments of pure adrenaline. I REALLY wanted to give this title a fifth star, but King Trewyn’s character and the jarring moments were too big to ignore.

[Marjorie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received by NetGalley
**A Spellbinding Romantasy That Burns as Bright as Dragonfire**

*Of Fates and Ruin* by Alaya Wells is the kind of romantasy that sinks its claws into you from the first page and refuses to let go. Lush, brutal, and emotionally charged, it weaves together trials, found families, familiars, dragons, forbidden powers, and a continent fractured by fear and lies—while never losing sight of the human heart beating beneath the magic.

At the center of the story is a princess trapped in a gilded cage, suffocating under duty and expectation. In her corner of the continent, powers are not a gift but a curse—outlawed, feared, and believed to drive their bearers into madness. Wells handles this tension masterfully, creating an atmosphere thick with paranoia and quiet rebellion. Watching the protagonist navigate court politics, sacrifice personal freedom, and still find subtle ways to protect her people is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The novel’s turning point is as shocking as it is devastating. The brutal killing and maiming of her sister shatters the fragile world the princess has been forced to accept, and from those ashes rises a fierce, relentless drive for truth and revenge. What follows is a gripping journey of trials that tests not only her strength and resolve, but everything she thought she knew about her family, her continent, and herself.

Wells excels at blending high-stakes action with emotional depth. The dragons feel ancient and powerful, the hidden foes are genuinely unsettling, and the divided continents brim with secrets waiting to be unearthed. The romantic elements simmer rather than overpower, adding another layer of tension and longing to an already rich narrative.

*Of Fates and Ruin* is a triumphant blend of epic fantasy and raw, character-driven storytelling. It’s a tale of rage and resilience, of fate challenged and rewritten, and of a young woman stepping out of a cage—golden or otherwise—to claim her own power. Fans of dark romantasy, political intrigue, and heroines forged by loss will find this book utterly unforgettable. And lucky for us readers, this is only the start of a series.

[Tegan read_with_tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

“There’s kindness in protection. The greatest mercy is preventing further suffering.” Well, I hope this review is a mercy for you readers out there. I can only hope that this book is still in the early editing stage, because I had no idea what or how anything was happening.

I think it’s appropriate to say that this book is “for fans of…(insert book titles here).” But to mention that it’s as if your favorite books had a baby? Please let the book stand alone for what it is.

I really disliked the intro/bio/summary given in the book description, as well as the beginning of the book. Why are you giving the readers a full synopsis of what will happen? Why even bother reading past that? I shouldn’t have to know what’s going to happen in order to know what’s happening. But honestly, even with the summarized events, I was still lost. Too many things didn’t make any sense to me, and the accidental stabbing came off as a lack of creativity.

Can someone tell me why the first few chapters felt like a different book entirely? There were little to no descriptions apart from the characters, and then later it all changes. It was as if the FMC reveals her nickname, her character changes with it, and then the story was able to take off. Even the MMC was described to having a very interesting dual eye color but afterwards they’re only described as one color.

The dual POV was mostly the same scenes over. So you would read a whole scene, and then it would rewind and you’d have to start over. Some overlap is fine with POV changing, but I mostly want it to start where it left off with the other person.

The yearning is definitely there, but there is no inclination as to why for the majority of the book. And I did not enjoy the more… intimate moments.

I think there is a lot of potential here. The danger in the trials were exciting to read about, there were some pretty words, and an assumed amount of mystery. But the lack of explanation for my many questions kept me from getting into this one.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this ARC. Unfortunately, it was not for me.

[Candace Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page ONE, Of Fates and Ruin had me in an absolute chokehold. The story immediately drops you into a world that’s dramatic, dark, and deeply compelling. By chapter two, I was genuinely sitting there thinking, I cannot believe what I’m experiencing right now. 


Isi is the kind of FMC I live for: fierce, capable, emotionally grounded, and absolutely deadly when she needs to be. And TREW 😍 I usually struggle with fantasy male names, but Trew works so well, and his presence felt natural from the start. The romance between Isi and Trew is everything I want in romantasy, banter that made me giggle and kick my feet, quiet intimate conversations that felt deeply genuine, and a connection rooted in truly being known. 


The pacing was incredible and it was action-packed without ever feeling overwhelming. The trials were brutal and creative, especially the bonding portion. The stakes feel real, and the deaths are terrifyingly effective. When someone is in danger, you feel it. 


The found family aspect is so strong, so protective, and so tender. Lexie is naturally funny, endlessly caring, and always putting others first. Addie? Don’t even get me started, I was tearing up, feeling every emotion Isi felt, holding my chest because I was crying, shocked, or bracing for what came next.


There were moments I laughed out loud, moments that destroyed me emotionally, and moments (looking at you chapter 56) that gave me full-body goosebumps. Isi is a certified badass, and watching her grow into her power was unreal. 


This is genuinely one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. Every emotion lands. Every relationship feels earned. Every twist hits hard. When I read romantasy, this is the bar and Of Fates and Ruin raised it higher than the sun and stars


THE ENDING.

Absolutely unforgivable.

Screaming. Crying. Throwing up.

Book two immediately because this is actual treason.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book; this does not influence my review.
This book is a mix of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and a fae fantasy I can’t remember the name of. Overall, I enjoyed the read, though I do have a few nitpicks.
Let’s start with the positives: I really liked the main characters. We get Isi, a strong FMC who knows how to protect herself and is driven by a desire for revenge. Trew is a powerful, sexy king who will stop at nothing to save his country and his people. The initial romantic and sexual buildup between Isi and Trew felt rushed and somewhat unnatural at times. However, toward the end of the book, their relationship begins to feel more genuine, and the actual sensual scenes between them were very well done.
There were several moments that could have been cut or tightened. The author spends a lot of time revisiting the same scenes through Isi’s and Trew’s points of view, and many of these scenes could have been more succinct. A significant amount of detail is devoted to descriptions that don’t add much to the story, and I often found myself skimming those parts.
I also found the passage of time confusing. The author rarely clarifies how much time has passed between events. At times, something is described as happening “last night,” while in the same breath, characters are already heading out on missions that were decided off-page. This made it difficult to track what happened when, especially when some events were referenced days later without the narrator having witnessed them.
I wasn’t impressed with the ending. Isi is portrayed as smart and cunning, yet she makes a sudden decision without consulting anyone, which felt out of character. The ending came across as rushed and could have been worked on more thoroughly.
All in all, it was a decent read, and I do plan to read the second book. I’m hoping the author improves their storytelling, particularly with pacing and the passage of time.

[Marty Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Where to begin? I love the world building in the first part of the book, because we see Isi in the world she grew up in, one that not only forbids magic but kills those who possess it. But once this woman has broken free of her father's emotional bindings, we see her true character begin to shine through. She's wounded physically and emotionally but she is not broken. And Trew. Now here's a hero I'd burn the world for. I love how he watched her at first, how he taunted her, but how he could see who she truly was beneath the mask she's worn her whole life. Morally gray characters don't always need to be mean to the FMC. It's nice to see one who's supportive, who may be determined to stand in front of her to protect her but who recognizes that she needs to stand on her own two feet and by his side.

Magic isn't forbidden in Trew's court. It's welcomed. Developed. Those with magic are able to enter the Rite of Bonds, a grueling trial where they're physically and emotionally tested. If they make it through, they have the chance to bond with a beast who can help enhance their magical abilities.

I really enjoyed the slow burn relationship. So many books rush this part to get to the spicy parts. But Alaya developed it slowly enough that i was right there with the characters, rooting for their HEA. I also loved how the secondary characters felt real and unique, how they prove that your true family doesn't need to be the one you're born with but those you embrace as your own.

There is a cliffhanger, though I guess you could call it a soft one. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens next.

Thank you, NetGalley and the author for giving me this awesome ARC.

[Mary-Ann I · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nail biting, feet kicking, great time. You are immediately immersed in a gripping plot with intricately woven lush/poetic prose. It has all the loved Romantasy tropes: touch her and die, deadly trials, secret identity, forced proximity, found family, bonded animals, yearning, mine, magic, dragons, he falls first. It’s a delicious swoon worthy masterpiece.
The FMC , Isi, is a strong, resilient, trained warrior, who collects small sentimental things. She was forced to play a role in her father’s kingdom that she despised whilst hiding that she had magic. The beginning of the book shows us how her character was developed under fire and why she clings to those she loves. Then she becomes a runaway princess, infiltrates an enemies land and finds herself smack dab in a competition that she knows nothing about. She’s described as

“ you look like a walking threat and a very expensive problem”

The MMC, Trew is the rebel king. The book is enemies to lovers - BUT it is complicated, because it is also instant obsession.

“I’m not your enemy, Princess. I’m your inevitability.”

He will burn the whole system down for her. Technically it is slow-burn to medium spice, yet the yearning, the angst, the toe curling dialogue - you’ll be falling just as fast as he is.

“The fates can take my crown, my throne, my blood. But they don’t touch you.”

The side characters, their relationships, and the bonded creatures all are meticulously portrayed and really deeply developed. They deliver that comic relief but also pack a punch to the storyline. Some of the plot twists have a comfortable predictability about them. It enhances the experience.
This does end on a softer cliffhanger I can not wait to see what happens next. Excellent start to a continuing series.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly trials. An almost-academic setting. Enemies to lovers. And he falls first… and falls hard. Those are my top-tier tropes, so honestly, this book never stood a chance of not being a five-star read for me.

I do want to say upfront: the blurb does this book absolutely no favors. It gives you almost no real sense of what you’re getting into. So if you love any of the tropes above, trust me and ignore the blurb. Just read it.

The world building is solid and well established. It’s not trying to reinvent fantasy from the ground up, but it’s thoughtfully constructed and easy to sink into. Where this book really shines is the magic system. It felt genuinely unique. Similar elements exist in other fantasy stories, but not quite like this, and I won’t go into details because it borders on spoiler territory. I will say that I really enjoyed how it was woven into both the plot and character dynamics.

The plot itself is layered, with multiple threads running at once that slowly weave together. I loved that complexity and found myself constantly wanting to know how everything would connect. The writing is engaging and descriptive without becoming heavy or convoluted, and the pacing is excellent. We move from intense, high-stakes action to quieter moments that let the story breathe, only to ramp the tension back up again.

And the banter. I am a sucker for good banter, and this book delivers.

Now… the ending. Look. I used to be a calm, reasonable reader. Then authors decided cliffhangers were a lifestyle choice. WHY. WHY would you do this to me? I am not a patient person, and this ending is killing me.

So yes, five stars without hesitation. I will be sitting here, impatiently waiting for book two, questioning all my life choices while I do.

[⋆˚ Belinda ˚⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trials, Dragons, and He Falls First!

Where do I even start?

Princess Amarissa “Isi” is the Lady of Mercy in Caldrith Court, a kingdom where magic is outlawed and punishable by death. When her sister’s murdered body is delivered to her court, Isi’s grief transforms into a single, razor‑sharp purpose: revenge. She sets out for the rival court of Syllavar to uncover the killer and deliver justice. What she doesn’t know is that Syllavar is a kingdom built on deadly trials—and she’s about to be thrown right into the center of a brutal challenge that could unmake her or unleash the very power she’s been taught to hide and fear.

From the moment Isi arrives in Syllavar, she accidentally draws the attention of King Trewyn—Trew—and before she can catch her breath, she and a group of other hopeful recruits are thrust into a brutal trial to prove they’re capable of bonding warriors to magical beasts. And of course… Trew watches her every step. That’s where the real fun begins.

I’ll be honest: it took me a little while to get into the story. But once I hit the 10% mark (this e‑ARC is around 500 pages), I was in. Fully hooked, fully obsessed, and unable to put it down.

This book hits so many of my favourite tropes:

✨ Trials
✨ He falls first
✨ Bonded creatures
✨ Dragons (!!!)
✨ Magic
✨ Found family
✨ Surprisingly addictive side characters
✨ A unique world full of intrigue and mystery
✨ …and spice

Do yourself a favour and add this book to your TBR immediately.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co‑op for providing me with an ARC of Of Fates & Ruin (Kingdom of Shattered Vows #1) by Alaya Wells, publishing March 1, 2026.

[Mandy_lovestoread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Publishers for this Arc.

The overall storyline and plot kept me engaged, and there’s definitely promise in the story, but a few execution issues held it back for me.

At times, the writing style felt quite bare, especially in key moments that needed more sensory or emotional depth. Some scenes read more like a summary of events than something fully lived in, and I found myself rereading lines because the flow didn’t always feel as smooth as it could have.

The FMC’s character development also felt rushed. While her inner strength was clear, the shift in her personality around chapters 5–6 happened very quickly and without much build up which made it hard to fully buy into her arc.

This was especially noticeable when she learns about her sister’s death. The jump from that moment straight into travelling to another court for revenge felt abrupt, with very little lead-up or processing. I would have liked to see more of what happened before she left, the planning, the emotional fallout, and how this decision affected her relationships, especially with her father.

The romance didn’t quite work for me either. Given that the FMC initially views the MMC as an enemy, the insta attraction felt rushed and a little off putting. I would have liked more tension and resistance between them, with a stronger hate to lust progression and a slower emotional build to make the relationship feel more believable.

Overall, the story has potential, and readers who enjoy faster-paced, straightforward fantasy romances may really enjoy it, but for me it settled as a 3-star read.

[Yasmine Vega Corrales]

**** Thanks to NetGalley and Alaya Wells for providing an ARC copy of this book****

Story and Plot

This is a classic romantasy story: girl has evil or/and dead parents, but she is different. She does not want to comply with how the evil parent sees the world. Hence, her adventure to discover truths and the ways of the world commences. Along the way, hopefully she finds some friends, some sort of magical gift, maybe she will have to go through a trial and of course, a love interest needs to be present.

Don’t get me wrong, I have read this premise about 20 times and I eat it up every time. However, sometimes it just works better than others.

Here specifically, the beginning of the story had me captured. The trials were interesting and original, and the FMC felt like an actual person, human and prone to mistakes. After this part, though, the story did start to slow down significantly. Personally, I think this book could use a cut of about 100 to 150 pages to keep it crisp and exciting, like the beginning managed to be.

Another key part is the romantic aspect of the book. Look, they fell in lust after making eye contact once (literally). And while I can see that happening, to me that is not a great basis for a love story. So this part (and it is a large part of the story) is why the book wasn’t for me. I love a good, real slow burn with angst and unawareness. To each their own, of course…

Writing

This aspect of the book was fine, good style for this type of story.

Overall

If you like a heavy romance plot paired with trials, this is the book for you. I think this book would work especially well for fans of Powerless.

[Becca T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, it had a nostalgic feel that reminded me of traditional fairytales, with a hint of Hunger Games style trials with deadly vines and tricks to catch out the competitors.

The opening was really strong, introducing Isi as the Lady of Mercy who unwillingly watches as her father essentially sacrifices members of their court because they’re seen as different - read: magical - Isi has a burning sense of rebellion that blooms when she discovers her sister has been murdered by the Syllavaran court, and is dropped at her feet, Isi now has a reason to stand up and fight.

I loved her initial interactions with Trew when she arrives at the Rites. The fact she falls into him and stabs him is hilarious - thank goodness for his magical healing abilities am I right?! - and their chemistry grows from there.

The pace is so good, I loved the journey through the Rites, then finding out Addie had been through them and bonded with her own companion, fallen in love and set out on a mission to aid the Syllavaran Court.

The slow burn sizzled perfectly, I loved how patient Trew was with Isi, he knew she was slightly behind with her feelings and at no point did he push or pressure her, he knew how he felt and waited patiently hoping she’d catch up and oh boy did she.

Cannot wait for the second book - I dread to think of how Trew will react when he wakes up to find Isi gone!

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Fates and Ruins has officially ruined me. It captures your attention from the first page and has your heart beating faster. “Even the smallest flame can set the world on fire.”
Everything Amarissa(ISI) thought she knew was lie. Isi is quickly thrust into the trials and comes out on top with the help of her new found family. She may be small but she js powerful. She believes she is there in rebel lands to avenge her sister’s murder only to find that this “rebel” kingdom is actually a beautiful and safe land that cares for their people unlike where she grew up.
Trew is definitely that dark, touch her and die kind of man that would burn the world down for those he loves. This man melted my heart and his love is so raw and pure for Isi.
This book is beautifully written and all the twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat from page one to that last word. The spicy scenes were absolute perfection. ISI and Trew walk during the ball well if you know you know hotness and the look on Kira’s face priceless.
The characters in this book quickly become family to you and the so called side characters are anything but. They bring so much to the book. That ending damn!
If you like dragons, epic battles scenes, animal companions, trials, found family, dragons and a love story for the ages this is the book for you.
Thank you for the ARC and now to patiently wait for book 2.

[Ali West · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you to Alaya Wells for the eARC! First off, this book says it’s for fans of the hunger games and fourth wing and you definitely get those elements throughout the book. Right off the bat you meet Isi who is a princess who is stuck abiding by the rules set by her fathers kingdom to hold a day of “mercy” where they sacrifice villagers who have magic to keep them from going insane. You can really feel her struggle of knowing it’s wrong but she feels trapped following her father’s orders.
There were some parts where I felt like I really connected with Isi as a character but other times it fell short.
One of my favorite parts was the Bonded Trials which felt very hunger games coded but set in a jungle which was alive where everything attempted to attack the teams. I think that’s where we see the strongest bonds between Isi and the side characters throughout the whole book.
This was also labeled an enemies-to-lovers but there was insta-attraction between the FMC and MMC and it read more like a rivals-to-lovers and I do feel like their relationship escalated really fast without a lot of interaction?? Either way, I still enjoyed their banter.
Overall I did enjoy the book and it definitely is an easy read to breeze through!

[Chelsea Drumm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Fates and Ruin is addictive and smoldering. It felt familiar in a way that a lot of romantasy books feel, with the FMC on a secret mission to avenge her murdered sister and getting kind of roped into Hunger Games-esque trials along the way. Oh, and what romantasy wouldn't be complete without a murdery heartthrob MMC who is head over heels GONE for our FMC? It feels almost formulaic, but it gets me hook, line, and sinker every time. I loved the adventure, the danger, the bonding with animal sidekicks - this was unputdownable. The tension between the FMC and MMC had me squealing. I saw this described as slow burn, but I don't really agree. Trew is borderline OBSESSED with Isi pretty much from the start. It is line after line of him being in perpetual awe of her badassery and toughness, and he is the most adorable, over-protective little cutie. Scenes where Trew tried to keep Isi from danger (and then Isi barging onward with her own plan and ignoring his attempts at keeping her safe) started to feel a bit repetitive because it just kept happening, and they were pretty similar situations. I still loved this and will be continuing this series! Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

[Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

chills going down my spine right now as I write this. WOW. This book had everything I ever could have wanted and I didn’t expect it. It’s funny how the best reads are the ones you weren’t even watching for. The visceral joy I experienced while reading this. The plot was amazing, the romance was scalding hot, and the nostalgia vibes were perfect. The hunger games and fourth win comps were very appropriate. I feel like it had the amazing found family element of fourth wing and just enough of the games part of the hunger games to give me a hit of nostalgia without it being too similar. I gobbled it up. The romance was feral and animalistic and just genuinely so engaging. I was in the mood for something all encompassing like this and I didn’t even know it. The ending???? Criminal. This book hasn’t even released yet and now I’m expected to wait for the next. It’s cruel. Miss Wells you have a new fan in me. Thank you for your service this was electrifying and wonderful and genuinely might be my top read of the year. In January, no less.

[Mykaela Grube · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest. the first like 40% of the book was good. I loved it, but once she bonded it just became for lack of better words, stupid. it became predictable and it to me just felt like the plot dissolved and was forgotten about.
The two main characters started out good. I liked Isi, and Trew. at the beginning, but them together just seemed force. their entire communication was just banter and denying their feelings for eachother. to me it just came off as this, they will be together but stupid stuff will happen that will push them from actually being together until the end of the book. Trew refusing to let her fight with him was just stupid. she can fight, but you don't want her too because you can't bare to loose her? Grow up. you live in a world where people die everyday. their love to me was just stupid, and I felt she had more chemistry with Maddox, then him. I don't know. first half was very enjoyable, and then it just went down hill. the ending pissed me off, and I predicted a major plot point like right away.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book where you end up so invested in all the characters that you cannot fathom the idea of any of them being harmed and you are eagerly awaiting the next book to see where the adventure takes them. Here, we had delicious tension (touch her/him and die sort of tension), slow burn, trials (sort of like Hunger Games), found family, animal bonded sidekicks and of course, a mysterious threat that we know is going to keep us guessing. I appreciated the fact that our FMC (Isi) is tough and stubborn and far from the delicate princess that one might expect her to be. I also love that Trew melts for her in the most obsessive way. The magic and fantasy elements are well balanced and while some things may be somewhat predictable, I was glad to have my heart mostly intact by the time we got to the end. I think this one folks will enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to provide an advanced review.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts off quickly and evolves into a speedy race to the end to see what will happen. I knew it was going to leave on a cliffhangers since the synopsis state this is Book 1, but I still was left wanting to immediately jump into the next book!

This book was well written and it kept you captivated the whole time. The female lead Isi went into a situation feeling alone and isolated but with one goal. Instead she found a group of friends that were there for her and a love interest that was forbidden. There are dragons, trials, hidden passages, bonded companions, mystery's that seem to keep popping up everywhere and so much more!!!! There is not a dull moment in this entire book. It does have some touches of Hunger Games or Fourth wing but yet completely different and worth the time to read it.

I will sit by anxiously awaiting the next installment....

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Kayla (Mommamackreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!!!

[Karissa Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons ✅
Magic ✅
Steamy romance ✅
Deadly combat ✅
Undeniable chemistry ✅

Isi is a princess raised to be obedient, taught never to speak out of turn and to fear magic above all else. In her world, magic is forbidden, believed to drive its wielder mad, and anyone caught possessing it is sentenced to drink poison from the Lady of Mercy.

When Isi’s sister is returned to the court dead, everything changes. Grief hardens into fury, and Isi vows revenge no matter the cost… even if it means infiltrating the court of her greatest enemy, King Trew.

What unfolds is a deliciously slow-burn romance filled with tension, danger, and undeniable chemistry. The connection between the FMC and MMC is intense and magnetic, and the lengths he’s willing to go to protect her? Absolutely feral—in the best way. He would burn kingdoms and destroy worlds just to keep her safe.

If you love fierce heroines, morally gray kings, and romance wrapped in magic and fire, this one is so worth the read.