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Runes To Rain
Angels and Demons are locked in a deadly truce of attrition that will kill the demons and eventually humans if nothing changes. While the angels enjoy their power, the air is choked by smog, and no wild places remain. Since the demons won’t break the truce and fight back directly, their leader gives some of his life force to create a weapon in the form of a woman named Chaosta. He hopes she will act as a genesis for change and begin to even the balance between light and dark.
Thanks to fate, or perhaps the intervention of a deity, she is given a place to stay by a band that also happens to practice dark magic. Their lead singer has recently departed, so an audition is held to find a replacement. Unfortunately, the man who is chosen seems to be determined to make life a living hell for Chaosta. Thanks to fate pulling her strings and the interference of the new lead singer, Chaosta faces a challenging path. The question is, will she find love along the way?
- GenresFantasy
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2025
7 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 20, 2025
Oh, this book! It starts off a bit confusing, but that’s entirely intentional, the author does an incredible job immersing you in the mindset of the main character, Chaosta. With no memory of who she is or what’s happening around her, you feel her confusion and struggle firsthand as she comes to terms with her identity.
Chaosta was brought to life, as a doll, by Malam to battle angels and help restore balance to a fractured world. The story delves into deep themes like identity, humanity, addiction, corruption, and the never-ending struggle between good and evil. There is a scene set in a mental institution, adding another layer of emotional weight and realism.
As Chaosta tries to find her place, she is living with a band who also practices dark magic. Their dynamic brings some much-needed levity to the story, until a new member joins and turns her world upside down.
This urban fantasy is rich in self-discovery, features a slow-burn romance, and offers a mix of action and introspection. I’m definitely looking forward to diving into Book 2! Fun fact: the song Wait So Long by Trampled by Turtles inspired the band in the novel.
Chaosta was brought to life, as a doll, by Malam to battle angels and help restore balance to a fractured world. The story delves into deep themes like identity, humanity, addiction, corruption, and the never-ending struggle between good and evil. There is a scene set in a mental institution, adding another layer of emotional weight and realism.
As Chaosta tries to find her place, she is living with a band who also practices dark magic. Their dynamic brings some much-needed levity to the story, until a new member joins and turns her world upside down.
This urban fantasy is rich in self-discovery, features a slow-burn romance, and offers a mix of action and introspection. I’m definitely looking forward to diving into Book 2! Fun fact: the song Wait So Long by Trampled by Turtles inspired the band in the novel.
October 20, 2025
4⭐️ Well that was a ride!
Runes to Rain gave me Divine Rivals vibes a bit with its rich worldbuilding, emotional tension, and mysterious tone. The world was pretty dense and a bit confusing at first, but I think that’s intentional with how unreliable the first person POV can be.
✨ Loved the twist where demons protect nature while angels destroy it beneath concrete cities. 😤 Dio though… total Chaol energy (and not in a good way). His journal entries made me want to throw my Kindle. 💪 I admired Chaosta’s strength and resilience, even with all she is put through. 🧐 The sudden shift in setting details threw me a bit, but it kept things interesting. 💫 Appreciated the role reversal and that it didn’t fall into the usual tropes.
The ending was surprising, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it. A fascinating and chaotic story with bold ideas and flawed but memorable characters. I’m curious to see where it goes next.
Thank you Charli Nile for the early copy!
Runes to Rain gave me Divine Rivals vibes a bit with its rich worldbuilding, emotional tension, and mysterious tone. The world was pretty dense and a bit confusing at first, but I think that’s intentional with how unreliable the first person POV can be.
✨ Loved the twist where demons protect nature while angels destroy it beneath concrete cities. 😤 Dio though… total Chaol energy (and not in a good way). His journal entries made me want to throw my Kindle. 💪 I admired Chaosta’s strength and resilience, even with all she is put through. 🧐 The sudden shift in setting details threw me a bit, but it kept things interesting. 💫 Appreciated the role reversal and that it didn’t fall into the usual tropes.
The ending was surprising, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it. A fascinating and chaotic story with bold ideas and flawed but memorable characters. I’m curious to see where it goes next.
Thank you Charli Nile for the early copy!
October 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This urban fantasy follows the one of a kind story of Chaosta, a bad *ss FMC, and all the challenges one can face when they are a doll brought to life by a demon. When she gets taken in by a band of musicians, and trouble is brewing between the angels and demons, Chaosta is pulled in the middle and anarchy ensues.
The story explores themes of identity, humanity, and the never ending balancing of good and evil, set against a richly detailed backdrop of supernatural events. Layered atop the lighthearted interactions between the characters are heavier themes of addiction, corruption, and a world collapsing at their fingertips.
With its blend of action, slow burn romance, and self-discovery, this novel is sure to captivate fans of fantasy, adventure, and dark themes.
This urban fantasy follows the one of a kind story of Chaosta, a bad *ss FMC, and all the challenges one can face when they are a doll brought to life by a demon. When she gets taken in by a band of musicians, and trouble is brewing between the angels and demons, Chaosta is pulled in the middle and anarchy ensues.
The story explores themes of identity, humanity, and the never ending balancing of good and evil, set against a richly detailed backdrop of supernatural events. Layered atop the lighthearted interactions between the characters are heavier themes of addiction, corruption, and a world collapsing at their fingertips.
With its blend of action, slow burn romance, and self-discovery, this novel is sure to captivate fans of fantasy, adventure, and dark themes.
December 19, 2025
This was an ARC read for me.
A dark and imaginative fantasy full of action and strange beauty.
Runes to Rain follows a heroine brought to life by a demon and thrown into a world at war between light and dark. As she tries to understand who she is and the purpose of her own creation, she finds herself caught between angels, demons, the world slowly dissolving away from true nature, and the fragile balance that keeps their worlds from collapsing.
There’s a lot of movement and tension throughout, with the dreamlike moments mixing with bursts of action. The travelling band she meets adds an unexpected warmth to the story. The music gives the world more life.
The writing is detailed and heavy on description, pulling you deep into its world of magic and conflict. Runes to Rain is about creation, purpose, and finding where you belong when everything around you is divided.
A dark and imaginative fantasy full of action and strange beauty.
Runes to Rain follows a heroine brought to life by a demon and thrown into a world at war between light and dark. As she tries to understand who she is and the purpose of her own creation, she finds herself caught between angels, demons, the world slowly dissolving away from true nature, and the fragile balance that keeps their worlds from collapsing.
There’s a lot of movement and tension throughout, with the dreamlike moments mixing with bursts of action. The travelling band she meets adds an unexpected warmth to the story. The music gives the world more life.
The writing is detailed and heavy on description, pulling you deep into its world of magic and conflict. Runes to Rain is about creation, purpose, and finding where you belong when everything around you is divided.
January 14, 2026
Ruins to Rain isn’t just a romance — it’s an emotional journey. Charli Nile weaves a story that feels real, raw, and alive, blending heartfelt moments with beautifully grounded characters you can’t help but root for.
From the first chapter, you’re pulled into a world where past wounds still sting and new beginnings are both scary and irresistible. The way the author handles the emotional arcs — especially the transition from pain to healing — is thoughtful and authentic. You can feel every hope, every hesitation, every tiny triumph.
The chemistry between the leads is slow-burning and satisfying. It isn’t just about sparks; it’s about understanding, trust, and the courage to let someone in. Their growth feels earned, and every step forward is worth celebrating.
What I appreciated most was how the story balanced emotion with real-life struggles. It didn’t shy away from difficult feelings, but it also didn’t drown in them. The prose feels intimate without being melodramatic, and the pacing lets you breathe with the characters as they weather storms and find quiet moments of joy.
If you enjoy romances that are rich in character development, emotional depth, and gentle hope, Ruins to Rain is a beautiful read — one that lingers long after the last page.
From the first chapter, you’re pulled into a world where past wounds still sting and new beginnings are both scary and irresistible. The way the author handles the emotional arcs — especially the transition from pain to healing — is thoughtful and authentic. You can feel every hope, every hesitation, every tiny triumph.
The chemistry between the leads is slow-burning and satisfying. It isn’t just about sparks; it’s about understanding, trust, and the courage to let someone in. Their growth feels earned, and every step forward is worth celebrating.
What I appreciated most was how the story balanced emotion with real-life struggles. It didn’t shy away from difficult feelings, but it also didn’t drown in them. The prose feels intimate without being melodramatic, and the pacing lets you breathe with the characters as they weather storms and find quiet moments of joy.
If you enjoy romances that are rich in character development, emotional depth, and gentle hope, Ruins to Rain is a beautiful read — one that lingers long after the last page.
February 10, 2026
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
Ok look its not what I normally read. And honestly I could have finished this in a weekend where I have no school, no work and no pressing matters. It would be on the rare days I have nothing to do but read. This is a good thing. I have bad ADHD i lose focus so quickly if its not consistently fast pase but this... OMFG BUT THIS. this book kept me coming back. Took me longer to read then I wanted because of the stuff I had to do. The different POVs we were perfect. Ok the diary entries to give a look into Dios point of view amazing Malams thoughts with the chapters absolutely perfect. Also hitting 80% done on the book just for it all to get chaotic was absolutely diabolical because I instantly want book two with how it ended. And omg my boy L... he was done soo bad I didn't expect Dio but I am here for it. I dont wanna spoil but guys absolutely a must read 8 out of 5 now im off to go read book two because it is a need.
Ok look its not what I normally read. And honestly I could have finished this in a weekend where I have no school, no work and no pressing matters. It would be on the rare days I have nothing to do but read. This is a good thing. I have bad ADHD i lose focus so quickly if its not consistently fast pase but this... OMFG BUT THIS. this book kept me coming back. Took me longer to read then I wanted because of the stuff I had to do. The different POVs we were perfect. Ok the diary entries to give a look into Dios point of view amazing Malams thoughts with the chapters absolutely perfect. Also hitting 80% done on the book just for it all to get chaotic was absolutely diabolical because I instantly want book two with how it ended. And omg my boy L... he was done soo bad I didn't expect Dio but I am here for it. I dont wanna spoil but guys absolutely a must read 8 out of 5 now im off to go read book two because it is a need.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
This is an exhilarating urban fantasy that plunges you into chaos immediately. The main character, Chaosta, is a bad*ss doll brought to life by a demon, Malam, with no memory, forcing you to share her struggle firsthand.
The book features a brilliant role-reversal: demons protect nature while angels are the destructive force beneath the concrete. It’s a compelling blend of action, introspection, and a satisfying slow-burn romance, exploring deep themes like identity and corruption. Plus, the character Dio has a "Chaol energy" that will have you hooked! A truly unique story centered on a one-of-a-kind FMC.
Fans of fantasy with dark themes, memorable flawed characters, and creative twists on traditional tropes will be captivated by this captivating and chaotic debut.
The book features a brilliant role-reversal: demons protect nature while angels are the destructive force beneath the concrete. It’s a compelling blend of action, introspection, and a satisfying slow-burn romance, exploring deep themes like identity and corruption. Plus, the character Dio has a "Chaol energy" that will have you hooked! A truly unique story centered on a one-of-a-kind FMC.
Fans of fantasy with dark themes, memorable flawed characters, and creative twists on traditional tropes will be captivated by this captivating and chaotic debut.
October 25, 2025
Where do I start? This book is a wild ride! Starting off with Chaosta (our FMC) being created by a demon to bring balance against the angels who are destroying the world. The book has 3 separate POV’s which are easily identifiable, 2 are written as usual and 1 is in the form of diary entries. Chaosta is an unreliable narrator and her POV only tells us her understanding of the world and what is going on around, I did enjoy her character development throughout the book as she learns to control herself. This book is very unique, if you love found families, angels vs demons, prophecies and being thrown head first into a fantasy world this one is for you. 🪽
February 3, 2026
I was a little confused as the book began(thought it was a me thing 😅)but started to make sense as the book went on. I loved the world building and the slow burn...and the ending! I still think about the ending. I was so captivated by the story and the characters and how everything flowed so well together! And I can't wait to read another book by Charlie! Definitely will be reading this again 😍
February 1, 2026
This book was so good! I loved the characters, the world building, and the way the two person POV was done (journal entries). The concept of angels vs. demons in an urban setting was super interesting and well done. I felt like I couldn’t put down the book and just had to know what came next. The writing was very well done, I really think this author could be the next big romantasy author!
The ending… aaahh!! I am so excited for book two and relieved that it comes out soon! Can’t wait to see what else Charli has in store for us.
The ending… aaahh!! I am so excited for book two and relieved that it comes out soon! Can’t wait to see what else Charli has in store for us.
December 16, 2025
4.75 🌟
Loved it. Very good urban fantasy.
Loved it. Very good urban fantasy.
January 26, 2026
Oh my gosh this book was so good. My mind is BLOWN. The world building was SO good. I loved the whole Angels vs Demons and "hierarchy" systems, and every page made the story even better. The writing style, in particular, was one of the best I've encountered. It's captivating and keeps the perfect balance between haunting and bright chapters. I love our FMC, Chaosta, and her entire journey. She's endured so much, and I want to wrap her up in the biggest hug ever. Seeing the way her character progressed and developed throughout the novel was written impeccably. Our MMC, Dio, was a complex character, and I loved seeing the way him and Chaosta started off as enemies and turned into lovers. Thank you so much Charli for providing me with a copy to review. I can't wait for book two.
December 12, 2025
Runes to Rain: A Dark Fable Wrapped in Urban Fantasy
This story was truly magical. Runes to Rain is a thrilling and unique entry into urban fantasy that stands head and shoulders above the rest. It starts by dropping the reader into a world choked by pollution where a once grand conflict between Angels and Demons has devolved into a sort of cold war, slowly suffocating both humanity and the planet as a whole. Thrown into this collapsing reality, the formidable heroine, Chaosta is meant to be a force for change - someone who will tip the balance and perhaps save the world. Before she can do that she must first grapple with the core question of her own identity and purpose.
The book possesses one of the most unique writing styles I've encountered. It flows with a dark, foundational quality, reminiscent of classic adventurous tales that were built around a profound moral scaffold. In spite of its dark tone and subject: a failing world in the midst of collapse and a war between light and dark, it manages to be uniquely hopeful. While the style may feel unfamiliar at first, it gently guides you through the story, building a sense of hard-won hope that prevents the book from ever feeling heavy-handed or brooding. This crucial balance makes it instantly captivating.
More than just a modern urban fantasy novel, Runes to Rain reads like a long-form fable that truly hits home. The writing pulls you deep into the conflict between competing forces then firmly blurs the lines, exploring profound lessons about innocence, family, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
This is a captivating and imaginative fantasy read about creation, purpose, and finding where you belong when everything around you is divided.
This story was truly magical. Runes to Rain is a thrilling and unique entry into urban fantasy that stands head and shoulders above the rest. It starts by dropping the reader into a world choked by pollution where a once grand conflict between Angels and Demons has devolved into a sort of cold war, slowly suffocating both humanity and the planet as a whole. Thrown into this collapsing reality, the formidable heroine, Chaosta is meant to be a force for change - someone who will tip the balance and perhaps save the world. Before she can do that she must first grapple with the core question of her own identity and purpose.
The book possesses one of the most unique writing styles I've encountered. It flows with a dark, foundational quality, reminiscent of classic adventurous tales that were built around a profound moral scaffold. In spite of its dark tone and subject: a failing world in the midst of collapse and a war between light and dark, it manages to be uniquely hopeful. While the style may feel unfamiliar at first, it gently guides you through the story, building a sense of hard-won hope that prevents the book from ever feeling heavy-handed or brooding. This crucial balance makes it instantly captivating.
More than just a modern urban fantasy novel, Runes to Rain reads like a long-form fable that truly hits home. The writing pulls you deep into the conflict between competing forces then firmly blurs the lines, exploring profound lessons about innocence, family, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
This is a captivating and imaginative fantasy read about creation, purpose, and finding where you belong when everything around you is divided.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews