Realms of Ruin

by Nika McKinney

Lady of Darkness meets The Plated Prisoner in this seductively thrilling fantasy romance.Vengeance is the game. Betrayal sparks the truce. The one thing they didn't count Desire doesn't play by their rules.

Twenty-six-year-old Ruin Vespera was supposed to become one of the king’s elite dreki, a trade that guarantees untold power beyond the magic you were born with. In the realm where darkness spreads, she has honed herself to be Haluma’s deadliest spy in an effort to secure her place. Her desire to avenge her parents fuels her efforts.

But when you’re the last person in the King’s order to be offered the coveted dreki invite, death looms in every shadow. Because the King doesn’t waste magic. He drains it.

With her entire future at stake, she makes a drastic bargain with the one man she’s been hunting- the elusively dangerous rebellion general Dominus Zarek.

When shocking orders from her beloved king force Ruin to reexamine the world she thought she knew, she sees Dominus and his desperate cause with new eyes.

Maybe the key to avenging her parents is the exact opposite of everything she's been working for all along.
And the monsters she's uncovered won't let her go without a fight.

The hunter is now the hunted.

She should have been the general's executioner. Instead, she's his, and the realms', only hope. Yet with every day that passes, their alliance, like the veil over the land, deepens. But to choose each other, they'll have to betray everything they've ever fought for.

And falling in love might cost them both their realms.


Dive into realms of deadly adventure, lust-inducing tonics, and dangerous attraction with Realms of Ruin, the first in the captivating Astrals and Nokts Series. Meet the mysterious rebel general and his enthralling spy on Kindle Unlimited today!

Genres: Romantasy

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Cassandra K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help, I can’t get this book out of my mind! Your next slow burn, high stakes romantasy obsession just entered the chat, and i’m so excited to gush to you about it.

Realms of Ruin by Nika McKinney was an epic fantasy romance adventure following 26 year old Ruin Vespera on her quest to become one of the King’s elite dreki. When she collides with Dominus Zarek, the leader of the rebellion, a bargain is made.

We join Ruin and Dom on their journey that features lust-inducing tonics, an epic magic system, wound tending, dangerous attraction, found family, mental health rep, and heaps of political intrigue!

The banter made me blush and swoon!
AHHH, so good. And this is a TRUE slow burn. A lot is going on outside of the relationship, so the way it blossoms feels so natural and un-rushed. We’re gifted so many beautiful & ridiculously romantic moments with these characters!

I am so flipping unwell after that ending, and my heart needs more!

I am such a fan and I can’t wait to see what Nika has in store for us next.

Tropes:

-MMC with metal AND shadow magic
-Water wielding fmc (who can't swim)
-She's a spy, he's the leader of the rebellion
-Only one cage
-Wound tending
-Forbidden
-Political intrigue

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the chance to arc read Realms of Ruin. All thoughts are my own. Realms of ruin releases on April 7th, 2026!

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice level: 1.5 🌶️ (one spice scene in detail and a few smaller ones with less details)

“Begging is nothing. For you, I would crawl. You’ve had me on my knees for a while.”

Oh. My. God. The ending?! I am shocked, speechless, heartbroken. Can I have the second book NOW, please? Because how am I supposed to wait after that?!

It’s honestly hard to believe this is a debut book with how well everything was written!! I really enjoyed it.

The plot is incredibly fast paced and easy to understand with some pretty good plot twists and surprises in there. The characters are interesting and have very good character depth. The world building and magic system is really well done, but I do think that a few details were a little bit confusing at times and could’ve been explained a little bit better.

Dom and Rue’s relationship? Top tier. Childhood friends who found their way back to each other, first on opposite sides of a rebellion, who become allies? Who then grow to care for each other even more? Yes please 🤭. And the man is a yearner! There’s so many good quotes from Dom that it was hard to choose which ones to include in the review.

With all that being said, Korin is everything and I will protect her with my heart🥹

“You are the thoughts that keep me awake at night, the power that calls to my own. You are the water that quenches my soul. You are who the Great One foretold. Who I knew in part and drew from visions, but now I see in full. And you are everything beautiful.”

If you want a dual POV romantasy that’s so good you’ll finish it in a day and is filled with found family, banter, childhood friends turned to reluctant allies turned to lovers (??), a FMC who can save herself AND him (but will also let him save her,), and a MMC who can yearn (with the best poetic lines), then make Realms of Ruin your next read!

[April More · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an epic read. I couldn’t put this book down. Loved the world building and the magic system. Loved that the FMC had a candy addiction. I need book 2.

[Kayla Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ - I can’t believe this is a debut! This was such a fun and fast paced romantasy. So many great tropes. Childhood friends, slowburn romance, and found family. I ate this book up.

Ruin is a great FMC. She’s set on her revenge but when things don’t appear to be what they seem she actually uses her brain. Was so refreshing because I can’t stand when a character has all the evidence before her but still chooses to ignore it. Dom is exactly what a broody protective MMC should be. He’s protective but not over the top alpha male. He respects Ruin and knows she capable. The supporting characters are amazing.

The next book can’t come soon enough. After that ending, I need to know how things will turn out. I will definitely be continuing the rest of this series!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Childhood friends on enemy sides, a brooding rebel leader, and a spy who should know better.

Liora and Dom once lost each other as children. Years later they meet again on opposite sides: he leads the liberation movement, she serves as the king’s loyal spy. It is a promising setup for tension, betrayal, and the inevitable emotional mess that follows.

The first quarter, however, left me somewhat adrift. We are dropped straight into a dark kingdom with its own magic system, and while there is technically a guide through it all, I struggled to visualize the world. A little more grounding and early world-building would have helped. Once the story settles, though, the story is catching and the characters begin to carry it.

Dom certainly does his part. Broody revolutionary leader, growling “good girl,” amber eyes and shadows everywhere. And for the record: he apparently smells like leather and amber.

The Nereid kingdom introduced later was imaginative but also raised some… logistical questions. Everything floats, people grow gills to breathe by some obscure mermaid magic, but I found myself wondering about the physics of everyday life. How exactly does a teapot function in a floating underwater palace?

The book does have a sense of humor about its tropes. My favorite moment was the MMC openly acknowledging the one-bed trope: “You know those books you read where there’s only one room to be had?” Loved it!

In terms of tropes you’ll find the expected fantasy-romance lineup: pseudo-enemies to something-more complicated, the one-bed situation, and even a brief one-horse moment.

And of course it ends on a cliffhanger. Another one. At this point I should probably return to reading completed series for the sake of my sanity.


For you if you like
• Broody rebel MMCs with shadows and amber eyes
• Darker themes and emotions
• A touch of trope-aware humor

Not for you if you
• Are tired of fated mates
• need a logical world-building
• Refuse to start unfinished series

[Cozyartistbookheaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nika McKinney for the opportunity to read your book as an ARC reader. This is my honest review.

What a formidable book! ❣️❣️❣️ I was pulled in from page one and never stepped out.  Nika succeeded in creating a world that is unique, diversified and clinging to our hearts. 

Packed with action and intrigues, I never felt blasé. The incredible battles called for my full attention and appeased my devilish 😈 need for bloodlust.  I am fascinated with the elixists and all it’s alchemy; it really got inside my head. Between the weapons, the magic and the potions, it never felt short of diversion.  

I love how everything was well detailed. I fell hard for the beautiful worldbuilding, sometimes whispered as a romantic image, sometimes screamed as a horrific picture all the way to the serene writing of nature's surroundings.

The characters are endearing, magnifique, mean and complex and there are many.  The MC's are captivating, exciting and just everything we love in a romantasy.💞

Let’s talk about the yearning…  yearn… yearn and yearning🥱. It is a true long craving that will get you ready for that moment.  And wow, who doesn’t like a spicy scene with shadow lust 🤭?  It made my heart and brain explode🤯.  I was magically served and so will you be.

The ending left me speechless and hurting.  I am longing for the next chapter.  My heart is bleeding and my brain is vomiting 🤮 words that I will not type on my keyboard.

Thank you again, Nika McKinney, for this enticing story.  Now please use your special powers to bring us to the next chapter because, I needed more, and thak youfor that😉, but now I urgently need more, more, more! So wnen Nika, when? I'm watching you. 👀


If you enjoy

- Good writing
- Enemy-ish to lovers
- Gut retching emotional moments
- Fantastic battles with surreal creatures
- Unique magic system
- Political Intrigue

Then you certainly will love ♥️♥️♥️ this book!

[GJO AND PUPS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to netaglley and the publisher / author for this Arc.

For me personally, this romantasy was an easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I started it and was immediately captivated by Ruin, the FMC. The world-building doesn’t overwhelm you with an intense information dump—it flows naturally, and my imagination was able to create a vivid life around Ruin, her friend, and the wolfin she’s bonded with.
Ruin wields water magic and, despite being orphaned at a young age, she’s taken in by the Good King and builds a seriously badass life for herself.
Then enter the shadow daddy—who also has an affinity with metal. Of course he’s tall, hot, and absolutely cannot take his eyes off Ruin… despite the fact that they’re enemies. Yes, there’s a slow burn here (and you’ll definitely be wondering if they become lovers).
There are a lot of tropes we’ve seen before: political intrigue, found family, childhood friends reunited, mind-talking, tattoos, the cocky sidekick, and even the friend who needs saving.
But this book does all of them with ease. The banter is great, there’s even a cheeky nod to the one-bed/one-horse trope that feels like the book is laughing along with us. And the underwater world? That really stretched my imagination in the best way.
I devoured this book the way you devour McDonald’s at the end of a boozy night—happy, satisfied, and somehow still starving for more.
It ends on a cliffhanger, and you better believe I’ll be first in line for book two.
Edit Review

[Jennifer B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
I was honored to be part of the ARC team for Realms of Ruin. Thank you to the author for the advanced copy and the opportunity to read this novel early. This debut romantasy novel from Nika McKinney had several unique aspects that intrigued me. Although not really enemies to lovers, there were some aspects of that trope with a twist. I believe this is the first novel I’ve read where the FMC was an ice-wielder, which I found different and interesting, especially as it led to her ability to read auras. I also always like a good alchemy aspect (here called “elixists”), which this book wove into the plot quite well. The dryads are another interesting aspect that I hope is explored more in depth in the next book. This novel has a fated-mates-style trope, however, I think it’s done really well where it doesn’t really come to fruition until the two main characters express their feelings to each other (so they appear to choose each other, instead of being only destined or fated without agency). This is a sloooooow burn. Not quite as slow as Spark of the Everflame, but almost! I’m hoping the romance develops more in the next book. The action really kicked up in the last 15-20% of the book. Looking forward to where the next installment will take us as there is clearly more story to tell. **spice rating: 1-1.5 chilis**

[Denise Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Advanced copy from Netgalley

For a debut novel, Realms of Ruin is surprisingly captivating. The story begins a bit slow, but once the plot gains momentum, it becomes difficult to put down. McKinney builds an intriguing fantasy world with a unique magic system that stands out from many in the genre.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the way the glint is tied to addiction. The story explores how power can consume individuals and devastate communities, drawing a powerful parallel between magical dependence and the real-world consequences of addiction. This theme adds depth to the narrative and raises the stakes beyond the typical fantasy conflict.
The romance unfolds as a slow burn, which works well with the pacing of the story. The tension between the characters, especially through the reconnection and enemies-to-lovers dynamic, keeps the emotional stakes high while the larger conflict develops around them.
While the opening takes time to establish the world and characters, the payoff is worth it once the story fully takes off. By the end, the plot, character dynamics, and expanding world leave plenty to anticipate.
Overall, Realms of Ruin is an impressive debut that blends fantasy, emotional tension, and meaningful themes. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes next in the series.

[Ágnes Malta-Lakó · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for the ARC.

Overall score 3.75⭐️
This book is the first in a series and it had some really nice and unique elements.
Entering a dark scene, we meet drekis that I found super interesting and other magical creatures.
The political scene is fairly simple, and I wouldn’t call this true enemies to lovers. This doesn’t take away from the story, but the prologue sets up the story in a certain way. Also, it is kinda insta-lust.
The first 30% was a bit sluggish that was counterbalanced with the last 20%, with a differently paced in between 50%. I found that in some instances the author left too much to the reader’s imagination and that took me out of the flow.
I did get a surprise twist in the end chapters.

Things I really liked
- the drekis (as the villains)
- the powers of both MCs (especially the ice daggers and the massage bathtub)
- the funny comments regarding romance books

Things I didn’t appreciate
- the sometimes lengthy descriptions
- the insta-lust while they were still enemies (also the horny thoughts while almost dying?)
- the pacing
- the ending felt a bit strung together. She said at one point that she couldn’t follow what was happening. Same.
- I would’ve liked more Finn. To lighten the mood a bit.

It will be interesting to see what happens with them.

[Ali West · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this ARC early! I did enjoy the overall story and there were some things that seemed different than other romantasy series out there (ie. dual magics caused by a curse, different variants of villains (nokt and dreki)) but some of it felt a little repetitive to me. Don’t get me wrong I love the one bed/fated mates/bonds tropes but I think some of these felt a little generic. I felt like the connection between the FMC and MMC was always there, probably since they knew each other since being children even if they didn’t know who they were initially as adults. I didn’t really get a true feeling of “enemies to lovers” probably because of that factor.

The authors writing style was easy to follow and flowed well throughout the book.

I do overall like the way the series is going and the last 15% is where my attention was really held. I think I’ll continue this series as it progresses, but I may wait til all books

I may be also a little biased currently as I’m in a romantasy slump right now which may be contributing to a lower score so don’t let that discourage anyone from reading.

For anyone interested this book releases on Apr 07 2026.

[_thisgirlreads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
Realms of Ruin is an excellent debut novel and start to a new series. The world building is artfully descriptive, without being overwhelming, and captures differences in multiple realms within a single world. The magic system is fairly unique, particularly with the method of replenishment and the book features several very interesting magical beings and creatures. The FMC, Ruin, begins with blind loyalty, but retains the capacity to adapt when her entire world is upended. After the extensive childhood trauma (check those content warnings, folks) her ability to connect with others is rather astounding. Dom is a fierce protector and does anything necessary to guard his people, and the rest of the realms, from the looming threat of death magic. His connection to Ruin is deep and genuine. Several well written side characters provide needed comedic relief and friendship amongst the group. The story drips with slow burn longing, betrayal and nightmares reborn, culminating in an ending that left me reeling and begging for more. I will absolutely be reading as the series continues!
*Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this e-arc!

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I need the next one right now!!

This slow burn romantasy book is filled with action, magic, emotion, trauma representation & banter. The FMC slowly warms to the idea of letting her walls down for the MMC & it’s so, so good when she does. Her water wielding is incredible, so fun to read. His magic was also fun to read. When their magic intertwined.. ah, so beautiful!
Loved the way the one bed trope was used & the comments of women liking their romance books.
The underwater world made me so happy, I wanted to be there!

I did feel the first bit of this book was a tad disorienting but it got so much better. I felt maybe the world building was just a bit off at the start? I also wish we got a bit more information about some of the other characters, like Finn. Some bits were a bit predictable but that’s not always a bad thing. Oh and the repetitive mentions of cherry sweets got irritating.

I really wish this series was finished because I need to carry on! Hoping for more romance, spice, dryads & mermaids in the next story 💗⚔️🧪 4.25 ⭐️

[Kat Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an advanced reader copy of this book and holy heck did I enjoy it! I wouldn’t consider myself a romantasy pro, as my intro to this genre began when I couldn’t find more dystopian series to devour a couple years ago. But I’ve read enough of the big hits (and handfuls of indie writers) to have a sense of what draws me to books like this: strong female main characters, believable vulnerability, and a male main character with enough mystery to be sexy, but enough emotional intelligence to not fit the “overprotective chauvinistic jerk-face” category.

This book serves all that on a silver platter, along with all the fan favorite tropes we know and love. As a trauma therapist (like Nika), I loved the representation of trauma/PTSD in the book, as well as unique quirks about a few of the characters.

Overall, a really creative, brave, brilliant first book (and can’t wait to read the next ones)!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy review…

This is an epic fantasy romance for sure! We meet our FMC Ruin (a water wielding baddie) and MMC Dominus (that name!? stop it soooo good… our resident metal AND shadow. Daddy) on a perilous but tension building journey through the realm. A true, TRUEEEEE slow burn! THEIR YEARNING!? THEIR BANTER!? i cannot with them…its written in the stars.

Found family is big in this book and i loveeee. Political intrigue always sets the stage and it shows up here beautifully. Unique and integral magic system, mental health representation in full effect, navigating trauma, loss, growth and healing, and BANTER LIKE CRAZY (lowkey swoon worthy). All this to say…the world building here is AMAZING! So so sooooo good!!!

The ending!? Pleaseeeee, I am unwell.

I can’t wait to have this in my collection!

[Crow Balladcrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of ARC reading this story, and it completely drew me in from the very beginning. The characters are deep, dark, and wonderfully mysterious, each carrying layers that slowly unfold as the story progresses. The author beautifully weaves together long-standing friendships, childhood trauma, a unique and fascinating magic system, and unforgettable creatures that make the world feel rich and alive.

At its heart is a powerful love story forged through tragedy and hardship, one that lingers with you long after you finish reading. The emotional depth really shines, and by the end I was completely invested in these characters and their journey. And that ending… it absolutely ripped my heart out in the best way possible. I’m already counting down the days until the second book.

[Still Reading Here · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read and I am so glad I picked this one up.

Ruin is everything you want in a fantasy heroine. She has a traumatic and mysterious past but she refuses to let it define her. She is independent, strong, hardworking, and incredibly loyal.

Dom is just as compelling but even more mysterious. Both characters clearly care deeply about the people in their lives and will do whatever it takes to protect them.

The slow burn tension between them was smouldering and made every interaction feel even more charged.

One of my favorite things about this book was the pacing. Instead of saving all the action for the last portion of the story, the tension and momentum stay steady throughout. I was completely hooked the entire time.

And because the story never suddenly ramps up at the end, the cliffhanger actually surprised me. I closed the book needing the next installment immediately.

[Rachel Parkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 4.5 ⭐️.

I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest thoughts.

Wow, what a debut by Nika McKinney. The story follows Ruin of the Scourge, a trained fighter and spy for the Good King on her path to save her realm from Glint, a drug that’s draining the magic from its inhabitants. But all isn’t what it seems and as she learns and experiences more, her sight lines shift. That’s, in part, due to the General of the liberation, Dom, who is more than he seems.

The world building happens quickly, but also develops further and further throughout the book. And it’s interwoven with a cool magic system, with themes of fated mates, prophecies and gods tied in.

It’s a very slow burn, with mild spice near the end. If you like shadow daddies, found family, wild beasts and elemental magic, this book is for you!

Can’t wait to see how this story evolves! Kudos Nika!

[Katie Dunlop · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. This debut is fab for any readers new to romantasy! I must admit I am a sucker for yearning and this goes both ways for our MC's in this one. The story moves at a good pace, not too many slow points. I would've just loved a teeny bit more back story for the MC's.
However, this has all the tropes I love, including a unique magic system and some interesting magical creatures that were new for me. I enjoyed this a lot!
There are some really heartwarming moments and some beautiful quotes. Finally an MMC who is not described as morally grey and actually just a good guy who is trying to do the right thing for his people and ones he cares about.
Cannot wait to read the next book!

[Cindy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Nika McKinney & team for this ARC! This was slowest burn romantasy I’ve read in a while. Boy oh BOY did I work for it! Ruin’s perseverance is so relatable and inspiring to read and Dom….his yearning!!!! I enjoyed reading how he comes to life throughout this book. Finally, the side characters (Finn, Korin, Xuri) were a joy!! I love how they bring out different sides to Ruin and Dom.
This story has amazing world building with fantastical creatures and magical powers. I cannot wait to see where the plot will go and how these characters grow.

What I love about this romantasy:
🔥 slowest burn, forbidden love
👥 dual POV
🌊🩶 water, ice, and shadow magic
📜 fate & prophesies
🧜🏼‍♀️🐺 nymphs, monsters, forest creatures
👑 political intrigue
🛏️ forced proximity, one bed
spice level: 🌶️🌶️

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummmm hi, yes....can I have more, please?

What if I beg?

This book was so good. The magic system is so unique and super fascinating, and there are layers that we haven't even fully gotten to see yet! The lore is peeled back bit by bit, finally starting to get a better picture of this complex world as the story progresses.

Rue and Dom, our FMC and MMC are a firework show when paired together. Their chemistry is absolutely delicious, and I left every tense interaction with them needing to fan myself a little bit.

The emotional depths that our characters have left my heart yearning for healing for both of our characters, even as their journey isn't complete.

I will absolutely be reading the next installment! waiting on pins and needles!

overall: recommend
spice: open door

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot and world building. I thought it gave enough information without being overwhelming. Ruin’s character growth is amazing to witness as you can see at the beginning with her blinded loyalty to the cause but at the end, she has the freedom to make her own decisions surrounded by people who support her, and who do not diminish her. And can’t forget about my man, Dom, who is possessive and supportive.

And yes, there is the one bed/one horse trope that is done like no other I’ve read.

There are some moments that feel random that I feel deserved a little more back story. And maybe it gets more answers in the second book so who knows!!

Some moments may break your heart so prepare for the emotional damage.

Thank you Nika for the eARC!

[Lisa Mazzeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut romantasy from Nika McKinney had a bunch of little things that hooked me from the start! It’s enemies-to-lovers but twisty and I love a good twist. Her writing is really descriptive and sometimes breathy but not too bad.

Ruin is an water wielder and has other cool magic. Dom is the leader of a rebellion and possibly my next shadow daddy! Their banter is witty and sexy but don’t let that fool you. This is a S L O W B U R N!

Some wicked battles, new
creatures and a floaty water world which I loved! It’s got a little bit of everything I love in a Romantasy.

It’s ends on a cliffhanger so if you don’t want to deal with that, maybe pick it up closer to book twos release lol.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nila McKinney for this advanced copy.

4.25 ⭐️ 🌶️

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5⭐️ This was an enjoyable read. I liked the premise, the magic system, and the mix of plot and romance throughout the story.

Because of the prologue, we already know that the FMC and MMC knew each other as children. Knowing that ahead of time did make parts of the story a bit frustrating for me, since it felt like the clues were right in front of them and they just couldn’t see it.

There’s a lot of action, especially toward the end, and the final stretch definitely ramps things up. Overall it was a pretty solid read and a good debut.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Sara Van Blarcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!
This is a great first book in the romantasy genre for this author. The prologue was intriguing, I liked knowing about the friendship, however it made it frustrating that they didn’t notice who they were looking for right away later in the book. Dom is a great MMC, hopefully we can learn more about him and his backstory in the next book. I like Rue, I’m glad she came around to the right side eventually. Her power is really interesting and unique. I’m excited to learn more about her ancestry. The yearning was good, but hopefully they can “complete the bond”

[Bookdreamer.nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pick up your next slow burn, high takes romantasy! Meet Ruin (who is working to become one of the King's dreki) and Dom (the leader of the rebellion) who make a bargain. Including found family (my favorite!), political intrigue and an epic magic system. Buckle up for the first 20%- we are dropped into a complex world that requires some building to get a handle on everything. Stay tuned for some of my favorite tropes including "one bed" and "one horse" **squee**! Be warned, this is the first in an unfinished series so be sure to follow the author for book two announcements.

Thank you to the author and net galley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this early copy of Realms of Ruin. I’m rating 4.5⭐️ and rounding up to 5⭐️. I did struggle a little bit to get into the story in the first 1/3 but after that, I was hooked. The tension between Dom and Rue is thick and that was my absolute favorite part. The plot was interesting as well and I was invested in Rue’s parentage, finding Dom’s cure, and the rebellion against King Nolan. I loved the childhood friends to enemies to lovers trope and the moment each of them recognized the other. The things this man said ranged from swoonworthy to feral 🥵 and I was 100% here for it.

[Book Obsessed Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so so thankfull for the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book, because wow.. just wow.. I don't even know how to begin my review.. this book was absolutely amazing 😍!! It's so freakin good 😍!! It pulled me in from the very first page and didn't let me go anymore. It's very well written, there is never a dull moment in the story, the plot was so good, I absolutely loved all the characters 🥰 and I love the mental health rep in the book ❤!! The FMC, Ruin, was so relatable for me, I loved her! And don't get me started about the MMC, Dom, he is definitely in my top 3 of book boyfriends now 🥵😍!! I absolutely can't wait for book two!!!

[Mandamoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review for Realms of Ruin
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Realms of Wrath and Ruin. It was a steady and engaging fantasy read with interesting worldbuilding and strong character dynamics. The story builds gradually, which helped immerse me in the world and the characters’ journeys.
While the pacing felt a little slow at times, it helped set up the story, and the later chapters really picked up. Overall, this was an enjoyable fantasy with character growth, emotional moments, and an intriguing storyline.

[Skylar Keeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review
Realms of Ruin by Nika McKinney
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
Thank you for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

This book was absolutely amazing and ruined me for any other books for like 4 days after I finished it!!
This was and epic fantasy Romance adventure that will captive you like it did me!!
You have a bargain, a journey, list potions, magic, and a dangerous attraction to look forward to when you read this book, so what are you waiting for!?!
#RealmsofRuin #NetGalley.