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Stallion Ridge #5

Runes, Ruin & Redemption

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Redemption has long evaded the former Enforcer, Sebastian.
Viewed as a monster, Sebastian has roamed the country in hiding, running from his bloody past and failures. A series of mistakes has left him hopelessly lost and waist deep in dark, uncharted territory. In order to escape certain death, he makes a deal that may seal his fate.

Lucas has been chasing after his heart for years. Sebastian has been a ghost he cannot grasp and the demons of his past are closing in. Joined by Elliot, a charming and mysterious doctor, the pair wades into darkness and untold dangers.
Lucas had expected to face all manner of foes on his way to save Sebastian.

He didn't expect the charming doctor Elliot to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Length: 65,000 words

228 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2020

20 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

Maz Maddox

44 books701 followers
Maz Maddox is the odd lovechild between a unicorn, dinosaur and vampire. The outcome is a human-like figure who inherited aspects of all three. She is a champion of logic and science, adores beauty and whimsy, and has a slight streak of darkness that dances the line of genius and insanity.

Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.

When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.

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5 stars
111 (43%)
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99 (38%)
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40 (15%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Dani.
1,753 reviews358 followers
April 5, 2025
By far the most emotional book in this series. The actual romantic relationship with Elliot, Lucas and Seb felt like the background plot, rather than the main plot line. There's not much relationship development, we just get told they're in love and all of a sudden they're together. It fits with the rest of the relationships in the series though, I just wish there was so much more relationship development for each book because instalove isn't really something I enjoy reading.

Honestly, until what happened with the Rune Breakers and Thayer, this book was like a 3.5 at best, but the emotions that the one scene brought out in me.... I literally bawled my eyes out, full on ugly cried when that happened to Thayer. Couldn't even see my kindle! Ugh, I wasn't even bothered what happened with the romance really, I was just devastated for Thayer.
Profile Image for Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight).
977 reviews166 followers
April 6, 2021
3.5 Stars

Review:
This book was surprisingly different from the others in the series, but just as enjoyable! The others have all been about one of the men in the town of Stallion Ridge falling in love with a newcomer. This one took place away from Stallion Ridge (though the main characters were from the town), featured a triad rather than a couple, and was about characters who all already had history with and feelings for one another.

This one also had a bit more action as the three of them went on kind of a brief adventure. They stayed with a Rugaroux community in the swamps for a while, and seeing their home and lifestyle was fun.

This story had a bit more heaviness than the others because of Seb's alcohol addiction (that he was detoxed from during the story), all three of their pasts, and certain things that happened, but it was still overall not a dark or too heavy book.

One really cool thing about this series is that it features so many different uncommon supernatural beings as shifters! This time it was a manticore and a sphinx.

I didn't feel super connected to the characters or their romance, but I liked them, and I thought their romance was sweet. I did, however, find William, Wyatt, and Winston to be very interesting. Three people in one body, all very connected but with unique and different personalities. It was also just fun hearing them bicker and seeing how all three reacted to things. (I'm pleased to have discovered they have their own short story available on the author's site!)

Overall, another enjoyable supernatural western, this time with a cute polyamorous triad romance!

*Even though each book in this series focuses on different characters, I recommend reading them in order, or you might be lost in regards to some plot/world elements and character/relationship backgrounds.*

*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*

Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-4 in Maz Maddox's Stallion Ridge Series. Anyone who likes the Old West but with supernaturals, worlds accepting of LGBT+ people and relationships, mlm romance that's sweet and sexy and a touch angsty, likeable characters, and series with different couples in each book but connected stories.

More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,461 reviews180 followers
November 9, 2022
Series: Stallion Ridge #5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

This was another very different book for the series. Again, this one doesn’t take place in Stallion Ridge but we do have three characters from the town. Lucas and Elliot have gone off to search for Seb and have finally found him in the bayou.

This one was more action packed than romance focused but it was still a very good romance. Lucas and Seb parted on very rough terms and they struggled to get past that, at least until they included Elliot in the mix. Seb is also struggling with his alcohol addiction. He has used alcohol to hide from the pain of what he did during the war for years and it has really taken a toll on him physically and mentally. This time though Lucas and Elliot are there to support him through him and help him stay sober.

I wasn’t expecting a triad in this series but it was very enjoyable. I really liked Lucas, Elliot, and even Seb once he was sober. I loved that we finally got to learn more about Elliot and sphinx’s because I have been dying to learn more since it was revealed what he is. Their adventure in the swamp was crazy and action packed. I was not expecting ghosts, zombies, and new shifters.

Overall, while different, this was still a really great book for the series. I can’t wait to see how these three integrate themselves into the town in future books. Especially Seb, since so much has changed since he was last there.

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Profile Image for Calila.
1,178 reviews103 followers
March 18, 2020
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*

I really just love this series and these characters so much. I'm always happy when I read book in this world. I think the only thing I can say I wish was different is, I wish the build of the romance got more focus. I mean it works, I believe the three of them love each other, but it's because I was told it more than I was shown it. I wanted to see more of the connection between them all and the why. But it feels like a lot of that is left in the previous books, so I wouldn't recommend reading this if you're not fully caught up on the series. I loved the new characters that were introduced! The croc, the three brothers (hoping those 4 get a book of their own....it's not as weird as it probably sounds I swear and it's not a spoiler, it's pretty obvious they'll be a thing.). The rougarou pack was new and interesting and leads to one of the more emotional moments of the book. But overall I didn't feel as connected to this story as previous ones. Still love this world tho.
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,865 reviews30 followers
September 5, 2021
Damn, I thought Scarlet’s book was harsh. This was a case of everyone hates Seb. I felt sorry for the pack, having to deal with a town that killed their alpha. I liked how the trio balance themselves out and the welcoming back to Stallion ridge. A little worrying that the Sarah problem wasn’t taking care of. The epilogue made me curious. I liked the chimera and Gui, they were adorable. Looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5,704 reviews40 followers
March 16, 2020
the thing i love most about this author and series is the author hits on the not so normal shifters and paranormals.. i love it so much.. amazing love and magic.. fear and lust.. happiness and anger. so many emotions.. so many personalities and so much fun. it made me smile and laugh.. it made me tear up and mad.. i loved everything!
834 reviews5 followers
March 15, 2020
Excellent continuation of the series!

This is such an interesting story within a great series. The characters are so unique, each with memorable traits and personalities.
This time around, we have a sphinx (Elliott) and manticore (Lucas) as 2 of the MCs searching for an enforcer (Seb), who is almost immortal.
Along the way, they make new friends and alliances, battle some horrid creatures, find love, face tragedy together and get to go home to their HEA - as a throuple.
Really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Midori.
221 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2022
As much as I like and enjoyed this book, it made me missed the stallion ridge boys ☹️❤️. But… All is forgiven and forgotten when i saw them by the end of the book ❤️.

Anyway this book is so different from the previous ones, it’s more adventurous, it has zombies (i love the undead 🤣). Romance only came around 60%, it was POLY and about second chances in love and finding the third one to bind them all together (previous books are all insta love so this book is quite a breather from it).

Truly enjoyable. I love Maz ❤️.
Profile Image for Kat.
970 reviews37 followers
October 23, 2022
While I still enjoyed this, it lacked a little something the rest in the series have had so far. I think for me it’s really the lack of build up between the three MC’s. We knew a little about them from previous books, but they kinda just jump right in together after all the terrible things that have happened… it just didn’t work well for me. But the story was pretty cool and different!
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,872 reviews13 followers
October 7, 2021
Old magic new choices

A really great story that brought together three of the most surprisingly shrouded men of Stallion Ridge and gave them each their chances at redemption and love.

Sebastian used to be a regular resident of Stallion Ridge but back in the very first book he ran away after a mistake with his powers. When in Stallion Ridge he was drunk all the time and it becomes clear some of that drinking was to hide from his past as an enforcer, but some of It was to mourn the loss of his lover. With the events of the last book revealing Lucas, Seb's lost lover who he had maimed and believed dead. Elliott goes out with Lucas to try to find Seb, wanting to help these two men find love again all while wishing for it himself from the outside.

Each of these men have quite the past with the war. As an enforcer, Seb was firmly on the anti-shifter side and killed lots of people. But as things changed in the war and away from his family and he changed his mind, it didn't change those he had already killed. Lucas is a manticore, and they were the only shifters to turn on the rest. He fought on what was the wrong side for longer than some and never found solace in any towns since the war. Elliott has a past shrouded in mystery, and as a sphinx is rare and unusual, but has his own losses and experiences with war. Each of them hold guilt for their past, guilt that isn't changed even as they have changed to try to make up for their actions. Together they can slowly move forward and try to see beyond that guilt towards making something for themselves.

A really great story that took place away from Stallion Ridge and introduced new characters and even new shifters. Learning more about the war was fascinating (and yet I still feel an entire book series could be written about the war itself!) and seeing the different experiences from these men on such different sides of it was very well done. A beautifully crafted tale, as always I look forward to the next book!
200 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2020
We’ve met Elliot, Lucas, and Sebastian in previous books in the series. Now Lucas is determined to find Sebastian, and Elliot is equally determined that Lucas not have to go alone. Elliot has nursed both Seb and Lucas through their infirmities and feels a strong connection to both men. The exact nature of that connection remains to be determined – as does the response of the other two.

I really think that Maz is coming into her own as a writer. The writing is beautifully descriptive, the characters sympathetic, the action exciting, and the psychological component compelling. I love the interplay among the three men, as well as the rest of their pride. When they were younger and more damaged, Lucas and Sebastian were unsuccessful at maintaining their relationship. It will take a lot of personal growth, some life-and-death experiences, tragedy, and the tenderness that Elliot shares so freely to bring them back together. This story has all the elements, and there is nothing I would change about it. It definitely is not great as a standalone, but reading all the other stories in the series is half the fun. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for caroline wilson.
607 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2021
😍 one of my favourite series💙

I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
I love getting to read these books in the series, each time is a new adventure yet with all the charm that you get by being set in a town albeit with all manner of creatures. This author managed to evoke all sorts of emotions whilst I was reading this book and enriching world building that flourishes more in each story. Sabastian, lucas and Elliot have all been characters lurking at the sides of previous books, innocuous yet jabbing us readers with curiosity about their past and future. This book culminates this and though can be read as a standalone is better enjoyed when you know every nuance there is on what makes these characters and you won't regret it.
This was fast paced, and flowed effortlessly that it was a joy to read. I love reading about different creatures and the world is brought to life. We've got a frisson of danger, intrigue and magic, plus 3 men in a relationship makes me a happy bunny. Great great plot and book♥
Profile Image for Roksy.
351 reviews15 followers
October 13, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐¼

Viewed by society as a monster, former magical Enforcer Sebastian can do nothing but roam the country, hiding when he can, and running from his bloody past and his failures when he can’t—until a series of well-intentioned mistakes leaves him hopelessly lost, waist deep in dark, uncharted territory. To escape certain death, he must make a deal that may well seal his fate. Whilst Sebastian has been running, Lucas has been chasing him—his heart—for years, and he fears that the demon’s from Sebastian’s past are catching up. With the help of Elliot, Stallion Ridge’s charming and enigmatic doctor, Lucas wades into darkness and danger, prepared to face all manner of foes to save Sebastian—but Lucas never expected Elliot to be the missing piece of the puzzle that might save him and Sebastian both.

Departing the eponymous small town, the fifth novel in the Stallion Ridge series—Runes, Ruin, & Redemption—combines elements of an epic quest, redemption narrative(s), and romance, with MMCs Elliot and Lucas leaving the safety of the community in the hopes of finding and saving MMC Sebastian. With themes of forgiveness and self discovery, and the added tension of a love triangle turned sweet, loving throuple, this was an emotional ride at times. I’m a total nerd for the history aspect of this particular paranormal western setting, so I especially enjoyed learning more about some of the recurring characters from earlier novels, as well as more extensive insight into the universe’s broader lore that this novel provided.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,669 reviews
March 19, 2020
This is a wonderful and heartbreaking addition to a series I adore. Seb is an Enforcer, on the run and trying to drown his guilt for past misdeeds in alcohol. Lucas is the love of Seb's life, who Seb hurt in a moment of panic. And Elliot is the magical doctor who is helping Lucas search for Seb, while he is secretly in love with both of them.
This story is action-packed and full of emotions. The characters who inhabit this paranormal old west world are fascinating. I especially love the Chimera brothers and croc shifter who become great friends to the main trio. There are harrowing events that make me shiver and unfair judgements and actions that make me cry.
I was glued to my Kindle until I reached the end, and I was a mess by the end. I loved this installment to the Stallion Ridge series, and I look forward to the next. Seb, Lucas, and Elliot own a part of my heart now, and I know I'll read their story again.
Profile Image for isthisakink.
1,277 reviews24 followers
February 17, 2024
I loved and loathed this in equal measure.

I loved these three together. I loved their stories and their story together. I’m irrationally obsessed with this world. It’s still so interesting, and there are a thousand little things I think should be in more PNRs. The lore is insanely detailed and I will always be here for it.

I absolutely loathed what happened during the climax. I had a lot of emotions in my eyeballs. You cannot give me all of these amazing satellite characters and then do THAT.😩😭

The editing still needs revisiting, but it be what it be. I’ve suffered through a lot worse for a good book. The inconsistencies bother me, though, and I’ll never be able to overlook them because my ~sPiCy~ brain exists as it is. I’m sorry. Don’t hate me.

4/5. I have put off my new releases to finish this series, and I have no regrets. I swear this author’s imagination is stunning.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,619 reviews48 followers
March 17, 2020
I didn't expect this book to hit me as hard as it did. If you want a story that makes you think about questions like when is hatred justified, is there anyone unworthy of forgiveness, what is the cost of hate, what is the redemptive power of love, this is your book. As we follow Seb, the ex-Enforcer as he wanders the countryside drowning his grief and self-loathing in alcohol, we follow his friends/lovers Elliot and Lucas as they try to find him, protect him from the mobs who want to kill him in revenge for those he has killed and in particular Sarah who lost her family to Seb, but was also saved by him as a young girl. The ending chapters where everything comes to a head and rational argument and compassion are pitted against hatred and revenge are wrenching and thought provoking. Chapter 19 in particular would be an interesting addition to any classroom discussion of restorative justice. Can a person reform, how do we properly honor the suffering of victims, are there "unforgivable" criimes? So many questions from what I thought was just going to be an exciting romance. Not to be missed.
Profile Image for Violet Laflamme.
127 reviews4 followers
Read
June 27, 2020
So, first of all, the description says you can read this book no problem after reading only the first two books in the series so that's what I did. I just want to confirm that it's true that you don't miss out on understanding anything that's going on if you do skip, though of course you'll always get more context and story by reading a series in its entirety. I will likely go back and read books 3 and 4 as well, but I was really eager to read this book.

This book was a brilliant escape from the real world that I really needed the last few days. A love story involving more than two people isn't a story that everyone tells and I was really happy to have the chance to read it. There's enough in this book hinting at future installments as well that I'm 100% sure there's more to be seen and done in Stallion Ridge.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,276 reviews23 followers
March 17, 2020
I don't read a lot of shifter books, because  sometimes they can be a bit "samey"in their storylines. Not this series. These stories are quirky and  original , they really draw you in, have plenty of action, and characters full of peculiar and  unexpected traits.

This installment is one of love and redemption. Things do not go smoothly for the MCs. There is some heartbreak, some steamy encounters, the support of friends, and learning about what is truly important in life.

Although part of a series, and we see some familiar characters, this can be read a a standalone. But I do recommend that you read the whole series. You won't be disappointed.
1,388 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2020
Action and adventure

I love this series and this book fits in perfectly. Elliot, Lucas and Sebastian are interesting individually and together. There various connections they have with each other helps to build a strong foundation and helps them save each other.

I liked all the bits of backstory that we get. These three are similar in some of the past actions of themselves and/or their families. They are all seeking redemption, love and acceptance.

I really liked how the story played out and think that you will enjoy it too. This is a MMM with no cheating.
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews18 followers
March 17, 2020
I love this world and enjoyed this story though it was quite different from the others in the series. Unfortunately it’s been awhile since I have read the other books so I don’t remember all the details from before but I still loved their story. I loved the lengths at which Lucas and Elliot were willing to go for Sebastian and how they were all able to quickly accept their connection once the “quest” is done. I was glad that they quickly put Elliot’s worry to rest once they realized his fears.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Georgiana.
683 reviews12 followers
March 18, 2020
I love this series!

Each character is unique not only in their shifting abilities but personalities as well. I enjoyed all the different shifters/creatures in this story. The world building was nicely done, placed in a new location away from Stallion Ridge.

It was nice getting the different POVs from Elliot, Sebastian and Lucas. It really helped bring the story to life. I loved how the author drew me into the story and the characters lives. I needed to know about all three men and hoped they get their HEA.
1,108 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
what an adventure!

This is a mmm paranormal western romance with adventure and redemption; it is the fifth book in the series but should be read after the first four and the Mayhem novella first. What an adventure! I wasn’t expecting the doctor and his patient (a manticore) to go off in search of Seb, but they not only did but brought me a story that exceeded my expectations. This series has been so much fun to read, the world building is fantastic and characters are perfectly flawed beings! READ IT!
16 reviews
March 15, 2020
Book 5 and still going strong

There was an excellent balance of all three main characters. Seb, Lucas, and Elliot are very familiar and their book was much anticipated and it did not disappoint.
Loved the new setting of the south. There was new characters and new places to explore. The world building is great and it always stays interesting.
The Stallion Ridge series has fast become a favourite and this book was a great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,061 reviews11 followers
March 16, 2020
A wonderful story of Sebastian's struggle through his life; a life choice he regretted, a journey through unknown territory, and the fighting for, saving, loving, and bonding of Sebastian, Lucas, and Elliot that led Seb to his soul's redemption. Along the way we meet characters from the previous books in this series and get to know a few new ones with exceptional stories of their own to reveal. What I have always enjoyed about this Stallion Ridge series is the mythical creations Ms. Maddox has written about; not creatures she created but creatures believed in by ancient societies and religions, ones based on historical facts. This is my honest review for the ARC I got via the GRR Review Team through Bookfunnel.
871 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2020
This is the fifth book in The Stallion Ridge Series. I would read the first books in the series before this one for fullest enjoyment. A great story with good writing. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters interesting. The characters were developed and thought out. Sebastian, Lucas, and Elliot are the MC’s of this book. I can recommend this book as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
72 reviews
November 3, 2020
3.75 stars, rounded up. I didn't like this story in the series as much as the others. Ms. Maddox said in the afterword that she struggled with the 3 different points of view, and it showed. I was also disappointed that they left Stallion Ridge behind, though I understood it for plot purposes. Still, I enjoyed reading Seb's redemption, even if it didn't quite feel real.

Ms. Maddox, please, please, please, please read your story out loud or have someone else do it as part of the editing process! You'd be surprised how many typos you can catch that way. There were so, so many typos that brought the story to a screeching halt for me while I tried to figure out either what she was trying to say or why she hadn't caught that one in the editing process.

I do recommend the series! The world-building is excellent, and I haven't read this kind of shifter story before. (I don't read a lot of shifter stories, though, so please bear that in mind!)
Profile Image for Rissa.
2,300 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2021
I love this series, I do. It's hard for me to imagine a relationship between more than two people. I've said it before, I am selfish. So, I would want a partner that's mine and mine alone. But hey, it works for some people so who am I to judge? It definitely worked here between Seb, Elliot, and Lucas - each one brought something to the relationship.

The Rugaroux though!!!! That made me cry BECAUSE.

I am definitely reading Wyatt, William, Winston, and Gui's book BECAUSE yes.
201 reviews
July 26, 2024
[“Embrace the change we were too afraid to make. We’ve been hidden in the swamps too long.”]
*
[it was such a happy, easy song to learn. It wasn’t until his adult years, long after taking the Enforcer oath, that he realized what the song was really about. The happiest truth was knowing one day you would die for something you believed in.]
*
[“What a pair we were. The two most hated creatures in the country and mortal enemies, roaming the countryside, looking for a place to rest.”]
Profile Image for Breanna.
260 reviews
March 15, 2020
Wonderful book

This book is amazing! This is a new author to me and this won’t be the last book. She recommends reading the first books in the series and I would do just that. You won’t be as confused but you will also binge the rest of the series like I did. I loved getting to know Elliot, Lucas, and Seb. This story had great plot and a wonderful world the author has created!
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