Of Darkness and Ruination is the first book in author Rachel Fallon’s The Star Queen Chronicles. Readers, if you’re eager for a book that gives a strong FMC who finds her own power, and stays strong even in the face of a tyrant then you are not going to want to miss out on this book. It’s a real page-turner that will keep you glued to the pages and begging for more.
Of Darkness and Ruination grabs your attention first and foremost with its gorgeous cover. The gorgeous colors that reflect the focal kingdom of this story. Let’s work from the top down shall we? The first thing that greets you with this cover is the stunning aurora dancing in the sky. As you descend downward you are treated to the sky shifting into hues of pink and purple with dragons seeming to soar and streak across the sky. At the base of this cover set against the beautifully blended colors of pink and purple is a gorgeously glittering silver castle. This cover just truly captivates the eye and draws you in.
What this cover holds inside? Is an epic story set in a fantasy world where fae are the rulers and humans? Nothing more than slaves. A story spun to the humans that the “Old Gods” forsook them and that the new ones created the fae to rule over them. So, since the fae were “blessed” with magic, they are deemed better than the humans. So, every year, when the humans come of age at 21, they are put through a “Placement ceremony.” Born in the Sunrise Kingdom? You will not be allowed to stay there with your family. Nope, you will either be selected by another or, if you’re not chosen, your new home will be chosen for you.
Intrigued? There’s more. Author Fallon weaves a tapestry of a story that will have you glued to the pages as our heroine, Asteria, goes through her Placement ceremony. You immediately get a sense of high tension when she catches the eye of one of the fae from Dusk. You’re not going to quite know what to think initially, but trouble? Trouble is brewing and it won’t take long for it to rear it’s ugly face.
One thing is very evident, even in the first few chapters of Of Darkness and Ruination and that is this – Prince Cyrus is the WORST! No, seriously. This guy is a real piece of shit. We’re not kidding. LOL! He wants Asteria, and he doesn’t care what he has to do to get her. He will give the illusion that he’d prefer her coming to him of her own free will, but don’t let that fool you. He’s not the patient type. Which makes him all the more dangerous.
Prince Cyrus is a character that you are absolutely going to love to hate. Think that he’ll be the only one? Great news! He won’t be! LOL! Author Fallon describes Prince Cyrus in such detail and shows that he’s a multi-faceted character. He’s more than what meets the eye, but in this case...where he lives...he has to be. Besides, he’s a huge part of the court intrigue.
Asteria is also very multi-faceted. There is so much more to her than meets the eye. What you will be shown is her beauty, her strength, and her short-temper. Normally, when we read that a character is “sassy” or has a “short temper” we’re immediately put on guard. Sometimes a character gets portrayed as overly “sassy” but it’s accepted. While Asteria does have quite a bit of sass, and her temper gets the better of her from time to time, she’s still an overall likeable character.
One thing that you will especially be drawn to when it comes to Asteria is her overall character development throughout the story. She’s frigid and cold in the beginning because of her life experiences growing up. But with each chapter, especially in the first part, her walls gradually melt. In Part 2 is when she truly blooms like a nightflower. It’s a delight to read.
The first half of the story focuses heavily on Asteria’s time in the Dusk kingdom. You get to see how they function, and the devious elements that swirl all around. While you get some shifter elements, seeing Prince Cyrus shift into his Pegasus form or even do a small shift, you don’t get a lot of magic. Weird, right? Wait for the explanation concerning this, because it’s coming...in part two.
Part two is where things really ramp up. The “big bad guy” makes an appearance and pretty much takes over the story with Asteria. It’s absolutely delicious. King Calix is really something else. He’s gorgeous, perfect, and fighting for a change. He and Asteria come together to set the pages on absolute fire. In more ways than one. LOL! Plus, he’s a dragon shifter! Yes! We finally get the dragons promised us and not just little teasing bits.
When it comes to storylines Of Darkness and Ruination gives it all to you and more. You get the enemies to lovers trope in spades. You think that things are going to head in one direction, but author Fallon is literally like...nope! Wait for it! It’s coming! Of course, you can and should watch for clues that author Fallon will drop here and here throughout the book. These breadcrumbs will tease your appetite for more and make sure you stay engaged in this novel.
When it comes to POV for Of Darkness and Ruination, this book is mainly told from Asteria’s POV. Of course, in part two, author Fallon treats readers to a few shifts in POV. Great news, right?! We get a couple from Prince Cyrus’s and then a couple from King Calix’s. It all weaves together in those particular moments to give readers...more. So that we get to get inside these characters’ minds no matter how briefly.
As this book draws to a close you can expect more than a surprise or two. Author Fallon has quite a lot in store for readers, and then ending of this book teases readers with exactly that. War is coming to Celesterra. The question is...who will survive it and how will it impact the fae and human alike? One thing is for certain...you’ll be eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Star Queen Chronicles.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline
- Dynamic characters
- Steamy situations
- Page-turner
- Well detailed
Cons:
- None of merit*
- *We will say this...there is some content in this book that may be “triggering” for some readers, so be sure to read the trigger warnings and be well-informed about what it is that you are getting yourself into if you are sensitive to certain subject matter or content.
5 out of 5 stars
Of Darkness and Ruination is the first book in a compelling new adult romantic fantasy series featuring contrasting light and dark love interests and the delicate line of balance and chaos for a magical land. Plus fae shifters, court intrigue, resistance to slavery, a shadow daddy love interest who can shift into a dragon, and a heroine finding her own power and fighting for what she believes in. Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, Clare Sager, Nisha J Tuli, Carissa Broadbent, Chloe C. Peñaranda, and Raven Kennedy!
Author: Rachel Fallon
Publication date: April 4th, 2024
Cover Artist: @violet.book.design
Blurb:
Starlight
in her veins, and a soul that calls for darkness.
On the
magical continent of Celesterra, all humans are enslaved to the
ruling fae...
Asteria Zagreus, a mortal young woman enslaved on Celesterra, must face Placement Day, the one day where all humans, at the age of Twenty-One, are placed in new kingdoms and given new masters to serve. Come Placement Day, Asteria is forced into the Dusk Kingdom and given to its Prince, Cyrus Tynan. When she refuses him and his desires, Asteria realizes she has only one option: escaping her enslavement and finding something thought impossible—freedom. Asteria must begin to play her own game within the court...and with the Prince of Dusk Kingdom himself.
Enemies come from all sides, however, and the merciless ruler of the Night Kingdom, King Calix Atarah Erebus, starts making his move against the Dusk Kingdom. Yet, darkness calls to Asteria in mysterious ways, and an equally mysterious soldier makes her question who the real monsters are—especially when it comes to a brutal king and a callous prince. With a bloody war brewing on the horizon, Asteria must decide who the true villain of her story is. Her choice, and the consequences of it, will ripple out across the continent.
Chaos rises, resistance gathers, and a soulmate bond is tested, while Asteria begins down a path that will change the course of history…
Amazon Order link: https://amzn.to/3TmRugl
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Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Fated Mates
Celestial Kingdoms
Elemental Magic
Light/Dark Themes
Found Family
Court Intrigue
Slavery Resistance
Fae Shifters
Morally Grey Shadow Daddy who can shift into a Dragon!
Secret Heir
Gods and Goddesses
Forbidden Love
Balance/Chaos Themes
FMC Finding Her Own Power
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