This book was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romantasy.
Fall of Ruin and Wrath is the first instalment of a new fantasy series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the author of the popular From Blood and Ash series. The book promises to deliver a spicy, romantic, and twisty tale of Calista, a Lowborn girl who can read minds and has a powerful intuition, and Thorn, a Hyhborn immortal who feeds on mortal pleasure. However, despite the intriguing premise and the captivating world-building, the book fails to live up to its potential and leaves much to be desired.
The book ends with a shocking cliffhanger that sets up the stage for the next book in the series.
I really wanted to love this book, but I must admit, I really struggled to get through it.
While the book has some strengths, such as the vivid descriptions of the post-apocalyptic world, the steamy scenes between the main characters, and the occasional humor and banter, it also has many weaknesses that overshadow its merits. The main problem is the lack of balance between the romance and the plot. The book spends too much time on the sexual tension and the smut, and not enough time on the action and the intrigue. The plot is thin and slow, and the conflicts are resolved too easily or left unresolved. The book also lacks originality, as it borrows many elements from other fantasy and romance books.
Another problem is the characterization. The characters are not very relatable or likeable, and their motivations are often unclear or inconsistent. Calista is supposed to be a smart and strong heroine, but she often acts impulsively and naively, and lets Thorn manipulate her. Thorn is supposed to be a mysterious and dangerous hero, but he often comes across as arrogant and possessive, and treats Calista as an object. The secondary characters are also underdeveloped and stereotypical.
Overall, Fall of Ruin and Wrath is a disappointing book that does not live up to its hype. It is a decent start to a new series, but it is not a standout in the genre. It has potential, but it needs more polish and substance. It might appeal to readers who are looking for a steamy fantasy romance, but not to those who expect more depth and development. I hope the next book in the series will improve and deliver a more satisfying and engaging story.
*Review copy received with thanks from Pan MacMillan SA
About this book: Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Pan Macmillan
About the author: Jennifer L. Armentrout (jenniferlarmentrout.com)
