Of Darkness and Ruination

The Star Queen Chronicles, Book 1

By: Rachel Fallon

Narrated by: Alexa Borys, E.M. Wylde

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...

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!

©2024 Rachel Fallon (P)2024 Rachel Fallon

Wish it was on Graphic Audio!

I think the audiobook almost beats the written version. Woo! I had to listen before the second book came out. Loved it.

Great Audio

I next write a review. I could not stop listening. Can not wait for the next audio to come out

Audio made this book wonderful!

4.75! Thee world building on this novel is WoW! It is wondrous, enchanting and very detailed. It is a lot, but not all at once which was nice. I'd say this is Dark Romantasy and check those trigger warnings because things get wild! Calix and Asteria gives me Witcher romance vibes
There were times Asteria's back and forth mind monologues got a bit redundant and self righteous.
She's a very black and white thinker most of the book.
And parts of the book were anticlimactic for me as l guessed a lot of the plot twist way before they happened lol. Love the emotional turmoil though and romance was well done.
I'd definitely recommend this story and excited for the series to continue! Amazing debut! So happy the audiobook came out so I could bump this baby up on the TBR! The audio book is amazing btw and definitely recommend as well. It's an awesome duet and I loved the accents and different voices.
Read from: Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024

The Mystery of the pull between the two main characters

I just finished Of Darkness and Ruination and wow—this book pulled me in with its dark fae magic, slow-burn romance, and fierce heroine. Asteria’s journey from captive to rebel was emotional and empowering, and I loved the morally gray characters (especially Calix!). The world-building was rich and immersive, though the pacing dragged a bit in places. Still, I couldn’t stop reading. If you enjoy romantasy with soulmarks, dragons, and court intrigue, this one’s worth diving into.

Amazingly great story!

Wow, just finished and I’m blown away by this book. A top read of the year for sure. It’s got everything we know and love from romantasy, with dragon shifters, a shadow daddy, great friend and family dynamics, and an intriguing world and magic system. Please read this, you won’t regret it!