Ruin

The Infernis Duology, Book 1

By: Gillian Eliza West

Narrated by: Gabriel Michael, Zara Eden

Oralia Solis hasn't felt the touch of another in 245 years.

Not without them crumbling to ash at her feet. Cursed by the bite of a daemoni, she has been sequestered away for the greater good of Aethera by her adopted father, King Typhon.

King Renwick rules the rival kingdom of Infernis, the land of the dead. When Oralia flees the palace of Aethera after her power is let loose with deadly results, he recognizes her potential as a weapon and aids her escape.

Oralia finds herself the prisoner of the man she has been taught to fear most, and Renwick is surprised to find there is more to this princess than her untamed powers. Despite the gulf of secrets and magic between them, Renwick can't deny the pull he feels towards her, and Oralia struggles to resist the one person who cannot only survive her touch but craves it.

As Oralia uncovers the truth of her parentage and masters her magic, she will discover that the power to raze or save either Aethera or Infernis lies in her hands. War between the two kingdoms looms, and she must decide who she can trust and which she wants more: power or love.

Ruin is a true slow-burning romance, with enemies-to-lovers, nods to multiple mythological stories reimagined into new lore, and LGBTQIA+ representation (supporting characters).

©2024 Gillian Eliza West (P)2025 Podium Audio

A Wonderful Reimagining of Hades and Persephone

Beautifully written, with emotionally open and vulnerable characters. The romance is romancing, and the narrators make it perfect!

LOVE this debut story from Gillian!

5 stars all the way around because wow. I originally read the book when it first released, but then when the audio came out I knew I had to do a reread immersive style with the audio. I was right. It was so good and the casting was perfection to elevate the story even more. I cannot wait to reread book 2 with these two narrating as well!

DNF at 40%

Came for Gabriel. Left for the use of “they” for a singular person 10,000x. It’s too distracting. “Their hand, their jaw, their lips.” I get it you are progressive. Story not good enough to overcome.