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The Labyrinth #1
Exquisite Ruin
In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom.
In this deadly maze, the most dangerous thing may be the passion between them.
Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, remembering nothing except that she is a powerful sorceress. Her only companion is a hostile immortal named Daesra—beautiful, dangerous, and demonic—who bound his divine soul for power and revenge.
Despite their animosity, the two have no choice but to work together to reach the center and defeat the monster who prevents their escape. But the longer they wander, the more deadly and alive the maze becomes—and the more Sadaré finds herself drawn to Daesra in ways she can't explain.
As sorceress and demon develop a tenuous truce, the labyrinth gives Sadaré glimpses of their shared history of passion and pain that make her question everything she knows. Unlocking the secrets of her past may be the only way to survive and heal their entwined fates—but as she learns more about the betrayals that brought them to the labyrinth, Sadaré begins to fear that the monster at the center could be Daesra ... or even herself.
In this deadly maze, the most dangerous thing may be the passion between them.
Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, remembering nothing except that she is a powerful sorceress. Her only companion is a hostile immortal named Daesra—beautiful, dangerous, and demonic—who bound his divine soul for power and revenge.
Despite their animosity, the two have no choice but to work together to reach the center and defeat the monster who prevents their escape. But the longer they wander, the more deadly and alive the maze becomes—and the more Sadaré finds herself drawn to Daesra in ways she can't explain.
As sorceress and demon develop a tenuous truce, the labyrinth gives Sadaré glimpses of their shared history of passion and pain that make her question everything she knows. Unlocking the secrets of her past may be the only way to survive and heal their entwined fates—but as she learns more about the betrayals that brought them to the labyrinth, Sadaré begins to fear that the monster at the center could be Daesra ... or even herself.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2025
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13.8k people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
Shelved as 'remind-me-once-out'
February 17, 2025Didn't even read the summary because that cover said everything I needed to know
January 7, 2025
Instagram || Threads || Facebook || Amazon || TikTok
EXQUISITE RUIN took a while to get moving but once it got started, I couldn't put it down. I love the Greek mythology vibes of this book: a Labyrinth that is clearly inspired by the story of the Minotaur, especially with the horned demon love interest, and a witchy heroine who gets her powers (and her sexual enjoyment) from pain. When she awakes in a stone labyrinth with no memories, and only her ex-lover to serve as her guide, she immediately suspects treachery.
The maze is a dangerous place, and the only way out is down. From sentient statues to sinister water, this story reminded me a lot of the surreal dreamcore aesthetics I see from artists on TikTok, with a dash of the dark whimsy in Hayao Miyazaki movies, and the morally grey and dangerous love interest a la L.J. Smith's The Forbidden Game trilogy or Labyrinth. Even though this is a contemporary fantasy work, there's something so retro-feeling about it, like I could have sneaked it as a teenage girl and become precociously enchanted with the story and the hot-but-dangerous hero.
It even kind of has the aesthetics of a teen girl fantasy, but all grown up and kinky, which is maybe why I loved it so much. There's even a pig-dog-lion chimera that looks like a winged pug. Like, even if the charm of Daesra and Sadare weren't enough, with all of their retro high fantasy chic, how could you not fall in love with Pogli the pug? Plus, this book has one of the BEST M. Night Shyamalan-esque twists I've encountered in a while. I literally gasped. HOLY FORESHADOWING, BATMAN. You know a twist is good when it makes you want to immediately reread a book and look for all the clues that were quietly waiting to shatter your whole fucking world.
I loved this author's other book, BEYOND THE BLACK DOOR, which was an asexual fantasy love story. I was delighted when she reached out to offer me an ARC of her spicy romantasy novel, EXQUISITE RUIN, which is a completely different story from BtBD, but still retains so many of the elements that made me fall in love with her writing for the first time. Can't wait to see what she does next.
Thanks to the author/publisher for sending me a copy!
4.5 stars
February 28, 2025
Hmmm. This was… weird.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
To begin, Sadaré, our MC, wakes up in a labyrinth having no idea who she is. With her is a daemon, Daesra, who, in classic enemies-to-lovers fashion, hates her for reasons she does not yet understand. Together, they have to find a way to survive and get out of the maze.
A great premise! I was really excited for this one, but from chapter 1, something just wasn't clicking for me. I don’t know if it was the character interactions or the writing, but I really began to drag my feet. (Hence, why it took me over a month.)
However, after the first quarter, things started looking up. I still wasn’t completely sold, but the romance was getting interesting. I enjoyed a lot of the flashbacks. I love amnesia storylines. Something about them is just so dramatic! We also got some good lines like:
We love a villainous king, thank you very much 👏
But that ending. That ending was weird. And not a good weird. A weird weird. A that makes no sense weird. I will say no more. But that definitely dragged down the rating.
I’m sure some people will end up liking this. It's got some interesting romantic elements, some adventurous spice, and a truly bizarre twist. However, I wouldn't recommend it for most people.
⚠️: sexual sadomasochism
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Pre-read:
Alright let’s go!! I got this on NetGalley for two reasons:
1. Amnesia
2. Labyrinth
Enough said
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
To begin, Sadaré, our MC, wakes up in a labyrinth having no idea who she is. With her is a daemon, Daesra, who, in classic enemies-to-lovers fashion, hates her for reasons she does not yet understand. Together, they have to find a way to survive and get out of the maze.
A great premise! I was really excited for this one, but from chapter 1, something just wasn't clicking for me. I don’t know if it was the character interactions or the writing, but I really began to drag my feet. (Hence, why it took me over a month.)
However, after the first quarter, things started looking up. I still wasn’t completely sold, but the romance was getting interesting. I enjoyed a lot of the flashbacks. I love amnesia storylines. Something about them is just so dramatic! We also got some good lines like:
“I’ve wanted you more than I’ve ever wanted anything on this godsforsaken earth. I would burn down the world to find you.”
We love a villainous king, thank you very much 👏
But that ending. That ending was weird. And not a good weird. A weird weird. A that makes no sense weird. I will say no more. But that definitely dragged down the rating.
I’m sure some people will end up liking this. It's got some interesting romantic elements, some adventurous spice, and a truly bizarre twist. However, I wouldn't recommend it for most people.
Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for providing me early access to Exquisite Ruin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
⚠️: sexual sadomasochism
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Pre-read:
Alright let’s go!! I got this on NetGalley for two reasons:
1. Amnesia
2. Labyrinth
Enough said
March 25, 2025
Exquisite Ruin is a kinky, dark romantasy following a witch and a daemon trapped in a dangerous maze together. She has no memories, but he knows they had a complicated past and he has a good reason to hate her. But despite their toxic relationship, their chemistry is undeniable and they need each other to survive.
There are content warnings at the start of the book and they're worth reviewing because this might be a lot for some readers. The heroine uses pain to harness her magic, AND she enjoys BDSM in sexual encounters. There is fairly intense self-harm for the sake of magic and survival, and this enemies to lovers sort of relationship that is sometimes violently combative. At the same time, I feel like the book as a whole is kind of about healing and redemption, even if it takes a very dark path to get there. It's sexy and filled with danger, alongside lots of facing past trauma. There's also a jaw-dropping twist late in the book! This won't be for everyone, but it's a good book. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
There are content warnings at the start of the book and they're worth reviewing because this might be a lot for some readers. The heroine uses pain to harness her magic, AND she enjoys BDSM in sexual encounters. There is fairly intense self-harm for the sake of magic and survival, and this enemies to lovers sort of relationship that is sometimes violently combative. At the same time, I feel like the book as a whole is kind of about healing and redemption, even if it takes a very dark path to get there. It's sexy and filled with danger, alongside lots of facing past trauma. There's also a jaw-dropping twist late in the book! This won't be for everyone, but it's a good book. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
Thank you Adrianne May and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What to expect:
- Minotaur retelling
- Morally gray fmc and mmc
- Witches
- Enemies to lovers
- BDSM/Pain kink
- Spice 3/5 🌶️
- Amnesia
- Betrayals
- A+ banter
My thoughts:
Wow, this book was so good! From the first chapter to the last I was hooked! I loved our two main characters, Sadaré and Daesra. They were both morally gray, which is something new for me. Their relationship was HOT, even as enemies. I also throughly enjoyed their backstory, it made them both feel so real. The relationship wasn’t sweet or fluffy, it was raw and fiery and I loved it. Shoutout to Pogli, I love when authors include animals in books! This book had so many twists and turns and they all were unexpected, especially that last one!
My only con is that the book was somewhat repetitive. Otherwise this book was amazing, definitely my favorite this month!
Totally recommend!
What to expect:
- Minotaur retelling
- Morally gray fmc and mmc
- Witches
- Enemies to lovers
- BDSM/Pain kink
- Spice 3/5 🌶️
- Amnesia
- Betrayals
- A+ banter
My thoughts:
Wow, this book was so good! From the first chapter to the last I was hooked! I loved our two main characters, Sadaré and Daesra. They were both morally gray, which is something new for me. Their relationship was HOT, even as enemies. I also throughly enjoyed their backstory, it made them both feel so real. The relationship wasn’t sweet or fluffy, it was raw and fiery and I loved it. Shoutout to Pogli, I love when authors include animals in books! This book had so many twists and turns and they all were unexpected, especially that last one!
My only con is that the book was somewhat repetitive. Otherwise this book was amazing, definitely my favorite this month!
Totally recommend!
March 28, 2025
EEEEKKK! I was SO stinkin’ excited to get this physical arc in the mail last week!! I couldn’t wait to dive in! ⚔️ 🪄 🖤
A woman and a minotaur wake at the start of a mysterious maze. She has no memories, though he has most of his, except for why or how they ended up at the maze. He knows it is a trial, created as a challenge that they must both experience and survive together.
The entire story takes them deeper into the labyrinth of chaos and danger, all the while slowly revealing memories and piecing together a bigger picture as they search for the monster at the center that they must defeat. While the two recognize an underlying hatred for each other, there is also an undeniable deeper thread of desire that neither is able to deny. The deeper the maze brings them, the more treacherous the obstacles, most of all the danger of losing their hearts.
What a great tale with a VERY unexpected and refreshing twist at the end! Please check trigger warnings, as this is dark and spice level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
A woman and a minotaur wake at the start of a mysterious maze. She has no memories, though he has most of his, except for why or how they ended up at the maze. He knows it is a trial, created as a challenge that they must both experience and survive together.
The entire story takes them deeper into the labyrinth of chaos and danger, all the while slowly revealing memories and piecing together a bigger picture as they search for the monster at the center that they must defeat. While the two recognize an underlying hatred for each other, there is also an undeniable deeper thread of desire that neither is able to deny. The deeper the maze brings them, the more treacherous the obstacles, most of all the danger of losing their hearts.
What a great tale with a VERY unexpected and refreshing twist at the end! Please check trigger warnings, as this is dark and spice level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
March 26, 2025
1st POV / 1 POV / chapters: medium-long / TW bellow
🩸monster romance: witch x demon (hooves, tail, horns)
🩸deadly labyrinth with mind of its own
🩸SPICE (explicit, BDSM – more info below)
🩸big plot twist
🩸betrayals, second chance, forced proximity, passion
🩸amnesia
🩸morally grey characters...they definitely match their freak
"Just let me love you, in this moment, as if you were not you and I were not me." MY HEART
OKAY LISTEN. AdriAnne May (Strickland) is my favorite author and I'm so glad that this book IS SO FUCKING PERFECT. The first few pages were a bit too descriptive but after that, I was hooked until the end. There's something about her writing that just holds my entire soul captive even days after I'd finished the book. If you liked Beyond the Black Door or In the Ravenous Dark but want a more complex adult version, you're going to EAT THIS UP.
The world-building and story is beautifully complex compared to her previous YA books. Learning about the world (and gods) alongside the FMC (who has amnesia) is always genius as it doesn't overwhelm the reader AND it enriches the plot at the same time. We experience visiting the FMC's past and getting info out of the (unwilling) demon — so we get the best of both worlds.
The maze is an amazing setting as well. We don't spend the entire book looking at grass and hedges but travel UNDER – through caves and sooo many different settings each with their own challenges. The pacing is perfect because it alternates between the romance (and banter) and the labyrinth's challenges.
I absolutely adored the pull between "I hate you...but I don't want you to die so we're kinda allies but not really and I HATE YOU but, of course, I love you, you idiot, you're a beautiful BITCH and I'd burn the world down for you." My heart was torn and struggled alongside theirs. So... lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies to allies to enemies to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers... It's a RIDE. But it feels just right, makes sense, and didn't make me anxious!
The plot twist? HELLO? I had to put the book down because I was completely disoriented and had to replay the entire book in my brain to wrap my head around it. And yet, I didn't have a problem understanding, I only had to slow down and read it again to make sure all the pieces snap together (maybe I'm just not that smart 😄). It's utterly genius and if anyone says otherwise, they just don't think about our very own souls that much. (which is okay) This book is about self-discovery, forgiveness, and love on so many different levels.
Honorary mention to Pogli and Deos. ❤️ Also, I am obsessed with the name Sadaré.
❓Love triangle/Jealousy: No
❓HEA:
❓Cliff-hanger: )
– Rep: bisexual demon, non-binary god
Sexual scenes: CNC (), sado-masochism, degradation, primal play, choking, gagging, rope bondage, spanking, blood play, foot fetishization (), raw/unprotected sex – if you mind rough sex and pain I really don't recommend this book because the scenes are very intense (in a good way if you're into it).
Trigger Warnings: violence, gore/body horror, parental death (past, off-page), animal injury (not death), abduction/captivity, blood, self-harm for magical purposes (a lot), rape (past, when: ), domestic violence (FMC's parents), neglecting parents + kinks mentioned above
Are you ready for the ride from
"What did your mother fuck to make you so ugly?"
to:
"You are my home."
?
Thank you, AdriAnne May, for this eARC, you are my favorite person. I cannot wait to read book 2.
🩸monster romance: witch x demon (hooves, tail, horns)
🩸deadly labyrinth with mind of its own
🩸SPICE (explicit, BDSM – more info below)
🩸big plot twist
🩸betrayals, second chance, forced proximity, passion
🩸amnesia
🩸morally grey characters...they definitely match their freak
"Just let me love you, in this moment, as if you were not you and I were not me." MY HEART
OKAY LISTEN. AdriAnne May (Strickland) is my favorite author and I'm so glad that this book IS SO FUCKING PERFECT. The first few pages were a bit too descriptive but after that, I was hooked until the end. There's something about her writing that just holds my entire soul captive even days after I'd finished the book. If you liked Beyond the Black Door or In the Ravenous Dark but want a more complex adult version, you're going to EAT THIS UP.
The world-building and story is beautifully complex compared to her previous YA books. Learning about the world (and gods) alongside the FMC (who has amnesia) is always genius as it doesn't overwhelm the reader AND it enriches the plot at the same time. We experience visiting the FMC's past and getting info out of the (unwilling) demon — so we get the best of both worlds.
The maze is an amazing setting as well. We don't spend the entire book looking at grass and hedges but travel UNDER – through caves and sooo many different settings each with their own challenges. The pacing is perfect because it alternates between the romance (and banter) and the labyrinth's challenges.
I absolutely adored the pull between "I hate you...but I don't want you to die so we're kinda allies but not really and I HATE YOU but, of course, I love you, you idiot, you're a beautiful BITCH and I'd burn the world down for you." My heart was torn and struggled alongside theirs. So... lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies to allies to enemies to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers... It's a RIDE. But it feels just right, makes sense, and didn't make me anxious!
The plot twist? HELLO? I had to put the book down because I was completely disoriented and had to replay the entire book in my brain to wrap my head around it. And yet, I didn't have a problem understanding, I only had to slow down and read it again to make sure all the pieces snap together (maybe I'm just not that smart 😄). It's utterly genius and if anyone says otherwise, they just don't think about our very own souls that much. (which is okay) This book is about self-discovery, forgiveness, and love on so many different levels.
Honorary mention to Pogli and Deos. ❤️ Also, I am obsessed with the name Sadaré.
❓Love triangle/Jealousy: No
❓HEA:
❓Cliff-hanger: )
– Rep: bisexual demon, non-binary god
Sexual scenes: CNC (), sado-masochism, degradation, primal play, choking, gagging, rope bondage, spanking, blood play, foot fetishization (), raw/unprotected sex – if you mind rough sex and pain I really don't recommend this book because the scenes are very intense (in a good way if you're into it).
Trigger Warnings: violence, gore/body horror, parental death (past, off-page), animal injury (not death), abduction/captivity, blood, self-harm for magical purposes (a lot), rape (past, when: ), domestic violence (FMC's parents), neglecting parents + kinks mentioned above
Are you ready for the ride from
"What did your mother fuck to make you so ugly?"
to:
"You are my home."
?
Thank you, AdriAnne May, for this eARC, you are my favorite person. I cannot wait to read book 2.
Read
March 12, 2025DNF 50%
Ok I went back and finished because I have a problem. Still not for me lol
Ok I went back and finished because I have a problem. Still not for me lol
February 24, 2025
I am marking this as read because I read more than 30% of this book. And I ended up dnfing it cause honestly I was just really bored. This book has a gorgeous cover and a great synopsis for a promising story but as I was reading it, I just didn’t really care for the main characters and the only saving grace was Pogli, a part Pig/Dog\Lion. He was adorable, but I got to page 100 and I just was not interested. 😅
October 15, 2024
I am not sure I have understood the assignment
March 31, 2025
You can find this review of Exquisite Ruin on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to the publisher and Coloured Pages Book Tours for including me in the book tour for Exquisite Ruin and providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think reading Exquisite Ruin was certainly an experience quite unlike any other. Books that truly pull you into its world and enthrall you with its words are always special and Exquisite Ruin is definitely a book that you can get lost into (ha!) rather swiftly.
The first perhaps… ten percent of the book was a bit slower on the pace. While the set up was unique and the two main characters were introduced within the first two pages, I found myself leaving and returning to the book a few times. But the moment we toe the ten percent (or a little above) mark, it’s quite the racing game. I only sensed a mild dip at around 70% in the pace but it soon evened out and took off again. It was rather exciting to see yourself keeping pace with the characters as they race against unpredictable dangers, disturbing monsters, maybe even their own past and feelings.
(FYI—for no reason at all—I think it’s important to share that this is the first time ever I’ve started a review by talking about the pace in the book)
The world building in this book has all the advantages it needs. The best way to introduce a world to readers is by making the main character someone who’s unaware of the world themselves. One of the most common strategies for world building is when the protagonist enters into a completely new world and learns the ins and outs along with the readers. The other—perhaps trickier—method is when the protagonist develops amnesia. It’s both a fantastic way to introduce the world and adds a wonderfully complex knot to unravel in the plot. It is, however, not as easy to write because it’s a slippery slope of puzzle pieces that, when they come together, have to fit perfectly because all of it links back to the plot.
The smart thing that the author has done with how the world unravels is create a very recognisable pattern for it. The intervals for it may be unpredictable but you’re always aware what’s going to happen once that particular pattern marker appears. The author also ensures you’re mostly aware of what is going to be revealed…. Until you’re not. (But that’s a story for a different paragraph)
Given how wonderfully similar some aspects of the story are—like the God hierarchy—it’s extremely simple to make sense of most of the rules that follow it. I found it rather easy to piece together the basic rules of the world rather early on in the book, which is always amazing to experience. So woot woot for that!
The plot of this story unravels like … I would say … maybe a little like the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A lot of it initially has a certain tone of being discombobulating, before the picture begins to fill in. As the pieces start to fall into place, there’s more clarity and confusion in turns before the final puzzle piece gives us an answer that turns everything on its head. The primary plot point reveals itself wholly only at the end but the suspense of it all keeps you on your toes as you wonder where this is all going. What are they chasing? What’s chasing them? Who can be trusted? There are several such questions that plague the reader that keep us guessing and reading and racing with the characters.
I would say this book is more character driven than anything else. While, yes, the very visible setting of the labyrinth, the immediate dangers and hidden pasts seem to take center stage; to me it always felt like it was the characters and their stories that was what the book was truly focused on. I think for the longest time, as a reader I struggled to understand their motivations and decisions but I still always felt curious enough to continue.
✨Also, the banter. 🤌🏻✨
Loved the banter.
Swam in the banter.
Spread it on my toast and ate it whole.
I think the first 75%-80% of the book was very interesting, even with all its flaws, nicks and dents. But after that, when the true plot is revealed, I personally felt the story went down a very … mind-bending path that I’m still not sure how I feel about. I think the strange became stranger, the vague became vague-er and everything turns on its head. Until that moment everything we knew about the world—of sorts—fit in well with the plot; and then well I think it depends on the reader if it’s a hit or a miss on how they feel about how the book resolves itself. For me personally it was a bit of a miss. Unfortunately.
There are many themes in this book that can be hard for some so please check trigger warnings before reading! I’ve been metaphorically shifting my feet between a 3.5 start rating and one closer to a 4. So it’s dealer’s choice! Check out the blurb and that beautiful cover (that makes SO much sense!), and if you find them interesting, do dive into this magical adventure with lots of banter and thrill!
A big shout out and thank you to the publisher and Coloured Pages Book Tours for including me in the book tour for Exquisite Ruin and providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think reading Exquisite Ruin was certainly an experience quite unlike any other. Books that truly pull you into its world and enthrall you with its words are always special and Exquisite Ruin is definitely a book that you can get lost into (ha!) rather swiftly.
The first perhaps… ten percent of the book was a bit slower on the pace. While the set up was unique and the two main characters were introduced within the first two pages, I found myself leaving and returning to the book a few times. But the moment we toe the ten percent (or a little above) mark, it’s quite the racing game. I only sensed a mild dip at around 70% in the pace but it soon evened out and took off again. It was rather exciting to see yourself keeping pace with the characters as they race against unpredictable dangers, disturbing monsters, maybe even their own past and feelings.
(FYI—for no reason at all—I think it’s important to share that this is the first time ever I’ve started a review by talking about the pace in the book)
The world building in this book has all the advantages it needs. The best way to introduce a world to readers is by making the main character someone who’s unaware of the world themselves. One of the most common strategies for world building is when the protagonist enters into a completely new world and learns the ins and outs along with the readers. The other—perhaps trickier—method is when the protagonist develops amnesia. It’s both a fantastic way to introduce the world and adds a wonderfully complex knot to unravel in the plot. It is, however, not as easy to write because it’s a slippery slope of puzzle pieces that, when they come together, have to fit perfectly because all of it links back to the plot.
The smart thing that the author has done with how the world unravels is create a very recognisable pattern for it. The intervals for it may be unpredictable but you’re always aware what’s going to happen once that particular pattern marker appears. The author also ensures you’re mostly aware of what is going to be revealed…. Until you’re not. (But that’s a story for a different paragraph)
Given how wonderfully similar some aspects of the story are—like the God hierarchy—it’s extremely simple to make sense of most of the rules that follow it. I found it rather easy to piece together the basic rules of the world rather early on in the book, which is always amazing to experience. So woot woot for that!
The plot of this story unravels like … I would say … maybe a little like the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A lot of it initially has a certain tone of being discombobulating, before the picture begins to fill in. As the pieces start to fall into place, there’s more clarity and confusion in turns before the final puzzle piece gives us an answer that turns everything on its head. The primary plot point reveals itself wholly only at the end but the suspense of it all keeps you on your toes as you wonder where this is all going. What are they chasing? What’s chasing them? Who can be trusted? There are several such questions that plague the reader that keep us guessing and reading and racing with the characters.
I would say this book is more character driven than anything else. While, yes, the very visible setting of the labyrinth, the immediate dangers and hidden pasts seem to take center stage; to me it always felt like it was the characters and their stories that was what the book was truly focused on. I think for the longest time, as a reader I struggled to understand their motivations and decisions but I still always felt curious enough to continue.
✨Also, the banter. 🤌🏻✨
Loved the banter.
Swam in the banter.
Spread it on my toast and ate it whole.
I think the first 75%-80% of the book was very interesting, even with all its flaws, nicks and dents. But after that, when the true plot is revealed, I personally felt the story went down a very … mind-bending path that I’m still not sure how I feel about. I think the strange became stranger, the vague became vague-er and everything turns on its head. Until that moment everything we knew about the world—of sorts—fit in well with the plot; and then well I think it depends on the reader if it’s a hit or a miss on how they feel about how the book resolves itself. For me personally it was a bit of a miss. Unfortunately.
There are many themes in this book that can be hard for some so please check trigger warnings before reading! I’ve been metaphorically shifting my feet between a 3.5 start rating and one closer to a 4. So it’s dealer’s choice! Check out the blurb and that beautiful cover (that makes SO much sense!), and if you find them interesting, do dive into this magical adventure with lots of banter and thrill!
March 20, 2025
When Sadaré wakes up in the middle of a maze, the only thing she knows for certain is that Daesra hates her. But he claims they must work together to face the monster at the center of the maze, so the two engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse as they draw closer and closer to the horrors that await them. Slowly, Sadaré starts to regain her memories and realizes that there may be more to this quest than she ever imagined.
Exquisite Ruin by Adrianne May is a twisted, decadent dream of a book. As a fan of Greek mythology, I loved all the clever ways the author nodded to the original myth of Theseus and the Minatour. While Daesra was essentially both Thesus and the Minatour at once, Sadare was far from the helpless Aradine. I loved how the author included the red thread that guided Theseus out of the maze, the characters’ godly parentage, and even the origin of the Minatour. There were so many intricate details that heardled back to the original story while adding a modern twist; it was the perfect retelling.
What truly set this book apart were the characters. Both Sadare and Daesra were layered, complicated, and interesting to follow. Since they are really the only characters the readers get to know, the author spent her time fully developing them. And the romance…? Let’s just say you won’t be disappointed.
The one reason that I didn’t give this book a full five stars was the ending because it was WEIRD. Like really really weird. I loved where the story was going until the last 50 pages, but I would still highly recommend this novel (just be prepared to be taken by surprise).
Read if you like…
🪢Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers to ????
🗡️A magic system based on pain and submission (tehe)
🩸BDSM in a fantasy setting with clear consent
🪢 Mythological retellings
🗡️Fast pacing with jaw-dropping twists
🩸Gods with hidden agendas
🪢A maze meant to devour you whole
🗡️Amnesia but it’s not annoying, I swear
🩸“Only I can hurt you” MMC
🪢“Let me make my betrayal up to you” FMC and MMC
🗡️A magic pug/lion/pig thing
🩸Touch him/her and you die (probably)
🪢Mental health representation
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Exquisite Ruin by Adrianne May is a twisted, decadent dream of a book. As a fan of Greek mythology, I loved all the clever ways the author nodded to the original myth of Theseus and the Minatour. While Daesra was essentially both Thesus and the Minatour at once, Sadare was far from the helpless Aradine. I loved how the author included the red thread that guided Theseus out of the maze, the characters’ godly parentage, and even the origin of the Minatour. There were so many intricate details that heardled back to the original story while adding a modern twist; it was the perfect retelling.
What truly set this book apart were the characters. Both Sadare and Daesra were layered, complicated, and interesting to follow. Since they are really the only characters the readers get to know, the author spent her time fully developing them. And the romance…? Let’s just say you won’t be disappointed.
The one reason that I didn’t give this book a full five stars was the ending because it was WEIRD. Like really really weird. I loved where the story was going until the last 50 pages, but I would still highly recommend this novel (just be prepared to be taken by surprise).
Read if you like…
🪢Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers to ????
🗡️A magic system based on pain and submission (tehe)
🩸BDSM in a fantasy setting with clear consent
🪢 Mythological retellings
🗡️Fast pacing with jaw-dropping twists
🩸Gods with hidden agendas
🪢A maze meant to devour you whole
🗡️Amnesia but it’s not annoying, I swear
🩸“Only I can hurt you” MMC
🪢“Let me make my betrayal up to you” FMC and MMC
🗡️A magic pug/lion/pig thing
🩸Touch him/her and you die (probably)
🪢Mental health representation
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
April 1, 2025
Manacled styled story of the Minotaur, but make it The Labyrinth and Jareth is stuck in the maze with her and hates-to-love her, and they are both morally ambiguous.
Really, I'd rate this 3.5, but rounded up? I couldn't decide between the two. It took me a while to find my footing in this story, but I enjoyed it and the ending reveals were so well done?
✨ Themes ✨
Daemon x witch
She has amnesia
Adorable pug/pig/lion chimera animal companion
Stunning cover art
Mythology retelling
Dark but also somehow sweet?
Mind blowing plot twist reveals
Morally grey MCs
They hate to love and love to hate each other
Methinks the lady doth protest too much
Lovers to enemies to lovers to....
Forced proximity
Horned and hooved demon MMC
Magic is pain and pain is magic
Second chance romance
They would burn the world down for each other
Journey towards forgiveness and self discovery
Are we all monsters here?
Content: this book is heavy, definitely darker fantasy, kinks, violence, manipulation, deep betrayal, BDSM, ch*king, etc.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
Really, I'd rate this 3.5, but rounded up? I couldn't decide between the two. It took me a while to find my footing in this story, but I enjoyed it and the ending reveals were so well done?
✨ Themes ✨
Daemon x witch
She has amnesia
Adorable pug/pig/lion chimera animal companion
Stunning cover art
Mythology retelling
Dark but also somehow sweet?
Mind blowing plot twist reveals
Morally grey MCs
They hate to love and love to hate each other
Methinks the lady doth protest too much
Lovers to enemies to lovers to....
Forced proximity
Horned and hooved demon MMC
Magic is pain and pain is magic
Second chance romance
They would burn the world down for each other
Journey towards forgiveness and self discovery
Are we all monsters here?
Content: this book is heavy, definitely darker fantasy, kinks, violence, manipulation, deep betrayal, BDSM, ch*king, etc.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
March 31, 2025
Exquisite Ruin by Adrianne May
A dark and unique romantasy set in a deadly maze.
I really enjoyed this story! I loved that the FMC had amnesia and had no idea what she had done to end up in the maze. Experiencing the mystery alongside her made the journey even more intriguing and kept me hooked.
The humor woven throughout the book was a great touch, and the animal companion, Pogli, was one of my favorite elements. He’s such a unique creature, and I adored every scene he was in—especially when he came to the FMC’s rescue. I imagine him as the kind of “so ugly, he’s cute” creature, which just made him all the more endearing.
There were a couple of twists toward the end that caught me completely off guard. I’ll admit, I had to pause and rethink everything that had happened, but it didn’t take away from the story or make it difficult to follow—just added to the wild ride.
Overall, this was a fresh and enjoyable read with an eerie, immersive atmosphere and some truly unexpected turns. If you're looking for something different in the dark romantasy genre, this is worth checking out!
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC copy.
A dark and unique romantasy set in a deadly maze.
I really enjoyed this story! I loved that the FMC had amnesia and had no idea what she had done to end up in the maze. Experiencing the mystery alongside her made the journey even more intriguing and kept me hooked.
The humor woven throughout the book was a great touch, and the animal companion, Pogli, was one of my favorite elements. He’s such a unique creature, and I adored every scene he was in—especially when he came to the FMC’s rescue. I imagine him as the kind of “so ugly, he’s cute” creature, which just made him all the more endearing.
There were a couple of twists toward the end that caught me completely off guard. I’ll admit, I had to pause and rethink everything that had happened, but it didn’t take away from the story or make it difficult to follow—just added to the wild ride.
Overall, this was a fresh and enjoyable read with an eerie, immersive atmosphere and some truly unexpected turns. If you're looking for something different in the dark romantasy genre, this is worth checking out!
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC copy.
March 27, 2025
This cover? Gorgeous!
The premise? Intriguing!
The story? Unique, dark, and spicy!
The execution? It just kinda fell flat.
I feel like this could have been really good if a lot of it was removed and it was turned into a novella. It isn’t a long book by any means but it felt like it dragged on and I never really got fully invested.
I did become a little more invested at around 50%. The twist at the end was wild and tbh I’m still pretty confused about it.
If you’re looking for a dark romantasy set in a maze with meddling gods, a demon, a cute chimera named Pogli, and some kinky spice, then maybe you should give this one a try!
Thanks to Gallery Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The premise? Intriguing!
The story? Unique, dark, and spicy!
The execution? It just kinda fell flat.
I feel like this could have been really good if a lot of it was removed and it was turned into a novella. It isn’t a long book by any means but it felt like it dragged on and I never really got fully invested.
I did become a little more invested at around 50%. The twist at the end was wild and tbh I’m still pretty confused about it.
If you’re looking for a dark romantasy set in a maze with meddling gods, a demon, a cute chimera named Pogli, and some kinky spice, then maybe you should give this one a try!
Thanks to Gallery Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Shelved as 'arc-tbr'
March 25, 2025
Want to read
November 26, 2024The cover though. THE COVER. 😍
March 25, 2025
This was not my cup of tea and was very unfulfilling.
I was hoping to like this, considering it had a great premise however, it was boring and incredibly repetitive. The same thing happened multiple times; the FMC and MMC try to figure out this maze, start fighting like crazy, end up having BDSM style sex, end up betraying each other, and the cycle starts all over again. I also felt like the story kept dragging that it eventually made no sense, especially towards the end, which was quite weird.
Overall, everything felt incredibly disconnected and incredibly repetitive.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio for the ARC.
I was hoping to like this, considering it had a great premise however, it was boring and incredibly repetitive. The same thing happened multiple times; the FMC and MMC try to figure out this maze, start fighting like crazy, end up having BDSM style sex, end up betraying each other, and the cycle starts all over again. I also felt like the story kept dragging that it eventually made no sense, especially towards the end, which was quite weird.
Overall, everything felt incredibly disconnected and incredibly repetitive.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio for the ARC.
April 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
April 11, 2025
Book club friends - I have questions
January 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was so different it was very refreshing.
This was so different it was very refreshing.
December 29, 2024
Exquisite Ruin by Adrianne May
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC copy.
I was really drawn into this book based on the amazing cover art and summary. It sounded really unique and interesting and the cover art was captivating. I can't say give read many fantasy stories with spice revolving around a labyrinth with a minotaur and enemies to lovers as the main trope.
However, the story really struggled to hold my attention the way I wanted and had hoped for. By the half way mark I was wanting to be done, but trudged through the rest anyway. Which was fine because it wasn't an awful story, it just was okay.
Couldn't really get behind either the FMC or the MMC - they both were a little insufferable unfortunately. Sometimes the banter was fun and enjoyable though. The spice was pretty decent as well and helped make up for the slower pacing of the story,
Best part/character was Pogli haha.
I did like the whole stuck in a labyrinth with the enemies to lovers angst though. My only complaint there was some scenes felt like they were repeating - characters would run away from each other, get into trouble, etc over and over. to where it just felt somewhat predictable overall.
All in all though it was an enjoyable enough of a read. I feel like this might be more enjoyable as an audio book so I'll probably try it out again once it's been officially published and hopefully put on audio. but for now it was a fun and unique fantasy read.
Thanks again to Netgalley and the author for the ARC e-copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC copy.
I was really drawn into this book based on the amazing cover art and summary. It sounded really unique and interesting and the cover art was captivating. I can't say give read many fantasy stories with spice revolving around a labyrinth with a minotaur and enemies to lovers as the main trope.
However, the story really struggled to hold my attention the way I wanted and had hoped for. By the half way mark I was wanting to be done, but trudged through the rest anyway. Which was fine because it wasn't an awful story, it just was okay.
Couldn't really get behind either the FMC or the MMC - they both were a little insufferable unfortunately. Sometimes the banter was fun and enjoyable though. The spice was pretty decent as well and helped make up for the slower pacing of the story,
Best part/character was Pogli haha.
I did like the whole stuck in a labyrinth with the enemies to lovers angst though. My only complaint there was some scenes felt like they were repeating - characters would run away from each other, get into trouble, etc over and over. to where it just felt somewhat predictable overall.
All in all though it was an enjoyable enough of a read. I feel like this might be more enjoyable as an audio book so I'll probably try it out again once it's been officially published and hopefully put on audio. but for now it was a fun and unique fantasy read.
Thanks again to Netgalley and the author for the ARC e-copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Want to read
January 7, 2025Nenia rec
December 13, 2024
1 🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑
This book was a chore. If this wasn’t an arc I would have DNF’d it but I’ve been trying very hard to not dnf arcs so here we are.
The writing was slow, and often too much. I hated both the FMC and MMC almost as much as they hated each other. The world building was okay, I did enjoy some of the more intense scenes but overall this book is just.. kinda there. It’s an option but it’s not a very good one.
I wanted to love this one, hell I wanted to even LIKE this one. The premise sounded SO good but it just fell flat for me. I don’t know, maybe I’m just not a romantasy reader, cause if this is what romantasy is.. I don’t want it.
Thank you to NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a chore. If this wasn’t an arc I would have DNF’d it but I’ve been trying very hard to not dnf arcs so here we are.
The writing was slow, and often too much. I hated both the FMC and MMC almost as much as they hated each other. The world building was okay, I did enjoy some of the more intense scenes but overall this book is just.. kinda there. It’s an option but it’s not a very good one.
I wanted to love this one, hell I wanted to even LIKE this one. The premise sounded SO good but it just fell flat for me. I don’t know, maybe I’m just not a romantasy reader, cause if this is what romantasy is.. I don’t want it.
Thank you to NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2025
Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, remembering nothing except that she is a powerful sorceress. Her only companion is a hostile immortal named Daesra—beautiful, dangerous, and demonic—who bound his divine soul for power and revenge.
Despite their animosity, the two have no choice but to work together to reach the center and defeat the monster who prevents their escape. But the longer they wander, the more deadly and alive the maze becomes—and the more Sadaré finds herself drawn to Daesra in ways she can't explain.
As sorceress and demon develop a tenuous truce, the labyrinth gives Sadaré glimpses of their shared history of passion and pain that make her question everything she knows. Unlocking the secrets of her past may be the only way to survive and heal their entwined fates—but as she learns more about the betrayals that brought them to the labyrinth, Sadaré begins to fear that the monster at the center could be Daesra ... or even herself.
"With such fire between us, we will never be neutral."
My actual rating of this book is 4.5 stars but because Goodreads doesn't allow for half star ratings, I've rounded up. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book.
AdriAnne May breathed new life into a trope that I've read in the past and wrote it in a way that I've never experienced before. Which is why this might end up being one of my most vague revies I have ever written but it's only because I think that this book is one of those books that you should pick up without knowing too much.
This was a beautiful and refreshing reimaging of a story that I have a personal interest in and can definitely see this one blowing up within the adult fantasy romance book sphere. If you're looking for a book full of the unexpected that brings emotional punches with a lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers to etc. etc. etc. with a really interesting world building aspect and a whole lot of tension due to heavy history between the characters, this one is for sure the book for you.
Sadaré & Daesra have so much chemistry and passion that will leave you craving more and more of it. The maze that they wander through is unlike anything else that I've read before and the intricacies that unravel as the story tells itself will have you binging it as quickly as you can.
I can't wait to see what else comes from The Labyrinth series!
- fantasy romance
- open door
- single pov
- a reimagining of the minotaur myth
- forced proximity
- lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies to ???????
- kink in a fantasy setting
- a sorceress with amnesia
- a hooved and horned demon who hates her
- a cute pug side character (in disguise)
- unique world building
- twists and turns that are unexpected
- unpredictable storytelling
February 19, 2025
I received a copy from Gallery Books via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Publishing March 25th.
I requested this book because I was intrigued by the synopsis and the lovely cover. In Exquisite Ruin, Sadaré finds herself in a dangerous labyrinth without any memories of her past. With her is Daesra, a powerful daemon who despises her for reasons she can't remember--but Sadaré will need him to escape the maze alive.
I'm not a fan of the amnesia trope (usually it involves completely misunderstanding how concussions work), but it's exquisitely deployed here. Sadaré's memory loss is more plausibly magical in origin, and it adds an interesting complication to her lovers to enemies dynamic with Daesra. It's fairly immediately obvious that the two were once involved, but both the reader and Sadaré are in the dark as to what happened and why he hates her. It's clever to pair the amnesia with the betrayal plot, because it makes it impossible for Sadaré to explain herself or clear up misunderstandings. A nice touch of mystery and drama.
The world, as you might expect from Sadaré's first person amnesia POV, is not explored much outside the maze. What we do get a strong sense of is the magic system. Here, power is earned through willing pain or submission, and Sadaré favors binding herself up tightly with the ropes she wears to induce pain (dovetailing neatly with the kinky romance). Due to the suffering-based magic system, this is a book that's defined by Sadaré's pain. She spends most of the plot either inflicting wounds on herself or dealing with some kind of injury. While Sadaré's constant vulnerability is in some ways the point of the book, I did dislike how she struggles to deal with the traps in the maze and spends most of her time helpless, injured, and begging to be saved. In contrast to Sadaré's involuntary helplessness when faced with attacking statues, the actual sex scenes are almost over-scrupulously consensual.
The plot itself is loosely based on the Theseus and the Minosaur myth, but with a graceful touch. Instead of replicating the story point by point, May subtly references it. Here, Daesra is both Theseus and the minotaur--both the bull monster and the ambitious demigod who retrieved his sword from underneath a boulder. Sadaré's role is more opaque, but in some ways she does reflect the princess and witch Ariadne. The labyrinth is very different than in any Greek myth, but I loved the statues that decorate it. As they travel deeper down into the maze, the statuary becomes more anguished and contorted, culminating in a tangle of limbs melted together.
A kinky romantasy focused on a relationship complicated by a forgotten past, with subtle references to the Labyrinth myth. Recommended for romance fans.
I requested this book because I was intrigued by the synopsis and the lovely cover. In Exquisite Ruin, Sadaré finds herself in a dangerous labyrinth without any memories of her past. With her is Daesra, a powerful daemon who despises her for reasons she can't remember--but Sadaré will need him to escape the maze alive.
I'm not a fan of the amnesia trope (usually it involves completely misunderstanding how concussions work), but it's exquisitely deployed here. Sadaré's memory loss is more plausibly magical in origin, and it adds an interesting complication to her lovers to enemies dynamic with Daesra. It's fairly immediately obvious that the two were once involved, but both the reader and Sadaré are in the dark as to what happened and why he hates her. It's clever to pair the amnesia with the betrayal plot, because it makes it impossible for Sadaré to explain herself or clear up misunderstandings. A nice touch of mystery and drama.
The world, as you might expect from Sadaré's first person amnesia POV, is not explored much outside the maze. What we do get a strong sense of is the magic system. Here, power is earned through willing pain or submission, and Sadaré favors binding herself up tightly with the ropes she wears to induce pain (dovetailing neatly with the kinky romance). Due to the suffering-based magic system, this is a book that's defined by Sadaré's pain. She spends most of the plot either inflicting wounds on herself or dealing with some kind of injury. While Sadaré's constant vulnerability is in some ways the point of the book, I did dislike how she struggles to deal with the traps in the maze and spends most of her time helpless, injured, and begging to be saved. In contrast to Sadaré's involuntary helplessness when faced with attacking statues, the actual sex scenes are almost over-scrupulously consensual.
The plot itself is loosely based on the Theseus and the Minosaur myth, but with a graceful touch. Instead of replicating the story point by point, May subtly references it. Here, Daesra is both Theseus and the minotaur--both the bull monster and the ambitious demigod who retrieved his sword from underneath a boulder. Sadaré's role is more opaque, but in some ways she does reflect the princess and witch Ariadne. The labyrinth is very different than in any Greek myth, but I loved the statues that decorate it. As they travel deeper down into the maze, the statuary becomes more anguished and contorted, culminating in a tangle of limbs melted together.
A kinky romantasy focused on a relationship complicated by a forgotten past, with subtle references to the Labyrinth myth. Recommended for romance fans.
April 7, 2025
was SO excited for this one, as Ariadne and the Minotaur is one of my favorite mythological stories, but unfortunately it wasn’t my favorite.
right off the bat we’re launched into action when Sadare wakes up with no memories in the middle of a deadly labyrinth with a daemon from her past. her memory loss is supplemented with flashback chapters where we slowly learn about their relationship and how they got to present time. along the way there’s LOTS of back and forth- love, hate, love, betrayal, betrayal again, betrayal AGAIN to the point where it’s confusing. there’s also exploration into kink which was nice in a fantasy setting.
my main disappointments were in the pacing and the ending. the pacing felt all at once too “go go go” with 24/7 action while also somehow being very slow, in that the entire time they’re making their way through the labyrinth and trying to get close to one another only to betray them… again. the ending took a big turn, but not for the best? its was honestly just confusing and wasn’t the huge reveal i had expected from others’ reactions.
some things i loved about the book was how it drew from the original mythology, the setting and magic (greek mythology inspired + witches), the spice, and the banter. unfortunately the plot just wasn’t it for me.
i think this book will definitely find its place with the right type of reader, but sadly it wasn’t me. please remember to read content warnings going into this book!
right off the bat we’re launched into action when Sadare wakes up with no memories in the middle of a deadly labyrinth with a daemon from her past. her memory loss is supplemented with flashback chapters where we slowly learn about their relationship and how they got to present time. along the way there’s LOTS of back and forth- love, hate, love, betrayal, betrayal again, betrayal AGAIN to the point where it’s confusing. there’s also exploration into kink which was nice in a fantasy setting.
my main disappointments were in the pacing and the ending. the pacing felt all at once too “go go go” with 24/7 action while also somehow being very slow, in that the entire time they’re making their way through the labyrinth and trying to get close to one another only to betray them… again. the ending took a big turn, but not for the best? its was honestly just confusing and wasn’t the huge reveal i had expected from others’ reactions.
some things i loved about the book was how it drew from the original mythology, the setting and magic (greek mythology inspired + witches), the spice, and the banter. unfortunately the plot just wasn’t it for me.
i think this book will definitely find its place with the right type of reader, but sadly it wasn’t me. please remember to read content warnings going into this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
10-second synopsis: Sadaré wakes up in a labyrinth with no memories except that she’s a witch. She’s in this maze with Daesra, a daemon minotaur, and guys, he HATES her because she had previously tricked him into being bound to her. They must work together to get to the center of the maze and defeat the monster there.
Review: This was such a unique fantasy and I had a great time reading Sadaré and Daesra’s journey through the labyrinth as pieces of Sadaré’s memories were fed to her by the maze. Tensions run high as they encounter trials and creatures that seek to stop them from completing their mission. There are a few twists and turns at the end, one in particular that I did not see coming!!!! I did have a hard time visualizing some of the scenes throughout, and was confused about some of the backstory with the gods. And the ending…it was so unique and refreshing but I couldn’t make sense of every detail. Had to reread a few times to really get it. Overall this was a fun, dark little romantasy!
Note that this book has a pain-based magic system and thus involves self-harm, sometimes graphic. The pain also translates to the romance aspect of the story, so keep that in mind before deciding to read!
Thank you so much to Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC prior to release date!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
10-second synopsis: Sadaré wakes up in a labyrinth with no memories except that she’s a witch. She’s in this maze with Daesra, a daemon minotaur, and guys, he HATES her because she had previously tricked him into being bound to her. They must work together to get to the center of the maze and defeat the monster there.
Review: This was such a unique fantasy and I had a great time reading Sadaré and Daesra’s journey through the labyrinth as pieces of Sadaré’s memories were fed to her by the maze. Tensions run high as they encounter trials and creatures that seek to stop them from completing their mission. There are a few twists and turns at the end, one in particular that I did not see coming!!!! I did have a hard time visualizing some of the scenes throughout, and was confused about some of the backstory with the gods. And the ending…it was so unique and refreshing but I couldn’t make sense of every detail. Had to reread a few times to really get it. Overall this was a fun, dark little romantasy!
Note that this book has a pain-based magic system and thus involves self-harm, sometimes graphic. The pain also translates to the romance aspect of the story, so keep that in mind before deciding to read!
Thank you so much to Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC prior to release date!!
March 22, 2025
3.5⭐️
“You know I love you, you utter fool.”
This was a good time but not an amazing one. I probably should have known this would irk me a bit with the amnesia trope. There is a lot of telling and exposition dump to explain some things to the FMC throughout but especially at the start. Not my favorite but it tends to go hand in hand with this kind of plot.
For the most part, I really like where the plot went and found it fairly unique, at least to me. Maybe there’s a zillion labyrinth stories with these same plot notes, but I’ve never seen one. Anything I want to complain about regarding story beats would be spoilers so, alas, that’s all I can say.
The spice is fairly spicy, I guess, but if you go into this expecting full erotica, I think you may be disappointed. There’s maybe 5 spicy scenes and only one is very in depth. There is a lot of rope tying, pain play, and bdsm esque things though, so I’d check the triggers. The author has an awesome list at the start of the book, which I definitely appreciate.
TLDR: would recommend if you’re a romantasy fan who can get past amnesia trope, plot dumps, and some plot holes. Plus, the cover??? Stunning.
Looking forward to the next installment in the series. I guess it’s gonna involve the underworld??? Can’t wait.
“You know I love you, you utter fool.”
This was a good time but not an amazing one. I probably should have known this would irk me a bit with the amnesia trope. There is a lot of telling and exposition dump to explain some things to the FMC throughout but especially at the start. Not my favorite but it tends to go hand in hand with this kind of plot.
For the most part, I really like where the plot went and found it fairly unique, at least to me. Maybe there’s a zillion labyrinth stories with these same plot notes, but I’ve never seen one. Anything I want to complain about regarding story beats would be spoilers so, alas, that’s all I can say.
The spice is fairly spicy, I guess, but if you go into this expecting full erotica, I think you may be disappointed. There’s maybe 5 spicy scenes and only one is very in depth. There is a lot of rope tying, pain play, and bdsm esque things though, so I’d check the triggers. The author has an awesome list at the start of the book, which I definitely appreciate.
TLDR: would recommend if you’re a romantasy fan who can get past amnesia trope, plot dumps, and some plot holes. Plus, the cover??? Stunning.
Looking forward to the next installment in the series. I guess it’s gonna involve the underworld??? Can’t wait.
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