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Circle the Square #2
The Elemental Ruins
What do you do the day after the world doesn’t end?
If you’re River Keyes (yeah, me), you try to figure out how you’re going to live without the internet. Because we might have kept two worlds from being destroyed, but now I’m trapped in a place with no electricity, no takeout, and no phoning home.
Worse, it’s a world where my absent father is not just present, but in power, and even more of a jerk than I remember.
At least if I’ve got to be trapped away from home, there’s Lasya Zarani, hot elven general and best eye-candy ever. Once he decides whether he wants to cut me to ribbons or take me to bed, things might get interesting.
But that’s only if my father doesn’t kill one or both of us first.
The Elemental Ruins is the second of two books featuring travel between two very different worlds, a snarky criminal trapped far from home, the angry elven general he’s lusting after, his terrible father, and a few surprises along the way. It concludes the story begun in The Elemental Keyes with happily ever afters all around.
If you’re River Keyes (yeah, me), you try to figure out how you’re going to live without the internet. Because we might have kept two worlds from being destroyed, but now I’m trapped in a place with no electricity, no takeout, and no phoning home.
Worse, it’s a world where my absent father is not just present, but in power, and even more of a jerk than I remember.
At least if I’ve got to be trapped away from home, there’s Lasya Zarani, hot elven general and best eye-candy ever. Once he decides whether he wants to cut me to ribbons or take me to bed, things might get interesting.
But that’s only if my father doesn’t kill one or both of us first.
The Elemental Ruins is the second of two books featuring travel between two very different worlds, a snarky criminal trapped far from home, the angry elven general he’s lusting after, his terrible father, and a few surprises along the way. It concludes the story begun in The Elemental Keyes with happily ever afters all around.
290 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2023
95 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 24, 2025
The second book in this series centers around River and a new world, and now so many questions from the first book are answered, and a lot of things make sense and feel complete and perfect.
My goodness, what a ride! It was exciting in terms of plot and intense, insta-esque, and delicious in terms of romance. And the bad guys are dead, and everyone lives happily ever after. Oh, how lovely.
I really like how the characters of River and Lasya don't seem to fit together at first glance, but then harmonize so wonderfully. It's a bit monologue-y, but even those are great and fit well into the story, giving the fast-paced plot the necessary breaks.
Oh, and I love the king. I would really like to read a story just about him.
“I really am becoming quite fond of you.”
“Back atcha, you big scary asshole,” he murmured against my chest. 🫠🫠🫠
He ran the tip of one claw up my cock, gentle and soft with just the slightest hint of threat because, you know, it was a fucking claw.
Just as I opened my mouth to demand that he get on with it, and faster than I could track with my eyes, he reached down to grab my ankles, and flipped me onto my belly. “On your knees,” he growled out. “Give me your ass.”
Fuuuuck. 🤤🤤🤤
My goodness, what a ride! It was exciting in terms of plot and intense, insta-esque, and delicious in terms of romance. And the bad guys are dead, and everyone lives happily ever after. Oh, how lovely.
I really like how the characters of River and Lasya don't seem to fit together at first glance, but then harmonize so wonderfully. It's a bit monologue-y, but even those are great and fit well into the story, giving the fast-paced plot the necessary breaks.
Oh, and I love the king. I would really like to read a story just about him.
“I really am becoming quite fond of you.”
“Back atcha, you big scary asshole,” he murmured against my chest. 🫠🫠🫠
He ran the tip of one claw up my cock, gentle and soft with just the slightest hint of threat because, you know, it was a fucking claw.
Just as I opened my mouth to demand that he get on with it, and faster than I could track with my eyes, he reached down to grab my ankles, and flipped me onto my belly. “On your knees,” he growled out. “Give me your ass.”
Fuuuuck. 🤤🤤🤤
April 12, 2023
WHAT A FANTASTIC ENDING TO THIS URBAN FANTASY DUOLOGY
Just like book one this is an epic tale of magic, mayhem, dodgy deeds, dangerous foes and an overwhelming sense of the rightness of a relationship which seems to come from nowhere.
River’s ended up on the wrong side of the barrier where he faces danger from every corner. His long lost father is the bad guy at the heart of the trouble but maybe the hot elven General Lasya could be the clue to how to stop the rot.
Sam delivers another brilliant urban fantasy with a twist as we see what’s going on in Halana and discover that not all is as it seems.
River’s snark is fabulous, he’s definitely unhinged, he’s willing to do what it takes to end the threat, try and reunite with his twin, while simultaneously enjoying as much sexy time as possible with the ferocious (marshmallow centred!) General.
I just love when Sam puts her imagination to work as the worlds she delivers are always fascinating, well constructed and filled with characters I fall head over heels for.
This duology is no exception, I don’t think I could pick a favourite, I loved every bit of the narrative as it played out across two worlds, with magic and trickery, villains and heroes all combined.
I really hope she comes back to this series in the future!
Just like book one this is an epic tale of magic, mayhem, dodgy deeds, dangerous foes and an overwhelming sense of the rightness of a relationship which seems to come from nowhere.
River’s ended up on the wrong side of the barrier where he faces danger from every corner. His long lost father is the bad guy at the heart of the trouble but maybe the hot elven General Lasya could be the clue to how to stop the rot.
Sam delivers another brilliant urban fantasy with a twist as we see what’s going on in Halana and discover that not all is as it seems.
River’s snark is fabulous, he’s definitely unhinged, he’s willing to do what it takes to end the threat, try and reunite with his twin, while simultaneously enjoying as much sexy time as possible with the ferocious (marshmallow centred!) General.
I just love when Sam puts her imagination to work as the worlds she delivers are always fascinating, well constructed and filled with characters I fall head over heels for.
This duology is no exception, I don’t think I could pick a favourite, I loved every bit of the narrative as it played out across two worlds, with magic and trickery, villains and heroes all combined.
I really hope she comes back to this series in the future!
April 15, 2023
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first. I think because it takes place in the ~other world~ the shoddy world-building was a lot more apparent. I wasn't really sold on the build of emotions between the MCs, and the solution just felt... icky. IDK, it lacked all nuanced and I was not sold that all mages were so terrible that they needed to be stripped of their abilities. It's the type of solution that needed to be handled with a lot more care and nuance, none of which was afforded here, and it contributed to the overall feeling of a sort of shallow plot and worldbuilding.
May 28, 2023
3.5
This time it's welcome to Halania, the planet for size queens and demons with unquenchable hunger for power and the food of your common elves. Luckily it was River with all his snarky glory and empathetic coolness who was swallowed by the portal. No one else would stand a chance against the demonic priest and gain the heart of the general, especially so because the priest is his estranged father and the general while a beast between the sheets has a soft, self-depreciative heart.
Yes, there's an ongoing rebellion, medieval scheming, foul smelling dungeons and even a past rape but those are only the necessary background for River's and Lasya's cool adventure fighting for freedom on Halana and a safe Earth. There's nice action but not too much, don't expect anything epic or overly emotional. What you can expect is a pleasant fun ride with one or the other twist and an adorable boy king, nothing strenuous but nevertheless far from boring if you like your fantasy as a show of the character of its hero. As it's the first sunny, lazy weekend this year, I did.
Only criticism again: why creating a magic system with elemental mages and then favoring only fire mages, while diminishing water and having no interest in air and earth?
This time it's welcome to Halania, the planet for size queens and demons with unquenchable hunger for power and the food of your common elves. Luckily it was River with all his snarky glory and empathetic coolness who was swallowed by the portal. No one else would stand a chance against the demonic priest and gain the heart of the general, especially so because the priest is his estranged father and the general while a beast between the sheets has a soft, self-depreciative heart.
Yes, there's an ongoing rebellion, medieval scheming, foul smelling dungeons and even a past rape but those are only the necessary background for River's and Lasya's cool adventure fighting for freedom on Halana and a safe Earth. There's nice action but not too much, don't expect anything epic or overly emotional. What you can expect is a pleasant fun ride with one or the other twist and an adorable boy king, nothing strenuous but nevertheless far from boring if you like your fantasy as a show of the character of its hero. As it's the first sunny, lazy weekend this year, I did.
Only criticism again: why creating a magic system with elemental mages and then favoring only fire mages, while diminishing water and having no interest in air and earth?
April 16, 2023
Enjoyable but lacking emotion. I didn’t feel anything between the two mains. The prep-less sex scenes made me cringe.
Correct me if I’m wrong but did Blaze and everyone on Earth not believe River had died?! Why were they all so nonchalant about being reunited with him?! Even if they didn’t believe he had died, I would have still expected an emotional reunion between the twins. I just don’t think this author can write emotion. By the end of the book, the mains haven’t even said “I love you.”
So all-in-all, a fun story but one where you’re very aware you’re reading, if you know what I mean.
Correct me if I’m wrong but did Blaze and everyone on Earth not believe River had died?! Why were they all so nonchalant about being reunited with him?! Even if they didn’t believe he had died, I would have still expected an emotional reunion between the twins. I just don’t think this author can write emotion. By the end of the book, the mains haven’t even said “I love you.”
So all-in-all, a fun story but one where you’re very aware you’re reading, if you know what I mean.
March 18, 2023
Well, this was freaking lovely.
River and Laysa's story absolutely stole my heart: I gasped out loud, I laughed, I swooned, and I was at the very edge of my seat the entire time.
There's something special about slightly unhinged, very ruthless, snarky disaster MCs as River, who are quite ready to sacrifice the world for anyone they love, and I loved being in his head so damn much: he's fun and hilariously snarky, but also, deep down, deeply devoted to his small family, to his twin and, of course, to his Laysa.
And Laysa? Oh god, that man (*cough* demon) was seriously hot. Dangerous and equally ruthless, but as Elethen before him, he's also got a marshmellow heart and I ABSOLUTELY adored him.
His and River's relationship, and dynamic, were seriously everything I dream of in my romances: absolute perfection, all around chef kissing, packed full with chemistry and sexy tension.
I also loved the plot, of course: it was entertaining and enjoyable, and some twists and turns actually left me gasping out loud. The side characters, the world-building, the writing, all of it was very, very engaging and riveting.
So yes, "The Elemental Ruins" was an absolute ride of a book and I enjoyed every second of it. I'd thoroughly recommend this series to any reader who wants a quick and easily devoured, fun and subtly sexy, read, one that is also packed with romance and action and magic.
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
River and Laysa's story absolutely stole my heart: I gasped out loud, I laughed, I swooned, and I was at the very edge of my seat the entire time.
There's something special about slightly unhinged, very ruthless, snarky disaster MCs as River, who are quite ready to sacrifice the world for anyone they love, and I loved being in his head so damn much: he's fun and hilariously snarky, but also, deep down, deeply devoted to his small family, to his twin and, of course, to his Laysa.
And Laysa? Oh god, that man (*cough* demon) was seriously hot. Dangerous and equally ruthless, but as Elethen before him, he's also got a marshmellow heart and I ABSOLUTELY adored him.
His and River's relationship, and dynamic, were seriously everything I dream of in my romances: absolute perfection, all around chef kissing, packed full with chemistry and sexy tension.
I also loved the plot, of course: it was entertaining and enjoyable, and some twists and turns actually left me gasping out loud. The side characters, the world-building, the writing, all of it was very, very engaging and riveting.
So yes, "The Elemental Ruins" was an absolute ride of a book and I enjoyed every second of it. I'd thoroughly recommend this series to any reader who wants a quick and easily devoured, fun and subtly sexy, read, one that is also packed with romance and action and magic.
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This story is a great follow up to the first book in the set and I loved getting a book from River’s perspective. He is a snarky troublemaker who deep down has a kind heart and I found him a lot of fun in the first story. I kind of wondered how he would carry his own book, as he is sort of a sassy foil in The Elemental Keyes, but Burns totally makes it work. River doesn’t lose his edge here at all, and he still deflects with a lot of attitude when things get tense. But we also get to see a more mature side of him and watch him not just open his heart to Lasya, but to the young king and many of the other citizens of Halana.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This story is a great follow up to the first book in the set and I loved getting a book from River’s perspective. He is a snarky troublemaker who deep down has a kind heart and I found him a lot of fun in the first story. I kind of wondered how he would carry his own book, as he is sort of a sassy foil in The Elemental Keyes, but Burns totally makes it work. River doesn’t lose his edge here at all, and he still deflects with a lot of attitude when things get tense. But we also get to see a more mature side of him and watch him not just open his heart to Lasya, but to the young king and many of the other citizens of Halana.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 13, 2023
This book was a joy to read and was the perfect conclusion to this duology. I had a fun time as I joined River and Lasya through their journey.
I loved the development of their relationship as well as their character growth. The insta-love might turn off some people but it really worked here.
The villain is truly despicable and it's just nice to have one who is just that - evil.
I loved the resolution of the story and would miss this world.
4.5 stars out of 5 stars
I loved the development of their relationship as well as their character growth. The insta-love might turn off some people but it really worked here.
The villain is truly despicable and it's just nice to have one who is just that - evil.
I loved the resolution of the story and would miss this world.
4.5 stars out of 5 stars
April 14, 2023
5 FULL ELVEN STARS
Please don't read further if you hate spoilers because I'm about to vomit tons of 'em... Just kidding but, maybe, just a tad bit. teehee
Oh, darkness! I was about to throw hands nearing the end but all I can say is, I am SO. ELFIN. SATISFIED. Poetic justice everywhere!!! As I said on my The Elemental Keyes review, I like River and now, I LOVE HIM. He's a clever, witty, walking chaos. He already stands out in the first story but here, he certainly popped off. Also, I thought pairing him to the general would be a perfect match and I was not disappointed. 🤭
Engaging, rollercoaster ride, and no boring moments. The rest of the mystery surrounding the portal came to light and it was a very clever machination. I am satisfied with the way they wrapped up this twin story although, I have hopes there'll be a story for a grown-up Artyom. I also love that River's take-charge attitude from book 1 has started the fire in Halana's side (quite literally, too. haha!) and while reading this book, I realized that Sam Burns created a perfect example of like attracts like with these two pairs. The way Blaze & Elethen has very similar personalities and temperament, the same holds true for River & Lasya.
The chemistry is flaming hot between these two! River finally found someone who can give him what he needs. I even expected the Day 1 sex because one, we've already established that River is a hedonist. Two, as Bart said, Lasya is “Super hot, bee tee dubs. Ten out of ten, would fuck on command.” And three, it's probably a twin thing. 😂
Welp! I hope that's not too much spoiler vomit but hey! I can't contain my satisfaction so... sorry, I guess? 😅😅😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
I liked this much more than the first book, primarily due to having a much more interesting setting AND due to actual plot happening.
I was already intrigued by the general in the first book, so I was happy to find out that he was the LI here. The plot was decently engaging, but I don't think the romance was very convincing. I'm not sure why the author insisted on pushing the weird age gap issue, as imo that didn't add anything to the story other than a weirdness factor of uncertain ickiness.
I was already intrigued by the general in the first book, so I was happy to find out that he was the LI here. The plot was decently engaging, but I don't think the romance was very convincing. I'm not sure why the author insisted on pushing the weird age gap issue, as imo that didn't add anything to the story other than a weirdness factor of uncertain ickiness.
April 17, 2024
4.5⭐
The ending of the first book hooked me, and this one delivered. I preferred this one of the two worlds, I guess I am just a bit more historical fantasy type. I always love a story about rebelling against tyrants. I also enjoyed how the book was low key meta.
These novels were just a little bit your disposable romantasy, but in a good way. Easy, fast-paced and interesting enough plot. I'll be reading more Sam Burns.
The ending of the first book hooked me, and this one delivered. I preferred this one of the two worlds, I guess I am just a bit more historical fantasy type. I always love a story about rebelling against tyrants. I also enjoyed how the book was low key meta.
These novels were just a little bit your disposable romantasy, but in a good way. Easy, fast-paced and interesting enough plot. I'll be reading more Sam Burns.
April 15, 2023
Circle the Square is Absolutely Perfect
These two books taken together are absolutely perfect. So many twists and surprises and they all made sense. Strong characters, redemption and intrigue, and HEAs for all the good ones. Highly recommended.
These two books taken together are absolutely perfect. So many twists and surprises and they all made sense. Strong characters, redemption and intrigue, and HEAs for all the good ones. Highly recommended.
May 25, 2023
It was just as satisfying an ending as I hoped. I really did enjoy it. A worthy duology
May 4, 2023
Bloody brilliant.
This needs to be read straight after book one as it ties everything together perfectly. It's hard to pick a favourite so I'm not going to (although a grumpy bastard with a marshmallow centre really is my bag, so maybe this one edges book one by a fraction).
Brilliant world-building, and the most endearing brothers I've read in a long time.
If urban fantasy, magic, and family connections are your bag the this is definitely for you.
Highly recommended.
This needs to be read straight after book one as it ties everything together perfectly. It's hard to pick a favourite so I'm not going to (although a grumpy bastard with a marshmallow centre really is my bag, so maybe this one edges book one by a fraction).
Brilliant world-building, and the most endearing brothers I've read in a long time.
If urban fantasy, magic, and family connections are your bag the this is definitely for you.
Highly recommended.
May 24, 2023
3.5 rounded up, I think. A solid read that kept me hooked and had good pacing, but lacked emotion for me. So there were some things here that worked for me, and some that didn’t.
What I liked here was the political intrigue of your typical fantasy story. The scheming and machinations, etc. I liked River’s smart mouth and the way he kept outmaneuvering his father just by being unafraid. I also liked that River, despite being a twin who is very close with his brother, was working this on his own (well, with Lasya). He had to be resourceful without relying on Blaze the same way Blaze leaned on him in book 1… I mean, that was because River forced Blaze’s hand by withholding information, but I’ll get to that later. Anyway. I also loved the familial connections made in this book, as well as the resolution of the differing lifespans. So happy that was addressed. Easy out? Sure, but like. I want that HEA, I don’t even care.
What I didn’t love was, well, River. Incoming rant:
Look. As a kid who has grown up with, and is still battling with, a family that likes to keep secrets? Hard pass on the “I don’t want Blaze to know so I can protect him” bullshit. It’s manipulative as fuck. Blaze (and Elethen, for that matter, if we’re also talking about Lasya) is a grown ass adult. He can make his own choices, battle his own demons, and learn and grow from them. If you try to protect someone so much that you’re making critical choices for them, such as keeping life-altering information out of their hands, you’re choosing a path for them. You’re stealing their opportunity to react to that information and grow as a person. You’re straight-up manipulating them, even if your intentions are good. Blaze was basically set up by River to be more easily manipulated and hurt by their father because he didn’t know the full truth.
Like, okay, a real life example: if a family member dies when I’m on vacation, I actually really do want you to call and interrupt my vacation. Because you know what? Then I get to choose what to do with that information. I can use that time to grieve. To adjust. To choose whether to cut my trip short or to stay and face the loss with my planned time off work. You don’t get to decide that I wouldn’t want my trip interrupted, that I wouldn’t want to cancel and come to the comfort of home and family, or that I wouldn’t want to use that time to grieve in the way I choose, okay? You might have your own ideas on how that should be handled, but you don’t get to assume they’re mine.
Yes, I’m speaking from experience. Turns out, grieving on a pristine Caribbean beach with rum in my hand is a lot more therapeutic than doing it at my desk at work, actually.
All this to say I do not like adults who think they’re being “protective” by withholding critical information from someone. Like oh, actually, this family member has had this terminal illness for years but we didn’t want you to know until they were in their final days (yes, also my experience).
Blaze had a right to know what kind of person his father was. He had a right to accept that hurt, to reevaluate his worldview, and choose how to move forward with it. So it annoyed me to no end that River thought he’d just shove Blaze in a little happiness bubble without consequences.
TLDR: talk to your grown-ass family members. Let them make their own choices. Don’t hide & manipulate in the name of “protecting” them.
I guess I also didn’t super buy the River/Lasya romance as more than hot sex, if we’re being honest. It felt kind of emotionless.
Lastly, the ending. I wish Elethen and Lasya weren’t saved from the spell. They still have to live with that hunger. I get it, portals, whatever. But man, I’d choose the spell over endless hunger that can never be sated.
What I liked here was the political intrigue of your typical fantasy story. The scheming and machinations, etc. I liked River’s smart mouth and the way he kept outmaneuvering his father just by being unafraid. I also liked that River, despite being a twin who is very close with his brother, was working this on his own (well, with Lasya). He had to be resourceful without relying on Blaze the same way Blaze leaned on him in book 1… I mean, that was because River forced Blaze’s hand by withholding information, but I’ll get to that later. Anyway. I also loved the familial connections made in this book, as well as the resolution of the differing lifespans. So happy that was addressed. Easy out? Sure, but like. I want that HEA, I don’t even care.
What I didn’t love was, well, River. Incoming rant:
Look. As a kid who has grown up with, and is still battling with, a family that likes to keep secrets? Hard pass on the “I don’t want Blaze to know so I can protect him” bullshit. It’s manipulative as fuck. Blaze (and Elethen, for that matter, if we’re also talking about Lasya) is a grown ass adult. He can make his own choices, battle his own demons, and learn and grow from them. If you try to protect someone so much that you’re making critical choices for them, such as keeping life-altering information out of their hands, you’re choosing a path for them. You’re stealing their opportunity to react to that information and grow as a person. You’re straight-up manipulating them, even if your intentions are good. Blaze was basically set up by River to be more easily manipulated and hurt by their father because he didn’t know the full truth.
Like, okay, a real life example: if a family member dies when I’m on vacation, I actually really do want you to call and interrupt my vacation. Because you know what? Then I get to choose what to do with that information. I can use that time to grieve. To adjust. To choose whether to cut my trip short or to stay and face the loss with my planned time off work. You don’t get to decide that I wouldn’t want my trip interrupted, that I wouldn’t want to cancel and come to the comfort of home and family, or that I wouldn’t want to use that time to grieve in the way I choose, okay? You might have your own ideas on how that should be handled, but you don’t get to assume they’re mine.
Yes, I’m speaking from experience. Turns out, grieving on a pristine Caribbean beach with rum in my hand is a lot more therapeutic than doing it at my desk at work, actually.
All this to say I do not like adults who think they’re being “protective” by withholding critical information from someone. Like oh, actually, this family member has had this terminal illness for years but we didn’t want you to know until they were in their final days (yes, also my experience).
Blaze had a right to know what kind of person his father was. He had a right to accept that hurt, to reevaluate his worldview, and choose how to move forward with it. So it annoyed me to no end that River thought he’d just shove Blaze in a little happiness bubble without consequences.
TLDR: talk to your grown-ass family members. Let them make their own choices. Don’t hide & manipulate in the name of “protecting” them.
I guess I also didn’t super buy the River/Lasya romance as more than hot sex, if we’re being honest. It felt kind of emotionless.
Lastly, the ending. I wish Elethen and Lasya weren’t saved from the spell. They still have to live with that hunger. I get it, portals, whatever. But man, I’d choose the spell over endless hunger that can never be sated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
A must read. Ten out of ten. Happily recommend.
Rating: 5🌈
Ten out of ten. Happily recommend. Isn’t that how it’s done? Although for me that not nearly enough for this outstanding work by Sam Burns.
“The magic filled every cell of my body to bursting, and the scorching, white-hot pressure made me want to scream. Born a fire mage, I’d never been burned before. I could jump into a bonfire naked, and it wouldn’t even feel overly warm.
For the first time in twenty-five years, I truly understood what it meant to burn.”
So begins , The Elemental Ruins, the second book of Circle The Square’s two - story arc, a tale that involves no less than the dark magic, twisted murderous family histories and labyrinthine secrets, and four brothers whose fates and bonds will save two worlds.
Burns’ first novel was set on Earth on the day it was about to die, the birthday of Blaze Keys, water mage, twin brother to fire mage (and criminal king), River Keyes.
A fabulously detailed, exciting, adventure filled story, it ended on a cliffhanger. Which this book starts out on.
There’s no way to go into the specifics of this intricately written, fabulously woven, adrenaline rush of a story. The characters are beautifully achieved in terms of their personalities and backgrounds, they have great storylines, and each is memorable in their own right, from the main characters to the supporting cast that have just scenes scattered throughout. They are solid and purposeful.
While I wish we could have spent more time throughout the world here to see how it differs from Earth, if any, what we do get is fascinating, so much so I hope Burns revisits this universe in the future.
The drama, the action, the downright white knuckle suspense? Amazingly well written. Especially racing towards the conclusion, where there’s fast action, shocking moments, and a great ending that awaits!
I love these characters, their journey to each other’s hearts, the race to save the Kingdom and the people. I wanted to linger to get to know them better. Especially the ones who had such an impact in such defining scenes. Grandmother, I’m looking at you.
So to the people left on Earth, there’s a chemistry and appeal to them that’s lasting. Crossover anyone?
Until that occurs, I’m highly recommending Circle The Square two book series. They must be read in order. What an absolute joy! Read them now. Then read them again, savoring the journey.
Circle the Square- 2 books
- [x] The Elemental Keyes Book 1
- [x] The Elemental Ruins Book 2
Rating: 5🌈
Ten out of ten. Happily recommend. Isn’t that how it’s done? Although for me that not nearly enough for this outstanding work by Sam Burns.
“The magic filled every cell of my body to bursting, and the scorching, white-hot pressure made me want to scream. Born a fire mage, I’d never been burned before. I could jump into a bonfire naked, and it wouldn’t even feel overly warm.
For the first time in twenty-five years, I truly understood what it meant to burn.”
So begins , The Elemental Ruins, the second book of Circle The Square’s two - story arc, a tale that involves no less than the dark magic, twisted murderous family histories and labyrinthine secrets, and four brothers whose fates and bonds will save two worlds.
Burns’ first novel was set on Earth on the day it was about to die, the birthday of Blaze Keys, water mage, twin brother to fire mage (and criminal king), River Keyes.
A fabulously detailed, exciting, adventure filled story, it ended on a cliffhanger. Which this book starts out on.
There’s no way to go into the specifics of this intricately written, fabulously woven, adrenaline rush of a story. The characters are beautifully achieved in terms of their personalities and backgrounds, they have great storylines, and each is memorable in their own right, from the main characters to the supporting cast that have just scenes scattered throughout. They are solid and purposeful.
While I wish we could have spent more time throughout the world here to see how it differs from Earth, if any, what we do get is fascinating, so much so I hope Burns revisits this universe in the future.
The drama, the action, the downright white knuckle suspense? Amazingly well written. Especially racing towards the conclusion, where there’s fast action, shocking moments, and a great ending that awaits!
I love these characters, their journey to each other’s hearts, the race to save the Kingdom and the people. I wanted to linger to get to know them better. Especially the ones who had such an impact in such defining scenes. Grandmother, I’m looking at you.
So to the people left on Earth, there’s a chemistry and appeal to them that’s lasting. Crossover anyone?
Until that occurs, I’m highly recommending Circle The Square two book series. They must be read in order. What an absolute joy! Read them now. Then read them again, savoring the journey.
Circle the Square- 2 books
- [x] The Elemental Keyes Book 1
- [x] The Elemental Ruins Book 2
April 30, 2023
You know, let's go with four...
I actually waited a bit to finish the dualogy and, good idea, past me. It was nice to return to something that felt familiar and something I knew would be fun, which, as I said, isn't always true with these authors? Don't get me wrong, they write nice books, but there's a difference between nice and picking it before bed and not wanting to sleep but doing it anyway just to reach for it first thing in the morning and finish it before even breakfast.
Compared to the first one, this was both not as good and better in some ways. Taking away the mystery of the end of the world makes the main plot a bit less... well, more transparent and exposed to scrutiny, the plot doesn't look as good and the "random" interruptions are more annoying. The personal/side character side, however, is strong and I liked the interactions not just between main characters. That aspect was more developed here and it helped we already had a sort of a cast from before. Wait, is that a spoiler? I mean, why would it be, it totally doesn't mean anything, right? Right?! But if want to get a spoiler, I can get you one that shouldn't really surprise you and I want to mention it because it ties to that previous thing - "weaker" main plot and yes, this is spoiler, you might want to look away but the reason the Worlds were supposed to End? Portal. Earth and Halana are separate entities that sure could benefit from some intermingling but the first book made portals into something dangerous and rare so making them almost harmless and more of a tool in this book took away something from the gravity and seriousness of the danger or really the whole universe. I knew - guessed - the brothers might be reunited in the end, so I did anticipate something along the lines and honestly, the end result was more happy than my more modest guess so I am actually happy with them but yeah, what it got in happy points it lost in the cool department.
Admittedly, it is hard to work with a seer as the main character. How can you surprise your audience and still make it credible? Besides the double POV?
Still, I am glad I picked it up and definitely recommend.
I actually waited a bit to finish the dualogy and, good idea, past me. It was nice to return to something that felt familiar and something I knew would be fun, which, as I said, isn't always true with these authors? Don't get me wrong, they write nice books, but there's a difference between nice and picking it before bed and not wanting to sleep but doing it anyway just to reach for it first thing in the morning and finish it before even breakfast.
Compared to the first one, this was both not as good and better in some ways. Taking away the mystery of the end of the world makes the main plot a bit less... well, more transparent and exposed to scrutiny, the plot doesn't look as good and the "random" interruptions are more annoying. The personal/side character side, however, is strong and I liked the interactions not just between main characters. That aspect was more developed here and it helped we already had a sort of a cast from before. Wait, is that a spoiler? I mean, why would it be, it totally doesn't mean anything, right? Right?! But if want to get a spoiler, I can get you one that shouldn't really surprise you and I want to mention it because it ties to that previous thing - "weaker" main plot and yes, this is spoiler, you might want to look away but the reason the Worlds were supposed to End? Portal. Earth and Halana are separate entities that sure could benefit from some intermingling but the first book made portals into something dangerous and rare so making them almost harmless and more of a tool in this book took away something from the gravity and seriousness of the danger or really the whole universe. I knew - guessed - the brothers might be reunited in the end, so I did anticipate something along the lines and honestly, the end result was more happy than my more modest guess so I am actually happy with them but yeah, what it got in happy points it lost in the cool department.
Admittedly, it is hard to work with a seer as the main character. How can you surprise your audience and still make it credible? Besides the double POV?
Still, I am glad I picked it up and definitely recommend.
March 30, 2023
I’m sad that the author isn’t writing more in this series. I loved both books, their characters, and worlds, and couldn’t put them down. I recommend reading them in order as this book continues on directly from the first.
I loved River in book 1, and enjoyed reading book 2 from his POV. He’s wonderfully snarky, yet there’s another side of him who will do anything to protect the people he loves. I hadn’t expected Lasya to be on of the good guys, considering the glimpse of him in the first book, but that means his persona works very well! I liked how they’re both wary to trust each other at first, then their mutual attraction leads to so much more. They work well together on so many levels.
I loved the world building and how both Halana and this earth fitted together, each missing the type of mage they needed. The magic is interesting with some of the spells with serious consequences. I loved how everyone comes together to use their talents, and the twist with the final spell.
I enjoyed seeing Blaze and Elethen again and seeing the twins’ relationship from River’s perspective. Zina, the librarian rocks. I loved River’s view of librarians, and his comments about not messing with them as they know things. I liked Artyom and how he comes into his own. He’s very bright and I love the friendship between him and River. I loved Eral, and his role in the story, and also Mellara and Arceny. I already guessed the complicated family relationships before the reveal but that made it even better.
Tojan and Lasya’s father are horrible. I was very pleased with how their role in the story ended. Very fitting.
I loved the conclusion to the series with HEAs all round.
I loved River in book 1, and enjoyed reading book 2 from his POV. He’s wonderfully snarky, yet there’s another side of him who will do anything to protect the people he loves. I hadn’t expected Lasya to be on of the good guys, considering the glimpse of him in the first book, but that means his persona works very well! I liked how they’re both wary to trust each other at first, then their mutual attraction leads to so much more. They work well together on so many levels.
I loved the world building and how both Halana and this earth fitted together, each missing the type of mage they needed. The magic is interesting with some of the spells with serious consequences. I loved how everyone comes together to use their talents, and the twist with the final spell.
I enjoyed seeing Blaze and Elethen again and seeing the twins’ relationship from River’s perspective. Zina, the librarian rocks. I loved River’s view of librarians, and his comments about not messing with them as they know things. I liked Artyom and how he comes into his own. He’s very bright and I love the friendship between him and River. I loved Eral, and his role in the story, and also Mellara and Arceny. I already guessed the complicated family relationships before the reveal but that made it even better.
Tojan and Lasya’s father are horrible. I was very pleased with how their role in the story ended. Very fitting.
I loved the conclusion to the series with HEAs all round.
March 28, 2023
Gotta say that River and Lasya is more my kind of characters! Don't get me wrong I loved Elethen and Blaze but who doesn't love a daredevil and an "Itachi" (IYKYK)? Lasya went above and beyond, despite the pain, the danger and how others might view him or think of him, he fought for his king, his people and his family!
The second part here was truly epic. River makes quite the entrance, Lasya is the hot, angry, suspicious and not trusting easy general, and Artyom is an amazing teen and he'll become such a good king, since already he was ready to make the tough choices. Mischievous too since he played matchmaker and appointing Lasya as River's personal guard.
Now River and Lasya need to find a way, to not only remove Tojan from the place of power he has, a power he has been abusing to the point of killing his own brothers, but also not leaving a power vacuum behind for another to climb into. The key to the solution came to River in a vision, the rest they worked it out themselves and this is where Blaze and Elethen make their entrance and things move pretty quickly from there with some other loved side characters from book 1.
Truths also come to the light and family dynamics change again and again in incredible twists!
Do not miss out!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
The second part here was truly epic. River makes quite the entrance, Lasya is the hot, angry, suspicious and not trusting easy general, and Artyom is an amazing teen and he'll become such a good king, since already he was ready to make the tough choices. Mischievous too since he played matchmaker and appointing Lasya as River's personal guard.
Now River and Lasya need to find a way, to not only remove Tojan from the place of power he has, a power he has been abusing to the point of killing his own brothers, but also not leaving a power vacuum behind for another to climb into. The key to the solution came to River in a vision, the rest they worked it out themselves and this is where Blaze and Elethen make their entrance and things move pretty quickly from there with some other loved side characters from book 1.
Truths also come to the light and family dynamics change again and again in incredible twists!
Do not miss out!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 14, 2023
Book 1 The Elemental Keyes required first, not a standalone
River and Laysa are mine!
Whoa, I can’t even with how freaking spectacular this duology is! Aside from the people, whom I love, love, love, the twists, the surprises, world-building, the resolution, it’s fantastically clever and brilliantly engrossing. And River and Laysa, the stars of my heart and this book, enchant, inspire, and fully own my heart.
“He looked like he was going to eat me alive, and instead of making me scramble to escape, it made me pant in anticipation.
Yeah, I was a little f*cked up. What about it?”
Mmmm, give me more, give me more. I love a snarky bad boy with a marshmallow center and that’s my River (at least where it counts in my eyes), but wait, there’s more because Laysa, steely, scary, and oh so sexy Laysa is my new happiness. Together they are the OTP and I will stand by that until the end of the world. Gripping action, an incredible fantasy, and a love that defies everything, it’s a portal to a world you’ll never want to leave.
River and Laysa are mine!
Whoa, I can’t even with how freaking spectacular this duology is! Aside from the people, whom I love, love, love, the twists, the surprises, world-building, the resolution, it’s fantastically clever and brilliantly engrossing. And River and Laysa, the stars of my heart and this book, enchant, inspire, and fully own my heart.
“He looked like he was going to eat me alive, and instead of making me scramble to escape, it made me pant in anticipation.
Yeah, I was a little f*cked up. What about it?”
Mmmm, give me more, give me more. I love a snarky bad boy with a marshmallow center and that’s my River (at least where it counts in my eyes), but wait, there’s more because Laysa, steely, scary, and oh so sexy Laysa is my new happiness. Together they are the OTP and I will stand by that until the end of the world. Gripping action, an incredible fantasy, and a love that defies everything, it’s a portal to a world you’ll never want to leave.
March 28, 2023
I love this book! The Elemental Ruins is River book! River's ended at the other side of the barrier when the try to destroy it, know he is in Halana, facing not just his Dad, but the general and the king. Dearest dad is the bad guy, and I love how River is treating him! Now the hot scolding general Lasya is another thing.
River's snark is awesome!!! He is definitely looking forward to kick his father behind, he hates him and is willing to do what it takes to end him and help Halana people. He and Laysa have a rocky start but both of them end up working together. The General was a really good surprise in this book, we are going to learn so many secrets about him.
This book was great, the characters have many conflicts that they have to face in order to save both worlds and at the same time enjoy them selves. This was very entertaining and I love the epilogue! This series is definitely a great read! Highly recommended it!
River's snark is awesome!!! He is definitely looking forward to kick his father behind, he hates him and is willing to do what it takes to end him and help Halana people. He and Laysa have a rocky start but both of them end up working together. The General was a really good surprise in this book, we are going to learn so many secrets about him.
This book was great, the characters have many conflicts that they have to face in order to save both worlds and at the same time enjoy them selves. This was very entertaining and I love the epilogue! This series is definitely a great read! Highly recommended it!
March 28, 2023
What a thrilling conclusion to this duo! I highly recommend reading these two back to back. This time around we get dual POV between River and Lasya. River literally kind of drops into the Lasya's way after coming through the portal and finds himself in the middle of a political minefield. I absolutely loved these two characters and many of the side ones as well. Both River and Lasya feel different from Blaze and Elethen. They're a bit warier and more jaded which I kind of liked a lot. The action is fairly continuous but flows with the plot rather than bogging it down. And the steamy times are awesome (definitely one for those monster lovers out there). Without trying to give too much away, I thought it was pretty clever how everything was wrapped up and I'm a bit sad that this is only two books long. I hope we get to revisit these worlds and maybe get a story from some of the side characters.
This series is a must read for any lovers of mages and other worlds!
This series is a must read for any lovers of mages and other worlds!
Read
March 29, 2025This duology was superfun and very genre forward tapping into a lot of MM romance tropes and including a fair amount of sex. I had one honest-to-goddess bit of confusion when it turns out that the ruling class on Halana are of Russian descent (???!!!) and they speak and write in English. I kept waiting for a plot point that tied the two worlds together. I expected that the Spirit Mages from Earth didn't in fact die but were somehow portalled to Halana or something, but no--they really did die. So then what is the connection between the two worlds? What about Travel/Tojan and Earth and how did he get there? So I legit feel like I missed something important. I got that the mages on Halana were removed by the gods or something from the rest of the universe because they behaved poorly, but nothing came of that plot point either. Sooooo... I really did expect a third book to tie it all together, but that was not to be the case.
May 29, 2023
Time for a book hangover…
If you had questions left over from book one, same. But! Lucky for us! This book answers all of them in great detail. The whole duology was perfection. The fact that it’s over is the worst part of it.
Mechanics were solid, with mistakes being minimal and infrequent. The whole thing was a master class in writing as the characters would act and sound, making everything feel real. The details held substance and the story was extremely interesting. The split between the two books and the information everyone wanted/needed was done exceptionally well. It left both books important and necessary, which is what a lot of the ones I’ve read fail at. It always feels like one book is just fluff and I’m super stoked that this one didn’t follow suit.
4.75/5, high stakes, amazing romance, perfect story and characters… highly recommend.
If you had questions left over from book one, same. But! Lucky for us! This book answers all of them in great detail. The whole duology was perfection. The fact that it’s over is the worst part of it.
Mechanics were solid, with mistakes being minimal and infrequent. The whole thing was a master class in writing as the characters would act and sound, making everything feel real. The details held substance and the story was extremely interesting. The split between the two books and the information everyone wanted/needed was done exceptionally well. It left both books important and necessary, which is what a lot of the ones I’ve read fail at. It always feels like one book is just fluff and I’m super stoked that this one didn’t follow suit.
4.75/5, high stakes, amazing romance, perfect story and characters… highly recommend.
March 20, 2023
River may be a bit of an arrogant soul, but he sees his father for what he truly is: a mad power hungry mage trying to destroy worlds for his own benefit. He has found himself on the other side of the portal in Halana and the world is slowly being starved to death by Tojan and his fellow priests and mages. Lasya is playing a dangerous game of plots within plots and rebels and kings. If they can figure out how to work together, they just might save both Earth and Halana in the process. I love the characters that were introduced in this half of the series, especially the young king Artyom. That kid is scarily intelligent! This book was really good. I think I actually enjoyed it more than the first one.
February 3, 2025
4 stars.
I've read books 1 and 2 back-to-back. The 1st can feel a little unclear and confusing at first. I struggled to separate the worlds at 1st. As the story progressed it became more clear. Instead of a large info dump at the front, this author chooses to reveal and develop throughout the story. By the end of both, there was no confusion left. It wrapped up nicely with a HEA.
I really enjoyed the story and stayed engaged especially in the 2nd book. It was really solid story telling. I feel strongly that both books need to be read to get the full effect and understanding. If this is your genre, then I would suggest giving it a try. Not the best I've read, but definitely above average.
I've read books 1 and 2 back-to-back. The 1st can feel a little unclear and confusing at first. I struggled to separate the worlds at 1st. As the story progressed it became more clear. Instead of a large info dump at the front, this author chooses to reveal and develop throughout the story. By the end of both, there was no confusion left. It wrapped up nicely with a HEA.
I really enjoyed the story and stayed engaged especially in the 2nd book. It was really solid story telling. I feel strongly that both books need to be read to get the full effect and understanding. If this is your genre, then I would suggest giving it a try. Not the best I've read, but definitely above average.
March 31, 2023
This is book 2 in the series and you have to read the first to get to know all the characters. At the end of book 1, River saw that he had to go into the portal to save earth. He ended up in Halana where he made a grand entrance. I love River’s snarkiness; he just made the book way better. Lasya was a doll as you get to learn more about him. The heat between them was quick but the way they tried to same Halana was great. Loved Artyom; he had a great head on his shoulders for someone so young. Great world building, quite a bit of action and great ending. Will miss this world and am hoping the author will return to this world.
April 16, 2023
The second Circle the Square book takes place on the world of Halana. It's the story of River, a fire mage from Earth and Lasya, General of Halana, a spiritual mage who has been protecting the common people of Halana for two hundred years.
They're attracted to each other. But don't necessarily trust each other. They soon realize a common goal. To destroy the head priest, Trojan. River's father.
Tremendous world building. There's some violence, but overall, it's a fun romp of a story. Snark and lots of words and phrases that poor Lasya has to puzzle the meaning of.
A typically fun and enjoyable Sam Burns book. Always a pleasure to read.
They're attracted to each other. But don't necessarily trust each other. They soon realize a common goal. To destroy the head priest, Trojan. River's father.
Tremendous world building. There's some violence, but overall, it's a fun romp of a story. Snark and lots of words and phrases that poor Lasya has to puzzle the meaning of.
A typically fun and enjoyable Sam Burns book. Always a pleasure to read.
December 31, 2025
Sequel to The Elemental Keyes and likely won't make sense if you don't read book 1. Unlike a lot of other fantasy series, this one's only two books (one for each twin).
Exciting, interesting, engaging urban fantasy but not in the same sense as a lot of other urban fantasy (which often seem cookie-cutter).
I liked this one better but that's probably not a surprise given that this one has characters who are more my type! (The first one is also very good.)
Exciting, interesting, engaging urban fantasy but not in the same sense as a lot of other urban fantasy (which often seem cookie-cutter).
I liked this one better but that's probably not a surprise given that this one has characters who are more my type! (The first one is also very good.)
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