Spring of Ruin

Sisters Solstice #3

by J.L. Vampa

"There was nothing like the buzz of poison and murder in her veins." -Sorscha As the Joubert Sisters navigate a world of impending war without their full magic, the Prince of Bone fights for his life—torn between the land of the living and the land of the dead—only to discover the Court of Achlys means more to him than he ever knew. Agatha untangles the prophecy that set their realm aflame. Winnie and the Druids prepare for war. Seleste faces physical setbacks in a foreign land. And Sorscha? Ah, Sorscha and her sass discover secrets in the catacombs of Araignée.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Dark Romance, Witches, Romance, M F Romance

550 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

J.L. is a gothic fantasy author and boutique owner
You can follow JL on
TikTok : jlvampa
Boutique: wickedwhimsyboutique.com
And by signing up for JL’s newsletter on her website jlvampa.com

Reviews

[Ewa · Rating 2 out of 5]

tutaj jest tyle pov'ów, że na 20 stron jest od 10 do 15 zmian. Ngl 1 książka była najlepsza, a z każdą kolejną jest coraz gorzej.

[Mena · Rating 1 out of 5]

No ❤️

This should have been Gaius and Sorscha

[Matou · Rating 5 out of 5]

EDIT — First reread, July 2024.

Soooo much to unpack in this volume! This reread was very much needed. God, I love this cast of characters with my entire heart.

Terrified for Summer of Sacrifice. DIVING IT RIGHT NOW.


• • • • • •


From the very first pages of Autumn of the Grimoire, I fell in love with Sorscha. Spring of Ruin just confirmed how much I adore this character. (Can I mention how incredibly sexy she is when she gets angry?)
I loved seeing more of her light and joyful nature, and discovering the layers of hurt underneath.

As usual, JL Vampa has me in my feels— all the Grimm chapters at the beginning had me crying, aching and begging for his return; some heartfelt moments between the Sisters made me bawl like a newborn babe.

Where I found Winter slower and more character driven, Spring was definitely action packed. Pace and plot wise, DAMN, so many things were happening! Breakthroughs, revelations, new information. My mind was reeling.

Some things are coming together by the end of this third installment, but there are still loose ends that I think will tie up in the final volume. You know, the ones that make you wanna scream: WHAT!!!! when you reach the end of the book and still don’t have all the answers (I love having answers. Or guessing them).

I adored every new character: particularly Arielle, but Asa and Lena too, even if we didn’t see much of them yet.

Spring of Ruin is intense (sometimes even dense) but it’s literally the embodiment of the best the Sisters Solstice series has to offer: an amazing cast of characters, a complex and riveting plot, inspiring magic and overall just a compelling writing.

4.5 stars, rounded up for GR!
(Not a 5 stars because I have a personal grudge against JL for keeping my babies almost constantly separated, UGH!)

Can’t wait for the sunshine sister, Seleste, to be next.

Huge thanks to JL Vampa for granting me the honor of beta-reading this book and trusting me with it!

[✨The Sleepy Book Elf ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow 🤩 what another fantastic instalment in the Sister Solstice books!! So well written with fantastic characters and fascinating lore..the plot is so exciting and intriguing. Already downloaded the next one which is a novella so I’ll devour it in one sitting. I don’t want this series to end! Highly recommend this series if you’re into witchy gothic vibes, with quirky loveable characters and epic romance.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fav of the series so far

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

SPOILER MINOR WARNING:

Okay so I really did enjoy this book but at the same time it was very disappointing . There was so much going on so much plot holes and this book felt like it was more Grim’s book than Sorscha. It felt like we only got glimpses of Sorscha character. It felt very rushed and lazy on how she wrote Sorscha’s plot. Unlike the second book where we got more of Winnie’s pov, and her journey and actually understanding Winnie’s character. This book felt like a little glimpse into Sorscha’s. This book felt more focused on Grim and Agatha’s love then Sorscha and Asa’s which through most of the book it felt like the author was gonna make Gaius her love interest and then 75% through the book you’ve come to find out that her love interest is POSSIBLY Asa, like the author couldn’t decide who Sorscha was gonna end up with. Of course don’t get me wrong I love grim and Agatha but I feel she could have wrote most of grims pov in a novella rather than taking up most of this book. I’m a little disappointed with that because of how much we got to see in the second book. I just wanted more of Sorscha than grim.
Also another confusing thing that I’m hoping someone could explain to me, but why did the author turn Agatha and Grimm into lord night and lady magic? Is she still going to be the witch of autumn or is she gonna be a goddess now? And is grim a reaper or what? I’m so confused on why she did that. I was so disappointed

[turningpageswithmorgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HELL.

[Jessica Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But I can save my own damn self. “

Sorscha !!! What a powerhouse. I love her so much. She’s fierce and unapologetic and just amazing! I could read five more books from her POV.

However, Grimm and Aggie have my heart! “If I’m alive, so are you. Our grave will be dug as one. “ They really go through it but I love their story, and it gets better and deeper with every book!

This book really brought so many things together and really shook me with some revelations of some of the characters. I had to read some pages more than one to digest!

The new characters in this book were surprising and lovable - I can’t wait to know more about them. Especially Arielle !

I’ll be counting down to Sister Summer’s book!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and brutal and so full. I loved it! Another wonderful book in the Sisters' Solstice Series.

[Jessica peppernick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is alll coming together now

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! These books are simply amazing. I can not wait to read the next! I love how Spring of Ruin was such a beautiful story of friendship, family, and relationships. I love Grimm and Aggie, but also adore Winnie and Sorscha...can't wait to learn more about Seleste

[Meg Kuhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want to put this down!!

Book three story of the sister solstice. The storyline continues and is captivating from page one. Just read the series you like it.

[Kayla Brabant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot express in adequate words how much I love The Sisters Solstice series. Much of this review will be word vomit. Aggie is like my fictional soulmate, I adore her beyond words, and while I missed her for a majority of the novel, it was so wonderful to see more of Sorscha this time around. She’s so perfectly imperfect, everything about her thoughts and feelings is complicated, and her relationship with Gaius blossomed into such an interesting thing. I loved their chemistry throughout, and I think I’ll always believe they’re meant to be, but as long as everyone has a happy ending, I suppose I can’t complain.

I also missed Winnie, she grew on me so much in the last novel, and while multiple scenes made me misty eyed, I shed real tears at the Sisters reliving their last night together as kids at the Cirque. The strength of their bond with one another has grown so much since the start of the series, and it makes my heart ache in the best way. It’s been a long while since I’ve read something that I’m so absorbed in that I really *feel* for the characters, but The Sisters Solstice have done it. And I can’t wait for more insight into Seleste in the next novel.

And I’m not saying I called it, the reveal about Lord Night and Lady Magic, but… Moreover, can Ms. Vampa please stop with these breathtaking cliffhanger endings?? I almost had a heart attack. Regardless, 10/10 as always. Quite possibly going to be one of my absolute favorite novel series of all time after all is said and done.

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the finish of book 3 of the sisters solstice series I can honestly say I am still whole heartedly in love with this series!

I love love love getting to know each sister while also being on a journey together and separately to achieve their individual and group challenges.

The trials and heartbreak Grimm and Aggie are enduring. They’re growing so much into their roles in life and who they truely are. Being on the magical ride of Gaius and Sorchas blooming friendship and the wild ride they’re on as they dig through and try to uncover the questions needed answered in order to help get rid of Chresedia. To So many startling truths uncovered about the sisters solstice themselves, their parents and Grimm and Gaius family ties.
Chresedia, Athania, Morgana…what do they all have in common, why are they connected. The gang is on the race to find Grimm before it’s too late and to stop Chresedia and whatever she’s planning. What will Grimm find out about himself and Aggie? They’ve all split to go on separate missions, each sister on a path they must follow.
Will they find Grimm on time? What will Grimm find in himself and Chresedia as he plans a path of action against her. Who are these mysterious people Sorcha and Giaus must visit?

[Delaney Oleniczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! A great continuation of the story, and a fun read. The suspense was great, and the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat to see what was going to happen next. Can’t wait to do a full reread of all 3 books before the next one drops!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get back into the series but it did not disappoint. That ending.

I’m so glad we followed Sorscha in this book. I’ve got a serious soft spot for her. Talk about ending on a cliff hanger though

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring of Ruin is the third installment of The Sisters Solstice series. Each book follows all the sisters but tends to focus on the whose season it is. It keeps the overarching storyline moving but also lets each sister have their own unique journey. This books starts with Sorscha's (sister spring) back story. Then we jump in not too long after where the last book left off. Grimm is fighting to keep his mortal body alive while in captivity by The Order and Creshedia. Winnie is with the Cirque and the camp is preparing for war. Seleste is with Winnie, healing from her injury that made her blind in one eye. Agatha is currently on a rampage and is out for blood as she tries to find a lead to The Order. Sorscha and Giaus are travelling to her mother's homeland to hopefully find some answers and to decode the secret message left in a painting.
I love Giaus and Sorscha's relationship; they have such good banter and chemistry and I really wanted them to be end game; but that doesn't seem to be the case. As long as they both end up happy and adored I'll get over it.
Spring of Ruin is an action packed book, both plot and pacing. There are no dull moments. The multiple POVs kept me in the loop during all the breakthroughs, secrets revealed, and new relationships forming. Of course much of this just brings more questions. I'm excited with the introduction of more magic users and characters particularly Arielle. I find myself not a big fan of Asa even with he and Sorscha's relationship moving forward. Overall, a satisfyingly next installment to the series that leaves you ready for more.

[Elise (Bookpopwonderland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fab instalment in the series.

As the Joubert Sisters navigate a world of impending war without their full magic, the Prince of Bone fights for his life - torn between the land of the living and the land of the dead - only to discover the Court of Achlys means more to him than he ever knew. Agatha untangles the prophecy that set their realm aflame. Winnie and the Druids prepare for war. Seleste faces physical setbacks in a foreign land. And Sorscha? Ah, Sorscha and her sass discover secrets in the catacombs of Araignée.

I love this world and its characters. The sisters are all so unique and likeable. They're all witches and each one represents the seasons. This book mainly focuses on Sorscha, the sister of Spring, and her quest to Araignée with Gaius, who is another fab character. It makes for some very entertaining reading as they're like chalk and cheese.

This book was filled with more dark magic, perilous quests, and a bunch of interesting and likeable characters. I'm enjoying the series a lot so far and I can't wait to continue with it when the final book releases.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"That was too common, too predictable. She'd much rather be misunderstood, a wraith in passing."

This is book three in the series and book two and three did not recap what happened in the previous books, so I probably should have read these all back to back. But it was fine. I was able to keep up enough.

"And he learned that every single thing, even that which is painful, compiles a beautiful life worth living."

I really enjoyed book one, book two was okay but not my favorite, and then this book hooked me again. I love Sister Spring spring/ Sorscha. The only thing that stopped me from completely loving this book is that just like with book two, there's a little bit too much going on. It makes the story a little confusing and convoluted, but even though it wasn't perfection, it was still very enjoyable.

"Each person is the villain in someone's story, but it doesn't mean they truly are a villain."

I have the annotated copy of this book and I really love reading the author's notes throughout the story. It really does just take the reading experience to another level!

"Stories are for people who let life happen to them. I happen to life."

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book right here is why I don't like reading in progress series, and prefer to read them when they are all out. The third dive into the world of The Sisters Solstice, once again brings us extensive world building, new characters, and FINALLY gives us the BBEG! The sweet relationship of Grimm and Aggie is still strong, but very much a side to the main quest in this book. We learn more about second born Sorcha, Sister Spring, and what she has been up to with Lord Gaius. There is very little sister interaction in this one, but it makes up for it in more major plot point reveals. I love Sorcha and Gaius teasing relationship, and the firm lack of romantic attraction there is, though you can cut that UST with a knife. The addition of more magic users, steeped in a separate culture that the sisters gives this book a bit more flavor than the last one.

I do not like the villain. I want to punch them in the face. Also, they are just straight up evil. Dark dark evil. Ugh.

The flower is the beautiful POV line break from the ebook!

[Alyshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

SORSCHA is my favorite so far. Besides I very much like Giaus as well so it's going to easily be my favorite book of the series.
Sorscha is Sister Spring. This book starts with Sorscha's back story and what she does to help others with her magic. The sisters are navigating everything happening while Grimm is fighting to keep his mortal body alive in captivity by The Order and Creshedia.
Winnie is with the Cirque, in love again and the camp is preparing for war. Aggie is on a rampage for blood at the beginning of this story (understandably so) and later trying to unravel the mystery that is the actual prophecy that turns out, Grimm's mother, Fleurina, had the whole time. Seleste is with Winnie at the Cirque healing from her injury from The Order making her blind in one eye no matter the amount of healing magic that has been used on her. Sorscha and Giaus? They're travelling to her Mother's homeland to unravel yet another mystery within their lives and get someone to decode the painting that they have.
I love following more than dual POV throughout these stories, it makes it feel more full to me to know what everyone is doing at anytime. Cliffhanger for the overall story within this book. I screamed. LITERALLY SCREAMED, rude J.L... rude.

I already cannot wait for Summer's story and the final huge part of this story overall. Excuse me while I go douse myself in anything J.L. has written.

[Brittney Pauls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have showed up for Autumn but I stayed for Spring.

The 3rd installment follows Sister Spring this time and I’m obsessed with Sorscha. Her personality is funny, quirky, unapologetic and I think my favorite part about this series is how well the author captures sisters unique personality straights and truly stays in each perspective. I feel like I know which perspective I’m reading without having to read the title. Even with dark and eerie background of the main plot, being with Sorscha is FUN.

I love that Sorscha and Gaius’s relationship follows the path it did, and that she is finally finding her people.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the subplot that is Sorschas story but I still struggling so much with the pacing of the overall story of the series that were in. The main plot (⭐️⭐️) with Grimm and Agatha each on their own paths once again feels so repetitive with a lot of extraneous details that just don’t feel necesssy for the story at the cost of not giving any answers yet.

[Linnea Kleist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin? Once again J.L Vampa doesn't disappoint. From the first page of this book it felt like coming home. Spring of Ruin was a fantastic action packed read that had me both laughing out loud and ugly sobbing. A solid five star read for me.
Agatha will always be my favourite Sister Solstice but Sorcha isn't far behind. She's such a headstrong character with a big heart and such a smart mouth and it was so amazing to read her POV. I'm usually not a huge fan when there's more than a dual POV but Vampa writes so freaking well that the story flows effortlessly between all of the characters and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This book answered so many of my questions from previous books but there's still so much more left of this story and I can't wait for the next book!!!!

Thank you J.L Vampa for this ARC!!

[Kayley Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay wow. I am loving this series more by the book and i think this one is so damn good. The lord night/ lady magic reveal at the end??? I didn’t realize how much i missed Aggie and Grimm together until the end…. An entire book spent with them apart was so painful but so worth it for them to remember who they are. I also think it does such a great job of fleshing out these characters when their season arrives and i am so excited to know more about seleste!!! Also the Sybil thing…. I can’t believe it that’s insane. Now on to read about athania i guess.. but if the novella is as good as the main books, I’m sure I’ll somehow enjoy reading about her bitch ass lol

[Anneke Rondonuwu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel sad right now, because I enjoyed the first book a lot and i am too invested towards the characters to bailed out now. In this book there are parts that felt like an afterthought to me. To many sudden changes and rushed. Sudden romance, sudden change of hearts, sudden new places, sudden quest… and suddenly new characters thrown into the picture with gods know how insta-love was that. Predictable though.

So yes i’m quite disappointed. But also yes, I’m going to continue the series

Please help ke god 🫠

[Kitty N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

I am all for honesty, so I am going to be honest in this review. At first, I was devouring it just like I had books one and two, but after the halfway point it just felt like it was dragging out and I fell out of love. Then I picked back up after some time away and devoured it within a day! That cliffy was absolutely cruel and I'm quite mad about it, but I can't wait for Summer!

[Alyssa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing step in the story. When starting this one you are on a high from where book 2 left off so it slows you way down. I honestly thought I would pick up something different at the end of this one but nope I was sucked back in so quick that I finished the last 5 chapters in just about an hour. On to book 4 for me and I have gone ahead and downloaded 4 and 5 and I am so excited to see where this story leads.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampa has done it again. I love this series so much, it's one of my FAVORITE Witchy reads. I love how each book focuses mainly on one sister at a time, but also includes all of the sisters a bit in each book. So beautifully written. And just LOOK at those covers. This is one series that you SHOULD in fact, judge a book by it's cover. 5 stars *****

[Cassie Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will literally read anything this remarkable woman writes at this point, another fabulous addition to a beautifully complex series! As a spring solstice baby myself, Sorscha has a special place in my heart and I loved getting a deeper look at her as a character, can’t wait for the conclusion but also already morning the loss of these characters and their world 😩❤️😭

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awe this was so good. All different points of view, jam packed with secrets revealed, new relationships and different points of view. Another great addition to the Sisters Solstice story. Can't wait to see what happens next.