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Ruins of Rima #1
Chasing Darkness
Even the darkest of nights can whisper secrets into the light.
Dante
I've spent years striving for a different world—a different life. The Guild coming to Rima, to my city, threatens all I've built within the Vipers MC. As the President, it's my duty to push them out. But that's not good enough. They're a hydra. Lop off one head and two more grow in its place. If I want to watch them burn, I’ll have to be the one to start the fire. Once inside it's a race against time until they discover who I am. And then I find her. Aelia may be a prisoner of the Guild, but I'll claim her for my own. I refuse to choose between bringing them down and saving Aelia. Either way my life will end with hers.
Aelia
Before I was sold to the Guild, shadows infiltrated my world. In the years since, they've turned into a darkness even the brightest light can't pierce. They consume my every waking minute as I stumble through the night. I've learned to survive, but I'll never escape this hell. Even if I could, I have nowhere to run—no one to turn to. Until Dante walks into my world. He wakes me from my nightmare and demands I reach for more than this tortured existence. Convincing myself to trust him isn't easy. Neither is persuading my heart that he's worth chasing him into the darkness.
This is the first book in the Ruins of Rima Duology. It is a spin-off of the Shadows of Synd series. They are best read before the duology. Trigger/Content Warnings can be found on the author's website.
Dante
I've spent years striving for a different world—a different life. The Guild coming to Rima, to my city, threatens all I've built within the Vipers MC. As the President, it's my duty to push them out. But that's not good enough. They're a hydra. Lop off one head and two more grow in its place. If I want to watch them burn, I’ll have to be the one to start the fire. Once inside it's a race against time until they discover who I am. And then I find her. Aelia may be a prisoner of the Guild, but I'll claim her for my own. I refuse to choose between bringing them down and saving Aelia. Either way my life will end with hers.
Aelia
Before I was sold to the Guild, shadows infiltrated my world. In the years since, they've turned into a darkness even the brightest light can't pierce. They consume my every waking minute as I stumble through the night. I've learned to survive, but I'll never escape this hell. Even if I could, I have nowhere to run—no one to turn to. Until Dante walks into my world. He wakes me from my nightmare and demands I reach for more than this tortured existence. Convincing myself to trust him isn't easy. Neither is persuading my heart that he's worth chasing him into the darkness.
This is the first book in the Ruins of Rima Duology. It is a spin-off of the Shadows of Synd series. They are best read before the duology. Trigger/Content Warnings can be found on the author's website.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2023
5 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 8, 2023
This was a hard one to rate. I'd say it's a 4.6 for me. I'm going to do my best to keep this vague/spoiler free!
Let's talk about the reasons it's a five star read:
1. The world building and character intermingling is spectacular, and that runs through not only this book, but also through the Shadows of Synd series. Each character is flushed out, and even though they each go through their arcs, the characters stay true to themselves. Each one has a specific voice, and it was very apparent here in Chasing Darkness. I knew when Dante was speaking, vs Grant or Jenkins, and when Aelia was speaking, vs Avery.
2. These characters are easy to root for while also understanding and embracing that each one has flaws and doesn't always say or do the right thing. I had some annoyances with our protagonists (I'll mention below), but overall I could see how life's lessons and their upbringing could mould each one into their behavior and explain their actions and their reactions.
3. The story is engrossing. It's hard to put down because once you start reading, you need to know what's going to happen. This is also a detraction in a very minor way (I'll mention it below), but overall I wanted to know what was going to happen and how they were going to be able to figure out how to achieve their end goal (no spoilers!).
4. The spice is well written and fun!
This is why I almost rated it as a 4 star.
1. I'll start with the most major issue, and this is a personal thing, but we find out they want to do a second auction early enough into the book that for the remaining portion of the story, all I kept thinking about were the people in the pit who were going through what they were going through. I don't want to put spoilers in this review, but I was so distracted by this that I found it hard to be worried about whether our FMC and MMC were going to be able to find a few minutes to spend together or what their plans were because I was too worried about everyone else.
2. There is a lot of inner monologue, and I totally understand the need for it, but every once in a while I found myself skimming past it to get back to the dialogue and the action.
3. Dante could be a hard pill to swallow. Look, I get that not everyone is perfect, but there were a few instances in the book that I had to really try to see his perspective. (Reaaalllly try....) There's one scene where he's right next to her and she gets pretty beat up. I understand the tension and drama that's necessary so we can have that moment of "who hurt you, I will put them in the ground," but if he's standing two feet from her then it's hard to have that moment because all I'm thinking is you did, you giant ding dong.... Beyond that, there's all these threats of I'll kill him for hurting you, but then they keep hurting her. I really liked this FMC, and I felt that I could understand why she was the way she was, even after the first scene where we sort of have to question her motives and her values, and then you see that there are no choices in the life she's living. But Dante seemed to be unfeeling at times I expected more feelings, and then overly emotional when it seemed that logic was the more reasonable response. I do like Dante overall, and I loved his speech to her. I thought it was perfect.
4. This is something that is, again, a personal thing, but if a man (or anyone really) pisses me off, and they laugh over how cute I am when I get mad - they'd better RUN. This seemed like a common theme with Dante and Jag, particularly with Jag and Avery, and I just have a hard time with it. (I'm also significantly older than the characters in the book, so there's that.)
Overall, this book, and the entire series it comes from, is well written, is engaging, the pacing and tone are well done, and I am thrilled and grateful to have been an ARC reader. I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can find out what happens!
Let's talk about the reasons it's a five star read:
1. The world building and character intermingling is spectacular, and that runs through not only this book, but also through the Shadows of Synd series. Each character is flushed out, and even though they each go through their arcs, the characters stay true to themselves. Each one has a specific voice, and it was very apparent here in Chasing Darkness. I knew when Dante was speaking, vs Grant or Jenkins, and when Aelia was speaking, vs Avery.
2. These characters are easy to root for while also understanding and embracing that each one has flaws and doesn't always say or do the right thing. I had some annoyances with our protagonists (I'll mention below), but overall I could see how life's lessons and their upbringing could mould each one into their behavior and explain their actions and their reactions.
3. The story is engrossing. It's hard to put down because once you start reading, you need to know what's going to happen. This is also a detraction in a very minor way (I'll mention it below), but overall I wanted to know what was going to happen and how they were going to be able to figure out how to achieve their end goal (no spoilers!).
4. The spice is well written and fun!
This is why I almost rated it as a 4 star.
1. I'll start with the most major issue, and this is a personal thing, but we find out they want to do a second auction early enough into the book that for the remaining portion of the story, all I kept thinking about were the people in the pit who were going through what they were going through. I don't want to put spoilers in this review, but I was so distracted by this that I found it hard to be worried about whether our FMC and MMC were going to be able to find a few minutes to spend together or what their plans were because I was too worried about everyone else.
2. There is a lot of inner monologue, and I totally understand the need for it, but every once in a while I found myself skimming past it to get back to the dialogue and the action.
3. Dante could be a hard pill to swallow. Look, I get that not everyone is perfect, but there were a few instances in the book that I had to really try to see his perspective. (Reaaalllly try....) There's one scene where he's right next to her and she gets pretty beat up. I understand the tension and drama that's necessary so we can have that moment of "who hurt you, I will put them in the ground," but if he's standing two feet from her then it's hard to have that moment because all I'm thinking is you did, you giant ding dong.... Beyond that, there's all these threats of I'll kill him for hurting you, but then they keep hurting her. I really liked this FMC, and I felt that I could understand why she was the way she was, even after the first scene where we sort of have to question her motives and her values, and then you see that there are no choices in the life she's living. But Dante seemed to be unfeeling at times I expected more feelings, and then overly emotional when it seemed that logic was the more reasonable response. I do like Dante overall, and I loved his speech to her. I thought it was perfect.
4. This is something that is, again, a personal thing, but if a man (or anyone really) pisses me off, and they laugh over how cute I am when I get mad - they'd better RUN. This seemed like a common theme with Dante and Jag, particularly with Jag and Avery, and I just have a hard time with it. (I'm also significantly older than the characters in the book, so there's that.)
Overall, this book, and the entire series it comes from, is well written, is engaging, the pacing and tone are well done, and I am thrilled and grateful to have been an ARC reader. I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can find out what happens!
September 27, 2023
This is so beautiful. The two of them, stumbling their way through the impossible situation and their own flaws and insecurities. Aelia has to explain the risks repeatedly because it is honestly so hard for others to understand, even as a reader. She drags you into the story with every quickened heartbeat, both in fear and more enjoyable moments.
Almost all of the characters are deplorable, except for the tiny group that still contains barely more than the main characters by the end of book. The psychopaths are twisted and cruel. That is clear. However it does rake over details of their damning actions. It enough to understand, to know who, or more accurately what, they are up against. But it didn’t coat my skin, suffocating me with a painfully realistic scenes. For me, with my triggers and preferences, this struck a the difficult balance and it enriches the book.
Dante is a good guy (tho morally gray, as he’s a MC President) in a den of vipers trying to blend in, which lashes at his soul. He’s fighting what he knows is probably a fool’s errand, the difficulty leveling up each time he learns more. But he’s desperate to protect the people he knows and doesn’t know, both current and future victims. He can’t save everyone, he knows that. But will what he can do be enough? He’s plagued with that question.
Mixing Dante and Aelia is a beauty. Broken and fragile people learning from each other and needing to reframe their own understanding through their journey together. I couldn’t help rooting for them from the beginning to the last page. The characters and world is addicting. It begs to be reread with all the books in this world. Proceed with caution.
Almost all of the characters are deplorable, except for the tiny group that still contains barely more than the main characters by the end of book. The psychopaths are twisted and cruel. That is clear. However it does rake over details of their damning actions. It enough to understand, to know who, or more accurately what, they are up against. But it didn’t coat my skin, suffocating me with a painfully realistic scenes. For me, with my triggers and preferences, this struck a the difficult balance and it enriches the book.
Dante is a good guy (tho morally gray, as he’s a MC President) in a den of vipers trying to blend in, which lashes at his soul. He’s fighting what he knows is probably a fool’s errand, the difficulty leveling up each time he learns more. But he’s desperate to protect the people he knows and doesn’t know, both current and future victims. He can’t save everyone, he knows that. But will what he can do be enough? He’s plagued with that question.
Mixing Dante and Aelia is a beauty. Broken and fragile people learning from each other and needing to reframe their own understanding through their journey together. I couldn’t help rooting for them from the beginning to the last page. The characters and world is addicting. It begs to be reread with all the books in this world. Proceed with caution.
September 6, 2023
*ARC Review*
**Check Trigger Warnings**
✨ 5 ⭐️ / 4 🌶️ ✨
After finishing the Shadows of Synd Series I was ready to jump back into the world with the first book in the spinoff duology, Ruins of Rima. As expected this book was an emotional roller coaster which had me on the edge of my seat and like always... I cried like a baby. This is a dark MC romance which touches on some really hard topics so please make sure to check the trigger warnings.
This is the story of Dante who is the president of an MC who also happens to be going under cover to take down the Guild (the big bad). While on this mission he meets Aelia, who is a prisoner of the Guild and is only safe due to her knowledge and expertise of numbers/accounting. Mix in a little bit of forced proximity, forbidden romance, and some hot spice and you get this amazing book.
As previously mentioned, I did cry like a baby and that was mostly in part to the ending of the book and the cliffhanger that rips your heart to shreds. No matter how many warnings I received, I was not prepared for the heartbreak and am dying for the second book to be released.
**Check Trigger Warnings**
✨ 5 ⭐️ / 4 🌶️ ✨
After finishing the Shadows of Synd Series I was ready to jump back into the world with the first book in the spinoff duology, Ruins of Rima. As expected this book was an emotional roller coaster which had me on the edge of my seat and like always... I cried like a baby. This is a dark MC romance which touches on some really hard topics so please make sure to check the trigger warnings.
This is the story of Dante who is the president of an MC who also happens to be going under cover to take down the Guild (the big bad). While on this mission he meets Aelia, who is a prisoner of the Guild and is only safe due to her knowledge and expertise of numbers/accounting. Mix in a little bit of forced proximity, forbidden romance, and some hot spice and you get this amazing book.
As previously mentioned, I did cry like a baby and that was mostly in part to the ending of the book and the cliffhanger that rips your heart to shreds. No matter how many warnings I received, I was not prepared for the heartbreak and am dying for the second book to be released.
September 1, 2023
We just finished Chasing Darkness by @emila and whew it was a good one! 🖤 This is a spin off of her Shadows of Synd series. Aelia is good with numbers and that is her only fail safe as a prisoner of The Guild. Daze is the president of the Vipers MC and his sole mission is to take down this shithole of an establishment. 🏍️ There were twists and turns and my jaw was on the floor at some points! Watching Aelia learn to let Daze in and love him (even though she doesn’t know it yet) was so beautiful! ♥️ And watching Daze grovel and make sure he is doing everything he can to protect Aelia is was amazing! This one does end on a cliff hanger and I NEEED the next book now! Thank you Emilia for the early copy! 🖤 Below are some of our favorite quotes!
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“Instead of answering, I brush my lips over her cheek. I’d kiss her, but I’m slightly terrified she’ll either go catatonic or use my own knife to stab me. Her mood seems to swing between the two.”
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“Aelia may not believe she’s meant for me, but I’ll wait until she does.”
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Our rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
.
.
“Instead of answering, I brush my lips over her cheek. I’d kiss her, but I’m slightly terrified she’ll either go catatonic or use my own knife to stab me. Her mood seems to swing between the two.”
.
.
“Aelia may not believe she’s meant for me, but I’ll wait until she does.”
.
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Our rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 20, 2023
Wow...that was heartbreaking, although with the trigger warnings, that is exactly what I expected it to be. This book is definitely darker than the Shadows of Synd series. Dante is trying to bring down the Guild and finds himself drawn to Aelia, who had been sold to the Guild years ago. Dante can not help but want to protect her, but that is difficult in their situation. Their story is not an easy one, but I loved it. I can't wait for the next book in this duology to come out.
August 30, 2023
As always, I enjoyed this book. I will admit it took me a little bit to get into this one as it is much darker than her other books so far. However, as the book went on, I couldn’t help but root for the main characters. I was constantly wanting them to get out of their own heads and ways and see what was waiting for them. I loved the development as the book progressed. I was not aware that it ended on a cliffhanger but now that it has, I can’t wait to see the next chapter of their story!!
September 9, 2023
Shooooo. This one was heavy. A large part of the book takes place in a trafficking ~house~ so check triggers before starting. We love a ‘he fell first, just had to have her, she’s mine >:(‘ fmc understandably has trust issues and the trauma….oof. Dante does such a good job helping her and understanding- he def has his own stuff to work through but ya know, what mafia/mc/morally bud doesn’t. The end left me starved for the second. Waiting with bated breath for the next!
August 20, 2023
No surprise that Emilia Abraham wrote another fantastic book!
I am a big fan of the Shadows of Synd series, so when I found out that there was a character spin-off series, I immediately knew I had to get my hands on it.
I found myself so invested in Aelia and Dante's story that I had a very difficult time putting this down and working. Absolutely loved this book.
Chasing Darkness is a rather appropriate title for this book because it does hold a darker theme than the other series, so be mindful of the TW's and your own personal limits. It isn't necessary to read the other series first, but it is suggested.
I am a big fan of the Shadows of Synd series, so when I found out that there was a character spin-off series, I immediately knew I had to get my hands on it.
I found myself so invested in Aelia and Dante's story that I had a very difficult time putting this down and working. Absolutely loved this book.
Chasing Darkness is a rather appropriate title for this book because it does hold a darker theme than the other series, so be mindful of the TW's and your own personal limits. It isn't necessary to read the other series first, but it is suggested.
September 11, 2023
This is a spin off of Abrahams other series. There was enough to keep me interested but it feels a little forced. I found the feeling between the main characters to be unrealistic given the situation. The ending is a cliffhanger leaving you wanting more though. I received this as an Arc in exchange for an honest review
August 25, 2023
Dante and Aelia
This book was great. I loved the action and I loved the FMC. I think I understand her submissiveness and how she allows herself to be underestimated. It aligns with her intelligence.
I think my only beef with the MMC is that as steamy hot as he is, WTH is he so unreliable? She puts everything on the line for him and like so often is the story in real life, he just continues to not protect her or help her. If I were her I’d dip. Just bring it down myself. If ur that strong u don’t need a man. No matter how good the vitamin D is. Lol!
Still definitely a great book and worth the read.
This book was great. I loved the action and I loved the FMC. I think I understand her submissiveness and how she allows herself to be underestimated. It aligns with her intelligence.
I think my only beef with the MMC is that as steamy hot as he is, WTH is he so unreliable? She puts everything on the line for him and like so often is the story in real life, he just continues to not protect her or help her. If I were her I’d dip. Just bring it down myself. If ur that strong u don’t need a man. No matter how good the vitamin D is. Lol!
Still definitely a great book and worth the read.
August 21, 2023
Triggers check them.
This book about the guild and all things they have been doing in the other books in the sndy series. We find out where Dante been. It very dark and spicy. I can't wait to read the next one.
This book about the guild and all things they have been doing in the other books in the sndy series. We find out where Dante been. It very dark and spicy. I can't wait to read the next one.
August 25, 2023
This is a spin off of the spin off of the Shadows of Synd and so much darker and intense. This book is filled with heavy, heart breaking topics, and can feel the love these characters Dante and Aelia. I read this in one setting and loved this story and can’t wait for the next book.
September 10, 2023
E. Abraham has done it YET again!! This book was so good! This book us heavy make sure to check the triggers but I absolutely loved this! Dante and Aelia are just 🫠.... the ending though... I still cry when I think of this book! Go get it!
September 30, 2023
The spinoff of the Synd series is breath taking. Highly recommend you checking your triggers before diving in. I almost guarantee that you'll enjoy the ride 😏
September 8, 2023
With Becoming Shadows my favorite work of E. Abraham, this book gave it a run for it's money. The MMC has a hero complex that I simply love. There were plenty of time where I wanted to grab him by the shirt and yell at him for not acting right, but that's all part of his character. Forewarning this does leave with a spectacular cliff hanger!
Wonderful, Amazing read!
Wonderful, Amazing read!
August 30, 2023
Be sure to check trigger warnings!
I had extremely high hopes for the spin off of one of my favorite series, Shadows of Synd, and E Abraham didn’t disappoint! Although the book is filled with heavy, heart breaking topics, I couldn’t help but fall right in love with Dante and Aelia. My only regret is waiting for book 2.
I had extremely high hopes for the spin off of one of my favorite series, Shadows of Synd, and E Abraham didn’t disappoint! Although the book is filled with heavy, heart breaking topics, I couldn’t help but fall right in love with Dante and Aelia. My only regret is waiting for book 2.
October 7, 2023
Check TW
Spin off from Synd. Easier to understand if you read those first. This book is about Dante and Aelia. Overall, amazing read. Be ready to go through a lot of emotions with this book. Does not disappoint.
Spin off from Synd. Easier to understand if you read those first. This book is about Dante and Aelia. Overall, amazing read. Be ready to go through a lot of emotions with this book. Does not disappoint.
August 14, 2023
This spin off from Shadows of Synd is so freaking good. The whole book is heavy content so check your triggers. But it is so worth it, I read it in one sitting and it was so good. I could not put it down. We knew this book was coming since book 2 in the Synd series and she did not disappoint. I cannot wait for the second book in this dueology.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews