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Book of Payne #2
A Vision of Ruin
A Vision of Ruin is the second installment in the Book of Payne series. It's a dark fantasy novel featuring a clairvoyant female lead, a fresh take on angels and demons, queer found family, and a world in chaos.
Mariela Rossi’s only desire was to be a supportive wife to Eleanor Payne, High Priestess of Ebroth.
But when Eleanor’s rash actions at the Harvest Festival incite the wrath of the High Priestesses of Dienna, Mariela finds herself pushed into the spotlight.
Left behind, Mariela must lead the survivors of Blackridge in picking up the broken pieces of their village, all while learning to navigate new clairvoyant powers of her own.
Just as it seems the village is on the mend, a terrifying vision foretells the new horror that will befall Blackridge. And there’s only one way to prevent it from coming
Mariela must put an end to Eleanor’s reign of destruction.
But will stopping her wife be enough, or are the people of Ebroth now trapped in a war they have no hope of winning?
Mariela Rossi’s only desire was to be a supportive wife to Eleanor Payne, High Priestess of Ebroth.
But when Eleanor’s rash actions at the Harvest Festival incite the wrath of the High Priestesses of Dienna, Mariela finds herself pushed into the spotlight.
Left behind, Mariela must lead the survivors of Blackridge in picking up the broken pieces of their village, all while learning to navigate new clairvoyant powers of her own.
Just as it seems the village is on the mend, a terrifying vision foretells the new horror that will befall Blackridge. And there’s only one way to prevent it from coming
Mariela must put an end to Eleanor’s reign of destruction.
But will stopping her wife be enough, or are the people of Ebroth now trapped in a war they have no hope of winning?
- GenresFantasy
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2023
8 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
R.P. Dunwater
4 books93 followersR.P. Dunwater is the pen name for co-authors Stephanie Withers and Kimberly Allen.
They met in high school, but we don’t need to talk about how long ago that was. What started as writing joint fan fiction projects evolved over the decade(s) into creating their own fantasy worlds with more realistic, and less overpowered, characters.
They both reside in New Jersey with their partners and fur children. They’re probably having a Lord of the Rings movie marathon (extended, always) or playing D&D right now.
Find out more at rpdunwater.com
They met in high school, but we don’t need to talk about how long ago that was. What started as writing joint fan fiction projects evolved over the decade(s) into creating their own fantasy worlds with more realistic, and less overpowered, characters.
They both reside in New Jersey with their partners and fur children. They’re probably having a Lord of the Rings movie marathon (extended, always) or playing D&D right now.
Find out more at rpdunwater.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 15, 2024
4.5 Stars
Ugh how come the fantasy genre always always leaves me in knots?! This Book of Payne series is twisting my insides and giving me anxiety!
Ugh how come the fantasy genre always always leaves me in knots?! This Book of Payne series is twisting my insides and giving me anxiety!
December 18, 2024
This was way darker than book one. I liked that we got Mariela's POV this time around. That girl is determined to save her wife.
The magic system in this book is delved into a lot more and we are introduced to a new cast of characters.
There were so many twists and turns and tense moments in this that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending threw me for a loop and I need the third book ASAP.
The magic system in this book is delved into a lot more and we are introduced to a new cast of characters.
There were so many twists and turns and tense moments in this that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending threw me for a loop and I need the third book ASAP.
September 5, 2024
Oh, if you thought the first book was dark? Ohhh boy, A Vision of Ruin gripped me through the entirety of it and then stomped on my heart. The tale of Eleanor Payne and Mariella is certainly far from over as they tackle against unbelievable odds and the truth (and Nell) must be found before it's too late.
The stakes are higher, the circumstances are darker.
Will Mariella and Nell survive certain ruin? Or can they make it out the other side?
The stakes are higher, the circumstances are darker.
Will Mariella and Nell survive certain ruin? Or can they make it out the other side?
September 23, 2023
I received this as an Arc and this is my honest review.
I am still at a loss. Not only have I read some of my favorite characters literally face the worst events possible, but that ending! That ending I was not expecting.
So if you have not read Blight of Blackridge go read it first and Ashes of Winter which is now on my TBR. In this book you are viewing the world through more of Mariela’s eyes and let me tell you, it brings a whole new light to the story you read in Blight.
To be fair, I am at a loss for words once more. I have never had a problem with writing reviews till now. Not because the book was bad, in fact I am still a mess after reading what I read! Everything you thought you knew in Blight, you don’t even know half of it! The Prophets are not what they seem, and neither are the Priestesses. The world is on fire and everyone present just wanted to be purple and sparkly instead. You are sent down paths that lead to revelations that I want to tell you but I can not or I will spoil the story.
I can say this: Mariela’s dedication and love for her wife is present in every decision she makes. Their love is something remarkable. Despite Nell’s turbulent decisions and actions, Mariela never truly gives up on her and that is such a driving force throughout this story.
5/5 stars again. The pacing kept you going with every page turn. The info was sprinkled in just where it needed to be and wasn’t overwhelming. In fact it made absorbing crucial information easier because it wasn’t dumped on top of you at once. And I can spoil this: The dog lives. Edmund the happiest dog I have ever read about lives! Hopefully this remains true into book 3.
Would recommend 100%
I am still at a loss. Not only have I read some of my favorite characters literally face the worst events possible, but that ending! That ending I was not expecting.
So if you have not read Blight of Blackridge go read it first and Ashes of Winter which is now on my TBR. In this book you are viewing the world through more of Mariela’s eyes and let me tell you, it brings a whole new light to the story you read in Blight.
To be fair, I am at a loss for words once more. I have never had a problem with writing reviews till now. Not because the book was bad, in fact I am still a mess after reading what I read! Everything you thought you knew in Blight, you don’t even know half of it! The Prophets are not what they seem, and neither are the Priestesses. The world is on fire and everyone present just wanted to be purple and sparkly instead. You are sent down paths that lead to revelations that I want to tell you but I can not or I will spoil the story.
I can say this: Mariela’s dedication and love for her wife is present in every decision she makes. Their love is something remarkable. Despite Nell’s turbulent decisions and actions, Mariela never truly gives up on her and that is such a driving force throughout this story.
5/5 stars again. The pacing kept you going with every page turn. The info was sprinkled in just where it needed to be and wasn’t overwhelming. In fact it made absorbing crucial information easier because it wasn’t dumped on top of you at once. And I can spoil this: The dog lives. Edmund the happiest dog I have ever read about lives! Hopefully this remains true into book 3.
Would recommend 100%
August 31, 2025
We follow up an excellent debut dark YA fantasy with a sequel that's polished the storytelling and thrown us into the deep end of the plot by switching up POVs. While I really did enjoy The Blight of Blackridge, book 2 of the series feels so much stronger, with none of the YA writing that marks it a debut.
In this book we follow up the events in Blackridge through the eyes of Mariela, suddenly elevated to Priestess of Ebroth and given charge of his followers as Eleanor and Rowyn go to war against the world run by vengeful Priestesses of Dienna.
Is it still dark? Yes, but not so much of the on page darkness that made book 1 a shocker at times (e.g. animal sacrifice). It sticks mainly to the conceptually dark themes and how characters react emotionally to the idea of them. One new trigger warning: Alcohol abuse.
At first I was worried about switching POVs. I wanted to know about Eleanor, who is absent from the majority of the book. But Mariela's dilemmas as she faces becoming a leader blessed (or cursed) with ever-growing visions and dealing with a settlement of broken, scared people scarred by what they've seen from followers of both deities was more than enough to pull me in and keep me turning those pages. The writing flows perfectly, creating that mixture of dread, confusion, responsibility and anger as Mariela tries to pick up the pieces of her world.
After those twists and turns, I can't wait for book 3!
In this book we follow up the events in Blackridge through the eyes of Mariela, suddenly elevated to Priestess of Ebroth and given charge of his followers as Eleanor and Rowyn go to war against the world run by vengeful Priestesses of Dienna.
Is it still dark? Yes, but not so much of the on page darkness that made book 1 a shocker at times (e.g. animal sacrifice). It sticks mainly to the conceptually dark themes and how characters react emotionally to the idea of them. One new trigger warning: Alcohol abuse.
At first I was worried about switching POVs. I wanted to know about Eleanor, who is absent from the majority of the book. But Mariela's dilemmas as she faces becoming a leader blessed (or cursed) with ever-growing visions and dealing with a settlement of broken, scared people scarred by what they've seen from followers of both deities was more than enough to pull me in and keep me turning those pages. The writing flows perfectly, creating that mixture of dread, confusion, responsibility and anger as Mariela tries to pick up the pieces of her world.
After those twists and turns, I can't wait for book 3!
September 17, 2025
4.5 stars
A very good sequel even if I wish there had been more Nell in it. Not to say that Mariela wasn't an engaging protagonist, she was, I just wish there were more scenes featuring the two of them together. But, as I was saying, Mariela was quite interesting too and I enjoyed learning more about her ability. I've always been fascinated by oracles and visions so I found that part to be quite captivating. The pacing was pretty slow, especially in the beginning, but it did pick up in the last third of the book and there were a couple twists I hadn't seen coming (though I had guessed a big one). It was also nice seeing a bit more of the gods and the world, although the focus remained on Blackridge. The ending was not quite as much of a cliffhanger as in the first book, but it was definitely tense.
Very much looking forward to the third book.
A very good sequel even if I wish there had been more Nell in it. Not to say that Mariela wasn't an engaging protagonist, she was, I just wish there were more scenes featuring the two of them together. But, as I was saying, Mariela was quite interesting too and I enjoyed learning more about her ability. I've always been fascinated by oracles and visions so I found that part to be quite captivating. The pacing was pretty slow, especially in the beginning, but it did pick up in the last third of the book and there were a couple twists I hadn't seen coming (though I had guessed a big one). It was also nice seeing a bit more of the gods and the world, although the focus remained on Blackridge. The ending was not quite as much of a cliffhanger as in the first book, but it was definitely tense.
Very much looking forward to the third book.
May 13, 2024
I have fallen in love with this series! In this book we learn a lot about the magic, priestesses/prophets, and their roles in this war. These revelations captured my interest and fascinated me. It was never predictable and felt unsettling and dark.
I preferred book 1 and 0 overall, I can't quite put my finger on why, but I loved this book too. I think it was perhaps due to the large emphasis on building the new Blackridge community. I also adored the sapphic romance aspects of book 0 and 1, and I think I missed that sweetness. Although sweetness, of course, is not the intended theme of this book!
The ending had me excited for the next one!
I preferred book 1 and 0 overall, I can't quite put my finger on why, but I loved this book too. I think it was perhaps due to the large emphasis on building the new Blackridge community. I also adored the sapphic romance aspects of book 0 and 1, and I think I missed that sweetness. Although sweetness, of course, is not the intended theme of this book!
The ending had me excited for the next one!
October 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
(read: 9th October, review: 20th October)
You’re telling me this is a TRILOGY AND NOT A DUOLOGY??
I need it it now 😩
Despite reading the second book a year after I had finished the first, the plot was easy enough that I could jump right back in. But idk why I waited a full year, because it was so good!
I will admit the first 150 or so pages dragged on and not too much happened - but now I know it was building up to something. The side plot ‘situationship’ between Mariela and Thadius, was unnecessary and didn’t really add anything except filler plot IMO.
But Marielas’ unwavering love towards her wife made up for it, and it was cute to see her so devoted to Eleanor defending her name whenever she got the chance.
The queer normative world was really refreshing to read about too especially living in a society that is as heteronormative as ever.
The addition of Marielas’ ‘visions’ was interesting and I loved the alteration between past and present and seeing all the emotions she was going through while in these ‘visions’. It really added to her character and gave her an added layer of vulnerability.
I don’t really read too much fantasy as I find it confusing but this wasn’t too hard to follow - it was more political fantasy than magical which I liked. The mini twist at the end only added to it and helped to prove Mariela’s claim that Eleanor wasn’t a bad person.
Overall, I loved this book- the fantasy aspect, political family ties and the queer normative setting all blended really well together - and I can’t wait for the next one.
(read: 9th October, review: 20th October)
You’re telling me this is a TRILOGY AND NOT A DUOLOGY??
I need it it now 😩
Despite reading the second book a year after I had finished the first, the plot was easy enough that I could jump right back in. But idk why I waited a full year, because it was so good!
I will admit the first 150 or so pages dragged on and not too much happened - but now I know it was building up to something. The side plot ‘situationship’ between Mariela and Thadius, was unnecessary and didn’t really add anything except filler plot IMO.
But Marielas’ unwavering love towards her wife made up for it, and it was cute to see her so devoted to Eleanor defending her name whenever she got the chance.
The queer normative world was really refreshing to read about too especially living in a society that is as heteronormative as ever.
The addition of Marielas’ ‘visions’ was interesting and I loved the alteration between past and present and seeing all the emotions she was going through while in these ‘visions’. It really added to her character and gave her an added layer of vulnerability.
I don’t really read too much fantasy as I find it confusing but this wasn’t too hard to follow - it was more political fantasy than magical which I liked. The mini twist at the end only added to it and helped to prove Mariela’s claim that Eleanor wasn’t a bad person.
Overall, I loved this book- the fantasy aspect, political family ties and the queer normative setting all blended really well together - and I can’t wait for the next one.
October 4, 2023
I am truly left stunned after finishing this book. Every time I thought I knew exactly what would happen next, the story took another unexpected turn.
My heart hurt for the MC, and I cheered her on every step of the way, even though she did make some missteps that had me sighing.
The ending of this book has me SO ready for book 3!!
My heart hurt for the MC, and I cheered her on every step of the way, even though she did make some missteps that had me sighing.
The ending of this book has me SO ready for book 3!!
February 9, 2024
This book was easily a 5/5 stars. I read the reviews before I read this book and STILL didn’t anticipate the twists coming. It’s one of those books that I wanted to hold onto and savor but also read it as quickly as I can so I can find out what happens next. Cannot WAIT for the third book to come out!
October 12, 2023
4.5 stars! Another exciting addition to the series. I enjoyed getting to know Mariela better, and her dedication to Nell was so wonderful despite everything going on. I’m excited to see what twists will come next and how the ending will no doubt turn everything on its head once again!
August 12, 2024
Another captivating tale from the writing duo known as R. P. Dunwater. I was on the edge of my seat and worried as heck about these characters, but I couldn't stop reading! This book just had a way of turning dark situations into something more meaningful. I'm eager for Book 3!
May 1, 2024
SO GOOD oh my I need the third book to come out asap
Loved being put into Mariela’s perspective for this book. And the ending… wow obsessed
Loved being put into Mariela’s perspective for this book. And the ending… wow obsessed
January 5, 2025
I need book three like, now.
And Jasper Payne, I'm watching you 🤨
And Jasper Payne, I'm watching you 🤨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
I’m at a loss for words!
A Vision of Ruin is a stunning follow up to The Blight of Blackridge— a sequel that both captures the same feelings as the first installment, while also managing to turn everything you thought you knew on its head. It’s exciting, infuriating, devastating, and enthralling all at once. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, PLEASE don’t waste any more time! These are definitely in my top ten reads for 2023.
I for one am both thrilled that I discovered Blight so close to the release of Vision, and devastated to have to wait until next year for the third book!
A Vision of Ruin is a stunning follow up to The Blight of Blackridge— a sequel that both captures the same feelings as the first installment, while also managing to turn everything you thought you knew on its head. It’s exciting, infuriating, devastating, and enthralling all at once. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, PLEASE don’t waste any more time! These are definitely in my top ten reads for 2023.
I for one am both thrilled that I discovered Blight so close to the release of Vision, and devastated to have to wait until next year for the third book!
December 3, 2023
would i reread it?
╰┈┈➤yes
would i recommend it?
╰┈┈➤yes
would i read the next part?
╰┈┈➤yes
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
🍄 winter settings
🍄 found family
🍄 witchcraft & supernatural powers
🍄 good vs evil
🍄 overworking as a coping mechanism
🍄 dog companion
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
a woman now turned leader of an entire secret village must face new responsibilities while also longing for her wife, who ran away to follow their god's orders. but when she finds out there might be something off with those ""orders"" and could lead to the devastation of the village (as well as the death of her wife), she goes after her in company of her don-juan-esque brother and his crew to save her from her own destiny, even if it means to defy a god.
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
my warmest thanks to Steph & Kim for the copy!!
╰┈┈➤yes
would i recommend it?
╰┈┈➤yes
would i read the next part?
╰┈┈➤yes
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
🍄 winter settings
🍄 found family
🍄 witchcraft & supernatural powers
🍄 good vs evil
🍄 overworking as a coping mechanism
🍄 dog companion
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
a woman now turned leader of an entire secret village must face new responsibilities while also longing for her wife, who ran away to follow their god's orders. but when she finds out there might be something off with those ""orders"" and could lead to the devastation of the village (as well as the death of her wife), she goes after her in company of her don-juan-esque brother and his crew to save her from her own destiny, even if it means to defy a god.
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
my warmest thanks to Steph & Kim for the copy!!
September 30, 2025
ugh. I came with some expectations after the first book, but this was just so boring. I felt like there was nothing happening throughout the book so at 50 % I just skimmed through it and was like "meh". I wont be coming back for the third part.
Also, while not being homophobic, I found it very hard to believe that almost everyone was "at least" bisexual. I mean everyone.
Im sorry, I really wanted to like it, too.
Also, while not being homophobic, I found it very hard to believe that almost everyone was "at least" bisexual. I mean everyone.
Im sorry, I really wanted to like it, too.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews