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Shadow and Ruin #3

Curse of Blood and Fortune

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To save their loved ones, they must find a cure for calaris.
Driven into a corner, Andi and Caden journey to Lintue, where the world’s most talented alchemists reside. Obtaining a cure for a deadly disease is the only way to free their loved ones from General Nox’s clutches. But after crash-landing into the city, they’re forced into a shady deal with a powerful woman—Adrienne Flint.

Her orders? Locate the only alchemist with a cure.

The arrangement is perfect…until they actually find him. Not only is he a hopeless drunk with a temper, but the ingredients he needs are locked in the impenetrable Yao Apothecary. Breaking in won’t be easy, even for Andi, an experienced thief.

To make matters worse, an assassin is after the alchemist. With disease spreading among soldiers in the western continent, the cure can tip the balance of Nox’s war. Succeeding is more vital now than ever, especially when the general is summoning demonic creatures to aid his schemes. His victory means the end for Eris, Killian, and Aria. Forever.

In a race against the enemy, only two questions remain. Will Andi and Caden find the cure in time? And at what cost?

Curse of Blood and Fortune is the third book in the Shadow and Ruin series, packed with action, adventure, and suspense.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

6 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Ryver Knight

17 books86 followers
Ryver Knight is a YA Fantasy author from Ontario, Canada. When she’s not studying alchemy with goblins or drinking tea with elves, you can find her crafting nonsensical stories in her writing cave. She’s an avid reader (duh) who eats an unhealthy amount of sugar, loves listening to rad tunes, and may or may not be lacking in vitamin D.

Smoke and Spells is her debut novel.

Subscribe to her newsletter using the following link to receive the prequel to the Althuria Chronicles, Daggers and Destiny: https://ryverknight.com/welcome/
She’d always love to hear from you! Feel free to shoot her a message at contact@ryverknight.com, or any of her social media platforms (Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, and Bookbub).

And oh, I almost forgot!

Her greatest joy is knowing that people are reading and enjoying her work. Every single purchase, review, and download she gets makes her day a little brighter. You’re the best!

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Lilly.
155 reviews15 followers
September 4, 2025
There were a few fun elements in this story and it’s an easy quick read. But as a whole the entire story seemed to drag until the last few chapters. I like the side characters but find the mains tolerable with is rough when they are the POVs.

Romance: none (friends with hints of more)
Language: a few mild terms
Magic: there’s a dark cursed underworld and evil beasts. Dark magic. Other magic and potions. Curses.
Violence: there’s a bit of violence and a murder.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,203 reviews73 followers
July 12, 2024
Another fast paced adventure diving straight into Caden and Andi evading capture after their escape from the compound. They need to find a cure to the deadly calaris disease in order to save their loved ones, and stumble into the clutches of a rebel force and a face from the past.
Tasked with finding an alchemist they are soon taking on daring heists, tackling assassin's, and on the run from more enemies as they try to unravel the prophecies and chaos surrounding them.
Once again full of action, adventure, suspense, betrayals and danger.
Exciting for the next book in this YA Epic series.
1,151 reviews35 followers
July 16, 2024
I am enjoying this fantasy series so much. Easy to read. This is a short book, but that’s good as the authors aren’t padding things out. The main characters have people they are trying to save. But finding the answers is not easy. I have to say I’m hoping Aria is going to have a bigger part to play in future books, she’s so proud and from that comes so much fun. But we get to meet some other mythical characters who are equally forthright when they find their voice. Thank to Ryver Knight, Kris Ruhler and Book Sirens for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,189 reviews18 followers
July 11, 2024
I've been enjoying the Shadow and Ruin series since Quest of Shadow and Ruin and enjoyed the overall feel of this world and characters. This uses the elements that I enjoyed from the adventure elements and that the characters were everything that I wanted. It uses the young adult element well and thought it continued the universe and characters perfectly. I enjoyed the way Ryver Knight & Kris Ruhler wrote this perfectly and enjoyed the journey.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Danielle.
69 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2025
Caden and Andi have been unsuccessful in freeing their loved ones from the clutches of General Nox, and now their changeling companion, Aria, has been captured. The deadly disease calaris is ravaging the land and threatening the lives of those they hold dear. Therefore, the next leg of their journey takes them to Lintue, the home of the most renowned alchemists. It is rumored that one of them has developed the cure.

Practically before they can even gather their breath following their crash landing, they're forcefully taken to meet the powerful Adrienne Flint. She has a job for them to do, and while it aligns with what they need, there's something shady about it. They're tasked with trying to convince the alchemist to share the cure with them, but that will be a challenge since he's an angry drunk and on someone's hit list. It also doesn't help that the ingredients are housed in the nearly impenetrable Yao Apothecary.

The duo have their work cut out for them.

Curse of Blood and Fortune by Ryver Knight and Kris Ruhler is the third book in the Shadow and Ruin series. I was rather disappointed that the ancient being I was so enthralled with in the first two books was barely tossed in here. There was a new element added, however, that I think might be where things begin to tie in. The gates to the Underworld play a big part in General Nox's plans, and I can only imagine the ancient being has a connection there.

I'm noticing a pattern in these books that make me think they could have been successfully combined into a couple of volumes rather than the planned six. They're short, easy reads, but there is such repetition in them. In the first volume, the main duo get into one spot of trouble after another and Aria is their savior. In this book, they again find themselves in dire straits over and over, and the repetition was in Andi's constant feeling that something wasn't right. I kind of wanted to shake the girl and ask her how many times she needs to know something is off before she decides to change course and do things differently. It was pretty frustrating, to say the least.

The thing is, though, the book was still enjoyable. I can't say it was incredibly exciting, but there was enough going on, at all times, that it kept me reading at a good pace. I don't feel as invested as I have been, after reading this, but I will still continue with the series to spend more time with Aria and wait for more details to eke out about that ancient being.

I received a copy of Curse of Blood and Fortune and have chosen to write this objective review.
Profile Image for Liesbeth.
326 reviews8 followers
July 29, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When Andi and Caden are forced to flee, leaving their loved ones behind, including Aria, the experience is heartbreaking. Their desperate quest for a cure for calaris, takes a dramatic turn when they literally crash-land in the unfamiliar city of Lintue. Upon their arrival, Andi and Caden immediately begin their hunt for someone who can aid them in their mission. Initially, it appears they might find the help they so desperately need. The city offers a glimmer of hope with its apparent willingness to assist. However, as they delve deeper, it becomes clear that this facade of aid is just that—a facade. Beneath the surface, sinister motives and hidden agendas lurk, complicating their quest.

Their situation takes a darker turn when they find themselves at the mercy of Adrienne Flint, a woman of immense power and influence in Lintue. Flint's true intentions are shrouded in mystery, and her control over them adds another layer of danger to their already perilous journey. In their quest, they learn of an alchemist who might hold the key to the cure. This alchemist, however, needs vital ingredients that are not easily accessible because they are securely stored within the impenetrable walls of the Yao Apothecary.

To make matters worse, they discover that there is a deadly threat looming over the alchemist. Someone with malicious intent wants the alchemist dead, and this threat forces Andi and Caden to stay constantly vigilant, watching their every step and second-guessing the trustworthiness of those around them.

The stakes are incredibly high. The lives of their loved ones hang in the balance, and the pressure mounts with each passing moment. The question that haunts them is whether they will succeed in their mission, or if their efforts will be in vain. Will they find the elusive cure for Calaris, or are they fighting a losing battle? Only time will tell as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Lintue and face the numerous challenges that come their way.

Between undecipherable prophecies, betrayal, adventure, capture and unforeseen plot twists, they still manage to keep going. The story leaves me ambivalent, on the one hand it is a magical adventure, some plot twists were unpredictable, but on the other hand, I felt like a déjà vu for reading the story, like I have read it before. I knew what was coming. But nevertheless it is an amazing story to read and can't wait how it goes on their next journey.
Profile Image for Brooklyn L. Wolves.
394 reviews51 followers
January 28, 2025
Ryver Knight has crafted a truly captivating story in Curse of Blood and Fortune, a high-stakes adventure that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The premise alone is gripping: Andi and Caden, driven by love and desperation, embark on a perilous quest to find a cure for the deadly calaris, a disease that threatens not only their loved ones but the very fabric of their world.

The stakes are incredibly high right from the start as they're forced into a dangerous alliance with the intriguing and powerful Adrienne Flint. Their journey to Lintue, a city of alchemists, is fraught with peril, and the initial setback of a crash landing immediately sets a tone of urgency and tension. The introduction of the alchemist, a flawed and unpredictable character, adds a layer of complexity and humor to the narrative. He's far from the typical wise mentor, and his reliance on a "cure" that requires breaking into the impenetrable Yao Apothecary ratchets up the tension.

Knight masterfully weaves together elements of action, mystery, and fantasy. Andi's skills as a thief are put to the ultimate test, and the constant threat of discovery, not only by the guards but also by a relentless assassin, keeps the pages turning. The addition of General Nox's demonic schemes adds a chilling layer of darkness to the story, making the stakes for Andi and Caden feel even more dire. The narrative is a compelling blend of fast-paced action and emotional depth, as we see the lengths these characters are willing to go to for the people they love.

Curse of Blood and Fortune is a testament to Knight's ability to craft a captivating world, filled with compelling characters and heart-stopping suspense. The looming threat to Eris, Killian, and Aria creates a powerful emotional core, and the question of whether Andi and Caden will succeed, and at what cost, kept me utterly invested. I was completely absorbed in their race against time and cannot wait to see what happens next! This is a must-read for fans of fantasy adventure novels with a touch of grit and plenty of heart. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Bevin.
368 reviews17 followers
August 13, 2024
{3.25/5}

CW: violence, gore

Thank you to the authors for the ARC! “Curse of Blood and Fortune” is available now!

Another victory for the cover design, and another fast, fun read.

Andi and Caden have finally found Eris and Killian, but with both under General Nox’s control, there’s not much they can do. With Aria now also captured, the two have fled the compound, more determined than ever before to save their loved ones. Find the alchemist, find a cure, save everyone.

I’ll tell you this, there’s never a dull moment in the “Shadow and Ruin” series. The action is nonstop from start to finish. Our MCs are really meshing well with each other, they’ve learned to work as a team, and they’re starting to realize just how big this whole thing is.

Even the setting is starting to get more detailed and more informative. Now that we’re really into the overarching storyline, we’re getting to see more of the world and the other regions that we haven’t gotten to experience yet. Even the magic is starting to show up more, which is really fun.

The book itself still embodies that odd dichotomy that books 1 and 2 showed— structurally, it reads like a younger YA book. The details, the transitions, the length, the style itself all lean towards a younger audience. Content-wise, though, the subject matter veers sharply towards more of an NA group. I don’t really know how to classify the book because it has so many components of both categories. I do still think that the existing books could have been combined into one larger novel to give a cohesive feel, but the books have done a good job at reintroducing the reader to what’s happened when they jump back in.

If you’re looking for a fast read with a lot of action, then this might be a good series for you. It’s a straightforward read that doesn’t require a lot of extra thinking or focus, which makes it a nice palette cleanser between some more involved books. You’ll need to start with book 1, but this is an enjoyable series if you want something that’s not ‘light and fluffy’ but isn’t so deep that you’re going to be stressed the whole way through.
Profile Image for TaniaRina Valdespino.
451 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2024
What price are you willing to pay for reaching your goals?
This tale is chock full of lessons – ones that are better to learn from someone else’s experience than to go through on one’s own. That’s just as effective and much, much easier on the heartrate!

Some examples:
*“The enemy of my enemy is my friend”
Be wary of whom you trust. Sharing a dislike or hatred for someone does not necessarily make an ally.

*When one hears news that sounds so horrific, believe that it could be true and prepare accordingly. History shows us, over and again, that it’s the humans we need to fear rather than the wild beasts.

*Knowledge can be a two-sided sword. The broader and deeper our understanding of the world around us is key to survival and for compassion toward others. The more we exclude others from gaining knowledge makes us arrogant and segregational. We need to find a balance between fulfilling our individual educational needs and ensuring that the educational needs of others are met. An even playing field is the goal for which we should strive – imagine a world in which people weren’t taken advantage of for being ignorant.


May we all strive to work together to make our world a better place to live – for everybody.
Profile Image for Katherine Weda.
98 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this novel. As the third installment in what is intended to be a six book series, it does well to continue the adventure Caden and Andi embark on in the Eastern Continent, raising the stakes and slowly hinting at the growing friendship—and perhaps feelings—between the bounty hunter and guild member-turned-thief.

Despite the action and adventure that filled the book, the first few chapters put me off a little. I received an ARC so I acknowledge that final edits may have been made, but the pacing at the beginning felt a little rushed and kind of sloppy, as if the authors were rushing to release the next book in the series.

Other than the first 10-20% that threw me off, the novel was interesting, however I wish that any romantic tension Ryver and Kris try to develop between Caden and Andromeda would be a little more apparent. I am curious to see where a romance between them would go, but only if it is properly built up.

This is my review of an ARC copy I received from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
364 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2024
As an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. I love the opening for this continuation of the epic, and dangerous journey of Andi, Caden and their friends. Cleverly including portions of the events from book 1, you immediately remember the plot and storyline that took place in the search for Killian and Eris. In this book, however, the journey and danger are higher as they infiltrate the compound. Taken as prisoners, may be a good thing, as old friends and new allies present themselves in the most intriguing ways. The stakes get higher as their search for the cure to an unworldly sickness is sought. Action packed with lots of suspense and nail biting scenarios will have you glued to the pages and craving more.
231 reviews
July 12, 2024
In a race against the clock, who will end up making it to the end, if anyone?

It's a new country and a new set of challenges for Andi and Caden as they continue their journey to free her friend and his brother from the clutches of General Nox. Part of their goal currently is to find a cure for calaris, but while they are seeking the alchemist who reportedly has one, the two of them find out that there is more to the sickness than they knew.

The ante keeps rising, and there are some interesting revelations within the book that change the game a bit. I suspect a couple of the major reveals that happened towards the end will be further emphasized and explored in the next book.
1,022 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2024
What a fantastic continuation of the Shadow and Ruin Series!

In this story, the two main characters have finally come to accept each other and are working together to find a cure for the dreaded Calaris disease. I really love the flow of these stories, how well written they are and all the characters. None of them are either all good or all evil, but bits and pieces of both, which make them all more real. And, of course, we can’t forget Aria, our favorite changeling. I just can’t wait to see what these two get up to next.
984 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2024
Great story. Andromeda and Caden continue to search for the cure for his brother and her friend. They find themselves tricked into helping Adrienne, who will betray them and force them to run for their lives again. The book is full of danger, intrique, betrayal and the emotion of two people who have become closer. It ends in a cliff hanger that wants the next book asap. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,700 reviews39 followers
August 4, 2024
It was an FANTASTIC BOOK! It was a page turner and the suspense was mind blowing. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. It was an action packed moment for all the characters and what they were going through in their life. It was a mystery . Will this fortune destroy their lives and reputation.

I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones
Profile Image for Abbie Riddle.
1,196 reviews17 followers
September 11, 2024
Ryver Knight and Kris Ruhler have a history of creating stories that are fun, fast action and beautifully developed worlds. This series has been just that. Filled with likable characters that are on a journey this story keeps the reader's attention.

This is book three and I recommend that the reader pick up the first two books in the series so that you understand the characters, world and story to its fullest.

I am leaving an honest review after receiving and ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Sophy.
609 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2024
This adventure is getting very interesting, our main characters are getting very close. They can't seem to get a break, as every place or group they get with for help betrays them. You would think that these two have a lot of bad luck, but at least they have each other. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Rayanne Craven.
26 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Each book in this series has gotten better and better! They’re quick reads for me and I like that, but I love that we’re getting more from the characters. I really like Andi and Caden and I’m looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Raeleane.
549 reviews20 followers
October 21, 2024
Another fantastic book in this series. Andi and Caden are once again off on a crazy race against time to find the cure for carasis, a killing disease. Andi and Caden's characters grow even more under the expertise of Ryver Knight and Kris Ruhl. The characters grow on you and you can't help but love them. And the changing world building is incredible. I highly recommend reading this series.
51 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2025
This book was amazing. I read it so fast. I really feel bad for how Andi and Caden were tricked or betrayed throughout the series. The small moments of tension that appeared between them was just 🤩🤩🤩. The ending was unexpected to say the least but I really hope they get through it (and maybe even get a kiss… just saying) in the next book.
629 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2025
This is a fast-paced second instalment. I’m looking forward to finding out more about Adrienne, and why Caden and Andi can destroy the keys. And where the Jester is. I had a few minor plot questions, and there is some swearing. I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.
72 reviews
July 13, 2024
The third book in the series just as good as the first two I need to know more about the two main characters. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Shelby.
352 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2024
This was an interesting book! I don't read a lot of YA books but this is one I could read more of.
193 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2025
Andi and Caden’s story continues with great person growth and loss for them. Just like the first two books this one was great in every aspect. I can’t wait to finish book four.
Profile Image for Debbie.
818 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2024
Andromeda and Calen continue on their journey to find the cure for the Calaris that has infected the people of the land and try to defeat General Nox. They will encounter lots of trials and obstacles. They still need to rescue Elris, Killian, and Aria but at what cost? Some characters with come off as a friend and willing to help them but it is not all that it seems. Something doesn't feel right. Lots of deception and intense moments. This is the 3rd book in the series and I would highly recommend it.
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