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Shades of Ruin and Magic #4
House of Mages and Raven
A sequel to House of Shifters and Smoke
Barbie's story continues...
Barbie's story continues...
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
724 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Meg Xuemei X
115 books2,284 followersMeg Xuemei X is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She loves writing badass heroines and hot psycho alphaholes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 1, 2024
Excuse my language BUT fuck everyone who proofread the ending, and said yeah let’s just end there and leave the readers to wait till 2025 for the final book.
YOU ARE SELFISH AND I HOPE YOUR PILLOW IS NEVER COLD 🥲🥲🥲
YOU ARE SELFISH AND I HOPE YOUR PILLOW IS NEVER COLD 🥲🥲🥲
October 17, 2024
Only disappointment is that the book finished.
This series is absolutely addicting. Once picked up, I read it non stop from cover to cover. It continues to be action packed and laugh out loud funny. We learn more secrets and more about the past.
Waiting for the next book when you read this on on release day is the hardest part. I don't think I need to convince you, you've likely read the rest to the books in the series, you know how good these are. I absolutely loved it.
This series is absolutely addicting. Once picked up, I read it non stop from cover to cover. It continues to be action packed and laugh out loud funny. We learn more secrets and more about the past.
Waiting for the next book when you read this on on release day is the hardest part. I don't think I need to convince you, you've likely read the rest to the books in the series, you know how good these are. I absolutely loved it.
December 14, 2024
read
I’m kind of disappointed in this one
It was a filler book with mass repetition & recap on everything that is unimportant.
If I had known I would have skipped this one and waited for the next in the series or just started from book four.
Slight progression to the story but also nothing at the same time.
I’m kind of disappointed in this one
It was a filler book with mass repetition & recap on everything that is unimportant.
If I had known I would have skipped this one and waited for the next in the series or just started from book four.
Slight progression to the story but also nothing at the same time.
January 10, 2025
DNF 30% — i couldn’t commit to reading it anymore 😭 barbie is annoying, the male leads get on my nerves, the whole plot is all over the shop, girl's alter-ego has her own soulmate?? idk what's going on anymore.
October 22, 2024
whole lot of nothing
This book was a whole lot of nothing which makes me think that the author is dragging this series either for a check or who knows writers block. Im over Barbies shenanigans, playing meek and the heirs adolescence behavior. I honestly would not continue reading if i wasn't so invested and need closure to Barbies story.
This book was a whole lot of nothing which makes me think that the author is dragging this series either for a check or who knows writers block. Im over Barbies shenanigans, playing meek and the heirs adolescence behavior. I honestly would not continue reading if i wasn't so invested and need closure to Barbies story.
March 15, 2025
Entertaining
I read reviews of this book before I cracked it open. Many said that Barbie reminisced alot about what’s already happened when something happened that was related to a past incident. I think those reviewers are crazy. I almost didn’t read the rest of this series because I hate it when I read books that constantly recap. I’m glad I took a chance.
As usual, Meg writes her fmc with a style that’s completely her own. I didn’t realize in the first 3 books, that Sy is truly a female lead character when she was barely mentioned in the 1’st book or the 2nd. I wasn’t a huge fan of it turning out this way. I perfer stories when one female lead character is the main character. Not two duking it out over who should be the leader. That’s what it felt like in the last book, and this book was a bit better. I loved how Barbie tries to talk herself out of any kind of issue. Using as many words as possible in a short amount of time. She tries to avoid fighting. Barbie riled up all the low class mages, shifters, vampires and such that aren’t high on the totem pole for power and started a rebellion that if they pick on one, they pick on them all but after she gets thrown in the chaos house dungeons a new player comes up the academy. Spitting image of Barbie but with one eye color where Barbie has 2. By the time that Barbie gets Let out of the dungeon, Barbie 2.0 has basically taken over the entire academy, and is now the new leader of her little rebellion. It was a blow to her, she defended them and her geek friends, and they all but turned their back on her. Killian’s betrothed showed up at the academy bringing along her “ward” after Barbie was forced to swallow the seed of Heaven. No one has clued in that Barbie 2.0 arrived AFTER she swallowed the seed, Barbie 2.0 is an exact carbon copy of her besides the eye color. Same type of magic, but she doesn’t have Sy. Sy talks Barbie up all the time, trying to lift her self esteem, but she also encourages her to slit the *itches throat. It’s to bad that we don’t see Barbie encouraging Sy and the whole pimping Sy out for diamonds got real old in this book. It felt wrong and misplaced. Barbie is smart enough to realize her actions could be perceived as blackmail. Payment for allowing her to come out. The first book focused on Barbie. Sy was described as the sassy, strong, protective of Barbie, enjoyed eating ppl that never thought of consequences. Barbie was described as the one to go through all the trials with her father eating her power, soul. He forced her to eat magic and pass it to him while he eats her. Not in a good way either. So I felt a connection with her, she was funny and did her best to move forward while hiding who she truly was. This book kinda showcased how selfish she really is and how selfless Sy is. It’s weird. Barbie is mates with Killian while Sy is mates with Rowan. I was hoping that Barbie would end up with all the guys and now it feels like it’s going to be Sy. Changing the female lead character from Barbie to Sy sucks. I was invested in Barbie and it feels wrong that after everything she’s been throug, the guys flock towards Sy. Except Killian.
He needs to make up his mind on accepting Barbie and facing his betrothed head on. Even if it makes her an enemy. No one sees that her minions, have all used deadly magical artifacts on her, but she’s the one that’s thrown in the dungeon after. They are the dumbest set of guys ever when it comes to defending Barbie. And she doesn’t point out the obvious either, which was also stupid in my mind. Letting them draw their own conclusions. Also, what happened to the demon power that she was poisoned with on Graces knuckle blades. I feel like there was many a times where it drove me nuts, something so clear to the reader is related to Killians betrothed.
I read reviews of this book before I cracked it open. Many said that Barbie reminisced alot about what’s already happened when something happened that was related to a past incident. I think those reviewers are crazy. I almost didn’t read the rest of this series because I hate it when I read books that constantly recap. I’m glad I took a chance.
As usual, Meg writes her fmc with a style that’s completely her own. I didn’t realize in the first 3 books, that Sy is truly a female lead character when she was barely mentioned in the 1’st book or the 2nd. I wasn’t a huge fan of it turning out this way. I perfer stories when one female lead character is the main character. Not two duking it out over who should be the leader. That’s what it felt like in the last book, and this book was a bit better. I loved how Barbie tries to talk herself out of any kind of issue. Using as many words as possible in a short amount of time. She tries to avoid fighting. Barbie riled up all the low class mages, shifters, vampires and such that aren’t high on the totem pole for power and started a rebellion that if they pick on one, they pick on them all but after she gets thrown in the chaos house dungeons a new player comes up the academy. Spitting image of Barbie but with one eye color where Barbie has 2. By the time that Barbie gets Let out of the dungeon, Barbie 2.0 has basically taken over the entire academy, and is now the new leader of her little rebellion. It was a blow to her, she defended them and her geek friends, and they all but turned their back on her. Killian’s betrothed showed up at the academy bringing along her “ward” after Barbie was forced to swallow the seed of Heaven. No one has clued in that Barbie 2.0 arrived AFTER she swallowed the seed, Barbie 2.0 is an exact carbon copy of her besides the eye color. Same type of magic, but she doesn’t have Sy. Sy talks Barbie up all the time, trying to lift her self esteem, but she also encourages her to slit the *itches throat. It’s to bad that we don’t see Barbie encouraging Sy and the whole pimping Sy out for diamonds got real old in this book. It felt wrong and misplaced. Barbie is smart enough to realize her actions could be perceived as blackmail. Payment for allowing her to come out. The first book focused on Barbie. Sy was described as the sassy, strong, protective of Barbie, enjoyed eating ppl that never thought of consequences. Barbie was described as the one to go through all the trials with her father eating her power, soul. He forced her to eat magic and pass it to him while he eats her. Not in a good way either. So I felt a connection with her, she was funny and did her best to move forward while hiding who she truly was. This book kinda showcased how selfish she really is and how selfless Sy is. It’s weird. Barbie is mates with Killian while Sy is mates with Rowan. I was hoping that Barbie would end up with all the guys and now it feels like it’s going to be Sy. Changing the female lead character from Barbie to Sy sucks. I was invested in Barbie and it feels wrong that after everything she’s been throug, the guys flock towards Sy. Except Killian.
He needs to make up his mind on accepting Barbie and facing his betrothed head on. Even if it makes her an enemy. No one sees that her minions, have all used deadly magical artifacts on her, but she’s the one that’s thrown in the dungeon after. They are the dumbest set of guys ever when it comes to defending Barbie. And she doesn’t point out the obvious either, which was also stupid in my mind. Letting them draw their own conclusions. Also, what happened to the demon power that she was poisoned with on Graces knuckle blades. I feel like there was many a times where it drove me nuts, something so clear to the reader is related to Killians betrothed.
May 17, 2025
The way I raged when I found out that this isn’t the last book! Like what do you mean? I will still finish this series, and action was happening but it doesn’t need to be this long my god!
October 25, 2024
Too many recaps
As usual the story was very good. But I start noticing a few things that detract from my enjoyment. The first was the constant recaps. I can understand how some recaps are needed and encourage them when it’s about something in previous books in the series or it’s something that has intricate details that need to be rehashed to keep it at the front of your mind, but there were recaps about things that happened in the previous chapters… constantly. I’m like, “I just read that. Why is it being recapped?”.
With the introduction of the Oracle, we know big things will be happening for Bobbi, aka Little Bob, aka Barbie and Sy. There’s been some disagreements between the two and they make me not like Bobbi more. Sy was in the wrong once for unnecessary violence, but that’s Sy’s MO so I try not to fault her. But Barbie has a lot of contradictory feelings towards Sy and has double standards. She’s been doing a lot of things that I find hurtful to Sy if not just disrespectful and Sy seems to want to just go with the flow and cede to her most of the time, less so though when she has the reigns. When Sy has the reigns, we hear a lot of things about Sy’s feelings towards Bobbi… and they are not all nice. It’s like they are no longer as close as they seemed at first.
Bobbi seems to have gotten weak and has developed a defeatist attitude ever since Grace came around. Still waiting to see the big connection between them all and Ruin. I don’t understand how Bobbi is smart, but incredibly stupid at the same time. She can spit some knowledge then turn around and be completely oblivious to things right in her face, like Killian’s dragon. Louis gave her a hint way back when she was a servant boy. Then so did Cami or Bea about who can touch him. But she’s like really really dumb on this for some reason. Also, she’s supposed to be smart but knows nothing about a female going in heat? It’s been too many flashing neon signs and then straight out obvious things that she doesn’t get. It’s frustrating and detracts from her being “smart”.
Anyway, don’t want to spoil too much. Can’t wait to see what happens now with the ladies and their beaus in the next installment. This cliffhanger sucked donkey balloons having ended after a revelation like that. I hope the next one picked up exactly where this one left off because I need to see reactions!
See my notes, commentary and highlights on Goodreads. Happy reading!
As usual the story was very good. But I start noticing a few things that detract from my enjoyment. The first was the constant recaps. I can understand how some recaps are needed and encourage them when it’s about something in previous books in the series or it’s something that has intricate details that need to be rehashed to keep it at the front of your mind, but there were recaps about things that happened in the previous chapters… constantly. I’m like, “I just read that. Why is it being recapped?”.
With the introduction of the Oracle, we know big things will be happening for Bobbi, aka Little Bob, aka Barbie and Sy. There’s been some disagreements between the two and they make me not like Bobbi more. Sy was in the wrong once for unnecessary violence, but that’s Sy’s MO so I try not to fault her. But Barbie has a lot of contradictory feelings towards Sy and has double standards. She’s been doing a lot of things that I find hurtful to Sy if not just disrespectful and Sy seems to want to just go with the flow and cede to her most of the time, less so though when she has the reigns. When Sy has the reigns, we hear a lot of things about Sy’s feelings towards Bobbi… and they are not all nice. It’s like they are no longer as close as they seemed at first.
Bobbi seems to have gotten weak and has developed a defeatist attitude ever since Grace came around. Still waiting to see the big connection between them all and Ruin. I don’t understand how Bobbi is smart, but incredibly stupid at the same time. She can spit some knowledge then turn around and be completely oblivious to things right in her face, like Killian’s dragon. Louis gave her a hint way back when she was a servant boy. Then so did Cami or Bea about who can touch him. But she’s like really really dumb on this for some reason. Also, she’s supposed to be smart but knows nothing about a female going in heat? It’s been too many flashing neon signs and then straight out obvious things that she doesn’t get. It’s frustrating and detracts from her being “smart”.
Anyway, don’t want to spoil too much. Can’t wait to see what happens now with the ladies and their beaus in the next installment. This cliffhanger sucked donkey balloons having ended after a revelation like that. I hope the next one picked up exactly where this one left off because I need to see reactions!
See my notes, commentary and highlights on Goodreads. Happy reading!
July 12, 2025
I'm downgrading this series from 3 stars to 2 stars.
One star was taken away because of the editing issues. If I have to stop reading and take myself out of the story to change some words or add in missing words or because you used the wrong word or I have to try to figure out what a sentence means because of an editing issue, yes and entire star is immediately gone.
The rest have been taken away because although there are some funny moments, very little is making sense. Barbie is such a confusing character. Is she really smart and just acting like an idiot to fool people? Because there are times it really doesn't seem like an act. She doesn't listen to anyone, not even her other half, the creature inside her. Honestly I don't even like her! How am I supposed to root for the main character when she's an ass?
She's supposed to be this all-powerful unknown, but then she constantly has to be saved. The author is using a miscommunication trope for her and tmher love interest but at the same time how dumb can you be? She overheard someone say "His dragon will only come out for his faded mate" and then his dragon came out for her... and yet she and everybody else still aren't getting it? seriously? and then theres all this 'power calls to power' which is causing the Prince heirs to want her, but apparently it only works on some people because half the population hates her. Being powerful is the only thing that matters to them and afforda you respect, but even though she keeps showing how powerful she is, she's still being hated on and targeted. Seriously it's all over the place and I have no idea what the hell's going on anymore. She's powerful, she's not powerful.
The whole purpose of everyone being at this magic school, other than learning obviously, is because the Prince heirs are supposed to find their faded mate The Bride Selection was specifically related for them so that they can find their fated mates and one of them can produce 'the one' meant to save them all. One of the heirs knows he's her mate and yes even wants to be with her, and still hides the fact that she's his faded mate...even from her! He supposedly already engaged (against his will because his less powerful!!! father somehow forced him into it) to an extremely powerful Queen. He can only touch her due to some magical chastity belt she put on him. The only person besides her that he can touch would be his faded mate. Well he & Barbie have already touched, kissed, fooled around, and yup even boinked! It's very clear he knows she is his mate! He is more powerful than his betrothed Queen. Our FMC is also more powerful than the betrothed Queen. Why TF is he hiding away and pretending to be with the Queen? He wants to be with Barbie! We have chapters from his POV saying is such, there's no explanation why he isn't leaving her to be with Barbie! It's extremely annoying, and again doesn't make sense!
Oh there are also some paragraphs that just seem to have been copy and pasted from other books. When something was described in book 1, but is then said again in book two, instead of just saying it a different way it's copy and pasted.
What else ...
Oh yeah there's a prophecy that keeps being repeated to the FMC, but she keeps literally running away every time she hears it. At least 4-5 times so far. The prophecy came out of her friend's mouth once. It's come from the sentient magical house several times. She doesn't take it seriously at all, and really it kind of comes across as she doesn't care and is just an idiot. Even when the most powerful Oracle of all time comes to tell her what she needs to do to literally save the world... She interrupts and runs away. Oh I don't want to hear it, it's not important. It's not coming across as she's scared, which I think is what the author was trying to say but then at the same time she's supposed to be this crazy powerful being and she's not scared of anything... So again it doesn't make sense!
Honestly I'm not even sure this wasn't written (at least partially) by AI. Yeah it's that bad.
One star was taken away because of the editing issues. If I have to stop reading and take myself out of the story to change some words or add in missing words or because you used the wrong word or I have to try to figure out what a sentence means because of an editing issue, yes and entire star is immediately gone.
The rest have been taken away because although there are some funny moments, very little is making sense. Barbie is such a confusing character. Is she really smart and just acting like an idiot to fool people? Because there are times it really doesn't seem like an act. She doesn't listen to anyone, not even her other half, the creature inside her. Honestly I don't even like her! How am I supposed to root for the main character when she's an ass?
She's supposed to be this all-powerful unknown, but then she constantly has to be saved. The author is using a miscommunication trope for her and tmher love interest but at the same time how dumb can you be? She overheard someone say "His dragon will only come out for his faded mate" and then his dragon came out for her... and yet she and everybody else still aren't getting it? seriously? and then theres all this 'power calls to power' which is causing the Prince heirs to want her, but apparently it only works on some people because half the population hates her. Being powerful is the only thing that matters to them and afforda you respect, but even though she keeps showing how powerful she is, she's still being hated on and targeted. Seriously it's all over the place and I have no idea what the hell's going on anymore. She's powerful, she's not powerful.
The whole purpose of everyone being at this magic school, other than learning obviously, is because the Prince heirs are supposed to find their faded mate The Bride Selection was specifically related for them so that they can find their fated mates and one of them can produce 'the one' meant to save them all. One of the heirs knows he's her mate and yes even wants to be with her, and still hides the fact that she's his faded mate...even from her! He supposedly already engaged (against his will because his less powerful!!! father somehow forced him into it) to an extremely powerful Queen. He can only touch her due to some magical chastity belt she put on him. The only person besides her that he can touch would be his faded mate. Well he & Barbie have already touched, kissed, fooled around, and yup even boinked! It's very clear he knows she is his mate! He is more powerful than his betrothed Queen. Our FMC is also more powerful than the betrothed Queen. Why TF is he hiding away and pretending to be with the Queen? He wants to be with Barbie! We have chapters from his POV saying is such, there's no explanation why he isn't leaving her to be with Barbie! It's extremely annoying, and again doesn't make sense!
Oh there are also some paragraphs that just seem to have been copy and pasted from other books. When something was described in book 1, but is then said again in book two, instead of just saying it a different way it's copy and pasted.
What else ...
Oh yeah there's a prophecy that keeps being repeated to the FMC, but she keeps literally running away every time she hears it. At least 4-5 times so far. The prophecy came out of her friend's mouth once. It's come from the sentient magical house several times. She doesn't take it seriously at all, and really it kind of comes across as she doesn't care and is just an idiot. Even when the most powerful Oracle of all time comes to tell her what she needs to do to literally save the world... She interrupts and runs away. Oh I don't want to hear it, it's not important. It's not coming across as she's scared, which I think is what the author was trying to say but then at the same time she's supposed to be this crazy powerful being and she's not scared of anything... So again it doesn't make sense!
Honestly I'm not even sure this wasn't written (at least partially) by AI. Yeah it's that bad.
January 21, 2026
4.5 stars for book 4 **SPOILER ALERT** Can't be helped.
This book brings Barbie to be treated even more harshly than she was before. The Queen of the Underworld is so determined to get rid of Barbie permanently that now she brings Barbie 2.0 in. This Barbie takes all of the followers and friends from OG Barbie, strips her of everything so OG Barbie feels all alone, except the heirs all stick to her and stand for her, except Killian....He's an a$$. We know why he's being like this but it doesn't make it hurt less. However, Barbie 2.0 has a weakness and we see it along with OG Barbie. Barbie is so incredibly hurt and betrayed by him that you can feel it too.
But of course there's a battle with the Shriekers and they come in high numbers. The heirs come with their armies to help Barbie in her battle. When the Queen arrives, Barbie notices how her father and her exchange glances and the mystery deepens as the battle ends. Could the Queen have been sent by her father or is the Queen going to be her mother? So many questions!
Sy is out and about more too in this, creating a stronger bond with Rowan. Learning his secrets. All of the princes have now seen her and all but Killian are attracted to her. But during a battle between Killian and Rowan, Barbie and Sy just may let their secret be known.
Why? Why do these book do this so harshly? I think it's too excessive with the angst and drama--too much anxiety which is why I almost rated this lower.
This book brings Barbie to be treated even more harshly than she was before. The Queen of the Underworld is so determined to get rid of Barbie permanently that now she brings Barbie 2.0 in. This Barbie takes all of the followers and friends from OG Barbie, strips her of everything so OG Barbie feels all alone, except the heirs all stick to her and stand for her, except Killian....He's an a$$. We know why he's being like this but it doesn't make it hurt less. However, Barbie 2.0 has a weakness and we see it along with OG Barbie. Barbie is so incredibly hurt and betrayed by him that you can feel it too.
But of course there's a battle with the Shriekers and they come in high numbers. The heirs come with their armies to help Barbie in her battle. When the Queen arrives, Barbie notices how her father and her exchange glances and the mystery deepens as the battle ends. Could the Queen have been sent by her father or is the Queen going to be her mother? So many questions!
Sy is out and about more too in this, creating a stronger bond with Rowan. Learning his secrets. All of the princes have now seen her and all but Killian are attracted to her. But during a battle between Killian and Rowan, Barbie and Sy just may let their secret be known.
Why? Why do these book do this so harshly? I think it's too excessive with the angst and drama--too much anxiety which is why I almost rated this lower.
September 23, 2025
Look peoples - the books in this series are vibe books only lol. They are a pretty fun time. I'm going to be honest, the writing is atrocious. There are so many grammar and spelling errors, the writing style is very immature and juvenile. The FMC's name is Barbie for crying out loud. She's so throwed off, I don't really know how to describe what's wrong with her but at the same time you can't help but like her character. It's the weirdest thing ever. I go back and forth liking her counterpart, Sy. Sy is hard to explain without giving spoilers so if you want to know more about Sy, you'll have to read the books. This is book 4 and the plot hasn't really progressed - at all. It really is just messy and immature, a train wreck you can't look away from....but like I said it's been a fun enough read lol I'm going to read the next book.
May 19, 2025
I devoured this series on a cross country trip. Devoured. I couldn’t get through it fast enough. I will admit that had I known it was not compete- I would have waited for the last book to be released. I’m devastated that I am left on a cliffy on book 5. 😩.
At any rate- since I inhaled five books at once. I’m writing one review. I started out and my first thought was “wtf is this??” This is a new to me author, and I jumped in having no idea what to expect. What I got was a heroine in situations and with dialogue that was silly, sometimes stupid, often ridiculous, and yet kept me reading to see wtf was going to happen next. And I’m so glad I kept going. The journey was definitely ridiculous, but absolutely worth it. I am so glad this was my first exposure to this author. And I would highly recommend the audiobook. ::chefs kiss
At any rate- since I inhaled five books at once. I’m writing one review. I started out and my first thought was “wtf is this??” This is a new to me author, and I jumped in having no idea what to expect. What I got was a heroine in situations and with dialogue that was silly, sometimes stupid, often ridiculous, and yet kept me reading to see wtf was going to happen next. And I’m so glad I kept going. The journey was definitely ridiculous, but absolutely worth it. I am so glad this was my first exposure to this author. And I would highly recommend the audiobook. ::chefs kiss
December 9, 2025
OK, this book is in line with the others- Easy fun easy to listen to- I think this was the longest book in the series so far clocking in at 8 hrs.
Cy’s character develops + and her individual life grows more involved. She had the spotlight a bit and it’s great to see her shine. Queen Lilith has showed up in the middle of the mating bond that was never sealed between Barbie and Killian. So lots of trouble there and Barbie is under social attack by Barbie 2.0.
Ruin’s army shows up and we have no idea where Barbie’s bestie went… allegedly back home to see her grandmother? but I don’t know about that… The book ends on a cliffhanger again- with Barbie revealing Cy to Rowan and Killian and they are in a blood dual over the two girls who happen to be the same person…
Cy’s character develops + and her individual life grows more involved. She had the spotlight a bit and it’s great to see her shine. Queen Lilith has showed up in the middle of the mating bond that was never sealed between Barbie and Killian. So lots of trouble there and Barbie is under social attack by Barbie 2.0.
Ruin’s army shows up and we have no idea where Barbie’s bestie went… allegedly back home to see her grandmother? but I don’t know about that… The book ends on a cliffhanger again- with Barbie revealing Cy to Rowan and Killian and they are in a blood dual over the two girls who happen to be the same person…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
This series is starting to fizzle. Sy and Barbie are becoming annoying and the story is a bit of a mess. Having 2 main characters is frustrating. At first I thought they were two sides of the same person, but it has become clear that isn't the case. It's just unnecessary. Where is Meg going with this because I don't see how she can make anything interesting out of it? Potentially splitting them seems redundant. What is the point?
Barbie's manipulative performances are also repetitive now. She is just coming across as shallow with not much to her character. I thought she was unique and interesting at first but I was expecting more in the future, which doesn't seem likely anymore.
Barbie's manipulative performances are also repetitive now. She is just coming across as shallow with not much to her character. I thought she was unique and interesting at first but I was expecting more in the future, which doesn't seem likely anymore.
October 19, 2024
House of Mages and Raven offers an exhilarating blend of magic, passion, and drama. With fiery romance, epic battles, and an unstoppable heroine, the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just when the excitement reaches a boiling point, a surprise guest arrives: the prince of Chaos fiancée. To make matters even more complicated, she brings along a new version of our Barbie to raise the stakes.
This book is a thrilling adventure filled with heart-pounding battles and sizzling romance. If you're ready for a demon king who growls "Mine" and a heroine who challenges him at every turn, then this story is for you.
Bold, sexy, action-packed, and fierce heroines. This one’s a must-read for fantasy romance fans!
This book is a thrilling adventure filled with heart-pounding battles and sizzling romance. If you're ready for a demon king who growls "Mine" and a heroine who challenges him at every turn, then this story is for you.
Bold, sexy, action-packed, and fierce heroines. This one’s a must-read for fantasy romance fans!
December 16, 2024
Spoilers
I was a little disappointed that Sy was the one fated to all the men, meaning Barbie is just Killian's but by the end of it, I actually found it quite romantic. He didn't want anyone to touch her, and she's not as OUT there as Sy is, so it only makes sense for her to get all the lovers since she feeds on it. I can only imagine they'll be split apart the next book. Looking forward to find out what happens !!
I was a little disappointed that Sy was the one fated to all the men, meaning Barbie is just Killian's but by the end of it, I actually found it quite romantic. He didn't want anyone to touch her, and she's not as OUT there as Sy is, so it only makes sense for her to get all the lovers since she feeds on it. I can only imagine they'll be split apart the next book. Looking forward to find out what happens !!
April 18, 2025
3.25/5.00 ⭐️ rating
1/5.00 🌶️ rating
Thoughts:
I was hoping the series would get better and it doesn’t. The cliffhanger should have happened in the last book and everything moves so slowly. There is still no relationship development, just lust, and no character development. Whatever happened with the bet among three of the princes? What about the investigations?
I still like the world and the storyline, otherwise I would have been bored. I have to finish to see the final fight. I’m too invested at this point with being four books in.
1/5.00 🌶️ rating
Thoughts:
I was hoping the series would get better and it doesn’t. The cliffhanger should have happened in the last book and everything moves so slowly. There is still no relationship development, just lust, and no character development. Whatever happened with the bet among three of the princes? What about the investigations?
I still like the world and the storyline, otherwise I would have been bored. I have to finish to see the final fight. I’m too invested at this point with being four books in.
October 17, 2024
Obsessed! I read it all in one sitting. I couldn't put it down it was sooo good! Barbie is snarky as always, and I love it. Sy makes more of an appearance, which stirred everything up. And Barbie 2.0 is just flat-out annoying. I wish the next book was already out. It's such a bummer that it doesn't come out until March! Already pre-ordered the next book, can't wait!
October 20, 2024
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
I’ve been in a book slump for weeks and THIS book 4 got me out of my slump!! It was everything I hoped for and more! SOOOO funny! Barbie & Sy make me laugh so much! The plot thickens with Barbie 2.0 and Sy making her debut!! I absolutely LOVED IT!! OH and let’s not forget the scorching Hot spice!! Meg Xuemei X you are absolutely BRILLIANT!
I’ve been in a book slump for weeks and THIS book 4 got me out of my slump!! It was everything I hoped for and more! SOOOO funny! Barbie & Sy make me laugh so much! The plot thickens with Barbie 2.0 and Sy making her debut!! I absolutely LOVED IT!! OH and let’s not forget the scorching Hot spice!! Meg Xuemei X you are absolutely BRILLIANT!
October 28, 2024
I love this series and can’t wait for the fifth book to come out in 2025. It’s got it all…snarky, funny, red hot passion (not rated pg-13 for sure lol)….just a really good read. I do NOT like spoilers on the books I read because I like surprises……so if you just want to get away from your boring life…pick up this series
December 2, 2024
I thought this was the last one, only to be left with a cliffhanger and the next book unpublished 😭 Come on February! I need to wrap this series up!
I've been entranced with the characters from the beginning, everyone has evolved and the anger i feel towards some is palpable, which just means they've been written well! I can't wait to see how this unfolds.
I've been entranced with the characters from the beginning, everyone has evolved and the anger i feel towards some is palpable, which just means they've been written well! I can't wait to see how this unfolds.
December 11, 2024
Nail biting finish?
Yup MXX you have exceeded yourself in this intricately woven tale 😍
Seriously… how can this get even better??
Oh I know… string up the Queen of the underworld by her flaps and annihilate the God of ruin and make the prince of chaos grovel at Barbie’s feet for eternity.
Too much?
Nope, not nearly enough!
I’ll wait with bated breath.
BD
Yup MXX you have exceeded yourself in this intricately woven tale 😍
Seriously… how can this get even better??
Oh I know… string up the Queen of the underworld by her flaps and annihilate the God of ruin and make the prince of chaos grovel at Barbie’s feet for eternity.
Too much?
Nope, not nearly enough!
I’ll wait with bated breath.
BD
January 19, 2025
Ahhhhh the cliff hanger at the end. I have read all of these books in the series within a few days. They are so so so good. I can’t wait for the next book in March. I just finished this one last night and let me tell you. It was amazing!! It is sexy towards the end and hot and just AHHHHH. I need the next book!!
February 16, 2025
House of Mages and Raven, book four of the Shades of Ruin and Magic series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I'm not a fan of Sy, although she has some endearing moments, I'm still not sure I like Barbie, either, but there's something about the dynamic and the storyline that keeps me coming back to see what happens next.
February 19, 2025
book 4 review
This series has been a very quick read for me and I’m still just as invested as I was in book 1. I will say I am ready to finally see where all this is going. I feel like the story even though it’s amazing is dragging on unnecessarily. Fingers crossed we finally get answers in book five.
This series has been a very quick read for me and I’m still just as invested as I was in book 1. I will say I am ready to finally see where all this is going. I feel like the story even though it’s amazing is dragging on unnecessarily. Fingers crossed we finally get answers in book five.
March 3, 2025
House of Mages sndRaven...
Shades of Ruin and Magic book 4. The crew continues to battle in all its WTF glorious craziness. Love this cast of characters. Twisty, angsty, dramatic and sexy. Simply a brilliantly written book. This series should be a movie. Onto the next awesome book in this series.
Shades of Ruin and Magic book 4. The crew continues to battle in all its WTF glorious craziness. Love this cast of characters. Twisty, angsty, dramatic and sexy. Simply a brilliantly written book. This series should be a movie. Onto the next awesome book in this series.
August 4, 2025
I enjoyed books 1&2, struggled a bit with 3, but at this point I'm still waiting for the good part. Lots of build up but so much going on it's starting to make no sense. Some scenes feel incomplete. I wanted it to hurry up and end. It felt like I needed to get through it because I've invested the time might as well trudge to the finish lime.
January 19, 2026
Best one so far!
I finally realized why some of the “unserious” moments or scenes can pull you out of the story—it’s because the FMC gives off strong Deadpool vibes in the way she acts, talks, and interacts with other characters. Also, no surprise here— another cliffhanger to end the book so you’re tempted to read more…
I finally realized why some of the “unserious” moments or scenes can pull you out of the story—it’s because the FMC gives off strong Deadpool vibes in the way she acts, talks, and interacts with other characters. Also, no surprise here— another cliffhanger to end the book so you’re tempted to read more…
October 20, 2024
Really!?!?!?!!!
Cliff hangar galore! Just when it's actually getting to the meat of things.. BAM... we all have to wait. Way too long in my humble opinion. Gah! Hate the waiting. LoL.
Happy Reading
Cliff hangar galore! Just when it's actually getting to the meat of things.. BAM... we all have to wait. Way too long in my humble opinion. Gah! Hate the waiting. LoL.
Happy Reading
October 21, 2024
Loved it, excited for more
Book 4 picks up perfectly and crushed me immediately. I loved every second. Hoping the next book is longer as I wait on the cliff for what happens next. Red energy rope, a doppelganger, where's Bea, I'm hooked.
Book 4 picks up perfectly and crushed me immediately. I loved every second. Hoping the next book is longer as I wait on the cliff for what happens next. Red energy rope, a doppelganger, where's Bea, I'm hooked.
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