The Ravaged Dark

The Aethereals Duology #2

by Allison Carr Waechter

Return to the world of The Aethereals one last time in The Ravaged Dark.

Tensions mount in Pravhna, as winter descends and the Grand Exhibition moves into town.

Ashbourne Claymore and Mina Wildfang finally have their memories back, and it might just tear them apart. Can they find a way to work together before the city is lost to an evil mastermind? Or will the flames of the past burn them out for good?

The Ravaged Dark is the sizzling conclusion to The Aethereals Duology. Perfect for readers who want a twist on enemies to lovers and fans of House of Bane and Blood and The Loom Saga.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Magic, Fantasy Romance, Adult

410 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2024

Reviews

[achaserigtrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something so lush and lovely about Alison Carr Waechter’s writing. Her characters are so palpable, the detail she puts into every scene, the beautiful worlds and relationships she creates, the impeccable vibes and Edwardian inspirations, and the complex plot with a hint of mystery and horror that connects across the amazing universe she’s created. Sirin, the world in which the duology takes place, is like stepping into a painting jointly created by Alphonse Mucha and Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, an impossibly perfect blend of Art Nouveau meets Futurism with hints of gothic elements woven throughout. It all came together so seamlessly but also in a riveting way. I truly love this duology.

Like all of ACW’s books, you have to let the story unfold at her pace. She sets things up slowly with little hints but never gives you too much. All of her books take place in a specific universe and there is overlap. If you’re not savoring every word—and you should! It’s an absolute delight to approach her books with patience and a nice glass of wine on a cool spring evening—then you’ll miss things or lose sight of the path she’s laid out for you. And you should absolutely read her Immortal Orders trilogy before this one.

There are many characters in the text, different fantastical species to track, as well as the overall mystery that needs solved. Reading The Hollow Plane and immediately picking this up will keep you centered and help with keeping it all straight. The few months break I had between the day The Hollow Plane came out and this week, when I received an ARC of The Ravaged Dark, made me want to re-read the entire series in one go—which I will absolutely do when my physical copy of this book arrives*. This series demands a re-read, which will only deepen my love for it.

I can’t say enough about the book generally but the main characters especially shine. They’re both deeply developed and so vividly rendered across the books. Consistent, flawed, and real, Mina and Ash might be my absolute favorite book couple of all time. While this book ended exactly as it should, I would read a whole other series of the two of them solving crime across Sirin, with the help of their found family.

*I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Many thanks to the author.

[Valerie | Vanelena.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ravaged Dark is a deeply romantic and richly imagined tale of star crossed lovers across time and space.

The Ravaged Dark begins immediately after the events in The Hollowed Plane. Mina's memories are returning, and with it, her rage at Ashbourne and all he has done in their past. His actions have had devastating consequences, even if everything he did was out of love for her. Ashbourne's memories are returning as well, and despite the anger he feels from Mina, he knows he cannot simply walk away from her, Claim or not. Meanwhile, the mysterious Chopard is trying to open portals into the limen, Poe and Skye are trying to reconcile after the recent events, and a Ravager is on the loose in Sirin, threatening to destroy everything they have carefully built. With eons of pain behind them, can Ash and Mina work together against a common evil, and can they reconcile the glimmer of hope they once had for themselves?

I absolutely loved The Ravaged Dark. Allison is such a fantastic writer, her worldbuilding is just so unique and richly imagined, and the story is paced well to keep me interested. The Aethereals is interconnected with The Immortal Orders, but is standalone duology that can be read separately. However, both stories allude to a history long past and forgotten, of wars and empires, political power struggles, and otherworldly conquests. This is Mina and Ash's history, but in the eons since, they have changed in many ways and must learn to accept their new selves in order to accept each other. One thing that Allison does really well is neurodivergent and mental health representation - I was able to see myself in some characters, and really feel how they process information and relationships in their own unique ways. These characters are also vulnerable - and that is something we don’t see often enough in fantasy series. In baring their fears and opening up their hearts, we really see the true strength of these characters. I also loved the relationship building of all kinds - from friends to lovers to found family. The connections between our characters are rich and layered, but all rooted in a deep love for one another that comes through so clearly in the story. The plot meanders a bit, but the underlying story of the Ravagers and Chopard keep things moving along, while there is still plenty of downtime for character development and relationship building. The story really comes together in the last third of the book, and the threads that are woven throughout both books start to piece together. All in all, this is a such a rich and engaging story, and unlike anything else I have read. I love this series, and these characters - Mina, Ash, Poe, and Skye (and yes Morpheus, too!) have a place in my heart next to Finn and Harlow from The Immortal Orders.

Thank you so, so much to Allison Carr Waechter for an electronic advanced copy of this incredible book. All opinions are my own

[Layne Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect conclusion to Mina and Ash’s story. 5 ⭐️. I loved the found family, the romance, the action, everything about this book. The feelings that I felt while reading this… Please read this duology. It is so so good.

Read if you like:
~ Found Family
~ Star Crossed Lovers
~ Animal Companions
~ Forgotten Memories
~ Neurodivergent Characters
~ Gorgeous Writing

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 & 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
📖: The Ravaged Dark (The Aethereals Duology Book 2)

More secrets and events of the past come to light as Mina and her allies work to unravel the mystery of magical fires while seeking more aid in the conflict to come.

Tropes/themes:
✨Adult Romantic Fantasy
✨Star-crossed lovers
✨Cursed love
✨Fated mates
✨Fae romance
✨A twist on enemies to lovers
✨Found family
✨Animal companions
🌶️: moderate

"𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦... 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯."
"𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦”

In this final installment, Mina and Ash must also reconcile their returned memories with who they are now and who they wish to be. We are reunited with the incredible found family and are introduced to new characters and unexpected allies.

Without fail, Allison’s lush prose and gorgeous world building had me immersed in this world and captivated by this story. I loved the nods to The Immortal Orders Trilogy. While it is not necessary to read that series to appreciate this one, I highly recommend reading them both!

With help from each other and those around them, Mina and Ash slowly reframe their perceived vulnerabilities into strengths and endeavor to become better versions of themselves. This is a poignant story of healing, redemption, forgiveness, and a love that evolves and endures beyond measure.

The Ravaged Dark is a high-stakes fantasy with a dash of mystery and an inspired twist on an enemies to lovers romance! What a lovely conclusion to Mina and Ash’s love story 🥹

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review

[Adelene Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐

Sadly, I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did book 1. There were several issues – the pacing was off, the big mystery that was carried over from book 1 took a very long time to solve. It often felt like the MCs were going around in circles. Some of the magic system and world building flew over my head. I honestly had to skim the last few chapters because I was so checked out. I'm disappointed because I really loved each of the characters and their relationships with one another (the found family was so great here) but it got overshadowed by the convoluted plot and lore.

[anenchantedcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
🗝️ Cursed FMC
🗝️ Forgotten memories
🗝️ Fated mates
🗝️ Found family
🗝️ Elemental animal companions
🗝️ Hostage / kidnapping
🗝️ Dark secrets
🗝️ Court intrigue / politics
🗝️ Fae/Immortals/Witches/Vampires

I’m not entirely sure how to rate this one. I read it quickly and enjoyed it, but not as much as the first. I honestly feel a little let down by this one, because of the immense buildup the first one gave certain elements that just didn’t follow through imo.

My biggest issues stemmed from the fact that the memories the MCs had forgotten are now restored, and Mina and Ash have to come to terms with who they once were in the context of who they are now and the world they now live in. Maybe I misread things, but my interpretation of their familiarity in the first book was the product of the pair of them having a much more romantic relationship in the past. While they certainly were hooking up in the past and had ‘Claimed’ one another, they freely acknowledge in this book that all they did in their past lives was “fuck and fight” and that they weren’t in love. I was a little disappointed by this. The buildup in the first, at least to me, pointed to them having this grand, space opera-y romance across time, not that they were just bed buddies. But I digress. The romance is here now, so I have just have to suck it up.

There was also a lot of buildup at the end of book 1 that Mina understood where Ash had been coming from when he “betrayed” her in their past lives. That she felt he needed to be brought to account for his mistakes, but that she would ultimately forgive him because she knew he’d done it out of a desire to save her. Then we start this book and she’s threatening to end everything with Ash. She doesn’t want to talk to him, no longer wants any relationship with him. There’s even a momentary threat of a miscommunication trope. I’m sorry? Where the hell did this come from? Thankfully it’s extremely brief and she does eventually forgive him, but seriously wtf?

And finally in the vein of weird buildup that just fizzles out, what was even going on with the big bad villain here? I loved the mystery element to figuring out who their unknown enemy was, where the fires were coming from and what they meant. Not knowing who to trust, etc. All of that was great. But after a point it just felt like the MCs were going around in circles, not figuring anything out, until the big bad just literally revealed himself. And then was taken down in one comically anticlimactic scene.

So hearing all of that, you’d think I hated this book. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Despite my disappointment, there was still so much to enjoy about this book. The originality, the romance, the neurodivergent and mental health rep—all of that remains absolutely fabulous. The overall vibes of this book are flawless. At its core, it’s a story about healing, redemption, forgiveness, and a love that transcends time and space and while it wasn’t executed exactly the way I would have preferred, I can’t deny that it’s still a fantastic romantasy adventure that’s well worth the read.

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison Carr Waetcher did a stunning job with The Ravaged Dark. I adore the hollow plane, but this conclusion to the duology is my favorite. This book is emotional, raw, real and powerful in all the best ways. If you are a fan of character driven books filled with lyrical prose and enough emotion to make you ache, you need to read this series.

The character development in the second half of the duology is quite possibly one of my favorite things. It was so wonderful to see both Mina and Ash come to grips with their past selves and the reality of their present selves and really try to make those parts of themselves fit. I was especially drawn into Ash’s story of trying to find the balance between being Ashbourne of the past and Ashbourne of the present in a way that accepted and honored both individuals for their faults and their triumphs.

I think another thing that was truly done so beautifully in this book is the character dynamics among friends, especially Poe and Mina. The relationship that they have with each other — that respect, that regard, and that closeness — is extremely powerful in their found family adventure, and I loved every minute of their story together. I really liked that that Allison focused on Ash‘s relationship with Skye, as much in the story as you see built in The Hollow Plane. Those relationships were so foundational to the found family theme and to see those characters continue to interact and support throughout the course of the book drew me completely into the story.

Finally, Mina and Ash’s story comes to a conclusion, but not without a fight to get there. I think this second half of their story brings out a lot of past trauma and pain that both Ash and Mina have to deal with. I also loved the way that Allison handled their relationship. It wasn’t rushed or forced. The characters took their cues from each other, they also worked on themselves by not pushing or forcing, but really, really coming to grips with who they were as individuals and then figuring out what they meant to each other. It just made their story so much more powerful.

Allison does a wonderful job wrapping up the events that play out over books one and two and really focuses on those themes of belonging, self-worth, power, revenge and betrayal. Overall, this final book clears up a lot of lingering questions about this growing world that Allison has created.

As always, I love that Allison never shy away from creating Neuro diverse and queer normative worlds that are representative.

[Jess (scijessreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something ethereal, cozy, and human at the core of the fantasy worlds created by Allison Carr Waechter. The words seep into your soul and make you feel as if you are there, an observer to a world that is very much not your own, but feels as if it could be.

With The Ravaged Dark, we pick up right where The Hollow Plane left off. Mina and Ash have regained their memories, and it is not a joyous occasion. There are centuries of hurt to fight through, even though there is also a deep well of love. But Ash has to earn back that love - and Mina’s trust - by reconciling all that he is now with all that he was in the past.

Our band of friends still has to solve the mystery of who - or what - is besieging Sirin. And at the same time, they have to come to terms with shifting relationships. The friendship between Mina and Poe (and Ash and Skye) is beautiful. It is a friendship as deep as love. Even more beautiful is the slow realization that Mina has that she is capable of more, worthy of more, and belongs on Sirin just as much as she belongs with Ash.

Yes, there is elemental power, portals between worlds, and Sirin to save. But within this book, even more so than the first, is a story of family. Both the family you are born into and the one you choose. And how sometimes it is the family you choose (and that chooses you) that is the most important. That holds the greatest love and support. That sees you for all that you are and says that it is enough.

[Morgan Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This completed duology has so many layers, the meta cognition is done in an absolutely brilliant way. Allison really let's you into a character's mind and I don't know if it's just because I connect so much with the queer neurodivergent characters or what but I will always devour her writing! It's beautiful, complex, and so nuanced.

The ravaged dark was a satisfying conclusion to The Hollow Plane with some surprising plot twists, deep characterizations, and raw beautiful relationships. The elementals are adorable and I wasn't ready to leave this world! The Ravaged Dark releases July 1!

I also highly recommend reading the Immortal Orders which is in the same universe. You can read these series in any order.

Read if you like
👑 Bridgerton society hierarchical vibes
🧝‍♂️ complex lore and cross book universes with so much to uncover
🔍 mystery and intrigue
🎱 prophecy, hidden identies and star crossed lovers

I am grateful for receiving an ARC of this book from the author and these are my honest thoughts!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ The world building in this series continues to amaze me. After the revelations in The Hollow Plane (Book 1), I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the history of our main characters and the situation they find themselves in. The bonds of the ensemble cast deepen in this book, the unconditionally love they share clearly helps them face the indomitable circumstances they are up against. The magic system is probably one of my favorites in a fantasy book in a long time and the environment has such strong Steampunk vibes, from the vehicles to the clothing, it creates vivid imagery. Finally, this book further cements my belief that duology's reign supreme in the world of fantasy.

Highlights:
✨Multiple POV
✨Unique Magic System
✨Found Family
✨Fated Mates
✨Vividly Descriptive World Building

Favorite Quote: "Fear was nothing but a hindrance. It was as insidious as love in some ways."

Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

[Jacq · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something Allison Carr Waechter does amazingly is the vibes. The cozy atmospheres she creates. Inclusive queer-normative societies. Her books are best read in October, surrounded by candles, with a London fog in hand and a warm blanket. In comparison to her Immortal Orders series, I did not love this, though. The three stars are for the beautiful cozy vibes and the supportive, wholesome characters and their friendships. The missing two stars can be attributed to the pacing (at times very slow, then everything happened all at once), the amount of times the characters discussed tea (and I love a good tea but it was a lot), and confusing world and magic system rules that I feel aren’t made clear enough. She has said she didn’t enjoy writing this series as much, so high hopes for her next series to be as good as The Immortal Orders.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic and spicy conclusion for the duology! Ash and Mina’s relationship dynamics are so interesting and moving. Poe and Mina’s friendship is the crown jewel of this duet of novels and I just want a Poe for myself! Allison always knows just how to express the most intimate inner thoughts of those of us with inner demons and does it in such a moving way. Absolutely wonderful ending!

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im just so happy I finished this duology. The last 80% of the books was the only well written part from both of the books. I had no idea what was going on and felt like there was a huge chunk of information I was missing.

[Kaitlyn Lopez-Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Allison and MTMC tours for sending me an arc!!

The series is a gas lamp fantasy which means it has more modern elements and magic. It’s very atmospheric and begins with two characters named Ash and Mina who both have amnesia and they find their way back to each other. I loved the unique characters such as a cat named Morpheus and owl creatures. The author includes a glossary of the creatures and hierarchy of characters in the beginning. The politics in this world were very interesting. Poe was probably my favorite overall character, and I’m so glad to see the LGBTQ+ representation with several of the characters. There is also some heavy neurodivergent representation and it felt so real and relatable to me.

It was really cool to see how the duology came together in the end, and the action elements combined with the gas lamp imagery made for a very immersive read. There also is a bit more spice than book one! Now I need to check out this author’s other work 😍

[Amanda Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to start out by saying a big Thank You to Allison for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

The Ravaged Dark is the second book and conclusion to The Aethereals Duology! This is a continuation. I highly recommend that you read The Hollow Plane first!

We return to Sirin as Mina and Ashbourne’s complicated love story continues. Our lovers are coping with their returning memories. Mina and Ash face new revelations and hard truths as the past returns to their minds. Still deep in the hunt for Chopard and trying to figure out his objective, our group finds themselves caught in a bigger web of mystery as the rise of a rivaling evil is plaquing the newly found family. Shocking information is revealed, sending everyone to brace themselves as they prepare to fight two evils coming to a head. It seems everyone is a target, and it’s rapidly closing in. Will our beloved groups love and bond be able to hold them all together as they brave the diabolical monsters on the rise that’s determined to drive them into oblivion?

One thing that is so profound in this book is the organic bond between this newly formed found family. They seem to find themselves at a crossroads at times within this book. So it's been heartfelt to watch how they deal with their issues and move forward. How they have the willingness to lay themselves bare and make sacrifices for this little family. Not to mention what they are willing to endure to fight for it, despite how difficult it is at times. The relationships within this story are so pivotal and really pull you close to each person. Mina and Ash have both been through so much. So to finally see these two finding not only love, but deep friendships that have turned into a family, has been so endearing to witness. The way our group finds strength, support, comfort, and love within one another is truly so beautiful to see, bud, and grow. It had its moments where it was so heartbreaking to see how deep each of their pain is yet it feels so triumphant to see them get the support and family they deserve. I feel like they all complemented each other so well.

Ash really has quite the battle within himself, especially after remembering all that makes him Ashbourne. What an absolute enticing and complex person that I have grown so fond of. His devotion to not only Mina but to being a better version of himself for him and his family was so wonderful. We also get to see Ash deepen his sibling-like bond with Skye, which I think they both were in desperate need of. Another aspect that was very fascinating to me was to finally hear some memories and stories from Ash’s perspective about his time in the Limnen and his past. Especially when he first met Larkin from The Immortal Orders. I was delighted to hear those tales!

Mina is such a unique and courageous woman that I really wish I could hug and be friends with. She has been taken advantage of and deeply hurt by the people around her, and was made to feel unloved and unwanted. How wrong they were about her. Mina is so deserving of love and friendship. She is so considerate to those around her. She is very self aware and knows exactly what she needs to do to process things and information. I adore how everyone is also considerate of how Mina needs to process things and the pain she endures. It’s so sweet how they all accommodate and alot her the time and space to deal with the things she needs to. Mina and Poe’s friendship was so lovely to see them develop, and deepen throughout the story. I’m so happy to see how well things turned out for Mina and her happiness. Especially after so much tragedy.

The mystery in this story really kept me invested. With each turning point I was really driven deeper into the depths of this tale. The tension mounted with each obstacle, and man did I feel it. Going through a haze of questions as the story goes on made the experience so much more tangible as each revelation unveiled new truths and shocking twists. I found it easy to get pulled into this world and walk with its people. It felt surreal like I was there with them. I was blown away with how expertly woven the lore and history was infused with this story and just how much it enriched this world and its diverse inhabitants. It creates such a vast and deeply complex world and scenarios that I was bewildered by, in the best of ways.

The Ravaged Dark was one heck of a conclusion to The Athereals Duology. I'm left in awe of this story. There are several scenes within this story that not only had me on the edge of my seat but had my heart pounding. These books delivered such a deeply raw, emotional, organic love and bond between people. What a fun and immersive adventure it was to be on this journey with Mina, Ash, Skye, Poe, Morpheous, and more. I have had the best time going down the rabbit hole with everyone as they strive to solve the bizarre events that are plaguing Pravhna. It is difficult to put into words just how much I adored this story. I know I'll travel back frequently but It's bittersweet now that it is concluded, but a part of me will always remain in Sirin.

[Jillsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 -⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

“What do you want me to call you then? Lumina? Mina? My beautiful menace?...The only thing I want to call you is mine…”

The Ravaged Dark is the second novel in the adult urban fantasy romance duology, The Aethereals. This series can be read separately from Allison’s other series The Immortal orders, but there are some interesting connections. In this novel we continue after the major revelations brought out by Ash and Mina’s memories but the threat to their world is at large as winter descends on Pravhan. They must decide whether they will let the pasts bring down everything they have fought for or will work together to save their new home.

This book took my love of book one and ESCALATED it. I had so much fun reading.

Mina continues to be this fierce character and I adore how much she perseveres despite the hits she gets. I also found her level of empathy to really help smooth things out. She recognizes that things are much greater than her and that level of maturity won me over time and time again.

Ash tugged on my heartstrings again and again. I felt he truly was able to accept the responsibility of all he had done and make efforts to move forward. His love for Mina had me in a chokehold and his willingness to do what it takes to protect the people he loves.

The side characters in this continue to be rich and excellent companions from Morpheus and his MVP status (this cat knows things and provides comfort at the best times). Poe and Sky have their angsty situation going on and it really helped ground this story in ways that made it easy to navigate and enjoyable.

This story is about 3 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. The spice level definitely upped itself compared to book 1! Spice begins around the 30% mark and continues on and off until the 80% when the main conflict rises. The spice is detailed, passionate, and it does contain biting and blood play. We have these two characters who are trying to reconcile their anger but also unpack the love they still feel and it was everything I wanted. This romance with its intimacy,honesty, and recognition that they want to make things world is the kind of romance I eat up again and again.

“You are everything I’ve ever hoped for…My whole life, Mina, I waited for someone who would make me feel the way you do.”

Now this story can be a bit confusing to follow and what really helped me keep afloat was the romance. I highly recommend reviewing the events of book one so you have a better grasp of what is going on. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. I found unpacking their pasts really interesting, the character relationships, and the lore around the ravagers to be fascinating. The story has its ebbs and flows and there were times I was a little lost but the characters and their interactions drew me back in each time, from new to old. I truly felt for their journeys. There are plenty of twists and turns that hit me in the gut but also fit so well into the story that I couldn’t stay mad. The finale was the perfect ending for these characters trying to find themselves and each other after everything. I just wish I had more of these characters!

Overall, Allison crafted a beautiful and rich romance that builds the finale of this series in ways I cannot gush more on. It makes me want to book up book 1 and reread this series!

Thank you so much to the author for this arc!

[Haley | wickedbeebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, Allison. You never, never miss!

Allison remains very, very firmly one of my favorite authors. Her stories are unique, her characters complex, her worlds rich and aesthetically stunning. The (NOW COMPLETED!) Aethereal’s Duology is all of these things, and also packed with beautiful queer, neuro-diverse and body-diverse representation. It has a found family that I would kill to be a part of, and one of absolute favorite female friendships in Mina & Poe.

This is one heck of an enemies to lovers story. The animosity runs deep, deep enough to span lifetimes and worlds, wars and the downfall of entire civilizations. It’s also wildly unique in that we begin with these characters.. not remembering eachother at all. But ALSO not remembering themselves. Their love is so beautifully depicted, and so hard won (especially after the ending of The Hollow Plane like, iykyk).

But more than anything, I love how reading this story made me feel. Mina, Ash, Poe & Skye feel so real to me, and I can relate to their emotions so deeply. I loved every moment of learning about not only just this world, but the wider universe Allison has created. This strikes a truly impeccable balance of being epic but also feeling like a warm, cozy hug. It’s a story that feels like coming home, and will remain one that I will love coming back to, I already know it!

Thank you endlessly to Allison Carr Waechter for sending me this eArc, but also simply for writing such beautiful stories. I’m in awe every single time.

The Ravaged Dark, the second and FINAL book in The Aethereals Duology, is available TODAY, and can be found on Kindle Unlimited!

[Alaina (Manon Blackbeak’s Version)✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ✨OBSESSED✨ with Allison Carr Waechter. Every single book she writes is a masterpiece and this duology simply shattered my soul and patched it back together 💔🪡

I’ve read a lot of amazing books this year, but these… these two books are by far the fantasy winners of my 2024 reading challenge ✨💜

What to expect
🌌 Unique and rich universe with lore, an incredible magic system and queer normative worldbuilding
💜 Morally gray FMC, as observant and clever as she is fierce and lethal
🖤 Morally grey MMC who’d like to be a cinnamon roll, but just can’t manage it
⚛️ Neurodivergent besties 
🪽 An amazing twist on enemies to lovers
💥 Chronic pain rep
🐱 A talking cat #Morpheus
🫶🏻 Found family and the most perfectly flawed characters

I’m in AWE.
I’m in ADORATION.
I’m in WORSHIP.

THIS is fantasy in all its glory ✨
THIS is how you drop the mic on readers. Allison Carr Waechter is a goddess and I’ll kneel at her altar for the rest of my life 🏛️

Book one, The Hollow Plane, was beyond brilliant. Book two here SLAUGHTERED me 🫠 It was higher stakes, more love, more anger, more brutality, it was grief and acceptance and growth 🌱 and it also was CHAOTIC in the most delightful way - war and magic & ancient enemies and loss and love & found family.

It's spicy, it's sweet, it's wild, it's messy, it's simply perfect 🫶🏻✨

The Aethereals is her third series and it occurs in the same universe and same time frame as The Immortal Orders and Outlaws of Interra . But every series can be read independently 🪐

[Anastasia Campo · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Moderately spicy

- star crossed lovers
- TOP NOTCH world building
- unique magic system
- incredible creatures and peoples
- neurodivergent and powerful FMC
- ancient and powerful MMC
- lore and rich backstory
- mates but make it BETTER
- dark and lush setting
- great pacing
- part two in duology

This book is beautiful. It’s written so expertly and the world is so well developed that you can’t help but dive into it and want to spend a day there. I’m in awe of Allison’s ability to spin the most detailed and incredible universe, with layers of intrigue and history, characters that are deep and multifaceted, and with lore that feels real and tangible. As a continuation of ‘The Hollow Plane,’ many of the characters from the first are revisited, and each gets the happy ending we expect from the genre in the most delicious ways.
Mina and Ash’s relationship is complex, spanning centuries, and is rife with betrayal and pain. Their journey to know one another, to trust, and to love is glorious, deep, and moving. I haven’t cried while reading book for a while, and this one brought tears to my eyes, seeing them grow and blossom together. Ashbourne is absolutely DREAMY with his undying love, and Mina’s journey to finding family and a deep love after so long alone and in pain is just a balm for the soul.
The book is haunting, and sweet, and so complex and gorgeous and I just love this series, I’m off to buy my own shelf trophy ASAP.

[Faeofashandpayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow Allison does it again! 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

If you love the below you will love this book:


-ENEMIES 2 LOVERS

-MEMORY LOSS

-DISABILITY REP

- VIBRATING/GROWING 🍆

-PLUS SIZE HOT FMC

-MAGIC

-SPICE 🌶

-EVEN HOTTER MMC WITH WINGS

-THE MOST PERFECT KITTY 😺

-TRAUMA

-SHAPESHIFTING

-BITING 👄

I love how the story starts exactly where we left and is straight in with the action and fight scene.

I love Poe and Minas relationship they are true friend, more like sisters. They just get each other and it is so heartwarming to read.

Ash is just drool worthy as usual even if he has basically got two personalities now. I'll take both as he is a mix of the nice guy and also the bad boy in the most perfect way 🤤😍.

I love how we get so much of the background history of the world's and the different people/beings/elementals/gods. Allison does a fantastic job of really setting the scene and her world building is perfect.

The tension and spice between Mina and Ash is just perfect and so soo hot 🔥 🥵

I am sad this is the last of this series but have no doubt whatever comes next will be amazing ❤️.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the end of the first book, I think I was expecting more groveling from Ash to Mina. Especially when he feels really remorseful for his part in what happened to her; however, they make-up pretty quickly. It mostly made sense, though, because this is only a duology so we don't have all the time and also they already had HISTORY. I mostly am complaining because I love a good guy groveling to his female. Haha However, you can't erase their very long, long history and love that they had for each other. Despite everything done...I'm glad Ash realized who he wanted to be and the type of person he wanted to be moving forward with Mina. In fact, I liked and preferred Ash's chapters the most. I think it had a lot to do with the fact his chapters were more Mina focused and Mina's chapters were more plot focused.

Romance aside, I think the story was well-structured. I still think the world setting is a little confusing for me (Victorian? Steampunk? Fantasy? What?), but that aside...I liked the plot and glad this was only a duology. The twist was interesting...The end was a little quick, but the lead-up was interesting too, especially with Poe and Skye.

Overall, I liked the duology.

[Felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: The Ravaged Dark

#RavingWithFelicity

My Rating: 🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉 (5/5)

My Thoughts: It’s no secret that Allison Carr Waechter is one of my favorite authors, and The Aethereals is one of my favorite series! This was the perfect conclusion to the duology, picking up right where The Hollow Plane left off and giving us a thrilling, steamy, and wonderful ride all the way to the end of the book. Ash and Mina are one of the most unique leading couples, and the world of the Tapestry remains unmatched. As always, the found family and representation (of all kinds) was outstanding, and I know so many people will see themselves reflected in these characters. Also cute but devious animals??? What more could you want? I will be eagerly awaiting Allison’s next release later this year 💙

Read If You Like: groveling, enemies to amnesia to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, ditching your man for your bestie, forbidden pets, romantasy that feels fresh and unique, extended universes, and the best LGBTQ+, body neutral, and diverse representation ever!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison Carr Waechter's writing is nothing short of bewitching. If she writes it i will read it. If she could paint a world in which I could actually physically live in... sign me up. This is something I have felt every single time I open up one of her novels. The conclusion to The Aethereals duology The Ravaged Dark was nothing short of perfect for me. The way that the world and its inhabitants intricately weaves a beautiful picture and then burrows itself in my mind and heart never fails to leave me feeling a sense of wonder and then equal parts inspired. I already thoroughly enjoyed The Hollow Plane but receiving this nothing short of epic conclusion has made me love the first book somehow even more than I did the first time around. Easily one of my favorite conclusions to a series that I have read this year.

Seriously, grab your copy and just sink into this story let it take you through the world of Sirin. Gaslamp, Art Nouveau, mystery, a large wise yet sassy cat, various kinds of bird people, indigo hares and other magical creatures...oh and of course romance.

[Mariya T (msbookworld) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a good conclusion to the duology, but wished that the Aethereals had been a trilogy. The characters were what made this series for me. I loved the friendship between Mina and Poe and the complicated relationship between Ash and Mina. And of course, Morpheus was an adorable grumpy addition and I wish he made more appearances.

Why I say this would have been better as a trilogy is, because a lot of world building happened in this book and that adversely affected the pacing. At times, trying to figure out different powers and connections between magical peoples left me confused and overwhelmed. I also felt that, although this could be read as a standalone, this series is better read after the Immortal Orders. Yes, reading another trilogy is a time investment, but the Immortal Orders is fantastic and provides a better glimpse into how this multiverse works. I also feel that the emotional impact of certain parts of the Ravaged Dark is stronger after having read The Immortal Orders.

[Camilla_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Allison for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

When I tell you Allison knows how to do enemies-to-lovers in the most sizzling way, I am not joking. The world of the Aethereals is at once familiar (for those who read DNGD) and it's own unique setting, described in such loving detail to the point I feel I know the locations the characters inhabit and move through. Mina and Ashbourne are truly gorgeous characters, complex and deep. Their star-crossed love defies the laws of space and time; Allison's writing has you pining along with them.

You can expect incredible side characters, found family, beautiful friendships, complicated familial bonds, perfectly done neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ representation, sarcastic animal companions and a deep mystery plot woven through everything.

I will always recommend Allison's books for their stunning, rich and luxurious prose, their unique and well thought out worlds, and their easy to love characters.

[Ashley Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous ending to this Duology. Allison writes such beautiful, complex and real characters. Mina will stay with me forever, my Albatross. The acknowledgement and acceptance of anxiety, self doubt, self worth, and self love are unparalleled. The friendships between Ash, Mina, Poe and Skye are as, if not more important than the romance between Mina and Ash. The gaslamp setting remains lush and atmospheric. The magic system is unique and complex but explained in a very tangible way. Per usual, my highlight characters are the sentient animals and familiars. Rabbits, draconis, snow leopards and whales. They add so much fun and dimension.
If you want a beautiful love story with mystery, adventure, a god’s war, found family, plus mental heath, size and lgbtqia representation this is the story, series and author for you. Kudos Allison Carr Waechter, please write stories forever.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to this duology!

The great: Ash and Mina’s growth and open communication are so refreshing in a genre that has come to HEAVILY lean on miscommunication and deliberate ignorance between love interests. Also, we really dig into Mina’s insecurities and social anxiety in a way that was both authentic and SO relatable.

The good: getting glimpses/references to beloved characters from the other books.

The room for improvement: the pacing. At times it felt like we were jumping past what seemed like important moments, and other times dragged through internal monologues that - while touching and insightful - could likely have been trimmed without losing anything.

The ending felt like we were getting set up for the next related but stand alone story and I am here for it!

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[precilliareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, if you haven’t read the first book, The Hollow Plane, go back and do that right now then read this and you will thank me later.

This book was so good! It jumps right into continuing where we left off in The Hollow Plane; you’re getting all the action, reveals and steam right til the end and I loved every second of it! The writing is so well thought out, the book is action packed but nothing is rushed or forgotten. It was the perfect end to the story.

Mina and Ash are just so perfect together and their love story sucks you in. I loved the found family and how everyone was so different from one another but they all fit together like perfect puzzle pieces.

This duology gives you amazing diverse characters, a gripping plot and riveting romance that you’ll never want to end and it’s complete!

[KellyG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this duet! The magic and type of people in this world are unlike anything I’ve read before. There is mention of other realms some of the people have traveled from or are trapped since the portals to and from Sirin are sealed. I want more of these worlds and will need to read some of her other books to get more.

I love Mina and Ash. They do some soul searching in this book now that they both have their memories back and they remember what they did to each other. I love how they come out stronger together. I love the spice but also crave more from them.
“‘What do you want me to call you then? Lumina? Mina? My beautiful menace?’ His last word was a snarl: ‘Lover?’ My breath came in fast, wet, pants now as the arms that held me tightened. ‘The only thing I want to call you is mine,’ he snarled.”

This book kept me guessing who was behind all the fires and who Chopard really was. I was able to piece together a small part of the puzzle but I couldn’t guess most of it.

This was a great ending for Mina and Ash. I like a duet but part of me wants more of this world so I’ll have to check out her trilogy, The Immortal Orders.

[Miranda Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ravaged Dark is book two in the Aethereals Duology. This was such a great conclusion to the series! Allison writes the most immersive, action packed but romantic stories. I love Mina and Ash so much. Their past is so heart wrenching and I loved seeing them grow and learn from their mistakes. I really enjoyed the tension, heat and love between them! I think they are the true embodiment of enemies to lovers/star-crossed lovers. The side characters in this series really had my heart. From Poe and Mina’s beautiful friendship to the adorable but helpful elemental animals.

In between all the romance and heartfelt moments there were so many mysteries unlocked. I couldn’t put it down. The action really had me on the edge of my seat!

I highly recommend this book/series!