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Shades of Ruin and Magic #5

House of Demons and Bones

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Sy

I’m no longer a dirty little secret.

Two powerful heirs now know about Barbie and me, but they intend to keep it that way to protect us.

Killian has yet to decide which woman he’ll choose. He can’t have everything—he must choose love or the crown.

While Barbie’s luck runs out, my star rises with three heirs courting me. It turns out I’m not just a monster that feeds on sex and violence. I’m what the supernaturals have been searching for.

Our brutal father is coming. They say, with the God of Ruin, everything will fall.

Barbie and I will stand in his war path, along with our five princes.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2025

429 people are currently reading
435 people want to read

About the author

Meg Xuemei X

119 books2,268 followers
Meg 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.

Join Meg’s mailing list for new releases, giveaways, and fun stuff: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

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5 stars
687 (53%)
4 stars
376 (29%)
3 stars
185 (14%)
2 stars
35 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie.
248 reviews
March 9, 2025
What happened to this being the last in the series??
310 reviews7 followers
April 20, 2025
A waste of time…

253 Kindle pages of nothing. After the long wait, there were no advancements in the storyline, not really. It was more like a filler than an actual installment of the story itself. I don’t recall the others being like this, but this was a waste of time reading.

Sy got a chance to shine with the heirs in the last one so this one has more of her having time with the heirs, I won’t elaborate on what that means.

No assumptions were confirmed about anything, especially Barbie’s mother, but more hints and clues were dropped.

Barbie still disrespects Sy, even after learning more from Moirai the Oracle last book.

But the storyline didn’t advance in any significant way (unless you count Barbie and Killian’s progress in their relationship, I don’t)… and ends with the second bride trial beginning, the culling one, pulling the girls away.

That’s it. Extremely disappointed. See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Amanda Crossland.
1,172 reviews13 followers
March 15, 2025
Slow but steady

There was a lot of push and shove between Barbie and Sy now that the truth was out there for Rowan and Killian. They knew their secret, split identity in the same body. A chance that Sy could have her own body, but secretly Barbie would be sacrificing herself as per the prophecy. I still feel weird that there’s now two female lead characters that share the same body, when the first book made it seem like Sy was more of a secondary side kick. Sy has grown exponentially, Barbie is having trouble coming to terms with many things but she’s still the same when it comes to her no filter mouth. Tries to distract everyone with some inane none sense from the issue at hand, usually when they are demanding something of Barbie.
That ending, when Killian ripped both their masks off (at the ball) and kisses her. I thought maybe some kind of magic would be at play with her accepting Killian as her true mate. Sy had said something about that her accepting the mate bond, it would break the forced mate bond with Lilith. Unfortunately, the tornado that ripped her from Killians arms was to take her to the second bride trial was the only thing that happened. Maybe a bit more of a dramatic than normal since Queen Lilith watched Killian make out with her on the dance floor.
More information came out with Liliths point of view, hints about Barbie’s heritage, and with Barbie finding a baby picture of herself in Liliths pocket dimension was pretty telling. I’m starting to lose interest in this series. The plot is slow, there’s a lots of drama and a ton of bullying towards Barbie. Who is described as stronger than everyone there but when she’s faced with a dual, she is usually pretty beat up. It’s a bit contradictory. I suspect there will be two more books after this. One to defeat her dad, the God of Ruin, the eater of worlds, and Lilith, fallen angel, bright star of the night, and probably Barbie’s birth mother. They are both big and baddies. Barbie and Sy both deserve their happily ever after so I might just stick it out.
47 reviews
May 20, 2025
I’m only 22% of the way into the book and giving up. I’m over both mfc fighting and wanting their way. I’m also over Sy just wanting sex and not thinking about anything else I get it she gets power from it but like girl you shit away more then half your life and all you want when your free is sex like come on? I don’t know maybe just me but I’m okay.
Profile Image for Regina Thompson.
557 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2025
DNF - maybe I’ll finish. Maybe i won’t. I’m 80% in and just do not care if i read to the end. I was so invested in this series and then it all just fell apart.

Ruin sends shriekers to deliver a message, Barbie killed them before receiving the message.

The oracle is in the middle of delivering a message, but Barbie runs away before receiving the full message.

They go to battle KNOWING that their warriors’ magic and weapons are USELESS. So why risk their lives??!!!!

instead of quoting bits of The Art of War, maybe Barbie should try actually reading it.

They break the blood bond between Lilith and Killian but Lilith acts like nothing has changed. Why does he not immediately declare his fated mate bond to Barbie???!!! But Barbie’s all self sacrificing. She thinks she’s gonna give her life to save the world and maybe dude wants to end up with Lilith once she’s gone…. She really thinks he’ll want to be with the women who manipulated and tormented him and his mate????

And Sy just gets on my nerves. She’s supposed to be growing and maturing but she’s still self serving and never has to face the consequences of her actions. Barbie has to be the adult and clean everything up and yet that makes her a mean bitch?? Since Sy is the embodiment of magic, I’d love to see her just dissolve back into the earth and GO AWAY.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
164 reviews
April 17, 2025
I thought this book was the last one. And while I love a good story I thought the final battle could have been completed in this book. Oh well, I’ll still wait for the last book and am looking forward to the finale.
There’s a connection with Queen Lilith and Barbie. She’s her mother is what the foreshadowing is leading to from what I’ve gathered. Though it’s not clear if she knows that Barbie is her daughter or not.
I also liked the portion of the curse that Cade has from the Fury. Her being a two inch little thing that’s siphoning his magic and cursed him to never find love is sad. But when Sy frees him it’s a pretty great moment.
As for the bridal trials, that felt a bit forgotten throughout the last two books in the series. Even though it’s mentioned there’s so much other stuff that happens that throwing it in the end kinda felt out of left field. And I think there’s three trials total. So we’ll see how the finale book concludes the series. I’m hoping it all ties together nicely. And that Sy will be paired up with all of the heirs in addition to Rowan. As for Barbie her being separated from Sy in the end, I hope she’ll come back in an epic scene where just when you think the worst has happened that she will also get her happily ever after. After all love conquers all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Clare-Louise.
210 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶🌶🌶/5

This series confuses me and I dont know how to feel. 🤪

I love the story and the characters but there's SO MUCH filler and repeating/recaps in it that it could have been 3 books. The characters spend more time b!tching about each other and at each other and Barbie and Sy are awful to each other considering they are "soul sisters" or "two peas in a pod". Barbie is written to sound like an idiot yet she spent years learning everything to better herself and Sy whilst they were on the run. It was funny in the first book but now I just want to see more growth and less wining.

Also, I was looking forward to the bridal trials but we're 5 books in and theres only been 1 trial which wasn't a trial (drink from this cup and move on)

BUT in spite of the above when something happens in the book its awesome and I get sucked right in wanting to read more.

Book 6 predictions: I'm thinking Lillith is Barbies mum and I'm reeeeally hoping Cade and Bea get together as they would make an amazing couple as they are both so sweet but strong Mages now that Beas power has been released. 🤞🤞


Overall i think i love the story but its possibly the writing that doesn't click for me but I will be reading book 6 when its released as I neeeeeed to know what happens 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristen Laurance.
238 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2025
I started this book and finsihed it last night. Another story i have been waiting months for! I however did not love this book as much as I did the last four. I love that we get answsers to Cade but the bickering back and forth between Sy and Barbie as well and Rowan and Keiran was really annoying to me. I get love is in the air but I feel like they all became extremely selfish and overbearing. I am still excited to see how this story ends but it also felt like it was more of a gap filler between now and the final battle. I wish there had been more tension as in fighting then there was. Like maybe the second trial took place instead of how it ended. I do however have my suspisons on Lilith and that her motives are not to destroy Barbie after all but to push her to her very max and get her ready for what is to come.
Profile Image for FANCHON.
807 reviews25 followers
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
196 reviews
June 28, 2025
I hate book series that drag for no reason. Book 1: cool concept, plot has potential, not perfect, let’s see if it can improve. Book 2: meh but it might have been the filler Act II part. Book 3: okay so still wishy-washy Act II, FMC starting to annoy me. I can see the ending of this series, can we finish soon? Book 4: more winding story, must finish, I’m not a quitter. Book 5: seriously? Finally admitting to the things that you’ve told or hinted at since the beginning? So do we get the conclusion yet?!? So you still haven’t told us that Lilith is her mom… why not? You’ve all but had the characters say it out loud. Still no conclusion. No more books published so I don’t feel subtle guilt to read another book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carmen Alicea.
864 reviews16 followers
March 11, 2025
House of Demons and Bones is your next must-read if you love why-choose romance, dangerous heirs, and a heroine who refuses to be controlled. Sy isn't just surviving. She's thriving with three powerful heirs fighting for her while Barbie faces her own deadly fate.

Add a brutal father, aka the God of Ruin himself, who is bringing chaos their way, and you've got a story packed with steamy tension, ruthless court intrigue, and supernatural war.

Steam? Off the charts. Betrayals? Plenty. Obsess-worthy? Absolutely.

If you like your fantasy romance dark, sizzling, and impossible to put down, grab this book ASAP.
2,133 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2025
House of Demons and Bones...

Shades of Ruin and Magic book 5. I need 10 stars for this series. It should and can be a movie. Just when I think the series can't get any better, the author steps up her game another level. Situation, issues and so many questions start to connect. But even then there is some crazy mystery that lingers. Layers upon layers of high angst, twisty on level10 and drama that doesn't stop. So sexy, mysterious and intriguing. It seems like forever for the next book but its worth the wait. Brilliant writing foe a fanfreakingtastic read.
Profile Image for Jacque Waterman.
19 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2025
This book felt more like a filler. I have enjoyed the craziness of the other 4 books. It has been a roller coaster ride but this one felt like it fell flat. There was no advancements in the plot itself and where there could have been major advancements it just fell flat. It was still fun to read but it wasn’t my favorite. Also in the series thus far I feel like I read the same thing over and over again with the recalling of things. Barbie and Sy’s relationship is also starting to feel very toxic.
Profile Image for Ashley LeBaron.
207 reviews14 followers
September 23, 2025
I was hoping this would have wrapped up with this book, but nope I guess there’s going to be another one at some point. The review for this book is pretty much identical to my review for the last one. Hardly any plot progression at all. Seems like plot is on the back burner. Sy and Rowan were a bit insufferable in this book. What is it with loving MMCs named Killian?! 😂 Again, for the most part it was just a fun read don’t come to this book with a hope of literary art because you won’t find it. Just depends on if it matches your vibe. Guess I’m waiting for the next book 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Kate Lynn Dzindzio.
11 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2025
The series is making some progress but I feel like it's lingering in some points that are less important than progressing the plot. Still, with that said ... The plot that is present is killing it! I stayed glued to wanting to find out what was happening next.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Barbie, Killian, Rowan and Sy finally told the other heirs their secrets and made each heir share one of their own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ameira.
582 reviews
April 7, 2025
I’m giving up on this series….
I was already frustrated with book 4 dragging out
Book 4 was a recap and sliver of plot towards the end
And now we have book 5 im at 30% and we’re just going in circles.
There will be another book after this so my guess is that this book will drag out aswell.( same repetitive stuff)
I’ll wait until the last book and read it then because I know 100% I wouldn’t have missed out on much.
Profile Image for Jane Who Reads.
555 reviews
April 18, 2025
3.00/5.00 ⭐️ rating
1.00/5.00 🌶️ rating

Thoughts:

I thought this was the last book genuinely and am annoyed it’s not. I forced myself through this book. The smut is awkward and boring. There is no character development or relationship development throughout this entire series.

I just wanted to know how the story ends and now I have to wait. I’m not even sure I’m gonna read the last one when it comes out at this point. I’m just disappointed to say the least.
88 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2025
This book made me so angry! I started the series knowing, from the Amazon description, that there were 5 books in the series, and all 5 were available. So I get to the end, and guess what? Yet another cliffhanger! Had I known the entire series was not yet available I wouldn't have started it.
As sometimes happens, this book seemed to slump into "more sex, less plot". This author writes a spicy action scene well, but this book leaned into that a bit too much.
Profile Image for Camille.
203 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2025
I’m so sick of these books.
The characters are annoying, the books could easily be 1-3 books cause there is so much filler (like seriously nothing at all happened in this one), and the plot is getting really weird.
However I will still be reading the final one - the whole reason I’m still reading these books is because I want to see the final battle with ruin and for it to be revealed that Lilith is her mother (no other option right?)
Profile Image for Haydee Otero.
362 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2025
OBSESSED!!!

I love this entire series and House of Demons and Bones did not disappoint! It’s action packed, fast paced, friggin hilarious and more spicy!! Double the spice in this 5th book in the series! Between Rowen and Sy vs Killian and Barbie I was blown away! And of course Barbie’s antics make me laugh so much! I can’t wait for the final book!
Profile Image for book babe.
55 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
This series always gives me giggles with the perfect little amount of action, romance, & plot.

She has done it again! Her short novels produce the best quirky characters, world building, & challenge today’s social norms. It is always a pleasure getting to indulge in her goofy tales with BA babes saving the day!
Profile Image for Ayanna✨&#x1f30a;&#x1f41a;✨.
115 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2025
holy shit pt 5

I swear I fall more in love with this author with each book. As always with this series, this book ended in a cliff hanger…. But that baby picture detail? Ugggg can’t wait for the last book. Will they separate band both survive? Or only one?
Suspense is already killing me.
4 reviews
May 21, 2025
I cant go on

I cant read the last book. It took everything in me to get thru the last 4. The 1st one I liked. But I just can't anymore. Its just terrible, I'm sorry Its all over the place, extremely repetitive and should of been at most 3 books. It made me cringe too many times, I can't go on.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lil'n  Dunski.
1,509 reviews15 followers
August 5, 2025
Wow!

Another cliffhanger that has me fuming and excited. I thought this was going to be the last book, how wrong I was. I should have known by how little the pages were, thinking this book was pretty much going straight into battle!
As much as Barbie and Sy annoy me, I love them just as fiercely. The heirs are as delicious as always
Profile Image for Toria Evans.
131 reviews
March 10, 2025
This is definitely my guilty pleasure series. Such an easy read, I couldn't put it down! But the cliffhanger had me screaming! Unfortunately, I have to wait until August for the final book!!!! "House of Chaos and Guilded Dreams" needs to come faster!
2 reviews
March 10, 2025
The Best One Yet!!!

Do yourself a favor and just read this entire series!!! Trust me. Just do it. You won’t regret it. I can’t wait to see how it ends. It’s gonna be a long 5 months!
161 reviews
March 11, 2025
Warning: cliffhanger

I couldn't put this book down! Of course, it ends with a frustrating cliffhanger that Meg Xuemei X is so good at. I'm excited for the final book to be released in August.
I believe that's what was posted at the end of this book . Happy Reading 📚
Profile Image for Liz Dimailig.
103 reviews11 followers
March 11, 2025
More sleepless nights

What is sleep when you have a Meg Xuemei X book in your hands? Another captivating addition to the series - action-packed with just the right amount of spice. My perfect combination!
6 reviews
March 12, 2025
Okay

For some reason, this one seemed like it was rushed? I've loved this series, and been waiting for this one to come out.. but it wasn't bear as good as the previous ones. Still worth reading though. But like I said, it just seemed like it was rushed when written.
Profile Image for Brittany.
32 reviews
March 22, 2025
man oh man!

I waited for this book to come out I thought it was the last in the series! Was I wrong, no big reveals still just little snippets of things that you could have guessed on. Was still a great book and I can’t wait until August it’s only March 😫
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