What do you think?
Rate this book
Wreck and Ruin: A Little Mermaid Retelling
AIRLIE
I was born in the devil’s playground.
The place where Father keeps me.
There is no God here.
There are no saints.
The ocean and this cave are my home.
And I am Father’s best kept secret.
When a man is left to die, a wreckage of flesh and bone tossed at my doorstep,
I choose to save him.
A gift from the sea, that I intend to keep.
He is my stranger.
My pet.
Mine.
EZEKIEL
I am nothing more than a ghost.
No one outside the Mafia knows I exist.
I was assigned a mission of a lifetime.
Go undercover and take down The Royal.
A trafficking ring run by a group of corrupt elites.
When my best laid plans are ruined, I’m left for dead.
That’s when she finds me.
I’m the one she holds captive, but she’s the one who is truly imprisoned.
My beautiful captor.
My siren.
Mine.
Wreck and Ruin is a dark, modern gothic, secret society retelling that can be read as a complete standalone.
Please be advised that this book contains very heavy and dark themes that may be triggering.
Please check the content warning on Octavia's website for a list before reading. This is not a fantasy.
I was born in the devil’s playground.
The place where Father keeps me.
There is no God here.
There are no saints.
The ocean and this cave are my home.
And I am Father’s best kept secret.
When a man is left to die, a wreckage of flesh and bone tossed at my doorstep,
I choose to save him.
A gift from the sea, that I intend to keep.
He is my stranger.
My pet.
Mine.
EZEKIEL
I am nothing more than a ghost.
No one outside the Mafia knows I exist.
I was assigned a mission of a lifetime.
Go undercover and take down The Royal.
A trafficking ring run by a group of corrupt elites.
When my best laid plans are ruined, I’m left for dead.
That’s when she finds me.
I’m the one she holds captive, but she’s the one who is truly imprisoned.
My beautiful captor.
My siren.
Mine.
Wreck and Ruin is a dark, modern gothic, secret society retelling that can be read as a complete standalone.
Please be advised that this book contains very heavy and dark themes that may be triggering.
Please check the content warning on Octavia's website for a list before reading. This is not a fantasy.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
50 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
The minute I saw this shared as a dark gothic little mermaid retelling I immediately bought it. I can see how it loosely has themes from Little Mermaid, I didn’t like the insta love aspect. While I’m not usually a fan of insta love in general..keep in mind our FMC, Airlie, grew up being a captive in a sex trafficking ring determined to breed her since she was a child, and she’s selectively mute…she finds our MMC washed up on shore when she sneaks into a cave she has access to from her cell. She immediately chains him up in order to keep him there and safe, when he asks her to let him go she leaves. From that point on there’s very little interaction between the two unless she sneaks in when he’s sleeping. Then all of a sudden he has a nightmare and she goes to him, all of a sudden she decides to talk to him, they’re in love, he bangs her on the cave floor. This didn’t allow us to feel any connection between the characters, and felt forced to me.
I did love the fact that this had a mafia aspect and the twist on who the Airlie actually is, I also loved that this was an age gap romance. I do wish this was longer however so we got more little moments of the characters connecting, and more of their escape efforts. I think that would have made this an easy 5 star read for me. Overall, the premise was fantastic, I just wanted more
The minute I saw this shared as a dark gothic little mermaid retelling I immediately bought it. I can see how it loosely has themes from Little Mermaid, I didn’t like the insta love aspect. While I’m not usually a fan of insta love in general..keep in mind our FMC, Airlie, grew up being a captive in a sex trafficking ring determined to breed her since she was a child, and she’s selectively mute…she finds our MMC washed up on shore when she sneaks into a cave she has access to from her cell. She immediately chains him up in order to keep him there and safe, when he asks her to let him go she leaves. From that point on there’s very little interaction between the two unless she sneaks in when he’s sleeping. Then all of a sudden he has a nightmare and she goes to him, all of a sudden she decides to talk to him, they’re in love, he bangs her on the cave floor. This didn’t allow us to feel any connection between the characters, and felt forced to me.
I did love the fact that this had a mafia aspect and the twist on who the Airlie actually is, I also loved that this was an age gap romance. I do wish this was longer however so we got more little moments of the characters connecting, and more of their escape efforts. I think that would have made this an easy 5 star read for me. Overall, the premise was fantastic, I just wanted more
April 23, 2025
Wreck & Ruin by Octavia Knightly
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wreck and Ruin is a dark gothic romance based off of a retelling of the Little Mermaid.
Airlie spends her life alone in a dark cave along the oceans water, ever since her mother died she has known only cruelty from Father.
Little does she know she is his best kept secret hidden from everyone even more cruel and corrupt than him.
Airlie finds Ezekiel washed up on some rocks barely alive, but she must save him.
Airlie knows she would be punished by Father if he found out about him so she hides him away in another cave where he will never be found, chained to a wall, forever her own little secret but at least he will be safe.
Tropes:
💀 Dark Gothic Romance
💀 Touch Her & Die
💀 Mafia
💀 Secret Society
💀 Captor / Captive
I was very impressed how beautiful and poetic Octavia’s writing style is, for this being her first book she an absolutely blew me away.
✨Please read the trigger warnings as this is a deeply dark read ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wreck and Ruin is a dark gothic romance based off of a retelling of the Little Mermaid.
Airlie spends her life alone in a dark cave along the oceans water, ever since her mother died she has known only cruelty from Father.
Little does she know she is his best kept secret hidden from everyone even more cruel and corrupt than him.
Airlie finds Ezekiel washed up on some rocks barely alive, but she must save him.
Airlie knows she would be punished by Father if he found out about him so she hides him away in another cave where he will never be found, chained to a wall, forever her own little secret but at least he will be safe.
Tropes:
💀 Dark Gothic Romance
💀 Touch Her & Die
💀 Mafia
💀 Secret Society
💀 Captor / Captive
I was very impressed how beautiful and poetic Octavia’s writing style is, for this being her first book she an absolutely blew me away.
✨Please read the trigger warnings as this is a deeply dark read ✨
June 11, 2025
I can tell that writing this book was probably cathartic for the author for multiple reasons, but that might be the single nicest thing that I can say about it.
I feel quite bad leaving a review this negative of a debut author's fresh release, but... I tried my best to find something I liked about this, and I just came up empty.
The whole book just felt like it was confused.
Was it trying to tackle its core topic of human trafficking (and by the looks of it, institutionalized abuse done on a frankly industrial level) with the respect and sensitivity something like that would need and deserve? Then it failed, plain and simple.
Was the aim to write something sensationalistic with the very purpose of being dark and shocking the reader? Then I suppose that goal was more or less achieved, but it was done callously, sloppily. (I do admit, there were a few scenes that I felt warranted the prior warnings, but without it affecting the characters and generating an emotional response in the reader, no gore can be more than just words on a page.)
Did it want to evoke the feeling of gothic literature? Maybe, but it did so only in the most superficial, aesthetic elements (by using the monastery, the themes of religion, taboo, horror, etc.), and completely overlooked the core of the genre, with writing that was not nearly strong enough to carry this level of sheer melodrama.
Did it want to be a romance? Then it forgot that in order to be that, it needs to be -you know- romantic.
The female protagonist I felt was barely a presence in the narrative, and with the exception of the climax, I felt like she more or less existed as a thing- either for the antagonists to abuse, or the protagonist to possess, with her character defined by her relation to- and the things done to her by the male characters.
The male protagonist, the one seated firmly in the driver's seat of the plot, I found to be charmless. His narration, I felt was very repetitive, and consisted mostly of fantasies of violence- which, while more or less understandable, did very little to endear him to me. By the end of the book, I still felt like I barely had an idea of who he was. (While Airlie at least has the one personality trait of liking to take care of the spiders in her cave, I would genuinely be hard-pressed to tell you anything about Ezekiel besides the fact that he has blue eyes, a backstory I feel like I've heard many times elsewhere before, and enough poorly bottled rage to power a small country.)
The relationship feels very insubstantial as the characters jump from meeting, to sex, to passionate declarations of eternal love within the span of mere pages after having exchanged no more than maybe five sentences, and making very little effort to communicate otherwise, or establish a bond that goes beyond shared trauma and physical attraction.
The book doesn't seem to know or care about the effects the abuse (physical and emotional) that it inflicts upon its characters should have.
It doesn't even seem to know or care about what the mafia is.
I gave it the best shot I could, I wanted to like it, I almost never set out to read something with the intention of disliking it, but this is easily the weakest read of my year so far.
PS., I feel like I should add, this book also featured what was probably the single most disturbing sex scene (that I assume wasn't written with the intention of being disturbing) that I've read in recent memory. Not because of the period blood stuff- I think it's very unsanitary (and referring back to it in the epilogue was certainly...... a Choice that was made by the author), but that's not really what I care about.
I thought the scene was gross because the level of possessiveness the male protagonist showed instantly, I thought felt -at the lack of a better word- icky within the context (he's having sex with a young woman who was groomed into sexual slavery and repeatedly assaulted in a multitude of ways since childhood- maybe being a touch more gentle with her, emphasizing consent and her ability to say no a bit more, and taking the frequency of the appearance of the word "mine" in his internal monologue down a notch would have been warranted?).
I mean for crying out loud, prior to that scene, he went from likening her to a child, noting that she's likely a teenager, and acknowledging the extensive and intense physical and sexual abuse that she has very clearly suffered, to wanting to stick his dick in her within just a few paragraphs.
I don't necessarily mind an age gap, or even a Magic Healing Dick(TM) when applicable, but this one... whoof, this scene seems to go out of its way to make the male protagonist sound like he's really not that much better an alternative than the antagonists.
Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I question if those who rated this garbage five stars had a gun to their head at the time.
I feel quite bad leaving a review this negative of a debut author's fresh release, but... I tried my best to find something I liked about this, and I just came up empty.
The whole book just felt like it was confused.
Was it trying to tackle its core topic of human trafficking (and by the looks of it, institutionalized abuse done on a frankly industrial level) with the respect and sensitivity something like that would need and deserve? Then it failed, plain and simple.
Was the aim to write something sensationalistic with the very purpose of being dark and shocking the reader? Then I suppose that goal was more or less achieved, but it was done callously, sloppily. (I do admit, there were a few scenes that I felt warranted the prior warnings, but without it affecting the characters and generating an emotional response in the reader, no gore can be more than just words on a page.)
Did it want to evoke the feeling of gothic literature? Maybe, but it did so only in the most superficial, aesthetic elements (by using the monastery, the themes of religion, taboo, horror, etc.), and completely overlooked the core of the genre, with writing that was not nearly strong enough to carry this level of sheer melodrama.
Did it want to be a romance? Then it forgot that in order to be that, it needs to be -you know- romantic.
The female protagonist I felt was barely a presence in the narrative, and with the exception of the climax, I felt like she more or less existed as a thing- either for the antagonists to abuse, or the protagonist to possess, with her character defined by her relation to- and the things done to her by the male characters.
The male protagonist, the one seated firmly in the driver's seat of the plot, I found to be charmless. His narration, I felt was very repetitive, and consisted mostly of fantasies of violence- which, while more or less understandable, did very little to endear him to me. By the end of the book, I still felt like I barely had an idea of who he was. (While Airlie at least has the one personality trait of liking to take care of the spiders in her cave, I would genuinely be hard-pressed to tell you anything about Ezekiel besides the fact that he has blue eyes, a backstory I feel like I've heard many times elsewhere before, and enough poorly bottled rage to power a small country.)
The relationship feels very insubstantial as the characters jump from meeting, to sex, to passionate declarations of eternal love within the span of mere pages after having exchanged no more than maybe five sentences, and making very little effort to communicate otherwise, or establish a bond that goes beyond shared trauma and physical attraction.
The book doesn't seem to know or care about the effects the abuse (physical and emotional) that it inflicts upon its characters should have.
It doesn't even seem to know or care about what the mafia is.
I gave it the best shot I could, I wanted to like it, I almost never set out to read something with the intention of disliking it, but this is easily the weakest read of my year so far.
PS., I feel like I should add, this book also featured what was probably the single most disturbing sex scene (that I assume wasn't written with the intention of being disturbing) that I've read in recent memory. Not because of the period blood stuff- I think it's very unsanitary (and referring back to it in the epilogue was certainly...... a Choice that was made by the author), but that's not really what I care about.
I thought the scene was gross because the level of possessiveness the male protagonist showed instantly, I thought felt -at the lack of a better word- icky within the context (he's having sex with a young woman who was groomed into sexual slavery and repeatedly assaulted in a multitude of ways since childhood- maybe being a touch more gentle with her, emphasizing consent and her ability to say no a bit more, and taking the frequency of the appearance of the word "mine" in his internal monologue down a notch would have been warranted?).
I mean for crying out loud, prior to that scene, he went from likening her to a child, noting that she's likely a teenager, and acknowledging the extensive and intense physical and sexual abuse that she has very clearly suffered, to wanting to stick his dick in her within just a few paragraphs.
I don't necessarily mind an age gap, or even a Magic Healing Dick(TM) when applicable, but this one... whoof, this scene seems to go out of its way to make the male protagonist sound like he's really not that much better an alternative than the antagonists.
Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I question if those who rated this garbage five stars had a gun to their head at the time.
April 17, 2025
Such a beautiful, terribly heartbreaking story about abuse and learning how to heal. Wreck and Ruin is a dark gothic romance inspired by The Little Mermaid.
This book had my feelings on an emotional roller coaster, and the grip had me on. Throughout the story, Octavia had my heart crushed for Airlie living this nightmare that never ended, but also how strong this character was, who was not going to give up.
This story is filled with raw emotions and is so beautifully written. This is a poetic, deep, emotional, twisted, and heart-wrenching journey story. Hold onto your hearts with the intense emotions and complexities story.
This author amazes me with her writing. I can't wait to read more.
This book had my feelings on an emotional roller coaster, and the grip had me on. Throughout the story, Octavia had my heart crushed for Airlie living this nightmare that never ended, but also how strong this character was, who was not going to give up.
This story is filled with raw emotions and is so beautifully written. This is a poetic, deep, emotional, twisted, and heart-wrenching journey story. Hold onto your hearts with the intense emotions and complexities story.
This author amazes me with her writing. I can't wait to read more.
May 1, 2025
What an intense ride this was. It’s definitely dark and anyone with triggers would do well to check the warnings just in case.
This story hit all the emotional check points. Reading Airlie’s story and seeing what she had to endure completely broke my heart! 😭 The fact that she was still so kind and caring even after everything made me wish I could scoop her up and save her, but thankfully she ends up crossing paths (more like rescues) with someone who is not only familiar with the kind of life she’s been subjected to, but has also dedicated his time to putting a stop to those kinds of atrocities. These two were such a perfect match up and I loved the way Ezekiel was so protective of Airlie. Something she desperately needed but had been denied thru out her life.
This story hit all the emotional check points. Reading Airlie’s story and seeing what she had to endure completely broke my heart! 😭 The fact that she was still so kind and caring even after everything made me wish I could scoop her up and save her, but thankfully she ends up crossing paths (more like rescues) with someone who is not only familiar with the kind of life she’s been subjected to, but has also dedicated his time to putting a stop to those kinds of atrocities. These two were such a perfect match up and I loved the way Ezekiel was so protective of Airlie. Something she desperately needed but had been denied thru out her life.
May 6, 2025
"I am wreck and ruin, and if I get out of this alive, my fractured soul will forever be a prisoner to this night."
OOOOOOOFFFFTTTTTTTTT, this book had me in an absolute choke hold. I really struggled to put it down and continue my daily life.
We follow our poor FMC Airlie through some of the worst trauma known to man. Trapped in a cave, all alone apart from her spiders, and the devils who visit her to do unimaginable things.
Always looking for some kind of escape Airlie manages to find a hole in the wall to allow her some short-lived freedom. When she notices a human body washed along her small beach opening and decides to try and save him, her life will never be the same.
Ezikiel had decided his fate. He was prepared for death. What he was not prepared for, was a double crossing... and eventually a beautiful siren to drag him from the depths of hell and alight his damned soul once more. What lengths will he go to, to make his last mission worth all of the heart ache? How far will he go to help the people who need it most?
Octavia has done an astounding job with the plot and the character development in this book. The growth that we see from the MC's is breath taking, heart breaking and all around just magnificent.
There are plot twists you don't see coming, heart break you are not prepared for, and happiness you think will never come.
This book is DARK. Black dark. if you have triggers check the list, this book is full of them. FULL! But from all the trauma this book possesses, strength, determination, growth and the purest love is born.
!!TROPES!!
● Dual POV
● Age GAp
● Fairytale Retelling
● Forced Proximity
● Grumpy/Sunshine
● Hurt/Comfort
● Insta Love / Love at first sight
Protector/ Nurturer
● Who did this to you?
● Orphaned Hero
● Dealing with Loss/ Grief
● First Love
● Rebellion Against Authority
● Self Discovery Journey
● Chosen Family Vs Blood Family
● Found Family
● Plot Twist
● Resistance/REbellion
!!TRIGGERS!!
● Abandonment
● Abortion
● Abuse
● Abusive Relationship
● Accidents
● Anxiety
● Attempted Crimes
● Bad Debts
● Blood
● Bodily Fluids
● Bondage
● Bones
● Bullying
● Cannibalism
● Child Abuse
● Confinement
● Control
● Cults
● Death
● Death of a Loved One
● Decapitation
● Depression
● Diets
● Drowning
● Drugs
● Dying
● Emotional Abuse
● Family Conflict
● Fear
● Fighting
● Fire
● Forced Actions
● Gangs
● Gaslighting
● Gore
● Graphic Death
● Graphic Sex
● Guns
● Harrassment
● Hostage Situation
● Human Trafficking
● Illness
● Incarceration
● Infertility
● Injury
● Kidnapping
● Manipulation
● Mass Deaths
● Mental Abuse
● Mental Health Issues
● Murder
● Mutilation
● Needles
● Nightmares
● Non Consent
● Nudity
● Organised Crime
● Pain
● Panic Attachks
● Paralysis
● Physical Abuse
● Political Confluct
● PTSD
● Pressure
● Profanity
Religious cult
RAPE
● Scars
● Screaming
● Shaming
● SA
● Slavery
● Spiders
● Stabbing
● Starvation
● Suffocation
● Suicidal Ideation
● Threats
● Torture
● Verbal Abuse
● Victim Blaming
● Violence
● War
● Weapons
OOOOOOOFFFFTTTTTTTTT, this book had me in an absolute choke hold. I really struggled to put it down and continue my daily life.
We follow our poor FMC Airlie through some of the worst trauma known to man. Trapped in a cave, all alone apart from her spiders, and the devils who visit her to do unimaginable things.
Always looking for some kind of escape Airlie manages to find a hole in the wall to allow her some short-lived freedom. When she notices a human body washed along her small beach opening and decides to try and save him, her life will never be the same.
Ezikiel had decided his fate. He was prepared for death. What he was not prepared for, was a double crossing... and eventually a beautiful siren to drag him from the depths of hell and alight his damned soul once more. What lengths will he go to, to make his last mission worth all of the heart ache? How far will he go to help the people who need it most?
Octavia has done an astounding job with the plot and the character development in this book. The growth that we see from the MC's is breath taking, heart breaking and all around just magnificent.
There are plot twists you don't see coming, heart break you are not prepared for, and happiness you think will never come.
This book is DARK. Black dark. if you have triggers check the list, this book is full of them. FULL! But from all the trauma this book possesses, strength, determination, growth and the purest love is born.
!!TROPES!!
● Dual POV
● Age GAp
● Fairytale Retelling
● Forced Proximity
● Grumpy/Sunshine
● Hurt/Comfort
● Insta Love / Love at first sight
Protector/ Nurturer
● Who did this to you?
● Orphaned Hero
● Dealing with Loss/ Grief
● First Love
● Rebellion Against Authority
● Self Discovery Journey
● Chosen Family Vs Blood Family
● Found Family
● Plot Twist
● Resistance/REbellion
!!TRIGGERS!!
● Abandonment
● Abortion
● Abuse
● Abusive Relationship
● Accidents
● Anxiety
● Attempted Crimes
● Bad Debts
● Blood
● Bodily Fluids
● Bondage
● Bones
● Bullying
● Cannibalism
● Child Abuse
● Confinement
● Control
● Cults
● Death
● Death of a Loved One
● Decapitation
● Depression
● Diets
● Drowning
● Drugs
● Dying
● Emotional Abuse
● Family Conflict
● Fear
● Fighting
● Fire
● Forced Actions
● Gangs
● Gaslighting
● Gore
● Graphic Death
● Graphic Sex
● Guns
● Harrassment
● Hostage Situation
● Human Trafficking
● Illness
● Incarceration
● Infertility
● Injury
● Kidnapping
● Manipulation
● Mass Deaths
● Mental Abuse
● Mental Health Issues
● Murder
● Mutilation
● Needles
● Nightmares
● Non Consent
● Nudity
● Organised Crime
● Pain
● Panic Attachks
● Paralysis
● Physical Abuse
● Political Confluct
● PTSD
● Pressure
● Profanity
Religious cult
RAPE
● Scars
● Screaming
● Shaming
● SA
● Slavery
● Spiders
● Stabbing
● Starvation
● Suffocation
● Suicidal Ideation
● Threats
● Torture
● Verbal Abuse
● Victim Blaming
● Violence
● War
● Weapons
May 5, 2025
This was the first book I have read from Octavia Knightly. My girl knows how to write an addictive, adrenaline pumping, heartbreaking book.
Ezekiel is my favourite type of morally grey man!! He lives his life as a ghost until his friend double crosses him and nearly turns him into an actual ghost. But of course like all morally grey mafia men, they are always one step ahead of everyone to the point he blows up a boat the size of cruise ship filled with “The Royals” in charge of Atlantara an Island “trafficking ring”.
Cue our heartbreaking moments with our Siren girl Airlie who we meet at 12 when she is playing games with “father” in her cave. Yeah that’s right she lives in a cave. 👀 (in what we later come to find out is under the heart of Atlantara) and these “games” is in all things definitely heartbreaking as you think they are.
Seven Years later, and our little Siren Stumbles upon a washed up mystery man on the side of the rockface that leads to hers and adjacent caves. She saves our extremely handsome mystery man patches him up and shackles him to a wall.
From here we go on a journey of how after everything Airlie has endured in her lifetime is still able to care and fall for this mysterious stranger and ends up giving him something that she has never let any man take from her.. her voice..
Honestly the twists and turns this book takes you on makes it the most addictive heartbreaking but ultimately beautiful love story. Because who wouldn’t love a man who would walk to the ends of the earth and would die to save your life….
Wreck and Ruin is out now and honestly run don’t walk on this one plus Octavia is an Aussie dark romance author!! Get behind her 🖤🖤🖤 honestly I can’t wait to see what else is to come in this “FORVERMORE” series.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote from Wreck and Ruin.
“If you’re a ghost with nothing, Ezekiel, then I am a phantom with everything. Because now that I have you, there is nothing else in this world that I could possibly want more.”
Ezekiel is my favourite type of morally grey man!! He lives his life as a ghost until his friend double crosses him and nearly turns him into an actual ghost. But of course like all morally grey mafia men, they are always one step ahead of everyone to the point he blows up a boat the size of cruise ship filled with “The Royals” in charge of Atlantara an Island “trafficking ring”.
Cue our heartbreaking moments with our Siren girl Airlie who we meet at 12 when she is playing games with “father” in her cave. Yeah that’s right she lives in a cave. 👀 (in what we later come to find out is under the heart of Atlantara) and these “games” is in all things definitely heartbreaking as you think they are.
Seven Years later, and our little Siren Stumbles upon a washed up mystery man on the side of the rockface that leads to hers and adjacent caves. She saves our extremely handsome mystery man patches him up and shackles him to a wall.
From here we go on a journey of how after everything Airlie has endured in her lifetime is still able to care and fall for this mysterious stranger and ends up giving him something that she has never let any man take from her.. her voice..
Honestly the twists and turns this book takes you on makes it the most addictive heartbreaking but ultimately beautiful love story. Because who wouldn’t love a man who would walk to the ends of the earth and would die to save your life….
Wreck and Ruin is out now and honestly run don’t walk on this one plus Octavia is an Aussie dark romance author!! Get behind her 🖤🖤🖤 honestly I can’t wait to see what else is to come in this “FORVERMORE” series.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote from Wreck and Ruin.
“If you’re a ghost with nothing, Ezekiel, then I am a phantom with everything. Because now that I have you, there is nothing else in this world that I could possibly want more.”
April 30, 2025
Wreck and Ruin! This is what this book did to me!
It tore me apart and then put me back together!
I have to be honest there was a moment where I thought, is this too much for me? But I made it through and I am so glad I did!
OCTAVIA THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!!!
This is a spin on the little mermaid, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a fantasy romance… it is dark dark dark, but in the best way.
Instead of a sidekick fish we have 2 pet spiders!
If you like your books dark this is for you.
Please read trigger warnings before reading too far though
It tore me apart and then put me back together!
I have to be honest there was a moment where I thought, is this too much for me? But I made it through and I am so glad I did!
OCTAVIA THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!!!
This is a spin on the little mermaid, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a fantasy romance… it is dark dark dark, but in the best way.
Instead of a sidekick fish we have 2 pet spiders!
If you like your books dark this is for you.
Please read trigger warnings before reading too far though
April 16, 2025
Dark, beautiful , poetic, heartbreaking, tragic, perfection.
Wreck and Ruin is a dark gothic romance, loosely inspired by the Little Mermaid.
I am blown away by this story. To think this is a debut novel is mind blowing. Octavia’s writing is poetic and beautiful, the vibe she has created is seriously perfection.
There are some heavy themes and topics throughout, so be mindful before reading.
Airlie and Ezekiel are both tortured souls that you cannot help but fall in love with.
I will be shouting about this book to everyone and any one that will listen. A top read for my 2025!
Wreck and Ruin is a dark gothic romance, loosely inspired by the Little Mermaid.
I am blown away by this story. To think this is a debut novel is mind blowing. Octavia’s writing is poetic and beautiful, the vibe she has created is seriously perfection.
There are some heavy themes and topics throughout, so be mindful before reading.
Airlie and Ezekiel are both tortured souls that you cannot help but fall in love with.
I will be shouting about this book to everyone and any one that will listen. A top read for my 2025!
April 19, 2025
absolutely obsessed with these 2. 1 is sheltered and got a scrappy hand at life and the other is her pet thaf she's destined to nurse back to help..in the end he will do anything to save her from herself.
April 27, 2025
If you want a dark retelling of The Little Mermaid you don’t need to look any further than here.
April 28, 2025
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Wreck and Ruin by Octavia Knightly
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.50
Dark: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Recommend: 🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌
No words could explain
What can I say? I went into this book and was completely blindsided. It was a dark Gothic retelling of the little mermaid.
I can tell you it did not disappoint at all. Did I suspect a mermaid, well yes, yes I did, but even though there were no mermaids the book was amazing and such dark read.
I loved the suspense and darkness of this book. It was just the right amount of everything.
The things that Ezekiel had to go through was horrible and my heart went out to him. He was a very tortured soul and he needed something to truly tie him to this world. Something that made him feel like he could live in without the memories of his past.
Airlie, well she was just what the doctor ordered. His Little Siren, was a helpless young woman who needed guidance and someone to heal her broken soul. The things "The Father" put her through were horrific and I wanted to do what needed to be done to be rid of him.
She may have been the captor, but she was destined for Ezekiel. They were each other's missing puzzle piece. Soul mates. They were absolutely perfect for one another.
This story was the debut for the author and boy did she do it perfectly. Hats off to her.
I definitely recommend this book, because what an amazing read. My mind was blown and if you will excuse me, I have to go find the pieces. 😘
Wreck and Ruin by Octavia Knightly
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.50
Dark: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Recommend: 🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌
No words could explain
What can I say? I went into this book and was completely blindsided. It was a dark Gothic retelling of the little mermaid.
I can tell you it did not disappoint at all. Did I suspect a mermaid, well yes, yes I did, but even though there were no mermaids the book was amazing and such dark read.
I loved the suspense and darkness of this book. It was just the right amount of everything.
The things that Ezekiel had to go through was horrible and my heart went out to him. He was a very tortured soul and he needed something to truly tie him to this world. Something that made him feel like he could live in without the memories of his past.
Airlie, well she was just what the doctor ordered. His Little Siren, was a helpless young woman who needed guidance and someone to heal her broken soul. The things "The Father" put her through were horrific and I wanted to do what needed to be done to be rid of him.
She may have been the captor, but she was destined for Ezekiel. They were each other's missing puzzle piece. Soul mates. They were absolutely perfect for one another.
This story was the debut for the author and boy did she do it perfectly. Hats off to her.
I definitely recommend this book, because what an amazing read. My mind was blown and if you will excuse me, I have to go find the pieces. 😘
April 30, 2025
This book was such an emotional roller coaster. It is a dark retelling of Little Mermaid. But not in the sense she’s a mermaid but more trapped by someone who was supposed to take care of her.
Airlie only knew darkness from people who was supposed to be of faith but little did she know that she is involved in a much bigger conspiracy than what she was led to believe. Father Grimsby was supposed to be a man of the cloth and faith but he SA her every chance he got cause to him, she was only supposed to be vessel to him and produce a baby. But when she couldn’t do that, he brought in others to help. Until he washed up to the shore and changed everything.
Ezekiel was supposed to be a ghost to the world with no identity. He was part of an underground secret society that has been targeting The Royal who is an underground human/sex trafficking organization that no one knew about. When he went undercover for the last 4 yrs trying to gather intel from the inside. Once he was found upon a shore of an island that was nonexistent to the world, a she found him and chained him up so he wouldn’t escape. But it turns out he discovered the whole operation and the woman who took his breath away from the very first time they met.
What will happened to them once everything goes south and they both discover who they both are?
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE STARTING THIS BOOK. IT IS HEAVY ON A LOT OF TRIGGERING SUBJECTS. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT
Airlie only knew darkness from people who was supposed to be of faith but little did she know that she is involved in a much bigger conspiracy than what she was led to believe. Father Grimsby was supposed to be a man of the cloth and faith but he SA her every chance he got cause to him, she was only supposed to be vessel to him and produce a baby. But when she couldn’t do that, he brought in others to help. Until he washed up to the shore and changed everything.
Ezekiel was supposed to be a ghost to the world with no identity. He was part of an underground secret society that has been targeting The Royal who is an underground human/sex trafficking organization that no one knew about. When he went undercover for the last 4 yrs trying to gather intel from the inside. Once he was found upon a shore of an island that was nonexistent to the world, a she found him and chained him up so he wouldn’t escape. But it turns out he discovered the whole operation and the woman who took his breath away from the very first time they met.
What will happened to them once everything goes south and they both discover who they both are?
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE STARTING THIS BOOK. IT IS HEAVY ON A LOT OF TRIGGERING SUBJECTS. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT
May 4, 2025
Wreck and Ruin is a dark Little Mermaid retelling. The story was heartbreaking, haunting, and utterly incredible. Airlie was solely raised by Father Grimsby at the age of six, after he unalived her mother for not being able to produce more children. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally tort*ured. As early as the age of twelve Father was coming to her daily and forcing himself on her and he was extra angry if she had that time of the month. The one bright spot in her life was when she was able to sneak out through the tunnel and spend some time outside.
After her mother's death she decided not to speak until she met her Stranger, Ezekiel. Ezekiel is a member of the mafia that is undercover to take down The Royal. The Royal is a secret society that deals in trafficking. He ends up on Atlantara, which is the place where the kidnapped are held. But he is held captive by his Little Siren. She hides him captive and holds him captive so Father doesn't hurt him. She takes care of him and he knows she is protecting him. They bond and of course fall for each other. I absolutely loved Airlie and Ezekiel. Airlie went through Hell her entire life. She stayed strong and never gave in. When Ezekiel came she sacrificed food and her safety to protect him. Oh, Ezekiel! I'm definitely adding him to my ever expanding list of book boyfriends. Despite being part of the mafia and having to participate in despicable acts he did it to save others. I absolutely loved this book and I am so glad they got the ending they deserve! This is Octavia's debut novel but I can't wait to see what she creates next. I can definitely see her becoming one of my must read authors!
After her mother's death she decided not to speak until she met her Stranger, Ezekiel. Ezekiel is a member of the mafia that is undercover to take down The Royal. The Royal is a secret society that deals in trafficking. He ends up on Atlantara, which is the place where the kidnapped are held. But he is held captive by his Little Siren. She hides him captive and holds him captive so Father doesn't hurt him. She takes care of him and he knows she is protecting him. They bond and of course fall for each other. I absolutely loved Airlie and Ezekiel. Airlie went through Hell her entire life. She stayed strong and never gave in. When Ezekiel came she sacrificed food and her safety to protect him. Oh, Ezekiel! I'm definitely adding him to my ever expanding list of book boyfriends. Despite being part of the mafia and having to participate in despicable acts he did it to save others. I absolutely loved this book and I am so glad they got the ending they deserve! This is Octavia's debut novel but I can't wait to see what she creates next. I can definitely see her becoming one of my must read authors!
April 29, 2025
I read this book in one day and I can honestly say that it truly sucked me into the storyline and I felt so emotionally attached to both Airlie and Ezekiel from the very start.
This book is full of chaos and intrigue from the very first chapter and my only complaint is that I wish it was longer so I could get more of their story! This book is definitely a Little Mermaid retelling, but its as if it was remade with a little bit of Pepper Winters's Jewelry Box mixed in and I am here for it!
For those of you who like dark content, then this book is "chef's kiss" but for some I would definitely recommend reading the trigger warnings list. Have you ever found yourself falling for the villain in a book just to realize he was never really the bad guy in the story? I feel like this is a common occurrence for me as I love villains and I can honestly say that I once again fell for a book character that was perceived as a villain in his own way and I don't regret it one bit.
This book will tear your heart out all while making you realize that life isn't nearly as bad as it could be and that even at its worst, life could always get better and maybe even have a HEA and/or found family.
Everyone needs to give this book a read. And then join me as I wait impatiently as ever for Octavia to write Book 2 in the Forevermore Series!
This book is full of chaos and intrigue from the very first chapter and my only complaint is that I wish it was longer so I could get more of their story! This book is definitely a Little Mermaid retelling, but its as if it was remade with a little bit of Pepper Winters's Jewelry Box mixed in and I am here for it!
For those of you who like dark content, then this book is "chef's kiss" but for some I would definitely recommend reading the trigger warnings list. Have you ever found yourself falling for the villain in a book just to realize he was never really the bad guy in the story? I feel like this is a common occurrence for me as I love villains and I can honestly say that I once again fell for a book character that was perceived as a villain in his own way and I don't regret it one bit.
This book will tear your heart out all while making you realize that life isn't nearly as bad as it could be and that even at its worst, life could always get better and maybe even have a HEA and/or found family.
Everyone needs to give this book a read. And then join me as I wait impatiently as ever for Octavia to write Book 2 in the Forevermore Series!
May 5, 2025
😍"In spite of that darkness, I found someone, or rather she found me. Tangled in shadows beneath water and stone. Two helpless souls bound together by tragedy and fate, and as I walk toward my future, I realize for the first time that I have everything I ever wanted."😍
Well, that was the plot twist that kept on twisting 👀
Wreck and Ruin is the Dark, Mafia, Romantasy, Fairytale retelling crossover that we didn't know we needed! I cannot wait until book 2!
I loved that even though it was VERY dark and tragic, the FMC and the MMC did get a happy ending in this story, because at some points during the story their future looked pretty bleak.
The soundtrack listed in the book was perfection to accompany the story and gave the world a whole new dimension!
The cover is absolutely divine and sold me on that alone!
After starting with a bang, the storyline did slow down for a while while the worldbuilding was happening, but then definitely picked back up again with gusto afterwards! It is very trigger heavy, and they're some biggies, so please read the triggers before starting!
Well, that was the plot twist that kept on twisting 👀
Wreck and Ruin is the Dark, Mafia, Romantasy, Fairytale retelling crossover that we didn't know we needed! I cannot wait until book 2!
I loved that even though it was VERY dark and tragic, the FMC and the MMC did get a happy ending in this story, because at some points during the story their future looked pretty bleak.
The soundtrack listed in the book was perfection to accompany the story and gave the world a whole new dimension!
The cover is absolutely divine and sold me on that alone!
After starting with a bang, the storyline did slow down for a while while the worldbuilding was happening, but then definitely picked back up again with gusto afterwards! It is very trigger heavy, and they're some biggies, so please read the triggers before starting!
April 22, 2025
Wreck and Ruin is a heartbreaking, beautifully written dark gothic retelling of the little mermaid. As a debut novel, Octavia's writing skill is one i am glad I didn't miss. With talent similar to Samantha Barrett, I know I'm in for a roller-coaster of emotions moving forward with Octavia.
I devoured Wreck and Ruin in less than a day. It was just impossible to put down. Airlie's story had me hooked from the first few chapters. My heart broke for her, and all she endured throughout her life. Mute and with no one but her 'pets' to keep her company after the nightly torture she endures, she managed to still show compassion to another in their time of need.
Ezekiel will burn the world down to save those without a voice. Suffering his own demons, he will do whatever it takes to make sure The Royal is obliterated. Even if it means his own death, he will stop at nothing to end this torture he knows all too well.
Wreck and Ruin is a heartbreaking journey that you don't want to miss. Please check the triggers list if you have any.
I devoured Wreck and Ruin in less than a day. It was just impossible to put down. Airlie's story had me hooked from the first few chapters. My heart broke for her, and all she endured throughout her life. Mute and with no one but her 'pets' to keep her company after the nightly torture she endures, she managed to still show compassion to another in their time of need.
Ezekiel will burn the world down to save those without a voice. Suffering his own demons, he will do whatever it takes to make sure The Royal is obliterated. Even if it means his own death, he will stop at nothing to end this torture he knows all too well.
Wreck and Ruin is a heartbreaking journey that you don't want to miss. Please check the triggers list if you have any.
May 5, 2025
Ok WOW is and understatement for this book!
Let’s start of by PLEASE MIND THE TRIGGERS!!
~SA
~ Cannibalism
~ Talk of breeding
There are many more please check the authors website for a full list.
Now on to my thoughts.
This book had my feeling queasy many times over. In tears more than a few. My heart first broke for Ren/Ezekial in the life he was having to live. To feel trapped but obliged all at the same time. He felt broken and was ready to end for his cause. Then he meets Airlie and has an instant connection to her. He doesn’t understand it because of the life he has lead and the things he has done. She knows that he is good even if he doesn’t think so. Our dear Airlie my soul cried for her. To think that what she endured people truly live this daily hurts my soul so deeply. Octavia had me so pulled into this story that I read this book in one sitting and I felt like I was on those caves with Airlie and Ezekial. My soul was torn out and shredded only to have it taped back together at the end. If this is the start of this series I am so ready for the rest of it!
Let’s start of by PLEASE MIND THE TRIGGERS!!
~SA
~ Cannibalism
~ Talk of breeding
There are many more please check the authors website for a full list.
Now on to my thoughts.
This book had my feeling queasy many times over. In tears more than a few. My heart first broke for Ren/Ezekial in the life he was having to live. To feel trapped but obliged all at the same time. He felt broken and was ready to end for his cause. Then he meets Airlie and has an instant connection to her. He doesn’t understand it because of the life he has lead and the things he has done. She knows that he is good even if he doesn’t think so. Our dear Airlie my soul cried for her. To think that what she endured people truly live this daily hurts my soul so deeply. Octavia had me so pulled into this story that I read this book in one sitting and I felt like I was on those caves with Airlie and Ezekial. My soul was torn out and shredded only to have it taped back together at the end. If this is the start of this series I am so ready for the rest of it!
October 10, 2025
I may have read this book, but this book finished me.
For fans of 24690 and Dolly. Not for anyone who thought Lights Out was dark, kthanx.
This romance is uncomfortable and unconventional as fuck. But both MCs go through severe (on page graphic) trauma so the fact their love story definitely being sans a meet cute makes sense. Though, now I think about it dragging a half drowned guy off the beach across rocks to a cave and chaining him up while you yourself are also a captive is kinda cute 😆
Content flags:
🚩human trafficking
🚩on page SA repeatedly
🚩institutional religious abuse
🚩graphic murder inc. children
🚩insta-love (sort of)
🚩anti-God narrative
🚩attempts at forced pregnancy
I would have loved to see this expanded an extra hundred pages or so, there were a few moments and key points in the plot that felt a underdone and didn’t get the attention I felt they deserved. However, speaking as someone who typically hates fairytale inspired retellings, this was really fucking good 👏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️
🩸🩸🩸
For fans of 24690 and Dolly. Not for anyone who thought Lights Out was dark, kthanx.
This romance is uncomfortable and unconventional as fuck. But both MCs go through severe (on page graphic) trauma so the fact their love story definitely being sans a meet cute makes sense. Though, now I think about it dragging a half drowned guy off the beach across rocks to a cave and chaining him up while you yourself are also a captive is kinda cute 😆
Content flags:
🚩human trafficking
🚩on page SA repeatedly
🚩institutional religious abuse
🚩graphic murder inc. children
🚩insta-love (sort of)
🚩anti-God narrative
🚩attempts at forced pregnancy
I would have loved to see this expanded an extra hundred pages or so, there were a few moments and key points in the plot that felt a underdone and didn’t get the attention I felt they deserved. However, speaking as someone who typically hates fairytale inspired retellings, this was really fucking good 👏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️
🩸🩸🩸
April 19, 2025
"𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝑮𝒐𝒅."
𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠.
Now with that disclaimer out of the way, let’s dive down into this gothic romance that had me on tenterhooks.
Airlie has never known anything but cruelty and fear. That is until she meets a stranded man who she locks away in a cave to keep him safe. He becomes her solace and she becomes his redemption.
Very intense, and poetic gothic romance with Little Mermaid and Phantom of the Opera vibes.
Loved the dynamic of the two main characters. The scenes were written so well that it felt like I was really there.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙛**𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚.
For a debut book, this was absolutely amazing. I was absolutely blown away with this masterpiece.
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️
𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠.
Now with that disclaimer out of the way, let’s dive down into this gothic romance that had me on tenterhooks.
Airlie has never known anything but cruelty and fear. That is until she meets a stranded man who she locks away in a cave to keep him safe. He becomes her solace and she becomes his redemption.
Very intense, and poetic gothic romance with Little Mermaid and Phantom of the Opera vibes.
Loved the dynamic of the two main characters. The scenes were written so well that it felt like I was really there.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙛**𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚.
For a debut book, this was absolutely amazing. I was absolutely blown away with this masterpiece.
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️
June 15, 2025
I'm not sure how this is based on the little mermaid at all. I would have never made the connection.
This was a very quick read. I was extremely bored through a majority of the book. Airlie, the fmc, was a difficult character to connect with for me. She has spent her life as a captive in a cave, befriending spiders. She has little to no knowledge of life outside that cave.
Ezekiel, the mmc, meets Airlie after a mission gone wrong ends with him in her cave. Their relationship is very instantaneous, even for a trauma bond.
I did enjoy the way the end was written. The writing was more descriptive and the characters inner turmoil was conveyed better. I probably would have enjoyed this book if the rest of it was written that way. Still, it shows the writer is talented, this book just wasn't for me. Maybe if it was longer, really giving an opportunity to connect with the characters and their struggles.
This was a very quick read. I was extremely bored through a majority of the book. Airlie, the fmc, was a difficult character to connect with for me. She has spent her life as a captive in a cave, befriending spiders. She has little to no knowledge of life outside that cave.
Ezekiel, the mmc, meets Airlie after a mission gone wrong ends with him in her cave. Their relationship is very instantaneous, even for a trauma bond.
I did enjoy the way the end was written. The writing was more descriptive and the characters inner turmoil was conveyed better. I probably would have enjoyed this book if the rest of it was written that way. Still, it shows the writer is talented, this book just wasn't for me. Maybe if it was longer, really giving an opportunity to connect with the characters and their struggles.
August 26, 2025
Airlie and Ezekiel has me glued to the pages from the beginning. This book is HEAVY, but I just couldn’t stop myself, NEEDING to know what happened next. Great character development with good background detail, and plenty of moments that completely seize your chest and have you gripped with fear as if YOU were the one in danger. Unlike any insta-love story I’ve ever read, and I mean that’s in the best way possible!!!
This book was a seriously quick read, it did not feel like 300+ pages! Octavia packed SO much into those words, and I got the same amount of emotional satisfaction and attachment to the characters as I do on most 500+ page books. I’m seriously so impressed!! If this is the level she’s putting out on her debut, I am so stoked to see where the future takes her🖤
If this is on your TBR, I urge you to move it up because it is worth it. And if it’s not, here’s your sign to jump in now.🙌🏼
This book was a seriously quick read, it did not feel like 300+ pages! Octavia packed SO much into those words, and I got the same amount of emotional satisfaction and attachment to the characters as I do on most 500+ page books. I’m seriously so impressed!! If this is the level she’s putting out on her debut, I am so stoked to see where the future takes her🖤
If this is on your TBR, I urge you to move it up because it is worth it. And if it’s not, here’s your sign to jump in now.🙌🏼
April 19, 2025
When I started reading this, I had no idea that my heartstrings would be tugged at so violently! I loved everything about Airlie and Ezekiel's story.
Octavia's writing was so stunning! The imagery and atmospheric world, and character building were chef's kiss, and I was hooked from the moment I started reading. I truly felt like I was there with these characters, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since.
The instant connection that both Airlie and Ezekiel shared was out of this world, and he might just be my new book husband. The trust, patience, understanding, and devotion were next level. Ezekiel's unapologetic protectiveness over Airlie gave me goosebumps.
This is a dark, gothic romance, loosely inspired by The Little Mermaid. Please be sure to read the CW/TW warnings prior to reading this book. Worth every bit of 5 stars!
Octavia's writing was so stunning! The imagery and atmospheric world, and character building were chef's kiss, and I was hooked from the moment I started reading. I truly felt like I was there with these characters, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since.
The instant connection that both Airlie and Ezekiel shared was out of this world, and he might just be my new book husband. The trust, patience, understanding, and devotion were next level. Ezekiel's unapologetic protectiveness over Airlie gave me goosebumps.
This is a dark, gothic romance, loosely inspired by The Little Mermaid. Please be sure to read the CW/TW warnings prior to reading this book. Worth every bit of 5 stars!
April 21, 2025
“If you’re a ghost with nothing, Ezekiel… then I am a phantom with everything”
This has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and I can say it definitely didn’t let me down. I was not ready for the whirlwind of emotions that I would feel reading this book. The way Octavia has written her characters and brought them to life was incredible. The hatred that you feel, the sorrow and sadness the way she brings you into the world and almost makes you feel like you are there witnessing everything that is happening was down right amazing.
This story won’t be for everyone there are very real subjects in this story so please read the Trigger Warning list before you dive into it.
Wreck and Ruin will be releasing on the 30th of April 2025 and is available on KU.
This has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 and I can say it definitely didn’t let me down. I was not ready for the whirlwind of emotions that I would feel reading this book. The way Octavia has written her characters and brought them to life was incredible. The hatred that you feel, the sorrow and sadness the way she brings you into the world and almost makes you feel like you are there witnessing everything that is happening was down right amazing.
This story won’t be for everyone there are very real subjects in this story so please read the Trigger Warning list before you dive into it.
Wreck and Ruin will be releasing on the 30th of April 2025 and is available on KU.
April 28, 2025
This book!!
This book had me hooked from the first chapter and I could not put it down. I am blown away by this story, so much so that I am wondering if I should re-read it.
Airlie lives a sheltered, yet horrific life, locked away in a cave, not knowing about the outside world, and Ezekiel is a man who dedicated his life to helping people like her, only to find himself washed up, on the brink of death, and rescued by a siren, Airlie.
To keep him safe from harms way, Airlie locks him away in a hidden cave, caring for him in ways nobody else has. Together, they clung to the light in a very dark world, and held onto that light for dear life.
The love and understanding that these characters shared was indescribable, and well deserved. And the ending was perfection!! I cannot wait for book 2.
A top read for my 2025!! Blown away!!!
Please check the CWs before going into this book.
This book had me hooked from the first chapter and I could not put it down. I am blown away by this story, so much so that I am wondering if I should re-read it.
Airlie lives a sheltered, yet horrific life, locked away in a cave, not knowing about the outside world, and Ezekiel is a man who dedicated his life to helping people like her, only to find himself washed up, on the brink of death, and rescued by a siren, Airlie.
To keep him safe from harms way, Airlie locks him away in a hidden cave, caring for him in ways nobody else has. Together, they clung to the light in a very dark world, and held onto that light for dear life.
The love and understanding that these characters shared was indescribable, and well deserved. And the ending was perfection!! I cannot wait for book 2.
A top read for my 2025!! Blown away!!!
Please check the CWs before going into this book.
April 29, 2025
Thank you to Octavia Knightly for providing me with a copy of the book. I am excited to leave a review.
This was a dark, gothic retelling of The Little Mermaid. Octavia Knightly does an amazing job of writing Airlie and Ezekiel’s chapters in a way that reflects their differing views.
Ezekiel is a wonderfully written morally gray hero (albeit on the darker end of the gray spectrum) whose love and care for Airlie is apparent throughout the story while Airlie exudes innocence despite her circumstances.
I was very invested in seeing how the story played out and loved how the ending turned out.
Please note that this book is dark and has elements that may not be for all readers. Please check the trigger/content warnings prior to reading. Your mental health is important.
This was a dark, gothic retelling of The Little Mermaid. Octavia Knightly does an amazing job of writing Airlie and Ezekiel’s chapters in a way that reflects their differing views.
Ezekiel is a wonderfully written morally gray hero (albeit on the darker end of the gray spectrum) whose love and care for Airlie is apparent throughout the story while Airlie exudes innocence despite her circumstances.
I was very invested in seeing how the story played out and loved how the ending turned out.
Please note that this book is dark and has elements that may not be for all readers. Please check the trigger/content warnings prior to reading. Your mental health is important.
May 1, 2025
Perfection
This is the first gothic retelling story I have ever read and boy did I feel every word the author wrote. This book is a soul-grabbing bring you to your knees book. Arilie is the FMC who has had the worst upbringing ever. She is forced to do things she doesn't want to but knows she has to to survive. So when she escapes her cave for a little and sees a man floating in the ocean she does what any human with a heart would. She saves him. Becomes very attached to her prisoner and falls in love. Don't worry because Ezekiel the MMC has those same feelings. To him, Arilie is like no other woman he's seen before. But can they survive the worst that's yet to come? Read to find out. Congratulations Octavia 🎊. This book was what we all needed
This is the first gothic retelling story I have ever read and boy did I feel every word the author wrote. This book is a soul-grabbing bring you to your knees book. Arilie is the FMC who has had the worst upbringing ever. She is forced to do things she doesn't want to but knows she has to to survive. So when she escapes her cave for a little and sees a man floating in the ocean she does what any human with a heart would. She saves him. Becomes very attached to her prisoner and falls in love. Don't worry because Ezekiel the MMC has those same feelings. To him, Arilie is like no other woman he's seen before. But can they survive the worst that's yet to come? Read to find out. Congratulations Octavia 🎊. This book was what we all needed
May 1, 2025
Let me start this by saying The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite childhood movies….
And this was a dark, twisted version - but in amazing ways! Airlie doesn’t have dinglehoppers, but she still has the strength all mermaids need to survive (though she’s not a literal mermaid). When she finds her prince she doesn’t understand it but their souls find comfort in each others.
This book takes you on a roller coaster, makes you want to burn the world to ease their pain, and comes full circle in the end.
Don’t make plans when you start reading this- you will live in their world until you finish, and need to plan an exit strategy to come back to the real world.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
And this was a dark, twisted version - but in amazing ways! Airlie doesn’t have dinglehoppers, but she still has the strength all mermaids need to survive (though she’s not a literal mermaid). When she finds her prince she doesn’t understand it but their souls find comfort in each others.
This book takes you on a roller coaster, makes you want to burn the world to ease their pain, and comes full circle in the end.
Don’t make plans when you start reading this- you will live in their world until you finish, and need to plan an exit strategy to come back to the real world.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
May 6, 2025
Oh my goodness. Where do I start. This book reeled me in from the first page. Action packed, lots of twist and turns, dark romance, triggers galore (definitely watch for them). I love both Ezekiel and Arlie. Both of them have endured trauma throughout their life. Arlie has been through such horrific things. Ezekiel is her protector. As soon as he sees her all bets are off. She’s his. I love how they both understand each other in a way that calls to their souls. It’s just so beautiful.
I can’t believe that this is Octavia Knightly’s debut book. After reading Wreck and Ruins I felt like she’s been writing for years. Wow that is amazing. I’m definitely keeping her as an author I want to read future books from. Just incredible!!!!
I can’t believe that this is Octavia Knightly’s debut book. After reading Wreck and Ruins I felt like she’s been writing for years. Wow that is amazing. I’m definitely keeping her as an author I want to read future books from. Just incredible!!!!
October 15, 2025
Ghost and Phantom forever
We must’ve lurk in door ways, one might question your upbringing… Question away dear ones as I have found a book that has made my heart race and had me hanging on the edge of my seat throughout. This story introduces us to Airlie who has lived in only darkness with two spider besties. Ezekiel, ghost, myth, mafia badass vibes , thrives the best in darkness. An unlikely meeting where rock-pools, chains, a bit of spice, and clams bound these two together. A story beautifully written, I cannot wait to see what the next book holds ✨ |please be aware that this books does have some very heavy elements that are not for the faint hearted. Please always read the trigger warnings, your mental health matter
We must’ve lurk in door ways, one might question your upbringing… Question away dear ones as I have found a book that has made my heart race and had me hanging on the edge of my seat throughout. This story introduces us to Airlie who has lived in only darkness with two spider besties. Ezekiel, ghost, myth, mafia badass vibes , thrives the best in darkness. An unlikely meeting where rock-pools, chains, a bit of spice, and clams bound these two together. A story beautifully written, I cannot wait to see what the next book holds ✨ |please be aware that this books does have some very heavy elements that are not for the faint hearted. Please always read the trigger warnings, your mental health matter
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews