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Ethereal Gauntlet
A WAR WRITTEN IN THE STARS. A LOVE FORGED IN CHAOS. A DESTINY THAT REFUSES TO BE CHAINED, ALEX WAS NEVER MEANT TO EXIST. THE CURSED OFFSPRING OF DIVINE BLOOD AND MORTAL SIN ABANDONED. UNLOVED. AND FORGED IN DARKNESS, HE RISES NOT AS A SAVIOR, BUT AS THE WORLD'S GREATEST THREAT.
BUT THE GODS DO NOT SEE THE NOOSE TIGHTENING AROUND THEIR OWN THROATS. CAUGHT BETWEEN PROPHECY AND FREE WILL, BETRAYAL AND DEVOTION. ZEPHIRON. A FALLEN ANGEL CONSUMED BY GUILT, MUST FACE THE SON HE NEVER KNEW-BEFORE DESTINY FORCES THEM ONTO OPPOSING SIDES OF AN UNHOLY WAR.
ROMANCE TANGLED IN BLOOD AND POWER. MAGIC OLDER THAN TIME ITSELF A WAR THAT WILL BREAK HEAVEN
AND IN THE END, ONLY ONE TRUTH REMAINS-SOME ANGELS WERE MEANT TO FALL
BUT THE GODS DO NOT SEE THE NOOSE TIGHTENING AROUND THEIR OWN THROATS. CAUGHT BETWEEN PROPHECY AND FREE WILL, BETRAYAL AND DEVOTION. ZEPHIRON. A FALLEN ANGEL CONSUMED BY GUILT, MUST FACE THE SON HE NEVER KNEW-BEFORE DESTINY FORCES THEM ONTO OPPOSING SIDES OF AN UNHOLY WAR.
ROMANCE TANGLED IN BLOOD AND POWER. MAGIC OLDER THAN TIME ITSELF A WAR THAT WILL BREAK HEAVEN
AND IN THE END, ONLY ONE TRUTH REMAINS-SOME ANGELS WERE MEANT TO FALL
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 15, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read for in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my Gods. I have just finished reading Ethereal Gauntlet and I have absolutely no words. Angels? Celestial beings? Power? Towns being burnt to flames and reduced to ashes? Say less. I am absolutely speechless. I cannot begin to express my feelings for this book, because what a journey Rudrya has put me on. The characters were compelling, the relationship between Vivenne and Alex and the lust between Zephiron and Valedora was beautiful written.Rudrya’s writing style is so beautiful, so detailed, and so poetic, reading it was truly a pleasure and an enjoyment. Reading this entire book felt like watching an action-packed movie play out in my mind. The conclusion left me breathless and speechless, something that hasn’t happened in a good long time. I am in awe. I can’t wait for the next book in the duology!
Oh my Gods. I have just finished reading Ethereal Gauntlet and I have absolutely no words. Angels? Celestial beings? Power? Towns being burnt to flames and reduced to ashes? Say less. I am absolutely speechless. I cannot begin to express my feelings for this book, because what a journey Rudrya has put me on. The characters were compelling, the relationship between Vivenne and Alex and the lust between Zephiron and Valedora was beautiful written.Rudrya’s writing style is so beautiful, so detailed, and so poetic, reading it was truly a pleasure and an enjoyment. Reading this entire book felt like watching an action-packed movie play out in my mind. The conclusion left me breathless and speechless, something that hasn’t happened in a good long time. I am in awe. I can’t wait for the next book in the duology!
April 7, 2025
“If you cry any harder,” he said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, “you’re going to look like a monkey dipped in tomato sauce.”
This right here is why I loved every chapter of this book. It's sweet, romantic, otherworldly, sassy, a little spicy and full of humor that left me smiling (on the outside) over and over again.
The Tropes:
❤️ Gods and Demons
❤️ Forbidden love
💕 What will be your deadly sin?
❤️ Touch her and die
❤️ You are MINE
Spice Level: 🌶️
This book hits it hard with action and heart jerking- shall we say trauma… right out of the gait and won't leave you reading wondering when it will get good.
A world unique with several realms each different from the next. Leaving endless opportunities for story expansion. I am already READY for book 2!
The MMC is born to a human and a fallen angel but has not yet come to learn what he is. Near the end he knows what he is becoming and it is dark, harsh and awesome! He can come claim me as his any day.
Did I mention magic mansions appearing in forests and magically ancient tomes with cryptic symbols and tellings of the coming War of the… heavens? Gods? My personal favorite involves an ancient crocodile. The authors use of language in the book is such a joy to read.
Thank you so much for allowing me to read your ARC I cannot wait to see what happens to Alex next.
This right here is why I loved every chapter of this book. It's sweet, romantic, otherworldly, sassy, a little spicy and full of humor that left me smiling (on the outside) over and over again.
The Tropes:
❤️ Gods and Demons
❤️ Forbidden love
💕 What will be your deadly sin?
❤️ Touch her and die
❤️ You are MINE
Spice Level: 🌶️
This book hits it hard with action and heart jerking- shall we say trauma… right out of the gait and won't leave you reading wondering when it will get good.
A world unique with several realms each different from the next. Leaving endless opportunities for story expansion. I am already READY for book 2!
The MMC is born to a human and a fallen angel but has not yet come to learn what he is. Near the end he knows what he is becoming and it is dark, harsh and awesome! He can come claim me as his any day.
Did I mention magic mansions appearing in forests and magically ancient tomes with cryptic symbols and tellings of the coming War of the… heavens? Gods? My personal favorite involves an ancient crocodile. The authors use of language in the book is such a joy to read.
Thank you so much for allowing me to read your ARC I cannot wait to see what happens to Alex next.
April 19, 2025
I want to dance, scream, and shout. Omg I loved this book. Such compelling relationships and characters. The way the lust was written between zephiron and valdora was a beautiful vision. Rudryas writing style is very poetic, detailed, and made me feel as though I was watching an action film over reading a book. I would love to see the character art for this book and can’t wait to read more of Rudryas beautiful writing style.
April 17, 2025
Received as an ARC
I LOVED this book! This is so different from other fantasy books that it’s refreshing. The character development throughout the first book has me waiting to read the second one! The world building is detailed and beautifully laid out which I really appreciate
CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!
I LOVED this book! This is so different from other fantasy books that it’s refreshing. The character development throughout the first book has me waiting to read the second one! The world building is detailed and beautifully laid out which I really appreciate
CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!
April 16, 2025
Loved the story and the characters. Just wished we got more of Solarion and Aurelise.
Thank you, Rudrya, for an amazing book❤️
Thank you, Rudrya, for an amazing book❤️
April 8, 2025
I am leaving this review of my own accord after gratefully being given the chance to read Ethereal Gauntlet as an eARC.
I really enjoyed the underpinning basis of this book. The blending of myths, legends and magic is interesting.
I was drawn to Alex’s story. Alex, who is born from a union that should never have occurred between a mortal (Valedora) and a fallen celestial being (Zephiron), and now the chaos that is transpiring throughout this world.
Following other characters (Aurelise, Solarian) intertwining story lines also brings more depth to the whole story.
I am also fascinated to see how Alex and Vivienne’s relationship will play out.
Whatever happens in the next instalment will be exciting to read.
I really enjoyed the underpinning basis of this book. The blending of myths, legends and magic is interesting.
I was drawn to Alex’s story. Alex, who is born from a union that should never have occurred between a mortal (Valedora) and a fallen celestial being (Zephiron), and now the chaos that is transpiring throughout this world.
Following other characters (Aurelise, Solarian) intertwining story lines also brings more depth to the whole story.
I am also fascinated to see how Alex and Vivienne’s relationship will play out.
Whatever happens in the next instalment will be exciting to read.
April 12, 2025
The book had really good writing and the story was great! For someone who loves Fantasy it was great!
If you want fantasy with not much romance this is for you!
It could also be a little intro to Dark romance….there is a small part with a little dark obsession….nothing too descriptive ✨
If you want fantasy with not much romance this is for you!
It could also be a little intro to Dark romance….there is a small part with a little dark obsession….nothing too descriptive ✨
April 11, 2025
I received this to read. It took me a bit to figure out all the characters and the story timeline had me a bit confused at points but the story was interesting.
May 1, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I am reviewing it voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
What a unique and epic read! A story of fallen angels, but not as we've known them before. A world unlike our own that crackles with ancient magic. Characters you can't help but fall in love with, no matter how morally gray and twisted they may be. Rich, luscious prose that cuts to the heart and stirs the soul. Gorgeously written moments of friendship, romance, and passion. A story that doesn't play it safe and makes you FEEL.
I loved this book and can't wait to see how the author wraps everything up in Infernal Gauntlet!
What a unique and epic read! A story of fallen angels, but not as we've known them before. A world unlike our own that crackles with ancient magic. Characters you can't help but fall in love with, no matter how morally gray and twisted they may be. Rich, luscious prose that cuts to the heart and stirs the soul. Gorgeously written moments of friendship, romance, and passion. A story that doesn't play it safe and makes you FEEL.
I loved this book and can't wait to see how the author wraps everything up in Infernal Gauntlet!
April 28, 2025
This book has a lot of potential and an engaging story at its core. However, the reading experience is let down by formatting issues and a noticeable number of editing mistakes that slipped through.
I personally found the world-building a bit confusing, as important context is scattered throughout the story rather than being introduced at the beginning. As a reader, it would have been helpful to have more background upfront, especially since the story opens quite abruptly with a one-time sexual encounter between two characters, with little buildup or explanation. It felt a bit rushed, as if the author was eager to introduce the hybrid main character as quickly as possible.
Once past the initial confusion, the story flows more smoothly. That said, even after finishing the book, I’m still unsure of the time period it’s set in. Some references, such as estates and arranged marriages for family stability, suggested a medieval setting, but it wasn't very clear.
The writing style leans heavily on dialogue, to the point where it sometimes felt more like reading text message conversations or a script rather than a traditional novel. The main character's rapid aging, explained by his heritage, and some hints of larger events happening in the background do set the stage for the sequel, which could be interesting to see developed further.
Overall, while I enjoyed parts of the story and appreciated its potential, the formatting issues and writing style weren’t quite to my personal taste.
Because of that, it’s not a book I would revisit, though I can see others enjoying it, especially if future installments build on the groundwork laid down in this book.
I personally found the world-building a bit confusing, as important context is scattered throughout the story rather than being introduced at the beginning. As a reader, it would have been helpful to have more background upfront, especially since the story opens quite abruptly with a one-time sexual encounter between two characters, with little buildup or explanation. It felt a bit rushed, as if the author was eager to introduce the hybrid main character as quickly as possible.
Once past the initial confusion, the story flows more smoothly. That said, even after finishing the book, I’m still unsure of the time period it’s set in. Some references, such as estates and arranged marriages for family stability, suggested a medieval setting, but it wasn't very clear.
The writing style leans heavily on dialogue, to the point where it sometimes felt more like reading text message conversations or a script rather than a traditional novel. The main character's rapid aging, explained by his heritage, and some hints of larger events happening in the background do set the stage for the sequel, which could be interesting to see developed further.
Overall, while I enjoyed parts of the story and appreciated its potential, the formatting issues and writing style weren’t quite to my personal taste.
Because of that, it’s not a book I would revisit, though I can see others enjoying it, especially if future installments build on the groundwork laid down in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
I slogged through reading this so I could leave a fully-informed review after only seeing mostly positive reviews. I have never wanted to DNF a book so badly. I received an eARC, my opinions are my own.
The short version - this “book” is not good. Don’t waste your time.
It is poorly written and has thousands of grammar, formatting, and punctuation mistakes - and I wish that “thousands” was an exaggeration. It is in desperate need of an editor. I even checked the version on kindle to make sure I hadn’t accidentally gotten a draft copy or something. Nope, the kindle version also has the same problems with typos and odd formatting.
The motivations for the characters’ choices don’t make sense. There is little world building beyond the “about etherea” chapter, which gives hardly enough detail to understand what is happening in the story. The timeline of events is difficult to follow - a written timeline at the end is completely obsolete in a well-written story.
There are huge sections full of attempted poetic (and typo-ridden) prose that reiterate the same points over and over without adding anything to the story. There could have been 100 fewer pages and the essence of the story would have been the same. Additionally, several phrases completely take the reader out of the story, because they are modern phrases and have no context in this story that leans heavily on ancient expectations of technology (e.g. swords and parchment and quill). Referencing a movie trailer, or calling someone their ‘ride or die’ makes no sense in the story’s context.
There would need to be drastic edits and changes to the entire thing before I would ever recommend it to anyone. 0/5 stars.
The short version - this “book” is not good. Don’t waste your time.
It is poorly written and has thousands of grammar, formatting, and punctuation mistakes - and I wish that “thousands” was an exaggeration. It is in desperate need of an editor. I even checked the version on kindle to make sure I hadn’t accidentally gotten a draft copy or something. Nope, the kindle version also has the same problems with typos and odd formatting.
The motivations for the characters’ choices don’t make sense. There is little world building beyond the “about etherea” chapter, which gives hardly enough detail to understand what is happening in the story. The timeline of events is difficult to follow - a written timeline at the end is completely obsolete in a well-written story.
There are huge sections full of attempted poetic (and typo-ridden) prose that reiterate the same points over and over without adding anything to the story. There could have been 100 fewer pages and the essence of the story would have been the same. Additionally, several phrases completely take the reader out of the story, because they are modern phrases and have no context in this story that leans heavily on ancient expectations of technology (e.g. swords and parchment and quill). Referencing a movie trailer, or calling someone their ‘ride or die’ makes no sense in the story’s context.
There would need to be drastic edits and changes to the entire thing before I would ever recommend it to anyone. 0/5 stars.
April 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ethereal Gauntlet out now available on kindle or in paperback!!!
✨I didn’t know what to expect going into this but I loved every second of it!! Epic fantasy with twists that will have you reeling!!
✨Blurb
A WAR WRITTEN IN THE STARS. A LOVE FORGED IN CHAOS. A DESTINY THAT REFUSES TO BE CHAINED, ALEX WAS NEVER MEANT TO EXIST. THE CURSED OFFSPRING OF DIVINE BLOOD AND MORTAL SIN ABANDONED. UNLOVED. AND FORGED IN DARKNESS, HE RISES NOT AS A SAVIOR, BUT AS THE WORLD’S GREATEST THREAT.
BUT THE GODS DO NOT SEE THE NOOSE TIGHTENING AROUND THEIR OWN THROATS. CAUGHT BETWEEN PROPHECY AND FREE WILL, BETRAYAL AND DEVOTION. ZEPHIRON. A FALLEN ANGEL CONSUMED BY GUILT, MUST FACE THE SON HE NEVER KNEW-BEFORE DESTINY FORCES THEM ONTO OPPOSING SIDES OF AN UNHOLY WAR.
ROMANCE TANGLED IN BLOOD AND POWER. MAGIC OLDER THAN TIME ITSELF A WAR THAT WILL BREAK HEAVEN
AND IN THE END, ONLY ONE TRUTH REMAINS-SOME ANGELS WERE MEANT TO FALL
✨Follow Solarian, Zephiron and Aurelise as they are stripped of their heavenly forms and forced to live among the mortals. Left with a sliver of the power they once had and a single thought “To ascend or degrade. To find a mortal, to slit their throat while they slept, to break the curse binding him to this world.”
✨This is the first in an epic duology. Following these three angels who were stripped of their wings, crossing the paths of Valedora, Vanessa, Vivianne and Alex. These crossings were not nearly coincidence but fate trying to fulfill a long lost prophecy. See how it all plays out and how fate twists the story in fascinating ways.
Ethereal Gauntlet out now available on kindle or in paperback!!!
✨I didn’t know what to expect going into this but I loved every second of it!! Epic fantasy with twists that will have you reeling!!
✨Blurb
A WAR WRITTEN IN THE STARS. A LOVE FORGED IN CHAOS. A DESTINY THAT REFUSES TO BE CHAINED, ALEX WAS NEVER MEANT TO EXIST. THE CURSED OFFSPRING OF DIVINE BLOOD AND MORTAL SIN ABANDONED. UNLOVED. AND FORGED IN DARKNESS, HE RISES NOT AS A SAVIOR, BUT AS THE WORLD’S GREATEST THREAT.
BUT THE GODS DO NOT SEE THE NOOSE TIGHTENING AROUND THEIR OWN THROATS. CAUGHT BETWEEN PROPHECY AND FREE WILL, BETRAYAL AND DEVOTION. ZEPHIRON. A FALLEN ANGEL CONSUMED BY GUILT, MUST FACE THE SON HE NEVER KNEW-BEFORE DESTINY FORCES THEM ONTO OPPOSING SIDES OF AN UNHOLY WAR.
ROMANCE TANGLED IN BLOOD AND POWER. MAGIC OLDER THAN TIME ITSELF A WAR THAT WILL BREAK HEAVEN
AND IN THE END, ONLY ONE TRUTH REMAINS-SOME ANGELS WERE MEANT TO FALL
✨Follow Solarian, Zephiron and Aurelise as they are stripped of their heavenly forms and forced to live among the mortals. Left with a sliver of the power they once had and a single thought “To ascend or degrade. To find a mortal, to slit their throat while they slept, to break the curse binding him to this world.”
✨This is the first in an epic duology. Following these three angels who were stripped of their wings, crossing the paths of Valedora, Vanessa, Vivianne and Alex. These crossings were not nearly coincidence but fate trying to fulfill a long lost prophecy. See how it all plays out and how fate twists the story in fascinating ways.
April 30, 2025
Zephiron is a fallen angel who meets Valedora in the mortal world and later on have a one night stand with her and she gives birth to his child who is now abandoned by them but Alex is no ordinary child. He grows faster, taller and stronger in a few days itself and has powers he has no idea of. This book is about Alex who was not supposed to exist and the war that's brewing because of him. The world building is amazing and the writer has written everything clearly for the readers to imagine while reading and the concept of fallen angels and celestial itself is so fascinating for me. I had an amazing time reading it as this is nothing like the other fantasy books I have read. Its a fast paced storyline with beautiful character building and storyline. The book ends in a cliffhanger but the part two is already on the way. If you love fantasy books then definitely give it a try.
I just can't wait to start the second part.
I just can't wait to start the second part.
April 22, 2025
Book Rating: ⭐️ 4.75/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 1/5
Going into this book, I had no idea what to expect, and I was not disappointed! This first installment was action-packed, sassy, romantic, fantastical, and so much fun. I’m already excited to see where the duology goes next.
We’ve got gods, demons, fallen angels, hybrids, spice, romance, everything! Honestly, Rudrya really did something special with the world-building. It was intricate, immersive, and completely pulled me in.
The MMC is a dark, possessive human-hybrid and OMG, I was hooked and absolutely craving more. That might be my only critique: I wish we got to spend a bit more time with Solarion and Aurelise. But that could just be personal preference.
Either way, I’m all in for Book 2!
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 1/5
Going into this book, I had no idea what to expect, and I was not disappointed! This first installment was action-packed, sassy, romantic, fantastical, and so much fun. I’m already excited to see where the duology goes next.
We’ve got gods, demons, fallen angels, hybrids, spice, romance, everything! Honestly, Rudrya really did something special with the world-building. It was intricate, immersive, and completely pulled me in.
The MMC is a dark, possessive human-hybrid and OMG, I was hooked and absolutely craving more. That might be my only critique: I wish we got to spend a bit more time with Solarion and Aurelise. But that could just be personal preference.
Either way, I’m all in for Book 2!
April 28, 2025
If you need something written completely unique this author is for you!
I absolutely adored reading this !! The characters are complex and you’ll have a lot of time in the edge of your seat trying to figure out where we’re going next in the story.
Absolutely recommend. It’s not my usual type of read which is why only four starts but it’s absolutely a great read inspite of that! Once I was in it I was lost heart just took me personally a minute to get into it. ( my own personal preferences is what held me back )
I absolutely adored reading this !! The characters are complex and you’ll have a lot of time in the edge of your seat trying to figure out where we’re going next in the story.
Absolutely recommend. It’s not my usual type of read which is why only four starts but it’s absolutely a great read inspite of that! Once I was in it I was lost heart just took me personally a minute to get into it. ( my own personal preferences is what held me back )
April 29, 2025
It took me a while to finish this book but I loved the plot and the characters.
The phasing of the story could be improved; there were scenes that felt unnecessarily long and also scenes where it felt rushed.
Proper editing and proofreading will do wonders for this book and it deserves that because the plot and story is amazing.
Over-all I still enjoyed reading this! I honestly am curious and looking forward to read the next book in the series.
Favorite quote: “You are the storm that shattered my world, Alex”…….”Yet, you are the only refuge I have”
The phasing of the story could be improved; there were scenes that felt unnecessarily long and also scenes where it felt rushed.
Proper editing and proofreading will do wonders for this book and it deserves that because the plot and story is amazing.
Over-all I still enjoyed reading this! I honestly am curious and looking forward to read the next book in the series.
Favorite quote: “You are the storm that shattered my world, Alex”…….”Yet, you are the only refuge I have”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
Zephiron. Solarion. Auralise.
3 angels tainted by deadly sin.
Stripped of their divinity and cast down, to suffer a trial and attempt to return. But what happens when one of them spawns a child? A child that is lied to its entire life, and feared and shunned for its differences?
A great premise for a story, and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
I am excited to see how the story unfolds for the 2 former angels still on Earth, and for the 1 has has managed to return!
3 angels tainted by deadly sin.
Stripped of their divinity and cast down, to suffer a trial and attempt to return. But what happens when one of them spawns a child? A child that is lied to its entire life, and feared and shunned for its differences?
A great premise for a story, and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
I am excited to see how the story unfolds for the 2 former angels still on Earth, and for the 1 has has managed to return!
May 11, 2025
I forced myself to finish this story. I wanted to like this book, however I feel that it needs to be edited and polished a bit more. The story was very repetitive and was grammatically difficult to read. Generally speaking, the story had a fantastic idea and there is a great story that needs a bit more fleshing out.
Alex and Vivienne was an adorable match up and the start of their relationship was heartwarming, however all the rest of the story surrounding it felt very forced.
Alex and Vivienne was an adorable match up and the start of their relationship was heartwarming, however all the rest of the story surrounding it felt very forced.
May 9, 2025
The world building here was so interesting… I was immediately sucked in and invested in the three fallen angels, but I think Solarion is definitely my favorite. He is so intriguing and seems less hostile than Zephiron… lol I have so many questions I need answered in the second book. I can’t wait to read it!
4 💜’s.
4 💜’s.
May 7, 2025
omg this book is sooo good. I mean she has created her own fantasy world and the descriptions are so vivid and beautiful. Her characters are so well developed that my jaw is on the floor. I did find it a bit bleak in between, some unresolved thoughts, but all's well that ends well, right?
May 28, 2025
As a newbie to this genre, It started off slow but quickly piqued my interest. Anytime I thought I knew where it was going, it went in a different direction, the end completely shocking me. I am very excited to see where the second book takes us.
April 24, 2025
This was an ARC read.
For someone who LOVE fantasy I want to say that this book was really well written and I'm so happy I had the privilege to read it.
For someone who LOVE fantasy I want to say that this book was really well written and I'm so happy I had the privilege to read it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews