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The Fragile Divine #3
Ache of Chaos
With a hunger for vengeance, Acacius unleashes a deluge of ruin upon Marina for all she has taken from him—a calamity between the two that morphs into unexpected attraction, a dark love, and a chance at atonement.
ACHE OF CHAOS is the third book in the Fragile Divine, an interconnected dark fantasy romance series about the frailty of gods and goddesses. You can expect high stakes, all the emotions, a mythologically-inspired world, urban settings, mental health and LGBTQ+ rep, lush gothic undertones, and a little horror.
ACHE OF CHAOS is the third book in the Fragile Divine, an interconnected dark fantasy romance series about the frailty of gods and goddesses. You can expect high stakes, all the emotions, a mythologically-inspired world, urban settings, mental health and LGBTQ+ rep, lush gothic undertones, and a little horror.
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About the author
Randi Garner
3 books199 followersRandi is a lover of evocative words. She aspires to create characters that live on with her readers. When she’s not daydreaming about her next story, you can find her staying up too late, immersed in a book or webtoon with coffee in hand, or enjoying the company of her husband and their three dogs.
You can find her on Instagram (@randimgarner) where you can sign up for her newsletter and stay up to date with her upcoming releases.
You can find her on Instagram (@randimgarner) where you can sign up for her newsletter and stay up to date with her upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 20, 2026
Unsurprisingly, this was another perfect 5 star from this series!!🥹
February 12, 2026
This is the redemption arc I NEEDED for my girl, Marina.
📖 ARC Review 📖
🗓️ Release date: February 26, 2026
🖤 Dark fantasy romance
🖤 3rd person, dual POV
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Redemption & healing
🖤 Black cat FMC x unhinged golden retriever MMC
Spice rating: 🌶🌶.5
Ache of Chaos is book 3 in a series of interconnected dark fantasy romances, so this is Marina's story (Naia and Finnian's sister). Now that we're three books deep, I feel really settled into this world, the magic system, the complex character dynamics, and god/goddess/human/witch politics. I enjoy the way Randi Garner has chosen to build the series while also making each story true to each character. I love that we never truly say goodbye to the main characters in previous books.
I was unsure if Marina could be fully redeemed in this book due to her behavior in books 1 and 2. In my eyes, she did redeem herself in this book. I liked getting to know her character and inner-workings—who would've guessed that she is such a girls girl?!
The romance in this book was yummy but chaotic (the name is fitting). While I found their chemistry to be authentic and believable, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the progression of their relationship. It was very stop-start-stop-start then grand professions.
Side note, I HAVE to call out the fact that Randi Garner includes artwork throughout this book, and it 10000% heightened my reading experience. Each piece was absolute perfection.
The flow of this book is similar to how I felt with the first two where there are really strong parts and others that fell a bit flat and/or felt repetitive.
Ache of Chaos wrapped up nicely, and I can't wait for book 4. That teaser?!
A sincere thank you to Randi Garner for gifting me an eARC ahead of its release date.
📖 ARC Review 📖
🗓️ Release date: February 26, 2026
🖤 Dark fantasy romance
🖤 3rd person, dual POV
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Redemption & healing
🖤 Black cat FMC x unhinged golden retriever MMC
Spice rating: 🌶🌶.5
Ache of Chaos is book 3 in a series of interconnected dark fantasy romances, so this is Marina's story (Naia and Finnian's sister). Now that we're three books deep, I feel really settled into this world, the magic system, the complex character dynamics, and god/goddess/human/witch politics. I enjoy the way Randi Garner has chosen to build the series while also making each story true to each character. I love that we never truly say goodbye to the main characters in previous books.
I was unsure if Marina could be fully redeemed in this book due to her behavior in books 1 and 2. In my eyes, she did redeem herself in this book. I liked getting to know her character and inner-workings—who would've guessed that she is such a girls girl?!
The romance in this book was yummy but chaotic (the name is fitting). While I found their chemistry to be authentic and believable, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the progression of their relationship. It was very stop-start-stop-start then grand professions.
Side note, I HAVE to call out the fact that Randi Garner includes artwork throughout this book, and it 10000% heightened my reading experience. Each piece was absolute perfection.
The flow of this book is similar to how I felt with the first two where there are really strong parts and others that fell a bit flat and/or felt repetitive.
Ache of Chaos wrapped up nicely, and I can't wait for book 4. That teaser?!
A sincere thank you to Randi Garner for gifting me an eARC ahead of its release date.
February 16, 2026
DECEMBER 2025 | BETA READ
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Being able to read this book as part of Randi's beta team was an absolute dream and literal goals. Randi is one of my tippity top, most favorite authors EVER, and I just knew that this book was going to be another one for the charts. We get a true enemies-to-lovers relationship which really makes our MCs work for it in order to obtain some happiness. Randi's world building and character development are, once again, second to none, developing two MCs who are so damaged and broken, molded and honed by their difficult pasts, but so deserving of love and SPACE in the world. The spice was also SPICE-IN' in this book... wowzers, Randi. You really ratcheted up the heat and I was here.for.IT!
I thought my heart was safe over the course of the story, especially after Even in Death, where I was crying for almost half of the book. I was safe... until we got close to the end. Cue the water works and actual heaving sobs that required me to take a little lap before I kept going. The stakes and the connection with the characters that Randi builds... nothing could have prepared me for the climax of this story. Literal perfection.
And on top of this, we get a glimpse into the next book! EEEEEK! I'm excited. I can't wait to see how this universe and the plot continue to evolve.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
FEBRUARY 2026 | ARC READ
Still five stars, still perfection. The changes that Randi made for the finalized book only enhanced to better the story. Acacius and Marina 4Eva and Eva! I loved this book so much!!!
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Being able to read this book as part of Randi's beta team was an absolute dream and literal goals. Randi is one of my tippity top, most favorite authors EVER, and I just knew that this book was going to be another one for the charts. We get a true enemies-to-lovers relationship which really makes our MCs work for it in order to obtain some happiness. Randi's world building and character development are, once again, second to none, developing two MCs who are so damaged and broken, molded and honed by their difficult pasts, but so deserving of love and SPACE in the world. The spice was also SPICE-IN' in this book... wowzers, Randi. You really ratcheted up the heat and I was here.for.IT!
I thought my heart was safe over the course of the story, especially after Even in Death, where I was crying for almost half of the book. I was safe... until we got close to the end. Cue the water works and actual heaving sobs that required me to take a little lap before I kept going. The stakes and the connection with the characters that Randi builds... nothing could have prepared me for the climax of this story. Literal perfection.
And on top of this, we get a glimpse into the next book! EEEEEK! I'm excited. I can't wait to see how this universe and the plot continue to evolve.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
FEBRUARY 2026 | ARC READ
Still five stars, still perfection. The changes that Randi made for the finalized book only enhanced to better the story. Acacius and Marina 4Eva and Eva! I loved this book so much!!!
January 23, 2026
Randi Garner writes beautifully and poetically about profound themes: trauma, grief and loss, parent–child relationships, the longing for love, and loneliness, while also touching on mental health issues and physical limitations.
In this book, we follow the redemption arc of Marina, the antagonist of the previous two books, who unexpectedly finds comfort in her enemy, Acacius, the god of Ruin and Chaos. They gradually (though, in my opinion, rather quickly) come to understand each other and decide to give their relationship a chance, healing their traumas along the way through conversations and sex (because apparently, the god of psychotherapy does not exist in this world).
I love Acacius, and I’ve grown much warmer toward Marina. They complement each other perfectly, and I appreciated that they didn’t hesitate or try to hide from their feelings, but simply accepted them as they were. I was also very happy to see characters from the previous books again, and I’m really looking forward to the next one.
There’s also an overarching plot that began in the very first book, which, to be honest, was the main reason I fell in love with this story. Overall, these divine power struggles reminded me a bit of Marvel-style superhero stories, where a bunch of superpowered beings form relationships, scheme against one another, and wreak havoc.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys dark, bittersweet love stories that first shatter your heart and then put it back together again.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this book, we follow the redemption arc of Marina, the antagonist of the previous two books, who unexpectedly finds comfort in her enemy, Acacius, the god of Ruin and Chaos. They gradually (though, in my opinion, rather quickly) come to understand each other and decide to give their relationship a chance, healing their traumas along the way through conversations and sex (because apparently, the god of psychotherapy does not exist in this world).
I love Acacius, and I’ve grown much warmer toward Marina. They complement each other perfectly, and I appreciated that they didn’t hesitate or try to hide from their feelings, but simply accepted them as they were. I was also very happy to see characters from the previous books again, and I’m really looking forward to the next one.
There’s also an overarching plot that began in the very first book, which, to be honest, was the main reason I fell in love with this story. Overall, these divine power struggles reminded me a bit of Marvel-style superhero stories, where a bunch of superpowered beings form relationships, scheme against one another, and wreak havoc.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys dark, bittersweet love stories that first shatter your heart and then put it back together again.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2026
i waited for this book when i turned the last page of « even in death » ; because I KNEW i will love Marina, but at this point ? absolutely not. i will go to the war for her, call me her protector. my girl deserved better, so much better. all she wanted ? to be loved.
.
she’s a sassy b*tch, with a fierce temperament who brings men to their knees ( literally ), but on the inside she’s just a little girl.
.
Acacius, my dear Acacius, you deserved better as well. the dynamic between Marina and him is a perfect match, they found each other in their loss, pain, anger, vengeance. and what at first begins as hate, slowly turns into comfort, compassion, trust, understanding. they’re both afraid to open themselves, but i swear their little moments when they did ?? it’s me on my knees.
.
𝐈 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫.
.
the gothic vibe, the found family, the redemption, the forgiveness, the communication, was incredible once again. if you haven’t start this serie, start it right now and thank me later mouah.
.
“𝐈𝐟 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦, “𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐨𝐟𝐟.”
.
he falls first x she falls harder 🖤
enemies with benefits 🌹
mental health and trauma rep 🖤
black cat fmc x golden retriever mmc 🌹
ALL THE TENSION ( i was kicking my feet ) 🖤
gothic romance 🌹
.
thank you again @randimgarner for the ARC now i need the next book because the crumbs you left in the end LEFT ME EXCITED 😌
.
February 16, 2026
Ugh so so sooooo good!!!!
“I suppose it’s good that I cherish the darkness, then”.
Where to start. Randi is such an amazing author. Her writing is exquisite. She has been my favorite author since The Goddess Of, and each book she doles out just continues to prove how amazing her writing and talent is.
This book follows Marina and Acacius who have become enemies after Marina betrays Acacius and Acacius wants her to suffer the way he does now, while also wanting to end the Himura Clan.
This is a true enemies to lovers romance. Acacius despises and hates Marina for what she did and Marina sees Acacius as the enemy due to his desire to also end her nephew’s life. And so the start of the book is intense with their desire to unalive one another, or more like the want is there, but do they TRULY want to? Hmmmm????
Their violence towards one another was a way for them to cope is how I saw it. They both are grieving. They each are drowning in their own depths of despair and find only a brief respite when attacking each other trying to destroy the other because it gives them some sort of semblance of life, or as Acacius put it, it’s all they have.
Each of their stories and their romance turns into something so beautiful.
Marina gets her redemption, and I will tell you right now that redemption arcs are one of my FAVORITE stories to read. The emotion involved in such a story to me is so moving and I was here for it, here for Marina and her redemption. That girl deserved it after the revelations we learn in here about her past and her relationship with her mother. Marina only ever wanted to be loved and found it in a distorted way and it was hard to turn away from it when she didn’t think she could find it elsewhere. Who could ever love a monster? Ughhh I got so emotional over many of the moments of her expressing how she felt or what happened to her, they just broke my heart.
Sidenote: can we appreciate how fierce she is?! Her fashion tastes are delightful and I can only wish to be like her 😆
And so when Acacius enters the scene, he sees her despair reflecting his and tries to keep her spark up by fighting her. He does everything to keep her alive because if she won’t fight back, he’ll have nothing. He also just wants someone to love him. And to see that spark turn into something more between them went from chaotic to organized chaos. It’s dark and yet delectable, like Marina’s bitter dark chocolate. When they were together, it was so tender and romantic despite their chaotic natures. They worked so well together and I just love them together so so much.
The dysfunctional families and dysfunctional found families in here you can’t help but love and see how despite the apparent hatred and wariness everyone has of each other, they’re on the same side and will do what it takes to protect the other. Naia helps a lot though. I love that woman so much. I want to show as much love and faith she does in humanity, she’s such an admirable person. I love the relationship her and Marina are slowly developing and Marina’s relationship with her nephew, my heart about melted during those scenes. The relationship between Acacius and his brother are one of my favorites to see 🥹 and then Marina and her girlfriends was a beautiful thing to read where Marina found love despite not finding any in her own family…at least at first.
There’s also a twist in here that got me too. That’s rare for me. I usually figure things out pretty quickly, but I apparently was blinded by what wasn’t real and it thrilled me that I was surprised. I was shook and even though it’s devastating, it made everything so much more interesting and exciting…for me, not for everyone else 😅 Poor Marina is all I can say.
I swear Randi’s books are the only books I get emotional with. I rarely get emotional when reading, but the way she writes and portrays emotions in her books really move me and I connect with the characters so strongly, I can’t help feel everything they feel.
And now, reading the epilogue….I have been HOPING the next book would be about these two people and dare I say my hopes and dreams and wishes are being granted?! They better be! I can hardly wait for the next book!
Thank you so much to Randi for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“I suppose it’s good that I cherish the darkness, then”.
Where to start. Randi is such an amazing author. Her writing is exquisite. She has been my favorite author since The Goddess Of, and each book she doles out just continues to prove how amazing her writing and talent is.
This book follows Marina and Acacius who have become enemies after Marina betrays Acacius and Acacius wants her to suffer the way he does now, while also wanting to end the Himura Clan.
This is a true enemies to lovers romance. Acacius despises and hates Marina for what she did and Marina sees Acacius as the enemy due to his desire to also end her nephew’s life. And so the start of the book is intense with their desire to unalive one another, or more like the want is there, but do they TRULY want to? Hmmmm????
Their violence towards one another was a way for them to cope is how I saw it. They both are grieving. They each are drowning in their own depths of despair and find only a brief respite when attacking each other trying to destroy the other because it gives them some sort of semblance of life, or as Acacius put it, it’s all they have.
Each of their stories and their romance turns into something so beautiful.
Marina gets her redemption, and I will tell you right now that redemption arcs are one of my FAVORITE stories to read. The emotion involved in such a story to me is so moving and I was here for it, here for Marina and her redemption. That girl deserved it after the revelations we learn in here about her past and her relationship with her mother. Marina only ever wanted to be loved and found it in a distorted way and it was hard to turn away from it when she didn’t think she could find it elsewhere. Who could ever love a monster? Ughhh I got so emotional over many of the moments of her expressing how she felt or what happened to her, they just broke my heart.
Sidenote: can we appreciate how fierce she is?! Her fashion tastes are delightful and I can only wish to be like her 😆
And so when Acacius enters the scene, he sees her despair reflecting his and tries to keep her spark up by fighting her. He does everything to keep her alive because if she won’t fight back, he’ll have nothing. He also just wants someone to love him. And to see that spark turn into something more between them went from chaotic to organized chaos. It’s dark and yet delectable, like Marina’s bitter dark chocolate. When they were together, it was so tender and romantic despite their chaotic natures. They worked so well together and I just love them together so so much.
The dysfunctional families and dysfunctional found families in here you can’t help but love and see how despite the apparent hatred and wariness everyone has of each other, they’re on the same side and will do what it takes to protect the other. Naia helps a lot though. I love that woman so much. I want to show as much love and faith she does in humanity, she’s such an admirable person. I love the relationship her and Marina are slowly developing and Marina’s relationship with her nephew, my heart about melted during those scenes. The relationship between Acacius and his brother are one of my favorites to see 🥹 and then Marina and her girlfriends was a beautiful thing to read where Marina found love despite not finding any in her own family…at least at first.
There’s also a twist in here that got me too. That’s rare for me. I usually figure things out pretty quickly, but I apparently was blinded by what wasn’t real and it thrilled me that I was surprised. I was shook and even though it’s devastating, it made everything so much more interesting and exciting…for me, not for everyone else 😅 Poor Marina is all I can say.
I swear Randi’s books are the only books I get emotional with. I rarely get emotional when reading, but the way she writes and portrays emotions in her books really move me and I connect with the characters so strongly, I can’t help feel everything they feel.
And now, reading the epilogue….I have been HOPING the next book would be about these two people and dare I say my hopes and dreams and wishes are being granted?! They better be! I can hardly wait for the next book!
Thank you so much to Randi for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2026
Thank you to Randi for allowing me to read this book early - it was immaculate!
This is book 3 in the Fragile divine series and after Even in death I didn't think it could get any better. Buuuuut I was wrong! In this book, with a hunger for vengeance, we have Acacius who sets out to destroy Marina for everything she’s taken from him… and somehow, against all odds and common sense, that destruction twists into something intimate, obsessive, and tender. What follows is not just a revenge-fuelled enemies-to-lovers romance, but a story about grief, trauma, and what it means to choose yourself after being shaped by other people’s cruelty.
This book delivers a redemption arc. Marina someone I REALLY hated in the previous 2 books, once the antagonist, is forced to confront the damage inflicted by her mother, the gods, and her own survival instincts. Watching her step out of that narrative; of being someone else’s weapon, someone else’s legacy and claim her own agency was powerful, painful, and deeply satisfying. Her anger, her numbness, her need to feel anything at all… it all rang painfully true.
And then there’s Acacius. God of Ruin and Chaos. King of UNHINGED devotion. Golden-retriever-coded chaos menace who absolutely falls first and falls hard. His vengeance is loud, violent, and theatrical, but underneath it is a man drowning in grief, jealousy, and the desperate need to be seen. Their connection is messy, charged, and rooted in mutual damage but also in mutual recognition. They don’t fix each other. They choose each other in the middle of the wreckage and I won't lie it was beautiful to read.
Randi Garner’s writing is lush and poetic without losing emotional bite. The gothic, urban-mythological setting hums with danger and melancholy, and the exploration of trauma, mental health, and bodily autonomy is handled with care and weight. The story doesn’t shy away from darkness including abuse and exploitation by those in power.
The romance? Dark, intense, and emotionally charged. Yes, the attraction ignites fast but it makes sense for two immortals who have been circling each other for centuries, armed with resentment, chemistry, and unresolved tension. Their intimacy is raw, reckless, and often tied to grief and rage… which honestly fits the gods-are-not-okay energy of this series perfectly.
Some of my favourite lines say it all:
“Ready to play with my Chaos?” He punctuated his coy question ...
“If only you are ready to dip into my darkness.”
“I crave you in every form. Your darkness serenades mine, and I do not think I have the control to pretend otherwise any longer.”
That is the vibe of this entire relationship. Devotion wrapped in destruction. Tenderness hiding inside teeth and claws.
I also loved seeing familiar faces from the earlier books and how the wider divine politics continue to unfold in the background, setting up future instalments in ways that are both exciting and slightly ominous.
If you love:
⚔️ Revenge-driven enemies-to-lovers
🐕 Unhinged golden retriever MMC x black-cat FMC
💅 Female rage and morally grey redemption
🏛️ Gods, urban fantasy, and gothic undertones
🔥 High spice with emotional consequences
🧠 Mental health and trauma representation
…then this book will absolutely hit.
Dark, romantic, brutal, and strangely hopeful, The Ache of Chaos is a standout in the Fragile Divine series and a deeply emotional exploration of what happens when two broken gods stop running from the very thing they want most. I’m already feral for whatever comes next.
Also Randi Acacius is now my favourite MMC when I thought no one could beat Ronin, Finny and Cassian!
This is book 3 in the Fragile divine series and after Even in death I didn't think it could get any better. Buuuuut I was wrong! In this book, with a hunger for vengeance, we have Acacius who sets out to destroy Marina for everything she’s taken from him… and somehow, against all odds and common sense, that destruction twists into something intimate, obsessive, and tender. What follows is not just a revenge-fuelled enemies-to-lovers romance, but a story about grief, trauma, and what it means to choose yourself after being shaped by other people’s cruelty.
This book delivers a redemption arc. Marina someone I REALLY hated in the previous 2 books, once the antagonist, is forced to confront the damage inflicted by her mother, the gods, and her own survival instincts. Watching her step out of that narrative; of being someone else’s weapon, someone else’s legacy and claim her own agency was powerful, painful, and deeply satisfying. Her anger, her numbness, her need to feel anything at all… it all rang painfully true.
And then there’s Acacius. God of Ruin and Chaos. King of UNHINGED devotion. Golden-retriever-coded chaos menace who absolutely falls first and falls hard. His vengeance is loud, violent, and theatrical, but underneath it is a man drowning in grief, jealousy, and the desperate need to be seen. Their connection is messy, charged, and rooted in mutual damage but also in mutual recognition. They don’t fix each other. They choose each other in the middle of the wreckage and I won't lie it was beautiful to read.
Randi Garner’s writing is lush and poetic without losing emotional bite. The gothic, urban-mythological setting hums with danger and melancholy, and the exploration of trauma, mental health, and bodily autonomy is handled with care and weight. The story doesn’t shy away from darkness including abuse and exploitation by those in power.
The romance? Dark, intense, and emotionally charged. Yes, the attraction ignites fast but it makes sense for two immortals who have been circling each other for centuries, armed with resentment, chemistry, and unresolved tension. Their intimacy is raw, reckless, and often tied to grief and rage… which honestly fits the gods-are-not-okay energy of this series perfectly.
Some of my favourite lines say it all:
“Ready to play with my Chaos?” He punctuated his coy question ...
“If only you are ready to dip into my darkness.”
“I crave you in every form. Your darkness serenades mine, and I do not think I have the control to pretend otherwise any longer.”
That is the vibe of this entire relationship. Devotion wrapped in destruction. Tenderness hiding inside teeth and claws.
I also loved seeing familiar faces from the earlier books and how the wider divine politics continue to unfold in the background, setting up future instalments in ways that are both exciting and slightly ominous.
If you love:
⚔️ Revenge-driven enemies-to-lovers
🐕 Unhinged golden retriever MMC x black-cat FMC
💅 Female rage and morally grey redemption
🏛️ Gods, urban fantasy, and gothic undertones
🔥 High spice with emotional consequences
🧠 Mental health and trauma representation
…then this book will absolutely hit.
Dark, romantic, brutal, and strangely hopeful, The Ache of Chaos is a standout in the Fragile Divine series and a deeply emotional exploration of what happens when two broken gods stop running from the very thing they want most. I’m already feral for whatever comes next.
Also Randi Acacius is now my favourite MMC when I thought no one could beat Ronin, Finny and Cassian!
January 30, 2026
Ache of Chaos - Randi Garner
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Release date - February 26, 2026
🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀
Tropes :
💀 dark fantasy romance
🥀 revenge enemies to lovers
💀 he falls first, she falls harder
🥀 unhinged golden retriever mmc
💀 mental health and trauma rep
🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀
Review:
Randi gave me everything I could have possibly wanted with Acacius and Marina and so so so much more. This is as much of a revenge story as it is a redemption arc for both of these characters. Acacius and Marina are both broken by the events at the end of Even In Death, and find a new purpose in each other. Acacius wants to punish Marina for her betrayal and Marina will do whatever she can to distract him from going after Ash and Naia to further exact his revenge. Unlike the other books in this series, this one takes place in the present the entire book, though we do get a couple flashbacks and memories of them over the course of their acquaintance, and I really think that for this story that made sense. As we dive deeper into Marina and her past, how she became to be the Goddess that we know from the first two books, and the broken shell she is in the beginning of this book my heart absolutely broke for her. Although they don’t realize it until they start to open up more, she and Acacius are so much more alike than they would’ve ever expected. Both of them forever chasing the love and adoration of those around them, but always feeling like they were never truly loved and accepted for who they are. This book is dark and gritty and dives deep into emotional trauma and healing, and it’s one of my absolute favorite things about reading Randi’s books. Watching their bloody brutal battle for revenge evolve into this beautiful healing deep love was beautiful and poetic. I sobbed for probably the last 100 pages, and getting to see all of our other favorite gods and goddesses warmed my heart and soul. I think my favorite thing about this series is how Randi combines gothic tones, high fantasy worlds, and horror elements with this luxurious elegant prose that hits me on such a visceral level. This was also the spiciest book in the series so far, and it was quite delicious. I cannot praise this series enough and I absolutely cannot wait for what’s to come.
Thank you Randi for an early copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ll write a full review tomorrow. Another impeccable 5 star from Randi.
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Release date - February 26, 2026
🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀
Tropes :
💀 dark fantasy romance
🥀 revenge enemies to lovers
💀 he falls first, she falls harder
🥀 unhinged golden retriever mmc
💀 mental health and trauma rep
🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀
Review:
Randi gave me everything I could have possibly wanted with Acacius and Marina and so so so much more. This is as much of a revenge story as it is a redemption arc for both of these characters. Acacius and Marina are both broken by the events at the end of Even In Death, and find a new purpose in each other. Acacius wants to punish Marina for her betrayal and Marina will do whatever she can to distract him from going after Ash and Naia to further exact his revenge. Unlike the other books in this series, this one takes place in the present the entire book, though we do get a couple flashbacks and memories of them over the course of their acquaintance, and I really think that for this story that made sense. As we dive deeper into Marina and her past, how she became to be the Goddess that we know from the first two books, and the broken shell she is in the beginning of this book my heart absolutely broke for her. Although they don’t realize it until they start to open up more, she and Acacius are so much more alike than they would’ve ever expected. Both of them forever chasing the love and adoration of those around them, but always feeling like they were never truly loved and accepted for who they are. This book is dark and gritty and dives deep into emotional trauma and healing, and it’s one of my absolute favorite things about reading Randi’s books. Watching their bloody brutal battle for revenge evolve into this beautiful healing deep love was beautiful and poetic. I sobbed for probably the last 100 pages, and getting to see all of our other favorite gods and goddesses warmed my heart and soul. I think my favorite thing about this series is how Randi combines gothic tones, high fantasy worlds, and horror elements with this luxurious elegant prose that hits me on such a visceral level. This was also the spiciest book in the series so far, and it was quite delicious. I cannot praise this series enough and I absolutely cannot wait for what’s to come.
Thank you Randi for an early copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ll write a full review tomorrow. Another impeccable 5 star from Randi.
January 25, 2026
This book pulled me out of a place I didn't think I'd escape. After losing my father in May 2025, I fell into a deep depression and found myself in a complete reading slump. Somehow, this story found me at exactly the right time. It helped me process emotions I didn't know how to put into words and reminded me that healing isn't linear.
Accacius and Marina's enemies-to-lovers journey was powerful, raw, and unforgettable. Their story mirrors so many of the battles I've been facing— grief, depression, loneliness, and the overwhelming chaos of life(nursing school and kids).
This wasn't just a book for me; it was a lifeline.
l'Il always be grateful for the comfort and escape this story gave me when I needed it most.
Accacius and Marina's enemies-to-lovers journey was powerful, raw, and unforgettable. Their story mirrors so many of the battles I've been facing— grief, depression, loneliness, and the overwhelming chaos of life(nursing school and kids).
This wasn't just a book for me; it was a lifeline.
l'Il always be grateful for the comfort and escape this story gave me when I needed it most.
February 12, 2026
✨Ache of Chaos✨
🥀Book 3 in the series: This Fragile Divine🥀
5⭐️
3🌶️
4💧
🥰ARC Review🥰
THE WAY I JUST LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!
I will tell anyone who will listen, plz read! It’s has every emotion just poured into it. I have to admit, I was nervous to hear who the FMC was, but Randi has definitely gave her a beautiful arc. Oh and Acacius, yes plz! lol.
✨full review to come✨
🥀Book 3 in the series: This Fragile Divine🥀
5⭐️
3🌶️
4💧
🥰ARC Review🥰
THE WAY I JUST LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!
I will tell anyone who will listen, plz read! It’s has every emotion just poured into it. I have to admit, I was nervous to hear who the FMC was, but Randi has definitely gave her a beautiful arc. Oh and Acacius, yes plz! lol.
✨full review to come✨
January 30, 2026
Book 3 in the Fragile Divine Series and wow this one really went down deep with the trauma. Both Marina and Acacius have an insanely deep well of pain. This was probably the truest enemies to lovers story I've ever read. Both of their evolutions over the course of the book... just so beautiful and poetic. This whole series is just absolute perfection and I can't wait for what comes next.
February 12, 2026
"Your heart beats in my palm, Rina. Come alive, and play with my Chaos"
Another perfect five stars, give me 14 of ‘em. I have a lot of thoughts… none of them are coherent.
Marina is drowning, after accidentally killing her father, the one person she's spent her long life trying to impress, and with her mother imprisoned in Kaimana after being defeated by Freya, she feels she has nothing left to live for. She hates the very essence of her being, and longs for death, whilst also desperately trying to cling to the one vow she refuses to break, to protect her nephew from Acacius's rage, and the world that refuses to understand him.
Acacius is so deeply deranged, and it was glorious to behold, this man is in the trenches with his grief, clinging onto this deep vengeance that he craves for the death of his beloved, to give him some semblance of meaning to his life. He's so desperately lonely, and feels things so viscerally, that if he allowed himself to feel the depths of his grief, it would consume him whole. Acacius wears his heart on his sleeve, and desperately longs to be loved, after years of feeling abandoned, or left out, by the people who should've loved him whole-heartedly, his character was a real joy to watch unfold.
Two souls who are grieving deeply for the people they loved, and also for the life they wanted for themselves that was inevitably ripped from their grasp. The games they play with each other had me in a chokehold, they're both so volatile and vicious, and whenever they had a tender moment where they ended up slowly connecting with each other, one of them would stab the other, and it had me giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl. That shit was DELICIOUS . On the other hand though, watching them heal, and allow themselves to be vulnerable utterly took my breath away. They each harbour so much trauma and grief, watching them envelop each other in the love they've never been given unconditionally, moved me to tears.
This series continues to just get better and better, so rich in emotional growth, and set in a gorgeous world that sweeps you seamlessly away. As always, the prose is poetic, lyrical, and gorgeous, you become immediately enveloped within the pages, and feel everything alongside the characters so viscerally and palpably. Randi does character growth and development so beautifully, there's always so much raw and powerful emotions behind everything, and endless layers and depth to each character and their personalities.
I've never had the honour of reading a book so breath-takingly written, that also explores poignant and moving themes of grief, trauma, and assault in such gentle, tender, and heart-wrenching ways that it moves you deeply, and sears itself into your heart. The way this series makes me feel has yet to be outmatched, an absolute masterpiece.
I am screaming, crying and throwing up. Randi at this rate you are my all time favourite author and we’re now best friends.. thank you for always having me on your ARC team, it is, and always will be, my honour.
Another perfect five stars, give me 14 of ‘em. I have a lot of thoughts… none of them are coherent.
Marina is drowning, after accidentally killing her father, the one person she's spent her long life trying to impress, and with her mother imprisoned in Kaimana after being defeated by Freya, she feels she has nothing left to live for. She hates the very essence of her being, and longs for death, whilst also desperately trying to cling to the one vow she refuses to break, to protect her nephew from Acacius's rage, and the world that refuses to understand him.
Acacius is so deeply deranged, and it was glorious to behold, this man is in the trenches with his grief, clinging onto this deep vengeance that he craves for the death of his beloved, to give him some semblance of meaning to his life. He's so desperately lonely, and feels things so viscerally, that if he allowed himself to feel the depths of his grief, it would consume him whole. Acacius wears his heart on his sleeve, and desperately longs to be loved, after years of feeling abandoned, or left out, by the people who should've loved him whole-heartedly, his character was a real joy to watch unfold.
Two souls who are grieving deeply for the people they loved, and also for the life they wanted for themselves that was inevitably ripped from their grasp. The games they play with each other had me in a chokehold, they're both so volatile and vicious, and whenever they had a tender moment where they ended up slowly connecting with each other, one of them would stab the other, and it had me giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl. That shit was DELICIOUS . On the other hand though, watching them heal, and allow themselves to be vulnerable utterly took my breath away. They each harbour so much trauma and grief, watching them envelop each other in the love they've never been given unconditionally, moved me to tears.
This series continues to just get better and better, so rich in emotional growth, and set in a gorgeous world that sweeps you seamlessly away. As always, the prose is poetic, lyrical, and gorgeous, you become immediately enveloped within the pages, and feel everything alongside the characters so viscerally and palpably. Randi does character growth and development so beautifully, there's always so much raw and powerful emotions behind everything, and endless layers and depth to each character and their personalities.
I've never had the honour of reading a book so breath-takingly written, that also explores poignant and moving themes of grief, trauma, and assault in such gentle, tender, and heart-wrenching ways that it moves you deeply, and sears itself into your heart. The way this series makes me feel has yet to be outmatched, an absolute masterpiece.
I am screaming, crying and throwing up. Randi at this rate you are my all time favourite author and we’re now best friends.. thank you for always having me on your ARC team, it is, and always will be, my honour.
January 24, 2026
I will forever and always be an immense fan of Randi Garner.
As her About the Author section so perfectly states, she is “a lover of evocative words,” and Ache of Chaos continues to cement that truth. This novel is another beautiful venture through chaotic, broken, but deeply beautiful characters navigating healing in ways that feel complex, real, and genuinely human.
From the very beginning, Marina’s wit and sarcasm felt like both armor and survival instinct — a shield I immediately loved. Watching that sharp edge slowly hone and soften over time was incredibly satisfying. Acacius, on the other hand, carried the presence of a wise, all-knowing mentor, his own pain and brokenness carefully tucked away, even as he seemed to be searching for someone who might finally allow him to stop hiding from it. Their enemy arc felt heavy with holding-a-mirror-to-your-pain energy, forcing confrontation rather than avoidance.
One of my absolute favorite aspects of Ache of Chaos was the interconnected nature of The Fragile Divine series as a whole. Seeing previous characters — and knowing their lives continue beyond the pages of their own stories — added such depth and richness. They linger on the periphery in the best possible way, never overshadowing the present narrative, yet still helping propel the story forward and making the world feel truly alive.
All of this is made even more stunning by Randi’s lyrical prose and the way she so intentionally brings this world to life. Her writing doesn’t just tell a story — it lingers, it aches, and it reflects the emotional weight of healing and becoming.
Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention the beautiful artwork thoughtfully placed throughout this book. It genuinely blew me away — such a stunning and meaningful touch. I cannot wait to own a physical copy and have its beauty grace my shelves.
Randi Garner continues to prove she is in a league of her own. Ache of Chaos is emotionally rich, beautifully layered, and deeply intentional in both its storytelling and its world-building. This series deserves far more attention than it gets — and if you haven’t picked it up yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Thank you so much to Randi for an ARC of this novel -- all opinions are my own. 🥰
As her About the Author section so perfectly states, she is “a lover of evocative words,” and Ache of Chaos continues to cement that truth. This novel is another beautiful venture through chaotic, broken, but deeply beautiful characters navigating healing in ways that feel complex, real, and genuinely human.
From the very beginning, Marina’s wit and sarcasm felt like both armor and survival instinct — a shield I immediately loved. Watching that sharp edge slowly hone and soften over time was incredibly satisfying. Acacius, on the other hand, carried the presence of a wise, all-knowing mentor, his own pain and brokenness carefully tucked away, even as he seemed to be searching for someone who might finally allow him to stop hiding from it. Their enemy arc felt heavy with holding-a-mirror-to-your-pain energy, forcing confrontation rather than avoidance.
One of my absolute favorite aspects of Ache of Chaos was the interconnected nature of The Fragile Divine series as a whole. Seeing previous characters — and knowing their lives continue beyond the pages of their own stories — added such depth and richness. They linger on the periphery in the best possible way, never overshadowing the present narrative, yet still helping propel the story forward and making the world feel truly alive.
All of this is made even more stunning by Randi’s lyrical prose and the way she so intentionally brings this world to life. Her writing doesn’t just tell a story — it lingers, it aches, and it reflects the emotional weight of healing and becoming.
Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention the beautiful artwork thoughtfully placed throughout this book. It genuinely blew me away — such a stunning and meaningful touch. I cannot wait to own a physical copy and have its beauty grace my shelves.
Randi Garner continues to prove she is in a league of her own. Ache of Chaos is emotionally rich, beautifully layered, and deeply intentional in both its storytelling and its world-building. This series deserves far more attention than it gets — and if you haven’t picked it up yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Thank you so much to Randi for an ARC of this novel -- all opinions are my own. 🥰
February 16, 2026
"You challenge me, excite me, elicit such wicked, depraved thoughts in me. I crave you in every form. Your darkness serenades mine, and I do not think I have the control to pretend otherwise any longer."
I have been eagerly awaiting this book since the epilogue of book 2, and I'm so happy to say all my expectations were met and surpassed! I was mostly curious about how Randi was going to make me like and empathize with these characters: they are messy and chaotic and have done unforgivable things.
Marina's redemption arc was beautiful: we see her come to terms with her traumas, how they shaped her into who she is, how she was used by the people she loves, and how ultimately none of this defines her and she is capable and deserving of change.
"It infuriates me, Marina, the way I feel for you. You infuriate me."
I also loved Acacius, and the way he can't help but understand Marina and connect with her even while hating her for what she's done to him. Their scars are similar, and the way their relationship evolves was messy, and chaotic, and unexpectedly tender. It was maybe a little too quick going from enemies to lovers, but it was coherent with their personalities and overall didn't bother me.
"This was the cruelty of grief. It didn't shrivel in the midst of anguish. It engraved deeper with each breath, in the place where love once existed."
Randi has such a way with words and the way she handles profound themes. Each book deals with traumas, difficult relationships with parents, grief, loss, the deep longing to be loved and known, mental health issues and physical limitations. While this book didn't make me cry as much as the second one did, these are all themes that resonate deeply, and were beautifully described.
We are now halfway through the series and I can't help but recommend it!!
I have been eagerly awaiting this book since the epilogue of book 2, and I'm so happy to say all my expectations were met and surpassed! I was mostly curious about how Randi was going to make me like and empathize with these characters: they are messy and chaotic and have done unforgivable things.
Marina's redemption arc was beautiful: we see her come to terms with her traumas, how they shaped her into who she is, how she was used by the people she loves, and how ultimately none of this defines her and she is capable and deserving of change.
"It infuriates me, Marina, the way I feel for you. You infuriate me."
I also loved Acacius, and the way he can't help but understand Marina and connect with her even while hating her for what she's done to him. Their scars are similar, and the way their relationship evolves was messy, and chaotic, and unexpectedly tender. It was maybe a little too quick going from enemies to lovers, but it was coherent with their personalities and overall didn't bother me.
"This was the cruelty of grief. It didn't shrivel in the midst of anguish. It engraved deeper with each breath, in the place where love once existed."
Randi has such a way with words and the way she handles profound themes. Each book deals with traumas, difficult relationships with parents, grief, loss, the deep longing to be loved and known, mental health issues and physical limitations. While this book didn't make me cry as much as the second one did, these are all themes that resonate deeply, and were beautifully described.
We are now halfway through the series and I can't help but recommend it!!
February 18, 2026
5 beautiful, dark stars. A god-tier book. Nothing short of a devastating masterpiece.
Randi’s ability to paint a picture, to conjure such a complex world with her words, has me speechless. Okay, maybe not completely speechless because I’m about to YAP.
One of my favorite things about this book is that I had zero intention of loving the characters and yet they’ve ended up being my favorite MC’s from the whole series. These characters, the literal villains of books 1 & 2, drug me down to their level and drowned me in their despair and self loathing. I hurt, I cried, and something inside of me healed with them.
Marina, the High Goddess of Night & Acacius, the High God of Chaos and Ruin are the definition of enemies to lovers. Their whole relationship begins with betrayal and distrust, leaving their only motives for each other forms of vengeance and distraction.
“You were a fool to ever trust me.” “And you were a fool to ever betray me.”
The remorse and anguish they both carried was so palpable. They believe themselves to be unlovable and unworthy, wholly uncaring, yet feeling everything so deeply. Both so evenly matched for one another, monster for monster, darkness for darkness. I found myself easily enveloped in their chemistry and was rooting so hard for them.
“Somewhere in between trying to kill her and ruin her life, Acacius had wormed into the chambers of her heart and lulled her weary soul back to life.”
Randi had me sobbing by the end. The redemption, the unconditional love, and the found family between current and past characters. It all hurt in the best way and left me aching for more. Without a doubt, this will be one of my favorite reads of the year. I’m so invested in this world, so obsessed, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. 😭😭
Thank you so much for allowing me to arc read, Randi. 🖤
Randi’s ability to paint a picture, to conjure such a complex world with her words, has me speechless. Okay, maybe not completely speechless because I’m about to YAP.
One of my favorite things about this book is that I had zero intention of loving the characters and yet they’ve ended up being my favorite MC’s from the whole series. These characters, the literal villains of books 1 & 2, drug me down to their level and drowned me in their despair and self loathing. I hurt, I cried, and something inside of me healed with them.
Marina, the High Goddess of Night & Acacius, the High God of Chaos and Ruin are the definition of enemies to lovers. Their whole relationship begins with betrayal and distrust, leaving their only motives for each other forms of vengeance and distraction.
“You were a fool to ever trust me.” “And you were a fool to ever betray me.”
The remorse and anguish they both carried was so palpable. They believe themselves to be unlovable and unworthy, wholly uncaring, yet feeling everything so deeply. Both so evenly matched for one another, monster for monster, darkness for darkness. I found myself easily enveloped in their chemistry and was rooting so hard for them.
“Somewhere in between trying to kill her and ruin her life, Acacius had wormed into the chambers of her heart and lulled her weary soul back to life.”
Randi had me sobbing by the end. The redemption, the unconditional love, and the found family between current and past characters. It all hurt in the best way and left me aching for more. Without a doubt, this will be one of my favorite reads of the year. I’m so invested in this world, so obsessed, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. 😭😭
Thank you so much for allowing me to arc read, Randi. 🖤
January 31, 2026
I cannot even begin to tell you how freaking excited I was for this book. Ache of Chaos by Randi Garner was one of my most anticipated reads for 2026. I absolutely loved it. I would give it infinite stars if that were an option! It's the third book in The Fragile Divine series, this time focusing on Marina and Acacius. Ohhh, how I loveloveLOVED getting to know the two of them. I absolutely adore them. I adore them together, and I simply can not get enough. I loved all the gothic romance tones, and don't even get me started on the revenge enemies-to-lovers & enemies with benefits. The tension between these two! It had me in a chokehold waiting for the sparks to finally ignite. Such a well written, dark and beautiful read. I loved every second. I did not want to put it down, but I also made sure to take my time and savor it. All the feels were felt. My eyes definitely got a bit teary near the end. Randi Garner is truly an amazing writer. I'm beyond excited for what she has in store for us next.
If you haven't read anything by her and you're looking for your next dark fantasy romance obsession, definitely check out The Fragile Divine series. It's one of my favorites. It's a 5 star series from me so far. As of right now, there are two books out - The Goddess Of and Even in Death - book three, Ache of Chaos releases on February ××, 2026. Each book has its own set of main characters it focuses on, but it is all interconnected and must be read in order.
If you haven't read anything by her and you're looking for your next dark fantasy romance obsession, definitely check out The Fragile Divine series. It's one of my favorites. It's a 5 star series from me so far. As of right now, there are two books out - The Goddess Of and Even in Death - book three, Ache of Chaos releases on February ××, 2026. Each book has its own set of main characters it focuses on, but it is all interconnected and must be read in order.
February 1, 2026
I don't know if I could ever come up with enough words to explain how much I love Garner's writing. There's a quality to it unlike most anything else I've read. The language she uses is so beautiful and eloquent. Resonating and evocative. The emotions she brings to life are so strong. The depth and complexities of her characters are endless. The love she writes is messy, wrenching, yet healing. There are darker, gothic undertones to the stories, but at the root, it is all about finding love that holds you even through your absolute worst.
I did not think I would ever like a book as much as the second of this same series, but......I don't know, this one is very very close, if not equal.
Marina and Acacius' earlier appearances in The Fragile Divine series...let's be honest, they did some real bad stuff. But by the divine, if I didn't fall completely and utterly in love with them here.
I simply can not recommend it enough. If you've read the beginning of this series, you need to read this one. If this is the first time you're seeing it, start with book 1 and work up to this one, it's so worth it.
Read if you enjoy:
- gods & divine powers
- morally grey/morally black MCs
- brutal duels for god status
- enemies with benefits (is this a thing? idk I'm making it a thing)
- quarrels, family drama, "sorry I tried to k!ll your soulmate, bro"
I did not think I would ever like a book as much as the second of this same series, but......I don't know, this one is very very close, if not equal.
Marina and Acacius' earlier appearances in The Fragile Divine series...let's be honest, they did some real bad stuff. But by the divine, if I didn't fall completely and utterly in love with them here.
I simply can not recommend it enough. If you've read the beginning of this series, you need to read this one. If this is the first time you're seeing it, start with book 1 and work up to this one, it's so worth it.
Read if you enjoy:
- gods & divine powers
- morally grey/morally black MCs
- brutal duels for god status
- enemies with benefits (is this a thing? idk I'm making it a thing)
- quarrels, family drama, "sorry I tried to k!ll your soulmate, bro"
January 25, 2026
Ache of Chaos - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much to Randi for the eARC of this book in exchange for review - I knew I would love it!
This follows Marina and Acacius and is the third book in the Fragile Divine series. The second book, Even In Death, was one of my favourite books I read last year and I was so excited to see where this book would go!
From the start, the character work for both Marina and Acacius was amazing. They both have so much depth, trauma, grief, anger and pain that they are misdirecting onto each other. This is a hate to love story with themes of female rage, personal growth and forgiveness. The journey that these characters go on, especially Marina, was beautiful to read about. She really has to learn to forgive and love herself throughout the book.
My favourite thing about this series is the found family aspect. Seeing Naia, Ronin, Cassian and Finnian in here made me so happy! I absolutely adore this cast of characters and the world that has been created and I love it when I get to see how the other characters are doing.
And the epilogue?! I was hoping it would be about a certain character and when I tell you that I am SO EXCITED about the fourth book???? I need it now!
Thank you so much to Randi for the eARC of this book in exchange for review - I knew I would love it!
This follows Marina and Acacius and is the third book in the Fragile Divine series. The second book, Even In Death, was one of my favourite books I read last year and I was so excited to see where this book would go!
From the start, the character work for both Marina and Acacius was amazing. They both have so much depth, trauma, grief, anger and pain that they are misdirecting onto each other. This is a hate to love story with themes of female rage, personal growth and forgiveness. The journey that these characters go on, especially Marina, was beautiful to read about. She really has to learn to forgive and love herself throughout the book.
My favourite thing about this series is the found family aspect. Seeing Naia, Ronin, Cassian and Finnian in here made me so happy! I absolutely adore this cast of characters and the world that has been created and I love it when I get to see how the other characters are doing.
And the epilogue?! I was hoping it would be about a certain character and when I tell you that I am SO EXCITED about the fourth book???? I need it now!
January 29, 2026
Randi did a phenomenal job again with this book! Getting back into this lush gothic world was like sinking into a warm bath.
I love a good villain origins story and Marina was definitely a villain in book one and two. Her character developement and redemption arc were immaculate. I hated her in the first two books but in this one I felt for her! I even found her very relatable with the way parents can have a hold on you, have you clean up their messes and shape you in the way they want you to be instead of who you truly are.
I didn't think this series could get any better after reading "Even In Death" but boy was I wrong! Dark, romantic, brutal and definitely spicier than the first two books, "Ache Of Chaos" is perfect!
The push and pull between Acacius and Marina was delicious and the way the hate f*cking turned into healing was just perfection. Both are so beautifully broken and desperatly clinging on to purpose. I also really loved getting more Naia, Ronin, Ash and even a little Finny!
Days after finishing I'm still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster the last few chapters put me through. It's only the beginning of 2026 and I already know this is going to be very difficult to top!
I love a good villain origins story and Marina was definitely a villain in book one and two. Her character developement and redemption arc were immaculate. I hated her in the first two books but in this one I felt for her! I even found her very relatable with the way parents can have a hold on you, have you clean up their messes and shape you in the way they want you to be instead of who you truly are.
I didn't think this series could get any better after reading "Even In Death" but boy was I wrong! Dark, romantic, brutal and definitely spicier than the first two books, "Ache Of Chaos" is perfect!
The push and pull between Acacius and Marina was delicious and the way the hate f*cking turned into healing was just perfection. Both are so beautifully broken and desperatly clinging on to purpose. I also really loved getting more Naia, Ronin, Ash and even a little Finny!
Days after finishing I'm still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster the last few chapters put me through. It's only the beginning of 2026 and I already know this is going to be very difficult to top!
February 11, 2026
There was chaos. I did ache for these characters.
What a beautiful story of learning to love yourself, through depression and self hatred. These characters are dark, broken in ways centuries must weigh heavily on them. The way they found comfort in each other, fighting or cuddling.
I loved the line of Marina telling Acacius that he wasn't too much. They both thought the other was perfect the way they were. This was a story of them learning to love themselves, healing, learning to be loved. And they did so independently and supported together. It does help sometimes to love yourself when someone loves you so unconditionally.
The beginning of the book had such feisty anger and sadness. It developed to show how much they paid attention to each other, how their way of existing complimented each other, and it turned into longing. The plot was wrapped around depression and self hatred while also moving this story to show the dark side of beings who live forever, to the politics of fear, avoidance, and saving face. It was centered around Marina wanting to prove herself.
I highlighted so many lines from Acacius. He was passionate and sad. He was lovable and couldn't see it. He loved with his whole heart.
What a beautiful story of learning to love yourself, through depression and self hatred. These characters are dark, broken in ways centuries must weigh heavily on them. The way they found comfort in each other, fighting or cuddling.
I loved the line of Marina telling Acacius that he wasn't too much. They both thought the other was perfect the way they were. This was a story of them learning to love themselves, healing, learning to be loved. And they did so independently and supported together. It does help sometimes to love yourself when someone loves you so unconditionally.
The beginning of the book had such feisty anger and sadness. It developed to show how much they paid attention to each other, how their way of existing complimented each other, and it turned into longing. The plot was wrapped around depression and self hatred while also moving this story to show the dark side of beings who live forever, to the politics of fear, avoidance, and saving face. It was centered around Marina wanting to prove herself.
I highlighted so many lines from Acacius. He was passionate and sad. He was lovable and couldn't see it. He loved with his whole heart.
January 25, 2026
Just finished and I cannot believe it's over 🥹
This story is so good!!! I used to have Marina in the previous books tbh but I just love her now 🥹
She's so perfectly flawed and I loved seeing her grow and let go of her past. She had the perfect redemption arc.
Also, can we talk about Acacius? He's just as perfectly flawed and he's so good! He's helped Marina a lot and I love him. 🖤
I loved everything about the book 🥹 Her fixing her relationship with Naia, starting something with Finnian, protecting Ash so well 🥹
I loved the dark sides of the story too 🤭 The gore of killing people that deserved it? Yes, please. The beasts??! Yes please!!! I loved Marina's interaction with the Daemon, it was so cute and wholesome. 🥹🤭
I kind of wish we'd seen Marina's Nightrazers play with Acacius's beasts. 👀🫣 Play as in playfully play while being introduced to one another. 🤭🤣
I've fallen in love with Randi's writing and I don't know why this series isn't more known 😭 I can't wait for the next book! In the series or outside of it. 🤭🖤
This story is so good!!! I used to have Marina in the previous books tbh but I just love her now 🥹
She's so perfectly flawed and I loved seeing her grow and let go of her past. She had the perfect redemption arc.
Also, can we talk about Acacius? He's just as perfectly flawed and he's so good! He's helped Marina a lot and I love him. 🖤
I loved everything about the book 🥹 Her fixing her relationship with Naia, starting something with Finnian, protecting Ash so well 🥹
I loved the dark sides of the story too 🤭 The gore of killing people that deserved it? Yes, please. The beasts??! Yes please!!! I loved Marina's interaction with the Daemon, it was so cute and wholesome. 🥹🤭
I kind of wish we'd seen Marina's Nightrazers play with Acacius's beasts. 👀🫣 Play as in playfully play while being introduced to one another. 🤭🤣
I've fallen in love with Randi's writing and I don't know why this series isn't more known 😭 I can't wait for the next book! In the series or outside of it. 🤭🖤
February 9, 2026
Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to Randi Garner for the arc for Ache of Chaos. It has been an amazing opportunity to read and review the third Fragile Divine book for it's upcoming release 🥀
Listen, I started The Fragile Divine series at the end of December 2025- and every step of the way has absolutely ruined me.
I have laughed, I have sobbed, I have gotten incredibly angry and sobbed again.
In the very first book, Mira was clearly the worst person humanly possible, and Marina was definitely following suit. The insurmountable rage I had anytime those two were on a page would consume me. And by the third book (definitely didn't change with Mira, and I am quite satisfied with her karma) but I love how I look at Marina so differently now.
Marina has quite possibly the most beautiful character growth I have ever seen. And as someone who had come from a broken home, I resonated with her character so much- especially after learning her whole backstory.
I truly cannot get enough of these books, and I CANNOT wait for the next!
Listen, I started The Fragile Divine series at the end of December 2025- and every step of the way has absolutely ruined me.
I have laughed, I have sobbed, I have gotten incredibly angry and sobbed again.
In the very first book, Mira was clearly the worst person humanly possible, and Marina was definitely following suit. The insurmountable rage I had anytime those two were on a page would consume me. And by the third book (definitely didn't change with Mira, and I am quite satisfied with her karma) but I love how I look at Marina so differently now.
Marina has quite possibly the most beautiful character growth I have ever seen. And as someone who had come from a broken home, I resonated with her character so much- especially after learning her whole backstory.
I truly cannot get enough of these books, and I CANNOT wait for the next!
January 26, 2026
Please, stop what you’re doing and go grab Randi Garner’s Fragile Divine series right now. I just finished Ache of Chaos, the third book in the series, and it was absolutely phenomenal.
This is definitely a series you’ll want to read in order, as the story and character arcs build beautifully from book to book. By the time Ache of Chaos rolls around, everything comes together in stunning, emotionally charged ways. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment.
It’s tricky to review without giving spoilers, but what I can say is that the raw grief and self-loathing woven through this book are powerfully balanced by moments of growth, healing, and boundless love. Marina and Acacuis’s love/hate story is both brutal and breathtaking. I was completely captivated and loved every page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
This is definitely a series you’ll want to read in order, as the story and character arcs build beautifully from book to book. By the time Ache of Chaos rolls around, everything comes together in stunning, emotionally charged ways. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment.
It’s tricky to review without giving spoilers, but what I can say is that the raw grief and self-loathing woven through this book are powerfully balanced by moments of growth, healing, and boundless love. Marina and Acacuis’s love/hate story is both brutal and breathtaking. I was completely captivated and loved every page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
February 1, 2026
After reading this beautifully written story, my review will always pale in comparison. Randi writes with such poetic brilliance that I look forward to every single release.
Marina has been a truly heinous character for the last two books, so I was beyond curious to see how she would redeem herself here and wow, did she deliver. Once we finally see behind the mask, Marina becomes heartbreakingly relatable. And the High God of Chaos and Ruin, Acacius? A big, unexpected marshmallow softie, just like his brother. I genuinely wanted to scoop all of these characters up and hug them.
Watching the war between Marina and Acacius was absolutely addictive. They are savages, in the best possible way. You never know what they’re going to do next, and that unpredictability makes every page electric. A truly brilliant story.
Marina has been a truly heinous character for the last two books, so I was beyond curious to see how she would redeem herself here and wow, did she deliver. Once we finally see behind the mask, Marina becomes heartbreakingly relatable. And the High God of Chaos and Ruin, Acacius? A big, unexpected marshmallow softie, just like his brother. I genuinely wanted to scoop all of these characters up and hug them.
Watching the war between Marina and Acacius was absolutely addictive. They are savages, in the best possible way. You never know what they’re going to do next, and that unpredictability makes every page electric. A truly brilliant story.
February 1, 2026
Randi Garner's latest book is a stunning example of enemies-to-lovers done right. The characters' intense emotions - hate, anger, grief, and guilt - make for a heart-wrenching but must read. By exploring Marina's side of the story from Book 2 and Acacius' perspective, it masterfully delves into the complexities of their growth. What I love most about this series is its ability to weave together multiple character perspectives, highlighting the vastly different impacts of a single event. God. The intensity between these characters had me on the edge of my seat, blushing and fanning myself. This book had me emotional, and I applaud the raw honest portrayal of life's darker moments. The epilogue has me counting down the days until the next book.
Also, ALL the art for this book is breathtaking. As well as the other two books which are must reads!
Also, ALL the art for this book is breathtaking. As well as the other two books which are must reads!
January 20, 2026
ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 if I could give this book 10 stars or even more I would.
Randi, you’ve literally done it again. The way you build the connections between your characters it’s like they’re intricately woven together. Your writing is literally the so beautiful and entraps your readers into the story.
I absolutely loved your first two books they were just as good, but the way you portrayed Acacius and Rina I cannot stop thinking about their hardships and their connection. I could feel the emotions through each descriptions of your characters struggles and strengths. I could not put this book down and I did not want it to end. I cannot wait to see where the next book and the next book go after this one. Keep doing what you’re doing!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 if I could give this book 10 stars or even more I would.
Randi, you’ve literally done it again. The way you build the connections between your characters it’s like they’re intricately woven together. Your writing is literally the so beautiful and entraps your readers into the story.
I absolutely loved your first two books they were just as good, but the way you portrayed Acacius and Rina I cannot stop thinking about their hardships and their connection. I could feel the emotions through each descriptions of your characters struggles and strengths. I could not put this book down and I did not want it to end. I cannot wait to see where the next book and the next book go after this one. Keep doing what you’re doing!
January 25, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I loved both book 1 and book 2, so I was beyond excited for book 3!!! Especially because of who it’s about. And damn… they had me in a chokehold right from the prologue.
I know Marina is also a victim of their mother’s manipulation, but I honestly had zero sympathy for her after the way she treated Naia and Finnian. That said, I actually appreciated that this wasn’t a slow burn... it perfectly reflects who Marina and Acacius are as people. Fast, intense, and unapologetic.
The twists and turns? Absolutely did not see them coming. By the end, I did warm up to Marina a little. And that epilogue??? I need the next book now.
It’s also been a while since I’ve annotated a book this much... read it to find out why,
'But Marina is my chaos.'
I loved both book 1 and book 2, so I was beyond excited for book 3!!! Especially because of who it’s about. And damn… they had me in a chokehold right from the prologue.
I know Marina is also a victim of their mother’s manipulation, but I honestly had zero sympathy for her after the way she treated Naia and Finnian. That said, I actually appreciated that this wasn’t a slow burn... it perfectly reflects who Marina and Acacius are as people. Fast, intense, and unapologetic.
The twists and turns? Absolutely did not see them coming. By the end, I did warm up to Marina a little. And that epilogue??? I need the next book now.
It’s also been a while since I’ve annotated a book this much... read it to find out why,
'But Marina is my chaos.'
January 26, 2026
Every time I read one of Randi’s books I know she’s going to pull emotions out of me that I am never prepared for. Her writing is brilliant and is something I can always relate with in real life.
Longing just to be loved by a parent who doesn’t know how. Nothing is ever good enough, put down… always wants something for themselves.
The loss of a father and still dealing with grief. It never leaves you. Dealing with regrets and still trying to make things right even after they are gone.
Finding the one person to match your darkness and chaos where you are never too much. You are for once loved unconditionally for who you are.
I loved this book so much. The story deals with a lot of personal growth and loving yourself and forgiveness.
Thank you Randi so much for this ARC, ❤️
Longing just to be loved by a parent who doesn’t know how. Nothing is ever good enough, put down… always wants something for themselves.
The loss of a father and still dealing with grief. It never leaves you. Dealing with regrets and still trying to make things right even after they are gone.
Finding the one person to match your darkness and chaos where you are never too much. You are for once loved unconditionally for who you are.
I loved this book so much. The story deals with a lot of personal growth and loving yourself and forgiveness.
Thank you Randi so much for this ARC, ❤️
January 31, 2026
ARC REVIEW -
WOW WOW WOW. Book 3 was as good as book 2 and as good as book 1! This is one of my top Romantasy series ever. Randi creates such a beautiful universe and you fall in love with the characters - all of them actually. This story gives you all the pieces to understanding Marina and why she is the way she is. I resonated so much with her and past…her growth was phenomenal and then you add Acacius’ difficult past as well and the their hurt and grief comfort each other so well. I gasped out loud when we find out what and how Mira was involved in shaping Marina, I felt betrayed to my core. I cried when Ash freaked out about his blood, poor baby. I cried when Acacius found Marina. You could feel the grief in the pages. Ughhhhhh this book is written so beautifully 🥹
WOW WOW WOW. Book 3 was as good as book 2 and as good as book 1! This is one of my top Romantasy series ever. Randi creates such a beautiful universe and you fall in love with the characters - all of them actually. This story gives you all the pieces to understanding Marina and why she is the way she is. I resonated so much with her and past…her growth was phenomenal and then you add Acacius’ difficult past as well and the their hurt and grief comfort each other so well. I gasped out loud when we find out what and how Mira was involved in shaping Marina, I felt betrayed to my core. I cried when Ash freaked out about his blood, poor baby. I cried when Acacius found Marina. You could feel the grief in the pages. Ughhhhhh this book is written so beautifully 🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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