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Architect of Ruin
Neither of them was meant to survive.
Not the woman with a haunted name.
Nor the man who built a shadow empire from silence, surveillance, and surgical rage to keep her tethered to him.
Killian Thorne doesn’t rule with guns.
He rules with information, code, and strategy.
A billionaire, control-coded genius with a past soaked in blood. He's evolved beyond the crime syndicate that created him.
He doesn’t play the game. He reprograms it.
Not for power. Not for revenge.
Because he’s bored.
Ada Murphy was rewritten. Renamed. Repackaged.
Once a satin shoe wearing piano prodigy, now a trauma-coded DJ—held together by ink, bass drops, and the lies she tells herself about being fine.
She left him in the pursuit of self-discovery. For a lie she believed—that she could exist in the light. Away from the abyss of his shadow.
He let her think that meant something.
But now encrypted systems are pinging. Names that were meant to stay buried are surfacing. And the past Ada was hidden from is clawing its way back, right alongside the buried ghosts of Killian’s past.
This isn’t love. It’s obsession with a kill count. It’s a bond forged from violence, silence, and blood.
And when someone threatens her, There is no negotiating.
Only ruin.
Not the woman with a haunted name.
Nor the man who built a shadow empire from silence, surveillance, and surgical rage to keep her tethered to him.
Killian Thorne doesn’t rule with guns.
He rules with information, code, and strategy.
A billionaire, control-coded genius with a past soaked in blood. He's evolved beyond the crime syndicate that created him.
He doesn’t play the game. He reprograms it.
Not for power. Not for revenge.
Because he’s bored.
Ada Murphy was rewritten. Renamed. Repackaged.
Once a satin shoe wearing piano prodigy, now a trauma-coded DJ—held together by ink, bass drops, and the lies she tells herself about being fine.
She left him in the pursuit of self-discovery. For a lie she believed—that she could exist in the light. Away from the abyss of his shadow.
He let her think that meant something.
But now encrypted systems are pinging. Names that were meant to stay buried are surfacing. And the past Ada was hidden from is clawing its way back, right alongside the buried ghosts of Killian’s past.
This isn’t love. It’s obsession with a kill count. It’s a bond forged from violence, silence, and blood.
And when someone threatens her, There is no negotiating.
Only ruin.
- GenresDark RomanceCrime
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
22 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Tamar Shaw
2 books40 followersTamar Shaw is an Art History major who writes dangerous love stories for readers who fall for villains—not despite the darkness, but because of it.
Her characters are morally black, bound by code, chaos, and obsession masquerading as love. She likes writing real women—and the only kind of men who can keep up with them.
Her stories are plot-heavy, twist-laced, high-stakes, and emotionally explosive—because she writes with a simple question in mind: What fresh havoc should my characters suffer today?
When she’s not orchestrating murderbonding, romantic terrorism, or writing soft, savage, broken, brutal women and morally bankrupt antiheroes with god complexes, she’s playing Xbox, watching anime, reading manhwa, or hanging out with her husband and two dogs—the only creatures she hasn’t traumatised (yet), and who remain deeply suspicious of her Google history.
She believes “happily ever after” should come with scars, at least three bodies, and a few unmarked graves.
Her characters are morally black, bound by code, chaos, and obsession masquerading as love. She likes writing real women—and the only kind of men who can keep up with them.
Her stories are plot-heavy, twist-laced, high-stakes, and emotionally explosive—because she writes with a simple question in mind: What fresh havoc should my characters suffer today?
When she’s not orchestrating murderbonding, romantic terrorism, or writing soft, savage, broken, brutal women and morally bankrupt antiheroes with god complexes, she’s playing Xbox, watching anime, reading manhwa, or hanging out with her husband and two dogs—the only creatures she hasn’t traumatised (yet), and who remain deeply suspicious of her Google history.
She believes “happily ever after” should come with scars, at least three bodies, and a few unmarked graves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 11, 2026
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! 🥵💔
This book is a masterclass in payoff. It doesn’t rush straight into the spice, and thank god for that, the story, the worldbuilding, the characters… all of it builds so deliberately that when things finally ignite, it hits harder. Every page feels intentional.
The FMC is an absolute badass. Smart, capable, and emotionally complex without being exhausting. And the childhood story of Killian and Ada? Genuinely heartbreaking in the best way. Those moments added so much weight to everything happening in the present. Watching who they were become who they are now was beautifully done.
The relationship dynamics are next-level. The way the characters’ backstories line up perfectly with how they speak to each other, react, protect, and love? Genius writing.
Small moments completely wrecked me:
him unlacing her combat boots,
“I love you” & “I’m aware”,
that simple “Easy” that instantly calms her because he knows her so well,
even the way a quiet “hmm” somehow carries so much meaning.
Killian as an MMC is lethal in the best way. Shadow government, information warfare, stocks, officials, power moves... it’s mafia energy but smarter, colder, and more dangerous. And when he does choose violence? It’s ruthless and devastating. The possessiveness is feral: not just “touch her and die” but “look at her, think about her, breathe her air and die.”
The writing itself is perfectly balanced, rich and detailed without dragging, immersive without ever becoming boring. The emotional beats land. The tension holds. The chemistry is suffocating. And yes… the “my love,” “good girl,” “behave,” and “come for me” moments? Impeccable.
This book doesn’t just tell a story, it builds a world, a history, a bond you can feel in your chest. One of those reads where you close the book and just sit there for a minute.
Highly recommend. This one stays with you. PHYSICAL COPY A MUST🖤
This book is a masterclass in payoff. It doesn’t rush straight into the spice, and thank god for that, the story, the worldbuilding, the characters… all of it builds so deliberately that when things finally ignite, it hits harder. Every page feels intentional.
The FMC is an absolute badass. Smart, capable, and emotionally complex without being exhausting. And the childhood story of Killian and Ada? Genuinely heartbreaking in the best way. Those moments added so much weight to everything happening in the present. Watching who they were become who they are now was beautifully done.
The relationship dynamics are next-level. The way the characters’ backstories line up perfectly with how they speak to each other, react, protect, and love? Genius writing.
Small moments completely wrecked me:
him unlacing her combat boots,
“I love you” & “I’m aware”,
that simple “Easy” that instantly calms her because he knows her so well,
even the way a quiet “hmm” somehow carries so much meaning.
Killian as an MMC is lethal in the best way. Shadow government, information warfare, stocks, officials, power moves... it’s mafia energy but smarter, colder, and more dangerous. And when he does choose violence? It’s ruthless and devastating. The possessiveness is feral: not just “touch her and die” but “look at her, think about her, breathe her air and die.”
The writing itself is perfectly balanced, rich and detailed without dragging, immersive without ever becoming boring. The emotional beats land. The tension holds. The chemistry is suffocating. And yes… the “my love,” “good girl,” “behave,” and “come for me” moments? Impeccable.
This book doesn’t just tell a story, it builds a world, a history, a bond you can feel in your chest. One of those reads where you close the book and just sit there for a minute.
Highly recommend. This one stays with you. PHYSICAL COPY A MUST🖤
January 24, 2026
Okay babe, listen, plant yourself right there and do not move. I need your full attention for this one.
If you love high stakes, plot-heavy chaos, and an MMC who looks redemption arcs dead in the eye and says absolutely the fuck not, then congratulations, you’re home.
Architect of Ruin is layered, ruthless, plot-on-plot carnage with a sharp edge of delicious spice threaded through it. The pacing doesn’t let up, the stakes keep climbing, and the empire Killian built? My guy… what kind of unholy mastermind are you? Every move feels calculated, inevitable, and terrifyingly brilliant. This book doesn’t hold your hand—it drags you under and dares you to breathe.
Now let’s talk about Killian Thorne, because whew. This man is pitch-black authenticity. No softening. No sudden urge to be a better man. No redemption glow-up. He would burn the world to ash for Ada, and the only reason it still exists is because she does. He is intelligent, unhinged, devastatingly loyal, and soaked in psycho energy, and we adore him because he never pretends to be anything else. His love is not safe, not gentle, not moral, but it is absolute.
And Ada, oh, Ada. She is human in the most feral, beautiful way. Soft but sharp-tongued, needy and bratty, emotional and dangerous. She gets angry. She gets sad. She breaks and rebuilds herself in real time. She feels too much and doesn’t apologize for it. She’s messy, real, and alive on the page, and their dynamic? Unrepeatable. It’s raw, volatile, intimate, and dangerous, and it works because it’s honest.
What makes this book hit so hard is that it doesn’t romanticize goodness, it romanticizes truth. Love isn’t clean here. Power isn’t pretty. Devotion comes with blood on its hands. And somehow, through all the ruin and destruction, the bond between Killian and Ada feels unbreakable in a way that’s almost sacred. It’s not about saving each other, it’s about choosing each other, fully aware of the damage they can cause.
So while remaining seated, pick up your Kindle, search Architect of Ruin, and start reading immediately. When you’re done, you can come back and thank me properly, because this one doesn’t just entertain, it consumes.
Until next time - “I am aware.”
If you love high stakes, plot-heavy chaos, and an MMC who looks redemption arcs dead in the eye and says absolutely the fuck not, then congratulations, you’re home.
Architect of Ruin is layered, ruthless, plot-on-plot carnage with a sharp edge of delicious spice threaded through it. The pacing doesn’t let up, the stakes keep climbing, and the empire Killian built? My guy… what kind of unholy mastermind are you? Every move feels calculated, inevitable, and terrifyingly brilliant. This book doesn’t hold your hand—it drags you under and dares you to breathe.
Now let’s talk about Killian Thorne, because whew. This man is pitch-black authenticity. No softening. No sudden urge to be a better man. No redemption glow-up. He would burn the world to ash for Ada, and the only reason it still exists is because she does. He is intelligent, unhinged, devastatingly loyal, and soaked in psycho energy, and we adore him because he never pretends to be anything else. His love is not safe, not gentle, not moral, but it is absolute.
And Ada, oh, Ada. She is human in the most feral, beautiful way. Soft but sharp-tongued, needy and bratty, emotional and dangerous. She gets angry. She gets sad. She breaks and rebuilds herself in real time. She feels too much and doesn’t apologize for it. She’s messy, real, and alive on the page, and their dynamic? Unrepeatable. It’s raw, volatile, intimate, and dangerous, and it works because it’s honest.
What makes this book hit so hard is that it doesn’t romanticize goodness, it romanticizes truth. Love isn’t clean here. Power isn’t pretty. Devotion comes with blood on its hands. And somehow, through all the ruin and destruction, the bond between Killian and Ada feels unbreakable in a way that’s almost sacred. It’s not about saving each other, it’s about choosing each other, fully aware of the damage they can cause.
So while remaining seated, pick up your Kindle, search Architect of Ruin, and start reading immediately. When you’re done, you can come back and thank me properly, because this one doesn’t just entertain, it consumes.
Until next time - “I am aware.”
December 11, 2025
“And yes, I would survive this. But no one would survive me. Not without her. If Ada and her smile could exist in this marsh of meaninglessness we called a world, I would let it continue to exist—for her.”
Architect of Ruin delivers exactly what it promises—and then goes a step further. Killian is the definition of unhinged: a psychotic, brilliant criminal mastermind with the most intense *touch-her-and-die* energy I’ve ever read. He cares for absolutely nothing and no one… except her. A self-made billionaire who trades in information on the darkest edges of the underworld, he’s built an empire simply because his genius needed something to do.
And then there’s our FMC, Ada—a soft but determined DJ carving out her own place in the world through music. She’s unapologetically herself, the calm in Killian’s chaos, the center of his universe, and the only thing that tethers him to any kind of peace.
I won’t give away spoilers, but this book is non-stop action, twist after twist, and a perfect blend of tension, obsession, and deliciously crafted spice.
I’m beyond excited (and so grateful!) to dive into book two as an ARC in the coming weeks. I cannot wait to watch Ada grow—and to watch Killian burn the world down to protect her.
Architect of Ruin delivers exactly what it promises—and then goes a step further. Killian is the definition of unhinged: a psychotic, brilliant criminal mastermind with the most intense *touch-her-and-die* energy I’ve ever read. He cares for absolutely nothing and no one… except her. A self-made billionaire who trades in information on the darkest edges of the underworld, he’s built an empire simply because his genius needed something to do.
And then there’s our FMC, Ada—a soft but determined DJ carving out her own place in the world through music. She’s unapologetically herself, the calm in Killian’s chaos, the center of his universe, and the only thing that tethers him to any kind of peace.
I won’t give away spoilers, but this book is non-stop action, twist after twist, and a perfect blend of tension, obsession, and deliciously crafted spice.
I’m beyond excited (and so grateful!) to dive into book two as an ARC in the coming weeks. I cannot wait to watch Ada grow—and to watch Killian burn the world down to protect her.
August 31, 2025
“I will put a bullet in her myself before I let you take her anywhere.” - this line was special, never in a dark romance book has a line smacked me like this one did.
It took me ages to write this review because I had so many feelings about this book.
I had trouble getting into it at the start because so much was happening and it was one of those context clues books but I am so glad I stuck it out. The story was so interesting - we have mafia, government, murder and mystery.
All the side characters and their relationships were good to read about! There were hackers, enforcers and assassins who are vital to the story and they all have their own role in this little family, I very much look forward to reading their books.
The absolute all consuming possessive love between the 2 main characters was so worth the wait to get to. Killian Thorne is the most obsessed and possessive man, Ada is his whole life and nothing and no one can touch her. We bounced between timelines to give a full backstory which helped you get a full picture of the different levels of their relationship over the years.
This story is definitely plot heavy, a lot more plot heavy than I am used to and a few random POV were thrown in which I think threw me at first. Low spice but when it happened it was goooood.
This book didn’t end on a cliffhanger per se but I am still very keen for some answers in the second book.
It took me ages to write this review because I had so many feelings about this book.
I had trouble getting into it at the start because so much was happening and it was one of those context clues books but I am so glad I stuck it out. The story was so interesting - we have mafia, government, murder and mystery.
All the side characters and their relationships were good to read about! There were hackers, enforcers and assassins who are vital to the story and they all have their own role in this little family, I very much look forward to reading their books.
The absolute all consuming possessive love between the 2 main characters was so worth the wait to get to. Killian Thorne is the most obsessed and possessive man, Ada is his whole life and nothing and no one can touch her. We bounced between timelines to give a full backstory which helped you get a full picture of the different levels of their relationship over the years.
This story is definitely plot heavy, a lot more plot heavy than I am used to and a few random POV were thrown in which I think threw me at first. Low spice but when it happened it was goooood.
This book didn’t end on a cliffhanger per se but I am still very keen for some answers in the second book.
December 27, 2025
This book completely pulled me in and refused to let go. From the opening chapters, you’re thrown straight into a dark, dangerous world filled with power, crime, and constant tension. While it takes a moment to settle into the story, once it clicks, there’s no turning back.
Killian is a morally grey character pushed straight into pitch-black territory—cold, obsessive, and shaped by loss and rage. He’s the kind of man the world fears, yet his devotion to Ada is absolute. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t soften for anyone else, and would burn everything down without regret to protect what’s his. That level of obsession is intense, unsettling, and completely addictive.
Ada is messy, chaotic, and deeply human. Beneath her strength lies anxiety, trauma, and a tragic past that slowly unfolds throughout the story. She’s vulnerable yet fierce, and her inner struggles make her incredibly relatable. Watching her navigate a world she was never meant to survive—while piecing together who she really is—adds an emotional depth that stayed with me long after finishing.
Their connection is raw, consuming, and built in the middle of chaos. In a world ruled by danger and enemies, they become each other’s refuge. The balance between action, drama, romance, and spice is well done, keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high. Just when you start to feel safe in their bond, the story reminds you that danger is always close.
Emotional, intense, and impossible to put down, this book left me completely obsessed and desperate for more. If you love dark mafia romance with obsessive devotion, morally black heroes, and high stakes that keep you on edge, this is absolutely worth reading.
Killian is a morally grey character pushed straight into pitch-black territory—cold, obsessive, and shaped by loss and rage. He’s the kind of man the world fears, yet his devotion to Ada is absolute. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t soften for anyone else, and would burn everything down without regret to protect what’s his. That level of obsession is intense, unsettling, and completely addictive.
Ada is messy, chaotic, and deeply human. Beneath her strength lies anxiety, trauma, and a tragic past that slowly unfolds throughout the story. She’s vulnerable yet fierce, and her inner struggles make her incredibly relatable. Watching her navigate a world she was never meant to survive—while piecing together who she really is—adds an emotional depth that stayed with me long after finishing.
Their connection is raw, consuming, and built in the middle of chaos. In a world ruled by danger and enemies, they become each other’s refuge. The balance between action, drama, romance, and spice is well done, keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high. Just when you start to feel safe in their bond, the story reminds you that danger is always close.
Emotional, intense, and impossible to put down, this book left me completely obsessed and desperate for more. If you love dark mafia romance with obsessive devotion, morally black heroes, and high stakes that keep you on edge, this is absolutely worth reading.
November 24, 2025
I am completely obsessed. From start to finish, this book grips you by the heart and doesn’t let go. He’s a man shaped by anger, loss, and numbness—a force of nature the world fears—yet for her, he is everything: protection, passion, and devotion. She’s strong, unyielding, and fierce, and together they are unstoppable.
Their bond is consuming, raw, and utterly addictive. The way he builds a path for her through a world of chaos and danger, and the way they become each other’s solace, is breathtaking. Even in a world ruled by power, crime, and enemies, their connection feels untouchable… though the final chapters make it clear danger is never far away.
This book is thrilling, emotional, and impossible to put down. It’s a perfect balance of intensity, romance, and suspense, leaving me desperate for the next installment. If you love dark, dangerous, and utterly compelling romance with stakes that will keep you on edge, this is a must-read.
**Book 2 cannot come soon enough.**
Raquel (The Ink Addicts Reads)
Their bond is consuming, raw, and utterly addictive. The way he builds a path for her through a world of chaos and danger, and the way they become each other’s solace, is breathtaking. Even in a world ruled by power, crime, and enemies, their connection feels untouchable… though the final chapters make it clear danger is never far away.
This book is thrilling, emotional, and impossible to put down. It’s a perfect balance of intensity, romance, and suspense, leaving me desperate for the next installment. If you love dark, dangerous, and utterly compelling romance with stakes that will keep you on edge, this is a must-read.
**Book 2 cannot come soon enough.**
Raquel (The Ink Addicts Reads)
December 12, 2025
It took me a few chapters to really get into it , but once i got into it , I was right into it !
If you love a good dark mafia romance this one is for you .
The MMC is your morally grey pretty much black , obsessive who’s not afraid to burn the world down for one woman .
The FMC is oh so messy and chaotic, but so loveable and in a way relatable. ( for those who have anxiety, you’ll see what I mean ;) ) she has a tragic past , and we’re still putting together the pieces.
I can’t wait for book two ! I need to know what’s going to happen next !
January 5, 2026
This book was AMAZING! Wow. I don't even know how to categorize it. I would say it was more of a thriller than dark romance. Killian is amazing. Definitely a sociopath, but becomes an actual human for his girl. As much as I love enemies to lovers, this is not that and I actually found it really refreshing to find that it wasn't. Ada and Killian's relationship is something really special.
This book is fast-paced. It's something unique and it'll have you hooked almost immediately. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, is because there were some spelling/grammatical errors that my analytical brain couldn't forget about. The story though, is absolutely amazing.
Book.2 releases January 26th, I'm starting it now and I'll let you all know how it goes!!
This book is fast-paced. It's something unique and it'll have you hooked almost immediately. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, is because there were some spelling/grammatical errors that my analytical brain couldn't forget about. The story though, is absolutely amazing.
Book.2 releases January 26th, I'm starting it now and I'll let you all know how it goes!!
September 25, 2025
A fast-paced, action-packed dark romance that kept me turning pages until the very end. It’s good to find a book that balances romance (and smut) with action. Well done to the author! Can’t wait for book 2.
January 11, 2026
This book was dark, exciting, obsessive and spicy. This is 100% a dark romance but there is so much more going on in the plot as well. There is a lot of dialogue between the characters and sometimes I wasn’t always familiar with all of the slang however it didn’t affect the story. Killian is genius, who is emotionally detached from everyone except Ada. She is the only thing that quiets the noise. 🥰🥰 There is no denying he is the villian and she stands right next to him in the dark.
“You are the quiet between my heart beats Love. There is no me without you.” Killian
“Tell me every terrible thing you ever did and let me love you anyway” Ada
“You are the quiet between my heart beats Love. There is no me without you.” Killian
“Tell me every terrible thing you ever did and let me love you anyway” Ada
October 2, 2025
Wow, this was an intense, gripping and dark ride with a delicious amount of spice! Killian and Ada made such a passionate and sweet couple! I loved the mafia and crime world details, they felt real and the book had a lot of suspense. If you're into dark romance with steamy scenes and a possessive mmc, this book is for you!
February 10, 2026
I was in a book slump, couldn't find my next read, an itch I couldn't scratch. BUT came across this, was intrigued and HOLY MOLY I was hooked!
I inhaled the pages, craved them when I had to put this beauty down. It is so good!
A book so different, I thought a mafia romance, which I love, but this had a unique twist. Killian is so much more, his family a crime syndicate, background guns, fueled his desire to becone better, silent and deadly offering what nobody else could, selling secrets, playing chess with information, watching, waiting, destroying without regret, he was a master of his game.an Enigma.
When Ada entered his life from a very young age his parents, Clare & Robbie, took her in she clung to the safety of him, traumitised he healed her and she gave him purpose. She is talented, a great pianist. He knew her inside out, she too him. His parents wanted to protect her from their life but they were always meant to be. Ada bratty, messy, Killian dangerous, likes everything in order. Different but the same.
Living her own life as a DJ, Killian always watching, protecting, more than that. Letting her live, to fly, spread her wings, allowing his parents to see Ada enjoy her passion of partying and becoming a great DJ. Ada was living, but not really happy. Her past, one she doesn't remember comes back with a vengeance. Super fast paced, thrilling, Killian was there throughout. With his steady, quiet, but lethal gaze. He is very obsessed with Ada, anyone, even his parents have to keep their distance as the enemies close in.
The writing flowed, never being boring or over the top. Just enough to keep you wanting to read on with eagerness.
A debut book that has blown me away. I never want this series to end, diving in to book two, I can only hope that we do get more from this world as plenty of characters need their say!
Glued to the pages I was transfixed!
I inhaled the pages, craved them when I had to put this beauty down. It is so good!
A book so different, I thought a mafia romance, which I love, but this had a unique twist. Killian is so much more, his family a crime syndicate, background guns, fueled his desire to becone better, silent and deadly offering what nobody else could, selling secrets, playing chess with information, watching, waiting, destroying without regret, he was a master of his game.an Enigma.
When Ada entered his life from a very young age his parents, Clare & Robbie, took her in she clung to the safety of him, traumitised he healed her and she gave him purpose. She is talented, a great pianist. He knew her inside out, she too him. His parents wanted to protect her from their life but they were always meant to be. Ada bratty, messy, Killian dangerous, likes everything in order. Different but the same.
Living her own life as a DJ, Killian always watching, protecting, more than that. Letting her live, to fly, spread her wings, allowing his parents to see Ada enjoy her passion of partying and becoming a great DJ. Ada was living, but not really happy. Her past, one she doesn't remember comes back with a vengeance. Super fast paced, thrilling, Killian was there throughout. With his steady, quiet, but lethal gaze. He is very obsessed with Ada, anyone, even his parents have to keep their distance as the enemies close in.
The writing flowed, never being boring or over the top. Just enough to keep you wanting to read on with eagerness.
A debut book that has blown me away. I never want this series to end, diving in to book two, I can only hope that we do get more from this world as plenty of characters need their say!
Glued to the pages I was transfixed!
January 10, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance
Pages: 388
Type: E-book
Stars: 4.5
Tropes:
Crime
💜Touch her and 💀
💜Possessive MMC
Opposites attract
This is the first book in the Shadow Gods series and the first book in a duology that follows Killian and Ada.
I love their relationship and the book starts off really well, maybe a little slow, but that's just setting the scene.
This book really caught and held my attention after I was able to actually sit down and read it.This book is kind of addicting once you get into it and I can't wait for their next book or the rest of the series.
There is a lot going on in this book with a lot of action and it's very plot driven so if that's what you want then I believe this book is for you.
I absolutely love Killian. And even though he can't feel or show emotions in a normal way or really at all he is so perfect for Ada. He makes sure she is safe and takes care of her and is so attentive to her needs.
I also love all the side characters and hope they get their own books.
I did find it hard to relate to Ada because of how she handles things at first and I have a hard time relating to people who do drugs and drink as much as she does at first, but I do like her, it just took me a bit and I think it's just cause I can't relate but I do understand and sympathize with why she would partake in those types of escapes and I think it did make her character better because it showed that she was messy but that she is working it out. I also loved how Killian would calm her down from her panic attacks.
I do not like Killian's parents, but I started tolerating his father by the end. I still hate his mother.
I would highly recommend this book.
Pages: 388
Type: E-book
Stars: 4.5
Tropes:
Crime
💜Touch her and 💀
💜Possessive MMC
Opposites attract
This is the first book in the Shadow Gods series and the first book in a duology that follows Killian and Ada.
I love their relationship and the book starts off really well, maybe a little slow, but that's just setting the scene.
This book really caught and held my attention after I was able to actually sit down and read it.This book is kind of addicting once you get into it and I can't wait for their next book or the rest of the series.
There is a lot going on in this book with a lot of action and it's very plot driven so if that's what you want then I believe this book is for you.
I absolutely love Killian. And even though he can't feel or show emotions in a normal way or really at all he is so perfect for Ada. He makes sure she is safe and takes care of her and is so attentive to her needs.
I also love all the side characters and hope they get their own books.
I did find it hard to relate to Ada because of how she handles things at first and I have a hard time relating to people who do drugs and drink as much as she does at first, but I do like her, it just took me a bit and I think it's just cause I can't relate but I do understand and sympathize with why she would partake in those types of escapes and I think it did make her character better because it showed that she was messy but that she is working it out. I also loved how Killian would calm her down from her panic attacks.
I do not like Killian's parents, but I started tolerating his father by the end. I still hate his mother.
I would highly recommend this book.
December 21, 2025
Architect of Ruin pulled me in fast and never really let up. From the first chapters, the story is intense, sharp, and full of nonstop action that kept me turning pages. What stood out most was the look inside powerful crime families and how loyalty, control, and survival shape every decision. The hacker element adds another layer, showing how money, data, and influence quietly run the world behind the scenes. I also liked how the book exposes corruption across the legal system, politicians, and law enforcement without feeling preachy.
Killian is a fascinating and unsettling character, especially in how his world revolves around Ada. One line that really captures that intensity is, “Because all of you is still all mine.” It perfectly reflects the possessive, dangerous bond at the center of the story. The contrast between extreme wealth, freedom, and total lack of consequences makes the world feel darkly realistic. This was a gripping, high-energy read, and I’m fully invested in where the story goes next.
Killian is a fascinating and unsettling character, especially in how his world revolves around Ada. One line that really captures that intensity is, “Because all of you is still all mine.” It perfectly reflects the possessive, dangerous bond at the center of the story. The contrast between extreme wealth, freedom, and total lack of consequences makes the world feel darkly realistic. This was a gripping, high-energy read, and I’m fully invested in where the story goes next.
January 11, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book!! It had my full attention throughout, from start to finish, I couldn’t stop!! The story pulls you in and absolutely will not let go!! The plot, the mystery, the danger all keep you guessing!! It’s intense!!! The pieces don’t click into place, so it keeps you guessing, never seeing the full picture until it slaps you in the face!!
I loved that the spice between the MCs came later, after a storyline was already developed! It wasn’t just instant spice scenes! Killian and Ada’s relationship was a gradual progression from the time she landed in the driveway as a small girl, to them growing up and becoming adults, but even than Killian had given her all freedoms to find her way to him!! She lived her life up until she realized she wanted and needed him. Even when things in their relationship began to turn into something else, he still gave her time, took it at her pace and let her be the one to decide! Their chemistry is intense, their bond unbreakable and unmatched, and the level of devotion… wow! Killian is literally the man that takes “touch her and die” or “I’ll burn the world down for her” to be exactly that, more of a promise than a threat!!
I can’t wait for book 2 and to read the conclusion of Ada and Killian’s story!!! Absolutely hooked on them!! 100% recommend reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down!!
Favorite Book quote:
"I will put a bullet in her myself before I let you take her anywhere."
I loved that the spice between the MCs came later, after a storyline was already developed! It wasn’t just instant spice scenes! Killian and Ada’s relationship was a gradual progression from the time she landed in the driveway as a small girl, to them growing up and becoming adults, but even than Killian had given her all freedoms to find her way to him!! She lived her life up until she realized she wanted and needed him. Even when things in their relationship began to turn into something else, he still gave her time, took it at her pace and let her be the one to decide! Their chemistry is intense, their bond unbreakable and unmatched, and the level of devotion… wow! Killian is literally the man that takes “touch her and die” or “I’ll burn the world down for her” to be exactly that, more of a promise than a threat!!
I can’t wait for book 2 and to read the conclusion of Ada and Killian’s story!!! Absolutely hooked on them!! 100% recommend reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down!!
Favorite Book quote:
"I will put a bullet in her myself before I let you take her anywhere."
December 28, 2025
Here’s my review of “Architect of Ruin” by Tamar Shaw ☺️
Plot-Driven: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (yes that’s 6 stars for you watching at home!)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly? No notes. This is an EXCEPTIONALLY well-written book. If action movies were like this book then I would watch them all of the time 😂. This book gets 6 stars from me because
1) I am not one to reread books but I could very easily see myself picking this up a few months from now and rereading it. Everything is just THAT good. And 2) I think this book could stand on its own and be a five star book even without the spicy scenes because the plot is THAT riveting. But honestly the spice is just *chef’s kiss* so I’m glad it’s not going anywhere.
Killian is probably my favorite sociopathic MMC that I’ve ever read, full stop. His devotion to Ada knows no bounds and the way he loves her without being able to really “love” her?! So well-written and satisfying. The spicy scenes were unbelievably sexy and the banter between all of the characters was top notch. Shaw could very easily be a script writer for a multimillion dollar spy movie but selfishly I want her to keep writing books for me to devour, and devour I will. (Ghosts of Wrath, the sequel to Architect of Ruin, will be published very very soon! 😍)
I would recommend this book to anyone that has a pulse, a desire to read for enjoyment and the capacity to procure this novel. If this recommendation is vague it’s because YOU NEED TO GO GET IT RIGHT NOW NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE! 💕
Plot-Driven: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (yes that’s 6 stars for you watching at home!)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly? No notes. This is an EXCEPTIONALLY well-written book. If action movies were like this book then I would watch them all of the time 😂. This book gets 6 stars from me because
1) I am not one to reread books but I could very easily see myself picking this up a few months from now and rereading it. Everything is just THAT good. And 2) I think this book could stand on its own and be a five star book even without the spicy scenes because the plot is THAT riveting. But honestly the spice is just *chef’s kiss* so I’m glad it’s not going anywhere.
Killian is probably my favorite sociopathic MMC that I’ve ever read, full stop. His devotion to Ada knows no bounds and the way he loves her without being able to really “love” her?! So well-written and satisfying. The spicy scenes were unbelievably sexy and the banter between all of the characters was top notch. Shaw could very easily be a script writer for a multimillion dollar spy movie but selfishly I want her to keep writing books for me to devour, and devour I will. (Ghosts of Wrath, the sequel to Architect of Ruin, will be published very very soon! 😍)
I would recommend this book to anyone that has a pulse, a desire to read for enjoyment and the capacity to procure this novel. If this recommendation is vague it’s because YOU NEED TO GO GET IT RIGHT NOW NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE! 💕
October 6, 2025
Okay, what do I say about this book other than... WOW!
From page 1 Tamar Shaw had me sitting on the edge of my seat following Killian the MMC (and my new book boyfriend I might add). He's just so BAD. I loved how dark he is. And Ada, the FMC is such a perfect match for him. The chemistry between them is combustible. The story is intense. It pulls you along and barely gives you a chance to take a breath. There's so much to say about this story, but I'm not going to give any spoilers. Read it for yourself, I promise, you won't be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more in this series. Highly, highly recommend.
From page 1 Tamar Shaw had me sitting on the edge of my seat following Killian the MMC (and my new book boyfriend I might add). He's just so BAD. I loved how dark he is. And Ada, the FMC is such a perfect match for him. The chemistry between them is combustible. The story is intense. It pulls you along and barely gives you a chance to take a breath. There's so much to say about this story, but I'm not going to give any spoilers. Read it for yourself, I promise, you won't be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more in this series. Highly, highly recommend.
February 3, 2026
The writing, nuances, chemistry everything is too good or maybe that’s just my good mafia writing deprived brain. Iam hoping for more challenges for Ki going forward. Don’t disappoint me book -2.
Ada ain’t your typical mafia fmc & I love it! Ki & her were so good together. Iam so so so glad to see Ki’s psychopathic persona wasn’t thrown around for fun but remained how one is. Ada feels like your everyday girl except when she’s with him or rather how she’s around him.
The plot was there but as a subplot & it felt a bit boring given Ki being always a step ahead which is again understandable given his psychosis. I hope there are more challenges waiting for him atleast from Bratva this time.
Ada ain’t your typical mafia fmc & I love it! Ki & her were so good together. Iam so so so glad to see Ki’s psychopathic persona wasn’t thrown around for fun but remained how one is. Ada feels like your everyday girl except when she’s with him or rather how she’s around him.
The plot was there but as a subplot & it felt a bit boring given Ki being always a step ahead which is again understandable given his psychosis. I hope there are more challenges waiting for him atleast from Bratva this time.
October 1, 2025
I think I have a new favorite dark romance! This was fast paced and creative, with great spice. The plot was plotting with lots of intrigue and amazing action sequences. The MMC is possessive in the best way while still treating the FMC like a queen, and my favorite part was the FMC. She was lovely, complex, and wonderfully flawed.
October 10, 2025
If you like spicy, dark romance novels with a possessive MMC, you will love this book! It is plot driven with storylines intertwining mafia and government, along with a trusty hacker who can make all sins digitally disappear without a trace - a must for these characters! It is fast paced and spicy! Very entertaining
October 23, 2025
I ate this book up 🥵 the relationship between Ada and Killian is everything and I need a Killian of my own! I loved how the story developed throughout and there genuinely wasn’t a character I disliked which is a big thing for me!
The writing was captivating and flowed beautifully. I didn’t feel bored once and was left feeling very satisfied!
The writing was captivating and flowed beautifully. I didn’t feel bored once and was left feeling very satisfied!
December 18, 2025
This is not normally the genre that I choose but this book has made me change my mind. I was hooked really quickly and pretty much binge read it. The main characters are deeply complicated and drawn to each other in an almost darkly obsessive way but with a tenderness that makes this a real love story. The drama becomes really tense and it is written so well I found myself holding my breath. I highly recommend this and I’m very excited for the sequel.
January 18, 2026
I don’t like FMCs that hook up around, do drugs,… not my type of book
December 24, 2025
Holy. Fcking. Sht. THIS BOOK. Omfg. The storvline🤌🏻 the world building🤌🏻 the SPICE 🔥🔥🔥 KILLIAN GD DMN THORNE🥵🥵🥵
This book was incredible in every sense of the word. I was hooked the second I started reading and couldn't put it down. There was suspense there was action there was violence.
I literally have so many questions and I am squirming to get my hands on book 2. I HIGHLY recommend
This book was incredible in every sense of the word. I was hooked the second I started reading and couldn't put it down. There was suspense there was action there was violence.
I literally have so many questions and I am squirming to get my hands on book 2. I HIGHLY recommend
January 28, 2026
Wow…just wow. Where has this book been all my life!
This book had me gripping the edge of my seat. It wasn’t drawn out and I NEVER got bored. Every chapter builds on to the world within the pages and it never felt like it was a rush to get to where we were going. Don’t get me wrong, the spice and fire is there but at the perfect timing. The tension - dropped in just the right spots.
Ada is so smart and real. Her sharp edges make her dangerous but in the most perfect way. She’s rebuilding and you feel every messy, emotion moment on the page.
Killian is the best form of deranged and darkly unhinged. He’s power and shadows - the darkness is his favorite place to be. He’s calculated - the world would burn for her and he’ll make it happen.
I appreciated the back story of Killian and Ada - you got the depth and knowledge of then and now. This book was so well written and I cannot wait for book two! Thank you Tamar!!
This book had me gripping the edge of my seat. It wasn’t drawn out and I NEVER got bored. Every chapter builds on to the world within the pages and it never felt like it was a rush to get to where we were going. Don’t get me wrong, the spice and fire is there but at the perfect timing. The tension - dropped in just the right spots.
Ada is so smart and real. Her sharp edges make her dangerous but in the most perfect way. She’s rebuilding and you feel every messy, emotion moment on the page.
Killian is the best form of deranged and darkly unhinged. He’s power and shadows - the darkness is his favorite place to be. He’s calculated - the world would burn for her and he’ll make it happen.
I appreciated the back story of Killian and Ada - you got the depth and knowledge of then and now. This book was so well written and I cannot wait for book two! Thank you Tamar!!
December 21, 2025
This book was a bit of a slow starter for me, and it took a few chapters before I was truly hooked. However, I’m so glad I stuck with it! I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. I especially loved that the FMC had a backbone and wasn't afraid to stand her ground. Her chemistry with the other characters (and Killian ofc!!!) was amazing! I can’t wait to read more about the beginning of Killian and Ada’s story ❤️
December 23, 2025
This story was so different from what I usually read (but with all the smut still lol) and I loved it!!! I have been diving into different parts of the book world and I am loving it all. The different authors I have found by branching out is incredible and Tamar Shaw is in my top favorite reads for 2025!!! I can't wait to read the second one! I am invested now..
December 29, 2025
Y'aaalll! I did not expect to get this hooked on this book! A few chapters in, Ada and Killian had me in a chokehold.
Architect of Ruin is dark and absolutely not here to be gentle. The atmosphere is thick with dread, the stakes are cruel, and nothing comes without a cost. Killian is morally gray, dragged straight into pitch-black territory 🔥 Cold, obsessive, and fueled by loss and rage. Ada is strong, resilient, unapologetically herself, and gives absolutely no fucks.
Their bond is CHEF'S KISS ! Obsessive and impossible to escape. He clears a path for her through power, violence and chaos, and they are absolutely each other’s anchor throughout it all. Killian would burn the world down for her, and Ada would hand him the match.
I also loved all the supporting characters—Mont and Luc especially brought depth, humor, and chaos to this wild ride.
Not a comfort read...this one bites (iykyk 😉) I finished it in awe and already craving the next one.
Architect of Ruin is dark and absolutely not here to be gentle. The atmosphere is thick with dread, the stakes are cruel, and nothing comes without a cost. Killian is morally gray, dragged straight into pitch-black territory 🔥 Cold, obsessive, and fueled by loss and rage. Ada is strong, resilient, unapologetically herself, and gives absolutely no fucks.
Their bond is CHEF'S KISS ! Obsessive and impossible to escape. He clears a path for her through power, violence and chaos, and they are absolutely each other’s anchor throughout it all. Killian would burn the world down for her, and Ada would hand him the match.
I also loved all the supporting characters—Mont and Luc especially brought depth, humor, and chaos to this wild ride.
Not a comfort read...this one bites (iykyk 😉) I finished it in awe and already craving the next one.
December 31, 2025
Architect of Ruin by Tamar Shaw took a little while to get going for me - the beginning felt slow and I had to settle into the world - but once it picked up, it REALLY picked up. From that point on, I was completely captivated.
The heart of this book is Killian and Ada. Their relationship is complicated, layered, and at times frustrating in the best possible way. The push and pull between them, the tension, and the emotional depth made their dynamic feel intense and incredibly well done. It’s messy, it’s powerful, and it works.
Overall, this was a strong read with excellent character dynamics and a storyline that rewards your patience. Definitely worth sticking with, and I’m keen for Book 2!!
The heart of this book is Killian and Ada. Their relationship is complicated, layered, and at times frustrating in the best possible way. The push and pull between them, the tension, and the emotional depth made their dynamic feel intense and incredibly well done. It’s messy, it’s powerful, and it works.
Overall, this was a strong read with excellent character dynamics and a storyline that rewards your patience. Definitely worth sticking with, and I’m keen for Book 2!!
December 31, 2025
I’m beyond obsessed with this book!
I don’t even know how to explain how much I love it. I actually told my husband, “Hey, this book is truly amazing!”
Killian is THE PERFECT book boyfriend (where are you in the real world? Please, come find me!). He’s dark, clever, and thoughtful—he truly owns the world.
Ada is a beautiful soul with a dark past. She’s pure chaos in Killian’s world, but their dynamic is incredible. They love each other in such a pure, wholehearted way that it will make you sigh.
The book is so well written, full of vivid details, and brilliantly crafted, with a complex background, dual POVs, flashbacks, mafia elements, and bloodshed—everything a dark romance lover could ask for.
Please, read it and add it to your TBR—the second book is coming soon!
I don’t even know how to explain how much I love it. I actually told my husband, “Hey, this book is truly amazing!”
Killian is THE PERFECT book boyfriend (where are you in the real world? Please, come find me!). He’s dark, clever, and thoughtful—he truly owns the world.
Ada is a beautiful soul with a dark past. She’s pure chaos in Killian’s world, but their dynamic is incredible. They love each other in such a pure, wholehearted way that it will make you sigh.
The book is so well written, full of vivid details, and brilliantly crafted, with a complex background, dual POVs, flashbacks, mafia elements, and bloodshed—everything a dark romance lover could ask for.
Please, read it and add it to your TBR—the second book is coming soon!
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