What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruby Nightshade
A kingdom divided. A love forbidden. She must betray her heart or watch the realm burn.
Viviana Drakul desired Prince Torran from the night they first danced. Despite the harsh necromantic rule that overshadows their lives, their betrothal is a rare beacon of hope.
But the would-be lovers are heirs to ruined yet once-great houses. The betrothal terrifies the royal necromancers, who fear a new alliance might challenge their power. To prevent the union, the royals corner Viviana and Torran with rival marriage proposals, backed by the threat of war if they refuse.
Viviana would do anything to avoid marrying the very enemy who destroyed her homeland and heritage, but the odds are stacked against her in ways she can’t imagine.
Few believe she can triumph in the battle for her people’s future, even with the blood of her infamous ancestors in her veins.
But the last Drakul refuses to surrender.
If she cannot win, she vows to die fighting.
Join Viviana Drakul as she faces torn loyalties, dangerous temptation, and ruthless court intrigue in this evocative Fantasy Romance series.
Viviana Drakul desired Prince Torran from the night they first danced. Despite the harsh necromantic rule that overshadows their lives, their betrothal is a rare beacon of hope.
But the would-be lovers are heirs to ruined yet once-great houses. The betrothal terrifies the royal necromancers, who fear a new alliance might challenge their power. To prevent the union, the royals corner Viviana and Torran with rival marriage proposals, backed by the threat of war if they refuse.
Viviana would do anything to avoid marrying the very enemy who destroyed her homeland and heritage, but the odds are stacked against her in ways she can’t imagine.
Few believe she can triumph in the battle for her people’s future, even with the blood of her infamous ancestors in her veins.
But the last Drakul refuses to surrender.
If she cannot win, she vows to die fighting.
Join Viviana Drakul as she faces torn loyalties, dangerous temptation, and ruthless court intrigue in this evocative Fantasy Romance series.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
27 people want to read
About the author
Evie Finn
6 books29 followersEvie believes in magic, especially the powerful magic of escaping to another realm via a book. When she's not writing or reading, she explores the world outside, eats good food, and cuddles her beloved cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 26, 2025
Viviana Drakul arrives at the Pyre expecting to marry Prince Torran. Their once great and respected houses are now under the rule of the necromantic royals, the Kargas. To put a stop to Vivi's and Torran's marriage, and once again be challenged by their houses, the Kargas present other plans of marriage. Vivi will marry Prince Rasmus and Torran will marry his sister Wrayth. If they refuse they're threatened by war.
I've read Evie Finn's earlier trilogy Fairytales Forever and loved it. Now she's started a new series and it seems to be a great read as well! Vivi's the last one of the Drakul family, along with her uncle. Their ancestor Vladislav Drakul was the most powerful Nightshade in their family, but to others he was known as Vlad the Impaler.
We get the story mostly from Vivi's POV, but also Torran's. It makes it a bit difficult to know what goes on in the heads of Rasmus and Wrayth. In one moment they appear as perfectly nice and normal people, and in the next they do something that make me despise them. So it takes me a while to decide if the Kargas are evil throughout, or if there's something else beneath the surface. I have no trouble with liking Viviana. Sure, she's impulsive and makes some rash decisions that makes me groan, but I can understand them. Torran... he wants to protect Vivi at all cost, but it doesn't always go as planned.
Well developed and interesting characters, a rather complex world building, plot twists, lies and betrayal = a very good start for a new series, and right up my alley!
* I received an ARC through BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
I've read Evie Finn's earlier trilogy Fairytales Forever and loved it. Now she's started a new series and it seems to be a great read as well! Vivi's the last one of the Drakul family, along with her uncle. Their ancestor Vladislav Drakul was the most powerful Nightshade in their family, but to others he was known as Vlad the Impaler.
We get the story mostly from Vivi's POV, but also Torran's. It makes it a bit difficult to know what goes on in the heads of Rasmus and Wrayth. In one moment they appear as perfectly nice and normal people, and in the next they do something that make me despise them. So it takes me a while to decide if the Kargas are evil throughout, or if there's something else beneath the surface. I have no trouble with liking Viviana. Sure, she's impulsive and makes some rash decisions that makes me groan, but I can understand them. Torran... he wants to protect Vivi at all cost, but it doesn't always go as planned.
Well developed and interesting characters, a rather complex world building, plot twists, lies and betrayal = a very good start for a new series, and right up my alley!
* I received an ARC through BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
October 19, 2025
Loved the story. Viviana and Torran are two people who think they are going to get married instead find themselves destined to wed the prince and princess from the House of Karga. The House of Karga is Viviana's enemy and she is determined not to wed Rasmus. This story is full of drama, high emotions, a feeling of betrayal, and ends in a cliff-hanger. I look forward to reading the next book and finding out how Torran and Viviana face the wrath of the Karga's.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2025
What a great fantasy!
I really enjoyed this story. We have two young people who met at a wedding and for all intents and purposes, fell in love while dancing the night away. Now, in the current day, they’re engaged to be married. When Vivi arrives for the wedding, she knows that Torran remembers everything and feels the same as she does. When they both end up being engaged to the Kargas—the people who defeated both of theirs—neither one of them is happy but unless they want to start a war, they have no choice but to agree. When they meet their future spouses, they realize they are to be wed to truly horrific people. This story is full of twists and turns and characters galore. Evie Finn’s writing style just lends itself beautifully to the genre and I found myself enthralled from the very beginning until the very end. I can’t wait for Book Two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this story. We have two young people who met at a wedding and for all intents and purposes, fell in love while dancing the night away. Now, in the current day, they’re engaged to be married. When Vivi arrives for the wedding, she knows that Torran remembers everything and feels the same as she does. When they both end up being engaged to the Kargas—the people who defeated both of theirs—neither one of them is happy but unless they want to start a war, they have no choice but to agree. When they meet their future spouses, they realize they are to be wed to truly horrific people. This story is full of twists and turns and characters galore. Evie Finn’s writing style just lends itself beautifully to the genre and I found myself enthralled from the very beginning until the very end. I can’t wait for Book Two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2025
When I see romantic fantasy, I'm interested. Combined with the great cover, the interesting premise and of course the name Dracul, I really wanted to read this book. Luckily I could grab a review copy through BookSirens
This morning I finished the book and I'm not entirely sure what to write in this review. I think literally nothing in this book worked for me. I only finished this book because it was easy to read and had relatively short chapters.
For a romantic fantasy the world building is way too basic. We spent almost the entire book in one place. Other kingdoms are named and mentioned, we meet characters from the other kingdoms and once in a while we get some info on their shared history and a glimpse on one of their customs, but that's it. We're not exploring the world, we're not seeing what makes these kingdoms so different, apart from a sparse magic trick here and there, this could easily just be our world with fictional names.
I also had an issue with the romance. It's really hard to care about a romance that has absolutely no base. These characters met years ago, are happy they get to marry, hear their marriage isn't happening and all of a sudden they're both heartbroken. They barely know each other, they barely talk about meaningful things, they barely show why they really want each other. Honestly? The guy the narrative tries to paint as the bad guy expresses more love (although slightly toxic) for the heroine than the so-called hero. And although Ramsus is clearly no saint, Torran clearly isn't either.
The entire finale also comes out of nowhere. Torran stops thinking rationally, decides to ignore every warning, and starts a war they were actively trying to avoid all book long. He's the one escalating this entire thing. For a girl he barely knows. I already had a hard time liking him before that moment, but this felt like a breaking point for me. This was so stupid and reckless!
Vivi had a similar issue. Throughout the book she shows no signs of growing, learning and developing, until the finale, where all of a sudden all her character growth happens at once. Up until then she's a really reactive character. Things happen, she likes or dislikes those things, deals with them and waits for the next thing to happen. And it never feels like we learn about what she wants, apart from marrying Torran.
I think this book desperately needs a better build up towards Torran and Vivi being forced to marry someone else. There needs to be a relationship there. We should have watched them courting, we should have watched them emotionally connect, we should have seen them falling for each other based on more than one dance. This also would have given us the chance to build a connection with them. Now I honestly can't care about their forbidden romance.
I'm not sure what direction this story will take in future books. Maybe this is meant to be a love triangle, maybe this ends with some sort of menage, maybe either Ramsus or Torran will turn out to be a bad guy. I don't think I will check it out, unless reviews of future installments can change my mind.
This morning I finished the book and I'm not entirely sure what to write in this review. I think literally nothing in this book worked for me. I only finished this book because it was easy to read and had relatively short chapters.
For a romantic fantasy the world building is way too basic. We spent almost the entire book in one place. Other kingdoms are named and mentioned, we meet characters from the other kingdoms and once in a while we get some info on their shared history and a glimpse on one of their customs, but that's it. We're not exploring the world, we're not seeing what makes these kingdoms so different, apart from a sparse magic trick here and there, this could easily just be our world with fictional names.
I also had an issue with the romance. It's really hard to care about a romance that has absolutely no base. These characters met years ago, are happy they get to marry, hear their marriage isn't happening and all of a sudden they're both heartbroken. They barely know each other, they barely talk about meaningful things, they barely show why they really want each other. Honestly? The guy the narrative tries to paint as the bad guy expresses more love (although slightly toxic) for the heroine than the so-called hero. And although Ramsus is clearly no saint, Torran clearly isn't either.
The entire finale also comes out of nowhere. Torran stops thinking rationally, decides to ignore every warning, and starts a war they were actively trying to avoid all book long. He's the one escalating this entire thing. For a girl he barely knows. I already had a hard time liking him before that moment, but this felt like a breaking point for me. This was so stupid and reckless!
Vivi had a similar issue. Throughout the book she shows no signs of growing, learning and developing, until the finale, where all of a sudden all her character growth happens at once. Up until then she's a really reactive character. Things happen, she likes or dislikes those things, deals with them and waits for the next thing to happen. And it never feels like we learn about what she wants, apart from marrying Torran.
I think this book desperately needs a better build up towards Torran and Vivi being forced to marry someone else. There needs to be a relationship there. We should have watched them courting, we should have watched them emotionally connect, we should have seen them falling for each other based on more than one dance. This also would have given us the chance to build a connection with them. Now I honestly can't care about their forbidden romance.
I'm not sure what direction this story will take in future books. Maybe this is meant to be a love triangle, maybe this ends with some sort of menage, maybe either Ramsus or Torran will turn out to be a bad guy. I don't think I will check it out, unless reviews of future installments can change my mind.
September 20, 2025
Ruby Nightshade by Evie Finn is a cozy fantasy that draws you in with its promise of magic, romance, and a whimsical world—but once you're in, it quickly becomes apparent that there’s a lot to keep up with. While the story has heart and creativity, the execution felt somewhat chaotic, and that made it harder to fully enjoy the experience.
The book is told through the alternating perspectives of Torron and Vivi, two central characters whose stories intertwine in unexpected ways. Normally, dual POVs can offer a deeper emotional look into characters' inner lives, but in this case, things get complicated fast. Not only are we switching between these two leads, but we’re also introduced to their respective fiancés, both of whom play significant roles in the story. On top of that, there’s a colorful cast of side characters that appear throughout the book, each with their own histories, motives, and magical quirks.
While variety in characters can make a world feel vibrant and alive, here it sometimes felt like too much. There were moments where I had to pause and try to remember who was who, or how certain characters were connected. The constant shift in focus made it difficult to get truly invested in any one relationship or storyline. Instead of the relaxing, cozy atmosphere I was hoping for, I sometimes felt a bit mentally scattered trying to piece everything together.
That said, there’s definitely a lot to appreciate in this book. The setting is charming, full of small magical details that give it warmth and personality. Evie Finn has a talent for crafting imaginative scenes and emotional moments, and when the story slows down enough to breathe, you can really see the heart behind it. The core themes—love, trust, identity, and personal growth—are all compelling and relatable. I found both Vivi and Torron to be interesting characters in their own right, and I wanted to know more about them. I just wish the book had spent a bit more time developing those elements more clearly instead of juggling so many threads at once.
Overall, Ruby Nightshade is a mixed bag. It’s a creative and emotional story set in a lovingly detailed world, but the chaotic structure and crowded cast made it harder to fully connect with. I’d still recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy fantasy and don’t mind a more complex, layered narrative—but if you prefer a slower, more focused story, just be prepared for a bit of a whirlwind.
The book is told through the alternating perspectives of Torron and Vivi, two central characters whose stories intertwine in unexpected ways. Normally, dual POVs can offer a deeper emotional look into characters' inner lives, but in this case, things get complicated fast. Not only are we switching between these two leads, but we’re also introduced to their respective fiancés, both of whom play significant roles in the story. On top of that, there’s a colorful cast of side characters that appear throughout the book, each with their own histories, motives, and magical quirks.
While variety in characters can make a world feel vibrant and alive, here it sometimes felt like too much. There were moments where I had to pause and try to remember who was who, or how certain characters were connected. The constant shift in focus made it difficult to get truly invested in any one relationship or storyline. Instead of the relaxing, cozy atmosphere I was hoping for, I sometimes felt a bit mentally scattered trying to piece everything together.
That said, there’s definitely a lot to appreciate in this book. The setting is charming, full of small magical details that give it warmth and personality. Evie Finn has a talent for crafting imaginative scenes and emotional moments, and when the story slows down enough to breathe, you can really see the heart behind it. The core themes—love, trust, identity, and personal growth—are all compelling and relatable. I found both Vivi and Torron to be interesting characters in their own right, and I wanted to know more about them. I just wish the book had spent a bit more time developing those elements more clearly instead of juggling so many threads at once.
Overall, Ruby Nightshade is a mixed bag. It’s a creative and emotional story set in a lovingly detailed world, but the chaotic structure and crowded cast made it harder to fully connect with. I’d still recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy fantasy and don’t mind a more complex, layered narrative—but if you prefer a slower, more focused story, just be prepared for a bit of a whirlwind.
October 13, 2025
Obsessed with the Forbidden 🖤
"A kingdom divided. A love forbidden. She must betray her heart or watch the realm burn."
From the moment I read that description, I was completely hooked. This high-stakes fantasy is unputdownable.
The plot centers on a desperate, forbidden love between Viviana Drakul and Prince Torran, a rare spark of hope in a dark, necromantic kingdom. Their bond terrifies the royals, who counter with rival marriage proposals and the immediate threat of all-out war. Cornered, the last Drakul refuses to surrender, vowing to die fighting rather than marry the enemy who ruined her home.
I was utterly obsessed with the characters and truly enjoyed every single moment of this riveting story. While the initial emotional connection between Vivi and Torran was powerful, it was the unexpected introduction of Rasmus that truly made me start spinning possibilities for the outcome. This is a richly drawn world and a deeply satisfying read. If you want a story where the stakes are impossible and the relationships are intense, this is it.
"A kingdom divided. A love forbidden. She must betray her heart or watch the realm burn."
From the moment I read that description, I was completely hooked. This high-stakes fantasy is unputdownable.
The plot centers on a desperate, forbidden love between Viviana Drakul and Prince Torran, a rare spark of hope in a dark, necromantic kingdom. Their bond terrifies the royals, who counter with rival marriage proposals and the immediate threat of all-out war. Cornered, the last Drakul refuses to surrender, vowing to die fighting rather than marry the enemy who ruined her home.
I was utterly obsessed with the characters and truly enjoyed every single moment of this riveting story. While the initial emotional connection between Vivi and Torran was powerful, it was the unexpected introduction of Rasmus that truly made me start spinning possibilities for the outcome. This is a richly drawn world and a deeply satisfying read. If you want a story where the stakes are impossible and the relationships are intense, this is it.
October 23, 2025
ARC Reader Confessional – Ruby Nightshade by Evie Finn 🌙🔥
Ruby Nightshade pulled me in from the start—dark, magnetic, and full of tension—but I’ll be honest, it was a bit busy and chaotic at times. Ruby is fierce, fiery, and impossible not to root for, while him… well, broody, intense, and dangerously tempting, keeping the tension electric. 💀💋
The chemistry is sizzling, the stakes feel high, and the banter and unspoken moments are addictive. But there’s a lot happening all at once, which made it slightly overwhelming in places. That said, it’s just the beginning, and I’m intrigued to see how everything unfolds.
Evie Finn’s writing is immersive, sensual, and emotional—there’s a real pulse to the story that keeps you turning pages. It may not have fully landed for me yet, but it’s promising, fun, and still absolutely worth reading.
Overall, a solid 4⭐️ start to a dark, intense romance series that has potential to grow even stronger.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ruby Nightshade pulled me in from the start—dark, magnetic, and full of tension—but I’ll be honest, it was a bit busy and chaotic at times. Ruby is fierce, fiery, and impossible not to root for, while him… well, broody, intense, and dangerously tempting, keeping the tension electric. 💀💋
The chemistry is sizzling, the stakes feel high, and the banter and unspoken moments are addictive. But there’s a lot happening all at once, which made it slightly overwhelming in places. That said, it’s just the beginning, and I’m intrigued to see how everything unfolds.
Evie Finn’s writing is immersive, sensual, and emotional—there’s a real pulse to the story that keeps you turning pages. It may not have fully landed for me yet, but it’s promising, fun, and still absolutely worth reading.
Overall, a solid 4⭐️ start to a dark, intense romance series that has potential to grow even stronger.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2025
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
2 4-star reads back-to-back. I really am lucky.
I loved this book so much. The entire thing was crafted in a fabulous manner, and the characters made me really feel like I was part of the world.
You follow a girl who is betrothed to a prince from a neighboring kingdom. She is overjoyed to be marrying this prince, but on the day of her wedding, she gets re-betrothed to the prince of the "enemy" kingdom. This book drops you right into the action and is full of betrayals and plot twists. An amazing read for sure.
I cannot wait for the second book to drop this upcoming December.
2 4-star reads back-to-back. I really am lucky.
I loved this book so much. The entire thing was crafted in a fabulous manner, and the characters made me really feel like I was part of the world.
You follow a girl who is betrothed to a prince from a neighboring kingdom. She is overjoyed to be marrying this prince, but on the day of her wedding, she gets re-betrothed to the prince of the "enemy" kingdom. This book drops you right into the action and is full of betrayals and plot twists. An amazing read for sure.
I cannot wait for the second book to drop this upcoming December.
October 21, 2025
Oh Evie, what a woman you are! I loved everything about this book. You do an excellent job of crafting the plot and evoking emotion. I felt everything to my core, I really connected with the story.
Without giving anything away, the characters are interesting and memorable and I found myself invested in their journeys.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with strong writing and engaging storytelling. With just a bit more character depth and smoother pacing, it easily could have been a five-star book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Without giving anything away, the characters are interesting and memorable and I found myself invested in their journeys.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with strong writing and engaging storytelling. With just a bit more character depth and smoother pacing, it easily could have been a five-star book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2025
Ruby Nightshade delivers all the feels of a medieval-gothic, fantasy-royal romance wrapped in a mysterious, page-turning plot full of twists and a cliffhanger bombshell ending. The character development is rich and engaging, supported by a solid foundation of immersive world-building that unfolds beautifully throughout Book One of this promising new series.
Evie Finn has crafted a story that’s one big, irresistible hook for the next installment. I absolutely enjoyed this read and can’t wait to see where the story goes next. Highly recommend!
Evie Finn has crafted a story that’s one big, irresistible hook for the next installment. I absolutely enjoyed this read and can’t wait to see where the story goes next. Highly recommend!
October 27, 2025
this was a strong opening chapter to the Kingdom of Evermore series, it had that enemy to lovers element that I was hoping for and enjoyed from this type of book. It was a unique concept and worked with the world that was going on. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. Evie Finn wrote this well and left me wanting more, in both this series and from Evie Finn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2025
Two people who fall in love and plan to wed one another, find that they are expected to marry two in order to keep the peace so to speak. If they don't agree, a war will break out and that's not what they want to happen.
But the people they are betrothed to are awful people.
This book is filled with chaos and twists and turns. You are compelled to key reading to figure out what is going to happen. I love the way it pulled you in with curiosity of having to know the outcome.
With a wonderfully descriptive world and amazing characters, this book was a really good read.
But the people they are betrothed to are awful people.
This book is filled with chaos and twists and turns. You are compelled to key reading to figure out what is going to happen. I love the way it pulled you in with curiosity of having to know the outcome.
With a wonderfully descriptive world and amazing characters, this book was a really good read.
October 16, 2025
Ruby Nightshade, the first book in the kingdom of Evermore series has many strengths and will probably be a very exciting series. Strong characters, well written world and a good storyline. My biggest issue though is that there is too much going on. A dual pov from two important characters can be good but there is just too much going on. It can be hard to keep track.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2025
An intriguing book 1 - there is a lot happening here, but as the beginning of a series that's ok. I loved both Vivi and Torran, and the connections between their stories were interesting as well. I did have a hard time getting into things because of the complexity of the story, but I definitely want to check out book 2.
October 30, 2025
An irresistible story! I received this as an arc and am voluntarily leaving a review. Viviana and Torran have this undeniable chemistry but have been dealt a bad hand regarding their futures. I loved the story, obsessed over the characters and found the world irresistible!! Thoroughly enjoyed this read!!
November 22, 2025
Omg... What an ending!! I did not see that coming!! This book is a real rollercoaster of a read. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters are complex and lure you in before more twists and turns. I don't know what to say without ruining it for you... But you definitely need to read this!!
September 20, 2025
I thought the book was a bit chaotic. There was a lot going on. We read from Torron and Vivi's perspectives, but the book also involved both their fiancés. There were quite a bit of characters to keep track off. It was interesting though, but just a lot. 3.5 stars.
October 6, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. I loved everything about it and I’m obsessed with these characters and the setting. I love the dynamics between Vivi and Torran, but then Rasmus snuck up on me and I started spinning possibilities in my head. I truly enjoyed every moment of this book.
October 25, 2025
Great read. The story was absolutely worth the read. The theme was amazing and the characters kept me wanting more and more. Super good read that you definitely want to read if you like fantasy books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2025
Enjoyed reading the story from the two main characters views. I don’t do spoilers in my reviews but would differently read book 2.
October 16, 2025
Sweet love story set in a world full of magic and emotion. Vivi and Torran’s love faces great opposition and seeing them refuse to give up is great.
November 2, 2025
I thought this novel was quite catching. It has me craving more. I love the plot and character progression.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews