Ruby Smoke

by Evie Finn

As war looms, her heart's desire is the most dangerous weapon of all.

Zyraxis is coming, and Viviana Drakul is no longer the girl who could hide in the shadows.

Her new position thrusts her onto the deadly stage of warring kingdoms. Each step she takes is watched by allies who doubt her, enemies who seek to break her, and two men who complicate her most critical decisions.

Torran Vaughn is the trusted ally she once thought she would marry, but their bond is haunted by secrets and pain. Rasmus Karga is the Zyraxian prince she swore to hate, if only she could stop seeing him at night whenever she closes her eyes.

Her kingdom is outmatched and outnumbered, yet she refuses to be outplayed. To save her people, she must weave lies into strategy, turn betrayal into power, and risk everything on a war she cannot afford to lose.

In this court, the battle lies in every glance and every veiled word, but the price will be paid in blood and pride.

If you loved Ruby Nightshade, step deeper into Viviana’s story in this sequel of romance, magic, and intrigue.

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

Evie 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.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Do you want him dead or alive, Princess?”
I shrugged at Sir Petru. “Depends.”
“On what?”
“The kind of welcome I receive.”

Viviana Drakul is heading home to Ravencrest, and these interesting opening lines refer to her uncle Eduard, whose recent actions are hard to forgive. But she also needs him, now that she has declared war against Zyraxis, her husband's kingdom.

"Ruby Smoke" continues where "Ruby Nightshade" ended, and it keeps the twists and secrets coming. We still get most of the story through Viviana's POV, but once in a while we also get Torran's and Rasmus' thoughts. I'm not very fond of love triangles, and Viviana's torn between her feelings for Torran, the prince she was supposed to marry, and Rasmus, the prince she was forced to marry. It's quite clear who's the good guy and who's the villain here, so it should be obvious who Viviana will choose in the end, but the author has surprised me before, so I can't be absolutely sure!

* I received an ARC through BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong sequel in the Kingdom of Evermore series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the first book. It had that fantasy romance concept that I was looking for and enjoyed from that book. I thought the characters were so well written and enjoyed how they were written in this universe. It was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed getting into this world, and the characters worked and belonged in this world. Evie Finn was able to write this perfectly and continue the story in a way that worked.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Vivian be able to keep her kingdom safe?

Book Two of the Kingdom of Evermore picks up right where Book One ended. Now Vivian is married to the Zyraxian prince and for some strange reason, she keeps dreaming about him. Then there’s Torran, the man Vivian thought she would marry. There’s even more twists and subplots going on in this book than in the first. I was pulled into the story with the first book, and this one did not disappoint. The plot is very well thought out and I really do wonder how Vivian is going to manage to keep her kingdom. We see the characters growing and maturing as they struggle to do the best they can for their kingdoms.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Smoke picks up the story with energy and heart, building beautifully on the first book while introducing new stakes, characters, and twists. Evie Finn continues to craft a world that’s both magical and richly imagined, and fans of the series will appreciate the way familiar elements return with fresh layers of intrigue.

The characters remain the highlight—complex, relatable, and full of personality. Their growth since the first book is noticeable and satisfying, and the dynamics between them create both tension and emotional depth. Finn balances action, romance, and character moments well, though some pacing in the middle sections feels a touch slower compared to the high-energy opening.

The plot expands the world and deepens the story without losing focus, with twists and surprises that keep you invested. While it may not surpass the first book in sheer momentum, it successfully builds on the foundation, setting the stage for even more adventures.

Overall, Ruby Smoke is a strong continuation of the series—captivating, emotionally engaging, and full of magic. A solid four-star read for fans ready to dive back into this enchanting world.

[Shannon Nilest · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Okayyyyyy Ms. Finn!!! 🔥 Ruby Smoke, Book 2 in the Kingdom of Evermore series, delivers everything I wanted after Ruby Nightshade dropped that brutal cliffhanger. This sequel pulls you right back into the high-stakes world of Viviana, Torran, and Rasmus without missing a beat.

With war looming between Wadalia and Zyraxis, the pressure on Viviana is relentless. Her heart, her loyalties, her people, her kingdom, and her family are all on the line as she navigates impossible choices, political strategy, and emotions that refuse to stay quiet. The tension, both romantic and political, keeps the pages turning and the character growth only deepens the stakes.

I thought Book 1 left me hanging… nope. Evie Finn has clearly decided that series-ending cliffhangers are her thing, and honestly? She’s marching straight toward queen status. 👑

Intriguing, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down! I am beyond ready (and slightly terrified) for the conclusion of this series!

[Mrs Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When can I read the next one please?? Oh I loved this book. So much happened again. I like how the characters developed and grew with their new responsibilities, whilst remaining relatable and interesting. I enjoyed the further world building and how the other kingdoms might link in as the story continues. I honestly thought she was going to make the other decision at the end there and was on tenterhooks...I really want to see them come out the other side together! And I didn't like him in the first book...shows how the characters have progressed. Can't wait to read the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Viviana has returned to Ravencrest and has taken the reins of the kingdom. Torran has come to Ravencrest to support Viviana in her quest to end the war coming from the Kargas. Rasmus is determined to get Vivi to return to him. When he trys to help her, she finds herself torn between the loyalty to her people and the husband who she dreams about. Torran adores Vivi and will do anything to help her during the war. This book is full of drama, danger, strong emotions, politics and leaves you hanging, waiting for the next book. I look forward to reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viviana is back as this book picks up whether first one left off. The decisions are more difficult and the tension is higher as war is looming and she is torn between the man she was to marry and the man she had sworn to hate. The story keeps you interested and eagerly awaiting what will happen next until the very end.

[Arabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this story picks up where the first book left off, Viviana is trying to do what is best for her people and her own wants and needs. Can't wait for book 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.