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Den Of Gods: (Gods of Ruin Saga, Book One): A Dark Romantasy of Sacrifice, Chains, and Three Ruthless Men
They raised her to die screaming on an altar.
She was never meant to be touched.
Three men decided the world would burn before she did.
Nyra Ashdown was raised for one
to die screaming on the Ash Altar and keep the Bound Gods asleep.
She’s never been kissed. Never been touched.
Never been allowed to want anything for herself…
until the night a warlord, a scholar, and an assassin tear her out of the flames and call her theirs.
Because Nyra isn’t a sacrifice.
She’s a vessel—a living shard of the god of Ruin.
If she lives, the chains wrapped around the world will start to crack.
Now the city that worshipped her death wants her back on that altar.
The god inside her wants freedom, vengeance… and her men.
And the three who saved her?
They were ruined the moment they touched her.
Dante — the warlord who growls her name like a vow and would burn Veyrith to ashes before he lets another hand near her throat.
Silas — the cold scholar who studies every scar on her skin like prayer, and would torch every holy text to keep her alive.
Ezren — the soft-voiced assassin hired to kill her, now willing to carve through gods and kings to protect her breath.
With the Chainwall cracking and forbidden gods stirring beneath the stone,
every kiss feeds power into Nyra’s veins.
Every touch risks tearing the city apart.
Every night with them drags her closer to one impossible
If she chooses them, the world may burn.
If she doesn’t, she will.
To rewrite the chains instead of shattering them, Nyra must
bind herself and her three chosen men into a vow that could save thousands…
or unleash Ruin and watch the world fall for her.
Perfect for readers who 🔥 High heat dark romantasy
🔥 Why-Choose / poly tension
🔥 Morally grey, obsessive men
🔥 Sacrifice, altar scenes, god magic
🔥 Chain-breaking power & devotion
🔥 A heroine raised to die who decides to fight back
If you want a book where the girl meant to die for a god becomes the girl who writes the terms—
Step into Den of Gods.
Let the chains break.
Let the world burn for her.
She was never meant to be touched.
Three men decided the world would burn before she did.
Nyra Ashdown was raised for one
to die screaming on the Ash Altar and keep the Bound Gods asleep.
She’s never been kissed. Never been touched.
Never been allowed to want anything for herself…
until the night a warlord, a scholar, and an assassin tear her out of the flames and call her theirs.
Because Nyra isn’t a sacrifice.
She’s a vessel—a living shard of the god of Ruin.
If she lives, the chains wrapped around the world will start to crack.
Now the city that worshipped her death wants her back on that altar.
The god inside her wants freedom, vengeance… and her men.
And the three who saved her?
They were ruined the moment they touched her.
Dante — the warlord who growls her name like a vow and would burn Veyrith to ashes before he lets another hand near her throat.
Silas — the cold scholar who studies every scar on her skin like prayer, and would torch every holy text to keep her alive.
Ezren — the soft-voiced assassin hired to kill her, now willing to carve through gods and kings to protect her breath.
With the Chainwall cracking and forbidden gods stirring beneath the stone,
every kiss feeds power into Nyra’s veins.
Every touch risks tearing the city apart.
Every night with them drags her closer to one impossible
If she chooses them, the world may burn.
If she doesn’t, she will.
To rewrite the chains instead of shattering them, Nyra must
bind herself and her three chosen men into a vow that could save thousands…
or unleash Ruin and watch the world fall for her.
Perfect for readers who 🔥 High heat dark romantasy
🔥 Why-Choose / poly tension
🔥 Morally grey, obsessive men
🔥 Sacrifice, altar scenes, god magic
🔥 Chain-breaking power & devotion
🔥 A heroine raised to die who decides to fight back
If you want a book where the girl meant to die for a god becomes the girl who writes the terms—
Step into Den of Gods.
Let the chains break.
Let the world burn for her.
509 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2025
52 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 23, 2025
Den of Gods is a dark romantasy that leans unapologetically into power, control, and sacrifice. From the start, the world feels dangerous and unforgiving, setting the tone for a story where survival often comes at a steep emotional cost.
The strongest element of this book is the dynamic between the FMC and the three ruthless men. Each one brings a distinct presence, and their combined intensity creates constant tension. The relationships are messy, morally gray, and rooted in imbalance—which will absolutely work for readers who enjoy darker romance tropes and complex power struggles.
The worldbuilding is intriguing, though at times dense. There are moments where the pacing slows as the lore and internal conflict take center stage, but the payoff comes through in the emotional weight and escalating stakes. This is very much a slow-burn romantasy, prioritizing atmosphere, control, and emotional endurance over nonstop action.
Content-wise, this is not a light read. Themes of captivity, sacrifice, and domination are central to the story, so trigger warnings should be reviewed before diving in.
Overall, Den of Gods is a compelling start to the Gods of Ruin Saga. It’s dark, intense, and clearly laying the foundation for something bigger. Fans of dark romantasy and ruthless MMCs will likely be eager to continue the series.
The strongest element of this book is the dynamic between the FMC and the three ruthless men. Each one brings a distinct presence, and their combined intensity creates constant tension. The relationships are messy, morally gray, and rooted in imbalance—which will absolutely work for readers who enjoy darker romance tropes and complex power struggles.
The worldbuilding is intriguing, though at times dense. There are moments where the pacing slows as the lore and internal conflict take center stage, but the payoff comes through in the emotional weight and escalating stakes. This is very much a slow-burn romantasy, prioritizing atmosphere, control, and emotional endurance over nonstop action.
Content-wise, this is not a light read. Themes of captivity, sacrifice, and domination are central to the story, so trigger warnings should be reviewed before diving in.
Overall, Den of Gods is a compelling start to the Gods of Ruin Saga. It’s dark, intense, and clearly laying the foundation for something bigger. Fans of dark romantasy and ruthless MMCs will likely be eager to continue the series.
December 31, 2025
Den of Gods is a dark fantasy story that captures the readers attention with non stop action scenes.
The storyline is unique in which the reader follows a young woman through her journey of being chooses by the God of Ruin and the decisions she has to make.
There is a lot of chaos and danger in her journey but a lot of past corruption is revealed within the city walls and the truth is fully seen.
With three comrades with romantic interests by her side, she makes the ultimate decision for herself and the city.
This book is full of detailed world building and storyline which ends on a cliffhanger, there will be a book two.
Great for those who love dark fantasy.
The storyline is unique in which the reader follows a young woman through her journey of being chooses by the God of Ruin and the decisions she has to make.
There is a lot of chaos and danger in her journey but a lot of past corruption is revealed within the city walls and the truth is fully seen.
With three comrades with romantic interests by her side, she makes the ultimate decision for herself and the city.
This book is full of detailed world building and storyline which ends on a cliffhanger, there will be a book two.
Great for those who love dark fantasy.
December 30, 2025
This book takes you on an adventure right from page one. A girls is going to be sacrificed to the God of Ruin! She is on an alter hands chained above her head! Singles are drawn on her body and then oil is poured over her body and she is set on fire! While she is burning the God takes her as his vessel! A soldier, Scribe and an Assassin jump up to alter and rescue her. They take her away and hide her! This is only chapter one snippets! If you want to continue the wild ride and find out what happens then I dare you to continue reading! The book will make you mad, Crystal and scream at the injustice of humans! The ending is a complete mind blower! And you’re welcome, there are two more books in this series! This is a game of thrones o and acotar on steroids!
Deborah Richards
Deborah Richards
January 6, 2026
This book keeps you intrigued from the start. Fast pace, with lots of action. She was chosen to be sacrificed, like many before her. Nyra, was taught that in order to keep the gods chained and the city from collapsing human sacrifices were a need to prevent the gods wrath. Little did she know the moments leading to her end; that she was going to be chosen to be a Vessel for the God they call Ruin. As everything unfolds right before her demise Ruin took control and three men with different missions saved her. A traitor, a scribe and an assassin. Was that the right call? Who are these men and what do they got to do with Nyra? What those this God want? Now she’s a breach hunted for an unfinished sacrifice.
December 24, 2025
I was hooked from the very first chapter. The moment the god said Mine, I knew there was no escape—for Nyra or for me. What begins with a girl meant to burn on an altar becomes a story of shattered chains, defiance, and survival. Nyra is the girl who refuses to burn. Bargains with gods are no longer a threat—they’re her reality.
This story is impossible to put down. Every chapter pulls you deeper, convincing you that you’ll stop after just one more… and then another. And another.
Dante, Silas, and Ezren don’t just save Nyra—they choose her. They vow to protect her, to love her, and most importantly, to never take her voice away. Through them, Nyra learns the power of consent, the truth of her worth, and the strength found in speaking loudly against the cruel society that shaped her. Watching her reclaim herself and tear apart the lies she was raised on is deeply satisfying.
At its core, this book is about choice—choosing yourself, choosing freedom, and refusing to be silenced. Den of Gods is dark, gripping, and empowering, and it will absolutely keep you up reading long past when you meant to stop. I can’t recommend it enough.
This story is impossible to put down. Every chapter pulls you deeper, convincing you that you’ll stop after just one more… and then another. And another.
Dante, Silas, and Ezren don’t just save Nyra—they choose her. They vow to protect her, to love her, and most importantly, to never take her voice away. Through them, Nyra learns the power of consent, the truth of her worth, and the strength found in speaking loudly against the cruel society that shaped her. Watching her reclaim herself and tear apart the lies she was raised on is deeply satisfying.
At its core, this book is about choice—choosing yourself, choosing freedom, and refusing to be silenced. Den of Gods is dark, gripping, and empowering, and it will absolutely keep you up reading long past when you meant to stop. I can’t recommend it enough.
December 22, 2025
Ruin born or ruin saved?
From burning on an alter to tearing apart chains. Nuts is the girl who refuses to burn. Making deals and bargains with gods is her life now. If you are looking for a book to keep you turning the pages until the very end and waiting on edge for the next book to come out. Then you are in the right place! Den of Gods is he book that will keep you up reading just one more chapter!
From burning on an alter to tearing apart chains. Nuts is the girl who refuses to burn. Making deals and bargains with gods is her life now. If you are looking for a book to keep you turning the pages until the very end and waiting on edge for the next book to come out. Then you are in the right place! Den of Gods is he book that will keep you up reading just one more chapter!
December 3, 2025
Den of Gods was such a
great book the way you captured Choice, using your voice, the meaning of consent ,knowing your worth among other topics it was very well written and captured. This book has some heavy topics such as minipulation, religious (ult, $acrafice and more. This book shows how we grow up in different communities some better then others with a society telling you right from wrong. Some people like Nyra sadly grew up in a religious (ult were they teach them that their law/duty "right thing to do" is to feed their god (Ruin) to $acrafice the "chosen one " by burning at the alter to lay and hand your self over to the god to obey no questions asked because that's your "worth"
Nyra did not
(Oncet to this she was Only doing what she was told but their God Ruin fOught back and made her his (marked her as a vessel) she got carried and escaped the flame by 3 rogue men that could not stand by their priest any more!
Dante(Warlord of a rogue Ashgard unit), Silas( former high Scribe), and Ezren (Underveil a$$a$$in and thief) all made a vow to Nyra they made sure to never leave her to protect to love her. They also taught her the meaning of (oncent, showed her her worth, made sure to use her voice loudly to push back on the crule society she was rised in to break the chain to free herself and spread the truth. Always remember you have choices, use your voice and know your worth definitely recommend this book.
great book the way you captured Choice, using your voice, the meaning of consent ,knowing your worth among other topics it was very well written and captured. This book has some heavy topics such as minipulation, religious (ult, $acrafice and more. This book shows how we grow up in different communities some better then others with a society telling you right from wrong. Some people like Nyra sadly grew up in a religious (ult were they teach them that their law/duty "right thing to do" is to feed their god (Ruin) to $acrafice the "chosen one " by burning at the alter to lay and hand your self over to the god to obey no questions asked because that's your "worth"
Nyra did not
(Oncet to this she was Only doing what she was told but their God Ruin fOught back and made her his (marked her as a vessel) she got carried and escaped the flame by 3 rogue men that could not stand by their priest any more!
Dante(Warlord of a rogue Ashgard unit), Silas( former high Scribe), and Ezren (Underveil a$$a$$in and thief) all made a vow to Nyra they made sure to never leave her to protect to love her. They also taught her the meaning of (oncent, showed her her worth, made sure to use her voice loudly to push back on the crule society she was rised in to break the chain to free herself and spread the truth. Always remember you have choices, use your voice and know your worth definitely recommend this book.
January 4, 2026
A dark fantasy written with heart, fire, and fierce honesty
Den of Gods is a book you can feel was written with urgency and conviction. Every page carries the sense that this story mattered deeply to its author, and that care shows in the language, the characters, and the risks the book is willing to take.
Mahdi Abdullah Ahmed writes dark fantasy with both intensity and compassion. His world is harsh and unflinching, yet never hollow. Nyra is a powerful protagonist not because she claims power, but because she refuses to accept cruelty as inevitable. Her struggle feels raw, human, and emotionally grounded, and her choices carry real weight.
What stayed with me most is how much this story cares. About consent. About consequence. About the cost of survival, and the courage it takes to say no to systems that have always demanded sacrifice. Even the god Ruin feels layered and frighteningly real… not evil for spectacle, but bound by rules that make every bargain hurt.
This is not a book written at a distance. It burns with feeling, with belief, and with a deep understanding of why stories matter. Den of Gods lingers long after the last page… not because it shouts, but because it speaks from somewhere real.
A powerful, passionate debut from an author with a clear voice and a brave heart.
Den of Gods is a book you can feel was written with urgency and conviction. Every page carries the sense that this story mattered deeply to its author, and that care shows in the language, the characters, and the risks the book is willing to take.
Mahdi Abdullah Ahmed writes dark fantasy with both intensity and compassion. His world is harsh and unflinching, yet never hollow. Nyra is a powerful protagonist not because she claims power, but because she refuses to accept cruelty as inevitable. Her struggle feels raw, human, and emotionally grounded, and her choices carry real weight.
What stayed with me most is how much this story cares. About consent. About consequence. About the cost of survival, and the courage it takes to say no to systems that have always demanded sacrifice. Even the god Ruin feels layered and frighteningly real… not evil for spectacle, but bound by rules that make every bargain hurt.
This is not a book written at a distance. It burns with feeling, with belief, and with a deep understanding of why stories matter. Den of Gods lingers long after the last page… not because it shouts, but because it speaks from somewhere real.
A powerful, passionate debut from an author with a clear voice and a brave heart.
January 6, 2026
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!!!!!!
This had me on the edge of ny seat the ENTIRE BOOK!
We follow Nyra, brainwashed and made to believe that she was born to be a sacrifice!!! BUT The God had a different plan for her! And little did she know there were a few other people who also had a different plan in mind! All it took was the first flame to push them into making their CHOICE!
Written poetically, this story is
captivating! It's hard truth, written by an Author who has had to have overcame some impossible feats in his life. There is no was you can write like this is, if you have not experienced, soul deep pain, lies, torture & trauma and survived!
Intensity-I felt it from Chapter one and turned the last page feeling it!
When a god chooses you and you listen nothing can ever be the same... When 3 seperate hearts decide they would rather stop beating then live without you. When that god gives you the power of choice...
What would you do?? Burn it all down. Or rewrite the chains that have bound you and everyone else for centuries....
Trust me, you'll want to read this one, if you love Fantasy. Slooooooowww burns. Reverse Harem. Transparency AND truth. Triggers. Deep relationships with growth. Being traumatized by the books read, teeheehee, I know I love a book that gives me all the feels!!
This had me on the edge of ny seat the ENTIRE BOOK!
We follow Nyra, brainwashed and made to believe that she was born to be a sacrifice!!! BUT The God had a different plan for her! And little did she know there were a few other people who also had a different plan in mind! All it took was the first flame to push them into making their CHOICE!
Written poetically, this story is
captivating! It's hard truth, written by an Author who has had to have overcame some impossible feats in his life. There is no was you can write like this is, if you have not experienced, soul deep pain, lies, torture & trauma and survived!
Intensity-I felt it from Chapter one and turned the last page feeling it!
When a god chooses you and you listen nothing can ever be the same... When 3 seperate hearts decide they would rather stop beating then live without you. When that god gives you the power of choice...
What would you do?? Burn it all down. Or rewrite the chains that have bound you and everyone else for centuries....
Trust me, you'll want to read this one, if you love Fantasy. Slooooooowww burns. Reverse Harem. Transparency AND truth. Triggers. Deep relationships with growth. Being traumatized by the books read, teeheehee, I know I love a book that gives me all the feels!!
January 12, 2026
HOLY MOLY
Okay, so Den of Gods… wow.
Imagine being ripped from your doomed fate and suddenly trapped with three insanely hot, morally questionable guys—yeah, that’s Nyra’s life. 😳🔥
There’s gods, danger, and a whole lot of betrayal, and Nyra? She’s not just surviving, she’s serving looks and making power moves while the world tries to crumble around her. 💅
If you like dark fantasy with heat, suspense, and a little bit of ‘what just happened?!’ every 5 seconds, this is your next obsession.
4.5/5 and I need the next book yesterday! 📚
I read this on KU and I'll absolutely be getting a trophy because the story AND cover are trophy worthy!
Okay, so Den of Gods… wow.
Imagine being ripped from your doomed fate and suddenly trapped with three insanely hot, morally questionable guys—yeah, that’s Nyra’s life. 😳🔥
There’s gods, danger, and a whole lot of betrayal, and Nyra? She’s not just surviving, she’s serving looks and making power moves while the world tries to crumble around her. 💅
If you like dark fantasy with heat, suspense, and a little bit of ‘what just happened?!’ every 5 seconds, this is your next obsession.
4.5/5 and I need the next book yesterday! 📚
I read this on KU and I'll absolutely be getting a trophy because the story AND cover are trophy worthy!
January 16, 2026
This is Book One in the Gods of Ruin Saga and the first book I’ve read by this author. This story was brutally dark and completely consumed me. Nyra is raised knowing her only purpose is to be burned alive as a sacrifice, no love, no choice, no future. The trauma is heavy from the start and I really appreciated that being “saved” doesn’t magically fix her. The fear, conditioning and brokenness follow her, and it makes everything feel raw and real.
The gods are cruel, the magic is dangerous and the world feels unforgiving. Nothing feels safe. The men who save her are ruthless and morally gray, with a level of possessiveness and violence that fits the darkness of the story. This is a why-choose romance, but it’s messy, intense and not soft in any way.
Pain, power, sacrifice, chaos and a cliffhanger that left me stunned and ready to consume the next book. If you like phenomenal world building, remarkable writing and a very dark romantasy that doesn’t hold back, here is your next read. This was an easy 5 stars for me.
The gods are cruel, the magic is dangerous and the world feels unforgiving. Nothing feels safe. The men who save her are ruthless and morally gray, with a level of possessiveness and violence that fits the darkness of the story. This is a why-choose romance, but it’s messy, intense and not soft in any way.
Pain, power, sacrifice, chaos and a cliffhanger that left me stunned and ready to consume the next book. If you like phenomenal world building, remarkable writing and a very dark romantasy that doesn’t hold back, here is your next read. This was an easy 5 stars for me.
December 31, 2025
Den Of Gods is an epic fantasy that will have you hooked from page one. It opens with the massive nailbiter of Nyra on the alter and walks you through what happens when four people work together to write the wrongs of their predecessors and work to tear the establishment down from the inside out. This book is filled with twists and turns that will keep you coming back for more just to see how it all ends. This is a whirlwind of a story that everyone needs to read!
December 30, 2025
What an amazing book from the first chapter it will have your full undivided attention and have you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put it down, it was amazingly written by a brilliant man an author I 100% recommend anyone to read this book you won't regret it i would say this is my favorite book of 2025 by far now on to the Saga the 2nd book
February 13, 2026
Den of Gods is dark, intense, and emotionally gripping from page one. Nyra’s journey and the slow-burn, morally gray dynamic with three ruthless MMCs deliver heavy tension, trauma, and power-filled romance. A brutal, poetic start to the Gods of Ruin Saga with a mind-blowing ending. Perfect for fans of dark romantasy and reverse harem.
January 3, 2026
Definitely worth the read. Book 1 of 3. Go check out this author on TikTok and get his books on Amazon. You will be happy you did. Thank you for the book 💜
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews