Of Rime and Ruin: A Sirens of Adria Standalone

by Liesl West, Kat Riley (Narrator), C.J. Grey (Narrator)

A kingdom on the edge. A monster in the depths. And a bond that could rule or ruin...

Princess Nahlani of the Brine would rather master her siren magic than endure the responsibilities of court. So, when she's threatened with an arranged marriage to a land-bound prince, Nahla flees—only to swim into the icy domain of the cruel Frost King.

King Aethan rules a Rime in ruins, his cold exterior concealing an unspoken a curse that turns him into a bloodthirsty, unpredictable threat to his own people. The siren spy in his waters doesn't know it yet, but she'll be safer behind bars...

Determined to escape her new captor, Nahla's magic sparks a forbidden alliance. Unaware of the bond she's formed with the kingdom's most feared creature—the fabled clawbeast—Aethan moves her from prison to palace.

But as the truth of the beast unravels, so does the distance between Nahla and Aethan, leaving them to confront a dangerous and undeniable attraction.

Part of the Sirens of Adria series, Of Rime and Ruin is a fantasy romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

Audible Audio

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

When Liesl West was a child, she desperately wanted to be the little mermaid. Maybe it’s because she grew up in rural Ohio, USA, with not an ocean in sight, but something about the ocean has always called to her. It’s just too bad she can’t swim. She can, however, write dark fantasy mermaid romance stories that feature strong female leads and wounded cinnamon roll love interests. And for now, that’ll have to be close enough.

Reviews

[Letty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say the book was a 5 ⭐️ read I meant it!
I loved it so much I wanted to listen to the audiobook 💗 which did NOT DISAPPOINT!
Another 5 ⭐️’s for the audiobook as well!!

The narrators Kat Riley & C.J. Grey were absolutely amazing!! They both brought all of the characters to life & made the story that much more enjoyable. Bravo!

Below is my original review of the book which still holds true BUT let me tell you, listening to it on audiobook was chef’s kiss 💋

What the sunfish 🐠!! This just became my new fairytale retelling!

“The sun’s not up, and I’m already breaking the rules.” ~ Nahlani Mahelona, Princess of the Brine

I was totally immersed in this story and loved the feistiness of the FMC & the MMC both!
Awesome character development & just enough world building to set the story. Pacing of the story was just right as well. And uh the spice was spicing 🥵

* Grumpy X Sunshine
* Possessive MMC/Touch her & Die
* Dual POV
* Beauty & the Beast retelling
* Spice
* Mermaids

Note: This is a Dark Romantasy & intended for mature audiences!

***Thank you Liesl West & Podium Audio for the opportunity to listen the ALC! It did not disappoint! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***

[Judy Green | thegreenishbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Of Song & Scepter last year, and have been meaning to read Of Rime & Ruin, but audiobooks have been more my vibe this year. I was so grateful for the opportunity to receive an ALC of this book so I could finally read it!

This story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but a unique take with mermaids/sirens, and I loved it just as much as the first book. While this is an interconnected series, it can be read as a standalone, but I do think you should read Of Song & Scepter as well!

Nahla, Aethan, and the beast are all so feisty. I loved the banter and the Jekyll and Hyde relationship between Aethan and the Beast. We get to see new realms in book two, expanding upon the world we met in book one, except this time we are in icy territory, and our Princess is a prisoner.

Kay Riley and C.J. Grey did a great job narrating Of Rime & Ruin! Their voices had me hooked in chapter one, and I was constantly wanting to listen to more. They brought the characters to life with the perfect amount of sass in their voices, while keeping you immersed in the story. Definitely recommended listening if you are an audiobook reader!

[Jazzy Mermaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book prior to listening to this beautiful and amazing audiobook. I felt emerged into this book all over again and hearing the sassy and cocky tones I once heard in my own mind. These narrators did an amazing job bringing these characters and this fabulous story to audio life. The Ice King and The Sunshine Princess has quite an adventure exploring their differences and their true intentions. ✨️🧜‍♀️💕❄️

[Crim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the immense privilege of arc reviewing this story a few months ago. I was gifted an ALC . There isn't much more I can say other than the story is still full of excellence and my goodness the narrators were perfect. I desperately need to hear Of Song and Sceptar in audio version. There is just something about Liesl West's writing that makes me want to stay in the world's forever.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook version of Of Rime and Ruin really brought the story to life!

I read the book earlier this year, so getting to revisit it in this form was really fun and exciting. Kat Riley and C.J. Grey provide such an immersive listening experience. I definitely recommend checking out any and all forms of Of Rime and Ruin.