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Oath of Ruin
"The game of court is one I refuse to lose."
Oath of Ruin is the first in a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of Anathema, The Knight and the Moth, and Gild.
Raelys was born in a prison. To outsiders, it looks like a palace. But after a decade of war, even gilded walls begin to look like iron bars. Caged by politics and her father’s ambitions, Raelys has spent years sharpening her wit, yearning for the world outside the castle and a chance to fight this war on her own terms.
When her father forces her into an arranged marriage for his political gain, Raelys seizes control the only way she can: by striking a dangerous deal with Wrath, the ruthless enemy king. In exchange for her new kingdom, he grants her freedom, or so she believes. Bound to the King by a magic mark and trapped in the enemy kingdom, Raelys is forbidden to betray him—an impossibility when the fate of the realm depends on her doing just that.
Raelys must unravel Wrath’s kingdom from within, navigating a web of deception and desire that could cost her everything. And despite his reputation, Raelys finds her hatred for the king blurring into something far more dangerous. One distraction could destroy not only her heart, but the realm itself.
Now, Raelys has a choice to make: end the war or let it consume them all.
----------------------------------------------------------
Oath of Ruin is for readers seeking a story with detailed world-building, magic systems, court politics, and growth arcs.
Tropes you’ll love:
Enemies to lovers
Morally gray characters
Slow burn romance
Fated mates with a twist
Forced proximity
Unique magic systems
Oath of Ruin is the first in a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of Anathema, The Knight and the Moth, and Gild.
Raelys was born in a prison. To outsiders, it looks like a palace. But after a decade of war, even gilded walls begin to look like iron bars. Caged by politics and her father’s ambitions, Raelys has spent years sharpening her wit, yearning for the world outside the castle and a chance to fight this war on her own terms.
When her father forces her into an arranged marriage for his political gain, Raelys seizes control the only way she can: by striking a dangerous deal with Wrath, the ruthless enemy king. In exchange for her new kingdom, he grants her freedom, or so she believes. Bound to the King by a magic mark and trapped in the enemy kingdom, Raelys is forbidden to betray him—an impossibility when the fate of the realm depends on her doing just that.
Raelys must unravel Wrath’s kingdom from within, navigating a web of deception and desire that could cost her everything. And despite his reputation, Raelys finds her hatred for the king blurring into something far more dangerous. One distraction could destroy not only her heart, but the realm itself.
Now, Raelys has a choice to make: end the war or let it consume them all.
----------------------------------------------------------
Oath of Ruin is for readers seeking a story with detailed world-building, magic systems, court politics, and growth arcs.
Tropes you’ll love:
Enemies to lovers
Morally gray characters
Slow burn romance
Fated mates with a twist
Forced proximity
Unique magic systems
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
34 people are currently reading
2088 people want to read
About the author
Kaley Kae
2 books27 followersKaley Kae is a born-and-raised California girl whose love of reading developed into a passion for storytelling. She is obsessed with coffee, video games, and electronic music. When she's not writing, she is a full-time DJ at major clubs and festivals worldwide.
Connect with Kaley Kae on social media!
• Instagram: @kaleykae
• TikTok: @kaleykae
• Facebook: @kaleykae
Connect with Kaley Kae on social media!
• Instagram: @kaleykae
• TikTok: @kaleykae
• Facebook: @kaleykae
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 28, 2026
Holy shit… I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this one. I could not put it down. The kind of book where you say, “just one more chapter” and suddenly you’re done.
It reads incredibly fast and effortlessly, but at the same time delivers a story packed with intrigue, political tension, and twists that keep you hooked the entire way through. This is a true slow burn — like, actually slow — paired with a badass FMC who doesn’t rely on physical strength, but instead plays the long game through strategy, intelligence, and political maneuvering.
And then there’s the MMC… morally grey, cold on the surface, but with just enough glimpses of softness to completely pull you in.
Oh — and that ending? That cliffhanger had me gasping. I need book two immediately.
📚 What It’s About (No Spoilers)
This story follows Raelys, a highly strategic and politically skilled princess living a caged life within the walls of her father’s palace. Despite being deliberately kept out of court affairs, she quietly plays a role behind the scenes — her brother Valentin, the Commander, often seeks her advice on the ongoing war shaped by power, alliances, and conflict.
Her world shifts completely when she is suddenly promised in marriage to an older, already-married king to strengthen a political alliance. Determined to escape a future she never chose, Raelys takes a risk and makes a dangerous deal with the most feared king of all — King Wrath — in a desperate attempt to save her life and claim her freedom.
As tensions between territories rise and hidden forces begin to stir, Raelys is pulled deeper into a web of political games, secrets, and power struggles. With alliances shifting, whispers of rebellion growing louder, and something darker lurking beneath the surface, the story unfolds into a high-stakes game where trust is fragile… and every move matters.
🖤 What I Loved
Characters
As much as I love a physically strong FMC, it was honestly so refreshing to read from the perspective of someone whose strength lies in strategy rather than combat.
Raelys is that girl — smart, calculating, stubborn, and always thinking ten steps ahead. She’s playing the long game in a way that feels intentional and powerful, and I loved seeing that kind of intelligence take center stage.
And Wrath… yeah, I’m obsessed. He’s mysterious, distant, and hard to read at first, but the more you get to know him, the more you start to see the subtle hints of loyalty and softness underneath that cold exterior. A king who would burn everything down for her? Exactly my type.
The side characters and subplots were also really well done. Nothing felt unnecessary — every character had a purpose, and the story does a great job of making you care about them (whether that’s love, hate, or somewhere in between).
Romance / Relationships
This is a very slow burn. Like… very.
Maybe just a tiny bit too slow for my personal taste, but at the same time, it makes the yearning so much stronger, so I can’t even be mad about it. I do wish there had been a bit more tension, teasing, or interaction between Raelys and Wrath throughout the book.
That said, once it starts to build toward the end… you really feel it.
Writing Style
Super easy to read and follow, while still being descriptive enough to fully pull you into the world. It strikes a really nice balance — not too heavy, not too simple.
There are quite a few names, places, courts, and territories introduced, which can feel a little overwhelming at times, but it also adds depth and richness to the world.
Pacing / Plot
The pacing is honestly so well done. It never feels rushed, but it also never drags.
It keeps you engaged the entire time — always giving you just enough to stay curious and wanting more.
The worldbuilding really stood out to me as well. Everything feels intentional and immersive, from the political structure to the landscape and the magic system. It’s creative without feeling confusing, which is not always easy to pull off in this genre.
💭 What Didn’t Fully Work for Me
There were moments where keeping track of all the names, territories, and dynamics felt a bit overwhelming. I eventually got used to it, but it did take some time to fully settle into the world.
And while I love a slow burn, the romance felt slightly out of sync with the rest of the story for me. I would have personally liked to see just a bit more progression between Raelys and Wrath by the end — but that could very much come down to personal preference.
🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Slow burn
- Enemies to lovers
- Found family / new alliances / Friends
- Political intrigue & war
- Strategic FMC
- Morally grey MMC
⚠️ Content Notes
There are mentions of abuse and implied sexual violence, though not described in graphic detail.
💔 Emotional Impact
Emotional damage level: 1/5
Not super emotionally heavy, but definitely gripping and intense.
👀 Who Should Read This?
If you love fantasy with strong political elements, strategic main characters, and a very slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance, this will absolutely be your thing.
Especially if you enjoy:
- smart, calculating FMCs
- morally grey love interests
- immersive worldbuilding
- tension that builds slowly but hits hard
🫶 Final Thoughts
I had such a great time reading this. It completely pulled me in, kept me hooked, and left me wanting more.
If you’re into slow-burn, politically driven fantasy with layered characters and high stakes, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.
And yeah… I’ll be impatiently waiting for book two.
📢 Disclosure
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Kaley Kae for the gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.
It reads incredibly fast and effortlessly, but at the same time delivers a story packed with intrigue, political tension, and twists that keep you hooked the entire way through. This is a true slow burn — like, actually slow — paired with a badass FMC who doesn’t rely on physical strength, but instead plays the long game through strategy, intelligence, and political maneuvering.
And then there’s the MMC… morally grey, cold on the surface, but with just enough glimpses of softness to completely pull you in.
Oh — and that ending? That cliffhanger had me gasping. I need book two immediately.
📚 What It’s About (No Spoilers)
This story follows Raelys, a highly strategic and politically skilled princess living a caged life within the walls of her father’s palace. Despite being deliberately kept out of court affairs, she quietly plays a role behind the scenes — her brother Valentin, the Commander, often seeks her advice on the ongoing war shaped by power, alliances, and conflict.
Her world shifts completely when she is suddenly promised in marriage to an older, already-married king to strengthen a political alliance. Determined to escape a future she never chose, Raelys takes a risk and makes a dangerous deal with the most feared king of all — King Wrath — in a desperate attempt to save her life and claim her freedom.
As tensions between territories rise and hidden forces begin to stir, Raelys is pulled deeper into a web of political games, secrets, and power struggles. With alliances shifting, whispers of rebellion growing louder, and something darker lurking beneath the surface, the story unfolds into a high-stakes game where trust is fragile… and every move matters.
🖤 What I Loved
Characters
As much as I love a physically strong FMC, it was honestly so refreshing to read from the perspective of someone whose strength lies in strategy rather than combat.
Raelys is that girl — smart, calculating, stubborn, and always thinking ten steps ahead. She’s playing the long game in a way that feels intentional and powerful, and I loved seeing that kind of intelligence take center stage.
And Wrath… yeah, I’m obsessed. He’s mysterious, distant, and hard to read at first, but the more you get to know him, the more you start to see the subtle hints of loyalty and softness underneath that cold exterior. A king who would burn everything down for her? Exactly my type.
The side characters and subplots were also really well done. Nothing felt unnecessary — every character had a purpose, and the story does a great job of making you care about them (whether that’s love, hate, or somewhere in between).
Romance / Relationships
This is a very slow burn. Like… very.
Maybe just a tiny bit too slow for my personal taste, but at the same time, it makes the yearning so much stronger, so I can’t even be mad about it. I do wish there had been a bit more tension, teasing, or interaction between Raelys and Wrath throughout the book.
That said, once it starts to build toward the end… you really feel it.
Writing Style
Super easy to read and follow, while still being descriptive enough to fully pull you into the world. It strikes a really nice balance — not too heavy, not too simple.
There are quite a few names, places, courts, and territories introduced, which can feel a little overwhelming at times, but it also adds depth and richness to the world.
Pacing / Plot
The pacing is honestly so well done. It never feels rushed, but it also never drags.
It keeps you engaged the entire time — always giving you just enough to stay curious and wanting more.
The worldbuilding really stood out to me as well. Everything feels intentional and immersive, from the political structure to the landscape and the magic system. It’s creative without feeling confusing, which is not always easy to pull off in this genre.
💭 What Didn’t Fully Work for Me
There were moments where keeping track of all the names, territories, and dynamics felt a bit overwhelming. I eventually got used to it, but it did take some time to fully settle into the world.
And while I love a slow burn, the romance felt slightly out of sync with the rest of the story for me. I would have personally liked to see just a bit more progression between Raelys and Wrath by the end — but that could very much come down to personal preference.
🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Slow burn
- Enemies to lovers
- Found family / new alliances / Friends
- Political intrigue & war
- Strategic FMC
- Morally grey MMC
⚠️ Content Notes
There are mentions of abuse and implied sexual violence, though not described in graphic detail.
💔 Emotional Impact
Emotional damage level: 1/5
Not super emotionally heavy, but definitely gripping and intense.
👀 Who Should Read This?
If you love fantasy with strong political elements, strategic main characters, and a very slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance, this will absolutely be your thing.
Especially if you enjoy:
- smart, calculating FMCs
- morally grey love interests
- immersive worldbuilding
- tension that builds slowly but hits hard
🫶 Final Thoughts
I had such a great time reading this. It completely pulled me in, kept me hooked, and left me wanting more.
If you’re into slow-burn, politically driven fantasy with layered characters and high stakes, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.
And yeah… I’ll be impatiently waiting for book two.
📢 Disclosure
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Kaley Kae for the gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.
May 11, 2026
Oath of Ruin felt like stepping into a glittering dagger of a fantasy world where every smile hides a secret and every alliance tastes a little bit poisonous. 🖤⚔️
Raelys was such a compelling FMC. She’s clever, trapped, emotionally guarded, and constantly trying to survive a game that was rigged long before she entered it. Watching her navigate court politics, betrayal, and the dangerous pull toward Wrath kept me completely invested. Their dynamic absolutely carried this book for me. The tension? Immaculate. The slow burn? Agonizing in the best way possible. Every interaction felt like a chess match wrapped in silk and sharpened steel.
The world-building was rich without feeling overwhelming, and I loved the darker romantasy atmosphere. The magical bond element added so much tension because neither character could fully trust the other, yet the chemistry kept crackling anyway. Wrath is the kind of morally gray MMC who walks into a scene and immediately changes the temperature of the room. 🌙
The pacing in the middle slowed a bit for me, which is why this landed at 4 stars instead of 5, but the political intrigue and ending definitely hooked me enough to continue the series.
If you love:
✨ enemies-to-lovers
✨ arranged marriage tension
✨ morally gray characters
✨ court politics
✨ slow burn romance that hurts a little
…then Oath of Ruin deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
Raelys was such a compelling FMC. She’s clever, trapped, emotionally guarded, and constantly trying to survive a game that was rigged long before she entered it. Watching her navigate court politics, betrayal, and the dangerous pull toward Wrath kept me completely invested. Their dynamic absolutely carried this book for me. The tension? Immaculate. The slow burn? Agonizing in the best way possible. Every interaction felt like a chess match wrapped in silk and sharpened steel.
The world-building was rich without feeling overwhelming, and I loved the darker romantasy atmosphere. The magical bond element added so much tension because neither character could fully trust the other, yet the chemistry kept crackling anyway. Wrath is the kind of morally gray MMC who walks into a scene and immediately changes the temperature of the room. 🌙
The pacing in the middle slowed a bit for me, which is why this landed at 4 stars instead of 5, but the political intrigue and ending definitely hooked me enough to continue the series.
If you love:
✨ enemies-to-lovers
✨ arranged marriage tension
✨ morally gray characters
✨ court politics
✨ slow burn romance that hurts a little
…then Oath of Ruin deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
April 7, 2026
This was a pretty good fantasy read, even if I struggled sometimes to keep the kingdoms/dukedoms straight. To start off, Raelys is an absolutely fantastic FMC. Usually, when you have a main character who is kind of a badass, it's because she's really good with a sword or fighting. Raelys is 100% incompetent as a fighter, but politically, she is an agent of chaos who was never allowed to be unleashed under her father's roof.
After a surprise engagement to an absolutely ancient king (who already has a wife too btw), Rae strikes a magical deal with Wrath, an enemy king to sneak his soldiers into her fiancé's kingdom, resulting in the mass slaughter of everyone except her. Left with no other options, she returns with Wrath to his home kingdom, where she not only learns more about her own history but gets to make some additional underhanded moves of her own. I think my favorite thing about her is, no matter how much Raelys makes friends or becomes connected to her current home she feels absolutely NO guilt for all the insanity she unleashes on the kingdom. Additionally, despite having not been given the opportunity to ever leave her home palace growing up, Raelys throws herself into society, even getting a job as a server at a tavern notorious for fighting as well as becoming part owner of a courtesan house which she uses for information and blackmail.
While the political maneuvering in the story was great, the romantic plot fell somewhat flat for me. Despite some fiery dialogue popping up much later in the book, I did not really feel the intensity or prior action to back it up making it not make as much sense. While Wrath is the type of character I would normally love, I honestly find myself more interested in Sebastian, one of the Dukes who seemed to have much better chemistry with Raelys.
There are a few other things in the book that seemed like maybe they were dropped or with the way they were written I feel like I missed something. There is one point where Raelys intercepts a letter that appears to be pretty important, and she is enraged by its contents, but we are never told what those contents are. It appears that the letter would be somewhat relevant to what happens at the end of this book, but then if it does, Raelys herself seems to have forgotten about the letter and her rage. So that left me a little bit confused.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend if you are a fan of the Plated Prisoner series. There are enough similarities that it will definitely mesh with your tastes, but not so many that it feels like it is a copy. I look forward to seeing where this goes in the next book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kaley Kae for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
After a surprise engagement to an absolutely ancient king (who already has a wife too btw), Rae strikes a magical deal with Wrath, an enemy king to sneak his soldiers into her fiancé's kingdom, resulting in the mass slaughter of everyone except her. Left with no other options, she returns with Wrath to his home kingdom, where she not only learns more about her own history but gets to make some additional underhanded moves of her own. I think my favorite thing about her is, no matter how much Raelys makes friends or becomes connected to her current home she feels absolutely NO guilt for all the insanity she unleashes on the kingdom. Additionally, despite having not been given the opportunity to ever leave her home palace growing up, Raelys throws herself into society, even getting a job as a server at a tavern notorious for fighting as well as becoming part owner of a courtesan house which she uses for information and blackmail.
While the political maneuvering in the story was great, the romantic plot fell somewhat flat for me. Despite some fiery dialogue popping up much later in the book, I did not really feel the intensity or prior action to back it up making it not make as much sense. While Wrath is the type of character I would normally love, I honestly find myself more interested in Sebastian, one of the Dukes who seemed to have much better chemistry with Raelys.
There are a few other things in the book that seemed like maybe they were dropped or with the way they were written I feel like I missed something. There is one point where Raelys intercepts a letter that appears to be pretty important, and she is enraged by its contents, but we are never told what those contents are. It appears that the letter would be somewhat relevant to what happens at the end of this book, but then if it does, Raelys herself seems to have forgotten about the letter and her rage. So that left me a little bit confused.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend if you are a fan of the Plated Prisoner series. There are enough similarities that it will definitely mesh with your tastes, but not so many that it feels like it is a copy. I look forward to seeing where this goes in the next book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kaley Kae for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2026
This was a good first book in a series and every ending of a chapter made me want to keep reading. The world building was perfect, the banter and tension were great, but I wasn’t entirely sold on the romance between the main characters (I found myself more interested in another character lmao). Still def recommend and will be waiting for book 2 to see if some things I was confused about come to light. Thank you to the nerd fam and the author for the arc.
April 15, 2026
NETGALLEY -
I LOVED this book. Reading from the point of view of the Princess who finds herself is so good, especially when other fantasy books are often the other way around! The writing is fantastic and I really like the strong relationships Raelys makes for herself in the North. The tension between her and Wrath was palpable and so well written, Raelys is a force to be reckoned with! I really want to read the rest of the series.
I LOVED this book. Reading from the point of view of the Princess who finds herself is so good, especially when other fantasy books are often the other way around! The writing is fantastic and I really like the strong relationships Raelys makes for herself in the North. The tension between her and Wrath was palpable and so well written, Raelys is a force to be reckoned with! I really want to read the rest of the series.
May 10, 2026
4 ⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
This debut romantasy completely pulled me in. The worldbuilding was rich and magical.
Princess Raelys was raised to be silent, obedient, and forgotten behind palace walls. When she’s forced into a political marriage with an older king, Raelys refuses to accept the future chosen for her. Desperate to escape, she makes a dangerous deal with the most feared ruler in the realm: King Wrath.
But escaping her fate only drags into a world of war, political intrigue, rebellion, and dark secrets.
Raelys was such a strong FMC — smart, strategic, and impossible not to root for. And our MMC Wrath? He is morally grey, mysterious and so incredibly down bad for her.
The story was fast-paced, full of twists, and had moments that genuinely shocked me. The side characters were great and I loved the found family. The ending leaves on a crazy cliff— so of course I need book 2 immediately.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Book 1 / Romantasy Series
➳❥ Rivals to Lovers
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Forced Proximity
➳❥ Secrets
➳❥ Slow Burn
➳❥ Political Intrigue
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
"You make me feel many things. Hatred is not one of them.”
"You are the bane of my existence. And no matter how fiercely I try to resist, you are everything I desire."
"Wrath...we shouldn't be doing this."
"Then stop me."
“I will wage this war until my very last breath before I live in a world without you in it."
"You drive me to a level of madness no one else has dared to reach."
"You are etched into my skin and bound to my soul, Raelys. No distance, nor time, nor magic could ever sever you from me, even in death.”
“She is a fuel that burns hotter than the sun, and I would let that fire consume me if she allowed me to.”
May 5, 2026
This was a book I didn't expect to drop into my inbox (thank you to the author and Book Funnel)!
I was kicking my feet at "you make me feel many things. Hatred is not one of them". This feeling is one that I worried was leaving me in this big book world, so I'm so happy to have found that whimsical joy in this read. I enjoyed the chemistry and the world building felt easy and natural throughout the book. The FMC was someone I wanted to root for and while the relationships were sometimes complicated, I wanted to stay and unpack it.
I have some questions that I'm hoping are answered by book 2. Safe to say I will be lingering and looking forward to reading this again in anticipation of its release!
Perfect for readers who love tension, betrayal, and characters that blur the line between right and the grey 👀🫢
I was kicking my feet at "you make me feel many things. Hatred is not one of them". This feeling is one that I worried was leaving me in this big book world, so I'm so happy to have found that whimsical joy in this read. I enjoyed the chemistry and the world building felt easy and natural throughout the book. The FMC was someone I wanted to root for and while the relationships were sometimes complicated, I wanted to stay and unpack it.
I have some questions that I'm hoping are answered by book 2. Safe to say I will be lingering and looking forward to reading this again in anticipation of its release!
Perfect for readers who love tension, betrayal, and characters that blur the line between right and the grey 👀🫢
January 26, 2026
I have been blessed to receive an ARC of Oath of Ruin. This is a political fantasy, with a slow burn romance, and where both the MMC and FMC are equally morally gray. 🤭 Please heed the trigger warnings as there are ATTEMPTED sexual assault and violence. There are a few spicy scenes but are brief. 🌶️ I was CAPTIVATED by this book! The writing was authentic to the social status that’s depicted. Which I have found to be few and far between when reading lately. I was on the edge of my seat, wanting more, throughout the entire book. The pace was the same from start to finish, surprising me. (recently books feel rushed towards the end) This book is left on a cliff hanger and the series is not finished yet, but I honestly encourage you to read it anyways as this book was such a breath of fresh air compared to what has been published the last few years. This is one of those series that I will be getting every special edition that’s published and MARK MY WORDS… this author will be HUGE this year. ✨ very excited to see what she has in store for us in the future!
May 2, 2026
Thank you Kaley Kae, boom funnel and Nerd Fam for the ARC read opportunity! This book started at a little cookie cutter fae court for me but progressively got more interesting! The FMC stragetic thinking is a wonderful pivot from the classic battle training. Definitely leaves you on a cliff, can't wait for the next book!!
May 5, 2026
I originally picked up this book because of the amazingly gorgeous cover. Seriously, isn't it pretty? I'm a sucker for pretty books.
The story did not disappoint. It wasn't super detailed with the worldbuilding. The different houses and kingdoms weren't talked about as much as just introduced, which left me with some confusion. I would have liked a little more story and introduction on them.
The FMC surprised me. She kinda snuck up and turned pretty badass. I can say I didn't see it coming. She knew what she wanted and how to get it. She didn't pull any punches. I like that. She wasn't afraid of hurting feelings so didn't need to play games. I love her caring heart especially mixed with her idgaf attitude.
The relationship between Raelys and Wrath was one of those "I know they'll get together eventually" type of things. The enemies to lovers vibe combined with deep yearning and a bit of spice is rarely a bad thing.
The story had some twists and turns and left me wanting more. Please tell me that the rest of the trilogy won't be too long off. Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read Oath and Ruin. It was a pleasure.
I originally picked up this book because of the ridiculously gorgeous cover. Seriously - look at it. I’m a sucker for pretty books, and this one is definitely it.
The story didn’t disappoint either. The worldbuilding wasn’t super detailed; the different houses and kingdoms were introduced more than explored, which left me wishing for a bit more info. A little more grounding would have helped with that.
The FMC surprised me. She snuck up on me and turned pretty badass. I didn’t see it coming. She knows what she wants, goes after it, and doesn’t pull punches. I loved that mix of a caring heart and an IDGAF attitude - she doesn’t play games with people - she's just herself.
Raelys and Wrath had that “we all know where this is going” type of relationship from the start. The enemies‑to‑lovers vibe, the yearning, the little peeks of spice, that's a combo that's rarely a bad thing.
The story had twists and turns, action, and enough mystery to leave me wanting more. I need to know what happens! Please tell me the rest of the trilogy isn’t too far away. Huge thank‑you to the author for the chance to read Oath of Ruin — it was a pleasure.
The story did not disappoint. It wasn't super detailed with the worldbuilding. The different houses and kingdoms weren't talked about as much as just introduced, which left me with some confusion. I would have liked a little more story and introduction on them.
The FMC surprised me. She kinda snuck up and turned pretty badass. I can say I didn't see it coming. She knew what she wanted and how to get it. She didn't pull any punches. I like that. She wasn't afraid of hurting feelings so didn't need to play games. I love her caring heart especially mixed with her idgaf attitude.
The relationship between Raelys and Wrath was one of those "I know they'll get together eventually" type of things. The enemies to lovers vibe combined with deep yearning and a bit of spice is rarely a bad thing.
The story had some twists and turns and left me wanting more. Please tell me that the rest of the trilogy won't be too long off. Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read Oath and Ruin. It was a pleasure.
I originally picked up this book because of the ridiculously gorgeous cover. Seriously - look at it. I’m a sucker for pretty books, and this one is definitely it.
The story didn’t disappoint either. The worldbuilding wasn’t super detailed; the different houses and kingdoms were introduced more than explored, which left me wishing for a bit more info. A little more grounding would have helped with that.
The FMC surprised me. She snuck up on me and turned pretty badass. I didn’t see it coming. She knows what she wants, goes after it, and doesn’t pull punches. I loved that mix of a caring heart and an IDGAF attitude - she doesn’t play games with people - she's just herself.
Raelys and Wrath had that “we all know where this is going” type of relationship from the start. The enemies‑to‑lovers vibe, the yearning, the little peeks of spice, that's a combo that's rarely a bad thing.
The story had twists and turns, action, and enough mystery to leave me wanting more. I need to know what happens! Please tell me the rest of the trilogy isn’t too far away. Huge thank‑you to the author for the chance to read Oath of Ruin — it was a pleasure.
May 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a book I didn’t know I needed.
I absolutely devoured this book.
Honestly, I think this ended up being the perfect romantasy for my current reading mood because it balanced everything so well. It wasn’t overly detailed or difficult to get through, but it also never felt surface level. It sat perfectly in the middle for me and became incredibly bingeable.
The pacing stayed smooth throughout the entire book. There were a couple moments where I wasn’t ready to leave certain scenes yet, but overall I thought the story flowed really well and kept me fully invested.
I loved the romance in this. The tension, slow burn, and banter all worked for me, but I also appreciated that the romance never overpowered the plot. The story and relationship developed alongside each other in a way that felt balanced and natural.
Raelys was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved that her strength came more from her intelligence, strategy, and emotional resilience rather than being another copy-and-paste fighter FMC. Watching her navigate situations and figure things out kept me completely hooked because I was constantly curious about what she was going to do next.
And Wrath?? Yeah… he’s absolutely making it onto my book boyfriend list.
I also became really attached to the side characters, which made the world feel even stronger and more immersive.
I do think some readers may find parts of the story a little too fast-paced or not detailed enough depending on their fantasy preferences, but for me personally, this hit the perfect balance between bingeable and immersive.
Overall, this was addictive, emotional, easy to follow, and incredibly enjoyable to read. I already need the next book like now!
This is a book I didn’t know I needed.
I absolutely devoured this book.
Honestly, I think this ended up being the perfect romantasy for my current reading mood because it balanced everything so well. It wasn’t overly detailed or difficult to get through, but it also never felt surface level. It sat perfectly in the middle for me and became incredibly bingeable.
The pacing stayed smooth throughout the entire book. There were a couple moments where I wasn’t ready to leave certain scenes yet, but overall I thought the story flowed really well and kept me fully invested.
I loved the romance in this. The tension, slow burn, and banter all worked for me, but I also appreciated that the romance never overpowered the plot. The story and relationship developed alongside each other in a way that felt balanced and natural.
Raelys was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved that her strength came more from her intelligence, strategy, and emotional resilience rather than being another copy-and-paste fighter FMC. Watching her navigate situations and figure things out kept me completely hooked because I was constantly curious about what she was going to do next.
And Wrath?? Yeah… he’s absolutely making it onto my book boyfriend list.
I also became really attached to the side characters, which made the world feel even stronger and more immersive.
I do think some readers may find parts of the story a little too fast-paced or not detailed enough depending on their fantasy preferences, but for me personally, this hit the perfect balance between bingeable and immersive.
Overall, this was addictive, emotional, easy to follow, and incredibly enjoyable to read. I already need the next book like now!
March 18, 2026
“You make me feel many things. Hatred is not one of them.”
First of all, I would like to say thank you to the author - for writing this book and for the ARC. This book is for those who enjoy a good enemies to lovers slowburn, political intrigue, and witty, morally gray characters.
I was truly hooked from the first chapter - Raelys was a character that I was able to root for from start to finish. It was refreshing to see an FMC that moves the story along herself - she was a go-getter, resourceful, smart, and cunning. It also meant a lot that she was focused on way more things than just love - she had her own goals and plans that did not simply revolve around pleasing the MMC. She is truly a badass at heart and it was cool to go on that journey of personal growth and self-discovery with her. The beginning really sort of reminded me a bit of Rapunzel, unsure if that was on purpose, but I could definitely draw similarities with Raelys and her gilded cage.
This book is very much a slowburn romance - which I am personally a sucker for - as it makes the characters feel more real. Wrath and Raelys had a more natural buildup, filled with banter and intrigue. The tension and will they/won’t they between them kept things interesting and their relationship really blossomed throughout the book. Wrath wasn’t just your typical brooding MMC - but rather, a clean cut Warlord that respects her.
The worldbuilding in this book was great - the characters and the landscape of this book were definitely well planned. It felt as though I was really there with her in that world. The magic system also felt very realistic and creative. It can be hard to create something fresh in this genre, and yet, I feel this book accomplished that.
The side characters and subplots kept me going as well. I enjoyed meeting all the other characters and it felt like they were all their own person, not just there for the sake of the main characters. They felt real and fleshed out well, which was appreciated.
That being said, I do feel like it was hard to keep up with all the names and territories at times. There was a lot to try and remember throughout the book. I got the hang of it by the end but it definitely felt a little convoluted and confusing. This book is also a bit fast paced for being such a slow burn - which I was okay with - but there was a lot happening throughout the book, a lot of subplots and things to keep up with. However, I was definitely not bored and I kept on wanting to read more.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I will stay tuned for the upcoming books in the series. This was a fun read and I’m excited to see where the story goes - the cliffhanger really makes you want the next book ASAP!
First of all, I would like to say thank you to the author - for writing this book and for the ARC. This book is for those who enjoy a good enemies to lovers slowburn, political intrigue, and witty, morally gray characters.
I was truly hooked from the first chapter - Raelys was a character that I was able to root for from start to finish. It was refreshing to see an FMC that moves the story along herself - she was a go-getter, resourceful, smart, and cunning. It also meant a lot that she was focused on way more things than just love - she had her own goals and plans that did not simply revolve around pleasing the MMC. She is truly a badass at heart and it was cool to go on that journey of personal growth and self-discovery with her. The beginning really sort of reminded me a bit of Rapunzel, unsure if that was on purpose, but I could definitely draw similarities with Raelys and her gilded cage.
This book is very much a slowburn romance - which I am personally a sucker for - as it makes the characters feel more real. Wrath and Raelys had a more natural buildup, filled with banter and intrigue. The tension and will they/won’t they between them kept things interesting and their relationship really blossomed throughout the book. Wrath wasn’t just your typical brooding MMC - but rather, a clean cut Warlord that respects her.
The worldbuilding in this book was great - the characters and the landscape of this book were definitely well planned. It felt as though I was really there with her in that world. The magic system also felt very realistic and creative. It can be hard to create something fresh in this genre, and yet, I feel this book accomplished that.
The side characters and subplots kept me going as well. I enjoyed meeting all the other characters and it felt like they were all their own person, not just there for the sake of the main characters. They felt real and fleshed out well, which was appreciated.
That being said, I do feel like it was hard to keep up with all the names and territories at times. There was a lot to try and remember throughout the book. I got the hang of it by the end but it definitely felt a little convoluted and confusing. This book is also a bit fast paced for being such a slow burn - which I was okay with - but there was a lot happening throughout the book, a lot of subplots and things to keep up with. However, I was definitely not bored and I kept on wanting to read more.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I will stay tuned for the upcoming books in the series. This was a fun read and I’m excited to see where the story goes - the cliffhanger really makes you want the next book ASAP!
March 16, 2026
Wow! This book really surprised me. The plot sounded a little similar to some other romantic fantasy books I have read at first, but this one FELT different.
A human princess is forced to marry a king she doesn’t love, so she makes a deal with a man to save herself from it. Only she ends up getting more than she bargained for.
The writing was more formal than some books in this genre but I found it to be just right given that we are talking about royals and court politics. It was not overly formal to make it hard to understand. There were a lot of introductions to different characters that felt a little overwhelming at times. However, you need this in order to fully experience the payoffs of the reveals as the book goes on. The plot and action really pick up towards the end and you can tell the next book is going to be amazing. The plot here is definitely the main point with the romance being important but secondary through this book, at least.
This is a true slow burn IMO, which I love. The main characters chemistry built in a way that felt really organic. It takes time to have them grow into their respect for one another. I also am a huge fan of one POV during the tension building stages of a slow burn. This one doesn’t drop the MMCs POV until the end of this book. It does end on a cliffhanger so if you’re not a fan of that maybe wait until it is completed. I don’t mind that and I can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kelsie Kae for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
A human princess is forced to marry a king she doesn’t love, so she makes a deal with a man to save herself from it. Only she ends up getting more than she bargained for.
The writing was more formal than some books in this genre but I found it to be just right given that we are talking about royals and court politics. It was not overly formal to make it hard to understand. There were a lot of introductions to different characters that felt a little overwhelming at times. However, you need this in order to fully experience the payoffs of the reveals as the book goes on. The plot and action really pick up towards the end and you can tell the next book is going to be amazing. The plot here is definitely the main point with the romance being important but secondary through this book, at least.
This is a true slow burn IMO, which I love. The main characters chemistry built in a way that felt really organic. It takes time to have them grow into their respect for one another. I also am a huge fan of one POV during the tension building stages of a slow burn. This one doesn’t drop the MMCs POV until the end of this book. It does end on a cliffhanger so if you’re not a fan of that maybe wait until it is completed. I don’t mind that and I can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kelsie Kae for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 30, 2026
Arc Read! (without spoilers below!)
Let's just start with the cover... UHM GORGEOUS HELLO!!! I had such a fun and easy time reading this first book in the series, I genuinely did not want to put this book down because it felt so captivating and easy to understand that I just wanted "one more chapter" until I finished the book. The FMC is very different than other FMCs in fantasy stories because she showcases her strength through intellect and it's so fun getting to read how she navigates the politics of court while making the best of her situations. The enemies to lovers between our two main characters is very much there from the start along with the extremely slow tension. They have a lot of banter between each other and never stop trying to get on each other's nerves which had me giggling and laughing while reading this.
I will say plot wise, it was good. The world building isn't complicated to understand, and the plot keeps you wanting to learn more as it's told from the FMC's POV. - there were some plot holes and questions I had reading because it felt like some things might have been glossed over or purposely left out which could have helped the ending of the story and overall plot for readers to understand better. However, I think the big reason for that is because since it is a first book in the series it was done so on purpose to leave readers guessing what happens until the next books is out. Definitely hope that the unanswered questions and plot holes get covered in the next book!
Let's just start with the cover... UHM GORGEOUS HELLO!!! I had such a fun and easy time reading this first book in the series, I genuinely did not want to put this book down because it felt so captivating and easy to understand that I just wanted "one more chapter" until I finished the book. The FMC is very different than other FMCs in fantasy stories because she showcases her strength through intellect and it's so fun getting to read how she navigates the politics of court while making the best of her situations. The enemies to lovers between our two main characters is very much there from the start along with the extremely slow tension. They have a lot of banter between each other and never stop trying to get on each other's nerves which had me giggling and laughing while reading this.
I will say plot wise, it was good. The world building isn't complicated to understand, and the plot keeps you wanting to learn more as it's told from the FMC's POV. - there were some plot holes and questions I had reading because it felt like some things might have been glossed over or purposely left out which could have helped the ending of the story and overall plot for readers to understand better. However, I think the big reason for that is because since it is a first book in the series it was done so on purpose to leave readers guessing what happens until the next books is out. Definitely hope that the unanswered questions and plot holes get covered in the next book!
May 3, 2026
This book did not disappoint! From the very first chapter, we jumped right in to the action and got a fast paced romantasy that felt easy to read and enjoy yet was still full of politics, rebellion, and tension.
Our FMC, Raelys, is definitely outside the box of our normal Romantasy FMC too! In the words of Wrath, “she is an architect of chaos” and it was really fun watching her strategize from the very beginning - never letting her current situations hold her back.
And Wrath of course gets bonus points because he was the perfect mix of broody and mysterious but could also make you laugh with his little remarks.
But I have to be honest, even though I loved the slow burn, the connection did feel off between our main characters. I’m not gonna lie, there’s another gentleman that I’m a little more interested in and I’m curious to see how things might play out more between him and Raelys moving forward.
I would have also loved to have maybe 100-150 more pages of this book too! Not just because I couldn’t put it down and was reading it every free second of my day, but because I would’ve loved to see more moments or characters flushed out. There were just some times where things felt rushed or we didn’t get to know characters on as deep of a level as I personally would’ve liked.
All in all, I had the best time with this book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next after that ending! I will eagerly be waiting for book two!
And of course, thank you so much Kaley Kae for the gifted copy of Oath of Ruin!
Our FMC, Raelys, is definitely outside the box of our normal Romantasy FMC too! In the words of Wrath, “she is an architect of chaos” and it was really fun watching her strategize from the very beginning - never letting her current situations hold her back.
And Wrath of course gets bonus points because he was the perfect mix of broody and mysterious but could also make you laugh with his little remarks.
But I have to be honest, even though I loved the slow burn, the connection did feel off between our main characters. I’m not gonna lie, there’s another gentleman that I’m a little more interested in and I’m curious to see how things might play out more between him and Raelys moving forward.
I would have also loved to have maybe 100-150 more pages of this book too! Not just because I couldn’t put it down and was reading it every free second of my day, but because I would’ve loved to see more moments or characters flushed out. There were just some times where things felt rushed or we didn’t get to know characters on as deep of a level as I personally would’ve liked.
All in all, I had the best time with this book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next after that ending! I will eagerly be waiting for book two!
And of course, thank you so much Kaley Kae for the gifted copy of Oath of Ruin!
May 3, 2026
Oath of Ruin was such a pleasant surprise.
It’s a really easy read, fast-paced, clear, and hard to put down. The world-building gives you enough to picture everything properly without overloading you with detail, which made it easy to stay immersed the whole way through. The story leans heavily into political tension, with shifting loyalties and plenty of turns that kept things interesting.
What I enjoyed most was how character-focused it felt. Raelys was a strong lead, she’s kind, thoughtful, and very aware of the people around her. That sense of care made her feel real, and her growth over the course of the book was satisfying to follow. Seeing her move from being sheltered within the castle to someone capable of strategy and political manoeuvring felt natural, and I liked that her strength came from her mind rather than physical power.
The relationship is definitely a slow burn, which I really enjoyed. It builds gradually and never feels forced. Wrath, in particular, is kept at a bit of a distance, he’s morally grey, controlled, and not fully understood. You don’t get all the answers with him, but it works for where the story is at.
The side characters were another highlight. They weren’t just there in the background, they each had a role to play, and I found myself getting attached to quite a few of them.
The only thing I struggled with slightly was the number of characters introduced and the different Kingdoms. It took a bit of time to keep track.
I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes in book two.
It’s a really easy read, fast-paced, clear, and hard to put down. The world-building gives you enough to picture everything properly without overloading you with detail, which made it easy to stay immersed the whole way through. The story leans heavily into political tension, with shifting loyalties and plenty of turns that kept things interesting.
What I enjoyed most was how character-focused it felt. Raelys was a strong lead, she’s kind, thoughtful, and very aware of the people around her. That sense of care made her feel real, and her growth over the course of the book was satisfying to follow. Seeing her move from being sheltered within the castle to someone capable of strategy and political manoeuvring felt natural, and I liked that her strength came from her mind rather than physical power.
The relationship is definitely a slow burn, which I really enjoyed. It builds gradually and never feels forced. Wrath, in particular, is kept at a bit of a distance, he’s morally grey, controlled, and not fully understood. You don’t get all the answers with him, but it works for where the story is at.
The side characters were another highlight. They weren’t just there in the background, they each had a role to play, and I found myself getting attached to quite a few of them.
The only thing I struggled with slightly was the number of characters introduced and the different Kingdoms. It took a bit of time to keep track.
I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes in book two.
February 19, 2026
I’m so incredibly grateful that I got the opportunity to read this book. Thank you!
From the very first sentence, I was hooked. Truly.
Raelys is such an incredible FMC. Watching her grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Her development felt powerful and real, and I especially loved how cunning and strategic she could be. She’s not just strong, she’s smart and calculating. The kind of FMC that makes you want to stand up and applaud.
I can NOT forget about the writting. absolutely beautiful. The author truly has a stunning writing style that I found myself constantly admiring. I highlighted so many passages.
One of my favorite quotes:
“If I am the bane of your existence, then you are the plague of my peace.”
This line??? Your Honor, they’re obsessed. I am obsessed!
And then:
“I will wage this war until my last breath before I live in a world without you.”
Sir??? Ma’am??? The devotion?? This is “burn the world for you” core. I was unwell. Screaming internally. 10/10 dramatic war romance behavior.
The romance between Raelys and Wrath was everything I hoped for. Intense, emotional, full of tension and that delicious push-and-pull energy. Their dynamic had me kicking my feet one moment and staring at the wall the next.
The ending was amazing. Tense, gripping, and exactly the kind of cliffhanger I adore. I truly hope this book gets a sequel because I am not ready to leave this world yet. My bookish heart needs more. 📖✨
From the very first sentence, I was hooked. Truly.
Raelys is such an incredible FMC. Watching her grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. Her development felt powerful and real, and I especially loved how cunning and strategic she could be. She’s not just strong, she’s smart and calculating. The kind of FMC that makes you want to stand up and applaud.
I can NOT forget about the writting. absolutely beautiful. The author truly has a stunning writing style that I found myself constantly admiring. I highlighted so many passages.
One of my favorite quotes:
“If I am the bane of your existence, then you are the plague of my peace.”
This line??? Your Honor, they’re obsessed. I am obsessed!
And then:
“I will wage this war until my last breath before I live in a world without you.”
Sir??? Ma’am??? The devotion?? This is “burn the world for you” core. I was unwell. Screaming internally. 10/10 dramatic war romance behavior.
The romance between Raelys and Wrath was everything I hoped for. Intense, emotional, full of tension and that delicious push-and-pull energy. Their dynamic had me kicking my feet one moment and staring at the wall the next.
The ending was amazing. Tense, gripping, and exactly the kind of cliffhanger I adore. I truly hope this book gets a sequel because I am not ready to leave this world yet. My bookish heart needs more. 📖✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
“You are the bane of my existence. And no matter how fiercely I try to resist, you are everything I desire.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
Tropes and Themes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Morally Grey MMC & FMC
- Political Mind Games
- Slow Burn
- Forced Proximity
“You make me feel many things. Hatred is not one of them.”
I will be completely honest - I was not feeling this one at first. However, I'm glad I stuck with it, as I ended up enjoying the story overall. I think the biggest hurdles for me were the choppy writing (moreso in the first half of the book), the verb tense randomly changing, and feeling like I was periodically missing some information. Ultimately, though, the story itself has a lot of promise, and I definitely want to read the next book after that cliffhanger ending.
The two of us are a cycle of ruin, a curse with no end. He is the culmination of everything I am not: composed, distinguished, and controlled. Yet he is the source of my every undoing, and the sum of every ache my soul carries.
My favorite character is Wrath, and I hope we get more of his POVs in the next book (we only get one here). I honestly had a hard time connecting with Raelys (which doesn't normally happen for me with FMCs), but I'm still invested in seeing where her journey leads as she uncovers more of the mysteries surrounding herself.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
Tropes and Themes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Morally Grey MMC & FMC
- Political Mind Games
- Slow Burn
- Forced Proximity
“You make me feel many things. Hatred is not one of them.”
I will be completely honest - I was not feeling this one at first. However, I'm glad I stuck with it, as I ended up enjoying the story overall. I think the biggest hurdles for me were the choppy writing (moreso in the first half of the book), the verb tense randomly changing, and feeling like I was periodically missing some information. Ultimately, though, the story itself has a lot of promise, and I definitely want to read the next book after that cliffhanger ending.
The two of us are a cycle of ruin, a curse with no end. He is the culmination of everything I am not: composed, distinguished, and controlled. Yet he is the source of my every undoing, and the sum of every ache my soul carries.
My favorite character is Wrath, and I hope we get more of his POVs in the next book (we only get one here). I honestly had a hard time connecting with Raelys (which doesn't normally happen for me with FMCs), but I'm still invested in seeing where her journey leads as she uncovers more of the mysteries surrounding herself.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
May 10, 2026
A fast paced and exciting read, where the FMC has her own plots and is constantly subverting everyone’s expectations of her, I couldn’t put this one down!
You follow the princess FMC, whose brother has been battling on the front lines for their kingdom, and her father promises her off to another king to get aid that they need. But she won’t trade one castle prison for another and makes her escape, only to happen upon the soldiers of Wrath - the king of an enemy kingdom - and make a magical deal with him that had her trapped. When her new husband dies, she flees with wrath north to his kingdom and starts to unravel it from within, but learns even more truths that cause her to falter on her plans and questions what she’s always been told.
I really enjoyed all the plotting and spying the FMC does and how she weaves this web around herself to take down a kingdom from the inside. I also liked how after be lonely and trapped for so long, she opens up and forms connections all around her, and maybe starts to contemplate the side effects her actions might have. There’s also plenty of shocking reveals, tension between the FMC and Wrath due to their love and hate relationship and of course a hidden identity or two to keep you on the edge of your seat! Can’t wait to see where the author takes this series next! My rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the princess FMC, whose brother has been battling on the front lines for their kingdom, and her father promises her off to another king to get aid that they need. But she won’t trade one castle prison for another and makes her escape, only to happen upon the soldiers of Wrath - the king of an enemy kingdom - and make a magical deal with him that had her trapped. When her new husband dies, she flees with wrath north to his kingdom and starts to unravel it from within, but learns even more truths that cause her to falter on her plans and questions what she’s always been told.
I really enjoyed all the plotting and spying the FMC does and how she weaves this web around herself to take down a kingdom from the inside. I also liked how after be lonely and trapped for so long, she opens up and forms connections all around her, and maybe starts to contemplate the side effects her actions might have. There’s also plenty of shocking reveals, tension between the FMC and Wrath due to their love and hate relationship and of course a hidden identity or two to keep you on the edge of your seat! Can’t wait to see where the author takes this series next! My rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
May 2, 2026
Thank you @thenerdfam for this eARC!
This one surprised me in the best way. It just flows really easily and pulls you into the world without making it feel like work.
Raelys isn’t your typical fantasy FMC and I loved that. She’s not the loudest person in the room, but she’s smart....like calculated, observant, always thinking ten steps ahead. Watching her navigate the politics and make moves behind the scenes was way more satisfying than brute strength honestly.
And then there’s Wrath… because of course there is. The tension between them is steady the whole time. It’s not rushed, not overdone, just this constant push and pull that keeps building. You can feel something shifting even when neither of them wants to admit it, which made the slow burn actually work.
There were a couple moments where I had to reread a line or two to fully catch what was happening, but it never pulled me out of the story. If anything, it made me pay more attention to the details.
Also this cover?? Yeah, she’s gorgeous. Immediate shelf trophy energy. 👏👏💗
Overall, this was just a really solid, easy-to-get-into romantasy with enough tension and politics to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming. I’m definitely continuing the series. THAT CLIFFY THO. I need the next one, like yesterday 🤣
This one surprised me in the best way. It just flows really easily and pulls you into the world without making it feel like work.
Raelys isn’t your typical fantasy FMC and I loved that. She’s not the loudest person in the room, but she’s smart....like calculated, observant, always thinking ten steps ahead. Watching her navigate the politics and make moves behind the scenes was way more satisfying than brute strength honestly.
And then there’s Wrath… because of course there is. The tension between them is steady the whole time. It’s not rushed, not overdone, just this constant push and pull that keeps building. You can feel something shifting even when neither of them wants to admit it, which made the slow burn actually work.
There were a couple moments where I had to reread a line or two to fully catch what was happening, but it never pulled me out of the story. If anything, it made me pay more attention to the details.
Also this cover?? Yeah, she’s gorgeous. Immediate shelf trophy energy. 👏👏💗
Overall, this was just a really solid, easy-to-get-into romantasy with enough tension and politics to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming. I’m definitely continuing the series. THAT CLIFFY THO. I need the next one, like yesterday 🤣
March 23, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed Oath of Ruin. The story feels carefully planned and well written, with chapters that flow smoothly into one another. The plot itself is fun and refreshingly unique, and the mystery surrounding the characters’ magical curse kept me intrigued throughout.
Raelyn is a fantastic FMC. Despite losing her mother and spending her life hidden within the castle walls, she’s strong, confident, and full of personality. I loved watching her hold her own. King Wrath was equally compelling—mysterious, intense, and clearly drawn to Raelyn. I did find myself wishing for a little more of him on the page, and perhaps an even darker, morally grey edge.
One of my favourite scenes was the ball, particularly Raelyn’s confrontation with Penelope and her father, followed by Sebastian kissing her and Wrath’s furious reaction. I’m always a fan of a good jealousy trope.
The epilogue was the only part that left me unsure. While I enjoyed getting Wrath’s POV, I struggled slightly with his decision at the end. That said, it certainly leaves me curious for what comes next.
My review will also be posted on Amazon
Raelyn is a fantastic FMC. Despite losing her mother and spending her life hidden within the castle walls, she’s strong, confident, and full of personality. I loved watching her hold her own. King Wrath was equally compelling—mysterious, intense, and clearly drawn to Raelyn. I did find myself wishing for a little more of him on the page, and perhaps an even darker, morally grey edge.
One of my favourite scenes was the ball, particularly Raelyn’s confrontation with Penelope and her father, followed by Sebastian kissing her and Wrath’s furious reaction. I’m always a fan of a good jealousy trope.
The epilogue was the only part that left me unsure. While I enjoyed getting Wrath’s POV, I struggled slightly with his decision at the end. That said, it certainly leaves me curious for what comes next.
My review will also be posted on Amazon
April 30, 2026
A dark slow burn enemies to lovers romantasy full of danger, deception, and political intrigue.
Raelys was born in a palace that felt more like a prison, raised to be controlled, and forced into an arranged marriage she never wanted. In a desperate bid for freedom, she strikes a dangerous deal with Wrath, the feared enemy king, binding herself to him with a magical mark that makes betrayal impossible.
Trapped in his kingdom, Raelys is sent to tear it apart from within, but nothing is simple when loyalties shift, secrets unravel, and hatred starts to blur into something far more dangerous.
Sharp, strategic, and politically aware, Raelys is a FMC who plays the game as well as she survives it, while Casimir, the so called King Wrath, slowly reveals there is far more beneath the ruthless reputation.
A gripping debut with tense court politics, layered characters, and a slow burn that builds in all the right ways.
Perfect for readers who love a slow burn with high stakes, intricate court politics, and a touch of darkness.
Thank you @kaleykae and @thenerd fam for the early digital copy. I cannot wait to see where this trilogy goes next.
4.25 beautiful stars!
Raelys was born in a palace that felt more like a prison, raised to be controlled, and forced into an arranged marriage she never wanted. In a desperate bid for freedom, she strikes a dangerous deal with Wrath, the feared enemy king, binding herself to him with a magical mark that makes betrayal impossible.
Trapped in his kingdom, Raelys is sent to tear it apart from within, but nothing is simple when loyalties shift, secrets unravel, and hatred starts to blur into something far more dangerous.
Sharp, strategic, and politically aware, Raelys is a FMC who plays the game as well as she survives it, while Casimir, the so called King Wrath, slowly reveals there is far more beneath the ruthless reputation.
A gripping debut with tense court politics, layered characters, and a slow burn that builds in all the right ways.
Perfect for readers who love a slow burn with high stakes, intricate court politics, and a touch of darkness.
Thank you @kaleykae and @thenerd fam for the early digital copy. I cannot wait to see where this trilogy goes next.
4.25 beautiful stars!
March 25, 2026
🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Oath of Ruin
✒️ Kaley Kae
💫💫💫💫💫
Thank you so much to the author, Kaley Kae for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oath of Ruin has the premise of your now normal romantsy story, but this was anything but that! It was so much better!
The start is a bit slow, a lot of world building and introductions to characters; but this is essential for the rest of the book and to experience the full impact of the situation. Raeyls, our FMC, is forced into an arranged marriage but she strikes a deal with Wrath for her freedom, yet it is anything but. A web of deception, a looming threat and when hatred turns into something more; Raeyls must choose to either end the war or let it consume her.
This book leans more towards the fantasy side of romantasy and I absolutely ate it up. The politics plays a huge role in this book.
Majority of this book is told from Raeyls POV, until the epilogue which is from Wrath's. There is a cliff-hanger that has me excited for the next book!
📚 Oath of Ruin
✒️ Kaley Kae
💫💫💫💫💫
Thank you so much to the author, Kaley Kae for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oath of Ruin has the premise of your now normal romantsy story, but this was anything but that! It was so much better!
The start is a bit slow, a lot of world building and introductions to characters; but this is essential for the rest of the book and to experience the full impact of the situation. Raeyls, our FMC, is forced into an arranged marriage but she strikes a deal with Wrath for her freedom, yet it is anything but. A web of deception, a looming threat and when hatred turns into something more; Raeyls must choose to either end the war or let it consume her.
This book leans more towards the fantasy side of romantasy and I absolutely ate it up. The politics plays a huge role in this book.
Majority of this book is told from Raeyls POV, until the epilogue which is from Wrath's. There is a cliff-hanger that has me excited for the next book!
May 11, 2026
Okay—we listen and we don’t judge (just remember that).
So this one starts off a lil slow, right? We’re introduced to Raelys, our FMC, who initially comes across as… let’s say, not exactly the most capable heroine. She’s thrown into an arranged marriage she absolutely does NOT want, and right away it’s very clear she cannot wield a weapon to save her life. Like, at all.
Then we’ve got our MMC—morally grey, broody, tall, dark-haired, emotionally unavailable in that “I will fix him immediately” kind of way that I fall for every SINGLE time. He and Raelys make a bargain to get her out of the arranged marriage while he gets something in return… because hello? It’s fantasy—of course he has to get something in return.
I’ll admit, I didn’t go in with high expectations. Mostly going off vibes because the cover and premise pulled me in (and yes, I judge books by covers, I’m sorry 😔). But early on, Raelys didn’t really click with me. I’m not usually a fan of the “seemingly useless FMC” setup, so I was side-eyeing her for a good chunk of the beginning.
Then around the halfway point—complete whiplash.
Because when I tell you I completely and utterly fell in love with Raelys. Who I thought was just a spoiled princess ended up being so much more than that. Her backstory, her internal struggle, her growth—it’s all written in a way where not just the characters underestimate her… but you, the reader, do too. And watching that unravel? So satisfying. So fun. So rude of me to ever doubt her, actually.
Now the action? 🤌 PERFECTION.
The banter? I was LIIIIVVVING for it. Verbal sparring, tension, chaos—chef’s kiss, no notes.
Worldbuilding-wise—it’s actually really solid. Structured, easy to follow, not overwhelming. I enjoyed it a lot… but if we’re being honest, by the second half I stayed mostly for Raelys.
Overall, the book delivered exactly what it promised. The plot was great, the world is engaging, and Raelys… the “incompetent” princess absolutely stole my heart and I will not recover.
And yes… I stand corrected. I love her.
So this one starts off a lil slow, right? We’re introduced to Raelys, our FMC, who initially comes across as… let’s say, not exactly the most capable heroine. She’s thrown into an arranged marriage she absolutely does NOT want, and right away it’s very clear she cannot wield a weapon to save her life. Like, at all.
Then we’ve got our MMC—morally grey, broody, tall, dark-haired, emotionally unavailable in that “I will fix him immediately” kind of way that I fall for every SINGLE time. He and Raelys make a bargain to get her out of the arranged marriage while he gets something in return… because hello? It’s fantasy—of course he has to get something in return.
I’ll admit, I didn’t go in with high expectations. Mostly going off vibes because the cover and premise pulled me in (and yes, I judge books by covers, I’m sorry 😔). But early on, Raelys didn’t really click with me. I’m not usually a fan of the “seemingly useless FMC” setup, so I was side-eyeing her for a good chunk of the beginning.
Then around the halfway point—complete whiplash.
Because when I tell you I completely and utterly fell in love with Raelys. Who I thought was just a spoiled princess ended up being so much more than that. Her backstory, her internal struggle, her growth—it’s all written in a way where not just the characters underestimate her… but you, the reader, do too. And watching that unravel? So satisfying. So fun. So rude of me to ever doubt her, actually.
Now the action? 🤌 PERFECTION.
The banter? I was LIIIIVVVING for it. Verbal sparring, tension, chaos—chef’s kiss, no notes.
Worldbuilding-wise—it’s actually really solid. Structured, easy to follow, not overwhelming. I enjoyed it a lot… but if we’re being honest, by the second half I stayed mostly for Raelys.
Overall, the book delivered exactly what it promised. The plot was great, the world is engaging, and Raelys… the “incompetent” princess absolutely stole my heart and I will not recover.
And yes… I stand corrected. I love her.
May 1, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Farm for the gifted electronic copy!
I feel so bummed to write a not fantastic review, but I have to be honest. This one just missed the mark for me.
It has so much potential, I can totally see what the author's vision was/is going to be for this. I think it is slated to be a trilogy, but I dont think Ill continue it. I will say the magic is interesting, and it really could have so much going for it and maybe book 2 will be amazing. This could also totally be a me issue right now, and not feeling this genre at the moment.
There isnt a lot of depth in this story, the characters are really flat to me, I just could not connect to them and I think that was my main problem. It also feels so rushed, I really think if this was 100 pages longer it would have been so much better, it just didnt have a lot to keep me invested unfortunately. If this had been longer and more evenly paced I think it would be really good!
*This ebook was given by The Nerd Fam in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I feel so bummed to write a not fantastic review, but I have to be honest. This one just missed the mark for me.
It has so much potential, I can totally see what the author's vision was/is going to be for this. I think it is slated to be a trilogy, but I dont think Ill continue it. I will say the magic is interesting, and it really could have so much going for it and maybe book 2 will be amazing. This could also totally be a me issue right now, and not feeling this genre at the moment.
There isnt a lot of depth in this story, the characters are really flat to me, I just could not connect to them and I think that was my main problem. It also feels so rushed, I really think if this was 100 pages longer it would have been so much better, it just didnt have a lot to keep me invested unfortunately. If this had been longer and more evenly paced I think it would be really good!
*This ebook was given by The Nerd Fam in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
May 2, 2026
Oath of Ruin by Kaley Kae
Princess Raelys makes a deal with enemy Kingdom to save herself from loveless marriage.
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
I admit , I went into this expecting the stereotypical princess saved by misunderstood MMC to HEA (no shade , I love these stories ) but this book was such a refreshing read! Court politics , family secrets, interesting magical systems, I was hooked.
Rae is smart , conniving and an all round bad ass. Aye stands up against tyrants and abusers. Her lack of guilt for some of her actions was a little jarring but I love that she is so headstrong.
Wrath is dark and mysterious. He talks like Shakespearian sonnets, swoon. The developing relationship between Rae and Wrath is so enjoyable.
Tropes
- Slow burn
- F*** it moment
- Enemies to lovers
- Arranged marriage
- One bed
Highlights
- Rae is such a conniving FMC. Very different and I love it.
Overall 4.75/5
Can't wait for the next installment
#thenerdfam #romantasyreads #eneniestolovers #slowburn #bookstagram
Princess Raelys makes a deal with enemy Kingdom to save herself from loveless marriage.
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
I admit , I went into this expecting the stereotypical princess saved by misunderstood MMC to HEA (no shade , I love these stories ) but this book was such a refreshing read! Court politics , family secrets, interesting magical systems, I was hooked.
Rae is smart , conniving and an all round bad ass. Aye stands up against tyrants and abusers. Her lack of guilt for some of her actions was a little jarring but I love that she is so headstrong.
Wrath is dark and mysterious. He talks like Shakespearian sonnets, swoon. The developing relationship between Rae and Wrath is so enjoyable.
Tropes
- Slow burn
- F*** it moment
- Enemies to lovers
- Arranged marriage
- One bed
Highlights
- Rae is such a conniving FMC. Very different and I love it.
Overall 4.75/5
Can't wait for the next installment
#thenerdfam #romantasyreads #eneniestolovers #slowburn #bookstagram
May 5, 2026
I just finished Oath of Ruin and it was such a fun, fast paced romantasy! The world building was engaging, but what really stood out were the characters, especially the side characters, who truly bring the found family element to life.
Raelys, our FMC, has spent her entire life sheltered within the castle walls, so watching her step into the world, form friendships, and grow into her strength was incredibly satisfying. She’s thoughtful, kind, and easy to root for.
Wrath, our morally gray MMC, had me hooked from the start. The push and pull dynamic between him and Raelys was so well done. Add in the slow burn, forced proximity, sharp banter and it’s exactly the kind of tension I love in romantasy.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next in book two. If you love political intrigue, slow burn romance, a morally gray MMC, found family, and a unique magic system, this one belongs on your TBR.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Raelys, our FMC, has spent her entire life sheltered within the castle walls, so watching her step into the world, form friendships, and grow into her strength was incredibly satisfying. She’s thoughtful, kind, and easy to root for.
Wrath, our morally gray MMC, had me hooked from the start. The push and pull dynamic between him and Raelys was so well done. Add in the slow burn, forced proximity, sharp banter and it’s exactly the kind of tension I love in romantasy.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next in book two. If you love political intrigue, slow burn romance, a morally gray MMC, found family, and a unique magic system, this one belongs on your TBR.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2026
"I'm ready to take the kingdom down."
I inhaled this book. It was fast-paced and engaging from the very start. It has every trope I love, enemies to lovers, slow burn that burns, one bed, court politics, bonds and found family.
A princess cuts a deal with her enemy to get out of an arranged marriage and plans to take down this rival court. What she doesn't realize is her enemy is not who she thinks he is, she may end up getting more out of their deal than she bargained for.
The FMC is a strong-willed princess who is yearning for her freedom and independence. She is not afraid to speak her mind or to play the games of tricky court politics.
MMC is morally grey in all the right ways! The moment that he showed up on the page I knew he would be added to my roster of book bf's. He is tall, dark and mysterious plus a published author?! What more could a girl ask for?
Kaley Kae has created a unique magical world with complex character dynamics and banter that is to die for!
Add this book to your TBR list right now!
Huge thanks to Kaley Kae and The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC. I can't wait for the next book!
I inhaled this book. It was fast-paced and engaging from the very start. It has every trope I love, enemies to lovers, slow burn that burns, one bed, court politics, bonds and found family.
A princess cuts a deal with her enemy to get out of an arranged marriage and plans to take down this rival court. What she doesn't realize is her enemy is not who she thinks he is, she may end up getting more out of their deal than she bargained for.
The FMC is a strong-willed princess who is yearning for her freedom and independence. She is not afraid to speak her mind or to play the games of tricky court politics.
MMC is morally grey in all the right ways! The moment that he showed up on the page I knew he would be added to my roster of book bf's. He is tall, dark and mysterious plus a published author?! What more could a girl ask for?
Kaley Kae has created a unique magical world with complex character dynamics and banter that is to die for!
Add this book to your TBR list right now!
Huge thanks to Kaley Kae and The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC. I can't wait for the next book!
May 11, 2026
Oath of Ruin by Oath of Ruin is a slow burn enemies to lovers romantasy that immediately pulled me in.
At first, it was the gorgeous cover that caught my attention, but once I started reading, I was hooked by the fast paced action right from the beginning.
Our FMC has such a strong heart and an even stronger will, which I absolutely loved. My only small gripe was that some of her plotting and scheming felt a little rushed considering she was raised in “princess mode.” That said, if you do not overanalyze it, it is easy to appreciate how determined and fearless she is. I loved seeing her refuse to accept situations that did not serve her, and her desire to fight for the underdog completely won me over.
The world building feels massive, with a lot to keep track of at times, but I can definitely appreciate the creativity and thought that went into crafting a world this layered and expansive.
Overall, this was a fabulous debut. Congrats Kaley!
Thank you to Kaley Kae and The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
At first, it was the gorgeous cover that caught my attention, but once I started reading, I was hooked by the fast paced action right from the beginning.
Our FMC has such a strong heart and an even stronger will, which I absolutely loved. My only small gripe was that some of her plotting and scheming felt a little rushed considering she was raised in “princess mode.” That said, if you do not overanalyze it, it is easy to appreciate how determined and fearless she is. I loved seeing her refuse to accept situations that did not serve her, and her desire to fight for the underdog completely won me over.
The world building feels massive, with a lot to keep track of at times, but I can definitely appreciate the creativity and thought that went into crafting a world this layered and expansive.
Overall, this was a fabulous debut. Congrats Kaley!
Thank you to Kaley Kae and The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 1, 2026
I was sooo lucky to receive an ARC of this book. It was EXCELLENT. The world-building and magic system are very unique, in fact,I don't remember reading a book with this characteristics before which is excellent because there are already so many books with the same themes. Reading something different is like a breath of fresh air. The romance is a slow burn, and I loved it because it develops very organically. There's some spice, but it's not excessive. I love that the female main character,Raelys is determined in her goals and works tirelessly to achieve them, and Wrath? ohhhh, the man you are *cheff kiss* . The cliffhanger was ON SPOT, it definitely makes me want to read the next book.
What more can I say? I loved reading it. The tone of the story is very consistent throughout the entire book, and it left me with an INCREDIBLE first impression of this author. I plan to read anything she writes from now on without a doubt.
What more can I say? I loved reading it. The tone of the story is very consistent throughout the entire book, and it left me with an INCREDIBLE first impression of this author. I plan to read anything she writes from now on without a doubt.
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