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The Prince of Ash
Three realms. Two hearts. One thread to bind or break them all.
Branded a traitor to the empire, disgraced former Glasswarden Zhenfeng Ren has only one mission rescue the prince he failed to protect, no matter the cost. But to bring him home, he will have to strike a bargain with the gods themselves.
With the fate of the realms on the line, Zhenfeng will journey to the Ashpane—a hellish world of demons and monsters—only to find himself entangled in a desperate war against an ancient hunger growing there. And somewhere at the heart of that rising inferno waits Baojian—bound to the dark in ways he never imagined.
Zhenfeng’s devotion will be tested like never before, because saving his lost prince will demand more than courage. It will take the willingness to face the darkest parts of what Baojian has become—and the truth of what binds them still.
Perfect for fans Eastern-inspired fantasyEnemies to loversSecond chance loveSlowburn m/m romancelove against all oddscontent YA/ PG 13
Branded a traitor to the empire, disgraced former Glasswarden Zhenfeng Ren has only one mission rescue the prince he failed to protect, no matter the cost. But to bring him home, he will have to strike a bargain with the gods themselves.
With the fate of the realms on the line, Zhenfeng will journey to the Ashpane—a hellish world of demons and monsters—only to find himself entangled in a desperate war against an ancient hunger growing there. And somewhere at the heart of that rising inferno waits Baojian—bound to the dark in ways he never imagined.
Zhenfeng’s devotion will be tested like never before, because saving his lost prince will demand more than courage. It will take the willingness to face the darkest parts of what Baojian has become—and the truth of what binds them still.
Perfect for fans Eastern-inspired fantasyEnemies to loversSecond chance loveSlowburn m/m romancelove against all oddscontent YA/ PG 13
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2026
About the author
Jingyi Ru
2 books4 followersJust a secretive little gremlin writing plot twists at 2am and crying at the gym to the playlists I curated for each character. Find me on tiktok for art and memes @rujingyi
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 23, 2026
If “The Prince of Glass” by @rujingyiwrites got a 4.75 because I was “waiting” to see how book 2 came out, I honestly need to give it a retrospective 5. TPOA completely by-stepped the ‘second book curse’ (where the second book is just kind of ‘waiting’ to get to book 3), and had me utterly gutted by the end of it. I both knew where it was going and didn’t; it was physically painful to realize I had reached the end and now I’m going to have to wait too long for the third and final book.
The “Prince of Ash” picks up about a year after the previous book’s cliffhanger. Prince Bailian has been ceremoniously dropped into the Ashpane after his guard’s apparent betrayal, and Zhenfeng Ren, now accordingly branded a traitor to the empire, is scouring the world for a way to save him. It takes divine intervention to reunite the two of them, and even then it may not be enough. Bailian has changed in his exile, see, and the Glasswarden is no longer the only one with his true feelings obscured behind a mask.
When I say I was gutted, I mean I was WRECKED. I felt physically in pain at the end of it. It was very well written, the character arcs are absolutely insane and complex, and there was this ever-pervasive yearning for someone who’s right there - but not, at the same time.
The appearance of additional POVs was surprising, but not unwelcome. They brought additional suspense that may not have been there otherwise. Zhuxin’s perspective was surprisingly fun to read - Captain, perchance a spinoff?? I would do some horrible things for a story all about her.
Seriously. Holy crap. I need someone else to read this so I can freak out about Bailian and Zhenfeng in understanding company. Until then, I’m kind of stuck shouting out into the Discord void - and now, to you. (Aren’t you lucky~!)
The “Prince of Ash” picks up about a year after the previous book’s cliffhanger. Prince Bailian has been ceremoniously dropped into the Ashpane after his guard’s apparent betrayal, and Zhenfeng Ren, now accordingly branded a traitor to the empire, is scouring the world for a way to save him. It takes divine intervention to reunite the two of them, and even then it may not be enough. Bailian has changed in his exile, see, and the Glasswarden is no longer the only one with his true feelings obscured behind a mask.
When I say I was gutted, I mean I was WRECKED. I felt physically in pain at the end of it. It was very well written, the character arcs are absolutely insane and complex, and there was this ever-pervasive yearning for someone who’s right there - but not, at the same time.
The appearance of additional POVs was surprising, but not unwelcome. They brought additional suspense that may not have been there otherwise. Zhuxin’s perspective was surprisingly fun to read - Captain, perchance a spinoff?? I would do some horrible things for a story all about her.
Seriously. Holy crap. I need someone else to read this so I can freak out about Bailian and Zhenfeng in understanding company. Until then, I’m kind of stuck shouting out into the Discord void - and now, to you. (Aren’t you lucky~!)
May 9, 2026
This book was actually BETTER than the first book. I think the author really found their voice and settled into the story and it shows. The angst, the yearning, more world building and side characters (with their own POVs) and more action in general gave this volume a lot more depth.
I will say this: I find nothing more painful to read than the misunderstanding trope. I do hate when a lot of problems could be avoided by a simple adult conversation…I desperately wanted the two MMCs to just talk to each other. But, if they had then there would have been a lot less angst on that front I guess 🤷🏼♀️
No matter, though, because I like the characters so much I am willing to put up with one of my top three least favorite tropes (1. Secret baby 2. Misunderstanding and 3. love triangle) in order to get to the end of this story!
I did NOT finish this though (I got to the last ten percent) because it’s painful to read and I know the third book isn’t ready yet 🫣 as soon as the third one is out i plan to binge all three together!
I will say this: I find nothing more painful to read than the misunderstanding trope. I do hate when a lot of problems could be avoided by a simple adult conversation…I desperately wanted the two MMCs to just talk to each other. But, if they had then there would have been a lot less angst on that front I guess 🤷🏼♀️
No matter, though, because I like the characters so much I am willing to put up with one of my top three least favorite tropes (1. Secret baby 2. Misunderstanding and 3. love triangle) in order to get to the end of this story!
I did NOT finish this though (I got to the last ten percent) because it’s painful to read and I know the third book isn’t ready yet 🫣 as soon as the third one is out i plan to binge all three together!
February 14, 2026
I don't write reviews often, but I feel the overwhelming need for this one because OMG THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING TO ME! More people need to get onto these books! Both the first and second are written in a way that effortlessly pulls you right in makes you fall in love with the characters and the developing relationship. Not only that but the story aspect of it is amazing and thrilling and has you going ok one more chapter....ok one more chapter..?? Untill you've just finished the entire book in a whole sitting (that would be me right now 😂) and uggggh I just love this series with my whole heart. Easily going into my top series of all time. PLEASE EVERYONE READ SHATTERED REALMS SERIES AND GIVE THIS WONDERFUL AUTHOR THE SUPPORT THEY DESERVE ❤️ Can't wait for the last book 🥹
January 20, 2026
Beyond amazing! read NOW!
When I tell you i DEVOURED this book I mean I did not even stop to eat. What is hunger when there’s a character and a kingdom to save? I knew I loved these characters in book one, but holy character development, Batman! (I may still be crying 😭)
The magic system that amazed me in book one only because so much more unique and epic. In a world filled with so many “copy paste” Romantasy books, this reminds why I love reading. Truly original epic fantasy, what more could I ask for?
I know! Book three!!!!!!
When I tell you i DEVOURED this book I mean I did not even stop to eat. What is hunger when there’s a character and a kingdom to save? I knew I loved these characters in book one, but holy character development, Batman! (I may still be crying 😭)
The magic system that amazed me in book one only because so much more unique and epic. In a world filled with so many “copy paste” Romantasy books, this reminds why I love reading. Truly original epic fantasy, what more could I ask for?
I know! Book three!!!!!!
May 17, 2026
These books are very addictive, and I’m already impatient for the next. I really am infuriated (positive) by how short they are, since it leaves me aware that I’m reading snippets of a larger story. I do sometimes wish for the pacing to slow a little, so we can experience some of the character arcs more, but that comes from me really enjoying the material. Baojian’s character arc especially includes a lot of tropes I love, so I just want an endless amount of that. We love a crashout.
Ughhhh I really hope this is longer than a trilogy. If all I get is 3 200-ish page books I will lose it.
Ughhhh I really hope this is longer than a trilogy. If all I get is 3 200-ish page books I will lose it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews