Realms of Ruin

by Nika McKinney

Childhood friends separated across enemy lines. A brooding rebel leader and a spy who should know better.
She's his Ruin. He's her rebellion.

As the king’s most elite ice-wielding spy, Ruin Vespera thrives on retribution. The loss of her parents and her closest friend have forged a shield around her heart, caging her in from her deepest desires. Raised to be enemies, her singular focus is to hunt down the rebellion general, Dominus Zarek, the greatest threat to her realm.

Yet when she meets him, he’s not who they said he was. He’s protective, powerful, and alluring. The general forces her to reexamine the world she thought she knew when a drastic bargain unravels the truth behind the darkness. And the monsters she uncovers won’t let her go without a fight.

Dominus is the one man she’s meant to kill. He’s the one man with the power to melt the ice around her heart. Yet with every day that passes, their alliance, like the veil over the land, deepens. But to choose each other, they'll have to betray everything they've ever fought for.

And falling in love might cost them both their realms.

Protective cinnamon roll meets vengeful ice mommy in this Plated Prisoner x Aragorn-coded Romantasy.

Dive into realms of deadly adventure, lust-inducing tonics, and dangerous attraction with Realms of Ruin, the first in the captivating Astrals and Nokts Series. Meet the mysterious rebel general and his enthralling spy on Kindle Unlimited today!

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Magic

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Estela Ko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC.
3.75 ⭐️
First of all…..THAT ENDING?! What a cliffhanger!!! I genuinely can’t wait to pick up the second book in the series and see how the story develops further.
The storyline follows our FMC, Ruin, an elite spy from Halumas’ realm with a water affinity, who fights rebels alongside King Nolan. Our MMC, on the other hand, is a rebellion general, a true “shadow-daddy” with metal affinity who responsible for the attacks on Maripol City and, ultimately, the main target for vengance of our FMC. So you can already imagine how their love story begins.

That said, I do wish they had remained enemies for a bit longer, as the transition to lovers felt quite quick. Still… “m’est kisertes”?! That nickname alone was unforgettable. It’s very clear that the General is completely gone for Ruin. Throughout the story, you can really feel the tension and longing between the main characters, along with the internal struggles they face regarding loyalty and identity.
The darker world-building includes a magic system based on elemental affinities, multiple realms filled with corruption and betrayal, and layers of political manipulation and hidden truths within the royal circles.

Pros: Fast-paced plot, engaging world-building, strong romantic tension, and a major cliffhanger ending.
Cons: Some plot holes, rushed romantic development, and lingering questions about the magic system and affinities.

Overall, I’d recommend this to any romantasy lover who enjoys a simp shadow-wielding MMC and a strong, stubborn FMC.

-Forced proximity
-Enemies to lovers
-Soulmates
-Political intrigue

[Cassandra K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help, I can’t get this book out of my mind! Your next slow burn, high stakes romantasy obsession just entered the chat, and i’m so excited to gush to you about it.

Realms of Ruin by Nika McKinney was an epic fantasy romance adventure following 26 year old Ruin Vespera on her quest to become one of the King’s elite dreki. When she collides with Dominus Zarek, the leader of the rebellion, a bargain is made.

We join Ruin and Dom on their journey that features lust-inducing tonics, an epic magic system, wound tending, dangerous attraction, found family, mental health rep, and heaps of political intrigue!

The banter made me blush and swoon!
AHHH, so good. And this is a TRUE slow burn. A lot is going on outside of the relationship, so the way it blossoms feels so natural and un-rushed. We’re gifted so many beautiful & ridiculously romantic moments with these characters!

I am so flipping unwell after that ending, and my heart needs more!

I am such a fan and I can’t wait to see what Nika has in store for us next.

Tropes:

-MMC with metal AND shadow magic
-Water wielding fmc (who can't swim)
-She's a spy, he's the leader of the rebellion
-Only one cage
-Wound tending
-Forbidden
-Political intrigue

[Elizabeth Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhhh I enjoyed this one so much!!! The only thing keeping me from rating this higher is that I didn’t love the dialogue (felt a little too cliche for me and just was kind of flat/overused ideas imo but I’ve also just been reading a LOT of romantasy lately and probably need a break…). Because of that, I felt like a lot of the relationships also fell flat for me and I had a hard time connecting with the MCs.

But THE PLOT!!!!! Oh my god, I loved the plot of this and the writing style and descriptions of everything. The author has such a beautiful command of language that is severely lacking in so many other romantasies. Other than the dialogue, 10/10 for writing style.

The world building in this was great; I never felt lost or confused on the magic, creatures, different areas of the world. I felt fully immersed from page 1 onward.

This was so fast paced, it definitely did not feel like a 400 page book for how much action was packed into it. I had such a hard time putting it down because we just moved from one event to the next and I kept wanting more.

Considering this is Book 1 of a series and the author’s first published book, I am very excited to see where this goes and look forward to Book 2!

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this a 3.5

There are so many cool magical creatures in this book and the magic system is very different.
A corrupted king, children going missing , a general and a spy. Plus the FMC has purple hair so huge bonus from me 💜

With all that said, this book has lots of potential. I did feel it was a little al over the place and I did struggle to keep focused with so much going on at once. However I am curious to see where this series goes.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the chance to arc read Realms of Ruin. All thoughts are my own. Realms of ruin releases on April 7th, 2026!

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice level: 1.5 🌶️ (one spice scene in detail and a few smaller ones with less details)

“Begging is nothing. For you, I would crawl. You’ve had me on my knees for a while.”

Oh. My. God. The ending?! I am shocked, speechless, heartbroken. Can I have the second book NOW, please? Because how am I supposed to wait after that?!

It’s honestly hard to believe this is a debut book with how well everything was written!! I really enjoyed it.

The plot is incredibly fast paced and easy to understand with some pretty good plot twists and surprises in there. The characters are interesting and have very good character depth. The world building and magic system is really well done, but I do think that a few details were a little bit confusing at times and could’ve been explained a little bit better.

Dom and Rue’s relationship? Top tier. Childhood friends who found their way back to each other, first on opposite sides of a rebellion, who become allies? Who then grow to care for each other even more? Yes please 🤭. And the man is a yearner! There’s so many good quotes from Dom that it was hard to choose which ones to include in the review.

With all that being said, Korin is everything and I will protect her with my heart🥹

“You are the thoughts that keep me awake at night, the power that calls to my own. You are the water that quenches my soul. You are who the Great One foretold. Who I knew in part and drew from visions, but now I see in full. And you are everything beautiful.”

If you want a dual POV romantasy that’s so good you’ll finish it in a day and is filled with found family, banter, childhood friends turned to reluctant allies turned to lovers (??), a FMC who can save herself AND him (but will also let him save her), and a MMC who can yearn (with the best poetic lines), then make Realms of Ruin your next read!

[April More · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an epic read. I couldn’t put this book down. Loved the world building and the magic system. Loved that the FMC had a candy addiction. I need book 2.

[Kayla Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ - I can’t believe this is a debut! This was such a fun and fast paced romantasy. So many great tropes. Childhood friends, slowburn romance, and found family. I ate this book up.

Ruin is a great FMC. She’s set on her revenge but when things don’t appear to be what they seem she actually uses her brain. Was so refreshing because I can’t stand when a character has all the evidence before her but still chooses to ignore it. Dom is exactly what a broody protective MMC should be. He’s protective but not over the top alpha male. He respects Ruin and knows she capable. The supporting characters are amazing.

The next book can’t come soon enough. After that ending, I need to know how things will turn out. I will definitely be continuing the rest of this series!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Bookish_Fantasy_Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my honest review of Realms of Ruin

This was such a fantastic fantasy book with creative elemental magic and so much worldbuilding.

I absolutely loved the friendship dynamics between both the FMC and MMC’s groups respectively. Both saw loyalty important to an extreme, and rightly so will how much betrayal was going on this book.

Ruin is a fantastic FMC that has a mind of her own that began to question everything she thought she knew about her kingdom.

Dominus has an important job to do and cannot let anything get in his way. Enter Ruin, who has him questioning his true purpose and how she fits in.

This had a delicious slow burn that was totally worth the wait, while these two figured out what they mean to each other and how they are going to defeat the evil that threatens them all.

Definitely a high stakes, totally captivating, and down right “cannot put this book down” type of fantasy! I cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you Nika McKinney for this ARC

[Chlo ✨⚔️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

First of all, thank you to Nika McKinney for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

I fear I may have to rearrange my list of favourite shadow daddies after this 👀

Realms of Ruin is an epic tale of longing, loss, tension, yearning, betrayal, self discovery, change and acceptance. It is told in dual pov of the FMC, Ruin - the king’s elite water wielding spy, and the MMC, Dom - the shadow wielding leader of the rebellion against the king.

Ruin was raised to be the king’s weapon, and her loyalty to him is formidable. Believing the rebellion is responsible for the widespread destruction of her home, she is determined to destroy them, claim her revenge, and rise through the ranks of the king’s forces. That is, until she meets Dom. Her entire world shifts when he begins to challenge everything she thought she knew, forcing her to question who she is truly fighting for. Together, they become reluctant allies, embarking on a dangerous mission to uncover the deadly secrets and lies spreading across their realms, all while confronting truths about themselves and each other, and ultimately forming an unbreakable bond.

This breathtaking reluctant allies-to-lovers tale is Nika’s debut novel. Her writing is engaging and easy to follow, while still delivering a powerful emotional impact. The world building felt a little slow at the beginning, however was made up for shortly after with gorgeous descriptions of magical, enchanting settings.
Nika writes her characters so well. I found myself relating to Ruin a lot throughout this story; underneath her hard, independent exterior is a girl who was denied so much in her youth and just wants to be loved but has never let herself get close.

And don’t even get me started on Dom. I don’t know how many times I have to say it, I loooove me a shaddow daddy, especially one who appears cold and intimidating but is secretly soft underneath, however would still 💀 anyone who dares to mess with what’s his. Ugh this man can YEARN!
The banter, tension and yearning was so delicious I was definitely giggling and kicking my feet at multiple points throughout this book.
There are a lot of side characters in the story, who all fit very well, however I would have liked just a wee bit more backstory into a few of them.

Realms of Ruin is the first book in the Astrals and Nokts series, and all I’ll say is if it’s not already on your TBR, it absolutely should be! This book is a gorgeous blend of fast paced action and romantic fantasy. Book 1 isn’t even officially released yet and I needed book 2 like yesterday!

Realms of Ruin comes out April 7th and is available for preorder 💜

This book explores some dark themes so please check trigger warnings before reading 🫶🏻

Tropes:
- Reluctant allies-to-lovers
- Fated but forbidden
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
- Badass FMC
- Protective shadow daddy
- Elemental magic

[Arcs & Edges · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a high-stakes fantasy where the line between survival and destruction is razor thin, this opening installment of the Astral and Nokts series is a journey you won't want to miss. The atmosphere is thick with tension as we are intrduced to a world where ancient powers are waking up and the cost of magic is higher than anyone anticipated. I was immediately drawn into the gritty reality of the different realms and the desperate struggle of those caught in the crossfire of a looming war.

The story follows Ruin Vaspera, a lethal spy for the kingdom of Haluma who is driven by a fierce need for vengeance following the tragic loss of her parants. As she strives to earn a place among the King's elite warriors, she is forced to confront the dark truth about the magic she serves and the secrets hidden within her own bloodline. When her path crosses with a group of rebels, Ruin must decide if her loyalty lies with the crown that raised her or the people fighting to prevent a total collapse of their world.

What I Loved
- The Nuanced Magic System: The way magic is portrayed as something that can be both a gift and a heavy burden (specifically the concept of draining power from others) adds a fascinating layer of moral complexity to the world-building.
- Ruin's Character Arc: I really connected with Ruin's resilience and her internal battle between her duty as a spy and her growing realization of the corruption around her.
- Immersive World-Building; The distinction between the various realms and the history of the Astrals and Nokts feel incredibly well-thought-out and provides a solid foundation for the rest of the series.
- Underlying Tension: The Constant threat of the spreading darkness creates a sense of urgency that kept me turning the pages to see how the characters would navigate the increasing danger.

Things for Consideration
- Information Density: The initial chapters are quite heavy on lore and political setup, which might require a bit of extra focus to fully grasp the hierarchy of the different kingdoms.
- Deliberate Pacing: There are sections in the middle where the momentum shifts toward internal reflection and strategic planning, making the build-up to the climax feel very steady.
- Emotional Weight: This is a darker fantasy that doesn't shy away from themes of loss and betrayal, so it definitely asks for a specific headspace to appreciate the gravity of the narrative.

Final Verdict and Recommendations
Realms of Ruin is a sophisticated and atmospheric start to a new series that successfully blends political intrigue with a deeply personal journey of self-discovery. I am giving this a 4.5 star rating (rounded up to 5 on Goodreads) and would highly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy who enjoyed The Road of Bones of complex heroines in worlds where every choice has a significant consequence.

Disclosure
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early!

[MJ | fortheloveofbooks01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I was given an advanced copy of this book from the author, and all thoughts/opinions are my own and voluntarily provided)

"In this moment, everything in our souls aligned. This was where I belonged. This was home."

Okay, can I just say - WOW. This book was so unexpected in the best of ways. This was like experiencing The Notebook (I may or may not have been enthralled with the movie version throughout my entire teenage/young adult years), but with magic and mayhem. A combination I absolutely adore.

I've always been fascinated by trauma, and reading this book was healing for me in a way I didn't expect. The exploration of complex trauma and emotional healing was gently weaved throughout the entire story, especially in relation to Rue. This book definitely impacted me on an emotional level, and every sensitive subject was handled with care and respect. The characters are well developed individually and interpersonally, with unique emotional signatures that make them feel real. The way Nika soothed every painful and traumatic experience with a sprinkle of healing, love and magic was so beautifully written.

The romance in this book! I'm swooning. The connection between Dom and Rue is deep, vulnerable, and passionate in a way that screams "love" and not just "lust". Their bond is such a picturesque version of what it looks like to have trust and safety wrapped within an emotional connection, and it is described so genuinely. While some of my favorite tropes exist in this book - tension, witty banter, slow-burn desire - the real magic in this story is shown by the depth of their emotional bond.

“I need you to understand that I want all of you. Because when you give me that, you will have all of me, and I will never let you go. I will be yours until my last breath.”

There were so many plot twists I didn't see coming, with little easter eggs hidden within the story. My mind is still whirling with all the possibilities of where this story is going, and I can genuinely say that I have no idea what's going to happen next. I absolutely love a book that surprises me and leaves me wanting more!

If you like second chance romance, unique magic, unpredictable plot twists, and the exploration of healing from trauma - pick up this book and read it. I guarantee you will love it.

Thank you for sharing an ARC with me, Nika! I am so happy I found your book ♥️

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7.5 out of 10

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯

🗡️ The General x The Spy
👫 Childhood Best Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🤝 Forced Partnership
⚔️ Warring Kingdoms
🏹 Action & Adventure
🏡 Found Family
💫 Magical Realm
❤️‍🔥 Forbidden Love
💧 Past Trauma
🤫 Secret Identity
🔮 The Chosen One
🐎 One Horse
🔁 Dual POV

I had a fun time reading this one - childhood friends to enemies to lovers is probably one of my FAVORITE tropes just because there’s guaranteed angst and yearning. I loved both the FMC and MMC, she wields water and ice while he controls shadows magic and metal. Separated during childhood, they find themselves on opposite ends of a war but because of circumstances they are forced to work together without knowing who the other is. Is it cliche? Maybe, but is it also chef’s kiss? Absolutely! The story also had great pacing and was action packed so it never failed to keep my attention. It just felt a little too rushed at the end but that cliffhanger has me needing to know what happens next 😮

"She's his Ruin. He's her rebellion.

As the king’s most elite ice-wielding spy, Ruin Vespera thrives on retribution. The loss of her parents and her closest friend have forged a shield around her heart, caging her in from her deepest desires. Raised to be enemies, her singular focus is to hunt down the rebellion general, Dominus Zarek, the greatest threat to her realm.

Yet when she meets him, he’s not who they said he was. He’s protective, powerful, and alluring. The general forces her to reexamine the world she thought she knew when a drastic bargain unravels the truth behind the darkness. And the monsters she uncovers won’t let her go without a fight.

Dominus is the one man she’s meant to kill. He’s the one man with the power to melt the ice around her heart. Yet with every day that passes, their alliance, like the veil over the land, deepens. But to choose each other, they'll have to betray everything they've ever fought for.

And falling in love might cost them both their realms.”

“Realms of Ruin” is Book One in The Astrals and Nokts Series and is out today! Thank you so much to Nika McKinney and her team for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨

Rated MA for Spice, Violence, and Past Trauma 🌶️⚔️⚠️

[AussieBookAddict (Mel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Realms of Ruin by Nika McKinney is a romantasy that weaves together enemies-to-lovers tension, political intrigue, and emotionally charged second-chance dynamics into a story driven by betrayal, power, and identity. Set against a backdrop of war and espionage, the narrative leans into forced proximity, hidden truths, and the slow unraveling of everything the characters thought they knew.

Where this novel stands out most is in its character dynamics. The relationship between Ruin and Dominus carries a compelling emotional undercurrent, shaped by shared history and opposing loyalties. Their connection feels layered, balancing vulnerability with tension as trust is tested again and again. Dominus brings a protective, grounded presence that contrasts beautifully with Ruin’s hardened exterior, creating a dynamic that feels both intense and emotionally engaging.

The world-building adds a strong foundation to the story, particularly through its use of political conflict and the blurred lines between right and wrong. As secrets begin to surface, the narrative challenges both the characters and the reader to question allegiance and morality. While the complexity of the world is intriguing, there are moments where further depth or clarification could have elevated the stakes even more.

Pacing-wise, the story maintains a steady momentum, with action and emotional beats working together to keep the reader invested. The tension, both romantic and external, builds effectively, though certain moments may have benefited from a little more breathing room to fully explore their impact.

Because of its blend of emotional conflict, romantic tension, and high-stakes intrigue, the overall reading experience feels immersive and satisfying. The story doesn’t just rely on its tropes but uses them to deepen character development and thematic weight, allowing the romance to resonate beyond its surface.

I would recommend Realms of Ruin to readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers romance, morally complex worlds, protective yet soft male leads, and strong, emotionally guarded heroines. Fans of romantasy with political stakes and layered relationships will likely find this especially compelling.

Overall, this is a gripping and emotionally driven read that successfully balances romance, tension, and intrigue; delivering a story that lingers through its characters as much as its conflict.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so this book gets a 4.5 stars from me.

Ok, so lets start first with why I rated it what I did. The ending left me gaping like a fish out out of water. Like what the what?!?! Like I expected it but the way it was written left me emotional and wanting to see more and then it was just done... Like done done.. And now I have to wait on book 2. Like not cool! I need to know what happens next! Like is it going to be a HEA? Not really? Is the author going to have all of the emotional damage going on? Like I need to know. I will say that I sent the author a DM on IG about my theories early in the book and yep! Called it with some. Again, if you read fantasy or romantacy, there are a lot of things that are predictable but the way the author wrote it in this book kept me engaged.

Ok so here is a basic breakdown of our story, we have our MFC who has secrets to her past that she may or may not know. We have our MMC where there is mystery around this. There is a connection between them and while some is predictable, again some is not. Just read to see what happens and then at the ending you will be screaming! Ok, so on the way, our MFC wants to ensure she is in the good graces of the King Nolan. Let's say we will love to hate him. So many secrets around this that I need to know. Like there wasn't a lot and now I am hoping that book 2 gives all the answers. Then we have our sidekicks, some are funny, some you want to tilt your head and give them looks. As the story progresses, we learn more on the good vs evil story. Again, not all the answers are answered in this book and now I need to know and have to wait...... And I sit here and wait. Hopefully it won't be a long time. Ok, so back to the story line without giving spoilers, we meet some other royalty along the way that give glimpses into the truth of what is going on.

If you liked Divergent, then you might like this. It has that same type of feel, where you think people are good and then you find out they aren't and there is powers beyond what is being said that will shape the story.

I want to thank the author for an early copy of this book. I enjoyed reading it and can't wait for book 2.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review -

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Thanks so much to the author for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rue is a dedicated spy and soldier to King Nolan, almost rabid in her dedication to his cause of eradicating the rebellion that took the life of her parents and is sucking the life - and magic - from her people.

Her world starts to shake when she decides to embrace her morality over the king’s directives and save the life of a child that threatens his plans. This one action changes everything. Rue is now the most wanted of her former colleagues. She’s forced to ally with the rebellion. And she comes to understand the depths of the lies that she has been told about what Nolan is up to, what the rebels want and exactly who she is. All this while dealing with her growing attraction to the rebel leader.

I loved the magic system and I’m so ready for book 2 in hopes that we find out more about the history of this world and exactly how Rue and Dom fit in. I also hope we see more of the different planes and kingdoms and how they all fit in. A lot is alluded to without being spelled out.

I’m a sucker for a main character with a mysterious past, and Rue fits the bill perfectly. Her magic is rare and there’s strong hints that she’s so much more. She’s suffered a TON of past physical abuse, some shown in flashbacks and has clearly been emotionally manipulated for years. Dom is just as wonderful of an MMC - so jealous and possessive and stoic.

The slow burn was excruciatingly slow. For me, there was too much “I want you, but alas, I cannot” energy. Own your desires, folks. Pick a course and stay on it. Stop backtracking, and stop finding flimsy excuses to not consummate those desires.

The plotting is fairly quick - i finished it in just over a day. And I adored so many of these side characters, particularly Delah (Rue’s found family sister by choice) and Finn (Dom’s second in command and snarky bestie).

It ends on a super cliffhanger that has me beating my head against a wall while I wait for book 2. Expecting major trauma from our main characters. Cannot wait.

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Childhood friends on enemy sides, a brooding rebel leader, and a spy who should know better.

Liora and Dom once lost each other as children. Years later they meet again on opposite sides: he leads the liberation movement, she serves as the king’s loyal spy. It is a promising setup for tension, betrayal, and the inevitable emotional mess that follows.

The first quarter, however, left me somewhat adrift. We are dropped straight into a dark kingdom with its own magic system, and while there is technically a guide through it all, I struggled to visualize the world. A little more grounding and early world-building would have helped. Once the story settles, though, the story is catching and the characters begin to carry it.

Dom certainly does his part. Broody revolutionary leader, growling “good girl,” amber eyes and shadows everywhere. And for the record: he apparently smells like leather and amber.

The Nereid kingdom introduced later was imaginative but also raised some… logistical questions. Everything floats, people grow gills to breathe by some obscure mermaid magic, but I found myself wondering about the physics of everyday life. How exactly does a teapot function in a floating underwater palace?

The book does have a sense of humor about its tropes. My favorite moment was the MMC openly acknowledging the one-bed trope: “You know those books you read where there’s only one room to be had?” Loved it!

In terms of tropes you’ll find the expected fantasy-romance lineup: pseudo-enemies to something-more complicated, the one-bed situation, and even a brief one-horse moment.

And of course it ends on a cliffhanger. Another one. At this point I should probably return to reading completed series for the sake of my sanity.


For you if you like
• Broody rebel MMCs with shadows and amber eyes
• Darker themes and emotions
• A touch of trope-aware humor

Not for you if you
• Are tired of fated mates
• need a logical world-building
• Refuse to start unfinished series

[Tvisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, This book is a MENACE! What's with such a bitter ending 😭 This just makes the wait for book 2 worthwhile! 🔥

If you're a fan of forbidden romance & secret organization with a fierce fmc & a morally gray hero that's out to provide justice to the world and his people. This book is for you!!

The story is about two childhood friends who got separated due to an incident. The FMC became a high-status soldier in King's army who were tasked to find the rebel group & stop them from spreading Glint (a drug that drains magic) into their kingdom. She has a belief that her King is doing good deeds by stopping the rebel group & caring for his people & refers to him as 'The Good King'. But on the contrary the scenario is a total opposite which comes as a betrayal. She joins the rebel army only to find out the leader was someone she knew from the past 👀. They both are set out to uncover the truth behind King & his connection with Glint, to make the world a better place.

This is just a gist but I promise you there is so much more depth to this story. Join in on their adventure to uncover the truth & glimpse how politics and manipulation unfold.

This is her debut book and I can't believe it's awesome 🫠. The first book leaves me on edge with so many questions that I hope to uncover in book 2 .

The story is mid-pace as it doesn't bore you at all & the book is easy to read with all the terminologies & plot explained in detail.
I found myself thoroughly immersed in this book. Couldn't put it down✋🏻

Ruin of the Scourge, such a strong female character, I love her. Even with her traumas & sorrows she's so put together. I love reading about fierce FMCs 🔥
Dom and his jealousy, I can't even- 😂 loved every second of it! Bro's head over heels for her 😩 He's out to set justice & I'm with him on this ✋🏻

My personal fav character? Finn 🫠. I enjoyed reading the bonus chapter about Him & Delah. He's so playful, chill yet so menacing 🔥

A shoutout for lil Crimson Wolf, she's brave asf!

Thankyou Author Nika for giving me this ARC 🌟

[Cozyartistbookheaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nika McKinney for the opportunity to read your book as an ARC reader. This is my honest review.

What a formidable book! ❣️❣️❣️ I was pulled in from page one and never stepped out.  Nika succeeded in creating a world that is unique, diversified and clinging to our hearts. 

Packed with action and intrigues, I never felt blasé. The incredible battles called for my full attention and appeased my devilish 😈 need for bloodlust.  I am fascinated with the elixists and all it’s alchemy; it really got inside my head. Between the weapons, the magic and the potions, it never felt short of diversion.  

I love how everything was well detailed. I fell hard for the beautiful worldbuilding, sometimes whispered as a romantic image, sometimes screamed as a horrific picture all the way to the serene writing of nature's surroundings.

The characters are endearing, magnifique, mean and complex and there are many.  The MC's are captivating, exciting and just everything we love in a romantasy.💞

Let’s talk about the yearning…  yearn… yearn and yearning🥱. It is a true long craving that will get you ready for that moment.  And wow, who doesn’t like a spicy scene with shadow lust 🤭?  It made my heart and brain explode🤯.  I was magically served and so will you be.

The ending left me speechless and hurting.  I am longing for the next chapter.  My heart is bleeding and my brain is vomiting 🤮 words that I will not type on my keyboard.

Thank you again, Nika McKinney, for this enticing story.  Now please use your special powers to bring us to the next chapter because, I needed more, and thak youfor that😉, but now I urgently need more, more, more! So wnen Nika, when? I'm watching you. 👀


If you enjoy

- Good writing
- Enemy-ish to lovers
- Gut retching emotional moments
- Fantastic battles with surreal creatures
- Unique magic system
- Political Intrigue

Then you certainly will love ♥️♥️♥️ this book!

[Thi L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in immediately, and I am SO mad at myself for putting this on the back burner because of life and other deadlines I had to meet 🤦🏻‍♀️

We get a badass FMC, Ruin, and a swoon-worthy MMC, Dom, paired with a unique magic system and intriguing world-building that pulls you right in. Ruin is a water-wielding spy, and she’s fierce, determined, and the kind of FMC who will absolutely save herself… and him if she has to. Dom is a broody shadow and metal-wielding general, but a possessive and complete cinnamon roll for Ruin, and some of his lines had me MELTING.

The slow burn? Painfully good. I wanted it to burn me alive — I wanted to be coal. My heart was squeezing the entire time watching their relationship evolve from childhood friends → enemies on opposing sides of a rebellion → reluctant allies → lovers. Some moments between Ruin and Dom felt predictable in the best way, while others caught me completely off guard.

Ruin also starts the story deeply loyal and devoted to King Nolan, and watching that loyalty slowly crack as Dom begins revealing truths about him adds a really interesting emotional layer to the story. The side characters had great depth, and there’s so much unknown throughout the book that gives you glimpses of the bigger picture and keeps you wondering what will happen next.

The only place I struggled a little was with parts of the world-building, which sometimes felt a bit confusing and left me wanting a little more clarity. But perhaps it will be further explained in the next book.

And that ending… I had to sit and stare at the wall for a while just processing it.

Am I emotionally damaged? Yes.
Will I be billing the author for my future therapy sessions? Also yes.

Overall, this was an excellent debut novel with exciting action scenes, strong characters, and just the right amount of plot twists. If you love dual POV romantasy, slow burns, intense fight scenes, and a broody general who is secretly a cinnamon roll for his girl, you should absolutely pick this one up.

[Lauren James (storied.adventures) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THAT'S HOW YOU WRITE A DEBUT!!! My gosh. The amount of quotes I highlighted!! The swoon, the angst. Ugh so so good! I love the evil vs good. I love light vs. dark. There was fantastic character growth, I never got lost in the weeds of things, I loved the magic system. Ruin and Dom are OTP for sure! But how dare you for the ending. I want my heart back.
If you like, light vs dark, true evil vs true good, a good trauma healing ARC, secrets, an enemies to lovers in the sense that they are on opposite sides so they really shouldn't fall in love...
AND a good host of side characters?! Give me more! Can't wait for book 2!
Spice level: 2

Quotes:
"Confident accusations don't change facts."

"May your mouth only speak truth. May your heart only know hope. May your courage never lack."

"Illusionists pretending to be leaders know how to create immaculate distractions."

"If my lies were what previously kept me warm at night, then my anger would now do the job."

"She's pretty, but she bites."

"Names have meaning, and you are not what they call you, what they have made you believe."

"Nothing about you diminishes because of vulnerability."

"Weakness can be weaponized." ... "Then you have used it to slay me, And I would willingly subject myself to more of your blades. I might be the enemy in many people's stories, but never in yours."

"At least, I finally found you. I will always find you."

"You are the thoughts that keep me awake at night, the power that calls to my own. You are the water that quenches my soul.... You are everything beautiful."

"I will be yours until my last breath."

"She was everything I didn't know I needed. She was my light."

"I will protect your heart with all my power and strength."

"You cut through my shields and awakened something I thought was long dead. You laid to rest something I thought I had needed to survive."

"Do not be shaken."

[Alix Bliffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a debut novel this book was more than I could have ever hoped for. This book made me feel like Nika had been writing for a long time and this story just flowed.

I loved how there is magic, wars, different realms, and different beings included in the story. Nothing felt out of place and everything just fit.

I was instantly hooked from the start and invested in knowing what happened to Ruin and Judd (Liora and Dom).

There is the threat of a drug that steals a persons magic and the rebels and Ruin is tasked with finding someone and dispatching them in order to reach the ultimate level in the Kings army. When she discovers all of the lies told to her to keep her on the wrong side her entire world view changes and she starts to put the missing pieces together.

Dom has been looking for Liora since they were kids. He doesn't realize that he has found her and that he thinks of her as the enemy. Dom is also hiding a big secret that keeps him from forming attachments to people.

When they are forced to work together they discover their past and the pull between them is strong and the fight they have to deny it is intense.

I could not put this story down. I loved how Nike built the world and how each piece of the realms fit and tied into one another. When Dom's secret comes to light Liora will stop at nothing to make sure his fate changes and that he will fulfill his destiny.

There is the hint of something pulling the strings of everyone's fate and things not being clear until the next book. I am on pins and needles with the double cliff hanger we are left with and I will be in suspense until we get the next book.

Thank you so much Nika for letting me read an early copy of your debut novel. It was exquisitely written and keeps you reading and wanting to know what happens next.

[last_nights_book · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Honest ARC Review ✨

“Fate had bound us together. Oracles had foretold a future of tragedy. I would defy the prophecies… she was everything I didn’t know I needed”

If there ever was a cliffy that made you want a sequel immediate this would be it. Realms of Ruin by Nika McKinney has done something to me that no other book has accomplished- it has given me the answers I desperately sought in book one but left me with the uncanny desire to see where those answers take me-immediately!
No breath needed, just book two please. Stat.

Ruin, is a baddie FMC who is fighting for a world worth living in and intends to save it from further peril. However, on a deeper level she just wants to be loved and know that she is worthy of showing up for. Dom, our MMC is no stranger to putting up walls high enough that for any normal person are impenetrable. He has a lot a lot to lose, is fighting for a worthy cause and will eliminate anyone who stands in his way or said cause. These two characters together are (unknowingly) each, one side of the same coin. Created by the world around them for destruction but in true enemies to reluctant allies fashion, coming together is the only way to achieve their common goal. The vulnerability and depth that both of the main characters demonstrate is so relatable and easy to understand on such a basic, human level.

The world building, the unique magic system and supporting characters are so well thought of, so well developed that I just couldn’t get enough. I wasnt ready to leave this world behind and definitely can’t wait to continue this journey through the realms with Ruin and Dom.
Realms of Ruin is a Romantasy packed with secrets, lies, high stakes, hidden identities, underwater cities, forbidden love, fated mates and of course, slow burn.

Be sure to add Realms of Ruin to your TBR and let me know what you think 💕

[Lilith Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending, was, by a definition the best cliffhanger I've ever read so far! So many things occurred that left me with more questions on what's to come and how everything will unravel and fall into its place! I am so looking forward to the next book to get my answers.

Realms of Ruin has an amazing world building with so much detail that we get to explore page after page. The info we get is spread across the book which makes it easier to learn and connect the dots.

It's a slowburn with one delicious spicy scene 🌶! I loved that they went from childhood friends to enemies to allies/friends to developing feelings with the right dose of yearning. It truly was a rollercoaster of emotions.

I love the romance that slowly develops between Ruin and Dom, combined with banter and yearning. Not to mention the trust they showed when both of them had so many secrets they kept hidden from each other, while slowly learning what each of them had to endure and sacrifices they made.

Here are some of the quotes that I loved:

Starting with my favorite:
-“That’s my lucky pine cone.” (On a personal note: I have a massive affinity towards pine cones, my room is filled with them! Not to exaggerate but I screamed with happiness when i read this)

-And even then, m’est kisertes, I will find you. As I have never stopped searching for you. I accept your bargain. But I do not accept your fate.”

-I had no desire to disobey.
“Good girl,” he murmured. (Can't skip a praise kink)

-You are so much more. You are the thoughts that keep me awake at night, the power that calls to my own.

-“If you reached the point of begging, then I suppose I can make an exception.” I smirked.

-She huffed like an indignant kitten.

-Briefly touching his own ear plugs, he tightened his cloak and pulled out his lucky pine cone. I stifled a laugh as he kissed it. What a special relationship those two had. 😋

[Andreanne Parcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

English Below :
Merci à Nina pour de m'avoir permis de lire ce livre avant sa sortie.

Un excellent début pour Nina qui se lance dans l'écriture de la Romantasy.

Points forts :

- Écriture à 2 points de vue (Ruin et Dom)

- Système de magie unique

- Diversité des espèces/spécialités (Nokts, Astrals, Nymphes, Nereids, Mages, Dreki, Elixists, Magie élémentale, etc.)

- Fated Mates

- SLOW (SLOWWWWWWW) Burn. Beaucoup de tension.

Nika nous transporte rapidement dans son univers qui est magnifiquement décrit. Ruin est une orpheline qui contrôle l'eau et qui est capable de voir l'aura des gens. Elle travaille comme espionne pour le roi et tente d'éliminer le trafic de Glint, une drogue addictive qui annihile les pouvoirs des gens et qui les tues à petit feu. De son côté, Dom, qui manie le métal et les ombres, est le général de la rébellion.

L'histoire de base est assez clichée de type roi tyran qui fait passer le chef de la rébellion pour le grand méchant loup. Ruin est envoyée pour capturer le chef de la rébellion... Si vous avez lu beaucoup de livres de ce type, vous ne serez pas surpris par les retournements. Si vous êtes fan du type Romantasy, c'est une lecture pour vous :)

🌶️ --> Beaucoup de tension, de désir. Du SlowWWWW Burn. Une scène explicite.

English :
Thanks to Nina for giving me this opportunity in an ARC read.

An excellent debut for Nina as she makes her debut into romantasy writing.

Pros :
- Dual POV (Ruin and Dom)
- Unique magic system
- Diverse species/specialties (Nokts, Astrals, Nymphs, Nereids, Mages, Dreki, Elixists, Elemental Magic, etc.)
- Fated Mates
- SLOW (SLOWWWWWWW) Burn. Lots of tension.

Nina quickly draws us into her beautifully crafted world. Ruin is an orphan who controls water and can see people's auras. She works as a spy for the king and tries to eliminate the trafficking of Glint, an addictive drug that annihilates people's powers and slowly kills them. Meanwhile, Dom, who wields metal and shadows, is the rebellion's general.

The basic story is quite cliché, a tyrannical king who portrays the rebel leader as the big bad wolf. Ruin is sent to capture the rebel leader... If you've read many books of this type, you won't be surprised by the plot twists. I love Romantasy and I enjoyed reading this book. I'm looking forward to read book 2 :)

🌶️ --> Lots of tension and desire. Slow Burn. 1 explicit scene.

[Nina (bookishmomentswithnina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realms of Ruin is an epic fantasy romance that I truly enjoyed.

It weaves together an engaging plot, unexpected twists, rich magic, and well developed characters, all wrapped in a delicious slow burn romance. The story feels fast-paced without being overwhelming, and the world building and magic system are both immersive and thoughtfully crafted.

One of my favorite things about this book is how human the characters feel. Each of them carries their own small, personal quirks: Ruin with her love of cherry candies, one side character with an emotional support pine cone, and another with a small good-luck stone. These little details added so much warmth and life to the story, making the characters feel real and memorable.

Another element I absolutely loved was the inclusion of merpeople. They brought a whimsical, almost ethereal layer to the world, and I truly hope to see more of that in future fantasy stories.

The story follows Ruin, our FMC and the king’s spy, who is determined to rise to the rank of draki (the highest order of his soldiers) by destroying the rebellion. Opposing her is Dom, a shadow wielding rebel leader and the greatest threat to her realm.

Raised as enemies, they slowly uncover a long-lost connection and find their way back to each other, first standing on opposite sides of a rebellion, and eventually as allies... Their journey unfolds through political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and meaningful personal growth.

This book is perfect for romantasy readers who enjoy fast-paced, epic stories filled with tension, magic, and layered relationships.

Realms of Ruin is the first book in the Astrals and Nokts series, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how the story continues in the next installment.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC of this book—releasing 4/7/2026!

WOW. What an incredible debut from Nika McKinney. Going into this, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t heard much about it beforehand—which actually made it even more exciting, since I love discovering lesser-known books—and I was blown away by how quickly it pulled me in.

The FMC is fierce and deeply loyal, and I really appreciated how Nika wove in her internal struggles. Her loneliness and the sacrifices she makes for the people she loves added a lot of emotional depth to her character. The MMC, a shadow and metal wielder, begins as her enemy—but as their paths cross and their shared past resurfaces, their relationship evolves into something much more powerful.

Both characters were well developed, though I do wish they had stayed feisty with each other a bit longer (I’m a sucker for banter). That said, I really appreciated that the romance never overpowered the main plot.

The world-building, magic system, and underlying political corruption were all unique and engaging. There were a few moments where I felt slightly confused, but since this is part of a series, I’m confident more of that background will be expanded on in future books. I also would have loved to see more development and interaction among the side characters.

Overall, this was a FANTASTIC start to the series, and I already wish I had book two in my hands. And that ending… wow—talk about a cliffhanger!

Highly recommend if you love enemies-to-lovers, dark magic, a determined yet realistic FMC and MMC, and richly built fantasy worlds filled with unique magical beings.

Happy reading!

[Charl Ormond · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I actually was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC so thank you netgalley and Nika for giving me this opportunity

I really enjoyed this….

Followed the story of Rue who is an orphan who has been turned into a spy by the King. She is blinded by the loyalty for the king due to him being there for her. She’s trying to take down the general who is the leader of the rebellion againist the king and everything that she believes is wrong. We follow their journey throughout and learning that not everything is what it seems. Especially since there is some memories hidden from a friendship when she was younger.

The writing for this was very easy to follow, it flowed quite nicely and was a very interesting story, the characters were likeable and interesting. And getting the different povs gave a different view on different interactions as we journeyed through the book. But also gave as more of an insight of some of the past between characters.

The slow burn and the whole friends to enemies to friends to lovers was perfect…. Although not really enemies enemies if you get me but it was still beautiful to follow. Between the characters and seeing them both change and start to feel things.

Add in a blood curse…. Throw in a bad parent…. Rebellion …… bad kings with bad guy helpers… great banter….. one bed and forced proximity made this book a great and enjoyable read.

The ending left you itching to read the next book to find out what is going to happen to both our main characters but also the development of the side characters as well as the conclusion of the rebellion and getting more knowledge on Rue Bloodline too.

Fabulous!!

[Cassiereadsromantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC through the author and NetGalley here are my thoughts.

This is an incredible debut that completely hooked me from start to finish. This romantasy delivers everything I love in the genre, blending immersive world-building, compelling characters, and a romance that is full of tension, yearning, and sharp banter.The story follows Ruin, a fierce water-wielding spy, and Dom, a shadow-wielding rebel leader, and their dynamic absolutely stole the show for me. Their chemistry is undeniable with the right amount of slow-burn angst.
The pacing felt spot on, balancing plot, romance, and world-building in a way that kept me fully engaged. The magic system felt intriguing, and I loved how the different kingdoms and magical beings were woven into the story. It never felt overwhelming, but instead added depth and richness to the overall world.
One thing that really stood out was how thoughtfully Nika explored themes of trauma, healing, and mental health. These elements added an emotional weight to the story that made the characters feel even more real and relatable.
And the last 25%? Absolutely everything. This is where the book truly shines. We get high-stakes battles, twists and reveals I genuinely didn’t see coming, and yes—some well-earned spice. It all comes together in a way that left me completely satisfied… and then immediately wrecked by that cliffhanger. My mind is still reeling, and I already need book two. (I LOVE CLIFFHANGERS!!!!)
If you love romantasy with found family, political intrigue, corrupt kingdoms, fated mates, prophecies, and a fresh take on light versus dark, I highly recommend picking this one up.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

A dark, gritty fantasy romance with espionage, magic and slow burn tension
The story follows Ruin, a spy for the Good King Nolan. Her loyalty is tested when she crosses path with Judd, the general of the Yaritian rebellion. Ruin is sent on a dangerous mission to uncover the identity of the Crimson Wolf, a rebel leader. She finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, shifting alliances and a forbidden attraction.
The world the story is happening in is created vividly. The realms of Haluma and Yarit are both distinct and detailed described. Contrast are real in Maripol. The Perellian Forest and Rivellan Wood both add a sense of mystery and danger to the story. The political tension between the realms create the backdrop for the looming war.
The magic system in this world is intricate. The affinities tied to blood and the rare mineral that sustains magic, lovely details.
Ruin is someone with a great sense of loyalty. So this gets tested a lot in the book. It is making her struggle. The way she struggles make her relatable and layered. I love how she has her flaws and isn't perfect as in some books. Judd... he is infuriating ans swoon worthy. The interactions with Ruin reveal a more complex man beneath his mask than he shows the world. The slow burn between Judd and Ruin is one of the best parts of the book. There is just so much tension between them. The forbidden nature of their attraction only adds to this.
The plot is fast paced and full of intrigue and the mystery is layered. The book is full of twists and revelations.
If you are a fan of a slow burn romantasy with lots of intrigue added mystery in a rich world, this is your next read.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoil Free Reviews

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Author: @nika_mckwrites
POV: Dual 1st person
Gene: Romantasy
Triggers: Mentions of child abuse, torture, death of minor, one open door scene
Read Time: 7-10 hours
Expected Publishing Date: OUT NOW
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

❤️ World Building: The world building was fantastic! Each location could be envisioned from how well it was written. I found the magic system to be unique but similar to the kind we know, making it easy to understand.

❤️ The Characters: The characters were fantastic! I got involved with each and every one of them, even a few side characters. I loved the character development, it was about discovering who you truly are and where you truly stand in the world.

❤️ The Story: The story was incredible! Filled with action and adventure, but also tenderness and so much yearning! It was masterfully written, well paced, engaging! There were moments I laughed out loud and moments where I couldn’t help but cry.

❤️‍🔥Overall: I highly recommend this book. I know I will be “patiencely” waiting for the next book!

🐍 Eel Fact Inspired by the vampire eels: Despite their name, electric eels, with their ability to produce a shock as strong as 650 volts, aren't true eels. True eels, as we mentioned earlier, belong to the order Anguilliformes, while electric eels are members of the order Gymnotiformes. They aren't even closely related. Despite looking quite similar, electric eels are more closely related to carp and catfish than eels. (www.originaldiving.com)