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Wings of Ruin
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26Zaydah and Aris have little time to come to terms with their newfound power before they’re thrust into the center of court politics. Aris’s father is now king, and he’ll enjoy any excuse to break them apart and use whatever means necessary.
Nothing will continue like normal as new lines of power are drawn—nothing, except for the Choosing. But among this year’s batch of candidates is a sponsorless young woman, Ilyia. She’s the first since Zaydah. From the streets of Orinth, Ilyia is ruthless and much better with a knife than a sword. She’s a surprise that neither the Aeros nor the court saw coming.
Ilyia may have the ability to impact the war brewing around them. For war is coming. Brev’s power is growing, and so is the darkness. The fire that comes from the darkness is finally here.
If Zaydah is going to find a way to stop the Ring of Darkness, she had better work quickly and use whatever aid she finds, no matter how unlikely. She’ll have to work against her king, even against the wishes of her prince.
Nothing will continue like normal as new lines of power are drawn—nothing, except for the Choosing. But among this year’s batch of candidates is a sponsorless young woman, Ilyia. She’s the first since Zaydah. From the streets of Orinth, Ilyia is ruthless and much better with a knife than a sword. She’s a surprise that neither the Aeros nor the court saw coming.
Ilyia may have the ability to impact the war brewing around them. For war is coming. Brev’s power is growing, and so is the darkness. The fire that comes from the darkness is finally here.
If Zaydah is going to find a way to stop the Ring of Darkness, she had better work quickly and use whatever aid she finds, no matter how unlikely. She’ll have to work against her king, even against the wishes of her prince.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2026
About the author
Ella Walker Henderson
28 books140 followersElla Walker Henderson is the author of character driven epic fantasy, full of adventure and a dash of romance. Some of her favorite tropes are enemies to friends to lovers, the heroine's journey, and the chosen duo's quest. She writes about women who must fight for what they love, whether on a battlefield or among friends. As she's always a fan of a good plot twist, you may not know which characters to trust.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Call on me if you need me. I don’t care about the rules. If Chrystha tries to trap you, I’ll tear through them.”
As the series continues, the plot thickens. More chaos unfolds and more treachery transpires!! Let the thrill of the ride take ahold of you as you settle in for hours of reading this addicting series.
A couple new characters enters the series when part two starts
Ilyia and Cicero. Ilyia being the new main focal point side character is secretive, manipulative, and uses others for her own gain while playing whatever side will gain her power. Yet, she does show vulnerability at times showing us that she just wants to be seen and acknowledged for who she is and what she is capable of. Her loyalties will definitely be interesting to uncover as the series continues.
Aris and Zaydah’s power is shown more in this book and the reader starts to learn more about their new power that they each weld. We get glimpses into their relationship and what they must endure while together and apart knowing that ultimately the end goal is for them to be together and rule protecting their kingdom side by side. Although the spice level is missing for the most part, it’s unneeded. The reader is fully aware of the intense feelings of passion they feel for one another… it’s as if it literally burns between the pages.
Battles transpire and the action that takes place during these scenes are intense. High emotions peek not knowing how the battle will end as they are described in detail, packed full of suspense! My favorite part of the book isn’t during the well written battles but during the mountain games and the tournament. So much excitement and fun to read!! I was totally unwilling to put the book down during these events. Wasn’t even going to fib to myself or my family, just one more chapter? Nah, I’m not stopping until these scenes conclude.
Once again, Ella ends the book on a new cliffhanger where you are left with the unknown desperately wanting to know what happens next as new treachery is revealed that another key player in the kingdom is more than willing to risk the kingdom just to prevent Aris and Zaydah from having their happy ever after. So many possibilities on how this will go down as we wait too many days to find out what new twists and turns are in-store as a beloved character is left in a very bad predicament. I do hope the next book has the previous side characters back in the story more as they all were drastically missing from this book especially once part two starts. That also being the case with the creatures. I felt the creatures and original side characters took a back seat to the new side characters (especially Ilyia) having such a big spotlight. Although, I did fully enjoy the new creature Boadiciea. Hopefully all the usual side characters we have grown to love gets more page space in the next book and definitely more creatures. I missed Valentius in this book with his snarky attitude. Very much looking forward to Wings of Death!!
As the series continues, the plot thickens. More chaos unfolds and more treachery transpires!! Let the thrill of the ride take ahold of you as you settle in for hours of reading this addicting series.
A couple new characters enters the series when part two starts
Ilyia and Cicero. Ilyia being the new main focal point side character is secretive, manipulative, and uses others for her own gain while playing whatever side will gain her power. Yet, she does show vulnerability at times showing us that she just wants to be seen and acknowledged for who she is and what she is capable of. Her loyalties will definitely be interesting to uncover as the series continues.
Aris and Zaydah’s power is shown more in this book and the reader starts to learn more about their new power that they each weld. We get glimpses into their relationship and what they must endure while together and apart knowing that ultimately the end goal is for them to be together and rule protecting their kingdom side by side. Although the spice level is missing for the most part, it’s unneeded. The reader is fully aware of the intense feelings of passion they feel for one another… it’s as if it literally burns between the pages.
Battles transpire and the action that takes place during these scenes are intense. High emotions peek not knowing how the battle will end as they are described in detail, packed full of suspense! My favorite part of the book isn’t during the well written battles but during the mountain games and the tournament. So much excitement and fun to read!! I was totally unwilling to put the book down during these events. Wasn’t even going to fib to myself or my family, just one more chapter? Nah, I’m not stopping until these scenes conclude.
Once again, Ella ends the book on a new cliffhanger where you are left with the unknown desperately wanting to know what happens next as new treachery is revealed that another key player in the kingdom is more than willing to risk the kingdom just to prevent Aris and Zaydah from having their happy ever after. So many possibilities on how this will go down as we wait too many days to find out what new twists and turns are in-store as a beloved character is left in a very bad predicament. I do hope the next book has the previous side characters back in the story more as they all were drastically missing from this book especially once part two starts. That also being the case with the creatures. I felt the creatures and original side characters took a back seat to the new side characters (especially Ilyia) having such a big spotlight. Although, I did fully enjoy the new creature Boadiciea. Hopefully all the usual side characters we have grown to love gets more page space in the next book and definitely more creatures. I missed Valentius in this book with his snarky attitude. Very much looking forward to Wings of Death!!
May 15, 2026
I love, love, love this series. The ending of this book left me mad at my kindle when it told me “book complete.”
This book is very plot driven and there is a new additional POV from a new character Ilyia. The introduction of this new character adds so many more layers of the political intrigue and games being played. I won’t lie, at first I was iffy about the addition but also kinda curious where it was going. The further in I got (especially her relations with a certain character) I needed more. The tension she builds up and paths she takes I felt like I was constantly changing my mind of what is happening next with her and her true motives. And I love it!
I was sad that with everything so plot driven and the addition of Ilyia’s storyline it meant that all the Aero friends of Aris and Zaydah were scarce. I get why. The plot was plotting and while there were small quick scenes with them, to have added scenes of their daily life like in previous books, would have slowed things down. So I understand why there was less of them, but I was sad because I love the many different friends and the dynamics between all the characters.
But overall another strong addition to this stellar series. And after the cliffhanger at the end I’m dying to be able to dive into the fifth and final book.
This book is very plot driven and there is a new additional POV from a new character Ilyia. The introduction of this new character adds so many more layers of the political intrigue and games being played. I won’t lie, at first I was iffy about the addition but also kinda curious where it was going. The further in I got (especially her relations with a certain character) I needed more. The tension she builds up and paths she takes I felt like I was constantly changing my mind of what is happening next with her and her true motives. And I love it!
I was sad that with everything so plot driven and the addition of Ilyia’s storyline it meant that all the Aero friends of Aris and Zaydah were scarce. I get why. The plot was plotting and while there were small quick scenes with them, to have added scenes of their daily life like in previous books, would have slowed things down. So I understand why there was less of them, but I was sad because I love the many different friends and the dynamics between all the characters.
But overall another strong addition to this stellar series. And after the cliffhanger at the end I’m dying to be able to dive into the fifth and final book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark, emotional, addictive, and absolutely impossible to put down. Wings of Ruin had me hooked from the very first chapter and somehow kept raising the stakes the entire time. Ella Walker Henderson delivers the perfect mix of danger, tension, heartbreak, and chemistry that keeps you turning pages way too late into the night.
The world-building felt vivid without being overwhelming, and the emotional depth of the characters made every betrayal, sacrifice, and twist hit even harder. The tension? Unreal. The romance? Painfully good in the best way. Every interaction felt layered with emotion, and the darker atmosphere gave the story such an addictive edge.
What I loved most was how intense everything felt without losing the heart of the story. It’s emotional chaos, morally gray energy, devastating choices, and “just one more chapter” syndrome all wrapped into one book.
If you love romantasy with high stakes, emotional damage, tension-filled relationships, and a story that completely consumes you, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR immediately. I already need the next book.
The world-building felt vivid without being overwhelming, and the emotional depth of the characters made every betrayal, sacrifice, and twist hit even harder. The tension? Unreal. The romance? Painfully good in the best way. Every interaction felt layered with emotion, and the darker atmosphere gave the story such an addictive edge.
What I loved most was how intense everything felt without losing the heart of the story. It’s emotional chaos, morally gray energy, devastating choices, and “just one more chapter” syndrome all wrapped into one book.
If you love romantasy with high stakes, emotional damage, tension-filled relationships, and a story that completely consumes you, this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR immediately. I already need the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into book four KNOWING there was a cliffhanger coming… but WHY did it show up so fast?! Like excuse me?! I finished this book in one day and now I’m sitting here aggressively staring at the wall trying to process my life choices.
This book finally gave me some “YES! FINALLY!” moments and I was absolutely feral over them. The tension? Incredible. The pacing? Had me in a chokehold. The reveals? RUDE.
And can we talk about the new character for a second because I already know she is about to become wildly important and I am obsessed with the potential chaos she’s bringing to this story.
Anyway… the author really said “here’s your emotional support scenes” and then immediately shoved me off a cliff with that ending. Now I get to wait in suspense like the rest of us gremlins.
This book finally gave me some “YES! FINALLY!” moments and I was absolutely feral over them. The tension? Incredible. The pacing? Had me in a chokehold. The reveals? RUDE.
And can we talk about the new character for a second because I already know she is about to become wildly important and I am obsessed with the potential chaos she’s bringing to this story.
Anyway… the author really said “here’s your emotional support scenes” and then immediately shoved me off a cliff with that ending. Now I get to wait in suspense like the rest of us gremlins.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Normally I’m not one for a book that switches POVs, and the start of the book was a bit rough in the transition from the last few books in the series. Once the plot got moving it really took off and it held my attention. I’m always ready for the next book in this series but this one definitely had me on the edge of my seat wanting more! The only thing I wish was different was a bit more detail in the training of Zaydah and Aris power. I would have loved to see them grow slowly in their own ways as well as together. Even though it said they didn’t have much time together before the tournament, I felt like it was a big jump from just discovering them to being able to fight. All around loved the book and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the next! My girl zaydah needs a break!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh. My. Word. Phenomenal. Just 🔥. As always language and romance is clean. The battle scenes (real and tournament) are legit. So well written, had me on the edge of my seat while reading it.
I was a little wary about a 2nd POV (especially since it’s not Aris’) but I’m so glad she added it. And it is so needed. You get to see a whole new cast of characters and get some insight that you haven’t been able to previously get.
It also ends on a cliffhanger, which I knew since this is book 4/5 but even though I knew it was coming I wasn’t expecting how it ended 😱.
“He always took care of me like that, turning what was dangerous to others into protective comfort for me.”
I was a little wary about a 2nd POV (especially since it’s not Aris’) but I’m so glad she added it. And it is so needed. You get to see a whole new cast of characters and get some insight that you haven’t been able to previously get.
It also ends on a cliffhanger, which I knew since this is book 4/5 but even though I knew it was coming I wasn’t expecting how it ended 😱.
“He always took care of me like that, turning what was dangerous to others into protective comfort for me.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
The chokehold this series has on me is insane, everytime I finish a book I immediately am upset because the next isn’t out yet. I was so excited to see the main characters navigate through the court and their alliances. It was interesting to be introduced to Ilyia and see her POV, there were times I wasn’t sure where her loyalties lie (I still don’t fully know) but by the end I think I like her a little bit more, she’ll be interesting in the next book too.
The chokehold this series has on me is insane, everytime I finish a book I immediately am upset because the next isn’t out yet. I was so excited to see the main characters navigate through the court and their alliances. It was interesting to be introduced to Ilyia and see her POV, there were times I wasn’t sure where her loyalties lie (I still don’t fully know) but by the end I think I like her a little bit more, she’ll be interesting in the next book too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book in the series was amazing! Aris and Zaydahs love grew so much in this book and I couldn’t be happier and so ready to read book 5! I need to know what happens next!! I hated seeing Aris having to go through pain of courting other ladies to save his family and Zaydah being hurt by it. But I loved seeing him grow stronger against his father. Brev in the end was a huge surprise.
Definitely a 5/5 star read!
Definitely a 5/5 star read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recieved this book in advance and am leaving my review voluntarily as an arc reader.
I FRIGGING LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!!!!!!! This book like all the others in the Dark Sky series so far has had so many twists and turns. I enjoyed the duel pov, I always like reading from different characters perspectives. I like how it gives you insight on what's happening with the characters and their surroundings. Ilya i am curious about and so far I like her character. She's like a female Carolus
I FRIGGING LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!!!!!!! This book like all the others in the Dark Sky series so far has had so many twists and turns. I enjoyed the duel pov, I always like reading from different characters perspectives. I like how it gives you insight on what's happening with the characters and their surroundings. Ilya i am curious about and so far I like her character. She's like a female Carolus
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was fun to reentry this world again and pick up right were the last book ends. There new characters that get involved in the story adds some more as to why its important for Zaydah and Aris to continue to defeat the odd and be a couple .. this book does end on a cliffhanger and am hoping the next book we get to see Zaydah and Aris get to experience some happy moments together
Review of advance copy received from Author
Zaydah and Aris are amazing!! Their journey continues and the plot thickens as they try to figure out how to save the Kingdom and keep peace with the royals. Zaydahs new alliance with Ilyia provides a refreshing new perspective to the table. The cliffhanger is crazy!! I can not wait to see what the next book has in store.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great continuation of the story that was set up in the previous books. While this book fell into a middle book slump, I really enjoyed reading the progression of the overall story arc and I grew to enjoy the second POV that was added. I am very excited to read the next book in the series. What a cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely outstanding! Once you start this series you can not put it down. Forget forth wing, this is the series you want living in your brain rent free. It has everything you need in a book, plot twists, drama and so much action. The sassy characters will have you laughing out loud.
May 14, 2026
I loved the other books so much. I felt a bit of disappointment with this one though. The plot felt a bit regurgitated unfortunately and nothing really happened until the last 10% of the book. I still devoured it as I love the series as a whole, however, this seemed to be more of a filler book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again, Ella captured my attention and held it throughout the entirety of the book. This series had me hooked from the first chapter, and I'm anxious to find out what happens next in book 5! Absolutely love the writing and the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am in a state of denial, and I don’t mean the river in Egypt! This series is in my top 3 for the year and I cannot wait for the next book! Ella truly creates not only a world that is visual, but moveable characters that grow humanly through each book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I NEED the next one!! That ending!!! What do you mean that happens! I loved this one start to finish. I just know book 5 is going to be intense.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews