To the Rotting End

The Cinderlands Saga #1

by Sophia St. Germain

Hidden pasts, a fae realm on the brink of destruction, and passions born of hatred converge in blockbuster author Sophia St. Germain’s brand-new, dark dystopian, fated-mates, enemies-to-lovers romantasy series for readers of Carissa Broadbent, Alex Aster, and Danielle L. Jensen.

*DELUXE LIMITED EDITION HARDCOVER with full-color illustrated hardcover case, premium dust jacket with foil effects, full-color folded map insert, illustrated chapter headers, designed endpapers, stenciled edges, and a to-be-revealed easter egg on insert!*

He wants her head. She’ll settle for his soul.

Once Jordeina was a beautiful island, and Azaleah Oakgards its crown princess. Since the coup and her family’s murders, she’s a fugitive cursed to bring disaster in her wake. Firestorms rage, plants wither, rivers run dry, and only her death can stop the world from burning until nothing but ash remains. Without a soul to anchor her, Azaleah has clawed her way to survival for centuries, and now, finally, she can reclaim it before the end of the world leaves her locked in a prison between realms.

She’ll change her face, shift her scent, and trick the usurper king into claiming her as his mate. At his side, Azaleah will not only break his soul but his spirit, unmaking the Ruin King until only the hollow husk of a man remains.

Marlow Swarzwolds is a tyrant, a killer, and a brute, but no fool. He knows his entrancing mate’s compliments and obedience are lies. Only when he baits her does she show the ruthlessness that ignites him. But what she’s hiding—and why—is just one more answer he can’t afford to chase as Jordeina collapses and the soul he’s tied to their dying lands perishes with it.

How do you break the soul of a man who’s seen everything? Can Azaleah find a way to hide that her own is missing? And what happens when the collision of two royals burns hotter than the scorching world they’re trying to survive in?

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Dystopia, Fantasy Romance, Adult

592 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 26, 2027

About the author

Sophia St. Germain is a Swedish-born, American-married author whose obsession with mythology and defiant princesses began with diaries full of stories at ten years old. Nowadays, she writes dark romantasy with fierce, flawed women and the swoon-worthy men who are obsessed with them, always with scorching slow burn and found family.

When she isn’t plotting her next world, she’s likely fueled by an iced latte, navigating a slightly chaotic life with her own mini FMC, husband, and dog, often recovering from a reality TV binge.

Having lived in five countries and four states, Sophia is a traveler at heart. She dreams of a life by the beach where she can dip into the ocean whenever she wants and write on a balcony with the waves as background music.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Rotting End (The Cinderlands Saga #1) Sophia St. Germain
Book Blurb: He wants her head. She’ll settle for his soul.

Rating: *****
Feels: Invested,
Style: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Dystopia, Fantasy Romance
First published January 26, 2027: 476 pages

Themes & Setting: Loved the fantasy /end of the world dystopian setting vibes of this read.
FMC: You ever just have so much happen to you that you feel kinda numb ... yah that is our girl Azaleah. Feelings are for those who can afford it, so she has become ruthless and magnificent !!!
MMC: Marlow is a tyrant who has done whatever it has taken. There is nothing better then seeing a man like that being tested by a truly worthy mate.
Conclusion: If you love your romantasy gritty, dark and oh so hot then this is a must read !!! When I say I love enemies to lovers this is the kind of enemies I am looking for, the kind that want your entire bloodline exterminated. I normally read a bit of a bunch of books to kind of get the vibes so when I mood read I know what book I want to read but this one got me right from the start and I finished it in a day. I was imminently drawn to Azaleah and wanted to see what would happen when two ruthless forces of nature came together. Fire, magic and unforgettable banter is what happens !!! If these are the kinds of vibes you like this will be a really fun read for you !!!

Favorite Quote: I told you. Men like the chase. Even when the world is ending.

Book Vibes:
Enemies to Lovers
Fated Mates
Hidden Identities
All the Morally Black/Grey
Revenge Plot
Dystopian world

[Beth]

I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC copy. This is my review. TO THE ROTTING END is set for publication January 26, 2027.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since a book had me staring at a wall for 10 minutes after finishing.

I didn't realize how much I would enjoy this book. The banter, the morally grey FMC, the plot twists. This quickly became my favorite god tier Roman Empire book with that cliffhanger ending. I am still reeling and seriously need the next book in my hands.

I saw how this book was compared to the movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and I definitely see some resemblance to the movie with the witty banter and girls teaming up to trick men. However, this book did not scrimp on the dark morally grey delicious details.

I don't want to say too much to spoil this book but if you want a obsessed MMC, morally grey FMC, and political intrigue with a plot twist you WILL NOT SEE COMING at the end I highly suggest you pick this up.

I received this copy from the Author for being on her street team. I honestly will say this exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be just a fun little romantasy. NO, it's dark, you will have moments you will cry, heartbreak, confusion (WTF moments), and seriously rooting till the bitter end for the FMC and MMC.

[Amanda BookishRabbits · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but make it romantasy, morally grey and significantly more stabby 😂

I can absolutely see the comparison...this story is basically two morally questionable people trying to outmanoeuvre each other whilst pretending they have absolutely no interest in the other person... which of course they actually do!

Things I loved:

🖤 two morally black main characters who are equally capable of making questionable decisions
🔥 the STEAMY tension and angst
👀 never quite knowing what either of them is really thinking or what their end goal is
💬 the banter and constant one-upmanship
⚔️ the rivalry and love/hate dynamic
🌙 getting both his and hers (Marlow and Azaleah’s) POVs and seeing their dynamic from each perspective
🧩 all the secrets and histories slowly unraveling
🔥 even when you think you have someone figured out, theres usually another layer to uncover

Although this is a spin off series from the Compelling Fates Saga, you don’t need to have read that series to understand what’s happening here. There are some crossover references and little connections that will probably mean more if youve read it, but you can absolutely jump into this one without the backstory

I was actually slightly surprised by how romance forward this was. Following on from the Compelling Fates Saga, I was expecting more of the same fantasy romance, but I’d describe this much more as a romantasy

The fantasy and worldbuilding are definitely there, and the world itself is dark and compelling, but the real focus here is the relationship and antics between these two characters

And their dynamic is SO GOOD

You don’t necessarily warm to either Marlow or Azaleah straight away, but you are immediately intrigued by them. Their motivations, their secrets, their histories... constantly trying to work out what they’re really up to and whether either of them is actually telling the truth

They’re constantly trying to outmanoeuvre each other, figure each other out and work out who is going to come out on top. There’s so much rivalry and tension between them, but underneath all of that is this constant pull that neither of them is capable of ignoring

And the dual POV worked so well for this!!! Getting inside both of their heads while they’re each keeping their cards close to their chest made their interactions SO entertaining

Very hot, very seductive... but with claws!

My only slight irritation was the sheer number of times Azaleah cooed, cooned, purred or fluttered her eyelashes 😂 By the end I was starting to feel like I was watching an unusually seductive wildlife documentary...

This is a 4 star for me mainly because I naturally lean more towards fantasy forward reads, but I can absolutely see this being a popular read for alot of people. If you love a romance heavy fantasy with focus on morally grey characters, their banter, angst and ALOT of sexual tension, this is definitely one to pick up.

And after THAT ending... I have a feeling the world and fantasy elements are about to open up a whole lot more in the next instalment, which has me very excited about where this is going...

Overall, it's dark, angsty, steamy and full of two morally questionable characters who are absolutely made for the particular brand of chaotic violence they create together

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a reason why Sophia is one of my god-tier, all-time favorite authors — She simply NEVER misses. And To The Rotting End was no different, absolutely INCREDIBLE.

The premise was fresh, new, and not the typical storyline that’s been done 10 times before.

Azaleah is fierce, relentless, and born of fire — She isn’t soft or subtle, she’s prickly, loud, and unapologetically herself (but in disguise). And Marlow, The Ruin King, is just as rugged around the edges — Morally black, doesn’t tolerate anyone, and blatantly embraces being the villain.

I absolutely loved their push and pull dynamic throughout this story — Constantly fighting to one up one another and trying to come out on top.

The twists we unpredictable, betrayals cut deep, and the end of the world as they know it is HERE. This was a book of hurt, loss, and survival — But it was DAMN good.

And the cliffhanger, diabolical. But knowing Sophia, the sequel will be just as epic (if not more so) than book one — I for one, can’t WAIT for it.

[KittyCatSelfie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.4/5
(ARC)

Going into this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I hadn't read the other books the author wrote in this universe, but this book stands on its own well. In the beginning, there were a few minor parts in the world building that took me a moment to wrap my head around, but after that it was smooth sailing. The author successfully creates a vivid image of what has happened to the land and it's people, and it is dark.

I really enjoyed how the perspectives switched between the FMC and MMC, the back and forth had me struggling to put the book down. Azaleah's perspective consistently provided great depth to her character and I could feel her inner turmoil. Marlow's perspective was also great, I only wished we could have gotten just a bit more information on what his life was like before the lands were cursed and how that further impacted his decisions after it was cursed. Other than that, his perspective was also a good insight to his own inner thoughts and turmoil. The constant game between the two of them was enticing, heightened by the back and forth between the perspectives.

The romance was also so entertaining to read. The FMC and MMC were made for each other, literally matching each other's freak. They are both so crazy but it works because, they're both so. crazy. Their scenes together always had me on edge because you never knew what what would happen next. The constant games between them, the yearning, the power moves. ugh, so good!

Overall, it was a great read! No matter what Azaleah did, I constantly found myself rooting for her. She is a great FMC with an enticing MMC to battle with. I really enjoyed the story, and I fear if I say more I'll veer into spoiler territory.

I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes fantasy/romantasy, fae, enemies to lovers, and dark dystopia.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

To The Rotting End took me by surprise. I was hooked from the very first page. I stayed up until the early morning hours two nights in a row reading this story, with absolutely no regrets. It’s the kind of fantasy that digs its roots into you… even if they may be rotting. ;)

The plot in this story is so unique. I never knew what to expect next, and I could never really guess what the next twist would be.

I didn’t want to finish this story, knowing it would end. I loved the wicked banter between these two, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Hopefully, the wait isn’t too long!

[Cindddaaayyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First I would like to say thank you to Sophia and Kensington for the ARC! I am always appreciative to get anything of Sophia's early to review!

BUT WOW WOW WOW WOW!

This story is loosely inspired by How to loose a guy in 10 days and I can totally see that throughout the story. Sophia just keeps getting better and better with her storytelling. I love how she does enemies to lovers. She does it so tastefully. This is set in a post apocalyptic world. Where the FMC tricks the MMC into believing they are mates so she can avenge her family. I LOVED how badass the FMC was and how it pained her to play stupid and weak lol. The FMC and MMC's banter was perfection and when I tell you it was a slow burn it was a SLOOOWWW burn lol (My favorite). The ending was actually insane. How am i supposed to just sit on that ending and not know what happens next!!!!!

Sophia is always out doing herself. Her writing just keeps getting better and better!

MAKE SURE YOU ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR! YOU GUYS ARE NOT READY!!!!

Favorite quote:
"Who knew loving too much might be your downfall?"

[Megan Witsche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this early ARC Read!

Tropes: Dark Dystopian Romantasy, Broody Villain King MMC, Sassy Cursed Princess FMC, Enemies to Lovers, Fated Mates with a Twist, Hidden/Disguised Identity, Slow 🔥

Review No Spoilers: If you love your romantasy dark, dangerous, and filled with morally gray characters, ruthless schemes, and a slow-burn enemies to lovers romance, this one sounds like an absolute must-read!

Welcome to a dying magical world where the land is crumbling, the magic is deadly, and love might be the most dangerous game of all. Once the crown princess of Jordeina, Azaleah Oakgards lost everything when a brutal coup destroyed her family and left her stripped of her soul. Now cursed with power that brings devastation wherever she goes, she has become a walking apocalypse. But Azaleah has no intention of sacrificing herself to save a world that has already taken everything from her.

Her solution? Infiltrate the royal court, deceive the ruthless king responsible for her family’s destruction, and convince him that she is his fated mate. Her plan is to get close enough to destroy him from the inside out and reclaim her missing soul. Simple, right?

Enter Marlow Swarzwolds, a brutal, calculating tyrant who is far more perceptive than Azaleah anticipated. He recognizes that her sweetness is a carefully constructed mask hiding something far more sinister, and instead of being repulsed by her darkness, he finds himself drawn to it. What follows is a dangerous game of manipulation, deception, and psychological warfare, where neither is willing to surrender control.

The chemistry between these two promises to be absolutely feral. With mutual hatred, morally questionable intentions, and a scorching slow burn, their connection threatens to become just as destructive as the world falling apart around them.

What makes this premise so intriguing is the combination of a ruthless heroine who refuses to play the role of a self sacrificing princess and a villainous king who may have finally met his match. Add a cursed, climate ravaged world, fated mate deception, revenge, and a dark fantasy atmosphere, and you have all the ingredients for an addictive romantasy.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[realms.of.romantasy (Cara B) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gets infinite ♾️ ⭐️s from me!!!

What an INCREDIBLE book! Sophia has done it, once again, with her lush and vivid storytelling! She has a way of weaving emotion, tension and banter into her words that suck you in to her imaginative worlds. To The Rotting End was no exception. This is quite literally, one of the best books she has written!

The pacing was so perfectly executed that I never felt bored and couldn’t put this book down to save my life. The twists and revelations will wholly smack you in the face. Sophia sprinkles just enough easter eggs that will make you think you’ve got it all figured out, until you don’t! And let me tell, I most definitely faced palmed myself a couple of times realizing I, in fact, was completely wrong!

This book is layered with depth and emotion that will quickly have you fully invested and immersed in this dystopian world. The main characters are emotionally flawed with grief, anger and rage that just bleeds from the pages. But as each layer is peeled away we discover more and more of their truths. The push/pull dynamic between Azaleah and Marlow is explosive; the tension between them is palpable; and their off handed banter will have you giggling and swooning!
The side characters in this book are equally important to the story and add more depth as their friendships grow.

I especially loved that we get dual POVs - from Azaleah and Marlow. I quite enjoy having a POV from the MMCs side and getting his thoughts and inner monologue. Marlow is such an exceptional character with is broody dark mysterious persona.
Azaleah is resilient and resourceful and hell bent on revenge for all the wrongs dealt to her. You can feel her rage ooze from the pages. But the truths she learns along the way soften her just a bit.

While The Cinderlands Saga is set in the same world as The Compelling Fates Saga, it is not necessary to read it beforehand. However, there is a small bit of character mentions and crossover that having read CFS will give you a much more impactful understanding.

If you want a dark dystopian Romantasy, enemies to lovers, morally grey characters, feminine rage, fake mates, hidden identity, tension and unhinged banter - then you need to grab To The Rotting End!

Thank you, Sophia, for the honor of a very early read through of this magnificent book!

[Bailey (Myveinsbleedink) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. There is so much to unpack here. This book was intensely wicked, dark, sad, and yet oddly beautiful. This was truly a dark Romantasy if I have ever read one. Marlow & Azaleah (Ivy) are such lost destructive souls in a dark and depraved world of their our creation.
Every single part of me wanted some sort of happiness in this book and each time I thought I had it, it was ripped away from me. But that desperate search kept me turning those pages in the hope that my hope was not unfounded.
I have never read a book like this before and honestly I'm going to be processing this for a bit and I can fully admit, I'm not ok.
I will be waiting on tenterhooks until book two releases because I have this undying hope that my two dark souls can attain a smidgen of happiness in their tragically lost lives.

[cheyanne jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Cinderlands Saga. The dark vibes of this book start right off the bat and don't stop. The secrecy and intensity kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. How morally grey, or black really, both the main characters are is just done so beautifully well. The world building is just so absolutely phenomenal and I adore the subtle nods to the Compelling Fates Saga. The plot twists were killer, as always.

[Aluralyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is incredible. I appreciated how both the female and male main characters are morally grey, and that the story moved at a steady pace. There were even some heart-pounding moments that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The emotions that these characters experienced at the end made me feel like I was the one experiencing it.

The banter between Marlow and Azaleah was a favorite part for me. I enjoyed the push and pull of their relationship and how it developed. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book to discover what happens next!

[Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I stay up until 2am to finish this book?!?!? Yes I did.

I LOVED the world, the character development, the twists...I might have caught on to one of the big plot twists early, but I didn't feel like it took away from it. I kinda liked picking up on the hints. I also think if this was my first Sophia book I wouldn't have caught on but because I LOVE her other books I was looking for clues. 🫣

I am now HIGHLY anticipating book two and will preorder as soon as I can.

Thank you Kensington and Sophia for the eARC! Now I need to figure out what to read next because I now have a book hangover and need to catch up on sleep.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for a copy of this book.

I haven't read any of the authors other books, and did not realise that this was a spin-off to another one of their series. However this book stands very well on its own to the point that I only found out the connection as I was writing this review. The way the author writes really paints a vivid picture of the world, and I didn't find myself struggling with the world-building at all. (side note, I will be picking up the Compelling Fates Saga as well now)

The enemies to lovers was done really well!! I loved the dynamic between Azaleah and Marlow. Both characters are honestly made for each other as they are both very twisted from the events that caused Jordeina to die, and understandably so. They match each others freak very well. Marlow was also very interesting. I am usually not the biggest fan of alternating POV's but I enjoyed reading his perspective.

I also loved the friendships that Azaleah formed in this book. She is a very jaded character, who has pretty much used and then killed everyone over the many years she has been on the run. I loved how she slowly opened up to the other two female characters, and formed an actual friendship with them despite her distrust against the world.

The plot twist at the end regarding the identity of one of the characters really had me shook. I did not see it coming at all and I am VERY excited to read the next book to see the dynamic of Azaleah and their relationship change.

However, I hated the constant use of Male and Female. It lowered my rating and honestly brought me out of the book every single time I read it. I feel like in many situations of it being used, it could have been substituted for other words that would suit the situation better. I get that it can be a writing device used in Fae stories, but I hate it so bad and it was overdone.

I will be picking up the next book in the series. I am really interested to see how the story progresses from here, especially with the hints of new characters.

[C.G. Frances]

Ordered from Audible
January 2027

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy.

Although I struggled with the beginning of this book and almost DNF'd it, I am so glad I stuck through to the end. Azaleah's morally grey personality was a bit off-putting at first, and it took some time to warm up to her and Marlow. However, the sheer unpredictability of the plot kept me turning pages. The dark, dystopian romantasy world-building was entirely new territory for me, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Elizabeth Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Kensington for the eARC.

I loved the dystopian world the author has created through the atmospheric writing. This starts out with a bit of world building and backstory about the FMC and how the lands came to be this way. You really get to see how and why Azaleah acts and makes the decisions that she does. Everything that happens in the beginning really sets up the hidden identity aspect in the book.

What's better than one morally gray character? Two! I enjoyed the dynamic between Azaleah and Marlow and getting both of their POV's. They are both drawn to each other even though they are not necessarily trying to be. This creates amazing tension and banter that will have you giggling and kicking your feet.

The pages were flying by in the end. I did not see what was coming. I am excited to see how everything plays out in book two.

[Karla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO THRILLED to be on Sophia's team through Kensington so I was able to read an early copy of this.
This is my favorite book Sophia has ever written, I absolutely tore through it. I love Azaleah, her feisty personality and the fact she makes no apologies for choosing herself and living even if it would of been easier for her to not. Marlow is also equally flawed and delicious. The twists and turns in this book had me unable to put it down. I can't wait to hold a physical shelf trophy in my hands. Absolute masterpiece.

[aileensbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Sophia for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sophia St. Germain has officially done it again.

From the moment I started To the Rotting End, I was hooked. The pacing was fantastic, and I never felt like the story slowed down. Every chapter gave me a reason to keep reading, making it one of those books where “just one more chapter” quickly turned into several.

One of my favorite aspects was getting the MMC’s POV. I always love seeing both sides of a romance, and his perspective made me appreciate his character even more. The chemistry between him and the FMC was so much fun to read. There were countless moments that had me giggling, swooning, and making enough strange noises while reading that my husband jokingly said he was going to message Sophia to ask what she had done to me.

But this book isn’t just romance. As the story unfolds and we learn more about each character, Sophia peels back their layers and reveals the pain, grief, and motivations hidden beneath their facades. Those emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones, and I found myself feeling for characters I never expected to.

The mystery also kept me guessing. I was convinced I had figured out the major twist only to discover I was close, but still wrong. Sophia got me again.

Although To the Rotting End is set in the same universe as the Compelling Fates Saga, it is the start of a brand-new series and can absolutely be read on its own. That said, there were several moments that had me trying to remember events from CFS, so I think reading that series either before or after this one will definitely enhance the experience. It’s not required, but longtime readers will enjoy catching the connections.

Overall, this was an incredibly fun and addictive read with excellent pacing, compelling characters, emotional depth, and just the right amount of mystery. Also, that ending? I already can’t wait to get my hands on book two.

5 stars, without hesitation.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Rotting End • Sophia St. Germain
The Cinderlands Saga #1

One phrase: fake mates, real rage 🔥🖤

This was INCREDIBLE.

To the Rotting End is dark, dystopian romantasy with fated mates, enemies to lovers, hidden identity, feminine rage, revenge, morally gray characters, and a dying fae realm on the edge of collapse.

Azaleah is a cursed fugitive princess, surviving on rage and revenge after losing everything. Her plan? Change her face, hide her scent, trick the Ruin King into claiming her as his mate, and destroy him from the inside out.

Marlow is broody, brutal, dangerous, and absolutely not stupid. He knows she is lying. He just likes baiting out the ruthless parts of her.

Their push and pull was explosive. The tension, banter, grief, anger, and slow unraveling of truth had me completely hooked. I loved the dual POV, especially getting Marlow’s inner thoughts, and Azaleah’s rage practically bled off the page.

The pacing was excellent, the world was vivid, and the twists fully smacked me in the face.

✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔥 dark dystopian romantasy
🖤 enemies to lovers
👑 cursed princess
😈 Ruin King
💍 fake mates
🕵️ hidden identity
😤 feminine rage
⚔️ revenge plot
🌑 morally gray characters
💬 unhinged banter

📚 Read this if you like:
Dark romantasy, fake mate bonds, revenge driven heroines, broody kings, dying realms, explosive tension, layered secrets, and books that make you think you know the twist until you absolutely do not.

Lush, brutal, emotional, and completely addictive.

#ToTheRottingEnd #SophiaStGermain #DarkRomantasy #EnemiesToLovers #BookReview

[Taylor Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azaleah was once the crown princess of Jordeina, until her family was murdered and she was cursed, causing the world around her to suffer.

One thing I love about Azaleah is that she is morally gray. She cares more about saving herself at any cost than the rest of the world. She's fierce, ruthless, and isn't afraid to step all over Marlow's heart.

Marlow is the current ruler; he is brutal, cold, and definitely not a fool. He has been searching for Azaleah so he could end her, but she changes her appearance and pretends to be his mate. Although Marlow takes her in, he immediately knows she's hiding something.

The tension, hatred, and witty banter was so delicious! Their relationship was full of secrets, pretending, and always wondering what the other was going to do next. Azaleah and Marlow both struggled to figure each other out, which added to the intrigue.

The ending was so fast-paced that I couldn't stop reading, and the cliffhanger left me wishing for book two.

[Ivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an addictive romantasy. Between the enemies to lovers tension, fated mates, hidden identities, and revenge driven plot, I was hooked from start to finish. A fallen princess carrying centuries of grief, rage, and loss, she's determined to reclaim what was stolen from her and destroy the king she believes ruined everything. Her plan is ruthless, and I loved that she wasn't afraid to lean into the darkness. Watching her navigate court politics while hiding her true identity kept me completely invested. The tension between Marlow and Azaleah was incredible because neither of them fully trusts the other, and every interaction felt like a battle of wills. The atmosphere felt dark, dangerous, and immersive throughout. Every revelation raised the stakes and had me questioning who the true villain really was.

[C Me Read Write Now · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Sophia St. Germain and I have to say, I really, really enjoy her writing style! This book is absolutely fantastic. The angst, the betrayal, the characters personalities, the push/pull, plot twists and the unbelievable cliffhanger left at the very end. I was absolutely hooked from the very first page. I found myself not wanting to put it down, so much so that I literally felt like Belle when she had her nose in a book and was walking around. It was devourable and I freaking loved it! I read this in an ebook format, and I will absolutely be buying a physical copy once it releases! This book is fantastic! It is original, it is captivating, and it is refreshing!

Highly recommend!

Thank you Kensington and NetGalley for the early access to this book. My opinions are honest and my own.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but once it clicked, I was HOOKED and on the edge of my seat until the very last page! I managed to guess a few things along the way, but that didn’t stop me from staying up way too late to find out what was really going on. To The Rotting End is one of those page-turner books where you end up at 2am saying "just one more chapter" (spoiler alert: it wasn't just one more chapter 🤭)

I absolutely love Azaleah’s quiet (or not-so-quiet 👀) rage, and Marlow has officially earned a spot among my top-tier MMCs. I need MORE of them in the next book! I’m also really looking forward to seeing more character development for the side characters because there’s so much potential there.

Sophia has officially become an auto-buy author for me. Whatever she writes, I’m reading. No questions asked. 🖤

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

7★ — ONE OF MY BEST READS OF THE YEAR!
This book had me in a chokehold from beginning to end! The plot twists? UNHINGED! My ability to put this book down? Nonexistent! Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and I was completely hooked until the very end.

And then there’s Azaleah and Marlow. EXCUSE ME?! The chemistry between these two should honestly come with a warning label. The tension, the intensity, the absolute insanity of their dynamic?! I was kicking my feet, losing my mind, and forgetting how to behave like a normal human being.

This is easily one of my BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR. A twisted, unforgettable story with a romance that crawls beneath your skin and refuses to leave.
Now, excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book!
Highly, highly recommend!
Thank you very much NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC copy!

[Katherine Pogatshnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don't want to upset you, but I will save you if it comes to that. I can't have people go around saying that the Ruin King let his mate be killed."

I DEVOURED this book. It is beautifully balanced between intrigue, fantasy, romance, banter, storyline, and everything in-between. Following the story of mainly Azaleah, who is on the run from everyone, her motivation is revenge as she tries to tricks the Ruin King Marlow into trusting her enough to figure out how to fully kill him. Forced together at the end of their world, their epic battle of wits commences.

Knowing where Marlow ends up (from reading the Compelling Fates Saga) definitely adds some tension but it's not required to have read the other series first. I would HIGHLY recommend giving this book a read!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the early gifted copy.

My favorite read of the year! I cannot stop thinking about these characters!

The banter is top notch. The FMC is so much fun! She's a girl's girl in disguise while also a little stabby. She's been raised to appear perfect, but below the surface are such sweet lies. Tragedy shaped her, but she's not one to sit by and accept defeat.

Our MMC has a dirty mouth and likes crazy, it matches himself. His circle is tight for reasons, but will that come at a cost?

The main characters must decide if they can trust each other and those around them as the world as they know it is coming to an end. Does love have a place? Will they work together?

We have witches, prophecy, court politics, raging storms, flowers, dresses, and mystery.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard “How to lose a guy in 10 days but the world is ending” I was curious but that is the best explanation!!!

Sophia has truly nailed it once again with this book!

Azaleah is such a bad*ss who wants to avenge her family.


Sophia’s other MMC Merrick has been my favorite since the Compelling Fates Saga, until now. MARLOW the sexy male you are! Marlow is the misunderstood Ruin King who just wants to save the world!

“Yes, we keep the crown on” is my FAVORITE line in this book.

This is an absolute MUST READ

[faeriekeeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a morally grey, man-hating FMC and this really delivered! If you want twists, romance, and adventure, this is the story for you!

Hidden identities, revenge, and many, many secrets kept me on the edge of my seat this entire book. Ruthless Azaleah and her match, an obsessive Marlow, had amazing banter and tension throughout the whole book. I really never knew what was going to happen between them and I loved it!!

That cliffhanger was wild! I was not expecting a lot of it and I don’t know how I’m going to have to wait for the next book?!