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Divine Sin: Roots in Ruin
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Mysti Graves
3 books21 followersBleeding ink. Forging realms. Finding beauty in the broken.
Mysti Graves writes emotionally charged romance that explores the spaces most people are afraid to look at. Her debut novel, Tristful Tryst, is a contemporary taboo romance rooted in grief, longing, and the complex ways people cope.
A lifelong lover of dark romance, romantasy, and morally grey characters, Mysti is drawn to stories that challenge boundaries and stir every feeling at once. She believes books are a form of art, and art should leave fingerprints on the heart.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and two daughters or creating in other ways, painting, crafting resin trinkets and whatchamacallits, gaming her way through RPG worlds, or curating soundtracks that feel like entire lifetimes. Music is as essential to her process as ink.
She is currently drafting multiple new realms full of tropes, romance, and angst.
Mysti Graves writes emotionally charged romance that explores the spaces most people are afraid to look at. Her debut novel, Tristful Tryst, is a contemporary taboo romance rooted in grief, longing, and the complex ways people cope.
A lifelong lover of dark romance, romantasy, and morally grey characters, Mysti is drawn to stories that challenge boundaries and stir every feeling at once. She believes books are a form of art, and art should leave fingerprints on the heart.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and two daughters or creating in other ways, painting, crafting resin trinkets and whatchamacallits, gaming her way through RPG worlds, or curating soundtracks that feel like entire lifetimes. Music is as essential to her process as ink.
She is currently drafting multiple new realms full of tropes, romance, and angst.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 23, 2026
Mysti has done it AGAIN. 🖤
Roots in Ruin picks up right where The Dark Awakening left off, and this time we get to really dive into Haruki and his relationship with Darcelle. And let me just say… I absolutely ADORED Haruki.
Getting more of his backstory and finally learning just how long he has actually been there for Darcelle made me love him even more. Watching Darcelle discover that history for herself was one of my favorite parts because even she had no idea just how long he had been a part of her life or how deeply he cared for her.
And THE TENSION between these two. Mysti made me wait and wait and WAIT while it just kept building until Haruki finally snapped, and the payoff was so worth it. 😂 Their relationship developed exactly the way I wanted it to.
But I also loved Darcelle’s growth in this book. We really get to see her start embracing her powers, learning how to control them, and realizing just how strong she actually is. The trials she faces only prove how far she’s already come, and the crazy part is… this still feels like just the beginning of what she’s capable of.
Mysti knows how to pull me into this world and keep me there. Now I’ve gotten attached to Haruki, Darcelle is becoming more powerful, and I have even MORE questions.
Basically, I need book three. Immediately. 😂🖤
Roots in Ruin picks up right where The Dark Awakening left off, and this time we get to really dive into Haruki and his relationship with Darcelle. And let me just say… I absolutely ADORED Haruki.
Getting more of his backstory and finally learning just how long he has actually been there for Darcelle made me love him even more. Watching Darcelle discover that history for herself was one of my favorite parts because even she had no idea just how long he had been a part of her life or how deeply he cared for her.
And THE TENSION between these two. Mysti made me wait and wait and WAIT while it just kept building until Haruki finally snapped, and the payoff was so worth it. 😂 Their relationship developed exactly the way I wanted it to.
But I also loved Darcelle’s growth in this book. We really get to see her start embracing her powers, learning how to control them, and realizing just how strong she actually is. The trials she faces only prove how far she’s already come, and the crazy part is… this still feels like just the beginning of what she’s capable of.
Mysti knows how to pull me into this world and keep me there. Now I’ve gotten attached to Haruki, Darcelle is becoming more powerful, and I have even MORE questions.
Basically, I need book three. Immediately. 😂🖤
September 2, 2026
With the ending of book 1, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. It didn’t disappoint in the slightest!
Sweet, sweet Haruki, you have become one of my favorites, although it is hard to choose between them. We get a closer look at him and his story as Darcelle spends her time training with him.
If you liked book 1, you’re gonna love book 2!
Sweet, sweet Haruki, you have become one of my favorites, although it is hard to choose between them. We get a closer look at him and his story as Darcelle spends her time training with him.
If you liked book 1, you’re gonna love book 2!
August 24, 2026
✨ Review of Advanced Copy Received from Author ✨
Mysti did it again because this book was AMAZING!! I have no words with how much I loved this book. It starts off right where the first book The Dark Awakening ended with that crazy cliffhanger.
In this book we get Haruki’s story and his POV alongside Darcelle’s. Haruki teachers her how to fight but also their past together is brought to light. They have a history and balancing what Darcelle knows now about the past she is trying to navigate her feelings towards him. Does it get spicy?? No. IT GETS HOT UP IN HERE! The chemistry between them was everything and it made me love Haruki more.
I love the growth from Darcelle. She really stepped it up with wanting to prove to herself that she does belong here and she is getting stronger with her power. She learns to wield her powers and the control her has is amazing!
Now I know people have their favorites and I literally love all of them!! But I think my favorite is Z 😅 I love that he is honest with her and doesn’t have kiddie gloves when it came to her training if anything he was encouraging her!
Mysti did it again because this book was AMAZING!! I have no words with how much I loved this book. It starts off right where the first book The Dark Awakening ended with that crazy cliffhanger.
In this book we get Haruki’s story and his POV alongside Darcelle’s. Haruki teachers her how to fight but also their past together is brought to light. They have a history and balancing what Darcelle knows now about the past she is trying to navigate her feelings towards him. Does it get spicy?? No. IT GETS HOT UP IN HERE! The chemistry between them was everything and it made me love Haruki more.
I love the growth from Darcelle. She really stepped it up with wanting to prove to herself that she does belong here and she is getting stronger with her power. She learns to wield her powers and the control her has is amazing!
Now I know people have their favorites and I literally love all of them!! But I think my favorite is Z 😅 I love that he is honest with her and doesn’t have kiddie gloves when it came to her training if anything he was encouraging her!
Read
August 13, 2026First, it is truly amazing to see you blossom through these stories! It has been my privilege to! Omg I fell in love with Darcelle even There’s more where that came from! ;)! Fuck the guys! (Which due BUT) gimme her! CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOKS 3 &4🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
September 1, 2026
Thank you to Mysti Graves for sending me the second arc of this series. It’s a continuation from book 1 and I was especially excited because it was mainly revolving around my favourite character Haruki!
After book 2 I was so curious to see how Darcelle would react to finding out that Haruki had been in her life prior to going to hell. But learning more made me understand why he was so protective and comfortable with her because he’s seen her at her best and worst! I loved seeing more of Haruki and being able to see into his mindset from that time but also how much he risked by wanting to be there for her and protect her.
Darcelle is finally growing into herself! Yes she has a long way to go with her powers because there’s still a lot to be uncovered but I like seeing her character evolve and become more confident each time. Her dynamics with the guys have changed but I’m still curious if this series will be a why choose or she ends up having to choose at the end of the series….
Lucifer is just a petty petty dude, but that ending 🤯 definitely gonna be reading the next one because I want to know how far he’ll go!!!
After book 2 I was so curious to see how Darcelle would react to finding out that Haruki had been in her life prior to going to hell. But learning more made me understand why he was so protective and comfortable with her because he’s seen her at her best and worst! I loved seeing more of Haruki and being able to see into his mindset from that time but also how much he risked by wanting to be there for her and protect her.
Darcelle is finally growing into herself! Yes she has a long way to go with her powers because there’s still a lot to be uncovered but I like seeing her character evolve and become more confident each time. Her dynamics with the guys have changed but I’m still curious if this series will be a why choose or she ends up having to choose at the end of the series….
Lucifer is just a petty petty dude, but that ending 🤯 definitely gonna be reading the next one because I want to know how far he’ll go!!!
August 28, 2026
If you thought The Dark Awakening was good, prepare yourselves, because Roots in Ruin takes everything you loved and amplifies it to a whole new level! I was already obsessed with Book One, but this installment? Pure perfection. We dive headfirst into Haruki's story, and let me tell you, I am considering being Team Green (even though I’m a why choose girly through and through) lol. The history between him and Darcelle, even before she knew it, is incredibly heartfelt and heartbreaking. I loved watching the past unfold and Darcelle learning exactly how long Haruki had been there for her 🥰. Their connection is palpable, and the chemistry? Absolutely FIRE. Mysti made me wait and wait for that tension to break, and the payoff was beyond worth it.
Watching Darcelle truly come into her own was another highlight. Her journey of embracing her power and realizing her strength is captivating. She's growing, evolving, and her deepening connections with the demons only make her more compelling.
How is she ever supposed to choose?! This book just made my dilemma even worse! Mysti has this incredible ability to pull you into this world and make you feel every emotion alongside these characters.
I'm utterly consumed and now even more desperate for Book Three. Mysti, what have you done to me?!! need it immediately! This book was a phenomenal ride from start to finish, and I can't recommend it enough.
Watching Darcelle truly come into her own was another highlight. Her journey of embracing her power and realizing her strength is captivating. She's growing, evolving, and her deepening connections with the demons only make her more compelling.
How is she ever supposed to choose?! This book just made my dilemma even worse! Mysti has this incredible ability to pull you into this world and make you feel every emotion alongside these characters.
I'm utterly consumed and now even more desperate for Book Three. Mysti, what have you done to me?!! need it immediately! This book was a phenomenal ride from start to finish, and I can't recommend it enough.
August 26, 2026
Goodreads Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5
I received Divine Sin: Roots in Ruin as an ARC, and I genuinely love this book and this series. I am completely obsessed with the concept, the characters, the world, and honestly just about everything this series has going for it. I found myself completely invested in the story. I especially loved the connections between the characters and getting to see the FMC interact with not only the main characters but even the minor MMCs. Those relationships added so much to the story for me.
The reason I landed at 4.75 rather than a full 5 stars is honestly very personal. I am not a Haruki girl. He simply isn't my favorite MMC, although I can absolutely see why he would be someone else's cup of tea.
I also felt like there were certain areas of the plot that could have been drawn out a little more, particularly the trials and training. I was so invested in those sections that I actually wanted more time with them and more opportunity to see everything unfold.But those things did very little to take away from how much I enjoyed this book.
I am genuinely so proud of Mysti and everything she's created with this series. Watching the story continue to grow while becoming even more invested in these characters has been such a fun experience.
And now I have one major problem:
I NEED BOOK THREE. 😭
Already fiending for the next installment.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5
I received Divine Sin: Roots in Ruin as an ARC, and I genuinely love this book and this series. I am completely obsessed with the concept, the characters, the world, and honestly just about everything this series has going for it. I found myself completely invested in the story. I especially loved the connections between the characters and getting to see the FMC interact with not only the main characters but even the minor MMCs. Those relationships added so much to the story for me.
The reason I landed at 4.75 rather than a full 5 stars is honestly very personal. I am not a Haruki girl. He simply isn't my favorite MMC, although I can absolutely see why he would be someone else's cup of tea.
I also felt like there were certain areas of the plot that could have been drawn out a little more, particularly the trials and training. I was so invested in those sections that I actually wanted more time with them and more opportunity to see everything unfold.But those things did very little to take away from how much I enjoyed this book.
I am genuinely so proud of Mysti and everything she's created with this series. Watching the story continue to grow while becoming even more invested in these characters has been such a fun experience.
And now I have one major problem:
I NEED BOOK THREE. 😭
Already fiending for the next installment.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Read
September 1, 2026I am absolutely obsessed with how she has built this world and these characters. Imagine waking up being told your the princess of hell and lucifer himself is your dad? Rhe fmc handles this pretty well...Definitely helps that she has some eye candy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story starts where the first book left off and it's recommended to read these in order.
Darcelle begins her journey where she is to spend one on one time learning from each of her potential husbands (essentially) and this book focuses on her time with Haruki and through this journey we learn that he has a history with Darcelle that she wasn't even aware of will she be able to accept their past history together?
Darcelle and Haruki grow closer together and as the physical tension becomes too much... maybe it's time to do something about it, but what will her other guys think?
Just as Darcelle is beginning to adapt more to her life in the underworld she receives an ominous letter stating that she will need to go through a series of trials to prove she is worthy of staying, all of her guys attempt to help prepare her for this (even Z in his own way).
But will Darcelle be able to make it through when no half demon has ever made it through all 4 of the trials in it's history. The unrest in the underworld is growing as Lucifer believes that his daughter just may be his undoing.
This book captivated me from beginning to end I loved watching Darcelle grow into her powers and learn more about her past history with Haruki knowing this we can see how he cares for her so much even now, swoon!
Again this isn't my usual type of book but I'm so glad that I found this series it's so unique and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Indie Author *Fantasy *Dark Romance *Hell *Life after Death *Powerful beings
*Demons/Angels *Fantasy *magic *cliffhanger *Slow burn *Drama *politics *Daddy issues
*Spice *Trials/Tribulations *ARC read *Gothic Romance *Dark fantasy
Darcelle begins her journey where she is to spend one on one time learning from each of her potential husbands (essentially) and this book focuses on her time with Haruki and through this journey we learn that he has a history with Darcelle that she wasn't even aware of will she be able to accept their past history together?
Darcelle and Haruki grow closer together and as the physical tension becomes too much... maybe it's time to do something about it, but what will her other guys think?
Just as Darcelle is beginning to adapt more to her life in the underworld she receives an ominous letter stating that she will need to go through a series of trials to prove she is worthy of staying, all of her guys attempt to help prepare her for this (even Z in his own way).
But will Darcelle be able to make it through when no half demon has ever made it through all 4 of the trials in it's history. The unrest in the underworld is growing as Lucifer believes that his daughter just may be his undoing.
This book captivated me from beginning to end I loved watching Darcelle grow into her powers and learn more about her past history with Haruki knowing this we can see how he cares for her so much even now, swoon!
Again this isn't my usual type of book but I'm so glad that I found this series it's so unique and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Indie Author *Fantasy *Dark Romance *Hell *Life after Death *Powerful beings
*Demons/Angels *Fantasy *magic *cliffhanger *Slow burn *Drama *politics *Daddy issues
*Spice *Trials/Tribulations *ARC read *Gothic Romance *Dark fantasy
Review of advance copy received from Author
A huge thank you to Mysti Graves for allowing me the ARC of Roots in Ruin, Book 2 of the Divine Sin series!
I absolutely loved the first book, but let me tell you… it only gets better with this one!
If you’ve read Book 1, then you already know how impossible it is to choose which demon to side with. By the end of the first book, I was basically choosing ALL of them...even Z! 😂 But now that this book focuses more on Haruki… let’s just say I might be leaning a little more toward the green side. 💚
Watching Darcelle grow and become more comfortable in her new self was one of my favorite parts of this book. Her connections with the demons continue to deepen, and I genuinely don’t know how in the hell (yes, I said it 😏) she’s supposed to choose one over the others!
And then there’s Haruki. 🥵🔥
Learning the history between him and Darcelle...even when she wasn’t aware of it...was both incredibly heartfelt and heartbreaking. Their connection had me completely invested, and the chemistry between these two? FIRE.
I freaking LOVED this book! And now I’m even more confused about who Darcelle should choose. At this point, I have a feeling Book 3 is just going to make my dilemma even worse!
Mysti, what have you done to me?! 😂 I need book three asap lol
I absolutely loved the first book, but let me tell you… it only gets better with this one!
If you’ve read Book 1, then you already know how impossible it is to choose which demon to side with. By the end of the first book, I was basically choosing ALL of them...even Z! 😂 But now that this book focuses more on Haruki… let’s just say I might be leaning a little more toward the green side. 💚
Watching Darcelle grow and become more comfortable in her new self was one of my favorite parts of this book. Her connections with the demons continue to deepen, and I genuinely don’t know how in the hell (yes, I said it 😏) she’s supposed to choose one over the others!
And then there’s Haruki. 🥵🔥
Learning the history between him and Darcelle...even when she wasn’t aware of it...was both incredibly heartfelt and heartbreaking. Their connection had me completely invested, and the chemistry between these two? FIRE.
I freaking LOVED this book! And now I’m even more confused about who Darcelle should choose. At this point, I have a feeling Book 3 is just going to make my dilemma even worse!
Mysti, what have you done to me?! 😂 I need book three asap lol
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was anxiously awaiting this second book in the Divine Sin series and it did not dissappoint! This one focused on Haruki who is my favorite, but I have a feeling as the series continues he is gonna get some challenges for that role. I already adore Karv as well and can see how Ank wont be far behind. Even Z.. i imagine Mysti is gonna make me love him to! And Darcelle? She's fantastic! Sassy and emotional and just such a great mixture or feminine strength.
Honestly I cant wait to have them all on my trophy shelf!!
Honestly I cant wait to have them all on my trophy shelf!!
Review of advance copy
This book is the second in The Divine Sin series and tells the story from Haruki's point of view. There's lots of spice in this one , shape shifting, primal play and lots of heat... we're in hell after all! If you read the first book, you definitely need to read the second! Also, If you like Haruki, you'll be rooting for him in this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 1 left us on a cliffhanger and Book 2 picks right up where we left off. I really enjoyed watching Darcelle grow in this book and seeing her realizing how strong she truly is. This book focused on Haruki but we still got to see each of the other guys. I cant wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this book!
As Darcelle spends time with Haruki, her time in Hell get a lot more complicated.
And so does her relationships with the 3 other escorts.
Karv is still my fave, but Z is steafily growing on me with the enemies to lovers trope.
As Darcelle spends time with Haruki, her time in Hell get a lot more complicated.
And so does her relationships with the 3 other escorts.
Karv is still my fave, but Z is steafily growing on me with the enemies to lovers trope.
September 6, 2026
This book is an easy read that keeps you hooked the whole time. It’s spicy without being pure smut, and has an interesting plot with characters you just have to love. Mysti gives you just enough information for you to understand, you have no chance in coming up with theories on wtf is going on, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews