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Reign of Ruin
'The priests want me to thank God, but the only thing I pray for is death.'There is nothing before Eden. Just flashes of a time before Danielle woke up in chains, in hell, to be violated and broken.Over, and over, and over.They say that God honors those who serve, that each baptism is a gift, but all Danielle wants is to die.Eden has other plans.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2019
262 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bene
63 books1,945 followersJennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 23, 2022
I have to admit, that I have some mixed up feelings about this one...
It's such a dark story, not a dark romance, I thought that too.
But the five stars...
A lot of things with loose ends.
I read the prequel first, and I'm so glad that I did it.
It made more sense, but still don't explain how the new order established or if that had anything to do with The Creature, old as time itself, that Danielle was offered as a sacrifice.
This is a heavy story, Danielle was taken from her home, we don't know what happened to her mother, sister and boyfriend. Her father, she remembered at the end.
We don't know if the sky really burned.
We just know, she's been taken for six years by the new order, and she survived the rape, starvation, physical violence.
This has a lot of gore, violence.
Read with caution, this is not for everyone.
4,8 stars.
I guess, given the nature of this story, Danielle did have her HEA.
The Creature, old as time itself, was kinda of sweet to her.
September 27, 2022
In need of something dark,i searched my tbr,and found i still hadn’t read Reign of Ruin.
How that was possible,i’m not sure,but i’m glad i rectified thát straight away!
To call it dark would be mild,it’s a twisted story with no real light at the end of tunnel….right?
The idea alone is depraved…on the other hand,let’s face it,we all know what lurks behind the holier than thou façade of the church,don’t we?
I’ve never been a fan of the church,but what these men are capable of is even worse than what i could come up with!
Then again,Jennifer Bene wrote this story…..
We meet Danielle when she’s still hopeful,even though she’s obviously in a very bad situation.
That soon changes,when she’s tortured and raped,over and over….
Inbetween she’s “baptised and reborn”,and gets a moments reprieve before they resume the torture again.
Until,one day,they change the script…..and something worse happens.
Will this mean she finally gets the death she’s been longing for?
Or is there something even more sinister going to happen to poor Danielle?
This was a story that was tough to read.
It’s dark depravity hard to swallow.
The hopelessness and agony dripping from the pages.
But still i wanted,no needed,to finish.
To know if there wás hope for Danielle after all…
To find out if she díd manage to survive this Hell.
To see the guilty punished for their terrible deeds.
And when i díd reach that end,i was left with a feeling of….
Misguided hope?
And if all of this isn’t enough,there’s a short story after…
Which goes back to the beginning,and explains the events leading up to the imprisonment of Danielle,and other women,in Eden,otherwise known as Hell.
Getting the full picture of what happened didn’t help,not really.
Because it still didn’t absolve the church,and the men working with them.
Because women were still blamed,as usual,for something they weren’t responsible for.
Because it meant,if i didn’t already think so,that Danielle’s mother,little sister and bestie didn’t make it….
Kudos to Jennifer Bene to writing a story this deep,this dark.
It will haunt my thoughts for a long time,that’s for sure!
How that was possible,i’m not sure,but i’m glad i rectified thát straight away!
To call it dark would be mild,it’s a twisted story with no real light at the end of tunnel….right?
The idea alone is depraved…on the other hand,let’s face it,we all know what lurks behind the holier than thou façade of the church,don’t we?
I’ve never been a fan of the church,but what these men are capable of is even worse than what i could come up with!
Then again,Jennifer Bene wrote this story…..
We meet Danielle when she’s still hopeful,even though she’s obviously in a very bad situation.
That soon changes,when she’s tortured and raped,over and over….
Inbetween she’s “baptised and reborn”,and gets a moments reprieve before they resume the torture again.
Until,one day,they change the script…..and something worse happens.
Will this mean she finally gets the death she’s been longing for?
Or is there something even more sinister going to happen to poor Danielle?
This was a story that was tough to read.
It’s dark depravity hard to swallow.
The hopelessness and agony dripping from the pages.
But still i wanted,no needed,to finish.
To know if there wás hope for Danielle after all…
To find out if she díd manage to survive this Hell.
To see the guilty punished for their terrible deeds.
And when i díd reach that end,i was left with a feeling of….
Misguided hope?
And if all of this isn’t enough,there’s a short story after…
Which goes back to the beginning,and explains the events leading up to the imprisonment of Danielle,and other women,in Eden,otherwise known as Hell.
Getting the full picture of what happened didn’t help,not really.
Because it still didn’t absolve the church,and the men working with them.
Because women were still blamed,as usual,for something they weren’t responsible for.
Because it meant,if i didn’t already think so,that Danielle’s mother,little sister and bestie didn’t make it….
Kudos to Jennifer Bene to writing a story this deep,this dark.
It will haunt my thoughts for a long time,that’s for sure!
May 3, 2019
Sweet Holy Titfire.
Be warned there is no happily ever after in this story. It is hard to read. This is like the Handmaid's Tale but on an extreme level.
I am sitting here rubbing my forehead as I try and come up with the words to describe what I just read. This book is newly expanded from the previous version that was released in the Twisted Sacrament Anthology. When I read it the first time I both wanted and didn't want it (if that even makes sense) to give me a glimpse of more so that I knew what it all meant. Well, the author finally did it and wrote a very detailed epilogue as well as included the prequel (The Day the Sky Burned) at the end. I almost read the prequel first but am glad that I didn't because it made some of the new "memories" make even more sense. It, also, made the story even more horrifying when it could easily happen in today's world.
This is horror at its best. Even wanting the story to end so that the heroine, Danielle, could finally find peace from the atrocities I was completely under the spell of the author and wanted to know more. The entire time I read this book I had my hand over my chest, much the same way I would if I was watching a horror film. As a woman, hell, just as a human, this left my heart breaking.
There is so much to this book and it makes me question if there is a higher purpose to this world in which we live. Is there truly heaven and hell? Does religion make us safe from good and evil? I have to wonder because whether a person is morally bankrupt has nothing to do with religion. Some of the best people don't believe in God and some of the worst also say that they are Christian. It makes me wonder.
This story stayed with me for months after I read it the first time but now adding in that extra 20k of words it made this story become so much more. I was surprised how often I would remember certain things this author wrote down in regards to this story and I see that happening again with having read this new version and prequel. That is the mark of a good story. Even when it pushes someone out of their comfort zone if it leaves its mark and causes moments of introspection. I live for those stories no matter how uncomfortable the topic is.
Be warned there is no happily ever after in this story. It is hard to read. This is like the Handmaid's Tale but on an extreme level.
I am sitting here rubbing my forehead as I try and come up with the words to describe what I just read. This book is newly expanded from the previous version that was released in the Twisted Sacrament Anthology. When I read it the first time I both wanted and didn't want it (if that even makes sense) to give me a glimpse of more so that I knew what it all meant. Well, the author finally did it and wrote a very detailed epilogue as well as included the prequel (The Day the Sky Burned) at the end. I almost read the prequel first but am glad that I didn't because it made some of the new "memories" make even more sense. It, also, made the story even more horrifying when it could easily happen in today's world.
This is horror at its best. Even wanting the story to end so that the heroine, Danielle, could finally find peace from the atrocities I was completely under the spell of the author and wanted to know more. The entire time I read this book I had my hand over my chest, much the same way I would if I was watching a horror film. As a woman, hell, just as a human, this left my heart breaking.
There is so much to this book and it makes me question if there is a higher purpose to this world in which we live. Is there truly heaven and hell? Does religion make us safe from good and evil? I have to wonder because whether a person is morally bankrupt has nothing to do with religion. Some of the best people don't believe in God and some of the worst also say that they are Christian. It makes me wonder.
This story stayed with me for months after I read it the first time but now adding in that extra 20k of words it made this story become so much more. I was surprised how often I would remember certain things this author wrote down in regards to this story and I see that happening again with having read this new version and prequel. That is the mark of a good story. Even when it pushes someone out of their comfort zone if it leaves its mark and causes moments of introspection. I live for those stories no matter how uncomfortable the topic is.
May 12, 2019
Oh my dark loving brethren, here is an offering that will torture your sinful soul
Reign to Ruin is a reworking of Baptised in Eden, Jennifer's offering in the Twisted Sacraments anthology. Not only has it been tidied up but it has been significantly expanded into something even more dark and twisted. There are no heroes in this world, there is no salvation, no rainbows, unicorns nor dancing cats. Instead there is only the loss of all hope, except perhaps the one for death. A continued existence of choosing the lesser of two evils, or at least doing that when you are given the option of a choice.
Danielle is a woman with fragmented memories, trapped in a hell of man's making. Repeatedly sacrificed to the corrupted lust of the priests who hold her prisoner. Abused, degraded, beaten, raped again and again, revived by baptism in the 'holy' water, only for the horrifying violence to start again.
This story punches its claws into your gut, grasps your insides and refuses to let go. The writing held me spellbound. I suffered alongside Danielle, through her pain, despair and the countless violations of both her body and mind. I can not do this story justice, I am unable to find the words that will convey just how bloody brilliant this tale is. Perhaps I should worry that Ms Bene's mind can produce such a dark, dark, dark story, instead I'm rather selfishly glad that she produces such masterpieces of depravity.
The original story left us just after Danielle was 'treated' to a very special second baptism and thrust into a pitch black chamber. Now I do remember feeling like this situation had a minuscule ray of hope within it. Well I was sort of right and a lot wrong, but you'll need to read this compellingly twisted, licentious, deviant and obscene (and I mean that in a very good way) book.
Be warned, this book contains a multitude of possible triggers, caution is advised if you are sensitive to certain subject matter involving physical and sexual abuse.
Bonus story - The Day The Sky Burned
This is such an eerie read. It has enough of an air of the believable about it to be incredibly frightening. Mob mentality, panic and politics make it only too easy to imagine this actually happening.
I loved the insight it gave us, both into Danielle's life prior to the sky burning, her family and loved ones and how Eden could ever possibly come into existence. A stunning read.
Reign to Ruin is a reworking of Baptised in Eden, Jennifer's offering in the Twisted Sacraments anthology. Not only has it been tidied up but it has been significantly expanded into something even more dark and twisted. There are no heroes in this world, there is no salvation, no rainbows, unicorns nor dancing cats. Instead there is only the loss of all hope, except perhaps the one for death. A continued existence of choosing the lesser of two evils, or at least doing that when you are given the option of a choice.
Danielle is a woman with fragmented memories, trapped in a hell of man's making. Repeatedly sacrificed to the corrupted lust of the priests who hold her prisoner. Abused, degraded, beaten, raped again and again, revived by baptism in the 'holy' water, only for the horrifying violence to start again.
This story punches its claws into your gut, grasps your insides and refuses to let go. The writing held me spellbound. I suffered alongside Danielle, through her pain, despair and the countless violations of both her body and mind. I can not do this story justice, I am unable to find the words that will convey just how bloody brilliant this tale is. Perhaps I should worry that Ms Bene's mind can produce such a dark, dark, dark story, instead I'm rather selfishly glad that she produces such masterpieces of depravity.
The original story left us just after Danielle was 'treated' to a very special second baptism and thrust into a pitch black chamber. Now I do remember feeling like this situation had a minuscule ray of hope within it. Well I was sort of right and a lot wrong, but you'll need to read this compellingly twisted, licentious, deviant and obscene (and I mean that in a very good way) book.
Be warned, this book contains a multitude of possible triggers, caution is advised if you are sensitive to certain subject matter involving physical and sexual abuse.
Bonus story - The Day The Sky Burned
This is such an eerie read. It has enough of an air of the believable about it to be incredibly frightening. Mob mentality, panic and politics make it only too easy to imagine this actually happening.
I loved the insight it gave us, both into Danielle's life prior to the sky burning, her family and loved ones and how Eden could ever possibly come into existence. A stunning read.
May 1, 2019
I was gonna say my prayers but after reading this and it's juicy prequel The Day the Sky Burned...it ain't happening!
The Day the Sky Burned ~ this little book is action packed from the get go! You get introduced to Danielle, her boyfriend Christopher, her sister Mary, her parents and friends. I'm definitely not going to give you any spoilers, just know you'll find out where all the crazy psycho idealization is born. The apocalypse and the crazy religious heathens are upon us!
Reign of Ruin ~ now here is the nitty gritty!!!! This is where you follow Danielle and her 'baptisms'. These guys are just hell bent on making us women suffer for everybody's sins. It is a truly twisted journey. And the 'demon', I'm still processing that whole bit. I wanna hate him but I kinda don't...you'll see when you read it.
I will say this...Danielle is a BADA**!!!! This chick goes through some hardcore stuff and that thing she does in the end...EPIC GIRLPOWER!
Overall this book was THE BOMB-DIGGITY!!!! Twisted doesn't even come close and it was absolutely, positively worth it! And I will say this cause some folks need that extra...this IS NOT warm and fuzzy. There is no happily ever after...unless that ending is your thing. This is dark, this is depraved, it will leave you wondering what in the hello you just read.
The Day the Sky Burned ~ this little book is action packed from the get go! You get introduced to Danielle, her boyfriend Christopher, her sister Mary, her parents and friends. I'm definitely not going to give you any spoilers, just know you'll find out where all the crazy psycho idealization is born. The apocalypse and the crazy religious heathens are upon us!
Reign of Ruin ~ now here is the nitty gritty!!!! This is where you follow Danielle and her 'baptisms'. These guys are just hell bent on making us women suffer for everybody's sins. It is a truly twisted journey. And the 'demon', I'm still processing that whole bit. I wanna hate him but I kinda don't...you'll see when you read it.
I will say this...Danielle is a BADA**!!!! This chick goes through some hardcore stuff and that thing she does in the end...EPIC GIRLPOWER!
Overall this book was THE BOMB-DIGGITY!!!! Twisted doesn't even come close and it was absolutely, positively worth it! And I will say this cause some folks need that extra...this IS NOT warm and fuzzy. There is no happily ever after...unless that ending is your thing. This is dark, this is depraved, it will leave you wondering what in the hello you just read.
January 31, 2020
What the fuck did I just read and why do I want to read it again??
" You should be joyful in your suffering. “
Omg, so you ever read a book and then question your sanity??
I came across this book on kindle and decided to give it a go because of the blurb and the fact that it was short. Plus I didn’t want to jump into a new book because I was waiting on an ARC so I figured I’d have a little "fun read”.
Mind Blown!!!!!!!
Because What The Actual Fuck!!!
I’m not gonna give anything away because you NEED to go in blind but let me say this- if you want a DARK, TWISTED, HORRIFYING and MAKE YOU QUESTION YOUR RELIGION AND MORALS kind of book then I suggest this baby.
The storyline here is so unique and fucking brilliantly written It consumed me from chapter one. I never thought that this simple novella would of had this impact on me but here I am stuck in this dystopian world that Jennifer created. If she ever decides to continue this story I will definitely follow.
My only issue with the book is that I wished that the author decided to make this into an actual novel ( I was left craving more)
And that ending......Fucking Glorious.
Edit- I recommend reading The Day The Sky Burned before jumping into this.
" You should be joyful in your suffering. “
Omg, so you ever read a book and then question your sanity??
I came across this book on kindle and decided to give it a go because of the blurb and the fact that it was short. Plus I didn’t want to jump into a new book because I was waiting on an ARC so I figured I’d have a little "fun read”.
Mind Blown!!!!!!!
Because What The Actual Fuck!!!
I’m not gonna give anything away because you NEED to go in blind but let me say this- if you want a DARK, TWISTED, HORRIFYING and MAKE YOU QUESTION YOUR RELIGION AND MORALS kind of book then I suggest this baby.
The storyline here is so unique and fucking brilliantly written It consumed me from chapter one. I never thought that this simple novella would of had this impact on me but here I am stuck in this dystopian world that Jennifer created. If she ever decides to continue this story I will definitely follow.
My only issue with the book is that I wished that the author decided to make this into an actual novel ( I was left craving more)
And that ending......Fucking Glorious.
Edit- I recommend reading The Day The Sky Burned before jumping into this.
May 1, 2019
I wanna use some choice words now.......biting my tongue here. No HEA, no happy at all and STILL I was unable to put it down. I read the original anthology story and all I thought then was......what???? Need something more, don't leave me hanging, and now we get that more.
Still no happy, but in a weird, I'm afraid I've been corrupted way, it satisfied me. Don't get me wrong, I still need more story, hoping for another......the short story prequel just whetted my appetite.
And have to remember to NOT read these at bedtime, I truly don't need the weird dreams this causes! But I will, won't be able to resist the next either, strange dreams or not!!
Definitely a very dark and disturbing 5 star read.
Still no happy, but in a weird, I'm afraid I've been corrupted way, it satisfied me. Don't get me wrong, I still need more story, hoping for another......the short story prequel just whetted my appetite.
And have to remember to NOT read these at bedtime, I truly don't need the weird dreams this causes! But I will, won't be able to resist the next either, strange dreams or not!!
Definitely a very dark and disturbing 5 star read.
September 5, 2019
Ho-lee shit. No. Nope. Nooooooooo.
This was well-written though. But still. NOOOOOOOOOOOO
This was well-written though. But still. NOOOOOOOOOOOO
May 7, 2019
Nightmare inducing reading!
This book narrates a travesty of holiness in painstaking detail. Women suffering unimaginable horrors, inflicted by so called priests.
One of them is picked out as special, used and abused, only to be revived again and again to repeat the suffering. This is a claustrophobic, hopeless tale! Someone mentions the Spanish Inquisition. That had a predictable end for the victims, this hasn't!
This is another of those books you love to hate.
And then we get a bonus, if you dare call it that!
The Day The Sky Burned
This is the prequel to Reign of Ruin.
With relentless precision Ms Bene narrates the development of mass hysteria that turns more and more oppressive with every chapter. This story begins in such a believably realistic environment that the veracity of it is frighteningly believable.
As always this author produces an utterly chilling piece of spine tingling horror.
This book narrates a travesty of holiness in painstaking detail. Women suffering unimaginable horrors, inflicted by so called priests.
One of them is picked out as special, used and abused, only to be revived again and again to repeat the suffering. This is a claustrophobic, hopeless tale! Someone mentions the Spanish Inquisition. That had a predictable end for the victims, this hasn't!
This is another of those books you love to hate.
And then we get a bonus, if you dare call it that!
The Day The Sky Burned
This is the prequel to Reign of Ruin.
With relentless precision Ms Bene narrates the development of mass hysteria that turns more and more oppressive with every chapter. This story begins in such a believably realistic environment that the veracity of it is frighteningly believable.
As always this author produces an utterly chilling piece of spine tingling horror.
May 1, 2019
So many of the wars and genocides in this world are based on religion and in Reign of Ruin it is religion that is at the heart of the evil being done to Danielle and all the other women being held with her. It is a dark, disturbing tale with no redeeming happy ending. There is one line that to me, was the crux of the story “All of it worse, much worse, because people had done it, just people. Humans.” It is without a doubt an uncomfortable read but it is also like watching a horror movie, you know it is scary but you can’t look away! I would read the prologue first as it helps explain what happened to Danielle, but the ending is yours to decide.
May 4, 2019
That story was EPIC!
OMG what Danielle endured with these corrupt and sadistic men! How did she survive the beatings, brutality, and the baptisms? She is the strongest heroine I have ever read about.
The day the sky burned was so apocalyptic and devastating. It's a great preview to Reign of Ruin but I'm so glad it was read after learning about what Danielle went through in Eden/Hell.
Jennifer Bene you are a master story teller! Your books always pull the reader in, sometimes kicking and screaming, but always invested!
OMG what Danielle endured with these corrupt and sadistic men! How did she survive the beatings, brutality, and the baptisms? She is the strongest heroine I have ever read about.
The day the sky burned was so apocalyptic and devastating. It's a great preview to Reign of Ruin but I'm so glad it was read after learning about what Danielle went through in Eden/Hell.
Jennifer Bene you are a master story teller! Your books always pull the reader in, sometimes kicking and screaming, but always invested!
April 30, 2019
I remember this book in a Anthology. But damn the author added to it and wow it’s just crazy! This book makes you question about religion and it’s dark, intense, sickening but I loved every page and it’s short too so it’s a fast read but amazing! I felt Danielle throughout the book the pain, the strength and in the end I was blown away. This is not a romance or happy ending but damn did I love it! 5/5 stars
May 14, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨
WARNING: There is no light, only darkness in this
book. It is a difficult read, yet addictive read! If you have triggers, I say proceed with caution!
Reign of Ruin is newly expanded from the previous version that was released in the Twisted Sacrament Anthology.
After first reading it in the anthology, I wanted more! Bene really sucked me in deeply with her writing and Danielle’s story! And I am so glad that she came out with Reign of Ruin and it’s prequel, The Day The Sky Burned!
I was always curious about Danielle and how she got into the situation that she did and what her life was like previous to what is now Eden!
Having said all that, this short story sets a creepy, dark tone right from the start. It’s shocking, disturbing and down right twisted in all the holy ways!
“There was no one holy within the walls of Eden.”
It's a dark journey with no light and seemingly no hope for anyone there. But Danielle in particular... She gets chosen and penetrated by the darkness over and over and over again.
“She wanted to forget ever being baptized in Eden.”
The corrupt, amoral, ‘religious’ men trying to spread and use the word of God to justify their actions, the abuse they inflict was unlike anything I’ve read before!
“How do you give your thanks?”
“With all of myself, Father.”
And even after all of it, Danielle is one bad-ass heroine! She goes through so much in this book and yet, in the end, gah! Perfection!
This is an intense, gripping, alluringly dark and twisted read! Turning the pages I couldn’t help but think, ‘OMG! What is going on? I need more!’ as I proceeded in turning the pages and devouring this book in one sitting!
The thing at the end, the it, the demon... it was hard to not like him! I don’t even know how to describe it, it’s something you’ll have to experience for yourself!
“You know more than before... you are more than before.”
Bene, I love your freaking mind!
Five dark and twisted dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
WARNING: There is no light, only darkness in this
book. It is a difficult read, yet addictive read! If you have triggers, I say proceed with caution!
Reign of Ruin is newly expanded from the previous version that was released in the Twisted Sacrament Anthology.
After first reading it in the anthology, I wanted more! Bene really sucked me in deeply with her writing and Danielle’s story! And I am so glad that she came out with Reign of Ruin and it’s prequel, The Day The Sky Burned!
I was always curious about Danielle and how she got into the situation that she did and what her life was like previous to what is now Eden!
Having said all that, this short story sets a creepy, dark tone right from the start. It’s shocking, disturbing and down right twisted in all the holy ways!
“There was no one holy within the walls of Eden.”
It's a dark journey with no light and seemingly no hope for anyone there. But Danielle in particular... She gets chosen and penetrated by the darkness over and over and over again.
“She wanted to forget ever being baptized in Eden.”
The corrupt, amoral, ‘religious’ men trying to spread and use the word of God to justify their actions, the abuse they inflict was unlike anything I’ve read before!
“How do you give your thanks?”
“With all of myself, Father.”
And even after all of it, Danielle is one bad-ass heroine! She goes through so much in this book and yet, in the end, gah! Perfection!
This is an intense, gripping, alluringly dark and twisted read! Turning the pages I couldn’t help but think, ‘OMG! What is going on? I need more!’ as I proceeded in turning the pages and devouring this book in one sitting!
The thing at the end, the it, the demon... it was hard to not like him! I don’t even know how to describe it, it’s something you’ll have to experience for yourself!
“You know more than before... you are more than before.”
Bene, I love your freaking mind!
Five dark and twisted dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
May 15, 2019
What can I say. When Jennifer Bene sets her mind to something, she whole heartedly jumps in with both feet and leaves us begging for more and this dark and disturbing extension of a tale written originally for the Twisted Sacrament anthology has me begging for more.
It seems Ms Bene has decided that REALLY dark is where she wants to focus on right now and when she asks if we (her fans) want to join her, my only reply can be 'hell yeah'. Although it may be dark and twisted, she has such a way about her writing and characters that sucks you in keeps you hooked until it wrings you from its dark clutches and spits you out begging for more.
Danielle's story is simply that. It's dark, emotive and holds on to you so tight that with the now extended epilogue and the great prequel, 'The Day The Sky Burned', this world has you shredded from the inside out from the darkness and bleakness of what the world could be. I don't do dystopian stories - it's simply not my thing - but there is such an edge and realism to this one that, for me, the setting is not what hooks me in but the simple fu*cked up nature of the story that Jennifer Bene is showing such a talent for.
It is dark. There is no HEA. It will hit you hard and leave you thinking long after the final page but for me, that's what makes Danielle's story the perfect read and one you certainly can't miss out on. I would recommend reading the prequel, 'The Day The Sky Burned' after Reign of Ruin - I don't know why but it seems much more fitting and thought provoking this way, despite it being a prequel! I hope that this glimpse into this dark dystopian world is just the beginning and look forward to seeing how dark Jennifer Bene can get as she continues to drag us to the dark side with her!
It seems Ms Bene has decided that REALLY dark is where she wants to focus on right now and when she asks if we (her fans) want to join her, my only reply can be 'hell yeah'. Although it may be dark and twisted, she has such a way about her writing and characters that sucks you in keeps you hooked until it wrings you from its dark clutches and spits you out begging for more.
Danielle's story is simply that. It's dark, emotive and holds on to you so tight that with the now extended epilogue and the great prequel, 'The Day The Sky Burned', this world has you shredded from the inside out from the darkness and bleakness of what the world could be. I don't do dystopian stories - it's simply not my thing - but there is such an edge and realism to this one that, for me, the setting is not what hooks me in but the simple fu*cked up nature of the story that Jennifer Bene is showing such a talent for.
It is dark. There is no HEA. It will hit you hard and leave you thinking long after the final page but for me, that's what makes Danielle's story the perfect read and one you certainly can't miss out on. I would recommend reading the prequel, 'The Day The Sky Burned' after Reign of Ruin - I don't know why but it seems much more fitting and thought provoking this way, despite it being a prequel! I hope that this glimpse into this dark dystopian world is just the beginning and look forward to seeing how dark Jennifer Bene can get as she continues to drag us to the dark side with her!
May 21, 2019
I read the prequel to this, The day the Sky Burned and I was completely intrigued, but very fearful for what was going to happen to Danielle. I was justified in my fear! This book is probably the darkest and most brutally graphic I've read, but I have to admit to being enthralled. I couldnt put the book down and stayed up very late until I had finished, despite the horror on the pages that made at times very difficult reading. The really scary thing is, I could actually see this kind of thing happening in reality. There are sadly enough psychopathic nutters in this world who would take that action and blame women (Eve) for the evil in the world all in the name of religion.
This book is absolutely not for the faint hearted or those on the fringes of liking it dark. It is violent, raw and full of the evil that can be human. There is no HEA, but there is something......something very compelling and intriguing. I am wary of calling it hope, but that ending has such potential with what happened to Danielle and who/what she was with.
Jennifer Bene certainly knows how to write a flowing story with depth and detail and isn't afraid to let the darkness out! I hope there is more coming from this world, this scary potential future, as I would love to know what happens to Danielle and "the other" in the aftermath of Eden.
This book is absolutely not for the faint hearted or those on the fringes of liking it dark. It is violent, raw and full of the evil that can be human. There is no HEA, but there is something......something very compelling and intriguing. I am wary of calling it hope, but that ending has such potential with what happened to Danielle and who/what she was with.
Jennifer Bene certainly knows how to write a flowing story with depth and detail and isn't afraid to let the darkness out! I hope there is more coming from this world, this scary potential future, as I would love to know what happens to Danielle and "the other" in the aftermath of Eden.
May 14, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
There is nothing before Eden. Just flashes of a time before Danielle woke up in chains, to be violated and broken. Over and over, and over. They say that God honors those who serve that each baptism is a gift, but all Danielle wants is to die. But Eden has other plans.
If you read The Day the Sky Burned before Reign of Ruin you will know that backstory of Danielle and her family and how she comes to be in Eden. It is in the back of the book and I would recommend reading it first then starting Reign of Ruin. The world as everyone knows it changed the day the sky started to burn. Politician and Priest alike blame it on Eve from the Garden of Eden and how she ate the apple God told them no to eat. Danielle finds herself in Eden which is where women and girls are taken. I don't know how I feel about the ending of this book and It is killing me to have no one to discuss it with but I like to think of it as a happy ending or as happy as it can be. This is a book filled with abuse and a misuse of Priests powers but then there is a power that is just mind blowing. This book is so good. I read it in one sitting. I so hope that Jennifer Bene decides to write more in this world and to this series.
There is nothing before Eden. Just flashes of a time before Danielle woke up in chains, to be violated and broken. Over and over, and over. They say that God honors those who serve that each baptism is a gift, but all Danielle wants is to die. But Eden has other plans.
If you read The Day the Sky Burned before Reign of Ruin you will know that backstory of Danielle and her family and how she comes to be in Eden. It is in the back of the book and I would recommend reading it first then starting Reign of Ruin. The world as everyone knows it changed the day the sky started to burn. Politician and Priest alike blame it on Eve from the Garden of Eden and how she ate the apple God told them no to eat. Danielle finds herself in Eden which is where women and girls are taken. I don't know how I feel about the ending of this book and It is killing me to have no one to discuss it with but I like to think of it as a happy ending or as happy as it can be. This is a book filled with abuse and a misuse of Priests powers but then there is a power that is just mind blowing. This book is so good. I read it in one sitting. I so hope that Jennifer Bene decides to write more in this world and to this series.
May 17, 2019
DARK and mind-boggling, tread carefully into this tale of woe . . .
“REIGN OF RUIN,” Jennifer Bene’s newest novella begins with a warning from the author. That warning should be taken seriously as what follows is in no way a romance. Chronologically following the apocalyptic short story, “THE DAY THE SKY BURNED” the events entailed by “REIGN OF RUIN” describe the torture and survival of Danielle in a world turned upside down, where mankind has devolved into place where perversion, pain, and punishment are exercised by those in power, in a world where no one is protected. Bene, with her consummate skill, weaves a world of words that was so evil, so perverted, that I could not look away as I persisted to look for a hope, any hope . . . . Perhaps showing more insight into the depravity and inhumanity that one human can show another, Bene reveals to her readers a “twisted . . . world” from what she calls her “twisted mind.” Like that video, accident, or tragedy from which one cannot turn away, “REIGN OF RUIN” has earned 5 STARS out of 5 despite its length, because Bene has woven an amazing story, with believable characters, set in a world that we all hope will never come to pass.
“REIGN OF RUIN,” Jennifer Bene’s newest novella begins with a warning from the author. That warning should be taken seriously as what follows is in no way a romance. Chronologically following the apocalyptic short story, “THE DAY THE SKY BURNED” the events entailed by “REIGN OF RUIN” describe the torture and survival of Danielle in a world turned upside down, where mankind has devolved into place where perversion, pain, and punishment are exercised by those in power, in a world where no one is protected. Bene, with her consummate skill, weaves a world of words that was so evil, so perverted, that I could not look away as I persisted to look for a hope, any hope . . . . Perhaps showing more insight into the depravity and inhumanity that one human can show another, Bene reveals to her readers a “twisted . . . world” from what she calls her “twisted mind.” Like that video, accident, or tragedy from which one cannot turn away, “REIGN OF RUIN” has earned 5 STARS out of 5 despite its length, because Bene has woven an amazing story, with believable characters, set in a world that we all hope will never come to pass.
May 15, 2019
This is not happy. This is not light. There is no happy in this world and definitely no light. This is Jennifer Bene's Eden, and it is definitely not where Adam and Eve hung out.
This book is post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and frightening af. The world that Danielle has found herself is in terrifying just because anything extreme can be scary, but the fact that it is so targeted at women makes it just plain OMFG, no.
I like Danielle. I think that she has to be strong in order to have survived everything that she's survived, and let me tell you, none of it was nice at all. She's spent who knows how many years living in the bowels of Eden, which may actually be the antechamber of Hell.
The idea of the baptisms and what she has to go through to get to them is just the worst thing ever. I mean, she knows that she's going to go through hell every time she wakes up there, and she's unmarked. I would pray for death too, if I were her.
I loved this book. I loved the world. I'm really, really, really glad that I don't live in it. I'm also really, really, really glad that Jennifer Bene was willing to go visiting to give it to us.
This book is post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and frightening af. The world that Danielle has found herself is in terrifying just because anything extreme can be scary, but the fact that it is so targeted at women makes it just plain OMFG, no.
I like Danielle. I think that she has to be strong in order to have survived everything that she's survived, and let me tell you, none of it was nice at all. She's spent who knows how many years living in the bowels of Eden, which may actually be the antechamber of Hell.
The idea of the baptisms and what she has to go through to get to them is just the worst thing ever. I mean, she knows that she's going to go through hell every time she wakes up there, and she's unmarked. I would pray for death too, if I were her.
I loved this book. I loved the world. I'm really, really, really glad that I don't live in it. I'm also really, really, really glad that Jennifer Bene was willing to go visiting to give it to us.
May 16, 2019
It so hard to say something when a book doesn’t offer a happy end.
Jennifer Bene always offers you an out before you digging, but all the warnings, bells or shout could ever prepare myself for how unprepared I was for this book, and I’m glad.
For so long, I’ve been reading books so predictable, safe and “happy” and sometimes diving in the dark makes you feel more appreciate about light.
Jennifer Bene writes with her core, soul and wicked mind, and every book leaves me breathless.
The Day the Sky Burned is a prequel of Rein of Ruin a let me tell you this precious little book is full of action packed on the go!!!
You can get a feel what was like before, what was a healthy life for Danielle, her family, boyfriend, and why life it is now.
Reign of Ruin is a new and expanded edition of Twisted Sacrament Anthology, and holy moly I love read all over again with extra spice on top of everything, my skin felt electric and alive reading this book, and I love every single bit of each passage.
I would love to give more, but won't be fair with others, but the only thing I suggest at the end of the book do something light, laugh, love and be kind.
All the Stars.
Jennifer Bene always offers you an out before you digging, but all the warnings, bells or shout could ever prepare myself for how unprepared I was for this book, and I’m glad.
For so long, I’ve been reading books so predictable, safe and “happy” and sometimes diving in the dark makes you feel more appreciate about light.
Jennifer Bene writes with her core, soul and wicked mind, and every book leaves me breathless.
The Day the Sky Burned is a prequel of Rein of Ruin a let me tell you this precious little book is full of action packed on the go!!!
You can get a feel what was like before, what was a healthy life for Danielle, her family, boyfriend, and why life it is now.
Reign of Ruin is a new and expanded edition of Twisted Sacrament Anthology, and holy moly I love read all over again with extra spice on top of everything, my skin felt electric and alive reading this book, and I love every single bit of each passage.
I would love to give more, but won't be fair with others, but the only thing I suggest at the end of the book do something light, laugh, love and be kind.
All the Stars.
May 15, 2019
Ya’ll ...
Sometimes, I worry about Jennifer Bene. Like, what the fuck happened to her to make her write such dark, twisted and utterly fucked up books?
Or, is her imagination just that brilliant?
I doubt I will ever get over this book. Like, I thought Breaking Beth hurt but this was way way more.
If you like sunshine and flowers and unicorns FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON’T READ THIS BOOK. Because while you would be horrified, I absolutely reveled in it. I devoured this book and couldn’t get enough.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not fucked up enough to not be horrified by some of the stuff. I was, but that’s exactly what makes me love it and love Jennifer’s writing. She isn’t afraid to go into the darkest corners and tell the stories that other authors are afraid of. And it makes me respect the hell out of her.
Also be warned that this does NOT have a happily ever after. But, if you have a dark soul like mine, this book is your soul mate.
100 stars!!
Sometimes, I worry about Jennifer Bene. Like, what the fuck happened to her to make her write such dark, twisted and utterly fucked up books?
Or, is her imagination just that brilliant?
I doubt I will ever get over this book. Like, I thought Breaking Beth hurt but this was way way more.
If you like sunshine and flowers and unicorns FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON’T READ THIS BOOK. Because while you would be horrified, I absolutely reveled in it. I devoured this book and couldn’t get enough.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not fucked up enough to not be horrified by some of the stuff. I was, but that’s exactly what makes me love it and love Jennifer’s writing. She isn’t afraid to go into the darkest corners and tell the stories that other authors are afraid of. And it makes me respect the hell out of her.
Also be warned that this does NOT have a happily ever after. But, if you have a dark soul like mine, this book is your soul mate.
100 stars!!
May 17, 2019
I first read this one in the Twisted Sacrament Anthology and I absolutely loved it. When I found out the story was going to be expanded, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed! This is not a romance in any sense of the word. It is dark, depraved, destructive, devastating, devious, and absolutely delicious. No idea why I used only words beginning with D... Reading this story is like looking at a train wreck; it's horrible but you can't look away. If it had been a movie I would have been watching it through the cracks of my fingers while I mostly covered my eyes. It reminds me of the terror I felt as a child when I was the last one in the basement and I had to run as fast as I could up the stairs so the monsters wouldn't get me. From beginning to end this one had my heart racing and I still can't get it out of my mind. There is no light in this one, but you still won't be able to put it down.
May 6, 2019
A new dark post apocalypse series by the talented Jennifer Bene. There is a short prequel called The Day the Sky Burned at the end of the book which explains the world and what let up to Eden and Danielle being taken. I recommend you read that first. It shows who quickly a society can change. It is eerie and frankly scary.
In Reign of Ruin We follow Danielle trying to survive in the hell called Eden. Jennifer Bene weaves together a dark, gritty tale of humans driven by religious fanaticism and pure depravement. The horrors that are being done to Danielle are indescribable, but she survives one minute at the time. Even in the darkest pits of hell, she holds on to a thread of hope.
I read this book the same way I watched The Long Night episode of GoT. In complete awe at Jennifer Bene talented of writing while hugging a pillow.
May 12, 2019
Danielle woke to a world gone mad and no memory of the past.
A world ruled by religious fanatics, a malignant, deformed twisted version of religion based on a bastardized form of the bible. It's flock made up of rapists, murderers, psycopaths and the lowest of the low. These members are founders of a religion based on hate, control and abuse in it's darkest most depraved forms. All of this aimed at women only, blamed for the ills of the planet and mankind.
There is no light, there is only more darkness to consume and control her. A darkness that takes her for it's own, offers power and a possibilty for freedom and revenge.......but at what cost... Does she have anything left to give, or has it all been taken from her.
Be warned this is a fantastic book but it will haunt you.
A world ruled by religious fanatics, a malignant, deformed twisted version of religion based on a bastardized form of the bible. It's flock made up of rapists, murderers, psycopaths and the lowest of the low. These members are founders of a religion based on hate, control and abuse in it's darkest most depraved forms. All of this aimed at women only, blamed for the ills of the planet and mankind.
There is no light, there is only more darkness to consume and control her. A darkness that takes her for it's own, offers power and a possibilty for freedom and revenge.......but at what cost... Does she have anything left to give, or has it all been taken from her.
Be warned this is a fantastic book but it will haunt you.
May 11, 2019
This book was something else. It was so vile, twisted, taboo, intense, dark, made me want to vomit and so dang good. I could not stop reading it. You know it's like when you see an accident on the freeway and you stop or slow down to watch it? That's what this book does to you. This extremely talented, imaginative author is not only one of my favorite authors, she is also one of my go to authors. I know that if I'm reading one of her books, I will get hooked and addicted! There are triggers and if you're bothered by them you might not want to read this book but, then again if you're crazy like me, you'll read it anyway. Lol.
May 15, 2019
This is a horror story when you read all poor Danielle goes through, over and over again. The world has been taken over by men taking over the church and use it to control all the women and destroys any man that doesn't join their cult. Poor Danielle goes through h*ll and keeps getting revived just to go through more. It's a dark story with no chance for being saved, until it happens in a very twisted way. I was happy that although the whole story was about the hopeless victims of the cult, there is a small chance at retribution in the end. I would be interested in seeing if Ms. Bene goes back to this world to give us more of what's happening now with Danielle.
May 21, 2019
First off there is No HEA, no happy at all in this book at all. It is the stuff nightmares are made of if read to close to bedtime and I was still unable to put it down. I found it to be dark, intense, and very sickening but I loved every page and because it is short it makes for a fast read. Definitely a very dark and disturbing 5 star read which makes you question everything you thought you knew about religion. and it’s dark, intense, sickening but I loved every page and it’s short too so it’s a fast read but amazing! I felt Danielle's the pain and strength throughout the book. Ms. Bene did it again with this one.
May 16, 2019
And once again Jennifer Bene has left me a little speechless and processing the story I just read. I am usually not a post apocalyptic kind of read girl but this one absolutely captured. The deep dark invested in people shook me to my core and my heart break 1000 times over for Danielle. And once the demon-not-demon character was introduced I was not putting this story down. This is absolutely an original story line that kept my attention and I would highly encourage this read if trigger issues and dark are your type of read.
Very well written.
Very well written.
July 26, 2020
Very Very Beautifully Dark
This book was very dark and brutally sex driven. At times it was erotic and dark. I am very interested in learning more about this dystopian society that Ms. Bene has created. I love ethereal creatures and angels and the like. Thanks for sharing your beautifully dark story. It is not for the faint at heart or persons with triggers. I love what Jennifer has done with this book and story line. It was worth all the 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟's! Please follow me on Twitter @964bookluvr
This book was very dark and brutally sex driven. At times it was erotic and dark. I am very interested in learning more about this dystopian society that Ms. Bene has created. I love ethereal creatures and angels and the like. Thanks for sharing your beautifully dark story. It is not for the faint at heart or persons with triggers. I love what Jennifer has done with this book and story line. It was worth all the 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟's! Please follow me on Twitter @964bookluvr
May 3, 2019
Oh my goodness now this was one hell of a story. It just got me so anxious through the whole time I was reading it I didn't even imagine what way this story was going. And I'm so happy that it made me enjoy it even with all this darkness and twisted that it was. And I'm definitely going to be reading the next one if there is more to come. I need to know what will become of Danielle and I might have a twisted mind too but for some reason I what her to be happy with you know who.
May 23, 2019
Holy Fuck! I was not expecting that,i love a dark read but this book was beyond anything i have ever read before and trust me i have read a lot of very dark books,but saying that i couldn't put this down,what does that say about about me as this was a brutal and violent story that was harrowing to read at times i must admit.
I am not sure i have the words what to say about this story and what i have just read other than it had me glued where you don't know what to believe and it makes you want to question religion as this was sickening in the graphic details through out, but saying that i loved every minuet of this story about Danielle.The strength that this girl had was amazing i was blown away as this doesn't have a happy ending at all but that did not put me off reading this book.
I can believe this happens somewhere in the world as religion is the root of all evil everywhere,and women are made to suffer unimaginable horrors by the people who you are supposed to trust, so called priests.This story is definitely not for the faint hearted as the evil and abuse that was inflicted on Danielle is brutal in the story telling,the detail that this author goes into she is not afraid to let out all the raw pain and darkness.
The bonus at the end The Day The Sky Burned you get a insight to what happened to Danielle before she was taken to Eden,this was highly additive read but if you have triggers this book is not for you.Five Dark Disturbing Stars.
I am not sure i have the words what to say about this story and what i have just read other than it had me glued where you don't know what to believe and it makes you want to question religion as this was sickening in the graphic details through out, but saying that i loved every minuet of this story about Danielle.The strength that this girl had was amazing i was blown away as this doesn't have a happy ending at all but that did not put me off reading this book.
I can believe this happens somewhere in the world as religion is the root of all evil everywhere,and women are made to suffer unimaginable horrors by the people who you are supposed to trust, so called priests.This story is definitely not for the faint hearted as the evil and abuse that was inflicted on Danielle is brutal in the story telling,the detail that this author goes into she is not afraid to let out all the raw pain and darkness.
The bonus at the end The Day The Sky Burned you get a insight to what happened to Danielle before she was taken to Eden,this was highly additive read but if you have triggers this book is not for you.Five Dark Disturbing Stars.
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