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Fae of the Saintlands #1
Heir of Ruin
A Hades and Persephone Fae Romance.
There’s no place for mercy in the palace of cruel fae...
Maia Delakore is her aunt’s secret weapon. With her snaresong magic, Maia twists the minds of the fae court, and smothers any resistance to the queen of the Vassal Empire’s reign. But when her aunt commands her to kill a fae prince, Maia refuses.
And flees into the arms of the crown’s worst enemy—the Sapphire Knight.
The crown will pay for what they did Azrail’s parents...
Azrail and his sister are all that’s left of a family framed for treason. As the Sapphire Knight, he and a small band of rebels wreak havoc on the queen’s plans, sparing those sentenced to death, and sneaking the hunted beastkind—shapeshifters with an animal form—out of the City of Skies. But when they save a young girl with a rare, powerful magic, Azrail and his friends are drawn into a plot laid by the saints themselves.
A plot that will draw Azrail and Maia together, sparking a love that will become legend.
Fantasy romance readers will devour this fated mates, enemies to lovers series inspired by Hades and Persephone, with a kickass princess, a snarky fae lord, a seductive prince, and a sweet jaguar shifter. Blood and Ash and Throne of Glass readers will fall in love with the Fae of The Saintlands.
This series is slow burn, but hot in later books, and has multiple love interests added throughout the series. 50,000 words.
There’s no place for mercy in the palace of cruel fae...
Maia Delakore is her aunt’s secret weapon. With her snaresong magic, Maia twists the minds of the fae court, and smothers any resistance to the queen of the Vassal Empire’s reign. But when her aunt commands her to kill a fae prince, Maia refuses.
And flees into the arms of the crown’s worst enemy—the Sapphire Knight.
The crown will pay for what they did Azrail’s parents...
Azrail and his sister are all that’s left of a family framed for treason. As the Sapphire Knight, he and a small band of rebels wreak havoc on the queen’s plans, sparing those sentenced to death, and sneaking the hunted beastkind—shapeshifters with an animal form—out of the City of Skies. But when they save a young girl with a rare, powerful magic, Azrail and his friends are drawn into a plot laid by the saints themselves.
A plot that will draw Azrail and Maia together, sparking a love that will become legend.
Fantasy romance readers will devour this fated mates, enemies to lovers series inspired by Hades and Persephone, with a kickass princess, a snarky fae lord, a seductive prince, and a sweet jaguar shifter. Blood and Ash and Throne of Glass readers will fall in love with the Fae of The Saintlands.
This series is slow burn, but hot in later books, and has multiple love interests added throughout the series. 50,000 words.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2021
451 people are currently reading
2305 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Kelsey
110 books494 followersLeigh Kelsey is the author of romance and reverse harem books for anyone with a soft spot for steely women and the tortured men who love them. No matter what stories she's writing - vampires or shifters or bad boys - they all share a common thread of love, heart, and action. She is the author of the Lili Kazana series, the Moonlight Inn series, the Dead Space stand alone, and the Blacktower Prison for Supernaturals series, plus many more books.
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May 22, 2025🎁Books 1-3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2021)! 🎁
July 11, 2022
Okay I liked this 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Very short but a great intro to what I hope is a fantastic series.
I’ll have more to say with book 2 I hope as this book was mostly just laying down the groundwork for this story.
The realm: I’m liking it.
The characters: love a good band of misfits.
The problem/plot: lots of subplots have formed already in the book so I’m curious to see how they all come together.
I am mad at myself for picking a slow-burn, but it’s okay. I love a good tease.
Very short but a great intro to what I hope is a fantastic series.
I’ll have more to say with book 2 I hope as this book was mostly just laying down the groundwork for this story.
The realm: I’m liking it.
The characters: love a good band of misfits.
The problem/plot: lots of subplots have formed already in the book so I’m curious to see how they all come together.
I am mad at myself for picking a slow-burn, but it’s okay. I love a good tease.
April 12, 2021
When I saw the cover and read the synopsis for this book, I was super excited; I love books inspired by gods and goddesses. Not that I was disappointed, but it was more Robin Hood and maid Marian than Hades and Persephone.
Though slow, this book definitely lays the foundation for the series. We are introduced to many key characters as well as the world and society in which the book takes place. We are given snippets of information to piece together as well as truths and revelations, but not enough to figure anything out. And we are left with so many questions that the reader will come back wanting more. There is violence, cohesion, magic, shifters, fae, assassinations and attempts, disappearances, deception, sorrow and vengeance. As for romance and sex... this is definitely a slow, slow-burn story. But once trust is established, I think the heat will be explosive.
I look forward to reading the next book.
Though slow, this book definitely lays the foundation for the series. We are introduced to many key characters as well as the world and society in which the book takes place. We are given snippets of information to piece together as well as truths and revelations, but not enough to figure anything out. And we are left with so many questions that the reader will come back wanting more. There is violence, cohesion, magic, shifters, fae, assassinations and attempts, disappearances, deception, sorrow and vengeance. As for romance and sex... this is definitely a slow, slow-burn story. But once trust is established, I think the heat will be explosive.
I look forward to reading the next book.
April 11, 2021
My god i literally dont know where to start with this book as theres so much going on in it! Princess Maia (FMC) is at the mercy of her aunt the Queen Ismere. She uses her special power of Snaresong to control the minds of whoever she wants to use. Maia for most of this book believes in her aunts ways until a chance meeting with Azrail has her trying to find out whats true herself. Plot twists, dark characters, sexual tension and plenty of action this first book in this series has it all. That cliffhanger ending just made my jaw drop it was that good!!! Bring on book 2 because this one was bloody good
April 14, 2021
This is the first book in the series, one you need to read, so many things going on in the story, Aztrail and Maia, brilliant characters. Written in a fast pace with a very slow burn romance that will have you on edge. The story will grab you from the start, the world-building is amazing, the characters very well developed and there are so many elements that build into the story that you will definitely be looking forward to reading them all. Definitely ending with a cliffy that you will be begging for the next one. Kudos to Leigh Kelsey she left me with a book hangover.
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April 10, 2021
It's been a long time since I have been drawn into a fae realm that is so magical, dark and real. It's a fully emersive experience reading Heir of Ruin and I loved it.
Our FMC Maia is the Princess of the Vassal Empire but in her reality she is the right hand of the Queen her aunt Ismene. She is weiled as a weapon and forced to use her snairsong to get the queen exactly what she wants otherwise she'll face torturous consequences.
Maia's growth through this 1st book is great and builds a solid foundation for her to soar in the future. She goes from being a scared girl to an empowered young women who knows she can do better, she can be better than the withered diseased person she is at the beginning.
We meet the 3 MMC's and get a back story to each of them. Azrail or the Sapphire Knight, the leader of the rebellion against Maias aubts injustice. Az is the only one who we see show feelings for our FMC with a heated passionate kiss when she discovers his hidden identity.
Kheir is introduced as a gorgeous, strong, caring Prince who comes to build an alliance with Maias aunt but ends up being tortured when things don't go according to anyone's plans however this is a pivotal moment for Maia as this helps cement her growth as a worthy FMC.
Jaro we meet through Az as they are "family" and work together to help their people through the horrific injustice they face. Jaro although beautiful in indentured to work in the pillow houses for Lords and Ladies... but his kindness shines through his actions.
I cant wait to see how they all come together, how their relationships develop and if the guys will accept Maia easily or not??? Will theu save the empire, who will stand with them or will they be forced to run and turn on each other?
Our FMC Maia is the Princess of the Vassal Empire but in her reality she is the right hand of the Queen her aunt Ismene. She is weiled as a weapon and forced to use her snairsong to get the queen exactly what she wants otherwise she'll face torturous consequences.
Maia's growth through this 1st book is great and builds a solid foundation for her to soar in the future. She goes from being a scared girl to an empowered young women who knows she can do better, she can be better than the withered diseased person she is at the beginning.
We meet the 3 MMC's and get a back story to each of them. Azrail or the Sapphire Knight, the leader of the rebellion against Maias aubts injustice. Az is the only one who we see show feelings for our FMC with a heated passionate kiss when she discovers his hidden identity.
Kheir is introduced as a gorgeous, strong, caring Prince who comes to build an alliance with Maias aunt but ends up being tortured when things don't go according to anyone's plans however this is a pivotal moment for Maia as this helps cement her growth as a worthy FMC.
Jaro we meet through Az as they are "family" and work together to help their people through the horrific injustice they face. Jaro although beautiful in indentured to work in the pillow houses for Lords and Ladies... but his kindness shines through his actions.
I cant wait to see how they all come together, how their relationships develop and if the guys will accept Maia easily or not??? Will theu save the empire, who will stand with them or will they be forced to run and turn on each other?
April 6, 2025
2.5 — Maia é uma personagem dotada de um poder importante, ela consegue tecer armadilhas mentais e distorcer a percepção dos feéricos ao seu redor. No entanto, esse dom é menos uma bênção e mais uma prisão, usado cruelmente por sua tia — a Rainha de Vassal — como ferramenta de manipulação e conquista. Cada falha de Maia, cada hesitação, é paga com castigos severos.
O livro não explica direito como esse poder funciona. Alguns fae são afetados, outros não, e ninguém entende por quê. E a pergunta que não quer calar: por que ela não usa esse poder contra a própria tia, que tortura ela desde criança?!
Outra coisa que me incomodou muito foi o fato de a Maia ser extremamente crédula. Ela aceita tudo que dizem, não questiona nada, e parece totalmente resignada com um destino que claramente não gosta. E nem passa pela cabeça dela que algo pode estar errado. Sério, dá vontade de sacudir a personagem. Ela acredita na tia até o fim do livro praticamente, mesmo com todo o histórico de abuso.
O único personagem que me deu uma pontinha de esperança foi o Cavaleiro Safira, que parece ser o único com alguma profundidade. Mas até ele é meio confuso — tipo, ok, ele quer se rebelar contra o Reino de Vassal, mas por quê exatamente?
E por que a tia da Maia tá matando faes “traidores”? O que eles fizeram de fato? Essas motivações políticas ficaram completamente vagas.
O "insta love" entre os dois personagens nem me incomodou por existir problemas demais no resto do enredo. No fim das contas, o livro tem várias pontas soltas que me deixaram frustrada. Foram quase 200 páginas que demorei uma semana pra ler, porque o ritmo é arrastado e a história simplesmente não empolgou. O final até dá uma sensação de que talvez a história melhore nos próximos volumes, mas sinceramente? Tô na dúvida se vale o esforço de continuar a saga.
O livro não explica direito como esse poder funciona. Alguns fae são afetados, outros não, e ninguém entende por quê. E a pergunta que não quer calar: por que ela não usa esse poder contra a própria tia, que tortura ela desde criança?!
Outra coisa que me incomodou muito foi o fato de a Maia ser extremamente crédula. Ela aceita tudo que dizem, não questiona nada, e parece totalmente resignada com um destino que claramente não gosta. E nem passa pela cabeça dela que algo pode estar errado. Sério, dá vontade de sacudir a personagem. Ela acredita na tia até o fim do livro praticamente, mesmo com todo o histórico de abuso.
O único personagem que me deu uma pontinha de esperança foi o Cavaleiro Safira, que parece ser o único com alguma profundidade. Mas até ele é meio confuso — tipo, ok, ele quer se rebelar contra o Reino de Vassal, mas por quê exatamente?
E por que a tia da Maia tá matando faes “traidores”? O que eles fizeram de fato? Essas motivações políticas ficaram completamente vagas.
O "insta love" entre os dois personagens nem me incomodou por existir problemas demais no resto do enredo. No fim das contas, o livro tem várias pontas soltas que me deixaram frustrada. Foram quase 200 páginas que demorei uma semana pra ler, porque o ritmo é arrastado e a história simplesmente não empolgou. O final até dá uma sensação de que talvez a história melhore nos próximos volumes, mas sinceramente? Tô na dúvida se vale o esforço de continuar a saga.
April 12, 2021
This story moves along very quickly as exciting events unfold during a critical period in Vassalaer. Many lies are exposed but the queen is too powerful for any revolt or even complaint. The dungeon is full of those who protested, and extensive trafficking and sale into bondage is bringing wealth to the queen and royalty.
A daring rescue from the executioner of Siofra by Azrail, Zamanya, Jaromir, and Evrille and escape. Azrail is determined to bring down the queen and hopes Siofra's saintslight will help his cause. Maia, the queen's niece, is attracted to him but would like to put him into the dungeon as a traitor, if only she knew his secret identity as the Sapphire Knight. Maia is used by the queen to control people's thoughts to get their agreement in her nefarious schemes. Escaping a harrowing meeting where she is commanded to kill Prince Kheir, she literally runs into Azrail and almost swoons. They feel immediate attraction for each other. Maia frees the prince from the dungeon he was sent to after refusing the queen's wishes to increase the slave trade. The badly injured prince ends up with Jaromir and Evrille. Maia has a horribly traumatic experience with the queen that triggers her rage, but there is a terrifying encounter with Etziel that does not end well. The book ends on an apologetic 'sliiiightly evil' cliffhanger.
A daring rescue from the executioner of Siofra by Azrail, Zamanya, Jaromir, and Evrille and escape. Azrail is determined to bring down the queen and hopes Siofra's saintslight will help his cause. Maia, the queen's niece, is attracted to him but would like to put him into the dungeon as a traitor, if only she knew his secret identity as the Sapphire Knight. Maia is used by the queen to control people's thoughts to get their agreement in her nefarious schemes. Escaping a harrowing meeting where she is commanded to kill Prince Kheir, she literally runs into Azrail and almost swoons. They feel immediate attraction for each other. Maia frees the prince from the dungeon he was sent to after refusing the queen's wishes to increase the slave trade. The badly injured prince ends up with Jaromir and Evrille. Maia has a horribly traumatic experience with the queen that triggers her rage, but there is a terrifying encounter with Etziel that does not end well. The book ends on an apologetic 'sliiiightly evil' cliffhanger.
April 19, 2023
Heir of Ruin is the first book in the Fae of the Saintlands series written by Author Leigh Kelsey. In the first book we are introduced to the character of Mai Delakore, a princess, with the ability to ensnare minds through her song magic. When her Aunt, the Queen, commands Mai to use her magic to kill a prince, she refuses and flees before she is punished for her disobedience. Mai seeks refuge with Azrail, a fae lord who is known as the Sapphire Knight and who challenges the Queen at every opportunity to thwart her death sentence punishments and hunting of the beastkind, part human and part animal. This is a story of romance, magic and fate.
I enjoyed reading Heir of Ruin although admittedly it did take me a little while to get into, but as the pace and plot gathers momentum I was gripped and eagerly turning the pages. The story does end on a cliffhanger and so readers will definitely want to have Book Two to hand to continue where the excitement left off.
There is a fascinating range of characters, all are believable and readers will look forward to seeing each one develop over the course of this series. The dialogue is credible and throughout the book the point of view mostly switches between the characters of Mai and Azrail. There are no significant editorial issues to distract the reader from the story.
Highly recommended and I award 4.5 stars.
I enjoyed reading Heir of Ruin although admittedly it did take me a little while to get into, but as the pace and plot gathers momentum I was gripped and eagerly turning the pages. The story does end on a cliffhanger and so readers will definitely want to have Book Two to hand to continue where the excitement left off.
There is a fascinating range of characters, all are believable and readers will look forward to seeing each one develop over the course of this series. The dialogue is credible and throughout the book the point of view mostly switches between the characters of Mai and Azrail. There are no significant editorial issues to distract the reader from the story.
Highly recommended and I award 4.5 stars.
April 8, 2021
Maia Delakore is a princess with enormous magical abilities, her aunt Ismene, is queen of the Vassal Empire. The queen uses Maia's snaresong magic to influence anyone who would oppose her reign. Maia found out very young that to refuse he queen's orders isn't an option. Azrail has another identity. He is known by some as the Sapphire Knight. He and his younger sister were forced to flee for the court when their parents were accused of treason, and executed. With a few close friends the siblings save as many of the beastkind, and others sentenced to death the queen, and help them leave the city.
I loved these characters. I especially liked how the author was able to offer glimpses of each of them, and their back stories as they were introduced. I found them compelling, and authentic in their reactions to on-going circumstances, and realistic in their reactions to one another. Magic, exciting action, in a dark plot filled with surprising twists kept me engrossed in this book. I was blown away by this authors skill in building a world I found absolutely fascinating. I couldn't put it down!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I loved these characters. I especially liked how the author was able to offer glimpses of each of them, and their back stories as they were introduced. I found them compelling, and authentic in their reactions to on-going circumstances, and realistic in their reactions to one another. Magic, exciting action, in a dark plot filled with surprising twists kept me engrossed in this book. I was blown away by this authors skill in building a world I found absolutely fascinating. I couldn't put it down!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 11, 2022
Maia is a princess to the outside world, but inside the castle walls she's her aunt's biggest weapon. When secrets start to unravel and Maia starts to realise her aunt is even more cruel than she thought, she reaches a point in life where she has to choose: her safety or her soul...
I wasn't sure how to rate this first book in the "Fae of the Saintlands" series. Three quarters of this book were focussed on character and world building, and while it was well written, I felt like I was reading the prequel before the story would start. By the end of the book though, I realised I was starting to get really invested and now I'm dying to start the next book. So I'm gonna stick with four stars because that's how the biggest part of the book felt like, but I have to admit the last part of the book was closer to a five star rating. The author absolutely wet my appetite to find out more about these characters, their connections and the rest of the series.
I wasn't sure how to rate this first book in the "Fae of the Saintlands" series. Three quarters of this book were focussed on character and world building, and while it was well written, I felt like I was reading the prequel before the story would start. By the end of the book though, I realised I was starting to get really invested and now I'm dying to start the next book. So I'm gonna stick with four stars because that's how the biggest part of the book felt like, but I have to admit the last part of the book was closer to a five star rating. The author absolutely wet my appetite to find out more about these characters, their connections and the rest of the series.
April 12, 2023
Heir Of Ruin
Fae of the Saintlands #1
Fantasy
Leigh Kelsey
⭐️⭐️.5
This was a short read but the pacing was very slow at the beginning.
I liked the characters but I think some of them need more development. Maia is forced to use her abilities by her aunt, Queen Ismene, but she soon learns that everything she has been taught is not necessarily the truth. Azrail is trying to help as many people as he can while struggling with what happened to his parents.
I think the book would benefit from being longer because the most interesting parts happened in the last 20% or so. I found everything before that slightly boring.
The world building is OK but I think the descriptions of the magic system itself need to be more detailed.
I'm not sure if I'll continue this series yet but if I do, it'll only be to see if Maia survived or not.
Fae of the Saintlands #1
Fantasy
Leigh Kelsey
⭐️⭐️.5
This was a short read but the pacing was very slow at the beginning.
I liked the characters but I think some of them need more development. Maia is forced to use her abilities by her aunt, Queen Ismene, but she soon learns that everything she has been taught is not necessarily the truth. Azrail is trying to help as many people as he can while struggling with what happened to his parents.
I think the book would benefit from being longer because the most interesting parts happened in the last 20% or so. I found everything before that slightly boring.
The world building is OK but I think the descriptions of the magic system itself need to be more detailed.
I'm not sure if I'll continue this series yet but if I do, it'll only be to see if Maia survived or not.
February 10, 2022
That cover is one major piece of art and im digging the vibe it gives me, its an exsplosion of beautiful reds and then mixxed with the gold letters am loving it so very much.
Loved the Decication chuckled at that!
I loved the artworks at the start of each chapter by the end of the book i figgert out that those equel a Pov! It was a nice surprise, as i adore more then 1 pov!
I loved this book alot!!
The world building is amazing so many details to absorb, sometimes a little tomuch.
The characters are EPIC ive fallrn in live with Maia and the rest
I very much enjoyd this book
And i cant wait to see Maia interact more closely with Azrial, Jaro and Kheir and the rest of their gang.
4 beautiful stars for this beautiful book
Loved the Decication chuckled at that!
I loved the artworks at the start of each chapter by the end of the book i figgert out that those equel a Pov! It was a nice surprise, as i adore more then 1 pov!
I loved this book alot!!
The world building is amazing so many details to absorb, sometimes a little tomuch.
The characters are EPIC ive fallrn in live with Maia and the rest
I very much enjoyd this book
And i cant wait to see Maia interact more closely with Azrial, Jaro and Kheir and the rest of their gang.
4 beautiful stars for this beautiful book
April 7, 2021
This book was so well written and executed! There's so much packed into this first in series, and I love that the chapters were points of view between numerous characters, giving so much more depth and perceptive to the plot. This being slow burn didnt deter me, and I really enjoyed watching the buildup of the romance that being insinuated in the coming book. Theres a good backstory formed throughout the book. But theres still elements of mystery to the back stories, which just makes the story all the more tangible. This book does leave the reader with one heck of a cliff hanger, but it's perfect for this story honestly. It's an excellent read and I am excited for what's next.
June 21, 2021
Absolutely loved it
This is a real world building book which has plenty of mystery thrown in. I really love how well designed each kingdom and place is and that you actually get a real feeling for it without being too in your face or getting overly long. The characters are each very different from one another and you definitely get a good picture of each one of them. I really love that it had multiple PoV too (is it still pov in third person it is right?) anyway it has different focuses on different characters. Normally I struggle with third person books but I was so engaged with this book I barely even realised it. Bring on book 2!
This is a real world building book which has plenty of mystery thrown in. I really love how well designed each kingdom and place is and that you actually get a real feeling for it without being too in your face or getting overly long. The characters are each very different from one another and you definitely get a good picture of each one of them. I really love that it had multiple PoV too (is it still pov in third person it is right?) anyway it has different focuses on different characters. Normally I struggle with third person books but I was so engaged with this book I barely even realised it. Bring on book 2!
August 11, 2022
Overall, this series is amazing, definitely being added to my top list of favs 👌🏼
Kelsey is not stingy with the details AT ALL! We have proper chapters dedicated to smut and it’s worth every word. I find a lot of scenes are repeated through smutty books and it gets boring, and sometimes even group activities seem cheesy and far fetched, but Kelsey you have CHANGED THE GAME. I’m all for this soft romance between Jaro and Maia, it’s so pure and my heart swells 15 sizes each time I read a scene of them together 🥺😍 I’m in love.
This series is offered up as an enemies-to-lovers romance and while I can’t deny that fact, I feel it’s a little more “instant attraction and fighting feelings” more than E-to-L.
Kelsey does a fantastic job of getting into Az’s head and showing us how his trauma responses are making him act the way he does and she’s definitely got her finger on some Mental Health issues. I will say, I am not a fan of Az and imagining him as a redeemable character is hard, but that’s also the beauty in Kelsey’s work, she evokes so many strong emotions from me and I absolutely love a book/series that can grip me so thoroughly - also, she’s a much kinder person than me (if he didn’t value his gift and broke it then threw it out, I’d say he didn’t deserve to get that gift back) 🤷🏽♀️
I made it through 3 books in 3 days and it was fantastic, but when I got to book 4, I kinda just got bored…. The last two books in the series are about double the length of the first two, and when we got all that extra info in book 3 I was excited but it kinda got repetitive and yeah :( maybe I’ll find that motivation to go back and finish the series cause I’m curious about these dark saints, I’m just not a fan of how the FMC feels weak and weepy after her rescue. I get it, she went through something traumatic and she has every right to act like that, but idk… I’ll figure out what it is
Kelsey is not stingy with the details AT ALL! We have proper chapters dedicated to smut and it’s worth every word. I find a lot of scenes are repeated through smutty books and it gets boring, and sometimes even group activities seem cheesy and far fetched, but Kelsey you have CHANGED THE GAME. I’m all for this soft romance between Jaro and Maia, it’s so pure and my heart swells 15 sizes each time I read a scene of them together 🥺😍 I’m in love.
This series is offered up as an enemies-to-lovers romance and while I can’t deny that fact, I feel it’s a little more “instant attraction and fighting feelings” more than E-to-L.
Kelsey does a fantastic job of getting into Az’s head and showing us how his trauma responses are making him act the way he does and she’s definitely got her finger on some Mental Health issues. I will say, I am not a fan of Az and imagining him as a redeemable character is hard, but that’s also the beauty in Kelsey’s work, she evokes so many strong emotions from me and I absolutely love a book/series that can grip me so thoroughly - also, she’s a much kinder person than me (if he didn’t value his gift and broke it then threw it out, I’d say he didn’t deserve to get that gift back) 🤷🏽♀️
I made it through 3 books in 3 days and it was fantastic, but when I got to book 4, I kinda just got bored…. The last two books in the series are about double the length of the first two, and when we got all that extra info in book 3 I was excited but it kinda got repetitive and yeah :( maybe I’ll find that motivation to go back and finish the series cause I’m curious about these dark saints, I’m just not a fan of how the FMC feels weak and weepy after her rescue. I get it, she went through something traumatic and she has every right to act like that, but idk… I’ll figure out what it is
April 8, 2021
Shappire Knight!!! 😍🔥
OK so, I was just blown up by this fantastic, action-packed, dark, twisted, magical installment!!! 😳🤯
It starts slowly, as the first chapters build the premise for this story but, please, keep going and you will totally fall in love with Azrail and Maia, the original world and dark mysterious plot Leigh has created for this amazing new series, even the side characters 😍😍😍
And that cliffy, saints!!!... I'm dying for the next book!!! 😩😭
Oh and, just so you know, Azrail is mine, already licked him!!! 😁
Go get your copy now!!! 🥰
OK so, I was just blown up by this fantastic, action-packed, dark, twisted, magical installment!!! 😳🤯
It starts slowly, as the first chapters build the premise for this story but, please, keep going and you will totally fall in love with Azrail and Maia, the original world and dark mysterious plot Leigh has created for this amazing new series, even the side characters 😍😍😍
And that cliffy, saints!!!... I'm dying for the next book!!! 😩😭
Oh and, just so you know, Azrail is mine, already licked him!!! 😁
Go get your copy now!!! 🥰
April 16, 2021
As the first book of the series, it laid a lot of groundwork for a very interesting world. It started a bit slow but quickly sped up until it’s suddenly conclusion.
This was a very quick quick and a very slow burn, but I didn’t mind at all. The author introduced us to a new world with new characters and lore. Told back and forth between POVs, we really got to know the characters, their struggles and their strengths.
I hope the next book starts right where this book left off, I’m dying to see what becomes of that final interaction. Plus, hopefully, a reunion and a big reveal.
This was a very quick quick and a very slow burn, but I didn’t mind at all. The author introduced us to a new world with new characters and lore. Told back and forth between POVs, we really got to know the characters, their struggles and their strengths.
I hope the next book starts right where this book left off, I’m dying to see what becomes of that final interaction. Plus, hopefully, a reunion and a big reveal.
April 11, 2021
This book was fantastic. I finished it in one sitting as I could not put it down no matter what. It moves along at a great pace making for an enjoyable read. The characters are amazing and you cant help but love them and you want to be there for them to help them no matter what they have to do. The story will grab you and keep you turning pages from beginning to end. This book needs to be on your TBR list, no doubt about it.
April 14, 2021
I adored this retelling of Hades and Persephone! It has a nice twist to the story and I really enjoyed the uniqueness. The story is a slow burn but it feels like the story moves at a great pace. There's action, drama and romance. The characters are wonderful, giving me lots to dream about! The world building is phenomenal, it makes your imagination go wild. It's such a beautiful read, I really enjoyed everything about it!
April 23, 2021
Heir Of Ruin by Leigh Kelsey is Book 1 of the Fae Of The Saintlands series. The world building and character development are exceptional. The storyline is interesting. The author has packed a lot of back story of the characters as well as the rule of the queen that you do not want to stop turning pages. There is quite a cliffhanger ending that only makes you want to know more. This is an excellent first in series. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
June 21, 2021
Truly Terrific 🥰
Ok so this is my first of Leigh Kelseys work and I can confirm it will not be my last!! Such a great starter to this series 😄
I’m also not normally a massive fan of slow burn but the story, character depth and works build have definitely kept me intrigued.
I really felt for Maia and hope to god something good comes from that cliffie at the end!
Look forward to finishing our more about the back story to Azrail and his friends.
Can’t wait for the next one 😍
Ok so this is my first of Leigh Kelseys work and I can confirm it will not be my last!! Such a great starter to this series 😄
I’m also not normally a massive fan of slow burn but the story, character depth and works build have definitely kept me intrigued.
I really felt for Maia and hope to god something good comes from that cliffie at the end!
Look forward to finishing our more about the back story to Azrail and his friends.
Can’t wait for the next one 😍
June 4, 2025
Four extremely glorious stars for this one!!
I loved it. The vibes? Immaculate. The pacing? Fast in the best way. The characters? Already have me hooked. My only complaint — and I say this lovingly — is that it was TOO SHORT. I needed more!! But that’s why there’s a book two… right?? RIGHT?
I’m fully in. The moment I finished book one I immediately bought book two. Don’t talk to me — I’ll be busy devouring it.
I loved it. The vibes? Immaculate. The pacing? Fast in the best way. The characters? Already have me hooked. My only complaint — and I say this lovingly — is that it was TOO SHORT. I needed more!! But that’s why there’s a book two… right?? RIGHT?
I’m fully in. The moment I finished book one I immediately bought book two. Don’t talk to me — I’ll be busy devouring it.
April 12, 2021
I loved this book! Especially the fact it was inspired from a thread, so loved how and came into the story at the end of the book. I can't wait to see where it is going to go next with the characters. Now the the FMC has had her eyes fully opened and her life is all up in the air we'll see what she is now capable alongside the group
May 25, 2025
This was a fun setup for the series. It read like half a first act, so quite short, but did a good job of establishing most of the important characters. The first half is mostly Maia's indecision, but it turned into a great story once she decided to act. Once the action and relationships picked up it was a fun read. I dowloaded book 2 right after, so I'm eager to read the whole series.
January 4, 2026
I think the world building was fairly decent and the storytelling was a good start. We didn't really delve into the magic system yet beyond the fmc. Not seeing the Hades & Persephone connections at all. Also, a bit annoyed that it took the whole book basically for anything to start happening and then when it did she was like "great, come back for book 2!" *and* that I actually kinda do want to come back for the next book. It's not currently on KU though so IDK if I actually will. 🤷♀️🙄🫤
April 7, 2021
Just finished reading this and must admit Im hooked, who is az really as he feels like someone important and omg i love maia she soooo spunky and amazing.
Can't wait to read the next book now and thanks for the cliffhanger lol
Can't wait to read the next book now and thanks for the cliffhanger lol
April 9, 2021
I'm Addicted to this series! I just love Maia. She has suffered so much but enougth is enougth. She has to make a stand even if it Kills her. The Blue Knigth migth help her but he doesn't know who She trully is. And the Prince? Such an honerable great guy! I just can't wait for the next book.
April 10, 2021
Damn the cliff hanger and ending girl, can't wait for the next book.. this one captivated me so much that when it finished I was like god damn it.. I need more... Highly recommend this book and this author I always enjoy Leigh's books
April 11, 2021
Wow again from This author yet another great book and start to a series ! Loving the characters and falling in love with Az ! Can’t wait for the next book and yes..... was abit of an evil cliffhanger Hehhehe bit soo good ! Hurry up next book so in an find out what happens ... I need to know !!
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