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Twisted Mythos #1
Muse of Ruin
Calliope
My life is built on broken promises and a consuming need for retribution.
Tartarus, a forgotten hole in the ground, a city overflowing with crime and filth. There are no gods here, only wicked, entitled men.
The city is my hunting ground. The predators I once feared die on the end of my blades.
The Titans threaten my mission the moment our paths cross. Three formidable opponents awaken a hunger in me that's hard to ignore.
I have to kill them, take back what's mine, and punish them for what they've done, but what if part of me wants to keep my new toys rather than break them?
No one will stop me from completing my vision, especially not The Titans.
The Titans
We hunt a serial killer but never expected to find her holding the knife.
She is breathtakingly beautiful, sinfully violent, and perfectly suited for the streets of Tartarus. Most importantly, her blood is extremely valuable.
Zeus' vendetta is old and twisted; he'll do anything to get his hands on what we found. He'll come for her, but we'd rather burn Tartarus to the ground than hand her over.
She may be dangerous, but she will bow before us even if we have to force her to her knees.
Calliope doesn't want our protection. But she's going to pay for it. Muse of Ruin is a why-choose, steamy, enemies-to-lovers, dark romance. It is strictly intended for an audience over the age of 18. Due to the book's extremely dark nature, some readers may find the contents triggering.
No cheating or cliffhangers. The characters will continue throughout the rest of the series, but this book can be read as a standalone.
My life is built on broken promises and a consuming need for retribution.
Tartarus, a forgotten hole in the ground, a city overflowing with crime and filth. There are no gods here, only wicked, entitled men.
The city is my hunting ground. The predators I once feared die on the end of my blades.
The Titans threaten my mission the moment our paths cross. Three formidable opponents awaken a hunger in me that's hard to ignore.
I have to kill them, take back what's mine, and punish them for what they've done, but what if part of me wants to keep my new toys rather than break them?
No one will stop me from completing my vision, especially not The Titans.
The Titans
We hunt a serial killer but never expected to find her holding the knife.
She is breathtakingly beautiful, sinfully violent, and perfectly suited for the streets of Tartarus. Most importantly, her blood is extremely valuable.
Zeus' vendetta is old and twisted; he'll do anything to get his hands on what we found. He'll come for her, but we'd rather burn Tartarus to the ground than hand her over.
She may be dangerous, but she will bow before us even if we have to force her to her knees.
Calliope doesn't want our protection. But she's going to pay for it. Muse of Ruin is a why-choose, steamy, enemies-to-lovers, dark romance. It is strictly intended for an audience over the age of 18. Due to the book's extremely dark nature, some readers may find the contents triggering.
No cheating or cliffhangers. The characters will continue throughout the rest of the series, but this book can be read as a standalone.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2023
283 people are currently reading
2139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 9, 2023
This debut novel was everything! A dark enemies to lovers reverse harem. Do you love the villain more than the hero? Then this book is for you because it has zero hero’s and all the villains. The plot was absolutely amazing! The characters were hot! The spice was everything! It had all the twists and turns. I was laughing so hard at times. Some definite if you know you know situations. It was hard to even put this book down and I’m sad it’s over. Atlas will live rent free in my mind forever. Definitely check the trigger warnings before you dive in though.
January 6, 2023
This book is delicious! It is so dark and sexy. I loved the guys, each of them was so unique and I truly felt I loved each of them equally by the end. This is a vast of ALL villians so get ready for a wild ride. I truly LOVED Calliope and the Titans! Beautifully written, but not overdone. I cannot wait to read more from this author, particularly this series!!
October 25, 2024
SO MUCH potential (female serial killer 🫶🏼) but quickly fell short for me :/
This is basically just torture porn ya’ll and if that’s what you’re looking for, great, you’ve found it, but I’m personally so bored of this trend. Throwing rape, sexual assault, and gratuitous depictions of torture into a book and calling it dark romance ain’t always the way.
Anyway, I started skimming around 60% and I can say with confidence I don’t feel like I missed anything. Callie started out wonderfully, she was strong and focused, but completely lost her chill when the three hot dudes showed up. To say I was disappointed would be putting it mildly. Just a little more build up to all the fucking, just a little more backbone on our FMC and this could have been GREAT.
PS: How did Cron Cron even have time to have 50 kids? Mister man was BUSY.
PPS: If you’re a safety girlie ⚠️ one of the MMC has sex with another woman (described in graphic detail across multiple pages) after meeting the FMC
This is basically just torture porn ya’ll and if that’s what you’re looking for, great, you’ve found it, but I’m personally so bored of this trend. Throwing rape, sexual assault, and gratuitous depictions of torture into a book and calling it dark romance ain’t always the way.
Anyway, I started skimming around 60% and I can say with confidence I don’t feel like I missed anything. Callie started out wonderfully, she was strong and focused, but completely lost her chill when the three hot dudes showed up. To say I was disappointed would be putting it mildly. Just a little more build up to all the fucking, just a little more backbone on our FMC and this could have been GREAT.
PS: How did Cron Cron even have time to have 50 kids? Mister man was BUSY.
PPS: If you’re a safety girlie ⚠️ one of the MMC has sex with another woman (described in graphic detail across multiple pages) after meeting the FMC
January 12, 2023
I was so excited when I first saw this book and it definitely did not disappoint.
I immediately found myself loving Callie. I thought she was such a strong, fierce character and I wanted to know her story. I loved that she didn't take any crap from anyone and found a way to deal with the things that she had been through.
I also really liked all three of the guys. It took a little while for me to warm up to Atlas but when I did, I absolutely loved him. All three guys brought an interesting dynamic to the relationship and I loved where the relationship ended up in the end.
The story was intriguing and I surprisingly never guessed the twists. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing and I loved all the twists and turns the story had.
Exceptional work. I cannot wait to read more from the author.
I immediately found myself loving Callie. I thought she was such a strong, fierce character and I wanted to know her story. I loved that she didn't take any crap from anyone and found a way to deal with the things that she had been through.
I also really liked all three of the guys. It took a little while for me to warm up to Atlas but when I did, I absolutely loved him. All three guys brought an interesting dynamic to the relationship and I loved where the relationship ended up in the end.
The story was intriguing and I surprisingly never guessed the twists. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing and I loved all the twists and turns the story had.
Exceptional work. I cannot wait to read more from the author.
January 13, 2023
This book was absofreakinglutely AMAZING!!!!!!! I loved the characters, the storyline, and the ending. There was one name that kept throwing me every time I tried to pronounce it because yall know I'm slow. So I just shortened it to make it easier for me lol. I fell in love with the darkness of the characters and story. This couldn't have been a better read!! Job well done Stephanie!!! 👏🏽
July 11, 2024
Another one where they’re portrayed as good guys because ‘kids are off limits’ (but not grown women apparently) and they saved sex slaves but turn around and make Callie their sex slave?? Where is the logic?? But it’s ok because her body reacts?? That’s what everyone’s does to sexual stimulation??
Literal rape porn.
DNF 33%
Literal rape porn.
DNF 33%
January 22, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
MFC: loved Callie!
MMC(s): really loved all three, but Perses is my fav. 😍
Plot: 3/5
Book cover: 5/5
Would I buy a physical copy?: Yup!
This is exactly what I’m looking for when I read dark romance. 🤌🏻💋✨ I want the men doing questionable shit, and Atlas, Perses and Lenantos did just that. 😮💨
Callie is a bad ass who has a soft side for those in need. My heart hurt for her when she realized just how alone she really was in this world, and locked herself in her head. But Atlas bringing her back?? It was everything.
Things moved quickly between them, which fit the pacing of the story! Perses wanted to kill her on sight, Atlas was intrigued, yet cautious and Lenantos knew immediately that she was theirs. I loved it all so much, especially the kitchen scene between Perses and Callie. 🤤 also, I lowkey thought Pan was going to be added to our harem for a quick second, not gonna lie. Figured his “payment” would’ve been a taking a shot at Callie. 👀
Everything was tied up nicely by the end, even if it was a bit sad for everyone at the realization that they’d all been fooled the whole time. 😬
My only complaint would be the epilogue, I wish it was years out instead of months but I liked seeing their relationship blossom even more and what they had done for their city in a short amount of time!
*check the TW!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
MFC: loved Callie!
MMC(s): really loved all three, but Perses is my fav. 😍
Plot: 3/5
Book cover: 5/5
Would I buy a physical copy?: Yup!
This is exactly what I’m looking for when I read dark romance. 🤌🏻💋✨ I want the men doing questionable shit, and Atlas, Perses and Lenantos did just that. 😮💨
Callie is a bad ass who has a soft side for those in need. My heart hurt for her when she realized just how alone she really was in this world, and locked herself in her head. But Atlas bringing her back?? It was everything.
Things moved quickly between them, which fit the pacing of the story! Perses wanted to kill her on sight, Atlas was intrigued, yet cautious and Lenantos knew immediately that she was theirs. I loved it all so much, especially the kitchen scene between Perses and Callie. 🤤 also, I lowkey thought Pan was going to be added to our harem for a quick second, not gonna lie. Figured his “payment” would’ve been a taking a shot at Callie. 👀
Everything was tied up nicely by the end, even if it was a bit sad for everyone at the realization that they’d all been fooled the whole time. 😬
My only complaint would be the epilogue, I wish it was years out instead of months but I liked seeing their relationship blossom even more and what they had done for their city in a short amount of time!
*check the TW!
June 12, 2023
Amazing Debut!
By day Calliope stands behind her shop counter selling her sandwiches and pastries to her customers who have no idea what she does at night . Callie is a one woman bada$$ who takes out the scum who hurt women and children the paedophiles and those who run human trafficking. She tries to keep off The Titans radar they run Tartarus, until the night she can’t and takes out one of their people and now she in their sights they are coming for her . Stephanie Hurst is a baby author this is her debut book and it’s so so good I stayed up half the night to finish it . Callie is so sarcastic to Perses , Atlas and Lelantos at times she had me snickering and from the start it’s a hate to love , love to hate between them all.
Muse of RuinStephanie Hurst
By day Calliope stands behind her shop counter selling her sandwiches and pastries to her customers who have no idea what she does at night . Callie is a one woman bada$$ who takes out the scum who hurt women and children the paedophiles and those who run human trafficking. She tries to keep off The Titans radar they run Tartarus, until the night she can’t and takes out one of their people and now she in their sights they are coming for her . Stephanie Hurst is a baby author this is her debut book and it’s so so good I stayed up half the night to finish it . Callie is so sarcastic to Perses , Atlas and Lelantos at times she had me snickering and from the start it’s a hate to love , love to hate between them all.
Muse of RuinStephanie Hurst
January 19, 2023
"Why take her to our torture room if all you intended to give her was a paper cut."
When I found out this was the first novel by this author I was absolutely floored, the way she tells a story makes me think she's been doing this all of her life. So much thought was put into every aspect of this story, from the characters, the relationships between them, the mystery, even the little details about buildings and vehicles is perfection. There are a lot of dark themes to this story but every one is an important piece of each character involved. It's not dark for the sake of being dark.
Calliope, Lelantos, Perses and Atlas have a lot to learn and work through in this story but we as readers get to learn about them at the same time. There are times when that information is hard to swallow (IYKYK) but necessary for the progression of this story.
Thank you Stephanie for sharing this story with us, your readers, I honestly can't wait until the next installment of this world.
When I found out this was the first novel by this author I was absolutely floored, the way she tells a story makes me think she's been doing this all of her life. So much thought was put into every aspect of this story, from the characters, the relationships between them, the mystery, even the little details about buildings and vehicles is perfection. There are a lot of dark themes to this story but every one is an important piece of each character involved. It's not dark for the sake of being dark.
Calliope, Lelantos, Perses and Atlas have a lot to learn and work through in this story but we as readers get to learn about them at the same time. There are times when that information is hard to swallow (IYKYK) but necessary for the progression of this story.
Thank you Stephanie for sharing this story with us, your readers, I honestly can't wait until the next installment of this world.
January 16, 2023
Oh! My! God! How is this your debut novel? I can’t express how much I absolutely adored this book! I devoured it! I love me a dark romance… Throw in RH, which makes it even better… make the FMC a bad@ss instead of a damsel in distress & swoon! Definitely top 10 favorite books of all time now. This is going on my reread list for years to come.
Absolutely fantastic! 100/5 stars and the spice was pristine 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Absolutely fantastic! 100/5 stars and the spice was pristine 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
August 9, 2024
If I remember correctly, there is a scene where one of the MMCs sleeps with an escort to blow off some steam because he can’t have the h yet… and while he’s screwing the OW, he’s imagining the h, and she never finds out about this.🤡😠
I don’t even know why i finished this book last year and wasted my time on it😔
I don’t even know why i finished this book last year and wasted my time on it😔
January 24, 2023
I've found my new favorite book🫠
RATING⭐️: 5/5
TYPE📖: reverse harem, enemies to lovers
PLOT✏️: 5/5
SPICE🌶: 5/5
⚠️triggers⚠️
-cnc
-murder
-blood play, knife play
-mentions of pedophilia
-rape
Calliope is trying to rid the city of Tartarus of scum; she is killing bad people and leaving her mark on them. One night, she makes a move that changes her life forever. The Titans hear of this and quickly set their sights on her. She will pay for what she has done.
The Titans consist of Atlas (the cold hearted leader), Perses (the fighter), and Lelantos (the eyes and ears of the city).
Once they have Calliope where they want her, they can't kill her. So, they decide to test their luck and see how far they can go.
Calliope is looking for a way out, but the chemistry between all 4 of them is undeniable. Why should she escape when they feel like home? Why should she choose, when she can have them all?
MY THOUGHTS💭:
I was hooked from page one. Callie is a badass; she walks with her head held high, even with all of the shit she's been through. Truly admirable.
The world building in this book made me feel like I was living in it. The author did an amazing job at setting the scene, leaving no details out.
This book was hot🔥. The author can DEFINITELY write spice🌶. I've yet to give a book a 5/5 for spice, but this one deserves it. Alot of books get repetitive, but not this one!
The plot???? Fucking beautiful. I DEVOURED this book in a few hours. I truly could not put it down. The twists and turns kept me hooked. Just when I thought shit was cooling down, BAM! Another bomb drops. It all makes for a cohesive book that answers all my questions.
This is a 5 star read for me, through and through. I can't wait to see what else Stephanie puts out there!
RATING⭐️: 5/5
TYPE📖: reverse harem, enemies to lovers
PLOT✏️: 5/5
SPICE🌶: 5/5
⚠️triggers⚠️
-cnc
-murder
-blood play, knife play
-mentions of pedophilia
-rape
Calliope is trying to rid the city of Tartarus of scum; she is killing bad people and leaving her mark on them. One night, she makes a move that changes her life forever. The Titans hear of this and quickly set their sights on her. She will pay for what she has done.
The Titans consist of Atlas (the cold hearted leader), Perses (the fighter), and Lelantos (the eyes and ears of the city).
Once they have Calliope where they want her, they can't kill her. So, they decide to test their luck and see how far they can go.
Calliope is looking for a way out, but the chemistry between all 4 of them is undeniable. Why should she escape when they feel like home? Why should she choose, when she can have them all?
MY THOUGHTS💭:
I was hooked from page one. Callie is a badass; she walks with her head held high, even with all of the shit she's been through. Truly admirable.
The world building in this book made me feel like I was living in it. The author did an amazing job at setting the scene, leaving no details out.
This book was hot🔥. The author can DEFINITELY write spice🌶. I've yet to give a book a 5/5 for spice, but this one deserves it. Alot of books get repetitive, but not this one!
The plot???? Fucking beautiful. I DEVOURED this book in a few hours. I truly could not put it down. The twists and turns kept me hooked. Just when I thought shit was cooling down, BAM! Another bomb drops. It all makes for a cohesive book that answers all my questions.
This is a 5 star read for me, through and through. I can't wait to see what else Stephanie puts out there!
February 3, 2023
ARC Review
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Muse of Ruin is a dark enemies to lovers “why choose” romance. It follows Calliope Jones as she cleans up the seedy streets of Tartarus in her own way…with knives. She unfortunately catches the wrong kind of attention while on her mission and ends up being captured by the men who she recently set out to take down: The Titans. The men find themselves enthralled with her while trying their damndest to keep her at arms length with secrets, while she plots to take them down. Nothing stays hidden for long in Tartarus.
Callie…is an absolute bad ass. She’s headstrong and resilient. She’s been through a hella lot in her life and the hits keep coming. She’s fueled on vengeance alone and she is taking down anything in her way. Her inner monologue cracked me up throughout the entire book. The guys, Atlas, Perses, and Lelantos, all have very different personalities and approaches to gain Callie’s affection (or wrath) and it works very well for them all. They will stop at nothing to protect her once they decide they are all in. And the spice…off the charts.
This book was very action packed with a strong plot and several plot twists even I didn’t see coming. I really loved the modern day setting, but with oh so many nods to Greek mythology (one of my weaknesses). I wouldn’t have believed it was a debut if I didn’t know. It grabs you from the first scene in the prologue and holds your attention throughout all of their ventures.
This is a dark romance and contains many things some would find triggering. Check the TW before reading. Most are in the book and a full list is on the authors website.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Muse of Ruin is a dark enemies to lovers “why choose” romance. It follows Calliope Jones as she cleans up the seedy streets of Tartarus in her own way…with knives. She unfortunately catches the wrong kind of attention while on her mission and ends up being captured by the men who she recently set out to take down: The Titans. The men find themselves enthralled with her while trying their damndest to keep her at arms length with secrets, while she plots to take them down. Nothing stays hidden for long in Tartarus.
Callie…is an absolute bad ass. She’s headstrong and resilient. She’s been through a hella lot in her life and the hits keep coming. She’s fueled on vengeance alone and she is taking down anything in her way. Her inner monologue cracked me up throughout the entire book. The guys, Atlas, Perses, and Lelantos, all have very different personalities and approaches to gain Callie’s affection (or wrath) and it works very well for them all. They will stop at nothing to protect her once they decide they are all in. And the spice…off the charts.
This book was very action packed with a strong plot and several plot twists even I didn’t see coming. I really loved the modern day setting, but with oh so many nods to Greek mythology (one of my weaknesses). I wouldn’t have believed it was a debut if I didn’t know. It grabs you from the first scene in the prologue and holds your attention throughout all of their ventures.
This is a dark romance and contains many things some would find triggering. Check the TW before reading. Most are in the book and a full list is on the authors website.
January 9, 2023
4.5 🌟
First and foremost, check the trigger warnings on this one, you’re going to need them.
Holy shit y’all…the author does NOT waste any time because this book hits the ground running and it doesn’t stop until the end! Callie is such a badass, that I am in awe of her. Seriously, the shit that she has been through in her life would cause most people to just go rock in a corner. But Callie refuses to let her past make her weak and instead she uses it to fuel her and her mission. I’m not going to lie, I was totally sitting here with a little evil grin when she caught the attention of Atlas, Perses, and Lelantos, aka The Titans. Then I was cackling every time they ended up shocked because they had underestimated her. I love, love, love how Callie kept the guys on their toes. And the guys…oh man, each of them have their own distinct things that I absolutely love about them, but I have to say that I think Lelantos stole my heart in this one.
I honestly have no recollection of signing up for this arc, but I’m so glad that I did. I stayed on the edge of my seat while reading this book and couldn’t put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next. Add in the fact that it’s a why choose with an array of personalities for the guys, and the greek mythology aspect and I was totally here for this book. I’m shocked, SHOCKED I TELL YOU, that this is Stephanie Hurst’s debut novel. With the way this one turned out, I can’t wait to see what she’s going to do next.
First and foremost, check the trigger warnings on this one, you’re going to need them.
Holy shit y’all…the author does NOT waste any time because this book hits the ground running and it doesn’t stop until the end! Callie is such a badass, that I am in awe of her. Seriously, the shit that she has been through in her life would cause most people to just go rock in a corner. But Callie refuses to let her past make her weak and instead she uses it to fuel her and her mission. I’m not going to lie, I was totally sitting here with a little evil grin when she caught the attention of Atlas, Perses, and Lelantos, aka The Titans. Then I was cackling every time they ended up shocked because they had underestimated her. I love, love, love how Callie kept the guys on their toes. And the guys…oh man, each of them have their own distinct things that I absolutely love about them, but I have to say that I think Lelantos stole my heart in this one.
I honestly have no recollection of signing up for this arc, but I’m so glad that I did. I stayed on the edge of my seat while reading this book and couldn’t put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next. Add in the fact that it’s a why choose with an array of personalities for the guys, and the greek mythology aspect and I was totally here for this book. I’m shocked, SHOCKED I TELL YOU, that this is Stephanie Hurst’s debut novel. With the way this one turned out, I can’t wait to see what she’s going to do next.
January 9, 2023
I absolutely love trying new authors. Sometimes you get coal, and sometimes you get a diamond. This was a diamond!
First off, make sure you're aware of the triggers, because they are thick and heavy in this book!. But as long as you can get past that it is a definite must read.
It is based in some mythology, but brought into a contemporary world setting. So don't be mistaken, and think you're going to get the gods them selves as we know them from mythology. Because you will be disappointed. That being said.
Our FMC is beyond a badarse. She has been through so much in her life, and is a bit of an avenging Angel, without giving away the story. She protects the innocent in a city of evil. The city is ran by The Titans and Zeus. The Titans are three seriously attractive human males. Atlas, Lelantos, and Peses. Each holding a different district of Tartarus. Each very different in their own right. The Titans work together.
Sometimes enemies can become more, and other times enemies are just that, enemies.
Circumstances lead to Calliope being forced to cook for The Titans. Which starts out really bad for them lol. But when certain things come up, they learn to work together for the betterment of Tartarus, which leads to them falling in love in their own twisted way lol.
First off, make sure you're aware of the triggers, because they are thick and heavy in this book!. But as long as you can get past that it is a definite must read.
It is based in some mythology, but brought into a contemporary world setting. So don't be mistaken, and think you're going to get the gods them selves as we know them from mythology. Because you will be disappointed. That being said.
Our FMC is beyond a badarse. She has been through so much in her life, and is a bit of an avenging Angel, without giving away the story. She protects the innocent in a city of evil. The city is ran by The Titans and Zeus. The Titans are three seriously attractive human males. Atlas, Lelantos, and Peses. Each holding a different district of Tartarus. Each very different in their own right. The Titans work together.
Sometimes enemies can become more, and other times enemies are just that, enemies.
Circumstances lead to Calliope being forced to cook for The Titans. Which starts out really bad for them lol. But when certain things come up, they learn to work together for the betterment of Tartarus, which leads to them falling in love in their own twisted way lol.
January 19, 2023
I wish I could give this book more than 5 Stars on its ingenuity and creativeness. To be able to mix current times and greek mythology so seamlessly is a true talent. Stephanie brought the Gods of the past to our present, and made them relatable yet untouchable.
Each of these characters had their own spark and chemistry with the others. Calliope was such a fierce and strong FMC that it makes you almost want to be just like her. Lelantos and Perses... OMG... these two had such fire and yet bite! But Atlas... the way Stephanie brings Atlas to life in this book make me want to go back and read all I can about him and how he came to be!
The fact that this book is her debut novel, just makes it that much more astonishing! The flow and angst along with the intrigue and Twists through out... I cannot wait for the next book now.
This story comes with a laundry list of TW's so make sure you read them if you need to. I went in almost blind because I have no triggers! And if you're like me... this book is a MUST READ for any and all Dark Romance Readers! A MUST READ!!!! The spice and the intrigue... you are missing out if you pass this one by!
Each of these characters had their own spark and chemistry with the others. Calliope was such a fierce and strong FMC that it makes you almost want to be just like her. Lelantos and Perses... OMG... these two had such fire and yet bite! But Atlas... the way Stephanie brings Atlas to life in this book make me want to go back and read all I can about him and how he came to be!
The fact that this book is her debut novel, just makes it that much more astonishing! The flow and angst along with the intrigue and Twists through out... I cannot wait for the next book now.
This story comes with a laundry list of TW's so make sure you read them if you need to. I went in almost blind because I have no triggers! And if you're like me... this book is a MUST READ for any and all Dark Romance Readers! A MUST READ!!!! The spice and the intrigue... you are missing out if you pass this one by!
January 21, 2023
I hate the term serial killer because it sounds too trivial. Artist is more appropriate, and Graham just became piece number twenty-five.
A delicious debut novel. I devoured this in 1 day!
Calliope works through her childhood demons by ending the scum who thrive on depravity and filth. Her hunting ground the crime ridden city of Tartarus. When her path crosses with The Titans, leaders of Tartarus, she loses everything she has. Determined to end them and take back what is hers she must push aside the urge to become their play thing.
The Titans never expected to find the beautifully violent psycho at the end of the blade that has been leaving bodies dead in the streets. They especially didn't expect to find a link from her to an old vendetta with Zues. Zues will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Titans new play thing.
PLOT
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
SPICE
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Graphic Violence
Human Trafficking
SA
KINKS
Somnophilia
Knife play
Bondage
"The second she drew blood, mine to be precise, she deserved death."
A delicious debut novel. I devoured this in 1 day!
Calliope works through her childhood demons by ending the scum who thrive on depravity and filth. Her hunting ground the crime ridden city of Tartarus. When her path crosses with The Titans, leaders of Tartarus, she loses everything she has. Determined to end them and take back what is hers she must push aside the urge to become their play thing.
The Titans never expected to find the beautifully violent psycho at the end of the blade that has been leaving bodies dead in the streets. They especially didn't expect to find a link from her to an old vendetta with Zues. Zues will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Titans new play thing.
PLOT
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
SPICE
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Graphic Violence
Human Trafficking
SA
KINKS
Somnophilia
Knife play
Bondage
"The second she drew blood, mine to be precise, she deserved death."
January 11, 2023
Oh my. Now, this is a dark RH romance I needed. This book hooked me from the very beginning. Muse of Ruin is Stephanie's debut novel, but you would never be able to tell. It is such a well written novel and flows well.
If you love an anti-hero, then I have several for you. Atlas, Lelantos, and Perses are 3 men bonded in brotherhood ruling their city where Calliope resides. Calliope is the sassy, fierce FMC. I loved seeing her strength, resilience, and inner dialogue. She catches the attention of the Titans by committing a crime against one of their men in their territory. The novel speeds up with shocking twists, action-packed scenes, and spice. When I say spice, I mean absolute spice. This book had me heartbroken, laughing, and in love with the characters.
Checking the TW/CW is a must for this book.
I absolutely loved the depth of the characters and in detail world building. I can't wait to read more of Stephanie's work.
If you love an anti-hero, then I have several for you. Atlas, Lelantos, and Perses are 3 men bonded in brotherhood ruling their city where Calliope resides. Calliope is the sassy, fierce FMC. I loved seeing her strength, resilience, and inner dialogue. She catches the attention of the Titans by committing a crime against one of their men in their territory. The novel speeds up with shocking twists, action-packed scenes, and spice. When I say spice, I mean absolute spice. This book had me heartbroken, laughing, and in love with the characters.
Checking the TW/CW is a must for this book.
I absolutely loved the depth of the characters and in detail world building. I can't wait to read more of Stephanie's work.
January 21, 2023
Oh. My. Gosh!!! Stephanie Hurst absolutely killed it with “Muse of Ruin,” a dark and spicy why choose? romance featuring a serial killer FMC and the three men who fall for her. I thought this book was absolutely amazing; the world building was excellent and I was hooked from the very first page. Callie, the FMC, was bold and snarky, and I loved that she was more than capable of looking after herself. As for her men, I loved them all for separate reasons. Atlas was darkly sadistic, but he also would do anything for the people he cares about. Perses was extremely charismatic and arrogant, but it’s all part of his charm. And Lelantos was kind and funny, and I loved his protective streak. All in all, this book was incredible… 5 freaking stars!!!
January 22, 2023
Dark and steamy! This story is amazing, well written, and has characters that I fell in love with immediately! I cannot wait to read more by this author.
There are no heroes, just villains with a code. Calliope is a force to be reckoned with. Her life experience has created a rage filled monster with a thirst for blood. When her path collides with The Titans things really combust. Never before has she met anyone with the capacity to get under her skin the way these three do. Even though she has declared them her enemies and plans to end them but time with them makes her question if that intent remains.
There are multiple triggers in this book including human trafficking, non-consensual sex, and violence.
There are no heroes, just villains with a code. Calliope is a force to be reckoned with. Her life experience has created a rage filled monster with a thirst for blood. When her path collides with The Titans things really combust. Never before has she met anyone with the capacity to get under her skin the way these three do. Even though she has declared them her enemies and plans to end them but time with them makes her question if that intent remains.
There are multiple triggers in this book including human trafficking, non-consensual sex, and violence.
January 7, 2023
I love finding new author talent and this hits all my needs. RH dark romance where you fall for the villains. The FMC is kick ass and takes care of business with her knife skills. MMC's are so hot and all have very distinctive "likes" 🥵. The spice is amazing as well as the dirty talk. But what makes this even better is the story! It keeps you invested and throws curve balls that will keep you guessing to the end. Could not put it down as the pace of the story kept me going.
Well done Stephanie Hurst! I'll be looking out for the next release.
Well done Stephanie Hurst! I'll be looking out for the next release.
January 22, 2023
Is there anything wrong with being a little bit ruined?!
This book has all the dark twisty villains we love to love…. Calliope has the worst start to life, but her world is going to get completely turned upside down! And how could you go wrong with not 1, not 2, but 3 enemies to lovers?! This book kept me on the edge of my seat, dying for more. One of those books that you can’t put down, because each chapter begs you to read “just another chapter!”
This book has all the dark twisty villains we love to love…. Calliope has the worst start to life, but her world is going to get completely turned upside down! And how could you go wrong with not 1, not 2, but 3 enemies to lovers?! This book kept me on the edge of my seat, dying for more. One of those books that you can’t put down, because each chapter begs you to read “just another chapter!”
March 18, 2023
We love a strong&independed woman
This is the only book I actually believe should have been in a series of atleast two more books!!
I need more of Calliope and her Titans! I need even more of her sister. Is book "Muse of Fear" about her sister?? I hope so!
This book kinda have insta-love and I'm not sure why the author only use greek names.. I thought it was a fantasy at first lmao!
5/5⭐️
4,5/5📝
3,5/5🌶
This is the only book I actually believe should have been in a series of atleast two more books!!
I need more of Calliope and her Titans! I need even more of her sister. Is book "Muse of Fear" about her sister?? I hope so!
This book kinda have insta-love and I'm not sure why the author only use greek names.. I thought it was a fantasy at first lmao!
5/5⭐️
4,5/5📝
3,5/5🌶
January 8, 2023
Fantastic!
What a roller coaster of a read! I was on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down!! There was action, suspense, steam and a whole lot of crazy. The story is told in multiple POVs so we get to hear from the guys as well. Calliope is such a badd*ss FMC. Together her and her men fit perfectly.
I loved it!!
What a roller coaster of a read! I was on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down!! There was action, suspense, steam and a whole lot of crazy. The story is told in multiple POVs so we get to hear from the guys as well. Calliope is such a badd*ss FMC. Together her and her men fit perfectly.
I loved it!!
January 10, 2023
I was unable to put down the book from page one. I have to say that even with all the triggers (which if you have any check them out before reading this) was unbelievable! I loved the Greek mythology feel of this book. There are so many scenes from the book that will definitely replay in my head but I will definitely reread this again until the next one comes out!
January 29, 2023
This book had the anti-heroes I didn't know I needed. I truly did not want to put it down once I started. Atlas, Perses, and Lelantos are delicious and Calliope is so well written. I can't wait to see what Hurst comes out with next.
August 7, 2025
Just... no💀
This book really missed the mark for a why choose standalone. There was no real plot development, and at just over 300 pages, it simply didn’t have the space to flesh out the relationships or the story.
The romance? Felt forced almost nonexistent. The MMCs supposedly fall in love with her in what... a week? Maybe? The book doesn’t give a clear timeline, and it shows. There’s no emotional build-up, no gradual relationship development, just instant attachment that doesn't feel earned.
And the FMC being a notorious serial killer? That was supposed to be a huge part of her identity, but the moment the guys come into the picture, she suddenly becomes tame. It felt completely unconvincing, like her entire character was rewritten just to make the romance work.
The plot twist at the end? Rushed and underwhelming. For a why-choose with four love interests, it needed way more pages and way better pacing. What we got instead was surface-level everything, with the focus thrown almost entirely on the spice and not much else.
Not enough time to explore the FMC’s darker side, not enough time to build the relationships, and definitely not enough time to develop the actual plot.
This book really missed the mark for a why choose standalone. There was no real plot development, and at just over 300 pages, it simply didn’t have the space to flesh out the relationships or the story.
The romance? Felt forced almost nonexistent. The MMCs supposedly fall in love with her in what... a week? Maybe? The book doesn’t give a clear timeline, and it shows. There’s no emotional build-up, no gradual relationship development, just instant attachment that doesn't feel earned.
And the FMC being a notorious serial killer? That was supposed to be a huge part of her identity, but the moment the guys come into the picture, she suddenly becomes tame. It felt completely unconvincing, like her entire character was rewritten just to make the romance work.
The plot twist at the end? Rushed and underwhelming. For a why-choose with four love interests, it needed way more pages and way better pacing. What we got instead was surface-level everything, with the focus thrown almost entirely on the spice and not much else.
Not enough time to explore the FMC’s darker side, not enough time to build the relationships, and definitely not enough time to develop the actual plot.
July 22, 2023
Warning ⚠️
If you belong to the new Overly Sensitive ppl, fuck off!
This book is not for you.
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you enjoyed Den of Vipers, you will LOVE this dark and delicious tale of ETL & RH.
The FMC is strong as fuck, and broken in all the right ways.
The world is sinful, and the characters have depth.
It's really well written!
I'm a little bummed out that the next book is about her sister instead of continuing the story of Calli.
-but I'm still looking forward to it.
If you belong to the new Overly Sensitive ppl, fuck off!
This book is not for you.
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you enjoyed Den of Vipers, you will LOVE this dark and delicious tale of ETL & RH.
The FMC is strong as fuck, and broken in all the right ways.
The world is sinful, and the characters have depth.
It's really well written!
I'm a little bummed out that the next book is about her sister instead of continuing the story of Calli.
-but I'm still looking forward to it.
January 17, 2023
Okay, I have to start by saying that when I applied to join the Arc team I think I skipped the part where it said it was a reverse harem novel, I just remember reading that it was mythology related, and I said: I'm in. So, imagine my surprise when I found out the reality.🤣🤣
Once I got over the initial shock, you have to know that this book hooked me from the beginning, the story has some very deep and dark themes, but very well tackled. The book has many unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning page after page without feeling it and trying to guess what was coming next. Callie is an off the charts female protagonist, I loved her wild and spunky personality. I loved that she was sassy. And with the Titans, I absolutely loved them🔥🔥🔥, I had a little trouble seeing eye to eye with Atlas at first, but by the end I loved him.
Overall, I loved the depth of the characters and the world building. I can't wait to keep reading more from the author.
And I think I should have started with this, but check the trigger warnings before you start reading it. 🙊
Once I got over the initial shock, you have to know that this book hooked me from the beginning, the story has some very deep and dark themes, but very well tackled. The book has many unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning page after page without feeling it and trying to guess what was coming next. Callie is an off the charts female protagonist, I loved her wild and spunky personality. I loved that she was sassy. And with the Titans, I absolutely loved them🔥🔥🔥, I had a little trouble seeing eye to eye with Atlas at first, but by the end I loved him.
Overall, I loved the depth of the characters and the world building. I can't wait to keep reading more from the author.
And I think I should have started with this, but check the trigger warnings before you start reading it. 🙊
January 24, 2023
Dark and spicy are understatements for Stephanie Hurst's debut novel Muse of Ruin! This is a seriously dark romance, so make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading! That being said, if you love a dark, spicy, torturous story, this book is for you! I don't know where this author has been hiding, but this book is amazing, and I certainly hope she is currently writing more!
This is the story of Calliope, who has had a traumatic life and has turned to violence as her coping mechanism. She is flying under the radar of the 3 Titans who rule Tartarus, but she kills one of their men and finds herself unwillingly in their custody. They are not what she expected and things get complicated from there. This is a spicy and HOT reverse harem with a great storyline. The world building is detailed and makes you feel engrossed in this new world. Besides the hot and steamy scenes, there were twists and turns to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Hurst!
This is the story of Calliope, who has had a traumatic life and has turned to violence as her coping mechanism. She is flying under the radar of the 3 Titans who rule Tartarus, but she kills one of their men and finds herself unwillingly in their custody. They are not what she expected and things get complicated from there. This is a spicy and HOT reverse harem with a great storyline. The world building is detailed and makes you feel engrossed in this new world. Besides the hot and steamy scenes, there were twists and turns to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Hurst!
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