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Elemental Ruin
Why would me being Magik be an issue?
Fae and Magiks have not been at peace for millennia.
Arabella Huŏ. A grieving witch accidentally teleported to the Fae realm of Ifaeris. A student from the Lazipeus University of Magik, unable to control her power. After being imprisoned by the High King of the Fae, she is forced to work with the feared Prince Cassius. Together, the two must discover who has been the cause behind the disappearances of the Fae.
Cassius Disaris. The unloved son of King Elliot. A Fae descended from the Spiritus Elemental Fae bloodline. Both feared and beloved by the common fae, he has the power of shadows. Bound by his father’s rule over the land, the prince is obligated to work with the witch, who, immediately upon seeing her, is filled with loathsome aversion.
With a tongue as sharp as Cassius’ and the clever mind of Arabella’s, two creatures with history that dates back over two millennia must find a way to put aside their own personal opinions if they desire to rid each other from their presence.
Fae and Magiks have not been at peace for millennia.
Arabella Huŏ. A grieving witch accidentally teleported to the Fae realm of Ifaeris. A student from the Lazipeus University of Magik, unable to control her power. After being imprisoned by the High King of the Fae, she is forced to work with the feared Prince Cassius. Together, the two must discover who has been the cause behind the disappearances of the Fae.
Cassius Disaris. The unloved son of King Elliot. A Fae descended from the Spiritus Elemental Fae bloodline. Both feared and beloved by the common fae, he has the power of shadows. Bound by his father’s rule over the land, the prince is obligated to work with the witch, who, immediately upon seeing her, is filled with loathsome aversion.
With a tongue as sharp as Cassius’ and the clever mind of Arabella’s, two creatures with history that dates back over two millennia must find a way to put aside their own personal opinions if they desire to rid each other from their presence.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2023
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 23, 2023
Too-perfect main character is set up to succeed by inconsistencies and plot holes.
Summary: If not an ARC reader, I would've DNFed at the second chapter. It was painful to get through, from the inconsistencies, unrealistic moments, one liners that either fell flat or made no sense, and a dragging plot that spent more time reminding us why the main character is loved by everyone than actually accomplishing the goal.
Characters:
First, I want to highlight the representation of different body types, races, sexuality, and gender identities. It also passed the Bechdel Test.
However, there were too many secondary characters who all had the same main personality trait: adoring Arabella (main character). They were introduced in rapid fire and spent all of their time praising Arabella, convincing her that Cassius really does care for her, or letting her prattle on about her life and problems, as if their lives aren't in danger and they aren't living with an abusive king.
Arabella, our mc, was too perfect all the time. She ALWAYS put plans together, did the majority work, mastered her magic pretty quick once she got to Creatureland, and was praised and loved by EVERYONE. Even the bad guys were intrigued by her instantly.
The main love interest (Cassius) is not a morally grey, misunderstood, good at heart guy. He's a toxic @sshole who throws fits and uses his past trauma to excuse it.
Plot:
This was supposed to be a mystery. Fae keep going missing, some have turned up dead, and two lords are dead...but we spend more than half the book with Arabella shopping, telling her fae friends about her life and feelings, or being vulnerable with Cassius, doing the dirty with him, and then fighting with him. Their relationship was more annoying than entertaining. Each clue Arabella put together was a gift dropped into her lap. It was all too convenient (she overheard just the right conversations at just the right time or thought of just the right magical item that could be the cause of things). In the end, it was predictable. The final battle was boring and filled with too many "clever" lines that didn't land.
Writing:
The writing was fine. Just didn't draw me in. It's 3 POVs but I had to keep reminding myself whose POV I was in since there was no characterization within the narration.
World building:
The magic system isn't explained nor does it have a logic. We know how elemental magic works but we still don't know how Arabella's witch magic works and it seems very over powered compared to the fae. It's pointed out that magic doesn't need to be logical...but I disagree on that
The history of the fae vs magik war is forbidden love and a scorned woman...which is so cliche. The city and land names are pretty simple reminding me of a YA or middle grade book (like the giants live in gigantia). The author relied on her map a bit too much as she didn't explain where locations were, just threw out names and let the reader flip back and forth to figure it out.
Other things that bothered me:
-The dialogue is overly direct, similar to a middle grade or early YA novel (this is definitely NA or adult, there are multiple explicit smut scenes). This happens both when they're eavesdropping to find out clues and for backstory on Arabella and Cassius.
-Ezra was a flat minor antagonist that could've been used better to commentate on child neglect and abuse but he was truly just the bully. Same with Korine, who was the only slightly powerful women besides the mc. I wanted more depth to her other than "she sleeps her way into power, wants Cassius, and is a *female dog to Arabella"
-The inconsistencies were ENDLESS. Character traits were only consistent when they served a purpose (i.e. Cassius speaks like he's from another century, but only when, in the same scene, someone points it out. Otherwise, he speaks the same as everyone else.) Fae can't lie yet Ezra's power is to tell when someone is lying...and they do lie. Multiple times they're not twisting their words, they're just lying. The fae apparently hate magiks (witches/wizards), except everyone loves Arabella instantly...
Overall, I really didn't enjoy the book. I wouldn't recommend it.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: If not an ARC reader, I would've DNFed at the second chapter. It was painful to get through, from the inconsistencies, unrealistic moments, one liners that either fell flat or made no sense, and a dragging plot that spent more time reminding us why the main character is loved by everyone than actually accomplishing the goal.
Characters:
First, I want to highlight the representation of different body types, races, sexuality, and gender identities. It also passed the Bechdel Test.
However, there were too many secondary characters who all had the same main personality trait: adoring Arabella (main character). They were introduced in rapid fire and spent all of their time praising Arabella, convincing her that Cassius really does care for her, or letting her prattle on about her life and problems, as if their lives aren't in danger and they aren't living with an abusive king.
Arabella, our mc, was too perfect all the time. She ALWAYS put plans together, did the majority work, mastered her magic pretty quick once she got to Creatureland, and was praised and loved by EVERYONE. Even the bad guys were intrigued by her instantly.
The main love interest (Cassius) is not a morally grey, misunderstood, good at heart guy. He's a toxic @sshole who throws fits and uses his past trauma to excuse it.
Plot:
This was supposed to be a mystery. Fae keep going missing, some have turned up dead, and two lords are dead...but we spend more than half the book with Arabella shopping, telling her fae friends about her life and feelings, or being vulnerable with Cassius, doing the dirty with him, and then fighting with him. Their relationship was more annoying than entertaining. Each clue Arabella put together was a gift dropped into her lap. It was all too convenient (she overheard just the right conversations at just the right time or thought of just the right magical item that could be the cause of things). In the end, it was predictable. The final battle was boring and filled with too many "clever" lines that didn't land.
Writing:
The writing was fine. Just didn't draw me in. It's 3 POVs but I had to keep reminding myself whose POV I was in since there was no characterization within the narration.
World building:
The magic system isn't explained nor does it have a logic. We know how elemental magic works but we still don't know how Arabella's witch magic works and it seems very over powered compared to the fae. It's pointed out that magic doesn't need to be logical...but I disagree on that
The history of the fae vs magik war is forbidden love and a scorned woman...which is so cliche. The city and land names are pretty simple reminding me of a YA or middle grade book (like the giants live in gigantia). The author relied on her map a bit too much as she didn't explain where locations were, just threw out names and let the reader flip back and forth to figure it out.
Other things that bothered me:
-The dialogue is overly direct, similar to a middle grade or early YA novel (this is definitely NA or adult, there are multiple explicit smut scenes). This happens both when they're eavesdropping to find out clues and for backstory on Arabella and Cassius.
-Ezra was a flat minor antagonist that could've been used better to commentate on child neglect and abuse but he was truly just the bully. Same with Korine, who was the only slightly powerful women besides the mc. I wanted more depth to her other than "she sleeps her way into power, wants Cassius, and is a *female dog to Arabella"
-The inconsistencies were ENDLESS. Character traits were only consistent when they served a purpose (i.e. Cassius speaks like he's from another century, but only when, in the same scene, someone points it out. Otherwise, he speaks the same as everyone else.) Fae can't lie yet Ezra's power is to tell when someone is lying...and they do lie. Multiple times they're not twisting their words, they're just lying. The fae apparently hate magiks (witches/wizards), except everyone loves Arabella instantly...
Overall, I really didn't enjoy the book. I wouldn't recommend it.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2023
A grittier version of The Folk of Air series
I love the absolute trash fire that is our protags, I truly feel like this can be considered a grittier version of The Folk of Air series if Jude and Cardan were genuinely Worse™️. I had such a good time and I love when characters are hot messes that have awful coping mechanisms and equally bad attitudes.
Edit: my Amazon review wiped out my previous review, but the statement still stands that it's clear yall can't appreciate a good time.
I deeply appreciate the 5 seconds of panic that we were gonna have a love triangle before earning a threesome. I can't wait for the next book.
I love the absolute trash fire that is our protags, I truly feel like this can be considered a grittier version of The Folk of Air series if Jude and Cardan were genuinely Worse™️. I had such a good time and I love when characters are hot messes that have awful coping mechanisms and equally bad attitudes.
Edit: my Amazon review wiped out my previous review, but the statement still stands that it's clear yall can't appreciate a good time.
I deeply appreciate the 5 seconds of panic that we were gonna have a love triangle before earning a threesome. I can't wait for the next book.
February 3, 2023
I was given an ARC of this book, and it was a really fun read. I have seen multiple negative reviews here concerning the main character, Arabella, and I think the main reason is that they do not understand that she is clearly autistic (I confirmed this with the author). Yes, sometimes she seems inconsistent. Yes, sometimes her processing is different than what others might be. Personally, I adored her. She is hilarious, and she is complex. Her inability to get a grip on her life or grief or feelings is so real.
The representation in this book is AMAZING. There are multiple ethnicities as well as body shapes, which is so important. The magic system is interesting, and I enjoyed the main mystery plot concerning the missing fae. It was fun, it was intriguing, and it was a little different than anything I've read recently which is good for everyone. I'm excited to see what happens in book 2.
The representation in this book is AMAZING. There are multiple ethnicities as well as body shapes, which is so important. The magic system is interesting, and I enjoyed the main mystery plot concerning the missing fae. It was fun, it was intriguing, and it was a little different than anything I've read recently which is good for everyone. I'm excited to see what happens in book 2.
July 17, 2023
Needs editing
This is urban fantasy, which gives you that mix of the modern world with the mysterious magic of old. We have a bold, no-filter witch and a smooth talking Fae Prince.
We get to meet his family and her found one. Both of these characters deal with trauma, expectations, and things, just not going their way. They learn from one another and learn about themselves, for better or for worse.
We get to learn a bit of history of the magic system and the way Ifearis politics/power structures work. However, it is very character and relationship driven.
My favorite part of this book is the vast character diversity. I believe that, above all, it is what gives it that modern twist. It shows the world as it is.
This is urban fantasy, which gives you that mix of the modern world with the mysterious magic of old. We have a bold, no-filter witch and a smooth talking Fae Prince.
We get to meet his family and her found one. Both of these characters deal with trauma, expectations, and things, just not going their way. They learn from one another and learn about themselves, for better or for worse.
We get to learn a bit of history of the magic system and the way Ifearis politics/power structures work. However, it is very character and relationship driven.
My favorite part of this book is the vast character diversity. I believe that, above all, it is what gives it that modern twist. It shows the world as it is.
February 25, 2023
There's... a lot to be said about this book.
The passion was clear, the effort to be inclusive and diverse was clear.
That's personally all that I can credit this book with though. The grammar was pretty atrocious, with a variety of small spelling and grammatical errors that could have been remedied with having an actual editor on board.
The writing's tone was reminscent of that of a fanfiction written by an inexperienced author. It jumped around, most paragraphs not following any logical consistency in terms of communicating the story. The syntax was often chaotic. Quality wise, the writing and the tone left much to be desired.
And wow, the world buildling. There was a lot of effort and passion put into it, but very little organization. I had to DNF the book because the way the world, characters, and quality of the writing was set up was totally a hot mess. I made it 1/3 through the book but had to stop reading, becuase most of the content was fairly nonsensical in terms of following a coherent story line and quality.
The characters, from what I could discern, were at least funny. I like Arabella thus far as a protaganist, but I do have to agree the characterization is inconsistent and the majority of the time spent has to do with self-aggrandizing flattery towards her as a main character.
Overall, I think this story has potential but it would need extensive editing and organization, as well as improvement on the author's part to direct a more coherent, quality story.
I am leaving an honest review in exchange for having received an ARC.
The passion was clear, the effort to be inclusive and diverse was clear.
That's personally all that I can credit this book with though. The grammar was pretty atrocious, with a variety of small spelling and grammatical errors that could have been remedied with having an actual editor on board.
The writing's tone was reminscent of that of a fanfiction written by an inexperienced author. It jumped around, most paragraphs not following any logical consistency in terms of communicating the story. The syntax was often chaotic. Quality wise, the writing and the tone left much to be desired.
And wow, the world buildling. There was a lot of effort and passion put into it, but very little organization. I had to DNF the book because the way the world, characters, and quality of the writing was set up was totally a hot mess. I made it 1/3 through the book but had to stop reading, becuase most of the content was fairly nonsensical in terms of following a coherent story line and quality.
The characters, from what I could discern, were at least funny. I like Arabella thus far as a protaganist, but I do have to agree the characterization is inconsistent and the majority of the time spent has to do with self-aggrandizing flattery towards her as a main character.
Overall, I think this story has potential but it would need extensive editing and organization, as well as improvement on the author's part to direct a more coherent, quality story.
I am leaving an honest review in exchange for having received an ARC.
February 1, 2023
I was given an Arc copy of this book and I’m giving this review freely.
Elemental Ruin is a book about Arabella who accidentally teleports to another part of the world full of Fae. Now she has to explore this new world and complete a mission with Cassius a Fae prince. I was really exited to read this book but unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I liked some things like the body positivity, inclusivity and some of the characters and powers but the things I disliked outweighs the good things.
First of all there were too many character that were thrown to us to quickly and are similar in personality traits. This made me confused as to which was which and made it difficult to care about them. Some characters felt flat and like their only purpose was to adore Arabella. Arabella was too powerful, I wished there were more powerful women that could rival her. The world building left me confused and with many questions about what was happening or how everything worked. I didn’t also particularly care for the love interest. There were other things that bothered me but they are considered spoilers so I won’t be putting them here.
Overall I expected more of this book and I just hope that in the future the author comtinues to grow and can make this series turn into something amazing. I really do wish her the best but i personally will not be continuing this series.
Elemental Ruin is a book about Arabella who accidentally teleports to another part of the world full of Fae. Now she has to explore this new world and complete a mission with Cassius a Fae prince. I was really exited to read this book but unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I liked some things like the body positivity, inclusivity and some of the characters and powers but the things I disliked outweighs the good things.
First of all there were too many character that were thrown to us to quickly and are similar in personality traits. This made me confused as to which was which and made it difficult to care about them. Some characters felt flat and like their only purpose was to adore Arabella. Arabella was too powerful, I wished there were more powerful women that could rival her. The world building left me confused and with many questions about what was happening or how everything worked. I didn’t also particularly care for the love interest. There were other things that bothered me but they are considered spoilers so I won’t be putting them here.
Overall I expected more of this book and I just hope that in the future the author comtinues to grow and can make this series turn into something amazing. I really do wish her the best but i personally will not be continuing this series.
February 17, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and was very excited to read it because the premise and representation sounded so good.
There is a lot of great representation in the book for example ability/disability, neurodiverversity, gender norms, queer folks, poly couples, fat rep, Asian main character, and overally racial diversity.
However, I found the story lacking in a lot of areas. The character development, world building, and general plot line all were not done well. I think it could be a good story with some more rounds of continuity edits.
In the end, I think if you are looking for a story with good representation then this is solid but otherwise I can't recommend it for the actual story.
There is a lot of great representation in the book for example ability/disability, neurodiverversity, gender norms, queer folks, poly couples, fat rep, Asian main character, and overally racial diversity.
However, I found the story lacking in a lot of areas. The character development, world building, and general plot line all were not done well. I think it could be a good story with some more rounds of continuity edits.
In the end, I think if you are looking for a story with good representation then this is solid but otherwise I can't recommend it for the actual story.
July 16, 2023
this book was so good in terms of representation and a different take on fantasy! i loved the different characters, even if sometimes i couldn’t keep track, but that’s how it is with all fantasy books in the first one. the characters were very grounded in their personalities and i loved the fact that arabella and cassius hated each other, but it was in a way that you know they wanted each other. the hatred and plot was so intriguing because i never knew who was kidnapping the fae! and the ending?? i need to know what happens next
May 28, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and I need more! The world building was fantastic and the representation was spot on!💕
I am huge fan of multiple POV stories so it really helped cement my appreciation for this book! Not only were the spicy scenes PHENOMENAL but the characters were real and relatable in comparison to a lot of fantasy books out there….I am not going to ramble on too much but I CANNOT wait for book 2 and what it holds for our main characters!! 🥰
I am huge fan of multiple POV stories so it really helped cement my appreciation for this book! Not only were the spicy scenes PHENOMENAL but the characters were real and relatable in comparison to a lot of fantasy books out there….I am not going to ramble on too much but I CANNOT wait for book 2 and what it holds for our main characters!! 🥰
October 28, 2023
I absoutley loved reading this book and it had me on the edge of my seat only to be hit with a cliffhanger at the end. If anything I wish was saw more of Arabella's friends, specifically Grayson and Juliet. It was a fast-paced, complex, new adult, fantasy-realism novel and I am so glad I picked it up.
February 17, 2023
Elemental Ruin was a fun read, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as a diverse cast.
While, honestly, it did take me awhile to get through, I enjoyed following Arabella and Cassius' journey. Though their dynamic frustrated me at times, I loved seeing them interact.
While, honestly, it did take me awhile to get through, I enjoyed following Arabella and Cassius' journey. Though their dynamic frustrated me at times, I loved seeing them interact.
September 11, 2023
i really enjoyed the world building and following the main characters' journeys! Arabella was my favorite narrator with her punchy and fiery voice, and also love any opportunity to see Filipino rep esp outside of contemporary settings
February 3, 2023
5 stars purely for ezra. i love that ahole. i am a hole for him. <3
February 22, 2023
twilight dupe?
this book makes a great paper weight and a nice witch book prop. can't wait to cosplay shrek. the plot was mid and I rather read the giving tree again. not my cup of tea.
this book makes a great paper weight and a nice witch book prop. can't wait to cosplay shrek. the plot was mid and I rather read the giving tree again. not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
I need Luka gone!!!!! (full review to come)
January 23, 2024
I would first to state like that I loved the representation in this book. Between non-binary, LGBTQ, and most of all the Filipina Protagonist. It was a great refresh to see an Asian-American represented in a story; even more so, a chubby Asian-American. Add to that, a tattooed and pierced one, representing the goth (imo)/alt sub cultures. Being Asian-American myself (half Korean) it was a breath of fresh air from some other enemies to lovers fantasies I have read, to see someone I could relate to.
My harshest critique is that I felt that there were too many characters, and I had to re-read certain scenes so I could know what character was involved with the plot line. I know that each character had its place, but sometimes keeping track of their personalities detracted from the plot line of the Female Protagonist Arabella.
There are spicy scenes in I also felt some were unecessary, but adds to the character building of Arabella.
Overall, I enjoyed the story despite some of my confusion of characters, as I really couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more from Alx.
My harshest critique is that I felt that there were too many characters, and I had to re-read certain scenes so I could know what character was involved with the plot line. I know that each character had its place, but sometimes keeping track of their personalities detracted from the plot line of the Female Protagonist Arabella.
There are spicy scenes in I also felt some were unecessary, but adds to the character building of Arabella.
Overall, I enjoyed the story despite some of my confusion of characters, as I really couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more from Alx.
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