The merciless God of War, a healer witch, and that meddlesome thing known as Fate.
Trista was a healer. But that was before. Before she was dragged to Olympus for a crime she didn’t commit. Before she almost died. And before she made a life debt to the god who saved her. The very god who killed the Mothers and damned all of witchkind centuries before—Ares, the God of War. The Witchbane.
Now she can’t stand the sight of blood, and her simple, duty-filled life is upended.
When she receives an invite to the capital of Witch Country to attend the social season, though, she is hopeful the time away will help her heal.
What she doesn’t expect to find there is something much more sinister than political games and poorly disguised attempts at matchmaking. Between masquerades and tournaments, Trista is pulled farther into the dark and bloody history between witches and gods.
And amidst it all is Ares.
Since Trista is the only witch in existence who knows who he is, Ares keeps her close. So close that the lines between enemies and allies begin to blur and she doesn’t know who or what to trust. But before she can figure that out, an ill-fated choice and an ancient prophecy may lead them both down a path they can’t survive.
The Coven of Ruin series is a Greco-Roman myth-inspired, slow burn, adult romantic fantasy set in a different world.
T.K. Tucker has been writing since she was a little girl, weaving Rurouni Kenshin and Lord of the Rings fanfiction into one chaotic story. In other words, she’s been unhinged from the start. A few years ago, she quit her career to write full-time—and made that everyone’s problem.
With a vivid and dangerous imagination, a black heart that still feels too deeply, and lived experiences that bleed onto the page, her books reflect the ache to create something beautiful and meaningful—and leave bruises while doing it. From infinite stars to dark, bloodstained kingdoms, one must be wary when reading her work: she wields anguish and angst like daggers and always has more hidden on her person.
When she isn’t emotionally damaging others, she’s getting lost elsewhere through video games, travel, or daydreaming beside her familiars. As a three-time victim of the cat distribution system and bonded to her soul dog, she's always in good company while scheming.
My first read of 2023. I have been following Tucker on TT for a while now and have been eagerly awaiting the release of TCoR. The characters? Lovable. Found Family? heartwarming! The stakes? HIGH! Omg and the tension? ugghhh perfect! That ending had me STRESSED! I loved this book and eagerly await book 2. If you love witches, greek gods, tension between potential love interests, gruff men (or gods) who you cant help but love, and beautiful writing, then this book is for you!
I really enjoy this authors writing & storytelling. There is something effortless about it when I’m reading. If flows really well. The world is just getting started but it gave a good understanding of its history and what is to come. There was a realistic building of found family & introducing a range of diverse characters. This is a true slow burn romance where the relationship really takes its time to develop (No spice in this book) Overall this was a solid romantic fantasy with a 27yr old FMC who is a healer—which I love—in a world that is ruled by the gods & the witches are taking whatever they can to survive.
Dnf @30% Got stuck with this one on a long comute for new years eve... Holly boring God... The writing was confusing or is just me, since English is not my first language. The story is dull the FMC is dull, there's no Ares PoV, so almost 30% into it and we don't know why he helped her... Just a lot of world building that again is dull...
You know when you get sucked into a book and then it leads you on a crazy ride and then ends on a cliffhanger with no idea when a book 2 is in the works.... yeah, me too 😭
I had been waiting at least 6 months to read this book, so to say I had really hyped it up in my head is an understatement. So when I say it blew me away, even despite how high my expectations were, I MEAN IT. I absolutely loved this take on Ares The God of War. His back story really tugged on my heart strings. The world building in this book was amazing.
I loved the found family aspect and the focus on true friendship as well. It really added to Trista's character development. She had something else to care about. Something else to live for.
The author took "enemies to.... something else" very seriously, and I just loved the back and forth between Ares and the witch. Grae was amazing, and I can't wait to see more of Medusa in book 2.
Loved this book! Super good read for anyone who enjoys being lost in a fantasy world with magic, gods, and found family on various levels. It’s for anyone who enjoys adult fantasy with mature characters and slow-burn. I already have the standalone cued up and cannot wait for the next one. 😊
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was very easy to read and get into the story and I can't wait to read the second book!
I think I would have enjoyed the book more had I not been on exchange with barely any time to read. This book took a month to read (please do not judge me), and I sort of felt detached to the story because of it.
The story was still pretty captivating and I loved discovering more on Ares. I did wish something would have happened between him and Trista before the last 10 pages. I think that was my biggest disappointment.
I came across this on booktok a while ago, enough to catch my attention and haunt Amazon for the release date, months of waiting impatiently. I don't normally do reviews, something I'm trying to fix but this, was worth the wait. Well written, engaging characters, didn't find the mc a twit like most greecian books make the female leads, the other povs gave insight, to what was going on in the sidelines without giving away too much. Story built at a natural pace, something I've found rare lately, it didn't feel forced.
So I was lucky enough to read this book as an ARC and oh my gods. It .. was beautiful. The way she protested Ares in such a different light was amazing. Trista was an amazing FMC. I loved every detail…every aspect…every trial, tribulation, adventure and moment of this book. I can’t wait for book 2. It had that cliffhanger that leaves you screaming and begging for more.
This book does not disappoint. You are hooked in the first chapter and it never lets up to the very end. I've always been intrigued by the greek gods and their stories and T.K. Tucker brings them to new life with a new story and beautifully written characters. I can picture each character and the relationships that are formed are relatable to now and touch your soul. The trauma of bloodshed is never glossed over. The tension is as taut as it can get between the main characters. This book made me laugh, cheer, and cry. This may be her first book but reads like a seasoned author and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
Witches, Greek gods, a slow burn romance that will set your heart on fire
Witches, Greek gods, a slow burn romance that will set your heart on fire, and a sisterhood that I would die for! This book drops you into the world and story so hard and fast you will forget to come up for air. The world building is immaculate. The main character Trista, feels genuine and her relationship with her friends will leave you laughing, crying and praying they survive. To balance the sisterhood, there is the relationship between the God of War, Ares, and his brothers. While they like protect each other like wolf pack when faced with a challenge, the rest of the time they behave unruly puppies in the best way.
I am warning you now, once you pick this book up it will be all you can think about. The plot will hook you from page one, and only sink its claws in deeper as the story progresses. I would say more but I fear I would spoil the intense, heartwarming and breaking journey this book takes you on. Lastly there is no way to prepare for the plot twist, so just have some tissues or choice words ready.
It is the first in a series, and I will be patiently pestering Tucker until the next book comes out!
I was absolutely drawn in and held captive by The Coven of Ruin. My mind was blown away. Literally to the point that I was having dreams about it when I could no longer read it (aka, having to get sleep for work and go to work).
The Coven of Ruins is…. So fantastical and magical; it’s violent and action-packed; it’s so well written that it could damn well be real. To me, it is real. Because this was an absolutely beautifully written book, and each and every character had thought behind them.
I wish I could transport myself into The Coven of Ruin. I really do. Because the story is so phenomenal. I would love to have the two friends that Trista had, where I can bicker back and forth and talk for hours about anything and everything. I would love to have the comradery and protection from three strong, unyielding gods. Just transport me there already, dammit!!!
The Coven of Ruin starts off gritty and hard, where violence and fear are all you see in front of you, then it goes to the mundane life of a healer with no ties to anyone; until fate brings her to a place full of magic, books, fellow mages and witches, prophecies, ancient history, a few gods sprinkled in, a dragon or two, death, mayhem, khaos. You will never be bored of The Coven of Ruin.
I HIGHLY suggest giving Coven of Ruin a long read; maybe a reread or two until the next book arrives for us to devour.
4.5 stars ⭐️ This book didn’t make much sense to me like why did Ares save Trista in the first place, how did they get integrated into the Iron Coven etc etc. HOWEVER the storyline was so entertaining and I absolutely froth a slow burn romance any day of the week. Trista and Ares 4eva 💕
I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book and I am so glad I was. The Coven of Ruin was so good! It kept my attention the entire time and had me coming back for more. The characters were easy to fall in love with and the story was well thought out.
Think high fantasy meets Greek mythology in the best possible way. There’s gods, magic, politics, a slow burn romance, and amazing side characters that can’t help but make you smile. Trista our lead, is someone you really want to succeed and thrive, and her story is something you can really relate to, even though the fantasy aspect makes her circumstances utterly unique. And Ares is your favorite male protagonist that you love to hate, amazing hero and boar-headed brute, and I absolutely loved every chapter with him. You have all the best tropes neatly packaged for you in one place, and a story that ebbs and flows but truly does keep you hooked. Reading this book got me out of my slump and I read the whole thing in a day. The only complaint I have is that I have to wait for book 2. Definitely recommending to my friends when it comes out!!
I absolutely devoured this book! The story surprised me in the best ways! I loved this slow burn Ares and Witch love and discovery story. It was well written and had me hooked from the very first page!
It’s got enemies to lovers, who did this to you, Magic, Greek gods, found family, banter, laugh out loud moments… seriously go pick this book up. It’s not spicy, but it’s got a lot of heart. You’ll be so glad you did!
Wow, this debut was really good. I was hooked right away and that’s something your girl likes lol. I absolutely loved the characters! I was able to picture them all. Their personalities fit each of them and it really makes the story better in my opinion.
If you’re looking for a slow burn fantasy about Greek mythology, this one is for you. I look forward to reading more of T.K. Tucker’s work in the future.🥰
This book has some of the best tropes (in my opinion) in the perfect doses. -Found Family -Clever but realistic heroine -Slow Burn but lots of food -Gods and Mortals The world building was concise and enchanting. It had depth and lore to it without getting bogged down. Story pacing was quicker than most fantasy but that’s to my personal taste so I didn't see this as a downside at all. It meant very few pauses in action or filler chapters. It all had a purpose and it was artfully arranged. I felt immersed in the world but I can tell we've only scraped the surface of it. I felt like it had perfect amount of spice (for me), really nice magic system that stayed consistent and realistic , and some genuinely laugh out loud moments. I wish I had gotten to know some of the characters more but it means I'm looking forward to future installments. T.K. Tucker is strategic and economical in her storytelling and I can tell she's a voice that I will always want on my shelves.
The Coven of Ruin by T. K. Tucker “War is marked by the essence of powerlessness and loss” ~~~ Witches, and Greek mythology, why not. This extreme slow burn had me going for two days. I was pacing my hotel room trying to figure out scenarios before they would happen. (Don’t do that, 50% of the time you’re wrong.) Absolutely loved the characters, great personalities; I thought it really fit them each. Then each one has a little bit of a back story; obviously the main ones had the biggest ones. Of course they also had traumatic ones. I loved the friendships too between some of them; it just fits! Also…BANTER, y’all it’s my joy between the two mains. I can’t get enough. There was some parts where I did have to reread it cause it got a little confusing especially with sequences of events. Maybe could’ve been more descriptive of maybe breaking off that the character was having a vision or so forth. I did almost throw my kindle when I thought it was going to end how I thought it would. But now with that cliffhanger; yea I’m on this boat. I need more. Thank you T. K. Tucker for the eARC! Preorder now! Available Dec. 30!
Super enjoyable read! The writing style was immersive, and most of the characters were really likeable.
The FMC is relatable enough, but she fell a little bit flat for me. Same for the guy. I found that I looked forward to her interactions with her friends and his friends almost more than I did the two of them. Not that I wasn't rooting for them, but the pacing near the end kind of put me off. It went from angsty slow burn to "you're my everything" kind of abruptly . Aside from the whole 'powerless' trauma, they just didn't seem to have much in common (though the comfort scenes between them were very pleasant, and I liked all the armor analogies). I also wish there had been a little more time spent developing the secondary characters separate from their relationships with our two MCs.
In terms of the magic system, there was good potential, but I don't think it was completely utilized. We just didn't get to see much magic in action. And yes, I know that's intentional since technically using it increasing the risk of death, but I'm also still kind of confused about what exactly brings on that magical burn out, because it seems cumulative but also if you use too much at once, you're done, so do they have like a finite magical well that they're pulling from, or is it more of an intensity of use thing? Maybe I just missed that. Either way, it would've been cool to see more magic usage.
The ending itself was pretty good! It left me with enough questions that I want to keep reading, but it didn't conclude on an infuriating/clickbatey cliffhanger. On a similar note, this was not overwhelmingly tropey!! The applicable tropes felt like they were actually essential to the plot (as opposed to being thrown in just for the sake of saying they were there). Loved the found family and the lil hurt/comfort.
Otherwise, my main issue was pacing. The beginning really caught my attention, but then it slowed down as soon as she was back home. It picked up again once they reunited, but again, around when she started actually getting to know everyone, things slowed down a lot. It just felt a bit on and off every 100 pages or so.
All that said, definitely a fun read! I read it in one sitting, so I'd call that a success.
This book had so much potential and it just kept falling a little flat. The idea and the story was there, but it was like the shell of what could’ve been. I see what the author was going for, but it just felt like all the thoughts just never were complete. Still an interesting story nonetheless.
Trista is a witch who just so happens to be in the Blood Gauntlet fighting arena for the Gods about to face off Cujo on steroids. The issue is she didn't offend the Gods well she didn't, but apparently her soon to be former best friend did and left her to fend for herself. Literally in shock from the death and mayhem taking place in front of her...she didn't realize her savior had enter the fight and help her escape the horror she was in. The God that was her rescuer helps and takes her back to the witch realm, but to show gratitude she gives the God a life debt. It isn't until she does this that she founds out the God is the witch killer Ares the God of War. Carrying this secret she is sent to a festival for witches to seek a seer and while participating in the festivities at the ball she is swept up by Ares, but he's different and confusing. Ares has an agenda that doesn't include the witch that gets under his skin and yet here she is. The Gods are seeking the threat from a being more ancient than them and only way to find out is including the witch he wants to forget.
This book is dark fantasy, slow burn, double triple cross, friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood all wrapped into a amazing read. It was so much all in one story, but never boring at no point in the book. I was so deep into this book that at the end I was literally speaking to my ceiling like I need the second book because you can't leave me hanging like this. This was an outstanding book like beyond outstanding. I hope the author knows I will be impatiently waiting for for book 2. I just want to say my favorite characters by far are Ares and the sisterhood.
Greco-Roman Myth Romantic Fantasy with Witches. This book moved me. The storyline was FAST but the romance was SLOW burn. I loved Trista as a FMC because even though she was fragile and lost the author really built her up in a way that was respectable and reasonable. There are a ton of books of characters coming to power but hers was truly her own and on her own terms.
I need to read book 2. There is so much left unfinished for me. I read the last 25% of this book so fast and I was truly devastated by the end of it. Brilliant.