Book: Of Fates and Ruin by Alaya Wells
Reviewed by Michele (spicysithreads)
I started reading this book expecting a fun fae romantasy with some enemies‑to‑lovers tension, but this book absolutely consumed me from page one. If you blended The Hunger Games , Fourth Wing , and Quicksilver into one dangerously romantic package, this would be the result. It made me laugh, cry, and want to keep reading all in one sitting!
The story centers on Isi—a fierce, tall, unapologetically badass heroine with a hidden identity and a vengeance mission that drives every choice she makes. Disguised as a recruit, she infiltrates a rival fae court… and promptly stabs their golden‑eyed king. Unfortunately for her, that king is Trew (our MMC), the brooding, lethal, touch‑her‑and‑die male lead who steals every scene he’s in.
From there, the book becomes a whirlwind of brutal magical trials, political scheming, beast bonding (the dragons and other creatures are unforgettable), found‑family bonds, and a slow‑burn romance so agonizingly delicious it had me yelling at my Kindle.
This is the kind of romantasy that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.
I loved the banter, especially between the main characters. Isi is fierce and badass and I love it! The world building was a little lacking in my opinion, but it really didn't affect the storyline.
Tropes:
Touch her and die
Clenched fist
Wound tending
Combat training (1:1..)
Enemies to lovers (light enemies, heavy tension)
Deadly trials
Animal bonding
Yearning
I really need the next book like now! I feel like I say that a lot, but it is so true!