Paranormal Romance, Reverse Heram, Why choose trope, Magic and Fantasy! This book was a treate for me, definitely!
One Female Protagonist with five fated mates was something new but i would say was interesting to read as it was one one she felt the bond with but five alphas and their care and protection for her was comforting atleast in this book as this is the first book in the series. It was filled up with slight spice but yeah being the book 1 , it did set up the background for the whole series and it gave us description of each characters too.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of participating in the ARC reading for each installment of Rumer Hale's "Blood & Ruin" series. It feels serendipitous that a few years later, I have the pleasure of listening to the ALC audiobook of the first book. Listening to "Blood and Ruin" evoked the same emotions I felt when I first read the book, and the experience was just as captivating the second time around.

Rumer Hale's debut book/series showcases impressive storytelling. In Blood & Ruin, she introduces us to a paranormal world nestled within NYC, featuring six central characters, a distinctive magic system, and a formidable villain.

The story unfolds by introducing us to Kiarra and her alpha mates—Kai (hellhound shifter), Jax (shadow wolf), Luka (Jax's twin and also a shadow wolf), Axel (dragon shifter), and Rion (basilisk shifter), each a formidable alpha in their own right. The exploration of their relationship provides insight into their shared history and backstory. This foundation is crucial in my opinion, as it establishes a pre-existing strong bond and connection among them before the revelation of their mate status. Despite their estrangement, the natural progression from initial animosity to love happens quickly but seamlessly and does not feel rushed given their history.

While Kiarra occasionally assumes the role of a martyr, her extraordinary "abilities" lend legitimacy to her actions. As an incredibly resilient character, she displays unwavering strength in her commitment to protecting her loved ones and facing her fear and ongoing torture. The book features exciting action scenes and well-crafted plot twists, maintaining a sense of suspense. I will be eagerly awaiting the audiobook renditions of the next two books.

Scarlett Everdeen's narration is nothing short of flawless, breathing life into Kiarra's personality. She adeptly captures the multifaceted emotions of the protagonist—her sass, defiance, desire, devotion, love, and devastation. Chase T. Walker's contribution in narrating the last chapter adds a compelling touch, by giving us a peak into our alpha's POV and leaving listeners hanging on the edge of an epic cliffhanger. The good news is, the series is completed. If you enjoy the audiobook, regardless of the next audiobooks not be available - if you really need to find out what happens next in the sequel, you can still read it as a digital or physical book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ALC.

3.25-3.5 Stars
I can never say no to a reverse harem!

Deep in the heart of Cardinal Three, Kiarra is trapped. Held captive by her stepfather, King. Kiarra possesses the unique ability to heal - one that King uses against her in the most unimaginable ways. Though she's not physically restrained, Kiarra can never leave Cardinal Three. Her sister's safety is at stake, and King's word is law. The question now is whether her old friends, who mysteriously reappear in her life, can help her escape King's grasp? With danger lurking in every corner and time quickly running out, the stakes have never been higher. Will Kiarra finally be free, or will King's hold on her become too strong to break?

I think the story has a lot of potential, especially with the interesting premise. However, I feel that it lacks depth, character development, and world-building. In my opinion, it would have been better if the novel had started with Kiarra's childhood and her friends, so we could see the bond and friendship they share before jumping to the present time. This would have made the information more engaging and less like an 'info dump'. Despite the flaws, the story was still entertaining, and I was able to finish it within a day. I would highly recommend checking out the audiobook version if you plan to read the novel.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Rumer Hale, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

THIS WAS PHENOMENAL!
It was such an amazing story, I listened to it all in one sitting! The narrators were amazing, the female narrator was just absolutely superb through out the entire book!
The story itself was phenomenal! I’m going to Amazon right now to buy the rest of the series! I can’t wait for the other audiobooks to come out! If you enjoy a reverse harem, and dark romantisy books, this is for you! I absolutely HATED king and the traitor (I don’t know how to spell her name) by the end of the book! I fell totally in love with the 5 guys, especially Jax! The FMC was such a strong kind person, always looking out for everyone else! Just amazing!

I did not finish this book. I thought the narration was well done but I just don’t think this one was for me. I was not a fan of the characters from the beginning. I wasn’t a fan of how the FMC was depicted as a damsel in distress, it just rubbed me the wrong way

I went into this book not knowing exactly what it was about, I honestly thought the cover was super pretty and interesting. I am so glad I did though! This was a paranormal, reverse harem, shifter romance. The plot was very engaging and kept me intrigued throughout the book. I did listen to the audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job 👏🏻👏🏻 I will definitely be listening to the next book in the series.

First of all, I applaud all the blood, sweat, and tears the author put into this. It's not easy.

I so wanted to like this book - the cover is gorgeous and the main character is fiesty. However, a lot of the plot seemed lost in the weeds to me and characters felt very one-dimensional. The spicy scenes felt forced and cringy at times.

Thank you, Netgalley for the copy!

Shifters, witches, vampires, oh my. This fast paced reverse harem is for readers who enjoy lots of steam early on in books.
This book moves a little too quick for me. I don’t connect with the characters. Her finding her mates and being bonded happens so fast before I feel like I have a real feel for her or her mates. The potential for me to love this book is there. It’s short for everything happening in the book. The lack of details, character development, and world building makes it hard to rate because the premise is intriguing and the potential for it to be kickass is there.
For the audiobook version I received-Clear crisp voices, perfect tone, no feedback sounds. - Narrated by Scarlett Everdeen & Chase T. Walker.

Thank you to Rumer Hale, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Rumer Hale's "Blood and Ruin" thrusts readers into a world where brutality reigns supreme and survival is a precarious dance with danger. Narrated with intensity by Scarlett Everdeen and Chase T. Walker, this first instalment in the Blood and Ruin trilogy grips readers from the outset with its raw depiction of a dystopian realm ruled by a tyrant.

The story unfolds in Cardinal Three, a place where pain is not just a companion but a relentless oppressor. Within its confines, witches, demons, shifters, and humans are all subject to the iron will of King, whose dominion brooks no dissent. Scarlett Everdeen's journey to escape this hellish existence forms the core of the narrative, as she navigates treacherous alliances and confronts the ghosts of her past.

Hale's narrative is unapologetically violent, delving into realms of brutality that may unsettle the faint-hearted. The depiction of violence transcends mere shock value, immersing readers in a world where every choice carries life-or-death consequences. For those sensitive to graphic content, caution is advised; this is not a tale for the squeamish.

While the premise of a reverse harem romance set amidst a paranormal backdrop holds promise, "Blood and Ruin" takes a divergent path from conventional expectations. Rather than a tale of tender romance, the narrative explores the complexities of fiercely protective mates bound by destiny and circumstance. Scarlett's entanglement with the five shifters of Manhattan, her former companions turned potential saviors, adds layers of tension and intrigue to the storyline.

Readers seeking a traditional love story may find themselves adrift in the turbulent waters of "Blood and Ruin." However, for those drawn to tales of loyalty, sacrifice, and undying devotion, this novel offers a compelling narrative journey. Scarlett's struggle against the machinations of King and the shadows of her past sets the stage for an action-packed odyssey filled with twists and turns.

As with any first installment in a trilogy, "Blood and Ruin" concludes with a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Scarlett's saga. While the narrative may not be without its flaws, its unrelenting pace and vivid characterizations ensure that it leaves a lasting impression on those willing to brave its darker depths.

"Blood and Ruin" is a gripping yet gritty tale of paranormal romance, where love and violence entwine in a deadly embrace. Hale's vivid prose and Everdeen's impassioned narration combine to create a world both haunting and exhilarating, inviting readers to lose themselves in its tumultuous embrace.


#BloodandRuin #NetGalley

This was a wild ride of a book!

The perfect mix of hope and horror. I feel like this was just a small taste of the story and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

The narration was great! There was a good mix of voices that was good for the voices. It is no small feat when there are 5 MMCs.

There wasn't a lot going on to the world building or explaining of the magic/powers. I also don't feel like we got a good idea of who each of the mates are. Also our FMC was so hell bent on saving Alana but we don't know why she was so attached to her.

I sure hope the series gets spicy because there were hints of it in this one but no actual heat yet!

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this eARC. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. The narrator was fine, but the story was choppy and there was not enough background and character building to care about what was happening.

I got through 50% of this audiobook and DNF'd it. I felt like I was thrown into a world and situation with no knowledge of what was going on and had to piece together too many puzzles for it to be enjoyable. The narrator was good, I just couldn't get into the story.

I'm not sure if this is my fault or what happened with this request. I thought I knew what I was getting but this unfortunately wasn't it. Even in the beginning the dialogue is very awkward and clunky. The consummation was not sexy, it felt like the first time you have sex. (omg, I am so hard, I can't stop it. I just came a little...)

I thought I was getting a book more focused on horrors.

Also, you're just kind of dropped in, and you get no backstory to even care about the FMC or the 5 men she's about to unwillingly? mate with. I like a good erotica, but couldn't get into this one. As a side note, if you're writing erotic fiction, don't use "fisting" as a descriptor for clenching your fists. It takes the mind to the wrong place at the wrong time.

Narration was great. I wonder how many times she read those scenes without laughing though.

I am in shock. Do not sleep on this series.
Blood and Ruin hits hard from the first chapter and I was hooked ever since.

Should I have researched more on what this was before I read it? Absolutely! Why? Because instead of reading From House of Flame and Shadow I would have jumped on this first.

Blood and Ruin contains all of the good things. Like 'Touch her and I kill you' - but times it by five.
Had I researched this book I would have found that it is a Why Choose book comprised of shifters.

This book has the perfect amount of heartache and violence with our FMC absolutely able to (and proving so time and time again) hold her own but having the aww moments when occasionally she doesn't have to.

The female narration done by Scarlett Everdeen is impeccable. She fits the FMC well, is easy to listen to (even at 2.5x) and her diction is impeccable.
I was under the impression the book was dual POV but it was only the final chapter.
The male narration was not it for me sadly. I will probably switch to the written version of this series for the future books as it seems like they may have more male narration.

I was gifted an audio copy of Blood and Ruin in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have intentions of buying the subsequent books as soon as I finish this review.
Thank you to Net galley, Rumer Hale, and Dreamscape Media for this opportunity.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. I absolutely loved it. The reverse harem was depicted amazingly. I will definitely be going to read the series on my kindle. I can’t wait for part 2.

Kiera and her 5 mates who happened to be childhood friends was golden. Let me wanting more. This isn’t for everyone but definitely for me!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

This book wasn’t for me. There was so much unanswered and so much that didn’t make sense.

The cover of this book was amazing. The plot and plot holes left me feeling very dissatisfied.

2/5 stars just because the cover was gorgeous!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and Rumer Hale for the ARC on this audiobook. I felt the book rushed to much and had the sense that left many things without details. But I realise is a series so it make sense after I find that. I would love know a bit of background in the past of the characters so I could understand better the present. Is such a interesting book and the work of the audiobook narrator was on point

Cunning witches, sexy shifters, demons, etc.? Sign me up. I love a good supernatural romance. Unfortunately this book did not deliver. The description sounded interesting, but the execution was sorely lacking, particularly in character development and world building. The reader is thrown violently back and forth between scenes of brutal torture and sexual tension, and there really wasn't much else going on. If I had been playing a drinking game where I took a shot every time I heard the words "my core" I would have become very drunk indeed. That being said, the narrator of the audio version did an excellent job.

First. This Cover. Love it and I honestly requested a copy of this audio ARC because of it. The narration is pretty great, really enjoyed it. It was strong throughout. I was a little back and forth on the story itself. I liked the storyline and think that it has the potential to be a great series. I am excited to learn more about the main characters childhood and more about the missing 6 years. I did feel really lost in the beginning of the story though. I love when the story starts out fast and jumps right into the plot, but this was almost too much. I feel like this book needs a pre-quel just to explain where we are getting dropped into the story at. It did keep a great pace and the concept was interesting. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes
Thank you to the author and dreamscape media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and Rumer Hale for the audiobook!
I really like the premise of this book, but it felt a bit short although I understand it's the first book in a trilogy.
The plot was kinda the only thing that was really described. There wasn't much world-building or backstory clearly said which made it hard to understand the motive of the characters.
Speaking of the characters, the main lovers, were kinda hard to differentiate. The four of them were not detailed, which made it hard to really feel for them and understand their feelings for Kiara.
However the female main character, Kiara was more fleshed out, and her personality was more present. So I could more easily understand her and feel for her.
Also, it is a Reverse Harem, but it was less spicy than I thought it would be, but it isn't bad. There were scenes where tensions were kinda high but what was happening explicitly was never fully described.
It was a simple and fun book, I read it in one sitting so with that said I can't say it is terrible but it isn't my favourite either.
I would recommend it to people who want a short, easy and fun read. As I mentioned, this is a trilogy, so I do think I will be reading the rest in the near future.