eek i fear it is time to dnf. by no fault of the book itself(?), i’m just not in the right headspace to read this and i have tried so so many times to fully engage with this book but there’s just a disconnect. for now, i would recommend it for romantasy lovers if that’s your cup of tea!!

I loved the monster Romantasy. The plot was really good and I wonder if this is a standalone or going to be apart of a series.

First, I have to say that the cover of this book is absolutely stunning. It’s one of my favorites, absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t quite resonate with me. I struggled to connect with the characters, and the overall plot felt somewhat repetitive, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged. However, I do believe this book will find its audience, and for someone else, it could be exactly what they’re looking for. For me, though, at this point in my reading journey, it simply wasn’t the right fit.

One of the aspects the book did well was the use of flashbacks. They were thoughtfully executed and added intriguing layers to the narrative, deepening the mystery and keeping me interested in the unfolding events.

That said, I couldn’t fully get behind the romance in this one, and it ultimately lost me. I hadn’t quite realized what I was signing up for, and there were moments where I felt the need to skip over.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy. This review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

ARC Review: ⭐⭐⭐/5

Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May offers an intriguing premise that blends enemies-to-lovers romance, magical conflict, and a dark, mysterious setting. The story follows Sadaré, a sorceress with amnesia, and Daesra, a hooved-and-horned demon who despises her. Forced into close quarters in a constantly shifting maze, the two must rely on each other to survive while navigating betrayal, pain magic, and secrets from their pasts.

While the book promises a captivating fantasy adventure, I found it difficult to connect with the characters. Sadaré’s amnesia felt more like a plot device than a meaningful obstacle, and Daesra’s intense hatred toward her never evolved in a way that resonated emotionally. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic should have added depth to their relationship, but the betrayal between them lacked the emotional weight necessary for their eventual reconciliation to feel satisfying. While the characters were complex on paper, I never truly sympathized with them, which left me detached from their fates.

One element that stood out was the labyrinth itself. It was a compelling, almost character-like presence—shifting and ever-changing, creating an atmosphere of tension. As Sadaré and Daesra venture deeper, Sadaré begins questioning everything she thought she knew, even whether the true monster is Daesra, the labyrinth, or herself. Unfortunately, despite the potential for high-stakes danger, the plot twists never quite landed, and I never felt the urgency that the story seemed to demand. This lack of emotional investment in the peril left the twists feeling underwhelming.

Despite its promising concept, Exquisite Ruin ultimately felt forgettable. The world-building and magic were interesting, but the characters didn’t fully engage me, and the outcome didn’t leave me feeling fulfilled. I found myself wishing for more development, particularly with Daesra, whose internal struggles were only briefly touched upon. With a deeper exploration of his pain and transformation, I think the connection to his character could have been much stronger. Sadaré also came across as a bit juvenile in her dialogue, which, while perhaps fitting for her circumstances, made it difficult for me to connect with her on a more mature level.

The plot did keep me engaged, and I appreciated the unexpected twists, but the overall experience didn’t quite live up to its potential. Exquisite Ruin has all the ingredients of a gripping fantasy, but its execution left me wanting more, especially when it came to character development and emotional depth.

I’m curious to see what more this author has to offer, but unfortunately, this book didn’t quite deliver the immersive experience I had hoped for.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review

Chefs kiss! The payoff is worth the wait! The voice in this book is so strong and I loved the characters

A dark Minotaur myth reimagining with mental gymnastics and verbal repartee galore! If you're looking for dark romantasy escapism, move along!

I did enjoy the unique levels and monsters they encountered in the maze. The characters are clear parallels to their Greek counterparts but with new and interesting twists.

May robbed us on that ending! Starting with the FMC point of view to end on the MMC point of view is just plain cheating, especially when you don't give us her take on the ending after we had to read twenty chapters of them bantering back and forth and back and forth.

Also #JusticeforDeos

I was a little unsure about Exquisite Ruin for the first maybe 10 pages or so, but once it gets past it's struggle with its in medias res opening and some awkward "stage setting" dialogue, this book really takes off and it wasn't difficult to find myself sinking into the story, staying up well past my bedtime just to see what happens next. May's commitment to making this story as much about the individual journeys of the two main characters as it was about their tangled history together, combined with the mystery of the labyrinth and how they ended up inside it, kept the plot plunging along and prevented the book from sinking into the doldrums of "sex scenes are good but this is too many and nothing else is happening" that some fantasy romances find themselves becalmed in. All in all really captivating worldbuilding, a pair of leads whose chemistry is due in equal parts to the sharp broken edges of their past and the potential of their future, and - as I have come to expect from this author - beautiful prose to tie it all together.

4 stars

Sadaré takes in the sights of a powerfully deadly maze with no recollection of how the powerful witch got there. All that is known is she must defeat the monster within the maze alongside her bounded companion Daesra, a daemon. Secrets, history and emotions are weaved into each layer as the two navigate their newfound environment. Will they survive or be swallowed by not only the maze but each other?

The world building absolutely blew me away. Specifically the labyrinth itself becomes its own character. Personifying through each situation the pair go through and amplifying with the saturated atmosphere. Definitely on the slow burning side on all aspects but when it does burn, it BURNS!

I wasn’t the biggest fan of either main character initially. Especially with some reiteration of words or phrases. It felt like sometimes they had the same exact argument two chapters back verbatim. Slowly they did grow on me. The electric banter between them definitely helped. I really enjoyed the flashback scenes that molded the MMC/FMC into lovable characters. The coordination of past memories felt like little glimpse and teases to the entirety of the novel. This gave a proper intensity to both the characters and plot.

Now usually I can see a plot twist coming ages away but this one really got me. Again I have to go back to the world building and how intoxicating and complex it was distracting my better senses. At points I felt like things were messy but it all ended up folded into the perfect symmetric piece.

An engulfing slow burn spicy enemies to lovers high fantasy romance with complexity and adventure. I would recommend this for 18+ Romantasy readers. As always please check trigger/content warning before reading.

Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and A.M. Strickland for providing me with an advanced reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you net galley and Adrianne May for allowing me to ready and follow this two main characters in the magically twisted dark novel !
I was so engulfed and I feel like I was right in the story, right there as it was all happening the first chapter pulls you in and continues to do so. The dynamic between these character is soo intriguing and alluring.

This was such a great find! I really enjoyed this new take on the Minotaur! The enemies to lovers with a memory loss trope and mythical creatures made this a dramatic and enrapturing read! It had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I ended up not finishing because I honestly didn’t want to know how it ended, they were together then they broke up, then back together then break up etc. it got a bit tiring and I felt like I got the gist of their story and I still liked it without reading the last few chapters and I’m happy I did!

Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May is a thrilling, imaginative journey that skillfully combines mythology, romance, and just the right amount of edge. Drawing inspiration from the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth, May breathes fresh sexy life into the classic tale, offering a unique and modern twist that will captivate readers from start to finish who is looking for a dominating romance.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its seamless blending of mythological intrigue and romantic tension. While the book does include erotic scenes, they are tastefully integrated and never feel gratuitous or overwhelming. These moments serve to deepen the characters' emotional connections and add a layer of intensity to the narrative.

Additionally, May introduces subtle themes of bondage within the story, which adds complexity without overshadowing the plot. These elements are handled with nuance, contributing to the characters' development and the overall allure of the story.

For fans of mythology with a romantic twist, Exquisite Ruin is a must-read. It’s a compelling tale that strikes a fine balance between passion, adventure, and mythology, making it a book that’s hard to put down.

Exquisite Ruin by Adrianne May

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC copy.

I was really drawn into this book based on the amazing cover art and summary. It sounded really unique and interesting and the cover art was captivating. I can't say give read many fantasy stories with spice revolving around a labyrinth with a minotaur and enemies to lovers as the main trope.

However, the story really struggled to hold my attention the way I wanted and had hoped for. By the half way mark I was wanting to be done, but trudged through the rest anyway. Which was fine because it wasn't an awful story, it just was okay.

Couldn't really get behind either the FMC or the MMC - they both were a little insufferable unfortunately. Sometimes the banter was fun and enjoyable though. The spice was pretty decent as well and helped make up for the slower pacing of the story,

Best part/character was Pogli haha.

I did like the whole stuck in a labyrinth with the enemies to lovers angst though. My only complaint there was some scenes felt like they were repeating - characters would run away from each other, get into trouble, etc over and over. to where it just felt somewhat predictable overall.

All in all though it was an enjoyable enough of a read. I feel like this might be more enjoyable as an audio book so I'll probably try it out again once it's been officially published and hopefully put on audio. but for now it was a fun and unique fantasy read.

Thanks again to Netgalley and the author for the ARC e-copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May is an atmospheric fantasy romance that thrives on tension, mystery, and an otherworldly setting that’s as captivating as it is confounding. While the book offers moments of brilliance and a few spine-tingling twists, it doesn’t quite live up to its potential, leaving me intrigued but not fully satisfied.

Let’s start with the labyrinth. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s practically a character in its own right. May’s descriptions of its shifting walls, eerie whispers, and sense of malevolence are vivid and immersive. Every twist and turn kept me on edge, wondering what horrors might lurk around the corner. The maze’s ability to reflect and manipulate the characters’ fears and memories adds a psychological layer to the story, making it more than just a physical obstacle.

Sadaré and Daesra are the heart of this tale, though their dynamic is as sharp-edged as the labyrinth itself. Sadaré’s amnesia serves as both a strength and a weakness in the narrative—it creates intrigue but also distances the reader from fully connecting with her. Her evolution from a confused captive to someone reclaiming her power is compelling, but it occasionally feels rushed or incomplete. Daesra, on the other hand, is every bit the brooding, morally ambiguous antihero, and while his backstory of revenge and damnation is intriguing, it feels like there’s still more to uncover.

Their chemistry is... complicated. The attraction between them simmers with tension, but it’s wrapped in layers of mistrust, animosity, and fragments of a forgotten past. There are moments where the passion between them sparks off the page, but at times, it feels overshadowed by the constant push-and-pull of their antagonism. The flashbacks of their shared history are intriguing but often feel like breadcrumbs that never fully lead to a satisfying meal.

The plot hinges on Sadaré’s journey to recover her memories and their shared mission to escape the labyrinth, but the pacing falters in places. There are stretches of the story that feel repetitive—wandering the maze, bickering, surviving another deadly encounter—before the next big revelation drops. The climax delivers some surprising twists, especially as the lines blur between who (or what) the real monster is, but the resolution feels abrupt, leaving some questions unanswered.

Favorite moments? The maze itself provided some of the most gripping scenes. The way it manifests pieces of Sadaré and Daesra’s past to torment and challenge them was fascinating, particularly one chilling sequence where the walls seem to bleed with their unresolved guilt. Also, the subtle unraveling of Sadaré’s identity was a highlight—each revelation felt like a puzzle piece slotting into place.

Themes of memory, redemption, and the blurred lines between love and hate weave through the story, adding depth to the otherwise straightforward escape narrative. However, the book’s reliance on Sadaré’s fragmented memories to create suspense sometimes works against it, keeping the reader at arm’s length from fully understanding the stakes until late in the game.

Final verdict? Exquisite Ruin is a dark and moody fantasy romance with plenty of potential, but it struggles to fully deliver on its promises. If you love morally grey characters, lush but deadly settings, and a romance steeped in angst and mystery, it’s worth a read. Just be prepared for a journey as frustrating as it is intriguing—kind of like wandering a labyrinth yourself.

The cover had me. I feel like that should say enough.

But, we don’t judge books by their covers for good reasons.


Pros:
-The labyrinth was explained exceptionally well and was riveting to read about. As were the characters descriptions and overall world building.
-The way that Powers work within this world was very unique and well done.
-That plot twist was unexpected!

Cons:
-Dear lord, how many times can the word “I” be used in one chapter? Are there no other ways to phrase an action or thought???
-While most of the pacing of the story was alright, there was quiiiiiiiite a bit (like 30% of the book) that dragged on unnecessarily. There were trials that could have been much less detailed, and a good amount of the conversation between characters felt rushed and at the same time out of sorts.


I didn’t love this, but I didn’t hate it either. It was just okay. There was a lot that could have been built on to create an amazing dark fantasy romance that would have been more memorable and thought provoking, but unfortunately this fell quite flat.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me an Arc of this story!

3.75
I recently finished reading Adrienne May's "Exquisite Ruin" and was impressed by the author's descriptive writing and complex world-building. The story is engaging, with a well-paced narrative that balances romance, banter, and action.

The labyrinthine setting adds a unique layer to the story, and the plot twist is clever and unexpected. May's writing is skilled, making for a compelling read.

Overall, I recommend "Exquisite Ruin" to fans of fantasy and romance. While it may not be a perfect fit for every reader, it's a solid choice for those looking for a engaging and immersive story.

There’s something in the foundation of the writing that holds promise, but the execution and editing are just not there.

I really didn’t like the idea of power coming from physically hurting herself. I get that it could also come from different types of pain, but I don’t want to read about her having to bind her arm uncomfortably, and then more, so she can summon her power.

There seemed to be an inconsistency with the memory loss. After the info-dump of how her power works in chapter 2, she then has a better understanding just a couple chapters later of the best type of pain to inflict to heal herself. In the beginning she remarks, after looking over her body, that she must be a woman. So you can’t even remember that you’re a woman, but you have this understanding of your power to varying degrees? This seemed to happen continually with different aspects of her knowledge and personality, lacking consistency with her memory loss if it was supposed to be absolute.

I was tired of the bickering between the FMC and MMC from the start. The jabs the MMC would use against the FMC got old within the second chapter. I want banter, not to feel like I’m listening to two immature teenagers insult each other. Her hating him from the beginning, but not remembering him, felt like a child in a tantrum at times. The hostility, for lack of a better term, between the two should have been dialed way back, and I think the MMC should have been more distant that insulting, leading the FMC to be conflicted rather than the feeling of petulant hatred. I wasn’t invested in the author's attempt to “hint” at the past relationship and feelings because at that point I wasn’t even invested in them as characters individually, which hurt the story from the beginning.

This book had everything going for it—magic, demons, a deadly maze, and a slow-burn romance dripping with tension—but somehow, it just didn’t work for me. I wanted to be obsessed, to lose myself in the twists and turns of the labyrinth (both literal and emotional), but instead, I found myself…meh.

I think this one is a mood read, and my mood was more “get to the action already.” Plus, slow burns and I are just not friends. I appreciate the tension and the yearning, but sometimes I just want the characters to stop brooding and do something! That’s a me problem, though, not the book’s fault.

That said, the concept is super unique, the writing has this dark, lush vibe that’s perfect for fans of myth-inspired fantasy, and I can absolutely see this being someone else’s new favorite read. For me, though, it was more of a maze I wanted to exit than one I wanted to get lost in.

I really wanted to enjoy this book Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired

First and foremost, the writing could use significant editing, particularly for consistency. For a large portion of the story, the witch is supposed to barely remember anything, yet she repeatedly says things like, “I wouldn’t do/think/feel that.” How would she know that if she only remembers two isolated scenes from her life? Additionally, her feelings about the demon swing wildly from one extreme to another, almost as if the author was trying to hit an emotional quota for the protagonist in every chapter.

The narrative also relied too heavily on telling rather than showing. The repetitive “I did this,” “I went there,” and “I saw that” style of writing made the story feel flat and mechanical, which pulled me out of the immersive experience I was hoping for.

That said, I think there are readers who will love this book, especially if they’re die-hard fans of this genre and can overlook the plot inconsistencies. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of those readers, but I hope it finds its audience.

1 🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑

This book was a chore. If this wasn’t an arc I would have DNF’d it but I’ve been trying very hard to not dnf arcs so here we are.

The writing was slow, and often too much. There was a lot of tell and no show. I hated both the FMC and MMC almost as much as they hated each other. The world building was okay, I did enjoy some of the more intense scenes but overall this book is just.. kinda there. It’s an option but it’s not a very good one.

I wanted to love this one, hell I wanted to even LIKE this one. The premise sounded SO good but it just fell flat for me. I don’t know, maybe I’m just not a romantasy reader, cause if this is what romantasy is.. I don’t want it.

Exquisite Ruin was an intriguing read! Set against a vividly imagined backdrop, the story centers on Sadaré, a powerful sorceress who awakens in this deadly maze without any recollection of her past. Her only companion is Daesra, a stunning yet menacing immortal bound by vengeance and dark motives. The labyrinth itself feels like a character—alive and shifting, reflecting the emotions and challenges Sadaré and Daesra face. As they navigate its treacherous paths, the maze reveals not only the external dangers they must confront but also the deeply buried truths of their intertwined histories. This duality is central to the narrative, offering a rich exploration of how their pasts shape their present selves.
Sadaré and Daesra’s dynamic is at the heart of the story. Initially, they embody the classic adversarial trope, with sharp-witted exchanges laced with animosity. Yet, as their journey unfolds, the author skillfully peels back layers of their characters, revealing vulnerabilities and a palpable chemistry that complicates their initial disdain. The passion that simmers between them becomes both a source of strength and a profound risk, heightening the stakes of their mission.
The threatening presence of the monster at the labyrinth's center serves as a compelling metaphor throughout the narrative. As Sadaré confronts her fears and the possibility that the source of their turmoil may reside within her or Daesra, the tension escalates. The author deftly weaves this psychological element into the physical journey, making the climactic moments both heart-pounding and introspective.
Overall, Exquisite Ruin is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and psychological depth, showcasing AdriAnne May's talent for crafting intricate worlds and multi-faceted characters. Its a story I highly recommend reading.