I did not like this. I feel like if you’re writing a romantasy where most of the story is centered around two characters, even if the characters are not individually likable, they should have this thing called chemistry. This was a BORE, and the lukewarm sex scenes didn’t save it.

This book heavily draws on the Minotaur Greek myth but imagine if the Minotaur was a hot demon and his love interest was a morally grey witch with a pain kink? And they’re stuck in a seemingly never ending lovers-enemies-lovers loop.

It’s a mostly character driven story with a small cast of characters. The 2 main characters both have very questionable morals and I love their messiness.

That twist at the very end I did not see coming!!!!

While the story was unique and interesting, I just could not get into this book. I felt nothing for the characters or their trials, the action felt obligatory and repetitive, and the spice was not engaging. I actually almost DNF-but I did want to find out what in the world is the explanation for all of this?!?
2 stars for the plot and concept, unfortunately I can’t give any higher for the execution not landing.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC

Exquisite Ruin by AdriAnne May presents an intriguing premise, combining 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 shifting, dangerous maze, the two characters must rely on each other to survive as betrayal, pain magic, and secrets from their pasts bubble to the surface.

While the book promises a gripping fantasy adventure, I found myself struggling to connect with the characters. Sadaré’s amnesia felt more like a plot device than a meaningful obstacle, and Daesra’s hatred never evolved into something emotionally resonant. Though the second-chance romance trope should have added depth, the betrayal between them lacked the emotional weight that would make their reconciliation satisfying. The characters, though complex in theory, were hard to sympathize with, leaving me detached from their fates.

The labyrinth, however, is a standout element of the story. It feels like a living, breathing entity—constantly shifting, keeping the characters on edge, and becoming almost a character itself. The deeper Sadaré and Daesra venture into it, the more Sadaré starts to question everything she thought she knew, including whether the real monster is Daesra, the labyrinth, or herself. This tension could have been gripping, but the plot twists and dangers never fully delivered. I never felt the urgency or peril that was supposed to drive the narrative, and as a result, the twists fell flat.

Sadly, despite its potential, Exquisite Ruin ended up feeling forgettable for me. The story had all the ingredients for a dark, compelling fantasy, but I couldn’t find it in myself to care deeply about the characters, nor did I feel invested in the outcome. The ending, in particular, left me unfulfilled and questioning whether the journey was worth it.

Though the concept is promising, with a fascinating setting and elements of magic, the execution fell short for me. A missed opportunity for a book that had the potential to be so much more.

Very intriguing I was so excited to read this. I really enjoyed the mystery of the plot . The story was very adventurous. I couldn’t put it down. I loved it so much. The characters were very well written and very descriptive.

“Exquisite Ruin,” by AdriAnne May

I didn’t like this book. I didn’t like the mystery/ amnesia aspect, and way too much of the action and what was happening felt tedious and repetitive because the scenes were too similar with each other, over and over again. It just wasn’t for me, 2 out of 5 stars.

-Witches
-Demons
-Trials

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

This book is perfect for people who love a good high- stakes journey with tons of plot twists and puzzles. The puzzles was probably by far my favorite aspect of this book. The banter between the two characters begin right off the bat which was interesting, considering that one of our main characters has amnesia and the other is still reeling in the emotions of being betrayed by that character, but aside from that I thought that there was simply so much to love about this book.
Our main characters Sadaré and Daesra find them selves stuck in a deadly maze that they must escape from and just like our main characters you'll find yourself feeling confused, disoriented and befuddled along with them because of you will be learning about world and each character right along side them, with chapters that take you from the present to the past, it is a lot of digest.
The flow of the chapters at times did confuse me, the back and forth from past to present had my brain glitching and then readjusting from time to time. The main characters were also difficult to enjoy reading because even though we learned something new about one or both of them at the end of a given chapter it still felt like i was reading about two strangers and it was hard to not feel a disconnect between the two of them especially when they started to get hot and heavy with each other.
But this was such a interesting read, and I am so shocked to finally read a book with some of my absolute favorite that I enjoy reading in books . If you are looking for a book that will have your mind ducking and weaving through a maze with a dash of spice( lets be honest it was far more potent than a dash) this is the book for you.

Please check the trigger warnings.

What to Expect:
••» Enemies-to-Lovers
••» Forced Proximity (in a maze)
••» A Sorceress with Amnesia
••» A Hooved-and-Horned Demon Who Hates Her
••» Second Chance Romance/Betrayal
••» Pain Magic
••» A Pug in Disguise

In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom. The catch? One of them has amnesia, while the other can’t forget the painful betrayal they experienced.

The dynamic between Sadaré and Daesra was deliciously tense—classic enemies to lovers with all the push and pull you could want. Their banter kept me hooked, and I couldn’t put the book down. I read this in one sitting. The storyline jumps between past and present, giving you just enough clues to keep you guessing, but trust me, just when you think you’ve figured it out, the plot twists again. It was like trying to solve a riddle—confusing at times but so worth it. I loved how unique and unpredictable the story felt, with twists at every turn. Even the side characters were a joy.

If you're into enemies-to-lovers with a side of mind-bending puzzles and spice, this book is a must-read. It left me in total shock, but in the best way possible. I can't wait to see what AdriAnne May writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, AdriAnne May, the author, and Gallery Books for the ARC opportunity.

I read this arc exquisite ruin by Adriananne May. It was a whirlwind. there's a witch and a demon, and they are stuck in this maze. It's like a push and pull relationship with them, and they're trying to escape the maze by completing challenges and puzzles. and it's like you're constantly back-and-forth, like what's going on. There's so many plot twists that I did not see coming. I thought it was so entertaining. Because there's enemies to lovers in there, check the content warning. But the banter between the 2 was so interesting and fun. it kept me intrigued the whole time. I didn't want to put it down!!! Also one of them has amnesia and the other Remembers the betrayal of the other. The one with amnesia is trying to figure out their story And remember who they are. Because the author goes back-and-forth, like what happened before they were in this maze and then when they are in the maze gives clues and insight into the characters. . it's just like you're trying to figure out a puzzle or riddle. well, this is this and then this might not even be close to that. It's so good. I gave it 5 stars, check it out. Thank you for letting me be an arc reader for this, netgalley, and I can't Wait to read more from this author Because I thought it was so good. the storyline was so interesting and I was, I was hooked.

This book had me hooked from the very first page! The tension between the two main characters was electric, and their dynamic kept me flipping through the pages non-stop. It’s the perfect mix of intrigue, passion, and surprises that left me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

The characters were such a highlight for me, each with their own quirks and charm. Daesra’s reluctant partnership with Sadarè was both entertaining and intense, and I couldn't get enough of their push-and-pull relationship. Pogli was an absolute scene-stealer, fierce yet so endearing, while Deos brought an unexpected layer of humor that balanced out the more serious moments.

The maze setting and its unique powers were brilliantly executed, adding an extra layer of complexity to the story. The plot was unpredictable, full of twists that kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would take a sharp turn, keeping me constantly surprised.

This book was the perfect combination of mystery, action, and spice, with just the right amount of emotional tension driving everything forward. I honestly didn’t want it to end. Highly recommend this one!

I was hooked from the cover and description and so glad I was able to read this. It uses the Minotaur myth in a way that worked well overall as something I could recognize and be something original. The characters worked wonderfully with the Greek mythology element and glad I was able to go on this journey with the characters. I was invested in the way AdriAnne May wrote this and can’t wait for more.

There is a lot of fantastic things about this book, from an incredible setting to a plot that made me desperate to know more. Though, I found that this book simply wasn't for me. There is nothing wrong with it, but this is simply because of my personal tastes!

Thank you for this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

Exquisite Ruin is a dark romantasy inspired by the Minotaur myth. The main characters, a witch and a demon, are stuck in a deadly maze they must escape from. Problem is that one has amnesia and the other can't forget the betrayal he experienced…
I loved the push and pull between Sadaré and Daesra, how they were enemies and reluctant allies, and yet couldn't stay away from each other. The tension combined with spicy flashbacks and high stakes was indeed exquisite.
Reading this, you’ll often find yourself confused and disoriented, as if you're the one trying to find your way through a maze, but I advise you to keep reading because it’s worth it. Throughout the story, the author feeds the readers bits of information and just when you think you have things figured out and predicted the plot twist, it twists even more!
Reading this book was like trying to solve a riddle. It truly blew my mind, yet had a satisfying ending. All in all, it was a great journey into the darkest places of one's soul and the light that can be found there.

Note: check content warnings before reading

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read this book!!

Right from the start I was captivated by the mystery and hatred between the two main characters. This book summed up would be a spicy mindf*ck! Lol

I love that Daesra originally called himself Sadarè’s “highly reluctant ally”. Enemies to lovers has always been my cup of tea.

Pogli is the best little companion throughout the story- he was viscous and loveable. As was Deos, who gave me Himbo vibes.

I love the maze and the powers they possess. The story felt completely original and unique, and it was an absolute page turner.

The spice was ✨immaculate✨ and the angst was the perfect plot driver.

This book was an absolute puzzle, and I couldn’t predict anything that happened, which is unusual for me, but so refreshing!

By the end of it my brain was in complete shock!! Twists and turns around every corner! (Literally, get it? Cuz they’re in a maze?)

Love love loved this book!! Highly recommend!!!

I couldnt find it in myself to care about any of the characters and the ending was honestly very unfulfilling for me. I never felt the danger, held any sympathy or got any amusement out of the plot twists. Very forgettable despite sounding so promising.

Sadaré is a wild ride from start to finish. You’re thrown right into this eerie, living labyrinth with the main character, Sadaré, who has no memory except that she’s a powerful sorceress. Her only companion is Daesra, a dangerously attractive, immortal demon who has a serious chip on his shoulder. They don’t trust each other at all, but they have to team up if they want to make it to the center and escape the monster lurking there.

The tension between Sadaré and Daesra is one of the highlights. They start off barely tolerating each other, but as they dig into their shared history, things get complicated—and intense. It’s that perfect slow-burn romance where you’re never quite sure if they’ll kill each other or fall in love.

The labyrinth itself feels like its own character, constantly changing and keeping them on edge. Plus, the deeper they go, the more Sadaré starts questioning everything she thought she knew, including whether the real monster might be Daesra... or even herself.

If you’re into dark fantasy with a lot of mystery, tension, and a good amount of twists, this book is for you. It’s got great world-building, high stakes, and keeps you guessing until the end. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a story with equal parts danger and romance!

I was really intrigued by the premise behind this because I always love a little Greek myth throw in there! I did like how this used the myth as inspiration, the twists were enjoyable. The kinks weren’t always to my taste, but we powered through. Pogli the chimera was the STAR of this book, loved him so much! I think this book was a bit too long and the ending was too convoluted (though I did like the overall themes that were presented). I have no idea what could result in a sequel to this, and I don’t think I’m particularly interested in continuing this as a series. Overall, not bad though!

*Exquisite Ruin* by AdriAnne May is a stunning reimagining of the Minotaur myth that completely blew me away! From the very first page, I was hooked by the immersive world-building and the intense dynamic between Sadaré and Daesra. The darkly romantic tension between sorceress and demon had me flying through the book, desperate to uncover their shared history and escape the deadly maze. As someone really into myths, I thought this was a fantastic take on the Minotaur story, and as a big romantasy reader, I was stoked—this book checked every box for me! I’ve already preordered a copy with those gorgeous sprayed edges for my shelf, and I can’t wait to see what else AdriAnne May has in store!

Not really my genre - but real romantasy readers will probably be all over this dark, broody take on the minotaur.