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.