Fall of Ruin & Wrath: Book Review

A four star read fantasy romance read

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Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Fantasy Romance

Dive into the magical world of "Fall of Ruin and Wrath”, affectionately dubbed as the acronym “FORAW," the latest enchanting creation by beloved author J.L. Armentrout. As an avid reader of Armentrout's recent fantasy works, my anticipation for this series was met with eager excitement and a touch of hesitation. Having been captivated by her previous masterpiece, "A Shadow in the Ember," my journey into the fantasy genre was sparked, and my book drought cured. As we say it was history, when I hauled myself right into the rabbit hole that is the fantasy romance genre. In “FORAW”, Armentrout weaves a tantalizing tale, introducing us the intriguing duo of Calista, a refreshingly relatable female lead, and “the Prince”, a character exuding confidence and allure. While the pace of the story itself was a little slow moving at times, J.L. made up for it in the fast-paced character relationships. Armentrout’s signature banter and sizzling sexual chemistry between the characters create a captivating narrative that kept me engrossed, devouring the pages in less than 24 hours.

"You're not going to be able to take all of me like this. Not yet." - Jennifer L. Armentrout, Fall of Wrath & Ruin

The story unfolds with a prelude, setting the stage for a series of prophecies and forewarnings of sorts, leaving readers and myself anxiously anticipating the unfolding events. Armentrout’s portrayal of Calista’s intuitive powers were interesting enough and the Prince’s assertive nature adds depth to the characters, making them both endearing and complex. The “Prince” in particular is the type of MMC to cheekily call you out on what you want and need, but bombastic side eye, eye roll and all, … I secretly love that about the character. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

Speaking of…what sets “FORAW” apart is its unapologetic embrace of sensuality. Sexuality is explored quite openly within this book primarily due to the setting. Armentrout tastefully explores intimate moments, adding a layer of spice to the narrative. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a passionate dinner scene that stands out as a favorite of mine among her series. Especially for a first book of the series, this book was a steady ⅗ on the spice radar.

There are also side characters that have left me with a curious impression. Characters such as the Baron. I can’t quite figure out where I stand with him as a character, but I want to know his thoughts, and feelings about the events that have transpired and where his story will take him. There is a sneaking suspicion that he plays a larger part in this interwoven story. My opinion is that he almost feels like a potential “Viktor” of some sorts.

While the book concludes with Armentrout’s trademark cliffhanger, it left me yearning for more. Classic J.L. As a reader, I found myself contemplating potential theories about the characters, and the potential connections to J.L.’s broader literary universe. I suppose I will have to wait until the rest of the series to know if the theories forming in my mind are correct.

In summary, “Fall of Wrath & Ruin” is a compelling first installment in the series, showcasing Armentrout’s mastery in crafting engaging characters and good plotlines. While there is a little feeling of wanting more from this book I was left satisfied and wanting to know what happens next. Thus, I can’t help but applaud Armentrout’s ability to leave readers both satisfied and hungry for more. If you’re seeking a fantasy romance that combines intricate storytelling, magnetic characters, and a healthy dash of spice, “FORAW” is a must-read. Let’s see what the next installment brings.

Note: Seriously J.L. I need a roadmap for these books. I have so many unanswered questions.