Genre: Romantic Fantasy Rating: 2/5

Content Warning

Souls in Ruin contains heavy and potentially distressing themes, including emotional trauma, physical and psychological suffering, and prolonged despair. Readers sensitive to dark subject matter should proceed with caution.

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Review

First and foremost, Souls in Ruin was a difficult read. I felt uncomfortable throughout. I usually enjoy stories that take place over a long span of time—where characters grow, age, and we get to follow along with their evolution. While there was growth in the main character, Mireille, the circumstances in which that growth occurred left me deeply sad.

Every time I picked up this book, I was swept into despair. The emotional weight of Mireille’s journey never truly eased, and the story consistently pulled me into feelings of grief and hopelessness rather than offering moments of balance or relief.

By the end, although the circumstances were technically better, I struggled to believe Mireille could find genuine happiness for a long time. The scars—both mental and physical—run deep, and the book does not shy away from the lasting impact of trauma.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m giving Souls in Ruin two stars. This is not a book I would recommend universally. Readers who enjoy dark, emotionally heavy romantic fantasy may find value here, but for many, the experience may feel overwhelming.

Read at your own risk.