Ruins of Sea and Souls by Lisette Marshall

Title: Ruins of Sea and Souls

Series: Fae Isles

Author: Lisette Marshall

Release Date: April 24, 2023

Publisher: Independently Published

Genre: Romantasy

Source: paperback, Amazon

TW: graphic sexual content, violence, death, panic attacks/disorders, blood, grief, infertility, slavery, war

Synopsis

“You fell in love with a fae executioner. Did you truly think that would end well?”

With war looming, Emelin’s plan is simple: break the Mother’s bindings while her more diplomacy-minded friends persuade the rest of the world to join their rebellion. Unfortunately, their would-be allies are far too concerned about Em’s exact connection to the feared and hated Silent Death.

They might risk their lives for the world’s only unbound mage, but they’ll never fight for a fae prince’s puppet.

Forced to hide behind the explosive secret of their love, Em and Creon journey to the plague-cursed continent to learn more about the bindings. But as they face dragons, ruins, and murderous forests in search of the vanished gods, distrust between Creon and their travel companions brings tensions to a boiling point.

And if their love may cost them the victory against the Mother … how will Em ever choose between her heart and her duty?

Thoughts

Ruins of Sea and Souls by Lisette Marshall is a riveting read, stirring up emotions and arousing a sense of advocacy for the protagonist, Em. Marshall’s evocative writing style brings to life Em's frustrations and fears in a manner that is palpable. Every character is well-crafted, embodying authentic emotions that add depth to the narrative. Even in the face of intense personal drama, the story maintains its realism by highlighting how personal issues can hinder progress.

The book also presents one of my favorite literary couples – Em and Creon. Their personalities, relationship dynamics, and the struggles they face are beautifully portrayed and make them unforgettable.

One of the significant aspects of this book is the cliffhanger that leaves the reader yearning for more. The story is intricately woven with politics and conspiracies, adding to its intrigue.

In conclusion, Ruins of Sea and Souls is a compelling series that I highly recommend. The captivating storyline and relatable characters make it a book that I can reread numerous times without losing interest.