An Exquisite Review

Exquisite Ruin is the new romantasy by AdriAnne May inspired by the Minotaur myth and the first in a delectable duology called Labyrinth. Read my review to see what I thought.

4 stars

Out: Now

Sadaré wakes up in a labyrinth not remembering anything. Her seemingly unwilling companion is Daesra, a daemon who has bound his divine soul. As they traverse the maze trying to find the center and get past the monster, she starts to recall her power as a sorceress and snippets of memories with Daesra. She is inexplicably drawn to him and realizes that unlocking the past may be their salvation. As that happens she begins to fear that he might actually be the monster, or maybe she is...

The book captured my attention from the very first lines where the protagonist wakes not knowing where or who she is. Upon the appearance of the arrogant, beautiful daemon with the chiding tone to his voice, who gives answers that pose more questions — begrudgingly her companion in the maze — you have a feeling that this is going to be good.

The 1st person POV does a great job of showing her confusion, her justifiable querying demeanor. I really enjoyed the shared sense of discovery with our main character. There is an inviting intimacy to her perspective as she searches within and around herself. The memory loss and the endless possibilities it brings for the revelation of her truth are simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating.

The main duo's butting of heads is an endless source of amusement as they continue to be smile-worthy smartasses. A constant battle of wits. Many a time there is a philosophical tint to the dialogue or the protagonist's musings. Also, informative insight into this world and its rules is given cleverly and organically. The narrative's reality or "Pain is power" is used creatively as it basks in the forefront. I took delight in the "Before" segments that intelligently and enticingly unspooled the protagonists' history.

Honorable mention to the surprisingly adorbs Pogli. And the unexpectedness of Deos.

I do admit that some of the explanations are wordy and confusing and sometimes I was baffled by a few of their exchanges like I missed something. But I truly loved this story. Deliciously dark and dangerous, sexy and spicy, our leads enjoy some pain in their pleasure, giving or receiving, so if that makes you uncomfortable then I do not believe this book is for you. Utterly unpredictable, you will never see that reveal coming.

Is putting everything on the line worth the reward? Do the ends ever justify the means? What is true freedom — true strength. The maze symbolizes the walls we build in and around us and beating it is us taking them down.

Inspired by the Minotaur myth, this reimaging is wildly entertaining, surprisingly heart-jolting and colored by betrayal and desire for power. You can read it as its own entity, even if it is part of a duology, without any crazy cliffhanger.