Kingdom of Embers and Ruin
by N.E. Valla
A continent divided. Rival kingdoms on the brink of war. Fates intertwined. A love that will spark the flame of rebellion.
Maude has been running for most of her adult life; from her past and her future.
She is an isolated pit fighter who would rather hit first and ask questions later with no other goal than to stay alive in the slums of Logi, the capital city of the Kingdom of Flame. Life had been anything but simple for Maude but it was still hers. But when a charming stranger hops into the fighting pit with her and forces her to face the growing unrest in Logi, Maude can feel the fates swirling around her once more.
Herrick is a warrior from the Kingdom of Rivers who is on a mission to help the oppressed, low born citizens of Ahland.
A strict believer in the fate that the gods laid out for him, Herrick follows his gut to Logi when dreams of Valkyries and flames plague him. He knows the brutally stubborn woman he finds in the illegal fighting pits is his fate when he aggravates her enough for her to lose her slippery grip on control, revealing her secret. She would be his salvation in this civil war against King Helvig of Logi… and his damnation.
When the opportunity arrives for Herrick to persuade Maude to help him search for a rumored weapon that can take down the crooked king on the Throne of Wind and Flames, he quickly discovers that she is as frustrating as she is alluring to the warrior. Her past is a mystery that Herrick wants to unravel but Maude doesn’t give up bits of herself without a fight, even if she feels herself losing that fight every moment she spends in the aggravating warrior’s presence.
Tempers flare and desires burn in this enemies to lovers Viking inspired fantasy imbued with elemental magic and civil unrest. Follow Maude and Herrick as they reluctantly work together to free Ahland from crooked rulers and restrictions that have the gods restless enough to begin pulling on the strings of fate, altering their lives as they know it.
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Martial Peak Reviews
N.E. Valla's Kingdom of Embers and Ruin is a captivating addition to the fantasy genre, weaving a tale of intrigue, rebellion, and romance set against a backdrop of elemental magic and Viking-inspired lore. The novel's blurb promises a story filled with tension, both political and personal, and Valla delivers on this promise with a narrative that is as engaging as it is complex.
At the heart of the story are two compelling protagonists, Maude and Herrick, whose lives are intricately intertwined by fate and circumstance. Maude, a fierce and independent pit fighter, is a character who immediately captures the reader's attention. Her life in the slums of Logi, the capital city of the Kingdom of Flame, is one of survival and resilience. Valla does an excellent job of painting Maude as a multifaceted character, one who is both hardened by her past and vulnerable in her desires. Her journey from isolation to reluctant partnership is a testament to Valla's skill in character development.
Herrick, on the other hand, is a warrior driven by a sense of duty and destiny. His mission to aid the oppressed citizens of Ahland is fueled by dreams and visions that lead him to Maude. Herrick's belief in fate and his unwavering commitment to his cause provide a stark contrast to Maude's more pragmatic approach to life. This dynamic creates a fascinating tension between the two characters, one that is both frustrating and alluring, as they navigate their shared path.
The chemistry between Maude and Herrick is palpable, and Valla expertly crafts their relationship as an enemies-to-lovers trope that feels fresh and exciting. Their interactions are charged with emotion, and the gradual development of their bond is both believable and satisfying. Valla's ability to balance the romantic elements with the overarching plot of rebellion and magic is commendable, ensuring that the romance enhances rather than overshadows the story.
One of the standout aspects of Kingdom of Embers and Ruin is its richly developed world. The Kingdom of Flame and the Kingdom of Rivers are vividly depicted, with Valla's attention to detail bringing the settings to life. The use of elemental magic adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, providing both a source of power and a symbol of the unrest that permeates the continent. The political tension between the kingdoms is well-crafted, with the looming threat of war serving as a constant undercurrent that drives the plot forward.
The themes of fate and destiny are woven throughout the novel, with the gods themselves playing a role in the unfolding events. Valla explores the idea of whether individuals can shape their own destinies or if they are merely pawns in a larger cosmic game. This theme is particularly resonant in the context of Maude and Herrick's journey, as they grapple with their roles in the rebellion and their feelings for each other.
In comparison to other fantasy novels, Kingdom of Embers and Ruin stands out for its unique blend of Viking-inspired elements and elemental magic. Fans of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series or Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse will likely find much to enjoy in Valla's work. The novel's focus on character development and intricate world-building places it in the company of these well-regarded series, while its fresh take on familiar tropes ensures it maintains its own identity.
Overall, Kingdom of Embers and Ruin is a thrilling and immersive read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance alike. N.E. Valla has crafted a story that is both epic in scope and intimate in its exploration of character and emotion. The novel's blend of action, magic, and romance is expertly balanced, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a story that will keep them engaged from beginning to end.
In conclusion, N.E. Valla's Kingdom of Embers and Ruin is a masterful blend of fantasy and romance, with well-developed characters, a richly imagined world, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or new to fantasy, this novel is sure to captivate and inspire, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
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