Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening, 1)

Orphaned at birth, Lis knows the value of safety better than most as she works tirelessly to hide her unique gift. Having fled the children’s home after a memorable run-in with a Hyhborn Lord, Lis spends several years scrounging out a life on the streets. When a chance encounter with the local Baron offers her and her childhood friend-turned-protector a chance at a stable home she eagerly accepts. Lis welcomes her new life as a favored pet to the Baron, surrounded by his lavish pleasure-seeking lifestyle. However, with time Lis is less and less able to disregard the cracks and tarnished veneer hiding beneath the superficial elegance. As whispers of rebellion make their way from the West, Lis must choose between the safety of the familiar or taking a chance on the unknown.

A superb foray into the adult fantasy genre, this story delivers the classic Armentrout writing style and intricate world-building. The power imbalance creates the ideal foundation for strife and dissension within the strict hierarchy. At the same time, the seductive tension of a lovers-to-enemies storyline builds an alluring tale that leaves the reader with more questions than answers.