Queen of Ash and Ruin (The Faete of Magic Book 1) (2024)

Magic is dwindling, the peoples of Daearen are separated, a beloved Queen appears to be going mad, and the world as they know it is dying.
D.M. Swartwout has beautifully written her breakout novel in a manner that is captivating and fluid. This book begins with a captured Morrigan who is missing large pieces of time, then jumps 500 years to a war-torn Daearen with a mad, self appointed Queen Morrigan torn between what she knows is right and what is being whispered to her. She's surviving on unnatural, corrupted magic as those who are closest to her are either loyal, or working to drive her to the very edge of her sanity.
In a town of resisters, young magic wielders and shifters alike are learning to battle back the likes of all of Morrigan's creatures while holding on to the bit of peace and freedom left in the realm while unlocking new abilities and trying desperately to protect their families. But unrest stirs everywhere it seems as elders long to return to their homelands as free leaders rather than those pulled to be placed on "farms".
In Keinuka things are not as well as they seem. This lands is also dying, the very magic that feeds the tree they call home leaving the once lush beauty sickly and dry enough that many who once loved it know something is very wrong. Here a brute leads the people while his sons control with cruelty. All but two, the oldest and the youngest. While one plots elaborately to save the other and bring down their father a child is born, a child that must be whisked to safety, even if it means sure death for the savior. Sending his brother and the babe to safety becomes a driving task that brings along more allies both expected and surprising and pulls all of our characters full circle.

Through the expanse of this story Swartwout carefully weaves our characters paths together while effortlessly describing each, dropping characteristics and full descriptions of physical traits into the story with ease and in a manner that does not disrupt the lulling flow of her words. The world and character building are unobtrusive and detailed enough to give you a visualization of the space you're in and the persons around you.
I truly, thoroughly enjoyed this debut. The story is absolutely a build, meant to introduce us to the world of Daearen and build our connections to its people and lands. There are some moments of action or anticipation in this book, but it's more of a build up into what comes next. However, don't let that deter you, because it WILL suck you in and leave you satisfied......even with that cliffhanger.
The initial time jump doesn't give you much fill in. At one point a character describes an initial conflict, how things happened in her village all those years ago. The remainder of the book is spaced out over the course of several months after we meet the first character. Time is gauged via narration commenting on time lapsed since a prior event that was read and is seamless.
Many characters and places have been lightly pulled from mythology, and there are several instances where ancient languages are referenced which made for a really nice little addition. This book contains a multitude of paranormal characters from kitsune and other shifters, to witches, to fairy folk and Gods.
I will be picking up the next book in this series for sure. Swartwout's writing is soft and rhythmic making it easy to read and get lost in. And better yet, it's memorable. I'm very excited to see what happens next in Daearen and who will prevail. And I need to know if Penixia and Barret are successful, or if they're taken down, and I need to know the extent of Keena's growing power....and whatever happened with the 4 locked away in the caves?! I need to know how their stories expand into the battle and what Helmer is destined for. Will the people of Mina fall, or will Zeus provide an answer in time? And will Morrigan come out the other side whole? I'm really worried for her.

Thank you to D.M. Swartwout for an excellent first story! I look forward to seeing all of the wonderful things you put together in the future!

*ARC read*

Before I read the first line of “Queen of Ash and Ruin,” 2nd edition, I had already begun to realize that D.M. Swartwout’s debut novel was remarkable. The pages of this e-book glowed, full of her creativity and displaying it proudly. Not only is the written word beautiful, thought-provoking, and brilliant. The author has provided stunning visual cues throughout her work that offer glimpses into the characters and what might lie ahead for them. More about that in a moment.

“Queen of Ash and Ruin” is an intelligently designed fantasy novel whose characters face a war that threatens to destroy their people and their world. Witches, shapeshifters, fae, and all manner of those graced with magic in one form or another find themselves facing the forces of Morrigan, who began her war against their civilization believing she was excising those who sought to destroy their realm. It is, in fact, the opposite. Morrigan is the threat to the existence of what is good within this world.

As the story unfolds, so does the world-building. If you’re an impatient reader, be aware that it will take some reading before you have a good grasp on this world and those within it. Ms. Swartwout will not hold your hand and lay this world out for you in linear fashion. Rather, she will thrust you into it and allow you to pick up the clues as you read along. I personally prefer this total immersion style, rather than being hand-fed all the info about a new world at the beginning.

There are a multitude of characters here, each providing the story from their point of view. This might have been worrisome had the author not provided various creative elements as signposts to allow readers to feel solidly anchored as the world shifts around them. The characters themselves have rich histories that unfold with the storyline itself, granting the reader insight into the sometimes strange actions of some of these personalities.

For instance, there’s Barret. He is the eldest of his father’s 32 sons (no daughters). That’s not a typo. His father, Cruor Borrowmag, refers to these sons as his “army,” although he is, in fact, Morrigan’s general. As the oldest son of a prominent man, I expected Barret to be something akin to minor royalty. Perhaps pampered, or perhaps being prepared to take over his father’s legacy. Yet as the number one son, Barret instead receives the punishments for his 31 younger brothers, especially the lashes his father constantly wants to dish out to the youngest son, Helmer, a child Cruor despises. Barret is relentlessly lashed to near death for the deeds of others. Yet he’s not an angry, bitter, or violent person. He’s instead gentle, humble, loving, and very protective. As we learn more about Barret within this story, we understand why he is so willing to take the punishment of others. He’s an amazing character- strong, intelligent, patient, and quietly defiant.

Keena closed her eyes to the colors of the sky above, deciding she would rather keep them shut than look at the surrounding landscape. Once they drew nearer to Mina, its protective spells meant the trees stood lush, and the grass remained green, but where the caravan was currently traveling, everything was gray, the bark sloughing off its branches like the skin of a corpse.

I mentioned that D.M. Swartwout has created some stunning visual cues for her readers. As the quote above indicates, the world we’re in is virtually colorless due to the depletion of their most treasured resource. The only exceptions to this monochromatic environment are places where spells create the illusion of the beauty this realm once possessed. As readers progress through this fascinating tale, they will discover each character’s unique full-page watermark that offers insight into their personalities.

Morrigan’s features a raven, Keena’s is a misty gray forest, Helmer’s is a large tree trunk with just a hint of green. These are pale, ghostly images with virtually no color. Then we meet the wise leader Enid, and colors burst onto the scene, stark and vivid. Shortly after Enid, a succubus named Penixia gets her chance to express her perspective, and the pages turn into a startling riot of color from gorgeous flowers. Penixia, it seems, is much more complex than may be first assumed.

War is a cruel mistress, Penixia thought bitterly. She makes dead even of the living.

The changes created by these chapter headings are striking and mesmerizing, conveying a host of enlightening thoughts if the reader takes a moment to sift them out. I was absolutely enchanted by what the author attempted and accomplished with these creative elements. Each is well thought out and richly done. These are not simply pictures splashed onto pages to make this book seem more elaborate. This book, this story is elaborate and profound.

So, what’s the big takeaway with this debut? First, D.M. Swartwout is an author to be on the lookout for. If this novel is any indication, we’ll be seeing her name on best-selling lists in no time. Her characters, creativity, storyline, and world-building are outstanding. She has an exciting mix of fantasy, mythology, and a touch of plain old humanity in a winning combination with “Queen of Ash and Ruin.”

Themes of family loyalty, honor, protection, and strength are juxtaposed with deceit, wrath, vengeance, and abuse. Fans of modern-day giants of the genre such as Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and K.F. Breene will dive in head-first. Even those who only occasionally pick up a fantasy novel such as this will find a remarkable read well worth your time. If you’re only going to read one fantasy novel this year, make it “Queen of Ash and Ruin,” 2nd edition, by D.M. Swartwout.

What a way to debut! I have so many things to say about this book. I enjoyed it so much.

So here's the important bits that you should know:
* This book is the beginning of a series. At the time of this review, it is the only book currently available. It does have a cliffhanger, not too brutal, but it was rough! I already want more.

* Fantasy. Magic. Shape shifters. Fae.

* Written in third person, multi-POV. I found this to be a new to me, but I really like how it all came together. Normally in first person POV, the story is still limited to an extent. I found the way this was written allowed you to see more of the story. Which in this case is super important.

* We have 6 POVs that we are going to follow. Keena, Enid, Helmer, Barret, Penixia, and Morrigan. Although there are multiple, I found the story very easy to follow and found myself invested in them all. Each one has their own story that is unique and a vital part of this story. I couldn't help but fall in love with several of them.

* Aside from our POV characters, there are also a lot of side characters you are going to meet. Also essential to this story and helped develop it even further. I found myself drawn to several of them (Adriel especially!) and would love to see more of them. I am curious to see how some of these relationships play out as the series continues.

Overall this book was fantastic. I love the detail the author put in building this world that we are in. I would venture to say this book is the foundation for this series. The "bigger" story is being set up in the book and relationships being made/broken. Which is why when the ending comes, you aren't ready. This story has gone through this house build up, only to have to wait to see how it is going to play out. Which I will be reading as SOON as I can get my hands on it when it is available.

No triggers in this one, however, I have been told that future books may contain some. Hope you enjoy! Happy Reading ya'll :)

This book was absolutely incredible. The beginning was a slow start, but omg, once I got into it, I just couldn't put it down. If I didn't have other things to do, this would've been done in 2 days max, that's how good this book was!!

The characters were likable and relatable, and some had me wanting to kill them myself, and that's when you know it's a solid written character.

The multiple storylines were absolutely amazing! I loved how each had their own things they were working through, and it's all coming together at the end. Kinda reminds of LOTR.

Don't even get started on plot twists or revelations. Had me audibly saying WHAT?!

This book had no spice, but with everything happening and how entertaining the book is alone, Im perfectly okay with that. There is some romance, though, which I'm happy with.

This book was a solid 10/10 and CAN NOT wait to read the second book, God's of Wrath And Ruin 🫶

****The beginning of an Epic fantasy!***

A world ravished by war. In the realm of Daearen the awen is disappearing. War has separated the people into two factions. Morrigan, a self appointed Queen, caught between madness and sanity. Surrounded by those who are either loyal or secretly fueling her rage by slowly poisoning her. A substance she needs to sustain her life.
Keena, a Fae living in the hidden village of Mina. Torn between who she wants to be and her new, developing abilities. While the colony she lives in struggles to fight the forces of Morrigan and keep their families safe.
Just when you think you know where a characters loyalties lie the story takes an Unexpected turn!! There are Witches, Seers, Succubus, Fae, Shifters, hidden villages, Magic and so much more! Both the story and characters intertwine seamlessly and it flows perfectly.
D.M. Swartwout has written an outstanding first novel that will captivate you from the beginning. I devoured this book in 3 days! I highly recommend it! You will not be disappointed. I am so excited for the next installment in this series so I can delve further into this amazing world!

A world torn by war. A goddess gone mad. A rebellion trying to save the magic. This book is a roller coaster from the get go that had me by the throat within the first four chapters. D.M. Swartwout brings these characters to life on the page so beautifully that you find yourself drawn into her world full of trauma, drama, and intrigue.
Now, I'm not going to say this book is for everyone. There's no spice, a bit of romance, and the point of view shifts between six people. It is a debut, and there is a lot of world building going on that will leave you hanging a time or two, but I know it's going to be worth it. So much happened in the 600 pages, and yet, I still need to know more! I look forward to what this writer has in story for this world, and it's people, and will be telling everyone I know to read this book ASAP!