Eternal Torment and Whispers

In a forgotten crypt, Fury, once a powerful godling, endures eternal torment. Betrayed and imprisoned by King Gherahn's forces, her decayed body houses a mind sharp with vengeance. Whispers of ancient gods promise salvation and revenge, speaking of a man from the East destined to free her. Fury, once known as Beauty and Love, now embodies wrath, waiting to unleash her fury upon the world.

The Prince's Desperate Ritual

In the Eastern Territories, a nameless prince performs a desperate ritual, offering his blood to flames in a plea for guidance. Haunted by his forgotten past and weakened by battles, he seeks the favor of Thamaos, a god of the East. Despite his weakened state, the prince is determined to fulfill his dark purpose, driven by the whispers of a god promising power and dominion.

A Mysterious Prisoner Awakes

In a dungeon, Fury begins to heal under healer Bronwyn's care. Once a powerful godling, she was betrayed and left to rot for centuries. As her body regenerates, she is haunted by memories of her past and betrayal. The prince visits, promising freedom for her aid. Fury, aware of his true nature, remains silent, plotting revenge against those who wronged her.

Raina's Unyielding Determination

Raina Bloodgood, a witch with the gift of Sight, is determined to uncover the prince's plans. Haunted by visions and driven by a need to protect her loved ones, she struggles to break through magical barriers shielding the prince. Guided by intuition and supported by Alexus, a powerful sorcerer, Raina navigates a world filled with danger and deception.

A Dangerous Alliance Proposed

Raina encounters Neri, a god of the North, who offers her a deal: help him regain his power, and he will aid her quest. Neri seeks resurrection to stop the prince and Thamaos. Raina is torn, knowing the risks of dealing with a god. Yet, the promise of power and the chance to thwart the prince's plans are tempting. She must decide whether to trust Neri or rely on her own strength and allies.

Secrets of the Malorian Sea

The Lady Belladonna, commandeered by Joran, sails through a mysterious fog across the Malorian Sea. The fog, a product of Joran's magick, conceals the ship from the Northland fleet, allowing the group to sail undetected toward the Summerlands. Tensions rise among the crew, and secrets about Joran's capabilities and intentions surface. The journey is fraught with uncertainty, but the promise of reaching the City of Ruin drives them forward.

A Dangerous Game of Trust

Onboard the Lady Belladonna, trust is fragile. Joran's unexpected prowess in magick raises suspicions, and Dedrick Terrowin's involvement in their escape is questioned. The group must rely on each other despite doubts, as the threat of the Northland Watch looms. Alexus grapples with his past and leadership burden, while Raina struggles with her feelings for him. The journey tests alliances, forcing them to confront fears and insecurities.

Raina's Heartfelt Dilemma

Raina is caught in a whirlwind of emotions, navigating her complex feelings for Alexus and loyalty to Finn. Memories of their shared past haunt her, and the bond with Alexus, though damaged, still tugs at her heart. As the ship sails closer to the Summerlands, Raina must decide whether to follow her heart or duty. Her choice will shape their journey and the fate of those she loves.

The Collector's Bold Confession

Alexus, the Witch Collector, confronts Raina with a bold confession of love, vowing to fight for her despite the broken bond. His determination to win her back is unwavering, challenging her to remember their shared passion. Raina is torn, her heart pulled in different directions, but Alexus's words ignite a spark of hope. Their relationship hangs in the balance, as both must confront their past and uncertain future.

A Shocking Revelation Unfolds

Raina finds herself in a strange version of Quezira, where the Prince of the East is known as Elias Gherahn. Confused and disoriented, she realizes she has traveled back in time, three hundred years to be exact. The prince, unaware of her true identity, orders her to be taken to the library, a place she recognizes from Alexus's dreams. As she is dragged through the corridors, Raina struggles to comprehend her situation, realizing she is in a time when Alexus was known as Alexi of Ghent, a man she has only heard about in stories.

A Desperate Escape Attempt

Trapped in a dungeon cell, Raina attempts to use her powers to escape but finds them mysteriously absent. Her attempts to summon fire or access her abyss are futile, leaving her feeling vulnerable and alone. As she grapples with her predicament, she reflects on the warnings she received about her powers and the potential dangers of using them recklessly. Despite her fear, Raina resolves to find a way back to her own time and reunite with Alexus, determined to stop the prince's sinister plans.

A Godly Bargain Struck

In a desperate bid to save Colden, Nephele strikes a deal with Neri, the god of the North. She agrees to resurrect him in exchange for his help in freeing Colden and stopping the prince. Neri, intrigued by Nephele's fiery spirit, agrees to the terms, promising to aid her in the coming battle. As Neri prepares to fulfill his end of the bargain, Nephele grapples with the implications of her decision, knowing she has bound herself to a god with his own agenda.

A Time-Bending Twist

Raina's encounter with Fleurie in the burning grove sends her spiraling through time, landing her in the past. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she realizes the gravity of her situation and the potential consequences of her actions. Her presence in the past threatens to alter the course of history, and she must tread carefully to avoid causing irreparable damage. Determined to return to her own time, Raina searches for a way to harness her powers and undo the time-bending twist that has trapped her in the past.

A Heartbreaking Realization

As Raina comes to terms with her situation, she is confronted by a version of Alexus who does not recognize her. This heartbreaking realization shatters her, as she grapples with the knowledge that the man she loves is lost to her in this time. Despite the pain, Raina resolves to find a way back to her own time, determined to reunite with Alexus and stop the prince's plans. Her journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty, but her love for Alexus drives her forward, giving her the strength to face the challenges ahead.

Characters

Fury

Fury, once a powerful godling, is trapped in a decayed body, her mind sharp with vengeance. Betrayed and imprisoned for centuries, she waits for the moment to unleash her fury upon those who wronged her. Her healing body and the whispers of ancient gods fuel her desire for revenge. Despite her imprisonment, Fury remains a formidable force, her mind plotting against those who seek to use her power for their own gain.

The Nameless Prince

The prince, haunted by his forgotten past, seeks the favor of Thamaos, a god of the East. Desperate for power and driven by the whispers of a god, he performs dark rituals to strengthen his resolve. The mystery of his true name and past gnaws at him, fueling his ambition to conquer and control. Despite his weakened state, the prince is determined to fulfill his dark purpose, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.

Raina Bloodgood

Raina, gifted with Sight, is determined to uncover the prince's plans and protect her loved ones. Haunted by visions and driven by intuition, she struggles to break through the magical barriers that shield the prince. Her bond with Alexus, a powerful sorcerer, provides strength and support as they navigate a world filled with danger and deception. Raina's resolve is unyielding, her quest for truth guiding her every step.

Alexus Thibault

Alexus, a powerful sorcerer, shares a deep bond with Raina, providing strength and support in their quest to thwart the prince's plans. Haunted by his past and the choices he has made, Alexus is determined to protect Raina and their companions. His knowledge of magic and his connection to the ancient gods make him a formidable ally, but also a target for those who seek to control him.

Neri

Neri, once a powerful god of the North, seeks resurrection to stop the prince and Thamaos. He offers Raina a deal, promising aid in exchange for her help in regaining his power. Neri's motives are shrouded in mystery, his true intentions known only to him. As he navigates the world of mortals, Neri's presence looms large, a reminder of the power and danger that gods can wield.

Bronwyn

Bronwyn, a healer, tends to Fury's decayed body, aiding in her regeneration. Her gentle touch and knowledge of herbs provide comfort to the imprisoned godling. Despite the darkness that surrounds her, Bronwyn remains a beacon of hope, her presence a reminder of the healing power of compassion and care.

Joran Dulevia

Joran's unexpected magickal abilities raise suspicions among the group, as he navigates the Lady Belladonna through the fog. His true intentions remain a mystery, and his past is shrouded in secrecy. Joran's actions are pivotal to the group's success, but his motives are unclear. As the journey unfolds, Joran's role becomes increasingly complex, and his connection to the Summerlands hints at a deeper story yet to be revealed.

Nephele Bloodgood

Nephele is Raina's steadfast ally, providing support and guidance as they sail toward the City of Ruin. Her bond with her sister is unbreakable, and she is determined to uncover the truth about their past. Nephele's strength and resilience are vital to the group's success, as she navigates the challenges of their journey. Her journey is one of discovery, as she learns more about her family's history and her own magickal abilities.

Finn Owyn

Finn's love for Raina is unwavering, even as he lies wounded and recovering. His selflessness is evident in his willingness to let Raina go, knowing that her journey is one she must undertake. Finn's presence is a reminder of Raina's past and the choices she must make. His journey is one of healing and acceptance, as he grapples with his own feelings and the reality of Raina's path.

Dedrick Terrowin

Dedrick is the captain of the Lady Belladonna, a smuggler who has taken a significant risk to aid the group. His involvement is shrouded in mystery, and his motives are unclear. Dedrick's knowledge of the sea and the Summerland coast is invaluable, but his loyalty is uncertain. As the journey unfolds, Dedrick's role becomes increasingly complex, and his actions will have far-reaching consequences.

Plot Devices

The Gift of Sight

Raina's gift of Sight allows her to glimpse the future and uncover hidden truths. This ability drives her quest to uncover the prince's plans and protect her loved ones. Despite the challenges and dangers, Raina's Sight provides guidance and insight, helping her navigate a world filled with deception and danger. Her visions are both a blessing and a curse, revealing truths that are both enlightening and terrifying.

The Bond

The bond between Alexus and Raina provides strength and support in their quest to thwart the prince's plans. This connection allows them to share thoughts and emotions, providing insight and understanding. The bond is both a source of power and vulnerability, as it ties their fates together and makes them targets for those who seek to control them. Despite the risks, the bond is a testament to their deep connection and shared purpose.

The Fog

The fog that shrouds the Lady Belladonna is a product of Joran's magick, concealing the ship from the Northland fleet. It serves as both a blessing and a curse, hiding the group from their enemies but also obscuring the truth. The fog is a symbol of the uncertainty and deception that plague their journey, as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Malorian Sea.

Time Travel

Raina's journey through time is a pivotal plot device, creating a complex narrative that explores the consequences of altering the past. Her presence in the past threatens to change the course of history, creating a sense of urgency and tension as she navigates this unfamiliar world. The time travel element adds depth to the story, challenging Raina to confront her own limitations and the potential impact of her actions.

The Abyss

Raina's ability to access the abyss is a key plot device, driving her journey through time and space. This mysterious power is both a blessing and a curse, as Raina struggles to understand its limitations and potential consequences. The abyss serves as a symbol of Raina's internal conflict, as she grapples with the responsibility of wielding such power and the impact it has on her life and those she loves.

Analysis

"City of Ruin" by Charissa Weaks is a complex narrative that explores themes of power, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. Through the intertwined stories of Raina, Alexus, and the nameless prince, the book delves into the struggles of identity, love, and the pursuit of truth. The characters' journeys are marked by internal conflicts and external challenges, as they navigate a world filled with danger and deception. The use of time travel and magickal elements adds depth to the story, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue and suspense. Ultimately, the book serves as a reminder of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, as the characters confront their pasts and forge a path toward redemption.

Last updated: April 5, 2025