From Breath to Ruin

Carrie Ann Ryan

Elementals of Five series, Book 1

Published: March 19, 2019

In her YA debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan dives into a world with magic and sacrifice with the Elements of Five.

Five hundred years ago, the Maison Realm was shattered, divided into warring kingdoms of elemental Wielders with fate and truth shadowed and uncertain. Now, factions of both the light and dark venture into the human realm in search of the prophesied Spirit Priestess who is said to Wield the Elements of Five to bring the two fractured kingdoms together.

Lyric has no idea that there’s a realm outside the human one she lives in. When fate and circumstances are pulled from her hands after an accident, she finds out that nothing is as it seems.

War is raging around her, and when Lyric realizes that they are searching for her, she must rely on those she once trusted as she trains: a boy who isn’t who she thought, and a new realm of warriors who have come to protect her.

For the darkness is coming, and the Queen of Obscurité wants to ensure that the King of Lumière can’t get his hands on Lyric. And the only way to ensure that is if Lyric herself is no more…no matter the cost to prophecy.

4 Stars

Carrie Ann Ryan dips her toes in the realm of YA Fantasy with the exciting, From Breath and Ruin.

From Breath to Ruin opens a new world of layered  complexities, magic and mayhem. First I must say that world building in a paranormal story/series is a must for me. The scene and atmosphere in a paranormal is just as important as the characters and creatures that we discover within story. Ms. Ryan crafted this exciting new world with style, mystery and a touch that is all her own. A world that as I read, became familiar and more of a mystery all in one. In my opinion that is an excellent sign of world building.

Lyric thought she was a normal eighteen year old young lady. Normal everyday worries like boys and school. Feeling the pressures of making the right choice. Trying to find the place where she fit in. Until an accident, has Lyric seeing things differently. Realizing that her nightmares are in fact reality.  Shaking the very foundation of everything she knows.

From Breath and Ruin is a multi layered, coming of age and magical story. I’m not a huge fan of YA novels, however I’ve been a loyal fan of Ms. Ryan for many years now. While I was hesitate to read From Breath to Ruin because of the YA factor and I’m glad to say, but shouldn’t be surprised, I did enjoy the read more than I believed I would.  The world building is spot on, the characters developed more depth throughout the story and the magical elements were just that magical.

A nice beginning to what is looking to be a series that is going to bring many surprises.