A. W. Slack

The following is my book recommendation for Sage of Hope and Ruin by Riley Knight. I was an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) Team Member for this book.

Happiness bloomed in my chest for the first time in my life— not brought on by Eleos’ spells, or fleeting vice… Maybe I wasn’t worthless after all.

Aethra is a conwoman saddled with the debt of her secretive betrayer of a mentor. She was taught to survive by robbing others. One day she is offered a chance to shake off her shackles. She must steal the church’s precious artifact, the Maiden’s Bloodstone, during their most holy festival.

Not a thief, Aethra’s attempt fails and she is imprisoned. In exchange for her freedom, she is given a job. Now she’s on a quest to travel to a hostile nation and find a cure for the world’s end. Aethra knows this quest will end in her death.

To assist in the endeavor, Aethra joins a roguish team of magicians, assassins, and heretics. She soon finds a family, but also a web of secrets that threatens to undo her.

From the first chapter, I knew I was going to love this book. Knight weaves an exciting and unique world. I especially enjoyed her use of gods and their blessing of magical abilities to those who endure hardships. The plot was fast-paced and engaged me throughout the entire story. I also thoroughly enjoyed the main characters — this little band of thieves quickly became my best friends. As more secrets are revealed and the Empty is explained, I became invested in this world’s plight and the futures of those living within its bounds.

The characters absolutely make Sage of Hope and Ruin so enchanting. Aethra is extremely relatable with her self-doubting internal dialogue. My heart faltered numerous times as she questioned her value, strength, and abilities. When she would second-guess others’ intentions and whether she was worthy of their friendship and/or love? Oh, how I FELT that self-criticism.

Her found family was messy and snarky and oh so perfect as well. Seraphim is the strong, confident woman Aethra needs in her life. The sweet and lovable Percy is everyone’s adoptive brother. I wanted to protect him like my life depended on it. Eleos will move you to tears as you learn not only how dependable he is, but also how damaged. And Seth. On one page, Seth will give you butterflies, then belly laughs, and the next heartache. Each character brings a myriad of complexities that will cling to you beyond the last page of the story.

Beyond the characters, the world-building is stunning. Knight weaves a world that is both broken and beautiful. Those gifted with magic are also those who have endured great struggles. This concept really resonated with me — it is truly unique that salvation comes after destruction.

This concept is constant throughout the entire book. I was consistently torn between whether hope or ruin is best for this world. Is hope too dangerous? Is ruin inevitable? That line between salvation and destruction blurs with each new chapter. The journey to the end will have you questioning your own morals.

That final scene though…

I have three words for you, Riley Knight: how dare you.

My heart is in shambles, and you are completely to blame. I fully expect Callesis to bless me soon as I am enduring a great struggle here!

Riley Knight won a new follower with this book. Yes, I was on her ARC team. Yes, I believe in giving new authors a fighting chance in the big, scary world of publishing and marketing. Yet, my overall impression for Sage of Hope and Ruin would not be different had I read it under the premise of post-release.

This book was not only engaging, but it was all-encompassing. There were moments within its pages that I truly felt the characters’ emotions. I wept as the Empty erased families. I laughed at Percy’s flamboyant style. I gasped when a secret came to light. I could not ask for more from a book… except to have the sequel sooner rather than later. (Hint hint, Riley.)

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO A FRIEND?

Absolutely! I will be hyping Sage of Hope and Ruin for the foreseeable future. Pre-orders are now available on Amazon. The official release is November 21, 2025!

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