Wednesday, 15 January 2025

REVIEW: A Wild and Ruined Song by Ashley Shuttleworth

Pages: 432
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: Fantasy, LGBT
Release Date: November 12th 2024

Arlo and her friends struggle to rally against an overwhelming foe before time runs out in this gripping final book in the Hollow Star Saga, the urban fantasy series about fae in Toronto. 

Arlo Jarsdel has lost everything. Her family. Her freedom. Her name. And now that she’s sharing her body with Ruin, the formidable titan of devastation, she’s even beginning to lose herself. 

In their most dangerous game of deception yet, Arlo has just one goal: destroy the three Bone Crowns corrupting the mortal and immortal realms before her time runs out and Ruin takes permanent control of her being. 

With Celadon fighting on the political front against the ruthless High Queen Riadne—now armed with the cataclysmic power of her Crown, the Sins, and Ruin—Vehan and Aurelian are scrambling in secret to build an army to rival Riadne’s infernal forces. Meanwhile, NausicaƤ will do whatever it takes to save her girlfriend from obliteration, despite knowing the odds of survival are nearly nonexistent. 

When the line between hero and villain becomes blurred, and bonds are put to the ultimate test, it has never been more imperative—or more difficult—to stand united. For this is not the first lifetime that these five friends have faced the evil behind this impending war, but if they can’t find their way back to each other, it might just be their last.

Let’s not call this a review, shall we? I can’t quite put into formal words how I feel about this book, so let’s just say this is me SCREAMING INTO THE VOID. That works, right? 


This was the final instalment in the Hollow Star saga, and I’ve been going insane waiting for this to drop since I finished A Grim and Sunken Vow. And this book? It was everything I could possibly want and more. It picks up a little while after the events of book three, showing us the moments directly after that cliffhanger ending before giving us a time skip. And let me tell you: I was STRESSED. 


Having to experience Arlo being combined with Ruin in this book was a whirlwind. It was cleverly written, especially when switching up between the two of them. I wanted nothing more than for Arlo to be free from Ruin’s grip so she could be herself again, but it was so interesting to see her in a different light. I adored Nausica standing by her side throughout though. My queen. I adore her. 

Don’t get me started on Lethe and Celadon because you know I’ll be here all day. I love them. Deeply. I loved seeing their relationship develop after the third book. I loved every interaction between them. I loved Lethe’s fierce protectiveness, and how Celadon can get away with teasing him when no one else would even dare. I love that they’re destined to find each other in every single lifetime. Have I mentioned that I love them? 


Also: VEHAN AND AURELIAN MY BABIES!!! After being kept apart for most of the third book, I was so thankful to have them practically glued to each other in this one. And I was very happy with a certain momentous occasion that happened during a certain someone’s birthday party. 


  • A bit of everything. This series does such a good job of weaving a little bit of everything into the plot. There’s gods, there’s DND vibes, there’s myths, there’s history. Not to mention the humour. There’s just SO MUCH and it’s all exciting. 
  • Solid relationships. It’s one of the things I love most about this series, actually. There’s great communication between the characters and the angst that does happen is plot related. We love healthy relationships in YA books!!! 
  • Satisfying ending!!! I’m always terrified for endings, especially when it comes to a series I love this much, but I had nothing to fear. In Ashley we trust. 

I don’t even think I can put into words how glad I am that I picked up this series because it means so damn much to me. It was the perfect ending, even though I’m going to miss these characters terribly and would lap up any sort of spin-off or continuation in the future. I wouldn’t mind the details of a certain wedding as a short story, perhaps. Hint hint. But anyway, if you haven’t read these books yet then PLEASE give it a chance. I dare you not to fall in love with this entire cast.

Royal Rating:

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