So torn about how to rate this because the first half kinda dragged for me (and I'm someone who loves slow-paced books). Em's anxiety circles are valid but they didn't need to be written on the page that many times. The new lands the gang explores and the exciting discoveries they make are compelling, I just wish they weren't so bogged down by Em's inner monologues.

There might be light spoilers below but nothing egregious.

The second half really picks back up and although Em's anxieties are still present, they don't feel overbearing. I adore the different "races" of magical creatures and the multiple magic systems in this series, especially because we get to see them in action and are taught the mechanics/logic behind them in a way that feels seamless. This installment in particular expands some of these systems, as well as the larger world and the lore of several characters. Also the new little familiar someone gains?! I'M OBSESSED. Alyra has my heart.

There's a lot of character growth as well, and it extends beyond Em and Creon to side characters too. The characters are very consistent—even when they're being insufferable, it's true to form, so I can get past it. There's also a lot of not communicating which is frustrating, but it's also well backed-up by characters' motivations and histories, so again it's hard to fault it.

THE ENDING!!! It got me good 😭. I'll definitely be starting the next book immediately.

My final gripe is the title. Ruins? Yes. Sea? Sure, but it's maybe a stretch... "shores" would work better. Souls? What souls?? Are they in the room with us??? How about "Ruins of Shores and Secrets" or "Shores of Reign and Ruins"? DON'T LIE TO ME WITH THE TITLE. I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING INTO THE OCEAN GDDMNIT. I also thought we might find out more about Ally?! WHERE IS SHE?!

Now THIS is epic fantasy!!! I was so excited to start this series after reading and loving The Isle in the Silver Sea, and I am not disappointed! The characters work here is fantastic. There are many POVs that all add something interesting to the story; I never felt like I was reading extraneous information. Tasha Suri's themes and social commentary never miss, and I absolutely devoured the ways in which she portrays different ideologies of rebellion/revolution. No character (besides maybe Chandra) is simply good or evil either; they are all exquisitely layered. I cannot wait to continue this trilogy. If you liked Game of Thrones but wished there were more queer women and feminine rage, I highly recommend.