120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

🌸 Our Spring Sale is here! Save on Books, Toys, & Puzzles! With overnight NZ-wide delivery 🎉

Exquisite Ruin

A dark romance tale of seduction, deceit and power
By AdriAnne May
Series: The Labyrinth
0.0 (0 reviews)
Brief Description
In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom. Exquisite Ruin is described as "unique, sexy and action-packed" by Hannah Whitten, author of The Foxglove King. In... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
Pre-order
Releases 1st December 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Exquisite Ruin" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

Found a better price? Request a price match

In this dark romance reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom

In this dark romance reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom.

Exquisite Ruin is described as "unique, sexy and action-packed" by Hannah Whitten, author of The Foxglove King.

In this deadly maze, the most dangerous thing may be the passion between them.

Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, remembering only that she is a powerful sorceress. Her sole companion is a hostile immortal named Daesra—beautiful, dangerous, and demonic—who bound his divine soul for power and revenge.

Despite their animosity, the two develop a tenuous truce, realising that neither can defeat the monster at the centre of the maze and escape alone. But as they wander, Sadaré recovers glimpses of their shared history that make her question everything.

Unlocking the secrets of her past may be the only way to survive and heal their entwined fates. However, as she learns more about the betrayals that brought them together, Sadaré begins to fear what truly lies at the heart of the labyrinth.

"A dark and twisting mythopoetic journey of a romance" - Jacqueline Carey, author of Kushiel's Dart

TROPES:

  • Enemies to Lovers
  • Forced Proximity
  • Second-Chance Romance/Betrayal
  • Who Hurt You
  • Dark Monster

Content warning: This book is a fantasy intended for adults only.

Series: The Labyrinth

View all
  • Exquisite Ruin
    In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom. In this deadly maze, the most dangerous thing may be the passion between them. Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, remembering nothing except that she is a powerful sorceress. Her only companion is...
    By AdriAnne May
    Paperback
    $3400
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Divine Descent
    Divine Descent
    In this dark romance reimagining of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, Sadaré and Daesra are torn apart in the underworld — and new relationships may complicate their way back to one another. Perfect for fans of Scarlett St. Clair, Katee Robert, Amber V. Nicole and the West End smash hit Hadestown. 'GRAB THOSE HORNS IN BOTH HANDS AND GET READY...
    By AdriAnne May
    Paperback
    $3699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Exquisite Ruin
    Pre-order
    Exquisite Ruin
    In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom. Exquisite Ruin is described as "unique, sexy and action-packed" by Hannah Whitten, author of The Foxglove King. In this deadly maze, the most dangerous thing may be the passion between them. Sadaré...
    By AdriAnne May
    Paperback
    $2799
    Pre-order
    Out 1 Dec 2026

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781785124846

Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 January 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Zaffre

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 272g

Pages: 384

Collections

AdriAnne May Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Health & Wellness Pre-order Books Pre-order Romantasy Pre-Order Science Fiction & Fantasy Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Religion & Spirituality Romance Romantasy (Fantasy Romance) Sci-Fi & Fantasy Self-Help & Personal Development Series: The Labyrinth

About the Author

AdriAnne May was a bibliophile who wanted to be an author before she knew what either of those words meant. She splits her time between Alaska and Spain with her spouse, her pugs, and her piles of books. She loves dancing, tattoos, and writing stories about sympathetic monsters. Exquisite Ruin is her debut adult novel, and she is currently working on its sequel, Divine Descent.

Also by AdriAnne May

View all
  • Exquisite Ruin
    In this darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth, a sorceress and a demon are entwined in sensual battle to escape a deadly maze and reclaim their freedom. In this deadly maze, the most dangerous thing may be the passion between them. Sadaré wakes in a labyrinth, remembering nothing except that she is a powerful sorceress. Her only companion is...
    By AdriAnne May
    Paperback
    $3400
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Divine Descent
    Divine Descent
    In this dark romance reimagining of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, Sadaré and Daesra are torn apart in the underworld — and new relationships may complicate their way back to one another. Perfect for fans of Scarlett St. Clair, Katee Robert, Amber V. Nicole and the West End smash hit Hadestown. 'GRAB THOSE HORNS IN BOTH HANDS AND GET READY...
    By AdriAnne May
    Paperback
    $3699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy

View all
  • New Release
    Scion
    ‘Scion’ is an electrifying sci-fi thriller that follows a contract killer tasked with protecting a scientist from assassination, only to find himself in the crosshairs. My name’s Azure. I kill rich idiots for a living. All completely legal, of course, even if it does still make the old-fashioned crowd a bit uncomfortable. Once the ultra-wealthy realised they had a way...
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Massif
    New Release
    Massif
    Caught me a mountain Rode it to the stars It's business as usual for Ship Leader Parnell Shi-Sawahla and the crew of the corvette Sassafras. Ride a Massif to a new system, fight the enemy, repeat. For more than two hundred years, humans have been hitching rides on these sentient, starfaring mountain ranges, colonising planets and exporting an on-again, off-again...
    By Garth Nix
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Project Hail Mary
    Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...
    By Andy Weir
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    (5)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Strength of the Few
    The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Red Rising
    The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...
    By Pierce Brown
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Crossroads of Ravens
    THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...
    By Andrzej Sapkowski
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Wind and Truth
    The long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the Number One New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson sees Dalinar Kholin challenge the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare, and the sudden ascension of the...
    By Brandon Sanderson
    Paperback
    $3100
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Ministry of Time
    One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...
    By Kaliane Bradley
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Assassin’s Apprentice
    Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...
    By Robin Hobb
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • I Who Have Never Known Men
    A haunting, heartbreaking tale of female friendship and intimacy that evokes the chilling atmospheres of The Handmaid's Tale and the desolate landscapes of The Road, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. This gripping narrative takes us deep underground, where thirty-nine women are held in isolation...
    By Jacqueline Harpman
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Colour Illustrated Hobbit
    The Colour Illustrated Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless classic that has enchanted readers for generations. This beloved tale follows Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit from the quaint and picturesque Shire, who finds himself thrust into an epic journey far from the comforts of his cosy home. Charming and lively illustrations by Jemima Catlin breathe new life...
    By J. R. R. Tolkien
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Blood Over Bright Haven
    A riveting dark academia fantasy about the limits of truth and power, from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. For twenty years, Sciona...
    By M. L. Wang
    Paperback
    $3400
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all