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The Protector Guild #5
Abyss of Ruins
We entered hell with the intention of bringing Wade back together, but we should have known that hell would have other plans…
Captured and alone in a place that looks like it was pulled straight out of a medieval movie, I’m desperate to get back to The Guild and my family. But not before getting what I came here for: Wade.
Hell might not be all fire and brimstone like I had imagined it to be, but sometimes reality is worse. Way worse. The members of Six and I have been separated with no concrete way of getting back to each other. But even if I could find a way back to them, I’m not entirely sure that I want to. While hell demons are certainly awful, the monster raging inside of me is proving to be just as haunting.
Hell is known for tormenting its inhabitants. The question remains: Will any of us make it out alive?
Abyss of Ruins is the fifth book in The Protector Guild series and it does end on a cliffhanger. Max’s story is a slow-burn reverse harem / poly / why choose urban fantasy series. Get ready for action, spice, and intrigue.
Captured and alone in a place that looks like it was pulled straight out of a medieval movie, I’m desperate to get back to The Guild and my family. But not before getting what I came here for: Wade.
Hell might not be all fire and brimstone like I had imagined it to be, but sometimes reality is worse. Way worse. The members of Six and I have been separated with no concrete way of getting back to each other. But even if I could find a way back to them, I’m not entirely sure that I want to. While hell demons are certainly awful, the monster raging inside of me is proving to be just as haunting.
Hell is known for tormenting its inhabitants. The question remains: Will any of us make it out alive?
Abyss of Ruins is the fifth book in The Protector Guild series and it does end on a cliffhanger. Max’s story is a slow-burn reverse harem / poly / why choose urban fantasy series. Get ready for action, spice, and intrigue.
364 pages, ebook
Published January 13, 2022
883 people are currently reading
2869 people want to read
About the author
Gray Holborn
26 books329 followersHi! I'm Gray. I'm best known for my series, The Protector Guild - an 8-book completed series filled with all things angst and chaotic hijinks. I'm currently working on my second series, Order of Reapers, which is the follow up to The Protector Guild. At the moment, there are 10 books published in what I'm calling 'The Gray-verse.' Sounds ominous, right?
What can you expect from my stories?
First, you have to love a slow burn, angsty romance. I tend to get quite bored when my characters are happy and together, which is why I keep them in various stages of misery and yearning for as long as I can *que evil laugh.* Yes, my books are spicy, but they are far more focused on the plot of the story and character development (MUST LOVE INTERNAL CHARACTER MONOLOGUES OR I PROMISE YOU WILL HATE MY WRITING STYLE). Finally, both of my series focus on themes of and around the following: trauma, mental health, grief, community, found family, moral complexity, and dismantling oppressive systems (yes, yes, amongst the chaotic fun of a fantastical world and characters unabashedly pining for each other).
Sound like your jam? Great! Dive right in :D
As for me, when I'm not writing or reading or funneling entire seasons of TV into my brain in one night, I can be found hanging out with my cartoonish dog, staring at a wall for hours on end while I think through some tricky bit of character or plot arc, paddleboarding/kayaking alongside the local seals and sea lions (don't worry, I keep a respectful distance!), or pretending to enjoy camping. One day it will click for me. I hope.
What can you expect from my stories?
First, you have to love a slow burn, angsty romance. I tend to get quite bored when my characters are happy and together, which is why I keep them in various stages of misery and yearning for as long as I can *que evil laugh.* Yes, my books are spicy, but they are far more focused on the plot of the story and character development (MUST LOVE INTERNAL CHARACTER MONOLOGUES OR I PROMISE YOU WILL HATE MY WRITING STYLE). Finally, both of my series focus on themes of and around the following: trauma, mental health, grief, community, found family, moral complexity, and dismantling oppressive systems (yes, yes, amongst the chaotic fun of a fantastical world and characters unabashedly pining for each other).
Sound like your jam? Great! Dive right in :D
As for me, when I'm not writing or reading or funneling entire seasons of TV into my brain in one night, I can be found hanging out with my cartoonish dog, staring at a wall for hours on end while I think through some tricky bit of character or plot arc, paddleboarding/kayaking alongside the local seals and sea lions (don't worry, I keep a respectful distance!), or pretending to enjoy camping. One day it will click for me. I hope.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
July 12, 2023
5 books... it took 5 books for a RH to have any action and it was (consensually) magically coerced ... but instead of this finally being the moment everyone fucking talks about their feelings or the "draw" they have its immediately back to " i/we cant do this" and regret because "theres too much other things happening/ this isnt right" ..... ugh...
Also 5 books for us to finally get to the big conflict... and its just... not that epic... i also feel like the FMCs mysterious reveal was a bit of a cop out to explain why so many partners... and I wouldn't be as let down if it actually helped the characters bond easier... instead it caused more anxiety and we still don't have a full bond let alone an attempt to create the bond as a whole...we only have 2 partners that aren't at a distance...
I'm too invested at this point to DNF but I'm bummed its starting to feel like the author got overwhelmed with the story telling and forget where some of the plot was supposed to go.
Also 5 books for us to finally get to the big conflict... and its just... not that epic... i also feel like the FMCs mysterious reveal was a bit of a cop out to explain why so many partners... and I wouldn't be as let down if it actually helped the characters bond easier... instead it caused more anxiety and we still don't have a full bond let alone an attempt to create the bond as a whole...we only have 2 partners that aren't at a distance...
I'm too invested at this point to DNF but I'm bummed its starting to feel like the author got overwhelmed with the story telling and forget where some of the plot was supposed to go.
April 29, 2022
DNF: Book 5…This is Tedious
This series started our amazing. By the time I got to book 4, I was somewhat only half paying attention. It’s like all of the previous books were retold into each one that came after it. The mystery of Max. So incredibly drawn out. So incredibly unfulfilling.
*Spoilers*
We have a wolf. Check. Oh throw in an incubus. Check. The vamp looks cool. Check. Female human. Ok. Man whore. Yup. Female lead? Succubus. Really. After all of this time? And conveniently only when she’s in hell did it activate? Oh and only because Wade was captured? Ok. Sure.
This “big bad” has no motive. No really point. He’s surrounded in false mystery. It’s just so damned sloppy. I’m all for a good build up. But c’mon.
This series started our amazing. By the time I got to book 4, I was somewhat only half paying attention. It’s like all of the previous books were retold into each one that came after it. The mystery of Max. So incredibly drawn out. So incredibly unfulfilling.
*Spoilers*
We have a wolf. Check. Oh throw in an incubus. Check. The vamp looks cool. Check. Female human. Ok. Man whore. Yup. Female lead? Succubus. Really. After all of this time? And conveniently only when she’s in hell did it activate? Oh and only because Wade was captured? Ok. Sure.
This “big bad” has no motive. No really point. He’s surrounded in false mystery. It’s just so damned sloppy. I’m all for a good build up. But c’mon.
November 21, 2022
*GHASP*
The ending of this book is so intense I’ve got to go straight onto the next one.
I was going to Waite a bit before I carried the series on but it can’t wait.
The ending of this book is so intense I’ve got to go straight onto the next one.
I was going to Waite a bit before I carried the series on but it can’t wait.
May 26, 2025
Although this book was better than the other books so far in the series, I'm getting readers fatigue. Finally questions are answered by the author but no characters know anything new about each other because no one ever has a real conversation. Let's talk about feelings and where we stand and what to do with the situation considering we are in HELL! Which we have been in Hell for 3 books now and will be in the next book also. It's a lot of standstill information and a lot of let's go rescue this person and then this person gets caught we gotta find them and oop someone from our past is back. And oop we are all together again but now we are all caught. It just doesn't dive into the deep end like it needs to to really get things out in the open. I gotta take a break from these. I read 4 in a row and I am tired.
Check out a podcast that I host with my boyfriend where we talk books and book related things:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xjyht7...
and our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkbooky/
Check out a podcast that I host with my boyfriend where we talk books and book related things:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xjyht7...
and our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkbooky/
October 12, 2023
Honestly, it's not that this book or this series is bad...it's that the amount of filler and uninteresting development outweighs the "shocks" and plot twists. We are in book 5 and we still don't know what she is? There are only 8 books. We are in book five and they have maybe made it a few days since the last book maybe a few months since book 1? WE ARE IN BOOK 5 AND NO SOLID RELATIONSHIP OUT OF THE 5 SHE IS TRYING BE IN!?
Honestly that last one is the crux of my entire issue. Yeah we FINALLY got some spice from this book but we are still in the "will they won't they" phase with every person, not only that but we are still in the initial trust phases after 5 books. It's part of why I felt I glazed over a ton of this book. The characters level of self righteousness is laughable. You think she's bad news because she's a demon? My man you are one, your brothers one...and now your buddy is blood bond to one. How are we even entertaining this as a plausible argument and plot point right now?
Also did we really need Sarah to come back? With all the open plot lines and unfinished thoughts we had to add Sarah? Why not just give us a Ro or Cy POV and have us understanding what's happening back at the academy?
We have 3 books left. 3 left to somehow not only get everyone in the group to admit and act on feelings for each other, but to somehow change how the entire society sees them, keep her family despite her being a demon of some sort, fight atlas and wades dad (obv), and somehow get out of bonding with reza? With the pace we are at I can tell this wrap up will not have time to develop. Honestly not sure I'll be continuing.
Honestly that last one is the crux of my entire issue. Yeah we FINALLY got some spice from this book but we are still in the "will they won't they" phase with every person, not only that but we are still in the initial trust phases after 5 books. It's part of why I felt I glazed over a ton of this book. The characters level of self righteousness is laughable. You think she's bad news because she's a demon? My man you are one, your brothers one...and now your buddy is blood bond to one. How are we even entertaining this as a plausible argument and plot point right now?
Also did we really need Sarah to come back? With all the open plot lines and unfinished thoughts we had to add Sarah? Why not just give us a Ro or Cy POV and have us understanding what's happening back at the academy?
We have 3 books left. 3 left to somehow not only get everyone in the group to admit and act on feelings for each other, but to somehow change how the entire society sees them, keep her family despite her being a demon of some sort, fight atlas and wades dad (obv), and somehow get out of bonding with reza? With the pace we are at I can tell this wrap up will not have time to develop. Honestly not sure I'll be continuing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
1.5⭐️2🌶️
This isn’t even that good of a series but I’m already so deep in this books that I have to finish them.
One again with the repetitiveness, it’s the same for each book: revelations, trouble, getting separated, more trouble, someone dying, questions, lack of information, someone else or the same character dying, more revelations.
It has been the same structure with each book and although I’m not bored this just became so generic, predictable and again, REPETITIVE.
The only character development if you can call it that, is Max’s powers which of course she’s terrible at and Declan finally not hating any other spices other than the protectors.
The ending was predictable and if there’s not going to be information, communication or at least a harem relationship I would expect to see in book 5 out of 8 then I’m just waisting more my time than I thought so.
I’m TIERED of the amount of useless inner monologue and lack of dialogue, the unbalanced relationship of Max with each other MC and the miscommunication and immaturity of this characters.
Honestly I wish I could have even some positive feedback with the book. POV: I do not.
This isn’t even that good of a series but I’m already so deep in this books that I have to finish them.
One again with the repetitiveness, it’s the same for each book: revelations, trouble, getting separated, more trouble, someone dying, questions, lack of information, someone else or the same character dying, more revelations.
It has been the same structure with each book and although I’m not bored this just became so generic, predictable and again, REPETITIVE.
The only character development if you can call it that, is Max’s powers which of course she’s terrible at and Declan finally not hating any other spices other than the protectors.
The ending was predictable and if there’s not going to be information, communication or at least a harem relationship I would expect to see in book 5 out of 8 then I’m just waisting more my time than I thought so.
I’m TIERED of the amount of useless inner monologue and lack of dialogue, the unbalanced relationship of Max with each other MC and the miscommunication and immaturity of this characters.
Honestly I wish I could have even some positive feedback with the book. POV: I do not.
July 14, 2023
DNF at 74%. This books is just a repeat of the previous 4 getting involved then pulling away and the not knowing what the hell is going on. These books could have been made into 1 if you took out all the repeating of the same stuff over and over again. And none of them talk about their feelings which is just weird. I would get if one or two were acting like that but when no one in the entire series talks that’s just getting annoying.
January 14, 2025
4⭐️ idk what it is about this series that im loving, i just know i love it. its just refreshing for whatever reason. although imma need team 6 to get their shit together bc they’re annoying me just admit ur feelings and move on damn. i definitely saw the ending coming but it was still cute the way the cloaked man said “guilty” LMAOOO
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
Why do we only get 5 stars if a book is worth more? Abyss of Ruins picks up where the last book finished. We see the character develop more and new characters added to the story.One things for sure You wouldn't want to miss this next installment of The Protector Guild Series
June 28, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
I know it's a slow burn series, but I felt some bits just dragged when they didn't necessarily need to ... on to the next I go
I know it's a slow burn series, but I felt some bits just dragged when they didn't necessarily need to ... on to the next I go
September 7, 2023
good but…
Man, I skipped a bunch of pages in this one. I hate doing that, but it got really repetitive. I get reviewing plot points from previous books, but this go around was a bit overboard. I fully intend to finish the series, but yeah I probably skipped maybe 20ish pages or more.
Do love the series though!
Man, I skipped a bunch of pages in this one. I hate doing that, but it got really repetitive. I get reviewing plot points from previous books, but this go around was a bit overboard. I fully intend to finish the series, but yeah I probably skipped maybe 20ish pages or more.
Do love the series though!
January 8, 2022
*6 star review (I know it's not possible to give more than five stars, but I'm gonna do it anyway).
Abyss of Ruins picks up right where the previous book in the protector guild series ended. When Max took off together with Darius, they didn't anticipate ending up in battle, and I'm fairly certain they didn't consider getting separated from each other either. In a place as dangerous as hell, there is strength in numbers but with so many members of the team dependent solely on their own brains and power, the dangers grow larger by the minute. Will they be able to find each other again? And will hell finally give Max (and us) some answers or only more questions?
This book forces me to channel my inner Janice into a massive "Oh... My... GOD" - moment! I can't help how much I love this series, even though all the unanswered questions and unexpected twists and turns are a pain in my ... But let's be honest: how many writers can make you keep on turning pages for hours on end, even though you absolutely have other things to do, and make you yell when you realise you've read the final page? I have fallen head over heels for Darius; he is my favorite vampire ever and I was so happy to find multiple chapters in his point of view. But it's not just Darius; the character building in this series is amazing and I love discovering all the layers to their personalities and seeing them develop deeper (and spicier) connections. Some of the new characters have triggered me as well, and while I don't want to give away any spoilers, I am really curious to see how their roles will evolve.
I can probably go on for a lot longer about the amazingness of this series, because I love it all: the world building, the character building, the different personalities within all these characters, the original take on shifters, vampires, hell, ... A lot more people should be picking this series up; the slow building is so worth it!
Abyss of Ruins picks up right where the previous book in the protector guild series ended. When Max took off together with Darius, they didn't anticipate ending up in battle, and I'm fairly certain they didn't consider getting separated from each other either. In a place as dangerous as hell, there is strength in numbers but with so many members of the team dependent solely on their own brains and power, the dangers grow larger by the minute. Will they be able to find each other again? And will hell finally give Max (and us) some answers or only more questions?
This book forces me to channel my inner Janice into a massive "Oh... My... GOD" - moment! I can't help how much I love this series, even though all the unanswered questions and unexpected twists and turns are a pain in my ... But let's be honest: how many writers can make you keep on turning pages for hours on end, even though you absolutely have other things to do, and make you yell when you realise you've read the final page? I have fallen head over heels for Darius; he is my favorite vampire ever and I was so happy to find multiple chapters in his point of view. But it's not just Darius; the character building in this series is amazing and I love discovering all the layers to their personalities and seeing them develop deeper (and spicier) connections. Some of the new characters have triggered me as well, and while I don't want to give away any spoilers, I am really curious to see how their roles will evolve.
I can probably go on for a lot longer about the amazingness of this series, because I love it all: the world building, the character building, the different personalities within all these characters, the original take on shifters, vampires, hell, ... A lot more people should be picking this series up; the slow building is so worth it!
November 28, 2024
4.5
I unfortunately read this too quickly to properly individually review each book without spoilers (they were just so good I couldn’t put them down 😩) my full review on the whole series will be on book 8. But my generic review for the earlier ones, I’m so sorry.
Max and Rowan have lived their whole lives off grid with their guardian Cyrus, he has trained them and cared for them as they were his own, but tried to shelter them from the Guild as much as he could. Their run in with a werewolf deemed the inevitable that the Guild was changing and forced them to move in. The action in this really keeps you on the edge of your seat, you’re constantly aching for more, and the cliffhangers?! I don’t know how anyone DOESNT binge this entire series I couldn’t not read the next book??? I needed answers!!
This is the slowest of slow burns as far as romance (I’m talking several BOOKS in slow) but boooyyyyy the payoff is SO WORTH IT!! I love literally every MMC and both FMC’s this is my first why choose with two F’s in the group and I’m loving it. I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Each book gets better and better I swear!!
I think Tessa Hale fans would love this (I am one so I can confirm ��)
What to expect:
💞 Why Choose (MFFMMM) - I think that’s the right “order”
🐺 Shifters
❤️🔥 SLOOOOOWWWWW burn (the buildup is a couple books)
🐕🦺 Hellhound Sidekick
💘 Reluctant Fated Mates
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Vampires, Wolves, Etc
🌎 World Building
🌶️ Spice (comes around book 3)
I unfortunately read this too quickly to properly individually review each book without spoilers (they were just so good I couldn’t put them down 😩) my full review on the whole series will be on book 8. But my generic review for the earlier ones, I’m so sorry.
Max and Rowan have lived their whole lives off grid with their guardian Cyrus, he has trained them and cared for them as they were his own, but tried to shelter them from the Guild as much as he could. Their run in with a werewolf deemed the inevitable that the Guild was changing and forced them to move in. The action in this really keeps you on the edge of your seat, you’re constantly aching for more, and the cliffhangers?! I don’t know how anyone DOESNT binge this entire series I couldn’t not read the next book??? I needed answers!!
This is the slowest of slow burns as far as romance (I’m talking several BOOKS in slow) but boooyyyyy the payoff is SO WORTH IT!! I love literally every MMC and both FMC’s this is my first why choose with two F’s in the group and I’m loving it. I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Each book gets better and better I swear!!
I think Tessa Hale fans would love this (I am one so I can confirm ��)
What to expect:
💞 Why Choose (MFFMMM) - I think that’s the right “order”
🐺 Shifters
❤️🔥 SLOOOOOWWWWW burn (the buildup is a couple books)
🐕🦺 Hellhound Sidekick
💘 Reluctant Fated Mates
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Vampires, Wolves, Etc
🌎 World Building
🌶️ Spice (comes around book 3)
August 13, 2024
Another great book in this series. I am addicted to this series. All in! Im binge reading at this point lol.
This is book 5 in the Protector Guild series. The romance remains a why choose with clear ups, and downs within the relationships. The books are becoming more spicy as they progress. The spicy scenes are descriptive in detail, and language while not being overly long. The book moves at a steady pace following Sam as she is fighting her way to get back to her companions also known as team six. She is still dealing with some betrayal, and heart ache from the previous book. But in true Max fashion she will let nothing stand in her way, and rushes into danger head first. This book is full of action, and excitement. The emotions, and relationships developing between the characters will have you becoming enamored with this series when this thrilling book concludes.
This is book 5 in the Protector Guild series. The romance remains a why choose with clear ups, and downs within the relationships. The books are becoming more spicy as they progress. The spicy scenes are descriptive in detail, and language while not being overly long. The book moves at a steady pace following Sam as she is fighting her way to get back to her companions also known as team six. She is still dealing with some betrayal, and heart ache from the previous book. But in true Max fashion she will let nothing stand in her way, and rushes into danger head first. This book is full of action, and excitement. The emotions, and relationships developing between the characters will have you becoming enamored with this series when this thrilling book concludes.
May 29, 2024
I think I’m done now. No more.
April 23, 2023
I am enjoying the books, but honestly five books in it feels like its dragging. Nothing moves forward quick enough. I'm not going to read the 6th right now because apparently the 7th doesn't come out for months. Maybe I'll pick it back up, maybe not.
April 18, 2024
I love unpredictable but awesome plot twists so much!!!!
Non of the twists and turns feel forced or badly written. Many Serieses with so many Parts have that Problem in my opinion, but this series just keeps on giving ☀️
Absolutely obsessed!
Non of the twists and turns feel forced or badly written. Many Serieses with so many Parts have that Problem in my opinion, but this series just keeps on giving ☀️
Absolutely obsessed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
Darius wakes up and is strung up with his friend Nash. The werewolves took him and are going to torture them to find Max because they saw her hell fire.
Eli, Atlas, and Dec realize Max is missing and go looking for her. They pick up a trail and follow it, realizing she left with Darius. Eli starts to get cuts from Darius' fight with the wolves so Atlas leaves them behind to go on.
Max wakes up in a cell like Eli's. The shadow/cloak dude visits and tells her she is part succubus. Max finds herself in a dream with Darius. In the creepy warehouse thing he's in. Instead of figuring out where each other are, they decide to act on their attraction. Since it's 'just a dream'. They get freaky and Darius drinks her blood. Then says that he knew she was his. Like fr fr there's an actual bond? Or is he just feeling possessive?
THEN she finds herself in Eli's dream. And he's pretty fucked up from all the injuries from Darius. So she fucks him too (even though she;s mad at him) and heals him while also getting energy for herself.
Dec drags Eli into an abandoned building and they are attacked by a pack of wolves. Dec fights but then decideds to flee and get them to follow away from Eli. They chase her into the woods and right before they kill her a girl stops them. SARAH. Dec's cousin. Who was bonded to Atlas and Wade. Who they thought was killed by the werewolves. She was turned and brought to Hell. Eli wakes up and runs into her too. She takes them back to the werewolf base.
The wolves go to torture Darius again and Eli starts getting fucked up. Sarah puts two and two together and they run to where Darius is being cut up. Sarah convinces the leader to not hurt him anymore. There's also a lone werewolf locked up there too. ATLAS IM SURE.
Max works on her powers. She teleports out of her room, walks around the halls, runs into a hellhound and a man, and then teleports into Wades room. They spend some time together and then she teleports back to her room. Plan is to practice her powers until she's able to teleport them both out of there.
Eli, Declan, and Sarah go and get Darius so they can escape while the pack is gone. They hear Darius, locked in his wolf form, and release him too. They all make it out and Sarah has an idea of where Max and Wade are. When they get there, waves of power hit them as they travel further into the land. When they reach the top they are greeted by a ton of monsters and hell hounds.
After some fighting, the man with the blue eyes shows up, stabs Eli, and then Max shows up. Then cloaky shows up. And reveals that he is Lucifer/Satan/the original big bad. Everyone id teleported inside their little prisons as well as wolf version of Atlas.
Max teleports to Atlas to get him to go back human. He does, and they finally give in to how much they want each other. Even though Max can tell that he hates himself for wanting her so much. When it's over, Max leaves before Atlas can talk.
Cloaky is waiting back in her cell. Then reveals that her mother was a protector with a succubus in her bloodline and her father. Is him.
Eli, Atlas, and Dec realize Max is missing and go looking for her. They pick up a trail and follow it, realizing she left with Darius. Eli starts to get cuts from Darius' fight with the wolves so Atlas leaves them behind to go on.
Max wakes up in a cell like Eli's. The shadow/cloak dude visits and tells her she is part succubus. Max finds herself in a dream with Darius. In the creepy warehouse thing he's in. Instead of figuring out where each other are, they decide to act on their attraction. Since it's 'just a dream'. They get freaky and Darius drinks her blood. Then says that he knew she was his. Like fr fr there's an actual bond? Or is he just feeling possessive?
THEN she finds herself in Eli's dream. And he's pretty fucked up from all the injuries from Darius. So she fucks him too (even though she;s mad at him) and heals him while also getting energy for herself.
Dec drags Eli into an abandoned building and they are attacked by a pack of wolves. Dec fights but then decideds to flee and get them to follow away from Eli. They chase her into the woods and right before they kill her a girl stops them. SARAH. Dec's cousin. Who was bonded to Atlas and Wade. Who they thought was killed by the werewolves. She was turned and brought to Hell. Eli wakes up and runs into her too. She takes them back to the werewolf base.
The wolves go to torture Darius again and Eli starts getting fucked up. Sarah puts two and two together and they run to where Darius is being cut up. Sarah convinces the leader to not hurt him anymore. There's also a lone werewolf locked up there too. ATLAS IM SURE.
Max works on her powers. She teleports out of her room, walks around the halls, runs into a hellhound and a man, and then teleports into Wades room. They spend some time together and then she teleports back to her room. Plan is to practice her powers until she's able to teleport them both out of there.
Eli, Declan, and Sarah go and get Darius so they can escape while the pack is gone. They hear Darius, locked in his wolf form, and release him too. They all make it out and Sarah has an idea of where Max and Wade are. When they get there, waves of power hit them as they travel further into the land. When they reach the top they are greeted by a ton of monsters and hell hounds.
After some fighting, the man with the blue eyes shows up, stabs Eli, and then Max shows up. Then cloaky shows up. And reveals that he is Lucifer/Satan/the original big bad. Everyone id teleported inside their little prisons as well as wolf version of Atlas.
Max teleports to Atlas to get him to go back human. He does, and they finally give in to how much they want each other. Even though Max can tell that he hates himself for wanting her so much. When it's over, Max leaves before Atlas can talk.
Cloaky is waiting back in her cell. Then reveals that her mother was a protector with a succubus in her bloodline and her father. Is him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
2.5⭐
Just... why?
Why so much repetition? Why so much musing and brooding and endless internal monologues about issues and points that have already been explored ad nauseam? The sex followed by guilt, the whole "two steps forward, one step back", and "protectors are meant to hunt monsters", and Six not trusting Max. I'm so tired.
I don't think I'll be able to take three whole more books like this. The plot is dragging so bad and we keep going back every time there's a POV change. I'm so bored I'm just skimming through all the filler at this point because I just want to get to the action. And the isolated events of any interest that took place in this installment can pretty much be counted on a single hand: .
Nothing's happening. We've been on this Hell arc for three books and still have no idea what the floop is going on. We don't know what the issue with hell is, what's up with The Guild, we don't know why Max is so important and unique and everyone is desperate to capture her or if this mates thing will ever amount to anything. Any day now, my name will spontaneously change to Jon.
The previous book, this one and probably part of the next one—if not the full thing—could have, and perhaps should have been condensed into a single novel.
I'm gonna be taking a break from this series because I'm beyond fed up with the repetition and lack of new developments. When not even the sex is enough to keep my interest, I know it's hopeless.
Just... why?
Why so much repetition? Why so much musing and brooding and endless internal monologues about issues and points that have already been explored ad nauseam? The sex followed by guilt, the whole "two steps forward, one step back", and "protectors are meant to hunt monsters", and Six not trusting Max. I'm so tired.
I don't think I'll be able to take three whole more books like this. The plot is dragging so bad and we keep going back every time there's a POV change. I'm so bored I'm just skimming through all the filler at this point because I just want to get to the action. And the isolated events of any interest that took place in this installment can pretty much be counted on a single hand: .
Nothing's happening. We've been on this Hell arc for three books and still have no idea what the floop is going on. We don't know what the issue with hell is, what's up with The Guild, we don't know why Max is so important and unique and everyone is desperate to capture her or if this mates thing will ever amount to anything. Any day now, my name will spontaneously change to Jon.
The previous book, this one and probably part of the next one—if not the full thing—could have, and perhaps should have been condensed into a single novel.
I'm gonna be taking a break from this series because I'm beyond fed up with the repetition and lack of new developments. When not even the sex is enough to keep my interest, I know it's hopeless.
January 22, 2022
I'm not a fan of starting a series with the last one written, that being said, I was absolutely enthralled in the structure of the realm the group known as Team 6 found themselves in. The collection of the paranormal and their cultures in this book alone is enough for me to recommend this book to read, but when lines blur and what is supposed to be evil turns out not to be quite so black and white all of the team have moments wondering about many of their previous orders given to them by the Guild. Max is in for a world of self-discovery and no small amount of hurt feelings before she gets the mission completed. The team are all struggling but their struggles never let their loyalties falter. I'm so impressed with this group Atlas, Eli, Declan, Darius are all there for Max and hmmm, I wonder what it is that Nash is really up to? I am certainly going to be backtracking and read all the previous books in this series because this one has me hooked. I'm glad I never give spoilers because this one has so very many quips and quotes that I would never stop telling you the whole book. People with torture and extreme violence triggers, be prepared. This book is quite fast paced, always moving forward and never a dull moment.
December 18, 2022
This series is so addicting--I cannot put it down. It is the slowest slow-burn RH of all time, but we finally got some spice in this book, which I loved.
I do think this was my least favorite in the series so far. In the beginning of the book, I was pretty bored of them being in hell. All of the MCs were separated (literally every single one of them), so there was no dialogue since they were all split up and alone. It felt like a lot of the chapters in the early part of the book were filled with endless inner monologue without any progression of the story.
However, the book got a lot better once all of the MCs reunited. Poor Wade needs a friend--he's been alone for like 3 books now lol. I love Darius's blossoming friendship with Declan and Eli. I love how possessive and obsessed Atlas is with Max, even though he doesn't want to be. Poor Declan--I hope her and Max talk out their feelings soon. I loved the cliffhanger in this book. I am excited that we finally learned something about Max's background/powers! Loving this series.
I do think this was my least favorite in the series so far. In the beginning of the book, I was pretty bored of them being in hell. All of the MCs were separated (literally every single one of them), so there was no dialogue since they were all split up and alone. It felt like a lot of the chapters in the early part of the book were filled with endless inner monologue without any progression of the story.
However, the book got a lot better once all of the MCs reunited. Poor Wade needs a friend--he's been alone for like 3 books now lol. I love Darius's blossoming friendship with Declan and Eli. I love how possessive and obsessed Atlas is with Max, even though he doesn't want to be. Poor Declan--I hope her and Max talk out their feelings soon. I loved the cliffhanger in this book. I am excited that we finally learned something about Max's background/powers! Loving this series.
July 27, 2024
This girl!!!! Please take me away of this suffering cuz I can’t
I’m reading just in spite cuz this is just so…. I hate it.
The message she is sending to the guys is so contradictory, with Declan is like YES but NO, is wrong (cuz I’m a succubus) and not explaining cuz is not cuz she doesn’t like her but ofc this will run into a lot of misunderstandings, and the line of consent is just… ugh
She is dense, she is being hearing the word “bonds” so many times and even then she is missing that part and is conflicted cuz she likes everyone and then Sarah’s like in love with Atlas would Max kill her????
And the only one I like at this point is Darius, he is crazy but at least he is all in with Max, knows there is something else too. Declan deciding that she’ll no longer fight and protect her is a FINALLY girl. Eli is just insufferable, I hate that he is not responsable of his actions, own it boy.
I’m reading just in spite cuz this is just so…. I hate it.
The message she is sending to the guys is so contradictory, with Declan is like YES but NO, is wrong (cuz I’m a succubus) and not explaining cuz is not cuz she doesn’t like her but ofc this will run into a lot of misunderstandings, and the line of consent is just… ugh
She is dense, she is being hearing the word “bonds” so many times and even then she is missing that part and is conflicted cuz she likes everyone and then Sarah’s like in love with Atlas would Max kill her????
And the only one I like at this point is Darius, he is crazy but at least he is all in with Max, knows there is something else too. Declan deciding that she’ll no longer fight and protect her is a FINALLY girl. Eli is just insufferable, I hate that he is not responsable of his actions, own it boy.
May 21, 2025
We entered hell with the intention of bringing Wade back together, but we should have known that hell would have other plans…
Captured and alone in a place that looks like it was pulled straight out of a medieval movie, I’m desperate to get back to The Guild and my family. But not before getting what I came here for: Wade.
Hell might not be all fire and brimstone like I had imagined it to be, but sometimes reality is worse. Way worse. The members of Six and I have been separated with no concrete way of getting back to each other. But even if I could find a way back to them, I’m not entirely sure that I want to. While hell demons are certainly awful, the monster raging inside of me is proving to be just as haunting.
Hell is known for tormenting its inhabitants. The question remains: Will any of us make it out alive?
Abyss of Ruins is the fifth book in The Protector Guild series and it does end on a cliffhanger. Max’s story is a slow-burn reverse harem / poly / why choose urban fantasy series. Get ready for action, spice, and intrigue.
Captured and alone in a place that looks like it was pulled straight out of a medieval movie, I’m desperate to get back to The Guild and my family. But not before getting what I came here for: Wade.
Hell might not be all fire and brimstone like I had imagined it to be, but sometimes reality is worse. Way worse. The members of Six and I have been separated with no concrete way of getting back to each other. But even if I could find a way back to them, I’m not entirely sure that I want to. While hell demons are certainly awful, the monster raging inside of me is proving to be just as haunting.
Hell is known for tormenting its inhabitants. The question remains: Will any of us make it out alive?
Abyss of Ruins is the fifth book in The Protector Guild series and it does end on a cliffhanger. Max’s story is a slow-burn reverse harem / poly / why choose urban fantasy series. Get ready for action, spice, and intrigue.
August 30, 2024
3.5
Everything is happening so slowly! I'm also having a hard time with all the different characters having a chapter dedicated to what's going on with them emotionally and otherwise. We keep bouncing from character to character and it almost feels like filler material. Too much seems to be going on to keep track of everything, if that makes sense. We get Eli's POV. Then we get Declan's POV. Then Max. Then Darius. You get the picture. Since they're all experiencing different things, and in some cases, are in different places, it just seems messy.
Still, Max is trying to strengthen her skills. The other characters are starting to get it together. We've had some dream walking sex. The plot has thickened. So, progress...
Everything is happening so slowly! I'm also having a hard time with all the different characters having a chapter dedicated to what's going on with them emotionally and otherwise. We keep bouncing from character to character and it almost feels like filler material. Too much seems to be going on to keep track of everything, if that makes sense. We get Eli's POV. Then we get Declan's POV. Then Max. Then Darius. You get the picture. Since they're all experiencing different things, and in some cases, are in different places, it just seems messy.
Still, Max is trying to strengthen her skills. The other characters are starting to get it together. We've had some dream walking sex. The plot has thickened. So, progress...
January 15, 2022
I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT
I knew thst was going to be the cliffhanger!! I mean, how could it not be. It was the perfect ending to have the reader begging for the next book.
Holborn did an amazing job on imagery and descriptive words with this book. They kept the pave light and didn't rush through the scenes or the POV. Loved reading this book.
I'm excited to see how Holborn wraps up the final installment of this series, but ultimately I'm excited to see what the future holds for Max and her band of "Monsters" that seem to orbit around her.
Also.
.
.
.
WE GOT SOME YALL.
I knew thst was going to be the cliffhanger!! I mean, how could it not be. It was the perfect ending to have the reader begging for the next book.
Holborn did an amazing job on imagery and descriptive words with this book. They kept the pave light and didn't rush through the scenes or the POV. Loved reading this book.
I'm excited to see how Holborn wraps up the final installment of this series, but ultimately I'm excited to see what the future holds for Max and her band of "Monsters" that seem to orbit around her.
Also.
.
.
.
WE GOT SOME YALL.
July 6, 2023
NOT HER FATHER BEING THE FUCKING DEVIL
This one was so good!! Al the action and all the pieces finally starting to come together and make sense…well not total sense but we’re getting there😂
Sarah being alive is a great little twist that I know is gonna add complications to everything and I’m lowkey so excited to see how that all pans out
Also Max finally getting it on with everyone (except Declan…👀) is *chefs kiss* I’m excited to see where these relationships go and how they develop!
And the groveling…there needs to be groveling from Six
Excited for the next one but stressed cause it’s the last one till 7 comes out😭
This one was so good!! Al the action and all the pieces finally starting to come together and make sense…well not total sense but we’re getting there😂
Sarah being alive is a great little twist that I know is gonna add complications to everything and I’m lowkey so excited to see how that all pans out
Also Max finally getting it on with everyone (except Declan…👀) is *chefs kiss* I’m excited to see where these relationships go and how they develop!
And the groveling…there needs to be groveling from Six
Excited for the next one but stressed cause it’s the last one till 7 comes out😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
I was enjoying this series until this book. You can skip the first 50% and not miss anything.
It was all internal monologs about what they thought of the fmc and being totally ignorant of their feelings.
Book 5 and we still spent the majority of it :
Fmc not knowing who she was
Fmc having powers and freaking out
Fmc being betrayed and hurt but will forgive them like nothing happened
Fmc being completely illiterate to having bonds
All of them being illiterate to having bonds even though they have grown up with them
Still not 1 question answered until the very last page.
Took all my time not to DNF this. Hopefully book 6 will redeem itself
It was all internal monologs about what they thought of the fmc and being totally ignorant of their feelings.
Book 5 and we still spent the majority of it :
Fmc not knowing who she was
Fmc having powers and freaking out
Fmc being betrayed and hurt but will forgive them like nothing happened
Fmc being completely illiterate to having bonds
All of them being illiterate to having bonds even though they have grown up with them
Still not 1 question answered until the very last page.
Took all my time not to DNF this. Hopefully book 6 will redeem itself
December 11, 2023
finally some answers!
This one is a bit harder to get through, most of the book they are all separated and atlas isn’t in this one nearly enough for my liking. But I ya e grown to absolutely LOVE Darius, and I’ve always loved wade so I’m glad he was in this a bit more. We finally get some steamy scenes!!! Not enough but we’re finally getting somewhere. By the end of the book we finally have answers of who she is and why she is the way she is. Now if we could just have a bit more spice and all of her bonds stop ignoring what it is!
This one is a bit harder to get through, most of the book they are all separated and atlas isn’t in this one nearly enough for my liking. But I ya e grown to absolutely LOVE Darius, and I’ve always loved wade so I’m glad he was in this a bit more. We finally get some steamy scenes!!! Not enough but we’re finally getting somewhere. By the end of the book we finally have answers of who she is and why she is the way she is. Now if we could just have a bit more spice and all of her bonds stop ignoring what it is!
December 8, 2024
2.25 ⭐️
The first three books were amazing and I absolutely adored the characters. However, books four and five started to heavily drag. This is a RH book and book five is the first sex scene we’ve had. The plot is dragging on with no end in sight even though book eight is the last one. Several characters have become incredibly irrelevant and no longer serve a purpose but are continuously expanded upon. Based on the pacing of this book and reviews on books six through eight I will not be continuing this series. This started out so well and tanked so quickly.
The first three books were amazing and I absolutely adored the characters. However, books four and five started to heavily drag. This is a RH book and book five is the first sex scene we’ve had. The plot is dragging on with no end in sight even though book eight is the last one. Several characters have become incredibly irrelevant and no longer serve a purpose but are continuously expanded upon. Based on the pacing of this book and reviews on books six through eight I will not be continuing this series. This started out so well and tanked so quickly.
January 12, 2025
4.5⭐ 2.5🌶️ 4❤️ I have enjoyed this series emencely! I love the characters and I love that for a fated mates why choos its also a slow burn. I think thats its been done very well. I love haw we know that all these characters are drawn to the FMC but their resistance so far has been pretty impressive. I could use a little less miscommunication between Max and Declyn, but as a bi person myself I understand it completely.
I am excited to see where this series goes from here and I'm hoping that at least one of the bond to the FMC in the next book.
So good I highly recommend.
I am excited to see where this series goes from here and I'm hoping that at least one of the bond to the FMC in the next book.
So good I highly recommend.
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