The world of romantic fantasy, or “romantasy,” as fans call it, offers a blend of heart-pounding romance and enchanting world-building. Becca Ryden’s debut novel, Desperation, invites readers into this captivating genre with an epic story of love, betrayal, and dark magic. As the first book in The Animus series, Ryden skillfully introduces readers to a world where ancient gods, vampires, and royalty collide in an intense slow-burn romance that promises to unfold across a thrilling trilogy.
A Tale of Love and Deception: The Premise of “Desperation“
At the heart of Desperation lies a story of love turned to distrust. Princess Charlotte Valois, once deeply in love with her betrothed, Prince Aurek Romanov, now finds herself fleeing from him. The catalyst for her fear? A horrific misunderstanding. Thirteen years ago, Charlotte discovered Aurek standing over the lifeless body of her father, the King of the Sky Throne. In that moment, all the love and trust she had for him shattered, and she believed he was responsible for her parents’ brutal murder. Fearing for her life and her sister’s, Charlotte disappeared into hiding, leaving behind her royal life and her connection to Aurek.
Fast forward thirteen years, and Prince Aurek is still searching for the woman he loves. When he finally locates Charlotte, he takes on the guise of another man—her bodyguard—so that he can protect her without revealing his true identity. Aurek knows Charlotte is a flight risk, and he doesn’t want to scare her away again. This deception creates a tense dynamic between the two as Aurek navigates the complexities of getting close to Charlotte while keeping his identity a secret.
But while Aurek tries to win Charlotte’s trust, a new danger emerges. The former god of the Valdir, Maelstrom, has set his sights on Charlotte. With an army at his command, Maelstrom will stop at nothing to claim Charlotte for his own dark purposes. As Charlotte is pulled between Aurek’s hidden affection and the looming threat of Maelstrom, her journey becomes one of survival, trust, and unraveling the truth of her past.
Slow Burn Romance with High Stakes
Desperation is a classic slow-burn romance that allows readers to deeply invest in the emotional journey of its characters. Ryden’s choice to reveal Aurek’s presence in Charlotte’s life through the role of a bodyguard adds a layer of tension that fans of the genre will find compelling. Aurek’s love for Charlotte never wavers, but his deception adds an undercurrent of suspense. Can Charlotte ever forgive the man she believes destroyed her family? And how will she react when she discovers that the bodyguard who has been protecting her is the very man she has spent years hiding from?
The tension between the characters simmers beneath the surface throughout the novel, keeping readers on edge. Ryden masterfully balances the fantasy elements of her world with the slow-building romance between Charlotte and Aurek. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the lingering questions about Aurek’s true intentions—and whether he was truly responsible for the deaths of Charlotte’s parents—cast a shadow over their relationship. The looming presence of Maelstrom further complicates matters, adding danger to the already fragile situation.
The Cliffhanger Ending: A Taste of What’s to Come
As the first book in a trilogy, Desperation leaves readers on a cliffhanger, hungry for more. Ryden doesn’t shy away from leaving critical questions unanswered, ensuring that readers will eagerly anticipate the release of the next book. Will Charlotte uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths? What will happen when she discovers Aurek’s deception? And how will the threat of Maelstrom unfold as he continues his pursuit of Charlotte?
While Ryden has yet to announce a release date for the second book in The Animus series, fans can expect an explosive continuation of the story. The cliffhanger ending promises more twists and turns, as Charlotte’s journey is far from over. The intricate world Ryden has built, complete with gods, vampires, and royal intrigue, is rich with potential for further exploration, and readers can only imagine what lies ahead.
A Modern Fantasy with Dark Undertones
Set in a modern-day world with connections to the 1800s, Desperation offers a fresh take on the romantasy genre by blending contemporary elements with ancient magic and dark fantasy. Ryden’s world-building is immersive, featuring a cast of complex characters, magical lore, and political intrigue. The presence of vampires, known as the Valdir, adds a gothic touch to the novel, while the influence of the old gods creates a sense of mysticism and foreboding.
Ryden’s novel also delves into darker themes, exploring trauma, loss, and the consequences of misperception. Charlotte’s belief that Aurek murdered her parents colors every aspect of her life, leading her to make decisions based on fear and grief. This emotional depth adds layers to Charlotte’s character, making her more than just a princess in hiding—she’s a survivor grappling with the weight of her past.
However, Ryden’s use of dark undertones may not be for every reader. For those sensitive to certain triggering events, it’s important to note that Desperation does not shy away from depicting trauma and its lasting effects on the characters. Nonetheless, for readers who enjoy high-stakes romantasy with emotional complexity, Desperation delivers a gripping story that is both thrilling and heartfelt.
Conclusion: A Strong Start to The Animus Series
Becca Ryden’s debut novel, Desperation, is a promising start to what is sure to be a riveting romantasy trilogy. With a perfect balance of slow-burn romance, dark fantasy, and suspense, Ryden hooks readers from the first page and leaves them eagerly awaiting the next installment. As readers dive into the world of The Animus series, they can expect a journey filled with love, danger, and a deep exploration of the characters’ hearts and minds.
For fans of romantasy, Desperation is a must-read, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tropes while introducing an exciting new voice in the genre.
We had the privilege of interviewing Becca Ryden. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi Becca, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hello! I am a fan of anything romantasy, and an avid listener of spicy audiobooks. I write romantasy packed with swords, magic, and the occasional mooing cow. My characters are real, usually have a dark background, and are always looking for love (even if they don’t know it yet). Whether it be a high-stakes chase or a fight for the last cookie, action lives in every scene. I’ve been writing since I was old enough to type, but with years of military service to temper my skills, my stories are more than fiction—they’re a possible reality. When not writing books, you’ll find me playing with my fur babies, running from a spider, or saving the universe, one NPC at a time.
Please tell us about your book, Desperation.
Desperation is the first book in The Animus series, and a lifelong dream finally made real. It tells the story of a girl who was forced to become an adult at a young age and survived some terrible events to become an independent and rightfully stubborn woman. Add in a 300 hundred-year-old warrior, and you have a mix destined to clash in all the delightful ways. Spice it up with royalty, magic, the elements, and vampires, and you have a slow-burn start to an amazing trilogy.
Please share your journey with our readers.
I started writing when I was barely a teenager. Fueled by dreams of the fantastic and all those dreamy men on TV (thank you, Buffy), I grew up inspired to find love. I wrote my first book in high school. It was an interesting mix of teenage hormones and unrealistic expectations, but it was my baby. After joining the U.S. Army and serving my country, I picked that book back up and cringed. Gah! It was terrible. But it inspired me to make it even better. Now I have Desperation, and the rest of the story is just waiting to find its way on paper.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Strategies aren’t the right way to describe what I did and what keeps me going. Like most introverts, I recharge by doing things on my own. Writing is my escape from stress, and thanks to an amazing group of supporting people, putting myself out there was a success. If I had to claim a strategy, I’d like to partially quote the live-action Cinderella, “have courage, and be kind,” and never give up on your dreams.
Any message for our readers?
You can do it! Whatever it is that you want, strive for it. Some days will be harder than others, and some will be absolutely impossible. Don’t let that drag you down. One foot in front of the other, or you can be a crab and walk sideways. That’s okay. Just keep moving and channel your inner Dori.
Thank you so much, Becca, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!