In the realm of romantic fantasy, Becca Ryden’s debut novel, Desperation, carves a distinct path through its compelling blend of intrigue, dark secrets, and complex emotions. This first entry in The Animus series introduces readers to a richly imagined world where love is enigmatic, allegiances are fleeting, and past actions cast long shadows. Ryden masterfully sets the stage for a trilogy that promises to captivate readers with its unique blend of modernity and ancient myth.
A Mysterious Beginning: The Story’s Premise
Desperation centers around Princess Charlotte Valois, whose life takes a dark turn when she discovers her betrothed, Prince Aurek Romanov, standing over her father’s dead body. Convinced of his guilt, Charlotte flees, initiating a life of secrecy and survival. This misunderstanding drives the core conflict of the novel, as both characters navigate a world riddled with danger and deception.
Thirteen years later, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when Aurek, still in love and seeking redemption, finds Charlotte. Instead of revealing his identity, he opts to become her bodyguard, protecting her under a disguise. This decision sets up a complex relationship dynamic that tests the boundaries of trust and love. Complicating matters further is Maelstrom, a former god with nefarious intentions towards Charlotte, adding a layer of external conflict to the already tense narrative.
Character Depth and Development
The depth of Desperation lies not just in its plot but in the nuanced development of its characters. Charlotte, initially seen as a damsel in distress, reveals layers of resilience and determination as she adapts to a life far removed from royal comforts. Her journey is one of self-discovery, grappling with the shadows of her past and the stark realities of her present.
Aurek, on the other hand, embodies the tortured hero archetype—his honor and intentions are clear to the reader, but his past actions cast doubt within Charlotte’s mind. His choice to protect her while concealing his true identity introduces moral ambiguity and highlights the themes of redemption and forgiveness that Ryden explores throughout the novel.
The Looming Threat and Romantic Tension
As the plot unfolds, the romantic tension between Charlotte and Aurek simmers, complicated by secrets and the ever-present threat of Maelstrom. This former god, intent on claiming Charlotte, brings a sense of urgency to the story, making the stakes higher and the moments of intimacy more poignant. Ryden effectively uses this external danger to drive the narrative forward and deepen the central romance.
The interplay between character development and plot progression is a hallmark of Ryden’s writing style, ensuring that each chapter builds both the world and the emotional stakes. The slow reveal of characters’ motivations and the gradual escalation of threats keep the readers engaged and invested in the outcome of these intertwined destinies.
Cliffhangers and Continuations: Setting the Stage for More
Ryden chooses to end Desperation on a cliffhanger, a narrative choice that serves both to frustrate and fascinate. With many questions left unanswered and relationships hanging in the balance, readers are left eagerly anticipating the next installment of the series. This ending is particularly effective in romantasy, where the emotional investment in characters often drives readership.
The unresolved narrative arcs promise further exploration of themes such as trust, power, and legacy in the upcoming books. Ryden has laid a solid foundation for a trilogy that could expand not only the geographical and political contours of her world but also the internal landscapes of her characters.
Becca Ryden
Modern Meets Mythical: The Setting
Ryden’s setting—a blend of contemporary and historical elements—provides a rich backdrop that enhances the thematic depth of the story. The juxtaposition of modern technology with ancient magic and vampire lore creates a vibrant tapestry that reflects the complex nature of the book’s conflicts. This setting allows Ryden to explore timeless themes through a lens that resonates with contemporary readers, making the fantastical elements feel grounded and relatable.
A Promising Start to an Enthralling Trilogy
Becca Ryden’s Desperation offers a promising start to what appears to be a deeply engaging romantasy trilogy. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a setting that bridges the past with the present, Ryden crafts a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. For enthusiasts of the genre, Desperation delivers a fresh and compelling take on the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. As readers await the next chapter in this saga, they can revel in the rich world Ryden has created, pondering the complexities of perception and the power of a second chance at love.
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!
