Eleutheria: Review and Book Club Guide
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Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Release Date: November 18
I want to begin with a heartfelt thanks to Ruth Cantu for sending me an advance reader copy of Eleutheria. This book lived up to every expectation — and more. From the very first page, I was absolutely hooked. Cantu’s prose is immersive and vivid, full of energy and texture. She builds a world that is both expansive and mysterious, with magic, political tension, and secrets that keep you turning pages even when you try to slow down.
Summary
When Alys Sathos, a fierce and magicless witch, crashes into enemy territory, she’s captured by the brooding Night Realm prince, Maddox. What follows is a story of fate, resistance, and slow-burn tension as two enemies navigate magic, prophecy, and impossible choices. Ruth Cantu’s Eleutheria kicks off The Runic Histories of Efelldor with sharp banter, rich worldbuilding, and a romance full of emotional depth and danger.
My Thoughts
Alys Sathos is exactly the kind of heroine I adore—fierce, independent, battle-scarred in all the best ways, and never willing to just let someone else solve her problems. After falling—literally—into enemy territory, she becomes a prisoner of the Night Realm’s prince, Maddox. What follows is a tension-rich tale of fate, reluctant alliances, and unraveling the dark underpinnings of compulsion magic.
One of the biggest strengths of Eleutheria is the banter between Alys and Maddox. Sharp, witty, layered—it’s not just comic relief. Their back-and-forth reveals character, reveals their insecurities, and adds weight to everything else going on. It makes them feel human. The plot is compelling, but these moments of dialogue really made me care.
Worldbuilding is another highlight. With witches, vampyres, goblins, elves, and more, the setting feels vibrant and alive. Yet Cantu has only begun to scratch its surface in Eleutheria, which is exciting. There’s so much more I want to see and explore in this universe.
Ruth self-rated Eleutheria at two chili peppers, but I would raise the rating to about three. It’s a slow burn romance, rooted more in emotional tension and buildup than immediate, explicit scenes. Still, there is an open-door scene toward the end that earns it that higher mark in my eyes.
Overall, this was an easy 5-star read. If you love slow-burn romantasy with a hero(ine) who can stand on their own, a broody but complex love interest, witty dialogue, and a rich magical world — Eleutheria should absolutely be on your “must-read” list this year.
About the Author
Ruth Cantu is an indie fantasy author whose work blends rich worldbuilding, emotional stakes, and romantic tension. Born to Mexican immigrants, she began writing as a teenager—first fanfiction, later building her own worlds and stories. She now lives in a small mountain town in eastern Oklahoma with her husband, children, and a pack of dogs, weaving magic into her writing from her cozy, creative life.
Her debut novel Eleutheria is Book One in The Runic Histories of Efelldor, releasing November 18, 2025.
If you liked this review, you might want to revisit my Indie Author Spotlight on Ruth Cantu where I dug into her background, inspirations, and writing journey there, which gives even more insight into what makes her stories so compelling.
(Read the full Indie Author Spotlight on Ruth Cantu for more background.)
Book Club Guide
Discussion Questions
Character & Relationships
Alys is a strong, independent heroine who resists being “fated” to anything. How does her perspective on fate and free will evolve throughout the book?
What were your first impressions of Prince Maddox? Did your opinion change as the story unfolded?
How does Alys and Maddox’s banter help develop their relationship? What did it reveal about each of them?
Trust plays a major role in Eleutheria. Discuss how compulsion magic affects trust—not just between characters, but within the world itself.
Themes & Worldbuilding
The novel explores power and control through the Night Queen’s compulsion. How does Cantu use magic to reflect real-world dynamics of influence and freedom?
Eleutheria means “freedom.” In what ways do Alys and Maddox each define or pursue freedom differently?
What did you think of the way Cantu introduced the world of Efelldor—its realms, species, and gods? Was there a particular element (witches, vampyres, goblins, etc.) that stood out to you?
How does Ruth Cantu balance action and introspection in her storytelling? Did one resonate with you more?
Romance & Spice
The romance in Eleutheria is a slow burn with moments of tension and vulnerability. How did that pacing work for you as a reader?
On a spice scale of 1–5 (or chili peppers), how would your book club rate this book? Did the level of spice fit the tone of the story?
Reflection
After reading Eleutheria, discuss:
What personal freedoms do we take for granted, and how do we respond when those freedoms are threatened?
How do we balance independence with vulnerability in our own lives, like Alys and Maddox learn to do?
Looking Ahead
We’ve only seen a small piece of Cantu’s world. What questions do you hope are answered in the next book?
If Eleutheria were adapted into a TV series or film, who would you cast as Alys and Maddox?
Hosting Ideas
Themed Drink
The Night Realm Spritz
Blackberry and rosemary gin cocktail (or mocktail!) to capture the dark, moody tone of Maddox’s world.
Ingredients (for one drink):
2 oz gin (or non-alcoholic gin alternative for mocktail)
1 oz blackberry syrup*
½ oz fresh lemon juice
2–3 fresh blackberries
1 sprig fresh rosemary
3 oz sparkling water or tonic
Ice
To make the blackberry syrup: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup blackberries, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until berries break down. Strain and cool.
Directions:
In a shaker, muddle blackberries and rosemary.
Add gin, blackberry syrup, and lemon juice. Shake with ice.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with sparkling water or tonic and stir gently.
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few blackberries.
Snacks
Charcuterie board with sharp cheeses and dark berries (a nod to the contrast between the Day and Night Realms).
Dark chocolate bark with sea salt—sweet, bitter, and just a little dangerous.
Vibes
Playlist: “Enemies to Lovers Energy” – moody fantasy instrumentals + slow-burn romantic tracks.
Dress code: cozy fantasy-core—think cloaks, candles, and a bit of dark academia flair.
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