4.5 (659 ratings)

The Shadows That Listen (Angel Ruin, 1)

Name: The Shadows That Listen (Angel Ruin, 1)
Rating: 4.5 (659 reviews)
Author: Louisa Carmody
ISBN: 0316604909

by Louisa Carmody

demons

About this book

Five years ago, the world collapsed when daemons rose from the depths and angels descended from the heavens. Humanity, once hopeful for salvation, soon realized their new celestial overlords were not protectors, but executioners. Now, the skies bleed gold and the earth is a fractured dystopia where survival is a daily gamble.

Amara, a fierce human warrior for the Angel Intelligence Agency, lives by the rules until her boyfriend vanishes into the forbidden dark. Desperate to save him, she embarks on a lethal rescue mission that forces her into an unlikely alliance with Nathaniel, a cold-hearted archangel tasked with humanity’s destruction. Their forced proximity sparks a slow-burn tension that is as dangerous as the shadows stalking them. As they navigate a hell-realm of shifting loyalties, Amara realizes that the angel she longs to kill might be the only one who can help her survive the night.

This gripping paranormal romance blends high-stakes action with a delicious enemies-to-reluctant-allies dynamic. Perfect for fans of Crescent City and Shadowhunters, this story delivers a pulse-pounding mystery wrapped in atmospheric dread. If you crave intense character development, a gritty post-apocalyptic setting, and a slow burn that will keep you awake until dawn, this is your next obsession.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: 0316604909

Reader Reviews

Not a single complaint!

April 13, 2025

I read a lot. Too much probably. This is one of the best reads of the year so far for me. I was hesitant because I'm not crazy about angel stories, but man did I love this story. The relationships here don't feel like plot devices. They all feel real and you feel personally invested in the characters. Non stop action, perfect banter, steamy tension. The lore and world building is crazy! Some of the big reveals I definitely saw coming but I wasn't mad about it. I still wanted to read it and feel...

Dystopian War Between Angels and Demons on Earth

April 26, 2025

I found this book because of TikTok. I saw a random video with the author looking over her reviews, and they were all very positive. This was quite a surprising adventure. FMC thought the love of her life was gone forever taken by a demon in the dead of night when he was out past curfew. Everyone told her he was gone, but she went on into the unknown to find him. She was trained to battle these demons and protect the people. An angel helps her discover the truth. I hope there will be more from...

Stayed up way too late, lost sleep, didn't care, the plot is that good!

December 14, 2025

Tropes: Enemies to reluctant allies; Slow burn tension; Forced proximity; Post‑apocalyptic world; Angels vs. daemons war; Missing‑lover rescue quest; Grumpy x sassy dynamic; Hidden‑identity twist; High‑stakes partnership Vibe: Intense, fast‑paced, and addictive; Dark, war‑torn world with rich lore; Sharp banter and electric tension; Emotional, character‑driven stakes; Mystery‑heavy, action‑packed, and immersive I tore through this book in under two days! stayed up way too late, lost sleep, and...

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.

June 1, 2025

If I could give this more than 5 stars I absolutely would. Holy crap, it was SO good. It’s the kind of story you know you’re always wanting to read about angels and demons but, it hasn’t necessarily been written yet so you wait and wait for it.. only to read it, and be blown away. I can’t believe more people aren’t gushing about this story, I can’t get enough of it and I cannot wait to read the second book. (Begs on her knees for the second book). I’m so impressed by Louisa Carmody, and this...

Good premise but needs work

November 4, 2025

The story has potential but the writing isn’t great. For example, in one instance she says she’d do anything to have a sword and then when she does have it (a page later), she doesn’t know how to use it. A decent amount of repetition (lots of head tilting, chin lifting, etc). Lots of over explanation instead of trusting the reader to remember something mentioned in the previous pages/chapter. I think with a good editor, this book could be stellar. )