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The Fallen Kingdoms #2

Reign of Darkness

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Darkness is a vicious evil no mortal can escape. But I’m no stranger to darkness, and I never intend to be free.

With new, unfathomable power, Ari won’t rest until she gets her revenge. But she is blinded by her vengeance, and when Caelum arrives in Eida, she never imagined he’d take it for his own.

Blood fills the streets. Death lingers in the air. Caelum has come to steal Ari’s power and build an army filled with monsters and magic. An army he has every intention of unleashing on the human world.

Unless she stops him.

Fiercely loyal to the realm he calls home, Graeden will do whatever it takes to protect it. But as an insurrection forms against the Starfallen’s new queen, Graeden finds his loyalty is no longer fixed firmly on the realm or the crown.

Unable to douse the fire Ari stirs within him, Graeden finds it isn’t enough to protect her. He wants her. All of her. The one person in the entire realm he can’t have.

As Caelum pushes the realm toward its destruction, there is only one way for Ari and Graeden to keep those they love safe, and they must both decide what they’re willing to risk … and who they’re willing to kill.

Reign of Darkness is the second book in KB Benson’s The Fallen Kingdoms series, an upper YA high fantasy. If you like slow-burn romance, action-packed battles, dragons and monsters, and unique magic systems, then you’ll love this fast-paced, page-turning series. Grab your copy and reenter Eida!

557 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2024

6 people are currently reading
228 people want to read

About the author

K.B. Benson

9 books122 followers
KB Benson is in love with quiet moments by the fire, crisp autumn nights, and peaceful days with no expectations or deadlines... and her life is rarely any of those things. By day, KB Benson is a dragon wrangler wielding a most powerful magic to keep those in her charge safe and alive. By night, she weaves that magic into high-stakes, action-packed, no-spice romantic fantasy novels.

KB is the author of the Call of the Sirens trilogy (YA Fantasy/PNR) and The Fallen Kingdoms series (Epic Romantic Fantasy). She uses books as an escape from reality but believes everyone can learn about their own realities in them. That is why she writes books that aren't afraid of darkness and struggles. She writes characters who are flawed and selfish and have a lot to overcome. She writes about finding hope, strength, and light within those challenges...

Don your armor, grab your dragon, and enter KB Benson's gritty romantic fantasy worlds today.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Mia.
244 reviews7 followers
March 27, 2024
I love the series, this book has no exception. This book is terribly amusing and action packed page turner, a few chapters in and I was hooked. The rest of the book just kept getting better and more convincing. I was quickly drawn to our main lead, Queen of Eida, and was taken by how much I actually wanted for her to do well. I have to say this, the world building inside is intricate and detailed. It surely takes the readers on a journey through a world where magic is real and monsters are real.

Very impressive storytelling, and her writing is meticulous also give marvelous descriptions of settings. The supporting characters are also less memorable and less likable. But I enjoyed the story on the whole. The war scenes were exciting and well told Almost every battle scene in arena keep me in anticipation without being confusing or becoming too repetitive. Caelum, I didn't expect his entry at all.

𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙙𝙤, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙜𝙤.

This is more than just a story of swords and monsters. Besides that, there's all you could want from a book like this, including battles, divided loyalties, honour, betrayal, love and power. I love Graeden, he's so much more than he shows. Looking forward to part three.

This book is worth a shot. Waiting for the third book! Big thumbs up on this one and, if you're interested in Fantasy, Dragons, Phoenix and Magic elements.
Profile Image for Danielle (cozycoffeebook_).
129 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2024
SO. INTENSE.

Again, I was swept away & glued to the pages of this incredible story.

I devoured every detail.

There were so many intense scenes with beautiful moments in between. A villain that truly kept you on your toes. Friendships & loss that pulled on your heartstrings.

And oh the magic of a slow burn romance. So so swoon worthy.

This has definitely become a favorite.

Reread review-

I love this book so much. That is all.
Profile Image for Brooke J Katz.
Author 7 books8 followers
January 2, 2024
First let me catch my breath. This story is action and suspense itself from the very begining. We pick up where well if Eida left us.

Ari is a beautiful depiction of strength, beauty and resilience. I love her because she feels real she struggles with real conflicting emotions. KB doesn't make her this shiny unobtainable female lead, no instead you can put yourself in her shoes even though it's fantasy. Ari has flaws and we see them, she has strengths and we see those too.

Graeden is still my fav he is like this light house in the darkness when he comes on the scene in the book I feel the light he holds and the protection he offers.

Caelum is something else bahaha definitely darkness incarnate.

The world is so richly crafted you are there when you pick up the book sucked in and living the writing.

I am stoked for book three the ending on this one is chefs kiss!
Profile Image for Katie Marie.
508 reviews
January 1, 2024
K. B. Bensen has done it once again. Reign of Darkness deserves all the stars and love!! 🤩🤩🤩 As the title suggests, much of the book was relatively dark or had to do with darkness, but I loved how the author still wove light and hope into the narrative. How no matter how hard and despairing their situation was, the characters never gave up but kept pushing to end a certain someone’s (who we hate) reign of darkness. The story was gripping from page one and I was hooked the whole way through! Ari is such an amazing, strong character. She’s broken and full of the need for revenge, but she also learns to care and help others, even if they hadn’t been good to her in the past. And Graeden! 😍 I was sooo happy we got his POV in this book! His character was great and his love for Ari powerful.

Reign of Darkness is full of twists, betrayals, beautiful moments spread throughout hard and gritty times, action, romance, magic, and such an amazing and intriguing plot!! I CANNOT wait to see where this series goes next!!!! 😆😍😍

/I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own/
Profile Image for Shannon Beasley.
222 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2025
Being book two in a series I definitely won’t say much! However, oh my goodness what a ride that was!!! I will just leave you with this quote: “He doesn’t have magic, but he has something far worse: desire.” GASP!!!
Profile Image for Verv.
454 reviews19 followers
January 21, 2024
‘Reign of Darkness’ by KB Bensen is a spellbinding sequel in The Fallen Kingdoms series that ensnares you in its dark, magical world from the first page. The story resumes with Ari, now more powerful and determined than ever, as she confronts the haunting legacy of her past and the menacing figure of Caelum, who seeks to usurp her newfound strength for his own sinister purposes.

Ari's character is masterfully written—flawed, resilient, and relatable. She battles not just external foes but also the internal turmoil of vengeance and the cost of using her magic. The portrayal of her strength in the face of adversity, and her struggle to balance the darkness within, is both compelling and authentic. Graeden, the stoic guard torn between duty and desire, emerges as a beacon of hope in Ari's tumultuous world, adding layers of complexity and romance to the narrative.

The dual perspectives of Ari and Graeden enrich the story, providing a deeper insight into their internal conflicts and the evolving dynamics of their relationship.

Bensen's world-building is nothing short of exquisite. The realm of Eida is vividly depicted, with its intricate magic system and diverse inhabitants, creating an immersive experience for the reader. The narrative is perfectly paced, blending high-stakes action with introspective moments, ensuring that every chapter leaves you craving more.

‘Reign of Darkness’ is a dark fantasy full of magic, betrayal, and romance. For fans of high fantasy and dark, romantic tales, ‘Reign of Darkness’ is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated by the world of Eida, where every choice comes with a price, and the line between light and dark is perilously thin.

Thank you so much to the author for an ARC!
Profile Image for Cristen Cagle.
Author 5 books44 followers
January 22, 2024
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4

What I appreciate most about about Reign of Darkness is how it shows Ari's inner strength and her willingness to sacrifice to protect others -- at every turn, her actions are based on what she can do to help save the the realm.

Graedan's pov is a nice addition to the story and it's been interesting to see the realm from the perspective of someone who has been in Eida significantly longer than Ari has. I also greatly appreciate how Graedan is consistently helping Ari in any way he can.

Reign of Darkness does well at continuing the story we entered in Well of Eida, though I did find the beginning a tad slow and some conversations/actions felt circular. I also wish we'd had a few more callbacks to the previous book to help us remember various events and what names of groups within Eida mean--that's part of what I think made the intro section feel a tad slow was that I kept pausing to think back through my memory of book one.

Readers should check out The Fallen Kingdom series if they enjoy fantasy, slow burn romance, and magic shifters.
Profile Image for Erin.
24 reviews24 followers
October 20, 2023
K.B. Benson did it again and killed it with this book! Some say sequels can never be as good as the one before it, but I really have to hand it to K.B. because Reign of Darkness was phenomenal! Right off the bat I was blown away by the attention to detail she included! It really helped you feel like you were part of the story. As well as the descriptions! Just the attention to detail she put into this book, chefs kiss! Next, let me just preface saying I absolutely loved this book! Seriously, its been ages since I've been so engrossed and attached to finishing a story. With that said, I have never wanted to chuck a book so hard or frequently until I had the pleasure to read this ARC. K.B. hit it out of the park with her villain. I kid you not, I don't remember the last time I hated a character more until reading Caelum. And I loved every single minute of it! It really says something when an author is able to make you feel such strong feelings about a fictional character. Even days after finishing it I am still thinking about it and all the feelings K.B. made me feel while reading. Book 3 cannot come soon enough!
Profile Image for CiCi | bookameme.
869 reviews51 followers
January 17, 2024
Dark & Beautiful

I am the Queen of Eida.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, there were so many plot twists that I couldn’t guess what was coming next. The characters were so beautifully written and endearing that I was hooked on the story.

⚜️ Swoony First Kiss
⚜️ A Touch of Steam (no spice)
⚜️ Stolen Throne / Wrongful Heir
⚜️ Monsters & Dragons
⚜️ Memory-Based Magic System
⚜️ A Dark Curse
⚜️ Vicious Villain Tivaling the Darkling
⚜️ Touch her and ☠️
⚜️ Morally-Grey Characters
⚜️ Plot Twists & Betrayals Everywhere
⚜️ Map & Pronunciation Guide

✨Picks up where book 1 leaves off, the story continues in book 3.

Character Dev: 💙💙💙💙💙
YA Romantic Fantasy: Stolen Throne, Memory-based Magic System, Dark Curse, Morally-Grey
Dual POV
⚠️Character Deaths & Dark Themes⚠️

Profile Image for Rai Larson.
121 reviews
October 14, 2023
Oh-wee! I spent the majority of my time reading this book angry as hell. Not because the story was lacking or slow by any means, but holy cow, the villain is the absolute best villain I've ever read! Constantly ten steps ahead and always winning. There were some incredible action/fight scenes and some that'll break your heart! Honestly, I'm still not over it. I also really loved the inspirational element that reminds you of the fact that you're never truly alone & that no matter the battles you're fighting, your loved ones will always stand with you, to support you & fight with you, if you only let them in. Highly recommend you pick this up!
Profile Image for Crystal.
106 reviews
January 8, 2024
Reign of Darkness picks up right where Well of Eida left off. We’ve got some new characters showing up in this book, as well as some of our favorite (and not-so-favorite) characters making a return.

I loved the dual POV and really feel like it added so much to the story. Ari faces a lot of challenges in this book and her internal dialogue really helps put you right there with her. Graeden remains my favorite character in the series and I truly loved getting his perspective.

This book also has one of the most despicable villains I’ve read. But I’m questioning if there’s more to him than meets the eye…

This high-stakes fantasy was really fun and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. I have so many questions!!!

Profile Image for x7Havelahx7.
8 reviews
September 7, 2023
Reign of Darkness is an enchanting tale that continues Ari’s riveting journey in Eida. As Ari battles both the darkness within herself and the arrogant and brash villain Caelum, readers are treated to a powerful narrative of growth, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of love.
True to Benson's style, the story concludes with a gripping cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what will happen next!
Profile Image for Justin.
20 reviews
December 24, 2023
Wow! This book is so good! I am aware my view of Reign of Darkness may appear biased as I am married to the author; however, if this book was written by anyone else I still would’ve given it a 5 star rating. This book was well written and captivating from the beginning. What sticks out to me the most looking back on what I just finished is the characters. Every character is transformed throughout this book. The transformation of the story line matches the character arcs. There is a lot packed into this book and just when I think we’ve reached the end of the story you get more. It was fun to follow and I look forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Ramya.
274 reviews14 followers
January 22, 2024
"𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙀𝙞𝙙𝙖. 𝙉𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧"
Profile Image for K.B. Benson.
Author 9 books122 followers
September 8, 2023
It’s time to reenter Eida where fierce monsters roam, a new queen has taken to the throne, and a growing darkness awaits. Everything you know about the fearsome troll realm is about to change.

Welcome back to Eida! I hope you enjoy the second book in The Fallen Kingdoms series!
Profile Image for Cassie Mesarchik.
289 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2023
This book is AMAZING! Such a solid second book with some of my favorite characters and such fantastic writing! KB Benson did it again with TOP NOTCH story telling! There is such great character growth in this one! I loved the dual POV! And the villain in this one is one of the most heinous villains I've read in a while; like seriously hate the dude kind of villain. I also love the world-building, we see more of Eida and the changes that happen within the realm. I also absolutely loved the romance in this one! This one was an intense ride and I already can't wait for the next book. A MUST read!!
Profile Image for Alyssa Stockwell.
196 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2024
Wow! What an amazing ride. Reign of Darkness is full of page-turning action and to die for slow-burn romance. I definitely recommend this for all fantasy lovers.

This world was incredibly well developed. I love the whole magic system and how the Star Fallen became trapped there. The characters are all so unique and even the side characters are solid. You know it’s a great book when you actually hate the villain and cheer for the heroes.

I can’t wait for book 3.
Profile Image for Courtney M..
194 reviews
January 15, 2024
Welcome back to Eida! Book 2 starts where book 1 left off and it doesn’t wait to throw the reader back into the action. Stakes are raised as Ari struggles with her new role in the troll realm and her growing feelings for (someone 😉) new threats to Eida appear and Ari shows us just how fierce and determined she is to fight for those she loves. It’s an action-packed book that will leave you begging for the next book!
Profile Image for Hannah   completing_my_tbr.
89 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
In Reign of Darkness we get to meet some new interesting characters including, a villain you’ll love to hate, an Elven Empress Healer, a young boy forced to grow up to quickly, and a troll who helps unite the people.

We also get to dive deeper into the stories of familiar characters like…
Ari, a reluctant Queen doing what she can to save the realm and the people she loves.
Graeden, the queen’s guard struggling between his loyalty to the kingdom and his desire for the queen.
Tib, a human Seeker battling against the darkness within.
And Isla, a fairy seer making the wrong decisions out of revenge.

I love getting back into the word of Eida, learning more about the magic system, and getting Graeden’s pov.
Throughout the story we get to watch Ari make lots of difficult choices. And the choice she picks often surprises her as she continues learning more about her people, and the kind of person she wants to be.
RoD is action packed and has very high stakes.

I’m very excited to see where this story goes from here!
Profile Image for Tralyn.
190 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2024
I had the privilege of reading Reign of Darkness by K.B. Benson for a book tour hosted by the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours. Thank you to both for inviting me along and for the gifted e-arc. This book was amazing!


Book 1, Well of Eida, was so good. We get introduced to all the main characters, a vicious villain, a quest (or three), and maybe a romantic connection. I loved everything about that book. Then K.B. surpasses herself in Book 2. One villain exits in Book 1 and another steps in hot on their heels in Book 2. I feel like this villain is much worse than the first. 


I can’t talk too many details because it would spoil Book 1, but I love how the journey continues for the main characters. Ari has found herself in a situation that she never expected nor wanted. And now, there’s no way out of it. She has to decide if she’s going to exact revenge on those who are responsible for this new situation or accept things and make the best of them. Those are both difficult decisions and she wrestles with them greatly. 


This book is a little darker than the first, which I’m all for. It delves deeper into the depravity of the mind. I love that too. I just knew the new villain was going to do what he did once they came onto the scene. I didn’t expect them to do it how they did it. Nor did I expect the help they received. It was a good twist, not far-fetched, but good.


I love a good slow-burn romance, don’t you? Neither one is willing to give in to their feelings. One is loyal to the realm and the other is seething from past wrongs. But that spark is there. You just know it’s going to happen. We only hope that Ari and Graedon will get their happily ever after at some point. It’s too early to tell now, though. 


K.B. writes a great story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go till the last page. Of course, then you’re left to feel all the feels and wonder what is next. Yep, cliffhanger warning. Hah! I have come to care about these characters and want to see them succeed. I feel like Eida is a real place and I’d love to just hang out there awhile. The magic system is very unique. It is an action-packed and suspenseful story. It’s the perfect mix of both. There is love, loss, intensity, tender moments, betrayal, friendships forged, and enemies revealed. This book has everything that I love about fantasy. It’s my favorite book so far this year! I cannot wait for the next installment. 


I highly recommend Reign of Darkness (after reading Well of Eida, of course) for fans of fantasy, epic fantasy, portal fantasy, fantasy romance, hate-to-love, love triangle, who did this to you, morally grey characters, fierce FMC, unique magic, and slow-burn romance.
Profile Image for Bevin.
383 reviews17 followers
August 22, 2025
{3.5/5}

CW: violence, gore, death, grief, some others

Rarely does a book inspire so much rage in me that I have to walk away for a moment, but this one managed it for the duration of the story.

Upon finding herself the reluctant queen of Eida, Ari decides that at least one good thing can come of it: revenge. She’s ordered Caelum found and brought to her, and with every passing day justice seems to draw closer. That is, until Caelum arrived with his own plans, crumbling the very foundations of the realm.

I have questions for the author. Questions like, could you not give the girl a damn break? Did she have too many things going for her *as she was actively and forever trapped in the kingdom she hates*? Talk about snapping your characters like a glow stick.

This entire book is an exercise in ‘sometimes brute force and rage aren’t enough,’ and, while it’s well executed, I hate it. Not the book; the book I did actually enjoy. It’s the overwhelmingly well-depicted presentation of helpless impotence backed with an inferno of pain and anger. That bit kept popping back up to slap me around some more. I kept expecting there to be *some* sort of win for Ari somewhere in the story. Literally anything to make her feel strong again. And did we find such comfort? No. No we did not.

Ari herself finally has some solid character growth, but it really takes her most of the book to get there. Up until that point, she’s the same short-sighted, impatient, foolish child that we saw in book one. That’s probably the point, but it doesn’t do a lot to endear her to this particular reader. Once she starts figuring her stuff out, though? Much more tolerable.

We get to see a lot more of the magic in this book, and naturally it’s wonderful. Contextually, it makes sense that we didn’t see as much in book 1, but I was so pleased to see it become much more front and center here. I’m still a little hazy on some of the ‘rules’ surrounding how this world interacts with magic, but the basic guidelines were there, so I wasn’t too bothered about it.

Like I said, the storyline was good; I’m just a sucker for ‘watch me rage my way out of this hole’ and that wasn’t really a thing here. The author seemed to take perverse delight in making this reader sit and stew over fictional emotions (this is said with absolutely no malice; it really was handled well). So, needing to book an appointment with my therapist aside, a solid installment in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing how our characters handle the next problem (because naturally there is a next problem; please refer back to paragraph 3 if you forgot).
Profile Image for Tracey Magruder.
Author 1 book52 followers
January 15, 2024
About a year ago I was first introduced to The Fallen Kingdoms series by KB Benson when I read the first book in the series Well of Eida. I was quickly sucked into the world of Eida and its characters who struggled for survival in a brutal world led by the Troll King. The second book, Reign of Darkness, picks up where the first left off and we see the main character, Ari, become the queen of the realm she so desperately wished to escape.

I loved how this book picked up right where we left off and continued to develop the characters we first met in book one. It added a new villain, who had really been the true villain of Ari’s story, and sent Ari and her master turned protector, Graeden, on a journey to save Eida. That journey is at times painful and heart wrenching, but ultimately it causes Ari to grow and become the leader her people need.

Woven into the action is a romance with Graeden. I remember when I finished book one really wanting that relationship to develop further, and I was not disappointed. They both had to slowly learn to let down the walls they had built up over the years and made for a few absolutely beautiful scenes. It left me truly ready for book three to see how not only the main plot of the story, but their story, ends.

If I had one complaint about this book it’s that it feels like a middle book. While the plot is interesting and moves along at a decent pace, there were moments I felt like its purpose was just to bridge book one to whatever comes next which I think will be an even bigger story. I can’t put my finger on anything that was ‘wrong’ with the story since there isn’t a single thing that I can name, it was simply a feeling I couldn’t shake. Now, having said that it is still a fantastic read and beautifully builds upon what Well of Eida started. I truly did enjoy it and I can’t wait for whatever comes next.

Ratings:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

If you love a high stakes story with action and romance, this series is for you. Can’t wait to see where KB Benson takes her fascinating story from here!
Profile Image for AyeLikeBooks.
33 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
Okay, first things first! I absolutely enjoyed this book from beginning to end!! And if l'm being honest I think it was even better than the first one!! Because there was so much going on that made me want to keep reading to find out what happened next!
I loved that Graeden had his own chapters and insight!
I also loved the tension between Ari and Graeden throughout the book! 🥰 It had me on my toes and very eager to find out what was going to happen next between them while also having some giggling and frustration moments as I read. I won't lie, I was kinda yelling at them. 😂
Everything in this book was well thought out, easy to read, the action kept me on my toes, some of the plot twists were unexpected, some of the character’s character development from the first book were very well written!
This book had me go through a mixture of emotions... blushing, giggling, fear for some of the characters, sadness when one of the characters I grew to love died and when another got hurt, frustration towards a certain character and the choices they"ve chosen to follow or believe and obviously anger towards the villain.
I love the message this book gives us. That even when you want to do things on your own, you can't. You can't do everything on your own or fight the darkness by yourself. You are stronger together rather than by yourself And even though the darkness may seem stronger, the light will prevail.
I would definitely give this book a ✨️10/10✨️
Another amazing and real page turning book, Ms. Benson!!! ❤️⚔️
I cannot wait for (and to read) the third book when it comes out!!! 🤩
Profile Image for Tea_Reading_and_Oz.
140 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2024
There's only one thing that kept me from giving this one 5 stars, and that's just that Ari was so bad about accepting help. Other than that I enjoyed this one a lot. Graeden was my favorite because he really was adamant about making sure Ari had support from all sides and that things were as calm as they could be while she dealt with Caelum. He also was very patient with her and deserves a reward for that. I enjoyed getting to also see more about his Phoenix because there wasn't too much of it shown in the last book, if I'm remembering right, so it was cool to see.

Tib was done so wrong and I felt so bad for him. I think I have an idea of what he's gonna maybe get up to in the next book with Ari, but idk how much I want my theory to be true. He was a little MIA in this one so it will be nice to have him back in the next one.

Besides Ari not accepting help till everything was going catastrophically wrong, she was still pretty good in this one. She maintained her resolve and didn't really give in to anything from Caelum and still managed to fight just as well physically. Her connection with Innara was also nice to see since they melded more as one and really played off each other. I felt bad for Innara with one thing in the end though so hopefully she's alright in the next one.

I was really glad to finally get an end to the slow burn even if it's unsure how that will progress from here on out.

I'm looking forward to the next one and if there's gonna be any other perspectives.
Profile Image for Makayla Pilling.
12 reviews
February 11, 2026
DNF at page 250 ish. I didn’t like that Reign of Darkness completely disregarded the world building and rules within The Well Of Eida. The Troll king was made out to be this all powerful ruler in the first book, and no one crossed him. Yes, he’d grant wishes but only under very certain circumstances. The second Caelum comes in and cheats in the arena suddenly Ari is bound to command his wish. Which I honestly think is the biggest load of crap. I completely understand where the author is coming from, she wants to portray Ari suffering. But I feel like that could have been achieved while following the worldbuilding that was set up in the Well of Eida. The old troll king would have never let Caelum do half the bs he’s somehow able to do now. If Ari is more powerful than the old one, how in the hell is any of this able to happen? I also don’t like that suddenly any time she breaks a troll king “rule” that she gets visions of past ones not allowing her to do so. Never once did we see that happen to the troll king in book 1. I understand that writing a book is hard, and I don’t want to deter anyone from reading this. But I didn’t like this book at all. It felt like a chore for me to read and I’m so glad that I DNF’d it. It was also just so dark. Like there’s absolutely 0 hope for Ari. I struggle with my mental health and to read something so full of despair just wasn’t for me.
Thank you KB Benson for putting your ideas out there, keep writing. I’m sorry I didn’t like it, but so many other people did and do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for KMart Books.
1,626 reviews90 followers
August 21, 2025
This sequel dives even deeper into Benson’s unique and imaginative world, with higher stakes, darker themes, and plenty of twists. The world-building continues to impress. It is so layered, expansive, and full of inventive details. I really feel like Benson excels in world-building. I also felt this book was far more engaging than the first, especially as the plot gained momentum and the conflicts grew more complex. Ari’s growth stood out more here. I also appreciated that as the story went on, it really found its footing.

The beginning was a challenge for me to get through, but things improved as the story went on. Not everything worked for me. SO many character choices felt more driven by plot than personality, the pacing of some things was uneven, and while many readers adore Caelum, I personally think he was incredibly one-note and mustache-twirling. That said, he is a villain, so I think it makes sense that not everyone will warm to him. I did miss Tib, my favorite from the first book, since he was absent for most of this installment.

Overall, though, this book delivered more intrigue, more danger, and a darker tone. While I still wish I felt a stronger emotional pull toward the cast, I definitely found this one more interesting than the first and was glad I stuck with it.

Thanks to the author and Hidden Hollow Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cherokee - Books With A Chance .
408 reviews39 followers
January 16, 2024
Reign of Darkness picks up right after the thrilling conclusion of The Well of Eida, keeping up the action and suspense.
Things got a lot darker and gritter for Ari, Tib, and Graeden. There were times I had to stop to cathc my breath, things were getting that intense.

KB's writing has a way of sucking you in and dropping you in the center of the plot.Eida is a full-bodied world in every sense of the term. It is nearly a living, breathing, entity.
Each character is so beautifully written, with real faults, real struggles and conflicting emotions.
We have Caelum, the deliciously dark villain we'd love to see knocked down a notch or two. Some of his actions though, oh he is evil incarnate.
I love Tib. He is a sweetheart.
Graeden, oh Graeden. I haven't decided if I'm Team Tib or Team Graeden, but I'm leaning more towards that ladder.
I love Ari. She is this gritty, real life character. She most definitely isn't a perfect, unobtainable girl. She has real emotions and actions that are easy to connect with.

I found some things to be a bit repetitive. Mostly Ari's thoughts on doing things ALONE. I also got a bit annoyed with her reactions to Caelum and the circles we were going in.

I'm here for all of the twists and betrayals, the honest and profound moments.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with our crew in the next installment for The Fallen Kingdoms!
Profile Image for Sarah Clark.
73 reviews47 followers
January 16, 2024
KB Benson did it again with Reign of Darkness! I absolutely loved book 1, Well of Eida, so I had high hopes for book 2. I was not disappointed in the least!

First off, Caelum can kick rocks. That’s all I’m going to say about him. Love love love Graeden. Some of the other characters (looking at you Caelum) can learn a thing or two from Graeden. I really enjoy getting both his and Ari’s POV.

The Fallen Kingdoms is truly a wonderfully written upper YA series. I enjoyed how Reign of Darkness picked up right where Well of Eida left off, that was definitely nice instead of having a huge time leap where you’re like wait wait wait, what the heck just happened?!

Next this book was such an emotional roller coaster! I’m pretty sure I felt all of the emotions with this one. Almost cried, raged because of a certain someone *cough* Caelum the twatwaffle *cough*, and so much happiness with the amount of love Graeden has for Ari. I also just love Ari to pieces, she is such a great main character.

All in all, 5 stars across the board for a beautiful cover, great plot and lovable characters, minus Caelum he gets negative 1,000 stars. I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone who’s looking for an upper level YA fantasy thats almost an NA. If you want a villain that will truly make you want to fight him then look no further, this is the read for you!
Profile Image for Haley.
101 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2024
Okay. Wow.

I am blow away (again) by KB Benson’s writing. I didn’t realize how much I loved gritty, dark fantasy battles until I read Well of Eida (book 1). The fight sequences aren’t for the faint of heart but whooooooieeee! I can totally picture them and they get my blood pumping and my heart racing a bit!

I honestly had to “walk away” a couple times because I HATE HATE HATE the villain. UGH.

Anyway - on with my review of this fantastic book!!

If you love hidden “monsters,” villains who make you grit your teeth and wanna throw your book, romantic tension that’s hard to ignore and a dark magic that temps and tugs at the good in people then - READ. THIS. BOOK. (After you read Well of Eida, of course!!) Just enough “spice” to warm my heart, flawed characters that are relatable and endearing, a plot line that sucks you in and never lets you go and DRAGONS.

Need I say more?!

KB’s book is filled with creativity and action. I love when I think “now how is s/he gonna get out of this mess?!” I was pulled along in this book as easily as I was in Book 1 and drawn into Eida more deeply. I care for the Starfallen and the Fallen and want to help Ari and Graeden save them! I’d never survive those battles, though!

Run, don’t walk, to grab this book. Better yet - FLY!

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