The Girl Who Freed the Darkness: Book 2 - Publishers Weekly Editor's Pick Sequel

by Renee Hayes, Lachemeier (Editor)

Prepare to be captivated once more by Renee Hayes' masterful storytelling as she delves deeper into the post-apocalyptic landscape of the Rim Walker universe. With accolades from Publishers Weekly, you're in for a journey that will leave you spellbound and craving more.

* Highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed The Girl Who Broke the World * Unbreakable alliances and unexpected turns * Mysteries of the Dark Rim unveiled * An otherworldly power's shocking plans revealed.

Hold your breath as Renee Hayes returns to the captivating Rim realms in the highly anticipated sequel, The Girl Who Freed the Darkness.

After the shattering events of her first book, Zemira Creedence's life takes an unexpected turn - she's cursed, possessed by the unconquerable spirit of former Rim guardian, Kyeitha. With her powers waning and darkness threatening to consume her, Zee must join forces with her former captor, Ravaryn Black. Together, they journey to the perilous Dark Rim, unveiling secrets that could change their world forever. As evil forces stir and unimaginable plans unfurl, can Zemira and Ravaryn prevail, or will an ancient power reshape their destinies?

Get ready to be swept away once again when you join Renee's courageous heroine as she faces untold challenges, unravels mysteries and confronts the shadows that bind her destiny. For young and new adults seeking an immersive fantasy escape, this spellbinding sequel will transport you to a world of wonder, danger and self-discovery. Don't miss out on the epic continuation of this mesmerising story!  

PRAISE FOR RENEE HAYES

'The Girl Who Broke the World is a masterfully told post-apocalyptic tale will captivate lovers of YA fantasy....Lyrical prose leaps off the page, ending in a gentle tease that will have readers eager for more. Readers who have a love of powerful world-building and multi-layered characters will be eager for more.' BookLife Review for Publisher's Weekly - Editor's pick for book of outstanding quality.

'Renee Hayes has crafted a richly detailed post-apocalyptic world with a plot that offers surprise after surprise, and well- developed characters with complex relationships that you absolutely root for, or love to hate.' Jamie Michele for Readers Favorite

'The Girl Who Freed the Darkness continues to amaze with a great storyline that picks up a year after The Girl Who Broke the World. As with the first book, there are amazing plot twists that keep you immersed in the story. I can't wait for the story to continue in book 3 after such an epic cliffhanger.' Josh Klein, ARC Reviewer

'The Girl Who Freed the Darkness is everything you'd hoped for and more in a sequel! The attention to detail is incredible, and I just want to dive into Zemira's world. The magic from book one continues in book 2 with some amazing plot twists. It's definitely the sort of book that needs to be read more than once!' Kaitlynd Power, ARC Reviewer

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[Witchetty Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh Book two is here and it’s wild, fun, fast paced, thought provoking with another cheeky cliffhanger!!
Welcome back to this dystopian fantasy. Filled with mysteries, challenges, secrets and epic adventures.

I adored book one so I had high hopes for this book, it didn’t let me down. It flipped and changed everything from the first book. It was like here is what you know, then went BAM you don’t know shit!

Secrets, mysteries and WTFs definitely included.

Also I’m sucker for a baddie and was so excited to see Ravryn in this book. I knew from the moment he arrived I wanted more!

She isn’t their little girl or little wolf anymore………
Zee is back being a general badass and fighting her brain along the way. What a boss. Stuck in her own hell but we all know she is badass and will get help from her and her merry friends/fam. One of my favourite lines was
“SHE WAS THE CURSE BREAKER
AND NOW IT SEEMED SHE WAS CURSED HERSELF “

Also the first chapter absolutely wow wow wow way to wrap me in and pull me in! Who is this monster!???? How LONG will I have to wait to find out 🫣😅

ALSO I think I’m going to change the label on my honey to
Raspor honey 🍯

From the previous book Zee has to work out the gravity of saving the world but also opening it up to more danger. Breaking the bubble meant also realising the bubble was a comfort and a safety for some. The feeling of regret and pressure from that decision. Then hiding your pain and concerns, by taking load on yourself. Ignoring it hoping it will fix itself or go away.

Side Notes
We love Mazda!!!
I love wings!!
Diwa is a queen and I neeeeed her cottage and just every vibe she holds!
Cliffhanger tho 😱

I cannot wait for book 3, I will be not so patiently waiting AKA, being impatient and cranky. I need a Ravaryn Hug.

Also the Author added my favourite things, dystopian and fantasy!
One of my favourite series I’ve found this year, plus an Aussie Author! Mega Clap!
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As always check the warnings and triggers.

Been whisked away for dinner so will add in tropes/triggers asap! Plus edit! Sorry!!!!! 21/9/23

Thanks to Books and Bitches Down Under ARC team for my advanced copy, this is my honest opinions,chaos and vibes :D

[Jade Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read I really enjoyed reading this book. All the little twists and turns. Finding out some stuff you were wondering about in book 1, sooo good. I can’t wait for the next book because that cliffhanger had me yelling WHAT

[Naiomi Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cliff hanger. I really enjoyed reading and finished really quick.

Wow did not see that coming.

[Feliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Freed the Darkness" by Renee Hayes is a captivating and intimate continuation of the far-future Rim Walker series that delves into hard truths often overlooked in fantasies. Following the events of the first book, "The Girl Who Broke the World," where Zemira "Zee" Creedence saved the day but faced unforeseen consequences, this sequel explores the aftermath and challenges she now confronts.
The story begins with Zee struggling with the aftermath of defeating the villain, torn between two worlds—her own and that of Kyeitha, the former queen of the forest. Zee destroyed the Rim Wall that separated these worlds, leading to significant changes and new troubles for both. Haunted by Kyeitha's embittered spirit, Zee embarks on a perilous journey to free herself, accompanied by the unexpected companion, Ravaryn Black, king of Kymera.
Renee Hayes skillfully blends magic and post-apocalyptic elements as Zee navigates a fallen Earth 500 years in the future. The narrative takes readers through wondrous caves, encounters with inventive creatures, and face-to-face meetings with forces beyond understanding. The relationship between Zee and Ravaryn unfolds beautifully, adding depth to the story.The novel illuminates the consequences of Zee's heroism in the first book, revealing how everything has changed. The supporting cast is engaged in catch-up missions, attempting to track down Zee, leading to unexpected twists. The fantasy is polished and often gripping, building to a promise of conflicts to come."The Girl Who Freed the Darkness" is a masterfully told post-apocalyptic tale, praised for its lyrical prose and outstanding world-building. Readers are left eager for more, as the sequel surpasses expectations with incredible attention to detail and magical elements.

[caitys.booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023:
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I loved it. I immediately want to start reading the next book. The slow burn between Zee and Rav was killing me. I have loved reading their relationship develop in this book. And her nickname for him, 'Wings'...perfection.
Compared with the first book, I definitely felt like the plot was harder to guess at. Whilst I was easily able to discern that the 'Fairytale' Rav told Zee was clearly about Diwa and his Father, much of the rest had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen.

The only criticism I could possibly share was Zee's reaction to her arm being cut off by Rav. She is so thrilled that she's alive and that he was able to save her and free her; that she was so grateful to have her life and then what felt like BAM! Now I'm so sad my arm is gone and was almost regretful that she still had her life. I understand that she was experiencing a grief in what she had lost and that she was scared after the euphoria of the meds wore off but it felt like Zee went from one extreme to the other without enough time to actually process either internally or verbally. Had it been a slower descent into being scared and worried about how it would change who she was, or how she was struggling more than she'd anticipated, it would've felt like a more natural progression.

[Writehandle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Renee Hayes. It incorporates fantasy elements, but never feels cliche or under-developed. The pacing was excellent. The narrator’s command of the English language allowed them to adequately build the world and portray vivid images, but the story never felt stale or drawn out at any point—a balance fantasy novels often fail to keep.

The story is rife with twists and subplots to keep the readers engaged. There was an ongoing subplot revolving around the romantic tension between the main character, Zemira, and her friend Paxton. However, Zemira was forced to navigate this while struggling against an evil spirit trying to take over her body and stealing her powers.

All in all, I think this story is a beautifully written young adult fantasy. It’s sure to keep readers hooked from the very first page.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows the brave journey of our main character, blending magic, mystery and self-discovery in a way that makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action.

Renee Hayes and Juliette Lachemeier have done a great job of creating characters that feel real and easy to relate to. You'll connect with their challenges and successes and you'll be taken on an emotional rollercoaster as you get to know them better.

The pace of the story is just right, keeping you interested from start to finish. It smoothly mixes action with thoughtful moments, allowing the characters to grow in a way that feels meaningful.

It's a true gem in the realm of fantasy literature. Highly recommended!

[Billie-Jean H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second book that delivers on the potential of the first. Renee Hayes takes a step back from the frenetic pace of the first book and allows the characters room to grow. Her focus narrows to a few key characters and their journey. You get to experience new places and adventures with Zee while still checking in with the other characters from the first book. The relationships feel authentic and the strands of the story weave together without being forced. I really enjoyed the world building and the slow build to cliff hanger. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy and a slow build romance.

[Aoife · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am not broken. And I will not break."

Oh this book is even heavier than the first 😭 I truly feel for Zee and everything she's going through. Living in that much pain every day is so hard and that girl deserves only good things.
I am so grateful to have found a book that accurately described the experience of chronic pain though. Renée Hayes you are incredible!
I loved all the new places and people we got to meet in this book. Obviously I'm absolutely delighted to see Ravaryn again 😉
The twists and turns in this book had me gasping, screaming, and possibly crying 😅
I absolutely have to know what happens next after that cliffhanger!

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘So much power in such a small vessel’
We may win the battle, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t still fighting demons. Our heroine is continually haunted by nightmares and voices; her emotional & physical health declining. Needing to trudge on saps her strength and spins her further into the downward shadowy spiral of despair.
If life isn’t challenging enough, she’s now flat up against the evil forces of an ancient power. But if she can’t save herself, how can she save others?


Before I give away her secret, I’m going to follow Diwa’s advice and enjoy some ‘tea and carrot cake first’.

[Kaitlynd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girl who freed the darkness is everything you’d hope for & more in a sequel! The attention to detail is incredible I just want to dive into Zemira’s world. The magic from book one continues in book 2 with some amazing plot twists definitely the sort of book that needs to read more then once.

[Amy Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and am happy to give my honest review.
The Girl that Freed the Darkness by Renee Hayes is a YA fantasy and the 2nd book in the Rim Walker series. It continues on from the events of the first book The girl that Broke the World and follows Zemirah’s adventures in her magical rainforest home.
I devoured this book. The story was well paced and the events were surprising and entertaining the whole way through. Renee has built a wounderful world. As an added bonus the cover is absolutely stunning.
This is a perfect example of what I love about the YA genre. I would definatly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys YA fantasy books. It was a 4.5 star read. I can’t wait to see what Renee delivers in the next book.