The Initiate Rises

The Twisted Society #3

by Cristina Lollabrigida

The initiate is ready to take his place…

The Offering brought Sadie Winters into Lucien’s bleak existence. She was meant to bear his heir so he could take his place at his father’s side, but the devil fell in love with the angel. Now, the consequences are insurmountable for The Society’s youngest son.

With his child missing and Sadie bleeding out in his arms, Lucien makes a choice that will damn them both. He embraces his role in The Society and will do whatever it takes to fulfill his promise to Sadie.

No matter how long it takes. The Initiate Rises is book 3 of the Twisted Society Series. It is a dark paranormal romance Intended for 18+ and includes triggers.

Genres: Dark Romance

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

Cristina Lollabrigida specializes in cultivating books that are dark and twisty. They are a tantalizing blend of emotion and blazing chemistry that will leave you with feels. Her twists will leave readers thirsting for more.

Originally from Chicago, Cristina is a country girl at heart. She lived in rural Wisconsin for years and now lives in South Carolina. When she's not writing, she's an avid reader and has created Sims characters from her favorite stories.

Reviews

[Sarah Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cristina Lollabrigida’s “The Initiate Rises” is the third novella in her The Twisted Society Presents series, and it’s definitely an eye opener.

In this novella, the reader gets more information on Lucien and Sadie, as well as more insight into how Cain and Constance’s minds work.

This novella is very dark, and it does end on a cliffhanger. At this point, I’m very invested in Lucien and Sadie’s story, and I will be continuing with this series so I can see what happens to them!

[Lorelei Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! Cristina Lollabrigida has done it again!
The Initiate Rises is a super fast read, and it’s book 3 in the Twisted Society series. Not as dark as the first two, and much more poignant. There is so much to unravel in this series, but this book helps put some of the pieces together. We learn more about Lucien in this book. Things that just make you think. And wonder. And hope. And makes your jaw drop.
This series just strikes a chord in me. It’s different from any other series that I’ve ever read, in a very, very good way. I loved this book, and I am absolutely addicted to this series (and Cristina Lollabrigida). I don’t think I can say much else without spoiling it… so just read it!

[zthebookwormz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucien and Sadie story continues!!!

My heart breaks for both Lucien and Sadie!! Seeing them both find each other only to lose each other again!!!😫

I loved seeing their story unfold and seeing the puzzle start to click into place! I hope Cain and Constance get what’s coming to them!!!

I can’t wait to see how Lucien and Sadie’s story ends but I love these characters so much that I don’t want it to! 🥰🖤

Yet again Cristina does an amazing job writing their story!!!!🖤🖤

[Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we delve even deeper into the world of the Twisted Society and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a mindfuck this would be!

To me, this is the darkest book so far. Even darker than Scream at the Fair.

Once again, Cristina Lollabrigida packs a fucking punch with how much book is in less than 90 pages.

I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! That was dark, twisted and bloody and I couldn’t get enough of it. It was super fast-paced with all kinds of twists and turns and with ending that has left me breathless and begging for more!

My heart was in a chokehold the whole way through and I felt as tortured as Lucien was over Sadie.

I can’t wait to see how Lucien and Sadie’s story ends, but I just hope that it’s a happy one and that Cain and Constance get exactly what they deserve! And hopefully it’s insanely bloody!

LOVED IT!

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Continuation of Sadie and Lucien’s Story



Cristina! What are you doing with me - that ending - OMG!!!! This short book continues from where the Winter Maiden left off. It gives us more insight into Lucien’s world and the torment that his life. My heart broke for him so many times during this quick read and I just need Lucien to be settled.  I can’t wait to read the final installment of this series. These books are truly like none other that I have read and I am truly loving them!!!

[LJ Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ His Sadie. She would always be his, regardless of what circle of hell she was in.”

I have never closed my kindle app to run to write a review like I am for this one!

Book 3 has definitely become my favorite of the Twisted Society. Cristina takes a piece of me with every one of these books. This one got to be added to this list of books that have completely ripped my heart out. Every bit of information about Sadie and Lucien’s story has thrown me for a loop. It’s absolutely brilliant how these stories all come together in different times, sometimes centuries. Even when I think I cracked something, I haven’t. But with Initiate Rise, I did 😈 when I tell y’all I’m going to spend the next few days staring a wall after finishing this, I am not lying. I fully prepared myself for this book slump.

Please check TW, buckle up and be ready. It’s a wild ride. Lucien coming unhinged was very much needed. It will have you speechless.…Just like someone else….😏

XxX- Laura

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG😱! Like what?!? I can't even deal, like you have ripped my fucking heart out, shredded it to pieces and stopped all over it!! Like girl seriously. But I must say I loved every heartbreaking minute of it.

This is book 3 in the twisted society series continuing Sadie and Lucien's story, and fuck me side ways what a flipping story its turning out to be. I'm definitely hooked, I'm so heavily invested in their journey, even if it has me by the throat.

Like the last book it's a quick read novella that packs a killer punch, this one is much more darker, twisted and bloodier than the last book. And I loved it. I couldn't put it down it had me on the edge of my seat gripping my device so hard that I thought I was going to break it.

It's an emotional rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that will slap you and have you on your knees. So much happens in this. it's one not to be missed at all.

Cristina girl I don't know how you do it but never stop!! That damn ending though! I swear your trying to kill your readers off😂. Can't wait to see what happens next in this series. Highly recommend!!

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of The Initiate Rises by Cristina Lollabrigida
* * * * *
The third book in this dark and twisted romance...but it isn't over yet. Love will find a way even the darkest trials of hell as the race continues for our son of Satan to save the woman he loves from damnation.

Lucifer has lost his soulmate, as well as their child.
All is not lost, however.
They can find one another again.
As Lucifer fights to save Sadie and be with her again, he also has plans for those who wronged her.
Her mother.
Her sister.
His brother.
He is coming for them all and will burn the world down if he has to.
If only he knew how much his brother has in store for him and Sadie.

I am seriously wanting to know what happens next!
It was not all erotic or steamy as most would think, but it is definetely amped up on the thrill and the action! Afte rthe first two books, this read has you in need of knowing what happens next and shocked that the story is not over!
PASS ME MORE!

[Arin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in this book we get to see all the difficulties this two go through since the crashing cliffhanger that book 2 gave us. Let me say you don’t want to miss it especially if you’re invested in this series to the end! In my opinion it’s a little confusing but as you continue reading it starts to make sense when you think about what happened and reading this one. It’s got some brutal stuff very action packed, determination, revenge theme and much more. This main guy is very headstrong, strong willed and do whatever necessary to bring Sadie back from hell among so much more craziness! I love how these main characters are with each other and no matter how others think they’re are support in letting one another being their true selves. This is a very fast paced book quick read with only 11 chapters I’m very excited interested and a little nervous to see what the next book as in store for us. Another cool thing is we get to see/read other characters/the evil characters point of view also.

[Screams & Reviews 💋🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one might have been my favorite of the 3 I have read so far and I have one more to go!
I love spicy but sometimes it over take from the storyline. All her book have great story line but I need more from Sadie and the ending of the 2nd one was a cliffhanger. So now you get to find out more about Lucifer and Sadie. Their love and bond. And man!!!! He is a strong man to endure seeing Sadie die over and over again. Just to love her and hold her one more time.

Also What happens to their baby? You will find that out in this one along with meeting new characters you didn't really understand in the other ones. Then you see the revenge Lucifer gets from Sadie death!!!

I love love love this story background. They just keep getting better and better... And I am so along for the whole ride. You fall in love with the bond that Lucifer and Sadie have.. just to get it ripped out again when she has to leave. I guess love is ever lasting ❤️

[Gemma Osment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucien and sadies story continues in this book.
After reading scream at the fair and the winter maiden,i couldnt wait for this book and omg was it worth waiting for.
You feel so much with what lucien was going through having to keep losing sadie and poor sadie,my heart went out to both of them.
You seen a darker side of lucien in this one and boy does he go dark and he gets revenge against everyone,apart from two and I really hope constance and cain get what they deserve in the end.
Ive just finished this one and cannot wait to read the next one and dreading when the time comes to say goodbye to these 2 characters.
Even though these are short books,Cristina certainly knows how to draw you in to her world and not let you go intil you have read the last page.
Congratulations cristina on another brilliant book

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I am flabbergasted at how in depth this story is. It is absolutely brilliant. Cristina hit another one out of the park!

This is a book three of a five part series about Lucien and Sadie. We are dealing with the aftermath from the events of the Winter Maiden. What happened to Sadie? What happened to her baby? Where has Lucien been? These are questions that get answered in this installment. However, we end with a few more questions and wondering when they will get their HEA.

You can see how much Lucien loves Sadie and is feeling guilty over the events of the previous book and everything that is happening with Sadie in this one. We do get a lot of dark moments so reader beware. Read the trigger warnings.

Cristina doesn't disappoint and I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series!

[Yaasmiyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes/Triggers
C*m Play
Non-Con
Torture
Offensive Religious Imagery
Etc.

Ooooh, Lucien is on a war path..... And rightfully so. This story continues with Lucien and Sadie's story, and some snippets or insight into Constance, and Cain's side story. I loved reading how no matter how many times Lucien and Sadie found and lost each other their love still seemed grow stronger. Though I can't stand Constance, I did like how she became attached to Sadie and Lucien's baby. Cain continues to be unbearable and a royal pain, but without him that story wouldn't seem as dark.

While this story did seem a little darker than the others, I enjoyed reading more about what they went through, and how Lucien's heart stopped every time that Sadie's did.

I can't wait for the next book.

[Elisabeth Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This erotic paranormal read continues the story of Sadie and Lucian. Let me start off by saying I love this author. This book had me feeling a full range of emotions from loving Lucian and Sadie’s story to complete frustration as I want their HEA and the cliffhanger is k1ll1ng me. The story is just that good.

Their love story is not sweet. It is dark and gritty. The v10lenc3 is graphic. The feelings Lucian has for Sadie is intense and passionate. I can guarantee by the last page you will be screaming “Noooooo” as you frantically click your kindle for another page.

As I said before, I love this author. While this is a quick read, this story will pull you in and keep you wanting more.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting insight of Lucian and Sadie's story, even though this book didn't grip me as much as the other 2 books in the series did, It was over all a fansinating read.

Got to see more of their suffering that led to what happend to them before the 'scream at the fair' where his girl was someone else and did not regognise her lover, but yet trusted him to get her to safety from the monsters that were abusing and tormenting her.

What more is in store for this couple. I am curious to find out 😁

[Heather Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Twisted Society series.

In this book you get to delve into Lucian's world more then ever. I had me hoping and wondering what was going to happen and how things would play out.

It broke my heart having to watch Lucian and Sadie lose each other over and over again.

For such a short story these books have me hooked and wanting more. Cant wait to finish this series and find out how it ends. And great job Christina i never thought i would be so invested in 80 page books.

[Library.of.linds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Initiate Rises

Oh. My. God.

If you’re not reading Cristina Lollabrigida go get every dang one of her books!!! This is the third book in the Twisted Society series and 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

Please know this book is short, very very dark, and so freaking amazing. I can’t say much cause I don’t want to give it away but I absolutely devoured this series!!!! I can’t wait for what’s next! If you’re a fan of Dante…. That’s the only hint I’m giving 😜

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

In Lucien’s grief he damns both himself and Sadie to 500 years going through the rings of Hell. He is desperate to find their child that was ripped from Sadie’s body by Cain and her jealous sister Constance.

The love Lucien has for Sadie knows no bounds. He will destroy anyone who hurt her. He just wants his Sadie back. His love, his life, his light.

I can’t wait for the next installment.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

When angels and demons fall for love

And so continues the story of Sadie and Lucian. They both seem to have gone through so much for their love I so hope that get their happy ending. Couldn’t put this down! So good!

This series caught my eye when I read Scream at the Fair (which after a reorder is now #3). It’s so intriguing and I can’t wait for the other books to see just how everything will come to a head!

Highly recommend for short, spicy and heart wrenching reads.

[Lauren L. Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please check TWS but omg I loved this book so much!

Christina can just own my heart at this point. She can keep it :) that's alright with me 😭

This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire book! The details were perfection. The storyline was AMAZING.

Be prepared for ALL of the emotions as you dig into this series. But I wouldn't change it for the WORLD!

[Cyndall Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤯🤯🤯

This was probably the best- and most emotional so far of the series and omg the feels! Don’t get me wrong- very dark and sinful but oh boy do you get a better and deeper look at Lucien. I absolutely love this- and am now off the read Scream at the Fair. I always wondered where it fit in the series, and now I know.

[Dolores Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I have devoured these books would be an understatement. Yea, they're shorter reads, but holy smokes, they're LOADED with a plot full of twists and turns. I literally can not put them down for more than a moment or two because I absolutely need to know what's going to happen next. Yall, I highly recommend this series. It is seriously so so good!

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Initiate Rises is book three in Twisted Society series of novellas. I love this series. This book is short, dark, and leaves you wanting more. It ticks all my boxes, and I want more. I love all the books I’ve read by Cristina. I cannot wait to read more of her books!

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading

[Diane Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is love enough?!?

First, there are plenty of TW, so be sure to read those.

We're back for the next installment of Lucien and Sadie's love story. I LOVED it!! There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading. It does end on another cliffhanger so be prepared! I can't wait for the next book!!

[rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wow book. I feel sorry for these two going back and forth but that is the way of hell. Enjoyed this book just like the others. I can't wait for the next and I believe we have two more to go before this story will end.

[Tomie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart gripping and truly amazing. Beautiful description, storytelling and captivating plot. I was like a fish getting hooked to it’s favorite lure

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! Love romance books so this was something that I loved. I couldn't stop reading it!! It was amazing!! Everyone should read it!!! Love the story and the author.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was different but good with tragic in the mix I enjoyed it

[io greymoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these novellas. The series just keeps getting better with each story. Number 4 please!!!