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The Underworld

Rise of the King, Vol. 2

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The relationships between Sephie, Adrik, and all five bodyguards continue to grow stronger as they face more challenges from the other bosses in the city. As each new layer of conspiracy is uncovered, the danger to the city and its people grows, but so do the bonds between the group. Every new detail revealed makes it clear that this group was destined to be together at this exact time, for this exact reason.

692 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2024

273 people are currently reading
492 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Kane

4 books958 followers

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5 stars
893 (77%)
4 stars
168 (14%)
3 stars
66 (5%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Ann.
161 reviews
March 7, 2024
AWESOME SERIES CONTINUATION!

It's been a long time since I've devoured a series and waited anxiously for each installment! This is one of the greats!

Adrik and Sephie's story continues with their connection and abilities growing and new things coming to light for Ivan, Andrei, Misha, Stephen, and Viktor.

Truly an exceptional paranormal story that's as much a thriller mystery, Mafia story as it is a love and enlightenment story. 10 stars easily! There will never be enough more.
Profile Image for basil.
40 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2024
Book Two is almost no different from Book One. Still doesn’t deserve such a high rating; 2 stars, 3 at best.

Again, I had to put it down multiple times to go read something else because the story dragged.

The MFC is still definitely just another case of Mary Sue. Every guy she encounters immediately falls for her and her “quirks”. She can do no wrong, and if she does then it’s brushed off with hugs and kisses.

The paranormal themes underlying the story have potential going into book 2, but it’s still very Uh, what?? because they’re still not properly explored.

This time around the spice scenes aren’t so bland, aren’t as cringe to get through. Unfortunately the “quirky” woman attitude who cracks cringe jokes half the time is still around. The amount of “pet names” and nick names that get repeated — they still make up for 40% of the book. Still as repetitive, weren’t cute after the first five times they were said.

I, yet again, expected more out of a dark mafia style book that came with a title “Rise of the King”; more action, more fighting, more actual mafia anything. Instead book two was like book one; dragged on and was filled with A Lot of unnecessary filler of unnecessary conversations, repetitive lines and pet names, even scenes, and also unnecessary POVs. Again—repetitive.

At least this book ends on an actual cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Katy.
143 reviews
January 6, 2026
Fabulous!

This picks up right where the first one ends, so you must read them in order. The storyline is fast paced and addicting, the characters are so relatable, real, and fabulous, you wish you could talk to them.
This ends on a cliffhanger as the story is continuous volume to volume, so be aware of that.
The only thing this tale needs is better editing. Besides that, it’s currently one of my favorite stories. I’m so addicted!
Profile Image for Corinne.
211 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2024
Please.

Sephie mood ring eyes.

I actually can’t.

This book reeks of “I’m dragging out a pay per chapter book”.

Plotline?

WTF is a plotline?

I can’t even remember where we started.

Profile Image for Lindsay Fuentes.
19 reviews
May 7, 2024
Repetitive

Very repetitive. We don't need the points of view of multiple characters that have the previous viewpoint copy and pasted into the POV. The story is long and drawn out with still no ending. The book just stops with no "see what happens next in or date when the next one is coming. I'm enjoying the story, but it could move further along in the 700+ pages of volume 2
25 reviews
March 18, 2025
This contemporary mafia genre starts to incorporate magic/fantasy, eloquently twisting in themes of good vs. evil, feminine vs. masculine energy, and the authentic self. It inspires reflection while you grow to love all the characters more. Little bit of mystery with twisting plot. Little bit of romance. Little bit of trauma.
Profile Image for Torie Henson.
8 reviews
July 22, 2024
So excited it's in print

Became obsessed with this book when I found it accidentally on one of the book reading apps. I spent so much money. I just couldn't turn away. Now to actually own it feels like a dream come true. Now patiently impatient waiting on the next one so I can have some closure. Warning******* Read at your own risk!! You will fall in love with the MMC and FMC as well as the 5 main supporting male characters, Mrs. Jones, Mr. Turner, and don't get me started on Trino!!!! You have been warned. Your heart will never be the same.
19 reviews
March 13, 2024
Best Mafia book 2

Love the story, the love story, the friendship, the family we create.
You HAVE to read book 1, but the storyline continues.
Thank you RJ Kane, for the storyline, characters, and the depth of love that comes off the page and shows you that inner demons can strengthen us....
Profile Image for Cassandra .
88 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2024
Volume 2

I was so happy when I noticed Volume 1 released.
Then saw Volume 2 was out on Kindle. I originally started reading on 1 of those coin pay per expensive sites not realizing the awful situation the author was in with them. I became addicted to the story was unable to finish it on that site so now very happy to be able to read on Kindle as well as waiting for a physical copy. Recommend very highly that you read this series.
Profile Image for Carol.
308 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2024
The second part of this book is still exciting. There are twists and turns more than you can keep up with. The love between Persephone and on fire and burns so hot. The relationships with the body guards just keep you guessing if they really trust and love her as much as they seem to. And the other Dons....wow, just wow. Who do you trust, who is a friend or foe. This book gets a little more violent and throws all that you thought about Adriks organization out the window. I would love to continue on and finish the third in the series, but the repetition of events and conversations really wears on me. If the telling in someone else's person was a different version that the exact same thing said , it would be different. Telling the same thing through five people's point of view and it being the exact paragraphs that were previously read is boring and disappointing. As much as I would love to know the ending. I feel I must end it here.
2 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2024
An absolutely must read. But read the first book first definitely

Oh my goodness. Like oh my goodness me! I've been obsessed with this book since I first came across it on a reading app and I thought it was so amazingly written. It just sucks you in completely and you feel like you're actually there. The drama, the romance, the friendship, this book is just perfect in every way. I cannot wait for the third one to be released. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it's going to be epic. Just like the first book and just like this one. I have never recommended a book more. You need to read this. Even if it's not your normal type of book to read, just read it. You'll be glad you did. Also, I need a group of men like these in my life!
1 review
Read
May 24, 2024
i loved these 2 books however I need the next one. I am addicted to these characters for sure. The story line just keep growing and is so good and I get so immersed in this book and all of the characters that I do not put the book down. Many hard to wake up mornings because I read too late into the night. The story line moves so fast and effortlessly. I love Sephie and Adrik and the relationship they have with the others in their "Family" I can hardly wait for the next one. I need to know what happens next. So much left open.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
12 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2024
What about the rest of the story?

Reading Rise of the King was a constant telling myself just one more chapter then three or four chapters later... LoL! I do not know whether to be upset that there is a third book (currently unavailable=torture) or relieved because there is more. I do not have to say goodbye to characters I am wishing were my friends. I am so excited for the next book!
Profile Image for Dawn Pietila.
6 reviews
July 24, 2024
I know there is more. Your making me wait.

While I enjoy a great read. I hate reviews. I want to know I will enjoy it, in this case its my second go round reading it as I had found it on one of those free read sites. The adds do irritate, not gonna lie. Thrilled I found it on amazon, so I can bjnge read without the adds. While it can be read for free. Its so worth buying the books. As a matter of fact, ive bought 4 of 5 of kings of hell too.
105 reviews
August 13, 2024
Oh my God!

I'm seriously so invested in this series and characters. I don't even see an expected date for book three. It makes me a little nervous. These people and their relationship dynamics are just off the chart. I was sucked into the story almost immediately. I'm following this author, and I'm patiently awaiting the next installment. (I lied, I'm secretly freaking our lol.)
Profile Image for Amanda Ferguson.
3 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2024
One of the Best Series Out There!!!!

I started reading this series on NovelFlow and absolutely fell in love with it! RJ Kane has a wonderful sense of humor and I find myself laughing so much throughout her books.i cannot wait for the next book in the series! Hopefully, she’ll put it on NovelFlow as well! These books were shortened from the way they were on NovelFlow but they are still an awesome read!!!!! Thank you RJ Kane! I can’t wait to read more from you!!!!!
Profile Image for Angel.
11 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2025
Sooo Worth It! 💜💋

I absolutely love this series. I love the relationships delevoping between Sephie & the guys. The love story & emerging bond between Sephie & Adrik is one we all dream of. But most of all, the characters feel real, believe & even the extreme circumstances are just that, believable. A series truly, worth getting lost in over & over again. RJ has a wonderful imagination & awesome talent!! I cannot wait for the next book, but until then I will re-read again.
Profile Image for Kassie.
46 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2025
This series is a must-read. This series is ongoing/incomplete. I usually hate ongoing series because I have to wait (what feels like forever) to continue the series, BUT this series is worth reading even though it's incomplete. I have reread it because it's is an amazing series. The plot, the world building, and character development are spot on. I love banter and funny moments in books, and this series has many. I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Judy Tarver .
856 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
The story continues of the Russian mob interacting with the Italians and the Colombians and other crime bosses of the underwork as does the romance and special bond between Sephie and Adrik and his men. Plenty of action and violence in this one as well, with romance and humor mixed in. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Profile Image for Carole McCarter.
1 review
July 28, 2024
AH-MAZING!

I love the fact that it is romance,action,adventurous,naughty,HILARIOUS, the story has tugged at all of my emotions! ! It has kept me on my toes! I can't wait to purchase Volume 3! I would love to think all ends well for them in this series! I just want to see Sephie and Adrik win everytime!
Profile Image for Janet.
51 reviews
August 6, 2024
The Saga continues

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the second volume of the Underworld series, particularly due to its intriguing twists and turns. With the addition of supernatural and fantasy elements, I eagerly anticipate the release of the third volume and am excited to see how the story unfolds.
2 reviews
Read
August 28, 2024
I really enjoy the characters and their relationship with one another. There are some plot hole, that I willingly overlook to continue with the characters. It’s a funny and exciting story. The volumes end rather abruptly though. And I know there is more to the story not included in volumes one and two. Looking forward to the continuation of the series!
1 review
Want to read
April 22, 2025
I'm not sure on what's going on but I've read Volume 1 and loved it, so obviously needed to get Volume 2, downloaded from Kindle and I'm reading the same as Volume 1, everywhere I go to find Volume 2 it's the same and yes I did make sure it was Volume 2
Can anyone enlighten me as to what and where I can actually read Volume 2
I bought Volume 2 off Amazon to Kindle
Profile Image for Tara Manning.
9 reviews
March 4, 2024
so ready for the rest of this series!!

Love love love this! Can’t wait for all of this series to be done. Great series! You will fall in love with all the characters and their relationships and dynamic, not just Sephie and Adrik!
1 review
March 14, 2024
The Series you never knew you needed

I am not one to read a book more than once, I have now read Volumes 1 & 2 twice. I am anxiously awaiting Volume 3. This story offers romance, humor and a thrill all in one place.
Profile Image for Shellie .
381 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2024
The second installment introduces more characters that add to the mix of the originals. Still have the bad guys, but not as many. Really enjoyed this second book. I know that there will be a 3rd and 4th book that will come later and honestly can’t wait to see how this will end.
Profile Image for Kathy E Libby.
60 reviews
April 7, 2024
I love this book series. I am waiting for the 3rd book to be published. I love how all of the characters are such a close nit family. I find myself wanting to be sephie because adrick loves her so much. I miss this feeling of undevoted love. Thank you, RJ, for such great stories ❤️
10 reviews
April 9, 2024
Freaking awesome

It's been a very long time since I found a book or should I say 2 books Which I love so much And which I really had difficulty putting down This is great and I can't wait to wait For the following
7 reviews
April 25, 2024
Love these books

I have now read both volumes and I am hooked. Supernatural books are not what I usually read but these are great. I can't wait for volume 3, I wish it was easier to find information on the next book.
1 review
May 7, 2024
Can't Stop Reading

I end the book, and start right over again. It's so intelligently written. I love love love this series, just amazing. Thank you for sharing your talents and mind with us!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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