Abyssal

by Evie Black

Thea makes a living as a psychic, knowing the supernatural world is real, but confident that she would never be a part of it. But when she gets chosen as the next Oracle, she finds herself dropped into a world of myths and legends. Donovan is a simple man. All he needs is his flask and something to do. So, when the Guardian Elite starts recruiting Immortals for a special team, Donovan signs on. He soon learns that the job wasn’t as glamorous or bloody as he would have liked. He gets put on mortal-sitting duty, watching a woman named Theodora, who turns out to be the next Oracle. Donovan didn’t want the responsibility of training a new Witch, but when he finds Thea attempting a spell that could cause serious harm, he decides to intervene. As Thea learns about her powers, and what it means to be an Oracle, she finds herself fighting her attraction to the man teaching her. It was easy at first, because Donovan is a dick. But when things start to heat up between them, Thea’s visions get progressively worse. Between the visions and Donovan’s treatment of her, Thea realizes she’s fighting an uphill battle. She can’t handle both. So, which will she choose? Donovan or the visions of the future?

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2024

Reviews

[Samantha Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Disclaimer: I was the editor for this book.

Abyssal was such a good story! I am a sucker for the bad boy who doesn't want to change and the broken woman who doesn't know her value. Evie Black did an amazing job at distinguishing these two characters, and I love that no one in the entire book was perfect. I can't say much more without spoilers, but it's totally worth the read! :)

[Charlotte Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved this book all her books have been amazing

[Kassybetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

book three in this series did not disappoint. one thing I really love about this series is that while it is all set in the same world and the overall plot for the series continues throughout the books. They all still manage to focus on the characters Love story and make it the main plot of each book.

Abyssal is no different in this aspect. The love story is one of the darkest out of the others in the series though. (and thanks to the authors note in the beginning I couldn't trust a single ray of sunshine that shined down on Donovan and Thea's love story)

Donovan has so many red flags he could have his own color guard team marching behind him! He walked the thin like between redeemable and irredeemable throughout the story.

Theadora was my favorite because watching her flourish and fight her own past and internal battles all while trying to get Donovan to open up to her really shows how strong she was.

there were times I wanted to rage throughout this book, but nothing prepared me for the heartbreaking plot twist! if I wasn't reading it on my kindle that book would have been thrown across the room!

[Chelsea Girvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t realize it was a part of a series, but I don’t actually think that matters as any character background was thoroughly explained. With that being said, this seemed like a “filler” book into an overarching plot that I was way more interested in reading about which seems like a war brewing with an ex-agent of Hell and everyone else? Couldn’t really tell you since this book didn’t explain too much of what this impending doom was.
Anyway, Theodora abruptly comes into her powers as an Oracle and Donovan decides to train her since no one else is. He trains her by torturing her every morning and then making her practice magic after lunch. Theodora and Donovan both find each other attractive but definitely don’t talk to each other about their feelings. And because they never talk to each other about anything real, the lines of consent are blurred - read the TW.
With that being said, Donovan is a dick. And not really all that redeemable in my opinion. He was just a true asshole throughout the whole book. I nearly DNF’ed at 85% because I was sick of reading inner thoughts and no actual dialogue between the love interests. I love a miscommunication trope as much as the next gal (heavy romance reader), but I have my limits.
Also, if I never read “she grabbed his sex” ever again, it’ll be too soon. The spice was lacking for me. It had potential, but maybe the author was too timid to go there. I don’t know how else to describe it.

[Summan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read this one pretty fast for me (as I’m usually a slow reader) but once I got into it I could not put it down. I appreciate the writing - it was well written and I loved the story line. A little dark at first but once the communication opened between the characters I enjoyed the story as a whole. Definitely check trigger warnings beforehand. I did have to stop at one point as it got a little too much for me but then got right back into it and I’m glad I was warned beforehand.

I loved Donovan and Thea’s characters - they weren’t depicted as perfect, they each had their own problems and they’re very self actualised.

Please give me more Nikolai in the next one - he’s so damn cute and Petra was just a badass!!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Amazing! Another great novel by Evie Black. Abyssal is a new story in the same world as Unbalanced with new characters but some familiar characters. We are introduced to Thea and Donovan. We have dark shadow daddy vibes and tons and tons of spice. I really enjoyed it and I cannot wait for the next.

[Laneie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HELLO SHADOW, DADDY!!! I love loved this book. Check your trigger warning. I loved the development of Shadow Daddy throughout the book. I love how this can be read as a standlone, but it fits with the over of all plot of the series. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[Nina Smart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a new sort of book for me to read. I really appreciate the writing and the elements of true stories in there, definitely read the trigger warnings.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Donovan and Theodora’s story! If you love all things paranormal, witches, demons, angels, and gods then you need to seriously read this and her others in the series. Donovan is a walking red flag that just so happens to be put on baby sitting duty of the new witchling they need to keep safe. You’ll love the chaos and drama and the spice . And yet again Evie knows the way to my heart with having my favorite Bravas appearing 🥰

[Brandy Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you places that you don't see coming. It's a journey that doesn't take, where you expect it's so much better. You get lost in the world, and when it ends, you are a little sad. If you haven't checked her out you really should

[Katie Feher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was captivated by the story of Thea and Donovan. Evie’s writing is incredible.

[Jennifer Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholly smokes this book delivered! I love the dynamic between Theodora and Donovan. Definitely a love/hate/toxic.
I enjoyed how the author Evie Black asked around for knowledge regarding a sub/dom relationship as well and the proper use and needs for a safe word.

My overall rating is
5/5 for verbiage
5/5 for spice
5/5 for believable characters
5/5 for dialogue
5/5 for going outside of comfort zones and trying new things.


With this all being said, a few things. Before you dive into this book, I highly recommend reading the Trigger Warnings first. I also recommend that you read Unbalanced , Leona and then Abyssal. As those books set you up for the entirety of this series.

[Kristi Schatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Yes! Yes! This book is absolutely amazing. First off Donovan is now my top villian book boyfriend. I love him and all his badness. The tension, love, hate relationships between Theodora and Donovan was absolutely amazing. Sometimes I wanted to just give them in intervention and a push, or a smack depending on the situation. This book is my favorite so far that Evie has wrote but I will probably say that about the next too. 🤣

[Michelle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you say morally grey? First check your triggers. If your still interested after that, fall in love with the morally grey, brooding, bad boy that has sworn of feelings and drowns them out with substance. He is a walking contradiction and absolutely perfect. You will love him and hate him but he’s worth it in the end. This is the third book in a series of interconnected stand alone’s. I was so happy to see more of Sebastian and Lucy in this book as well. Tristan is still working on his devious plan and he still had an accomplice on the inside. I need to figure out who that is but my initial assumption was wrong. Now my brain won’t stop trying to figure it out. I can’t wait to continue this epic storyline.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 for me! I have read each book and I think this is my Favorite MMC (and it was hard to top zandros) but chapter 25 was Hot hot hot and I am a shadow daddy girlie.
Donovan is a walking red flag with a horrible personality that you just want to slap him silly while also making out with him. But then you find out some of his history and realize most of his attitude and actions is due to him repressing his emotions and trying to not care about life and then all you want to do is hug him. I really loved seeing the growth of him throughout the book especially the trial he has to go through really redeemed him in my eyes.
With Theodora I would call a softer kind of strong. She is just trying to survive training, the visions that scare the heck out of her given to her by the Gods and trying to figure out not just her own internal shit but also Donovan and her feelings around him. She just has a lot going on and I admired her for it. But just like in real life people can only be strong for so long and my heart just broke for her.
My heart was breaking for both characters, but I will say they are the WORST at communicating. It's not even miscommunication it's just not communicating at all but with all their trauma and issues it would be hard for anyone to open up when there is no trust built between them. So be prepared to scream at them a little about this.
This is a standalone in the same universe kind of book but there are little nuggets to move along the overarching storyline and to touch base on previous characters/moments from other books. So, I really appreciated it as it makes me excited for how those are going to play into the next book.
I love Evie's writing and I am so excited to read her next book.

This book is about Theodora who has a rough past with her mentally ill mother. In hopes of proving to her mother that the monsters she sees aren't real she herself becomes a believer in the supernatural. There is just too much out there to say that supernatural beings don't exist. But even with this belief she doesn't think she will come into contact with anyone like that even as she makes her living as a psychic "helping" to tell people's futures and get rid of ghosts but really with the help of her best friend it's all just a show and fake. That is until the Gods come a knocking hard and she literally drops to the ground having a vision. When she comes to, she is whisked into the shadows to a secret location where 3 otherworldly creatures tell her she is in great danger as she has been chosen to be an oracle. A super rare being chosen by the gods to see the future in hopes with some of the visions they can be altered. That is of course once she has the proper training, though Donovan's teaching methods leave a lot to be desired. So, the question becomes will she survive training long enough to even learn to interpret these visions that show what look like the end of times in order to save everyone.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I wanted to cry, I wanted to sm@ck Donovan for being an idiot. This book puts you through a lot, but it’s worth every second.

We have Theadora, a woman with a “sense” of the paranormal, masquerading as a psychic with the help of her best friend Petra, who is a hacking genius and finds information about the customers that come to Thea.

Little does Thea know, she’s been chosen to be the next oracle and she will finally have the abilities she was exaggerating before. This is either the best thing that will happen to her or the worst. This poor woman goes through so much it’s hard to decide at some points.

Trying to protect Thea from suffering through the same fate as the last oracle, Donovan has been assigned to watch over her. When Thea finally has her first true experience with the paranormal, Donovan decides it’s the best time to spirit her away back to the guardian elite for more protection. Eventually bringing along her best friend, Petra, and her cat, jerkface (yes that’s his name and I absolutely cackled when I read it).

Protecting Thea will not be as easy as Donovan thought, especially when feelings get mixed into the equation and past lovers threaten both sides of the relationship, both physically and mentally. Trying to train her to control her newly acquired powers will be the easy part, but I think he’s met his match as far as stubbornness and whit.

That’s all I’m saying because you absolutely need to read this book! It’s so compelling that you won’t want to put it down. Evie has a wonderful talent for grabbing your attention and the ability to make you get so immersed into the story you may forget your other priorities. I quite literally forgot to eat breakfast and lunch because of this book, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t be bothered after I started reading this.

Please for the love of everything, read through the trigger warnings and don’t blame the author for reading something you were warned about. This deals with a lot of sensitive topics and may not be for everyone.

[Shelly Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah another amazing read from Evie Black. All the stars and all the chili peppers for Thea and Donovan.

What I love most about this series is that there are so many aspects to this world the author has built. Each book able to be read as a stand alone, with some characters having crossover. But it's ok if you don't read them in order. You can still follow along. With each book we also learn of another being in the world. This book was no different. Thea is an Oracle and Donovan is an Abyssal. Don't worry, you'll learn what both of those are and where they belong in this world. I mention this only because it shows the talent and the world building that Evie is able to convey in her books. It's truly impressive.

As for our characters, I loved them. I will say the content for this book is going to go a little darker than the previous two. This is something the author has mentioned will happen as the series progresses. I think the jump here was far more than the previous, but I loved it. The character development is chefs kiss! Both our main characters are so incredibly multidimensional. It makes them easy to form connections with and to follow. You don't even realize how much of the story you are taking in as it progresses because it flows so well.

I would absolutely, highly recommend you read the trigger warnings before proceeding. While this isn't the darkest book out there, there is content that some may not be comfortable with. So please protect your mental health.

Other than that, go read this book! It's excellent. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Happy Reading Ya'll <3

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abyssal by Evie Black is book three in the Agents of Balance and Chaos series. These books have had me in a chokehold since the very first book, Unbalanced. Each one just brings something new and addictive for me to get hooked on which is exactly what happened with this one…again. I read this in one sitting, I couldn’t put my kindle down, it gave me the “just one more chapter syndrome” until the very end. This book compared to the other ones had more bite to it. Which just for this story so well. Needless to say I loved these characters to pieces, Donovan straddled a line throughout the book; he’s a bad boy who’s morally gray. Gosh he drove me crazy! Then there’s Thea, I loved her character so much. Reading her overcome her battles was beautiful to read. The emotional rollercoaster I went on reading this book was just amazing, the times I was on the edge of my seat. Evie Black has written this incredible world that is beautiful, heartbreaking and chaos prone. It’s fantastic. The interconnected storyline just keeps getting better and better. The spice is great and the overall book descriptions are off the chart amazing. I honestly and wholeheartedly recommend this series and author. Again it’s a fantastic read and you won’t be disappointed, I’m already hyped and looking forward to more. Two thumbs way, way up!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Sammi A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be able to read this before the release of this book. Though it took me longer than expected to read it(life got super busy), I am very glad to have finished it in time.
Now, to my thoughts:
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Though the lack of communication from Thea and Donovan was slightly irritating but I could relate because I too struggle with communication. Donovan is definitely toxic throughout this book, but I believe that he learned to communicate and show his love and actual appreciation of Thea, which helped bring them together more. I do wish there was better connection(other than sex) for those two but with how this book was left open(I was told it was a standalone, but it didn't seem like it with that ending), I believe they could learn better of one another. This was the first time I had read one of Evies books, but I do own a few of them. I can't wait to dive into her other works.

[TJ | TheEclecticBookFairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third instalment to the interconnected series, fantasy meets good vs evil.
When the current oracle see’s her own ending approaching she gives word of the new one to take her place. Except she does not know who she is just a standard description, so there are members of the team posted on the ones it could possibly be to watch and extract from the human world when the time is right which is how MMC and FMC come to meet.

I felt a range of emotions while reading; from rage to sadness and even confusion. I became engrossed in the story as it played out.
There is a heavy presence of miscommunication and past trauma that each main character struggles with, so please pay attention to triggers!

Evie has done a fantastic job at creating a story that makes you want more, I am excited to see the next instalment in the series.

[A. Afaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hell of a ride. I enjoyed it thoroughly and was only disappointed that it ended. I would have happily, nailbitingly, anxiously read more. I have loved each book in this series more than the last. The sequels enrich their predecessors and enhance the evocative world Ms Black has created. I had to remind myself several times that Donovan and Thea are not actually real people whose lives I am watching unfold. If you are familiar with this series, I don’t need to tell you how wonderful it is. If you are new to Evie Black’s writing, I encourage you to read every word she writes. Abyssal will make sense as a standalone, but it is even better when you know the other two stories. She will take you literally to hell and back, and you will be grateful for the journey.

[Holly Starkenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
How many red flags can we give one man and still find him redeemable at the end? Donovan may have been pushing the limits of redemption, but he sure pulls it off in style. Man does deserve a very thorough beat down by his beloved Dora.

Thea ,Theadora (Dora), was a great character to watch grow.

This book had me internally raging at some of the character and wanting to hug and protect others. I really can’t wait to see how the rest of the series plays out.

(I did read Unbalanced, but have not read Leona. I was still able to easily follow along in this book. I would highly recommend reading Unbalanced through to be introduced to some of the side characters from this specific novel and to fall in love with Bravas (though truthfully Esther will always be my favorite))

[Kali Mansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, Donovan is my favorite MMC (sorry Sebastian) from this series. He full on embodies the “I can fix him” vibe and honestly, who HASNT had that mind set when dating? Evie really hit it out of the park with this one. I couldn’t stop reading it (in fact I am up WAY past my bedtime writing this review), I’ve been recommending this book to every romantasy reader I know because it just NEEDS to be read. This entire series is AMAZING. the spice 5⭐️, the plot 5⭐️, the character growth and development 5⭐️. I legitimately couldn’t get enough of this book. Truthfully the whole series. I would certainly put these books on par with ACOTAR and everyone needs to know that. They’re just that good! Do yourself a favor, read this series!!

[Kellie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always another great read by Evie.

She stated that Donovan was a walking red flag and she wasn’t kidding! He had some issues to work out before he ever thought to get with anyone especially Thea who was new magic.
Their relationship works for them despite what others say…they do have a lot of misunderstandings though.
My favorite part was Thea meeting Bravas as a huge beast, passing out and he became a small puppy. If you know Bravas then you understand the humor of the scene. I love Bravas.

The book is great and I highly recommend it and the series.

[Anna Higgins-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has done it again people! I haven’t found a work of Evie’s that I haven’t loved. Does it still make me mad?? Yes. Do I still read it and enjoy every last drop of it? Also yes. I loved Thea from the moment I met her. We got spunky and sassy while trying to figure herself out. Donovan… oh my sweet sweet Donovan. I wanted to punch him. I loved him so much. He made me so mad, but I also loved him so much. Make sure you pay attention to the tropes for this book, because while I love Donovan, he is a walking red flag, so make sure you prepare yourself for some rage and “excuse me???”

[Sarah Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ATE THIS UP!!! I read over 30 chapters in two days!! I was slow to starting it because of work and home life. BUT as soon as I hit Chapter 12, I did not want to put this book down!! Donovan is an absolute a-hole but my goodness the things he did for her. *my heart 😭* The beginning frustration between them was so thick!! The banter is perfection. The sexual tension is insane and I love it!! The spice was SPICY!! The build up was absolutely amazing!! I’m just in awe. Wonderfully written!! Pulls you in and leaves you wanting more!! I can’t wait to read what’s next!!

[Brittany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated 4.5 but rounded up to 5!

All I can say is chapter 25 was everything! It was so hot and just made this book go from amazing to yesssss!!!!! I was giggling like a little school girl!
Donovan is the perfect shadow daddy and he is my new fave MMC! I did love Thea’s character but man their love was very toxic but I ate it up-it was truly shameful of me! If you love the witchy but with spicy vibes, this book is it! Wonderful job Evie!

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is this authors third book and just as amazing she never lets you down with the story I fell in love with Thea and thought donavon a jerk truly amazed at the end when he is going through the doors and looking for Thea and the memories he watched I wanted to cry at that point and Tristan has someone working behind the scenes who would it be can’t wait for the next book to come out as I will be getting it for sure

[Elizabeth Orion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the whole book fast paced, spice and everything oh so nice 😈! Thea was relateable and sweet. But, the best person in the entire series so far in my opinion is Donovan. I don’t know if it’s because he’s a demon with an attitude or because he’s can walk through shadows and has horns. The spice level was nice and it took a nice turn I didn’t see coming near the end!

[Pricilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donovan is a walking red flag!! Theodora and Donovan together are very frustrating. Especially in the beginning. If they had just expressed themselves it would have saved both a lot of heartache. I was happy to see Donovan near the end start to change his ways. I would recommend looking at the triggers before you read this book as some of the topics can be triggering.