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Damned Magic and Divine Fates: Queen of the Damned #4
Brimstone Nightmares
As with everything else in my life, the descent into Hell was not so simple.
When I jumped into the portal I expected to find the Sins on the other side. I expected to find my people—demons—waiting and ready. What I found were flames and fire and ash.
The apocalypse hadn’t waited for me. It had already begun.
Hell’s barriers were collapsing in on themselves—making my task of finding the Sins infinitely harder. As the Horsemen and I set out on our journey to find them, we discover that not all is what it seems.
A white-haired assassin once told me to beware of the evil that hides in plain sight. I should have listened to her. The fight for Hell has begun, and the duty of saving it lies solely on my shoulders, but to win—to survive—I must unravel the secrets of the past if any of us are to see the future.
I will take what is mine, even if I have to bleed for it.
When I jumped into the portal I expected to find the Sins on the other side. I expected to find my people—demons—waiting and ready. What I found were flames and fire and ash.
The apocalypse hadn’t waited for me. It had already begun.
Hell’s barriers were collapsing in on themselves—making my task of finding the Sins infinitely harder. As the Horsemen and I set out on our journey to find them, we discover that not all is what it seems.
A white-haired assassin once told me to beware of the evil that hides in plain sight. I should have listened to her. The fight for Hell has begun, and the duty of saving it lies solely on my shoulders, but to win—to survive—I must unravel the secrets of the past if any of us are to see the future.
I will take what is mine, even if I have to bleed for it.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2019
935 people are currently reading
1735 people want to read
About the author
Kel Carpenter
69 books2,169 followersKel Carpenter is a master of werdz. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s traveling the world, lovingly pestering her co-author, and spending time with her family. She is always on the search for good tacos and the best pizza. She resides in Maryland and desperately tries to avoid the traffic.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
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November 2, 2018Note to the readers:
This will be the last book in the Queen of the Damned series. I know there was originally supposed to be five, but I decided to condense the last two into a long book. It's still the same story, you just get it all at once. Thank you for understanding!
This will be the last book in the Queen of the Damned series. I know there was originally supposed to be five, but I decided to condense the last two into a long book. It's still the same story, you just get it all at once. Thank you for understanding!
March 8, 2019
I was quite disappointed to hear this was the last book and after reading it I really feel it could have used at least one more. Too much info was crammed in here - we learn almost nothing for 3 books then bam! And this is a reverse harem and we know next to nothing about 4 of the supposed main characters.
January 23, 2019
I
WASN’T
READY.
*cries dramatically while holding Bandit*
I just wasn’t. The minute I saw that she went from 5 books to 4 books with the last being a long installment, I said
“Oh devil-damn” and cracked open book 4.
THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SEX.
There, I said it.
I’m not ashamed.
If we are being specific, with Allistair.
THERE WAS SO MUCH TALKING.
Holy shit, Lilith can talk.
And so can Ruby.
And Moira.
And Sin.
Half of the ending was just everyone spewing BOOK’S worth of information in some undying monologue that just idk it really irked me.
Can we all learn to paraphrase in person??
No?
Okay.
THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH HORSEMEN.
And by that I mean: it was The Ruby Show for most of this book. Think: the last Curse of the Gods book where it was The Willa Show.
Great comparison. The men were just on the back burner on warm while Ruby was the main course.
NO. I needed MORE.
MORE
MORE
MORE.
See what I did there? Mimicking the fucking “drip” part. Oh goodness.
ANYWAY.
I LOVED THIS SERIES ALL THE SAME.
Everything was tied up in a cute little bow and thank the heavens above that Kel refreshes our feeble memories by giving quick recaps of certain characters who are in the previous books as small roles.
So there we have it folks, the end.
If I were to suggest one thing it would be to delete that hell hole she wrote for an epilogue and write something a little sweeter (read: sexier) since we missed so much of the men.
No I don’t need another vamp bite to the tit (I find that gross but then again,shade would be biting into a mouthful of silicone had it been me) but like just a cute ending of all of them getting down on one knee or her actually fucking saying the L word.
Idk.
Just my opinion.
My starved-of-horsemen mind is not satisfied.
Loved the book.
Throwing tomatoes at the epilogue.
The end.
Xoxoxo
WASN’T
READY.
*cries dramatically while holding Bandit*
I just wasn’t. The minute I saw that she went from 5 books to 4 books with the last being a long installment, I said
“Oh devil-damn” and cracked open book 4.
THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SEX.
There, I said it.
I’m not ashamed.
If we are being specific, with Allistair.
THERE WAS SO MUCH TALKING.
Holy shit, Lilith can talk.
And so can Ruby.
And Moira.
And Sin.
Half of the ending was just everyone spewing BOOK’S worth of information in some undying monologue that just idk it really irked me.
Can we all learn to paraphrase in person??
No?
Okay.
THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH HORSEMEN.
And by that I mean: it was The Ruby Show for most of this book. Think: the last Curse of the Gods book where it was The Willa Show.
Great comparison. The men were just on the back burner on warm while Ruby was the main course.
NO. I needed MORE.
MORE
MORE
MORE.
See what I did there? Mimicking the fucking “drip” part. Oh goodness.
ANYWAY.
I LOVED THIS SERIES ALL THE SAME.
Everything was tied up in a cute little bow and thank the heavens above that Kel refreshes our feeble memories by giving quick recaps of certain characters who are in the previous books as small roles.
So there we have it folks, the end.
If I were to suggest one thing it would be to delete that hell hole she wrote for an epilogue and write something a little sweeter (read: sexier) since we missed so much of the men.
No I don’t need another vamp bite to the tit (I find that gross but then again,shade would be biting into a mouthful of silicone had it been me) but like just a cute ending of all of them getting down on one knee or her actually fucking saying the L word.
Idk.
Just my opinion.
My starved-of-horsemen mind is not satisfied.
Loved the book.
Throwing tomatoes at the epilogue.
The end.
Xoxoxo
December 6, 2023
Personally, I think this book should have been split? The first half is quite slow, which BAM throws you into the second where a huge amount of information is given.
I did grow to love these characters, though. I listened to this and feel the narrator too a little took much inspo from Aliayahs portrail of the queen of the damned in the same named film? Might be just me. 3.5⭐️ for the series overall.
I did grow to love these characters, though. I listened to this and feel the narrator too a little took much inspo from Aliayahs portrail of the queen of the damned in the same named film? Might be just me. 3.5⭐️ for the series overall.
June 12, 2022
Finally the time has arrived to head on down to hell. But things didn’t get exciting liked I hoped and expected. Actually I think this may be where the series lost me. As Ruby heads to hell we learn she has to pass tests from the seven sins but instead a bigger and older enemy emerges in the form of Lilith. Lilith wants the crown and sets about destroying Ruby and stealing her powers. At one point Lilith steals her men and rapes 3 of them 🤬 Then we get some OW drama I also could have done without. I’m still confused from book one when they refer to a past history with Ruby, I’m so lost because her mom escaped hell pregnant with her, how can they have a past? She’s not an old being, but maybe it’s her beast? And then why is it never discussed or was I too high and missed it all? Im pretty sure ) didn’t imagine all this? Highly probable I stoned my way through lots of this though lol 😶🌫️🤷🏼♀️ I will say the highlight star yet again was Bandit. I mean he becomes a literal beast and terror in hell yet he’s still a cuddle monkey with Ruby, he’s awesome. Appreciate this series was such a quick read. I enjoyed it for the most part yet I didn’t wholly love some of the directions it took but that’s all personal preference!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
4.5
honestly the best out of the series.
I absolutely loved the ending that Ruby was given and let's not forget the horsemen. Dear god this book was everything that was needed to finish out this series. and the ending is literally so fucking awesome, giving Bandit his own chapter literally brought me to tears. I loveeeeeed this and wish we had more of all of it but the ending was beyond anything I could hope for.
2024 reads 30/300
honestly the best out of the series.
I absolutely loved the ending that Ruby was given and let's not forget the horsemen. Dear god this book was everything that was needed to finish out this series. and the ending is literally so fucking awesome, giving Bandit his own chapter literally brought me to tears. I loveeeeeed this and wish we had more of all of it but the ending was beyond anything I could hope for.
2024 reads 30/300
January 16, 2019
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that is over 😭. Kel did an amazing job though she had me utterly sad, beyond pissed, and on cloud 9 filled with love at times. Hate to see it end but it ended so well. Love Bandit to no end (this is the point I would put a raccoon emoji but I dont have one). This story has truly been a great adventure and journey. I loved seeing all the characters grow into themselves and find their own strengths. Lots of action and great twist that you will just love.
January 21, 2024
Audible book but was sooooo good. The end definitely had me crying in all the best ways.
September 18, 2020
Man, oh man! How I loved it. I loved it to the moon and back. It had the perfect all. That's it. Perfection.
January 15, 2019
She bit the Devil. It’s time she learned this Devil bites back” ~ Brimstone Nightmares
Let me start off by saying how much I LOVE Kel and her stories! She is such an amazing author, and I’m so glad I stumbled on her books. I’ve read everything Kel has published, and all of her stories are amazing. She is able to create these worlds with such sassy heroines, great friends, and amazing men. You’ll fall in love with all of her characters!
This book is one that makes you feel a roller coaster of emotions so make sure you grab tissues for when you read. I don’t think I’ve cried, laughed, or yelled at a book so much in awhile. Brimstone Nightmares was the perfect ending for Ruby’s story, and she listened when we asked for more Bandit chaos and adventures. Though I’m sad the series is over, I know Kel will continue to write more stories for us to read and fall in love with!
Great job Kel, thanks for writing such amazing stories for us to enjoy!!
Let me start off by saying how much I LOVE Kel and her stories! She is such an amazing author, and I’m so glad I stumbled on her books. I’ve read everything Kel has published, and all of her stories are amazing. She is able to create these worlds with such sassy heroines, great friends, and amazing men. You’ll fall in love with all of her characters!
This book is one that makes you feel a roller coaster of emotions so make sure you grab tissues for when you read. I don’t think I’ve cried, laughed, or yelled at a book so much in awhile. Brimstone Nightmares was the perfect ending for Ruby’s story, and she listened when we asked for more Bandit chaos and adventures. Though I’m sad the series is over, I know Kel will continue to write more stories for us to read and fall in love with!
Great job Kel, thanks for writing such amazing stories for us to enjoy!!
September 3, 2024
Good ending to this series. I listened to these on audio instead of reading as I usually do. The narrator did a good job of giving each character their own distinct voice. Because there are so many players in this series, particularly at this point, it took me a little bit to get back to where I should be to enjoy this story, but that did not detract from my enjoyment. I like the strength of the women in this series. Although far from perfect, they acknowledge that and are not afraid to admit so. Ruby in particular is amazingly strong, but unaware of her potential at first and admits that power and strength are useless if you dont know how to use it.
I would say that if you are reading this series and enjoy it, these should be read fairly close together.
Audio version
I would say that if you are reading this series and enjoy it, these should be read fairly close together.
Audio version
January 18, 2019
My new favorite series!
This has been the most outstanding series that I have read this year. This last book just blew me away though. I went through the emotions right with the characters. Love, betrayal, grief, and much more. They have been the most amazing characters with a fantastic plot and I can't wait to see what Carpenter has in store for us next. I never saw what was coming next and there was plenty of action and fire. I don't want to spoil anything so all I can say is if you like paranormal rh you have to get this series. Even if you don't read it anyway and it will change your mind. Captivating from start to finish.
This has been the most outstanding series that I have read this year. This last book just blew me away though. I went through the emotions right with the characters. Love, betrayal, grief, and much more. They have been the most amazing characters with a fantastic plot and I can't wait to see what Carpenter has in store for us next. I never saw what was coming next and there was plenty of action and fire. I don't want to spoil anything so all I can say is if you like paranormal rh you have to get this series. Even if you don't read it anyway and it will change your mind. Captivating from start to finish.
January 16, 2019
Great ending
This is a great ending to an amazing series. It was action packed and full of plot twists. Finally found out who the ‘master’ was and boy was it good. I only wished there had been more Ruby and the horseman scenes. This book was definitely plot driven and a lot of action. It definitely wrapped up all the lingering questions and plots that were string through the series. Overall, an amazing end
PS I still love Bandit. Especially the Epilogue
This is a great ending to an amazing series. It was action packed and full of plot twists. Finally found out who the ‘master’ was and boy was it good. I only wished there had been more Ruby and the horseman scenes. This book was definitely plot driven and a lot of action. It definitely wrapped up all the lingering questions and plots that were string through the series. Overall, an amazing end
PS I still love Bandit. Especially the Epilogue
February 7, 2019
I needed more sex in this story!!
With that being said though I enjoyed how it ended. With Ruby finally making her way to Hell and getting all the answers she needed and the epic battle at the end, it was well done. This book put me through every emotion possible and I loved it.
I know Kel said she is done with this, but with Moira and Bandit perspectives at the end it seems like maybe she isn’t finished with this world completely. I would be happy with some novellas here and there!
With that being said though I enjoyed how it ended. With Ruby finally making her way to Hell and getting all the answers she needed and the epic battle at the end, it was well done. This book put me through every emotion possible and I loved it.
I know Kel said she is done with this, but with Moira and Bandit perspectives at the end it seems like maybe she isn’t finished with this world completely. I would be happy with some novellas here and there!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2019
It's the book we have been waiting for
The book was amazing. It was the ending I liked the most about it. The sacrifice and pain she had to endure to become queen were what made the boom more alive. Best book in a series excellent read and and amazing book to recomend if you want to know what it takes to live in hell.
The book was amazing. It was the ending I liked the most about it. The sacrifice and pain she had to endure to become queen were what made the boom more alive. Best book in a series excellent read and and amazing book to recomend if you want to know what it takes to live in hell.
January 13, 2019
I received this book as an ARC but I also have it on preorder for the Kindle version. I want this in my permanent library with the rest of the series.
This book ripped me open & had me bawling! There was no way to put it down I had to know what happened! I’ll be honest this was the book in the series that had me worried. I’ve read books where the world creation for demons/angels etc and going between Earth, heaven and hell have been done either really well or really bad. Kel knocked it out of the park. The world building she did in this single book - AMAZING.
I also liked how she tied things together, the explanations, the reactions to those, and the ending(s). Most of all I liked seeing how Ruby has grown through the series even through this book. There is a specific conversation between Ruby and Moira that really puts their relationship into perspective. And how Ruby responds and talks with her men has come a long way, she acknowledges they still don’t know each other as well as they need to/will in the future, that they all still need to work on communication skills but how she handles herself is much improved.
There is action, intrigue and sex in this book but for me it was much more of an emotional book than the first three.
I don’t have enough words but for now I need to go back & reread it only slower.
This book ripped me open & had me bawling! There was no way to put it down I had to know what happened! I’ll be honest this was the book in the series that had me worried. I’ve read books where the world creation for demons/angels etc and going between Earth, heaven and hell have been done either really well or really bad. Kel knocked it out of the park. The world building she did in this single book - AMAZING.
I also liked how she tied things together, the explanations, the reactions to those, and the ending(s). Most of all I liked seeing how Ruby has grown through the series even through this book. There is a specific conversation between Ruby and Moira that really puts their relationship into perspective. And how Ruby responds and talks with her men has come a long way, she acknowledges they still don’t know each other as well as they need to/will in the future, that they all still need to work on communication skills but how she handles herself is much improved.
There is action, intrigue and sex in this book but for me it was much more of an emotional book than the first three.
I don’t have enough words but for now I need to go back & reread it only slower.
June 4, 2021
Last book in this series.
I, again, felt like I kept missing scenes and events, and I can't blame it all on my health this time.
While rough to read, I did appreciate that this book was honest about men being raped. There's a lot of people out there saying it's not possible for males to be raped, but it is, and I'm glad this book portrayed that.
One thing that had me scoffing a little, however, was the sudden attempt at making this series LGBTG+. While I did think Moyra might be bisexual from earlier, it was never mentioned - at least that I can remember - before in this book, and just mentioned in passing at that, while she ended up having sex with only males - as far as I can remember - during the span of the book. That's not enough for me to mark this book as LGBTQ+ representation. At all.
I, again, felt like I kept missing scenes and events, and I can't blame it all on my health this time.
While rough to read, I did appreciate that this book was honest about men being raped. There's a lot of people out there saying it's not possible for males to be raped, but it is, and I'm glad this book portrayed that.
One thing that had me scoffing a little, however, was the sudden attempt at making this series LGBTG+. While I did think Moyra might be bisexual from earlier, it was never mentioned - at least that I can remember - before in this book, and just mentioned in passing at that, while she ended up having sex with only males - as far as I can remember - during the span of the book. That's not enough for me to mark this book as LGBTQ+ representation. At all.
February 5, 2025
Last book in the series. Ruby, her horsemen, racoon, and friend enter hell. She finds out that not everyone is happy for her to rule and believe he step mom is the rightful ruler. She split ruby from her beast and kills one of the men. But some of the queens children and follows want to help Ruby. She also finds out that all the women in her human life was really from the under world and behind the sence protecting her all along.
January 2, 2026
This felt like the right ending, even if my heart wasn’t ready for it.
The first half of Brimstone Nightmares took its time, but the second half absolutely delivered with momentum, payoff, and emotion. Watching Ruby fully step into who she’s become was deeply satisfying, even as I found myself wishing the story didn’t have to end yet.
I loved this series, and I’ll always want more, especially a glimpse of Ruby ruling Hell.
The first half of Brimstone Nightmares took its time, but the second half absolutely delivered with momentum, payoff, and emotion. Watching Ruby fully step into who she’s become was deeply satisfying, even as I found myself wishing the story didn’t have to end yet.
I loved this series, and I’ll always want more, especially a glimpse of Ruby ruling Hell.
June 26, 2024
I was doing an Audible of the whole series. The last book felt to me toooooo freaking long. It ofc wrapped up the stories but there were much more history rather than any action or movement of FMC to complete her challenges.
It was one obstacle after the other.
I still like it overall but personally think it could have been told in a much shorter version of it
It was one obstacle after the other.
I still like it overall but personally think it could have been told in a much shorter version of it
January 16, 2019
A great way to end a series. I love when an author answers all the questions and story lines when they end a series! This book keeps you on the edge wondering what and who to trust. Can’t wait to read her other series!
January 17, 2019
Epic ending
Great lead ins to the end battle. Fantastic secrets and a wonderful imagining of bonds. The end was very satisfying and leaves you with just enough wanting
Great lead ins to the end battle. Fantastic secrets and a wonderful imagining of bonds. The end was very satisfying and leaves you with just enough wanting
Read
November 9, 2020Audiobook
Read
November 22, 2021DNF. Got bored with the storyline and skimmed the end to see what happened.
October 13, 2024
I honestly really liked this book. The last few chapters were really good and gave a lot of back story. I wish the series was actually longer.
January 17, 2019
Great Read
Definitely another great read and a great addition to the series, and as far as I know, a great end to the series.
Definitely another great read and a great addition to the series, and as far as I know, a great end to the series.
January 5, 2021
I hate that this ended. I wanted more! There’s so many questions I still have. This book played with ALL of my emotions. It made me laugh, it made me angry, and it shattered me. The flow of this book was amazing. It had just the right amount of everything. This series will definitely be going down as one of my favorites. <3
January 4, 2022
Great Series
I really liked this series as well as the main character. She grew stronger and more independent with every book and I love that
I really liked this series as well as the main character. She grew stronger and more independent with every book and I love that
June 10, 2020
As with everything else in my life, the descent into Hell was not so simple.
When I jumped into the portal I expected to find the Sins on the other side. I expected to find my people—demons—waiting and ready.
What I found were flames and fire and ash.
The apocalypse hadn’t waited for me. It had already begun.
Hell’s barriers were collapsing in on themselves—making my task of finding the Sins infinitely harder. As the Horsemen and I set out on our journey to find them, we discover that not all is what it seems.
A white-haired assassin once told me to beware of the evil that hides in plain sight.
I should have listened to her.
The fight for Hell has begun, and the duty of saving it lies solely on my shoulders, but to win—to survive—I must unravel the secrets of the past if any of us are to see the future.
I will take what is mine, even if I have to bleed for it.
Heather's Notes
As a ending this book was lacking. The horseman did absolutely nothing, except get kidnapped and raped. Why did we need to experience the rape? It felt unnecessary, you would have preferred to just know about, it didn't really affect the story, just seemed to add words. I don't understand the epilogue, it added nothing to the story, and several things felt unresolved, which again since this is the last book of the series was disappointing. I don't need to know that Moira is happy alone. She is a secondary character and didn't have a love interest. The Bandit scene was a little more understandable but again unnecessary. I would have liked to see more of the horseman, and found out Beast and Ruby had been reunited. I did not care for this ending.
When I jumped into the portal I expected to find the Sins on the other side. I expected to find my people—demons—waiting and ready.
What I found were flames and fire and ash.
The apocalypse hadn’t waited for me. It had already begun.
Hell’s barriers were collapsing in on themselves—making my task of finding the Sins infinitely harder. As the Horsemen and I set out on our journey to find them, we discover that not all is what it seems.
A white-haired assassin once told me to beware of the evil that hides in plain sight.
I should have listened to her.
The fight for Hell has begun, and the duty of saving it lies solely on my shoulders, but to win—to survive—I must unravel the secrets of the past if any of us are to see the future.
I will take what is mine, even if I have to bleed for it.
Heather's Notes
As a ending this book was lacking. The horseman did absolutely nothing, except get kidnapped and raped. Why did we need to experience the rape? It felt unnecessary, you would have preferred to just know about, it didn't really affect the story, just seemed to add words. I don't understand the epilogue, it added nothing to the story, and several things felt unresolved, which again since this is the last book of the series was disappointing. I don't need to know that Moira is happy alone. She is a secondary character and didn't have a love interest. The Bandit scene was a little more understandable but again unnecessary. I would have liked to see more of the horseman, and found out Beast and Ruby had been reunited. I did not care for this ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews