Slit Throat Saga 2

by Teshelle Combs

Nexus was a girl. Once upon a time. Until she found metal. And Lorr found her. And she found Behr. And now she’s started a war between the realms that hate her and the City that wants her dead. Who are her allies? Who are her enemies? And how many Life Tips will it take to keep the young Ruler alive this time?

Prepare your heart for the drama, the adventure, the romance, the wickedness that is Slit Throat Saga 2.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Dystopia

Unknown Binding

About the author

Teshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.

She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).

Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.

Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.

Reviews

[Ams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I start???

This fast paced romantasy is like nothing else I’ve ever read. Truely this is one of the most unique series I have ever come across. There is nothing quite like reading a fantasy series you know is epic for the first time.

Nexus has intense love for her friends and family even when they betray her. This often leads her to make decisions that hurt more people than she saves. Her destruction causes her to be a bit of a villain to humanity.

✨It’s giving Greek Gods✨

There are talks about things happening before / alternate and infinite endings/ multiple timelines / multiverses??
If that’s for you than I’m sure in future books this will be excellent for you. I personally don’t do well with time travel/multiverses but it wasn’t significant enough to dampen the enjoyment of the book.

Teshelle Combes has me completely tangled up in the Slit Throat Saga world. Seriously, I dream about these characters. I felt like I was reading in another language sometimes.

Slit Throat Saga 2 is incredible and I’m so excited for book three (and as many books the author is willing to put out)

I received this advanced readers copy in exchange for a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you loved book 1, you will love book 2! This was just as well written with all of the romance and action of the first book. I knew these books were not for me when I picked them up, but I promised to read them, so here you go.

[Chelsea (thatbookishteach) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Tess, this was so worth the wait! STS 1 was my first ever Tess book last summer and I’ve been anxiously awaiting finding out what happens next. Tess’ writing style is so different and unique but I always fly through her books. Nex is my girl, and man the ending has me trying to figure out how the heck I’m supposed to wait once again! Nex is a bada$$ and always will be!

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saying that I have loved the Slit Throat Saga series would be an understatement. The ending of book two left me feeling like I had been unexpectedly shoved in freezing water, but in the best possible way. With Teshelle Combs as the author I always know that the events in the book, especially at the end of the book, are never what I could possibly imagine… Slit Throat Saga 2 took that to an entirely new level. My biggest disappointment is that I can never read this book for the first time and experience that level of shock and absolute awe again. I could write endlessly about specific things about this book, but I think the originality and creativity Combs offers while still writing and engaging and satisfying story is the best compliment I can give this book. The second book three comes out I will be devouring it. I recommend anyone thinking about reading this series pick it up asap.

[Katrina Gilles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - I was provided an ARC for an honest review

This novel builds on book 1 in the series, and brings our main character into more of the world dynamics that she has been wrapped up in. You find out more past story, both things that I had guessed and some twists I didn't expect. Not an all time fav, but I always love a good dystopian and will probably continue on once book 3 is available.

[Nicole (book_drake on IG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Slit Throat Saga 2" is a whirlwind of emotions wrapped in a tale of conflict, romance, and survival. This sequel picks up with Nexus, once an obscure girl who found metal and then found herself amidst a burgeoning war. The stakes have escalated quickly—realms that despise her and a City hunting her down, each moment is a fight for survival. The lines between allies and enemies blur, making you second-guess every character’s intentions.

The "Life Tips" is a stroke of genius—providing both a practical survival guide for Nexus and a unique narrative charm that adds depth to her character. Each tip isn’t just a way to stay alive; it's a glimpse into the essence of Nexus herself, her struggles, her strategies, and her resilience.

Emotionally, the book is a rollercoaster. One moment you’re laughing at a clever retort, the next you're biting your nails during a close escape, then wiping tears from your eyes after a heart-wrenching betrayal. The author masterfully weaves drama, adventure, romance, and wickedness into a narrative that keeps you hooked until the last page.

Prepare your heart indeed, as "Slit Throat Saga 2" is not just a book, but an intense journey that leaves you desperate for more. Whether you’re cheering for Nexus or cursing her enemies, this saga makes you feel deeply connected to the tumultuous world it portrays. It is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a story that makes them feel every emotion in the spectrum.

[Tabetha Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why? What? There is no way I just read what I think I read, because that would be mean. And a cliff hanger. And mean.

To those reading this to see if they should read book 2 (after book 1) - YES you should!!

To those reading this to see if they should read the series - YES you should!!

This is book 2 to Nexus' story, book 1 is needed these are not stand alone. Picking up where we left off book 1 we follow the next bunch of adventures Nex undergoes in her quest to save people.

I cannot wait for book 3!

[Jessica Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, you definitely need to read part 1 first to help make part 2 make sense, but even then…there’s just SO much that happens! Honestly, I’ve A-R-C read for Teshelle Combs before and I absolutely love her world building and her work/writing. She almost always makes me cry at some point. But the title, “Slit Throat Saga,” and the cover of the first book made me a little nervous a first, thinking it was maybe going to be too sci-fi for me, but “episode 1” throws you right in and you’re playing catch up right along side the FMC the whole time. And it most definitely is a fantasy, sisters, found family, Rulers and gods/goddesses, and a love story that defies logic. (IMO, I’d tell the characters to let the world burn and just be together, but…then would we even have a story?) All that to say, I finished part 2 and the ending…I had a feeling once I reached the epilogue…but dang. And now I wait, impatiently, for part 3, which Tess isn’t even scheduled to start writing until November. But definitely a 5⭐️ and rec from me! (All of her works have been.)

SN: There is some spice, and if I had to say, more of the rated R variety, and not very often. So if anyone is reading my quick review here, I’d let a mature 7th-8th grader (🇺🇸) to high school level read it without problem. Obviously, parents should know their children best.

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice 🌶️🌶️

Fantasy 🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉

World Building 🗺️🗺️🗺️🗺️🗺️

Humor/Banter 😂😂😂😂

Fight/Battle ⚔️⚔️⚔️🗡️ - there are some battle scenes, descriptive, not overly done, but the battles are short (so I’m kind of neutral on this)

Sad Parts 😢😢 - a couple places, but nothing I cried over, unlike part 1

Predictability 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ - this was hard, I could only predict the behaviors of some of the characters, mostly the FMC, but mainly, I was just along for the ride

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I didn't think that book 1 had much more that it could dish out... book 2 decided to blow my mind! The end, as usual had a cliffhanger that made me want to scream! The relationships between family, friends, frenemies, and lovers is all over the place in ways that really hit the feels. I LOVED this book and reallllly hope there is a book 3 because I will cry if not....

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twists!!!

Omg the twists and turns! Unlike anything else as always but I can never get enough! I need more! Mind Blown.

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is OMG!! I never knew where the story was going to lead next and the ending!!! Surprise after surprise. This story seriously draws you in and leaves you with so many questions!! What’s next?

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saying that I have loved the Slit Throat Saga series would be an understatement. The ending of book two left me feeling like I had been unexpectedly shoved in freezing water, but in the best possible way. With Teshelle Combs as the author I always know that the events in the book, especially at the end of the book, are never what I could possibly imagine… Slit Throat Saga 2 took that to an entirely new level. My biggest disappointment is that I can never read this book for the first time and experience that level of shock and absolute awe again. I could write endlessly about specific things about this book, but I think the originality and creativity Combs offers while still writing and engaging and satisfying story is the best compliment I can give this book. The second book three comes out I will be devouring it. I recommend anyone thinking about reading this series pick it up asap.

[Brittney Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 or .75

I received this book as an ARC to read and review before publishing.

I just can't get into the misspellings. I know it's supposed to be world-building and whatnot, but it's just not for me. I did like the rest of the world-building, though.

This is hard without spoilers, but she makes an enemy of someone after discovering that she was hiding things from her. This is weird because those things that were hidden to keep her contained are all things she proved she couldn't handle. She said she didn't tell her because it would cause destruction, which it did, then she's mad that she didn't know. Girl, you proved them right to hide it from you. Lol.

Like usual, TC has phenomenal descriptions. She is excellent at describing everything all the time. It's my favorite thing about her books!

I really liked all the side characters in this series. There was no one I was irritated by or felt was unnecessary.

A few small things I didn't like were: that her stones only didn't listen once to my knowledge, but she kept saying for once just work every time she used them. She was shooting herself in the foot when leaving Heim. It felt kind of intentional. Why would she say that name knowing it would make them mad and then wonder why they were mad? She did that to herself unnecessarily for no reason. She could have asked anyone in private, but she waited until everyone was there? Finally, horses do not have wet noses.

The story itself was interesting and entertaining, although a lot was going on all the time. This isn't quite a bad thing, just a lot to keep up with.

I'm happy that the sex scenes aren't fully described. They aren't fade to black, but aren't far off from it either, so I didn't have any problem with them!

That ending, though! What do you meeeeean?? Very excited for book 3!

[labibliofille · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE NOTE: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD

Slit Throat Saga 2 (STS2) is a brilliant meld of action, romance, world building, character development, and cackle-inducing humor. It also hurts a lot, but in a good way. I promise.

So we leave off in Slit Throat Saga (STS) with chaos and STS2 doesn’t disappoint on the chaos front. War is brewing, Nexus is the Goddess of Storm, Nex becomes the (accidental) ruler of Shui and Nuren’s (accidental) adversary, the truth about the City is more explicitly laid out for Nex, she finds out more of her friends and family have been lying to her from her beginning, we take a trip to Hel, and there’s a gut-wrenching cliff-hanger of an ending. Right on par for a Tess novel, if I do say so myself!

We also learn more about Nex’s existence. Essentially it’s like groundhog day, but Nex's whole life keeps repeating for a new/desired outcome. This life is the final time it will all restart, so let’s hope the good guy wins! (IDK who that is, but I’m sure we’ll all find out together!)

Have you read The First Dragon by Teshelle Combs? If not, there’s a spoiler incoming!
NEANDER IS LORR’S LONG LOST BROTHER! Are we getting a First Collection and Slit Throat Saga crossover?! I certainly hope so!

I cannot believe (but actually I can) how Lorr took Heili’s place in Hel for Nex and then is CRUSHED by an IMPLODING HEL. This is not how Nex and Lorr’s story should end and I cannot accept this is the last we’ll see of him. He deserves a redemption arc so I won’t be mad at him anymore. In the wise words of Nex, herself, in Episode 50 “ I deserve a better ending. A good one.” I can’t wait to see where book three inevitably takes us once it’s released!

XOXO

[Lisa Serang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Dystopian fantasy. Tess did it again, another amazing book like no other. This book does give me some divergent vibes with avatar metal bender vibes mixed in and god/goddess thrown in as well. This is book two of the series, and it is just as good. Nexus, our main character, is such a great person, so loving and cares about people so much. This is a good thing but also bad. It gets her hurt and can cause issues along the way. I do get some reincarnation and multiversity vibes while reading it, maybe even a time traveling vibe. Which I really enjoy. Get ready to be sucked into the Slit throat saga world. I love the life tips at the beginning of the chapters. This book will take you on an emotional roller-coaster for sure. There are about 2 peppers 🌶 🌶 for spice, and it's a five-star 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 read for sure. The world building is amazing. I can totally picture the world. Her character building and descriptions are amazing as well, I can picture the characters as well. There are some battle scenes but not over done, so if you love battle scenes, it has some for you, and if you're not a fan of them, it isn't overdone. I highly recommend reading this series, and I hope that you do and enjoy it as much as I have.

[Never · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Slit Throat Saga (book 1) was my first Teshell Combs book, and I have been hooked ever since. I waited and waited for book 2 and I was not disappointed! In book 1, Nexus learns there's more to the world she knows, and herself, than she could have imagined. 


Now, though, she's learning just how much she doesn't know. As she discovers more and more about herself, she's learning that the sheer number of secrets being held are as dangerous to the realms as, well, she is. 


One element of STS2 that I absolutely loved was Nexus' continued journey to discover herself. I don't just mean her abilities, but how she views herself and her purpose and her future. It's not an easy journey, especially when her views are starkly opposed by those around her who believe they already know all these answers.


And speaking of some of these other know-it-alls...sirs and madams, take a seat. Take several seats. Just get out of Nexus' way and let her get it done, lol.


Book 2 has romance, action, and the fantastic Teshelle Combs repartee that leaves you giggling even when you're pretty sure you shouldn't be.  I highly recommend this book!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to continue on this journey with Nexus after book 1 and let me tell you….Slit Throat Saga 2 did NOT disappoint!!!! And this is a journey I want to stay on! Action & adventure ✅ drama & betrayal ✅ love & loss ✅ Tess did it again with all of the feels and a great story.

In book 2 we uncover more about our fierce FMC Nexus right alongside her. After years or being lied to and manipulated Nexus begins to learn more and more about who she really is.. now this of course comes along with more lies, manipulation and betrayal… all information comes at a price after all. The character development in book 2 was great in my opinion as well as a roller coaster. Book 2 will have you questioning yourself ability to judge characters and if there is really a line between friends and foe.

This book is definitely faster paced than book two and it’s packed with action. The twists and turns of this book will have you in a chokehold and unable to put it down. If it wasn’t for work and little ones I would have devoured this book in a two days or less.

We still have so many unanswered questions, so I can’t wait to see what’s in store next!!

[Brittany Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

STS 2 (Slit Throat Saga 2) is the amazing sequel to the wonderful Slit Throat Saga by Teshelle Combs. If you haven’t read the first book, then go read it…like yesterday, then come back and read STS 2. Will it break your heart like STS 1, but also keep you wanting more? The answer is 1000% yes! The story continues seamlessly and beautifully with the same amazing world building and continued character building that you find with any sequel novel by Teshelle Combs. Also she will be writing the 3rd installment in the series soon so if you’re like me and can’t get enough of the STS world, then that’s all the more reason to read STS 1 and 2 right now! STS 2 has the perfect amount of action, adventure, romance/spice, fantasy, heartbreak, suspense, and just an overall strong storyline. The characters are all integral to the development of the story even if they are infuriating, they are infuriating in the best way, but many are lovable. If you love a great Dystopian Romantasy novel, then the STS series is a must read!

[Kristen Childers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought my heart would catch a Break Here come TC with more of her greatness of twists and turns and mysteriousness of the worlds she creates. STS 1 Is by far in my Top three of her stories so getting to read the second part of this saga was a real treat.

You never know who to completely trust in the stories and you darn sure have to beware of which characters you fall in love with. Nex will forever remain a fave in my heart no doubt about it. Mil is the perfect combination of sour and sweet. But of course there are a few that do not grab your heart as sweetly and you find yourself asking " Why?! Just WHY?!" as you read. This book may be a chonky one but it is well worth the read because once you start you get swept of your feet and do not realize how much you have read until you are about near done,

Wonderful read and addition to the saga. Don't believe me? pick it up for yourself I dare ya!

[frenchy_reads_all · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, she is an author but she weaves the most amazingly, beautiful, profound stories that just draw you in. I feel like I say this for every Tess book I review, but it is 100% true for EVERY Tess book I read, her world building and character development are top-notch and impeccable! I alway feel like I am right there with the characters and this book was no exception! STS2 picked up right where STS left off and it took off running! We discovered more about Nexus and who she is. She is still a very caring person and gets hurt a lot on the way in the story. This book is an epic meld of battle scenes, roller coaster emotions, twists and turns, gods and goddesses, dystopian vibes, romance, action, betrayal, secrets, loss, manipulation with a little sarcastic humor thrown in for some levity. I sped through this book because it was so action packed, I could NOT put it down! Now I am stuck waiting on book 3! It can’t come soon enough!!!

[Callie Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof!! ARC reader here! If there is one thing I can say about Tess Combs and this series so far is, “WOW!!” You guys, it’s sooo good! I read this literally in 1 day! I could not put it down! (The only time having the flu, worked for me! If I had to be at work while starting this, I would have been fired!) Tess’ ability to pull you into this world and then keep the chokehold she does on you is insane!! The characters are incredible! I have a love hate relationship with Mil for sure, but, just wow! Absolutely captivating and heart wrenching and then that Cliffhanger!!! My actions in the waiting period for a Book 3 (or even an announcement of one), cannot be blamed on me!! I love, love, love these books!! This has probably become my favorite dystopian series I’ve ever read!! I so wish I could rate this higher than 5 stars!! FOREVER a top #1 recommendation for/from me!!

[anonymous · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sitting here staring at the wall trying to figure out what just happened. I really loved the world-building of the first book and loved the characters, but the confusion that came during the second half of the first book only got worse in this book. Don’t get me wrong, this was a super interesting read and very unique, but I am left feeling like I missed something-something big. I still have no idea who Nexus is, who Lorr is, who Mil is, who Viveka, Woden, and Heidi are. I still don’t know why the City became the way it is, why everyone refused to tell Nexus anything about who she is and why she is “dangerous”… I just don’t get it and feel kind of stupid? I kept banking on some serious connections coming together at the end of this book but they never came. I also feel like I lost my connection to the characters during the read of this book because so much was happening every single second that there was no chance to be with the characters. It was so plot-heavy that I almost forgot everyone’s personality or why I was rooting for them in the first place.

(Reviewed an ARC of this book)

[Katherine Pogatshnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Such an intense 500 pages. I have no idea how this story is going to go or end up. Excellent continuation from book 1. This book, like the first one, keeps you glued to the pages with constant changes in location, characters, and story line. Somehow she is able to weave all of these together in a matter that makes sense and drives this epic-level story. You will recognize themes. The main one being: I will do anything to keep my friends safe... even if it means destroying everything. It's a common trap that Nexus gets herself into quite often.

I love (and hate) how we, as the reader, are having to figure out things through bits of truths here and there, just like Nexus is. No one is fully truthful with her. Most keep her in the dark. Which, in turn, keeps us in the dark. Highly frustrating.

[Shola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, adventure filled dystopian fantasy-

After STS1 ended on such a cliffhanger I was thrilled knowing this sequel was just around the corner. Nex starts this book navigating the aftermath of starting a war she has no idea how to fight, and even less of an idea of why she seems to be at the centre of everything that goes wrong.

I absolutely adored the character progression of Nex in this book. She builds on her abilities and working out what skills she possess, as well as developing a new found talent for combat with the help of a very specific weapon. By the end of the book things start falling into place and making a little more sense for Nex, but she still doesn’t really know her destiny or what fate has in store. With yet another cliffhanger, I’m desperate for another installation of STS.

[Jessie griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess Never Fails!!! this is seriously one of her best stories. one Hell of a Twist! this book will not let you out of it grip. you will be wholly devoured. this is a fairly Chonky book over 400 pages and the story is soooo good you will be transported to the world of Slit Throat Saga. this is also one of the few cases where i like the second book more then i like the first. the first one was amazing!!! this one =Chef Kiss
i love how this book picks up right where that first one ended there is no gap in time!! the world building, the characters, the story, the plot everything about this book is Just WOW!!!! just pick this book up and read it!!! you will need to read book one but it is soooooo worth it. Also I love MONNY and NEX is amazing the love between Nex has and Lorr. the twist the turns. this book is a wild ride!!

[TiaJade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slit Throat Saga 2 continues to follow Nexus as she tries to save everyone she loves and end the fight.

This book is incredibly fast-paced and has a lot happening all at once. The story is darker than the first book, however it does still have moments of hilarity and really shows the found family aspect.

There is two, very brief open door scenes, but they are not at all detailed. The story focuses more on the war than romance.

I did find it difficult to follow at points, and I was still left with a lot of questions unanswered. That being said, I really liked the ending.

Overall, it is a good book that I would recommend to someone who wants to read something dystopian with romance taking a backseat.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slit Throat Saga 2 picks up right where slit throat saga 1 left off. I love that there is no time gap between the 2. From there it’s just nonstop action. Nex is constantly getting into something and Mil doesn’t make things any better. I was not too fond of Mil, at first, but he has grown on me.
I love Monny and Nex’s relationship and As for Lorr and Nex, ugh just let the worlds collide already!!! But would there be a 3rd part of that happened?! I love how Nex has a different and unique type of relationship with each character.
You’ll love this book if you like fast paced action, world building and conflict. Emotions weren’t all over the place, but there are def some sad parts. But is it worth it, absolutely. Patiently, impatient to read part 3.

[Heather Kerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to be amazed by the originality of this series as well as the minut details that Combs manages to keep straight.

Book 2 jumps right into the action quickly leaving me reeling from one nail biting scene to the next. Combs does a great job throwing in some comedic relief along the way. While this is a love story this book really focuses on what makes our girl Nexus.... well Nexus. She doesn't have all the information and makes decisions with the best she can with the limited information she has. My fingers are crossed that all the chaos gets sorted so Lorr and Nexus can finally have their HEA they both so desperately need.

[Sefri Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life tip: If you want to finish this book fast, don’t read it on the days that you work. Oh my goodness. I’m in love with this story!!! It just keeps getting better!! We join Nexus again and her friends on an adventure of a lifetime. You’ll cry (maybe multiple times), you’ll love the characters (Monny, Mil, Stjar, Lorr, and of course Nexus), and you’ll be so annoyed with the ending that you’ll wish you could know what happens next. Please read this book. It is utterly amazing and heartbreaking at the same time

[Nikki K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I love the first STS book and immediately hopped into STS 2. Following the characters along their journey has been a true treat. The turmoil, the triumphs, the love, and the loss. The action and adventure throughout kept me on edge the entire time. The twists and turns at the end were unexpected and had my family concerned with my gasps (and sobs) at certain points. I highly recommend both STS 1 & 2 and can’t wait for the 3rd book!

**Disclaimer: I received this book for free as an ARC reader. All opinions and comments are my own.**