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Vows and Vengeance #2
City of Mirth and Malice: Vows of Vengeance Duet
Nicolai Attano is ruthless, relentless, deadly. And he’s mine.
In a city where criminals rule the streets, I fell for the most dangerous of them all. And our love made me a target…
Kidnapped by Nicolai’s enemies, I wake up in a prison of enchanted stone and steel—a place where only the strongest survive. Dark magic is burning in my blood. And my captors are desperate to take it from me.
To leave this place, I must fight in duels and endure deadly challenges. My captors want to push my limits, forcing me to release my power. The other prisoners despise me, and though I don’t want to hurt them, I’ll do whatever it takes to win.
I just have to stay alive until Nicolai gets here…
Because I know he is coming for me. That he is tearing Lynchaven apart just to find me. Even in my darkest moment, I can feel him drawing closer. And when we are together again… the city is going to burn.
If you love morally gray love interests, warring mafia houses, dark magic, and spicy rivals-to-lovers romance, prepare to discover your new romantasy obsession. This completed 2-book series is perfect for fans of Quicksilver, Metal Slinger and The Bridge Kingdom.
In a city where criminals rule the streets, I fell for the most dangerous of them all. And our love made me a target…
Kidnapped by Nicolai’s enemies, I wake up in a prison of enchanted stone and steel—a place where only the strongest survive. Dark magic is burning in my blood. And my captors are desperate to take it from me.
To leave this place, I must fight in duels and endure deadly challenges. My captors want to push my limits, forcing me to release my power. The other prisoners despise me, and though I don’t want to hurt them, I’ll do whatever it takes to win.
I just have to stay alive until Nicolai gets here…
Because I know he is coming for me. That he is tearing Lynchaven apart just to find me. Even in my darkest moment, I can feel him drawing closer. And when we are together again… the city is going to burn.
If you love morally gray love interests, warring mafia houses, dark magic, and spicy rivals-to-lovers romance, prepare to discover your new romantasy obsession. This completed 2-book series is perfect for fans of Quicksilver, Metal Slinger and The Bridge Kingdom.
520 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2024
About the author
Alexis L. Menard
9 books1,380 followersAlexis is a registered nurse based out of Louisiana where she lives with her husband, toddler, and two oversized dogs. She enjoys long walks through the Renaissance Fair, reading smutty romance into the dark hours of the night, and wine nights with her "Finer Things Club." She hopes to enrich the lives of her readers with worlds they can both escape in and take with them long after the final chapter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
July 12, 2025
“You never needed me, my love. You’re enough all on your own. It’s time they all realized the same.”
No? Wait a second .. it’s over ? I can’t believe it! I have so many questions and I’m not ready to leave these characters!
I wish the ending wasn’t so rushed 😭
No? Wait a second .. it’s over ? I can’t believe it! I have so many questions and I’m not ready to leave these characters!
I wish the ending wasn’t so rushed 😭
November 27, 2025
3.75⭐️
A very exciting end to the duet with lots of twists and turns, betrayals, double crossing you name it, it was in this book!
Whilst I liked it, I preferred the first book much more! I enjoyed the pesky blinders/mafia vibes, the romance, the unique magical world this was set it, and I just found that book 2 was more plot and politics and less romance
I wanted Milla & Nico together more but they always ended up seperated in this book! So we don’t get much of them together, and the plot dare I say was maybe doing too much? I felt like it was a bit disjointed and overwhelming, once one thing had been sorted another thing was happening, so whilst it’s very fast paced I actually wished it would slow down at times and give us more Milla & Nico but that’s just personal preference it’s still a brilliant story/world and I really enjoyed it!
A very exciting end to the duet with lots of twists and turns, betrayals, double crossing you name it, it was in this book!
Whilst I liked it, I preferred the first book much more! I enjoyed the pesky blinders/mafia vibes, the romance, the unique magical world this was set it, and I just found that book 2 was more plot and politics and less romance
I wanted Milla & Nico together more but they always ended up seperated in this book! So we don’t get much of them together, and the plot dare I say was maybe doing too much? I felt like it was a bit disjointed and overwhelming, once one thing had been sorted another thing was happening, so whilst it’s very fast paced I actually wished it would slow down at times and give us more Milla & Nico but that’s just personal preference it’s still a brilliant story/world and I really enjoyed it!
March 11, 2026
🌙 Review: City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard
𓍊𓋼𓍊 3 ☆
🗡 Update (02/25/25)
──── ☾ ✦ ────
When I started City of Mirth and Malice, my expectation was clear: depth. After a first book that presented a promising universe, industrial, magical, and politically tense, I wanted to see consequences. I wanted to see growth. I wanted to see choices that hurt.
And, in a way, the book delivers that.
The story continues following Camilla and Nicolai in a city that breathes conflict. Lynchaven is not just a setting: it is a living social structure. Descendants of magical saints occupy positions of privilege while natives without powers orbit this unequal system. Magic here is not ornament; it is heritage, it is political instrument, it is symbol of oppression and also of resistance.
Camilla carries this weight. Her rare ability places her at the center of disputes that go beyond romance, and that is one of the book's most interesting points. She is not just a love interest, she is a strategic piece within a larger gear. Meanwhile, Nicolai remains divided between protecting, negotiating, and surviving fragile alliances that sustain the balance between order and chaos.
The plot is fast. Very fast. Chapters alternate perspectives, creating constant urgency. There are infiltrations, confrontations, betrayals, and political revelations enough to keep any reader attentive. The narrative gives no rest, and that is both quality and problem.
Camilla evolves, but differently than I expected. The almost insolent boldness of the first book gives way to a more introspective stance. There is maturation, yes. There is trauma being processed. But I felt that part of her explosive strength was softened in favor of emotional weight. It is not necessarily a mistake, it is a choice, but it alters the character's dynamic.
The romance, in turn, takes a back seat. The chemistry between Camilla and Nicolai is still there, latent, intense when it appears. The problem is that they spend too much time apart. For a duo that built so much romantic tension in the first volume, the distance here can frustrate those who expected more scenes of closeness, dialogue, and direct conflict between the two.
Where the book really shines is in the setting. The mix of steam technology with ancestral magic creates a visually striking scenario. Manipulable shadows, black fire, rituals, and dangerous experiments build an almost gothic aesthetic, with strong identity of its own. There are no fairies or faerie courts, and that already differentiates the series within contemporary romantasy.
Thematically, the text works well with the idea of power as toxic heritage. What does it mean to be born privileged? What does it mean to inherit a force that can destroy you and others? The narrative suggests that magic and structural violence walk side by side, and this political layer is, for me, what sustains the book when the pace accelerates too much.
And here comes my main criticism: the scope of the plot seems too large for the space it has. Many important events are resolved quickly. Some emotional arcs, especially those linked to Camilla's training and trauma, deserved more time on scene, more psychological depth. At times, I felt the book wanted to breathe, but could not.
Still, the reading is engaging. It is the kind of story you finish quickly, even wishing certain parts had been more developed.
In the end, City of Mirth and Malice is a satisfactory conclusion, though not perfect. It delivers political tension, action, and maintains the unique identity of the universe created by Menard. For those seeking romantasy outside the traditional axis of faerie courts, with industrial aesthetic and more evident social conflict, it is a reading worth the experience.
I finished the book with that ambiguous feeling: satisfied with the outcome, but wanting a little more silence between the explosions, more space to feel the impact of the choices.
And perhaps that says a lot about the series' own theme: chaos does not always need to be noisy to be devastating.
──── ✦ ────
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 ୧ ‧₊˚ I’m starting this book feeling really curious to see how this sequel will explore the consequences of what happened in the first one. Kidnapping, dangerous bargains, powers spiraling out of control, and a city on the verge of collapse… the tension promises to be even higher. I’m hoping to connect with the story through the characters’ growth, the emotional intensity, and the darker atmosphere this conclusion suggests. I’ll be back once I finish. ♡
𓍊𓋼𓍊 3 ☆
🗡 Update (02/25/25)
❝Nico,❞ I whispered. He smiled. Steel-grey eyes settled over me. ❝Hello, princess.❞
──── ☾ ✦ ────
When I started City of Mirth and Malice, my expectation was clear: depth. After a first book that presented a promising universe, industrial, magical, and politically tense, I wanted to see consequences. I wanted to see growth. I wanted to see choices that hurt.
And, in a way, the book delivers that.
The story continues following Camilla and Nicolai in a city that breathes conflict. Lynchaven is not just a setting: it is a living social structure. Descendants of magical saints occupy positions of privilege while natives without powers orbit this unequal system. Magic here is not ornament; it is heritage, it is political instrument, it is symbol of oppression and also of resistance.
Camilla carries this weight. Her rare ability places her at the center of disputes that go beyond romance, and that is one of the book's most interesting points. She is not just a love interest, she is a strategic piece within a larger gear. Meanwhile, Nicolai remains divided between protecting, negotiating, and surviving fragile alliances that sustain the balance between order and chaos.
The plot is fast. Very fast. Chapters alternate perspectives, creating constant urgency. There are infiltrations, confrontations, betrayals, and political revelations enough to keep any reader attentive. The narrative gives no rest, and that is both quality and problem.
Camilla evolves, but differently than I expected. The almost insolent boldness of the first book gives way to a more introspective stance. There is maturation, yes. There is trauma being processed. But I felt that part of her explosive strength was softened in favor of emotional weight. It is not necessarily a mistake, it is a choice, but it alters the character's dynamic.
The romance, in turn, takes a back seat. The chemistry between Camilla and Nicolai is still there, latent, intense when it appears. The problem is that they spend too much time apart. For a duo that built so much romantic tension in the first volume, the distance here can frustrate those who expected more scenes of closeness, dialogue, and direct conflict between the two.
Where the book really shines is in the setting. The mix of steam technology with ancestral magic creates a visually striking scenario. Manipulable shadows, black fire, rituals, and dangerous experiments build an almost gothic aesthetic, with strong identity of its own. There are no fairies or faerie courts, and that already differentiates the series within contemporary romantasy.
Thematically, the text works well with the idea of power as toxic heritage. What does it mean to be born privileged? What does it mean to inherit a force that can destroy you and others? The narrative suggests that magic and structural violence walk side by side, and this political layer is, for me, what sustains the book when the pace accelerates too much.
And here comes my main criticism: the scope of the plot seems too large for the space it has. Many important events are resolved quickly. Some emotional arcs, especially those linked to Camilla's training and trauma, deserved more time on scene, more psychological depth. At times, I felt the book wanted to breathe, but could not.
Still, the reading is engaging. It is the kind of story you finish quickly, even wishing certain parts had been more developed.
In the end, City of Mirth and Malice is a satisfactory conclusion, though not perfect. It delivers political tension, action, and maintains the unique identity of the universe created by Menard. For those seeking romantasy outside the traditional axis of faerie courts, with industrial aesthetic and more evident social conflict, it is a reading worth the experience.
I finished the book with that ambiguous feeling: satisfied with the outcome, but wanting a little more silence between the explosions, more space to feel the impact of the choices.
And perhaps that says a lot about the series' own theme: chaos does not always need to be noisy to be devastating.
──── ✦ ────
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 ୧ ‧₊˚ I’m starting this book feeling really curious to see how this sequel will explore the consequences of what happened in the first one. Kidnapping, dangerous bargains, powers spiraling out of control, and a city on the verge of collapse… the tension promises to be even higher. I’m hoping to connect with the story through the characters’ growth, the emotional intensity, and the darker atmosphere this conclusion suggests. I’ll be back once I finish. ♡
August 9, 2026
Book 2 of this duology was action packed, full of surprises and did not disappoint!
What to expect:
💚Prison Heists (two!)
💚FMC learning to control her powers
💚MMC willing to give up everything to save his wife
💚Fighting for control of a city
💚Peaky blinders / Six of Crows vibes
💚Not knowing who to trust
🌶️ 3/5 - a bit more spicy than book 1
This series is criminally underrated and deserves more hype. Do not sleep on this!
What to expect:
💚Prison Heists (two!)
💚FMC learning to control her powers
💚MMC willing to give up everything to save his wife
💚Fighting for control of a city
💚Peaky blinders / Six of Crows vibes
💚Not knowing who to trust
🌶️ 3/5 - a bit more spicy than book 1
This series is criminally underrated and deserves more hype. Do not sleep on this!
August 7, 2025
This was a fantastic continuation of the House of Bane series, following Camilla Marchese and Nicolai Attano. I absolutely loved Camilla—she’s such a strong and compelling main character, and her struggle to control the dangerous, unpredictable power of Chaos was both intense and emotional. Her strength, heart, and inner conflict were beautifully portrayed.
Nico’s storyline added even more depth. With Camilla kidnapped, he’s pushed to the edge, willing to strike dangerous bargains and risk everything—including his life—to bring her back. His love and determination made his chapters so gripping to listen to, and I loved how their connection stayed central throughout the chaos around them.
The magic system remains unique and layered, and the world continues to unfold in fascinating ways. While the ending was satisfying and gave a well-earned happy conclusion, there are still a few unanswered questions—especially about Camilla’s mom and the opened portal. I’m really hoping we’ll get a novella or continuation, because there’s clearly more to explore!
Nico’s storyline added even more depth. With Camilla kidnapped, he’s pushed to the edge, willing to strike dangerous bargains and risk everything—including his life—to bring her back. His love and determination made his chapters so gripping to listen to, and I loved how their connection stayed central throughout the chaos around them.
The magic system remains unique and layered, and the world continues to unfold in fascinating ways. While the ending was satisfying and gave a well-earned happy conclusion, there are still a few unanswered questions—especially about Camilla’s mom and the opened portal. I’m really hoping we’ll get a novella or continuation, because there’s clearly more to explore!
July 3, 2025
2/5⭐️
1.5/5🌶️
📱
i honestly had a pretty decent time with book 1 of this series and was looking forward to how this duology was going to wrap up. unfortunately, book 2 did not do for me what i had hoped for. how is it possible that so much and ABSOLUTELY NOTHING happened at the same time?? the story felt so discombobulated and jumbled and i genuinely felt like there was something wrong with me while i was reading it because i was so confused and lost. the beginning was so slow to get back into the story and the rest of it felt so overly complicated for nothing to truly be happening. at the 75% mark, i started borderline skimming because i just wanted to be done.
i will give props to the author because i really enjoyed how the first chapter of this book was a wrap up of what had happened in book 1, so at least i started the book knowing what was going on.
"all change starts with one person pissed off enough to get their hands dirty"
1.5/5🌶️
📱
i honestly had a pretty decent time with book 1 of this series and was looking forward to how this duology was going to wrap up. unfortunately, book 2 did not do for me what i had hoped for. how is it possible that so much and ABSOLUTELY NOTHING happened at the same time?? the story felt so discombobulated and jumbled and i genuinely felt like there was something wrong with me while i was reading it because i was so confused and lost. the beginning was so slow to get back into the story and the rest of it felt so overly complicated for nothing to truly be happening. at the 75% mark, i started borderline skimming because i just wanted to be done.
i will give props to the author because i really enjoyed how the first chapter of this book was a wrap up of what had happened in book 1, so at least i started the book knowing what was going on.
"all change starts with one person pissed off enough to get their hands dirty"
January 7, 2026
Nico and Camilla are EVERYTHING!!
This man is a top tier YEARNER!! He would genuinely burn down the world for her, and I am completely obsessed with him! The way their relationship develops in this instalment is so incredibly well done, and their chemistry is absolutely off the charts!
This book was relentlessly action packed from start to finish, I could not put it down!
Camilla continues to shine as a strong, badass FMC who isn't afraid to fight her own battles. I love her so much!!!
This was a fantastic sequel, and an excellent conclusion to Nico and Camilla's story. Mafia fantasy romance has undoubtedly become one of my new favourite subgenres, and I desperately need more of it!!! Although the ending felt slightly rushed, I still had the absolute best time! I cannot recommend this duet enough, and I'm so excited to see what else the author writes in this world.
This man is a top tier YEARNER!! He would genuinely burn down the world for her, and I am completely obsessed with him! The way their relationship develops in this instalment is so incredibly well done, and their chemistry is absolutely off the charts!
This book was relentlessly action packed from start to finish, I could not put it down!
Camilla continues to shine as a strong, badass FMC who isn't afraid to fight her own battles. I love her so much!!!
This was a fantastic sequel, and an excellent conclusion to Nico and Camilla's story. Mafia fantasy romance has undoubtedly become one of my new favourite subgenres, and I desperately need more of it!!! Although the ending felt slightly rushed, I still had the absolute best time! I cannot recommend this duet enough, and I'm so excited to see what else the author writes in this world.
July 24, 2025
i would give luther the world on a silver platter if i could 🙂↕️ if you’re into dark fantasy mafia romance books, i HIGHLY recommend this series. i admire milla for never questioning herself, or hesitating to fight her own battles. nico is a man obsessed, and i love that for any fmc 🤭
overall i had a really fun time with these first two books! i will definitely read on if this series expands to other characters! i love this world, and this found fam sm 🖤🖤
💭 “grief, fear, regret, those memories that resurface every day, they are not something you’ll ever be able to control. but that wall you keep putting up to protect yourself from experiencing them isn’t keeping anything out, camilla. it’s just holding all those painful feelings inside.”
overall i had a really fun time with these first two books! i will definitely read on if this series expands to other characters! i love this world, and this found fam sm 🖤🖤
💭 “grief, fear, regret, those memories that resurface every day, they are not something you’ll ever be able to control. but that wall you keep putting up to protect yourself from experiencing them isn’t keeping anything out, camilla. it’s just holding all those painful feelings inside.”
June 22, 2025
My new favorite series
August 9, 2025
You are thrown into action since the first pages and it doesn’t let you breath until the very end!
Twists and turns kept me hooked. I was on pins and needles during the whole book! The plot was bending all the way around and slapped me from behind.
Such a good read with intense story. I was sad, happy, laughing, stressed and surprised over and over again 🖤
“The things we whisper to the shadows have a tendency to come true.”
"There isn't a hell in the void that could keep me from you, Milla. I'd suffer for a lifetime to have another moment on your lips."
Twists and turns kept me hooked. I was on pins and needles during the whole book! The plot was bending all the way around and slapped me from behind.
Such a good read with intense story. I was sad, happy, laughing, stressed and surprised over and over again 🖤
“The things we whisper to the shadows have a tendency to come true.”
"There isn't a hell in the void that could keep me from you, Milla. I'd suffer for a lifetime to have another moment on your lips."
September 3, 2025
Such a great book and a fantastic wrap-up to this incredible duology! This installment was full of twists and turns and so perfectly crafted. The depth and detail in the story were incredible. Definitely not lacking in plot in fact, it was very plot-heavy with just the right amount of spice.
I liked how the rich worldbuilding and fantasy elements truly carried the series, rather than leaning too heavily on romance or spice. This could also totally be turned into a trilogy since there’s still so much to be learned about the FMC, but it still wrapped up nicely as a duology.
If you’re in the mood for a dark fantasy romance with a strong plot, rich world building, a touch of spice, and Peaky Blinders vibes with a unique magic system, definitely check this one out!
Tropes you’ll find:
✨ Marriage of convenience
✨ Morally grey MMC
✨ Peaky Blinders vibes
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Found family
✨ Dark, gritty industrial atmosphere
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
I liked how the rich worldbuilding and fantasy elements truly carried the series, rather than leaning too heavily on romance or spice. This could also totally be turned into a trilogy since there’s still so much to be learned about the FMC, but it still wrapped up nicely as a duology.
If you’re in the mood for a dark fantasy romance with a strong plot, rich world building, a touch of spice, and Peaky Blinders vibes with a unique magic system, definitely check this one out!
Tropes you’ll find:
✨ Marriage of convenience
✨ Morally grey MMC
✨ Peaky Blinders vibes
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Found family
✨ Dark, gritty industrial atmosphere
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
August 7, 2025
A good book but at what cost?
I almost feel like the book was way longer than it needed to be and like the author got bored and finished the book way too fast. I still loved it and ate it up, but the middle was so long and the ending was so rushed.
I’m just glad Camilla and Nico ended up happy but wowow what a rollercoaster, definitely sad it’s over 🥲
I almost feel like the book was way longer than it needed to be and like the author got bored and finished the book way too fast. I still loved it and ate it up, but the middle was so long and the ending was so rushed.
I’m just glad Camilla and Nico ended up happy but wowow what a rollercoaster, definitely sad it’s over 🥲
December 14, 2025
am I supposed to care?
December 7, 2025
3.75⭐️
2/5🌶️
Dual/first person POV
Book 2 in a duology
Format: audiobook
A decent follow up ending but not all the way there for me
My biggest mistake was changing mediums from book 1 (that I read on KU) to audio because the narrators were not it (even though I love Jacci!) They both sound way too mature for such young characters which took me way out of the story.
I realized as I was reading this that this is finally a romantasy where both MC’s have some sort of extended family as opposed to being sad complete martyr/orphans. The villains were definitely a let down but I did enjoy everyone else.
The story continues to be original but kinda boring overall. The “betrayals” weren’t giving much either, which is understandable but still boring. The romance is simple so in other words boring. The plot started to get convoluted & all over the place but also you guessed it, boring.
But everything wrapped up nicely.
Basically, a simple conclusion to a unique but boring story.
2/5🌶️
Dual/first person POV
Book 2 in a duology
Format: audiobook
A decent follow up ending but not all the way there for me
My biggest mistake was changing mediums from book 1 (that I read on KU) to audio because the narrators were not it (even though I love Jacci!) They both sound way too mature for such young characters which took me way out of the story.
I realized as I was reading this that this is finally a romantasy where both MC’s have some sort of extended family as opposed to being sad complete martyr/orphans. The villains were definitely a let down but I did enjoy everyone else.
The story continues to be original but kinda boring overall. The “betrayals” weren’t giving much either, which is understandable but still boring. The romance is simple so in other words boring. The plot started to get convoluted & all over the place but also you guessed it, boring.
But everything wrapped up nicely.
Basically, a simple conclusion to a unique but boring story.
February 6, 2026
3.5⭐️ THANK YOU FOR THE RECAP!! I think all authors should add recaps. It can take so long for the sequel to come out, and a recap is super helpful. I missed my boy Nico he has such a dirty mouth and vibrating hand 😏. Camilla really went through it in this book and had some overcoming to do. I do wish we got more answers about her powers. We didnt get enough information or development with that part. I also did feel like the ending was left very open so it felt less like a conclusion.
March 18, 2026
4/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
A fun conclusion to this duet. I was dying at the end of the first book, needing to know about Milla and how she was faring. And my man Nico! I knew he’d be in distress! So much development in this story, bringing more mystical elements into the mix and creating a richer world for the series. Also… so much BETRAYAL! DECEIT! GOING BEHIND BACKS! I hope this isn’t the end of this world and characters for Menard, because I love Nico and Milla something fierce.
2/5🌶️
A fun conclusion to this duet. I was dying at the end of the first book, needing to know about Milla and how she was faring. And my man Nico! I knew he’d be in distress! So much development in this story, bringing more mystical elements into the mix and creating a richer world for the series. Also… so much BETRAYAL! DECEIT! GOING BEHIND BACKS! I hope this isn’t the end of this world and characters for Menard, because I love Nico and Milla something fierce.
July 29, 2025
4.5⭐️ I’m so sad Camilla and Nico’s story is over 😭 but man this book was great! Loved it a little more than the first. Felt like so much was happening and kept me on my toes but wrapped it all up so well. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series
April 27, 2026
3.5⭐️ I found this SO confusing icl the plot actually lost me so many times, I had no idea what I was rooting for. There was also a lot less romance in this compared to the first one BUT I still had a fun time
June 21, 2025
OHH MY SHAYLAAA. Absolutely phenomenal 🫶🏼
July 11, 2025
This book didn’t stop. Idk how they kept going, because there wasn’t a moment to breathe. Happy they got their HEA. Perfect way to wrap up Camilla and Nico 🫶🏼
March 15, 2026
dnf @ 60% - im going to try and circle back because the potential is THERE its just not capturing my attention right now
March 24, 2026
Is this really a duology?! I neeeed more!
June 7, 2026
War das spannend! Wenn man ein Fan von Geschichten ist, wo man nie so wirklich sicher sein kann, was gerade passiert, dann ist City of Mirth & Malice genau das Richtige für einen. Alle Charaktere sind totale Masterminds und haben noch so 1000 Asse im Ärmel, sodass man auf keinen Fall vorhersehen kann, was als Nächstes passiert. Das war wirklich so spannend zu lesen! Ich war sogar so sehr in einer Geschichte gefangen, dass ich eine S-Bahn verpasst habe😂
Die Charaktere sind genau die richtige Mischung aus Personen, die man bewundert und cool findet und solchen, die man einfach lieb hat. Ich bin auch ein großer Fan von Fantasy Büchern, wo auch mal eine wichtige Person stirbt, damit man auch wirklich zittert, wenn die Lieblinge in Gefahr geraten. Diese Reihe schafft das auf jeden Fall!
Super finde ich auch, dass man wirklich immer wieder Action hat und nicht nur ein großes Finale. Man war eigentlich die ganze Zeit über unter Spannung.
Meine einzigen kleinen Kritikpunkte sind, dass die Anfangsphase des Buchs (ich will nicht spoilern) mir persönlich etwas zu lange gedauert hat und, dass ich immernoch nicht das Magiesystem zu 100% verstehe.
Jetzt bin ich auf jeden Fall total gespannt ob das schon das Ende von Nico und Milla war oder ob es noch ein drittes Buch geben wird und was da wohl noch so passieren könnte.
Die Charaktere sind genau die richtige Mischung aus Personen, die man bewundert und cool findet und solchen, die man einfach lieb hat. Ich bin auch ein großer Fan von Fantasy Büchern, wo auch mal eine wichtige Person stirbt, damit man auch wirklich zittert, wenn die Lieblinge in Gefahr geraten. Diese Reihe schafft das auf jeden Fall!
Super finde ich auch, dass man wirklich immer wieder Action hat und nicht nur ein großes Finale. Man war eigentlich die ganze Zeit über unter Spannung.
Meine einzigen kleinen Kritikpunkte sind, dass die Anfangsphase des Buchs (ich will nicht spoilern) mir persönlich etwas zu lange gedauert hat und, dass ich immernoch nicht das Magiesystem zu 100% verstehe.
Jetzt bin ich auf jeden Fall total gespannt ob das schon das Ende von Nico und Milla war oder ob es noch ein drittes Buch geben wird und was da wohl noch so passieren könnte.
June 10, 2026
“𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓭𝓪𝓵, 𝓲𝓼𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓮, 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓼?”
Nico is a ｍａｎand I love him and his murdery tendencies! He was def the shining star of this duology.
Again I feel like there was so much potential here, but it still didn’t fully cross the finish line for me. Still, the setting and the lore is cool, and Nico is perfect, but I just needed something 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.
Nico is a ｍａｎand I love him and his murdery tendencies! He was def the shining star of this duology.
Again I feel like there was so much potential here, but it still didn’t fully cross the finish line for me. Still, the setting and the lore is cool, and Nico is perfect, but I just needed something 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.
December 2, 2025
Vows and Vengeance #2
City of Mirth and Malice
By Alexis L. Menard
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Dark Romance, Rivals to Lovers, Found Family
⭐️ Ranking: 4
🤓 Do I own the book? No
🎧📖 How I read it: Audio
🌶 Level: 3
📚 Would read again? Yes
This was such a strong continuation of Camilla and Nicolai’s story. While I did enjoy book one just a little more, this was still a great addition to the series and delivered exactly what I wanted from these characters and this world.
What I loved most was getting to see more of Camilla’s magic. Watching her fight/learn to control it while trapped in such a brutal environment added a whole new layer to her character.
The banter and tension from book one absolutely carried over. Menard really knows how to write that sharp, simmering chemistry.
I also really enjoyed the expansion of the found family elements. We get more dynamics between the side characters, deeper loyalties, frayed alliances, and moments that make the world feel full of heart beneath all the crime, secrets, and chaos.
The plot stays action-heavy, with trials, bargains, betrayals, and a city on the brink. It has that gritty, industrial-magic edge that made the first book feel so unique. Overall, it’s a satisfying, dramatic conclusion to Nico and Milla’s arc.
If you enjoyed the criminal dynasties, dark magic, political maneuvering, and enemies-to-lovers heat of book one, you’ll absolutely want to keep going with this sequel.
"For the first time, I didn't mind being completely seen, not when my truths weren't used against me."
“The only reason you resent your power is because how others reacted to it, but that is not your fault, and it is not within your power to control how others see you---only how you see yourself.”
City of Mirth and Malice
By Alexis L. Menard
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Dark Romance, Rivals to Lovers, Found Family
⭐️ Ranking: 4
🤓 Do I own the book? No
🎧📖 How I read it: Audio
🌶 Level: 3
📚 Would read again? Yes
This was such a strong continuation of Camilla and Nicolai’s story. While I did enjoy book one just a little more, this was still a great addition to the series and delivered exactly what I wanted from these characters and this world.
What I loved most was getting to see more of Camilla’s magic. Watching her fight/learn to control it while trapped in such a brutal environment added a whole new layer to her character.
The banter and tension from book one absolutely carried over. Menard really knows how to write that sharp, simmering chemistry.
I also really enjoyed the expansion of the found family elements. We get more dynamics between the side characters, deeper loyalties, frayed alliances, and moments that make the world feel full of heart beneath all the crime, secrets, and chaos.
The plot stays action-heavy, with trials, bargains, betrayals, and a city on the brink. It has that gritty, industrial-magic edge that made the first book feel so unique. Overall, it’s a satisfying, dramatic conclusion to Nico and Milla’s arc.
If you enjoyed the criminal dynasties, dark magic, political maneuvering, and enemies-to-lovers heat of book one, you’ll absolutely want to keep going with this sequel.
"For the first time, I didn't mind being completely seen, not when my truths weren't used against me."
“The only reason you resent your power is because how others reacted to it, but that is not your fault, and it is not within your power to control how others see you---only how you see yourself.”
May 4, 2026
This is the sequel book in this series that for some reason I thought was going to be a duology, but now I'm not completely sure. The good thing is that the story arc of the first two books is definitely complete and wrapped up, but it does set the scene for possible future books.
When we left off in the last book, MMC Nicolai Attano (Nico) is placed in the horrible position of getting the thing he thought he wanted (the Railway), but at the cost of something he wasn't willing to lose - FMC Camilla Marchese. Camilla has survived the attack from their enemies but is captured and thrown into the prison that had held Nico for so many years. The bad guys know what she is and they are willing to do whatever it takes, including all kinds of experimentation, to control her Remnant.
This book takes us on the journey as Nico is completely determined to do whatever it takes to get her back. When I say whatever it takes, I mean WHATEVER IT TAKES. There is a lot of action in this book and every time I thought things were finished, the rug was swept out from everyone as it became clear that there were more and more layers to the schemes of the villains.
I really loved the found family aspect of Nico's family and it showcased the huge difference in the relationship of the Marchese family - I liked both Nico and Camilla as characters. There are some side characters that are awesome, and some that made me want to bang my head against a wall.
When we left off in the last book, MMC Nicolai Attano (Nico) is placed in the horrible position of getting the thing he thought he wanted (the Railway), but at the cost of something he wasn't willing to lose - FMC Camilla Marchese. Camilla has survived the attack from their enemies but is captured and thrown into the prison that had held Nico for so many years. The bad guys know what she is and they are willing to do whatever it takes, including all kinds of experimentation, to control her Remnant.
This book takes us on the journey as Nico is completely determined to do whatever it takes to get her back. When I say whatever it takes, I mean WHATEVER IT TAKES. There is a lot of action in this book and every time I thought things were finished, the rug was swept out from everyone as it became clear that there were more and more layers to the schemes of the villains.
I really loved the found family aspect of Nico's family and it showcased the huge difference in the relationship of the Marchese family - I liked both Nico and Camilla as characters. There are some side characters that are awesome, and some that made me want to bang my head against a wall.
July 20, 2025
Le premier tome était vraiment incroyable, j’ai tout aimé.
Seul bémol : tout n’était pas très clair à la fin et j’avais hâte de lire le tome 2 pour avoir toutes les réponses à mes questions.
Mais je dois avouer que le tome 2 n’a malheureusement pas répondu à mes attentes à ce niveau là.
En fait, c’était TROP. trop d’actions, trop d’informations et trop d’interrogations : j’étais perdue.
J’ai quand même aimé le found family, certaines révélations et mécanismes que l’autrice a mis en place, mais je n’ai pas retrouvé cette magie au niveau de la romance et de l’intrigue que j’avais ressenti sur le premier livre. J’suis tellement triste 😞
Je conseille quand même cette duologie rien que pour le 1er tome et pour l’ensemble, mais mais mais mais… dommage pour la conclusion. 😭
Seul bémol : tout n’était pas très clair à la fin et j’avais hâte de lire le tome 2 pour avoir toutes les réponses à mes questions.
Mais je dois avouer que le tome 2 n’a malheureusement pas répondu à mes attentes à ce niveau là.
En fait, c’était TROP. trop d’actions, trop d’informations et trop d’interrogations : j’étais perdue.
J’ai quand même aimé le found family, certaines révélations et mécanismes que l’autrice a mis en place, mais je n’ai pas retrouvé cette magie au niveau de la romance et de l’intrigue que j’avais ressenti sur le premier livre. J’suis tellement triste 😞
Je conseille quand même cette duologie rien que pour le 1er tome et pour l’ensemble, mais mais mais mais… dommage pour la conclusion. 😭
July 21, 2025
i think my thoughts from the last book remain. the story wrapped everything up really nicely but it felt like all of the main action was really packed into the last maybe 20-30% of the book. the ending was left in a way where the story could easily be picked up again but i don’t know if i would pick up a third book.
i also feel like the majority of the relationships in the book remained really shallow and weren’t explored on a level beyond the author just telling us how people felt about each other. usually i will get really absorbed in a book and start to form strong opinions about characters and their actions, and actively care about how a plot develops and that just didn’t happen here.
i also feel like the majority of the relationships in the book remained really shallow and weren’t explored on a level beyond the author just telling us how people felt about each other. usually i will get really absorbed in a book and start to form strong opinions about characters and their actions, and actively care about how a plot develops and that just didn’t happen here.
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