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Jaga and the Devil #2
Devil's Doom
The devil won’t let me run. I feel his hot breath on my nape wherever I go.I’m trapped in a world of magic and monsters, ruled by laws I don’t understand, inhabited by creatures older and far more vicious than me. Here, I am a mere mortal. I am food or entertainment or both.
If I want to get anywhere, I must tame my newfound power and find allies, but in the war-ravaged Slawa, no one trusts anyone. I must prove myself, risking my life and evading the devil, even though he seems unavoidable. He does everything in his might to force his way back into my graces and heart.
When the biggest powers in Slawa find out who I am, everything changes, and I learn my lesson one more time.
I shouldn’t have trusted the devil. But he should have learned, too. I bite so hard when I’m cornered.
Coming out on spring equinox 2025.
If I want to get anywhere, I must tame my newfound power and find allies, but in the war-ravaged Slawa, no one trusts anyone. I must prove myself, risking my life and evading the devil, even though he seems unavoidable. He does everything in his might to force his way back into my graces and heart.
When the biggest powers in Slawa find out who I am, everything changes, and I learn my lesson one more time.
I shouldn’t have trusted the devil. But he should have learned, too. I bite so hard when I’m cornered.
Coming out on spring equinox 2025.
621 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
376 people are currently reading
2466 people want to read
About the author
Layla Fae
43 books2,095 followersSign up for my newsletter: here.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
March 20, 2025
After fleeing from Woland, Jaga has successfully dodged his persistent pursuit for now…
she navigates through dense forests and serene valleys on her way to society.
With hopes of starting fresh in Slawa,. Unbeknownst to her, she’s about to step into a chaotic world filled with lies and strict rules. Little does she know, she will encounter a world filled with turmoil… She’s stuck in a realm of magic and monsters, governed by rules that make no sense to her, surrounded by ancient and ruthless beings
If Jaga aims to make headway, she must tap into her new abilities and cultivate alliances. At the same time, it is crucial for her to regulate her power usage to avoid becoming the center of attention
Jade understands that the devil will not allow her to escape without a struggle. Jaga has to prove herself, risking her life while dodging the devil, who seems to be everywhere and nowhere
As we approached the end of this installment, I had a feeling a cliffhanger was coming. Honestly, I’m not sure I can wait until the end of the year for the resolution to this captivating story. And anyone who knows me is aware that I absolutely despise cliffhangers! But hey, that’s just my take on it……… Happy readings see on the other side
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March 11, 2025Genuinely shocked I can write like THIS.
Am destroyed.
Hopefully, the final book will fix me.
Am destroyed.
Hopefully, the final book will fix me.
April 13, 2025
Ok, so 🥸 this was an experience, and I have so many thoughts. Let's get into it.
Let me start off by saying that this was one of my most, if not the most, anticipated books of mine for 2025. Ever since I read the first book I've not been able to shut up about this world, and what I've said in the past still stands: this world that Layla Fae has created is so genuinely special, and such a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the more recent fantasy romance releases. It's really immersive fantasy-wise.
However this one didn't really work out for me, which honestly sucks to say. I'm no joke one of the biggest fans of LF and have been reading her work for years now, so it feels wrong to not like a book by her, but at the same time, I have to be honest.
⚠️ My review doesn't have any explicit spoilers that aren't hidden, however, I do mention things that were included in the trigger warning list as well as the previous book, so if you haven't read it yet/ want to go in completely blind, I do go into detail below. ⚠️
Before I do that, to put it simply overall, my thoughts about this book were: It was a very solid fantasy, however, I didn't love it in the ways that I hoped I would. It was a matter of characters that I love taking a direction that I didn't love personally. I definitely preferred the first book a lot more, and it came down to personal preference.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Ok, time for the ramble:
Although I had been waiting since last year to read this book, I actually ended up pushing it back, and was so scared to start this story. I loved the first book so much that I had created these sort of expectations in my head for what I thought would happen in this book, and that made me so hesitant to start it because I wanted to love it so much. To add onto that, I read the trigger warning list, and I got SO scared for the romance.
If you know me, you know that the cheating trope is one of my most hated tropes ever- which made me feel so conflicted when thinking about starting this book. It genuinely made me so nervous, and in that regard I kind of wish that I went in blind without having read the triggers 😭 because throughout the whole book I just kept waiting for it to happen. Obviously, I get the concept of 'if you don't like something, don't read it'-
BUT this, as I said, was my most anticipated book for this year, and I would not pass up this opportunity for anything. And with any trope when it comes to reading, even if you dislike it, you can still enjoy the overall outcome of the book as a whole: it just depends on the writing. Anything can make sense in a story if approached right contextually.
Jaga and Woland have one of my favourite dynamics and relationships that I've read about in a VERY long time. So knowing that cheating was involved didn't make much sense to me, knowing how possessive Woland is, despite the fact that this is a VERY toxic relationship.
There was already such a fragile dynamic between the two, where I feel like for me I wouldn't have minded how much push and pull/toxicity there was between them had it JUST been between them: with no other character involved romantically.
To go on a little tangent, one series that kept coming to my mind when reading this was 'From Blood and Ash'- and the reason being how despite the fact that there are multiple books, there was only ever one relationship/romance between the MCs (last book aside iykyk 💀).
For me, I love when one relationship gets multiple books to develop over, where another character isn't brought into a dynamic to overcomplicate things. I sort of wished that this was the case for this book, primarily because there was SO much that went into Jaga and Woland's relationship.
To be completely honest, I'm really disappointed with the direction that their relationship took. As dramatic as this may sound, it literally pains me to even have that thought right now. If you read my review for the first book, then you know how much I loved it.
Romantically speaking, I feel like JagaWoland didn't make any progress and, if anything, really regressed with their relationship. It was genuinely a one-step-forward ten-steps-back situation, where any time you thought that things were finally getting better, it just got so disrupted.
Their relationship was a mix of miscommunication, lies, separation, and just everything you can think of. And on a base level, I get that this is a dark romance and that their whole dynamic is based on toxicity, but it gets to a point 😭. There were so many moments where I got upset with Jaga's inability to give in, and on the flipside, Woland's inability to actually commit to things that he says. It was the same old push and pull that we had seen in book one, and reading about this same dynamic for another 450+ pages didn't really do it for me.
I just wanted something new from them. And especially after reading that ending, their whole conflict with one another felt so pointless to me?
In terms of the actual cheating 🤣. Thinking about it makes me want to go into a psychosis because what even happened and why 😭. It felt like one of the things added for the shock factor and for some of the reveals at the end to have more impact, and I hate that it happened. I hate the concept that friendships, especially in romance books, between characters of the opposite gender cannot really remain entirely platonic (which happened a few times).
I, with my whole heart, wished that the scene hadn't happened. In my opinion, it didn't bring anything to the story and just made me question so many choices made by these characters. It just didn't make sense and really contradicted a lot of the characterization previously made. It's the fact that Jaga didn't trust Woland once, yet readily did with so many other characters. The last 10% really felt like a fever dream.
The speed at which certain romantic attachments developed didn't really make much sense to me. All in all, when looking back at the romance, I was let down personally. It came out of NOWHERE.
I think it's important to note, though, that even if the cheating didn't happen, I still don't think this would have worked for me simply because the book ended up in a position where the romance was exactly where we started it off with, if not worse. I just couldn't root for it anymore.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
This is honestly where all my love and stars are going, because if there's one thing that LF can do, it's write a thorough setting. The amount of research that went into the lore and world-building is insane, and she really deserves her flowers for it. This world is so well written and so unbelievably immersive. Plot-wise, aside from like character introductions, not much happened, but I loved the way that certain settings were introduced and described.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
I'll split up my thoughts on the book by percentages because I found myself keeping track when reading.
I didn't end up rereading the first book before starting this one, but it was a very smooth transition from the previous one, from what I remember. In this portion of the book, there was obviously separation between the MCs, which sort of dragged slightly for me. I enjoyed the introduction of new characters and the exploration of the new setting, however, I missed the romantic dynamic between the MCs and wish that we got more of it.
The reintroduction of Woland was absolutely amazing for me. He was such a stark reminder of one of the reasons that I loved the first book so much. It was the fact that, although he's genuinely evil, you can't help but like him. Although I loved his introduction, I definitely found myself wishing that he had a more present role. I feel like there was a lot of separation between Jaga and Woland that felt frustrating at times. There wasn't really any development happening.
This is sort of where the book went downhill for me. Initially, once the MCS started interacting more frequently together the book really started picking up. I was obsessed with some of the scenes and the dynamic between them. However, on the flipside, knowing that cheating was involved in their story kind of sullied my feelings on a lot of their scenes together.
It made it hard to appreciate them in the moment, knowing they would fall back into their routine of not trusting each other. It just reinforced the fact that their push-and-pull dynamic would never truly come to an end in this book. That specific will they won't they got frustrating towards the end. It was such a repetitive cycle of Jaga not trusting Woland, and it got old.
This portion of the book genuinely gave me whiplash at times, because why were we moving in a circle 😭. The push and pull dynamic between them definitely got to me a lot more than it did previously, simply because this was the second book in the series.
Umm... So...
Is my crash-out justified Ithink the cheating broke me 😭. Like I said in my mental breakdown above, it just didn't work for me. I feel like the last 10% of this story really regressed and took away from a LOT of the progress that was made and just made me really start to dislike some of these characters that I grew to love 💀.
With Jaga, I just couldn't root for her anymore 😭 And with Woland, I felt the same way.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
All in all, I am so conflicted. I have so much more to say, but I think I'll just leave it at that. I honestly don't know if I'll be reading the next book, but for what it's worth, I do appreciate the world that LF has created, but the story just took a turn that doesn't really work for me.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
-=- Before reading -=-
This is easily one of my most anticipated releases this year- I'm so excited it's not even funny 😭.
Let me start off by saying that this was one of my most, if not the most, anticipated books of mine for 2025. Ever since I read the first book I've not been able to shut up about this world, and what I've said in the past still stands: this world that Layla Fae has created is so genuinely special, and such a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the more recent fantasy romance releases. It's really immersive fantasy-wise.
However this one didn't really work out for me, which honestly sucks to say. I'm no joke one of the biggest fans of LF and have been reading her work for years now, so it feels wrong to not like a book by her, but at the same time, I have to be honest.
⚠️ My review doesn't have any explicit spoilers that aren't hidden, however, I do mention things that were included in the trigger warning list as well as the previous book, so if you haven't read it yet/ want to go in completely blind, I do go into detail below. ⚠️
Before I do that, to put it simply overall, my thoughts about this book were: It was a very solid fantasy, however, I didn't love it in the ways that I hoped I would. It was a matter of characters that I love taking a direction that I didn't love personally. I definitely preferred the first book a lot more, and it came down to personal preference.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Ok, time for the ramble:
-=- Tropes, Triggers & Romantic relationships -=-
Although I had been waiting since last year to read this book, I actually ended up pushing it back, and was so scared to start this story. I loved the first book so much that I had created these sort of expectations in my head for what I thought would happen in this book, and that made me so hesitant to start it because I wanted to love it so much. To add onto that, I read the trigger warning list, and I got SO scared for the romance.
If you know me, you know that the cheating trope is one of my most hated tropes ever- which made me feel so conflicted when thinking about starting this book. It genuinely made me so nervous, and in that regard I kind of wish that I went in blind without having read the triggers 😭 because throughout the whole book I just kept waiting for it to happen. Obviously, I get the concept of 'if you don't like something, don't read it'-
BUT this, as I said, was my most anticipated book for this year, and I would not pass up this opportunity for anything. And with any trope when it comes to reading, even if you dislike it, you can still enjoy the overall outcome of the book as a whole: it just depends on the writing. Anything can make sense in a story if approached right contextually.
Jaga and Woland have one of my favourite dynamics and relationships that I've read about in a VERY long time. So knowing that cheating was involved didn't make much sense to me, knowing how possessive Woland is, despite the fact that this is a VERY toxic relationship.
There was already such a fragile dynamic between the two, where I feel like for me I wouldn't have minded how much push and pull/toxicity there was between them had it JUST been between them: with no other character involved romantically.
To go on a little tangent, one series that kept coming to my mind when reading this was 'From Blood and Ash'- and the reason being how despite the fact that there are multiple books, there was only ever one relationship/romance between the MCs (last book aside iykyk 💀).
For me, I love when one relationship gets multiple books to develop over, where another character isn't brought into a dynamic to overcomplicate things. I sort of wished that this was the case for this book, primarily because there was SO much that went into Jaga and Woland's relationship.
To be completely honest, I'm really disappointed with the direction that their relationship took. As dramatic as this may sound, it literally pains me to even have that thought right now. If you read my review for the first book, then you know how much I loved it.
Romantically speaking, I feel like JagaWoland didn't make any progress and, if anything, really regressed with their relationship. It was genuinely a one-step-forward ten-steps-back situation, where any time you thought that things were finally getting better, it just got so disrupted.
Their relationship was a mix of miscommunication, lies, separation, and just everything you can think of. And on a base level, I get that this is a dark romance and that their whole dynamic is based on toxicity, but it gets to a point 😭. There were so many moments where I got upset with Jaga's inability to give in, and on the flipside, Woland's inability to actually commit to things that he says. It was the same old push and pull that we had seen in book one, and reading about this same dynamic for another 450+ pages didn't really do it for me.
I just wanted something new from them. And especially after reading that ending, their whole conflict with one another felt so pointless to me?
In terms of the actual cheating 🤣. Thinking about it makes me want to go into a psychosis because what even happened and why 😭. It felt like one of the things added for the shock factor and for some of the reveals at the end to have more impact, and I hate that it happened. I hate the concept that friendships, especially in romance books, between characters of the opposite gender cannot really remain entirely platonic (which happened a few times).
I, with my whole heart, wished that the scene hadn't happened. In my opinion, it didn't bring anything to the story and just made me question so many choices made by these characters. It just didn't make sense and really contradicted a lot of the characterization previously made. It's the fact that Jaga didn't trust Woland once, yet readily did with so many other characters. The last 10% really felt like a fever dream.
The speed at which certain romantic attachments developed didn't really make much sense to me. All in all, when looking back at the romance, I was let down personally. It came out of NOWHERE.
I think it's important to note, though, that even if the cheating didn't happen, I still don't think this would have worked for me simply because the book ended up in a position where the romance was exactly where we started it off with, if not worse. I just couldn't root for it anymore.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
-=- Fantasy & World building -=-
This is honestly where all my love and stars are going, because if there's one thing that LF can do, it's write a thorough setting. The amount of research that went into the lore and world-building is insane, and she really deserves her flowers for it. This world is so well written and so unbelievably immersive. Plot-wise, aside from like character introductions, not much happened, but I loved the way that certain settings were introduced and described.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
-=- Thoughts throughout the story -=-
I'll split up my thoughts on the book by percentages because I found myself keeping track when reading.
※ The first 30%:
I didn't end up rereading the first book before starting this one, but it was a very smooth transition from the previous one, from what I remember. In this portion of the book, there was obviously separation between the MCs, which sort of dragged slightly for me. I enjoyed the introduction of new characters and the exploration of the new setting, however, I missed the romantic dynamic between the MCs and wish that we got more of it.
※ 30-50%:
The reintroduction of Woland was absolutely amazing for me. He was such a stark reminder of one of the reasons that I loved the first book so much. It was the fact that, although he's genuinely evil, you can't help but like him. Although I loved his introduction, I definitely found myself wishing that he had a more present role. I feel like there was a lot of separation between Jaga and Woland that felt frustrating at times. There wasn't really any development happening.
※ 50-90%:
This is sort of where the book went downhill for me. Initially, once the MCS started interacting more frequently together the book really started picking up. I was obsessed with some of the scenes and the dynamic between them. However, on the flipside, knowing that cheating was involved in their story kind of sullied my feelings on a lot of their scenes together.
It made it hard to appreciate them in the moment, knowing they would fall back into their routine of not trusting each other. It just reinforced the fact that their push-and-pull dynamic would never truly come to an end in this book. That specific will they won't they got frustrating towards the end. It was such a repetitive cycle of Jaga not trusting Woland, and it got old.
This portion of the book genuinely gave me whiplash at times, because why were we moving in a circle 😭. The push and pull dynamic between them definitely got to me a lot more than it did previously, simply because this was the second book in the series.
※ 90-100%:
Umm... So...
Is my crash-out justified Ithink the cheating broke me 😭. Like I said
With Jaga, I just couldn't root for her anymore 😭 And with Woland, I felt the same way.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
All in all, I am so conflicted. I have so much more to say, but I think I'll just leave it at that. I honestly don't know if I'll be reading the next book, but for what it's worth, I do appreciate the world that LF has created, but the story just took a turn that doesn't really work for me.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
-=- Before reading -=-
This is easily one of my most anticipated releases this year- I'm so excited it's not even funny 😭.
March 22, 2025
I just finished reading Devil’s Doom. It was everything I hoped it would be.
Having read some of the reviews that say Jaga cheated, I have to disagree. She ran from Woland in the beginning and only initially agreed to stay with the rebels for training & specifically in Woland’s chambers for the safety of her new friends. From my perspective Woland & Jaga’s entire romantic relationship has been based on nothing but duress, manipulations, & deceit. Obviously, there is passion, lust, and an undercurrent of love. But Woland plays with Jaga’s heart in ways that I think are almost unforgivable. He even admits he spent a full week playing sweet & nice so she would let him ‘claim’ her. Then when she witnesses the ugly truth of Woland’s rebels, & rightfully confronts him, Woland tries to erase her memories so he can keep manipulating her for his own gains. Jaga clearly tells Woland she will Leave and Never Be His or support his rebellion. So, HOW is it she cheated?? Woland is obviously being forced to go through a painful & emotional redemption arc to earn Jaga’s forgiveness & love, which I can’t wait to read about. But, Jaga deserved having a moment with someone who just wanted to be with her and nothing more.
The scenes with Chors were my absolute favorites. I have never had much interest in romance books with multiple MMC’s. But, I find it is very fitting in this world of gods. With everything Jaga has been through with Woland, I would never believe Woland could heal those emotional wounds he inflicted on Jaga by himself.
So I’m hoping Chors will be a large part of the next book in healing Jaga’s heart & helping her open up to being loved. I think Chors’ quite strength & acceptance, his honesty & openness, is exactly what Jaga will need to be able to forgive/accept Woland. As passionately dark that I find Woland/Jaga; I find Chors/Jaga enchantingly beautiful. So I hope she gets both or she ends up with Chors. Jaga deserves a beautiful love to heal, Woland will never be that to me. But Chors already is.
Thank you for writing a wonderfully captivating series. I cannot wait for the third book.
Having read some of the reviews that say Jaga cheated, I have to disagree. She ran from Woland in the beginning and only initially agreed to stay with the rebels for training & specifically in Woland’s chambers for the safety of her new friends. From my perspective Woland & Jaga’s entire romantic relationship has been based on nothing but duress, manipulations, & deceit. Obviously, there is passion, lust, and an undercurrent of love. But Woland plays with Jaga’s heart in ways that I think are almost unforgivable. He even admits he spent a full week playing sweet & nice so she would let him ‘claim’ her. Then when she witnesses the ugly truth of Woland’s rebels, & rightfully confronts him, Woland tries to erase her memories so he can keep manipulating her for his own gains. Jaga clearly tells Woland she will Leave and Never Be His or support his rebellion. So, HOW is it she cheated?? Woland is obviously being forced to go through a painful & emotional redemption arc to earn Jaga’s forgiveness & love, which I can’t wait to read about. But, Jaga deserved having a moment with someone who just wanted to be with her and nothing more.
The scenes with Chors were my absolute favorites. I have never had much interest in romance books with multiple MMC’s. But, I find it is very fitting in this world of gods. With everything Jaga has been through with Woland, I would never believe Woland could heal those emotional wounds he inflicted on Jaga by himself.
So I’m hoping Chors will be a large part of the next book in healing Jaga’s heart & helping her open up to being loved. I think Chors’ quite strength & acceptance, his honesty & openness, is exactly what Jaga will need to be able to forgive/accept Woland. As passionately dark that I find Woland/Jaga; I find Chors/Jaga enchantingly beautiful. So I hope she gets both or she ends up with Chors. Jaga deserves a beautiful love to heal, Woland will never be that to me. But Chors already is.
Thank you for writing a wonderfully captivating series. I cannot wait for the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2025
I had such a love/hate relationship with the ending. I told Layla Fae I was angry and need the next book now.
It was so good I wanted book three, which I found out does not come out till 12/21. Go get it now and enjoy these books.
It was so good I wanted book three, which I found out does not come out till 12/21. Go get it now and enjoy these books.
March 18, 2025
This was a great dark romance. I actually found it darker than the first book in the series. The cheating towards the end came out of nowhere for me. Almost for the entire book Jaga doesn't trust Woland. Then for certain reasons she leaves him and goes to another God who for some unknown reason she trusts completely and immediately. That's a little hard to believe for me. The reason I took one star out is because I don't like ow/om drama. The cliffhanger in the end is a little torturous.... I can't wait to see how this story ends. Could they end up in a throuple? I wouldn't be mad about it....
Thank you to the author for the arc. This was my honest review.
Thank you to the author for the arc. This was my honest review.
July 16, 2025
I asked for pitch black and I was given obsidian. Honestly it’s my own fault for wanting the toxicity. Here I sit at 2am, mouth gaping and eyes wide, absolutely stunned with the ending of Devil’s Doom.
It was like I was watching the most diabolical soap opera available; gasping at every chapter for all the nonstop plot twists.
Jaga … I have no feelings for you. I don’t hate you but I also don’t love how you’ve turned out. At the beginning of the book I was fond of your resilience and truly thought you were the epitome of unstoppable. But at around 60% I don’t know what changed in you that made me switch. Also, you gaslit yourself 24/7 until you finally manifested it into fruition. Crazzzzy
And…. Okay I lied, I do have feelings for you and they’re pissed off for the cheating part. And then to make it ten times was chors bamboozled you after all was said and done.
Woland … you take the cake as a morally grey mmc. You are a menace, sociopath and a big old narcissist. 100% living up to your title or should I say titles? I’m still in shock.
——
WHAT KIND OF CLIFFHANGER ENDING IS THAT BTW MISS FAE? HMM? I nearly yeeted my kindle.
5/5 this series has consumed my brain and if you’re looking for a dark fantasy, this is it trust me.
It was like I was watching the most diabolical soap opera available; gasping at every chapter for all the nonstop plot twists.
Jaga … I have no feelings for you. I don’t hate you but I also don’t love how you’ve turned out. At the beginning of the book I was fond of your resilience and truly thought you were the epitome of unstoppable. But at around 60% I don’t know what changed in you that made me switch. Also, you gaslit yourself 24/7 until you finally manifested it into fruition. Crazzzzy
And…. Okay I lied, I do have feelings for you and they’re pissed off for the cheating part. And then to make it ten times was chors bamboozled you after all was said and done.
Woland … you take the cake as a morally grey mmc. You are a menace, sociopath and a big old narcissist. 100% living up to your title or should I say titles? I’m still in shock.
——
WHAT KIND OF CLIFFHANGER ENDING IS THAT BTW MISS FAE? HMM? I nearly yeeted my kindle.
5/5 this series has consumed my brain and if you’re looking for a dark fantasy, this is it trust me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
I raved about the first in the series, but this didn’t wow me. It still had the dynamic of Woland trying to coerce/own/master Jaga and her refusal to cooperate or believe in him, his lies, his cause, his methods, his ability to rule, his affections. It still had really interesting Slavic mythology, like the Lord of the Bees. The world building was interesting, though I’m curious as to where everyone is getting all of these eggs to use as currency without anyone apparently keeping chickens.
But.
I have a hard time believing that all of the friends she made and people she met would have zero banter - no inside jokes, no army nicknames, no complaining about the food/weather, no “remember the time” stories. The author brings up relatively inconsequential stuff from book one as a plot point in book two, like a goddess collecting on a debt for a prayer Jaga made in book one. Was I supposed to remember that? This also has the irrationally mean girl trope, which I hate. Instead of encouraging pick-me competition between women, let’s band together to burn the patriarchy and dick-stomp rapists. And yes, there were a lot of rapists in this one. Rapists waiting in ponds, patrolling the streets as guards, whole rebel armies waiting for leave to take what they want, lovers that do stuff their partners didn’t consent to (like public performances.) And I really don’t get the point of her sleeping with another god. I mean, I can see why she’d be fed up with Woland (and his fucking thorns), yeah, but there wasn’t any build up to the second god. It was a charming interlude, but didn’t make sense as far as the story goes.
But.
I have a hard time believing that all of the friends she made and people she met would have zero banter - no inside jokes, no army nicknames, no complaining about the food/weather, no “remember the time” stories. The author brings up relatively inconsequential stuff from book one as a plot point in book two, like a goddess collecting on a debt for a prayer Jaga made in book one. Was I supposed to remember that? This also has the irrationally mean girl trope, which I hate. Instead of encouraging pick-me competition between women, let’s band together to burn the patriarchy and dick-stomp rapists. And yes, there were a lot of rapists in this one. Rapists waiting in ponds, patrolling the streets as guards, whole rebel armies waiting for leave to take what they want, lovers that do stuff their partners didn’t consent to (like public performances.) And I really don’t get the point of her sleeping with another god. I mean, I can see why she’d be fed up with Woland (and his fucking thorns), yeah, but there wasn’t any build up to the second god. It was a charming interlude, but didn’t make sense as far as the story goes.
March 27, 2025
Update this was the scariest sexiest thing I’ve read in a good while. Actually since book 1 I have yet to find something like this. This starts with a chase that is always life or death which is literally my bread and butter!! I wish I had more to say but is I loved it and even after thinking over it for days I just know I require book 3. Layla has a way of weaving folklore, history and mystery all into one. The characters are still just as captivating especially Jaga. I’m just ugh at a loss for words and I’ll need to read this a second time to just get my feelings out there. But go buy this you won’t regret it. The emotional rollercoasters as well as the best Scenes you’ll get a world such as this!
RTC after work I should not be reading anyway but today is soo stressful sheesh!!
RTC after work I should not be reading anyway but today is soo stressful sheesh!!
March 21, 2025
Beyond dark romance into pitch black. This series must be read in order. Check the trigger warnings.
This pair is not even on the same plane of existence as a healthy relationship. But it is so addictive.
Woland will do what he must to achieve his goals. And half-truths and manipulation are quite pleasant compared to other tools in his arsenal.
Jaga is trying to find a path for herself that she can live with, balancing her emotional needs with her independence.
They are both difficult to love and stubborn. Lots of growth happens, but nothing is a straight line forvthese two.
There is cheating in this book, and I did not like it one bit. But I am hoping that book 3 will illuminate some additional purpose/reason for it being necessary, beyond the context provided here.
This pair is not even on the same plane of existence as a healthy relationship. But it is so addictive.
Woland will do what he must to achieve his goals. And half-truths and manipulation are quite pleasant compared to other tools in his arsenal.
Jaga is trying to find a path for herself that she can live with, balancing her emotional needs with her independence.
They are both difficult to love and stubborn. Lots of growth happens, but nothing is a straight line forvthese two.
There is cheating in this book, and I did not like it one bit. But I am hoping that book 3 will illuminate some additional purpose/reason for it being necessary, beyond the context provided here.
April 15, 2025
Omg, this series is amazing! This book was so hard to put down but I had to at times because of life. The book is thick which I absolutely adored. Oh Woland, you inspire so many emotions in Jaga, me and probably every other reader. He is complicated and villainous and you just love to hate him. Poor Jaga- she is put through the wringer. She is strong but vulnerable at the same time. What human doesn’t want to be loved for who they are? If you are looking for an immersive world filled with complexity where black and white are scribbled into grey, then you will love this book. The characters are all a little twisted but such a delight to read about. This is a dark romance for sure and so, so complicated. Mind the banger of a cliffhanger too. I can’t wait for the next book!
March 23, 2025
I like this author's writing and this is definitely a darker book than I am used to reading, but what Woland said about Wila's being made to be raped... Just no.
And why do these two never learn. It's like we're going round in round in circles, Woland does something to take away Jaga's power and to make her feel helpless and Jaga keeps falling for him despite him killing her friends, taking her magic away, prohibiting her from leaving 💀
I literally did not care she got with Chors, I was rooting for her at this point after Woland STILL did not learn.
And why do these two never learn. It's like we're going round in round in circles, Woland does something to take away Jaga's power and to make her feel helpless and Jaga keeps falling for him despite him killing her friends, taking her magic away, prohibiting her from leaving 💀
I literally did not care she got with Chors, I was rooting for her at this point after Woland STILL did not learn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnr-not-safe
March 21, 2025Self note:
Triggers between MCs: cheating – on page and graphic.
Triggers between MCs: cheating – on page and graphic.
April 5, 2025
The first book was a bit exciting, which compelled me to read the second book right away.
But seriously, how long do you need to repeat the same things over and over again? It's either "no" or "I can't trust him". Like, it's fun for a little bit but it gets boooring after a while. Do we need 2 books for that? There's almost no plot aside of that! And I'm pretty sure it will continue to the third with that reveal in the end lol. There will be no trust between them, and if there, I'd curse it at this point.
I know it's a dark romance about gods, so I should not put my normal human standard into it, but the second she did the "thing" with Chors, I was so done.
Well it was good while it lasted. No third book for me.
But seriously, how long do you need to repeat the same things over and over again? It's either "no" or "I can't trust him". Like, it's fun for a little bit but it gets boooring after a while. Do we need 2 books for that? There's almost no plot aside of that! And I'm pretty sure it will continue to the third with that reveal in the end lol. There will be no trust between them, and if there, I'd curse it at this point.
I know it's a dark romance about gods, so I should not put my normal human standard into it, but the second she did the "thing" with Chors, I was so done.
Well it was good while it lasted. No third book for me.
March 17, 2025
Let me just saw, “WOW”! Layla has completely outdone herself with this book. I have been in the biggest reading funk for the last couple of months and I was thankfully given the opportunity to read this book a little early. I read this book every chance that I got, and when I got to the end I honestly contemplated reading it again because it was THAT good..
The dynamic and complex relationship between Jaga and Woland is honestly just breathtaking and I found myself giggling and shying away from my phone at times because of certain scenes 😳
Additionally, the world building is awesome. The characters introduced don’t feel rushed, and I really appreciate the love that’s gone into this book and series. I’m sad I have to wait for book 3, but it’ll be worth it!
** book ends on a cliffhanger **
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The dynamic and complex relationship between Jaga and Woland is honestly just breathtaking and I found myself giggling and shying away from my phone at times because of certain scenes 😳
Additionally, the world building is awesome. The characters introduced don’t feel rushed, and I really appreciate the love that’s gone into this book and series. I’m sad I have to wait for book 3, but it’ll be worth it!
** book ends on a cliffhanger **
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
July 15, 2025
I am absolutely taken away by how this book ended. Talk about a cliffhanger I never expected. 🤯
I thoroughly enjoyed the direction book one led into book two. Layla Fae has written such a creative world of gods, goddesses, monsters, and mortals. Jaga is an amazing FMC just wanting to be loved and fit in with her environment. Woland you want to love and hate at the same time because he truly is difficult to understand.
I truly love all the characters in this story and the planes they rule. It’s so good. The magic? 🪄 phenomenal.
I cannot WAIT for book 3 because of this cliffhanger!!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the direction book one led into book two. Layla Fae has written such a creative world of gods, goddesses, monsters, and mortals. Jaga is an amazing FMC just wanting to be loved and fit in with her environment. Woland you want to love and hate at the same time because he truly is difficult to understand.
I truly love all the characters in this story and the planes they rule. It’s so good. The magic? 🪄 phenomenal.
I cannot WAIT for book 3 because of this cliffhanger!!!!!
March 19, 2025
I received this as an ARC, I need to first express my gratitude to Layla Fae for gracing such a alluring story. Truly a work of worship for me.
As this may not be a comfort book for others as it is for me, morally grey for some. Please check the authors triggers warnings before deciding on reading this if you are not comfortable with certain themes.
I have been waitinggggg for this since finishing the first in the trilogy.
The complexity of both Jaga and Woland characters sucks you in. You think you have a feel of what the pattern of their character is and what will happen but guess again. They have unmatched chemistry, their decisions and choices driven by what unfolds in each chapter that kept me on my toes.
I savoured this read in hopes of prolonging the cliffhanger of what I know the third and final book will end this journey. I’m so not ready.
The spice is SPICY, though check your triggers. I adored reading the relationships built, the triumphs, and deceit on every single page. There was not a dry spot to be found. I cannot gush how much I enjoyed this book without spoiling anything. If you love Layla Fae like I do, the second in this trilogy will not disappoint the slightest.
As this may not be a comfort book for others as it is for me, morally grey for some. Please check the authors triggers warnings before deciding on reading this if you are not comfortable with certain themes.
I have been waitinggggg for this since finishing the first in the trilogy.
The complexity of both Jaga and Woland characters sucks you in. You think you have a feel of what the pattern of their character is and what will happen but guess again. They have unmatched chemistry, their decisions and choices driven by what unfolds in each chapter that kept me on my toes.
I savoured this read in hopes of prolonging the cliffhanger of what I know the third and final book will end this journey. I’m so not ready.
The spice is SPICY, though check your triggers. I adored reading the relationships built, the triumphs, and deceit on every single page. There was not a dry spot to be found. I cannot gush how much I enjoyed this book without spoiling anything. If you love Layla Fae like I do, the second in this trilogy will not disappoint the slightest.
April 1, 2025
“Devil’s Doom,” by Layla Fae
I loved the first book in this series and this one did not disappoint. I loved seeing more personality from the death god than the first book. The plot was perfect, and I wasn’t expecting how it unfolded. The personality growth of Jaga was so good and I can’t wait to see how much stronger she will get in the next book. I love the whole atmosphere of this series, so dark and spooky with tons of Slavic folklore. And bonus the art in the book was so great, I loved seeing visuals. 5 out of 5 stars.
-Morally Grey Characters
-Slavic Lore
-Gods
-Magic
-Dual/ Multi POV
-Enemies To Lovers
Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.
I loved the first book in this series and this one did not disappoint. I loved seeing more personality from the death god than the first book. The plot was perfect, and I wasn’t expecting how it unfolded. The personality growth of Jaga was so good and I can’t wait to see how much stronger she will get in the next book. I love the whole atmosphere of this series, so dark and spooky with tons of Slavic folklore. And bonus the art in the book was so great, I loved seeing visuals. 5 out of 5 stars.
-Morally Grey Characters
-Slavic Lore
-Gods
-Magic
-Dual/ Multi POV
-Enemies To Lovers
Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.
March 19, 2025
I knew it ended on a cliffhanger. I KNEW IT WOULD BE. And still, I was completely GUTTED.
Layla, you absolutely out did yourself. From the world building to internal turmoil that overwhelms you.
I am so grateful to be able to read this masterpiece, and I will be counting the days til the last one comes out.
Layla, you absolutely out did yourself. From the world building to internal turmoil that overwhelms you.
I am so grateful to be able to read this masterpiece, and I will be counting the days til the last one comes out.
April 26, 2025
TLDR: I want to smack both Jaga and Woland, their romance is a boring toxic merry-go-round and the book fell off at the 50% mark.
Look, I LOVE most of the author's books but this was a miss for me. (yes, it devastates me to write that, I've been reading her stuff for years!)
To be honest, I did not feel the romance element at all (which was a huge issue I had with the first book), and while I liked Jaga as a character, the two just did not work together IMO. I know it's a dark romance but it just got boring, the constant push and pull and "oh we're making progress" only to have things take 20 steps back just ended up being annoying. I just wanted to smack both of them by the time I stopped reading. ALSO - CHEATING. I HATE cheating! it came out of nowhere and tanked the last interest I had in this series, no last book for me.
THOUGHTS:
- Let me start off by saying that the first part of the book was really interesting! we're following Jaga as she tries to survive in the wilderness, faces monsters and ends up in a city where everything is corrupt and horror is the norm.
- I loved how we got to see her struggle with injustices and want to help people all while hiding her true self.
- I really liked Lech and the art for him is STUNNING. He was such a fun, hard character but in the latter half of the book, he's just kind of there? eh I just wanted more of him and poor, beautiful Rada.
- All of the different beings and the magic system and the egg thing and everything is super interesting but when Jaga actually meets Woland again it's just .... bland. They're fighting each other as usual, she misses him etc. but I just didn't FEEL it! like he literally made her life hell in the first book but she's pining for him when they meet again?
- I'm assuming the whole "went back in time to save myself" thing from the first book comes into play later or in the last book but right now, I felt that was one of the weakest parts of the plot.
- the book really fell off for me at the half way mark. I was really invested but when we meet Woland again and they're doing this toxic dance constantly it really lost my attention. how many times is Jaga going to be all "I can't trust him". Ma'am he murdered you friend and babies to punish you in the last book and you've thought about that once? seriously, I get it, she thinks he's hot, but the deeper connection and romance STILL DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THERE! I don't get why they like each other at all tbh
Look, I LOVE most of the author's books but this was a miss for me. (yes, it devastates me to write that, I've been reading her stuff for years!)
To be honest, I did not feel the romance element at all (which was a huge issue I had with the first book), and while I liked Jaga as a character, the two just did not work together IMO. I know it's a dark romance but it just got boring, the constant push and pull and "oh we're making progress" only to have things take 20 steps back just ended up being annoying. I just wanted to smack both of them by the time I stopped reading. ALSO - CHEATING. I HATE cheating! it came out of nowhere and tanked the last interest I had in this series, no last book for me.
THOUGHTS:
- Let me start off by saying that the first part of the book was really interesting! we're following Jaga as she tries to survive in the wilderness, faces monsters and ends up in a city where everything is corrupt and horror is the norm.
- I loved how we got to see her struggle with injustices and want to help people all while hiding her true self.
- I really liked Lech and the art for him is STUNNING. He was such a fun, hard character but in the latter half of the book, he's just kind of there? eh I just wanted more of him and poor, beautiful Rada.
- All of the different beings and the magic system and the egg thing and everything is super interesting but when Jaga actually meets Woland again it's just .... bland. They're fighting each other as usual, she misses him etc. but I just didn't FEEL it! like he literally made her life hell in the first book but she's pining for him when they meet again?
- I'm assuming the whole "went back in time to save myself" thing from the first book comes into play later or in the last book but right now, I felt that was one of the weakest parts of the plot.
- the book really fell off for me at the half way mark. I was really invested but when we meet Woland again and they're doing this toxic dance constantly it really lost my attention. how many times is Jaga going to be all "I can't trust him". Ma'am he murdered you friend and babies to punish you in the last book and you've thought about that once? seriously, I get it, she thinks he's hot, but the deeper connection and romance STILL DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THERE! I don't get why they like each other at all tbh
March 19, 2025
Obsessed
I'm shook. I'm devastated. I'm broken. The love! The lies! The deceit! The torture (mine)! The heartbreak! The suspense! What a freaking ride and I’ve never been more excited for winter and sad that winter is so far away in my life. I. Need book 3 now!
I don't read romantasy. I only read this because Layla is on my Mount Rushmore of authors and I gobble up everything she writes. When she announced this series, I didn't care what genre it was, I knew I was going to read it.
𝑺𝑯𝑬 𝑫𝑶𝑬𝑺 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑫𝑰𝑺𝑨𝑷𝑷𝑶𝑰𝑵𝑻! This series has me in a chokehold and I never want it to end.
The worldbuilding that normally breaks my break is just so effortless with Layla's writing. The added illustrations to the book also help with that for me. They're stunning and just elevate the book.
The characters are all fully formed and flawed and perfection. They may be gods, but they're just as much a mess as the rest of us. Jaga may be a witch and powerful, but she's also still just a woman who's been abused her entire life. Woland is the literal devil, but he's also a broken man. Those chapters from Woland's POV was also a wonderful addition since book 1 was all Jaga. I was suspicious and untrusting of Woland the entire book, but these chapters showing us his internal struggles just...ugh. love love love!
The way Layla was able to make my heart absolutely shatter for Woland is incredible.
This book picks up exactly where book 1 left off and ends on a freaking monumental cliffy! The last like 70 pages had me on the edge of my seat franticly screaming into the DMs of a friend who had already finished. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this freaking epic tale!
Thank you, Layla, for trusting me with this ARC and also for writing this trilogy.
I'm shook. I'm devastated. I'm broken. The love! The lies! The deceit! The torture (mine)! The heartbreak! The suspense! What a freaking ride and I’ve never been more excited for winter and sad that winter is so far away in my life. I. Need book 3 now!
I don't read romantasy. I only read this because Layla is on my Mount Rushmore of authors and I gobble up everything she writes. When she announced this series, I didn't care what genre it was, I knew I was going to read it.
𝑺𝑯𝑬 𝑫𝑶𝑬𝑺 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑫𝑰𝑺𝑨𝑷𝑷𝑶𝑰𝑵𝑻! This series has me in a chokehold and I never want it to end.
The worldbuilding that normally breaks my break is just so effortless with Layla's writing. The added illustrations to the book also help with that for me. They're stunning and just elevate the book.
The characters are all fully formed and flawed and perfection. They may be gods, but they're just as much a mess as the rest of us. Jaga may be a witch and powerful, but she's also still just a woman who's been abused her entire life. Woland is the literal devil, but he's also a broken man. Those chapters from Woland's POV was also a wonderful addition since book 1 was all Jaga. I was suspicious and untrusting of Woland the entire book, but these chapters showing us his internal struggles just...ugh. love love love!
The way Layla was able to make my heart absolutely shatter for Woland is incredible.
This book picks up exactly where book 1 left off and ends on a freaking monumental cliffy! The last like 70 pages had me on the edge of my seat franticly screaming into the DMs of a friend who had already finished. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this freaking epic tale!
Thank you, Layla, for trusting me with this ARC and also for writing this trilogy.
March 17, 2025
Jaga has escaped from Woland, and blocked him from finding her. Intent on making a home for herself in Slawa, she travels through forests and valleys to find her way to civilization. She isn't expecting to find a land of strife, corruption, and strict rule. Nor for herself to find dear friends once again, that put her right into Woland's path. Can she continue to keep her soul and her heart safe? Or will he finally break down her barriers and prove he cares?
*****
I am broken. This was so insanely good that my brain can't function. I thought the first book was incredible and wasn't sure how the author could keep that level of passion, frustration and chemistry up, but did she ever! I was enraged by Woland and his ministrations, while also adored his softer sides and the peek at his heart. I was invested in Jaga and both wanted to see her finally accept Woland's devotion, while also to never fall for the devil himself. It was constant turmoil, wrapped into a beautiful, complex and devastating world that pulled me in and kept me hooked. I spent the book suspicious of every act that seemed genuine, and was torn between wanting Jaga to run, while also wanting her to finally find home.
The chapters of Woland's POV? Everything. Seeing his love, his betrayal and his devastation had me elated and sick along with him. As I did with Jaga. The visceral ability to put their emotions on page in such a tangible way was so well done that I genuinely had to yell in my DM's with other readers just to process how deep this was. The twist towards the end? I had ideas it was coming but the layers of hurt interwoven into it by who was whom was so incredible. I want to yell at the author and also put her on a pedestal because this had me so deep into the book that I could barely come up for air.
I am desperate for the final book in this trilogy, I can't wait to hurt and love and rage along with them, and then forever tell everyone they need to read it too. This is one of those series that will have you frothing at the mouth, and it's the best thing ever.
*****
Thank you to the author, Layla Fae, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
I am broken. This was so insanely good that my brain can't function. I thought the first book was incredible and wasn't sure how the author could keep that level of passion, frustration and chemistry up, but did she ever! I was enraged by Woland and his ministrations, while also adored his softer sides and the peek at his heart. I was invested in Jaga and both wanted to see her finally accept Woland's devotion, while also to never fall for the devil himself. It was constant turmoil, wrapped into a beautiful, complex and devastating world that pulled me in and kept me hooked. I spent the book suspicious of every act that seemed genuine, and was torn between wanting Jaga to run, while also wanting her to finally find home.
The chapters of Woland's POV? Everything. Seeing his love, his betrayal and his devastation had me elated and sick along with him. As I did with Jaga. The visceral ability to put their emotions on page in such a tangible way was so well done that I genuinely had to yell in my DM's with other readers just to process how deep this was. The twist towards the end? I had ideas it was coming but the layers of hurt interwoven into it by who was whom was so incredible. I want to yell at the author and also put her on a pedestal because this had me so deep into the book that I could barely come up for air.
I am desperate for the final book in this trilogy, I can't wait to hurt and love and rage along with them, and then forever tell everyone they need to read it too. This is one of those series that will have you frothing at the mouth, and it's the best thing ever.
*****
Thank you to the author, Layla Fae, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 25, 2025
Well and truly sucked into this book! I preferred this one to the first book. I actually can’t wait till December 😩
What a cliffhanger!!!!!
What a cliffhanger!!!!!
September 20, 2025
It's been a long time since I read anything in this genre I can genuinely say I enjoyed, but this series really made an impression. The richness of the Polish folklore woven throughout and a genuinely engaging plot set it apart from other Dark Fantasy; rather than reading like smut just strung together with a loose fairytale to hold it in place, it feels like a storyline that revolves around a world where blood and lust are interwoven with the nature of the environment and creatures/characters.
TWs apply, naturally, we were warned this is a toxic relationship and it is—if that's not your thing, this probably won't be an enjoyable read at all, but somehow that author manages to make both characters into people I wanted to know better. They both have complexities, issues, and neither of them are above using one another for their own ends. In this, I think, the author successfully makes them equals of a sort, even though the physical power dynamic is very obviously skewed in favour of the devil, Woland, Jaga has emotional power over him, too.
As someone who reads trash so I don't have to think to hard or get invested, this came as a welcome surprise. I did not expect to be impressed and I am. I can't quite define what sets it apart for me, but something about it had me snared from the beginning.
They're not necessarily redeemable characters, and there's definitely a lot of uncomfortable and morally reprehensible actions on the parts of various characters throughout, but I think what shines in this is we're not expected to forgive or redeem them or the world they live in, it's not being excused at all, but seen as a backdrop against which unforgivable characters might be permitted love one another, anyway.
I'll definitely be reading book 3, although because of the content and TWs I would hesitate to recommend ot, just because it really lives up to the dark in dark fantasyand I can appreciate that while it didn't cross the DNF line for me, it comes close at times.
For the people who gave it a low rating, I actually completely agree with your reasoning. If you don't like cheating, felt the cheating scene was out of character, or were disappointed in a platonic friendship becoming sexual, I'm with you on that. It just didn't ruin the rest of the book for me. I'm also deeply uncomfortable with the casual acceptance of the entire world with rape, and the MMC condoning it was off-putting for me but I'm invested to the point where I'm interested in where this goes even if I don't agree with the toxic social dynamics.
TWs apply, naturally, we were warned this is a toxic relationship and it is—if that's not your thing, this probably won't be an enjoyable read at all, but somehow that author manages to make both characters into people I wanted to know better. They both have complexities, issues, and neither of them are above using one another for their own ends. In this, I think, the author successfully makes them equals of a sort, even though the physical power dynamic is very obviously skewed in favour of the devil, Woland, Jaga has emotional power over him, too.
As someone who reads trash so I don't have to think to hard or get invested, this came as a welcome surprise. I did not expect to be impressed and I am. I can't quite define what sets it apart for me, but something about it had me snared from the beginning.
They're not necessarily redeemable characters, and there's definitely a lot of uncomfortable and morally reprehensible actions on the parts of various characters throughout, but I think what shines in this is we're not expected to forgive or redeem them or the world they live in, it's not being excused at all, but seen as a backdrop against which unforgivable characters might be permitted love one another, anyway.
I'll definitely be reading book 3, although because of the content and TWs I would hesitate to recommend ot, just because it really lives up to the dark in dark fantasyand I can appreciate that while it didn't cross the DNF line for me, it comes close at times.
For the people who gave it a low rating, I actually completely agree with your reasoning. If you don't like cheating, felt the cheating scene was out of character, or were disappointed in a platonic friendship becoming sexual, I'm with you on that. It just didn't ruin the rest of the book for me. I'm also deeply uncomfortable with the casual acceptance of the entire world with rape, and the MMC condoning it was off-putting for me but I'm invested to the point where I'm interested in where this goes even if I don't agree with the toxic social dynamics.
March 25, 2025
I enjoyed the world, and a lot of the characters, but I despise Woland and the “relationship”. Most of book 2 is the same merry go round of “I can’t trust him but can’t/won’t leave”. Any parts of the book without Woland are great, sadly, he’s in most of the book.
Book 1 Jaga bested/escape him at the end. What we get in book 2: other much better potential love interests, more lies, more cruelty, and, more proof he’s evil. Somehow this book ends with Jaga relieved to be saved by him… the final chapter also reveals to Jaga that he can PHYSICALLY change and literally has another side. Please Slavic gods, don’t let Jaga delude herself that this means their relationship can change, or that he’s redeemable, or that there’s more to him then his abuse…
I like dark romance, but I’ve never once rooted for the main couple to be together. This is a dark, toxic and abusive “relationship”, with no romance. If book 3 isn’t Jaga killing the gods, big emphasis on killing Woland, then I don’t want it.
Book 1 Jaga bested/escape him at the end. What we get in book 2: other much better potential love interests, more lies, more cruelty, and, more proof he’s evil. Somehow this book ends with Jaga relieved to be saved by him… the final chapter also reveals to Jaga that he can PHYSICALLY change and literally has another side. Please Slavic gods, don’t let Jaga delude herself that this means their relationship can change, or that he’s redeemable, or that there’s more to him then his abuse…
I like dark romance, but I’ve never once rooted for the main couple to be together. This is a dark, toxic and abusive “relationship”, with no romance. If book 3 isn’t Jaga killing the gods, big emphasis on killing Woland, then I don’t want it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
This book is so aggravating! 😩
Don't get me wrong, it's a great book - but gah dang! So many lies and secrets kept, and tbh Wolend can eff all the way off. He's a lying liar AND a horrible person. His views on what "lower bies" are made for and what he let the dragons and his crew do - ugh. He is truly disgusting, and I can't look at him the same ever again. Idc who he is really it won't make up for what he's done. What he allowed after that battle (and probably every battle before, too) made him irredeemable.
I do love the artwork that was included in this. So beautiful! I can't wait for the next book. I'm sure it'll be just as great and aggravating, lol
Don't get me wrong, it's a great book - but gah dang! So many lies and secrets kept, and tbh Wolend can eff all the way off. He's a lying liar AND a horrible person. His views on what "lower bies" are made for and what he let the dragons and his crew do - ugh. He is truly disgusting, and I can't look at him the same ever again. Idc who he is really it won't make up for what he's done. What he allowed after that battle (and probably every battle before, too) made him irredeemable.
I do love the artwork that was included in this. So beautiful! I can't wait for the next book. I'm sure it'll be just as great and aggravating, lol
April 10, 2025
sadly got bored 50% of the way in but the cliffhanger was fun
October 6, 2025
I don't even know where to start! I have just gotten back into reading within the last year or so, so I can't say that I've spent much time in the world of dark romance compared to many other readers, but I couldn't be happier to have stumbled upon this series. It's built me up, torn me down, buried me six feet under and still had me squealing with excitement. I tore through this book in days, thankfully having been able to go straight into it from the first one (though will now be waiting a few months until the final book release.
Book Review
As mentioned, I tore through this book. . Once he did, it was a bit like a whirlwind. He did a complete 180, and it was fun to see them interact again finally. The world building and folklore have been immensely satisfying in this book, and has been well balanced with the romance and spice. Many books I feel like lean heavily into one or the other, so Layla has set a high bar for my future reads. I'll be pining after this type of story long after I'm done with this series, and this many be one of the few series I ever reread (as you may guess by this series being on my very small "favorites" shelf here on goodreads)
The relationship
I saw some critiques on the relationship not progressing and the cheating involved, the former because neither really gave in for the majority of the book to help improve their relationship and the latter because it came out of nowhere. I would, however, slightly disagree. Jaga did start giving in, albeit mentally. But can you really blame her for resisting? Woland has lied to her over and over. Used her and manipulated her. Yet, she still loves the tender moments and she knows it, slowly giving in to those moments even though she knows she shouldn't. He just isn't able to prove to her that she is completely safe to give in to him (even though he doesn't know he needs to).
And in his defense, how could he? Could you really give up a goal you had been fighting for for a large portion of your life (arguably since the beginning of time), just because you found someone you begin to love? Her being in his life is a blip at this point. It's an enormous ask, and an impossible decision. I understand why neither made much headway. This wasn't supposed to be a time when they built their relationship in a traditional sense, with reason and good communication. It was a time to show the personality of both characters, remaining true to their own goals and morals, and how logic conflicts with desires and emotions. Either of them bending and saying yes would have made for an easy story, and I, personally, enjoyed the blend of spicy scenes but maintaining the separation of church and state (so to speak).
It shows resilience for Jaga, which I assume she will need to reach her ultimate goal of , and it showcases the determination of Woland to conquer and reach his ultimate goal, .
The Twists
And Now We Wait
I can't wait to see how everything pans out in the final book. I'm glad the series will have a proper end, rather than wringing out several more books like some series do. Even though I love these characters dearly, a proper end is always better than one that's drawn out and falls flat. I'm excited to see how Jaga finally travels in the past (Does she claim Woland instead somehow? Does she use the power Perun has after they defeat him??), if she even lets Woland claim her, and if she does, what exactly that entails and means, including how that would let him win since this hasn't really been explained yet.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading my review! I hope I've convinced you to give the book a shot. Happy reading!
Book Review
As mentioned, I tore through this book. . Once he did, it was a bit like a whirlwind. He did a complete 180, and it was fun to see them interact again finally. The world building and folklore have been immensely satisfying in this book, and has been well balanced with the romance and spice. Many books I feel like lean heavily into one or the other, so Layla has set a high bar for my future reads. I'll be pining after this type of story long after I'm done with this series, and this many be one of the few series I ever reread (as you may guess by this series being on my very small "favorites" shelf here on goodreads)
The relationship
I saw some critiques on the relationship not progressing and the cheating involved, the former because neither really gave in for the majority of the book to help improve their relationship and the latter because it came out of nowhere. I would, however, slightly disagree. Jaga did start giving in, albeit mentally. But can you really blame her for resisting? Woland has lied to her over and over. Used her and manipulated her. Yet, she still loves the tender moments and she knows it, slowly giving in to those moments even though she knows she shouldn't. He just isn't able to prove to her that she is completely safe to give in to him (even though he doesn't know he needs to).
And in his defense, how could he? Could you really give up a goal you had been fighting for for a large portion of your life (arguably since the beginning of time), just because you found someone you begin to love? Her being in his life is a blip at this point. It's an enormous ask, and an impossible decision. I understand why neither made much headway. This wasn't supposed to be a time when they built their relationship in a traditional sense, with reason and good communication. It was a time to show the personality of both characters, remaining true to their own goals and morals, and how logic conflicts with desires and emotions. Either of them bending and saying yes would have made for an easy story, and I, personally, enjoyed the blend of spicy scenes but maintaining the separation of church and state (so to speak).
It shows resilience for Jaga, which I assume she will need to reach her ultimate goal of , and it showcases the determination of Woland to conquer and reach his ultimate goal, .
The Twists
And Now We Wait
I can't wait to see how everything pans out in the final book. I'm glad the series will have a proper end, rather than wringing out several more books like some series do. Even though I love these characters dearly, a proper end is always better than one that's drawn out and falls flat. I'm excited to see how Jaga finally travels in the past (Does she claim Woland instead somehow? Does she use the power Perun has after they defeat him??), if she even lets Woland claim her, and if she does, what exactly that entails and means, including how that would let him win since this hasn't really been explained yet.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading my review! I hope I've convinced you to give the book a shot. Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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