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The Dhemon Wars #2
The Crimson Walls Of Algorath
When sand turns crimson and walls become cages, only love can keep them from breaking.
Lady Ariadne Caldwell, the Golden Rose of Valenul, received everything she could desire from the courting freedom from the Society’s expectations, a doting husband, and the inner strength to overcome the horrors of her past. With Lord Azriel Caldwell’s bond sated and his darkest secrets revealed to his new wife, he can finally settle into his new life. Everything is as it should be.
When the newlyweds are torn apart by revenge, however, their plans for a peaceful future disappear. Exposed and arrested, Azriel is sent to Algorath’s infamous Pits to serve out his prison sentence through trial-by-combat. But Ariadne is determined to save her husband from certain death and must leave everything and everyone she loves behind—including her sister, bound for a dangerous marriage.
As Azriel struggles to stay alive, he’s faced with challenges he thought were long since put to a crumbling bond and an old enemy sworn to kill him. Ariadne must act quickly to free him, for even if he survives the fights, the bond may damage him beyond repair.
Lady Ariadne Caldwell, the Golden Rose of Valenul, received everything she could desire from the courting freedom from the Society’s expectations, a doting husband, and the inner strength to overcome the horrors of her past. With Lord Azriel Caldwell’s bond sated and his darkest secrets revealed to his new wife, he can finally settle into his new life. Everything is as it should be.
When the newlyweds are torn apart by revenge, however, their plans for a peaceful future disappear. Exposed and arrested, Azriel is sent to Algorath’s infamous Pits to serve out his prison sentence through trial-by-combat. But Ariadne is determined to save her husband from certain death and must leave everything and everyone she loves behind—including her sister, bound for a dangerous marriage.
As Azriel struggles to stay alive, he’s faced with challenges he thought were long since put to a crumbling bond and an old enemy sworn to kill him. Ariadne must act quickly to free him, for even if he survives the fights, the bond may damage him beyond repair.
573 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
28 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 27, 2024
What a whirlwind of emotions! Just as Ariadne and Azriel finally begin to embrace their hard-earned happy ending after all the pain and secrets of their past, they’re torn apart once more💔
It’s truly my favorite thing in the world to read a character’s development and unwavering determination to save a loved one and Ari did just that to try and save Az from certain death in the pits of Algorath. I absolutely loved watching her grow from a scared and traumatized noblewoman into a fiercely capable fighter.
Emillia’s support and sacrifice for Ariadne continued to show just how much these sisters love each other!
Azriel had my heart racing as he struggled to stay alive, all while grappling with the destructive force of the bond that was slowing tearing him apart. His fight wasn't just against physical opponents and I felt every moment of his anguish.
Madan and Whelan completely stole my heart! Their reunion was so beautiful I cried not for the first or last time while reading this book. I really hope we get a bonus chapter of how they met and got together or even a short story!
Kall also quickly became a favorite! I loved the relationship between him and Ari, and how he helped her in more ways than one to overcome her fears and build her strength!
And then there’s Alek, a surprising yet delightful side character whose motivations kept me second guessing where his true loyalties lie. I truly appreciated the added layer of complexity he brings to the story!
While there are numerous other characters that made me both laugh and cry, I don’t want to spoil too much. The journey this books takes you on is simply something you must experience for yourself! The emotional depth and character dynamics will stay with you long after you turn the final page and it has left me in a delightful and chaotic state of book hangover. If you’re looking for a tale that will pull at your heartstrings and keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further. Prepare for an unforgettable ride! 🥹❤️📚
It’s truly my favorite thing in the world to read a character’s development and unwavering determination to save a loved one and Ari did just that to try and save Az from certain death in the pits of Algorath. I absolutely loved watching her grow from a scared and traumatized noblewoman into a fiercely capable fighter.
Emillia’s support and sacrifice for Ariadne continued to show just how much these sisters love each other!
Azriel had my heart racing as he struggled to stay alive, all while grappling with the destructive force of the bond that was slowing tearing him apart. His fight wasn't just against physical opponents and I felt every moment of his anguish.
Madan and Whelan completely stole my heart! Their reunion was so beautiful I cried not for the first or last time while reading this book. I really hope we get a bonus chapter of how they met and got together or even a short story!
Kall also quickly became a favorite! I loved the relationship between him and Ari, and how he helped her in more ways than one to overcome her fears and build her strength!
And then there’s Alek, a surprising yet delightful side character whose motivations kept me second guessing where his true loyalties lie. I truly appreciated the added layer of complexity he brings to the story!
While there are numerous other characters that made me both laugh and cry, I don’t want to spoil too much. The journey this books takes you on is simply something you must experience for yourself! The emotional depth and character dynamics will stay with you long after you turn the final page and it has left me in a delightful and chaotic state of book hangover. If you’re looking for a tale that will pull at your heartstrings and keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further. Prepare for an unforgettable ride! 🥹❤️📚
October 6, 2025
Wow if you thought book one was engaging you are in for a wild ride with this one. Also make sure you have a box of tissues nearby throughout the entirety of this book Ms. Hawthorne really didn’t hold back punches in this book and boy was I crying throughout the book. To be fair they were both happy and sad tears. Now I wouldn’t call this book spicy but when there is a spicy scene it is not a quick scene it is beautifully and lovingly written and it is pages long. They are very well written scenes but I would wait till I got home to read them to enjoy them properly.
This book is a lot more adventurous and action based than book one, but don’t worry there is still romance. We finally got to meet Whelan and my lord did Madan choose a good one. I mean who doesn’t love a flirty, protective, take charge kind of dhemon? We also got to see Ariadne become the badass she was destined to be in this book. She really grew in this book and it was a believable growth it’s not like other books that I’ve read where she is suddenly over and forgotten about her tragedies, but she has learned to deal with her past and not let her hold her down. Through her journey you get to meet Kall who honestly might be my favorite dhemon. He doesn’t say much but what he does say is always meaningful. You also meet Phulan who is a mage, and who I really hope we get to learn more about in the next books because man is she cool.
If in the first book you were intrigued by Aleks and Emilies characters and were hoping to learn more about them like me, you will not be disappointed with this book. In this book you start to understand Alek and actually see how cunning Emilie can be. In other words they do not disappoint. You meet even more interesting characters while Azriel is imprisoned in the Pits of Algorath. You meet a human who is terrified of vampires, a dhemon woman who would rather go at it alone, and Melia a mage who has it out for Azriel.
Overall this book was amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone and everyone to read. It is beautifully written and does not fall short like some fantasy sequels do.
This book is a lot more adventurous and action based than book one, but don’t worry there is still romance. We finally got to meet Whelan and my lord did Madan choose a good one. I mean who doesn’t love a flirty, protective, take charge kind of dhemon? We also got to see Ariadne become the badass she was destined to be in this book. She really grew in this book and it was a believable growth it’s not like other books that I’ve read where she is suddenly over and forgotten about her tragedies, but she has learned to deal with her past and not let her hold her down. Through her journey you get to meet Kall who honestly might be my favorite dhemon. He doesn’t say much but what he does say is always meaningful. You also meet Phulan who is a mage, and who I really hope we get to learn more about in the next books because man is she cool.
If in the first book you were intrigued by Aleks and Emilies characters and were hoping to learn more about them like me, you will not be disappointed with this book. In this book you start to understand Alek and actually see how cunning Emilie can be. In other words they do not disappoint. You meet even more interesting characters while Azriel is imprisoned in the Pits of Algorath. You meet a human who is terrified of vampires, a dhemon woman who would rather go at it alone, and Melia a mage who has it out for Azriel.
Overall this book was amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone and everyone to read. It is beautifully written and does not fall short like some fantasy sequels do.
August 12, 2024
Absolutely loved the character development throughout the book! Az and Ari experience (even more) life altering events all while grappling to be together. So fun to get more of Emillies love story all while seeing the lengths she will go for family! Absolutely looking forward to book 3!
July 27, 2024
A FANTASTIC sequel to the first book! I loved every moment in this wild ride. So excited for book 3!!!
January 29, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up
July 27, 2024
WOW. WOW. WOW.
If you think you loved book 1. You are going to get your mind blown with this book. Enna well and truly outdid herself. The writing. The depth. The plot. The storyline development. From literally chapter 1 to the end. It was a ride! I could not put this down. Bravo!
If you think you loved book 1. You are going to get your mind blown with this book. Enna well and truly outdid herself. The writing. The depth. The plot. The storyline development. From literally chapter 1 to the end. It was a ride! I could not put this down. Bravo!
August 5, 2024
Honestly I didn’t want to review because I’m so mad this book ended!!! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I don’t know what’s going to happen and I’m so invested in these characters that it’s killing me not knowing. Enna outdid herself with getting us attached to each one. I love the depth and emotions I felt during this read. I cannot wait for book 3!
July 30, 2024
Oh. My. Keon! The way i am left without words after readying tcwoa!! This book was a wild ride! I was not prepared for this emotional Rollercoaster, just wow. Amazing!!! I was so enthralled, each character and their developments. Chapters 29 and 30 were insane, I can say i shed a tear or two! The only con i have is that it leaves you mourning and wishing to keep reading, and it kinda ruins the next book you"ll read because it has big shoes to fill following this one!!
October 23, 2024
What a wild ride! I was on the edge of my seat from the first chapter. Enna outdid herself with this one. The world building was fantastic and the character development was on point. True colors are shown, tragedy struck, and characters step up for what they believe in - for better or worse.
Even the side characters were amazing to follow and had me second guessing intentions and plans.
Even the side characters were amazing to follow and had me second guessing intentions and plans.
October 2, 2024
Enna just rip my heart out and stomp on it because you made me feel too many things with this one.
The spice level in this book is higher than the first book, so if you’re wanting to spice up your life this is it. Like honestly idk how horns could make me feel some type of way, but when an author can make that happen then please sign me up.
This entire book had me on my toes and biting my nails because of the DRAMA. I couldn’t put it down… because what the heck would happen to these people!
Azriel goes through so much during this that my heart was actually aching for him. Poor Loren having to endure everything he did. Emilie finally gets what she’s always wanted and now … well now I don’t even know!
And Ariadne?! The character arc of her has blown me away. What a smooth transition from meek and feeble to strong and sturdy.
The side characters get their own shout out too because every single aspect of this book plays such a huge part of the whole story. Every person has a purpose and every detail means something. To be able to write something like this takes actual talent. I applaud you, Enna, for you have captured my undivided attention.
Twiddling my thumbs for the next release now. In the best way possible, I don’t know if I can read a different book until then.
The spice level in this book is higher than the first book, so if you’re wanting to spice up your life this is it. Like honestly idk how horns could make me feel some type of way, but when an author can make that happen then please sign me up.
This entire book had me on my toes and biting my nails because of the DRAMA. I couldn’t put it down… because what the heck would happen to these people!
Azriel goes through so much during this that my heart was actually aching for him. Poor Loren having to endure everything he did. Emilie finally gets what she’s always wanted and now … well now I don’t even know!
And Ariadne?! The character arc of her has blown me away. What a smooth transition from meek and feeble to strong and sturdy.
The side characters get their own shout out too because every single aspect of this book plays such a huge part of the whole story. Every person has a purpose and every detail means something. To be able to write something like this takes actual talent. I applaud you, Enna, for you have captured my undivided attention.
Twiddling my thumbs for the next release now. In the best way possible, I don’t know if I can read a different book until then.
August 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I was so excited to be back in this world and it was worth the wait. We pick up right where we left off and let me tell you that it starts off fast. No waiting 10 chapters to get the action going again.
For those unfamiliar, this series is a vampire / demon fantasy romance series. We are introduced to fae and mages and more fun fantasy creatures that you will grow to love. The setting reminds me of a high class Victorian society. It is both beautifully described and infuriating at the same time due to the way our female characters are treated as arm candy and bargaining chips.
The Crimson Walls of Algorath gave more depth to the world introduced in The Golden Rose of Valenul while keeping you locked in with the political scheming, backstabbing, plotting and action. We get more depth from our main characters, learning to love some characters more and hate others WAY more. Let’s not forget the spice… although not extremely spice heavy, the spice is spicy when we get it.
Overall highly recommend this book and this series. It’s such a unique take on the Vampire, fae type worlds that is really refreshing. The writing is so good and paints such vivid pictures I sometimes forget I’m reading. I can’t wait for book 3 🤗
I was so excited to be back in this world and it was worth the wait. We pick up right where we left off and let me tell you that it starts off fast. No waiting 10 chapters to get the action going again.
For those unfamiliar, this series is a vampire / demon fantasy romance series. We are introduced to fae and mages and more fun fantasy creatures that you will grow to love. The setting reminds me of a high class Victorian society. It is both beautifully described and infuriating at the same time due to the way our female characters are treated as arm candy and bargaining chips.
The Crimson Walls of Algorath gave more depth to the world introduced in The Golden Rose of Valenul while keeping you locked in with the political scheming, backstabbing, plotting and action. We get more depth from our main characters, learning to love some characters more and hate others WAY more. Let’s not forget the spice… although not extremely spice heavy, the spice is spicy when we get it.
Overall highly recommend this book and this series. It’s such a unique take on the Vampire, fae type worlds that is really refreshing. The writing is so good and paints such vivid pictures I sometimes forget I’m reading. I can’t wait for book 3 🤗
December 29, 2024
The action picks up immediately from where book one ended and just doesn't stop! I loved the expansion of the world and characters. You don't see many multi POV books these days and I love that the author went for it. It really fleshes out the supporting cast. Can't wait for the next book!
August 10, 2024
The follow up to book 1, The Golden Rose of Valenul. Book 2 from the very first chapter will have you hooked. It was hard to put this book down, the author writes each character in a way that they become a part of you. You get attached, and that can also be a bad thing! Depending on which characters you get attached to. The writing is magnificent and the story telling flows beautifully. I am 100% invested in this series and this author will always be an auto-buy for me. I loved it so much! Twists and turns, heartbreak, anger, love… you will experience every emotion. Be prepared.
July 26, 2024
Screaming, crying, and throwing up. This book was such a wild ride!!!
I felt every emotion-happiness, anger, sadness, and ANXIETY, it was all there and had me holdin' my breath. Our sweet Ariadne and Azriel truly cannot catch a break as they are once again, (quite literally) fighting for their love and are forced to separate. This story is weaved together masterfully through different characters' POVs that allow you to connect with each one on a new level. It seems everyone has something they are fighting for or against and the emotional intensity of this book had me pacing my room as I turned each page, deeply invested in the fates of the characters. The tension and worry I felt for every single person (except you, Loren Gard) went unrivaled. Again Enna does an amazing job of writing complex characters that you just cannot help rooting for (except you, Loren Gard).
Even though it's the second book in the series and we already explored the universe introduced in the first book, we're now immersed in a new environment with meticulously crafted world-building. Like come on, different cuisines and types of tea? Those little details made it much easier to fully submerge myself in Myridia's world. The ending was satisfying and beautifully done. Although I am left with 100,000 questions, we weren't left off on any cliffhangers that will keep us up at night. If anything, it set me up to be even more excited for the next book!
I cannot say enough good things about it! This is vague to avoid any spoilers, as I want you all to feel just as unhinged as I did as you're taken on this bumpy af journey <3
Please read if you like:
- Slimy, Snaky Villians that you love to hate
- Bad-ass FMC
- Questioning Reality
- Betrayal
- Sisterly love
- Queer love and representation
- Men who aren't afraid to cry
- Mate bonds
- Fae, Demons, Vampires & Magic!
- Becoming obsessed with a tall, dark, and broody MMC
Seriously, read this!
I felt every emotion-happiness, anger, sadness, and ANXIETY, it was all there and had me holdin' my breath. Our sweet Ariadne and Azriel truly cannot catch a break as they are once again, (quite literally) fighting for their love and are forced to separate. This story is weaved together masterfully through different characters' POVs that allow you to connect with each one on a new level. It seems everyone has something they are fighting for or against and the emotional intensity of this book had me pacing my room as I turned each page, deeply invested in the fates of the characters. The tension and worry I felt for every single person (except you, Loren Gard) went unrivaled. Again Enna does an amazing job of writing complex characters that you just cannot help rooting for (except you, Loren Gard).
Even though it's the second book in the series and we already explored the universe introduced in the first book, we're now immersed in a new environment with meticulously crafted world-building. Like come on, different cuisines and types of tea? Those little details made it much easier to fully submerge myself in Myridia's world. The ending was satisfying and beautifully done. Although I am left with 100,000 questions, we weren't left off on any cliffhangers that will keep us up at night. If anything, it set me up to be even more excited for the next book!
I cannot say enough good things about it! This is vague to avoid any spoilers, as I want you all to feel just as unhinged as I did as you're taken on this bumpy af journey <3
Please read if you like:
- Slimy, Snaky Villians that you love to hate
- Bad-ass FMC
- Questioning Reality
- Betrayal
- Sisterly love
- Queer love and representation
- Men who aren't afraid to cry
- Mate bonds
- Fae, Demons, Vampires & Magic!
- Becoming obsessed with a tall, dark, and broody MMC
Seriously, read this!
February 24, 2025
I LOVED this book. Most fantasy books I find a little boring with all the world building so when this book was constant action from start to finish I was hooked. I was messaging our book club while reading it (no spoilers) and was WTF this and OMG that multiple times. I love Ariadne and her character progression from book 1 to book 2 has some fun to see.
October 29, 2025
The Crimson Walls of Algorath by Enna Hawthorn
Book two in the Dhemon Wars series
Multiple POVs, gladiator type fights, aristocratic vampires, LGTBQ rep, fated mates, dragons!, touch her and 💀, vampires/fae/dhemons, found family, training, mental health rep, marriage of convenience, separation
Oh my gosh this series has me in a stranglehold! I really enjoyed the multiple points of view and what everyone is up to. We are in such an emotional roller coaster and I definitely cried during this one! Ahhh the ending!! I have the arc of book so I'm off to read it, I can't wait!
Book two in the Dhemon Wars series
Multiple POVs, gladiator type fights, aristocratic vampires, LGTBQ rep, fated mates, dragons!, touch her and 💀, vampires/fae/dhemons, found family, training, mental health rep, marriage of convenience, separation
Oh my gosh this series has me in a stranglehold! I really enjoyed the multiple points of view and what everyone is up to. We are in such an emotional roller coaster and I definitely cried during this one! Ahhh the ending!! I have the arc of book so I'm off to read it, I can't wait!
October 1, 2025
Loved this book and Ari's character arc as we move into a whole new setting with new challenges and obstacles. Once again I find the side characters almost steal the show, as new ones are introduced and are fully fleshed out with their own interesting story lines and emotions. This book was stressful to read at times, as we know there's a long road all these characters have to travel in order to get what they want and where they want to be. Easily one of my favourite series and I look forward to seeing where the next few books take us.
March 3, 2025
Crimson Walls of Algorath || Dhemon Wars Book #2 by Enna Hawthorn
⭐️4.5 || 🌶️2 || 🗣️Multi POV, 3rd Person
Read this if you like:
▪️Slow Burn
▪️Gladiator Style Fighting Pits
▪️Burn the World for Each Other
▪️LGBTQ Representation
▪️Fated Mates and Bonds
▪️Character Growth
▪️Separation and Pining
▪️Betrayal
▪️FMC Fight Training
▪️Marriage of Convenience (side character)
▪️Memory Loss
The first part of the book has Ariadne and Azriel separated, with her stepping outside of her comfort zone to save him, and him being forced to fight in the gladiator-style fighting pits of Algorath. It was an emotional rollercoaster that had me feeling all the things. I love how far Ariadne has come since the start of book 1, trading in her dresses and the safety of her home for pants, training, new faces, and strange lands.
Enna’s story-telling is beautifully descriptive. There is a good mix of world-building and plot, interwoven so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Once again her use of multi POV added to the story rather than taking away from the main characters. It makes the story more fleshed out and gives us the ability to see what’s going on in Valenul while our main characters are in new and distant lands. Speaking of which, the story takes us out of the rigid high society atmosphere and into more diverse, wild lands outside of Valenul where we meet new characters and the plot continues to unfold.
Ughh I need book 3 ASAP and for my babies to be happy. 😭
In case you were wondering, Loren continues to be a psychotic pain in the ass: “Nothing tasted better than victory. Aside from, perhaps, vengeance…and Loren had both.”
🗣️ No more would Ariadne shrink herself to meet the expectations of others. To fit in the carefully constructed boxes deemed appropriate for Caersan women. To shelter herself from the world and all its darkness.
🗣️ “If watching her put a blade in your throat is to be my final moments, I will greet death with open arms.”
🗣️ A short sword pointed at Melia, she said "He’s mine."
🗣️ Once the catalyst of her nightmares, now the architect of her dreams
⭐️4.5 || 🌶️2 || 🗣️Multi POV, 3rd Person
Read this if you like:
▪️Slow Burn
▪️Gladiator Style Fighting Pits
▪️Burn the World for Each Other
▪️LGBTQ Representation
▪️Fated Mates and Bonds
▪️Character Growth
▪️Separation and Pining
▪️Betrayal
▪️FMC Fight Training
▪️Marriage of Convenience (side character)
▪️Memory Loss
The first part of the book has Ariadne and Azriel separated, with her stepping outside of her comfort zone to save him, and him being forced to fight in the gladiator-style fighting pits of Algorath. It was an emotional rollercoaster that had me feeling all the things. I love how far Ariadne has come since the start of book 1, trading in her dresses and the safety of her home for pants, training, new faces, and strange lands.
Enna’s story-telling is beautifully descriptive. There is a good mix of world-building and plot, interwoven so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Once again her use of multi POV added to the story rather than taking away from the main characters. It makes the story more fleshed out and gives us the ability to see what’s going on in Valenul while our main characters are in new and distant lands. Speaking of which, the story takes us out of the rigid high society atmosphere and into more diverse, wild lands outside of Valenul where we meet new characters and the plot continues to unfold.
Ughh I need book 3 ASAP and for my babies to be happy. 😭
In case you were wondering, Loren continues to be a psychotic pain in the ass: “Nothing tasted better than victory. Aside from, perhaps, vengeance…and Loren had both.”
🗣️ No more would Ariadne shrink herself to meet the expectations of others. To fit in the carefully constructed boxes deemed appropriate for Caersan women. To shelter herself from the world and all its darkness.
🗣️ “If watching her put a blade in your throat is to be my final moments, I will greet death with open arms.”
🗣️ A short sword pointed at Melia, she said "He’s mine."
🗣️ Once the catalyst of her nightmares, now the architect of her dreams
July 27, 2025
Book two of this series did not disappoint. From the very first chapter, it is packed with tension, action, fighting, and angst. It grabs you like blood in the water draws a shark. I’m not exaggerating when I say I could not put this book down, and yet I kept wanting to take breaks just to stretch the story out, because I didn’t want it to end. The author’s ability to craft a pulse-pounding, emotionally rich story while continuing to build the characters and magic from book one is honestly incredible.
This installment follows the fierce and determined female main character as she does everything in her power to emancipate Azriel, facing danger, betrayal, and her own inner demons. Her journey is full of resilience, hidden strength, and new relationships that grow in the wake of her past trauma. The male main character? He yearns like no other. He would set the world on fire for the woman he loves, and at the same time, he is sensitive, emotionally vulnerable, and wears his heart so openly it completely wrecked me.
This writing is on par with some of the most well-known romantasy series out there, and yet while writing this review I noticed there are only about 450 reviews on Goodreads. I am honestly shocked that this series has not gained more traction. For that, I am angry. Book two gets an easy five stars from me. It is intense, immersive, and completely unforgettable.
This installment follows the fierce and determined female main character as she does everything in her power to emancipate Azriel, facing danger, betrayal, and her own inner demons. Her journey is full of resilience, hidden strength, and new relationships that grow in the wake of her past trauma. The male main character? He yearns like no other. He would set the world on fire for the woman he loves, and at the same time, he is sensitive, emotionally vulnerable, and wears his heart so openly it completely wrecked me.
This writing is on par with some of the most well-known romantasy series out there, and yet while writing this review I noticed there are only about 450 reviews on Goodreads. I am honestly shocked that this series has not gained more traction. For that, I am angry. Book two gets an easy five stars from me. It is intense, immersive, and completely unforgettable.
August 22, 2024
At the begging I was very sceptical because there were sooo many repetitions from the book one, it was really unnecessary and annoying for me. But then the plot picked up the pace and it was AWESOME. And it kept the pace throughout the book, which was a blessing because I was really struggling with that in the first book which was considerably slower.
Here things got really interesting and diverse. It was a delightful experience when we switched between strict, rigid Regency atmosphere Emily was at and more flexible where Ariadne was. It was a great diversity of a book's world.
What bugged me was Azriel's incoherent behaviour. He was a seasoned warrior, spent most of his life in the battle but I felt like he was extremely fragile in this book, as if he would be experiencing all of this for the first time and was breakable. I think I sympathized with his more grumpy self more in the first book.
Here things got really interesting and diverse. It was a delightful experience when we switched between strict, rigid Regency atmosphere Emily was at and more flexible where Ariadne was. It was a great diversity of a book's world.
What bugged me was Azriel's incoherent behaviour. He was a seasoned warrior, spent most of his life in the battle but I felt like he was extremely fragile in this book, as if he would be experiencing all of this for the first time and was breakable. I think I sympathized with his more grumpy self more in the first book.
December 13, 2025
Hold onto your seats, friends. If you thought book one was packed with drama, action and pain, this installment takes all of that and turns it up well beyond 11. We take the regency culture of Valenul and add in a Roman-style culture in the lands of Algorath.
*Note, there may be some spoilerish things in this review, so proceed with caution.*
Picking up right at the end of the last book, we find Aridane and Azriel separated due to the events at the end of book one. Our hero's are separated, with Azriel being sent to Algorath as a prisoner and Aridane being whisked away into hiding from evil incarnate himself, Loren.
Our FMC works through her feelings from the revelations in the previous book, including learning more about the dhemons whom she is now face to face with. We get to know some of them, including Kell whom trains her, and Whelan whom is Madan's incredibly protective mate. Throughout the story, she steps outside of her comfort zone to save Azriel.
Meanwhile, Azriel is put into gladiatorial style competitions that the people of Algorath use for entertainment. His captor puts him through it, torturing his body with his fights in the Pits and tormenting his mind at her private gatherings where her prized fighters double as decor and party favors. You can surmise what the latter means. Overall, Azriel's journey gets incredibly dark and painful, and is written in a way that you can feel his hopelessness in your heart.
As for Loren, you ask? His obsession with Aridane is not only still there, but escalates along with every other plan he sets in motion. By the end of this book he is even worse than when he started. If that were even possible.
This books ends in another cliffhanger, but it will leave you ready and wanting more immediately.
Check your triggers, this book is darker than the first, so be safe when you read.
Spice for this one is around: 🌶️ 🌶️ .5 - 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
*Note, there may be some spoilerish things in this review, so proceed with caution.*
Picking up right at the end of the last book, we find Aridane and Azriel separated due to the events at the end of book one. Our hero's are separated, with Azriel being sent to Algorath as a prisoner and Aridane being whisked away into hiding from evil incarnate himself, Loren.
Our FMC works through her feelings from the revelations in the previous book, including learning more about the dhemons whom she is now face to face with. We get to know some of them, including Kell whom trains her, and Whelan whom is Madan's incredibly protective mate. Throughout the story, she steps outside of her comfort zone to save Azriel.
Meanwhile, Azriel is put into gladiatorial style competitions that the people of Algorath use for entertainment. His captor puts him through it, torturing his body with his fights in the Pits and tormenting his mind at her private gatherings where her prized fighters double as decor and party favors. You can surmise what the latter means. Overall, Azriel's journey gets incredibly dark and painful, and is written in a way that you can feel his hopelessness in your heart.
As for Loren, you ask? His obsession with Aridane is not only still there, but escalates along with every other plan he sets in motion. By the end of this book he is even worse than when he started. If that were even possible.
This books ends in another cliffhanger, but it will leave you ready and wanting more immediately.
Check your triggers, this book is darker than the first, so be safe when you read.
Spice for this one is around: 🌶️ 🌶️ .5 - 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
January 4, 2025
The Crimson Walls of Algorath really take the emotions and plot to a whole new level and I didn’t think that would even be possible! This book will absolutely wreck you in the best way possible and make you feel all the feels. I was laughing, crying, absolutely heart broken—there was no shortage of emotions!
I loved the introduction of new characters, the stunning world building and character development which added so much depth to the book and intensified the plot. Ari truly became the embodiment of a Dhemon Princess in this book and I am so proud of her character growth!
Overall, this book is absolutely stunning and beautifully written. If you loved the first book, this one is a must-read. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
I loved the introduction of new characters, the stunning world building and character development which added so much depth to the book and intensified the plot. Ari truly became the embodiment of a Dhemon Princess in this book and I am so proud of her character growth!
Overall, this book is absolutely stunning and beautifully written. If you loved the first book, this one is a must-read. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
January 2, 2025
What a sequel this was! If I could give more than 5 stars, I'd give 10! ✨️
We carry on from The Golden Rose of Valenul, and not is all as it seems. Truths continue to be revealed, and it's not smooth sailings for our beloved Ariadne and Azriel. Backs are stabbed, and heartache is to be had. Ariadne and Azriel are separated. And Azriel struggles with his bond. Twists and turns play out. And finally, our love birds are reunited. And boy!! What a reunion it is 🔥🔥🔥Seriously, this sequel has you questioning your sanity but in a good way.
After everything that has happened in the first book and this sequel, we are left with a HEA. For now.........??
We carry on from The Golden Rose of Valenul, and not is all as it seems. Truths continue to be revealed, and it's not smooth sailings for our beloved Ariadne and Azriel. Backs are stabbed, and heartache is to be had. Ariadne and Azriel are separated. And Azriel struggles with his bond. Twists and turns play out. And finally, our love birds are reunited. And boy!! What a reunion it is 🔥🔥🔥Seriously, this sequel has you questioning your sanity but in a good way.
After everything that has happened in the first book and this sequel, we are left with a HEA. For now.........??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
The hopelessness overwhelmed me
This book was full of so much pain as the bad guys just seemed to gain more power that the feeling of overwhelming hopelessness took over. I had to take breaks from the story and almost stopped reading it. I just needed a glimmer of hope.
Despite the gloom, it was an excellent story. We all can't have rainbows and unicorns in a story. The struggles are what make a story. It's just hard to see our favorite characters go through it.
There are two books left in the series, so I know there are more struggles to come. I'm going to take a deep breath before I dive back into the story.
This book was full of so much pain as the bad guys just seemed to gain more power that the feeling of overwhelming hopelessness took over. I had to take breaks from the story and almost stopped reading it. I just needed a glimmer of hope.
Despite the gloom, it was an excellent story. We all can't have rainbows and unicorns in a story. The struggles are what make a story. It's just hard to see our favorite characters go through it.
There are two books left in the series, so I know there are more struggles to come. I'm going to take a deep breath before I dive back into the story.
October 8, 2024
The start was good but damn it got slow in the middle and the struggle was real to finish. The repetitiveness in the description of the characters feelings and memories was overdone and I was thinking 'ok it's time to progress the storyline'. The last 200 pages picked up immensely which got me engaged with the story again. Spice was 1 out of 5. The writing was beautifully descriptive however I did get lost in fight scenes.
August 12, 2024
You thought book one was the best literary masterpiece? Well buckle up because your brain is about to explode on this adventure! You will cry, laugh, cry some more, fall in love and maybe cry again. The book two of Dhemon wars series is everything you would ever want and more. It will leave you speechless and waiting impatiently for book 3.
September 25, 2024
I cannot even put into words how much I LOVED this book. Inclusivity? You betcha. Deep character development? YES. Relationships being beautifully navigated, both romantically and platonically? Oh, yeah. Spice is also there but beautifully done. In short, read this book you won’t regret it ❣️
March 10, 2025
Phenomal book. The characters are so real. I have not been emotionally connected to characters like that I a long time! The spice is wonderfully written and the world building is done well through out the book.
November 6, 2025
This one really dragged for me. Ended up skimming a lot to finish. I feel everything could've been finished up already. It was very dark and dreary throughout, not much to lift the spirit for such a long story.
February 7, 2025
Wow. 4.6!! 🌟 another delicious read and I loved the character developments across the board. This one pulled my heartstrings, especially towards the end!! Loved loved loved
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