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The Panom Saga #2

Petals for Deadly Power

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Five ordeals to prove their worth.
Power that may end them all.


Revenge must be served, but the Organ Mandor, sovereign Ruler of the four-petal island of Thyria, holds more power than any other panom. Hope is determined to avenge the death of countless innocents at his wicked hands. A blood hunt has been promised, and she will not stop until his blood stains her blades.

To stand a chance against the most powerful being, a group of five strivers will embark on the Fifth Crusade to obtain the mythical Fifth Power—unclaimed for centuries. The Cardinal goddesses will push the lives of these five aspirants to their limits, demanding mastery of the panom powers: Taking, Giving, Healing and Harming.

Once an ordeal begins, only two outcomes exist: succeed, or die.

When Hope joined the Fifth Crusade, she accepted that her life would be at risk, but nothing could have prepared her to risk her beliefs and her deep, forbidden feelings.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

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About the author

Martha Monteval

17 books48 followers
Martha Monteval has been in love with books since she was five. She reads anything in the fantasy romance realm, especially if morally grey characters with dubious manners are involved. When she is not reading or writing, she is practicing martial arts, eating way too much sushi, or playing with her two little ones.

Her debut novel, Petals for Vicious Secrets, was published in 2024.

Find out more at MarthaMonteval.com

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5 stars
43 (39%)
4 stars
52 (48%)
3 stars
11 (10%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Tutty.
112 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2025
I was honored to read the 1st book as an ARC read, which got me hooked in this saga! Book 2 did not disappoint. Again an ARC read, I was on an emotional rollercoaster, and couldn’t wait to get to the part where Hope and Ciaran could finally kiss! My heart broke for Lenna & Jake. I now have to wait for the 3rd book to see if this pans out or goes up in flames?!? Martha, you had me gripping my seat, chewing on the side of my lip. I can’t take the suspense! I know things are going to get hectic, just hoping for a HEA!
Profile Image for Megan O'Brien.
707 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2025
4.5 stars for this adventurous and exciting book 2!! Hope and Lenna and all their pals have to find a way to dispose of the Organ Mandor- and a Cardinal quest seems like the right way to do it!

This book brought all of our favorite characters (finally) together before breaking them into different groups again (tribe swap vibes)- and oh what fun it was! Book one was so focused on Lenna and Hope’s separate journeys and finding out how they were going to intersect, but now we get to have them working together with their Suite of Badass posse. Lenna continues to be the sarcastic firecracker barreling her way through life (complimentary), while Hope stays a reluctant and resilient heroine determined to get revenge and remake the world. They’re supported by possessive and confident could-be-a-douche-but-isn’t Jake, quiet and steadfast and secretly the strongest one around Ciaran, finally on the right side of the aisle but kind of petty Ayla, and classic (not generic at all but not indistinct as much this time) friend group blob Sasha, Nina, Indianna, Brendan, and Raoul!

Once this story gets going it GETS GOING!!! Our gang is on a quest to get a mysterious new power and have to complete some trials to earn the right for it. And oh boy oh boy are the trials terrifying and unique and so perfectly suited for the unique magic of world!

With that ending, I cannot wait to see what comes next! Thanks so much to Martha Monteval for sharing a copy as a member of your ARC team!!
Profile Image for Cyd’s Books.
683 reviews23 followers
April 27, 2025
Thank you to the author for approving me to read this early, I’m rating it 4.25 stars.

This world and its conflicts get more intense by the chapter. I am such a fan of this unique magic system and how intertwined the politics and magic are. Following on from book 1 we are in the thick of it, just about recovering from the awfulness that is Rhei Coralt. In book 2 we are exploring more of the new dynamics as Hope gets to know the other heirs and also where she fits into everything, there are some major revelations which lead to dangerous situations.

The spice is such a great touch if I’m being honest, I’m rooting for the couples in book 2.. even after that brutal ending. I remain so glad we get multi POV so we can navigate the different paths our characters are on in a clear way, plus I like reading what each core character is feeling and experiencing in their own POV.

I’m locked in for book 3, god knows where we will go from book 2 after those last couple chapters but I’m excited.
Profile Image for Noëmi.
342 reviews16 followers
April 27, 2025
Why? Why?

I literally screamed!

Ayla, Lenna and Jack!

The slow burn on one hand. So good. Love that. And then you got the couple on the other hand. With such good chemistry, a wonderful passion, even true love you hope.
The travel that brings all the friends together. You learn more about the magic, the friends, the courtrades.

Then you have the ordeals, where you meet the cardinals. And you think they‘re nice. Goddesses.

But then the ending. It breaks you!

I need the next book! Like now!


Profile Image for Kelly.
38 reviews
April 18, 2025
Thank you to Martha Monteval for an ARC copy of Petals for Deadly Power, the second book in The Panom Saga. While I enjoyed the first book in this series, this second book really outdoes it! I had such a fun time following Hope and company through the next part of their journey together. While the first book focused a lot on bringing all the different players together and providing ample background for each of them, this picks up on the groups journey to right the wrongs of their world. The twists and turns that this book had were fantastic! It happened on a few occasions that I audibly vocalized my comments because of how invested I was. 


The way that this book ends, too, is just mean, haha. We are given insight throughout the 2nd book of what may be the storyline for the 3rd, but the ending teases it right up! Not to say there isn't a side of a plot twist with it. After all that unfolded at the end with the Cardinals, I can't wait to see what the group does next and how their stories further unfold. 


This book is not given the amount of hype that it needs! And I need to get my hands on some shelf trophies ASAP! 


4.5 stars. 
3 reviews
April 13, 2025
ARC Review 4.5 🌟

Petals for Deadly Power is a spellbinding romantasy that weaves a fresh and imaginative magic system with a multi-POV narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish. The magical trials are both brutal and beautiful—each one uniquely crafted to test the characters in surprising ways.

While a few sentences here and there felt awkwardly written and briefly pulled me out of the story, the overall prose was engaging and immersive. Some characters felt a little two-dimensional. But I was impressed by the layers of Hope. Her introversion and anxiety were portrayed with care and depth, making her growth feel authentic and deeply resonant.

This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. At first, you’re curious—and before you know it, you’re emotionally invested, turning pages. If you love character-driven stories set in a vividly imagined world with real stakes and emotional depth, Petals for Deadly Power is well worth your time.

Can’t wait to see where the next installment takes us!
Profile Image for Crystal Wade.
324 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2025
Petals for Deadly Power by Martha Monteval is the second book in The Panom Saga.
I really enjoyed this book, it took me a little while to remember everything that happened in the first book, as I read that 10 months ago, but once everything started coming back to me, I remembered why this was a must read for me.
The magic system is so unique, and we get to know more about that system and the Cardinals even more throughout this book. The whole book was good, but once I got through the first half, the pace really picked up. So, stick with it.
There were so many emotions felt throughout the last third of the book, it was a rollercoaster of a ride. Lenna is hilarious, she makes me laugh, I love her inter-monologue.
I can’t wait for the third book, Petals for Broken Wings, that comes out in 2026!
Profile Image for Ariana Kendall.
154 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2025
Exciting and full of adventure and magic. The series has me hooked and the second book has only strengthened that! I can't wait for more! It was an honor to be an ARC reader for this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for stephanie cox.
1,232 reviews19 followers
June 14, 2025
Martha Monteval returns with an electrifying sequel in The Panom Saga, and Petals for Deadly Power does not disappoint. Bursting with lush, immersive prose and complex characters, this installment raises the stakes in a world where magic blooms—quite literally—with deadly consequences.

Set on the intricately imagined four-petal island of Thyria, the novel follows Hope, a fierce, driven protagonist whose thirst for vengeance is as sharp as the twin blades she wields. Haunted by the atrocities committed by the tyrannical Organ Mandor, she embarks on a perilous quest, undertaking five deadly ordeals to earn the strength needed to challenge a power that has crushed many before her. Her mission is clear: justice, no matter the cost.

One of the greatest strengths of this novel lies in its multi-POV structure, which allows the reader to experience Thyria’s richly layered world through the eyes of several key characters—including rival panoms, a conflicted spy, and a mysterious healer with secrets of their own. Each voice is distinct, emotionally resonant, and essential to the unfolding plot. These characters are not mere archetypes; they grow, suffer, betray, and sometimes redeem themselves in ways that feel both grounded and surprising.

Monteval’s magic system is wonderfully imaginative: based on biological power passed through blood and botanical bonds, it’s both beautiful and brutal. The symbolic “petals” of the island tie into the panoms’ identities and powers, creating a magic that feels almost mythic in its depth and danger. The author’s gift for descriptive writing turns every battle, ritual, and betrayal into a sensory experience—sometimes stunning, sometimes chilling, always evocative.

Where the first book laid the groundwork for this darkly magical world, Petals for Deadly Power dives deeper into moral ambiguity. Hope’s desire for revenge is understandable, but as the lines blur between hero and villain, the narrative explores what power truly demands—and whether redemption is ever possible.

For fans of Shadow and Bone, An Ember in the Ashes, or Throne of Glass, this is a must-read series. Monteval expertly balances high-stakes action with emotional depth, and if this sequel is any indication, The Panom Saga is well on its way to becoming a YA fantasy classic.
Profile Image for Thalitha Lambregts vd Oest.
153 reviews
April 16, 2025
After reading book 1 in juli 2024, I was thrilled to receive the ARC for this second book as well. Thank you, Martha!

The storyline is just as action packed as book 1. The challenges are hard, the risks are great and the sacrifice are even greater. Add in; found family, longing and a pinch of spice and you have all the ingredients for an epic quest!

As with book one, it took me a few chapters to really emerge myself into the story again. The magic system is just so original and unique that I really needed a bit more time to get accustomed to it again. Of course, this will no longer be an issue after the series is completed.
The story is still fixed on Hope and Lenna, 2 fmc's who are both working towards the same goal and while they work together where they can, they are not partners, lovers or soulmates. Which results in multiple pov's with both overlapping but also individual storylines. This makes the group of characters we are following (their lovers, siblings etc.) bigger than I'm used to with the average duo pov. The story is still good enough to follow, but I do feel that it takes my attention away from the MC's sometimes. If I am brutally honest I also don't see why these 2 characters were chosen as MC's yet. That might still become clear in book 3, but I myself would have chosen different pairings for the pov's. And I might have made Lenna's story a completely different (but interconnected) book.

So 2 points of personal preference/feedback but I would like to state that I still enjoyed this book a lot and I can't wait to see where book 3 takes this band of friends!
Profile Image for Amanda.
101 reviews
April 10, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. I had read the first book, Petals for Vicious Secrets, last year and loved it. When I saw this ARC was available, I was over the moon excited to get back into this world. I was not disappointed as the sequel is just as good and keeps you hooked wanting to read more to know what happens next Like the first book, we are following Hope and her band of friends as they are trying to defeat the Organ Mandor aka the big bad of their world. As they are on the quest to defeat the Organ Mandor, the group has to face many challenges and trials. Hope, Lenna, Ciaran, Ayla, and Jake go through the ringer as each has a special difficult quest to complete in order to get a blessing to help defeat the Organ Mandor. I really enjoyed seeing the how the journey unfolded and learning more about other characters as this book had multiple POV's, which gave more insight and depth to their characters. Additionally, I loved the banter, friendships, and found family in this story as it made it a great fantasy with emotional grit. If I had one critique it would be we have to wait until next year to see how the story concludes. :)
Profile Image for lizface.
241 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5 rounded up to 5


“Dream no more, shadow warrior. It’s time to live.”


Ugh my heart 😩
Book 2 in the Panom Saga was a wild adventure full of trials and self discovery, that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
From our MCs planning their very important mission to following each ordeal they must face, alone. This is their one chance to have the ability to possibly be given the Fifth power, and they will not fail.

I absolutely adore the MCs in this storyline. How each couple experiences trauma and turmoil but in totally different ways. My heart ached for them all, but I know they will come out of this stronger than ever. Hope and Ciaran are by far my favorite couple! Lenna and Jake 💔 that is all I have to say about that 😔
And Ayla, is one strong woman. I love her so much


🖤Forbidden love
🔥Slow burn
🗡️Forced proximity
🖤Shadow wielding
🔥High stakes trials
🗡️Morally grey male characters
🖤Strong female leads
🔥 Unique magic system
🗡️Found family
🖤Spice and banter!
70 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
I've been looking forward to this since reading the first book, and it was definitely worth the wait. Hope and Ciaran are the best slow burn couple I've read in a long time, and the words that came from that man... The fact he waited centuries for her and they both gave up so much just so they could finally be together. I just love them. And it's nice having that contrast to Jake and Lenna's relationship being so full on and intense. Ayla has grown on me so much in this book too, she is so sweet and caring while also being strong and independent. I found the ordeals really interesting, how they each tackled their own tasks and each of the cardinals showed their true natures in the Fifth Judgement. And the end was nothing like I expected it to be, but very much not mad about it. Now I'm back to looking forward to the next book again, very excited to see what happens next and how they will overcome their issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karolien.
112 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2025
Hello my dear bookbesties!

Another day, and my first book of May, time for a review!

I've read the 2nd book of the Panom Saga, called The Petals of Deadly Power by Martha Monteval.

It's a romantasy story about Hope, Ciaran, Jake, Leonard, Ayla and other friends to go on an adventurous trip to get the feathers of the Cardinals so they can defeat and kill Hope and Jack's father, The Organ Mandor. Will they succeed or not? Will they lose or will they gain their 5th Power to defeat Rhei Coralt?

I did love this book and the serie so far but it was a bit slow for me even if there was on regular bases enough spice in it, a bit boring... I think the first one was a real good one. But for this one now, I'm giving this read a 3,5 -star.

I hope the 3rd will the one to let me forget this slow one for sure and I know the author will do this!! 🥰

Still a big fan of yours Martha!
Profile Image for Emma Victoria.
14 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2025
WHAT.A.READ!
I received an ARC of book 1 and i’ve been dying to get back in to this Saga!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of book 2 and it has not disappointed, if you love an emotional rollercoaster, you’re in for one hell of a ride!
Once this book gets going brace yourself because there’s trials and edge of your seat suspense.
I almost forgot how unique and interesting the magic system is and how intertwined it is with the politics.
Where as book one followed the 2 main FMCs stories separately they finally come together in book 2, which is what i’d been waiting for!
The multi pov is great so we can navigate the different paths of each character and i actually prefer this in books i read.

All in all the spice was spicing, the plot was plotting, top tier banter and i’ll be needing book 3 asap please & thank you because WHAT WAS THAT ENDING ABOUT MARTHA!
Profile Image for Natalie Doll.
139 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2025
Getting into the first book in this series took me a little bit, but now that I am familiar with the power system and the characters I was able to get right into it. In the second book in this series the main characters essentially go out to complete various tasks and I thought the changing perspectives, especially since the characters were separated into two groups, kept it interesting and moving. Also, in the first book we already understood the dynamic between Lenna and Jake which was even stronger in this book. The real love story here was Hope and Ciaran. Genuinely tragic but heartwarming at the same time. Very intrigued for the next book in this series given how the epilogue ended!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this on behalf of the author
Profile Image for Leigh's Little Library.
488 reviews10 followers
May 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to arc read this series, and what a series it's been so far!

The magic system is unique, and the world building is captivating. I love the characters, and the story picks up the pace, and the tension is palpable in those final chapters.

The chapters are split from the pov of multiple characters, which I love.

The slow burn is everything between Hope and Ciaran, and Leena and Jake are perfect.

After that final meeting with the Cardinals, I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. There has to be retribution and a way to find what was taken!
Profile Image for Nikla.
122 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2025
due to my mood it took me abit of a push to read but yes, completely yes. I wanted to see the relationship develop between Hope and Ciaran and it hits the mark. Forbidden? he is the man at the end of this book. what he does, what they all endure to fight for each other. The fact that their ordeals are centred around you win some you lose some is crazy. I love how the author has manoeuvred the actions of the charaters to get what they need and in most cases what they want. I cant wait for this fight. my favourite character this book is Lenna, her no fuks attitude has carried over but been reshaped. love.I found this book easy to follow on from the first. It took me some time to read because of my own mood. But after the first 90 pages I couldn't put it down. I NEEDED to see what was gonna happen between Hope and Ciaran. The adventure was good but I felt like the ordeals were abit rushed. I love how they were intertwined with the feelings of the characters. I lOve the test of wills and passion between the characters... I'm fizzing to read the next part. My favourite character other than Ciaran has turned out to be Lenna. She does not care and I love her whole vibe.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mia.
542 reviews8 followers
April 14, 2025
The gripping story continues in the secound book "Petals of Deadly Power".
Action-packed, tenison, banter and romance! Lot's for secrets and spice...

This was a great follow up! The characters evoluves and with that, so does there relationships.
It's an intriging world building, with an unique magic system and a well-thought story - It will be interesting to see what happens next.

A thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Bridget Book Dragon.
150 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2025
4.5/5⭐ My very 1st ARC was Petals for Deadly Power so I was thrilled to be able to be an ARC for book 2 for my 10th ARC.

I read this more slowly than most of my books lately and just really savored the story. My only complaint was how easy it seemed to take care of one villain when everything has been leading up to big boss fight. It was explained a little later that big boss is now someone else, but it felt like a really big build up to something that was just meh.

The end had me wanting to jump up and down in joy for one pair and cry in heatbreak for two other pairs. I'm ready for Book 3 already!!
Profile Image for Jaz.
58 reviews
May 1, 2025
I devoured this book! I did not want it to end.

The plot twists will leave you on the edge of your seat (that you do not see coming!) and the development of the story between the main characters was fantastic to read. I also enjoyed getting to know Alya & Cairan better.

Already looking forward to book 3 to see how this all ends! While I think book 3 is going to be epic, in my mind I can see an offshoot book series - one for each house North, East, West and South. Now that this world exists, I want to read more of it.
Profile Image for JessicaIsRoyallyBooked.
225 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2025
⭐️4.25⭐️

What an incredible sequel!

In this story, we follow Lenna and Hope with their super awesome posse of magical people to find a way to overthrow the Organ Mandor and save Thyria from ruin.

This magical quest is full of deadly trials, character growth, developing magic, and tons of heartbreak 😭 The Cardinals are freaking RUTHLESS! I was holding my breath in anticipation!

I need book 3 because I'm desperate to know what happens!
3 reviews
May 5, 2025
This was a great segway into what could potentially be an epic tale. Book 2 was a little slow at times, but did offer a few surprising twists and turns and a real cliff hanger at the end. Can’t wait to see what Lenna, Hope and the rest of their crew get up to in the next book!
Profile Image for Elisa Lanzer.
233 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️2🌶️

The second book in The Panom Saga was slow to start but once you get through the first few chapters (which had a lot of character and world building needed for the rest of the book to have the impact needed) I couldn’t put it down.

If you’re looking for slow burn, heartbreak, action, and a unique magic system, this book (and series as a whole) hits the mark. With a great ensemble of characters who continue to be well formed and beautifully written, a unique setting and magic system, a realistic villain, and a ending that tugs at your heartstrings, this book is a must read!

Thank you to the author for providing me a free copy and I am leaving a voluntary review of this wonderful book!
Profile Image for TiffsAdventure S.
4 reviews
April 24, 2025
I had the pleasure of getting an ARC for book 1 and I had to jump on the chance for an ARC for book 2!!! And what a deadly book 2 it was, 4.25/5.

These strong female main characters are back and they are fiercer than ever, finally teaming up and becoming united with one goal: kill the Organ Mandor.

With the help of their friends they must face trials from the Cardinals. There are challenges, twists, spice, and a unique magic system that keeps on giving in this book! There are some parts I wished lasted longer and had more details, as they felt a smidge rushed. However, the writing is great, the plot is strong, and did I mention there’s spice?

Most definitely looking forward to book 3 :)
100 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2025
Wow, was awesome. Just as great as the first book. Could not put down. I hope there's more to the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Molly Wilson.
7 reviews
April 25, 2025
What an adventure!!!

Hope and the gang are back to try to get the Fifth Power and what a journey they have!

Thank you for the ARC Martha Monteval! I can’t wait for the next book to see how this ending is worked out!
Profile Image for Gemma.
67 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2025
Fantastic 2nd instalment in this beautiful world.

The magic continues to be unique and exciting. I adored the found family in this book. I also really liked that we continue with the POVs from our two FMCs and I really enjoyed the difference in their relationships one spicy and intense, another a slow burn with a deep connection.

I am so ready for book three!
Profile Image for Jin.
10 reviews
May 12, 2025
ARC review

I’m just here for the slow burn … *munches on popcorn*
Profile Image for Gemma Wells.
131 reviews10 followers
May 23, 2025
Very fortunate to receive an ARC of this book after enjoying the first in the series. The sequel definitely lives up to the expectations set by the first book; full of sass, spice and fast paced action this book was very easy to just keep reading! Loved watching all the characters develop both within themselves and their relationships, and really enjoyed seeing more of the unique world and getting to understand more about the magic system. If you’re after a fantasy book with modern wit and humour but still with the feel of an epic fantasy (and with a good dash of romance to boot!) it’s definitely worth a read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews