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The Inferno Universe #4

Temple of Magic and Bone

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Something is wrong with the dead in Inferno...it's time to call the professionals.

Death magic meets fae attitude in this sexy new PNR, perfect for fans of K F Breene and Linsey Hall who love their stories with a side of sassy ghosts, demi-gods, and necromantic chaos
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Tareal Vanth, a demi-fae necromancer, was having a regular day of cleaning up bodies, taking out murdering trash, and pissing off local authorities…he should have known that peace and quiet wouldn't last in a city like Inferno.

Now, an actual Reaper called Elektra is on his doorstep, demanding his help to stop a renegade necromancer from tearing the Veil apart and unleashing an undead army.

He wants to tell her that it's not his problem, but Elektra's death magic sings to him like a siren song, and his fae mating instincts are getting more frustrated by the second.

They are going to need more than the usual tricks to figure out where the rogue necromancer is hiding, even if that means going to disreputable magicians, lost family members, and the dragons themselves to demand they get off their golden asses to save their city. What could possibly go wrong?

Please note that each story in the 'Inferno Universe' is completely standalone, and what links them together is that they all take place in the same city, so enjoy them in any order! They also contain violence, swearing, and spicy scenes.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2024

140 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

About the author

Alessa Thorn

48 books975 followers
Alessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.

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5 stars
275 (44%)
4 stars
232 (37%)
3 stars
97 (15%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
719 reviews
January 8, 2026
Audiobook. Library. I am enjoying this Inferno series a lot. Vanth was giving me Ruhn Danaan vibes (IYKYK) which I loved but I never really connected with Elektra. The story was good and as usual Alessa provides a fun, sexy time.
Profile Image for between.inked.sheets.
51 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2024
I almost forgot how good Alessa Thorn books are.

This was fast paced, adventure packed and with a side of sexy.
Profile Image for Morgan.
118 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2025
When I first met Vanth in an earlier book I wasn’t thrilled about his book, but I was wrong, the boy wore his mask well. He’s incredibly sweet and sexy, Elektra is a badass. Once again, I wish these were so much longer, I could really love exploring Inferno deeper. I also adore our first glimpse of a dragon in this one!
Profile Image for Kerry.
663 reviews22 followers
January 8, 2026
I'm really enjoying Alessa's Inferno universe, and this story might be one of my favorites so far. Plus it set up some of the next characters, and I can't wait to read about them too. Alessa is fast becoming another tried and true bae.
Profile Image for Laurene Allibert.
578 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2025
Volume 1 : Vampires
Volume 2 : Dhampir
Volume 3 : Wargs (Vampires/Wolves) and Wolf Shifters
Volume 4 : Necromancer / Guardians / Gof of the dead

Majors characters of this volume :

Tarael Vanth : Cleaner for the rich and monstrous (death scene). Necromancer, he is the son of the God Orcus.
Elektra Nova : Guardian of the Veil, reaper at the Temple of Magic and Bone. She was the princess of the Celestial Court.
Cecelia : Ghost and friend of Tarael.
Andreas : Has a crematorium, Tarael get rid of the corpses that he cleans there.
Eiline Vanth / Brokkr: Mother of Tarael, she is in a facility because she has a short-term magical dementia. Former reaper at the Temple of Magic and Bone. She put a spell on her to hide things.
Lazarus : Leader of the Cult of Shadows and Blood.
Orcus : Father of Tarael and God of the dead.
Flynt : Father of Eiline.
Lord Azhdaha : Dragon

More characters to the Inferno Universe :

Asteria Evandrus : Human, her parents had been killed by assassins working for Cassius who wants to be king of the Vampires. Wife of Mercury.
Mercury Amulius : One of the oldest vampires, head to the house Amulius. Blood Lord.
Valens Amulius : Vampired turned by Mercury, he betrayed him while he was asleep by joining Cassius side.
Zia : Lucrezia is the daughter of Cladius Pelas (the chairman), she can use truth telling like her father. Best friend of Asteria.
Corven Volso : Vampire and head of his family, he is currently selecting an heir through is descendants. Blood lord.
Ares Volso : Corven's heir, a dhampir.
Erik Volso : Corven's heir, a dhampir. He stole a lot of money from the Volso to pay his debt.
Camille Volso : Corven's heir, a dhampir. She is taking care of charity but it serves to launder money for a werewolf cartel.
Emilia Volso : Corven's heir, a dhampir. She looks like a fashion designer
Mars : Brother of Ares, he killed Kristofer.
Nicola Markides : Wolf shifter, raised as an alpha's daughter. Mate of Thor.
Thorfinn Haldansson : Blood Lord Representative, he is called the Blood Wolf. He is a warg a mix between a wolf shifter and a vampire. Leader of the Blood Pack.
Kaleb Pateras : Alpha of the clan Pateras, he was selected after the death of the father of Nicola. Killed by Nicola and Thor.
Bjorn : Friend of Thor and member of the Blood Pack.
Astrid : Member of the Blood Pack, she is a seer.
Matthew / Alex : Members of the Pateras Pack, killed by the Varg.
Stephen : Pack emissary of the Pateras Pack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
37 reviews
January 15, 2026
This was a fun, silly, quickie read with spicy vibes and low-stress stakes. If you’re in the mood for something fast, flirty, and not meant to be taken seriously, this totally fits the bill.

The world is chaotic in a “turn your brain off and enjoy” kind of way 🪄💀, the banter is playful, and the romance leans heavily into insta-lust rather than deep emotional build. I didn’t get super attached to the characters, but I was entertained the whole time—and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

Not groundbreaking, not unforgettable, but solid popcorn paranormal romance 🍿🔥

Tropes:
✨ Fated mates
💀 Necromancer x reaper vibes
🔥 Forced proximity
🖤 Snarky MMC
⚡ Insta-attraction
🪄 Urban fantasy chaos

Perfect as a palate cleanser or binge-read filler. Fun, spicy, and a little ridiculous—in a good way 😌📚
588 reviews
February 14, 2025
This book features Taerel Vance, a super powerful necromancer and Elektra, former princess also a necromancer but trained as a reaper. She comes to him after the whole group of reapers was killed. Turns out his mum who suffers from some degenerative magical curse was a reaper and his father was a death god. They met when they prevented a hole being ripped in the veil between life and death. She hid Vance to protect him. Unfortunately the guy who tore a hole in it is back and doing bad things. They end up stopping him but along the way realize that they’re mates. It was interesting how Elektra vacillated between wanting it and being afraid. Vance was just cute with how he loved her. And they have a lot of chemistry. I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Kylee.
474 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2025
This book didn't even feel like it belonged in the same series as the previous books. Previous books were short & sharp. There is more depth and plot to this one.
The theme of the supernaturals totally different to AT other books and I was totally down for it! Necromancers, reapers and fae, oh my!
The romance felt more natural and not so Insta, the chemistry was hot!
I read anything Alessa writes, this book is ranked up as one of my favourites.
Profile Image for Katie Moody.
40 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was pure perfection. I’ve read all of Alessa’s books & I think this one is definitely in my top 3. The banter & tension between the MCs was so good. The plot was intriguing & I loved how it played out.

Themes/Tropes:
💀Demi fae Necromancer
💀Forced proximity
💀Bada** FMC
💀*Chef’s kiss* banter
💀Mysterious world ending problem
💀Parents with hidden identities
26 reviews
January 16, 2025
Enjoyable

Another good story in this series even with it being a bit different than the first three. The change in power dynamics was fun and I liked the addition of the fey lore. The only thing is that what was called a Selkie sounds a lot more like a Kelpie what with the fresh body of water and the hooves.
124 reviews
January 26, 2025
Loved it

So I never thought I would read a book about a necromancer in a reaper but here I am. And I have to say I absolutely loved it. This is one of those books you hate to put down and pick it back up at the first opportunity. I loved each book in the series. Inferno is a city I won't be forgetting about anytime soon.
Profile Image for Marie.
110 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2024
Good

This novella was good. I normally love everything Thorn put out but this one just didn't hit with me. It didn't grab me. I may go back and read this again at a later date and change my mind but who knows.
24 reviews
February 8, 2025
Very different romance

Really enjoyed reading this. All the characters were unique. Very funny at times. Such a different class of paranormal to read about. You won't be disappointed in taking the time to read this.
4 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2025
great world building

This author is my new favorite. The world building was fascinating unlike most of the fantasy worlds this used a mixture of less well know myths. The FMC and MMC have great chemistry. There was suspense and humor.
225 reviews
October 14, 2024
sexy book in the inferno series

I really liked meeting Vanth and Elektra. They were exciting and good together. A fun adventure ensures along with a bond. Well written!
283 reviews
October 27, 2024
I loved this one so much! A necromancer, a reaper, several ghosts, and other spooky creatures? I don't think you can find a more fitting reading for this month!
Profile Image for Pet.
3,782 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2024
I absolutely love all of this authors work, even those that don’t fall into my favourite theme, they still rock to read and I really enjoyed Vanth and Electra.
32 reviews
December 5, 2024
Power and sweetness a great blend!

I loved this story! Both the mc and fc are powerful and sweet! Great storyline with magic, attraction, steam, and fun.
67 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2025
eh…

Not as good as the first 3. Was kind of a hard read for me. I ended up skipping pages
7 reviews
March 29, 2025
Fun read!

Not the usual adult fantasy book! The male perspective was cool, and the story line was quite interesting. Anyone that enjoys adult fantasy fiction should try this out!!!
2 reviews
June 20, 2025
Awesome read

Anyone who loves the mystical world will love this book...its full of magic, passion and glorious characters. Tough to put down...
Profile Image for Veronika B.
298 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2024
As much as I love Alessas writing, this book didn't do it for me. It was okay, but she had better books.

We follow Tareal Vanth, a demi-fae necromancer who is friends with ghosts, has a crew of gouls and is a misunderstood introvert with amazing powers. The only person he knows is his mother, who is unfortunately ill (dementia).

Of course, he also has a female counterpart, a princess whose Fae family didn't accept her necromancy magic, and who has found a second family in a temple that helps guide the dead across the veil.

I can't put my finger on exactly what bothered me...maybe it was to dark, or to stereotypical. I just didn't like it. Maybe because Vanth reminded me of a cheap copy of Rhun (Crecent City), or that his mother is cursed because she knows too much. Or that his father is the God of Death himself and he and his mother had a forbidden romance... You decide.

Anyway, it was a great escape, but it wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Victoria.
159 reviews
December 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 & 🌶️🌶️🌶 /4
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💜 The city’s best crime cleaner is secretly a more powerful Necromancer than anyone knows
🤍 The ancient veil between the living and the dead is threatened by ex-members of the very temples sworn to protect it
💜 A pair of death magic users on a quest to save it, and who find out being together makes them feel most alive
🤍 Fae and gods and magical battles oh my
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This series has been an absolute delight so far, Cannot WAIT for more …. especially with dragons 🐉 😉
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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