Reign of Darkness

The Prince's Assassin #2

by Ariana Nash

"Know your place, Nikolas."
"Under the heel of your boot, Your Highness?"

After a terrible inferno destroys the Caville palace, and with the people of Loreen turned against him, Prince Vasili is left with no choice but to flee his ancestral home, leaving Amir to proclaim himself king.

But the prince's life isn't the only one left in ashes. King Amir has not forgotten Nikolas Yazdan—the butcher, a lord's bastard son, and Vasili's favorite pet. Nikolas doesn't fear Amir, but the new king has discovered the Caville curse can be wielded like a weapon, and he has Nikolas in his crosshairs.

The exotic south is Vasili's and Niko's only refuge. A land of pirates and thieves, of mystery and magic. A land of opportunity for a manipulative prince and his reluctant assassin.

But just as Nikolas begins to believe Vasili might be worth fighting for—that Loreen can be saved with Vasili on the throne—the dark flame trapped in the royal bloodline unravels its ancient bonds.

One prince must control the unrelenting power desperate for its escape. The other must die.

Niko thought he knew which prince he could trust, but he's been fooled before and as Vasili's true motives are revealed, Niko finds himself at the mercy of Prince Vasili once more. Only this time, there is more than love at stake. The fate of the world rests on Niko discovering the truth about the flame, about the cursed Cavilles, and his place in their doomed destiny.

Prince’s Assassin series is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers saga. A gay Game of Thrones with a hint of Witcher thrown in, there are triggers, including but not limited to: reference to past abuse, attempted rape, dubious consent, reference to incest, torture, drug use and PTSD. High heat sexual content. The Prince’s Assassin is for 18+ only.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, LGBT, Magic

448 pages, ebook

First published December 4, 2020

About the author

Born to wolves, Ariana Nash only ventures from the Cornish moors when the moon is fat and the night alive with myths and legends. She captures those myths in glass jars and returning home, weaves them into stories filled with forbidden desires, fantasy realms, and wicked delights.

Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:

#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!

Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'You are my griffin' stars

I. Am. Speechless!!! This book!! I mean, this book is like a bomb. Or a freefall. Or fireworks. It starts with a bang. It ends with a bang. And there's a lot of bangs in between. (Pun not intended 🤭) It's just crazy amazing! I'll eventually come up with something more coherent, just give me a little time.

Ok, where to start? *fangirling screaming*
Let's start with Nikolas, my precious baby no. __ (I lost count). My poor Niko. He's been through so much. His entire world has shattered and Julian's betrayal made him difficult to trust anyone, the least of all Vasili. What I love the most about him is that even after everything, he's still full of fire, still ready to fight when needed, and never willing to surrender. Is he also still reckless? Yes. Still kind of naive? Yes. And I love him even more for that because he hasn't lost who he truly is inside. Even if I sometimes want to shake him senseless because of that.

Vasili glanced at Yasir.
The captain spread both hands. “It’s either brilliant or stupid.”
“A truly fitting description of Nikolas Yazdan,” Vasili acknowledged, almost smiling.

Another thing I adore about him. He's not afraid to tell Vasili exactly what he thinks.

“If I were taken last night, you’d never have known it,” he said, sounding like the Vasili who had tried to buy him in a pleasure-house.
It was too early in the morning for his shit. “Were you taken?”
“Clearly not.”
“Disaster averted. May I sleep now, Your Highness?”

The amount of sass here - pure gold 😎 And I found a piece of perfect music for Nikolas - Epic Score: Hunted Assassin.


Whoever the artist is, can we please have more Niko's pics? 😄

My darling Vasili... an anti-hero turned slightly less anti-hero but still pretty much an anti-hero. The title of this beautiful music is just for him - Audiomachine: Beyond Good and Evil. He was a total revelation in this book. I knew that sooner or later we're gonna see his other side, the vulnerable part of him that will show us, he is a human after all. However, I wasn't prepared for that. I wasn't prepared for him.

“I didn’t tell you about the Yazdans because you would have come to Seran. And I…” He looked up and blinked into the sun. “I would have lost you.” His shoulders fell, the weight of his words suddenly upon him.

My heart broke for him so many times, only tiny shards remained 💔💔💔 Seeing his walls finally came down... How much pain he was hiding. How alone he was literally all his life. And yet he never gave up, never stopped fighting. And the thing I like the most about him - as I said about Niko, that he is who he is. Only because we saw him vulnerable, he's not less vicious or manipulative. He didn't become all soft and mushy out of sudden. He will still lie, cheat, and steal to get his mission done. (I have a feeling he's reading Silk & Steel in his spare time, and that he secretly admires Assassins of the Order. I mean, 'Until it is done' could easily be his life motto. Or he wants to join The Mandalorians. 'This is the way' anyone? Ok, moving on! 😆)

Color touched Vasili’s cheeks and lips and his eye shone with lust. He was beautiful and fierce and utterly mad, and Niko knew he could never tame him. He’d always be this man of wild contradictions, impossible to predict, dangerous to contain. Lightning in a bottle.

These two together - it's like a mixture of hatred and a strong desire to fuck and love and a strong desire to kill each other, all these with deliciously snarky humor on top. I say, perfect!

Vasili blinked. “Propositioned me? In what way, Nikolas?”
“What fucking way do you think?”
“You think he wants to fuck?” Vasili’s mouth twitched.
“No, he wants to paint you,” Niko drawled sarcastically.

I expected they would be scorching hot when they will finally let loose and jump on each other. I didn't expect such tenderness and affection.

Vasili softened in his arms. His tongue swept in, taking and giving, but not too much. The prince’s soft fingers skimmed Niko’s jaw, and Niko was damn well lost.
He pulled free of the kiss and brushed his lips over Niko’s cheek, whispering, “My griffin.”

Are you in love with them already? I was right away!! 😍😍 But of course, there were scorching hot moments too.

He wanted to slide his fingers into his hair and hold him still as he fucked Vasili’s hand—needed to make Vasili moan and cry out and make him feel.
“Do I need to restrain you, Nikolas?” he purred.
“Fuck!” Niko slammed his wandering hands back on the rail. Frustration strummed through him. He wasn’t sure he could do this the way Vasili clearly wanted.

They are awesome together. All that pent up lust from the first book, just waiting to erupt. It's almost hard to imagine that they went from cold murdering stares in book 1 to flirting like there's no tomorrow in book 2. It was about a time 😏

“I should have gone to Loreen. I should be there now.”
“Why aren’t you?”
“Must I spell it out for you, Nikolas?”
“Please do, Your Highness.”
Vasili cupped Niko’s cheek, keeping him from looking away. “Day and night, you occupy my thoughts.”

“You truly came for me?” Vasili asked, as though still not believing it, despite all the evidence around him. And it was only then that Niko realized nobody had ever rescued Vasili. Until now.

And now I'm crying because it's so beautiful 💞

Now, it's probably time to wrap this review up. Obviously, there are a lot of things to fangirl about but there are also many revelations and unraveled mysteries here. I have to admit, that so many loose threads in the first book left me a little confused about what exactly is going on, however, this book sets (almost) everything in the right perspective. And I have to say, just WOW. I really like the path that the story has taken. I like new villains and new heroes. The character's cast is expanding. Well, trying to. They are dying as fast as falling dominos. And I'm more and more intrigued by elves. Maybe I'm imagining things but I think they are not all just evil. I think they will be of some use/help before the end. Or it might be that's only me, trying to see good in everyone 😊 anyway, we urgently need more Yasir (and Liam) in the next book. Niko could always use some help in managing Vasili and it seems Yasir is capable of holding his ground more or less. And I simply like him 😉

Yasir dripped black wax onto the map, pooling a globule near the commerce district.
“Do you know what you’re doing?” Niko asked.
“Vaguely.” Yasir grinned. “No, not really.”
“Then this is reckless.”
“So is every time I go to sea, but I’m still here.”
“Because you can only die once,” Niko added.

An honorable mention for the end. Applause for the bravest and most loyal horse to ever grace the fictional grounds. Ladies and gentlemen, I gave you, Adamo! Even Vasili melts for him 💗

A smile broke out across Vasili’s lips. It was a bright and brilliant thing to witness and completely unfamiliar on his face. Like this vicious, callous man had a real heart somewhere. From everything Niko had seen, that heart was reserved for Adamo only.

Just one more quote. Somebody hug me, it's so beautiful it's hard to handle 💘💘

“I have hurt you,” the prince whispered, his usually smooth voice suddenly hoarse, “and I will never be sorry.” His words teased over Niko’s lips. “Because it brought you to me.”

The ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Pippa!!

*************************************


WE HAVE THE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





JUST LOOK AT IT HOW MAJESTICALLY GORGEOUS IT IS!!!

"Remember your place, Nikolas.”
Niko folded his arms and raked his glare over Vasili. “Under the heel of your boot, your highness?”

These two together... I can't wait!

[nark · Rating 5 out of 5]

“there is nothing else in this world that frees me like you do, Nikolas Yazdan.” 🖤

this book was such a rollercoaster of emotions. so much angst, lies, betrayals, secrets, manipulations. it’s truly never ending.

the storyline is really engaging and interesting. you honestly just don’t know who to trust at times, since anyone could be lying, and Niko is just stuck in the middle of it. meanwhile, he’s also falling more and more for Vasili - a man who has lied to him and manipulated him multiple times.

“the truth was all over him, in every glance, every word. he fucking told Niko what he’d do, and still Niko had been surprised when the snake had turned around and sunk his fangs in?”

poor Niko.🥺 i really felt bad for him in this book at times.
i loved Nikolas in book 1 a lot, and my love for him grew even more in this book. i just love how blunt Niko is and the way he isn’t afraid to tell it exactly how it is. a very admirable quality in a world full of liars and manipulators.🤣

the relationship development between Vasili and Niko was *chef’s kiss* 🥰

the way Niko’s feelings for the prince kept growing with every moment… the way he wanted to keep him safe, the way he kept eye-fucking him non-stop, the way he wanted to make him smile. all of that just made me melt.

“this newfound worry for the prince was… unexpected.”

“most of the time he wanted to wrap his fingers around Vasili’s throat and throttle him, and mean it, but there was that small need to protect, to keep him safe, to fight the whole world for him.”

Niko be like: ”i despise Vasili, he’s such a slithering bastard, a snake, a fucking eel, etc, etc.” 😡

also Niko anytime Vasili is in any type of danger: *runs into burning buildings, kills anyone across his path to get to Vasili, gets him to safety asap* oh Nikolas…

honestly, Vasili is very misunderstood. he’s been through so many traumatic experiences, and holds so much pain inside of himself. he hides all his vulnerabilities under his cruel and mean facade. in reality, he’s suffering and is all alone in a world that is very much set against him.
the way Niko slowly started to understand Vasili and unravel all his hidden truths was beautiful.

“he needed to know he wasn’t alone.
and when had anyone just held his hand? when had anyone just touched him to offer comfort with no strings attached? since Alek? all those fucking years ago. since then, all anyone had ever done was cut pieces off him.”

however, there’s no denying that Vasili is also a master manipulator, but you gotta admire the fact that he never pretended to be a someone he’s not - a good man.

”nothing had changed. Vasili was still the prick who had beaten and manipulated Niko everyday since they’d met, but that wasn’t new. he’d lied and used people. he was dangerous and vicious, sly and callous. none of that was new. Vasili was still the man he’d always said he was. the mistake had been Niko’s, in trying to make him out to be something he wasn’t. just because he had a glimmer of kindness in him, that didn’t make him worthy of Niko’s heart.”

“after everything they’d shared, the heartless viper hadn’t changed.”

regardless of all the lies, i am still an absolute goner for Vasili/Niko. i am OBSESSED with them!!! their relationship is still simmering and slow-burning, but we definitely did have a multitude of breakthrough moments in this book regarding the romance between them!

“i have hurt you,” the prince whispered, his usually smooth voice suddenly hoarse, “and i will never be sorry.” his words teased over Niko’s lips. “because it brought you to me.”

“i care about you, Nikolas. i hope you’re satisfied. i would prefer not to acknowledge it. you’re a distraction. one i cannot afford. i had hoped, in your absence, these feelings would fade. they have not...”

“Vasili doesn’t know how to care. he didn’t even know he was capable of it until you entered his life. he made you a distraction for everyone else, but you became one for him.”
wow, Roksana summed it up pretty perfectly.😌 (me and Roksana have beef though, and if you have read this book, you know why, but still, i loved this quote so i had to include it lmao)

“Vasili’s eye fluttered open, his lashes light. he smiled, and the rest of Niko’s heart cracked wide open. he was doomed. he’d follow this asshole anywhere, do anything for him, probably die for him…” 🖤

also, we met a truly delightful side character in this book - Yasir. he literally never shuts up and is constantly flirting with everyone around him.

“with all of this to work with,” Yasir gestured at himself, “it would be a shame to stay quiet, no?” 🤣



anyways, to sum up i’m absolutely loving this series and i can’t wait to start book 3 asap! i highly recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy, magical elements, hate-to-love & slow-burn romance!

[Lucie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prince and a blacksmith, enemies and lovers.

✅✅ Vasili and Niko
✅ Yasir and the other characters
✅ Hate/Love and so much angst 😁
✅ Sexual tension and smut 🔥🔥
✅ Politics and scheming
✅ SO MANY lies and betrayals!
✅ Plot
✅ Pace
✅ Vasili barging in while Niko is taking his bath
❗️❗️ Cliffhanger
❗️❗️ Trigger warning: mentions of rape, imprisonment, drug use, forced drug use, and torture.


OMG 😳
I apologize in advance for the many quotes, I loved them all, and couldn't decide which ones to put into my review.

The truth is, a griffin must forever hold the flame. You were my griffin.

I want to cry.


I was not ready for that ending.
This series is amazing so far. It is heart-pounding, sexy, romantic, funny, and full of betrayal and angst. The author mixed and balanced the plot and the romance amazingly, and as in Silk & Steel, it's full of twists. Just when you think that you figured out the character's plan or personality, you are proved wrong.

He’d need a whole lifetime to get over Vasili and what that palace had done to him. Now, Vasili was sitting in his favorite chair, in his cottage, in his life all over again, and he’d hardly changed at all.
He’d tell him to leave.
Tomorrow.

Reign of Darkness takes place more or less one year after the end of King of the Dark. Niko and Vasili have been separated for one year, Niko living a quiet life as a blacksmith, and Vasili trying to survive his ruthless family, but as always, trouble is brewing. As Vasili's home is destroyed and he has to flee to escape his brother's attempt to kill him, he and Nikolas are reunited again and are on a quest to find allies and figure out a way to save their lands, while also staying hidden from Amir and his possessed guards.

“My brother has a retinue of guards possessed,” Vasili finally said, shouting the words over the roar of the falls. “He’s turned Loreen against me. Every day, the flame gets louder in my head. All I have is a bastard blacksmith who despises me, who would have killed me already if not for the horror my death might unleash.”


“I will always fight you because nobody else dares to. The second I stop fighting you, that will be the moment you stab me in the back.”

Once again, Nikolas is “forced” to work with Vasili. He chose to accompany him this time at least, instead of being imprisoned and whipped, but he’s only going because he wants to keep an eye out on Vasili in case anything happens to the flame. Niko knows that even though he doesn’t like Vasili, things would be even worse if the flame all went to his brother. Nik is also ready, of course, to kill Vasili if he ever shows signs of losing control of the flame and becoming even more dangerous than he is now. This created a very tense first half of the book, and the angst-lover in me was just delighted… And if you enjoy angsty stories, just wait until the second half of this book, the angst level is SO FREAKING AWESOME!

“Watching you both dance around each other is pure entertainment on my part, but I do wish you’d just fuck already.”


Yasir’s frown darkened. “Do you two speak at all or is it just grunts and snarls the whole time?”

Yasir is a new character that I really liked. At first, he was just the bubbly, happy companion that Vasili would obviously end up taking advantage of, but he turned out to be much more. He was a wandering soul looking for a purpose, and Vasili’s quest seemed to be that purpose. We can see already that he’s very driven, and genuinely wants to help Vasili, and I’ll admit that his dry humor and shameless flirt were very nice. It added some lighter and funnier moments to this dark story that’s about to get even darker.

“I have hurt you,” the prince whispered, his usually smooth voice suddenly hoarse, “and I will never be sorry.” His words teased over Niko’s lips. “Because it brought you to me.”

As the story progresses, it becomes more obvious how Vasili places his trust in Niko. Slowly but surely Niko changes from a simple pawn in Vasili's political games to an ally, a friend even, and a steady and mostly kind presence (although Niko does not hesitate to rip Vasili a new one when he fucks up), making Niko is the only one Vasili can truly trust but also showing Vasili what his life could be in a world where he isn't a prince with the dark flame inside him. It's great how the author managed to create these sweet moments between the two men, but at the same time made these moments cruel and bittersweet because Vasili knows that he will never be able to have this life, and even though he’s trying his best to save his people, he continues lying and using them to achieve his noble goal. He’s all about doing the wrong things for a good reason.

“I don’t want this,” Vasili denied, his vehemence quickly returning. “I don’t want any of this. What I want is a cabin in the woods with the man I fear I’ve come to care for, despite all my efforts not to. But what I want has never mattered.”

This story is also packed with action, life-or-death situations, fighting, and escaping. It is a heart-pounding adventure, and I just couldn't stop reading it. If there was no action, it's simply because there was a sweet moment between Niko and Vasili, or because they were full of hatred and angst and were hurting each other. Truly this book does not give us a minute to breathe, I was either at the edge of my seat, dying to know what would happen next, squealing and rooting for Vasili and Niko (because they are so hot and cute together), or I was speechless because of a betrayal, a plot-twist or just because of the overwhelming angst... There is never a dull moment with Niko and Vasili!

He smiled. “I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure knowing you, Nikolas, but it really hasn’t.”
Niko arched a brow. “Fuck you too, prince.”
Vasili’s smile flourished into a grin.


Betrayal. Again. Oh, how Niko knew its familiar sting.

Oh yes! This book is full of politics, betrayals, and double-crossing, and you have no idea who’s betraying who and who’s allied with who until shit goes down. It made every relationship in this book so much more complex, and I loved it!

The captain spread both hands. “It’s either brilliant or stupid.”
“A truly fitting description of Nikolas Yazdan,” Vasili acknowledged, almost smiling.

The characters are great, and there is so much character development in this book! Poor Niko has been through so much, Julian broke his heart and betrayed his trust, and now Niko does not want to trust anyone, the least of all Vasili. I love how resilient Niko is. Even after everything that happened, he's still full of fire and ready to fight. He is also reckless and honest, and I loved that he didn’t lose sight of who he was… I also adore the way he always says exactly what he thinks to Vasili, without sugarcoating anything, and not hesitating to insult him while doing so, and that despite everything that’s happened to him, all the lies and betrayals, he hasn’t lost sight of who he truly is, and he stands strong by his convictions. Sure he’s fed up with the Cavilles and all the politics, but in the end, he always does what’s best for the kingdom, even if it costs him. I suspect that he might be nearing his limit though and that if he continues to be pushed around and lied to, he might very well decide to not give a fuck and leave for good this time.

I’m the prince of ashes, the prince of madness. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to not be who I am. I don’t get to walk away or give up. My life is a cage.

Now for my darling Vasili... I love him so much! We get to see his other, softer, more human side in this book, but he remains a complex kind of anti-hero that will not hesitate to sacrifice others and himself for his ultimate goal to defeat the elves. We saw his ruthless, calculating, and cold side in the first book, in this one we met a more vulnerable and caring Vasili, full of dreams and hopes, and I love him even more now. 🖤 He is so full of pain and loneliness, and just when he finally started to let his walls down, shit happened again. His cunning and self-sacrificing side always wins though, and the last part of the book broke my heart. I wanted to hug Niko and Vasili, and just never let them go… They both need much love and a quiet place to live happily ever after, where Vasili cannot sacrifice himself anymore, or use Nik and sacrifice him for the greater good.

“I can’t afford to care.” Vasili spread his arms. “At least you had something to lose. What do I have? I’m the prince of ashes, the prince of madness. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to not be who I am. I don’t get to walk away or give up. My life is a cage.”


I hate how he lies all the time. I hate how he measures people by how useful they are to him. But by the three, I can’t stop thinking about the real Vasili, the man he keeps hidden, but it’s not even just that. The dark side of him—it ties me in knots, and gods, I need that too. I thought I loved Julian, but it was Vasili in my head the whole time. Do you know how fucked up that makes me?

My heart broke for Vasili and Niko so many times in this book. I am IN LOVE with them, but at the same time, I wanted to strangle them sometimes because they were hurting each other and themselves… But you know me, I’m a sucker for hate/love relationships and angst, and this book is full of it. Niko and Vasili’s relationship is a hate-to-love romance, although even when they are in the love part, there is so much anger and hate that remains because Vasili kept on scheming and using others, and Niko kept on being disappointed, hurt or betrayed.

” There is nothing else in this world that frees me like you do, Nikolas Yazdan.”



Color touched Vasili’s cheeks and lips and his eye shone with lust. He was beautiful and fierce and utterly mad, and Niko knew he could never tame him. He’d always be this man of wild contradictions, impossible to predict, dangerous to contain. Lightning in a bottle.

They are a mixture of hatred and heavy sexual tension (I'm telling you, all that pent-up lust is just waiting to erupt), of love and intense desire to maim or kill the other, mixed with lies and secrets. Their dynamic is so complex and full of emotions, and I love that even though they kinda subtly admitted their feelings, their relationship remains complex and soooo unclear at times... They’re going to have fun trying to untangle all these feelings in the last book. 🤭

“There’s parts of him I hate, and then there’s this part of him I’d do anything for. I think…” He shuddered a sigh. “I think that’s the part that scares me.

1. King of the Dark ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5


Follow me on Instagram 🙂

[Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST as good as the first!!! I am ravaging these books. I wish this was a series and not a trilogy because I am not ready to move onto the last part of this story 😭.
Through most of this book Vasili and Niko are their normal prickly selves to each other but there are cracks in the ice that keep growing and growing. Also I really loved the addition of Yasir’s character, at first I wasn’t expecting him to stick around, I was actually expecting him to just betray them like literally everyone else does 😅. But that doesn’t end up happening and he actually becomes a fairly interesting and fun character to follow. The one thing I would have complained about was that there was always something happening, always a twist of sorts, never a down moment for the characters just to be there. And I usually don’t mind a lot of action but I felt like this was just too constant to the point where it became overwhelming. BUT towards the end we eventually do get a rest, within a few scenes so I say that kinda makes up for it. Overall, this book is as wild if not more wild than the first and I neeeed to know what happens!!!!

[juli✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰ 4.5 Stars ✰

Vasili would throw Niko to the wolves, and Niko—fool that he was—would willingly go every damn time.

-ˏˋ Take One ˎˊ-


i was not prepared for that ending. . .

✨😭 why is march so far away (also yay it's coming out in march now)✨😭

also Saint Moni i think i'm ready to read the Silk and Steel series now. i need a happily ever after from SOMEONE in the Ariana Nash universe.


-ˏˋ Take Two ˎˊ-


*takes an alarmingly deep breath*

Oh this book, this dark and twisty book. Reign of Darkness was everything I wanted and more. Seriously, I'm convinced that ARIANA NASH is dabbling in sorcery because this book was fucking fabulous. While it did take me an obnoxiously long time to finish - and review - I see that as more of a ME problem vs. the books problem. This story was quite frankly, amazing, fantastically fantastical , heart pounding, twisty, sexy, romantic, and fun. What I am loving about The Prince's Assassin series is just how epic it is. It has everything I could ever want out of a great fantasy-romance, and once again MS. NASH proves that she can balance plot and romance. However, THAT ENDING, ugh, it fucking gutted me and I'm still recovering.


-ˏˋ The Plot ˎˊ-


REIGN OF DARKNESS takes place one year (again don't quote me on that) after the events of King of the Dark . Niko and Vasili are separated, with Niko restoring his fathers blacksmith business, and Vasili doing. . .prince things. However, Vasili and Niko can't be separated for long and once again trouble is brewing. Vasili and Niko are once again reunited and are on a quest. . .to do things. Look I'm not here for the plot I'm here for the romance. Plot shit happened but more importantly, NIKO & VASILI. I'm gonna go squee about those two now, so if you really want to know what this book is about click this link .


-ˏˋ The Fantastical Highlights ˎˊ-


✧✦ Character Spotlight - Nikolas "Niko" Yazdan ✧✦

I don't know if this is a hot take, but here we go. I, Julia, lover of brooding bad boys, actually liked Niko more than Vasili, ah 🙈✨. I don't know what it is, but there is something about Niko that makes me want to hug him and never let him go. This poor man keeps getting beaten, imprisoned, lied too, betrayed, and emotionally stomped on.

No, no… He’d given the prince the pieces of his broken heart, and Vasili had crushed them, exactly as he’d feared he would.

Seriously loverboy Niko can never catch a break, and every time things seemed to be looking up for him the universe, *cough* Vasili *cough*, would rip out his innards and emotionally destroy him. . .okay MAYBE I'm exaggerating, but that's how I INTERPRETED the things happening to my love Niko. However, despite all the shit thrown Niko's way he never lost that subtle optimism, honor, loyalty, slight naïveté, integrity, or faith in his morals. Basically, Niko IS Ned Stark minus the beheading.

My love for Niko really speaks to just how great of a writer ARIANA NASH truly is! If this was a series written by any other author I personally think Vasili would be my favorite character. And while he is near and dear to my heart, I can't help but love Niko wholeheartedly. Niko is my favorite in this series, and it has gotten to the point where I'm anxious thinking about the third book because I want my Niko to have the happiest happily ever after that ever did ever after. PERIOD.


✧ The Evolution of the Romance ✧ So, for those of you who read book one you may have been. . .disappointed by the lack of romance / the "red herring" romance. fuck you Julien i hope you get revived just so you get impaled by a dull branch While there was extremely electrifying chemistry between Vasili and Niko nothing officially happened. Going into REIGN OF DARKNESS I thought I was prepared for the romance between Vasili and Niko. . .I thought wrong. The road to romance between these two men is long, windy, and slightly overly complicated. There are secrets, more secrets, and a sprinkle of lies thrown in for good measure. Oh and Vasili is the type of broody Prince who believes that anyone he ever loved died and or suffered because of him. what a time.

“You deliberately make yourself difficult to love,” Niko said [. . .]
“You push everyone away. Because anytime you’ve gotten close to someone, they’ve suffered. But it was never your fault, Vasili.”
“Do you know me, Nikolas?”
“I know you like nobody else dares.”

Yet despite the secrets, lies, deception, and betrayal, Niko and Vasili have this incredible bond that cannot be denied. Niko does a laughably terrible job at hiding his obvious affections for Vasili. Really it's almost funny at how bad he is at hiding his feelings. Poor dude wears his heart on his sleeve.

“Watching you both dance around each other is pure entertainment on my part, but I do wish you’d just fuck already.”

Meanwhile Vasili. . .is Vasili. What is so brilliant about his character are the subtle ways in which his love, and more importantly his trust for Niko shine through. At the start of REIGN OF DARKNESS Vasili witnesses everyone turn against him. He's so heartbreakingly alone that he says this -

“Amir has poisoned everyone against me.” [. . .] “Adamo is all I have left.”

i - i need a moment 😭✨

As the story plays out we the readers can visibly see Vasili placing (almost) all of his trust within Nikolas Yazdan. Slowly but surely Niko becomes less a pawn in Vasili's arsenal, and more of a Trojan Horse so to speak. What I mean is while Vasili still has no qualms about throwing Niko in the viper pit, he does it because he knows Niko is the only one he can truly trust.

“I don’t trust anyone,” [. . .] “Except you.”

The romance between Vasili and Niko is beyond complicated in this book and still unfinished. But, what ARIANA NASH gives us is an. . .interesting dynamic. Vasili sees Niko as the only one he can trust - which is both a good and bad thing - and Niko will LITERALLY do anything for Vasili.

“I have hurt you,” [. . .] “and I will never be sorry.” [. . .] “Because it brought you to me."

Thus, I am looking forward to the further evolution of Niko and Vasili's romance. I'm assuming, then again you can never assume with these two, that their dynamic will get a TINY bit more healthy. But eh, I'll take anything ARIANA NASH will give me with a smile on my face.

He was Niko’s, and Niko needed to keep him safe. He’d always save him. Always.

ugh, i need another moment you guys 😭✨

✧ The Plot, Side Characters, Etc. ✧ It's no secret that when I read any book that has even remotely a drop of romance, all I care about / focus on is the romance, and if there is no romance I create one in my head. Basically I started the PRINCE'S ASSASSIN series for the romance. HOWEVER, I was actually pleasantly surprised with the plot.

I know I know, very surprising. Now it has been a minute since I've read this book so I really couldn't tell you what the plot was, BUT I do remember that I enjoyed it. In addition the side characters didn't get on my nerves, which is another win. Again usually when there's a larger cast of characters I give zero shits about the side characters. But yet again MS. NASH is working her sorcery because I really enjoyed the new / old side characters we got. Plus, Yasir is out here just spitting facts and calling Vasili + Nico on their collective BS.

“Watching you both dance around each other is pure entertainment on my part, but I do wish you’d just fuck already.”

This series has everything, action, adventure, romance, great characters, an intriguing plot, romance, humor, and again, the most amazing romance.


✧ Adamo - a most loyal steed ✧

I never thought a relationship between a man and his horse could make me weepy, but here. we. are.

He patted Adamo on the neck. “Now, let’s go get our man.”

Not only was Adamo a most loyal horse, but he brought out this not often seen softness in Vasili. The loyalty between Adamo and Vasili is beautiful, and I just love when authors meaningfully incorporate animals into their stories.


-ˏˋ What ANNOYED Me ˎˊ-

please don't hate me you guys 🙈✨

✧ His Royal Highness, Prince Vasili Caville ✧ I KNOW, I KNOW. Before you guys start furiously typing, hear me out. I did like Vasili, dare I say love him at certain points. He's a complicated character who has been through so. much. SHIT. Seriously, before I start airing my greivances against him I need you all to know that Vasili is near and dear to my heart.

“I don’t want this,” Vasili denied, his vehemence quickly returning. “I don’t want any of this. What I want is a cabin in the woods with the man I fear I’ve come to care for, despite all my efforts not to. But what I want has never mattered.”

That said. . .Vasili, my Prince, YOU ARE 👏 TESTING 👏 MY 👏 PATIENCE 👏. If I had to deal with him betraying Niko one more fucking time I swear to all that is holy!

“[. . .] I cannot fight them as I am. Alone.”
Niko let out a breath that sounded too much like a sob. “You weren’t alone.”

did he just make my Niko cry 😤✨

Throughout the entire book there's this dance going on, if that makes sense. Plot shit will happen, Niko and Vasili will work together, romance beings to happen, Vasili betrays Niko. rinse and repeat, rinse and motherfucking repeat. After a while it just got, tiring. By the end of the book when Vasili - fill in the blank - Niko I was. . .a bit unmoved. Correction, I was moved, moved to violence. I'm hoping that in book three we get to see Vasili genuinely fighting as hard for Niko as Niko has fought for him. Vasili 100% has his own twisted reasons for all his actions, but there's only so many times I can watch him betray / throw away / manipulate Niko's love him.


-ˏˋ My Conclusion ˎˊ-


REIGN OF DARKNESS was a truly worthy edition to the PRINCE'S ASSASSIN series. It built upon the characters, story, and world that we fell in love with in book one. In my personal opinion this series has something for everyone. It avoids falling into the traps most fantasy series do, and ARIANA NASH brilliantly balances plot and romance. Ultimately if you loved her SILK AND STEEL series, are a fan of fantasy, like romance, or want to check out MS. NASH as an author, I highly, HIGHLY, recommend this series.

Niko was damn well bringing his prince home, and no vicious elf, no endless war, and no dishonorable Yazdan was going to stand in his way.

✩✩✩✩ king of the dark
✩✩✩✩ reign of darkness
✩✩✩✩ curse of the dark prince
✩✩✩✩✩ the cottage

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean this with all the love in the world, but Vasili really is a complete and unmitigated cunt .......(but I still kind of love him).

The angst was delicious. My heart broke along with Nikos and I cried alongside him. That poor, poor boy. I really hope he gets to go on a therapeutic murder spree soon.

I am ultimately a simple creature, and I love some toxic, codependent, fucked up, messy love stories, and as such, I am eating this shit up.

This story is a phenomenal example of dark fantasy. I regularly feel deeply uncomfortable reading it (watch your trigger warnings) but I can't turn away or put it down.

As the story has expanded and developed it has moved away from much of the Captive Prince energy that the first one had and developed into its own rich world and characters.

I will be diving headfirst into the finale and await the void that finishing this trilogy will leave inside me when it's all over and the dust has settled.

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When all this is over," Vasili whispered, gaze flicking up again, "give me your word you'll find someone. You'll take him to a cottage you've built somewhere far away from all this. And you'll live there, you and that good man, the man you deserve." The blade stilled, its edge pressed tightly against Niko's throat. Vasili's reflected gaze looked deep into Niko's. "Your word, Nikolas."
"When I find the man I deserve, I'll rescue us both." Whispered, he added, "You have my word, my prince."
~ this book had so many quote-worthy dialogues that it was hard to choose just one. 😩

I'M FINE. I SWEAR I'M FUCKING FINE.

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read: 29.06.2021
Fuck there's a whole lot of back and forth with this book. Don't get me wrong, the book is still interesting and has tons of twists along the way, but man it is frustrating! That said, it is dark to some degree and it is actually not my forte. I don't really like it dark but it was bearable enough since I already knew what would happen...
New rating: 2.5/3 stars.

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Contains Spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

First read review:
With the book ending in such a cliffhanger, I'm so fucking glad I didn't start reading this series until all the book was out. That said, I grew tried of Nikolas ‘Niko’ ‘Nik’ Yazdan (24/25?) and Prince Regent Vasili Caville (23/24?) constant back and forth between hate and barely like. While I liked the sexual and none sexual frustration, I just wanted them to get over it and fuck like bunnies and confess their love. That said, I was a bit confused with the history within this series and the thing with the keys. I hope things get more cleared up in the last book. Overall, I liked it. I'm glad we got to see even more layers to the prince and captain Yasir Lajani of the ship Walla’s Heart was a nice character to add, though I mostly wanted scene with Vasili and Niko.

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Dark Fantasy Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? - No.
Cheating? - No. Though Niko was drugged for a week by Amir and I don't know if he raped Niko.
HEA? - No.
Favorite character? - Nikolas ‘Niko’ ‘Nik’ Yazdan.
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes, I believes so.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, if you like dark themes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3 stars.

[Claudie ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Ariana Nash is at the top of my fave authors list, and this might just be her best series. I am so freaking glad the ARC arrived when I had some free time, because once I started, you’d have to pry my Kindle from my cold, dead hands!

AN is the reigning queen of cruel and unpredictable plot twists. Just when you’re starting to think that maybe, just maybe, you have some things figured out, she proves you so wrong, you get a whiplash. And then she does it again, and again. Her mind is a creative powerhouse. God, I need her to keep writing. NEED it, I tell you.

Reign of Darkness was so much better than the prequel! The character development really kicked off in this installment, and it was glorious. Oh, Vasili… 😭 I totally understand Niko’s quandary — I, too, felt the need to strangle him more than once, but also to protect him from everything and everyone. Vasili could be so damn frustrating at times, but the little glimpses of his true, conflicted self made up for this in spades. Such a tortured soul, hidden beneath layer upon layer of deception…

Niko grew up some, too, compared to book one, but he was still very trusting and impulsive (and who could blame him, with Vasili the master-manipulator in his head?), and paid for it once again. AN truly revels in putting her characters through the wringer, and I LOVE her for that — for making me experience such a wide range of emotion every single time.

Also, let’s not forget the panty-melting chemistry between Vasili and Niko, and their deepening feelings for each other…

AND THAT ENDING!



I’m not going to spoil the plot for any future readers, but let me just say that there’s not one dull moment in this book. Rest assured that you’ll be wearing your ‘Oh shit!’ face through most of it. Highly recommend this series!

[Princess under cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Better than the first book, but parts still irked me greatly. This is definitely the least liked by me of the various series by AN. BUT, it's improving so I have hopes for the next book.

What I liked as usual is:

1. the fast pace
2. the world building
3. the MCs who are MEN, even tho Vasili has long hair and wears pretty clothes and is generally PRETTY. No "twinks" in AN's books, thank goodness



4. the tension between the MCs, tho I'm honestly getting tired of the tried and true enemies-to-lovers thing that is ALWAYS her spiel. It gets OLD
5. Niko is growing on me
6. there's finally some hand action and no on-page sex with other people, tho rape AGAIN of Niko is explicitly implied

What I didn't like:

1. the endless layers of intrigue, betrayal and second guessing. Just got really STALE! I mean I feel like they get thrown in just to throw in now, and some of the betrayals are really sudden
2. see above some of the dislikes after the likes
3. RAPE of Niko is apparently an ongoing theme, both in first book and here. See notes below. Apparently he's the most attractive man ever lived because everyone wants to get a piece of him and the more it's non-consensual the better. The twist here is that Vasili throws him purposely at Amir to rape so Amir can be distracted. And because Niko is "in on it" it's okay (it's not rape if you're doing it on purpose to distract the enemy, right?? yeah....) the fact that Vasili does this by FORCE, betraying Niko's trust, while he supposedly LOVES Niko is mind boggling to me. So, while I intellectually get why HE thinks it's the only way, it still makes me dislike him. So now I like Vasili less, which is unfortunate



So yeah, it's not a total winner for me. But at least I'm liking this better than the last. I really wish this author would be less formulaic tho...

[Mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.85 rating***

“I have hurt you,” the prince whispered, his usually smooth voice suddenly hoarse, “and I will never be sorry.” His words teased over Niko’s lips. “Because it brought you to me.”

😍💞

Thoughts from Book 1 Review:

"How the author will turn these two into lovers will be interesting. I hope it unfolds more in the other books because this book was more focused on the elf drama and vengeance (which I enjoyed). But still, I wanna see some romance, hopefully 🤞🏻 lol.

I hope that Niko isn't as trusting in the second book and isn't used as a tool for the Prince's personal ambitions."

Thoughts on Book 2:

Well, this book was frustratingly good. What I mean by that is that Niko and Vasili were frustrating af😭😩, but the story was really engaging and enjoyable. However, their back and forth was exhausting 😩.

Allow me to explain.

In book 2, I definitely get what I asked for from my last review. It is predominantly focused on the complicated relationship between Niko and our favorite Prince. We definitely get to see them evolve from "enemies" to "lovers". There is a lot of lusting going on, lots of eye fucking and sexy scenes 😏. Vasili has definitely grown to care for Niko in his own ways, even if it means betraying him and using him endlessly.

The betrayal was constant with my dark Prince, and at times even when it was expressed that Vasili "loved" or cared about Niko it was hard to believe that he meant it. Niko's forgiving nature was also frustrating, because what these two have is in my opinion a toxic relationship, but I understand why the author wrote this couple that way.

I was annoyed with Vasili's actions in this book, and as a reader you will probably feel the same. However, you have to understand that this is a character that does not know how to love, has been betrayed and tortured constantly and all he knows is survival through being calculative and manipulative. It is a defense and coping mechanism. But somehow he grew to care for the Yazdan boy, the protector of the flame.

"You were more than my protector, more than my griffin, more than I cared to acknowledge because to care is to have something to lose. And I’m afraid to lose any more of myself. I care about you, Nikolas. I hope you’re satisfied."

This complex character in his own way, in my opinion, does care for Niko even if it is somewhat twisted. Further, regardless of his actions I still love the Caville prince. Vasili as I stated in my last review, is the product of his environment. Calculating, manipulative, and ruthless. But he is also vulnerable, and hungry for affection. He does fiercely care for Niko, even when it does not seem like it. This tortured soul has many depths that Niko has come to see and love. I still think there is more to Vasili that we have not yet seen, especially his vulnerable side.

Niko and his loving nature is another reason why I loved this book. He is such a sweet and forgiving man. He loves Vasili even if it costs him his life. His ordeal with the Yazdans and Amir was hard to read about. This character has gone through so much betrayal and loss, I hope there is some happiness awaiting him in the final book.

I also appreciate the new addition to our dynamic duo, Yasir the merchant/sorcerer. He was a fun character and I love his humor and constant flirty nature 🤣😂. I especially liked how he could always see through these two.

“Watching you both dance around each other is pure entertainment on my part, but I do wish you’d just fuck already.”

He definitely added some fun and sass to the story.

All in all, I did enjoy book 2. I was just a bit frustrated with the mains because like Yasir said I do wish they would just fuck already and get their act together😂😂😂. But good things come to those who wait. So, I will wait 😭😩. I hope these two get some peace and happiness in book 3 which is the conclusion to this series. They deserve it after everything they have been through. I"ll be honest I am already 30% into book 3🤣. That alone should tell you how addicting and enjoyable this series is.

See you in my next review !💕

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I now remember why I abandoned this second installment halfway through a year ago - the endless betrayals were exhausting as was the roller coaster of a plot; Niko seems to be in an endless loop of falling harder and being blindsided. I’m still glad I reread book 1 and gave this another shot: Despite characters seemingly stuck in their respective behavioral patterns, it was gratifying to finally see that Vasili does care for Niko, despite it all. Kudos to the author for creating a character that is lovable despite his actions. As for book 3, I do hope Vasili and Niko will finally work as a team in the conclusion of the series coz this will get old. I’m also still waiting for the elves to be something more than vague, destructive evil forces. With expectations like that, what can go wrong?

3.5 stars for now, might re-evaluate after finishing book 3.

[Ariana Nash]

OUT NOW IN EBOOK & PAPERBACK!

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd been hanging out for the second installment of the Prince's Assassion series and let me say, I LOVED it, in fact I enjoyed it even more than the first book, King of the Dark.

I was a bit worried going in, because I often find the second book in a trilogy to be a bit slow, while the author builds the story and starts pulling together all the threads of each character arc. But I needn't have worried - this installment was just perfect 😍.

We rejoin Niko and Vasili where we left them, as flames destroy the Caville palace, forcing them to flee south from Loreen, where they unravel more secrets of the dark flame, and we discover the true connection between the Yazdens and the Cavilles.

In typical Ariana Nash style, in Reign of Darkness we are subjected to twists and turns, plots within plots and counter plots within counter plots.

We also learn so much more about Vasili and what makes him tick. Honestly, I didn't think I could love him any more after King of the Dark, but it turns out I really could🥰.

The relationship between Niko and Vasili turns up a notch in this installment, with the steam factor rising🔥🔥 along with the tension and we also see the introduction of a new character, Yasir, who is just adorable.

Of course, we don't end up with a HEA at the conclusion of this book, but no doubt the third and final installment, Curse of the Dark Prince, will bring a HEA for our boys.

Highly recommended.

5 ✨✨✨✨✨

[Sleepless Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ending was so cruel, I need the third book immediately. Review to come, after I finish reading about all of the ways capitalism has doomed us all!

--------------
Studying for my Microeconomics quiz < Going on adventures with Niko and Vas. Who needs academia when you have elves, curses and swordfights?

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Phew, finally finished!

I enjoyed reading the first book (for the most part), although I didn't think it was a good book, but that wore off quickly in Reign of Darkness.

This is just my opinion, but I thought it was just shoddy writing.

Things don't really make sense - like the elves! Where do they all come from and why are they trying to conquer Loreen and kill everyone? Just because they're evil? That's not good enough!
(Also, I'm supposed to believe that even someone super strong, like these elves, can make a lock pick out of a metal cup in a minute?! With their bare hands?! And pick two locks in the time it takes Niko to clock on and stand up?!?!?! No, no, no!)
What about the "flame"?! Nothing about the way it worked had any logic. It can "infect" and control people, and you can make shadow things out of it, but that's it? Doesn't help anyone survive... And it seems to be sentient. How?! What's its purpose? Just to be evil and want to conquer, like the elves?

It's not believable and so flimsy. Like Niko building his cottage (with a 1st floor too, not just ground level!) with his own two hands! After being a soldier his whole adulthood and a blacksmith's son before? With what magical skill could he build houses? With what money?! Yes, he worked as a blacksmith - let's say that was enough, but how did he start his business? He left with nothing! That's like Vasili still miraculously having enough jewellery on him (after escaping a fire) to pay for things left right and centre (a month's rent!). And then you have a merchant travelling all alone through the wild, a place known for thieves? Just because he has a pistol?

These are just a few examples...

It was all so repetitive too, and a bit of a melodrama! I trust you, I don't trust you. I'll save you, I'll betray you. But wait! I betrayed you for a noble cause, but screw that after all - I'll save you & we're back to scratch. I'll get kidnapped, then you get kidnapped, then I get kidnapped, then you do, then I sacrifice myself for you, then you for me, and on and on and on.

Then we have the characters... Niko is just a himbo, really. All bravado and anger, without thinking anything through, always believing that if he's angry and aggressive he'll win (oh, and if he swears and shouts!). I found him extremely irritating; him and his weirdly animated cock.

Vasili was more interesting at first, probably because I have a weakness for the 'tortured soul' type, especially if there's a disfigurement involved (although I counted only 1 instance in 700 pages across both books when him having only one eye is an issue; rest of the time it's just mentioned to talk about the eye patch...) and if the character has long white-blond hair! But he rapidly becomes so repetitive and keeps making the same mistake over and over again.

Aaaanyway, I should have known better, I really should have. I have no one but myself to blame on this one, haha.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Vasili, you slithering bastard, where are you?” He wouldn’t be dead. Not yet. He’d survived eight years as a prisoner of the elves. He’d survive this until Niko could get to him. He had to.

**Insert frustrated screaming**
Oh Vasili how I hated you. Then I didn’t, then I did, then I didn’t and now I’m all confused and just know that poor old Niko doesn’t deserve any of this. But then Vasili probably doesn’t either. I mean, there’s a good man in there somewhere just trying to do the best with the hand he’s been dealt – isn’t there? My emotions yo-yoed all over the place, particularly because Vasili continued to be his slippery, smoke-and-mirrors, twisty self.

Color touched Vasili’s cheeks and lips and his eye shone with lust. He was beautiful and fierce utterly mad, and Niko knew he could never tame him. He’d always be this man of wild contradictions, impossible to predict, dangerous to contain. Lightning in a bottle.

How often can one man get stomped down into the dirt and still manage to haul himself back onto his feet and keep going? There were times I wanted to give Niko a shake or a slap but then Vasili would be Vasili and, damn, I totally understood why Niko never gave up, why he expected the best, why he allowed himself to hope.

“There is nothing else in this world that frees me like you do, Nikolas Yazdan.”

He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had ever looked at him like Vasili was not, like he was their whole world in that moment.

Even when that devotion led to the shattering of Niko's heart again, and again, and again. Because nobody had ever given that trust to Vasili before. Nobody had cared just for him alone, for Vasili the man, plenty wanted the prince, just as many wanted the keeper of the flame. But who had ever seen the man, the boy, beneath the mask and just wanted his happiness?

The prince’s’ trembling fingers clutched at the back of Niko’s shirt. Vasili pulled him close and bowed his head, burying his face against Niko’s neck, and sobbed. And by the three, it hurt to hear.
“I’ve got you.” He said it over and over, as many times as Vasili needed to hear it. He’d say it a thousand times more if he could……It would take more than words for him to heal, but for now, words were all Niko had.

Niko, Vasili and Yasir made me ache to the depths of my very soul. The passion, the emotion, the feels this trio brought to the story left me reeling, took my breath away and had me awestruck. Added into that mix was the intrigue, the lies, the secrets, the betrayals, the shocking revelations and the double crossing. There was so much plot, world building and energy that this book should have been a 1000 pages long at the very least.

Gods, he looked like he was made for the vibrant streets of Seran, and Niko should probably say something, anything, but he’d forgotten how words worked, and if he didn’t pull his mind out of the gutter, where it had firmly lodged itself on seeing Vasili wrapped in exotic clothing, then he was about to look like a fool.

And those scenes in the hut, along with the promise Vasili demanded from Niko… oh my word they had me wiping away more than the odd tear. How cruel was Ariana Nash, to show us glimpses of just how amazing life could and should be for Niko and Vasili. And even more cruel to not just tear it away from them, but to crush it into dust.

He was soon asleep, and to have him so close and so thoroughly relaxed enough to sleep in his arms, it was enough. It was everything.

I love Niko with all my heart, but Vasili, oh Vasili is the thing you should hate but somehow want instead. And oh my word is he gorgeous.

There were more important things to focus on – like the beast’s attack - than how his dark purple shirt, with its wide lace-lined collar, gaped open and inviting at the neck. A neck that demanded the lightest of kisses.

[oshiiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ⭐️ Oh, boy, I'm exhausted, but I've to read the next book which is also the last book of this series to understand what will happen to Niko and Vasili. I want to like Vasili but he keeps frustrating me. He is still a mystery to my eyes. If the book was told by both POVs, I would understand his intention. But there is no way I’ll know the ulterior motives of Vasili. I don't trust anyone except Niko in this book.

There were sweet moments between Niko and Vasili, and we could get a glimpse of Vasili’s love for Niko. He cared for Niko. I know that.


“I have hurt you,” the prince whispered, his usually smooth voice suddenly hoarse, “and I will never be sorry.” His words teased over Niko’s lips. “Because it brought you to me.”

Soft, warm lips brushed Niko’s. Fingers locked in Niko’s shirt.

He shouldn’t do this, shouldn’t yield. Vasili was poison. He’d crush Niko’s bruised heart. He’d hurt him again and again. It was who he was. But by the gods, Niko wanted to feel that hurt if it meant feeling”


But sometimes, it is hard to believe Vasili, given that how he treated and used Niko as a tool.

[Laurel]

7/22/20 Summary Posted

Vasili and Niko are reunited again at 10% and already snarky with each other



They’re gonna be stuck together traveling the south for probably the majority of the book



Vasili sounds like he’s already up to some fuck shit



Niko’s gonna be a badass assassin *ahem future king by marriage ahem* and save the world



I mean, what am I doing with my life right now if I’m not reading this book?

[Mariam, · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I have hurt you,” the prince whispered, his usually smooth voice suddenly hoarse, “and I will never be sorry.” His words teased over Niko’s lips. “Because it brought you to me.”

I don't know who I hate more: Narky Nark or Ariana Nash because oh THE AUDACITY OF THOSE two people to live their life so vicariously while I'm in pain, traumatized, screaming, sobbing, dying and screaming and frustrated.

He thrust a hand into Vasili’s hair, holding him firm, eliciting a tiny, restrained gasp from the prince. “Sometimes, I fucking hate you.”
Humor sparkled in his eye. “Only sometimes?”

HOW DARE-HOW FUCKING Dare Mariam dnf this book last year when she started it. Mariam DOESN'T HAVE TASTE. lol, in all honestly, I'm glad I read this book now cus HOLY FUCK, this book requires a level of patience THAT CONTINUES TO BE TESTED AS I SPEAK and lord knows I have sinned everyday for God awful impatienceness.

“Wait. This house… Do you trust Yasir?”
“I don’t trust anyone,” he called back. As he turned Adamo, he added, “Except you.”

“There is nothing else in this world that frees me like you do, Nikolas Yazdan.”

Wanna know something cool? I binged book 1 and book 2 in one day. HOLY FUCK, HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? I NEED TO GET A LIFE OMG. It wasn't until Candy pointed it out in my update, so thanks for that bff. But stilll, I read book 1 and book 2 in one day and y'all MY SANITY IS NON-EXISTED, MY PATIENCE HAS WILTED AND MY RESOLVE IS SO SET TO TETHERING TO ITS LIMIT.

so ask my clowny hilarious ass, why did I give this book 4 stars. Hell I'd give it 4.5 even or 5 stars if I was to be persuaded.

“There’s a great deal he doesn’t say with words. You just have to look closely for it.”

“I will be the death of you, but not today, my prince.”

Niko grabbed Vasili’s chin and forced him to look up. His blue eye blazed with all the fury and indignation he’d come to expect from the prince. “There you are.”

Oh man, Niko and Vas just had NO RIGHT. no right to be so devasting. So uterrly earth shattering, it peeled back layered I didn't know existed. Honestly, this puts book 1 into perspective cus I held the damn hope for Vas and Niko throughout it all strongly and thank fuck for that, because in retrospect, it makes book 1 almost an origin story. Like book 1 is a whole as prologue, and book 2 (this book's review you're reading) is Chapter 1 and Book 3 is the climax of the book. So fuck you Ariana Nash, you devastating cruel author.

He deserved to be free. Maybe he was the only one in all of this who did.

Cool fingers skimmed along Niko’s jaw. “You’re impossible,” Vasili whispered.
Niko caught his hand, daring to touch. He waited for Vasili’s expression to tighten, but it softened instead. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had ever looked at him like Vasili was now, like he was their whole world in that moment. And he’d never expected to see that warmth from Vasili.

.
.
.
.
.

In book 1 we saw the hatred just pool between Vas and Niko, the vice like grip it held over each other's head and what was fascinating was despite how each other hated the other, in one way or another, one of the two of them was always there for other and vice verse when they needed each other the most. Welllll, maybe the most is a bit of a stretch but the Chamber Scene and Elves Scene is SUPERIOR.

Color touched Vasili’s cheeks and lips and his eye shone with lust. He was beautiful and fierce and utterly mad, and Niko knew he could never tame him. He’d always be this man of wild contradictions, impossible to predict, dangerous to contain. Lightning in a bottle.

and in this book, we see the simmering thin glass of grip both lads had on/of each other, the way Vas and Niko couldn't let each other go despite their animosity and differences and we fucking watched that grew in something so BEAUTIFUL, SO HEART WRENCHING, so full of awe and hope and all the softness in the world. The way Niko was so protective of Vas, the way Niko got fucking Jealous... THAT'S ADDICTION right there, and it's called DOPAMINE ON CRACK. and fuck, Vasili, that gorgeous snake of a bastard, I hate him, I love him, but I hate him but fuck i adore and want to cherish and love him so much, watching the way he UNRAVELED for Niko, fucking SIMKUNG PEOPLE.

If only Niko hadn’t seen the dark flame with his own eyes, he could walk away right now. Though, even that thought felt like a lie, like Vasili was in his head somehow, turning his own thoughts against him. Because for all his dreaming of leaving the prince, he couldn’t bring himself to abandon him.

“Nikolas?”
“Yes?” Niko reluctantly turned.
The prince smiled, and this time genuine humor glittered in his eye. “Tell Yasir to bring his whip.”
Niko showed Vasili his middle finger in a sign Yasir had taught him. When he turned his back on the prince, Vasili’s thick chuckle followed him into the dark.

He shouldn’t do this, shouldn’t yield. Vasili was poison. He’d crush Niko’s bruised heart. He’d hurt him again and again. It was who he was. But by the gods, Niko wanted to feel that hurt if it meant feeling Vasili come undone with him.

♪ This book was sad, this book was hilarious, god damn hard to read and yet I was cursed with not being able to put it down, damn you Ariana. This book was so bright in it's rare forms, a glimpse of such unadulterated happiness it felt like I was dreaming while reading a book.

→ THE SMUT WAS OFFFFF THE FUCKING CHARTS YALL 🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ like HOLY FUCK. There was only TWO SCENES-TWO! and this hoe is NOT COMPLAINING because those two scenes UNMANNED ME.

↓ This book was downright hilarious because nothing beats the banter, the chaotic tension-filled energy between Vas and Niko. → This book was frustrating, God awful exhausting and yet undeniably addicting. This whole series is a chaotic mess in my brain and I (NEED SLEEP ASAP cus I haven't yet slept) am gonna need to restart my heart BECAUSE I CAN'T BELIEVE BOOK 3 IS THE END. NO!!!!!!!!!!!

He couldn’t think to breathe. All he could do was ride the blinding onslaught of pleasure and kiss him back so savagely that Vasili couldn’t fail to feel his desperation. And it was desperation. He’d wanted this horrible, vicious prince bent beneath him for so long, since the kiss in the farmhouse field, since he’d woken among damp sheets, with the dreams of fucking Vasili haunting him. He’d even thought of Vasili while he’d fucked Julian.
Gods, it had always been Vasili.

Vasili had kissed like he’d hated him, and it might have been the most intensely passionate kiss Niko had ever experienced. He wanted that again. Wanted Vasili in his fists, wanted him sprawled backward on a bed, his mouth snarling, his eye ablaze with hatred, and gods, he wanted to fuck the prince until he lost his mind to the feel of him.

initial reaction:
Ariana Nash, you CRUEL, vicious, sadistic author. I HATE YOU

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The moral of this story, boys and girls, is trust no one . Also, holy fuck, what a ride and GAH I want book 3 right the fuck now.

I feel like I've been put through a blender. I'm not even kidding. Reign of Darkness is twisty-turney and that ending! Shit, I need book 3. I know I said that already, but it bears repeating.

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but damn, it was too bipolar. One second you think Vasili is being truthful, the next second you realize he's being pulling a long con. Watching the play by play and trying to see what was real and what wasn't got a teensy bit exhausting. I still enjoyed it though, can't wait to read the next book.

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

“What do you see now?”
“A vicious, frigid, icy, Caville prick… but someone else too. You hide him well. You guard him because he’s the most vulnerable and probably the most honest part of you.”
Vasili gripped the rail beneath his hands and pointedly stared at the drunken revelers again.
“It’s all right to be vulnerable, Vasili. It makes you human.”

*******

“I don’t want this,” Vasili denied, his vehemence quickly returning. “I don’t want any of this. What I want is a cabin in the woods with the man I fear I’ve come to care for, despite all my efforts not to. But what I want has never mattered.”

[Susan]

It's been a week since I decided to pause this at 50%, but I have no desire to pick it up again.

And that kind of bums me out, since I fully expected to love this series. But it's just not doing it for me.

My main issue is that the romance, or even the pre-romance, is so depressing. I'm really not feeling the spark between these two.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I have hurt you, and I will never be sorry. Because it brought you to me . ”

Ahora sí. Ahora sí que tenemos historia y un giro de 180º en el argumento. Qué bien que decidí darle una oportunidad al segundo libro, porque como dije en la reseña del anterior, el primer libro daba más importancia a las aventuras sexuales del protagonista. Sin embargo, esta segunda parte coge ritmo y nos dan bastantes respuestas, así como se nos desarrollan un poco más a los protagonistas.

“I’m holding you. I am your protector. If I weren’t, I’d have kill you a hundred times already”.

Lo único que tengo que ponerle una pega a esta historia es que la autora intenta colarnos una historia de “amor” cuando yo lo que veo es un caso de “obsesión-deseo” camuflado de amor, pero bueno, ¿quién soy yo para opinar?



En conclusión, la historia mejora bastante, yo buscaba entretenerme y lo consiguió. No pedía más, la verdad.

“You hate me”.

[TrippyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The betrayals never stop !!!! Why cant
They ever be happy 😭

“Give me your word you’ll find someone. You’ll take him to a cottage you’ve built somewhere far away from all this. And you’ll live there, you and that good man, the man you deserve.” The blade stilled, its edge pressed tightly against Niko’s throat. Vasili’s reflected gaze looked deep into Niko’s. “Your word, Nikolas.”

“When I find the man I deserve, I’ll rescue us both.” Whispering, he added, “You have my word, my prince.”

[Rosabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got to the juicy stuff and finally work has given me a brake to talk about this beautiful book!!! 😍🥰❤

I didn't know what to spect from this one, I knew that Niko went to Vasili at the end of book one, but I had no idea how the journey would be for these two precious guys in this one. It was wonderful!! Everything I wanted to happen in book one happened here, everything that I was missing and the knowledge that yes, Vasili is a bitch but he has his reasons and he DID like Niko from the start and Niko also liked him from the start. *swoons* The chemistry, the intimacy, the flirting and even the cute doubts were so swoon worthy that I cannot begin to explain!!!

The machinations were also on point with this one, everyone backstabbing everyone, the lies and the deceit was happening left and right without mercy, my latin heart was so happy!! But!! I would have liked for Vasili to have trusted Niko at the end with the palace thing, by that point I thought it was OTT to put Niko through more betrayal considering that Niko would have understood it and done it anyways, so yeah that frustrated me and felt totally unnecessary but Vasili did vindicate himself a little at the end, so I wasn't mad for long.

I have theories about the flame and Vasili and Niko. And I've also read that the next one has Vasili's pov, I hope he grovels a lot, Niko has been like a guarding dog never leaving his side even though he's been mistreated, so I want to see Vasili giving back, it's time. 😪❤

Can't wait!! I want the third one. Why is the 19th so far away? *sighs* 😤😤

[Query · Rating 1 out of 5]

The problem with the emotional core of the book is that Vasili has a lot of soft, vulnerable moments with Niko and Niko recognizes every single one of those moments for what they are. He thinks about Vasili like... well, probably like the author does, not like how Niko-the-character apparently does. Which is unfortunate, because this is a story that should be about Niko slowly seeing Vasili more favorably. Instead we have this sort of confused story where Niko is sympathizing with Vasili in one moment and then going on about how Vasili is a total viper in the next. Niko's affection level for Vasili isn't a slow climb, it's this sort of confused ping-ponging--up, down, up, down... I guess we're supposed to measure emotional progress by the amount of time spent up with affection levels up rather than down?

So instead of a story about enemies-to-lovers, you have a story about a prince trying desperately to save his kingdom from the POV of a man who knows that the prince is fundamentally good but is also determined to not admit that... because? (Because yes, Vasili has done a lot to Niko. That's totally true and Niko will bring that up, but in terms of how his narrative actually talks about Vasili? The resentment doesn't feel deep enough.)

[C.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reveling in KING OF THE DARK, I leapt right into REIGN OF DARKNESS, Book 2 of Nash's slow-burn M/M trilogy, desperate to discover if Niko would finally bed or kill Vasili, because at this point, it could go either way.

With Loreen in ruins, our disgruntled and battered mercenary takes his treacherous prince on a perilous journey to the southern city of Seran, in search of refuge. With Vasili fighting against the enticement of the flame, he's up to his usual tricks, befriending a lively merchant named Yasir, who joins them on their travels. Niko has vowed to protect the prince from his evil tendencies - no easy feat under the best of circumstances - and Yasir's easy-going charms rouse the specter of suspicion, as Vasili launches his arsenal of seduction, mainly, it seems, to accomplish some new nefarious task.

Seran is sophisticated and more advanced than the north - they have pistols and electricity - but Niko's awe of the city turns into a pitched fight for survival as his own family secrets unravel. Caught between avenging kin and his struggle to keep Vasili from going full demon, he finds an ally in Yasir, though the merchant has fallen prey to the prince's wiles. Vasili's disappearance after a massacre becomes a breathless race to save the prince before the flame consumes him - if he can even be saved. Because with enemies closing in on all sides and a horrific elven invasion looming on the horizon, Niko definitely has his work cut out for him.

Battles against savage shadow beasts, breathtaking escapes and seafaring adventures, along with the return of the elves and Vasili's wrathful brother, Amir, make for an exciting and twisting installment. Niko must come to terms with his tormented attraction for Vasili, while the prince must decide if he's going to give into the flame or trust the man who's remained steadfast at his side. Vasili's vulnerabilities threaten their love, however, and he's turning into a monster. While at moments you just want to strangle him - and Niko almost does - Nash is adept at illuminating the horrors of Vasili's past and his predicament, keeping her dark prince in our sympathies even when he crosses the line. And with Vasili, crossing the line is an art. He's capable of anything. And Niko knows it.

Can Niko save Vasili from himself? Will the flame break its bonds and ravage their world? Will Vasili ever get over his inability to trust? Will our long-suffering boys find peace, or at least a moment of respite, in each other's arms? Or will Vasili again betray the only person who still cares enough to fight for his life?

We'll have to see how things shake out in Book 3. It's looking pretty dicey right now.

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some days I really wonder why I keep doing this to myself. I know that reading Ariana Nash’s books is not good for my mental health. She’s just so good at bringing out a strong emotional reaction from her readers. And I’ve had a soft spot for Vasili from the first snippet Ms Nash posted in her FB group. He’s one of those characters that twists you up inside and takes over your world with just a twitch of a brow. I kept on oscillating between loving him (and wanting to shield him from the world) and hating his guts. So I totally get how Niko is feeling. And I’m impressed that he hasn’t killed him yet. I know I would have because my tolerance for this sort of behaviour in real life is close to zero.

The story gets more complex as we get to explore a new part of the world – the fascinating south and the city of Seran. There’s a new addition to the gang (Yasir) that brought new depth to Niko and Vasili’s already complex and messed up relationship. I tried very hard not to like Yasir because I’ve learned time and again not to trust anyone Ariana Nash writes. I was so focused on trying to find a reason to distrust him that the next betrayal totally blindsided me. And while I was still processing that one, Ms Nash kept on with the blows. The last few chapters went on like a blur. It was a whirlwind of events that will require at least one re-read to fully process and appreciate.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the ending. Part of me doesn’t trust it at all. I just know Vasili (and Ms Nash’s writing) that I’m highly suspicious. Which makes me even more anxious to get my hands on the last book of the series. And while I know that once again, I’ll end up feeding my anxiety and destroying whatever peace of mind I will get back by that time I will get