City of the Damned

by Kay Marrie

Desti Anderson grew up after the rapture. After millions of lost souls were left on a desolated Earth. The planet was now plagued with disease, famine, and demons. With every society, rebirth happens. Desti was born in the Land of Mors (Land of Death) and knew no other reality. Her faction kept the demons out and the people alive, but at what cost? What was the point of living in a world where love was forbidden? Was it worth it? If you were to break the rules, the demons would demand a blood sacrifice.
Desperate for deliverance from the clutches of her Hell, Desti and her best friend Tate Mitchell decide to sneak out of their faction, and explore the forbidden cave system, Rotten’s Crude, to search for the lost Lux. Legend has it that he who finds the Lux shall hold the power of the angels, able to cast away the evils of the world and deliver the people to the Kingdom of Light.
Desti and Tate grew up hearing about the myths of the Lux. It’s what brought them close together and gave them something to hope for. Now grown up, they search for the mysterious Lux to break their faction free of the clutches of the demons. With growing desires, tension between them threatens to tear everything apart.
Their time is running out. They are almost twenty-one. Once someone turns twenty-one, they can be offered to the demons and receive the mark, promising their soul to the demons forever.

Genres: Fantasy

446 pages, Hardcover

Published July 5, 2024

Reviews

[ChapterAddict Aka Kelly Brewer]

I got this ebook from the author and Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

City of the Damned throws you straight into the dark world of demons, survival, secrets, and danger around every corner. I liked the dark atmosphere, and there were some tense moments that kept me wondering what Desti was walking into next.

For me, though, the story felt stretched out in places, and some of the writing and dialogue did not hit as hard as the darker parts of the story. There were some good ideas here, but I wanted the pacing to be a alot tighter and the tension to stay stronger from beginning to end.

Still, it was a decent dark fantasy read with plenty of danger and some wild moments along the way.

I give it a 3 outta 5 catfish!

[Megan]

I really enjoyed this book. Dystopian is my fave genre and this book did not disappoint. It had me on the edge of my seat so often I couldn’t put it down. Had to keep turning the page because I needed to know what was going to happen. Desti is so strong and her love for her friends and Tate drive her to save the world. Can’t wait to start the second!

[tessa richards]

If you love dystopia books, then this one is for you. Unlike the others, this one has demons. It was so detailed and thrilling to know what's happening next it can't be put down. I enjoyed this book so much that it's hard to explain without telling everything. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you so much, Kay Marrie, for this amazing book!

[John]

From the very first page, City of the Damned pulled me into its grim yet mesmerizing world. Desti Anderson is a heroine you can't help but root for—a rebel with a cause and the courage to defy fate. The story blends survival, forbidden love, and the ultimate battle between light and darkness so seamlessly, you'll find yourself turning the pages late into the night. If you're a fan of tales that explore humanity's resilience in the face of despair, this is the book for you!

[Cameron Fox]

Literally, could not put this book down! It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Carol J]

First, thank you to the author for this ARC.

This is a dystopian novel that follows two main characters.

The world that unfolds in this book is both brutal, unforgiving and dark. There is the struggle to survive caught in a war between good and evil. These are classic themes interwoven with a love story.

One is left wondering how much can these characters take. Is there a limit to suffering? The thought that the greatest amount of pain brings the greatest joy. From sacrifice comes reward.

I’m not getting that from this storyline. There are books that just seem to bring this about in a better way. While I love a strong FMC, I struggled to relate with her or to see through her eyes. I feel like Tate is more than he seems. His character is the one I’d like to know more about. I find I have zero interest in the FMC.

This book is well crafted . The cover is gorgeous. I can see where other readers who would love this book. It just didn’t ring my bells so to speak.

[Ardelle G.]

Wow. Just… wow. This is one of those rare books that makes you feel something on every page. The author created such a vivid, terrifying post-rapture world that I couldn’t stop reading. But beyond the world-building, it’s the emotional journey of Desti that truly got to me. She’s so real—flawed, passionate, scared but brave. Her relationship with Tate is heartbreaking in the best way. And the fact that love is outlawed makes every glance and every touch between them feel dangerous and precious. The writing is lyrical without being too flowery, and the pace never drags. There’s tension, adventure, and a growing sense of spiritual urgency that really resonated with me. This book is more than entertainment—it made me think deeply about faith, freedom, and sacrifice. Buy it. You won’t regret it.

[Kristin]

All in all, City of the Damned an interesting concept, essentially set in the wasteland the earth becomes between heaven and hell after the rapture, leaving the earth overrun with demons. FMC has to save the MMC from certain fates and set out to find the Lux to ultimately save the world from the desolate terror it has become, and they end up making friends along the way.

I didn’t love the writing style, and felt a lot of situations were repetitive, and unnecessary. Conversations between the FMC and MMC felt very robotic and slightly void of emotion (which may be intentional as in the world they live in, love is forbidden) 🤷🏻‍♀️ All my own personal opinions, as the online reviews of this book are quite different.

[Jennifer R.]

This book deserves way more attention. I’ve read plenty of dystopian stories, but none quite like this. The premise alone is brilliant—a world ravaged after the rapture, ruled by demons, where love is a crime. But what truly makes this book shine is the heart behind it. Desti’s desperate mission to save her best friend becomes a quest to understand herself, her world, and her place in it. The lore around the Lux was fascinating, and the idea of a heavenly artifact hidden among the damned gave the story a mythic quality. Add to that the emotional tension with Tate, the threat of the demon king, and the looming age of twenty-one when everything could be taken away—it’s just masterfully done. Highly, highly recommended.

[Mary G.]

It’s rare to find a story that balances darkness and hope so effectively. The world of Mors is brutal and unforgiving, yet Desti never loses her fire. Her journey is filled with danger, betrayal, and difficult choices, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery and resilience. I loved the way the story weaved in themes of spiritual warfare without being preachy. It felt honest and real. The romance between Desti and Tate was slow-burning and painful, but it made sense in a world where love is banned. I held my breath during so many scenes. This book isn’t just about surviving the apocalypse—it’s about clinging to light in the darkest places. Absolutely worth buying, and I’ll be waiting eagerly for a sequel.

[Maria K.]

As a longtime fan of dystopian and spiritual fiction, I can confidently say this book belongs among the best. It’s not afraid to ask hard questions about humanity, morality, and redemption. Desti Anderson is a phenomenal protagonist—fierce yet vulnerable, rebellious yet loyal. Watching her challenge the world around her, questioning why love is a crime and whether survival is enough, made for a compelling, deeply emotional read. The tension between her and Tate was electric. And don’t even get me started on the king of Hell—terrifying, manipulative, and unforgettable. The writing is strong, the plot is layered, and the themes will stay with you. Please read this book. It deserves to be talked about.

[Katrina De]

This book is about a post apocalyptic world where demons reign and humans are kept under their thumb.

The main character and her best friend get into some hairy situations and she discovers things about herself as well as the world she was brought up in, meeting some new friends along the way.

The book starts off slow and then picks up towards the end. There was not any spice in the book until the end of it, so due to the spice in the book I cannot recommend it for middle school age. If there wasn't spice, I would put this book geared towards late middle school age 13-15. As an adult reader, i would not recommend this book as the plot and character development just did not reel me in.
Overall 2/5.

[Jonnica]

Desti and Tate came from a home of abuse physically and mentally! They had to follow rules to keep the demons away or not being sent to the master. Once they discovered they would be given to the demons when they turned 21 they decided it was time to figure away to save themselves. They went searching for the lux in the wastelands. Desti is a very strong MFC who fought hard for her friends in protecting them. Once long time friends that were not allowed to show love learned what love was during their journey and ended up showing it to each other. This was a very well written book and I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!

[K06n]

City of Damned is a dystopian romance story that has several twists and turns you would not expect. The MFC and MMC are both the same age and are friends trying to
survive. They eventually find themselves together, but will they have their happily ever after? That is yet to be determined.

One of these reasons my rating was not higher was because in several cases the characters seemed to be repeating the same patterns. Example: they seemed to find a way out of their predicament, but wait…nope that wasn’t the case.

[Juan Stella]

This book builds slowly but powerfully. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the end of the first few chapters, I was completely drawn in. The pacing is intense, but there’s still room for quiet moments and thoughtful reflection. I loved that nothing felt easy for Desti—she had to fight for every ounce of freedom, and you feel that struggle on every page. If you're looking for a YA fantasy that doesn’t shy away from darkness but still manages to leave you with a sense of hope, you’ll enjoy this one.

[Louetta Atwood]

The world-building in this book is some of the best I’ve seen in the genre. It’s vivid and terrifying, yet grounded in real human emotion. Desti’s city, the Wastelands, the demons, and the Lux all felt fully realized and full of meaning. I loved the pacing—it felt like a slow burn that exploded into high-stakes action. And the moral questions posed by the story linger long after the final page. Can we still hope in a world that feels forsaken? Can we still love when it’s outlawed? This book says yes—and it says it beautifully.

[Alice J.]

This book grabbed me and didn’t let go. The writing is vivid, the emotions are raw, and the message is so important. In a world that’s literally gone to Hell, Desti is a bright light. She fights for what matters even when it’s dangerous, even when it seems impossible. That kind of character is rare and so refreshing. Her friendship with Tate is one of the best parts of the story—so pure and so complicated. I cried more than once reading this book, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know who loves fantasy with heart.

[Reader]

This book had everything I was looking for—action, emotion, myth, and a heroine I couldn’t stop rooting for. The spiritual undertones added a fresh twist to the dystopian genre, and I was impressed by how the story balanced romance, horror, and hope all at once. The demons were terrifying, the Wastelands were beautifully described, and the lore behind the Lux made it feel epic. But at the center of it all is Desti, whose courage and love shine even in the darkest corners. Five stars, without hesitation.

[Mathias Wexler]

Wow, just wow. I’ve read a lot of dystopian fiction, but this one stands apart. The story is so layered—it explores faith, fear, rebellion, and the hunger for something more. Desti’s journey felt so real, and I admired her courage in the face of such darkness. The forbidden love angle was heartbreaking and beautiful. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book for days after finishing it. If you're looking for a read that goes deeper than your average YA fantasy, this is the one

[Phyllis Watts]

At first, I thought this would be just another end-of-the-world survival story, but I was wrong—in the best possible way. The world-building is incredible and the emotional depth surprised me. Desti is such a strong, relatable character. She’s angry, broken, but still full of hope. And the plot twist halfway through? Didn’t see that coming. The story moves fast but never feels rushed. It's a book about choices, sacrifice, and love in the most impossible of places. Truly unforgettable.

[Carrie Blackburn]

There’s something poetic about this book, even in its harshest moments. The author paints a vivid picture of a broken world, but never forgets to show the small sparks of light within it. I loved how the Lux was portrayed—not just as a powerful object, but as a symbol of hope and faith. And the villain? Absolutely chilling. If you enjoy dystopian stories that blend spiritual themes with action, suspense, and heartache, you need to read this.

[Christina Loughran]

This was such an immersive experience. From the disease-ridden cities to the desolate Wastelands, every setting felt alive and terrifying. What struck me most, though, was Desti’s emotional journey. Her bravery is inspiring, but it’s her doubts and questions that made her real to me. The story raises powerful questions about faith, obedience, and what it means to truly live. And the romance? Subtle, aching, and beautifully tragic. It deserves every star.

[Susan]

It’s not often I finish a book and immediately want to reread it, but that’s exactly what happened here. There were so many layers to unpack—from the societal control in the Land of Mors to the personal cost of forbidden love. And Desti? She’s fierce, flawed, and unforgettable. This story reads like a warning and a love letter all at once. The spiritual undertones added an extra dimension that I really appreciated. Highly, highly recommend.

[Charlotte Nalley]

A dystopian fantasy with heart. That’s how I’d describe this book. It’s gritty, intense, and full of action, but what really makes it shine is the emotional core. Desti and Tate’s bond is powerful, and the way they risk everything for each other is genuinely moving. I appreciated how the story addressed themes like oppression, courage, and the fight for identity. I’d love to see this story continue. If there’s a sequel, I’ll be first in line.

[Deborah G.]

Everything about this book is compelling—the concept, the characters, the danger lurking in every corner. But what stood out most to me was the tension between light and darkness, both in the world and within Desti herself. The writing is sharp and vivid, and I found myself rereading certain passages because they were so powerful. The forbidden love storyline is perfectly balanced—never cheesy, always intense. This is the kind of book that stays with you.

[Susan Wilkin]

This is the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. The stakes are high, the emotions are raw, and the pacing is relentless. I felt like I was on the journey with Desti—running through the Wastelands, fearing the demons, searching for something more. The themes of sacrifice, rebellion, and hope are so beautifully woven into the plot. And that ending? Haunting and satisfying. Worth every minute.

[Zella Mullins]

There’s a stillness at the center of this book—something that makes you pause and reflect, even as the plot races ahead. Desti’s world is unforgiving, yet her hope remains uncrushed. I admired her so much. This isn’t just a story of survival, but of faith, friendship, and daring to imagine a better world. The idea of a mythic light in a darkened world really stuck with me. A gorgeous and unsettling read.

[Sandra A.]

This book made me feel everything—fear, sadness, hope, and even joy in the smallest moments. I was especially drawn to the idea that something holy—the Lux—could exist in a world so lost. It’s a powerful symbol, and I loved how the characters clung to it even when everyone told them it was just a myth. The way faith and love were treated in this story hit hard. It’s not just an adventure; it’s a spiritual journey too. For readers who want a story with action and emotional depth, this is it.

[Tamara J.]

The stakes in this book are real, and the emotional depth is what kept me glued to the story. Watching Desti battle through fear, desire, loyalty, and the constant threat of damnation—it was intense. I especially loved how the story didn’t rely on easy answers. Everything felt earned. The world is dark, but the characters never stop looking for the light. That kind of message is powerful, especially today. Highly recommend.

[Gussie W.]

What a beautifully haunting story. Desti’s world is crumbling, her choices are limited, and her time is running out. But still she fights—for her friend, for freedom, for something better. Her relationship with Tate was tender, complicated, and believable. The forbidden love storyline added so much tension and heart. And the villain? Absolutely chilling. This is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. I’ll be re-reading this again soon.