What do you think?
Rate this book
Of Kings and Kaos: A slow-burn, dark romantic fantasy
Meru is broken.
Fate is bound.
The gods walk Elyria once more.
Six people–a general, a spy, a socialite, a Rune Master, a former slave, and a warrior–are all that stand between humanity’s freedom and the promise of the Second Sundering. In preparation for these final days, the Last Keeper and the final Truthsayer gathered visions and truths to create a chessboard with only one outcome—the death of the gods.
But what if the visions they received and interpreted were wrong—purposefully tainted by the very beings that created them?
What if every decision they made played directly into the gods’ plans for total domination?
When unprecedented and unforeseen events begin to unfold across the continent, Fate has no choice but to intervene, sending his acolytes to create chaos and nudge his chosen Children in a direction that guarantees Elyria’s survival. But this divine intervention could spell disaster, especially when Lord Alois d’Refan sees his well-laid plans go awry, forcing him to redouble his efforts in an attempt to follow the meticulously laid plans he developed for nearly four decades.
Fate’s Children are caught in the middle; pushed in multiple directions by forces they cannot see and do not understand. Frustrations grow and tensions rise as long-buried secrets are revealed and ulterior motives exposed. Through it all, Fate’s six children must make impossible decisions.
Ellowyn d’Aelius balances on a knife’s edge–can she marry the man who killed her family in an attempt to create some stability in this chaos or are his sins too unforgivable?
Rohak d’Alvey’s faith in his lord and best friend wavers as he is continually left in the dark. When an unexpected travesty unfolds, Rohak must decide whether to live and forgo his beliefs or die for his convictions.
Faylinn’s lack of faith in Lord d’Refan causes her to seek answers in ancient tomes but what she finds could cause her own heartbreak.
Lex d’Talionis’ relationship with his Bonded rapidly deteriorates as his loyalty to Vespera is called into question and he must ultimately decide who is more important—the man who saved his life or one of his Bonds.
Folami’s thirst for vengeance against the man who permitted her slavery clouds her judgement and threatens tenuous alliances forcing her to choose between holding onto her justified rage and setting aside her personal grievances to see the rebellion succeed.
Torin d’Eshu made many mistakes over the course of his life and now must atone for his sins, but doing so could come at a great cost both to himself and Elyria.
The gods are here. War is coming. The Children of Fate must be united or Elyira will fall.
Fate is bound.
The gods walk Elyria once more.
Six people–a general, a spy, a socialite, a Rune Master, a former slave, and a warrior–are all that stand between humanity’s freedom and the promise of the Second Sundering. In preparation for these final days, the Last Keeper and the final Truthsayer gathered visions and truths to create a chessboard with only one outcome—the death of the gods.
But what if the visions they received and interpreted were wrong—purposefully tainted by the very beings that created them?
What if every decision they made played directly into the gods’ plans for total domination?
When unprecedented and unforeseen events begin to unfold across the continent, Fate has no choice but to intervene, sending his acolytes to create chaos and nudge his chosen Children in a direction that guarantees Elyria’s survival. But this divine intervention could spell disaster, especially when Lord Alois d’Refan sees his well-laid plans go awry, forcing him to redouble his efforts in an attempt to follow the meticulously laid plans he developed for nearly four decades.
Fate’s Children are caught in the middle; pushed in multiple directions by forces they cannot see and do not understand. Frustrations grow and tensions rise as long-buried secrets are revealed and ulterior motives exposed. Through it all, Fate’s six children must make impossible decisions.
Ellowyn d’Aelius balances on a knife’s edge–can she marry the man who killed her family in an attempt to create some stability in this chaos or are his sins too unforgivable?
Rohak d’Alvey’s faith in his lord and best friend wavers as he is continually left in the dark. When an unexpected travesty unfolds, Rohak must decide whether to live and forgo his beliefs or die for his convictions.
Faylinn’s lack of faith in Lord d’Refan causes her to seek answers in ancient tomes but what she finds could cause her own heartbreak.
Lex d’Talionis’ relationship with his Bonded rapidly deteriorates as his loyalty to Vespera is called into question and he must ultimately decide who is more important—the man who saved his life or one of his Bonds.
Folami’s thirst for vengeance against the man who permitted her slavery clouds her judgement and threatens tenuous alliances forcing her to choose between holding onto her justified rage and setting aside her personal grievances to see the rebellion succeed.
Torin d’Eshu made many mistakes over the course of his life and now must atone for his sins, but doing so could come at a great cost both to himself and Elyria.
The gods are here. War is coming. The Children of Fate must be united or Elyira will fall.
797 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2025
5 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 21, 2025
One of my most anticipated sequels of the year. We're talking about a dark fantasy, and this sequel absolutely lives up to expectations.
This book is a real emotional rollercoaster. My jaw literally dropped!
It’s full of heartbreaking scenes, but also ones that warm your heart. Still, this is dark fantasy, so there’s a constant ominous, dark atmosphere and brutal descriptions throughout.
Of course, we start with a trigger warning again, but Ellysa writes it in such a way that she had me hooked from the very beginning — her kind and funny personality shines through even in that. I love it!
Our six main characters continue to grow throughout the story, and we learn things that drastically change how we saw them in the first book. Just like in the first one, we experience the story from their perspectives. I really enjoy different POVs, as they allow us to see the events from multiple angles.
I finally started to like Ellowyn more — let’s be honest, she’s quite naïve, but she’s constantly evolving. Alois, the general… I never really liked him, but after the ending of this book, I’ll definitely have to rethink that twice. You can feel throughout that he’s up to something, but we have no clue how bad it might be — it’s not revealed until the very end of the book.
Faylinn and Rohak are my favorite couple, and my heart breaks for them. Please tell me I understood the ending right! (No spoilers, of course.) I’m so curious how this could even be possible, and I can’t wait for book three to finally get some answers.
It’s exciting, gripping, full of twists and turns that never let the reader get bored — simply unputdownable!
No wonder Ellysa Marin has become one of my favorite authors — if she writes it, it’s worth reading, because you’re guaranteed a story that will completely captivate you.
This book is a real emotional rollercoaster. My jaw literally dropped!
It’s full of heartbreaking scenes, but also ones that warm your heart. Still, this is dark fantasy, so there’s a constant ominous, dark atmosphere and brutal descriptions throughout.
Of course, we start with a trigger warning again, but Ellysa writes it in such a way that she had me hooked from the very beginning — her kind and funny personality shines through even in that. I love it!
Our six main characters continue to grow throughout the story, and we learn things that drastically change how we saw them in the first book. Just like in the first one, we experience the story from their perspectives. I really enjoy different POVs, as they allow us to see the events from multiple angles.
I finally started to like Ellowyn more — let’s be honest, she’s quite naïve, but she’s constantly evolving. Alois, the general… I never really liked him, but after the ending of this book, I’ll definitely have to rethink that twice. You can feel throughout that he’s up to something, but we have no clue how bad it might be — it’s not revealed until the very end of the book.
Faylinn and Rohak are my favorite couple, and my heart breaks for them. Please tell me I understood the ending right! (No spoilers, of course.) I’m so curious how this could even be possible, and I can’t wait for book three to finally get some answers.
It’s exciting, gripping, full of twists and turns that never let the reader get bored — simply unputdownable!
No wonder Ellysa Marin has become one of my favorite authors — if she writes it, it’s worth reading, because you’re guaranteed a story that will completely captivate you.
May 15, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶
This was an intense roller-coaster of a sequel. It gave Game of Thrones vibes only instead of dragons it's a unique magic system and angry gods. There's lots of POVs in this series that can get a little confusing at times, but once you're fully in the story, it's like watching an episode of your favorite dramatic TV series.
This plot has come leaps and bounds from the first book, and it had me fully immersed. This is a chunky one, and most of the time, it did not read like one.
The character developments and dynamics were done so well. This installment really brings you closer to the characters and dives into more of their origin stories. Which really brought this plot full circle.
I'm very excited for the 3rd and final book in this triology. I can not wait to see what Ellysa has in store for these characters, especially after that cliffhanger!
3 🌶
This was an intense roller-coaster of a sequel. It gave Game of Thrones vibes only instead of dragons it's a unique magic system and angry gods. There's lots of POVs in this series that can get a little confusing at times, but once you're fully in the story, it's like watching an episode of your favorite dramatic TV series.
This plot has come leaps and bounds from the first book, and it had me fully immersed. This is a chunky one, and most of the time, it did not read like one.
The character developments and dynamics were done so well. This installment really brings you closer to the characters and dives into more of their origin stories. Which really brought this plot full circle.
I'm very excited for the 3rd and final book in this triology. I can not wait to see what Ellysa has in store for these characters, especially after that cliffhanger!
January 15, 2026
Absolutely soul crushing, and I loved it -claps-
I simply can't remember the last time I was so invested in the lives of this many characters. I stayed stressed tf out, I still am. I need book 3 injected into my veins stat. The revelations that happened blew my ever loving mind. The threads of fate are quite literally woven right beneath our noses connecting so many people and situations. BRILLIANT.
Book 3 releases tomorrow and if you love books and shows like Game of Thrones or Avatar the Last Air Bender with a cast of 30+ diverse characters, start this series!
"She clung to me desperately. Like if she let me go, I might fade away into nothing. Like she could lose me. Like I was something precious to her."
Do check your triggers because there are very heavy themes and extremely mature content!
I simply can't remember the last time I was so invested in the lives of this many characters. I stayed stressed tf out, I still am. I need book 3 injected into my veins stat. The revelations that happened blew my ever loving mind. The threads of fate are quite literally woven right beneath our noses connecting so many people and situations. BRILLIANT.
Book 3 releases tomorrow and if you love books and shows like Game of Thrones or Avatar the Last Air Bender with a cast of 30+ diverse characters, start this series!
"She clung to me desperately. Like if she let me go, I might fade away into nothing. Like she could lose me. Like I was something precious to her."
Do check your triggers because there are very heavy themes and extremely mature content!
May 8, 2025
I just finished… literally 30 seconds ago and I need more. I don’t know if I should cry, laugh, throw my kindle or scream.
I’m so mad at the Gods and Fate for meddling in everyone’s lives and causing so much bloody pain and heartache. A tale as old as time in every fantasy world but this is just next level!
The ending battle? The ending battle! THE ENDING BATTLE?! And it’s not even the battle that ends the war 😭
I loved Alois’s perspective throughout this book. His character is quite literally the personification of morally grey and I can’t bring myself to hate him regardless of the life he’s led. I would love to know more of his childhood from his perspective and how he came to interpret everything the way he did.
Ellowyn my sweet summer child. What character development you had. I adore her. I’m so glad she overcame her own self-sabotage in this book to become a badass.
I’m angry at Rohan for being a stubborn ass. Lex needs to be protected at all costs. Living his memories was absolutely heartbreaking. I hope Sasori always suffers from wet socks regardless of if they’re dry or not. Faylinn deserves the entire world, I swear she’s cursed to always be hurt in the worst way possible. I don’t trust Torin as far as I can throw him and I don’t even think I’d be able to pick him up so that says a lot…
Anyways long story short. I LOVED this. I may need therapy now but that’s fine. It was everything I wanted and more.
Thank you so much to Ellysa Marin for the eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
I’m so mad at the Gods and Fate for meddling in everyone’s lives and causing so much bloody pain and heartache. A tale as old as time in every fantasy world but this is just next level!
The ending battle? The ending battle! THE ENDING BATTLE?! And it’s not even the battle that ends the war 😭
I loved Alois’s perspective throughout this book. His character is quite literally the personification of morally grey and I can’t bring myself to hate him regardless of the life he’s led. I would love to know more of his childhood from his perspective and how he came to interpret everything the way he did.
Ellowyn my sweet summer child. What character development you had. I adore her. I’m so glad she overcame her own self-sabotage in this book to become a badass.
I’m angry at Rohan for being a stubborn ass. Lex needs to be protected at all costs. Living his memories was absolutely heartbreaking. I hope Sasori always suffers from wet socks regardless of if they’re dry or not. Faylinn deserves the entire world, I swear she’s cursed to always be hurt in the worst way possible. I don’t trust Torin as far as I can throw him and I don’t even think I’d be able to pick him up so that says a lot…
Anyways long story short. I LOVED this. I may need therapy now but that’s fine. It was everything I wanted and more.
Thank you so much to Ellysa Marin for the eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
May 23, 2025
You know those books that have you in a chokehold—the kind that it almost physically hurts to put down and occupies almost universally your every waking thought?! Yeah, Of Kings and Kaos is one of those books. This series owns real estate in my brain; it’s all I think about, talk about, and want to scream about into the void. 🤯😭
If you’re a glutton for emotional destruction, morally grey (arguably some pitch-black) characters, devastatinggg slow burns, reveals & plot twists, and prose that stabs you clean in the heart, welcome home wildlings; this is the book for you. ✨
Of Kings and Chaos is book two in The Children of Fate series and it pulls NOOO punches. The emotional stakes & plot? Off the charts. The character arcs? So raw and painfully human, you’ll want to wrap them in a lil’ blanket, hand deliver them to therapy, and sob alongside them. The sheer trauma, resilience, and GRIT these characters display is nothing short of astonishing—and yet it’s not suffering for suffering’s sake. Every moment, choice, & heartbreak builds toward something bigger.💥
Ellysa’s tightly-woven multiple POVs create a masterclass (!!) in perspective. Every chapter both past and present peels back yet another layer of betrayal, longing, pining, love, regret, vengeance, or sacrifice—and just when you think you understand someone?! SIKE. The story pivots. No one is safe. No one is simple. No one is without blood on their hands.
The pacing is relentless, the worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and the ending? A soul-crushing, jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me hollow and FERALLL for the finale in the best way.
So if it wasn’t already clear (😬🙈), I’m BEGGGINNN’ my dark high fantasy slow burn romance gremlins (said w love) to pick up this series if you haven’t yet. It is everything and I’m patiently (ferally) waiting for book three’s release later this year.
Tropes To Expect:
⚔️ chosen one (s)
👑 gods / fate / humans w magic
📜 prophecies
🧩 found family
🌪️ morally grey everything
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers (???)
🥀 tragic backstories / trauma / trauma healing
🔍 secrets, lies, & betrayals
🔥 slow burns tension / lots of spice (diff couple)
🧠 multi-pov & love story masterclass
💣 A cliffhanger that will RUIN you
If you’re a glutton for emotional destruction, morally grey (arguably some pitch-black) characters, devastatinggg slow burns, reveals & plot twists, and prose that stabs you clean in the heart, welcome home wildlings; this is the book for you. ✨
Of Kings and Chaos is book two in The Children of Fate series and it pulls NOOO punches. The emotional stakes & plot? Off the charts. The character arcs? So raw and painfully human, you’ll want to wrap them in a lil’ blanket, hand deliver them to therapy, and sob alongside them. The sheer trauma, resilience, and GRIT these characters display is nothing short of astonishing—and yet it’s not suffering for suffering’s sake. Every moment, choice, & heartbreak builds toward something bigger.💥
Ellysa’s tightly-woven multiple POVs create a masterclass (!!) in perspective. Every chapter both past and present peels back yet another layer of betrayal, longing, pining, love, regret, vengeance, or sacrifice—and just when you think you understand someone?! SIKE. The story pivots. No one is safe. No one is simple. No one is without blood on their hands.
The pacing is relentless, the worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and the ending? A soul-crushing, jaw-dropping cliffhanger that left me hollow and FERALLL for the finale in the best way.
So if it wasn’t already clear (😬🙈), I’m BEGGGINNN’ my dark high fantasy slow burn romance gremlins (said w love) to pick up this series if you haven’t yet. It is everything and I’m patiently (ferally) waiting for book three’s release later this year.
Tropes To Expect:
⚔️ chosen one (s)
👑 gods / fate / humans w magic
📜 prophecies
🧩 found family
🌪️ morally grey everything
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers (???)
🥀 tragic backstories / trauma / trauma healing
🔍 secrets, lies, & betrayals
🔥 slow burns tension / lots of spice (diff couple)
🧠 multi-pov & love story masterclass
💣 A cliffhanger that will RUIN you
June 5, 2025
4.5/5
Listen. This book? This book had me by the throat, snatched my edges, emotionally body-slammed me into a wall, and then whispered “it’s only going to get worse, babe” — and I loved every second of it.
We’ve got gods walking the earth again (because apparently immortality wasn’t enough), Fate himself out here being messy and stirring the pot like the drama king he is, and a group of six disaster children with enough collective trauma to start a support group called “Bad Decisions Anonymous.”
Let’s break it down:
✨ Ellowyn is over here deciding whether to marry the man who killed her family — and honestly, girl, I get it, sometimes you gotta secure the political bag.
✨ Rohak is that loyal bestie whose blind faith is getting tested like a 90s Maury guest — “You ARE the betrayal!”
✨ Faylinn went looking for answers and found heartbreak, because ancient tomes are never just bedtime stories in fantasy books.
✨ Lex is serving up Bonded drama so spicy I was mentally passing him a Capri Sun like “baby, stay hydrated through this.”
✨ Folami wants her revenge so bad, I was practically Venmo-ing her for bail money.
✨ And Torin is trying to atone for sins so heavy, even the gods are side-eyeing him like “damn, bro.”
The politics are messy. The betrayals are gut-wrenching. The divine manipulation is so thick you need a machete to cut through it. And every time you think you know what’s coming? BAM — plot twist. Ellysa Marin does NOT let you breathe.
And the chaotic unhinged tension between these characters? Whew. If your therapist hasn’t heard about these fictional people yet, give it a week.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of those books where you finish it, close it slowly, and just stare at the wall for a good ten minutes like “What the hell did I just survive?” 10/10 recommend if you like morally grey characters, gods playing chess with human lives, high stakes, betrayals, trauma bonding, and the emotional equivalent of a punch to the face followed by a gentle hug.
I’m obsessed. I’m stressed. I’m begging for the next book.
Listen. This book? This book had me by the throat, snatched my edges, emotionally body-slammed me into a wall, and then whispered “it’s only going to get worse, babe” — and I loved every second of it.
We’ve got gods walking the earth again (because apparently immortality wasn’t enough), Fate himself out here being messy and stirring the pot like the drama king he is, and a group of six disaster children with enough collective trauma to start a support group called “Bad Decisions Anonymous.”
Let’s break it down:
✨ Ellowyn is over here deciding whether to marry the man who killed her family — and honestly, girl, I get it, sometimes you gotta secure the political bag.
✨ Rohak is that loyal bestie whose blind faith is getting tested like a 90s Maury guest — “You ARE the betrayal!”
✨ Faylinn went looking for answers and found heartbreak, because ancient tomes are never just bedtime stories in fantasy books.
✨ Lex is serving up Bonded drama so spicy I was mentally passing him a Capri Sun like “baby, stay hydrated through this.”
✨ Folami wants her revenge so bad, I was practically Venmo-ing her for bail money.
✨ And Torin is trying to atone for sins so heavy, even the gods are side-eyeing him like “damn, bro.”
The politics are messy. The betrayals are gut-wrenching. The divine manipulation is so thick you need a machete to cut through it. And every time you think you know what’s coming? BAM — plot twist. Ellysa Marin does NOT let you breathe.
And the chaotic unhinged tension between these characters? Whew. If your therapist hasn’t heard about these fictional people yet, give it a week.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of those books where you finish it, close it slowly, and just stare at the wall for a good ten minutes like “What the hell did I just survive?” 10/10 recommend if you like morally grey characters, gods playing chess with human lives, high stakes, betrayals, trauma bonding, and the emotional equivalent of a punch to the face followed by a gentle hug.
I’m obsessed. I’m stressed. I’m begging for the next book.
May 21, 2025
My major highlights that make this series truly amazing for me.
1. The author’s brilliance in crafting a vivid world and telling the story through multiple POVs absolutely blew my mind—and what’s even more impressive is that it was easy to follow!
2. I had planned to reread Book 1 before diving into this one, but after finishing Part 1, I was too eager to start my ARC—and I’m so glad I did. Ellysa did an incredible job weaving in key moments from Book 1 throughout Book 2. As someone who reads 100 books a year, I usually reread to refresh my memory so I don’t miss the small but important details. But Ellysa nailed it with this book. The recaps kept me grounded in the story without feeling repetitive or forced.
3. The dark theme of this fantasy world was jaw dropping and moments a bit unhinged and I ate it up… not like Peytor in the mines with his dinner… gagging…but an emotional kind of moments that isn’t just dark for the sake of being edgy, but dark because it means something. This world can be cruel and heartless and it wasn’t written for shock factor but to grip you into the story and the characters minds (If you read Nevernight Chronicles you know the tone I am talking about)
4. Characters. THE CHARACTERS. I LOVE getting the story through so many different minds! It made everything feel more alive and with a world and plot this big, it was the perfect! The tension, drama and heart, I was never bored at all reading. Another element that makes it believable is the ages of characters. Finally a book where most are in their 30s (or maybe a bit older). The trauma bonding and found family tropes were perfection for this harsh world, they are in the midst of a rebellion and war with a warlord that is ok with torturing mages to awaken and forcing bonds. (I would need support, hugs and probably cry a lot)
5. The ending… Me gasping for breath, on my knees begging for book 3 please!!
1. The author’s brilliance in crafting a vivid world and telling the story through multiple POVs absolutely blew my mind—and what’s even more impressive is that it was easy to follow!
2. I had planned to reread Book 1 before diving into this one, but after finishing Part 1, I was too eager to start my ARC—and I’m so glad I did. Ellysa did an incredible job weaving in key moments from Book 1 throughout Book 2. As someone who reads 100 books a year, I usually reread to refresh my memory so I don’t miss the small but important details. But Ellysa nailed it with this book. The recaps kept me grounded in the story without feeling repetitive or forced.
3. The dark theme of this fantasy world was jaw dropping and moments a bit unhinged and I ate it up… not like Peytor in the mines with his dinner… gagging…but an emotional kind of moments that isn’t just dark for the sake of being edgy, but dark because it means something. This world can be cruel and heartless and it wasn’t written for shock factor but to grip you into the story and the characters minds (If you read Nevernight Chronicles you know the tone I am talking about)
4. Characters. THE CHARACTERS. I LOVE getting the story through so many different minds! It made everything feel more alive and with a world and plot this big, it was the perfect! The tension, drama and heart, I was never bored at all reading. Another element that makes it believable is the ages of characters. Finally a book where most are in their 30s (or maybe a bit older). The trauma bonding and found family tropes were perfection for this harsh world, they are in the midst of a rebellion and war with a warlord that is ok with torturing mages to awaken and forcing bonds. (I would need support, hugs and probably cry a lot)
5. The ending… Me gasping for breath, on my knees begging for book 3 please!!
November 12, 2025
Meru is broken.
Fate is bound.
The gods walk Elyria once more.
Book 2 in Children of Fate series. MUST read Of Secrets and Solace first!
"I give you my loyalty because you’ve earned it, Rohak. Every single day, you earn it. We all make mistakes, some of them catastrophic, but it’s what we do in their wake, how you make people feel every other day, that commands my loyalty and affection. Nothing more and nothing less.”
-Lex
I. Am. Deceased.
I'm cooked.
Finished.
This book obliterated me.
I NEED MORE NOW! Hands down 5 stars. Could not put it down. This series just gets more and more intricate. And I am gobbling it up. This ending was a doozy for sure though!
Rohak still owns me heart and soul. Lex is a STRONG second now. And even Torin snuck in there. Whattt.
I honestly love all the POVs we get throughout this series. Which is a handful.... 10... 12... idk. But trusttttt me it all reads and flows PERFECTLY. They all are so uniquely different. And all read in a way you know who's pov is who's. All the POVs are intended for a reason. They all weave together in ways they or we may or may not understand....yet. But it will all make sense.
There's war happening.
Prophecies Fate has put into place.
Romance. Spicey spice.
Angst.
Powers.
Affinities.
Magic.
Runes.
Territories.
Mages & Vessels.
Moments of shock and disbelief. Moments that have you on the edge of your seat.
This series has so much more. EVERY aspect has me hooked.
I am so ready to see where thier story goes.
Hands down GO READ THIS SERIES! I am completely OBSESSED!
“I would recognize you in any form, in any place or time. Because my soul knows yours,”
-Finian
Fate is bound.
The gods walk Elyria once more.
Book 2 in Children of Fate series. MUST read Of Secrets and Solace first!
"I give you my loyalty because you’ve earned it, Rohak. Every single day, you earn it. We all make mistakes, some of them catastrophic, but it’s what we do in their wake, how you make people feel every other day, that commands my loyalty and affection. Nothing more and nothing less.”
-Lex
I. Am. Deceased.
I'm cooked.
Finished.
This book obliterated me.
I NEED MORE NOW! Hands down 5 stars. Could not put it down. This series just gets more and more intricate. And I am gobbling it up. This ending was a doozy for sure though!
Rohak still owns me heart and soul. Lex is a STRONG second now. And even Torin snuck in there. Whattt.
I honestly love all the POVs we get throughout this series. Which is a handful.... 10... 12... idk. But trusttttt me it all reads and flows PERFECTLY. They all are so uniquely different. And all read in a way you know who's pov is who's. All the POVs are intended for a reason. They all weave together in ways they or we may or may not understand....yet. But it will all make sense.
There's war happening.
Prophecies Fate has put into place.
Romance. Spicey spice.
Angst.
Powers.
Affinities.
Magic.
Runes.
Territories.
Mages & Vessels.
Moments of shock and disbelief. Moments that have you on the edge of your seat.
This series has so much more. EVERY aspect has me hooked.
I am so ready to see where thier story goes.
Hands down GO READ THIS SERIES! I am completely OBSESSED!
“I would recognize you in any form, in any place or time. Because my soul knows yours,”
-Finian
May 14, 2025
Uh, that ENDING? 😩 are you kidding, I need the next book injected into my veins right this instant.
This book had me LOCKED IN, the whole time.
I love all the different POVs and the new Folami POV.
I feel like you’re constantly being fed information through each persons perspective, and trying to interpret what’s going on. The story was paced perfectly.
Lex is literally my angel baby and deserves the world. I also love Faylinn & Rohak.
I loved seeing Ellowyn rise like a phoenix from the ashes and become the badass we all knew she’d become.
I liked Torin, not sure if I 100% trust him yet but as long as he keeps Ellowyn safe he’s good in my eyes.
Sasori deserves nothing but the worst. Hot pillows, stepping on legos, wet socks, coffee always tasting wrong.
And Alois.. I’m so conflicted. He was the true meaning of morally grey. I hope we get more clarification on his perspective on how things went and why he felt they needed to happen the way they did, because I was kinda confused. I need answers. 😔 and I really hate that his and Rohaks relationship suffered and how it ended😭
And Faylinn, girl what did you do😩
This series has me in a CHOKEHOLD. It’s seriously so captivating and completely unique.
I can’t wait for the next book and to see how everything comes together! And so glad it’s coming hopefully at the end of this year😝
Thank you Ellysa for choosing me to be on your Arc team! I’m truly grateful and love reading these masterpieces. 🩵
This book had me LOCKED IN, the whole time.
I love all the different POVs and the new Folami POV.
I feel like you’re constantly being fed information through each persons perspective, and trying to interpret what’s going on. The story was paced perfectly.
Lex is literally my angel baby and deserves the world. I also love Faylinn & Rohak.
I loved seeing Ellowyn rise like a phoenix from the ashes and become the badass we all knew she’d become.
I liked Torin, not sure if I 100% trust him yet but as long as he keeps Ellowyn safe he’s good in my eyes.
Sasori deserves nothing but the worst. Hot pillows, stepping on legos, wet socks, coffee always tasting wrong.
And Alois.. I’m so conflicted. He was the true meaning of morally grey. I hope we get more clarification on his perspective on how things went and why he felt they needed to happen the way they did, because I was kinda confused. I need answers. 😔 and I really hate that his and Rohaks relationship suffered and how it ended😭
And Faylinn, girl what did you do😩
This series has me in a CHOKEHOLD. It’s seriously so captivating and completely unique.
I can’t wait for the next book and to see how everything comes together! And so glad it’s coming hopefully at the end of this year😝
Thank you Ellysa for choosing me to be on your Arc team! I’m truly grateful and love reading these masterpieces. 🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
This was the largest book I personally have ever read. I loved to this book to the point that I want this book physically on my bookshelf. This is book two in the Children of Fate series. I can definitely say after reading this that I definitely want to read book three.
Six people–a general, a spy, a socialite, a Rune Master, a former slave, and a warrior–are all that stand between humanity’s freedom and the promise of the Second Sundering.
That snippet alone made me want to read this book. This book clearly shows how those in power, in this story, the Gods, can twist things to fit the narrative that they want. When that happens it makes you question if what you truly know is actually real or some modified version of what someone else planted. Sometimes when you can't see what's in front of you or if you're constantly questioning which direction you need to go, that's when you need a little nudge and that's what our characters get
This book had action and intrigue as well as pain and sorrow. It's the ultimate power struggle that you could ultimately see turned into an amazing movie or series on TV.
I definitely gave this five stars. For me it gave me everything that I was looking for when it came to emotional pull and being a page turner.
Six people–a general, a spy, a socialite, a Rune Master, a former slave, and a warrior–are all that stand between humanity’s freedom and the promise of the Second Sundering.
That snippet alone made me want to read this book. This book clearly shows how those in power, in this story, the Gods, can twist things to fit the narrative that they want. When that happens it makes you question if what you truly know is actually real or some modified version of what someone else planted. Sometimes when you can't see what's in front of you or if you're constantly questioning which direction you need to go, that's when you need a little nudge and that's what our characters get
This book had action and intrigue as well as pain and sorrow. It's the ultimate power struggle that you could ultimately see turned into an amazing movie or series on TV.
I definitely gave this five stars. For me it gave me everything that I was looking for when it came to emotional pull and being a page turner.
August 8, 2025
Oh, what a tangled web we weave!
Of Kings and Kaos by Ellysa Marin is book two in The Children of Fate series and we’re not losing any momentum here!
The politics are messy. The relationships are complicated. The moral compasses are dark gray borderline black. Motivations, truths, and desires are rapidly revealing themselves. Up is down, left is right, and the only difference between right and wrong is a shift in perspective. No one is without blood on their hands.
Ellysa challenges her readers to look deeper, which fosters a unique personal investment in each character’s development and a desperate need to understand what drives them: love, survival, revenge, loyalty, morality or power.
You find yourself asking what it is that drives you. What lines would you cross and how much of your self would you be willing to part with? How much can you forgive? How much can you endure? How much can you lose?
This series continues to be a masterpiece for fans of dark fantasy romance, multiple POVs, morally gray characters, political intrigue, meddling gods and intricate world building!
I’m eagerly awaiting the series conclusion, which is slated to be released by the end of the year!
Of Kings and Kaos by Ellysa Marin is book two in The Children of Fate series and we’re not losing any momentum here!
The politics are messy. The relationships are complicated. The moral compasses are dark gray borderline black. Motivations, truths, and desires are rapidly revealing themselves. Up is down, left is right, and the only difference between right and wrong is a shift in perspective. No one is without blood on their hands.
Ellysa challenges her readers to look deeper, which fosters a unique personal investment in each character’s development and a desperate need to understand what drives them: love, survival, revenge, loyalty, morality or power.
You find yourself asking what it is that drives you. What lines would you cross and how much of your self would you be willing to part with? How much can you forgive? How much can you endure? How much can you lose?
This series continues to be a masterpiece for fans of dark fantasy romance, multiple POVs, morally gray characters, political intrigue, meddling gods and intricate world building!
I’m eagerly awaiting the series conclusion, which is slated to be released by the end of the year!
May 21, 2025
This book was truly everything I wanted (for the most part anyway - I didn’t really need the trauma and tears it caused but we survived and this book became my all time second favorite ever). Book one, Of Secrets and Solace is my #1 favorite book of all time (shocked I know, I’m always talking about it😈)
anyway, I loved the progression of the story following OSAS and was absolutely enthralled the entire time. As always, I love the multiple POVs we get in this series as you get a more well-rounded story. We got to dive more into certain characters pasts which as gut wrenching it was at times, it was also beautiful in their own unique ways. I cried, cackled, gasped, yelled, and felt every emotion possible throughout the story. My love for certain characters grew exponentially, deeply deteriorated for others (was ready to fight one character in particular on more than one occasion😒). But overall, a truly phenomenal dark fantasy with such unique attributes. This series has gods, goddesses, elemental magic, runes, mages/vessels, academy training, romance, comedy, tension, all the above.
now the end??? I NEED BOOK THREE ASAP BECAUSE I NEED TO KNOW WHERE THINGS ARE GOING FROM HERE, for multiple characters🫠🫠
anyway, I loved the progression of the story following OSAS and was absolutely enthralled the entire time. As always, I love the multiple POVs we get in this series as you get a more well-rounded story. We got to dive more into certain characters pasts which as gut wrenching it was at times, it was also beautiful in their own unique ways. I cried, cackled, gasped, yelled, and felt every emotion possible throughout the story. My love for certain characters grew exponentially, deeply deteriorated for others (was ready to fight one character in particular on more than one occasion😒). But overall, a truly phenomenal dark fantasy with such unique attributes. This series has gods, goddesses, elemental magic, runes, mages/vessels, academy training, romance, comedy, tension, all the above.
now the end??? I NEED BOOK THREE ASAP BECAUSE I NEED TO KNOW WHERE THINGS ARE GOING FROM HERE, for multiple characters🫠🫠
May 17, 2025
This is a fantastic book that I recommend to any fan of epic fantasy, however, I will add that this is book two in a series, and it really is necessary to read the first book before diving into this one. I must say that this is a very long book and add a quick warning that there are many possible triggers for some readers. This is not a series for the faint of heart, there is a lot of bloody violence! There are absolutely fascinating characters throughout this book, and a core group of six who all play major, pivotal roles in the narrative, some of whom are more “likeable” than others. Fast-paced and riveting dialog as well as magical battles kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. So many unexpected and surprising twists and turns in the plot made it nearly impossible to put this book down, even to sleep.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from the author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from the author.
May 21, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing, a perfect sequel to Of Secrets and Solace.
I love all of the POVs we got in this book. One of my favorite things is experiencing a story from all angles, and getting perspectives of every character. This series is unique, because experiencing each characters POV makes it hard to definitively choose the bad guys and the good guys. I still don’t truly know how I feel about some characters; they are the perfect example of morally grey.
This book gave major GOT vibes! The planning, the discoveries, the secret moves, and the battle 😮💨 immaculate. The ending gave me whiplash and Im legitimately traumatized. The CLIFFHANGER! I am unwell. Infinite stars.
Of Kings and Kaos is available TODAY! Book one, Of Secrets and Solace, is available on KU! This series is heavy and has so much more depth than the average romantasy. If this isn’t on your TBR, it needs to be.
I love all of the POVs we got in this book. One of my favorite things is experiencing a story from all angles, and getting perspectives of every character. This series is unique, because experiencing each characters POV makes it hard to definitively choose the bad guys and the good guys. I still don’t truly know how I feel about some characters; they are the perfect example of morally grey.
This book gave major GOT vibes! The planning, the discoveries, the secret moves, and the battle 😮💨 immaculate. The ending gave me whiplash and Im legitimately traumatized. The CLIFFHANGER! I am unwell. Infinite stars.
Of Kings and Kaos is available TODAY! Book one, Of Secrets and Solace, is available on KU! This series is heavy and has so much more depth than the average romantasy. If this isn’t on your TBR, it needs to be.
May 13, 2025
Okay, so I just finished the book and I have no words, like what just happened. I can only say that I’m so grateful the next book is going to be published by the end of 25, so I don’t have to wait that long.
The ending of this one, and I thought OSAS was good, but this is somehow better.
The book has moments where I want to yell at the character, but it never felt too annoying, it was just the right amount. It also have so many different characters and POVs, but again, just the right amount, not so much that it’s overwhelming (though it’s so frustrating when I have to wait for Faylin’s POV, but I guess that’s just how it is when reading multi-POV).
5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The ending of this one, and I thought OSAS was good, but this is somehow better.
The book has moments where I want to yell at the character, but it never felt too annoying, it was just the right amount. It also have so many different characters and POVs, but again, just the right amount, not so much that it’s overwhelming (though it’s so frustrating when I have to wait for Faylin’s POV, but I guess that’s just how it is when reading multi-POV).
5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2025
Every page is steeped in tension, forcing characters into impossible choices that reveal the darkest shades of morality. The result is gut-wrenching and unforgettable.
The yearning woven through this story for love, for peace, for something better is palpable. The characters are deeply human, shaped by past traumas that echo through every decision they make. Ellysa stitches together past and present with precision, building a cast that feels like living, breathing people caught in a tragic, intricately designed game.
And the cliffhanger? Utterly ruthless. I didn’t just sit on the edge of my seat… I was the edge. I’m still recovering. 😩
The yearning woven through this story for love, for peace, for something better is palpable. The characters are deeply human, shaped by past traumas that echo through every decision they make. Ellysa stitches together past and present with precision, building a cast that feels like living, breathing people caught in a tragic, intricately designed game.
And the cliffhanger? Utterly ruthless. I didn’t just sit on the edge of my seat… I was the edge. I’m still recovering. 😩
June 12, 2025
I was so excited to continue this series, Of Secrets and Solace was amazing and this one didn't disappoint either! Ellysa's ability to create such a diverse fantasy world with a very unique magic system is incredible.
The way things unfold has you constantly guessing and thinking about which direction it could go or how it's all going to unfold. There are so many connections that we still don't know about yet, and I am just salivating for the next book. The ending was insane and I have so many thoughts, theories and sooo many questions! I cannot wait for book 3 in the Children of Fate series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book is easily a five star read
The way things unfold has you constantly guessing and thinking about which direction it could go or how it's all going to unfold. There are so many connections that we still don't know about yet, and I am just salivating for the next book. The ending was insane and I have so many thoughts, theories and sooo many questions! I cannot wait for book 3 in the Children of Fate series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book is easily a five star read
May 23, 2025
Ellysa does it again!!! Completely devastating me while also leaving me in awe of how she weaves such an intricate story!
I cried....a few times, I raged, I swooned & I definitely screamed at the ending e
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters at a deeper level in this book. My boy Lex is still my favourite and Ellowyn has gained my respect (can you say female rage personified?!)
Rohak & Faylinn will continue to torment me with their chemistry (in the best way)
A masterfully written high fantasy with some damn good spice - Ellysa is one of my favourite authors for a reason.
These books can be a heavy read with some difficult topics so definitely check TW's.
I cried....a few times, I raged, I swooned & I definitely screamed at the ending e
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters at a deeper level in this book. My boy Lex is still my favourite and Ellowyn has gained my respect (can you say female rage personified?!)
Rohak & Faylinn will continue to torment me with their chemistry (in the best way)
A masterfully written high fantasy with some damn good spice - Ellysa is one of my favourite authors for a reason.
These books can be a heavy read with some difficult topics so definitely check TW's.
November 27, 2025
Oh my gosh I love this series and I need more ASAP. Book 2 is just as amazing as Book 1 and I just can’ get enough. This story gets more into the characters origins and it is a complete emotional rollercoaster. I was hooked from the beginning and all the way to the end. The character development and writing are just amazing and the plot continues to be phenomenal. There is so much action and there is never a dull moment. The world building is immersive and complex and so detailed. Everything all starts to unravel and there are so many plot twists and easter eggs. I am consumed by this story and it’s all I’ve been thinking about since I put it down. The ending destroyed me and left me with my mouth hanging open. I am counting down the days until I can read Book 3 because I’m now obsessed. I HIGHLY recommend this series, but make sure to check the trigger warnings.
November 3, 2025
Did not manage to write notes for this book as I was in a bit of a reading slump, but while I enjoyed the last third of the book, I did find the other parts of the book soooo slow going. Yes, this was marketed as a slow burn romance, but I did not realise that it was a slow burn plot as well. It ended on an exciting note though, so I guess I will be reading the 3rd book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews