The Wicked and the Damned

Dark Inheritance Trilogy #2

by Rebecca Robinson

In the exhilarating second romantasy novel in Rebecca Robinson’s Dark Inheritance Trilogy, a fiery couple forced apart must navigate a deadly maze of politics and power to reunite across a continent at war.

Torn from her husband Reid’s arms and dragged back to her homeland in chains, Vaasa is no longer a ruler, but a political pawn. Now under the control of Ozik—a cunning Zetyr witch with a stranglehold on her magic—she faces annulment, forced betrothal, and a kingdom that no longer feels like her own. As Ozik’s machinations aim to install himself as the true power behind the Asteryan throne, Vaasa is forced to take part in his game.

Meanwhile, across the continent, Reid is done playing politics. But waging war is never simple, and a soldier’s fury cannot stand up against Icruria’s bureaucracy. With allies fading and time slipping away, Reid may have no choice but to infiltrate Asterya on his own to find the woman he loves and bring her home.

As Vaasa’s magic begins to flare, she desperately seeks control, even if Ozik is the only one who can offer it. She then finds a cryptic final message from her mother about a precious missing necklace might just be the answer to finally freeing her magic from Ozik. Yet when a ghost from Vaasa’s past reemerges among the suitors vying for her hand, escape might be within reach—but will it demand a betrayal that real love may not survive?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Adult, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

463 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 24, 2026

About the author

By day, Rebecca Robinson works as a high school administrator. By night, she’s an avid reader, writer, and consumer of all things art. When she’s not writing, Rebecca loves to cook, spend time with her husband and son, and lounge in the garden with her husky.

Reviews

[Hades ( Disney's version ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Saga Press/S&S Saga Press for an ARC of this book!


I'm not going to lie I requested this book because it was so beautiful at first & I didn't realize at first it was part of a series. So I did need to read the first book before this one (The Serpent and the Wolf) and I'm in a complete chokehold. I'm starting to think I don't actually need to take a step back from fantasy. I think my fantasy palete has just been refining itself. The last couple fantasy books i've read have made me feel like a kid falling in love with reading all over again, and this series is no exception. If anything it's at the top of the list. Reading this series has thus far made me feel as if I discovered the Magic Tree House. I mean, you truly are teleported to a different dimension with this one and it's rather marvelous. Personally I can not wait to add hardcopies of this to my collection. It's also one of those reads that leaves you wondering just how rigged the "Booktok" world is, because HOW is this not absolutely everywhere?! HOW!?




Until next time,
Hades
🩵

[DianaRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars — a good follow-up to book one

review tk closer to pub day!

[jenny reads a lot]

Pretty freaking excited to have this on my kindle right now!

| IG | TikTok |

Thank you Saga for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[Mikky]

October 2025

OMG THIS COVER IS SO PRETTY 😭

February 2026 can't come soon enough!!!

Also the audiobook comes out the same day as the book! I'M SO THANKFUL ♡
___________
June 2025

SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THE AUDIOBOOK IS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE ON RELEASE DAY! I'm like an addict just waiting for their next fix when it comes to this book. The sheer number of times I've caught myself going on Amazon looking for the next book has been ridiculous. The withdrawal I've had ever since I finished book #1 cannot be put into words. I've been on the lookout for this announcement ever since I finished the first one. Please, someone, put me out of my misery 😭

[ReneeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dark Inheritance Trilogy and while I liked the firs book better, this was still a fun read. As with the first book I'm going to say again that I wish I would have waited to start this series until it is complete because I feel like I would be more compelled to continue if I knew I could finish without having to wait in between books. As it stands, while I had fun reading both books, I'm not sure that I will continue this series because I don't feel as attached to the characters as I did in the first book. This installment leaves us with many questions, which is the intent but I don't know that I'm interested enough in finding out the answers. I think if you enjoyed the fist book, you will still like this one as there is plenty of story progression and good character growth.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha Gaudious · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5⭐️

This is a STUNNING continuation!!
I was so happy to be back in this world and absolutely it delivered!

This book is so much more darker and it really made me feel like I was inside. I love how we got deeper into the world and got a bigger picture of the characters!

I thought the pacing was fabulous, plenty of detail but also not in slow motion 😂

I can’t recommend this series enough! It’s def a forever favorite 💜

[MillennialMomReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. This sequel epitomizes the phrase “Did I finish the book, or did it finish me?” This book moves FAST but manages to still feel well paced and thought out, with hints strewn about just enough to leave me feeling surprised but not confused. I love the new characters introduced in this book as well as how fleshed out both Reid and Vaasa become throughout their arcs. Rebecca Robinson also knows how to write a good villain, and an excellent morally grey cast. I think this sequel even outshines how much I loved the first installment. Thank you to Saga Press for this ARC (and the emotional devastation).

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wicked and the Damned is a solid continuation of the Dark Inheritance trilogy, filled with political tension, shifting alliances, and a slow-burn romance.

Vaasa continues to impress me with her resilience. She faces impossible circumstances yet refuses to be powerless, and I loved seeing more growth from her character. The world expands nicely in this installment, introducing new players and raising the stakes for what’s clearly building toward a big next chapter.

This felt like a more transitional book for me one that focuses on setup and strategy rather than constant momentum but it kept me invested in both the characters and the overall story.

If you enjoy romantasy with strong political elements and an enduring love story, this is definitely worth continuing the series. Thanks to Saga Press for the gifted ARC

[Kat Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

politics juicier than the peaches that Belly bites into in the summer I turned pretty

✰ 4.5 stars, because no combination of psychiatric medications could have adequately sedated me during the absolute panic that I experienced in the last 100 pages, but also half star deducted because Vaasa is definitely the brains of the relationship lol

source: netgalley ebook arc

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars. Wow what a read. This was such a fun ride. I LOVE a political romantasy and this book, like book one, delivered in spades. In this book we continue where book one left off. Spoilers for book one up next. Vassa has just been kidnapped by Ozik and returned back to her home in Asterya. Vassa, after finally admitting her love to Reid, is broken and thrown into prison to be kept by Ozik, the same man who after falling in love with her mother, lead directly to her death. Admittedly this book did take me a good 25% to really get back into and I think that was mostly because Reid was largely absent from the book until approximately 40% into the story. I really liked the banter in book one between Vassa and Reid and did miss it in this book because they were not together for much of the story. I was able to get over it though because Vassa's character development and learning more about Ozick's back story was excellent.

Vassa, finding that her marriage with Reid had been annulled, found herself (again) forced into another marriage of political connivence. This time for the Asteryan empire, which is ready for her and her new betrothed to take over. since her brothers, untimely death. Obviously, Vassa is not interested in serving as another pawn in a political game in which she lacks ultimate control over her life choices and autonomy. So what does Vassa do, she plots, schemes, manipulates, and lies her way into getting back to Reid.

Reid sets out on a daring attempt to get Vassa back and return her to his side. Along the way Reid joins up with a band of pirates, willing to do anything to get his wife back. I love Reid, I really do, I wish there was a bit more of their relationship in this book but what we did get was top tier.

Things I love about this book, the scheming and political intrigue are what makes this book so gripping. Vassa is a true morally grey character and not just the type like "whoops, you tripped and fell on my sword and died" kind, the "slay your enemies and rip out their hearts" kind. Brutal because she was born and bread that way way and cunning and manipulative in order to survive. I also love that you meet her first love, Roman, where you spend the book trying to figure out his motives and like everyone you meet, has his own hidden agenda.

This book is a solid romantasy that really gives you something unique and memorable. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story driven romantasy with a forbidden magic, witches, a possessive and protective MMC, and some of the best political scheming and intrigue I have read in a long time.

Thank you to Saga Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Duranleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that’s how you write a sequel! I’m so impressed and blown away by this thrilling sequel to one of my most unexpectedly enjoyable reads last year. All the character development and plot twists pay off in this book—it was utterly un-put-downable.

Picking up where we left off in book one, Vaasa and Reid are now separated after the events of book one. Trapped in Mekës, once her home but now a prison, Vaasa finds herself a political pawn at the whim of Ozik. She faces the annulment of her marriage to Reid and a new political marriage. But there are more secrets simmering beneath the surface with Ozik and his history with her mother. Meanwhile, Reid will do anything to rescue Vaasa, including making a deal with a pirate. He puts everything on the line to infiltrate Mekës and help his love.

Vaasa is one of my new favorite FMCs after this book. She is so complex and deep, her inner monologue is so compelling. She struggles with her identity outside of being a political pawn and refuses to be a tool. I think women throughout history and often today are relegated to such a fate. The push and pull of the Zetyr witches’ patriarchal magic and inheritance and the Veragi witches’ matriarchy by contrast is interesting to see unfold on the page. I’m really looking forward to exploring this plot further in the conclusion to this trilogy.

Reid is just the biggest green flag. I loved him even more in this book. He’s not just book boyfriend material, he’s book HUSBAND material. He too is layered and complex, truly a three-dimensional character. He took a backseat to Vaasa’s storyline this book but what we do get makes him so much more interesting. Their relationship is so beautiful and heartwarming. There’s just enough spicy time to keep things interesting as well!

The exploration of the magic system in this book was so fascinating. It’s unique and refreshing to read and I really enjoyed learning more about the Zetyr magic especially. The way Rebecca Robinson writes about Vaasa’s physical connection to her magic is so captivating and really brings it to life in the reader’s mind—it feels so well thought out.

Bottom line: let Rebecca cook! This book was a slam dunk and this series needs to be on your TBR if you enjoy a high-stakes, political romantasy with a unique magic system. 5⭐️ and 2🌶️ for one of my favorite sequels yet.

Immense gratitude and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Saga Press for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[JensBookishWays · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I definitely got my much needed dose of feminine rage, political intrigue, and the most precious MMC, Mr. Reid of Mireh 🫠🫠🫠

Thank you to Saga Press, the author, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book to read and review.

The FMC, Vaasalisa, deserves a round of applause for her political maneuvering and manipulation! I loved her growth and strength in this book. She fights both ghosts of her past and new condescending awful men, all while dealing with magical bargains and deities.

The MMC, Reid, is officially on my book boyfriend list!!! His concern and love for Vaasa completely melted me. The only complaint I have is I wanted soooo much more of him in this book. “Eyes on me, Wild One.” Swoon!!!

This book had the return of some well loved side characters from book 1, The Serpent and the Wolf, including Amalie, Melisina, and Koen. There were several new characters, including pirates and conceited, arrogant, abusive men. The deities even came out to play. I struggled to know who to trust!

The plot was fast paced and kept my attention the entire time. This book is like a puzzle I kept working to figure out until the very last few chapters!

The world building was perfection! I enjoyed the woven tapestry of social obligation, political posturing, and the quests for power. The burdens placed on women and their lack of power in society were clearly outlined. The women in this story were minimized, manipulated, and abused. They rightfully earned their rage and need for revenge. I enjoyed learning more about Vaasa’s mother and the reasoning for her choices. I also liked the magic/coven history in this book.

This book has spice, 🌶️🌶️

Overall, I loved this book just as much as book 1! I will definitely continue with this series and anxiously await book 3!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars Rounded Up

The Wicked and the Damned is another amazing installment in the Dark Inheritance Trilogy by Rebecca Robinson. This book picks up where The Serpent and the Wolf left off and the continued world building creates such a rich setting. The magic and political intrigue that are further developed in this book kept me from ever wanting to put it down. The introduction of new characters was expertly done - some of them who I loved and furthered the found family elements of book one, and some who I loved to hate. Vaasa and Reid are one of my favorite romantasy couples. I cannot wait to read what happens in Book 3.

Thank you to NetGalley, Saga Press, and Rebecca Robinson for the eARC of The Wicked and The Damned.

[Kara DeLorey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that makes me so incredibly thankful to be given ARCs, but also makes me despise being approved for them because this book hasn't even been released yet, which means the third installment is nowhere near publication.

I'll be over here crying until 2027, I suppose.

Thank you, NetGalley and Saga Press, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Saga Press, and Rebecca Robinson for the eARC of The Wicked and the Damned. I am so happy I got the opportunity to read this!

This is a very solid follow-up to Serpent & the Wolf! There is a ton going on in this book — Rebecca picked up the ball and just kept running. The pace is fast, there are new characters, new plot developments, surprises around every corner, and a lot more emotional trauma for our girl Vaasa. Some of the new characters are truly awful, and she absolutely gets put through the ringer. 😩

When the book starts, Vaasa is back in Asterya, separated from Reid, and she’s being forced by Ozik to marry a lord in order to secure an emperor for Asterya. We find her back in the exact same position she was in before — being controlled by power-hungry men. 😠 And like in the first book, she has to do whatever it takes to survive.

She has to revert back to the version of herself she worked so hard to overcome in book one, but what’s actually really beautiful about Vaasa’s character arc in this book is that she doesn’t let it truly change her. She uses it to empower herself and fight for the future she wants. And despite all the nonsense she’s put through in this book, she gets stronger — learning to control her magic in a way we haven’t seen yet. Not to mention, we get many instances of her using her intellect and cunning to get what she needs.

Meanwhile, Reid is on a mission to get his woman back, and with the help of Koen, Melisina, and some new friends, he makes it back to Asterya under the guise of being a bodyguard. Reid is without a doubt one of my favorite book boyfriends in the romantasy genre, and so naturally I wish we got more of him in this installment. Any time he was on the page, my heart was so happy, and I can’t wait to see what he does in book three!

One of my favorite aspects of this book was how Vaasa’s newfound family shows up for her and helps when she’s used to having to do everything alone. You really feel how desperately she needed that support and how grateful she is for her people. It truly helps heal her after being isolated, controlled, and manipulated for so long.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I still think I liked Serpent and the Wolf more — probably because there was more Reid time, but also because I was completely sucked into every page. Despite the new characters, expanded world-building, and twists and turns that kept the story action-packed, it didn’t grip me in quite the same way book one did. That being said, I still enjoyed it very much, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the final book of the trilogy!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark, Twisting Journey That Deepens the Saga

The Wicked and the Damned by Rebecca Robinson is a powerful continuation of the story, delivering unexpected twists that kept me turning pages and second guessing everything I thought I knew. The plot takes bold turns that feel earned rather than shocking for the sake of it, and the darker tone adds real weight to the choices the characters are forced to make. Robinson excels at drawing the reader deeper into this world, making it easy to become fully immersed in the stakes and the emotional tension.

One of the strongest elements of this book is the character connection. The relationships feel authentic and layered, and I found myself genuinely invested in how each character evolved as the story unfolded. Their inner conflicts and emotional struggles are just as compelling as the external dangers they face. At times, I did wish for a bit more forward momentum, as certain sections lingered longer than necessary, but the depth of character development helped balance that pacing.

There are still a few plot threads left open from the first book, which may feel slightly frustrating in the moment, yet they clearly serve a larger purpose. Rather than detracting from the experience, these unresolved elements build anticipation and make the overall shaping of the trilogy feel intentional and ambitious. By the final page, I was already eager for the concluding book, knowing the payoff has the potential to be truly unforgettable. This is an easy five star read and a must for fans of dark, character driven fantasy.

I'm actually surprised this series isn't blowing up on the socials, this series is highly underrated!

Thank you to Saga Press | Simon and Schuster/Saga Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy of THE WICKED AND THE DAMNED in exchange for my honest review.

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this early! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to do so! I absolutely loved the first book and somehow this one manages to be even better! I love the romance between Vassa and Reid, he’s one of my top tier book boyfriends and Vassa grows so much. The magic system, the politics this whole book expands and just keeps getting better and better!

[Jenny Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.75 ⭐️


What a wild ride! The last 100 pages felt like an SJM novel, leaving me speechless! There were twists I never saw coming. Like, WHOA. I freaking loved it.

Vaasa finally steps into her power after being underestimated and used for too long by too many men, and it was magical to watch her rise. She made me so proud. Reid was everything she needed (and I needed to be honest 👄 )—steady, selfless, and the one man who constantly gave instead of taking from her. Their growth together was a highlight. There is a reason he is in my top 3 for book boyfriends! More like book husbands. 😍

I also loved the spark of found family with a fiery redhead and her crew, and those ending reveals? I’m still reeling. I can’t wait to see how this series wraps up. It’s going to be an amazing finish!

[Em]

Omg yes PLEASE!! I can’t wait

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Saga Press/Simon & Schuster for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of The Wicked and the Damned through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Wicked and the Damned is the second book in the Dark Inheritance trilogy, and it picks up after the bargain that Vaasa made to save Reid at the end of the first book. This book mainly focuses on Vaasa's duality, as she plans to find a way to escape, while having to play the demure female that is trapped as a political pawn among the men vying to use her take the Asteryan Throne.

I really enjoyed seeing the story unfold, with secrets from the past continuing to be revealed and new characters who were introduced and their roles in the story. I would say that the pacing is a bit slower in this book, but I think it's just because it's the middle book in the series. But overall, Vaasa's fight to control her magic, her autonomy, and reuniting with Reid is very well done!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* CW: Torture
* Dual POVs
* Who Did This To You
* Political Agendas
* Secrets & Betrayals
* Witches Gods & Pirates

𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
😉 (Mild)

The Dark Inheritance trilogy continues to be a fantastic Romantasy series that is definitely binge worthy!! I highly recommend The Serpent and the Wolf and The Wicked and the Damned if you love enemies to lovers, political agendas, magic and secrets and betrayals!

[Missyreadsromantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The politics. The found family. The romance. The magic… Not a sophomore slump to be found!

I have to thank Rebecca Robinson. Because even though our main characters were forced apart at the end of The Serpent and the Wolf, we’re not dragged through a whole book, desperately waiting for their reunion. Don’t get me wrong: Vaasa and Reid still had to work for it. But I loved their stolen moments and scheming. A girl can only be so patient!

Honestly not sure how else to talk about The Wicked and the Damned without spoiling it. Just know that it’s equally as compelling as the first book, with higher stakes, new corners of the world explored, and likeable character additions.

Also, Reid of Mireh. 🤭 That man had me blushing, going all “Eyes on me.” Watch him climb to the top of your book boyfriends list in this one.

Book 3 can’t get here fast enough!

Thanks to NetGalley & Saga Press for access to the ARC in exchange for my review!

[kiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Saga Press & Netgalley for the eARC!!

4 stars!

I really enjoyed this book & thought it was an amazing addition to the Dark Inheritance trio!! I love the author's writing style, and this book was packed with a lot of political intrigue & action.

I also loved seeing Reid doing anything to get Vaasa back to him, I love a "my wife" / "you're mine" moment!! I just love them together so much and how they continue to choose each other!!

The last part of this book had me at the edge of my seat, and I did not see that ending coming. Really excited for the final book to come out!! Absolutely recommend this series, especially if you're a fan of strong fmc's and fantasy books with lots of political intrigue.

[Orenda Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to have won an advanced copy of this book through a GoodReads Giveaway.

I loved this book. It was so much better than the first book, in my opinion. I loved the non-stop action. I loved the tension. I loved the spicy scenes. I loved how badass Vaasa was in this book. I wish I could read the last book right now. I need to know how it ends.

[kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serpent and the Wolf was my top read of this year so I was extremely excited to read this. I was absolutely not disappointed!

The Wicked and the Damned begins right where the previous book ended; Vaasa has lost her magic and her husband and she is desperate for them both back. The book has (mostly!) dual points of view however Vaasa is the main focus of the book but Reid is just as determined to get his wife back. The story is incredibly romantic and introduces some fun and some awful new characters!

I really enjoyed getting introduced to other covens and types of witches. It was also interesting to get to see the deities that give these covens power and how this sets up the last book. Ozik was also an incredible surprise for me! His backstory was so vital to understanding his true character and it made him so much more than a standard villain.

Vaasa continues to be an incredibly smart and capable protagonist which is such a delight to read. She is so observant and cunning. Reid continues to be the definition of a devoted and understanding husband.

Overall I truly enjoyed this book and it made me incredibly excited for the third book!

5 stars- no complaints! There is spice!

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

[Brandon B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wicked and the Damned by Rebecca Robinson is a thrilling second chapter in the Dark Inheritance trilogy, where power, magic, and love collide in a beautifully crafted world. In this sequel, Vaasa is ripped from the safety of her partner Reid and dragged back to her homeland as a political pawn, stripped of her agency yet burning all the stronger to reclaim what she’s lost. Robinson’s storytelling shines here: the stakes feel real, the politics are ruthless, and the slow-burn romance between Vaasa and Reid continues to pulse with intensity even when they’re far apart. The magic system and worldbuilding deepen in this installment, giving the plot even more bite and momentum. If there’s a minor flaw, it’s that the pacing takes a little time to hit its stride, but once it does—especially in the final stretch—it delivers in spades. For fans of romantasy with grit, cunning intrigue, and a heroine who refuses to be sidelined, this book is absolutely worth the read.

[Ceacea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Saga Press for this gifted eARC!

Genre: Romantacy
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 6/10
Noteworthy: Book 2 of an incomplete trilogy. Expected publication date is 2/24/2026.

I have once again been taken out by a third act in a book and may never recover! This book was even more politically focused than book 1 which I felt was already pretty politically focused for the genre. Vaasa's character growth is absolutely top tier! But it comes at the sacrifice of the romance. Our main couple needed more time together and the lack of romantic focus hurt my Romantacy heart a bit. But alas, the sacrifice had to be made for the story and what we did get with Vaasa and Reid was delish. New characters are introduced and the found family is amazing! Also please note tha our villian may make you want to punch a wall! I'm so thankful this is a trilogy because I am ready for a hard earned HEA!

[Jess Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Saga Press and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy of The Wicked and the Damned by Rebecca Robinson. Rebecca is quickly becoming one of my favorite Romantasy authors! This is a solid second book in a series.

She has written one of the best male main characters I have ever read in Reid. Her ability to write one of the most swoon worthy men while still providing a plot full of political intrigue and relevant social commentary is a skill that not many have mastered.

The Female Main Character Vaasa is smart, self aware, capable and so damn fierce. She has one of the most epic scenes I have ever read in the first book of this series involving a severed head, and the author gives her another scene just as epic in this second book.

She has also written some of the vilest, evilest characters, but she layers them so well that you never truley know who can be trusted.

Highly recommend adding this series to you tbr! I Will definitely be continuing the series.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

When I read The Serpent and the Wolf, I was struck by the chemistry and tension between the main characters, all woven into a narrative heavily shaped by the political landscape of the world. I was over the moon to receive this ARC, and this sequel picks up right where the previous book left off. It maintains the momentum, the emotional pull, and the meticulous worldbuilding that made the first installment so compelling. I chose to reread The Serpent and the Wolf beforehand to keep the details fresh, and I am so glad I did. Rebecca Robinson has layered this world with intricate elements that interplay constantly, from the political maneuvering to the structure of the magic system.

Vaasa’s strength and ingenuity continue to be some of my favorite aspects of the story. Watching her evolve is fascinating, especially as she’s pushed into situations she never anticipated. She’s required to scheme, adapt, and claim her power in multiple ways, and her growth feels both earned and impactful. Reid, meanwhile, gets the chance to reveal a level of vulnerability that wasn’t as present in the first book. It’s moving to see him confront what he stands to lose, and their relationship deepens because of it. With the alternating points of view between Reid and Vaasa, the reader gains a richer understanding not only of who they are individually but also of the depth and sincerity of their connection. Their devotion feels tangible, the kind of bond that makes you hope you’d have someone willing to go to war to find you if you were ever torn apart.

I have more than a few theories about where this story will go next. Several breadcrumbs from The Serpent and the Wolf are expanded on in The Wicked and the Damned, and I’m eager to see how these threads eventually converge. This world feels larger with every chapter, and Robinson clearly has a long game in mind.

Thank you to Rebecca Robinson, NetGalley, and Saga Press for providing an advanced copy of this ebook.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨✨𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨✨

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗻𝗲𝗱
By Rebecca Robinson

𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: February 24, 2026

Thank you Saga Press Books and Netgalley for the ARC of the Wicked and the Damned.

When Saga Press Books approved my request to book two of the Dark Inheritance Trilogy I was beyond excited! I loved the Serpent and the Wolf and I enjoyed The Wicked and the Damned! The last thirty perfect had me gripping my seat. It felt like I was watching a movie while reading.

I didn't know what to expect from book two but Rebecca delivered! She left me wanting to continue onto book three. I was only away from Vaasa and Reid a short while but I missed them! The found family in this story still has my whole heart.

This story has love, power, betrayal and feminine rage. Please go start this series so we can talk about it!

Thank you Kaycee (@reading4vibes) for buddy reading this with me!!

[Natalia Farnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh whyyyyyyyy!!!!! Another great ending that I will have to wait forever to finish hehehehhehe. But for real this is such an amazing political fantasy that has some many interesting characters and such a good plot. And not to mention Vaasa is just a freaking badass who also is married to a freaking awesome guy. This one is a slower start to things but my goodness it is all meant to build up the story and keep you turning those pages. So freaking lucky to get to read this early!!! So thanks saga press and NetGalley for this chance. It was such an honor to read such a beautiful second book in the series! Now to go wait wayyyyyyy too long for the next book.