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Vexed
POWER IS A HUNGER. Emilia Vasa was sent away to hide what she was. Now she’s been called home—back to a bloodline ruled by legacy, ritual, and the monstrous truth of wendigo power.
In a world where ancient dynasties feed on control, lust, and carnality, Emilia must survive a court of predators that sees love as weakness and hunger as strength. But the real threat isn’t the creatures around her—it’s the one awakening inside her.
Vexed is a dark supernatural thriller that expands the mythos of The Orphan Maker, diving deeper into a world of secret societies, brutal inheritance, and seductive horror. With relentless pacing and prose that bites like a wendigo’s teeth, this is a story that won’t let go.
In a world where ancient dynasties feed on control, lust, and carnality, Emilia must survive a court of predators that sees love as weakness and hunger as strength. But the real threat isn’t the creatures around her—it’s the one awakening inside her.
Vexed is a dark supernatural thriller that expands the mythos of The Orphan Maker, diving deeper into a world of secret societies, brutal inheritance, and seductive horror. With relentless pacing and prose that bites like a wendigo’s teeth, this is a story that won’t let go.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 11, 2025
D.A. Chan’s Vexed, the sequel to The Orphan Maker, plunges us back into a world ruled by ancient bloodlines, dark legacies, and monstrous truths cloaked in elegance. Emilia Vasa, the outcast twin of a royal wendigo house, is yanked from the fragile peace of a life she built in hiding. Forced back toward the cruel empire of her birth, she must navigate manipulation, political alliances, old wounds, and the ever-looming shadow of becoming what she fears most—a monster like the rest of them.
Reading Vexed felt like stepping into a gothic opera that never lets up. Chan writes with emotional urgency—his prose is sharp and immersive, always soaked in atmosphere. I was completely swept away by Emilia’s voice: bitter but vulnerable, regal yet scared. She’s a character I rooted for even as I wanted to shake her. The writing walks a brilliant tightrope—both lyrical and grounded, layered with real feeling. Every sentence carries tension. The emotions—grief, fear, longing—stab through in quiet, gut-wrenching moments, especially in scenes with Anja and Michael. I stayed up late flipping pages, chest tight, because I had to know what was coming.
But it’s not just the writing—it’s the ideas that stay with me. This book isn’t just about a girl caught between two worlds. It’s about legacy and survival. It's about the cruelty of power disguised as tradition. The wendigo myth is used so smartly—not just horror, but metaphor. Chan explores the hunger for control, the rot at the heart of family, and the cost of being different. There’s a quiet brilliance in how Emilia’s “defect” becomes a kind of strength, even as everyone tries to strip her of agency. That conflict—between the lie she must perform and the truth of who she is—makes the book pulse with tension. It’s relatable, even when the characters are monsters.
I can’t recommend Vexed enough to readers who love dark fantasy with real emotional teeth. If you liked Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House, or the political dread of The Hunger Games with a gothic twist, this will hit you hard. It’s intense and it’s cruel and tender in equal measure. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you want something that cuts deep and lingers long after the last page, Vexed is it.
Reading Vexed felt like stepping into a gothic opera that never lets up. Chan writes with emotional urgency—his prose is sharp and immersive, always soaked in atmosphere. I was completely swept away by Emilia’s voice: bitter but vulnerable, regal yet scared. She’s a character I rooted for even as I wanted to shake her. The writing walks a brilliant tightrope—both lyrical and grounded, layered with real feeling. Every sentence carries tension. The emotions—grief, fear, longing—stab through in quiet, gut-wrenching moments, especially in scenes with Anja and Michael. I stayed up late flipping pages, chest tight, because I had to know what was coming.
But it’s not just the writing—it’s the ideas that stay with me. This book isn’t just about a girl caught between two worlds. It’s about legacy and survival. It's about the cruelty of power disguised as tradition. The wendigo myth is used so smartly—not just horror, but metaphor. Chan explores the hunger for control, the rot at the heart of family, and the cost of being different. There’s a quiet brilliance in how Emilia’s “defect” becomes a kind of strength, even as everyone tries to strip her of agency. That conflict—between the lie she must perform and the truth of who she is—makes the book pulse with tension. It’s relatable, even when the characters are monsters.
I can’t recommend Vexed enough to readers who love dark fantasy with real emotional teeth. If you liked Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House, or the political dread of The Hunger Games with a gothic twist, this will hit you hard. It’s intense and it’s cruel and tender in equal measure. This book is not for the faint of heart, but if you want something that cuts deep and lingers long after the last page, Vexed is it.
June 13, 2025
Actual Rating 5 Stars
Okay, I’ll be real. When I saw the cover, I totally thought she was going to be the next villain. And I was hyped for that. But then I cracked open the first page and bam, curveball. Whole new protagonist. A girl. And not gonna lie, I usually don’t go for books with female leads. I just don’t. But this one? This one hooked me.
The writing is gritty, dark, atmospheric, and somehow still has that signature Chan flavor. Suspenseful scenes, emotional gut punches, and that slow unraveling tension that makes you need to keep reading. I found myself wanting to reach through the page and yell at the main character to just run, to get out while she still could. That’s how real it felt. I couldn’t put it down. Not even once.
Also, wendigos. The only version I really knew before this was from The Witcher game, and even that was more monster hunting than anything. But this book? It takes the concept and cranks it up to eleven. They’re terrifying, yes, but also fascinating. There’s depth, lore, psychology. It’s such a unique and wildly creative take that I honestly found way more interesting and appealing than I expected.
And okay, mild spoiler alert, but Damien shows up. Not in your face, front and center like the first book, but just enough to make you lean forward and go, wait, is that him? And when it’s finally confirmed? Yeah, I was all fired up. That reveal gave me chills. Having both of these characters in the same universe is such a stroke of brilliance. One’s all logic and steel, the other’s chaos and emotion, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they actually collide.
This sequel blew past my expectations. It’s darker, sharper, and somehow even more emotional than the first book. If you’re into grim, haunting, character driven stories that grab you by the throat and don’t let go, Vexed absolutely delivers. Bring on Book Three. I am so ready.
Okay, I’ll be real. When I saw the cover, I totally thought she was going to be the next villain. And I was hyped for that. But then I cracked open the first page and bam, curveball. Whole new protagonist. A girl. And not gonna lie, I usually don’t go for books with female leads. I just don’t. But this one? This one hooked me.
The writing is gritty, dark, atmospheric, and somehow still has that signature Chan flavor. Suspenseful scenes, emotional gut punches, and that slow unraveling tension that makes you need to keep reading. I found myself wanting to reach through the page and yell at the main character to just run, to get out while she still could. That’s how real it felt. I couldn’t put it down. Not even once.
Also, wendigos. The only version I really knew before this was from The Witcher game, and even that was more monster hunting than anything. But this book? It takes the concept and cranks it up to eleven. They’re terrifying, yes, but also fascinating. There’s depth, lore, psychology. It’s such a unique and wildly creative take that I honestly found way more interesting and appealing than I expected.
And okay, mild spoiler alert, but Damien shows up. Not in your face, front and center like the first book, but just enough to make you lean forward and go, wait, is that him? And when it’s finally confirmed? Yeah, I was all fired up. That reveal gave me chills. Having both of these characters in the same universe is such a stroke of brilliance. One’s all logic and steel, the other’s chaos and emotion, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they actually collide.
This sequel blew past my expectations. It’s darker, sharper, and somehow even more emotional than the first book. If you’re into grim, haunting, character driven stories that grab you by the throat and don’t let go, Vexed absolutely delivers. Bring on Book Three. I am so ready.
June 4, 2025
A raw reimagining of the world of wendigos.
Dark, visceral, yet filled with heart—this supernatural thriller is impossible to put down.
“Vexed” is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotion, action, and suspense. From the very first page, I couldn’t put it down—Emilia’s heart and thoughts are so captivating that I was immediately drawn into her world. The pacing is relentless, with every chapter leaving me on the edge of my seat.
It’s incredibly refreshing to read about wendigos in a way that’s both horrific and fascinating. I was pleasantly surprised by the introduction of a new heroine in this sequel, but it became clear how beautifully it ties into the shared universe of The Orphan Maker. It’s such a smart move, and I’m beyond excited to see how the next book unfolds. The connection to the previous story is seamless, and yet this book stands so strongly on its own.
What impressed me most was how grounded the emotions were despite the dark, supernatural setting. Emilia is not just a survivor—she’s a deeply complex and vulnerable character whose pain lingers long after you close the book. I found myself aching alongside her, and even the moments of quiet were soaked in tension.
The atmosphere is absolutely haunting. There were scenes where I could practically feel the cold air of the forest (I live near one), hear the crunch of leaves, and sense something terrible waiting just out of sight. The writing pulls you in and does not let go. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter in this universe brings.
That said, I would not recommend this to younger readers. While nothing is overly explicit, there are certain themes, emotional traumas, and implied meanings in the dialogue that feel heavier and more mature. This story digs deep into grief, desire, and moral complexity—elements best appreciated by a more mature audience.
Dark, visceral, yet filled with heart—this supernatural thriller is impossible to put down.
“Vexed” is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotion, action, and suspense. From the very first page, I couldn’t put it down—Emilia’s heart and thoughts are so captivating that I was immediately drawn into her world. The pacing is relentless, with every chapter leaving me on the edge of my seat.
It’s incredibly refreshing to read about wendigos in a way that’s both horrific and fascinating. I was pleasantly surprised by the introduction of a new heroine in this sequel, but it became clear how beautifully it ties into the shared universe of The Orphan Maker. It’s such a smart move, and I’m beyond excited to see how the next book unfolds. The connection to the previous story is seamless, and yet this book stands so strongly on its own.
What impressed me most was how grounded the emotions were despite the dark, supernatural setting. Emilia is not just a survivor—she’s a deeply complex and vulnerable character whose pain lingers long after you close the book. I found myself aching alongside her, and even the moments of quiet were soaked in tension.
The atmosphere is absolutely haunting. There were scenes where I could practically feel the cold air of the forest (I live near one), hear the crunch of leaves, and sense something terrible waiting just out of sight. The writing pulls you in and does not let go. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter in this universe brings.
That said, I would not recommend this to younger readers. While nothing is overly explicit, there are certain themes, emotional traumas, and implied meanings in the dialogue that feel heavier and more mature. This story digs deep into grief, desire, and moral complexity—elements best appreciated by a more mature audience.
September 22, 2025
Actual rating: 4.7/5
In contrast to the The Orphan Maker, the prologue of Vexed instantly evoked a poignant sentimental atmosphere, starting it with "Love is not for our kind"-- a single statement which summarizes Emilia's dilemma.
Compared to the first book where it felt like every move of Damian was concise and scientifically planned, Emilia was more in touch of her emotions, and her fears, that her plans kept changing throughout the book. Here, D.A. Chan painted a strong woman, but haunted by her own insecurities, only weaponed by her desire to protect those she loves.
In this sequel, D.A. Chan explored the depths of sacrifice, romance and sexuality, framed in a compelling sense of urgency and mission. Notably, he also made another world-- this time centered on wendigos, not on vampires and humans. One curious character that bogs me is Jared. I cannot shake the feeling that he has more role into this.
What made it even impressive is how he managed to connect the two worlds. There are hints throughout the book, and then finally revealing Damian in the end.
It does make me wonder how Damien and Emilia will join forces in the succeeding stories. I am excited for the third book on how the characters will come together.
D.A. Chan's writing is powerful and had an urgent tone to it, that it kept the readers going and going, chapter after chapter. How he articulates and describes the fight scenes is actually remarkable. He is able to bring the action into life with such vividness and clarity using his words.
Overall, the book is such a compelling read especially if you are into fantasy!
In contrast to the The Orphan Maker, the prologue of Vexed instantly evoked a poignant sentimental atmosphere, starting it with "Love is not for our kind"-- a single statement which summarizes Emilia's dilemma.
Compared to the first book where it felt like every move of Damian was concise and scientifically planned, Emilia was more in touch of her emotions, and her fears, that her plans kept changing throughout the book. Here, D.A. Chan painted a strong woman, but haunted by her own insecurities, only weaponed by her desire to protect those she loves.
In this sequel, D.A. Chan explored the depths of sacrifice, romance and sexuality, framed in a compelling sense of urgency and mission. Notably, he also made another world-- this time centered on wendigos, not on vampires and humans. One curious character that bogs me is Jared. I cannot shake the feeling that he has more role into this.
What made it even impressive is how he managed to connect the two worlds. There are hints throughout the book, and then finally revealing Damian in the end.
It does make me wonder how Damien and Emilia will join forces in the succeeding stories. I am excited for the third book on how the characters will come together.
D.A. Chan's writing is powerful and had an urgent tone to it, that it kept the readers going and going, chapter after chapter. How he articulates and describes the fight scenes is actually remarkable. He is able to bring the action into life with such vividness and clarity using his words.
Overall, the book is such a compelling read especially if you are into fantasy!
August 18, 2025
I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to read this at first. I didn’t even realize it was the sequel to The Orphan Maker, and even when I found out, I still wasn’t sure. I’m really not into the supernatural genre. My preferences lean more toward romance or sci-fi with heavy romantic subplots. But because I genuinely loved the first book, I decided to give this one a shot. And I’m so glad I did.
There were moments in this story where I had to stop reading just to breathe. I found myself slipping into Emilia’s shoes so completely that I actually had to pause and collect myself. Other times, I just felt swept away by her emotions, especially when she tried so hard to hold everything together. I didn’t expect to relate to her as much as I did, but something about the way her thoughts were written made her feel so real.
To my surprise, I ended up loving this sequel even more than the first book. It’s much more graphic, with more intense and violent scenes, but everything felt justified. Nothing was done just for shock value. It was emotional, raw, and written with care. I also really appreciated that the protagonist this time was a girl. That shift in perspective gave the story a different kind of weight, and I found it unexpectedly powerful.
I never thought I would say this, but I’m actually looking forward to the 3rd book. And I’m really hoping it stays in Emilia’s perspective. Her story has drawn me in far more than I expected, and I can honestly say I’m more invested in Emilia than I am in Damien at this point.
There were moments in this story where I had to stop reading just to breathe. I found myself slipping into Emilia’s shoes so completely that I actually had to pause and collect myself. Other times, I just felt swept away by her emotions, especially when she tried so hard to hold everything together. I didn’t expect to relate to her as much as I did, but something about the way her thoughts were written made her feel so real.
To my surprise, I ended up loving this sequel even more than the first book. It’s much more graphic, with more intense and violent scenes, but everything felt justified. Nothing was done just for shock value. It was emotional, raw, and written with care. I also really appreciated that the protagonist this time was a girl. That shift in perspective gave the story a different kind of weight, and I found it unexpectedly powerful.
I never thought I would say this, but I’m actually looking forward to the 3rd book. And I’m really hoping it stays in Emilia’s perspective. Her story has drawn me in far more than I expected, and I can honestly say I’m more invested in Emilia than I am in Damien at this point.
October 13, 2025
WOW. What an absolute leap from The Orphan Maker!
Vexed takes everything that worked in the first book—its lore, its atmosphere, its sharp writing—and amplifies it into something far more emotional, haunting, and resonant. The author's prose remains sharp and elegant, dripping with gothic tension and emotional urgency. Emilia Vasa, the outcast twin of a royal wendigo house, is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a while. SHe's bitter, brave, and heartbreakingly human despite her monstrous bloodline. Isn't that so cool?
The book’s pacing is relentless, and the worldbuilding richer than ever. Another WOW. I especially loved how Chan expanded the wendigo mythos into something symbolic and psychological, exploring themes of legacy, hunger, and the cruelty of power. I honestly expected something different.
And when Damien appeared? Absolute chills. ABSOLUTE CINEMA.
Though what didn’t work as well for me were a few pacing dips and moments that felt a bit too heavy-handed—but honestly, those were small stumbles in an otherwise gripping read.
Compared to The Orphan Maker, this sequel feels more focused, mature, and sure of itself. It’s darker, sharper, and infinitely more haunting than its predecessor.
Now, dear sir, give us Book 3.
Vexed takes everything that worked in the first book—its lore, its atmosphere, its sharp writing—and amplifies it into something far more emotional, haunting, and resonant. The author's prose remains sharp and elegant, dripping with gothic tension and emotional urgency. Emilia Vasa, the outcast twin of a royal wendigo house, is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a while. SHe's bitter, brave, and heartbreakingly human despite her monstrous bloodline. Isn't that so cool?
The book’s pacing is relentless, and the worldbuilding richer than ever. Another WOW. I especially loved how Chan expanded the wendigo mythos into something symbolic and psychological, exploring themes of legacy, hunger, and the cruelty of power. I honestly expected something different.
And when Damien appeared? Absolute chills. ABSOLUTE CINEMA.
Though what didn’t work as well for me were a few pacing dips and moments that felt a bit too heavy-handed—but honestly, those were small stumbles in an otherwise gripping read.
Compared to The Orphan Maker, this sequel feels more focused, mature, and sure of itself. It’s darker, sharper, and infinitely more haunting than its predecessor.
Now, dear sir, give us Book 3.
September 7, 2025
I loved this sequel so much, and I really loved the main character. I felt so bad for her the whole time, like she just kept going through one horrible thing after another, and I kept wishing I could somehow be there in the story and be her friend. But no, I'll probably not survive in that world and I’d just be useless to her. Some parts of the book really scared me so much that I stopped reading for a few days and only continued during the daytime. Or at night but with all the lights on. But still, I just couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know happened to her. Even if I was scared, I kept going because I cared about her so much. I really hope she gets at least some kind of happiness in the next one. This book was so good, and even if it made me nervous and emotional, I still enjoyed every chapter. Gosh, my heart! I was really cheering for her the whole time!
June 15, 2025
Now this is more like it. The blood and gore were all there—brutal, vivid, and well done—but there was something more this time that I didn’t expect. There’s a lot of heart in this story, although I’m not sure how to explain it. It hit me in a way most fiction doesn’t, and that’s saying something. It’s making me rethink what I actually enjoy about this genre. The gruesome scenes were great, but there was this extra layer of emotional realism that really stuck with me. It felt raw and relatable. Spoiler alert, there’s a new protagonist. Bold move. Not a bad call. And the way it ties into the first book? Smartly done. I’m now genuinely looking forward to the next one. Hats off to building the wendigo world in a way that's familiar enough to be interesting, yet unique enough to be memorable!
November 8, 2025
Having read The Orphan Maker last year, I approached Vexed with high expectations. D.A. Chan absolutely exceeded them. This sequel takes everything that worked in Book 1 and pushes it further. The tension is tighter, the world is grittier, and the emotional stakes are higher.
What I loved most is how Vexed embraces the darkness. The themes are more intense and mature. Power, control, lust, and survival all weave into a story that feels both dangerous and magnetic. The writing is sharp and immersive. The pacing is relentless, and the side characters truly shine. Chan gives each of them distinct voices and motives, adding new layers to the already rich world of Blood & Flesh.
Emilia’s journey especially hooked me. I’m excited to see how her character and the rest of the characters evolve as the series continues. There’s a sense that we’ve only scratched the surface of who these people really are.
If The Orphan Maker introduced us to Chan’s dark imagination, Vexed shows he has mastered it. Bold, haunting, and beautifully written and definitely a five-star read for me.
What I loved most is how Vexed embraces the darkness. The themes are more intense and mature. Power, control, lust, and survival all weave into a story that feels both dangerous and magnetic. The writing is sharp and immersive. The pacing is relentless, and the side characters truly shine. Chan gives each of them distinct voices and motives, adding new layers to the already rich world of Blood & Flesh.
Emilia’s journey especially hooked me. I’m excited to see how her character and the rest of the characters evolve as the series continues. There’s a sense that we’ve only scratched the surface of who these people really are.
If The Orphan Maker introduced us to Chan’s dark imagination, Vexed shows he has mastered it. Bold, haunting, and beautifully written and definitely a five-star read for me.
September 23, 2025
this author never disappoints... what a great way to retell and reimagine wendigos..
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