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Dark Inheritance Trilogy #2
The Wicked and the Damned
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26In 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?
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?
463 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
18515 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Robinson
2 books1,168 followersBy 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
November 2, 2025
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
🩵
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
🩵
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 stars — a good follow-up to book one
review tk closer to pub day!
review tk closer to pub day!
arc-tbr
November 6, 2025
Want to read
October 3, 2025October 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 😭
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 😭
December 30, 2025
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.
Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2025
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
✰ 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
January 2, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
November 4, 2025
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).
September 27, 2025
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.
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.
October 26, 2025
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!
September 27, 2025
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!
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!
Want to read
July 7, 2025Omg yes PLEASE!! I can’t wait
October 10, 2025
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!
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!
October 12, 2025
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
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.
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.
November 20, 2025
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!
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!
October 23, 2025
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.
December 5, 2025
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.
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.
November 28, 2025
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press/S&S for the ARC of this book.
I liked this book, but really wanted more.
I thought Rebecca did a great job and reminding us of the major things in book 1, so you don't have to do a re-read. This book, like the first, was heavy on military/political alliances, but was easy to follow
I still found myself confused the entire book on who was who. I remembered Roman, Vaasa, and Reid and that's about it.
I also would have loved more of Reid and Vaasa together. I mean:
"Death couldn't keep me from you."
"Do you think I wouldn't know you through a mask"
Come on. That is peak romance
I can't wait for book 3
I liked this book, but really wanted more.
I thought Rebecca did a great job and reminding us of the major things in book 1, so you don't have to do a re-read. This book, like the first, was heavy on military/political alliances, but was easy to follow
I still found myself confused the entire book on who was who. I remembered Roman, Vaasa, and Reid and that's about it.
I also would have loved more of Reid and Vaasa together. I mean:
"Death couldn't keep me from you."
"Do you think I wouldn't know you through a mask"
Come on. That is peak romance
I can't wait for book 3
September 26, 2025
How we got here: The Serpent and the Wolf was sitting on my 2025 TBR for longer than I wanted, mostly due to signing events. I love reading as many attending authors as I can. So, when Saga Press sent me this ARC out of the literal blue, I dropped everything and scooped up Book 1. Devoured that 5 star read in a few days flat.
Now what: I have another amazing author to add to my 2025 favorites. Rebecca Robinson has such a talent of balancing drama, tension, politics and intrigue. She writes in such a way that even people like me (that can get very lost in complicated political schemes) can follow. I appreciate that she made me feel clever for following along and tracking all the side quests and additional characters.
What I loved: I was obsessed with the delicious tension between Reid and Vaasa. Nobody has done slow burn this well for me in a lonnnnnng time. It was almost painful how badly I wanted them to finally fall for each other. I adore how she didn’t rely on tired tropes and let her characters be genuinely flawed and terrified. She wrote them insecure and vulnerable and loyal and brave and they falter constantly and there was never a magical potion that made everything ok again after injury or trauma. They had to suffer for their decisions and I just found it so refreshing.
I hope Rebecca reads this and sees how much her deeply human experience moved me. This story was inspiring and touching and heart wrenching - in the most beautiful way.
Book three - you better give us HEA or I swear
Now what: I have another amazing author to add to my 2025 favorites. Rebecca Robinson has such a talent of balancing drama, tension, politics and intrigue. She writes in such a way that even people like me (that can get very lost in complicated political schemes) can follow. I appreciate that she made me feel clever for following along and tracking all the side quests and additional characters.
What I loved: I was obsessed with the delicious tension between Reid and Vaasa. Nobody has done slow burn this well for me in a lonnnnnng time. It was almost painful how badly I wanted them to finally fall for each other. I adore how she didn’t rely on tired tropes and let her characters be genuinely flawed and terrified. She wrote them insecure and vulnerable and loyal and brave and they falter constantly and there was never a magical potion that made everything ok again after injury or trauma. They had to suffer for their decisions and I just found it so refreshing.
I hope Rebecca reads this and sees how much her deeply human experience moved me. This story was inspiring and touching and heart wrenching - in the most beautiful way.
Book three - you better give us HEA or I swear
October 31, 2025
Full review after publishing in February- but I am so excited to have received an ARC for this masterpiece! This series is incredible- Rebecca Robinson, you brilliant starfish.
October 2, 2025
I don’t think I realized how much I missed Vaasa and Reid until I was back in their world. We begin where book one ended Vaasa kidnapped and returned to her home country where she’s divorced from Reid and meant to be a victim with a pack of new suitors eyeing for the crown. Meanwhile Reid is struggling to get back to her burning the earth as he goes. Beyond this I don’t want to give anything away but you learn more about her past and the power she has. What was originally to be a duology is now to be a trilogy. I cannot wait for book 3. 4.5 stars rounded up.
January 25, 2026
Full review coming soon!
January 2, 2026
I genuinely forgot how much I love Vaasa and the politics in this series, and I’m so happy to be reminded. The Wicked and the Damned picks up right where Serpent and the Wolf leaves off. Vaasa’s struggles in the first book revolve around the fact that she unfortunately knows too much for her own good. In this book, she has to figure out what she doesn’t know and learn it quickly before she’s married off to a stranger and kept under someone’s thumb forever. Meanwhile, love of our life, Reid, is trying everything he can and working with anyone available to him to find his wife.
I enjoyed the new characters who were introduced in this book, both good and evil. Sachia is incredibly interesting (especially based on where we leave her character), and I hope we continue to learn more about her in book 3. We also learn more about Vaasa’s magic and why everyone should treat her well. I love when she’s unhinged, and I won’t apologize for it. By nature of their positions in this book, Reid has to let Vaasa take the lead to get them out of the mess they’re in, and it’s refreshing to see an MMC trust fully and support when needed (while also stealing her away for some very necessary moments).
Unlike Serpent and the Wolf, I did find myself having to settle in more to this story. Once it takes off, though, it doesn’t stop. What Rebecca Robinson does so well and, in my opinion, what’s unique about this series, is weaving a game of politics that’s interesting yet simple enough to follow. It’s not about getting rid of people, but getting rid of them at precisely the right time. Not a single character is wasted, and a betrayal never comes too soon. Once Vaasa started putting together the pieces of her own plan, I was back in and reminded of why I loved the first book so much.
I know this was originally supposed to be a duology, but we have so much left to do! I’m personally not mad about spending more time in Vaasa’s and Reid’s heads and more time in this world. Once again, witches and politics - they just thrill me. What can I say?
Thank you Saga Press for sending me an ARC!
I enjoyed the new characters who were introduced in this book, both good and evil. Sachia is incredibly interesting (especially based on where we leave her character), and I hope we continue to learn more about her in book 3. We also learn more about Vaasa’s magic and why everyone should treat her well. I love when she’s unhinged, and I won’t apologize for it. By nature of their positions in this book, Reid has to let Vaasa take the lead to get them out of the mess they’re in, and it’s refreshing to see an MMC trust fully and support when needed (while also stealing her away for some very necessary moments).
Unlike Serpent and the Wolf, I did find myself having to settle in more to this story. Once it takes off, though, it doesn’t stop. What Rebecca Robinson does so well and, in my opinion, what’s unique about this series, is weaving a game of politics that’s interesting yet simple enough to follow. It’s not about getting rid of people, but getting rid of them at precisely the right time. Not a single character is wasted, and a betrayal never comes too soon. Once Vaasa started putting together the pieces of her own plan, I was back in and reminded of why I loved the first book so much.
I know this was originally supposed to be a duology, but we have so much left to do! I’m personally not mad about spending more time in Vaasa’s and Reid’s heads and more time in this world. Once again, witches and politics - they just thrill me. What can I say?
Thank you Saga Press for sending me an ARC!
Want to read
July 14, 2025yeah so if you want to send this my way when it's ready for reading...I won't mind. 👀
October 30, 2025
This is how a fantasy series is done.
October 1, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
✨ Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. ✨
I really enjoyed this continuation of Vaasa and Reid's story. Robinson does a great job with the world building and use of the magic system we were introduced to in The Serpent and the Wolf.
✨ Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. ✨
I really enjoyed this continuation of Vaasa and Reid's story. Robinson does a great job with the world building and use of the magic system we were introduced to in The Serpent and the Wolf.
October 19, 2025
I liked Vassa in The Serpent and The Wolf, but I LOVED her in The Wicked and the Damned. This one nails the balance of female rage along with the moments of compassion needed for the story to move forward. I mentioned this in my review of book one, but it’s worth repeating—Vassa’s greatest weapon isn’t her sword; it’s her strategy. She’s formidable because she’s cunning.
This follow-up picks up right where Serpent ended. Vassa is imprisoned, and a new story unfolds that expands the world without feeling overwhelming. We’re now in Asterya, a setting that is the complete opposite of Mireh. It’s the perfect backdrop for Vassa to let her rage flag fly.
One of the best parts of this sequel is meeting new characters, especially the villains. You’re constantly questioning who’s good, who’s bad, and who’s somewhere in between. Throughout it all, you realize how much you adore Reid. We get chapters from his perspective, which I loved. It gave the story a broader view and introduced new characters in a way that felt natural, not forced.
There were moments when I thought miscommunication was about to ruin me, but Robinson always pulled back at just the right time. You get that anxious twist in your stomach… then relief. I was so invested.
And there are scenes I want to shout about, but I won’t spoil anything. Let’s say there’s a perfectly timed line and another moment that made me completely reconsider a certain dynamic.
Ugh, so good.
The political thread also deepens here, expanding on what succeeded in book one and allowing Vassa even more room to shine. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite FMCs.
I really enjoyed The Serpent and the Wolf, but this sequel made me appreciate it even more. It’s the kind of follow-up that enhances everything that came before.
I’m so glad I got to read this early, but now I have to wait even longer for the finale, and I’m not okay about it.
This follow-up picks up right where Serpent ended. Vassa is imprisoned, and a new story unfolds that expands the world without feeling overwhelming. We’re now in Asterya, a setting that is the complete opposite of Mireh. It’s the perfect backdrop for Vassa to let her rage flag fly.
One of the best parts of this sequel is meeting new characters, especially the villains. You’re constantly questioning who’s good, who’s bad, and who’s somewhere in between. Throughout it all, you realize how much you adore Reid. We get chapters from his perspective, which I loved. It gave the story a broader view and introduced new characters in a way that felt natural, not forced.
There were moments when I thought miscommunication was about to ruin me, but Robinson always pulled back at just the right time. You get that anxious twist in your stomach… then relief. I was so invested.
And there are scenes I want to shout about, but I won’t spoil anything. Let’s say there’s a perfectly timed line and another moment that made me completely reconsider a certain dynamic.
Ugh, so good.
The political thread also deepens here, expanding on what succeeded in book one and allowing Vassa even more room to shine. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite FMCs.
I really enjoyed The Serpent and the Wolf, but this sequel made me appreciate it even more. It’s the kind of follow-up that enhances everything that came before.
I’m so glad I got to read this early, but now I have to wait even longer for the finale, and I’m not okay about it.
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