What do you think?
Kingdom of Dark Magic #2
A Magic So Deadly
She has become everything she ever wanted… and everything she despises.
Samara wakes in a prison cell as her worst nightmare: She’s a vampire, cursed with bloodlust that horrifies her. And though she now has the magic she’s always desperately craved, it’s a secret she must guard with her undead life.
Because this same magic marks her as an enemy of all vampires. Especially Raphael—their king.
Now, as a vampire, Samara is haunted by an inescapable thirst. In her sleep, she claws at her throat, trying to ease the pain. But when she’s around Raphael, her fangs ache for a deeper reason she can’t explain.
A mystical bond ties Samara to Raphael as her sire, preventing her from fleeing before he can discover her identity as the very witch he’s been hunting for centuries. Instead, she must journey with him to the Southern Vampire Kingdom. A journey that has her sharing both his carriage… and his bed.
There, Raphael offers her another bargain: Yield to her vampire nature and master her abilities, and he will help her break the bond.
But if she lowers her guard too much, if her control over the powers she barely understands slips and Raphael learns she’s the necromancer…
He’ll be forced to kill her.
A Magic So Deadly is the second book in the Kingdom of Dark Magic series, filled with a slow burn romance, unique magic systems, and forced proximity. This romantasy series is perfect for readers of Carissa Broadbent, Penn Cole, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Samara wakes in a prison cell as her worst nightmare: She’s a vampire, cursed with bloodlust that horrifies her. And though she now has the magic she’s always desperately craved, it’s a secret she must guard with her undead life.
Because this same magic marks her as an enemy of all vampires. Especially Raphael—their king.
Now, as a vampire, Samara is haunted by an inescapable thirst. In her sleep, she claws at her throat, trying to ease the pain. But when she’s around Raphael, her fangs ache for a deeper reason she can’t explain.
A mystical bond ties Samara to Raphael as her sire, preventing her from fleeing before he can discover her identity as the very witch he’s been hunting for centuries. Instead, she must journey with him to the Southern Vampire Kingdom. A journey that has her sharing both his carriage… and his bed.
There, Raphael offers her another bargain: Yield to her vampire nature and master her abilities, and he will help her break the bond.
But if she lowers her guard too much, if her control over the powers she barely understands slips and Raphael learns she’s the necromancer…
He’ll be forced to kill her.
A Magic So Deadly is the second book in the Kingdom of Dark Magic series, filled with a slow burn romance, unique magic systems, and forced proximity. This romantasy series is perfect for readers of Carissa Broadbent, Penn Cole, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2026
About the author
Vasilisa Drake
13 books1,171 followersVasilisa Drake is based in New England and is constantly bouncing from city to city while she tries to find her home amidst overpriced rental apartments. Forsaken Mate is Vasilisa Drake's debut, though she's written contemporary romance under another name for several years. Fantasy romance is her first love, closely followed by pet dragons and men who are obsessed with their women. She can be found staying up way too late reading, organizing her bookshelf for the millionth time, and winning the imaginary arguments in her head at least 30% of the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 804 reviews
July 3, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
Patience may be a virtue....but this book really wanted to test whether I had any.
Did it eventually deliver? Yes.
Did it make me work for it? Also yes.
I liked it....I just never fell in love with it the way I kept expecting to. Every time I thought the story was about to hit another gear, it settled back into another stretch of conversations, training sessions, political discussions and internal reflection. By the time the bigger revelations and emotional punches finally arrived, I found myself feeling more relieved than surprised.
What worked for me
(aka: the moments that fed me)
One Vampire King. Unlimited Green Flags
Look...I get it now.
This man spends the entire book proving that devotion isn't always loud. Sometimes it's offering her your blood, your protection, your patience, your kingdom....and somehow acting like that's simply the bare minimum.
The possessiveness? Delicious.
The protectiveness? Elite.
The patience? Honestly deserving of its own award.
What I appreciated most was that his devotion never felt controlling. He constantly encouraged Samara to become stronger, make her own choices and discover who she wanted to be - even when every instinct in him clearly wanted to lock her in a tower where nothing could touch her.
That's the kind of obsessive devotion I can get behind.
Samara's long road to acceptance
I really enjoyed seeing Samara's worldview challenged.
After everything she believed in book 1, it made sense that accepting her new reality wouldn't happen overnight. Watching her slowly question her prejudices, wrestle with her identity and realise the world wasn't nearly as black and white as she'd been taught gave her character a lot of depth.
I also appreciated that her emotional growth and the romance evolved together rather than one magically fixing the other overnight.
The emotional payoff finally paid off
Once this book decided to move....it MOVED.
The final stretch gave me everything I'd been waiting for: honest conversations, emotional vulnerability, higher stakes, relationship progression, political consequences and an ending that actually made me desperate to pick up the next book.
The romance especially hit much harder once both characters finally stopped dancing around their feelings and actually communicated. Those moments reminded me exactly why I'd kept turning the pages.
Where it lost me
(aka: where the plot forgot to bite)
The middle desperately needed more momentum
This was easily my biggest issue. The political intrigue was genuinely interesting....but it stayed interesting for far too long without actually becoming urgent.
There were mysteries, secrets and plenty of hints that something bigger was unfolding behind the scenes. But so much of the middle felt like conversations about the plot instead of the plot actually moving.
I kept waiting for something to force the story into its next phase and that sense of urgency just never fully arrived until the final 10% of the book.
It felt like a bridge more than a destination
This very much reads like the middle book of a trilogy.
Its primary job seems to be strengthening the romance, expanding the world, positioning all the political pieces and setting up what's coming next.
There's nothing inherently wrong with that but I couldn't shake the feeling that this book spent so much time setting the table that dinner didn't arrive until the very last course.
By the time the biggest twists and highest stakes arrived, I couldn't help wishing we'd reached that point much earlier.
Final thoughts
I genuinely enjoyed this book....I just never loved it the way I wanted to.
Raphael absolutely carried huge portions of this story for me but the romance only became stronger once these two finally allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other. The ending also left me incredibly invested in what's coming next.
But I can't ignore how often I found myself wanting just a little more urgency, a little more narrative momentum and a little less waiting for things to happen.
Final verdict
A solid middle installment with an exceptional hero, a satisfying emotional payoff and enough final-act chaos to make me immediately want book 3....I just wish it hadn't taken quite so long to get there.
Turns out the real slow burn wasn't the romance...
It was the plot.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Vampire king with "touch her and perish" energy
• Obsessive devotion disguised as impeccable self-control
• Protective MMC who keeps accidentally proving he's husband material
• Forced proximity
• Shared room / One bed
• One horse
• Blood-sharing intimacy
• Political intrigue simmering in the background
• Learning to embrace a new identity
• Mutual yearning and emotional vulnerability
• "I'll burn the world before I let anything happen to you"
• Bridge-book syndrome
• Cliffhanger ending
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Pre-read:
We interrupt our regularly scheduled vintage HR obsession for... fantasy romance because apparently I needed my alphaholes with fangs this week.
If this doesn't give me obsessive devotion disguised as homicidal intent, I don't want it 🤞🏻✨️
Patience may be a virtue....but this book really wanted to test whether I had any.
Did it eventually deliver? Yes.
Did it make me work for it? Also yes.
I liked it....I just never fell in love with it the way I kept expecting to. Every time I thought the story was about to hit another gear, it settled back into another stretch of conversations, training sessions, political discussions and internal reflection. By the time the bigger revelations and emotional punches finally arrived, I found myself feeling more relieved than surprised.
What worked for me
(aka: the moments that fed me)
One Vampire King. Unlimited Green Flags
Look...I get it now.
This man spends the entire book proving that devotion isn't always loud. Sometimes it's offering her your blood, your protection, your patience, your kingdom....and somehow acting like that's simply the bare minimum.
The possessiveness? Delicious.
The protectiveness? Elite.
The patience? Honestly deserving of its own award.
What I appreciated most was that his devotion never felt controlling. He constantly encouraged Samara to become stronger, make her own choices and discover who she wanted to be - even when every instinct in him clearly wanted to lock her in a tower where nothing could touch her.
That's the kind of obsessive devotion I can get behind.
Samara's long road to acceptance
I really enjoyed seeing Samara's worldview challenged.
After everything she believed in book 1, it made sense that accepting her new reality wouldn't happen overnight. Watching her slowly question her prejudices, wrestle with her identity and realise the world wasn't nearly as black and white as she'd been taught gave her character a lot of depth.
I also appreciated that her emotional growth and the romance evolved together rather than one magically fixing the other overnight.
The emotional payoff finally paid off
Once this book decided to move....it MOVED.
The final stretch gave me everything I'd been waiting for: honest conversations, emotional vulnerability, higher stakes, relationship progression, political consequences and an ending that actually made me desperate to pick up the next book.
The romance especially hit much harder once both characters finally stopped dancing around their feelings and actually communicated. Those moments reminded me exactly why I'd kept turning the pages.
Where it lost me
(aka: where the plot forgot to bite)
The middle desperately needed more momentum
This was easily my biggest issue. The political intrigue was genuinely interesting....but it stayed interesting for far too long without actually becoming urgent.
There were mysteries, secrets and plenty of hints that something bigger was unfolding behind the scenes. But so much of the middle felt like conversations about the plot instead of the plot actually moving.
I kept waiting for something to force the story into its next phase and that sense of urgency just never fully arrived until the final 10% of the book.
It felt like a bridge more than a destination
This very much reads like the middle book of a trilogy.
Its primary job seems to be strengthening the romance, expanding the world, positioning all the political pieces and setting up what's coming next.
There's nothing inherently wrong with that but I couldn't shake the feeling that this book spent so much time setting the table that dinner didn't arrive until the very last course.
By the time the biggest twists and highest stakes arrived, I couldn't help wishing we'd reached that point much earlier.
Final thoughts
I genuinely enjoyed this book....I just never loved it the way I wanted to.
Raphael absolutely carried huge portions of this story for me but the romance only became stronger once these two finally allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other. The ending also left me incredibly invested in what's coming next.
But I can't ignore how often I found myself wanting just a little more urgency, a little more narrative momentum and a little less waiting for things to happen.
Final verdict
A solid middle installment with an exceptional hero, a satisfying emotional payoff and enough final-act chaos to make me immediately want book 3....I just wish it hadn't taken quite so long to get there.
Turns out the real slow burn wasn't the romance...
It was the plot.
Tropes and Vibes:
• Vampire king with "touch her and perish" energy
• Obsessive devotion disguised as impeccable self-control
• Protective MMC who keeps accidentally proving he's husband material
• Forced proximity
• Shared room / One bed
• One horse
• Blood-sharing intimacy
• Political intrigue simmering in the background
• Learning to embrace a new identity
• Mutual yearning and emotional vulnerability
• "I'll burn the world before I let anything happen to you"
• Bridge-book syndrome
• Cliffhanger ending
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Pre-read:
We interrupt our regularly scheduled vintage HR obsession for... fantasy romance because apparently I needed my alphaholes with fangs this week.
If this doesn't give me obsessive devotion disguised as homicidal intent, I don't want it 🤞🏻✨️
July 22, 2025
I’m going to need this much, much, sooner than that release date. 🙏
June 30, 2026
Even fucking better then book one and I was already obsessed with book one lol Raphael is a top tier book husband. The slow burn the devotion . I like the development of Samara learning to deal with being a vampire and daaaaaammmmn did this ending kill me. Literally just stared at a wall and now I NEED book three like a vampire needs blood. Thank you so much Vasilisa for this arc
July 7, 2026
Having enjoyed the first book, I had decent expectations for this sequel, but it ultimately felt like an unnecessary filler book. The first 40% of the story is quite dull and slow, making it incredibly hard to stay engaged. Shockingly, the next section up to the 80% mark is just a repeat of everything from that first half. There is no real progression in the plot or continuation of engagement, leaving the narrative completely stalled.
The book finally sparks to life around the 83% mark, but only for a brief 2% of the story. In this short window, the plot is actually decent, and the characters show enjoyable chemistry and banter. Unfortunately, the momentum immediately plunges back into repetition, and the engagement slowly dwindles until the absolute final pages, where the author throws in a massive cliffhanger just to trap your interest.
To make matters worse, the relationship between Raphael and Sam drove me crazy. It felt entirely unnatural because Sam is written almost like an adolescent child, while Raphael treats her like a father figure. The author’s attempt to force a romantic relationship onto this unsettling dynamic simply did not work.
For over half the story, I felt disengaged, bored, and reluctant to pick it up. I only pushed through because I liked the first book and wanted to know what happened. Instead of satisfaction, I ended up feeling angry that the author failed to capture the plot effectively, leaving readers with a repetitive story that did not need to exist.
The book finally sparks to life around the 83% mark, but only for a brief 2% of the story. In this short window, the plot is actually decent, and the characters show enjoyable chemistry and banter. Unfortunately, the momentum immediately plunges back into repetition, and the engagement slowly dwindles until the absolute final pages, where the author throws in a massive cliffhanger just to trap your interest.
To make matters worse, the relationship between Raphael and Sam drove me crazy. It felt entirely unnatural because Sam is written almost like an adolescent child, while Raphael treats her like a father figure. The author’s attempt to force a romantic relationship onto this unsettling dynamic simply did not work.
For over half the story, I felt disengaged, bored, and reluctant to pick it up. I only pushed through because I liked the first book and wanted to know what happened. Instead of satisfaction, I ended up feeling angry that the author failed to capture the plot effectively, leaving readers with a repetitive story that did not need to exist.
July 2, 2026
I really wanted to love A Magic So Deadly, but unfortunately, it felt more like a slog than an adventure for the vast majority of the book.
The core issue is that the narrative pacing is incredibly repetitive. The characters seem to cycle through the same conflicts and magical challenges over and over again without any meaningful progression or development. Because of this, the middle of the book feels remarkably stagnant, making the overall length of the story feel much longer—and more tedious—than it actually is.
For the first 80%, there is very little plot momentum to keep you hooked. It feels as though the author was stalling, waiting for something to happen.
That said, I cannot deny that the ending completely caught me off guard. The final chapters finally inject some stakes, and the cliffhanger is genuinely unexpected and well-executed. It was a jarring shift from the monotony of the earlier chapters, and it almost makes me want to pick up the next book just to see how they resolve such a bold turn of events.
If you have the patience to power through a very slow, repetitive middle, the ending might be worth the wait—but it is certainly not a journey I would call "fast-paced" or "gripping."
The core issue is that the narrative pacing is incredibly repetitive. The characters seem to cycle through the same conflicts and magical challenges over and over again without any meaningful progression or development. Because of this, the middle of the book feels remarkably stagnant, making the overall length of the story feel much longer—and more tedious—than it actually is.
For the first 80%, there is very little plot momentum to keep you hooked. It feels as though the author was stalling, waiting for something to happen.
That said, I cannot deny that the ending completely caught me off guard. The final chapters finally inject some stakes, and the cliffhanger is genuinely unexpected and well-executed. It was a jarring shift from the monotony of the earlier chapters, and it almost makes me want to pick up the next book just to see how they resolve such a bold turn of events.
If you have the patience to power through a very slow, repetitive middle, the ending might be worth the wait—but it is certainly not a journey I would call "fast-paced" or "gripping."
June 15, 2026
✨ ARC review ✨
Uhm, you GUYS!!!! What in the world?! I’m flabbergasted! I think I’m in shock. Vasilisa.. what do you mean?? 😫
I absolutely loved book one and have been waiting patiently for book two lol.. and with the ending in book one I had high hopes for A Magic So Deadly. I was not disappointed!
I’m still in love with Raphael and he can do no wrong ❤️ also really enjoyed seeing Samara figure out her new reality as a vampire and the other struggles she faced. She’s a good one, for sure 🥹
There were times after the half mark where I thought the story seemed two slow down, which was all an illusion. Omg. I should have seen it coming, no? And that ending? Noooo, like what? Did I miss the signs? Felt like the script was just flipped?! Forget ”just” a cliffhanger, we’re talking plot twist with a side of reader betrayal from hell. Which is why I’m giving it 5 ⭐️ oh my
Please just do yourself a favor and start this series!!!!
Uhm, you GUYS!!!! What in the world?! I’m flabbergasted! I think I’m in shock. Vasilisa.. what do you mean?? 😫
I absolutely loved book one and have been waiting patiently for book two lol.. and with the ending in book one I had high hopes for A Magic So Deadly. I was not disappointed!
I’m still in love with Raphael and he can do no wrong ❤️ also really enjoyed seeing Samara figure out her new reality as a vampire and the other struggles she faced. She’s a good one, for sure 🥹
There were times after the half mark where I thought the story seemed two slow down, which was all an illusion. Omg. I should have seen it coming, no? And that ending? Noooo, like what? Did I miss the signs? Felt like the script was just flipped?! Forget ”just” a cliffhanger, we’re talking plot twist with a side of reader betrayal from hell. Which is why I’m giving it 5 ⭐️ oh my
Please just do yourself a favor and start this series!!!!
August 30, 2025
Need this immediately!!!
September 16, 2025
I need this immediately please take all my money
August 10, 2026
Мене бісить Самара.
Я не можу читати книгу і думки гг, бо вона мене бісить. Я вже включила свою техніку скорочитання, бо я буквально пробиралась через книгу починаючи з 20%.
В перші книзі я дала їй кредит, який вона благополучно просрала! Можна якось підкрутити налаштування, шоб з вампіризмом передавалось трохи розуму!!!
Навіть я, яка не сильно в цьому світі, зрозуміла, шо ти не можеш торкнутися книги, а ти бляха ні! Мене дуже веселило, як вона одноосібно зробила себе обраною і рішила шо пора мстить 🤦🏼♀️ Так, можливо, вона десь була права, але це виглядало так дивно і по дитячому 🙄.
Останні 10% книги витягнули її з повного краху в моїх очах, і Самару і саму книгу. Бо це було динамічно, напружено і неочікувано (не момент з батьком, там все було ясно щє з першої книги мені 😅)
Загалом історія цікава, світ і інтриги мені подобаються, якби лиш дати трохи клепки Самарі 🫠
Я не можу читати книгу і думки гг, бо вона мене бісить. Я вже включила свою техніку скорочитання, бо я буквально пробиралась через книгу починаючи з 20%.
В перші книзі я дала їй кредит, який вона благополучно просрала! Можна якось підкрутити налаштування, шоб з вампіризмом передавалось трохи розуму!!!
Навіть я, яка не сильно в цьому світі, зрозуміла, шо ти не можеш торкнутися книги, а ти бляха ні! Мене дуже веселило, як вона одноосібно зробила себе обраною і рішила шо пора мстить 🤦🏼♀️ Так, можливо, вона десь була права, але це виглядало так дивно і по дитячому 🙄.
Останні 10% книги витягнули її з повного краху в моїх очах, і Самару і саму книгу. Бо це було динамічно, напружено і неочікувано (не момент з батьком, там все було ясно щє з першої книги мені 😅)
Загалом історія цікава, світ і інтриги мені подобаються, якби лиш дати трохи клепки Самарі 🫠
June 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5
Thank you SO much to Vasilia Drake for the ARC copy of this book. The review of this is all mine.
We left off at the last book with Samara realizing she’s the necromancer and the King of vampires has just willingly made her immortal, his fledging and his Chosen.
Though she rejects that.
I was so so soooooooooooo wanting to love this as much as the first. Gawd I loved them both, but I have to admit that our FMC ROYALLY got on my nerves here. You have this cinnamon roll, sexy, I will burn the world down for you, vampire who will give you anything, wants only for your comfort, wants only for you to feed, wants only for your attention, time, lips, taste, blood…. He wants you in every way possible and you just…. You’re such a bitch. Ghad I just wanted to slap her.
I appreciate that he didn’t offer her empty words. He SHOWED her a whole new world. He showed her and gave her visual proof that she couldn’t argue with that species can co-exist. That people enjoy being donors He needed her to see that the lies she was brought up to believe are all simply untrue.
I saw the one twist coming but appreciate how the fall-out afterward was handled.
Interesting twist – twins. Hmmm….
The swimming and fireworks… nice touch. Frankly though by the time things were finally moving in the right direction between these two... she’s STILL in her head… "it’s just tonight cause I’m gonna bounce". He’s all in and she’s got a foot out the door. I couldn’t root for it because she’s not vested. She made it NOT real. I actually don't like her as a person anymore. Like I physically don't like her at all. You're dead to me Samara.
I’m gutted and heartbroken at the betrayal at the end.
Thank you SO much to Vasilia Drake for the ARC copy of this book. The review of this is all mine.
We left off at the last book with Samara realizing she’s the necromancer and the King of vampires has just willingly made her immortal, his fledging and his Chosen.
Though she rejects that.
I was so so soooooooooooo wanting to love this as much as the first. Gawd I loved them both, but I have to admit that our FMC ROYALLY got on my nerves here. You have this cinnamon roll, sexy, I will burn the world down for you, vampire who will give you anything, wants only for your comfort, wants only for you to feed, wants only for your attention, time, lips, taste, blood…. He wants you in every way possible and you just…. You’re such a bitch. Ghad I just wanted to slap her.
I appreciate that he didn’t offer her empty words. He SHOWED her a whole new world. He showed her and gave her visual proof that she couldn’t argue with that species can co-exist. That people enjoy being donors He needed her to see that the lies she was brought up to believe are all simply untrue.
I saw the one twist coming but appreciate how the fall-out afterward was handled.
Interesting twist – twins. Hmmm….
The swimming and fireworks… nice touch. Frankly though by the time things were finally moving in the right direction between these two... she’s STILL in her head… "it’s just tonight cause I’m gonna bounce". He’s all in and she’s got a foot out the door. I couldn’t root for it because she’s not vested. She made it NOT real. I actually don't like her as a person anymore. Like I physically don't like her at all. You're dead to me Samara.
I’m gutted and heartbroken at the betrayal at the end.
August 3, 2026
The first 5% and last 20% of this book were 5 stars. Unfortunately everything in between was barely 2 stars. I was iffy on book 1 but was compelled by the cliffy and I'm in the exact same scenario with this one. At least the romance was better thank goodness. I actually started to feel some chemistry between the two. I'm so mad at myself because I'm definitely reading book 3 because that ending was insane.
June 14, 2026
Okay but that ending of A Magic So Deadly??? Absolutely diabolical. Like… Vasilisa Drake really said “let me ruin your emotional stability real quick” and I just had to sit there and take it.
Raphael??? Sir??? You are for the Kaan Vaegor girlies and I will not be elaborating. The man is down horrendous, fully devoted, zero shame about it—and I eat that up every single time. Give me a powerful man who folds for her specifically and I’m locked in.
Now the FMC Samara.. I’m gonna be honest, she’s testing me a little. I get that she has her own plans and motivations (same energy as book one), but I’m really hoping we see some solid growth in the next book because right now it’s feeling a bit stagnant.
That said, everything else??? Incredible. Expanding into all three kingdoms added so much depth to the world, the plot twists and betrayals kept me on edge, and that SLOW burn??? Torture. Delicious, frustrating torture. And don’t even get me started on the forced proximity… I’m weak for it every time.
Final verdict: chaotic, addictive, emotionally damaging in the best way. I will be unwell until book three.
Raphael??? Sir??? You are for the Kaan Vaegor girlies and I will not be elaborating. The man is down horrendous, fully devoted, zero shame about it—and I eat that up every single time. Give me a powerful man who folds for her specifically and I’m locked in.
Now the FMC Samara.. I’m gonna be honest, she’s testing me a little. I get that she has her own plans and motivations (same energy as book one), but I’m really hoping we see some solid growth in the next book because right now it’s feeling a bit stagnant.
That said, everything else??? Incredible. Expanding into all three kingdoms added so much depth to the world, the plot twists and betrayals kept me on edge, and that SLOW burn??? Torture. Delicious, frustrating torture. And don’t even get me started on the forced proximity… I’m weak for it every time.
Final verdict: chaotic, addictive, emotionally damaging in the best way. I will be unwell until book three.
July 1, 2026
My second biggest disappointment of 2026.
I don't even want to say anything -- it's all the same, stuff, every single time. So, we got zero stakes except the imaginary ones in the FMC's head, no tension, no mystery, no plot, just Samara jumping on Raphael the whole book just to follow up with "no, we can't."
Because we need to create superficial tension, the FMC is dumbed down to the point of me wanting to smack some sense into her whenever she opens her mouth. Raphael is turned into a lovesick golden retriever at the FMC's every beck and call. Honestly it's embarrassing how much like a child she behaves, makes me think Raphael's got brain damage from that poison. Who would find her behavior attractive? She's a literal child both in how she thinks and acts. She needs an adult--or a daddy, that proclamates that he will give her anything she wants the whole book.
I was frustrated to no end.
Pointless sequels don't just ruin one single book, they ruin the first book as well, leaving a sour taste in your mouth. Knowing what's next makes me not want to recommend or pick up book 1 every again.
I don't even want to say anything -- it's all the same, stuff, every single time. So, we got zero stakes except the imaginary ones in the FMC's head, no tension, no mystery, no plot, just Samara jumping on Raphael the whole book just to follow up with "no, we can't."
Because we need to create superficial tension, the FMC is dumbed down to the point of me wanting to smack some sense into her whenever she opens her mouth. Raphael is turned into a lovesick golden retriever at the FMC's every beck and call. Honestly it's embarrassing how much like a child she behaves, makes me think Raphael's got brain damage from that poison. Who would find her behavior attractive? She's a literal child both in how she thinks and acts. She needs an adult--or a daddy, that proclamates that he will give her anything she wants the whole book.
I was frustrated to no end.
Pointless sequels don't just ruin one single book, they ruin the first book as well, leaving a sour taste in your mouth. Knowing what's next makes me not want to recommend or pick up book 1 every again.
July 1, 2026
2.25⭐️I’m so disappointed. All for authors getting traditionally published but we’ve been seeing a downward trend in the quality of writing with the more they try to spread out a story. The book starts strong, right from where Samara poisons Raphael. I love seeing her struggle and then come to terms with her new reality. The banter still banters yet I wish there was more of a push and pull between them. But still it’s good up until 40ish% after which we see a steady decline. Samara’s internal dialogue is MISERABLE. By 60-70% I just wanted someone to sedate her because she was so self destructive. Raphael spends his time doing literally nothing but following Samara around. Even Demos is too forgiving which sucks because there was not a single strong character in this whole book by the end.
The last half of the book is flat. Except Julian - love him. Hope he gets more screen time in the next book. This should have been a duology but now we have to wait another year. It’s a shame because the story overall is incredibly unique but we really went ten steps back in this book. Didn’t discover anything new or interesting about necromancy. Obviously Raphael knew lol. There was zero buildup or foreshadowing of the King being her father. Thea’s betrayal or supposed betrayal was honestly kind of irrelevant.
The last half of the book is flat. Except Julian - love him. Hope he gets more screen time in the next book. This should have been a duology but now we have to wait another year. It’s a shame because the story overall is incredibly unique but we really went ten steps back in this book. Didn’t discover anything new or interesting about necromancy. Obviously Raphael knew lol. There was zero buildup or foreshadowing of the King being her father. Thea’s betrayal or supposed betrayal was honestly kind of irrelevant.
September 18, 2026
I should have known after reading the first one, that the second one wouldn’t be much different and I couldn’t have been more wrong. I am in so much more despair than I was finishing A Bargain So Bloody. I am convinced that Vasilisa Drake is a sadist with how she makes the last few chapters of her books are the equivalent of bringing a grenade to a plastic knife fight. It’s the only way I can describe it while I am wallowing in my turmoil.
You may be reading this like, “Damn was this a good book or a bad one?” Well it was definitely a six star read in my book, but now I am going to need more therapy after this one. If you read A Bargain so Bloody, then you know my pain. This one was especially more traumatizing, but in the best way possible. I’m honestly convinced Vasilisa is a witch with how amazing her writing is and how she is able to turn me into mush after this book completely finished me, sorry I mean after I finished this book.
If you love dark vampire romances that have plot twists after plot twist and will keep you up late at night wondering if the pain will be worth it? The answer is yes, it most definitely is. This series is honestly one of the best vampire series I have read in a long time and if you are a vampire romance weirdo like me then you will add this series to your TBR immediately. I will warn you, the ending to this one may send you into a coma much like a sprite from McDonald’s would put a small colonial child from the 1800s into one as well. (Not really but I promise it’s worth it so please read this series and tell me how much it made you cry and we can compare tears)
Also, Raphael will forever be known as hot daddy vamp.
*Thank you so so much, to the author Vasilisa Drake for the ARC!*
You may be reading this like, “Damn was this a good book or a bad one?” Well it was definitely a six star read in my book, but now I am going to need more therapy after this one. If you read A Bargain so Bloody, then you know my pain. This one was especially more traumatizing, but in the best way possible. I’m honestly convinced Vasilisa is a witch with how amazing her writing is and how she is able to turn me into mush after this book completely finished me, sorry I mean after I finished this book.
If you love dark vampire romances that have plot twists after plot twist and will keep you up late at night wondering if the pain will be worth it? The answer is yes, it most definitely is. This series is honestly one of the best vampire series I have read in a long time and if you are a vampire romance weirdo like me then you will add this series to your TBR immediately. I will warn you, the ending to this one may send you into a coma much like a sprite from McDonald’s would put a small colonial child from the 1800s into one as well. (Not really but I promise it’s worth it so please read this series and tell me how much it made you cry and we can compare tears)
Also, Raphael will forever be known as hot daddy vamp.
*Thank you so so much, to the author Vasilisa Drake for the ARC!*
September 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Raphael, I apologize on behalf of Samara. You have the patience of a saint 😆
Vasilisa Drake made us WORK for that romance. Perhaps thats what kept me so invested. The aching, longing, desperation, heat, glances, and unsaid words. I was dying for a “f*ck it” moment from Samara 🤣🤣🤣
It’s not often I’m smitten by an MMC this much….. Raphael will be going in my MMC mental hall of fame. I’m utterly obsessed with him. The push and pull of these two was invigorating. I’m going to need a release date for the next book 😭 This series has me hooked.
The ending had me SHOOK! I don’t want to wait for book 3 😭
Raphael, I apologize on behalf of Samara. You have the patience of a saint 😆
Vasilisa Drake made us WORK for that romance. Perhaps thats what kept me so invested. The aching, longing, desperation, heat, glances, and unsaid words. I was dying for a “f*ck it” moment from Samara 🤣🤣🤣
It’s not often I’m smitten by an MMC this much….. Raphael will be going in my MMC mental hall of fame. I’m utterly obsessed with him. The push and pull of these two was invigorating. I’m going to need a release date for the next book 😭 This series has me hooked.
The ending had me SHOOK! I don’t want to wait for book 3 😭
August 8, 2026
5⭐️ Oh. My. Fucking. God... That ending was insane!! I audibly gasped, jaw on the floor. I need book three NOW!!!! I haven't had a 5 star read in MONTHS! I've now read 59 books so far this year and this book is only my 3rd 5 star, that says a lot. I loved book one, but this one blew that book out of the water. Im genuinely obsessed with this story! The romance and chemistry between Samara and Raphael was actually to die for. The slow burn just hits ev 👏🏼 ery👏🏼 time👏🏼. The writing style and romance reminded me a lot of Powerless by Lauren Roberts, which I also loved. The plot was slightly slower in this book, however I fear I still ate everything up. I highly recommend
Did Not Finish
July 5, 2026DNF at 42%
I just can’t and I’m so disappointed. I adored the first book, but this?!?! Just no, I’ve read over 200 pages and the ONLY thing that has happened is that our FMC is mad, like SO mad and yeah, we get it. She’s mad already.
I gave it 100 pages in good faith because the first book was so good, then slogged through another 100 pages hoping something would happen. Nope, absolutely nothing meaningful happens in 200 pages. I cannot force myself to read another 200 some pages on the faith that something interesting will ultimately happen, this honestly felt like an absolute waste of my time and disrespectful to readers. We spent the entire first half of the book with not only zero character growth and no plot advancement, but we’ve gone backwards to prejudices from the first book.
I’m angry about the whole thing, it’s asking readers to have faith for HUNDREDS of pages that there will be a payoff, and zero movement in 205 pages. Absolutely not, please have more respect for your reader’s time.
I just can’t and I’m so disappointed. I adored the first book, but this?!?! Just no, I’ve read over 200 pages and the ONLY thing that has happened is that our FMC is mad, like SO mad and yeah, we get it. She’s mad already.
I gave it 100 pages in good faith because the first book was so good, then slogged through another 100 pages hoping something would happen. Nope, absolutely nothing meaningful happens in 200 pages. I cannot force myself to read another 200 some pages on the faith that something interesting will ultimately happen, this honestly felt like an absolute waste of my time and disrespectful to readers. We spent the entire first half of the book with not only zero character growth and no plot advancement, but we’ve gone backwards to prejudices from the first book.
I’m angry about the whole thing, it’s asking readers to have faith for HUNDREDS of pages that there will be a payoff, and zero movement in 205 pages. Absolutely not, please have more respect for your reader’s time.
June 15, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Seriously, this series is everything a vampire romance is supposed to be. This book ended w a twist but still my heart is okay and I really appreciate that 😂😂 I just love Raphael. He’s the best mmc. Ahhhhjkmhnfmlhn!!
July 1, 2026
The plot is murky at best and this heroines motivations would be blown away by a stiff wind.
In the first book, Sam’s resistance to accepting vampires, and her conspiring against them, despite her romantic interest, was refreshing. Finally a heroine who doesn’t let go of her convictions for a handsome face!
In this book, it almost immediately gets old. Sam doesn’t grow in any way. She is supposed to be “analytical” yet her plan consists of only “get away” and she can’t even back up why she wants this. The author claims that she must go fight for her witch kin. WHAT KIN?! She was a miserable void until she was 10 and then imprisoned for 10 years? She has no country? Why on earth would she be so set on returning to a place that she finally admits murdered her mother? That goes beyond believably stubborn and right into willful ignorance. At about 70%, we start to see growth and acceptance of her new vampire status, but she still insists she cannot stay with the only people that have ever cared.
On top of that, nothing happens in this plot. The only “lore” we get is sprinkled in so abruptly that we know it’s only there to come back later as some attempt at a plot twist. Sam laments being a vampire the entire book and at the end, her secret is revealed in the most juvenile way imaginable and the plot turns out to be something from a Disney channel B movie. Absolutely skip. You have literally hundreds of vampire options that are not this.
In the first book, Sam’s resistance to accepting vampires, and her conspiring against them, despite her romantic interest, was refreshing. Finally a heroine who doesn’t let go of her convictions for a handsome face!
In this book, it almost immediately gets old. Sam doesn’t grow in any way. She is supposed to be “analytical” yet her plan consists of only “get away” and she can’t even back up why she wants this. The author claims that she must go fight for her witch kin. WHAT KIN?! She was a miserable void until she was 10 and then imprisoned for 10 years? She has no country? Why on earth would she be so set on returning to a place that she finally admits murdered her mother? That goes beyond believably stubborn and right into willful ignorance. At about 70%, we start to see growth and acceptance of her new vampire status, but she still insists she cannot stay with the only people that have ever cared.
On top of that, nothing happens in this plot. The only “lore” we get is sprinkled in so abruptly that we know it’s only there to come back later as some attempt at a plot twist. Sam laments being a vampire the entire book and at the end, her secret is revealed in the most juvenile way imaginable and the plot turns out to be something from a Disney channel B movie. Absolutely skip. You have literally hundreds of vampire options that are not this.
remind-me-once-out
October 31, 2025Maybe? I'll think about it.
August 2, 2026
I am loving this series so much. ❤️❤️❤️
June 19, 2026
4.75 ⭐️
This was my first ARC ever and I honestly don’t think I could’ve picked a better book for it! I’ve read a lot of second books in series lately that fall a little flat, but this one really surprised me!
I loved how it picks up right where book one left off. Nothing is neatly wrapped up, and the characters are still sitting in that same conflict, which I actually really liked. It made everything feel unpredictable 👀
The slow burn romance is still very much slow burn… like painfully slow at times, but I kind of loved it! Nothing felt rushed or forced, and it really builds all the way through instead of giving in.
The only thing I’d mention is that the book is on the longer side. It didn’t bother me because I was really invested in the story and characters, but I could see it feeling a bit long if you’re not fully locked in or don’t remember everything from book one.
And that ending?? Are you kidding me!! 🤯 That last chapter had me just sitting there like what just happened. I need book three immediately because that cliffhanger was insane!
This was my first ARC ever and I honestly don’t think I could’ve picked a better book for it! I’ve read a lot of second books in series lately that fall a little flat, but this one really surprised me!
I loved how it picks up right where book one left off. Nothing is neatly wrapped up, and the characters are still sitting in that same conflict, which I actually really liked. It made everything feel unpredictable 👀
The slow burn romance is still very much slow burn… like painfully slow at times, but I kind of loved it! Nothing felt rushed or forced, and it really builds all the way through instead of giving in.
The only thing I’d mention is that the book is on the longer side. It didn’t bother me because I was really invested in the story and characters, but I could see it feeling a bit long if you’re not fully locked in or don’t remember everything from book one.
And that ending?? Are you kidding me!! 🤯 That last chapter had me just sitting there like what just happened. I need book three immediately because that cliffhanger was insane!
August 26, 2025
I need this right now!!😩😩😩
July 6, 2026
4.5⭐️
Oh. my. gosh?! That was not the ending I was expecting...I mean, I sorta had a theory forming, but the way it happened had me SHOCKED. I feel gas lit?! (but in the best way lol).
Book 2 expanded the world we were introduced to in book 1, and added more players to the chess board. There is a new POV introduced that adds a really interesting layer of suspicion. I'm hoping we get even more of it in book 3 because it only scratched the surface of the character, and left me with sooooo many questions.
I LOVED the slow burn. It was so slow that it was almost excruciating.
But, prepare yourself for a cliffhanger folks...
Oh. my. gosh?! That was not the ending I was expecting...I mean, I sorta had a theory forming, but the way it happened had me SHOCKED. I feel gas lit?! (but in the best way lol).
Book 2 expanded the world we were introduced to in book 1, and added more players to the chess board. There is a new POV introduced that adds a really interesting layer of suspicion. I'm hoping we get even more of it in book 3 because it only scratched the surface of the character, and left me with sooooo many questions.
I LOVED the slow burn. It was so slow that it was almost excruciating.
But, prepare yourself for a cliffhanger folks...
July 2, 2026
Ermmm…nothing happened…🫠
I will admit, I was under the impression this was a duology - it isn’t. Literally nothing happened, I don’t even know what to say…
The only ‘twist’ was literally the last chapter, but even the twist didn’t make sense. The opportunity didn’t make sense? The motive didn’t either? There was opportunity for character development which way also bypassed.
Not sure what else is meant to happen in this series, not sure I care after I ready this book for such minimal return.
I will admit, I was under the impression this was a duology - it isn’t. Literally nothing happened, I don’t even know what to say…
The only ‘twist’ was literally the last chapter, but even the twist didn’t make sense. The opportunity didn’t make sense? The motive didn’t either? There was opportunity for character development which way also bypassed.
Not sure what else is meant to happen in this series, not sure I care after I ready this book for such minimal return.
June 14, 2026
First of all I want to thank Vasilisa Drake for gifting me this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
I read to fall into a story to be intrigued, completely absorbed in a world I never want to leave, and occasionally to be so shocked that I have to put the book down and get my head on straight.
A Magic So Deadly did all of that.
I’m putting it out there: this delivered the best plot twist I’ve read since Metal Slinger. If you know, you know.
This second book picks up immediately where book one ended. Samara wakes once again in a prison, but this time her nightmare is far worse—she has become the very thing she has hated all her life: a vampire.
Consumed by bloodlust and horrified by what she has become, Samara is forced to confront a new reality. She now possesses the magic she has always craved, but it is a dangerous power that must remain hidden. It marks her as an enemy of the vampires, especially Raphael, their king.
Unable to escape because of the strange bond forged with Raphael as her sire, she is forced to travel with him to another kingdom. There, he offers her a bargain: embrace her vampire nature, learn to master her abilities, and he will help her break the bond between them.
What follows is a fantastic blend of political intrigue, danger, and character development. The relationship between Samara and Raphael deepens in ways I wasn’t expecting, while a deadly plot unfolds around them. Someone wants Samara dead, and there is a traitor hiding within their court.
The tension, the secrets, the slow unraveling of the mystery it all kept me completely hooked. And then there was that ending…
That ending.
I genuinely sat there staring at the page in disbelief. Now I’m left with one very important question:
Where is book three?!
I absolutely loved this book and devoured every page. If you enjoyed the first book, prepare yourself because this sequel raises the stakes, deepens the relationships, and delivers twists that will leave you reeling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
I read to fall into a story to be intrigued, completely absorbed in a world I never want to leave, and occasionally to be so shocked that I have to put the book down and get my head on straight.
A Magic So Deadly did all of that.
I’m putting it out there: this delivered the best plot twist I’ve read since Metal Slinger. If you know, you know.
This second book picks up immediately where book one ended. Samara wakes once again in a prison, but this time her nightmare is far worse—she has become the very thing she has hated all her life: a vampire.
Consumed by bloodlust and horrified by what she has become, Samara is forced to confront a new reality. She now possesses the magic she has always craved, but it is a dangerous power that must remain hidden. It marks her as an enemy of the vampires, especially Raphael, their king.
Unable to escape because of the strange bond forged with Raphael as her sire, she is forced to travel with him to another kingdom. There, he offers her a bargain: embrace her vampire nature, learn to master her abilities, and he will help her break the bond between them.
What follows is a fantastic blend of political intrigue, danger, and character development. The relationship between Samara and Raphael deepens in ways I wasn’t expecting, while a deadly plot unfolds around them. Someone wants Samara dead, and there is a traitor hiding within their court.
The tension, the secrets, the slow unraveling of the mystery it all kept me completely hooked. And then there was that ending…
That ending.
I genuinely sat there staring at the page in disbelief. Now I’m left with one very important question:
Where is book three?!
I absolutely loved this book and devoured every page. If you enjoyed the first book, prepare yourself because this sequel raises the stakes, deepens the relationships, and delivers twists that will leave you reeling.
Want to Read
December 1, 2025I need this like right freaking now take all my money if you have too
July 5, 2026
On the one hand, I LOVED this book. On the other, I absolutely clocked, and have to acknowledge, a glaring plot.... convenience?!
I had far more fun with book 2 than with book 1. I will give it that.
Firstly, let's take a moment to appreciate the author providing us with a Summary of Key Points from the previous book. WHAT A CONCEPT. I also appreciate that in this key summary included a cute little self-criticism all in good fun: "Samara runs away, planning to flee, but Titus corners her in her chambers and reveals his manipulation because it's fun to monologue while you poison people". - I had a good laugh at that, and the levity it provided absolutely set the tone for the book for me.
I think the part I enjoyed the most was the romance itself. The SLOW burn. 2 books in, and we still have not reached a "pen(is)ultimate" climax.... LOL. But fun was still had, and I ate it up, and licked the plate clean. The patience Raphael consistently and devotedly gave to Samara. YUP. I'm here for it. The banter, the glares & stares, the brushing of hands, bodies tensing, emotions rising, one-bed sharing... Fine. I'm listening intently.
But on the other hand....
Raphael could have spared her SO much fear, angst and *insert any other relevant emotion* by simply telling her an entire book ago that he KNEW SHE WAS THE NECROMANCER THIS ENTIRE TIME. Literally none of this needed to happen or unfold as it did; especially being forced to turn Samara (against her will) in the first place. His "reason's" for keeping it from her.... flimsy? And cowardly. I can *sort* of understand his position with what little justification he offered... but I think the miscommunication trope was putting in overtime for this to play out the way it did.
While I enjoyed the lazier pacing of the middle of the book, and enjoyed watching Samara slowly come to grips with her new reality and figure out how to separate the biases she's been spoon-fed her whole life with what's actually happening in the big wide world, I can see where some folks might have gotten a little bored. It did seem to carry on longer than necessary, but I can't say it bothered me too terribly much. It was actually sort of fun to watch Samara live a little.
The ending absolutely crept up on you, bashed you over the head, and left you with a mess of brains to clean up. I did not see that coming, and it was all I could do to not throw my Kindle at the wall. I have no words. I just stared at the words, then the wall, and then promptly went on Google to see when the next one comes out. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE IS NO INFO ON BOOK 3.
On another note, something that absolutely BOTHERED me this entire book (and the last one) is the premise that Vampires have no heart-beats. But Samara requires Raphael's blood regularly to cope with her transformation. Blood is continuously described as "flowing" when she punctures his neck with her teeth... how does blood flow through their veins without the heart working to pump it around? How do they, undead, have flowing blood but no heart-beat or functional pumping mechanisms? Does Vampire blood get magically pumped around their systems? I get this is a fantasy book. And everything is magical in some way or form, but for some inane reason, I hyper-fixated on this a lot. It's definitely a me-problem.
I look forward to the next book, and at the same time, this was a nice reminder why standalone's are elite.
*Sighs and adds this to the growing list of unfinished series I'm obligated to finish... eventually*
I had far more fun with book 2 than with book 1. I will give it that.
Firstly, let's take a moment to appreciate the author providing us with a Summary of Key Points from the previous book. WHAT A CONCEPT. I also appreciate that in this key summary included a cute little self-criticism all in good fun: "Samara runs away, planning to flee, but Titus corners her in her chambers and reveals his manipulation because it's fun to monologue while you poison people". - I had a good laugh at that, and the levity it provided absolutely set the tone for the book for me.
I think the part I enjoyed the most was the romance itself. The SLOW burn. 2 books in, and we still have not reached a "pen(is)ultimate" climax.... LOL. But fun was still had, and I ate it up, and licked the plate clean. The patience Raphael consistently and devotedly gave to Samara. YUP. I'm here for it. The banter, the glares & stares, the brushing of hands, bodies tensing, emotions rising, one-bed sharing... Fine. I'm listening intently.
But on the other hand....
Raphael could have spared her SO much fear, angst and *insert any other relevant emotion* by simply telling her an entire book ago that he KNEW SHE WAS THE NECROMANCER THIS ENTIRE TIME. Literally none of this needed to happen or unfold as it did; especially being forced to turn Samara (against her will) in the first place. His "reason's" for keeping it from her.... flimsy? And cowardly. I can *sort* of understand his position with what little justification he offered... but I think the miscommunication trope was putting in overtime for this to play out the way it did.
While I enjoyed the lazier pacing of the middle of the book, and enjoyed watching Samara slowly come to grips with her new reality and figure out how to separate the biases she's been spoon-fed her whole life with what's actually happening in the big wide world, I can see where some folks might have gotten a little bored. It did seem to carry on longer than necessary, but I can't say it bothered me too terribly much. It was actually sort of fun to watch Samara live a little.
The ending absolutely crept up on you, bashed you over the head, and left you with a mess of brains to clean up. I did not see that coming, and it was all I could do to not throw my Kindle at the wall. I have no words. I just stared at the words, then the wall, and then promptly went on Google to see when the next one comes out. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE IS NO INFO ON BOOK 3.
On another note, something that absolutely BOTHERED me this entire book (and the last one) is the premise that Vampires have no heart-beats. But Samara requires Raphael's blood regularly to cope with her transformation. Blood is continuously described as "flowing" when she punctures his neck with her teeth... how does blood flow through their veins without the heart working to pump it around? How do they, undead, have flowing blood but no heart-beat or functional pumping mechanisms? Does Vampire blood get magically pumped around their systems? I get this is a fantasy book. And everything is magical in some way or form, but for some inane reason, I hyper-fixated on this a lot. It's definitely a me-problem.
I look forward to the next book, and at the same time, this was a nice reminder why standalone's are elite.
*Sighs and adds this to the growing list of unfinished series I'm obligated to finish... eventually*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2026
After absolutely loving Book 1 and flying through it in just two days, I went into this sequel with incredibly high expectations. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite have the same impact for me.
The biggest strength of this book is still its characters. I loved seeing them continue to grow, and the relationships definitely developed in meaningful ways. Amalthea was an absolute standout and, without a doubt, my favourite part of the book. Every scene she appeared in immediately pulled me back in, and I found myself looking forward to her chapters the most.
That said, I really struggled with the pacing. I spent most of the book waiting for something to happen that would really pull me back in. While I appreciated the character development, I found myself wishing for more movement in the story. It wasn’t until the final chapters that I finally got that feeling of not wanting to put the book down.
I also found the back-and-forth between Samara and Raphael became a little repetitive after a while. I understood the emotional conflict they were working through, but I kept hoping their relationship would move beyond the same cycle sooner.
One aspect that didn’t quite work for me was Raphael’s reaction to the poisoning at the end of Book 1. Even though Samara ultimately chose not to go through with poisoning him, her actions still resulted in Raphael being poisoned when he turned her. Given how significant that moment was, I expected there to be more emotional fallout between them. Instead, Raphael seemed to move past it surprisingly quickly. Ironically, Demos’ anger and protectiveness felt much more believable to me. His reaction reflected the seriousness of what had happened, and I found myself connecting with his emotions far more in those scenes.
Despite my criticisms, the ending absolutely delivered. Those final chapters finally gave the story the momentum I’d been waiting for and left me genuinely excited to see what comes next. It feels as though this book has laid a huge amount of groundwork for Book 3, and I have no doubt the finale is going to be an emotional ride.
While this wasn’t as strong as Book 1 for me, I’m still invested in these characters and this world, and I’ll definitely be picking up Book 3 to see where their journey leads.
The biggest strength of this book is still its characters. I loved seeing them continue to grow, and the relationships definitely developed in meaningful ways. Amalthea was an absolute standout and, without a doubt, my favourite part of the book. Every scene she appeared in immediately pulled me back in, and I found myself looking forward to her chapters the most.
That said, I really struggled with the pacing. I spent most of the book waiting for something to happen that would really pull me back in. While I appreciated the character development, I found myself wishing for more movement in the story. It wasn’t until the final chapters that I finally got that feeling of not wanting to put the book down.
I also found the back-and-forth between Samara and Raphael became a little repetitive after a while. I understood the emotional conflict they were working through, but I kept hoping their relationship would move beyond the same cycle sooner.
One aspect that didn’t quite work for me was Raphael’s reaction to the poisoning at the end of Book 1. Even though Samara ultimately chose not to go through with poisoning him, her actions still resulted in Raphael being poisoned when he turned her. Given how significant that moment was, I expected there to be more emotional fallout between them. Instead, Raphael seemed to move past it surprisingly quickly. Ironically, Demos’ anger and protectiveness felt much more believable to me. His reaction reflected the seriousness of what had happened, and I found myself connecting with his emotions far more in those scenes.
Despite my criticisms, the ending absolutely delivered. Those final chapters finally gave the story the momentum I’d been waiting for and left me genuinely excited to see what comes next. It feels as though this book has laid a huge amount of groundwork for Book 3, and I have no doubt the finale is going to be an emotional ride.
While this wasn’t as strong as Book 1 for me, I’m still invested in these characters and this world, and I’ll definitely be picking up Book 3 to see where their journey leads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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