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The Second Awakening #2
Better Off Dead
Tobias Greene is alive. But how long can that last?
I’d been given a second chance. Death wasn’t the end it was touted to be, more like a bump in the road. After countless trials, we’d found my sister, Lynette. More importantly, we found the plot layered beneath many of the terrible things my family had done over the years. And we put an end to them.
With the help of Bastien, my ex-boyfriend and recently discovered Reviled necromancer, Cirian, the Acolyte to the Hallowed Church who prophesied my untimely death, and Azrael, my childhood best friend and leader of the Unseen Rebellion, my second life had been saved from a grisly end. But the ones responsible were still at large, and that meant any chance of returning to a life of normalcy was out the window.
Now the monsters of my past had transcended to reality, and no one was safe from the Distortion that sought to bring about The Second Awakening. What’s more, the strange tethers that tied me to Bastien, Cirian, and Azrael were only getting stronger. With every touch, every kiss, every lingering glance, those connections burned brighter till they were impossible to ignore.
I was gifted a second life. But as the shadows of my past continued to rise to the surface, seeding doubts between me and the men to which I’m connected, the more I wondered if I’m really worth the chance at redemption? Or if I’d be…
BETTER OFF DEAD
BETTER OFF DEAD is a plot-driven, magical realism, harem-style M/M romance with plenty of action, lots of magical men, and just the right amount of spice. It is the second book in the SECOND AWAKENING series.
I’d been given a second chance. Death wasn’t the end it was touted to be, more like a bump in the road. After countless trials, we’d found my sister, Lynette. More importantly, we found the plot layered beneath many of the terrible things my family had done over the years. And we put an end to them.
With the help of Bastien, my ex-boyfriend and recently discovered Reviled necromancer, Cirian, the Acolyte to the Hallowed Church who prophesied my untimely death, and Azrael, my childhood best friend and leader of the Unseen Rebellion, my second life had been saved from a grisly end. But the ones responsible were still at large, and that meant any chance of returning to a life of normalcy was out the window.
Now the monsters of my past had transcended to reality, and no one was safe from the Distortion that sought to bring about The Second Awakening. What’s more, the strange tethers that tied me to Bastien, Cirian, and Azrael were only getting stronger. With every touch, every kiss, every lingering glance, those connections burned brighter till they were impossible to ignore.
I was gifted a second life. But as the shadows of my past continued to rise to the surface, seeding doubts between me and the men to which I’m connected, the more I wondered if I’m really worth the chance at redemption? Or if I’d be…
BETTER OFF DEAD
BETTER OFF DEAD is a plot-driven, magical realism, harem-style M/M romance with plenty of action, lots of magical men, and just the right amount of spice. It is the second book in the SECOND AWAKENING series.
390 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2025
9 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Alexander C. Eberhart
9 books254 followersA Metro Atlanta area native, Alexander has had a passion for writing from a young age. As he grew into his Queer identity, so did his works, and he is dedicated to bringing Queer stories to life in new and imaginative ways.
Alexander has penned over half a dozen titles, from Young Adult works exploring topics of Faith and Queer identities, to an Adult Urban Fantasy series, packed with magic and just the right amount of spice.
When not crafting quality Queer fiction, Alexander works for a local service company. He still lives outside of Atlanta with his husband and their children (dogs).
Alexander has penned over half a dozen titles, from Young Adult works exploring topics of Faith and Queer identities, to an Adult Urban Fantasy series, packed with magic and just the right amount of spice.
When not crafting quality Queer fiction, Alexander works for a local service company. He still lives outside of Atlanta with his husband and their children (dogs).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 22, 2025
Now I do love a ‘why choose’ and combine prophecies with magic/intrigue/rebellion then I knew I was going to enjoy this book. To be super clear you absolutely cannot read this book as a standalone, you must read book 1 as it picks up from the plot there, plus follows our same MCs.
I thought book 1, as a debut author, was good. It had some personal pet peeves that irritated me and were nothing to do with the author, I just can’t stand flashbacks - repeatedly - as a plot device. Going into this I was really hopeful that we wouldn’t get more flashbacks, given it wasn’t necessary, we had our backstory. Thankfully there were none, but the author then used dreams of past events to give background, sigh. So, yeah… fortunately they were not every chapter, maybe a quarter or so.
I liked that we got more one on one time with our love interests. So I felt we got more character development of them as individuals, they feel separate and distinct. They also gripe at each other and I like the normality of this.
Our ongoing plot with Toby’s crazy sister and her general insanity is interesting and clearly well thought out. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this plays out. I asked the author and he has x 4 books planned for this series, so we have more to come.
I’ll admit I did get a little confused as to how some plot elements played out - we have ‘the source’ of magic and Toby communicates (?) with this at some point. I’m hoping this becomes clearer as we progress in the series. We are left on a cliffhanger but it’s not an ‘OMG’ is X alive, just more along the lines of ‘what happens next’.
It’s still single POV but at least we get the epilogue with the others. I have huge fingers crossed that we get ad hoc chapters with their POV in book 3 as I just feel it’s a tad boring just with Toby.
I’ll be super annoyed if the sister is just forgiven though. She committed some disgusting crimes and just because Toby is a super softee doesn’t mean she can get away with it.
I received this as an ARC from gayromancereviews.com and this is my honest review. I’ve historically read a lot of ‘why choose’ with an FMC and I’m really glad to have found an MM+ version that has a well thought out plot.
I thought book 1, as a debut author, was good. It had some personal pet peeves that irritated me and were nothing to do with the author, I just can’t stand flashbacks - repeatedly - as a plot device. Going into this I was really hopeful that we wouldn’t get more flashbacks, given it wasn’t necessary, we had our backstory. Thankfully there were none, but the author then used dreams of past events to give background, sigh. So, yeah… fortunately they were not every chapter, maybe a quarter or so.
I liked that we got more one on one time with our love interests. So I felt we got more character development of them as individuals, they feel separate and distinct. They also gripe at each other and I like the normality of this.
Our ongoing plot with Toby’s crazy sister and her general insanity is interesting and clearly well thought out. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this plays out. I asked the author and he has x 4 books planned for this series, so we have more to come.
I’ll admit I did get a little confused as to how some plot elements played out - we have ‘the source’ of magic and Toby communicates (?) with this at some point. I’m hoping this becomes clearer as we progress in the series. We are left on a cliffhanger but it’s not an ‘OMG’ is X alive, just more along the lines of ‘what happens next’.
It’s still single POV but at least we get the epilogue with the others. I have huge fingers crossed that we get ad hoc chapters with their POV in book 3 as I just feel it’s a tad boring just with Toby.
I’ll be super annoyed if the sister is just forgiven though. She committed some disgusting crimes and just because Toby is a super softee doesn’t mean she can get away with it.
I received this as an ARC from gayromancereviews.com and this is my honest review. I’ve historically read a lot of ‘why choose’ with an FMC and I’m really glad to have found an MM+ version that has a well thought out plot.
November 24, 2025
Definitely better alive
I am loving this series by Alexander C Eberhart that combines some of my favorite tropes, fantasy, polyamory, magic and MM romance. Tobias, Azrael, Cirian and Bastian go through some rather harrowing adventures in this second volume and from the way this book ends there will be further adventures coming up. I love the way that Mr Eberhart portrays magic (or maybe I should say Magic?) in this series and also the different types of magic and the way that the various characters use it. I like that he seems to have plotted out how magic works in this world (Earth in the future?) and explains that in the book. Too many fantasy books that I have read lately don’t seem to bother working out a system behind their magic and just have characters make things happen. I feel like it seems so much more realistic if the characters have some system that they have to work through.
The male characters are more defined in this book, but then the four main characters are male. Tobias’ sister Lynette is the main female character and we do learn more about her in this book, mostly through the use of dreams/ flashbacks. The use of these dreams/flashbacks adds a lot to the story because Mr Eberhart uses them to give us views into Tobias’ interactions with his sister and the other three guys without having to give us a very long book which it would have been if it had told it all in a strictly linear manner. It also follows how Tobias is remembering things that he has forgotten after being killed and revived in the last book.
These are just a couple of things that I really enjoyed about this book and series and I would recommend it to anyone who also enjoys this type of book.
I am loving this series by Alexander C Eberhart that combines some of my favorite tropes, fantasy, polyamory, magic and MM romance. Tobias, Azrael, Cirian and Bastian go through some rather harrowing adventures in this second volume and from the way this book ends there will be further adventures coming up. I love the way that Mr Eberhart portrays magic (or maybe I should say Magic?) in this series and also the different types of magic and the way that the various characters use it. I like that he seems to have plotted out how magic works in this world (Earth in the future?) and explains that in the book. Too many fantasy books that I have read lately don’t seem to bother working out a system behind their magic and just have characters make things happen. I feel like it seems so much more realistic if the characters have some system that they have to work through.
The male characters are more defined in this book, but then the four main characters are male. Tobias’ sister Lynette is the main female character and we do learn more about her in this book, mostly through the use of dreams/ flashbacks. The use of these dreams/flashbacks adds a lot to the story because Mr Eberhart uses them to give us views into Tobias’ interactions with his sister and the other three guys without having to give us a very long book which it would have been if it had told it all in a strictly linear manner. It also follows how Tobias is remembering things that he has forgotten after being killed and revived in the last book.
These are just a couple of things that I really enjoyed about this book and series and I would recommend it to anyone who also enjoys this type of book.
November 21, 2025
This second installment in the Second Awakening series pulled me in immediately and didn’t let go. The story is intricate and layered, and I loved how seamlessly it picks up the threads from book one while expanding the world, the magic, and the danger surrounding Tobias. I found myself flipping back to a few moments from the first book just to ground myself again but once I did, the ride was absolutely worth it.
Tobias’ relationships with Azrael, Bastien, and Cirian deepen in a way that feels organic and emotionally earned. Their bond isn’t just physical, it’s magical, intimate, and woven right into the core of the plot. The poly dynamic works beautifully here; each man brings something unique to Tobias, and the way their connections intertwine adds real weight to the story.
The tension ramps up in all the right places, both from the growing threat of the Distortion and from Tobias’ internal struggle about his own worth and the shadows of his past. The balance of action, emotion, and spice is spot-on.
I thought this might wrap up as a duology, so the cliffhanger ending definitely surprised me… and now I’m counting the days until book three. A compelling, magical, and addictive continuation.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Tobias’ relationships with Azrael, Bastien, and Cirian deepen in a way that feels organic and emotionally earned. Their bond isn’t just physical, it’s magical, intimate, and woven right into the core of the plot. The poly dynamic works beautifully here; each man brings something unique to Tobias, and the way their connections intertwine adds real weight to the story.
The tension ramps up in all the right places, both from the growing threat of the Distortion and from Tobias’ internal struggle about his own worth and the shadows of his past. The balance of action, emotion, and spice is spot-on.
I thought this might wrap up as a duology, so the cliffhanger ending definitely surprised me… and now I’m counting the days until book three. A compelling, magical, and addictive continuation.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
November 21, 2025
Tobias and his amazing friends return in the second book of The Second Awakening. Tobias has the help of Bastien, his ex and a Reviled necromancer, Cirian, the Acolyte to the Hollowed Church and Azrael, his childhood best friend and now leader of the Unseen Rebellion. Tobias’s sister, Lynette, is at the center of the problems. So naturally they are on her trail but the Distortion seems to strike with impunity. Along the way, connections emerge and strengthen as the four become closer. Tobias’s mother really did a number on him and he begins to feel as if he is not enough. So many emotions and so little time to work on them as they strive to prevent a devastating incident.
Wow, this was one exciting and tense book. There is so much going on and each page brings a new revelation from prophesies to selfish motives. The twists and turns will keep you glued to the pages, wondering what will happen next. I really, really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what will transpire next. Start with the first book though.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Wow, this was one exciting and tense book. There is so much going on and each page brings a new revelation from prophesies to selfish motives. The twists and turns will keep you glued to the pages, wondering what will happen next. I really, really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what will transpire next. Start with the first book though.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
It's taken me a few days to come back to write this review after finishing Better Off Dead because I needed some time to reflect. My conclusion is it's most likely a me thing as, although I love all the component parts, I admit to struggling a little about a third of the way in or so. That said, I'm so glad I stuck with it because the payoff was great.
We pick up directly after the events of the first book in the series and things are certainly in turmoil after the realisation that the big bad is much closer to home than Tobias wanted to admit. It's a good job he has the support and love of his three closest friends who are fast becoming more…again, as they all shared a connection with Tobi in his first life.
I liked that I got a richer understanding of the magical workings and The Source through lots of nice expansion of the world building; as well as learning more about those personal connections as more of Tobi’s memories are revealed to him. No spoilers, too, but there's an emotional rollercoaster to ride and a wild chase to navigate before the MCs find their way an exciting close to this part of the story arc…but it seems this is not the end of the adventure for Tobias, Bastien, Azrael and Cirian. I'm already looking forward to book three. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
We pick up directly after the events of the first book in the series and things are certainly in turmoil after the realisation that the big bad is much closer to home than Tobias wanted to admit. It's a good job he has the support and love of his three closest friends who are fast becoming more…again, as they all shared a connection with Tobi in his first life.
I liked that I got a richer understanding of the magical workings and The Source through lots of nice expansion of the world building; as well as learning more about those personal connections as more of Tobi’s memories are revealed to him. No spoilers, too, but there's an emotional rollercoaster to ride and a wild chase to navigate before the MCs find their way an exciting close to this part of the story arc…but it seems this is not the end of the adventure for Tobias, Bastien, Azrael and Cirian. I'm already looking forward to book three. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
November 23, 2025
Definitely not better off dead this time
After Dead Wrong, Tobias' story continues to intrigue me. He's still struggling with his memories but he has Azzy, Cirian and Bastien to lean on and the bonds between him and each of them are growing stronger and becoming clearer to us.
The action is interspersed with moments between the four men, quiet times to just be, when everything around them is mayhem and murder. There aren't so many flashbacks this time but what we do learn from them is essential to the story.
It's a long book but the world building is very good, the characters are distinct, and the mysteries keep piling up. I was engaged throughout and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
It could do with proof reading because the story deserves better, just like Dead Wrong. Written in the past tense, it changes to present tense at times, and pulled me out of the story.
Three and a half stars.
After Dead Wrong, Tobias' story continues to intrigue me. He's still struggling with his memories but he has Azzy, Cirian and Bastien to lean on and the bonds between him and each of them are growing stronger and becoming clearer to us.
The action is interspersed with moments between the four men, quiet times to just be, when everything around them is mayhem and murder. There aren't so many flashbacks this time but what we do learn from them is essential to the story.
It's a long book but the world building is very good, the characters are distinct, and the mysteries keep piling up. I was engaged throughout and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
It could do with proof reading because the story deserves better, just like Dead Wrong. Written in the past tense, it changes to present tense at times, and pulled me out of the story.
Three and a half stars.
November 2, 2025
3/5. And don’t go thinking because that three is there that that means I didn’t love this with my whole heart. That would be incorrect of you. This story just gets better and better with each chapter. The characters and plot and depth and dimension and world… all of it, really, is absolutely stunning and I was impatient as all fuck for book two. But babe, I need you to get a better editor. Please. It was worth the struggle (in my unwanted opinion) to make it through the mechanics being shot to shit, but your work deserves better care and presentation. You deserve a truly spectacular tale to have its
moment
unburdened. A (really) pretty cover can only go so far in that regard. Everyone should grab this series with the most unyielding of grabby hands and absorb it, but the tattoo left from said imprinting should at the very least not resemble “No ragerts”. I’m gonna go sit in my gremlin corner and pout until the third book drops.
November 23, 2025
This second book in The Second Awakening Series didn't have as many eye-opening moments as the first, since Tobias has already uncovered much of his past, but there were still secrets to uncover and plenty of tension. The relationships between Tobias and his guys continue to expand and deepen, and there were enough twists and surprises to keep me rapidly turning pages to see what would happen next. This was an excellent read, and I am eager to see how things progress from here. As a side note, you need to have read the first book, Dead Wrong, to have full understanding and enjoyment of this one, and the story doesn't end here, so be prepared to wait for another book(s) to complete the tale.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
November 16, 2025
4 stars
I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, without the complex political intrigue of the first book, it just didn’t deliver. Here, while Tobias is still uncovering some secrets, it is clear that he knows most of his past. Romantic interests are getting stronger, and some storylines are ties up here, but there’s still a major cliffhanger in this novel. A lot of this storyline felt rushed, like it might have been better as two novels instead of just one. I’m not sure what future novels will bring, but I hope the author with take his time and give the story the detail, worldbuilding, and patience it deserves.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, without the complex political intrigue of the first book, it just didn’t deliver. Here, while Tobias is still uncovering some secrets, it is clear that he knows most of his past. Romantic interests are getting stronger, and some storylines are ties up here, but there’s still a major cliffhanger in this novel. A lot of this storyline felt rushed, like it might have been better as two novels instead of just one. I’m not sure what future novels will bring, but I hope the author with take his time and give the story the detail, worldbuilding, and patience it deserves.
Thanks to GRR for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 17, 2025
This was a compelling and engaging continuation of the Second Awakening series, and I totally devoured it. The story is complex and I had to go back to book 1 to remind myself of some details before diving in, but it was well worth it. Watching Tobias' evolving relationship with Azzy, Bastien and Cirian was lovely, and the connections forming between the 4 men made sense - the poly relationship really makes sense here. I had thought this was to be a 2 book series, but it ends on a cliffhanger - hopefully #3 comes out soon!
December 6, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Better Off Dead is the second book in Alexander C. Eberhart’s excellent Second Awakening series. This story continues directly following the events of Dead Wrong and so the book and this review will have spoilers for that first story. I am really enjoying this series and definitely recommend checking it out, starting with the first book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Better Off Dead is the second book in Alexander C. Eberhart’s excellent Second Awakening series. This story continues directly following the events of Dead Wrong and so the book and this review will have spoilers for that first story. I am really enjoying this series and definitely recommend checking it out, starting with the first book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 2, 2025
if I could give this series more than five stars I would. it has everything, intriguing characters that have depth to them that make you love and hate them at the same time and a storyline that is so intense that I cannot put the book down. I typically do not like books that end on cliffhangers but I am so wrapped up in this storyline that I will definitely be getting the next book as soon as it comes out.
November 21, 2025
Great continuation of the series
Tobias is alive and everything is in turmoil.
He's slowly recovering his memories and it's becoming increasingly clear that the responsabile party behind everything is closer than he knew.
His connection to Azzy, Bastian and Cirian
is becoming stronger as they slowly get to know one another better.
This series has amazing world building and an intriguing plot.
Tobias is alive and everything is in turmoil.
He's slowly recovering his memories and it's becoming increasingly clear that the responsabile party behind everything is closer than he knew.
His connection to Azzy, Bastian and Cirian
is becoming stronger as they slowly get to know one another better.
This series has amazing world building and an intriguing plot.
November 27, 2025
I love the character of Toby and his three guys and really enjoyed the development of each individual character here as well as the various connections between and among them. What is really keeping me coming back to this series is the feeling that the author has thought through where this complicated plot is going and I can safely appreciate all the twists and turns knowing that things will come together at the end in a satisfying way.
November 3, 2025
Ok I loved these guys, especially Tobias and Azzy. But holy smokes, this series is intense. I hope these five men will eventually get their happy ending because we aren’t there yet. I was on the edge of my seat for this and now I am waiting for the next book so I can see how this turns out!
November 21, 2025
Another highly enjoyable page turner. These wonderfully well-written characters took me on a roller-coaster ride of excitement. This series is so freaking good.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*
November 21, 2025
He has managed to use his chance of a second life to find his sister and deal with the terrible things his family did. He now just needs to find the ones behind it all and stop them causing trouble all over again. He will need all the help he can so see who will aid him in this new fight
December 4, 2025
I enjoyed book one in this series, which you must read before this one. I liked getting to know the guys a bit better. Things get intense for them in this book, and there is a set-up for future books. I'm looking forward to it!
December 8, 2025
We get more from Tobias, whose secrets are ones he wamts to remember. The twists and surprises had me flipping pages fast to see what would happen next, and with the guys stepping in to help, the story keeps you right on the edge.
December 16, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this new one from Alexander Eberhardt! It is a continuation of The Second Awakening series and must be read in order. This one was just as good as the first one and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
October 6, 2025
Better Off Dead? More like better off bred.... I'll see myself out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
Very engaging book!!!
December 5, 2025
This remains and engaging read. Beware of the cliffhanger
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews