The Prince of Power and Lies

by Rachael Staudt

The Prince of Power and Lies is book 2 of the Smoke and Shadows Series

536 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

Reviews

[Bethany Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a huge fan of the first book I had very high hopes for the sequel and was not disappointed in the slightest with the ARC copy. The characters have continued to grow, the plot is progressing in alignment with book one yet isn't predictable or boring, it goes slow through the best parts you want to soak in while skipping ahead when it's needed, and the imagery conjured by Rachael is magnificent. Best of all, she is able to follow the "rules/lore" she has created that govern her world when telling her beautiful story. Just like the first, it does not feel like I am reading a 500 page book. I sincerely hope to read much more about Reign and her party of brave adventurers. Now, down with King Cimmerian!

[Tifany Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After absolutely loving book 1, I was excited to not have to wait too long to get my hands on book 2… esp when book 1 ended with such a cliffhanger. I thought I had an idea of what book 2’s plot would entail, but I was wrong on all accounts in the best way possible. Without giving anything away, I particularly love how this author writes in a way that you can picture the story perfectly in your head, with vivid detail… yet not so much detail that you get bored by it. Also, I love how the plot is constantly evolving and moving. I felt like I went on quite an adventure in my imagination while reading this book. I also particularly liked that it was written in 3 parts.. it truly felt like I read 3 books in one when I got to the end because so much happens in each part. The character development in this book was top notch! I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the final book. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read all year !

[Michelle Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved book 1 and was anxiously awaiting book 2 and it did not disappoint. Book 2 is somehow even better than book 1. If you love Forth Wing, ACOTAR and TOG, you will love this series. The pace never slows, the character development is exceptional and the will they won’t they tension is palpable throughout. I love that the love triangle isn’t the focus of the story, rather Reign is the focus. Will be dreaming of skycaps until the next book release.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I'm so thankful since I didn't have to wait long after reading the first book recently! I lovedddd this book! The first book really took off around the halfway point for me. This book was hard for me to put down the whole way through.

I really enjoyed how this book grew off the first one and I appreciate the authors creativity. I love the magic and the uniqueness of it.

It's also refreshing that the characters communicate pretty well (obviously there is some info withheld, etc) but some books get so frustrating with the lack of communication/misunderstanding that goes on for sooo long.

I still have not recovered from the ending 😭 already can't wait for book 3!

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved book 2 of this series! It continued the story right where the cliffhanger of book 1 leaves off. The author’s creativity and world building amazes me! One of my favorite aspects of book 2 was getting the additional POV from one of the characters. The ending had me in tears and I’m dying for book 3 to come out!

[jazfam1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my absolute favorite series so far and this book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. And the ending!!! Rachael is such an incredible writer especially with these being her debut novels. I highly recommend that you read this series ASAP! Book 1 was fantastic and Book 2 left me speechless. I can’t wait for Book 3!!!

[Summer Rostad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, and couldn’t wait to dive in! The world that Rachael has created is captivating and spellbinding, with rich character development. Great sequel to the first book!

[Bri Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a MAJOR fan of the world Rachael has created! If you loved Fourth Wing, Spellcaster, Shield of Sparrows, or anything in that realm, you’ll absolutely LOVE this too. Watching Reign grow into herself and following all the twists and turns of the storyline made it nearly impossible to put down. I’ll be impatiently waiting for Book 3!

[Haili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought book one had me hooked, but book two has me in a full chokehold. I need book three immediatelyyy!

This sequel takes everything in the first book and deepens it on a much larger scale. The plot is dense in the best way, constantly moving forward and raising the stakes. Nothing feels stagnant. Every revelation pushes the story into darker, more dangerous territory, and just when you think you’ve caught your footing, the ground shifts again.

Reign’s growth is massive. She’s still raw and scarred, but stronger, sharper, and learning what it truly means to survive in a world built to break her. The yearning, the tension, the emotional weight, it all hits harder here. Relationships evolve, trust is tested, and some moments genuinely wreckedddd me. I’m still not over certain moments, and I don’t think I ever will be.

The world building is phenomenal. The Realms feel expansive and alive, with looming threats casting a shadow over everything. Rachael truly has a gift for making each setting vivid and cinematic without slowing the pacing, which makes the book impossible to put down.

I also have to say how amazing it’s been, as a reader, to get these books so close together. Being able to stay immersed in this world without a long wait has been such a gift, especially for a series this emotionally consuming.

This book shattered me, rebuilt me, and then shattered me again. This is the kind of sequel that asks you to feel everything alongside the characters, and it doesn’t hold back. That ending left me breathless, heartbroken, and counting down the seconds until the announcement of book three.

[Amber Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster! Reign had a journey of finding and accepting herself and leaning to appreciate life and that it is okay to be selfish sometimes. Th patience of our prince is admirable and I liked that we got his POV in this book. I loved seeing the new found family members and seeing their relationships develop with our FMC. There were times the plot was slow in this book versus the last book but it was necessary for our FMC’s character development. I’m happy about her romantic choice and am so glad she stopped fighting herself. Th ending was absolutely devastating and I cannot imagine this story progressing after what happened. Things are going to go dark in the next book and we may have a role reversal with light and dark but I know our man will continue to be the rock and safe place for her. Ugh, why though! I’m going to have to sit and process this one for a minute.

[Phillip And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely liked this book more than the first. The characters were more developed and you really get more in depth into their world. It is a way better feel into the ARC of the story. I’m excited for the next book to see how everything goes more into their journey and how they all start to develop even more.

[Dee Nighswonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just devoured this book! I was anxiously awaiting book two after loving The King of Smoke and Shadows. This one has me shook in the best way! I love the character development and just when you think you know where the story is heading...Bring on book 3!!!

[Rachel Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending!!! I can’t wait for book 3!!! It’s soo freaking good! The love triangle makes your heart yearn! I love both Ryder and Damien! Seriously, will read again and it will live in my head!! Amazing!!!

[Amanda Aveiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book better than the first. Fast paced and lots of interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters and deepening of the different relationships. Be warned… it ends in a major cliffhanger!

[Mikayla Kitsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good series!!