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The Path of the Chosen Ones
The thrilling sequel to The Path of Lies and Riddles.
Khrian and Souri are finally reunited… but their misery seems to have only just begun.
Drinking Tanarus’s blood changes Khrian so much that Souri barely recognizes her own brother. In an attempt to protect him against the bad intentions of a wicked demon, she uses powers that draw everyone’s attention, forcing her and Khrian to flee from Kàyro. Hayk and Tanarus take them to the land of the Nephilim, where they hope to find answers to their many questions. But the more they learn, the more Souri wonders if she would have been better off remaining ignorant.
There seems to be no escape from their fate...
Khrian and Souri are finally reunited… but their misery seems to have only just begun.
Drinking Tanarus’s blood changes Khrian so much that Souri barely recognizes her own brother. In an attempt to protect him against the bad intentions of a wicked demon, she uses powers that draw everyone’s attention, forcing her and Khrian to flee from Kàyro. Hayk and Tanarus take them to the land of the Nephilim, where they hope to find answers to their many questions. But the more they learn, the more Souri wonders if she would have been better off remaining ignorant.
There seems to be no escape from their fate...
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2025
About the author
J.N.M. Verboekend
6 books4 followersJ.N.M. (Judith) Verboekend (1987) grew up in Montfoort, the Netherlands.
In 2020, she moved to Belgium with her husband and two children.
Judith writes fantasy and romantasy with a dark edge. Her books are characterized by complex (morally gray) characters, plot twists, political intrigue, and cliffhangers that leave you with a hangover.
Judith writes in both Dutch and English.
In 2020, she moved to Belgium with her husband and two children.
Judith writes fantasy and romantasy with a dark edge. Her books are characterized by complex (morally gray) characters, plot twists, political intrigue, and cliffhangers that leave you with a hangover.
Judith writes in both Dutch and English.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 17, 2026
3.5 sterren
June 10, 2026
If you thought book one ended with enough drama to fuel a small apocalypse, buckle up, because this sequel picks up exactly where we left off and immediately throws you back into the fire.
Souri has finally found her brother Khrian, but the universe clearly said “no rest for the wicked,” because the siblings have been snatched up by a group of demons (including Hayk) and hunted by angels. Casual. As it turns out, they’re not just regular fugitives; they’re hybrids, carrying both angel and demon blood, and just starting to figure out what kind of terrifyingly cool powers come with that. Nothing like a little identity crisis while being chased by celestial murder-machines 🙆🏼♀️
Their journey toward the city of the Chosen Ones is full of danger, tension, and the kind of high-stakes fantasy chaos that makes you forget you were supposed to go to bed two hours ago. But listen… the moment Souri adopted the hellhound Arrangar, I was gone. Fully committed. Honestly? If you give a girl a hellhound, I’m legally obligated to like your book. It’s them rules.
And now for the plot twist I never thought I’d admit:
I’ve warmed up to Hayk…
I know. I’m stunned too. I passionately disliked him last time, but here? I can’t even blame the guy. Growth is real, character development is spicy, and I’m just over here eating my words.
Meanwhile, Liron, sweet, stubborn, very stressed Liron, is busy hunting down his missing girlfriend. When he finally catches up, he’s forced to realize that the girl he loves isn’t the same anymore. She’s drinking blood to survive, she’s manifesting angel-like powers, and she’s tied to secrets that go way beyond anything he signed up for. And maybe, just maybe, his own family tree has a few surprise branches too…
All in all, this was a thrilling sequel: darker, faster, and full of revelations. I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book, because if the ending of this one is anything to go by? We’ve only seen a fraction of the chaos to come!!
Souri has finally found her brother Khrian, but the universe clearly said “no rest for the wicked,” because the siblings have been snatched up by a group of demons (including Hayk) and hunted by angels. Casual. As it turns out, they’re not just regular fugitives; they’re hybrids, carrying both angel and demon blood, and just starting to figure out what kind of terrifyingly cool powers come with that. Nothing like a little identity crisis while being chased by celestial murder-machines 🙆🏼♀️
Their journey toward the city of the Chosen Ones is full of danger, tension, and the kind of high-stakes fantasy chaos that makes you forget you were supposed to go to bed two hours ago. But listen… the moment Souri adopted the hellhound Arrangar, I was gone. Fully committed. Honestly? If you give a girl a hellhound, I’m legally obligated to like your book. It’s them rules.
And now for the plot twist I never thought I’d admit:
I’ve warmed up to Hayk…
I know. I’m stunned too. I passionately disliked him last time, but here? I can’t even blame the guy. Growth is real, character development is spicy, and I’m just over here eating my words.
Meanwhile, Liron, sweet, stubborn, very stressed Liron, is busy hunting down his missing girlfriend. When he finally catches up, he’s forced to realize that the girl he loves isn’t the same anymore. She’s drinking blood to survive, she’s manifesting angel-like powers, and she’s tied to secrets that go way beyond anything he signed up for. And maybe, just maybe, his own family tree has a few surprise branches too…
All in all, this was a thrilling sequel: darker, faster, and full of revelations. I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book, because if the ending of this one is anything to go by? We’ve only seen a fraction of the chaos to come!!
January 22, 2026
The story continues right where the first book, “The Path of Lies and Riddles,” left off & the transition was electric, to say the least!
The second instalment in this series doesn’t just expand the worldbuilding, it deepens it! The tension between angels & demons floating around ominously felt like every quiet moment was deliberately put in place, like the calm before the storm.
Lately, I’ve felt drawn to darker genres of literature — morally grey characters, frightening scenes & the omnipresent balance between what’s right & wrong — & this one was no exception! The atmosphere is utterly intoxicating, broody & mystifying, embracing the pages until they become one. The delicate & immersive writing shows that dark fantasy might be heavy, but will nonetheless always find a way to settle into the darkest parts of your heart.
The way my connection to the characters evolved, however, took me by complete surprise. Let’s say I didn’t particularly like some of them in the beginning (yes, Tanarus & Hayk, I’m talking about you!) But the more details they shared about their origins, their motives & what they’ve been through, the harder it gets to resist them.
On that note, I can’t deny any longer that I fell head over heels for Hayk. Hard-headed, steady & focused are only a few words to describe this beautiful man.
Despite the heavy bond with his twin sister, Tanarus, his interactions with Souri at times are simply breath-taking. Watching him tear down his walls slowly, piece by piece, is utterly satisfying & I can’t wait to see what will transpire once they’re all torn down.
One of the many quotes that managed to get under my skin was: “You think I’m a monster, don’t you?” He was taken aback by her direct question. “I…” She didn’t let him finish. “I can’t blame you. I suppose that is what I am. What I will become.”
This one moment holds everything that made me devour this book. The intensity of it all, the way characters see themselves & others, but also — that it is more than okay to stand out.
This series (& this book) didn’t just pull me in. They summoned me. And I?
I answered.
And so should you!
I would like to thank the author for this ARC & for trusting me with this story.
The second instalment in this series doesn’t just expand the worldbuilding, it deepens it! The tension between angels & demons floating around ominously felt like every quiet moment was deliberately put in place, like the calm before the storm.
Lately, I’ve felt drawn to darker genres of literature — morally grey characters, frightening scenes & the omnipresent balance between what’s right & wrong — & this one was no exception! The atmosphere is utterly intoxicating, broody & mystifying, embracing the pages until they become one. The delicate & immersive writing shows that dark fantasy might be heavy, but will nonetheless always find a way to settle into the darkest parts of your heart.
The way my connection to the characters evolved, however, took me by complete surprise. Let’s say I didn’t particularly like some of them in the beginning (yes, Tanarus & Hayk, I’m talking about you!) But the more details they shared about their origins, their motives & what they’ve been through, the harder it gets to resist them.
On that note, I can’t deny any longer that I fell head over heels for Hayk. Hard-headed, steady & focused are only a few words to describe this beautiful man.
Despite the heavy bond with his twin sister, Tanarus, his interactions with Souri at times are simply breath-taking. Watching him tear down his walls slowly, piece by piece, is utterly satisfying & I can’t wait to see what will transpire once they’re all torn down.
One of the many quotes that managed to get under my skin was: “You think I’m a monster, don’t you?” He was taken aback by her direct question. “I…” She didn’t let him finish. “I can’t blame you. I suppose that is what I am. What I will become.”
This one moment holds everything that made me devour this book. The intensity of it all, the way characters see themselves & others, but also — that it is more than okay to stand out.
This series (& this book) didn’t just pull me in. They summoned me. And I?
I answered.
And so should you!
I would like to thank the author for this ARC & for trusting me with this story.
January 6, 2026
❗️OUT NOW❗️
Tropes: multiple POV, enemies to lovers, dark, magical creatures
✨“Take it or leave it” - Tanarus
_________________
🇺🇸 ENG review
🌺 QOTD: What are you reading right now?
Today I have a very special review, because @booksofmouse book came out today! Namely “the path of the chosen ones”. This is the second book in the “end of days” series.
✨What is it about?
In the first book, Souri was taken by a priest and some crazy priestess twins (Hayk and his twin Tanarus, Sirvat).
In this book, Khrian and Souri (brother and sister) are finally reunited… but their misery seems to have only just begun. Hayk says he wants to protect her, but at what cost? You don’t only follow Souri and Hayk’s perspective, but also a little bit from Khrian, which makes the book multiple POV. Also, there are a lot of new characters that you also follow!
Souri is having a hard time because she can’t recognize her brother because he changed a lot (if you want to know, you need to read the book, don’t want to spoil it😇). There seems to be no escape from their fate...
✨My opinion
Wow! I thought this book was great again! Judith has a pleasant writing style, which made me get through the pages so quickly. SO the world is deeply built and so are the characters! The story wasn’t too long-winded either and a real page-turner. I couldn’t stop reading!
I think I am team Hayk 😭 they just go well together in terms of humor. Souri is really my favorite character because she also stands up for her fellow human/demons mixed beings in difficult and tricky situations! Keep in mind it is also kind off dark- romance and fantasy, so read the trigger warnings.
I’m looking forward to the third part 🥳🥳
I’m giving of course: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❗️OUT NOW ❗️
Thanks for the copy @booksofmouse
__________
Tropes: multiple POV, enemies to lovers, dark, magical creatures
✨“Take it or leave it” - Tanarus
_________________
🇺🇸 ENG review
🌺 QOTD: What are you reading right now?
Today I have a very special review, because @booksofmouse book came out today! Namely “the path of the chosen ones”. This is the second book in the “end of days” series.
✨What is it about?
In the first book, Souri was taken by a priest and some crazy priestess twins (Hayk and his twin Tanarus, Sirvat).
In this book, Khrian and Souri (brother and sister) are finally reunited… but their misery seems to have only just begun. Hayk says he wants to protect her, but at what cost? You don’t only follow Souri and Hayk’s perspective, but also a little bit from Khrian, which makes the book multiple POV. Also, there are a lot of new characters that you also follow!
Souri is having a hard time because she can’t recognize her brother because he changed a lot (if you want to know, you need to read the book, don’t want to spoil it😇). There seems to be no escape from their fate...
✨My opinion
Wow! I thought this book was great again! Judith has a pleasant writing style, which made me get through the pages so quickly. SO the world is deeply built and so are the characters! The story wasn’t too long-winded either and a real page-turner. I couldn’t stop reading!
I think I am team Hayk 😭 they just go well together in terms of humor. Souri is really my favorite character because she also stands up for her fellow human/demons mixed beings in difficult and tricky situations! Keep in mind it is also kind off dark- romance and fantasy, so read the trigger warnings.
I’m looking forward to the third part 🥳🥳
I’m giving of course: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❗️OUT NOW ❗️
Thanks for the copy @booksofmouse
__________
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2026
First things first: the hardcover edition of part two of the End of Days series looks even better than the first book. Simply wow. The artwork is beautiful inside and out (even though I can't quite convince myself that the silhouette on the cover is actually walking the broken plains with his left foot hovering over that crevasse). The gold corners are a lovely touch, and somehow it seems the author has manually signed each and every copy herself. Again, simply wow. This is truly outstanding publishing work.
On a more critical note: while I enjoyed the overall story and was far less frustrated by the prose than in the first book, I still struggle with every single character speaking, acting and thinking in exactly the same way. The same limited vocabulary, the same linear and repetitive thoughts, the same swear words, the same teenage reactions. I truly hope there's still time to address this before the series loses my interest. Come to think of it, I have no idea how many books are planned for End of Days. Let's see.
That said, the world-building progresses at a nice, steady pace, though I couldn't help but smirk from time to time at the clichés mixed with genuine inventiveness and the hodgepodge of well-known theological figures. I'm happy with some old and new characters being (re-)introduced, which actually makes me look forward to book three.
Let's see what comes next!
On a more critical note: while I enjoyed the overall story and was far less frustrated by the prose than in the first book, I still struggle with every single character speaking, acting and thinking in exactly the same way. The same limited vocabulary, the same linear and repetitive thoughts, the same swear words, the same teenage reactions. I truly hope there's still time to address this before the series loses my interest. Come to think of it, I have no idea how many books are planned for End of Days. Let's see.
That said, the world-building progresses at a nice, steady pace, though I couldn't help but smirk from time to time at the clichés mixed with genuine inventiveness and the hodgepodge of well-known theological figures. I'm happy with some old and new characters being (re-)introduced, which actually makes me look forward to book three.
Let's see what comes next!
December 26, 2025
Before diving into The Path of the Chosen Ones, I reread the first book — a Path of Lies and Riddles. The transition from one to two was so seamless, it felt as if I had never left Judith’s beautifully crafted world. The story picks up effortlessly and continues to build on the rich foundations laid in part one.
This second installment is the continuation of the journey that Souri, Khrian and Liron are taking throughout Kàyro. However some new storylines are added as well. At first, the new characters felt like a distraction from the journeys I was eager to continue, but as the chapters flew by they grew on me, and I found myself just as invested in their paths as in Souri’s and Khrians. Judith has a talent for making the new threads feel meaningful rather than distracting.
The plot keeps expanding in depth and tension, and before you know it, you’re turning the final pages, only to be met with another cliffhanger. Now I’m impatiently waiting for part three. Judith, please continue writing, I need to know how this story goes on!
This second installment is the continuation of the journey that Souri, Khrian and Liron are taking throughout Kàyro. However some new storylines are added as well. At first, the new characters felt like a distraction from the journeys I was eager to continue, but as the chapters flew by they grew on me, and I found myself just as invested in their paths as in Souri’s and Khrians. Judith has a talent for making the new threads feel meaningful rather than distracting.
The plot keeps expanding in depth and tension, and before you know it, you’re turning the final pages, only to be met with another cliffhanger. Now I’m impatiently waiting for part three. Judith, please continue writing, I need to know how this story goes on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews