Reign Breaker

Painted Wind #2

by J.J. Fischer

In a world of shape-shifting monsters, who can be trusted?

Despite the prophecy that changed her life forever, former gravedigger Rigan North has found love with the man of her dreams. But a peaceful future isn’t yet within reach. Hunted by two rival kings and sought by Jardians and Calidorians alike as the symbol of a new rebellion, Rigan struggles to find her place, increasingly drawn to the Shro Khan’s siren song. How will her child save the world if Rigan cannot resist the monsters’ call?

Leagues away, Isel has grown up in a sheltered monastery as the daughter of a monk. All she desires is to live an ordinary life with her books, but her uncanny resemblance to the so-called Reign Breaker and her unusual ability to detect the Shro Khan’s presence tears her from her home and thrusts her into a world of intrigue, power struggles, and deadly secrets. Kept captive by Jardia’s king, her only true ally is melancholy, wheelchair-bound Crown Prince Soren, the Reign Breaker’s brother-in-law and a brilliant, dangerous man. But Soren’s destiny is not his own, either, and with ambiguous prophecies linking his name to hers, the path to save the Twin Kingdoms may forever diverge from the path that sets Isel free.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 16, 2026

About the author

Jasmine’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals she painstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five, to rather limited acclaim. Thankfully, her writing (but not her drawing) has improved since then. She is a clinically-trained psychologist but no, she cannot read your mind. When she isn’t killing defenseless house plants, Jasmine enjoys devouring books, dabbling in floristry, playing the piano, eating peanut butter out of the jar, and wishing it rained more often. Jasmine is married to David, and together they make their home a couple of hours’ north of Sydney, Australia, where they live to satisfy the every whim of their ginger overlord cat, Simba.

Reviews

[Chloë Mali · Rating 5 out of 5]

RAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHH THAT ENDING WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MYSELFFFFFF
I’ve never read a J.J. Fischer book I didn’t absolutely devour and adore and of course Reign Breaker is no exception. Will be here twiddling my thumbs and agonizing until the next book comes out. Please send help.

[Camille Mosemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting that cliffhanger ending! Oh. My. Worddddddddddd!

I think it’s safe to say that Reign Breaker might have surpassed The Heart of the King in favorites! While I enjoyed revisiting Rigan and Corcoran, Soren really intrigued me in book 1 and I was so excited to learn more about it him! Isel was also so fun to get to know! I really loved her gentle spirit and kind heart and the way she contrasted Rigan was so masterfully portrayed by J.J. Fischer! Also on a side note, I love how Cor and Ri are still growing and that they are still such a vital part of this book!

I spent this entire book trying to figure out who to trust and what on earth was going on between the Shro Khan and the Twin Kingdoms (the last five chapters really threw me for a loop 😂). The political intrigue in this series is top tier and I’m so glad these books are releasing close together so we don’t have to wait too long! The pacing was spot on and I really enjoyed seeing side characters from the first book blended so seamlessly together with the new POVs and characters!

The subtle faith threads that manifested themselves in this story were so well done! I really resonated with both Isel and Soren feeling like they aren’t enough and I can’t wait for them to continue to draw closer to the Divine Will!

I dying to see what happens next to Rigan, Corcoran, Soren, and Isel! Looking forward to purchasing a physical copy of this stunning book for my shelves!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Painted Wind Series by J. J. Fischer, "Reign Breaker" is a really compelling fantasy story filled with some crazy twists and turns. This is a continuation of the first book, so please read Book 1 before picking this one up...you won't be sorry! This book builds upon the first and leaves the reader on a cliffhanger that will have you gasping for the next book to come out.

"Reign Breaker" alternates between the points of view from Rigan and Corcoran, then to Crown Prince Soren and Isel. It's easy to follow this multiple point of view book and this one definitely kept me at the edge of my seat while reading it! All of the characters are complex and trying to figure out what is best for the people in their care.

I really like the worldbuilding and detail that Fischer puts into her books. She's created quite a few villains with the evil Shro Khan and how they manipulate people into doing evil things. Plus some that are just bad entirely on their own.

I loved the little animal friend Isel made...I really hope to see more of it and wish I could have one of my own. It's fierce and cute and just adds a bit of lightness to the story.

I'm really looking forward to the next books in the series! I think there will be 4 total and they need to be out already!

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Fischer’s Painted Wind series. I highly recommend that if you have not read the first book yet, The Heart of the King, you should read it before this one so you’re acquainted with the world Fischer has created, and know who the main characters are. And if you don’t like books ending with all sorts of cliffhangers, you may want to put of reading Reign Breaker until Fischer has finished the series.

The first book was not a relaxing read, and I think this one is even worse. There are moments of calm when relationships are moving in the right direction, there are new characters to get to know, and there is a really fun new animal introduced (I want one!) However, calm breaks are few and far between, the evil Shro Khan are making too much headway, and most of the characters spend more time in conflict with their friends than working together to combat the enemy.

The book is very well written, but I sure hope books 3 and 4 come out real soon!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torture of the mind and soul, that’s what the ending of this book is. And I knew it - knew - this book would end by ripping out my heart and leaving it dangling from a cliff, but I still read it. And it was so worth it.

Although I was already anticipating Reign Breaker after Heart of the King, from the very first page Fischer blew my expectations out of the water. The added POVs widened the worlds of Calidore and Jardia in incredible ways, deepening the lore and history and making me want to know even more.

The unfolding plot kept me glued to the page, both with things I predicted and plot twists that dropped my jaw. With the continued presence of beloved side characters from Heart of the King and new ones, woven together with themes of forgiveness, trust, and what doing life together truly means, this book - despite the cliffhanger - is not one you want to wait to read.

I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Debs Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sleepy. I have been up late every night since Reign Breaker arrived. Seriously, I could not put it down. I loved the first book and there are definitely quite a few new introductions into Book 2 that leave me excited for Book 3. I especially loved getting to know Soren and Isel who are so very different from Rigan and Corcoran. I am excited at the possibility of those four fighting together and about an entirely new race that enters the story. I'm also looking forward to seeing Shro Khan defeated. We get a better glimpse of the bad guys. I don't like 'em. Like every other JJ Fischer book I've read you can expect complex characters, deep themes, chracters you can't help but root for and lots of impossible situations.

[Hannah Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting more and more intriguing, and utterly captivating. I love how book two continues with the main characters' stories from book one, but also adds in some new characters, who had me totally invested from the moment they were introduced. Incredible writing, moments that made me laugh, soooo many scenes I couldn't stop reading. Cannot WAIT to see where this story goes from here! If you enjoy epic fantasy reads, sweet romances, well-formed characters you totally want to befriend (or steer well clear of!) and prophesies that keep you guessing but utterly captivated, definitely check out this series.

I received an early copy of the book from the publisher and my thoughts are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Although I wanted to throttle my favorite ex-gravedigger a few times, I loved learning more about Isel, and I’m definitely a Soren fan now. Loved seeing him come into his own and discover his own potential. Lots of great twists and intrigue. I’m ready for them to get a bit of a breather though 😅

I received an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Reign Breaker by JJ Fischer

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel which begins where The Heart of the King left off.

Danger is everywhere. Characters face difficulties. Yet, there’s also a thread of hope woven throughout.

I love the multiple POVS, the characters all feel real, and the plot gets even more wonderfully complex with unexpected twists! It’s such a good book! Highly recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Julia N White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic book by an amazing author!

More detailed review coming soon!!!!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Reign Breaker would be a dynamic continuation of the Painted Wind series, and it did not disappoint! J.J. Fischer has created a fantasy world that both captivates with the imagery and inspires with the faith and pursuit of peace. The romances are sweet and layered with some unexpected twists. The introduction of Isel as a major character in the plot development was an excellent call. I loved Isel and all that she brought to the story. I was already excited to learn more about Soren from the first book and I really enjoyed getting to know more of his story. The dual storyline with Rigan and Corcoran (fan favs from the first book) and the introduction of Isel and Soren (quite possibly new favs) is creating quite the buildup of what is to come. There is a significant cliff hanger, and the tension is quite thick with all the characters involved, but I know it will all weave together beautifully as the story unfolds (although I would love the next book in my hands, like yesterday).
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book continues the epic adventure of the Painted Wind series! You have to read the first book (in my opinion) to have any idea what is fully happening. This story gives us more perspectives from the lead characters. I LOVE that the author is continuing to dive into the lives of Rigan and Corcoran and setting up the plot to continue with Soren. Isel is my favorite out of every single person in this series so far. She is like a breath of fresh air and light to a pretty dark kingdom. There is swoony romance and humor, battles and new relationship issues, and of course the darkness of the Khan that is seeping further into the kingdom. I simply couldn't put this story down and even with the extra plot lines and perspectives it flowed wonderfully. The ending leaves you on one heck of a cliffhanger and now we have to wait for book three! I love this series and I highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy fiction!

Five Stars.

"I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own."