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Darkness Reigns #2
Below
Upon every world, in each galaxy, across the entire universe, the stars rule.
After discovering a life-altering betrayal, Nova Tershetta has found herself with no family and no allies—apart from one. Running was a rash decision, the likes of which she never makes, and now she must face the consequences. As Dajahim teeters on the brink of civil war amidst the building purist agenda and growing rebellion, Nova will be pushed to the edge of her limits and forced to finally choose which side of herself she will fight for, all while Azazel Altair stands at her side. Yet, the enemy she will have to trust harbors secrets of his own, and the rebels have left his hands tied. Even amongst the pain and struggle, the stars eagerly await their promised chaos. If Nova and Azazel don't provide it, then the almighty rulers above will create it themselves.
Can they both fight the beliefs they once held in order to save their world? Or will they, like so many before them, find that Dajahim is not a safe place for those who wish to challenge the mold the purists have crafted?
After discovering a life-altering betrayal, Nova Tershetta has found herself with no family and no allies—apart from one. Running was a rash decision, the likes of which she never makes, and now she must face the consequences. As Dajahim teeters on the brink of civil war amidst the building purist agenda and growing rebellion, Nova will be pushed to the edge of her limits and forced to finally choose which side of herself she will fight for, all while Azazel Altair stands at her side. Yet, the enemy she will have to trust harbors secrets of his own, and the rebels have left his hands tied. Even amongst the pain and struggle, the stars eagerly await their promised chaos. If Nova and Azazel don't provide it, then the almighty rulers above will create it themselves.
Can they both fight the beliefs they once held in order to save their world? Or will they, like so many before them, find that Dajahim is not a safe place for those who wish to challenge the mold the purists have crafted?
First published July 31, 2026
About the author
Brea Lamb
5 books275 followersBrea has been obsessively reading since she was six years old, consuming any and all books she could get her hands on. Thus sparked the dream of creating something similar – a book that would make readers cry and laugh and smile and feel all those big emotions that she did. At nine-years-old, she wrote her first book. Over the years she would write many more, but it was not until Of Night and Blood that she finally felt the book she dreamed of writing had come to life. Since then, she has poured her soul into many more stories and has found herself in the process.
She spends her time advocating for human rights, drinking too much coffee, chasing around her children, and ordering new books for her endless TBR. She lives in the United States with her family
She spends her time advocating for human rights, drinking too much coffee, chasing around her children, and ordering new books for her endless TBR. She lives in the United States with her family
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August 12, 2026
“ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ᴡɪɴɴᴇʀ ʀɪꜱᴇꜱ?”
“…ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ʀᴇɪɢɴ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴇʀʀᴏʀ ɪꜱ ʙᴜɪʟᴛ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʟᴅ.”
Brea tosses us right back into the flames of the fire she set ablaze at the end of Above.
And somehow, Below manages to burn even deeper.
The first book was a story about systems: power, propaganda, oppression, and the ways people justify cruelty in the name of a “better” world.
But this book is about what comes after.
It is about grief. Loss. The quiet devastation of surviving something that changes you forever.
Because what happens when you lose everything?
Where do you go when the person you were before the pain no longer exists?
The hardest part of surviving a broken world isn’t escaping it.
It’s learning how to live with what it has taken from you.
Nova’s journey in this book broke my heart in a completely different way. In Above, we watched her fight against a world determined to erase her. But here, we watch her navigate the aftermath — the anger, the grief, and the impossible choices that come with trying to rebuild yourself.
Brea writes grief in a way that feels painfully human. It is messy. It is complicated. It does not move in a straight line.
And yet, even in her darkest moments, Nova’s resilience remains.
And then there’s Azazel….
I truly did not expect to feel the way I did about him after Above. A character I once wanted to throw into the void somehow became one of the most fascinating parts of this story.
Watching him question everything he was taught for years was one of my favorite parts of this book. After a lifetime of being told what to believe, who to hate, and who he was supposed to become, he finally has the chance to ask:
“Who am I when all of that is taken away?”
And honestly, there is something painfully familiar about that.
The way people can be shaped by fear, propaganda, and the environments they are raised in. The way harmful beliefs can become so deeply ingrained that breaking free from them feels impossible.
But Azazel does.
Watching him confront his childhood, his upbringing, and the person he was forced to become was one of the most rewarding parts of this story.
And then there’s the relationship.
Watching him discover what love actually means — not possession, not control, but trust, choice, and vulnerability — was one of the sweetest surprises.
Because he chooses her.
Not because he has to. Not because he owns her. But because he finally understands what love is.
The Azazel simping was REAL, and I stand by it.
This book is a story about healing, but it never pretends that healing is easy.
Instead, it reminds us that sometimes the hardest battles are not against the worlds that hurt us, but against the pieces of ourselves those worlds leave behind.
And that ending?
Brea truly knows how to leave a reader spiraling.
The revelations, the twists, watching Nova process everything that was thrown at her — I felt like my own mind was spinning alongside hers!!
Below doesn’t just continue Nova’s story.
It deepens it.
Because sometimes the greatest battle in a dystopia isn’t surviving the world that was built to break you.
It’s rebuilding yourself from the pieces it left behind.
Thank you so much to Brea Lamb for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this story. It has been such a privilege to watch Nova’s journey unfold, and I cannot wait to see where she is taken next.
After everything this world has put her through, I’m holding onto hope that the final chapter of her story will be just as devastating, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Until then…
I’ll be waiting in the darkness, ready to follow Nova wherever she goes.
“…ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ʀᴇɪɢɴ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴇʀʀᴏʀ ɪꜱ ʙᴜɪʟᴛ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʟᴅ.”
Brea tosses us right back into the flames of the fire she set ablaze at the end of Above.
And somehow, Below manages to burn even deeper.
The first book was a story about systems: power, propaganda, oppression, and the ways people justify cruelty in the name of a “better” world.
But this book is about what comes after.
It is about grief. Loss. The quiet devastation of surviving something that changes you forever.
Because what happens when you lose everything?
Where do you go when the person you were before the pain no longer exists?
The hardest part of surviving a broken world isn’t escaping it.
It’s learning how to live with what it has taken from you.
Nova’s journey in this book broke my heart in a completely different way. In Above, we watched her fight against a world determined to erase her. But here, we watch her navigate the aftermath — the anger, the grief, and the impossible choices that come with trying to rebuild yourself.
Brea writes grief in a way that feels painfully human. It is messy. It is complicated. It does not move in a straight line.
And yet, even in her darkest moments, Nova’s resilience remains.
And then there’s Azazel….
I truly did not expect to feel the way I did about him after Above. A character I once wanted to throw into the void somehow became one of the most fascinating parts of this story.
Watching him question everything he was taught for years was one of my favorite parts of this book. After a lifetime of being told what to believe, who to hate, and who he was supposed to become, he finally has the chance to ask:
“Who am I when all of that is taken away?”
And honestly, there is something painfully familiar about that.
The way people can be shaped by fear, propaganda, and the environments they are raised in. The way harmful beliefs can become so deeply ingrained that breaking free from them feels impossible.
But Azazel does.
Watching him confront his childhood, his upbringing, and the person he was forced to become was one of the most rewarding parts of this story.
And then there’s the relationship.
Watching him discover what love actually means — not possession, not control, but trust, choice, and vulnerability — was one of the sweetest surprises.
Because he chooses her.
Not because he has to. Not because he owns her. But because he finally understands what love is.
The Azazel simping was REAL, and I stand by it.
This book is a story about healing, but it never pretends that healing is easy.
Instead, it reminds us that sometimes the hardest battles are not against the worlds that hurt us, but against the pieces of ourselves those worlds leave behind.
And that ending?
Brea truly knows how to leave a reader spiraling.
The revelations, the twists, watching Nova process everything that was thrown at her — I felt like my own mind was spinning alongside hers!!
Below doesn’t just continue Nova’s story.
It deepens it.
Because sometimes the greatest battle in a dystopia isn’t surviving the world that was built to break you.
It’s rebuilding yourself from the pieces it left behind.
Thank you so much to Brea Lamb for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this story. It has been such a privilege to watch Nova’s journey unfold, and I cannot wait to see where she is taken next.
After everything this world has put her through, I’m holding onto hope that the final chapter of her story will be just as devastating, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Until then…
I’ll be waiting in the darkness, ready to follow Nova wherever she goes.
August 3, 2026
“To all the people who fear walking their own path. Who cower at the memory of times they’ve made mistakes or failed. The ones whose pasts are dark and futures are unknown. Every one of you that wonder if it’s worth it to fight for better. You might have fallen, but I promise you will rise again.”
Below picks up right where we left off. War is coming, rebellion is brewing, and everyone’s moral compass is tested.
This book was so crucial to the storyline, to teach us how even broken tortured souls can still be mended.
One thing that Brea Lamb always does is dive deep into the darkest parts of her characters and give us understanding of their pasts. That despite their flaws, many of them were learned as survival instincts in this cruel world, and you can’t help but forgive alongside them.
I adore Nova and Azazel. We get so many interactions between the two, and we find how much they are truly alike, even though one side denies it.
The forced proximity in this was amazing. One cottage, one bed? I mean the tension between these two is full force. There’s no denying it. Then the banter is top tier, seriously, I’m obsessed. Both of them are so sassy, I love it.
We have Az, I disliked him in book 1 (like we’re supposed to), but book 2 redeemed him. This man is so pathetically and utterly down bad for Nova. Seeing that side of him where he can allow himself to care without feeling judged, just showed how much his character evolved. I’m blushing all over again.
Nova, she never ceases to amaze me, she breaks, she repairs, and she does not falter. Her character in this, shows how much she still has to learn about herself and her potential.
Honorable mention: The Stars. They meddle, they make you laugh but they also play a huge role in the world.
& the politics and the thirst for power is still the main focus. We get more insight into what is in store for us and some revelations, that I did not suspect at all.
The found family in this is unconditionally loyal and hilarious. I found myself laughing and tugging at my heartstrings because they truly are ride-or-dies.
4.5 ✨
Overall, this series remains a favorite. That ending was insane, I’m still speechless.
I’m so invested and excited for book 3, I can tell things are going to take up a notch!!
Thank you to Brea Lamb for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. 🖤✨
Below picks up right where we left off. War is coming, rebellion is brewing, and everyone’s moral compass is tested.
This book was so crucial to the storyline, to teach us how even broken tortured souls can still be mended.
One thing that Brea Lamb always does is dive deep into the darkest parts of her characters and give us understanding of their pasts. That despite their flaws, many of them were learned as survival instincts in this cruel world, and you can’t help but forgive alongside them.
I adore Nova and Azazel. We get so many interactions between the two, and we find how much they are truly alike, even though one side denies it.
The forced proximity in this was amazing. One cottage, one bed? I mean the tension between these two is full force. There’s no denying it. Then the banter is top tier, seriously, I’m obsessed. Both of them are so sassy, I love it.
We have Az, I disliked him in book 1 (like we’re supposed to), but book 2 redeemed him. This man is so pathetically and utterly down bad for Nova. Seeing that side of him where he can allow himself to care without feeling judged, just showed how much his character evolved. I’m blushing all over again.
Nova, she never ceases to amaze me, she breaks, she repairs, and she does not falter. Her character in this, shows how much she still has to learn about herself and her potential.
Honorable mention: The Stars. They meddle, they make you laugh but they also play a huge role in the world.
& the politics and the thirst for power is still the main focus. We get more insight into what is in store for us and some revelations, that I did not suspect at all.
The found family in this is unconditionally loyal and hilarious. I found myself laughing and tugging at my heartstrings because they truly are ride-or-dies.
4.5 ✨
Overall, this series remains a favorite. That ending was insane, I’m still speechless.
I’m so invested and excited for book 3, I can tell things are going to take up a notch!!
Thank you to Brea Lamb for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. 🖤✨
August 5, 2026
Once again Amanie’s updates have me throwing my TBR to the wind and diving right in
HOLY FREAKING STARS WHAT A RIDE. Go read this!!
HOLY FREAKING STARS WHAT A RIDE. Go read this!!
August 4, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔅𝔢𝔩𝔬𝔴 𝔟𝔶 𝔅𝔯𝔢𝔞 𝔏𝔞𝔪𝔟 (𝔇𝔞𝔯𝔨𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰 ℜ𝔢𝔦𝔤𝔫𝔰 2)
Release Day: July 31, 2026
4.5⭐️3🌶
This was a snarky building book two in the series. This book drops us right after the huge bomb goes off (metaphorically) at the end of book one. Nova Tershetta and Azazel Altair are at each other's throats now more than ever, because Nova believes Azazel is still loyal to the Core Families and Eadis (magic weilders). However, did Azazel just take the fall for the person who actually attached Nova's non-magic family?
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Nova is in a bad way at the end of book one and somehow manages to get onto Azazel's doorstep in order for him to shelter and heal her. Azazel does NOT want this responsibility, because he knows Nova will most likely not believe anything he says. However, he knows she has no other choice for protection.
Azazel has been questioning the Shaytan's (magic weilders) totalitarian mentality his whole life, but it isn't until he starts talking and experiences life with Nova that he understands the true depth of his family's brainwashing. His father has tried to team him his whole life that Eadi (non-magic) people are just sheep or animals to be used and discarded.
Azazel in this book tries to lead Nova towards the Resistance without telling her that she should join the resistance, because the leaders of the resistance directed him to do so. They are hoping that she will join the resistance on her own. Otherwise, they will always question her loyalty.
This book is full of bonding between Nova and Azazel layered in with the politics of the Shaytan and the politics of the Resistance and the two MCs trying to balance their efforts between the two fronts.
I found this book very intriguing and highly recommend for those who love J. L. Armentrout and Danielle L. Jensen.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Morally Grey Male Lead
🍁Enemies-to-Lovers / Forced Allies
🍁Fated Mates / Star-Crossed Lovers
🍁"Touch Her and Die"
🍁Grumpy x Sunshine (Dark Variation)
🍁Betrayal & Aftermath
🍁On the Run / Chosen One Fugitive
🍁Brewing Civil War
🍁Magic-Siphoning / Forced Suppression
🍁Animal Companion
🍁Prejudice & Classism
TW:
✨Mental Health Representation
✨Suicidal Ideation & Self-Harm
✨Graphic Violence & Murder
✨Abuse & Exploitation
✨Sexual Violence
✨Adult & Sexual Content
✨Profanity & Mature Language
Thank you to @brealamb for this ARC copy!
Release Day: July 31, 2026
4.5⭐️3🌶
This was a snarky building book two in the series. This book drops us right after the huge bomb goes off (metaphorically) at the end of book one. Nova Tershetta and Azazel Altair are at each other's throats now more than ever, because Nova believes Azazel is still loyal to the Core Families and Eadis (magic weilders). However, did Azazel just take the fall for the person who actually attached Nova's non-magic family?
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Nova is in a bad way at the end of book one and somehow manages to get onto Azazel's doorstep in order for him to shelter and heal her. Azazel does NOT want this responsibility, because he knows Nova will most likely not believe anything he says. However, he knows she has no other choice for protection.
Azazel has been questioning the Shaytan's (magic weilders) totalitarian mentality his whole life, but it isn't until he starts talking and experiences life with Nova that he understands the true depth of his family's brainwashing. His father has tried to team him his whole life that Eadi (non-magic) people are just sheep or animals to be used and discarded.
Azazel in this book tries to lead Nova towards the Resistance without telling her that she should join the resistance, because the leaders of the resistance directed him to do so. They are hoping that she will join the resistance on her own. Otherwise, they will always question her loyalty.
This book is full of bonding between Nova and Azazel layered in with the politics of the Shaytan and the politics of the Resistance and the two MCs trying to balance their efforts between the two fronts.
I found this book very intriguing and highly recommend for those who love J. L. Armentrout and Danielle L. Jensen.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Morally Grey Male Lead
🍁Enemies-to-Lovers / Forced Allies
🍁Fated Mates / Star-Crossed Lovers
🍁"Touch Her and Die"
🍁Grumpy x Sunshine (Dark Variation)
🍁Betrayal & Aftermath
🍁On the Run / Chosen One Fugitive
🍁Brewing Civil War
🍁Magic-Siphoning / Forced Suppression
🍁Animal Companion
🍁Prejudice & Classism
TW:
✨Mental Health Representation
✨Suicidal Ideation & Self-Harm
✨Graphic Violence & Murder
✨Abuse & Exploitation
✨Sexual Violence
✨Adult & Sexual Content
✨Profanity & Mature Language
Thank you to @brealamb for this ARC copy!
August 5, 2026
💫"She broke my mind when I was near her. I used to liken it to poison, but now I wondered if it was more like the first sunny day after a season of storms. Something bright and consuming. Something that stopped you from being able to do anything other than bask."
♾️⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I literally just want to fill this review with all of the quotes I highlighted in this book because I know my review will not do it the justice it deserves!!!! But I'm damn well going to try!
Here's what I LOVEDDDDD!!!!!
+ watching Az learn how to love. He has been in a family who has tortured and killed and manipulated all of his life so it makes sense he would have no idea what love is.. or how to show it - so watching him slowly learn that was everything... so sweet but also so sad that he was never given the love he deserves
+ Azazel YEARNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the most yearning of MMCs I've read!
+ he calls her "little void"
+ the questioning of who we can trust in this war
+ the stars saying everything we wanted to say LOL like JUST KISS ALREADY!!!!! their loyalty to Az is LOL funny
+ I loved the humor and sass we got to see between the characters in this one. Book one was very much the "enemies" of the enemies to lovers so now it's so fun to see how everyone comes together
+ the found family >>>>>> like these friends will literally do ANYTHING for each other
+ "After a lifetime of taking care of others, I thought then that I was finally ready to let someone take care of me."
+ I really appreciated the mental health aspect of this one with Nova. the vulnerability she shows may be a weakness to her but it's so empowering to a reader like me who relates wholeheartedly. Sometimes it is questioning whether any of this is worth it at all and I'm so happy she has people around her to remind her that it is worth it
+ I love watching them learn how to communicate with each other because again... Nova and Az are from completely different worlds and Nova is convinced they will never see common ground but Az is sooooooo desperate to prove her wrong <3 I FREAKING LOVE THEM
+ the spice like omfg these two get DOWNNN
+ I literally felt every emotion in this book. Even crying. I can't share when sadly because it's a spoiler but just know you will feel EVERYTHING in this book
Simply put: this book is an addiction honestly. I was instantly immersed back into my favorite world with my favorite characters. It's the perfect ying and yang of emotions.... from complete anguish to absolute devotion. I said it before and I'll say it again Brea Lamb is a dark fantasy GENIUS!!! I am feral for this series!!!!!
can I please just share ONE More quote with you that I loved?
🔥“I’ll make sure you’re satisfied every day for the rest of our lives. I’ll take such good care of this perfect body that no other man will ever cross your mind again. And if, for some reason, they do, I’ll kill them all and then fuck you hard enough you forget they ever existed.”
💫“Stars above,” I gasped out. He only backed away, offering a lopsided smile, his dimple saying hello.
🔥“I love it when you’re flustered.”
hehehehehe I love them I love them I love them!!!!!
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
+ enemies to lovers like he literally tries to unalive her in the first book
+ hidden rebellion
+ found family
+ people who are blessed with magic and those who are not
+ "I didn’t know how I’d do it, but I was going to survive for him. Even if I had to defy the stars themselves."
+ touch her and you die
+ he is sooooo protective and possessive of her
+ grief/mourning
+ shadow walking
♾️⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I literally just want to fill this review with all of the quotes I highlighted in this book because I know my review will not do it the justice it deserves!!!! But I'm damn well going to try!
Here's what I LOVEDDDDD!!!!!
+ watching Az learn how to love. He has been in a family who has tortured and killed and manipulated all of his life so it makes sense he would have no idea what love is.. or how to show it - so watching him slowly learn that was everything... so sweet but also so sad that he was never given the love he deserves
+ Azazel YEARNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the most yearning of MMCs I've read!
+ he calls her "little void"
+ the questioning of who we can trust in this war
+ the stars saying everything we wanted to say LOL like JUST KISS ALREADY!!!!! their loyalty to Az is LOL funny
+ I loved the humor and sass we got to see between the characters in this one. Book one was very much the "enemies" of the enemies to lovers so now it's so fun to see how everyone comes together
+ the found family >>>>>> like these friends will literally do ANYTHING for each other
+ "After a lifetime of taking care of others, I thought then that I was finally ready to let someone take care of me."
+ I really appreciated the mental health aspect of this one with Nova. the vulnerability she shows may be a weakness to her but it's so empowering to a reader like me who relates wholeheartedly. Sometimes it is questioning whether any of this is worth it at all and I'm so happy she has people around her to remind her that it is worth it
+ I love watching them learn how to communicate with each other because again... Nova and Az are from completely different worlds and Nova is convinced they will never see common ground but Az is sooooooo desperate to prove her wrong <3 I FREAKING LOVE THEM
+ the spice like omfg these two get DOWNNN
+ I literally felt every emotion in this book. Even crying. I can't share when sadly because it's a spoiler but just know you will feel EVERYTHING in this book
Simply put: this book is an addiction honestly. I was instantly immersed back into my favorite world with my favorite characters. It's the perfect ying and yang of emotions.... from complete anguish to absolute devotion. I said it before and I'll say it again Brea Lamb is a dark fantasy GENIUS!!! I am feral for this series!!!!!
can I please just share ONE More quote with you that I loved?
🔥“I’ll make sure you’re satisfied every day for the rest of our lives. I’ll take such good care of this perfect body that no other man will ever cross your mind again. And if, for some reason, they do, I’ll kill them all and then fuck you hard enough you forget they ever existed.”
💫“Stars above,” I gasped out. He only backed away, offering a lopsided smile, his dimple saying hello.
🔥“I love it when you’re flustered.”
hehehehehe I love them I love them I love them!!!!!
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
+ enemies to lovers like he literally tries to unalive her in the first book
+ hidden rebellion
+ found family
+ people who are blessed with magic and those who are not
+ "I didn’t know how I’d do it, but I was going to survive for him. Even if I had to defy the stars themselves."
+ touch her and you die
+ he is sooooo protective and possessive of her
+ grief/mourning
+ shadow walking
July 29, 2026
Holy freaking hell. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much reading a book. I definitely highlighted about 25% of it.
Below was the absolute perfect sequel to Above, which as all of you know was one of my favorite reads of 2025. I absolutely loved being in Az’s head. His inner monologue was so ridiculous that I was constantly laughing. But my heart ached for him, especially during his conversations with his family. Poor baby was never loved the way he deserves.
Nova is well Nova and I’m here for all of it. My heart broke for her too (for reasons I will not spoil), but I feel like she had so much growth here despite everything she went through. I loved watching her relationship with Az develop and just how down bad he was for her. I was verbally screaming yes when they finally gave in to their feelings. Also, freaking Cal had me absolutely cackling. I really hope we get even more of him and the cores in the next book. I also sobbed and it was at the worst moment like how did you make me feel sorry for that person????
But outside of the characters and the romance, this is a true dystopian. It was very politically charged, and I genuinely think this was a story that needed to be written in 2026. It felt very real and very raw. In most fantasy and dystopian books, it’s very easy to side with the rebellion and the “heroes”, but I really liked that certain decisions by the rebels made that choice much more complicated for Nova. I think both Az and Nova learn a lot about themselves here and that ultimately influences whatever decisions they make about their future and Dajahim.
BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT CLIFFHANGER??? How did you do this to me TWO YEARS IN A ROW???
Below was the absolute perfect sequel to Above, which as all of you know was one of my favorite reads of 2025. I absolutely loved being in Az’s head. His inner monologue was so ridiculous that I was constantly laughing. But my heart ached for him, especially during his conversations with his family. Poor baby was never loved the way he deserves.
Nova is well Nova and I’m here for all of it. My heart broke for her too (for reasons I will not spoil), but I feel like she had so much growth here despite everything she went through. I loved watching her relationship with Az develop and just how down bad he was for her. I was verbally screaming yes when they finally gave in to their feelings. Also, freaking Cal had me absolutely cackling. I really hope we get even more of him and the cores in the next book. I also sobbed and it was at the worst moment like how did you make me feel sorry for that person????
But outside of the characters and the romance, this is a true dystopian. It was very politically charged, and I genuinely think this was a story that needed to be written in 2026. It felt very real and very raw. In most fantasy and dystopian books, it’s very easy to side with the rebellion and the “heroes”, but I really liked that certain decisions by the rebels made that choice much more complicated for Nova. I think both Az and Nova learn a lot about themselves here and that ultimately influences whatever decisions they make about their future and Dajahim.
BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT CLIFFHANGER??? How did you do this to me TWO YEARS IN A ROW???
July 24, 2026
“perhaps i’d always cast shadows in her presence. but… but maybe i could also help her shine brighter—could dare to shine in her light.”
—
i was so excited to jump into this after the way book one left off! this one immediately picks up where we left off and takes you on a journey with the rebellion and moral dilemmas.
i love a good forced proximity and found family trope and this book delivered in both of those areas. we also saw the magic and world continue to build in a slow way that made it easy to understand.
az omfg. after book one i knew i would love this man but i’m obsessed. he’s so pathetically obsessed with her that i absolutely ate it up. their banter was some of the best i’ve read because it was so hilarious. and throwing death in there?? i love her.
this book is definitely dark and full of morally grey characters. some of the themes made me tear up but it was so important for these characters and their developments. both nova & az’s pasts are so devastating.
i enjoyed this book and i can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the last book! that ending was diabolical and i need answers asap.
thank you so much brea & her team for an e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏. 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒕.”
—
i was so excited to jump into this after the way book one left off! this one immediately picks up where we left off and takes you on a journey with the rebellion and moral dilemmas.
i love a good forced proximity and found family trope and this book delivered in both of those areas. we also saw the magic and world continue to build in a slow way that made it easy to understand.
az omfg. after book one i knew i would love this man but i’m obsessed. he’s so pathetically obsessed with her that i absolutely ate it up. their banter was some of the best i’ve read because it was so hilarious. and throwing death in there?? i love her.
this book is definitely dark and full of morally grey characters. some of the themes made me tear up but it was so important for these characters and their developments. both nova & az’s pasts are so devastating.
i enjoyed this book and i can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the last book! that ending was diabolical and i need answers asap.
thank you so much brea & her team for an e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏. 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒕.”
August 5, 2026
That ending was diabolical I feel like a crack addict awaiting their next fix
August 9, 2026
When book 1 is great but book two is incredible!!
Omg the yearning, the tension and the spice. Also, the story.. yea the story was so good too! The plot kept me hooked! The one secret in particular really had me spiralling on how the truth would come out.
I loved the characters and how they each were so layered, we got a peice of every single one. Especially the villains in the story, I feel like this was perfectly thought out and ugh it was just so freaking good! I can’t wait for the final book. I don’t even know what will happen.
I can’t wait to reread both books again before the final one releases. This is such a good series and so slept on!!
Omg the yearning, the tension and the spice. Also, the story.. yea the story was so good too! The plot kept me hooked! The one secret in particular really had me spiralling on how the truth would come out.
I loved the characters and how they each were so layered, we got a peice of every single one. Especially the villains in the story, I feel like this was perfectly thought out and ugh it was just so freaking good! I can’t wait for the final book. I don’t even know what will happen.
I can’t wait to reread both books again before the final one releases. This is such a good series and so slept on!!
July 30, 2026
Coming off of book 1 I did not expect Az to be so self reflective and honest with himself. It was kind of refreshing honestly. Like, yeah, he found himself in this unexpected position but it doesn't automatically change the core of who he is. He works through the who's, what's and why's with authenticity. It's not a snap your fingers and he's all of sudden a good guy situation. I love that! I wish we would have gotten more of Talon's crazy though.
I didn't see a ton of growth for Nova through most of this book since she was in her vengeance era. But by the end she showed some progress. I know sis has a snap temper but I hope to see more leadership development in the next book. I know she's ride or die for her family but I would love for her circle to include her found family too.
I'm excited to see what happens with the magic in the next book. So much drama!
I didn't see a ton of growth for Nova through most of this book since she was in her vengeance era. But by the end she showed some progress. I know sis has a snap temper but I hope to see more leadership development in the next book. I know she's ride or die for her family but I would love for her circle to include her found family too.
I'm excited to see what happens with the magic in the next book. So much drama!
Want to Read
July 28, 2026pre-ordered this in feb for $1.45 and now the listing is down on Amazon... who knows if i'll receive this on release day in 3 days...
July 31, 2026
Book 2 in the Darkness Reigns series and there is no shortage of intensity. It picks ho where book 1 leaves off, with AZ really reevaluating everything he's ever known. This book really jumps right into making you feel for AZ. The story had me consistently on the edge of my seat. The world and character building is absolutely phenomenal- as us usual for Brea Lamb's books. I definitely cried.
August 1, 2026
Below is every bit as addictive as Above, and I CANNOT wait for book 3!! If you’re into dark dystopian romantasy, do not sleep on this series!
July 31, 2026
Thank you to Brea for entrusting me with a gifted egalley!
Below by Brea Lamb
Darkness Reigns Trilogy, book 2
Dual POV
Feminine rage
He falls first and HARDER
One bed
He washes her hair
Animal companion (cat🥰)
Mental health rep
Found family
B@da$s alchemist FMC
So much banter
Deep hated to begrudging allies to more
Slooooowwwww burn
Class system based on if a person has magic
Political intrigue
Unique magic system
Unlearning indoctrination
Meddling stars instead of gods
Everyone is morally grey
Magic + tech
Rebellion
Wow, wow, wow!! I have been eagerly awaiting my return to this world and Nova and Az! And Below did NOT disappoint! This has been a slowwwww burn that absolutely pays off, then we get a completely down bad Az and I'm in love. IN LOVE I TELL YOU! We also see the rebellion heating up, but Az and Nova not trusting the zealous leader which adds to the tension. There are secrets and found family and of course we can't forget Death, the cat! The ending is giving me such a rush of all the emotions and I'm still thinking about where our crew ended the book and what could come next! I can't wait for book 3!!
Below by Brea Lamb
Darkness Reigns Trilogy, book 2
Dual POV
Feminine rage
He falls first and HARDER
One bed
He washes her hair
Animal companion (cat🥰)
Mental health rep
Found family
B@da$s alchemist FMC
So much banter
Deep hated to begrudging allies to more
Slooooowwwww burn
Class system based on if a person has magic
Political intrigue
Unique magic system
Unlearning indoctrination
Meddling stars instead of gods
Everyone is morally grey
Magic + tech
Rebellion
Wow, wow, wow!! I have been eagerly awaiting my return to this world and Nova and Az! And Below did NOT disappoint! This has been a slowwwww burn that absolutely pays off, then we get a completely down bad Az and I'm in love. IN LOVE I TELL YOU! We also see the rebellion heating up, but Az and Nova not trusting the zealous leader which adds to the tension. There are secrets and found family and of course we can't forget Death, the cat! The ending is giving me such a rush of all the emotions and I'm still thinking about where our crew ended the book and what could come next! I can't wait for book 3!!
August 6, 2026
I knew I wasn't prepared for the emotional rollercoaster in book 2, and Brea Lamb never disappoints me. This captivating, dark world sucks you in one page at a time.
Here's what you can expect:
* Low angst
* Morally dark themes
* Slow burn romance
* Mental health representation
* Enemies to lovers trope
* Rebellion
Here's what you can expect:
* Low angst
* Morally dark themes
* Slow burn romance
* Mental health representation
* Enemies to lovers trope
* Rebellion
August 10, 2026
YES MA'AM YOU DID IT AGAIN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't know how you do it but I'm in love yet again!! Fantastic read, great pacing and such amazing character development while actually sticking to who they are to their core! *wink wink* I love Az with my whole being, the MAN that he is! Nova is such a strong FMC, I love her to pieces! That cliff you left us on girl.... I can't wait for more drama, tears, love and hopefully a happy ever after in the next one!
I don't know how you do it but I'm in love yet again!! Fantastic read, great pacing and such amazing character development while actually sticking to who they are to their core! *wink wink* I love Az with my whole being, the MAN that he is! Nova is such a strong FMC, I love her to pieces! That cliff you left us on girl.... I can't wait for more drama, tears, love and hopefully a happy ever after in the next one!
July 15, 2026
This was a perfect sequel to Above. Brea does an amazing job writing complex, morally black characters that make you question what would you would do in their situation
The world building is so realistic and mirrors the horrors and oppression seen in real life. It’s a continuation of Nova and Az story as they navigate the fallout from book 1. You are kept on the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I only have good things to say about this book and need the next one now.
The world building is so realistic and mirrors the horrors and oppression seen in real life. It’s a continuation of Nova and Az story as they navigate the fallout from book 1. You are kept on the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I only have good things to say about this book and need the next one now.
July 31, 2026
Just finished Below! Im absolutelv LOVING how the series is progressing! I'm so attached to our MCs anc what they are fighting for. The story is very profound and immersive. Every emotion you can have will be felt! I highly recommend this series!
August 6, 2026
Wow!! This one was better than the first one👏🏽 Az was everything in this book and Nova is boss bitch, a little unhinged, but what more do want from a FMC. Brea completely pulls you into the story and refuses to let you go until the very last page. I need more❤️❤️
July 16, 2026
Brea has done it again!! I loved this book so much! The slow burn, the found family, the twists and turns throughout the book. What an amazing follow up to Above. This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint!
Beyond grateful to ARC read this amazing book! I NEED book 3 ASAP!
Beyond grateful to ARC read this amazing book! I NEED book 3 ASAP!
July 30, 2026
Brea has me out here agreeing with a man, and I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive her for that.
(Thank you for the ARC, Brea!!)
(Thank you for the ARC, Brea!!)
August 15, 2026
Holly sh*t, what a ride
August 3, 2026
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
Below is SUCH a good sequel to Above! It had a lot of action and movement and the plot was complex enough to be interesting but not too complex to where it was confusing.
I felt like some of the reveals were a little underwhelming in how they were revealed, but other than that I was really engaged in the storytelling. I kept putting it down, not because I was bored, but because I wasn’t ready for it to end. I don’t usually read like that so it was a unique experience for me.
The ending was a bit predictable but had some parts I didn’t expect. I’m interested to see what happens in book 3, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series!
TROPES
He Falls First
“Fuck it”
Feminine Rage
THE WORLD
There are still a lot of interesting themes but I don’t feel like they’re as vocalized as they were in book one. Regardless, it still got the message across. I enjoyed the political intrigue and seeing the rebellion side of the upcoming war.
THE CHARACTERS
There’s growth and regressions in the characters, as some step up and become better versions of themselves while others fall back and maintain the status quo of inequality. It’s interesting seeing who moves in which way, and I feel like we’ll see even more change in some characters in the next book.
The MCs didn’t get much more backstory here but they did get a lot of growth and depth added to their characters as we got to know them more. Nova went in exactly the direction I was hoping she would and I can’t wait to see her rage. Azazel has everything to lose yet also nothing to lose, and I am especially interested in seeing what he does next.
It’s also worth noting that our MCs are both very much dealing with mental health struggles, and it’s very dark at times seeing their thoughts on paper. I do feel like they lean on eachother and their friends to find peace and happiness though, and am hopeful that the next book will show even more of their strength.
The side characters remained about the same as in book one, where some were more developed than others.
THE ROMANCE
Despite this being a slow burn with yearning and tension, I feel like they were quick to fall in love once they became allies. I wanted it to slow down more and add even more banter and suspense into it.
With that said though, I was giddy for the banter and loved how absolutely down bad Az was for Nova. It was everything I wanted in his character and helped add lightness to some otherwise dark scenes.
QUOTES:
“To all the people who fear walking their own path. Who cower at the memory of times they've made mistakes or failed. The ones whose pasts are dark and futures are unknown. Every one of you that wonder if it's worth it to fight for better.
You might have fallen, but I promise you will rise again.”
“That wasn't her shirt, it was mine.
That looks good on her.
It'd look great off of her.”
“Okay, fine, I wanted her. Badly. Perhaps more than I had ever wanted anyone before. I couldn't help it. I was a moth and she a flame, and I was willingly flying towards my fiery death.
What was I? A fucking poet now?”
“Tershetta liked her food crispy.
I knew that because she did this little shimmy when she bit into something that audibly
crunched.
Tershetta preferred a cold room with lots of blankets and quilts.
I knew that because sometimes she'd open a window like an insane person and then take all of the blankets and cuddle up on the sofa with ten books surrounding her.
Tershetta preferred coffee over tea.
I knew that because she thanked me for tea, but she smiled at me when I made coffee the first time.”
“If you're not trying to hurt me or pawn me or kill me, then just tell me what it is you want."
Fuck, I was getting hard looking at her.
You, Tershetta. I want you. Just a taste. A single night. Day. Stars, I could spend a week on you and not grow tired.”
"What are you doing?"
"Submitting to my fate. Not even I could complain about dying this way."
"What way is that?" I asked, sitting back fully and pressing my fists into my hips.
"With you on top of me."
“As she fell asleep in my arms, her naked body pressed into mine, I decided that being in love was the best thing I'd ever be.”
“As long as the many still cling to what little comforts they have, convenience and complacency will suffocate resistance and revolution.”
Below is SUCH a good sequel to Above! It had a lot of action and movement and the plot was complex enough to be interesting but not too complex to where it was confusing.
I felt like some of the reveals were a little underwhelming in how they were revealed, but other than that I was really engaged in the storytelling. I kept putting it down, not because I was bored, but because I wasn’t ready for it to end. I don’t usually read like that so it was a unique experience for me.
The ending was a bit predictable but had some parts I didn’t expect. I’m interested to see what happens in book 3, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series!
TROPES
He Falls First
“Fuck it”
Feminine Rage
THE WORLD
There are still a lot of interesting themes but I don’t feel like they’re as vocalized as they were in book one. Regardless, it still got the message across. I enjoyed the political intrigue and seeing the rebellion side of the upcoming war.
THE CHARACTERS
There’s growth and regressions in the characters, as some step up and become better versions of themselves while others fall back and maintain the status quo of inequality. It’s interesting seeing who moves in which way, and I feel like we’ll see even more change in some characters in the next book.
The MCs didn’t get much more backstory here but they did get a lot of growth and depth added to their characters as we got to know them more. Nova went in exactly the direction I was hoping she would and I can’t wait to see her rage. Azazel has everything to lose yet also nothing to lose, and I am especially interested in seeing what he does next.
It’s also worth noting that our MCs are both very much dealing with mental health struggles, and it’s very dark at times seeing their thoughts on paper. I do feel like they lean on eachother and their friends to find peace and happiness though, and am hopeful that the next book will show even more of their strength.
The side characters remained about the same as in book one, where some were more developed than others.
THE ROMANCE
Despite this being a slow burn with yearning and tension, I feel like they were quick to fall in love once they became allies. I wanted it to slow down more and add even more banter and suspense into it.
With that said though, I was giddy for the banter and loved how absolutely down bad Az was for Nova. It was everything I wanted in his character and helped add lightness to some otherwise dark scenes.
QUOTES:
“To all the people who fear walking their own path. Who cower at the memory of times they've made mistakes or failed. The ones whose pasts are dark and futures are unknown. Every one of you that wonder if it's worth it to fight for better.
You might have fallen, but I promise you will rise again.”
“That wasn't her shirt, it was mine.
That looks good on her.
It'd look great off of her.”
“Okay, fine, I wanted her. Badly. Perhaps more than I had ever wanted anyone before. I couldn't help it. I was a moth and she a flame, and I was willingly flying towards my fiery death.
What was I? A fucking poet now?”
“Tershetta liked her food crispy.
I knew that because she did this little shimmy when she bit into something that audibly
crunched.
Tershetta preferred a cold room with lots of blankets and quilts.
I knew that because sometimes she'd open a window like an insane person and then take all of the blankets and cuddle up on the sofa with ten books surrounding her.
Tershetta preferred coffee over tea.
I knew that because she thanked me for tea, but she smiled at me when I made coffee the first time.”
“If you're not trying to hurt me or pawn me or kill me, then just tell me what it is you want."
Fuck, I was getting hard looking at her.
You, Tershetta. I want you. Just a taste. A single night. Day. Stars, I could spend a week on you and not grow tired.”
"What are you doing?"
"Submitting to my fate. Not even I could complain about dying this way."
"What way is that?" I asked, sitting back fully and pressing my fists into my hips.
"With you on top of me."
“As she fell asleep in my arms, her naked body pressed into mine, I decided that being in love was the best thing I'd ever be.”
“As long as the many still cling to what little comforts they have, convenience and complacency will suffocate resistance and revolution.”
August 8, 2026
Everything we do is for our celestial creators above, the stars. They see everything, even if you don’t. While everyone may look above to them for worship, don’t forget what lurks in the darkness below. Welcome dear readers to Brea Lamb’s second novel in The Darkness Reigns series, Below.
Our story picks up right after the events of the first story. Nova has been through so much in the past few months. Everything she does is for her family, but with them gone, what is there to do. When she figures out what happens, the only person who can help her is her sworn enemy, Azazael Altair. Together, they must put aside their differences if they want to change the world.
What I loved reading about this story was how hooked I was to the plot from the start. It was engaging, enough where you didn’t want to put it down. There are many action packed sequences and battles, but there are many small, tender moments between our main characters. These moments will have you laughing, crying, and swooning at their banter and confessions to one another. Every character has their own motives, and you start questioning whether they’re right or wrong, especially in a world with celestial beings, magical militant families, and oppressed humans. Still, they are trying to find their individuality and humanity in a world that has oppressed them and favors conformity.
I loved seeing how Nova and Az’s relationship flourished. First sworn enemies who would take any opportunity to kill the other if given the chance, to friends, then lovers. The natural progression of their story was a beautiful journey to go on. Their banter is top tier. It’s both funny, especially in the beginning, and later on endearing. Even their inner monologues are hilarious, giving readers that little moment of joy and laughter in an otherwise dark and heavy tale. What was beautiful about their story is how each character began to see the different layers of the other. They’ve only seen the outermost layer, the one society, tradition, and history have created, but as they start to be around each other more and lean on them, they start peeling those layers. It would even throw off the other character when they would start being honest about what they’re feeling and their past experiences. They don’t have a traditional meet cute. They hated each other and would gladly kill them, but eventually, opening up about their past traumas and abuse helped them become closer to the other.
This story deals with a lot of heavy material, but is written in such a way that tugs at your heart. Our characters have gone through so much, influencing much of their previous selves. As they learn to rid themselves of the prejudice and discrimination they’ve been indoctrinated with their entire lives, they learn that the person they once considered their sworn enemy is, in fact, a human being. Nova and Az struggle with this, and even as they learn to tolerate, and soon love the other, they’re still dealing with the repercussions of these heinous effects. Even the other core friends start to have that spark in them. Maybe, just maybe, everything they’ve been taught about the eadi is propaganda to ensure the core families survive and reign. Everything they did in the name of their beliefs has a consequence, but sometimes we’re too blind to see it. Don’t worry, the stars see everything.
All in all, I enjoyed this story immensely. I went on an emotional rollercoaster, while being hooked to the story. With the way this story ends, this won't be the last time we see our characters. The stars want to be entertained after all. Hopefully our characters know what to do to satisfy our omniscient and omnipresent celestial beings above.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Brea Lamb for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.
Our story picks up right after the events of the first story. Nova has been through so much in the past few months. Everything she does is for her family, but with them gone, what is there to do. When she figures out what happens, the only person who can help her is her sworn enemy, Azazael Altair. Together, they must put aside their differences if they want to change the world.
What I loved reading about this story was how hooked I was to the plot from the start. It was engaging, enough where you didn’t want to put it down. There are many action packed sequences and battles, but there are many small, tender moments between our main characters. These moments will have you laughing, crying, and swooning at their banter and confessions to one another. Every character has their own motives, and you start questioning whether they’re right or wrong, especially in a world with celestial beings, magical militant families, and oppressed humans. Still, they are trying to find their individuality and humanity in a world that has oppressed them and favors conformity.
I loved seeing how Nova and Az’s relationship flourished. First sworn enemies who would take any opportunity to kill the other if given the chance, to friends, then lovers. The natural progression of their story was a beautiful journey to go on. Their banter is top tier. It’s both funny, especially in the beginning, and later on endearing. Even their inner monologues are hilarious, giving readers that little moment of joy and laughter in an otherwise dark and heavy tale. What was beautiful about their story is how each character began to see the different layers of the other. They’ve only seen the outermost layer, the one society, tradition, and history have created, but as they start to be around each other more and lean on them, they start peeling those layers. It would even throw off the other character when they would start being honest about what they’re feeling and their past experiences. They don’t have a traditional meet cute. They hated each other and would gladly kill them, but eventually, opening up about their past traumas and abuse helped them become closer to the other.
This story deals with a lot of heavy material, but is written in such a way that tugs at your heart. Our characters have gone through so much, influencing much of their previous selves. As they learn to rid themselves of the prejudice and discrimination they’ve been indoctrinated with their entire lives, they learn that the person they once considered their sworn enemy is, in fact, a human being. Nova and Az struggle with this, and even as they learn to tolerate, and soon love the other, they’re still dealing with the repercussions of these heinous effects. Even the other core friends start to have that spark in them. Maybe, just maybe, everything they’ve been taught about the eadi is propaganda to ensure the core families survive and reign. Everything they did in the name of their beliefs has a consequence, but sometimes we’re too blind to see it. Don’t worry, the stars see everything.
All in all, I enjoyed this story immensely. I went on an emotional rollercoaster, while being hooked to the story. With the way this story ends, this won't be the last time we see our characters. The stars want to be entertained after all. Hopefully our characters know what to do to satisfy our omniscient and omnipresent celestial beings above.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Brea Lamb for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.
August 1, 2026
5/5⭐️
Perfection. A freaking masterpiece. The wait was so worth it! I honestly don’t even know where to start with this review because I loved this book so much. Once again, Brea Lamb handled mental health with the care and nuance it deserves🥹
The story picks up right where Above ended while also filling us in on what happened to a certain someone during the six months. Some beautiful friendships were formed during that time, and I really hope we’ll get to see more of them in the next book because THAT ENDING sounded incredibly promising. I also didn’t mind the slower pace in the first half. You know, before everything inevitably went to hell again.
Every bit of romance I was desperatly wishing for between Az and Nova in the first book was worth the wait. It was so satisfying to watch them go from enemies with amazing banter trying to kill each other in the first book, to reluctant allies, to lovers who never wanted to be parted in a space of such a short time. I LIVED for Azazel’s chapters. He’s a sarcastic little prick with a heart of gold that only beats for his friends and Nova. His family. Their family. I can’t wait to see more of the found-family dynamic (also Cal remains one of my favorite side characters so don’t hurt him!).
Once Nova entered the picture that man was trying so hard to become a better version of himself, to forget what he was taught growing up, to deprogram himself and be worthy of her it was insane. THE YEARNING and flirting and banter and jealousy, the way he fought for her - it was probably the best thing I experienced in a book in a long long time. Probably not since Crescent City, ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. Nova obviously needed some time to start trusting him (after Talon) and I get why she didn’t give in so fast but some of her choices made me very annoyed. There were angry confessions, deliciously spicy scenes, dancing around the kitchen in THEIR COTTAGE and all of it made my heart so so so happy. Also the stars driving Nova crazy with their insistance to finally give into Az was priceless😂
Also Death, the cat, I need it to survive and all three of them to live happily ever after somewhere in their cottage.
One of my favorite things about this series is how morally black/grey everything/everyone is here. It makes the series so unique. Plus the magic system, I love everything about it. Every bit of happiness Az and Nova experienced was overshadowed by their dark thoughts, past experiences and missions that brought even more death. But they still managed to steal some of the happiness while they were in their cottage. Nova was slowly trying to come to terms with her own actions and the fact that the things she was willing to do to save her family were not very white. I think she and Az have a long way to go but I could see how they were able to help each other, how that changed them both. There was hardly any “light at the end of the tunnel” but I think by the end of the novel both Az and Nova started hoping that they WOULD live to see the better world, or they were ready to die trying.
The “good guys” were never truly good. Maybe they were simply the lesser evil. Commander Maitoza and Iblis Altair felt like two sides of the same coin, and it made the whole conflict even more fascinating.
And that ending… I have so many questions.
I need book three immediately!!
Perfection. A freaking masterpiece. The wait was so worth it! I honestly don’t even know where to start with this review because I loved this book so much. Once again, Brea Lamb handled mental health with the care and nuance it deserves🥹
The story picks up right where Above ended while also filling us in on what happened to a certain someone during the six months. Some beautiful friendships were formed during that time, and I really hope we’ll get to see more of them in the next book because THAT ENDING sounded incredibly promising. I also didn’t mind the slower pace in the first half. You know, before everything inevitably went to hell again.
Every bit of romance I was desperatly wishing for between Az and Nova in the first book was worth the wait. It was so satisfying to watch them go from enemies with amazing banter trying to kill each other in the first book, to reluctant allies, to lovers who never wanted to be parted in a space of such a short time. I LIVED for Azazel’s chapters. He’s a sarcastic little prick with a heart of gold that only beats for his friends and Nova. His family. Their family. I can’t wait to see more of the found-family dynamic (also Cal remains one of my favorite side characters so don’t hurt him!).
Once Nova entered the picture that man was trying so hard to become a better version of himself, to forget what he was taught growing up, to deprogram himself and be worthy of her it was insane. THE YEARNING and flirting and banter and jealousy, the way he fought for her - it was probably the best thing I experienced in a book in a long long time. Probably not since Crescent City, ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. Nova obviously needed some time to start trusting him (after Talon) and I get why she didn’t give in so fast but some of her choices made me very annoyed. There were angry confessions, deliciously spicy scenes, dancing around the kitchen in THEIR COTTAGE and all of it made my heart so so so happy. Also the stars driving Nova crazy with their insistance to finally give into Az was priceless😂
Also Death, the cat, I need it to survive and all three of them to live happily ever after somewhere in their cottage.
One of my favorite things about this series is how morally black/grey everything/everyone is here. It makes the series so unique. Plus the magic system, I love everything about it. Every bit of happiness Az and Nova experienced was overshadowed by their dark thoughts, past experiences and missions that brought even more death. But they still managed to steal some of the happiness while they were in their cottage. Nova was slowly trying to come to terms with her own actions and the fact that the things she was willing to do to save her family were not very white. I think she and Az have a long way to go but I could see how they were able to help each other, how that changed them both. There was hardly any “light at the end of the tunnel” but I think by the end of the novel both Az and Nova started hoping that they WOULD live to see the better world, or they were ready to die trying.
The “good guys” were never truly good. Maybe they were simply the lesser evil. Commander Maitoza and Iblis Altair felt like two sides of the same coin, and it made the whole conflict even more fascinating.
And that ending… I have so many questions.
I need book three immediately!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 Darkness Reigns (book 2)
🌶️
Dual POV
Wow now that’s how you write a sequel!!! We pick up right where we’ve left off in book 1. Nova has run to Az and unknowingly the rebellion. The beginning of the book is setting us up for what’s to come. Az and Nova basically only have each other now. While Az has been with the rebels for months and has been with Celeste and Desi, they don’t want Nova to know her sister is alive. They believe she needs to choose this path for herself.
However, what happens when the rebellion and those they’re overthrowing are really two sides to the same coin? We get scheming, plotting, morally grey choices and some pretty great twist and turns.
I love how much time we get with Nova and Az together. Watching their relationship build slowly and transform was incredible. Az really surprised me with how much self reflection and introspection he pulled off that quickly. When a mad is down that bad for his woman I guess he really can become the better version she deserves. He wanted to EARN her and I loved every minute of them.
I also truly loved getting to spend more time seeing Celeste and Desi together and even the cores (Quinn, Cal and Pri) plus Zura and how all of them will coexist and work together moving forward. They all share the same underlying motive of simply protecting the ones they love.
The cliffhanger at the end has me a bit worried for Az and Nova to be apart and possibly on different sides for a bit while they both try to do exactly that. I loved the twist with Desi heritage (I was so proud I guessed that one).
This is a true dystopian story, with strong political messages. It feels very real and very raw, especially now in 2026. I really am so ready for book 3 now because that ending has me so ready to go!
Thank you to the author for this eARC. I am sat for the series !
Tropes:
- Forbidden TRUE enemies to lovers
- Stars rule
- Forced proximity & reluctant allies
- Mental health rep
- Growing rebellion
- Slow burn
- Pining MMC that falls first and harder
- Feminine rage
- Animal companion
- Political intrigue
- Morally black world/characters
Favorite Quotes:
- I wanted her. Badly. Perhaps more than I had ever wanted anyone before. I couldn't help it. I was a moth and she a flame, and I was willingly flying towards my fiery death.
- "Of course I'm in love with you! How could anyone in your presence feel anything else? I can't think when you're here, and I can't breathe when you're gone! When I close my eyes, it's your face that haunts my every thought! You've absolutely ruined my life, and I'll thank you every day for the rest of it, because I'm better for it! I love you, Nova!" He beat his fist against his chest, the thumping loud as he said, "I don't care that I wasn't shown it, I can feel it. It's all I'm sure of in this stars-forsaken universe!"
- "I need you, Amara," he says again, his voice stripped raw of every defense he's ever tried to hide behind. "Not just tonight. I need you like air...like the blood in my veins. And if I lost you..." His breath catches unevenly. "I don't think there would be anything left of me afterward."
- "Nova, I'd change this entire world if I could. I don't think you even comprehend what I'd do for you. How much I love you. If you did, you wouldn't see us as impossible. You'd see us as inevitable."
- "You're everything, Nova. My sun, my moons, my stars, my universe entirely. You're mine."
🌶️
Dual POV
Wow now that’s how you write a sequel!!! We pick up right where we’ve left off in book 1. Nova has run to Az and unknowingly the rebellion. The beginning of the book is setting us up for what’s to come. Az and Nova basically only have each other now. While Az has been with the rebels for months and has been with Celeste and Desi, they don’t want Nova to know her sister is alive. They believe she needs to choose this path for herself.
However, what happens when the rebellion and those they’re overthrowing are really two sides to the same coin? We get scheming, plotting, morally grey choices and some pretty great twist and turns.
I love how much time we get with Nova and Az together. Watching their relationship build slowly and transform was incredible. Az really surprised me with how much self reflection and introspection he pulled off that quickly. When a mad is down that bad for his woman I guess he really can become the better version she deserves. He wanted to EARN her and I loved every minute of them.
I also truly loved getting to spend more time seeing Celeste and Desi together and even the cores (Quinn, Cal and Pri) plus Zura and how all of them will coexist and work together moving forward. They all share the same underlying motive of simply protecting the ones they love.
The cliffhanger at the end has me a bit worried for Az and Nova to be apart and possibly on different sides for a bit while they both try to do exactly that. I loved the twist with Desi heritage (I was so proud I guessed that one).
This is a true dystopian story, with strong political messages. It feels very real and very raw, especially now in 2026. I really am so ready for book 3 now because that ending has me so ready to go!
Thank you to the author for this eARC. I am sat for the series !
Tropes:
- Forbidden TRUE enemies to lovers
- Stars rule
- Forced proximity & reluctant allies
- Mental health rep
- Growing rebellion
- Slow burn
- Pining MMC that falls first and harder
- Feminine rage
- Animal companion
- Political intrigue
- Morally black world/characters
Favorite Quotes:
- I wanted her. Badly. Perhaps more than I had ever wanted anyone before. I couldn't help it. I was a moth and she a flame, and I was willingly flying towards my fiery death.
- "Of course I'm in love with you! How could anyone in your presence feel anything else? I can't think when you're here, and I can't breathe when you're gone! When I close my eyes, it's your face that haunts my every thought! You've absolutely ruined my life, and I'll thank you every day for the rest of it, because I'm better for it! I love you, Nova!" He beat his fist against his chest, the thumping loud as he said, "I don't care that I wasn't shown it, I can feel it. It's all I'm sure of in this stars-forsaken universe!"
- "I need you, Amara," he says again, his voice stripped raw of every defense he's ever tried to hide behind. "Not just tonight. I need you like air...like the blood in my veins. And if I lost you..." His breath catches unevenly. "I don't think there would be anything left of me afterward."
- "Nova, I'd change this entire world if I could. I don't think you even comprehend what I'd do for you. How much I love you. If you did, you wouldn't see us as impossible. You'd see us as inevitable."
- "You're everything, Nova. My sun, my moons, my stars, my universe entirely. You're mine."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey FMC
"Down Bad" MMC
He Falls First & Harder
Who Did This to You?
Dual POV
Forced Proximity
Dystopian
Below by Brea Lamb Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First, thank you to Brea Lamb for trusting me with an ARC of Below. Through your perseverance, you've created another addictive installment in this incredible series.
Below was one of my most anticipated sequels of 2026. Above left me in one of the worst reading slumps I've ever had. It gave me my rare reader's high that caused me to continually chase and seek out other books that could make me feel this way, so the second I got my hands on Below, I devoured it in less than 48 hours.
Nova became my obsession... now it's Azazel Altair's turn.
The layers that were hinted at in Above finally begin to quickly unravel, revealing the true nature of the man underneath. Watching his obsession with Nova evolve into an unwavering, ride-or-die devotion had me kicking my feet. How did a morally dark MMC become a golden BARKING retriever in book two? This book shows you how. He goes from, “You’re absolutely impossible... I truly cannot stand you,” to, “Yes, I know I don’t deserve you, but I can spend the rest of my life earning you.” 🫠🫠 Nova’s constant denial of “them” just made him even worse 😈. Azazel fell hard, hopelessly... and I was here for every second of it 😩.
What I love most is how he thrives on reading Nova’s emotions, allowing him to know immediately when she’s in emotional turmoil. He is completely willing to give her everything and wrap her in comfort.
The banter is electrifying. I could not wait for the next charged exchange, hence why I flew straight through these pages 🫠. They’re threatening to wear each other's skin like clothing or bickering over “Death” or “Murder” as a pet name 😭, which makes this chemistry so addicting to read.
While the romance had me completely hooked, the story never let up on the dangerous turn of events from book one. The rebellion against society delivers many heart-racing moments, and more than a few times where I caught myself yelling, "RUN!" at my Kindle. Below also continues to wreck my feelings from the emotional aftermath of everything Nova’s been through. The way she must emotionally recalibrate and swallow some tough pills triggered my empathic side so much 😭.
“You might have fallen, but I promise you will rise again.”
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. This was one of the messages that screamed out to me and reminded me of why Nova earns a spot as one of my favorite FMCs. She is a force that will rise out of the ashes.
Brea, you brought me back into this world and I quite like it here 🙂↕️. I can’t wait to see what’s next. If you have not started this series yet... what are you actually doing?
If you love dystopian worlds, devoted MMCs, true enemies-to-lovers, and talking stars? This one is for you.
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey FMC
"Down Bad" MMC
He Falls First & Harder
Who Did This to You?
Dual POV
Forced Proximity
Dystopian
Below by Brea Lamb Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First, thank you to Brea Lamb for trusting me with an ARC of Below. Through your perseverance, you've created another addictive installment in this incredible series.
Below was one of my most anticipated sequels of 2026. Above left me in one of the worst reading slumps I've ever had. It gave me my rare reader's high that caused me to continually chase and seek out other books that could make me feel this way, so the second I got my hands on Below, I devoured it in less than 48 hours.
Nova became my obsession... now it's Azazel Altair's turn.
The layers that were hinted at in Above finally begin to quickly unravel, revealing the true nature of the man underneath. Watching his obsession with Nova evolve into an unwavering, ride-or-die devotion had me kicking my feet. How did a morally dark MMC become a golden BARKING retriever in book two? This book shows you how. He goes from, “You’re absolutely impossible... I truly cannot stand you,” to, “Yes, I know I don’t deserve you, but I can spend the rest of my life earning you.” 🫠🫠 Nova’s constant denial of “them” just made him even worse 😈. Azazel fell hard, hopelessly... and I was here for every second of it 😩.
What I love most is how he thrives on reading Nova’s emotions, allowing him to know immediately when she’s in emotional turmoil. He is completely willing to give her everything and wrap her in comfort.
The banter is electrifying. I could not wait for the next charged exchange, hence why I flew straight through these pages 🫠. They’re threatening to wear each other's skin like clothing or bickering over “Death” or “Murder” as a pet name 😭, which makes this chemistry so addicting to read.
While the romance had me completely hooked, the story never let up on the dangerous turn of events from book one. The rebellion against society delivers many heart-racing moments, and more than a few times where I caught myself yelling, "RUN!" at my Kindle. Below also continues to wreck my feelings from the emotional aftermath of everything Nova’s been through. The way she must emotionally recalibrate and swallow some tough pills triggered my empathic side so much 😭.
“You might have fallen, but I promise you will rise again.”
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. This was one of the messages that screamed out to me and reminded me of why Nova earns a spot as one of my favorite FMCs. She is a force that will rise out of the ashes.
Brea, you brought me back into this world and I quite like it here 🙂↕️. I can’t wait to see what’s next. If you have not started this series yet... what are you actually doing?
If you love dystopian worlds, devoted MMCs, true enemies-to-lovers, and talking stars? This one is for you.
August 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BELOW BY BREA??? YOU HAVE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO.
Okay… I thought I knew what I was getting myself into after Above.
I did not. 😭
Below doesn’t just pick up where Above left us it takes everything we thought we understood, sets it on fire, and then somehow makes us feel every single piece of the aftermath.
This book HURTS.
It’s grief. It’s anger. It’s loss. It’s trying to figure out who the hell you are when the life you knew has been completely ripped away from you.
And Nova??? My heart. 💔
Watching her navigate everything that came after Above broke me in a completely different way. In the first book, we watched her fight to survive. Here, we watch her figure out how to actually LIVE after surviving.
And that distinction? OUCH.
Her grief felt so painfully real. Messy, complicated, angry and completely human. There’s no neat little “everything is okay now” bow tied around it, and honestly, I loved that. Because sometimes surviving doesn’t mean you’re okay. Sometimes it just means you wake up the next day and try again.
BUT THEN AZAZEL. 👀
Because excuse me?!
I genuinely never expected to care about him the way I do now. After Above, I was READY to throw this man directly into the void. And somehow Bre made me sit there questioning everything alongside him.
Watching Azazel unravel everything he’d been taught his beliefs, his upbringing, the person he was moulded into becoming was one of my favourite parts of this book.
The character development??? TOP TIER.
There’s something so heartbreaking about watching someone realise that the things they believed were truths were actually just things they were taught to believe.
And the question of “Who am I when all of that is taken away?”
Yeah. That one stayed with me.
Below is darker, heavier and somehow even more emotional than Above. It’s about what happens after the rebellion, after the fighting, after the world changes.
It’s about picking up the pieces.
It’s about grief.
It’s about identity.
It’s about becoming someone new when you’re no longer the person you were before.
And Bre? You absolutely broke me. 🥲
I went into this book expecting dystopian chaos and came out needing emotional compensation.
The world-building. The character development. The ANGST. The yearning. The morally complicated characters. The way every single emotion feels so raw…
I ate this book UP.
If you loved Above, you NEED Below.
And if you haven’t started this series yet…
What the bloody hell are you waiting for?! 👀📚🔥
5 ⭐️ because apparently I enjoy being emotionally destroyed.
Thank you brea for giving me the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
#Bookstagram #BookReview #Below #Above #DystopianBooks #DystopianRomance #FantasyBooks #Romantasy #BookRecommendation #PlotTwistJess #BookLover #BookTok #ReadersOfInstagram
Okay… I thought I knew what I was getting myself into after Above.
I did not. 😭
Below doesn’t just pick up where Above left us it takes everything we thought we understood, sets it on fire, and then somehow makes us feel every single piece of the aftermath.
This book HURTS.
It’s grief. It’s anger. It’s loss. It’s trying to figure out who the hell you are when the life you knew has been completely ripped away from you.
And Nova??? My heart. 💔
Watching her navigate everything that came after Above broke me in a completely different way. In the first book, we watched her fight to survive. Here, we watch her figure out how to actually LIVE after surviving.
And that distinction? OUCH.
Her grief felt so painfully real. Messy, complicated, angry and completely human. There’s no neat little “everything is okay now” bow tied around it, and honestly, I loved that. Because sometimes surviving doesn’t mean you’re okay. Sometimes it just means you wake up the next day and try again.
BUT THEN AZAZEL. 👀
Because excuse me?!
I genuinely never expected to care about him the way I do now. After Above, I was READY to throw this man directly into the void. And somehow Bre made me sit there questioning everything alongside him.
Watching Azazel unravel everything he’d been taught his beliefs, his upbringing, the person he was moulded into becoming was one of my favourite parts of this book.
The character development??? TOP TIER.
There’s something so heartbreaking about watching someone realise that the things they believed were truths were actually just things they were taught to believe.
And the question of “Who am I when all of that is taken away?”
Yeah. That one stayed with me.
Below is darker, heavier and somehow even more emotional than Above. It’s about what happens after the rebellion, after the fighting, after the world changes.
It’s about picking up the pieces.
It’s about grief.
It’s about identity.
It’s about becoming someone new when you’re no longer the person you were before.
And Bre? You absolutely broke me. 🥲
I went into this book expecting dystopian chaos and came out needing emotional compensation.
The world-building. The character development. The ANGST. The yearning. The morally complicated characters. The way every single emotion feels so raw…
I ate this book UP.
If you loved Above, you NEED Below.
And if you haven’t started this series yet…
What the bloody hell are you waiting for?! 👀📚🔥
5 ⭐️ because apparently I enjoy being emotionally destroyed.
Thank you brea for giving me the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
#Bookstagram #BookReview #Below #Above #DystopianBooks #DystopianRomance #FantasyBooks #Romantasy #BookRecommendation #PlotTwistJess #BookLover #BookTok #ReadersOfInstagram
July 29, 2026
Thank you Brea Lamb for letting me ARC read Below!
Below is an excellent follow-up to the first book in this series, Above. Above was one of my favorite books of the first half of the year and Below is on my list for one of my favorites for the second half of the year.
We FINALLY get the payoff of the slow burn between Nova and Azazel that has been simmering since book 1, albeit not immediately, which makes it all the more exciting when things finally hit their breaking point between them. And it is *fans self furiously* HOT. I really enjoyed the build up Brea crafted in the romance between Nova and Azazel, two people who do not trust easily, and I thought that she wrote a very emotionally intelligent man in Az. For someone who never truly experienced love in his life, his ability to analyze his emotions and communicate them to Nova and encouraging the discussion between the two of them of their emotional status and relationship to each other is impressive. His patience with Nova as she works through her grief and emotional turmoil is endearing and makes for a very lovable enemy turned love interest in this series. Nova has a lot going on for her here. She's dealing with the loss of her entire family, the realization that her partner is the one who killed them for the "greater good", and figuring out who she is as an individual now that she is seemingly left alone. Her resilience and ability to function after that is portrayed so well, but this is in no way an easy task and Brea shows that the emotional weight of this awful thing that has happened to her is normal to feel, despite wanting to keep moving forward.
The dystopian vibes are vibing in Below--genocide, population decimation, etc. are up front and present here--and we have some brand new villains on the scene with us here. But yes, Iblis Altair and Talon are back at it again with their evil and crazy selves. Without spoiling anything about the plot, I will say that I am SHOOK by the cliffhanger ending we're left on with regard to Az--I am stresseddddd about it--and we'll see how this plays out for him and Nova now that they've been separated physically. Overall, I really enjoyed this sequel to Above; I know its hard to write a quality book 2 in a trilogy but Brea truly does it so well. I think I'm going to need to reread Below to fully absorb the gravity of where this has left us and what it is setting up for the final book (which btw I need ASAP) because there is definitely a lot to take in and process. I was so excited and anxious about what was happening, I read so fast and need to slow down to take it all in. Four and a half stars rounded up for me, but this is one that's very likely to hit five stars on a reread. Go read it and fall in love with a blonde MMC!
Below is an excellent follow-up to the first book in this series, Above. Above was one of my favorite books of the first half of the year and Below is on my list for one of my favorites for the second half of the year.
We FINALLY get the payoff of the slow burn between Nova and Azazel that has been simmering since book 1, albeit not immediately, which makes it all the more exciting when things finally hit their breaking point between them. And it is *fans self furiously* HOT. I really enjoyed the build up Brea crafted in the romance between Nova and Azazel, two people who do not trust easily, and I thought that she wrote a very emotionally intelligent man in Az. For someone who never truly experienced love in his life, his ability to analyze his emotions and communicate them to Nova and encouraging the discussion between the two of them of their emotional status and relationship to each other is impressive. His patience with Nova as she works through her grief and emotional turmoil is endearing and makes for a very lovable enemy turned love interest in this series. Nova has a lot going on for her here. She's dealing with the loss of her entire family, the realization that her partner is the one who killed them for the "greater good", and figuring out who she is as an individual now that she is seemingly left alone. Her resilience and ability to function after that is portrayed so well, but this is in no way an easy task and Brea shows that the emotional weight of this awful thing that has happened to her is normal to feel, despite wanting to keep moving forward.
The dystopian vibes are vibing in Below--genocide, population decimation, etc. are up front and present here--and we have some brand new villains on the scene with us here. But yes, Iblis Altair and Talon are back at it again with their evil and crazy selves. Without spoiling anything about the plot, I will say that I am SHOOK by the cliffhanger ending we're left on with regard to Az--I am stresseddddd about it--and we'll see how this plays out for him and Nova now that they've been separated physically. Overall, I really enjoyed this sequel to Above; I know its hard to write a quality book 2 in a trilogy but Brea truly does it so well. I think I'm going to need to reread Below to fully absorb the gravity of where this has left us and what it is setting up for the final book (which btw I need ASAP) because there is definitely a lot to take in and process. I was so excited and anxious about what was happening, I read so fast and need to slow down to take it all in. Four and a half stars rounded up for me, but this is one that's very likely to hit five stars on a reread. Go read it and fall in love with a blonde MMC!
July 31, 2026
BELOW (ARC REVIEW)
Brea Lamb
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶🌶
Thank you Brea for the arc!
This has been one of my most anticipated books of the year and Brea Lamb did not hold back on this beautiful and heartbreaking story. Book two immediately picks up where we left off and takes us on a complicated and perilous journey with Nova, Az and our other characters.
This dark Dystopian world full of magic and secrets that Brea has created is unique and she has the amazing talent of making you feel completely immersed while you are reading.
I can say that I am completely gone for Azazel! He is hands down one of my absolute favorite MMCs I have ever read. The growth that he has had since book one was so perfectly done and felt organic in how his mind set was slowly changing and how he was realizing that the world is so much bigger than just the core familes and the lies and hate he has been told his whole life. I really loved his obsession and devotion to Nova and the way he is the one to fall first and pursue her. The tension and banter between these two has been building since book one and it reaches it's boiling point in this book and the explosion between these two was perfection!
Nova is still a tough and fiercely independent individual. She has one goal in mind in this book and that's revenge for the people that have hurt her and her family. I dont think I have read a more raw and real feeling female character. Brea doesn't hold back on showing us the dark and gritty side to Novas anger. We get a real and honest depiction of what revenge looks and feels like and I for one loved Novas path in this book. It's was also nice to see her have moments of softness with Az and to see the relationship between then grow.
This story is dark and most of the individuals in it are morally grey. The characters are fighting for their lives and freedom from a cruel and unfair world and societys expectations that have been keeping them trapped, mistreated and even killed. These characters go through so much pain and tragedy.
This is a book that will have some beautiful moments between two people realizing they are each other light in the dark. Some moments of tension breaking laughs and moments of being able to pretend the world isnt as bad as it seems. However it's still important to remember that it's also a story about people so full of hate, anger and hurt that are trying to survive in a world that is just full of darkness and they are fighting to have their light and happiness back.
I enjoyed this book and i can't wait to see how this story concludes in book 3. We have been left with a cliff hanger that was absolutely insane and I'm going to be going crazy waiting to find out what happens to our group. Brea Lamb is an absolute queen with a immense talent.
Brea Lamb
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶🌶
Thank you Brea for the arc!
This has been one of my most anticipated books of the year and Brea Lamb did not hold back on this beautiful and heartbreaking story. Book two immediately picks up where we left off and takes us on a complicated and perilous journey with Nova, Az and our other characters.
This dark Dystopian world full of magic and secrets that Brea has created is unique and she has the amazing talent of making you feel completely immersed while you are reading.
I can say that I am completely gone for Azazel! He is hands down one of my absolute favorite MMCs I have ever read. The growth that he has had since book one was so perfectly done and felt organic in how his mind set was slowly changing and how he was realizing that the world is so much bigger than just the core familes and the lies and hate he has been told his whole life. I really loved his obsession and devotion to Nova and the way he is the one to fall first and pursue her. The tension and banter between these two has been building since book one and it reaches it's boiling point in this book and the explosion between these two was perfection!
Nova is still a tough and fiercely independent individual. She has one goal in mind in this book and that's revenge for the people that have hurt her and her family. I dont think I have read a more raw and real feeling female character. Brea doesn't hold back on showing us the dark and gritty side to Novas anger. We get a real and honest depiction of what revenge looks and feels like and I for one loved Novas path in this book. It's was also nice to see her have moments of softness with Az and to see the relationship between then grow.
This story is dark and most of the individuals in it are morally grey. The characters are fighting for their lives and freedom from a cruel and unfair world and societys expectations that have been keeping them trapped, mistreated and even killed. These characters go through so much pain and tragedy.
This is a book that will have some beautiful moments between two people realizing they are each other light in the dark. Some moments of tension breaking laughs and moments of being able to pretend the world isnt as bad as it seems. However it's still important to remember that it's also a story about people so full of hate, anger and hurt that are trying to survive in a world that is just full of darkness and they are fighting to have their light and happiness back.
I enjoyed this book and i can't wait to see how this story concludes in book 3. We have been left with a cliff hanger that was absolutely insane and I'm going to be going crazy waiting to find out what happens to our group. Brea Lamb is an absolute queen with a immense talent.
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