Below

Darkness Reigns #2

by Brea Lamb

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?

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Magic

Expected publication July 31, 2026

About the author

Brea 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

Reviews

[ciana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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.”

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Catrina Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with caution, but READ IT! Thanks Brea for another incredible ARC 👌🏻
Below is the perfect sequel to Above! It was so incredible, I now need the third book, because WHAT A CLIFFHANGER 👀
As dark and anguished as the first book, but also even more visceral. There were so many difficult parts to read.
This was always such a despotic world, especially against the eadi, the common people.
Azazel was divine! I mean, how can we not love him? He's deviously perfect! He had such amazing growth since we first met him, and we get to see it, how he slowly changes into something MORE, something BETTER. And he's really funny too, especially when he's thinking about Nova 😏
Nova, on the other hand, is so lost, the poor thing! I grieved with her, bled with her, and cried with her. Her family didn't deserve any of that, and neither did she. The STARS are so freaking wicked! And so is their society. Everything is for the greater good and for the sovereigns above... That's just so messed up, but I loved this twisted, crooked, vindictive story. I loved how we get to know so many backstories, and how, in spite of everything, some of them are willing to change and fight for a "better world".
There were a lot of fighting scenes, a lot of gore and awful things, some twists and turns, and some secrets and hidden truths. I couldn't sit still reading this book! I was always on edge!

Tropes:
- Dark Dystopian Fantasy
- Caste Society & Prejudice
- Divine Entities & Magic
- Enemies to Lovers
- Found Family
- Slow-Burn Romance
- Secrets & Hidden Truths
- Spicy Scenes
- Betrayals
- Mental Health Rep.
- So much Gore

[vampire•ink•drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨♾️⭐️ All the stars in every galaxy. And then find some more. No notes. ⭐️♾️✨

How this author doesn't already have a trad deal is beyond me because this woman can write!
Above was my favorite book of 2025, so I went into Below with expectations that were orbiting somewhere near the moon.
No surprise...she shattered Every. Single. One.

Azazel Altair has officially strutted in, stolen the crown, and politely informed every other book boyfriend that their services are no longer required.
The growth. The self reflection. The PINING! And that mouth??
Yeah...I'll be thinking about that for the foreseeable future.

Nova continues to be one of my favorite heroines.Watching her question everything she thought she knew, grow beyond the beliefs she'd been harboring, and slowly let her walls fall around Az was incredibly satisfying.

Their banter? Elite. The push and pull? Perfection. And when that slow burn finally caught fire...I was kicking my feet, giggling, and celebrating like I'd personally won.

Brea's writing is pure magic. Her world building is effortless, the political intrigue feels layered and relevant, and every character feels painfully real. She doesn't just tell a story...she completely consumes you with it.

That ending.
Because what do you mean?? My feelings were attacked. My soul was launched into another galaxy.

I finished this days ago and I'm still spiraling. I got to the last page, trying to turn more, and my only coherent thought was:

"NOOOOOOOO!"

Book three cannot come fast enough because I am emotionally unwell.

If Below isn't sitting on your TBR yet...what are you even doing?

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

I thought this was a great sequel to "Above".

My only issue is how fast the switch up is from loathing her, to being devoted to her. I thought the progression of "Above" was so good in the relationship department. We get the TINIEST inklings that there might be someting deeper to Azazel, and the crumbs that we did get were so delicious. Then in this book, we switch to "I love her" a little too fast for my liking. I still loved it, but it was a little too quick for me.

That all being said, I LOVED being in Azazel's brain, his thoughts were so fun to be in. The little snide comments, or telling himself to calm down, were so good and funny. I had a blast.

"I hate you."
And I love you.
Get a grip, crazy.

"Stars I think I have a chance. A real chance."

Some of my favorite moments being in Azazel's head, I really do love him.

Also, the banter with the stars were some of my favorite moments. That they want chaos and add so much to the dialog, I loved it. Chapter 18 making her tell Azazel what they said was so so so funny. 10/10.

I thought the progression of the plot was good. I liked how much time was spent with them together, it helped make it a little more believable.

I liked the revolations and I wasn't bored in this book, I kept wanting to pick it up, so that is good.

I liked the found family and the ending has me so interested in what is going to happen next. I can't wait to see what else happens!

[Katie Tinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh MY GOD!! This book was PHENOMENAL!!! It pulled on all my heart strings from tender feelings to being absolutely devastated. Az and Nova are fantastic! They’re both so incredibly complex as they struggle to find their path in the rebellion and in life. They’re both broken in different ways but the way that they push each other to grow and become better is fantastic. Even as enemies they admired and respected each other.

This is a political heavy fast paced dark dystopian book, and the stakes keep getting higher. Nova is very much dealing with the grief after losing her entire family, being hunted by the Elite and being thrown into a rebellion she’s not 100% on. I love that Az both supports her rights as well as her wrongs as she seeks some much needed revenge. Az meanwhile is adjusting to his role in the rebellion and he rightfully clocks the commander as a shady shit. He’s also dealing with guilt of leaving his friends behind, and his growing feelings for Nova. Brea I can now die happy that they finally kissed! This is what I want in a slow burn.

The complexity of this series is insane as the question is what do the stars want? Entertainment- obviously but does it have to come from the enslavement of a people? And is there a winner if the rebellion does succeed or is there a better path?

Thank you Brea for letting me read this early! This book is burned into my soul in the best way.

This is a darker book, so please check the trigger warnings before reading.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Brea Lamb for the gifted arc! What a great follow up to Above. This is such a great story bc it truly has a full cast of morally grey characters—this is a brutal world, and the characters reflect their lived experiences. The political climate in this series is such an eerie reflection of real-life events, which makes sense as it is a dystopian fantasy.
This picks up shortly after the ending of Above. This series is a TRUE enemies to lovers, and I loved every second of it. We get so much tension, angst, and YEARNING from our main couple, but ESPECIALLY the MMC. He had me giggling and kicking my feet nonstop. And god was the payoff good.
Nova is my girl!! I absolutely adore her as a FMC, and I feel like we got to see more of her softer side in this as her relationship with Az developed. She’s stubborn, strong, and a total badass. She’s such a complex character and I just adore being in her head.
The whole plot of this had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am genuinely so invested in this world and these characters. Brea has created such a wonderfully unique world and I ate up every single word. I cannot wait for the next book

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy fucking shit. Pardon the language.

But Brea you have done it ONCE AGAIN. I am in awe of you and your writing.

This book was so beautifully written, every word painted an exact picture of what was happening in this story and I was gripped from sentence one. When I wasn’t reading this book I was thinking about it, I devoured this entire thing and I haven’t felt consumed by a story like this in a very long time. The foreshadowing of what was to come was so intricately woven in the story, and the story itself flowed to easily that I could not put it down!!

All my favorite tropes were in this book, in the most perfect ways ever. The yearning was top tier, the love expressed romantically and platonically through friends and found family had me in tears, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The main characters have so much depth, they’re intelligent, morally grey/black, powerful and show you that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.



I don’t know what I’m gonna do with myself while waiting for book 3.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Below by Brea Lamb is an absolute five-star, edge of your seat experience. This book is one hell of a roller coaster, packed with intensity, emotion, and nonstop twists that keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Brea Lamb does not hold back. The story dives into very dark subject matter, so checking the trigger warnings beforehand is essential. That said, the heavier themes are balanced with moments of witty banter, compelling character dynamics, and well-written spicy scenes. The blend of light and dark elements creates a gripping and immersive reading experience.
What truly stands out is how unpredictable the journey is. The plot takes you in so many directions, constantly building toward something bigger and more epic. Every turn adds depth to both the world and the characters, making the stakes feel incredibly real.
And that ending, it leaves you with a powerful sense of hope. After everything the characters endure and the war they are facing, you close the book feeling both satisfied and eager for what comes next.
This is a bold, intense, and unforgettable read.

[Sophie Hulston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brea has done it again!! Honestly couldn’t put it down! I was so lucky to BETA and ARC read this and honestly I would re-read a third time.

Brea’s writing had me so immersed into the world, I was constantly on edge with the political unrest. I loved getting to see the stars interact a lot more with Nova, they are such menaces.

We get to meet the members of the rebellion and let’s just say commander Maitoza is very suspicious.

This is the perfect enemies to lovers series! I honestly did not think that Az would be so down bad and the biggest yearner ever. But I was wrong! He had me giggling and blushing but also sweating with his filthy mouth. Inn and also one of my favourite microtropes - he cums in his pants 🤭

I loved getting to see more of Nova’s sensitive side. She is trying to learn that maybe people truly can change. I really loved her opening up with Az.

Now the ending?! Umm yeah I’m going to need book 3 asap because WHAT??

[Stephanie Chiocchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Brea for this eARC!

Woooow okay she does it AGAIN. After inhaling book one I was more than ready to be emotionally torn apart all over again over book two.

I don’t think I can’t actually describe the emotions this book made me feel - which just goes to show incredible Brea is at writing these characters. Actual pain, heartbreak, and rage. Even with the addition of the side characters (whom I hope we get to see even more in book 3)

The relationship progression between our MCs is perfect. While they’re planning how to navigate the upcoming war, they’re both learning how to let their walls down and trust. They both have so much trauma in their lives that they are learning how to work through. Az, king of pining and yearning, dear sir, I love you.

I was stressed the entire last 15% of the book. No. That’s a lie, I was stressed the entire book waiting to see when something new would go wrong. But that ending was a wild ride and I am so excited for the next book.

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dark dystopian fantasy, I am BEGGING you to pick up this series.

Below is book two in the Darkness Reigns series by Brea Lamb and holy crap the plot thickens in this one. The continuation of the political climate in this one is heartbreaking as it is so identical to real world events and I think the effect was executed so nicely. I so badly missed Nova and Death and was ecstatic to be reunited again. If you like sassy kittens, you'll love Death. I admire Nova's strength and determination, she is wildly smart and talented. And we finally get the experience of Az going full simp! And I mean the pining us HEAVY 🙌 and the heat gets so incredibly hot.

The plot twist and ending had me audibly gasping and now I need to talk to the stars because I have questions!!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% new book boyfriend Azazel!! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting it was so good. We get slow burn, plot twists, found family, banter, politics, spice, dual pov, and continued morally black characters. I was here for all of it. The romance takes off in Below with Az trying to be the best version he can be for Nova and I loved it. So well written and the way the heavier topics played out just kept me emotionally connected to the characters.
Already purchased my signed copy and can’t wait for the next book!!

Thank you Brea Lamb for this ARC!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG brea, the way I was trying not to finish because I did not want it to end. I finished reading in about 2 days. I am forever grateful to ARC for reading it. I did a reread of Above, and I am so happy I did that. I am ready for book 3. THIS IS A 5-STAR read. Highly recommend anything by Brea.

I cannot believe the ending- AH! That did not happen. Still shocked.
The way Brea put into words the views of the of Eadi vs elite vs Shaytan.
She always knows how to write what we all think about today's world. I have some many highlights from this book and im so grateful for it. 🖤

[Tara N Gabrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book....

Wow. What a masterpiece. The relationship between the MC's was perfection. It morphed into something so beautiful so gradually. The pacing was fantastic.

The character arcs were delicious. Watching Nova discover what she truly wanted and needed was magical.

The ending? The plot twists? The spice? Fantastic!! All of it.

I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout this story as well as my heart aching.

I loved this even more than book 1!
A MUST read!!!

[harli gadau · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️’s and absolutely no notes this was a perfect sequel in my opinion!

one of my fave things ever is when an mmc is down bad and the fmc is trying to deny her feelings hard! it makes the tension, yearning, and banter out of this world!! azazel has absolutely been added to my book boyfriend list 😮‍💨

plus you know i’m a sucker for a magic system having to do with the stars and i loveeee this one so much!

[Linda Maiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Below completely exceeded my expectations. This sequel raises the stakes with political intrigue, shocking betrayals, impossible choices, and a romance that simmers beneath the chaos. Nova and Azazel had me emotionally invested from beginning to end, and the ending left me desperate for more.

If you love: 🖤 He falls first
⚔️ Forced proximity
👑 Political intrigue
🌑 Morally black worlds
✨ Dual POV

...then this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Emelie Schneeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Stars.

Every single part of this book was perfect. The building relationships, the hurt, betrayal, forgiveness and desperation- Brea delivered it all flawlessly.

The pacing was beautiful and accentuated by the building action as the events just kept hammering the characters the further into it you go.

It does contain heavy topics so make sure to check your triggers.

“As all falls apart, I encourage you, dear reader, to pray to the stars. For darkness festers from below.”

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review*
This was soooo deliciously good. I loved that we focoused more on the romance aspect whilst having that nice blend of other overarching themes such as power, greed, corroupt polotics, found family, love, life, loss, grief. everything was written and handeld beautifully well. Brb while i sob into my pillow cause this was so gorgeous yet so painful. brea, i love u and i love ur mind 😍💌

[Jessica Sokol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved book one but this, book two, loved it even more!! So so good!!!! Nova and Az grew so much and I fell in-love with Az in this book. ❤️ He had the most growth of all the characters and it was beautiful to watch. I inhaled this book, didn’t want to put it down and then when it ended…damn. I NEED BOOK 3. This whole series is just the best!!