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Arcane Realm #2
A Realm of Trials and Fury
Now he's had her, and he'll never let her go.
Renwick
Once the high lord’s most trusted assassin, Renwick is no longer bound by obedience alone. His bond to Davina—his Kindraid, his fated mate—ties him to her pain, her power, and the truths she has yet to face.
Protecting her means defying the very systems that shaped him. As the realm fractures under tyranny and betrayal, Renwick must confront the secrets he’s kept and consider how far he’s willing to go to keep his mate alive.
Davina
Davina is broken and captive in the high lord’s manor. Her magic is stolen, her body is destroyed. But she was not weak. She is heir to a throne she never wanted and power that grows by the minute. Haunted by voices whispering of ruin and rule alike, Davina must decide what kind of queen she will become. The darkness within her grows stronger with every truth uncovered, every betrayal revealed.
Their Story Continues
Bound by magic, pain, and a love forged in shadows, Davina and Renwick stand against a corrupt, devastating world.
As ancient powers stir and their home edges closer to collapse, they must decide whether love can survive the weight of crowns and chains.
Will Davina and Renwick survive the pressure and admit they need each other more than ever?
Renwick
Once the high lord’s most trusted assassin, Renwick is no longer bound by obedience alone. His bond to Davina—his Kindraid, his fated mate—ties him to her pain, her power, and the truths she has yet to face.
Protecting her means defying the very systems that shaped him. As the realm fractures under tyranny and betrayal, Renwick must confront the secrets he’s kept and consider how far he’s willing to go to keep his mate alive.
Davina
Davina is broken and captive in the high lord’s manor. Her magic is stolen, her body is destroyed. But she was not weak. She is heir to a throne she never wanted and power that grows by the minute. Haunted by voices whispering of ruin and rule alike, Davina must decide what kind of queen she will become. The darkness within her grows stronger with every truth uncovered, every betrayal revealed.
Their Story Continues
Bound by magic, pain, and a love forged in shadows, Davina and Renwick stand against a corrupt, devastating world.
As ancient powers stir and their home edges closer to collapse, they must decide whether love can survive the weight of crowns and chains.
Will Davina and Renwick survive the pressure and admit they need each other more than ever?
- GenresRomantasy
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 15, 2026
Wow, this book was amazing.
We pick up the story straight after book 1.
There is a lot of drama, yearning in this book, but what raises it for me is the development of the relationship between Davina and Ren. I adored them and how their secrets affected them.
Loved it, and i can't wait for the next book!
We pick up the story straight after book 1.
There is a lot of drama, yearning in this book, but what raises it for me is the development of the relationship between Davina and Ren. I adored them and how their secrets affected them.
Loved it, and i can't wait for the next book!
April 12, 2026
Thank you so much to Larissa Antonioni and Iris Influencer Society for the gifted copy! 🖤🐉✨
Summary (No Spoilers):
The second book picks up right where the first one ends, with Davina and Renwick being captured by Lillian and Lord Arwen. They not only need to escape, but Davina has now learned that she is the rightful queen of the Sky Realm and possesses more power than she ever imagined. Book two in The Arcane Realm Chronicles is a journey not only of her heart and who it belongs to (cough Renwick), but also a journey through her realm and the other kingdoms—discovering who will become allies and who will stand in their way. This book is filled with adventure, yearning, and the realization that asking for help from others is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Overall, a good read, especially for those who enjoy fantasy worlds with devastating devotion and morally gray heroes!
What I Loved:
Renwick is so protective of Davina that it aches! He takes every opportunity to tell her just how much she means to him and is so fiercely protective that you can’t help but feel what he feels—even when she doesn’t fully reciprocate it.
The found family is everything! In the 2nd book it continues to build and develop, and I really enjoyed the dynamics that were created between the characters.
I really enjoyed Fallon and Lord Lightborn’s story and I am excited to see where their storyline goes in the final book.
The animals and creatures the author weaves in and out of the story were really intriguing and added a lot to the overall world and atmosphere.
What Could Be Stronger:
At times, things felt over-explained. As a reader, it’s fun to fill in some of the blanks—whether that’s what characters are thinking or where the plot might be headed. There were moments where actions or dialogue plainly stated what was happening, and it didn’t always feel necessary. (Ex: His sister appearing in town right after Renwick says he hopes she doesn’t show up; Fallon saying Davina likes Renwick when he’s sassy, and him immediately trying it.)
I felt that sometimes characters were too easily forgiven for past mistakes and actions. (Ex: Aurora letting her brother off the hook for leaving her, Davina saying she didn’t forgive Renwick but pretty much immediately letting him back into her heart.)
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first. It felt like a true second book in a trilogy—where the first is mostly world-building, the second focuses heavily on character development, and the third is usually where the epic battles and heightened drama take place. I tend to enjoy first and third books more than the middle ones due to pacing. That being said, there were several things I still really enjoyed: the side characters, Renwick’s relentless pursuit of Davina, and the intrigue surrounding her powers—what she’s capable of and how her growing proficiency fits into everything. As this is Larissa’s second release, I think it’s written very well overall; it just might not be entirely my cup of tea.
Summary (No Spoilers):
The second book picks up right where the first one ends, with Davina and Renwick being captured by Lillian and Lord Arwen. They not only need to escape, but Davina has now learned that she is the rightful queen of the Sky Realm and possesses more power than she ever imagined. Book two in The Arcane Realm Chronicles is a journey not only of her heart and who it belongs to (cough Renwick), but also a journey through her realm and the other kingdoms—discovering who will become allies and who will stand in their way. This book is filled with adventure, yearning, and the realization that asking for help from others is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Overall, a good read, especially for those who enjoy fantasy worlds with devastating devotion and morally gray heroes!
What I Loved:
Renwick is so protective of Davina that it aches! He takes every opportunity to tell her just how much she means to him and is so fiercely protective that you can’t help but feel what he feels—even when she doesn’t fully reciprocate it.
The found family is everything! In the 2nd book it continues to build and develop, and I really enjoyed the dynamics that were created between the characters.
I really enjoyed Fallon and Lord Lightborn’s story and I am excited to see where their storyline goes in the final book.
The animals and creatures the author weaves in and out of the story were really intriguing and added a lot to the overall world and atmosphere.
What Could Be Stronger:
At times, things felt over-explained. As a reader, it’s fun to fill in some of the blanks—whether that’s what characters are thinking or where the plot might be headed. There were moments where actions or dialogue plainly stated what was happening, and it didn’t always feel necessary. (Ex: His sister appearing in town right after Renwick says he hopes she doesn’t show up; Fallon saying Davina likes Renwick when he’s sassy, and him immediately trying it.)
I felt that sometimes characters were too easily forgiven for past mistakes and actions. (Ex: Aurora letting her brother off the hook for leaving her, Davina saying she didn’t forgive Renwick but pretty much immediately letting him back into her heart.)
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first. It felt like a true second book in a trilogy—where the first is mostly world-building, the second focuses heavily on character development, and the third is usually where the epic battles and heightened drama take place. I tend to enjoy first and third books more than the middle ones due to pacing. That being said, there were several things I still really enjoyed: the side characters, Renwick’s relentless pursuit of Davina, and the intrigue surrounding her powers—what she’s capable of and how her growing proficiency fits into everything. As this is Larissa’s second release, I think it’s written very well overall; it just might not be entirely my cup of tea.
April 7, 2026
Reread: The release of the audiobook for this story pulled me right into a reread, and I’m so glad it did—especially with book two having just come out. This follows Davina and Renwick, two characters whose lives have been tangled together far longer than she realizes. They first crossed paths as children, though Davina has no memory of it, while Renwick has quietly kept watch over her for most of her life. After their parents were murdered, Davina and her sister were torn apart by the king—her sister sent to an orphanage and Davina to a temple. Years later, with no word from her sister, that lingering worry never really leaves her. When people around Davina begin dying in ways eerily similar to her parents, she can’t ignore the possibility that it’s all connected, and she starts digging for answers herself.
At the same time, the king assigns his assassin—Renwick—to the case, and things escalate quickly when Davina becomes a target. He brings her under his protection, and from there, you really start to see the push and pull between them. Both of them are carrying so much guilt and darkness, convinced they deserve the bad things that have happened to them, and it makes opening up a real struggle. Renwick being the last of his kind, bonded to his wyvern Draxis, adds such a unique layer to the story. Their connection—and even their own language—was so interesting, and I loved that one of the ways Renwick starts to process his feelings for Davina is through her trying to learn it to communicate with Draxis. And Draxis was easily one of my favorite characters—so sassy, constantly poking at Renwick, and immediately a fan of Davina. I also have to shout out Tiffany, the audiobook narrator, because she brought a level of depth and emotion that made everything feel more real than when I originally read it. I cannot wait to see what Davina, Renwick, and Draxis get up to next in book two.
Original Review:
I was completely drawn into the story of Renwick and Davina—their history, chemistry, and emotional depth made every moment between them feel charged with meaning. The way their overlapping past bleeds into the present adds so much weight to their choices and interactions. I loved watching their relationship evolve, especially as truths come to light and emotions tangle with duty and desire. The dual perspective was seamless and gave a great view into both characters—making it easy to empathize with their inner struggles and root for their growth. And let me tell you, the way the story weaves darkness, love, and the pull of good intentions was just chef’s kiss.
The magic system is another standout—the way it’s intricately tied into the world and character dynamics adds such rich layers of tension and nuance. I was especially intrigued by the layered relationships between Draxus and both Renwick and Davina—those interactions were so entertaining, and Renwick’s reactions to Draxus' behavior added some much-needed levity to the heavier moments. Watching Davina face her past and try to make peace with who she is felt emotional and empowering, while Renwick’s inner tug-of-war between his responsibilities and his heart was beautifully done. And the twists? I didn’t see them coming and loved every second of it. This book had me hooked from beginning to end, and I absolutely can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
At the same time, the king assigns his assassin—Renwick—to the case, and things escalate quickly when Davina becomes a target. He brings her under his protection, and from there, you really start to see the push and pull between them. Both of them are carrying so much guilt and darkness, convinced they deserve the bad things that have happened to them, and it makes opening up a real struggle. Renwick being the last of his kind, bonded to his wyvern Draxis, adds such a unique layer to the story. Their connection—and even their own language—was so interesting, and I loved that one of the ways Renwick starts to process his feelings for Davina is through her trying to learn it to communicate with Draxis. And Draxis was easily one of my favorite characters—so sassy, constantly poking at Renwick, and immediately a fan of Davina. I also have to shout out Tiffany, the audiobook narrator, because she brought a level of depth and emotion that made everything feel more real than when I originally read it. I cannot wait to see what Davina, Renwick, and Draxis get up to next in book two.
Original Review:
I was completely drawn into the story of Renwick and Davina—their history, chemistry, and emotional depth made every moment between them feel charged with meaning. The way their overlapping past bleeds into the present adds so much weight to their choices and interactions. I loved watching their relationship evolve, especially as truths come to light and emotions tangle with duty and desire. The dual perspective was seamless and gave a great view into both characters—making it easy to empathize with their inner struggles and root for their growth. And let me tell you, the way the story weaves darkness, love, and the pull of good intentions was just chef’s kiss.
The magic system is another standout—the way it’s intricately tied into the world and character dynamics adds such rich layers of tension and nuance. I was especially intrigued by the layered relationships between Draxus and both Renwick and Davina—those interactions were so entertaining, and Renwick’s reactions to Draxus' behavior added some much-needed levity to the heavier moments. Watching Davina face her past and try to make peace with who she is felt emotional and empowering, while Renwick’s inner tug-of-war between his responsibilities and his heart was beautifully done. And the twists? I didn’t see them coming and loved every second of it. This book had me hooked from beginning to end, and I absolutely can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
March 29, 2026
What a wonderful sequel this was! We got everything I loved in the first book plus - fated mates, touch him/her and 💀, more political intrigue, a chosen one, second chance romance, more secrets and betrayals, more grief 😢, new alliances, a better look at some of the gods/goddesses of this world, and so much more.
Just like they did in Book 1, both Davina and Renwick unfortunately go through more trauma in this one. I was once again so impressed with how Larissa Antonioni depicted depression and anxiety, and I still appreciate how she shows her characters handling their grief.
On top of Davina struggling with the secrets Renwick kept from her in Book 1, she is having the hardest time accepting her fate as the High Queen. And I don’t blame her! That’s a lot to come to terms with, especially when she knows more secrets are still being kept from her. Looking at you Renwick… 👀
Speaking of Renwick, it may take a while to get there, but he and Davina finally get to a point in this book where there are no more secrets between them. Their relationship goes through so much, and I was so glad their Kindraid bond was finally exposed to Davina, even if it wasn’t Renwick who finally reveals that to her.
We see our group travel to the Light Realm in this one to request aid, and I loved the new characters this introduced to the story. With how this book ended, I’m curious to see if we’ll potentially see more of this realm after this trilogy is complete. I’d love to see that from Fallon’s POV for sure!
We got plenty of action in this book, especially with the last battle scene. The loss in that scene was heartbreaking, so be prepared to feel all the emotions.
Thank you so much to Larissa Antonioni and Iris Influencer Society for the gifted copy! I can’t wait to see how the story continues in Book 3! 🖤🐉✨
Just like they did in Book 1, both Davina and Renwick unfortunately go through more trauma in this one. I was once again so impressed with how Larissa Antonioni depicted depression and anxiety, and I still appreciate how she shows her characters handling their grief.
On top of Davina struggling with the secrets Renwick kept from her in Book 1, she is having the hardest time accepting her fate as the High Queen. And I don’t blame her! That’s a lot to come to terms with, especially when she knows more secrets are still being kept from her. Looking at you Renwick… 👀
Speaking of Renwick, it may take a while to get there, but he and Davina finally get to a point in this book where there are no more secrets between them. Their relationship goes through so much, and I was so glad their Kindraid bond was finally exposed to Davina, even if it wasn’t Renwick who finally reveals that to her.
We see our group travel to the Light Realm in this one to request aid, and I loved the new characters this introduced to the story. With how this book ended, I’m curious to see if we’ll potentially see more of this realm after this trilogy is complete. I’d love to see that from Fallon’s POV for sure!
We got plenty of action in this book, especially with the last battle scene. The loss in that scene was heartbreaking, so be prepared to feel all the emotions.
Thank you so much to Larissa Antonioni and Iris Influencer Society for the gifted copy! I can’t wait to see how the story continues in Book 3! 🖤🐉✨
April 4, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
“I wasn’t the female I used to be. And I didn’t think I ever would be again.”
✨ Touch him/her and die
✨ Hurt and comfort
✨ Fated mates
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Political intrigue
Davina has grown so much since the first book. She is darker, stronger, and finally stepping fully into her power, facing the chaos around her with grit and determination. Every choice she makes carries weight, and the story pulls you straight into her journey of survival, self-discovery, and reclaiming her life.
“You’re a force to be reckoned with, Davina. If anyone can change the realms for the better, it’s you.”
The romance is intense. Renwick and Davina are fated mates, on fire from the first moment, but there is also room for healing and trust-building that makes their connection feel real and earned. Their bond is fierce, passionate, and utterly consuming.
“Love was too weak a word for the torrential, unruly emotions that roared inside me for the ashen-haired female above. She was my entire purpose, the reason I lived.”
The political intrigue and dangers of the realm are layered and complex, keeping every scene charged. Betrayals, secrets, and the fight for control make the world feel alive, unpredictable, and dangerous in all the right ways.
“If anyone could change the realms, it was someone with a heart as beautiful as hers. It wasn’t pure, but it was good, and one couldn’t find the light without a little darkness anyway.”
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
“I wasn’t the female I used to be. And I didn’t think I ever would be again.”
✨ Touch him/her and die
✨ Hurt and comfort
✨ Fated mates
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Political intrigue
Davina has grown so much since the first book. She is darker, stronger, and finally stepping fully into her power, facing the chaos around her with grit and determination. Every choice she makes carries weight, and the story pulls you straight into her journey of survival, self-discovery, and reclaiming her life.
“You’re a force to be reckoned with, Davina. If anyone can change the realms for the better, it’s you.”
The romance is intense. Renwick and Davina are fated mates, on fire from the first moment, but there is also room for healing and trust-building that makes their connection feel real and earned. Their bond is fierce, passionate, and utterly consuming.
“Love was too weak a word for the torrential, unruly emotions that roared inside me for the ashen-haired female above. She was my entire purpose, the reason I lived.”
The political intrigue and dangers of the realm are layered and complex, keeping every scene charged. Betrayals, secrets, and the fight for control make the world feel alive, unpredictable, and dangerous in all the right ways.
“If anyone could change the realms, it was someone with a heart as beautiful as hers. It wasn’t pure, but it was good, and one couldn’t find the light without a little darkness anyway.”
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG... !!!
I just want to scream when I read the first few chapters.
The action scene is very refreshing.
I like that it gives more focus on the broader main story. Even though I like our main character relationship, I'm more curious about the main story. Because, you know, there are 5 realms and we only got the opportunity to read about Arcane Realm in the first book. So seeing another realm is a great bonus. It's a good reminder also that there is always something different in other places.
The second book is more about Davina's struggle to accept her fate as the queen. How she has to learn how to trust other people, and of course how to trust in herself. Sometimes trusting other people mean that you can lean onto the other person or you can let them depend on you. A relationship is two-way direction.
There is one scene that deeply disturbs me actually, but I don't know how to say it without spoiling the story. clue: goddess.
anyway, thank you Larissa for the eARC. It's such a great joy to read Davina and Renwick adventure. I can't wait for the third book.
I just want to scream when I read the first few chapters.
The action scene is very refreshing.
I like that it gives more focus on the broader main story. Even though I like our main character relationship, I'm more curious about the main story. Because, you know, there are 5 realms and we only got the opportunity to read about Arcane Realm in the first book. So seeing another realm is a great bonus. It's a good reminder also that there is always something different in other places.
The second book is more about Davina's struggle to accept her fate as the queen. How she has to learn how to trust other people, and of course how to trust in herself. Sometimes trusting other people mean that you can lean onto the other person or you can let them depend on you. A relationship is two-way direction.
There is one scene that deeply disturbs me actually, but I don't know how to say it without spoiling the story. clue: goddess.
anyway, thank you Larissa for the eARC. It's such a great joy to read Davina and Renwick adventure. I can't wait for the third book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first installment of this series, A Realm of Lies and Power, back in December, and I've been patiently waiting for the second to arrive! A Realm of Trials and Fury takes place immediately following the events of book one, and it hits the ground running. There's a lot more action, an exciting new world, and many fun new characters. My new favorite character from this book is Aurora - her rage and tenacity immediately drew me to her, just because I feel like these morally complex characters have so many more layers, and you never know what they will do next. Because of the "setbacks" Renwick and Davina had in their relationship based on events in book one, I feel like the romance was a bit more of a slower burn in this one, and more of the focus was on the world-building and the main mission (which didn't bother me at all). There was a lot more yearning because of it, which is something I really appreciate.
One thing that threw me off a little bit, and this was purely a "me" thing, since I'm not someone as well-versed in the fantasy genre, but the use of "male" and "female" kind of took me out of the story at times. I definitely understand why it's used in fantasy novels, which makes perfect sense. My brain, because my primary genres are thrillers and horror, usually associates use of those terms as something more negative - particularly when it comes to women. I also read a lot of novels by LGBTQIA+ authors, and since those terms tend to be too inclusive when talking about genders, I'm just not used to seeing characters referring to each other in this way. Again, it makes sense from a fantasy perspective because of the various species of characters - I just need to wrap my mind around it.
I also have one more mention, a small spoiler/trigger warning for my animal lovers out there (please skip this paragraph if you don't want spoilers) - but there is an animal death. It was done respectfully, but there is a part near the end of the book that does include details of an animal sacrifice. However, it was essential to the plot. I wanted to point this out because I know I have followers who are very against animal deaths in stories, so I wanted to be transparent.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic sequel for this trilogy. There was a lot more world-building, and I enjoyed the new cast of characters and seeing the growth of the characters from the previous novel. I can't wait to see what's in store for Davina and her friends in the final book! Check this one out if you enjoyed the Empyrean series or the Eating Woods series - this one reminds me of those, but much less doom and gloom.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first installment of this series, A Realm of Lies and Power, back in December, and I've been patiently waiting for the second to arrive! A Realm of Trials and Fury takes place immediately following the events of book one, and it hits the ground running. There's a lot more action, an exciting new world, and many fun new characters. My new favorite character from this book is Aurora - her rage and tenacity immediately drew me to her, just because I feel like these morally complex characters have so many more layers, and you never know what they will do next. Because of the "setbacks" Renwick and Davina had in their relationship based on events in book one, I feel like the romance was a bit more of a slower burn in this one, and more of the focus was on the world-building and the main mission (which didn't bother me at all). There was a lot more yearning because of it, which is something I really appreciate.
One thing that threw me off a little bit, and this was purely a "me" thing, since I'm not someone as well-versed in the fantasy genre, but the use of "male" and "female" kind of took me out of the story at times. I definitely understand why it's used in fantasy novels, which makes perfect sense. My brain, because my primary genres are thrillers and horror, usually associates use of those terms as something more negative - particularly when it comes to women. I also read a lot of novels by LGBTQIA+ authors, and since those terms tend to be too inclusive when talking about genders, I'm just not used to seeing characters referring to each other in this way. Again, it makes sense from a fantasy perspective because of the various species of characters - I just need to wrap my mind around it.
I also have one more mention, a small spoiler/trigger warning for my animal lovers out there (please skip this paragraph if you don't want spoilers) - but there is an animal death. It was done respectfully, but there is a part near the end of the book that does include details of an animal sacrifice. However, it was essential to the plot. I wanted to point this out because I know I have followers who are very against animal deaths in stories, so I wanted to be transparent.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic sequel for this trilogy. There was a lot more world-building, and I enjoyed the new cast of characters and seeing the growth of the characters from the previous novel. I can't wait to see what's in store for Davina and her friends in the final book! Check this one out if you enjoyed the Empyrean series or the Eating Woods series - this one reminds me of those, but much less doom and gloom.
Review of advance copy
I received this book as an ARC through IRIS and the author. Thank you for the advanced copy. These are my honest opinions.
While book 1 felt a bit underwhelming for me, this book was much more to my taste and enjoyment.
I loved the romance in this book. The way Ren was working to earn Davina's trust back and their inner monologues with the yearning was on point. I loved it so much. The two main characters lost important people to them had had to work through their grief, while racing to survive battles and the two people hunting them down.
Ren and Davina travel to the Light Realm, which was so exciting. I loved that there was more exploration into this world. I am hopeful in book 3, they will be doing more traveling. Additionally, this book had more on the god/goddess as Davina sought their blessings. I love the lore and the world building in this story. It felt much more in depth and set up nicely for the next story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am so excited to read the third book in this series. I am so invested in Davina's journey to the Sky Throne. The side characters really shined in this book as well. Fallon was set up nicely for a spin-off series or novella (hint, I'd love that).
It did feel a bit longer than it needed to be, but there was so much description, action, and drama that I was able to stay engaged in the story. I also wish there were a few more Draxus moments, but he kinda slid into the background a bit for the second half of this story. The main focus was on Davina accepting her role as Queen, so it made sense, but I missed his playfulness with Davina for the second half of the book. I also was bothered that the Goddess tear is still on Lilian's neck. If they are close enough to fight and they know the Tears are important, why have they never tried to remove the Tear during the fighting?
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Second Chance Romance
Yearning
Chosen One
Found Family
Quote:
I highlighted a lot, so I will try and update once this is published.
While book 1 felt a bit underwhelming for me, this book was much more to my taste and enjoyment.
I loved the romance in this book. The way Ren was working to earn Davina's trust back and their inner monologues with the yearning was on point. I loved it so much. The two main characters lost important people to them had had to work through their grief, while racing to survive battles and the two people hunting them down.
Ren and Davina travel to the Light Realm, which was so exciting. I loved that there was more exploration into this world. I am hopeful in book 3, they will be doing more traveling. Additionally, this book had more on the god/goddess as Davina sought their blessings. I love the lore and the world building in this story. It felt much more in depth and set up nicely for the next story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am so excited to read the third book in this series. I am so invested in Davina's journey to the Sky Throne. The side characters really shined in this book as well. Fallon was set up nicely for a spin-off series or novella (hint, I'd love that).
It did feel a bit longer than it needed to be, but there was so much description, action, and drama that I was able to stay engaged in the story. I also wish there were a few more Draxus moments, but he kinda slid into the background a bit for the second half of this story. The main focus was on Davina accepting her role as Queen, so it made sense, but I missed his playfulness with Davina for the second half of the book. I also was bothered that the Goddess tear is still on Lilian's neck. If they are close enough to fight and they know the Tears are important, why have they never tried to remove the Tear during the fighting?
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Second Chance Romance
Yearning
Chosen One
Found Family
Quote:
I highlighted a lot, so I will try and update once this is published.
April 10, 2026
English below :
4.5 ⭐
Ce deuxième tome est encore meilleur que le premier !
Un parfait mélange d'intrigue et de romance.
Renwick est toujours aussi parfait pour Davina. Attentionné, patient et à l'écoute de sa douce moitié; il a tout d'un amant parfait.
L'évolution de Davina se fait tout en douceur; elle doit apprendre à accepter sa noiceur, son lien avec Renwick et son statut de reine.
On rencontre de nouveaux personnages secondaires tout aussi attachant les uns que les autres et on apprend à mieux connaître ceux du premier tome. Je n'ai pas de coup de coeur, je les ai tous aimé ! Les blagues de Draxus, la douceur de Fallon, l'empathie d'Emyr, l'endurance de Willow, la voix d'Hadeon, la sagesse d'Hecat, la légereté du seigneur Lightborn, la loyauté de Rowan, Aurora et la camaraderie de Jezebel.
**Seul petit bémol : Un personage change son fusil de côté beaucoup trop rapidement.**
J'ai hâte de tous les retrouver pour la finale de cette trilogie !
English :
4.5 ⭐
The second book is even better than the first!
A perfect mixt of plot and romance.
Renwick is still the perfect match for Davina. Attentive, patient, caring for his beloved; he his THE green flag mate.
Davina's evolution is gentle and nuanced; she must learn to accept the Aether, her connection to Renwick, and her status as queen.
We meet new secondary characters, each as endearing as the last, and we get to know those from the first volume better. I don't have a favorite; I loved them all! Draxus's jokes, Fallon's gentleness, Emyr's empathy, Willow's resilience, Hadeon's voice, Hecat's wisdom, Lord Lightborn's lightheartedness, Rowan's loyalty, Aurora, and Jezebel's camaraderie.
**One minor drawback: One character switches side far too quickly.**
I can't wait to see them all again for the finale of this trilogy!
4.5 ⭐
Ce deuxième tome est encore meilleur que le premier !
Un parfait mélange d'intrigue et de romance.
Renwick est toujours aussi parfait pour Davina. Attentionné, patient et à l'écoute de sa douce moitié; il a tout d'un amant parfait.
L'évolution de Davina se fait tout en douceur; elle doit apprendre à accepter sa noiceur, son lien avec Renwick et son statut de reine.
On rencontre de nouveaux personnages secondaires tout aussi attachant les uns que les autres et on apprend à mieux connaître ceux du premier tome. Je n'ai pas de coup de coeur, je les ai tous aimé ! Les blagues de Draxus, la douceur de Fallon, l'empathie d'Emyr, l'endurance de Willow, la voix d'Hadeon, la sagesse d'Hecat, la légereté du seigneur Lightborn, la loyauté de Rowan, Aurora et la camaraderie de Jezebel.
**Seul petit bémol : Un personage change son fusil de côté beaucoup trop rapidement.**
J'ai hâte de tous les retrouver pour la finale de cette trilogie !
English :
4.5 ⭐
The second book is even better than the first!
A perfect mixt of plot and romance.
Renwick is still the perfect match for Davina. Attentive, patient, caring for his beloved; he his THE green flag mate.
Davina's evolution is gentle and nuanced; she must learn to accept the Aether, her connection to Renwick, and her status as queen.
We meet new secondary characters, each as endearing as the last, and we get to know those from the first volume better. I don't have a favorite; I loved them all! Draxus's jokes, Fallon's gentleness, Emyr's empathy, Willow's resilience, Hadeon's voice, Hecat's wisdom, Lord Lightborn's lightheartedness, Rowan's loyalty, Aurora, and Jezebel's camaraderie.
**One minor drawback: One character switches side far too quickly.**
I can't wait to see them all again for the finale of this trilogy!
April 14, 2026
A Realm of Trials and Fury by Larissa Antonioni
5 out of 5 stars
Review Copy
Thank you, Larissa and IRIS for this copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion 💚
I have to say that this sequel was amazing. I might like it even more than the first book which is surprising for me. I loved how we got everything that book 1 had plus so so so more. This included more new alliances, new characters, new creatures (which I love!), more fated mates, and so much more information into the political system and their belief system. Literally everything I was wanting 😍
Because of all of the aspects put together, I was so into the plotline. So much so that I told my husband to leave me alone and go play his video games to let me read uninterrupted. Pretty sure he kept talking anyway so I had to shoo him away 😂
I also wanted to touch on a theme that touched me. In book 2, we explored more themes of grief. If you're someone that connects to all characters, just know you’ll be a mess 🥲 but overall, this aspect was done beautifully and with so much respect for the characters and Davina as she goes through grief on top of the added stress of how fate has played out. I genuinely enjoyed this part and was so touched by these raw emotions.
Overall, Realm of Trials and Fury is such an intense and fast moving read, but it makes you feel like you're there with the characters. You won't be able to resist reading it in one sitting (like me) and I bet you’ll be demanding book 3! 😉
5 out of 5 stars
Review Copy
Thank you, Larissa and IRIS for this copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion 💚
I have to say that this sequel was amazing. I might like it even more than the first book which is surprising for me. I loved how we got everything that book 1 had plus so so so more. This included more new alliances, new characters, new creatures (which I love!), more fated mates, and so much more information into the political system and their belief system. Literally everything I was wanting 😍
Because of all of the aspects put together, I was so into the plotline. So much so that I told my husband to leave me alone and go play his video games to let me read uninterrupted. Pretty sure he kept talking anyway so I had to shoo him away 😂
I also wanted to touch on a theme that touched me. In book 2, we explored more themes of grief. If you're someone that connects to all characters, just know you’ll be a mess 🥲 but overall, this aspect was done beautifully and with so much respect for the characters and Davina as she goes through grief on top of the added stress of how fate has played out. I genuinely enjoyed this part and was so touched by these raw emotions.
Overall, Realm of Trials and Fury is such an intense and fast moving read, but it makes you feel like you're there with the characters. You won't be able to resist reading it in one sitting (like me) and I bet you’ll be demanding book 3! 😉
April 16, 2026
This is book 2 in the series and it picks up right where we left off! WOW there is so much more action in this one that has you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire time. You get deeper into the prophecy and into the fated mates aspect of the story, and I’m absolutely loving it! Not only that, there are so many plot twists and surprise characters that come into the picture that you aren’t expecting. It really takes you on a wild ride.
Our FMC Davina definitely has a lot of learning and changing to do, and even though she frustrates you while trying to do this, she definitely gets there! I love how Renwick never falters in his love, loyalty, and touch-her-and-die vibe for Davina, but she matches this energy. He also learns how to change and grow for the benefit of both of them. Something I really loved about this is the inclusion of the found family aspect. Davina’s newfound family plays a bigger role in this one, and it’s a family I’d love to have by my side!
I didn’t realize how many tears this book would make me cry, and there’s one scene where I’m crying with the characters, you know what it is @authorlarissawrites! How dare you do that to us! 😭
I need book 3 ASAP so I can continue this story and see Davina rise to who she’s meant to be and continue seeing their love fully blossom! The world building continues to expand and we get to travel to new realms and meet new creatures. I was enamored with this expansion.
Thank you @authorlarissawrites & @irisinfluencersociety for gifting me this ARC for an honest review!
Our FMC Davina definitely has a lot of learning and changing to do, and even though she frustrates you while trying to do this, she definitely gets there! I love how Renwick never falters in his love, loyalty, and touch-her-and-die vibe for Davina, but she matches this energy. He also learns how to change and grow for the benefit of both of them. Something I really loved about this is the inclusion of the found family aspect. Davina’s newfound family plays a bigger role in this one, and it’s a family I’d love to have by my side!
I didn’t realize how many tears this book would make me cry, and there’s one scene where I’m crying with the characters, you know what it is @authorlarissawrites! How dare you do that to us! 😭
I need book 3 ASAP so I can continue this story and see Davina rise to who she’s meant to be and continue seeing their love fully blossom! The world building continues to expand and we get to travel to new realms and meet new creatures. I was enamored with this expansion.
Thank you @authorlarissawrites & @irisinfluencersociety for gifting me this ARC for an honest review!
April 18, 2026
These two poor babies go through it. Both of them. Repeatedly.
What keeps pulling me back to this series is how Antonioni handles the hard stuff. Depression, anxiety, grief. It's all depicted with care and honesty that I really appreciate. Grief is something I always look for in books because it's healing for me personally, and these books are full of those threads.
The family dynamics woven through everything are complex and heartbreaking in equal measure. Vengeance was my absolute favorite part of this book. Davina and Renwick grow so much as individuals and as a couple. There are hurt feelings that take real time to resolve, trust that has to be rebuilt, healing that doesn't happen overnight. Their bond feels earned despite the fated element.
That said, I do think the book was at its strongest in the beginning and the end. That said, the pacing in this one really dragged for me in places. I tend to love second books for exactly the kind of character focus this one prioritizes, but I'm not sure it was executed as effectively as it could have been. The self-discovery and acceptance arcs are meaningful, and watching Davina and Renwick find their way back to each other is genuinely satisfying, but it can also be frustrating. I just wanted it to move a little faster. And there were a few lines that took me out of the story because of the attempt at humor that was a bit juvenile.
Thank you to the author and IRIS .influencer society for the complimentary copies. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
What keeps pulling me back to this series is how Antonioni handles the hard stuff. Depression, anxiety, grief. It's all depicted with care and honesty that I really appreciate. Grief is something I always look for in books because it's healing for me personally, and these books are full of those threads.
The family dynamics woven through everything are complex and heartbreaking in equal measure. Vengeance was my absolute favorite part of this book. Davina and Renwick grow so much as individuals and as a couple. There are hurt feelings that take real time to resolve, trust that has to be rebuilt, healing that doesn't happen overnight. Their bond feels earned despite the fated element.
That said, I do think the book was at its strongest in the beginning and the end. That said, the pacing in this one really dragged for me in places. I tend to love second books for exactly the kind of character focus this one prioritizes, but I'm not sure it was executed as effectively as it could have been. The self-discovery and acceptance arcs are meaningful, and watching Davina and Renwick find their way back to each other is genuinely satisfying, but it can also be frustrating. I just wanted it to move a little faster. And there were a few lines that took me out of the story because of the attempt at humor that was a bit juvenile.
Thank you to the author and IRIS .influencer society for the complimentary copies. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you @authorlarissawrites for letting me be a Beta Reader for A Realm of Trials and Fury. This is Book 2 of the Arcane Realm Chronicles.
After reading Book 1 (Which I HIGHLY recommend) A Realm of Lies and Power, I just knew Book 2 was going to be on my radar.
And A Realm of Trials and Fury did NOT disappoint!
Here’s a little snippet of where my mind went while doing this Beta read.
She’s been captured.. Drained of her Power.
He’s been tortured.. The enemy making him weaker. The only thing that keeps him going.. Her.. Finding Her..
All she can think about is the betrayal… Will she ever be free.. And Him.. The one who lied so easily.
Can fate keep two mates bonded once the trust is gone? Will he let her go if she cannot love him?
A strong-willed youngster (who all readers will love) shows more strength and courage than anyone twice her size. She knows loss.. she knows heartbreak..
Somone from the past.. hate now built into their very bones.. Carved into a new being to end the innocent… to protect the guilty.. Can love break this compulsion?
This read is filled with heartache, love, hate, lies, redemption, healing, and a battle that will keep you on your toes wondering who will survive. Having you yell “NO!” at the pages.
I am left now eagerly wanting Book 3.. because there is so much more that this world has to offer and I cannot wait until @authorlarissawrites brings it all to life.
After reading Book 1 (Which I HIGHLY recommend) A Realm of Lies and Power, I just knew Book 2 was going to be on my radar.
And A Realm of Trials and Fury did NOT disappoint!
Here’s a little snippet of where my mind went while doing this Beta read.
She’s been captured.. Drained of her Power.
He’s been tortured.. The enemy making him weaker. The only thing that keeps him going.. Her.. Finding Her..
All she can think about is the betrayal… Will she ever be free.. And Him.. The one who lied so easily.
Can fate keep two mates bonded once the trust is gone? Will he let her go if she cannot love him?
A strong-willed youngster (who all readers will love) shows more strength and courage than anyone twice her size. She knows loss.. she knows heartbreak..
Somone from the past.. hate now built into their very bones.. Carved into a new being to end the innocent… to protect the guilty.. Can love break this compulsion?
This read is filled with heartache, love, hate, lies, redemption, healing, and a battle that will keep you on your toes wondering who will survive. Having you yell “NO!” at the pages.
I am left now eagerly wanting Book 3.. because there is so much more that this world has to offer and I cannot wait until @authorlarissawrites brings it all to life.
March 10, 2026
The gut punches at the end of this book still have me reeling, I cannot wait for the next book to see how this all resolves and need it ASAP!
You pickup right where the last book left off, with the FMC Davina having a new understanding of her past and what her powers really mean. After loosing her trust due to the secrets he kept, the MMC Renwick will do anything he can to protect her and earn back that trust because the connection between them is something neither can deny. With even more betrayals and secrets revealed, Davina must learn to trust in her friends and believe in herself to control her powers and save her kingdom from those who currently control it.
I really loved getting to explore new kingdoms and meet new characters in this book and understand more of the continued world building. It felt like I was right there with Davina as she was discovering more about her powers and the prophecy and what she was meant to be to this world. I also completely feel for her struggles with believing in herself and feeling like she doesn’t deserve all she has but I love how Renwick is constantly there telling her everything that’s wonderful about her and being supportive. That ending had me reeling and the constant ups and downs of this book had me on the edge of my seat! I cannot wait for the next one, my rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You pickup right where the last book left off, with the FMC Davina having a new understanding of her past and what her powers really mean. After loosing her trust due to the secrets he kept, the MMC Renwick will do anything he can to protect her and earn back that trust because the connection between them is something neither can deny. With even more betrayals and secrets revealed, Davina must learn to trust in her friends and believe in herself to control her powers and save her kingdom from those who currently control it.
I really loved getting to explore new kingdoms and meet new characters in this book and understand more of the continued world building. It felt like I was right there with Davina as she was discovering more about her powers and the prophecy and what she was meant to be to this world. I also completely feel for her struggles with believing in herself and feeling like she doesn’t deserve all she has but I love how Renwick is constantly there telling her everything that’s wonderful about her and being supportive. That ending had me reeling and the constant ups and downs of this book had me on the edge of my seat! I cannot wait for the next one, my rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
Review of advance copy
I received this book as an ARC through IRIS and the author. These are my honest opinions.
'Love was too weak a word for the torrential, unruly emotions that roared inside me for the ashen-haired female above. She was my entire purpose, the reason I lived. Without her in the world, there would be nothing left for me.'
This sequel is a fantastic continuation of the Arcane Realm Chronicles series and builds beautifully on everything that made book one so engaging.
The story launches straight back into the chaos following book one. The stakes had me on edge, the world feels even bigger and richer, and we get to see even more world building which I especially enjoyed. Yet, there's still the intriguing sense there's much still to uncover (and I'm excited to see where it goes in book three).
I loved Davina's internal journey alongside her physical journey. It was so easy to feel invested in her, to root for her! Watching her wrestle with everything, her responsibility, identity, fate as queen, how she has to learn to trust others - it really makes me feel for her.
The dynamic between Davina and Renwick exudes tension and yearning. Ren works HARD to prove himself to Davina which I loved. And he's not afraid to grovel!
It was really exciting to see more exploration and action. The side characters felt nuanced and well developed. I loved a certain character immediately from the prologue.
'Love was too weak a word for the torrential, unruly emotions that roared inside me for the ashen-haired female above. She was my entire purpose, the reason I lived. Without her in the world, there would be nothing left for me.'
This sequel is a fantastic continuation of the Arcane Realm Chronicles series and builds beautifully on everything that made book one so engaging.
The story launches straight back into the chaos following book one. The stakes had me on edge, the world feels even bigger and richer, and we get to see even more world building which I especially enjoyed. Yet, there's still the intriguing sense there's much still to uncover (and I'm excited to see where it goes in book three).
I loved Davina's internal journey alongside her physical journey. It was so easy to feel invested in her, to root for her! Watching her wrestle with everything, her responsibility, identity, fate as queen, how she has to learn to trust others - it really makes me feel for her.
The dynamic between Davina and Renwick exudes tension and yearning. Ren works HARD to prove himself to Davina which I loved. And he's not afraid to grovel!
It was really exciting to see more exploration and action. The side characters felt nuanced and well developed. I loved a certain character immediately from the prologue.
April 14, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Before diving into this review, I want to preface that I was very fortunate to receive this book as an ARC from the IRIS Influencer Society.
This plot was jam-packed with action and definitely ramped up with the intensity of what was happening and the high stakes that were at play. There was a lot of self-discovery and acceptance that took place with the main characters throughout this book, and I enjoyed watching them come back together even though it was definitely frustrating at times. The introduction of new characters was also an aspect I really enjoyed about this book and I am excited to explore these connections further in any future books for this series. Additionally, this book has confirmed Renwick and Fallon as my favourite characters, and I loved getting to learn more about them as the book progressed.
One criticism I do have is that this book did feel like it dragged on longer than it needed to. Considering the main plot point still isn’t resolved, it doesn’t really feel like much has changed since the ending of the first book. Davina’s character also became quite irritable and frustrating to read about throughout this as she was inconsistent in her behaviours and beliefs, and I wish she had a more powerful battle moment. Despite this, I still had an amazing time reading this book and will definitely be continuing the series. Thank you again to IRIS and Larissa for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Before diving into this review, I want to preface that I was very fortunate to receive this book as an ARC from the IRIS Influencer Society.
This plot was jam-packed with action and definitely ramped up with the intensity of what was happening and the high stakes that were at play. There was a lot of self-discovery and acceptance that took place with the main characters throughout this book, and I enjoyed watching them come back together even though it was definitely frustrating at times. The introduction of new characters was also an aspect I really enjoyed about this book and I am excited to explore these connections further in any future books for this series. Additionally, this book has confirmed Renwick and Fallon as my favourite characters, and I loved getting to learn more about them as the book progressed.
One criticism I do have is that this book did feel like it dragged on longer than it needed to. Considering the main plot point still isn’t resolved, it doesn’t really feel like much has changed since the ending of the first book. Davina’s character also became quite irritable and frustrating to read about throughout this as she was inconsistent in her behaviours and beliefs, and I wish she had a more powerful battle moment. Despite this, I still had an amazing time reading this book and will definitely be continuing the series. Thank you again to IRIS and Larissa for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
April 6, 2026
Breathtaking and heartrending journey
To read a page of Larissa Antonioni’s work is to embark on a journey you never want to end. Even amidst chapters from multiple points of view, the reader becomes one with the stories and her world. I impatiently waited for this second book to arrive after the delightful surprise of reading book 1 and finding a new author’s work to love. The characters mirror our own flaws and strengths while being entirely unlike others I’ve met in books. The world building is flawless in that it doesn’t take chapters or even paragraph’s but rather eye-opening sentences here and there to create an entirely new world of nature, government, religious, and cultural structures. The plot itself is a mix between everyday events examined and made meaningful that all perfectly align in a complex explanation of Davina’s heartbreaking journey to herself, to her soulmate, and to her throne. It’s like a personal development book on how to navigate grief, work through trauma, and become a better friend, all while working toward the best version of yourself. And as a romance story, this is a bone-deep redefining of what love is meant to be, and the overcoming of internal and external obstacles to reach the absolute love and adoration we all seek. A Realm of Trials and Fury (book 2) is an absolute delight and I only wish I could re-read it again for the first time, but instead I’ll have to start the series again while waiting for book 3. An excellent, mature read that cracked open my heart - a phrase I’m sure is in mind due to this book. 😉 Overall, absolutely breathtaking.
To read a page of Larissa Antonioni’s work is to embark on a journey you never want to end. Even amidst chapters from multiple points of view, the reader becomes one with the stories and her world. I impatiently waited for this second book to arrive after the delightful surprise of reading book 1 and finding a new author’s work to love. The characters mirror our own flaws and strengths while being entirely unlike others I’ve met in books. The world building is flawless in that it doesn’t take chapters or even paragraph’s but rather eye-opening sentences here and there to create an entirely new world of nature, government, religious, and cultural structures. The plot itself is a mix between everyday events examined and made meaningful that all perfectly align in a complex explanation of Davina’s heartbreaking journey to herself, to her soulmate, and to her throne. It’s like a personal development book on how to navigate grief, work through trauma, and become a better friend, all while working toward the best version of yourself. And as a romance story, this is a bone-deep redefining of what love is meant to be, and the overcoming of internal and external obstacles to reach the absolute love and adoration we all seek. A Realm of Trials and Fury (book 2) is an absolute delight and I only wish I could re-read it again for the first time, but instead I’ll have to start the series again while waiting for book 3. An excellent, mature read that cracked open my heart - a phrase I’m sure is in mind due to this book. 😉 Overall, absolutely breathtaking.
April 8, 2026
ARC review
This is the second book in the Arcane Realm Chronicles, a dark romantasy trilogy that blends magic, political intrigue, and a slow burn romance between Davina, a goddess chosen heiress with forbidden death magic, and Renwick, a Draki assassin bound by loyalty, secrets and an unbreakable bond to protect her. After being captured and tortured by the sadistic High Lord Arwen and his ally Lilian, Davina escapes with the help of unexpected allies only to face new threats, betrayals, and the resurfacing of her long lost sister, Aurora, now a vengeful, gold scaled monster under Arwen’s control. Meanwhile, Renwick fights to free himself from Arwen’s golden chains and reunite with Davina, but his past lies and Aurora’s brutal return complicate everything.
Same as for the first book in the series this book has a lovely world building. It gets deepened with new factions, power and historical conflicts. The Draki culture, the Aether magic system create an immerse setting.
The book had high stakes action and a lot of tension. Together with the complex villains it makes for a great story. I enjoyed reading this book as a sequel to the first and I was invested in Davina her story but I did have some trouble with pacing within the book. Some scenes felt rushed or where abrupt.
The book ends in a cliffhanger that is feeling abrupt, it leaves many questions unanswered.
This is the second book in the Arcane Realm Chronicles, a dark romantasy trilogy that blends magic, political intrigue, and a slow burn romance between Davina, a goddess chosen heiress with forbidden death magic, and Renwick, a Draki assassin bound by loyalty, secrets and an unbreakable bond to protect her. After being captured and tortured by the sadistic High Lord Arwen and his ally Lilian, Davina escapes with the help of unexpected allies only to face new threats, betrayals, and the resurfacing of her long lost sister, Aurora, now a vengeful, gold scaled monster under Arwen’s control. Meanwhile, Renwick fights to free himself from Arwen’s golden chains and reunite with Davina, but his past lies and Aurora’s brutal return complicate everything.
Same as for the first book in the series this book has a lovely world building. It gets deepened with new factions, power and historical conflicts. The Draki culture, the Aether magic system create an immerse setting.
The book had high stakes action and a lot of tension. Together with the complex villains it makes for a great story. I enjoyed reading this book as a sequel to the first and I was invested in Davina her story but I did have some trouble with pacing within the book. Some scenes felt rushed or where abrupt.
The book ends in a cliffhanger that is feeling abrupt, it leaves many questions unanswered.
April 15, 2026
⭐️ 5/5
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
💧 5/5
A Realm of Trials and Fury by Larissa Antonioni, provided via Iris Influencer Society, is a powerful continuation that raises both the emotional stakes and the intensity of the story.
Picking up immediately after the first book, the narrative deepens through the bond between Renwick and Davina. Their connection adds a new layer, particularly as Renwick becomes more intertwined with her pain, power, and the challenges she faces.
Davina’s journey stands out as one of the most compelling elements. Despite everything she endures, her character evolves significantly, showing growth from uncertainty to a stronger and more confident presence. Her internal struggle and rising power create a compelling arc that drives the story forward.
Renwick’s character also develops further, as he begins to question the system that shaped him and considers how far he is willing to go to protect Davina. This adds both tension and emotional weight to his role.
The pacing and structure of the story create an immersive experience, making it feel cinematic while still maintaining strong character-driven moments.
Overall, this is a gripping second installment that builds on the foundation of the first book while setting up an exciting continuation.
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
💧 5/5
A Realm of Trials and Fury by Larissa Antonioni, provided via Iris Influencer Society, is a powerful continuation that raises both the emotional stakes and the intensity of the story.
Picking up immediately after the first book, the narrative deepens through the bond between Renwick and Davina. Their connection adds a new layer, particularly as Renwick becomes more intertwined with her pain, power, and the challenges she faces.
Davina’s journey stands out as one of the most compelling elements. Despite everything she endures, her character evolves significantly, showing growth from uncertainty to a stronger and more confident presence. Her internal struggle and rising power create a compelling arc that drives the story forward.
Renwick’s character also develops further, as he begins to question the system that shaped him and considers how far he is willing to go to protect Davina. This adds both tension and emotional weight to his role.
The pacing and structure of the story create an immersive experience, making it feel cinematic while still maintaining strong character-driven moments.
Overall, this is a gripping second installment that builds on the foundation of the first book while setting up an exciting continuation.
May 8, 2026
"'𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑹𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑮𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒓, 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆.'"
This was an amazing take on second chance romance. Renwick as ALWAYS will LOVE Davina, no matter what. And Davina... she is tremendously improved and coming back from Book 1. They are both healing and developing and that's a quality that I love in all books. I cant wait to read the 3rd and final book!
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:
4/5 ⭐️ - Recommended Reading
2/5 🌶 - Spice
4/5 ⭐️ - Characters
4/5 ⭐️ - Plot
Davina's and Renwick's stories both start off tragic and full of hurt/trauma. Both have lost things, people that were very important to them. Starting a hard life off young, they each learn to survive in the corrupted kingdom they both reside in under the rule of a selfish king. When their stories merge, it is a whirlwind of discovery, betrayal, loss, and healing under trust that is not easily given.
𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗕𝗥 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
💫 Shadow Mommy
💫 Assassin MMC
💫 Touch Her and D!e
💫 Chosen One
💫 He Falls First
💫 Slow Burn
💫 "Who did this to you?"
💫 Fated Mates
💫 Second Chance Romance
💫 Found Family
💫 Political Intrigue
💫 Secrets, Lies, Betrayal
💫 Talking Dragon
💫 Epic World Building
💫 Unique Magic System
💫 Triology
This was an amazing take on second chance romance. Renwick as ALWAYS will LOVE Davina, no matter what. And Davina... she is tremendously improved and coming back from Book 1. They are both healing and developing and that's a quality that I love in all books. I cant wait to read the 3rd and final book!
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:
4/5 ⭐️ - Recommended Reading
2/5 🌶 - Spice
4/5 ⭐️ - Characters
4/5 ⭐️ - Plot
Davina's and Renwick's stories both start off tragic and full of hurt/trauma. Both have lost things, people that were very important to them. Starting a hard life off young, they each learn to survive in the corrupted kingdom they both reside in under the rule of a selfish king. When their stories merge, it is a whirlwind of discovery, betrayal, loss, and healing under trust that is not easily given.
𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗕𝗥 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
💫 Shadow Mommy
💫 Assassin MMC
💫 Touch Her and D!e
💫 Chosen One
💫 He Falls First
💫 Slow Burn
💫 "Who did this to you?"
💫 Fated Mates
💫 Second Chance Romance
💫 Found Family
💫 Political Intrigue
💫 Secrets, Lies, Betrayal
💫 Talking Dragon
💫 Epic World Building
💫 Unique Magic System
💫 Triology
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5 ✨
This sequel was amazing! Thank you, Larissa, for this advance copy! It was great to be able to read this second book immediately after the first one.
There was so much going on.. old enemies, new allies, and a growing bond that will prevail in spite of everything. Davina and Renwick’s relationship goes through a lot, more secrets and half‑truths, more enemies trying to break them and take the Goddess’s Magic, and more inner voices whispering lies and confusion 💔
The side characters were awesome, each of them bringing something unique to the story. Especially Draxus and his snarky comments.. he’s the best! I loved Fallon and her friendship with Davina. They’re so opposite yet so alike at the same time, and we get to learn more about her past.
I loved this entire adventure, and I can’t wait to see how this story ends with book #3!
I’ll be impatiently waiting, haha ☠️
You'll love these Tropes:
🖤Unique Magic System
🔥Kindraid (Fated Mates)
🖤Secrets & Betrayals
🔥Loss & Grief
🖤Slow-Burn Romance
🔥Found Family
🖤New Alliances
🔥Gods & Goddesses
🖤Mental Health Rep.
This sequel was amazing! Thank you, Larissa, for this advance copy! It was great to be able to read this second book immediately after the first one.
There was so much going on.. old enemies, new allies, and a growing bond that will prevail in spite of everything. Davina and Renwick’s relationship goes through a lot, more secrets and half‑truths, more enemies trying to break them and take the Goddess’s Magic, and more inner voices whispering lies and confusion 💔
The side characters were awesome, each of them bringing something unique to the story. Especially Draxus and his snarky comments.. he’s the best! I loved Fallon and her friendship with Davina. They’re so opposite yet so alike at the same time, and we get to learn more about her past.
I loved this entire adventure, and I can’t wait to see how this story ends with book #3!
I’ll be impatiently waiting, haha ☠️
You'll love these Tropes:
🖤Unique Magic System
🔥Kindraid (Fated Mates)
🖤Secrets & Betrayals
🔥Loss & Grief
🖤Slow-Burn Romance
🔥Found Family
🖤New Alliances
🔥Gods & Goddesses
🖤Mental Health Rep.
Review of advance copy received from Author
6 stars. I’m gutted that I finished this as fast as I did🫠
I absolutely loved A Realm of Lies and Power, but Larissa completely outdid herself with A Realm of Trials and Fury! I’m going to need at least 3 business days to process the whiplash, shocks, plot twists, and absolute heartbreak that I was put through😭
•Prophecy
•Death Magic
•Fated mates
•Hurt/Comfort
•Found Family
•Court Politics
•Dragons and Shifters
We got even more world building and explanations of the prophecy that’s haunted Davina since Book 1. After the betrayal Davina felt at the end of Book 1, I loved how Renwick accepted he fucked up. I was so happy with how Davina and Renwick went about healing their relationship, working through their trauma, and just being there for each other. They showed that just because you’re mad at doesn’t change the love you have for that person.
The ending gutting me, healed me, and has me itching for Book 3! I cannot wait to finish Davina and Renwick love story and see where the prophecy and realm go from here🥹
Thank you so much Larissa for the gifted copy!
I absolutely loved A Realm of Lies and Power, but Larissa completely outdid herself with A Realm of Trials and Fury! I’m going to need at least 3 business days to process the whiplash, shocks, plot twists, and absolute heartbreak that I was put through😭
•Prophecy
•Death Magic
•Fated mates
•Hurt/Comfort
•Found Family
•Court Politics
•Dragons and Shifters
We got even more world building and explanations of the prophecy that’s haunted Davina since Book 1. After the betrayal Davina felt at the end of Book 1, I loved how Renwick accepted he fucked up. I was so happy with how Davina and Renwick went about healing their relationship, working through their trauma, and just being there for each other. They showed that just because you’re mad at doesn’t change the love you have for that person.
The ending gutting me, healed me, and has me itching for Book 3! I cannot wait to finish Davina and Renwick love story and see where the prophecy and realm go from here🥹
Thank you so much Larissa for the gifted copy!
April 14, 2026
This sequel was fantastic! There is plenty of action continued from book 1, but unfortunately the main characters go through even more trauma/loss. Larissa does a fantastic job of describing the struggles between Davina and Renwick as they try to balance/develop their relationship given all the secrets kept between them while also trying to recover from the depression/anxiety/trauma from their time spent in the lord's manor dungeon. I'm really happy that the little found family of side characters that they developed in book 1 get to continue on with them in book 2, and I loved all of the new characters that we meet in book 2. In addition to found family we get some political intrigue, second chance romance, fated mates, and touch him/her and die. I really enjoyed their trip to the Light Realm especially since we learn so much more about Davina's magic and her chosen one prophecy. I can't wait for book 3! I hope we get even more POV's and I'm excited to see the relationships build even more!
Thank you to Larissa and IRIS for an ARC copy!
Thank you to Larissa and IRIS for an ARC copy!
April 27, 2026
I absolutely adore this series! After the cliffhanger from the first book, I knew there would be some issues that our characters would have to deal with, but I wasn’t expecting that first character POV that we got. To say my mind was blown is an understatement!
In the sequel, we get to see more character development and more conflict. At the end of book one, our characters are torn apart as secrets are revealed and we see them having to fight to come back together in this book. There are so many twists and turns that it will leave you guessing what comes next until the very end.
To be honest, this book is not for the faint of heart... it takes you through the emotional wringer and when you think nothing else could possibly happen, you’d be wrong! I laughed at times, but I also couldn’t help but shed some tears. I felt so much for our MC’s in this book and all that they have to go through. And the series isn’t even over yet! I cannot wait to read what happens next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Iris Influencer Society and the author for this ARC!
In the sequel, we get to see more character development and more conflict. At the end of book one, our characters are torn apart as secrets are revealed and we see them having to fight to come back together in this book. There are so many twists and turns that it will leave you guessing what comes next until the very end.
To be honest, this book is not for the faint of heart... it takes you through the emotional wringer and when you think nothing else could possibly happen, you’d be wrong! I laughed at times, but I also couldn’t help but shed some tears. I felt so much for our MC’s in this book and all that they have to go through. And the series isn’t even over yet! I cannot wait to read what happens next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Iris Influencer Society and the author for this ARC!
April 12, 2026
ARC REVIEW
If you want a slow burn book where he falls first this series is for you! I loved every second ❤️
Renwick is so sweet to Davina, and so considerate of her feelings, wants, and needs. He always lets her know that she has complete autonomy of her body. He always asks permission from her. One of my favorite parts was when he would bathe with her. So cute 🥰
The ending of the first book gutted me, I couldn’t believe it, and did not see it coming.
I know we all love a shadow daddy, but how about a shadow mommy? That’s Davina for you! She’s fierce, loyal, and an all around baddie.
I loved all the banter and love these two had for each other. This book has everything you want in a fantasy world. The animal companion the wyvern was so awesome! I want one like him 😂 I eagerly await the next book in this beautiful world Larissa has created.
If you want a slow burn book where he falls first this series is for you! I loved every second ❤️
Renwick is so sweet to Davina, and so considerate of her feelings, wants, and needs. He always lets her know that she has complete autonomy of her body. He always asks permission from her. One of my favorite parts was when he would bathe with her. So cute 🥰
The ending of the first book gutted me, I couldn’t believe it, and did not see it coming.
I know we all love a shadow daddy, but how about a shadow mommy? That’s Davina for you! She’s fierce, loyal, and an all around baddie.
I loved all the banter and love these two had for each other. This book has everything you want in a fantasy world. The animal companion the wyvern was so awesome! I want one like him 😂 I eagerly await the next book in this beautiful world Larissa has created.
March 29, 2026
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Larissa has done it again! This is even better than book one and you can tell how much effort Larissa put into the story. The world building was beautifully done. I loved traveling to a new Realm and meeting new characters. Larissa has a gift for writing her characters that make me fall in love with them every time. Their backstories, personalities, and relationships with each other just warm my heart.
The intensity really picked up with this one. The battle scenes were iconic and there was one scene that had me legitimately tearing up. That doesn't happen to me often in books anymore, so you know I was really feeling all the feels. I highly recommend picking up this book!
Larissa has done it again! This is even better than book one and you can tell how much effort Larissa put into the story. The world building was beautifully done. I loved traveling to a new Realm and meeting new characters. Larissa has a gift for writing her characters that make me fall in love with them every time. Their backstories, personalities, and relationships with each other just warm my heart.
The intensity really picked up with this one. The battle scenes were iconic and there was one scene that had me legitimately tearing up. That doesn't happen to me often in books anymore, so you know I was really feeling all the feels. I highly recommend picking up this book!
March 26, 2026
Larissa… you’ve done it again. You’ve had me swooning, crying, laughing, all of the emotions.
The world building, pace, action, magic - I LOVED it all.
The YEARNING in this book?!🫠 I am even more in love with sweet Renwick after reading this one. Davina is an amazing FMC - she is just so selfless and caring but also a slight badass. I also absolutely love her friendship with Fallon and the way they banter with each other.
The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat and I was also an emotional mess😅 I NEED the next book!
My favourite quote: “I love you, Davina. Every second I’m alive is yours. You own me. I am yours and no one else’s.”❤️
The world building, pace, action, magic - I LOVED it all.
The YEARNING in this book?!🫠 I am even more in love with sweet Renwick after reading this one. Davina is an amazing FMC - she is just so selfless and caring but also a slight badass. I also absolutely love her friendship with Fallon and the way they banter with each other.
The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat and I was also an emotional mess😅 I NEED the next book!
My favourite quote: “I love you, Davina. Every second I’m alive is yours. You own me. I am yours and no one else’s.”❤️
April 2, 2026
Thank you to iris influencer society for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
The premise hooked me instantly and obviously I’ve read the first book.
It was an intense and addictive ride from start to finish.
This book had more chaos, more tension and absolutely even more emotional damage😭😭
It literally felt like being in a world where every step needs to be calculated and trust is not a luxury that can be afforded.
The world is ruthless, the stakes are high and every character feels like they are one decision away from breaking.
The romance between Davina and Renwick was even more intense in this book. The yearning, the tension was everything I liked.
This book makes you question yourself how much will you lose to survive 😭
The premise hooked me instantly and obviously I’ve read the first book.
It was an intense and addictive ride from start to finish.
This book had more chaos, more tension and absolutely even more emotional damage😭😭
It literally felt like being in a world where every step needs to be calculated and trust is not a luxury that can be afforded.
The world is ruthless, the stakes are high and every character feels like they are one decision away from breaking.
The romance between Davina and Renwick was even more intense in this book. The yearning, the tension was everything I liked.
This book makes you question yourself how much will you lose to survive 😭
April 17, 2026
I was lucky enough to be sent to the arc of this book by Iris influencer Society and jumped straight from book 1 into this book.
Our FMC Davina and our MMC Renwick have been captured and her magic has been stolen Davina has also found out that she is the add to a throne that she never wanted and as the story progresses, her power grows. Renwick finds that defending Davina he must defy the systems that shaped him but he will do anything to keep Davina alive and safe.
Once again, I absolutely loved this story although maybe not as much as book 1. I found it very easy to follow with fantastic world building and a great plot. It just didn’t have the punch that book 1 did for me.
Our FMC Davina and our MMC Renwick have been captured and her magic has been stolen Davina has also found out that she is the add to a throne that she never wanted and as the story progresses, her power grows. Renwick finds that defending Davina he must defy the systems that shaped him but he will do anything to keep Davina alive and safe.
Once again, I absolutely loved this story although maybe not as much as book 1. I found it very easy to follow with fantastic world building and a great plot. It just didn’t have the punch that book 1 did for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
A Realm of Trials and Fury, the sequel to A Realm of Lies and Power, was equally tense and challenging for the characters, but featured significantly more yearning and groveling. After the events of book one, the cast is separated and at odds. As they fight to reunite, they must face reality and come to terms with every decision that led them to their situation. Once reunited, Larissa dives deep into relationship building, presenting a dilemma: can they make amends and return to how they were, or is everything shattered and ruined? Through trials and fury, the MCs rediscover themselves, rebuild trust, and continue fighting the big bad. And let me just say - Renwick, whew, this man can GROVEL. I also quite enjoyed the deeper lore explored in the second installment. Larissa excels at world building through easily digestible content sprinkled throughout the book rather than thrown out all at once, creating a space where easy fantasy meets real, raw, emotional stakes.
A Realm of Trials and Fury, the sequel to A Realm of Lies and Power, was equally tense and challenging for the characters, but featured significantly more yearning and groveling. After the events of book one, the cast is separated and at odds. As they fight to reunite, they must face reality and come to terms with every decision that led them to their situation. Once reunited, Larissa dives deep into relationship building, presenting a dilemma: can they make amends and return to how they were, or is everything shattered and ruined? Through trials and fury, the MCs rediscover themselves, rebuild trust, and continue fighting the big bad. And let me just say - Renwick, whew, this man can GROVEL. I also quite enjoyed the deeper lore explored in the second installment. Larissa excels at world building through easily digestible content sprinkled throughout the book rather than thrown out all at once, creating a space where easy fantasy meets real, raw, emotional stakes.
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