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?
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!
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! 🖤🐉✨
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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… 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.”❤️
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.
I am OBSESSED with this story! Every bit threw me, the plot is deliciously high stakes, the characters are complex and interesting and just watching Davina grow has been beautiful. I love this story so much, it drags me in and just keeps me fascinated with the characters, backstories, growth, world building, and just general uniqueness. Beautiful!
This is book 2 of the Arcane Realm chronicles and I really enjoyed it! It was fast paced with so many questions answered from book one! I loved Renwrick in this book. He was so patient and loving to Davina. We have so many different fantasy elements in this story and I loved it! Can’t wait for book 3!
This was everything I wanted it to be. Davina and Renwick's story continues with some jaw dropping reveals and no shortage of challenges for them to face. They also gain some new friends. So excited to see what's in store for them. Thank you Larissa for my advanced copy.
This book picked up where the first one left continued all the action, and added onto the world building done in book one. What I loved was all the romance in this one though. It was healing for both of them and beautiful to see throughout the book in spite of all the trauma they had been through.
I’m not sure I have the words to describe how amazing this story has been. Seeing the growth and beauty that is Davina has been so wonderful. Her and Rennwick are everything. The acting and their bond kept me turning the pages. Just an absolutely amazing story. I’ve loved every minute of these two.
ARC Review ❤️ I absolutely love this world! This followed straight on from the end of book 1, and those first few chapters are just 🤯. Prepare yourselves! It was so great to see the world expanding so much in book 2, as we journey to other realms and interact with other characters. I particularly loved Aurora - pure sass! I felt like Renwick and Davina took it a little slower in this book, and more of the emphasis was on building the world around them. Absolutely fair enough after the ending of the last book! Don’t worry, we still get lots from our favourite Kindraid couple! Thank you so much to Larissa and Iris for allowing me to read this early!
You definitely need to read the first book to understand the trials and magic system, but this book builds wonderfully.
While we're left wanting the next book at the end - the redefinition of self and acceptance of fate is the real plot of this story. Learning to create a real relationship and finding trust within others, while also trusting yourself.
The magic system, shifters, new characters, action and swoon worthy romance is totally worth the read. Ready for #3!