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The Grim Empire #2
This Silent City
As the fallout from Xavier Raske's crimes spreads through the Capital, alliances fracture-and the Devil of Eastgate tightens his grip on the city.
Demetrius Raske wrestles with the damning secret that his own uncle murdered dozens, challenging his faith in the League, his family, and even himself. Desperate to redeem his family name, Demetrius throws himself into the fight for peace between humans and vampires. But an increasingly hostile Senate threatens that dream. Xavier Raske must be brought to justice, but he's vanished into the shadows. Fortunately, Demetrius knows the Devil who owns every dark corner in the city's underworld.
Hades Cronus, the cursed gangster who runs the city's largest crime syndicate, has problems of his own. His involvement in League affairs has attracted the attention of rival ganglords. Hades must decide where he belongs: as a clandestine official or as an Eastgate kingpin. A growing attachment to his protégé Gabriella Rose only complicates matters.
Gabriella's growing mastery of her newfound powers has ignited her thirst for revenge. That hunger twists into a dark fascination with the gangster sworn to protect her. She senses that Hades possesses answers about her parents, Xavier, and the League's darkest secrets-answers she's determined to pry from his defenses. But Hades Cronus is running his own con, one with consequences none of them can predict.
By winter's end, the Capital will discover the cost of trusting the Devil.
Demetrius Raske wrestles with the damning secret that his own uncle murdered dozens, challenging his faith in the League, his family, and even himself. Desperate to redeem his family name, Demetrius throws himself into the fight for peace between humans and vampires. But an increasingly hostile Senate threatens that dream. Xavier Raske must be brought to justice, but he's vanished into the shadows. Fortunately, Demetrius knows the Devil who owns every dark corner in the city's underworld.
Hades Cronus, the cursed gangster who runs the city's largest crime syndicate, has problems of his own. His involvement in League affairs has attracted the attention of rival ganglords. Hades must decide where he belongs: as a clandestine official or as an Eastgate kingpin. A growing attachment to his protégé Gabriella Rose only complicates matters.
Gabriella's growing mastery of her newfound powers has ignited her thirst for revenge. That hunger twists into a dark fascination with the gangster sworn to protect her. She senses that Hades possesses answers about her parents, Xavier, and the League's darkest secrets-answers she's determined to pry from his defenses. But Hades Cronus is running his own con, one with consequences none of them can predict.
By winter's end, the Capital will discover the cost of trusting the Devil.
488 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
A.C. Hobbs
2 books83 followersA.C. Hobbs scribbles dark stories from her home in sweltering South Carolina. You’ll find no lovable “bad boys” here. Instead, Hobbs coaxes spine-chilling villains from the shadows of her imagination. Inspired by writers such as V.E. Schwab, Erin Morgenstern, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hobbs marries literary style with fantasy themes. Her work often employs sinister settings and explores themes such as the deceptive allure of evil.
Hobbs graduated valedictorian from Piedmont University with a bachelor’s degree in literature and composition. She received several collegiate writing awards, including a National Academy of Poets University Prize, and had the distinct honor of presenting her creative nonfiction work at the National Undergraduate Literary Conference in Ogden, Utah.
When she isn’t writing, you can find her hiking, bouldering, and spending time with her family and pitbull.
Hobbs graduated valedictorian from Piedmont University with a bachelor’s degree in literature and composition. She received several collegiate writing awards, including a National Academy of Poets University Prize, and had the distinct honor of presenting her creative nonfiction work at the National Undergraduate Literary Conference in Ogden, Utah.
When she isn’t writing, you can find her hiking, bouldering, and spending time with her family and pitbull.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 6, 2026
First off, I didn’t even realize there would be a second book. But let me say, Hades Cronus…you are a VERY mysterious gentleman and the additional backstory we finally get in this book. Phenomenal. I do continue to question our motivations…You have the development of Alice/Demetrius’s relationship and the journey Gabriella is on. I am HERE for the slow burn, if you know you know.
One thing AC does well, is the ‘minor’ characters, Christopher, Harriett, they all stand out and are unique to the story. I continue to enjoy the 1920s jazz age environment.
I know we JUST go book two..but when is the third coming out?
One thing AC does well, is the ‘minor’ characters, Christopher, Harriett, they all stand out and are unique to the story. I continue to enjoy the 1920s jazz age environment.
I know we JUST go book two..but when is the third coming out?
April 29, 2026
Welp, A. C. Hobbs has only ratcheted up the tension in the sequel, and then left us hanging for God knows how long until the third (final?) book arrives! Honestly, this is darker and grittier than my normal fare. Yes, I read Stephen King but his books have heroes (however flawed) and a very defined sense of good and evil. However, "Scythe & Pen" and "This Silent City" are the very definition of anti-hero novels, with sinners galore and not a saint in sight. I am not saying this to the detriment of the story, which is fascinating and layered, but to be clear about its tone. Like, is this all going to burn up in a blaze of blue fire and the echo of Tommy guns in a dark alley, or will there be redemption of a kind for our handsome vampire, his hellish compatriot, and the motley crew which accompanies them? Let's just say that I'm intrigued enough to proceed AND my rating for the sequel stands as a nod of caution regarding the content (violent, profane, and, in this second book, openly sexual).
May 12, 2026
First of all, WOW, what an ending. From this day forward, consider me a reader of anything AC Hobbs writes.
This book does everything a second part in a trilogy should by deepening character arcs, revealing backstory, and increasing the stakes for the next part.
The prose is masterful throughout, building an atmosphere that is vividly gritty with characters whose emotions and intentions feel so real. I love that Hobbs is not afraid to let her characters make choices and act in ways that are messy and questionable-almost every character is morally grey to some degree.
Moments of tension are drawn out so well and the writing is so immersive you feel like you’re in the room or in the streets with these characters.
I am locked in for book three.
I want to thank the author and Counterpoise Press for providing me with an e-ARC ahead of this book’s release.
This book does everything a second part in a trilogy should by deepening character arcs, revealing backstory, and increasing the stakes for the next part.
The prose is masterful throughout, building an atmosphere that is vividly gritty with characters whose emotions and intentions feel so real. I love that Hobbs is not afraid to let her characters make choices and act in ways that are messy and questionable-almost every character is morally grey to some degree.
Moments of tension are drawn out so well and the writing is so immersive you feel like you’re in the room or in the streets with these characters.
I am locked in for book three.
I want to thank the author and Counterpoise Press for providing me with an e-ARC ahead of this book’s release.
May 2, 2026
THAT IS HOW YOU WRITE A SEQUEL. In This Silent City, our beloved cast is back, but everything we love is dialed up: the grit, the tension, the stakes. Characters prowl off the page, politics explode, and lies and truths tangle and drag us back into Eastgate's deadly embrace.
Queen of drawing the eye elsewhere while readying a blow that will bring you to your knees, in book two, Hobbs writes twists that hit like a knife in the gut and rains consequences without apology.
And her settings? Real and alive. So vivid, I found myself swept up in the heady, sweaty haze of the jazz club with Gabriella, shivering in the mud with the little street rat, and stealing breathless along the shadows of Eastgate's alleyways with Alice. Not once was I taken out of this world.
Infinity stars, no notes.
Queen of drawing the eye elsewhere while readying a blow that will bring you to your knees, in book two, Hobbs writes twists that hit like a knife in the gut and rains consequences without apology.
And her settings? Real and alive. So vivid, I found myself swept up in the heady, sweaty haze of the jazz club with Gabriella, shivering in the mud with the little street rat, and stealing breathless along the shadows of Eastgate's alleyways with Alice. Not once was I taken out of this world.
Infinity stars, no notes.
May 4, 2026
Thank you AC Hobbs for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts are my own.
Wow, where do I start? This is by far one of my favorite books (and series for that matter) that I have ever read. I haven’t come across too many series with such incredible pacing with plot twists mixed in and character development that has me engaged the entire time as this one did.
This story picks up where we left off in Scythe and Pen. We were left with a lot of questions following that whirlwind of an ending and wanting more from Gabriella and Hades. I absolutely loved their back and forth relationship. The forbidden romance in this series is top tier because you not only have a vampire and human relationship, but also this good girl and gangster relationship that feels doomed from the start, yet you want it to happen SO bad. The tension was *chef’s kiss*.
This series has such a cool atmosphere that reminds you of an old Hollywood film. The glitz and the glamor is not its cracked up to be and you learn that everything has a price.
There were several moments in this book where I was holding my breath because of how intense the scenes were. And the last 20% of the book I don’t think I came up for air. I’m going to be (im)patiently waiting for the final book because how am I supposed to live after that?! It was incredible.
Wow, where do I start? This is by far one of my favorite books (and series for that matter) that I have ever read. I haven’t come across too many series with such incredible pacing with plot twists mixed in and character development that has me engaged the entire time as this one did.
This story picks up where we left off in Scythe and Pen. We were left with a lot of questions following that whirlwind of an ending and wanting more from Gabriella and Hades. I absolutely loved their back and forth relationship. The forbidden romance in this series is top tier because you not only have a vampire and human relationship, but also this good girl and gangster relationship that feels doomed from the start, yet you want it to happen SO bad. The tension was *chef’s kiss*.
This series has such a cool atmosphere that reminds you of an old Hollywood film. The glitz and the glamor is not its cracked up to be and you learn that everything has a price.
There were several moments in this book where I was holding my breath because of how intense the scenes were. And the last 20% of the book I don’t think I came up for air. I’m going to be (im)patiently waiting for the final book because how am I supposed to live after that?! It was incredible.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to AC Hobbs and the publisher for an eARC.
WHAT A STUNNER.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
It’s often said the sequel in a trilogy doesn’t hold up, THAT IS NOT THE CASE TODAY FOLKS. May I present my most recent obsession?? And if you’re wondering now if you should go read book one that answer is emphatically YES.
This increased the action, drama, romance, world, magic and all the things. I loved how brutal and raw this book felt. The emotional pacing is perfect. Getting the soft and tender moments from the last character you’d expect while also getting his back story?? Savage. Amazing. NO NOTES.
I’m obsessed with all of the characters. Even the smaller roles have my attention. I love this kind of writing where the POV floats effortlessly from person to person creating this dynamic story telling that has you flipping the pages with fervor. I feel like I got everything I could have wanted in book two and I know I’ll be aching to get my hands on the finale.
I am very much feral over MANY of these scenes and I love seeing the push and pull between romantic relationships, friendships, political rivals and other bosses. This Silent City does not miss.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fantasy + Romance
- Language: mild+
- Romance: vague/brief open door
- Violence: high
- Content warnings: loss of life, grief depiction, assault, attempted murder, physical violence, weapons violence, murder
WHAT A STUNNER.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
It’s often said the sequel in a trilogy doesn’t hold up, THAT IS NOT THE CASE TODAY FOLKS. May I present my most recent obsession?? And if you’re wondering now if you should go read book one that answer is emphatically YES.
This increased the action, drama, romance, world, magic and all the things. I loved how brutal and raw this book felt. The emotional pacing is perfect. Getting the soft and tender moments from the last character you’d expect while also getting his back story?? Savage. Amazing. NO NOTES.
I’m obsessed with all of the characters. Even the smaller roles have my attention. I love this kind of writing where the POV floats effortlessly from person to person creating this dynamic story telling that has you flipping the pages with fervor. I feel like I got everything I could have wanted in book two and I know I’ll be aching to get my hands on the finale.
I am very much feral over MANY of these scenes and I love seeing the push and pull between romantic relationships, friendships, political rivals and other bosses. This Silent City does not miss.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fantasy + Romance
- Language: mild+
- Romance: vague/brief open door
- Violence: high
- Content warnings: loss of life, grief depiction, assault, attempted murder, physical violence, weapons violence, murder
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was so excited receive an ARC because Scythe and Pen was one of my more memorable reads in 2025. This Silently City picks up right where S&P left off and hits the ground running! I loved returning to this world—the 1920s glitz and glamour are such a fun contrast with the gritty crime world. This book featured more of Hades’ machinations in that world, as compared to S&P, which I felt was more focused on Capitol politics.
We also get a lot more of Hades’ background, which was so fascinating! I was a little frustrated that my favorite relationship (Hades and Demetrius) took a backseat in this second book, but that separation between our two favorite monster bro buddies is explained more as the story goes on. Hoping the bromance gets lots of air time in book 3!
Speaking of romance, I did feel that the romance between Hades and Gabriella felt a bit rushed/underdeveloped, but after the ending (😭😳), I am very excited to see how that unfolds further. I also wouldn’t hate it if Harriet and Christopher had their own little fling! We also get to meet several new side characters in this book that really help to flesh out the world building, which I loved.
Overall, this book was a super fun dive back into the glittering criminal underworld and I can’t wait for book three!
We also get a lot more of Hades’ background, which was so fascinating! I was a little frustrated that my favorite relationship (Hades and Demetrius) took a backseat in this second book, but that separation between our two favorite monster bro buddies is explained more as the story goes on. Hoping the bromance gets lots of air time in book 3!
Speaking of romance, I did feel that the romance between Hades and Gabriella felt a bit rushed/underdeveloped, but after the ending (😭😳), I am very excited to see how that unfolds further. I also wouldn’t hate it if Harriet and Christopher had their own little fling! We also get to meet several new side characters in this book that really help to flesh out the world building, which I loved.
Overall, this book was a super fun dive back into the glittering criminal underworld and I can’t wait for book three!
Review of advance copy received from Author
THIS BOOK YALL! My favorite of the year!
I feel so incredibly blessed to not only be such good friends with Abi but to also get to witness the beauty of her writing. She’s seriously one of the best writers I’ve been fortunate enough to read, even in the early stages, her work is amazing and this book is no different!
Scythe and Pen is hands down one of my favorite books of all time so when Abi asked me to read the sequel I about died and went to heaven! Hades and the gang are up to their normal chaos but times it by ten! The stakes are higher and so is the romance and when I tell you I ate up every morsel Abi sent me! I read each part so fast, I can remember where I was even when I finished it, sobbing in bed at 2am while my husband was snoring away unbeknownst to the utter TURMOIL going through me because THE ENDING ABI. THE ENDING.
Thank you Abi Hobbs, for putting up with my absurd love for your mobster and the world you created, it’s truly something special my friend and I feel so lucky I get a front row seat to the Hades show! Because let’s be real, it really is all about him. (Tho I think Harriet would vow otherwise!)
I feel so incredibly blessed to not only be such good friends with Abi but to also get to witness the beauty of her writing. She’s seriously one of the best writers I’ve been fortunate enough to read, even in the early stages, her work is amazing and this book is no different!
Scythe and Pen is hands down one of my favorite books of all time so when Abi asked me to read the sequel I about died and went to heaven! Hades and the gang are up to their normal chaos but times it by ten! The stakes are higher and so is the romance and when I tell you I ate up every morsel Abi sent me! I read each part so fast, I can remember where I was even when I finished it, sobbing in bed at 2am while my husband was snoring away unbeknownst to the utter TURMOIL going through me because THE ENDING ABI. THE ENDING.
Thank you Abi Hobbs, for putting up with my absurd love for your mobster and the world you created, it’s truly something special my friend and I feel so lucky I get a front row seat to the Hades show! Because let’s be real, it really is all about him. (Tho I think Harriet would vow otherwise!)
April 27, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY SENT BY PUBLISHER
I loved everything about this book! It had a truly immersive plot, beautiful character development and twists and turns you absolutely did not see coming. The way A C Hobbs tells a story is just brilliant! Honestly, I love nothing more than reading a tale & being able to actually FEEL a moment between characters and this book had plenty of that! I also really enjoy a story where women are permitted ruthlessness & adored the various female characters we get to meet along the way… and the MMC’s, well I’m not certain you can describe our ‘Lord’ as morally anything, but he absolutely hits the spot ;)
If a gothic 1920’s tale of mobsters (think Peaky Blinders), vampires & monsters is your bag, then Sycthe & Pen and This Silent City should definitely be added to your TBR list. Fair warning though, the cliffhangers are brutal, but totally worth it! I personally cannot wait for more (chop, chop Ms Hobbs)!
I loved everything about this book! It had a truly immersive plot, beautiful character development and twists and turns you absolutely did not see coming. The way A C Hobbs tells a story is just brilliant! Honestly, I love nothing more than reading a tale & being able to actually FEEL a moment between characters and this book had plenty of that! I also really enjoy a story where women are permitted ruthlessness & adored the various female characters we get to meet along the way… and the MMC’s, well I’m not certain you can describe our ‘Lord’ as morally anything, but he absolutely hits the spot ;)
If a gothic 1920’s tale of mobsters (think Peaky Blinders), vampires & monsters is your bag, then Sycthe & Pen and This Silent City should definitely be added to your TBR list. Fair warning though, the cliffhangers are brutal, but totally worth it! I personally cannot wait for more (chop, chop Ms Hobbs)!
May 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This Silent City is the powerful, captivating sequel to Scythe and Pen.
Scythe and Pen is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and This Silent City was just as incredible. I had the pleasure of beta-reading TSC in 2024, and I still think about it. I loved returning to the vibrant, compelling characters and exploring their relationship dynamics further (the romances and friendships were *chef’s kiss). The settings were atmospheric and vivid, simultaneously lush and gritty. I adored the infusion of Jazz Age historical details blended with magic, vampires, and mythology. The plot was twisty, mysterious, and gripping, and the pacing was engaging. A.C. Hobbs’ prose was fierce and beautiful. I highly recommend this incredible book!
Thank you to A.C. for sharing her brilliant book with me!
This Silent City is the powerful, captivating sequel to Scythe and Pen.
Scythe and Pen is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and This Silent City was just as incredible. I had the pleasure of beta-reading TSC in 2024, and I still think about it. I loved returning to the vibrant, compelling characters and exploring their relationship dynamics further (the romances and friendships were *chef’s kiss). The settings were atmospheric and vivid, simultaneously lush and gritty. I adored the infusion of Jazz Age historical details blended with magic, vampires, and mythology. The plot was twisty, mysterious, and gripping, and the pacing was engaging. A.C. Hobbs’ prose was fierce and beautiful. I highly recommend this incredible book!
Thank you to A.C. for sharing her brilliant book with me!
April 27, 2026
Just finished This Silent City. Great second book in the trilogy.
It’s one of those books that pulls you in quickly and doesn’t drag. The pacing is solid, and the world feels different enough to keep you invested without getting bogged down in a bunch of unnecessary detail.
Tons of action, but it’s not mindless—there’s enough depth to actually care about what’s happening to the characters that I'm becoming more and more invested in. This the kind of book that you will fly through, but think about for a long time after.
If you like gritty, fast-paced stories with a unique setting and no fluff, don't pass this one up!
It’s one of those books that pulls you in quickly and doesn’t drag. The pacing is solid, and the world feels different enough to keep you invested without getting bogged down in a bunch of unnecessary detail.
Tons of action, but it’s not mindless—there’s enough depth to actually care about what’s happening to the characters that I'm becoming more and more invested in. This the kind of book that you will fly through, but think about for a long time after.
If you like gritty, fast-paced stories with a unique setting and no fluff, don't pass this one up!
May 3, 2026
Holy heck this was an epic sequel! Dark, tense, cinematic.
Friendships are tried, romances are put to the test, tensions between gang leaders are high, and at the center of it all is this mysterious gangster, this Hades. There are so many questions surrounding him that when one question is answered a dozen more pop up.
Everything ramps up in this one. The danger is much more potent, the romance is more intense (there’s a bit of spice), the adrenaline and emotions are high. I was completely caught up in the whirl of the 1920s era glamor! I honestly loved it. But I couldn’t believe the book ended the way it did. I mean, what?!?! I need answers!!! I feel like this was the most cliffhanger of cliffhanger endings.
This is an excellent series that I’d recommend for people who enjoy a darker, gothic style fantasy, or for those who love shows like Peaky Blinders.
Friendships are tried, romances are put to the test, tensions between gang leaders are high, and at the center of it all is this mysterious gangster, this Hades. There are so many questions surrounding him that when one question is answered a dozen more pop up.
Everything ramps up in this one. The danger is much more potent, the romance is more intense (there’s a bit of spice), the adrenaline and emotions are high. I was completely caught up in the whirl of the 1920s era glamor! I honestly loved it. But I couldn’t believe the book ended the way it did. I mean, what?!?! I need answers!!! I feel like this was the most cliffhanger of cliffhanger endings.
This is an excellent series that I’d recommend for people who enjoy a darker, gothic style fantasy, or for those who love shows like Peaky Blinders.
May 6, 2026
My rating is between 3-4 stars.
Loved getting to be back in this world with all these characters! Shocking plot twists, back stories, violence, suspense, romance & another dramatic senate hearing.
I loved Demetrius in book one, and I love him even more after book two. He may be a dangerous vampire prince who has a highly questionable choice of best friend but I look forward to all things Raske in book three.
I also enjoyed the interlude backstory chapters and the interwoven newspaper articles.
Hades. Oh man, hades. I don’t even want to say too much because HOT DANG that entire ending of reveals and events was 👀🫣
And Gabriella???? I’m not panicking, you are.
A couple things kept this from being 5 stars for me:
• there was a decent amount of repetitive info and details
• the romance took a much larger focus in this installment where it started to feel like a romantasy - this threw me because book one reads nothing like that. I didn’t expect that change.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital arc for an honest review. I eagerly await book three!
⚠️ language, violence, sex
Loved getting to be back in this world with all these characters! Shocking plot twists, back stories, violence, suspense, romance & another dramatic senate hearing.
I loved Demetrius in book one, and I love him even more after book two. He may be a dangerous vampire prince who has a highly questionable choice of best friend but I look forward to all things Raske in book three.
I also enjoyed the interlude backstory chapters and the interwoven newspaper articles.
Hades. Oh man, hades. I don’t even want to say too much because HOT DANG that entire ending of reveals and events was 👀🫣
And Gabriella???? I’m not panicking, you are.
A couple things kept this from being 5 stars for me:
• there was a decent amount of repetitive info and details
• the romance took a much larger focus in this installment where it started to feel like a romantasy - this threw me because book one reads nothing like that. I didn’t expect that change.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital arc for an honest review. I eagerly await book three!
⚠️ language, violence, sex
May 5, 2026
Thank you to A C Hobbs and Counterpoise Press for sending me an ARC for This Silent City.
A C Hobbs has such a way with words and world building. I felt completely immersed. I loved the characters especially Hades.
I can’t wait to read more from A C Hobbs.
A C Hobbs has such a way with words and world building. I felt completely immersed. I loved the characters especially Hades.
I can’t wait to read more from A C Hobbs.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews