Dark as the Cursed Abyss: (The Nostos: 2.75)

by E.K. Condos

War is coming to the Mykandrian Isles, and Princess Chloe Kirassos needs an army.

Instead, she’s told she needs a wife.

To secure an alliance with the ruthless Queen of Hespali, Chloe must prove her loyalty through marriage. Desperate to survive the queen’s court, and the ghosts of an old betrayal, Chloe claims the one person she never should—Farah Athanas.

Spy. Sorceress. Daughter of the man who destroyed the queen’s family. Their engagement is a lie meant to keep them alive. But in Hespali, love isn’t proven with promises, it’s tested in the Eleusinian Mysteries.

If Chloe and Farah fail, they die. If they succeed, they might win the army their kingdom desperately needs.

The only problem?

The Fates can smell a lie.

And somewhere between deadly trials, court intrigue, and a war on the horizon, their fake engagement is starting to feel dangerously real.

Dark as the Cursed Abyss is a novella in the Nostos Series, a Pirate x Greek Mythology romantasy series. It is best read after Book 2.5, Swift as the Rising Tide.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2026

Reviews

[Ashley Merwin]

ARC REVIEW

The Nostos series is still one of my favorites from the last year! E.K. Condos uses back-to-back novellas (Swift as the rising tide & Dark as the cursed abyss) between books two and three in this series to keep the reader up to date with siblings Dimitris’ and Chloe’s concurrent adventures. They are each on separate missions to gather fighters for the inevitably approaching war. Lore and mythology are woven all throughout this series along with wolf shifters, sorcerers, pirates, pet familiars, Greek gods, and plenty of banter to keep you kicking your feet.



The tension and baggage between the two FMC's Chloe and Farah were introduced in previous books so you jump right in from page one. Chloe and Farah fake an engagement to gain allies and are forced to participate in a deadly marriage trial known as The Mysteries. During these dangerous trials secrets are revealed and even more are introduced which leaves you questioning everything. As expected from the author no one is safe and the cliffhanger had me cursing long after I’d finished the book. I can’t wait to continue the story and revisit the Nostos crew in the next book!


Thank you for the E-ARC E.K. Condos!!



What To Expect

Forced proximity
Deadly trials
Fake marriage

[Isabella Grace]

"𝐈𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐭, 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨."

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5


There’s only one thing I love more than fake dating.

FAKE. MARRIAGE.

Because apparently pretending to be someone’s girlfriend isn’t quite unhinged enough for me. I need legal documents involved. 😌

And now we’re putting fake marriage inside a Greek mythology-inspired romantasy with sorceresses, deadly trials, court politics, and an impending war???

Oh, I’m listening.

This is a novella, so E.K. Condos wastes approximately ZERO time throwing us directly into the chaos.

Princess Chloe needs an army.

The solution?

Get married.

Seems reasonable.

Except the woman she chooses to fake an engagement with is Farah Athanas—spy, sorceress, and quite possibly one of the most politically inconvenient women she could’ve chosen.

Oh, AND these two already have enough unresolved tension and trust issues to fill the Mykandrian Isles.

Perfect.

Absolutely no notes. 😂

Their engagement might be fake, but unfortunately for Chloe and Farah, Queen Hespali isn’t accepting a cute little announcement and matching rings as proof.

Nope.

These women have to survive The Eleusinian Mysteries, a series of deadly marriage trials designed to prove their bond.

Because apparently couples counseling is for COWARDS.

And there’s one teeny tiny problem:

The Fates can smell a lie.

EXCUSE ME???

Imagine fake marrying someone and then being told the GODS THEMSELVES are about to fact-check your relationship.

I’d simply perish.

What really worked for me was that Farah and Chloe didn’t feel like two random characters thrown together because the plot required a fake relationship. There’s already HISTORY there.

There’s baggage.

There’s distrust.

There’s hurt.

There are things neither of them has completely dealt with.

So while they’re trying to convince everyone else that they’re madly in love, they’re also being forced into situations where they actually have to trust each other.

Fake marriage + forced proximity + deadly trials is apparently an elite combination.

Because somewhere between we’re only doing this to get an army and we may literally die together, those fake feelings start looking suspiciously REAL.

Ladies…

That’s not very fake marriage of you. 👀

And because this is under 200 pages, I was impressed by how much E.K. managed to pack into it without completely sacrificing the relationship.

We have the romance.

We have the trials.

We have political maneuvering.

We have secrets.

We have mythology and lore.

We have an entire WAR brewing in the background.

And every time I thought I had a decent grasp on who could be trusted, another piece of information dropped and I was right back to:

Well. Fuck if I know.

😂

I also LOVE the way Greek mythology is woven throughout this world.

Give me gods interfering in people’s lives.

Give me sorcerers.

Give me pirates.

Give me wolf shifters.

Give me ancient rituals that may kill you because apparently signing a marriage certificate isn’t dramatic enough.

FEED ME THE LORE.

And Acacius???

Completely insufferable.

Speaking in riddles.

Making everyone’s life approximately 700% more difficult.

Naturally, I enjoyed every second of him. 😂

But what I especially appreciated was that underneath all the fantasy elements, Chloe and Farah’s relationship struggles felt surprisingly human.

Trust doesn’t magically appear because they’re attracted to each other.

Old wounds don’t disappear because they’re suddenly forced to work together.

They actually have to confront some of that baggage, which made the romantic progression feel earned despite the shorter novella format.

Because if you’re going to give me fake marriage, I need THE MOMENT.

The moment when:

We’re only pretending.

becomes…

Oh.

Oh no.

I don’t think I’m pretending anymore.

😮‍💨

EVERY. DAMN. TIME.

And then we have the ending.

E.K. Condos…

WHAT EXACTLY IS YOUR PROBLEM???

Because apparently finishing one of these books peacefully and going about my day was never an option.

That cliffhanger had absolutely no business cliffhangering THAT HARD.

Just when we’re getting answers?

More questions.

Just when I’m feeling comfortable?

WRONG.

Just when I think I know where we’re headed?

Absolutely the fuck not.

So now we’re perfectly positioned for book three, and I simultaneously need it immediately and fear whatever this woman plans to do to these characters next.

⚔️ Greek Mythology Romantasy
💍 Fake Marriage / Engagement
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩 Sapphic Romance
🔥 Forced Proximity
🏛️ Deadly Marriage Trials
✨ Sorceress FMC
👑 Princess FMC
🗡️ Spies & Secrets
⚔️ Impending War
🏴‍☠️ Pirates
🐺 Wolf Shifters
💔 Complicated History
🤨 Trust Issues
🏛️ Court Intrigue
🔮 Gods, Fates & Prophecies
😈 Absolutely Diabolical Cliffhanger



Fake dating is wonderful.

But fake marriage where the Fates themselves are basically standing there saying, “Okay, prove you’re in love or die”?

Yeah.

That’s the level of unnecessary romantic chaos I came for. 😈💍⚔️

[Ashley Fisher]

Dark as the Cursed Abyss
This is the second novella in the Notos series (book 2.75-4th) It just keeps me pulling into the story line more and more. This one follows Farah and Chloe. While war with Hades is still growing, Chloe and Farah are sent to get allies.

I loved Acacius, completely insufferable, but spoke riddles. And that ending, it couldn’t have been any better. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you EK Condos for this ARC and continuing the story line. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Meredith D]

3.5⭐️ rounded up

This was cute, fast-paced, and easy to read. I like that while we have happy little relationships and allies forming in each storyline, there’s still the undercurrent of the looming war and unanswered questions. I’m excited for when our rag-tag crew are all back together again and can fight together against the bad guys.

[Megan Bresson]

If you haven't started The Nostos Series or aren't up to date, please turn around now and get on that!

Using two back-to-back novellas between books two and three in this series was such a smart storytelling decision. The stories of Swift as the Rising Tide and Dark as the Cursed Abyss take place concurrently, with siblings Dimitris and Chloe each on separate missions to gather fighters for the inevitably approaching war.

Coming in at just under 200 pages, Dark as the Cursed Abyss is a wonderful mix of major Plot Things and romance. After agreeing to a fake engagement, Chloe and Farah are forced to participate in a deadly marriage trial known as The Mysteries. Between training for and participating in the trials, E.K. Condos moves the story along in a way that makes perfect sense. Just like in Swift as the Rising Tide, the lore drops are plentiful. Secrets are revealed, more are introduced, and the sense of unease is all-consuming.

Something I love about these characters and stories is that the romance is truly hard-won. There's so much tension and baggage already between Farah and Chloe before you even get to the first page. This is very much a fantasy world with Greek gods, wolf shifters, and sorcerers but with some of the realest depictions of relationships you can get! Farah and Chloe have trust issues that you've probably experienced before, so it is VERY easy to put yourself in their leather boots.

If you've read any of The Nostos Series, you know that E.K. is an absolute BEAST with a cliffhanger. It's really the only sure thing when it comes to these stories. You can't count on anyone being safe, you can't be sure who is an enemy or who is an ally, but you CAN be sure that the final page is going to leave you staring at the wall.

Dark as the Cursed Abyss has set us up so well for book three, and while I am TERRIFIED for what comes next you can bet that I'll be first in line to devour that story - whatever the outcome may be.

[Samantha Bilodeau]

I love this series, and love it even more that we get two novellas between books two and three!

The novellas take you on side missions introduced in book two, as supporting characters get their own time to shine. The previous novella was Dimitrius and Thalia's adventure, and this one is Chloe and Farah's adventure (both novellas occur during the same timeframe).

Some of the background of these two characters was already introduced, but the tension and bickering in this are so much fun. I love both of these characters, and the new ones introduced in this were very entertaining.

Farah and Chloe are essentially thrust into an engagement to avoid either of their futures being tied to men they don't want. As a result of that engagement, they have to succeed at a series of trials. I really liked the trials and how well they worked to be intended to really test a relationship. The bonding with side characters that occured while they were preparing for the trials also felt so natural and I just loved it (one side character, in particular — I won't say who — really won me over!).

But that cliffhanger ending?! Seriously, I need more, stat!

[Stephanie]

5⭐️ 1🌶️

Dark As The Cursed Abyss is the next installment of The Nostos series and E.K. Condos did not disappoint. She uses consecutive novellas to tell us the simultaneous adventures of siblings Dimitris and Chloe attempting to gather warriors for the impending war. Then they are forced to work through their trust issues when they are suddenly thrust into deadly marriage trials.

There is plenty of tension, banter, and chemistry between the FMCs Chloe and Farah. The plot is thick with romance while still focusing on the unfolding storyline and it does not feel rushed.

You will find shifters, pirates, witches/sorcerers, pet familiars and tons of mythology woven throughout this story. As always, with E.K. Condos, no one is safe, you can’t trust anyone, and the cliffhanger is agonizing!


Tropes
🌊reluctant allies to lovers
🏴‍☠️fake engagement
🌊deadly marriage trials
🏴‍☠️court intrigue
🌊 touch her and ☠️
🏴‍☠️wolf shifter x sorceress

Thank you, E.K. Condos for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Maran]

Dark as the Cursed Abyss is the second novella in The Nostos series and takes place during the same time period as Swift as the Rising Tide and the last portion of A Spell of Bones and Madness. This story follows Chloe Kirassos and Farah Athanos as they travel to Hespali to try and secure allies in the coming war.

I loved getting a bigger glimpse of Chloe and Farah as they were side characters in the first two books and didn’t have much page time. The development of their relationship is fun to watch as they navigate past hurts as well as getting through the Eleusian Mysteries.

The court intrigue is presented interestingly and I hope that we see more of the Hespalians in the future books. The Mysteries were an interesting take on the trope of marriage trials and I loved watching how it affected both Chloe and Farah.

I cannot wait to see what awaits in the rest of the series and how this book plays into the rest of the plot.

Thank you to E.K. Condos for providing me with a copy of the book. I’m excited to leave a review.

[Megan Fernsten]

I have absolutely loved the rest of the books in the Nostros series and I wanted to love this one equally but it felt rushed. The story felt clipped, not descriptive enough, it also jumped to new scenes abruptly. At times it felt like in the middle of something happening we'd have a new chapter.
I didn't like their relationship at all. They barely spent time together and when they did it felt glacial and as if neither cared about the other. It could have just been two acquaintances going through the trial. I felt like the chemistry between Farrah and Acacius was much stronger than her and Chloe. The tiny bit of romance that happened felt forced and again too short to believe.
The training for the trials felt inconsequential except when Farrah got thrown off the cliff.
Chloe was given a journal written in some language no one knows except those who win the trials, but you never hear about it again. Also no mention of what the fancy weapons do. I'm hoping some of these questions will be answered in the rest of the series.

[Ashley]

We’re back in the Nostos series with Novella 2.75! Chloe and Farrah travel to Hespali to try to gain an army to help with the emerging war with Hades. To gain an alliance with Hespali, Chloe must prove her loyalty through marriage. That leads to Chloe and Farrah faking an engagement and entering the marriage trials known as Mysteries. Secrets are spilled and trust is tested as the trials go on, and Chloe and Farrah begin to question if their feelings are real.

Tropes mentioned:
• Shifter x sorceress
• Deadly marriage trials
• Fake engagement
• Touch her and ☠️
• Allies to lovers
• Second chance

If you like Pirates of the Caribbean and Greek mythology, I highly recommend this romantasy series! The novellas have been so fun to keep up with the other side characters and learn what else is happening within the world of Odessia.

Thank you to the author, E.K. Condos, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather Altundağ]

I loved this book as an addition to the storyline from book 2, A Spell of Bones and Madness. We get to see the journey of your two FMCs as they travel to an isle in search of an ally who will lend them an army. Through this journey of the isle, they have to prove to the queen that they are loyal and true to their word. To do this, they engage in a fake engagement and have to go through trials to prove their love to each other. And the kicker is, these trials don’t allow you to lie. Only the truth may be spoken. Throughout this mental and physical trial, they learn a lot about each other and what secrets have been hiding for years. Both between them and what’s on the isle.

This is a great companion novella to the main books, because it showcases a part where it is not fully described previously. And we learn that this trip proved useful in more ways than one. It may be a short story, but it is one that is important to tell. ☺️

[Cortney Layne]

My only critique…

So I am town actually on how I feel about this book. The spice or lack there of. Was it a conscious choice about respecting women and lesbians? To not making a mockery of woman on woman love? Bc the other books have detailed spicy scenes. Hetero spicy scenes. Or was it a fear of division? A fear of driving readers away bc lesbian sex might be uncomfortable for others? Love is love. Passion is passion. They are both boundless and know no color, creed, or gender. Like I said, I am torn. But I do like the series. I think the element of trauma and what survives after that, learning to love and trust and carry your survival through life andearning how to allow oneself to feel intimate again after such brutality.. all of those elements are done with care and consideration. But... As a lover of all people and all genders, I read the scenes of male/female sex scenes just fine. Anyone else have a say?

[Julie]

ARC Read
I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to receive the ARC for this book. I have fallen deeply in love with the Nostos series, the Greek mythology meets pirates world and all the characters in it. I was so happy to finally get a book all Chloe and Farah and Chloe’s recap was not only super helpful but hilarious!
Chloe and Farah are set to try and gain an army from Chloe’s aunt, working together despite a sour note on their relationship. Their jabs towards one another is an absolute highlight and Chloe’s powers are next level awesome. I also really liked Kire and want more of her. This book is a short novella but it didn’t feel rushed to cover the fast pacing of the plot. There’s trials, training and ultimate trust and loyalty being tested. I genuinely cannot wait to see what the next book has in store for us.

[Shawna Parker]

I really love the way this series is structured so we get these novellas that follow characters while they venture away from the main action of the story. It’s so great to dive into each of these storylines and stay immersed in them one at a time.

I really enjoyed getting to know Chloe and Farah more in this novella. Their story felt very fresh and unique. I also am SUPER intrigued by the new characters that were added to the crew here!

One of my favorite things about E. K.’s writing is her vivid descriptions of amazing places. I really want to just go move into the library in Hespali. I also love a really good ballroom scene and the one in this book was phenomenal! I really felt like I was there.

This novella and Swift as the Rising Tide both really built momentum in this series and I am so ready for the next installment!

[Jenna Quoss]

This series is one I have recommended over and over. The story keeps getting bigger and better. I absolutely loved the previous books and they all felt important to the storyline but this one fell flat for me. I understand the reason for this novella. We got some very important information and it’s also all leading up to a huge battle. I like these characters in the previous books as well. I truly wanted to know more about their history but as was reading it, I didn’t really feel their connection or chemistry. It’s disappointing because in other books, I felt it with the other couples no problem. I’m def going to keep reading this series and I’m glad I read this book for the information I got but it wasn’t my favorite.

[Jerry]

This is a spoiler free ARC review! Thank you EK Condos for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Dark as the Cursed Abyss releases on August 11!

In book 2.75 of the Nostos Series, the Mykandrian Isles are on the cusp of war. Chloe and Farah are dispatched to secure the aid of the Queen of Hespali. Of course things don't go as planned, and Farah finds herself engaged... to her ex, Chloe. Forced into a set of trials where failure means certain death and the fates can smell a lie, Chloe and Farrah must work together to survive and get the Queen's army.

Condos is an amazing storyteller and this is no exception. I cannot wait for the final installment in this series and the other books she is working on.

[Christen Reads]

4.75 ⭐️

Another fast-paced slow burn novella from The Nostos series. I devoured this book in a single setting, it had me hooked. I love the details we are getting from Alexander's siblings while they are out on their own separate quests.

Chloe and Zarah have the whole spurned lover with miscommunication trope, and I'm here for it. This novella has games and trials, shady family members, and an ending that will leave you desperate for book 3!

I love The Nostos series, and I eagerly await the next installment.

Thank you EK Condos for the E-ARC! And as always, I leave my review 100% voluntarily.

[myotis_bat]

I loved this novella. I was so excited for Chloe and Farah’s story. Two strong stunning women that I loved in the previous book are finally getting the spotlight. I enjoyed the riddles, new characters, and court intrigue. Also who doesn’t love some deadly trials?

This book has me spiraling and feeling the need to reread the entire series before the next book comes out. I have so many theories and I can’t wait to get answers to my questions. This book has me so pumped to be destroyed by the next book in the series. Thank you so much for this arc.

[Anne Levitz]

Anothed Action Packed Adventure on the High Seas

E.K. does it again! With more action on the high seas in the Greek aisles. We get games and trials and wolf shifter x Sorceress pretending they dont love each other only to prove that they do!!! We get a glimpse at the battle to come shrouded in a mystery and a who done it?! This next book in The Nostos Series is amazing and lives up to all the rest! So exicted to see what happens in the final book and the part Farrah and Chloe have to play in it!

[Kanati Adebayo]

EK Condos does it again with another PHENOMENAL book.

We are introduced to Chloe and Farah in other books in The Nostros Series but this one dives deeper into their relationship.

There is plenty of witty banter, tension, and longing between Chloe and Farah. I loved getting to see how they grew throughout the marriage trials. It also explored how hard it can be to trust someone after you've experienced trauma.

I'm excited to see where the story goes and I expect a TON of epic plot twists to keep us readers on our toes.

[Ashleigh Carter]

Coming back to a series after a time away feels like coming home. The Nostos is not cozy, but the novellas feel that way because it’s familiar. The writing, the world, the characters. It’s relaxing in a way. Dark as the Cursed Abyss is no different. I love a sapphic romance and a fake marriage/forced proximity can only help with the feet-kicking, giggling fun. It’s high-stakes, slow burn but not. Definitely would love to see more from these two!

[Zsuzsanna Csonka-Bonevacz]

Warning: if you haven't started the Nostos Series yet, go back to book 1, this can't be read as a standalone.

Loved it! I love this world so much; I could always read about it. Chloe and Farah are both great characters, and it was great to see their side quest. Let me tell you, as this is a novella and not the main story, I wasn't entirely ready for the WTF ending, and it left me with more questions than before. Can't wait to see how the story goes when all the characters reunite.

[Nicole]

I enjoyed this book! It was shorter than the rest of the series but it accomplished a lot.

Chloe and Farah are off to try and secure more aid for their upcoming war but Chloe’s aunt isn’t going to make it easy. After faking being engaged the two women have to go through trials. I love watching the trials test them. Turns out deadly trials are a great place to make up for ghosting someone. I like the new characters we meet. This book is a great bridge leading toward the next book.

[SabrinaTheBookwitch]

ARC Review:
Another fun and so enjoyable addition to the Nostos Series! Like the 2.5 Novella we get a side quest with characters we meet earlier in the series Chloe and Farah, while we get some backstory on their pervious connection, they are unexpectedly thrust into deadly marriage trials, but will they be safe because their love for one another was true all along in this second chance romance? Find out now!

[Erin]

Another great book in a great series! I love how these are setting everything up for the next book and all the big things that are about to happen.
I am so glad we got more about my favorite spy Farah and little wolf Chloe. Both ladies are fierce and protective and just amazing. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Nicole Henry]

This was my first introduction to The Nostos Series and it did not disappoint! This was the perfect novella tangent in the world to get me to want to read more! There was great tension between the 2 FMC's but also between all other characters because the world is about to be at war.

It's a short 180 pages that is packed with the right amount of action, love and tension!

[Claire Johns]

4.50

This was a great novella in between this series connecting two characters together and with the larger storyline. I enjoyed getting the new perspectives and new characters! Cannot wait to continue this series. Thanks to EK Condos for sharing this world of gods and warring kingdoms!

[Rachael]

War is looming, and Chloe needs an army. In hopes of securing an alliance with a devious queen, she must train to face deadly trials and hope she makes it out alive. She must also secure a wife...

E.K. Condos is skilled at writing novellas with so much passion, intrigue, suspense, and character depth. This second novella in the Nostos series is exactly the story I needed, and has me excited for the next book!

[Cherie Deck]

This is a fast paced novella with a slow burn. Siblings Chloe and Dimitris each go on a Mission to find. Fighters for the war with Hades .This is full of romance and surprises, games and trials too. What a cliffhanger ending

[Haeli S]

The love I have for the Nostos Series and now the love I have for Chloe and Farah is unmatched. These two go THROUGH it during this novella. I loved watching their growth and connection throughout the story.

Thank you E.K. Condos for the opportunity to read this as an early reader. All thoughts are my own.