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Reigning Abyss
Five years after fleeing the palace in fire and blood, Yan Xun is gone—presumed dead by the Empire and determined to remain that way. In her place stands Yan Ling, a woman shaped by loss, secrecy, and survival.
She was prepared to walk this path alone. But a chance encounter with an azure dragon has opened up a world of possibilities ... and perils.
Deep within the fabled mountain revered for its rumored Smokeveil powers and feared for the demon-beasts lurking in its shadows, Ling builds a hidden sanctuary for those the Empire tries to erase. Young Weavers bonded to mythic Emberkin, feared not for crimes they have committed, but for powers they were never supposed to possess. Phoenixes. Dragons. Beings of legend the Empire denies could ever exist. More than shelter, Ling creates a fragile future for the hunted and the outcast.
But the past is not so easily buried.
As old wounds stir and forces beyond the mountain begin to close in, Ling must confront the ghosts she thought she had outrun. The Empire still fears what it cannot control, and silence can no longer guarantee safety. To protect those who now depend on her, Ling must decide whether merely surviving is enough ... or whether some stories can only be reclaimed through fire.
In a realm that hunts difference and punishes power, survival demands more than silence. It demands reckoning.
Perfect for readers who loved The Poet Empress and Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Reigning Abyss is a sweeping fantasy of found family, grief, resilience, and the courage to face what remains.
Reigning Abyss is the sequel to Reigning Fire. Both books can be enjoyed on their own, but readers who begin with Reigning Fire may find a deeper appreciation for how the characters have changed, and for the world they now have to navigate. Reigning Abyss will especially appeal to mature readers of lyrical romantasy and lovers of intricate court intrigue.
This edition includes exclusive art inserts (a total of 13 internal artwork in the paperback version; 2 in the e-book version), featuring Chinese calligraphy of character names and original illustrations of key characters and scenes-a visual companion to the story's haunting beauty.
**Recommended for mature readers (18+) due to heavy themes, including suicidal ideation, violence, trauma recovery, power imbalance, and institutional harm. Reader discretion advised. Please visit author website (jasmine-loo dot com) for the full list of trigger alerts.
She was prepared to walk this path alone. But a chance encounter with an azure dragon has opened up a world of possibilities ... and perils.
Deep within the fabled mountain revered for its rumored Smokeveil powers and feared for the demon-beasts lurking in its shadows, Ling builds a hidden sanctuary for those the Empire tries to erase. Young Weavers bonded to mythic Emberkin, feared not for crimes they have committed, but for powers they were never supposed to possess. Phoenixes. Dragons. Beings of legend the Empire denies could ever exist. More than shelter, Ling creates a fragile future for the hunted and the outcast.
But the past is not so easily buried.
As old wounds stir and forces beyond the mountain begin to close in, Ling must confront the ghosts she thought she had outrun. The Empire still fears what it cannot control, and silence can no longer guarantee safety. To protect those who now depend on her, Ling must decide whether merely surviving is enough ... or whether some stories can only be reclaimed through fire.
In a realm that hunts difference and punishes power, survival demands more than silence. It demands reckoning.
Perfect for readers who loved The Poet Empress and Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Reigning Abyss is a sweeping fantasy of found family, grief, resilience, and the courage to face what remains.
Reigning Abyss is the sequel to Reigning Fire. Both books can be enjoyed on their own, but readers who begin with Reigning Fire may find a deeper appreciation for how the characters have changed, and for the world they now have to navigate. Reigning Abyss will especially appeal to mature readers of lyrical romantasy and lovers of intricate court intrigue.
This edition includes exclusive art inserts (a total of 13 internal artwork in the paperback version; 2 in the e-book version), featuring Chinese calligraphy of character names and original illustrations of key characters and scenes-a visual companion to the story's haunting beauty.
**Recommended for mature readers (18+) due to heavy themes, including suicidal ideation, violence, trauma recovery, power imbalance, and institutional harm. Reader discretion advised. Please visit author website (jasmine-loo dot com) for the full list of trigger alerts.
- GenresFantasy
550 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2026
About the author
Jasmine K.Y. Loo
3 books15 followersJasmine is a neurodivergent licensed psychologist in Australia, author, and lifelong storyteller. Her acclaimed non-fiction debut, Nurturing Neurodivergence, reflected her passion for neuroaffirming practice.
With Reigning Fire, she turns to fiction to explore identity and survival in a world woven with myth, history, and imagination. Her psychology background shapes her characters’ inner lives, creating fantasy that resonates with emotional truth. Reigning Fire is the first in The Reigning series.
In addition to providing supervision to students and other professionals, she works with clients at her Melbourne practice. She founded her practice to create an inclusive, safe space where neurodiversity is celebrated.
With Reigning Fire, she turns to fiction to explore identity and survival in a world woven with myth, history, and imagination. Her psychology background shapes her characters’ inner lives, creating fantasy that resonates with emotional truth. Reigning Fire is the first in The Reigning series.
In addition to providing supervision to students and other professionals, she works with clients at her Melbourne practice. She founded her practice to create an inclusive, safe space where neurodiversity is celebrated.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reigning Abyss was everything I wanted from the second book in this series... and somehow even more.
The continued character development and world building were beautifully done, drawing me even deeper into this ancient Chinese inspired empire. The characters and their relationships feel so layered and authentic that, despite this being a fantasy novel, their experiences, emotions, and struggles are incredibly relatable.
I especially loved the way the author explores neurodivergent themes with such care and nuance. It added another layer of depth to the characters and made their journeys feel even more personal and meaningful.
My heart was pounding and anxiety was high more times than I could count. The tension, emotion, and unexpected turns had me seriously questioning whether I was prepared for whatever was waiting on the next page 😂.
But I closed the book feeling so completely content and at peace… Side note: I was also pretty impressed that I was able to cling to my last remaining thread of emotional stability.
Overall, Reigning Abyss is a beautifully written and emotionally immersive continuation to Reigning Fire, filled with rich world building, complex characters, and relationships that feel deeply human. I absolutely loved it 🔥🖤.
Reigning Abyss was everything I wanted from the second book in this series... and somehow even more.
The continued character development and world building were beautifully done, drawing me even deeper into this ancient Chinese inspired empire. The characters and their relationships feel so layered and authentic that, despite this being a fantasy novel, their experiences, emotions, and struggles are incredibly relatable.
I especially loved the way the author explores neurodivergent themes with such care and nuance. It added another layer of depth to the characters and made their journeys feel even more personal and meaningful.
My heart was pounding and anxiety was high more times than I could count. The tension, emotion, and unexpected turns had me seriously questioning whether I was prepared for whatever was waiting on the next page 😂.
But I closed the book feeling so completely content and at peace… Side note: I was also pretty impressed that I was able to cling to my last remaining thread of emotional stability.
Overall, Reigning Abyss is a beautifully written and emotionally immersive continuation to Reigning Fire, filled with rich world building, complex characters, and relationships that feel deeply human. I absolutely loved it 🔥🖤.
July 28, 2026
To open Reigning Abyss is to enter a fantasy world of magic and mythical creatures. Jasmine Kah Yan Loo has created a mystical Empire where spell Weavers can augment reality, while their familiars, called Emberkin, are visible companion spirits of every description. The book is the second in the Reckoning in Smoke series, but can be read as a standalone novel; references are explained, and the histories of the main characters are revealed as the story unfolds.
Throughout the story, drawings of Emberkin are placed at the ends of chapters to show their appearance. The Chinese characters for the beasts are also included, which helps explain their origins. These drawings enhance the enjoyment of the story. Loo’s Afterword outlines some of the philosophies behind the action, as well.
Various Weavers all have their special gifts, from healing to empathy to clairvoyant visions, but each can learn any number of basic spells woven by the drawing of signs or glyphs. The story begins when the lead female character, Ling, meets a gifted flute player, Han, and they combine forces to build a sanctuary for the Weavers, high on a remote mountain. Weavers are on the run from the forces of the Empire, for their particular type of spell-working is forbidden. It’s this sanctuary, where all are equal, that protects and nurtures the Weavers, along with training them in the combat skills they may need to defend themselves from Empire soldiers.
Ling and Han build a relationship as they build their retreat. They travel to Empire towns in search of young Weavers who may be at risk, and they escort them to the safety of the sanctuary.
Into this idyllic community bursts Jin, an Empire warrior and lover from Ling’s past. The main track of much of the book focuses on the resulting triangle with Han, with all its tensions and divisions. Jin and Han are opposites, each meeting different aspects of Ling’s desires. Jin and Ling are continually at odds, both willful and used to living on the edge. They are risk takers, which often sparks controversy between them.
Another major thread of the story is Jin’s hard-won understanding of the woman Ling is. He struggles to accept her power and knowledge. Han has always known who she is and has loved her for it. His ability to cast spells through his music is a strong contrast to Jin’s military skills. Han’s wise, gentle persona offsets Jin’s impulsiveness and violent emotions. The study of the clashes between the two men persists throughout the story and makes Ling’s choice a heart-wrenching one.
As the threat from the Empire extends even to the towns around the sanctuary’s mountain, Ling, Han, Jin, and the young Weavers realize that their safety is by no means guaranteed. Ling, herself a former princess, has run from the palace of the Empire, and agents have been seeking her since her flight, though many had believed her dead. The Emperor had not, however, and still considers her a threat because of her great command of magic and her phoenix Emberkin.
Reigning Abyss is a romance and a quest tale and a battle adventure rolled into one, with finely drawn characters, both major and minor. It surprises and satisfies. It also leaves the door open for another story in the series.
Throughout the story, drawings of Emberkin are placed at the ends of chapters to show their appearance. The Chinese characters for the beasts are also included, which helps explain their origins. These drawings enhance the enjoyment of the story. Loo’s Afterword outlines some of the philosophies behind the action, as well.
Various Weavers all have their special gifts, from healing to empathy to clairvoyant visions, but each can learn any number of basic spells woven by the drawing of signs or glyphs. The story begins when the lead female character, Ling, meets a gifted flute player, Han, and they combine forces to build a sanctuary for the Weavers, high on a remote mountain. Weavers are on the run from the forces of the Empire, for their particular type of spell-working is forbidden. It’s this sanctuary, where all are equal, that protects and nurtures the Weavers, along with training them in the combat skills they may need to defend themselves from Empire soldiers.
Ling and Han build a relationship as they build their retreat. They travel to Empire towns in search of young Weavers who may be at risk, and they escort them to the safety of the sanctuary.
Into this idyllic community bursts Jin, an Empire warrior and lover from Ling’s past. The main track of much of the book focuses on the resulting triangle with Han, with all its tensions and divisions. Jin and Han are opposites, each meeting different aspects of Ling’s desires. Jin and Ling are continually at odds, both willful and used to living on the edge. They are risk takers, which often sparks controversy between them.
Another major thread of the story is Jin’s hard-won understanding of the woman Ling is. He struggles to accept her power and knowledge. Han has always known who she is and has loved her for it. His ability to cast spells through his music is a strong contrast to Jin’s military skills. Han’s wise, gentle persona offsets Jin’s impulsiveness and violent emotions. The study of the clashes between the two men persists throughout the story and makes Ling’s choice a heart-wrenching one.
As the threat from the Empire extends even to the towns around the sanctuary’s mountain, Ling, Han, Jin, and the young Weavers realize that their safety is by no means guaranteed. Ling, herself a former princess, has run from the palace of the Empire, and agents have been seeking her since her flight, though many had believed her dead. The Emperor had not, however, and still considers her a threat because of her great command of magic and her phoenix Emberkin.
Reigning Abyss is a romance and a quest tale and a battle adventure rolled into one, with finely drawn characters, both major and minor. It surprises and satisfies. It also leaves the door open for another story in the series.
August 10, 2026
Yan Ling felt sooo different from Xun in the first book and I really liked that. five years have passed, everyone thinks shes dead and instead of hiding in another court or trying to get her old life back, shes built this whole sanctuary for young Weavers with mythic Emberkin who are being hunted by the Empire.
that was probs my fav part of the book tbh like seeing her create somewhere safe for kids with phoenixes, dragons and other powers the Empire literally wants erased felt like such a full circle thing for her after everything she went through herself.
I also really liked that the world opens up more in this one. there’s more smokecraft and Emberkin, more of the mountain and the sanctuary and of what life actually looks like for people outside the palace stuff from book one. then Jin comes backkkk, I was so happy to see him again. the romance is way more present this time and theres also Han, who’s very different from Jin so there’s a lot more going on emotionally. I liked that both of them have such different relationships with Ling and neither of them felt like they were just there for drama.
the found family side was sooo good too. Ling and Han bringing in young Weavers, helping them, teaching them and trying to protect this lil community while the Empire is still closing in made the whole book feel bigger than just Ling’s story.
the writing is still lyrical and introspective like the first one but this felt more open somehow like were seeing more of the world and more of who Ling is when shes not just surviving palace politics. and that endingggg plz I’m not saying anything but I was very satisfied with where everything landed.
🔥 ancient Chinese inspired fantasy
🐦🔥 mythic Emberkin
🐉 dragons and phoenixes
🖤 found family
🔥 hidden sanctuary
👑 court politics
🖤 trauma recovery
🔥 smokecraft
💗 romance more central
🖤 multiple POV
🔥 hunted magic users
🫂 healing and survival
👑 returning characters
that was probs my fav part of the book tbh like seeing her create somewhere safe for kids with phoenixes, dragons and other powers the Empire literally wants erased felt like such a full circle thing for her after everything she went through herself.
I also really liked that the world opens up more in this one. there’s more smokecraft and Emberkin, more of the mountain and the sanctuary and of what life actually looks like for people outside the palace stuff from book one. then Jin comes backkkk, I was so happy to see him again. the romance is way more present this time and theres also Han, who’s very different from Jin so there’s a lot more going on emotionally. I liked that both of them have such different relationships with Ling and neither of them felt like they were just there for drama.
the found family side was sooo good too. Ling and Han bringing in young Weavers, helping them, teaching them and trying to protect this lil community while the Empire is still closing in made the whole book feel bigger than just Ling’s story.
the writing is still lyrical and introspective like the first one but this felt more open somehow like were seeing more of the world and more of who Ling is when shes not just surviving palace politics. and that endingggg plz I’m not saying anything but I was very satisfied with where everything landed.
🔥 ancient Chinese inspired fantasy
🐦🔥 mythic Emberkin
🐉 dragons and phoenixes
🖤 found family
🔥 hidden sanctuary
👑 court politics
🖤 trauma recovery
🔥 smokecraft
💗 romance more central
🖤 multiple POV
🔥 hunted magic users
🫂 healing and survival
👑 returning characters
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There we were - phoenix and dragon, sword and song - finally weaving smokecraft not to survive a war, but to stitch back together the parts of ourselves that had never been given space to heal.
Like that of Reigning Fire, I absolutely loved this book. The book starts off a few years after the first ended, and I loved that there was already some built up history between those years to help drive the story more. Yan Xun, now calling herself Ling, really is a wonderful character. In the first book, she very much reminded me of Shan Sa's "Empress" which is a retelling of Wu Xetian (now that I think about it, I do believe this is what got me into Cdrama's). I loved the political intrigue and her learning about herself. In this book, I would say she was more the main female character of a Cdrama that finally got to live in peace - for the most part. Once again, I absolutely LOVED that.
One of the great things about the book is how beautifully it's written - it was lyrical and flowery without it being overbearing. It really made me feel like I was inside a drama, watching everything unfold slowly.
I loved the inclusion of new characters, and they had a huge impact on Ling. They weren't just there to be added, they all had a point to the plot, and it was well done. We see the return of Jin in this book, and I was so extremely thankful, I seriously loved him. He is absolutely one of my most favorite characters, and I absolutely loved what he had become (I love the general aspect - thanks to General and I - and I liked seeing him from a different angle. I liked that while him and a new character clashed hard core, they both remained true to Ling.
All I can say on the plot is THAT ENDING THOUGH?!?!?! It was well done, and it concluded everything perfectly. I can't wait to reread these books!
Like that of Reigning Fire, I absolutely loved this book. The book starts off a few years after the first ended, and I loved that there was already some built up history between those years to help drive the story more. Yan Xun, now calling herself Ling, really is a wonderful character. In the first book, she very much reminded me of Shan Sa's "Empress" which is a retelling of Wu Xetian (now that I think about it, I do believe this is what got me into Cdrama's). I loved the political intrigue and her learning about herself. In this book, I would say she was more the main female character of a Cdrama that finally got to live in peace - for the most part. Once again, I absolutely LOVED that.
One of the great things about the book is how beautifully it's written - it was lyrical and flowery without it being overbearing. It really made me feel like I was inside a drama, watching everything unfold slowly.
I loved the inclusion of new characters, and they had a huge impact on Ling. They weren't just there to be added, they all had a point to the plot, and it was well done. We see the return of Jin in this book, and I was so extremely thankful, I seriously loved him. He is absolutely one of my most favorite characters, and I absolutely loved what he had become (I love the general aspect - thanks to General and I - and I liked seeing him from a different angle. I liked that while him and a new character clashed hard core, they both remained true to Ling.
All I can say on the plot is THAT ENDING THOUGH?!?!?! It was well done, and it concluded everything perfectly. I can't wait to reread these books!
August 15, 2026
Reigning Abyss is the sequel to Reigning Fire, and it absolutely did not disappoint.
The metaphors and deeper themes from the first book continue as Ling finds her feet and begins building a life away from the palace.
I was genuinely torn from the beginning, and I still am, but not in a bad way. I desperately wanted Ling to reunite with her friend from the past, but getting to know the azure dragon had me wanting to know so much more.
When Ling’s past begins catching up with her, everything she has fought so hard to build starts to feel less certain. She is pulled between her past and her present, while carrying the weight of everything she has survived and everything she now has to lose.
There is a sadness sitting quietly beneath the plot that so many of these characters carry with them. In many ways, their shared wounds are part of what bonds them and allows them to heal alongside one another. It also serves as a beautiful reminder that we all carry wounds, and some take much longer to heal than others.
As the story moved towards its inevitable conclusion, I was still completely torn. I loved the way everything unfolded, even as I could begin to see glimpses of where the story might be heading.
I had an amazing time being back in this world, and when I finished, it took me a while to fully process all the emotions I had experienced alongside Ling.
I loved this series so much, and I am incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to read it.
I received this book as an ARC, however, I also purchased copies from the author. This review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings and has been shared voluntarily.
The metaphors and deeper themes from the first book continue as Ling finds her feet and begins building a life away from the palace.
I was genuinely torn from the beginning, and I still am, but not in a bad way. I desperately wanted Ling to reunite with her friend from the past, but getting to know the azure dragon had me wanting to know so much more.
When Ling’s past begins catching up with her, everything she has fought so hard to build starts to feel less certain. She is pulled between her past and her present, while carrying the weight of everything she has survived and everything she now has to lose.
There is a sadness sitting quietly beneath the plot that so many of these characters carry with them. In many ways, their shared wounds are part of what bonds them and allows them to heal alongside one another. It also serves as a beautiful reminder that we all carry wounds, and some take much longer to heal than others.
As the story moved towards its inevitable conclusion, I was still completely torn. I loved the way everything unfolded, even as I could begin to see glimpses of where the story might be heading.
I had an amazing time being back in this world, and when I finished, it took me a while to fully process all the emotions I had experienced alongside Ling.
I loved this series so much, and I am incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to read it.
I received this book as an ARC, however, I also purchased copies from the author. This review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings and has been shared voluntarily.
October 18, 2026
Reigning Abyss, book 2 of the series, is set 5 years after the events of book one. The first half of the book focuses on character development and relationships, giving us a romance storyline and maybe a little love triangle. The second half brings back the familiar action of book 1, and really cemented the series as a winner for me.
Loo has a beautiful way of writing characters with trauma, including the impact trauma has on creating healthy relationships.
This book has found family, neurodivergent rep, romance, and action. The magic system expands in book 2 and you can see the impact of royal prejudice on both emberkin and human alike.
Reigning Abyss got ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars from me, and that's primarily because I struggled with the first half of the plot being romance heavy, especially when I was rooting for the underdog! I will forever be team Han.
Loo has a beautiful way of writing characters with trauma, including the impact trauma has on creating healthy relationships.
This book has found family, neurodivergent rep, romance, and action. The magic system expands in book 2 and you can see the impact of royal prejudice on both emberkin and human alike.
Reigning Abyss got ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars from me, and that's primarily because I struggled with the first half of the plot being romance heavy, especially when I was rooting for the underdog! I will forever be team Han.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had been begging Jasmine to continue Reigning Fire and I couldn’t be more thrilled that she did! She absolutely excels at making each individual character feel like a real human being with their own thoughts emotions quirks etc. still hands down some of the best multi pov since I truly feel as if I am in the heads of the different characters experiencing the story through them. Also absolutely love the romance coming to the forefront in this one! All the slow burn from book one paid off and Reigning Abyss absolutely nailed it. "It's. Always. Only. Been. You." 10/10 if you enjoyed Forgery of Fate, Daughter of the Moon Goddess or House of Flying Daggers you absolutely have to check this out! Thanks Netgalley, and Jasmine for my arc!
August 9, 2026
Thank you, Net Galley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review Reigning Abyss.
Wow, book 2 was just as good as book 1 if not better. Set 5 years after book1 and such a character development for the female lead character, exploring her growth, strength, her weakness and so much more.
Every character new or old had the chance to shine, showing their backstory, their personal growth and development throughout the book.
Once again beautifully written, lots of word building, in-depth character background, amazing descriptions of characters, mythical creatures and scenery.
Was not expecting the ending but was pleasantly surprised and loved now it completed the story nicely, yet still leaving a little mystery if wanting to continue the series.
Overall, loved this series and I am looking forward to reading more work from Jasmine in the future.
Wow, book 2 was just as good as book 1 if not better. Set 5 years after book1 and such a character development for the female lead character, exploring her growth, strength, her weakness and so much more.
Every character new or old had the chance to shine, showing their backstory, their personal growth and development throughout the book.
Once again beautifully written, lots of word building, in-depth character background, amazing descriptions of characters, mythical creatures and scenery.
Was not expecting the ending but was pleasantly surprised and loved now it completed the story nicely, yet still leaving a little mystery if wanting to continue the series.
Overall, loved this series and I am looking forward to reading more work from Jasmine in the future.
October 2, 2026
Arcs reader, thanks NetGalley, opinions are my own
This book was really introspective, how to live in a world that doesn’t want you and how to heal and live with your trauma.
It also talks about how to deal with loving yourself and others and how to let people in.
It’s slow paced, so it can be hard to keep going but it’s worth it.
It’s a great book.
This book was really introspective, how to live in a world that doesn’t want you and how to heal and live with your trauma.
It also talks about how to deal with loving yourself and others and how to let people in.
It’s slow paced, so it can be hard to keep going but it’s worth it.
It’s a great book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful follow up to reigning fire and a satisfying and beautiful conclusion to a story. This book opened up the world a lot more and it did not disappoint. The use of smokecraft and the emberkin was creative and handled very well!!
July 20, 2026
I enjoyed the story, the magic system and the characters dynamic relationships between one another and their growth. This was a slow read for me and took me longer to get through compared to my typical reading pace. I feel that there wasn’t a lot of action and more emotional story line. Good read overall.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews