Science, Magic, and Mayhem Volume 2: Secrets Below

by Caz Lewis

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2026

About the author

Caz Lewis is an author of fantasy and science fiction, often with science fiction masquerading as fantasy and always, writing in long drawn out sentences that wind on and on like a scary but sturdy spiral staircase where the point of the staircase, or sentence, is kind of forgotten because the start was so long ago. And some times not.

Reviews

[Breanna Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the continuation of this story. The world building, magic and character development is fantastic. There is drama and humor and it really feels like you're watching these characters live through the chapters. I didn't give all 5 stars because it did start to feel a little repetitive with the corners they were backed into. I also wasn't enjoying Evan's POV whenever a new girl was around. I've never been a teenage boy so it's probably pretty accurate but some of the banter between Evan and Nina was inappropriate once she found out how old he was. And it felt like when Tozi showed up he immediately fell for her and then at one point both of them. It took away from the story and diminished the plot. I also was thrown by the flirting between Red and Francesca also felt forced. I think it was supposed to make you wonder if Red was going to find his wife but ultimately it just gave the ick for Red. He's been fighting for years and faithful to his wife the whole time and suddenly he gets close to finding her and starts flirting with this lady? I don't think it felt true to his rough edged character. I did love all of the other character conversations. It felt like they were all genuine and funny it was only when a love connection was introduced did it become clunky and start to veer from the plot. I still highly recommend this book, especially if you love humor, magic, family relations and character growth.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Boshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great continuation of the story, and it felt like the series really leveled up here.

The world gets much bigger in this book and that expansion made everything feel more immersive and more exciting. All of the character motivations became much more clear. Seeing ‘behind the curtain’ added a lot of depth and made the conflicts hit harder.

There is a strong mystery running throughout the book, and I liked how it kept pulling me forward without feeling confusing or dragged out.

I enjoyed the ending. It had good resolutions to the major plot lines.

Overall, this was a satisfying sequel that builds on what worked in book one and delivers on the promise of the series.

I will definitely read more from this author.

[Douglas Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful continuation of the series. A continues look at how this in power crave and seek more power, while the regular person just wants to survive and be happy. Characters are relatable and loveable. Storyline and action are very good. Looking forward to the next book.