What do you think?
Rate this book
Stained Glass and Serpent's Wrath: Tales of Atatacia, Book 2
The fairy tale may have ended—but the story has just begun.
After barely escaping Shallon, Vera awakens in chains—her kingdom stolen, her brother gone, and doppelgangers still wearing the faces of those she once loved. But the resistance hasn’t given up on her. Rescued and thrust into a war she never chose, where her enemies want her dead, Vera decides she’s no longer a pawn to be used.
She is a queen in the making—crowned by rebellion, and favored by prophecy.
Across the continent, Lieve is a marked man—offered as a sacrifice for a sacred holiday where blood is spilled in the name of peace. Once a king, now their prey, hunted in a brutal ritual disguised as tradition, Lieve's only chance lies with Daphne—the one who loved him, the one he betrayed, and the only one left who believes in the man he used to be.
The illusion has shattered.
The throne demands truth...But the truth comes with a cost only few are willing to pay.
After barely escaping Shallon, Vera awakens in chains—her kingdom stolen, her brother gone, and doppelgangers still wearing the faces of those she once loved. But the resistance hasn’t given up on her. Rescued and thrust into a war she never chose, where her enemies want her dead, Vera decides she’s no longer a pawn to be used.
She is a queen in the making—crowned by rebellion, and favored by prophecy.
Across the continent, Lieve is a marked man—offered as a sacrifice for a sacred holiday where blood is spilled in the name of peace. Once a king, now their prey, hunted in a brutal ritual disguised as tradition, Lieve's only chance lies with Daphne—the one who loved him, the one he betrayed, and the only one left who believes in the man he used to be.
The illusion has shattered.
The throne demands truth...But the truth comes with a cost only few are willing to pay.
596 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
About the author
J.D. Laubach
2 books72 followersJD Laubach is an author of New Adult and Adult Fantasy. She is married and lives in the midwest where every season makes her happy (especially fall). She has 3 cats: Sabrina, Todd and Gilligan who are the lights of her life. She is a proud aunt, and proud sister. When she's not reading or writing, you can catch JD painting, scrapbooking, watching endless streams of Gilmore Girls, and playing board games. JD and her husband are avid travelers and hikers who plan to see every US National Park and as many countries as possible. Follow along for her author journey!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 2, 2026
JD Laubach is a TOP NOTCH storyteller!
I have been waiting foorevvver for this book! It did not disappoint.
It was a pleasant surprise that the POVs went from just the twins, Vera and Leive, (in book 1) to 6 different character POVs!
I really enjoyed the thoughts and perspectives of Daphne, Arden, Florian, & Ettien as well as Vera and Leive's.
It really added suspense AND clarity on all the moving parts. It was fun knowing things that were happening in one part of the world that the other characters didn't know. It was neat (and well written) watching characters act upon issues that weren't even an issue.
I really liked Book 1 (Smoke and Mirrors).
A. Lot.
But book 2 (Stained Glass and Serpents Wrath) is just PHENOMENAL!!
My only complaint in Smoke and Mirrors was that it was a bit annoying listening to the twins' redundant and extreme naivety in their inner monologues.
I really hoped that maturity and character growth would be prevalent in book 2!
I am not disappointed!! I'm actually incredibly impressed!!!
I don't even think I have any complaints for this book! (Well except that I'm gonna have to wait TOO LONG for #3 lol)
I wish I knew the author in real life to tell her how incredibly proud I am of her story telling skill!
I'm so excited for the next book!
I have been waiting foorevvver for this book! It did not disappoint.
It was a pleasant surprise that the POVs went from just the twins, Vera and Leive, (in book 1) to 6 different character POVs!
I really enjoyed the thoughts and perspectives of Daphne, Arden, Florian, & Ettien as well as Vera and Leive's.
It really added suspense AND clarity on all the moving parts. It was fun knowing things that were happening in one part of the world that the other characters didn't know. It was neat (and well written) watching characters act upon issues that weren't even an issue.
I really liked Book 1 (Smoke and Mirrors).
A. Lot.
But book 2 (Stained Glass and Serpents Wrath) is just PHENOMENAL!!
My only complaint in Smoke and Mirrors was that it was a bit annoying listening to the twins' redundant and extreme naivety in their inner monologues.
I really hoped that maturity and character growth would be prevalent in book 2!
I am not disappointed!! I'm actually incredibly impressed!!!
I don't even think I have any complaints for this book! (Well except that I'm gonna have to wait TOO LONG for #3 lol)
I wish I knew the author in real life to tell her how incredibly proud I am of her story telling skill!
I'm so excited for the next book!
June 28, 2026
I absolutely love the characters in this series. This has to be one of the slowest burns I've ever read, and now I'm going to be counting down the days until book three just like I did waiting for this one.
The world-building is incredible, and I loved getting multiple character POVs. Watching everyone start out on their own separate journeys and then slowly have their paths intertwine was so satisfying. It made the world feel huge while still bringing everything together in a way that felt intentional.
That ending left me desperate for more. I already know the wait for the next one is going to feel endless.
The world-building is incredible, and I loved getting multiple character POVs. Watching everyone start out on their own separate journeys and then slowly have their paths intertwine was so satisfying. It made the world feel huge while still bringing everything together in a way that felt intentional.
That ending left me desperate for more. I already know the wait for the next one is going to feel endless.
July 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I DIDNT COUNT WRONG - ITS A 6 STAR READ.
This book has more twists and turns in it than like all other books I’ve read all year combined. There are like 5 or 6 POVs which means you have more info than the characters which is fun and I like.
It’s honestly just so so good. So many twists and turns and it’s stressful and emotional. One of my top favorite series of all time.
IM READY FOR THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW THANKS.
🌶️🌶️/5
There’s are like 2 sex scenes. Both are brief and neither are the couples you’re really rooting for but I’m open to adding this couple to the list of couples I’m rooting for in this series
I DIDNT COUNT WRONG - ITS A 6 STAR READ.
This book has more twists and turns in it than like all other books I’ve read all year combined. There are like 5 or 6 POVs which means you have more info than the characters which is fun and I like.
It’s honestly just so so good. So many twists and turns and it’s stressful and emotional. One of my top favorite series of all time.
IM READY FOR THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW THANKS.
🌶️🌶️/5
There’s are like 2 sex scenes. Both are brief and neither are the couples you’re really rooting for but I’m open to adding this couple to the list of couples I’m rooting for in this series
July 3, 2026
My goodness. I am supposed to wait for book 3?
Ma'am I need answers.
I need more Arden and Vera. More Lieve and Daphne. More Florian and Mila. Just MORE.
While there were some formatting and editing errors, the overall story made them easy to overlook. It was a beautiful continuation of the first book. And I just know people will complain that this book has the miscommunication trope when what it really is is each party being unable to communicate with the other parties.
I hope we can get Calix's POV at some point.
Ma'am I need answers.
I need more Arden and Vera. More Lieve and Daphne. More Florian and Mila. Just MORE.
While there were some formatting and editing errors, the overall story made them easy to overlook. It was a beautiful continuation of the first book. And I just know people will complain that this book has the miscommunication trope when what it really is is each party being unable to communicate with the other parties.
I hope we can get Calix's POV at some point.
July 4, 2026
So much went on in this book! All over the continent, there were moves being made, people almost dying, so many moves for the crown.
There was always something going on and to moved around constantly.
At the beginning, I was getting a bit dizzy with how quickly the POV changed but then I got into the groove of it. And what an ending?!
There was always something going on and to moved around constantly.
At the beginning, I was getting a bit dizzy with how quickly the POV changed but then I got into the groove of it. And what an ending?!
September 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow from page 1 this book had me turning the pages! There was so much going on at all times that I just wanted to keep reading to know what would happen next. I loved the multiple character POVs & getting to see their journeys as well as how their journeys all intertwined.
I have a theory for how the ending concluded & can’t wait to see if I’m right & what happens next.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow from page 1 this book had me turning the pages! There was so much going on at all times that I just wanted to keep reading to know what would happen next. I loved the multiple character POVs & getting to see their journeys as well as how their journeys all intertwined.
I have a theory for how the ending concluded & can’t wait to see if I’m right & what happens next.
August 31, 2026
Holy cliff hanger!
The tension all the way up to 97% was insane, but so so worth it. Just to have me question everything. 😭
I love that the siblings found their loves before (hopefully) finding each other.
If you need me, I'll be staring at a wall until Book 3 comes out.
The tension all the way up to 97% was insane, but so so worth it. Just to have me question everything. 😭
I love that the siblings found their loves before (hopefully) finding each other.
If you need me, I'll be staring at a wall until Book 3 comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2026
This sequel didn’t disappoint! It had me gripping my chair and turning page after page to see what happened next. Now I have to wait for book 3?! How will I survive the wait?
August 17, 2026
Amazing!
J.D. has done it again! Smoke and mirrors has been one of my top reads for the past two years so I could wait for book 2! And it didn’t disappoint. The way she has made each character so unique and distinguishable along with plot lines that are unmatched. Idk how she does it and I’ll forever read every book she writes.
J.D. has done it again! Smoke and mirrors has been one of my top reads for the past two years so I could wait for book 2! And it didn’t disappoint. The way she has made each character so unique and distinguishable along with plot lines that are unmatched. Idk how she does it and I’ll forever read every book she writes.
Read
October 3, 2026I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives in this sequel. They added so much depth to the story. It was a great second book, and I'm eagerly anticipating the third!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews