King of Carnage

by J.C. Robins

THREE WORLDS
TWO COUPLES
ONE EPIC LOVE STORY

After conquering the world, Casimir feels like his immortal life no longer has purpose…until an assassin tries to kill him. Beautiful and fearless, she awakens a part of him that he thought was lost when he traded away his heart for power—a heart that’s now being held hostage by the gods—and he’s willing to do anything to get it back, including starting a war.

Something has gone wrong in the mortal realm. Temples are being burned, worshipers are disappearing, and the gods in Celestrial are falling sick. Desperate to save his father, Tal must travel to the mortal realm in search of answers, and a newly anointed goddess is determined to go with him, but in order to reach it, they must first pass through the Underworld. Together, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to topple the balance of power within Celestrial, and their only hope of stopping it is to execute the heartless king who started it all.


(Please note this is a dark fantasy romance intended for an adult audience. Content warnings can be found on my website.)

Genres: Romantasy

Unknown Binding

Expected publication November 21, 2026

Reviews

[Kliunaai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from the Author as an ARC and this is my honest review.

I liked the worldbuilding of the story, specially that it includes two storylines. (kept me very invested)
Although sometimes I got a bit lost while starting a new chapter, having to guess who's narrating now. 😅
Overall I think the storyline was consistent and I really enjoyed reading it.

It left me wanting more of the banter between Alana & Cas and not to forget the 2 amazing side characters. (Loved them to bits)

Thank you J.c Robbins for letting me be part of your ARC Team.❤️

[Nicky Stirrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

@author_jcrobins 🖤 had been waiting for this ARC read for some time and have followed the author reading all the teasers about this book well I’ve finished it and I can honestly say it was worth the wait!! The story focuses on two separate couples who could not be more different one an immortal King and his lover/enemy the other a half demon half god and his best friend who is a goddess whose father created the King when all their worlds collide it makes for one very interesting and complicated adventure 🖤

[Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC. I really enjoyed this book. It has two couples with very different relationship dynamics. Casimir and Alana intrigued me, but I especially enjoyed Tal and Izzy’s relationship. Overall, a very entertaining read and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Luzmarina 💗 · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This is a review of an advance reader copy received from the author.

2 pairs. Multi pov! 3 worlds. 2 love stories???

Let’s be honest, I read this book for Tal 😚

Our male characters are Casimir and Tal, the revenant and the half breed demon x god respectively. Our female characters, and respective pairs, are Alana the mortal and Izzy the Goddess of……. 👀

Honestly, when it comes to multi pov books, there’s always those I like and those not so much.

Unfortunately, Casimir progressively got more on my nerves bc of his personality 😭. He has a fast burn which also isn’t for me personally. But I think the author did this to enjoy our other couple which brings me to……

TAL AND IZZY? HELLO?!?!

These are best friends— and best friends only 😏— but have this undeniable chemistry and tension that has you going “hold on a minuteeee.” Sprinkle in their marriage of convenience and you have this decadent slow burn. 🔥

You definitely have to lock in at the beginning bc this author begins her world building since page 1!

We get straight to the case and it’s sooo satisfying seeing how all the characters will fall together like puzzle pieces as you keep reading.

I think I was just slightly confused by the pacing of the story’s timeline at the end bc Tal and Izzy are kinda against time but their next step also requires time 🤨✍️ But idk, maybe book 2 will help smooth this concern!!

Also, I was freaking out in the end with those last chapters. HAD ME SWEATING!!! 🥵

My fav pair was Tal and Izzy bc I have a thing for misunderstood underdogs with the biggest hearts despite their biggest traumas. And highkey might be more powerful than they think???? 😏

THOSE LAST FEW WORDS OF THE LAST CHAPTER?? HELLO??? CAN 2027 COME TOMORROW?!?!

Alsoo, you should def check out the author’s instagram for some fan art of the characters!!

[Nikki Wills · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Huge thank you to the author for the ARC!

🖤morally grey
🗡️enemies to lovers
✨unique magic system
💪🏽 strong FMC
😍 yearning

This book has the makings of a very fun, epic Romantasy series. It follows the tale of two separate couples whose paths are inextricably intertwined in the worst (and best) way. King Casimir, an immortal human king, seeks revenge against the gods who have wronged him. Meanwhile, in the celestial realm, the gods and demons have their own agenda: save Celestrial and restore balance.

I absolutely fell in love with Tal and Izzy, our celestial duo. Their characters were beautifully developed, with back stories that speak to their strengths and struggles. I was also deeply in love with Celestrial and the entire otherworldly realm. The “magic” or power system entirely unique, which is difficult to do in today’s surge of fantasy stories!

That said, the human realm left me with a bit to be desired. I do love the yearning of a man, which King Casimir has in droves. I want to know more about his beautiful and lethal love interest. Where I struggled slightly was with Cas’s redemptive qualities, and I had a bit of a hard time relating to the motivation behind his obsession.

I did love how the two stories intertwined. I can’t wait to see how these two tails intertwine in the next installment. I want more of Tal and Izzy! I could have an entire series about them and be satisfied.

[marspages · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to the author for providing me with this ARC!

Tropes: dark romantasy, enemies to lovers, touch her & d!e, meddling gods, magical weapons

I completely devoured this book. The plot is so intricately woven, and combined with how fascinating every single character is, this was such an addictive read!

Cas and Alana: I was instantly obsessed with their dynamic. It’s true enemies to lovers at its finest, packed with delicious tension and insane chemistry. Getting two morally grey characters going toe to toe was so good.

Tal and Izzy: Tal is so charming, and while Izzy might seem soft at first glance, she is so complex and fierce. I adored how Tal always had a soft spot for her despite his seemingly careless attitude toward everyone else, and how deeply Izzy knows him without ever passing judgment. Their bond is everything and I can’t wait to see it evolve.

One of my favorite parts was watching all their stories finally collide as the plots weave together. Those final chapters were so intensely gripping! I absolutely can’t wait to read the conclusion to this incredible story.🧡

“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘬. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦.”

“𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵?” 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺. “𝘔𝘦, 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶?”
Pub Date: 21 Nov 2026

[Elizabeth Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by J.C Robins, and it did not disappoint. I knew very early in my read that I was going to love this book. I adore the writing style, it sucked me and I don't think it has released me yet. The characters are well written and believable, the magic system is so unique, and so good, and the world is vivid and intriguing. I love the duality between the 2 storylines so there are so many tropes so there's a little something something for everyone. There is gore, but I did not find it overly done. There wasn't an emotionally devastating blow for me, but I actually liked the book even more for that. Now that's not to say that there isn't emotional moments, just not a sobbing in the corner for weeks kind of blow. I cannot wait for book 2!

***While this is my fair and honest opinion, I received this from the Author as an ARC.***

[Tammy · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC Review
This story puts a new spin on the lives of Gods and mortals. Tal and Izzy are on a mission to save Tals father, a minor God. They feel like the best way to do this is to go after the King of Carnage. Casimir has lived a long time and was becoming bored until Alana pops up at his castle, now he's determined to keep her and to do that he must defeat the God who controls his bargain. As Tal and Izzy decide on their best course of action, Casimir sets his sights on winning a queen. Danger lurks around every corner for these couples, can they manage to survive to claim victory?
I adore Tal and Izzy, I'm still undecided on how I feel about Cas and Alana, but this was a wonderful read, I loved the ending, it was a whole new kind of cliffhanger! Bring on book 2!!!

[Torra Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC.

I love Izzy and Tals storyline. It kept me going. Their friendship to romance buildup. I can’t wait for the second book to see if they fully come together. Izzy already knows she loves Tal more than as a friend. Tal has realized he can’t live without Izzy and the cliffhanger we are given! 😱😭 like whyyy? Haha.

I’m not a fan of Cas and Alana’s story. Their side is a bit confusing and lacking in my opinion. Cas is every bit dark. Alana is on the revenge streak but I hate how she has no options. That she’s being forced to marry or her home island will suffer from Cas..

[Lexi Husted · Rating 5 out of 5]

• This is a review of an advance reader copy received from the author •

The author manages to connect two couples between three different worlds. While I don’t typically prefer more than 2 POVs in a book, it is done well. The plot is compelling and the romance is alluring. A revenant and a free spirit. A demon and a goddess. All wrapped up in a vibrant adventure.

The closing lines sealed the deal for me. Can’t wait for the sequel.

A few of my favorite lines:
“Those who fear the fall will never be able to fly.”
“Being alone may be safer, but I don’t necessarily think it makes people happier.”
Just because someone is loved doesn’t mean they’re not lost.”

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the surface there is plenty to dive into. The author has built an extensive world filled with a wide variety of gods, creatures, family and court drama. However, with all the descriptive passages, I often found myself feeling stalled.

The author leaned heavily into tropes with characters who came across as arrogant. I don’t find this attractive in anyone let alone a male lead character.

If you love descriptive world-building, multiple points of view and double the romance this is the book for you.

[Tanya Chidester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc and I am so very grateful I did.
I was drawn to this book from the blurb. It has touch her and D!e, dark romantasy, and enemies to lovers so how could I not read it.
I was not disappointed this book has 2 different couples which made the whole story line that much more interesting. Very well done .

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved following the two couples. I thought that made the book seem more compelling. The writing flowed and felt natural. The final chapters were nail biters and I am excited for book 2.