What do you think?
Darkness Reigns #2
Below
Upon every world, in each galaxy, across the entire universe, the stars rule.
After discovering a life-altering betrayal, Nova Tershetta has found herself with no family and no allies—apart from one. Running was a rash decision, the likes of which she never makes, and now she must face the consequences. As Dajahim teeters on the brink of civil war amidst the building purist agenda and growing rebellion, Nova will be pushed to the edge of her limits and forced to finally choose which side of herself she will fight for, all while Azazel Altair stands at her side. Yet, the enemy she will have to trust harbors secrets of his own, and the rebels have left his hands tied. Even amongst the pain and struggle, the stars eagerly await their promised chaos. If Nova and Azazel don't provide it, then the almighty rulers above will create it themselves.
Can they both fight the beliefs they once held in order to save their world? Or will they, like so many before them, find that Dajahim is not a safe place for those who wish to challenge the mold the purists have crafted?
After discovering a life-altering betrayal, Nova Tershetta has found herself with no family and no allies—apart from one. Running was a rash decision, the likes of which she never makes, and now she must face the consequences. As Dajahim teeters on the brink of civil war amidst the building purist agenda and growing rebellion, Nova will be pushed to the edge of her limits and forced to finally choose which side of herself she will fight for, all while Azazel Altair stands at her side. Yet, the enemy she will have to trust harbors secrets of his own, and the rebels have left his hands tied. Even amongst the pain and struggle, the stars eagerly await their promised chaos. If Nova and Azazel don't provide it, then the almighty rulers above will create it themselves.
Can they both fight the beliefs they once held in order to save their world? Or will they, like so many before them, find that Dajahim is not a safe place for those who wish to challenge the mold the purists have crafted?
517 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2026
About the author
Brea Lamb
6 books285 followersBrea has been obsessively reading since she was six years old, consuming any and all books she could get her hands on. Thus sparked the dream of creating something similar – a book that would make readers cry and laugh and smile and feel all those big emotions that she did. At nine-years-old, she wrote her first book. Over the years she would write many more, but it was not until Of Night and Blood that she finally felt the book she dreamed of writing had come to life. Since then, she has poured her soul into many more stories and has found herself in the process.
She spends her time advocating for human rights, drinking too much coffee, chasing around her children, and ordering new books for her endless TBR. She lives in the United States with her family
She spends her time advocating for human rights, drinking too much coffee, chasing around her children, and ordering new books for her endless TBR. She lives in the United States with her family
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 5, 2026
“ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ᴡɪɴɴᴇʀ ʀɪꜱᴇꜱ?”
“…ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ʀᴇɪɢɴ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴇʀʀᴏʀ ɪꜱ ʙᴜɪʟᴛ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʟᴅ.”
Brea tosses us right back into the flames of the fire she set ablaze at the end of Above.
And somehow, Below manages to burn even deeper.
The first book was a story about systems: power, propaganda, oppression, and the ways people justify cruelty in the name of a “better” world.
But this book is about what comes after.
It is about grief. Loss. The quiet devastation of surviving something that changes you forever.
Because what happens when you lose everything?
Where do you go when the person you were before the pain no longer exists?
The hardest part of surviving a broken world isn’t escaping it.
It’s learning how to live with what it has taken from you.
Nova’s journey in this book broke my heart in a completely different way. In Above, we watched her fight against a world determined to erase her. But here, we watch her navigate the aftermath — the anger, the grief, and the impossible choices that come with trying to rebuild yourself.
Brea writes grief in a way that feels painfully human. It is messy. It is complicated. It does not move in a straight line.
And yet, even in her darkest moments, Nova’s resilience remains.
And then there’s Azazel….
I truly did not expect to feel the way I did about him after Above. A character I once wanted to throw into the void somehow became one of the most fascinating parts of this story.
Watching him question everything he was taught for years was one of my favorite parts of this book. After a lifetime of being told what to believe, who to hate, and who he was supposed to become, he finally has the chance to ask:
“Who am I when all of that is taken away?”
And honestly, there is something painfully familiar about that.
The way people can be shaped by fear, propaganda, and the environments they are raised in. The way harmful beliefs can become so deeply ingrained that breaking free from them feels impossible.
But Azazel does.
Watching him confront his childhood, his upbringing, and the person he was forced to become was one of the most rewarding parts of this story.
And then there’s the relationship.
Watching him discover what love actually means — not possession, not control, but trust, choice, and vulnerability — was one of the sweetest surprises.
Because he chooses her.
Not because he has to. Not because he owns her. But because he finally understands what love is.
The Azazel simping was REAL, and I stand by it.
This book is a story about healing, but it never pretends that healing is easy.
Instead, it reminds us that sometimes the hardest battles are not against the worlds that hurt us, but against the pieces of ourselves those worlds leave behind.
And that ending?
Brea truly knows how to leave a reader spiraling.
The revelations, the twists, watching Nova process everything that was thrown at her — I felt like my own mind was spinning alongside hers!!
Below doesn’t just continue Nova’s story.
It deepens it.
Because sometimes the greatest battle in a dystopia isn’t surviving the world that was built to break you.
It’s rebuilding yourself from the pieces it left behind.
Thank you so much to Brea Lamb for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this story. It has been such a privilege to watch Nova’s journey unfold, and I cannot wait to see where she is taken next.
After everything this world has put her through, I’m holding onto hope that the final chapter of her story will be just as devastating, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Until then…
I’ll be waiting in the darkness, ready to follow Nova wherever she goes.
“…ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ʀᴇɪɢɴ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴇʀʀᴏʀ ɪꜱ ʙᴜɪʟᴛ ᴜᴘᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʟᴅ.”
Brea tosses us right back into the flames of the fire she set ablaze at the end of Above.
And somehow, Below manages to burn even deeper.
The first book was a story about systems: power, propaganda, oppression, and the ways people justify cruelty in the name of a “better” world.
But this book is about what comes after.
It is about grief. Loss. The quiet devastation of surviving something that changes you forever.
Because what happens when you lose everything?
Where do you go when the person you were before the pain no longer exists?
The hardest part of surviving a broken world isn’t escaping it.
It’s learning how to live with what it has taken from you.
Nova’s journey in this book broke my heart in a completely different way. In Above, we watched her fight against a world determined to erase her. But here, we watch her navigate the aftermath — the anger, the grief, and the impossible choices that come with trying to rebuild yourself.
Brea writes grief in a way that feels painfully human. It is messy. It is complicated. It does not move in a straight line.
And yet, even in her darkest moments, Nova’s resilience remains.
And then there’s Azazel….
I truly did not expect to feel the way I did about him after Above. A character I once wanted to throw into the void somehow became one of the most fascinating parts of this story.
Watching him question everything he was taught for years was one of my favorite parts of this book. After a lifetime of being told what to believe, who to hate, and who he was supposed to become, he finally has the chance to ask:
“Who am I when all of that is taken away?”
And honestly, there is something painfully familiar about that.
The way people can be shaped by fear, propaganda, and the environments they are raised in. The way harmful beliefs can become so deeply ingrained that breaking free from them feels impossible.
But Azazel does.
Watching him confront his childhood, his upbringing, and the person he was forced to become was one of the most rewarding parts of this story.
And then there’s the relationship.
Watching him discover what love actually means — not possession, not control, but trust, choice, and vulnerability — was one of the sweetest surprises.
Because he chooses her.
Not because he has to. Not because he owns her. But because he finally understands what love is.
The Azazel simping was REAL, and I stand by it.
This book is a story about healing, but it never pretends that healing is easy.
Instead, it reminds us that sometimes the hardest battles are not against the worlds that hurt us, but against the pieces of ourselves those worlds leave behind.
And that ending?
Brea truly knows how to leave a reader spiraling.
The revelations, the twists, watching Nova process everything that was thrown at her — I felt like my own mind was spinning alongside hers!!
Below doesn’t just continue Nova’s story.
It deepens it.
Because sometimes the greatest battle in a dystopia isn’t surviving the world that was built to break you.
It’s rebuilding yourself from the pieces it left behind.
Thank you so much to Brea Lamb for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this story. It has been such a privilege to watch Nova’s journey unfold, and I cannot wait to see where she is taken next.
After everything this world has put her through, I’m holding onto hope that the final chapter of her story will be just as devastating, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Until then…
I’ll be waiting in the darkness, ready to follow Nova wherever she goes.
August 1, 2026
“To all the people who fear walking their own path. Who cower at the memory of times they’ve made mistakes or failed. The ones whose pasts are dark and futures are unknown. Every one of you that wonder if it’s worth it to fight for better. You might have fallen, but I promise you will rise again.”
Below picks up right where we left off. War is coming, rebellion is brewing, and everyone’s moral compass is tested.
This book was so crucial to the storyline, to teach us how even broken tortured souls can still be mended.
One thing that Brea Lamb always does is dive deep into the darkest parts of her characters and give us understanding of their pasts. That despite their flaws, many of them were learned as survival instincts in this cruel world, and you can’t help but forgive alongside them.
I adore Nova and Azazel. We get so many interactions between the two, and we find how much they are truly alike, even though one side denies it.
The forced proximity in this was amazing. One cottage, one bed? I mean the tension between these two is full force. There’s no denying it. Then the banter is top tier, seriously, I’m obsessed. Both of them are so sassy, I love it.
We have Az, I disliked him in book 1 (like we’re supposed to), but book 2 redeemed him. This man is so pathetically and utterly down bad for Nova. Seeing that side of him where he can allow himself to care without feeling judged, just showed how much his character evolved. I’m blushing all over again.
Nova, she never ceases to amaze me, she breaks, she repairs, and she does not falter. Her character in this, shows how much she still has to learn about herself and her potential.
Honorable mention: The Stars. They meddle, they make you laugh but they also play a huge role in the world.
& the politics and the thirst for power is still the main focus. We get more insight into what is in store for us and some revelations, that I did not suspect at all.
The found family in this is unconditionally loyal and hilarious. I found myself laughing and tugging at my heartstrings because they truly are ride-or-dies.
4.5 ✨
Overall, this series remains a favorite. That ending was insane, I’m still speechless.
I’m so invested and excited for book 3, I can tell things are going to take up a notch!!
Thank you to Brea Lamb for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. 🖤✨
Below picks up right where we left off. War is coming, rebellion is brewing, and everyone’s moral compass is tested.
This book was so crucial to the storyline, to teach us how even broken tortured souls can still be mended.
One thing that Brea Lamb always does is dive deep into the darkest parts of her characters and give us understanding of their pasts. That despite their flaws, many of them were learned as survival instincts in this cruel world, and you can’t help but forgive alongside them.
I adore Nova and Azazel. We get so many interactions between the two, and we find how much they are truly alike, even though one side denies it.
The forced proximity in this was amazing. One cottage, one bed? I mean the tension between these two is full force. There’s no denying it. Then the banter is top tier, seriously, I’m obsessed. Both of them are so sassy, I love it.
We have Az, I disliked him in book 1 (like we’re supposed to), but book 2 redeemed him. This man is so pathetically and utterly down bad for Nova. Seeing that side of him where he can allow himself to care without feeling judged, just showed how much his character evolved. I’m blushing all over again.
Nova, she never ceases to amaze me, she breaks, she repairs, and she does not falter. Her character in this, shows how much she still has to learn about herself and her potential.
Honorable mention: The Stars. They meddle, they make you laugh but they also play a huge role in the world.
& the politics and the thirst for power is still the main focus. We get more insight into what is in store for us and some revelations, that I did not suspect at all.
The found family in this is unconditionally loyal and hilarious. I found myself laughing and tugging at my heartstrings because they truly are ride-or-dies.
4.5 ✨
Overall, this series remains a favorite. That ending was insane, I’m still speechless.
I’m so invested and excited for book 3, I can tell things are going to take up a notch!!
Thank you to Brea Lamb for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. 🖤✨
August 4, 2026
Once again Amanie’s updates have me throwing my TBR to the wind and diving right in
HOLY FREAKING STARS WHAT A RIDE. Go read this!!
HOLY FREAKING STARS WHAT A RIDE. Go read this!!
August 4, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔅𝔢𝔩𝔬𝔴 𝔟𝔶 𝔅𝔯𝔢𝔞 𝔏𝔞𝔪𝔟 (𝔇𝔞𝔯𝔨𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰 ℜ𝔢𝔦𝔤𝔫𝔰 2)
Release Day: July 31, 2026
4.5⭐️3🌶
This was a snarky building book two in the series. This book drops us right after the huge bomb goes off (metaphorically) at the end of book one. Nova Tershetta and Azazel Altair are at each other's throats now more than ever, because Nova believes Azazel is still loyal to the Core Families and Eadis (magic weilders). However, did Azazel just take the fall for the person who actually attached Nova's non-magic family?
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Nova is in a bad way at the end of book one and somehow manages to get onto Azazel's doorstep in order for him to shelter and heal her. Azazel does NOT want this responsibility, because he knows Nova will most likely not believe anything he says. However, he knows she has no other choice for protection.
Azazel has been questioning the Shaytan's (magic weilders) totalitarian mentality his whole life, but it isn't until he starts talking and experiences life with Nova that he understands the true depth of his family's brainwashing. His father has tried to team him his whole life that Eadi (non-magic) people are just sheep or animals to be used and discarded.
Azazel in this book tries to lead Nova towards the Resistance without telling her that she should join the resistance, because the leaders of the resistance directed him to do so. They are hoping that she will join the resistance on her own. Otherwise, they will always question her loyalty.
This book is full of bonding between Nova and Azazel layered in with the politics of the Shaytan and the politics of the Resistance and the two MCs trying to balance their efforts between the two fronts.
I found this book very intriguing and highly recommend for those who love J. L. Armentrout and Danielle L. Jensen.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Morally Grey Male Lead
🍁Enemies-to-Lovers / Forced Allies
🍁Fated Mates / Star-Crossed Lovers
🍁"Touch Her and Die"
🍁Grumpy x Sunshine (Dark Variation)
🍁Betrayal & Aftermath
🍁On the Run / Chosen One Fugitive
🍁Brewing Civil War
🍁Magic-Siphoning / Forced Suppression
🍁Animal Companion
🍁Prejudice & Classism
TW:
✨Mental Health Representation
✨Suicidal Ideation & Self-Harm
✨Graphic Violence & Murder
✨Abuse & Exploitation
✨Sexual Violence
✨Adult & Sexual Content
✨Profanity & Mature Language
Thank you to @brealamb for this ARC copy!
Release Day: July 31, 2026
4.5⭐️3🌶
This was a snarky building book two in the series. This book drops us right after the huge bomb goes off (metaphorically) at the end of book one. Nova Tershetta and Azazel Altair are at each other's throats now more than ever, because Nova believes Azazel is still loyal to the Core Families and Eadis (magic weilders). However, did Azazel just take the fall for the person who actually attached Nova's non-magic family?
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Nova is in a bad way at the end of book one and somehow manages to get onto Azazel's doorstep in order for him to shelter and heal her. Azazel does NOT want this responsibility, because he knows Nova will most likely not believe anything he says. However, he knows she has no other choice for protection.
Azazel has been questioning the Shaytan's (magic weilders) totalitarian mentality his whole life, but it isn't until he starts talking and experiences life with Nova that he understands the true depth of his family's brainwashing. His father has tried to team him his whole life that Eadi (non-magic) people are just sheep or animals to be used and discarded.
Azazel in this book tries to lead Nova towards the Resistance without telling her that she should join the resistance, because the leaders of the resistance directed him to do so. They are hoping that she will join the resistance on her own. Otherwise, they will always question her loyalty.
This book is full of bonding between Nova and Azazel layered in with the politics of the Shaytan and the politics of the Resistance and the two MCs trying to balance their efforts between the two fronts.
I found this book very intriguing and highly recommend for those who love J. L. Armentrout and Danielle L. Jensen.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Morally Grey Male Lead
🍁Enemies-to-Lovers / Forced Allies
🍁Fated Mates / Star-Crossed Lovers
🍁"Touch Her and Die"
🍁Grumpy x Sunshine (Dark Variation)
🍁Betrayal & Aftermath
🍁On the Run / Chosen One Fugitive
🍁Brewing Civil War
🍁Magic-Siphoning / Forced Suppression
🍁Animal Companion
🍁Prejudice & Classism
TW:
✨Mental Health Representation
✨Suicidal Ideation & Self-Harm
✨Graphic Violence & Murder
✨Abuse & Exploitation
✨Sexual Violence
✨Adult & Sexual Content
✨Profanity & Mature Language
Thank you to @brealamb for this ARC copy!
August 5, 2026
💫"She broke my mind when I was near her. I used to liken it to poison, but now I wondered if it was more like the first sunny day after a season of storms. Something bright and consuming. Something that stopped you from being able to do anything other than bask."
♾️⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I literally just want to fill this review with all of the quotes I highlighted in this book because I know my review will not do it the justice it deserves!!!! But I'm damn well going to try!
Here's what I LOVEDDDDD!!!!!
+ watching Az learn how to love. He has been in a family who has tortured and killed and manipulated all of his life so it makes sense he would have no idea what love is.. or how to show it - so watching him slowly learn that was everything... so sweet but also so sad that he was never given the love he deserves
+ Azazel YEARNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the most yearning of MMCs I've read!
+ he calls her "little void"
+ the questioning of who we can trust in this war
+ the stars saying everything we wanted to say LOL like JUST KISS ALREADY!!!!! their loyalty to Az is LOL funny
+ I loved the humor and sass we got to see between the characters in this one. Book one was very much the "enemies" of the enemies to lovers so now it's so fun to see how everyone comes together
+ the found family >>>>>> like these friends will literally do ANYTHING for each other
+ "After a lifetime of taking care of others, I thought then that I was finally ready to let someone take care of me."
+ I really appreciated the mental health aspect of this one with Nova. the vulnerability she shows may be a weakness to her but it's so empowering to a reader like me who relates wholeheartedly. Sometimes it is questioning whether any of this is worth it at all and I'm so happy she has people around her to remind her that it is worth it
+ I love watching them learn how to communicate with each other because again... Nova and Az are from completely different worlds and Nova is convinced they will never see common ground but Az is sooooooo desperate to prove her wrong <3 I FREAKING LOVE THEM
+ the spice like omfg these two get DOWNNN
+ I literally felt every emotion in this book. Even crying. I can't share when sadly because it's a spoiler but just know you will feel EVERYTHING in this book
Simply put: this book is an addiction honestly. I was instantly immersed back into my favorite world with my favorite characters. It's the perfect ying and yang of emotions.... from complete anguish to absolute devotion. I said it before and I'll say it again Brea Lamb is a dark fantasy GENIUS!!! I am feral for this series!!!!!
can I please just share ONE More quote with you that I loved?
🔥“I’ll make sure you’re satisfied every day for the rest of our lives. I’ll take such good care of this perfect body that no other man will ever cross your mind again. And if, for some reason, they do, I’ll kill them all and then fuck you hard enough you forget they ever existed.”
💫“Stars above,” I gasped out. He only backed away, offering a lopsided smile, his dimple saying hello.
🔥“I love it when you’re flustered.”
hehehehehe I love them I love them I love them!!!!!
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
+ enemies to lovers like he literally tries to unalive her in the first book
+ hidden rebellion
+ found family
+ people who are blessed with magic and those who are not
+ "I didn’t know how I’d do it, but I was going to survive for him. Even if I had to defy the stars themselves."
+ touch her and you die
+ he is sooooo protective and possessive of her
+ grief/mourning
+ shadow walking
♾️⭐️ 2.5🌶️
I literally just want to fill this review with all of the quotes I highlighted in this book because I know my review will not do it the justice it deserves!!!! But I'm damn well going to try!
Here's what I LOVEDDDDD!!!!!
+ watching Az learn how to love. He has been in a family who has tortured and killed and manipulated all of his life so it makes sense he would have no idea what love is.. or how to show it - so watching him slowly learn that was everything... so sweet but also so sad that he was never given the love he deserves
+ Azazel YEARNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the most yearning of MMCs I've read!
+ he calls her "little void"
+ the questioning of who we can trust in this war
+ the stars saying everything we wanted to say LOL like JUST KISS ALREADY!!!!! their loyalty to Az is LOL funny
+ I loved the humor and sass we got to see between the characters in this one. Book one was very much the "enemies" of the enemies to lovers so now it's so fun to see how everyone comes together
+ the found family >>>>>> like these friends will literally do ANYTHING for each other
+ "After a lifetime of taking care of others, I thought then that I was finally ready to let someone take care of me."
+ I really appreciated the mental health aspect of this one with Nova. the vulnerability she shows may be a weakness to her but it's so empowering to a reader like me who relates wholeheartedly. Sometimes it is questioning whether any of this is worth it at all and I'm so happy she has people around her to remind her that it is worth it
+ I love watching them learn how to communicate with each other because again... Nova and Az are from completely different worlds and Nova is convinced they will never see common ground but Az is sooooooo desperate to prove her wrong <3 I FREAKING LOVE THEM
+ the spice like omfg these two get DOWNNN
+ I literally felt every emotion in this book. Even crying. I can't share when sadly because it's a spoiler but just know you will feel EVERYTHING in this book
Simply put: this book is an addiction honestly. I was instantly immersed back into my favorite world with my favorite characters. It's the perfect ying and yang of emotions.... from complete anguish to absolute devotion. I said it before and I'll say it again Brea Lamb is a dark fantasy GENIUS!!! I am feral for this series!!!!!
can I please just share ONE More quote with you that I loved?
🔥“I’ll make sure you’re satisfied every day for the rest of our lives. I’ll take such good care of this perfect body that no other man will ever cross your mind again. And if, for some reason, they do, I’ll kill them all and then fuck you hard enough you forget they ever existed.”
💫“Stars above,” I gasped out. He only backed away, offering a lopsided smile, his dimple saying hello.
🔥“I love it when you’re flustered.”
hehehehehe I love them I love them I love them!!!!!
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
+ enemies to lovers like he literally tries to unalive her in the first book
+ hidden rebellion
+ found family
+ people who are blessed with magic and those who are not
+ "I didn’t know how I’d do it, but I was going to survive for him. Even if I had to defy the stars themselves."
+ touch her and you die
+ he is sooooo protective and possessive of her
+ grief/mourning
+ shadow walking
July 28, 2026
Holy freaking hell. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much reading a book. I definitely highlighted about 25% of it.
Below was the absolute perfect sequel to Above, which as all of you know was one of my favorite reads of 2025. I absolutely loved being in Az’s head. His inner monologue was so ridiculous that I was constantly laughing. But my heart ached for him, especially during his conversations with his family. Poor baby was never loved the way he deserves.
Nova is well Nova and I’m here for all of it. My heart broke for her too (for reasons I will not spoil), but I feel like she had so much growth here despite everything she went through. I loved watching her relationship with Az develop and just how down bad he was for her. I was verbally screaming yes when they finally gave in to their feelings. Also, freaking Cal had me absolutely cackling. I really hope we get even more of him and the cores in the next book. I also sobbed and it was at the worst moment like how did you make me feel sorry for that person????
But outside of the characters and the romance, this is a true dystopian. It was very politically charged, and I genuinely think this was a story that needed to be written in 2026. It felt very real and very raw. In most fantasy and dystopian books, it’s very easy to side with the rebellion and the “heroes”, but I really liked that certain decisions by the rebels made that choice much more complicated for Nova. I think both Az and Nova learn a lot about themselves here and that ultimately influences whatever decisions they make about their future and Dajahim.
BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT CLIFFHANGER??? How did you do this to me TWO YEARS IN A ROW???
Below was the absolute perfect sequel to Above, which as all of you know was one of my favorite reads of 2025. I absolutely loved being in Az’s head. His inner monologue was so ridiculous that I was constantly laughing. But my heart ached for him, especially during his conversations with his family. Poor baby was never loved the way he deserves.
Nova is well Nova and I’m here for all of it. My heart broke for her too (for reasons I will not spoil), but I feel like she had so much growth here despite everything she went through. I loved watching her relationship with Az develop and just how down bad he was for her. I was verbally screaming yes when they finally gave in to their feelings. Also, freaking Cal had me absolutely cackling. I really hope we get even more of him and the cores in the next book. I also sobbed and it was at the worst moment like how did you make me feel sorry for that person????
But outside of the characters and the romance, this is a true dystopian. It was very politically charged, and I genuinely think this was a story that needed to be written in 2026. It felt very real and very raw. In most fantasy and dystopian books, it’s very easy to side with the rebellion and the “heroes”, but I really liked that certain decisions by the rebels made that choice much more complicated for Nova. I think both Az and Nova learn a lot about themselves here and that ultimately influences whatever decisions they make about their future and Dajahim.
BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT CLIFFHANGER??? How did you do this to me TWO YEARS IN A ROW???
July 24, 2026
“perhaps i’d always cast shadows in her presence. but… but maybe i could also help her shine brighter—could dare to shine in her light.”
—
i was so excited to jump into this after the way book one left off! this one immediately picks up where we left off and takes you on a journey with the rebellion and moral dilemmas.
i love a good forced proximity and found family trope and this book delivered in both of those areas. we also saw the magic and world continue to build in a slow way that made it easy to understand.
az omfg. after book one i knew i would love this man but i’m obsessed. he’s so pathetically obsessed with her that i absolutely ate it up. their banter was some of the best i’ve read because it was so hilarious. and throwing death in there?? i love her.
this book is definitely dark and full of morally grey characters. some of the themes made me tear up but it was so important for these characters and their developments. both nova & az’s pasts are so devastating.
i enjoyed this book and i can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the last book! that ending was diabolical and i need answers asap.
thank you so much brea & her team for an e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏. 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒕.”
—
i was so excited to jump into this after the way book one left off! this one immediately picks up where we left off and takes you on a journey with the rebellion and moral dilemmas.
i love a good forced proximity and found family trope and this book delivered in both of those areas. we also saw the magic and world continue to build in a slow way that made it easy to understand.
az omfg. after book one i knew i would love this man but i’m obsessed. he’s so pathetically obsessed with her that i absolutely ate it up. their banter was some of the best i’ve read because it was so hilarious. and throwing death in there?? i love her.
this book is definitely dark and full of morally grey characters. some of the themes made me tear up but it was so important for these characters and their developments. both nova & az’s pasts are so devastating.
i enjoyed this book and i can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the last book! that ending was diabolical and i need answers asap.
thank you so much brea & her team for an e-arc! ♥︎
“𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏. 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒕.”
August 5, 2026
That ending was diabolical I feel like a crack addict awaiting their next fix
August 9, 2026
When book 1 is great but book two is incredible!!
Omg the yearning, the tension and the spice. Also, the story.. yea the story was so good too! The plot kept me hooked! The one secret in particular really had me spiralling on how the truth would come out.
I loved the characters and how they each were so layered, we got a peice of every single one. Especially the villains in the story, I feel like this was perfectly thought out and ugh it was just so freaking good! I can’t wait for the final book. I don’t even know what will happen.
I can’t wait to reread both books again before the final one releases. This is such a good series and so slept on!!
Omg the yearning, the tension and the spice. Also, the story.. yea the story was so good too! The plot kept me hooked! The one secret in particular really had me spiralling on how the truth would come out.
I loved the characters and how they each were so layered, we got a peice of every single one. Especially the villains in the story, I feel like this was perfectly thought out and ugh it was just so freaking good! I can’t wait for the final book. I don’t even know what will happen.
I can’t wait to reread both books again before the final one releases. This is such a good series and so slept on!!
July 30, 2026
Coming off of book 1 I did not expect Az to be so self reflective and honest with himself. It was kind of refreshing honestly. Like, yeah, he found himself in this unexpected position but it doesn't automatically change the core of who he is. He works through the who's, what's and why's with authenticity. It's not a snap your fingers and he's all of sudden a good guy situation. I love that! I wish we would have gotten more of Talon's crazy though.
I didn't see a ton of growth for Nova through most of this book since she was in her vengeance era. But by the end she showed some progress. I know sis has a snap temper but I hope to see more leadership development in the next book. I know she's ride or die for her family but I would love for her circle to include her found family too.
I'm excited to see what happens with the magic in the next book. So much drama!
I didn't see a ton of growth for Nova through most of this book since she was in her vengeance era. But by the end she showed some progress. I know sis has a snap temper but I hope to see more leadership development in the next book. I know she's ride or die for her family but I would love for her circle to include her found family too.
I'm excited to see what happens with the magic in the next book. So much drama!
Want to Read
July 28, 2026pre-ordered this in feb for $1.45 and now the listing is down on Amazon... who knows if i'll receive this on release day in 3 days...
September 13, 2026
it wasn't bad but I don't think I'm gonna read the next book
July 31, 2026
Book 2 in the Darkness Reigns series and there is no shortage of intensity. It picks ho where book 1 leaves off, with AZ really reevaluating everything he's ever known. This book really jumps right into making you feel for AZ. The story had me consistently on the edge of my seat. The world and character building is absolutely phenomenal- as us usual for Brea Lamb's books. I definitely cried.
August 1, 2026
Below is every bit as addictive as Above, and I CANNOT wait for book 3!! If you’re into dark dystopian romantasy, do not sleep on this series!
July 30, 2026
Thank you to Brea for entrusting me with a gifted egalley!
Below by Brea Lamb
Darkness Reigns Trilogy, book 2
Dual POV
Feminine rage
He falls first and HARDER
One bed
He washes her hair
Animal companion (cat🥰)
Mental health rep
Found family
B@da$s alchemist FMC
So much banter
Deep hated to begrudging allies to more
Slooooowwwww burn
Class system based on if a person has magic
Political intrigue
Unique magic system
Unlearning indoctrination
Meddling stars instead of gods
Everyone is morally grey
Magic + tech
Rebellion
Wow, wow, wow!! I have been eagerly awaiting my return to this world and Nova and Az! And Below did NOT disappoint! This has been a slowwwww burn that absolutely pays off, then we get a completely down bad Az and I'm in love. IN LOVE I TELL YOU! We also see the rebellion heating up, but Az and Nova not trusting the zealous leader which adds to the tension. There are secrets and found family and of course we can't forget Death, the cat! The ending is giving me such a rush of all the emotions and I'm still thinking about where our crew ended the book and what could come next! I can't wait for book 3!!
Below by Brea Lamb
Darkness Reigns Trilogy, book 2
Dual POV
Feminine rage
He falls first and HARDER
One bed
He washes her hair
Animal companion (cat🥰)
Mental health rep
Found family
B@da$s alchemist FMC
So much banter
Deep hated to begrudging allies to more
Slooooowwwww burn
Class system based on if a person has magic
Political intrigue
Unique magic system
Unlearning indoctrination
Meddling stars instead of gods
Everyone is morally grey
Magic + tech
Rebellion
Wow, wow, wow!! I have been eagerly awaiting my return to this world and Nova and Az! And Below did NOT disappoint! This has been a slowwwww burn that absolutely pays off, then we get a completely down bad Az and I'm in love. IN LOVE I TELL YOU! We also see the rebellion heating up, but Az and Nova not trusting the zealous leader which adds to the tension. There are secrets and found family and of course we can't forget Death, the cat! The ending is giving me such a rush of all the emotions and I'm still thinking about where our crew ended the book and what could come next! I can't wait for book 3!!
September 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
The second installment of this story was great! I love the way Brea writes, plots, and describes her characters/scenes. This book was far more romance/smut heavy than book one and also had some darker mental health issues fully on page while still moving the plot along. However, I will say I wish there was a bit more movement in the story than we got. I also enjoyed the romance/relationship transition between our FMC and MMC but would say at times it felt a little forced. All in all, the entire book was enjoyable and entertaining! The ending was a perfect suspenseful cliffhanger and I am excited to see where book three leads us!!!
🌶️🌶️
The second installment of this story was great! I love the way Brea writes, plots, and describes her characters/scenes. This book was far more romance/smut heavy than book one and also had some darker mental health issues fully on page while still moving the plot along. However, I will say I wish there was a bit more movement in the story than we got. I also enjoyed the romance/relationship transition between our FMC and MMC but would say at times it felt a little forced. All in all, the entire book was enjoyable and entertaining! The ending was a perfect suspenseful cliffhanger and I am excited to see where book three leads us!!!
August 6, 2026
I knew I wasn't prepared for the emotional rollercoaster in book 2, and Brea Lamb never disappoints me. This captivating, dark world sucks you in one page at a time.
Here's what you can expect:
* Low angst
* Morally dark themes
* Slow burn romance
* Mental health representation
* Enemies to lovers trope
* Rebellion
Here's what you can expect:
* Low angst
* Morally dark themes
* Slow burn romance
* Mental health representation
* Enemies to lovers trope
* Rebellion
August 10, 2026
YES MA'AM YOU DID IT AGAIN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't know how you do it but I'm in love yet again!! Fantastic read, great pacing and such amazing character development while actually sticking to who they are to their core! *wink wink* I love Az with my whole being, the MAN that he is! Nova is such a strong FMC, I love her to pieces! That cliff you left us on girl.... I can't wait for more drama, tears, love and hopefully a happy ever after in the next one!
I don't know how you do it but I'm in love yet again!! Fantastic read, great pacing and such amazing character development while actually sticking to who they are to their core! *wink wink* I love Az with my whole being, the MAN that he is! Nova is such a strong FMC, I love her to pieces! That cliff you left us on girl.... I can't wait for more drama, tears, love and hopefully a happy ever after in the next one!
July 15, 2026
This was a perfect sequel to Above. Brea does an amazing job writing complex, morally black characters that make you question what would you would do in their situation
The world building is so realistic and mirrors the horrors and oppression seen in real life. It’s a continuation of Nova and Az story as they navigate the fallout from book 1. You are kept on the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I only have good things to say about this book and need the next one now.
The world building is so realistic and mirrors the horrors and oppression seen in real life. It’s a continuation of Nova and Az story as they navigate the fallout from book 1. You are kept on the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I only have good things to say about this book and need the next one now.
July 31, 2026
Just finished Below! Im absolutelv LOVING how the series is progressing! I'm so attached to our MCs anc what they are fighting for. The story is very profound and immersive. Every emotion you can have will be felt! I highly recommend this series!
August 6, 2026
Wow!! This one was better than the first one👏🏽 Az was everything in this book and Nova is boss bitch, a little unhinged, but what more do want from a FMC. Brea completely pulls you into the story and refuses to let you go until the very last page. I need more❤️❤️
July 16, 2026
Brea has done it again!! I loved this book so much! The slow burn, the found family, the twists and turns throughout the book. What an amazing follow up to Above. This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint!
Beyond grateful to ARC read this amazing book! I NEED book 3 ASAP!
Beyond grateful to ARC read this amazing book! I NEED book 3 ASAP!
July 30, 2026
Brea has me out here agreeing with a man, and I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive her for that.
(Thank you for the ARC, Brea!!)
(Thank you for the ARC, Brea!!)
August 15, 2026
Holly sh*t, what a ride
September 6, 2026
*review coming soon*
September 10, 2026
4.25⭐️ Az was down bad—Im talking pleading, on his knees BEGGING. But damn… this book lowkey ate
August 29, 2026
Ugh I loved it. I’ve never hated a character as much as I hate az’s dad. (Except Lionel in the zodiac academy)
August 2, 2026
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️🌶️
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨: Romantasy
Found Family
Dystopian
Yearning
🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:✨ Some books entertain you & consume you... Then there are the ones that leave you wondering how the hell more people aren’t talking about them.
I patiently waited to read Above until Below was about to release because I had somehow convinced myself this was only a duology. You know… read them back-to-back, avoid the soul-crushing wait between books, live happily ever after.
Yeah. Joke’s on me. 😂 But going into this series almost completely blind? BEST. DECISION. EVER.
I am genuinely dumbfounded by how much I loved these books. Brea deserves SO much more hype because this series is absolutely magical. I devoured Above & Below in 3 DAYS—and when I say devoured, I mean sleep became optional because putting these books down apparently was not. 😅
I was shocked. I was LIVID. I laughed. I cursed. I rooted for characters with my entire freaking heart. My heart broke, healed, & then got ripped apart all over again. Basically, Brea put me through every emotion available to the human body & I willingly thanked her for it. 😂
And THE STARS?! 🌟
OMG. I adored them. Their dirty little minds, their humor, their personalities… every time they appeared, I knew I was in for a good time.
But underneath all the magic, banter, & chaos is a story with so much heart.
Nova’s journey was beautifully written. Grief isn’t something anyone wants to experience, but the way Brea explores it through Nova made me feel every single word. Her pain, growth, strength, & vulnerability felt incredibly real.
And then there’s Azazel.
Sir. 😭
How do you take a character I wasn’t even sure I LIKED & somehow have me completely rooting for him by the end?!
Apparently, you let Brea write him.
He is unapologetically himself—flawed, complicated, frustrating, & painfully real. Watching him confront his demons & slowly begin to accept a kind of love he never believed was meant for him absolutely wrecked me. His character development might be one of my favorite parts.
I finished Below completely obsessed & the series officially earned a spot among my all-time favorite reads. ✨
If you love immersive fantasy, unforgettable characters, emotional journeys, found family, sharp humor, heartbreak, healing, & stories that make you completely forget the real world exists… PLEASE put this series on your TBR.
And Brea, if you need me, I’ll just be over here casually stalking your page like a perfectly normal person until you give us news about Book 3. 👀😂
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️🌶️
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨: Romantasy
Found Family
Dystopian
Yearning
🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:✨ Some books entertain you & consume you... Then there are the ones that leave you wondering how the hell more people aren’t talking about them.
I patiently waited to read Above until Below was about to release because I had somehow convinced myself this was only a duology. You know… read them back-to-back, avoid the soul-crushing wait between books, live happily ever after.
Yeah. Joke’s on me. 😂 But going into this series almost completely blind? BEST. DECISION. EVER.
I am genuinely dumbfounded by how much I loved these books. Brea deserves SO much more hype because this series is absolutely magical. I devoured Above & Below in 3 DAYS—and when I say devoured, I mean sleep became optional because putting these books down apparently was not. 😅
I was shocked. I was LIVID. I laughed. I cursed. I rooted for characters with my entire freaking heart. My heart broke, healed, & then got ripped apart all over again. Basically, Brea put me through every emotion available to the human body & I willingly thanked her for it. 😂
And THE STARS?! 🌟
OMG. I adored them. Their dirty little minds, their humor, their personalities… every time they appeared, I knew I was in for a good time.
But underneath all the magic, banter, & chaos is a story with so much heart.
Nova’s journey was beautifully written. Grief isn’t something anyone wants to experience, but the way Brea explores it through Nova made me feel every single word. Her pain, growth, strength, & vulnerability felt incredibly real.
And then there’s Azazel.
Sir. 😭
How do you take a character I wasn’t even sure I LIKED & somehow have me completely rooting for him by the end?!
Apparently, you let Brea write him.
He is unapologetically himself—flawed, complicated, frustrating, & painfully real. Watching him confront his demons & slowly begin to accept a kind of love he never believed was meant for him absolutely wrecked me. His character development might be one of my favorite parts.
I finished Below completely obsessed & the series officially earned a spot among my all-time favorite reads. ✨
If you love immersive fantasy, unforgettable characters, emotional journeys, found family, sharp humor, heartbreak, healing, & stories that make you completely forget the real world exists… PLEASE put this series on your TBR.
And Brea, if you need me, I’ll just be over here casually stalking your page like a perfectly normal person until you give us news about Book 3. 👀😂
August 10, 2026
After THAT ending in Above, I was so excited to jump straight into this one!! 😭
Below picks up right where book one left us, navigating the rebellion, its moral dilemmas, and everything that happened at the end of Above!!
The first half is definitely more character-focused, but honestly I LOVED getting so much more of Azazel in this one!! Getting inside his head and understanding more of his past, his family, and how he views the world added so much to his character!!
And this man is so down bad for Nova 😭
I also really enjoyed how much more we got into the rebellion and the morally grey side of it all!! It wasn't always as simple as good vs evil, and I loved seeing Nova and Azazel question the world around them and where they fit within it!
And then that ending...
Brea... respectfully WHAT THE HELL 😭
Below picks up right where book one left us, navigating the rebellion, its moral dilemmas, and everything that happened at the end of Above!!
The first half is definitely more character-focused, but honestly I LOVED getting so much more of Azazel in this one!! Getting inside his head and understanding more of his past, his family, and how he views the world added so much to his character!!
And this man is so down bad for Nova 😭
I also really enjoyed how much more we got into the rebellion and the morally grey side of it all!! It wasn't always as simple as good vs evil, and I loved seeing Nova and Azazel question the world around them and where they fit within it!
And then that ending...
Brea... respectfully WHAT THE HELL 😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews