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The Demon in the Scarlet Mirror
One year after the execution of Lord Dan Aaron, the Kingdom of Centrugard stands on the brink of collapse.
The war that was meant to end in weeks has consumed kingdoms, noble houses, and thousands of lives. As ancient alliances fracture and new powers rise from the shadows, Lorian Night finds himself caught between loyalty, destiny, and a darkness that refuses to loosen its grip on his soul.
To the people, he has become the Dark Star-a symbol of hope for the forgotten.
To his enemies, he is a threat that must be extinguished.
But while armies clash across the continent, the greatest battles are fought beyond the battlefield. Princes dream of remaking the world, merchants reshape nations with whispered bargains, fathers sacrifice everything for their children, and old gods stir behind truths long buried beneath history.
As the war surges on, every soul in Centrugard must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the future.
Because some wars are fought for kingdoms.
Others are fought for humanity itself
The war that was meant to end in weeks has consumed kingdoms, noble houses, and thousands of lives. As ancient alliances fracture and new powers rise from the shadows, Lorian Night finds himself caught between loyalty, destiny, and a darkness that refuses to loosen its grip on his soul.
To the people, he has become the Dark Star-a symbol of hope for the forgotten.
To his enemies, he is a threat that must be extinguished.
But while armies clash across the continent, the greatest battles are fought beyond the battlefield. Princes dream of remaking the world, merchants reshape nations with whispered bargains, fathers sacrifice everything for their children, and old gods stir behind truths long buried beneath history.
As the war surges on, every soul in Centrugard must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the future.
Because some wars are fought for kingdoms.
Others are fought for humanity itself
523 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The writing style of CA Jackson is so poetic and dark and the sequel is no exception. This is a truly phenomenal sequel that ups the ante in every way. I love all of the POVs because we are able to see so much character development, not only with Lorian, but also with Feln (who is such a badass) and Lord Varios. Honestly the fatherly love felt by both Sam and his biological father and so real and raw and one of my favorite elements of the book. The battle scenes in this book are absolutely epic. I laughed, I cried, I just had the best time. I can’t wait to see more work from Jackson in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, JAC Press, and author C. A. Jackson for an advanced reader copy of this book.
I am sitting here, having just finished the book, still trying to wrap my head around what I just read. Author C. A. Jackson has taken a firmly established story, flipped it on its head, and escalated it to the next level.
The story picks up shortly after the ending of The Boy in the Emerald Fire and follows Lorian Night as he struggles with his own power and a growing darkness within him on a quest to save those he loves and try to bring peace to a world torn apart by greed and power. We also meet his father Nord as he searches for his son. Other characters such as Sam Varios, Rickard, Drecard, Jane, Feln, and several others have continuing roles and arcs of their own in the ongoing battle.
A lot more backstory given to characters that were lacking in the first book. Fast paced story with a lot of action-packed battle scenes. Multiple POV from several different characters giving us much more insight into their motivations and what they are trying to achieve. This is definitely a dark fantasy book. Everything in here is a bit gray. There really is no good versus evil as everyone is a little bit shady and you find yourself questioning everyone from time to time.
I gave the first book 4 stars and loved it. I wish I could give this one 10. This is a hell of a good book and a great sequel to an already great story.
I laughed, I shed tears, and had a fantastic time in this world. With a huge shocking ending, I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
I am sitting here, having just finished the book, still trying to wrap my head around what I just read. Author C. A. Jackson has taken a firmly established story, flipped it on its head, and escalated it to the next level.
The story picks up shortly after the ending of The Boy in the Emerald Fire and follows Lorian Night as he struggles with his own power and a growing darkness within him on a quest to save those he loves and try to bring peace to a world torn apart by greed and power. We also meet his father Nord as he searches for his son. Other characters such as Sam Varios, Rickard, Drecard, Jane, Feln, and several others have continuing roles and arcs of their own in the ongoing battle.
A lot more backstory given to characters that were lacking in the first book. Fast paced story with a lot of action-packed battle scenes. Multiple POV from several different characters giving us much more insight into their motivations and what they are trying to achieve. This is definitely a dark fantasy book. Everything in here is a bit gray. There really is no good versus evil as everyone is a little bit shady and you find yourself questioning everyone from time to time.
I gave the first book 4 stars and loved it. I wish I could give this one 10. This is a hell of a good book and a great sequel to an already great story.
I laughed, I shed tears, and had a fantastic time in this world. With a huge shocking ending, I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
November 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, JAC Press, and author C. A. Jackson for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What the hell did I just read?! I finished this book with so many emotions, a million questions, and one very strong desire to get my hands on the next installment immediately.
C. A. Jackson takes this story to another level. The stakes are higher, the conflicts are bigger, and nobody seems safe. Between multiple POVs, shifting alliances, deception, war, and unexpected twists, there is A LOT happening. I'll admit it took me a little while to get fully invested, but once everything started coming together, I was hooked.
I especially enjoyed getting more depth and backstory for the characters. Everyone has their own motivations, agendas, and questionable decisions. There are characters you love, characters you love to hate, and plenty of moments that make you question who you can actually trust.
Some twists caught me completely off guard, and a few character moments genuinely hurt. There were times I wanted to grab the author by the shoulders and ask what I ever did to deserve this. And THAT ENDING?! Seriously?!
Also, I really hope The Raven gets what's coming to her.
I loved the first book, but this sequel made me even more invested in the story. Dark fantasy, brutal consequences, complicated characters, and an ending that leaves you desperate for more. Now I'll just be impatiently waiting for the next book!
What the hell did I just read?! I finished this book with so many emotions, a million questions, and one very strong desire to get my hands on the next installment immediately.
C. A. Jackson takes this story to another level. The stakes are higher, the conflicts are bigger, and nobody seems safe. Between multiple POVs, shifting alliances, deception, war, and unexpected twists, there is A LOT happening. I'll admit it took me a little while to get fully invested, but once everything started coming together, I was hooked.
I especially enjoyed getting more depth and backstory for the characters. Everyone has their own motivations, agendas, and questionable decisions. There are characters you love, characters you love to hate, and plenty of moments that make you question who you can actually trust.
Some twists caught me completely off guard, and a few character moments genuinely hurt. There were times I wanted to grab the author by the shoulders and ask what I ever did to deserve this. And THAT ENDING?! Seriously?!
Also, I really hope The Raven gets what's coming to her.
I loved the first book, but this sequel made me even more invested in the story. Dark fantasy, brutal consequences, complicated characters, and an ending that leaves you desperate for more. Now I'll just be impatiently waiting for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Demon in the Scarlet Mirror! I have been waiting for this sequel for sooooo longggggg and I am already pounding the table for Book 3!!!! In The Demon in the Scarlet Mirror, you are taken on adventures of a lifetime with all of your favorite characters from The Boy in the Emerald Fire. The arcs in this story are unlike any other! It is so hard to pick a favorite! I will tell you the Rikard has my heart forever though!!! 💘 In this sequel, you meet new characters and get to know others from the first book in a greater sense than before. I loved getting to know Nord and seeing his mission play out. Prince Drecard is also one one my favorite characters and he played a big role in the story! Arc after arc was just incredible!!! The build up, the battles, the end!!!! If you think you know what happens, think again!!! This is a must-read for any fantasy lover!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book took the series to the next level. The character building in Book One carries over into multiple POV’s throughout Book Two. You’ll see POV’s from characters you weren’t expecting and it adds so much more depth to the book. The way C.A. Jackson writes love in this story is immaculate. He defines what true fatherly love feels and looks like and had my crying at least three times while reading. You’ll be rooting for the hero’s and the plot twists that happen you will never see coming. You’ll be gutted, you’ll be angry, you’ll be full of righteous rage. I would recommend this series to anyone! C.A. Jackson writes a phenomenal fantasy genre that’s easy for readers to dive into but incredibly deep and well thought out. Can’t wait for book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
eARC review
This is book 2 of the Emerald Fire Series. I am going to be honest I didn’t know what to expect when I was given the opportunity to read this book. This story follows Lorian (Dark Star) on his journey and the battle within himself. He has a darkness within him that you see him struggle with throughout the story. Will he give in to it or become who everyone wants him to be! This book has it all. Betrayal, war, and dark magic, There are plenty of moments throughout this book that has me wondering who could be trusted. This was a quick read because it was dark, brutal and addictive.
This is book 2 of the Emerald Fire Series. I am going to be honest I didn’t know what to expect when I was given the opportunity to read this book. This story follows Lorian (Dark Star) on his journey and the battle within himself. He has a darkness within him that you see him struggle with throughout the story. Will he give in to it or become who everyone wants him to be! This book has it all. Betrayal, war, and dark magic, There are plenty of moments throughout this book that has me wondering who could be trusted. This was a quick read because it was dark, brutal and addictive.
October 20, 2026
What the heck was that ending?! Seriously. 😭 I will admit that this one started a bit slow for me. There were several POVs and a whole lot going on. Different plans in action, deception, war, twists and many questions left unanswered. It left me wondering how many books are going to be in this series. The first book set up the story, this one covered battles and alliances. The ones who didn’t make it shocked me. And again, that ending! Also, I really hope The Raven gets what is coming to her. I hope it’s not a long wait for the next book. I received an arc of this book, this is my honest review.
October 1, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
A perfectly sculpted whirlwind of a story. Chris has fashioned a gripping world of war and politics built on an ancient and intrinsically terrifying history. The characters quickly turn the notion of right and wrong that you learn in book one upside down as you realize there are no true heroes, only broken, desperate people fighting for what they hope will be a future favorable to them. A devastatingly emotional story that made me throw my phone across the room. I am in shock.
A perfectly sculpted whirlwind of a story. Chris has fashioned a gripping world of war and politics built on an ancient and intrinsically terrifying history. The characters quickly turn the notion of right and wrong that you learn in book one upside down as you realize there are no true heroes, only broken, desperate people fighting for what they hope will be a future favorable to them. A devastatingly emotional story that made me throw my phone across the room. I am in shock.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
HOLY CRAP THIS BOOK HAS ME IN CHOKEHOLD!!!!! The writing was EPIC! The POVs EPIC! The characters have grown so much and I didn’t who to trust or what was gonna happen at times. FELN?! Badass but I don’t like her…not sorry. Lorain…my boy! The rollercoaster you go on 😭😭 I love Nord and Sam….daddy nord and daddy Sam if you will 💃🏼. The plot twists ! YES MULTIPLE!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 ESPECIALLY the ending….i need book 3 soon pretty please!
Gonna go cry over the ending AGAIN
Gonna go cry over the ending AGAIN
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Received early from Amazon. Book 2 of CA Jackson’s terrific series is bigger, more bad-ass, and even better than Book 1. Starts slow but once the action begins it is thrilling, sometimes funny, often poignant. Looking forward to Book 3. Twists, turns, blood, guts, emotions, sex. What more could you ask for in a fantasy action series?
November 2, 2026
book 2 is HUGE! Oh my gosh, compared to book 1, there is a lot of pages here! Big battle scenes, more adventure, and fantastic events and new characters. It's really cool to see book two just head out sprinting into the story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book joins the ranks of books that pissed me the hell off in a good way. Book 2 ramps up the stakes, and I was even more invested in the story. There are both lovable characters and characters you love to hate. While the protagonists seem predominantly good, they are not infallible, which kept them interesting. There are plenty of successes and failures to go around. While there were 1 or 2 plot points I felt coming, there were plenty of times where I was completely surprised and plenty of times I wanted to grab the author by the shoulder and shake him and ask what I ever did to him for him to hurt me like this. I look forward to seeing where he takes the story next!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews