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The Dark Abyss of Our Sins #2
The Nightmare We Know
Allegra had tried compromise and all she had to show for her work was a crater in the side of a mountain. She had tried peace, and that just made the rebellion worse. She had seen a demon with her very eyes, and that hadn’t been enough to move the cardinals into action. But despite all this, never had she thought they would try to murder her.
When General Bonacieux shows up at the Cathedral to demand she be turned over for public execution, the cardinals waver. Instead of submitting, Allegra declares her own war: freedom for all mages.
As new demon marks open on Orsini soil, Allegra takes a stand against the very people who gave her power. For as Captain Stanton Rainier said, they would only get her over his dead body.
So much for peace.
When General Bonacieux shows up at the Cathedral to demand she be turned over for public execution, the cardinals waver. Instead of submitting, Allegra declares her own war: freedom for all mages.
As new demon marks open on Orsini soil, Allegra takes a stand against the very people who gave her power. For as Captain Stanton Rainier said, they would only get her over his dead body.
So much for peace.
- GenresFantasy
374 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2018
3 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 18, 2018
The Nightmare We Know is the second instalment of Krista D. Ball's The Dark Abyss of Our Sins series. The series is a tight knit work, centring around Allegra, a countess, and more importantly, the Arbiter of Justice. The series itself centres around themes of repression, revolt, equality and humanity. Oh, and a little bit of feel good romance thrown in here and there. It can't be all doom and gloom.
At the end of the first novel, Allegra's abbey had just been burnt down, crushing a summoned demon at the same time. The protagonists are in full retreat, not knowing if their friends are alive or not, and are fleeing a hostile army. Thus opens the second book.
The novel is primarily set in the papal (papal-like?) city state of Orsini, focusing on the religious power brokers as they come to terms of the news that both Staton, a Captain, and romantic interest of our protag, and then later Allegra. The news that General Bonacieux murdered a queen, that demons are real, and that he's on his way here and he'll probably kill them all. Fun times. And as these things tend to go, they disbelieve and argue. God, what a group of pretentious pricks. More demon marks appear, tension filled conversations are abound. relationships are made and broken. Oh, and the bureaucracy. So much paperwork. But I kinda liked that?
So, what I liked most, I think, about the novel was the characters, and how well fleshed out they appeared. Most of the time, there's some sort of barrier between you and them, mainly the fantastical nature of everything that occurs. But not so here. Here it feels like any one of them could be taken from the story and placed into another work, and they'd still be real. They have conversations I could imagine happening. Everything just works. The writing, as usual (usual being my reading of Spirit Caller, not Traitor), is light and fun, and even when topics get serious it never descends into that horror that is grim-dark. There's always some brightness to be found. There was a moment at the start, where I thought something horrible was about to happen, but was so so pleasantly surprised for when it didn't. And I don't even read that many grim books.
Due to the length of the story, there's only so much that can happen, so there are plot points that never get resolved, and there are storylines I wished were more fleshed out. That said, it doesn't feel like they're forgotten, simply laid aside to be completed in book three. Which I would never much like now. Hint hint, nudge nudge.
Overall, it's a fitting second book to the series. There's no slump in my opinion, only a story getting better and better. If I had to complain, it would be that it wasn't long enough. The series as a whole is probably the best traditional place for readers to get a feel of Krista's writing. Trad fantasy, although with a bit more modern spin on things.
At the end of the first novel, Allegra's abbey had just been burnt down, crushing a summoned demon at the same time. The protagonists are in full retreat, not knowing if their friends are alive or not, and are fleeing a hostile army. Thus opens the second book.
The novel is primarily set in the papal (papal-like?) city state of Orsini, focusing on the religious power brokers as they come to terms of the news that both Staton, a Captain, and romantic interest of our protag, and then later Allegra. The news that General Bonacieux murdered a queen, that demons are real, and that he's on his way here and he'll probably kill them all. Fun times. And as these things tend to go, they disbelieve and argue. God, what a group of pretentious pricks. More demon marks appear, tension filled conversations are abound. relationships are made and broken. Oh, and the bureaucracy. So much paperwork. But I kinda liked that?
So, what I liked most, I think, about the novel was the characters, and how well fleshed out they appeared. Most of the time, there's some sort of barrier between you and them, mainly the fantastical nature of everything that occurs. But not so here. Here it feels like any one of them could be taken from the story and placed into another work, and they'd still be real. They have conversations I could imagine happening. Everything just works. The writing, as usual (usual being my reading of Spirit Caller, not Traitor), is light and fun, and even when topics get serious it never descends into that horror that is grim-dark. There's always some brightness to be found. There was a moment at the start, where I thought something horrible was about to happen, but was so so pleasantly surprised for when it didn't. And I don't even read that many grim books.
Due to the length of the story, there's only so much that can happen, so there are plot points that never get resolved, and there are storylines I wished were more fleshed out. That said, it doesn't feel like they're forgotten, simply laid aside to be completed in book three. Which I would never much like now. Hint hint, nudge nudge.
Overall, it's a fitting second book to the series. There's no slump in my opinion, only a story getting better and better. If I had to complain, it would be that it wasn't long enough. The series as a whole is probably the best traditional place for readers to get a feel of Krista's writing. Trad fantasy, although with a bit more modern spin on things.
March 8, 2021
Plot moves quick, covers a lot of ground, and definitely had some unexpected twists. The characters are all just as great as in the first book, with some fun dialogue and some delicious, well deserved rage as well.
The one thing I really wish for is a map or even a glossary, because I have trouble wrapping my head around exactly what nations are doing what and who's involved where. But it's doable to get along without.
Definitely a good read, looking forward to book 3!
The one thing I really wish for is a map or even a glossary, because I have trouble wrapping my head around exactly what nations are doing what and who's involved where. But it's doable to get along without.
Definitely a good read, looking forward to book 3!
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September 15, 2022The middle volume of The Dark Abyss of Our Sins picks up briskly where The Demons We See left off. This book deftly weaves keen suspense in all quarters, from desperate flights in poor conditions, to a rising supernatural threat and persecution of mages building toward bloody civil war. Krista Ball threads interpersonal romances with diverse casting through an astute eye for the wedge of inertia driven by power and politics when brisk action is urgently needed. I enjoyed the story's well ramped pressure as tensions rise on all fronts, with the smaller personal conflicts and the brutally real connection to the inaction of people accustomed to power being confronted with their greed and shortfalls. I love Krista Ball for her ability to distill what we know, what frustrates us in our worldly lives with vivacious and often edgy characters who use hard, even raunchy language to batter through confilct when superior attitudes thwart what needs to be done with stuck up superiority. This is a recommended series, on all counts, romance, action, logistics, blind bigotry, and the common problems any extablished society must face when war upends society, and I look forward to the final volume with great anticipation.
July 29, 2018
I've read the first book in this series, The Demons We See, twice: once at its release and then again this week in preparation for this release. Both times, finishing the book came with a strong need to play Dragon Age. Makes sense, right? The author has stated multiple times that this series is, at least in part, a love letter to those games.
I just finished The Nightmare We Know a little bit ago, and instead of needing Dragon Age, I simply need MORE OF THIS SERIES. As someone who struggles to read book after book of the same series (even those I love!), I'm left trying to figure out exactly what caused this feeling for me.
I could blame it on the character drama, my usual drug of choice, being evolved beyond what we saw in Demons to deepen a wider range of characters in a wider range of contexts. There's also a super fun mystery element in trying to figure out who opened the demon portal from the previous book (and also trying to figure something else out, but yeah spoilers). And sure yeah, on a technical level this is also just a very well-paced, well-written story.
I think what really hooks me though is that I hate politics in like 90% of fantasy. I do. It's the worst. It's always about things that I guess could matter conceptually to the reader but are so outside of their book's scope that it just feels dry. That or it's a situation where there's a very clear "the good guys want to do what's necessary and the bad guys are cowards" set-up and you're just left waiting around until the hero can make the good guys win the argument.
You could argue that there's a little bit of both of these elements to the political drama of Nightmare, but it succeeds by being built on top of everything else of this story. Characters matter, their histories and concerns as revealed throughout the series matter, the uncertainty they all share regarding each other and mages matters too! And all of the story, all of this context, is directed at one question:
How do they handle the demands of the army sitting right outside their walls?
The Nightmare We Know is a fantastic book and I seriously can't wait for the sequel next year!
P.S. This is yet another review I've written mostly as a need to vent about my experience with it. Apologies for any incoherence!
I just finished The Nightmare We Know a little bit ago, and instead of needing Dragon Age, I simply need MORE OF THIS SERIES. As someone who struggles to read book after book of the same series (even those I love!), I'm left trying to figure out exactly what caused this feeling for me.
I could blame it on the character drama, my usual drug of choice, being evolved beyond what we saw in Demons to deepen a wider range of characters in a wider range of contexts. There's also a super fun mystery element in trying to figure out who opened the demon portal from the previous book (and also trying to figure something else out, but yeah spoilers). And sure yeah, on a technical level this is also just a very well-paced, well-written story.
I think what really hooks me though is that I hate politics in like 90% of fantasy. I do. It's the worst. It's always about things that I guess could matter conceptually to the reader but are so outside of their book's scope that it just feels dry. That or it's a situation where there's a very clear "the good guys want to do what's necessary and the bad guys are cowards" set-up and you're just left waiting around until the hero can make the good guys win the argument.
You could argue that there's a little bit of both of these elements to the political drama of Nightmare, but it succeeds by being built on top of everything else of this story. Characters matter, their histories and concerns as revealed throughout the series matter, the uncertainty they all share regarding each other and mages matters too! And all of the story, all of this context, is directed at one question:
How do they handle the demands of the army sitting right outside their walls?
The Nightmare We Know is a fantastic book and I seriously can't wait for the sequel next year!
P.S. This is yet another review I've written mostly as a need to vent about my experience with it. Apologies for any incoherence!
September 7, 2020
I have to say that I was a tad scared to start this one, because the first book was good, and I enjoyed it so much, but the main point of my enjoyment was the novelty of it all: I mean, for once we have an amazing MC, a noblewoman, whose best quality is that she manages to be amazing being exactly what she is supposed to be (and I know, it sounds a bit confusing, but maybe my review of the first book would help clear the air a bit). She is a kickass heroine, she was in the first book, and she is in this one. But she is kickass as a noblewoman, so she is good to be a political being (even if she has a temper, that’s for sure! But I won’t fault her for that, those suckers deserved it all, and more!), she is good at management, she knows who is who, and she knows how to use all the power that she gets. But she is not a swordswoman, she is not a warrior (if we think about the classic warrior), she is physically good, but she is not fit to live a soldier’s life, for example. She feels the strain of life, she is used to some commodities, for example, and even if she is not a brat or a pampered princess, she is a noblewoman and we really see that. And I loved it so much!
And I am so so glad to see all of that in this sequel, too.
But this is not the only good thing. Obviously. We have so many amazing characters in there! Lex and Dodd were as amazing as I remembered them, and I am so looking forward to the next book because it seems like we would see so much more of them around. And I cannot way!
And then we have the Pope. He is such an original character! I have to say that I appreciated him more in the first book, but he is a coherent character, and even if I was sort of disappointed in him in this one, I was expecting something like that. And ok, I was hoping for more from him, because come on! How can you??? We are speaking about Allegra here! And your husband! And the Captain! And the Consorts!! Oh, come on! (And yes, I know that you don’t know what I am speaking about, but there is a simple solution… go and read this series!!! Now!). But it was all so well done that it is just natural. And even if I was disappointed, I wasn’t so much, because nothing here is out of character.
The author has done an amazing job with all her characters. We get to meet them, and we become attached to most of them, because they all feel so real. And most of them are amazing people. I’d love to meet them for real! And yes, I am talking about the Captain, about Imogen (I hope I wrote it right!), about Father Michael, and many others.
Even if I think that the best feature of this book is the characters, it is not the only good thing in there. We have an intriguing plot, with action, mystery, politics, and relationship. And we have an interesting development on all the fronts. Also, I cannot way to read the sequel, because I need the mystery solved (yes, I am so so curious!), and I need to meet them all again.
I loved this book, and I don’t know if I managed to make it justice, but I really hope to at least have made you a little curious about this series, because it is good. And original. And compelling. And just so amazing! And fun. And moving. And much much more!
And I am so so glad to see all of that in this sequel, too.
But this is not the only good thing. Obviously. We have so many amazing characters in there! Lex and Dodd were as amazing as I remembered them, and I am so looking forward to the next book because it seems like we would see so much more of them around. And I cannot way!
And then we have the Pope. He is such an original character! I have to say that I appreciated him more in the first book, but he is a coherent character, and even if I was sort of disappointed in him in this one, I was expecting something like that. And ok, I was hoping for more from him, because come on! How can you??? We are speaking about Allegra here! And your husband! And the Captain! And the Consorts!! Oh, come on! (And yes, I know that you don’t know what I am speaking about, but there is a simple solution… go and read this series!!! Now!). But it was all so well done that it is just natural. And even if I was disappointed, I wasn’t so much, because nothing here is out of character.
The author has done an amazing job with all her characters. We get to meet them, and we become attached to most of them, because they all feel so real. And most of them are amazing people. I’d love to meet them for real! And yes, I am talking about the Captain, about Imogen (I hope I wrote it right!), about Father Michael, and many others.
Even if I think that the best feature of this book is the characters, it is not the only good thing in there. We have an intriguing plot, with action, mystery, politics, and relationship. And we have an interesting development on all the fronts. Also, I cannot way to read the sequel, because I need the mystery solved (yes, I am so so curious!), and I need to meet them all again.
I loved this book, and I don’t know if I managed to make it justice, but I really hope to at least have made you a little curious about this series, because it is good. And original. And compelling. And just so amazing! And fun. And moving. And much much more!
March 4, 2021
3.5 stars, a solid sequel to a fun book
Arbiter of Justice, Contessa Allegra is reeling from the assassination of a queen by her fanatic general once he learned that she is a mage. Allegra and her retinue of body guards retreat along with the original mage rebellion to a nearby abbey where they hope to withstand the vicious onslaught of General Bonacieux. This book didn't go in quite the direction I expected it to. After the serious shit gets real twist of the last book upended a major country's political structure, I was expecting this book to deal with the aftermath pretty immediately but the book spends its first half dealing with interpersonal drama between friends and romantic pairs. It's well done so I can't complain but it did take a bit longer than I expected to get back to the political struggle for the freedom of the mages. Once we were back in the thick of that plot though, I found the book picked up quite a bit and I enjoyed it nearly as much as the first one.
Arbiter of Justice, Contessa Allegra is reeling from the assassination of a queen by her fanatic general once he learned that she is a mage. Allegra and her retinue of body guards retreat along with the original mage rebellion to a nearby abbey where they hope to withstand the vicious onslaught of General Bonacieux. This book didn't go in quite the direction I expected it to. After the serious shit gets real twist of the last book upended a major country's political structure, I was expecting this book to deal with the aftermath pretty immediately but the book spends its first half dealing with interpersonal drama between friends and romantic pairs. It's well done so I can't complain but it did take a bit longer than I expected to get back to the political struggle for the freedom of the mages. Once we were back in the thick of that plot though, I found the book picked up quite a bit and I enjoyed it nearly as much as the first one.
May 4, 2021
Katie's Book Report - Contains Spoilers - For my own failing memory...
Originally written on reddit r/fantasy on 1-29-21
I've been meaning to read this series for over six months now, and it finally bubbled up to the top of my TBR two weeks ago. Had I the slightest inkling as to the quality and depth of world-building or the powerful themes woven into this High Fantasy plot, I would have delved into this series much sooner. After finishing the first book, I found myself genuinely surprised: how are these books not recommended or talked about more widely on this subreddit? these are fantastic! I don't often write full-length reviews, feeling compelled only when genuinely overcome with appreciation or emotionally impacted in some profound way. Needless to say, the existence of this review itself conveys how impressed and affected I was by reading the first two books of The Dark Abyss of Our Sins by Krista D. Ball, and I hope to shed some light on the why, thereby making a case for others to not wait as long as I did and pick up these books as soon as possible!
Without spoilers, there are several aspects of this series that really stood out to me. First and foremost is the world-building, which is done adeptly at both a macro and micro scale, providing breadth and depth to this alternate universe. The land of Serna consists of multiple, medieval Kingdoms and a powerful religious authority led by a Pope and conclave of Cardinals. Much of the plot is driven by the politicking of these warring factions, who not only battle each other for power, but also for the fate of mages, a people enslaved and marginalized for the magic they wield. If you enjoy court politics and intrigue, you will certainly enjoy these books! The world-building extends beyond politics, religion, magic, and social structure, venturing into the mundane activities and aspects of day-to-day life - food and drink at the market stalls, emptying a chamber pot, constrictive corsets, and ink stains from writing, to name a few. Attention to these details complements and enhances the macro-elements of the world-building, serving to transport you more fully into this realistic yet fantastical realm.
Second, the plot themes are profound and compelling. Although many social justice issues are addressed, the evils of slavery - both institutional slavery and slavery enforced through the marginalization of a people - are the focal point and central to the plot. Magic is wielded by mages, and since magic is evil according to the strict, religious interpretations of history, these people are "less-than" and literally marked for slavery. Elemental mages, even more threatening due to their inherent power, are considered dangerous, purported to be in league with demons from another realm, and are therefore not only enslaved, but sent to their deaths via the horrible working conditions and abuse of the mines. The main character - Allegra - is a mage that was never marked due to her status in society, but has been hiding from herself and her gifts her entire life out of fear of being labeled an elemental. The plot follows her quest to free her people and all those marginalized, while struggling with her own morals and fears around embracing her powers and her self-worth as an elemental.
The struggle of what it means to live genuinely is another strong theme of this book. The author creates a compelling juxtaposition between Allegra and the character Lex, who was born a woman, but lives as a man. The friendship between Allegra and Lex, and the advice Lex provides to Allegra about living genuinely and the joy it has brought to his life moves Allegra and helps her to embrace her life as a mage. This device was one of the things I loved most about this book: Krista creates a world where people oft marginalized in our own society are accepted and treated as equals in hers, and these people serve as counter-examples to the intolerance of and abuses towards mages and the poor.
Social commentary does not stop there. Krista paints a stark picture of class inequality - the over-abundance of wealth and prosperity (especially of the church) is set in bleak contrast to the abject poverty of the poor refugees forced to flee their homes in fear of reprisal. She addresses the evils of moderation in politics - the slippery slope of compromising your beliefs in an effort to maintain peace, which can unexpectedly transform into an excuse used to protect and grow political power.
Finally, the characterization in these books is strong. If you've read other series by Krista, you know how talented she is as creating characters you love to hate, and this series is no exception - you will loathe Cardinal Vanida from the first moment you meet him. The cast is wonderfully diverse, including several LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. The romantic sub-plot between Allegra and Stanton is refreshingly adult and substantive in its development. The dialogue is natural and witty, each character's unique voice coming through in their speech. I developed an emotional investment in the characters, their cause, and the struggle of the mages and the poor. There is a scene toward the end of the second book where Allegra and her band of allies frees mages and slaves, and I was moved to literal tears.
Krista has promised us Book 3 and the conclusion to this fabulous trilogy by the end of 2021, and I am (not so) patiently awaiting to find out who is creating the mysterious portals and how this wonderful band of characters saves the world from demons and brings social justice to Serna. I highly recommend reading this series to anyone that enjoys fantasy with court politics, social justice themes, a touch of romance and mystery, and strong world-building and characterization - you will not be disappointed!
Originally written on reddit r/fantasy on 1-29-21
I've been meaning to read this series for over six months now, and it finally bubbled up to the top of my TBR two weeks ago. Had I the slightest inkling as to the quality and depth of world-building or the powerful themes woven into this High Fantasy plot, I would have delved into this series much sooner. After finishing the first book, I found myself genuinely surprised: how are these books not recommended or talked about more widely on this subreddit? these are fantastic! I don't often write full-length reviews, feeling compelled only when genuinely overcome with appreciation or emotionally impacted in some profound way. Needless to say, the existence of this review itself conveys how impressed and affected I was by reading the first two books of The Dark Abyss of Our Sins by Krista D. Ball, and I hope to shed some light on the why, thereby making a case for others to not wait as long as I did and pick up these books as soon as possible!
Without spoilers, there are several aspects of this series that really stood out to me. First and foremost is the world-building, which is done adeptly at both a macro and micro scale, providing breadth and depth to this alternate universe. The land of Serna consists of multiple, medieval Kingdoms and a powerful religious authority led by a Pope and conclave of Cardinals. Much of the plot is driven by the politicking of these warring factions, who not only battle each other for power, but also for the fate of mages, a people enslaved and marginalized for the magic they wield. If you enjoy court politics and intrigue, you will certainly enjoy these books! The world-building extends beyond politics, religion, magic, and social structure, venturing into the mundane activities and aspects of day-to-day life - food and drink at the market stalls, emptying a chamber pot, constrictive corsets, and ink stains from writing, to name a few. Attention to these details complements and enhances the macro-elements of the world-building, serving to transport you more fully into this realistic yet fantastical realm.
Second, the plot themes are profound and compelling. Although many social justice issues are addressed, the evils of slavery - both institutional slavery and slavery enforced through the marginalization of a people - are the focal point and central to the plot. Magic is wielded by mages, and since magic is evil according to the strict, religious interpretations of history, these people are "less-than" and literally marked for slavery. Elemental mages, even more threatening due to their inherent power, are considered dangerous, purported to be in league with demons from another realm, and are therefore not only enslaved, but sent to their deaths via the horrible working conditions and abuse of the mines. The main character - Allegra - is a mage that was never marked due to her status in society, but has been hiding from herself and her gifts her entire life out of fear of being labeled an elemental. The plot follows her quest to free her people and all those marginalized, while struggling with her own morals and fears around embracing her powers and her self-worth as an elemental.
The struggle of what it means to live genuinely is another strong theme of this book. The author creates a compelling juxtaposition between Allegra and the character Lex, who was born a woman, but lives as a man. The friendship between Allegra and Lex, and the advice Lex provides to Allegra about living genuinely and the joy it has brought to his life moves Allegra and helps her to embrace her life as a mage. This device was one of the things I loved most about this book: Krista creates a world where people oft marginalized in our own society are accepted and treated as equals in hers, and these people serve as counter-examples to the intolerance of and abuses towards mages and the poor.
Social commentary does not stop there. Krista paints a stark picture of class inequality - the over-abundance of wealth and prosperity (especially of the church) is set in bleak contrast to the abject poverty of the poor refugees forced to flee their homes in fear of reprisal. She addresses the evils of moderation in politics - the slippery slope of compromising your beliefs in an effort to maintain peace, which can unexpectedly transform into an excuse used to protect and grow political power.
Finally, the characterization in these books is strong. If you've read other series by Krista, you know how talented she is as creating characters you love to hate, and this series is no exception - you will loathe Cardinal Vanida from the first moment you meet him. The cast is wonderfully diverse, including several LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. The romantic sub-plot between Allegra and Stanton is refreshingly adult and substantive in its development. The dialogue is natural and witty, each character's unique voice coming through in their speech. I developed an emotional investment in the characters, their cause, and the struggle of the mages and the poor. There is a scene toward the end of the second book where Allegra and her band of allies frees mages and slaves, and I was moved to literal tears.
Krista has promised us Book 3 and the conclusion to this fabulous trilogy by the end of 2021, and I am (not so) patiently awaiting to find out who is creating the mysterious portals and how this wonderful band of characters saves the world from demons and brings social justice to Serna. I highly recommend reading this series to anyone that enjoys fantasy with court politics, social justice themes, a touch of romance and mystery, and strong world-building and characterization - you will not be disappointed!
July 29, 2018
Everything that made the first book great is back and then some. I honestly think this one is better. But that could be due to the events of this one taking place in such a way that the pacing was a little brisker. Which is impressive because Krista's pacing is pretty brisk all around. The book picks up shortly after the end of the first book and goes on to deal with the aftermath of that ending and the consequences thereof. All the characters get something new to chew on.
Allegra's job as Arbiter takes an unexpected turn when faced with the whiny ass cardinals. Rainer starts dealing with his new view of the world and it's effects on being back in Orsini. Lex is dealing with a nearly fatal injury and the feelings recovery is causing. Dodd is dealing with...Lex. And there's plenty more with several other characters. There's a lot for everyone to do without feeling crowded or overwhelming and, like the first, it's all very fun and everyone is sassy as hell and I cannot help but picture Rupert/Francois as Ryan Gage's Louis in The Musketeers, except Pope instead of King. Really, it amounts to the same anyways.
If you enjoyed the first book, you will most definitely enjoy this one. Put it in your face.
Allegra's job as Arbiter takes an unexpected turn when faced with the whiny ass cardinals. Rainer starts dealing with his new view of the world and it's effects on being back in Orsini. Lex is dealing with a nearly fatal injury and the feelings recovery is causing. Dodd is dealing with...Lex. And there's plenty more with several other characters. There's a lot for everyone to do without feeling crowded or overwhelming and, like the first, it's all very fun and everyone is sassy as hell and I cannot help but picture Rupert/Francois as Ryan Gage's Louis in The Musketeers, except Pope instead of King. Really, it amounts to the same anyways.
If you enjoyed the first book, you will most definitely enjoy this one. Put it in your face.
August 19, 2018
The Nightmare We Know is the second book of The Dark Abyss of Our Sins trilogy, a sort of high fantasy story revolving around politics and magic, with a good dash of romantic subplot.
I’m a huge fan of Krista’s and I’ve read several of her books now, both fiction and non-fiction and I really do think every book published is just a tad better than the previous one. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but it really does feel that way.
The first book in the series ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so needless to say I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while. We pick up where we left off with our characters separated into two groups, neither knowing if the others survived the events of the first book. But they’re not given time to grieve as they still have an army on their tails, bent on their destruction. They’re beaten down, injured, exhausted, and exposed to the elements, but they have to keep moving forward to safety. The first part of the book is a bit of a slow speed chase but I loved the way the tension was kept up throughout. Even once we get past that immediate danger there is a good bit of tension as our characters try to convince the city officials of the danger on the way. The end featured some great action sequences with an epic battle. Overall I really enjoyed the pacing of this one!
There are also a lot of politics in this book. Not intrigue, but bureaucracy. You really get a sense of how dysfunctional governments can be when bureaucracy is involved. So much red tape involved in even getting the simplest action set into motion. It’s frustrating for our characters and it’s frustrating to read about because I see the echos from our own government reflected here. There’s also a bit about those that are refugees from the first book that had to flee their home after it was attacked seeking a safe haven and how the different classes of people are treated differently. There’s plenty of food for thought, seeing things that could apply to our own world reflected here.
That being said, this book never gets tedious and it’s a fun read because of the characters. The dialogue is great and I love to watch the back and forth between various characters, especially when they’re joking with one another. Characters are really Krista’s strength. You can’t help but love our heroes and want to root for them and feel frustrated along with them when things aren’t going well. I also love the relationships between the characters, whether it’s friendship or romantic in nature (I could squee about the romances in this forever, btw). It was tough when they were separated, wondering if they would ever be reunited. And watching how the relationships evolved throughout, some growing stronger and others failing under the stress of the situation. In this book you start to learn what’s most important to them, what they’re willing to fight for. There were some surprises here for me.
There is a little bit of darker stuff in this one. The characters have been through hell and they haven’t come out of the other side unscathed. Some of them are dealing with physical ailments while others are dealing with trauma. And yet the story never feels too heavy. The dialogue and interactions between the characters help to keep things light.
Overall, I loved The Nightmare We Know and I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy. If you like books about people fighting for what they believe in, friendship and a dash of romance, you should probably check this series out. 5/5 stars.
I’m a huge fan of Krista’s and I’ve read several of her books now, both fiction and non-fiction and I really do think every book published is just a tad better than the previous one. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but it really does feel that way.
The first book in the series ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so needless to say I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while. We pick up where we left off with our characters separated into two groups, neither knowing if the others survived the events of the first book. But they’re not given time to grieve as they still have an army on their tails, bent on their destruction. They’re beaten down, injured, exhausted, and exposed to the elements, but they have to keep moving forward to safety. The first part of the book is a bit of a slow speed chase but I loved the way the tension was kept up throughout. Even once we get past that immediate danger there is a good bit of tension as our characters try to convince the city officials of the danger on the way. The end featured some great action sequences with an epic battle. Overall I really enjoyed the pacing of this one!
There are also a lot of politics in this book. Not intrigue, but bureaucracy. You really get a sense of how dysfunctional governments can be when bureaucracy is involved. So much red tape involved in even getting the simplest action set into motion. It’s frustrating for our characters and it’s frustrating to read about because I see the echos from our own government reflected here. There’s also a bit about those that are refugees from the first book that had to flee their home after it was attacked seeking a safe haven and how the different classes of people are treated differently. There’s plenty of food for thought, seeing things that could apply to our own world reflected here.
That being said, this book never gets tedious and it’s a fun read because of the characters. The dialogue is great and I love to watch the back and forth between various characters, especially when they’re joking with one another. Characters are really Krista’s strength. You can’t help but love our heroes and want to root for them and feel frustrated along with them when things aren’t going well. I also love the relationships between the characters, whether it’s friendship or romantic in nature (I could squee about the romances in this forever, btw). It was tough when they were separated, wondering if they would ever be reunited. And watching how the relationships evolved throughout, some growing stronger and others failing under the stress of the situation. In this book you start to learn what’s most important to them, what they’re willing to fight for. There were some surprises here for me.
There is a little bit of darker stuff in this one. The characters have been through hell and they haven’t come out of the other side unscathed. Some of them are dealing with physical ailments while others are dealing with trauma. And yet the story never feels too heavy. The dialogue and interactions between the characters help to keep things light.
Overall, I loved The Nightmare We Know and I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy. If you like books about people fighting for what they believe in, friendship and a dash of romance, you should probably check this series out. 5/5 stars.
June 9, 2023
Read as part of the r/fantasy Book Bingo Challenge 2023 for the "Self-published / Indie publisher" category. Hard Mode for this square is a book with fewer than 100 ratings on Goodreads or an author who has done an AMA on the subreddit.
We are back in the world of politics and demon portals, back to scheming, manoeuvring, civil war and loyalty lines. Once again, we follow Contessa Allegra, now on the run from General Bonacieux and fervently hopeful that she won't be outed as an elemental mage, as she flees the ruins of Boro Monastery and heads towards Orsini, the Cathedral and surely refuge. In a parallel line, Captain Stanton Rainier is trying to do the same, as he tried to keep Lex and his refugees alive. And once they converge in Orsini, what's to happen with the General? Will everyone take the threat seriously or will they have to scramble to be believed? And what will happen when more demon portals start appearing in Orsini, and Walter Cram, demon lover, just so happens to be around?
It's in some ways a book that relies a lot more on set pieces and machinations than big action sequences (though we do get one of those and it's very cool when it happens). It's a book that relies a lot on setup for the final payoff in the trilogy, but it didn't feel like it suffered from the usual 'middle book' syndrome. I was engaged throughout and I really cared about all the relationships that Ball sets up. You have the romance of course, once again with actual adults speaking to each other rather than making assumptions and even the budding relationship between is handled nicely - there are moments of awkwardness and tenderness, moments when things go unsaid, but honestly I like that for once they actually tackle those moments. No one is simply left hanging, there are awkward chats and everything is all the better for it.
Beyond this, the relationship between Francois and Allegra becomes ever more fraught, as the two of them pick sides in the matter of slavery and elemental mages. It's an interesting relationship to watch, because while we as readers clearly see why they choose what they choose (and why one definitely outweighs the other), they as characters wholly believe in their own righteousness. It creates a really interesting dynamic that I hope we get to see in book 3 as well.
Overall, really enjoyed it, I want to see how everything plays out and I hope Ball can stick the landing!
We are back in the world of politics and demon portals, back to scheming, manoeuvring, civil war and loyalty lines. Once again, we follow Contessa Allegra, now on the run from General Bonacieux and fervently hopeful that she won't be outed as an elemental mage, as she flees the ruins of Boro Monastery and heads towards Orsini, the Cathedral and surely refuge. In a parallel line, Captain Stanton Rainier is trying to do the same, as he tried to keep Lex and his refugees alive. And once they converge in Orsini, what's to happen with the General? Will everyone take the threat seriously or will they have to scramble to be believed? And what will happen when more demon portals start appearing in Orsini, and Walter Cram, demon lover, just so happens to be around?
It's in some ways a book that relies a lot more on set pieces and machinations than big action sequences (though we do get one of those and it's very cool when it happens). It's a book that relies a lot on setup for the final payoff in the trilogy, but it didn't feel like it suffered from the usual 'middle book' syndrome. I was engaged throughout and I really cared about all the relationships that Ball sets up. You have the romance of course, once again with actual adults speaking to each other rather than making assumptions and even the budding relationship between is handled nicely - there are moments of awkwardness and tenderness, moments when things go unsaid, but honestly I like that for once they actually tackle those moments. No one is simply left hanging, there are awkward chats and everything is all the better for it.
Beyond this, the relationship between Francois and Allegra becomes ever more fraught, as the two of them pick sides in the matter of slavery and elemental mages. It's an interesting relationship to watch, because while we as readers clearly see why they choose what they choose (and why one definitely outweighs the other), they as characters wholly believe in their own righteousness. It creates a really interesting dynamic that I hope we get to see in book 3 as well.
Overall, really enjoyed it, I want to see how everything plays out and I hope Ball can stick the landing!
April 2, 2024
[There are no explicit plot spoilers in this review.]
The Nightmare We Know is the second book in the Dark Abyss of Our Sins trilogy by Krista D. Ball. The story takes us back to Orsini, the major seat of power and now under the imminent threat of civil war. Outside stressors turn the situation between normals and mages from an ivory tower theological debate into one with real, immediate consequences for all factions. As conditions deteriorate, the main characters become more aware of the imbalance in power and the hypocrisy of the clergy.
I greatly enjoyed the plot progression in this segment of the story, especially the looming threat of General Bonacieux whose motivation and intentions are still something of a black box. The character development didn’t work quite as well for me this time around – after the wonderful development of each main character in Book 1, most characters felt like they were marking time here. Part of the problem was the use of extended inner monologues where each character reflected upon the events that just happened. These monologues were so full of plot recap that I felt like I was reading a magazine serial rather than a through-written novel. Each character’s perspective on an event wasn’t different enough than the previous character’s perspective to justify the repetition.
What I did like about this book was its willingness to upset the game board. Lines are drawn, the stage is set, and we’ve passed the point where anything about the plot is "safe". This makes me eager to see how it all turns out in the concluding book, The Sins We Seek.
The Nightmare We Know is the second book in the Dark Abyss of Our Sins trilogy by Krista D. Ball. The story takes us back to Orsini, the major seat of power and now under the imminent threat of civil war. Outside stressors turn the situation between normals and mages from an ivory tower theological debate into one with real, immediate consequences for all factions. As conditions deteriorate, the main characters become more aware of the imbalance in power and the hypocrisy of the clergy.
I greatly enjoyed the plot progression in this segment of the story, especially the looming threat of General Bonacieux whose motivation and intentions are still something of a black box. The character development didn’t work quite as well for me this time around – after the wonderful development of each main character in Book 1, most characters felt like they were marking time here. Part of the problem was the use of extended inner monologues where each character reflected upon the events that just happened. These monologues were so full of plot recap that I felt like I was reading a magazine serial rather than a through-written novel. Each character’s perspective on an event wasn’t different enough than the previous character’s perspective to justify the repetition.
What I did like about this book was its willingness to upset the game board. Lines are drawn, the stage is set, and we’ve passed the point where anything about the plot is "safe". This makes me eager to see how it all turns out in the concluding book, The Sins We Seek.
Read
July 10, 2024I really enjoyed spending time with these characters. I know there's a whole plot going on but it's the characters who are really interesting to me. I like how varied they are and how varied their relationships are, and that friendship is so highly valued. Though the mystery is drawing me in, I look forward to finding out all the things in the third book.
The author seems to have her past tense irregular verbs confused. Specifically, combining simple past (he ran, she drank) and past perfect (he had run, she had drunk). The use of phrases like 'he had ran away' and 'she had drank all wine' were distracting.
The author seems to have her past tense irregular verbs confused. Specifically, combining simple past (he ran, she drank) and past perfect (he had run, she had drunk). The use of phrases like 'he had ran away' and 'she had drank all wine' were distracting.
December 2, 2024
Man, I'm disappointed. After a strong start to the trilogy I had high expectations for book 2 and was let down immensely. The complex morality of the characters we saw in the first book were watered down and simplified here. The good guys became the Goodest Guys™ and the villains became the Evilest Evil That Ever Eviled™. All the internal and external monologuing was extremely cringe, and the same jokes were recycled over and over again. I may continue on to the third book... eventually... ugh.
August 11, 2018
Another fantastic read
I accidentally discovered Krista D. Ball on Twitter and from there stumbled into her books. I've now read quite a lot of her worksxm, but this is my favorite series so far. I love the characterization and the world building.
I accidentally discovered Krista D. Ball on Twitter and from there stumbled into her books. I've now read quite a lot of her worksxm, but this is my favorite series so far. I love the characterization and the world building.
August 21, 2018
A good read - waiting for next part!
December 8, 2023
Very good. Easy read.
December 2, 2025
Better than the first
Although there were a few spots where the story lagged, it was overall better paced and more enjoyable than book one.
Although there were a few spots where the story lagged, it was overall better paced and more enjoyable than book one.
June 15, 2020
Book 2 delivers all the great stuff from book 1, and I felt like it had much less chill. A thing has already happened, and the story hits the ground running and barely slows down till the end. There are a few breather moments and sweet scenes between characters, but they’re few, and sometimes abruptly interrupted. The tension is always there. The action to politics ratio is more balanced, especially as there is one big looming threat throughout most of the story. There’s still a considerable amount of bureaucracy, but it’s all under pressure.
The characters are again the main attraction. Allegra delivers a bunch of scathing speeches that are brilliant. There’s a lot of growth for many of the main cast. I liked how some relationships grow and others struggle under strain. The events of the previous books have real consequences in the way people relate to the world, and how they change their minds, which is something I don’t see that often. Usually it’s at the end of the last book in a series that people start to change.
If not for stupid work Monday morning I would’ve read this in one sitting, and I regret putting it away at bedtime cause all night and day I couldn’t focus on anything else.
visit my blog www.dianthaa.com for more of my reviews
The characters are again the main attraction. Allegra delivers a bunch of scathing speeches that are brilliant. There’s a lot of growth for many of the main cast. I liked how some relationships grow and others struggle under strain. The events of the previous books have real consequences in the way people relate to the world, and how they change their minds, which is something I don’t see that often. Usually it’s at the end of the last book in a series that people start to change.
If not for stupid work Monday morning I would’ve read this in one sitting, and I regret putting it away at bedtime cause all night and day I couldn’t focus on anything else.
visit my blog www.dianthaa.com for more of my reviews
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