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Alpha Goddess #2
Dark Goddess
After an epic struggle that unseated the Asura Lord of Death and placed Serjana Caelum’s best friend, Kyle, on his throne, the Mortal Realm is peaceful and the balance between good and evil—which Sera is sworn to protect—has been restored.
But signs of a new threat to the world of men quickly begin to appear: A scourge of demons descends on the Mortal Realm, and Sera is beside herself trying to locate their source. She sends word to the gods for help, and their answer comes in the form of Kira, the living incarnation of Kali, goddess of destruction.
Stunning and dangerous, Kira plans to protect the heavens at all cost, even if it means destroying the entire Mortal Realm. Soon Sera and Kyle find themselves fighting not just the demon plague, but Kira and her twin. But when an even more sinister threat arises—putting not just the human world but all planes of existence in jeopardy—they must all learn to work together or lose everything they sacrificed so much to save.
But signs of a new threat to the world of men quickly begin to appear: A scourge of demons descends on the Mortal Realm, and Sera is beside herself trying to locate their source. She sends word to the gods for help, and their answer comes in the form of Kira, the living incarnation of Kali, goddess of destruction.
Stunning and dangerous, Kira plans to protect the heavens at all cost, even if it means destroying the entire Mortal Realm. Soon Sera and Kyle find themselves fighting not just the demon plague, but Kira and her twin. But when an even more sinister threat arises—putting not just the human world but all planes of existence in jeopardy—they must all learn to work together or lose everything they sacrificed so much to save.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published February 13, 2018
7 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Amalie Howard
46 books3,272 followersAMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, most notably of The Beast of Beswick, “a smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance,” and one of O-The Oprah Magazine’s Top 24 Best Historicals to Read. She is the co-author of the #1 bestsellers in regency romance and Scottish historical romance, My Rogue, My Ruin and What A Scot Wants, and has also penned several young adult novels, critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s INDIE NEXT selection. Of Indo-Caribbean descent, she has written articles on multicultural fiction for The Portland Book Review and Ravishly magazine. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her at amaliehoward.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 12, 2021
The only reason I read this after the disappointing Alpha Goddess was because of Goddess Kali reincarnation. Goddess Kali is the destroyer of all evils and she is one of my favorite Goddesses to read about.
Anyway, the story starts out a lot better than the previous book and there is a lot of action but all that action still didn't make up for the lack of a plot. So many things are intertwined without explanation.
I liked Kira better than Sera and I even liked Kyle in this. In fact, his character was the only one that had any reasonable development. It was still a better read than its predecessor.
2.5 stars
Anyway, the story starts out a lot better than the previous book and there is a lot of action but all that action still didn't make up for the lack of a plot. So many things are intertwined without explanation.
I liked Kira better than Sera and I even liked Kyle in this. In fact, his character was the only one that had any reasonable development. It was still a better read than its predecessor.
2.5 stars
May 3, 2018
Dark Goddess was yet another example of how Amalie Howard sweeps you into her world and catches your breath as you go. Her characters grow with you as you follow their journey. Her use of color and imagery not only paint vivid scenes but also ebb and flow with the themes of light and dark, conflict and compassion, life and death that run through this story.
I loved revisiting Sera’s world and learning what happens next with all of the Alpha Goddess inhabitants. Although I’ve always been fascinated with stories of “old” gods, I never learned about the Indian religions - the lens through which this story is based. Luckily, Howard’s writing is such that you gain the knowledge needed as you traverse her landscape and I was never left feeling bewildered by names or connections. She weaves each person/being in to the story seamlessly.
I loved revisiting Sera’s world and learning what happens next with all of the Alpha Goddess inhabitants. Although I’ve always been fascinated with stories of “old” gods, I never learned about the Indian religions - the lens through which this story is based. Luckily, Howard’s writing is such that you gain the knowledge needed as you traverse her landscape and I was never left feeling bewildered by names or connections. She weaves each person/being in to the story seamlessly.
April 30, 2020
First things first… how pretty is that cover?!?! I’m ridiculously in love with it and I’m going to need a copy for my bookshelf. Dark Goddess was a really enjoyable read and I am really glad I got to visit this world once again.
In Alpha Goddess, Kyle was my favorite character. So I was really excited that he was such a huge part of Dark Goddess. In so many ways, Alpha Goddess was Sera’s story but Dark Goddess really belonged to Kyle. After everything he went through, he really had to come to terms with some truths about himself and who he wants to be. Kyle really finds himself in this one and I came to love him even more.
Of course I loved seeing Sera again, because she is a great heroine. She is so brave and selfless and never backs down from a challenge. But our newest character Kira kinda stole the show. She is just raw power and reckless and fearless and I loved her complexities.
For me, this is such a different kind of read. I haven’t read much surrounding Hindu mythology and I just really enjoyed diving into this world. It’s always fun to find a book that is different from your normal reads, especially when that book delivers.
Dark Goddess was a really enjoyable read with great characters. This author never lets me down.
In Alpha Goddess, Kyle was my favorite character. So I was really excited that he was such a huge part of Dark Goddess. In so many ways, Alpha Goddess was Sera’s story but Dark Goddess really belonged to Kyle. After everything he went through, he really had to come to terms with some truths about himself and who he wants to be. Kyle really finds himself in this one and I came to love him even more.
Of course I loved seeing Sera again, because she is a great heroine. She is so brave and selfless and never backs down from a challenge. But our newest character Kira kinda stole the show. She is just raw power and reckless and fearless and I loved her complexities.
For me, this is such a different kind of read. I haven’t read much surrounding Hindu mythology and I just really enjoyed diving into this world. It’s always fun to find a book that is different from your normal reads, especially when that book delivers.
Dark Goddess was a really enjoyable read with great characters. This author never lets me down.
February 14, 2018
Several Spoilers.
Even though this book was essentially one non-stop fighting scene, I was underwhelmed because I felt like the plot was forced to move but it was at a weird pace. I was also disappointed with the fact that Sera and Dev are apart for most of the story. And I felt like there was a lot of Indian mythology packed in, but not all of it was clearly explained, like it was filler material. I didn't like how there are two Parvati avatars sharing one body and that when Kyle finally chooses between the 'sisters' bam! Both in the same body! Creepy! And that Parvati's consort doesn't even care. The one thing I really liked is that Sera and Kyle's friendship wasn't ruined by their awkward kiss in the first book.
Even though this book was essentially one non-stop fighting scene, I was underwhelmed because I felt like the plot was forced to move but it was at a weird pace. I was also disappointed with the fact that Sera and Dev are apart for most of the story. And I felt like there was a lot of Indian mythology packed in, but not all of it was clearly explained, like it was filler material. I didn't like how there are two Parvati avatars sharing one body and that when Kyle finally chooses between the 'sisters' bam! Both in the same body! Creepy! And that Parvati's consort doesn't even care. The one thing I really liked is that Sera and Kyle's friendship wasn't ruined by their awkward kiss in the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2019
Sera and Kyle are back for more adventures in Xibalba in the second installment of the ALPHA GODDESS series by Amalie Howard, DARK GODDESS.
The teens narrowly averted the Kali Yuga in ALPHA GODDESS, but if they thought it was over, they'll have to think again. More demons are escaping the hell realms, regardless of how many Kyle sends back through the portals. The ruling gods and protectors of the mortal realm trust neither Sera nor Kyle, citing their separate parentage and exploits from the first half of the story. Dev has vanished back to Illysia, leaving Sera in the hands of some very zealous warrior goddesses, and without critical information that Kyle and Sera could sure use to get the demon problems under control.
To further complicate things, the situation has awoken two goddesses that are bent on resetting the balance, Kali and Durga. And Kyle is crushing on both of them. Because, you know, getting involved with volatile, destroyer goddesses that have a reputation for ignoring the rules is always a good idea when the human race is on the line. (Or so Sera points out.)
The clock is ticking and time for humanity is getting short. Can Sera and Kyle solve the riddle of the demon invasion, without help from the council, before Kali's deadline arrives?
This is another young adult, OwnVoices novel from an incredible author. Not your run of the mill Greek mythology, Ms. Howard pulls in all the colors, smells, and culture that surrounds Hindu beliefs and weaves them into a vibrant, diverse urban fantasy.
The teens narrowly averted the Kali Yuga in ALPHA GODDESS, but if they thought it was over, they'll have to think again. More demons are escaping the hell realms, regardless of how many Kyle sends back through the portals. The ruling gods and protectors of the mortal realm trust neither Sera nor Kyle, citing their separate parentage and exploits from the first half of the story. Dev has vanished back to Illysia, leaving Sera in the hands of some very zealous warrior goddesses, and without critical information that Kyle and Sera could sure use to get the demon problems under control.
To further complicate things, the situation has awoken two goddesses that are bent on resetting the balance, Kali and Durga. And Kyle is crushing on both of them. Because, you know, getting involved with volatile, destroyer goddesses that have a reputation for ignoring the rules is always a good idea when the human race is on the line. (Or so Sera points out.)
The clock is ticking and time for humanity is getting short. Can Sera and Kyle solve the riddle of the demon invasion, without help from the council, before Kali's deadline arrives?
This is another young adult, OwnVoices novel from an incredible author. Not your run of the mill Greek mythology, Ms. Howard pulls in all the colors, smells, and culture that surrounds Hindu beliefs and weaves them into a vibrant, diverse urban fantasy.
June 4, 2018
I really enjoyed diving back into Amalie Howard’s Alpha Goddess world. Like the first book in the series, Dark Goddess was unpredictable and had me wondering about the outcome until the very end.
Kira and Darika were interesting additions to the cast, providing additional aid and distraction as necessary.
Dark Goddess does a great job of tying the various plot threads into a neat bow, so I’m guessing we won’t see a third book. I’m not bothered by that, though. The ending was satisfying.
My one problem with Dark Goddess is a continuity error. In Alpha Goddess, Ms. Howard writes:
"And then it hit Sera — time in Xibalba was different from time in the Mortal Realms. What had been hours to her there had actually been days on Earth." –Alpha Goddess, pg 337
But in Dark Goddess, she contradicts herself with:
"Then again, time flowed differently in the Dark Realms than it did in the Mortal Realm. Hours there were mere minutes here." –Dark Goddess, pg 305
Not a major issue, of course, but slightly annoying. It pulled me out of the story when I read it.
Despite that minor hiccup, I enjoyed Dark Goddess and would heartily recommend the series.
Kira and Darika were interesting additions to the cast, providing additional aid and distraction as necessary.
Dark Goddess does a great job of tying the various plot threads into a neat bow, so I’m guessing we won’t see a third book. I’m not bothered by that, though. The ending was satisfying.
My one problem with Dark Goddess is a continuity error. In Alpha Goddess, Ms. Howard writes:
"And then it hit Sera — time in Xibalba was different from time in the Mortal Realms. What had been hours to her there had actually been days on Earth." –Alpha Goddess, pg 337
But in Dark Goddess, she contradicts herself with:
"Then again, time flowed differently in the Dark Realms than it did in the Mortal Realm. Hours there were mere minutes here." –Dark Goddess, pg 305
Not a major issue, of course, but slightly annoying. It pulled me out of the story when I read it.
Despite that minor hiccup, I enjoyed Dark Goddess and would heartily recommend the series.
May 21, 2018
There is only one word I can use to describe this book.
Wow.
There were many twists and turns that I didn't expect to see. I always wanted another book to follow on from the first one, and I'm so glad that Amalie wrote another one. I'm glad that the Characters had returned. Especially the one I thought was gone from the previous book.
The return of a couple of characters shocked me. Ra'al especially. I never thought I'd see that coming my way.
Kyle was surprising in this book, however, as I later read on, I felt really sorry for him. He went through enough suffering. He protected those he loved and cared about.
It was near the end of the book that got to me.
There is a lowercase letter in one of the chapters near the end of the book, otherwise, this was a really good read and would love to read over and over again.
Wow.
There were many twists and turns that I didn't expect to see. I always wanted another book to follow on from the first one, and I'm so glad that Amalie wrote another one. I'm glad that the Characters had returned. Especially the one I thought was gone from the previous book.
The return of a couple of characters shocked me. Ra'al especially. I never thought I'd see that coming my way.
Kyle was surprising in this book, however, as I later read on, I felt really sorry for him. He went through enough suffering. He protected those he loved and cared about.
It was near the end of the book that got to me.
There is a lowercase letter in one of the chapters near the end of the book, otherwise, this was a really good read and would love to read over and over again.
December 11, 2017
This review is in conjunction with Gothic Moms book reviews.
This exciting story picks up a few months after the first one ended. I think it's possible to read this without reading the first, but I believe reading book one will make this easier and more fun to read. It's easy to forget character arcs in subsequent stories. However, I feel like this author did a great job of pushing her characters to new levels. She also added a few new characters to push this story to a whip rousing ending. Having established the worldbulding in book one, it felt like the author trusted her readers to understand more of the story. She used the mythology and histories to enhance this story and not define it.This created a much richer story that I think was better than the first.
This exciting story picks up a few months after the first one ended. I think it's possible to read this without reading the first, but I believe reading book one will make this easier and more fun to read. It's easy to forget character arcs in subsequent stories. However, I feel like this author did a great job of pushing her characters to new levels. She also added a few new characters to push this story to a whip rousing ending. Having established the worldbulding in book one, it felt like the author trusted her readers to understand more of the story. She used the mythology and histories to enhance this story and not define it.This created a much richer story that I think was better than the first.
December 29, 2017
This exciting story picks up a few months after the first one ended. I think it's possible to read this without reading the first, but I believe reading book one will make this easier and more fun to read. It's easy to forget character arcs in subsequent stories. However, I feel like this author did a great job of pushing her characters to new levels. She also added a few new characters to push this story to a whip rousing ending. Having established the worldbulding in book one, it felt like the author trusted her readers to understand more of the story. She used the mythology and histories to enhance this story and not define it. This created a much richer story that I think was better than the first.
Reviewed by Terri of the GothicMoms Review Team
Reviewed by Terri of the GothicMoms Review Team
November 27, 2017
Official Comments: In a richly imagined world plagued by darkness and demons, Sera and her friends shine. Dark Goddess is utterly enthralling, a wicked fun tale sure to captivate fans of the paranormal and fantasy alike!
Unofficial Comments: I had so much fun reading this book and its predecessor, ALPHA GODDESS, back to back over the recent holiday. There's a complex world full of fascinating mythology to sink into here, as well as plenty of (demon) ass-kicking action!
Unofficial Comments: I had so much fun reading this book and its predecessor, ALPHA GODDESS, back to back over the recent holiday. There's a complex world full of fascinating mythology to sink into here, as well as plenty of (demon) ass-kicking action!
July 6, 2018
Amalie Howard is a terrific writer. I love all her books. Alpha Goddess #1 is really good and this sequel is even better. The world building in this series is terrific. The characters are really complex in the best possible way and not some two dimensional stereotypes. They are also very strong and interesting characters. The plot is fresh and unpredictable. I really enjoy this!
July 9, 2018
Good second book in the series. I enjoyed it.
February 24, 2019
The story continues and is much more intense as more demons come forward.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews