Lonesome Paladin

A Fistful of Daggers #1

by S.M. Reine

Ever since the gods died, lapsed Catholic Lincoln Marshall has been drowning at the bottom of a tequila bottle and picking fights with non-believers. One of those fights ends in a man dead and Lincoln arrested. Nobody’ll give a bail bond to a flight risk like Lincoln, and he hasn’t a penny to his name, so he can’t pay his own bail. But Dullahan Daith can. He’s willing to buy the freedom of anyone who’ll skip town with him to the Middle Worlds, where a high price has been placed on the heads of trolls…and where rumor says God is reborn.

Lincoln and a mysterious prisoner named Sophie Keyes are the only ones crazy enough to sell themselves on this suicide mission. Sophie doesn’t talk much, but she’s got something that Lincoln no longer has: faith. And between the two of them, they might be able to bring God back to a godless world...

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Vampires, Magic

284 pages, ebook

First published April 16, 2018

About the author

Hi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.

If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deliciously flawed and/or slightly unlikeable characters galore (If you want to read about nice people, you might quite possibly want to avoid S.M. Reine at all costs.) + Severed body parts as weapons, yay! + Cesar Hawke is back 😍😍😍!! + Mesopotamian mythology + Murderous unicorns + A fae realm that is scrumptiously creepy and not cliched as fish (Shock! Dismay! Discombobulation!) + Ew ew and ewwwwwww + A potential candidate for my High Security Harem (👋waves at Sophie👋) + HAHAHAHAHAHAHA +Lincoln Marshall (aka The Complete Ass) finally getting some of what he deserves (And hopefully getting a lot more of the same in the next book.) + One of the coolest references ever + Fun stuff! Raw stuff! Gritty stuff! Oh-bloody-shrimping-hell-of-the-stinking-fish-I-sure-didn't-expect-that-to- happen stuff =



P.S. This series is part of S.M. Reine's Descentverse and a downloadable reading list for the books in this universe can be found here: https://smreine.com/wp-content/upload... You're welcome and stuff.

👋 To be continued and stuff.

· Book 2: Spellsmoke ★★★★★
· Book 3: Hell's Hinges ★★★★★
· Book 4: The Spellslinger ★★★★★



[Pre-review nonsense]

Lincoln Marshall is such a homophobic ass, I can't wait to see what S.M. Reine has in store for the bastard (I can just imagine her going all muahahahahaha as she was writing this.) Oh, and by the way, this book kinda sorta made me feel like...



➽ Review to come and stuff.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacHalo Buddy Read

Hey Sara! Thank you for being such an awesome writer. I love all the things you do.



I had such a great time reading this book, and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved the characters. And let me tell you, there were some surprising twists I didn't see coming. Admittingly, I'm reading out of Decentverse order. I've read Death's Hand and Darkest Gate a bazillion years ago. I'm probably doing myself a disservice, but once I started reading Lonesome Paladin, I couldn't put it down!

I'm eager to start the next buddy read in A Fistful Of Daggers!

[Melissa Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first S M Reine book and I quite enjoyed it. I didn't know the main character, Lincoln Marshall, was a spin-off from another book. Although there was a vague sense that I was missing something, it wasn't big enough to take away from the book. The story was original and the character were great. Lincoln was someone you just love to hate but there was also something that drew you to him. Will enjoy continuing this story.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books where I wish there were more stars... all the stars! Stay tuned for one of the most vague reviews ever!

I have absolutely no idea where to start with this review – other than my normal SM Reine disclaimer… if you have yet to pick up a book by this author, do it now! Seriously, sooner rather than later. I don’t recommend that you start with Lonesome Paladin though. The world that this book and future books in the series belong to is way too vast to jump into with Lincoln Marshall. Trust me… you’re going to want to get at least a little bit of background before you meet him in all his crotchety, grouchy, self loathing glory. The Lincoln that readers are introduced to in A Fistful of Daggers is the product of EVERYTHING that came before this point. Fair warning, the volume of books in this world created by SM Reine may seem daunting at first, but I can pretty much promise that once you’re hooked, there will be no turning back. Here’s a link to help you navigate through the “Descentverse” . I’ve jumped around a little, but I did start with Seasons of the Moon – AND if you need even more incentive, you can pick up the entire series FREE from Amazon (Six Moon Summer, All Hallows’ Moon, Long Night Moon & Gray Moon Rising). Now that I’ve gotten the disclaimer out of the way…

I’m obviously a fan of this author and I’ve read pretty much all the books in this universe, but I do have my favorite characters, which naturally means that I like some more than others. A while ago, readers were given a chance to vote on which character SM Reine should base her next series on and Lincoln was one of those characters. I was, unfortunately, in the minority and Dana McIntyre won that round. I was NOT a Dana McIntyre fan… until Dana McIntyre Must Die kinda blew me away. I was one of the few that wanted to get a series wrapped around Lincoln and I wanted it even more after reading Dana’s series. I’m not exactly sure what drew me to him, but I knew I wanted more, so I was obviously excited when I found out that he was indeed getting his story. After reading Lonesome Paladin I can honestly say it was totally worth the wait and as a bonus, I’m getting a lot more than I bargained for… so much more.

So, now comes the time that you have to promise me not to shoot me for being vague. You’ll thank me in the long run, honest. This book was SO much more than I expected. There were new characters and others that readers know pretty well, or at least they think they do… (here’s where that vagueness REALLY comes into play.) If you’ve followed my reviews you know that I have a couple of characters in the “Decentverse” that I love more than others. Well, one of my absolute favorites had a LOT of face time in Lonesome Paladin and I think I may have done an actual happy dance when they made their first appearance. Little did I know…

A lot happened in Lonesome Paladin… way more than I expected. Sophie Keyes was an interesting addition, but shrouded in her own mystery. She’s chipping away at Lincoln and I haven’t really decided if that’s a good or bad thing. Even if you’ve read all the books in the “Decentverse” up until this point and you know where Lincoln ultimately ends up, the how and why are still a mystery and Lonesome Paladin is only the beginning of the journey.

Oh, and I would be totally remiss if I didn’t mention that Chapter 22 was PERFECTION! I can’t say why and I can’t mention any names, but when you get there, you’ll know. If I could give this book more than 5 stars on most platforms I would and the extras would go to that moment ❤

I received Lonesome Paladin in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Nereid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was unexpected and better than I had anticipated as Cesar feels like a second cousin at a family dinner party with Elise and James as the main attractions to me. That aside, I liked this book which had elements of Elise thrown in as Lincoln and Cesar navigate the Middle Worlds. Neither of them are really team players so being thrown together in a sink or swim type situation cultivates some interesting situations. Sophie filled the " peacemaker role" nicely despite all the secrets and it was good to get some answers finally.
I definitely want to see where this story goes and I am sure it will blaze a path into the unknown with many twists and turns and never a dull minute.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helloooo, Lincoln. I didn't know I missed him until I started reading his book. Because, man, he's messed up something fierce. Considering it's only been a month-ish since Genesis, the messed up thing is totally understandable. Buuuuuut, he was kinda messed up before Genesis and things have only gotten worse for the poor guy.

And by "worse," I mean he'd actively picking fights with anyone and everyone and he doesn't really care whether he lives or dies.

Then Cesar crosses his path. THINGS HAPPEN and suddenly Lincoln has a purpose again. It might be only short term, but, the way I see it, he's one of those guys who needs something to do or bad things happen around him. Mostly because he instigates those bad things, but let's not dwell on that, shall we? Idle hands and all that, blah, blah, blah.

I'm really digging this look into both Lincoln and Cesar before they've reached their final evolution. Or whatever you want to call it. This is them before they're them again and that's kinda neat. I like seeing how they went from one thing (in Cesar's case, a magically allergic witch who wasn't all that good at witchery) to another (still Cesar, a sexy, sexy creature of glitter and light) (I might be exaggerating a wee bit) (just a little, though). Plus, there's the whole thing where OPA is stepping in to fill the void Genesis caused in the infrastructure of EVERYTHING and I've kinda lost my train of thought now.

The point I'm trying to make is Lincoln's story is fascinating. Because the Lincoln we knew before and the Lincoln we knew after have two very different mindsets and I'm excited to see him change.

FINAL EVOLUTION ACTIVATED!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Julia Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept feeling like I was missing something and now that I know Lincoln is from another series, I guess that makes a lot more sense lol it took me longer to get into than I expected, probably because I felt like I had missed something, but I enjoyed seeing how things progressed. Look forward to reading the next book!

[Auz Burger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't fond of Lincoln in the Ascent series, but this is linked to it so I decided to read it. The story and the rest of the characters are great, but I absolutely hate Lincoln Marshall now that I've seen things from his point of view. I'll still finish the series because I'm invested in Sophie, but I really want to punch Lincoln like 90% of the time.

[Tina Pegar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love. I was a little bit skeptical when it was announced that there would be a Lincoln book. He felt like such an incomplete character in other books of the universe. This book really surprised me. It fits snugly in a gap of time where a part of me always wondered what happened with a couple of the unique characters. This book begins to fill in the gap. Letting you meet other characters of course Caesar and Fritz most notably as well as our seelie and unseelie "royalty". It is well written and by the end I really appreciated Lincoln and can't wait to read more of his story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Courtenay Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, first things first - I didn’t read the blurb until after I finished the book, so what I write next is not a book spoiler, but there will be character spoilers. If you want to be completely surprised going in, stop reading.

Now that’s been said, second things second - I only just finally finished reading Preternatural Affairs the other week. Completely by fluke. I got a bit behind on Sara’s books so I thought I’d fix it. Imagine how glad I was of that when almost immediately into this book, who should turn up but freaking Cesar!! I seriously thought we’d seen the end of our (second) favourite kopis/aspis and BAM they’re back for round ? I dunno what round, but it is AWESOME.

As I mentioned, I didn’t read the blurb. I knew this was part one of Lincoln’s story, and if I’m being completely honest, I very much pegged it being set in Northgate with rogue demons. In reality, it takes place almost entirely in the Middle Worlds, straight after Genesis - in itself, that was a pretty cool surprise. I always feel so much calmer when reading about the Sidhe realms than, say, Dis, you know? I mean, yeah they have their own kinds of gross - those Doppelgängers were pretty gnarly and not in a good way - but the colours and the magic make for a much prettier setting in my mind. Plus, it’s been a while since I took a trip to the Middle Worlds.

Let’s talk characters. Something that has always stayed with me is when Sara wrote somewhere that everyone is the hero of their own story - I’m not quoting directly here, but she went on to say something about how a character may be likable in their own story and detested in someone else’s. It struck me so forcefully when I first read it and it lingers in the back of my mind every time I read her books. So it wasn’t at all a surprise to fall into Lincoln’s intolerant headspace, but it was a testament to an incredible author that, while you definitely want to hit him a few times, you know he’s not going to be irredeemable, but more importantly, this character’s bigotry is going to teach you some serious lessons, even if you’re already enlightened. Because here’s the thing - prejudice exists around us. I’d like to believe it’s not as bad as it was, but the fact that it’s there at all is too much. So here we have, once again, a ‘fictional’ parallel with Lincoln’s disgust of Sidhe, but then, in case it’s too subtle - and it might be, it’s imaginary, right? - we also get the blatant real-life examples pertaining to homosexuality and race. The thing is that if you know even the most basic thing about Sara, you’ll know she’s a huge advocate for equality, which is probably why I find her take on Lincoln so blinking fascinating. She doesn’t flinch; she goes to the places most people would avoid, and it makes for such a multi-faceted story when you have an author brave enough to do that.

I think I’ve fully digressed again. Let’s see if I can wrap this up quickly. Lincoln’s counterpart is the mysterious and enigmatic Sophie Keyes, who feels like she stepped right out of an era all of her own. She’s intelligent, courageous, and kind. Plus, she’s so tight-lipped about everything that mystery might as well be a personality trait. I really enjoyed the dynamic between her and the two men. It was this awesome combination of Cesar’s protectiveness and Lincoln’s suspicion, plus Sophie working toward her own unknown goals, and it was so fun to be along for the ride.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, these spinoff books just keep me constantly guessing. While I’ve read all the other books in this world, the characters continue to surprise me.

If this is your introduction to this author’s wonderful world, welcome! There is a *a lot* going on, so you’d better be prepared for a fast-paced, wild and crazy ride! First off, we’ve got the main players. In this instance, we bounce around between 3-ish characters: Lincoln (a surly, racist, ex-boyfriend to a key player in some events leading up to this time), Cesar (a womanizing ex-witch with family in high places), and Sophie (an unknown entity who knows way more than she should about almost everything). The true guide in this story is Lincoln (unfortunately, because he’s a jerk), but I definitely wanted more Cesar (especially after that ending!!!).

Lincoln finds himself with no real purpose in life. Like most people, the “void” changed him and left him with nowhere to go. He has no living connections left, is constantly starting fights, and is riddled with guilt over his long-ago actions while possessed. As a true gift, he suddenly finds himself embroiled in OPA drama of the fae kind. By showing up in some database as having a rather unique history, he is tasked with getting Cesar to his sister in the Middle Worlds.

Here’s where it gets crazy (or more crazy). There’s all sorts of unexplainable magical things in the Middle Worlds and most of them try to kill Lincoln, Cesar, and their new companion, Sophie. Throw in some killer unicorns and I’m absolutely hooked. While I may not want to live inside Lincoln’s head, I’m very interested in where he might end up. As this was just the first of what I’m sure will be many adventures (or religious quests?), I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new series involving the Office of Preternatural Affairs secretary Fritz Friederling and Cesar Hawke and follows on from the events of Preternatural Affairs series. I was also introduced to Lincoln Marshall, a character from some of Sara's other books, but not one I have read yet.

Lincoln is a lost man; he has no money, no job, no home, no friends, but mostly has no gods to guide him. The gods are dead, he believes, but there are rumours of one who may be alive in the faerie/sithe worlds that have appeared since Genesis. Although he doesn't really want to get involved with the OPA, when they intend on sending him on a mission with Cesar Hawke to the same place that this god is supposed to be, he agrees, although quite reluctantly. There they meet a mysterious human woman, who helps them for no particular reason, but she also believes that the gods have put her in the sithe world for a reason unbeknown to her.

Unfortunately for Cesar, he changes in this world. He has been reborn with powers he wasn't expecting and now the race is on to find his sister, who may be the only one who can help him and Fritz.

I really enjoyed this book and the new characters of Lincoln and Sophie. Lincoln was a strange character, but one I am looking forward to reading more about. He has a very difficult past and hopefully we'll find out more about that at some point (or I might have to go back and read his other books as well). The ending with Fritz and Cesar was not totally unexpected considering what they were before Genesis changed them both and I can't wait to see how they move forward now.

Thank you to Sara and Angie for providing me with this ARC. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got told the third book to this series about the deputy from Elise's past was coming out, I immediately bought books one and two to get started and I. Am. So. Blown. Away.

Reine's always been a great story-teller for me. Sometimes too good, because a lot of the sad bits would put me in the weirdest funk and I'd have to take a break. I read the entire first series for Elise and I'm not so ready to pick up where I left off (even if it's out of order in so many ways). I forgot how... crass, and non-PC Marshall was. I'm definitely gonna have to revisit some of the books to get a better feel of how Elise saw him, but I really like the way Reine wrote him. He's someone not ideal and at times a real *insert bad word here* but again, she writes his story in a way that makes me want to see him redeemed rather than blasted on social media and forever outcasted. Like... I WANT to give him a second and third chance. It makes me want to be a better person. Since when did books make me want to go all in-depth?!

Anyway. This story involves multiple people who have their own series (that I'm totally gonna get on cause I need everything from this Descentverse) and I loved how captivated it kept me. All the words flowed, it was the perfect amount, it was hilarious, and sad, and dangerous and scary and so freaking COOL. It's a definite recommend. If you love this genre, read it. If you've heard of Reine and like her stories, read it. If you're new, read it. I recommend this so hard, I'd buy it for my book friends just if it meant them having something of Reine's in their kindles, it's that good. Seriously check it out.

[Kasey Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a big fan of Lincoln, even in all his moodiness, so this book was a must-read for me. Surprisingly, it also contained a secondary storyline staring Fritz and Cesar, for those of you not familiar with them you are really missing out on some great reads. Even though we know how Lincoln's story ends up we don't know how it unfolds and this book begins the daunting task of unfolding his story. I have a sneaky feeling it is also somehow tied in with Sophie Keyes, the newest addition to the ever-expanding character list in the world of SM Reine. I can't wait to see what Reine has in store for Lincoln and Sophie, I know it will be interesting.

In the meantime "Lonesome Paladin" shows us just how creative of an author Reine is. Her storyline, character description, and scene setup are so real you almost feel as if you are there. Especially if you are sitting on a beach in the hot sun reading like I was. It's not too far-fetched to believe you are right beside Lincoln and Sophie sweating it away in the Middle Worlds. But if you have read any of her previous work, then this comes as no surprise to you. If you haven't then I suggest you start with the Seasons of the Moon series, I did, and you will soon understand why we are all crazy about SM Reine.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Tina G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loathsome main character...

Lonesome Paladin: An Urban Fantasy Novel (A Fistful of Daggers Series, Book 1) by S M Reine and narrated by Jeffrey Kafer is an intriguing world, but one of the main characters spoiled it for me.

What’s it about? Lincoln must help Cesar to the faerie courts as he has rebirthed a second time since the Genesis. The Genesis healed the world, but turned half the world into preternaturals. Lincoln played a huge role into why the world changed. For his role in it, he is a bitter, hateful man. Unfortunately his hatred (homophobic, racist, and an all around POS) ruined the book for me. I kept waiting for him to show any remorse, but it never happened. If Lincoln was removed from the book, it’d be a five star story as the rest of the book was intriguing (characters, world setting, plot).
If you are new to S M Reine, do not start with this book- I enjoyed her Race of Thieves: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Artifact Hunters, Book 1).

The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer, did an amazing job. If it wasn’t for him, I would have quit listening well before the end.

Parental advisory/trigger warnings: slurs, one of the main characters is racist and homophobic, death, fighting, violence, religion.

“I was given this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”

[Denise Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world was destroyed by the apocalypse a month ago, and people are still coming to terms with what and who they have become. Some didn’t return and stayed dead, others became fae, shapeshifters and other strange things. Lincoln feels that his sins can never be forgiven now that God is dead and is determined to drink himself to death.

Cesar Hawke is the undersecretary of the new Office of Preternatural Affairs, and after a month of the new world has developed out of control magical powers. He is a danger to all around him and the only cure is in the faerie worlds which no mortal can survive. Lincoln will escort him to the Winter Queen in hopes of helping Cesar and others live.

If you are a faithful SM Reine fan and have been reading all her series this is the one you’ve been waiting for. The story of Lincoln Marshall. Many of the blanks on Lincoln are filled in as well as a few other characters as well. It didn’t bother me that we were going back in time, so to speak either, it just helped enhance the books I’ve already read.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is the first book you have picked up by this author - you may be confused.  There is a lot you have missed out on in the Descentiverse; the characters, the various plot arcs, the end of days.  All of those feed into this story - particularly the later series.  

This book, for me, is the colouring in of the picture of what happened after the world ended, but before we  got to the post Genesis books.  I have been waiting for this. 

And yet, what I got was so much more than I expected.  I mean, its a given that the book will be well written.  But the emotion in this story took me by surprise. 

Sara's books, under all the intrigue and plot arcs and machinations are about the connections; about family; about love and loyalty.  Never has that been more clear than here.  Even if Lincoln is eminently dislikable.  Even if Cesar is struggling with his post Genesis identity. 

In case it's not clear - I really loved this book. 

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though Cèsar and Lincoln are not my favorite characters, this book had me a Reno. I love it when Sara Reine centers her stories in my old haunts. Once I am immersed in the town, I care about what happens there. Who knew there were so many demons, vampires, were-creatures, fae in Reno? I've thought I've seen a glimmer here and there, but I figured it was a figment of my imagination--or was it?

I started this book around 9 PM last night and couldn't stop reading until finished a little after midnight. It was a wild ride! While I told you my non-favorite characters, I was excited to know we would get to see Ophelia, Cèsar's sister. And I enjoyed getting to know Sophie Keyes.

I always enjoy Ms. Reine's books. That's why I'm always happy to receive a request to read and review them. Thanks for the opportunity! And I love the side topic Sara was able to present in this book to make an educational moment or two.

[liana parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lonesome Paladin is a fantastic start to this new SM Reine series. The old is now, after Genesis, made anew. Sophie is an excellent character that you can feel and root for. Cesar and Fritz... Going from Kopis & Aspis to suddenly not? That'd be like losing half of yourself, wouldn't it? This book perfectly brings that to life. And Lincoln is a bigotted ahole that you grow to borderline care for but regardless of his distasteful qualities, you still want to see where the story takes him. So, basically, this is classic SM Reine...flawed characters whose flaws make them more believable, more real - and a storyline filled with action, twists, feelings, and some disgusting ishouldntfindthisfunnybutido humor (c'mon, it's not just me right??), and getting to the last page with that not very patient feeling of "where's the next book, I must read it NOW". Speaking of which, if you made it through my review to this point, you should really start this series now...I'm going to go start book 2.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 star
I really loved how we got to see characters of past books as well as them being vulnerable or unlike how their characters previously were. Everyone is a bit lost after, Genesis no one is what they were before and after being to Hell and Back Lincoln needs to help Cesar reach his sister in the faerie worlds as he is the only one Fritz thinks can do it and save Cesar. There were plenty of times I wanted to smack Lincoln because of his attitude but I also kinda of got it and the faerie world was pretty cool and scary at the same time with all the dangers, creatures and other inhabitants who you didn't know if you could trust or whether Lincoln was going a bit crazy being there. I love how SM Reine can write such amazing worlds and characters that you get pulled into the world so easily and not want to leave.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to receive this book from the author! Her writing is absolutely amazing! I love how each series she writes can be read individually, but I love that the characters intertwine and that reading each series adds so much to the world she has created! We learn so much about Lincoln and Cesar and what they have become in the post genesis world SM Reine brought to life in her previous series. These guys are totally intriguing and the story line is spectacular with lots of action and adventure. I am excited to see what else will come to be in this new series. If you haven't read books by SM Reine you need to start now! These books are made for paranormal, dystopian, adventure, and basically all types of book lovers! No matter what you enjoy, you will find something in this book to make you want more from this series and this author!

[Lisa Pioneer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Lonesome Paladin by SM Reine. It was read as an ARC for an honest review. This book is the beginning of a new series by this great author. The Gods are no longer and most everyone has been reborn as something different. Cesar and Fritz are back trying to keep the peace. Lincoln Marshall has a big part of this story also. We also get to meet Sophie Keyes. The rebirth did not work in Fritz's favor so Cesar is off to the middle worlds to visit his sister for help. Lincoln is recruited to help Cesar in the middle worlds. Ugh...there is not enough space to explain this book. Just get it and be prepared to get lost in this reality.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Typical of SM Reine, her new series begins in murky water. There are 2 main focuses, Lincoln Marshall, who starred in the Ascension series, and Cesar Hawke, a main character from Preternatural Affairs, and POV alternates throughout. Sara has successfully combined two characters whom I never envisioned interacting and turned it into a compelling novel. When the story sets off, neither character is quite like we remember from their previous series. Lincoln seems downright suicidal, and Cesar finds himself transitioning into a new "post Genesis" reality.

Lincoln finds himself chasing after shadows of Elise, leading him to an unknown "NFK" god in the summer court. I have my suspicions, but I cannot wait to find out who was on the other side of the door Lincoln enters to speak with God. I also am excited to see how Cesar evolves now as gentry and to see more of his interaction with Ophelia.

The witty retorts and unexpected twists throughout this read kept me flipping the pages.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

S.M. Reine does it again! She creates an involved and twisty story full of some grotesque places and creatures. As the SM Reine world characters' stories merge after the breaking/apocalypse, a series of circumstances force them on a mission into barely explored, but certainly claimed, territory where the rules are unknown and species of new beasts are just as mysterious.

The one thing that I wish was that I had read all of the Ceasar Chavez books and all of those that involved Lincoln. She hints at things that occurred in those books as events that impacted their current consciousnesses which would be a good refresher to have as the two previously separate characters merge into this book.

[Megb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. After some of the other books in the Descentverse I didn’t know how to feel about Lincoln and I am so glad Sara decided to write his story for him. He is so raw and real. This book left me confused and frustrated and wanting MORE! So much more. I love these books. They make you think and go outside the box to imagine this type of world that she has created and it’s so unique and riveting. I also enjoyed getting to see Cesar and Fritz again! Their relationship is heart wrenching and fierce! I am curious to see what Lincoln is up to now. I hated how he left things with Sophie but I really hope things work out for him.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention and held it. This was in part because it had Cesar Hawke and Fritz Friederling, even though their parts weren't really that big.

It has excellent world-building and interesting characters. It's well-paced and keeps you turning the pages. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I recommend it for those who enjoy urban fantasy and especially those who have enjoyed other works by S.M. Reine including the Preternatural Affairs series. This can be read as standalone since it's mostly Lincoln Marshall's story and is book one in his tale. Overall, it's a good read.

[Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fritz Friederling didn’t look like much on video chat, but then, their network connection had the bandwidth of an ambitious potato. The secretary’s face used all of six pixels. Damned be the world if Cèsar wasn’t happy to see those six pixels, though.

This is a book about a grumpy, self-loathing arsehole trekking through the Middle Worlds

n u kno wat i love it

Lincoln isn't a likeable character, Cesar is lead by his dick, and Sophie is a big box labelled mystery but it was a great start to a new series.

[C H · Rating 1 out of 5]

MC is wrote in as an old fashioned homophobe racist

I thought that I would understand the plot since it’s book 1 in the series. I was very wrong. The plot line and The motivations of the MC are very difficult to follow. There is very little worthy world building, also all of the characters are very 2 dimensional and lack ‘character’. There really isn’t anything in the book about ‘a fistful of daggers’. The MC is a very meh character who is extremely racist and homophobic. I am heterosexual and even I find his attitudes off putting. Very much a 1 star story.

[Lim Seng · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never had this much political-correctness stuffed down my throat with a post-apocalyptic story where people are more concerned about race and sexual orientation than survival.

I couldn't get past the first 3 chapters... it started out like Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series but devolves really fast into LGBTQIA+ and BLM issues with extremist characters existing only in black or white without shades of grey and right or left without scaling of perspectives.

Good thing this is Book 1 and I hope there will be no Book 2 ever written.

[lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one react when the whole world dies ...

This is a story of a man who has his job and future snatched away by those he thought he could trust only to end up in hell literally and realise everything he had ever believed was lies, to die in the apocalypse and wake up away from the town and people he once loved . This is a start of a whole new world but can Linc ever be a part of it.