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Karma #2

Dark Karma: Sword of Vengeance

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A remarkable tale of vengeance, time travel, and dark magic.

What would you do if you woke up one morning and your world was inexplicably changed in the worst way imaginable? Banished by his enemy into a hellish alternate dimension, Luke Decker fights to understand why his world has suddenly changed, and why is he on trial for the murder of his beloved Nina? What he doesn’t know is she’s not dead. Nina watches him vanish into thin air and is completely bereft, struggling to find out how and why he disappeared. Using all of her psychic talents and traversing the astral realm, she frantically searches for him to no avail. She owns a secret item which holds the key to his salvation, but will she figure it out before he’s condemned to live the rest of his life in a realm of darkness?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2018

3 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Laura Simmons

23 books283 followers
I enjoy reading books on psychic phenomena and all things metaphysical. Most of my life I've been fascinated with astral travel, dreams, the ability to see the future, and reincarnation.

I've wanted to write a book since I was a child, it was the first thing I can ever remember saying I wanted to do when I grow up. I love creating worlds in my mind and writing about them. My best days are when my characters decide to have lively conversations and I type them fast and furious.

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5 stars
16 (51%)
4 stars
11 (35%)
3 stars
3 (9%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
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4,892 reviews357 followers
January 12, 2019
“Dark Karma” is the third book in the Karma series by Laura Simmons. The story follows Luke and Nina as they declare their love and face challenges both in the real and mythical worlds. Soon after settling into their new relationship, Luke is framed for Nina’s apparent murder and must defend himself against the hands of dark forces like he’s never faced before. Meanwhile, Nina is left to scavenge the astral realm to figure out a way back to Luke. It’s a thrilling tale made of magic, betrayal, and intrigue.

What I found most compelling about this story was the instances of magic. In Simmons’ cleverly crafted world, humans can travel to the astral realm, practice physic abilities, and white or dark magic. Despite these fantastical elements, these characters live primarily in the real world, using these seemingly otherworldly abilities to help with the CIA, the FBI, and the like. I loved that way that Simmons approached this magic, blending it with our world is a startlingly real way. However, I also found the presentation of the magic to be a weakness within the book. Although the claim is that “Dark Karma” can be read as a standalone book, as a reader, I felt that I could have better taken to this story had I read the previous two novels. Often, the magic in the book was not explained and when it was explained, it was done so in long lines of exposition that read uncomfortably from characters who were supposed to have known each other for ages and therefore, wouldn’t need an explanation. While I found the magic and execution of it fascinating, the experience of learning about this magic as a reader was often jarring.

On the other hand, I was really impressed by Simmons presentations of main characters. Luke, Nina, and even the not-so-friendly Elliot were all well-formed and well-written, with unique personalities that shined clearer and clearer throughout the narrative. Although Luke was set up as the main character in this entry of the Karma series, I found myself most fascinated by Nina, as she learned to love again and look for a way to save the person who brought that out in her. While the main male characters of the series were nicely written, I felt that they were too similar, both in their affections for Nina and their steadfast determination. As a result, Nina stood out, and I found myself most interested in reading the parts focused on her.

Overall, “Dark Karma” is a fascinating story that would surely be loved by any fan of fantasy and romance. While I personally found the execution of several characterizations and magic to be conventional and confusing, I believe this issue can be remedied by fully diving into the Karma series and learning about the world from the beginning. But overall, Simmons proved herself a competent author in writing a tale of angst, magic, and determination.
1,333 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2018
That was awesome! Man what a book! This is an extraordinary story. It is so completely well written and thought through. I could not put it down. I found myself reading it straight through in one sitting.
This is the third book in the series if you have not read the first two books do not worry these books can be read as a standalone. But this review may give away some spoilers
This is Nina and Luke's story. But we also get some of Bryce and Amber from book two. For instance remember like from book two. Well let’s just say Karma is a bitch and she got him good. Now onto Nina and Luke. He has been in love with Nina forever. And he lays it all out for her. What he wants and that he will be patient with her as he loves her. But there is someone that is a problem and he wants him out of the way. When you find out who it may surprise you, but this person is evil and is the one who shot Nina in the last book. When Luke is taken she will stop at nothing to save him. But what she finds to help her is awesome. I am so ready for the next book. To see who her sister Maddie ends up with.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews32 followers
May 18, 2019
Nina has issues and is afraid to love after her past. Luke is determined to break through her shell and they realize that they are starting to love each other. Enter Elliot, someone that had a relationship with Nina in the past. He has to stir things up and is looking for a magical item that Nina has. Then Luke gets sent to a dark and hellish dimension where his is on trial for killing Nina. Nina is desperate to find Luke and goes on the hunt with her astral projection.

This series just keeps getting better and better. Nina and Luke start as friends with benefits but become so much more. But things won’t stay happy for long when jealousy and revenge are determined to come crashing into their lives. They each of their own versions of hell to deal with but both are determined to keep fighting to get back to each other.

This series is filled with good, bad, love, hate, magic, and so much more. I love the fresh take on magic and the power of love. This book says that you can read it as a standalone but I recommend checking out the series in order. You won’t miss anything that way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
29 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2019
Dark Karma was a terrific book. It is book 3 of a series, which I did not realize before reading it. This made it a little confusing at times when there were references to previous events. However, it did not take away from the story line.
This book has a mixture of everything from dark magic, astral travel, love, betrayal, murder and mystery. It keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Nina has been hurt in the past by love and does not want to love again. Enter Luke and all that seems to start changing. Throw in some jealousy from Elliot and see how it all plays out. Not only that but being able to astral travel and see how certain events REALLY took place?! Mix in some time travel and magic weapons and you have only part of this plot twisting story. I cant wait to read all the books in this series.
52 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2019
Dark magic & murder...
Having read the prequel, Tough Karma, I was really looking forward to this one. This one also didn’t disappoint. In Dark Karma, the main character Nina has been hurt in a previous relationship, and she and her love interest Luke are basically friends with benefits. As they realize they’re falling in love with each other, Nina meets Elliot. She has a past with him which she doesn’t remember. He’s jealous of Luke, but he also wants to steal a magical item Nina possesses. When Luke gets banished to a hell-like dimension, everything changes for him and Nina, especially since he’s accused of murdering her – the woman he loves. As Nina uses her physic abilities to search for him, things really heat up as good tries to overcome evil. The story-line and theme were exciting, and the characters were well done. Thoroughly enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Annette.
3,170 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2019
For me, this is one of those rare don't judge a book by its cover times. Wow, very well written. This plot is intense, action-packed, adventurous and gripping. I love the special "effects" and concept of soulmates, which I think is exactly what they are. If at first you don't succeed try try again. The characters aren't perfect but their love is everlasting and their journey is heartwarming. When I saw this cover, I thought I was in for reading a horror, thriller or at the very least a very dark story....not. There are a few dark elements but this blew my mind, it's so much deeper and way better than I was even expecting. First time reading this author and I Love this!! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
Profile Image for Joshua Griffith.
Author 16 books34 followers
February 8, 2019
A wonderful story

An interesting read to say the least. It has plenty of surprises and twists that will keep you turning the pages just to see what happens next. Nina and Luke fall in love with each other, much to the dismay of Elliott, who is pretending to be a friend but only wants to steal Nina's magic rock that grants her whatever she desires. Things become complicated when the trio end up in hell, living out previous lives. No spoilers so just read it and enjoy! I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Suzanne Cass.
Author 47 books51 followers
September 1, 2019
This book delves deep into dark-magic, time travel, telekinesis, astral projection, just to name a few. Add to that Nina and Luke’s blossoming romance and you have a fast-paced story that keeps you reading right to the end. Nina and Luke’s romance evolves from friends to lovers and then their relationship is thrown into turmoil when Nina has to fight hard to rescue her love from the depths of hell. This book has lots of surprises and sharp turns that will keep you guessing, but it is definitely worth the read, you’ll love it.
68 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2020
Amber is safe, but now the focus shifts to Nina – Nina and Luke. They are on the verge of developing a life together as soulmates when Elliott, who wants Nina, stabs Luke with a sword that sends Luke into another world, one that Nina cannot reach even with her psychic abilities. Nina and Luke’s brother tackle the task of not only finding Luke but retrieving him from wherever he is – wherever he phoned from to tell them that he was in jail. Dark Karma weaves romance, mystery and thriller into an engaging book that grabs the reader and pulls him/her into its world. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Buttercup1201.
560 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2020
A gripping tale about love, past lives and pain. The story picks up where book 1 ended with Nina and Luke. While trying to figure out who and why someone broken into Nina’s home, the pair is deciding if they should act on their feelings. Amber and Bryce appear in the storyline as well as some new and old ones.

Story held me captive from the beginning. Took me 2 days to read. The plot was interesting and intriguing. Hoping there are future books in the series. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary.
816 reviews59 followers
February 19, 2020
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest teview. I enjoyed this book
and really liked the paranormal aspects it contained. It takes place on
many plains with astral projection and karmic justice. The characters
grabbed my interest and the plot was a bit complicated with people
projecting to different times and places. The only complaint I have is tht
sometimes the transitions between couples , times, and protagonists were a
little confusing and halted the flow of the overall story.
Profile Image for T.N. Traynor.
Author 20 books45 followers
April 26, 2020
Intriguing and imaginative

What a rollercoaster!
Nina psychic abilities and astral flying had me enthralled.
When Luke’s captured and held in a different dimension I felt like I was transported to a new world.
Best part for me, the time travel back to Scotland where the cursed sword is created and then binds their souls together to repeat their wrong doings throughout time.


114 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2020
After reading the 2nd book of the series Tough Kharma, I was looking forward to Luke and Nina's story and oh boy, I sure wasn't disappointed.

The plot keeps you glued to each page, rooting for survival, the twists and turns, danger, paranormal and of course the love that Luke and Nina are fighting for. You are bound to fall in love with these books and with other characters that can be explored. I am definitely watching out for other books in these series.

Me likey and recommend.
47 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2021
Dark Karma – Sword of Justice.
This is the second story in the tale so far. I admit I haven’t read the first one so I can attest to the fact that it can quite happily be read as a standalone. The characters develop and we are left under no illusions that the main characters are deeply in love. It is almost a privilege to be witness to their blossoming romance. From this basis and with knowledge gained from previous adventures, they face the trials and tests in this book. Magic’s both help and hinder all the way. Its when they are separated by nefarious means that we see the depth of their feelings for each other. I really enjoyed reading this installment in the Dark Karma series, thee characters are real and the story quite an original mix of paranormal, with astral travel etc. I will definitely be putting the first and any other installments of Dark Karma on my TBR lists.
I received a fre copy of this book so i could leave an honest & open review
Profile Image for Brenda.
9 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2018
I struggled a bit with the writing style in this book. It just didn’t seem to flow very well. That being said...I LOVED the story itself. It pulls you in and makes you want to hurry up and find out what happens next. Then you get to the end and itch for more.
Profile Image for Meredith is a hot mess.
808 reviews615 followers
December 14, 2018
This book had an intriguing premise, and I really liked the writing style. I'll be checking out more from this author. If you enjoy romance, fantasy, and magic then give this book a shot! The time travel and alternate dimension aspects to the story were fascinating.
Profile Image for Roxann Pool.
61 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2020
This was my first book of the series, and it was everything I thought it would be and more. Intense characters, plenty of twists and turns, and all the paranormal fun fair you could want. I enjoyed it very much and will have to go back and read the first book.
5,704 reviews39 followers
October 8, 2018
good story.. interesting plot.. fun characters and it had a good storyline.. the characters kept me on the edge of my seat curious to see what was happening next
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,838 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2019
Nina was never lucky with men. Neither was Luke, the ladies’ man. He was denying his feelings for his close friend for far too long, but not anymore. Finally, they decide to get into relationship, and life is like a fairytale. But their happiness is short lived, as Nina’s enemy uses the cursed sword for vengeance, sending Luke to be tortured in another dimension, and even Nina’s extraordinary psychic abilities have trouble to reach out to her beloved one..
Dark and vengeful story with lots of pain and emotional distress that is balanced with the light streaming from romance, love, and care. Dark Karma is the third book in the series, and it is strongly advised to read the first two books upfront to avoid any confusions from lack of details presented in previous volumes. This story has a very interesting premise which would definitely appeal to any fantasy fan – dark magic, cursed objects, wide variety of psychic abilities, and even time travelling or alternate dimensions. Immortality is also a topic touched by the story, although marginally in two characters only. Yet it creates a fantastic environment for a story of love and hate to be set into. Lots of emotions are poured into the pages, with sweet love peppered with some steam dominating the emotional scale. On the other side, malice and greed leading to evil actions create the suspense and move forward the plot, pushing the characters to their limits and testing their endurance in impossible situations. Will the love survive the separation? Can they find the way back to each other? Both the main characters emanate strong will and deep feelings for each other, which makes the reader believe any obstacle can be overcome. Nina is smart, caring, and desperate, a dangerous combination making her a formidable foe. Luke is effective and disciplined man, rough on the surface a bit as it comes with his job, but with a big warm heart and strong protective instincts. With a blessed interference of Nina’s past, their natural gravitation to each other may find the hope for happily ever after.
I as a reader had several issues with the book, though. Maybe the first one was that I didn't have the chance to read the previous book, and hence my connection to the whole story was not so strong as it could have been. Missing pieces of information would do that to a reader. Another thing was that I found the opening chapter really long and slow, and it did not motivate me much to continue, although it got better about halfway through. The storytelling itself could also be improved - some scenes would benefit from shortening, in many cases following the rule 'show rather than tell' would also be beneficial for the story, not even mentioning the fact there were abrupt tense shifts between past and present tense, which should have been avoided. I also need to comment on the main characters - I could not believe for a second they were almost forty. Nothing indicated their age except for explicit telling - from the story, I'd put them to YA category. Late teens, maybe early twenties. Their language, behavior, often sort of naivety and immaturity screaming from their actions, that did not really add up with the declared age. And Nina with her morals and deep care for animals and everything then creates huge reserve of money with the aid of the rock - that screams greed, and also does not add up at all with the rest of her personality as presented. Last point, the romance was way too sweet for my taste; keen romance readers would enjoy this for sure, but I am focused more on the fantasy elements.
109 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2018
This is an interesting story. There is betrayal, mystery & murder, retaliation, time travel, unexpected twists, and skills in clairvoyance, psychic abilities, telekinesis, magic, astral projection, alternate dimensions, as well as visits to the realm of darkness.

Nina is a powerful psychic and for fifteen plus years helped the CIA gather information. She is also skilled in traveling the astral planes. She can use telekinesis in both the physical world and the astral planes. Even though doing so tends to make her sick. But if there is a reason Nina could bring items back from the astral plans.

Luke Decker, until recently, worked for the CIA. He and Nina have been friends, with benefits, for a long time. Recently Luke realized that he loved her. He wanted to spend his time with Nina and because he traveled so much for work he decided to leave the CIA. Luke wanted to marry Nina but he knew what happened with her fiance years ago and that she did not trust men. They agreed to just spend time together, to get to know each other more, and give her time to trust him.

When helping the CIA and other government agencies bring some criminals to Justice Nina was checking things while in astral form. She was in a room when she saw twinkling and dust-like particles that were coming from behind an overturned desk. What she finds plays several vital roles throughout the story.

Nina has been seeing Elliott Greenwood. She had agreed with Luke that their relationship would be exclusive, so she tells Elliott that their friendship will not go beyond being friends. Although he portrays a nice guy he can turn mean in a flash. Elliott also can travel astral planes. Nina and Elliot have past history – long-past history – history she is not initially aware of.

Noah, who served with Luke, was a former Navy Seal who had been discharged because of a head injury that left him in a coma. After coming out of the coma he did not share with anyone that he can now travels the astral plans guiding lost souls to the light. Noah is repeatedly experiencing someone crying for help, saying that she didn’t have much time before they would killed her. When he asked her name and tries to follow she would vanish.

I thought a little less of Nina for creating wealth beyond her wildest dreams since she did not seem to be hurting for financial security, plus she states she prefers to live simply. Greed or immaturity?

For a short story there is a lot going on.

Who is Jerry and in what way did he influence Nina?
Who cursed the Sword of Vengeance? Why?
How did the Sword of Vengeance come about?
How does the cursed knife exact retribution?
Is there a way to end the curse of the Sword of Vengeance?
Who is David Killaway?
Who is Cara?
What connection does Madison have with David Killaway?
Who did Noah think the woman was on the astral plan asking for help?

I could not find a book by Laura Simmons for Noah but maybe later there will be one coming for him and his astral visitor.
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews24 followers
September 1, 2019
Title: Dark Karma: Sword of Vengeance
Series: Karma #2
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author: Laura Simmons
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger
Genre: #PRN #Teleporting #OBE
#5Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
••••••••••••••
💢 I am so hooked I can’t get enough of the KARMA Series, I’m ready for #3.!! Dark Karma was just as Phenomenal as Tough Karma.

🔥Astral projection or astral travel is an out-of-body experience (OBE) where you temporarily leave your physical body and roam other planes of existence, or other dimensions. Teleporting is the body winking to a destination.

We knew Luke and Nina from Tough Karma-because Nina has the astral travel abilities which are further ahead then most so she could defend Amber and dish out a lot of hurt while sleeping in her own bed.

🔹️Luke started thinking differently of Nina, his longtime friend with benefits. He knew she would not settle down and neither did he want too or did he? When Luke asked her for help she had no problem, when she was hurt she realized maybe she could trust Luke and be with him. Sometimes when you want one thing someone else want to take it away
that’s when Luke disappears out of this dimension. Can Nina find him? Who did this?

☄️This author keeps going strong, it’s just amazing. The intensity of this book had me sitting on pins and needle‘s holding my breath.

9 reviews
January 30, 2021
Amazing Second book to the series with a lot of Romance!

1. Writing Style, I liked the writing style it reminds me a lot of how I think a YA should be written, nothing that really exploded in my face about.

2. CHARACTERS. The characters have not only grown as people in the second book but emotionally you can see that in how they act toward each other and how there is a lot more romance.

3. STORYLINE. Just like how the characters have changed so does the storyline this book has a lot more of a romance feel toward it then perviously and a lot of the events have changed because of it

4. POV. As always with books that change POV I like to point it out, as I will be saying later there are some things I would like to change when it comes to the different points of view!

5. Some changes... I gave it four stars because I would change the points of view, I like the characters the author has chosen and how they are written but I believe the author has to stick with one for the entire chapter. I would much rather prefer to have it change between chapters because otherwise it just feels weird, and I want to skip over the portion to find out what is going on to the other, and it ends up leaving parts of the book out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for L.L. Thomsen.
Author 9 books67 followers
July 24, 2019
I do not usually read the genre, being more of an epic fantasy kinda reader, but I was attracted to this one because it sounded a little more unique and interesting than your average werewolves and vampire YA mash-up. I was not disappointed! Finally, a book where the main characters are not either high school kids or youngsters coming of age. I loved the fact that the two main characters are mature and have personalities that actually feel solid and believable! I also liked that there were lots on focus on the characters and not just the magic and the supernatural. This book is a solid and genuinely enjoyable read as it takes you far and digs into many things to entertain! If you are normally a fan of the genre you need to add this to your reading list, or better still just go get it today!
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
May 23, 2019
Dark Karma book 3 is a Thrilling adventure. So far I loved what I read in the book. Then realized that its book 3... now I'll need to read the other 2 books to really understand everything. But all in all. I can tell it's a thrilling adventure with romance, betrayal and magic. Luke is in an alternate dimension where he supposedly did something heinous... thats all I can say. And as you know has a magic rock that helps her walk the astral plain and see things. Don't do what I did and read out of order.
Profile Image for Tammy.
646 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2019
I loved the second books as much as the first one. The characters Luke and Nina were likable and had great chemistry together. I loved how it played out. Didn’t like Elliott. I loved the world the author made for their characters to live in. The book pulled me into the story and held me hostage till I was done reading it. Hope you enjoy the second book as much as I did. I also hope to read more books from the author’s book shelf.
Got book for an honest review
Thank you for sharing your book with me.
245 reviews
November 25, 2018
Book 3 in the Sword of Vengeance series, Dark Karma should be read after the first two offerings. Unfortunately, I didn't do this and was a bit lost. Reading the books in order should give the reader a better understanding of the story.

That being said, I did find the character interactions quite immature and the story didn't seem to flow very well. The premise of trade for gain was also a bit off putting.
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,603 reviews22 followers
September 21, 2019
Very well written page turner you can't put down. She has two men in her life. One who loves her and one who just wants an item she has so her befriends her. She is a psychic and uses this to find the one who loves her that is on trial for her murder after he is sent to a darker place. Lots of twists and turns, surprises, drama and so much more. I love this author's writing and recommend this. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
2,512 reviews19 followers
May 21, 2020
I read the previous novel a while ago, so it took me several chapters to figure out the backstory of the main characters (and their special abilities) as well as the context of the plot. I loved the blending of so many beliefs and paranormal things- sci fi, reincarnation, magical items, time travel as well as ability to travel on another plane of reality. At times there was a lot of jumping around in time and space which I found a tad confusing. I also felt that some of the interactions and dialogue could use some realism - generally things were too upbeat, too perfect & too lovey-dovey. It was nice however to see so many different ideas blend to achieve a HEA. I received a free copy of the novel from Booksirens in exchange for this honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
January 21, 2019
A well written story but I should have read the first two books to understand this one better. There is suspense, drama, danger, Astra time travel, dark magic, hidden enemies, and romance between Luke and Nina I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing.
353 reviews1 follower
dnf-d
August 23, 2022
DNF's at 12%. I requested this book for the intriguing cover. However, this is just not for me. Can't connect to the story and do not like the writing style. Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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