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222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2019
Fostering Faust 2 by Randi Darren is the second installment in the *Fostering Faust* series, continuing the morally dubious adventures of our protagonist, Alex, as he navigates a world where he can manipulate people’s emotions and desires for his benefit. While the series thrives on the concept of moral ambiguity and the exploration of power, this sequel, unfortunately, falters in key areas, leaving readers with a mixed experience that struggles to balance its potential with its flaws.
At its core, Fostering Faust 2 revolves around Alex continuing to expand his influence and power while managing his growing harem of women who are inexplicably bound to him through their desires. The premise still holds some intrigue—after all, the idea of manipulating others for personal gain while navigating a world filled with political machinations and fantasy elements is ripe for storytelling. However, Darren’s execution leaves much to be desired.
One of the major issues with the plot is its lack of direction. The first book set the stage for Alex’s morally grey journey, but this second installment seems to meander without a clear purpose. We’re treated to multiple subplots, none of which seem to culminate in anything meaningful. Instead, the book feels more like a collection of loosely connected events, where Alex solves problems, gains more power, and manipulates people with little consequence or long-term impact. The stakes are low because, much like many overpowered protagonists, Alex seems to breeze through every obstacle, further eroding any sense of tension.
The pacing is another significant problem. The book drags through long stretches of monotonous scenes where not much happens beyond the acquisition of more resources, more power, and more women. It’s a slow burn without the satisfying payoff, and while some readers might appreciate the methodical buildup, it quickly becomes repetitive. There’s a sense that the book is merely spinning its wheels, with the real story being postponed for later installments.
Alex, as the protagonist, is a fascinating concept. A man who can manipulate others, often in questionable ways, provides an opportunity for a deep exploration of morality, power, and the consequences of one’s actions. Sadly, in Fostering Faust 2, Alex remains largely unchanged. He continues to make morally ambiguous decisions, but there’s little introspection or growth. His internal conflict, if it exists, is barely touched upon, and he continues to come across as a power-hungry opportunist. While this can work for certain anti-heroes, the lack of emotional depth makes Alex feel one-dimensional. We rarely see him grappling with the weight of his actions or the ramifications they have on those around him.
The women in Alex’s life are another weak point in the book. They are, quite frankly, underdeveloped and serve more as accessories to Alex’s power rather than fully realized characters. Each woman is introduced with the promise of being important or adding complexity to the story, but they are quickly relegated to background roles where their main purpose is to serve Alex’s needs. There’s a distinct lack of agency among the female characters, which becomes frustrating as the book progresses. They are essentially interchangeable, with their personalities blending into one another. The dynamic between Alex and his harem is uncomfortable at times, and Darren does little to address the imbalance of power or offer any deeper examination of these relationships beyond surface-level attraction.
One of the more redeeming aspects of the book is its world-building, though even this is not without its faults. Darren introduces an intriguing fantasy world filled with magic, political intrigue, and complex systems of power. The world is dark and unforgiving, and the concept of a Faustian bargain gives the setting a unique twist. However, much like the plot, the world-building feels underutilized. We’re given glimpses of how the world operates, but there’s little depth or explanation. Major events happen off-screen, and key political factions are mentioned in passing without being explored in a meaningful way.
The magic system is also vaguely defined. While it’s clear that Alex can manipulate people’s emotions and desires, the limits of his power are unclear, which further reduces any sense of tension or stakes. Without clear boundaries, Alex’s abilities feel more like convenient plot devices rather than well-thought-out magical mechanics.
Darren’s writing style is functional, but it lacks polish. The prose is straightforward and gets the job done, but it often feels flat and uninspired. The dialogue is a particular weak point, with many conversations feeling stilted or awkward. Characters frequently engage in discussions that feel more like exposition dumps than natural interactions, which disrupts the flow of the narrative. The tone of the book is also inconsistent, swinging between dark and gritty to moments of levity that feel out of place.
One of the biggest challenges with Darren’s writing is the lack of emotional engagement. The story deals with morally grey characters, but there’s no real emotional weight behind their decisions. The violence, manipulation, and power struggles feel hollow because the characters themselves don’t seem to feel anything deeply. As a result, it’s hard for the reader to become invested in their fates.

Fostering Faust 2 is a frustrating read because it had the potential to be much more. The premise—a man manipulating others for personal gain in a morally grey world—offers so much room for deep exploration of themes like power, consequence, and human nature. Unfortunately, Darren’s execution falls flat. The plot is meandering and directionless, the characters are underdeveloped and lacking in agency, and the world-building, while intriguing, remains largely untapped.

For fans of dark fantasy who are more interested in power fantasy elements, Fostering Faust 2 may still provide some entertainment. However, for readers seeking a more complex narrative with emotional depth and meaningful character development, this installment will likely be a disappointment. As it stands, it’s a book that offers plenty of spectacle but little substance, and it leaves one hoping that future installments will provide the much-needed depth and growth this series is sorely lacking.