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218 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2020
Incubus Inc. II, the second book in the Incubus Inc. series by Randi Darren, dives deeper into the world of magical contracts, incubus powers, and the morally flexible path of its protagonist, Anthony. This sequel brings more of the same—over-the-top, sometimes uncomfortable, harem-building narrative laced with supernatural deals, where things are rarely what they seem. But is it an improvement over the first book? Well, let's just say it depends on what you're looking for.
Randi Darren continues to deliver a story that focuses on a mixture of power fantasy, magical intrigue, and explicit content. The book picks up where the first left off, with Anthony still navigating his business of granting people their deepest desires—often at a significant moral and ethical cost. If you're here for character development, you'll find it, but only in small doses and mostly revolving around Anthony's internal struggle between doing what is right and indulging in his own selfish needs. However, it's hard to ignore how much of the development feels like it takes a backseat to the harem-building, sexual escapades, and wish fulfillment elements that dominate the book.
Let’s start with the plot. In Incubus Inc. II, Darren presents more deals with demons, mystical entities, and clients, which sets up intriguing scenarios and conflict. Anthony’s business as an incubus, granting wishes to women in exchange for sexual favors, is a unique premise, albeit one that quickly becomes repetitive. The book weaves in a few moral dilemmas, as Anthony tries to balance his growing power, his responsibilities, and his desires. However, these dilemmas often feel underdeveloped or brushed aside in favor of advancing the next steamy scene. For readers who love a fast-paced story with action and sensuality, this might not be a huge problem. However, if you’re craving more substance, it leaves a lot to be desired.
The pacing feels uneven at times. Some moments are drawn out for the sake of erotic tension, while others are rushed—especially when it comes to resolving conflicts. There’s a lack of narrative balance, and you’ll find yourself breezing through some sections while trudging through others. The structure of the book, however, remains consistent with its predecessor: a series of deals, problems, and seductive encounters followed by brief moments of reflection.
Anthony remains at the center of the story, but his character feels frustratingly stagnant. He’s still caught between being a ruthless businessman and someone who genuinely cares for the people around him. Darren attempts to flesh out this internal struggle, but it often feels more like window dressing than a fully realized character arc. His powers continue to grow, but his moral growth feels stunted, and by the end, we’re left with a protagonist that’s more of the same: an overpowered incubus with questionable ethics.
The women in the story—who primarily serve as Anthony’s clients and love interests—are another mixed bag. While some show glimmers of complexity and depth, they too fall into predictable archetypes. Many of them are characterized mainly by their attraction to Anthony and their willingness to enter into contracts with him. There are hints at interesting backstories, but the focus quickly shifts to their interactions with Anthony, overshadowing any opportunity for meaningful development. Once again, they are more props than participants in the story's growth.
The magical and demonic elements of the world remain one of the series’ stronger aspects. Darren expands on the lore introduced in the first book, giving us a better understanding of how Anthony’s abilities work and the wider implications of his actions within the supernatural community. There are moments where the world feels rich with potential—particularly when we explore the rules and intricacies of incubus contracts and the different supernatural entities Anthony encounters.
That said, much of this world-building still feels like it’s being done in service of the harem-building and erotic aspects of the book. The magical rules are often bent or glossed over to keep the plot moving, and there’s a sense that the world could be so much more than it is. It’s frustrating, because there are nuggets of genuinely interesting ideas buried beneath the surface, but they’re never given the attention they deserve.
Randi Darren’s writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, though it often lacks depth and nuance. The dialogue feels flat at times, especially during more intimate or emotional moments. There’s a clear intent to create tension and excitement, but the constant shifts between erotic scenes and plot advancement make it difficult for either aspect to shine fully. It’s a fine balance to strike in a genre like this, and Darren’s approach often feels like he’s prioritizing one over the other in ways that disrupt the flow of the story.
Ultimately, Incubus Inc. II will appeal to a certain type of reader: one who’s looking for a blend of supernatural power fantasy, erotic content, and harem-building. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll likely find more of the same here, with a few extra layers of magical lore sprinkled in for good measure. However, if you’re hoping for more significant character growth, nuanced storytelling, or deeper exploration of the moral dilemmas presented by Anthony’s business, you might come away feeling disappointed.
Randi Darren has created a series that knows its audience and sticks to its strengths. Incubus Inc. II is unapologetically indulgent in its wish-fulfillment and supernatural eroticism, but it struggles to deliver a well-rounded narrative. For those who enjoy the genre and aren’t bothered by the lack of character depth or a complex plot, this might be a fun, escapist read. For others, it’s more of the same surface-level storytelling with little evolution.
