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Fall of Under #1
Mask of Poison
Darkness has come to consume the world, and only Ember knows the true depths of its horror.
As a hunter, Ember’s life was spent saving humanity from the flesh-starved corpses eager to devour them. Then, a fresh evil clawed its way to the surface, leaving Ember feeling she traded one apocalypse for another.
Rxa gave his life to protect his kingdom. But now he’s back, undead and untethered. Craving carnage, he has gathered an army to destroy Under and any who dare stand in his way. His every intention is to leave Ember for last. For even in death, she consumes his every thought.
Can Ember protect her new world after failing the last? Or will Rxa succeed in wiping out Under, a place he deems too cruel to survive?
As a hunter, Ember’s life was spent saving humanity from the flesh-starved corpses eager to devour them. Then, a fresh evil clawed its way to the surface, leaving Ember feeling she traded one apocalypse for another.
Rxa gave his life to protect his kingdom. But now he’s back, undead and untethered. Craving carnage, he has gathered an army to destroy Under and any who dare stand in his way. His every intention is to leave Ember for last. For even in death, she consumes his every thought.
Can Ember protect her new world after failing the last? Or will Rxa succeed in wiping out Under, a place he deems too cruel to survive?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2021
89 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
67 books2,465 followersKathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 19, 2021
So I was back in my happy place with this book returning to Under for a whole new chapter.
The original series that this spins off from is one of my favourites ever so I was very excited to get started on this one.
Ember a human, but not one of earth awakens disoriented and in a strange place, her own world Gioll is overrun with the dead.
These horrors were brought about by the dread god's arrival which totally decimated her whole civilisation and to stay alive and by circumstance she’s had to become a hunter of these abominations rather than there prey, meaning she’s hardly a stranger to danger death and fear it’s actually something she lives with every day of her life.
Die on Gioll and after being torn apart by the dead you’ll rise and join there ranks as a Drengil your fate now feeding on the living.
Ember unexpectedly finds herself transported from her home in Gioll Into the cathedral of the ancients in Under.
she’s not the only thing new here though an eighth alter unexpectedly appears it’s arrival coinciding with Ember’s presence in the cathedral and this unforeseen occurrence spells ominous things for the future of this world.
A new threat is on the horizon, the peace and calm that has long reigned over Under is again shattered and Ember is going to play a key part in Under’s potential survival.
An old adversary has awakened one that wants to destroy and lay waste to Under and he’s hungry for sustenance.
Rxa the former king of blood has returned and he is ravenous in all of his appetites, hungry for blood vengeance and he is so very angry at what he perceives as all past betrayals.
This one really was so gory and explicit with such vivid descriptions and horrific visuals Rxa is definitely villainous here and this starts off with a bang, talk about making an entrance I was bloody gobsmacked as well as disgustedly intrigued at the same time, best introduction ever and Rxa well he’s definitely mad as a box of frogs combine this with an almost childlike manic and sarcastic humour and I was so totally sold on him despite his current agenda.
So as these two worlds align Gioll and Under there destiny’s will intertwine and as more of Gioll is transported to this new unknown land the threat that Gioll has been fighting a losing battle with and the dread god himself is now Under’s problem and with Rxa at the helm with his army of undead and bent on everyone’s total annihilation this is definitely going to get worse before it gets better.
But Under is the land of monsters for a reason and this type of strife is nothing new to them.
It really was great catching up with some old faces Maverick Lyon Lydia and Aon the king of shadows was as charming and droll as ever got to love that man, all the old favourites were here for the start of this new series and the journey forward has only just begun.
There are also budding tentative feelings emerging here mostly on Rxa’s part, Ember is still at the a lot freaked-out stage but at the same time, she does feel Rxa’s pain.
I’m definitely invested and certainly intrigued to see how this newest king of under and his little dove do develop romantically and even how they will actually get there from this point, now that will be an epic feat.
I’m also incredibly excited with where this might go next and this was such an amazing action-packed start and as usual, another five-star read from this author who never fails to brings the goods.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Mask Of Poison.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 23, 2021
4 Stars
Gory, funny, with a flesh eating villain/hero, definitely something new and unique and I'm totally down with it. It was slow to start which I expected, but I'm excited to finally get some more Rxa time, hopefully with no gaping wounds and organs falling out though👌
Gory, funny, with a flesh eating villain/hero, definitely something new and unique and I'm totally down with it. It was slow to start which I expected, but I'm excited to finally get some more Rxa time, hopefully with no gaping wounds and organs falling out though👌
January 20, 2024
This was incredible.
The first part of a slow burn trilogy, and I loved it.
*The male MC stole the show completely, every time he was on page I couldn’t stop laughing… and he is really scary.
*The female MC was very nice and lovable. She is sweet, serious and more importantly, she acts according to the story and setting! She is going through a very complicated and nasty adventure. She has her sense of humor and all, but she is not the Snarky-sassy-knows it all Princess that this type of story usually shows. She has a credible and likable personality without the need to describe her as the super perfect girl, and I love that.
*Everyone here is Bi❤️
*MF main love story (perfect chemistry)
*MM side story (the Cutest)
The plot and characters are as original and refreshing as the best KAK story I could hope for.
I having so much fun 🩵
The first part of a slow burn trilogy, and I loved it.
*The male MC stole the show completely, every time he was on page I couldn’t stop laughing… and he is really scary.
*The female MC was very nice and lovable. She is sweet, serious and more importantly, she acts according to the story and setting! She is going through a very complicated and nasty adventure. She has her sense of humor and all, but she is not the Snarky-sassy-knows it all Princess that this type of story usually shows. She has a credible and likable personality without the need to describe her as the super perfect girl, and I love that.
*Everyone here is Bi❤️
*MF main love story (perfect chemistry)
*MM side story (the Cutest)
The plot and characters are as original and refreshing as the best KAK story I could hope for.
I having so much fun 🩵
January 2, 2023
5 stars
I never read Masks of Under, so this was a new intro to this world. As always, I love the way Kingsley writes her villainous heroes.
I never read Masks of Under, so this was a new intro to this world. As always, I love the way Kingsley writes her villainous heroes.
February 25, 2021
This is definitely not for the faint of heart. Though it’s full of action and gore, there are bits of tenderness sprinkled here and there. One thing is for sure: though the author writes the most villainous of villains, there is always something likeable about them. Now, what secrets will book 2 reveal?
March 12, 2021
It was great to be back in the world of Under again! I absolutely adored the first books and I am definitely intrigued to see where things are going to go in this new series.
Kathryn is the absolute queen of villain romance and I have loved all of her previous books. She writes really excellent villains and managed the skirt a very difficult line in making they deliciously awful, yet have some sort of semi redeemable quality as to you not wanting them to fall off a cliff.
I have to say the jury is still out on Rxa. I is basically a zombie and spends most of the book trying to repair his rotting body through eating the poor citizens of Under, so while he is as villainous as a typical Kathryn male lead, he's not exactly male romantic lead material, like most of her other main male characters are. But I am definitely intrigued to see how the hell this is going to turn into a romance.
I liked Ember. All of Kathryn's leading ladies tend to have a certain amount of pragmatism about them that is refreshing and Ember had an aloofness and a sadness to her.
Most of the potential romance came in the form of Dtu and another human, Jakob. While this was sweet, and a little interlude from the main plot, it felt a little quick and forced, but it still made me smile.
I definitely recommend this is you like the author's other work.
Kathryn is the absolute queen of villain romance and I have loved all of her previous books. She writes really excellent villains and managed the skirt a very difficult line in making they deliciously awful, yet have some sort of semi redeemable quality as to you not wanting them to fall off a cliff.
I have to say the jury is still out on Rxa. I is basically a zombie and spends most of the book trying to repair his rotting body through eating the poor citizens of Under, so while he is as villainous as a typical Kathryn male lead, he's not exactly male romantic lead material, like most of her other main male characters are. But I am definitely intrigued to see how the hell this is going to turn into a romance.
I liked Ember. All of Kathryn's leading ladies tend to have a certain amount of pragmatism about them that is refreshing and Ember had an aloofness and a sadness to her.
Most of the potential romance came in the form of Dtu and another human, Jakob. While this was sweet, and a little interlude from the main plot, it felt a little quick and forced, but it still made me smile.
I definitely recommend this is you like the author's other work.
February 25, 2021
If you like blood, guts, gore, and horror in general you will love this book. This book isn't for the faint of heart but let this serve as your warning. It is amazingly twisted as only Kingsley can manage to be. To quote our MC, Fear me, for I am Rxa, King of Goop!" Rxa is the perfect combination of blood thirsty villain and fluffy glitter unicorn. You'll get it if you read it. This book is the perfect balance of humor and horror...my favorite combination. Enjoy!
October 24, 2022
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE TRILOGY!
WOW, THIS WAS A CLUSTER MINDFUCK. The male lead was INSANE and I mean that in the most literal and truest way. I just got off reading Japanese Smut Mangas, and I just realized how close to male lead characters japanese people like to write about....ya know...the cutesy but also player type of male who can get all sensual on a girl? Well, if you don't, you seriously need to hit Google now and read some. And remember, get the smut tagged ones. Lol.
Okay, let's get back to the review....
I DIDN'T READ THE UNDER SERIES PRIOR TO THIS, AND I KNOW I SHOULD HAVE STARTED OFF THERE BUT RXA WAS SCREAMING AT ME TO READ HIS STORY TOO. Funny how that seems so like him to demand a reader's attention because he's spoiled that way. So yeah, since I got to know RXA's side of the story first, I can honestly say I didn't like AON at all, and I've yet to read his story.
RXA was absolutely insane! I was so intrigued by how the author could have made a madman fall in love, one who was so hellbent on revenge. And his vengeance was understood, given everything that's been done to him, and the amount of betrayal that he felt. Usually I won't be so interested in a male lead's BOOHOO story, but RXA's story really spoke to me and tugged at my heartstrings because that's how talented Kingsley is with her words. RXA's pain wasn't just a bunch of words I read, but they SPOKE to me as a reader and I got to sympathize easily with him, and found myself rooting for him, although NOT by killing everyone. So, when RXA proved to have a loose screw in the head, and how his character type is the complete opposite of what I usually like....ehh i thought it made sense. He TALKS TOO MUCH, SPOUTS A LOT OF MODERN DAY REFERENCE, and to be honest, I kept seeing Gena Showalter's mouthy heroines in my head, in Rxa's place. LOL. RXA's the complete epitome of a boy trapped in a man's body who YEARNS to be loved and like a boy starved of mommy's affections, he wants a pat on the head and to be hugged. That's what he was to me. At the end of the day, I was moved by his love for Ember and I couldn't be happier for his HEA.
EMBER's the type of heroine I do like, although it could have gone horribly wrong but luckily she was a pleasant mix of tough nut on the outside, but all soft and gooey on the inside. Trained as a hunter her entire life, Ember's hunted zombies, and one day finds herself magically transported to UNDER. For those of who have read the prior series, this book while be a thrill, like a freaking COMEBACK show and you'll get to see a lot of old faces. But if you're like me who started off without knowing anyone, it kind of takes the fun away and I found MASK OF POISON utterly an info-dump and couldn't quite appreciate it until the 2nd and 3rd book. Honestly I just wanted Ember and Rxa time. Not guilty. What I liked most about Ember was how she doesn't take no shit from anyone, but when she does care about someone, she protects them with their life. Total devotion that was the perfect foil for a needy ex-angel like Rxa.
OVERALL this was an amazing trilogy, though my favourite parts started only in Book 2. The relationship and chemistry between Rxa and Ember was vibrant and alive, and OH-SO-SWEET despite the male lead being a bit unhinged. Oh, and not to mention RXA's...sort of...a cannibal? After being resurrected, he's all goopey and deformed, and always so hungry, thus explains why he eats people and beasts, and also sucks blood. So I suppose for those of you who enjoy an angel-vampire-tortured hero, you get IT ALL IN ONE here! Can't ask for a better deal now, can you?
WOW, THIS WAS A CLUSTER MINDFUCK. The male lead was INSANE and I mean that in the most literal and truest way. I just got off reading Japanese Smut Mangas, and I just realized how close to male lead characters japanese people like to write about....ya know...the cutesy but also player type of male who can get all sensual on a girl? Well, if you don't, you seriously need to hit Google now and read some. And remember, get the smut tagged ones. Lol.
Okay, let's get back to the review....
I DIDN'T READ THE UNDER SERIES PRIOR TO THIS, AND I KNOW I SHOULD HAVE STARTED OFF THERE BUT RXA WAS SCREAMING AT ME TO READ HIS STORY TOO. Funny how that seems so like him to demand a reader's attention because he's spoiled that way. So yeah, since I got to know RXA's side of the story first, I can honestly say I didn't like AON at all, and I've yet to read his story.
RXA was absolutely insane! I was so intrigued by how the author could have made a madman fall in love, one who was so hellbent on revenge. And his vengeance was understood, given everything that's been done to him, and the amount of betrayal that he felt. Usually I won't be so interested in a male lead's BOOHOO story, but RXA's story really spoke to me and tugged at my heartstrings because that's how talented Kingsley is with her words. RXA's pain wasn't just a bunch of words I read, but they SPOKE to me as a reader and I got to sympathize easily with him, and found myself rooting for him, although NOT by killing everyone. So, when RXA proved to have a loose screw in the head, and how his character type is the complete opposite of what I usually like....ehh i thought it made sense. He TALKS TOO MUCH, SPOUTS A LOT OF MODERN DAY REFERENCE, and to be honest, I kept seeing Gena Showalter's mouthy heroines in my head, in Rxa's place. LOL. RXA's the complete epitome of a boy trapped in a man's body who YEARNS to be loved and like a boy starved of mommy's affections, he wants a pat on the head and to be hugged. That's what he was to me. At the end of the day, I was moved by his love for Ember and I couldn't be happier for his HEA.
EMBER's the type of heroine I do like, although it could have gone horribly wrong but luckily she was a pleasant mix of tough nut on the outside, but all soft and gooey on the inside. Trained as a hunter her entire life, Ember's hunted zombies, and one day finds herself magically transported to UNDER. For those of who have read the prior series, this book while be a thrill, like a freaking COMEBACK show and you'll get to see a lot of old faces. But if you're like me who started off without knowing anyone, it kind of takes the fun away and I found MASK OF POISON utterly an info-dump and couldn't quite appreciate it until the 2nd and 3rd book. Honestly I just wanted Ember and Rxa time. Not guilty. What I liked most about Ember was how she doesn't take no shit from anyone, but when she does care about someone, she protects them with their life. Total devotion that was the perfect foil for a needy ex-angel like Rxa.
OVERALL this was an amazing trilogy, though my favourite parts started only in Book 2. The relationship and chemistry between Rxa and Ember was vibrant and alive, and OH-SO-SWEET despite the male lead being a bit unhinged. Oh, and not to mention RXA's...sort of...a cannibal? After being resurrected, he's all goopey and deformed, and always so hungry, thus explains why he eats people and beasts, and also sucks blood. So I suppose for those of you who enjoy an angel-vampire-tortured hero, you get IT ALL IN ONE here! Can't ask for a better deal now, can you?
March 16, 2021
Definitely not a stand alone so if you haven’t read the Masks of Under series- go read that first!
I’m so happy to be back in Under and with Kingsley again. Her characters are vibrant lunatics- even the sanest ones like Ember and the world is harsh and raw but rich and so fun to read.
Ember is from a zombie apocalypse and gets dropped into Under and it’s really a toss up whether it’s an improvement because the zombies and their disease have come too, as well as a resurrected character from the previous series and a new Ancient, which in Under is never a good sign.
The hero ... well, like most of Kingsley’s that title really comes with a question mark (seriously, read the first series first!) is falling to pieces, mad, dangerous, brutal and kind of nasty — so fun to read! He has a long journey ahead and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Ember is wonderful. She’s got skills but is very very human, relatable and fallible. She lives second by second and yet has compassion and dignity. I really like her already.
There are cameos by old characters- what is hard for me to grasp is that 400 years have gone by in Under.
I need to go reread the first series again. It hasn’t been 400 years but it’s been too long! Can’t wait for book 2!
I’m so happy to be back in Under and with Kingsley again. Her characters are vibrant lunatics- even the sanest ones like Ember and the world is harsh and raw but rich and so fun to read.
Ember is from a zombie apocalypse and gets dropped into Under and it’s really a toss up whether it’s an improvement because the zombies and their disease have come too, as well as a resurrected character from the previous series and a new Ancient, which in Under is never a good sign.
The hero ... well, like most of Kingsley’s that title really comes with a question mark (seriously, read the first series first!) is falling to pieces, mad, dangerous, brutal and kind of nasty — so fun to read! He has a long journey ahead and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Ember is wonderful. She’s got skills but is very very human, relatable and fallible. She lives second by second and yet has compassion and dignity. I really like her already.
There are cameos by old characters- what is hard for me to grasp is that 400 years have gone by in Under.
I need to go reread the first series again. It hasn’t been 400 years but it’s been too long! Can’t wait for book 2!
March 6, 2021
Honestly I took my time with this book. Savoring every word. I first discovered Kathryn Ann Kingsley when I was in serious book slump. I wanted something romantic but not mushy with action and horror, with humor and sarcasm. I really just was looking for a book that sucked me in, and that’s when I discovered her books. They had everything I was looking for and I’ll admit at first I put off reading the Original Under series. What an idiot I was it’s fantastic, I highly recommend. I’m honestly forever stuck between Harrow Faire and Under they both left me with a serious book hangover. I felt really lost for a while. That is until Mask of Poison. Omg I just love it! I mean zombies!🖤 A hot psycho vampire zombie! omg omg yes ! My only problem is having to wait until the next book in the series comes out.
March 8, 2021
Miss Kingsley has done it again, y'all. I am once again left speechless at how good her work is. I feel like everytime I have an expectation of what I expect one of her books to be like, she bests it a hundredfold.
This is a true sequel trilogy in that I wouldn't start it until after you've read the Masks of Under series because there are *so* many references back to it, you be utterly lost otherwise, even with the addition of a new heroine. I also think it makes the angst between the characters hit just that much harder.
I adored Ember. She's very different from Lydia in a way that's hard to describe. She's both somehow more prepared for the insanity of Under than Lydia ever was, but also, has more softness to her than one would initially think. There were times where I could really see her bleeding heart, which in a way, reminded me of Lyon, and therefore why I think they got on so well, too.
Reading about everyone again was like getting to return back to your favorite city, and reuniting with everyone there. It was so easy to slip back into the flow of the royals and their politics and long history, along with Under's.
And then to top if off, Rxa. Beautiful, horrible, lovely, Rxa. I've somehow fallen for him even more than I thought I could, which is saying something, all things considering.
I have so many feelings about Rxa that I don't even know if I can properly put them into words, but when I say that not only did I not know that I needed this book--let alone that I would get it--until after it'd been announced, but I did not know I would need this book in my life. It met all of my expectations and more for how I'd hope everything that happened with him went, and it's only the first of a trilogy in exploring his psyche, and the blessings and curses he has now been dealt with by the Ancients' hands in his life.
But I am so happy that we are getting this series though, as even in the Masks of Under, he was neigh my favorite, and I feel like it's only appropriate that we're finally getting his story after so long, for even back then, his tale had never really finished. :') 🖤
This is a true sequel trilogy in that I wouldn't start it until after you've read the Masks of Under series because there are *so* many references back to it, you be utterly lost otherwise, even with the addition of a new heroine. I also think it makes the angst between the characters hit just that much harder.
I adored Ember. She's very different from Lydia in a way that's hard to describe. She's both somehow more prepared for the insanity of Under than Lydia ever was, but also, has more softness to her than one would initially think. There were times where I could really see her bleeding heart, which in a way, reminded me of Lyon, and therefore why I think they got on so well, too.
Reading about everyone again was like getting to return back to your favorite city, and reuniting with everyone there. It was so easy to slip back into the flow of the royals and their politics and long history, along with Under's.
And then to top if off, Rxa. Beautiful, horrible, lovely, Rxa. I've somehow fallen for him even more than I thought I could, which is saying something, all things considering.
I have so many feelings about Rxa that I don't even know if I can properly put them into words, but when I say that not only did I not know that I needed this book--let alone that I would get it--until after it'd been announced, but I did not know I would need this book in my life. It met all of my expectations and more for how I'd hope everything that happened with him went, and it's only the first of a trilogy in exploring his psyche, and the blessings and curses he has now been dealt with by the Ancients' hands in his life.
But I am so happy that we are getting this series though, as even in the Masks of Under, he was neigh my favorite, and I feel like it's only appropriate that we're finally getting his story after so long, for even back then, his tale had never really finished. :') 🖤
March 7, 2021
Yes!!!!
For those who journeyed with Lydia in Masks - Welcome back!
For everyone else?
Buckle up and hold on tight
You are in for one Hades of a journey!
(suggest not eating beforehand)
Ember finds herself dropped (quite literally) into another world
One that is as fraught with as much death and danger as her own but with the added splash of magic and monsters and mayhem (couldn't help it)
Rxa finds himself back in under but it seems he is missing some of himself - most of himself actually. He doesn't understand why he is back after 400 years but he does understand the need for vengeance and it seems he has been reincarnated with a little something special to help him ensure his sense of justice is delivered.
He will destroy Under and the Ancients
This is one of my all-time favorite universes to get lost in
The carnage
The creatures
The magic
The villains you can't help but loathe or love or both
Kingsley has done it again with Mask of Poison
If you enjoy a bit of gore with your goth
Strong heroines that choose themselves
Storylines that capture and keep you
Then Under is the place for you
(I know I ranted a bit but it is just that gooooooddddd)
This is a standalone series that takes place in the world of Under
For those who journeyed with Lydia in Masks - Welcome back!
For everyone else?
Buckle up and hold on tight
You are in for one Hades of a journey!
(suggest not eating beforehand)
Ember finds herself dropped (quite literally) into another world
One that is as fraught with as much death and danger as her own but with the added splash of magic and monsters and mayhem (couldn't help it)
Rxa finds himself back in under but it seems he is missing some of himself - most of himself actually. He doesn't understand why he is back after 400 years but he does understand the need for vengeance and it seems he has been reincarnated with a little something special to help him ensure his sense of justice is delivered.
He will destroy Under and the Ancients
This is one of my all-time favorite universes to get lost in
The carnage
The creatures
The magic
The villains you can't help but loathe or love or both
Kingsley has done it again with Mask of Poison
If you enjoy a bit of gore with your goth
Strong heroines that choose themselves
Storylines that capture and keep you
Then Under is the place for you
(I know I ranted a bit but it is just that gooooooddddd)
This is a standalone series that takes place in the world of Under
April 12, 2025
I have no idea how I missed this sequel to the Masks of Under series. Despite him being an annoying little shit, I liked Rxa in Masks of Under, so discovering that he has his own trilogy made me happy.
And the first book was a lot of fun! It's so nice to be back in the world of Under. I missed Lydia, Aon and Lyon, and I'm glad that they play a part in here.
Rxa is great, I enjoyed his unique brand of crazy. An angel-vampire-zombie combo was not what I expected, but it kinda works?
The new FMC, Ember, is brave and selfless, but a bit boring, she pales in comparison to Lydia. However, I have high hopes for her, considering other series I've read by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. I’m definitely invested in the story and very excited to see where the Ember/Rxa romance goes.
And the first book was a lot of fun! It's so nice to be back in the world of Under. I missed Lydia, Aon and Lyon, and I'm glad that they play a part in here.
Rxa is great, I enjoyed his unique brand of crazy. An angel-vampire-zombie combo was not what I expected, but it kinda works?
The new FMC, Ember, is brave and selfless, but a bit boring, she pales in comparison to Lydia. However, I have high hopes for her, considering other series I've read by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. I’m definitely invested in the story and very excited to see where the Ember/Rxa romance goes.
October 29, 2021
Welcome (back) to Under
It’s been 400 years since we last saw the denizens of Under - and they’ve mostly enjoyed peace in that time, thanks in large part to Lydia’s love somehow subduing Aon. That peace, however, is a fragile thing, and quickly shattered when another world somehow tangles with Under - and drags its plague of destruction with it.
New faces, old faces and really old faces grace this tale - one spun of both fresh and ancient nightmares. Zombies, revenge, death all around - and just the hint of potential love on the horizon. But it’s Under… and nothing here ever goes smoothly.
It’s been 400 years since we last saw the denizens of Under - and they’ve mostly enjoyed peace in that time, thanks in large part to Lydia’s love somehow subduing Aon. That peace, however, is a fragile thing, and quickly shattered when another world somehow tangles with Under - and drags its plague of destruction with it.
New faces, old faces and really old faces grace this tale - one spun of both fresh and ancient nightmares. Zombies, revenge, death all around - and just the hint of potential love on the horizon. But it’s Under… and nothing here ever goes smoothly.
March 5, 2021
Words cannot describe how happy I was when I found out we were returning to Under!! Kathryn NEVER disappoints! I honestly loved everything about this book, and it was great to see old friends (and my man Aon🖤) again. It was interesting seeing Rxa in a different light this time around, and I am extremely curious to see how him and Ember develop. Mask of Poison does have moments of gore and darkness, but I feel it only adds to the story. I am beyond excited for the next book! While you don’t necessarily have to read the Masks of Under series before Mask of Poison, I highly recommend reading them because 1) they are absolutely amazing (and also my all time favorite series & author) and 2) the characters we reunite with and past situations will make a bit more sense. I definitely recommend reading this!!
**ARC Review**
**ARC Review**
September 7, 2021
Review for the entire series
4.5 stars - another amazing series, this time featuring an undead villain out to eat and kill everyone untill the void takes their entire world away. The romance was once again really good, I loved the characters and the plot as well. I wished there was more at the end, I would have loved to read just a bit more about what our couple does when they finally get to be together.
Tropes
• medium slowburn romance
• enemies to lovers
• fmc captures mmc turned into mmc captures fmc
• villain mmc / fmc who tries to save the world
Ratings
• characters: 4.5/5
• romance: 4/5
• plot: 4/5
• spice scale: 2/5 (starting at book 2)
• angst scale: 4/5
4.5 stars - another amazing series, this time featuring an undead villain out to eat and kill everyone untill the void takes their entire world away. The romance was once again really good, I loved the characters and the plot as well. I wished there was more at the end, I would have loved to read just a bit more about what our couple does when they finally get to be together.
Tropes
• medium slowburn romance
• enemies to lovers
• fmc captures mmc turned into mmc captures fmc
• villain mmc / fmc who tries to save the world
Ratings
• characters: 4.5/5
• romance: 4/5
• plot: 4/5
• spice scale: 2/5 (starting at book 2)
• angst scale: 4/5
February 26, 2021
KAK you've done it again! This new book in the world of Under pucks up 400 years after the series Masks of Under ends. Kathryn continues to weave her spell in this unique and captivatingly dark world. Creatures that defy imagination with machinations that are violent yet tender. It truly offers a spine tingling adventure in the beginnings of a very dark romance. The characters are well written and the Female lead is strong and spunky. I can't wait until book 2 to see how the story progresses
November 19, 2023
“Prayers, even those that are not heard, carry more power than you may believe.”
I really love the way Kathryn writes; not quite poetic but it always paints an intricate picture. Ember and Rxa didn’t meet until ch 10 but I felt their connection immediately. I wish I got more of Rxa’s pov or more scenes with him bc his psychotic personality is hard to decipher and I enjoy trying to figure him out. Theres more romance between the side characters than the main ones in this so I’m really hoping the next book Is different😩
Overall, this was ok I just wished the spotlight was on the MCs rather than literally everyone else…
Spice: none
Emotions: 😅😰🤢✨😨?😳😲😂😮🤨
I really love the way Kathryn writes; not quite poetic but it always paints an intricate picture. Ember and Rxa didn’t meet until ch 10 but I felt their connection immediately. I wish I got more of Rxa’s pov or more scenes with him bc his psychotic personality is hard to decipher and I enjoy trying to figure him out. Theres more romance between the side characters than the main ones in this so I’m really hoping the next book Is different😩
Overall, this was ok I just wished the spotlight was on the MCs rather than literally everyone else…
Spice: none
Emotions: 😅😰🤢✨😨?😳😲😂😮🤨
Read
May 17, 2021Me encantó la primera saga de Under y me emocionó muchísimo descubrir que iba a ver una continuación, así que la compré en cuanto salió. Un dato a tener en cuenta es que tienes que haber leído la primera saga para poder leer esta: hay mucha información que asimilar y por lo menos a mí me costó entenderlo todo al principio, y en esta saga no se explica nada de eso ya que se sobreentiende que tú ya te has leído la saga anterior. Esto es algo que agradezco ya que suelo sentir que pierdo el tiempo cuando me vuelven a explicar lo mismo en varios libros, pero reconozco que me plantée releer la saga anterior para tenerlo todo fresco aunque al final no lo hice.
Se nos presentan varios personajes nuevos con personalidades y objetivos muy diversos. Al principio pensé que era Edu el que había resucitado y me quedé a cuadros cuando descubrí que era Rxa (y por cierto, gracias Kathryn por decirnos como se pronunciaba el nombre porque yo no tenía ni idea de como leerlo). La cuestión más importante creo que es porqué Rxa resucita: ¿por qué él y no otro de todos los que murieron también en la anterior saga? Me ha gustado que sea uno de los protagonistas ya que se sabía muy poco de él y reconozco que cuando lidera las ordas de zombies cantando me parecía surrealista pero oye, él es así. Entiendo que se obsesione con Ember ya que es la única que le ha mostrado un mínimo de empatía, pero no entiendo porqué no la ataca en cuanto la ve cómo sí hizo con todo el que se cruzó con él en la catedral.
Ember me ha parecido un personaje muy realista a la hora de comprender que todos los seres de Under la superan y que puede morir en cualquier momento e intenta ayudar como puede.
Me han gustado ver a Lydia y Aon de nuevo, aunque han pasado 400 años y su relación ha madurado durante todo ese tiempo, y aún hay personajes que dudan que Aon pueda sentir algo por ella. Reconozco que me hubiera gustado ver más de Aon y sus vueltas de tuerca, pero aquí es un personaje secundario y las interacciones que tiene con Ember son mínimas.
En cuanto al mundo de Gioll, sinceramente estoy convencida de que es la Tierra después de la catástrofe zombie. No sé cuándo fue la última vez que se conectaron la Tierra y Under, pero yo ahí lo dejo.
Me ha costado leer el libro ya que ha sido bastante introductorio de los personajes y el ritmo era un poco lento (comparado a lo que yo estaba acostumbrada de la autora) pero, y hay un gran pero, recordé que me había pasado lo mismo con la saga anterior y gracias a los comentarios de la gente me animé a leer King of Shadows y a partir de ahí ya no pude parar. Así que animo a todo el mundo a que le de una oportunidad al siguiente libro.
Se nos presentan varios personajes nuevos con personalidades y objetivos muy diversos. Al principio pensé que era Edu el que había resucitado y me quedé a cuadros cuando descubrí que era Rxa (y por cierto, gracias Kathryn por decirnos como se pronunciaba el nombre porque yo no tenía ni idea de como leerlo). La cuestión más importante creo que es porqué Rxa resucita: ¿por qué él y no otro de todos los que murieron también en la anterior saga? Me ha gustado que sea uno de los protagonistas ya que se sabía muy poco de él y reconozco que cuando lidera las ordas de zombies cantando me parecía surrealista pero oye, él es así. Entiendo que se obsesione con Ember ya que es la única que le ha mostrado un mínimo de empatía, pero no entiendo porqué no la ataca en cuanto la ve cómo sí hizo con todo el que se cruzó con él en la catedral.
Ember me ha parecido un personaje muy realista a la hora de comprender que todos los seres de Under la superan y que puede morir en cualquier momento e intenta ayudar como puede.
Me han gustado ver a Lydia y Aon de nuevo, aunque han pasado 400 años y su relación ha madurado durante todo ese tiempo, y aún hay personajes que dudan que Aon pueda sentir algo por ella. Reconozco que me hubiera gustado ver más de Aon y sus vueltas de tuerca, pero aquí es un personaje secundario y las interacciones que tiene con Ember son mínimas.
En cuanto al mundo de Gioll, sinceramente estoy convencida de que es la Tierra después de la catástrofe zombie. No sé cuándo fue la última vez que se conectaron la Tierra y Under, pero yo ahí lo dejo.
Me ha costado leer el libro ya que ha sido bastante introductorio de los personajes y el ritmo era un poco lento (comparado a lo que yo estaba acostumbrada de la autora) pero, y hay un gran pero, recordé que me había pasado lo mismo con la saga anterior y gracias a los comentarios de la gente me animé a leer King of Shadows y a partir de ahí ya no pude parar. Así que animo a todo el mundo a que le de una oportunidad al siguiente libro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
Set in Kathryn Ann Kingsley's fictional world of Under, four hundred years after the events of Masks of Under, or as the denizens of Under refer to it - the Rise - Mask of Poison plunges the reader into an Under beset with even more chaos and tumult than usual. The fallen King of Blood Rxa is somehow back from final death just as the world of Gioll has crashed into Under, bringing Gioll's surviving denizens and their troubles (quite literally) to Under. It can be read as a standalone, because the author does a good job of explaining basic details and background information about Under that were revealed over time in the previous series without deviating from the plot of the current book.
Mask of Poison is a fascinating, breathtaking work of fantasy with a fair bit of gore that aids rather than hinders the development of the plot and characters. The mystery of the events of this book which brings the denizens of Gioll, including the protagonist Ember, quite literally crashing into Under and Rxa's equally mysterious return in a vengeful avatar makes for a very exciting story. Rxa's discontent is easy to understand and empathize with even as previous readers of the King of Blood and Queen of Dreams know he is not as unequivocally wronged as he would have readers believe. It was just that much more delightful for me to read Mask of Poison everytime characters like Lyon, Kamira, Lydia would make an appearance, because it felt like greeting old friends after a long time. The new characters like Ember, Ember's (not)horse-creature-thingy and Jakob are also just as much of a delight to get to know. This book is an exciting return to the chaotic, beautiful and morbid world of Under and a delightful read from start to finish.
Mask of Poison is a fascinating, breathtaking work of fantasy with a fair bit of gore that aids rather than hinders the development of the plot and characters. The mystery of the events of this book which brings the denizens of Gioll, including the protagonist Ember, quite literally crashing into Under and Rxa's equally mysterious return in a vengeful avatar makes for a very exciting story. Rxa's discontent is easy to understand and empathize with even as previous readers of the King of Blood and Queen of Dreams know he is not as unequivocally wronged as he would have readers believe. It was just that much more delightful for me to read Mask of Poison everytime characters like Lyon, Kamira, Lydia would make an appearance, because it felt like greeting old friends after a long time. The new characters like Ember, Ember's (not)horse-creature-thingy and Jakob are also just as much of a delight to get to know. This book is an exciting return to the chaotic, beautiful and morbid world of Under and a delightful read from start to finish.
March 10, 2021
It was so nice to take a trip back to one of my favorite worlds, Under. The monsters are majestic, the world was well thought out in the first series, and that just lends to this book. The author manages to make this a stand alone that you can read without having visited the original group of Kings and Queens, so you don’t have to venture there, but I highly recommend that you give her first foray into this world a try.
I’m not for spoilers so I’ll keep it brief. I love the Mortal MC of this new story. She’s brave and selfless without being overdone. Her take on life in dire situations is how I would hope mine would be. Her observations help with the world building so that you get enough to picture Under, without feeling like it’s being overdone. And the story, it has all the things. The sizzle of adventure, romance, a “bad” guy that is the picture of what any good character should be: a flawed individual that with the right touch could very well reach the balance between good and evil that’s needed in such a story.
I was thrilled with this and can’t wait for the next installment.
I’m not for spoilers so I’ll keep it brief. I love the Mortal MC of this new story. She’s brave and selfless without being overdone. Her take on life in dire situations is how I would hope mine would be. Her observations help with the world building so that you get enough to picture Under, without feeling like it’s being overdone. And the story, it has all the things. The sizzle of adventure, romance, a “bad” guy that is the picture of what any good character should be: a flawed individual that with the right touch could very well reach the balance between good and evil that’s needed in such a story.
I was thrilled with this and can’t wait for the next installment.
May 8, 2021
5 stars
It was soooo good to be back in this messed-up universe. Under is so awesome.
To be honest I didn't even read the whole description before starting the book so I had no idea which villain was going to twist his way into my heart.
Rxa was..... disturbing. Way more violent and angry than any other character so far. But his unique brand of crazy made him weirdly lovable.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's so full of violence, gore and blood that it's hard to imagine sometimes. But it is a zombie book after all. If you ever wanted to read what it's like for a zombie to tear apart someone and eat them, this is your chance.
Ember was a great main character. She lived a hard life so surviving in Under wasn't that hard for her. Whether she'll survive Rxa we'll just have to see.
I definitely recommend reading the first series about Under because it's amazing, it presents the world and the characters better and it's freaking amazing.
10/10 would recommend
It was soooo good to be back in this messed-up universe. Under is so awesome.
To be honest I didn't even read the whole description before starting the book so I had no idea which villain was going to twist his way into my heart.
Rxa was..... disturbing. Way more violent and angry than any other character so far. But his unique brand of crazy made him weirdly lovable.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's so full of violence, gore and blood that it's hard to imagine sometimes. But it is a zombie book after all. If you ever wanted to read what it's like for a zombie to tear apart someone and eat them, this is your chance.
Ember was a great main character. She lived a hard life so surviving in Under wasn't that hard for her. Whether she'll survive Rxa we'll just have to see.
I definitely recommend reading the first series about Under because it's amazing, it presents the world and the characters better and it's freaking amazing.
10/10 would recommend
March 9, 2021
Love
Kathryn Ann Kingsley has very quickly became one of my favorite authors! So many of her books are so u predictable . I mean in the big picture I can figure alot of stuff out but there is always something that throws a left curve. People you think are untouchable... aren't. Like life,, KAK doesn't discriminate.
And can I say I LOVE her villains? They aren't the typical bad guy. They are surly, funny and usually insane. Rxa is no different. I loved him in the masks of under series and am so glad to see that fun personality come back through. Ember is a trooper for sure. I love how intricate her personality is. Like a real person, she is multifaceted. Rxa described her perfectly . She is strong yet weak, humble yet confident, doesn't want to die but is self sacrificing if she needs to. I like her alot! Not every heroine needs to be either weak or a complete harda$$.
Patiently waiting for book 2! Patiently because KAK never makes us wait for long! She's da best!
Kathryn Ann Kingsley has very quickly became one of my favorite authors! So many of her books are so u predictable . I mean in the big picture I can figure alot of stuff out but there is always something that throws a left curve. People you think are untouchable... aren't. Like life,, KAK doesn't discriminate.
And can I say I LOVE her villains? They aren't the typical bad guy. They are surly, funny and usually insane. Rxa is no different. I loved him in the masks of under series and am so glad to see that fun personality come back through. Ember is a trooper for sure. I love how intricate her personality is. Like a real person, she is multifaceted. Rxa described her perfectly . She is strong yet weak, humble yet confident, doesn't want to die but is self sacrificing if she needs to. I like her alot! Not every heroine needs to be either weak or a complete harda$$.
Patiently waiting for book 2! Patiently because KAK never makes us wait for long! She's da best!
March 14, 2021
Delicious new king
Ugh. This is the first book by this author and I'm totally in love. This is twisted and so so good. I swear I almost stoped reading in the beginning. Nothing about it being bad or anything, but (warning) there is a graphic moment when rxa comes back and starts eating ppl. I'm squeamish when it comes to gore and body parts like that. And I wasn't sure if I could handle reading more of that. But I promise the whole read isn't like that. But I'm seriously wondering about my mental stability since I find rxa damn delicious! Which is hilarious since he's a insane corpse that is eating ppl. But oh does that corpse have game. He is so sweet and never lashes out. His crackling and joking made me love him even more! And I hope this is a love story! I'd love to read a building romance between these two.
Ugh. This is the first book by this author and I'm totally in love. This is twisted and so so good. I swear I almost stoped reading in the beginning. Nothing about it being bad or anything, but (warning) there is a graphic moment when rxa comes back and starts eating ppl. I'm squeamish when it comes to gore and body parts like that. And I wasn't sure if I could handle reading more of that. But I promise the whole read isn't like that. But I'm seriously wondering about my mental stability since I find rxa damn delicious! Which is hilarious since he's a insane corpse that is eating ppl. But oh does that corpse have game. He is so sweet and never lashes out. His crackling and joking made me love him even more! And I hope this is a love story! I'd love to read a building romance between these two.
July 21, 2025
First of all, it was RIDICULOUSLY hard to find a copy of any of the books in the Fall of Under Series which was frustrating. I guess they’re not being circulated anymore? It took me over a year to even hunt down a used copy, but I’m so glad I did. Unlike the Halfway Between series, which was almost as hard to find copies of, these books were well worth the trouble!
Rxa and Ember’s story was so much fun to read, and just as with the original Under books, the side characters are engaging and fleshed out very well. This is not always the case with Kathryn Ann Kingsley, I’ve found that sometimes her supporting characters and plot lines fall flat for me -particularly when there is a secondary love story- but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
If you can get your hands one it’s definitely worth a read!
Rxa and Ember’s story was so much fun to read, and just as with the original Under books, the side characters are engaging and fleshed out very well. This is not always the case with Kathryn Ann Kingsley, I’ve found that sometimes her supporting characters and plot lines fall flat for me -particularly when there is a secondary love story- but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
If you can get your hands one it’s definitely worth a read!
March 12, 2021
When I first heard about this book, I was very confused. Romance and zombie apocalypse do not belong in the same description of a novel, let alone one where one of the romantic interests is of such undead grisly, minced-meat condition. However, it is as if someone dared the author to write a story using those elements and make it good, and she said, "Here hold my drink." Kathryn Ann Kingsley creates the most uncommon and dynamically complex characters and puts them together in outcomes that are suspenseful but also satisfying. I have never been a fan of gruesome zombie stories, but with writing like this, I'll definitely return for more. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 5, 2021
I was so excited for this book!!!! It was spectacular! It was great to go back and see all our favorite characters again, to see different facets to them and, of course, to meet the new ones we are inevitably to fall in love with. Rxa is my new book boyfriend! He is so dark, twisted, sweet, naive, evil, innocent, insane, delicious. He is a mixture of juxtapositions that you just can't help but love. Ember is fiery, powerful in her own right and takes no nonsense. I can't wait to see the inferno to come in that romance! Also, JAKTU made my entire body go 'awwwweweeeee'. Thank you KAK for making me so happy, this was just stunning. I love it so much, I've got both the digital and paperback versions!! Everyone reading this.... GET THIS BOOK!!!!!
April 14, 2021
Mask of Poison Review
This. Book. Is. Amazing!!! It was an absolute joy to visit Under again and catch up with some much loved and missed friends. And not only were the returning characters just as awesome as I remembered the new additions are equally fantastic. And with Under once again on the brink of destruction, and with a madman out for revenge and leading the chaos it is going take every one of these amazing characters to pull off the impossible and save the world...again.
Under is by far one of my favorite book worlds and Mask of Poison more than met my expectations so I highly recommend it!
This. Book. Is. Amazing!!! It was an absolute joy to visit Under again and catch up with some much loved and missed friends. And not only were the returning characters just as awesome as I remembered the new additions are equally fantastic. And with Under once again on the brink of destruction, and with a madman out for revenge and leading the chaos it is going take every one of these amazing characters to pull off the impossible and save the world...again.
Under is by far one of my favorite book worlds and Mask of Poison more than met my expectations so I highly recommend it!
May 23, 2022
um my dear friend told me that I needed help after sending her highlighted screenshots of the things Rxa was doing that I found alarmingly and strangely hot… 😅 I freaking love that man which isn’t anything new since I apparently love the men of KAK books anyways🙄 but this one right here omg and he is so freaking funny like omg it doesn’t matter as he tears this lady face off…he holds her after he does it…such a sweetheart😋anyways I really love Ember too even tho she’s really a freaking martyr n I don’t like that cuz I am not sacrificing myself for ppl Idk but I love that lady. Honestly I really loved this book so onto the next one
March 16, 2021
It was a delight to return to the Under after two years. We get to see some of the beloved characters from the Masks of Under and get introduced to some new ones. The new main character, Ember seems to be an interesting one. And the new villain/potential love interest is also good. Rxa is both maniacal and sort of clownish in his mad ravings. The author has a talent for making each character unique and giving them their own voice. I really look forward to the next installment in this new series.
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