Grave of Words

Fall of Under #2

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

Ember is a mortal in a world of demigods and monsters. But she is Under’s only hope at survival.


Under is besieged by flesh-eating corpses bent on destruction and commanded by an immortal madman out to destroy the world. And the only thing between him and his goal of utter annihilation...is Ember.

In a terrible twist of fate, the deranged King of Poison has become her prisoner. The wayward hunter now finds herself caught between two warring forces—the living and the dead. The choice should be easy. But the more time she spends with Rxa, the more she begins to question her resolve.

Because the real war is about to begin. And it is between her head…and her heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Horror, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Magic, Paranormal Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2021

About the author

Kathryn 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.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this a lot, it’s book two so a continuation of the story we previously started and as such cannot be read as a stand-alone.
I believe this is a trilogy so all will conclude in the final book and one thing I have to say about this author is she’s like a writing super-god and you never have long to wait for each instalment she definitely doesn’t leave you hanging which is something I’m very grateful for.

So we left off previously with Ember taking Rxa prisoner intending to take him south to the temple of dreams and this starts up right where we left off.
So it’s got to be said I bloody adore Rxa he is a complete original and one of a kind such a contradiction and such a total loony tune I do think that one of my favourite things about him his sense of the ridiculous and corny one-liners are just so endearing.

He’s an intriguing mix of revengeful madness with such a matter the fact unapologetic vicious streak but at the same time, he’s mischievous and caring and completely loco.
He’s a broken shell and he’s running on a purely emotional drive to annihilate everything in his path all that is except Ember.
He’s disillusioned and feels such a deep sense of betrayal like everything previous in his life was based on a lie.
His actions from before he sees not as a betrayal but as doing the right thing and the consequences of what he sees now as his abandonment by everyone he thought cared have really done a head number on him.
He also deeply mourns what he perceives as his new tarnished persona especially his beloved wings.
I actually felt really sad and empathetic towards his tragic plight.
Yes, he wants to wipe Under out completely but he does believe what he is going is valid like lancing a boil and removing what he perceives as a poison.

He’s a villain but also not, he’s not black and white he’s certainly not good but then he’s not all bad either as proven by his care of Ember.
He’s something in between the grey and constantly evolving all of the time.

Ember well she is struggling she knows what she needs to do but her heart and head are at war.
She feels drawn to Rxa in a way she has never been to anyone before he intrigues and equally confounds her and despite her resolve, she can’t help but want him even knowing he needs to be stopped.
She also feels his suffering and can even empathise with his current situation his sorrow breaks her heart and she feels a deep sense of kinship with him.

This flits between Ember and Rxa POV’s and then over to join the other key players in Under to see how they are holding up.
Dtu is growing closer to the human Jacob as they battle the Drengil and Maverick is experiencing an internal crisis, Aon well he is scheming as you would expect, everyone here has their part to play in what’s to come.
All the threads are being gathered and looped together, set in place ready for the grand finale and I can already anticipate it’s going to be absolutely epic.
This author can sure weave a narrative and her world-building is some of the best I’ve seen yet.

This book also has progression in regards to Ember and Rxa and this one does turn up the heat factor, there’s also a bit of dubious consent involved nothing dark but Rxa does get persuasive not that Embers complaining she so wanted that push and just to let go and not take responsibility as I said earlier she’s at war with herself as she’s caught some pesky feelings towards the tarnished former peacekeeper.

Can’t recommend this serious enough and this definitely delivers on all fronts and I’m very looking forward to reading the conclusion.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Grave Of Words. (Fall Of Under #2).



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Mystery& Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is the story all about how, Ember's life got flipped, turned upside down.
And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, Rxa will tell you how he became the King of a Poison in Und-air.
In Under born and praised and in the human world
On the playground is where I spent most of my days
Chilling out, gettin' worshiped, and relaxin’ all cool
And all living a hedonistic lifestyle without any drool.
When a couple of guys, (Aon, Lyon and Lydia for sure) who we're up to no good
Started making trouble in my neighborhood.
I got in one little fight and died, I was scared
Then the Ancients said, you're being reborn in several hundred years as the King of Poison in Und-Air.

I begged and pleaded with them day after day
But they packed my suitcase and sent me on my way, where I met Ember,
She gave me a kiss and then she gave me a punch.
I decided to lead my men to the Temple of Dreams, I might as well kill them all
First class, yo this is bad cause I hear voices in my head
Now I’m drinking blood out of people and eatin’ um too
Is this what the people of Und-Air do?
I don’t know, I’ve been dead and unloved for centuries
But now that I’m back, I do know that I am Rxa, King of Goop, I mean Poison
And I’m now workin’ to achieve my ultimate goal, bang Ember, I mean destroy Und-air


Now that I have sucked you in with my catchy toon, read this story. It is the thrilling sequel to Mask of Poison. It makes you excited for what is to come in the third book and what transpired in this book. This book leads you on an emotional rollercoaster but it is well worth it. You won't be disappointed.

[❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Although I like Rxa so far, I definitely wouldn't mind more Aon (and Aon and Lydia) scenes since he's my #1 bae 😌

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5.

Kathryn has never written a book I disliked, and is the uncontested queen of villain romance, at least as far as I'm concerned.

I enjoyed book 1, but I loved this book more. I think in book 1 it felt a little jarring to be back in the world of Under without Lydia and Aon as the focus, particularly as I adored the original series. By the end of book 1 I was intrigued by Ember and Rxa, but wasn't fully in love, yet. However, by the end of this book I am totally on board the Ember and Rxa love train. I also loved where she went with Maverick's character and that is drifnitely going to add a new dimension to the next book.

I highly recommend this series!

[Urna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave of Words is the middle book of the Fall of Under trilogy both chronologically and structurally, and Kathryn Ann Kingsely succeeds in making it work with her tight grasp over plot and character development. I liked how she built her main characters and revealed more about them to the readers by advancing the plot by keeping these characters front and centre. At the same time, the subplots both tie in to the central conflict of the story as well as give an opportunity to explore the secondary characters. With a deceptively stable build up of tensions over the course of the book, the cliffhanger ending manages to up the tension as well as the stakes by leaps, leaving the reader excited and anxious for the finale.

[Christine Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Fall of Under series did not disappoint! Grave of Words picks up with Amber and the crazed Rxa as he's bent on ending Under. The relationship between the two build a Amber struggles with her warring emotions. She knows that she shouldn't want Rxa because he's bat crazy and bent on ending the world she finds herself apart of. His humor, broken past and tender heart all win her over. This book finally brings the spice! Thank you Kat I can't wait to read the final book in this series.

[Vitea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️
This was adorable, gory and hot.
I love Rxa. Whiny flesh-eating, blood-sucking vampire-zombie malewife? Yes, please!
He also gets bonus points for wanting to braid Ember's hair into "pretty-pretty-princess patterns."

[Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This is such an interesting world created by Kingsley. I will be interested to see if Rxa will be willing to give up his revenge for his little dove.

[Alexandra G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

It should be impossible to love every single book that an author writes. But in this case it isn't.

In my opinion, Kathryn Ann Kingsley is the uncontested queen of villain romance and I dare anyone to try and change my mind.

I've read this trilogy one book after the other, was charmed by Rxa and his crazy, unstable personality and we see Aon, Lydia, Lyon and the others again! I love how we get to see some characters in another light. Like Dtu, I didn't really like him before but now I adore him.

My mind can't really wrap around the amount of time that passed since the events of the first series. Four hundred years is such a long time and so many things must have happened! I kinda want to find out.

10/10 would recommend

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zombies and Spiders and meat-eating Horsies ...
Yeah, Ember is finding Under a virtual obstacle course of unknowns - that includes the slightly mad god tied to her horse - Can she save a world she knows nothing of from a God that is all-powerful? And slightly disheveled and sexy in a bloody goth sort of way.

We pick up pretty much where we left off in book one - yes this is part of a series and yes you need to back it up if you have not read the first book - Trust me you want to play in this pool of darkness 😺

Rxa is slowly recovering from his taste of Ember all while he plots his destruction of Under and his reversal of "positions" with his little dove

I am not going to give away anything not spoiling the surprises here - This does end on a bit of a cliffy - Okay fine a large cliff with multiple "OMG H E double hockey sticks NO" things happening.
Know going in that you will want to read this one undisturbed.
Packed with edge of your seat twists and No moments.
Oh and wait for it -I am not sure but something is happening (ugh can't spoil it) and I am not sure if it is the "poison" or something else but maybe it is altering certain viewpoints (UGHHH You will see)
Ember was doing a bit of the back and forth but I get it - she suddenly found herself in a world where the old rules were nonexistent - except killing and fighting to survive. Her past makes it easy for her to adapt to some of the changes others take a few screams longer -but no judgment. She is slowly seeing the true beauty of Under while her feelings for Rxa are becoming harder to deny. But she has a mission and no matter how betrayed he feels destroying an entire world is not right
The chocolate and warm baths and pampering might be probably swaying her feelings
The glimpses at the real Rxa are definitely swaying her emotions.

Personal note* I may be moving Aon down a notch and Rxa up a bit I like his disheveled not really there slightly crimson shade of humor

Need the next in series yesterday, please!! There is so much going on and I always dislike when I have to leave Under for Earth 🥺

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Ann Kingsley has outdone herself with this spin-off of Masks of Under. She created such a horrific and beautiful world in Under, much like Rxa and Aon themselves. I could not get enough of the characters in Masks of Under and since they are immortal I knew she would have more stories to tell.
This book in the trilogy is precious because it's when Rxa and Ember fall in love. I don't think that is a spoiler really since we all know this is a romance, but I loved that the romantic developments happened gradually as they got to know each other. Ember definitely felt conflicted in her feelings towards Rxa, but from the beginning she felt a powerful draw towards him - this beautiful and heartbroken monster. She is full of so much love and empathy despite all the hardships and cruelty she's faced. That's why she's the only one that seems to see that Rxa is really hurting and lost underneath all that wrath.
Like Ember, I also prefer this batty version of Rxa compared to his previous flawless angel image. He has always been hiding who he truly is behind the façade of perfection and that has prevented him from forming strong friendships and relationships, even with the other royals and elders. How can you really be friends with someone if they don't really know you, warts and all?
Rxa has been hiding a really sharp and bizarre sense of humor that makes him so lovable. I cannot decide now if I like him or Aon more, and believe me I absolutely adore our mad warlock.

I also like that KAK has given larger parts to Dtu and Maverick in this trilogy, since both of them have not resolved their issues in the previous series. Dtu is still harboring resentment towards Lydia and Aon. Maverick has not moved on from Aria's death and the grudge he holds towards the Ancients.
I have to say, Dtu and Jakob were just too cute together! I enjoyed some of the lightness that Jakob brought into the story with his sunny outlook on life.

[netty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I don’t know how Kingsley makes lunatic madmen so appealing but I find Rxa even more delightful and compelling than Aon.

Picking up right where the previous book left off, Ember is carting a battered, slowly healing Rxa to the south to meet up with Aon and the Under crew. There are a bunch of little hops of viewpoint which usually isn’t my favorite but since Ember and Rxa get most of the book, I was happy.

Of course Rxa gets free
Of course he and Ember get closer
Of course it’s got gore and insanity

And yet it’s all so lovely.

I can see Kingsley’s sharp writing coming in. Here is Ember who has no stake in the previous Under and comes from a life of horror- only she could take on Rxa- look at him with compassion and attraction when he’s chewing on the innards of some dream beastie. And Rxa, its really curious to hear his viewpoint of the whole Aon/Lydia thing. Of course Under fans know he’s wrong ... but still. You can see a bit of where he is coming from. Which makes him all the more likable. A likable homicidal - genocidal- lunatic. How did I get here as a reader? !


Spoiler:



I knew we weren’t done with Maverick!
And that wasn’t an error 95% in- Rxa doesn’t know Edu is dead!!
Can’t wait for book 3! And Aon’s non-cement plan.

[Marla Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved it!! Continuing on from the first book, we learn more about Rxa’s plan and why he feels like he has to do what he’s set out to do. I’m very curious to see what all Aon has in store for Ember and Rxa. I also loved watching Ember and Rxas relationship progress, he is definitely a persistent one! I think one of the things I enjoy the most about these books is that I can never predict how Rxa is going to respond to things, as he says things that can be a bit crazy and literally has me laughing out loud. I don’t want to spoil anything by saying too much, but Kathryn did an amazing job of moving farther down the storyline, she is also amazing at world building and character development. Some of the characters definitely have their ups and downs and there were also a few different twist throughout the story. I think one of the things I am most amazed by is, how talented of a writer Kathryn is. When Kathryn had written the Mask of Under series, by the end of it I wasn’t a big fan of Rxa. Then she wrote the Return to Under series, and I see him in a whole new way and I absolutely love him. This book is definitely worthy of a read!!

**ARC Review**

[Treyonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. .5 off for the dubious consent and one star off for Dtu and Jacob. Their story took up waaaaaaaay too much of the story. I don't care about them and I didn't sign up to read so much about them. I signed up to read Rxa and Ember's story. It was like two concurrent love stories happening at the same time, with the main couple (Rxa/Ember) getting only SLIGHTLY more screen time than the other couple. And quite frankly both Jacob and Dtu are annoying with each having only two personality traits useless and optimistic for Jacob and grumbly and broken for Dtu. Someone like Jacob would not realistically survive in the world of Under so it just annoyed me every time he was in a scene, which as I just pointed out was A LOT, for this to be a story about Ember and Rxa.

It reminds me of why I didn't finish the author's Immortal Souls series, side characters that I didn't care for taking up way to much of the story. Though that particular side character was ten times worse than Jacob. I loved her Harrow Faire series though, probably because the side characters didn't take up nearly as much of the story.

[Emma Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having loved Masks of Under, I was a mixture of thrilled and nervous at a new trilogy in the same world. I was worried it wouldn't hold a candle to the first. I was sooooo wrong!!! I laughed, I cried, my heart srueezed, I'm so torn and I just loved every moment. Ember is fiery and strong and Rxa is hilarious, innocent, sweet, terrifying, deranged and disturbed and oh, how I love him! The book gripped me and I was genuinely upset when I reached the end. It is going to be pure torture waiting for the next book. Well done KAK!!! You've done it again! An absolutely brilliant alternative romance, in a deliciously dark world, full of amazing characters (love the side ones as much as the main! LOVE YOU JAKTU!!!), which has totally stolen my heart.

[Rhia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sweetest things are what we want but shouldn’t have!

... and that’s why we love them villains.. we should’t like them because they act like civilized cave men then wine and dine you.. then act like real cave men then you can’t help yourself . 😆🔥

I got to be honest, after reading all about what happened from Rxa’s point of view, you have to agree that he has a point and he does deserve his revenge. 😜

Once again KAK writes really awesome loveable morally gray beautiful to a fault insane villains that will consume you. I abso-fucking-lutely love Rxa and Ember. As usual the writing is fantastic.

I am so into the main plot that I didn’t really care much about the other couple’s budding love affair.

Overall 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sip Hea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really must know more. I'm not a fan of zombie tales by any means. I find such tales gruesome and hopeless, yet Kathryn Ann Kingsley has drawn me in with another truly insane villan who is somehow endearing and fascinating while being insufferable. Pair him with a heroine who is no wallflower, and it's magic. I must know more and soon. My mind can't fantom how reasonable resolutions could be on the horizon, but from my experience with this author's writing, it will be satisfactory and unpredictable.

[Paranormal Books R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave of Words Review

Another amazing book by Kingsley! The Dead are thriving and threatening to overtake Under. The Kings and Queens are scattered and doing what they can to survive but they are overwhelmed. They have lost those that are important to them, and the only hope is that Ember can reason with the madman behind it all. But what if things aren't as black and white as they seem?
As always I was hooked from the beginning of the story, and I can't wait to devour the final book in the trilogy. In my opinion Grave of Words is highly recommended.

[Misty Angell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a few days to write a review only because I feel so very lost now that I’ve finished the book. My only shining light in the darkness is knowing another book is coming. I really love this book honestly this is probably my favorite of her books. The Characters are so enjoyable. The story is gripping, full of excitement, horror, action, love, comedy and of course lust. If you are sick of cheesy romance novels than I suggest you read anything by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. If you happen to also love zombie vampires, read this series!🖤

[Vicky Pratley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Just Gets Better and Better

The first series of Under was my introduction to Kathryn's writing and I loved that heat mix of darkness and desire she always adds to her work.
To be honest, I wasn't sure about revisiting this world for another series but I'm happy to say that I am a convert.
If we thought Aon and Lydia's relationship was complex, then Ember and Rxa really takes things to another level.
A great book and can't wait for the next one to be released.

[Anne Marcelline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars??

What I liked about this book? The writing! The writer! That story! What I disliked about this book.? Rxa! He, they, whatever that disgusting, psychotic flesh eating creature is, made some serious churning within my stomach.
How could she, Ember, who I liked, could allow sexual relations "love" between herself and that 'whatever' Rxa creature? ???
Otherwise, 4 stars for writer, Kathryn Ann Kingsley!

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Another fantastic addition. I can happily recommend ALL of KAK’s series. She creates some of the most unique stories paired with lovable anti-heroes. If you’re looking for a break from the recycled themes found in so many paranormal reads, steam, humor, action, & drama then I recommend any series by Kinglsey!

[☆Liv☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know im always singing high praises for this series, but it is well deserved! It punches you right in the feels..This book made me laugh🤣🤣, had me in tears(oh my heart💔)😭 and at the edge of my seat😲😱😰
Where is this gonna end!?😧
FAN-FRIKKIN'-TASTIC book!!!🤯😍

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the one I liked the least by this author. Maybe is because I read everything bu her already but this series felt weirdly predecible considering how “original” her stories can be. Also, I found the romance too over the top for some reason as well.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic vs zombies and the main love interest likes being the little spoon? Hell yes. This was awesome.

[Karen McNl · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is never a book of KAK that I don't love. This lady can do no wrong.

[Mrsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Summer Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

mmmmhmm this was good omfg I just love Rxa and Ember and them together…..especially in those scenes 👀anyways I will riot if Dtu and Jakob and Ember and Rxa dont get their happy ending👍🏾🙃

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way better than the first book. Love the chemistry!

[Zwon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute

I vibe with Rxa and Ember