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Fallen Gods #4
Tear the World Apart
“I will not go out as a candle in the dark—I am The Endless Night, and the whole world will remember it soon. If I must drown this kingdom in blood, so be it.”
The God of Order marches on, approaching victory with every stride. Frustrated with the stagnation of politics, Etolié takes matters into her own hands, resolving to find the reborn God and defeat him herself—with the help of her favorite half-demon, of course. An unexpected ally finds them in the woods, and while Etolié knows better than to trust vampires, Mereen Fireborn seems honest enough.
Meanwhile, Flowridia basks in her impossible victory, even if the haunting memory of its cost lurks in every shadow. Joy comes with compromise, however, because the woman she loves will never die, and so neither must she. Immortality holds a soul-wrenching cost. Flowridia agrees to pay it with a single addendum—that they first be wed.
Gods rise, kingdoms fall, and a monster is unleashed in the fourth installment of FALLEN GODS.
The God of Order marches on, approaching victory with every stride. Frustrated with the stagnation of politics, Etolié takes matters into her own hands, resolving to find the reborn God and defeat him herself—with the help of her favorite half-demon, of course. An unexpected ally finds them in the woods, and while Etolié knows better than to trust vampires, Mereen Fireborn seems honest enough.
Meanwhile, Flowridia basks in her impossible victory, even if the haunting memory of its cost lurks in every shadow. Joy comes with compromise, however, because the woman she loves will never die, and so neither must she. Immortality holds a soul-wrenching cost. Flowridia agrees to pay it with a single addendum—that they first be wed.
Gods rise, kingdoms fall, and a monster is unleashed in the fourth installment of FALLEN GODS.
708 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2020
62 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Simper
22 books872 followersSD Simper is a bestselling horror author, award-winner of fantasy romance, and understands that the true secret to writing great villains is living with cats. She and her wife share a home with four cats, a Great Dane, and innumerable bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 21, 2021
God damn this series. I can't say I'm happy with the ending...namely, that this ISN'T the ending. There's more to come and in no way is there a feeling of resolution after getting through this 800 page intense read.
It's a conundrum, for while I was expecting that this shit-storm of drama would surely have a happy ending and then was only held on the line for another book in the series there's now anticipation that there IS more to come. Because, S.D. Simper is a fantastically brilliant writer. As in, I'm in awe of how-in-the-hell-can-this-come-from-a-person's-imagination-and-then-make-it-to-the-written-word kind of wonder.
"Tear the World Apart" is not a comfortable read by any means but it is a phenomenal ride.
Action packed, gory, dark, twisted, sophisticated, political thriller, edge of your seat dramatic, and romantic. Simper really brought an incredible number of threads of storylines into a well-woven tapestry.
If you're looking for an extraordinary series that happens to have lesbian, bisexual, or nonbinary leads AND you can stomach the dark and twisted, absolutely get every book in this series and consume them as quickly as possible. It really is an incredible experience.
In this book, we go deeper into Ayla and Flowridia's romance as well Etolie and Khastra's love relationship. And it's all against the backdrop of the world falling apart, hence the title.
I'm still soooo uncomfortable with Ayla Darkleaf's character, in particular, and Flowridia's complicity and collusion in her dark activities. But that's really what this story is about: Flowridia's struggle to accept her darker side, to let evils rise within her and around her. And, she's not the only one.
I can't even say that Ayla and Flowridia's relationship is healthy. In fact, it seems quite the opposite. But, they do communicate and are earnest in their love, giving it a redemptive quality.
Simper deftly weaves a full cast of characters that explore their lighter and darker sides: Can evil characters do good? Can good do evil? We can see all sides of these characters which makes you want to love them and murder them at the same time. Nearly every main character in this ensemble cast is the villain and hero in one. Betrayals abound, as do body counts and impossible situations.
One hallmark of a great story is seeing characters get into the tightest spots against the absolute worst villains, then seeing how they get out of them. Simper doesn't do this one time but probably hundreds of times with numerous characters and it never gets old, each one driving the story deeper and more twisted.
I love this series but not always the way it makes me feel. I'm on the hook for another read, no thanks to you Simper. Ugh.
Note, there are triggers throughout this book...but, if you've made it this far in the series, abuses of all kinds are present. Just know, before picking up the series, it's not easy.
4.7 stars.
It's a conundrum, for while I was expecting that this shit-storm of drama would surely have a happy ending and then was only held on the line for another book in the series there's now anticipation that there IS more to come. Because, S.D. Simper is a fantastically brilliant writer. As in, I'm in awe of how-in-the-hell-can-this-come-from-a-person's-imagination-and-then-make-it-to-the-written-word kind of wonder.
"Tear the World Apart" is not a comfortable read by any means but it is a phenomenal ride.
Action packed, gory, dark, twisted, sophisticated, political thriller, edge of your seat dramatic, and romantic. Simper really brought an incredible number of threads of storylines into a well-woven tapestry.
If you're looking for an extraordinary series that happens to have lesbian, bisexual, or nonbinary leads AND you can stomach the dark and twisted, absolutely get every book in this series and consume them as quickly as possible. It really is an incredible experience.
In this book, we go deeper into Ayla and Flowridia's romance as well Etolie and Khastra's love relationship. And it's all against the backdrop of the world falling apart, hence the title.
I'm still soooo uncomfortable with Ayla Darkleaf's character, in particular, and Flowridia's complicity and collusion in her dark activities. But that's really what this story is about: Flowridia's struggle to accept her darker side, to let evils rise within her and around her. And, she's not the only one.
I can't even say that Ayla and Flowridia's relationship is healthy. In fact, it seems quite the opposite. But, they do communicate and are earnest in their love, giving it a redemptive quality.
Simper deftly weaves a full cast of characters that explore their lighter and darker sides: Can evil characters do good? Can good do evil? We can see all sides of these characters which makes you want to love them and murder them at the same time. Nearly every main character in this ensemble cast is the villain and hero in one. Betrayals abound, as do body counts and impossible situations.
One hallmark of a great story is seeing characters get into the tightest spots against the absolute worst villains, then seeing how they get out of them. Simper doesn't do this one time but probably hundreds of times with numerous characters and it never gets old, each one driving the story deeper and more twisted.
I love this series but not always the way it makes me feel. I'm on the hook for another read, no thanks to you Simper. Ugh.
Note, there are triggers throughout this book...but, if you've made it this far in the series, abuses of all kinds are present. Just know, before picking up the series, it's not easy.
4.7 stars.
February 15, 2022
Although it’s invigorating to witness redemption in a book, watching the slow descent of someone can be even more fascinating in a terrible way. After the initial mourning over Flowridia no longer being the gentle soul of the series, I accepted the new order in Tear the World Apart. No definitive good and evil but rather individuals with agendas and backstories who co-mingle or who repel one another. By Book 4, there’s mass deception and destruction as leaders try to power grab kingdoms and look to control those with magical powers by any means necessary. Gods and demi-gods pop in and out to threaten or to save the world. The times are now in constant flux.
Tear the World Apart is no longer just Flowridia and Ayla’s story. Instead, the author breaks open the series, filling it out with rich details of more lands and dimensions, hints of even more beings inhabiting distant points that I’m sure will prove important in future volumes. It’s a tremendous flex and displays big time growth from the previous stories. The book’s length also allows ample opportunity for the author to write more about the two main couples, Ayla/Flowridia as well as the Celestial, Etolié, and her demon lover, Khastra, and this new one is a fire burner. Passages alternate between the two pairs with tension building towards a mega battle of magic. The author is a master of revealing just enough to satisfy in the moment but then adding a few tantalizing breadcrumbs that lead you along to the next dark path.
Although the fights are epic and mystical creatures abound in all places, much to look at and think about, what I find most compelling are the distinct personalities of characters and the dynamics of relationships. Much of Fallen Gods focuses first and foremost on how people interact as families, friends, and lovers. Where the first books took the trials and tribulations to the extremes, in this story, the author tones down the emotions to more realistic levels. I think seeing trust issues and vulnerability in a couple or reading how a character loses themselves to lies comes off much more powerfully than some grand, obscene gesture.
I don’t want to gloss over the fact that Tear the World Apart, like much of Fallen Gods, had me horrified and filled with revulsion because the disturbing content is still very much there. But insanely, there are also moments of introspection and stillness in the midst of chaos that are so tender, they took my breath away. Incredible storytelling that just gets better with every new book. I’m hooked to the core and recommend the series to anyone who’s ready for a ferociously spun journey.
Tear the World Apart is no longer just Flowridia and Ayla’s story. Instead, the author breaks open the series, filling it out with rich details of more lands and dimensions, hints of even more beings inhabiting distant points that I’m sure will prove important in future volumes. It’s a tremendous flex and displays big time growth from the previous stories. The book’s length also allows ample opportunity for the author to write more about the two main couples, Ayla/Flowridia as well as the Celestial, Etolié, and her demon lover, Khastra, and this new one is a fire burner. Passages alternate between the two pairs with tension building towards a mega battle of magic. The author is a master of revealing just enough to satisfy in the moment but then adding a few tantalizing breadcrumbs that lead you along to the next dark path.
Although the fights are epic and mystical creatures abound in all places, much to look at and think about, what I find most compelling are the distinct personalities of characters and the dynamics of relationships. Much of Fallen Gods focuses first and foremost on how people interact as families, friends, and lovers. Where the first books took the trials and tribulations to the extremes, in this story, the author tones down the emotions to more realistic levels. I think seeing trust issues and vulnerability in a couple or reading how a character loses themselves to lies comes off much more powerfully than some grand, obscene gesture.
I don’t want to gloss over the fact that Tear the World Apart, like much of Fallen Gods, had me horrified and filled with revulsion because the disturbing content is still very much there. But insanely, there are also moments of introspection and stillness in the midst of chaos that are so tender, they took my breath away. Incredible storytelling that just gets better with every new book. I’m hooked to the core and recommend the series to anyone who’s ready for a ferociously spun journey.
February 20, 2022
Kindle Unlimited installment 4.
I think you are an evil woman, but I also believe that even the most wicked among us are capable of good.”
“Just as those of us who consider ourselves good can align with evil, for the greater good.”
Boy what a series, to watch the downfall of a sweet naïve woman being corrupted and choosing violence and death because of LOVE, is a right mind-flip! This is dark fantasy at it's best.
Politics abound as so many players vie for power over this world. But we are discovering more beyond the veil of worlds and it's creators, and the constant cycle that has been going around for millennia. Truly distorted and impressive.
There's so many emotional moments, of learning about Ayla's past, and her humanity that was corrupted by other humans in life, and the evils that helped her when the 'good' actually failed her. It's such an interesting theme.
Sacrifice and consequence abounds in this installment, too, as people realize what they have to deal with, leaving no room for wall-flowers - and realizing what they have to bargain with, all the while wondering if they have the spirit for it. Choosing the lesser of two (or more) evils and learning to live and work with it. How power corrupts, and even love itself isn't so pure.
It's entirely fascinating and I sort of relate it to Game Of Thrones in the best ways, with how the plot and characters can be so endearing and yet messed up, and the situations making your own heart race and yet you feel a palpable lack of judgement despite your own moral objections to certain things. It's moving and an exercise in deep thought and control that I really find enrapturing.
I think you are an evil woman, but I also believe that even the most wicked among us are capable of good.”
“Just as those of us who consider ourselves good can align with evil, for the greater good.”
Boy what a series, to watch the downfall of a sweet naïve woman being corrupted and choosing violence and death because of LOVE, is a right mind-flip! This is dark fantasy at it's best.
Politics abound as so many players vie for power over this world. But we are discovering more beyond the veil of worlds and it's creators, and the constant cycle that has been going around for millennia. Truly distorted and impressive.
There's so many emotional moments, of learning about Ayla's past, and her humanity that was corrupted by other humans in life, and the evils that helped her when the 'good' actually failed her. It's such an interesting theme.
Sacrifice and consequence abounds in this installment, too, as people realize what they have to deal with, leaving no room for wall-flowers - and realizing what they have to bargain with, all the while wondering if they have the spirit for it. Choosing the lesser of two (or more) evils and learning to live and work with it. How power corrupts, and even love itself isn't so pure.
It's entirely fascinating and I sort of relate it to Game Of Thrones in the best ways, with how the plot and characters can be so endearing and yet messed up, and the situations making your own heart race and yet you feel a palpable lack of judgement despite your own moral objections to certain things. It's moving and an exercise in deep thought and control that I really find enrapturing.
April 15, 2021
Holy shit! This book!
I feel like my head’s about to explode, but it’s all starting to make sense now…
This series is great! Hope we won’t have to wait long for the next — final? — installment.
I feel like my head’s about to explode, but it’s all starting to make sense now…
This series is great! Hope we won’t have to wait long for the next — final? — installment.
September 13, 2024
5 Stars
Book 4 everyone is stripped bare to their core. No more of this innocence malarkey. Everyone is good and bad or they have to do bad things in order to do good and the readers have no choice but to swallow this bitter truth.
The growth of 2 main characters (and some peripherals) was so satisfying to read. To see the gradual decline or ascension of their story (depends on how one sees it) made me grieve the inevitable character’s graduation to a different path.
This book was so long (I’m not complaining!) I tried to console myself with probable patterns the author might take to conclude a story but the twists still manage to shake me. 700+ pages have never felt so satisfying!!!
Book 4 everyone is stripped bare to their core. No more of this innocence malarkey. Everyone is good and bad or they have to do bad things in order to do good and the readers have no choice but to swallow this bitter truth.
The growth of 2 main characters (and some peripherals) was so satisfying to read. To see the gradual decline or ascension of their story (depends on how one sees it) made me grieve the inevitable character’s graduation to a different path.
This book was so long (I’m not complaining!) I tried to console myself with probable patterns the author might take to conclude a story but the twists still manage to shake me. 700+ pages have never felt so satisfying!!!
December 6, 2020
The fourth installment of the Fallen Gods series and hot damn! This book has so successfully given me a place to escape to...it is why I love fantasy. I did not realize how long this book was until the official release, but when I tried to think of parts that should’ve been cut out, I couldn’t. The series has some serious world-building. Beings from different realms and timelines; featuring gods, demons, vampires, elves, dragons, wolves and witches all co-existing and somehow connected. I especially loved delving into Etolié’s heart-wrenching backstory. And for those who read the first 3, there’s the long-awaited steamy screen time for two of the main couples :)
I really dig Simper’s story-telling because this isn’t just a chronological, one-dimensional story of corrupt politics. By this point, there are a few storylines that parallel each other. It is less “will good triumph over evil?” as it is “who is the ultimate bad guy willing to do the worst to win?”
We revisit a lot of faces and I was surprised how each stood out without having to cross reference previous books to remember anyone’s particular significance. Simper writes each individual and their situation so distinctly and with such necessity that it never feels like the story is inundated with characters.
This is definitely darker than the previous 3 books and with it comes a lot of angst. The most recurring thought I had was, “how the hell is this going to end?!” The protagonists start to look like the antagonists and vice versa but in the most intriguing and relatable way because the driving factor is not greed like it is with most politics, but love. I can’t help but to empathize with them all.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really dig Simper’s story-telling because this isn’t just a chronological, one-dimensional story of corrupt politics. By this point, there are a few storylines that parallel each other. It is less “will good triumph over evil?” as it is “who is the ultimate bad guy willing to do the worst to win?”
We revisit a lot of faces and I was surprised how each stood out without having to cross reference previous books to remember anyone’s particular significance. Simper writes each individual and their situation so distinctly and with such necessity that it never feels like the story is inundated with characters.
This is definitely darker than the previous 3 books and with it comes a lot of angst. The most recurring thought I had was, “how the hell is this going to end?!” The protagonists start to look like the antagonists and vice versa but in the most intriguing and relatable way because the driving factor is not greed like it is with most politics, but love. I can’t help but to empathize with them all.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2021
4 Stars - SD Simper is an amazing author. She says in the book that love and hate are so close to each other. I think they can be sides of the same coin. I would say that I hate and love this series.
I am going to get a bit spoilerly to try and explain my complex feeling about this story.
I am going to get a bit spoilerly to try and explain my complex feeling about this story.
November 18, 2020
I only got into this series just over a month ago and was completely blown away by the first three volumes. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC and Tear the World Apart continues the trend of being a fantastic read and wild experience.
This volume was another roller coaster. Sometimes I felt like I was cycling through emotions as if someone had simply been flipping a switch. The highs had me beaming, and the lows had me hurting. And once again, S.D. Simper is a master at writing characters & situations you can’t help but feel conflicted about. More than before as the stakes are raised ever higher. Personally, I can’t recall any series that has managed to make me feel both so anxious & excited at the same time.
Despite the bulkier size, with it being double the length of the previous books, I didn’t feel it drag at any point. One of the things that really drew me into the series overall was the progression of the story never stalls and that’s no different here. It’s packed to the brim with so much of everything. Things I’d hoped for, things I didn’t know I needed, things I couldn’t even begin to anticipate; and I loved every second of it. I could hardly put it down and even when I finished I was already itching to reread it.
With all that said Tear the World Apart is a great next installment into the Fallen Gods series and I’m breathlessly awaiting more.
This volume was another roller coaster. Sometimes I felt like I was cycling through emotions as if someone had simply been flipping a switch. The highs had me beaming, and the lows had me hurting. And once again, S.D. Simper is a master at writing characters & situations you can’t help but feel conflicted about. More than before as the stakes are raised ever higher. Personally, I can’t recall any series that has managed to make me feel both so anxious & excited at the same time.
Despite the bulkier size, with it being double the length of the previous books, I didn’t feel it drag at any point. One of the things that really drew me into the series overall was the progression of the story never stalls and that’s no different here. It’s packed to the brim with so much of everything. Things I’d hoped for, things I didn’t know I needed, things I couldn’t even begin to anticipate; and I loved every second of it. I could hardly put it down and even when I finished I was already itching to reread it.
With all that said Tear the World Apart is a great next installment into the Fallen Gods series and I’m breathlessly awaiting more.
February 11, 2021
this whole series really is just the author finding the best ways to hurt us over and over again until we find ourselves not caring who wins because everyone is terrible and we have accepted that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2022
Ok here is the thing: I AM VERY CONFLICTED ABOUT THIS BOOK AND THUS, THIS SERIES.
I’ve already talked about it, I don’t like Ayla and Flowridia much, and that only escalated for a majority of this book (though not all). I just, I cannot tell WHAT this story is. For a long time, I thought we were supposed to like them, their relationship, and (though it be complex and conflicted), ultimately, root for them. AND I SIMPLY DID NOT!! The longer these books went on, the less I liked Flowridia at all. She is such a hypocrite, and FINALY someone (hilariously, Ayla) calls her out on it in this book. But it frustrated me that for so long I couldn’t tell what the author was trying to convey here. Especially in this book with revelations about Ayla’s childhood and earlier life, I’m just like, so in order to make her sympathetic she has to have be been abused? (Which, content warning and also spoilers but, CSA and abuse warnings for a small portion of this, nothing explicit at all just alluded to, but still). Like I’m sorry, I feel sympathy for her as a child and young woman, but she turned into a literally gleeful murderous power hungry monster and two things can be true at once and I don’t suddenly like her now.
For a little bit there, I was actually elated. I was like, oh okay, this has all been a slow burn long con and Flowridia is the villain! This is so cool, actually! All of the things I’ve been feeling are justified!! But then with the very end.. I’m not so sure. And that’s a little frustrating, but there are a lot of other things in this series that I like. At this point, Etolie is my fav and I love her arc in this book a lot, and I will definitely keep reading and she’s who I’m rooting for.
I’ve already talked about it, I don’t like Ayla and Flowridia much, and that only escalated for a majority of this book (though not all). I just, I cannot tell WHAT this story is. For a long time, I thought we were supposed to like them, their relationship, and (though it be complex and conflicted), ultimately, root for them. AND I SIMPLY DID NOT!! The longer these books went on, the less I liked Flowridia at all. She is such a hypocrite, and FINALY someone (hilariously, Ayla) calls her out on it in this book. But it frustrated me that for so long I couldn’t tell what the author was trying to convey here. Especially in this book with revelations about Ayla’s childhood and earlier life, I’m just like, so in order to make her sympathetic she has to have be been abused? (Which, content warning and also spoilers but, CSA and abuse warnings for a small portion of this, nothing explicit at all just alluded to, but still). Like I’m sorry, I feel sympathy for her as a child and young woman, but she turned into a literally gleeful murderous power hungry monster and two things can be true at once and I don’t suddenly like her now.
For a little bit there, I was actually elated. I was like, oh okay, this has all been a slow burn long con and Flowridia is the villain! This is so cool, actually! All of the things I’ve been feeling are justified!! But then with the very end.. I’m not so sure. And that’s a little frustrating, but there are a lot of other things in this series that I like. At this point, Etolie is my fav and I love her arc in this book a lot, and I will definitely keep reading and she’s who I’m rooting for.
March 1, 2022
This book—this series is murderous. I wept for a solid half of the last 15% of this beast. I need the 5th one like I need oxygen.
Also, it is supremely weird to feel such a kinship with a vampiric demon demi-goddess-like creature from beyond the shadows. Like, hi, fellow anxiety-ridden one who doesn’t trust love. Did we just become besties? Yup.
Also, it is supremely weird to feel such a kinship with a vampiric demon demi-goddess-like creature from beyond the shadows. Like, hi, fellow anxiety-ridden one who doesn’t trust love. Did we just become besties? Yup.
December 29, 2020
To be fair I didn’t care about Etolié
November 20, 2020
I have loved every book in the Fallen Gods series, but this latest addition surpassed my every expectation. From the moment I finished the prologue, I knew that this was going to be my new favorite book in the series. Perhaps I had this feeling because, at this point in the story, all of the characters have thoroughly endeared themselves to me. But I suspect it is also due to the fact that Simper, who has already earned herself a role as one of my favorite storytellers, has only continued to sharpen her artistry. Her ability to adapt the narrative style to reflect the internal narrative of the current POV character continues to astound me. Her ability to show me how often I do not actually want to take the “good” path keeps me up at night. The stealth with which she tucks truly profound moments into this fantastical epic continues to catch me off guard. I expect to be surprised at this point, yet I have not come close to being able to outwit Simper’s inspired words.
For instance, I did not expect to become this obsessed with the comic relief when I started this series. But just like with most of Simper’s work, where I ended up is not where I ever expected to be. I fell in love with the addition of Etolie’s point of view in Blood of the Moon, but OH HOW THE STARCHILD SHINED in this book! She has revealed herself to be so much more than her defense mechanisms, and this new stage of her relationship with Khastra is bringing out so many lovely pieces of our beloved alcoholic angel. My favorite section of the book centers around these two, and when I finished, I realized my FACE HURT because I had smiled like a maniac the entire time!
Tear the World Apart is an absolute blast — as long as your definition of a blast includes emotional catharsis, because, true to style, Simpler delivers here as well. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions, blushed once or twice (the heat is… turned up in this book), screamed with excitement, and cried both happy and sad tears. It is simultaneously the funniest and heaviest of the books to date, a line that Simper navigates with precision. It is very clear that while she will not shy away from the dark or painful aspects of humanity, she handles sensitive topics with the respect and empathy they deserve. She is incredibly detailed in the observations of her characters, playing with details about familiar fantasy creatures that so many other storytellers overlook. Never painting a character as purely good nor evil, she makes room for the effects of trauma within the interpersonal dynamics she creates. Watching these characters respond to each other — become vulnerable, apologize, heal, and change each other in unexpected ways — made me question the mercurial nature of good and evil when love can justify so many wrongs.
For instance, I did not expect to become this obsessed with the comic relief when I started this series. But just like with most of Simper’s work, where I ended up is not where I ever expected to be. I fell in love with the addition of Etolie’s point of view in Blood of the Moon, but OH HOW THE STARCHILD SHINED in this book! She has revealed herself to be so much more than her defense mechanisms, and this new stage of her relationship with Khastra is bringing out so many lovely pieces of our beloved alcoholic angel. My favorite section of the book centers around these two, and when I finished, I realized my FACE HURT because I had smiled like a maniac the entire time!
Tear the World Apart is an absolute blast — as long as your definition of a blast includes emotional catharsis, because, true to style, Simpler delivers here as well. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions, blushed once or twice (the heat is… turned up in this book), screamed with excitement, and cried both happy and sad tears. It is simultaneously the funniest and heaviest of the books to date, a line that Simper navigates with precision. It is very clear that while she will not shy away from the dark or painful aspects of humanity, she handles sensitive topics with the respect and empathy they deserve. She is incredibly detailed in the observations of her characters, playing with details about familiar fantasy creatures that so many other storytellers overlook. Never painting a character as purely good nor evil, she makes room for the effects of trauma within the interpersonal dynamics she creates. Watching these characters respond to each other — become vulnerable, apologize, heal, and change each other in unexpected ways — made me question the mercurial nature of good and evil when love can justify so many wrongs.
August 20, 2022
It was fantastic. Oh my goodness!!
April 24, 2022
I don't even know where to fucking start 😭 This series is throwing my emotions everywhere.
I've basically been mourning Lara for two entire books now
I thought I couldn't dislike a character more than Alya..well this book took my like-dislike feeling towards Flowridia and turned it to hate. I hate her more than Alya now ~ her making mistakes, everyone else paying for those mistakes, and then her crying about it is becoming really repetitive . Even a few characters have pointed it out to her, but I guess she isnt learning. Also her hypocrisy is a lot to deal with, sometimes her jugement towards characters, when she has done worse or married to someone who has done worse, it's certainly a running theme. Hoping that Khastra will kill her tbh, but don't think that's likely.
I'm glad there's Etolie and Khastra, else I would really be struggling to get through this series. I'm hoping we will continue to read Etolie's point of view in future books. Some of my favorite scenes from this book involved Etolie
I don't even know what to think about Casvir?!? I still feel like he is quite a mysterious character, but he is solely focused on becoming a god so that might be why. I was certainly rooting for him at times, hard not to when I don't like Flowridia and Ayla , but I was certainly conflicted at times considering how much death he causes.
I've basically been mourning Lara for two entire books now
I thought I couldn't dislike a character more than Alya..well this book took my like-dislike feeling towards Flowridia and turned it to hate. I hate her more than Alya now ~ her making mistakes, everyone else paying for those mistakes, and then her crying about it is becoming really repetitive . Even a few characters have pointed it out to her, but I guess she isnt learning. Also her hypocrisy is a lot to deal with, sometimes her jugement towards characters, when she has done worse or married to someone who has done worse, it's certainly a running theme. Hoping that Khastra will kill her tbh, but don't think that's likely.
I'm glad there's Etolie and Khastra, else I would really be struggling to get through this series. I'm hoping we will continue to read Etolie's point of view in future books. Some of my favorite scenes from this book involved Etolie
I don't even know what to think about Casvir?!? I still feel like he is quite a mysterious character, but he is solely focused on becoming a god so that might be why. I was certainly rooting for him at times, hard not to when I don't like Flowridia and Ayla , but I was certainly conflicted at times considering how much death he causes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
From start to finish I was hooked. I have never wanted a murderous evil monster to succeed more.. ! Ayla is just something else. When she finally revealed her past and death to Flowridia, I started to understand her character so much more. Her actions and 'hobbies' are something else.. 🙈 I laughed when Flowridia happily joined in.
Even though their relationship seems to cause nothing but disaster around them - you cannot deny their love for each other. The vulnerability shown by especially Ayla in this book was fab.
Im so torn by all the characters as I like them all individually, but this story is so dark, you definitely have your morals tested. Do I want Ayla and Flowridia to live happily ever after? Yes. Do I want Etolie and Khastra to seek their revenge for Lara? Yes. Do I want Casvir to be the friend Flowridia thinks he is? Yes. But I know that nothing is straight forward in this world.
The ending had me gobsmacked! I did not see that twist coming at all - and I loved it - ohh the absolute shitshow this is going to cause!
A 4star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Even though their relationship seems to cause nothing but disaster around them - you cannot deny their love for each other. The vulnerability shown by especially Ayla in this book was fab.
Im so torn by all the characters as I like them all individually, but this story is so dark, you definitely have your morals tested. Do I want Ayla and Flowridia to live happily ever after? Yes. Do I want Etolie and Khastra to seek their revenge for Lara? Yes. Do I want Casvir to be the friend Flowridia thinks he is? Yes. But I know that nothing is straight forward in this world.
The ending had me gobsmacked! I did not see that twist coming at all - and I loved it - ohh the absolute shitshow this is going to cause!
A 4star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 13, 2023
Too much crying
January 5, 2024
*Update upon rereading*
I’m more conflicted about this series as I reread it. I’m intrigued by the playing around with morality but flowridia is very unsympathetic…and I can’t get over how Ayla murders people for fun and that’s just accepted. :-/
Still will keep reading though.
*original review*
The story continues. I love seeing the horrible moral conundrums that Simper places her characters in over and over again - it never gets old. It’s like watching a tragedy unfolding over time, each choice a character makes slowly clicking into a greater, devastating whole. Which should be depressing as fuck but is instead somehow entertaining?
These characters feel so alive to me. I never become actually emotional when reading books but I think I almost cried twice during this book.
I love when the “bad guys” aren’t just one dimensional, evil beings but have backstories and reasons to understand what they do and who they have become and this series has this in spades. Although there is one character in particular that I really want more backstory on to feel like I understand how they can do what they do and that is Casvir. For me, he risks becoming less layered than I had originally felt him to be, without seeing more of his thought processes and reasoning beyond *spoilers* “I was discriminated against as a child, my parents were killed and now I want to rule the universe.” It’s definitely something, I just want a little more perspective.
The writing is not perfect; there are a fair number of typos and maybe some incorrect word usages (or maybe autocorrect/spell check errors?), but the story and ideas that Simper relates here I find completely compelling to the point that I don’t find these issues too distracting. This series is not about flowery language or paragraphs of detailed descriptions about the world the characters are in.
This is a very character driven story - these people feel real and dynamic and compelling, and for me, that’s what reading fiction is all about.
Now I just need to understand how I’m empathizing with characters that have murdered thousands of people....perhaps I’m more like Flowridia than I’d care to admit....
ETA: additional thoughts on Casvir: loosely, life is chaos, death is order. Casvir had a tumultuous childhood, is he seeking order and control in his life/undeath/world? Thus the need to control things in the orderly, lawful way that he thinks is best and that only he can do. If everything is dead, everything is orderly, everything is fair, everything is lawful and predictable and controllable and that appeals to Casvir, it seems like.
I’m more conflicted about this series as I reread it. I’m intrigued by the playing around with morality but flowridia is very unsympathetic…and I can’t get over how Ayla murders people for fun and that’s just accepted. :-/
Still will keep reading though.
*original review*
The story continues. I love seeing the horrible moral conundrums that Simper places her characters in over and over again - it never gets old. It’s like watching a tragedy unfolding over time, each choice a character makes slowly clicking into a greater, devastating whole. Which should be depressing as fuck but is instead somehow entertaining?
These characters feel so alive to me. I never become actually emotional when reading books but I think I almost cried twice during this book.
I love when the “bad guys” aren’t just one dimensional, evil beings but have backstories and reasons to understand what they do and who they have become and this series has this in spades. Although there is one character in particular that I really want more backstory on to feel like I understand how they can do what they do and that is Casvir. For me, he risks becoming less layered than I had originally felt him to be, without seeing more of his thought processes and reasoning beyond *spoilers* “I was discriminated against as a child, my parents were killed and now I want to rule the universe.” It’s definitely something, I just want a little more perspective.
The writing is not perfect; there are a fair number of typos and maybe some incorrect word usages (or maybe autocorrect/spell check errors?), but the story and ideas that Simper relates here I find completely compelling to the point that I don’t find these issues too distracting. This series is not about flowery language or paragraphs of detailed descriptions about the world the characters are in.
This is a very character driven story - these people feel real and dynamic and compelling, and for me, that’s what reading fiction is all about.
Now I just need to understand how I’m empathizing with characters that have murdered thousands of people....perhaps I’m more like Flowridia than I’d care to admit....
ETA: additional thoughts on Casvir: loosely, life is chaos, death is order. Casvir had a tumultuous childhood, is he seeking order and control in his life/undeath/world? Thus the need to control things in the orderly, lawful way that he thinks is best and that only he can do. If everything is dead, everything is orderly, everything is fair, everything is lawful and predictable and controllable and that appeals to Casvir, it seems like.
November 28, 2020
I am thrilled to have just read Tear the World Apart, the fourth installment in the Fallen Gods series. Like a certain growing wolf pup, this book is a big boy. It’s packed with politics, love, betrayal, regret, grief, war, and the lingering smell of a ripe swamp full of corpses.
We last left off with Flowridia having just executed the resurrection of her lover, Ayla using the blood of the silver fire from the slain empress of Solvira. The two quickly realize that Ayla inherited the silver fire and all of its powers, lending them the ability to return to Solvira with Ayla impersonating the fallen empress. Such a scheme led for a heavy amount of tension throughout. I was just waiting for things to fall to hell.
While Flowers and Ayla are playing royalty, Etolie and Khastra set out to find the God of Order to take him down on their own. This seems like a good idea at first but then quickly flies south. However, it does land Etloie in Celestiere for the mother-daughter reunion I had been hoping for. The scenes where Etolie and Staella are working on their relationship provided a nice cut in the surrounding tension.
I don’t want to focus too much more on plot in this review since so much happens. I’d rather recognize the exciting achievements this novel brought to the table. We get the pay-off here from the slow build-up of Flowridia’s character evolution in the last three books. Instead of merely benefitting from circumstances surrounding her, Flowridia accepts that she will have to commit questionable actions in order to fight for what she wants. The battles between her and Casvir for Solvira were epic. I love a well-executed drastic character arc. In terms of character depth, besides more of Etolie, we also get Ayla’s backstory which led to a greater understanding of her actions and behaviors.
Though the God of Order wasn’t too present in this book, I felt his explanation of his quest really elevated the story for me. By the time I finished reading Tear the World Apart I had a much clearer view of all the moving parts and motivations. I could see more possible mistakes and regrets and felt even more intrigue at what was to happen next. If dark fantasy is your game, the Fallen Gods series is worth checking out. I am hyped for the next two books of this series!
We last left off with Flowridia having just executed the resurrection of her lover, Ayla using the blood of the silver fire from the slain empress of Solvira. The two quickly realize that Ayla inherited the silver fire and all of its powers, lending them the ability to return to Solvira with Ayla impersonating the fallen empress. Such a scheme led for a heavy amount of tension throughout. I was just waiting for things to fall to hell.
While Flowers and Ayla are playing royalty, Etolie and Khastra set out to find the God of Order to take him down on their own. This seems like a good idea at first but then quickly flies south. However, it does land Etloie in Celestiere for the mother-daughter reunion I had been hoping for. The scenes where Etolie and Staella are working on their relationship provided a nice cut in the surrounding tension.
I don’t want to focus too much more on plot in this review since so much happens. I’d rather recognize the exciting achievements this novel brought to the table. We get the pay-off here from the slow build-up of Flowridia’s character evolution in the last three books. Instead of merely benefitting from circumstances surrounding her, Flowridia accepts that she will have to commit questionable actions in order to fight for what she wants. The battles between her and Casvir for Solvira were epic. I love a well-executed drastic character arc. In terms of character depth, besides more of Etolie, we also get Ayla’s backstory which led to a greater understanding of her actions and behaviors.
Though the God of Order wasn’t too present in this book, I felt his explanation of his quest really elevated the story for me. By the time I finished reading Tear the World Apart I had a much clearer view of all the moving parts and motivations. I could see more possible mistakes and regrets and felt even more intrigue at what was to happen next. If dark fantasy is your game, the Fallen Gods series is worth checking out. I am hyped for the next two books of this series!
March 4, 2022
Seriously I may be baised for simper i love this series. All characters are doing justice changing time to time but keeping there essence. I am engineer so I keep a technical prospective, few things have loophole but it is a fantasy world so I have to cut some slack. I like earlier books very much i like this one too but there is a big problem that in this part one MC illusions as a character who died in last book that part was confusing but second half I loved it.
Looking for more book in this series but writter is loosing her grip.
Looking for more book in this series but writter is loosing her grip.
February 5, 2022
good read if you want something simple but interesting
The side characters where way more interesting then the main. It glorified toxic relationship with almost 2 dimensional main characters. The side characters on the other hand carried the series.
The side characters where way more interesting then the main. It glorified toxic relationship with almost 2 dimensional main characters. The side characters on the other hand carried the series.
November 23, 2020
I just....wow. If you have not started this series you need to. I blew through this book at a ferocious pace, and then immediately jumped back into to capture all the nuanced details I know I missed in my first binge.
I’m so happy to see more of Etolie and Khastra-the first introduction to SD Simper I had. They hold a really special place in my heart. Flowridia trying to balancer her happiness, power, and consequences of her actions while growing as a person is one of my character arcs.
The growth you see through the series is phenomenal. Simper as an author/writer/wordsmith, the characters I’ve grown to love and hate, the world she has built..its stunning. I’m always guessing, occasionally screaming NO, other times laughing, and yes maybe a tear or two was shed. There’s comedy but it’s not silly-it feels real to life even though it’s angels and demons and monsters and magic. Simper makes fantasy seem real. She handles tough concepts with delicacy.
It’s sexy. It’s spicy. Its dark. Its joyful. It’s everything you hoped to read and a whole lot more. Simper cranked the heat up and kept the substance. It will make you feel all the feels, and honestly I can’t think of a better way to wrap up this year.
I’m so happy to see more of Etolie and Khastra-the first introduction to SD Simper I had. They hold a really special place in my heart. Flowridia trying to balancer her happiness, power, and consequences of her actions while growing as a person is one of my character arcs.
The growth you see through the series is phenomenal. Simper as an author/writer/wordsmith, the characters I’ve grown to love and hate, the world she has built..its stunning. I’m always guessing, occasionally screaming NO, other times laughing, and yes maybe a tear or two was shed. There’s comedy but it’s not silly-it feels real to life even though it’s angels and demons and monsters and magic. Simper makes fantasy seem real. She handles tough concepts with delicacy.
It’s sexy. It’s spicy. Its dark. Its joyful. It’s everything you hoped to read and a whole lot more. Simper cranked the heat up and kept the substance. It will make you feel all the feels, and honestly I can’t think of a better way to wrap up this year.
February 5, 2021
Honestly, I am so glad that there is not a book in the series after this one. I’m glad the fifth one is still being written. I need a little break because I am going through an intense emotional hangover at this point. This book was a lot longer than the previous ones, and I can absolutely see why. So many different things happened to these characters and you can see them grow immensely. I do like that we get a lot more interpersonal relationships in this book. There’s a lot of growth between characters that help them form the decisions they make as the book continues. A lot of secrets are unfolded and a lot of inner turmoil is confronted. I do appreciate all the time that has taken to give each of these characters their growth. Honestly at this point everything is a spectrum between light and dark and good versus evil. I don’t think I can see any protagonist or antagonist in the usual black and white. Everybody has done some pretty fucked up things but they also do them with good intentions. I love all of these characters and it’s sad but also brilliant to see them make the choices that they make.
January 30, 2021
This entire series is phenomenally written. I love every single thing about it. The world is just... I love it.
In the first book, I absolutely loved Flowridia, this shy innocent witch. Her journey wasn’t boring for a single second. I enjoyed the relationship that built up with Ayla despite Ayla’s rather questionable ‘personality’. I missed her when she was missing. I’ve always loved Empress Alauriel Solviraes. From the first appearance on, I adored her. I am now heartbroken with the turn of events which made me rather hesitant about enjoying even a single moment between Flowra and Ayla. Especially the pretending to be Lara part. I’m not saying that I hate how it was written or anything, gods no, but I remain heartbroken. And Flowridia? She did what she thought was right and I grew to like her less and less.
That being said, Etolié and beefcake Khastra? I absolutely adore them. I loved Khastra back in the Sea and Stars series and was delighted to see her in this series as well.
But... gods, I cried for Lara. A lot.
In the first book, I absolutely loved Flowridia, this shy innocent witch. Her journey wasn’t boring for a single second. I enjoyed the relationship that built up with Ayla despite Ayla’s rather questionable ‘personality’. I missed her when she was missing. I’ve always loved Empress Alauriel Solviraes. From the first appearance on, I adored her. I am now heartbroken with the turn of events which made me rather hesitant about enjoying even a single moment between Flowra and Ayla. Especially the pretending to be Lara part. I’m not saying that I hate how it was written or anything, gods no, but I remain heartbroken. And Flowridia? She did what she thought was right and I grew to like her less and less.
That being said, Etolié and beefcake Khastra? I absolutely adore them. I loved Khastra back in the Sea and Stars series and was delighted to see her in this series as well.
But... gods, I cried for Lara. A lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2023
You know that an author is extremely talented when they can make you root for the villains over the good guys. Though, to be fair, there are no actual good guys in this book just as there are no clear-cut villains either; plenty of shades of gray though. But still, I was rooting for the objectively more evil side to win, which is very out of character for me.
Moving on, all the characters are as interesting as ever and Flowridia's continued growth (and descent into villainy) are very well done. I absolutely adored having Ayla back and I actually found her to be even more fascinating in this book. In real life I'd be the first to find a shadowless coffin, but here I was actually hoping her schemes would pay off. Etolié's story was very touching, making me almost shed a few tears.
The plot is pretty slow for the first three quarters, focusing more on politics and family, but the last quarter is action-packed and thrilling.
All in all, an outstanding continuation that left me both anticipating and dreading the next book.
Moving on, all the characters are as interesting as ever and Flowridia's continued growth (and descent into villainy) are very well done. I absolutely adored having Ayla back and I actually found her to be even more fascinating in this book. In real life I'd be the first to find a shadowless coffin, but here I was actually hoping her schemes would pay off. Etolié's story was very touching, making me almost shed a few tears.
The plot is pretty slow for the first three quarters, focusing more on politics and family, but the last quarter is action-packed and thrilling.
All in all, an outstanding continuation that left me both anticipating and dreading the next book.
November 24, 2020
This book if certainly one of my best fantasy read of this year.
The series is good, one of my favourites. I loved the first, but this one is even better: darker, gloriously epic, with heart-breaking but also sweet moments.
The world-building is growing a lot in this fourth book, and we learn more precious information about the “pantheon” of fallen gods. We have also more hints about the future development of the story and the purpose of some enigmatic characters.
It is the kind of books that I can’t stop reading until it’s finished, nearly thinking about it all the time, day and night. Rare are the books that made me feel this (To quote a few examples: maybe the Name of the Wind, many years ago, the Abercrombie books, The Nevernight chronicle etc. This is not for comparison; these are clearly very different books).
To say I’m looking forward for the sequel is an understatement (in truth, I clearly can’t wait …).
Well done S.D. Simper, and thanks !
The series is good, one of my favourites. I loved the first, but this one is even better: darker, gloriously epic, with heart-breaking but also sweet moments.
The world-building is growing a lot in this fourth book, and we learn more precious information about the “pantheon” of fallen gods. We have also more hints about the future development of the story and the purpose of some enigmatic characters.
It is the kind of books that I can’t stop reading until it’s finished, nearly thinking about it all the time, day and night. Rare are the books that made me feel this (To quote a few examples: maybe the Name of the Wind, many years ago, the Abercrombie books, The Nevernight chronicle etc. This is not for comparison; these are clearly very different books).
To say I’m looking forward for the sequel is an understatement (in truth, I clearly can’t wait …).
Well done S.D. Simper, and thanks !
July 29, 2022
I had perused a review of either this book or of the one prior where someone stated they couldn't quite swallow the growth of Flowridia's character. I find it to be a fascinating dichotomy of her thoughts and actions and just how far someone will push, even if it goes against everything they thought they were.
I remain enraptured by the relationship between Ayla and Flowridia, even though it can be vile.
It's impossible not to be endeared to Etolié. And Khastra has a weird sense of honor, but I'm here for it.
Learning the morality of other characters has been great as well while we're slowly unraveling this sort of cyclical mystery with subtleties and nuances that just keep helping the story to grow. And while there was one twist I saw coming from the third book and really hoped would happen differently, I really can't wait to find out what Simper does with it.
I remain enraptured by the relationship between Ayla and Flowridia, even though it can be vile.
It's impossible not to be endeared to Etolié. And Khastra has a weird sense of honor, but I'm here for it.
Learning the morality of other characters has been great as well while we're slowly unraveling this sort of cyclical mystery with subtleties and nuances that just keep helping the story to grow. And while there was one twist I saw coming from the third book and really hoped would happen differently, I really can't wait to find out what Simper does with it.
April 30, 2023
Unforgivably Boring
The first few chapters reminisce on the previous book’s romance with Lara and blatantly states she would have been a better love interest. Flowridia and Ayla argue constantly about their all-consuming passion, but there is no discernible happiness when they are together. The passive aggression is overwhelming and they lack a compelling chemistry.
It seems Etolié is demisexual, not asexual. I was disappointed her sweet relationship was reduced to horny monologuing like Floridia’s POV. I just can’t get over the stiffness of the romances.
I was intimidated by the size of this book and wondered why it was double the size of the first three. I now realize it is because Etolié’s POV doubled the size. I thought every one of her chapters were boring and wish they were omitted for the real heroine. I won’t be reading the final book.
The first few chapters reminisce on the previous book’s romance with Lara and blatantly states she would have been a better love interest. Flowridia and Ayla argue constantly about their all-consuming passion, but there is no discernible happiness when they are together. The passive aggression is overwhelming and they lack a compelling chemistry.
It seems Etolié is demisexual, not asexual. I was disappointed her sweet relationship was reduced to horny monologuing like Floridia’s POV. I just can’t get over the stiffness of the romances.
I was intimidated by the size of this book and wondered why it was double the size of the first three. I now realize it is because Etolié’s POV doubled the size. I thought every one of her chapters were boring and wish they were omitted for the real heroine. I won’t be reading the final book.
July 11, 2024
my main gripe is that the main character has lost her moral compass. when someone hands you this so much power, they think they can do anything with what they want. they don't care if they kill for their 'plans'. the other supporting character got angry with that but she herself is consorting with a half demon and bargained with the enemy. almost everyone here is selfish to a degree.
love should ignite peace and happiness but it has become an excuse for betrayal and genocide.
no one is held accountable for their crimes. after the war, most of them just returned to that tyrant's library to read books and contemplate.
idk what i expected, but it is painfully unnecessarily long just to get back to where we started, but this time a kingdom is burned to the ground after a fake wedding. and for what.
love should ignite peace and happiness but it has become an excuse for betrayal and genocide.
no one is held accountable for their crimes. after the war, most of them just returned to that tyrant's library to read books and contemplate.
idk what i expected, but it is painfully unnecessarily long just to get back to where we started, but this time a kingdom is burned to the ground after a fake wedding. and for what.
December 22, 2024
This book marks a turn for me. It marks my official hate beyond return for Floweridia and her stubborn "love" for Ayla. I mean the author is trying so hard to sell this love story but wow... Do I want them to fail. This is a long book and I kept reading just in hope of seeing this toxic ass couple be defeated. I got some hope by the end (without spoiling) where we think there might be redemption for Flowers yet.. But then it's crushed. Thank fuck Étolié was present in this book, I'm rooting for her even if her thirsty side is.. not convincing... But hey, still better that the whole Flowers pseudo passionate love story.
I'll finish by saying that I hope SD Simper is aware of the irony in her writing previously that Casvir only knelt for Lara because "nobody gives her the respect she deserves" while disrespecting that amazing character by giving her that "fate".
I'll finish by saying that I hope SD Simper is aware of the irony in her writing previously that Casvir only knelt for Lara because "nobody gives her the respect she deserves" while disrespecting that amazing character by giving her that "fate".
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