OMG, what a way to leave a cliffhanger and my mouth dropping to the floor. Let me get my mouth closed and then I can go on with this review.
The characters were phenomenal in this book just as they were in the first book. I loved reading more about Tempest and her friends!!
The storyline was incredible. At first I thought I had the story figured out but as I continued to read I found out that I was wrong. This story slows just how well Rourke and her daughters can spin a tale of a story and keep us guessing and turning the pages. This story has the same Rourke fashion that we have all come to love and the plot is written very well. And that ending...well you'll have to read it for yourself to see what I am talking about. Now I NEED the next book to see where these characters are going!! I highly recommend this read!!
OMG… what did I just read?! This book.. THIS BOOK! With the way Corpse Queen ended I couldn’t wait for this one! And it was sooo worth the wait! But the anxiety it gave me. I just couldn’t see a way out of their predicament. Like how? How was the author going to bring them out of this? Not unscathed, that’s for sure! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I nearly read it in one sitting because I just had to know what happens next. Block out enough time to read the whole thing because you won’t be able to put it down! Bravo, Stacey Rourke! I bow before your genius.
this was freakin amazing.. action packed.. emotional.. sexy.. interesting.. lots of wonderful characters and had an phenomenal cliffy at the end haha.. it kept me guessing.. id be in one part and go.. i know whats coming and guess what.. it didnt. haha.. it was amazing!
Why.... Oh why!!!! To end on a cliffhanger! To leave readers with more questions. Wow! What storytelling.... Stacey Rourke just grabs readers from beginning to end. She builds that excitement and trepidation to what lies ahead in the story. All the secrets that were revealed... Really?!?! Whoa!! Rotting Reign kept me absolutely at the "edge of my seat" with apprehension at what lies ahead for the queen and the people of Carnage Crossing.
Rotting Reign begins where Corpse Queen left off. From there, the Corpse Queen again is faced with another dire predicament as she continues to settle in as queen of Carnage Crossing. The macabre and uncanny lives in Carnage Crossing must again be saved. As chaos ensues, the Corpse Queen's past is revealed in which it is the key to helping her people.
My heart was definitely racing with foreboding with each turn of the page. I was so engrossed into the story; I just had to get to the end to know what becomes of the queen and the citizens of Carnage Crossing. When I did get to the gripping end, so much of the Corpse Queen's past was revealed that it felt like my heart was "ripped out of my chest." Whoa! 🤣 Since we are talking about revelations... That revelation at the end made for a dramatic cliffhanger. OMG! 😱
I so NEED the next book now! Must know what happens next.
Reviewer: Jasmine Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion
I'm loving this series!! I read book 1 last year sometime and I was waiting on book 2. I finally got around to reading book 2 and oh my goodness it did not disappoint!! All the twists and turns and the Wait.A.Minute. Still, I say Beetle Juice but with a twist of a modern take on it with its own world and society!! I'm loving it but that girl Charlie though I can NOT stand her 😠. That ending though the last 3 chapters had me like wwwhhhaaattt!!!!! I didn't see that coming. Great read I'm sooo looking forward to book 3 😁 📖.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
If you have not read book one, I highly suggest you get your butt into gear and grab it right now....I'll wait.....3,2,1 you done? Perfect, now going on and start reading that one so you can jump into Carnage Crossing with me. Our Queen Tempest Mortem will have her hands filled in this story because she will have to get her world under control, or it is bye-bye for all. Something is making the residents off Carnage Crossing literally rot off, and it is only a matter of time before everyone is affected by this disease or curse, or whatever else. We really get to see Tempest step up even more. Her ex and sister will play a big part in this story and leave you going. OMG! I was a bit confused as we got to the end with a certain line that had me going; uh, let me go back and re-read a bit more. It still did not click fully, so I hope our author will clarify in book three because you know there has to be a book three to go with this HUGE cliffhanger! The author did an amazing job with building Carnage Crossing and the characters. You are either going to hate it or love it. There is no in-between. I gave this book a four and not a solid five because of the confusing part that I myself had towards the end with two of our characters.
Dying wasn't great, but landing on a cushy throne was supposed to make up for it. Sadly, all she gets is sarcasm from her closest advisors. Then, to make matters worse her former fiancee drops in, just as she's making headway with her wed-in-haste hubby. Can't a girl catch a break? But bad goes to worse when a arrange rot appears on citizens, and then crops go, then all vegitation- which unleashes something really bad. I liked the continuation. It had all the zany macabre humor of the first. I do wonder about certain things. *Rot went into remission. Does that mean the damage done is still there? Because some people lost some important bits. *A story stated how some plants started off in CC, but a citizen sustained them. How are they going to import seeds/plants? *Someone found their way up once. They could maybe do it again. Stand a guard? Barricade? She has some magic, a connection to the land, maybe fill it back in? Seems a risk to leave alone. *The cliffhanger, how did they not see that? Seriously giant (no spoilers) running around, a prophecy, and she keeps letting (no spoilers) off the hook because of (no spoilers) ties.
This has been so entertaining. I've really enjoyed these books. I'll have to check out the others I see until book 3 comes out.
Rourke kills it again, another knock at out of the graveyard. Ok, I’m not very good at the puns, but it’s amazing how many things associated with death Rourke can relate and twist into logic and real-world things. Rourke’s clever and witty play with words never ceases to amaze me. Tempest and her gang of dead finally get a break from their nightmares and fears, but does trouble ever really stop? With the bombshell drop at the end of Corpse Queen, we were destined for trouble, deception, and a good time. As is Rourke’s MO, we are laughing through this entire ghastly tale, and that is my favorite thing. I love giggling like a school girl through the darkness. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though I was laughing, I was NOT okay. And the ending… well… we’re not talking about the ending until I have been able to read book 3 and find out what happens. This cliffhanger looks over the pit of hell! Another amazing series that gets better with every turn of the page!
I hate how long this took me to read because honestly I could have devoured this in one sitting! The drama was so good and juicy! So many unexpected twist and turns that had my jaw dropping. I loved being back in this world, surrounded by this cast of colorful characters! They’re family and my heart was breaking for them throughout this book.
I enjoyed going along this journey with Tempest, trying to figure out what was happening to her people. The one person I knew was behind everything wasn’t a surprise but their end game most definitely was and like wtf! As the pieces were falling into place, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I need the next book asap because wtf with that cliffhanger!
Overall, if you loved the first book then I promise you won’t be disappointed with this one! I cannot wait for the third book!
*Thank you to Stacey for an ARC for my honest opinion*
Holy f-..... THAT was a roller coaster ride. We started the book within days of ending book one - which is a stunner of a book that you have just GOT to read- as our Highness Tempest is interviewing her former living partner.
From there the action doesn't stop until you run out of pages.... well it still doesn't stop but we can't go with Tempest until the next book comes out.
There were moments I thought I could see what she couldn't and then boom I was wrong too. Add in new characters like The Host (oh my gosh that was a unique resident), new locations (Home Deadpot anyone? I choked in my drink laughing at that one), twists that were hinted at back in book one and others you don't see at all until you narrowly miss faceplanting into the wall coz the plot just took such a sharp turn.
Stacey Rourke has done it again with Rotting Reign! This book picks up right after book 1 and the excitement and suspense continues on. We find Tempest and the gang attempting to deal with the citizens of Carnage Crossing falling apart......literally. There are plenty of holy s*** and what the ---- moments throughout Rotting Reign. Of course we are left on an epic cliff hanger to lead us into book 3 which cannot come out soon enough. Will Tempest be able to truly become Queen and save her people? Or will Carnage Crossing fall to the unknown. Stacey Rourke really makes you connect and feel for the characters in her books. Her books are not just words on a page but true story telling at its finest. If you love macabre, snarky and oddly attractive undead, suspense, humor, and mystery, then this is the series for you.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this follow up to the Corpse Queen book. As much as I enjoyed the first book, and didn't think it was possible, I now have a new favorite book. And it would be this one. The author is so amazing with providing such detail regarding the characters and their story. I love how she introduces characters that you think are just minor players, but they turn out to be a huge piece of the puzzle. And if there is an afterlife middle group this is where I want to be. It sounds like so much fun. Even for dead corpses. This had me laughing, speculating, gasping, and yearning for the main character and her love to finally consummate their marriage. I absolutely cannot wait for book 3 because I can only imagine the impending showdown to come. Please do yourself a favor and read this, as well as the first book in this series.
Tempest is just starting to get her feet under her as the recently crowned corpse queen - attending balls, doing what she can to keep her loyal subjects happy and rot free, welcoming new subjects such as her ex. Sure, she has her challenges trying to juggle all that while rediscovering herself. In addition, she continues to discover other parts of her kingdom and the characters that come with them. This is where Ms. Rourke's creative world building comes in. Major secrets are uncovered regarding the Corpse Queen's past that no one saw coming, ultimately leading to a massive cliffhanger. Rotting Reign picks up where the first book Corpse Queen left off. I recommend reading Corpse Queen before picking this one up.
This book screams “fabulously written”, as Lugasi would sing. The macabre details are the icing. The characters develop and relationships deepen. So many questions from book one are answered but so many more are formed! From despair to relief to an Oh. Em. Gee. ending. This book follows up book one with more fashion, flair, jokes, a little alcohol, a tiny bit of romance, bubble baths and death! And now I can’t wait for book 3. This is truly an enjoyable series. Tempest is still proving death becomes her.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. However, if you pay close attention in book one - the cliffhanger is really a confirmation of good speculation and deduction. But what happens next is the question.
Wow!! This one was just a non stop ride. Just when you think things can't get any worse, look out, here comes something worse. I guessed a few things that were coming and suspected the very last sentence after reading book 1 but, holy cow!! I never saw some of this stuff coming. And holy mother of cliffhangers, Batman!! I'm going crazy to find out what happens next!! There's so much going on in this one, action, adventure, mystery, romance, revenge, and a sexy pirate. Who can resist a sexy pirate?!? Rotting Reign is a must read show stopper. So what are you waiting for? One click this bad boy and hold onto your hat. Things are about to get bumpy.
Rotting Reign is the second book in the Death Diggers Handbook Book series. It starts with Tempest's ex landing in Corpse Crossing with no memory of who he was in life. As if dealing with that and reigning over Corpse Crossing isn't hard enough, the residents of her kingdom have come down with a strange rotting disease and part of her kingdom is just disappearing. Tempest has to try to figure this all out and deal with attacks from the monster the Rofenod that usually stays in the forest. The ending cliffhanger... Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the ending blindsided me!! Book 3 cant come fast enough!!!
Part two of the Legba queens Reign, begins with a triumph. With the veil finally closed on the living ,everyone at Carnage Crossing can sigh a breath of relief. Although it is short lived, because their troubles are not over. They now face a different sibling problem. After facing many struggles that lead us to the supposed conclusion, BAM!, we're hit with a plot twist out of nowhere!! Stacie Rourke keeps me wanting more while delivering suspense with every turn of the page. Cliffhangers are no ones favorite thing and trust me this one will rattle you! I am now counting down the days until the final book is released.
In Death May She Reign! The code that the Queen must embrace and on the fly learn! Just when she thinks she has it figured out… Here comes the drama. This book moves you at a pace that makes it impossible to put down. Delivering wit on a level that will have you laughing out loud literally or leaving speechless. As long time fan of the author i have to say this is my now favorite book of hers. These characters are amazing. I can not wait for the next book and look forward to seeing where this all ends!
Rotting Reign begins moments after the final chapter of Corpse Queen, so definitely read that first if you haven't already.
Tempest has only been queen for a short time and already things are starting to crash and burn in Carnage Crossing. Throughout the story relationships are tested and trusts are broken. Ending in a massive cliffhanger that makes you question everything else that has happened so far.
Stacey did such an amazing job building the world and characters in this story. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book.
As rot creeps into Carnage Crossing, Tempest and her cast of friends/protectors need to figure out where it is coming from and quickly. AS if the rot scouring the land wasn't enough, Tempest has to deal with her ex landing in Carnage Crossing and The Rofenod showing up in town. The cast of characters from CC are cute while being macabre, funny as all get out and Tempest proves why she is a Queen, time and time again. Tempest and Gideon have that slow burn down pat. I am really enjoying this series,
First off, the synopsis of this book is beautifully poetic and made me so excited to delve right into the second book in the series, Rotting Reign! This is an epic page turner! That's all there is to it! From the action packed scenes to the character interactions, author Stacey Rourke knows how to weave a compelling tale. Tempest is a captivating MFC and I am so excited to find out what will happen next for her, especially after that amazing ending!
Wow, Stacey Rourke, M. Rourke, and E. Rourke have done it again. What an amazing adventure this book was! I love the world that has been created, the town, the people, just everything. However this book has a major cliffhanger, and has me begging for the next book. Like how could they do this to is and make it end there. I want to know. I cannot wait to see what the next title in this series has on store!
Never saw that coming!! This story is one I am totally addicted to. From the characters hilarious bantering to their dreadful pasts on to their sporadic performances & revelations I simply can not get enough. Every page more entertaining as we are continually guessing what is next to come. And…the ending of this one….I definitely did not foresee!! I NEED book 3 - like yesterday!!!
um idk what to say! im speechless.. yup .. Theres an old saying “the truth will set you free” 😧 yea... about that. OMG!!!! my brain is on fire 🔥😱😭
-Gideon gave me all the feels! I luv that bloody-pirate 🏴☠️!! -Lugosi was hilarious as always. Bones and Dr. Despair were on point! muahaha! Cant wait for the next one!
I can say that this author has outdone herself when it comes to creating an alternate world along with characters that are not only serious but tickle your funny bone as well. This is a series I won't be missing. If you are reading this review, I would advise not to miss it as well. This author is extremely talented in her writing and should not be missed!
Book One of this series hooked me, and the ending had me wanting to read more to see where the story would go next. Rourke is such a fantastic storyteller, and I always enjoy her sassy heroines and watching them navigate their challenging situations. This one had me so worried and anxious. As it came to its conclusion, Rotting Reign left me dying to get into the third installment.
I loved this book so much! The drama was over the top.. but the ending I did not see coming! I was flabbergasted! This is a must read. It was even better than Corpse Queen, but I was left with my mouth wide open at the ending!!!!!
What the what!! This book is so good!! It kept me guessing and I couldn’t stop reading it. It sucks you in! With Tempest and her crew there is never a dull moment, twists and turns and plot twists oh my. Dying for book 3
The amazing Rourkes have done it again! Only in their twisted macabre humor could they pull off this story. I zoomed through the pages. The secondary characters steal the show! Can't wait for the next installment.
Ms. Rourke did it again. This second in the series was a wonderful follow up to Corpse Queen. Snarky, full of heart and More mystery than you can handle.