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Magic of the Damned #2

A Hint of Darkness

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When I made a deal with the Prince of the Underworld, I knew a lot of things could go wrong. But I never imagined it would be imprisoned-in-the-underworld wrong. My only goals were to escape and resist the blazing chemistry between me and the Dark Prince.

After he discovers I’m more than just a mere human who’s had a streak of bad luck, my escape becomes a game of survival. I’m warding off assassination attempts and caught in the crossfire of a ruthless political battle.

I’ll do anything to escape the underworld, including making another deal with the Dark Prince. But with what he’s discovered about me, can he be convinced I don’t belong here or some place worse?

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2022

605 people are currently reading
409 people want to read

About the author

McKenzie Hunter

81 books1,099 followers
McKenzie Hunter is the author of urban fantasy, dark fantasy, and paranormal romance books. She discovered early that new adventures were just a page-turn away; all she had to do was read a book. She’s had her share of escapades from hanging out with vamps, joining the chaos of shifter packs, creating spells with witches, and avoiding deals with the fae.

When she isn't working on her next book, she’s reading, binge-watching TV, or disappearing into her own world during nature walks (probably on the lookout for magical beings—or maybe not).

Want to chat with McKenzie Hunter, discuss her books in her readers group or stay up to date with new releases, see cover reveals first, and participate in exclusive giveaways? Click the link: https://mckenziehunter.com/social-links/

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5 stars
407 (41%)
4 stars
318 (32%)
3 stars
185 (18%)
2 stars
58 (5%)
1 star
21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
407 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2022
Wow the first book was ok, but this one was worse.

If you read the first book you know all about Luna and Dominic our MC's and trying to figure out a way out of the underworld. This book spends most of your time on this point while introducing you to the Lord of the underworld. Most of this book continues to talk about Luna's death and how it would make things so much easier. That's when Dominic comes in, but the author wrote this character with little to no emotion. Now I understand we don't get his point of view, but his comments at times tell you alot. I also noticed the author did not use as many big words in this book which was nice. Also the whole paragraphs dedicated to conversations happening with just a look between two people was downright comical. So you go to about 70% of the book with a lot of back and forth between the two MC's then Bam! The author tried to cram in so much action in the last 30% its all just mixed in together. Sorry but I'm not reading the last book. The MC's were terrible the supporting characters equally as terrible. I'm good.
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,567 reviews21 followers
August 12, 2022
A Hint of Darkness is book #2 in the Magic of the Damned series and it was absolutely mind blowing!

This book picks up right after book #1 ends and Luna and Dominic are hard at work (and play) trying anything and everything to solve how Luna powered the spell that has locked the underworld. Many revelations are explained and Dominic is confronted with many dilemma’s to keep Luna alive from his blood thirsty family and enemies alike.

As it happens Dominic is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to save Luna and she is imbued with extraordinary magic as powerful ( but less practiced and understood) as Peters. As the final confrontation comes to fruition as Luna and Peter war to each steal the others magic an unknown enemy manages to trump them and steal both by taking the magical artifact that was syphoning the powers.

The plot was riveting and the characters wowza I'm dying for the Audible! I simply can’t wait to hear these characters voices come to life. Despite the crazy I find Dominic and his family deeply fascinating and I can wait to see how this all plays out. Uneasy alliance, to enemies too hmmm what will they be now facing an enemy with unthinkable magic. And who is this new enemy? A new player? Daddy or sister dearest? A possible shade? One if the two warring factions trying to cement control.

The twists had me biting my nails and I can barely wait to see what happens!!! This is an absolutely amazing must read! Also I do have to say Dominic’s mother was quite surprising. I find her just as enthralling as the rest of that bloodthirsty family only in an almost endearing way. Somehow tho I believe she id vastly more threatening then anyone who would call her savage and ruthless might know. I wonder how she will react to these events. Will she stay in the sidelines in her retreat or rain hell on earth???? Sooooo many questions and I’m loving it!

This series is absolutely fantastic and exciting I urge you to grab a copy and dive in. Don’t expect sleep though 😂😅 definitely a keep you up all night series. Start with book one this is best read as the series evolves.
Profile Image for Toni Glitz.
295 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2022
Duplicitous Gods and Devious Monsters. Surviving in the Underworld is Hellish.

This is the second installment of McKenzie Hunter’s new Paranormal Romance series. The story is set primarily in the Underworld. Unusually for this author, there are several descriptive scenes of a sexual nature, which really enhance this story.

I have been eagerly waiting for this book and I was not disappointed. The characters are well thought out and well developed. The interaction is believable and the worldbuilding is excellent. McKenzie Hunter has created a well developed magical system and included a variety of supernatural species; some familiar and some less so.

Our FMC, Luna finds herself trapped in the Underworld alongside the Prince and a host of other supernatural and demonic beings. They all want out and to most of them, the only way to achieve this is through her death. There are only so many places to hide in the underworld; at least she seems to have the Prince on her side. His family however, not so much.

Magic, politics, intrigue and betrayal abound. There are duplicitous gods, monsters who aren’t necessarily what they seem, and a fight for survival.

I raced through this book. I could not put it down. There is a big shiny hook at the end and I cannot wait for book three.
Profile Image for Márcia.
9 reviews
August 15, 2022
I must confess that I wasn't the biggest Luna fan to begin with but somehow, Mckenzie has managed to turn it around. One thing, amongst many others, I absolutely love about Mckenzie's books is that the next one picks up exactly where the previous one left off and consequently, makes us feel like it's one continuous story (as it should since it's a series). Time jumps aren't always necessary or appreciated in plot or character progression.
Luna has always been a bit of a mystery as far as the supernatural goes and in this book we find out a little more about her. Of course, as some answers arise so do more questions. Characters have begun to question and reevaluate themselves, and things are heating up in more ways than one (I'm looking at you, sir Dominic!). New players enter the board that completely amp up the game and poor Luna, as per usual, has people gunning for her head.
As far as cliffhangers go, Mckenzie's always manage to leave you wanting more without feeling like the story has come to a sudden halt; each chapter meets its end and the cliffhanger merely gives you a glimpse and a very enticing hint of what to expect in the next one. Thoroughly enjoyed it, a pleasant surprise after a months long book slump.
220 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2023
It was a really good series. This book was very good and I waited so long for it to come out I MISSED the entire rest of the series b/c I FORGOT about it. SO glad I found it again!! The first book was a BIG tease and I was dying to get to the next one, THIS ONE!! It was WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!! Full of intrigue and mystery and suspense and STRESS over who and when the main character-Luna was going to die!! The world building in this and all of them is SOOOOO AWESOME!!! I felt like I was there!! and THEN when they get "trapped" in the underworld , I FELT THAT I was so stressed n CLAUSTROPHOBIC!! Couldn't put the book down to GO outside or anything though. I can NOT wait to learn more about ANAD!!! he is SOO mysterious n HOTT and seems like such a good SUPERNATURAL being. I hope future books tell more --a LOT more about him.
I have learned a WHOLE LOT of new words with this series. THANK YOU KINDLE PEOPLE FOR PUTTING A GLOSSERY IN THE BOOK!!!! It got used a LOT in this book!! Still well worth the "labor" of "looking up" all those new words. I'm off to book #3 !! so far it's as good as this one!! YEA!
Profile Image for Robyn Mather.
377 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2022
Dark magic

A Hint of Darkness really was a little piece of dark magic. Beautifully written with an exciting exciting plot.
I especially loved all the moral dilemna's and self examinations that many of the characters went through. We're getting to see more depth to them and watching as the situation is changing many of the main players, some for better, others for worse. I would kill to have a direct line into Dominic's thoughts through this one! 😜
There was a lot going on in the background too that we weren't privy to, other battles between supernaturals, changing of alliances, enemies amounting drastically with no forewarning. At times it felt a bit like Guess Who, only we were trying to work out who was going to try to kill Luna next. 😂
With a mysterious ending, I'll be very curious to try and work out what's going on in the next book. 😘
Profile Image for ArrowBreaker.
290 reviews
September 30, 2022
Honestly, this one dragged a bit for me and the arguments felt super repetitive.

"Why am I drawn to you?" "There's something about you that is alluring..." blah blah blah okay, Dom we get it. You're attracted to Luna and it's dIfFeReNt.

"I want to go home" "This family was horrible" "I don't want to be here anymore" "I never want to go to the Underworld again" ...You made your point, Luna, but your actions betray you.

The first book had more color and interest to it, this one just felt pallid.

I was excited when she

I was disappointed there wasn't more to the story.
738 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2022
Spellbinding! I read this book as an ARC from McKenzie Hunter. It takes us on a journey as Dominicus and Luna battle evil to protect humans and to keep supernaturals from revealing themselves. Dominic’s father is ruler of the underworld and he and his sister are underworld royalty. Dominic thinks things through before acting. His father and sister react and deal with consequences afterwards. They feed off power and death. Dominic and Luna are on a quest to keep the world order as it is. Someone has stolen the Garon that holds Luna’s and Peters magic. Holding both their magic makes it the most powerful weapon and the thief the most powerful in the universe.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
204 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2022
3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed a lot of the same things I did about the first book (4 ⭐️). Our MC is still full of witty banter and doesn’t compromise her beliefs or personality for a guy, Magic, or saving the world. I appreciate that the main love interest is very clearly morally gray and there aren’t attempts at hiding or minimizing that by the MC as she considers her interest in him.

Some changes from book 1 to 2:
✨ a lot more magic
🌶 a lot more spice
👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏾 less fun girl bestie dynamics
🎭 a lot more family drama
🌎 less time spent among humans

Totally depends what appeals to you! I liked book 1 a bit more, but that won’t stop me from continuing the series 🙂
Profile Image for Robin.
114 reviews50 followers
February 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I love it when a sequel starts exactly where its previous book left off, especially when there’s a huge cliffhanger.

At the end of book 1, Luna believed she was free of her entanglement with the magical world and the Prince of the Underworld, when she was yanked back in with a new set of problems to deal with.

As in book one, the romantic tension between Luna and Dominic continued to increase and even though she wants her world to go back to normal, Luna is more drawn to Dominic than she wants to admit. Their heat finally comes to a blazing climax. 😉😅 The build up was so worth it.

Trouble for Dominic and Luna is at an all-time high and they can’t find a way to get her out of this horrible situation this time. And to make things worse, his father, the King of the Underworld comes to voice his displeasure in how Dominic has handled the situation. He wants Luna dead. Helena wants Luna dead. The Conventicle wants Luna dead and Dominic thrown from power. The Awakeners want to take over both the magical and human worlds. The worst of both worlds are against them.

The problem with this second installment of the series is that it drags on, and Luna becomes even more whiny. She goes back and forth between “I want out of this world. I’m done with magic” to continually throwing herself back into the fray. While I know part of the reason she can’t get away has to do with the plot, it gets a little boring. There were lovely parts of the story I wish could have been developed a little more, like Luna’s getting to know the librarian. Helena continues to want to kill everybody. Dominic continues to show how much he cares about Luna.

The last few chapters were on steroids! I found myself going back to reread at times making sure I could keep caught up in what was going on. Dominic and Luna themselves betrayed and forced to make decisions to save Luna’s life, one of them being turning to someone new to Luna. They had a plan, and just when they believed they’d won, the unthinkable happens. AND AGAIN, another dang CLIFFHANGER!! 😭
245 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2022
highly recommended!!!

I am in love with this series so far!
Dominic and Luna are amazing to read, I feel drawn into their world and I am living it with them.
I am fascinated by their connection and I feel like I understand everyone else’s question “what is it about you? “ Luna is a great character and I look forward to the next book to see where the journey will take them!!
Another great book Mckenzie Hunter ❤️
Profile Image for Sherrie Clark.
13 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2022
Lots of action and plenty of spice

Out of the frying pan and into the fire, things with the Prince of the Underworld heat up in more than one way as they grow closer while trying to escape. Everyone is out to get her while they try to figure out how:why Peter used her. The series continues with lots of layers of intrigue/action and ends with a cliff hanger that left me looking forward ti more.
Profile Image for Jill Ruiz.
28 reviews
April 18, 2024
Fast paced

I like a novel where the couple doesn't play games. They know how they feel and even with doubts move forward. His family is not likeable at all and i am still suspicious of her brother. 5 stars because i like the main characters and immediate friends. I imagine that Helena and Dominic's sibling relationship parallel's Malefics relationship with her brother...(different series not a spoiler) .
1,190 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2022
This book was such an amazing read. The author has created a fabulous world, characters that just grab you. This book will be rollercoaster ride with twist and turns, you will not be able to put the book down. I didn't want to give any spoilers so that the reader can enjoy the book. I can't wait for the next book in series, I highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Kate Brindley.
6 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2022
McKenzie Hunter does it again!

Am absolutely amazing story following Luna's navigation of this new magical world she has found herself in. We meet some new characters and learn more about Dominic and his unusual family and there are lots of steamy developments with Luna and Dominic's relationship. Once again McKenzie had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for book 3!!
21 reviews
August 21, 2022
Lovin' this series! The characters, both the likable and unlikable ones, are really interesting and well developed. The chemistry is off the charts with our main characters and the world building is fascinating. This book picked up where the first left off and ends with a great hook. I cannot wait for the next book. Keep the steam coming!
333 reviews
September 15, 2023
Lots of action, almost a cliffhanger

I enjoyed this second book more than the first. We know the characters, the groups of magical beings, and we meet the parents! Solo much action and Luna gets magic for protection.
I enjoyed this addition to the series and didn't mind the cliffhanger for some reason, which usually drives me wild.
1,141 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
I haven't decided if I plan to continue the series. The characters are ok, for the most part, but the first 80% felt like so wishy washy and focused on the sexual side of the relationship that there was very little forward movement to the story. Interesting twist at the end, but not so certain it was enough to capture my interest.
404 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2024
Intense heat

Stakes went up a notch in this one. Fueled with more violence. Luna definitely has a point about a good portion of the supernatural always opting for the fast end instead of trying to figure things out so they don't happen again. Look forward to the wrap up of book 3!
17 reviews
May 15, 2024
I liked getting to see more of the underworld in this book, the first one left me hungry for more info. Chemistry between the two main characters was lacking though, and the FMC admits multiple times they're using sex to burn off frustration and avoid dealing with the issues around them which I didn't love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
13 reviews
August 14, 2022
What a whirlwind ride. Full of exciting battles, fantastic magic, evil, egotistical supernaturals and a super hot Prince and heroine. Fantastic read. Can't wait for the next installment of Luna and Dominic's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ruthann.
54 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2022
Fun read. I can't wait to see how the power dynamics play out. I always enjoy this author's writing style and approach to storytelling and this book is no exception. Highly recommend this book/series.
Profile Image for A..
64 reviews8 followers
August 20, 2022
Phew! This book picked up the steam right where the first one ended, as well as the steam between Dominic and Luna. Excellent story, full of twists and turns, and jaw-dropping ending that has me fiending for the next book.
Profile Image for Edyta.
120 reviews
August 29, 2022
Couldn’t put it down. This book felt like a whirlwind. So much going on. It was a very enjoyable read. That cliffhanger is crazy!! I was screaming on the inside. I very much look forward to reading the next installment.
68 reviews
April 11, 2023
wow

I absolutely love the characters even more after reading this book. I didn’t think that was possible. I love the dynamics, the betrayal and vulnerability. I can not wait till the next book comes out. Its wayyyyyy to long!!!!
Profile Image for Noone.
825 reviews15 followers
April 14, 2023
Short-sighted morals over everything is the name of the game in this one. The MC and her love interest turn out to be the type of people that would rather let the apocalypse happen than hurt a single innocent person themselves.
It's TSTL to an intolerable extreme at least for me.
Profile Image for Kim Lemmer.
138 reviews
March 1, 2024
Really great read

It reads well. My personal preference would be for Luna to find some self preservation & to stop expecting everyone to conform to her expectations. Even with those differences, the book is well written with well defined characters & strong plots.
534 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2024
Supernatural fantasy

Luna has been used once again, this time to trap the Royal in the underworld. Dominic is determined to save Luna from his family and find out how they are using her and just what she is. The next step is to find Peter and his accomplices and stop them.
Profile Image for Trish.
327 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2024
Now it's here,now it's gone!

This story just keeps getting better! Luna is a bad*ss trying to make sure humans are protected from the things that go bump in the night. Lots of action, lots of heat. Can't wait to read the final book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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