Wicked Souls

The Marionettes #2

by Katie Wismer

Something is wrong with Valerie Darkmore.

She may have made it through her initiation into the Marionettes, but she’s quickly learning that was only the beginning. Everything she used to know has changed, including maybe herself.

Adjusting to her new reality proves to be the least of her worries when bodies appear all over the city, and the death toll continues to rise. She can’t count on her partnership with a dangerous vampire prince to be enough to save her. Because while they’re investigating the attacks, the killer might just be looking for her too.

Wicked Souls is the second installment in the dark fantasy romance series, The Marionettes.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Romantasy, Witches, Fantasy Romance

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

Katie Wismer writes books with a little blood and a little spice (sometimes contemporary, sometimes romantasy.)

Be the first to know about upcoming projects, exclusive content, and more by signing up for her newsletter at katiewismer.com. Signed books are also available on her website, and she posts monthly bonus content on her Patreon (including a Patreon-exclusive book!)

When she's not reading, writing, or wrangling her two perfect cats, you can find her on her YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.

Reviews

[Bailee Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars

Look, my power went out last night when I finished this book. I panicked, turned my phone hot-spot on, and immediately downloaded book 3 on my Kindle. If that doesn't tell you how good this series is, I don't know what will.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM NOT OKAY. I said in my review of the first book that this was the series to look out for and I wasn’t wrong. This book was top of the tier AMAZING!! The author said be prepared for all the plot twists and boy was I NOT prepared for the craziness but I loved every second of it.

And.. can we just talk about the scene in the bunker? I will be doing rereads up until the next book and then hopefully the author will consider us worthy of another scene like that one.

I can’t wait for book three! I’ll very proud and happy of your accomplishment. Great job!

[Haley Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

“can you be quiet for me?” 😮‍💨 3.75⭐️
if u want some good ol’ fashioned paranormal escapism with a side of hot vampires and 137 murders (iykyk) and court politics with minimal world building mostly vibes~ then boy do i have the series for u

- reid!!! he just always knows what to say. in the bedroom and outside of it. words of affirmation >>

- val our murderous vampiric witchy FMC 🔥 really enjoyed her growth (& descent into madness lol)

- only 1 spicy scene so far & the slow burn is giving. less is more!!!

this book definitely focused more on romance/character development over plot development
certain aspects still feel overlooked or underdeveloped and even tho it was twice as long as book 1, i somehow feel like less happened ?
BUT that does not mean i am having any less fun 🤩

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book in The Marionettes series, blood witch Valerie Darkmore continues battling some dark secrets as she and her vampire partner Prince Reginald investigate a series of brutal killings in the area.

This was another fun read, and I could definitely see some improvements from the first book even in the lessening of the amount of plot points around Valerie. In this book, the story was allowed to breathe a bit more and we focused on the after effects of the wendigo attack on Valerie, and the changes it's made to her hunger levels - and who she feeds from. I do think, similar to the first book, that Connor feels like a non-story and I really didn't care about him and his new vampire struggles in this one (also Val, you're telling me you've been with Connor for YEARS and you've never experienced an orgasm with him?!?). Unless Connor becomes a more major player in the third or fourth book, he hardly needed to be included at all.

I really enjoyed the spicy scene we got in this book, and honestly I never thought a bathroom (a shared one at that) could become so sexy but it did! The chemistry between Valerie and Reid has been strong from the very start but it was off the wall in this book, and that chapter which included a bed sharing scene (in a dormitory with many others around) and the tension from the sexiness plus the need to be quiet was electric.

Again, the book ends on a cliffhanger though not quite as shocking or abrupt as the first book. Still one that has made me really excited for the third book!

[shaelinslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

DAMN this series is so addictive and I am now obsessed with Reid. Need more of this man stat.

This series is so fun, and easy, and short! I am 10/10 recommending this! Broody vampire Mmc, a bond, a smart Fmc and a mystery plot that just keeps unfolding.

This isn’t going to win any awards for best written books, but it’s GOOD OKAY?!

4 stars, hehe.

[Kiandra 🦋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m actually so mad!!! This series is so good so far, but the love triangle in the next books has me done w it :(

[Stephanie Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for this one!!

[wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM NOT WELL😭gah this book was so amazing and so awful at the same time. Why does Katie torture us with the worst cliff hangers?? I need more Val & Reid immediately so I will now be counting down till book 3 comes out. Until then catch me rereading chapter 25 and pretending the book ended there.

[cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

this is still entertaining but i really, really wish there had been more research done into the mythology used in this series (re: x)

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO ITS JUST GOING TO END LIKE THAT 😭😭😭

[Tandia Remmenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

Another cliffhanger but this book was so good and I need the third one now! I don’t think I can make it until November!!

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Darkmore is such an amazing character and I love her continued development in this book. She is adjusting to the changes in her life and so much goes down. I enjoy the characters and love how much darker this book was. The series is self-published and the author does a great job with developing her characters and plot.

If you're not into graphic violence and sex then this would be a book/series to skip. The author has made it clear on her social media what kind of book this is and what direction this series is going. I'd recommend it to people who love some adult supernatural romance!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I have to say is: chef’s kiss, MUAH!

[Dely · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, where should I start...

Up front: I would say my best advice for readers is: hold on till the end.
You will be surprised in the most unexpected ways (good ways).

The book's first part is pretty heavy. But if you ever went through trauma or breakup, you will find that this book will be your understanding best friend.

I loved the complex storyline. I love that this is something I have never read before. Like, neva eva. For those of us who read x hundred books a year, we need something refreshing, something engaging, something that has not been done before.
And this…. in my very humble opinion has not been done before.

Okay and now I will let myself squeek like a teenage girl and TELL YOU ALL that the romance subplot is just SOOOOOOO GOOOOOD.
Where are the bigger capital letters?
SOOOOO GOOOOD!!!!!!
Did everyone catch that?
YOU WANNA READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
You DO! You really DO!

I loved how the relationship with xxx (a special someone) had developed, and I am so happy that the author didnt shy away from writing 'that' scene!! Yes please. More please!

Other than that! I just LOOOOVED how the characters interacted with each other. I love their dynamic and I love the emotional intelligence that radiates from them.

My closing words are: I was super intrigued by the plot and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

[em! (aelins version) ❤️‍🔥 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 starsˏˋ°•*⁀➷
this book. wow! it actually ripped my heart out and threw it on the ground and LAUGHED. currently making a playlist for val and reid because they are perfect. the storyline is so interesting and i cannot handle it.

[SARAH · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 stars

i'm addicted 😩 and the cliffhanger-

i can't believe i have to wait for the next book 😭

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 || Das ist sooo knapp an den 5 Sternen vorbei 😫 aber wow. Was für eine Steigerung von Band 1.
In dem Band merkt man den Vergleich zu Vampire Academy schon mehr muss ich sagen.
Da sind doch einige Gemeinsamkeiten, aber die haben mich sehr glücklich gemacht - immerhin liebe ich Vampire Academy unendlich.
Der Slow Burn hat mich gekilled und die Autorin hat dann anständig abgeliefert!
Ich mag die Hauptfiguren sehr und auch die Freunde drum herum.
Das Ende….. die letzten Kapiteln waren einfach Wahnsinn. Vieles war überraschend, anderes hatte ich schon vermutet aber trotzdem war alles so gut aufeinander abgestimmt und hat mit einem ordentlichen Knaller geendet - ich lieb‘s! Bin froh wenn ich Band 3 habe - allerdings muss ich dann bis Oktober für Band 4 warten 😩

[Xiomy's Book Tales · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wicked Souls is one I honestly don't know how to rate because while many things happened I feel like nothing happened at the same time.

Likes

*Intrigued by all the deaths and wanting to know who or what is behind it all.

*Loved the pottery scene got a different perspective on Reid.

*Enjoyed Reid he was helpful and considerate even though Valerie was over-the-top on many ocasiones.

*The one scene where Valerie is ruthless yet a cunning interrogator, I loved every bit of it. Although, I have to admit she was a bit wreckless and careless.

Dislike

*I felt lost durin the beginning of the book, since there were no indications to events in the previous book. At least a paragraph could have been added to reel the reader in.

*Valerie felt like a whole different character, didn't understand the continuous desire to obsess over Connor not wanting her anymore or ignoring her.

*How many times can the author mention that Valerie is on the verge or crying, has watery eyes, or is crying? Like I understand we have lows and highs but this was too much. Especially for a character that is supposed to be fierce and has trained all her life to be a Marionette.

*Transitions between scenes felt abrupt and many events felt rushed or unnecessary.

*Wish we got more from Valerie's friends Monroe and Kirby.

*At one point I just got confused with all the characters, like who is who and what is your purpose?

*How stupid can Valerie be that Daniel sees how into her Reid is, but she is clueless?

*Frustrating how Valerie shoves Reid aside, attempts to ignore him or brushes him off, is rude with him yet questions why the bond is hollow or that he feels distant?

*The smutt, not mad at it just so many missed opportunities and yet that specific moment is where they decide to do it?

Spoilers

*I am all for diversity and I get this is told from Valerie's perspective, but where did Monroe and Kirby hooking up come from?  I feel like as a reader we didn't get that "awe factor" for their sudden attraction.

*Ugh, 270 pages in to the story and an attempt at resolving a plot point introduced in the first book takes place, then gets quickly squashed. We just get a hint at it but nothing solid.

*Are you telling me that a few months pass and she can't associate name with face of at least a few representatives of the regions?

*Valerie mentions that she doesn't understand the bond or how to glamor, but when Reid wants to show her more of it she acts like its not important. Also, was there no training or mention of the bond in her classes?

*I don't understand how a vampire turned or born has a witch freeze their aging. Like the lore/ world-building is still subpar even in the sequel.

*Dislike Valerie's mother with a passion. Is she intentionally trying to sabotage her life or does she really care? Like I understand family but a toxic familial relationship is not okay.

*Oh, damn when Valerie kills the child I lost my shit!

*The ending while not a huge cliffhanger it still left more questions than answers, like why is her dad revealed to be the person they were attempting to hunt down and why is he back in her life and for what purpose?

Genuinely don't understand the direction the story is going in. I wish more details were expanded on and others were cut short.

[Shellbellz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, suspenseful and alluring!!

I absolutely enjoyed this book on a whole new level! The world building and writing it superb! I am not so patiently waiting for the next book and that cliff hanger about killed me. Must read!!

[Nev · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - I still had a good time reading this book even if I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as book 1. The take on vampires, the unique things for this urban fantasy world, and the overall mystery kept me interested. There were also some good reveals that I didn’t see coming. I also really appreciated how dark things got. Katie Wismer definitely didn’t pull any punches when it came to putting her characters through the ringer.

This book is about 100 pages longer than The Marionettes and I think the pacing suffered a lot. Sometimes it was hard to understand how much time was passing in the story. Also, important scenes would feel kinda rushed but then it would go into a lull where it seemed like not that much was happening for a big chunk of time.

Where the story left off definitely has me hooked and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next. I just hope that the next book feels a bit more fluid and not so stop/start with pace.

[a. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this and It was so good.
there was a small portion where I couldn’t stand Valerie’s thought process, she was too aloof and focused on the wrong things the entire time but honestly the story was well written, & it picked up for me in the second half.

The ending was insane and I’m stressed I have to wait months for her next release 😭.

[Emily McCosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured in one day, as I did with the first one. I'm angry about the cliffhanger, yeah, but that's just because I have to wait nearly a year for the next one, JUST GIVE ME THE BOOK NOW!!! 😁

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 this book felt like such a huge step up from book 1!! I could not put it down. The tension between Reid and Valerie was so thick it could’ve been cut with a knife, and the payoff was immaculate. Like I said in the review for book 1, this is absolutely giving CW show and I’m here for it

[frytkalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bro that was actually insane

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing right after the events of The Marionettes, this sequel takes a slower pace, building atmosphere while introducing the new conflict and threat to the main characters.

As a result, I had a harder time getting into the story and felt it dragged in places. I was much more interested in the latter half of the book.

The ending of this sequel goes in a direction I’m unsure about, but I’m curious enough to continue with the series.

[Elif Arslan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Çok fazla tekrara düştü ve yazar olayı anlatmamak için sürekli çember çizdi. Bu yüzden yarım bırakıyorum çünkü cidden sıkıldım.

[angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: mention of dubcon, sorta-graphic discussion of sex.

Let me start out by saying something you may not believe by the time you finish reading this review: I liked the book. The author does a great job of dropping hints about xyz and keeping her story straight as we go from one book to the next... mostly. The flow of continuity is really appreciated.

However, there are flaws. Most basic, structural ones being issues with parallelism and comma usage, as well as the absence of transitions. Chapters and scene changes are sometimes cut together awkwardly.

And now for my other gripes...

The sex scene was straight out of a porno and went on for five years too long. To be exact, it starts at the bottom of page 314, spans all of 315-326, and ends at the top of 327, though Valerie is (insert puking emoji here) "cleaning herself off" at the bottom of 327. It was obscene, unnecessary, and eye roll inducing.

My other biggest issue involves Connor. Most all you can really feel for Connor is BAD. Why did the author even create a character she just wanted to shit on? After reading book #1, I was complaining to a friend about how Connor was bad at sex so o f c o u r s e we could assume ~Reid~ would be ~a god~. My friend read the sex scene between Valerie and Connor and asked, "Okay but why doesn't he keep going after that? Why doesn't he get some toys, find out what she likes?" And the only answer I can come up with for that is the author just wanted Connor to be pathetic and to ramp up Reid's sex god status in comparison. I think the Erotica Chapter in book #2 proves my point. Seriously, that scene belonged in an E-rated fanfic. And that's not me hating on fanfic. I love fanfic, I love smutty fanfic, I write smutty and non-smutty fanfic myself. But when you've got a book that is entirely... not like that, and then there's just... an extensive piece of porn in the middle, that seems very out of place.

And, let's be real here: the sex scene between Val and Connor lasted, what, two paragraphs? So if the purpose of Val and Reid's sex scene was to show Reid is better at it/they have more chemistry, hell, I woulda taken even THREE pages of showing how he does xyz, gets her off more than once, etc., but not THIRTEEN! Every time you think it's finally about to end, it's not! It goes on and on and on...

This could really go in a review for book #1, but why, if Connor was so bad at sex, were a bunch of vampires dubconning him into sleeping with them?

Also on the topic of Connor, real convenient way to kill the impending love triangle: oops! Connor doesn't care anymore. It's too easy.

Different topics:

Where did Kirby x Monroe come from? I thought Kirby x Alice was teased in book #1? Monroe seemed to find Kirby annoying in book #1? Val wasn't the only one who didn't pick up on them.

The way Valerie ~doesn't know why~ her face burns at certain moments, etc. etc. ... I've seen this coming for so long it's painful. This is not like the reveal we get at the end of book #2. I first theorized that while reading book #1, and that was a rewarding thing to have predicted correctly. Val ~not knowing why~ she has certain reactions around Reid and then - BAM! - extensive sex scene... was the opposite of that.

I also noticed that it seems like a lot of worldbuilding is taken from The Vampire Diaries (TV series). Maybe I'm wrong and there are just certain things most vampire medias are going to have in common, but let me tell you I was not happy to learn that, o f c o u r s e this series has werewolves. Of course.

When Val goes to meet Connor for their joint feeding session in the park, she has this thought like three times of "Mad, I could handle. But this?" Just something repetitive I noticed. Maybe it's an intentional stylistic choice, but I'm not sure.

We go from Val thinking "I don't think I could handle it if I killed someone" to Val randomly waking up in a field with three bodies and instantly wanting to do it again. She doesn't remember doing it, I realize this, BUT her reaction is to clean it up, erase it, not tell anyone, and go about like nothing happened. I mean, I guess her expectation of not being able to live with herself just could've been wrong, but she goes from thinking that would end her to just... covering it up when it does happen.

Other things: I LOVED the bitchy hotel clerk! She's right, the hierarchy of their world is fucked up. I'm guessing James wants to change the system. It'll be interesting to learn the extent of what Rosemarie knows. And maaaan did I fist pump when James mentions cutting the bond. THANK FUCK. I was dying (not in the fangirly way) at how often it ~warmed~ and shit.

When book #3 comes out, will I buy it and just skip the porn? We shall see...

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this so much!! The mystery is getting more intense and the relationship between Valerie and Reid is just so enjoyable to read!! I can not wait for the next book!

[Ana - Leituras da Ana Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t care less about Connor ahah but other than that I really liked it and LOVED THE CLIFFHANGER and I can’t wait to see the consequences of it in the next book!
Loved Valerie and Reid and I really want to see more of them.
The writing was very good, it was an entertaining and fast read and I can’t wait for Bloodless Ties (book 3)!

[Bookishgames · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, that's a no from me.