What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise of the Death Fae #2
Thrusts and Crests of Fury
Cyria Magdalia's magical bond to the Night King grows more intense with each passing day. She tries to summon hatred for the dark fae who keeps her captive and forces her to serve his cause.
But he's good to her.
And she likes kissing him.
Meanwhile, her sister Onivia will stop at nothing to save her sister from the Night King's clutches. But Onivia's attempts at seducing her former fianc� Naxus Albus and securing his help have not been successful.
Albus is obsessed with killing Larent, the fae who divested Onivia of her virtue, the fae who Onivia has complicated, churning feelings for. Onivia needs Albus's legions to fight the Night King, but he only focuses his forces on his personal vendetta for Larent.
All the time, Magdalia's and Duranth's magic grows stronger. Their armies of dead men swell, crushing the human legions wherever they meet.
And the death fae continue to rise.
But he's good to her.
And she likes kissing him.
Meanwhile, her sister Onivia will stop at nothing to save her sister from the Night King's clutches. But Onivia's attempts at seducing her former fianc� Naxus Albus and securing his help have not been successful.
Albus is obsessed with killing Larent, the fae who divested Onivia of her virtue, the fae who Onivia has complicated, churning feelings for. Onivia needs Albus's legions to fight the Night King, but he only focuses his forces on his personal vendetta for Larent.
All the time, Magdalia's and Duranth's magic grows stronger. Their armies of dead men swell, crushing the human legions wherever they meet.
And the death fae continue to rise.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2021
14 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Val Saintcrowe
23 books72 followersFall for the villain.
Val Saintcrowe writes new adult epic fantasy with a heavy romantic component. She enjoys high stakes, creating intricate new worlds, court intrigue, ice cream scoops full of angst, and exploring what happens when evil men fall in love.
Her name is a variant on her urban fantasy alter ego, Val St. Crowe. She also writes mysteries and thrillers under V. J. Chambers, romance under Jove Chambers, and Jane Austen fan fiction under Valerie Lennox.
She lives just outside Shepherdstown, WV with her son
Val Saintcrowe writes new adult epic fantasy with a heavy romantic component. She enjoys high stakes, creating intricate new worlds, court intrigue, ice cream scoops full of angst, and exploring what happens when evil men fall in love.
Her name is a variant on her urban fantasy alter ego, Val St. Crowe. She also writes mysteries and thrillers under V. J. Chambers, romance under Jove Chambers, and Jane Austen fan fiction under Valerie Lennox.
She lives just outside Shepherdstown, WV with her son
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 23, 2022
Actual 3.5
Everything about every single situation sucks. Yet I’m still reading it. I got about 33% in and couldn’t stop reading it all day.
Everything about every single situation sucks. Yet I’m still reading it. I got about 33% in and couldn’t stop reading it all day.
December 30, 2021
Sooo this is another book I opened just to read a little and finished in one go [well, from around 66% on :-D]. It was so hard to put down because there are so many fascinating interplays between the characters! In this second installment, we follow more POVs and are given another character - Galvina - to follow, and I quite like her so far (lol her trying to pretend to be cowering and helpless when she's thinking "I got no patience for this sh*t" :-D)
I LOVED the parts where Galvina and Albus discussed what to do after the war, since they can't go back to slavery. Albus is such a great character - nice but flawed and with some dubious opinions haha
I got extremely emotionally invested in the characters, so it hurt when Albus was upset about what happened to Onivia, and yet it was PRICELESS when he confronted Larent about not knowing Onivia as a person (after Larent put Onivia on the train) - just brilliant. I wanted to cheer even as I felt bad about Larent NOT knowing that side of her because, considering their situation, how could he? They didn't really get the chance & I feel like Larent was concentrating more on not being intrusive than on (intrusively) getting to know her. Anyway, you can see the feels from my end here! I was a little upset they didn't talk more, but again, considering the situation, it made sense that they were more dancing away from each other rather than close.
There was also a perfectly done scene where like four of the characters are arguing about Larent going with Onivia, and everyone is trying to pretend they don't know this one fact (sorry, spoiler, so I can't say :-P), and I found it hilarious how they're all skirting around this fact without knowing that every single other person present already knows anyway :-D Bit of comic relief in an otherwise consistently intense story!
Also - Cassus, dude, WTH? I'm guessing he's going south to Evil Land because that 'sonorous' voice Isha was hearing (his), and his thing with torture... doesn't sound like there's gonna be a romance there between them like between the others :-D I was hoping, but he's gone a bit to far into creepiness for the moment! Although the scene wasn't shown, so who knows if he'll have a change of creepy heart...
And Magda and Duranth - well, THAT'S an interesting dynamic and that's all I'm saying about that :-D
Soooo in sum, I seriously enjoyed and wholly recommend for anyone who read the first!
Also, favorite qoute:
Magda glared at him. “Sometimes, you’re awful.”
Duranth shrugged. “You say this as if you’re just now realizing it.”
Hahahahahahahah! I'm still laughing at it :-D
I LOVED the parts where Galvina and Albus discussed what to do after the war, since they can't go back to slavery. Albus is such a great character - nice but flawed and with some dubious opinions haha
I got extremely emotionally invested in the characters, so it hurt when Albus was upset about what happened to Onivia, and yet it was PRICELESS when he confronted Larent about not knowing Onivia as a person (after Larent put Onivia on the train) - just brilliant. I wanted to cheer even as I felt bad about Larent NOT knowing that side of her because, considering their situation, how could he? They didn't really get the chance & I feel like Larent was concentrating more on not being intrusive than on (intrusively) getting to know her. Anyway, you can see the feels from my end here! I was a little upset they didn't talk more, but again, considering the situation, it made sense that they were more dancing away from each other rather than close.
There was also a perfectly done scene where like four of the characters are arguing about Larent going with Onivia, and everyone is trying to pretend they don't know this one fact (sorry, spoiler, so I can't say :-P), and I found it hilarious how they're all skirting around this fact without knowing that every single other person present already knows anyway :-D Bit of comic relief in an otherwise consistently intense story!
Also - Cassus, dude, WTH? I'm guessing he's going south to Evil Land because that 'sonorous' voice Isha was hearing (his), and his thing with torture... doesn't sound like there's gonna be a romance there between them like between the others :-D I was hoping, but he's gone a bit to far into creepiness for the moment! Although the scene wasn't shown, so who knows if he'll have a change of creepy heart...
And Magda and Duranth - well, THAT'S an interesting dynamic and that's all I'm saying about that :-D
Soooo in sum, I seriously enjoyed and wholly recommend for anyone who read the first!
Also, favorite qoute:
Magda glared at him. “Sometimes, you’re awful.”
Duranth shrugged. “You say this as if you’re just now realizing it.”
Hahahahahahahah! I'm still laughing at it :-D
December 7, 2021
Book two. Wow. I'm a little sad by the way it ended, and I cannot wait for book three. Hurry, please.
This book reeled me in with the addition of other characters' perspectives. I think I may like Albus a little more than I did while still being horrified by some of his actions. Again, the realities of war and the relationships men and women had with one another in this book may seem unconventional in some regards, but in ancient times (and maybe not so ancient), these were the way of things. War brings out the ugly in the good and can bring out the good in the ugly. So, I'm glad for the twistedness of this series. It is nice to get a break from the clearly defined lines of good vs. evil; not something a lot of authors do. Onivia has developed from simpering and mousy to someone who fights for survival. Love that about her! She's definitely my favorite character, and I'm a little more attached to Larent. Magda stepped up in the end, too. Thank goodness. Excited for book three!
Here is a bit of spoilery-ish stuff, so if you haven't read the book, stop reading my post now:
I'm sad by the twist in Cassus who seemed to be so sweet and well-intended, but he's changed to be a bit depraved--not that I can't understand it to a degree. Galvina, I think, is struggling with a respect for humans and maybe even for Onivia in some regard. She doesn't entirely hate them but can't seem to keep from softening. She's a reflection of Albus from the opposing side, and I think they'll make a pretty good team going forward. As for Albus and Larent, I hope they'll eventually figure their dynamic out. Marta makes me laugh because she's so blase at times, but I like that about her. Life is life, the facts are facts, and the muddied water surrounding them both does not dissuade her. I was glad to see that Magda and Duranth have grown a bit in their dealings with one another and the war; especially Magda who previously irritated me with her selfishness. Not that she's suddenly overworried about the grand scheme, but she really latched on to her sister which surprised me and has been a bit more open-minded about the feelings of other people. Onivia remains my favorite, however, and I was more than happy to see that's she's developed from a whimpering mouse in book one (being easily shoved aside) to someone who can stand up for herself and defend others. I am also glad that she abandoned the idea of trying to take Magda away from Duranth. That would have become a very annoying plot had that kept up. I hope Onivia keeps moving forward in this assertive direction in book three, because that mother-in-law piece might intimidate her for a bit. She's still undecided on her beliefs even though she's progressing in one direction. I can't wait to see what she'll do next.
This book reeled me in with the addition of other characters' perspectives. I think I may like Albus a little more than I did while still being horrified by some of his actions. Again, the realities of war and the relationships men and women had with one another in this book may seem unconventional in some regards, but in ancient times (and maybe not so ancient), these were the way of things. War brings out the ugly in the good and can bring out the good in the ugly. So, I'm glad for the twistedness of this series. It is nice to get a break from the clearly defined lines of good vs. evil; not something a lot of authors do. Onivia has developed from simpering and mousy to someone who fights for survival. Love that about her! She's definitely my favorite character, and I'm a little more attached to Larent. Magda stepped up in the end, too. Thank goodness. Excited for book three!
Here is a bit of spoilery-ish stuff, so if you haven't read the book, stop reading my post now:
I'm sad by the twist in Cassus who seemed to be so sweet and well-intended, but he's changed to be a bit depraved--not that I can't understand it to a degree. Galvina, I think, is struggling with a respect for humans and maybe even for Onivia in some regard. She doesn't entirely hate them but can't seem to keep from softening. She's a reflection of Albus from the opposing side, and I think they'll make a pretty good team going forward. As for Albus and Larent, I hope they'll eventually figure their dynamic out. Marta makes me laugh because she's so blase at times, but I like that about her. Life is life, the facts are facts, and the muddied water surrounding them both does not dissuade her. I was glad to see that Magda and Duranth have grown a bit in their dealings with one another and the war; especially Magda who previously irritated me with her selfishness. Not that she's suddenly overworried about the grand scheme, but she really latched on to her sister which surprised me and has been a bit more open-minded about the feelings of other people. Onivia remains my favorite, however, and I was more than happy to see that's she's developed from a whimpering mouse in book one (being easily shoved aside) to someone who can stand up for herself and defend others. I am also glad that she abandoned the idea of trying to take Magda away from Duranth. That would have become a very annoying plot had that kept up. I hope Onivia keeps moving forward in this assertive direction in book three, because that mother-in-law piece might intimidate her for a bit. She's still undecided on her beliefs even though she's progressing in one direction. I can't wait to see what she'll do next.
November 27, 2021
I love a smart and romantic fantasy!
Will they or won’t they? Onivia and Larent have this weird vibe going on. Pregnant but unwilling to involve Larent in her life, she gathers a crew to head to the Croith where her sister resides, and Larent is dragged along like a worn-out shoe. She is so independent and head-strong that two guys are twisted around her finger, yet I really want to see Onivia come to terms with Larent. He is so racked with guilt, but I just want him to say he wants her.
On the other side is Magda, who is happy enough to marry, sad enough about her lack of freedom that Duranth finally asks Larent for advice on relationships. As if Larent knows what a good relationship is…but the advice is perfect.
“Magda glared at him. “Sometimes, you’re awful.” Duranth shrugged. “You say this as if you’re just now realizing it.””
😁
Cassius now has turned into a better character, and his attempts to pull together his life and be the hero he always wanted to be is also a wonderful look at the city as it deals with the consequences of war.
A new character is introduced as a spy, and I don’t know yet what to think about her.
Can you tell the characters are strong? The details about the war are so vivid I think the author has pulled from historical research. The lines for food, the beheadings, the talk about rape: this is not a young adult story. You also don’t want to read this without reading book 1 because you would miss a large amount of backstory.
Will they or won’t they? Onivia and Larent have this weird vibe going on. Pregnant but unwilling to involve Larent in her life, she gathers a crew to head to the Croith where her sister resides, and Larent is dragged along like a worn-out shoe. She is so independent and head-strong that two guys are twisted around her finger, yet I really want to see Onivia come to terms with Larent. He is so racked with guilt, but I just want him to say he wants her.
On the other side is Magda, who is happy enough to marry, sad enough about her lack of freedom that Duranth finally asks Larent for advice on relationships. As if Larent knows what a good relationship is…but the advice is perfect.
“Magda glared at him. “Sometimes, you’re awful.” Duranth shrugged. “You say this as if you’re just now realizing it.””
😁
Cassius now has turned into a better character, and his attempts to pull together his life and be the hero he always wanted to be is also a wonderful look at the city as it deals with the consequences of war.
A new character is introduced as a spy, and I don’t know yet what to think about her.
Can you tell the characters are strong? The details about the war are so vivid I think the author has pulled from historical research. The lines for food, the beheadings, the talk about rape: this is not a young adult story. You also don’t want to read this without reading book 1 because you would miss a large amount of backstory.
August 12, 2025
I really wasn't sure going into this - but wow it ended up being a great series! Really enjoyed it!! One of the MMCs stole my entire heart.
Rise of the Death Fae (4 book series - Val Saintcrowe): all 4 books follow one story line, you get many MANY characters POV as its written in third person (so be ready to PAY ATTENTION, because you never know what character you will be switching to), its "dark-ish", romatansy, fea & humans, war, dark grey/black MMC, a very sweet/self deprecating MMC, an MMC who turns "evil", an MMC who becomes "enlightened", a FMC who's naïve and easily manipulated and is very manipulative herself, an FMC who is stoic and has a sharp tongue, 2 more FMCs who kind of come into their own, an FMC who is a loyal friend. Sisters, powers, €n€mies to løvers, tørtûre, mûrdêr(s), sp¡c€ and t€nsion, good pløt, man¡pulatiøn, r@p€, dub-con-ish, pregnancies (listen I am not the biggest pregnancy trope fan myself, it ruins a good story more often than not for me, but it works here and adds to the story).
Rise of the Death Fae (4 book series - Val Saintcrowe): all 4 books follow one story line, you get many MANY characters POV as its written in third person (so be ready to PAY ATTENTION, because you never know what character you will be switching to), its "dark-ish", romatansy, fea & humans, war, dark grey/black MMC, a very sweet/self deprecating MMC, an MMC who turns "evil", an MMC who becomes "enlightened", a FMC who's naïve and easily manipulated and is very manipulative herself, an FMC who is stoic and has a sharp tongue, 2 more FMCs who kind of come into their own, an FMC who is a loyal friend. Sisters, powers, €n€mies to løvers, tørtûre, mûrdêr(s), sp¡c€ and t€nsion, good pløt, man¡pulatiøn, r@p€, dub-con-ish, pregnancies (listen I am not the biggest pregnancy trope fan myself, it ruins a good story more often than not for me, but it works here and adds to the story).
September 7, 2025
Spice/ 🌶
I'm truly intrigued by this series I just want to make sure the sisters make it out ok out of their horrible predicament. This is not for the light of heart all through its mildly better on certain aspects concerning book 1. If you got through book 1 and are curious what happens next then give book 2 a try. All the characters are morally grey. There is this weird vibe coming from Larent and Onivia. I was little sadden at ending I thought it would have turned out different to be honest.
I'm truly intrigued by this series I just want to make sure the sisters make it out ok out of their horrible predicament. This is not for the light of heart all through its mildly better on certain aspects concerning book 1. If you got through book 1 and are curious what happens next then give book 2 a try. All the characters are morally grey. There is this weird vibe coming from Larent and Onivia. I was little sadden at ending I thought it would have turned out different to be honest.
October 3, 2021
Wow! What a continuation of this engaging series . I am a fan of Dark Fae stories and this one really brings an amazing story about two sisters abducted by Dark Fae. They have an extremely different moral compass. This is not a light read, but a good one for me. No Spoilers Here!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2021
The sisters are back and so is the fun. OK this is not a light read but it is still addicting and entertaining to see what the sisters must face and survive this time around. Onivia is still trying to save Magdalia but there is still the battles going on. Interesting story and more interesting characters that just drew me in and kept me reading to see what was going to happen next.
October 26, 2021
Entertaining
Book 2 is good, but not as good as the first in the series. A lot of the dialogue reads like a poor translation. Its almost as if the dialogue were occurring between people who speak English as a second language. I feel like Nivvie's dealings with Albums were stunted occurrences, and there should have been better friction written into their dynamic. I'm still interested to see what happens next.
Book 2 is good, but not as good as the first in the series. A lot of the dialogue reads like a poor translation. Its almost as if the dialogue were occurring between people who speak English as a second language. I feel like Nivvie's dealings with Albums were stunted occurrences, and there should have been better friction written into their dynamic. I'm still interested to see what happens next.
March 24, 2022
I just couldn't get through it. The story was ridiculous
September 17, 2024
I'm really invested in this story. Everyone is morally grey and it just makes it all the more interesting.
October 31, 2022
Comparing to the previous book it's somewhat better. I like onivia and larent's story.
Magdalia is the true villain. If you like someone then it's ok for them to do wrong and she'll accept them.
Magdalia is the true villain. If you like someone then it's ok for them to do wrong and she'll accept them.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews