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Divine Decay
The city of the dead,
invaded by life.
Sending Queen Tempest
to a world of strife.
Forced from her castle,
robbed of her crown.
The beloved ruler
is chased underground.
Her people enslaved,
tortured and maimed.
By one possessing
the Legba name.
A prophecy misread
will pit sister against sister.
While one unsuspecting ghoul
becomes one’s mister.
War will rage if
wedding bells chime.
But can the Corpse Queen
make it in time?
In the shadows
dark secrets loom.
Will they free Carnage Crossing?
Or seal its doom?
invaded by life.
Sending Queen Tempest
to a world of strife.
Forced from her castle,
robbed of her crown.
The beloved ruler
is chased underground.
Her people enslaved,
tortured and maimed.
By one possessing
the Legba name.
A prophecy misread
will pit sister against sister.
While one unsuspecting ghoul
becomes one’s mister.
War will rage if
wedding bells chime.
But can the Corpse Queen
make it in time?
In the shadows
dark secrets loom.
Will they free Carnage Crossing?
Or seal its doom?
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2021
19 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 10, 2024
This was a great ending for the first trilogy. I was on edge through most of the book and so worried about how things would end up for the residents of Carnage Crossing. I can't wait to dive into the next chapter of this series.
November 25, 2021
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
I am stunned speechless... In a good way... Ha! What an incredibly riveting read with an abundance of sinister twists. So much was revealed in this third installment in the Death Diggers Handbook series, Divine Decay kept me "glued to my seat" wanting to know more of how Tempest and the citizens of Carnage Crossing was going to overcome and survive this ordeal. From beginning to end, the story was a whirlwind of revelations for the queen and its people of Carnage Crossing. Couldn't keep my heart from racing with anticipation after every chapter as new ominous secrets were divulged. I just had to know. Stacey Rourke has that grim knack to bring the dark and menacing into a compelling and intriguing story, I would have to say along the lines of the storytelling style of Tim Burton. I enjoyed the subtleness of the developing romance. The ending was definitely a macabre happy ending... for some. But then, the end was not the end, but another shocking twist into this series that was an absolute "jaw-dropper" that I guess I didn't see coming... Or did it?!? Hmmm. 🤔
Whoa! What the heck, Stacey!!!
Stacey had me snickering, laughing, and crying throughout as I followed Tempest's journey. This is definitely a great series to read, especially during the Halloween season... Ha!
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion
I am stunned speechless... In a good way... Ha! What an incredibly riveting read with an abundance of sinister twists. So much was revealed in this third installment in the Death Diggers Handbook series, Divine Decay kept me "glued to my seat" wanting to know more of how Tempest and the citizens of Carnage Crossing was going to overcome and survive this ordeal. From beginning to end, the story was a whirlwind of revelations for the queen and its people of Carnage Crossing. Couldn't keep my heart from racing with anticipation after every chapter as new ominous secrets were divulged. I just had to know. Stacey Rourke has that grim knack to bring the dark and menacing into a compelling and intriguing story, I would have to say along the lines of the storytelling style of Tim Burton. I enjoyed the subtleness of the developing romance. The ending was definitely a macabre happy ending... for some. But then, the end was not the end, but another shocking twist into this series that was an absolute "jaw-dropper" that I guess I didn't see coming... Or did it?!? Hmmm. 🤔
Whoa! What the heck, Stacey!!!
Stacey had me snickering, laughing, and crying throughout as I followed Tempest's journey. This is definitely a great series to read, especially during the Halloween season... Ha!
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion
November 29, 2021
This is the third, and final, book in this amazing series. Just as the previous two did, I was once again on the edge of my seat, flipping the pages to find out what would happen next. I was not disappointed! This entire series has had me hooked from the beginning. What started out as a death in the very beginning has led to a world I want to live in. This book picked up right where the second book ended just as the beginning of book two did. That's one of the things that I love about this series. You miss nothing. I also love how there is a map of Carnage Crossing at the beginning of each book. The names for all of the locations are so clever. The author even includes a playlist of songs to go with each chapter. Such a great inclusion. Honestly, each book is better than the one before it. I am really going to miss this series. I can see many more tales to be told so I'm hoping the author is just playing Russian Roulette with me and has a dagger hidden up her sleeve. Please pick up this book. Pick up all of these books. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! You will want to reign in death just like Queen Tempest. I am really hoping someone will pick up the option to make a movie or series based on these books. They are that good. Please go read them. And recommend them. And let's band together to get this series on television.
December 1, 2021
My heart was being ripped out as I watched Tempest fleeing her kingdom and trying to figure out how to get it back. My heart broke into a million pieces watching her people and loved ones being tortured. But by the end my heart was mended back together filled with love as everything went back to its rightful place. Seriously, what an emotional roller coaster and one of the things I loved about going on this journey, I never truly saw a lot of things coming like you sometimes can in other books. I felt lost like they did, anger, pain and happiness. What they felt, I felt and that's how powerful the writing is! I was both tearing up from sadness and happiness!
A beautiful conclusion to Tempest's journey of being queen of Carnage Crossing but at the end we get a little tease that we'll be back again soon with a new journey, possibly with another character. All I can say about that is, wtf how could you leave us hanging like that! I'm so thrilled to check out this new series in Carnage Crossing but a wee bit scared too because it'll be following one of my favorite characters and I just know it's going to be another emotional roller coaster like this one!
A beautiful conclusion to Tempest's journey of being queen of Carnage Crossing but at the end we get a little tease that we'll be back again soon with a new journey, possibly with another character. All I can say about that is, wtf how could you leave us hanging like that! I'm so thrilled to check out this new series in Carnage Crossing but a wee bit scared too because it'll be following one of my favorite characters and I just know it's going to be another emotional roller coaster like this one!
December 23, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the Death Diggers Handbook series and the stories must be read in order. Queen Tempest has fled Carnage Crossing and is looking for the Rofenod. She needs to take him back with her to quell the growing horror that her sister Charlie is creating now that she has taken over.
Can Tempest find the Rofenod and bring him back, can she stop Charlie from causing any more damage to the citizens of Carnage Crossing? Will any of the beloved citizens die at the hands of the crazed new ruler, or the monster that is needed to stop Tempest’s sister. Will Tempest take over Carnage Crossing again and return everything to right? Find out when you read this wonderful book.
The writing by the Rourke family will in turn have you gasping, laughing, and all the while turning the pages to read more. It’s sad to see that this series is over, but exciting to see what the spin-off series will bring. There’s amazing characters, a wonderful setting, and truly marvelous writing. This series has to go on my must read list for 2021!!
Can Tempest find the Rofenod and bring him back, can she stop Charlie from causing any more damage to the citizens of Carnage Crossing? Will any of the beloved citizens die at the hands of the crazed new ruler, or the monster that is needed to stop Tempest’s sister. Will Tempest take over Carnage Crossing again and return everything to right? Find out when you read this wonderful book.
The writing by the Rourke family will in turn have you gasping, laughing, and all the while turning the pages to read more. It’s sad to see that this series is over, but exciting to see what the spin-off series will bring. There’s amazing characters, a wonderful setting, and truly marvelous writing. This series has to go on my must read list for 2021!!
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November 26, 2021Queen Tempest is licking her wounds from the events of the previous book and facing the Rofenod monster in unknown parts of the land of the dead. Meanwhile, her subjects are back home undergoing unimaginable tortures by her twisted sister. Family reunions can be a real nightmare. Tempest faces some of her hardest challenges of her reign yet and will need a little help along the way. The story is told in alternating perspectives to give readers a glimpse of Tempest's struggles while the events unfold back home in preparation for an upcoming wedding. This is the book in the series with the classic twists that Ms. Rourke throws at her readers to both keep them on their toes and frustrate them. Readers should read the first two books before picking up this one. These books are for those who appreciate a good story of overcoming challenges while dealing with family drama in a land where the monsters can turn out to be good guys.
November 28, 2021
I received an ARC, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did end up buying the book to own as I did enjoy this storyline.
Our queen has a fight on her hands, and it will take a lot to get Carnage Crossing back to normal. It seems her sister has a little bit of power herself. Tempest will find the answers she seeks in the depths of Carnage Crossing, and I can honestly say I was even surprised as queen Tempest has to make the most challenging decisions and will be getting her hands dirty as she and her beloved sister square off. We get a bit of heartbreak with some of our characters and what they have to go through to stay alive. But, we see true friendships form, and those bonds work to help end the threat of her sister. This book is the ending we needed; all questions were answered. Love was found, a city of dead was saved! What more could you want?
Our queen has a fight on her hands, and it will take a lot to get Carnage Crossing back to normal. It seems her sister has a little bit of power herself. Tempest will find the answers she seeks in the depths of Carnage Crossing, and I can honestly say I was even surprised as queen Tempest has to make the most challenging decisions and will be getting her hands dirty as she and her beloved sister square off. We get a bit of heartbreak with some of our characters and what they have to go through to stay alive. But, we see true friendships form, and those bonds work to help end the threat of her sister. This book is the ending we needed; all questions were answered. Love was found, a city of dead was saved! What more could you want?
November 26, 2021
The chapter we all have been waiting for is here. Who is the Rofendo really? Who really the lovely people of CC? Dose Tempest have in her to kill her beloved sister or will her heart cost her throne? In TRUE Rourke fashion question are answered in the most bizarre of ways leaving you asking “WAIT, WHAT, HOW AND WHO” Divine Decay is not the ending I expected in the least, but it is the ending we needed. Once again Rourke has brought has her unique charm and wit so an untold story and given us character we love and characters we love to hate and of course character that we love to see time and again.
November 27, 2021
I want to be a Carnage Crossing resident never a dull moment
This book was everything I hoped for and more. My heart ached for Mel and Lugosi, Tempest and how she as the queen has to save her people from her sister. And i wanted to give the awful sister a swift kick in the butt, Legba made me think of my own dad and a fathers love. This book was full of everything I hoped for and more entertaining. It had me laughing in spots sad in some all of which was awesome in general marks of a truly awesome story Highly recommend this series.
This book was everything I hoped for and more. My heart ached for Mel and Lugosi, Tempest and how she as the queen has to save her people from her sister. And i wanted to give the awful sister a swift kick in the butt, Legba made me think of my own dad and a fathers love. This book was full of everything I hoped for and more entertaining. It had me laughing in spots sad in some all of which was awesome in general marks of a truly awesome story Highly recommend this series.
January 8, 2022
A proper ending
What a way to end the trilogy. While this trilogy ends, we're promised a return to Carnage Crossing with a new spinoff series this year, woot! I did feel this one was a little more rushed than the others. There's a couple of small holes that I'm hoping get filled with the spinoff, but that usually doesn't happen when the main characters switch. Either way, this book and the two before it are amazing. I have a feeling I'll read these again because that little morbid town owns a piece of me now.
What a way to end the trilogy. While this trilogy ends, we're promised a return to Carnage Crossing with a new spinoff series this year, woot! I did feel this one was a little more rushed than the others. There's a couple of small holes that I'm hoping get filled with the spinoff, but that usually doesn't happen when the main characters switch. Either way, this book and the two before it are amazing. I have a feeling I'll read these again because that little morbid town owns a piece of me now.
March 8, 2022
Divine Decay was a fabulous continuation for this series. I love these characters & their world, but became quite frightened with the turmoil & chaos uprooting everything they hold dear. Everyone’s true colors came shining though as they worked together to save their afterlife. So many twists I never fathomed….but thoroughly enjoyed! Emotions on high up until the very end & what a terrific end it was. Except I am quite sure we will be seeing more from Carnage Crossing & that makes me even more excited. There is much left to tell & I need it all!
November 24, 2021
The Carnage Crossing series is so entertaining. In this installment, Tempest must face her sister Charlie before Charlie destroys Carnage Crossing. This is not an easy feat as Charlie has everyone funning scared. Tempest must face her fears and embrace her true right to be queen. With the help of friends that have become family and a sarcastic sense of humor her mission will be realized. This story is fun but has heart.
November 25, 2021
In death may she reign.
OMG, what wild emotional ride this was and I enjoyed every minute of it!!
The characters are still just as amazing as they were in the first two books. Tempest, along with her friends backing her up, is one force to not be messed with.
The storyline kept me entertained from beginning to end with its usual Rourke fun and fashion. It's a phenomenal story that will make you laugh, mad and cry all throughout this story. I highly recommend it!!!
OMG, what wild emotional ride this was and I enjoyed every minute of it!!
The characters are still just as amazing as they were in the first two books. Tempest, along with her friends backing her up, is one force to not be messed with.
The storyline kept me entertained from beginning to end with its usual Rourke fun and fashion. It's a phenomenal story that will make you laugh, mad and cry all throughout this story. I highly recommend it!!!
November 30, 2021
Intensity! Nail biting intensity is what I felt throughout this riveting conclusion in the Death Diggers Handbook series! Be prepared because Divine Decay is a page turner, one that you will not be able to step away from. Queen Tempest really can't catch a break and this family reunion she experiences becomes the stuff of nightmares. Got to love your sister, right? I'm looking forward to spinoffs in this world, and whatever else this incredible author creates!
October 23, 2022
Fantastically Unique
I devoured the first 3 books of this series in just 2 days!! After being in a huge reading rut for months, I’ve finally found an amazing story that has captured and kept my attention. I LOVED this trilogy and I am definitely going to start the spin off series as soon as I can. Definitely worth the read. Now, if I don’t end up in Carnage Crossing in my afterlife, I seriously don’t want it.
I devoured the first 3 books of this series in just 2 days!! After being in a huge reading rut for months, I’ve finally found an amazing story that has captured and kept my attention. I LOVED this trilogy and I am definitely going to start the spin off series as soon as I can. Definitely worth the read. Now, if I don’t end up in Carnage Crossing in my afterlife, I seriously don’t want it.
November 26, 2021
It's a family reunion!
But not one Tempest wanted... Or is it? No spoilers here - you have to read to find out! I love this series, the characters (the good ones, anyway), and Carnage Crossing! I wish the book was longer because it was so good, and I didn't want it to end when it did.
But not one Tempest wanted... Or is it? No spoilers here - you have to read to find out! I love this series, the characters (the good ones, anyway), and Carnage Crossing! I wish the book was longer because it was so good, and I didn't want it to end when it did.
February 18, 2023
I really enjoyed the way this played out. I liked that, as a trilogy, it felt like the plot was thought out. Despite having several hitches along the way, it never felt like it was just being drawn out as a page filler. I do wish we could have seen more of Tempest and Gideon's relationship develop, but it was also kind of sweet to see it slowly creep in.
November 26, 2021
Chaos
I love the theme of this series. I enjoy reading about all the characters. The originality of the story is the best part. I love telling other book readers about these books because I know they will enjoy them just as much as I do.
I love the theme of this series. I enjoy reading about all the characters. The originality of the story is the best part. I love telling other book readers about these books because I know they will enjoy them just as much as I do.
November 28, 2021
You can't go wrong with this author and her books. In this series we find out favorite dead queen in yet another entanglement. This time with her family. Want to know more? You'll have to read the book. No spoilers here! I love this book and the series so far!
December 6, 2021
Rollicking good time
This escape into a world heretofore not explored is just what I needed to skyrocket to new vistas. Thank you for your interesting take on the land of the undead.
This escape into a world heretofore not explored is just what I needed to skyrocket to new vistas. Thank you for your interesting take on the land of the undead.
March 19, 2023
My favorite line from the whole book is when Malaria says “I’m thrilled that’s become my job. I think I would have been a much more pleasant person in life if it was socially acceptable to stab people.” 😂😂 I have enjoyed all 3 of the books in this series so far and plan to keep going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
Sister vs Sister
🖤 awesome conclusion to this series! i loved everything and i was so happy for legba and her family get that happily ever after!! plus that sexy pirate 🏴☠️ also helped 🖤
🖤 awesome conclusion to this series! i loved everything and i was so happy for legba and her family get that happily ever after!! plus that sexy pirate 🏴☠️ also helped 🖤
November 29, 2021
Awesome books
I read all three books in 2 days I couldn't put them down. The authors really know how to build a world and characters. I can't wait until 2022 for the next book
I read all three books in 2 days I couldn't put them down. The authors really know how to build a world and characters. I can't wait until 2022 for the next book
December 31, 2021
clever and enchanting
Read the first two books in one day and this one the next, I could not get enough!! Absolutely caught and held my attention, giving me all sorts of feelings!
Read the first two books in one day and this one the next, I could not get enough!! Absolutely caught and held my attention, giving me all sorts of feelings!
January 27, 2022
Only the Rourkes can take something as serious as a hostile takeover of Carnage Crossing and make it macabre yet beautiful, deadly yet humorous, loveless yet romantic ALL at the same time. Bravo on another amazing series!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews