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A Syndicate of Blood and Chaos #3
Ruled by Blood
The devil was finally hers.
But someone is trying to make the underworld believe that Kira Cain isn’t Shadow. They’d even used her scorpion venom to try to take her devil away and poisoned Damien Chaos – her fiancé. The queen’s role is to protect the king, and she’d managed to fail spectacularly that night. Because Dante Chaos shouldn’t have been able to trick her. Her . Kira should have been five steps ahead of him, but someone was pulling his strings – someone who could make an almost perfect replica of her signature poison. This copycat had made their opening move and now it was Kira’s turn. Except Damien is going to leave her behind, to protect her. Her demon prince needs to learn he can’t rule without her. The king doesn’t live long without his queen, and she refuses to let the fiends of the underworld converge on him and do nothing to stop it. Playing defense has never really been her style. This new enemy was going to learn just how deadly a scorpion could be when threatened.
But someone is trying to make the underworld believe that Kira Cain isn’t Shadow. They’d even used her scorpion venom to try to take her devil away and poisoned Damien Chaos – her fiancé. The queen’s role is to protect the king, and she’d managed to fail spectacularly that night. Because Dante Chaos shouldn’t have been able to trick her. Her . Kira should have been five steps ahead of him, but someone was pulling his strings – someone who could make an almost perfect replica of her signature poison. This copycat had made their opening move and now it was Kira’s turn. Except Damien is going to leave her behind, to protect her. Her demon prince needs to learn he can’t rule without her. The king doesn’t live long without his queen, and she refuses to let the fiends of the underworld converge on him and do nothing to stop it. Playing defense has never really been her style. This new enemy was going to learn just how deadly a scorpion could be when threatened.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2023
108 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Emma Dean
83 books696 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 5, 2023
Meh 🫤 I will not be continuing this series.
June 14, 2023
Mixed emotions but so good
I’m not going to lie I hated Damien for a good amount of this book. I couldn’t understand how someone like Kira could fall for someone that just wasn’t completely enamored with her just yet.
There were times where it was mentioned her brand of love is obsession which makes sense because Kira is a psychopath, so in my head I pacified myself by saying their love for one another would be different because Kira can’t actually love the same way a normal person can. But honestly, I think Damien becoming just as obsessed as she was with him saved it for me, that even when he hated her he couldn’t keep away. But still I was so annoyed with the fact Kira, was so easily broken by the idea of him getting hurt when he hadn’t earned that sense of protectiveness from her yet. He earned it in this book I will readily admit, but I will forever stand by that feeling that a character like her should have been able to hold off on becoming attached/ obsessed to him or better yet keep it just at obsession and not love. Would have loved for Damien to be the one “in love.” while her obsession slowly progressed more into something that one would consider love. She is a psychopath after all?
But that’s just me being picky at this point, I didn’t mind the moments she finally submitted to him because he did the same to her in other-ways ,but I didn’t love the references to other submissive he had in the past, not by name obviously because they were nameless faces and not of importance to him, but like why even make references. It was unromantic considering they were in the throes of passion. “You exceeded my expectations, love. None of my pretty little submissive have ever done that,…” like did we really need that line? If I have to hear about something like this, I would love to hear more about the men Kira used to dominate in the past, and have it brought up when she’s having sex with one of the men (preferably Damien) Let’s even it out a bit. Idk it’s somethings that’s always bothered me in romance.
Other than that I loved this book. I truly did, holy cheese balls I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. So fearful of something happening to one of these beloved characters. Even Damien though he’s my least fave of the men. I love Kai and I love Aeron, and I want more Aeron and KirA time because the sweet beast man needs all the reassuring he can get. Also there is Dante…. Please Emma add him to the harem. I didn’t expect the complicated emotions I felt about him in this book but all I can say is he deserves forgiveness and I’d never thought I’d say that about a character like him. I want him in the harem, need him. There’s no denying the chemistry, between him and Kira. Then there’s Adam. I love Adam so much, as uncomfortable as his relationship with his sister can be. I love it, their love for one another makes this series. Kira really said bros before hoes, and I love that she makes a lot of decisions based on him, even around her men. Emma Dean despite my pickiness, you really out did yourself on this series.
I’m not going to lie I hated Damien for a good amount of this book. I couldn’t understand how someone like Kira could fall for someone that just wasn’t completely enamored with her just yet.
There were times where it was mentioned her brand of love is obsession which makes sense because Kira is a psychopath, so in my head I pacified myself by saying their love for one another would be different because Kira can’t actually love the same way a normal person can. But honestly, I think Damien becoming just as obsessed as she was with him saved it for me, that even when he hated her he couldn’t keep away. But still I was so annoyed with the fact Kira, was so easily broken by the idea of him getting hurt when he hadn’t earned that sense of protectiveness from her yet. He earned it in this book I will readily admit, but I will forever stand by that feeling that a character like her should have been able to hold off on becoming attached/ obsessed to him or better yet keep it just at obsession and not love. Would have loved for Damien to be the one “in love.” while her obsession slowly progressed more into something that one would consider love. She is a psychopath after all?
But that’s just me being picky at this point, I didn’t mind the moments she finally submitted to him because he did the same to her in other-ways ,but I didn’t love the references to other submissive he had in the past, not by name obviously because they were nameless faces and not of importance to him, but like why even make references. It was unromantic considering they were in the throes of passion. “You exceeded my expectations, love. None of my pretty little submissive have ever done that,…” like did we really need that line? If I have to hear about something like this, I would love to hear more about the men Kira used to dominate in the past, and have it brought up when she’s having sex with one of the men (preferably Damien) Let’s even it out a bit. Idk it’s somethings that’s always bothered me in romance.
Other than that I loved this book. I truly did, holy cheese balls I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. So fearful of something happening to one of these beloved characters. Even Damien though he’s my least fave of the men. I love Kai and I love Aeron, and I want more Aeron and KirA time because the sweet beast man needs all the reassuring he can get. Also there is Dante…. Please Emma add him to the harem. I didn’t expect the complicated emotions I felt about him in this book but all I can say is he deserves forgiveness and I’d never thought I’d say that about a character like him. I want him in the harem, need him. There’s no denying the chemistry, between him and Kira. Then there’s Adam. I love Adam so much, as uncomfortable as his relationship with his sister can be. I love it, their love for one another makes this series. Kira really said bros before hoes, and I love that she makes a lot of decisions based on him, even around her men. Emma Dean despite my pickiness, you really out did yourself on this series.
June 4, 2023
I love everything that Emma writes and I was very excited about this one, also, happy to know we will have one more book, I'm not ready to say goodbye. I loved this, we see more of the dynamic with 5 people living together, the power Kira has and all the love they give to her. Honestly, I was hoping to see more of Kira bossing around Kaito and Aeron but I think the focus of this one was the developing relationship between Aeron and Kaito and Kira and Damien. Anyways, already wishing for the fourth one. PS: Emma said that she was writing this for someone who hates her now, I'm happy she decided to continue even after a hard time and wish the best. Thank you, Emma.
November 27, 2023
Just when I thought that finally there will be some HEA, things took an unexpected turn. The copy-cat makes things even more complicated for the main heroine and her demons. I guess more will be revealed in the next book.
So far the series have kept my interest even though the third person narration took me by surprise when I first started the series. However, the twisted plot and the cunning mind-games have kept me in my toes.
So far the series have kept my interest even though the third person narration took me by surprise when I first started the series. However, the twisted plot and the cunning mind-games have kept me in my toes.
December 20, 2025
This is truly the worst book I’ve ever had the displeasure of reading. Every page was a struggle to get through and I genuinely felt like a hostage. The writing is truly awful. The grammatical errors were distracting. I couldn’t tell you the significance of any event or begin to care for any of these horrible characters after 3 full books of unnecessary suffering. This book coming to an end was the closest encounter to a higher power I’ve felt in years.
May 19, 2024
holy Moses
This book was Lit! Kira literally lit the Chaos name on fire and is in the process of taking it all down! Cain will be the name that everyone remembers when all is said and done. I loved how her mind worked, how she put together, all these chess pieces and played a game on how she can flush out all the hidden characters that are out to get her and her new family. It broke me to read how one of her trusted friends and jackals died by poison and no one noticed when the bombs went off. Emma writes so flawlessly that it was easy to hate Dante and his awful character and when it came out that he was a puppet for his dad, ir changed my entire view point on him. It hurt to read how their dad tried to destroy him when he tried to get close to his little brother. Kira had it all handled though, I thought for sure she was gonna kill him but she didn’t because he was honest. Honesty saved his life and the possible future of his new found family. I agreed with Kira that the Spider would have known about the torture Dante was put through because the Spider knows All that’s going on and has her own chess pieces in place. I was always curious on how Adam took out their parents, as it was never explained, and I would have loved to learn more about how Kira was kidnapped back when she was 15/16 years. How she learned to take them all out, we got to learn more of her history but not enough. I love how much she loves Adam, and respects him enough to realize he must have felt like he was losing her to her new husbands but she pulls a trick out of the bag and shows him how much she will Never leave him behind. I am curious as to how the fraud Shadow survived Adam when it was told he murdered their parents. I mean it doesn’t name her as their mom but it hinted before the story ended. I sure hope Papi, MIL, and her men survived that bombing and they come back stronger than ever to take out whoever is left on the board.
This book was Lit! Kira literally lit the Chaos name on fire and is in the process of taking it all down! Cain will be the name that everyone remembers when all is said and done. I loved how her mind worked, how she put together, all these chess pieces and played a game on how she can flush out all the hidden characters that are out to get her and her new family. It broke me to read how one of her trusted friends and jackals died by poison and no one noticed when the bombs went off. Emma writes so flawlessly that it was easy to hate Dante and his awful character and when it came out that he was a puppet for his dad, ir changed my entire view point on him. It hurt to read how their dad tried to destroy him when he tried to get close to his little brother. Kira had it all handled though, I thought for sure she was gonna kill him but she didn’t because he was honest. Honesty saved his life and the possible future of his new found family. I agreed with Kira that the Spider would have known about the torture Dante was put through because the Spider knows All that’s going on and has her own chess pieces in place. I was always curious on how Adam took out their parents, as it was never explained, and I would have loved to learn more about how Kira was kidnapped back when she was 15/16 years. How she learned to take them all out, we got to learn more of her history but not enough. I love how much she loves Adam, and respects him enough to realize he must have felt like he was losing her to her new husbands but she pulls a trick out of the bag and shows him how much she will Never leave him behind. I am curious as to how the fraud Shadow survived Adam when it was told he murdered their parents. I mean it doesn’t name her as their mom but it hinted before the story ended. I sure hope Papi, MIL, and her men survived that bombing and they come back stronger than ever to take out whoever is left on the board.
June 6, 2023
First to Ms. Dean
First I would like to say to Ms. Dean, that I am sorry that you lost a 'friendship', but I am happy that you were able to use this heroin to explain that ALL relationships are tested and that the most important people are the ones that stay beside you through good or bad, and I hope that you have others that show you that everyday. Now, as for this series, I absolutely love it! I'm a big fan of this authors writing, but I have to say, that this particular series is one of my favorites by her. The characters are intriguing and fascinating, the storyline is interesting, it's harsh but beautiful at the same time. If I were to put a theme to it, the one word that comes to mind is LOYALTY, not of fear but CHOICE. In the end, that is what we all hope for. I would highly recommend this series and I cannot wait for the next book, because that ending has my mind reeling!
First I would like to say to Ms. Dean, that I am sorry that you lost a 'friendship', but I am happy that you were able to use this heroin to explain that ALL relationships are tested and that the most important people are the ones that stay beside you through good or bad, and I hope that you have others that show you that everyday. Now, as for this series, I absolutely love it! I'm a big fan of this authors writing, but I have to say, that this particular series is one of my favorites by her. The characters are intriguing and fascinating, the storyline is interesting, it's harsh but beautiful at the same time. If I were to put a theme to it, the one word that comes to mind is LOYALTY, not of fear but CHOICE. In the end, that is what we all hope for. I would highly recommend this series and I cannot wait for the next book, because that ending has my mind reeling!
March 23, 2025
This one took me out of the story. I love Dean's writing, I understand the pattern, but this one hit me wrong. I think it was the birthday dinner that made it the worst for me. I'm not sure, though. Or maybe it's how fast everything moved. I don't hate this one, it's worth reading. Happy reading!
November 18, 2025
3.5⭐️
Wish the final book was out but overall pleasantly surprised with this series. Thought it was gonna be just another cringey rh series, and while it’s nothing groundbreaking, it’s fun, addictive and well-written.
This book had quite a few typos and got a bit repetitive but still enjoyable.
Wish the final book was out but overall pleasantly surprised with this series. Thought it was gonna be just another cringey rh series, and while it’s nothing groundbreaking, it’s fun, addictive and well-written.
This book had quite a few typos and got a bit repetitive but still enjoyable.
June 5, 2023
DNF 23%
June 20, 2023
DNF before chapter 10. it’s a no from me.
September 11, 2023
I can't wait
I want to know what happens next so bad. I can't wait to see what happens to the women that has made herself know.
I want to know what happens next so bad. I can't wait to see what happens to the women that has made herself know.
January 9, 2024
Very enjoyable
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what will happen next for them and find out who caused this explosion.
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what will happen next for them and find out who caused this explosion.
February 19, 2024
.
This whole storyline has been full of great twists, but the twists in this book were brutally fabulous, I can't wait to read the next book.
This whole storyline has been full of great twists, but the twists in this book were brutally fabulous, I can't wait to read the next book.
April 29, 2024
Wow!
This book was insane! So much happened, I could not put this book down. I did not so that ending coming, I can not wait for the next book!
This book was insane! So much happened, I could not put this book down. I did not so that ending coming, I can not wait for the next book!
March 9, 2025
adam mon bb vraiment
May 12, 2025
KU) 4.25
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews