Judicium

Devil's Playground #3

by Natalie Bennett

Tick tock…it’s time for judgment.
The blood we spilled came after the riddles.
Betrayal followed by those we trusted.

There are so many things we could have done differently, saving ourselves from future heartache.

Now, it’s too late to recast the die.
By everything tainted and maleficent, we’re forever bonded.

Every tragedy has an origin.
This is where ours begins.

Genres: Dark Romance, Horror, Dark, Romance, Contemporary

263 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2021

About the author

Lover of all things pǝʇsıʍʇ & unusual.

I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.

Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A backwards forwards way of doing this book, we went back to kind of how some of their world came about, a few questions answered, a wee bit dark, a few nail biting scenes which still has me hooked for the next book which I can not wait for. This series hooked me from the get go and hasn't released me from its clutches. Unsure how the author is going to conclude it all at the end but I'm along for the ride..

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a interesting look back or prequel to the previous books in this series I had some questions answered that I’ve been curious about since the beginning but also it leaves me with so many more questions. This series is dark twisted and depraved but I love it! You definitely need to read this book if you’re a fan of this series! This is such an original addictive story I have not read anything like this before and I can’t wait for the next book to come!

[Mimiorphee · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The enemy of my enemy is my greatest asset, Puppet.”

Welcome back to where everything started for

This third installment in the Devil's Playground series should be read at this time in the series, as reading it as an actual prequel wpuld spoil the rest the series. It felt a tad strange to go back in time, giant flashback that is that opus, though I loved reading more about them at this moment. One step behind to better understand the future, I guess.

Judicium answered many questions I had about the characters and their family but it also opened to door to more unanswered interrogations.

“Play with me?”

Gore, thrilling, action packed, this opus is a fast paced horror show I devored in no time.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This was a fun quick dark read. It’s a prequel for the Devils Playground series but it’s still recommended that you read books 1&2 first.

We get some answers and some more backstory on our characters and what was going on before they ended up in the devils playground.
I’m really glad I picked this one up, if only because we got more of Ciaran and his cryptic ass. Lol He’s twisted and possessive as hell and I love him for it.

I recommend the series and think this is a nice addition that answers a few questions but still has me dying for the next book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this amazing series and is a prequel to the previous two books. A better understanding is given to Liliana and Ciaran’s relationship, and some questions are answered, but there are so many more questions which need answered. Looking forward to reading the fourth book. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, intense, twisted, and depraved, with secrets, betrayal, truths, intrigue, obsession, combustible tension, and undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to a riveting and addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If you were to peel back all their layers, you would find the inside wasn’t nearly as beguiling. Like Pandora’s Box, you’d see what kind of evil and cunning viciousness could be found in alluring packages.”

We go back in time in this book, book three. Before the games truly began, we see the backstory of Ciaran and Liliana.

All Liliana has been trying to do is find her sister Lamia who was kicked out of her home and hasn’t been seen since. At a party searching for her sister, the pre-game of games begin… 😈😈😈

These characters come from powerful and twisted families. They test their children, readying them for taking over the family name.. and it’s games of wit, smarts, and survival.

We now understand why Liliana and Ciaran relationship in book one and two were a bit confusing. This book answers a lot of questions about these characters past.

I seriously can’t wait for book four!

[shane. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stop letting you be alone? No. I suggest you get the fuck over it. You’re stuck with me until death and every lifetime after.”

This book is a prequel to book one and two of her Devil’s Playground series and you do not want to miss out on this!

Natalie take us back in time to learn more of Liliana and Ciaran’s beginning. In this book, we’re given a pre-game of the devil’s playground. A little appetizer of the sinister and horrifying games their families have created.

Both of these characters come from very deviant and powerful families, along with the secondary characters. Every child within these families are to be tested within these games to prove if they’re ready to take over. If they fail, they’re simply wiped from the face of the earth, as if they’ve never really existed.

It’s a game of survival, amongst other things.

This book answers the many questions I’ve had since reading book one and two. And to be able to learn more about their families and how these games began. Along with Liliana and Ciaran’s forbidden, but undeniable chemistry.

I can not wait to continue this series.


*ARC for honest review.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Bennett definitely knows how to keep the insane darkness fresh with every new book, and I also have to say how she did Judicium was very original. See, this is the prequel story in the Devil's Playground series, and yet, you have to read them in order which means you read the first two books (Periculum & Maleficium) first before this one. Once again we got a depraved insane story that I couldn't get enough of, and it was definitely a page turner. The twists are coming in hot per usual, and what you can expect is the unexpected which is the very best thing in my eyes, and there's even a kicker of heat despite all the insanity. Every Natalie Bennett book that I read makes my dark & twisty soul sing, and Judicium is no exception, so once again, I'm craving more like my next cup of coffee. Since there's so much goodness in these pages that I don't want to come off of, I'm going to end this review with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL BRAVE ENOUGH!

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judicium is the third book in the Devil's Playground series. Although it IS the third book in the series, this one serves as a prequel or origin story. This is how Liliana and Ciaran knew each other before the events that took place during book 1 and book 2.

I get so excited when Natalie comes out with a new book. Not only does this ties up any questions about Liliana and Ciaran's relationship, but it's a complete and utter mindf*ck and twisted how these two families really are. Natalie ALWAYS seems feed my dark heart with intense fabulous world building, undeniable chemistry, obsession, betrayal, utter debauchery and mayhem. Definitely worth the hype!!! I definitely recommend this entire series and can't wait for Book 4, Daemonium

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obscuro e cheio de segredos

Nessa prequel temos finalmente respostas sobre nossos queridos personagens em Periculum, temos uma certa dosagem também de angustia e também muitas perguntas novas, como sempre Natalie sabe escrever exatamente o que queremos saber e ainda nos deixar curiosas por mais!

Lembrando que para ler esse livro, leia os dois primeiros pois contém spoilers importantes para a construção da história! Terminei sorrindo e querendo mais desse universo, em breve nossa deusa do Dark irá acabar com essa curiosidade com toda certeza! Leiam e venha conhecer o universo de Devil antes de tudo acontecer!

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie has done it again

If you haven't read Periculum and Maleficium please read them first these are dark and twisted tales but so so good.
What a thrilling ride this story! This book is the prequel and helps you understand some things from the first 2 books if you like this authors work this one is not to be missed.

[Abby Boone · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took 3 days.

I gave it 2 stars because it’s really a pointless additive to the series. It didn’t give me much information into what is actually going on in the first two, and hopefully the next, books. But I digress, I read it to say I did. Patiently waiting for Daemonium to be available.

[Kayle MacDowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but I need the next book now….

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two steps forward, three steps back… questions answered but so many more arise!

Judicium is book three in the Devil’s Playground series, but it actually takes place before books one and two. Don’t read out of order! I really recommend reading this series in the order it comes out, even if you are confused through books one and two.
In this installment, we get the backstory on Liliana and Ciaran, or the origin of their relationship at least. The story was a quick read and it helps ease some of the confusion experienced in Periculum and Maleficium. However, I still have a million and one questions and I can’t wait for book four, Daemonium.

I really like our lead characters and I also love the side crew, like Grace and Ky. Everyone in this series come from very powerful, twisted, and deranged families. The “heirs” are tested and must prove their worth through the games - the Devil’s Playground. In this book, we see a “pre-game” as Liliana is introduced to the concept and she realizes just how little her family has told her (Mel and Grace, too). The boys know about the games, how to survive, and the why of it all - they hold all the answers, dripping them out one tiny kernel at a time. I’m interested to learn more about Liliana’s mom, Pandora. I feel like there’s much more to her than we know at this point.

True to Natalie Bennet form, this story has many twists and turns and you don’t know where it’ll end up!! I feel like Bennet was totally in her groove with this book, it’s really well done!! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔸4 stars🔸

[Lozz’s Random Reads McKenzie - Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel Recap of the Devils Playground World

Judicium
( Devil’s Playground Three)

Is a prequel explaining the events leading up to the start of
“Periculum” ( book one )

We find out more about Liliana, the Serpine - Belair Family beef, and Ciaran brother.

Most of this book has the three girls once again having to negotiate their way through a puzzle of death, murder, and mayhem.

The circumstances of which pull her back into the obit of the depraved boys ?

MEN !

Kyrous
Maverick Stolas
Charon
And, of course, Ciaran.
who are on opposing sides of the ruling families to Liliana and her friends: Melantha, and Gracelyn

Okay.

I have read Natalie’s books before so I kinda know what crazy ride I’m in for.

I expect a certain amount of blood, and gore.

However!

She STILL manages to come up with innumerable shockable scenarios that leave me reeling.

Yeah, you don’t want to get too attached to any side characters in this series, because, the nature of the narrative means there is a 90% probability factor that they won’t survive.

What I found in this book is there are aspects of Lana’s ( Lillianna) personality that are still quite disturbing due to her usual upbringing.

The fact that she can see a throats being cut, a head being spilt open with an axe, stabbings, mutilations
And compartmentalises it, …moving along.

Especially if the murders are hot guys that make your panties wet.

Her lack of emotions at having witnessed some abhorrent things in pursuit of a budding attraction to Ciaran, in this book is bewildering.

Ciaran…

The Alpha A hole to end all Alpha A holes.

When dealing with his obsessive, deadly personality disorder Lana states :-

“I wasn’t the most stable person up top and had a moral compass that occasionally stopped ticking, so I couldn’t judge.”

So, she figures that there is not much that separates them taking into consideration the environment they were born into, giving him a pass.

As a reader, for me, I still have trouble digesting this morally grey area.

Overall

I found this to be a useful read taking into account the time it’s taken for this series to resurface and come out
.
It was good to reacquaint myself with this debauched, depraved, world and remember all the family dynamics
Four stars
.

[Brandalyn Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have started the Devil’s Playground Series by Natalie Bennett and feel like you want a little background information make sure to read this book. What happens when someone attempts to steal Ciaran Blaire’s destiny…..blood, murder and mayhem to say the least. Lana would give anything to see her sister Mia and in that attempt her two best friends Mel and Grace follow along and what they thought was just some random party. Turns out to be a front for Judicium which means Justice however these three women were not supposed to be there, however they do preform better than almost everyone else involved. Ciaran along with his guys Kyrous, Charon, and Maverick intercepted the women as they are trying to get away. Ciaran has this almost soft spot for Lana and she can’t understand all of the different things she’s feeling but she’s drawn to him. Ciaran wants to protect her from her family and realizes she’s been completely kept in the dark on who her family the Serpine’s are. To say the are snakes is almost kind and with Pandora acting like she’s always in charge especially with her daughters she’s a Viper you must watch out for. Ciaran isn’t deterred by the Serpine’s in fact he’s been waiting and watching looking for his opportunity. Once he gets his opportunity someone decides to open their mouth to Pandora and what she chooses to do to Lana as well as having the same thing done to Mel and Grace is disturbing to say the least. I look forward to seeing how all of this plays out, and still swear Natalie Bennett is hiding Easter eggs that possibly point to other series in her world that could be linked to this. Natalie is a wonderfully twisted and dark author that knows how to grab your attention and make you hold on for the roller coaster ride

[Shannon Rugg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not going to lie, when I first started this book I was SO confused, and I had read both books prior to this. I told myself to keep reading though, and I am glad I did!!

Judicium is a prequel to Periculum and Maleficium and clears up some of the questions surrounding those two books. That being said, it gives you more riddles to work out, and some little Easter eggs for things to come. Pay attention. This is a Natalie Bennett book, you know to give it your entire focus, or by the end, you’ll be just as lost as you were at the beginning.

This prequel gives us the beginning of Ciaran and Liliana. Liliana is looking for her sister Lamia, and one night changes everything. You find out more behind the feud between Ciaran and Liliana’s families. People are eliminated, and you get a taste for the game that’s to come. And when I say game, it’s not your typical, hide and seek or ghosts in the graveyard type game. No, this is a real life, purge-type game. When you think of this series you should automatically combine the purge and romance, mix them together and step out into The Devil’s Playground.

High society thrives on chaos and control, and what better way to do so, then to play games with the lives of their own heirs?! “The game is designed to strip away your humanity. For those watching, it’s a source of entertainment.” And entertaining it most definitely is; only the strong survive at the Playground.

If you choose to enter Devil’s Playground, beware, it’s not for everyone. It’s gruesome, vulgar, and full of grotesque murders. If you can handle that, then join in, enter the game. Tick tock…it’s time for judgement.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Tick Tock...it's time for judgment. The blood we spilled came after the riddles. Betrayal followed by those we trusted. Thee ae so many things we could have done differently, saving ourselves from future heartache. Now, it's too late to recast the die. But everything tainted and maleficent, we're forever bonded. Every tragedy has an origin. This is where ours begins.

If you ever wanted to go backwards in a book world and find out more about it, then you get your wish in this book. You go back to the beginning and see how some of the world in this book came about. It gave me prequel feels for sure. I must warn you that this series is dark and twisted and this is the third book. You need to have read the first three to read this one. I loved learning more about Liliana and Ciaran's starting point. You will also get the game plan or pre plans to the devil's playground. You get to really realize how horrifying the playground really is. It is crazy to me that families created these games. Ciaran and Liliana come from very powerful and deviant families. Each of the children in the families are to to tested in the games to prove that they are ready and worthy to take over. If they don't finish the games they are simply wiped off the face of the earth like they were never ever even born. You will get answers to questions you have had and I'm just wow at reading this book. If you like your series dark and twisted then you do not want to miss this one.

[Nikkole Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

In True Natalie Bennett style I am left with more questions than answers with this one. We get to back in time with this book and OMG Pandora.....really? I kinda love her but really really hate her too, you will see what I mean. This book was everything I wanted when it came to this particular series. It has opened up so many avenues that the author can take moving on, whether that will be a continuation of this series or a whole new one. I cant wait to see where it goes. The Devils Playground is one of my favorite series of Natalie's. It is intriguing, diabolical and downright frightening at times and I am addicted. Judicium has a lot of substance and information with a lot less steam than what you would normally see. This however does not take anything away from the story and in my opinion it makes it better. We get to see where it all started with Lana and Ciaran and why she doesn't seem to remember him at all in the previous books. As I said before, we get a few answers but we are left with a bajillion more.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intriguing and informative look back! The first two books int he Devil’s Playground have been full of mystery, misdirection, murder, and mayhem, Natalie takes us back to the past to dig into the history of these intriguiing characters and just what led Ciaran and Lana to where we find them at the beginning of book 1.

In the past, we find Lana on the search for her missing sister Lamia, paths crossing with Ciaran who finds himself drawn to her and wanting to protect her. Needless to say, these two have some horrific families and dangerous destinies. Things go awry and we discover just what happened to Lana and her friends.

Natalie rarely so clearly gives answers, but we get a lot here- which means we must really be in store from insanity in the next book. Can’t wait to see what is in store for these characters and how they’ll face the dark and twisted game they’re trapped within.

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This answered so many of my questions about how and why...
As well as crafting some new ones for me to ponder upon
All sorts of little hints and clues are scattered throughout as well that have led me to question some of my previous beliefs

If you haven't read the series yet this is a "soft" (less crimson splatter) back story that introduces the reader to some of the characters as well as a bit of background
A small, still scrumptious, taste of the insanity and mind games that are about to go down in the playground

For those who have read the first two books, Judicium is not a recap.
It is more a bunch of twisty paths, littered with breadcrumb trails that are shrouded with pokey vines - Each giving a glimpse of what happened to the girls before they went to play, the role the guys played prior to the playground and a few more little tidbits you do not want to miss.
For the rest who have never played at the playground, welcome to the games

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Honestly Natalie Bennett is possibly one of my favourite authors ever!!! She knows how to write a dark and super crazy story. I've waited so long for this and boy did it not disappoint!

This book goes back to the beginning and is a prequel to the previous books in the devil's playground series which I suggest you read also as there is a lot happening, but this book does answer a lot of questions but also will be giving you a hell of a lot more to deal with also lol. This is a dark, twisted and depraved series and will have a hell of a lot of triggers but honestly if you like blood, guts and the like then you'll love Natalie's books.

This books gives us more of how Liliana and Ciaran first meet and how the were together and it shows you how these games the devil's playground actually begin! Honestly please someone make these books in to films they would be so good!!!! I cannot wait for the rest in the series!!!

[Valerie *valovebooks* Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and get so excited whenever Natalie has a book to read. I was so pumped for this. Periculum and Maleficium were dark, Twisted and full of gory action. Judicium fits so perfect. It all is alot clearer now for me. If you've read book 1&2 then this one helps you understand some things. This book is basically a prequel to tie up a couple loose ends. Andddd we get alot more inside details on the life of Lana. Its pure raw savagery. Who knew family could be so deadly cold. It's insane considering the bigger picture. Lana and her two amazing best friends make this book so enjoyable. Nothing like the bond of TRUE RIDE OR DIE Sisterhood. It's genuine. I freaking love it. Gosh Natalie is amazing and she sure knows how keep you guessing and wanting more. I can not wait for Daemonium!!! I feel like the sneaky peek is super sneaky!!! ... sweet Melantha Is that you?? SO EXCITED!

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Goetia will lead you to the Devil's Playground."

Judicium is the third book in the Devil's Playground series. This is the beginning darkness of the of the whole journey.

Liliana & Ciaran twisted & insanely addicting backstory, answering some question and leaving you with others. I am obsessed with them. They are obsessed with each other, and I can’t wait to see what destruction and devastating pain that will be rot in the journey to have all the questions answered.

This series made me question things I've always been sure of - about morality, sensibility, obsession, and love And the word sinful comes to mind. But one thing is for sure, this is one gripping beginning of their story.

Just when you think you've read it all your stomach plunges, your heart speeds up during the next surge of the ride and you can't believe you've just read what you did.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted as usual! This is a quick read that answers a few burning questions from the first books and solves a few mysteries but there’s still more. A prequel that shows the start of Lana and Ciaran relationship and the first game the girls participated in. Bloody, deadly and destructive. I still have questions and now I need to know what happened to Lana’s sister, Ciaran’s brother and the baby. Did they live through the game? What awful parents to destroy their children. We see how deadly the feuds are between these syndicate families with Lana and Ciaran’s being the worst. It’s brutal and heinous. I love this author’s twisted tales of bloody destruction, gruesome fighting, mind twisted games, and steamy sexy love. I can’t wait for the next installment! Let the games continue, the blood run, and the romance burn hot.

[Rebecca Carsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Was Awesome And Answered So Many Questions!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review

Another fantastic book by Natalie Bennett!!! Always love the books and worlds she comes up with. Her characters are always dark and fantastic.

This book gives you a clearer understanding, and answers almost all your questions you had from reading books 1 & 2. I absolutely loved getting to read the backstory to these characters and the game and family feuds between them all.

There is definitely a lot going on and a lot of twists and turns you didn’t really expect but I definitely would not read this prior to reading Periculum and Maleficium. It must be read after them. Highly recommend this entire series along with all of Natalie Bennett’s books. Seriously looking forward to reading what she comes up with for us next!!

[Yorvelin Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW🥵

I’m not gonna lie I picked up this series because I read the Bride of Demonio and I loved the book, so intrigued to keep reading books about this author I stumbled on the Devil’s Playground and let me tell you I just can’t wait for book 4 I really love this series it’s so gory, dark and it has some steamy scenes. I love how detailed the gore scenes are it’s like I was in the devil’s playground myself. Aside from that I thought I loved Ciaran but no baby I think I want Kyrous like I can’t wait to know more about him I hope in book 4 they show us a little more about Gracelyn and Kyrous because this couple is giving. Ciaran and Liliana are epic and I love them but I want more of Gracelyn and Kyrous. Nathalie please don’t stop writing books your chosen genre to write is f**king epic and outstanding.

[Lita Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judicium: Devil's Playground: Prequel by Natalie Bennett.  You can say this is the origin story of Liliana aka Lana her 2 girlfriends and Ciaran and his crew. This story has come out after the first 3 books in the series. If you are into dark, sick and twisted than this book and series is for you. The fact that this is a prequel but is the 4th book works for me. This story  gave a level of surprise to the series and has left me with questions that have me wanting to not only continue with this series but to read book 1 again just so if I can see if I missed any of the signs. This book has reignited my thirst for more of Lana and Ciaran. I need the next book soon. There are 2 more books to this series and I am so ready to see how their story ends. 5 stars for me.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed book 3 as it provided much needed clarification from books 1 & 2. We get Ciaran and Lana's backstory; history of the Devil's Playground and how it came to be; some interesting familial history and conflicts as well as further insight on Lana's sister, Lamia. There was quite a few grammar mistakes that was absent from books 1&2 so that was surprising - almost as if this book was otherwise rushed, but I overlooked it because I am honestly so hooked on this series. Can't wait for book 4 and I appreciated the excerpt at the end. Not sure why in her authors note she mentioned it was more plot-driven than steamy, because the steaminess, IMO, and the sexual tension/build-up was *chef's kiss.* 5/5...can't wait for Daemonium!