Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey

Dioscuri #1

by Ralynn Kimie, Vitalia Streltsova (Illustrator)

Book 2 in The Infernal Artifacts Collection

A civil war overwhelms Fae. A Fey warrior is caught in the middle of an inter-dimensional conflict between his people and subversive Imps infiltrating other realms. Distracted by recurring nightmares of a woman he doesn’t recognize, the warrior ends up stranded in the mortal world of Terra during a mission failure. With the assistance of a human agent, he will uncover answers to the dark secrets behind his dreams, which may help him reach his full potential or cause his ultimate demise…

Genres: Fantasy

ebook

Published May 9, 2023

About the author

INSTAGRAM: rayekimie

Ralynn Kimie is an independent author with her own publishing imprint known as Steely Co. Publishing. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, she is a mixing pot of different ethnic backgrounds, but primarily Japanese and Irish.

She’s autistic and has ODD, ADHD, and Depression.

Ralynn Kimie is an advocate for Suicide Prevention, Asexual Awareness, Body Positivity, and Operation Santa.

Reviews

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story unfolds in 2002, and the author did a great job at making it feel like the early 2000s. It gave me NCIS vibes even though we were partly in the Fey world. The book is linked with the first one in The Infernal Artifacts series, but you don't need to read it to understand this one. The characters were interesting and the MMC's story was built in a way that had you questionning his life with him. All characters seem to play an important part and the ending really has you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. The different time periods really give the story a nice touch. Recommended if you want to travel in time and space and are ready for some curveballs.

[Cassandra Vella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ralynn Kimie’s latest Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey is a wild ride across realms!

This story is one with a lot of curveballs in it that feel like predictable bouts of fate, that somehow surprise you left and right. There were a few bits and pieces nodding back to Corpse Walker more towards the end, that really tied some things up; also opened some more for the future of the The Infernal Artifacts Collection.

Can't wait to read more of Kimie’s work soon!

Special thanks to Ralynn Kimie for providing Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey to read and leave an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping fantasy novel that follows the story of a Fey warrior caught in the middle of an inter-dimensional conflict between his people and subversive Imps. Haunted by recurring nightmares of a woman he doesn't recognize, he finds himself stranded in the mortal world of Terra and must work with a human agent to uncover the secrets behind his dreams. With its richly-drawn characters, imaginative world-building, and fast-paced action, this book is a must-read for any fantasy fan.

[Jacky · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝒩𝑒𝓇𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝓈𝑜 𝒶𝓃𝓍𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝑒𝑒𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒢𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒶𝓁𝓀 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓊𝓈𝓊𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉.”

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
What can I say!? I have fallen in love with Ralynn Kimie's writing style, I cannot get enough. Her world-building flows beautifully and although the novel is part of a collection, it can be read as a true standalone. References to Corpse Walker are explained clearly to prevent questions and plot holes which is great as we see certain characters reappear in this novel (no spoilers). I went through so many emotions throughout the novel, I just loved the characters and storyline. Arlo's journey left me awestruck, every time I thought I knew something, it turned out wrong and I was surprised with a twist. Each new character introduced to the collection was carefully described and introduced to the storyline without being overwhelming. I can see lots of new storylines emerging *wink wink* I loved getting to meet Freya and Harpy, they were fantastic! I am actually hoping to read more about Halina (um hello, I need a sequel for this one too)! I cannot get enough, I loved Corpse Walker and Dioscuri, I just know I will love Raye's next book. I can't wait to see what's to come in The Infernal Artifacts collection!!

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
- Side Quests
- The Chosen One
- Ancient Artifacts

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: Special thanks to Raye for sharing a copy of her novel with me and keeping up with my reactions as I read!

[Allison Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, this series is so fun and ties in lore from all over. I went into this right after Corpse Walker and initially was wondering where the heck the story was going but somehow she managed to effortlessly tie back into the foundation laid in book 1 even though this story takes place decades later. The continuation of familiar characters' stories was very well done while also passing the torch to the newly introduced characters that are just as loveable. It's like Men In Black but instead of aliens, make it demons and ghosts and other supernatural beings.

[tasya ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is part of the infernal artifacts collection and focuses on arlo's journey of self discovery and character growth.

each character seems to play an important part in the story. the world building is also rather fascinating; it is filled with magic, myth and danger. the plot is so complex but brilliant at the same time. and just when you think you know what's going on... bam, here's a twist!

arlo's character is very relatable and honest. he has a cool ability/power and it gets more interesting as the story progresses. i also came to adore marigold, zaria, and even acacia. they are all fun, mysterious and morally grey. i enjoyed the other characters we meet as well, particularly freya, who we become better acquainted with as the story goes on. other than that, i'm so happy we get to see certain characters from corpse walker reappear and being mentioned in the story!!

i would recommend this book to all fantasy readers. it is delightful and ambitious while simultaneously dealing with some heavy themes.

huge thanks to ralynn kimie for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

[Julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just alright.

There were parts that seemed like they'd lead to something more interesting, such as the fact that Arlo was a human and been gone for 100 years. But if It felt pretty glossed over just like that happened to me *shoulder shrugs* oh well. There were also things that didn't really need to be in the story, like the mother in the portrait, it added nothing important to the story.

However, there are lots of plot holes in the story, some of which were really infuriating. Like Freya's plan to get out of the bull... what plan? The only thing that happened was they entered, and the door blew off for them to get out. Also, Friday came into the story like the Kool-Aid man and was gone nearly as quickly with no explanation. How'd she know they were there and why she came in the first place?

It felt like the story was trying to wrap up in chapter 20, but there were still 4 chapters and an epilougue of what I guess is meant to be foreshadowing for future books.

Also, I was not in love with the forced public suicide in this book. Maybe I'm not up on my contemporary middle grade books, but this choice may have been questionable.

So now the important questions...
1. Did this book make me want to read the next book in the Dioscuri series? No

2. Did this book make me interested in the other Infernal Artifacts books? No

3. Would I recommend this book to anyone? No

4. Do I think that this book was just not written for me thematically or age range?
Maybe... age range definitely, but I can still enjoy other middle grade books such as the Harry Potters, Percy Jackson's, the Heir series, etc, as an adult. I really feel the choppy story and plot holes would put many people off.

***I was given a copy of Dioscuri for free in exchange for my unbiased review.***

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dioscuri
Author: Ralynn Kimie
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
Page Count: 379
Format: Netgalley
Start Date: April 29th, 2023
Finish Date: May 12th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

When I first went to read this book, I discovered it was a book two in a series. When I went back to actually read it, it showed that it was the first in the series. So I went ahead and started reading it. It turned out that while it's not officially a sequel, it's still in the same world of the book that was originally shown as book one. I read the frequently asked questions at the back of the book and knew that I was okay and can go back and read the other book later. For anybody who may be interested in this book, I'd fully recommend reading the FAQ at the back of the book. The author took a lot of time to make sure all questions about these books. The world is also very unique. What if your entire life that you've lived happily turned out to be a lie and you aren't who you thought you were? Fully recommend. Also I really love this cover!

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an amazing look into this world of Fey and Arlo is such a great protagonist! I can't believe the things that happen in his life (that I can't explain for fear of spoilers) but the way he takes to truths without much complaint is incredible.

There are back and forth from the year 2002 back to 1902 and the 1940s but they all blended seamlessly into the bigger story.

I love how it connects to The Corpse Walker and the people we get to see from that book. They made me smile, but there's also something that made me really sad. It just makes me that more excited for all these different books and storylines and how they'll merge. The Dioscuri (okay I have to admit I didn't know what this was and had to look it up)

[Tracey Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both of the books I’ve read by Raye have kept me interested and engaged from the first few pages all the way to the end! I’m absolutely obsessed with this world that she has built and I’m fully invested in this storyline and these characters! She has the best humor and I feel so connected to the characters that I am completely heart broken for them when things go wrong! Also there are so many fun pop culture references that I just love! This is seriously a book that I truly feel everyone will love and relate to! Definitely add this to your tbr!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, I was thrown for a bit of a loop. It had been a bit since I read Corpse Walker, but I enjoyed the nod/tie back to it. I really enjoyed the world building Kimie developed, it was imaginative and rich, with characters that are well introduced and quickly become well loved. The story is face paced but not in a way that makes you feel like things are glossed over or that you’re missing something. I highly recommend to fantasy lovers who enjoy the side quests of life.

[Jayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, what an adventure.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

I love every character in this book and I imagined the Fae's looks is similar to LOTR's Elf. But especially Arlo, he was written so well and I love it. The world-building for this fantasy is absolutely epic and it was interesting every chapter. Even during the action scene, it was so detailed that you can imagined it in your mind. Oh, I cannot wait for the series. I need to know what's next!

[sierraslibrary_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say, if you still haven’t read this book, or Corpse Walker, what are you doing???? Absolutely mind blown. The world that Ralynn creates, absolutely sucks you in and will leave you CRAVING more. I’m at a loss for words. I have so many questions, and so many theories, about these characters and more from each book. My jaw was left on the floor with this one 😅 I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, if Raye writes it - I am reading it.

[Veronica ReadsandRecreation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey was a super fun read, full of surprises. I love the way the story stands on its own but also dovetails nicely with The Corpse Walker novel into The Infernal Artifacts Collection's larger storyline. One of my favorite elements is the overlapping use of mythology from different cultures into the "modern" storyline. It's a really clever way to make something new out of familiar concepts, and that mythology works well to push the story forward without dwelling on events that might otherwise set a dark mood. I also really love the characters and the way the dialogue and interactions feel so natural. Even the villains/antagonists grow and come across as multidimensional. I can't wait to find out more about Arlo and Freya as they discover the extent of their gifts and work with the agents of SMOKE & MIRRORS to protect the worlds they love. Highly recommend!

[Elicia Meairs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.8/5

Synopsis:

In "Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey" by Raylynn Kimie, the realm of Fae is embroiled in a tumultuous civil war, as Fey warriors find themselves ensnared in an inter-dimensional conflict against subversive Imps infiltrating realms beyond their own. Amidst the chaos, a Fey warrior grapples with recurring nightmares of a mysterious woman, his quest for answers intertwining with the unfolding turmoil. When a mission failure leaves him stranded in the mortal world of Terra, he must forge an unlikely alliance with a human agent to unravel the dark secrets lurking behind his dreams. As they delve deeper into the mysteries that bind them, they discover truths that may unlock the warrior's full potential or seal his ultimate fate.

Characters:
Kimie's characters are masterfully crafted, each imbued with depth and complexity that breathes life into the narrative. From the enigmatic Fey warrior haunted by visions of a woman he cannot recognize to the resourceful human agent navigating the perils of two worlds, every character resonates with authenticity and nuance. Their journey of discovery is as compelling as it is captivating, drawing readers into a realm where alliances are forged, and destinies are intertwined.

Themes and Exploration:

"Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey" explores themes of identity, destiny, and the transformative power of knowledge. Through the lens of inter-dimensional conflict and existential uncertainty, Kimie delves into the depths of the human psyche, probing the intricacies of memory and perception. As the characters grapple with their own truths and falsehoods, they confront the elusive nature of reality and the consequences of unlocking forbidden knowledge.

Plot and Pacing:

The narrative unfolds with breathtaking urgency, propelling readers on a spellbinding journey through realms both mystical and mundane. Kimie's expert pacing ensures that tension remains palpable throughout, as the Fey warrior and his human ally navigate the treacherous landscapes of Fae and Terra in search of answers. From pulse-pounding action sequences to poignant moments of introspection, the plot unfolds with precision and grace, leaving readers breathless with anticipation until the very last page.

Writing Style:

Kimie's prose is luminous and evocative, weaving a tapestry of imagery and emotion that transports readers to worlds beyond imagination. The vivid descriptions and richly drawn landscapes bring Fae and Terra to life, immersing readers in a realm where magic and mystery intertwine. With its lyrical prose and immersive storytelling, "Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey" is a testament to Kimie's narrative prowess and literary finesse.

Conclusion:

"Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey" is a tour de force in the realm of fantasy literature, a spellbinding tale of intrigue, adventure, and self-discovery that will captivate readers from beginning to end. Raylynn Kimie's masterful storytelling, coupled with its compelling characters and richly imagined world, makes for an unforgettable reading experience that transcends the boundaries of genre. For fans of fantasy fiction that transports and enthralls in equal measure, "Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey" is a must-read masterpiece that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final chapter.

[Rashmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey by Ralynn Kimie was an interesting read that offered a lot of imaginative world-building and some unique ideas. I liked the twisty take on Fey mythology, the mix of early 2000s details, and the way the paranormal is woven into both history and the modern world. The premise of Arlo being thrown into an inter-dimensional conflict and wrestling with nightmares and questions of identity had a lot of promise.

What worked for me was the pacing, there’s always something happening and the creativity in the settings and magic system. I also appreciated how the book could stand alone, even though it’s part of a bigger collection, and how hints from the author’s previous book are explained without being confusing.

On the flip side, I sometimes found the story a bit hard to follow, especially when the point of view shifted or when there were a lot of characters introduced in a short time. Some threads and character backgrounds felt like they could have used more depth, and the emotional beats didn’t always land as strongly as I’d hoped. There are also hints of a larger plot that probably tie into other books, so it sometimes felt like I was missing a bigger context (even though the author tries to catch readers up).

Overall, this is a quick and adventurous read with solid fantasy elements and good world-building, but some rough edges in character development and clarity. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy multi-world fantasies with intricate lore and don’t mind a bit of confusion.
For me, it’s a solid 3.5 out of 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I had access to the book before the official release for beta reading)
I was already excited for this book just from the title, which I think is so clever and works really well with the world of the story. That in itself is probably my favorite aspect of the book: the world building. We're in a moment where we're seeing a lot of Fey books (which I love, personally), but the way that Ralynn weaves that brand of mythology/folklore with other cultures and themes creates a world state that is unique and intriguing. By the end of the book we see a ton of potential for the growth and evolution of her world and characters, and I can't wait to see where it goes.

The story itself grabbed me quickly and carried along at a solid pace. For most of the book I was able to "see" the action and the images in my mind, and that's always a marker for me that a book is working on a plot level as well as a prose level. I also appreciate that the characters we meet come from such starkly different backgrounds but are all treated with care and respect. There are a few characters that I had a hard time liking on a personal level, but I was able to understand and see their perspective and recognize them as well developed and individual personalities.

The last thing, and maybe the biggest thing overall, that made this book enjoyable for me to read was that I could feel the care and commitment to this world and these characters that Ralynn put in. That for me was present the whole time, and I have no doubt that that same care will show up in the books that follow.

[Courtney Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Steely PR for this review copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. It bridges fantasy with sci fi and historical fiction. It had fae, humans, elves, imps, and some rare immortal/powerful beings. It had some cool nostalgic touches with it being set in the early 2000s (totally forgot alll about Tamagotchi). It was pretty action packed from start to finish and was extremely easy to read - I found myself flying through the first 200 pages the night I started it.

There are a few things that bothered me - while it is book 2 in the Infernal Artifacts Collection, it is also the first book in the Dioscuri series and can be considered a standalone. That being said, I found myself pretty confused with a lot of things which I suspect come from not having read Corpse Walker first. I feel like this book and the characters would have meant a lot more to me if I read it as a sequel. Another thing is that while it is written in 3rd person POV, it kind of jumped around from person to person a lot in the middle of chapters and could have maybe used chapter breaks to make the reading a little smoother (that’s just my own personal preference though - I haven’t read a book in 3rd person POV in quite some time).

Nevertheless, this was a really cool mash up of genres and I can see this being a really cool movie or TV show one day! I would definitely check out more books by Ralynn Kimie in the future!

[The Tale Whale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember the last time I became so quickly gripped by a novel. I found myself flipping pages at a rapid rate, entranced by Kimie's lyrical writing style, and fascinating, imaginative world. Despite being such a unique read, Dioscuri had familiar fantasy elements that felt inspired by my favorite worlds. There were aspects that reminded me of A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Cruel Prince, and even Harry Potter. Some parts of this book completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. It was a book I didn't know I needed to read and I enjoyed every minute of it. Though this is technically book 2 of the Internal Artifacts series, each book can be read as a standalone.

Arlo, a Fey warrior, has recurring dreams of a strange, mysterious woman he doesn't know. He lives in the realm of Fae, which is afflicted with a civil war and an inter-dimensional conflict involving Imps that are infiltrating other realms. When a mission goes horribly wrong, Arlo finds himself stranded in the mortal world of Terra, and must form an unexpected alliance with a human agent to discovery some necessary truths about himself and his past.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I seriously don't remember the last time I read a book and felt so immersed. I loved reading more and discovering the mysteries unraveling with the turn of each page. Dioscuri is a book I will keep thinking about, and I can't wait to read more of the Internal Artifacts series!

[art.books.chemistry (SamE.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dioscuri is a fascinating blend of legend, mythology, and history. Plus just the right amount of popular culture, I felt major Men of Letters from Supernatural vibes with our human characters plus their various references to films allowed me to remember it's set in 2002. It is definitely not overdone, only inserted as an aside by one nerdy character. If you're familiar you will see subtle (and not so subtle lol, hi Dioscuri twins) references to Greek, Chinese, Japanese, English, Celtic, and Hindu mythology and folklore.

Kimie definitely puts her own spin on the classic "species" of various worlds; the Fey are what you'd expect and not. There are references to demons, imps, and elves but also gods and goddesses and even just simple ghosts. There are different planes of existence but a lot of interaction between them. I love the trope of "Humans are ignorant Except for this select group of super smart and awesome people that know everything"; Hunters/Men of Letters, S.H.I.E.L.D., U.N.I.T., etc. S.M.O.K.E. and M.I.R.R.O.R.S follows but I do wish they had an easier moniker to type out!

Overall, I liked it and would suggest it for anyone interested in a low to mid fantasy adventure with some mystery. It's a fairly quick read and although it is connected to her first Infernal Aritifacts book, Corpse Walker, it can absolutely be read as a standalone.

Thank you Tracky PR for my special edition cover copy in exchange for this honest review!

[Amber Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really fun read! Thank you for sending me an ebook for a review, Ralynn!

We start with Arlo, who is fey. He has nightmares about a girl trapped in a fire and is very distressed by it. His dad had arranged a marriage with Marigold, who wants to fall in love and has to get her to believe he’s fallen in love with her (in a world where marriages are only arranged). She’s sister to his best friends wife. Arlo is on the FeyForce and gets sent on a mission to go rescue Marigolds other sister, who got stuck on Terra (Earth) on a previous mission. These missions have to do with something the queen of the Autumn Court wants.

Arlo gets stuck on Terra and is trying to figure out how to get home. He discovers a lot about his past and has to decide what he’s going to do with this knowledge.

I found the writing style very interesting, and I liked how the author helped us discover things that were going on. We get some other points of view to help us understand everything that is going on in the story. We also have ghosts and humans with powers. I found it very different and creative for a book that had fey involved. I think a lot of us expect a certain type of book when we hear fey are involved, and this definitely didn’t fit that mold. It made it a very exciting read for me.

No spice. One fade to black moment between two married minor characters.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader's copy of this book and was blown away by how much I enjoyed it! If you love reading about fantasy worlds, supernatural beings, and heartbreak/tragedy, then I guarantee that you will fall in love with this story.

The writing was so poetic and the descriptions of the scenery and characters flowed so nicely with the plot. Sometimes too much detailed description can distract from a story, but in this book it really did not feel like there was any superfluous language. Each line hooked me deeper and deeper into the plot. I struggled with the main character as he endured several internal hardships and felt my stomach twist in anticipation of what was going to happen next. Although the main character was my favorite, I deeply enjoyed many of the other characters as well and some of their stories brought tears to my eyes.

This book was clearly very well thought out. I love how it incorporated elements of the first book of The Infernal Artifacts Collection, but in a way that would not have been that confusing to a new reader that wanted to start with this book. I am so impressed with the world that Ralynn has created, and am happy to step into it whenever I can to experience the magic, mystery, and intrigue that flows from the pages abundantly!

[HereThereBeBookDragons | Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fantasy adventure in which Arlo, a Fey warrior, ends up trapped on Earth (Terra) when a mission goes awry, but while there discovers a connection to the women who have been haunting his nightmares for years...
Thank you to the publishers, author, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very action-packed book, and honestly that's what made it not really to my taste. There were some touches I liked, like the very S.H.I.E.L.D.-like Terran bureaucratic law enforcement agency Arlo encounters, and all the references to early 2000s pop culture. It also hit my betrayal trope right on the button.

Ultimately, though, it all felt very frenetic and confusing to me. It felt like it was all tell and no show, and that the characters and revelations didn't have time to breath. There is deeply intricate world-building, and if you are able to find a copy (I looked and could not find a physical or ebook copy available anywhere) of the previous novel, Corpse Walker, I imagine it helps give some context to everything that is happening. My understanding is that it follows different characters in a different decade, who are dealing with a different Infernal Artifact messing with their lives and the world, but still within the same mythology.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second book in the Infernal Artifacts Collection, readers appear in the midst of a civil war in Fae where a warrior is caught in between the Fey and the Imps, who infiltrate other realms. Distracted by visions or nightmares or dreams of a strange woman, the warrior ends up in Terra, the mortal world, and must uncover the answers to these strange dreams with a human agent’s help. Doing so will require him to commit to this fascinating new life and explore this strange new reality where the paranormal and magical are merely part of life. With a fascinating world and a unique cast of characters, readers who love the mix of high fantasy and magical realism will really enjoy the second book in Ralynn Kimie’s fascinating series. The characters are complex, fascinating, and well-written, but the world building and the magic system are the real stars of the novel. Readers will love the lengths Kimie goes to in building up the civil war in Fae and exploring the otherworldly element of dreams and the roles they can play in the Fae realm, and the twists and turns in this novel will keep readers hooked on this fascinating story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Steely Co. Publishing for the advance copy.

[Patience Rose Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍️ I’m kicking myself for not writing a review for Corpse Walker before this one, but I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t out of order. In reality, you can read Dioscuri before her other novel, CW, as they are standalone novels that weave into each other. Ralynn explains everything clearly in both novels so that you’re not left with holes in the storyline. Her writing style is unique but easy to digest and really pulls you in. She goes back and forth in time but it all fits together so beautifully as a puzzle.👆🏼

✍️ I found myself deeply attached to the characters, so much so that I’m certain I’ll be thinking about them for months. Arlo’s life really resonated with me, and the author kept me guessing about his direction often enough that I had a hard time putting it down. I love it enough that despite having a physical copy, I had to buy digital as well.🔥

✍️ Read it if: 

1. You’d enjoy an adventure series that will make you think.
2. You can appreciate the genius of an author who thinks (and writes) outside the box.
3. You have an appreciation for history, mythology and original takes on fantasy. (And if you don’t before reading this, you will by the time you finish.) 👑

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ (rounded up to 5⭐ for Goodreads)

Dioscuri is book 2 in the Infernal Artifacts Collection and can be read as a standalone. There are tidbits from book 1 but their roles are briefly explained so I don't think the readers will feel lost.

It's been a while since I've been captivated by a book with no spice. This book gave Folk of the Air mixed with multiverse of madness vibes with dashes of pop culture references thrown in. I might also be showing my age here, but it also gave me Susie Q vibes, if anyone remembers that movie from the old school Disney Channel years. It's safe to say that Ralynn Kimie has successfully created her own multiverse with this story and I can't wait to see how it expands with future books. The worldbuilding is descriptive and the magic system is so interesting that you'll not want to put this down. Just like Corpse Walker, there is equally the same bit of twist and turns, and Miss Kimie really knows how to lay on those bittersweet feelings in her books.

Thank you to @rayekimie , @tracky.pr , and @steely.pr for the special edition copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dioscuri: Secrets of the Fey was a great follow up to Corpse Walker: The Night Parade! I love that we got to see more of Finn Quartermaine. Those who read Corpse Walker will enjoy all of the nods to the book while those who haven't still have a full story they can submerge themselves into without feeling lost. I managed to devour this book in one sitting! I just couldn't put it down. I love Ralynn Kimie's storytelling and I'm so excited for the next installment because I have no idea what's to come but I know it can't come soon enough.

I was able to quickly develop an attachment to many of these characters, particularly Freya and Halina. The Elves and their portraits especially fascinated me and I found the Elven King's curse to be really sad.

While I am left with many questions regarding what the future of The Infernal Artifacts will hold, I know this is only just the beginning and I can't wait to continue the journey!

I received this book VIA BookSprout & NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you to the author and the publisher for the opportunity!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Ralynn’s 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫 last year and was so impressed with how she wove together Japanese folklore and historical elementals into a fascinating fantasy read. So I was thrilled that she offered me 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢. Although not a sequel to 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫, I was so happy to see tie-ins.

This is one for fantasy lovers that love a great journey story - especially with the “chosen one” vibe. Arlo, the protagonist, has a special gift and he is working with a human to help unlock crucial secrets. The setting of this book is incredible - oddly familiar (with the help of some pop culture references) and earthly landmarks, yet definitely fantastical and mythical, especially with the faeries, elves, and the Elven King.

Although Ralynn has a great sense of humor in her books, there are some difficult topics that come up. There is a war going on after all with cultures clashing. But I felt this helped to make the characters well-developed and grow as they journeyed on. 𝘐 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦!

Special thanks to @rayekimie for a gifted copy.

[Madeline Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t know how she does it? Ralynn can take elements that I absolutely despised in high school and has me coming back for more. Mythology – wasn’t really my thing. Historical fiction- most definitely not my thing. Multiple timelines through different worlds/dimensions including fantasy and modern elements- you got the wrong girl… or did.

I’m completely captivated by Ralynn’s writing. The way that she intertwines all the above elements together is a literally work of art. I could not put this book down!

The journey that these characters go on to figure out who they are is relatable and you become enamored with them quickly. And the world building.. I could visualize so clearly the worlds she built for them because of the time and care she put into describing them.

This is a must read even if fantasy isn’t your typical go-to genre. This series is fantastic, and this is only book 2. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Aika Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sorry for posting this late! I received this ARC from Negalley on October 20 together with Corpse Walker: The Night Parade from ARC both provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. Thanks so much.

It is always a breath of fresh air for me when I read books not usual on the genres I read. Sometimes, SciFi & Fantasy really gives me a curiosity on how the authors form a masterful story.

This installment follows Arlo, a fey who is living in a world where marriage is arranged or set up. He was supposed to marry already but was sent to rescue his soon to be wife's sister. This led him to discover things about himself, his life.

I loved how the author was able to narrate the story with different POVs where I as reader was not made confuse of ( actually this was my problem with some of the books I have read. ).

This book is a treasure and I hope with this review other people pick this book. :)