Leah has done everything she can to escape the demon apocalypse that havocs Earth, including dying. When Raum revives Leah, it is not just for the simple pleasure of it, but to hunt down the man that killed her, Sebastian.
The three become unlikely companions when they are taken into Pethaino, a demon kingdom that has not succumbed to the return of the bees. Led by a ruthless king, it is a place where only the wicked thrive and even demons are expendable. Within the fortress lies power that could very well shift the tides of humanity’s fate and restore Hell’s order.
But as the Pacific coast rises, Leah must make a decision that forces her to choose between her freedom and Sebastian’s. Where even her loyalty to Raum is tested and tried. Is her life worth more than theirs? And if it is, what price is she willing to pay for it?
Allison Paige’s dark fantasy novels are inspired by her nightmares and dreams. Her stories shed light on villains and the darker side of what it takes to make a hero.
Her debut novel After the Bees was derived from the important message that without bees we have no future. This inspired the continuance of Raum and Leah's story that has now become the Revelation Trilogy where each book has an underlying environmental message.
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Allison Paige loves traveling with her camera, particularly in the Irish countryside, and has several ongoing projects that she writes out of her home in Charleston, South Carolina with her corgi. She fills her spare time working with animals of all types and is a fervent advocate of bee, ocean, and wildlife conservation.
Okay once again, I am deeply disturbed. This is dark so proceed with caution. Violence, blood, gore, dubcon, noncon...etc. all very graphic. With that being said, it is SO GOOD. I blazed through this on the edge of my seat. Another huge cliffhanger. But I have so many questions!! In the last of the book, Raum teleports the 3 of them (Leah, Sebastian, him) to some desert area that is closer to Babel. Raum no longer inhabits Sebastians body because he "killed" Orias and took over his body instead. So Sebastian brings up that he doesn't think that it is only Raum in the body alone. There was a major struggle when Raum was attempting to overpower Orias for his body, and Sebastian thinks they are both still in there. Leah isn't sure. Who is in control? Orias or Raum? Was both of them sharing the body on purpose or on accident(they used to be former lovers of some sort I think???). And why would Raum lie and say he killed Orias if he didn't... Also Raum says he is keeping Sebastian alive for Leah but is that the true reason? Why is he giving her that gift when he has been constantly cruel to her? Also I wonder what Raum plans to do at Babel. I think one of the books mentioned he wanted to become a god but what does he plan to do with that power? Why does he want it so bad? And, I'm not so sure - does Raum care for Leah or is he just using her? He is extremely abusive. He IS a demon, so it's to be expected. But there is a lot of cruelty. He just allows things to happen....fighting with Onna when he knew Leah would be killed. Allowing Orias to be with Leah unattended. Allowing Orias to drink from Leah's arm...if he cares for her and she is important why does he do that? Not to mention the very obvious hints that Raum and Orias are fucking each other possibly (they definitely USED to) and perhaps other women/"blood bags" Book 3 isn't out yet so I'm also using this review as a refresher to myself in the future. Interested to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Did you think you would escape me? I told you that when you die, it will be by my hand..."
Just like with the first book I couldn't predict the direction this book would go and it had me hooked. I literally couldn't stop reading because I needed more! That cliffhanger though....
I loved watching Leah become stronger in who she is and continue to try and push the boundaries. This book has a generous amount of spice, and it's full of dynamic well developed characters 💙
This book is a Dark Fantasy, and is set in a post apocalyptic world where demons rule. It has many dark themes and I would go as far to say it's even darker than book 1.
TW: - Graphic Violence - SA - Abuse/Torture - Mention of Child death
I finished this book within 24 hours, that’s how hooked I was.
I received this book as an ARC and I happily accepted, knowing I would be enthralled by the storyline.
I expected this plot, since reading After the Bees, to go a completely different direction than what it had. Not only did I LOVE that, but it showed us more of the important knowledge we would need to understand the story, as well as raised some questions.
“Pain has never felt more satisfying than when it is inflicted by him.” Okay, making me swoon over here. Now, this brings me to my next topic. I am all for reading dark fantasy, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea SO CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!
If you’ve read After the Bees, you’ll notice some similar dark themes. This book, however, is more graphic than the last one. Here are the following themes I’ve noticed.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: graphic violence, sexual assault and rape, abuse, torture, animal abuse and death, mention of child death
This book was incredibly well written, and I’m excited for others to experience it as well!
did this series just become even better? yes. yes it did.
leah and raum continue their journey to babel all while facing a demon infested world. as they come upon a demon kingdom who stops them in their tracks, they are faced with a ruler who intends to do whatever it takes to keep his power. it soon gets pretty gory.
the things that i had wished for a little bit more of in the first book, this second book certainly made up for it.
there was a lot more development, and every turn of the page held my interest. also - a lot more references to the themes (biblical and greek) were made, which is why i wanted to read this in the first place. it did not disappoint.
i liked that it ended on a cliffhanger because now i am that much more looking forward to book 3.(?!)
there were a handful of mistakes in the text while i read, but i do know this hasn't officially been released yet. (this is an arc). overall, it was a really good read. it was very cohesive, and i enjoyed how everything was described down to every detail, no matter how miniscule. i am looking forward to seeing the series grow as well as the growth of the author!
i was lucky enough to receive an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. thanks sm to the author!
"Did you really think you would escape me? I told you that when you die, it will be by my hand."
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 Tension: 🔥🔥🔥
I soaked this book up! I couldn't stop flipping each page! Before I knew it I was at the end. The beginning had me on my toes! Leah was Pissed and it set into a whole chain of events. I'm still trying to figure Raum out.
I really enjoyed Leah's growth throughout Through High Waters There were parts where I just wanted to yell at her but then to see how she has grown. I can't wait to see what happens with their conclusion. I just know I will be on the edge of my seat the whole time.
⚠️Please check triggers before reading. This IS a DARK Dystopian book. ⚠️ Some Triggers include but are not limited to: Triggers: -Violence -Death -SA/rape -Mention of Child Death -Torture
Thank you Allison Paige for providing me with an E-Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Allison Paige does it again... she left me on such a cliffhanger! I cant stand it!
I couldn't put this down. I finished this book in less than 8 hours! Leah is everything I have ever wished to be in the face of so much trauma. I will admit that my love for Raum still grows (even when it shouldn't).
I need the third book to come out asap! I need to know what happens next.
*No spoilers* I was an ARC reader for this book, so I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I’ve really struggled with writing this review because I hate writing negative reviews, especially for indie authors. However, I promised an honest review, so here it goes.
I want to preface this by saying that nearly all of the issues I had with this book could’ve been solved with a proper editor. The author’s concept for the story is really interesting, but I feel like the execution didn’t do it justice at all.
I’m not going to go into great detail, but I did want to list some of the main issues I had that made this book difficult for me to read and enjoy.
On a surface level, there were multiple spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. While the general sentence structure and flow had improved from the first book, it was still unnatural, and even confusing in many places. That made it hard to remain engaged in the story, especially when I had to stop to decipher what the author was trying to say.
The larger issues I had were with character and plot development. The main character frequently contradicted herself with regards to her feelings about situations and other characters. While the author may have been intending to write a character who was conflicted and frequently changing her mind, there was no explanation or seeming cause for it. Within a couple of sentences, she would express two thoughts or emotions that would be completely opposed, with no explanation, which left me as the reader incredibly confused. It made it hard to understand or connect with the character, and was honestly just really frustrating.
Additionally, while I understand and appreciate the dark/horror romance genre, one particular sex scene made no sense. He rips through her cervix to her internal organs, and she’s described as bleeding profusely and experiencing excruciating pain that she does not enjoy. Then, with nothing described as changing, a sentence or two later, she orgasms. It would be different if she was described as having enjoyed it despite the pain, with a buildup to the orgasm, but that is not how it was written. As a reader, I was not experiencing any of the emotions I would expect from a sex scene. I was confused and turned off, and because it wasn’t believable, it read almost comically, but not in a good way.
Lastly, the plot development was oddly paced and had a lot of holes. There were incredibly important plot points that simply were not explained, yet the book continued on as though the reader should know exactly what was being referred to. There were major, dramatic scenes that didn’t have enough description for me to feel as though the scene made sense, or for me to be able to imagine it. This was confusing, as there were many places where the author did a great job of describing scenes and elaborating on points, but few of those were actually important comparatively. The pacing was jarring as well. Over half of the book moved slowly, with little advancement to the overall plot, and then suddenly it’s going so fast that the plot isn’t fleshed out enough, and it feels rushed.
Overall, I had an incredibly hard time getting through this book, and I didn’t enjoy it. But I’ll state again that these issues should have been pointed out and corrected by an editor before the book was finalized. This is a really interesting story premise, but even the greatest concept has to be executed well in order to be enjoyable. Unfortunately, this was not.
Whoa, the plot of this book was even more gripping than that of the first in the series! Loved it. It was like I was scared of what might happen next, because everything was so unpredictable, but at the same time I couldn't stop reading. Dark and seductive, this book takes hold of you and doesn't let up. Can't wait for the third book to come out!
Allison Paige really knows how to suck you in and keep you begging for more!
This book was fantastic. It continues on the journey of Leah, an already strong female lead, who really starts to find who she is throughout this story. You get to witness her "lightbulb" events of realization that she's one strong bad*ss.
Leah not only finds herself in a demons city but finally finds out some secrets that just make so much sense.
What happens when a demon king is completely obsessed with you and you can’t tell if you love him, or want to kill him.
This dark book follows Leah as we travel to a city of demons where humans are the main meal. But what can you do when your bound to a demon who only wants you and will do anything to keep you. But not everything is as it seems, especially when more demons want Leah and this mysterious powerful key to Babel.
This book was amazing and I can’t wait for book 3. I was so happy to get an arc copy and continue reading Leah’s story. If you like dark, and taboo romance you’re in the right place.
I didn't think I would enjoy this one even better than the first book but I certainely did. I received this book as an ARC knowing it would be a dark story and it didn't dissapoint! I would definitely suggest checking the TW before going into it. I finally got to see how badass Leah is in some fights and I was so excited. I loved seeing Leah become more confident in herself and not allowing to be walked all over anymore. " I have had everything stripped of me. Everything! I have his name. I will not be played again. Never again. " I absolutely loved this scene seeing her finally setting boundaries. We also get to see more of Raum caring for her. Through the first book and this one I kept seeing Leah make certain choices with Raum's influence but we finally get to see her make her own choice and I'm so excited to see more! The cliffhanger is killing me and I can't wait for the third book.
4.5 stars! Ahhh this series has been sooo good! So much happened in this book and I have loved reading about Leah and Raum and this journey that they have been on! The ending killed me and I was freaking out saying this cannot be the end of this book!! I need the next one asap!
I received this book as an ARC. Through High Waters, similar to After the Bees, is definitely a dark romance and contains dark material so make sure to CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS ahead of time.
I absolutely loved Through High Waters! I could not put the book down! I found this take on a post apocalyptic/demon world interesting and unique. The story seamlessly continues from the first book, After the Bees, and I have read many books in the last couple of years, but believe me when I say when I did not see a lot of things coming. This book is definitely high pace and unpredictable!
Leah is a badass female main character and her emotional and physical journey throughout this book is a rollercoaster. I loved seeing the nuances of Raum and Leah’s relationship develop over the course of the book and I cannot wait for the next book because the ending cliffhanger should be illegal… haha.
Overall, if you like dark romance and want to be kept on your toes, definitely pick up Through High Waters.
Wow wow WOW! The incredible detail Allison maintains throughout these books is absolutely killer. Once you start, there’s no stopping! As if I weren’t already enthralled, ending on such a cliffhanger is a sure fire way to make sure you want to come back!!!
Y'all need to read this series. This is book 2 and OMG! Hot and sexy, full of action, and a love story to boot! There is character art coming out as well and it just blows the story out of the water with all those sexy characters! 😉 Give it try!!
THIS BOOK you guys. I thought book one was a story about a our bada** main character Leah journeying through life after a colossal event (the bees), going through a rough time again and again… but I was not prepared for book 2! Book two was about ten steps above book 1 in the different situations Leah and Raum find themselves in, and at times I thought I had it all figured out and then I quickly realized how wrong I was. All I have to say is I’m glad there will be another book because I need to find out what happens next!
Allison Paige is truly a talented author. The imagery in Through High Waters is terrifying, but beautifully written. I found it very difficult to put this book down, even for a small break let alone to sleep. The sleep part mainly because of how terrifyingly real it seemed. She has a way with making you feel like you’re in the thick of it with Leah and Raum. I’m truly invested in this story, I can’t wait for the next book. I’m trying to review it without giving away spoilers, but I’m finding it very hard. The road to Babel has been a captivating one so far, I can only sense it getting better.
This story is absolutely riveting. The way you are kept on the edge of your seat is exactly what I'm looking for when I read. I am hooked and can't wait for book 3 in this series. I have to know what happens next!
Through High Waters picks up right where After The Bees left off, and brings the Dark to Dark Fantasy! This book seriously kept me guessing and had a few twists I didn’t see coming. There is fallen angels, demons, spice, carnage and everything you could ask for in this genre and has the same gritty, creepy Dark vibes as After the Bees!
The only reason it took me “so long” to finish this book was because I had to drive to Texas (10 hours) on Friday. Stepson’s birthday was Saturday, and drove back Sunday (another 10 hours). I was finally able to finish it today. I was upset I couldn’t finish it Friday before we had to leave.
“There is no one else except Raum, beautifully wicked. Sinfully mine. All mine.”
Tropes: ✔️Angels and Demons ✔️Enemies to lovers ✔️Bada$$ FMC ✔️Dark fantasy
Triggers: 🛑Graphic Violence 🛑SA /rape 🛑Death 🛑mention of child death 🛑Torture
“And this time I chose you. Through Hell or high water. I am yours, Raum.”
I thought book 1 ( After the Bees) was great, book 2 was even better. It kept me at the edge of my seat. I was sad I had to put it down to be an adult. I would say Book 2 is darker than book 1 so prepare yourself. But the spice still 🥵🥵🥵 Watching Leah’s character development was amazing! Watching her grow stronger and more confident in her self and seeing her actually choose Raum not because he was manipulating her but because part of her has come to like him had me swooning. Seeing everything she had to endure broke me. The cliffhanger is my enemy as I want more and want wait to get my hands on book 3 when it’s down.
This book did have some minor errors with Grammer throughout the book. It wasn't just one place but many. Besides that, I really liked this book. It picks up right after the first one. I did notice that this one isn't as dark as the first. There are many many aspects of darkness in the first one. This one was a bit milder. It did through me for a loop though. Every page had you guessing and trying to figure out what's going on and who is good and who isn't. The ending though, you did it again. You have left me craving more and wanting to know what happens next. I really enjoyed this book. It definitely went above what I expected.
After devouring the first book in less than 24 hours I was so excited to get an advanced reader copy of this book and it did not disappoint. In this book you follow Leah and Raum into a demon Kingdom and watch as their spicy but complicated relationship develops. Through High Waters continuously kept me guessing is the best way. It turns out the demons are keeping one hell of a secret and soon you wont know what side to root for. It does end on an cliffhanger so be warned. If you are like me you will be not so patiently awaiting the next one!
Wow wow wow!!! Allison does it again. I binged both books in five days and it was a rollercoaster from the start. The world building of both books is incomparable and the detailed writing, while gruesome, really hammer in the point of the effect the demons have had on the world. That cliffhanger made me want to chuck my phone across the room. I can only anticipate the next book is as mind blowing.
Through High Waters begins immediately where After the Bees ends (so go read that first if you haven’t already)
First, I love the end of the world/post apocalypse take using demons. It’s unique and did keep my interest from beginning to end.
I felt the character development in ATB (book one) was a little slow for me. I didn’t feel much of a connection to any of the main characters by the end of the first book, which is unusual for me. The character development does expand a bit in this book and towards the end you either hate them or love them.
The ending however, was a little disappointing for me. I’m not a fan when things end on a cliffhanger. Or open ended the way they did.
Oh how I adore Leah & Raum! Cannot get enough of this series. So deliciously dark. Unique. Brace yourself… trauma and a killer cliff hanger in this one! ❤️
Big shout out to the author for the Arc! Thank you.
I was lucky enough to get an Arc copy of this and boy am I glad I did. This book just keeps me on the edge if my seat. I'm never able to guess what direction this is going and I love that.
In this book we really see Leah come into herself and become more confident. The ending of book what left off on a cliffhanger and book two ends on one as well. Can't wait for the third book in this installment.
WHAT A TRIP! Amazing twist throughout the book. Warning some darker points throughout and it may get tough to read but push through it’s worth it. The detail in the world building is AMAZING. Love where the story is going for Raum and Leah. SPOILER: Raum apologizes at one point and means it. So excited to see what comes next for them and the other characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is one of those books that you can't put down once you start reading it! I actually read this in one day it was that good!
Leah is the type of strong female main character that you fall in love with. I loved Raum too, I like the unusual dynamic of their relationship.
The plot was incredible and wasn't predictable at all (I often find I can predict the most plots). There were audible gasps at some of the gruesome scenes - the author does a really great job at immersing you fully into the dystopian world of demons.
Overall I'd rate this book 5 stars! I genuinely loved it!
Just as amazing as the first. The story picks up right where After The Bees ends and leaves us on another heart-wrenching cliffhanger.
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy as an ARC reader, and was able to read the book before the official release. If you like dark love interests and bada** main characters this series is definitely the one for you!
When I say I couldn't put this book and I was completely hooked on Leah's journey during this apocalyptic time on Earth. The story continues immediately where Book 1 left of thankfully. We continue our journey with the demo Raum. The morally grey character Leah must make decisions that keep you reeling as the story unfolds...