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Mortal Gods #2

A Reign of Storm and Madness

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Enemies make dangerous lovers … or so they say.

I am not a chosen of the Gods, but a bloody tragedy of their choices.

I have endured worse than the Darkhavens. Torture. Pain. Manipulation.

There is nothing anyone can do to me that I have not already done to myself.

Ruen’s betrayal will not break me. Despite the punishment I receive, my goal remains the

Find the target.
Terminate them.
Free myself from the Underworld Assassination Guild.

It doesn’t matter if I let a single night of weakness bind me to one of them. I can’t let it matter. They’re all guilty in my eyes.

Before I am done, they will learn I am more.
I am the kiss of death.


*Please note this is a DARK Fantasy Whychoose Romance with themes of a dark nature, death of loved ones, and other various themes that may be triggering. Please check trigger warnings and read responsibly*

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 24, 2024

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Lucinda Dark

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Taylor Krasinski.
55 reviews8 followers
May 18, 2024
ARC Review - A Reign of Storm and Madness ✨
(Mortal Gods: Book 2)

5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

Oh. My. Gods. What a F*CKING sequel! 👏🏼This book had me tossing and turning all night long after I completed it. Mostly because I wasn’t prepared for the ending and trust me when I say, it’s a DUESY!

Since I know there are so many of you that are waiting to start book 1 until book 2 is released, I am going to do my best to keep this spoiler free!

🔥A taste of what to expect from this sequel:
* Badass pissed off FMC
* Possessive, dark, moody, flipping CRAZY MMCs
* Excellent plot that grows more and more
* Rageful scheming
* Multi demensional characters
* Deception
* HILLARIOUS banter
* Snarky clap back comebacks from FMC 👏🏼
* Spice that just SLAYS 🥵
* ^ TWs with that said
* MPOVs (but done flawlessly)

Picking up right where we left off in book 1, we find our leading lady, Kiera, stewing in her rageful haze after a hateful betrayal. In her current situation, she finds herself debating if the original assassination mission she was assigned to is even real.

Questioning everything she was told about this high $ assignment, she is all the while hating herself for getting too close to the Drakhaven brothers. Letting herself slip for a moments of weakness will not get her anywhere now, but Kiera finds that her fate is far more tangled with the dangerous brothers now more than she could possible imagine. If she abandons her mission now, her life is no longer the only one on the line.

These main characters are everything! Our MMCs (the dangerous trio of Drakehaven brothers) could not be more different, but keep their brotherhood above all else. Ruen, ever the calculating brooding eldest. Theos, the more sensitive yet protective youngest. And Kalix… What is it about an unhinged man who snaps a persons neck for their FMC that makes me feral? 🥵 Each one is sinfully delicious and makes me go weak in the knees!

These brothers find that they have one more thing in common besides their lineage- now that they’ve had a taste of Kiera, she is not getting away from their grasp… (I know some of y’all worry about “Why Choose” but this is done very well. Kiera has individual interactions with each brother so it’s not like multiple of them are in the room every time!)

Secrets are spilled, the deception is raging, this mission is about to go to hell because these men are devilishly tempting- but Kiera’s incredible personal growth over this book builds this plot page by page and it’s fantastic! I never wanted this book to end because every chapter was packed to the brim of amazing content! I couldn’t put down!

I cannot wait for more of y’all to read this series! (Yes, if I influence you to read this I expect constant updates) It is worth putting this baby at the TOP of your TBR list!

*Huge thank you to Lucy and her team for this ARC! I loved this installment and am very grateful for the opportunity!
Profile Image for FloofyMooseReads.
227 reviews28 followers
May 14, 2024
This is the second book in the Mortal Gods, a dark fantasy romance series with gods, Demi-gods, and humans that explores themes of freedom, power and control. Tropes include why choose, an assassin FMC, hidden identity, familiars and so, so many secrets. This is a darker fantasy romance so please review the content warnings.

The Lovely: I loved this story and the characters. The plot is unique and held my interest all the way through the book. The FMC’s hidden identity increased the tension and while we see more of her sass and cunning nature, we also see her walls start to crack a bit around the Darkhaven brothers. We also learn a little more about the brothers’ history and how that shaped who they are now.

The Mundane: As with book one, there’s more of a focus on the plot and understanding the characters. There was less spice in this second book, compared to book one. Give. The FMC’s interactions with the MMCs I didn’t feel like the why choose element got to shine through. This is definitely more of a slowly growing or building why choose and I hope we really get to see it in book 3.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames

Recommendation: I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was an exciting ride and the reveal on the last page has me spiraling with theories and questions. There’s a fair amount of mystery to this story as the reader tried to fit the puzzle pieces together to figure out what’s happening now, and about the FMC’s past. I’m glad to report a release date for book 3 has been set - August 30, 2024. I love dark romantasy and why choose so put them together and this book did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Kayla.
78 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2024
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!? The author is going to be the death of me.

*ARC reader of this book*

This installment picks up right where book one ended. I was dying to know what would happen to the FMC and how she would stay hidden in the academy. Well I can't spoil anything soooo.... Good luck reading everyone. You are going to need it.
Profile Image for Teresa.
128 reviews9 followers
May 18, 2024
✨𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘✨
📖: A Reign of Storm and Madness (Mortal Gods #2)

We are reunited with our main characters following the shocking events from the first book. Kiera’s secrets threaten her mission, freedom, and her very life. Will she survive the betrayal and the storm and madness?

Tropes/themes:
👀Multi pov -
🖤Dark Fantasy Romance
🗡️Assassin FMC
☠️Anti-Hero
🚫Forbidden Existence
❤️️Enemies-to-Lovers
🔥Why Choose
🌶️: moderate to high

"𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵��𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳?"
"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴. 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵.”

Like the first book, I devoured this one! In this installment, we get deeper character insight, more history of the gods, magic, and dynamic relationships with each of the MMCs.

Kiera remains incredibly fierce and resilient. I am rooting hard for her to not only survive, but to finally unleash all that feminine rage. Ruen is full of regret and self-loathing. Kalix is intrigued, unhinged, and possessive. Theos is jealous and wanting. Their darkness calls to each other and I am dying to see these complex entanglements continue to mature!

In A Reign of Storm and Madness, Lucinda weaves a tale full of dangerous secrets, tantalizing tension and 🌶️, and whispers of unspoken desires. Lucina Dark delivers a binge worthy and electrifying sequel. I am obsessed with this dark and gritty world and even darker characters. Once again, the ending had me screaming for the next book!

Huge thanks to the author and Literally Yours PR for the ARC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review
Profile Image for Hannah.
177 reviews15 followers
May 15, 2024
I was foaming at the mouth waiting for this and I wasn’t the least bit disappointed 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Miss Lucy is back at it with Kiera and the Darkhaven brothers and it just kept getting better and better. The twisting and turning plot had me at the edge of my seat the whole time and I just couldn’t put it down. The tension and the smut and the obsession of the Darkhaven brothers is just *chef’s kiss* and Kiera being the embodiment of female rage is divine. The cliffhanger had me screaming what the FFFFFF and idk how I’m gonna be able to wait for the next book I’m almost mad I read this as an ARC bc now I have to wait longer 😭😭

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I received an ARC of this book, thank you to Literally Yours PR!
Profile Image for Amanda.
331 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2024
There’s something so captivating about this world and I can’t get enough of it. With each passing chapter I feel like I’ve learned something new but also developed new questions. Now, here is my review/thoughts/questions while I read.

The story picks up with Kiera imprisoned and awaiting her punishment, however, we are in Ruen’s POV at first. I didn’t expect that opening chapter with Ruen. There’s a duality to his personality that was nice to explore a bit in this book. Getting to see how what he did impacted him, that he did feel guilty, and then learning that he redirected her pain to himself had me questioning if I hated him or not (much like Kiera’s internal struggle). That whole scene in the library was entertaining to see Ruen struggle because he feels guilty and wants Kiera’s forgiveness.

I knew Caedmon would become a bigger part of the story as the God of Prophecy. I need to know more about what Caedmon has seen about Kiera. What prophecy has he seen? What exactly is his research? He has to know who and what she really is but what exactly has he seen as a potential future.

I feel like Kalix is underestimated as the psycho one but I knew he’d be the smart one to figure out Kiera’s secret first. It was interesting to see a glimpse of Kalix’ past and dive deeper into who he is. I hope we continue to learn more about him as well as Ruen and Theos. Speaking of Theos, I love him. He’s definitely the more sensitive brother, showing Kiera more care.

Kiera becoming the Darkhaven brothers Terra has turned the world they know upside down. Is their world what it seems?

For every question answered from A Sword of Shadow and Deceit, I am now left with more questions! I can’t believe that cliffhanger! There’s so much going on behind the scenes and I can’t wait to see them brought to light for us readers to know.
Profile Image for Jennifer Davis.
253 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2024
Book 2 thankfully picks up right where book 1 left us hanging! I loved how quickly things move in this book. I also loved how we got deeper glimpses into each of the Darkhaven brothers. Theos is definitely the softer one, while Kalix remains absolutely crazy. Ruen is the stoic, calm one...until he isn't. Kiera has so many ups and downs in this book. I felt really bad for her at times, especially when it seemed that things just wouldn't go her way... which is honestly most of the book! I love watching her relationship with each of the brothers change. She definitely has a deeper connection with Theos. She wants to trust Theos, but holds herself back. Kalix pushes her in a way that no one else does. He pulls at the darkness in her, and takes what he knows they both want. Ruen makes her curious right now, especially after she finds out that he helped her in the arena. The whole story is leading up to her secrets coming to light. She's in serious danger being at the academy, and the brothers are determined to keep her safe. But they can't protect her from a betrayal she never saw coming, and again we are left with another cliffy. This one is more intriguing than heart pounding though, and leaves me seriously curious as to where Lucy is taking this storyline. I can't wait to get my hands on book 3 to see if my theories are close!
116 reviews
May 12, 2024
I was so excited to get my hands on this book, not realizing it'll come out so soon after the first book. Once again, this book sucked me in and I was able finish this quickly eagerly waiting for the next installment.

Book 2 starts off where we left off. I'll not give the plot away but focus on the slow burn relationship. This is a slowwww burn. Technically the harem isn't even built, however we do get POVs from each MMC so we get glimpses of how they really feel for her.

Each man has feelings for Kiera but are still so cruel to her. Kalix is playing games with her, Theos does something in attempts to find out her secret, and Ruen tries to stay away from her. Though he has tremendous guilt over his betrayal and the aftermath of it.I think they're all falling for her hard and it's believable.

We get a lot of relationship development but the overarching plot does move slowly. I'm not sure how many books are planned for this series but I'm looking forward to them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lauren Gonzales.
12 reviews
May 18, 2024
4.5 stars
This is quickly becoming one of my new favorite series from @authorlucysmoke and she is making me love these darker romantasy books! Book 2 is just as good as the first one, with even just a little more spiciness to it! 😍
Reign of Storm and Madness picks up right where we left off in Sword of Shadow and Deceit and doesn't disappoint! This is a longer book but it doesn't feel like it at all. Lucinda Dark writes so well; there were multiple scenes I was nervous and on edge. Again, our world building is excellent and I love that we learn a bit more about everyone's powers as well as more history of the gods themselves. We even get a little more backstory on our Darkhaven brothers. Keira is an amazing fmc, equal parts strong, snarky, and even vulnerable to an extent. We are still left with many questions about what is really going on with this mission, and once again - that cliffhanger??? I need book 3 yesterday!
I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Courtney Strong.
82 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2024
There is something about Lucinda’s writing and this world that has me absolutely HOOKED. I finished this in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down.

The story picks up right where book 1 left off. My heart broke for Kiera and what she had to endure. Ruen is still a bit of a mystery to me. The dynamic between Kiera and the 3 brothers is so fun to read about - and the spicy scenes are just *chef’s kiss*. I’m honestly obsessed with Kalix despite him being a bit unhinged.

A Sword of Shadow & Deceit fell just short of 5 ⭐️ for me because I found the cliffhanger ending too predictable but I did not see this ending coming in book 2!!! Also, Lucinda, why must you leave us hanging like this?! CANNOT wait for book 3! Also need special editions of this series ASAP.

Thank you for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Michaele Price  fireheart_13_.
50 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2024
~𝑬𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔...
𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒚
♥︎
I just finished this and OMFG🤯 WTFuuuuuuk?!?!
Lucy You're really all about them cliffhangers huh..
They way I hollered at the end!!
I AM NOT OKAY

•𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲
•𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗺
•𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
•𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗠𝗖

Anyone who hasn't started the Mortal Gods series..
Just Do It Seriously
I'm obsessed 💯
I usually have a favorite in a Why Choose
but I just can't with these brothers..I love them all🖤Ruen= Kalix= Theos 🤷‍♀️💋🥵
Can't wait for Kiera to get that brimstone out of her damn neck so she can really show out cuz my girls Already a badass but when that goes..shitz gonna get real!!
Waiting on book 3 is going to be absolute complete & total TORTURE!!😫
78 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2024
"A Reign of Storm and Madness" picks right back up with Kiera imprisoned and awaiting her punishment of 100 lashes.

The Darkhaven brothers just continue to grow on me, especially Theo 🖤. The presence of Keira as their Terra has compelled them to look at their world in a different light. They find themselves wanting to safeguard her.

So many secrets have been revealed, but now there are just new ones. I again have so many questions and can not wait for the next installment.

Lucy is definitely the Queen of Cliffhangers as she sucks you in and leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for Suzanne McNeill Taviner.
1,343 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2024
Oh my goodness, this series is so good. There are so many twists in the plot you never know what is going to happen next! Things are looking bad for Kiera now and not much improves through the book. She's been noticed by the Gods now and needs to keep her head down but there are other things happening that make that hard.
I don't want to give any spoilers so can't say much except-the hook at the end is huge!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2024
This is the second installment in Lucinda Darks Mortal Gods series and it did NOT disappoint. It gave us everything we wanted and MORE. The ending left me slack jawed and anxiously awaiting book 3! I love the writing and complex characters, and we get to learn a lot more about them in this book. The story was well paced all the way through and I binged it in 1 sitting! Cannot wait for the next book!
50 reviews
May 14, 2024
I very rarely give a five star. I am giving this for the series.
Reading this has been compulsive and with that cliffhanger I am gutted that I have to waaaiiittt for the next book.
What a page turner, I am so involved in this adventure I want to read into that world forever. But alas I wait for the next book.
I do enjoy a good well written story, read it and be entranced.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,200 reviews37 followers
May 14, 2024
continuing on from Kieras imprisonment, Kalix and Theos do what they do best buts its Ruens guilt over what he did that takes the forefront at the begining, this sotry will have you hooked, the slow burning build up to the RH, engages you as much as the action and drama that unfolds.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ela Anghel.
46 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2024
Nooooo, why did it end like thattt?!! 😭

I need the next book right noww!! 🫠🫠🫠

I'm so happy I got an early copy of the book and breezed through it so quickly because it kept me on my toes with anticipation the entire timeee.

You'll need this book, trust me, even though you'll hate that cliffhanger. 🫣

A bit more to come in the review but this one is 5⭐ without any doubts. 🎈
Profile Image for Angel.
134 reviews12 followers
May 15, 2024
Oh my god! Guys I can not tell you how much I loved this book! Just wow! So much happened and ahh guys it’s amazing. I have so many more answers and can’t wait for the next one in the series

Received as an ARC :)
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