Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

City of Lies and Legends by Kayla Edwards

6 reviews

adventurous dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Even though I enjoyed the first two books in the house of Devils series, I approached the reading of this 3rd instalment with a touch of trepidation at the sheer size of the tome before me. I needn’t have worried. Despite its significant size, this is the book where the series comes into its own and everything just clicked.

Beginning with the results of the heartbreaking cliffhanger from volume 2, Darien & Loren’s story is joined by two other major story lines: Max & Dallas (familiar figures from the story so far) and Roman & Shay. Apparently not content with having created an incredible complex world within the city of Angelthene, Edwards now introduces another city… Yveswitch with a whole new host of beings. And the results kept me engrossed.

As with the first two books, “City of Lies and Legends” was not an easy read and the length and breadth of this book was daunting (860 pages 😥). However, by the end I felt like the pay out and patience for everything I had read so far had paid off. In other words, I was hooked. 

Caveat emptor: I still recommend taking notes and creating a map.. and a flow chart… and various family trees… This is a monster (no pun intended) of a book with multiple story lines, characters, world rules and familial (and romantic) connections, so any and all of the suggested aides will guide you through and prevent you from getting lost.

Because there are now three relationships occurring (with hints of others to come), the spice level is off the charts with a special kudos to Roman who is next gen scorching 🥵 when he connects with Shay (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️). [Slight spoiler maybe…? … nothing you don’t predict after they are first introduced.] 

As for the rest of the story, expect mystery, thrills, politics, and lots of action. This is a rollercoaster of a novel that will have you growling at any interruption. Add to that one of the best found family dynamics I have read, fantastic and ever expanding world building, and great dialogue and banter - I found myself alternating between gasps, crying at the emotional damage of the characters (does not a single one of them have a decent family upbringing?), and melting 🫠 at the sizzle between the couples.

Definitely the strongest book of the series yet despite its length. I can’t believe I have yet another cliffhanger to contend with! 🤬😢 I am really looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next. I’m hoping for a HEA but I have a feeling there is more darkness to come before our MCs emerge into the sunlight. 

4.75 stars 🤓📚

#CityOfGodsAndMonsters #HouseOfDevils #CityOfSoulsAndSinners #CityOfLiesAndLegends @KaylaEdwardsAuthor  

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#sciencefiction #urbanfantasy #adventure #fiction #darkromance 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

THIS FREAKING BOOK. This book is the 3rd book in the House of Devils series and whewww was it a banger. I think it's safe to say that this one is my favorite so far. It introduces new characters that are amazing, and allows some side characters that I absolutely adore to shine (I'm looking at you Malaki Delaney 👀). And thay cliffhanger....I just wanna talk Kayla, i swear. The next book cannot get here soon enough! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

“Who are they to tell us who we can and cannot love ?”
 
City of Lies and Legend starts right after the ending of book 2, in this story we’ll go to a new town to explore – Yveswich with a brand new set of characters that comes with their own POV as well! 
 
In Angelthene, the bad boy is Darien but in Yveswich we have Roman aka Darien’s cousin, I have to admit there’s some resemblance between the two, they are a lot like each other than they realize – selfless, mysterious, lethal and hot! 
I also like Roman’s own love line with the selkie, Shay – really enjoy seeing the tension and bickering which liven up the story to balance out the heart-breaking moments. 
 
Darien and Loren is still my favorite couple from this series, they’ve been through a lot – their relationship gets tested again and again in here especially for Darien. My heart broke for him, I wish I could hug him…. 
I’m glad Darien’s family supported Darien regarding Loren’s situation, they all love her like one of their own! 
 
There’s a couple of surprises, especially near the ending…. The stake is even higher and that HUGE cliff-hanger almost make me want to scream! 
What’s that epilogue mean ??!!! I’m thinking the final boss is gonna make an appearance in the next book! I’m excited but I’m also not sure my heart will survive….. 
 
Overall, this another great addition to the House of Devils series, I’m serious this series gets better and better with each book! 
Great writing style, short chapters and loveable characters make this book so hard to put down. 
I can’t believe I need to wait for another year to continue, but I’ll wait patiently and keep an eye out for it in 2025! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

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