I own the first book in this series and chose to pause and read that one before jumping into this one.
This book was different, to say the least. I was definitely a little confused, but it was cleared up. I liked the writing style and I like the author's concept. I would definitely like to finish the series.

This is the second book in the Masks of Under series. I hadn’t read the first book and this book does not work as a stand alone. So much information from the first book is not explained that I didn’t understand a lot of what was going on even 50% into the story. I still don’t understand why some wear masks. Lydia somehow gets into Under and the King of Flames, Edu, wants to kill her. Aon, the King of Shadows, is helping Lydia even though he once tormented her in her dreams. Aon, somehow moves from tormentor to seducer but still relishes her fear and terror. Maybe it’s just me but I don’t think it’s plausible to fall for someone you fear and dread. He is overbearing and controlling and often corners her, gets in her personal space, pins her against a wall and runs the talon from his gauntlet on her face and under her chin. It is creepy and domineering. She’s terrified of him then is excited by him? I didn’t find it believable and thought it a little insulting in this day of the “Me, too” movement. This story is not for me and I had a hard time getting through it. I wanted to quit reading it at 25% but I finally finished it. I don’t like stories where a woman is totally dominated and controlled by a man then falls in love with him. It was not believable to me and the cliffhanger at the end was totally predictable. Also, I know this is an ARC but there were so many errors, mostly in formatting but not all, it was distracting; there were words run together and sentences misplaced, it was difficult to read even without the lack of explanation of the previous story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own

The follow up to King of Flames sees the very human Lydia separated from her friends and at the mercy of Aon, the King of Shadows. Lydia is struggling to understand how Under works but is under no doubt that Edu, the King of Flames will kill her in a heartbeat . The problem is shes now at the not so tender mercy of Aon, who has never pretended not even in nightmares to be sane. Aon is full of tricks and happily indulges in mind games but no matter how strange or frightening everything is Lydia is determined not to lose herself and meet every challenge head on !
I thoroughly enjoyed finding out about Under and why everything there is the way it is. Not the usual fantasy and certainly chock full of unique characters and situations. My only slight niggle was this the second book takes a powerful male who previously has been portrayed as the villain and turns him into the romantic hero which reminded me of A Court of Mist and Fury. There the similarities end as this can be quite bleak with dire atrocities alluded to and trust me I really wouldn't fancy eating a meal in Under.
Ok I will admit as things became clearer I did have an uncanny feeling just where the plot was going so please my fellow reader be prepared for a cliff hanger which has me sat here thinking I need the next book now !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.