Member Reviews

This story was... Strangely beautiful. I loved it. Writing is great, characters are great, story is easy to get into.

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I recieved an e-arc of this from netgalley for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

WHAT CAN I SAY FOLKS, KATE CALLAGHAN HAS DONE IT AGAIN!

If you haven't read book one of a hellish fairytale (crowned a traitor) I would highly suggest it because *chef kiss*

This was such an amazing sequel, I was blown away with the characters and the amazing worldbuilding that Kate has put into this book. The world is so intricate and thought out that I applaud her brilliant mind!

We follow Klara ( Aka Lucifer's daughter) as she tries to come to terms with her new role as Queen of Malum ( which she isnt too keen on) and the story has a time jump of a year after her crowning! I loved Klara as our main character ( even if she sometimes made the STUPIDEST decisions) she was powerful, loyal to her subjects, never backed down and was an absolute pleasure to follow on her adventure.

THE END. need I say more people?! The absolute 💯 break your heart but leaves you wanting more betrayal at the end I just.....I still haven't processed it fully!

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Pacing 3/5
Romance 4/5
Characters 4/5
Action 3.5/5

Have you ever watched an anime where the whole show is built around this couple getting together, dancing around each other; and when finally the two come together and admit their feelings it just.... ENDS. Aren't you disappointed? Don't you ever wish you could see more of them dating? You just want the juicy details!

Well, good for you in that this book provides you that sense of satisfaction. The first couple chapters of the book goes over the nitty gritty details of how Klara is as the Queen of Malum. You get to see her make treaties, network, and of course play the big sister role for her ward, Lottie. While the book was a slow build up to the conflict of the story that occurred about half-way in, it was a great time feeling Klara's exhaustion and desperateness at trying to keep peace. Kate Callaghan wrote beautiful, authentic characters who were not afraid to admit to their weaknesses. Klara is trying her best to be a good, strong, and fair leader but trouble keeps coming her way. She is frustrated. So frustrated. At the world. Her parents. She's frustrated at how the world is run and how people can trick themselves into believing they are in the right when she is faced with something that is clearly wrong. And she's always being placed in the spot to make the hard decisions, despite how fair it is. But she doesn't complain. She accepts her present and always tries her best.

The story did not just focus on Klara too. It dove into the support characters' own troubles and kept you wanting to jump around to see what happens next with one character. The love story was not in the main spotlight the whole time, but it was sprinkled in where it was needed and had some spice to it. If fantasy is something you want, this book HAS IT. So many different creatures trying to live together and the lore behind each was fascinating to read.

The only complaint I had was that the detailing did drag on a bit too much in some parts, and I wanted to jump straight to the emotions and the Why behind people's actions sooner - but I can't complain when a book keeps me so entertained that I have to keep flipping to the next page.

Warm regards,
Diana Banana

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If you’re a fan of Sarah J Maas then you’ll like Where Traitors Fall by Kate Callaghan! The world building was very intricate and well thought out but not too difficult to understand. I had never read any books by her until I received an ARC and had to go back and read Crowned a Traitor first, and I’m very glad I did! The tropes were *chefs kiss* and while smut is implied, there’s nothing graphic so it’s a perfect YA fantasy! Can’t wait for book three! I just hope it doesn’t break my heart.

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The new treaty between the Fae Lands of Kalos and Malum has eased border restrictions, and a tense peace is holding between the two lands. However, when rumours of dark creatures going missing begin to reach Klara.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Kate Callaghan is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book

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I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I absolutely cannot get enough for this series. Joined by the familiar cast of characters this installment of the Hellish Fairytale series was explosive. The personal stakes so much higher, the political tension so much tighter, and the scheming and betrayal is to die for. Klara kept surprising me at every turn. Her character development was a seamless transition of a young heiress into the budding queens she is meant to be. Kate Callaghan has not only managed to create delicious MCs but her support cast is made up of unforgettable characters that will root and take hold of your heart. I cannot wait I for the third installment as I am dying to know what lays ahead for Klara and her kingdom.

Thank you to @netgalley for a copy for my honest review.

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*Huge thank you to NetGalley for giving me an eARC of this book to read!*

Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

I really enjoyed this follow-up to Crowned a Traitor. The book was very well-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. One of my favorite things about this book is how the author writes her characters. They feel like real humans and not two-dimensional beings on a piece of paper. I feel like I can relate to them and they have amazing raw and unfiltered emotions. I also really enjoy how the secondary characters weren't treated as though they were an afterthought in the storyline. They have a lot of dimension and add to the overall story. The only thing that I wished had happened more was some character growth and development. It was a little lacking in this area for me, but I would recommend this series overall!

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As someone who doesn't read a ton of fantasy, let alone high fantasy like this, I was obsessed. I didn't realize it was the second book in a series, so I did have to read that first. But I was instantly sucked into this world and im literally obsessed.

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This is a disappointing follow-up to the first in the series, Crowned a Traitor. Where the first installment had a clear path and good momentum, this one gets bogged down in the details of being a ruler, which is boring. I stayed with it until the halfway point, when I realized that I didn't care what happened next.. For a story about the future Queen of Hell and her father, Satan, this is a bit dull.
Thank you to Kate Callaghan and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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so I didnt realize this was a second book but this isnt the first time it has happened to me and it probably wont be the last, thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book. as i am still reading the first book i will update this once i finish both books, but im loving every second so far!

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4 stars

I want to start off by thanking NetGalley and the publishers for an Arc of Where Traitors Fall in exchange for an honest review

I want to start off by saying Wow! The character growth from the first book to this book (book 2) is amazing. Like wow!

The pace, characters, and all of the twists draws you into this world. You love all the characters even love to hate some of them. I love Klara, the definition of morally grey, seeing her mature and grow so much between the two books is incredible. If you liked book 1 you will love book 2! I was captivated in this series from the very first page and not many books can actually do that. I’m a tad picky.

Klara learns that ruling over people isn’t as easy as she thought and you see her struggles come to life. I constantly found myself being Klara, if that makes sense to you like it does me. She was handled very well. But I was incredibly impressed with how the side/secondary characters were handled. Most authors don’t put so much depth into the side characters' lives/personalities.

A unique Lucifer’s daughter telling with so much truth, lies, deception and all while trying to save the future of their world

I felt so many emotions while reading this book, I’m still so emotional. My husband definitely saw me bawling over this book and had many questions.

I strongly recommend this book series!!

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I generally have no idea if this is because it isn't my type of fantasy or if it actually isn't good.

I DNF'd it around 15% simply because it just wasn't enough to keep me interested. Too much drama and such, and there isn't enough description for the characters. If it is, then it's too much.

Overall, not really my styleee

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Though the plot of the book is not really for me I really enjoyed Kate Callaghan’s writing style this book is a great read for fans of sci-fi/fantasy

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Where Traitors Fall is the epic sequel to Crowned a Traitor and is perfect for lovers of dark fantasy who enjoy non-stop action, headstrong female protagonists, intricately woven plotlines, and phenomenal world-building.

For those who haven't read the first book, Klara is the daughter of Lucifer the Devil and the Aemella of Kalos-Fae Queen making her the poster child for morally grey. As Klara accepts her role as ruler of the dark forest of Malum she begins to understand that ruling a people isn't always black and white.

One thing I relish about Kate Callaghan's writing is her ability to "keep it real." Yes, she is writing fictional characters in a fictional universe, but her characters are raw and honest with a vulnerability and authenticity that simply captivates readers.

Klara isn't the strongest or the smartest but this is easily trumped by her determination and sheer willpower to see grievous wrongs righted. I truly enjoyed seeing my dark queen's valiant attempts at being a guardian to Lottie, a Lycaon alpha in training. Klara's constant struggle for equilibrium between being a ruler, daughter, parent, friend, and teacher was startlingly realistic.

Perhaps the profound lesson to be learned from Where Traitors Fall is that there is strength in admitting weakness, in admitting to being lost and needing help. Klara has been truly and utterly defeated yet she does not waver from her beliefs or regret her decisions. She has grown tremendously from the girl in book one and I am enraptured by her journey to the crown of Hell.

I also relished the author's handling of the secondary characters who add much-needed dimension and flavor to the plotline. Klara cannot be all things and, whatever she lacks is made up by the other players. From Lokey's wit to Frendal's unwavering devotion and Lucifer's God complex, I never once felt like something was missing.

There is something intensely satisfying about finding a book that captivates you from the very first page and takes you on an adventure unlike any other.

Thank you to Independent Book Publishers Association, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I didn’t realize when I requested the advance copy of this book, that it was the 2nd book in a series. Of course, when I realized, I had to read the first book.
I really like this series. It’s definitely YA, but it doesn’t feel as childish as some of the other YA I’ve read. I like the main character, and the plot is interesting without being overwhelming. I can not wait for the 3rd!

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This was a gripping story, I thought I new from the start what would happen but nope it twisted on me and in the best way, this book really kept me hooked, I loved the queen's character, she's strongminded and I love a strong female in any book, you will definitely want to read this if your a fantasy lover you will be hooked without a doubt

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The setting and the world from this series are quite original and immersive. I am all for some Lucifer and Hell lore. The main heroine is a badass and she just wants to help everyone and everything. The story is gripping and there are twists coming up around every corner. This is very much a young adult piece of literature, so keep that in mind. I, unfortunately, came to terms this year with me not being a young adult no longer, but I still enjoyed this! Also, this is a sequel and I liked this book much more than the first one.

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This book!!! I thoroughly enjoyed every page! The twists, the turns! The characters, the plot! I cannot get over it!!!
I want to know more and more!

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Ok I’ve clearly been missing out because when I stumbled on this book I didn’t realise that it’s a sequel but nevertheless this is a book I’m very happy to recommend. I was completely pulled into this world divided with its unique slant on Hell, the Fae and just what it could mean to be Lucifers daughter ! Klara is our protagonist and all she wants is to protect the forest she’s Queen of and all the Creatures that live there. Now that’s not an easy task because with old rivalries, jealousy and power struggles coming from seemingly every side just who can Klara really trust ?
Ok I won’t ruin the plot but will say it was lovely to follow Klara as she battled against such dishonesty and betrayal. All this whilst trying to not just protect others but also follow her own heart. Klara does have feelings and is unafraid to embrace them but as so much was thrown at her it became increasingly obvious that she is the one who makes the hard decisions. Yes she’s caught up in other people’s thoroughly nasty machinations but she always stood tall and was a heroine I could easily get behind . I really enjoyed this but will warn my fellow readers that the ending will leave you desperate for more !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

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'Where Traitors Fall': 4⭐

(Unpaid Review: thank you to @katecallaghan, @netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)

Okay, this was such a strong sequel, I'm so happy I was accepted to read this story! I mean, we love a book about Lúcifer and Lúcifer's daughter and we love a good character development! And also, have you seen that cover? Bloody gorgeous!

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