Book Review: City of Lies and Legends (House of Devils, #3) by Kayla Edwards
As a lover of fantasy worlds that pull you in and refuse to let go, City of Lies and Legends by Kayla Edwards immediately caught my attention. Having devoured the first two installments in the House of Devils series, I was itching to dive back into this mesmerizing universe. Little did I know how much my heart would be put through the wringer in this latest installment. With the bar set high, Edwards managed to exceed my expectations, crafting a narrative that left me reeling and utterly captivated.
One of the most engaging aspects of this book is the depth of its characters. The emotional resonance between Darien and Loren continues to bloom, wrapped around themes of love, grief, and resilience. Edwards has a remarkable ability to capture raw emotions—Darien’s struggle with grief and addiction felt palpable, making me hold my breath through moments of tension and despair. As much as I admire Darien, it’s Loren who truly steals the show. Her fortitude in the face of relentless adversity had me cheering for her, and I found myself nodding along with her witty observations, like when she humorously mused about feeling jealous of a plastic spoon.
Darien—oh, Darien! It’s embarrassing how effortlessly he works his magic on me and the other readers. His sweet gestures, the way he calls Loren “sweetheart,” and his constant presence feel like a warm embrace. I can’t help but feel that if he were to call me “sweetheart,” I’d be head over heels in no time. His evolution throughout the series culminates in this book, as he contemplates their future and offers Loren the space she needs to reconcile her feelings. The poignant moment when he reflects, “I wondered what I did right in this lifetime of wrongs to deserve someone as perfect as you,” echoed in my heart long after I turned the last page.
The introduction of new characters, Roman and Shay, adds exciting layers to the plot. Initially reluctant, I found myself swept up in their feisty personalities and intriguing dynamic. The dual perspectives brought an exhilarating complexity to the narrative, making every chapter a delightful rollercoaster of emotions and revelations. Their interplay with the existing characters enriched the already vivid world, propelling the stakes even higher.
Kayla Edwards’s writing style shines brightly throughout the narrative. Her ability to seamlessly shift between multiple POVs kept my excitement levels soaring. Each character brought their own flavor and tension, maintaining a frenetic pace that never felt fatigued or filler-heavy. And can we take a moment to appreciate the delicious spice between Darien and Loren? The heartwarming scenes are expertly woven amidst the chaos, reminding us that love can shine even in the darkest moments.
Edwards delivers a heart-stopping cliffhanger, leaving us desperate for what comes next. Waiting until July for the next installment feels agonizing, especially since this series has thoroughly captivated my imagination.
In conclusion, City of Lies and Legends is a must-read for anyone who craves emotional depth, compelling characters, and intricate world-building in their fantasy fiction. If you appreciate a narrative that intertwines love and pain with relatable characters, then this book—and the entire House of Devils series—should be next on your reading list. Reading this series has transformed me; I don’t think I’ll ever be the same, and I wholeheartedly support any fangirl moment you might experience along the way. Thank you, Kayla Edwards, for this incredible journey!
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