Wrath & Desire

Realm of Zadrya #2

by Susan Illene

Darrow is raw power exemplified.
He is full of secrets and pain.
The dark elf isn’t satisfied with only marrying me.
Oh, no. He wants it all—my body, heart, and soul.
I must resist despite being his fated mate.
Because if I don't, he could break me, and I'm already at my limit.

Aella is everything I'm not.
She is full of compassion and resilience.
The half-druid's grace and odd fondness for plants bring me to my knees.
Though I cannot love her, I need to own her in every way.
She can resist all she wants, but I'll do whatever it takes.
No price is too high, even if it breaks me.

But now, war and death plague us.
My mother's people have invaded our realm with ruthless precision.
Our monarchy is at stake.
And a blight is rapidly spreading to kill the land.
Powerful forces are at work to divide our people.
I may wish I could focus entirely on my new wife.
But we must find a way to save our world.
Even if it means traveling to a distant one with its own dangers.
That is...if we can find a way there before the enemy stops us.
Somehow, they’re ahead of us at every turn.

Note- This novel contains adult content, including graphic violence, foul language, rough spicy scenes, torture, and divine astral projection/consensual body sharing between multiple characters (of a sexual nature).

Other content warnings- weird homicidal chickens, terrifying hordes of venomous frogs, sentient plants with murderous attitudes...actually, many flora and fauna are not what they seem in this world, so assume nothing and mentally prepare yourself for anything. It’s fantasy. Immerse yourself in the madness or go find another genre.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

664 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

About the author

Susan Illene served in the US Army for eleven years and worked as a human resources specialist and an Arabic linguist. She served two deployments to Iraq, and after leaving the army, she studied history at the University of Oklahoma. She currently lives with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Jennifer Miner (black_rosereads)🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was packed with so much! A bit slow paced in the middle but it was all worth it!! Some very very unique and funny creatures/plants! This has your fantasy, hot and spicy romance, humor and I roller coaster ride of emotions! Darrow and Aela the power couple with issues but you can’t help but to love them and root whole heartedly for them! Let’s not forget the secrets, betrayals and lies that come to light to make you gasp! Oh how I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3!

[Mandy Enchantedbookduo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating
4.5 💎
2.5 🌶️

Quick Summary
This book pulled me straight back into its world with an opening straight into battle. The intense, irresistible chemistry between Darrow and Aella was truly epic. Their fated‑mates tension and ability to resist the emotions that that feel was intense. I loved the rich world building, brilliant side characters, carnivorous flora, and the delightfully chaotic chicken, this story just got better and better each chapter and I couldn’t put it down.

Reading Thoughts
📗This book started right where we left off, in the middle of a battle and it was engaging straight away.
📗Wow the chemistry in this book was thigh clenching
📗The push and pull between Darrow and Aella had my heart clenching. Who knew fated mates could resist each other so throughly.
📗This book just got better and better each chapter.
📗The world is immense and it was intriguing learning more and more about it.
📗Of course the side characters in this book were brilliant and how you go past the carnivorous flora that were woven into story soo well.
📗Special mention to the crazy chicken with which you never knew when it was going to pop up.

Words that linger
🍷I wanted to touch every part of her, memorize it all, and sculpt her body from memory, even though I had no such skill. (Darrow)
🍷“But don’t think I won’t keep trying to own every part of you because I want to be your sanctuary—the one you can always rely upon. You will be mine, heart and soul, eventually.” - Darrow
🍷“Do you think I’d clear dead bodies and limbs from a murderous garden for just anyone?”
🍷“Make me forget the rest of the world for a little while, all the pain and betrayal, and show me that right now is all that matters.”
🍷“No. The next time I touch you, it will be softly with as much tenderness as I can manage.
🍷“I can’t be the instrument for your pain anymore without also being the source of your comfort.”

Tropes
🦋Loads of banter
🦋Portal travel
🦋Meddlesome gods
🦋Fated Mates
🦋Sentient Murder Garden

Thank you to Susan Illene for an early copy of this book.

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was written beautifully and the character development was chefs kiss and I couldn’t be happier with the ending I can’t wait to see what adventure the next book takes us on.

[Heather Kilponen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: first I just want to say that I love this author. Susan is amazing and engages with her readers and I love it. It’s so nice to see real people and interaction.
Now for the book. I was so excited to read this. The first book, Oaths & Vengeance has lived rent free in my head so I couldn’t wait to read the second. I am so thankful to be an arc reader. Did I like the book? Hell yes! I am loving so much how Susan is writing Aella and Darrow’s story. Usually once they are mated they are instantly in love. But trust doesn’t come easy for Aella and I get that. She’s been through a lot and she needs time. It’s completely human and natural. She needs to guard her heart and she is. Now Darrow is the best husband/mate in the whole world. He’s being so patient and kind with her. It melts my heart to see this. I can’t wait to see what happens when his curse is broken because it just has to!!
I did not expect for us to travel to a new planet this book. But we did and then we are there and she left me in a cliffhanger… again. All is forgiven as I know she won’t make us wait at least 2 years for the next book like some authors (I joke.. kinda 😬)
I cannot wait to see what unfolds in the next book.

I 100% recommends Oaths & Vengeance and Wrath & Desire to anyone else who loves a good Romantasy book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was one of those selected to be an ARC reader for the second book in the Realm of Zadrya series. The book picked up where the first one left off keeping the twists and turns coming from the start. I couldn’t put the book down wanting to know what would happen next for the realm, the hunt for the fountain and how the main characters relationship wills develop further. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store.

[vampire•ink•drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up right where book one left us gasping. The stakes, higher. The tension? Thicker than Darrow’s brooding silence.

That cursed dark elf really said I cannot love you, while actively taking on the universe for Aella.
Sir. Be serious. If that’s not love, it’s the deluxe subscription version.

Aella rebuilding her sentient murder garden in the middle of political chaos and incoming doom was the chaotic horticultural therapy I didn’t know I needed. Nothing says resilience like delegating war prep between watering carnivorous shrubs.

Twists. Betrayals. Curses. Astral spice that absolutely spiced. Good golly, Ms. Illene! I was fanning myself and side eyeing my Kindle!
And the weird, noisy chicken? The venomous frog hordes? The flora with attitude problems? This book looked me in the eye and said assume nothing and I obeyed.
Book three immediately! I am not asking. I am channeling.

[Dru · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥🔥

I seriously could not wait for this release! I even reread the first book just to prepare. It was just as good the second time around. I can definitely see myself rereading this sequel too. ❤️

Darrow finally rescued Aella from her uncle and broke her curse. Now he faces a brand new challenge. He has to convince her to love him even though he can never truly love her back. 🥀Aella has been broken so many times. She has never trusted anyone in her life so how can she possibly start with him, and handing him her heart when he has the power to break it?

While they struggle with their new dynamic, war is looming. The dark elves are steadily conquering the lands while the blight spreads and kills everything it touches. Their only hope is to travel to Earth and find the Fountain. Success wouldn't just save their world. It would finally break Darrow’s curse and let him love Aella as she deserves.

There is so much happening in this one! It dives way deeper than the first book. For starters, Aella and Darrow make some serious strides in their relationship. 🖤 We also get a glimpse into the past Darrow tried to hide. He opens up to Aella more than she ever expected and he knows he has to be vulnerable if he wants her to trust him.

The war has so many moving parts. The world building expands and introduces us to new regions and Fae we didn’t meet before. The gods also start showing up to meddle in Aella and Darrow's lives. They all have their own hidden motives for choosing sides in the war, and we are left trying to figure out their hidden agenda.

I absolutely loved this second book. This is definitely has to be one of my top fantasy series!

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Dirty Talk
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ No OW/OM drama (no cheating but definitely past lovers jealousy)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family Vibes
✅ He falls first
✅ Marriage of convenience
✅ MINE

***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.***


‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.

[RawBookieDough · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first book, even though I felt it was a tad too long, I was still propelled through the story. This second book also feels too long. I found the story and descriptions very dry and had a really hard time getting into it. Also, I’m not sure if it’s in my head but the writing felt less mature and leaned so heavily on telling instead of showing. A lot of text felt unnecessary but I can tell this was done with intention to world build and paint a full picture but instead fell pretty flat for me.

The connection I felt with the characters in the first book somehow dissolved as we picked the story back up with the stilted writing and at times cringey dialogue “Nooooo….” He shouted.” Uhg.

The political/war intrigue also was falling super flat and I kept feeling like it was trying too hard to be intense, shocking, complex and original but not hitting the mark on any of those. The farther into the story I got I found myself uninterested in the story and the characters.

I wish I could rate this higher based either on the story or the writing but neither did it for me. Considering the length of these book and the intended length of the series, I won’t be continuing.

[Janie Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrath & Desire by Susan Illene
Book 2 in the Realm of Zadrya series
Available now
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved the story, premise, and character development. I especially love how different this world feels compared to most romantasies I’ve read. The dark elves vs. light elves conflict, druids, dragons, shifters, carnivorous plants, epic magic, and more, made me want to dive in and explore their world. My only real issue was the length... some sections dragged with unnecessary detail, which slowed the pacing.

That said, after book one I wanted more romance, and Susan ABSOLUTELY delivered. Darrow is perfection. Dark, intense, and trying to be better FOR HER!? 🙌 I was obsessed. 🙌 The spice is SPICY and a big part of this book (it did not disappoint). One scene in particular had my jaw on the floor and me clutching my pearls (IYKYK) 😂🙌

[Laura - whispersandruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. 


I have been eagerly awaiting the second book in the Realm of Zadrya series and I have to say it was absolutely worth the wait! This book picks up right where the first one left off, and we're thrust straight back into the action. 


The realm is in chaos, a war is raging on multiple geographic fronts, it's a race against time to get the portal open to retrieve the fountain and save the world, and on top of ALL THAT our MCs Aella and Darrow are battling not only their multiple enemies but their developing relationship. All that being said, there are quieter times with Aella tending her sentient murder garden (I loved that we got more depth on the flora of the world too), and getting to know her new companions better. And for Darrow, we get to see more of his more compassionate (albeit emotionally stunted) side. 


There's plenty of spice in here which I loved - one particular encounter I have to say I have never seen done before but it was SO interesting to read and such a great concept. I don't want to spoil it so I won't say more, but it was very spicy!


All in all, this was a great second book for a new fantasy series which has lots of new and exciting ideas that I can't wait to see how the author develops the story for the next installment!

[Kerry Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolute chaos. These poor characters didn’t take a breath. This was full of war, war and more war. Poor aella had plenty of betrayals to contend with and trying her hardest to not fall in love with Darrow. I mean, I’m in love with Darrow, so I honestly don’t know how she isn’t 😂 I don’t believe he can’t actually love, he is infatuated with her and has all these other feelings but can’t feel love? I think he does. The ending was so intriguing I really wanna know what happens next and what they get up to there. I think I need to read the other series which I think relates to the ending.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This literally gave me EVERYTHING I asked for in book 2. Glossary? Got it. Angry Aella? Absolutely.

This is shaping up to be such a strong high fantasy series. The world-building is INSANE. I mean, the amount of thought and creativity that goes into creating all the things that have been created us crazy. Like, there's detailed descriptions of all the fauna and flora of Zadrya. So impressive.

Book 1 was good, the series is really finding itself now that everything has been established. You can't trust anyone, anything can happen, cacti are hissing, and nothing is safe.

[Kelly Thornburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review for Wrath & Desire.

The second book in the series picks up right where the first left off.. capturing the essence, banter and emotions of the characters the first book convinced you to love!

Aella and Darrow battle the seemingly destiny of their world dying, while trying to save everything they love, they navigate their way through marriage. Continued trust issues emerge you into an emotional rollarcoaster

[Jenn (loves_a_good_book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. I was super excited to get my hands on this and it did not disappoint!

I love the characters even more as we get to know them better as they deal with war, land decay and betrayals. The humour, banter and spice is terrific and provides the perfect balance of light vs the heavy throughout the book.

I’m still in love with the “redrum” garden and I’d never thought I’d say, super interested in finding out more about the crazy chicken lol

Definitely recommend and I can’t wait to see how the story continues.

[Diane Hartman · Rating 2 out of 5]

✨️ ARC ✨️ 2⭐️?

I hate writing this review because book one had me captivated. I devoured it. I didn’t want it to end. And yet… Wrath and Desire? I DNFed at 40%.

I’m genuinely confused about what happened here. It honestly feels like the writing quality took a step backward. Was this sequel rushed? Because the difference is noticeable.

In my review of book one, I mentioned the prose wasn’t the most eloquent - but it didn’t matter. The worldbuilding was immersive, the story was compelling, and I was invested. This time, there’s so much more telling instead of showing that the magic just… evaporated. The world that once felt layered and rich now feels flat. And the plot? All over the place. The plot feels scattered instead of intentional, which made it really hard to stay engaged.

The dialogue didn’t help. It feels even more stiff and choppy, like characters are speaking at each other instead of to each other. The heavy reliance on repetitive internal thoughts instead of meaningful conversations makes the relationships feel less authentic. And the constant “my wife” / “your wife” repetition? Please. It got old fast. It’s overly formal in a way that weirdly distances characters who are supposed to be emotionally close.

The characterization shift really lost me. Aella and Darrow feel like completely different people. Aella, who once felt perceptive and emotionally intelligent, now comes off reactive and stubborn, holding grudges and ignoring her own logic. Darrow petulantly complaining about the less glamorous responsibilities of wartime leadership made him seem less like a capable leader and more like a sulky teenager. Even the side characters felt oddly juvenile. The reactions from Darrow’s father and brother, while understandable in theory, read more childish than cautious. And Jax during the Tradain trip? Immature, inconsistent and awkward. What was that? 

And the romance… where did the authenticity go? The tension now feels manufactured instead of natural. Aella keeping Darrow at emotional arm’s length just doesn’t track - especially when he’s never given her a solid reason not to trust him. Meanwhile, Darrow’s constant devotion and borderline simping completely undercuts the idea that he’s supposedly incapable of love. The emotional logic just isn’t mathing.

And the bond completion chapters with the gods controlling their bodies? It was so cringey, I physically rolled my eyes. It felt unnecessary and gratuitous rather than meaningful.

I really wanted to love this. I was ready to be obsessed again. But instead, this sequel just didn’t deliver and I'm so disappointed. 

✨ My sincerest gratitude to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. ✨

[Chanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review — thank you @susanIllene for the gifted eARC.

Book: Wrath & desire
Series: Realm of Zadrya (#2)
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Rating: 5⭐️

5/5 Relationships
5/5 Characters
5/5 Plot
3.5 🌶

*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆

I was so, so excited for this book — definitely one of my most anticipated 2026 releases — and it did not disappoint. Susan has once again released an absolute banger into the world, and I’m so grateful I got to read it early… although now I’m sad I don’t have book three yet.

We start W&D right where we left off in Oaths & Vengeance, which I’m all for. It truly feels like you just hit pause on the story and pressed play again with zero gaps or missing moments. I reread most of book one in preparation, but honestly, if you revisit the last 10 or so chapters of the previous book, it’s very easy to jump into W&D without confusion.

— Plot —

The plot was already one of my favorites, and this installment only made me love it more. Because we pick up immediately where we left off, the story wastes no time regaining momentum — which I was very grateful for. There is some recap, but it’s blended in seamlessly and never feels like an info dump.

As the plot thickens (wink wink), the anticipation builds alongside a growing sense of dread for what’s coming. Just when I thought I could predict the summit of the conflict, Susan humbled me real quick. I was genuinely shook more than once — and as someone who usually predicts plot twists easily, my ego was thoroughly bruised. The stakes in this book are high, and no one and nothing feels safe from physical or emotional turmoil.

— Worldbuilding —

The intergalactic element in this series remains one of the most unique and refreshing things I’ve seen in the fantasy/romantasy space. The world itself was already richly layered, but with the intergalactic expansion, we’re introduced to an entirely new setting that feels just as fully realized. I’ll admit I was slightly nervous about how the intergalactic addition would be executed because it can be tricky to balance — but I should have known better than to doubt Susan’s brilliant mind.

Speaking of which, I don’t know what Susan puts in her morning coffee, but I would very much like some. The creatures she creates deserve their own book. In book one, we had the sentient flora (which I am still devastated don’t exist in real life because I adore them). In this installment, we meet another particularly terrifying creation that once again showcases just how wildly creative S.I. is.

— Characters —

One of my main issues in the previous book was the lack of truly likable characters — but that completely changed here. As more layers are peeled back, I found myself growing attached to many more characters, which only heightens the emotional tension as the conflict unfolds. I now have far more characters I’m deeply invested in.

— Relationships —

The romance also develops beautifully in this installment. Even with the clear limits and complications surrounding Darrow & Aella’s relationship, we still get the satisfaction of watching the affection blossom. I also really appreciated the subtle hints of potential future romances as well.

— Writing —

The writing style, consistency, and flow remain just as strong as in book one — no complaints whatsoever.

— Cliffhanger —

The cliffhanger in W&D is gentler than the one in Oaths & Vengeance. It’s still stressful and surprising, but it doesn’t leave you spiraling into full emotional distress (thankfully).

— Final Thoughts —

Overall, I loved this book almost as much as the first. I knew I’d fall into a book hangover the moment I finished — and I was absolutely correct. When I finish a story I truly love, I need time to sit in my feelings before starting something new. I finished this two days ago and still haven’t picked up another book.

Susan Ilene truly makes art out of worldbuilding. I’ve read a lot of fantasy, and I stand firmly by what I said in my review of book one: this series is criminally underrated.

[Debs Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something special about returning to a world that already has your heart—and Wrath & Desire by Susan Illene does exactly that. As the second instalment in the Realm of Zadrya series (releasing 23 February), it doesn’t just continue Aella and Darrow’s story—it deepens it, complicates it, and breathes even more life into a realm that feels as wild as it does wounded.

After the events of Oaths and Vengeance, I was already emotionally invested. But this sequel truly cemented my attachment. Aella and Darrow’s relationship is still tentative, still edged with uncertainty, but there’s an undeniable shift here. Their affection isn’t loud or rushed—it simmers. It’s found in stolen glances, reluctant confessions, shared burdens. Watching their bond evolve felt intimate, almost sacred. You can sense the weight of what they’ve endured, and that shared history makes every softened look and quiet touch feel earned.

What struck me most is how alive Zadrya feels. This isn’t just a backdrop for war and politics—it’s a living, breathing entity. The flora and fauna leap from the page, vivid and strange and sometimes dangerous. The land itself mirrors the story’s tone: scarred by war, littered with the remnants of fallen kingdoms, yet still stubbornly alive. Even in barren realms, there’s a pulse. Susan Illene has a way of making the world ooze fantasy without ever feeling overindulgent. It’s immersive in that quiet, creeping way where you look up from the page and have to reorient yourself to reality.

And yes—let’s talk about that “oily” chicken. I don’t know how a single detail could feel so oddly memorable, but it’s those little touches that make this story human amidst all the grandeur. Between the sweeping stakes—war, fractured alliances, decimated lands—and these almost mundane, sensory moments, the book feels textured and real. It doesn’t just tell you about hardship; it makes you feel the grime of it.

The emotional current in this novel runs deep. There’s wrath, certainly—righteous and destructive—but there’s also longing, grief, and a fierce hope that refuses to die. The tension between desire and duty threads through every chapter. You can feel the cost of every decision. Nothing is simple. No victory is clean.

Wrath & Desire doesn’t suffer from second-book syndrome; if anything, it expands the series with confidence. It takes the foundations laid in Oaths and Vengeance and builds something richer and more resonant. If you’re drawn to fantasy that balances political upheaval with aching romance, that gives you fallen kingdoms and fragile hearts in equal measure, this book absolutely delivers.

By the end, I wasn’t just satisfied—I was hungry for more. Zadrya still has secrets to reveal, and Aella and Darrow’s story feels far from finished.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @susan_illene
POV: Dual 1st Person
Gene: Romantasy
Triggers: Graphic Explicit Sex, war violence, torture
Read Time:
Expected Publishing Date: 2/23/2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

❤️ World Building: The world building was immersive, if maybe a little drawn out for me. But it definitely puts you in touch with the apostrophe and feel of the places we go in this book.

❤️ The Characters: Once again, the story mostly focuses on Aella and Darrow and their relationship, which is so complicated! It reads as two autistic people trying to figure out how love works. Which, honestly, is relatable to me. It must be hard to have the fear that falling in love could be the end of your relationship because the other party will no longer care if you give your heart away.

❤️ The Story: The story was moving and I’m super excited to see where the next one goes. I also figured out that I need to read the other series that I think we touch base with in this book, and I do love interconnected worlds/stories like that!

❤️‍🔥Overall: this fantastic book comes out tomorrow, and I highly recommend it!

🐲Cù-Sìth Fact Inspired by the mention of it in the book: The mythical hound is as big as a large calf, and has a shaggy, dark green coat. The green colour of its coat is probably indicative of its fairy origins, with green being the typical colour associated with the fair folk. Its eyes were large and glowing, and its paws were said to be as large as a man’s hands. (folklorescotland.com)

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrath & Desire is the second book in Illene's Realm of Zadrya series. This spicy romantasy featuring Darrow and Aella, picks up where the first book left off. It is recommended that you read the books in order.

There's a lot going on in this book. The soldiers of Karganoth have unexpectedly attacked on multiple fronts and are determined to claim Zadrya. The dark elves are ruthless and their numbers seem to keep climbing. Darrow and Aella definitely have an uphill battle in trying to recover the lost fountain and hopefully restore the dying land. Fortunately they have a small, close-knit group of friends who are prepared to stand by them and assist. There are, however, unexpected twists and turns as well as a some foes who will stop at nothing to tear them down and end them. This is indeed a saga, and it does not end with book 2 so you'll need to buckle yourself in and enjoy the ride.

In addition to more character development, the author has given us details on the characters' relationships. While our fated mates are married, they still have a ways to go to truly connect meaningfully and need some help from an unexpected source. Both Darrow and Aella's relatives come out to play; it is difficult to know who to trust. Some new characters are introduced, and I am already looking forward to reading more about them in the next release.

Illene has created a wonderful world packed with interesting and unique flora and fauna, including a fascinating chicken. I encourage you not only to read this book but to savour the details. She has clearly poured her soul into this series and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Stacy H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️/3🌶️
Not skipping a beat, we are thrown right back into the chaos at the end of book 1, Oaths & Vengeance (go watch the recap on YouTube before you read!). This time, Darrow has more to lose, more to fight for, and secrets that are harder to keep.

Through his curse, Darrow can’t “feel” love for his wife, his mate, but he feels a lot of other things: desire, passion, obsession, protection, longing, and vengeance. Aella has become more precious to him than the universe. Some might even call that love.

Aella is broken, untrusting, and refuses to let herself fall in love with Darrow. While fighting her desires, she continues to work on her passion, her precious sentient garden. It didn’t matter that they were in the middle of a war, one where her powers were most crucial. We felt joy, sorrow, and compassion for the plants just as Aella does. We even meet some new species!

The tension, oh my goodness. They both want each other but continue to deny each other. But when they can’t hold back anymore, their passion explodes — with and without the nameless gods. It’s about as hot as it gets!

Aella and Darrow are fighting to save their land, fighting for their relationship, and fighting their own demons. All the plants and animals are unhinged, dangerous, and surprising in every way, especially the chicken. Devastating curses, heartbreaking betrayals, jaw-dropping twists, so many laughs, and sensual spice await in this book 2. Come join the chaos!

[Casey - ACaseofRomantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second ARC from Susan Illene, and she absolutely delivered again.

Wrath & Desire pulls you right back into the chaos from book one, raising the stakes with nonstop tension and emotional depth. The world-building is rich and immersive, with vivid descriptions that make every scene feel alive. You’re not just reading it, you’re in it. From the political unrest to the wild, unpredictable magic, everything is layered and intentional.

And the sentient garden? Obsessed. It adds such a unique, almost chaotic charm to the story that I couldn’t get enough of.

Darrow and Aella are everything. Truly couple goals. Their strength isn’t just physical. It is mental and emotional, which you don’t see highlighted enough. They balance each other perfectly, grounding and challenging one another in all the best ways.

Also, on a completely unhinged note, I, too, would like an “oily” chicken for myself. Squeak, squak, squawk. If you know, you know.

Between the twists, the tension, and the stunning detail in the writing, this book completely pulled me in. I’m already ready for more.

Thanks again to Susan for entrusting me with am advanced copy.

Is book 3 out yet? 😉

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Susan Illene for this ARC!!! I thorough enjoyed the first in the series and was very excited to have the second one published so quickly. This book picks up immediately where the last left off and continues with both Darrow and Aella’s split POVs. They are parted for a surprising amount of this book-I expected them to be working together from earlier on but it did get there eventually! I personally find the scenes where they play off of each other far more entertaining and had a harder time enjoying when they were separated for long periods- this book ends with them together, so hopefully that means less adventures apart in the next book.
There are quite a few new characters added in this one, but Illene does a good job of reminding you who everyone is when they pop back up. I do wish, though, that we had a touch less recapping of previous plot points when characters meet back up.
The ending of the book had so much happen after a really long build up-I did not expect the plot to suddenly advance so quickly and am very intrigued to see where the story continues.

[Raquel Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to be amazing but Susan went above and beyond on this one! The spice is ramped up, the action is perfect, the feels had me all over the place, Darrow has me wanting to be Aella, Dolly is the best most chaotic chicken, and the plants! I don't think I have the right words for how the plants will make you feel in Wrath & Desire, you will not be disappointed!

Aella, oh my, I don't know how she's still standing with everything that has happened to her. All I know is she is one of the best fmcs I've ever read.

Now, let me tell you about how in love with Darrow I am. Book 1, he was great, really great. W&D has me swooning over this man. He'll make you cry, laugh, yell at him and fall in love! We see a completely different side of Dare that I'm so here for.

I cannot wait for book 3!

P.S. The spice in this one, yes, just yes. Get ready for some fun scenes!

[jleighcaptures · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in Susan's series, Realm of Zadrya and loving it, I knew I'd need to get my hands on the next installment. 

 

I'm a big fan of the FMC and MMC in this series and book 1 left on such an interesting cliffhanger. 

Aella is in her wifey and guardian era here and I really enjoyed how her character stayed true to who she is, but also grew throughout the story to protect those she loves. She really is such a badass!


And Darrow, our broody, handsome MMC was so cute  at times, trying to please the woman he cares for. 

Not to mention, the spice was seriously spicing in this one! Ahem, Wrath and Desire, I'm looking at you! 


Without giving anything away, I truly appreciated the twists and turns throughout the story and loved how it progressed and ended on yet another cliffhanger. This is about to get good! Can't wait for book 3 now!


⭐: 5

🌶️: 4

[Annie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G. ALL THE STARS! WHAT A RIDE!

I love this series from the bottom of my heart. I love that I'm never quite sure what the next plot twist is going to be. It's both characters I want to read more about and epic world building. It's everything I want out of a book and then some.

Funny story- When I got the arc for book 2 I started reading it then realized I kinda forgot which countries were which.... so I went back and started reading random passages from book 1. I quickly fell back in love with book 1 and reread the entire thing from the beginning. That is how epic this series is and it definitely does not suffer from second book syndrome. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Megan Collick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love when a second book in the series captures the essence that made me love book one and runs with it. Not only did this book run with it, it built upon it and it was even better than the first. The banter, the emotions, the characters, and the sentient plants, I cannot get enough. Darrow and Aella’s relationship grew in this installment. Their chemistry is amazing and they had me giggling, kicking my feet, and wanting to throw my kindle in frustration all in one book. The story really pulls you in and makes you feel what these characters are feeling. The pain, relief, anger, and joy, its all so vivid on page. I never knew I could love a such thing as sentient plants and now I want a baby cacti for myself. Maybe some crunchertraps too. I appreciate a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting to know what’s next, but also leaves you in a place where you can breathe and reflect before that comes. Thank you Susan Ilene once again for an ARC, I absolutely cannot wait for book 3!

[Spades · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely found this book interesting! The tension, plot, love, just all of it was so satisfying and beautifully written. Aella and Darrow are one of my favorite couples. Their relationship is so strong and fulfilling. Having the book pick up where it left off from book 1 was perfect. You can feel all the emotions in this story, it is that powerful. Honestly I adore the characters in this book a lot more than I expected. I found this story so toe curling and amazing. This cliffhanger was softer than the first book, and I loved it. Also getting to see Aella rebuild her garden of plants was just so emotional. I definitely enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one!

[Bookworm From Finland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially love the dark but so whimsical elements of the book like the homicidal chicken and the murderous garden. The characters are wide and diverse as well as the magic. The romance with obstacles worked well.

There is perhaps too much politics for my taste, but it expands the world nicely in addition to the portal travel. A great sequel that created addictive possibilities for the sequel. I can recommend the series to romantasy lovers.

Thanks to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy!

[Dawn Smit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous sequel!

I loved going back to the Realm of Zadrya and seeing Darrow and Aella again

Susan Illene definitely turned up the volume on this one and I loved every moment of it. We got more spice, more action, more villains and more beautiful world building and more of our favorite Sentient plants 😍

Do yourself a favor and grab these books, spend way too much time staring at their stunning covers and then immerse yourself in this magical world - you will not be sorry

Thank you Susan for letting me ARC read for you again, it was shear joy 💕

[Jennifer Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love that this picks up right after O&V, Darrow and Aella are navigating their marriage while trying to save their world from dying. This is an emotional rollercoaster, you still have the tensions from book 1, trust issues galore, betrayals and back stabbing. Your heartbreaks for our FMC AND MMC as we learn more about what makes them tick. The spice is...all I'll say is GOD SEX...whoo Book 3 can't wait.