ARC Review: City of Mirth and Malice (Order and Chaos, Book 2)

This book was provided to me by author Alexis L. Menard in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: City of Mirth and Malice	Author: Alexis L. Menard
Series: Order and Chaos Duology	Genre: Dark Fantasy, Gaslamp, Romance
Publisher: Independently Published	Page Count: 493

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: 

• Moderate: death, grief, injury/injury detail

• Minor: 

Some debts are not so easily repaid—or forgiven. Nicolai Attano finally has everything he ever wanted: control over the Iron Saint Railway, safety for his family, and not a single rival syndicate to stand in his way. Never could he have imagined he'd want anything more than power—not until Camilla Marchese. Six weeks have passed since the disaster on the train and his wife was kidnapped, but to get her back, he'll need help. Nico struggles to work with a city poisoned against him and is instead forced to seek the aid of a disreputable black-market dealer. A simple bargain to ensure her rescue, Nico doesn't think twice. A bargain is struck, and the cost is higher than ever. The collateral? His life. Meanwhile, Camilla fights to gain control over her newfound powers as the alchemist in charge of her confinement puts her to the test. Forced to free what she's held so close, the only light in this hellish prison is the hope to see her family again, and the husband who stole her heart. Three trials and three chances to find the source of her Chaos and use it to save herself, if it doesn't destroy her first. Cracks in the city draw lines between loyalties, and time is running out until everything comes crashing down. Return to Lynchaven in this action-packed and swoony conclusion of Nico and Milla's story.

★★★★★ — obsessed
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — spicy

Reading Umbra: Sentient Stars was like diving into the depths of The Expanse, with its rich political intrigue and the vastness of human expansion in space. It intrigued me with an unknown alien signal and the various factions of Earth That Was competing for control of known space. It also reminded me of Battlestar Galactica due to the sentient starships and strong military influence, and the battle scenes were reminiscent of Star Wars.

I was particularly hooked by the slow burn relationship between Skyla and Hinata. The way their trust and understanding for each other evolved in volatile situations, as well as their bonding over a common enemy, was simply delicious to me.

One aspect of the book that deeply intrigued me was learning about Freyja's backstory and how she played such an important role in the overarching story.

In my opinion, this is truly a stunning piece of science fiction. I am eagerly waiting to see where the author will take the story in the next installment. It has rekindled my love for the science fiction genre, a feeling I've been missing for years. I look forward with great anticipation to the author's future works.