City of Mirth and Malice

Order and Chaos Series, Book 2

By: Alexis Menard

Narrated by: Jacci Prior, James Cavenaugh

Some debts are not so easily repaid—or forgiven.

Nicolai Attano finally has everything he's 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. 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.

©2024 Alexis Menard (P)2024 Podium Audio

Delicious and surprising

Fabulous sequel and gives you almost all the answers you hope for, with leaving room for more in case there is a third book. The narrators are fabulous.

could be so good if the narration was better

i felt the same way about the first book, but i wish the narrators switched off when talking and not only during chapters of different perspectives. because when the male narrator impersonated the fmc i couldnt help but laugh and it took me out of the story.

Great story and performance

There were a few scenes that dragged on and felt whiny but overall intriguing story with good twists. My biggest issue with this book was a section in the middle where there were three sex scenes separated by like one chapter each. It delayed plot advancement and was a little much. Would have been better if they were spread out through the book. Love both the narrators though James’s female voices are not convincing, so the scenes where he read Mila’s lines were a little painful. Overall still very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to book 3.

Twists and turns and mind blown

Flawless storyline and incredible characters. I want to listen to it over and over again! Alexis Menard is a sorceress of words and a master at keeping us on the edge of our seats wanting more.

Perfect narration!

Jacci and James did a fantastic job bringing book 2 to life! Can't wait for more from them!

Everything I didn't know I needed

I was definitely surprised by all the twist and turns. Definitely had some unpredictability. The main female character was strong and did not overthink things. The romance turned out to be beautifully written. I love the combination of the Peaky Blinders vibes mixed with magic. Highly recommend to give it a listen, the performance was fantastic.

I Finished It

Repetitive and meandering. So much filler space. Leaning heavily on lack of communication and wildly inconsistent characterization to drive the plot. It could have been cut at least in half and made the first book longer.

Beautifully done

Peaky Blinders with magic did not disappoint. I highly recommend. Book 3!!!?! Where are you? When are you?

Slower pace but still good

This book was really good but lacked a little especially following such an insanely strong first book!

The pacing was a good deal slower and I would’ve liked to see more of the FMC magic since such a big deal was made of it. I didn’t feel as invested but I also was taking my time reading it so I think it was a me a problem. I still love the characters and secondary characters and world that was created and it’s still a duology that I would recommend especially since the FMC and the MMC are probably some of my favs!

A bright shiny diamond!

In a sea of pretty albeit mediocre gems (books that are good, enjoyable but usually end up forgotten in a sea of the same old tropes and tricks) this one stands out and shines. It has amazing characters, a unique world of some other time past or present in another world here nor there that captivates you and yet pulls you into that perfect place where disbelief is suspended on a cloud of fantasy. Which is truly a beautiful thing. This is one I’ll remember and revisit and recommend.