A Kingdom of Decay

by Ivory K. Rose

Aven Elridge soon learns that when it comes to magic, nothing is as it seems.

Three things have become abundantly clear to

1. Cillian must be stopped.
2. She has accidentally gained a piece of god magic.
3. She likes Roran way more than she should.Now that the truth is out about the corruption on both kingdoms, and Aven has survived a sacrificial death, she must return to Grimrose and brace for the fallout. Only, she has never been good at the lies and political intrigue needed to maneuver an outcome that doesn’t end with everyone six feet under.

To help her, Roran devises a plan to stall his brother while meeting with her in secret, but being alone together could be the deadliest game of all.

Up against a god-king with new powers she has no idea how to use, Aven makes a heartbreaking choice once again, believing her fate to be sealed with her duty rather than happiness.

If she survives the most dangerous battle she has ever been a part of, will the one she loves ever forgive her?

Find out when you read the second installment of this dark romantasy series, perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and C.N. Crawford.

Download now to join Aven’s journey!

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2025

About the author

Ivory K. Rose is a fantasy romance author who infuses her writing with lush worldbuilding and steamy slow burn romances. Residing in the heart of Europe with her husband and dog, she loves traveling the world, soaking in inspiration for the next enchanting tale.

She has a keen eye for crafting stories and characters that readers crave. Her fierce female leads spar with brooding male love interests, creating passionate, tension-filled tales.

Her books immerse you in fantastical worlds and tension-filled romances you can’t put down. If you enjoy fantasy romance authors like Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Victoria Aveyard, you'll devour Ivory's work.

Reviews

[Candie Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked book 1 but I LOVED book 2! The world that she has created is breathtaking. Give me anything from Ivory Rose and I’ll devour it.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense continuation of Aven, Roran, and Cillian’s story. All the same goodies from the first story and more. The tension is even higher with the romance a little less slow burn, the secrets a little deadlier, and even more characters to fall in love with.

Aven grapples with her new station in life and how to end the war, even if it destroys little pieces of herself with each decision.

Cillian’s charm is less convincing this time around and he seems content to settle into his new roll.

Roran struggles with maintaining his distance and attitude while still doing what he can to protect those he cares about.

Amazing second book in the trilogy and leaves you needing to know how the story will end!

[Naomi Crowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay that’s it I’m completely hooked. The first book took me by surprise with how much I liked it, but this second book???? It completely captivated me. I feel like the writing style is really unique in a way I can’t quite put my finger on but I adored. The characters are extremely well fleshed out and very complex. The relationship between the FMC and her New Romantic interest in this book (don’t want to spoil) is soooo good! Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third one and see how Aven’s story ends!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate 👏🏼 It 👏🏼Up👏🏼 Loved this second book even more than the first, which I didn’t think was possible. I really enjoyed some of the literary devices that Ivory Rose includes in her books. She uses crossing the threshold signaling that things will not be the same after Aven commits to her mission and crosses the threshold. Kingdom of Decay is a lot steamier than Destruction. Banter between FMC and MMC is so much fun. Cannot wait for Kingdom of Discord!! Come on April 2nd!!

I received an ARC of this book for free and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[L & J Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

The *A Kingdom of Decay* is the second installment in Ivory Rose's captivating trilogy. The story builds upon the foundation laid in the first book, deepening the already compelling relationship between the human Princess Aven and Roren, the bastsrd son of the Fae King. Aven, miraculously saved from death by Roren, remains embroiled in a conflict far greater than her own survival. The escalating animosity between the human and Fae realms, fueled by the increasingly erratic behavior of both their fathers and Roren’s brother, Cillian, casts a long shadow over both realms.

This second book delves into the complex political maneuvering and personal sacrifices required to bridge the widening chasm between two deeply divided species. The author’s skill in character development is evident, particularly in portraying the internal struggles of Aven and Roren as they confront not only external threats but also their own burgeoning feelings. There are intricate plot twists and surprising revelations in this spicy novel. The fate of Aven, Roren, and the precarious balance between humans and Fae hang precariously in the balance at the end of book two, so we’ll need to see what awaits them in the final book. I recommend *A Kingdom of Decay* to anyone who enjoys a gripping tale of forbidden romance, and high-stakes fantasy. Thanks to Booksprout, the author and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Decay is everything I wanted from a sequel and then some—it doesn’t just live up to the first book, it surpasses it in every way. From the very first page, the pacing, the tension, and the emotional stakes hit hard, and the result is a story that feels tight, rich, and more immersive than ever before.

The flow of the book is seamless, there’s no slow ramp-up, no filler chapters, just compelling progression, continuous world expansion, and character arcs that feel earned and real. We’re introduced to new characters in a way that adds to the plot, and the expansion of the world’s magic system and political structures is done so naturally it never feels overwhelming. There’s a particularly fresh approach to the mental communication/magic system that genuinely felt innovative—not the usual bond-link setup we’ve seen a dozen times, but something new that evokes all the same tension, intimacy, and complexity.

And the character development? Phenomenal. You feel the weight of everything these characters have gone through and watch them grow, break, and rebuild. There’s so much emotional tension packed into this book—romantic yearning, delicious spice, gut-wrenching fear, and moments of absolute disgust, all of it earned, all of it believable. I whispered “oh my god” to myself numerous times during this read. The final 20% of this book absolutely knocked me flat. I could not put it down. By the end, I was sitting there in total silence just whispering, “I need the next book immediately.”

📖 Final Verdict: A Kingdom of Decay is a masterclass in sequel storytelling. With flawless pacing, unforgettable emotional moments, and some of the best character growth and magic system innovation I’ve read in a while, it delivers on every front. If A Kingdom of Destruction hooked me, this one ensnared me. I’d give it 6 stars if I could.

[Hilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Decay by Ivory K. Rose is the second book in The Brutal Magic series. The first book I just loved and I could not wait to read the sequel, which picks up after the events in A Kingdom of Deception. The story, plot and worldbuilding is even better than in the first book and I had a really hard time putting the book down. The writing style is fantastic, fast paced, and all the characters comes across so good!

This book has it all: a great plot, fantastic world-building, characters who just leap off the pages, a mesmerizing writing style, magic, betrayal, drama, and so much more. I can’t wait to read the final book in this fantastic series.

Highly recommended!

[Leah Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me hooked. Must read book one Kingdom of Destruction first, this story is a continuation off of the first book.
After being resurrected Aven escapes and makes her way home to find her home in shambles and that her father has gone mad. She never wanted the crown but must step up to save her people. As Queen Aven must navigate her new role while trying to figure out what to do about Chillian while being draw closer the Roran at every turn. Can she prevail and will she learn how to control her new found power.
Aven is such a strong relatable character, she is scared and feels weak a times but always tries to do what she can.
This is definitely a series I would recommend.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first!

This second in The Brutal Magic Series picks up right where the first book left off, with Aven brought back to life by Roran after Cillian killed her in order to become a God, which did happen. Of course, she manages to get home just to find out that her father is just as crazy as the fae King and Cillian. I have to say one thing about these books, the action just does not stop! I found myself totally engaged with the characters and wanting to find out what happens with them. Now I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[shyandlonelywriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW


Omfg, I loved it! This book was even better than the first.

The second book begins right after the end of the first book. I liked everything. The pace, the new characters, Roran. I loved him in the first book, but at this one, he was hot 🔥. The intimate scenes were…
I need to read the next book right now. I can't wait. I need to know what will happen in the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first one and fell in love with the world building and the characters, this 2nd book in the series was just absolutely phenomenal!
Well written and you really get more of a sense of the characters, I absolutely love the fierce FMC and the plot and little bit of added spice in this is just 10/10! Absolutely obsessed! I can not wait for book 3!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All views are my own opinion!

[Sara Wortman · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the major cliff hanger from Book 1, I was eager to get my hands on this next book. Aven is a strong FMC, and I really enjoyed watching her grow more into herself. The spice was done well, and the plot progressed at an enjoyable rate. Another cliffhanger, but I am both ready and not ready to read the last book in this trilogy and say goodbye to these incredible characters.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*

[Hannah Ridgway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second installment of The Brutal Magic Series is a thrilling follow up to the fae versus human war between Morningvale and Grimrose. The unexpected turn of events at the end of the first book gave an amazing start to the second installment and made room for even more romance. The unique magic system in this series creates a new, fascinating world for fantasy lovers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Lazovitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second book so much more than first!!! New characters were amazing. Seeing Avren come into her own and find out who she is Now and how to be her true self is what made this a special read for me. I read it in 2 days. Didn’t want to put it down, mostly bc I love Roran. Love their banter and their feelings unfold.
I can’t wait for 3rd book end of April.

• Strong MFC
• Enemies to Lovers Trope
• Love Triangle
• Fae vs. Mortal World

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Decay, the second book in the series, was just as phenomenal as the first book. Aven makes it back to the castle safe after her death and rebirth on her wedding night.Now she has to prepare for war. Training with her new magic and falling for Prince Ronan, they must stop the king and Prince Cillian before its to late ! Must read it is adventure packed with twists, love, war, healing, and betrayal. Definite page turner the cliffhanger leaves you wanting book three!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong sequel in the Brutal Magic series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous entry in this series, it uses the dark fantasy romance elements perfectly to tell the story and had characters that I cared about during the storyline. Ivory K. Rose has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of The Brutal Magic Series and does end in a cliffhanger. It is full of danger, suspense and romance. The characters are complex, and the story will capture your attention. The author weaves an intriguing tale of love and betrayal.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot thickens! The story continues to be captivating and the character development continues to grow.
The author is a great storyteller and still holds my interest. I am totally invested and am looking forward to the third book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Itzel Aguilera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers took such a twist at the end of the last book and I am still not done getting over it. Cillian basically *killed* her at the end of Book 1 to achieve god-like powers by sacrificing his love which is her. But Roran showed up and saved her just in time. Aven did truly die but Roran used his fae magic to try and bring her back while Cillian's god-like powers also infused with her being (by accident of course).

Now it is up to her and Roran to try and defend both their kind from the tyrant kings and prince from both kingdoms.

It doesn't help that Aven's feelings for Roran are growing. She started feeling for him before her wedding to Cillian as she was falling for both princes but he pushed her towards Cillian to try and be the 'better' brother. But now he's not holding back anymore and neither is she.

However, they both know despite their growing feelings, their people might not like the idea of human and fae being together. Aven will have to choose between her people and her growing feelings for the other fae prince she fell for first.

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivory K Rose really knows how to keep you engaged. There is always some new obstacle/challenge for Aven to overcome. The ending leaves you anxiously waiting for the last book in the trilogy. The spice is picked up a bit in this book compared to the first in the series.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Reader review 📚

Thanks to Roran's aid, Aven has survived her sacrifice/wedding night. But Cillian now has God-like powers and Aven has to flee to Grimrose. Together, Aven and Roran meet secretly to try and come up with a plan to defeat both Cillian and the Fae king.

This book was great. I literally stayed up until 1 a.m. to finish the second book and in no way regret this decision.

I loved getting both Aven and Roran's POV chapters in this book. We get to see Aven becoming more of a leader and stepping as a queen. And of course, we get 🔥🔥

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put this down!!! Book 2 picked up right where book 1 left off, after that cliffhanger, wheeww! Aven continues to grow into her powers preparing for that battle of her life!! Shes a bad ass FMC! We had lots more world building and more information packed into this one! Also added some more spice! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Simply cannot wait to see how it all ends in book 3!

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one definitely keeps your attention. The plot twists and unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked. Right to the last page! Which is a cliffhanger. So I'm hoping the wait for the next book isn't too long!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by the first book, so I had high hopes for the second book. And I was not disappointed. I love this series so much.
I love most all fae stories, and this series is so great—a war between the fae and us humans.
I enjoy the slow burn and enemies-to-lovers.

[ToniLynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic and world building in book 1 was WORTH it. I would highly recommend this book for anyone loves Romantasy and a fight to the end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two picks up right where the first left off. Our FMC Aven must decide what to do to save her kingdom, end a war, deal with new powers and deal with personal emotions. Everything about this book was 5 stars! Aven’s growth throughout the book, the plot, the banter between her and Rowan, the spice, I could go on and on. I read this in one day, I needed to know what was going to happen. It also had the perfect set up for book three, Aven is able to overcome one obstacle but we’re left on a perfect cliffhanger for the grand finally of book three. I’ll be counting the days till the next book release.

[Cindy Caballero · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book, I didn’t know how the author was going to make this one even better, but alas that’s exactly what she did. Every page managed to keep me on the edge of my seat needing to know how events would turn out and how Aven and Roran would develop as individuals but also as lovers. The cliffhanger this book ends on is honestly criminal. Needless to say I will definitely be reading the next book as soon as it releases!.

[s.elle.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Ivory K. Rose has done it again. The second book in any series can often be a touch bland, but not here! This Fantasy Romance continues to build on the characters and relationships, backstabbing, betrayal, and of course, magic. The Kingdoms are in trouble, and I can't wait to read what happens next!!!

This book absolutely ends in a cliffhanger! You've been warned...
4.5 stars rounded up!