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Viridian: The Demon and the Savior Book Two
The dead don't scare me.
But seeing my first love alive? That terrifies me.
The plan was simple. Kill Marco, rescue the Avids, and disappear with Malachi forever. Then Cade stepped back into my life and shattered everything I thought I knew.
He's been part of Solace all along, working for the Syndicate, searching for me for years. But I'm not the girl he once loved. Marco's pretty prison turned me into something darker, something that speaks to ghosts and has a hunger for revenge.
The Volkovs are planning something big, the Syndicate is crumbling from betrayal, and someone is playing both sides. With Aurora at my side and the Avids rising in rebellion, we have one chance to strike back.
Then a century-old secret surfaces that changes everything and has me questioning who to trust, what I'm fighting for, and who I even am. What if every choice brings me closer to becoming exactly what Marco wanted me to be—the demon they all fear?
Now I need help from the dead ... before I end up joining them.
But seeing my first love alive? That terrifies me.
The plan was simple. Kill Marco, rescue the Avids, and disappear with Malachi forever. Then Cade stepped back into my life and shattered everything I thought I knew.
He's been part of Solace all along, working for the Syndicate, searching for me for years. But I'm not the girl he once loved. Marco's pretty prison turned me into something darker, something that speaks to ghosts and has a hunger for revenge.
The Volkovs are planning something big, the Syndicate is crumbling from betrayal, and someone is playing both sides. With Aurora at my side and the Avids rising in rebellion, we have one chance to strike back.
Then a century-old secret surfaces that changes everything and has me questioning who to trust, what I'm fighting for, and who I even am. What if every choice brings me closer to becoming exactly what Marco wanted me to be—the demon they all fear?
Now I need help from the dead ... before I end up joining them.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
68 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 10, 2025
It's now been 24 hours since I've finished Viridian and I still feel utterly speechless. Nothing could have prepared me for the end of this
duology
. To me, it is the equivalent of a van Goh painting or Mozart's symphony, and I only wish everyone could experience the masterpiece that I've found in these two books. An enormous thank you to Ashley O'Donovan for the
ARC
- I simply cannot WAIT for you guys to get your hands on this book!
You may think you're simply walking into any old dystopian romantasy book when starting the series. Babe, let me hold your hand when I tell you this.... this duology is about to change your life, your outlook on everything around you, and who you are as a human.
I've never felt so attached to characters within a novel before reading Avidian. Their development in book two is absolutely phenomenal and it was so liberating to see their growth. Malachi and Kat have built such a beautiful relationship amongst a world full of chaos, invoking hope to those of us who may be struggling or lost in the real world. Even the platonic friendships convey such deep affection and loyalty that truly touched my heart.
The pacing matches that of the first book- quick and well-done. The plot progresses at such a digestible rate despite the heavy fantastical and scientific elements. I found that as I got into the second half of the book, time seemed to slow, building the tension and gravity of the conflict at hand. This added so much power and weight to the, already, impossibly high stakes.
As the book came to a close, I felt myself holding my breath, unwilling to turn the page and yet not being able to turn it quick enough. My heart and my brain battled to grasp what I was reading, to comprehend the ending of this phenomenal story. I'm uncertain how to feel - lost, fulfilled, disappointed, proud? Certainly shock at the twist I could never have prepared for and admiration for the brilliant mind that put it in writing. One thing I do know: I'm already grieving the loss of this world and it's characters.
I cannot say enough about this duology and will absolutely be rereading it again. Viridian is 100% a top contender for book of the year, in my opinion. I highly recommend this book and am so looking forward to release day!
You may think you're simply walking into any old dystopian romantasy book when starting the series. Babe, let me hold your hand when I tell you this.... this duology is about to change your life, your outlook on everything around you, and who you are as a human.
I've never felt so attached to characters within a novel before reading Avidian. Their development in book two is absolutely phenomenal and it was so liberating to see their growth. Malachi and Kat have built such a beautiful relationship amongst a world full of chaos, invoking hope to those of us who may be struggling or lost in the real world. Even the platonic friendships convey such deep affection and loyalty that truly touched my heart.
The pacing matches that of the first book- quick and well-done. The plot progresses at such a digestible rate despite the heavy fantastical and scientific elements. I found that as I got into the second half of the book, time seemed to slow, building the tension and gravity of the conflict at hand. This added so much power and weight to the, already, impossibly high stakes.
As the book came to a close, I felt myself holding my breath, unwilling to turn the page and yet not being able to turn it quick enough. My heart and my brain battled to grasp what I was reading, to comprehend the ending of this phenomenal story. I'm uncertain how to feel - lost, fulfilled, disappointed, proud? Certainly shock at the twist I could never have prepared for and admiration for the brilliant mind that put it in writing. One thing I do know: I'm already grieving the loss of this world and it's characters.
I cannot say enough about this duology and will absolutely be rereading it again. Viridian is 100% a top contender for book of the year, in my opinion. I highly recommend this book and am so looking forward to release day!
November 18, 2025
Are you looking for an epic dystopian romantasy with the cutest ghostie pup with a side of rebellion that's also a finished duology?!
Then look no further FAM!
Much like most of you, I have never grown out of our love for dystopian that had such a huge impact on our youthful TBR.
Well, I was window shopping for books and came across book 1 (Avidian) and immediately ordered it. I read it in two days, and I honestly haven't stopped thinking about it.
When I saw that the author was requesting early readers for book 2, I jumped at the chance. I can not tell you how good this series is. IT'S INCREDIBLE!
The writing is beautiful, the pace is brisk(just how I like my dystopians), and every chapter felt like I was holding my breath.
I have been finished for a while now, and I still can't believe that ending. I WOULD NEVER IN A MILLION BOOKS GUESSED THAT!!!
FABULOUSLY DONE!
Then look no further FAM!
Much like most of you, I have never grown out of our love for dystopian that had such a huge impact on our youthful TBR.
Well, I was window shopping for books and came across book 1 (Avidian) and immediately ordered it. I read it in two days, and I honestly haven't stopped thinking about it.
When I saw that the author was requesting early readers for book 2, I jumped at the chance. I can not tell you how good this series is. IT'S INCREDIBLE!
The writing is beautiful, the pace is brisk(just how I like my dystopians), and every chapter felt like I was holding my breath.
I have been finished for a while now, and I still can't believe that ending. I WOULD NEVER IN A MILLION BOOKS GUESSED THAT!!!
FABULOUSLY DONE!
December 12, 2025
Genre: Post Apocalyptic Sci-fi Romance with a twist
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 6/10
Cliffhanger: No but also kind of 😂
Noteworthy: Book 2 in a completed duology. Single first-person POV. Check content warnings. Available on KU.
Okay yeah, that ending got me. Slapped me right upside the head. This book picked right up where book 1 left us hanging. The pacing is very quick and we don't stay in one place for long enough to catch a breath for most of the book. This one has a foreboding air of mystery to it. It's feels like you're waiting for a jump scare. The dark X-Men feel to this series is really appealing to me and should be marketed more. I think the fantasy bros would actually like this story as a whole. The character dynamics are so great! There is chemistry all the way around. My advice is go in as blind as you can and strap in!
My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed. You can't just dump all that on us in less than 20 pages and leave us unsatisfied. This is a romance after all! I desperately needed an epilogue! I also had questions about the how. I just needed MORE!
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 6/10
Cliffhanger: No but also kind of 😂
Noteworthy: Book 2 in a completed duology. Single first-person POV. Check content warnings. Available on KU.
Okay yeah, that ending got me. Slapped me right upside the head. This book picked right up where book 1 left us hanging. The pacing is very quick and we don't stay in one place for long enough to catch a breath for most of the book. This one has a foreboding air of mystery to it. It's feels like you're waiting for a jump scare. The dark X-Men feel to this series is really appealing to me and should be marketed more. I think the fantasy bros would actually like this story as a whole. The character dynamics are so great! There is chemistry all the way around. My advice is go in as blind as you can and strap in!
My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed. You can't just dump all that on us in less than 20 pages and leave us unsatisfied. This is a romance after all! I desperately needed an epilogue! I also had questions about the how. I just needed MORE!
November 2, 2025
What! What!! WHAT!! That ending just absolutely destroyed me. I got a little teary eyed. I smiled. I got horribly sad. I had hope.
I did not see that final twist coming at all. I didn’t expect it. I thought the story was going somewhere else. I never in a million years thought my heart would be ripped out and then stomped on a bit.
So we pick up essentially right where the story stops in book one. And the story keeps moving from there. If you’re expecting a love triangle, let that thought go. Our girl very much is infatuated with Malachi just like he is with her. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get some drama now that Cade is in the picture.
This book is a bunch of heartfelt moments, spice, and action packed into one. Never at any point do you know where the story is going, and with new mysteries and plans driving the story, there’s always something new to be discovered. That being said, the pacing is a little all over the place. We have super fast moments, super slow moments, and sections where it feels like nothing is really happening.
But the romance this book delivers is enough to make the slower moments feel just as fast as the action packed ones. Malachi and Kat are the greatest couple. I want to protect them at all costs. Malachi deserves the world!
I really liked seeing Kat’s powers strengthen and grow in this book. She’s not just seeing and talking to ghosts anymore, but rather transforming into something much more powerful. I loved watching her grow and start embracing her powers.
I also really liked seeing some of our new/old characters developing further in this book.
I don’t think I’m going to get over that ending anytime soon.
Thank you very much to Ashley R. O’Donovan for an arc of this book!
I did not see that final twist coming at all. I didn’t expect it. I thought the story was going somewhere else. I never in a million years thought my heart would be ripped out and then stomped on a bit.
So we pick up essentially right where the story stops in book one. And the story keeps moving from there. If you’re expecting a love triangle, let that thought go. Our girl very much is infatuated with Malachi just like he is with her. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get some drama now that Cade is in the picture.
This book is a bunch of heartfelt moments, spice, and action packed into one. Never at any point do you know where the story is going, and with new mysteries and plans driving the story, there’s always something new to be discovered. That being said, the pacing is a little all over the place. We have super fast moments, super slow moments, and sections where it feels like nothing is really happening.
But the romance this book delivers is enough to make the slower moments feel just as fast as the action packed ones. Malachi and Kat are the greatest couple. I want to protect them at all costs. Malachi deserves the world!
I really liked seeing Kat’s powers strengthen and grow in this book. She’s not just seeing and talking to ghosts anymore, but rather transforming into something much more powerful. I loved watching her grow and start embracing her powers.
I also really liked seeing some of our new/old characters developing further in this book.
I don’t think I’m going to get over that ending anytime soon.
Thank you very much to Ashley R. O’Donovan for an arc of this book!
December 6, 2025
Everything Avidian established gets elevated; secrets revealed, alliances crumbled, and the story keeps swerving into directions that feel ambitious.
The relationships twist and stretch under pressure, and the emotional punches land harder. The broader world is also revealed, to some extent; we get a clearer sense of the political rot and environmental fallout driving everything. It definitely leans more dystopian-thriller than paranormal this time, and while the ghost element is still around, it takes a backseat, which I mildly missed.
I still loved Katja in this one. She’s fierce, complicated, and never reduced to the broken girl Marco tried to mold her into. And Malachi is such a solid counterpart. He's devoted, steady, and supportive without ever treating her like she’s fragile. That balance is rare, and it made their connection feel grounded, even as the world fell apart around them.
Now… that ending. It is wild. I mean that in both the admiring and slightly conflicted sense. It’s bold and smart and definitely memorable, but it also races through several major turns so quickly that it gave me a little narrative whiplash. There’s a line between fast-paced and rushed, and the finale straddles it. Some readers might feel like they followed these characters through fire only to end up with an ending that doesn’t quite give them the emotional payoff they wanted. For me, it mostly worked, but the epilogue landed a little short of a satisfying end.
Overall, Viridian mooostly sticks the landing in a slightly chaotic way that I weirdly enjoyed. It’s a bold, grimy, unpredictable conclusion to a dystopian duology that kept surprising me right up to the last page.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The relationships twist and stretch under pressure, and the emotional punches land harder. The broader world is also revealed, to some extent; we get a clearer sense of the political rot and environmental fallout driving everything. It definitely leans more dystopian-thriller than paranormal this time, and while the ghost element is still around, it takes a backseat, which I mildly missed.
I still loved Katja in this one. She’s fierce, complicated, and never reduced to the broken girl Marco tried to mold her into. And Malachi is such a solid counterpart. He's devoted, steady, and supportive without ever treating her like she’s fragile. That balance is rare, and it made their connection feel grounded, even as the world fell apart around them.
Now… that ending. It is wild. I mean that in both the admiring and slightly conflicted sense. It’s bold and smart and definitely memorable, but it also races through several major turns so quickly that it gave me a little narrative whiplash. There’s a line between fast-paced and rushed, and the finale straddles it. Some readers might feel like they followed these characters through fire only to end up with an ending that doesn’t quite give them the emotional payoff they wanted. For me, it mostly worked, but the epilogue landed a little short of a satisfying end.
Overall, Viridian mooostly sticks the landing in a slightly chaotic way that I weirdly enjoyed. It’s a bold, grimy, unpredictable conclusion to a dystopian duology that kept surprising me right up to the last page.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
November 3, 2025
3.5 ☆ 's
Um, what.
I feel like this book is going to be one of those ones that people either love or hate. Whatever pre-conceived notions you have before reading this book, just gently set them down far, far away from you.
This book starts off throwing us immediately into where we left off. The pace is brisk. We have a couple of mysterious elements running like the last book, which I loved. Less ghosts, but this amazingly creepy scene mid-story that I absolutely loved. And then I wanted to go watch Resident Evil, because well, just read it and let me know. In the middle, the pace started to slow. We had a lot of intimate scenes (maybe too many), things building in the background, what felt like low urgency, and me panicking that we aren't going to have enough time to wrap up the story with everything we needed to cover (I was wrong, don't panic like I did). At 90% (you heard me), the story is back to that brisk pace with so, so much action.
I didn't see the last 10% coming. I guessed partially one part, but not how it was executed. It's going to stay with me, how this book wrapped up. There is so very little I feel like I could say without spoilers. If I'd had a physical book, I might have thrown it. Read it, decide for yourself. Thank you so much to the author for the advanced copy.
Release Date: 18 November 2025
Um, what.
I feel like this book is going to be one of those ones that people either love or hate. Whatever pre-conceived notions you have before reading this book, just gently set them down far, far away from you.
This book starts off throwing us immediately into where we left off. The pace is brisk. We have a couple of mysterious elements running like the last book, which I loved. Less ghosts, but this amazingly creepy scene mid-story that I absolutely loved. And then I wanted to go watch Resident Evil, because well, just read it and let me know. In the middle, the pace started to slow. We had a lot of intimate scenes (maybe too many), things building in the background, what felt like low urgency, and me panicking that we aren't going to have enough time to wrap up the story with everything we needed to cover (I was wrong, don't panic like I did). At 90% (you heard me), the story is back to that brisk pace with so, so much action.
I didn't see the last 10% coming. I guessed partially one part, but not how it was executed. It's going to stay with me, how this book wrapped up. There is so very little I feel like I could say without spoilers. If I'd had a physical book, I might have thrown it. Read it, decide for yourself. Thank you so much to the author for the advanced copy.
Release Date: 18 November 2025
November 24, 2025
Dystopian with heart
Excellently done. I thought Avidian was great - Viridian takes it to the next level while then tying everything together nicely.
Katja comes into her powers, figures out what she is fighting for - those who wronged her are in for a reckoning. She is fierce, while being the kind of girl you would want to be friends with. She's surrounded by the most endearing friends who can equally match her intensity within their own specialties. All ready to back her up and fight for the same cause she believes in - a better future.
Ashley crafted the perfect dystopian story with enough familiar elements that the future depicted could be possible and believable, adding in that magical fantasy elements that makes it far from mundane. Her writing is clear, flowing with a lot of quotable, memorable lines.
Highly recommend this duet.
Excellently done. I thought Avidian was great - Viridian takes it to the next level while then tying everything together nicely.
Katja comes into her powers, figures out what she is fighting for - those who wronged her are in for a reckoning. She is fierce, while being the kind of girl you would want to be friends with. She's surrounded by the most endearing friends who can equally match her intensity within their own specialties. All ready to back her up and fight for the same cause she believes in - a better future.
Ashley crafted the perfect dystopian story with enough familiar elements that the future depicted could be possible and believable, adding in that magical fantasy elements that makes it far from mundane. Her writing is clear, flowing with a lot of quotable, memorable lines.
Highly recommend this duet.
November 15, 2025
Excuse me while I sit here for a minute and I SCRAPE MY JAW OFF THE FLOOR!!!! That ending! I swear…no words just…ugh. That was crazy. It was like the end of a movie when you just sit there in silence while the credits play like what?!?! I liked book one a lot but book two was incredible. I felt like the story itself was so good and the the added intrigue of the test subject journal entries leading to the plot twist ending was so perfect. I loved it. The Distopian genre definitely seems to be gaining some traction heading into 2026 and I am so here for it.
November 19, 2025
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars - This is going to be polarizing.
Let’s start with what everyone’s talking about: the ending. NO SPOILERS. However, it felt incredibly rushed. I was gearing up for book 3, waiting to see how Katja could save the day…and the deus ex machina of it all hit me over the head. It cheapened the events of the series for me, which sucks because I was truly invested in the Project Viridian plotline. I loved Malachi, and Aurora, and Cade, and Bash…and didn’t feel rewarded for following their story. I would have enjoyed either ending - a happily-ever-after or a horrifying defeat - but only if it was well-written and earned. Unfortunately, the last few pages felt like a cop-out and ultimately are the reason I had to knock a star off my original rating. (Not to mention several sex scenes that felt completely out of place. There are high stakes and an imminent threat - where are your clothes🤨)
Still, there were lots of things I did like! Katja is a strong female lead, and Malachi makes a good male lead - supportive and protective without infantilizing his partner, which seems to be a difficult line to walk in the modern publishing space. Mischka is obviously my favorite, but Aurora is a close second. LOVE me a bestie with fire powers. I even liked Damien for what he was - not a good person, and not someone I would like in real life, but a character that drives the narrative and makes a compelling villain.
My favorite scene was the Blackout District. I like seeing characters have one last hurrah before the end (you know, before everything goes horrifically south). And Malachi having to handle a drunk Katja was a balm to my anxious soul.
The first 90% of Viridian were an excellent sequel, and if you loved Avidian, I still recommend you finish the series. The last 10%, however…just not my personal cup of tea.
3.5 stars - This is going to be polarizing.
Let’s start with what everyone’s talking about: the ending. NO SPOILERS. However, it felt incredibly rushed. I was gearing up for book 3, waiting to see how Katja could save the day…and the deus ex machina of it all hit me over the head. It cheapened the events of the series for me, which sucks because I was truly invested in the Project Viridian plotline. I loved Malachi, and Aurora, and Cade, and Bash…and didn’t feel rewarded for following their story. I would have enjoyed either ending - a happily-ever-after or a horrifying defeat - but only if it was well-written and earned. Unfortunately, the last few pages felt like a cop-out and ultimately are the reason I had to knock a star off my original rating. (Not to mention several sex scenes that felt completely out of place. There are high stakes and an imminent threat - where are your clothes🤨)
Still, there were lots of things I did like! Katja is a strong female lead, and Malachi makes a good male lead - supportive and protective without infantilizing his partner, which seems to be a difficult line to walk in the modern publishing space. Mischka is obviously my favorite, but Aurora is a close second. LOVE me a bestie with fire powers. I even liked Damien for what he was - not a good person, and not someone I would like in real life, but a character that drives the narrative and makes a compelling villain.
My favorite scene was the Blackout District. I like seeing characters have one last hurrah before the end (you know, before everything goes horrifically south). And Malachi having to handle a drunk Katja was a balm to my anxious soul.
The first 90% of Viridian were an excellent sequel, and if you loved Avidian, I still recommend you finish the series. The last 10%, however…just not my personal cup of tea.
December 21, 2025
My heart!! My babiesssss!! That ending?! THE EPILOGUE?! Ugh it ended so perfectly but also I’d never say no to a bonus epilogue in the future to make sure my loves are as happy as I want them to be 😭
Absolutely loved and adored everything about this duology! If you love dystopian romance, a good mystery and some mafia vibes - pick this up asap!
Absolutely loved and adored everything about this duology! If you love dystopian romance, a good mystery and some mafia vibes - pick this up asap!
November 18, 2025
THATS THE END. I didn’t see that coming like what?!!!! SO GOOD. This ending absolutely had me tearing up. 🥹
Happy release day to Viridian & thank you Ashley for the ARC copy of this amazing book!
"You must lose everything before you can save anything."
🫶🏻🫶🏻
Happy release day to Viridian & thank you Ashley for the ARC copy of this amazing book!
"You must lose everything before you can save anything."
🫶🏻🫶🏻
November 19, 2025
4/5⭐️2/5🌶️ there are no words so here are some emojis 😮🙈🤣💃🕺👨🏭😮😱😭😭
November 12, 2025
“You must lose everything before you can save anything.”
I want to start by saying that usually the second book in a series doesn’t grab me as much as the first. But Mrs. Ma’am, how dare you! I love this book. It’s relatively short, so I was worried we wouldn’t get enough, but we get plenty—and then some. It picks up right where book one left off, with no wasting time on recaps or rehashing. It doesn’t hold back on giving information. I thought I had the ending figured out—I really did. It was cocky of me, I know, but I was not prepared. Fantastic duology, wrap it up, put a bow on it—beautiful.
So grateful that I got an ARC of this book!
I want to start by saying that usually the second book in a series doesn’t grab me as much as the first. But Mrs. Ma’am, how dare you! I love this book. It’s relatively short, so I was worried we wouldn’t get enough, but we get plenty—and then some. It picks up right where book one left off, with no wasting time on recaps or rehashing. It doesn’t hold back on giving information. I thought I had the ending figured out—I really did. It was cocky of me, I know, but I was not prepared. Fantastic duology, wrap it up, put a bow on it—beautiful.
So grateful that I got an ARC of this book!
November 16, 2025
ARC review: This book kept me on edge the entire time, and then the end came and my mind was blown. In short, nothing was real?! This book combined romance, action, and thriller all in one, and I really enjoyed the character development from the first book. Thank you Ashley R O’Donovan for the early read of yet another fantastic book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
Viridian, begins exactly where Avidian ended. The fun twist at the end of book one makes it's presence known from the get go. Part of the Syndicate, Kat is now one of the rebels trying to break the power structure that forces gifted individuals into servitude. Maintaining the same chilling disturbing aesthetic, and the sense of mystery this sequel really exhilates the action with betrayal, reunions, and tragedy. A great dystopian novel.
I can not go into the plot too much as I risk spoiling so much of both books; so, I'll focus on the structure, style, and how this book develops the duology.
Definitely taking points from the first book, Viridian expands and provides insight into the background of the political and environmental events that enables a deeper understanding on what's transpiring on the page. But it makes the whole set-up a lot darker.
Although, there were moments that felt rushed, which were quite blazen for me alongside some strong reflective passages. Some things just seemed brushed over or out of context. It just made the writing a little unbalanced and a little disconnected from Avidian. i was also a little upset that the ghosts didn't have as much on page time. But when they did it was good... 😈👻
Rather than interactions with ghosts, there is a lot more development between the group of characters we follow from the start of this novel. As they work together the tension and anxiety builds as tge story goes on. There's a point where I started worrying: there's not long to go how is this going to end.
Answer: I'm so on the fence.
The end is suspenseful chaos. I was generally shocked with how everything was spiralling and what I was reading. It was hard to process ‐ but it was brilliant! Then... what? I read this book over a week ago and my head is still frazzled. It is one of those ends which I think will really divide readers. I'm still on the fence - but I do feel slightly betrayed by the overall end of this duology.
Overall as a pair I would recommend The Demon and The Savior duology; and if you have read Avidian you'll definitely want to read the sequel. Many thanks Ashley O'Donovan for the ARC; and Happy Release Day to Viridian! I loved returning to this thrillingly day futuristic world of power, deception, and love.
________________
Favourite Quotes:
“You must lose everything before you can save anything."
“Maybe that’s the only way real families happen, not through blood or convenience, but by choosing each other when everything else is falling apart.”
“Oh, my little demon, I’d miss you like a sinner misses sin, like the dark misses the stars,” he murmurs, voice low and sultry against my ear. “But don’t get too cocky about it.”
Natural disasters used to humble us; earthquakes, floods, the kind of events we couldn’t control. They reminded us how fragile this earth is. How small we really are. But even after the planet fought back, even after half the population died… we didn’t unite. We didn’t learn. We found new ways to destroy each other. I think about what I read in the scientist’s journal that Malachi gave me. The first Avid wasn’t born. She was made. A terrified girl experimented on in some desperate attempt to cure a plague we brought on ourselves. Millions died. And we turned on our own. We created monsters and then blamed them for existing. We are the problem. And we’re not only killing each other. We’re killing everything— every innocent soul still trying to live on this scorched Earth.
________________
🌶🌶🌶/5
I can not go into the plot too much as I risk spoiling so much of both books; so, I'll focus on the structure, style, and how this book develops the duology.
Definitely taking points from the first book, Viridian expands and provides insight into the background of the political and environmental events that enables a deeper understanding on what's transpiring on the page. But it makes the whole set-up a lot darker.
Although, there were moments that felt rushed, which were quite blazen for me alongside some strong reflective passages. Some things just seemed brushed over or out of context. It just made the writing a little unbalanced and a little disconnected from Avidian. i was also a little upset that the ghosts didn't have as much on page time. But when they did it was good... 😈👻
Rather than interactions with ghosts, there is a lot more development between the group of characters we follow from the start of this novel. As they work together the tension and anxiety builds as tge story goes on. There's a point where I started worrying: there's not long to go how is this going to end.
Answer: I'm so on the fence.
The end is suspenseful chaos. I was generally shocked with how everything was spiralling and what I was reading. It was hard to process ‐ but it was brilliant! Then... what? I read this book over a week ago and my head is still frazzled. It is one of those ends which I think will really divide readers. I'm still on the fence - but I do feel slightly betrayed by the overall end of this duology.
Overall as a pair I would recommend The Demon and The Savior duology; and if you have read Avidian you'll definitely want to read the sequel. Many thanks Ashley O'Donovan for the ARC; and Happy Release Day to Viridian! I loved returning to this thrillingly day futuristic world of power, deception, and love.
________________
Favourite Quotes:
“You must lose everything before you can save anything."
“Maybe that’s the only way real families happen, not through blood or convenience, but by choosing each other when everything else is falling apart.”
“Oh, my little demon, I’d miss you like a sinner misses sin, like the dark misses the stars,” he murmurs, voice low and sultry against my ear. “But don’t get too cocky about it.”
Natural disasters used to humble us; earthquakes, floods, the kind of events we couldn’t control. They reminded us how fragile this earth is. How small we really are. But even after the planet fought back, even after half the population died… we didn’t unite. We didn’t learn. We found new ways to destroy each other. I think about what I read in the scientist’s journal that Malachi gave me. The first Avid wasn’t born. She was made. A terrified girl experimented on in some desperate attempt to cure a plague we brought on ourselves. Millions died. And we turned on our own. We created monsters and then blamed them for existing. We are the problem. And we’re not only killing each other. We’re killing everything— every innocent soul still trying to live on this scorched Earth.
________________
🌶🌶🌶/5
November 15, 2025
3.5/5 Stars
After the whirlwind that was Avidian, I went into Viridian with absolutely no idea what to expect, and I’m so glad I was part of the ARC team again. This sequel picks up immediately where book one ends, throwing readers right back into the chaos, tension, and emotional fallout of the failed attempt o kill Marco.
One of my favorite aspects of this installment is how it begins answering lingering questions from Avidian. The political and environmental themes, especially the catastrophic events that led to the collapse of the United States, come into sharper focus here, grounding the story in a way that feels eerily relevant to current global concerns. So many scenes were gripping, compelling, and beautifully written, showcasing O’Donovan’s talent for blending action with world building.
That said, Viridian left me conflicted. While the overarching story is strong, there were moments that felt underdeveloped or rushed. Some moments, particularly involving Cade, lacked the depth I was hoping for. His sudden reappearance is huge, yet Kat seems to process it surprisingly quickly. The complexities of his survival, his connection to Solace and the Syndicate, and the impact of his return on Kat could have benefitted from more exploration.
Similarly, major revelations about Irina are accepted almost immediately by the characters, without the deeper emotional processing I expected, especially from Malachi. These are big moments that warranted more time and nuance, and because they were resolved so quickly, they felt a bit unearned.
I also found myself wishing for richer detail in certain areas, especially the team’s preparation and training for their mission. And while the traitor reveal could have been powerful, there wasn’t enough development leading up to it for it to land with real impact.
Perhaps my biggest point of conflict is the ending. The final chapters are packed with chaos, revelations, and high stakes decisions. The reader is hit with one more major twist and with one decision on Kat's part, she literally saves the world…but then the story jumps ahead in time, skipping over what could have easily been an entire third book. There’s so much potential in those missing years, especially considering how the story resolves. I found myself yearning to see what Kat endured and accomplished during that period, rather than seeing where everyone is in the future because of Kat's decision.
Still, despite my mixed feelings, I genuinely enjoyed this duology. It’s fresh, unique, and filled with timely themes that resonate beyond the page. Viridian delivers a great story with twists and turns and a wild conclusion, even if some parts left me wanting more depth and detail. I will definitely be thinking about this series for a while.
After the whirlwind that was Avidian, I went into Viridian with absolutely no idea what to expect, and I’m so glad I was part of the ARC team again. This sequel picks up immediately where book one ends, throwing readers right back into the chaos, tension, and emotional fallout of the failed attempt o kill Marco.
One of my favorite aspects of this installment is how it begins answering lingering questions from Avidian. The political and environmental themes, especially the catastrophic events that led to the collapse of the United States, come into sharper focus here, grounding the story in a way that feels eerily relevant to current global concerns. So many scenes were gripping, compelling, and beautifully written, showcasing O’Donovan’s talent for blending action with world building.
That said, Viridian left me conflicted. While the overarching story is strong, there were moments that felt underdeveloped or rushed. Some moments, particularly involving Cade, lacked the depth I was hoping for. His sudden reappearance is huge, yet Kat seems to process it surprisingly quickly. The complexities of his survival, his connection to Solace and the Syndicate, and the impact of his return on Kat could have benefitted from more exploration.
Similarly, major revelations about Irina are accepted almost immediately by the characters, without the deeper emotional processing I expected, especially from Malachi. These are big moments that warranted more time and nuance, and because they were resolved so quickly, they felt a bit unearned.
I also found myself wishing for richer detail in certain areas, especially the team’s preparation and training for their mission. And while the traitor reveal could have been powerful, there wasn’t enough development leading up to it for it to land with real impact.
Perhaps my biggest point of conflict is the ending. The final chapters are packed with chaos, revelations, and high stakes decisions. The reader is hit with one more major twist and with one decision on Kat's part, she literally saves the world…but then the story jumps ahead in time, skipping over what could have easily been an entire third book. There’s so much potential in those missing years, especially considering how the story resolves. I found myself yearning to see what Kat endured and accomplished during that period, rather than seeing where everyone is in the future because of Kat's decision.
Still, despite my mixed feelings, I genuinely enjoyed this duology. It’s fresh, unique, and filled with timely themes that resonate beyond the page. Viridian delivers a great story with twists and turns and a wild conclusion, even if some parts left me wanting more depth and detail. I will definitely be thinking about this series for a while.
November 5, 2025
3.5 ?
I love the way the author describes things there are certain images that she makes that I love.
The issue I have may be completely in my head but I was having trouble lining up the first book with the second book I felt like some of the characters, world, their decisions and level of magic, destruction and intensity were just way different than book one.
I did go back and look through book one again and I thought I had a good idea of what happened- but then there would be names mentioned and I wasn't sure who they were or we would introduce people to the team and then nothing about them again for lots and lots of chapters so maybe a little bit more could have been done there.
I really didn't understand how she just ignored Cade murdering Carmen or Camilla whatever her name is. and then he's like oh yeah I've been killing people trying to find you and that's just completely normal but from what I remember I thought she had a pretty suburban life before she was taken. another problem I had is Aurora was living with Cade and she seems to know all of the things on the DL but she wasn't rescued that long ago if we're taking all of this in sequence so that seemed kind of odd to me. and the person they picked as the traitor also didn't hit with me because we had very little information about him whereas all of the focus is on Malachi and Cade and then we just ignore all this other stuff to focus on the romance which is great but I'm missing some of that stuff beyond to really make it feel like it works.
I honestly thought there was going to be zombies. and I mean the Dead coming into the plane of reality is kind of like zombies we also never explained why the ghosts killed people when she didn't direct them I guess there's just more holes that I noticed granted it's all just a insert spoiler here anyways.
I really like the idea of this book and I think that it did have a good twist you may need to read it closer to the first book I do think this book had more of a environmental political message the scale of which felt very different than book 1.
I love the way the author describes things there are certain images that she makes that I love.
The issue I have may be completely in my head but I was having trouble lining up the first book with the second book I felt like some of the characters, world, their decisions and level of magic, destruction and intensity were just way different than book one.
I did go back and look through book one again and I thought I had a good idea of what happened- but then there would be names mentioned and I wasn't sure who they were or we would introduce people to the team and then nothing about them again for lots and lots of chapters so maybe a little bit more could have been done there.
I really didn't understand how she just ignored Cade murdering Carmen or Camilla whatever her name is. and then he's like oh yeah I've been killing people trying to find you and that's just completely normal but from what I remember I thought she had a pretty suburban life before she was taken. another problem I had is Aurora was living with Cade and she seems to know all of the things on the DL but she wasn't rescued that long ago if we're taking all of this in sequence so that seemed kind of odd to me. and the person they picked as the traitor also didn't hit with me because we had very little information about him whereas all of the focus is on Malachi and Cade and then we just ignore all this other stuff to focus on the romance which is great but I'm missing some of that stuff beyond to really make it feel like it works.
I honestly thought there was going to be zombies. and I mean the Dead coming into the plane of reality is kind of like zombies we also never explained why the ghosts killed people when she didn't direct them I guess there's just more holes that I noticed granted it's all just a insert spoiler here anyways.
I really like the idea of this book and I think that it did have a good twist you may need to read it closer to the first book I do think this book had more of a environmental political message the scale of which felt very different than book 1.
November 14, 2025
I would like to thank Ashley R. O'Donovan for this ARC opportunity!
Format: 📱
Ratings: 5 ⭐ 4🌶️
I continue to be impressed with Ashley's story for Katja. I was HOOKED on Avidian and was desperately waiting for this book. I paced myself through it because I didn't want to finish it. I wanted to continue living in this world forever. I was left completely flabbergasted at the end... I did not see it coming. This is one of my FAVORITE things about reading a good book. I love when the author can completely transport me and then catch me by surprise and keep me guessing. Ashley did just that.
I really enjoyed the banter between Katja and all of her friends, not just Malachi. In the first book, we get a good glimpse at how their relationship dynamics work and this book did not disappoint when it came to the relationships that she has formed. I also loved that this book did not waste any time jumping in and running with the story that was left off in book one. The pacing of this book is great, the storyline kept me intrigued and guessing, and the end smacked me in the face like a glass door that I never saw coming.
My quote to Ashley on Instagram was "OMG!!!!! What??? How? Why? I can't even handle my emotions right now..." and I stand by that statement today. I was not prepared for how much I would love this duology. The dystopian elements in this book are so well written and the storyline from book one to book two is so smooth. If you love emotional damage books, then this will be right up your alley.
This book is coming out soon and 1. If you have not read Avidian yet then what are you doing with your life and 2. You need to read this book. If you like Fantasy/Sci-Fi and/or Romance in any fashion, pick this up and read it... but read Avidian first.
"Hey, just because you don't see anyone doesn't mean no one's watching."
Format: 📱
Ratings: 5 ⭐ 4🌶️
I continue to be impressed with Ashley's story for Katja. I was HOOKED on Avidian and was desperately waiting for this book. I paced myself through it because I didn't want to finish it. I wanted to continue living in this world forever. I was left completely flabbergasted at the end... I did not see it coming. This is one of my FAVORITE things about reading a good book. I love when the author can completely transport me and then catch me by surprise and keep me guessing. Ashley did just that.
"It feels like I'm free."
I really enjoyed the banter between Katja and all of her friends, not just Malachi. In the first book, we get a good glimpse at how their relationship dynamics work and this book did not disappoint when it came to the relationships that she has formed. I also loved that this book did not waste any time jumping in and running with the story that was left off in book one. The pacing of this book is great, the storyline kept me intrigued and guessing, and the end smacked me in the face like a glass door that I never saw coming.
My quote to Ashley on Instagram was "OMG!!!!! What??? How? Why? I can't even handle my emotions right now..." and I stand by that statement today. I was not prepared for how much I would love this duology. The dystopian elements in this book are so well written and the storyline from book one to book two is so smooth. If you love emotional damage books, then this will be right up your alley.
This book is coming out soon and 1. If you have not read Avidian yet then what are you doing with your life and 2. You need to read this book. If you like Fantasy/Sci-Fi and/or Romance in any fashion, pick this up and read it... but read Avidian first.
"Those eyes could start a war, and that smile would finish it."
Read
November 26, 2025Ummmm.....the ending??!!!! WHAT?????!!!!
“You must lose everything before you can save anything."
After the rollercoaster ride that was Avidian, I dove into Viridian with zero clue what I was walking into—and honestly, I’m so glad I got to be on the ARC team again. This sequel doesn’t waste a second; it picks up right where book one left off and throws you straight back into the chaos, tension, and emotional fallout of the failed attempt to take down Marco.
One of the things I loved most was how this book finally starts answering some of the big questions left hanging from Avidian. The political and environmental themes—especially the events that led to the collapse of the U.S.—come into sharper focus here, and it all feels eerily relevant to what’s going on in the world today. There are so many scenes that had me hooked, meshing fast-paced action with rich world-building.
But here’s where I’m torn. The overall story is strong, but some parts felt rushed or underdeveloped. Cade’s return, for example, is massive, yet Kat processes it almost too quickly. His survival, his ties to Solace and the Syndicate, and the emotional weight of his reappearance could’ve used more depth. Same with the revelations about Irina—characters accept them almost instantly, and I really wanted more emotional fallout, especially from Malachi.
I also wished for more detail in the team’s prep and training. Those sections could’ve added so much tension. And the traitor reveal? It had potential, but without enough buildup, it didn’t hit as hard as it could have.
The ending is where my biggest conflict lies. The final chapters are packed with chaos, twists, and high-stakes decisions. Kat makes one choice that literally saves the world—but then the story skips ahead in time, glossing over what could’ve been an entire third book. Those missing years feel like such a lost opportunity. I wanted to see Kat’s journey through them, not just the aftermath.
Even with those frustrations, I genuinely enjoyed this duology. It’s fresh, unique, and full of timely themes that stick with you. Viridian delivers a wild ride with plenty of twists and a bold conclusion, even if I was left wanting more depth in certain places. This series is definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a while.
“You must lose everything before you can save anything."
After the rollercoaster ride that was Avidian, I dove into Viridian with zero clue what I was walking into—and honestly, I’m so glad I got to be on the ARC team again. This sequel doesn’t waste a second; it picks up right where book one left off and throws you straight back into the chaos, tension, and emotional fallout of the failed attempt to take down Marco.
One of the things I loved most was how this book finally starts answering some of the big questions left hanging from Avidian. The political and environmental themes—especially the events that led to the collapse of the U.S.—come into sharper focus here, and it all feels eerily relevant to what’s going on in the world today. There are so many scenes that had me hooked, meshing fast-paced action with rich world-building.
But here’s where I’m torn. The overall story is strong, but some parts felt rushed or underdeveloped. Cade’s return, for example, is massive, yet Kat processes it almost too quickly. His survival, his ties to Solace and the Syndicate, and the emotional weight of his reappearance could’ve used more depth. Same with the revelations about Irina—characters accept them almost instantly, and I really wanted more emotional fallout, especially from Malachi.
I also wished for more detail in the team’s prep and training. Those sections could’ve added so much tension. And the traitor reveal? It had potential, but without enough buildup, it didn’t hit as hard as it could have.
The ending is where my biggest conflict lies. The final chapters are packed with chaos, twists, and high-stakes decisions. Kat makes one choice that literally saves the world—but then the story skips ahead in time, glossing over what could’ve been an entire third book. Those missing years feel like such a lost opportunity. I wanted to see Kat’s journey through them, not just the aftermath.
Even with those frustrations, I genuinely enjoyed this duology. It’s fresh, unique, and full of timely themes that stick with you. Viridian delivers a wild ride with plenty of twists and a bold conclusion, even if I was left wanting more depth in certain places. This series is definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a while.
November 22, 2025
WOW! This duology was a wild ride from start to finish and I am pretty satisfied! I found the first book, Avidian, on KU one day when i was looking for something to read; the cover drew me in and then the synopsis had me hooked. This is romantasy set in a dystopian future with paranormal and superhuman aspects. I loved it! There's rebellion and also a cute ghost doggo you fall in love with.
Here is my breakdown for the rating i gave:
Characters: 5
Setting: 3
Plot: 3
Themes: 4
Emotional: 4
Enjoyment: 5
Overall: 4 stars!
Spoilers Ahead!
Youve been warned!
I loved the characters in this book, i grew attached to all of them and by the end of the book i was invested in everyone's well being. I personally do not have any problem with the "It was all a dream" trope. In this case the "it was all an eleven hour long simulation of lived experiences from the future" trope but that's just splitting hairs. I think that the storyline was executed in such a way that this is how it was supposed to end. As a person who lived through the most terrible life you could have in the dystopian future, it made sense that Kat would sacrifice her life with Malachi in order to stop the terrible and horrific events the lab was going to cause. Losing Aurora made me cry! Of course the sad goodbye with Malachi as well. I thought it was super cute how the book ended with the same first words they had together in their other life. I really like how creepy the story would get sometimes. Overall, what an ending. I caught on that Viridian was Kat kind of early on but i couldn't have predicted how and certainly didn't predict that she would do what she had to so none of it happened. What a nice butterfly effect moment. <3
Here is my breakdown for the rating i gave:
Characters: 5
Setting: 3
Plot: 3
Themes: 4
Emotional: 4
Enjoyment: 5
Overall: 4 stars!
Spoilers Ahead!
Youve been warned!
I loved the characters in this book, i grew attached to all of them and by the end of the book i was invested in everyone's well being. I personally do not have any problem with the "It was all a dream" trope. In this case the "it was all an eleven hour long simulation of lived experiences from the future" trope but that's just splitting hairs. I think that the storyline was executed in such a way that this is how it was supposed to end. As a person who lived through the most terrible life you could have in the dystopian future, it made sense that Kat would sacrifice her life with Malachi in order to stop the terrible and horrific events the lab was going to cause. Losing Aurora made me cry! Of course the sad goodbye with Malachi as well. I thought it was super cute how the book ended with the same first words they had together in their other life. I really like how creepy the story would get sometimes. Overall, what an ending. I caught on that Viridian was Kat kind of early on but i couldn't have predicted how and certainly didn't predict that she would do what she had to so none of it happened. What a nice butterfly effect moment. <3
November 24, 2025
ARC Review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
My goodness, I have been anxiously waiting for this book and boy it did not disappoint. Ashley is a Queen!! I have read all of her books and this might just be my absolute favorite.
This book has it all, a dystopian world, mystery, sci-fi, romance, some thriller, a twist you will never see coming!! This book, heck the entire duology is absolute GOLD!!
Even though this is a fiction, there is so much realism from our current world and all the mess of it.
Aside from some darker, absolutely heartbreaking and anxiety ridden moments, there was also plenty of funny and cute scenes that make you swoon and fall in love with this story even more.
This book is addictive and the perfect conclusion to this duology. I have a major book hangover! I need more of this world and these characters!! Please 🙏🏼
Thank you to the amazing author for letting me read and review this book! It was well worth the wait.
My favorite quotes: (There are so many!!)
“Oh, my little demon, I'd miss you like a sinner misses sin, like the dark misses the stars,"
“This world is already hanging on by a thread. We've poisoned the planet, ripped each other apart, turned survival into a currency only the powerful can afford. Society is fractured beyond recognition. Still, we don't stop."
"And I needed you to know that wherever you are, wherever we end up, I want to be the person who helps you find home again."
"You are the home I never knew I was
searching for."
“Some futures are worth becoming the vil-
lain for,"
"Has anyone ever told you your smile could ruin men?" "Those eyes could start a war, and that smile would finish it."
"No"
"Then they weren’t looking closely enough."
"That smile ruins me, Kat. And the worst part? I don't want to be saved from it."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
My goodness, I have been anxiously waiting for this book and boy it did not disappoint. Ashley is a Queen!! I have read all of her books and this might just be my absolute favorite.
This book has it all, a dystopian world, mystery, sci-fi, romance, some thriller, a twist you will never see coming!! This book, heck the entire duology is absolute GOLD!!
Even though this is a fiction, there is so much realism from our current world and all the mess of it.
Aside from some darker, absolutely heartbreaking and anxiety ridden moments, there was also plenty of funny and cute scenes that make you swoon and fall in love with this story even more.
This book is addictive and the perfect conclusion to this duology. I have a major book hangover! I need more of this world and these characters!! Please 🙏🏼
Thank you to the amazing author for letting me read and review this book! It was well worth the wait.
My favorite quotes: (There are so many!!)
“Oh, my little demon, I'd miss you like a sinner misses sin, like the dark misses the stars,"
“This world is already hanging on by a thread. We've poisoned the planet, ripped each other apart, turned survival into a currency only the powerful can afford. Society is fractured beyond recognition. Still, we don't stop."
"And I needed you to know that wherever you are, wherever we end up, I want to be the person who helps you find home again."
"You are the home I never knew I was
searching for."
“Some futures are worth becoming the vil-
lain for,"
"Has anyone ever told you your smile could ruin men?" "Those eyes could start a war, and that smile would finish it."
"No"
"Then they weren’t looking closely enough."
"That smile ruins me, Kat. And the worst part? I don't want to be saved from it."
November 16, 2025
📚 Viridian
Ashley O’Donovan
(Book 2 of The Demon and the Savior duology)
“You must lose everything before you can save anything.” 💔✨
I’ve been dying to get my hands on this book ever since reading Avidian earlier this year, and let me just say—Ashley O’Donovan is officially one of my favorite new-to-me authors of 2025 🙌. So happy I stumbled into her world.
Vividian picks up right where that jaw-dropping cliffhanger left us. Malachi? Still hot as hell 😈🔥. But hold up—we’ve got a new hottie in the mix 👀 and I’m just praying he doesn’t derail Kat from her revenge mission against Marco 💥 or her fight to save the Avids.
Expect twists, turns, old faces resurfacing, and intriguing new characters. But lurking in the shadows: betrayal. Someone trusted might be playing both sides… 👁️ The Sunderlands are a powder keg of power grabs, rebellion, and people just clawing their way back to what matters most—freedom and peace.
You’re literally holding your breath hoping Kat and Malachi finally get their moment and walk off into the sunset together 🌅❤️ (and with how many times they’re interrupted? That sunset better be damn spectacular).
And let’s not forget our fave ghost pup 🐾 👻 —good ol’ Mishka, protecting the squad from beyond.
This book is a powerful blend of found family, fierce inner strength, and the reminder that no one gets to decide your destiny but you 💪🖤.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes I LOVED:
💥 Dystopian romantasy
💔 Forbidden love
⏳ Slow burn
😍 He falls first
👻 FMC can see the dead
🖤 Morally gray MMC
👨👩👧 Found family
✨ ARC Review: Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. These thoughts are my own, honest opinions 💌
Ashley O’Donovan
(Book 2 of The Demon and the Savior duology)
“You must lose everything before you can save anything.” 💔✨
I’ve been dying to get my hands on this book ever since reading Avidian earlier this year, and let me just say—Ashley O’Donovan is officially one of my favorite new-to-me authors of 2025 🙌. So happy I stumbled into her world.
Vividian picks up right where that jaw-dropping cliffhanger left us. Malachi? Still hot as hell 😈🔥. But hold up—we’ve got a new hottie in the mix 👀 and I’m just praying he doesn’t derail Kat from her revenge mission against Marco 💥 or her fight to save the Avids.
Expect twists, turns, old faces resurfacing, and intriguing new characters. But lurking in the shadows: betrayal. Someone trusted might be playing both sides… 👁️ The Sunderlands are a powder keg of power grabs, rebellion, and people just clawing their way back to what matters most—freedom and peace.
You’re literally holding your breath hoping Kat and Malachi finally get their moment and walk off into the sunset together 🌅❤️ (and with how many times they’re interrupted? That sunset better be damn spectacular).
And let’s not forget our fave ghost pup 🐾 👻 —good ol’ Mishka, protecting the squad from beyond.
This book is a powerful blend of found family, fierce inner strength, and the reminder that no one gets to decide your destiny but you 💪🖤.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes I LOVED:
💥 Dystopian romantasy
💔 Forbidden love
⏳ Slow burn
😍 He falls first
👻 FMC can see the dead
🖤 Morally gray MMC
👨👩👧 Found family
✨ ARC Review: Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. These thoughts are my own, honest opinions 💌
November 11, 2025
OMG!!! I don’t know what I expected but it was not this book! The first one was so good that I knew this one would be too. But…this book blew my mind! I literally only put it down to do essential life things. You know…like work, sleep, and sometimes eat.
I love a good dystopian book and this one is all that and more. I loved the in depth visuals she has for a world that we know but is completely altered. Her descriptions of places made me feel like I was actually there! I could picture it so perfectly!
Then there’s the story itself…there were so many unexpected twists and turns that made the better and better! It starts off right where the last book ended and boom you hit the ground running. So fast paced! Then, it randomly slows in the middle, but the slow down eventually makes sense. You’re on your seat because you don’t know how the book could possible wrap up in the amount of pages left. I worried that it would be one of those endings that disappoint you because they rush through it to wrap it up in a neat little bow that frustrates you because you need to know how you got there. Then it picks up pace, but not in a rushed way for one heck in an ending. For me, I kind of had some vibes about something happening, but in the end….the ending caught me off guard but in a good way! I was blown away!
If you are a fan of dystopian romances and would like some spice mixed in….i highly recommend checking out this Duology! I can’t wait to see what else the author comes up with!
As always, thank you for the trusting me with the privilege of an e-arc of the book!
I love a good dystopian book and this one is all that and more. I loved the in depth visuals she has for a world that we know but is completely altered. Her descriptions of places made me feel like I was actually there! I could picture it so perfectly!
Then there’s the story itself…there were so many unexpected twists and turns that made the better and better! It starts off right where the last book ended and boom you hit the ground running. So fast paced! Then, it randomly slows in the middle, but the slow down eventually makes sense. You’re on your seat because you don’t know how the book could possible wrap up in the amount of pages left. I worried that it would be one of those endings that disappoint you because they rush through it to wrap it up in a neat little bow that frustrates you because you need to know how you got there. Then it picks up pace, but not in a rushed way for one heck in an ending. For me, I kind of had some vibes about something happening, but in the end….the ending caught me off guard but in a good way! I was blown away!
If you are a fan of dystopian romances and would like some spice mixed in….i highly recommend checking out this Duology! I can’t wait to see what else the author comes up with!
As always, thank you for the trusting me with the privilege of an e-arc of the book!
November 15, 2025
Viridian absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. This book grabbed my emotions, shook them around, and left me staring at the wall like… what did I just experience?
Ashley R. O’Donovan delivers a sequel that is darker, sharper, and even more addictive than the first installment. The world expands in ways that feel cinematic — more danger, more magic, more secrets simmering beneath the surface. The atmosphere alone had my heart racing.
Kat is everything. A fierce, complicated, powerful heroine whose journey hits every emotional note: anger, fear, hope, heartbreak, and resilience. Her gift — the ability to see the dead — is woven in so beautifully that it feels both haunting and strangely comforting. And yes, the ghost emotional support animal continues to steal every scene like an absolute icon.
But the real star of Viridian is the found family. The connections between these characters feel alive — tender one second, chaotic the next, and always full of tension. You can feel the love, the loyalty, and the cracks forming where betrayal can slip in. It’s messy in the most human way.
This book is a perfect storm of dystopian grit, forbidden romance, mafia-style danger, supernatural twists, and emotional punches you never see coming. It’s where science meets magic, where trauma meets healing, and where love meets the kind of stakes that make you hold your breath.
If you thought the first book changed you, Viridian will alter your brain chemistry. A phenomenal, 5-star sequel that cements this series as one of my new obsessions.
Ashley R. O’Donovan delivers a sequel that is darker, sharper, and even more addictive than the first installment. The world expands in ways that feel cinematic — more danger, more magic, more secrets simmering beneath the surface. The atmosphere alone had my heart racing.
Kat is everything. A fierce, complicated, powerful heroine whose journey hits every emotional note: anger, fear, hope, heartbreak, and resilience. Her gift — the ability to see the dead — is woven in so beautifully that it feels both haunting and strangely comforting. And yes, the ghost emotional support animal continues to steal every scene like an absolute icon.
But the real star of Viridian is the found family. The connections between these characters feel alive — tender one second, chaotic the next, and always full of tension. You can feel the love, the loyalty, and the cracks forming where betrayal can slip in. It’s messy in the most human way.
This book is a perfect storm of dystopian grit, forbidden romance, mafia-style danger, supernatural twists, and emotional punches you never see coming. It’s where science meets magic, where trauma meets healing, and where love meets the kind of stakes that make you hold your breath.
If you thought the first book changed you, Viridian will alter your brain chemistry. A phenomenal, 5-star sequel that cements this series as one of my new obsessions.
November 16, 2025
I am sitting ramrod straight in my chair staring at a blank spot on the wall in my home office while composing this review. What did I just read? Avidian continues where Kat and Malachi discover more secrets, corruption, betrayals, and a love story for the ages. Take note this book is formatted a little differently than its predecessor and is filled with lots of telling nuggets of information leading to the explosive finale. It is also a presage to warn society when it forsakes humanity for political and selfish gains, exchange a life filled with purpose for complacency, and giving in to all things dystopian and stoicism. Ashley O’Donovan beautifully describes instead of stating it is no way to live. She absolutely delivers a gut wrenching story of what-if’s with a dash of paranormal elements that make the hairs on the back of your head stand up, a little Lost Boys vibes, a bit of Stranger Things lore and mystery, a good dose of when Aragorn comes charging at his enemies with the army of dead at his back, and of course a clandestine love story all rolled into one. And what is more endearing is we get to see more of her beloved sidekick Mischa and how she adds to the story. Unfortunately, It does seem kind of rushed at the end, and I’m still bamboozled. What happens to Irina and Alex? Maybe O’Donovan has them reappearing in a future Avidian related book? However, the lab and boardroom scenes are with no qualifications epic and satisfying. For me, this is a solid 5 star read (close to infinity stars).
December 2, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
Book 2 in the duology continues with the same is a fast-paced dystopian fantasy with morally grey characters, burn the world for each other meets freedom has a cost vibes, rebellion and revenge, secrets and lies, mafia and supernatural abilities… all paired with a smidge of spice, the bestest ghost companion pup and a hell of a plot twist to keep you on your toes.
This installment picks up right where book 1 left off. After Kat, an “Avid” who has the ability to see and communicate with the dead, learned Malachi’s secrets, her world shattered. As if her soul wasn’t darkened enough by the devastation, Marco’s poison changed Kat forever in ways she could have never imagined. But with Aurora by her side and the other Avids fanning the flames of rebellion, her new-found passion for vengeance is on the horizon. However, when a long-kept secret is brought to the surface, her plans are crushed, and she is questioning everything and everyone she thought she knew. Doubting every decision she has made. Fearing that she will succumb to the darkness, she must rely on the dead she has been helping or face a similar fate.
A powerful and emotional read and just as well written as the first book. I just love how well the character development is done in this installment and perfect arc to round out the story. Malachi and Kat have such a heartfelt relationship despite the chaos that seems to be erupting around them.
“Oh, my little demon, the books haven’t been written yet for what I want to do to you.”
Book 2 in the duology continues with the same is a fast-paced dystopian fantasy with morally grey characters, burn the world for each other meets freedom has a cost vibes, rebellion and revenge, secrets and lies, mafia and supernatural abilities… all paired with a smidge of spice, the bestest ghost companion pup and a hell of a plot twist to keep you on your toes.
This installment picks up right where book 1 left off. After Kat, an “Avid” who has the ability to see and communicate with the dead, learned Malachi’s secrets, her world shattered. As if her soul wasn’t darkened enough by the devastation, Marco’s poison changed Kat forever in ways she could have never imagined. But with Aurora by her side and the other Avids fanning the flames of rebellion, her new-found passion for vengeance is on the horizon. However, when a long-kept secret is brought to the surface, her plans are crushed, and she is questioning everything and everyone she thought she knew. Doubting every decision she has made. Fearing that she will succumb to the darkness, she must rely on the dead she has been helping or face a similar fate.
A powerful and emotional read and just as well written as the first book. I just love how well the character development is done in this installment and perfect arc to round out the story. Malachi and Kat have such a heartfelt relationship despite the chaos that seems to be erupting around them.
“Oh, my little demon, the books haven’t been written yet for what I want to do to you.”
November 8, 2025
Viridian by Ashley O’Donovan is the second and final book of The Demon and the Savior series. And boy was it a wild ride. This book picks up immediately where the first leaves us. Viridian follows Kat and Malachi as they uncover the secrets of the people who now rule America while also trying to settle into their relationship and power.
I loved the group in this story. Malachi and Kat were adorable. I also really enjoyed the found family vibes we were getting towards the end. It felt very natural the way their bonds formed. But, as per usual for me, the star was our sweet ghost dog, Mischka.
The world in this duology is creative. It’s dystopian and feels very believable. The plot was super addictive. It’s quick paced which makes you want to keep turning the page. But the twists are also done well. In the last 100 pages or so my mouth fell open from shock and basically stayed there. Every time I recovered something else would happen and I was back at it.
Overall, I thought this duology was great! I would definitely recommend it. Not only is the story entertaining and the covers pretty, but the map is super cool!
TL;DR: Great for fans of a dystopian world with mafia vibes and supernatural powers.
Viridian releases November 18th! Avidian (book 1) is currently available on KU and part of the proceeds made from pages read will be donated to the authors local animal shelter. So do some good while curling up with a good book.
Thank you Ashely O’Donovan for the gifted eARC!
I loved the group in this story. Malachi and Kat were adorable. I also really enjoyed the found family vibes we were getting towards the end. It felt very natural the way their bonds formed. But, as per usual for me, the star was our sweet ghost dog, Mischka.
The world in this duology is creative. It’s dystopian and feels very believable. The plot was super addictive. It’s quick paced which makes you want to keep turning the page. But the twists are also done well. In the last 100 pages or so my mouth fell open from shock and basically stayed there. Every time I recovered something else would happen and I was back at it.
Overall, I thought this duology was great! I would definitely recommend it. Not only is the story entertaining and the covers pretty, but the map is super cool!
TL;DR: Great for fans of a dystopian world with mafia vibes and supernatural powers.
Viridian releases November 18th! Avidian (book 1) is currently available on KU and part of the proceeds made from pages read will be donated to the authors local animal shelter. So do some good while curling up with a good book.
Thank you Ashely O’Donovan for the gifted eARC!
November 26, 2025
MIND BLOWN. What in the absolute mind fuckery just happened. The biggest possible plot twist I didn’t see coming. This book was even better than the first. The character growth was absolutely phenomenal. The revenge was personal. The plot was plotting. And all the while I’m sitting over here with my jaw on the floor—eyes wide. I’m speechless. I don’t even where to begin honestly. My heart was freaking out the entire book but that last 20%—it felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. The amount of action, emotions, unpredictability, the secrets and the immense love between Kat and Malachi. Ugh my heart! The way they belong together and the way they will burn down the entire world for each other—absolutely, devastatingly beautiful. My mind was screaming and throwing all kinds of profanity near the end of the book—but the epilogue brought me back to my sanity. I don’t know if I would have survived without it. This was such a captivating duology. And I don’t think anything can compare to it. This was unique in its own way and it will forever hold a place in my soul.
••••••••••
I had the pleasure of receiving “Viridian” as an ARC, but due to life, I didn’t get a chance to read and review it prior to release. However, I can’t thank the author enough for sending me that copy—and as a thank you, instead of reading the copy sent to me, I read it on KU so that she could receive payment for the pages read. It’s the least I can do.
••••••••••
I had the pleasure of receiving “Viridian” as an ARC, but due to life, I didn’t get a chance to read and review it prior to release. However, I can’t thank the author enough for sending me that copy—and as a thank you, instead of reading the copy sent to me, I read it on KU so that she could receive payment for the pages read. It’s the least I can do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
Viridian takes everything introduced in book one and pushes it further, darker emotions, higher stakes, and deeper character exploration. This installment leans heavily into moral gray areas, inner conflict, and the cost of power, which made the story feel heavier and more intense in the best way.
The characters are where this book truly shines. Watching the fmc wrestle with loyalty, trauma, and the blurred line between demon and savior added so much emotional weight to the plot. The relationships are layered and complicated, filled with tension, mistrust, and moments that genuinely made my heart ache. Nothing feels easy, and I really appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from the consequences of past choices.
The worldbuilding continues to expand, revealing more about the supernatural politics, dangerous factions, and hidden truths shaping this universe. While the pacing slowed a bit in places, especially during moments heavy with introspection, it ultimately paid off by making the twists and confrontations feel earned and impactful.
Overall, Viridian is a strong second book that deepens the story rather than simply moving it forward. It’s dark, emotional, and full of tension, with enough twists to keep you hooked until the very end. A solid continuation of the series, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.
The characters are where this book truly shines. Watching the fmc wrestle with loyalty, trauma, and the blurred line between demon and savior added so much emotional weight to the plot. The relationships are layered and complicated, filled with tension, mistrust, and moments that genuinely made my heart ache. Nothing feels easy, and I really appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from the consequences of past choices.
The worldbuilding continues to expand, revealing more about the supernatural politics, dangerous factions, and hidden truths shaping this universe. While the pacing slowed a bit in places, especially during moments heavy with introspection, it ultimately paid off by making the twists and confrontations feel earned and impactful.
Overall, Viridian is a strong second book that deepens the story rather than simply moving it forward. It’s dark, emotional, and full of tension, with enough twists to keep you hooked until the very end. A solid continuation of the series, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.
November 14, 2025
Well that was a wild ride!
Viridian is the second book of a duology. It’s set in a dystopian world where there are people with abilities that are bought, sold, and tested upon. You have different sectors of the former US run by horrific people. You get mafia vibes from it.
Okay so… this book picks up right where book 1 left off. The pacing is quick while the situation they find themselves in is messy and dangerous. The main characters and their small band of trusted friends seek to usurp those in power, free those with powers (called Avids), and reestablish a nation that thrives together.
While that’s going on, Kat is also trying to learn more about her powers and the experiments that are happening. With a specific interest in the one that started it all.
Kat and Malachi are absurdly adorable. Their relationship blossoms and that was one of my favorite parts in the book.
“We don’t need saving, Katja. We are the storm.”
I do still have a lot of questions about some things that go unresolved. There is open door spice but the scenes are brief. Overall, I had a really good time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I found the ending to be shocking and then immensely satisfying.
I’m grateful for the eARC and the opportunity to share my opinions and thoughts.
Viridian is the second book of a duology. It’s set in a dystopian world where there are people with abilities that are bought, sold, and tested upon. You have different sectors of the former US run by horrific people. You get mafia vibes from it.
Okay so… this book picks up right where book 1 left off. The pacing is quick while the situation they find themselves in is messy and dangerous. The main characters and their small band of trusted friends seek to usurp those in power, free those with powers (called Avids), and reestablish a nation that thrives together.
While that’s going on, Kat is also trying to learn more about her powers and the experiments that are happening. With a specific interest in the one that started it all.
Kat and Malachi are absurdly adorable. Their relationship blossoms and that was one of my favorite parts in the book.
“We don’t need saving, Katja. We are the storm.”
I do still have a lot of questions about some things that go unresolved. There is open door spice but the scenes are brief. Overall, I had a really good time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I found the ending to be shocking and then immensely satisfying.
I’m grateful for the eARC and the opportunity to share my opinions and thoughts.
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